Health Perception Research Articles

Foster caregiver perceptions of facilitators and barriers of telemental health services for children in foster care: a qualitative study

ABSTRACT This study explored rural foster caregivers' perceptions of telemental health (TMH) services for children in foster care in a Southeastern state. Through fourteen Zoom interviews and thematic analysis, we identified key facilitators and barriers, guided by the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 framework. Facilitators included provider engagement, ease of technology use, convenience, foster parent advocacy, reliable tech access, child willingness, cost savings, and tech familiarity. Barriers encompassed therapeutic challenges, technology issues, privacy concerns, child's lack of motivation, and policy hurdles. Addressing these multilevel factors can enhance TMH access and well-being for rural children in foster care.

Neuropsychological aspects of the patient’s personality in the context of psychosomatic experience

The primary objective of this study was to examine the relationship between personal variables, as measured by the NEO-PI-R, and psychosomatic symptoms, assessed through the PSS, from a neuropsychological perspective. The secondary aim was to evaluate the frequency of various psychosomatic symptoms and assess the extent to which participants experience these symptoms. This online study included participants from across Slovakia (n = 222, M = 34.0, SD = 9.49). Participants completed the Big Five personality questionnaire (NEO-PI-R) and the Scale of Psychosomatic Symptoms (PSS). Analysis revealed significant relationships between conscientiousness and overall health perception (β=−1.19∗∗), with conscientiousness positively correlating with the intensity of pseudoneurological (β=.21∗∗), cardiovascular (β=.15∗), and musculoskeletal symptoms (β=.15∗). Neuroticism was significantly related to overall health perception (β=.19∗∗), problem frequency (β=−.19∗∗), and the extent of health-related suffering (β=−.15∗), as well as the frequency of respiratory (β=−.14∗) and gastrointestinal issues (β=−.16∗), pain-related problems (β=−.18∗∗), and the intensity of gastrointestinal symptoms (β=−.14∗). Extraversion, openness, and agreeableness did not show significant relationships with psychosomatic symptoms (p>0.05). The majority of participants (56%) did not seek medical attention, while 44% did. Seventy percent had no medical diagnosis, while 30% reported a diagnosis from a healthcare professional. The most frequently reported symptoms were fatigue (M=2.69,SD=0.835) and back pain (M=2.32,SD=0.950).

Health consumers' use and perceptions of health information from generative artificial intelligence chatbots: A scoping review.

Background Health consumers can use generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) chatbots to seek health information. As GenAI chatbots continue to improve and be adopted, it is crucial to examine how health information generated by such tools is used and perceived by health consumers. Objective To conduct a scoping review of health consumers' use and perceptions of health information from GenAI chatbots. Methods Arksey and O'Malley's five-step protocol was used to guide the scoping review. Following PRISMA guidelines, relevant empirical papers published on or after January 1, 2019 were retrieved between February and July 2024. Thematic and content analyses were performed. Results We retrieved 3,840 titles and reviewed 12 papers that included 13 studies (quantitative = 5, qualitative = 4, and mixed = 4). ChatGPT was used in 11 studies, while two studies used GPT-3. Most were conducted in the US (n = 4). The studies involve general and specific (e.g., medical imaging, psychological health, and vaccination) health topics. One study explicitly used a theory. Eight studies were rated with excellent quality. Studies were categorized as user experience studies (n = 4), consumer surveys (n = 1), and evaluation studies (n = 8). Five studies examined health consumers' use of health information from GenAI chatbots. Perceptions focused on: (1) accuracy, reliability, or quality; (2) readability; (3) trust or trustworthiness; (4) privacy, confidentiality, security, or safety; (5) usefulness; (6) accessibility; (7) emotional appeal; (8) attitude; and (9) effectiveness. Conclusion Although health consumers can use GenAI chatbots to obtain accessible, readable, and useful health information, negative perceptions of their accuracy, trustworthiness, effectiveness, and safety serve as barriers that must be addressed to mitigate health-related risks, improve health beliefs, and achieve positive health outcomes. More theory-based studies are needed to better understand how exposure to health information from GenAI chatbots affects health beliefs and outcomes.

