bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing cyberchondria and eHealth literacy differences in urban and rural China
Authors: Lin Y , Xu R 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background and Objectives
This study aimed to explore the association between cyberchondria and eHealth literacy in the general Chinese population, and to assess how this relationship changes between urban and rural residents.

Methods
Data obtained from a web-based, cross-sectional survey that evaluate cyberchondria and its impact on health in February 2024. The Cyberchondria Severity Scale - 12 item was used to measure the cyberchondria, while the eHealth Literacy Scale was used to evaluate eHealth literacy. Descriptive analysis was used to describe the background characteristics of the participants. Then, a multivariable linear regression model was then performed for urban and rural subsample to examine the relationship between cyberchondria and eHealth literacy, respectively, providing a comparative analysis between the urban and rural populations.

Results
A total of 634 individuals completed the questionnaire. The average age was 33.2 years (SD = 7.4), with approximately 50.3% (n = 319) being female. Urban residents made up 71.4% (n = 451) of the participants. The mean eHEALS scores for urban and rural residents were 31.9 (SD = 4.3) and 30.4 (SD = 4.2), respectively. The CSS-12 scores for urban residents were 40.3 (SD = 7.58) and for rural residents were 39.1 (SD = 7.2). Linear regression analyses showed a significant association between eHealth literacy and cyberchondria for urban residents (Beta = 0.30, p &lt; 0.001), but age and education level had no significant impact. For rural residents, a statistically significant association between eHealth literacy and cyberchondria was also observed (Beta = 0.40, p = 0.002).

Conclusions
Overall, eHealth literacy consistently predicts cyberchondria severity in both urban and rural samples. Higher eHealth literacy is linked to greater cyberchondria, especially in rural areas. Future research should explore other potential mediators, including psychological factors, internet usage patterns, and access to healthcare services.

Key messages
• eHealth literacy strongly predicts cyberchondria severity in both urban and rural populations, with a notably stronger impact observed in rural settings.
• Urban and rural differences highlight the need for customized digital health literacy programs to effectively address region-specific challenges and behaviors.
The Effect of Parents Health Literacy Level on Attitudes Towards Childhood Vaccinations
Authors: Şimşek S , Ören Çelik M M 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

While the importance of vaccination services increases day by day, WHO declared vaccine hesitancy as one of the 10 threats to global health in 2019 due to the decrease in vaccination numbers in recent years. Raising parents awareness about childhood vaccines with adequate and accurate information is likely to positively affect vaccination decisions.Although the level of knowledge on this subject depends on parents being able to obtain information using the right sources, this situation can also be associated with a sufficient level of health literacy.This study aimed to evaluate how parents health literacy level affects their attitudes towards vaccines. This cross-sectional study was conducted through a facetoface survey with 400 parents of children under the age of 18 who applied to the Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, ChildHealthDiseasesPolyclinic. Asdata collection tools, a survey form including general approaches to preventive health services and knowledge level about vaccines, as well as the TSOY-32 and PACV were used. As a result of our study, the average of the correct answers given by the participants to the questions regarding their vaccination knowledge levels was determined as 12.1±4.3. The average health literacy general index score was found to be 33.6±4.5. It was determined that 2.5% of the parents had insufficient health literacy levels, and 67.8% had problematic or limited health literacy levels. Parents received a total score of 30.2±23.7 (13 (1-83)) from the PACV scale. It was determined that 13.5% of parents were hesitant about childhood vaccines. It was determined that individuals with vaccine hesitancy had lower general health literacy and vaccine knowledge levels, and they used the media and neighbors as sources of information at a higher rate. Additionally, it was determined that low level of knowledge about the vaccine(OR 1.4 95%CI 1.3-1.6). and using the media(OR 2.3 95%CI 1.0- 4.9) as a source of information poses a risk for vaccine hesitancy.

Key messages
• Providing community-based training to increase the health literacy level of parents will also create positive changes in vaccine hesitancy.
• Community-based studies should be carried out regarding misconceptions about vaccines, especially those acquired from the media, and individuals should be made aware.
Assessment of the level of health literacy in students with specific learning disorders
Authors: Graziani C L , Brunelli D , Lorini D , Bonaccorsi D , Palese D , Fedeli D , Arnoldo D 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Specific Learning Disorders (SLDs) include dyslexia, dysorthography, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia and are referred to as specific educational learning disabilities. For students with SLDs, the issue of health literacy (HL) arises because understanding, evaluating and utilising health information are critical to making informed decisions about one’s health. This study aims to determine the level of HL in students with a certified SLD.

