Social Isolation Research Articles

The Relationship Between the COVID-19 Pandemic and Pediatric Trauma

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic created difficulties in access to care. There was also increased penetrating trauma in adults, which has been attributed to factors including increased firearm sales and social isolation. However, less is known about the relationship between the pandemic and pediatric trauma patients (PTPs). This study aimed to investigate the national incidence of penetrating trauma in PTPs, hypothesizing a higher rate with onset of the pandemic. We additionally hypothesized increased risk of complications and death in penetrating PTPs after the pandemic versus prepandemic. MethodsWe included all PTPs (aged ≤17-years-old) from the 2017-2020 Trauma Quality Improvement Program database, dividing the dataset into two eras: prepandemic (2017-2019) and pandemic (2020). We performed subset analyses of the pandemic and prepandemic penetrating PTPs. Bivariate analyses and a multivariable logistic regression analysis were performed. ResultsOf the 474,524 PTPs, 123,804 (26.1%) were from the pandemic year. The pandemic era had increased stab wounds (3.3% versus 2.8%, P > 0.001) and gunshot wounds (5.5% versus 4.0%, P < 0.001) compared to the prepandemic era. Among penetrating PTPs, the rates and associated risk of in-hospital complications (2.6% versus 2.8%, P = 0.23) (odds ratio 0.90, confidence interval 0.79-1.02, P = 0.11) and mortality (4.9% versus 5.0%, P = 0.58) (odds ratio 0.90, confidence interval 0.78-1.03, P = 0.12) were similar between time periods. ConclusionsThis national analysis confirms increased penetrating trauma, particularly gunshot wounds in pediatric patients following onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this increase, there was no elevated risk of death or complications, suggesting that trauma systems adapted to the “dual pandemic” of COVID-19 and firearm violence in the pediatric population.

The Lived Experience of Patients with Vascular Malformations: A Qualitative Meta-synthesis

Objective: The purpose of this study was to synthesize the existing qualitative literature on the lived experience of patients with vascular malformations to identify emergent themes and new areas for clinical care and research. Methods: A formal meta-synthesis was conducted, which followed 4 steps: (1) form the clinical question and refine search criteria; (2) complete a literature review following Preferred Reporting Items for Reviews and Meta-Analysis; (3) quality appraisal of included literature with Lett’s Critical Review Form; and (4) completion of team-based reciprocal translation and thematic analysis to synthesize the literature. PubMed, CINAHL, Johanna Briggs, and Embase were used to retrieve English language, peer-reviewed qualitative, and mixed-method articles from 1996 to May 2023. Results: Six articles met the criteria for inclusion. A wide range of vascular malformations were represented, ranging from slow-flow malformation to high-flow or complex with associated overgrowth. Studies were conducted in the United States, France, and Germany, focusing mainly on the adult experience, with 1 article focusing solely on pediatrics. Three main themes emerged: social isolation, uncertainty and hope, and healthcare experiences. Conclusion: The overarching themes of social isolation, uncertainty and hope, and healthcare experiences each offer avenues to inform clinical practice, provide education for healthcare providers managing patients with vascular malformations, and future research to better understand how each of these themes affect patients. This qualitative meta-synthesis is a novel method for this field and provides new insights into the lived experience of those with vascular malformations.

Hate Speech Detection Using Deep Learning

Abstract: Hate speech is a form of verbal abuse that targetsindividuals depending on their race, religion, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or other personal characteristics. It can be spoken, written, or displayed, and can be found in a variety of contexts, including online, in person, and in the media. Hate Speech has the potential to have a devastating impact on victims, causing emotional distress, social isolation, and even physical harm. Recognizing hate speech is a challenging task, especially in multilingual contexts. This is because hate speech can be expressed in many ways, and can be difficult todistinguish from other forms of speech. However, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has advanced recently, and have made it possible to develop effective hate speech detection systems. Hate speech detection is a challenging task, especially in multilingual contexts. This survey paper reviews the recent advances in hate speech detection using BERT and CNN models. We explored the various approaches that have been proposed, the challengesfaced, and the paths that research will take in the future

Early maladaptive schemas, distress tolerance and self-injury in Iranian adolescents: serial mediation model of transdiagnostic factors.

