Search Results (235)

There is little qualitative research on the support needed by workers with type 1 diabetes to effectively self-manage at work and maintain work ability. In this UK study, 21 workers with type 1 diabetes participated in semi-structured interviews. The interviews were transcribed and analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis and then characterised under the Psychosocial Flags Framework. Findings highlighted several obstacles to maintaining self-management, including systemic workplace issues (black flags), individual attitudes and beliefs (yellow flags), and workplace issues (blue flags). Participants generally lacked confidence in voicing their needs, emphasising a requirement for a more supportive, inclusive workplace culture. This indicates a need for employers to foster an environment where workers with T1D feel comfortable seeking support without penalty. Addressing unhelpful perceptions of T1D seems key to this, making increased knowledge and awareness crucial for the harmonious integration of T1D with work. But delivering effective interventions may be challenging, since they must account for the complex biopsychosocial interplay of obstacles to work ability that this qualitative investigation emphasises. Full article

Background/Objectives: Despite medical advances, stigma remains a major challenge for people living with HIV (PLWH). This study examined clinical, sociodemographic, and psychological predictors of HIV-related stigma, and explored whether affective temperament moderates the impact of depression on stigma. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study included 97 PLWH attending a tertiary infectious disease unit in Rome, Italy. Participants completed a battery of validated psychometric instruments assessing depressive symptoms, anxiety, manic symptoms, mixed affective states, general psychopathology, impulsivity, and affective temperament. HIV-related stigma was evaluated using the Berger HIV Stigma Scale, which measures personalized stigma, disclosure concerns, negative self-image, and concerns with public attitudes. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the sample. Univariate linear regressions were conducted to explore associations between clinical, psychometric, and sociodemographic variables and each stigma subdimension, as well as the total stigma score. Variables significant at p < 0.05 were included in five multivariate linear regression models. Moderation analyses were subsequently performed to assess whether affective temperaments moderated the relationship between significant psychopathological predictors and stigma. Bonferroni correction was applied where appropriate. Results: Higher depressive symptom scores are significantly associated with greater internalized stigma (B = 0.902, p = 0.006) and total stigma (B = 2.603, p = 0.008). Furthermore, moderation analyses showed that anxious temperament significantly intensified the relationship between depressive symptoms and both negative self-image (interaction term B = 0.125, p = 0.001) and total stigma (B = 0.336, p = 0.002). Conclusions: Depressive symptoms and anxious temperament are associated with HIV-related stigma. Integrating psychological screening and targeted interventions for mood and temperament vulnerabilities may help reduce stigma burden in PLWH and improve psychosocial outcomes. Full article

This study is titled “Success Factors in Transport Interventions: A Mixed-Method Systematic Review (1990–2022)”. The purpose of the systematic review is to (1) identify effective interventions for transitioning individuals from private car reliance to sustainable transport, (2) summarise psychosocial theories shaping transportation choices and identify enablers and barriers influencing sustainable mode adoption, and (3) determine the success factors for interventions promoting sustainable transport choices. The last search was conducted on 18 November 2022. Five databases (Scopus, Web of Science, MEDLINE, APA PsycInfo, and ProQuest) were searched using customised Boolean search strings. The identified papers were included or excluded based on the following criteria: (a) reported a modal shift from car users or cars to less CO₂-emitting modes of transport, (b) covered the adoption of low-carbon transport alternatives, (c) comprised interventions to promote sustainable transport, (d) assessed or measured the effectiveness of interventions, or (e) proposed behavioural models related to mode choice and/or psychosocial barriers or drivers for car/no-car use. The identified papers eligible for inclusion were critically appraised using Sirriyeh’s Quality Assessment Tool for Studies with Diverse Designs. Inter-rater reliability was assessed using Cohen’s Kappa to evaluate the risk of bias throughout the review process, and low-quality studies identified by the quality assessment were excluded to prevent sample bias. Qualitative data were extracted in a contextually relevant manner, preserving context and meaning to avoid the author’s bias of misinterpretation. Data were extracted using a form derived from the Joanna Briggs Institute. Data transformation and synthesis followed the recommendations of the Joanna Briggs Institution for mixed-method systematic reviews using a convergent integrated approach. Of the 7999 studies, 4 qualitative, 2 mixed-method, and 30 quantitative studies successfully passed all three screening cycles and were included in the review. Many of these studies focused on modelling individuals’ mode choice decisions from a psychological perspective. In contrast, case studies explored various transport interventions to enhance sustainability in densely populated areas. Nevertheless, the current systematic reviews do not show how individuals’ inner dispositions, such as acceptance, intention, or attitude, have evolved from before to after the implementation of schemes. Of the 11 integrated findings, 9 concerned enablers and barriers to an individual’s sustainable mode choice behaviour. In addition, two integrated findings emerged based on the effectiveness of the interventions. Although numerous interventions target public acceptance of sustainable transport, this systematic review reveals a critical knowledge gap regarding their longitudinal impact on individuals and effectiveness in influencing behavioural change. However, the study may be affected by language bias as it only included peer-reviewed articles published in English. Due to methodological heterogeneity across the studies, a meta-analysis was not feasible. Further high-quality research is needed to strengthen the evidence. This systematic review is self-funded and has been registered on the International Platform of Registered Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocols (INPLASY; Registration Number INPLASY202420011). Full article

