Search

Reasonably allocating medical resources can effsectively optimize the utilization efficiency of such resources. This paper took Taiyuan City as an example and established a model to evaluate the rationality of medical resource spatial allocation, incorporating two key dimensions: the spatial layout and the supply and demand of medical resources. In terms of the spatial layout, three indexes were included: Firstly, the service coverage rates of different levels of medical institutions, based on residents' medical orientations, were calculated using network analysis methods. Secondly, the Huff-2SFCA method was improved to calculate the accessibility of medical resources for four different modes of transportation. Then, the Health Resource Agglomeration Degree (HRAD) and Population Agglomeration Degree (PAD) were used to quantify the equity of medical resources. In terms of the supply and demand of medical resources, one index was included: the supply–demand ratio of medical resources during sudden public health events, which was calculated using the number of beds per thousand people as an indicator. These four indexes were weighted using the entropy weight method to obtain the rationality grade of medical resource spatial allocation in Taiyuan City. The study found that the rationality evaluation level of medical resource allocation in the central urban area of Taiyuan City followed a "concentrically decreasing" pattern. The rating ranged from "very reasonable" to "less reasonable", with the area of each level expanding gradually. The areas rated within the top two categories only accounted for 19.92% of the study area, while the area rated as "less reasonable" occupied 38.73% of the total area. These results indicate that the model accounted for residents' travel for various medical orientations and the availability of resources during public health emergencies. It considered both the spatial layout and supply and demand of medical resources, offering recommendations for the precise allocation of urban medical resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of the deepening of population aging and the trial implementation of a progressive retirement delay policy in China, understanding the relationship between the labor force participation and health status of the elderly will not only enrich relevant research but also help the elderly better achieve their goals of active aging and aging. Using the 2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, this paper first established multiple linear regression models to analyze the impact of labor force participation on the health status of elderly people in China and then established simultaneous equation models using households living on minimum living allowances and the community average of labor participation as instrumental variables to deal with the endogeneity caused by two-way causality. The findings confirmed significant positive correlations between labor force participation and physical and mental health, while caring for grandchildren and participating in social activities were found to be negatively moderated the relationship between labor force participation and the physical and mental health of older adults. The impact of labor force participation on the physical health status of older men and the mental health status of older women may be greater. In addition, labor force participation may have a greater impact on the physical health of the rural elderly, and its impact on mental health was not found to be statistically significant between urban and rural areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving physical, mental and cognitive health is a strategic choice to help developing countries cross the middle-income trap. This paper used data from the 2019 China Rural Children Health and Nutrition Survey (n = 826), and used the Ordered Probit (Oprobit), Logit and ordinary least squares (OLS) analytical methods to systematically analyze the implications of parental migration on multidimensional health. The results indicate that parental migration significantly harms the physical and mental health of rural children, and that mobile phone addiction has a significant moderating effect. Moreover, parental migration has a greater impact on the physical health, mental health and cognitive ability of boys and rural children with low family income, while parents with higher nutrition knowledge and education can effectively improve the physical health and cognitive ability of their children. In conclusion, in order to improve the multidimensional health of rural children, the government should strengthen the policy of care and support for children whose parents migrate. Schools and families should pay attention to the supervision of rural children's mobile phone addiction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To actively respond to the challenges posed by population aging, people are paying more and more attention to healthy behavioral lifestyles, and the impact of social capital as an informal system on health behaviors cannot be ignored. This paper explores the impact of social capital on health behaviors of middle-aged and older adults based on 2020 CHARLS data. Using binary logistic regression models, we discussed the association between social capital and five health behaviors. The results suggest that structural social capital significantly increases physical activity and physical examination behaviors among middle-aged and older adults but also decreases the probability of abstinence behaviors. Cognitive social capital increases the probability that middle-aged and older adults will have a reasonable amount of sleep and physical activity. However, it also decreases the probability that smoking cessation behaviors will occur. Further attention needs to be paid to the role of social capital, the creation of a harmonious social environment and the enhancement of social trust, the strengthening of communities and grass-roots social organizations, and the provision of more platforms for the participation of middle-aged and older adults in social activities, to improve the quality of the healthy lives of middle-aged and older adults and, in turn, to promote the establishment of healthy behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In China, the promotion of sexuality education for children and adolescents is hindered by a relatively conservative culture and insufficient drive from the government. With the government and the market failing to deliver in this area, social organizations, such as the third sector, are playing an important role. This paper mainly discusses how Chinese social organizations promote sexuality education for children and adolescents on a large scale. This paper studied NW, the largest sexuality education support platform in China at present, and 16 frontline implementing organizations in its cooperation network. This research collects empirical data through participatory observation and semi-structured interviews, involving a total of 37 interviewees, plus relevant text data. The study follows the analytical method of process tracking, trying to extract the key mechanisms of how social organizations promote sexuality education from the processes demonstrated by the specific cases. This paper focuses on the key phases of a standardized sexuality education program, from its design to promotion and then to implementation. It is found that, based on the large-scale operation strategy, the operation process of the sexuality education program exhibited three core mechanisms: standardized program design, organizational cooperation network and administrative mobilization. These three mechanisms have become the key force to break through many of the cultural and institutional obstacles and achieve large-scale implementation of sexuality education. Finally, this paper discusses the challenges of operationalizing the sexuality education program, with compromised teaching quality as a major one, and points to the direction for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As urbanization accelerates in China, more and more rural elders are moving to cities to live with their children. However, they face challenges in overcoming cultural, social, and economic disparities and maintaining health in urban life, and health is important human capital that may have a significant impact on the urban adaptation of rural elderly migrants (REMs). Based on the 2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), this paper constructs an indicator system to measure the level of urban adaptation of REMs. The health level and urban adaptation of REMs are studied in depth, and how to better help them adapt to urban life in order to provide a healthy living environment and a good lifestyle is explored. The empirical analysis finds the following: (1) good health helps REMs achieve a better level of urban adaptation. (2) REMs with good health status are more likely to go to community clubs for activities and do physical activities and thus improve their urban adaptation level. (3) There are significant differences in the effects of health status on urban adaptation among REMs with different characteristics. REMs with better health status in the central and western regions have significantly higher levels of urban adaptation than those in the eastern regions, and men have higher levels of urban adaptation than women. Therefore, the government should construct classification measures according to the differentiated characteristics of rural elderly migrants' urban adaptation, and guide and support their stratified and orderly adaptation to urban society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is growing interest in the relationship between neighborhood social capital and the health of urban older people, but existing research still