Search Results (268)

This study examines how the education sector in one Canadian province has navigated post-pandemic recovery between 2023 and 2025, drawing on cross-sectional survey data from a convenience sample of sector employees in the 2023–2024 (n = 1411) and 2024–2025 (n = 742) school years. The findings revealed selective improvement over time, including increased organizational commitment among teachers and other education workforce members, alongside reduced perceptions of students’ academic, social, and behavioural needs. Teachers indicated no corresponding increases in their perceived frequency of meeting students’ needs, whereas other educator sector employees indicated improvement in this area. In contrast, no year-over-year differences were found in the education workforce members’ and teachers’ stress, coping, well-being or connectedness, and job search behaviours remained high, ranging from 14 to 43%. Guided by the Job Demands–Resources (JD-R) model, these findings suggest that post-pandemic recovery reflects the establishment of a new and complex baseline. The coexistence of improved commitment with persistent job strain signals a paradox of stability amid depletion. Qualitative responses reinforced this interpretation, revealing how educators adapt to ongoing organizational resource constraints and shifting student needs. Together, the findings extend JD-R-informed understandings of post-crisis workforce adaptation and identify implications for leadership and policy aimed at supporting organizational health and workforce sustainability. Full article

This study examined residents’ perceptions, preferences, and experiences of urban green spaces in four regional units of the Region of Attica—West Athens, Central Athens, South Athens, and Piraeus—demonstrating how demographic diversity, urban morphology, and external stressors—such as extreme heat and the COVID-19 pandemic—shape green space use. The results show that, while green spaces are essential for health, well-being, and social cohesion, their distribution is uneven, which limits their availability (27.3%) and access (21.8%) to residents. Main concerns expressed by residents when visiting green spaces and open green spaces are poor maintenance (50.7%), lack of security (36.7%), and socially irresponsible behaviour (e.g., littering, vandalism) (32.8%). Extreme heat emerged as a major constraint on outdoor activities, particularly affecting women and the elderly. Household-associated outdoor areas (balconies, courtyards, and verandas) were highly valued (59.8%), highlighting the role of private green spaces in dense urban environments. Major metropolitan parks were the most visited and valued by residents for providing contact with nature (23.0%) and benefiting from stress relief (54.0%) while practicing their favourite activity, though their use was limited during heatwaves (30.3% of the residents do not visit). Most activities during and after the COVID-19 pandemic were reported unchanged, though reported increases in walking (34.3%) and park visits (28.3%) demonstrate the importance of green spaces in fostering urban resilience. However, the reported lack of engagement in gardening (48.0%), indoor plant care (41.2%) and bird/wildlife watching (58.3%) suggest missed opportunities for ecological and cultural enrichment. Overall, the study underscores the urgent need for integrated planning strategies to improve accessibility, maintenance, and equity in green space provision. By aligning with the sustainable development goals, the four regional units of the Region of Attica can transform its green infrastructure into an inclusive, resilient system that supports public health, social inclusion, and climate adaptation. Full article

Background: This study is particularly relevant to the Romanian context, where relatively few empirical investigations have examined post-pandemic health perceptions and levels of trust in public institutions. The purpose of this study is to investigate the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on health perceptions and trust in the healthcare system by examining key socioeconomic and epidemiological factors. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among Romanian adults (N = 423), between March and April 2025. Demographic data, lifestyle habits, mental health, and access to healthcare were assessed. Statistical analyses included both bivariate (chi-square test) and multivariable logistic regression models to identify independent associations. Results: 31.9% of participants reported increased stress and anxiety during the pandemic. Decreased trust in the healthcare system (75.6%) and a perceived reduction in life expectancy (74.3%) were also noted as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic. Perceived life expectancy decline was linked to lower education and inconsistent healthcare behavior. Conclusion: In our sample, the perception of decreased life expectancy reflects not only epidemiological realities but also emotional and social responses to crises. Individuals’ trust, behavior, and shared vision of the future have also been challenged during the COVID-19 pandemic. Full article

