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Background: Physical inactivity is a major public health problem worldwide that results in physical and mental health problems. One major issue for physical inactivity is weight stigma (WS), especially perceived WS, which could lead to a tendency to avoid physical activity (PA). To better understand the association between perceived WS and PA, knowledge of the likely mediators in this association such as weight bias internalization (WBI) and psychological distress were investigated in the present study. Methods: Using a two-wave longitudinal study and convenient sampling, 388 Taiwanese participants (55% females; mean age = 29.7 years [SD ± 6.3]) completed two surveys six months apart. Body mass index (BMI), Perceived Weight Stigma Scale (PWSS), Weight Bias Internalization Scale (WBIS), Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale (DASS-21), and Tendency to Avoid Physical Activity and Sport Scale (TAPAS) were assessed. Results: A mediation model controlling for age, gender, and BMI with 5000 bootstrapping resamples was performed. Perceived WS exerted significant direct effects on WBI (β = 0.25; p < 0.001), psychological distress (β = 0.15; p = 0.003), and tendency to avoid PA (β = 0.10; p = 0.027); WBI exerted a significant direct effect on tendency to avoid PA (β = 0.47; p < 0.001). Standardized indirect effects of WBI and psychological distress on the association between perceived WS and tendency to avoid PA were 0.12 and 0.01, respectively. Conclusion: Given the direct association of perceived WS on the tendency to avoid PA and the mediating role of WBI in this association, interventions addressing perceived WS and WBI may contribute to promoting PA. Therefore, health interventionists (both when planning and executing PA programs) need to consider weight stigmawhen encouraging physical activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Prior psychometric evidence of the Physical Resilience Instrument for Older Adults (PRIFOR) showed good criterion-related validity, concurrent validity, known-group validity, predictive validity, and internal consistency. However, it is unclear whether older patients with different treatment diagnoses interpret the PRIFOR similarly. Aims: This study aimed to test the psychometric properties of the PRIFOR scores among different treatment diagnoses of older patients. Methods: We recruited 413 hospitalized older patients with a medical diagnosis and 207 with a surgical diagnosis in a 1343-bed tertiary-care medical center in Taiwan. Data analyses included Rasch models, Principal Components Analysis (PCA), and Pearson correlations. Results: The Rasch analyses showed that all PRIFOR items were embedded within their belonged constructs, reflecting good construct validity and unidimensionality. Person and item separation reliability support the internal consistency of the studied samples and PRIFOR items. However, six PRIFOR items were found to have meaningful differential item functioning (DIF) problems among treatment diagnoses. Conclusions: The PRIFOR is a solid measurement and can be used for monitoring the status of older adults' physical resilience. However, because six items were found to have meaningful DIF among treatment diagnosis groups, future studies should consider designing specific items for different patient populations to assess their needs in physical resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Problematic use of the internet (PUI) is prevalent, particularly among adolescents and young adults. Given the limited measures to assess specific types of PUI, which encompasses a broad spectrum of activities such as online gaming, social media use, pornography use, shopping, gambling, and web-streaming, Muller et al. (2022) developed the Assessment of Criteria for Specific Internet-use Disorders (ACSID-11) to comprehensively assess different types of PUI (i.e., gaming, shopping, social media use, gambling, and pornography use). The present study aimed to validate the Chinese ACSID-11 among adolescents incorporating cross-cultural adaptations. Using forward-backward translation method, a culturally adapted version of the ACSID-11 was prepared. Then, a cross-sectional online survey was administered between September 8 and September 26, 2023. Adolescents, using a convenience sample (N = 11,492; mean age = 16.42 years [SD ± 0.91]; 59.1% male), were recruited from six schools to complete the translated ACSID-11, Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short Form (IGDS9-SF), Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS), and Smartphone Application Based Addiction Scale (SABAS) via an online platform. Pearson correlation coefficients assessed convergent/discriminant validity. Factor structure and measurement invariance were examined through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and multi-group CFA. Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega tested internal consistency. Associations between the ACSID-11 components and other scales supported convergent validity (i.e., ACSID-11 gaming scale with IGDS9-SF [0.37 ≤ r ≤ 0.41]; social networks use scale with BSMAS [0.24 ≤ r ≤ 0.31]) and discriminant validity (i.e., online gambling scale with BSMAS [0.16 ≤ r ≤ 0.19] and with SABAS [0.11 ≤ r ≤ 0.13]). A four-factor solution indicated good fit with comparative fit index (CFI) ranging from 0.982 to 0.958. The ACSID-11 was measurement invariant across sexes (∆CFI = -0.001 to 0.000) and different levels of related addictive behaviors (∆CFI = -0.001 to 0.000). Both Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega (0.63 to 0.97) were acceptable for both frequency and intensity of responses. The ACSID-11 is an appropriate scale to assess different kinds of PUI among Chinese adolescents and students. Psychometric assessment of the measure in other cultures and among clinical samples is recommended. • The Assessment of Criteria for Specific Internet-use Disorders (ACSID-11) was translated into Chinese. • The ACSID-11 was found to have a four-factor structure among a large sample of Chinese adolescents. • The ACSID-11 had good correlations with other measures assessing problematic use of the internet. • The ACSID-11 was found to be measurement invariant across sexes and addictive behaviors. • The findings showed that ACSID-11 can be used in a pediatric population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Friendship networks are relevant to adolescent weight status and lifestyle, but little is known about their relationship in an East Asian setting. Using a longitudinal cohort of Taiwanese adolescents, we studied how weight status and lifestyles might influence friendship. Simultaneously considering the influence of friendship networks, we further examined the effects of peers' lifestyles on the body weight status of adolescents. Data were retrieved from the first three waves of the Taiwan Youth Project (N = 2409; 51 % boys). Participants were asked to nominate their friends at school and to report their lifestyle factors (e.g. sleep habits, internet use, and athletic performance). Weight status was proxied by body mass index calculated from self-reported weight and height. Stochastic actor-based modeling was used for the friendship network analyses. Considering network structure, adolescents selected friends based on similarities in weight status (β = 0.147 [standard error = 0.044], p < 0.001) and lifestyle factors, such as athletic performance (β = 0.181 [0.034], p < 0.001), internet use (β = 0.156 [0.039], p < 0.001), and social jetlag (β = 0.055 [ ± 0.022], p < 0.05). In the behavior dynamics model, we did not observe any peer influence on changes in adolescents' weight status. These findings suggest a pervasive homophilic friendship selection explained by weight and lifestyle-based similarities, despite no evidence of peer influence on weight status. Stakeholders and care providers of adolescent health should be aware of the social network processes that underlie weight problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the correlation between body temperature and skin surface temperature in intensive care unit patients and to identify specific indicators of skin surface temperature for early fever detection. This pilot study was a prospective, observational investigation conducted at National Cheng Kung University Hospital in Tainan, Taiwan. A total of 54 patients admitted to the Surgical Intensive Care Unit of a tertiary hospital between April and August 2020 were included. Patients utilized the wearable device HEARThremoTM to continuously monitor skin surface temperature and heart rate. Analysis of Variance was applied to identify the association of skin surface temperature with different body temperature groups. The comparison between skin surface temperature and fever over eight time intervals was studied using a generalized estimating equation. In 34 patients (63 %) with a fever (≥38 °C), skin surface temperature increased (P < 0.001) when body temperature increased. The maximum skin surface temperature was significantly associated with fever 180–210 min before the fever events occurred (OR: 2.22, 95 % CI: 1.30–3.80). The mean skin surface temperature was associated with fever 120–150 min before the fever events (OR: 8.70, 95 % CI: 2.08–36.36). Skin surface temperature can be an important early predictive sign before the onset of fever. Continuous temperature monitoring can detect fever early and initiate treatment in advance. This study serves as a preliminary exploration in this area, laying the groundwork for future comprehensive research. Continuous monitoring of skin surface temperature empowers nurses to swiftly detect fever, transcending conventional methods. This proactive approach allows for the early identification of physiological abnormalities, facilitating the prompt initiation of further physical assessments and relevant examinations for early treatment commencement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has generated negative effects on psychological well-being worldwide, including in schoolchildren. Government requirements to stay at home and avoid social and school settings may impact psychological well-being by modifying various behaviors such as problematic phone and Internet use, yet there is a paucity of research on this issue. This study examined whether the