falls short in exploring the relationship between the two. Based on 2018 CHARLS data, this paper quantitatively examines the association between neighborhood social capital and the self-rated health of urban older people. The study found that, after controlling for a series of variables, both increased social interaction and increased frequency of social interaction significantly improved urban older people's self-rated health. To implement the Health China strategy and improve the health of urban older people, further attention should be paid to the role of neighborhood social capital, creating a harmonious environment for neighborhood interaction and promoting the cultivation of neighborhood social capital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eliminating poverty due to illness is an important way for China to pursue common prosperity. The high medical expenditure caused by the aging population has brought severe challenges to governments and families of all countries, especially in China, where the entire population has just been lifted out of poverty in 2020 and then hit by COVID-19. How to prevent the possible return of poor boundary families to poverty in China has become a difficult research topic. Based on the latest data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey, this paper discusses the poverty reduction effect of medical insurance on middle-aged and elderly families from the absolute index and relative index. Medical insurance had a poverty reduction effect on middle-aged and elderly families, especially the poor boundary families. For example, people who participated in medical insurance reduced their financial burden by 2.36% for middle-aged and older families compared to people who did not participate in medical insurance. Furthermore, the poverty reduction effect had heterogeneity in gender and age. This research brings some policy implications. For example, the government should give more protection to vulnerable groups such as the elderly and low-income families and improve the fairness and effectiveness of the medical insurance system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In public health research, the health issues of irregular and vulnerable migrant populations remain under-explored. In particular, while mainland China has become a new and popular job-seeking destination for Filipino domestic workers (FDWs), the health status of FDWs and their access to healthcare have been invisible to public and academic concerns. This paper fills this lacuna by conducting a qualitative study that investigates FDWs' self-reported health status and their healthcare-seeking behaviors. The results show that: (1) respondents do not report significant abusive and exploitative experience because the scarcity of FDWs in China in relation to the high demand enables them a certain degree of agency in labour market; (2) while FDWs do report some health problems, they tend to resort to self-medication and food-healing; (3) the main factors influencing health-seeking behavior include the fear of deportation, language gaps, the lack of knowledge of the local healthcare system and dependence on co-ethnic networks which serves as a double-edged sword; (4) these factors also lead to hesitation in health-seeking choice between public and private hospitals, which sometimes result in delayed treatment. This paper contributes to revealing the health conditions of FDWs in mainland China and calls for more inclusive health policy to enroll foreign domestic workers into the local health system in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the economy and society develop and the standard of living improves, people's health awareness increases and the demand for health information grows. This study introduces an advanced BERT-LDA model to conduct topic-sentiment analysis within online health communities. It examines nine primary categories of user information requirements: causes, symptoms and manifestations, examination and diagnosis, treatment, self-management and regulation, impact, prevention, social life, and knowledge acquisition. By analyzing the distribution of positive and negative sentiments across each topic, the correlation between various health information demands and emotional expressions is investigated. The model established in this paper integrates BERT's semantic comprehension with LDA's topic modeling capabilities, enhancing the accuracy of topic identification and sentiment analysis while providing a more comprehensive evaluation of user information demands. This research furthers our understanding of users' emotional reactions and presents valuable insights for delivering personalized health information in online communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the interrelationships among local government debt, fiscal decentralization, and public health. The investigation begins by constructing a theoretical model to analyze the inherent connections between these variables. Subsequently, an empirical analysis is conducted using data from China between 2015 and 2021. The findings demonstrate a bidirectional relationship between fiscal decentralization, local government debt, and public health. Specifically, it is observed that an increase in local government debt has adverse effects on both fiscal decentralization and public health, while fiscal decentralization has a positive impact on public health. These insights are consistently validated through rigorous regression methodologies, affirming the robustness and significance of these relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The purpose of this paper is to describe blood services in the Aba Tibetan and Qiang Regions, (hereinafter referred to as Aba Prefecture), a region of China's Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau, the third largest area of Tibet and the main inhabited area of the Qiang people. Design: We present a comprehensive investigation into blood donations, donors, screening and supply in the 13 counties of Aba Prefecture based on data from 2013 to 2018. Geography and population were also used to analyze the differences in blood services among different regions. Participants: The number of blood donors totaled 19,047. Results: Over the past 6 years, blood donations have increased by 29 and clinical blood usage by 45%. The blood donation rate was 3.4‰ and per capita blood use was 1.04 mL, both of which were significantly lower than the national average, and blood donation decreased with altitude. It should be noted that the donation rate of the Tibetan and Qiang peoples is much lower than that of the Han population. Moreover, the rejection rate of blood in laboratory testing was found to be higher than the national average, especially in counties located at higher altitudes. Conclusions: Blood donations and usage increased every year in Aba Prefecture, but blood shortage is still an important issue. In addition, the prevalence of transfusion–transmitted diseases is relatively high, which may be linked to lower-education and unfavorable geographical and medical conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the perception of risk associated with the presence of coronavirus in food purchased online and online vs. offline food shopping during the COVID-19 epidemic. The influence of COVID-19 status on risk perception was tested using the data collected from 742 consumers between December 2021 and January 2022. The empirical approach distinguished between the epidemic's status in a province (or region), city, and other areas of the country and applied the ordered logit technique. The regional and citywide epidemic increased the perception that online purchases carry the virus and are riskier than those made offline. Further examination showed that the regional/provincial epidemic created the perception that packaging or social media use were risk factors when purchasing food online. Heterogeneity analysis showed that risk perception was significantly higher in affected cities than in non-affected provinces or other provinces. Risk perception differed across five online food categories, with the highest levels for online-ordered meals and fresh products. Strengthening COVID-19 prevention and control in cities and the province, managing risk due to the handling of food purchased online, and government monitoring of social media use will lessen consumers' risk perceptions and encourage the use of online food offers during epidemics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regarding the problem of epidemic outbreak prevention and control, infectious disease dynamics models cannot support urban managers in reducing urban-scale healthcare costs through community-scale control measures, as they usually have difficulty meeting the requirements for simulation at different scales. In this paper, we propose combining contact networks at different spatial scales to study the COVID-19 outbreak in Shanghai from March to July 2022, calculate the initial R t through the number of cases at the beginning of the outbreak, and evaluate the effectiveness of dynamic non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) adopted at different time periods in Shanghai using our proposed approach. In particular, our proposed contact network is a three-layer multi-scale network that is used to distinguish social interactions occurring in areas of different sizes, as well as to distinguish between intensive and non-intensive population contacts. This susceptible–exposure–infection–quarantine–recovery (SEIQR) epidemic model constructed based on a multi-scale network can more effectively assess the feasibility of small-scale control measures, such as assessing community quarantine measures and mobility restrictions at different moments and phases of an epidemic. Our experimental results show that this model can