Social Functioning Research Articles

Analysis of the Status Quo and Influencing Factors of Advanced Lung Cancer Patients’ Quality of Life

Objective: To investigate the quality of life and related influencing factors of patients with advanced lung cancer. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 51 patients with advanced lung cancer who were hospitalized in the Department of Oncology from January 2023 to December 2023, and the influencing factors of patients’ quality of life were analyzed. Results: Among the five functional scales (physical, role, cognitive, emotional, and social functioning) of the QLQ-C30 scale, the social and emotional function scores were the lowest, respectively 16.7 (IQR: 0, 33.3) points, and 16.7 (IQR: 8.3, 25), and among the three symptom scales (fatigue, pain, nausea and vomiting), the fatigue symptom score was the highest: 77.7 (IQR: 66.7, 88.9) points. The results of Spearman correlation analysis showed that the anxiety score of patients with advanced lung cancer was positively correlated with depression score (P < 0.01), while the quality of life of patients with advanced lung cancer was not correlated with anxiety and depression score (P > 0.1). The self-care ability, the nature of the disease, and whether the patient was treated for chemotherapy were the independent influencing factors of the patient’s quality of life, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Patients with advanced lung cancer have different degrees of anxiety and depression, and their quality of life is affected by many factors, which are mainly related to the patient’s self-care ability, the nature of the disease, and whether they received chemotherapy.

Pengembangan Taman untuk Meningkatkan Integrasi Lingkungan Hijau di Universitas Sunan Giri Surabaya

The development of the park at Sunan Giri University Surabaya aims to improve the integration of the green environment on campus through the utilization of ecological, social, cultural, economic, and aesthetic functions of the park as a green open space. This research uses the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) method to develop the park as a green space at Sunan Giri University Surabaya. The ABCD method focuses on utilizing community assets, such as available land and the support of the academic community, to design parks that function ecologically, aesthetically, socially, and economically. Through observation and focus group discussions, community needs and potentials were identified for garden planning. Project implementation was carried out in stages involving active participation from the campus community. The results showed that the developed garden successfully improved the aesthetics and tidiness of the campus environment and supported social and cultural functions. The evaluation showed that the success of the program was influenced by community support and land availability, despite challenges such as dry soil conditions. The development of this garden is expected to become a model of environmental sustainability and strengthen the university's image as an institution that cares about the environment.

Social sustainability: Viability analysis of social firms

AbstractSocial enterprises are firms that actively create jobs for people with disabilities and reduce social and labour inequalities, thereby participating in the social economy. Due to their importance to society and the work they do towards diversity integration and social sustainability, they have recently attracted much attention in academic literature. For this reason, the main objective of this study was to analyse the survival of social enterprises, identifying key variables that condition their continuity in the market or their failure. The initial sample consisted of 999 social enterprises for the year 2022. The Altman Z‐score and artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms were used to obtain the basic survival patterns. The main findings were that, on average, social enterprises are highly experienced companies and only one‐third of them are at risk of bankruptcy. This means that most of these enterprises can continue their social function. Moreover, the results of return on assets (ROA), equity and debt turnover can predict being at risk of bankruptcy of social enterprises. This study contributes to the scarce academic literature on social enterprises and promotes the existence of such enterprises for social and economic sustainability.

Long-term neurocognitive follow-up in children with traumatic brain injury: A literature review and monocentric cohort study

Children with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) may experience long-term cognitive sequelae. However, previous study results have been controversial. It remains unclear whether clinical follow-up is useful, how long patients should be followed-up, and which psychological dimensions should be investigated. Herein, we described neurocognitive evolution in a small sample of Italian children who were hospitalized for mTBI and systematically reviewed the existing evidence in this setting. In total, 15 children aged 4 – 16 (median, 9) years who were evaluated for mTBI at our institution between March 2017 and September 2018 were retrospectively enrolled. All patients underwent computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging for clinical reasons; moreover, they underwent neurocognitive evaluation within few days from the event (T0), after 3 – 6 months (T1), and after 18 – 24 months (T2). Neuropsychological assessment included the Child Behavior Checklist, Developmental Neuropsychology Assessment II Edition, and Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children. An electronic search was conducted to identify studies published in the past 12 years. Neurocognitive assessments revealed low scores in memory, sensorimotor, and social perception tasks at T1 and T2. Univariate analysis of neuroradiological and clinical findings revealed no risk factors for cognitive deficits. Overall, 17 studies involving 1336 children were reviewed and analyzed. Following mTBI, psychiatric disorders were frequently newly diagnosed and were associated with significant deficits in adaptive functioning and other pre-injury psychosocial risk factors. Our study findings demonstrate that children with mTBI exhibit subtle persistent cognitive difficulties that may affect academic and social functioning. Thus, follow-up using extensive neuropsychological evaluation is essential.

