Well-Being Index Score Research Articles

The Impact of Flavonoid Supplementation on Serum Oxidative Stress Levels Measured via D-ROMs Test in the General Population: The PREVES-FLAVON Retrospective Observational Study.

Oxidative stress has emerged as a key contributor to numerous NCDs (non-communicable diseases), including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and diabetes. This study aims to explore the potential of targeted interventions to mitigate oxidative stress as part of a primary prevention strategy. The study included 32 healthy participants (11 men, 21 women) aged 45-65 who completed both the initial and follow-up assessments of the Healthy Days Initiative, a community-based wellness program organized by the non-profit Associazione O.R.A. ETS. Through blood analysis, vital sign assessment, lifestyle questionnaires, and individualized recommendations, participants received guidance on improving their health and reducing disease risk. The initiative also offered the opportunity for participants to consume a flavonoid supplement containing quercitrin, rutin, and hesperidin, with the goal of reducing oxidative stress. Participants who opted for supplementation were instructed to take 1-2 tablets daily for two weeks. Data collected included demographic information, anthropometric measurements, vital signs, dietary and lifestyle habits, medical history, WHO-5 Well-Being Index scores, and blood parameters. Significant reductions were observed in glucose levels (from 82 to 74.5 mg/dL), reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) (from 394.5 to 365.5 U.CARR), and systolic blood pressure (from 133 to 122 mmHg) after the two-week flavonoid intervention. Most participants (26/31) reported no side effects, and the majority (30/31) expressed a willingness to continue using a product combination of quercitrin, rutin, and hesperidin or a similar product long-term. While limited in scope and duration, the PREVES-FLAVON study contributes valuable insights to the growing body of evidence suggesting that flavonoid supplementation may play a significant role in reducing risk factors associated with NCDs in primary prevention settings. By targeting novel risk factors such as oxidative stress, this intervention holds promise for mitigating the global burden of NCDs and promoting healthy aging.

Wellness and its correlation with vitamin D

Abstract Background: Wellness encompasses various interconnected physical, mental, and social dimensions beyond the traditional definition of health. Vitamin D deficiency is a widespread nutritional deficiency, with a prevalence of 80%–90% in India, and is often under-diagnosed and under-treated worldwide. While vitamin D is classically known for its role in bone health, it also has significant extra-skeletal effects, including maintaining muscle function, immunity, anti-inflammatory activity, and cell proliferation and differentiation. Recent studies have linked vitamin D deficiency to fatigue, myalgia, low-energy fractures, muscle weakness, anxiety, and depression. Furthermore, it is implicated in the development of type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension. Vitamin D deficiency is also associated with recurrent exacerbations of bronchial asthma, autoimmune diseases, and malignancies. Addressing this deficiency can substantially enhance patient well-being, prevent serious health outcomes, and improve overall wellness. Aim: This study aims to investigate the relationship between wellness and vitamin D levels. Materials and Methods: This prospective nonrandomized therapeutic study was conducted at MGM Medical College and Hospital, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, and included 246 participants from July 2021 to December 2022. The study included patients reporting generalized weakness, fatigue, myalgia, low mood, lack of motivation, and decreased interest in life by the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Their serum vitamin D levels were tested. Participants with vitamin D deficiency (<30 ng/mL) completed a pre-structured well-being questionnaire and received vitamin D supplementation for 10 weeks. Wellness in these patients was evaluated using a pre-structured post-supplementation well-being questionnaire. Results: The results revealed that out of 324 patients included in the study, 253 (78.1%) were deficient in vitamin D. The highest deficiency rate was among those aged 18–35 years (85.5%). Vitamin D deficiency was more prevalent in females (79.5%, 167 out of 210 females) compared with males (75.4%, 86 out of 114 males). The paired t test results showed a significant increase in post-test vitamin D levels (t = -219.922, P < 0.001) and a significant decrease in post-test Fatigue Assessment Scores (t = 31.328, P < 0.001) and Fatigue Severity Scores (t = 33.066, P < 0.001). Additionally, there was a significant improvement in post-test World Health Organization-Five Well-Being Index (WHO-5) scores (t = -28.495, P < 0.001) and Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scores (WEMWBS; t = -28.996, P < 0.001). Karl Pearson’s correlation coefficient indicated that post-supplementation vitamin D levels were positively correlated with post-supplementation Fatigue Assessment Scores (r = 0.315) and Fatigue Severity Scores (r = 0.334). Conversely, they negatively correlated with the WHO-5 Well-being Index (r = -0.322) and the WEMWBS (r = -0.294). Conclusion: This study concludes that wellness is directly correlated with vitamin D levels. There is a significant improvement in the Fatigue Assessment Scale, Fatigue Severity Scale, WHO-5 Well-being Index, WEMWBS, and overall physical, mental, and social wellness following vitamin D supplementation in patients, both with and without comorbidities (hypertension and DM).