meet the simulation needs at different scales, and our further discussion and analysis show that the spread of the epidemic in Shanghai from March to July 2022 can be successfully controlled by implementing a strict long-term dynamic NPI strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Online medical consultation (OMC) is generating considerable interest among researchers and practitioners due to the mandatory quarantine measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic in China. However, the acceptance rate of OMC has declined over time. This paper aims to empirically investigate OMC acceptance using a proposed research model by integrating the technology acceptance model (TAM) with trust and its antecedent variables. A quantitative self-administered cross-sectional survey was conducted to collect data from 260 healthcare consumers. A partial least squares structural equation modeling method was used to examine the data. Results revealed that healthcare consumers' behavioral intention was influenced by attitudes, while perceived usefulness and trust significantly influenced behavioral intention through attitude as a mediator. In addition, perceived risk, perceived privacy protection, network externalities, cognitive reputation, and interactivity directly influenced trust. Overall, the research model explained 50% of the variance in attitude and 71% of the variance in behavioral intention. The study's findings should provide useful insights into making effective design, development, and implementation decisions for OMC services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Online food delivery increases dramatically during the COVID-19 era and has grown into a global marketplace worth more than $150 billion dollars, necessitating a more effective and responsive governance system. Public-private governance systems with whistleblowing to the public are seen as an effective tool for addressing the formidable challenges of food security in modern society. Accordingly, this study aims to explore the determinants of whistleblowing intentions and to propose policy policies for the whistleblowing system to fully utilize the advantages of public-private governance systems. Through empirical research, this paper finds that employees' perceived effectiveness of government authorities, as well as their familiarity with whistleblowing systems, positively affect their intentions to blow the whistle. However, the whistleblowing intent of restaurant employees is adversely affected by the online platform's focus. The root cause lies in the employee's trust in both the government sector and corporate sector. This study thus argues that a suite of measures to promote individual trust in public-private governance systems is desired and that this is an effective means of better mitigating food safety governance challenges in terms of capacity and resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The publications on elbow pain (EP) in overhead sports are increasing. The results of previous studies mostly focus on the influence of EP in the ball game and throwing sports. Thus, a bibliometric analysis of these publications may show the direction of hot topics and future research trends. The purpose of this study is to identify the research trends on EP in overhead sports. For the methods, the first step is to use the main keywords of 'Elbow pain' and 'Overhead sport' merging auxiliary vocabulary to reach the relevant global publications between 1970 and 2022 in the Web of Science (WoS) database. The literature data set is imported into EndNote literature manager software to remove duplication. Secondly, the duplication-reduced articles are imported to an Excel sheet according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria of this study. In the third step, VOSviewer software is applied as the main analysis tool in extracting data for analysis from the articles. Then, the main research results for three aspects are obtained by VOSviewer software which extracted and analyzed the parameters of author name, article title, publication journal, keywords, organization, publication country/region, and the sum of times cited from 455 qualified papers. The study found that the United States of America made the most outstanding contribution to this theme study. The research on EP in overhead sports in China requires more attention from scholars. EP in swimming is a new research direction worthy of attention. In conclusion, the research results prove the growth trend of EP in overhead sports. The EP problem not only exists in the ball game and throwing sports but also swimming. Sport commercialization and the involvement of related professional sports organizations determine the degree of EP's attention in a specific sport and the development of solutions. The development of a region or country also affects the depth and scope of EP study. Clinical research development and in-depth exploration are one of the bases to solve EP problems. Non-clinical action is beneficial to EP patients, but it still needs to be explored and studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individuals' gender development is influenced by the characteristics of personal and contextual environments. However, the role of sibling contexts in shaping gender norms has rarely been studied among Chinese youth at early adolescence as most of them were the only child. The aim of this paper is to compare perceived gender norms among adolescents aged 10–14 with different sibling configurations, to help inform and tailor guidance for sexual and reproductive health education in the future. We used the Global Early Adolescent Study baseline data collected from Shanghai, China. The sample for analysis was 1615 students. We used univariate analysis and multivariate ordinal logistic regression to compare perceived gender-stereotyped traits and gender role attitudes, stratified by age and sex. The results showed that sibling context was more influential for boys than girls at early adolescence in their gender socialization process. Among boys those who were with mixed-sex siblings scored higher on gender-stereotyped traits (ORonly-childvs. mixed-sex siblings = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.48–0.94, p = 0.019; ORsame-sex siblingsvs. mixed-sex siblings = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.37–0.96, p = 0.033). Younger early adolescents aged 10–12 who were the only child or who had mixed-sex siblings perceived more traditional gender role attitudes than those living with same-sex siblings (ORonly-childvs. same-sex siblings = 1.71, 95% CI: 1.06–2.75, p = 0.028; ORmixed-sex siblingsvs. same-sex siblings = 1.74, 95% CI: 1.03–2.94, p = 0.037). Comprehensive sexuality education with gender and power components being well addressed, both in and out of the family, is needed to provide extra gender-inclusive and gender-egalitarian environments for youth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 has killed millions of people worldwide. As a result, medical and health resources continue to be strained, posing a great threat to people's safety and economic and social development. This paper built the index system of influencing factors of medical and health resources containing the economy, population and society, and then classified Taiyuan into three types of regions by cluster analysis. The Gini coefficient, Theil index and agglomeration degree were then used to analyze the spatial distribution of medical and health resources allocation, and its influencing factors were studied by grey relational analysis. It was found that the population allocation of medical and health resources in Taiyuan was better than area allocation. Population has the greatest influence on the allocation of medical and health resources, followed by society and the economy. The more developed the regional economy, the more diversified the main influencing factors, and the more adjustment and control choices of medical and health resources allocation. Suggestions for optimal allocation were put forward in order to fully utilize the limited medical and health resources, effectively respond to the epidemic needs, promote the sustainable development of resources, protect the health of residents, and improve social benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In the treatment of colorectal cancer, classic chemotherapy drugs such as 5-fluorouracil, capecitabine, irinotecan, oxaliplatin, trifluridine, and tipiracil have played a crucial role. Through the analysis of the top 100 most influential articles, we examined the evolution in research and current relevance, confirming the continued significance of this group of drugs despite the emergence of new treatments. The research reveals global collaboration among institutions, countries (primarily the United States, China, and Europe), and researchers, with three main themes driving the study: pharmacogenetics, new pharmaceutical formulations, and the use of adjuvants. In the landscape of colorectal cancer treatment, classical chemotherapeutic agents such as 5-fluorouracil, capecitabine, irinotecan, oxaliplatin, trifluridine, and tipiracil have historically played a pivotal role. This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the top 100 most influential articles focusing on these classic chemotherapy drugs in the management of colorectal cancer. With this, we shed light on their current importance, despite the emergence of new therapeutic targets and treatments in the field of oncology. Systematically evaluating research outputs, this analysis reveals a prevalence of co-authorship among institutions, countries (led by the United States, China, and Europe), and researchers highlighting the global and collaborative nature of efforts in research, utilization, and development of these drugs. Three thematic