Personal Control Research Articles

The KgA1c Paradox: Widening the spectrum.

The term KgA1c paradox is used to describe the unwanted rise in weight that occurs when HbA1c is controlled using conventional therapy. We highlight facets of pathophysiology, prevention, pharmacology, person centred care, and epidemiology, which correspond to the concept of KgA1c paradox. We suggest a novel index, KgA1c product [(BMI) x (HbA1c)], which can be used to evaluate efficacy of drugs, and assess metabolic control in persons with diabetes.

Mediating Effects of Self-Efficacy and Illness Perceptions on Mental Health in Men with Localized Prostate Cancer: A Secondary Analysis of the Prostate Cancer Patient Empowerment Program (PC-PEP) Randomized Controlled Trial.

Understanding how interventions reduce psychological distress in patients with prostate cancer is crucial for improving patient care. This study examined the roles of self-efficacy, illness perceptions, and heart rhythm coherence in mediating the effects of the Prostate Cancer Patient Empowerment Program (PC-PEP) on psychological distress compared to standard care. In a randomized controlled trial, 128 patients were assigned to either the PC-PEP intervention or standard care. The PC-PEP, a six-month program emphasizing daily healthy living habits, included relaxation and stress management, diet, exercise, pelvic floor muscle exercises, and strategies to improve relationships and intimacy, with daily activities supported by online resources and live sessions. Participants in the intervention group showed significant improvements in self-efficacy and specific illness perceptions, such as personal control and emotional response, compared to the control group. These factors mediated the relationship between the intervention and its psychological benefits, with self-efficacy accounting for 52% of the reduction in psychological distress. No significant differences in heart rhythm coherence were observed. This study highlights the critical role of self-efficacy and illness perceptions in enhancing psychological health in prostate cancer patients through the PC-PEP. The results underscore this program's effectiveness and the key mechanisms through which it operates. Given the high rates of distress among men undergoing prostate cancer treatments, these findings emphasize the importance of integrating the PC-PEP into clinical practice. The implementation of the PC-PEP in clinical settings can provide a structured approach to reducing psychological distress and improving overall patient well-being.

Depressive symptoms, task choice, and effort: The moderating effect of personal control on cardiac response.

Dysphoric individuals perceive mental tasks as more demanding and show increased cardiovascular responses during the performance of easy cognitive tasks. Recent research on action shielding indicates that providing individuals with personal control over their tasks can mitigate the effects of manipulated affective states on cardiovascular responses reflecting effort. We investigated whether the shielding effect of personal choice also applies to the effect of dispositional negative mood on effort. N = 125 university students with high (dysphoric) versus low (nondysphoric) depressive symptoms engaged in an easy cognitive task either by personal choice or external assignment. As expected, dysphoric individuals showed significantly stronger cardiac PEP reactivity during task performance when the task was externally assigned. Most importantly, this dysphoria effect disappeared when participants could ostensibly personally choose their task. Our findings show that the previously observed shielding effect of personal action choice against incidental affective stimulation also applies to dispositional negative affect.

Correlation between Illness Perception and Medication Adherence among Adult Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Saudi Arabia.

This study aimed to assess the level of illness perception and medication adherence among adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with a specific focus on understanding how these two factors may be related. This descriptive correlation study included all adult patients with T2DM attending the Jeddah Care Centre for Diabetes and Hypertension at King Abdulaziz Hospital between January and April 2022. Data were collected using a questionnaire that elicited sociodemographic and clinical information, and the Arabic versions of the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire and the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale. Descriptive statistics and Pearson's correlation analysis were used for data analysis. A total of 365 patients were included (mean age: 50.9 ± 15.9 years), with the majority being female (53.4%). Overall, the level of medication adherence was moderate (mean score: 5.36 ± 1.73). Patients with lower medication adherence perceived the consequences of T2DM as more severe, had a stronger association with the illness identity, and experienced more intense emotional responses (for all, P < 0.001). Conversely, patients with higher adherence had a greater sense of personal control, a stronger belief in treatment effectiveness, and a better understanding of the illness (for all, P < 0.001). The study found a correlation between illness perception and medication adherence in patients with T2DM. Addressing patients' perceptions may enhance their ability to manage the condition more effectively.

