Individual Well-being Research Articles

A survey of the impact of potential work-related stressors on mental health among veterinarians in Croatia

This study aimed to provide insights into potential work-related stressors, career satisfaction levels and their potential impact on mental health among veterinarians in Croatia. A total of 389 veterinary doctors participated in this research. The survey response rate was 21.1%, signifying the involvement and input of a specific number of veterinarians in the Republic of Croatia in this study. The questions were designed and divided into categories to assess demographic information about the participants and their mental health, including inquiries about their psychosocial environment and individual well-being. The study was designed as cross-sectional study, utilising an online survey as the main tool for data collection. The survey was available from 14 March to 30 April 2023. The findings highlight the potential increased risks for veterinary professionals who experience certain stressors related to their work. Since this is the first study of its kind, it could enable a better understanding of the specific needs and challenges related to mental health in the veterinary profession in the Republic of Croatia.

Navigating wicked problems: the unrecognised contribution of social pedagogy to Aotearoa New Zealand’s successful Covid-19 response

Aotearoa New Zealand’s government, alongside its Indigenous Māori and Pacific communities, spearheaded a unique and effective response to the first three years of the Covid-19 crisis that swept the world. The measures taken enabled the country to largely keep its society within its borders open and functional, minimise the impact of the pandemic on individual lives and community well-being and keep morbidity rates low. While there have been numerous studies and articles exploring this national response, to this point no examination has been undertaken through a social pedagogical lens. This article identifies key concepts from the discipline that are relevant to Aotearoa New Zealand’s context, discusses the ways in which these were (albeit unknowingly) applied during the peak of the pandemic and explores future potential for application in social and public health policy and practice. Weaving together a shared framework of Māori, Pacific and unique Aotearoa New Zealand world views and cultural practices alongside the principles of social pedagogy presents an exciting opportunity to shape a national crisis response that is effective and meets the needs of diverse communities. It is argued that making the contribution of social pedagogy visible has the potential to enhance responses to wicked problems in times of crisis and further the acceptance of the discipline in the southern hemisphere.

The Effect of Ambient Artificial Intelligence Notes on Provider Burnout.

Healthcare provider burnout is a critical issue with significant implications for individual well-being, patient care, and healthcare system efficiency. Addressing burnout is essential for improving both provider well-being and the quality of patient care. Ambient artificial intelligence (AI) offers a novel approach to mitigating burnout by reducing the documentation burden through advanced speech recognition and natural language processing technologies that summarize the patient encounter into a clinical note to be reviewed by clinicians. To assess provider burnout and professional fulfilment associated with Ambient AI technology during a pilot study, assessed using the Stanford Professional Fulfillment Index (PFI). A pre-post observational study was conducted at University of Iowa Health Care with 38 volunteer physicians and advanced practice providers. Participants used a commercial ambient AI tool, over a 5-week trial in ambulatory environments. The AI tool transcribed patient-clinician conversations and generated preliminary clinical notes for review and entry into the electronic medical record. Burnout and professional fulfillment were assessed using the Stanford PFI at baseline and post-intervention. Pre-test and post-test surveys were completed by 35/38 participants (92% survey completion rate). Results showed a significant reduction in burnout scores, with the median burnout score improving from 4.16 to 3.16 (p=0.005), with validated Stanford PFI cutoff for overall burnout 3.33. Burnout rates decreased from 69% to 43%. There was a notable improvement in interpersonal disengagement scores (3.6 vs. 2.5, p<0.001), although work exhaustion scores did not significantly change. Professional fulfillment showed a modest, non-significant upward trend (6.1 vs. 6.5, p=0.10). Ambient AI significantly reduces healthcare provider burnout and may enhance professional fulfillment. By alleviating documentation burdens, ambient AI can improve operational efficiency and provider well-being. These findings suggest that broader implementation of ambient AI could be a strategic intervention to combat burnout in healthcare settings.

Periodontal disease: A systemic condition.

