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Prior studies have focused on general technology use and technology use in domain‐general applications and quantity of technology use. Recent evidence suggests that investigations should consider how technology is used in more contextually specific ways, including how technology is used for various cognitive tasks in specific classrooms. The purpose of this study was to examine the ways in which classroom content area and student goal orientation have a coordinated influence for how students used technology to support learning. The sample included high school students in a Midwestern state who were surveyed on their motivation and how they used technology to support learning. The study employed hierarchical linear modelling to examine how goal orientation and classroom content area predicted various levels of Bloom's Digital Taxonomy. Students who adopted mastery‐oriented goals were more likely to use technology for various cognitive tasks, especially those at higher levels of complexity. Lastly, the association between mastery goal orientation and some aspects of technology use was conditioned on content area, although effect sizes were small. This study showed that, overall, technology is used differentially across four core content areas. Students in mathematics classrooms used technology less, however much of technology use was evident at lower cognitive levels. Second, students' goal orientation, and in particular their mastery goals influence how technology is used across content areas, and this is marginally conditioned on content area. Technology use should match the instructional context to maximize technology use and students' goal orientation. Lay Description: What is already known about this topic: Computer technology tools support cognitive engagementTechnology tool availability differs by content areaStudent motivation is often positively related to increased technology use What this paper adds: Student technology use for various cognitive tasks differed by content areaStudents with mastery goals were more likely to use technology differentlyMotivational patterns' effect on technology use did not differ by content areaStudents in math used technology qualitatively less than other content areas Implications for practice and/or policy: Greater emphasis should be placed on choosing technology to match content areasTechnology should be appropriately chosen to maximize cognitive learning tasksTo support technology use, teachers should help student mastery learning goals [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To test the psychometric properties of the Finnish version of the Dempster Practice Behaviour Scale and explore nurses' professional autonomy along with which characteristics are related to it. Design: An instrument validation and a descriptive cross‐sectional study. Methods: The web‐based survey was conducted in September 2021 at two university hospitals in Finland. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used to explore the factor structure of the modified instrument, while Cronbach's α coefficients were calculated to determine the reliability of the scale. Descriptive univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to examine Registered Nurses' professional autonomy. The study followed STROBE guidelines. Results: During the validation process, the 30 items of the Dempster Practice Behaviour Scale were reduced to 25 items. The S‐CVI/Ave for the translated scale was 0.94. When one additional item was omitted from the EFA, the results supported five factors, which explained 45.9% of the total variance. The mean overall autonomy score was 3.63 out of 5, with readiness and empowerment the subscales with the highest and lowest, respectively, mean values. The linear regression models showed that age, nursing experience, unit type, education, shift, and perceptions of the importance of professional autonomy were related to the subscales describing professional autonomy. Conclusion: The psychometric testing provided evidence that the translated instrument was reliable. Nurses assessed that they are skilled professionals who are accountable for their actions. However, they experienced rather low levels of professional autonomy in empowerment and valuation. Health care organizations should consider this through authentic leadership and, thus, possibly strengthen professional autonomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malaysia is a multi-ethnic country with Malay, Chinese and Indian being the dominant ethnic groups. This paper investigates the three ethnic cultures in Malaysia by examining the individual-level values of managers and professionals. Based on 528 responses to a Schwartz Value Survey ( SVS) questionnaire, the paper identifies partial convergence of the value systems of Malay, Chinese and Indian people. It was found that the three ethnic groups do not differ significantly in the individualistic value dimensions of Self-enhancement and Openness-to-change. However, Malays are found to be more conservative and less self-transcendent than Chinese or Indians, while Chinese and Indians attribute the same importance to these two sets of values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims If socio-economic disadvantage is associated with more adolescent smoking, but less participation in tertiary education, and smoking and tertiary education are both associated with heavier drinking, these may represent opposing pathways to heavy drinking. This paper examines contextual variation in the magnitude and direction of these associations. Design Comparing cohort studies. Setting United Kingdom. Participants Participants were from the 1958 National Child Development Study (NCDS58; n = 15 672), the British birth cohort study (BCS70; n = 12 735) and the West of Scotland Twenty-07 1970s cohort (T07; n = 1515). Measurements Participants self-reported daily smoking and weekly drinking in adolescence (age 16 years) and heavy drinking (> 14/21 units in past week) in early adulthood (ages 22-26 years). Parental occupational class (manual versus non-manual) indicated socio-economic background. Education beyond age 18 was coded as tertiary. Models were adjusted for parental smoking and drinking, family structure and adolescent psychiatric distress. Findings Respondents from a manual class were more likely to smoke and less likely to enter tertiary education (e.g. in NCDS58, probit coefficients were 0.201 and -0.765, respectively; P < 0.001 for both) than respondents from a non-manual class. Adolescent smokers were more likely to drink weekly in adolescence (0.346; P < 0.001) and more likely to drink heavily in early adulthood (0.178; P < 0.001) than adolescent non-smokers. Respondents who participated in tertiary education were more likely to drink heavily in early adulthood (0.110 for males, 0.182 for females; P < 0.001 for both) than respondents with no tertiary education. With some variation in magnitude, these associations were consistent across all three cohorts. Conclusions In Britain, young adults are more likely to drink heavily both if they smoke and participate in tertiary education (college and university) despite socio-economic background being associated in opposite directions with these risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Age-appropriate infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices are critical to child nutrition.The objective of this paper was to examine the associations between age-appropriate IYCF practices and child nutrition outcomes in India using data from ~18 463 children of 0-23.9 months old from India's National Family Health Survey, 2005-06-3. The outcome measures were child height-for-age z-score (HAZ), weight-for-age z-score (WAZ), weight-for-height z-score, stunting, underweight and wasting. Linear and logistic regression analyses were used, accounting for the clustered survey data. Regression models were adjusted for child, maternal, and household characteristics, and state and urban/rural residence. The analyses indicate that in India suboptimal IYCF practices are associated with poor nutrition outcomes in children. Early initiation of breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding were not associated with any of the nutrition outcomes considered. Not consuming any solid or semi-solid foods at 6-8.9 months was associated with being underweight (P < 0.05). The diet diversity score and achieving minimum diet diversity (⩾4 food groups) for children 6-23 months of age were most strongly and significantly associated with HAZ, WAZ, stunting and underweight (P < 0.05). Maternal characteristics were also strongly associated with child undernutrition. In summary, poor IYCF practices, particularly poor complementary foods and feeding practices, are associated with poor child nutrition outcomes in India, particularly linear growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the moderating role of negative affectivity and risk aversion in the relationships of two bases of continuance organizational commitment (continuance-sacrifices and continuance-alternatives) to turnover, within a stress-coping perspective. More specifically, we propose that (a) the perspective of leaving is a source of stress for those who stay due to the fear of losing valued advantages (i.e. high continuance-sacrifices commitment) and (b) staying is perceived to be stressful by individuals who remain based on a lack of employment alternatives (i.e. high continuance-alternatives commitment). We argue that these perceptions are magnified by negative affectivity and risk aversion, resulting in individuals who present these traits to use avoidance-withdrawal strategies in coping with these situations. Accordingly, based on a sample of 509 human resource management professionals, we found (a) negative