Social Quality Research Articles

Affordable housing design in response to sociocultural context. A comparative study in Koya City

ABSTRACT Affordable housing design should respond to the socio-cultural context using adequate housing types. This study develops a theoretical framework for designing sustainable, affordable housing in Iraq based on learning from traditional architecture. It examines this framework by exploring famous traditional and modern types of affordable housing: type1 courtyard housing and type2 apartment buildings. Different values of sustainability are discussed, and three are elected: social qualities (safety and privacy), environmental qualities, and economic qualities (Compactness and Densification). An empirical study was conducted on the said types of affordable housing in Koya City to examine the proposed framework. The study results show that courtyard houses achieve sustainability values more than apartments. Traditional housing types can provide a sustainable environment with limited resources and simple manners. The paper’s main finding is that distributing inner outdoor spaces all over the housing area is critical to designing affordable housing for sustainability.

Association between functional disability and mental health among Chinese older adults: Examining the moderating effects of social participation and physical exercise.

Functional disability significantly burdens healthcare services, negatively affecting older adults' social interaction and quality of life. This study aims to identify the association between functional disability and mental health, and examine the moderating effects of social participation and physical exercise on the association. The data were drawn from 2018 wave of Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey, and ordinary least squares regression model was exploited to explore the association between functional disability and mental health. Activity of daily living (ADL) disability negatively predicted mini-mental state examination (MMSE) score. Furthermore, social participation and physical exercise moderated the association between ADL disability and MMSE score. The results highlight the importance of social participation and physical exercise for the older adults with ADL disability.

Examining the interplay between mental health indicators and quality of life measures among first-year law students: a cross-sectional study.

This research explores the intricate relationships between mental health indicators (depression, stress, and anxiety) and various dimensions of quality of life among first-year law students. The study aims to understand how affective valence, mood states, physical activity, body image perception, and social relations influence mental health outcomes. Data were collected from 75 first-year law students (46 females, 29 males), a group predominantly composed of young adults with limited financial means, living in various housing situations, primarily within urban environments, and generally reporting low levels of physical activity. Standardized questionnaires were used to assess mental health and quality of life, including the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 Items (DASS-21), Feeling Scale (FS), Exercise-Induced Feeling Inventory (EIFI), Modified Baecke Physical Activity Questionnaire (MBPAQ), World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF), and Contour Drawing Rating Scale (CDRS). Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and regression analysis were employed to analyze the data. The analysis revealed significant correlations between depression (mean = 5.97, SD = 4.21), stress (mean = 7.81, SD = 4.80), and anxiety (mean = 6.17, SD = 4.58) with affective valence (p < 0.05), mood states (p < 0.05), physical activity (p < 0.05), body image perception (p < 0.05), and social relations quality (p < 0.05). Additionally, mood states (mean = 20.73, SD = 10.60), physical activity (mean = 8.43, SD = 1.35), body image perception (mean = 4.21, SD = 1.91), and social relations quality (mean = 12.46, SD = 2.33) were identified as significant predictors of mental health outcomes (p < 0.05). These findings underscore the complex interplay between mental health indicators and various dimensions of quality of life, emphasizing the necessity for a comprehensive approach to mental health care. By identifying these predictors, we have gained a clearer understanding of the factors that impact mental health in this specific population. The insights gained highlight the value of interventions aimed at improving mood, increasing physical activity, enhancing body image, and strengthening social connections. These targeted strategies could effectively address mental health issues and promote well-being among law students. Future research should further investigate these relationships and develop tailored interventions to better support students' mental health. This study contributes to understanding the complex interplay between mental health and quality of life, offering a foundation for both practical interventions and future research.

Social health, activity behaviors, and quality of life among young adult cancer survivors: Protocol for a prospective observational study.

