Participation In Social Networks Research Articles

A peer navigation intervention to prevent HIV among mixed immigrant status Latinx GBMSM and transgender women in the United States: outcomes, perspectives and implications for PrEP uptake.

The Latinx population in the United States is disproportionately affected by HIV. Our community-based participatory research partnership developed, implemented and evaluated a Spanish-language peer navigation intervention designed to increase HIV testing and condom use among social networks of immigrant Spanish-speaking Latinx gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) and transgender women (TW). We randomized 21 social networks of Latinx GBMSM and TW, ages 18–55 years, to the intervention, known as HOLA, or a waitlist control group. Social network participants (n = 166) completed structured assessments at baseline and 12-month follow-up (24 months after baseline). Follow-up retention was 95%. Individual in-depth interviews with a sample of participants documented their intervention-related experiences, needs, and priorities to inform future research. At follow-up, HOLA participants reported increased HIV testing (adjusted odds ratio = 8.3; 95% CI = 3.0–23.0; P < 0.0001). All study participants reported increased condom use; there was no significant difference between HOLA and waitlist control participants. In-depth interviews identified critical intervention elements and impacts and community needs and priorities. The HOLA intervention is effective for increasing HIV testing among Latinx GBMSM and TW, an initial step within the HIV prevention and care continua, and may be adaptable to promote pre-exposure prophylaxis uptake.

Этика поведения судей в социальных сетях

The subject of the article is the ethical problems of judges using social networks in modern conditions, as well as the issues of normative regulation of the topic in foreign countries. The purpose of the article: to formulate an idea about the basics of judges' participation in social networks,to identify problematic issues of judges' use of media technologies; to develop the most preferable variants of judges' behavior in social networks and blogging on the basis of positive foreign experience. To achieve these goals, traditional research methods are used. Understanding the basic principles of using social networks provides a broader understanding of their unique nature and the risks associated with them. Ethical standards of conduct governing the conduct of judges in official and non-official activities largely extend to the participation of judges in social networks. It should be noted that the creators of ethical acts have not taken the ethical dilemmas of judicial conduct related to the participation of judges in social networks into account. Now, the bodies of the judicial community have not developed any centralized regulation prescribing the rules of conduct of judges in networks. The current code of judicial ethics of the Russian Federation (hereinafter the Code) does not regulate these issues. Should judges be banned or allowed to register on social networks? What are the benefits and risks to judicial conduct associated with the use of social networks? Is it legitimate to discuss professional issues? Is there a need to develop and adopt special Guidelines for judges and court staff on the use of social networks, or to amend the code of ethics? The proposal on the need to develop and adopt Guidelines (Instructions) on the use of social networks by judges and the court apparatus is formulated.

Chapter 3

The special circumstances related to helping in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina—both a natural disaster and a man-made catastrophe—are explored. Stories of individual, formal, and informal networks of helping, alongside stories of exploitation and despair, were shared by participants. Significant to the history of the aftermath of Katrina was the eventual formalizing of some of the informal helping networks, such as the establishment of a musician’s village and performance center in the 9th Ward of New Orleans. The theme of “doing the right thing” echoed throughout our participant interviews, as did “the chance to move beyond angry.” Stories of helping appeared to provide examples of hope to the citizens affected by the storm, as well as encouragement towards purposeful action. The stories of helping, along with participation in altruistic social networks, appear to provide a pathway to the recollection and transformation of traumatic memories.

Use of social networks for international collaboration among medical students

Abstract Introduction The collaboration between professionals from different countries has become a claim in the globalised world where we live. In this scenario, collaborative social networks play a fundamental role in bringing people from different territories together in the same virtual space that it favours the exchange of information. Objective To analyse the use and integration of social networks to favour international collaboration between medical students from the University of Granada (Spain) and the University of Sheffield (UK). Methodology A quantitative methodology has been used using a questionnaire developed ad hoc to quantify the degree of student satisfaction after participation in the collaborative social network. The sample was composed of 110 students of the degree in medicine, 74 from the University of Granada and 36 from the University of Sheffield. Results We find high percentages according to the improvement of learning from collaboration, as well as the relevance for the exchange of information and collaborative work between countries. Conclusion This type of experience highlights the need to collaborate from digital networks with health professionals from other countries to improve student learning and know different methods and systems of action that improve daily medical practice.