For decades, periodontitis has been considered to be a local inflammatory disease of the periodontal tissues in the oral cavity. Initially, associations of periodontitis with a multitude of noncommunicable diseases were each studied separately, and relationships were shown. The associations of periodontitis with morbidities, such as cardiovascular diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus, respiratory diseases, have been demonstrated. As most such studies were cross-sectional in nature, questions about causality cannot be univocally answered. And periodontitis as an independent risk factor for one systemic disease, becomes even more difficult to assess since recently periodontitis has also been associated with multimorbidity. Periodontitis and many systemic diseases share environmental, lifestyle and genetic risk factors, and share immunopathology. Moreover, suffering from one common noncommunicable disease may increase the susceptibility for another such chronic disease; the systemic effects of one condition may be one of various risk factors for another such disease. The overarching effect of any systemic disease is it causing a pro-inflammatory state in the individual; this has also been shown for periodontitis. Moreover, in periodontitis a prothrombotic state and elevated immunological activity have been shown. As such, when we consider periodontal disease as another systemic disease, it can affect the susceptibility and progression of other systemic diseases, and importantly, vice versa. And with this, it is not surprising that periodontitis is associated with a variety of other noncommunicable diseases. The medical definition of a systemic disease includes diseases that affect different organs and systems. Thus, the aim of this opinion paper is to propose that periodontitis should be considered a systemic disease in its own right and that it affects the individual's systemic condition and wellbeing. The dental and medical profession and researchers alike, should adapt this paradigm shift, advancing periodontal disease out of its isolated anatomical location into the total of chronic noncommunicable diseases, being for some conditions a comorbid disease and, vice versa, comorbidities can affect initiation and progression of periodontal disease.

Embedding the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals into the Career Curricula

The United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals provide a framework for addressing global challenges, linking environmental sustainability to individual and social well-being and social justice. This article explores how embedding the SDGs into career development can enhance career exploration and contribute to a sustainable future. Drawing on experiences from teaching a senior career capstone course, it highlights strategies for integrating the SDGs into career interventions. Key components include developing personal mission statements, researching organizations, analyzing future work trends, and conducting informational interviews. The article also presents evidence of the course's impact on students' thinking and provides practical advice for implementation.

Perkembangan Judi Online dan Dampaknya Terhadap Masyarakat Beserta Dalil dalam Al-Qur’an dan Hadits Tentang Perjudian

The main issue of this journal discusses the impact of online gambling practices on society. The focus is to understand the negative consequences arising from online gambling and its implications for individuals and communities. The purpose of this study aims to analyze the impact of online gambling in the social context of society. The author wants to explain how online gambling practices affect individual well-being, social relationships, and family economic stability. Qualitative Method: The research approach used is a qualitative method. The author conducts analysis through content generated by the community related to online gambling, such as online forum discussions or relevant social media posts. The conclusion of the findings of this study reveals the significant negative impact of online gambling on society. Online gambling practices can cause destructive addiction, disrupt the financial stability of individuals and families, and damage social relationships. These negative influences require effective preventive measures,including education about the risks of gambling, strict regulations, and better supervision of online gambling platforms. In conclusion, this study emphasizes the importance of public awareness and responsive policies in addressing the negative impacts of online gambling on individuals and society as a whole.

Perceptions of forensic interviewers on the sexual education of individuals with a disability exposed to sexual victimisation

ABSTRACT This qualitative study examines the perspectives of forensic interviewers on the education of individuals with a disability who have been exposed to sexual abuse and violence. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 25 forensic interviewees in six provinces in Turkey. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. Thematic analysis results revealed four themes: types of disabilities of individuals subjected to sexual violence and abuse; family; education and sexual violence and abuse; and the effect of difficulties in self-expression during the forensic interview process. The findings emphasise the necessity for tailored, visually supported education aligned with developmental stages to prevent sexual violence. The inclusion of parents in these sexual education sessions could prove to be effective in preventing the onset of sexual abuse perpetrated against individuals with a disability. The insights provided by forensic interviewers underscore the importance of an interdisciplinary approach in developing and implementing sexual education programmes, aiming to address deficiencies in current sexual education frameworks. Personal safety and sexual education could be useful in preventing negative incidents that individuals with a disability may encounter at every stage of their lives. PRACTICE IMPACT STATEMENT Our results highlight the critical importance of customised sexual education programmes for reducing the vulnerability of individuals with a disability to sexual violence and abuse. It addresses the role of identifying practical measures to address the risks associated with these individuals, promoting parental involvement, and raising awareness in the community. Interdisciplinary collaboration across various fields, such as health care, psychology, and law, and the development of inclusive sexual education initiatives, may be important for protecting the rights and well-being of individuals with a disability and their families.