COVID-19 outbreak may have impacted problematic smartphone use (PSU), problematic gaming (PG), and psychological distress, specifically the pattern of relationships between PSU, PG, and psychological distress in schoolchildren. Methods: Longitudinal data on psychological distress, PSU, and PG were collected from 575 children in primary schools in 3 waves: Waves 1 and 2 were conducted before the COVID-19 outbreak and Wave 3 during the outbreak. Cross-lagged panel models were used to examine relationships between factors across the 3 waves. Results: Cross-lagged models found that higher levels of PSU were not significantly related prospectively to greater psychological distress before the COVID-19 outbreak, but this prospective relationship became significant during the COVID-19 outbreak. Whereas PG was associated prospectively with psychological distress before the COVID-19 outbreak (ie, between Waves 1 and 2), this association became nonsignificant during the COVID-19 lockdown (ie, between Waves 2 and 3). Conclusions: The COVID-19 outbreak has seemed to change prospective relationships between PSU and psychological distress and PG and psychological distress in schoolchildren. Future research should examine whether restrictions on or information provided to schoolchildren may exacerbate PSUs effects on psychological distress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Internet Gaming Disorder Scale–Short-Form (IGDS9-SF) is among the best with regard to its psychometric properties. Therefore, clinical psychologists are likely guided to use the IGDS9-SF if they want to assess or screen the disordered gaming in their practice. However, the information, especially psychometric evidence, concerning the IGDS9-SF has not been fully examined and summarized. Objective: This systematic review evaluated the psychometric properties of different language versions of the IGDS9-SF and assessed its methodological quality in order to improve the clinicians’ understanding of the IGDS9-SF and facilitate its use. Methods: Systematic literature searches were carried out using Embase, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Web of Science. The review included English-language studies of any research design that have reported at least one psychometric property of the IGDS9-SF, as defined by the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health status Measurement INstrument (COSMIN), and have aimed at testing the psychometric properties of the IGDS9-SF. Results: In total, 21 studies comprising 15 language versions of the IGDS9-SF were included. Overall, the IGDS9-SF showed adequate internal consistency (although some items did not have satisfactory item-total correlation [IT]), excellent criterion validity, and the ability to distinguish different subgroups with measurement invariance being supported across gender and age. In terms of factor structure, the IGDS9-SF was shown to have a unidimensional factor structure across all 21 studies. Conclusions: Although there is insufficient evidence regarding the responsiveness and properties of the IGDS9-SF using item response theory, the existing evidence supports its use in assessing disordered gaming among individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asset-based youth development has been proposed to be associated with health behaviors and psychological well-being in adolescents. This study aims to extend the current knowledge regarding the effects of positive youth development on weight status and psychosocial health outcomes in young adulthood using a large representative longitudinal sample. Data were retrieved from the Taiwan Youth Project that comprised a longitudinal cohort of adolescents (N = 2688) surveyed at grades 7, 8, 9, and 12, and at age 22. Principal component analysis was used to construct developmental asset scores based on 35 items selected from the relevant questions at wave 1. Outcomes were standardized scores of body mass index, self-rated healthiness and happiness, depressive symptomology and deviant behaviors in the subsequent waves. Generalized estimating equation analysis was applied to assess the impact of developmental assets on these repeatedly measured outcome variables. As compared to those with the highest quintile level of developmental assets, individuals with the lowest quintile level were more likely to rate themselves unhealthy (β = 0.33 [95% confidence interval 0.26, 0.40]) and unhappy (β = 0.47 [0.41, 0.54]) and report more depressive symptomatology (β = 4.18 [3.35, 5.01]) and deviant behaviors (β = 0.63 [0.44, 0.81]). No association was found between body mass index and developmental asset scores. The results concluded a longitudinal association between adolescent developmental assets and psychological and behavioral health outcomes. Further research may be required to investigate whether positive youth development could be translated into long-term benefits in adult physical conditions, such as obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The World Health Organization recently announced an action plan to increase global physical activity (PA) levels due to individuals' increasingly inactive lifestyle. Perceived weight stigma (PWS) is a psychosocial factor that may reduce individuals' PA, and PA avoidance may be involved in this association. Therefore, the present study conducted a cross-sectional survey to investigate the mediating effect of tendency to avoid PA in the association between PWS and PA among Chinese university physical education (PE) students and non-PE students. Responses from non-PE (n = 2877) and PE (n = 2286) students were collected via an online survey comprising the Perceived Weight Stigma Scale, Tendency to Avoid Physical Activity and Sport Scale, and International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form. Results of moderated atemporal mediation analysis showed a significant association between PWS and PA mediated by tendency to avoid PA among the two groups (B [SE] = 0.94[0.08], p <.001). In addition, compared to non-PE students, PE students were significantly less affected by tendency to avoid PA (B [SE] = -2.61[0.29], p <.001). However, when affected, PE students showed a larger reduction in moderate PA levels than non-PE students (B [SE] = −9.14[4.51], p =.043). The present study's findings showed that PWS negatively affected PA via the atemporal mediation of tendency to avoid PA among university PE and non-PE students. Additionally, compared to non-PE students, PE students showed a larger reduction in moderate PA levels when affected by the tendency to avoid PA. Strategies aimed at reducing weight stigma or promoting PA enjoyment could be adopted to facilitate PA engagement and maintain a physically active lifestyle. • Perceived weight stigma (PWS) may reduce individuals' physical activity (PA). • Physical education (PE) students were compared with general subject (GS) students. • The significant association between PWS and PA was found among university students. • Results further showed the mediation effect of tendency to avoid PA among groups. • PE students were less-affected by trend of PA when compared to GS students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We assessed the reliability and validity of Taiwan's version of FertiQoL, with a focus on the association between quality of life (QoL) and in-vitro-fertilization (IVF) pregnancy.Methods: 410 women undergoing IVF treatment were included. QoL measured by Taiwan's version of FertiQoL was assessed before embryo transfer. Item properties were examined using corrected item-total correlation, Rasch mean-square (MnSq), and internal consistency. Known-group validity was assessed using IVF pregnancy (i.e., chemical pregnancy, ongoing pregnancy, live birth) as the outcomes of interest.Results: Five FertiQoL items, namely Q4, Q5, Q15, Q21, and T5, had low corrected item-total correlation (i.e., -0.146-0.290) in their embedded domains; three other items, namely Q11, Q14, and T2, did not have acceptable MnSq values in the Rasch analysis (i.e., infit MnSq: 1.31-2.28; outfit MnSq: 1.95-4.57). These items were removed and a refined Taiwan's FertiQoL was generated. The internal consistency for the refined Taiwan's FertiQoL was improved (α = 0.928) with the capability of distinguishing women who had successful live birth from those who had failed live birth (i.e., 72.40 ± 12.71vs. 69.21 ± 13.26; p = 0.019).Conclusion: The study results demonstrate that the refined Taiwan's FertiQoL is valid and reliable, suggesting that this FertiQoL should refined to be culturally and language appropriate for Taiwanese population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ) is a self-assessment scale used widely in the studies of eating behavior, but its short form TFEQ-R21 has not been validated in the Taiwanese population. This study aimed to assess the factor structure and reliability of TFEQ-R21 and to identify the correlates of eating behavior in obese and non-obese Taiwanese adolescents. A total of 445 individuals aged 13–15 years were analyzed. They self-reported their eating disorder behavior, body shape preoccupation, weight-related self-stigma, anxiety, and depression. We applied a confirmatory factor analysis to test the model fit of TFEQ-R21 for the three pre-conceptualized domains in the data. Further univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were applied to identify the correlates of different TFEQ-R21 subdomains. The Comparative Fit Index for the TFEQ-R21 was 0.908, which confirmed the three-factor structure (i.e., cognitive restraint [CR], uncontrolled eating [UE], and emotional eating [EE]) in the Taiwan version of TFEQ-R21. Only CR correlated with disordered eating (r = 0.351, p < 0.001). Body shape discrepancy, rather than weight status, was associated with CR in both males (β = 0.15, 95% odds ratio [CI] 0.05–0.25) and females (β = 0.21, 95% CI 0.10–0.32). Gender differences were noted in the correlates of UE and EE, where ideal body shape in males and self-perceived stigma in females were the main associative factors. The Taiwan version of the TFEQ-R21 is a robust, reliable tool by which to measure adolescent eating behavior. Gender differences in the eating behavior correlates require clinical and public health attention when implementing weight management programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/purpose: Because of