Background: Evidence suggests that the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated changes have negatively influenced breastfeeding practices. Considering that breastfeeding women are already known to be more vulnerable in terms of emotional status, the aim of our study was to evaluate the experiences and concerns of breastfeeding women in Romania during the pandemic. Also, we tried to identify the most effective measures for mitigating the negative impacts. Methods: A 46-item questionnaire was developed for data collection and it was shared on Facebook and Instagram, with networks of women who breastfed during the pandemic and with obstetric communities. Our cross-sectional survey recruited 261 Romanian breastfeeding women. Among general questions about basic demographic information and details about changes experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, the survey included questions about their breastfeeding experiences during the pandemic, whether they had contracted SARS-CoV-2 while breastfeeding, their concerns, and their overall perceptions of the period. Results: In our study, we observed that women who breastfed during the pandemic—especially those who had contracted SARS-CoV-2—experienced significant fear that their newborns or children might become infected. These mothers also expressed deep concern for their own health and the wellbeing of their loved ones. The experience of contracting SARS-CoV-2 was a major source of psychological stress. Despite these challenges, the participants, especially women who contracted SARS-CoV2, reported a notably longer overall duration of breastfeeding and higher rates of exclusive breastfeeding. However, access to breastfeeding support during this period was generally limited. Conclusions: These findings highlight the negative impact of the pandemic on breastfeeding mothers and the adaptability of mothers under crisis conditions, emphasizing the need for improved support systems and targeted interventions to assist mothers during public health crises. Full article

Burnout, characterized by emotional exhaustion and depersonalization, is increasingly recognized as a significant mental health concern with psychiatric implications. This cross-sectional study explored variables associated with current burnout levels among 2004 teachers in 19 Latin American countries and Spain, drawing on retrospective perceptions of COVID-19 pandemic-related changes in work conditions and student behavior. Using a comprehensive survey, researchers gathered demographic information, work-related characteristics, and burnout levels measured by the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Participants were recruited through social media platforms and teacher groups. Participants reported high emotional exhaustion, with 45.9% exceeding the clinical threshold. Moderate depersonalization levels were observed, with 30.2% scoring above the clinical cutoff. Hierarchical regressions indicated that emotional exhaustion was significantly predicted by individual (e.g., gender, age, socioeconomic status, pre-existing mental and chronic illnesses), school (e.g., school level, sector, and workload), and student factors (e.g., behavior and social adjustment problems), accounting for 17.4% of the variance. Depersonalization was similarly associated with individual (e.g., gender, age, education, and pre-existing mental illness), school (e.g., workload and school level), and student characteristics (e.g., educational, behavioral, and family adjustment problems), explaining 6.5% of the variance. These findings contribute to psychiatric and psychological research by identifying specific risk profiles for chronic stress syndromes in educators—an occupational group facing long-term psychological impacts from the COVID-19 crisis. This study underscores the need for interdisciplinary psychiatric approaches to diagnose and prevent burnout and promote teacher well-being through clinical and policy-level interventions. Full article

The increase in school violence, especially post-pandemic, has been widely addressed in various research studies. This pilot study, carried out in the Araucanía Region (Chile), aims to explore the relationship between negative emotional self-regulation of stress and perceptions of school violence. A cross-sectional and descriptive methodology was used, with confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to evaluate the validity of the scales applied, and a structural equation model (SEM) to analyze the influence of self-regulation on the perception of types of school violence. The participants were 239 students between the ages of 9 and 15 (M = 11.45; SD = 1.47). The results showed a positive and statistically significant relationship between negative stress self-regulation and the perception of school violence, indicating that those with a greater tendency to avoid negative emotions perceived or experienced more violence. The findings suggest that emotional self-regulation, particularly avoidance, can be a relevant factor in the perception and management of school violence, highlighting the importance of educational interventions and policies that promote adaptive emotional skills within the school context. Full article

