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Individuals vary in their intrasexual competitiveness attitude, i.e., an important variable reflecting the potential threat or the extent to which one perceives other individuals of the same sex as social or mating rivals. In this study, we investigated the relationship between self-perceived mate value, a construct usually linked to intersexual selection, and intrasexual competitiveness attitude. We postulated that those psychological traits that increase mate value are related to psychological traits underlying intrasexual competitiveness attitude. The results obtained from a sample of 711 young participants of both sexes (M= 16.93 years ± SD = 0.86) indicated that mate value was positively related to intrasexual competitiveness attitude. Specifically, the subscales ofFear of Failure,Wealth, andLookswere positive predictors of intrasexual competitiveness attitude. Moreover, theLookssubscale was more relevant in determining intrasexual competitiveness attitude in women than in men. These three subscales were part of the same factorial structure that appears to be indicative of a self-promoting strategy based on the ostentation of traits through attitudes. As a conclusion, we argue that the individual differences in intrasexual competitiveness attitudes are associated with the differences in psychological features usually associated with intersexual selection.

Aim To assess the self-perceived competencies in diagnosing and treating patients with mental health disorders, among recently graduated general practitioners (GPs) from Lima, Peru. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed in April 2017 at a General Practitioner’s meeting held for those who were going to perform the social service, by the Peruvian College of Physicians in Lima. Attendees were invited to answer a questionnaire that evaluated their self-perception of competence in diagnosing and treating four different mental health disorders; major depression, anxiety disorder, alcohol dependence, and schizophrenia. Results Out of 434 evaluated GPs, the following percentages were self-perceived as competent in their adequate diagnosis of depression (70.5%), anxiety (73.3%), alcohol dependence (67.6%), and schizophrenia (62.0%). Concerning pharmacological treatment, these percentages were 46.6, 47.5, 39.0 and 37.6%, respectively. Referring to all the studied mental disorders, 41.6% of participants self-perceived competence in providing an adequate diagnosis, 36.1% in providing non-pharmacological treatment, and 20.1% in providing pharmacological treatment. Conclusion The rate of adequate self-perceived competences was higher for diagnosis than for treatment of patients with mental health disorders. These results highlight the importance of designing and implementing interventions to improve medical education so as to develop the skills necessary to confront mental health disorders.

Purpose To a prospective employee, self-perception is a vital component of employability; to better understand employability, an exploration of this essential component and its determinants is required. Besides investigating students’ perceptions of their likelihood of success in the graduate labour market, the purpose of this paper is to examine the main influence of gender and field of study and the interaction effects of these two independent variables on students’ self-perceived employability (SPE). Design/methodology/approach Data for the study were collected from a sample of 402 final-year students, at two universities in South Africa using an adapted questionnaire. The 402 students comprised of 203 from University A and 199 from University B. In total, 166 were males and 236 females while 104 were from Management Studies, 102 from Education, 72 from Law and 124 from Science and Agriculture. The three stated hypotheses for the study were analysed using factorial ANOVA (2×4) and the Bonferroni post hoc multiple comparison test. Findings The main effects of gender and field of study on SPE are both significant, but the interactions between them are not. Male students were found to demonstrate a higher level of SPE. For field of study, Education students demonstrated the highest level of SPE. Originality/value The study shows that students, particularly those in their final year, may perceive themselves to be more employable, due to increased awareness of their improved human capital. In addition, both gender and field of study are important attributes affecting students’ SPE. The variations in SPE are indicative of students’ understanding and awareness of labour market realities, offering several implications for universities and all stakeholders of graduate employability.

Objective To assess the self-perceived importance, skills, and utilization of evidence-based practice (EBP) among faculty and students at a chiropractic institution without a structured EBP program. The survey also evaluated EBP satisfaction among students and EBP implementation barriers/facilitators among the faculty. Methods In this cross-sectional study, a set of organized questionnaires to assess the importance of EBP and self-perceived skills, utilization, barriers, and facilitators for faculty members, and student satisfaction was administered to the students and faculty of a chiropractic institution in February–March 2016. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate responses. Results A total of 417 (60.1%) students and 27 (60.0%) faculty members completed the survey. Faculty members' and students' EBP importance values were similar (8.4 and 8.3 out of 10, respectively), but faculty members self-reported their EBP skills (7.3/10) at a higher level than the student self-reported skill level (6.1/10). For utilization, students reported a higher utilization of EBP than that reported by the responding faculty members. Perceived student satisfaction on the quality and content of research-related experiences decreased from the first year to the third (final) year. Conclusion This study found variance in the self-perceived EBP skills, utilization, barriers, and facilitators and that these skills are lagging at our doctor of chiropractic program, which does not have a structured EBP program. Faculty members and students identified the importance for EBP. Similar observations have been found at other chiropractic institutions prior to their implementation of a systematic EBP program. Those developing an EBP curriculum might use these findings to better design, implement, and assess a structured program.

