Psychosocial Situation Research Articles

Artificial Intelligence and employee's health - new challenges

The presence of artificial intelligence (AI) in many areas of social life is becoming widespread. The advantages of AI are being observed in medicine, commerce, automobiles, customer service, agriculture and production in factory settings, among others. Workers first encountered robots in the work environment in the 1960s. Since then, intelligent systems have become much more advanced. The expansion of AI functionality in the work environment exacerbates human health risks. These can be physical (lack of adequate machine control, accidents) or psychological (technostress, fear, automation leading to job exclusion, changes in the labour market, widening social differences). The purpose of this article is to identify, based on selected literature, possible applications of AI and the potential benefits and risks for humans. The main area of interest was the contemporary work environment and the health consequences associated with access to smart technologies. A key research area for us was the relationship between AI and increased worker control. In the article, the authors emphasize the importance of relevant EU legislation that guarantees respect for the rights of the employed. The authors put forward the thesis that the new reality with the widespread use of AI, requires an analysis of its impact on the human psycho-social and health situation. Thus, a legal framework defining the scope of monitoring and collection of sensitive data is necessary. Med Pr. 2023;74(3):227-33.

Quality of Life in HIV-Positive People in Poland Treated in the City of Bialystok: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The quality of life is one of the key factors in assessing the health status of HIV-positive individuals, with its improvement considered an important goal of treatment. Assessment of the quality of life helps accurately evaluate the impact of diseases and treatment on the patient's life. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of life of HIV-positive people in Poland using the example of patients treated in the Observation and Infection Clinic with the Subunit for HIV/AIDS Patients of the University Clinical Hospital in Bialystok, based on the evaluation of HIV-positive status acceptance in HIV patients as well as sociometric variables such as age, gender and marital status. A total of 147 patients participated in this study, including 104 men (70.7%) and 43 women (29.3%). This study was conducted between May 2019 and January 2020 in the Observation and Infection Clinic with the Subunit for HIV/AIDS Patients with the Consultation and Diagnostic Centre at the Teaching Hospital of the Medical University of Bialystok. This study used a diagnostic survey method with a modified questionnaire "Psychosocial Situation of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Poland" by Dr. Magdalena Ankiersztejn-Bartczak and the following standardised psychometric tools: the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF), Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS) and Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). The majority of respondents (60%) reported no significant changes in their lives as a result of HIV infection. Gender was not a differentiating factor in the quality of life of people living with HIV. The variation in psychometric measures within the female and male groups was far greater than the difference between them. Marital status clearly differentiated the quality of life. The following conclusions were drawn from this study: The surveyed HIV patients presented a moderate level of quality of life, which was mainly determined by marital status. Higher quality of life was presented by married persons. Duration of infection was not correlated with quality of life. The level of acceptance of HIV infection was relatively high among respondents. A higher level of HIV acceptance was associated with a higher quality of life. The respondents presented a relatively poor level of satisfaction with life. Changing jobs, going on disability, relationship breakdown, not having a family of their own and losing friends were the key HIV-related changes in the lives of the respondents.

The Optimization of Children’s Autism Psychosocial Service on Online School Learning

The study aimed to describe and analyze APA psychosocial conditions during online schooling and learning strategies at SLBB. This research was conducted at SLBB & Autis TPA Jember by monitoring the psychosocial situation of autistic children while studying at home to find out what programs or services can support children’s psychosocial support even though it is implemented online. This type of research uses descriptive with a qualitative approach—determination of location using the purposive area. The informant determination technique uses purposive sampling. The data collection techniques were applied with observations, interviews, and documentation. Data analysis techniques include data collection, reduction, presentation, conclusion, and verification. Data validity techniques use source triangulation and methods. The study results show a tendency for psychosocial disorders to occur in children while studying online, but it can be overcome with psychosocial services. This disorder affects the behavioral and emotional conditions of children who are increasingly out of control at home. Therefore, to overcome this difficulty, the teacher provides services that can improve psychosocial disorders in autistic students. The services provided include educational suggestions not to consume foods that cause excessive activity, education for independent living so that students can be trusted not to violate rules, and wearing soft clothes. The function of these services is to control emotions by selecting the right teacher so that students want to obey positive commands that are good for them, and students also consume herbal drinks so that emotions can be controlled more. Then the psychosocial services strategies that are used online is to overcome difficulties experienced by students while at home, including selecting or changing homework assignments that can develop students’ interest and talents, home visit, and valuable educational content on TV so that children’s development continues to run optimally and is ready to interact out on time.

