Subjective Health Perception Research Articles

Tasks and activities of an effective collaborative Dementia Care Management program in German Primary Care.

Recent studies have demonstrated the efficiency of collaborative dementia care, which aim to improve post-diagnostic support. However, tasks carried out of such models are currently unknown, hindering its implementation. To describe the tasks of an efficient collaborative dementia care management and analyze the association of these tasks with patients' characteristics. The analysis was based on 183 persons screened positive for dementia (PwD), who received dementia care management conducted by nurses with a dementia-specific qualification. A standardized computer-assisted assessment, patients' and caregivers' unmet needs were identified, based on these, pre-specified algorithms generated an individual list of intervention tasks for each PwD. Tasks performed to meet unmet needs were documented and categorized and descriptively analyzed. We used multivariate regression models to identify socio-demographic and clinical factors that are associated with a specific subgroup of tasks or a higher number of tasks. On average 22.7 tasks were carried out per dyad (PwD and caregiver). 38%, 19% and 13% of tasks could be categorized to cooperation with other healthcare providers, medical and nursing care, and social and legal support, respectively. A lower mental and physical health-related quality of life, age of PwD, lower education, higher deficits in daily living activities, higher depressive symptoms, and a higher number of drugs taken of the PwD, as well as female sex of the caregiver were associated with a significantly higher number of tasks carried out. Socio-demographic and clinical characteristics and the subjective perception of health determine the intensity of intervention needed to address unmet needs of PwDs. A variability of the intensity of collaborative care should be considered in the development of future intervention studies and in the implementation into routine care.

코로나19로 인한 청소년 신체활동 변화와 정신건강 변인의 관계

The purpose of this study is to provide basic data to prepare countermeasures for the physical and mental health of adolescents in Korea by analyzing the relationship between mental health according to changes in physical activity due to COVID-19 for adolescents. To achieve the purpose of this study, 52,602 adolescents were analyzed using raw data from the 2021 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Surveys. Looking at the results of the major studies, changes in physical activity due to COVID-19 and subjective health perception(p=.000), depression(p=.000), GAD(generalized anxiety disorder)(p=.000), and stress perception(p=.000) was found to have a statistically significant relationship. In addition, as a result of examining the effects of changes in physical activity on subjective health cognition, depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and stress cognition, subjective health cognition had a positive relationship, and changes in depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and stress cognition had a negative relationship. Therefore, to summarize the results of this study, it was found that there was a change in the physical activity of adolescents due to COVID-19, and the decrease in physical activity had a negative effect on mental health. In order to respond to the re-spread of COVID-19 or the emergence of new infectious diseases in the future, it is necessary to develop sports activities and educational programs and application strategies that take into account the life patterns of adolescents.

Disparity between Subjective Health Perception and Lifestyle Practices among Korean Adolescents: A National Representative Sample.

The relationship between subjective health perception (SHP) and lifestyle practices brings into question the future health status of an individual. Recognition of the disparity between one's health consciousness to the real practices encourages change and promotes development of better health programs. The adolescent stage is the best time to identify this disparity wherein lifestyle practices are still being developed. In Korea, adolescents experienced significant shifts in lifestyle due to the fast economic growth and the breakthrough of the digital era. Thus, determining the disparity between SHP and lifestyle practices among Korean adolescents poses a great deal of interest and importance. Utilizing the 2019 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey (KYRBS), self-reported data with a national representative sample-57,303 respondents-of Korean adolescents in the 7-12th grades, was used from a multistage sampling, stratification, and clustering was obtained. SHP and lifestyle practices were collected and analyzed. The findings revealed that most respondents with poor diet, exercise, and sleep behaviors perceived themselves to be normal, healthy, or extremely healthy, which resulted in a negative correlation between SHP and lifestyle behaviors-except in the case of substance use. There is a significant disparity between Korean adolescents' SHP and lifestyle practices. This highlights the need for lifestyle interventions and re-education among Korean adolescents. Their current lifestyle practices may extend into adulthood, thereby increasing the risks of cardiovascular and other lifestyle-induced diseases.