Hematopoietic Cell Transplant compared with Standard Care in Adolescents and Young Adults with Sickle Cell Disease

Disease-modifying therapies are standard of care (SOC) for sickle cell disease (SCD), but hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) has curative potential. We compared outcomes prospectively through 2-years after biologic assignment to a Donor or No Donor (SOC) Arm based on the availability of an HLA-matched sibling or unrelated donor (BMTCTN 1503; NCT02766465). A donor search was commenced after eligibility confirmation. The primary endpoint was the comparison of survival 2 years after biologic assignment between treatment arms. Power calculations required 60 participants on the Donor Arm and 140 on the No Donor Arm to determine if early transplant-related mortality might be balanced by disease-related mortality over a longer period of follow-up. Secondary objectives compared changes in SCD-related events, functional outcomes, and organ function. Data were analyzed by the intent-to-treat principle. A total of 113 participants were enrolled, 28 on the Donor and 85 on the No Donor Arm The 2-year probabilities of survival were 89% and 93%, on the Donor and No Donor Arms, respectively. Vaso-occlusive pain (VOC) was less frequent on the Donor Arm in the second year after biologic assignment (p < 0.001). On PROMIS-57 surveys there was decreased fatigue (p=0.003) and an increased ability to participate in social roles and activities (p=0.003) on the Donor Arm 2-years after biologic assignment. Differences in other secondary outcomes did not reach statistical significance. Barriers to accrual prevented an objective comparison of survival. Assignment to the Donor Arm led to improvements in VOC, fatigue, and social function.

Cost-utility and clinical outcome analysis of surgery or oral corticosteroids treatment in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps

Background: Surgery and oral corticosteroids are recommended therapies for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) patients who are nonresponsive to intranasal corticosteroid treatment. Objective: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of these 2 treatments in terms of improving sinus-related symptoms, enhancing quality of life, and economic costs and duration costs. Methods: This prospective study enrolled CRSwNP patients. All participants were instructed to complete the 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22), visual analog scale, and 36-item short-form (SF-36) questionnaire at baseline and 3 months after treatment. The nasal polyp score (NPS) was assessed via endoscopic examination. Additionally, patients were requested to maintain records of economic direct costs, other indirect costs, and duration costs throughout the 3-month period and to report them during each follow-up visit. Results: A total of 40 patients who underwent surgery or received oral corticosteroids were enrolled in this study. After 3 months of treatment, significant improvements were observed between baseline and 3 months after treatment in the NPS, total SNOT-22 score, and nasal congestion, runny nose, facial pain, olfactory function, and overall symptoms measured. Only headache and sleep order were improved in the surgery group. Both physical functioning and general health, as measured by the SF-36, improved after both treatments, and the role-physical, bodily pain, and social functioning domains of the SF-36 improved only in the surgery group. The changes in the NPS, nasal congestion, runny nose, olfactory function, and sleep disorders in the surgery group were greater than those in the oral corticosteroid group (P values = 0.0003, 0.0092, 0.0258, 0.0284, and 0.0164, respectively). Changes in the total SNOT-22 score and SF-36 subscores were not different between the 2 treatment groups. The direct economic costs and duration costs of surgical treatment were 4.5 times and 17.0 times higher, respectively, than those of oral corticosteroid treatment. Conclusions: Both surgical and oral corticosteroid treatments effectively improved clinical symptoms and quality of life in patients with CRSwNP. Patients who underwent surgery exhibited greater improvements in sinus-related symptoms. Nevertheless, oral corticosteroid treatment presented notable advantages in terms of economic cost and duration cost of disease-related care.