affectivity and risk aversion to strengthen the negative relationship of continuance-sacrifices commitment to turnover and (b) continuance-alternatives commitment to relate positively to turnover among individuals with high negative affectivity. We discuss the implications of these findings for our understanding of how commitment mindsets and personality traits affect turnover decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: We examined fidelity and feasibility of implementation of COVID‐19 preventive measures in schools, and explored associations between adherence to these measures and staff well‐being, to inform policy on sustainable implementation and staff wellbeing. METHODS: Surveys were conducted across 128 schools in England with 107 headteachers and 2698 staff‐members with reference to autumn term 2020, examining school‐level implementation of preventive measures, adherence, and teacher burnout (response rates for headteacher and staff surveys were 84% and 59%, respectively). RESULTS: The median number of measures implemented in primary and secondary schools was 33 (range 23‐41), and 32 (range 22‐40), respectively; most measures presented challenges. No differences were found regarding number of measures implemented by school‐level socio‐economic disadvantage. High adherence was reported for staff wearing face‐coverings, staff regularly washing their hands, (secondary only) desks facing forwards, and (primary only) increased cleaning of surfaces and student hand‐washing. Adherence to most measures was reported as higher in primary than secondary schools. Over half of school leaders and 42% (517/1234) of other teaching staff suffered from high emotional exhaustion. Higher teacher‐reported school‐wide adherence with measures was consistently associated with lower burnout for leaders and other teaching staff. CONCLUSIONS: Findings indicate a tremendous effort in implementing preventive measures and an urgent need to support investments in improving teacher wellbeing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To investigate the association of the number of natural teeth with overall dietary diversity and nutritional status in a nationally representative study among older adults in China. Materials and Methods: A cross‐sectional analysis was conducted among community‐dwelling adults aged 65 years or older from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Study. According to the self‐reported number of natural teeth, participants were categorized into ≥20, 10–19, 1–9 natural teeth, and edentulous. Dietary diversity score (DDS) was constructed based on intake frequencies of 10 food groups assessed by a simplified food frequency questionnaire. The geriatric nutritional risk index was used to measure the malnutrition status (i.e., normal, mild malnutrition, and moderate‐to‐severe malnutrition) among a subgroup of participants. Linear and multinomial logistic regression models were used to examine the corresponding associations. Results: Among 54,796 study participants, the mean (SD) age was 87.86 (11.45) years, 82.7% had poor dentition (<20 natural teeth), and 27.3% wore dentures. After multivariable adjustment, participants with poor dentition had lower DDSs (βedentulous = −0.39, 95% confidence interval [CI], −0.48, −0.30; β1‐9 teeth = −0.46, 95% CI, −0.55, −0.37; β10‐19 teeth = −0.36, 95% CI, −0.46, −0.26) than those with 20 natural teeth or more. For individual food items, edentulous, 1–9 and 10–19 natural teeth were associated with lower odds of regular intake of fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, meat, fish and aquatic products, eggs, legumes, preserved vegetables, tea, and garlic, but higher odds of regular intake of sugar and sweets. Among participants with poor dentition, individuals without dentures had lower intake frequencies of most food groups than those wearing dentures. In addition, poor dentition was related to lower odds of normal nutritional status (odds ratio = 0.49, 95% CI, 0.27, 0.89). Conclusions: Older adults with poor dentition had significantly lower dietary diversity and worse nutritional status. Future studies are warranted to identify effective interventions to improve the dietary quality and nutrition status among partially and fully edentulous individuals, including those with Stage IV periodontitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aimed to explore the effect of training on organizational commitment, the mediating effect of employability and the moderating role of person–organization fit. Design: A correctional cross‐sectional research design was adopted for this study. Methods: A questionnaire‐based survey of 859 nurses in a public hospital in Western China was conducted to identify their perceptions of training, employability, organizational commitment and person–organization fit. Hierarchical linear regression and conditional process analysis on moderated mediation were performed. Results: Training had a positive effect on organizational commitment (p <.01). Internal and external employability mediated the relationship between training and organizational commitment (p <.01). Person–organization fit enhanced the indirect effect of training on organizational commitment through external employability (p <.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Empirical evidence regarding the link between flexible working arrangements (FWAs) and work effort is mixed, with the literature showing that some practices are linked to more while others to less work effort. In this study, we argue that this discrepancy may be due to the existence of different types of FWA bundles with potentially distinct effects on work effort. Using Understanding Society, a British national survey, and building on theories related to social exchange, the study examines the link between employee‐centered and employer‐centered FWA bundles, and work effort. This study further tests whether these relationships differ depending on employees' family responsibilities. Based on a sample of 13,834 employees, results show that both employee‐centered and employer‐centered FWA bundles are negatively associated with work effort, and findings for the latter bundle are more pronounced. These negative associations are somewhat stronger for employees with fewer family responsibilities. We infer that employees appear to use employee‐centered FWAs for their intended purpose, that is, to balance life and job demands, while they might perceive employer‐centered FWAs as unfair, resulting in less work effort in an attempt to restore fairness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Service workers are expected to maintain high‐quality service delivery despite customer mistreatment—the poor‐quality treatment of service workers by customers—which can be demeaning and threatening to self‐esteem. Although service work is increasingly delivered by middle‐aged and older workers, very little is known about how employees across the age range navigate abuse from customers on the job. Does advancing age help or hinder service performance in reaction to customer mistreatment? Drawing on strength and vulnerability integration theory, we proposed that age paradoxically both helps and hinders performance after customer mistreatment, albeit at different stages. We tested our proposed model in a two‐sample field investigation of service workers and their supervisors using a time‐lagged, dyadic design. Results showed that age heightens the experience of self‐esteem threat but, nevertheless, dampens reactions to self‐esteem threat, leading to divergent effects on performance at different stages. Implications for age and service work, as well as aging and the sense of self, are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined how social comparison (i.e., comparing one's pay to similar others' pay) and deserved comparison (i.e., comparing one's pay to one's deserved pay) affect pay fairness perceptions, and the individual differences in the comparison processes. Results based on a field study with a sample of 167 employees showed pay fairness was low when employees received lower pay than a similar other (or what they deserved), increased as their pay exceeded that of a similar other (or deserved pay) to some extent, and then decreased when overpayment was considerable. Second, pay fairness increased as one's actual and similar others' pay levels both increased while pay fairness remained the same as one's actual and the deserved pay levels both increased. In addition, the "threshold" that people start to perceive overpayment as less fair occurred more quickly for those with higher preference for consistency in social comparison and for those with higher preference for the merit principle in deserved comparison. We also conducted experiments, and the results generally replicated the findings in the field study. These findings offer theoretical implications regarding organizational justice, as well as practical implications for designing and executing a compensation system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the growing research interest in work–family enrichment, this study explores how negative workplace phenomenon affects store managers' experience of work‐to‐family enrichment. Using two‐wave survey data collected from 156 retail store managers who had frequent interactions with customers, we found that customer misbehavior had a negative effect on their work‐to‐family enrichment through work meaningfulness. Furthermore, store managers' organizational affective commitment acted as an effective buffer on such negative relationship. Our findings thus fill in one missing piece in the current work–family enrichment literature and carry important implications for organizations to help retail store managers attain work meaningfulness and enrich their family life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article