Approximately 85,000 adolescent and young adults (AYAs; age 15-39) are diagnosed with cancer in the United States annually. Experiencing a cancer diagnosis as an AYA can substantially impact social connections and social health. This paper describes the design and protocol of an observational study to prospectively assess social health and its association with physical activity and quality of life among AYAs after a cancer diagnosis. The study uses a longitudinal observational design to prospectively explore the relationships between social health and activity behaviors (physical activity and sedentary time) at four clinically significant timepoints over the course of 12 months among AYAs newly diagnosed with cancer. Patients are recruited at three hospitals and surveyed at each time period. Multiple dimensions of social health are assessed including social support, social roles, loneliness, social anxiety, and social networks. A wrist accelerometer is worn for one week at each assessment period. Change in social network structures will be analyzed using egocentric social network analysis. Structural equation models will be fitted to analyze the relationship between social constructs and physical activity. Findings from this study will address gaps in our understanding of the impact of a cancer diagnosis on multiple dimensions of social health for AYAs and the potential role social factors play in physical activity and quality of life. Understanding these processes will inform age-tailored interventions to improve health and quality of life outcomes for this at-risk population.

Self-Perception Deficits in Schizophrenia: Clinical Implications and Rehabilitation Strategies

This study investigates how patients with schizophrenia (SCZ) perceive themselves and how it affects their quality of life. According to the study, patients with SCZ typically have deficiencies in their ability to perceive themselves, which show up as distorted self-awareness, unbalanced self-evaluation, and a lack of self-identification. These cognitive impairments seriously impair patients' social functioning and quality of life in addition to having a detrimental effect on their mental health. Cognitive impairment is a core symptom of schizophrenia and has a serious impact on patients' social functioning and quality of life. These cognitive deficits significantly impact patients' daily lives and social functioning, including areas such as learning, work, and interpersonal communication. The paper also explores the connection between self-perception deficits and cognitive dysfunction, revealing that self-perception deficits are strongly linked to widespread cognitive impairments. Enhancing self-perception abilities can improve overall cognitive functioning, which in turn can enhance social functioning and quality of life. The paper also examines individual differences, psychological factors, therapeutic strategies, and rehabilitation measures as well as disease characteristics that may impact self-perception barriers. It implies that patients can be assisted in overcoming obstacles related to their self-perception and achieving greater quality of life and functional levels through the more thorough application of diverse therapeutic techniques and customised intervention programmes.

Cognitive bias modification for social anxiety: protocol for a living systematic review of human studies and meta-analysis

Background Social anxiety is a heightened fear and discomfort in social situations which can be experienced in varying degrees of severity. Cases of elevated distress and impaired functioning and quality of life can lead to a clinical diagnosis of social anxiety disorder. Altering cognitive biases associated with social anxiety has been suggested as potentially beneficial; however, little is known about the comparative effectiveness of such interventions. The aim of this living systematic review is to examine the efficacy of cognitive bias modification for reducing social anxiety, including in people who have not been diagnosed with the disorder. Methods We will search multiple electronic databases for randomised controlled trials evaluating the efficacy of cognitive bias modification for people diagnosed with social anxiety and people exposed to a simulated social stressor. The primary outcome will be change in social anxiety related symptoms; secondary outcomes will be changes in social functioning and quality of life and adverse events. Study selection, data extraction and risk of bias assessment will be done by at least two reviewers using pre-defined tools. We will synthesise data from people with social anxiety diagnosis and those subjected to a simulated social stressor separately using random effects meta-analyses. Heterogeneity will be evaluated by investigating characteristics of included studies. We will appraise the strength of the evidence for each outcome by reviewing the overall association, internal and external validity, and reporting biases. Where data allows, we will triangulate the evidence from both sources with a multidisciplinary group of experts. The review will begin in living mode and the database search will be rerun every three months to identify and integrate potential new evidence. We will co-produce this review with members of a global lived experience advisory board. This protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42024601380) on 15.10.2024.

Social media quality in undergraduate medical education: A reconceptualisation and taxonomy.