The transition to hybrid work has become a defining feature of the post-pandemic IT sector, yet organizations lack empirical benchmarks for balancing flexibility with performance and well-being. This study addresses this gap by identifying an optimal hybrid work structure and exposing systematic perception gaps between employees and managers. Grounded in Self-Determination Theory and the Job Demands–Resources model, our research analyses survey data from 1003 employees and 252 managers across 46 countries. The findings identify a hybrid “sweet spot” of 6–10 office days per month. Employees in this window report significantly higher perceived efficiency (Odds Ratio (OR) ≈ 2.12) and marginally lower office-related stress. Critically, the study uncovers a significant perception gap: contrary to the initial hypothesis, managers are nearly twice as likely as employees to rate hybrid work as most efficient (OR ≈ 1.95) and consistently evaluate remote-work resources more favourably (OR ≈ 2.64). This “supervisor-optimism bias” suggests a disconnect between policy design and frontline experience. The study concludes that while a light-to-moderate hybrid model offers clear benefits, organizations must actively address this perceptual divide and remedy resource shortages to realize the potential of hybrid work fully. This research provides data-driven guidelines for creating sustainable, high-performance work environments in the IT sector. Full article

This study examines the key factors that influence tourists’ perceptions of destination quality and loyalty in the context of adventure tourism in Santa Elena, Ecuador, an emerging destination in Latin America. A quantitative approach was used, with data collected through an online questionnaire completed by 318 participants. Structural equation modeling was conducted using SmartPLS 4 to examine the relationships between motivational constructs (intellectual curiosity, health assurance, stress relief, physical condition, and social connection), perceived destination quality, and loyalty. The findings reveal that health assurance (β = 0.395, p < 0.001), stress relief (β = 0.417, p < 0.001), and intellectual curiosity (β = 0.143, p = 0.010) significantly influence perceived destination quality, while social connection and physical condition did not show significant effects. Moreover, perceived destination quality strongly predicts tourist loyalty (β = 0.634, p < 0.001). The model explains 63.5% of the variance in destination quality and 48.1% of that in loyalty. These results highlight the importance of post-pandemic health concerns, emotional well-being, and intellectual engagement as drivers of satisfaction and loyalty in adventure tourism. While existing research has largely focused on motivations and quality perceptions in adventure tourism within developed regions, studies in post-pandemic settings across Latin America—especially using validated structural models—remain scarce. This study also contributes to filling a gap in the literature by analyzing post-pandemic tourist behavior in Latin America, an underexplored context in existing research on sustainable and adventure tourism. The findings offer theoretical contributions to the field of adventure tourism and practical recommendations for destination managers seeking to enhance their competitiveness and visitor retention in the post-pandemic context. Full article

Background/Objectives: Early care and education programs promote children’s social–emotional development, predicting later school success. The COVID-19 pandemic worsened an existing youth mental health crisis and increased teacher stress. Therefore, we applied an infant and early childhood mental health consultation model, Jump Start Plus COVID Support (JS+CS), aiming to decrease behavioral problems in children post-pandemic. Methods: A cluster randomized controlled trial compared JS+CS to an active control, Healthy Caregivers–Healthy Children (HC2), at 30 ECE centers in low-income areas in South Florida. Participants were not blinded to group assignment. Teachers reported on children’s social–emotional development at baseline and post-intervention using the Devereux Early Childhood Assessment and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. We assessed whether teacher stress, classroom practices, and self-efficacy mediated the relationship between JS+CS and child outcomes. We also explored whether baseline behavior problems moderated JS+CS effects on child protective factors, relative to HC2. Results: Direct group-by-time differences between JS+CS and HC2 were limited. However, JS+CS demonstrated significant within-group improvements in teacher-reported child protective factors, behavior support practices, and classroom safety practices. Classroom safety practices consistently mediated positive changes in child behaviors, including the DECA total protective factor score and subdomains of initiative and self-regulation. Additionally, teacher perceptions of behavior support mediated gains in child attachment. Conclusions: JS+CS shows promise in building protective systems around children through intentional support for teachers, underscoring the value of whole-child, whole-environment approaches in early intervention. Full article

