22 pages, 1461 KiB  
Article
What Drives Households’ Payment for Waste Disposal and Recycling Behaviours? Empirical Evidence from South Africa’s General Household Survey
by Abiodun Olusola Omotayo 1,*, Abeeb Babatunde Omotoso 2, Adebola Saidat Daud 2, Adebayo Isaiah Ogunniyi 3 and Kehinde Oluseyi Olagunju 4
1 Food Security and Safety Niche Area, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho 2745, South Africa
2 Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, P.M.B. 10, Igboora, Oyo State, Nigeria
3 International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), Oro-Ago Crescent Garki II, Abuja 901101, Nigeria
4 Economics Research Branch, Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), 18a Newforge Lane, Belfast BT9 5PX, UK
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(19), 7188; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17197188 - 1 Oct 2020
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 5070
Abstract
Safeguarding the environment and its citizens’ health remains one of the key policy priorities of the governments of many developing and emerging countries. Using the 2017 General Household Survey (GHS) dataset, this study examines the driving factors affecting households’ recycling behaviour and payment [...] Read more.
Safeguarding the environment and its citizens’ health remains one of the key policy priorities of the governments of many developing and emerging countries. Using the 2017 General Household Survey (GHS) dataset, this study examines the driving factors affecting households’ recycling behaviour and payment for waste disposal in South Africa. The methods of data analysis were based on descriptive statistics and a Bivariate Probit regression model. The descriptive statistics results indicate that there are 56.29% male-headed and 43.71% female headed households, with an average age of 49 years. In addition, the study shows that 89.97% of household heads had formal education with a mean monthly income of 11,099.07 ZAR/650.504 USD. The study also revealed that 22% of the households sampled had access to social grants. The results from the Bivariate Probit regression model show that household’s income, access to social grants, formal educational attainment and the age of the household were significant (p < 0.01) driving factors affecting households’ recycling behaviour and payment for waste disposal. The study concludes that the households’ socio-economic factors affect their recycling behaviour and willingness to pay for waste management in South Africa. Actions targeted at poverty alleviation and environmental sensitization programmes are key for facilitating environmental conservation behaviours of households in South Africa in order to achieve the environmental sustainability Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of the United Nations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Science and Engineering)
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13 pages, 336 KiB  
Article
The Knowledge, Attitude, Practices, and Satisfaction of Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing among Chinese Pregnant Women under Different Payment Schemes: A Comparative Study
by Wenjun Zhu 1,2, XiaoXiao Ling 3, Wenru Shang 1,2 and Jiayan Huang 1,2,*
1 School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
2 Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China, Shanghai 200433, China
3 Department of Statistical Science, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(19), 7187; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17197187 - 30 Sep 2020
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3471
Abstract
Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) for aneuploidy screening has been widely applied across China, and costs can affect Chinese pregnant women’s choices. This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude, practices (KAP) and satisfaction regarding NIPT among pregnant women in China, and to further [...] Read more.
Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) for aneuploidy screening has been widely applied across China, and costs can affect Chinese pregnant women’s choices. This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude, practices (KAP) and satisfaction regarding NIPT among pregnant women in China, and to further explore the relationship between payment schemes and women’s acceptability of and satisfaction with NIPT. A questionnaire survey was performed in Shenzhen and Zhengzhou, China, which separately applied “insurance coverage” and “out-of-pocket” payment scheme for NIPT. The major differences between the two cities were compared using chi-square test, Wilcoxon rank sum test, and propensity score matched analysis. Logistic regression models were applied to explore predictors for women’s acceptability and satisfaction. Compared with Zhengzhou participants, a higher proportion of Shenzhen women had heard of NIPT (87.30% vs. 64.03%), were willing to receive NIPT (91.80% vs. 80.43%) and had taken NIPT (83.12% vs. 54.54%), while their satisfaction level was lower. Having NIPT-related knowledge was associated with higher acceptability, and receiving genetic counseling helped to improve satisfaction. Besides, women with higher annual household incomes were more likely to take and be satisfied with NIPT. In conclusion, more attention should be paid to health education, subsidies for NIPT, and genetic counseling. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection A Focus on Healthcare from the Perspective of Gender, Culture, Management, and the Economy)
15 pages, 2252 KiB  
Article
Hypoxic Pilates Intervention for Obesity: A Randomized Controlled Trial
by Kyounghwa Jung 1, Jisu Kim 2,3, Hun-Young Park 2,3, Won-Sang Jung 2,3 and Kiwon Lim 1,2,3,*
1 Department of Physical Education, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Korea
2 Physical Activity and Performance Institute (PAPI), Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Korea
3 Department of Sports Medicine and Science, Graduate School, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Korea
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(19), 7186; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17197186 - 30 Sep 2020
Cited by 28 | Viewed by 4012
Abstract
This study examined the effect of Pilates training under hypoxia, a novel treatment method, for obesity. Thirty-two Korean women with obesity (age: 34–60 (47.5 ± 7.5) years) were randomly assigned to control (CON; n = 10), normoxic Pilates training (NPTG; n = 10), [...] Read more.