Correlation among job-induced stress, overall well-being, and cardiovascular risk in Italian workers of logistics and distribution.

Work-related stress is an occupational risk that has been linked to the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). While previous studies have explored this association in various work contexts, none have focused specifically on logistics and distribution personnel. These workers may be exposed to significant job stress, which potentially increases the risk of CVD. In this study, we aimed to examine the relationship between work-related stress and cardiovascular risk in a sample of 413 healthy workers of a logistics and distribution company. To assess work-related stress and cardiovascular risk, we used the organisational well-being questionnaire proposed by the Italian National Anti-Corruption Authority, the Framingham Heart Study General Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Risk Prediction Score and the WHO General Wellbeing Index (WHO-5). Our results revealed that individuals with low job support had a significantly higher CVD risk score and lower well-being index than those reporting high job support. Furthermore, workers with high-stress tasks showed higher well-being index scores than those with passive tasks. Approximately 58% of the subjects were classified as low CVD risk (CVD risk <10%), approximately 31% were classified as moderate risk (CVD risk between 10 and 20%) and 11% were considered high risk (CVD risk >20%). The overall median CVD risk for the population was moderate (6.9%), with individual scores ranging from 1 to 58%. Further analyses confirmed the protective effect of work support, also identifying physical inactivity, regular alcohol consumption and low educational level as factors contributing to an increased risk of CVD. Interestingly, factors such as job control and work support demonstrated a positive impact on psychological well-being. These results emphasise the importance of intervention strategies aimed at promoting health in the workplace. By addressing these combined factors, organisations can effectively reduce the risk of CVD and improve the general well-being of their workforce.

Sedentary activity, sedentary bouts, and patterns of total daily sedentary activity, and their relationship with stress and well-being in individuals with diabetes and prediabetes: The Lolland-Falster Health Study

AimsThis study aimed to investigate the cross-sectional associations of stress and well-being with the total amount of sedentary activity and sedentary bouts in adults with diabetes and prediabetes. A secondary aim was to explore the sedentary activity pattern during a day in adults with diabetes and prediabetes. MethodsThis cross-sectional study from the Danish Lolland-Falster Health Study categorized participants into diabetes (including both type 1 and type 2 diabetes) and prediabetes based on their HbA1c level and self-reported use of diabetes medication. Exposures were Perceived Stress Scale (scores ≥18 = moderate to high stress) and WHO-5 Well-Being Index (scores ≤50 = low well-being). Outcomes were total daily sedentary activity and sedentary bouts assessed with thigh-worn and back-worn accelerometers. ResultsAmong the 562 included adult participants, 15 % had low well-being and 65 % had moderate to high stress. Higher well-being was associated with lower total sedentary activity in participants with diabetes (−1.1 min/day, 95 % CI -2.0; −0.2, for every 1-point increase in WHO-score) and participants with prediabetes (−0.6 min/day, 95 % CI -1.1; −0.05, for every 1-point increase in WHO-score). No association was found between stress and sedentary activity. During a day, participants with diabetes were more sedentary with a mean difference of −0.7 h/day (95 % CI -1.1; −0.4) when compared with participants with prediabetes. ConclusionsThis study found that higher well-being is associated with lower total daily sedentary activity in individuals with diabetes and prediabetes, while no association between stress and sedentary activity was found. These findings imply that individuals with diabetes and prediabetes and low well-being may need additional support to reduce time spent on daily sedentary activity.