What's Draining Your Workplace Energy and Joy? Identifying and Addressing Sources of Unhappiness to Boost Productivity and Morale

This article explores the major factors that contribute to employee unhappiness and low engagement based on organizational behavior theory and empirical research. It identifies unclear role expectations, lack of autonomy, poor leadership, and unhealthy workplace cultures as key sources of job dissatisfaction. Research shows only 30% of workers worldwide feel engaged in their jobs, indicating widespread unhappiness comes at a cost to both individual well-being and organizational performance. The article outlines specific strategies organizations can implement to address each issue, such as providing detailed job descriptions, setting clear performance goals, empowering employees with control and input, developing effective leadership skills, and fostering a positive values-driven culture. Additional considerations like workload concerns, growth opportunities, recognition programs, and coworker relations are also discussed. By understanding why jobs so often fail to inspire and implementing targeted improvement initiatives, leaders can systematically transform work into a fulfilling experience that maximizes employee potential and engagement. This enhances organizational competitiveness by differentiating companies as employers of choice.

The lifetime risk of maternal near miss morbidity in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America: a cross-country systematic analysis

Life-threatening maternal near miss (MNM) morbidity can have long-term consequences for the physical, psychological, sexual, social, and economic wellbeing of female individuals. The lifetime risk of MNM (LTR-MNM) quantifies the probability that a female individual aged 15 years will have an MNM before age 50 years, given current mortality and fertility rates. We compare the LTR-MNM globally to reveal inequities in the cumulative burden of severe maternal morbidity across the reproductive life course. We estimated the LTR-MNM for 40 countries with multifacility, regional, or national data on the prevalence of MNM morbidity measured using WHO or modified WHO criteria of organ dysfunction from 2010 onwards (Central and Southern Asia=6, Eastern and Southeastern Asia=9, Latin America and the Caribbean=10, Northern Africa and Western Asia=2, sub-Saharan Africa=13). We also calculated the lifetime risk of severe maternal outcome (LTR-SMO) as the lifetime risk of maternal death or MNM. The LTR-MNM ranges from a 1 in 269 risk in Viet Nam (2010) to 1 in 6 in Guatemala (2016), whereas the LTR-SMO ranges from a 1 in 201 risk in Malaysia (2014) to 1 in 5 in Guatemala (2016). The LTR-MNM is a 1 in 20 risk or higher in nine countries, seven of which are in sub-Saharan Africa. The LTR-SMO is a 1 in 20 risk or higher in 11 countries, eight of which are in sub-Saharan Africa. The relative contribution of the LTR-MNM to the LTR-SMO ranges from 42% in Angola to 99% in Japan. There exist substantial global and regional disparities in the cumulative burden of severe maternal morbidity across the reproductive life course. The LTR-MNM is an important indicator to highlight the magnitude of inequalities in MNM morbidity, once accounting for obstetric risk, fertility rates, and mortality rates. The LTR-SMO can be used to highlight variation in the relative importance of morbidity to the overall burden of maternal ill-health across the female reproductive life course, given countries' stage in the obstetric transition. Both the LTR-MNM and LTR-SMO can serve as important indicators to advocate for further global commitment to end preventable maternal morbidity and mortality. UK Economic and Social Research Council, EU Horizon 2020 Marie Curie Fellowship, and Leverhulme Trust Large Centre Grant.

