Psychological well-being and health perception: predictors for past, present and future

Subjective Well-Being Population Norms and Inequalities in Hungary: A Large Cross-Sectional, Internet-Based Survey

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to provide subjective well-being (SWB) population norms in Hungary and explore the contribution of explanatory factors of SWB inequality among the Hungarian adult general population.

METHODS

The data originated from a large representative internet-based cross-sectional survey in Hungary, which was conducted in 2020. We applied validated multi-item instruments for measuring SWB, namely Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) and World Health Organization-Five Well-Being Index (WHO-5). Multiple linear regressions were used to examine the relationship between demographic-socioeconomic-health status and both well-being instruments. The concentration index (CI) was used to measure the degree of income-related inequality in well-being.

RESULTS

A total of 2001 respondents were enrolled with the means ± SD WHO-5 scores and SWLS scores of 0.51 ± 0.21 and 0.51 ± 0.23, respectively. Higher household income, higher educational level, better general health status, and absence of chronic morbidity were significant positive predictors for both WHO-5 and SWLS scores. The CI of WHO-5 scores was lower than that of SWLS scores in the total sample (0.0480 vs 0.0861) and in subgroups by gender (male, 0.0584 vs 0.1035; female, 0.0302 vs 0.0726). The positive CI values implied a slight pro-rich SWB inequality in this population. The regression analyses showed a positive association of SWB with having a higher household income and a better general health status.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first representative study in Hungary to compare population norm of 2 well-being instruments and analyze well-being inequality. Slight pro-rich inequality was found consistently with both SWB measures. Our findings support the need for health and social policies that effectively tackle inequalities in Hungary.

Prevalência e fatores associados a sintomas ansiosos e depressivos em mulheres privadas de liberdade em Juiz de Fora-MG, Brasil

Resumo Sofrimento psíquico e desenvolvimento de transtornos mentais nas prisões são questões de saúde pública reconhecidas mundialmente. Objetivou-se identificar a prevalência destes sintomas e os fatores associados em 99 mulheres com mais de 18 anos de idade, nos regimes provisório, fechado e semiaberto de Juiz de Fora-MG. Trata-se de um estudo transversal, do tipo censo, com dados coletados face a face através de questionário semiestruturado e multidimensional. Os desfechos foram avaliados pelo Patient Health Questionannaire-4 (PHQ-4). Para a análise de associação foi construído um modelo teórico de determinação com três blocos hierarquizados. Foram estimadas razões de prevalência brutas por meio do teste Qui-quadrado e ajustadas entre si dentro de cada bloco (p≤0,20). Para o modelo final de regressão de Poisson com variância robusta foi adotado p≤0,05. A prevalência de sintomas ansiosos e depressivos foi, respectivamente, de 75,8% (IC95% 66,1%-83,8%) e 65,7% (IC95% 55,4%-74,9%). No modelo final, sintomas ansiosos associaram-se à presença de sintomas depressivos. Já sintomas depressivos associaram-se à faixa etária de 20 a 29 anos e à presença de sintomas ansiosos. Verificou-se prevalência dos desfechos em mais da metade das participantes, com destaque para interassociação entre eles.

Prevalence and factors associated with anxiety and depressive symptoms in women deprived of liberty in Juiz de Fora-MG, Brazil

Abstract Psychological distress and developing mental disorders in prisons are globally recognized public health issues. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of these symptoms and associated factors in 99 women over 18 years of age in the provisional, closed, and semi-open regimes in Juiz de Fora-MG, Brazil. This cross-sectional census study collected data face-to-face through a semi-structured and multidimensional questionnaire. We assessed outcomes using the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4). We built a theoretical determination model with three hierarchical blocks for the association analysis. We estimated crude prevalence ratios using the chi-square test and adjusted for each other within each block (p≤0.20). We adopted p≤0.05 for the final Poisson regression model with robust variance. The prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms was 75.8% (95%CI 66.1%-83.8%) and 65.7% (95%CI 55.4%-74.9%), respectively. In the final model, anxiety symptoms were associated with depressive symptoms. On the other hand, depressive symptoms were associated with the 20-29 years age group and anxiety symptoms. We identified a prevalence of the outcomes in more than half of the participants, emphasizing the inter-association between them.

