Search Results (17,492)

Background/Objectives: Positive body image is linked to improved mental and physical well-being, healthier lifestyles, and fewer unhealthy weight control behaviors. Cultural factors also play a role in influencing body appreciation. This study investigated the associations between body appreciation, body weight, lifestyle factors, and subjective health among bachelor’s students in Lithuania and Poland. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted with 1290 students from universities in both countries. The Body Appreciation Scale-2 (BAS-2) measured body appreciation, while participants provided self-reported data on their dietary habits, physical activity, sleep, health perceptions, and body weight and height. Linear regression models explored associations between BAS-2 scores, actual and perceived body weight, lifestyle habits, and subjective health. Results: Gender and country-based differences in body appreciation were observed. Lithuanian female students reported a higher median BAS score of 33 compared to 32 among Polish female students (p = 0.02), despite having a higher median BMI (22.3 kg/m² vs. 21.1 kg/m², p = 0.001). Positive body appreciation was linked to healthier dietary behaviors, such as higher consumption of fruits, vegetables, fish, and regular breakfasts. Additionally, greater physical activity and sufficient sleep were associated with higher body appreciation, while higher intake of sweets, sugary drinks, and fast food correlated with lower BAS-2 scores. Both BMI and perceived weight were negatively associated with body appreciation, particularly among females. Conclusion: Body appreciation is closely linked to body weight, healthier lifestyle, and positive health perceptions, suggesting that promoting healthier habits may improve body appreciation. Full article

Objective: This study examines the relationship between anxious thoughts and well-being, with physical symptoms and sadness rumination as mediators, in young people who suffer from anxiety in the first two years after the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A community sample of 198 participants, 94 males and 104 females, aged between 19 and 35 years, all of them experiencing an anxiety disorder in their past, answered an online survey during the years 2022–2023. The instruments were the Rumination of Sadness and Anger Questionnaire, The Burns Inventory, and Ryff’s Psychological Well-being Scale. The data analysis used hierarchical regression. Results: The results show that the conditional indirect effects of anxious thoughts on well-being are statistically significant (β = −0.29, SE = 0.08, p < 0.001) for high physical symptoms of anxiety (β = 0.25, SE = 0.11, p < 0.001) and for high sadness rumination (β = −0.82, SE = 0.04, p < 0.001). Physical symptoms of anxiety (β = 0.25, SE = 0.11, p < 0.001) and sadness rumination (β = 0.05, SE = 0.07, p < 0.001) have a partial serially mediating effect on the relationship between anxious thoughts and well-being (β = −0.74, SE = 0.02, p < 0.001). Full article

Emotional intelligence (EQ) in healthcare leadership has been a subject of debate regarding its significance in enhancing job performance and patient-centred care. This systematic review investigates the impact of EQ on organisational performance metrics in healthcare leaders. Eleven studies meeting the inclusion criteria were identified through a comprehensive database search. The findings suggest that EQ positively influences job satisfaction, with emotionally intelligent leaders fostering a positive work environment and commitment among employees. Moreover, EQ correlates negatively with emotional exhaustion, indicating its potential in mitigating burnout rates among healthcare professionals. EQ fosters teamwork, organisational culture and enhances job performance, with higher EQ levels in leaders associated with increased team empowerment and proactivity. Despite the compelling evidence, limitations in the study methodologies and heterogeneity in the reported outcomes challenge the establishment of definitive conclusions. Nevertheless, the findings underscore the importance of EQ in healthcare leadership and its potential to improve organisational dynamics and employee wellbeing. This review highlights the need for further research on EQ’s impact on patient satisfaction and calls for the development of EQ training programmes tailored for healthcare leaders. Full article

