Search Results (292)

Workplace violence (WPV) is a prevailing global concern among healthcare providers (HCPs). Pharmacists may be more vulnerable to WPV than other HCPs due to being the most trusted, approachable, and accessible healthcare workers. However, in Saudi Arabia, there is little research on violence in the workplace among pharmacists working in different sectors. This is a cross-sectional survey study. An online survey was adopted from previous studies and distributed to a convenience sample of pharmacists by email and social media using a link to a web-based survey platform in QuestionPro. SPSS 28 was used for analysis. Logistic regression was employed to assess the association between WPV exposure and the participants’ characteristics. Three hundred and nineteen pharmacists participated in the study. A total of 156 (48.9%) reported exposure to workplace violence. Most participants had experienced verbal abuse (39.7%). Most offenders were male (84.6%), and aged 21–45 years (66.7%). Common causes included lack of a penalty (13.3%), and absence of reporting systems (11.4%). Seventy-eight percent of participants reported that the violence affected them negatively, leading to hopelessness (19.7%), and decreased work performance and productivity (15.1%). Logistic regression indicated that working as a staff (OR: 3.165; 95% CI 1.118–8.96, p = 0.030), working evening or night shift (OR: 2.4456; 95% CI 1.340–4.503, p = 0.004), and lacking procedure for reporting the violence (OR: 0.412; 95% CI 0.236–0.717, p = 0.002) were more likely to be victim of workplace violence than their counterparts. In Saudi Arabia, the risk of WPV events occurrence among pharmacists is high. The findings can guide the creation of appropriate policies, actions, and safety procedures to prevent and address WPV against pharmacists. Full article

Purpose: Suicide is a leading cause of death among children and adolescents worldwide. This study examined the prevalence and characteristics of suicides among children and adolescents (aged ≤ 19 years) over a 13-year period in the broader area of Athens, Greece. Key aspects analyzed included victim demographics, circumstances surrounding the incidents, and methods employed. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on autopsy cases performed at the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, from 1 January 2011, to 31 December 2023. Results: Out of 5819 autopsies conducted between 2011 and 2023, 371 were classified as suicides. Among these, 12 cases (representing 3.2% of suicides) involved children and adolescents aged ≤ 19 years and met the study’s inclusion criteria for detailed forensic analysis. The average age of the victims was 17.7 ± 2.1 years (range: 14–19), with males representing 58.3% of cases. Hanging was the most common method of suicide (9 cases, 75.0%), followed by firearm use, falls from height, and hydrogen sulfide inhalation (one case each). Death occurred in the home in 10 cases (83.3%), with 6 specifically taking place in the bedroom. Scars indicative of prior self-harming behavior were present in two cases (16.7%), while suicide notes were found in three cases (25.0%). Toxicological analysis revealed alcohol and cannabis use in one case, cannabis alone in one case, and alcohol alone in two cases. Four victims (33.3%) had a documented psychiatric diagnosis, with two of them under antidepressant treatment at the time of death. Conclusions: This study highlights the forensic value of autopsy-based investigations in unveiling hidden patterns of adolescent suicidality and informs targeted prevention strategies. Integrating medico-legal findings into public health responses may enhance early identification and intervention in vulnerable youth populations. Full article

Background/Objectives: The increased availability of naloxone underscores the urgent need for scalable, effective training interventions. While current training modalities show promise, critical challenges persist, particularly regarding the development of interactive, self-efficacious platforms that mitigate anxiety in real-world overdose response, especially among laypersons. Therefore, this study aimed to develop and evaluate the usability and acceptability of a novel, self-paced mixed reality-based training tool (ReviveXR). Methods: ReviveXR was designed using the Apple Vision Pro spatial computing headset and Unity platform, employing mixed reality technology to facilitate interaction with virtual overdose scenarios while maintaining awareness of the physical environment. The intervention included a simulated tutorial and interactive modules on overdose response, rescue breathing, and chest compressions. Field testing was conducted in two rounds across various settings with a heterogeneous sample (N = 25), including individuals who use drugs, bystanders, first responders, and technology specialists. Data collection involved pre- and post-intervention surveys and qualitative interviews. Results: Participants demonstrated significant improvements in knowledge related to overdose recognition, naloxone administration, rescue breathing, and chest compressions. ReviveXR increased participants’ confidence and intent to help overdose victims while reducing uncertainty during overdose reversal. Participants were predominantly from rural areas and primarily identified as White and male. Qualitative feedback emphasized the platform’s heightened engagement, realism, patient responsiveness, and capacity to enhance knowledge acquisition and behavioral preparedness compared with conventional training approaches. Conclusions: ReviveXR offers a scalable, cost-effective, engaging alternative to traditional naloxone training programs, demonstrating strong feasibility across diverse environments and participants. ReviveXR holds considerable promise for expanding and enhancing community overdose response capacities and training healthcare professionals and first responders. Full article