Parental stress, mental health, and child traits in Italian mothers and fathers of autistic children

IntroductionSeveral studies have investigated differences between mothers' and fathers' stress and mental health in the context of autistic children parenting. However, fewer have examined differences in parent-reported perceptions of their children's behaviors, symptom severity, and their associations with parental variables. This study aimed to compare parental stress (Parental Stress Index—Short From), mental health (Symptom Checklist–90), and parent-reported perceptions of child behaviors (Child Behavior Checklist—CBCL) and symptom severity (Social Responsiveness Scale—SRS). In Italian mothers and fathers of autistic children while exploring how parental wellbeing relates to both parent-reported and clinically assessed child characteristics.MethodsA total of 102 parents (51 mothers and 51 fathers) of autistic children aged 4–19 years completed questionnaires assessing stress, mental health, children's behavioral traits and symptom severity. Standardized clinical tests directly measured children's cognitive functioning (IQ) and symptom severity. Group differences between mothers and fathers were analyzed using inferential tests, while Linear Mixed Models were employed to examine the effect of parent, parental stress and mental health on parent-reported perceptions of children's behaviors and symptom severity, as well as clinically measured children's cognitive functioning and symptoms severity.ResultsMothers and fathers reported similar stress levels but mothers showed higher levels of mental health symptoms and perceived their children as having more severe internalizing and externalizing behaviors and more severe symptomatology compared to fathers. Parental mental health was significantly associated with parent-reported child internalizing behaviors, while parental stress was linked to externalizing behaviors and parent-reported autism severity. No effects emerged for child cognitive functioning, and the model on clinician-rated autism severity failed to converge.DiscussionThese findings emphasize the interconnected nature of parental wellbeing, parent-reported child characteristics, and clinically assessed child traits. Recognizing these links may inform more effective, targeted support strategies for families raising autistic children.

The relationship and mechanism of screen time and academic performance among adolescents: an empirical study based on CEPS

ObjectiveThere is an association between adolescents’ screen time and academic performance, but the conclusions remain controversial. In particular, there is a lack of research on Chinese students who face higher academic pressure. Based on this, we aim to explore the relationship and mechanisms between screen time and academic performance among Chinese adolescents.Methods17,150 junior middle school students from China Education Panel Survey (CEPS) from 2013 to 2014 were selected as the participants of the survey. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to explore the relationship between screen time and adolescents’ academic performance. On this basis, the Z-test of regression coefficient is used to further investigate whether there is heterogeneity in the type of screen exposure in this relationship. The possible mediating mechanism of the relationship between screen time and adolescents’ academic performance was investigated through path analysis.ResultsScreen time and Chinese (β = −0.022), mathematics (β = −0.048), English (β = −0.043) and 3 total scores (β = −0.113), there was a significant negative correlation (p < 0.01). The time spent watching TV and the time spent on the Internet and playing games were significantly negatively correlated with the academic performance of adolescents (p < 0.01), but there was heterogeneity in the type of screen exposure. The time spent on the Internet and playing games had a significant impact on adolescent mathematics (β = −0.063), English (β = −0.047) and total scores (β = −0.148) produced more negative effects. Path analysis found that cognitive performance was the main path of the relationship between the two, sleep time, mental health, classmate relationship and parent–child relationship were important distal paths, and social relationship construction played a stronger intermediary role in the relationship between screen time and adolescent academic performance.ConclusionThe results support the “negative impact” hypothesis, and the negative effect of surfing the Internet and playing games on adolescents’ academic performance is greater. Screen time directly or indirectly affects academic performance by increasing sleep time, mental health, classmate relationship and parent–child relationship, but the mediating effect of BMI and subjective health perception has not been verified.

A comparative analysis of relationships among demographics, political affiliation and ideology, climate change, and health perceptions.

A comparative analysis of relationships among demographics, political affiliation and ideology, climate change, and health perceptions.

Examining work ability in nursing students: The role of job demand, control, and social support.