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is prevalent behaviour among adolescents. Although there are different etiological models of NSSI, there is a general lack of evidence-based, comprehensive and transdiagnostic models of NSSI in adolescents. The aim of this study was to investigate a model of transdiagnostic factors of NSSI in adolescents, testing a serial mediation model of the relationship between early maladaptive schemas (EMS), distress tolerance and NSSI through experiential avoidance and rumination. A community sample was identified of 1014 adolescents aged 13-17, of whom 425 had a history of NSSI. A serial mediation path analytic method was utilised to examine the relationships between NSSI and its associated functions as criterion variables, EMS and distress tolerance as predictors, experiential avoidance as the first mediator and rumination as the second mediator. The path analytic model fit indices were good (X2/d.f. = 2.25, goodness of fit index = 0.98, normed fit index = 0.97, comparative fit index = 0.98, root mean square error of approximation = 0.054, standardised root mean squared residual = 0.028). Rumination significantly mediated the relationship between schemas of 'vulnerability to harm', 'emotional deprivation', 'social isolation', 'insufficient self-control', and NSSI frequency and intrapersonal functions. In serial fashion, experiential avoidance mediated the role of rumination in the relationship between social isolation, and insufficient self-control and NSSI frequency and intrapersonal functions. All indirect effects were significant. Key indirect effects were found linking maladaptive schemas and distress tolerance to NSSI frequency, and NSSI intrapersonal functions via experiential avoidance and rumination. Thus, it is important to address these transdiagnostic factors with particular emphasis on the sequential mediating role of experiential avoidance and rumination in conceptualisation and therapeutic interventions for NSSI.

'My parkrun friends.' A qualitative study of social experiences of men at parkrun in Ireland.

Social support is a well-established determinant of mental wellbeing. Community initiatives, which combine a purposeful activity with social connection, may be appropriate to promote the mental wellbeing of middle-aged men in Ireland-a group at risk of poor mental wellbeing due to social isolation. parkrun offers free, weekly, 5km run or walk events in 22 countries. This study aims to explore the social experience of parkrun participation for middle-aged men in Ireland and considers how social connections made at parkrun relate to mental wellbeing. Online semi-structured interviews were conducted in 2022/23 with 39 men aged 45-64 years, who run, walk or volunteer at parkrun in Ireland, recruited purposively in rural and urban communities. Men with a range of parkrun experience gave interviews lasting a mean of 32minutes. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Reflexive thematic analysis resulted in three themes and ten subthemes. The men described parkrun as offering a welcoming and supportive environment (Theme 1). Men at parkrun could choose the level of social connections, building strong or weak social ties to provide social support and improve mental wellbeing (Theme 2). Social engagement with parkrun evolved following repeated participation (Theme 3). The results suggest that parkrun is a suitable community initiative for middle-aged men at risk of poor mental wellbeing due to social isolation. Social connections were developed after repeated participation in parkrun and these connections improved subjective mental wellbeing. The findings from this study could be used to design new initiatives for mental health promotion.