The purpose of the current study was to assess the oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL), general health related quality of life (HRQoL), clinical oral and denture status, as well as their interrelation, within a hospitalized general population. The Romanian versions of the Oral Health Impact Profile-49 (OHIP-49Ro), SF-36 questionnaires, together with an additional set of oral health assessment questions, were administered under the interview format to 170 patients, hospitalized in the Second Medical Clinic of Internal Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania. The patients also underwent clinical examination, based on which the DMFT was calculated. Denture status, was as well, registered, together with the denture material. Each patient provided informed consent, prior to any examination. Questionnaire scores were calculated and used for the univariate descriptive statistics, reflecting oral health, OHRQoL and HRQoL sample tendencies. Successively, multiple regression analysis was applied, with the purpose of investigating the relationship between: the clinical oral health status, OHRQoL and HRQoL. In the first model, OHRQoL, while in the second model the dependent variable was represented by the HRQoL, each having a set of established predictors. Additionally, for denture wearing patients, OHRQoL variations in respect to the denture material were assessed, using one-way ANOVA. The mean OHIP-49Ro overall score was 31.90. The mean SF-36 subscales score was 60.66. The mean DMFT score was 18.47. For both regression analyses, all the regression models were significant. For the first model, the predictors accounted for 48.5% of variance in OHRQoL. For the second model, the highest percent of variance, explained by the predictors, was registered for the Mental Health subscale (22.8%). DMFT, as a clinical measure, was a statistically significant predictor rather for the perception in general health. However, OHRQoL was a good predictor for HRQoL, as an integrated part of it. Moreover, the one-way ANOVA indicated statistically significant differences in OHRQoL perception, in respect to the denture material F(2, 82) = 3.253, p = 0.044. The current study indicated complex relations between the patients� clinical status, the OHRQoL and HRQoL. The clinical determinants presented direct impact on both OHRQoL and HRQoL. More balanced HRQoL scores suggested that patients focused more on the perception of general health outcomes.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the presence and progression of self-perceived speech and swallowing impairments in newly diagnosed people with Parkinson's disease (PD) longitudinally across 6 years. Method: Longitudinal data from the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative were analyzed across six consecutive years in a cohort of 269 newly diagnosed people with PD, and a subset of those ( n = 211) who were assessed at every time point across the 6 years. Dependent variables included self-perceived ratings of speech and swallowing impairment severity from the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale. Patient-centered factors of age at diagnosis and motor phenotype were also assessed to determine if they were related to the change in self-perceived speech and swallowing impairments. Results: Overall, self-perceived speech and swallowing impairments were present in newly diagnosed people with PD, although over time, the degree of severity for both remained in the mild range. However, the rate of change over time was significant for perceived speech impairment, F (5.5, 1158.8) = 21.1, p < .001), and perceived swallowing impairment, F (5.2, 1082.6) = 8.6, p < .001. Changes for speech and swallowing impairment were both in the direction of progressive severity. There were no effects of age at diagnosis or motor phenotype on the degree of change for either speech or swallowing. Conclusions: Self-perceptions of speech and swallowing impairment changed significantly over time in newly diagnosed people with PD (PWPD). Consistent with existing literature, self-perceptions of speech impairment were rated as more severe than those of swallowing impairment. These findings reveal that even in the early years postdiagnoses, PWPD are experiencing changes to speech and swallowing function, albeit within the mildly severe range. The presence of self-perceived mild speech and swallowing impairments in the initial years postdiagnosis may support the need for intervention to improve and or sustain function over time.

Background Health status is a crucial determinant of an individuals’ labour market outcomes. The present study investigates the association between obesity and disability with perceived employment discrimination within Australia. Methods A total of 17,174 person-year observations from the 11,079 respondents were analysed using four waves of data from the Household, Income, and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey. The primary outcome examined was employment discrimination, using obesity and disability as the main exposure variables. The longitudinal random-effects regression technique was applied to investigate the between-person differences in employment discrimination associated with obesity and disability. Results The findings suggest that more than one in ten (12.68 %) Australians experienced employment discrimination. The odds of being discriminated against while applying for a job were 1.56 times (aOR: 1.56, 95 % CI: 1.15–2.11) higher for obese than their healthy weight counterparts in youngest women. Adults with a disability had 1.89 times (aOR: 1.89, 95 % CI: 1.65–2.17) higher odds of being discriminated against than peers without disability. Conclusion The results provide evidence that obesity and disability contribute to employment discrimination in Australia. The findings can assist government and related agencies to consider the adequacy of existing discrimination legislation and help organisations to develop appropriate policies to address discrimination against obese and disabled people in their workplaces., Highlights • More than one in ten (12.68 %) Australians perceive being discriminated against while applying for jobs. • Obese adults had higher chances of being discriminated against than healthy weight peers in youngest women. • The possibility of being discriminated against while applying for a job was higher for people with disability compared with their non-disabled counterparts.

Introduction: The Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) improves self-efficacy and health outcomes in people with chronic diseases. In the context of the EFFICHRONIC project, we evaluated the efficacy of CDSMP in relieving frailty, as assessed by the self-administered version of Multidimensional Prognostic Index (SELFY-MPI), identifying also potential predictors of better response over 6-month follow-up. Methods: The SELFY-MPI explores mobility, basal and instrumental activities of daily living (Barthel mobility, ADL, IADL), cognition (Test Your Memory-TYM Test), nutrition (Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form-MNA-SF), comorbidities, medications, and socio-economic conditions (social-familiar evaluation scale-SFES). Participants were stratified in three groups according to the 6-month change of SELFY-MPI: those who improved after CDSMP (Δ SELFY-MPI 0). Multivariable logistic regression was modeled to identify predictors of SELFY-MPI improvement. Results: Among 270 participants (mean age = 61.45 years, range = 26–93 years; females = 78.1%) a benefit from CDSMP intervention, in terms of decrease in the SELFY-MPI score, was observed in 32.6% of subjects. SELFY-MPI improvement was found in participants with higher number of comorbidities (1–2 chronic diseases: adjusted odd ratio (aOR)=2.38, 95% confidence interval (CI) =1.01, 5.58; ⩾ 3 chronic diseases: aOR = 3.34, 95% CI = 1.25, 8.90 vs no chronic disease), poorer cognitive performance (TYM ⩽ 42: aOR = 2.41, 95% CI = 1.12, 5.19 vs TYM > 42) or higher risk of malnutrition (MNA-SF ⩽ 11: aOR = 6.11, 95% CI = 3.15, 11.83 vs MNA-SF > 11). Conclusion: These findings suggest that the CDSMP intervention contributes to decreasing the self-perceived severity of frailty (SELFY-MPI score) in more vulnerable participants with several chronic diseases and lower cognitive performance and nutritional status.