Association between Stress Perception and Physical Activity in Elderly

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship of stress perception and physical activity in the elderly over 60 years of age in Korea. Methods: This s tudy was a s econdary d ata analysis and used d ata from the 8 th 2 nd ( 2 02 0) National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) as raw data. The subjects of this study were 2,360 elderly people aged 60 years or older from raw data. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS 25 ver. Descriptive statistics, chi-square analysis and complex sample logistic regression analysis were performed. Results: Household income, women, subjective health perception, walking were related to stress perception. In result of complex sample logistic regression analysis after adjusting the control variables, the stress perception in 60-69 ages was 2.064 times higher in the case of '1-2 days' walking per week compared to 'more than 3 days' walking per week. The stress perception in 70 years and older was 1.801 times higher in the case of 'none' walking per week compared to 'more than 3 days walking per week. Conclusion: The results provide a basis information for developing an intervention program to improve the stress management and develop a program for healthy aging.

Subjective health perception prioritizes psychological well-being over physical function in advanced ALS: A multigroup structural equation modeling analysis

BackgroundDespite declining physical function, individuals with ALS report relative preservation of overall health perception, or health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This paradoxical finding is attributed to psychological adaptation to deficits. ObjectiveThe aim of this cross-sectional study was to examine reprioritization of factors that determine HRQoL with disease progression. MethodsAs standard care, patients with ALS self-reported ALSFRS-R (measure of bulbar, motor, and respiratory function), PHQ-9 (measure of depression), and EQ-5D-3L (utility index that includes a visual analog scale asking about health perception [EQ-VAS]). ALS was staged by the FT9 method and classified into early (stages 0–2) and late (stages 3–4) disease. Multigroup structural equation modeling was used to evaluate weights of physical (PHY) and psychological well-being (PSY) for early and late disease, on EQ-VAS (as a measure of overall HRQoL). ResultsThere were 578 patients (mean age 61.5 ± 11.9, 59% male) with ALS: 423 (73%) early and 155 (27%) late disease. A measurement model was established with good model fit (RMSEA = 0.076, CFI = 0.943, SRMR = 0.045). In adjusted models, standardized weights of PHY and PSY on HRQoL in early disease were 0.34 (standard error = 0.06) and 0.24 (0.06) respectively, whereas for late disease they were 0.39 (0.07) and 0.42 (0.07). Importantly, PHY and PSY were significantly correlated in early but not in late disease. ConclusionsOur study found health perception is more representative of psychological well-being and less representative of physical function across the disease progression. Greater allocation for psychological health would be the most effective strategy to maximize subjective health status as ALS advances.

Comparison of health behaviors of adult women in Korea before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: secondary analysis of the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2019-2020.

This study investigated the changes in the health-related behaviors of adult women in Korea during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Data from the eighth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2019- 2020) were analyzed. The participants were 4,848 women aged 19 to 64 years in 2019 and 2020. Data analysis using the complex sampling design was performed using SPSS 20.1. Positive changes during the pandemic compared to before the pandemic in Korean adult women were found for improved subjective oral health perceptions (odds ratio [OR], 1.77; p<.001), increased moderate-intensity exercise in work and leisure activities (OR, 1.75; p<.001 and OR; 1.29, p=.004), and a decrease in secondhand smoke exposure at the workplace and in public places (OR, 0.64; p=.004 and OR, 0.60; p<.001). However, the following negative health behavior changes were found: decreased frequency of walking 5 days a week (OR, 0.81; p=.011) and an increase in unhealthy daytime sleep durations (OR, 1.40; p=006). Compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic, Korean adult women perceived their subjective dental health more positively during the COVID-19 pandemic, decreased their exposure to secondhand smoke at work and in public places, decreased walking, and increased sleep duration during the week. Since this study only compared data between 1 year before and after the start of the pandemic, it is necessary to investigate a longer period of time in the future. A future study should attempt to identify the factors related to changes in health behaviors caused by the pandemic.