Examining work ability in nursing students: The role of job demand, control, and social support.

Correlates of Recreational and Medicinal Cannabis Use Among Non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic Men with Chronic Conditions.

Non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic men experience disproportionately high rates of chronic conditions and may use cannabis to manage symptoms. However, cannabis use patterns and correlates in these populations remain underexplored. This study assessed individual and health-related correlates of current (past 30-day) cannabis use among non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic men with chronic illness. Data were drawn from a national sample of 1,982 non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic men aged ≥ 40 with at least one chronic condition. Participants completed measures of cannabis use, health perceptions, and diagnoses of conditions commonly associated with medicinal cannabis use: chronic pain, depression/anxiety, arthritis/rheumatic disease, and cancer. Logistic regression analyses examined associations between cannabis use, chronic conditions, pain, and stress, adjusting for sociodemographics. Participants had a mean age of 56.6 (± 10) years; 58.2% were non-Hispanic Black, and 21.3% reported current cannabis use. Use was significantly more common among those with chronic pain, depression/anxiety, and arthritis (p < 0.001 for all). In adjusted models, greater pain (AOR = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.07-1.16, p < 0.001), higher stress (AOR = 1.06, 1.01-1.10, p < 0.05), and more chronic conditions (AOR = 1.23, 1.10-1.38, p < 0.001) were associated with increased odds of use. Among current users, those reporting both medicinal and recreational use used cannabis more frequently (p < 0.001). Cannabis use was higher among non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic men with chronic conditions who reported greater pain, stress, and poorer physical and mental health. Dual medicinal and recreational use may signal increased cannabis-related health risks. Routine communication and monitoring of cannabis use are recommended to mitigate potential harms.

Mental health challenges in elite sports, barriers to treatment, and quality of psychiatric care at an elite sports-centered mental health clinic-a mixed-methods study.

Mental health challenges in elite sports, barriers to treatment, and quality of psychiatric care at an elite sports-centered mental health clinic-a mixed-methods study.

Impact of Sociodemographic Variables on Toothache Frequency, Dental Visits, and Oral Health Perceptions in Saudi Arabian Children: An Observational Study

Introduction/Objective Sociodemographic factors influence children's oral health outcomes, including toothache frequency, dental visits, and the reasons for the most recent dental visit. Age, gender, education, geography, and occupation are key variables affecting these outcomes. Understanding these factors is essential for developing targeted interventions to improve oral health. Despite global research on these issues, there is limited recent, region-specific evidence from Saudi Arabia, which this study aims to address. Methods A descriptive observational study was conducted among children aged 5–16 years across four regions in Saudi Arabia (Hail, Makkah, Medina, and Riyadh). A total of 570 children were included through convenience sampling. Associations between sociodemographic variables and outcomes (toothache frequency, dental visits, and reason for the last visit) were analysed using Chi-square tests and multinomial logistic regression with a significance level set at p &lt; 0.05. Results Among 570 participants, 305 (53.5%) reported occasional toothaches, 40 (7.0%) frequent toothaches, and 75 (13.2%) had no dental visit in the past year. Pain was the most reported reason for the last dental visit (253 children, 44.4%). Sociodemographic variables, including age, gender, region, education of household head, and guardian occupation, showed statistically significant associations with oral health outcomes (p &lt; 0.001). Multinomial logistic regression confirmed region-based disparities in toothache frequency. Discussion In the current study, oral health outcomes (tooth frequency, dental visits, and reasons for recent dental visits) showed significant relationships with all sociodemographic variables (age, gender, area, household head's education, and guardian occupation). In order to reduce socioeconomic disparities and encourage preventative oral health practices in Saudi Arabia, these findings emphasize the necessity of focused oral health interventions and policies. Conclusion Sociodemographic disparities play a critical role in children’s oral health in Saudi Arabia. Targeted interventions addressing regional, educational, and occupational influences are necessary. Future longitudinal studies are recommended to examine causal relationships and evaluate tailored intervention strategies.