Objective Veterans, including the growing number of women veterans, have a greater risk of heart disease than nonveterans, and the incidence of heart disease is increasing among the most recent veterans who participated in post-9/11 military conflicts. Investigating heart disease-related knowledge, self-perceived risk, and prevention beliefs and behavior among these veterans, and identifying potential differences in knowledge, risk, beliefs and behavior between men and women, may guide prevention strategies. Method Cross-sectional data from a nationwide survey of 1,141 (53% women) post-9/11 veterans were used to examine heart disease awareness and information-seeking, perceived risk and importance of heart disease risk factors, beliefs about traditional (e.g., weight, blood pressure) and nontraditional (e.g., stress, sleep) factors, and engagement in prevention behaviors. Differences between men and women were also tested, using t-tests, chi-square, and Fisher's exact tests. Results Only one-third reported they felt very informed or sought information about heart disease, or that their providers had discussed heart disease with them. Although veterans generally believe that addressing traditional and nontraditional factors can reduce their risk of heart disease, far fewer endorsed the value of mental health treatment in prevention. Overall, women were slightly more knowledgeable about heart disease risk, and of behaviors that can lower this risk, but for both men and women, this knowledge did not translate to engaging in equivalent prevention behaviors. Conclusions Post-9/11 veterans, and potentially their providers, may each benefit from improved education regarding their risk of heart disease. Veterans may also require better, more personalized approaches to prevention. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

The rapid shift in teaching conditions in 2020 and 2021 had a significant influence on initial teacher education. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, pre-service teachers predominantly attended online courses and had limited teaching practice in schools. This study focuses on the relationship between changes in initial teacher education that occurred due to COVID-19 pandemics and pre-service teachers' selfperceived professional preparedness. The primary objective of this research was to investigate the pre-service teachers' professional preparedness and its relation to their burnout and satisfaction with online learning experiences. Within the research plan in mind, the study focused on: (1) the pre-service teachers' professional preparedness ; (2) the pre-service teachers' burnout ; (3) the level of pre-service teachers' satisfaction with online learning ; and (4) a relationship between pre-service teachers' self-perceived professional preparedness, burnout, and satisfaction with online learning. The survey included 111 students enrolled in pre-service teacher education programs in Croatia. Participating pre-service teachers were attending online courses and had limited teaching practice in schools. The questionnaire designed for this study included general demographic questions (gender, year in school and study area) and three separate scales: Maslach Burnout Inventory – student survey – MBI-SS (Schaufeli, Martínez, Marqués-Pinto, Salanova & Bakker, 2002), the student satisfaction with online learning scale – SSOLS (Dzubian, Moskal, Thompson, Kramer, DeCantis & Hermsdorfer, 2015), and the pre-service teachers' preparedness scale – PSTPS (Manasia, Ianos & Chicioreanu, 2019). For this study, the scales were translated in Croatian and later translated back to English. The Croatian versions of the scales were analyzed by use of both exploratory and confirmatory factorial analysis. The data was analyzed using frequency, mean score, and standard deviation on a descriptive level. In addition, the Pearson coefficient of correlation was used on the p

Dietary behavior is a critical lifestyle factor affecting health. This study aimed to investigate food away from home (FAFH) and its effect on gastrointestinal (GI) health. A questionnaire-based survey was conducted with 300 participants at a hospital in Liouying, Taiwan. The survey collected demographic information and data on FAFH and GI health. The association of GI health with FAFH consumption behavior was significant (t-test, p < 0.05). Bodyweight status was associated with age (F = 5.01, p = 0.01), dietary situation (F = 1.96, p = 0.04), number of meals (F = 1.85, p = 0.03), dietary preferences (F = 2.84, p = 0), reasons for FAFH (F = 1.86, p = 0.02), FAFH types (F = 2.01, p = 0), and outcomes associated with FAFH (F = 2.51, p = 0). Gastrointestinal condition was associated with the number of meals (F = 2.55, p = 0), the level of activity after meals (F = 2.16, p = 0.02), and FAFH type (F = 1.48, p = 0.04). The results indicated that the participants aged 20–40 years had more problems related to their self-perceived body weight status than those aged 41–50 years. The results of this study clarify the FAFH among people in Taiwan and the effects on GI health and may serve as a reference for relevant behavioral research in food and health studies.

Orientation: South Africa has been suffering from persistently high levels of unemployment since 2008. The youth is regarded as the most at-risk group in the South African labour market and unemployment amongst the youth is considered one of the most critical socio-economic problems in South Africa. Increasing one’s employability is essential to securing employment and enhancing one’s well-being. Research purpose: This study aimed to explore the self-perceived employability of undergraduate students at a South African university. Motivation for the study: Currently, there is a scarcity of published research on the self-perceived employability amongst undergraduate students at higher education institutions in South Africa. Research approach/design and method: The study was conducted within a positivistic research paradigm. A quantitative-based cross-sectional survey design was used. Convenience sampling was used to select the students who were included in the survey. Data were collected through a web-based survey, using a standardised coded questionnaire that consisted of a five-point Likert-type scale. Main findings: The results indicated that the respondents were relatively confident about their internal employability, but they were less confident about their opportunities in the external labour market. Practical/managerial implications: Understanding one’s employability and the accompanied issues creates awareness of one’s potential, skills and knowledge to become a successful citizen and employee. Contribution/value-add: The study shed light on the self-perceived employability of undergraduate students at a South African university and consequently contributes to the existing literature on employability in the South African context.

Backboard Cosmetic surgery is the preservation, rebuilding, or improvement of the physical appearance of an individual through surgical and non-surgical methods. In the last few years, an increase in the number of cosmetic procedures was noticed worldwide. This increase suggests due to multifactorial changes in people’s attitudes towards cosmetic surgery and concern about their physical appearance. This study aims to assess the impact of self-esteem and self-perceived body image on the acceptance of cosmetic surgery and other related factors in the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia. Material and methods This was a cross-sectional study carried out in the Eastern region of Saudi Arabia. The study was conducted between May and August 2021. A self-administrated questionnaire was distributed to all the participants who are attending plastic surgery clinics and online through social media. Three valid and reliable scales were used [Acceptance of Cosmetic Surgery Scale (ACSS), Body Appreciation Scale (BAS), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSE)] to assess the relationship between these variables and other factors. The data were analyzed by using two-tailed tests. P-value less than 0.05 was statistically significant. Correlation analysis was done by using the Pearson correlation coefficient (r). Results A total of 1008 participants were included in the study with a response rate of 67%. Participant's ages ranged from 18 to 54 years with a mean age of 34.7 ± 11.2 years old. The study participants showed an average level of acceptance with a mean score % of 55.4% comparing to body appreciation; it was 74.2% higher with a more than average level of self-esteem, 24.7 out of 40 points for self-esteem with a mean score of 61.8%. Participants with a history of cosmetic surgery had significantly higher acceptance score than who did not (mean score of 72.6 compared to 57.1; P=0.001). Male participants had better body appreciation than females (mean score of 50.2 vs. 47.6, respectively; P=0.013). A weak positive correlation with no significance was found between participants’ self-esteem and their acceptance of cosmetic surgery. Conclusion A better understanding of the acceptance of cosmetic surgery from a different cultural perspective and other related factors including social, psychological, and self-esteem are crucial for the plastic surgeon to ensure patient satisfaction.

