Psychosocial Factors Research Articles

Investigating the impact of teleworking during the COVID-19 pandemic on work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) and psychosocial factors of employees: a review article

Introduction: Advances in technology have increased job flexibility for employees and employers alike. On the other hand, effective teleworking requires planning, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced many employees to quickly change their workplace from outside to home, without ensuring that the conditions are ready. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of teleworking on musculoskeletal disorders and psychosocial factors in the days of Corona. Materials and Methods: This research was done by a review method. Articles were searched from 2020 to 2023 on PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar sites with the key words Ergonomics, Teleworking, MSDs, and COVID19. Results: A total of 93 articles were reviewed. By evaluating the titles, 45 related articles and 30 articles were selected by reviewing the abstracts, and finally 13 articles which full text was available were selected. These articles refer to the study of the effects of teleworking on musculoskeletal disorders and psychosocial factors in the era of Corona. Conclusion: Most of the studies point to the increase of musculoskeletal disorders. Teleworkers have experienced more musculoskeletal pain and discomfort in different areas of the body. Longer working hours with shorter breaks to meet increased work demands, social isolation, lack of support from colleagues, blurred boundaries between work and home, and omnipresence of work are some of the psychosocial and organizational factors associated with musculoskeletal disorders. For some employees, teleworking will remain a common way of working in the post-pandemic era. Therefore, it is necessary to identify telework-related risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders and address them with timely telework preventive measures and the individual needs of employees.

The effects of photobiomodulation and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on chronic neck pain: A double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled trial

BackgroundPhotobiomodulation (PBM) and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) are used to reduce neck pain. ObjectiveTo investigate the immediate and 1-month post-treatment effects of 10 treatment sessions of PBM and TENS delivered over 2 weeks on pain intensity in individuals with neck pain. MethodsIndividuals with neck pain were randomized into four groups: PBM+TENS, PBM, TENS, and Sham. Primary outcome: pain intensity at rest. Secondary outcomes: pain intensity during movement, pressure pain threshold (PPT), temporal summation (TS), conditioned pain modulation (CPM), cervical range of motion (ROM), psychosocial factors, drug intake for neck pain, and global perceived effect (GPE). All outcome assessments were made pre- and post-treatment. Mean differences and 95 % confidence intervals were calculated for between-group comparisons. ResultsA total of 144 participants were recruited. No significant between-group difference was observed for pain intensity at rest, TS, CPM, ROM, psychosocial factors, and drug intake. The PBM+TENS showed a reduction in pain intensity during movement and GPE compared to the PBM (MD: 1.0 points; 95 % CI: 0.0, 2.0; MD: 2.0 points; 95 % CI: 1.0, 3.0) and Sham (MD: 2.0 points; 95 % CI: 1.0, 3.0; MD: 2.0 points; 95 % CI: 1.0, 3.0) groups. PBM+TENS presented a medium effect size to increase local PPT compared to PBM and Sham groups. TENS presented a medium effect size to increase local PPT compared to PBM and Sham groups. TENS presented a medium effect size to increase distant PPT compared to other groups. ConclusionsThe use of PBM or TENS was not effective for reducing pain intensity at rest. The combination of PBM and TENS was effective in improving pain intensity during movement, local hyperalgesia, and the GPE. TENS reduced local and distant hyperalgesia.

Social Support, Social Strain, Stressful Life Events and Mortality Among Postmenopausal Women With Breast Cancer.