Psychological theory often reminds us that the best predictor of an individual’s future behavior is their prior behavior. Then, the pandemic happened in 2020, and at least for travel behavior and tourism consumption, everything seemed to change, stressing the importance of re-evaluating predictors. In the present study, we aimed to compare the history of travel behavior and tourism consumption with the predicted travel behavior of students coming from Generation Z, along with intrapersonal characteristics influencing risk perception, like psychological resilience and perceived invulnerability. The findings revealed that the pandemic changed the attitude towards travel for tourism-related purposes in both positive and negative directions, restructuring the attitude towards travel for the majority and also revealing many new prospective travelers. Psychological resilience was a significant variable that differentiated the respondents who changed their attitude towards tourism from those who remained consistent in their non-travel behavior and students who planned to travel more during the pandemic. Although subsamples also differed in the mean value of perceived invulnerability, the variable did not prove statistically significant. Almost 50% of the students predicting that they will travel abroad for non-tourism-related purposes in the future year were students who had not traveled abroad before the pandemic. Full article

Based on Antonovsky’s theory, we explored the importance of adolescent sense of coherence (SOC) in coping with stress and how it was affected by the pandemic. Using longitudinal data from junior and senior high school students in urban areas in Japan, we examined the trends in SOC and factors related to SOC in students enrolled before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. With the cooperation of the Tokyo Metropolitan Secondary Education School, we surveyed 96 students who enrolled in 2018 (G1) and 144 students who enrolled in 2020 (G2). Four surveys were conducted for G1 and three for G2. Survey items included SOC, psychosomatic symptoms scale, Athens insomnia scale, school belonging scale, and stress experience scale. We followed the trends in SOC scores by gender and performed t-tests and multiple regression analysis. G2 had higher baseline SOC scores than G1, but the significant difference between the two groups disappeared by 2022. From 2019, comprehensibility and manageability significantly increased in G1 for girls, but meaningfulness decreased in G2 for both boys and girls. Multiple regression analysis showed no correlation between baseline SOC and SOC in 2022 in G1, which differed from G2, suggesting that the pandemic may have changed their perception of the world. Full article

In the post-pandemic era, characterized by rapid digital transformation, teaching and evaluation methods must evolve to meet the new reality, as students and educators continue to express concerns about fairness and integrity. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the perceptions of students and teachers on the introduction of remote assessments in the context of the evolving higher education landscape, which was significantly disrupted by the 2020 pandemic, but leaving methods and approaches that are still used. Data collection comprised a sample of 989 students and 266 teachers. The results demonstrated a current preference for face-to-face assessments, which were considered fairer and more equitable, with less dishonesty, stress, and time consumption. Dishonesty was the main concern related to remote assessments, both for students and teachers. Remote assessments were undervalued, likely due to the rapid adaptation that did not allow enough time for proper models to be developed. It is believed that improving remote and hybrid assessments will lead to a greater satisfaction and confidence among teachers and students. In the era of artificial intelligence and accelerated advancements in educational technology, this article exposed the limitations and advantages of remote assessment, suggested improvements, and highlighted the gap in perceptions on that evaluation between students and teachers. The findings underscore the need to reimagine traditional pedagogy to accommodate diverse learning preferences, integrate emerging technologies, and develop the skills needed for the rapidly evolving world. New teaching methodologies that help to foster critical thinking are crucial for improving student learning and initiating a necessary paradigm shift in evaluation methods to effectively prevent cheating. Full article