Easing pandemic-related restrictions, easing psychosocial stress factors in families with infants and toddlers? Cross-sectional results of the three wave CoronabaBY study from Germany

BackgroundFamilies with young children are particularly vulnerable for the stressors induced by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, studies on their psychosocial situation during the course of the crisis are still sparse.MethodsIn a comparison of three survey waves (wave I and III = high COVID-19 incidences), we cross-sectionally investigated the proportion of families (Ntotal = 2940) with children aged 0–3 years experiencing pandemic burden, parenting stress, and parental and child mental health problems in relation to COVID-19 incidences and restrictions in Southern Germany via validated questionnaires. Potential influencing factors were also explored.ResultsThe number of parents with a high pandemic burden decreased over the course of the pandemic with a peak of 65.3% in wave I (significant changes except wave II versus III). Participants with high parenting stress significantly increased from 38.2% in wave I to 51.2% in wave III. The number of parents with symptoms of depression and anxiety remained constantly high with a maximum of 28.4% being affected. Infants with crying/sleeping problems increased significantly from 26.4% in wave I to 35.5% in wave III. Toddlers’ emotional and behavioral problems showed a peak of 23.9% in wave III (no significant changes). Increased family conflicts were the strongest predictor for parenting stress (ß = 0.355), maternal (ß = 0.305), infants’ (ß = 0.149) and toddlers’ (ß = 0.216) mental health problems during the pandemic.ConclusionsPsychosocial stress factors in families with infants and toddlers remained highly pronounced and even partly increased irrespective of pandemic events. The findings suggest a staggered negative impact of pandemic-related factors on young children’s mental health. Promoting infants’ mental health as well as strengthening parental resources by reducing parenting stress should be a top healthcare priority in the aftermath of COVID-19.Trial registration The study was pre-registered in OSF (https://osf.io/search/?q=tksh5&page=1)

A methodological framework allows the identification of personomic markers to consider when designing personalized interventions

ObjectivesTo develop a methodological framework to identify and prioritize personomic markers (e.g., psychosocial situation, beliefs…) to consider for personalizing interventions and to test in smoking cessation interventions. Study Design and Setting(1) We identified potential personomic markers considered in protocols of personalized interventions, in reviews of predictors of smoking cessation, and in interviews with general practitioners. (2) Physicians, and patient smokers or former smokers selected the markers they considered most relevant during online paired comparison experiments. Data were analyzed with Bradley Terry Luce models. ResultsThirty-six personomic markers were identified from research evidence. They were evaluated by 795 physicians (median age: 34, IQR [30–38]; 95% general practitioners) and 793 patients (median age: 54, IQR [42–64], 71.4% former smokers) during 11,963 paired comparisons. Physicians identified patients' motivation for quitting (e.g., Prochaska stages), patients' preferences, and patients’ fears and beliefs (e.g., concerns about weight gain) as the most relevant elements to personalize smoking cessation. Patients considered their motivation for quitting, smoking behavior (e.g., smoking at home/at work), and tobacco dependence (e.g., Fagerström Test) as the most relevant elements to consider. ConclusionWe provide a methodological framework to prioritize which personomic markers should be considered when developing smoking cessation interventions.

Results of a tailored multimodal lifestyle follow-up care program focusing on physical activity, nutritional behavior and psychological processes in adolescent and young adult cancer survivors: The CARE for CAYA multicenter, randomized clinical trial.