Social Capital as a Predictor of Quality of Life: The Czech Experience

In the paper, we understand social capital as a variable that affects the quality of life. A variable whose change affects another variable is called a predictor. The paper is based on Putnam’s understanding of social capital with the dimensions of trust, norms and networks. Trust is considered the most important dimension, and for the purposes of the paper social capital is identified with trust. Quality of life is a holistic concept with two dimensions expressing an assessment of satisfaction with life. After society became richer—in the 1960’s in the West and, after the collapse of the bipolar world, also in Central and Eastern Europe—the need for quantity was replaced by the need for quality. The paper is focused on Czechia, with social capital as a predictor of quality of life being investigated geographically at the level of districts. According to the research hypothesis, social capital will have a strong influence on the quality of life of residents in Czechia, i.e., it will be its predictor. To test the validity of the research hypothesis, research was conducted. The aim of the paper is to outline the epistemology of social capital from the aspect of quality of life, description of quality of life and then to test the validity of the research hypothesis by measurements. The result of the quantification of social capital and quality of life at the level of districts and their correlation is important from an epistemological point of view for two reasons. The first is to question the generally accepted premise of the position of social capital as a strong predictor of quality of life. The second is the recognition that the premise of the position of social capital as a strong predictor of quality of life applies in the districts with the highest quality of life.

Resilience Among Residents from the Areas First Affected by COVID-19 in South Korea

Purpose

This study aimed to identify the factors affecting the resilience of residents of South Korea, from areas where the coronavirus disease of 2019 outbreak first occurred.

Methods

A cross-sectional design was used, with a convenience sample of 212 residents from Daegu and Gyeongbuk, areas that were first affected by COVID-19 in South Korea. Data were collected through a structured self-administered survey from September 3 to September 5, 2020. The questionnaire included general characteristics, post-traumatic stress, perceived health status, family history, and resilience. The data were analyzed using descriptive analysis, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and multiple linear regression.

Results

Resilience was correlated with post-traumatic stress, perceived health status, and family hardiness. Factors influencing resilience were family hardiness, economic status, and residence.

Conclusion

There is a need for strategies and intervention programs that aim to improve family resilience and reduce the impact of economic losses caused by pandemics.

Evaluation of health perceptions and healthcare utilization among population-based female cancer survivors and cancer-free women

PURPOSE

Cancer survivors are more likely to report having a poor health status when compared to the general population. Few studies have focused on the impact of cancer on health status and healthcare utilization/access outcomes among women from medically underserved populations.

METHODS

25,741 women with and without a history of cancer from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1999 to 2016 contributed data. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using multivariable logistic regression for associations between cancer status and perceived health and healthcare utilization/access outcomes stratified by race/ethnicity, poverty status, education, and comorbidities.

RESULTS

1,897 (7.0%) women had a history of cancer with breast cancer as the most common (n = 671, 35.7%). While most survivors were non-Hispanic white (69.4%), 13.9% were Hispanic, 12.0% were non-Hispanic Black, and 4.6% were additional racial/ethnic groups. Survivors were 1.32 times more likely to be hospitalized within the last year (95% CI 1.11-1.58) and 1.32 times more likely to see a mental health provider within the last year (95% CI 1.05-1.66) compared to cancer-free women. Race/ethnicity was a significant effect modifier in the association between being a survivor and seeing a mental health provider, with Hispanic survivors having the highest odds (aOR 3.44; 95% CI 2.06-5.74; p-interaction < 0.00).

CONCLUSION

Our study identifies disparities in healthcare utilization among female cancer survivors, highlighting the importance of evaluating these associations among medically underserved populations. These findings can educate healthcare professionals working with these populations to inform gaps in survivorship care utilization/access.

Mental wellbeing and perception of health in the era of COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study in the general population

PURPOSE

This study was aimed at evaluating mental wellbeing and health perception in the general population during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and at highlighting the correlation between them and selected variables.

DESIGN AND METHODS

This descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out in 374 individuals, who were remotely administered two scales ("Perception of Health Scale [PHS]" and "Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale [WEMWBS]") and a demographic and clinical questionnaire.

FINDINGS

PHS mean score was 53.24 ± 7.69 and the total WEMWBS score was 52.95 ± 10.75. A positive statistically significant correlation was found between PHS and WEMWBS (p < 0.05). Gender, marital status, and education levels conditioned mental well-being in a statistically significant. Suffering from a chronic disorder, COVID-19 symptoms, or having a family member affected by COVID-19 infection influenced the health perception.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

Exposing the factors affecting the health and mental wellbeing perceptions of individuals, especially during the pandemic period, can guide policymakers.