Prevalence and drivers of nurse and physician distress in cardiovascular and oncology programmes at a Canadian quaternary hospital network during the COVID-19 pandemic: a quality improvement initiative

ObjectivesTo assess the prevalence and drivers of distress, a composite of burnout, decreased meaning in work, severe fatigue, poor work–life integration and quality of life, and suicidal ideation, among nurses...

Distress and well-being in dentists: performance of a screening tool for assessment

ObjectivesDentists’ well-being is being challenged today by many factors. However, effective screening tools to assess their distress and well-being are yet to be validated. The present study aims to evaluate the ability of the Well-Being Index (WBI) to identify distress and stratify dentists’ well-being and their likelihood for adverse professional consequences.Method and materialsA convenience sample of dentists completed a web-based 9-item WBI survey along with other instruments that measured quality of life (QOL), fatigue, burnout, and questions about suicidal ideation, recent dental error, and intent to leave their current job.ResultsA total of 597 dentists completed the survey. The overall mean WBI score was 2.3. The mean WBI score was significantly greater in dentists with low QOL than among dentists without low QOL (4.1 vs 1.6, p < 0.001). Dentists with extreme fatigue, burnout, and suicidal ideation had significantly higher mean WBI score than those without distress (all p < 0.001). WBI score stratified the dentists’ likelihood of reporting a recent dental error and intent to leave their current job.ConclusionThe WBI may be a useful screening tool to assess well-being among dentists and identify those in distress and at risk for adverse professional consequences.

The Impact of Melatonin on Inflammatory Status and Quality of Life

Objective: This study aimed to assess whether the use of melatonin as an initial insomnia treatment can enhance inflammatory status and quality of life (QoL). We also explored a potential correlation between these improvements and sleep pattern ameliorations and whether baseline status correlated to differences in sleep quality, inflammatory status, and QoL. Methods: We enrolled 67 subjects from 6 different hospitals who met Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) insomnia criteria. The patients took 2 mg per day of prolonged-release melatonin (PRM) for 8 weeks. We administered the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) to assess sleep quality and the WHO-5 Well-Being Index to assess QoL at baseline, week 4, and week 8. We measured tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels to determine inflammatory status at baseline and week 8.Results: The mean global PSQI score declined significantly from 13.97 to 10.39 (p&lt;0.001) after 8 weeks of PRM treatment. The mean WHO-5 Well-Being Index score improved significantly from 7.30 to 11.0 (p&lt;0.001) over the study period. The mean TNF-α nonsignificantly declined from 0.62 to 0.60 (p=0.28). The PSQI improvement over 8 weeks was correlated to the baseline PSQI score (r=0.40, p=0.001). The decrease in TNF-α over 8 weeks was correlated to the baseline TNF-α level (r=0.43, p&lt;0.001).Conclusion: This study reported measurable improvement in sleep quality and QoL after 8 weeks of PRM. Although the decrease in TNF-α level over 8 weeks was not significant, it showed correlation to the baseline TNF-α level. PRM can prevent excessive inflammation and may be beneficial in chronic inflammation involving TNF-α.

Psychological morbidities among Nepalese migrant workers to Gulf and Malaysia.