Research round-up

With data from the US National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project, Ziggi Santini and colleagues carried out a longitudinal mediation analysis to investigate the associations between social disconnectedness and isolation and depression and anxiety. Their analysis included data from 3005 adults aged 57–85 years at baseline, who were followed up over 10 years. During follow-up, social disconnectedness was positively associated with perceived social isolation (β=0·09; p<0·0001), and perceived social isolation was positively associated with symptoms of depression (β=0·12; p<0·0001) and anxiety (β=0·12; p<0·0001). There was evidence for a bidirectional relationship—for example, symptoms of depression were predictive of social disconnectedness (β=0·06) and perceived social isolation (β=0·13); symptoms of anxiety were predictive of perceived social isolation (β=0·09); and perceived isolation was predictive of subsequent social disconnectedness (β=0·07; all p<0·0001). Social disconnectedness, perceived isolation, and symptoms of depression and anxiety among older Americans (NSHAP): a longitudinal mediation analysisSocial network structure and function are strongly intertwined with anxiety and depression symptoms in the general population of older adults. Public health initiatives could reduce perceived isolation by facilitating social network integration and participation in community activities, thereby protecting against the development of affective disorders. Full-Text PDF Open AccessGuided self-help to reduce psychological distress in South Sudanese female refugees in Uganda: a cluster randomised trialSelf-Help Plus is an innovative, facilitator-guided, group-based self-help intervention that can be rapidly deployed to large numbers of participants, and resulted in meaningful reductions in psychological distress at 3 months among South Sudanese female refugees. Full-Text PDF Open AccessDepression and post-traumatic stress during major social unrest in Hong Kong: a 10-year prospective cohort studyWe have identified a major mental health burden during the social unrest in Hong Kong, which will require substantial increases in service surge capacity. Health-care and social care professionals should be vigilant in recognising possible mental health sequelae. In a world of increasing unrest, our findings might have implications for service planning to better protect population mental health globally. Full-Text PDF Mortality in children and adolescents following presentation to hospital after non-fatal self-harm in the Multicentre Study of Self-harm: a prospective observational cohort studyChildren and adolescents who self-harm have a considerable risk of future suicide, especially males, older adolescents, and those who repeated self-harm. Risk might persist over several years. Switching of method from self-harm to suicide was common, usually from self-poisoning to self-injury (especially hanging or asphyxiation). Self-harm is also associated with risk of death from accidental poisoning, particularly involving drugs of abuse, especially in young males. Full-Text PDF

Race/Ethnic Variations in Predictors of Health Consciousness Within the Cancer Prevention Context.

Although the literature establishes a link between health consciousness (HC) and prevention behavior, less explored are the individual, social, and health characteristics that are associated with increased HC. Similarly, underexamined is the influence of race and ethnicity on the relationship of these characteristics to higher levels of HC. This cross-sectional study aims to identify and assess the relative importance of factors associated with higher levels of HC, highlighting the role of race and ethnicity. Participants came from a national research panel survey (N = 1007). Participants completed a 4-item scale capturing key concepts of HC as well as questionnaires capturing demographic profiles, social support, social networking activities, and health status. A stepwise multiple regression was used to identify significant predictors of HC. Female and more educated participants report higher levels of HC. African American and Hispanic participants report higher levels of HC compared to white participants. Findings indicate social support, social network participation, education, cancer survivorship, and health status were positively associated with higher HC for the collective sample. However, results revealed variations in factors associated with higher HC when stratified by race/ethnicity. Findings suggest that interventions aiming to motivate cancer prevention behaviors within at-risk communities may find more success by incorporating factors that are aligned with increased HC among culturally diverse populations.

Association of Social Networks and Physical Activity in South Asians: The Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America Cohort Study.

Eliminating racial/ethnic disparities in physical activity remains a challenge in the United States. South Asian immigrants in the United States have particularly low physical activity levels, and evidence suggests that social context may be important. This study examined associations between personal social networks and moderate to vigorous leisure-time physical activity (MVPA) among South Asians in the United States. We used cross-sectional data (2014-2017) from 689 South Asians (aged 43-85y) who participated in the Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America study. Self-reported physical activity and egocentric network data were collected from participants about their network members. Regression models were used to determine associations between social network characteristics and participants' MVPA. Participants were on average 59 years old (SD = 9) and reported 1335 metabolic equivalent minutes per week of MVPA (interquartile range = 735, 2212). Having network members who exercised or who were exercise partners associated with increased MVPA in men (β coefficient = 241MET min/wk [95% confidence interval, 63 to 419] and β = 520MET min/wk [95% confidence interval, 322 to 718], respectively). For women, the association was only significant if the exercise partner was a spouse. Physical activity interventions utilizing network members as exercise partners may have potential in South Asians but must consider gender differences.

