Life Perception Research Articles

Impact of Depression on Postoperative Medical and Surgical Outcomes in Spine Surgeries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Introduction: The relationship between psychiatric disorders, including depression, and invasive interventions has been a topic of debate in recent literature. While these conditions can impact the quality of life and subjective perceptions of surgical outcomes, the literature lacks consensus regarding the association between depression and objective perioperative medical and surgical complications, especially in the neurosurgical domain. Methods: MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Library were queried in a comprehensive manner from inception until 10 November 2023, with no language restrictions, for citations investigating the association between depression and length of hospitalization, medical and surgical complications, and objective postoperative outcomes including readmission, reoperation, and non-routine discharge in patients undergoing spine surgery. Results: A total of 26 articles were considered in this systematic review. Upon pooled analysis of the primary outcome, statistically significantly higher rates were observed for several complications, including delirium (OR:1.92), deep vein thrombosis (OR:3.72), fever (OR:6.34), hematoma formation (OR:4.7), hypotension (OR:4.32), pulmonary embolism (OR:3.79), neurological injury (OR:6.02), surgical site infection (OR:1.36), urinary retention (OR:4.63), and urinary tract infection (OR:1.72). While readmission (OR:1.35) and reoperation (OR:2.22) rates, as well as non-routine discharge (OR:1.72) rates, were significantly higher in depressed patients, hospitalization length was comparable to non-depressed controls. Conclusions: The results of this review emphasize the significant increase in complications and suboptimal outcomes noted in patients with depression undergoing spinal surgery. Although a direct causal relationship may not be established, addressing psychiatric aspects in patient care is crucial for providing comprehensive medical attention.

Variations in Perceptions of Well-Being within Families of Youths with Intellectual Disabilities in Saudi Arabia.

This study investigates the family well-being among Saudi Arabian families with youth who have an intellectual disability. A sample of 148 family members, including parents and other relatives, was surveyed on emotional well-being, family interactions, and parenting. This study aimed to explore the unique challenges and dynamics within these families, providing insights into how an intellectual disability in a youth affects the family unit. The research highlights a gap in understanding the specific impacts of intellectual disability on family life in the Saudi context. Key findings include variations in family quality of life perceptions among different family members, with fathers showing distinct levels of satisfaction. This study contributes to the development of culturally sensitive support strategies and policies, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to enhance the well-being of these families in Saudi Arabia.

Conversations in couple relationships: a trustful foundation when making future parenthood “real”

Sociologists often argue that communication in long-term couple relationships is the basis on which expectations, trust, and equality are created in contemporary society. However, what is the role of these everyday conversations in uncertain life situations such as expecting one’s first child? This article examines concerns reported by prospective Swedish parents in order to explain the role of communication to alleviate these. Concerns, related to the formation of new relationships with one’s partner, oneself, and one’s future child, are mitigated by referring to the couple’s “good” communication. In the present prenatal situation, the communication pattern (established in the past) seems to serve three functions in mitigating future concerns: (1) the communication generates a trust capital in the relationship, allowing the couple to venture into the uncertain future, (2) the communication makes social perceptions of family life “real” by constructing a common nomos that is internalized in the individual as an existential motto, and (3) the communication legitimizes family practices as democratic when referring to future plans as emerging from responsive and consensual dialogs. In the article it is emphasized that welfare policy needs to be based on an existential legitimacy, often developed in couple conversations, and particularly shaped in life situations characterized by change. However, the stability offered at the conversational micro level may simultaneously prevent macro level changes, a complexity that needs to be considered when developing a gender equality policy that is to resonate with people’s existential meaning making. With the aim of consensus, and the means of balancing conflicts, there is a risk that the conversation will consolidate the interests of the stronger party. In this way, the responsive conversations in long-term relationships may consolidate gender inequality and counteract the welfare policy goal of equalizing power relationships.