This study explores the attitudes of university administrative staff toward disability and their perceptions of the potential for inclusive environments in higher education institutions across Georgia. Using the Attitudes to Disability Scale (ADS), a cross-sectional survey was conducted with 63 staff members from a Tbilisi-based and a regional university. The findings reveal generally positive attitudes, especially among younger and female staff, but expose persistent hierarchies in disability perception—particularly skepticism toward intellectual and psychosocial impairments. While the participants expressed support for inclusion, their recommendations for occupational roles reflected narrow and often custodial views of employability. Urban–rural and tenure-based divides further underscored structural and cultural barriers to full inclusion. This study concludes with actionable recommendations for inclusive training, policy reform, and participatory approaches to shift Georgian universities toward genuine inclusion. Full article

Background: Unlike other chronic diseases, cancer patients undergo different types of treatments that affect their well-being, and as a result, they tend to have different experiences from those of other chronic disease sufferers. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of cancer diagnosis and coping strategies on patients in Vhembe District hospitals in Limpopo Province. Methodology: The study design used was a quantitative descriptive cross-sectional survey. The target population included patients in the Vhembe District of Limpopo who had started treatment within the last year. Probability-stratified sampling was used to sample 207 patients from seven selected hospitals in Vhembe District. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data, and the data were analyzed using a software package for descriptive statistics (SPSS version 23). Tables were used to display the results visually, and chi-square tests were used to compare the variables. Ethical principles were considered for the participants’ privacy, anonymity, and informed consent. Findings: The findings revealed that the majority of patients 185 (89.4%) experienced a sense of psychosocial distress such as emotional pain; 142 (68.6%) participants experienced hopelessness and despair, 127 (61.3%) resorted to substance use, 160 (77.3%) did not have a positive attitude towards seeking the medical and other support resources available, only a minority resorted to spirituality, and 121 (63.2%) indicated seeking further clarity about the disease. The study recommends supporting cancer patients and their families through the cancer journey. Contributions: Clinicians should provide psychosocial support interventions to enhance mental health and quality of life in cancer patients, and decentralize oncology services by including primary care professionals in delivering chronic illness disease management strategies. Full article

Background: Mothers of children with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) frequently face high levels of psychological stress. While the impact of this stress on caregiving is well documented, the potential role of spirituality as a protective factor has received limited attention. Objective: This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the relationships among psychological symptoms, spirituality, and coping in mothers caring for children with T1DM, with a particular focus on the potential protective role of spirituality in caregiver resilience. Methods: A total of 134 mothers completed validated Greek versions of the Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90) and the Spiritual and Religious Attitudes in Dealing with Illness (SpREUK) questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, and multiple linear regression analyses were used to explore associations and predictive relationships. Results: Participants reported elevated psychological symptoms, particularly somatization, anxiety, and depression. Regression analysis revealed that trust in higher guidance was a significant negative predictor of somatization (b = −0.775, p < 0.001), indicating a potential buffering effect. In contrast, the search for support was positively associated with somatization (b = 0.704, p < 0.001), suggesting a more reactive coping pattern. Other spiritual variables, including the total spirituality score and reflection, were not statistically significant in the multivariate model. Conclusions: These findings highlight the relevance of spirituality—particularly spiritual trust—in understanding psychological distress among caregiving mothers. Incorporating existential and spiritual elements into psychosocial interventions may enhance maternal well-being. Longitudinal studies are needed to clarify spirituality’s role as a protective or mediating factor in chronic caregiving contexts. Full article