My study is designed to investigate the differences in self-perceived body image in terms of gender and school year, as well as mental health state based on self-perceived body image. For this, I utilized data from the 15th Korean Youth Health Behavior Online Survey (2019), conducted by the Korean Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The main questions that I address are whether there is a difference of self-body perception between male and female adolescents, whether there is a difference of self-body perception based on school year, and whether there is a difference of mental health state in terms of self-perceived body image. In terms of self-perceived body image differences between gender, it was the case that more girls categorized themselves as fat than boys. In terms of self-perceived body image differences by school year, older students were more likely to categorize themselves as fat. For differences in mental health issues by self-perceived body image, students who categorized themselves as fat ranked the highest percentages in all mental health problems. Based on these findings, I discussed some implications and limitations as well as suggestions for further research.

Backgrounds: One of the effective ways to control chronic diseases is long-term self-management, but it is difficult to adhere to. Therefore, the understanding of how people engage in the process of self-management behavior change is necessary. In this study, we aimed to examine the dynamic relationship between self-perceived disease control and self-management behaviors in Chinese older adults with hypertension, namely, medication use, self-monitoring, physical activity, tobacco and alcohol avoidance; and to explore the mediating role of subjective life expectancy (SLE) on this relationship. Methods: Data came from a nationally representative sample of 508 older hypertensive patients (aged 45+) from 2013, 2015, and 2018 waves of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. A cross-lagged panel model combined with mediation analysis was used to determine the dynamic relationship between self-perceived disease control and self-management behaviors, and also clarify the mediating effect of SLE on this ascertained relationship.Results: Good self-perceived disease control predicted subsequently well medication use, self-monitoring and physical activity, and vice versa. The subjective life expectancy (SLE) partially mediated the prospective reciprocal relationships between self-perceived disease control and these self-management behaviors, accounting for 37.11%, 25.88%, 19.39% of the total effect of self-perceived disease control on medication use, self-monitoring and physical activity, respectively. These self-management behaviors further had significantly and positively feedback effect on self-perceived disease control. However, both direct and indirect effects (via SLE) of self-perceived disease control on tobacco and alcohol avoidance were not revealed.Conclusions: Positive feedback loops of present self-perceived disease control, future SLE and self-management behaviors (medication use, self-monitoring, and physical activity) help older hypertensive patients adhere to these behaviors, but useless for their addictive behaviors’ avoidance. Interventions aimed at enhancing effect perception of general self-management behaviors (e.g., medication use, self-monitoring and physical activity) on present disease control perspective and future lifespan perspective would be beneficial for consistent these self-management behaviors of older hypertensive patients. The utility of present disease control perception to these self-management behaviors was much higher than the utility of future expectations. While alternative stress relief strategies may be conducive to the long-term change of their addictive behaviors.

Background There is limited data on Pakistani dental students perceived competence in managing orofacial pain (OFP). This study aims to evaluate dental students self-perceived competence regarding the management of orofacial pain. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in Karachi at randomly selected two public and four private dental schools. This survey was conducted online from November 2020 to December 2020 in six dental schools. A questionnaire link was sent to the 475 students. A chi-square test and independent-sample t-test were conducted to assess the frequency distribution and compare mean scores of knowledge, diagnosis, and management parameters. Results Of the 475 students, 280 students filled the online survey leaving a response rate of 59%. A significant number of fourth-year students, 65 (51%, p = 0.005), feels knowledgeable regarding neuropathic pain compared to third-year students. The majority of the fourth-year students, 100 (78%, p = 0.010), feel comfortable managing intraoral pain. Almost all the students reported thinking that they need more knowledge related to five types of OFP. The fourth-year students had high mean scores related to knowledge, comfort in diagnosing and managing OFP categories. Conclusion This study found that dental students perceived competence regarding orofacial pain management varies in relation to specific categories, being lowest for psychogenic pain.

Prior research shows that employment programs for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) fail to address ASD as a heterogeneous disorder and focus on specific ASD traits associated with difficulty in obtaining and maintaining employment. This study provides descriptive evidence that self-perceptions of self-determination improve in young adults with ASD who participate in a residential program that promotes Wehmeyer and Schalock’s essential characteristics of self-determined behavior: behavioral autonomy, self-regulated behavior, acting in a psychologically empowered manner, and self-realization. Qualitative surveys were administered to 60 participants (17-28 years old) on perceptions of self-determination, confidence in independent living skills, and program effectiveness regarding case management and sustainable employment. One-sided t-tests using pre- and post-program responses were assessed. Post- versus pre-program means were significantly higher in participants feeling confident to live alone (p = 0.0059). Findings suggest that programs adopting self-determined behavior may be more effective in increasing self-confidence for individuals with ASD. However, these findings warrant long-term analysis to assess the continuity of program success and sustained employment.

Using two datasets from the Canadian Perspectives Survey Series (CPSS), this study provides a longitudinal analysis of information sources Canadians consulted regarding COVID-19, and their associations with poor self-perceived mental health (SPMH) during March and July 2020. Nearly 20% of Canadians reported poor SPMH. The logistic regression results revealed that at Time 2 (July 2020), after controlling for demographic, socio-economic, and psycho-behavioural factors, using social media was significantly associated with higher odds of poor SPMH than using six other information sources including news outlets, federal health agencies, provincial health agencies, provincial daily announcements, places of employment, and other sources (for example, schools, colleges, universities). Checking the accuracy of online information more frequently was also associated with lower odds of poor SPMH.