The Relationship Between Fatigue and Quality of Life in the Turkish Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

This study aimed to investigate the different effects of fatigue and health-related quality of life in the Turkish mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) through comparisons with mothers of typically developing children, and to evaluate the relationship between different aspects of maternal fatigue, depression, and maternal health-related quality of life. The study included a total of 103 mothers, comprising 60 mothers of children with ASD and 43 mothers of typically developing children. The Nottingham Health Profile and Quality of Life in Autism Questionnaire-Parent Version were used to assess the health-related quality of life. Fatigue was assessed comprehensively with the Fatigue Impact Scale and the Fatigue Severity Scale. The Nottingham Health Profile total and physical mobility domain and the quality of life were the strongest factors, explaining with a variance of 66.7% the fatigue impact on cognitive function. The mothers' quality of life accounted for 64.8% of the variance in factors that explained fatigue. Physical mobility, social isolation and quality of life were associated with the physical impact of fatigue and were explained with a variance of 52.4%. Emotional reactions and quality of life were explained with a variance of 52.7% in the fatigue of psychosocial function. The current study has highlighted that the fatigue of Turkish mothers of children with ASD has a greater impact on cognitive, physical and psychosocial functions. Furthermore, the quality of life, physical mobility, social isolation, and emotional reactions of mothers have a significant impact on maternal fatigue.

Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis (Wegener's) Nasal Reconstruction: Improved Outcomes With No Surgical Delay.

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's) causes progressive nasal collapse, nasal obstruction, and central face deformity. It is not known whether cartilaginous nasal reconstruction should be performed immediately or delayed (after disease 'burn-out'). For Wegener's nasal collapse to: (1) Assess the functional and aesthetic outcomes following immediate versus delayed nasal reconstruction; (2) Measure the impact of psychosocial well-being (anxiety, depression, social isolation) in immediate versus delayed nasal reconstruction. Wegener's patients were compared with either 1) immediate or 2) delayed nasal surgery (n = 61). Functional and aesthetic severity were compared with the validated Standard Cosmesis and Health Nasal Outcome Survey (SCHNOS) score (student's t-test). In addition, Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) perioperative/1-year follow-up surveys were analyzed. At initial consultation, SCHNOS score severity types were similar for each group (Immediate vs Delayed): Mild (15% vs. 15%), Moderate (59% vs. 60%), and Severe (26% vs. 25%). Over a 30 ± 4 month wait, Delayed Surgery patients' conditions deteriorated with a shift from mild to more severe SCHNOS scores: Initial consultation vs. Prior to surgery (25 to 85). PROMIS scores at presentation were high compared to the general public; by the time of Delayed Surgery, patients significantly worsened: Anxiety (28 to 73), Depression (18 to 62), and Social Isolation (20 to 80). Although both immediate and delayed groups improved after surgery in functional and psychosocial scores, the immediate group was superior. Data showed superior functional/aesthetic scores, and superior psychosocial indicators with immediate cartilaginous nasal reconstruction compared to waiting until disease 'burn-out'.

Opinions of Individuals Exposed to Earthquake Regarding Their Psychological Rigidity

This is a qualitative study conducted to evaluate the thoughts of individuals who were exposed to the earthquake that took place on 06.02.2023, centered in Kahramanmaraş, regarding their psychological rigidity. A phenomenological approach was adopted in the study. 14 participants were included in the study. Data were collected by audio recording with a semi-structured interview form. Content analysis technique was used to analyze the data. As a result of the analysis, it was determined that individuals exposed to the earthquake avoided the emotions of joy, happiness, love, sadness, anger and fear. It was determined that thoughts are suppressed and thoughts about the loss of family members are avoided. However, there are also participants who do not have avoidant thoughts or behaviors. Individuals exposed to earthquake reported situations such as fear of loss, nightmares, anxiety, hopelessness, rumination, powerlessness, failure, fear of punishment, burnout, embarrassment, claustrophobia, crying spells, eating problems, increase in alcohol/cigarette use, sleep problems, social isolation, excessive cleaning, staying away from entertainment, and disruption of social relations. In this study, after the trauma experienced, some individuals stated that they became aware of the value of life, created new options, had positive changes in social relations, and change in the perception of self. Considering the results, it is evaluated that practices aimed at increasing psychological flexibility will reduce the negative effects of traumatic experiences and increase psychological resilience in individuals.

Challenges faced by older people with dementia during the COVID-19 pandemic as perceived by professionals: a qualitative study with interviews.