Online identity: constructing interpersonal trust and openness through participating in hospitality social networks

The present article describes the results of research on online identity construction during the participation in the hospitality social networks. Specifi cally the user references are analy-sed to understand patterns that form the image of a member. CouchSurfi ng service (couch-surfi ng.org) allows users to leave short texts where the experience of hosting/being hosted by a CS member is described, is an evaluation of the CS members of each other’s personal traits, skills and common experience. Therefore references can become a good instrument for portraying a CouchSurfi ng member and understanding his or her particular traits. Refe-rences form an important part of a user’s virtual identity in the network. Using a sample of references of Spanish CouchSurfi ng users, the research established main characteristics of the references, which are the openness, readiness to share ideas and experiences and trustworthi-ness. These concepts illustrate the typical traits associated with a user of the network and also shed light on the activities common during offl ine CS meetings

Socio-cultural factors affecting the problems of rural and urban working women

Even today in the 21st century, the socio-cultural factors have a great influence on the lives of working women in Haryana as it has innumerable prejudiced traditions and customs which play a dominant role in curtailing her freedom to large extent. There are still numerous social, cultural and psychological pressures on women for the ideal role to be played by them in the society. Status and role of women are linked to the cultural and social practices of their regions. As a result of this their attitude, value and belief system are formed in relation to their role and status. Therefore, the study was conducted to study the socio-cultural factors affecting the problems of working women. Analysis revealed that suitable accommodation (70%) was the major social problem of respondents followed by transfer (31.6%) and limited participation in social network (28.3%). Educational level of respondents was also found significantly associated with level of social problems. Further results highlighted that respondents faced low level of social problems irrespective of family type and size of the family. Results further revealed that 50% of the respondents with annual family income up to 5 lakhs faced low level of social problems. Results depict that a good percentage (35%) of respondents used bus to reach the office followed by 29.1% used their own vehicle to reach the work place.

Són humanes les tecnologies? Cap a una fonamentació de gènere ètic-responsable de la utilització massiva de xarxes socials.

The mass use of technologies, especially, in terms of participation in social networks and mobile apps seems oriented to providing an extension of humanity to digital tools that they do not really possess. Information and communication technologies pose challenges and threats to the public, particularly, due to the sometimes unreflecting and irresponsible use that the public make of them. Their advanced development provide so many utilities and recreative functions that they have become familiar, everyday instruments. Technologies seem to have acquired humanity, but what differentiates them from humans is their lack of ethical responsibility. Gender structures and inequalities remain wherever we do not make a conscious and purposive effort to eliminate them; in online social activity one often encounters diverse situations of gender-, class- or race-related violence. Digital humanities must urgently address the dimension of gender from an intersectional approach to be able to promote greater equality in social relationships and to reduce discrimination in the social networks. The purpose is to create safe spaces (that is, resources for population who can assess the impact, adopt a critical perspective to identify security vulnerabilities, situations of discrimination, and so on) and take responsibility by adopting safety codes for themselves and for others.

Network Education Capital as a Specific Digital Economy Asset

In the context of the global digital transformation, the most important factors determining socio-economic progress are the specific properties of human capital that are inherent only in the digital economy. In the new conditions, the role of integratively distributed network interaction of participants of global, national, corporate and social networks in the training of highly qualified specialists with new information and network skills and competencies is growing, a new form of human capital is emerging - network education capital (network education capital). On the basis of an interdisciplinary approach (economics, sociology, psychology, pedagogy, etc.), positive externalities are described that arise as a result of the inclusion of education in network communication processes. One of the main specific features of modern education is the departure from its linearity and verticality. It is shown that the network formation capital acquires the properties of a specific asset that brings a quasi-rent, and acts as a social elevator only if the involvement of more entities in the network increases

Social disconnectedness, perceived isolation, and symptoms of depression and anxiety among older Americans (NSHAP): a longitudinal mediation analysis