argues that family firms in which the top management team (TMT) is dominated by nonfamily managers are more likely to shift risk to employees through incentive pay schemes than family firms with TMTs dominated by family members. We also argue that this tendency is aggravated in firms of bigger size, as this condition makes nonfamily managers more vulnerable. We further note that differences between family‐ and non‐family‐dominated TMTs may lessen when the sales trend is negative. The analyses conducted on a sample of 219 family‐controlled car dealerships in Spain confirm our expectations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare inflammatory peripheral nerve disorder with variable recovery. Evidence is lacking on experiences of people with GBS and measurement of these experiences. Objective: We aimed to develop and validate an instrument to measure experiences of people with GBS. Design: We used a cross‐sectional design and online self‐administered questionnaire survey. Question domains, based on a previous systematic review and qualitative study, covered experiences of GBS, symptom severity at each stage, healthcare and factors supporting or hindering recovery. Descriptive, exploratory factor and reliability analyses and multivariable regression analysis were used to investigate the relationships between variables of interest, explore questionnaire reliability and validity and identify factors predicting recovery. Setting and Participants: People with a previous diagnosis of GBS were recruited through a social media advert. Results: A total of 291 responders, of different sexes, and marital statuses, were included, with most diagnosed between 2015 and 2019. Factor analysis showed four scales: symptoms, information provided, factors affecting recovery and care received. Positive social interactions, physical activity including physiotherapy and movement, changes made at home and immunoglobulin treatment were important for recovery. Multivariable models showed that immunoglobulin and/or plasma exchange were significant predictors of recovery. Employment and recovery factors (positive interactions, work support and changes at work or home, physical activity and therapy), though associated with recovery, did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion: The questionnaire demonstrated good internal reliability of scales and subscales and construct validity for people following GBS. Patient Contribution: Patients were involved in developing and piloting the questionnaire. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer treatment in childhood may negatively affect survivors' quality of life. In this study, we aimed to determine the contributing factors for health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) in survivors of childhood cancer in Korea using quantile regression analysis. This study was a secondary analysis. Data were collected from 130 childhood cancer survivors (CCS) from November 2018 to July 2019. Participants completed the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, Health‐Promoting Lifestyle Profile‐II, and 36‐Item Short Form Health Survey (physical component summary [PCS] and mental component summary [MCS]). Quantile and multiple linear regressions were used to analyze the factors contributing to HRQOL. The quantile and linear regression models revealed different results on the contributing factors to HRQOL in CCS. Mean PCS and MCS scores were 78.55 (SD = 15.08) and 64.02 (SD = 18.00), respectively. Symptoms (e.g., difficulty concentrating, worrying, pain, and lack of energy), physical activity, spiritual growth, interpersonal relationships, stress management, depression, and anxiety were significant influencing factors in some PCS quantiles, while symptoms, spiritual growth, interpersonal relationships, depression, and stress were significant influencing factors in some MCS quantiles. The findings of this study showed specific contributing factors in CCS with different levels of HRQOL. There is a need for targeted interventions related to risk reduction and stratification for CCS with different HRQOL levels. Symptom management strategies, early detection programs for CCS with psychological distress, and clinical and counseling interventions for CCS with poor HRQOL need to be developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In an effort to understand how academic scientists seek information relevant to their research in today's environment of ubiquitous electronic access, a correlation framework is built and regression analysis is applied to the survey results from 2,063 academic researchers in natural science, engineering, and medical science at five research universities in the United States. Previous work has reported descriptive statistics about these scientists' information-seeking behavior. This study extends that work to examine relationships between scientists' information-seeking behaviors and their personal and environmental factors. Several regression models, including the Poisson model, the logit model, and the ordered logit model, are built to interpret the correlation among scientists' behaviors. In addition, exploratory factor analysis is used for data reduction. Overall, many factors were found to affect the specific information-seeking behaviors of scientists, including demographic, psychological, role-related, and environmental factors. Of the factors having an effect, academic position was the most important determinant of information behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we investigated the validity of a stealth assessment of physics understanding in an educational game, as well as the effectiveness of different game‐level delivery methods and various in‐game supports on learning. Using a game called Physics Playground, we randomly assigned 263 ninth‐ to eleventh‐grade students into four groups: adaptive, linear, free choice and no‐treatment control. Each condition had access to the same in‐game learning supports during gameplay. Results showed that: (a) the stealth assessment estimates of physics understanding were valid—significantly correlating with the external physics test scores; (b) there was no significant effect of game‐level delivery method on students' learning; and (c) physics animations were the most effective (among eight supports tested) in predicting both learning outcome and in‐game performance (e.g. number of game levels solved). We included student enjoyment, gender and ethnicity in our analyses as moderators to further investigate the research questions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving the dietary quality of women and children is essential to reduce all forms of malnutrition. In this study, we assessed seasonal child and maternal dietary diversity and consumption of animal‐source foods (ASF), using 1,236 observations from combined data collected among 167 mother–child dyads in rural Timor‐Leste. We used generalized linear and logistic mixed‐effects models to examine the dietary differentials of mothers and children in two agricultural livelihood zones and across the seasons, as well as to identify household and agroecological characteristics associated with children's dietary quality in relation to their mothers'. We found dietary quality to be marginally better in coastal than in mid‐altitude zones. However, women's diets were strikingly poor, and their intake of ASF was lower than among children. Mothers exhibited preferential allocation patterns of specific ASF, dairy products and eggs, to children. The intake of ASF was predicted by seasonality. Flesh foods and red meat were much more likely to be consumed during the dry season, when cultural ceremonies are often performed. We found a positive and strongly significant association between children's dietary indicators—dietary diversity score, minimum dietary diversity and ASF consumption, and those of their mothers'. Maternal dietary quality and educational attainment, more so than agroecological characteristics, were explanatory factors of children's diet. Our study highlights that addressing the dietary quality of children in Timor‐Leste would benefit from improving women's diets through better access to nutritious foods and to secondary education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complementing previous research that showed a positive effect of general human resource management (HRM) systems on general firm performance, this article undertakes an integrative approach to compare the main effects and examine the interaction effects of two particular HRM systems on influencing firm innovation and performance. Using data from 179 organizations in China, we found that both the commitment-oriented system, which emphasized internal cohesiveness, and the collaboration-oriented system, which was intended to build external connections, contributed to firm innovation and, subsequently, bottom-line performance. We also found an attenuated interaction between the two HRM systems in predicting firm innovation. We employed a mediated-moderation path model to extricate the relationships. Results suggested that organizations that implemented both HRM systems to promote innovation might face ambidexterity challenges. Ideas for future research and practical implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excessive smartphone use has been found to be associated with dysfunctional social and family relations. While most studies of this phenomenon have focused on adolescent and adult addiction, none has yet to focus on mothers with infants. This study examined the association of excessive smartphone use with mother–infant bonding, maternal mental health, and family functioning in Jordan. The predictive value of the study variables with respect to the level of smartphone use was evaluated. A descriptive