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Little is known about the relationship between treatment organization characteristics and client outcomes or drug-related harms in community opiate substitution therapy. In the absence of sufficient scientific evidence, the organizational configuration of addiction treatment services is often decided on an ad hoc and sometimes politically motivated basis as the evaluation of the impact of policies or practices on clients at the organizational level is limited. The objective of this multi-site cross-sectional study was to identify and understand how client characteristics and staff perceptions of organizational functioning related to client engagement in community-based opiate substitution therapy services in Ireland. This paper reports on a cross-sectional survey of clients (n = 262) and staff (n = 132) questionnaires across 12 discrete community-based prescribing service providers (organizations) in Ireland. Measures of client engagement in treatment were shown to be higher in organizations with more positive staff ratings of organizational functioning. In particular, in organizations where staff reported having greater job autonomy, clients reported better overall engagement. Specifically, greater staff autonomy in organizations related to greater levels of treatment participation (p = 0.034), treatment satisfaction (p < 0.001), and better rapport with staff (p < 0.001). Clients who were the longest in treatment expressed significantly poorer rapport with staff (p = 0.44) and were less likely to seek out support from peers (p = 0.023), while those in stable accommodation reported greater participation in treatment (p = 0.009). Levels of peer support were not related to organizational characteristics, but clients with lower levels of education (p = 0.002) and those in early treatment (p = 0.017) were more likely to seek support from peers. The findings establish the importance of assessing organizational and client attributes as part of an overall strategy for enhancing the quality of treatment. This paper provides valuable information for policymakers and provides an ample basis for further exploration of how treatment organizations work, and not just that they work. Policymakers and planners need to consider introducing specific interventions for clients or staff in the context of a 'whole systems' approach. From an organizational and planning perspective, this should involve further consideration of measures that relate to increasing staff's sense of autonomy. This paper provides further evidence that the success of policy-making or planning relating to treatment organizations can be successfully measured at the client and organizational levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to provide knowledge on medical trainees' considerations about specialisation as they move from undergraduate to postgraduate medical education; especially their interest in general practice compared to other specialities. We developed and content-validated a questionnaire to examine medical trainees' speciality considerations and conducted a descriptive, cross-sectional study. All medical trainees initiating their internship in Denmark in 2022 (N = 1,188) were invited to participate in the study. Medical specialities were categorised as hospital service specialities, internal medicine specialities, primary care, psychiatry specialities and surgery and emergency specialities. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the cohort and examine the participants' speciality considerations by assigning them to one of the following three orientations: committed, undecided or non-committed to a speciality. The response rate was 38.8% (n = 461), and participants' mean age was 27.4 years with a majority of females (68.1%). Nearly 25% of the participants had general practice as speciality preference, and only 13.9% had excluded general practice for future specialisation. Overall, around half of the participants had general practice as a first, second or third preference for specialisation. Danish medical trainees show considerable interest in general practice at the time of their transition from undergraduate to postgraduate education. However, to meet future demands on the primary care, further recruitment of general practitioners is still needed. This knowledge of the specialities' recruitment potential will likely be of interest to medical educators and healthcare planners alike. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates whether people's responses to official communications about COVID-19 could be "profiled" with respect to socio-economic-demographic and behavioral characteristics. Such profiles could enhance the effectiveness of future crisis management through the use of profile-adapted communications that maximize message comprehension. A representative web panel survey (742 respondents) was conducted across Switzerland in February 2022 to assess the population's reaction to COVID-19 communications during the pandemic. Latent profile analysis was conducted to explore if distinct profiles of reactions to the communications would emerge, and how each of them relate to conspiracy mentality and SED measures. The analyses revealed three latent profiles: "Compliant supporters" (54%), "defiant deniers" (23.6%), and "anxious skeptics" (22.4%). Respondents with high conspiracy