Search Results (374)

Background/Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in unprecedented societal changes globally and negatively impacted the psychosocial health of pregnant women. This study aimed to explore how direct, indirect, and unrelated factors associated with the COVID-19 pandemic influenced stress levels among pregnant women. Methods: This interpretivist qualitative study employed open-ended survey questions to capture the lived experiences of 313 pregnant women in the third trimester residing in Florida between January and March 2022, during the Omicron surge. Thematic analysis was conducted, guided by the Stress and Coping Theory and the Stress Buffering Theory. Results: Participants described a range of stressors directly and indirectly related to the COVID-19 pandemic that affected pregnant women. Themes related to increased stress were (1) fear, worry, and anxiety related to COVID-19 infection, (2) fear, worry, and anxiety related to preparedness for birth/baby due to pandemic restrictions, (3) prevention concerns associated with COVID-19, (4) lack of social support, (5) return to normalcy, (6) health-related social needs, (7) physical health issues, and (8) navigating conflict and grief. Conversely, stress-reducing factors were (1) preventive measures during the pandemic, (2) coping strategies, (3) not having to work, and (4) social support. Conclusions: Pregnant women experienced heightened stress due to a complex interplay of factors related directly or indirectly to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is important that maternity care, mental health and health-related social needs screenings and referrals, and tailored interventions are integrated into public health crises preparedness plans to limit the stress that pregnant women experience and support their well-being. Full article

Factors like future time perspective, cultural belongings, and semiotic resources (i.e., individuals’ meanings to interpret the world), as well as worrying phenomena (climate change and armed conflicts), can harm wellbeing and increase personal distress. The study, comparing Armenian and Italian contexts, explores whether youths’ wellbeing and psychological distress are explained by openness to time perspective, anxiety about uncertainty, and worry regarding climate change and war, as a function of the individual semiotic resources (mapped by Views of Context). Participants were 202 Armenian and 271 Italian young adults (M_age = 21.23, SD_age = 3.35). A Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) applied to Views of Context extracted two dimensions of sense; a second-order MCA aggregated the extracted meanings into three clusters named Orientation towards self-care (CL₁), Social and personal commitment (CL₂), and Absolute devaluation and social detachment (CL₃). Clusters and/or nationality significantly differentiated measures of worry for war and climate change, future time perspective, intolerance of uncertainty, and wellbeing, but not the distress scores, by 3 × 2 ANOVAs. Linear regressions showed future time perspective and intolerance of uncertainty as positive and negative predictors of wellbeing respectively, with a significant Views-of-Context dimension, inversely affecting distress scores. Study highlights youths’ latent meanings influence wellbeing and distress, serving as a “starting point” for health promotion interventions sensitive to cultural differences. Full article

Attitudes towards COVID-19 and lived experiences during the pandemic depended greatly on people’s level of education. This study extends a previous analysis of vaccine hesitancy as a function of formal education and examines additional indicators from the COVID-19 Trends and Impacts Survey for the United States during 2021–2022. The monthly values for social and health-related activities and constraints, testing and vaccination decisions, and information-seeking behaviours, as well as trust and beliefs, often varied markedly between education-defined classes. Many indicators present a significant gap between the attitudes and experiences of better-educated groups, represented by college/university graduates and those with post-graduate studies, on the one hand, and less-educated groups, including those with only high school or some college education, on the other hand. These patterns suggest that the academic and professional-managerial classes, which supply the vast majority of societal decision-makers, may be ill-equipped to understand and respect the needs and worries of the working class in an emergency situation such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Given growing concerns about the benefit–harm balance of many government policies, a more inclusive pandemic response could have been achieved by respecting and adopting the common sense, scepticism, and outright opposition of the less-educated groups vis-a-vis restrictions and public health measures. Full article