ЖИЗНЬ ДАЛЬНЕВОСТОЧНОГО СЕЛА 1970–1991 ГОДОВ В ТРУДАХ СОВЕТСКИХ И РОССИЙСКИХ ИССЛЕДОВАТЕЛЕЙ

The purpose of the study is to analyze historical events related to the development of the Far Eastern rural areas in 1970–1991, and the objectives are to identify the stages, patterns and features of the process of scientific study of the rural reality of the Far Eastern Region. In the course of working on the paper, both general scientific and historical methods were used. Research was based on fundamental scientific principles, such as critical interpretation of sources, depoliticization, and historicism. The author analyzes publications related to life, daily life, the financial situation of the rural population, social policy, demographic and migration processes. It is noted that for a long time the evolution of the rural society of the Far East during the periods of “developed” (or “late”) socialism and perestroika was not the focus of attention of researchers who relied on the formational approach that was dominant until the early 1990s. Scientists idealized the state of affairs in rural areas, presenting existing problems and difficulties as temporary phenomena that could be overcome in the foreseeable future. In the post-Soviet period, the study of the life of villagers continued from new methodological positions, in particular, based on the theory of modernization. A surge of interest in regional rural reality occurred at the beginning of the 21st century. Historians have paid attention to issues related to food, the state of housing and household infrastructure, agricultural resettlement, and the subjective perception of life by the villagers themselves. To date, a complex of scientific research on the history of the Far Eastern village has been formed, including papers, monographs and dissertations, but a number of issues remain on the periphery of research interest and require further study.

Visual Voices: The Techniques and Emotions of Czechoslovakia’s Illustrative Masters (1979-2015)

The study aims to review the illustration methods of four top illustrators in Czechoslovakia. Its purpose is to understand their successful approaches and recognize the unique characteristics of their works, which convey personal ideas and thoughts. The study delves into the most important illustration techniques employed by these artists. The central research question seeks to uncover the expression methods and execution techniques used by these top illustrators to convey their ideas and emotions. Culture and customs play a pivotal role in an illustrator’s work. No artist can create truly ingenious works divorced from the cultural context of their hometown. Their visual language becomes a reflection of their culture, and this authenticity contributes to the value of their creations. Sensitivity to children’s perceptions of life, art, culture, and the future is essential for compassionate and impactful work. These illustrators are deeply committed to their young audience, shaping the future through their art. This research follows a fundamental descriptive-analytical approach, with data collection primarily based on library resources.

"I shouldn't just hide in the darkness": youth and parent experiences in wheelchair sport

ABSTRACT Disabled youth derive health, social belonging, enjoyment, and well-being from participating in sports, much like their nondisabled peers. This narrative inquiry study explored wheelchair sport experiences and the meaning ascribed to sport participation among youth with orthopedic impairments and their parents or guardians. Using a multi-case study, narrative approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with three youth athletes and their parents. Thematic analysis shed light upon the participant narratives of social belonging, self-beliefs, and identity development experienced by the youth participants and their parents within the context of wheelchair sport. The first theme, ‘wheelchair sport as a community,' portrayed the wheelchair sport event as a highly inclusive setting that enabled strong social acceptance and emotional support. The second theme, ‘moving from frustration toward confidence in sporting contexts,' captured ambivalent emotive moments experienced during sport participation, particularly those related to perceived physical abilities. While the final theme, ‘athletic identity in wheelchair sport,' depicted the youth participants' individual journeys toward athletic identity development. Based on these lived experiences and perceptions, participants' stories illustrate the social, physical, and psychosocial benefits and challenges of wheelchair sport participation. The study concluded that youth wheelchair sport can be a meaningful avenue for social interaction for disabled youth and their families, positive self-concept regarding one's body and abilities, and pro-athletic identity beliefs. Further, introductory events to wheelchair sport must be carefully planned and implemented to create an enjoyable and low-stakes opportunity for novice wheelchair sport athletes to explore their relationships with physical activity and sporting culture.