Social support, social strain and stressful life events could induce chronic stress, which affects prognosis and survival after breast cancer diagnosis. However, few studies have examined the impact of psychosocial factors on different competing mortality events. We included 9154 postmenopausal women who were newly diagnosed with invasive breast cancer after enrollment in the Women's Health Initiative, as of March 6th, 2021. Psychosocial factors were collected and stratified into quartiles. Cause of death was verified through adjudicated medical record reviews. Associations between psychosocial factors and all-cause mortality, breast cancer mortality, and cardiovascular disease mortality were examined by competing risk models. Subsequent stratified analyses were performed by race. With a median follow-up time of 8.6years, 3218 deaths were identified. Compared to participants with less social support, those who had higher social support had significantly lower all-cause mortality (Q4 vs. Q1, HR=0.89, 95% CI: 0.81, 0.9). The highest quartile of social strain was associated with lower CVD mortality (Q4 vs. Q1: HR=0.80, 95% CI: 0.65, 0.99). After stratification, a similar relationship was found in White women but not in Black women. Our findings suggest that there was an association between high social support and reduced all-cause mortality regardless of cancer stages at diagnosis. Social support interventions after breast cancer diagnosis could have the potential to reduce overall mortality.

Online Violence in Adolescent and Young Adult Couples: The Role of Anxious Attachment and Hostile Sexism in a Dyadic Analysis.

This study explores how anxious attachment moderates the relationship between hostile sexism and online violence in adolescent and young adults' partners. Two hundred thirty heterosexual couples (total n = 460) participated in a dyadic design study. Both partners answered a questionnaire about online violence, hostile sexism, and anxious attachment. Results show that both members' hostile sexism positively correlates with the perpetration and victimization of online violence in boys and girls, but not in all the dimensions. However, actor-hostile sexism has a greater effect on both perpetration and victimization for both members than partner-hostile sexism, except for control perpetration and victimization of girls. Results also show that the actor-anxious attachment positively moderated the relationship between their hostile sexism and perpetration and victimization for both members, only when it was higher than average, and negatively when it was lower. In girls, when the anxious attachment is high, the relationship between the boys' hostile sexism and the girls' direct aggression perpetration becomes weaker. The opposite occurs between the boys' hostile sexism and boys' direct aggression perpetrated when their girlfriends' anxious attachment increases. In sum, anxious attachment and hostile actor and partner sexism play an important role in online violence in adolescent couples. Therefore, the protective effect of low levels of anxious attachment should be studied among other psychosocial factors and online violence.

HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS IN BREAST CANCER PATIENTS IN ABIDJAN (IVORY COAST)

ObjectiveThe main objective of this study was to assess health-related quality of life, and to investigate associated factors in breast cancer patients living in Ivory Coast. MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study that took place from August 1, 2022 to October 31, 2022 in the Medical Oncology Department of the Treichville University Hospital. Seventy-six breast cancer patients participated in the study. Quality of life was assessed using the EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BR23 EORTC questionnaires. ResultsThe mean score for overall quality of life was 69.3 ± 21.9. Among the functional scales, emotional functioning, social functioning, sexual functioning, and sexual pleasure were the most affected, with 21.1 respectively; 23.7; 78.9, and 86.8% of patients who had a bad score. Nausea/vomiting, loss of appetite, and hair loss are the symptoms that most affected the QoL of our patients with respectively 19.7; 21.1, and 52, % of patients who had a bad score. Financial difficulties also negatively affected the QoL of our patients (55.3% had a poor score). The factors significantly associated with QoL deterioration were the metastatic stage, the presence of anemia, and the triple-negative immunohistochemical subtype. ConclusionThe overall quality of life of our patients was good. The psychosocial factors that were most affected in our patients were emotional functioning, social functioning, sexual functioning, and financial difficulties. The physical factors that most negatively affected the QoL of our patients were nausea/vomiting, loss of appetite and hair loss, presence of anemia, metastatic stage, and triple negative immunohistochemical type.

Joint effect of polysocial risk score, lifestyle and genetic susceptibility with the risk of dementia: A prospective cohort study