“Look not thou upon the wine…”. Wine Drinking in Proverbs 23:19–35 in Light of the Book of Sirach

This article examines the motif of wine drinking in didactic biblical wisdom literature from a synchronic perspective, using an analogy between two textual units in the Book of Proverbs in light of the Book of Sirach. The complex literary and social functions of the motif of wine drinking and its significance for ancient Israelite society are examined. The first part of the article focuses on Prov 23, which presents the didactic wisdom approach to drinking wine, consisting mainly of warnings and cautions to youth regarding wine and its consequences for the community. The second part compares this didactic approach to the hybrid approach of the Book of Sirach, where didactic precepts appear beside a cultural portrayal of wine drinking as a joyful and accepted tradition. The author of this article claims that this complex attitude is rooted in using the wine-drinking motif in biblical wisdom literature to reflect the social reality in ancient Israel.

Integrated, person-centred care for patients with complex cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease; a randomized trial

Abstract Background Patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes mellitus (DM), and chronic kidney disease (CKD) often experience fragmented care, which negatively impacts outcomes and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This study assessed whether multidisciplinary, person-centred care at an integrated clinic improves clinical outcomes and HRQoL. Methods This prospective, open, blinded-endpoint trial (CareHND; NCT03362983) included 131 patients with CVD, DM, and CKD stages 3–4, most of whom were enrolled during or shortly after acute hospitalization. The intervention group received person-centred care from cardiologists, nephrologists, endocrinologists, and specialist nurses at an integrated clinic; the control group received traditional care from separate specialists. Primary disease progression outcome was the composite of major adverse renal and cardiovascular events (MARCE) including death, heart failure (HF) readmission, myocardial infarction, PCI/CABG, acute or end-stage kidney failure, or TIA/stroke at 2 years. Co-primary person-centred outcomes was self-reported HRQoL by RAND-36. Results In a pre-specified interim analysis, patients randomized to integrated care had lower eGFR and higher NT-proBNP than traditional care. Follow-up ranged from 2.0 to 5.7 years. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed no difference in MARCE between groups. Cox-regression adjusting for baseline differences, indicated a trend towards reduced HF hospitalisations for integrated care (HR 0.53; CI 0.28–1.01; P = 0.054). Integrated care improved Role Physical and Social Function scores, and self-rated health (P = 0.021, P = 0.019, and P = 0.011, respectively). Conclusions Integrated care improved several dimensions of HRQoL but did not improve MARCE compared to traditional care in this small trial. We observed a trend towards reduced HF hospitalizations. Overall, integrated care presents a promising alternative.

Empowering Social Growth Through Virtual Reality-Based Intervention for Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: 3-Arm Randomized Controlled Trial.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) usually begins in childhood and is often accompanied by impairments in social functioning. Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as an adjunctive tool to embed in social skills training to enhance the social skills of children with ADHD, but its effectiveness requires further investigation. This study aims to enhance the social skills of children with ADHD by examining the feasibility and effectiveness of VR-based training in comparison to traditional social skills training. A 3-arm randomized controlled trial was conducted with 90 children with ADHD aged 6-12 years. Participants were randomly assigned to 3 weeks of 12-session VR-based social skills training, traditional social skills training, or a waitlist control group of equivalent duration. Outcome measures included assessments by a clinical psychologist who was blinded to group assignments, the Social Skills Improvement System Rating Scale, the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, and the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire, conducted at baseline and after the intervention. The preliminary results support the feasibility and acceptability of VR training for children with ADHD aged 6-12 years. Analysis showed that the VR and traditional social skills training groups experienced a statistically significant improvement in the clinical psychologist assessment of social skills and parent-rated self-control, initiative, and emotional control after the intervention compared with baseline. The VR group performed significantly better than the traditional social skills group on social skills assessed by clinical psychologists (F2,85=76.77; P<.001) and on parent-rated self-control (F2,85=18.77; P<.001), initiative (F2,85=11.93; P<.001), and emotional control (F2,85=17.27; P<.001). No significant between-group differences were found for parent-rated cooperation and inhibition (all P>.05). The findings provide preliminary evidence supporting the feasibility and superior effectiveness of VR-based social skills training compared to traditional approaches for enhancing social skills and related executive functions in children with ADHD. These results suggest that VR may be a valuable tool to embed within social skills interventions for this population. Further research is warranted to explore the long-term impacts and generalizability of these benefits. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05778526; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05778526. RR2-10.2196/48208.