In recent years, psychological research has increasingly focused on the impact of media exposure on mental health, identifying young adults as particularly vulnerable due to their high levels of media engagement. To explore these effects, the construct of Media Vicarious Traumatization (MVT) has been introduced as an extension of vicarious traumatization, aimed at capturing the psychological impact of emotionally intense media content. MVT offers a relevant framework for understanding the mental health risks of media exposure, especially in relation to socially significant issues like war, now central in contemporary media discourse. This study aims to culturally adapt and psychometrically validate the Media Vicarious Traumatization Scale (MVTS) within the Italian context, and to investigate the relationship between the war-related MVT construct, generalized anxiety, and future anxiety among young adults. Study I, conducted on a sample of 250 participants (M = 22.40, SD = 2.63), explored the latent structure of the MVTS using Parallel Analysis and Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), yielding promising psychometric properties in terms of reliability and factorial stability. An independent sample of 553 participants (M = 22.43, SD = 2.37) was recruited for Study II to confirm the MVTS’s latent structure via Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), which indicated good model fit. This study also evaluated measurement invariance across gender, internal consistency, and convergent, discriminant, and predictive validity, alongside psychometric properties assessed through Item Response Theory (IRT). The results of both studies confirm the stable and robust psychometric properties of the scale. Furthermore, Study II provides novel insights into the predictive role played not only by the war-related MVT but also by the recently introduced construct of Worry about War in exacerbating both generalized anxiety and future anxiety among Italian young adults. Full article

Microbial diseases that emerge in fruits and vegetables during postharvest period cause serious losses in product quality and, consequently, significant economic losses; this condition poses a worrying threat to global food safety and food security. These diseases shorten shelf life of fruits and vegetables and negatively affect microbiological and physical quality of food offered to consumers. Growing regulatory restrictions on conventional chemical management practices and growing social demand for healthy, environmentally friendly foods have necessitated development of environmentally friendly alternative methods. In this context, sustainable technologies such as biological control agents, natural compounds, edible coatings, and physical applications play a significant role in enhancing food safety and food security and reducing postharvest losses. This review comprehensively looks at recently developed environmentally friendly practices and highlights current scientific trends toward effective and reliable management of postharvest diseases. Full article

Proper hydration is essential for maintaining homeostasis and the effective functioning of physiological systems, including the nervous and circulatory systems. During adolescence, a period characterized by rapid somatic growth, hormonal maturation, and increased physical and mental activity, the demand for water increases significantly. Hydration affects not only the health of young people, but also their cognitive abilities, concentration, mood, and general well-being. Despite clear recommendations from institutions such as EFSA and IOM regarding daily fluid intake, numerous studies indicate that a significant proportion of young people do not achieve the recommended level of hydration. The school environment is particularly worrying, as young people spend a significant part of their day there, and the availability of water, health knowledge, and social conditions may contribute to dehydration or promote unhealthy choices (e.g., sweetened drinks). The aim of this article is to review the current state of knowledge on the importance of hydration in school-age adolescents. The physiological basis of hydration, the impact of insufficient fluid intake on the functioning of the young body, current guidelines, as well as the results of selected epidemiological studies and obstacles to ensuring optimal hydration in the school environment are discussed. Full article

Despite numerous global initiatives, such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the implementation of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) metrics aimed at mitigating climate change, promoting social welfare, and addressing a variety of other causes, progress has been significantly slower than expected, particularly in developing economies. Thus, we attempted to link corporate ESG to sustainable development. It was also investigated whether ESG contributes to a reduction in corporate risk. Using panel data and the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) technique, we examine the relationship between ESG scores and important financial risk indicators such as systematic risk (beta), stock price volatility, unsystematic risk, and the cost of capital (WACC). The findings show that corporations place a disproportionate emphasis on governance (G) rather than environmental (E) and social (S) characteristics. ESG and G governance were also found to be statistically significant predictors of financial risk. This disparity shows that companies may be using high governance scores to conceal underperformance in environmental and social issues, raising worries about greenwashing and superficial compliance. As a result, their contributions to SDGs such as affordable and clean energy (SDG 7), climate action (SDG 13), and reduced inequalities (SDG 10) are minimal. The findings highlight the need for a more open, balanced, and integrated ESG approach, one that not only promotes sustainable development but also improves long-term financial resilience. Full article