Introduction: Low grip work and high feelings of self-perceived fatigue could be an early characteristic of decline in reserve capacity, which comes to full expression as physical frailty in a later stage. When grip work and self-perceived fatigue can be identified as characteristics differentiating between robustness and pre-frailty it might allow to identify pre-frailty earlier. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether the combination of grip work and self-perceived fatigue is related to pre-frailty in well-functioning older adults aged 80 and over. Methods: Four-hundred and five community-dwelling older adults aged 80 and over (214 robust and 191 pre-frail) were assessed for muscle endurance (grip Work corrected for body weight (GW_bw)), self-perceived fatigue (MFI-20) and frailty state (Fried Frailty Index, FFI). A Capacity to Perceived Vitality ratio (CPV) was calculated by dividing GW_bw by the MFI-20 scores. ANCOVA analysis (corrected for age and gender) was used to compare robust and pre-frail older adults, and binary logistic regressions were applied to analyze the relationship between CPV and pre-frailty status. Results: Pre-frail older adults who scored negative on the exhaustion item of the FFI still showed significantly lower GW (p < 0.001), CPV ratios (p < 0.001) and higher self-perceived fatigue (p < 0.05) compared to the robust ones. The likelihood for pre-frailty related significantly to higher age, being men and lower CPV ratios. In women, every unit increase in CPV ratio decreased the likelihood for pre-frailty by 78% (OR 0.22; 95% CI: 0.11–0.44), for men this effect was less strong (34%, OR 0.66; 95% CI: 0.47–0.93). Conclusions: Pre-frail community-dwelling persons aged 80 years and over without clinical signs of exhaustion on the FFI still experience significantly higher fatigue levels (lower Grip Work, higher self-perceived fatigue and lower CPV levels) compared to robust ones. CPV ratio could therefore be a good tool to identify subclinical fatigue in the context of physical (pre-)frailty.

Introdução: O cuidador é fundamental no dia a dia de indivíduos com incapacidades advindas de afecções neurológicas, sendo imprescindíveis no auxílio das necessidades bio, psico, emocional, funcional e social dos mesmos. Esse cuidado pode ser feito tanto pela família (cuidador informal) quanto por profissionais de saúde (cuidador formal), cuja saúde física e psicológica está constantemente sobrecarregada por diversos fatores. Objetivo: O objetivo do estudo é apresentar uma revisão integrativa acerca da autopercepção da sobrecarga dos cuidadores de pacientes neurológicos. Metodologia: As buscas foram realizadas nas bases de dados eletrônicas LILACS, SciELO e BIREME, de artigos publicados no período de 2015 a 2019. Os dados foram analisados de maneira integrativa, interpretados e sintetizados e então expostos em quadro para melhor apresentação e discussão dos resultados. Resultados: Observou-se que os estudos abordam uma sobrecarga autopercebida entre os cuidadores de pacientes neurológicos, em decorrência do baixo conhecimento acerca da patologia ao qual o cuidar é essencial, além da idade avançada dos cuidadores e o escasso suporte técnico. Conclusão: A autopercepção da sobrecarga ficou demonstrada nos artigos e, infelizmente, está longe de ter uma melhora, visto a falta de engajamento do setor público-privado em realizar cursos de cuidadores, além de não disponibilizar apoio multidisciplinar, com fisioterapeutas, psicólogos e educadores físicos.

Palliative care access is an urgent and ethical imperative to effectively manage the increasing burden of serious health-related suffering worldwide. Understanding the palliative care educational needs of health care professionals is critical to support evidence-based clinical practice in Rwanda and other low- and middle-income countries. A cross-sectional study was conducted at 5 hospitals in Kigali, Rwanda, to assess the palliative/end-of-life educational needs of nurses and physicians. The End-of-Life Professional Caregiver Survey and a demographic form were used to collect data. Descriptive analyses and independent t tests were conducted. A total of 420 health care professionals participated in the study (response rate, 72%). Participants perceived their knowledge and skills in providing palliative/end-of-life care as low. Those who received palliative/end-of-life care training in the past 5 years, third- and fourth-year residents, and health care providers with 5 years of experience or more had significantly higher (P ≤ .05) mean scores on the End-of-Life Professional Caregiver Survey. Nurses scored higher than physicians in the patient- and family-centered communication (P = .049) and cultural and ethical values (P = .037) subscales. Pain management was identified as an educational need by 77% of participants. Our survey suggests the need for increased governmental investments in palliative/end-of-life care education among nurses and physicians in Rwanda.

(1) Objectives: Using cross-sectional datasets, we investigated whether better self-perceived physical and social neighborhood environment was associated with perceived health status and health-related behaviors among Chinese rural residents. (2) Study Design: The study was based on the 2016 China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) survey. The sample consisted of 7191 rural residents over 18 in China. (3) Methods: The article measured physical neighborhood environment from the two aspects of dwelling environment (DE) and public facilities convenience (PFC), and social neighborhood environment from public security (PS) and neighborhood relationship (NR). Associations between health status/health-related behaviors and self-perceived physical/social neighborhood environment were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for socio-demographic characteristics. (4) Results: The results suggested that rural residents who live in a good neighborhood environment reported having a better health status. Specifically, rural residents who reported living in good DE were less likely to have a depressive mood and poor health conditions. Those who reported good PFC were less likely to have depressive mood, poor self-rated health and chronic diseases. Rural residents who reported having good PS were less likely to have a depressive mood. Those who reported good NR were less likely to have a depressive mood, poor self-rated health, chronic diseases and obesity. Regarding neighborhood environment and health-related behaviors, the results showed that rural residents who reported good PFC were more likely to do physical exercise. Notably, the regression results of the education level variable showed that education level significantly promoted the health-related behaviors (time sleeping weekday, physical exercise and smoking) of rural residents. (5) Conclusions: This article suggested that there was strong evidence for a relationship between physical and social neighborhood environment and the general health of rural residents due to all causes. According to the conclusion of this article, in order to improve the health of rural residents, policy interventions should give priority to improving the neighborhood environment. In addition, the improvement in the degree that rural residents are exposed to education is of the same importance, which helps more rural residents to maintain good health-related behaviors.