correlational cross‐sectional survey design was used. A sample of 114 mothers with infants was interviewed in person and completed a web‐based questionnaire. Approximately 16% reported using smartphones 5 to 14 hours per day; 6.7% described themselves as smartphone addicts. The results suggest that excessive smartphone use may be linked to unhealthy family functioning. No associations were found between smartphone use and mother–infant bonding or maternal mental health. Raising awareness of this linkage and limiting smartphone use are recommended as precautionary measures. Although this study failed to find any association between smartphone use and mother–infant bonding, further studies using empirical methods might have better success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives: To investigate the experience of gerotranscendence among older people in community in Korea and the factors that influence their experience. Background: While the literature provides estimates of how many older people are affected by negative aspects of ageing, it is not known to what extent and why some older people experience gerotranscendence, despite the challenges they encounter throughout their lifetime. Design: A cross‐sectional survey. Methods: A 55‐item questionnaire was distributed to 109 older people between March and June 2017. Univariable and multivariable linear regressions were conducted on the four question group sum scores to identify factors associated with gerotranscendence. Results: Older people aged 65–93 who live in a community in Korea reported the experience of gerotranscendence. Age and religion showed a statistically significant association with gerotranscendence. Religiosity showed a statistically significant association with beliefs about death and dying. Age and beliefs about death and dying have significant relationship with the experience of gerotranscendence. Conclusions: Older people who have more positive views about death and dying are more likely to experience gerotranscendence. The study results provide nurses and other healthcare professionals with new understandings and insights about the factors potentially related to positive ageing process. Implications for practice: It is essential for nurses to investigate their own beliefs about death and dying, and their understanding of gerotranscendence which will contribute to developing education programs and practice guidelines as an essential part of promoting gerotranscendence and positive ageing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The school environment has the potential to influence student body mass index (BMI) through programs and policies. Our objective was to examine the effect of modifying obesity‐related school policies and programs on youths' BMI trajectories. METHODS: Obesity‐related school policies and programs related to physical activity and healthy eating were collected from 41 schools across Ontario at baseline (2012‐2013) and year 2 (2013‐2014) of the COMPASS study. Self‐reported height and weight were collected from the 4951 grades 9 and 10 students who attended those schools for 3 years. Linear mixed effects regression models examined the effect of modifying obesity‐related school policies and programs on youths' BMI trajectories. RESULTS: Between Y1 and Y2, 26 of the 41 schools implemented distinct new obesity‐related programs or policies related to physical activity or healthy eating. Five of the interventions were associated with BMI trajectories of students attending those schools compared to students attending a pooled sample of control schools, predicting a higher BMI trajectory. CONCLUSIONS: Isolated programs and policies may not successfully improve youths' BMI trajectories. Further research is required to test the implementation of policies and programs that follow a comprehensive school health (CSH) approach, targeting BMI and associated behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experts and professional organizations in the U.S. have issued recommendations that health care providers (HCPs) should screen women for intimate partner violence (IPV) and sexual violence (SV). Despite the high rates of IPV and SV experienced by female college students, investigators have found that providers are not screening for IPV and SV in college health centers. In this study, a cross‐sectional survey design was utilized to: (a) examine college HCPs' reports of IPV/SV screening behaviors and (b) identify the individual‐level and organization‐level structure and process characteristics that promote or inhibit IPV/SV screening. A total of 773 college HCPs (physicians, nurse practitioners, and registered nurses) were invited to participate in the study using two separate sampling frames. The final sample included 210 college HCPs. Providers reported low rates of IPV/SV screening (median = 20%). Screening rates varied by provider type with nurse practitioners reporting the highest screening rates. Urban location was associated with a three and one‐half times greater likelihood of IPV/SV screening. Use of an electronic health record that included a prompt to screen was associated with a three‐fold increase in the likelihood that HCPs would screen for IPV/SV. Further study is needed to better understand how organizational factors influence providers' screening behaviors in college health centers and how these influences are mediated. Future studies should include larger and more diverse samples of colleges and examine geographical variations in screening practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To determine whether general healthcare providers and adult psychiatrists recognized binge eating disorder (BED) symptoms and features. The aims were to examine how they delineated the core criteria of BED—eating a large amount of food and sense of loss of control over eating—and how their evaluations compared to ratings by BED experts. Design: This is a cross‐sectional study of a nationwide U.S. sample of healthcare providers and a convenience sample of BED experts. Methods: Providers were mailed surveys that asked respondents about their perceptions of a large amount of food and whether they thought case vignettes met thresholds for loss of control. Participants were also asked to select BED diagnostic criteria from a symptom list. Results were analyzed using one‐way analyses of variance with post‐hoc comparisons and chi‐squared tests. Findings: The survey was completed by 405 healthcare providers (response rate of 28.4%). Ratings of a large amount of food did not differ between BED experts and general healthcare providers (p =.10) or psychiatrists (p =.90). Provider groups did not differ significantly on whether five of the six vignettes met thresholds for loss of control (p >.05). Of the respondents, 93.0% of general healthcare providers and 88.6% of psychiatrists could not correctly identify the diagnostic criteria for BED. Conclusions: Across provider groups, demarcation of a large amount of food and loss of control over eating were relatively consistent. However, general healthcare providers and psychiatrists were not able to correctly identify BED symptoms. Clinical Relevance: Training and education are greatly needed to improve knowledge of the diagnostic criteria for BED. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To dentify the predictors of the quality of life (QOL) of infertile men who are undergoing infertility treatments in Japan and to create a QOL prediction model, with the main variables aimed at providing more adequate support to male patients. Methods: This cross‐sectional study used the quantitative data that were collected from 321 returned self‐report questionnaires that had been distributed to the men of 411 couples who were undergoing fertility treatment. The following four scales were used to measure the main outcomes: FertiQoL, psychological distress, spousal support, and workplace support. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, multiple regression analyses, and structural equation modeling. Results: The number of returned questionnaires was 321 (78.1%). The QOL that was measured by FertiQoL was significantly lower in those men who were diagnosed with male factor infertility than in the other male patients. The two significant predictors of QOL were: spousal support and the infertility period. The structural equation modeling revealed that the same factors were related to QOL. Conclusions: Male factor infertility, less spousal support, and a longer period of infertility were associated with a poorer QOL of those men who were undergoing infertility treatment. These results suggest that focusing on infertility causes, the length of the infertility period, and the couples' partnership during treatment is needed to provide full support to men who have been diagnosed with infertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Information on the distribution and predictors of obesity in Africa is needed to identify populations at risk and explore intervention options. Our objectives were to (a) examine the prevalence and geographic distribution of overweight and obesity among Cameroonian women; (b) evaluate change in anthropometric indicators among urban women between 2009 and 2012; (c) examine associations between household and individual characteristics and overweight and obesity; and (d) examine relationships between body mass index (BMI), abdominal obesity, and inflammation. We analysed data from a nationally representative survey conducted in 3 geographic strata (North, South, and Yaoundé/Douala) in Cameroon in 2009 and a survey in Yaoundé/Douala in 2012. Participants selected for this analysis were nonpregnant women, ages 15–49 years (n = 704 in 2009; n = 243 in 2012). In 2009, ~8% of women were underweight (BMI < 18.5) and 32% overweight or obese (BMI ≥ 25.0). Underweight was