ObjectivesThe comprehensive impact of polysocial risk score (PsRS)—encompassing multiple social determinants of health (SDoHs) with genetic and lifestyle factors on dementia incidence remains to be elucidated. Study designThis study aimed to clear the associations between PsRS and dementia incidence and evaluated how genetic and lifestyle factors modified these associations in the UK Biobank cohort.Methods: The detailed prospective study involved over 500,000 participants when recruited in 2006–2010. The PsRS was calculated by 12 SDoHs across psychosocial factors, socioeconomic status, and neighborhood and living environment. A healthy lifestyle score was constructed from physical activities, alcohol consumption, smoking status, and diet. A genetic risk score (GRS) was computed via genotype data from UK Biobank. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between PsRS, lifestyle factors, GRS and dementia. ResultsResults showed the participants with intermediate (HR = 1.32, 95%CI: 1.20–1.45) and high PsRS (HR = 2.10, 95 % CI: 1.91–2.32) were significantly associated with an increased risk of dementia compared with those with a low PsRS. Then, compared with participants with low PsRS and favorable lifestyle/low GRS, high PsRS and unfavorable lifestyle/high GRS had the highest risk of dementia (HR = 3.11,95%CI: 2.63–3.68)/(HR = 3.56, 95%CI: 2.62–4.85). ConclusionsBoth high PsRS and GRS were significantly associated with higher dementia risk. A favorable lifestyle could reduce dementia incidence regardless of high PsRS or GRS. Additionally, focusing on the intervention of SDoHs would be positive in preventing dementia.

Assessing the Psychometric Properties of the French-Canadian Version of the Psychological Safety Climate Questionnaire (PSC-12)

BackgroundPsychosocial safety climate (PSC) refers to the collective belief among workers regarding the protection and support of their psychological health and safety by senior management. Despite the recognized importance of PSC in mitigating exposure to detrimental psychosocial risk factors at work, a validated instrument in French is lacking. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the French-Canadian version of the Psychosocial Safety Climate (PSC)-12 and its associations with job satisfaction and psychological distress. MethodA cross-sectional validation study was conducted to evaluate the psychometric properties of the PSC-12. Using cross-sectional data from an online survey of adults in a French-Canadian university (n = 1,784), the psychometric properties of the PSC-12, a 12-item questionnaire, were assessed. Internal consistency, validity, and factor structure were examined through exploratory factor analysis conducted using SAS v.9.4 software. ResultsConfirming the original four-factor structure, the French-Canadian version of the PSC-12 demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency (Cronbach's α of 0.95) and validity indices. Its convergent and divergent validity were evidenced by a positive association with job satisfaction (r = 0.34, p < 0.05) and the negative association with psychological distress (r = -0.50, p < 0.05). ConclusionsThe French-Canadian adaptation of the PSC-12 maintains cross-cultural validity, providing a validated and concise tool for assessment within the French-Canadian community. Practical Applications: By facilitating the prevention of mental health problems among workers, this questionnaire has the potential to contribute to alleviating burdens for individuals, workplaces, and society.

Incidence and risk factors of chronic post-thoracic surgery pain: A retrospective study

BackgroundChronic post-thoracic surgery pain (CPTSP) is a common complication that affects a patient’s quality of life. Thoracotomy is associated with a high risk of chronic pain. Video-assisted thoracoscopy surgery (VATS) is a less traumatic option, but its role in the development of CPTSP is unclear. Regardless of the approach, there is evidence that demographic, psychosocial, or clinical factors also contribute to pain. The primary objective of this study is to determine the incidence of CPTSP in our hospital. The secondary objective is to identify possible risk factors related to CPTSP. MethodRetrospective, single-centre observational study. The medical records of patients that underwent thoracic surgery between January 2016 and January 2020 were reviewed. The diagnosis of CPTSP was made by reviewing the postoperative visits 6 months after surgery. We analysed the relationship between CPTSP and a series of variables, and then constructed a multivariate binary logistic regression model with a significance level of p < 0.05 ResultsA total of 259 patients were analyzedanalysed, 46.7% underwent VATS and 53.3% underwent thoracotomy. The overall incidence of CPTSP was 12%; 4.1% in VATS and 18.8% in thoracotomies. The multivariate model revealed that acute postoperative pain severe and a greater number of chest tubes were risk factors for CPTSP ConclusionThe incidence of CPTSP was 12% in our hospital. Patients with higher acute postoperative pain severe and several chest tubes were more likely to develop CPTSP.