Background: During childhood and adolescence, personality development is continuous. Younger people—defined in this study as high-school students aged 14 to 18—are particularly receptive to change. The health behaviors formed during this period can significantly influence health in later life. Therefore, families and schools play a crucial role in promoting a healthy lifestyle. In our research, we examined the relationship between psychosocial resources (social support and school resources) and the regularity and intensity of physical activity. Methods: In this study, “appropriate physical activity” refers to the level and intensity of activity recommended by the World Health Organization—namely, at least 60 min per day of moderate- to vigorous-intensity aerobic activity for adolescents. We conducted our cross-sectional research in Hungary, Western Transdanubia, using convenience sampling among high-school students (n = 331). Data collected with a self-edited and standardized questionnaire (MSPSS, HBSC school resources and school social support) were analyzed using the SPSS Statistics 22 program with a t-test, ANOVA and χ² test (p < 0.05). Results: In the case of the time spent on physical activities per week, boys (p < 0.05) and younger people (p < 0.05) showed a much more favorable picture. Examining the intensity of regular physical activity among students who belonged to the appropriate range, the average values of family social support were significantly higher (p < 0.05), but this association was not observed for social support from friends or significant others (p > 0.05). The amount of movement was not differentiated by support from others (p > 0.05). The level of attitude towards their school was higher among students who performed physical activity of the appropriate quality and quantity (p < 0.05). Teachers’ assessment of school performance and the quality of the relationship with teachers showed a correlation with physical activity performed at the appropriate intensity (p < 0.05). Conclusions: We found a positive effect of family and school resources on the regularity and intensity of physical activity, which draws attention to strengthening the partnership between family and school, improving the school atmosphere and social support within the school, increasing students’ attachment to their institution. The combination of these resources can help children lead a more active and healthier life, which has a beneficial long-term impact on their physical and mental well-being. The cooperation between parents and schools is crucial in supporting young people in adopting a healthy lifestyle. Full article

Objective: This study aimed to explore the emotional, social, and ethical dimensions of early or presymptomatic diagnosis in individuals with Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD). Methods: A total of 118 participants diagnosed with ADPKD were recruited from a tertiary nephrology center in Türkiye. Data were collected via a 22-item structured and open-ended questionnaire. Chi-square and non-parametric statistical tests were used to assess associations between awareness, attitudes, and demographic variables. Results: Although only 10% of participants reported direct disadvantages from their diagnosis, such as difficulties in employment, insurance, or relationships, many voiced concerns about stigma and long-term uncertainties. Genetic awareness was significantly associated with increased likelihood of recommending family screening (p = 0.022), and higher educational attainment correlated with greater disease knowledge (p < 0.01). Despite emotional burden, 71.2% of participants reported adopting lifestyle modifications, and 79.6% expressed willingness to screen their children, though often with ethical hesitation. Conclusions: While early diagnosis of ADPKD may offer clinical benefits, it also introduces complex psychosocial and ethical dilemmas. These findings highlight the importance of integrating patient-centered counseling, clear communication strategies, and supportive policies to ensure informed decision making and mitigate potential harms. Full article

This study aims to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Authoritarian Attitude Scale in a sample of high school students from Chile. A total of 775 students (46.5% men; 53.5% women), with an average age of 15.99 years (Sd = 1.32), participated through non-probabilistic convenience sampling in 11 schools. Confirmatory factor analysis supported a three-factor structure with correlated factors and adequate fit indices. Criterion validity revealed positive and significant correlations with the violent behaviour dimension of the antisocial and delinquent behaviour scale. The factorial invariance analysis confirmed configural, weak, strong, and strict equivalence by gender, age and ethnicity, demonstrating model stability. The adoption of the Authoritarian Attitude Scale among Chilean adolescents provides a valid, culturally relevant tool for assessing authoritarian tendencies and understanding psychosocial dynamics in the educational context. The findings offer initial evidence of the scale’s reliability and validity. Full article