Reducing inequality within and between countries and enhancing social welfare are important components of the United Nations’ sustainable development goals. Based on the experience of developed countries or regions, the digital economy and fiscal policy are effective ways of promoting inclusive regional economic growth. Fully considering the completeness and availability of the data, we select the data of China’s less developed regions from 2001 to 2011 for empirical testing. This study empirically examined the effect of the digital economy on regional sustainable development and the underlying mechanism, taking an analysis of the regulatory effect of fiscal policy into account. The results show the following: (1) The digital economy and regional sustainable development exhibit an inverted “U” curve relationship. In the early stage of development, relying on its own economies of scale, the digital economy releases the “digital dividend”, positively affecting the sustainable development of the regional economy; in the later stage, the “digital divide” has a positive impact on the development of the regional economy. The inhibitory effect of the “digital divide” is greater than the enhancement effect of the “digital dividend”, negatively affecting the sustainable development of regional economies. (2) There is regional heterogeneity in the mechanism of the effect of the digital economy on regional sustainable development. The digital economy affects the level of regional sustainable development through the two paths of “comprehensive prosperity” and “holistic well-being”. For the samples in the eastern and western regions, the digital economy plays the role of promoting and then inhibiting, while for the samples in the central region, it plays the role of inhibiting and then promoting. (3) Fiscal policy negatively regulates the effect of the digital economy on regional sustainable development, but the regulatory effect is not significant. Full article

Background: Adolescence is a critical period for developing self-perception, emotional well-being, and health behaviors. Mental health disorders represent a substantial burden for adolescents worldwide. This study examines self-perceived health, mood, and substance use among adolescents, identifying associated risk factors. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 121 adolescents aged from 14 to 18 from a secondary school in Baix Llobregat, Catalonia. Data were collected through questionnaires, and descriptive and comparative analyses were performed. Results: Poor self-perceived health and negative mood were associated with higher alcohol and tobacco use. Girls exhibited better emotional regulation than boys. Conclusions: Poor health perception and negative mood are linked to increased substance use. Early intervention should focus on emotional well-being and prevention, involving both families and schools. Full article

The end-of-life (i.e., on-farm euthanasia and culling, including fitness for transport to slaughter) of a dairy cow or calf is preceded by a series of decisions often influenced by many complex factors. The aim of this study was to utilize the opinions of experts with roles in the dairy supply chain to identify factors that influence end-of-life decision-making for dairy cattle. Twenty experts serving in supporting roles in the dairy supply chain participated in a survey containing 17 open-ended questions. Of the participants, 55% (n = 11) identified as veterinarians and the remaining 45% (n = 9) participated in other segments of the dairy supply chain. Twelve themes were identified in the qualitative analysis of survey responses. The themes included: Training and Resources, Cattle Health Management, Decision-Making Criteria, Company Culture, Personal Beliefs, Human Well-Being, Animal Welfare, Economics, Guidelines and Inspections, Consumer Perceptions, Supply Chain Considerations, and Communication. Experts indicated that training programs should address euthanasia or fitness-for-transport criteria, the knowledge of common health conditions, and information about what happens to cattle after leaving the dairy. Additional influencing factors included personal beliefs, economics, company culture, and supply chain considerations. Full article

In the present study, the ultrastructure of the body surface of mature trematodes of Metagonimus suifunensis Shumenko et al., 2017 has been studied for the first time. It has been found that the tegumental spines on the surface of their bodies are very different from those in three other species of large trematodes of the genus Metagonimus: M. yokogawai Katsurada, 1912; M. takahashii Suzuki in Takahashi, 1929; and M. miyatai Saito et al., 1997. Since other morphological characteristics do not allow us to distinguish between these species, the ultrastructure of tegumental spines can be considered the only reliable morphological feature differentiating this trematode from other representatives of the genus. It has also been suggested that the shape of these spines may correlate with the parasite’s ability to damage the host’s intestinal tissue. Full article

Background: Occupational stress and workplace violence are highly prevalent risk factors among healthcare professionals and can affect not only the psychosocial well-being of workers but also that of patients and healthcare organizations. Objective: The objective of this study is to translate and cross-culturally adapt the ENvironmental PRotectors against hOspital work Stress scale to facilitate future psychometric validation of the instrument. Methods: A methodological study was conducted at the School of Medicine of São Paulo State University (UNESP) in São Paulo, Brazil. This study involved three steps: translation and backtranslation by independent native language speakers, analysis by an expert panel, and a pre-test phase. Ten specialists adjusted and approved the final version for semantic, idiomatic, and cultural accuracy across nine items. Results: The content validity index was satisfactory (CVI ≥ 0.80). The final version was administered to 36 nursing and medical staff at a public hospital in São Paulo. No items were excluded from the instrument. Satisfactory content and face validity were achieved, and the criteria recommended by the literature were met. Conclusions: The Portuguese version of ENPROS is appropriate and culturally adapted for use in Brazil. Full article