Social Media (SoMe) as a learning tool, though ubiquitous in society and popular within medical education, is often criticised as superficial. Its limitless output has been blamed for encouraging shorter attention spans and shirking in-depth reflection. The evidence base is itself superficial and lacking rigour or meaning. We aimed to consider a theoretical basis for how 'quality' learning may happen on such platforms. Our findings then informed the construction of a taxonomy for SoMe learning. We conducted a qualitative interview study of United Kingdom (UK) medical students using a theory-informed inductive study design. The research question was: 'How do medical students conceptualise quality of learning on social media?'. We purposively sampled participants from responses to a short survey collecting demographic and SoMe usage data. Interview data were analysed using framework analysis and informed by Blooms taxonomy, connectivism and communities of practice (CoP) theories. We received survey responses from 118 medical students across 25 UK medical schools. From these, 13 participants were recruited to individual semi-structured interviews. We constructed three themes through framework analysis of interview data: cognitive hacking, professional identity reflection and safety, control and capital. Quality SoMe learning may be conceptualised as a socially connected process, built upon constantly evolving networks but inexorably influenced by fluctuating hierarchy within learner-centric CoP. Educators and institutions may support high-quality learning for students through engagement which promotes community development, and safe, listening environments which foster professional identity formation.

Identifying the Relationship Between Residential Type and Health Outcomes of the Community-Dwelling Thai Older Adults in the Baseline Analysis of a Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial

Background/Objectives: As people age, their environment plays a critical role in shaping their health. With Thailand’s rapidly aging population, it is crucial to understand how different living environments affect the well-being of older adults. This study examines differences in biopsychosocial health indicators between older adults living in village communities and private housing estates in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using baseline data from the Community-Integrated Intermediary Care (CIIC) Service Model, a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial in Thailand (TCTR20190412004). The study included 2788 older adults (aged 60+). Of these, 89.49% resided in village communities, and 10.51% in private housing estates. Validated instruments were used to assess health indicators. Descriptive statistics, multivariate analysis of variance, and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed. Results: Older adults in private housing estates had significantly lower odds of experiencing pain or discomfort (Adj OR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.49–0.84) and were 1.36 times more likely to report positive perceived health. However, they had lower odds of perceiving themselves as physically and socially active (Adj OR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.57–0.97) and were 0.30 times less likely to rate their quality of life higher (Adj OR: 0.30, 95% CI: 0.22–0.40) compared to their village community counterparts. Conclusions: The residential environment significantly influences older adults’ health and well-being. Tailored health promotion interventions should leverage the unique strengths of both village communities and private housing estates to enhance social connections, physical activity, and quality of life, promoting healthy, active aging across diverse settings.

Climate Finance: Pioneering Pathways to Sustainability

Climate finance is a progressive financial tool to foster sustainability and address climate change mitigation and adaptation challenges. This study delineates the notion of climate finance and sustainability, illustrating their confluence and its impact on social welfare, ecological quality, and economic well-being. Climate financing involves distributing resources to environmentally sustainable enterprises and projects designed to harmonize economic growth with sustainability. Furthermore, developed nations have committed to offering financial assistance to developing nations to confront the problems presented by climate change. This paper aims to decode the confluence of climate finance and sustainability. Moreover, it underscores the significance of climate financing in tackling environmental issues, reaching carbon neutrality, and eventually realizing sustainable development. The finding indicates that climate finance is essential for addressing climate change and achieving sustainability, highlighting the significant role of developed nations and the private sector in closing the funding gap required for investments in climate-resilient projects and infrastructure. Consequently, this can generate possibilities for people and nations to earn carbon credits, which are tradable in carbon markets, thereby securing financial benefits.

Do new quality measures for social risk screening 'measure up'?