12002 Background: The aim of the CARE for CAYA-program (CFC-P) was to implement a multimodal lifestyle program in addition to medical follow-up care for child, adolescents and young adult cancer survivors (CAYAs). Methods: The CFC-P was a multicenter program with an initial randomized clinical trial (RCT) comparing need-based modular interventions to usual care for CAYAs aged between 15 and 39. A comprehensive assessment (questionnaires and medical examination) was conducted to determine individual needs regarding nutrition, physical activity and psycho-oncology. If “high need” was identified, CAYAs could take part in up to three modules over 12 months. In the intervention group (IG), each module included five consultations plus newsletters. The control group (CG) included one baseline counseling in each module. The primary outcome was defined as the rate of CAYAs with “high need(s)” after 12 months of intervention. Secondary outcomes included feasibility, cost-effectiveness, modular-specific endpoints, quality of life (QoL) and fatigue. Results: 791 CAYAs were included at 14 German CAYA survivorship clinics from December 2017 to March 2021. Most common tumor types were lymphoma 26.8% (n = 211), sarcoma 13.2% (n = 104) and leukemia 10.0% (n = 79). 58.0% (n = 457) were female, median age was 23.9 years, time since end of tumor specific therapy was < 5 years in 54.4%, > 5 years in 21.2%, > 10 years in 11.5% and > 15 years in 12.9% of patients (median: 57.0 months). 86.2% (n = 679) reported an initial “high need” in at least one module. After 52 weeks, 83.9% (n = 396 of 472 evaluable participants) continued to report or developed a “high need”: 59.3% (n = 235) in IG and non-randomized cohort, 28.8% (n = 114) in CG and 12.7% (n = 47) with no initial “high need”. 357 participants were evaluable in the RCT (63% (n = 226) female, median age 25.0 years). 26.2% (n = 94) reported a “high need” in one, 35.7% (n = 128) in two and 37.6% (n = 135) in three modules. 271 patients could be analyzed at 52 weeks, 87.0% of IG (n = 120 of 138) and 86.5% of CG (n = 115 of 133) continued to have at least one “high need”. The primary outcome did not differ significantly between groups (p = .905). However, both showed an increase of QoL and a reduction of fatigue. Conclusions: In the CFC-P, the feasibility of a large trial to regularly assess lifestyle habits and the psychosocial situation and determine the efficacy of a need based multimodal interventions in CAYAs was demonstrated. Although a high need for support was revealed in this population, no significant changes with the applied interventions were noted after 12 months. The obtained data will guide the development and implementation of multimodal interventions in long term follow up of CAYAs. Clinical trial information: DRKS00012504 .

체육계 고학력 경력단절 여성의 역할전환에 따른 적응과정 탐색

Objectives The purpose of this study is to understand the structural and psychosocial situation of the women, and provide the fundamental resources to build educational, sociocultural, systematic environment to help the smooth adaptation and self-development, improvement process of the women. Methods This study selected 6 participants based on the theoretical sampling method and conducted in-depth interview. As for the analysis, the study adopted 2-step analysis proposed by Strauss and Corbin(1998), and conducted open coding, axial coding and also conducted member check and peer debriefing in entire process of analysis and interpretation to secure the veracity of the data. Results For As the result, total 117 concepts, 25 subcategories and 15 categories were deduced from ‘categorization of adaptation process according to the role changes of highly-educated women in physical education’. The study conducted category analysis in accordance with paradigm on axis coding, ‘structuralization of adaptation process according to the role changes of highly-educated women in physical education’, arranged categories on 6 elements, confirmed the characteristics and dimension of each element, conducted the process analysis to draw up 4 stages. Conclusions In conclusion, it was confirmed that highly-educated women in physical education with career breaks endured difficult times to adapt to given situation and role, and formed stability in life and satisfaction by planning for future and participating in various activities.

Individual and environmental factors in internalizing disorders in children and adolescents.