Background: Adolescence is a critical period of physical, psychological, and social development, during which athletes are particularly vulnerable to stress and injuries. Competitive anxiety has been identified as a psychological factor that may increase injury risk; however, its role among young soccer players remains underexplored. Objectives: This study aimed to analyse the association between competitive anxiety and injury vulnerability in young male soccer players aged 10 to 15 years. Methods: A total of 322 male soccer players from youth categories (Alevin, Infantil, and Cadete) participated. Competitive anxiety was assessed using the Sport Anxiety Scale-2 (SAS-2), and injury data were collected via a self-reported questionnaire covering the 2024–2025 season. Descriptive, comparative, and correlational analyses were conducted using non-parametric tests. Results: A high incidence of injuries was observed, increasing progressively with age category. In the overall sample, injuries were associated with higher levels of Somatic Anxiety, as well as with age and sporting experience, variables also linked to increased Worry and reduced Distraction. When analysed by category, no significant associations between anxiety and injury were found in Alevin players. In the Infantil group, injury incidence showed a slight increase with age and experience, but no association with anxiety was detected. Among Cadete players, injuries were positively related to Somatic Anxiety and Distraction, highlighting the influence of psychological factors at this developmental stage. Conclusions: These findings underscore the relevance of competitive anxiety, particularly Worry and Distraction, as risk factors for injury in youth soccer. The implementation of preventive psychological interventions and ongoing monitoring is recommended to reduce anxiety levels and injury vulnerability, thereby promoting safer and healthier athletic development among young soccer players. Full article

Background/Objectives: Despite the importance of parent mental health for child health, there are no global prevalence data on parental mental health symptoms when children are hospitalized. We aimed to describe depression and anxiety symptom prevalence and associated factors among parents of hospitalized children. Methods: We conducted this 14-country prospective cohort survey with parents/primary caregivers staying at a nearby Ronald McDonald House^® during their child’s hospital treatment. We used the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale to measure depression and anxiety symptoms and validated scales and theory-based questions to measure parent, family, and child covariates. We calculated the prevalence of clinically significant or concerning symptoms of depression and anxiety, and used multivariable regression analyses to examine associations between covariates and outcomes. Results: Among 3350 participants, 1789 (49.7%) reported depression symptoms and 2286 (69.0%) reported anxiety symptoms. Worry about housing and poorer ratings of their child’s health were associated with increased risk of depression symptoms. Poorer rating of the child’s health, living with a partner, and discrimination in daily life were associated with increased risk of anxiety symptoms. Higher levels of self-care, hospital family-centered care, and social support were associated with reduced risk of depression symptoms. Higher levels of self-care and social support were associated with reduced risk of anxiety symptoms. Conclusions: Clinically significant or concerning depression and anxiety symptoms are common among parents of hospitalized children globally. Hospitals should consider offering routine mental health symptom screening and preventative mental health and support services to all parents. Full article

Background/Objectives: Social worry may appear in preadolescence, causing it to persist in the future, such that adolescents become more avoidant of situations in which they are evaluated by others. Many previous studies have shown that approximately 4% of preadolescent children suffer from high levels of social worry, which may lead to other problems in the future. It is important to take necessary precautions to explore this worry and take the necessary measures to address it. This study aimed to do so by extracting the psychometric properties of the Social Worries Questionnaire (SWQ) for preadolescence in Arab countries. Methods: The sample consisted of 269 children aged 8–12 years. The SWQ, Spence Child Anxiety Scale (SCAS), Child Abuse Self-Reporting Scale (CASRS-12), and Arabic version of the Children’s Depression Inventory (AVCDI) were administered via various social media. Results: Confirmatory factor analysis was used, and the one-factor model showed that the scale consists of 14 items. The results also indicated evidence of discriminant validity, and that the internal consistency was acceptable. For reliability, the test–retest results showed that the value was appropriate. Conclusions: This scale could be valuable in detecting worry in preadolescent children and providing them with therapeutic and psychological services. Full article

Most current undergraduate students have always lived in a world where climate change has been part of the popular discourse. Surveys show that younger individuals are more worried about climate change than older adults, but there has been relatively little examination of the role that concern is playing in the educational and career plans of undergraduate students. This study presents the results of a survey of undergraduates at a US public university that examines the impact of climate change on what these students choose to study and how they are preparing for post-graduation careers. The results show that the majority of respondents believe climate change is an important social problem, that humans have caused it, and that we have a responsibility to address it. About 15 percent of respondents also report that climate change has impacted their area of study or their post-graduation career plans. Respondents who have taken a class focused on climate change are most likely to report an impact, while respondents who have not discussed climate change in a university class are the least likely to report an impact. If the impact of climate change on educational choices grows as climate change impacts increase, universities should expect to see changing demands in areas of study as well as an increasing need for programming and support to prepare students for climate-oriented careers. Full article