the spread of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-2019), preventive COVID-19 infection behaviors become important for individuals, especially those who are vulnerable. The present study proposes a model to explain the preventive COVID-19 infection behaviors among people with mental illness in Taiwan.Methods: A cross-sectional design was carried out and 414 patients with mental illness (230 males [55.6%]; mean age = 46.32 [SD = 10.86]) agreed to participate in the study. All the participants completed the Preventive COVID-19 Infection Behaviors Scale, Self-Stigma Scale-Short, Believing COVID-19 Information Scale, Fear of COVID-19 Scale, and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21. Regression models and structural equation modeling (SEM) were applied to examine the factors associated with preventive COVID-19 infection behaviors.Results: Both regression models and SEM showed that trust in COVID-19 information sources (standardized coefficient [β] = 0.211 in regression; β = 0.194 in SEM) and fear of COVID-19 (β = -0.128 in regression; β = -0.223 in SEM) significantly explained preventive behaviors among individuals with mental illness. The SEM further showed that fear of COVID-19 was significantly explained by trust in COVID-19 information sources (β = 0.220) and self-stigma (β = 0.454).Conclusion: Based on the results, healthcare providers should help individuals with mental illness reduce self-stigma and fear of COVID-19 which would consequently improve their preventive COVID-19 infection behaviors. Moreover, improving trust in COVID-19 information sources for individuals with mental illness may be another method to improve their preventive behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sarcopenia, which is a common risk factor for falls and fractures, affects the functional outcome and mortality in geriatric populations. However, the prevalence of sarcopenia among geriatric Taiwanese patients with a hip fracture is unknown, nor is the effect of sarcopenia on the outcome of hip surgery.Methods: From December 2017 to February 2019, geriatric patients who underwent surgery for a hip fracture were prospectively enrolled. Basic demographic data, responses to questionnaires for dementia screening and quality of life (QoL) and daily living activities (ADL) before the injury were analyzed to identify any association with sarcopenia. The QoL and ADL were monitored at six months after the operation to determine the difference between hip fracture patients with or without sarcopenia.Results: Of 139 hip fracture patients, 70 (50.36%) were diagnosed with sarcopenia. Accounting for all confounding factors in the multivariate logistic regression, lower body mass index (BMI), male gender and a weaker handgrip are the risk factors that are most strongly associated with a diagnosis of sarcopenia in geriatric patients with a hip fracture. Hip fracture patients with sarcopenia also have poor ADL and a lower QoL than patients without sarcopenia before the injury and six months after the operation.Conclusion: A high prevalence of sarcopenia among geriatric hip fracture patients is associated with a poor mid-term outcome following hip surgery. Clinicians must recognize the risk of sarcopenia, especially for male hip fracture patients with a lower BMI and a weaker handgrip. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individuals who are overweight or who have obesity are likely to perceive or experience unfriendly treatment (i.e., weight-related perceived stigma) from different sources such as work colleagues because of the stigma towards excess weight. People who are overweight may accept such stigma and devalue themselves (i.e., weight-related self-stigma). A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between weight stigma (including weight-related self-stigma and weight-related perceived stigma) and psychological distress (including depression and anxiety) using random-effects meta-analyses. Utilizing five academic databases (PubMed, Scopus, WOS, Embase and ProQuest) and keywords related to weight stigma and psychological distress, empirical studies focusing on the association between weight stigma and psychological distress were selected. The timeline for the searched papers was from the inception of each database to the end of August 2019. Eligible studies (N = 30; 25 on weight-related self-stigma and eight on weight-related perceived stigma) were analyzed with a total of 9345 participants experiencing weight-related self-stigma, and 15,496 experiencing weight-related perceived stigma. The pooled associations were moderate between weight-related self-stigma and psychological distress (corrected Fisher's Z = 0.40 for depression; 0.36 for anxiety) and between perceived stigma and depression (Fisher's Z = 0.44). Results of the meta-analysis demonstrated that weight stigma is associated with psychological distress. The comprehensive search of the literature and rigorous methodology employed are the two major strengths in the present study. Because self-stigma and perceived stigma are different concepts, their associations with psychological distress should not be merged together. • Weight-related perceived