One of the important aftereffects of rapid global development is international mobility, which has placed the health of migrant workers as a key public health issue. A less-developed country, Nepal, with political instability and a significant lack of employment, could not remain untouched by this phenomenon of migration. Our goal was to identify and determine the predictors of anxiety, depression, and psychological wellbeing among Nepalese migrant workers in Gulf countries (United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain) and Malaysia. A descriptive cross-sectional study was used to collect information from 502 Nepalese migrant workers in the arrival section of Tribhuvan International Airport from May to June 2019 using purposive sampling. Workers with a minimum work experience of 6 months and above were included in the study. A structured questionnaire with socio-demographic items was used along with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and WHO (five) wellbeing scale for measuring the subjective psychological wellbeing and screening for depression. The mean age of the respondents was 32.97 years. Majority (41.8%) of the respondents had work experience in Qatar and 63.7% had work experience of 1-5 years. The results suggested that 14.4% had mild to severe depression while 4.4% had a moderate level of anxiety. The WHO5 wellbeing index score suggested that 14.1% of the respondents had a score below 13, which is suggestive of poor psychological wellbeing. Further, the country of work (p = 0.043), sleeping hours (p = 0.001), occupation (p = 0.044), working hours (p = 0.000), water intake (p = 0.010) and anxiety level (p = 0.000) were found to be significantly associated with depression score. Similarly, sleeping hours (p = 0.022), occupation (p = 0.016), working hours (p = 0.000), water intake (p = 0.010), and anxiety level (0.000) were significantly associated with the WHO5 wellbeing score. Nepalese migrant workers in the Gulf countries (United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain) and Malaysia bear an important burden of psychological morbidities. This highlights the need to prioritize the migrant worker's mental health by Nepal as well as Gulf countries and Malaysia.

Effect of Ayurvedic Formulations on Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (Asrigdara): A Prospective Uncontrolled Multicenter Clinical Study

IntroductionAsrigdara in Ayurveda simulates the dysfunctional type of abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) and is a common gynaecological complaint. It negatively affects the quality of life and is associated with the poor health of women. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Ayurvedic formulations, Pushyanuga churna (PC) and Usheerasava (UA) in managing AUB. MethodsA multicenter, single-arm clinical study was conducted on 80 diagnosed patients of AUB. PC 3 g and UA 20 ml were given twice daily for 90 days. Clinical assessment was done at baseline, every 15th day for the initial 3 months, and on 120th day. Pictorial blood loss assessment chart score, visual analogue scale, and Psychological General Well-being Index were utilised to measure the outcome parameters. The safety of formulations was evaluated by reporting adverse drug reactions and changes in liver function tests and renal function tests at baseline and on 90th day. ResultsSixty-eight participants completed the trial. Data were analysed using SPSS version 28.0. The mean age of the participants was 31.7 ± 6.3 years and majority (73.5%) were multiparous. The most typical presentation was heavy menstrual bleeding in 92.6%, followed by frequent bleeding (52.9%). At baseline, 94.2% participants had a pictorial blood loss assessment chart score >100, which decreased to 30.7% at the end of the study. Highly significant changes (P < 0.001) were observed in frequent, prolonged bleeding and psychological general well-being index score. No adverse drug reactions and significant changes in safety parameters were found. ConclusionsPC and UA are effective, well-tolerable, and safe in managing AUB.

Vaccination after developing long COVID: Impact on clinical presentation, viral persistence, and immune responses