Digital Resurrection: Challenging the Boundary between Life and Death with Artificial Intelligence

The advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) poses challenges in the field of bioethics, especially concerning issues related to life and death. AI has permeated areas such as health and research, generating ethical dilemmas and questions about privacy, decision-making, and access to technology. Life and death have been recurring human concerns, particularly in connection with depression. AI has created systems like Thanabots or Deadbots, which digitally recreate deceased individuals and allow interactions with them. These systems rely on information generated by AI users during their lifetime, raising ethical and emotional questions about the authenticity and purpose of these recreations. AI acts as a mediator between life, death, and the human being, enabling a new form of communication with the deceased. However, this raises ethical issues such as informed consent from users and the limits of digital recreation. Companies offer services like the Digital Resurrection of deceased individuals and the generation of hyper-realistic avatars. Still, concerns arise about the authenticity of these representations and their long-term emotional impact. Interaction with Thanabots may alter perceptions of death and finitude, leading to a potential “postmortal society” where death is no longer viewed as a definitive end. Nevertheless, this raises questions about the value of life and the authenticity of human experiences. AI becomes a bridge between the living and the dead, partially replacing rituals and mystical beliefs. As technology advances, there will be a need for greater transparency in interacting with AI systems and ethical reflections on the role of these technologies in shaping perceptions of life and death. Ultimately, the question arises of whether we should allow the dead to rest in peace and how to balance the pursuit of emotional relief with authenticity and respect for the memory of the deceased. A deeper ethical consideration is needed on how AI alters traditional notions of life, death, and communication in contemporary society. In this research, an interdisciplinary approach was utilized to conduct a comprehensive systematic review of the recent academic literature, followed by a detailed analysis of two key texts. Central ideas were extracted, and recurring themes were identified. Finally, a reflective analysis of the findings was conducted, yielding significant conclusions and recommendations for future research.

Does a community soccer program promote health-related quality of life in socially vulnerable Brazilian adolescents?

ABSTRACT Rationale: Understanding the impact of different sport initiatives on young people from socially vulnerable backgrounds is important. However, there remains a paucity of quantitative research on the quality of life of this group. Method: This study employed an ex post facto observational design to provide data on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) from socially vulnerable Brazilian adolescents enrolled in a community soccer program (“Union Project”). Male soccer players (n = 26, 2x/week for 6 months in the soccer program) and non-players (n = 26, no participation in sports program) were included in the study. Participants answered a form about sociodemographic data and health-related quality of life perception (KIDSCREEN-27). Differences in HRQoL between players and non-players were verified by the independent t test and the effect size was estimated (Cohen’s d). Findings: Except for the School Environment dimension, soccer players presented statistically higher scores of HRQoL in comparison to non-players (P < 0.05). The Physical Well-Being dimension (d = 1.9) and the total HRQoL (d = 1.4) showed large effects in favor of the soccer player group. Research contribution: The Union Project seems to have the potential to improve the HRQoL of socially vulnerable adolescents, in which soccer players showed better scores on almost all dimensions of HRQoL compared to their peers.

A qualitative study of students’ lived experience and perceptions of using ChatGPT: immediacy, equity and integrity

ABSTRACT The lived experience of students in their interaction with ChatGPT is underexplored. We conducted qualitative, semi-structured interviews with management students, who recently graduated, to explore their lived experiences and perceptions of using ChatGPT during their studies. Insights gained from the thematic analysis indicate positive perceptions of individual use of ChatGPT. Perceptions were mixed in relation to peers’ use of ChatGPT, especially during group work, where members’ “inappropriate” use of ChatGPT can lead to academic misconduct affecting all group members. Three themes emerged from our analysis: immediacy, equity, and integrity. The use of ChatGPT is driven by its immediate reassurance and validation properties, and for its potential to augment performance and creativity. Participants expressed concerns regarding equitable access to software and the risk of devaluing future degrees in the eyes of employers. Integrity was seen and articulated as problematic in the absence of institutional transparency and clear policy. These findings inform our discussion and recommendations – for the use of ChatGPT by students; for learning and teaching at module and programme level; and for policy development. The study contributes to the growing body of literature related to ChatGPT in higher education and emphasises the need to focus on student voice first.