Literature has emphasized the role of biopsychosocial factors in internalizing disorders; however, the role of developmental competencies of a child have not been explored much in this context. The current study aimed to understand the differences in developmental competencies, temperament, parenting practices and psychosocial adversities between children with and without internalizing disorders. The sample consisted of 200 children and adolescents aged seven to 18 years, with equal number of those with and without an internalizing disorder; and one of their parents. Psychopathology, temperament, interpersonal competence, emotion regulation, executive function, self-concept, adaptive behaviour, parenting practices, life events, family environment and abnormal psychosocial situations were measured using standardized tools. Discriminant analysis revealed that temperamental domains of sociability and rhythmicity, developmental competencies of adaptive behaviour and self-concept, parenting practices involving father's involvement and overall positive parenting differentiated the clinical and control groups better. Among psychosocial adversities, family environment domains of cohesion and organization, and subjective stress from life events and abnormal psychosocial situations were the most important discriminators. The current study reveals that specific individual factors involving temperament and developmental competencies and environmental factors involving parenting practices and psychosocial adversities are significantly associated with internalizing disorders. This has implications for the mental health care of children and adolescents with internalizing disorders.

Disadvantaged Family's Quality of Life and Psychosocial Environment on Growth and Development of Infants

Stunting, a condition characterized by poor growth and development, has become a significant public health concern in Indonesia. Therefore, the current study adopts a correlational design and aims to explore the relationship between family quality of life, psychosocial environment, and the growth and development of under-two-year-old infants from low socioeconomic status. To conduct the study, 720 mothers were selected through cluster sampling in Pandeglang Regency. Family quality of life and psychosocial environment were measured using the BC-FQoL and HOME-SF tools, respectively. Nutritional status was determined based on height-for-age (H/A) and weight-for-age (W/A) to evaluate growth and development. The results showed that there was no significant relationship between family quality of life, psychosocial environment, and nutritional status. Weight-for-age had a weak but significant relationship with emotional well-being, family interaction, and emotional psychosocial stimulation. Height-for-age was only related to emotional well-being, indicating the need to consider the psychosocial situation and family involvement in caring for infants.

Knowledge assessment of the employees in Heart Center about the Psychological risk of the occupation in Al-Nasiriyah - Dhi-Qar Governorate during COVID 19 Pandemic: A cross-section study

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a massive psychosocial situation for healthcare professionals due toworkplace conditions. This study is to assess the knowledge of employees in Al-Nasiriyah heart center about psychological risk ofoccupational hazard during COVID-19 pandemic. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study includes random sample of 300 employee from Al-Nasiriyah heart center. A questionnaire was constructed according to five-point Likert scales by direct interviews. Results: 94.3% of employees’ response of knowledge about psychological risk of was found to be at statement number six “During Corona pandemic, as a health-care provider, you are afraid of transferring the infection to family members”. While 28% was found to be with the statement number 14: “The decision makers at the institution provide psychological support to the cadre at the heart center through material privileges and praise for their performance.” A statistical significance was found in the employees’ responses for all the statements included in the assessment except for the tenth one: "During Corona pandemic, as a health care provider, you feel afraid of quarantine and isolation": and statement number 13: "During Corona pandemic, as a health care provider, you feel job dissatisfaction as a result of work pressures".Conclusions: most of employees in Al Nasiriyah Heart Center have good knowledge about the psychologicalhazard at the work place during COVID-19 pandemic including stress, fair from infection and fatigue from workloads.

Nephrology-tailored geriatric assessment as decision-making tool in kidney failure.

Dialysis might not benefit all older patients with kidney failure, particularly those with multimorbid conditions and frailty. Patients' and healthcare professionals' awareness of the presence of geriatric impairments could improve outcomes by tailoring treatment plans and decisions for individual patients. We aimed to explore the perspectives of patients and healthcare professionals on nephrology-tailored geriatric assessment to fuel decision-making for treatment choices in older patients with kidney failure. In an exploratory qualitative study using focus groups, participants discussed perspectives on the use and value of nephrology-tailored geriatric assessment for the decision-making process to start or forego dialysis. Patients (n = 18) with kidney failure, caregivers (n = 4), and professionals (n = 25) were purposively sampled from 10 hospitals. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and inductively analysed using thematic analysis. Three main themes emerged that supported or impeded decision-making in kidney failure: (1) patient psycho-social situation; (2) patient-related factors on modality choice; (3) organisation of health care. Patients reported feeling vulnerable due to multiple chronic conditions, old age, experienced losses in life and their willingness to trade longevity for quality of life. Professionals recognised the added value of nephrology-tailored geriatric assessment in three major themes: (i) facilitating continual holistic assessment, (ii) filling the knowledge gap, and (iii) uncovering important patient characteristics. nephrology-tailored geriatric assessment was perceived as a valuable tool to identify geriatric impairments in older patients with kidney failure. Integration of its outcomes can facilitate a more holistic approach to inform choices and decisions about kidney replacement therapy.