BackgroundVaccination protects against severe COVID-19 manifestations. For those with post-COVID-19 conditions (PCC) or long COVID, the impact of COVID-19 vaccination on the evolution of symptoms, immune responses, and viral persistence is unclear. MethodsIn this prospective observational cohort study, we evaluated the number of PCC symptoms, affected organ systems, and psychological well-being scores before and after patients with PCC received COVID-19 vaccination. We simultaneously evaluated biomarkers of systemic inflammation and levels of plasma cytokines/chemokines. We measured plasma and intracellular levels of SARS-CoV-2 antigens, and immunoreactivity to SARS-CoV-2 antigens in blood. ResultsCOVID-19 vaccination was associated with decreases in number of PCC symptoms (pre-vaccination: 6.56 ± 3.1 vs post-vaccination: 3.92 ± 4.02; P <0.001) and affected organ systems (pre-vaccination: 3.19 ± 1.04 vs post-vaccination: 1.89 ± 1.12; P <0.001), and increases in World Health Organization (WHO)-5 Well-Being Index Scores (pre-vaccination: 42.67 ± 22.76 vs post-vaccination: 56.15 ± 22.83; P <0.001). Patients with PCC also had significantly decreased levels of several pro-inflammatory plasma cytokines/chemokines after COVID-19 vaccination including sCD40L, GRO-⍺, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1⍺, interleukin (IL)-12p40, G-colony stimulating factor (CSF), M-CSF, IL-1β, and stem cell factor (SCF). PCC participants presented a certain level of immunoreactivity toward SARS-CoV-2, that was boosted with vaccination. SARS-CoV-2 S1 antigen persisted in the blood of PCC participants, mostly in non-classical monocytes, regardless of participants receiving vaccination. ConclusionsOur study shows higher pro-inflammatory responses associated with PCC symptoms and brings forward a possible role for vaccination in mitigating PCC symptoms by decreasing systemic inflammation. We also observed persistence of viral products independent of vaccination that could be involved in perpetuating inflammation through non-classical monocytes.

The family structural and socioeconomic characteristics of the family well‐being of Hong Kong people

AbstractThis study investigated the family well‐being of Hong Kong people through a randomized telephone survey of 2008 adults, using a standardized six‐domain index developed specifically for this population. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to examine the heterogeneity of family well‐being according to demographic, family structural, and socioeconomic characteristics. The results showed significant gender and age differences in people's perception of family well‐being. Education, family income, and hiring a domestic helper were also associated with higher family wellbeing index scores, while the impacts of economic activity status, family size, and caring for young children were found to be insignificant. The impact of marital status was somewhat complicated. This article discusses variations observed in the influence of the set of demographic, family structural, and socioeconomic characteristics on overall and domain‐specific family well‐being. Implications for future studies and for social policy formulation and social work practice are suggested.

Depressive symptoms are associated with fatigue, poorer functional status and less engagement in sports in axSpA and PsA: an analysis from the RABBIT-SpA cohort

BackgroundIn patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) or psoriatic arthritis (PsA), concomitant depression might have a negative impact on the course of disease and treatment outcomes. The aims of this analysis are to determine the prevalence of depressive symptoms in axSpA and PsA patients in a real-world cohort study and to identify sociodemographic and clinical associated factors for moderate or severe depressive symptoms in both diseases.MethodsPatients from the RABBIT-SpA cohort with an axSpA or PsA diagnosis and a valid WHO-5 Well-Being Index score at baseline were included. A descriptive analysis of baseline and outcome parameters by category of depressive symptoms was performed and factors associated with the presence of depressive symptoms (moderate or severe) were examined in a logistic regression.ResultsTwo thousand four hundred seventy patients (1,245 axSpA; 1,225 PsA) were included in the analysis. In both diagnoses, the proportion of patients with moderate depressive symptoms was 8% and 21% with severe symptoms.Patients with moderate or severe depressive symptoms were less likely to engage in sports than those with no or mild depressive symptoms, had more comorbidities and higher scores for disease activity, functional limitations, fatigue, and pain and took more analgesics.In axSpA, patients with a higher disease activity, a greater functional impairment and more severe fatigue were more likely to experience depressive symptoms, while patients with more years in education and engaging in sports for at least 1 h/week were less likely to experience depressive symptoms. PsA patients with a greater functional impairment and more severe fatigue were more likely to experience depressive symptoms while those engaging in sports for at least 1 h/week were less likely to experience depressive symptoms.ConclusionWe confirmed a high prevalence of depressive symptoms in both PsA and axSpA. Factors negatively associated with the presence of depressive symptoms were fatigue, not engaging in sports, and greater functional limitations. Depressive symptoms may affect the perception of disease activity / severity by patients. Thus, depressive symptoms are an important condition in axSpA and PsA that should be considered when evaluating disease activity and treatment outcomes.