Spiritual Well-Being, Disease Perception, and Disease Adaptation in Diabetic Patients in Southern Turkey: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction This cross-sectional descriptive study investigated the relationship between spiritual well-being, disease perception, and disease adaptation in individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods The sample consisted of 340 patients admitted to the internal medicine outpatient clinics of a city hospital in southern Turkeybetween January 2022 and January 2023. Data were collected using patient information, the Spiritual Well-Being Scale (SWBS), the Illness Perception Questionnaire (IPQ), and the Adaptation to Chronic Illness Scale (ACIS). The data were analyzed at a significance level of 0.05. Results Most participants were familiar with integrative interventions (84.1%). Less than half of the participants learned about integrative interventions from friends (46%). Less than a quarter of the participants had turned to integrative interventions (23.5%), such as cupping therapy (7.6%) and cinnamon therapy (7.1%). Participants had mean SWBS and ACIS scores of 118.40±11.46 and 84.46±9.18, respectively. There was a positive correlation between the ACIS and SWBS scores. There was also a positive correlation between total SWBS scores and scores on the IPQ "perceptions about the illness" subscale "timeline (acute/chronic)". Additionally, there was a positive correlation between the total ACIS score and the scores on the IPQ subscales "perceptions about the illness", "personal control", "treatment control", and "illness identification". Conclusion DM patients with greater spiritual well-being tend to adhere more to their treatment and management regimens. Moreover, DM patients with more positive perceptions of their illness tend to have greater levels of spiritual well-being, which correlates with improved adaptation to their disease management and treatment protocols.

A Hungarian Centrum Hospital’s COVID-19 Response Strategy in Light of International Management Experiences

The COVID-19 pandemic has placed enormous pressure on healthcare systems. In the first line of the “war” against the virus, hospitals tried to maintain their general operations, while supplementing their services with COVID-19 patient care. To tackle the new difficulties, hospitals had to develop strategic response plans, and were in need of finding the most effective management structure for their institution. The focus of this paper is the aforementioned management structures. After overviewing the international literature, we identified three different approaches and we named them the Horizontal, Vertical, and Intermedier Approach. The separation is based on the following features: decision making, information distribution, command forwarding, intra-hospital communication channels, hierarchy, and control. After summarizing the international experiences, we introduce a Hungarian centrum hospital’s approach, as the institution was assigned to fulfil COVID-19 centrum hospital duties in the middle of the first wave. The North-Buda Szent János Central hospital was in need of restructuring their management structure, and the leadership decided to transform it into a hierarchical, vertical structure, operating with centralized decision making and personal control. This control–command system idea came from the hospital’s Internist Head Coordinator Physician, who is the first author of our article, and had serious military medicine experiences (in Afghanistan).

Exploring the factors that influence the food choices of 14- to 16-year-old competitive cyclists in the UK