New social risk screening standards and quality metrics reward or penalize healthcare delivery organizations for social risk screening. After summarizing the recent literature on social risk screening in pediatric healthcare settings we consider how this evidence - and persistent evidence gaps - might inform future standards development. Reported social risk screening rates, measures, and modality differ greatly across recent work. Although many caregivers report acceptability of screening, experiences and expectations around effective follow-up vary. Likewise, although most frontline clinical providers find screening acceptable, they report significant implementation challenges related to time constraints, insufficient workforce, and availability of social services. Qualitative findings suggest opportunities to improve screening implementation. Literature examining the impacts of screening continues to focus on immediate posited impacts of assistance programs; few studies assess health outcomes. The existing literature does not clearly indicate whether, when, how, or for whom social risk screening standards focused on screening quantity will contribute to child health or health equity. Informed by studies on patient experience, quality measures focused on screening quantity (e.g. how many individuals are screened) should be paired with efforts to improve screening quality (i.e. patient/caregiver screening experience) as well as social and health outcomes.

Impact of perioperative high-protein nutritional support on the quality of life of patients with primary lung cancer: a Russian prospective multicenter comparative study (NUTRILUNC study)

BACKGROUND: Individuals over the age of 70 comprise over half of operable patients with stage 0–IIIA lung cancer. In the early postoperative period of this cohort, pain, fatigue, insomnia, and/or mood disturbances are the four most common symptoms, which can significantly diminish quality of life and functional status. Perioperative nutritional support in such patients, which enhances exercise tolerance, can have a positive impact on their quality of life and socialization. AIM: To assess the effect of perioperative nutritional support using high-protein oral nutrition supplements on the general health and quality of life of non-small cell lung cancer patients during the postoperative period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with primary non-small cell lung cancer (n=112, 69 males), aged 57.2±8.2, who were awaiting lung surgery and at risk of malnutrition (Nutritional Risk Screening Assessment 2002 score ≥3) were randomly assigned into two groups. Oral nutritional support (Nutridrink Compact Protein, Nutricia LLC) was administered to the study group (n=55) at a rate of 250 ml/d (36 g of protein, 612 kcal) for 14 days prior to and 14 days following the surgery, in addition to the standard diet. Control group patients (n=57) were provided a standard diet. The quality of life was assessed using the Quality of Life Questionnaire Core-30. Results are presented as mean ± standard deviation. Differences were considered significant at p ≤0.05. RESULTS: Throughout the entire observation period, the study group exhibited superior growth indicators in terms of general health status, physical, and role functioning than the control group (p 0.05). The study group patients exhibited a propensity toward improved emotional functioning, and by the end of the study, weakness and insomnia were less pronounced (p 0.05). Other indicators did not exhibit any significant variations. CONCLUSION: Нigh-protein perioperative oral nutrition supplements exert a positive impact on the quality of life of non-small cell lung cancer patients.

Eye of the beholder: A meta-analysis of personality traits' relationships with psychological contract breach and job performance

Psychological contract breach (PCB) is a subjective perception that one's employer has failed to live up to promised obligations. Because PCB is subjective, personality traits should play an important role. However, existing research on the relationships between personality traits and PCB is scattered and explores a variety of subsets of personality traits, with little agreement on which traits are most important to PCB. Thus, we focus on personality traits selected based on insights from a reneging-incongruence framework suggesting that personality traits will be important to the degree that they influence the likelihood that employees are targeted for a “real” PCB (i.e., reneging) or bias their perspective of their PCB (i.e., incongruence). Further, drawing from social exchange theory, we examined PCB as a mechanism by which personality traits relate to job performance. Meta-analytic results indicated that the multiple correlation between personality traits and PCB was R = 0.34, and they continued to account for variance in PCB beyond social exchange quality. Emotional stability and equity sensitivity were the strongest predictors of PCB. Results also demonstrated that PCB mediates the relationships equity sensitivity and emotional stability have with task performance, organizational citizenship behavior, and counterproductive work behavior, even controlling for job satisfaction as an alternative mediator.

PSYCHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF CRITICAL THINKING IN ADOLESCENTS

This article reveals the psychological features of developing critical thinking in teenagers. Also, this article describes in detail the influence of social and psychological qualities of critical thinking in teenagers and its connection with various situations.