Validity and reliability of the hypoglycemia confidence scale for patients with type 1 diabetes

Background: This study aims to assess the validation and reliability of the Turkish adaptation of the Hypoglycemic Confident Scale and to investigate its relationship between the Hypoglycemia Fear survey, WHO Well-Being Index, Hba1c, sociodemographic characteristics and variables.&#x0D; Methods: The survey consists of a total of 81 questions concerning the sociodemographic status, clinic status variables, and the Hypoglycemic Confidence Scale formed by 35 standard questions and 46 scale questions. &#x0D; Result: In this study, assessment of the reliability of the scale was achieved by internal consistency and test-retest methods, and the Cronbach alpha internal consistency reliability coefficients were 0.814 in the first test and 0.885 in the second test. It was observed that the responses given to the items of the Hypoglycemic Confidence Scale at two separate times were consistent with one another. The overall correlation of the scale (r = 0.927, p &lt; 0.0001) was positive and highly significant (p &lt; 0001). A significant, inverse, and moderate correlation was found between HbA1c values and Hypoglycemic Confidence Scale total scores (p &lt; 0,0001, r = -0,479). Similarly, a higher hypoglycemic confidence score was observed to be associated with higher WHO Well-Being Index score and lower hypoglycemic fear. &#x0D; Conclusion: This study shows that the Hypoglycemia Confidence Scale created by Polonsky et al. is a valid and reliable scale that can be put into use in our country.1 The Hypoglycemic Confidence Scale may be beneficial in diabetic patient follow-up and achieving treatment goals in diabetic patients.

Effectiveness of Daily Mindfulness Meditation App Usage to Reduce Anxiety and Improve Well-Being During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Introduction This study examined the effect of 10-minutedaily meditation app usage for 30 days on adult anxiety and mental well-being during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Participants were randomized into intervention (10 minutes of daily usage of the Insight Timer app) or control groups. Participants completed surveys to assess anxiety and well-being pre- and post-study. Data were analyzed using t-tests, analysis of variance (ANOVA), or nonparametric equivalents. Results Pre-study results were comparable between groups. The pre- vs. post-study General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scores for anxiety decreased in the intervention group (n=18, median 5.5 vs. 3.0 (pre vs. post), p=0.0233, d=0.50), but not in the control group (n=28). The intervention group had a lower median GAD-7 score than the control group post-study (3.0 vs. 8.0, p=0.0223, d=0.35). Pre- vs. post-study mean 5-item World Health Organization Well-Being Index (WHO-5) scores were improved in both the control (11.6 vs. 12.9 (pre vs. post), p=0.0408, d=0.36) and intervention groups (12.0 vs. 16.3 (pre vs. post), p=0.0001, d=0.77), although it was higher in the intervention group (16.3 vs. 12.9, p=0.0056, d=0.88). Conclusion Ten minutes of daily meditation app usage for 30 days may reduce anxiety and improve well-being in adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Demands of Surgery Residency: More Than Just Duty Hours?