The natural growth and maturation process for young people is metabolically taxing and, for young athletes, there is added pressure to ensure sufficient energy to sustain sporting pursuits. Adolescence is also a time of increasing independence coupled with a continued dependence upon guardians. There is an increasing understanding of the physiology and expected nutritional needs of the competitive youth cyclist, however understanding of their nutrition knowledge and behaviours lags behind. The aim of this study was to explore the factors which influence the food choices of 14- to 16-year-old competitive cyclists in the UK, to inform the development of effective and sustainable nutrition support frameworks for this demographic. To do this, one-to-one semi-structured interviews were conducted in-person or online with these athletes. Questions focussed on understanding the athletes’ sources of information, perspectives, and perceived level of agency surrounding their food practices. Interviews were conducted with a total of five athletes (female = 4, male = 1). Audio recordings were transcribed and inductively coded by hand to check for saturation before being compiled into a larger data set which was analysed for concepts and themes. The final codes were interrogated by an external researcher to further increase their validity. Data analysis revealed five key themes for this sample: influence, practice, personal narrative, opportunity, and optimal support. Subthemes for influence were parents, coaches, experiential learning, community, the external cycling world, peers, and externally contracted support. Subthemes for practice were fluid and hydration, carbohydrates, protein, caffeine, and food culture within cycling. Subthemes for personal narrative were application of knowledge, categorisation, lack of motivation, personal control, food as enjoyment, and superstition and ritual. Subthemes for opportunity were family support, independence, and planning. Subthemes for optimal support were guidance wanted and bespoke solutions. Though saturation was not achieved, the sample showed homogeneity across a number of areas and across sexes. Participants expressed a desire for nutrition guidance and, in particular, solutions tailored to their circumstances. They would prefer to receive nutrition support from trusted coaches who know them and their training loads, in an informal manner rather than through formal nutrition support from a professional. There was scepticism about the ability of a nutritionist to understand their unique sporting needs. Recommendations include further research into this population and also an examination of the knowledge and support required by guardians and coaches of youth cyclists to develop a practical approach that supports the athletic triangle.

Illness perceptions, experiences of stigma and engagement in functional neurological disorder (FND): exploring the role of multidisciplinary group education sessions

BackgroundA critical first step in managing functional neurological disorder (FND) is a positive diagnosis and clear explanation using an understandable illness model. Multidisciplinary group education sessions are one way to...

Investigation of the Relationship Between Psychological Well-Being and Problem Solving Skills of Faculty of Health Sciences Students

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the psychological well-being of health sciences students; their problem-solving skills and to examine the relationship between them. Methods: The research was carried out in descriptive cross-sectional design. The population of the research consists of students studying in the field of health sciences at two foundation universities in Turkey. 'Descriptive Information Form', 'Psychological Well-Being Scale (PWBS)' and 'Problem Solving Inventory (PSI)' were used to collect data. The data were analyzed in SPSS program. Results: The students' PSI total score average was 100.4±17.22; PSI sub-dimension total score averages were determined as 'Personal Control' 15.89 ±3.92, 'Problem Solving Confidence' 29.40±8.13 and 'Approach Avoidance Style' 44.97±9.73. The mean total score of PWBS was found to be 42.7±8.54. Conclusion: In line with the results obtained, it was found that there was a significant relationship between psychological well-being and problem-solving skills, and that as students' psychological well-being increased wtih their problem-solving skills. Consistent with these findings, it was concluded that problem solving sub-dimensions, psychological well-being and total problem solving score were positively related. Psychological well-being and problem solving skills are directly related to each other and affect each other.

Investigating the Use of Pre-Recorded Lecture Videos in Flipped Classroom Technologies on Students' Learning at Secondary Level

The study aims to investigate the use of pre-recorded lecture videos in flipped classroom technologies on students’ learning at the secondary level. Traditional teacher-centered teaching has been replaced with learner-centered teaching models. Pre-recorded lectures center on personalized learning built with capturing and accelerating technological features like stop, record forward, play, and rewind. It allows personal control over the pace and direction of learning. A true-experimental pre-post-test design was conducted with 40 students of grade- X. A valid and reliable teacher-made pre-tests and post-tests were used as research instruments. The pre-test and post-test were constructed from the five selected grade -X-level chapters. The students were divided into two groups: an experimental flipped classroom group and a control group. The experimental group was taught via a flipped classroom for eight weeks, while the control group was taught via traditional strategy. The level of students' learning was measured after eight weeks using the SPSS software version. The results showed that students in the flipped classroom had shown significantly higher learning levels than students in the traditional group. The findings also showed that the use of flipped classroom technologies significantly affected students' learning at the secondary level. Moreover, the findings suggested that pre-recorded lecture videos positively facilitate learning and student engagement. Based on these findings, the researcher presented some recommendations.