The Impact of a 12-Week Workplace Physical Activity Program on the Quality of Life of Sedentary Workers: A Pilot Study

Office workers frequently display behavioral patterns marked by extended periods of sedentary and seated work. In this context, the implementation of a workplace exercise program has been shown to be effective in mitigating health-related risk factors. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a 12-week workplace exercise program on the quality of life of employees whose primary occupational duties involve prolonged sitting. The final sample comprised 19 participants (6 females and 13 males), aged between 21 and 48 years (M = 32.26; SD = 9.03). Among these participants, 78.9% reported engaging in a hybrid work arrangement, 15.8% followed an on-site work regimen, and 5.3% worked remotely. Furthermore, 84.2% of participants reported sitting for 6 to 8 h per day, while 15.8% reported sitting for between 9 and 12 h daily. The quality of life of participants was assessed using the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey. A paired samples t-test was employed to examine differences between dependent variables. The results revealed a statistically significant improvement in general health (p &lt; 0.01), vitality (p &lt; 0.01), social functioning (p &lt; 0.05), and the mental health summary measure (p &lt; 0.04). Promoting physical activity through workplace exercise programs offers substantial benefits for workers’ health and quality of life, contributing to the prevention of occupational diseases.

Patient-reported outcomes of chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy in hematologic malignancies: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Few studies evaluated patient-reported outcomes (PROs) for patients with hematologic malignancies receiving with Chimeric Antigen Receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the benefits of CAR-T cell therapies focused on PROs. A systematic literature searched from PubMed, Cochrane, and the Web of Science from inception to September 2023. Study selection and data extraction were conducted independently by two reviewers based on pre-specified criteria. The COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) Risk of Bias checklist was used to evaluate the methodological quality of the included studies. The random-effects model was employed to calculate the combined effect and 95% Confidence intervals. This study was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline and the protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42024586706). We identified 20,110 studies. Of those, 15 studies with 16 different PRO measures (PROMs) were included in the meta-analysis. CAR-T cell therapy improved PROs in the six domains of general health status, pain, fatigue, depression, social function, and cognitive function: from the general health status (SMD: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.34 to 0.81) to cognitive function (SMD: 0.25, 95% CI: 0.14 to 0.37). The current meta-analysis shows that CAR-T cell therapy produces clinically meaningful differences in PROs. These results suggest that the professional perspective and patient values and preferences should be weighed equally when considering CAR-T cell therapy for hematologic malignancies.

Efficacy of vortioxetine versus desvenlafaxine in the treatment of functional impairment in patients with major depressive disorder: Results from the multinational VIVRE study.

In VIVRE (NCT04448431), vortioxetine was associated with significantly higher rates of symptomatic and functional remission, better daily and social functioning, and greater treatment satisfaction than desvenlafaxine in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and partial response to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) therapy. This analysis further explored the relative improvement in patient functioning with vortioxetine versus desvenlafaxine. VIVRE was a randomized, double-blind study of vortioxetine (10 or 20mg/day) versus desvenlafaxine (50mg/day) in adults with MDD and partial response to initial SSRI monotherapy. Mean percentage changes from baseline to week 8 in Functioning Assessment Short Test (FAST) total and domain scores were analyzed by treatment group in the overall population and in working patients. In the overall population, the mean reduction in FAST total score from baseline after 8weeks of treatment was 37.2% in vortioxetine-treated patients versus 31.8% in desvenlafaxine-treated patients (P=0.04). Significantly greater improvements versus desvenlafaxine were seen in vortioxetine-treated patients for FAST autonomy, cognitive functioning, and interpersonal-relationships scores (all P<0.05). In working patients, the mean reduction in FAST total score from baseline at week 8 was 38.7% versus 32.1% in the vortioxetine and desvenlafaxine groups, respectively (P=0.04). Significant correlations were seen between absolute changes in patient functioning, and those in depression severity and health-related quality of life. Vortioxetine was significantly better than desvenlafaxine in improving overall functioning as well as daily, social, and cognitive functioning in patients with MDD with inadequate response to prior SSRI therapy.