IntroductionEfforts to improve surgical resident well-being could be accelerated with an improved understanding of resident job demands and resources. In this study, we sought to obtain a clearer picture of surgery resident job demands by assessing how residents distribute their time both inside and outside of the hospital. Furthermore, we aimed to elucidate residents’ perceptions about current duty hour regulations. MethodsA cross-sectional survey was sent to 1098 surgical residents at 27 US programs. Responses regarding work hours, demographics, well-being (utilizing the physician well-being index), and perceptions of duty hours in relation to education and rest, were collected. Data were evaluated using descriptive statistics and content analysis. ResultsA total of 163 residents (14.8% response rate) were included in the study. Residents reported a median total patient care hours per week of 78.0 h. Trainees spent 12.5 h on other professional activities. Greater than 40% of residents were “at risk” for depression and suicide based on physician well-being index scores. Four major themes associated with education and rest were identified: 1) duty hour definitions and reporting mechanisms do not completely reflect the amount of work residents perform, 2) quality patient care and educational opportunities do not fit neatly within the duty hour framework, 3) resident perceptions of duty hours are impacted the educational environment, and 4) long work hours and lack of adequate rest negatively affect well-being. ConclusionsThe breadth and depth of trainee job demands are not accurately captured by current duty hour reporting mechanisms, and residents do not believe that their current work hours allow for adequate rest or even completion of other clinical or academic tasks outside of the hospital. Many residents are unwell. Duty hour policies and resident well-being may be improved with a more holistic accounting of resident job demands and greater attention to the resources that residents have to offset those demands.

Large-scale monitoring in the DRC’s Ituri forest with a locally informed multidimensional well-being index

To monitor quality of life in changing landscapes and assess impacts of interventions, development scholars and practitioners continue to seek sensitive, flexible, practical means of measuring well-being. An approach that has received relatively little attention from development scholars but that is gaining traction among NGOs is the use of a well-being index derived from a list of locally defined and democratically weighted basic necessities. The Wildlife Conservation Society has been piloting a tool called the Basic Necessities Survey (BNS) in and around protected areas in Central Africa and beyond for over a decade. Adapted from consensual relative poverty metrics developed in the UK and Sweden, BNS data can be used to calculate a Well-being Index (WBI) that is locally relevant and comparable. To demonstrate its applicability in a lower-income context, we present findings from the Ituri Region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) where over 2,000 households were surveyed using the BNS tool in 2015, 2017, and 2019. WBI scores were lower among traditionally vulnerable and marginalized groups: Indigenous and female-headed households, those with young or elderly heads, and households that were smaller or had high ratios of dependents. WBI varied with livelihood and geography and was sensitive enough to detect group-specific changes over a short time; namely an economic shock concentrated in villages along the main local highway in 2017 when the DRC experienced a major currency devaluation. Scores can be calculated to either incorporate or isolate variability in subjective expectations about what constitutes well-being; we show that expectations differed for Indigenous households and expectations rose faster than assets in this period. Findings build confidence in the utility of this type of locally informed multidimensional well-being metric in low-income regions. Those seeking practical instruments to produce flexible and regionally comparable well-being measures may wish to consider this approach.

Paws to Care: Implementation of a Novel Medical Dog Office Hours Program to Foster Pediatric Health Care Staff Resilience and Joy.

Burnout and resiliency are significant challenges among health care workers. Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) has shown to improve patient-level outcomes; however, AAT research involving hospital staff is limited. Our novel Medical Dog ("MD") Office Hours Program aimed to provide support to pediatric hospital staff and explore the program's impact on burnout. Participant surveys described work role and years of experience, well-being, and emotional/physical descriptions and symptoms. Of 149 participants, 85% endorsed baseline distress/burnout; nearly half had at-risk Well-Being Index scores. Compared with baseline, postintervention participants endorsed significantly fewer negative (more positive) emotions; greater feelings of comfort and energy; and decreased tiredness and pain (P < .0001). Readiness to return to work scores were high (M = 78.1, SD = 18.4). Our Medical Dog ("MD") Office Hours Program resulted in improvements in emotional descriptions and physical symptoms among pediatric health care staff. Leveraging AAT among health care staff may help mitigate burnout and increase resiliency.

Effect of Intensified Training Camp on Psychometric Status, Mood State, and Hematological Markers in Youth Soccer Players.