Illness perception in functional neurological disorder: low illness coherence and personal control

IntroductionIllness perception refers to patients’ subjective representations and appraisals of somatic and mental symptoms. These are relevant for self-management and outcome. In clinical practice, patients with functional neurological disorder (FND)...

The effects of types of touch and haptic cues on choice overload

AbstractAlthough consumers are commonly exposed to numerous choices and the opportunity to touch products when they shop, the literature remains unclear on how both factors simultaneously affect choice. With the growth of online shopping, touch literature has studied the effects of mere touch (i.e., nondiagnostic tactile contact) or vicarious touch (e.g., observing a hand in physical contact with a product or imagining touching a product) to demonstrate that these nondiagnostic haptic inputs can comparably influence consumer attitude, just like diagnostic touch. By investigating the moderating effects of different haptic inputs on choice overload, this research reveals certain conditions in which nondiagnostic haptic inputs operate differently than those of diagnostic touch. We find that both mere touch (Study 1) and vicarious touch (Study 2) help reduce choice overload effects by eliminating the effect of choice set size on choice uncertainty, which is typically observed in the no touch (i.e., control) condition. As haptic cues have been increasingly employed to aid the online shopping experience for consumers, we also find that the choice overload effect is eliminated when an autotelic haptic cue is presented but amplified when an instrumental haptic cue is provided (Study 3). Besides, this research demonstrates that, while the moderating effects of the nondiagnostic haptic inputs are driven by increased personal control, instrumental touch can amplify choice overload effects due to the increased choice difficulty when choosing from large (vs. small) choice sets. These findings help retailers know what type of haptic cues to apply or avoid, as consumers have already been overloaded with abundant choices when they shop online.

Investigating the effect of lower body local radiant warming on occupant thermal comfort in battery electric vehicles during cold conditions

The wintertime decrease in the driving range of battery electric vehicles (BEVs), partially attributed to cabin heating with improper setpoints, necessitates the improvement of occupant thermal comfort with reduced energy consumption. While local warming shows promise, understanding its impact on occupant comfort with thermal transients from cabin heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) is limited. To address this gap, we investigated thermal perception in twenty-five participants under three distinct warming modes within BEVs operating through typical winter conditions: HVAC alone, HVAC with continuous lower body local radiant warming (LRW), and HVAC with periodic lower body LRW. Results show that the rapid change in skin temperature from lower body local warming does not immediately improve comfort. While a significant improvement in comfort (p < 0.05) is observed with lower body warming, it becomes evident only when the cabin transients subside. Consequently, we propose a framework that advocates for reducing HVAC setpoint and control of LRW of the lower body based on occupant preferences. Our feasibility study demonstrates a 45.3 % reduction in energy consumption by reducing the HVAC setpoint from 25 to 18 °C. These findings enhance the prospects for efficient thermal comfort management in BEVs.

Форми медичного контролю на заняттях силової направленості

Medical control is a scientific and practical branch of medicine that studies the issues of physical development, functional state, and health of the human body during physical exercises and sports. The purpose of medical control is to promote the effectiveness of the physical education process in every way, the correct use of physical culture tools. Medical control is a mandatory condition for injury prevention, preservation of human health, longevity, and creative activity. The main tasks of medical control: determining the state of health and solving issues of admission to classes in various forms and groups; carrying out medical control at physical education and sports classes; diagnostics of the functional state; assessment of physical development and identification of diseases and injuries; medical provision of competitions; agitation and promotion of physical culture among the population. Forms of medical control: regular medical examinations and control of persons engaged in physical exercises and sports; medical and pedagogical observations of people who are engaged in classes and competitions; sanitary and hygienic control over the places and conditions of classes; medical and sanitary provision of mass health and sports events (in sports camps and at educational and training meetings);prevention of sports injuries and diseases; sanitary and educational work and promotion of physical culture, sports, a healthier lifestyle. Physical development is assessed using anthropometric measurements, as well as the method of questioning and external examination. Anthropometric measurements make it possible to determine the level and features of physical development, the degree of conformity to gender and age.