Ambivalent ageism and the pains and gains of informal caregiving for older adults: Findings from Germany

Background and ObjectivesWe analyzed the associations between ambivalent ageism, burden and positive experiences of care among informal caregivers of older adults (aged ≥60 years), to advance understanding of its role as psychosocial risk or resilience factor for informal caregivers. Design and MethodsData of 433 informal caregivers (≥18 years) of adults with care needs (≥60 years) from the Attitudes towards Informal Caregivers (ATTIC) project was used. The Ambivalent Ageism Scale, Positive Aspects of Care Scale and the Burden Scale for Family Caregivers were used. Linear regression analyses adjusted for context and personal factors were conducted, with age and gender included as moderators in additional tests. ResultsHigh ageism (total score) was significantly associated with a high level of positive aspects of care and burden. Further analyses showed a significant positive association between benevolent ageism and positive aspects of care, while stronger hostile ageism was associated with less positive aspects of care. Hostile ageism was also significantly associated with more burden, while benevolent ageism and burden were not associated. Additional analyses indicated no moderation by gender, but by age. The association between hostile ageism and burden was weaker with caregivers’ higher age. Discussion and ImplicationsWhile hostile ageism and worse caregiver burden were associated, positive care experiences seemed to benefit from benevolent ageism. This highlights the complex associations between ageism and caregivers’ well-being, which need to be taken into account in theory and practice focused on improving the care situation for both caregivers and care recipients.

Protocol for a randomised, double-blinded, controlled trial of youth with childhood-onset obesity treated with semaglutide 2.4 mg/week: the RESETTLE trial

IntroductionChildhood-onset obesity poses significant health risks, including early-onset type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and reduced quality of life. Hospital-based non-pharmacological obesity care can reduce childhood obesity, but 25% of children do not respond. Therefore, this study investigates the effect of the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, semaglutide, as an add-on to hospital-based obesity care in youth who still have obesity following hospital-based obesity care as children. Furthermore, biomedical and psychosocial factors linked to treatment response will be investigated, alongside an exercise-based strategy to prevent weight regain and maintain a healthy body composition after semaglutide treatment.Methods and analysisThis is an investigator-initiated, randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial. We will enrol expectedly 180–270 young adults aged 18–28 years based on their previous response to a paediatric obesity management programme and their current body mass index (BMI). Participants are categorised into four groups: low treatment response (BMI SD score (SDS) reduction &lt;0.10; BMI ≥30 kg/m2); medium treatment response (BMI SDS reduction &gt;0.25; BMI ≥30 kg/m2); high treatment response (BMI SDS reduction &gt;0.50; BMI &lt;30 kg/m2) and a population-based reference group with normal weight development in childhood. Participants with BMI ≥30 kg/m2are randomised 2:1 to subcutaneous injections of semaglutide 2.4 mg/week or placebo as an add-on to hospital-based obesity care for 68 weeks. The primary outcome is the change in BMI from randomisation to the end of treatment with semaglutide compared with placebo. Secondary endpoints are changes in weight and body composition.Ethics and disseminationThe trial has been approved by the Danish Medicines Agency and the Ethical Committee of the Capital Region of Denmark (H-20039422). The trial will be conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and follow the guidelines for Good Clinical Practice. Results will be presented at international scientific conferences and published in peer-reviewed scientific journals.Trial registration numberEudraCT 2019-002274-31.