Effect of nano-curcumin supplementation on angina status, and traditional and novel cardiovascular risk factors in overweight or obese patients with coronary slow flow phenomenon: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial

BackgroundCardiovascular events and poor quality of life are frequently observed in patients with coronary slow flow phenomenon (CSFP). This trial evaluated the effect of nano-curcumin supplement containing curcuminoids, as multifunctional nutraceuticals, on angina status, and some traditional and novel cardiovascular risk factors in overweight or obese patients with CSFP.MethodsIn this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 42 overweight or obese patients with CSFP received either 80 mg/day of nano-curcumin or placebo for 12 weeks. Seattle angina questionnaire (SAQ) as a clinical measure of angina status, circulating endocan, adropin, homocysteine, lipid profile, and the novel scores of visceral adiposity index (VAI) and waist-triglyceride index (WTI) were assessed before and after the intervention. The independent samples t-test, Mann-Whitney test, analysis of covariance, Chi-square, and Fisher’s exact tests were used where appropriate.ResultsAll domains of SAQ including physical limitation, angina stability, angina frequency-severity, treatment satisfaction, and disease perception and quality of life improved significantly in the nano-curcumin compared with the placebo group. No significant changes were observed in serum endocan, adropin, and homocysteine following the intervention. Triglycerides, triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio, WTI and VAI values improved significantly only within the nano-curcumin group.ConclusionsSupplementation with 80 mg/day nano-curcumin (containing curcuminoids) for 12 weeks significantly improved clinically important disease-specific aspects of health in patients with CSFP. Some traditional and novel cardiovascular risk factors improved significantly only compared with the baseline values, which need further investigation.Trial registrationThis study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Tehran University of Medical Sciences (IR.TUMS.VCR.REC.1398.794). The study protocol was registered at Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials by IRCT20131125015536N8 registration ID at 19.06.2019.

Effectiveness of Environmental Leadership Indicators Based on Local Wisdom in Development Horticultural Agriculture in Ngada - Indonesia

This research delves into the pivotal role of farmer groups in driving the development of horticultural agriculture in Ngada Regency, Flores, Indonesia, under the leadership of their respective group chairmen who adopt an environmental leadership approach rooted in local wisdom, recognizing its significance in fostering effective agricultural development. Employing an interpretive phenomenological qualitative research approach, the study unravels the intricate dynamics of environmental leadership by delving into the lived experiences and perceptions of participants. Data collection involves diverse methods including observations, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions (FGD) within horticultural farmer groups, highlighting nuances of their organizational structure and practices. Findings elucidate a spectrum of indicators emblematic of effective environmental leadership within the context of agricultural development, such as possessing an ecological vision, adeptness in motivating others, exemplifying leadership through personal conduct, effective communication skills, and a steadfast commitment to goal attainment, underscoring the interconnectedness between local wisdom, ecological stewardship, and leadership efficacy.

Exploring the relationship between illness perception, self-management and quality of life among HIV-positive men who have sex with men.

This study aimed to explore the mediating effect of self-management (SM) on the relationship between illness perception and quality of life (QOL) among Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive men who have sex with men (MSM). A cross-sectional study. We explored the effect of illness perception and self-management on QOL using the multiple regression model. Moreover, we conducted a simple mediation analysis to examine the role of SM in the relationship between illness perception and QOL. In addition, a parallel mediation analysis was performed to investigate the differences in domains of SM on the relationship between illness perception and QOL. Among 300 Chinese HIV-positive MSM, the mean score of SM was 39.9 ± 6.97, with a range of 14.0-54.0. The higher score in SM indicated a higher level of HIV SM. SM was negatively related to illness perception (r = -0.47) while positively related to QOL (r = 0.56). SM partially mediated the relationship between illness perception and QOL, accounting for 25.3% of the total effect. Specifically, both daily self-management health practices and the chronic nature of the self-management domain played a parallel role in mediating the relationship between illness perception and QOL. Our study demonstrated that SM was a significant factor influencing QOL among HIV-positive MSM. Focusing on daily self-management health practices and the chronic nature of self-management could be the potential key targets for enhancing HIV self-management strategies. This study emphasized the role of SM in the well-being of HIV-positive MSM and underscored the importance of developing interventions that integrate SM strategies to improve QOL in this population. No patient or public contribution.