This study examined the effect of Pilates training under hypoxia, a novel treatment method, for obesity. Thirty-two Korean women with obesity (age: 34–60 (47.5 ± 7.5) years) were randomly assigned to control (CON; n = 10), normoxic Pilates training (NPTG; n = 10), and hypoxic Pilates training groups (HPTG; n = 12). The NPTG and HPTG performed 50 min of Pilates training using a tubing band for 12 weeks (3 days/week) in their respective environmental conditions (NPTG: normoxic condition, inspired oxygen fraction (FiO2) = 20.9%; HPTG: moderate hypoxic condition, FiO2 = 14.5%). The CON maintained their daily lifestyle without intervention. All subjects underwent body composition, blood pressure, arterial stiffness, vascular endothelial function, cardiometabolic biomarker, hemorheological function, and aerobic performance measurements before and after the intervention. The HPTG showed a significant improvement in diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations, flow-mediated dilation, and erythrocyte deformability and aggregation (all p < 0.05) compared with the CON and NPTG. However, compared with the CON and NPTG, the HPTG did not show improvement in other parameters. Hypoxic Pilates intervention is a novel and successful method for promoting endothelial and hemorheological functions in women with obesity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hypoxia and Exercise: Effects on Health and Performance)
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14 pages, 357 KiB  
Article
Digital Healthy Diet Literacy and Self-Perceived Eating Behavior Change during COVID-19 Pandemic among Undergraduate Nursing and Medical Students: A Rapid Online Survey
by Tuyen Van Duong 1,*, Khue M. Pham 2,3, Binh N. Do 4,5, Giang B. Kim 6,7, Hoa T. B. Dam 8, Vinh-Tuyen T. Le 9,10, Thao T. P. Nguyen 11,12, Hiep T. Nguyen 13,14,15, Trung T. Nguyen 16, Thuy T. Le 17,18, Hien T. T. Do 19 and Shwu-Huey Yang 1,20,21
1 School of Nutrition and Health Sciences, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110–31, Taiwan
2 Faculty of Public Health, Hai Phong University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hai Phong 042–12, Vietnam
3 President Office, Hai Phong University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hai Phong 042–12, Vietnam
4 Department of Infectious Diseases, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi 121–08, Vietnam
5 Division of Military Science, Military Hospital 103, Hanoi 121–08, Vietnam
6 Institute of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi 115–20, Vietnam
7 Center for Assessment and Quality Assurance, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi 115–20, Vietnam
8 Department of Psychiatry, Thai Nguyen University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Thai Nguyen 241–17, Vietnam
9 Department of Pharmacognosy—Traditional Pharmacy—Pharmaceutical Botanic, Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Can Tho 941–17, Vietnam
10 Ph.D. Program in Clinical Drug Development of Herbal Medicine, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110–31, Taiwan
11 Health Management Training Institute, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Thua Thien Hue 491–20, Vietnam
12 Department of Health Economics, Corvinus University of Budapest, Budapest 1093, Hungary
13 Faculty of Public Health, Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine, Ho Chi Minh 725–10, Vietnam
14 Pham Ngoc Thach Clinic, Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine, Ho Chi Minh 725–10, Vietnam
15 President Office, Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine, Ho Chi Minh 725–10, Vietnam
16 School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vietnam National University, Hanoi 113–09, Vietnam
17 Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, Da Nang University of Medical Technology and Pharmacy, Da Nang 502–06, Vietnam
18 President Office, Da Nang University of Medical Technology and Pharmacy, Da Nang 502–06, Vietnam
19 Faculty of Nursing, Hai Duong Medical Technical University, Hai Duong 031–17, Vietnam
20 Research Center of Geriatric Nutrition, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110–31, Taiwan
21 Nutrition Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 110–31, Taiwan
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Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(19), 7185; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17197185 - 30 Sep 2020
Cited by 60 | Viewed by 16432
Abstract
Assessing healthy diet literacy and eating behaviors is critical for identifying appropriate public health responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. We examined the psychometric properties of digital healthy diet literacy (DDL) and its association with eating behavior changes during the COVID-19 pandemic among nursing [...] Read more.