Background: Suicide is the second leading cause of death among American Indian (AI) adolescents and young adults in the 15- to 24-year-old age group and is the third leading cause of death in the 10- to 14-year-old age group. Methods: Key informant interviews were conducted with AI youth (n = 10) ages 12–18, and young AI adults (n = 10) ages 19–24 to gather input on activities and programs to decrease AI suicidal-related behaviors in Nebraska. These interviews were 45 min in length at maximum. Themes were created once the interviews were completed. Results: The overarching theme was creating and implementing more suicide prevention programs and cultural activities for these age groups. Respondents identified three important characteristics that they believe all programs should have: (1) positive reinforcement, (2) culturally-centered activities, and (3) strength-based approaches that are not from a negative or punitive viewpoint. Conclusion: The results from these interviews can be used to build strengths-based approaches to promoting positive mental health in Indigenous communities and can lead to other successful programs and activities. Full article

Background/Objectives: The use of dietary supplements (DSs) has become common among fitness enthusiasts, aiming to enhance performance, recovery, and overall well-being. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the city of Beni Mellal from April to July 2024, assessed dietary practices, motivations for supplement use, and associated adverse effects among 420 survey participants. Results: The majority of dietary supplement users were aged 25–64 and had higher education levels. Colopathy (67.38%) was the most common eating disorder, followed by digestive (59.46%), inflammatory, and rheumatic diseases (53.50%). Dietary supplementation prevalence was 88.1%, with proteins (60.81%), medicinal plants (45.13%), and vitamins (42.70%) being the most consumed. Key motivations included supporting muscle, bone, and joint strength (musculoskeletal) (83.78%) and enhancing heart and lung function for cardiorespiratory health (82.43%). However, 28% of protein users experienced adverse effects, such as myalgia, gastralgia, palpitations, and insomnia. Multivariate linear regression indicated a significant negative association of creatine with effectiveness (β = −0.485, p = 0.001). Conclusions: Overall, while the benefits of dietary and sports practices are evident, the adverse effects associated with protein supplements highlight the necessity for enhanced nutrivigilance and nutritional education to ensure safe supplements. Full article

This study explored the longitudinal dynamics of teacher violence and student wellbeing in rural Sierra Leone, West Africa. The participants, totaling 3170 children with an age range of 5 years to 11 years, were cluster-sampled from a large geographic area to ensure gender balance and representation from diverse linguistic backgrounds and religious affiliations. They were drawn from the Safe Learning Study, which spanned over 5 years and involved 100 schools in rural Sierra Leone. Data collection took place in four waves from November 2018 to May 2021. Participants completed self-report questionnaires pertaining to psychological wellbeing and experiences of violence from teachers. The study employed a random intercept cross-lagged panel model (RICLPM) to examine the relationship between violence and mental health across waves. Across children, a relationship between teacher violence and student wellbeing was observed over time. However, for individual children, higher wellbeing predicted lower instances of violence, and vice versa, although to a weak extent. These findings highlight the complex interplay between violence and wellbeing within the cultural sample. These insights contribute to a deeper understanding of the social dynamics surrounding violence and wellbeing, informing targeted interventions and policy initiatives aimed at creating safer and healthier environments for at-risk populations. Full article