most common in the North (19%) and overweight and obesity in the South (40%) and Yaoundé/Douala (49%). Prevalence of BMI ≥ 25.0 in Yaoundé/Douala did not differ in 2012 compared with 2009 (55.5% vs. 48.7%; P = 0.16). Residence in urban areas, greater maternal age, and TV ownership were independently related to overweight and obesity in national and stratified analyses. In Yaoundé/Douala in 2012, 48% (waist‐to‐hip ratio > 0.85) to 73% (waist circumference > 80 cm) had abdominal obesity. Body mass index was positively associated with abdominal obesity and inflammation. Though causal inferences cannot be drawn, these findings indicate population subgroups at greatest risk for overweight and associated health consequences in Cameroon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: To model condom usage by jail‐incarcerated women incarcerated in US local jails and understand results in terms of fundamental cause theory. Design, Sample, Measurements: We surveyed 102 women in an urban jail in the Midwest United States. Chi‐square tests and generalized linear modeling were used to identify factors of significance for women who used condoms during last sex compared with women who did not. Stepwise multiple logistic regression was conducted to estimate the relation between the outcome variable and variables linked to condom use in the literature. Results: Logistic regression showed that for women who completed high school odds of reporting condom use during last sex were 2.78 times higher (p = .043) than the odds for women with less than a high school education. Among women who responded no to ever having had a sexually transmitted infection, odds of using a condom during last sex were 2.597 times (p = .03) higher than odds for women who responded that they had had a sexually transmitted infection. Conclusions: Education is a fundamental cause of reproductive health risk among incarcerated women. We recommend interventions that creatively target distal over proximal factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study's rationale: The significance of care robotics has been highlighted in recent years. Aims and objective: The article examines the adoption of care robots in home care settings, and in particular Finnish home care personnel's attitudes towards robots. The study compares the importance of the Negative Attitudes towards Robots Scale advanced by Nomura and specific positive attitudes related to the usefulness of care robots for different tasks in the home care. Methodological design: A cross‐sectional study conducted by questionnaire. The research data were gathered from a survey of Finnish home care personnel (n = 200). Research methods: Exploratory factor analysis, Pearson's correlation coefficient and linear regression analysis. Measures: The Negative Attitudes towards Robots Scale (NARS), by Nomura, with a specific behavioural intention scale based on Ajzen's theory of planned behaviour, and a measure of positive attitudes towards the usefulness of care robots for different tasks in home care and the promotion of independent living of older persons. Results: The study shows that NARS helps to explain psychological resistance related to the introduction of care robots, although the scale is susceptible to cultural differences. Care personnel's behavioural intentions related to the introduction of robot applications are influenced also by the perception of the usefulness of care robots. Study limitations: The study is based only on a Finnish sample, and the response rate of the study was relatively small (18.2%), which limits the generalisability of the results. Conclusions: The study shows that the examination of home care personnel's attitudes towards robots is not justified to focus only on one aspect, but a better explanation is achieved by combining the perspectives of societal attitudes, attitudes related to psychological reactions and the practical care and promotion of the independent living of older people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Identifying risk and protective factors for language development informs interventions for children with developmental language disorder (DLD). Maternal responsive and intrusive communicative behaviours are associated with language development. Mother–child interaction quality may influence how children use these behaviours in language learning. Aims: To identify (1) communicative behaviours and interaction quality associated with language outcomes; (2) whether the association between a maternal intrusive behaviour (directive) and child language scores changed alongside a maternal responsive behaviour (expansion); and (3) whether interaction quality modified these associations. Methods & Procedures: Language skills were assessed at 24, 36 and 48 months in 197 community‐recruited children who were slow to talk at 18 months. Mothers and 24‐month‐olds were video‐recorded playing at home. Maternal praise, missed opportunities, and successful and unsuccessful directives (i.e., whether followed by the child) were coded during a 10‐min segment. Interaction quality was rated using a seven‐point fluency and connectedness (FC) scale, during a 5‐min segment. Linear regressions examined associations between these behaviours/rating and language scores. Interaction analysis and simple slopes explored effect modification by FC. Outcomes & Results: There was no evidence that missed opportunities or praise were associated with language scores. Higher rates of successful directives in the unadjusted model and unsuccessful directives in the adjusted model were associated with lower 24‐month‐old receptive language scores (e.g., unsuccessful directives effect size (ES) = −0.41). The association between unsuccessful directives and receptive language was weaker when adjusting for co‐occurring expansions (ES = −0.34). Both types of directives were associated with poorer receptive and expressive language scores in adjusted models at 36 and 48 months (e.g., unsuccessful directive and 48‐month receptive language, ES = −0.66). FC was positively associated with 24‐, 36‐ and 48‐month language scores in adjusted models (e.g., receptive language at 24 months, ES = 0.21, at 48 months, ES = 0.18). Interaction analysis showed the negative association between successful directives and 24‐month receptive language existed primarily in poorly connected dyads with low FC levels. Conclusions & Implications: These findings illustrate the effects of the combined interaction between different maternal communicative behaviours and features of the interaction itself on child language development, and the need to consider both in research and practice. Whilst more intrusive directives were associated with poorer language scores, this association attenuated when adjusting for co‐occurring responsive expansions, and the association was strongest for children in lower quality interactions. This work may inform clinical practice by helping clinicians target the most appropriate communicative behaviours for specific mother–child dyads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background While the impact of burnout on organisational commitment has been widely observed, its impact on nursing professional commitment has not previously been investigated. The literature has clarified that professional commitment has three distinct components: affective, continuance and normative. Aims This study aims to investigate the relationships between burnout and the three components of nursing professional commitment. Methods This was a cross-sectional study using questionnaires to collect data in one large medical centre. Responses from 571 nurses were used for regression analysis. Among the sampled nurses, 90.9% had <15 years of nursing experience. MBI- HSS was used for measuring burnout. Three components of nursing professional commitment came from Meyer et al. (J Appl Psychol, 78, 1993 and 538) a formally validated instrument. Results Analytical results indicated that burnout is negatively related to affective and normative professional commitment (B ≤ −0.09, p < 0.01), but not related to continuance professional commitment (B = 0.05, p > 0.05). Linking evidence to action Nurse managers aiming to improve nurses' professional commitment should consider reducing nurses' burnout, for example improving nursing optimism and reducing administrative tasks, as suggested by the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To establish how the terms recommended by the European Commission to describe side-effect risk in patient information leaflets ( PILs) influences expectations of side-effects and to identify factors associated with these side-effect expectations. Design A cross-sectional online survey was carried out by a market research company. Setting Data were collected in England between 18th March and 1st April 2016. Participants A total of 1003 adults aged between 18 and 65. Main outcome measures: Self-reported expectation that the described side-effects would affect participants if they took the medicine, measured on a likelihood scale from 1 (very unlikely) to 5 (very likely). Results Participants formed high expectations of side-effects for 'very common' and 'common' side-effects, with 51.9% and 45.0% of participants rating these as 'very likely' or 'likely' to happen to them, respectively. This fell to 8.1% for 'uncommon,' 5.8% for 'rare' and 4.1% for 'very rare.' For each descriptor, higher expectations of side-effects were more associated with women or being from an ethnic minority, or having less education, a household illness, high perceived sensitivity to medicines or negative beliefs about medicines. Discussion The current use of verbal descriptors to communicate side-effect risk in PILs leads to high side-effect expectations. These expectations could contribute to nocebo-induced medication side-effects