Research indicates that social isolation and loneliness increase the risk of mental disorders, but less is known about the distinct contributions of different aspects of isolation. We aimed to distinguish the pathways through which social disconnectedness (eg, small social network, infrequent social interaction) and perceptions of social isolation (eg, loneliness, perceived lack of support) contribute to anxiety and depression symptom severity in community-residing older adults aged 57-85 years at baseline. We did a longitudinal mediation analysis with data from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP). The study included individuals from the USA born between 1920 and 1947. Validated measures on social disconnectedness, perceived isolation, and depression and anxiety symptoms were used. Structural equation modelling was used to construct complete longitudinal path models. Using data from 3005 adults aged 57-85 years, we identified two significant longitudinal mediation patterns with symptoms of depression, and two with anxiety symptoms. Overall, social disconnectedness predicted higher subsequent perceived isolation (β=0·09; p<0·0001), which in turn predicted higher depression symptoms (β=0·12; p<0·0001) and anxiety symptoms (β=0·12; p<0·0001). The reverse pathways were statistically supported as well, suggesting bi-directional influences. Social network structure and function are strongly intertwined with anxiety and depression symptoms in the general population of older adults. Public health initiatives could reduce perceived isolation by facilitating social network integration and participation in community activities, thereby protecting against the development of affective disorders. Nordea-fonden.

Association of Social Networks with Health-Related Quality of Life and Physical Functioning in Community Dwelling Elderly Women-A Pilot Study

Background: Social network is the web of relationships that surrounds an individual and social isolation may occur when social network breaks down, stronger and closer social ties represent social resources in times of need, reduce a sense of isolation, and increase the mental and physical function of older adults. A considerable amount of evidence has consistently demonstrated the benefit of social networking for health, emotional well-being, self-esteem, identity and the perception of control. The purpose of this study is to find out the relationship of social network with quality of life, health and physical functioning (mobility and balance). Objective of the study: To estimate the relationship between social networks with health-related quality of life and physical functioning (mobility and balance). Methodology: In this cross sectional Pilot study,30 women aged 65 years and older who were independently mobile and free from major illnesses were selected conveniently and assessed using Lubben social network scale-6 (LSNS-6) for social network participation, WHO General Health Questionnaire for Health related quality of life (WHOQOLBREF), Timed Up and Go (TUG) test for mobility and Functional Reach Test (FRT) for balance. Result: Pearson’s correlation coefficient was calculated between the parameters; a very highly significant positive correlation was found between Social Networks (LSNS-6) and WHOQOL-BREF 4 Domains (p˂0.001). Among 4 domains Domain-1 and Domain-4 correlation were having very strong positive correlation with a correlation coefficient r=0.900, r=0.863 respectively and Domain-2 (r=0.700), Domain-3 (r=0.600) were having strong correlation. Along with that there exists a highly significant moderate positive correlation of LSNS-6 with balance (p=0.012, r=0.452) and a very highly significant strong negative correlation with mobility (p=0.000, r=0.630). Conclusion: The study showed that in elderly, health related quality of life is associated with better social networks. Analysis of relationship between social networks with balance and mobility showed that better the social networks higher the balance and mobility.

移動する人々の自己評価と通時的管理 - オーストラリアの韓国人移民の英語使用の事例を中心に -

The aim of this research is to clarify the diachronic language management of language repertoire of Korean immigrants in Australia. Specifically, this study investigated immigration background, acquisition of language used in the new country, and a person’s self-evaluation of current language usage. In addition, the influence that the diachronic management of immigrants had on social network participation in migrant communities, as identified in the self-evaluation, was analyzed and discussed. In particular, the analysis was conducted with a focus on the relationship between the presence or absence of immigration experience and the self-evaluation of the Korean immigrants of their English ability and development of diachronic management. A comparison between the characteristics of the self-evaluation of the Korean immigrants with the results of Muraoka’s (2017) investigation of Japanese immigrants in Australia was conducted. It has been inferred that by pursuing this further, in the future, it will be possible to propose an analysis model regarding self-evaluation and diachronic management of language usage for the whole immigrant population, including Korean immigrants.

An Examination of the Community Participation Interests of Young Adults with Serious Mental Illnesses.

Participation in various aspects of community life (e.g., education, employment) plays a critical role in fostering young adult development and health. To support behavioral health services in addressing a broader array of meaningful community participation areas, the current study examined the participation interests of young adults with serious mental illnesses via a literature review and focus groups interviews. Literature review results revealed a range of community participation areas of interest to these individuals, including employment, education, religion and spirituality, social networking (e.g., using social media), volunteering activities, socializing, and civic and artistic participation (e.g., attending a political event, playing music). Focus group participants named many of these same areas, but also mentioned unique areas of participation that have not been the focus of previous research (i.e., playing games, sports, exploration of other communities (e.g., traveling), hanging out, and nature-based participation). Implications for future research and behavioral health practice are discussed.