Influence of Spirituality on Severity, Quality of Life, and Mental Health of Tinnitus Patients.

Despite the growing evidence on the role of spiritual and religious beliefs on physical and mental health outcomes, this remains inadequately explored in the field of otolaryngology, particularly for chronic conditions such as tinnitus. This study aims to investigate the influence of spiritual and religious beliefs on symptom severity, quality of life, and mental health of Brazilian patients with chronic subjective tinnitus. Cross-sectional study including patients with chronic subjective tinnitus. Specialized outpatient center in Brazil. Religious and spiritual variables (Duke Religion Index, FACIT-Sp 12, and SRCOPE - religious coping) were investigated on the relationship with tinnitus severity (Tinnitus Handicap Inventory), mental health (DASS-21), and quality of life (WHOQOL-Bref), adjusting for sociodemographics, clinical data, and physical examination findings. Linear Regression models were used. A total of 313 patients were included. Spiritual well-being measures were associated with better results (particularly for Meaning and Peace); meanwhile, negative religious coping was associated with worse outcomes for all variables. Religiosity has presented a mixed effect, with nonorganizational religiosity having better outcomes for mental health and quality of life, and intrinsic religiosity having worse outcomes for tinnitus severity. The present study found that religious and spiritual beliefs can have an important influence on the perception of tinnitus severity, mental health, and quality of life of individuals with chronic tinnitus. These findings support the importance of otolaryngologists' and audiologists' understanding of their patients' beliefs to provide more comprehensive and integrative care.

From Pulpit to Clinic: Health‐Seeking Behaviours of Clergymen in South‐Eastern Nigeria

Introduction: Health-seeking behaviour can be defined as any activity that individuals who perceive themselves to have a health problem or to be ill undertake to find an appropriate remedy. This study assessed health-seeking behaviour among clergymen in South-Eastern Nigeria to understand how to better improve their health and care for them. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 180 clergymen in Nnewi-North, South-Eastern Nigeria. Information was obtained using a semi-structured, interviewer-administered, anonymous, and validated questionnaire. The study population comprised clergymen from the 3 main denominations (Catholic, Anglican, and Pentecostal). A random and simple sampling technique was used to enroll the respondents in the study. The data collected was analyzed using SPSS version 24. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied where necessary. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 43.4±10.6 years. The majority of the respondents (97.2%) had a good perception of the different dimensions of health, as well as good practice of health-seeking behaviour (78.9%). It was found that the seriousness of the illness and the availability or quality of services in the health facilities were the major factors that influenced their health-seeking behaviour practices. Conclusion: This study underscores the centrality of clergies as health influencers in African communities, blending holistic health perceptions with evolving biomedical engagement. While denominational and educational factors shape practices, the rejection of spiritual fatalism signals a promising shift toward integrative care. By aligning interventions with clergy’s cultural and theological frameworks, policymakers can harness their pivotal role in advancing public health goals.

A Study on Nursing Students' Health Perception, E-Health Literacy and Cyberchondria in The Digital Age

This study aimed to examine the relationships among e-health literacy, health perception, and cyberchondria in nursing students. A descriptive and correlational research design was adopted. The sample of the study was determined using a known population sampling method. According to this method, the sample size to be included in the study was calculated as 259 nursing students. Data were collected using a personal information form, the E-Health Literacy Scale (E-HLS), the Short Form of the Cyberchondria Severity Scale (CSS-12), and the Health Perception Scale (HPS). Descriptive statistics, independent sample t-tests, and One-way ANOVA were used for data analysis. A 95% confidence interval and a significance level of p

Coca-Cola and hookah: Yazidi refugees' negotiation of hopeful futures and psychosocial resilience in U.S. resettlement.