Quality of life and survivorship in patients with low-grade ovarian cancer

ObjectiveHigh-grade (HGOC) and low-grade ovarian carcinoma (LGOC) are distinct malignancies with different biological features, treatment paradigms, and life expectancies. However, differences in quality of life (QOL), sleep, and depressive symptoms have not been examined by grade, and neither have inflammatory profiles associated with these symptoms. We aim to characterize QOL and biomarkers by OC grade. MethodsParticipants included patients with HGOC (N = 578) or LGOC (N = 85). Participants completed baseline assessments of psychosocial factors prior to primary surgery or neoadjuvant chemotherapy and contributed saliva for cortisol and blood for interleukin-6 (IL-6) quantification. Samples were collected intraoperatively to quantify tumor cortisol. General linear models were used to examine differences in biological and psychological variables by grade. ResultsAt baseline, patients with LGOC reported less depression (p = 0.018) and sleep disturbances (p = 0.014), but no significant difference in depressive mood (p = 0.11) or QOL (p = 0.51) compared to patients with HGOC, adjusting for age and disease stage. There were trends towards lower tumor cortisol levels (p = 0.078) in LGOC compared to HGOC. One-year post-diagnosis, we found a significant improvement in QOL and fatigue, and a decrease in vegetative depression and IL-6 levels irrespective of grade. ConclusionsWe present the first characterization of psychosocial experiences of patients with LGOC. Despite having a better disease prognosis, patients with LGOC were just as likely to have mood disturbances as those with HGOC. There was a trend towards differences in tumor cortisol by grade. Our findings highlight the need to address well-being in patients with both low- and high-grade ovarian malignancies.

Psychosocial Determinants of Oral Health Related to COVID-19 Infection in Myanmar Older Adults.

This study aims to investigate and compare the psychosocial and oral health factors among Myanmar older adults with and without a history of COVID-19 infection and assess the association between psychological factors and oral health outcomes among those with a history of COVID-19 infection. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 203 participants in Yangon from 2023 to 2024 using face-to-face interviews and clinical oral examinations. Participants with a history of COVID-19 infection experienced greater psychological distress and poorer oral health outcomes than those without such a history. In those who contracted COVID-19, depression positively associated with decayed teeth; decayed, missing, and filled permanent teeth (DMFT); and oral health impact profile-14 (OHIP-14), whereas negatively associated with present teeth. Anxiety positively related to decayed teeth, DMFT, and periodontal pockets. Stress negatively associated with decayed teeth, but positively with OHIP-14. Implementing oral health promotion programs and providing mental support for this vulnerable population are essential to improve their oral health and well-being.

Psychosocial Work Factors, Job Stress, and Self-Rated Health Among Hotel Housekeepers.

Hotel housekeeping is widely recognized as a poor-quality job due to its high demands and limited resources. Hotel housekeepers (HHs) face both hard physical work and mentally demanding conditions, yet psychosocial factors in this feminized and precarious occupation remain under-researched. To address this gap, this study examines HHs' exposure to psychosocial factors at work and their impact on job stress and self-rated health. A cross-sectional survey of a random sample of 926 HHs in the Balearic Islands (Spain) assessed job stress, self-rated health, psychosocial factors (job demands and resources), and sociodemographic variables using the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire II (COPSOQ-II) and the National Health Survey. Descriptive analysis and hierarchical linear regression models were applied. The prevalence of job stress was 61.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] = [57.8%, 64.1%]), while the prevalence of poor self-rated health was 59.9% (95% CI = [56.6%, 62.9%]). Hotel housekeepers were highly exposed to job demands such as intense work pace, job-specific stressors, work-life conflict, and emotional demands; highly available job resources were role clarity, task meaning, and social support. Regression models revealed work pace, work-life conflict, nationality, and weak leader support as key predictors of job stress; and work-life conflict and leadership quality as key predictors of self-rated health. Although considered an eminently physical job, psychosocial work factors play a key role in explaining HHs' job stress and self-rated health. Occupational health professionals should design workplace interventions to reduce work pace, mitigate work-life conflict, and enhance resources such as leader support, sense of community, and leadership quality.