Assessing healthy diet literacy and eating behaviors is critical for identifying appropriate public health responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. We examined the psychometric properties of digital healthy diet literacy (DDL) and its association with eating behavior changes during the COVID-19 pandemic among nursing and medical students. We conducted a cross-sectional study from 7 April to 31 May 2020 at 10 public universities in Vietnam, in which 7616 undergraduate students aged 19–27 completed an online survey to assess socio-demographics, clinical parameters, health literacy (HL), DDL, and health-related behaviors. Four items of the DDL scale loaded on one component explained 71.32%, 67.12%, and 72.47% of the scale variances for the overall sample, nursing, and medical students, respectively. The DDL scale was found to have satisfactory item-scale convergent validity and criterion validity, high internal consistency reliability, and no floor or ceiling effect. Of all, 42.8% of students reported healthier eating behavior during the pandemic. A 10-index score increment of DDL was associated with 18%, 23%, and 17% increased likelihood of healthier eating behavior during the pandemic for the overall sample (OR, 1.18; 95%CI, 1.13, 1.24; p < 0.001), nursing students (OR, 1.23; 95%CI, 1.10, 1.35; p < 0.001), and medical students (OR, 1.17; 95%CI, 1.11, 1.24; p < 0.001), respectively. The DDL scale is a valid and reliable tool for the quick assessment of digital healthy diet literacy. Students with higher DDL scores had a higher likelihood of healthier eating behavior during the pandemic. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue eHealth Literacy)
16 pages, 1204 KiB  
Article
Prognostic Factors for Staying at Work for Partially Sick-Listed Workers with Subjective Health Complaints: A Prospective Cohort Study.
by Kristel Weerdesteijn 1,2,3,*, Frederieke Schaafsma 1,2, Karin Bonefaas-Groenewoud 1,2,3, Martijn Heymans 4, Allard Van der Beek 1,2 and Johannes Anema 1,2
1 Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands
2 Research Center for Insurance Medicine (KCVG), PO Box 7057, 1007 MB Amsterdam, The Netherlands
3 Department of Social Medical Affairs (SMZ), the Dutch Social Security Institute: the Institute for Employee Benefits Scheme (UWV), La Guardiaweg 94-114, 1043 DL Amsterdam, the Netherlands
4 Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(19), 7184; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17197184 - 30 Sep 2020
Viewed by 2805
Abstract
Examination of prognostic factors for staying at work for long-term sick-listed workers with subjective health complaints (SHC) who partially work in a paid job, and to evaluate whether these factors are comparable with those of workers with other disorders. We used data of [...] Read more.