Background: Adolescence is a critical stage for the development of behaviours related to problematic Internet and social media use, as well as for the experience of cybervictimisation. The literature highlights the need to examine these types of adolescent behaviours. Method: A field study was designed to analyse the prevalence of problematic Internet and social media use, as well as cybervictimisation, sexting, and grooming. In total, 666 Spanish adolescents participated, 55.4% females and 44.6% males, with an age range between 14 and 18 years (M = 15.27, SD = 1.01). Results: The results showed that 15.8% of the participants were diagnosed as at risk for Internet and social media addiction; 27.2% of the participants were diagnosed as cyberbullying victims; 14.7% of the sample engaged in sexting behaviours, and 34.7% engaged in grooming behaviours. Additionally, significant gender differences were found in cybervictimisation behaviours, with females scoring higher. Conclusions: The findings are discussed in relation to the need to develop preventive and educational strategies that promote the safe and responsible use of the digital context. Full article

This study explored the association between bullying and cyberbullying, both in victims and bullies, and motivational beliefs toward learning in students aged 10 to 16. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 1690 Spanish students, assessing motivational beliefs through the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ) and involvement in bullying using the European Bullying Intervention Project Questionnaire (EBIP-Q) and the European Cyberbullying Intervention Project Questionnaire (ECIP-Q). The results showed that both victims and bullies had lower task value, self-efficacy, and control beliefs, along with higher test anxiety, with cyberbullying having a stronger impact. Victims of cyberbullying exhibited significantly lower task value (up to 9.2% in girls and 5.6% in boys) and had a 4.5- and 2.2-times higher risk of scoring low in this dimension. Among bullies, only girls involved in traditional bullying showed motivational deficits, whereas both male and female cyberbullies had task value scores up to 9.5% lower and were 1.5 to 1.6 times more likely to experience test anxiety. These findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions to reinforce motivational beliefs in victims and bullies, recommending collaborative programs between students, teachers, and families to enhance task value, control beliefs, and self-efficacy while addressing test anxiety. Full article

This study examined the association between bullying and cyberbullying (both victims and perpetrators) and resource management strategies for learning in students aged 10 to 16. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 1330 Spanish students (48.95% boys; mean age = 13.22 ± 1.75 years). Learning strategies were assessed using the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ), bullying levels with the European Bullying Intervention Project Questionnaire (EBIP-Q), and cyberbullying with the European Cyberbullying Intervention Project Questionnaire (ECIP-Q). ANCOVA and binary logistic regression were used to analyze associations and exposure risk. Girls who were victims of bullying and cyberbullying showed significantly lower scores in study time management (−5.9%, p = 0.001 for bullying; −6.2%, p = 0.025 for cyberbullying) and effort self-regulation (−7.7%, p < 0.001; −8.3%, p = 0.002). Victimized girls were also up to 4.2 times more likely to struggle with effort self-regulation. Female aggressors exhibited up to 10.2% lower effort self-regulation, while male cyberbullies had 9.6% lower study time management compared to their peers and a 4.4 times greater risk of low effort self-regulation (p < 0.001). These findings emphasize the importance of designing targeted school interventions to strengthen self-regulation strategies, particularly for female victims and male cyberbullies, contributing to improved academic outcomes. Full article