An influence of menopausal symptoms on mental health, emotion perception, and quality of life: a multi-faceted approach.

The menopausal transition brings with it many physical, cognitive, and affective changes in a woman's life, impacting quality of life. Whereas prior work has examined impact on general mental health and cognitive function, research on basic affective processing during menopause remains scarce. Using a median-split procedure, this pre-registered study examined the impact of stronger (N = 46 women) vs. milder (N = 47 women) menopausal symptoms using a behavioural task of subjective emotion perception (embody) and a passive eye tracking viewing task of emotional faces in addition to self-report questionnaires. After 3 months, participants completed the questionnaires again to examine whether objective measures of emotion perception (eye tracking) might predict mental health at follow-up. As anticipated, women with stronger vs. milder menopausal symptoms reported increased symptoms of anxiety, depression, stress, emotion regulation difficulties, and lower quality of life during both time points. While no evidence was found in the behavioural task, eye tracking data indicated blunted emotion perception in women with high menopausal symptoms, while women with low symptoms spent more time looking at happy faces relative to fearful or surprised faces. Although eye tracking or hormonal data did not predict mental health at follow-up, a higher estradiol/FSH ratio indicated a higher quality of life. This study documented an impact of the menopausal transition and strength of menopausal symptoms in particular on objective emotion perception as well as mental health and quality of life in women suffering from stronger vs. milder menopausal symptoms. Clinical implications are discussed.

EXPERIENCES AND PERCEPTIONS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND EXERCISE IN PEOPLE WITH METABOLIC-ASSOCIATED FATTY LIVER DISEASE: A META-ETHNOGRAPHIC REVIEW

INTRODUCTION &amp; AIMS Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) affects one third of adults worldwide (&amp;gt;5 million Australians) with significant health and socioeconomic burden. Physical activity (PA) is an effective component of MAFLD management, with Australian exercise guidelines recently developed. However, &amp;lt;20% of people with MAFLD meet recommended PA targets. We aimed to review published data on the lived experiences and perceptions of PA and exercise in people with MAFLD. METHODS A meta-ethnographic synthesis was utilised to systematically review articles published in English relating to the experiences and perceptions of PA/exercise in people with MAFLD. Databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science) were searched from inception to November 2023. Two researchers (CD, SK) independently screened titles and extracted data. Data (study-level themes and subthemes) were coded and themed using the validated Noblit and Hare model. Study quality was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist. RESULTS A total of 1538 articles were screened, with seven studies included (n=161 participants across six countries; overall study quality rated ‘high’). Semi-structured interviews and focus groups were the predominant methods. Key findings encompassed barriers to PA/exercise uptake and maintenance including: lack of awareness of MAFLD, which lowered risk perception; lack of information provision regarding the role and importance of PA/exercise for MAFLD management; lack of resources, tailored exercise plans or referrals; multiple comorbidities and symptoms including obesity, musculoskeletal conditions, pain and fatigue; ambivalence of perceived exercise capabilities and low exercise-related self-efficacy; lack of time and competing priorities. Reported enablers of PA/exercise included: accountability to themselves (e.g., habit forming) and to the healthcare professional; social support from family, friends, and healthcare providers; the experience of symptom relief and holistic benefits. CONCLUSION This study translated first-hand experiences and perceptions of physical activity and exercise for people with MAFLD, identifying priorities to target for improved uptake and maintenance.

Quality of Life, Symptom Burden, and Prognostic Perceptions Among Patients with Decompensated Cirrhosis

Quality of Life, Symptom Burden, and Prognostic Perceptions Among Patients with Decompensated Cirrhosis

What are the experiences of teleophthalmology in optometric referral pathways? A qualitative interview study with patients and clinicians

ObjectiveImplementing teleophthalmology into the optometric referral pathway may ease the current pressures on hospital eye services caused by over-referrals from some optometrists. This study aimed to understand the practical implications...

Empowering people living with HIV (PLHIV): unveiling care gaps and identifying opportunities for improving care for PLHIV in Singapore and Hong Kong.