Large numbers of refugees from Iraq continue to resettle in the United States, but there is limited information about the mental health and psychosocial wellbeing of ethnoreligious Yazidi refugees in a U.S. resettlement context. Thus, we sought to answer the following questions: (1) How do different groups of Yazidi refugees experience and perceive mental health and psychosocial wellbeing?; (2) What are Yazidi refugees' preferred help-seeking strategies and supportive resources to promote psychosocial resilience?; and (3) What role does future-making play in the psychosocial resilience of Yazidi refugees? To answer these questions, we conducted four age- and gender-disaggregated focus groups with 28 Yazidi refugees living in the U.S. Midwest. Using narrative and matrix analysis approaches, we generated three themes highlighting the importance of hope and future-making in individual and collective psychosocial resilience: (1) psychosocial distress and the precarity of future-making out-of-place, (2) perceptions of mental health and psychosocial help-seeking using unfamiliar systems of care, and (3) liminality, cultural negotiation, and future-making. Our findings reveal an interplay between the cultural and structural dimensions of wellbeing and suggest an ecosocial-structural approach is essential for effective mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) with Yazidi refugees.

Associations of green space visitation patterns with sociodemographics, health, and perceptions: A cluster analysis using smartphone Wi-Fi and GPS data

Understanding the multiple impacts of green spaces on individual health and overall quality of life is a key factor in urban planning and public health promotion. This study integrated smartphone Wi-Fi and GPS location data, survey data, and green space data to analyze the relationships between green space visitation patterns and sociodemographic characteristics, health, and green space perceptions of 1,715 residents of the Seoul metropolitan area in South Korea. Green space visitation patterns of urban residents were categorized into Non-Visitors (rarely visited green spaces), Weekday Visitors (weekday visits), Weekend Visitors (weekend visits), and Frequent Visitors (weekday and weekend visits). The health status of residents in each group was assessed using the EQ-5D-5L scale, which evaluates overall mental and physical health. The analysis indicated variations in educational background across groups, with the Non-Visitors and Frequent Visitors showing differing distributions. In addition, the Weekend Visitors group had the best mental and physical health, which were significantly different from the Non-Visitors group. Perceptions of green space were significantly more positive for Weekend Visitors and Frequent Visitors than for Non-Visitors. These results suggest that green space usage patterns can be segmented not only by frequency of visits, but also by when and whether they are visited. It is also worth noting the differences in green space visitation by educational background, highlighting the need for environmental education programs and campaigns to mitigate these environmental inequalities. The positive effect of weekend visits, in particular, highlights the value of green spaces for leisure and relaxation. This finding suggests that urban planning can benefit city residents by providing high-quality, easily accessible green spaces.

Prevalence, Antibiotic Resistance, and Control of Pathogenic Shewanella in Seafoods.

Prevalence, Antibiotic Resistance, and Control of Pathogenic Shewanella in Seafoods.

The Pathway From Loneliness to Chronic Diseases: Examining the Mediating Roles of Depression and Self-Perceived Health, and the Moderating Effect of Age Among Older Adults in Israel.

Background: Loneliness is a well-established risk factor for health problems, including chronic diseases; yet the mechanisms linking loneliness to morbidity remain unexplained, especially in later life. Objective: To test a pathway from loneliness to chronic disease via depression and self-perceived health, and to examine whether the pathway differs by age in Israeli adults aged 50+. Methods: Wave 9 cross-sectional data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (N = 744) were analyzed. Loneliness (Three-Item Loneliness Scale), depression (12-item scale), self-perceived health (single item), and chronic conditions entered a moderated mediation model. Results: Loneliness predicted more depressive symptoms, which worsened self-perceived health and, in turn, increased the number of chronic conditions. This indirect effect was stronger among the "younger-old" (50-64years). Conclusions: Loneliness may fuel chronic morbidity in older Israelis through its impact on mood and health perceptions; targeted interventions should address all three stages of this pathway.