This study takes the perspective of the theory of ethical witnessing. We analyse whether there is a difference in a discourse transmitted in a frame of reference based on ethical witnessing versus a discourse transmitted in the frame of hegemonic discourse based on the hierarchical testimony. This study tests the hypothesis that discourses diverging from the communication hierarchy and, consequently, from the interpretation frame established about gender-based violence, transform the elaboration, comprehension, and structure of questioning the victim’s suffering. The sample comprised 300 individuals, 85 identifying as male and 215 identifying as female. This study adopted a two-factorial (2 × 2) design comparing the testimony of gender-based violence (ethical witnessing vs. hierarchical testimony) and familiarity with the victim’s testimony (Yes vs. No). The results show that communications based on the ethical witnessing format are more effective in transforming the perception of gender-based violence than those using a hierarchical format. This study adopts the framework of ethical witnessing to examine whether discourse differs when conveyed through this lens, compared to discourse shaped by a hegemonic, hierarchical testimony. We test the hypothesis that narratives which deviate from traditional communication hierarchies—and thus from dominant interpretative frameworks surrounding gender-based violence—significantly influence how the victim’s suffering is processed, understood, and questioned. The global resonance of the #MeToo movement exemplifies the transformative potential of ethical testimony, as it amplified the voices of survivors while challenging traditional hierarchies of credibility and authority in public discourse. Full article

While male youths with mild intellectual disabilities (MIDs) display similar sexual development as their peers without MIDs, they experience higher rates of sexual and dating violence (SDV) and sexual risk behavior. Yet, little is known about effective gender-specific prevention for this population. Therefore, we conducted a cluster-randomized controlled trial of a Dutch group-counseling program promoting psychosexual health and preventing SDV among male youths with MIDs aged 14–21 years—Make a Move+. The 120 participating male youths completed three questionnaires (baseline, post-test, 3-month follow-up; 77.5% retention). A subsample of 14 male youths and 5 trainers were interviewed pre- and post-program. With these multi-method, multi-informant data, we evaluated the program’s effectiveness on the six intended outcomes (attitudes (primary outcome), global self-esteem, skills, knowledge, SDV use and victimization, and sexual risk behavior) by (1) statistically comparing the self-reports of the intervention and control groups and (2) thematically analyzing interview data. We found limitations in the program’s integrity, and mixed evidence for the program’s effectiveness on attitudes, knowledge, skills, SDV use, and sexual risk behavior, and no evidence for effectiveness on global self-esteem or SDV victimization. We also found indications of adverse effects on SDV use and victimization. We offer suggestions for program refinement and future program evaluations. Full article

Background: High-voltage injuries associated with train surfing are a distinct subset of electrical injuries, yet detailed analyses remain limited. This study retrospectively reviewed train-surfing injuries admitted between 1994 and 2024, comparing their characteristics and outcomes to work-related high-voltage injuries. Methods: Medical records of 102 patients admitted for high-voltage injuries were analyzed, including 32 train-surfing and 70 work-related cases. Demographics, injury patterns, and clinical outcomes were assessed. Results: Train surfers were predominantly young males (median age 19 years), while work-related injuries involved slightly older males (median age 34 years). Train surfers sustained more severe burns (%TBSA: 47.6% vs. 25.4%, p < 0.0001) and higher ABSI scores (6.7 vs. 5.3, p < 0.01). Vertical electrical flow was predominant in train surfing (65.6%), reflecting contact with overhead lines, while work-related injuries showed varied flow patterns, with diagonal flow being most frequent (58.6%). Train surfers had longer ICU stays (38.7 vs. 17.9 days, p < 0.001) and underwent more surgeries per patient (5.3 vs. 2.8, p < 0.01). Fasciotomy rates were significantly higher among train surfers (84.4% vs. 55.7%, p < 0.01), as were amputations (53.1% vs. 25.7%, p < 0.001). Mortality rates were similar in both groups (25%). Conclusions: Train-surfing injuries represent a distinct and highly severe subgroup of high-voltage trauma, marked by greater burn extent, predominantly vertical electrical flow due to contact with overhead lines, and significantly higher surgical complexity—including increased rates of fasciotomies and amputations. Despite comparable mortality, the clinical burden for train-surfing victims is substantially higher, reflected in longer ICU stays and more operations per patient. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted prevention strategies addressing youth engagement in train surfing. Public health campaigns, railway infrastructure modifications (e.g., deterrent systems or physical barriers), and early educational interventions could play a critical role in reducing these preventable injuries. Furthermore, trauma centers should be prepared for the specific reconstructive and critical care demands posed by this high-risk group, emphasizing the importance of specialized multidisciplinary management protocols. Full article