mentality were more likely to belong to "defiant deniers" or "anxious skeptics." Each profile was characterized by distinct SED and behavioral features (discussed in the paper). The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated that one communication does not work for all people. Our study evidenced three different types of respondent profiles that require profile-adapted communications for more effective crisis control. Our study is the first to profile people's responses to COVID-19 communications in a systematic, person-centered way. The results can be used for more effective future crisis management that delivers to each profile's communicative needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The government of India introduced the Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) programme in 2006 to connect marginalised communities to the health system. ASHAs are mandated to increase the uptake of modern contraception through the doorstep provision of services. There is currently no evidence on the impact of ASHAs on the uptake of contraception at the national level. This paper examines the impact of ASHAs on the uptake of modern contraception using nationally representative National and Family Health Survey data collected in 2019– 21 in India. A multilevel logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the effect of contact with ASHAs on the uptake of modern contraception, controlling for regional variability and socio-demographic variables. The data provide strong evidence that ASHAs have succeeded in increasing modern contraceptive use. Women exposed to ASHAs had twice the odds of being current users of modern contraception compared to those with no contact, even after controlling for household and individual characteristics. However, only 28.1% of women nationally reported recent contact with ASHA workers. The ASHA programme should remain central to the strategy of the government of India and should be strengthened to achieve universal access to modern contraception and meet sustainable development goals by 2030. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the reliability, internal consistency, and construct validity of the Swedish versions of PROMIS-29 and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Dyspnea (FACIT-Dyspnea) instruments in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). In a cross-sectional study, consecutive SSc patients completed a paper-based survey. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha. Test–retest reliability was tested employing weighted Kappa (Kw) and intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). Construct validity was evaluated by hypotheses testing using RAND-36, MRC Dyspnea score, Scleroderma Health Assessment Questionnaire (SHAQ) and clinical measurements. Forty-nine patients (86% female; 73% limited cutaneous SSc) completed the survey. The mean disease duration was 11 years and mean SHAQ was 0.5. Internal consistency and test–retest reliability were good with the exception of PROMIS-29 anxiety. PROMIS-29, FACIT-Dyspnea, and Functional limitation showed strong correlations to corresponding RAND-36 domains (|rs|=0.67 to −0.85). Relevant PROMIS-29 domains, FACIT-Dyspnea and Functional limitation correlated strongly to SHAQ and VAS overall disease severity (|rs|=0.60 to −0.75). Ceiling effects (>15%) were found in six PROMIS-29 domains and in both FACIT-Dyspnea and Functional limitations. Four (4/5) hypotheses were confirmed. PROMIS-29 and FACIT-Dyspnea meet the requirements for reliability and have adequate construct validity in Swedish patients with SSc. PROMIS-29v2 and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Dyspnea (FACIT-Dyspnea) Index are patient outcome measures that gain increasing interest for the evaluation of patient with rheumatologic diseases. PROMIS-29v2 and FACIT-Dyspnea Index meet the requirements for reliability and have adequate construct validity compared to legacy measures in Swedish patients with systemic sclerosis. Translation and validation of PROMs is important for studies of rare diseases in multi-center collaborations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research has suggested that older trans and gender non-conforming (TGNC) people may face particular challenges related to stigma, social exclusion and discrimination in later life. However, direct data on social support and needs in older TGNC population both internationally and within the UK is limited due to the small, dispersed nature of this population, and the absence of specific data collection on aging TGNC populations. During the UK COVID-19 lockdown in summer 2020, older people and those with long-term health conditions were advised to adopt particular precautions. This study aimed to explore older TGNC people's social support networks, key concerns and unmet needs during the COVID-19 'lockdown'. A UK cross-sectional survey of LGBT + people aged 60+ (n = 375) was undertaken during the lockdown. This paper analyses responses from the subset (n = 38) of TGNC participants. The majority of TGNC respondents described diverse social networks, often centered around friends and non-kin social networks, although partners and adult children were also significant for some. In most cases, those with existing strong networks continued to maintain social connections during lockdown, albeit with some regrets about loss of