Lost in translation? A qualitative study of representations and management of chronic depression in general practice

BackgroundGPs are on the front line for the identification and management of chronic depression but not much is known of their representations and management of chronic depression.ObjectivesTo analyze GPs’ representations of chronic depression and to explore how they manage it.MethodsThree focus groups were conducted with 22 French-speaking general practitioners in Switzerland. The focus groups were transcribed and coded with MaxQDA. A detailed content analysis was carried out and the results were synthesized into a conceptual map.ResultsGPs form representations of chronic depression at the intersection of expert and lay knowledge. When talking about patients suffering from chronic depression, GPs mention middle-aged women with complex psychosocial situations and somatic complaints. GPs’ management of chronic depression relies on the relationship with their patients, but also on taking care of them as a whole: psyche, body and social context. GPs often feel helpless and lonely when confronted with a patient with chronic depression. They insist on the importance of collaboration and supervision. As regards chronic depression management, GPs remain alone with patients suffering from complex biopsychosocial situations. In other situations, GPs seek the help of a psychiatrist, sometimes quickly, sometimes after a long approach. In each situation, GPs have to develop skills for translating patients’ complaints.ConclusionGPs endorse a role of interpreter, making the physical presentation of their patient complaints move towards a psychological appreciation. Our results call for a renewed interest in GPs’ role as interpreters and the means to achieve it.

Quality of Life, Physical and Mental Health, and Economic Evaluation of Family Caregivers of Chronic Dependent Children: INFAPRINT Cohort Study Protocol.

Caregivers for children with complex chronic illnesses may experience emotional and physical strain, especially as concerns attention overload and the perceptions of their own psychosocial situation. These concerns, together with the additional financial cost and the socioeconomic inequalities that arise from caregiving responsibilities, create major challenges to the health status of this population group. A prospective analytical longitudinal study will be conducted, based on an exposed cohort of adult caregivers (parents or guardians) for children with complex chronic processes, to evaluate the impact of caregiving responsibilities on the health status of this population group. The practical implications of this study are of great significance for clinical practice. The results of this study have the potential to inform the decision-making process in the healthcare sector and guide future research initiatives. The findings of this study will provide crucial insights into the health-related quality of life of caregivers of children with complex chronic illnesses, which will be valuable in addressing the challenges faced by this population group. This information can be used to improve the availability and accessibility of appropriate health services and to facilitate the development of more equitable health outcomes for caregivers of children with complex chronic illnesses. By highlighting the extent to which this population is affected both physically and mentally, the study can contribute to the development of clinical practices that prioritize the health and well-being of caregivers in the care of children with complex chronic illnesses.

Caring for a Child with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia Diagnosed by Newborn Screening: Parental Health-Related Quality of Life, Coping Patterns, and Needs.

Diagnosing a child by newborn screening with classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency (CAH) causes multiple challenges for the affected parents and the whole family. We aimed to examine the health-related Quality of Life (HrQoL), coping, and needs of parents caring for a child with CAH to develop demand-responsive interventions for improving the psychosocial situation of affected families. In a retrospective cross-sectional design, we assessed HrQoL, coping patterns, and the needs of parents caring for a CAH-diagnosed child using specific questionnaires. Data of 59 families with at least one child diagnosed with CAH were analyzed. The results show that mothers and fathers in this study reached significantly higher HrQoL scores compared to reference cohorts. Decisive for the above-average parental HrQoL were effective coping behaviors and the parental needs being met. These findings verify the importance of helpful coping patterns and rapid fulfillment of parental needs for maintaining a good and stable HrQoL of parents with a child diagnosed with CAH. It is crucial to strengthen the parental HrQoL to build a reasonable basis for a healthy upbringing and improve the medical care of CAH-diagnosed children.