Although there is a growing body of research focused on the personality characteristics of victims and offenders, only a few studies have investigated both groups through robust and comprehensive measures of personality. The present study aimed to compare the PAI and MMPI-2-RF profiles between victims and offenders and investigate the influence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on their results. Samples of 107 female victims (age: M = 42.71; SD = 11.25) and 154 male inmates (age: M = 36.51; SD = 12.72) were compared, and statistically significant differences were found on several PAI and MMPI-2-RF scales. While the victims tended to score higher on scales such as Anxiety, Stress, Somatic Complaints and Thought Dysfunction, the inmates scored higher on scales related to Antisocial Traits, Drug Problems, and Aggressiveness-Revised, among others. Both groups reported a large number of ACEs, and linear regression analyses revealed that ACEs predicted PAI and MMPI-2-RF scores. A discriminant analysis also found that specific ACEs accurately discriminate psychological characteristics between victim and offender groups. In conclusion, the PAI and the MMPI-2-RF provided valuable information on the characteristics of victims and inmates, contributing to a better understanding of the nature of victimization and crime perpetration. Full article

Recent legal reforms incorporating the concept of sexual consent into the Penal Code, alongside high-profile scandals involving male idol groups and comedians, have heightened societal attention to sexual crimes in Japan. Although studies have extensively examined this topic, findings have been predominantly from Western or English-speaking countries, which raises questions regarding their applicability to other cultural contexts. To address this gap, this study examined whether the results of prior research could be generalized to Japan. This study examined six hypotheses derived from previous studies. Using a vignette-based online survey (N = 748), participants read a hypothetical sexual assault case and answered questions on sentencing, negative social reactions, and victim/perpetrator blaming. An analysis revealed that only one hypothesis was supported: respondents recommended longer sentences for perpetrators when the victim was male rather than female. Additionally, women were more likely to exhibit egocentric reactions, such as expressing more anger toward the perpetrators than the victims, than men. No other hypothesized gender-based differences, which included victim-blaming or harsher sentencing by male observers, were supported. These findings highlight the risks of generalizing research findings across cultural contexts and emphasize the importance of conducting culturally specific studies. Full article

Intimate partner violence (IPV) continues to be a serious public health issue, particularly in Ghana. It is crucial to create evidence-based, preventative measures to stop IVP. This study empirically investigated the factors related to married women’s perceptions of male IPV against women. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (Goal 5.2) advocate for the elimination of male violence against women by governments, hence this study contributes to monitoring the progress being made. This study employed cross-sectional secondary data from Ghana Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS) conducted in 2018 with a sample of 14,237 women aged 15–49. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions, and the results were presented as odds ratios (ORs) with a confidence interval (CI) of 95%. Women’s justification of male IPV against women was correlated with socio-demographic factors such as education level, marital status, age of the woman, area of residence (rural or urban), ethnic background, and economic disadvantage (wealth status). Higher educated women (OR 0.248 [95% CI 0.185–0.332, p < 0.001]) were less likely to justify male IPV against women than women with no/less formal education. Women who were in the richest quintile (OR 0.766 [95% CI 0.634–0.926, p = 0.006]) were less likely than those in the poorest/lowest quintile to rationalize/justify intimate partner violence. In terms of ethnicity of the household head, the Ga/Dangme (OR 0.86 [95% CI 0.714–1.036, p = 0.112]) had lower odds of justifying male IPV against women compared to the Akan. The government, through the Ministry of Gender and Child Protection and women’s advocacy groups, should devise strategies, programs, and policies to empower women through formal education and economically through job training and employment support for women and victims to help them achieve financial independence and reduce negative attitudes toward women and the prevalence of male IPV against women. Full article