experienced by patients. Additional work is required to identify ways to improve the way risk information is conveyed in PILs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND Teen pregnancy rates and related risks remain elevated among Latino teens. We tested the impact on youth sexual behaviors of a brief, culturally targeted, bilingual media intervention designed for parents of young adolescents. METHODS Salud y éxito ( Health & Success) uses dramatic audio stories to model positive parenting practices. After completing classroom surveys, 27 urban schools in the Northeast and Southwest serving low-income Latino communities were randomized so that all families of seventh grade students were sent either: (1) booklets on healthy eating and exercise; (2) Salud-50, where families either received booklets or the intervention, or (3) Salud-100, where all families received the intervention. Postintervention follow-up surveys were conducted at 3- and 12-months. Multilevel analyses tested intervention effects, controlling for sociodemographics. RESULTS Compared with controls, at 12-months postintervention (8th grade spring), youth in Salud-100 report lower sexual risks (touching, AOR 1.46, CI 1.19-0.84, p < .001; lifetime sex ( AOR 0.74, CI 0.61-0.90, p < .01); and sex intentions ( AOR 0.78, CI 0.63-0.96, p < .05). Consistent with a dose-response, Salud-50 results are between those from Salud-100 and control schools. CONCLUSIONS Salud y éxito is an effective parenting intervention that can augment school-based health and sexuality education and help Latino parents support their children during early adolescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seventy percent of Mexican households experience some level of food insecurity (FI). Studies have shown positive associations between FI and poor dietary quality. As far as it is known, this is the first time the Healthy Eating Index (HEI-2010) has been used to assess dietary quality of children and adolescents in Mexico, and to examine if FI is related to it. The objective of this research is to assess dietary quality and its association with FI among Mexican children and adolescents from a nationally representative cross-sectional sample. We analyzed data from 4635 2-19-year-old Mexican children and adolescents participating in the Mexican National Health and Nutrition Survey (Ensanut 2012). FI was measured using the Latin American and Caribbean Household Food Security Scale (ELCSA) and dietary quality with the HEI-2010. We examined the association between FI and dietary quality using multivariate linear regressions. Dietary quality was worst as FI became more severe among children and adolescents compared with their counterparts living in households with food security. Specifically, FI had a negative association with fruits, vegetables, and protein foods, and a positive association with refined grains consumption. Dairy intake was negatively associated with FI among older children and adolescents. Added sugars were not associated with FI, but intake was excessive across the population at 15% of total daily energy intake. Decreasing FI may help improve dietary quality of Mexican children and adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND We examined the body mass index ( BMI) of students attending Seventh-day Adventist (Adventist) schools in Australia in 2001 and 2012. METHODS A total of 3069 students attending Adventist schools in Australia responded to a health and lifestyle survey in 2001 (N = 1335) and 2012 (N = 1734). The survey captured self-reported height and weight, demographics (age, sex, year level, religion), and select health behaviors. RESULTS Compared with national norms, lower rates of overweight and obesity were observed in the study cohort, but higher rates of underweight. There was no change in the mean BMI of the students attending Adventist schools in Australia from 2001 to 2012. Regression analyses indicated that a lower BMI was associated with age, sex, more regularly eating breakfast, consuming less soft drink, and having a regular exercise program. The students reported a high consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains compared with Australian national norms, and 29% claimed to be vegetarian. CONCLUSIONS Students attending Adventist schools appear to have a lower prevalence of overweight and obesity than the secular population, but a higher prevalence of underweight. The mechanisms through which Adventist schools may influence student's BMI warrants further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims To consider the global provision of self-management diabetes education and training for healthcare professionals using data from the second Diabetes Attitudes, Wishes and Needs ( DAWN2) study. Methods A total of 4785 healthcare professionals caring for people with diabetes were surveyed in 17 countries to assess diabetes healthcare provision, self-management support and training. Results Of the healthcare professionals surveyed, 33.5% received formal postgraduate training in self-management (19.3-51.4% across countries) and 62.9% received training for medical management of diabetes (47.6-70.6% variation). Training in psychological management was low (19.1%), ranging from 3.6 to 36.5%, while 20.4% (a range of 3.6-36.4% across countries) had received no postgraduate training. Overall, the greatest training need was in the management of psychological aspects of diabetes (59.5%). For some, training in a domain was positively associated with a perceived need for further training. Communication skills, for example, listening (76.9%) and encouraging questions (76.1%), were the skills most widely used. Discussion of emotional issues was limited; 31-60% of healthcare professionals across the different countries reported that this only occurred if initiated by patients. Approximately two-thirds of participants reported a need for major improvements in emotional/psychological support, but few had received training in this area, with consistent findings across professional affiliations. Conclusions The present study shows that healthcare professionals report being insufficiently equipped to provide diabetes self-management education, including emotional and psychological aspects of diabetes, and many are not receiving postgraduate training in any part (including medical care) of the management of diabetes. It is paramount that those responsible for the continuing professional development of healthcare professionals address this skills gap. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The findings on the relationship between job demands and job performance have been inconsistent in previous studies. Drawing on social exchange theory, we examined the moderating effect of job security on the job demands -job performance relationship. Three studies with cross-sectional and time-lagged designs were conducted. The results of Studies 1 and 2 consistently demonstrated that job demands significantly improved employee performance in the context of higher job security, whereas job demands impaired performance to some extent when job security was lower. Study 3 replicated these findings and also showed that the positive moderating effect was stronger for employees with lower rather than higher levels of traditionality. The importance of job security to improving employees' performance in stressful workplaces was affirmed. These findings contribute to theories linking job demands to job performance and have practical implications for managers in high-stress environments, especially in developing countries. Practitioner points Job demands may lead to good performance when employees' job security is high., Appropriate human resource practices should promise employees' perceived job security rather than only reducing job demands., Employers should pay more attention to maintaining the social exchange relationships with employees having lower traditional values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Research in psychiatric outpatient and inpatient populations supports the utility of the Suicide Cognitions Scale (SCS) as an indicator of current and future risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Designed to assess suicide-specific thoughts and beliefs, the SCS has yet to be evaluated among chronic pain patients, a group with elevated risk for suicide. The purpose of the present study was to develop and test a shortened version of the SCS (the SCS-S). Study Design A total of 228 chronic pain patients completed a battery of self-report surveys before or after a scheduled appointment. Setting Three outpatient medical clinics (pain medicine, orofacial pain, and clinical health psychology). Methods Confirmatory factor analysis, multivariate regression, and graded item response theory model analyses. Results Results of the CFAs suggested that a 3-factor solution was optimal. A shortened 9-item scale was identified based on the results of graded item response theory model analyses. Correlation and multivariate analyses supported the construct and incremental validity of the SCS-S. Conclusions Results support the reliability and validity of the SCS-S among chronic pain patients, and suggest the scale may be a useful method for identifying high-risk patients in medical settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early urinary catheter removal from patients cared for in their own home is often difficult because of incontinence and care burdens, resulting in long duration of catheterization. Urinary tract infection and catheter blockage are major complications associated with long‐term catheterization. Preventing these complications is important for patients who require long‐term catheterization in their own home. This study aimed to examine the occurrence characteristics of urinary catheter blockage and to identify the