stigma is associated with psychological distress. • Weight-related self-stigma is associated with psychological distress. • Empirical evidence concerning weight stigma and psychological distress is growing. • Causal relationships between weight stigma and psychological distress are not yet established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assessed the quality of life (QoL) and pregnancy outcomes among infertile women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment to investigate the association between QoL and IVF pregnancy outcomes. This study included 686 women with 1205 embryo transfers (ETs). QoL was measured using the fertility quality of life (FertiQoL) tool before ET. FertiQoL comprises two modules: a Core module (including mind/body, emotional, relational, and social domains) and a Treatment module (covering treatment environment and tolerability domains). The FertiQol total and subscale scores were computed and scored in the range of 0–100 (higher scores indicate better QoL). Multivariate generalized estimating equation analyses were carried out to assess the association between QoL and IVF pregnancy outcomes, with adjustment for time-varying factors across multiple ETs for a given person. The lowest score in the core module was for the emotional domain (62.0), and that in the Treatment module was for the tolerability domain (59.4). QoL scores were significantly and positively associated with pregnancy outcomes (i.e., ongoing pregnancy, live birth); with a one unit increase in the emotional domain score, the probabilities of ongoing pregnancy and live birth significantly increased by 2.4% and 2.6%, respectively (p < 0.05). This study evaluated the prospective association between QoL and IVF pregnancy outcomes among infertile women. The results highlight the importance of developing clinical strategies to improve QoL among infertile women undergoing IVF treatment, which may further improve the pregnancy rates of this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/purpose: This study assessed the quality of life (QoL) and pregnancy outcomes among infertile women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment to investigate the association between QoL and IVF pregnancy outcomes.Methods: This study included 686 women with 1205 embryo transfers (ETs). QoL was measured using the fertility quality of life (FertiQoL) tool before ET. FertiQoL comprises two modules: a Core module (including mind/body, emotional, relational, and social domains) and a Treatment module (covering treatment environment and tolerability domains). The FertiQol total and subscale scores were computed and scored in the range of 0-100 (higher scores indicate better QoL). Multivariate generalized estimating equation analyses were carried out to assess the association between QoL and IVF pregnancy outcomes, with adjustment for time-varying factors across multiple ETs for a given person.Results: The lowest score in the core module was for the emotional domain (62.0), and that in the Treatment module was for the tolerability domain (59.4). QoL scores were significantly and positively associated with pregnancy outcomes (i.e., ongoing pregnancy, live birth); with a one unit increase in the emotional domain score, the probabilities of ongoing pregnancy and live birth significantly increased by 2.4% and 2.6%, respectively (p < 0.05).Conclusion: This study evaluated the prospective association between QoL and IVF pregnancy outcomes among infertile women. The results highlight the importance of developing clinical strategies to improve QoL among infertile women undergoing IVF treatment, which may further improve the pregnancy rates of this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Women with epilepsy (WWE) frequently experience sexual problems, including sexual dysfunction and sexual distress. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the efficacy of a mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for sexuality (MBCT-S) on sexual function and intimacy among older adult WWE in Iran.Methods: A multicenter randomized controlled trial was conducted at 15 neurology clinics in three Iranian cities. WWE together with their partners and healthcare providers were randomly assigned in patient and partner (PP; n = 220), patient, partner, and healthcare provider (PPHP; n = 220), or treatment as usual (TAU; n = 220) group. WWE and their partners in both the PP and PPHP groups received eight weeks of MBCT-S sessions. In the PPHP group, three individual sessions on sexual counseling were added for healthcare providers. Self-assessment scales were used at baseline, one month and six months after completing the intervention. Mixed linear regression models were developed to determine differences among the three groups. Multilevel mediation analyses were conducted to understand the mediating effects of mindfulness, intimacy, patient-physicians relationship and sexual counseling barriers.Results: Improvements in sexual function, sexual distress, and intimacy were found in both the PP and PPHP groups at one-month and six-month follow-ups. The PPHP group compared with the PP group had greater improvement in intimacy at both