Illness perceptions in relation to self-management behaviour among elderly patients with COPD: A cross-sectional study.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the status of self-management behaviour and illness perceptions and to examine illness perceptions in relation to self-management behaviour in elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A cross-sectional study was conducted, and 152 elderly COPD patients were recruited via the convenience sampling method. The COPD Self-Management Scale and the Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire for COPD patients were used to examine self-management behaviour and illness perceptions. Pearson correlation analysis, univariate analysis and hierarchical linear regression analysis were used to explore illness perceptions in relation to self-management behaviour. The mean overall score for self-management behaviour was 2.90 ± 0.39. Among the subscales of self-management behaviour, information management had the lowest score of 2.20 ± 0.76. Patients' demographic and clinical characteristics, including educational level, smoking status, type of primary caregiver, home oxygen therapy and COPD duration, were found to be significant determinants of self-management behaviour. After controlling for these variables, several illness perception subscales, including treatment control, personal control, coherence, timeline cyclical and identity, were significantly correlated with self-management behaviour. This study confirmed that elderly COPD patients' self-management behaviour was unsatisfactory and that illness perceptions were significant determinants of self-management behaviour. The findings may contribute to the development of self-management interventions for elderly COPD patients.

Preoperative glycaemic control, number of pain locations, structural knee damage, self-reported central sensitisation, satisfactionand personal control are predictive of 1-year postoperative pain, and change in pain from pre- to 1-year posttotal knee arthroplasty.

The aim of this study was to identify preoperative predictors for 1-year posttotal knee arthroplasty (TKA) pain and pre- to post-TKA pain difference in knee osteoarthritis (KOA) patients. From March 2018 to July 2023, this prospective longitudinal cohort study enrolled KOA patients awaiting TKA from four hospitals in Belgium and the Netherlands. Different biopsychosocial predictors were assessed preoperatively by questionnaires and physical examinations (input variables). The Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) subscale pain was used to measure pain intensity. The absolute KOOS subscale pain score 1-year post-TKA and the difference score (ΔKOOS = 1-year postoperative - preoperative) were used as primary outcome measures (output variables). Two multivariable linear regression analyses were performed. Two hundred and twenty-threeparticipants were included after multiple imputation. Worse absolute KOOS subscale pain scores 1-year post-TKA and negative or closer to zero ΔKOOS subscale pain scores were predicted by self-reported central sensitisation, lower KOA grade and preoperative satisfaction,and higher glycated haemoglobin, number of pain locationsand personal control (adjusted R2 = 0.25). Additional predictors of negative or closer to zero ΔKOOS subscale pain scores were being self-employed, higher preoperative pain and function (adjusted R2 = 0.37). This study reports different biopsychosocial predictors for both outcomes that have filtered out other potential predictors and providevalue for future studies on developing risk assessment tools for the prediction of chronic TKA pain. The protocol is registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05380648) on 13 May 2022. Level II.

Consumer Psychology of Mysterious Consumption: Embracing Uncertainty through a Perception of Control.

Mysterious consumption, characterized by product purchases without knowledge of their exact nature, is gaining popularity in the modern marketplace. In two online experiments, we examined how consumers' psychological states, particularly their sense of personal control, influence their perception and intent to purchase mysterious products in the context of purchasing a random flight ticket. Study 1 demonstrated that when consumers experience low personal control, as opposed to high personal control, they are less likely to value the uncertainty inherent in random flight tickets, resulting in decreased purchase intentions. Study 2 revealed that introducing even limited choice options to random flight tickets can enhance consumers' appreciation of uncertainty, thereby increasing their purchase intention. This effect was especially notable among those initially hesitant to embrace uncertainty, ultimately boosting their intent to purchase. These findings deepen our understanding of consumer psychology surrounding mystery consumption and provide practical insights for marketers seeking to tailor their products and marketing appeals to consumers' psychological states.