During training camps, training load is purposefully intensified. Intensified training loads (TL) are associated with psychological variations, increased fatigue, insufficient recovery, decreased muscular performance, and biological changes in adult athletes, but whether these changes occur during training camps in youth athletes has not been established. The aim of this study was to assess changes in psychometric status, vertical jump performance (i.e., height), and hematological markers before and after an intensive training camp in youth soccer players. In this case, 15male youth soccer players (mean ± SD: age: 14.8 ± 0.4 years; height: 172.0 ± 6.9 cm, body mass: 60.8 ± 7.9 kg; training experience: 5.2 ± 0.7 years) completed a 2-week training program consisting of 1 week of moderate TL (MT) and 1 week of intensive training camp (TC). Rate of perceived exertion (RPE), TL, monotony, strain, and psychometric status (total quality of recovery (TQR) and well-being indices (sleep, stress, fatigue, and muscle soreness) were monitored before each first daily training session across two weeks. The profile of mood states (POMS), countermovement jump (CMJ) height, and blood markers (complete blood count, urea, and creatinine) were assessed before and after TC. TL (d = 5.39, large), monotony (d = 3.03, large), strain (d = 4.38, large), and well-being index (d = 7.5, large) scores increased and TQR (d = 4.6, large) decreased during TC. The TC increased tension, fatigue, and total mood disturbance and decreased vigor (all p &lt;0.01). CMJ performance p &lt; 0.01, d = 0.52, moderate), creatinine (p &lt; 0.01, d = 1.29, large), and leukocyte concentration (p &lt; 0.01, d = 1.4, large) and granulocyte concentration (p &lt; 0.01, d = 1.93, large) increased after TC. Percentage of lymphocytes (p &lt; 0.05, d = 1.17, large) and monocytes (p &lt; 0.01, d = 1.05, large) decreased while the percentage of granulocytes (p &lt; 0.05, d = 0.86, large) increased significantly. Well-being, quality of recovery, mood, granulocyte concentration, and creatinine were all altered during the week-long intensified training camp. These results may provide coaches with valuable information about psychometric status and physiological fatigue and recovery of youth soccer players to better prescribe and adjust training loads during intensive training periods.

The trajectory of psychological well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic and its association with health-promoting coping behavior among Japanese community-dwelling older adults: The Otassha Study

This study aims to identify the trajectory of psychological well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic among community-dwelling older adults and to clarify the association between coping behavior in the early stage of the pandemic and the trajectory of psychological well-being. The study was based on a cohort study, known as “the Otassha Study.” We administered three follow-up surveys to 720 older adults who participated in the survey in October 2019 (T0): T1: June 2020, T2: October 2020, and T3: October 2021. Furthermore, we assessed coping behavior in T1 via a self-developed questionnaire comprising 10 items. Psychological well-being was assessed by the WHO-5 Well-Being Index (score range: 0 to 25) in all surveys. The trajectories of psychological well-being were identified by group-based trajectory modeling. The association between coping behaviors and trajectory patterns was assessed using multinomial logistic regression analysis. Furthermore, among the 508 participants who participated in the follow-up survey two times or more, three patterns of the trajectory of psychological well-being were identified: heavily decreased group (n = 39), decreased group (n = 352), and increased group (n = 39). “Walking” as a coping behavior had a significantly higher odds ratio (OR) to be in the increased group (OR = 2.32, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.06–5.05, p = 0.035) compared to the heavily decreased group. “Conversations with family living together” had a slightly higher OR to become an increased group (OR = 1.96, 95 % CI: 0.87–4.41, p = 0.106), and “actively gathering information on COVID-19” had a slightly lower OR to become the decreased group (OR = 0.53, 95 % CI: 0.26–1.06, p = 0.072) compared to the heavily decreased group. The results of this study suggest how maintaining health in the early stage of the pandemic had a great influence on the long-term health status.

The kindness COVID-19 toolkit: a mixed-methods evaluation of a programme designed by doctors in training for doctors in training

ObjectivesThe impact of a coronavirus disease (COVID-19)-specific professional development programme on the well-being of obstetrics and gynaecology (O&G) doctors in training (DiT) working during the pandemic.DesignA mixed-method evaluation of a...