Previous studies have highlighted a decline in the mental health of older adults over the course of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Few studies have determined the possible causes of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia during COVID-19 in a comprehensive manner. We aimed to identify the challenges faced by older adults with dementia during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study adopted a qualitative approach to understanding the perceptions of healthcare professionals, such as regarding the negative effects of COVID-19 on the mental health of people with dementia. Between January and March 2022, the authors conducted individual in-depth interviews on how COVID-19 affected the stress levels, care, and self-determination of people with dementia. Qualitative data from the individual interviews were data cleansed to ensure the clarity and readability of the transcripts. The qualitative data were then analyzed by inductive manual coding using a qualitative content analysis approach. The grouping process involved reading and comparing individual labels to cluster similar labels into categories and inductively formulate themes. Qualitative analysis extracted 61 different semantic units that were duplicated. Seven categories were inductively extracted using a grouping process. These were further integrated to extract the following four themes: fear of personal protective equipment (PPE), loneliness, dissatisfaction with behavioural restrictions and limitations of video calls, and family interference with service use. People with dementia often faced mental distress during the pandemic owing to preventive measures against COVID-19, and a lack of awareness and understanding of such preventive measures worsened their distress. They experienced a severe sense of social isolation and loneliness. Findings also indicated that families tended to ignore the needs of people with dementia and their decisions and opinions regarding healthcare service use.

A Coordinated Data Analysis of Four Studies Exploring Age Differences in Social Interactions and Loneliness During a Global Pandemic.

Examining loneliness and social isolation during population-wide historical events may shed light on important theoretical questions about age differences, including whether these differences hold across different regions and the timecourse of the unfolding event. We used a systematic, preregistered approach of coordinated data analysis (CDA) of four studies (total N = 1,307; total observations = 18,492) that varied in design (intensive repeated-measures and cross-sectional), region, timing, and timescale during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. We harmonized our datasets to a common period within 2020-2021 and created a common set of variables. We used a combination of ordinary least squares regression and multilevel modeling to address the extent to which there was within- and between-person variation in the associations between social isolation and loneliness, and whether these associations varied as a function of age. Within- and between-person effects of social interactions were negatively associated with loneliness in one study; in follow-up sensitivity analyses, these patterns held across early and later pandemic periods. Across all datasets, there was no evidence of age differences in the within-person or between-person associations of social interactions and loneliness. Applying the CDA methodological framework allowed us to detect common and divergent patterns of social interactions and loneliness across samples, ages, regions, periods, and study designs.

Factors Influencing Social Isolation among Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review

(1) Background: Social isolation, which has numerous adverse effects on health status, is prevalent among cancer patients. This review proposes to identify the influencing factors of social isolation among cancer patients. (2) Methods: Articles published in English or Chinese from six electronic databases before December 2023 were identified via a systematic search. A manual search was also performed. (3) Results: Twenty-eight studies were identified in this systematic review. The factors associated with social isolation can be summarized into the following categories: demographic characteristics, having cancer, health status, coping, social support and social interaction. Despite the heterogeneity, 20 factors were significantly associated with social isolation, including age, gender, comorbidity burden, education level, residence, medical insurance, occupation status, personality, race, smoking status, having children, not living alone, household income level, marital status, the role of primary caregiver, physical health status, mental health status, social health status, coping styles, and the level of social support and social interaction. (4) Conclusions: The systematic review showed that cancer patients’ social isolation was influenced by their demographic characteristics, cancer-related factors, physical condition, psychological status, social health status, coping styles, and level of social support and social interaction. In addition, future group intervention could be considered to improve social isolation.