Trauma-Based Sexually Dimorphic Changes in the Connectome and Its Association with Central Sensitization Syndromes—A Systematic Review

Background/Objectives: Chronic pain syndromes pose a significant global health challenge to patients and physicians with a complex relationship of biological and psychosocial factors that are only partly understood. Emerging research suggests an association between prenatal and childhood adversity and the development of somatic syndromes, particularly in females. This study aims to explore the relationship between sexual dimorphic epigenetic changes in the connectome and prenatal and early life adversity (ELA). Methods: A review of the existing literature was conducted, examining studies utilizing MRI to identify critical periods of environmental influence on neural phenotypes. Results: The findings indicate a significant association between prenatal and childhood adversity and the emergence of central sensitization syndromes, particularly among females. Notably, alterations in grey matter volume and neural connectivity patterns were observed, suggesting that early adverse experiences can influence pain signaling mechanisms. Conclusions: Understanding the role of sex differences in brain circuitry is crucial for developing personalized pain management strategies. This study highlights the importance of considering both biological and psychosocial factors in addressing chronic pain, as interventions based predominantly on male subjects may be less effective for females. Further research is warranted to explore these differences and refine therapeutic approaches.

Challenges and Opportunities in Managing Geriatric Depression: The Role of Personalized Medicine and Age-Appropriate Therapeutic Approaches

The global aging population has experienced rapid growth in recent decades, leading to an increased prevalence of psychiatric disorders, particularly depression, among older adults. Depression in the geriatric population is often compounded by chronic physical conditions and various psychosocial factors, significantly impacting their quality of life. The main question raised in this review is as follows: how can personalized medicine and age-appropriate therapeutic approaches improve the management of geriatric depression? This paper explores the epidemiology of geriatric depression, highlighting the influence of gender, race, and socioeconomic status on its prevalence. The classification and diagnosis of geriatric depressive disorders, based on ICD-11 and DSM-5 criteria, reveal the complexity of managing these conditions in older adults. Personalized medicine (PM) emerges as a promising approach, focusing on tailoring treatments to the individual’s genetic, clinical, and environmental characteristics. However, the application of PM in this demographic faces challenges, particularly in the context of pharmaceutical forms. The need for age-appropriate drug delivery systems is critical, given the prevalence of polypharmacy and issues such as dysphagia among the older patients. This study emphasizes the importance of developing patient-centric formulations to enhance the effectiveness of personalized therapy in geriatric patients.

A Novel Labeling Method of Physiological-based Pressure Pain Assessment Among Patients With and Without Chronic Low Back Pain

Pain, especially chronic pain, is a complicated and subjective experience, threatening global healthcare as one of the most severe health problems. Traditionally, pain is assessed by Visual Analog Scale to indicate the pain intensity by the patient’s self-report, causing them to become biased by various psychosocial factors. In this study, we performed two distinct labeling methods to assess the pressure pain in Quantitative Sensory Testing and to differentiate healthy controls and chronic low back pain patients: time period labels and percentage timestamp labels. Physiological signals such as blood volume pulse and galvanic skin response were collected. The time period labeling method was to segment via fixed time windows. The percentage timestamp labeling method was to select the timestamp labels based on the percentage of the threshold or the tolerance time. Both methods demonstrate different advantages when visualizing the information of different pain states and different participant groups.

Differences in Prevalence and Psychosocial Characteristics of Irritable Bowel Syndrome According to Rome III and Rome IV Criteria in Medical and Nursing Students.

In Korea, changes in the prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) after the Rome IV update have not been extensively studied. The aim of this study is to compare the prevalence and psychosocial risk factors of IBS according to Rome III and Rome IV criteria in medical and nursing students. From August 13, 2021 to October 22, 2021, participants were enrolled and surveyed online. The survey includes general and specific questions for disease diagnosis and regarding participants' social and psychological characteristics using the 36-item short form survey, the Brief Encounter Psychosocial Instrument-Korean version, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. In total, 338 medical students and 102 nursing students completed the survey. IBS was diagnosed in 78 students (17.7%) using Rome III criteria and in 51 students (11.6%) using Rome IV criteria. Significant differences in physical functioning score and severity score were observed between patients diagnosed using Rome IV criteria and patients diagnosed using Rome III criteria. Multiple logistic regression revealed that severity score (adjusted odds ratio = 1.01; 95% confidence interval: 1.00-1.21; P = 0.022) is the only predictor of IBS that differentiates Rome IV criteria from Rome III criteria. Even after updating the Rome IV diagnostic criteria, the prevalence of IBS in medical and nursing students in Korea remained high. Patients who met the Rome IV criteria had more severe symptoms and lower quality of life than patients who met the Rome III criteria.