Objective: The aim is to report the outcomes of the suicide prevention training in terms of the self-perceived impact on the participants. Design: The three-hour training consisted areas of risk and protective factors, screening and evaluating suicide risk, raising concerns and confronting suicidal patients, and treating suicidal ideation in primary healthcare and the associated referral processes. Subjects: The studied participants consisted of general practitioners, nurses, public health nurses and social work professionals. Main outcome measures: Participants assessed their own competence on online form regarding four training areas prior to and two weeks after the training. Results: The response rate was 25%. The self-perceived competence of the healthcare professionals increased in all training areas and in all occupational groups. The healthcare professionals’ competence regarding the risk and protective factors training area saw the greatest increase across all professional groups except nurses. There were, however, differences between the groups. Conclusion: Suicide prevention training for primary healthcare professionals did increase the self-perceived competence of the participants in all areas covered by the training. Regular follow-up training is required in order for these improvements to be further developed and retained.Key pointsAfter the suicide prevention training all participants self-perceived increase in their competence in all training areas.The GPs self-perceived most increase in risk and protective factors and nurses in raising concerns and confronting suicidal patients.The GPs’ lowest increase was in the area of treating suicidal ideation in primary health care and the referral processes.

Objectives This observational cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate and compare the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and clinical performance between dentate subjects and edentulous patients restored with conventional dentures or implant overdentures. Methods 85 edentulous patients were grouped as follows: Group-1 (CD): conventional denture wearers (n = 42), and Group-2 (IO): implant-retained overdenture wearers (n = 43). For the OHRQoL comparisons, a control group of subjects with a healthy natural dentition (Group-3, ND; n = 50) was included. Participants completed three validated questionnaires (OHIP-14sp, OHIP-20sp, and QoLIP-10). Socio-demographic data, prosthesis-related factors, clinical condition of the mouth, and patient subjective evaluations, were gathered. Descriptive and non-parametric probes were run (α = 0.05). Results The ND group was the most unsatisfied (OHIP-14sp; p ≤ 0.001). The OHIP-20sp attributed significantly worse Psychological disability (p = 0.029) and Handicap (p = 0.027) to CD wearers when compared to IO wearers. The CD group showed the significantly highest need for relining (p = 0.041), and the lowest retention (p = 0.011). The OHIP-14sp disclosed a significantly worse OHRQoL for those volunteers who had a job (p = 0.003), a basic education instead of a secondary one (p = 0.022), and no partner (p = 0.006). Conclusions The overall OHRQoL was comparable for both prosthodontic groups, being modulated by socio-demographic and prosthesis-related features. Nonetheless, CD wearers presented prosthetic complications more frequently. Clinical significance: While dentate subjects were the most critical about their oral condition and its repercussion in their life, implant overdenture wearers tended to observe a better OHRQoL and clinical performance compared to conventional denture wearers.

Nurses experience stress in the workplace. We evaluated the feasibility and effect of Reiki to relieve stress of staff nurses during a work shift. All Reiki treatments were completed without interruption and lasted 30 minutes. Stress scores, respiratory rate, and heart rate were significantly decreased immediately following the Reiki treatment.

The aims of this study to examine the adaptation of ICT through the analysis of digital consumer needs and digital advertising preference by students. The study is conducted with a survey of students as consumers who have getting advertisements information based on ICT. There are 205 respondents collected their data through a questionnaire, which is students from higher education. Analysis technique uses through factor analysis and linear regression. The research results are known that digital consumer needs have the support to the changes positively from digital adverting preference. There are some indicators which become consumer preference in facing ICT, such as opt-in advertising, engine advertising, mobile advertising, social media network, and interactive advertising. The research findings have a benefit for companies in making decision related to business strategy by using ICT and consumer behavior.

Hintergrund und Ziel der Arbeit: Informationen zur Mundgesundheit der Bevölkerung sind wichtig für die Einschätzung von (vermeidbarer) Krankheitslast, für die Einschätzung und Planung von Gesundheitsressourcen und -kosten sowie für die Beurteilung gesundheitlicher Ungleichheiten. Ziel dieser Arbeit ist es, erstmals auf Datenbasis einer bundesweit repräsentativen Stichprobe für die erwachsene Bevölkerung in Deutschland die selbstwahrgenommene Mundgesundheit einschließlich assoziierter Faktoren zu untersuchen. Material und Methoden: Datenbasis ist die Studie Gesundheit in Deutschland aktuell (GEDA 2019/2020-EHIS, n = 22.708 ab 18 Jahre). Im telefonischen Interview wurden die Teilnehmenden gefragt, wie sie den Zustand ihrer Zähne und ihres Zahnfleischs beschreiben würden – „sehr gut“, „gut“, „mittelmäßig“, „schlecht“, „sehr schlecht“. Soziodemografische, verhaltensbezogene und zahnmedizinische Merkmale werden als assoziierte Faktoren untersucht. Ausgewiesen werden Prävalenzen und Ergebnisse multivariater binär-logistischer Regressionen (Odds Ratios, OR). Ergebnisse und Diskussion: 71,4 % der Befragten schätzten ihre Mundgesundheit als sehr gut oder gut ein, 28,6 % als mittelmäßig bis sehr schlecht. Die wichtigsten assoziierten Faktoren waren Beeinträchtigungen beim Kauen und Beißen (OR 4,0), ein unerfüllter zahnmedizinischer Versorgungsbedarf (OR 2,3), männliches Geschlecht (OR 1,5) und ein nicht täglicher Obst- und Gemüsekonsum (OR 1,2), bei Männern zudem eine niedrige Bildung (OR 2,1), das tägliche Rauchen (OR 1,6) und eine nicht jährliche zahnmedizinische Inanspruchnahme (OR 1,4). Aus den Ergebnissen lassen sich Ansatzpunkte zur Förderung der Mundgesundheit ableiten. Background and aim of the work: Information on the oral health of the population is important for the assessment of (preventable) disease burden, for the estimation and planning of health resources and costs, and for the evaluation of health inequalities. The aim of this work is to investigate for the first time self-perceived oral health, including associated factors, based on data from a nationally representative sample for the adult population in Germany. Material and methods: The data basis is the nationwide German Health Update study (GEDA 2019/2020-EHIS, n = 22,708 aged 18 years and older). In the telephone interview, the participants were asked how they would describe the state of their teeth and gums – “very good,” “good,” “fair,” “bad,” or “very bad.” Sociodemographic, behavioral, and dental characteristics are examined as associated factors. Prevalences and results of multivariate binary logistic regressions (odds ratios, OR) are reported. Results and discussion: Of the participants, 71.4% perceived their oral health as very good or good, 28.6% as fair to very bad. Difficulty in chewing and biting on hard foods (OR 4.0), unmet dental care needs (OR 2.3), male gender (OR 1.5), and not consuming fruits and vegetables daily (OR 1.2) were the most important associated factors for fair to very bad self-perceived oral health; for men, low education (OR 2,1), daily smoking (OR 1.6) and not receiving dental care annually (OR 1.4) were also important. From the results, starting points for promoting oral health can be derived.