Psychological factors and retirement planning behavior among Chinese university faculty members: The mediating effects of retirement planning intention

ABSTRACT Informed retirement planning impacts the wellbeing of individuals and broader society. However, the current related literature contains a limited understanding of the challenges faced by Chinese university faculty members concerning retirement planning. This study developed a model that combines social cognitive theory (SCT) and the theory of planned behavior (TPB) to investigate the effect of attitude toward retirement planning, social group support, perceived financial knowledge, and future time perspective on retirement planning intention, as well as the mediating influence of retirement planning intention. Data collection was conducted from 514 faculty members of public universities in China through an online questionnaire survey. The findings indicated that perceived financial knowledge demonstrated the strongest positive influence on retirement planning intention, followed by future time perspective and social group support, with retirement planning intention as a mediator. This research offers implications for policymakers, retirement benefits consultants, and financial institution practitioners. It suggests that implementing financial education workshops and personalized planning services could promote retirement planning behavior.

URIP IKU URUP: PROGRAM KONSELING TEMAN SEBAYA SEBAGAI UPAYA MENINGKATKAN MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS PADA SISWA DI SMK BERBUDI YOGYAKARTA

Mental health is an important aspect in the well-being of individuals, especially students in a school setting. However, awareness of the importance of mental health is often low among students which negatively impacts their development. This study aims to increase mental health awareness at SMK Berbudi Yogyakarta through a peer counseling program, utilizing the Javanese philosophy of “Urip Iku Urup.” The research method used was One Group Pre-Test Post-Test Design, in which the experimental group was given a Pre-Test scale before the intervention and a Post-Test scale after the intervention. The intervention included training and role play, as well as counseling practices using MHA Board Games and Mindful Mixer Games media. The results showed a significant increase in students' mental health awareness, with a pre-test mean score of 40.04 and a post-test mean score of 47.96. Thus, it can be concluded that the peer counseling program is effective in increasing students' mental health awareness at SMK Berbudi Yogyakarta.

Fostering The Future: The Z-Generation In Discovering The Meaning Of Life And Optimism

The study of meaning, in philosophy and psychology, is important to reveal the influences toward individual well-being, especially optimism. This study examined the influences of various factors, such as social media, family environment, education, and personal experiences on Z-generation's perception of the meaning of life and their levels of optimism. Age, sex type, and spirituality are influential factors for searching for meaning in life, found based on the journal article review. The Age influences a person's search for life's meaning and their optimism. Sex type also plays an important role; men tend to discover meaning in life through family roles and social relationships, while women tend to discover meaning through achievement and independence. Spirituality, such as religious practices and spiritual beliefs, offers a framework to discover the meaning of life and remain optimistic, especially through the social support of the spiritual community.

ADL ACTIVITY OF DAILY LIVING DAN KUALITAS HIDUP PASIEN PASCA STROKE ISKEMIK

Ischemic stroke, also referred to as non-hemorrhagic stroke, results in the death of brain tissue due to impaired blood flow, primarily caused by blockages in the cerebral or cervical arteries and, less commonly, in the cerebral veins. This condition profoundly affects various aspects of an individual's life, including physical, emotional, psychological, cognitive, and social well-being. Following a stroke, many individuals experience reduced independence and mobility, which significantly detracts from their quality of life. Often, they face self-care deficits and require assistance to gradually regain the ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL) independently. This study aims to elucidate the strong relationship between ADL independence and the quality of life of post-ischemic stroke patients at Abdul Aziz Hospital in Singkawang City. Employing an analytic observational design with a cross-sectional approach, the research involved a sample of 60 respondents selected from the Neurology Polyclinic at RSUD dr. Abdul Aziz through purposive sampling. Data analysis was conducted using the Spearman Rank test with a 95% confidence level. The results indicate a significant relationship between ADL independence and the quality of life of these patients, as demonstrated by a p-value of 0.000 (p &lt; α) and a correlation strength of 0.514, categorized as moderate (0.40 – 0.599). These findings highlight that the level of independence in activities of daily living is intrinsically linked to the quality of life for post-ischemic stroke patients.