Explaining the Academic Performance of Grade 7 Students as Influenced by Social Media

Social media is prevalent in today’s classrooms and schools. Teachers have viewed it as an aid in instruction as students can be engaged in its different platforms. However, the excessive use of social media especially during weekdays can be alarming to both teachers and parents. This study looks at social media network participation and academic performance in Grade 7 students of Baybay National High School. The study was aimed at identifying the correlation between social media and students’ academic performance in Mathematics, The study used both qualitative and quantitative research design which involved the survey of students in three Grade 7 sections and the conduct of a standardized test in Mathematics wherein they were categorized according to the number of hours they spent in social media a day. The study revealed that there was a correlation between the number of hours spent on social media a day and students’ academic performance. Furthermore, there was a significant difference between the test scores of the students who use social media for less than an hour (0 hour) and those who use for 1-3 hours and 7+ hours. This indicated that students with lesser time spent on social media a day performed better. The study recommended to minimize the use of social media a day and prioritize academic purposes above others. On top of that, it encouraged to make the study a habit for students.

Social Involvement of Polish Immigrants in the U.S.: A Research Note

Abstract This article presents the results of the research on the social activity of Polish immigrants in the United States and their involvement in the activities of their community. The analysis is based on empirical data collected from an internet survey among Poles living in the United States and in selected European countries. Based on gathered empirical materials, the authors describe four main areas and contexts of the social activity of Polish immigrants in the United States: a) social participation of Polish immigrants (participation in social networks, cultural participation, as well as political participation); b) participation in nongovernmental organizations; c) participation in Polish immigrant organizations; d) opinions on Polish immigrant organizations’ functioning. The presented research note contains also the information about the crucial determinants of the immigrants’ social activity.

Social Media Goes to the Movies: Fear of Missing Out, Social Capital, and Social Motivations of Cinema Attendance

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of participation in social media networks on theatrical movie attendance, with particular attention paid to the fear-of-missing-out (FoMO) and social media social capital. Using an online survey (N = 472), it was determined that the direct social utility of the theatrical experience was a better predictor of theatrical attendance than social media FoMO or social capital. However, both bridging social capital and FoMO were predictors of the post-viewing social media sharing of the film experience, with bridging social capital best predicting social media sharing. Furthermore, FoMO did not moderate the relation between bridging social capital and social media sharing, suggesting these traits exert influence on social media behaviors independently. While participation in social networks did not influence theatrical movie attendance, it was an important predictor of social media conversations after viewing, with the opportunity to maintain and build bridging social capital exerting the greatest influence on social media sharing.

The Influence of Social Networks on Students’ Essay Writing: A Study of Selected Senior High Schools in the Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana

The 21 st century has been described as a century of technological advancement since social networks are currently being used regularly by millions of people all over the world. The paper examined the influence of social networks on students’ essay writing in English Language in selected Senior High Schools in the Cape Coast Metropolis. The descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. Questionnaires were used to gather relevant data from students at the Senior High Level. In all, 201 sample was selected for the study out of a population of 420. The proportionate random sampling technique was used to collect samples from the selected schools. The study found out that Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Imo, Twitter and Viber are the various social media networks available to students. It is worth mentioning here that there is a high level of students’ participation in social media networks in Cape Coast Metropolis. It was recommended that teachers should be more vigilant on their students in order to monitor their use of phones and other electronic devices so that they can limit or regulate the time their wards spend on the various social media sites . English Language teachers should be critical on students’ writing and should encourage students to read over their writings.

Social Networking and Women Entrepreneurial Participation in Sokoto State-North West Nigeria

The study is a sectorial assessment of the influence of social networks on women entrepreneurial participation in Sokoto State. From five sectors (wholesale &amp; retail, agriculture, education, manufacturing and processing, and hotel/restaurant/recreation) a sample of 343 women entrepreneurs were purposively selected and the multinomial logistic regression was utilized to test the study hypothesis. Findings indicate varying degrees of influence of social networks in predicting women entrepreneurial participation in the five sectors. Interestingly, social network variables i.e. Networking meeting format and whether individual attend social network meeting significantly account for women entrepreneurial participation in some key sectors, entrepreneurial capability was found to have negative influence in only one sector but other social network variables, perceived value, and free flow of social network information do not have influence on women entrepreneurial participation in all the sectors examined. It follows that to enhance entrepreneurial participation among women policy makers should redirect enterprise support to social networking associations to facilitate optimal production and economic development.