CONSUMERS’ PERCEPTIONS OF HEALTH AND FACTORS INFLUENCING FULFILMENT OF THE NEED FOR HEALTHCARE IN EU COUNTRIES

The paper deals with subjective perceptions of health by individuals. The research aimed at understanding socioeconomic and demographic factors influencing the fulfilment of healthcare needs and at finding out categories of factors that lead to the highest chances of meeting the need in consumer segments formed according to perceptions of their health status. The analyses were based on the EU-SILC database of primary data on the income situation and living conditions of households. In 2017, the database included extra questions on health. The method of cluster analysis was employed. As a result, three clusters of individuals representing EU countries formed depending on the perceived state of health – the authors named the clusters ‘optimistic’, ‘neutral’, and ‘pessimistic’. For each segment, the binary logistic regression was applied to determine categories of factors leading to the highest probability of meeting the healthcare need. The greatest influence over the fulfilment of the need for healthcare has been confirmed for the factor “Sector of economic activity”, followed by the type of economic activity. Some differences were revealed between segments. For example in the third segment, i.e., respondents who rated worst their health, a strong influence of education has been identified. The highest chances of meeting the need for health care are achieved in the first segment by executives, but in the second and the third segment by individuals active in education. On the other hand, craftsmen and workers have the lowest chances. In all segments, the influence of household composition was confirmed, with single households and single-parent households reporting lower chances of meeting their healthcare needs. Respondents who did not feel their healthcare need was met mostly said it was due to financial reasons, long waiting times, or fear of medical treatment.

You Make Me Sick: Abuse at Work and Healthcare Utilization

ABSTRACT Though research on abuse at work is abundant, abusive supervision’s effects on healthcare utilization and outcomes remains unknown. We use two working samples (n 1 = 701; n 2 = 155) to test abusive supervision’s effects on subjective health perceptions and objective health and healthcare utilization (i.e., chronic illness and pain medications/diagnoses and number of visits to a medical professional). We argue that work-family balance and burnout serially mediated these effects. Using surveys and electronic health records, we find support tying abusive supervision to both subjective and objective health outcomes. Integrating logic from gender socialization theory, we argue (and find support) for the moderation of these effects by gender, such that the relationships are stronger for men. We conclude with future research directions and organizational implications.

Effects of Residential Environmental Screening and Perception Surveys on Superfund Environmental Health Risk Perceptions.

Residents at one of the nation’s largest and longest-operating Superfund sites (Butte, Montana) have expressed environmental health risk perceptions that often diverge from those of EPA and other official stakeholders responsible for the investigation and remediation of site contamination aimed at protecting human health and the environment. A random sample of Butte residents participated in a study of how home-based environmental screening influences environmental health perceptions. Participants completed surveys measuring environmental health perceptions before and after a home site screening of soil and drinking water for lead and arsenic conducted by the research team. Local air monitoring for the same contaminants was also completed during the study period. The home-based screening intervention improved the alignment of subjective participant environmental health perceptions with objective environmental screening measures. Key features of the process that helped achieve this effect included (1) co-locating the collection of participant perceptions and individualized screening measurements; (2) sharing environmental screening results in a clear and unbiased manner; and (3) conducting this work independent of agencies and organizations with direct responsibility for Superfund-related cleanup activities. Empowering residents of a Superfund community with knowledge of the specific kinds and levels of environmental contamination in their home environment may help overcome the gap between agency conclusions regarding environmental health risk and the perceptions of community members.

Effects of Subjective Health Perception on Health Behavior and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Patients with Prediabetes and Diabetes.

The purpose of this study is to confirm the health behavior performance rate and cardiovascular disease-related indicators according to the subjective health perception of prediabetic and diabetic patients using the 2016–2019 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data. This study classified hemoglobin A1c ≥ 6.5% as diabetes and 5.7–6.4% prediabetes among 2485 adults over 40 years of age among the data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. In addition, subjective health perception was divided into ‘good’ and ‘bad’ and then cross-classified into four groups (Good/PDM, Bad/PDM, Good/DM, and Bad/DM) to analyze the differences between the four groups. All statistical analyses were performed using SAS 9.4 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA), and complex sample analysis was performed using weights according to the KNHANES raw data usage guidelines from the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The rate of subjective health awareness was higher in men than in women in both prediabetic- and diabetic-stage subjects and adults in the prediabetic stage were higher than in the elderly. The better the subjective health status, the higher the ratio of normal weight, proper sleep time, exercise, and eating out among health-related behaviors. As a result of analyzing blood pressure and blood indices related to the cardiovascular disease risk (Framingham Risk Score), in all indicators except blood pressure, the better the subjective health status and the lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. As a result, for disease prevention and continuous management through healthy behaviors in prediabetic and diabetic patients, it is necessary to improve the positive subjective perception of health.

Generational differences in selected aspects of social situation and health status of foreigners living in the Czech Republic.