Examination of prognostic factors for staying at work for long-term sick-listed workers with subjective health complaints (SHC) who partially work in a paid job, and to evaluate whether these factors are comparable with those of workers with other disorders. We used data of 86 partially sick-listed workers with SHC (57 females, 29 males, mean age 47.1 years) and 433 with other disorders (227 females, 206 males, mean age 50.9 years), from an existing prospective cohort study consisting of 2593 workers aged 18–65 years and registered as sick-listed with different health complaints or disorders for at least 84 weeks in the database of the Dutch Social Security Institute. We performed univariable logistic regression analyses (p ≤ 0.157) for all independent variables with the dependent variable staying at work for the workers with SHC. We then performed multivariable logistic regression analyses with forward selection (p ≤ 0.157) and combined the remaining factors in a final, multivariable model (p ≤ 0.05), which we also used for logistic regression analysis in the workers with other disorders. The following factors were significant prognostic factors for staying at work for workers with SHC: full work disability benefits (odds ratio (OR) 0.07, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.01–0.64), good mental health (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.02–1.14), positive expectations for staying at work (OR 6.49, 95% CI 2.00–21.09), previous absenteeism for the same health complaint (OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.10–0.96) and good coping strategies (OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.04–1.23). For workers with other disorders, full work disability benefits, good mental health and positive expectations for staying at work were also prognostic factors for staying at work. Individual and policy factors seem to be important for staying at work of sick-listed workers with SHC and those with other disorders alike, but several biopsychosocial factors are particularly important for workers with SHC. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Health Behaviors, Risk Factors, NCDs and Health Promotion)
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33 pages, 7550 KiB  
Article
Bad Air Can Also Kill: Residential Indoor Air Quality and Pollutant Exposure Risk during the COVID-19 Crisis
by Samuel Domínguez-Amarillo 1, Jesica Fernández-Agüera 1,*, Sonia Cesteros-García 2 and Roberto Alonso González-Lezcano 2
1 Instituto Universitario de Arquitectura y Ciencias de la Construcción, Escuela Técnica Superior de Arquitectura, Universidad de Sevilla, 41014 Sevilla, Spain
2 Escuela Politécnica Superior, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, Montepríncipe Campus, Boadilla del Monte, 28668 Madrid, Spain
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(19), 7183; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17197183 - 30 Sep 2020
Cited by 106 | Viewed by 21419
Abstract
During the first outbreak of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic the population, focusing primarily on the risk of infection, was generally inattentive to the quality of indoor air. Spain, and the city of Madrid in particular, were among the world’s coronavirus hotspots. The country’s entire [...] Read more.
During the first outbreak of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic the population, focusing primarily on the risk of infection, was generally inattentive to the quality of indoor air. Spain, and the city of Madrid in particular, were among the world’s coronavirus hotspots. The country’s entire population was subject to a 24/7 lockdown for 45 days. This paper describes a comparative longitudinal survey of air quality in four types of housing in the city of Madrid before and during lockdown. The paper analysed indoor temperatures and variations in CO2, 2.5 μm particulate matter (PM2.5) and total volatile organic compound (TVOC) concentrations before and during lockdown. The mean daily outdoor PM2.5 concentration declined from 11.04 µg/m3 before to 7.10 µg/m3 during lockdown. Before lockdown the NO2 concentration values scored as ‘very good’ 46% of the time, compared to 90.9% during that period. Although the city’s outdoor air quality improved, during lockdown the population’s exposure to indoor pollutants was generally more acute and prolonged. Due primarily to concern over domestic energy savings, the lack of suitable ventilation and more intensive use of cleaning products and disinfectants during the covid-19 crisis, indoor pollutant levels were typically higher than compatible with healthy environments. Mean daily PM2.5 concentration rose by approximately 12% and mean TVOC concentration by 37% to 559%. The paper also puts forward a series of recommendations to improve indoor domestic environments in future pandemics and spells out urgent action to be taken around indoor air quality (IAQ) in the event of total or partial quarantining to protect residents from respiratory ailments and concomitantly enhanced susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2, as identified by international medical research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Pollution & COVID-19 Outbreak)
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15 pages, 898 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Self-Reported Lactose Intolerance and Dairy Consumption on Bone Mineral Density among American Hip Arthroplasty Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study
by Nikola K. Hamilton 1, Omorogieva Ojo 2,* and Amanda Rodrigues Amorim Adegboye 3
1 School of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, London W1W 6UW, UK
2 School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Education, Health and Human Sciences, University of Greenwich, London SE9 2UG, UK
3 School of Human Sciences, Faculty of Education, Health and Human Sciences, University of Greenwich, London SE10 9LS, UK
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(19), 7182; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17197182 - 30 Sep 2020
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3720
Abstract
The relationship between osteoporosis and lactose intolerance is unclear. This study aims to evaluate the association between self-reported lactose intolerance and symptom severity caused by lactose malabsorption and bone mineral density (BMD). A total of 496 American hip arthroplasty patients took part in [...] Read more.