axes lead the research: pharmacogenetics, the development of new pharmaceutical forms, and the use of adjuvants. This research serves as a foundation for future endeavors, aiding researchers, clinicians, and policymakers in making informed decisions about the direction of research and development in the dynamic field of colorectal cancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cyberbullying is a globally shared youth problem—a problem of the interpersonal conflicts and contradictions that emerge during the socialization of adolescents. In particular, the issue of cyberbullying among rural left-behind adolescents needs to be given high priority. However, previous studies have paid little attention to how emotional neglect and social anxiety affect the cyberbullying behavior of rural left-behind adolescents. Therefore, this study was based on cognitive-behavioral theory to investigate the relationship between emotional neglect, cyberbullying, and social anxiety. Methods: This study used the Emotional Neglect Scale, the Cyberbullying Scale, and the Social Anxiety Scale to conduct an anonymous online survey of 1429 rural left-behind adolescents in China. Results: (1) Emotional neglect, social anxiety, and cyberbullying showed a two-way positive correlation. (2) The direct effect of emotional neglect on rural left-behind youth cyberbullying was significant (β = 0.14, p < 0.00). (3) Social anxiety showed a partial mediating effect in the process of emotional neglect affecting rural left-behind youth cyberbullying, with a mediating effect of 26.32%. Conclusions: The results have positive implications for improving relevant policies and constructing mechanisms for protecting the rights and interests of rural left-behind adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Group-based trajectory modeling (GBTM) allows the trajectory analyses of repeated N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) measurements during follow-up visits of pulmonary artery hypertension associated with connective tissue disease (CTD-PAH) patients. This study aimed to (1) identify trajectories of NT-proBNP changing over time, (2) explore the association between NT-proBNP trajectories and prognosis, and (3) explore the effects of baseline clinical characteristics on NT-proBNP trajectories. A retrospective, single-centred, observational study was performed on 52 CTD-PAH patients who had undergone at least three follow-up visits within 1 year from baseline. Four NT-proBNP trajectories were identified using GBTM: low stability (n = 15, 28.85%), early remission (remission within 3 months) (n = 20, 38.46%), delayed remission (remission after 6 or 9 months) (n = 11, 21.15%), and high stability (n = 6, 11.54%). The low-stability and early-remission trajectories were related to a similar positive prognosis, while the delayed-remission and high-stability trajectories were associated with a gradually worsening prognosis (p = 0.000). Intensive CTD immunotherapy (corticosteroids plus immunosuppressants) was the only factor that remained significant after least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression and multivariate logistic regression, and was independently associated with a lower risk NT-proBNP trajectory (p = 0.048, odds ratio = 0.027, 95% confidence interval: 0.001–0.963), which preliminarily indicated a benefit of CTD-PAH patients undergoing intensive CTD immunotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under the backdrop of global aging, the escalating number of elderly individuals in poor health poses a growing social burden and impacts economic development and social stability. A fundamental question arises as to whether the advancements of digital finance (DF) can effectively enhance the physical health of the elderly. This study aims to investigate the impact of DF on the physical health of the elderly by utilizing data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) conducted in 2013, 2015, and 2018. The results reveal a significant positive impact of DF on enhancing the physical health of the elderly. Furthermore, the study demonstrates that this impact is particularly pronounced among the elderly with higher educational attainment, stronger intergenerational links, and those residing in central cities. A mechanism analysis further reveals that DF contributes to improving the physical health of the elderly by augmenting household disposable income, alleviating liquidity constraints, and enhancing the utilization of medical services. These findings offer valuable insights for the future development of DF and the implementation of policies promoting healthy aging and active aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to examine the dietary views and practices and to identify associated barriers to and facilitators of healthy eating of rural residents emerging from poverty in the context of rapid socio-economic development. A qualitative design with semi-structured interviews was utilized to collect detailed insights into the dietary behaviors of 22 rural residents from 10 villages in Fengshan town, Dafang county, Guizhou province, China. Thematic analysis was applied to interpret the interview data, guided by the socio-ecological model. Four themes were identified: traditional eating patterns, factors influencing food choice, limited knowledge of healthy diet, and lack of nutritional guidance. Barriers to healthy eating included traditional but unhealthy foods, limited nutritional knowledge, inadequate understanding of nutritional requirements, overwhelming nutritional information, and limited professional guidance. Facilitators encompassed healthy traditional eating patterns, household composition, home gardening, preference for traditional bean and soy products, improved food supply and availability owing to poverty alleviation efforts, and being open to receiving professional dietary guidance. As a preliminary investigation into the dietary views and practices of this population, the study highlights a significant gap in the nutritional knowledge and guidance available to rural residents in China, emphasizing the need for comprehensive strategies that address the complex socio-ecological factors influencing dietary behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study examines the current status and variations in creativity between migrant and urban children, exploring the influencing factors affecting creativity. Methods: We selected children from local households in Hangzhou City and non-local migrant households as participants. Their basic demographic information and creative tendencies were assessed using the Children's Basic Situation Questionnaire and Williams' Creativity Tendency Measurement Scale, respectively. A multi-model regression analysis was conducted to analyze factors influencing creativity. Results: This study included 1047 children. Significant differences were observed between urban and migrant children regarding age, family type, number of siblings, parental education, parental presence at home, parental guidance in learning, experience of changing schools, having their own room, and academic performance. In addition, migrant children exhibited significantly lower creativity levels compared to urban children. The multi-model regression analysis showed that migrant status, a good parent–child relationship, having parents who often guide learning, having their own room, and excellent academic performance significantly influenced children's creativity. Conclusions: Migrant children display lower levels of creativity than their urban counterparts, with notable differences across several factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyperuricemia exhibits a high incidence among individuals with diabetes; however, the significance of hyperuricemia and gout is often underestimated. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of hyperuricemia and gout among community health workers and patients with diabetes. Two questionnaires were designed to investigate knowledge, attitudes, and practices of hyperuricemia and gout among community health workers and patients with diabetes in Chenghua District, Chengdu, from August 2021 to January 2022. A total of 709 community health workers were included, whose average score was 17.74/30. Approximately half of general practitioners (GPs) demonstrated knowledge regarding the target serum uric acid levels for hyperuricemia and gout. Only 11.2% of GPs were fully aware of the preferred medicine for acute gout. The majority of GPs (86.7%) demonstrated limited awareness regarding the contraindications associated with colchicine, while a significant proportion (65.1%) lacked knowledge about the specific classes of drugs that inhibit uric acid synthesis. Among the 508 patients with diabetes included in this survey, 32.3% demonstrated awareness of hyperuricemia, while 60.8% exhibited knowledge regarding gout. The average score attained by these individuals was recorded at 7.21 out of a total of 26 points. The majority of patients with diabetes (87.8%) held the mistaken belief that hyperuricemia definitely led to the development of gout. Almost 66% agreed that a massage or a hot compress could be used when acute gouty arthritis attacks. The knowledge rate of hyperuricemia and gout among community health workers was moderate, while it was low in patients with diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: An important first step in enhancing professional palliative care training is to investigate the educational needs of pediatric clinicians in this field. The aims of this research were to analyze the extent of end-of-life care experience of Chinese pediatric clinicians and identify the differing educational needs of physicians and nurses as well as associated impact factors. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive survey via a structural questionnaire was used in this research. Results: In total, 187 clinicians, comprising 52 physicians and 135 nurses, participated in this study. The topics "pain management", "symptom management", and "discussing the prognosis with family members" were the most expressed educational needs among both physicians and nurses. Compared to nurses, physicians placed greater emphasis on the importance of "communication" and "pain and symptom management" (p < 0.05). Clinicians with more extensive end-of-life care experience more strongly felt the importance of learning about pain management and communication regarding end-of-life care (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Research showed that the education currently provided to pediatric clinicians does not meet their distinctive needs. Future palliative care education must be a continuing multi-level, interdisciplinary program and different education should be provided to physicians and nurses based on their respective needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ultrasound serves as a valuable tool for the early detection of fetal bowel dilatation, yet the correlation between fetal bowel dilatation and gastrointestinal malformations remains to be further investigated. This study aims to explore the relationship by conducting a follow-up and analysis of fetuses with bowel dilation. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 113 fetuses with bowel dilatation at our center from July 2014 to December 2019. The location and degree of bowel dilatation were analyzed. ROC curves were constructed based on the diameter of the bowel and its ratio to fetal gestational age. Results: In total, 40 of 41 cases (97.6%) with upper gastrointestinal dilatation (double-bubble sign) and 46 of 72 cases (63.9%) with lower gastrointestinal dilatation were diagnosed with gastrointestinal malformations postnatally. The AUC of the dilatation diameter was 0.854 with a cutoff value of 18.05 mm in patients with lower gastrointestinal dilatation. The ratio of the diameter to gestational age (D/GA) showed a higher AUC of 0.906 with a cutoff value of 0.4931. Conclusions: The presence of the double-bubble sign in fetuses indicates a close association with duodenal obstruction. The risk of gastrointestinal malformations increases when the bowel diameter exceeds 18.05 mm, particularly when the D/GA surpasses 0.4931. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To understand the prevalence of home-related anxiety among adolescent athletes during the novel coronavirus pandemic and to ascertain the factors influencing this anxiety. Methods: We employed cluster sampling to select 1150 adolescent athletes (aged 8–18 years) from six sports training schools in Yantai City, Shandong Province. Mental health status was assessed and recorded. Chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression were used to analyze the factors contributing to athletes' anxiety. Results: The survey revealed a COVID-19 infection rate of 38.23% (437 individuals) with an anxiety score of 40.98 ± 8.20 and an anxiety detection rate of 11.29% (129 individuals) during the COVID-19 epidemic. Female athletes exhibited a higher anxiety rate of 14.40% compared to 8.40% in male athletes. Multivariate analysis identified female gender as a risk factor for anxiety (OR = 1.64), while participation in aquatics emerged as a protective factor (OR = 0.24, 95% CI: 1.08–2.48). Professional training duration exceeding three years increased anxiety risk (OR = 3.05, 95% CI: 1.67–5.58), as did not seeking help during difficulties (OR = 2.59, 95% CI: 1.33–5.01). Interestingly, parental care was linked to increased anxiety risk (OR = 2.44, 95% CI 1.34–4.44), while care from friends was protective (OR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.36–1.01), which was possibly due to the pressure associated with parental expectations. Conclusions: Adolescent athletes, particularly females and those with extended training durations, exhibit a heightened susceptibility to anxiety. This study also highlights that athletes who proactively seek assistance during challenging situations tend to experience lower anxiety levels. Additionally, a lack of COVID-19 infection and the involvement of concerned parents contribute to reduced anxiety among these young athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This retrospective cohort study was performed to clarify the association between intubation in the delivery room and the mortality after pulmonary hemorrhage in very low birth weight infants (VLBWIs) during hospitalization. Methods: The study participants were screened from the VLBWIs admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of the Children's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University from 31 July 2019 to 31 July 2022. The newborns who ultimately were included were those infants who survived until pulmonary hemorrhage was diagnosed. These subjects were divided into the intubation-at-birth group (n = 29) and the non-intubation-at-birth group (n = 35), retrospectively. Results: Univariate analysis found that the intubation group had a higher mortality and shorter hospital stay than the non-intubation group (p < 0.05) (for mortality: 25/29 (86.21%) in intubation group versus 14/35 (40.00%) in non-intubation group). By multivariate analysis, the result further showed that intubation in the delivery room was related to shorter survival time and higher risk of death (adjusted hazard ratio: 2.341, 95% confidence interval: 1.094–5.009). Conclusions: Intubation at birth suggested a higher mortality in the VLBWIs when pulmonary hemorrhage occurred in the NICU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between family socioeconomic status (SES) and adolescents' learning conformity and self-esteem among a sample of 15–18 year-old high school students. Methods: A survey was conducted on 339 adolescents using measures of family SES, self-esteem, and learning conformity. An intermediary effect model was constructed to examine the mediating mechanism of self-esteem in the impact of family SES on adolescents' learning conformity. Results: In our study, we observed that male adolescents were more likely to come from families with higher socioeconomic status (SES) and exhibited relatively higher levels of self-esteem compared to female adolescents. However, this finding should be regarded as an observational outcome specific to our study sample and does not directly indicate a causal relationship between gender and family SES or self-esteem. Adolescents from rural areas were more likely to exhibit tendencies towards learning abidance and compliance. Family SES positively predicted self-esteem. The intermediary model indicated that family SES significantly positively influenced learning abidance and compliance, with self-esteem partially mediating the effects at 33.49% and 33.33%, respectively. Family SES negatively affected learning obedience, with self-esteem partially mediating the effect at 39.77%. Conclusion: Among the 15–18 year-old high school student population, family SES not only directly affects learning abidance, compliance, and obedience but also generates an indirect mediating effect through self-esteem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dementia has become one of the leading causes of death across the world. Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence, prevalence, and mortality of dementia in China between 2010 and 2020, and to investigate any geographical, age, and sex differences in the prevalence and incidence of dementia. Methods: Five databases were searched. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tool was used to assess the quality of the included studies. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed to estimate the pooled prevalence of dementia. Subgroup analysis was based on the type of dementia. The incidence and mortality of dementia were synthesized qualitatively. Results: A total of 19 studies were included. The meta-analysis showed that the prevalence of dementia was 6% (95%CI 5%, 8%), the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) was 5% (95%CI 4%, 6%), and the prevalence of vascular dementia (VaD) was 1% (95%CI 0%, 2%). The subgroup analysis showed that the prevalence rates of dementia in rural (6%, 95%CI 4%, 8%) and urban areas were similar (6%, 95%CI 4%, 8%). Deaths due to dementia increased over time. Conclusion: The prevalence, incidence, and mortality of dementia increased with age and over time. Applying consistent criteria to the diagnosis of cognitive impairment and dementia is necessary to help with disease monitoring. Promoting dementia knowledge and awareness at the community level is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Children with intellectual disabilities often face challenges in balance ability and lower limb muscle strength, which negatively impact their daily lives and motor function. Therefore, it is crucial to enhance the balance ability and lower limb muscle strength of children with intellectual disabilities. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a 12-week aquatic exercise and floor curling intervention on the balance ability and lower limb muscle strength of children with intellectual disabilities. Forty-two participants were randomly assigned to the aquatic exercise group, floor curling group, and control group. The aquatic exercise and floor curling groups received a 12-week intervention, while the control group engaged in supervised free activities. The participants' balance ability and lower limb muscle strength were assessed using the Berg Balance Scale and a muscle strength testing device before and after the intervention. The results showed significant improvements in balance ability and lower limb muscle strength for both the aquatic exercise group and the floor curling group after the intervention. The aquatic exercise group demonstrated an average improvement of 10.84% in balance ability and an overall average improvement of 16.28% in lower limb muscle strength. The floor curling group showed an average improvement of 9.04% in balance ability and an overall average improvement of 15.67% in lower limb muscle strength. These improvement results were statistically significant (p < 0.05) and ranged from medium to large effect sizes (d = 0.5~0.8). The findings of this study validate the positive effects of aquatic exercise and floor curling on the balance ability and lower limb muscle strength of children with intellectual disabilities. These interventions can be considered effective approaches for functional rehabilitation in children with intellectual disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical inactivity and sarcopenia are potentially modifiable risk factors for falls in older adults, but the strength of the association between physical activity (PA), sarcopenia, and falls in Chinese older adults is unclear. This study sought to investigate the potential mediation mechanism relationship in the connection between PA, sarcopenia, including its elements (muscle strength, physical performance, and skeletal muscle mass), and falls among Chinese older people. The subjects were 3592 community-dwelling Chinese aged 60 or over, selected from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). PA was evaluated through the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and sarcopenia was determined through the Asian Working Group on Sarcopenia (AWGS) 2019 guidelines. We employed logistic regression to explore the link between physical activity, sarcopenia, and falls. Additionally, we applied Karlson, Holm and Breen's (KHB) method to estimate two different mediation models. The results demonstrated that PA lowers the risk of falls [odds ratio (OR) 0.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.48–0.61], whereas sarcopenia increases the risk of falls (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.16–1.55). Sarcopenia mediated the association between PA and falls, explaining a total of 2.69% of the association (indirect effect = −0.02). PA also had a significant mediating effect on the association between sarcopenia and falls, explaining a total of 20.12% of the association (indirect effect = 0.06). The proportion mediated by sarcopenia was 2.69% for PA and falls (indirect effect = −0.02). Our findings suggest that PA and sarcopenia have a direct effect on falls as well as an indirect effect through each other. Enhancing PA levels and preventing sarcopenia may help prevent falls in older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Levels of anxiety and stress vary throughout the lifespan and across cultures. Uncertainty appears particularly relevant during emerging adulthood, thus potentially affecting both stress and anxiety. Uncertainty as a construct was identified by Hofstede (i.e., Uncertainty Avoidance Index, UAI), who defined it as the extent to which members of a culture feel threatened by ambiguous or unknown situations and tend to avoid them. The UAI was considered as a means to understand cultures in addition to the "classic" distinction between collectivist and individualistic cultures. The present study compared levels of anxiety and stress in 1790 university students (18–21 years old) from two individualistic (Italy and the US) and two collectivistic (China and Russia) countries, with a consideration of country UAI levels. Results showed that country-level UAI scores were associated with levels of anxiety and stress, controlling for age and sex. Italian and Russian students reported greater anxiety than American and Chinese ones. Chinese emerging adults reported the lowest stress levels, followed by American, Italian, and Russian students. The study findings provide initial evidence that anxiety and stress in emerging adults are associated with how a culture deals with perceived instability and uncertainty about the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This cross-sectional study investigated the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of community general practice (GP) team members on dysphagia complicated with aspiration pneumonia after stroke in Shanghai between October 2022 and November 2022 using a self-administered questionnaire. A total of 551 questionnaires were collected (mean age: 37.59 ± 8.86 years, 443 (80.40%) females), including 383 (69.51%) physicians. The mean KAP scores were 6.30 ± 1.54 (possible range: 0–12), 40.32 ± 5.11 (possible range: 9–45), and 72.54 ± 13.99 (possible range: 18–90), respectively. Multivariable linear regression analyses suggested that attitude (Coef = 1.29, 95%CI: 1.09–1.50), and holding research funding (Coef = −2.70, 95%CI: −5.00–−0.50) were significantly associated with practice toward dysphagia complicated with aspiration pneumonia after stroke of community GP team members. The structural equation model (SEM) indicated that knowledge had a direct influence on attitude (β = 2.029, p < 0.001) and attitude had a direct impact on practice (β = 0.710, p < 0.001). Additionally, knowledge exerted both direct (β = 0.935, p = 0.016) and indirect effects (β = 1.442, p < 0.001) on practice. In conclusion, this study showed that the community GP team members had poor knowledge, favorable attitudes, and proactive practices. Education and training on the management of dysphagia complicated with aspiration pneumonia after stroke are urgently needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Adaptive radiotherapy ensures precise radiation dose deposition to the target volume while minimizing radiation-induced toxicities. However, due to poor image quality and inaccurate HU values, it is currently challenging to realize adaptive radiotherapy with cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. Previous studies on CBCT image enhancement have rarely focused on cervical cancer and are often limited to training datasets from a single linear accelerator. The aim of this study is to develop a deep learning framework based on a hybrid dataset to enhance the quality of CBCT images and achieve accurate HU values, for application to cervical cancer adaptive radiotherapy. The synthetic pseudo-CT images generated by our model have accurate HU values and well-preserved edges of soft tissues. It can be further explored in multi-center datasets to promote its clinical applications. Purpose: To develop a deep learning framework based on a hybrid dataset to enhance the quality of CBCT images and obtain accurate HU values. Materials and Methods: A total of 228 cervical cancer patients treated in different LINACs were enrolled. We developed an encoder–decoder architecture with residual learning and skip connections. The model was hierarchically trained and validated on 5279 paired CBCT/planning CT images and tested on 1302 paired images. The mean absolute error (MAE), peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR), and structural similarity index (SSIM) were utilized to access the quality of the synthetic CT images generated by our model. Results: The MAE between synthetic CT images generated by our model and planning CT was 10.93 HU, compared to 50.02 HU for the CBCT images. The PSNR increased from 27.79 dB to 33.91 dB, and the SSIM increased from 0.76 to 0.90. Compared with synthetic CT images generated by the convolution neural networks with residual blocks, our model had superior performance both in qualitative and quantitative aspects. Conclusions: Our model could synthesize CT images with enhanced image quality and accurate HU values. The synthetic CT images preserved the edges of tissues well, which is important for downstream tasks in adaptive radiotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Existing research concerning the effects of the sitting birth position during the second stage of labour on maternal and neonatal outcomes remains controversial, and there is a lack of studies to explore its effect on the childbirth experience. The objective of this study is to explore whether the sitting birth position would influence maternal and neonatal outcomes, as well as the childbirth experience. The prospective cohort design was conducted in the study from February to June 2023, a total of 222 women (including primiparous women and multiparous women) were enrolled in our study, and they were divided into the sitting position cohort (n = 106) or the lithotomy position cohort (n = 116). The pre-designed questionnaire and Childbirth Experience Questionnaire (CEQ) were used for data collection during hospitalisation. Chi-square, Fisher's exact test, t-tests, or the Mann–Whitney U test were utilised to assess differences between groups. Multivariate linear regression and logistic regression were employed to control possible confounders. The study found that primiparous women in the sitting position cohort had a shorter duration of the second stage of labour, higher spontaneous vaginal birth rates, lower episiotomy rates, and a better childbirth experience (p < 0.01). After adjusting for confounding factors through multiple linear and logistic regression analyses, the results remained consistent with those reported above. No neonate in each cohort had Apgar scores at 1 min and 5 min postpartum less than 7 or a Cord artery pH less than 7.00, regardless of parity. Based on the findings, we recommend that women could take the sitting birth position into account when giving birth for a positive childbirth experience, especially for primiparous women. The study could also serve as a reference for healthcare providers in the management of childbirth positions and the development of high-quality maternal care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the interplay between