SENSORY-FOCUSED FOOTWEAR DESIGN: MERGING ART AND WELL-BEING FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH AUTISM

The application of art in footwear design presents a unique opportunity to enhance the well-being of children and adults with autism by incorporating controlled sensory stimuli. This approach integrates natural elements—like trees, flowers, and serene colors—into shoes, creating a calming sensory experience. Colors such as blue, green, and lilac are strategically chosen for their soothing effects, fostering emotional stability and reducing stress. Research indicates that these hues promote relaxation, with blue associated with tranquility, green symbolizing nature, and lilac evoking spirituality. The texture of the footwear plays a crucial role as well, incorporating raised patterns inspired by natural forms to provide subtle, relaxing tactile stimulation. This allows for pleasant sensory interaction, particularly for individuals sensitive to excessive stimuli. Comfort is further enhanced by the inclusion of soft, non-slip insoles that distribute weight evenly and ensure safety, especially in environments where slips may occur. Recent studies reinforce the importance of creating environments that promote calm and comfort, highlighting innovative solutions that improve quality of life for individuals with sensory challenges. The design of therapeutic gardens and the development of responsive smart clothing illustrate a growing recognition of the benefits of integrating art and nature into everyday experiences. Overall, this focus on empathetic and inclusive design reflects a societal shift toward understanding and addressing the unique needs of those with autism. By prioritizing sensory-friendly features in everyday products, the integration of art into footwear not only enhances aesthetic value but also contributes significantly to emotional and physical well-being, creating a more inclusive world.

Comparative Analysis of Fall Detection Using Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) and K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN) Algorithms

Fall detection is a critical area of research due to its implications for public health, particularly among older adults more vulnerable to fall-related injuries. This study explores the application of pervasive computing and machine learning algorithms in detecting falls using accelerometer and gyroscope sensors. Leveraging a dataset obtained from smartphone sensors, the study employs data processing techniques and classification algorithms, including K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN) and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), to differentiate fall events from other activities. Evaluation metrics such as accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score are utilized to assess the performance of the models. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of both the ANN and KNN models in accurately predicting fall detection with high precision and recall scores. The study highlights the potential of pervasive computing systems and machine learning methods to enhance fall detection capabilities, contributing to the development of proactive measures for ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals at risk of falls. Future research directions include exploring alternative algorithms and sensor modalities to improve fall detection systems further.

Risk and protective factors for mental health problems in children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic: results of the longitudinal COPSY study

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic has had profound effects on the mental health of children and adolescents worldwide, exacerbating existing challenges and introducing new stressors. This paper explores the impact of risk and protective factors on the mental well-being of young individuals during the pandemic. Using data from the German nationwide, population-based, longitudinal COPSY study (n = 2,471, girls: 50.0%, age 7–17 years) spanning nearly three years, this study investigates how factors such as gender, age, parental education, parental depressive symptoms, family cohesion, and social support influence mental health. Mental health problems were assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Latent growth analysis and structural equation modeling were employed to analyze cross-sectional and longitudinal data collected at five measurement points (initial response rate: 46.8%). Findings revealed that boys and younger children are at a higher risk for mental health problems. Additionally, low parental education, single parenthood, parental burden due to the pandemic and parental depressive symptoms were significantly linked with mental health problems in children. Conversely, personal resources, family cohesion, and social support were associated with less symptoms. Family cohesion additionally buffered against the negative impact of parental depressive symptoms. The study underscores the importance of multi-level interventions that consider individual, familial, and societal factors in promoting positive mental health outcomes among children and adolescents during challenging times. Continued research and collaborative efforts are needed to develop evidence-based strategies for supporting the resilience of young individuals in the face of future adversities.