Background/Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the need for adaptive public health strategies and effective decision-making tools to optimize clinical responses and policy measures based on regional contexts. This study aims to identify key criteria for developing a patient-centered strategy to enhance the resilience of Romania’s healthcare system during the pandemic. Methods: This research introduces a Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) model using the Simple Multiple Attribute Assessment Technique (SMART) to integrate quantitative and qualitative data, providing decision-makers with a structured tool for improving healthcare resilience. A survey of 412 Romanian healthcare professionals identified critical risks and opportunities. The study followed a two-phase approach: first, analyzing expert perceptions to determine key challenges; second, applying a mixed-methods evaluation to prioritize resilience-building strategies. Results: Four main challenges emerged: (1) healthcare workforce shortages causing excessive workload and stress, (2) poor communication and systemic inefficiencies limiting patient access, (3) weak crisis management due to delayed control measures, and (4) regulatory gaps leading to fragmented responses. Proposed solutions included workforce training, improved communication, telemedicine integration, increased financial support, and a unified legal framework. The SMART method facilitated the structured prioritization of these measures, with long-term system sustainability emerging as the most effective strategy for preventing future crises. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the value of integrating MCDA into healthcare decision-making, offering a scalable model for policymakers to enhance crisis response and resource allocation. By incorporating expert insights and patient needs, the proposed framework strengthens healthcare system preparedness, contributing to informed, patient-centered decision-making and long-term resilience. Ultimately, our findings not only contribute to the existing literature but may also open new directions to facilitate informed, patient-centered decision making, thereby strengthening the resilience of healthcare systems in crisis situations. Full article

Background: Evidence of the beneficial effects of animal-assisted interventions (AAI) on patients admitted to paediatric hospitals is growing. However, there is still little information about healthcare professionals’ knowledge of and attitudes towards AAI, both as a complement to medical treatments and as a tool for improving the workplace environment. The present study explores the perspectives of Italian paediatric hospital staff after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: An online questionnaire was developed and distributed to paediatric hospital personnel across Italy. The questionnaire addressed topics including AAI’ impact on the hospital environment, their role as a resource for patients and families, their effect on staff well-being, and the perception of the feasibility of AAI implementation in hospitals. Data were analysed descriptively and qualitatively. Results: A total of 44 respondents took part in the survey. Most respondents agreed that AAI could improve hospital environments and serve as a valuable resource for patients and families. However, results were more mixed about the effects of AAI on staff well-being and the feasibility of their implementation. Qualitative analysis identified recurring themes including the positive impact of AAI on emotions/general well-being, improved compliance and treatment outcomes, and reduced stress and distress. Concerns included organisational/logistical challenges, hygiene issues, and potential impact on staff workload. Notably, most participants felt that the COVID-19 pandemic had not affected their perception of AAI safety. Conclusions: Most respondents viewed AAI favourably and supported their implementation as a means of benefiting patients and caregivers. Concerns mainly related to organisational and logistical barriers highlight areas that require further exploration in future research. Full article

This study examines the factors influencing the behavioral intention and compliance behavior of Transportation Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) drivers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Grounded in the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and the Health Belief Model (HBM), the study integrates psychological, environmental, and organizational factors to explain TNVS drivers’ adherence to safety protocols. Data were collected from 342 TNVS drivers in the National Capital Region (NCR) and CALABARZON through a structured survey. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was employed to analyze the relationships among variables and assess the determinants of compliance behavior. The results indicate that attitude toward compliance (β = 0.453, p < 0.001), risk perception (β = 0.289, p = 0.001), availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) (β = 0.341, p < 0.001), passenger compliance (β = 0.293, p = 0.002), company policies (β = 0.336, p = 0.001), and organizational support systems (β = 0.433, p < 0.001) significantly influence behavioral intention. In turn, behavioral intention strongly predicts compliance behavior (β = 0.643, p < 0.001), confirming its mediating role in linking influencing factors to actual adherence. However, stress and fatigue (β = 0.131, p = 0.211), ride conditions (β = 0.198, p = 0.241), and communication and training (β = 0.211, p = 0.058) showed non-significant relationships, suggesting that their direct effects on behavioral intention are limited. The model explains 69.1% of the variance in compliance behavior, demonstrating its robustness. These findings highlight the importance of fostering positive attitudes, ensuring adequate resource availability, and reinforcing organizational support to improve TNVS drivers’ compliance with safety measures. Practical recommendations include implementing educational campaigns, ensuring PPE access, strengthening company policies, and promoting passenger adherence to safety protocols. The study contributes to the broader understanding of health behavior in the ride-hailing sector, offering actionable insights for policymakers, ride-hailing platforms, and public health authorities. Future research should explore additional contextual factors, gender-based differences, and regional variations, as well as assess long-term compliance behaviors beyond the pandemic context. Full article