Psychosocial factors mediate social inequalities in health-related quality of life among children and adolescents

BackgroundThe present analysis aimed to assess the mediating role of psychosocial and behavioural factors in socio-economic inequalities in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among children and adolescents.MethodsCross-sectional data was drawn from the randomly selected SEROCoV-KIDS cohort study in Geneva, Switzerland. Associations of socio-economic conditions (parents’ highest education, household financial situation) with HRQoL, psychosocial (parent–child relationship, school difficulties, friends, extracurricular activities) and behavioural factors (screen time, physical activity, green spaces time, sleep duration), along with associations of psychosocial and behavioural factors with HRQoL, were evaluated with generalized estimating equations. Counterfactual mediation analyses were conducted to test pathways linking socio-economic conditions to HRQoL.ResultsOf 965 children and 816 adolescents, those with disadvantaged financial circumstances were more likely to have a poor HRQoL (adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR]: 3.80; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.96–7.36 and aOR: 3.66; 95%CI: 2.06–6.52, respectively). Psychosocial characteristics mediated 25% (95%CI: 5–70%) and 40% (95%CI: 18–63%) of financial disparities in HRQoL among children and adolescents, respectively. Health behaviours were weakly patterned by socio-economic conditions and did not contribute to financial differences in HRQoL.ConclusionsThese findings provide empirical evidence for mechanisms explaining socio-economic disparities in child HRQoL and could inform interventions aimed to tackle health inequalities.

Online compulsive buying behavior and its association with internet addiction, self-esteem, impulsiveness, and emotional distress among nursing students

ABSTRACT Background: Compulsive buying behavior [CBB] or pathological buying (PB) is a psychiatric disorder of growing recognition and many psychosocial factors have been proposed to predispose or precipitate this predicament. Aim: To find out the association of compulsive buying behavior, emotional distress, self-esteem, internet addiction, and impulsiveness among nursing students. Materials and Methods: A web-based cross-sectional, online survey was conducted among nursing undergraduates to assess the association of compulsive buying behavior, emotional distress, self-esteem, internet addiction, and impulsiveness using total enumerative sampling from February 2024 to April 2024. Data were collected using self-administered PBS, IAT, Rosenberg self-esteem scale, BIS-Brief, and DASS-21 scales. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used. Frequency distribution, Bivariate correlation, and Multiple regression analysis were also used. Results: There were 410 participants with valid responses, and 207 [50.5%] fell into the category of pathological buying. The participant group “with pathological buying” was comparable with the group “not having pathological buying” in terms of sociodemographic statistics, preferred modality of purchasing stuff, and the “duration of daily internet use”. However, the DASS-21 and IAT scores were significantly higher among the participants “with pathological buying”. On regression analysis, both DASS and IAT scores were predicting the PBS scores. Conclusion: There is a significant association between pathological buying with internet addiction and psychological distress, but not with self-esteem, and impulsivity.

THE ROLE OF NURSING IN THE PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF CHILDHOOD OBESITY

Research on nursing interventions in the prevention and control of childhood obesity has addressed three main determinants: sedentary lifestyles, poor diet, and psychosocial and environmental factors. Through an integrative literature review, negative points associated with each determinant were identified, such as increased risk of obesity, nutritional deficiencies, social stigma, and lack of emotional support. However, several nursing interventions have been highlighted as effective in addressing these problems, including nutritional education, promotion of physical activity, psychosocial support, and advocacy for healthy environments. Authors such as Jardim (2017), Borfe et al. (2017), Serra et al. (2018), among others, have contributed significantly to the development of these strategies. The research highlights the role of nurses in promoting child health, highlighting the importance of a multidimensional and collaborative approach to prevent and control childhood obesity. In summary, the results obtained provide valuable insights to improve nursing practices, promoting healthy lifestyle habits, and combating the childhood obesity epidemic.