activities and face-to-face connection. However, a minority of respondents had experienced greater challenges prior to lockdown, and may have been at increased vulnerability during the pandemic, for example indicating that they had no-one to call on for practical support in an emergency. When asked about unmet needs and challenges, social isolation was repeatedly raised as the most frequent concern. Several respondents also mentioned issues specifically affecting TGNC communities, including access to gender affirming care and a perceived rise in social intolerance. Health and social care providers should be aware of the diversity of support networks within TGNC communities. There may also be benefits in community sector interventions to help older TGNC build and maintain strong social networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little research has investigated professional identity in Australian clinical psychology postgraduate students. The current study examined potential predictors of professional identity for these students. Anonymous, self-report cross-sectional surveys for Australian postgraduate clinical psychology students were distributed via online survey links sent by their institution's Program Director. Respondents reported professional identity, motivation, engagement, satisfaction with program, resilience, burnout, demographics, and enrolment type. Data from 77 respondents were analysed. Students reported an average 4.25/5 for sense of professional identity as a psychologist. Age, work experience, and stage of program were not associated with professional identity. In multivariate analyses, higher student satisfaction, lower burnout, and lower engagement with "student" aspects of postgraduate study were associated with stronger professional identity. Levels of professional identity were relatively high and showed little influence of demographic variables. However, there is likely to be a reciprocal relationship between satisfaction with postgraduate study and professional identity for students, which would need to be evaluated in a different design to understand directions of association. Results also suggest that supporting postgraduate students in self-care and helping students to balance professional responsibilities and academic aspects of study are likely to assist in fostering postgraduates' professional identity. What is already known about this topic: Professional identity provides a sense of self in relation to membership of a specific profession. Students in health and social services professions, including psychology, have demonstrated emerging professional identities in their areas of study. In working professionals, professional identity has been found to be important for wellbeing and for relationships with colleagues and clients. What this paper adds: Professional identity amongst a sample of Australian postgraduate students in clinical psychology was independent of demographic variables such as age, gender, and previous work experience. Stronger professional identity in the current sample correlated with higher satisfaction with the program of study and lower level of burnout. In multivariate analysis, higher satisfaction with the program of study, lower burnout, and lower engagement with "academic" aspects of the program each independently predicted higher level of professional identity. From these cross-sectional findings, potential causal associations between predictors and professional identity remain to be clarified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Corona virus-19 pandemic has forced universities globally to shut down and shift their educational and assessment activities to online platforms. This study explores the perception of undergraduate preclinical medical students about online assessment during the ongoing pandemic. A cross-sectional study based on a semi-structured online self-administered questionnaire was conducted on 654 preclinical medical students following the final online exams at Faculty of Medicine for Girls, Al-Azhar University. Perception was investigated using a 3-point Likert scale. The overall mean score of students' satisfaction with the quality of online assessment was (31.7 ± 3.1), and they agreed that online exams create a sense of security. However, 69.7% of students preferred paper-based exams to online exams. Furthermore, high cost, lack of ability to concentrate and only knowledge-based exams were some of the reported drawbacks. These findings highlight the importance of students' perception through online assessment for promoting successful educational processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study purpose was a needs assessment, to identify and quantify health behavior risk-factors of Ohio farmers in sleep, mental health, fruit/vegetable serving frequency, physical activity, tobacco, alcohol and illicit drug use, and weight status. Guided by the RE-AIM implementation framework, the research question was What behavioral choices pose health risk factors for Ohio farmers? This cross-sectional, quantitative, descriptive study used Qualtrics' hyperlinks, QR codes, or paper-and-pencil surveys to collect data on seven focused health behaviors. The survey combined valid and reliable public domain questionnaires. The target audience included Ohio farmers representing various commodities. Extension educators at the