Effect of Comprehensive Renal Rehabilitation in Hemodialysis: Systemic Review

Background: Renal rehabilitation is a multimodal, coordinated intervention aimed at improving a patient's physical, psychological, and social functioning. Additionally, a growing body of research indicates that exercise training improves left ventricular function, cardiac sympathetic and parasympathetic disharmony, as well as Vo2 max in hemodialysis patients. Purpose: To systematically summarize the randomized controlled studies and investigated the effect of comprehensive renal rehabilitation in hemodialysis. Data source: Four electronic data base (PubMed, Pedro, Cochrane and Google scholar) were searched from 2014 till 2024. Study selection: Two independent reviewers screened studies for eligibility first by title then by title then by abstract then finally full text. Data extraction: Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria of this review, all of them were about comprehensive renal rehabilitation in hemodialysis studies quality was assessed using Pedro and the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool. Data synthesis: Fourteen studies were included in the quality assessment, studies were of good quality while the rest were fair quality on the Pedro scale, studies state that. Results: Met-analysis showed that there was significant effect of comprehensive renal rehabilitation in hemodialysis in the outcome measurers (Fatigue level, Vo2 max, muscle strength, physical, mental function and blood pressure change). Conclusion: This analysis showed that there were effects of comprehensive renal rehabilitation in hemodialysis.

Severity of Depression among Incarcerated Men in Meru, Main Prison

Purpose: Depression is one of the most prevalent mental disorders globally and it is known to cause impairment in cognitive, social, emotional and occupational functioning. In Kenya, a moderate to high prevalence of depression has been established among incarcerated men in several prisons, Meru main prison included. This study, therefore sought to assess the severity of depression among incarcerated men in Meru, Main Prison. Methodology: The study employed a quasi-experimental research design. The study was conducted in Meru, Main Prison. A sample size of 148 inmates was selected using a simple random sampling technique. Quantitative data was obtained from the social demographic questionnaire and the BDI-II. Results: The study found that the severity of depression among incarcerated men in Meru main prison was higher at 46.3% as opposed to moderate depression at 27.9%, and mild depression at 18%. This implied that prisoners going through severe depression are more than those other levels of depression. Conclusion: The study concluded that severity of depression was higher among the participants aged 20 to 30 years compared to other age categories and among the first time in prison. The proportion of clinical depression was higher among young adults aged 20-30 years in prison compared to the middle adults and adults 30-50 years. Therefore, it is recommended that the government of Kenya may engage young adults with job opportunities, and social engagement. This might limit the proportion of young adults languishing in prison instead of utilizing their youthful strength productively in society.

Dampak Istri Sebagai Pencari Nafkah Utama Terhadap Penerapan Fungsi Keluarga di Kelurahan Cupak Tangah Kota Padang

This study aims to describe the impact of wives as the main breadwinners on the implementation of family functions in Cupak Tangah Village, Padang City. The theory used in this research is structural functionalism proposed by Robert K. Merton. This research uses a qualitative research approach with a descriptive type. Selection of informants in this study is using purposive sampling technique with a total of 24 informants. The types of data used are primary data and secondary data. Data collection methods are carried out in three events, namely observation, interviews, and document studies. The unit of analysis in this research is the individual. Data analysis used with the interactive analysis model proposed by Milles and Huberman, which consists of (1) data collection (2) data reduction (3) data presentation (4) conclusion drawing. The results of this study indicate that when the wife is the breadwinner in this family, it will have an impact on family functions, which can be seen in three aspects, namely: (1) the impact on the husband consists of a) economic function: work, income / income. b) affective function: providing affection, emotional bonds (communication). (2) the impact on children consists of a) affective function does not work: less attention given, lack of interaction with children b) educational socialization function: less time to guide learning c) recreational function: joint activities at home, activities outside the home d) educating children to be independent (3) the impact on the wife herself: domestic work becomes neglected, less time to rest.