follow-ups. Regarding sexual function, the PPHP group performed better than the PP group at the six-month follow-up.Conclusions: The MBCT-S appears efficacious in enhancing sexual function and reducing sex-related distress in Iranian older adult WWE. Future studies should examine its efficacy in other populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pathological use of the internet - conceptualized as 'internet addiction' - might be crucial in initiating and increasing sleep disturbances in the community. While inconsistent evidence is reported regarding the association of internet addiction and sleep disturbances, the severity of this association remains unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to increase our understanding of the relationship between internet addiction and sleep disturbances. A systematic review was conducted through Scopus, PubMed Central, ProQuest, ISI Web of Knowledge, and EMBASE using keywords related to internet addiction and sleep problems. Observational studies (cohort, case-control or cross-sectional studies) focusing on association between internet addiction and sleep disturbances including sleep problems and sleep duration were selected. A meta-analysis using random-effect model was conducted to calculate the odds ratio (OR) for experiencing sleep problems and standardized mean differences (SMDs) for sleep duration. Eligible studies (N = 23) included 35,684 participants. The overall pooled OR of having sleep problems if addicted to the internet was 2.20 (95% CI: 1.77-2.74). Additionally, the overall pooled SMDs for sleep duration for the IA group compared to normal internet users was -0.24 (95% CI: -0.38, -0.10). Results of the meta-analysis revealed a significant OR for sleep problems and a significant reduced sleep duration among individuals addicted to the internet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can leave negative impacts on one's health behaviors or social functioning later in life. Resilient characteristics have been shown to mitigate effects against risk behaviors in developing adolescents. However, clinical and research attention has rarely been given to jointly consider the effects of ACEs and resilient characteristics on health behaviors in Taiwanese youth. A total of 200 individuals aged 15–22 years were recruited from primary care settings, communities, and schools. Participants completed questionnaires assessing their ACEs, resilient characteristics, and health behaviors. Univariate analysis was firstly used to describe the correlates of ACEs and resilient characteristics. Further multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association of both factors with health behaviors. More than half (61.5%) of those surveyed had been exposed to at least one category of ACE. Verbal (37%) and physical (21%) abuses were the most common types of ACEs. The counts in the ACE categories were associated with being involved in physical fights (odds ratio 1.28 [confidence interval 1.01–1.63]), property damage (1.29 [1.03–1.61]), running away from home (1.30 [1.05–1.60]), bullying victimization (1.37 [1.16–1.61]), and sleep problems/tiredness (1.25 [1.03–1.52]). Meanwhile, resilience scores were associated with decreased odds of infrequent seatbelt use (0.47 [0.23–0.97]), low fruit and vegetable intake (0.42 [0.21–0.86]) unsatisfied body image (0.46 [0.22–0.97]), and sleep problems/tiredness (0.37 [0.18–0.79]). ACEs and resilience characteristics play a significant role in shaping youth health behaviors. Further research should be undertaken to identify ways to build resilience against health risks in youth with prior ACE exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess the effectiveness of a cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) program on weight reduction among Iranian adolescents who are overweight. Using a randomized controlled trial design, 55 adolescents who were overweight (mean [SD] age = 14.64 [1.69] years; zBMI = 2.18 [0.65]) were recruited in the CBT program and 55 in the treatment as usual (TAU; mean age = 14.88 [1.50]; zBMI = 2.09 [0.57]) group. All the participants completed several questionnaires (Child Dietary Self-Efficacy Scale; Weight Efficacy Lifestyle questionnaire; Physical Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale; Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory; and self-reported physical activity and diet) and had their anthropometrics measured (height, weight, waist and hip circumferences, and body fat). The CBT group consumed significantly more fruits and juice, vegetables, and dairy in the 6-month follow-up as compared with the TAU group (p -values <0.001). The CBT group consumed significantly less sweet snacks, salty snacks, sweet drinks, sausages/processed meat, and oils in the six-month follow-up compared with the TAU group (p -values<0.001). Additionally, the waist circumference, BMI, waist-hip ratio, and fat mass were significantly decreased in the CBT group in the six-month follow-up compared with the TAU group (p -values<0.005). The CBT group significantly improved their psychosocial health, physical activity, and health-related quality of life (p -values<0.001). The CBT program