The relationship between osteoporosis and lactose intolerance is unclear. This study aims to evaluate the association between self-reported lactose intolerance and symptom severity caused by lactose malabsorption and bone mineral density (BMD). A total of 496 American hip arthroplasty patients took part in this study. Information on BMD and socio-demographic factors were retrospectively extracted from medical records. BMD of the lumbar spine (LS), femoral neck of the operative hip (FNOH), and femoral neck of the non-operative hip (FNH) were measured via dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scans (DXA). Patients also completed a survey regarding dietary and lifestyle habits from the time of surgery. We found that 9.3% of participants reported lactose intolerance and 33.3%% suffered from either osteopenia or osteoporosis in at least one (location). The population that did not self-identify as lactose intolerant consumed significantly more dairy (p < 0.0001) and animal protein (p = 0.004) than those with intolerance. There was no significant difference in BMD between self-identified lactose intolerant individuals and non-lactose intolerant individuals. In a stepwise multiple regression analysis, body mass index (BMI) and age were the only common predictors of BMD for all locations (p < 0.05). However, yogurt intake was a significant predictor of BMD of FNOH in the multivariate analysis. This study suggests that lactose intolerance is not associated with bone mineral density. We also found that being vegan or vegetarian may increase the risk of low BMD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Health Care Sciences & Services)
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12 pages, 698 KiB  
Article
Body Composition and a School Day Hydration State among Polish Children—A Cross-Sectional Study
by Agnieszka Kozioł-Kozakowska 1,*, Beata Piórecka 2, Agnieszka Suder 3 and Paweł Jagielski 2
1 Department of Pediatrics, Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Institute of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Wielicka Str. 265, 30-663 Kraków, Poland
2 Department of Nutrition and Drug Research, Institute of Public Health, Faculty of Health Science, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Grzegórzecka Str. 20, 31-531 Kraków, Poland
3 Department of Anatomy, Institute of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Motor Rehabilitation, University of Physical Education in Cracow, Jana Pawła II Av. 78, 31-571 Kraków, Poland
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(19), 7181; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17197181 - 30 Sep 2020
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3490
Abstract
Background: Little is known on the relationship between obesity and hydration level in children. To explore the possible association between children’s hydration status and body composition, we conducted this cross-sectional study. Methods: The survey was carried out in 2018 in Preliminary and High [...] Read more.
Background: Little is known on the relationship between obesity and hydration level in children. To explore the possible association between children’s hydration status and body composition, we conducted this cross-sectional study. Methods: The survey was carried out in 2018 in Preliminary and High Schools from the Malopolska Province, Poland. The study group consisted of 264 children aged 7–15 years. The level of hydration was assessed based on urine osmolality during a school day. The examined had anthropometric tests and body composition assessment (FM, BF%, FFM, TBW, TBW%). Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using a logistic regression analysis. Results: In the study group, 9.5% of the examined were overweight, 7.2% obese, and it referred more to the country than towns (p < 0.05). Improper hydration was found in 53% of children, and 16.3% of them were severely dehydrated during a school day (urine osmolality > 1000 mOsm/kgH2O). The level of dehydration was higher in children with excessive body fat (BF%) than in children with normal BF% [903.00 vs. 775 mOsm/kgH2O]. Older age (>10 y) showed inverse association with dehydration [OR 0.52 (95% CI; 0.28–0.99)] and excessed BF% showed 2.3-fold increase in odds of dehydration during a school day [OR 2.39 (95% CI; 1.15–4.94)]. Improper hydration was a risk factor of difficulties with concentration declared by students during a school day OR 2.85 (95% CI; 1.16–6.99). Conclusions: Attention should be paid to appropriate hydration especially in children with excessive body fat content who feature a higher risk of dehydration and fluid demand. Full article
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16 pages, 480 KiB  
Article
Bullying and Harassment in Downsized Workplaces: What Can We Learn from the 2008 Icelandic Economic Collapse?
by Hjordis Sigursteinsdottir 1,*, Gudbjorg Linda Rafnsdottir 2 and Gudbjorg Andrea Jonsdottir 3
1 School of Business and Science, University of Akureyri, Nordurslod 2, 600 Akureyri, Iceland
2 Faculty of Social and Human Science, University of Iceland, Saemundargotu 2, 102 Reykjavik, Iceland
3 Social Science Research Institute, University of Iceland, Saemundargotu 2, 102 Reykjavik, Iceland
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(19), 7180; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17197180 - 30 Sep 2020
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4318
Abstract
Research shows that bullying is a significant workplace issue. A previous study showed increased sickness-related absences among municipality employees during the Icelandic economic crisis in 2008. This led to the following research questions: has bullying and/or harassment increased between the time points of [...] Read more.