Demographic differentiation caused by the history of migration in the Czech and Slovak Republics led the authors of this article to analyse generational differences in the groups of foreigners living in the Czech Republic (CR) and the impact of generational differences on selected aspects of their social situation and perceived health. The crucial research question was whether and to what degree do different generations of foreigners vary from each other and what impact this has had on their social situation and health determinants. The main goal was to examine mutual relationships between selected characteristics of social situation and health determinants in various groups of foreigners living in the CR. A total of 1,003 questionnaires among foreigners officially living in the Czech Republic were collected and analysed. In the area of subjective perception of health, a comparison of foreigners with Czech citizens (representative sample of Czech seniors; 1,172 respondents) in the age category 65+ was made in order to find out whether this perception differs between senior foreign nationals and senior Czechs. Older individuals (50-64 years and 65+ years) appeared to have the best integration into Czech society. This age generation felt positive about stay and migration status in the CR. Older foreigners differ from older Czech citizens who tend to refer to their health as very good to rather good compared to foreigners who described their health as neither good nor bad. The middle generation (30-49 years) of foreigners was characterized by hard work and the initial stages of integration into Czech society. This group also reported positive feelings about living in the CR relative to their home country. The oldest generation of foreigners is the best integrated in the Czech Republic (with regard to selected aspects tested in this article). This generation is able to offer new immigrant effective integration strategies. However, they assess their subjective health one degree worse in comparison with Czech seniors (representative sample), this finding should lead to the setting of preventive programmes related to a healthy lifestyle, including lifestyle for foreigners living in the Czech Republic.

Remote Teaching, Self-Resilience, Stress, Professional Efficacy, and Subjective Health among Israeli PE Teachers during the COVID-19 Pandemic

This study investigated demographic factors, teaching characteristics, psychological characteristics, school-related characteristics, professional efficacy, and subjective health perceptions among PE teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted a cross-sectional research design. Questionnaires were distributed to PE teachers online during COVID-19 closures. PE teachers (N = 757) from elementary, middle, and high schools in Israel voluntary completed surveys on the topics of stress levels, self-resilience, remote teaching, professional efficacy, and subjective health perception. Sex, remote-teaching experience and clear remote school policy significantly predicted professional efficacy. Sex, teaching experience and self-resilience significantly predicted subjective health perception. This study demonstrated the need for a clear remote policy, as it likely empowers teacher professional efficacy. Transparent procedures and guidelines, along with clarifying remote policies by a supportive administration, are important for the professional efficacy of PE teachers. In addition, educational programs that are aimed at developing and strengthening the values of a healthy, positive, and balanced lifestyle are important to subjective health perception among PE teachers.

Factors Associated With Regular Consumption of In Natura Foods and Soft Drinks, and Their Influence on Self-Rated Health Among Brazilian Adults

ObjectivesTo analyze evolution and determinants of regular consumption (≥5 days per week) of in natura foods (beans, fruits and vegetables) and soft drinks, and their association with self-rated health (SRH; not poor or poor) among Brazilian adults (≥18 years old) during the period 2006–2019. MethodsObservational cross-sectional study, using 14 editions of nationally representative population-based survey conducted by the Brazilian Ministry of Health, VIGITEL. Individuals living in Brazilian state capitals (n = 684,665) were randomly selected and interviewed using structured questionnaire by telephone. Descriptive analysis and multivariate logistic regression models were estimated to identify factors associated with regular consumption of in natura foods and soft drinks, and poor SRH. ResultsThere was increasing trends for regular consumption of beans (62.62% [95%CI 58.71–66.37] p = 0.000) and fruits (58.66% [95%CI 56.76–60.54] p = 0.000), whilst consumption of vegetables (49.23% [95%CI 45.41–53.06] p = 0.000) and soft drinks (21.62% [95%CI 18.87–24.64] p = 0. 000) decreased during the period, as well as the proportion of individuals assessing poor SRH (4.69% [95%CI 4.44–4.95] p = 0.053). The regular consumption of in natura foods (beans OR = 0.844; vegetables OR = 0.755; fruits OR = 0.745) represented protective factors, and regular consumption of soft drinks (OR = 1.325) represented risk factor for poor SRH. Demographic and lifestyle factors associated with regular consumption of food varieties differed moderately among Brazilian adults who assess poor SRH, compared with the overall Brazilian adult population. ConclusionsEvidence suggests that regular consumption of in natura foods and soft drinks have influence on subjective health perceptions, like SRH, and are influenced by modifiable lifestyle factors and sociodemographic factors, which represent potential targets for preventive public policy intervention that can improve the health status of the Brazilian adult population. Funding SourcesBrazilian National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq); São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP); Brazilian Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES).