P11 A role for keratinocyte arginase in skin wound healing and barrier function

Abstract Introduction and aims Delayed cutaneous wound healing is a major problem that can result in social isolation and significant morbidity including amputation. There are many changes in cellular function in a chronic wound. Notably, the enzyme arginase (ARG)1 is markedly changed in wound healing. We have identified a role for ARG1 in keratinocyte re-epithelialization during wound closure, but the underlying mechanism driving re-epithelialization was not known. We aimed to determine the role of ARG1 in keratinocyte migration, differentiation and barrier formation. Methods Two-dimensional scratch and differentiation assays using immortalized keratinocytes (NTERT cells) treated with the ARG1 inhibitor, nor-NOHA, and short hairpin RNA-based knockdown cells were assessed. Gene and protein expression changes were highlighted. Expression of proteins was further validated using immunohistochemical profiling of human skin equivalents and human wound lesions by spatial transcriptomics. Results ARG1 was strongly expressed both 2–4h postscratching and at late stages of keratinocyte differentiation. Dysregulation of ARG1 expression was spatially highlighted in chronic lesions, further suggesting an involvement in keratinocyte migration and differentiation. ARG1 inhibition led to a significant delay in postscratch keratinocyte migration. Furthermore, upon ARG1 inhibition, a significant decrease was seen in the expression of late differentiation markers involucrin and filaggrin. ARG1 inhibition significantly decreased the expression of host defence genes β-defensin 3, lipocalin 2 and kallikrein 6. ARG1 triggers production of multiple downstream products and we confirmed a role for the pathway involving production of putrescine and urea, as the addition of these metabolites led to the rescue of these phenotypes. Conclusions ARG1 and its downstream metabolites play a major role in keratinocyte migration, differentiation, and barrier formation, which are vital functions for re-epithelialization and wound closure. Therefore, manipulation of the ARG1 pathway may be crucial in the management of chronic lesions.

The Clinical Sequelae of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Loneliness, Depression, Excessive Alcohol Use, Social Media Addiction, and Risk for Suicide Ideation

Background Depression, loneliness, and alcohol use disorder are associated with suicide ideation. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has challenged our social structures with social distancing and isolation policies implemented worldwide, severely restricting social interactions. Studies regarding the effects of the pandemic are starting to shed light on the harmful psychological effects of these policies. Aims This study aims to identify whether the increase in suicidal ideation among college students (mostly young adults) during the pandemic was due to the known risk factors of loneliness, depression, alcohol use disorder, social media addiction, and other background variables. Method Nine hundred and eleven college students completed self-report questionnaires assessing suicidal risk, depressive symptoms, loneliness, excessive alcohol use, and social media use. Results During the pandemic suicidal ideation was associated with loneliness (χ2 = 54.65, p < 0.001), depressive symptoms (χ2 = 110.82, p < 0.001), alcohol use disorder (χ2 = 10.02, P < 0.01) and social media addiction (χ2 = 13.73, P < 0.001). Being single [OR = 2.55; p < 0.01], and self-identifying as a non-heterosexual [OR = 2.55; p < 0.01] were found to constitute additional risk factors. Limitations The structural nature of quantitative self-report scales does not offer the flexibility of gaining a deeper understanding of causes, specific to particular circumstances that may lead participants to ideate on suicide, even briefly. Conclusions Social distancing and isolation policies during the COVID-19 pandemic constitute an additional factor in the risk for suicide ideation.

Technology trends in practice: A survey of occupational therapy practitioners.

Given the evolving digital revolution, technology and digital tools are becoming inseparable from work and daily occupations. Occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) focus on supporting individuals in their desired and needed activities. Many of these daily activities (i.e., online banking, shopping, social media, smartphone use) require digital skills at a growing rate, and insufficient technological skills may subject individuals to limited engagement and social isolation. To understand OTPs attitudes regarding technology utilization. We surveyed 109 OTPs about their attitudes, work practices, and barriers to addressing their clients' digital technological functioning. The findings of our study suggest that while OTPs acknowledge the importance and potential benefit of technology for their clients, there is a notable professional gap in the training and skills of OTPs to support their clients' digital functioning effectively and to integrate technology into their practice. There is a need to improve and expand OTP's digital skills and knowledge regarding addressing clients' digital functioning and technology implementation in occupational therapy practice.