Perception Of Parents Of Childrens With Autism Spectrum Disorder On Their Social Quality Of Life: A Case Of Langata Constituency, Nairobi- Kenya

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that presents individuals with difficulties in various domains, including social interaction, communication, repetitive behaviors, and restricted interests (Maenner et al., 2023). This study focused on parents' perception of children with autism on their social QoL in Langata constituency, Nairobi. This study further addressed the following objectives: the perception of parents of children with autism on QoL, the influence education level and gender have on QoL of parents of children with autism. The study had a sample size of 100 participants. This study employed a descriptive survey research design. The theoretical framework used was an elaboration likelihood model. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 23 and the summary was presented in tables. Result indicated that 49. 4% (n = 48) of the participants were within low social QoL, 41.3% (n = 40) of the participants were in moderate social quality of life, while 9.3% (n = 9) of the participants were high in social quality of life. The study recommends support group, a reliable support system as well as advocacy and awareness made a collective responsibility in the communities to prevent all odds that parents of children with autism may face.

Using AI to expand the “Toolbox” for EAP writing instruction

Abstract The recent advent of AI-based digital assistants such as ChatGPT offers the potential for a new tool in the instructional “toolbox” for EAP courses. We report on a retrospective survey of students’ experiences using ChatGPT in first- and second-year EAP core writing courses at a continental European university. Students reported that they saw ChatGPT as a social agent, had moderately fluent experiences interacting with it, and had moderately positive perceptions of ChatGPT as an instructional tool. Both self-reported fluency of the interaction and perceptions of ChatGPT’s social agentic qualities were positively associated with perceptions of ChatGPT’s value as an instructional tool. Students reported that ChatGPT was less helpful than their professors, and neither more nor less helpful than their peers. Implications for EAP instruction are discussed.

베이비부머의 사회적자본과 삶의 질의 관계에서 평생학습참여도의 매개효과

Objectives The purpose of this study was to establish counseling intervention strategies that can increase social capital and lifelong education participation of baby boomers in career education and career counseling sites, and to provide various basic data to improve quality of life. Methods For this purpose, 112 responses were received and analyzed through an online survey from October 8 to 15, 2023, targeting baby boomers (born between 1955 and 1963) living in the Daegu and Gyeongbuk regions. For the collected data, reliability analysis, descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and regression analysis were conducted for each variable using the SPSS 23.0 statistical program, and the Sobel Test was conducted to analyze statistical significance. Results First, baby boomers social capital was found to have a significant positive effect on quality of life. Second, baby boomers social capital was found to have a positive effect on lifelong education participation. Third, baby boomers lifelong education participation was found to have a positive effect on quality of life. Fourth, lifelong edu-cation participation was found to mediate the relationship between baby boomers social capital and quality of life. Conclusions The results of this study show that in order to improve the quality of life of baby boomers, it is neces-sary to recognize the need for social capital and lifelong education and to develop and implement education and counseling programs that can provide systematic help.

The Role of Animal Assisted Therapy in the Rehabilitation of Mental Health Disorders: A Systematic Literature Review

Mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and schizophrenia significantly reduce the daily functioning and quality of life of individuals. Traditional treatments often fall short, thus opening interest in complementary therapies like animal assisted therapy (AAT) which encourages the human-animal bond and gives emotional and psychological support. This review evaluated the efficacy of AAT in treating mental health disorders, and understanding its mechanisms and benefits. A comprehensive literature review was conducted (using databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate) focused on peer-reviewed articles, systematic reviews and meta-analyses published in the last 2 decades. Studies indicated that AAT improved mental health outcomes for people with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and schizophrenia. Interaction with therapy animals reduced cortisol levels, increased oxytocin, lowered blood pressure, and increased social engagement and emotional regulation. Benefits included reduced symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and improved social functioning and quality of life. AAT offered a complementary treatment for mental health disorders, providing emotional comfort, improving mood, and serving as a nonpharmacological option for individuals. However, challenges such as individual preferences, allergies, ethical concerns for therapy animals, and logistical issues must be addressed. Future research should focus on the long-term effects and mechanisms involved to optimize the application of AAT in the clinical setting, and alternatives like robotic companion pets could also be explored.