This study explored the behaviours of people living with HIV in Singapore and Hong Kong in terms of achieving and maintaining their physical and psychological wellbeing in relation to HIV, to identify the challenges and support needed in HIV care. This qualitative study involved 90-minute interviews among Singapore and Hong Kong people living with HIV aged ≥18 years to explore health-related quality of life perceptions and gaps in patient empowerment in HIV care during February-May 2022. The COM-B (C: Capability; O: Opportunity; M: Motivation; B: Behaviour) framework was used during data analysis to identify behaviour facilitators and barriers for people living with HIV to achieve and maintain their wellbeing. Detailed accounts of respondents' experience of living with and managing HIV, that is what worked well, unmet needs and perceived significance of wellbeing indicators, were analysed qualitatively via a combination of inductive content and deductive frameworks. A total of 30 and 28 respondents were recruited from Singapore (SG) and Hong Kong (HK), respectively. Most respondents were aged 20-49 years (SG: 83.3%; HK: 64.3%), males (SG: 96.7%; HK: 92.9%), men who have sex with men (SG: 93.3%; HK: 71.4%), had university or higher education (SG: 73.3%; HK: 50.0%) and were fully employed (SG: 73.3%; HK: 57.1%). In both Singapore and Hong Kong, physical health was considered a key focus of overall wellbeing, albeit attention to long-term health associated with cardiovascular and renal health was less salient. The impact of symptoms, side effects of treatment, mood and sleep were among the top wellbeing indicators of importance. Respondents felt that insufficient information was provided by physicians, citing consultation time and resource constraints impeding further expression of concerns to their physicians during consultation. Respondents prioritized functional wellness and delegated psychosocial health to supportive care professionals, patient groups, families and/or friends. There is a need in Singapore and Hong Kong to empower people living with HIV to establish better communications with their physicians and be more involved in their treatment journey and equally prioritize their psychosocial wellbeing.

THE IMPACT OF DEPRESSION AMONG PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC LOW BACK PAIN

This scientific article has the objectives to examine the impact of depression on people experiencing chronic low back pain. Recognizing the bidirectional relationship between these conditions, the study aims to elucidate the various consequences of depressive symptoms on pain perception, functional impairment and overall quality of life among patients with chronic low back pain. Material and methods: A systematic review of the scientific literature was conducted to identify relevant studies, clinical trials and meta-analyses published between 1990 and 2023. The search included electronic databases such as PubMed, MEDLINE and PsycINFO. Results: Literature synthesis reveals that depression significantly amplifies the symptomatology of chronic low back pain, influencing various areas of a patient’s life. Key findings include decreased pain threshold by exacerbating the perception of pain intensity and duration, slowing the recovery and rehabilitation process, and decreasing health-related quality of life, highlighting the need for a multidisciplinary approach to both conditions. Conclusion: The article highlights the pervasive and interconnected nature of depression and chronic low back pain. The issues presented highlight the profound impact of depression on patients with chronic low back pain, highlighting the importance of integrated interventions that address both physical and mental health aspects of those affected. Keywords: depression, chronic low back pain, rehabilitation, pain threshold.

Uloga ruskih emigranata u kreiranju jugoslovenskog javnog mnjenja o životu u Sovjetskom Savezu tokom 1929. i 1930. godine

This paper explores the role of Russian emigration in shaping Yugoslav perceptions of Soviet life, drawing on authentic testimonials from “experts on Russian issues” in the 1929–1930 Belgrade newspaper. Adopting a cultural perspective, the analysis of these narratives unveils diverse observational positions, exemplified by the reporting of two Prague Russians: Left SR Vladimir Ivanovich Lebedev and “Krest’yanskaya Rossiya” party deputy, Sergey Semyonovich Maslov. The case study, centered on articles from Politika, Vreme, and Pravda, underscores the multifaceted nature of Yugoslav attitudes towards the Soviet Union during this period, contributing to a nuanced understanding of the impact of Russian emigration on public opinion.

Environmental perception, pro-environmental behaviours and quality of life of residents of Perequê Beach

Environmental perception, pro-environmental behaviours and quality of life of residents of Perequê Beach