Background/Objectives: As dementia progresses, patients often lose decision-making capacity, leaving family members responsible for making critical end-of-life (EOL) care decisions. This cross-sectional descriptive study explored the factors associated with the intention to complete an advance directive (AD) among family caregivers of older adults with dementia in South Korea. Methods: This study surveyed 140 caregivers aged 20 years or older to assess their knowledge of advance directives (ADs), preferences for EOL care, and attitudes toward withdrawing life-sustaining treatment (LST). Data were collected from 1 August to 14 August 2024, and analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Chi-squared test, Fisher’s exact test, Spearman’s correlation, and logistic regression, with SPSS/WIN 28.0. Results: The intention to complete an AD significantly differed by religion (p = 0.004) and the functional status of the patient with dementia (p = 0.012). There was a positive correlation between intention to complete an AD and knowledge of ADs (r = 0.23, p = 0.007). Factors associated with intention to complete an AD included religion (OR = 4.36, p = 0.028) and knowledge of ADs (OR = 1.16, p = 0.033), explaining 22.2% of the variance, which is considered meaningful in studies dealing with complex psychosocial and behavioral variables. Conclusions: These findings suggest that religious affiliation and knowledge of ADs may contribute to greater emphasis on EOL preparedness and self-determination. To promote informed decision making, it is essential to implement targeted educational interventions—such as community-based workshops, telehealth counseling, and in-clinic guidance—that enhance caregivers’ understanding of ADs and empower them in their caregiving roles. Full article

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for digital tools that support public health decision-making and behavior change. Dashboards became a primary method for communicating infectious disease data. However, their influence on preventive health behaviors (PHBs) is not well understood—especially among young adults. This group is less likely to adhere to PHBs, but highly familiar with online tools. Methods: Two experimental studies were conducted with young adult participants (200 in Study 1, 228 in Study 2) who viewed the same COVID-19 data in dashboards with or without actionable components. Participants were randomly assigned to different dashboard conditions to measure, on seven-point Likert scales, their PHB intentions and perceptions of behavioral control, attitudes, norms, and risk. The actionable dashboard interventions, designed using the theory of planned behavior, included dynamic behavioral guidance and risk level visualizations. Results: Actionable dashboards versus basic dashboards significantly increased PHB intentions (B = 0.84, p < 0.001, Study 1). Dynamic behavioral guidance was the key dashboard component influencing PHB intentions (B = 0.61, p = 0.005, Study 2). Parallel mediation analysis testing norms, attitudes, behavioral control, and perceived risk against one another found that only norms explained the link between the dashboard intervention and PHB intentions (B_boot = 0.18 and 0.19). Conclusions: Findings suggest that actionable dashboards can effectively promote PHB by influencing psychosocial beliefs. These dashboards provide context and guidance, making risky situations more manageable and directing individuals to appropriate preventive actions. Public health professionals should consider incorporating behavioral guidance into community health dashboards to improve their effectiveness. Full article

Zimbabwe’s 2008 electoral violence created lasting societal impacts, yet the psychological consequences for youth, particularly through intergenerational effects, remain under-explored. This study examines how memories of this violence are transmitted to contemporary youth, including those born after 2008, and influence their political attitudes and participation. The study employed a qualitative approach in Harare’s Mbare suburb, utilising 20 in-depth interviews and four (4) focus groups, which were analysed through a trauma-informed lens. Findings indicate that youth inherit ‘traumascapes’ from elders, which cultivate fear, silence, and political apathy. Parental warnings and experiences link activism directly to vulnerability, prompting youth to adopt disengagement or performative allegiance as survival strategies amidst structural impunity and socio-economic precarity. Unresolved, intergenerationally transmitted trauma perpetuates cycles of civic disempowerment. The study concludes that post-conflict recovery in Zimbabwe requires moving beyond institutional reforms to prioritise psychosocial healing and demands that transitional justice frameworks explicitly address these inherited psychological wounds. Full article