showed its effectiveness in reducing weight among Iranian adolescents who were overweight. Healthcare providers may want to adopt this program to treat excess weight problems among adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Quality of life (QoL) is important for clinicians to evaluate how cancer survivors judge their sense of well-being, and WHOQOL-BREF may be a good tool for clinical use. However, at least three issues remain unresolved: (1) the psychometric properties of the WHOQOL-BREF for cancer patients are insufficient; (2) the scoring method used for WHOQOL-BREF needs to be clarify; (3) whether different types of cancer patients interpret the WHOQOL-BREF similarly.Methods: We recruited 1000 outpatients with head/neck cancer, 1000 with colorectal cancer, 965 with liver cancer, 1438 with lung cancer and 1299 with gynecologic cancers in a medical center. Data analyses included Rasch models, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and Pearson correlations.Results: The mean WHOQOL-BREF domain scores were between 13.34 and 14.77 among all participants. CFA supported construct validity; Rasch models revealed that almost all items were embedded in their expected domains and were interpreted similarly across five types of cancer patients; all correlation coefficients between Rasch scores and original domain scores were above 0.9.Conclusion: The linear relationship between Rasch scores and domain scores suggested that the current calculations for domain scores were applicable and without serious bias. Clinical practitioners may regularly collect and record the WHOQOL-BREF domain scores into electronic health records. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To use the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) combined with action and coping planning plus global relationship with husband to explain the aspirin adherence in a sample of women with high-risk pregnancy.Methods: A total of 535 Iranian women (mean age = 32.29 ± 4.98; year of marriage = 6.89 ± 3.61) completed the study. Each participant filled out several questionnaires on TPB (i.e., a widely applied theory describing how behaviors are influenced by beliefs, attitudes, perceived behavioral control and behavioral intentions), action planning, coping planning and relationship with husband at baseline. Eight weeks later, each participant completed the Five-item Medication Adherence Rating Scale (MARS-5) and underwent the blood test on aspirin serum level to provide the subjective and objective aspirin adherence information, respectively. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was applied to test three proposed models on aspirin adherence.Results: The TPB with planning plus relationship with husband was supported (comparative fit index = 0.969; Tucker-Lewis index = 0.950). Behavioral intention was the mediator in the associations of aspirin adherence and the following variables: attitude, perceived behavioral control, and relationship with husband. Action and coping planning mediated the associations of aspirin adherence and the two variables of behavioral intention and perceived behavioral control. Relationship with husband mediated the association of subjective norm and aspirin adherence.Conclusions: The TPB model with (action and coping) planning plus relationship with husband serves a potential mechanism to explain the aspirin adherence for women with high risk of pregnancy. Possible implications are discussed based on our results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preoperative educational intervention for anxiety and pain affects patients undergoing spinal surgery. The effects, however, have never been examined using randomized controlled designs. To investigate the effects of education on anxiety and pain for patients undergoing spinal surgery, a randomized trial with block design was used. Patients were recruited from a medical center in central Taiwan. We invited 90 patients to participate in this study. Inclusion criteria were (a) age ≥20 years, (b) voluntary participation, (c) able to understand Taiwanese Mandarin Chinese or Taiwanese, and (4) no hearing or vision impairments after using aids. Patients (n = 86) undergoing lumbar spinal surgery were randomized into either an Intervention group (using educational intervention; n = 43) or a Control group (n = 43); four patients voluntarily dropped out after surgery (one in Intervention group; three in Control group). Patients had their anxiety (using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory; STAI) and pain (using a visual analog scale) measured the day before surgery, 30 minutes before surgery, and the day after surgery. After controlling for demographics, the adjusted anxiety and pain levels were significantly lower for the Intervention group: mean STAI scores were 52.67 at baseline and 47.54 at 30 minutes before surgery ( p < .001); mean pain scores were 6.07 at baseline and 5.28 on day after surgery ( p < .001). Preoperative educational intervention is effective in informing patients undergoing spinal surgery that can lead to a reduction in pain, anxiety, and fear postoperatively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]