A Study on Associations between the Exercise Habits and Subjective Health Perceptions of Adolescents in Area of Seoul: Focusing on Middle School Students

PURPOSE: To provide physical activity vitalization plans of exercise habits among adolescents by analyzing the association between the formation of proper exercise habits and subjective health perceptions.METHODS: This study analyzed exercise habits and subjective health perceptions of adolescents using the survey conducted in 2020 in the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.RESULTS: This study found that there were significant differences between happiness and health recognitions. In addition, the more days of aerobic exercise, high intensity exercise, and strength exercise led to higher levels of happiness recognition. Lastly, strength exercise for at least three times a week recognized themselves as being relatively healthier than those with different numbers of exercise days.CONCLUSIONS: This study concluded that exercise habits are positively related to the subjective health recognition and they felt that healthy life-long activity would be beneficial for the future lifestyle.

Pet Ownership and Mental and Physical Health in Older White and Black Males and Females.

Pet ownership literature remains mixed regarding associations with mental and physical health outcomes among older adults. The present study investigates the relationship between pet ownership and depression, health, and physical activity in an older adult sample balanced by sex (male/female), race (White/Black), and urban/rural status. Participants were adults aged 65+ recruited between 1999 and 2001 in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Study of Aging. Participants completed the Geriatric Depression Scale, a single-item self-reported health measure, and a physical activity questionnaire. Dog owners reported better subjective health and were more likely to walk for exercise as compared to non-pet owners. Cat owners did not differ from non-pet owners in terms of self-reported health or walking. White participants were more likely than Black participants to report ownership of a pet. No relationships were found between pet ownership and symptoms of depression. Findings were not influenced by sex, race, or geographical location. Dog ownership may be associated with positive physical health behaviors and subjective health perceptions. Additional research focused on mechanisms and cognitive impact is needed. Although there may be physical health benefits of dog ownership, adopting a pet should not be viewed as a simplistic solution to alleviating depression in older adults.

Assessing physical activity and subjective health status among Hungarian secondary school students during the distance learning period caused by the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction: High school education took place in the form of distance learning during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic worldwide, including Hungary. Decreased physical activity and an increase in inactive behaviours may lead to an increased risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Objective: Our study focused on changes in physical activity (aerobic exercise, muscle strengthening, team sports) and subjective perceptions of health status in adolescents and young adults during the pandemic. Method: High school students in 66 public schools in 37 cities in Hungary (n = 2508) were surveyed. Questionnaire items on physical activity and subjective perceptions of health were adapted from the WHO Health Behaviour of School-aged Children Survey and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Youth Risk Behavior Survey. 2 x 2 x 4 factorial ANCOVA was used to test the effect of gender and/or age and region on changes in subjective perceptions of physical activity and health before and during distance education. Results: The majority of the high school students reported a decrease in physical activity frequency during the distance learning period, with an average of 2-3 fewer days of physical activity per week regardless of region. Nearly a quarter of them rated their health as worse during distance learning than before. A higher proportion of those who reported a subjective decline in health also reported a decline in physical activity. Conclusion: A decline in physical activity during the period of distance learning is associated with a decline in subjective perceptions of health, especially among rural adolescent girls.

Comprehensive physical rehabilitation of patients with heart failure: impact on clinical and functional status and analysis of problems related to the enrollment