Positive psychosocial factors may protect against perceived stress in people with systemic lupus erythematosus with and without trauma history

ObjectiveTrauma history is associated with SLE onset and worse patient-reported outcomes; perceived stress is associated with greater SLE disease activity. Stress perceptions vary in response to life events and may...

Psychological Prevention of Suicidal Behavior in Adolescents

The article is devoted to the analysis of psychological factors in the formation of suicidal behavior in adolescents. The following personal characteristics of adolescents are considered that predispose them to suicidal behavior, such as emotionally labile, cycloid and hysterical types of character accentuation. Character traits of adolescents with borderline personality disorders, such as instability of emotions, impulsivity, and a tendency toward self-aggression, can provoke suicidal intentions and attempts. Social isolation, rejection by peers, and conflicts in the family can lead to psychological trauma and suicidal reactions in adolescence. Suicidal behavior in adolescence can be a reaction to traumatic situations associated with violence, abuse, and sexual harassment. Various methods of psychological prevention of suicidal behavior are considered. An effective method for preventing suicidal behavior in adolescents is the formation of resilience and resource states of the individual, and early diagnosis of risk groups plays an important role in the prevention of suicidal behavior. The emphasis is on the need to increase the psychological competence of parents, teachers and specialists in recognizing and preventing suicidal behavior, as well as on interdepartmental interaction and coordination of services at all levels of the prevention system.

The feasibility of health professional student delivered social visits for stroke survivors with loneliness

ObjectivesTo examine the feasibility of a social phone call program to address social isolation and loneliness in stroke survivors.Materials and methodsWe paired 14 lonely community-living stroke survivors with 14 health professional students for 6-weekly unstructured social phone calls. Feasibility data and measures of social isolation, loneliness and other psychosocial metrics were collected pre- and post-intervention. Students journaled following each unstructured call to capture the informal conversation and their sentiments.ResultsSixty-two percent of the targeted sample was interested. Fourteen eligible and interested participants were enrolled. The 13 (93%) participants completing all calls and surveys were an average of 57 years old, 85% female, and 77% non-Hispanic white. At baseline, participants were highly lonely and moderately depressed. Participants disclosed physical and emotional challenges, previous valued employment, and enjoyment from the calls. Students reported enjoying the connections, learning about the struggles of aging-in-place after stroke, and valuing compassionate care for the stroke population.ConclusionsKnowledge gaps remain regarding effective social support interventions to provide continuity of care directed at managing social disconnection after stroke. A health professional student-delivered social phone call intervention with stroke survivors appears to be a feasible, in part, and encouraging approach for addressing social isolation and loneliness. Future trials require re-evaluation of eligibility criteria and strategies to boost enrollment before efficacy testing is conducted in a larger trial.

Ethnoracial Identity and Cognitive Impairment: A Community Study.

Identifying potentially modifiable risk factors associated with MCI in different ethnoracial groups could reduce MCI burden and health inequity in the population. Among 2845 adults aged 65+ years, we investigated potential risk exposures including education, physical and mental health, lifestyle, and sensory function, and their cross-sectional associations with MCI. We compared proportions of exposures between Black and White participants and explored relationships among race, MCI, and exposures. Logistic regression modeled MCI as a function of each exposure in the overall sample adjusting for age, sex, educational level, and race, and investigating race*exposure interactions. Compared with White participants, Black participants had greater odds of MCI (OR 1.53; 95% CI, 1.13 to 2.06) and were more likely to report depressive symptoms, diabetes, and stroke, to have high blood pressure and BMI, and to be APOE-4 carriers. Exposures associated with higher odds of MCI were diabetes, stroke, lifetime smoking, sleep disturbances, social isolation, loneliness, depression and anxiety symptoms, and vision and hearing loss. There were no significant interactions between race and any exposure. Black participants had 53% higher odds of MCI adjusting for age, sex, and education. The same exposures were associated with MCI in Black and White participants.