county, regional, and state level provided access and data collection during their existing community-based programs and annual pesticide training sessions. The survey has been opened from January 20, 2020 to December 5, 2020 with modified recruitment during COVID. A convenience sample of 505 farmers participated. The majority self-identified as male, married, white, non-Latino, and worked full-time. The most frequent commodity was field crops. Most farmers reported 7-to-8 h of sleep, but the MOS SLP6 subscale indicated 89.5% of the farmers reported a score greater than 51. The two PHQ-2 questions showed 9.6% of the farmers scored >3, indicating a likely major depression disorder. Fruit and vegetable serving frequency appeared less than dietary recommendations. Time spent in physical activity did not meet guidelines. Almost 80% of the farmers said they did not use tobacco; the most common choice was chews and snuffs. Audit-C showed 31.4% of the men and 27.7% of the women can be categorized as hazardous drinkers. Illicit drug use was reported by 3.7%. Most farmers were obese or overweight. Male respondents were 83.5% overweight or obese; females 70.8% were overweight or obese. Males ages 55–64 years were mostly likely to be obese (58%) followed by males ages 35–44 years (46%). Results were compared to Ohio's Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. These data will assist county Extension educators in identifying health prevention programming important for farm populations, utilizing community resources and services. While the findings of Ohio farmers may not be generalizable to other state farming communities, this survey and lessons learned can serve as a model for other Extension assessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People who hear voices that others do not often rely on mainstream mental health services. Several alternatives to treatment have grown in popularity including "Hearing Voices Groups" and other self-help groups for voice hearers. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the current evidence relating to the use of Hearing Voices Groups (HVGs) and other self-help groups for voice hearers, and identify the benefits felt by those attending such groups. The following databases were searched for relevant academic articles: CINAHL; APA PsycArticles; APA PsycInfo; Social Sciences; SocINDEX; UK & Ireland Reference Centre and Medline, with 13 papers identified for inclusion. Participants reported several benefits of attending a HVG/self-help group, which reduced isolation, improved social and coping skills, and gave them a better understanding of the meaning and context of their voices. The groups also provide hope for the future and act as a catalyst for recovery. These study findings suggest that voice hearers find some benefits from attending HVGs/self-help groups. Evidence indicates that voice hearers can live meaningful lives and continue to hear voices once context and meaning to their voices become clear. HVGs/self-help groups provide a vital service to voice hearers, which they felt was not available within mainstream mental health services. If mental health providers gained a better understanding of the HVN, they may be able to integrate the values and ethos of the HVN into groups for voice hearers within mainstream mental health services or signpost voice hearers to these groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tenant experience surveys are a key tool for social housing landlords to gauge their success in providing high quality housing. This paper examines feedback from a tenant experience survey facilitated in a low-income housing seniors' housing community to: (1) examine their perceptions of their housing across key domains related to tenant satisfaction; and (2) identify opportunities they felt would improve their housing experience. A total of 1,114 households completed the survey. Results showed that tenants generally had high satisfaction with property management, safety and security, communication with staff, access to services, community support, and tenancy management. However, open-ended comments from tenants highlighted specific situations that negatively impacted their housing, including maintenance issues, safety concerns, and limited access to health and social programs. Findings point to several suggestions for social housing providers to enhance their services to foster inclusive, supportive, and safe housing environments for low-income older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite extensive research having been carried out on nurse-physician collaboration, there remains a paucity of evidence on how collaboration interacts with organizational commitment and its effect on turnover intention. This study aims to determine the mediating role of nurse-physician collaboration on the effect of organizational commitment on turnover intention. We used a cross-sectional design based on voluntary paper surveys from the inpatient clinics of six public hospitals in the north of Turkey. Data including measures of nurse-physician collaboration, organizational commitment, and turnover intention were collected from a convenience sample of the nurses (n = 212) and physicians (n = 109). Pearson's correlation analysis was used to determine the relationships between variables, and the mediating effect was analyzed with PROCESS Macro "Model 4" for IBM