causative factors of catheter blockage in patients cared for in their own home requiring long‐term urinary catheterization. The study targeted 154 patients cared for in their own home requiring long‐term urinary catheterization. Patient data were collected by questionnaire by the nurse manager. Catheter blockage occurred in 33·8% of patients requiring long‐term catheterization within the first 6 months, and the mean frequency in these patients was 3·0, indicating that catheter blockage occurs repeatedly. The following management factors significantly correlated with the frequency of catheter blockage: ‘check urine volume’, ‘check for flexion and distortion of the catheter’ and ‘check urinary tract infection symptoms’ for catheter management by caregivers. Symptoms correlated with catheter blockage included ‘cloudiness of the urine’, ‘decreased urine volume’, ‘abdominal pain’ and ‘duration of catheterization’. In the future, we would like to prepare the protocol to help visiting nurses improve their abilities to manage catheter blockage in patients requiring long‐term catheterization, by incorporating the findings from this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine whether self‐efficacy mediated the relationship between anger expression and interpersonal competency in South Korean nursing students. Background: Interpersonal competency allows nursing students to increase their self‐confidence in caring for patients. There is evidence of complex relationships between anger expression, self‐efficacy and interpersonal competency. Self‐efficacy could be considered a potential mediator in the association between anger expression and interpersonal competency in nursing students. However, few studies have investigated the mediatory role of self‐efficacy in this association. Methods: A descriptive, cross‐sectional study was conducted. In total, 207 Korean nursing students completed a structured questionnaire. Measurement tools included the State‐Trait Anger Expression Inventory, Self‐efficacy Scale and Interpersonal Competence Questionnaire. Findings: Significant correlations were observed between anger expression, self‐efficacy and interpersonal competency. Self‐efficacy exerted a partial mediatory effect on the relationships between interpersonal competency and anger‐in and anger‐control within the anger expression subscales. Conclusion: The study demonstrated that appropriate anger expression could result in enhanced interpersonal competency via an increase in self‐efficacy. Implications for nursing and health policy: The results concerning the mediatory role of self‐efficacy in the association between anger expression and interpersonal competency have provided new knowledge for nursing educators, managers and researchers, allowing them to support nursing students' interpersonal competency. Nursing schools should be required to evaluate students' anger expression patterns and to increase self‐efficacy when developing education programmes that provide interpersonal training for nursing students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In many low‐income countries, girls marry early and have children very soon after marriage. Although conveying infant and young child nutrition (IYCN) knowledge to adolescent girls in time is important to ensure the well‐being of their children, little is known about the best ways to convey these messages. This study examines the extent of, and sources from which adolescent girls derive IYCN knowledge in order to inform the design of programmes that convey such information. Data on adolescent girls aged 12–18 was collected in 2013 in 140 clusters of villages in rural areas (n = 436), and 70 clusters of slums in urban areas (n = 345) in Bangladesh. Data were analysed using multivariable Poisson regression models. In both the urban and rural samples, girls' schooling is positively and significantly associated with IYCN knowledge (P < 0.01 and P < 0.10, respectively). IYCN knowledge of adolescent girls' mothers is also associated with adolescents' IYCN knowledge in both urban and rural samples, but the magnitude of association in the urban sample is only half that of the rural sample (P < 0.01 and P < 0.10, respectively). In Bangladesh, efforts to improve knowledge regarding IYCN are typically focused on mothers of young children. Only some of this knowledge is passed onto adolescent girls living in the same household. As other messaging efforts directed towards mothers have only small, or no association with adolescent girls' knowledge of IYCN, improving adolescent girls' IYCN knowledge may require information and messaging specifically directed towards them. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To describe factors associated with incident dementia and dementia mortality over 5 years in a large community sample of elderly persons. Design Longitudinal investigation of a household multistage probability sample. Setting Eight contiguous states of the Yoruba-speaking region of Nigeria. Participants Individuals aged 65 and older (N = 2,149). Measurements Dementia was diagnosed using tools previously validated in the population. Incident cases of dementia over three follow-up waves were determined after censoring cases in the preceding wave. Information on mortality was collected from key informants in subjects' households. Results A dementia incident rate was found of 20.9 per 1,000 person-years (95% confidence interval ( CI) = 17.7-24.9). The adjusted mortality hazard for those with dementia was 1.5 (95% CI = 1.1-2.1). Along with previously identified social and demographic factors, poor predementia cognitive function (hazard ratio ( HR) = 1.8, 95% CI = 1.1-2.8) and low occupational complexity ( HR = 3.2, 95% CI = 1.3-8.0) were associated with incident dementia. Conclusion The findings confirm the low incidence of dementia in this population, as previously reported. The condition is nevertheless associated with higher risk of mortality. Along with some features of social disadvantage, proxies of lower cognitive reserve were risk factors for incident dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate if parental disapproval of alcohol use accounts for differences in adolescent alcohol use across regional and urban communities. Design Secondary data analysis of grade-level stratified data from a random sample of schools. Setting High schools in Victoria, Australia. Participants A random sample of 10 273 adolescents from Grade 7 (mean age = 12.51 years), 9 (14.46 years) and 11 (16.42 years). Main outcome measures The key independent variables were parental disapproval of adolescent alcohol use and regionality (regional/ urban), and the dependent variable was past 30 days alcohol use. Results After adjusting for potential confounders, adolescents in regional areas were more likely to use alcohol in the past 30 days ( OR = 1.83, 1.44 and 1.37 for Grades 7, 9 and 11, respectively, P < 0.05), and their parents have a lower level of disapproval of their alcohol use ( b = −0.12, −0.15 and −0.19 for Grades 7, 9 and 11, respectively, P < 0.001). Bootstrapping analyses suggested that 8.37%, 23.30% and 39.22% of the effect of regionality on adolescent alcohol use was mediated by parental disapproval of alcohol use for Grades 7, 9 and 11 participants respectively ( P < 0.05). Conclusions Adolescents in urban areas had a lower risk of alcohol use compared with their regional counterparts, and differences in parental disapproval of alcohol use contributed to this difference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The youngest children in an academic year are reported to be educationally disadvantaged and overrepresented in referrals to clinical services. In this study we investigate for the first time whether these disadvantages are indicative of a mismatch between language competence at school entry and the academic demands of the classroom. Methods We recruited a population sample of 7,267 children aged 4 years 9 months to 5 years 10 months attending state-maintained reception classrooms in Surrey, England. Teacher ratings on the Children's Communication Checklist-Short ( CCC-S), a measure of language competence, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire-Total Difficulties Score ( SDQ), a measure of behavioural problems, and the Early Years Foundation Stage Profile ( EYFSP), a measure of academic attainment, were obtained at the end of the reception year. Results The youngest children were rated by teachers as having more language deficits, behaviour problems, and poorer academic progress at the end of the school year. Language deficits were highly associated with behaviour problems; adjusted odds ratio 8.70, 95% CI [7.25-10.45]. Only 4.8% of children with teacher-rated language deficits and 1.3% of those with co-occurring language and behaviour difficulties obtained a 'Good Level of Development' on the EYFSP. While age predicted unique variance in academic attainment (1%), language competence was the largest associate of academic achievement (19%). Conclusion The youngest children starting school have relatively immature language and behaviour skills and many are not yet ready to meet the academic and social demands of the classroom. At a population level, developing oral language skills and/or ensuring academic targets reflect developmental capacity could substantially reduce the numbers of children requiring specialist clinical services in later years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The post‐partum period is a stressful time of change, particularly for immigrant women, but, to the best of the present authors' knowledge, the subject has not been explored. This study aimed to examine immigrant women's post‐partum stress, depression, and levels of social support, and to determine the predictors of post‐partum stress for Vietnamese immigrant women in