Background: Symptoms of and treatments for inflammatory bowel disease have an impact on patients’ health-related quality of life and result in a need for self-care strategies. Little is known about factors affecting long-term outcomes and the types of coping strategies used by adult patients with inflammatory bowel disease to better cope with their chronic illness. Objective: This study aims to explore coping strategies, social support, and health-related quality of life and describe factors affecting long-term outcomes for patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Methods: A cross-sectional design was used, with a consecutive sample of 206 patients with inflammatory bowel disease who were recruited at three gastroenterology clinics in Sweden and given surveys consisting of patient characteristics, the Brief COPE, and a social support questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. This study was guided by Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines. Results: The sample was 53% women and included 206 patients with a median age of 48 years. The coping mechanisms often used were active coping methods (problem-focused). Most of the patients had someone special by whom they felt supported (89%). Gender differences were shown for emotional support and whether the patients had someone they felt close to. According to the findings, less bowel interfering and social support correlated with higher well-being. Worry was associated with giving up, symptom burden, and less bowel interfering. No significant correlations were shown for symptom burden and social support. Conclusions: Social support, especially from someone at home or offering comfort, was positively linked to well-being. Active, problem-focused coping was common and associated with better outcomes. Notably, no direct link was found between symptom burden and coping or support, underscoring the complexity of these relationships. These findings emphasize the need for psychosocial interventions to enhance coping and support, ultimately improving health-related quality of life in IBD. Full article

Body image is understood as a social construction acquired over the years that is generated as people learn behaviors and relate to each other in the search of their own identity. The aim of this research is to identify the personal and contextual factors which may influence the positive social, negative social, and self-concept dimensions of the social construction of body image on boys and girls from fifth and sixth grades of Primary Education by developing a descriptive exploratory study. For the sample, 719 pupils of fifth grade and sixth grade from Primary Education were selected to develop this research; 373 of them were boys (51.9%) and 340 girls (47.3%), with 6 lost samples. The main results of this research suggested associations between the lack of physical activity, the increase in BMI, and the increase in the number of siblings who worried more about body perception. Likewise, football stands out after detecting links between the practice of this sport and influences on body perception and self-perception. Full article

Online safety guidance is frequently delivered as a specialist technology issue without considering adolescents’ home lives, offline vulnerabilities, or wellbeing. Yet, while the digital world offers connection, autonomy, and entertainment, vulnerable teens also encounter more violent content, sexual exploitation, and content concerning body image, self-harm or suicide than their non-vulnerable peers. Many struggle with social inclusion or less engaged and credible caregiver e-safety support, which may contribute to their negative experiences online. To improve their online safety and resilience, caregivers and educators might consider offline factors that can mediate exposure to online harms. This study compared the experiences of 213 adolescents with family vulnerabilities to 213 age- and gender-matched non-vulnerable adolescents. The contribution of (a) e-safety education, (b) close friendships, (c) a trusted adult at school, and (d) life-affecting worry was considered. No differences were found for exposure to, or engagement with, e-safety education. However, despite having received e-safety education, those with family vulnerabilities were more at risk of encountering severe online harms. This was mediated by life-affecting worry and parental e-safety guidance. These findings provide unique insights into the impact of family vulnerabilities on adolescents’ exposure to online harms and suggest a more holistic intervention framework for caregivers. Full article

Purpose: Socio-demographic inequities in mental health were magnified by COVID-19, with women experiencing greater household burden with less support in Canada and globally. While some health patterns during COVID-19 have been observed globally, there is a research gap in rural mental health during COVID-19 in Canada. We hypothesize there is a disparity in mental health decline during COVID-19 between men and women. Methods: In rural Ontario, mental health was measured through a survey of approximately 18,000 individuals living in seven counties. In 2021, survey respondents were asked to rate their mental health prior to and during COVID-19. Women reported poorer mental health during COVID-19 in comparison to men when tested via chi-squared tests, odds ratios, and percentage change. Responses to survey questions regarding social, financial, and mental health support were then evaluated. Findings: We found significant disparities in mental health ratings before and during COVID-19 between men and women. Women reported poorer mental health, increased substance use, and increased worry about social, financial, and community stressors. Respondents who self-identified as a woman were associated with poorer mental health outcomes. Conclusions: Interventions should be specific to geographic communities as well as individual needs (e.g., additional financial and childcare support). Rural communities need to be considered as independent geographies rather than as one geography (i.e., urban vs. rural). Full article