Research shows that bullying is a significant workplace issue. A previous study showed increased sickness-related absences among municipality employees during the Icelandic economic crisis in 2008. This led to the following research questions: has bullying and/or harassment increased between the time points of the study up to seven years after the crisis? Did bullying and/or harassment change depending on downsizing? Are quantitative job demands, role conflicts and social support connected to bullying and/or harassment at work and if so, how? The study is based on a four-wave longitudinal balanced panel dataset consisting of those who work within the education and care services operated by Icelandic municipalities. It was seen that bullying and harassment had increased between the time points of the study. Furthermore, employees in downsized workplaces, workplaces with higher quantitative job demands, more role conflicts and less support were more likely to experience bullying and/or harassment than employees in other workplaces. Since the effects may prevail for several years, the study demonstrates that the consequences of downsizing need to be carefully considered and that managers must be supported in that role. As economic crises tend to occur periodically, presently due to COVID-19, the knowledge is both of theoretical and practical importance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Occupational Safety and Health)
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24 pages, 3938 KiB  
Article
A DPSIR-TODIM Model Security Evaluation of China’s Rare Earth Resources
by Yupei Du 1, Wenju Wang 2, Qian Lu 2 and Ziyang Li 3,*
1 School of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
2 Business School, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
3 Accounting Department, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(19), 7179; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17197179 - 30 Sep 2020
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3539
Abstract
Rare earth is an important strategic mineral resource for national economy and national security. As the largest producer and exporter of rare earth, China’s rare earth industry has problems associated with excessive production, mismatched pricing power and environmental pollution. Therefore, an in-depth study [...] Read more.
Rare earth is an important strategic mineral resource for national economy and national security. As the largest producer and exporter of rare earth, China’s rare earth industry has problems associated with excessive production, mismatched pricing power and environmental pollution. Therefore, an in-depth study of the rare earth industry security is necessary. Based on proposed definition for mineral resource security, this paper established a rare earth resource security evaluation model based on the “driver-pressure-state-impact-response” conceptual model using an extended TODIM (an acronym in Portuguese for interactive and multi-criteria decision-making) method combined with the E-DEMATEL (entropy and decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory) method. The model was then applied to Chinese rare earth data from 2006–2015 to assess the security, from which it was found that while the security level was not high, the overall trend was improving. Moreover, some critical response factors affecting REEs (rare earth elements) security are identified, including tariffs, research investment, etc. This paper not only introduces a new evaluation of REEs security but also explores the crucial indicators and the response mechanism. Full article
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16 pages, 1052 KiB  
Article
Mind the Gap: Perceived Partner Responsiveness as a Bridge between General and Partner-Specific Attachment Security
by TeKisha M. Rice 1,*, Madoka Kumashiro 2 and Ximena B. Arriaga 3
1 Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Champaign, IL 61801, USA
2 Department of Psychology, Goldsmiths, University of London, London SE14 6NW, UK
3 Department of Psychological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(19), 7178; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17197178 - 30 Sep 2020
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 5740
Abstract
A core idea of attachment theory is that security develops when attachment figures are responsive to a person’s connection needs. Individuals may be more or less secure in different relationships. We hypothesized that individuals who perceive a current relationship partner as being responsive [...] Read more.
A core idea of attachment theory is that security develops when attachment figures are responsive to a person’s connection needs. Individuals may be more or less secure in different relationships. We hypothesized that individuals who perceive a current relationship partner as being responsive to their needs will feel more secure in that specific relationship, and that the benefits of perceived partner responsiveness would be more pronounced for individuals who generally feel insecure. The current study included 472 individuals (236 couples) in romantic relationships. Consistent with our predictions, individuals who perceived more responsiveness from their partner displayed lower partner-specific attachment anxiety and partner-specific avoidance, especially when they were generally insecure. These findings are discussed in terms of the conditions that promote secure attachment bonds. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Fostering Attachment Security)
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11 pages, 336 KiB  
Article
Awareness, Risk Perception, and Stress during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Communities of Tamil Nadu, India
by Jinyi Kuang 1,*, Sania Ashraf 1, Upasak Das 2 and Cristina Bicchieri 1,*
1 Center for Social Norms and Behavioral Dynamics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
2 Global Development Institute, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PR, UK
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(19), 7177; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17197177 - 30 Sep 2020
Cited by 80 | Viewed by 10789
Abstract
The health and economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic is expected to disproportionately impact residents of lower-middle income countries. Understanding the psychological impact of the pandemic is important to guide outreach interventions. In this study, we examined people’s awareness of COVID-19 symptoms, risk [...] Read more.