Validade da Psychological Well-Being Scale com Obesidade Mórbida Feminina

Resumo O bem-estar psicológico é um importante indicador de ajustamento psicológico. A obesidade é considerada uma doença progressiva, que resulta em sérios problemas de saúde pública. Esta pesquisa buscou evidências de validade para a Psychological Well-Being Scale, com 293 mulheres brasileiras com obesidade mórbida, de 18 a 61 anos de idade, que aguardavam a cirurgia bariátrica. Os escores brutos foram submetidos à Análise Fatorial Confirmatória e vários modelos teóricos foram testados. Nos resultados, uma estrutura de seis dimensões oblíquas apresentou bom ajuste aos dados empíricos. Também foram obtidos índices aceitáveis de consistência interna para os fatores da medida. A escala poderá contribuir para programas que visem melhorar o bem-estar psicológico de pessoas com obesidade mórbida, antes e depois da cirurgia bariátrica.

Validity of the Psychological Well-Being Scale with Morbid Female Obesity

Abstract Psychological well-being is an important indicator of psychological adjustment. Obesity is considered a progressive disease that results in serious public health problems. This investigation sought validity evidence for the Psychological Well-Being Scale in 293 morbidly obese Brazilian women, aged between 18 and 61 years, who were awaiting bariatric surgery. The scores were submitted to Confirmatory Factor Analysis and several theoretical models were tested. According to the results, an oblique six-dimensional structure presented a good fit to the empirical data. Acceptable indices of internal consistency for the measurement factors were also obtained. The scale may contribute to the development of programs aimed at improving the psychological well-being of people with morbid obesity, before and after bariatric surgery.

Drug Hypersensitivity Quality of Life Questionnaire: validation procedures and first results of the Portuguese version

BACKGROUND

Hypersensitivity reactions to drugs are unpredictable and can be very complex and severe, even life threatening. Assess its impact on patient's health related quality of life (HRQoL) is crucial. The Drug Hypersensitivity Quality of Life Questionnaire (DrHy-Q) is the only validated disease-specific HRQoL questionnaire. We aimed to translate and cross-cultural validate the DrHy-Q to the Portuguese population. It was also our purpose to determine the impact of drug hypersensitivity on patients' HRQoL.

METHODS

The translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the DrHy-Q to Portuguese was performed according to standards. Reliability of the DrHy-Q Portuguese version was assessed in terms of internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Structural validity, divergent validity (with a generic health related QoLQ-PGWBI) and discriminant validity were also evaluated. Forty patients accepted to participate in the validation phase. The Portuguese version of the DrHy-Q was applied to 260 consecutively adult patients, studied in our Department for suspected drug hypersensitivity.

RESULTS

The Portuguese DrHy-Q showed adequate internal consistency (Cronbach's ɑ = 0.938), good test-retest reliability [ICC = 0.713 (95% CI 0.488-0.850] and one-dimensional structure. No significant correlation was found between the DrHy-Q and the PGWBI total scores (r = - 0.010, p = 0.957). Two hundred of patients completed the study: 78.5% female; mean age = 44 ± 15 years. Mean DrHy-Q score was 36.8 ± 12.6. Two clinical factors significantly predict DrHy-Q total score: clinical manifestations and number of suspected drugs. Patients with anaphylaxis (β = 11.005; 95% CI 5.523; 16.487), urticaria/angioedema (β = 7.770; 95% CI 2.600; 12.940) and other manifestations (β = 7.948; 95% CI 1.933; 13.962) are more likely to have higher DrHy-Q total score than patients with maculopapular exanthema. Patients with ≥ 2 suspected drugs are also more likely to have worse QoL (β = 7.927; 95% CI 3.687; 12.166).

CONCLUSION

The Portuguese version of DrHy-Q revealed adequate validity and reliability, indicating that it is appropriate to assess the impact of drug hypersensitivity on patients' HRQoL, providing data for a better comprehension and management of our patients. Moreover, our results highlight that the severity of the drug hypersensitivity reaction and the number of suspected drugs have impact on patient's DrHy-QoL.