Adapting a cultural dance program to prevent cognitive decline: insights from experts and educators

Abstract Leveraging activities such as cultural dance shows promise as an effective basis for chronic disease prevention and management with at-risk populations. In fact, recent WHO reports and resolutions advocate utilizing cultural context to achieve health equality. Hula, the Native Hawaiian indigenous dance has been successfully utilized in interventions with statistically significant improvement in medication resistant hypertension management and heart disease prevention. In this study, Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia (ADRD) experts and kumu hula (hula experts and educators) provide insights to developing a hula-based lifestyle program for prevention of cognitive decline. Informant interviews were used to collect information for developing a hula-based program for individuals with mild cognitive impairment from 4 ADRD experts and clinicians, and 4 kumu hula. The 60-90 minute semi-structured interviews were conducted, recorded, then transcribed. Separate thematic analysis allowed distinct themes for each group to emerge. Themes with greatest between group alignment informed the adaptation of an existing hula-based chronic disease intervention. The clinical and cultural experts were unanimous on multiple themes. First, a hula-based program was well positioned to promote social functioning. Second, hula facilitated integrated multi-dimensional benefits including physical, cognitive, social, and cultural. Third, facilitating learning included: repetition done in creative forms; utilization of aids such as dance notation and audio recordings; and educational approaches such as project-based learning. Cultural activities such as dance have been underutilized in health promotion initiatives. A significant challenge in health promotion programs is engagement and retention of participants. Cultural dance programs are popular and can be effective interventions, particularly when both clinical and cultural experts are engaged in program development. Key messages • Inclusion of clinical and cultural experts in health promotion program development leads to unique collaboration and impactful insights. • ADRD clinicians and Hawaiian cultural dance educators identify social, cultural, physical, and cognitive benefits of hula as instrumental for individuals with mild cognitive impairment.

Ded Moroz (Father Frost) as a social construct of childhood and society

The article proposes to expand the understanding of the fairy-tale wizard Ded Moroz (Father Frost) as a myth and cultural and symbolic image using sociological approaches. As an analysis methodology, the concept of social construction of reality was applied, which made it possible to characterize the social construct «Ded Moroz (Father Frost)», which performs numerous social functions for the adult population and additional, specific for children. The main functions include participation in the formation of national identity, traditions, political distinction, economic, educational, educational, socializing, additionally described as an incentive in projective research methods. Arguments are presented to prove that Ded Moroz (Father Frost) is not only an attribute of the cultural heritage of Russia, but also unites numerous ideas, social practices of children and the organization of the child's daily space, promotes the socialization of the modern young generation, participates in the intergenerational transmission of values and identity. The subjects and mechanisms of constructing processes, levels and possibilities of application in the periodization of childhood are highlighted. With the help of a representative empirical study of 2023 estimates by young people of the eventfulness of their childhood, including the situation of loss of faith in Ded Moroz (Father Frost) (average age 9.1 years), conclusions were drawn about social factors of stability and variability of the age of debunking the myth of the reality of the fairy-tale hero. Some hypotheses have been proposed for further research, including the new role of a «social worker and social defender» for Ded Moroz (Father Frost), the artificial lengthening of the period of trust in the fairy-tale character by the children themselves in order to receive gifts and entertainment.

Measuring social environment factors of depressed inpatients: A cross-sectional study

Abstract The course and management of mental illness are both influenced by social contextual factors. Standardised questionnaires are required to monitor inpatients’ social environment and to design interventions. This study aims to describe the social environment of inpatients with depression using standardised instruments, and to analyse the instrument’s applicability. This cross-sectional study included depressed adult inpatients admitted to a German psychiatric hospital. We used three standardised questionnaires to evaluate social risk factors: the Lubben Social Network Scale (LSNS), the WHO Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS) and the Social Cohesion and Trust Scale (SCTS). The appropriateness of the questionnaires was assessed with a context-specific quality appraisal. Our study included 196 patients with depression having a mean age of 38.8 (SD = 13.7) years of whom 50% were female. A total of 164 (85%) of patients reported a family history of mental health problems, and 31 (38.8%) had experienced discrimination. Analyses of the LSNS and WHODAS showed that the prevalence of social isolation and disability was significantly higher among inpatients compared to the general population. The WHODAS scores were highest in patients aged 18-30, while social isolation was elevated but stable among different age groups (range 18.7- 19.4%). Both, the WHODAS and LSNS showed good clinical applicability, comparability, and test properties. A lack of validation in a young population of the LSNS was considered a weakness. The SCTS showed imperfections in its applicability and comparability. Depressed inpatients have a limited social network compared to the general population. We emphasise the importance of assessing the applicability of questionnaires representing social environment as the basis for developing interventions. We recommend systematic monitoring of social characteristics to identify potential targets of intervention and thereby facilitate the management of depression. Key messages • Hospitalised patients with depression have a decreased social functioning and a smaller social network compared to the general population. • Standardised social environment questionnaires should be consented and used to plan and enrich depression management.