SPSS. Statistical significance was specified at 95% confidence intervals and two-tailed P values of <0.05 for all tests. While most of the participants were nurses (66%), 34% were physicians. For both nurses and physicians, organizational commitment and nurse-physician collaboration negatively affected the turnover intention. However, the mediating role of nurse-physician collaboration was only significant for nurses (b = −0.025). The results demonstrate the importance of harmony, joint decision-making, and responsibility-sharing between nurses and physicians concerning dedication, engagement, and job satisfaction, especially for nurses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to explore the accessibility of library resources and support services by distance learners at the Open University of Tanzania (OUT). The study utilized a survey approach in soliciting information from distance learners. A total of 33 learners from OUT responded to the survey. The study revealed that OUT offered several library services as well as library resources to distance learners. The resources identified as accessible to distance learners were books, journals, internet services, past examination papers, dissertations and theses, research guides, computers, and electronic resources. The study found out that there were challenges that hindered effective use of the library resources and services including high data cost, information overload, inadequate skills to evaluate information sources, password and login frustrations, lack of comprehensive online tutorials from OUT library, lack of information search skills, lack of distance librarian assigned to support remote students, lack of free, full text, lack of instructional resources and lack of university's account to access digital library resources from home. The study, therefore, put up recommendations to increase resource and service accessibility at OUT library. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the decision-making processes involved in giving physiotherapy students responsibility on clinical placement and the impact on their developing professional autonomy. The qualitative study, using semi-structured interviews, involved physiotherapy students and clinical educators (CEs) from two higher education institutions, one in Australia, and the other in the United Kingdom (UK). Findings led to the development of a heuristic framework of 'graduated supervision,' a process of progressively less direct observation and monitoring of students as clinical proficiency improved. By focusing on the measured exposure of students to increasing complexity and inverse levels of supervision, the framework captures tacit practices, and consistent, yet varied facilitation strategies adopted across specialties, and evident in clinical education settings in both countries. The framework formalizes, for the first time, assumptions and expectations previously unacknowledged. Factors identified as affecting students' progress toward autonomy include the student/CE relationship, the development of mutual trust through ongoing dialogue, and the importance of formal discussions at the commencement of a clinical placement to establish learning goals, preferred supervision styles and learner responsibilities. Insights have significance for the CE community, and students who at times have to second-guess what is required of them and how they might excel on clinical placement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aim to study the the reliability and factorial structure of the Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire (PBQ)administered through two different formats, offline (paper-and-pencil) and online. We also compared clinical, obstetrical, reproductive, and psychopathological variables related to poor mother infant bonding (MIB). A cross-sectional study was conducted on 1,269 mothers. The offline group included 812 women who attended a 40-day postpartum clinical appointment. The online group consisted of 457 women recruited during admission for delivery who volunteered to carry out the online protocol 40 days postpartum. All the participants individually completed the PBQ, the Edinburg Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and other clinical and sociodemographic variables. The 4-factor solution proposed in the PBQ and its Spanish validation showed good model fit for both samples. Online participants reported higher levels of stress, depressive symptoms, and poor bonding, specifically on PBQ scores and the Rejection and Anger subscales. No differences were found in both samples regarding the type of statistical associations between PBQ and sociodemographic, reproductive, obstetric and psychological outcomes. Online assessment may be an appropriate option for detecting possible alterations in MIB due to the reduction of desirability bias, the increased perception of anonymity, and being a more cost-effective method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Socially anxious individuals may prefer social media platforms over in-person interactions. For those with high social anxiety (SA), Facebook-related tasks have been associated with anxiety, negative thoughts, and safety behaviours. However, Instagram-related research remains limited. The present study aimed to assess Instagram use alongside cognitive and behavioural processes among participants with