Currently, young populations (individuals under 26 years old) face unprecedented challenges, including climate change, environmental degradation, and the management of public health crises such as vaccine hesitancy. In this complex environment, social media plays a crucial role in shaping youth attitudes and behaviors, presenting both significant opportunities and risks. Social media platforms have become essential in shaping public opinion on general topics and health-related issues, particularly vaccination. Understanding how digital platforms influence youth behavior regarding vaccination can offer valuable insights into psychosocial mechanisms capable of stimulating sustainable behaviors among the same demographic. This study explores a novel intersection between public health and environmental communication, proposing that the same psychosocial and communicative mechanisms influencing pro-vaccination behaviors—such as trust, social influence, and emotional resonance—also underpin pro-environmental engagement among youth. Understanding this overlap allows for cross-domain strategies in digital communication campaigns. This paper examines how digital communication strategies effective in promoting vaccination can be adapted to foster pro-environmental behavior among youth. By identifying shared psychosocial mechanisms—such as fear, trust, and social influence—the study proposes a conceptual framework for leveraging social media to support sustainable behaviors. This study explores how social media influences youth attitudes towards vaccination and pro-environmental behavior. Using a structured questionnaire distributed among 450 young participants (aged 18–26) and analyzed through Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) via WarpPLS, the research identifies key psychosocial mechanisms such as fear, trust, and social influence. Results show that social media exposure and peer environment are strong predictors of both vaccination and environmental behaviors (R² = 0.70 for vaccination attitude; R² = 0.50 for environmental attitude). The proposed conceptual model highlights the importance of emotionally resonant, science-based communication strategies in promoting sustainable behaviors among youth. Practical implications for strategic digital campaigns are discussed. Full article

Background/Objectives: Rare diseases are predominantly genetic in etiology and characterized by a prolonged ‘diagnostic odyssey’. Advances in genetic testing (GT) have helped shorten the time to diagnosis for rare/undiagnosed conditions. We aimed to synthesize the evidence on psychosocial factors related to GT for rare diseases to inform more person-centered approaches to care. Methods: We conducted a systematic literature search in six databases using structured terms (September 2024). Retrieved articles underwent independent dual review. Data were extracted and collated in tables for analysis. Thematic analysis was used to identify promoters/barriers to GT for patients and families. Findings were validated by a patient advocate and were reported using PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Synthesized findings were mapped to the Theory of Planned Behavior to inform intervention development. Results: Of 1730 retrieved articles, 32 were included for data extraction/synthesis. Studies employed qualitative (n = 19), quantitative (n = 10), and mixed-methods (n = 3) approaches. Nearly all (29/32, 91%) were non-interventional, reporting on decision-making cognitions/processes (19/32, 59%), attitudes/preferences (15/32, 47%), psychosocial impact (6/32, 19%), and knowledge/awareness (4/32, 8%) of pre-conception/prenatal/diagnostic GT and carrier screening. Promoters included understanding GT, ending the diagnostic odyssey, actionable outcomes, personal/family history, altruism, and reproductive decision-making. Barriers included logistical (e.g., distance, cost), psychological burden, perceived lack of benefit, and discrimination/social stigma concerns. Conclusions: Some psychosocial factors related to GT for rare diseases overlap with those in literature on GT for common conditions. Identified factors represent targets for theory-informed, person-centered interventions to support high-quality GT decisions that are informed and aligned with patient/family values and preferences. Full article

This study investigates the influence of digital skills, personal innovativeness, and attitudes toward smart home adoption on digital consumer behavior in Poland, as well as the relationship between digital activity and environmental awareness. In the context of growing interest in sustainable development and digital responsibility, the research aims to identify the psychosocial and technological determinants of conscious online behaviors. The study employs a structured survey (n = 1246) using validated scales, which were analyzed through Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The findings reveal that personal innovativeness is the strongest predictor of digital consumer behavior, followed by digital skills and, to a lesser extent, smart home adoption. Moreover, digitally active consumers demonstrate significantly higher levels of environmental awareness, suggesting that digital engagement fosters pro-environmental attitudes. Gender differences were observed in the strength of these relationships, with digital skills and innovativeness having a greater impact on women’s behavior, while smart home technology attitudes were more relevant among men. These results contribute to the understanding of digital consumer responsibility and its environmental implications, highlighting the importance of digital competence development and technological openness in promoting sustainable consumption patterns. Full article