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a major cause of mortality among patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). This study aimed to identify risk factors for CAD-related SCD (SCD_CAD) through autopsy data and genetic screening with a particular emphasis on rare variants (minor allele frequency < 0.01). We included 241 SCD_CAD cases (mean age 54.6 ± 12.8 years, 74.7% male) verified by medico-legal examination and 241 silent CAD controls (mean age 53.6 ± 15.2 years, 25.3% female) who died from severe craniocerebral trauma. Information about death characteristics was obtained from questionnaires, police reports and autopsy data. Whole-exome sequencing was performed on myocardial tissue samples. Polygenic risk score (PRS) from a previously validated model was applied and rare variant pathogenicity was predicted using in silico tools. SCD_CAD victims predominantly died at night and showed higher mortality rates during summer and winter months, with more complex coronary disease. Nocturnal time (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 3.53, 95% CI: 2.37–5.25, p < 0.001), winter (AOR = 2.06, 95% CI: 1.33–3.20, p = 0.001), multiple vessel occlusion (AOR = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.16–2.77, p = 0.009), right coronary artery stenosis (AOR = 2.38, 95% CI: 1.54–3.68, p < 0.001) and unstable plaque (AOR = 2.17, 95% CI: 1.46–3.23, p < 0.001) were identified as risk factors of SCD_CAD. The PRS score was associated with a 60% increased risk of SCD_CAD (OR = 1.632 per SD, 95%CI: 1.631–1.633, p < 0.001). Genetic analysis identified MUC19 and CGN as being associated with SCD_CAD. We identified both hereditary and acquired risk factors that may contribute to cardiac dysfunction and precipitate SCD in CAD patients, thereby facilitating the prevention and early recognition of high-risk individuals. Full article

Bullying poses significant challenges to adolescent health and well-being. This time-trend study examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on bullying behaviors and associated emotional and behavioral difficulties among Greek adolescents. Data were collected from two cross-sectional surveys in 2016 (n = 1574) and 2023 (n = 5753) conducted in Greece. Both samples comprised students aged 12–16 years, with near-equal gender distribution (2016, 53.4% girls; 2023, 54.5% girls) and a predominance of urban residents (approximately 73% in both samples). Traditional and cyberbullying experiences were assessed via structured questionnaires, while mental health outcomes were measured using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Post-pandemic findings revealed substantial increases in bullying involvement; traditional bullying victimization rose from 12.4% to 21.7%, and cyberbullying victimization increased from 4.0% to 11.6%. Correspondingly, mean SDQ total scores increased significantly from 8.59 to 14.16, reflecting heightened emotional and behavioral problems. Logistic regression analyses identified male gender, urban residence, and non-traditional family structures as significant predictors of bullying involvement. These results underscore the amplified burden of bullying and mental health difficulties in the post-pandemic era, highlighting the urgent need for targeted prevention and intervention strategies to address both traditional and cyberbullying within diverse sociodemographic contexts. Full article

Background/objectives: DNA analysis is the most reliable method for the identification of human skeletal remains, especially the ones found in mass disasters or recovered from mass graves. To this aim, DNA was extracted from bones and teeth allegedly belonging to 27 Italian soldiers executed during the Second World War and exhumed from a mass grave in Ossero (Croatia). Methods: A selection of 131 different bone samples (petrous bones, femurs, metacarpal, and metatarsal bones) and 16 molar teeth were used for DNA extraction. Autosomal and Y-chromosome STR profiles were determined using a conventional CE approach, while a panel of 76 microhaplotypes was investigated through MPS. Results: Overall, 24 different autosomal consensus male profiles and six (unexpected) female profiles were identified; the male profiles were then compared with 21 alleged living relatives of the missing soldiers belonging to 14 unrelated Italian families. The DVI module of the Familias software was used for computing the LRs and the posterior probabilities (PP). The combination of autosomal STRs and microhaplotypes led to the identification of six victims and to a very likely identification of another one, supported by Y-haplotype sharing between victim and relative. Three distant victim–relative relationships resulting in low LR values for the autosomal markers showed Y-STR haplotype-sharing patterns, thus suggesting very strong support for a paternal relationship. Conclusions: The results of this study confirmed the effectiveness of the genetic approach and highlighted the presence of more individuals than expected in the mass grave, among which six were female subjects. Full article