Long-term Outcome of Pediatric Liver Transplant Recipients Who Have Reached Adulthood: A Single-center Experience.

As long-term survival of pediatric liver transplant recipients increases, the assessment of physical, psychological, and social well-being becomes more important. In this retrospective analysis, 120 young adult patients (age ≥18 y) who underwent liver transplantation in childhood were studied. Patients with ideal outcome were defined as patients with perfect graft function, with no complications from the immunosuppressive medication, no late retransplantation, and no steroid treatment. Also, the patients' drug adherence and their psychosocial situation were assessed. After a median follow-up of 19 y, only 16.7% of the patients (mean age: 26.5 y) were considered patients with ideal outcome. The main reasons precluding ideal outcome were chronic kidney disease (38.3%), elevated liver enzymes (33.3%), and arterial hypertension (31.7%). Ideal outcome decreased over time from 54% to 42%, 26%, and 8% at 10-, 15-, 20-, and 25-y follow-up, respectively. Reduced drug adherence was noted in 24.8% of patients and associated with a significantly higher prevalence of donor-specific antibodies class II ( P = 0.015), elevated transaminases ( P = 0.010), and chronic rejection ( P < 0.001). Also, 15% of patients had a psychiatric disease, mainly depression. The morbidity of young adults who underwent liver transplantation as children was high and increased over time. The majority developed complications from immunosuppression or chronic graft dysfunction. More than 1 in 7 patients had a psychiatric disease and 1 in 4 was not perfectly drug adherent. Therefore, immunosuppressive treatment and psychological care should be optimized for these particularly vulnerable patients.

Multi-inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) associated with COVID-19: a nursing perspective experience report from a high-income tertiary paediatric hospital context

BackgroundIn the midst of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, a new disease that affects children has arisen called multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). Several research articles focusing on its medical aspects have been published, but very few have focused on nursing care. The aim of this study was therefore to describe the nursing status of children suffering from MIS-C and the experiences of registered nurses (RNs) in caring for these children in paediatric hospital inpatient care.Methods The study design includes both quantitative nursing clinical record data and qualitative interview data. Quantitative data from the clinical records were analysed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data analysis of the interviews was conducted using both deductive and inductive approaches with content analysis.ResultsIn total, 47 clinical records from children with MIS-C were investigated during January–March 2021. The mean age of the children was 8.8 years. Boys were more affected than girls. Challenges in children’s nursing status were related to circulation (fever and swelling), nutrition (great thirst and loss of appetite), pain, and psychosocial situations. When caring for children with MIS-C, nurses experienced “frustration over uncertainty of care”, “children’s illbeing” and “unavoidable procedures”.ConclusionThis study contributes knowledge to the ongoing nursing care of children suffering from MIS-C. The results show many different areas of nursing focus, which challenges nurses and other disciplines within paediatric hospital care. One important factor when caring for these children was the use of a central venous line early in the care process, which improved the quality of care. Moreover, the care of children suffering from MIS-C demands resources and time from healthcare professionals, especially RNs, to meet caring needs and reduce illbeing.

Under pressure - The working situation of Swedish healthcare managers during the first wave of COVID-19.

The aim of this study is to provide insight into the psychosocial work situation of hospital managers during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Mixed-effect modelling was used on survey data on job demands, job resources, job motivation, and work-life balance among over 500 managers working in 55 departments of a large Swedish university hospital in 2019 and 2020. Responses from 6011 employees were then used to stratify the analysis for COVID-19 exposure. Inductive content analysis was applied to open-ended questions on the managers' views on organisational prerequisites during the onset of the pandemic. The proportion of managers reporting difficulties with role clarity, quantitative demands, decision-making authority, and emotional support, time for recovery at work, motivation deficits, or problems with work-life balance clearly increased during the first wave of the pandemic. The proportion of managers reporting negative responses was higher in departments with high COVID-19 exposure. The qualitative analysis shows that overall governance in terms of clear, fair, and well-communicated routines, resource allocation, and division of responsibilities constituted an important framework for managerial during the crisis. First-line managers also require a mandate to re-organize their roles and their teams to successfully adapt to the situation. Organisational and social support was also important resources. This is the first study investigating healthcare managers' work situation during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in a Swedish context. As expected, it indicates an increasingly strained work situation during the crisis, but it also provides findings on organisational prerequisites that allow healthcare managers to cope with stressful situations. In line with previous research on organisational resilience, the study provides suggestions for how higher-level managers can act in order to provide front-line managers with the organisational prerequisites they need to adapt, learn and develop successfully during times of unpredictability, insecurity, and rapid change in order to offer the best possible support to health care workers.