DAMPAK KORUPSI BANSOS TERHADAP KESEJAHTERAAN MASYARAKAT DALAM PANDANGAN MAHASISWA SEKOLAH TINGGI DESAIN INDONESIA

This article explores the impact of corruption on social assistance programmes and its effect on community welfare from the perspective of design students. Corruption, which is a practice that harms both the state and society, often hinders the effectiveness of social assistance programmes, which should aim to improve social welfare. Design students, with different backgrounds and approaches, produce different perspectives in analysing the impact of corruption on social welfare. Through case studies and qualitative analysis, this article shows how corruption can affect social assistance distribution, service quality, and community satisfaction. The results show that design students have an assessment of social assistance corruption cases and design students can play an important role in reducing corruption and increasing the effectiveness of social assistance, so that it can contribute to improving people's welfare.

Integrated care for older people improved intrinsic capacity in elderly patients: a case control study

ObjectivesObserve the effect of integrated care for older people on intrinsic capacity in elderly patients.MethodsSixty elderly patients from department of Geriatrics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology between June 2021 and December 2021 were selected and divided into control group and intervention group with 30 patients in each group using random sampling method. Two groups implement routine care, and the intervention group implement integrated care by a “hospital-community-family” multidisciplinary team. After 12 weeks of intervention, the differences in frailty, cognition, depression scores, comprehension social support scores, and World Quality of Life Scale scores were compared between the two groups.ResultsBefore intervention, there was no significant difference in the grip strength, step speed, frailty scores, cognition, depression scores, social support and quality of survival between the control group and the intervention group. After intervention, grip strength and depression scores improved both in the control group and the intervention group, but there was no difference between the two groups. Cognitive scores, comprehension social support and quality of survival scores improved only in the intervention group, while only the cognitive ability showed significant differences between the intervention group and the control group after 12 weeks of intervention (P<0.05).ConclusionsIntegrated care for older people intervention can help to improve the intrinsic capacity of the patients, especially cognitive abilities.

Body Fluid Collection Devices for Ostomy Patients: A Review.

Background/Objectives: Abdominal ostomy surgery has a severe impact on individuals' daily lives. These procedures are typically indicated for conditions such as cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, or traumatic injuries. They involve creating an artificial opening, denominated the stoma, in the abdominal area to divert feces or urine, establishing a connection between the affected organs and the body's exterior. Thus, specialized products to collect the body fluids are required, being effective and tailored products crucial to enhance the quality of life of such patients. Methods: This paper presents a review of fecal fluid collection devices and advanced technologies designed to assist patients with ostomies. The study aims to identify the known bags/devices and evaluate their attributed performance in enhancing the population's physical and social quality of life. This review is based on a systematic search conducted between 20 February and 2 March 2024, in the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Google Patents databases. Articles published within the last eight years from this period were included in the analysis. Results: The devices found in the study were classified as passive, requiring active monitoring by the user, and active, providing automated assistance. Three main categories were identified, reflecting the most significant concerns of patients: (1) devices that control fluid leakage, reducing peristomal dermatological problems; (2) devices that minimize odors and noise, reducing social embarrassment; and (3) devices that monitor fluid volume, helping with electrolyte balance, especially in patients with ileostomies. Conclusions: This study revealed that the existing devices meet primary collection and disposal needs. However, introducing smart devices could offer greater control and confidence to users, providing real-time information on gas pressure, stool texture, and accumulated volume. Thus, overall, the development of advanced technologies can significantly improve patients' quality of life, restore social confidence, and enable a more effective management of the condition by sharing information with medical teams.