Background: Self-esteem is a psychological term that, since its emergence in 1890 with William James, has been widely studied. Furthermore, this construct has been examined in different areas of psychology, including the clinical field, where its relationship with mental health and low levels of depression has been demonstrated. In the realm of positive psychology, its connection to resilience and life satisfaction has also been established. Evaluating self-esteem in military personnel is essential, as healthy self-esteem can enhance resilience, improve performance, and promote emotional well-being. Objective: To evaluate validity based on internal structure from the perspective of Classical Test Theory (CTT) and Item Response Theory (IRT), to obtain evidence of validity based on the relationship with other variables, and to estimate the reliability of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). Method: To this end, 584 military personnel from the three ranks of the Spanish Army (officers, non-commissioned officers, and professional soldiers and sailors) were evaluated, of which 511 were men (87.70%) and 72 were women (12.30%), with an age range of 18 to 66 years (M = 33.17, SD = 7.38). Results: The results indicate that the unidimensional structure of the RSES shows adequate fit indices (CFI = 0.94, TLI = 0.91, SRMR = 0.05), while the difficulty and discrimination parameters exhibited favorable values. Additionally, an acceptable reliability value was found (ɷ = 0.81; α = 0.80). Conclusions: Therefore, it is concluded that the RSES-JGA presents adequate psychometric properties of validity and reliability, making it a useful and relevant instrument for measuring self-esteem in military personnel of the Spanish Army. This will make it possible to measure the level of self-esteem in military personnel, i.e., the set of perceptions, thoughts, evaluations, feelings, and behavioral tendencies directed towards oneself, one’s own way of being, and towards one’s own body and character traits. Full article

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the New Jersey Safe Schools Program (NJSS) surveyed a subset of newer NJ high school (HS) teachers who completed NJSS work-based learning supervisory trainings from October 2021 to June 2023. The purpose of this study was to gain insight on NJ HS teacher perceptions of school provided mental health services, and well-being supports received during the COVID-19 pandemic. Via online surveys, teachers anonymously identified who should be responsible for supporting mental well-being in schools, satisfaction with existing mental health services, and self-care practices implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. Of the 114 HS teachers surveyed, nearly 70% would recommend existing school mental health services to colleagues, 53% would like an increase in mental health and counseling services available at their school, and 44% would like their schools to improve mental health literacy. This study presents insight into the needs teachers expressed for appropriate school mental health support and services. Data will inform guidance for how to better address identified needs, including employee wellness, and creating positive social and emotional school environments. School districts should prioritize the implementation of suitable and equitable school-based mental health services to teachers and students alike to promote healthy and productive school environments. Full article

Background: Transformational leadership fosters trusting relationships; new visions; and personal, professional, and cultural growth. Effective leaders support their team’s motivational growth and organizational goals. This study aims to underscore the importance of transformational leadership and its various dimensions, focusing on its impact on job satisfaction and personal mastery among nursing leaders in healthcare organizations. Method: A cross-sectional design with convenience sampling was used. The evaluation tools included the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ-6S), the Satisfaction of Employees in Health Care (SEHC) questionnaire, and the Personal Mastery Scale (PMS). Results: The findings indicate that job satisfaction is influenced by transformational leadership, emphasizing the importance of tailored leadership development strategies within healthcare organizations. The laissez-faire leadership style was the only one showing no correlation with nurses’ job satisfaction. Other leadership styles showed significant positive or negative correlations with the analyzed variables. Conclusions: Transformational leaders are essential for fostering trust and enhancing job satisfaction in healthcare settings. Positive leadership styles contribute to higher levels of job satisfaction and personal mastery among nursing leaders. Conversely, laissez-faire and autocratic leadership styles can negatively impact performance and staff satisfaction. These findings highlight the critical role of leaders in creating positive work environments and supporting employee development and well-being in healthcare. Full article

This study investigates the impact of tourism development on the well-being of impoverished residents in the urban area of La Candelaria, Bogotá, and the rural area of La Macarena, Meta. The participants were recruited using Colombia’s SISBÉN classification system by approaching individuals in public spaces such as bakeries, markets, and restaurants. After confirming their residency, only those classified in categories A (extreme poverty), B (moderate poverty), or C (vulnerable population) were included in the study. Data collection took place in May 2017, resulting in 307 surveys from the participants across both locations. Using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), the findings reveal that economic benefits are the most influential factor, significantly enhancing happiness and life satisfaction. While cultural and environmental benefits are acknowledged, they are less directly linked to personal well-being. The study highlights tourism’s complex role in promoting economic growth and shaping the social, cultural, and environmental aspects of community life. However, it also identifies potential risks, such as environmental degradation and social disruption, particularly in different spatial contexts. The research underscores the need for tourism development to provide tangible, personal benefits that align with residents’ economic and emotional priorities, ensuring sustainable and equitable outcomes, especially considering the spatial disparities between urban and rural areas that influence tourism’s effectiveness in improving well-being and alleviating poverty. Full article