The health and economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic is expected to disproportionately impact residents of lower-middle income countries. Understanding the psychological impact of the pandemic is important to guide outreach interventions. In this study, we examined people’s awareness of COVID-19 symptoms, risk perception, and changes in behaviors and stress levels during the lockdown in peri-urban Tamil Nadu India. Field workers conducted phone call surveys (included n = 2044) in 26 communities from 20–25 May 2020. The majority perceived no (60%) or low (23%) level of risk of personally contracting coronavirus. Common fears were related to health and economic concerns, including loss of income (62%), inability to travel freely (46%), and becoming sick (46%). Residents were well aware of the common symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever (66%) and dry cough (57%), but not the asymptomatic transmission (24%). The majority experienced increased stress about finance (79%) and the lockdown (51%). Our findings emphasize the need to develop context-adequate education and communication programs to raise vigilance about asymptomatic transmission and to sustain preventative behaviors. The evidence on fear and changes in stress levels could inform designing coping strategies and programs focused on mental well-being. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Responding to COVID-19 from Local, Regional and Global Perspectives: Challenges and Solutions)
15 pages, 931 KiB  
Article
Impacts of a Care Robotics Project on Finnish Home Care Workers’ Attitudes towards Robots
by Teemu Rantanen 1,*, Teppo Leppälahti 2, Jaakko Porokuokka 3 and Sari Heikkinen 1
1 Tikkurila Campus, Laurea University of Applied Sciences, Ratatie 22, 01300 Vantaa, Finland
2 Hyvinkää Campus, Laurea University of Applied Sciences, Uudenmaankatu 22, 05800 Hyvinkää, Finland
3 The Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra, Itämerenkatu 11-13, 00181 Helsinki, Finland
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(19), 7176; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17197176 - 30 Sep 2020
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3694
Abstract
Technological advances in elderly care have been rapid, and the introduction of robots in care will be a topical issue in the near future. There has been little research into the possibility of influencing care workers’ attitudes towards robots by project activities, and [...] Read more.
Technological advances in elderly care have been rapid, and the introduction of robots in care will be a topical issue in the near future. There has been little research into the possibility of influencing care workers’ attitudes towards robots by project activities, and how to make the change easier for work communities. This study focuses on a robotics project that took place in elderly and home care services in one municipality in Finland (total of 45 care workers). During the project, four robotics workshops and one extended pilot session were implemented. The study follows quasi-experimental settings, and it included two measurements (before and after project activities) and a control group, but no randomization. The data were collected by questionnaires and were analyzed statistically. The project under study brought about minor positive changes in home care workers’ attitudes towards the usefulness of care robots. In the final measurement, the difference between the test group and the control group was significant in the two dimensions of positive attitudes. The research supports the hypothesis that project activities can be used to influence home care workers’ attitudes towards robots. This can also facilitate the introduction of care robots in home care services. However, the construction of a technology-positive care culture is a long-term process, which requires training and development, technological development and strong strategic management at various levels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue In the Hands of Technology: Care in the XXI Century)
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17 pages, 4258 KiB  
Article
Hospital and Population-Based Evidence for COVID-19 Early Circulation in the East of France
by Laurent Gerbaud 1,*, Candy Guiguet-Auclair 1, Franck Breysse 2, Joséphine Odoul 3, Lemlih Ouchchane 1, Jonathan Peterschmitt 4, Camille Dezfouli-Desfer 2 and Vincent Breton 5
1 Public Health Department, National Center for Scientific Research, University Hospital of Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont Auvergne University, SIGMA Clermont, Pascal Institute, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
2 Emergency Department of Diaconat Fonderie Hospital, 68100 Mulhouse, France
3 Public Health Department, University Hospital of Clermont-Ferrand, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
4 Sundgau Medical Center, 68210 Bernwiller, France
5 Laboratoire de Physique de Clermont, National Center for Scientific Research, National Institute of Nuclear and Particle Physics, Université Clermont Auvergne, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(19), 7175; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17197175 - 30 Sep 2020
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 4026
Abstract
Background: Understanding SARS-CoV-2 dynamics and transmission is a serious issue. Its propagation needs to be modeled and controlled. The Alsace region in the East of France has been among the first French COVID-19 clusters in 2020. Methods: We confront evidence from three independent [...] Read more.