The Efficacy of Music for Emotional Wellbeing During the COVID-19 Lockdown in Spain: An Analysis of Personal and Context-Related Variables

The strict lockdown experienced in Spain during March-June 2020 as a consequence of the COVID-19 crisis has led to strong negative emotions. Music can contribute to enhancing wellbeing, but the extent of this effect may be modulated by both personal and context-related variables. This study aimed to analyze the impact of the two types of variables on the perceived efficacy of musical behaviors to fulfill adults' emotional wellbeing-related goals during the lockdown established in Spain. Personal variables included age, gender, musical training, personality, resilience, and perception of music's importance. Contextual variables referred to living in a region with a high COVID-19 impact, perception of belonging to a risk group, being alone, having caring responsibilities during confinement, and amount of time of music listening as compared to prior to the crisis. The study was conducted retrospectively during August-December 2020, when the strict lockdown was over in Spain. An online survey was disseminated among the general population and groups of musicians, and the answers of 507 adults (from 18 years on, 73.9% females, 51.3% musically trained adults) were analyzed. Only personal, but not COVID-19 context-related variables, showed an impact on music's efficacy. The youngest age group of adults and those with musical training reported the highest efficacy of music for wellbeing enhancement, and music's importance was found to be the main significant predictor of music's perceived efficacy. Our findings suggest that the people who have been reported to be emotionally more vulnerable during the lockdown, due to either a strong impact on their daily lives or their lower resilience, perceive a higher benefit from musical behaviors. Being musically trained, even for a small number of years, also leads to a perception of higher efficacy of music for the achievement of emotional wellbeing goals. However, this effect is explained by the musically trained individuals' higher perception of music's importance. Although musical behaviors can be generally considered as important for wellbeing enhancement, our study highlights who are the potential individuals who could benefit the most from music-related activities for obtaining better levels of wellbeing, at least within the current context of the COVID-19 crisis.

A Scientometric Systematic Review of Entrepreneurial Wellbeing Knowledge Production

This article presents a scientometric study regarding entrepreneurship and its relationship with wellbeing. The study presents a systematic review and measures impact and relational character to identify the relevance of countries, research organizations, and authors in the field of entrepreneurial wellbeing. The study poses the following research questions: What is the nature of the evolution of scientific knowledge in the entrepreneurial wellbeing field? What is the nature of the concentration in terms of geographical distribution and co-authorship level of knowledge production in the entrepreneurial wellbeing field? What are the knowledge trends in knowledge production for entrepreneurial wellbeing literature? The contribution of this research is two-fold. First, in terms of methodology, it contributes study into the use of a more robust approach to search for the scientometric trends about entrepreneurship wellbeing in addition to the PRISMA review tools and the PICOS eligibility criteria. Secondly, the study presents research updates in the search for results for the last 2 years of knowledge production. This upgrade is particularly important in a research field that presents exponential growth, where 2019 and 2020 presented almost double the amount of knowledge production compared to 2017 and 2018.

Factors Associated with Changes in Health Perception in Patients with Heart Failure

Determination of modifiable factors associated with changes in health perception can be beneficial for improvement in health perception and health-related quality of life. The purpose of this study was to examine if changes in physical symptoms, functional status, and depressive symptoms were associated with changes in health perception at three months and the mediator effect of physical symptoms. Data were collected at baseline and three months later (N = 65). Process Macro for SPSS was used to analyze the data. Only changes in depressive symptoms (p < .001) were associated with changes in physical symptoms. Then, only changes in physical symptoms (p = .026) were significantly associated with changes in health perception. Changes in physical symptoms played significant roles in changes in health perception directly and also through the mediator role. Clinicians and researchers need to assess and manage these two modifiable factors to improve health perception in this population.

Factors Affecting Health-Promoting Behaviors in Patients with Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death globally and the second most common cause of death in South Korea. Health-promoting behaviors recommended for patients with cardiovascular disease include control of diet, physical activity, cessation of smoking, medication adherence, and adherence to medical recommendations. This study aimed to determine the relationship between depression, anxiety, perception of health status, and health-promoting behavior in patients from South Korea who have suffered from cardiovascular disease. The study population comprised 161 patients at the cardiovascular center at H Hospital who were diagnosed with cardiovascular disease. Descriptive statistics and stepwise multiple regression were employed to analyze the data. Negative correlations existed between depression, perception of health status, and health-promoting behavior. By contrast, a positive correlation existed between the perception of health status and health-promoting behavior. The main factors affecting health-promoting behaviors were alcohol consumption, duration of diagnosis, perception of health status, and depression. These variables explained 15.8% of the variance. To prevent adverse cardiac events, patients who suffer from cardiovascular disease should be assessed as soon as possible to identify psychiatric symptoms, thereby developing a potential intervention aimed at decreasing negative illness consequences.