physical literacy, resilience, and burnout among researchers who experienced strict home quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic in China, with a particular focus on the mediating role of resilience. Employing a two-stage sampling procedure, a total of 363 researchers from diverse disciplines, notably social science and natural science, were enlisted and administered a series of validated scales, including the Perceived Physical Literacy Scale (PPL), the 10-item Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-10), and the Chinese version of the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBL), via an anonymous online platform. The findings revealed substantial differences in physical literacy, resilience, and burnout across disciplines. Resilience partially mediated the relationship between physical literacy and burnout. Upon a closer examination of the sub-dimensions, resilience was found to fully mediate between factors of motivation, exhaustion, and disengagement. Moreover, one aspect of physical literacy—interaction with the environment—exhibited weaker correlations with both resilience and burnout compared to other dimensions of physical literacy. Overall, the study confirms the significant correlation between physical literacy and psychological parameters, establishing that elevated levels of both physical literacy and resilience serve as key factors in mitigating burnout during the pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While previous studies have investigated the influence of new media on mental health, little is known about its effects on the mental health of married women. This is a crucial research area, given that married women commonly encounter distinct mental health difficulties. Also, current research fails to provide comprehensive, population-based studies, with most relying on cross-sectional designs. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between new media use and mental health among married women in China, utilizing a nationally representative longitudinal dataset. We utilized a balanced panel dataset from 2016 to 2020 to establish a causal connection between internet use and the mental health of these women. Our findings indicate that internet use has a positive impact on the mental health of married women in China. Additionally, a structural estimation model (SEM) with 2020 wave data was utilized to investigate various new media use effects and explore mediating pathways of marital satisfaction. Consistently, there were negative findings between new media use, marital satisfaction, and depression. Furthermore, it was determined that new media usage had a significant negative impact on married women's overall satisfaction with their spouses' housework contribution, which, in turn, negatively affected marital satisfaction as a whole. The pathways that mediate the effect of marital satisfaction on depression differ across general internet use, streaming media use, and WeChat use. Examining various theoretical perspectives, we interpreted the indirect impact of new media use on mental health through marital satisfaction as passive mediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Objectives: This study aims to investigate the bidirectional relationship between depressive symptoms and cognitive function among older adults in China, addressing a research gap in the context of developing nations. (2) Methods: A total of 3813 adults aged 60 and older participating in 2013, 2015, and 2018 waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) were included. A fixed-effects model and cross-lagged panel model (CLPM) was utilized. (3) Results: First, the results indicated that a significant negative correlation existed between depressive symptoms and cognitive function in older adults during the study period (β = −0.084, p < 0.001). Second, after controlling for unobserved confounding factors, the deterioration and improvement of depressive symptoms still significantly affected cognitive function (β = −0.055, p < 0.001). Third, using the cross-lagged panel model, we observed a reciprocal relationship between depressive symptoms (Dep) and cognitive function (Cog) among Chinese older adults (Dep2013 → Cog2015, β = −0.025, p < 0.01; Dep2015 → Cog2018, β = −0.028, p < 0.001; Cog2013 → Dep2015, β = −0.079, p < 0.01; Cog2015 → Dep2018, β = −0.085, p < 0.01). (4) Discussion: The reciprocal relationship between depressive symptoms and cognitive functioning in older adults emphasizes the need for integrated public health policies and clinical interventions, to develop comprehensive intervention strategies that simultaneously address depressive symptoms and cognitive decline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An exploratory study was undertaken to examine the prevalence of infants' feeding patterns in Beijing, China, as well as the factors linked to infants' self-feeding proportion during the introduction of complementary foods, and the impact of professional feeding guidance on this proportion. A total of 122 families with infants aged 6–11 months from Beijing were included in the study. A descriptive analysis was employed to assess the prevalence of infants' feeding patterns, while generalized linear model analysis was utilized to investigate the factors associated with these patterns. All families were provided with comprehensive and personalized professional guidance regarding the introduction of complementary foods for infants. However, 64 families were lost to follow-up, leaving 58 families who were re-evaluated and queried after one month. To exclude the influence of infants aging, both the 64 families prior to receiving feeding guidance, and the 58 families after receiving feeding guidance, were included in the analysis. The families with infants aged 6–8 months and 9–11 months were compared separately based on the presence or absence of feeding guidance. Statistical tests, including the Wilcoxon rank-sum test and χ2 test, were conducted to assess any significant differences. The study revealed that the proportion of infants engaging in self-feeding was found to be remarkably low (10% [0%, 40%]). Furthermore, a significant positive association was observed between the proportion of infants engaging in self-feeding and their age (p < 0.001). Notably, after receiving professional feeding guidance, the proportion of infants engaging in self-feeding significantly increased (from 1% [0%, 20%] to 30% [10%, 50%], p < 0.001 for infants aged 6–8 months; from 20% [10%, 50%] to 40% [30%, 50%], p < 0.001 for infants aged 9–11 months). These findings contribute valuable insights for improving postnatal care practices during the introduction of complementary foods for infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of exercise habits on enhancing the sleep quality of older adults. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Scale and other questionnaires were utilized to assess the sleep quality of older adults aged 60 years and above in the H district. The sampling method employed was stratified random sampling. To analyze the influencing factors of sleep quality, the average treatment effect was estimated, the robustness of the results was assessed and statistical methods such as Logit regression and propensity score matching were employed. The study revealed that exercise habits strongly correlated with improved sleep quality in the older adult (p < 0.05), with the average total sleep quality score being 6.22 (±3.53). It was observed that older adults who engaged in exercise habits experienced a significant 12.66% increase in the likelihood of achieving good sleep. This investigation highlights the positive association between exercise habits and enhanced sleep quality among older adults. Additionally, age, physical pain and self-rated health statuses were identified as significant factors influencing sleep quality in this population. To enhance the sleep quality of older adults, this article recommends promoting relevant exercise habits, thus contributing to their overall well-being and quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Family caregivers of children with disabilities might face high risks of depression, whereas the existing literature focused more on parents neglecting grandparents. This study investigated 380 parents and 108 grandparents of children with disabilities to identify depression and associated factors. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, Mann–Whitney U test, and multivariable logistic regression were performed to describe the participants' characteristics and risks of depression and identify significant factors. Results showed that parents (35.5%) had higher risks of depression than grandparents (32.4%), but statistical differences were not found. Children's sleep problems (AOR = 1.751, 95%CI = 1.019, 3.008), harmonious family relationships (AOR = 0.694, 95%CI = 0.569, 0.846), and better barrier-free construction (AOR = 0.742, 95%CI = 0.568, 0.970) were significantly associated with depression among parents. As for grandparents, higher education (AOR = 4.108, 95%CI = 1.526, 11.057) and caring for children who experience frequent mood swings (AOR = 2.242, 95%CI = 1.161, 4.329) were associated with higher risks of depression. Further, house ownership (AOR = 0.167, 95%CI = 0.031, 0.887), higher family cohesion (AOR = 0.545, 95%CI = 0.297, 1.000), and better barrier-free construction (AOR = 0.401, 95%CI = 0.185, 0.869) were associated with lower odds of depression. Therefore, both parents and grandparents of children with disabilities had high risks of depression and thus required urgent attention. Healthcare providers and policymakers should develop and implement interventions considering intergenerational differences to reach optimal efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elbow pain (EP) in overhead sports is a common phenomenon. Swimming is classified as an overhead sport, but a lack of attention regarding EP in swimming has created a gap in the knowledge around elite freestyle swimming in Tianjin, China. The purpose of this study was to identify the distribution and prevalence of EP among elite freestyle swimmers in Tianjin, China. The methodology involved a total of 311 qualified participants who volunteered to undertake all measurements. The main findings showed that 183 of the elite freestyle swimmers in this study had EP (accounting for 58.84% of the total 311 participants), with 147 in slight pain and 36 in critical pain. The characteristics of a heavier body weight, taller height, longer left/right forearm length, and longer weekly average training hours serve as contributing factors to the occurrence of EP issues. Gender, age, weekly average training hours, and left/right forearm length are the primary factors correlating with and influencing the assessment scores. In conclusion, swimmers with longer weekly training hours, older ages, heavier bodyweight, and longer forearm lengths should receive greater attention in relation to EP. Regular assessments at a high frequency serve as a means to identify the risk of EP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both reading difficulties (RD) and mathematics difficulties (MD) are common neurodevelopmental disorders. The co-occurrence of RD and MD, known as comorbid RDMD, is estimated to range between 21% and 45% of children with learning disabilities. Deficits in working memory have been reported in both RD and MD groups, as well as among comorbid RDMD. However, previous comorbidity studies have only examined the role of some components of working memory, and they do not strictly match their groups on relevant reading and mathematics tasks. Thus, the purpose of this study is to examine the nature of working memory deficits in comorbid RDMD after matching groups based on reading and mathematics tasks. We assessed four groups of children (RD [n = 21, Mage = 10.96 years], MD [n = 24, Mage = 11.04 years], comorbid RDMD [n = 26, Mage = 10.90 years], and chronological-age controls [n = 27, Mage = 10.96 years]) on measures of the phonological loop (word span and digit span forward tasks), central executive (complex word and digit span), and updating tasks (word and digit 2-back). The results of ANCOVA (covarying for gender and non-verbal IQ) showed first that the RD and RDMD groups performed significantly worse than the MD and control groups in both measures of the phonological loop. For the central executive and updating tasks, we found an effect based on stimulus type. For word-related tasks, the RD and comorbid RDMD groups performed worse than the MD and control groups, and for number-related tasks, the MD and comorbid RDMD groups performed worse than the RD and control groups. Taken together, our findings provide support for the correlated liability model of comorbidity, which indicates that working memory deficits experienced by the RDMD group are an additive combination of deficits observed in the RD and MD groups, suggesting that working memory tasks used to examine underlying deficits in reading and/or mathematics difficulties may dictate whether or not significant group differences are found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a common and highly malignant cancer in southern China. It is important to accurately assess the illness perception of nasopharyngeal carcinoma according to the common-sense model of self-regulation. The purpose was to validate the Chinese version of the Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire for patients with Nasopharyngeal carcinoma. A cross-sectional survey of 631 patients with Nasopharyngeal carcinoma was conducted in Guangzhou, China. The reliability of the scale was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha. The factor structure was assessed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) of each dimension. The EFA revealed that the 29-item self-rated scale has a seven-factor structure consistent with the original scale and explained 67.3% of the variance after extraction and rotation. The scale showed satisfactory reliability. The item–total correlations ranged from −0.16 to 0.64 (p < 0.05). The item–subscale correlations ranged from 0.46 to 0.91 (p < 0.05). The item–other subscale correlations ranged from −0.38 to 0.51 and from −0.21 to 0.56 (p < 0.05). Significant correlations were found between the timeline (acute/chronic) (r = 0.224, r = 0.166), consequences (r = 0.415, r = 0.338), timeline cyclical (r = 0.366, r = 0.284), emotional representations (r = 0.497, r = 0.465), personal control (r = −0.122, r = −0.134), treatment control (r = −0.135, r = −0.148), and illness coherence (r = −0.261, r = −0.213) subscales, and depression, anxiety (p < 0.05). The scale revealed acceptable reliability, factorial validity, and construct validity. It could be used to assess the illness representations of Chinese patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China's rapidly aging population and shortage of care resources have made it difficult for its traditional model to meet the home care needs of the elderly. On this premise, China is implementing home digital health interventions based on smart technology. During implementation, instead of the expected explosion in long-term adoption, there has been a large amount of abandonment. But so far, the relationship between service experience and these behaviors has been ignored. This study aims to explore the reasons for the long-term adoption or abandonment behaviors of technology by elders in the home care environment. A qualitative study was conducted based on Golant's framework of smart technology adoption behaviors among elders. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 26 elders who are long-term or former users of smart technology in a home care environment, and data from the interviews were analyzed using directed content analysis. This study identified three themes that influence elders' adoption behaviors of smart technology in the home care environment, including immediate effectiveness, long-term usability, and possible collateral damage. The findings indicated that the experience of the elders is the key point that affects long-term adoption behavior. For more elders to use smart technology in the home care environment, it is necessary for the government, technology developers, and nursing institutions to further reform the existing system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psychological resilience (PR) plays an important role in fortifying mental health during pandemics. This study aimed to examine the PR and its related factors of college students in China after the deblocking of the China's COVID-19 pandemic strategy. A total of 1100 college students from 15 universities participated in this cross-sectional survey by multi-stage stratified sampling. Data were collected by self-designed socio-demographic information, the family function assessment scale (APGAR), a general health questionnaire (GHQ-12), the general self-efficacy scale (GSES), and a psychological resilience scale. The average score of PR was 135.65 ± 18.54. Cluster analysis of PR scores showed that 24.9% of the college students had weak PR. The higher PR, the higher mental health status (r = 0.352, p < 0.05). Females had higher PR than males (OR = 0.550, 95% CI: 0.367–0.827). High self-efficacy was an independent protective factor of high PR (OR = 0.093, 95% CI: 0.059–0.145). Low family contact frequency, poor family function, and bad mental health status were the independent risk factors of high PR. In conclusion, the PR of Chinese college students were insufficient after the deblocking of China's COVID-19 pandemic strategy, indicating an improvement of PR should be put into practice immediately. Frequent monthly contact with family, family function, self-efficacy, mental health status, and gender were the influencing factors of PR, which provides an intervention strategy for the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic in Wuhan in 2019 led to the discovery of a novel coronavirus. The World Health Organization (WHO) designated it as a global pandemic on 11 March 2020 due to its rapid and widespread transmission. Its impact has had profound implications, particularly in the realm of public health. Extensive scientific endeavors have been directed towards devising effective treatment strategies and vaccines. Within the healthcare and medical imaging domain, the application of artificial intelligence (AI) has brought significant advantages. This study delves into peer-reviewed research articles spanning the years 2020 to 2022, focusing on AI-driven methodologies for the analysis and screening of COVID-19 through chest CT scan data. We assess the efficacy of deep learning algorithms in facilitating decision making processes. Our exploration encompasses various facets, including data collection, systematic contributions, emerging techniques, and encountered challenges. However, the comparison of outcomes between 2020 and 2022 proves intricate due to shifts in dataset magnitudes over time. The initiatives aimed at developing AI-powered tools for the detection, localization, and segmentation of COVID-19 cases are primarily centered on educational and training contexts. We deliberate on their merits and constraints, particularly in the context of necessitating cross-population train/test models. Our analysis encompassed a review of 231 research publications, bolstered by a meta-analysis employing search keywords (COVID-19 OR Coronavirus) AND chest CT AND (deep learning OR artificial intelligence OR medical imaging) on both the PubMed Central Repository and Web of Science platforms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]