Objectives To assess the self-perception of breath odour and oral hygiene habits whilst the wearing of face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Subjects and methods This cross-sectional study included 4647 individuals who answered a structured questionnaire containing demographic, medical and dental variables and self-perceived breath odour. Variables associated with changes in self-perceived breath odour, self-perceived halitosis and changes in oral hygiene habits were assessed through multivariate logistic regression. Results Changes in self-perceived breath odour were reported by 1,572 individuals and were associated with smoking, systemic conditions, dry mouth, tongue coating, the period of face mask use and its interaction with prior thinking of having bad breath. Likewise, 645 individuals started to consider having bad breath. This was associated with the interaction between prior family/friends saying they have bad breath and period of face mask use. Changes in oral hygiene habits were strongly associated with changes in self-perception of breath odour and starting to consider having bad breath. Conclusion Changes in one's self-perception of breath odour was associated with the wearing of face masks and was significant for changes in oral hygiene habits. Findings may be important to guide comprehensive preventive and therapeutic strategies in relation to oral health care.

Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): The University of Adelaide supported fieldwork Introduction Heart disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The risk of heart disease is significantly high among patients with hypertension. However, patients’ poor understanding of their risk even further intensifies the risk of heart disease. Therefore it is crucial to improve patients’ understanding of their lifetime risk and applying a healthy lifestyle, to reduce the risk of heart disease. Purpose The aim of this study was to explore self-perceived heart disease risk and knowledge of heart disease risk factors in patients with hypertension. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in patients with a confirmed diagnosis of hypertension who attended follow up care clinics at two referral hospitals in eastern Ethiopia. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using two validated instruments (ABCD risk questionnaire for assessment of self-perceived risk and heart disease fact questionnaire for assessment of knowledge of cardiovascular risk factors). Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 25, and descriptive and correlation analysis were conducted. Results A total of 203 patients were included in the study, 60% of them were females, and the mean age was 50 ± 9 years. The majority 143 (70.4%) perceived their future heart disease risk as low, however 60 (29.6%) perceived their future chance of developing heart disease as moderate. The mean heart disease risk factors knowledge score was 72.3 + 13.7, and more than half (57%) had optimal knowledge of heart disease risk factors (scored ≥70%), whereas, the remaining 43% had sub-optimal knowledge. Moreover, there is a statistically significant positive association between self-perceived heart disease risk and knowledge of heart disease risk factors (r = 0.28, p= 0.00). Conclusion Despite being at high risk, many patients with hypertension underestimate the chance of developing heart disease in their lifetime. Implementation of interventions to promote healthy lifestyle behaviour is crucial to prevent heart disease risk as well as to improve patient’s understanding of these risks.

Objectives. To analyze changes in occupational health inequity between 2011 and 2018 among workers in Central America. Methods. Data were collected by face-to-face interviews at the workers’ homes for the 2 Central America Working Conditions Surveys (n = 12 024 in 2011 and n = 9030 in 2018). We estimated health inequity gaps by means of absolute and relative population attributable risks and the weighted Keppel index. We stratified all analyses by gender. Results. Between 2011 and 2018, the proportion of workers reporting poor self-perceived health decreased both in women (from 32% to 29%) and men (from 33% to 30%). However, the health inequity gaps remained wide in the 4 stratifiers. Measured by the Keppel index, health inequity gaps between countries increased from 22% to 39% in women and from 20% to 29% in men. Conclusions. While health improved between 2011 and 2018, health inequity gaps remained wide. Wider health inequity gaps were observed between countries than by gender, age, occupation, or education. Public Health Implications. This first benchmark of occupational health inequities in Central America could be useful when developing and evaluating the impact of public policies on work.

Introduction: Competent pharmacy practice requires the ability to critically evaluate the medical literature and communicate pharmacotherapy information and recommendations to healthcare practitioners. Given the limited research on how these skills are taught, a seminar course in the third year of the pharmacy curriculum was designed to strengthen these skills and abilities. Methods: This was a prospective, pre- and post-cohort survey design. Students were informed of the study’s intent with participation being voluntary and not affecting their course grade. Students received the same survey at the beginning and end of the semester. The 20-question survey assessed self-perceived confidence in the domains of communication and literature evaluation using a 5-point, Likert-type Strongly Disagree-Strongly Agree Scale. Demographic information and students’ previous pharmacy work and internship experience were collected as a part of the survey. Descriptive statistics and Student’s t-test were used to assess the research question and comparisons of student demographics. Results: Sixty-eight of a possible 91 students (75% response rate) completed both the pre- and post-survey. There was no statistically significant differences between any of the measured demographics. Overall, students slightly agreed they were confident in their communication and literature evaluation skills in the pre-course evaluation, with communicating drug interactions as the least confident area. Post-course, students were significantly more confident in all but 5 of 20 measured areas. Conclusion: The Seminar course resulted in a positive change in students’ perception of confidence to communicate with healthcare professionals and ability to evaluate drug literature.

Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public hospital(s). Main funding source(s): Helse Sør-Øst, Vestre Viken Trust Background Statin discontinuation due to self-perceived muscle side-effects is a major challenge in clinical practice. Strategies are needed to improve lipid control in these patients. Purpose We studied if information about the results of a blinded statin challenge experiment, followed by tailored lipid lowering treatment, had long-term effects on lipid control in coronary patients with self-perceived muscle side-effects. Methods A post-trial intervention study of patients classified with statin dependent (N = 20) and independent (N = 50) muscle complaints in the MUscle Side-Effects of atorvastatin (MUSE), a randomized, double-blinded, crossover trial. All participants were informed of the MUSE trial results in an individual consultation and provided tailored lipid-lowering treatment according to protocol with 1-2 follow-up calls. Lipids were controlled at the end of follow-up. Results Mean age was 64 (SD 9.5) years and 33% (N = 23) were females. During an average follow-up of 13 months (SD 3.3), mean LDL-cholesterol was reduced by 0.3 (SD 0.6) mmol/L (p = 0.005) in patients with statins and by 1.7 (SD 1.0) mmol/L (p = 0.005) in patients without statins at inclusion in the MUSE trial (Table). We found no changes in the overall use of high-intensity statins, but ezetimibe was used by 11 additional patients and 4 patients were prescribed a PCSK9-inhibitor. Participants in the subgroup without statins at inclusion used; atorvastatin (N = 2), rosuvastatin (N = 3) or a PCSK9-inhibitor (N = 2) at follow-up. 90% found their own trial results useful in making decisions about future statin use. Conclusions Information about the results of a statin challenge experiment combined with tailored and systematical prescription of lipid-lowering agents had favourable long-term effects on lipid control in coronary patients with self-perceived muscle side-effects. Characteristics of the study population Using statins at inclusion (n = 62) Not using statins at inclusion (n = 8) Classified with statin-dependent side-effects, n (%) 15 (24) 5 (63) LDL-cholesterol at inclusion, mean (SD) 2.2 (0.8) 4.2 (1.1) LDL-cholesterol at follow-up, mean (SD) 1.9 (0.7) 2.5 (0.8) High intensity statin (ie. ≥40 mg atorvastatin or ≥20 mg rosuvastatin) at inclusion, n (%) 40 (55.6) 0 (0) High intensity statin at follow-up, n (%) 38 (61) 2 (25) Ezetimibe at inclusion, n (%) 13 (21) 3 (38) Ezetimibe at follow-up, n (%) 26 (42) 1 (13) PCSK-9 inhibitor at follow-up, n (%) 2 (3) 2 (25) Usefulness of own trial result in making decisions about future statin use on a 0 to 10 Likert scale, mean (SD) 8.1 (2.0) 9.6 (0.6)

The global pandemic coronavirus disease (COVID-19) resulted in restrictions which forced adolescents to stay at home and influenced their food habits and lifestyles with potential negative health impact. This study aims to investigate the self-reported physical activity (PA) and eating habits related to the consumption of Mediterranean foods in a sample of adolescents during the COVID-19 lockdown enrolled into the DIMENU study. A web survey was launched for 91 adolescents (aged 15–17 years) to assess their adherence to the Mediterranean Diet using the KIDMED test and lifestyle habits using a questionnaire designed following recommendations by Italian National Institute of Health (ISS score). Our results indicate that most of the sample declared no changes in eating habits and PA without sex differences. After dividing the sample into active and sedentary groups based on the self-perceived PA, we found that KIDMED and ISS scores were significantly higher (p = 0.0028 and p = 0.0001, respectively) in active adolescents. Moreover, KIDMED was positively correlated with ISS only in active adolescents (r = 0.311, p = 0.0185). In conclusion, our data underline the impact of the PA on the Mediterranean diet adherence in adolescents during the lockdown, suggesting the usefulness of promoting wellness programs directed towards inactive individuals to increase their awareness on the importance of healthy lifestyles.

Indoor air 31(6), 2329-2349 (2021). doi:10.1111/ina.12851, Published by Wiley-Blackwell, Oxford

Introduction: Minor oral surgical procedures are practiced in dental teaching. Interns are required to be competent, well-prepared and acknowledge its basics before their practice. Lack of training and knowledge could lead to serious consequences during clinical practice. Aim: To assess the knowledge and confidence level between male and female dental interns in private and governmental Riyadh dental schools in performing simple dento-alveolar procedures. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in January 2020 among dental interns from all Riyadh dental schools. A cross-sectional survey containing 23 items was used. The first part included the informed consent and demographic data (item 1-3). The second part consisted of 10 case scenarios to assess the knowledge level (item 4-13), and the third part was developed to self-rate their confidence level (item 14-23). Around 300 participants belonging to five Riyadh dental schools comprised the study population. All interns were included in the study after obtaining informed consent. All statistical analyses were performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0 and Microsoft Excel 16.16. Groups were compared using Pearson chi-square and unpaired sample t-test. The p-value of

Adolescence is a sensitive period for taking risks, yet research has not investigated whether adolescents who engage in risk-taking actually perceive themselves to be risk-takers. In the current study, students (Grade: 6-8, N = 437) reported on their frequency of risk-taking and perceptions of themselves as risk-takers, forming four groups of interest (aware risk-takers, unaware risk-takers, aware non-risk-takers, unaware non-risk-takers). We also investigated whether these groups were associated with engagement in certain types of risks. Overall, low-risk-takers had more accurate self-perceptions (i.e., greater awareness) compared with high risk-takers. Of concern, unaware high risk-takers engaged in more rule-breaking and adventurous risks compared with non-risk-takers, though they did not consider themselves to be risk-takers. It is possible that this group of adolescents may be less receptive to educational practices that target high risk-takers given that they do not consider themselves to be a risk-taker.