low, medium, and high SA. We hypothesised that when using Instagram, individuals with higher SA would (1) experience more negative social cognitions, (2) report higher body image concerns, (3) endorse more safety behaviours when posting pictures, and (4) engage in more photo manipulation. A sample of 213 Instagram users completed an online survey and were divided into groups based on SA severity. The high SA group reported comparing themselves to others and being more anxious on Instagram than the low and medium SA groups. Four 3 (SA groups) x 2 (gender) ANOVAs revealed support for the first three hypotheses and that there was no interaction effect between SA and gender for all outcomes. Results expand our understanding of how specific social media platforms may be aversive for individuals with high SA, which has important implications for conceptualising the role of safety behaviours in online interactions. KEY POINTS What is already known on this topic: Individuals with high social anxiety may prefer online social interactions. Clark and Wells' cognitive model of social anxiety can be extended to the online social media platforms. Social anxiety may be underpinned by body image concerns. What this paper adds: Instagram users with social anxiety experienced more negative social media cognitions and reported more safety behaviours. Instagram users with social anxiety also experienced more body image concerns. Despite gender differences in photo manipulation, an associated relationship with social anxiety was not supported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To systematically review the evidence for effectiveness of rehabilitation interventions in people who are visually impaired, living in low- and middle-income countries. Fifteen databases and the grey literature were searched up until February 2020; papers were identified according to eligibility criteria, and assessed for risk of bias. Eligible studies were controlled trials (randomised or non-randomised) of rehabilitation interventions for blind or visually impaired adults or children from low- and middle-income countries. Possible outcomes included visual acuity, activities of daily living, safety, quality of life and psychological status. Fifteen eligible studies were identified from India, Turkey, Nigeria, Croatia and Iran. Six studies were randomised, seven were non-randomised trials, and in two the method of allocation was not clear. Participants were adults, children and both adults and children. Seven studies were small (n ≤ 65) and examined the effect of training programmes. Remaining studies compared the effect of low vision aids, economic rehabilitation, goalball, rehabilitation compliance and service delivery methods, including one large four-arm randomised trial (n = 436). Studies measured a variety of outcomes, and mostly showed a positive effect of interventions for pre- and post-intervention assessment, although between intervention group comparisons were often inconclusive. Overall, only four studies had a low risk of bias. A lack of high-quality evidence for rehabilitation interventions is a barrier to provision of low vision services in low- and middle-income countries. Future research should focus on establishing effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of devices and models of vision rehabilitation appropriate for low-resource settings. The systematic review found a lack of high-quality evidence for rehabilitation interventions is a barrier to provision of low vision services in low- and middle-income countries. Consider how visual rehabilitation interventions which have been shown to be effective can be delivered by non-specialists. Ensure that service providers for people who are visually impaired are trained in recognising depression and anxiety and have pathways for referral to mental health services, as appropriate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study describes attorney's attitudes towards substance use, offenders with drug problems and referral for treatment in Nigeria. It is a cross-sectional descriptive survey conducted among 70 attorneys in Benin City, Nigeria. Participants drawn by both convenience sampling and snowballing approach filled a paper questionnaire consisting of socio-demographic data, questions on drug dependence and the law relating to it, and the modified substance use scale. A greater proportion of the attorney (69.4%) correctly identified that intoxication can be used as a defence in a criminal charge while fewer (10.0%) opined dependence was a medical (psychiatric) problem. The majority (85.7%) opined that cannabis should not be legalized and viewed alcohol as dangerous and destructive to the youth of a country if not controlled by law (84.3%). Though few (16.2%) believed that medical intervention alone will suffice for drug addiction, many (84.3%) opined that the best way to treat alcohol or drug-dependent people is to refer them to a good treatment program. Nigerian Lawyers demonstrated a mixture of negative/positive attitudes towards drug users and correct/incorrect knowledge on the law regulating drug-related offence. While drug education of legal professionals is recommended, recognition of the potential roles played in treatment referral should be reinforced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hong Kong experienced the SARS pandemic in 2003. Seventeen years later, the