Taiwan. Methods: A cross‐sectional design was used. In this descriptive survey, 208 Vietnamese immigrant women were telephone interviewed by a trained Vietnamese research assistant during one of their 6 weeks post‐partum. Data were collected through telephone interviews using three questionnaires, including the Hung Postpartum Stress Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, and Social Support Scale. Results: The result shows that Vietnamese women had low level post‐partum stress scores. Participants' family support rated higher than friend support. The incidence of depression was 0.5%. Social support, number of post‐partum days, and family income were found to be predictors for post‐partum stress, accounting for 26.6% of the variance. The Vietnamese immigrant women experienced significant stress regarding their maternal roles and received most of their support from their families rather than from friends. Conclusion: Nurses caring for this cohort should therefore consider these factors in order to help them cope with their post‐partum stress. Healthcare providers should offer available resources to these immigrant women and their spouses during this critical period in their lives. For instance, antenatal education classes could be provided to help immigrant women manage and overcome post‐partum issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to design, implement and evaluate an intervention based on the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) to enhance young peoples' motivations to breastfeed/support a partner to breastfeed. Six semi‐structured focus groups were first conducted with 48 13–14‐year‐olds from two schools in Northern Ireland. The salient beliefs elicited were subsequently used to design a TPB‐based questionnaire that was then administered to 2021 13–14‐year‐old pupils (852 males; 1169 females) from 36 post‐primary schools to identify the most important determinants of breastfeeding. The results were used to inform the design and implementation of an intervention package that was subsequently evaluated using a cluster randomised controlled trial involving 44 randomly selected schools across Northern Ireland. Questionnaires were administered to 18 intervention and 26 control schools at baseline and again at 1 and 6 months post‐intervention to evaluate its effectiveness. Multi‐level modelling was employed to analyse the data. The results revealed significant effects on women's intention to breastfeed, β = 0.208, t(1275) = 2.715, P = 0.007; attitudes, β = 0.223, t(1275) = 4.655, P < 0.001; moral attitudes, β = 0.231, t(1275) = 4.211, P < 0.001; subjective norm, β = 0.118, t(1275) = 2.521, P = 0.012; and knowledge, β = 0.109, d.f. (1275) = 7.843, P < 0.001. However, for men, the results revealed significant effects on only the construct of knowledge, β = 0.104, t(541) = 4.345, P < 0.001.The research has provided evidence to support the need for breastfeeding education in schools and has shown how a theoretical framework may be used to inform the design and evaluation of a health behaviour intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To determine associations between use of three different modes of social contact (in person, telephone, written or e-mail), contact with different types of people, and risk of depressive symptoms in a nationally representative, longitudinal sample of older adults. Design Population-based observational cohort. Setting Urban and suburban communities throughout the contiguous United States. Participants Individuals aged 50 and older who participated in the Health and Retirement Survey between 2004 and 2010 (N = 11,065). Measurements Frequency of participant use of the three modes of social contact with children, other family members, and friends at baseline were used to predict depressive symptoms (measured using the eight-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale) 2 years later using multivariable logistic regression models. Results Probability of having depressive symptoms steadily increased as frequency of in-person-but not telephone or written or e-mail contact-decreased. After controlling for demographic, clinical, and social variables, individuals with in-person social contact every few months or less with children, other family, and friends had a significantly higher probability of clinically significant depressive symptoms 2 years later (11.5%) than those having in-person contact once or twice per month (8.1%; P < .001) or once or twice per week (7.3%; P < .001). Older age, interpersonal conflict, and depression at baseline moderated some of the effects of social contact on depressive symptoms. Conclusion Frequency of in-person social contact with friends and family independently predicts risk of subsequent depression in older adults. Clinicians should consider encouraging face-to-face social interactions as a preventive strategy for depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Urinary incontinence is a major health problem among middle‐aged women. Pelvic muscle exercise is one of the primary interventions, but difficulty performing this exercise has led researchers to seek alternative or conjunctive exercise. This study aimed to examine the effect of a combined pelvic muscle exercise and yoga intervention program on urinary incontinence. Methods: A single group pre‐/post‐test design was used. Subjects were recruited from a community health center in Seoul, Korea, and a questionnaire survey was conducted. Fifty‐five women participated in the first day of the program, 34 of whom completed the 8 week, twice weekly intervention program. Urinary incontinence was measured by five domains of urinary tract symptoms: filling factor, voiding factor, incontinence factor, sexual function, and quality of life. Also measured were attitude toward pelvic muscle exercise and pelvic muscle strength. Results: Significant improvements were found in attitude toward pelvic muscle exercise, pelvic muscle strength, and incontinence factor. Daily performance of pelvic muscle exercise was positively correlated with improved incontinence factor and with quality of life related to urinary tract symptoms. Conclusion: A combined pelvic muscle exercise and yoga program was effective for improving overall urinary incontinence in community health center attendees in Korea. Further study is needed with a control group, different populations, and a longer intervention period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND Schools are increasingly being called upon to address cyberbullying and its consequences. This study compares cyberbullying and school bullying trends and examines help-seeking among cyberbullying victims. METHODS We analyzed self-report data over 4 surveys (2006-2012) from more than 16,000 students in 17 MetroWest Boston high schools. Using generalized estimating equations, we examined school and cyberbullying victimization trends by sex, grade, and sexual orientation. RESULTS From 2006 to 2012, cyberbullying increased from 15% to 21% (p < .001). In 2006, school bullying was 1.7 times higher than cyberbullying (26% versus 15%); by 2012, school bullying and cyberbullying were similar (23% versus 21%). Cyberbullying increased more among girls (17% to 27%; p < .001) than boys (12% to 15%; p < .001). There was no net increase in school bullying among girls (26% in 2006 and 2012) and a decrease among boys (25% to 18%; p < .001). Sexual minorities were more likely than heterosexuals to be bullied at school and online at every survey. Only 33% of cyberbullying victims told an adult; more victims told parents/non-school adults (29%) than school adults (17%). CONCLUSIONS Despite decreases in school bullying, cyberbullying rose steadily, particularly among girls. Increased attention to sociodemographic differences in bullying could promote help-seeking and positive online behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective Potentially significant associations between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and periodontitis have been reported in recent studies; however, there are limited data on their association in the very old. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the association between MetS and periodontitis among 80-year-old Japanese subjects. Material and Methods The subjects were 234 Japanese aged 80 years old who participated in a health and periodontal examination in June 2008 in Niigata city, Japan, and were classified into three groups: (i) severe periodontitis: having six or more interproximal sites with clinical attachment level ≥ 6 mm and three or more interproximal sites with probing pocket depth ( PPD) ≥ 5 mm (not on the same tooth) ( n = 19); (ii) moderate periodontitis: having six or more interproximal sites with clinical attachment level ≥ 4 mm or six or more interproximal sites with PPD ≥ 5 mm (not on the same tooth) ( n = 162); and (iii) no or mild periodontitis: neither 'moderate' nor 'severe' periodontitis ( n = 53). MetS was defined using the modified criteria of the guidelines for the diagnosis of MetS in Japan. An ordinal logistic regression model was used to evaluate the association between MetS and periodontitis. Adjustments for gender, income, education, smoking status, dental visiting patterns, brushing frequency, exercise habits and dietary energy and food intake were considered. Results Overall, 57 individuals (24.4%) were diagnosed as having MetS. MetS was associated with the presence and severity of periodontitis (crude odds ratio = 2.24, 95% confidence interval = 1.14-4.41). This association remained statistically significant after multivariate adjustments (adjusted odds ratio = 2.10, 95% confidence interval = 1.03-4.28). Conclusion Our findings provide evidence of an association between MetS and periodontitis in elderly Japanese. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]