Multidimensional Adult and Child Poverty in India—Establishing Consensus About Socially Perceived Necessities for a New Measure of Poverty

This article describes the use of the Consensual Approach to poverty measurement in a pilot survey conducted in Telangana state in 2020/21. Respondents were asked about whether a series of items and activities, ranging from two pairs of all-weather shoes to attending important social functions were essential for adults and children and whether they had them or could take part. Households that answered negatively were then asked why. Following the approach pioneered by Mack and Lansley, households whose lack was enforced were identified as deprived. We found high levels of endorsement for a wide range of items such as three meals a day, school uniforms and equipment, health facilities and transport access as well as the ability to afford clothing, social activities and savings. We also found similar levels of consensus over a wide range of necessities across religion, location, caste and education. The results underscore the importance of dimensions and specific deprivations that are not entirely captured by existing monetary and multidimensional poverty approaches used in India. This reinforces the call for child-centric methodologies such as United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF’s) Multiple Overlapping Deprivation Analysis (MODA), which distinguish between age groups and their evolving needs. Our results also suggest that simply relying on existing Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) and Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS) surveys leads to underestimation of the extent to which widely endorsed needs are satisfied. Furthermore, our findings challenge policymakers to consider expanding the measurement of poverty to include the public’s perception of necessities, which will enrich the index with culturally specific and socially validated indicators.

Ratio Legis of the Deed of Sale and Purchase Agreement as an Object of Land and Building Acquisition Duty

This research attempts to unravel the various dynamics governing BPHTB. This research focuses on examining two issues, namely (1) the ratio legis of PPJB regulation as the object of BPHTB and the implications of PPJB as the object of BPHTB after the issuance of Law 1/22 which amended the previous BPHTB Law as a whole. In this paper, it is found that there are several reasons that make PPJB as the object of BPHTB, namely: (1) based on the social function of land based on the agrarian law regime, so that every acquisition of land rights is taxed which is used as a net regional income; (2) the imposition of BPHTB on PPJB as an increase in regional income; (3) from the nature of PPJB as a binding transaction and as a marker of a legal event which is then followed by the making of AJB as the basis for the acquisition of land rights. Second, the implications of BPHTB for the changes in the original regulation in the PDRD Law which was later revoked by the 2022 HKPD Law, have made several changes that affect the legal certainty of taxpayers in paying BPHTB. There is an antinomy in regulating the time payable and payment of BPHTB to the local government. The time payable arrangement as the basis for payment is made after the signing of the sale and purchase deed. However, the payment arrangement states otherwise, namely at the time the sale and purchase deed is signed. However, on the other hand, the regulation also requires the notary to request proof of payment before the signature of the sale and purchase deed. The difference in provisions on the time payable and the deadline for payment affects the legal certainty of the sale and purchase process, and is not in accordance with the meaning of BPHTB as a duty paid after the acquisition of land rights. In addition to the implications that arise for taxpayers, the above arrangements also affect the legal certainty of notaries / PPATs who carry out their duties which are overshadowed by sanctions if they sign the deed before BPHTB is paid in full. The research method used in this writing is normative juridical research method, using three types of approaches, namely historical approach, legislative approach and conceptual approach. The urgency of implementing tax collection on deeds of acquisition of land rights known as BPHTB is to emphasise the social function of land through tax collection carried out by the government. PHTB on PPJB is one of the sources of local revenue used to organise local government and third, namely from the nature of PPJB which is an agreement that binds both parties to the certainty of the transaction being carried out, as the initial act of the legal event of sale and purchase in question.