Covid-19 pandemic now challenges Hong Kong and the world. This study aims to unveil the impact of the pandemic on health social workers. One hundred and sixty-six health care social workers in Hong Kong were recruited to join a cross-sectional online survey from November 2020 to March 2021. This paper includes the analysis of the demographic information, fear of contamination, resilience, perceived social support and physical health only. Irrespective of the demographic background, the level of fear of contamination, resilience, perceived social support and physical health were similar. The mean scores of the two dimensions of fear of contamination (Harm avoidance: m = 7.49, s.d. = 3.25; Disgust avoidance: m = 7.75, s.d. = 2.90) were higher than those of general public and clinical samples with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. No moderation effects were found in resilience and perceived social support in the relationship of fear of contamination and physical health. Instead, direct effects were shown.The impact of the pandemic on health social workers was universal. Psychoeducational programs to alleviate the fear of contamination and organizational-level interventions to improve workplace social support are highly needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines determinants of ethnic disparities in workplace risks of COVID-19 among health and social care workers (HCWs) in the UK. This was undertaken to inform public health policy in the management of COVID-19 relating to health and social care provision. A cross-sectional survey was administered in July–August 2020 (n = 456) to elicit HCWs' experiences of COVID-19 management in the workplace and their perceptions of exposure, personal protection against infection, involvement in local clinical management, and other workplace hazards. Findings suggest minority ethnic HCWs were twice as likely as White HCWs to be in a patient-facing role (OR = 2.14, 95% CI:1.21; 3.78, P < 0.01) and twice as likely (63% vs 39%) to be caring for COVID-19 positive patients (OR = 2.68, 95% CI: 1.77; 4.06, P < 0.01). Those in nursing, were three times as likely to be redeployed to a COVID-19 care setting (OR = 3.33, 95%CI: 1.23; 9.02, P= 0.02). Minority ethnic HCWs within lower- and mid-level roles carried a higher burden of frontline clinical management of COVID-19 positive patients than their White counterparts. This study found evidence of ethnic disparities across several workplace hazards, with increased exposure to and less protection against infection, more responsibility for the clinical management of infection, and evidence of systemic racial bias in the disproportionate redeployment of minority ethnic nursing staff to COVID-19 areas. An NHS-wide review is required to assess procedural fairness, ensure safe practices now, and to avert future crises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Psychotic symptoms are present in a wide range of both clinical and non-clinical populations. Psychotic symptoms in adolescents often take the form of psychotic-like experiences (PLEs), which are considered a risk factor for numerous serious mental illnesses. Socioeconomic disadvantages are across rural areas, and poverty is known as the third most important risk factor of PLEs. However, there have been limited studies on PLEs which focus on populations in rural areas. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of PLEs and investigate their predictors among early adolescents living in rural areas. Method: Data from 629 early adolescents from two rural areas in Indonesia were analysed using descriptive statistics to determine the prevalence of PLEs. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to assess the predictors of PLEs. This was a school-based cross-sectional study, and data were collected using a paper questionnaire. Results: The results showed that the prevalence of PLEs among early adolescents in rural areas is 24.5%. Four significant predictors of PLEs were identified after controlling for sex: emotional problems, age, the number of caregivers in daily life, and psychological well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While video games can be helpful in personal development, participating in certain gaming activities may lead to negative effects such as video game addiction. The overuse of computer games, which can lead to reduced quality of life and affect a person's practical skills. Around 3% of adolescents suffer from Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD), there is currently no universally accepted psychometric method. The AICA-S scale was applied to results from 3,901 respondents aged between 11 and 19. During the 2017/2018 school year, a battery of questionnaires in "pen and paper" form was administered to students at primary schools and secondary schools. The respondents were selected from all the regions of the Czech Republic through a random stratified selection to ensure that the respondents were an accurate representation of students across the Czech Republic. The results were obtained using statistical methods such as ANOVA, chi-square tests and t-tests. These results affirm the psychometric quality of AICA-S and note the prevalence of IGD among Czech adolescents. Based on our results, 0.8% of our respondents fulfilled the criteria for an IGD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]