Gender and arson: psychosocial, psychological, and somatic offender characteristics at the time of the crime

ABSTRACT Deliberate fire-setting, such as the crime of arson, can have devastating, even lethal, consequences. This study compared factors at the time of arson by female and male offenders in Sweden between 2000–2010. The women (n = 100), and men (n = 100) included in this study were randomly chosen from among all individuals who had been convicted for arson during this period and who underwent forensic psychiatric investigations. Information regarding psychiatric and somatic characteristics, their psychosocial situation, and whether they were in contact with health or social services before the arsons were examined. The results showed that both women and men have complex psychiatric and somatic characteristics, as well as psychosocial situations. Women showed more self-destructive behaviour, lower Global Assessment of Functioning scores, and had been in contact with psychiatric health services to a greater extent than men. More women than men had children. These findings suggest that specific actions may be needed for preventing and treating women compared with men at risk for committing arson.

CARE PRACTICES AND CHALLENGES EXPERIENCED BY PUBLIC HEALTH NURSES DURING ACUTE AND CHRONIC PANDEMIC PERIOD

Aim: This study aimed to determine the challenges experienced by Public Health Nurses (PHN) in delivering care to society during the acute and chronic periods of the pandemic and different care application methods. Method: This qualitative and descriptive study was conducted between January and February 2022. Phenomenological approach was used as a qualitative research method. The sample of the study consisted of 21 public health nurses working in family health centers. Data were obtained with a semi-structured interview form and descriptive information form containing sociodemographic characteristics. The interviews were recorded. Malterud's analysis method used in qualitative data analysis. Results: Four main themes were identified as "psychosocial situation, measures/precautions, difficulties, and solution methods" regarding care practices and challenges experienced by PHN during acute and chronic periods of a pandemic. Thirteen sub-themes under these main themes were differentiated according to acute and chronic periods. The mean age, and duration of working of PHNs participating in the study was 37.8 and 16.3 years, respectively. Conclusion: PHNs were negatively affected psychologically due to prejudices, fears, and uncertainty during the acute period of the pandemic, and in the chronic period, they faced aggressive, impatient, and anti-vax attitudes of the public. While during the acute period, telephone monitoring, telemedicine management, and difficulties in persuading the public were at the forefront of care practices, education, guidance, and counseling services for long-term health problems of people became a priority in the chronic period.

Talking about the Vaccine after the Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study among Youth in Turkey and Ethical Issues

Examining the factors that affect the vaccination rate among young people in an ethical frame can support vaccination promotion. Therefore, this study will elaborate, through an ethical lens, on young people's hesitation about and decisions regarding getting vaccinated. The cross-sectional study was conducted with 2428 people aged 15-30 in Turkey in June 2022. The questionnaire included the following subtitles: psycho-social situation, health services and health policies, COVID-19 vaccine, and predictions about life and health after the pandemic. The average age was 22.9 years. In the study sample, 80% were vaccinated, while 20% were not. Vaccinated participants acted more cautiously to protect their health. Receiving accurate and sufficient information on proposed vaccines affects vaccination status. The primary reason for getting vaccinated was "to protect their health, families, and relatives", and the primary reason for not getting vaccinated was "not trusting the vaccine content or the country where the vaccine was produced". Specifically, those vaccinated felt more relaxed physically, psychologically, and socially. In addition, the expectations for the future of those vaccinated were significantly higher. Accurate and adequate information is essential for reducing vaccine hesitancy. In addition, promoting prosocial behaviors in young people and highlighting related values will support vaccination.