Aim. To evaluate functional, clinical and psychological status of patients with class II-III heart failure, who underwent comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation program.Material and methods. Patients of both sexes with class II-III heart failure who met the inclusion criteria, did not have the exclusion criteria, and signed informed consent were included. The training process consisted of a 4-week respiratory muscle (RM) training using the THRESHOLD® IMT breathing trainer followed by a 12-week moderate intensity aerobic exercise (AE). AE were conducted under the supervision of an instructor 3 times a week for 40 minutes. RM training was carried out by patients at home on their own 5-7 times a week. Minnesota Living With Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLwHFQ.23) was used to assess quality of life. In addition, we applied Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The evaluation was performed before the start of the study (visit 1), after 4 weeks of respiratory training (visit 2) and at the end of 16 weeks of AE (visit 3). The baseline characteristics of patients who were screened and not enrolled in the study were compared with those who participated in training.Results. A total of 102 patients were included in the study (passed the first visit). Subsequently, for various reasons, including due to the pandemic, 82 patients refused to participate in the study. Only 20 patients participated in RM training for 4 weeks followed by a 12-week cycle of moderate-intensity AR (median age, 67,0 (58,7-74,3) years; men, 70%; Δ peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) (1-2) =1,1, p=0,3863; ΔVO2 peak (1-3) =2,3 ml/kg/min, p=0,139. During 16-week training, we revealed an increase in expiratory muscle strength (EMS) (ΔEMS =10 cmH2O (p=0,037), six-minute walk test (6MWT) (Δ6MTX=60 meters, p=0,005), and SHOKS score (p=0,0117), as well as improvement in anxiety and depression symptoms (ΔHADS =-2 points, p=0,0346). Patients who refused to be included in the study were older, had lower blood pressure, and had a worse quality of life. The groups did not differ significantly in other clinical, functional and laboratory parameters.Conclusion. Patients’ motivation to exercise was associated with younger age and better subjective health perception and did not depend on objective status. In patients undergoing a comprehensive rehabilitation program, there was a significant change in RM strength, as well as an increase in 6MWT distance, clinical and psychological status already at the stage of respiratory training. This trend continued at the AE stage as well.

Income Inequality and Health Self-Assessment in Russia1

ABSTRACT This article looks at income’s effect on the health and well-being of Russians. In particular, it studies the effect of income on health self-assessments by describing the interactions between these factors, analyzing them, and modeling them econometrically. Based on panel data from the Russian Longitudinal Monitoring Survey (RLMS) of public health and economic status, a pooled generalized ordered logit regression was constructed for the categorical variable “deteriorating self-assessment of health.” It calculates the marginal effects of the model’s independent variables (different income groups, the Gini coefficient, and others) for three different self-assessments of health (good, average, and poor). Econometric modeling showed that Russia satisfies the absolute income and income inequality hypotheses and that there is a statistically significant correlation between income, its inequality (Gini coefficient of income differentiation), and self-assessment of health. It was discovered in a number of specifications that the effect of income on health self-assessment is greater in men than in women. This is apparently linked to the greater involvement of men in the labor market. The results suggest that a government policy to increase incomes and reduce regional differentiation could improve the public’s subjective perceptions of health.

Influence of Sleep Characteristic Changes on Nurses' Quality of Life during Their Transition to Practice: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Aim: To explore the effect of changes in sleep characteristics on changes in quality of life during the transition period of new graduate nurses. Background: Sleep problems among nurses are associated with negative physical and psychological consequences. Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted at a tertiary hospital in South Korea. Participants included 88 newly graduated nurses. Data were collected twice, prior to shift work and after 4 months of working as a nurse, via online structured self-report questionnaires created using Survey Monkey from March 2018 to February 2020. A generalized linear mixed model was used to analyze the influence of changes in sleep characteristics on quality of life. Results: A generalized linear mixed model showed that changes in the subjective quality of sleep, subjective health perception, and daytime dysfunction influenced quality of life changes during the transition. This implies that deterioration already existed. From their undergraduate period to four months after they began working as nurses, a significant decrease was observed in the quality of sleep. Participants’ quality of life significantly decreased. Conclusions: Changes in the quality of life of new graduate nurses may show deterioration with a significant drop in subjective sleep quality. Institutions should improve existing work adaptation programs provided during new graduate nurses’ transition to practice by including information on changes in nurses’ health caused by changes in sleep characteristics and sleep quality.

The effect of the concept of individual agency on the estimation of health among different agecohorts

The understanding of determinants of health in health policy and health promotion has shifted from a traditional focus on lifestyle (nutrition, exercises, addiction), toward a richer multidimensional approach. This shift has been strongly influenced by a body of research in the human capabilities’ approach, which emphasizes the role of person’s agency, freedom, and opportunities. Using survey data on 18–52 years old Lithuanian representatives, this paper explores the relationship between personal agency and subjective health perception as well as how it varies depending on the age and post-materialistic values. Human agency refers to the capability of an individual to control personal destiny and make choices to fulfill goals set autonomously (A. Giddens). The results show that agency is important factor of subjective health perception in Lithuania. The fact that capabilities that measure agency are aligned with subjective health measures support the view of human development as an integral process.