Multilevel analysis of discrimination of people living with HIV/AIDS and associated factors in Ghana: demographic health survey of 2022 Ghana data

IntroductionThe negative effects of stigma and discrimination in communities and families include medication non-adherence, heightened psychological distress, verbal and physical abuse, a lack of social support, isolation, and dangerous health behaviors such as hiding prescriptions. Despite the huge burden of HIV/AIDS discriminatory attitudes, limited studies were conducted in Ghana. Therefore, this study examines the burden of discriminatory attitudes and their determinant factors on people who are living with HIV/AIDS in Ghana.ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the prevalence of discriminatory attitudes and associated factors among people who are living with HIV/AIDS in Ghana based on recent DHS data.MethodSecondary data analysis was used for this multilevel logistic regression analysis based on the Ghana Demographic Health Survey of 2022. Data extraction, cleaning, and analysis were conducted using Stata version 14. The community of Ghana, from the 15 to 49 age group, was used for this study, with a final sample size of 22,058 participants. Four separate models were fitted, incorporating individual and community levels. Multilevel logistic regression models were calibrated to determine the associated factors at the individual and community level with discriminatory attitudes, with a 95% CI and AOR.ResultsThe prevalence of discriminatory attitudes toward people living with HIV/AIDS was 60.92%, with a 95% CI (60.13, 61.70) among Ghana DHS. Lower wealth status, having no comprehensive knowledge of HIV, low educational status at the individual level, and low wealth status at the community level, poorest and poorer [AOR =2.03; 95% CI: (1.04, 3.94)] and [AOR = 2.09; 95% CI: (1.84, 8.65)], respectively, no comprehensive knowledge [AOR = 3.42; 95% CI: (1.74, 6.73)], no and primary education [AOR = 3.18; 95% CI: (2.48, 5.51)] and [AOR = 3.78; 95% CI: (2.68, 5.92)], respectively, at the individual level and low wealth status [AOR = 1.58; 95% CI: (1.00, 2.46)] community level were the associated factors.ConclusionThe prevalence of discriminatory attitudes toward people living with HIV/AIDS was high (60.92%) in Ghana’s DHS. The associated factors for this study were lower wealth status, having no comprehensive knowledge of HIV, and low educational status at the individual level.

Young adults’ perceived social isolation and e-impulse buying on social commerce platforms: linking roles of perceived stress and hedonic browsing

Purpose This paper aims to explore the pathways connecting perceived social isolation, perceived stress, hedonic browsing and e-impulse buying in social commerce. Design/methodology/approach A theoretical model was proposed. Data from 394 young adults was analyzed using structural equation modeling to test the hypothesized relationships in the model. Findings Perceived social isolation is associated with elevated levels of perceived stress and engagement in hedonic browsing. Young consumers often turn to hedonic browsing as a coping mechanism for stress, and both stress and hedonic browsing play significant roles in fostering impulsive purchases. Perceived stress fully mediates the influence of perceived social isolation on hedonic browsing. Conversely, hedonic browsing partially mediates the impact of perceived stress on e-impulse buying. Practical implications Businesses can use the findings to develop effective marketing strategies that entice customers to purchase on social commerce platforms. Moreover, the findings offer valuable insights for young consumers, providing them with an understanding of the complexities of impulsive buying in social commerce. This knowledge can empower them to make informed decisions and exercise enhanced control over their purchasing habits. Furthermore, the findings could be used as a basis for developing targeted interventions to reduce unnecessary purchases, particularly during challenging times that necessitate social isolation. Originality/value This study offers new empirical insights into the ways in which perceived social isolation, perceived stress and hedonic browsing contribute to the heightened prevalence of e-impulse buying in social commerce.