The application of dairy products and their derivatives as edible inks in 3D printing technology: A review

SummaryThree‐dimensional (3D) printing technology digitally designs and manufactures objects through computer‐controlled processes. It requires raw materials with specific rheological properties for extrusion and shape retention. Dairy products hold promise for 3D printing due to their ability to form structures and their nutritional value. However, the quality of 3D printing with dairy products relies on the properties of the printing ink and printer parameters, presenting challenges for practical applications. This work provided a summary of the suitability of dairy‐based 3D printed products, discussing physicochemical modifications and additives to enhance their suitability and nutritional properties. The internal structure and composition of printing inks derived from dairy products are closely linked to their printing performance. Physicochemical modifications and additives effectively improve printability and the nutritional aspects of dairy inks. The 3D printing suitability of dairy inks can be enhanced through physical, chemical or enzymatic treatments. The gel properties of dairy products can be improved by mixing them with hydrophilic gels, introducing calcium, and incorporating lipids to enhance the 3D printing performance of dairy products. 3D printing technology enables the customisation of dairy products with personalised control of nutritional content, meeting the increasing consumer and market demand for healthier foods. In the future, 3D printed dairy products are expected to constitute convenient and quick nutritious food and enter home kitchens.

The effects of personal control and perceived thermal comfort on occupant psychological health at the workplace

Personal control is an important influencing factor for perceived thermal comfort due to its physical and psychological impacts on occupants. However, an increasing body of research on personal control continues to place more emphasis on the physical consequences than the psychological implications for the occupant's health. The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of personal control options and perceived thermal comfort on occupant psychological health in Malaysian office buildings. A total of 221 valid data were obtained through questionnaire survey in three regions in Malaysia, which were then analysed using the partial least squares of structural equation model (PLS-SEM). The findings demonstrated the significantly positive direct relationship between indoor air temperature, relative humidity and personal control on occupant psychological health. The importance of this research work is further highlighted considering the significant role of personal control on the improved quality of thermal comfort and occupant psychological health.

Prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease and its association with glycemic control in persons with type 2 diabetes in Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are interconnected metabolic disorders with significant health implications. However, a comprehensive understanding of the extent of their co-occurrence in Africa is lacking. The aim of this review was to determine the prevalence of MAFLD and its association with glycemic control (HbA1c) in persons with T2D in Africa. A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, Medline, Embase, Scopus, Global Health, and Web of Science from their inception to December 6, 2023. Data on MAFLD prevalence and correlation coefficients regarding its association with glycemic control were pooled through random effect meta-analyses. Potential sources of heterogeneity were investigated using subgroup analysis and meta-regression. A total of 10 studies were included in the meta-analysis of MAFLD prevalence, while 2 were incorporated in the analysis of the association between MAFLD and glycemic control. The pooled prevalence of MAFLD in persons with T2D was 48.1% (95% CI: 36.1-60.3). The subgroup analysis revealed regional variations in MAFLD prevalence, with rates of 44.7% (95% CI: 28.7-62.0) in sub-Saharan Africa and 55.3% (95% CI: 36.2-73.0) in Northern Africa. Additionally, we observed an increasing trend in MAFLD prevalence, recording 55.1% (95% CI: 43.6-66.1) in the recent five years. There was a weak positive correlation between MAFLD and HbA1c (r = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.18-0.47). The findings of this study highlight a high prevalence of MAFLD in persons with T2D in Africa, with a suggested link between MAFLD and suboptimal glycemic control. Therefore, healthcare providers should prioritize the screening and management of MAFLD in individuals with T2D to enhance their metabolic health.