Plant-based trends: consumer’s perception and factors that influence the purchase of plant-based products

PurposeThis study aims to evaluate the behavior and factors influencing the purchase and consumption of plant-based products. It specifically examines how additive type, ingredient list length and product descriptions affect consumers’ health perceptions and purchase intentions.Design/methodology/approachAn online survey was conducted with 153 consumers of plant-based products using a self-administered questionnaire via Google Forms. The study was divided into two stages: market research and conjoint analysis.FindingsFactors influencing consumption and purchase decisions varied by consumer type. Vegans and vegetarians prioritized animal ethics and socio-environmental concerns, while flexitarians focused on health and well-being. When evaluating plant-based milk alternative labeling, consumers generally perceived ingredients as “healthy,” except for sugar and certain additives, which were classified as “unhealthy.” Conjoint analysis revealed that additive type was the most influential factor in shaping health perceptions. Consumers exhibited a higher purchase intention for plant-based milk alternatives with no additives, shorter ingredient lists and labels indicating “100% plant-based.”Practical implicationsThe findings provide actionable recommendations for food manufacturers and marketers, emphasizing the need for ingredient transparency, clean labeling and strategic product positioning to effectively engage vegan, vegetarian and flexitarian consumers.Originality/valueThis study provides a novel perspective on consumer behavior and decision-making in the plant-based market, particularly regarding plant-based milk alternatives. While previous research has examined general attitudes toward plant-based diets, this study systematically analyzes how ingredient transparency, additive type and product descriptors influence consumer choices. Additionally, it contributes to understanding the distinct purchasing motivations of vegan, vegetarian and flexitarian consumers, offering empirical insights for tailored marketing and product development strategies.

Nutrition Education Among Community-Dwelling Polish Seniors—A Pilot Study of Diet Quality, Health Status, and Public Health Interventions

Background: Population aging presents major public health challenges. Nutrition education has emerged as a key intervention to improve diet quality and reduce the risk of chronic diseases among older adults. Methods: This pilot cross-sectional study assessed the effects of a brief nutrition education session on dietary patterns, lifestyle behaviors, and health perceptions among 151 community-dwelling Polish seniors aged 60 and over. Data were collected using the KomPAN® questionnaire, the Pro-Healthy Diet Index (pHDI-10), the Non-Healthy Diet Index (nHDI-14), and self-reported health indicators. Results: The findings revealed suboptimal dietary patterns, including low consumption of whole grains, legumes, and fish. A high prevalence of chronic diseases was observed, particularly hypercholesterolemia (67.7%) and hypertension (53.1%). A weak but significant correlation was found between BMI and the number of diagnosed conditions (r = 0.3, p = 0.003). Despite limited prior nutritional knowledge, participants perceived the educational session as beneficial, and many expressed an intention to share the acquired information with peers, indicating a potential “domino effect”. Conclusions: Although the sample size limits generalizability, the results support the effectiveness of brief, tailored nutrition education as a scalable, cost-effective public health strategy. Such interventions may promote healthy aging, reduce diet-related disease burden, and enhance peer-driven knowledge dissemination among older adults.

The stigma paradox: sympathetic and discriminatory responses toward trauma survivors in China

ABSTRACT This study investigates factors influencing public attitudes toward trauma survivors in China, focusing on how traumatic situations shape perceptions of mental health. We conducted a community survey with 249 participants invited from public places in Shanghai. Each consented respondent read a randomly assigned vignette describing one of eight cases varying by gender and trauma type (accident, sexual assault, or childhood abuse). They also completed standardized stigma scales, attitude and belief measures, and demographic items. Factor analyses identified four types of public stigma, revealing Personal Stigma positively correlated with Sympathetic Response, while Community Stigma positively correlated with Discriminatory Response. Regression analyses showed no significant differences in stigma scores across the vignettes but highlighted two predictors of public stigma: respondents’ perceived problem severity and mental health problem exposure. A stigma paradox has emerged. This counterintuitive but important finding reveals that mental health problem exposure could simultaneously reduce sympathy and increase discriminatory reactions. It provides insights into ethically sensitive social work through studies disputing the double-label of mental health issues in China. It offers practical recommendations for reducing the negative impact of discriminatory stigma on individuals who exhibit traumatic reactive symptoms and advocating sympathy-oriented education programs for stigma prevention. This dual sympathetic-discriminatory stigma underscores the need for mental health awareness training to reduce negativity by fostering education on sympathetic responses, especially by demonstrating examples where early care prevents negative consequences.