Background: Understanding SARS-CoV-2 dynamics and transmission is a serious issue. Its propagation needs to be modeled and controlled. The Alsace region in the East of France has been among the first French COVID-19 clusters in 2020. Methods: We confront evidence from three independent and retrospective sources: a population-based survey through internet, an analysis of the medical records from hospital emergency care services, and a review of medical biology laboratory data. We also check the role played in virus propagation by a large religious meeting that gathered over 2000 participants from all over France mid-February in Mulhouse. Results: Our results suggest that SARS-CoV-2 was circulating several weeks before the first officially recognized case in Alsace on 26 February 2020 and the sanitary alert on 3 March 2020. The religious gathering seems to have played a role for secondary dissemination of the epidemic in France, but not in creating the local outbreak. Conclusions: Our results illustrate how the integration of data coming from multiple sources could help trigger an early alarm in the context of an emerging disease. Good information data systems, able to produce earlier alerts, could have avoided a general lockdown in France. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Infectious Disease Epidemiology)
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14 pages, 516 KiB  
Article
Association between Migrant Women’s Legal Status and Prenatal Care Utilization in the PreCARE Cohort
by Maxime Eslier 1, Catherine Deneux-Tharaux 1, Priscille Sauvegrain 1, Thomas Schmitz 1,2, Dominique Luton 3, Laurent Mandelbrot 4, Candice Estellat 5 and Elie Azria 1,6,*
1 Université de Paris, CRESS, Obstetrical Perinatal and Pediatric Epidemiology Research Team, EPOPé, INSERM, INRA, 75014 Paris, France
2 Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Robert Debré Hospital, AP-HP, Université de Paris, 75019 Paris, France
3 Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Beaujon-Bichat Hospital, FHU PREMA, AP-HP, Université de Paris, 75018 Paris, France
4 Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Louis Mourier Hospital, FHU PREMA, AP-HP, Université de Paris, 92700 Colombes, France
5 AP-HP, Hôpitaux Universitaires Pitié Salpêtrière - Charles Foix, Public Health Department, CIC 1425-EC, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d’Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, Team PEPITES, 75013 Paris, France
6 Maternity Unit, Groupe Hospitalier Paris Saint Joseph, FHU PREMA, Université de Paris, 75014 Paris, France
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(19), 7174; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17197174 - 30 Sep 2020
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3350
Abstract
Barriers to access to prenatal care may partially explain the higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes among migrants compared with native-born women in Europe. Our aim was to assess the association between women’s legal status and inadequate prenatal care utilization (PCU) in France, [...] Read more.
Barriers to access to prenatal care may partially explain the higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes among migrants compared with native-born women in Europe. Our aim was to assess the association between women’s legal status and inadequate prenatal care utilization (PCU) in France, where access to healthcare is supposed to be universal. The study population was extracted from the PreCARE prospective cohort (N = 10,419). The associations between women’s legal status and a composite outcome variable of inadequate PCU were assessed with multivariate logistic regressions. The proportion of women born in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) was higher among the undocumented than that of other migrants. All groups of migrant women had a higher risk of inadequate PCU (31.6% for legal migrants with European nationalities, 40.3% for other legal migrants, and 52.0% for undocumented migrants) than French-born women (26.4%). The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for inadequate PCU for undocumented migrants compared with that for French-born women was 2.58 (95% confidence interval 2.16–3.07) overall, and this association was similar for migrant women born in SSA (aOR 2.95, 2.28–3.82) and those born elsewhere (aOR 2.37, 1.89–2.97). Regardless of the maternal place of birth, undocumented migrant status is associated with a higher risk of inadequate PCU. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Care Access among Underserved Groups)
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