Pengaruh Konflik Pekerjaan-Keluarga, Kelelahan Emosional dan Stres Kerja terhadap Kinerja di PT Penerbit Erlangga Karawang

Dynamic company dynamics make human resources continue to innovate and be efficient in order to provide the best performance. The conflict between work demands and family responsibilities is increasingly gaining attention in the context of modern life. When work forces you to sacrifice time and attention that should be given to your family, conflict arises, causing a significant impact on an individual's emotional and physical well-being. Emotional exhaustion, which reflects a state of physical and mental exhaustion due to ongoing pressure, and job stress, which occurs due to a mismatch between job demands and the individual's ability to meet them, are the two main consequences of this conflict. This research method is quantitative using multiple linear regression analysis. The research results showed that work-family conflict, emotional exhaustion and work stress had an influence on performance.

Contemporary understanding of health literacy across the Island of Ireland

Abstract This presentation will detail two reviews that provided contextual understanding for this project. The first, an umbrella review which explored i) How is health literacy currently defined and operationalised nationally and internationally? And ii) What are the key components and principles of health literacy? The search was limited, most notably, to systematic reviews published after 2012. A total of 12 studies were included for data extraction and narrative analysis. Findings provided an update of the conceptual understanding of health literacy, emphasising the complex and multidimensional nature of the concept. Dimensions are common, but growing, and moving beyond just individual capabilities. The second, moving beyond the definition, details a systematic review that aimed to gain a contemporary understanding of health literacy through identifying and appraising existing research conducted in an Irish context. Seven electronic databases were searched between October and December 2023. Initial search identified 551 records, following screening, 37 studies were included in this review. Narrative analysis indicated that across the Island of Ireland in the last decade, many studies had narrow populations of focus (i.e. Dublin based, adults, chronic illness populations), limited research design and methodologies (cross-sectional, narrative, and primary research with short time frames), and lacked rigorous monitoring and evaluation of health literacy as a primary or secondary outcome. While studies highlighted clinical, education and community implications, a limited focus on mental health was also observed. Findings from this systematic review offer valuable insights and recommendations for future efforts to enhance health literacy and the health and well-being of individuals across the island of Ireland.

The Neurological Impact of Continuous Nicotine Exposure in Adolescents

Continuous nicotine exposure during adolescence can have profound implications on the development and well-being of individuals in this critical stage of life. As the prevalence of nicotine use among adolescents continues to be a significant public health concern, understanding the impact of this addictive substance on young minds and bodies is crucial. We explored the various dimensions of nicotine exposure in adolescents, from its effects on brain development and cognitive function to the social, emotional, and educational consequences. By looking into the complexities of adolescent nicotine addiction, we can better comprehend the challenges faced by this vulnerable population and develop potential strategies for prevention and intervention.

Improving joy at work and reducing burnout in health care workers in Victoria, Australia using the Institute for Healthcare Improvement joy in work framework: A mixed-methods study.

Burnout in health care workers (HCWs) has serious ramifications for individual well-being, patients, organizations, and health systems. Global evidence demonstrates the COVID-19 pandemic has amplified the risk of burnout. Scalable interventions to address burnout are critical to protect HCW well-being. Underpinned by the Conservation of Resources theory, this study examines the impacts of a statewide improvement initiative (the Initiative), using the Institute for Healthcare Improvement Joy in Work (JiW) Framework, to reduce burnout and increase joy at work across participating health care organizations in Victoria, Australia. An impact evaluation was undertaken utilizing a mixed-methods design. Quantitative outcomes included burnout and joy at work measured using an adapted Mini Z tool. In-depth interviews with implementation teams sought insights into the effectiveness of interventions. Overall, 20 teams from 17 organizations across diverse health care settings and geographical locations participated. At a statewide level, outcomes in burnout and joy at work were inconclusive due to limited data. However, five out of eight teams reporting sufficient data achieved measurable improvements in one or more outcomes. Qualitative data revealed the Initiative increased workplace resources and supports such as providing "permission" for HCWs to prioritize well-being at work, improved communications between management and HCWs, and increased HCWs' teamwork and camaraderie, resulting in safer and more positive workplaces. The JiW Framework, implemented across diverse settings, provided organizations with a structured process to develop multifaceted improvements that resulted in enhanced resources that appeared to improve HCW well-being. Compared to individual well-being support, this approach offers organization-level change and scalability potential.