Methods
From November 2023 to April 2024, students with an SLD studying at the University of Udine (Italy) who agreed to participate, were surveyed using an online questionnaire on the EUSurvey platform. This consisted of the HLS-EU-Q47 to measure HL, followed by a socio-demographic section. The HLS-EU-Q47 classified HL into 4 levels: inadequate, problematic, sufficient and excellent; descriptive analysis was performed and the correlation with the sociodemographic data was examined using χ² test.

Results
38 students participated (mean age 24 years, 60.5% female), 60% of whom are in an undergraduate degree program. 42% of the sample had a single SLD (26% dyslexia, 13% dysgraphia), while 58% of them have multiple SLDs. Overall, 42% of students were found to have a problematic HL level, 24% inadequate, only 24% sufficient and 11% excellent. No statistically significant association was found between) HL level and gender, number of SLDs, school attended at the time of SLD certification, and use of supports (all p-values&gt;0.05).

Conclusions
The level of HL in students with SLDs appears to be consistent with data from the Italian population (58% inadequate or problematic) from the 2019-HLS19 Health Literacy Survey. This suggests that the presence of an SLD does not affect the level of HL and that it is likely that the university degree is able compensate for HL difficulties that could be related to the presence of an SLD. A larger sample is needed to see if it is confirmed that there is no association between the investigated variables.

Key messages
• Despite the presence of SLDs, the HL of academic students follows the same trend compared to the general Italian population.
• The structural use of supportive measures by these students probably bridges the gap in access to and correct use of health information.
The Impact of Health Literacy on Diabetes Control
Authors: do Ó D N , Goes A R , Raposo J F , Osborn R , Loureiro I 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Introdution
People with diabetes have a significant impact on treatment outcomes through their daily decisions. Therefore, health literacy (HL) is crucial for effectively managing the disease and maintaining overall health. This study aimed to explore the relationships between different dimensions of health literacy, self-care behaviors, and Diabetes Control (HbA1c).

Methods
HLwas assessed using the Health Literacy Questionnaire. 706 individuals with diabetes participated in the study, the majority of whom were male (60.2%), had more than 9 years of schooling (84.7%), and over half were employed (52.4%). To examine the relationship between dimensions of HLand HbA1c, multiple linear regression analysis was conducted.

Results
The study revealed a significant association between higher levels of HLand lower HbA1c levels. There is a statistically significant positive linear correlation between adherence to general nutrition and HLdimensions. In terms of physical activity, a positive correlation was also found with HLdimensions, and blood glucose monitoring showed a positive correlation with health literacy. Greater adherence to nutrition was linked to a decrease in HbA1c levels, while higher adherence to self-monitoring and medication was associated with an increase in HbA1c levels

Conclusions
This study emphasizes the importance of HLin managing diabetes. It underscores the impact of HLin diabetes compensation. The results reveal that higher levels of feeling understood and supported by healthcare professionals, having sufficient information to manage health, actively managing health, and appraising health information among people with diabetes lead to better adherence to blood glucose self-monitoring. Based on these findings, a crucial aspect of effectively managing diabetes will involve empowering individuals with the necessary skills for self-management of their condition, overall health, and treatment regimen.

Key messages
• The present research reinforces the importance of health literacy for diabetes compensation and self care activies.
• One critical success factor in dealing with diabetes will be investing of health literacy of people with diabetes and health care providers responsiveness.
The relationship between health literacy level and quality of life in bariatric surgery patients
Authors: Altıner S , Çağrı Büyükkasap A , Tonbuloğlu Altıner Ö , Özbaş C 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Today, obesity is an important public health problem. In addition to the intervention programmes developed to prevent obesity, the necessity of medical and surgical treatment is increasing with the growing population. This study was conducted to determine the relationship between health literacy and quality of life in patients undergoing bariatric surgery.

Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted with the participation of 136 patients aged 18 years and older who underwent bariatric surgery in a general surgery service between January 2021 and December 2023 and whose contact information was available. The survey participation rate was 75.1%. The questionnaire used for data collection consisted of questions about the sociodemographic information of the participants, The European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire (HLS-EU-Q16) and the Postbariatric Surgery Quality of Life Scale items. Descriptive statistics, Mann Whitney U, Kruskal Wallis H test and Spearman correlation analysis were used to analyze the data. A value of p &lt; 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results
The mean age of the patients who participated in the study was 38.2 ± 10.8 years; mean BMI was 42.3 ± 6.4 before surgery and 29.0 ± 6.2 after surgery. In the study, 44.1% of the patients who underwent bariatric surgery were found to have inadequate/problematic health literacy level. Participants who had less than a bachelor’s degree (p = 0.009) and low income (p &lt; 0.001) had significantly lower health literacy levels. In addition, a moderate positive correlation was found between overall health literacy score and quality of life score (r = 0.252; p = 0.003).

Conclusions
In conclusion, this study shows that improved health literacy positively affects quality of life in patients undergoing bariatric surgery and that health literacy education should be emphasized in this context.

Key messages
• The level of health literacy of bariatric surgery patients is a determining factor on quality of life, and therefore health literacy education is important, especially in identified risk groups.
• Increased health literacy can have positive results in terms of psychosocial and physical health and improve quality of life after bariatric surgery.
The use of digital technologies to promote sexual health in young adults: a narrative review
Authors: Cunha-Oliveira A , Santos D , Marinho B , Ribeiro C , Rodrigues F , Gómez Cantarino S , Reis R K 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
New technologies have the potential to play an important role in promoting sexual health, especially among young people, who are the biggest users and those at greatest risk of contracting Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI). The risk behavior assumed by young people today highlights this vulnerability in several contexts, such as individual, social, economic, and family. In this sense, it becomes relevant to approach sex education in schools using digital technologies.

Objectives
To identify the evidence in the literature on the use of digital technologies to promote the sexual health of young adults.

Methods
Narrative literature review. Three independent reviewers extracted, analyzed and synthesized the articles and results.

Results
Through the selection process, four studies were included. The articles show that the use of digital technologies (mobile phones/applications) leads to increased knowledge, improved attitudes and sexual behavior among young adults. The interventions studied in the studies were based on Short Message Service, electronic mail interventions and the MyPEEPS mobile application, with the following main focuses: Increased knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of young adults. Considering the results of the studies, all interventions proved to be effective as facilitators of sexual health promotion.

Conclusions
The use of digital technologies allowed an increase in the promotion of the sexual health of the participants, since there was an increase in the level of knowledge with the use of digital technologies such as SMS, emails and mobile applications when comparing the experimental and control groups. The use of these digital technologies also allowed for a change in attitudes and behaviors, such as a significant increase in serological testing for STIs and an increase in health care seeking.

Key messages
• The use of digital technology promotes the sexual health of young adults, so these strategies should be implemented by health professionals.
• The dissemination of these digital strategies will have an impact on Public Health, specifically regarding the sexual health of young adults.
Lived experiences: What made or would have made a difference to me when growing up?
Authors: Allik M 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
We sometimes forget the people behind the numbers and those affected by our research. The video on lived experiences aims to put a human face on childhood social care ahead of the panel and audience discussion. Rather than asking care experienced people specifically about their health, which people may find intrusive or even irrelevant for their experience, we will seek to understand what did or would have made a difference to their lives. Dr. Allik, who has led and facilitated a number of knowledge exchange and engagement activities related to childhood social care, will take the responsibility of organising the collection different video recordings on lived experienced of childhood social care. We will work in collaboration with already existing organisations that advocate for (care experienced) children’s rights to produce the video. Dr. Allik will also be supported by the knowledge exchange team at the UofG, including choosing the appropriate methods of seeking recordings, compiling, and curating the video.
Does mindfulness program reduce stress and enhance self-kindness in schools? Healthy Learning Mind
Authors: Volanen S-M , Holopainen M , Lahti J , Vahlberg T , Hintsanen M 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Introduction
There is a scarcity of research with high quality methods on the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) on adolescents’ mental well-being. This study investigates the MBI effects on adolescents’ stress and self-kindness with an extensive cluster RCT design, and a role of self-kindness as a mediator for the association between the MBI and stress. Additionally, the study explores how age, gender, and an independent mindfulness practice moderate the effects on the outcomes.

Methods
Participants (Finnish students, aged 12-15 years) were randomized to a MBI group (N = 1646), an active relaxation control group (N = 1488), and an inactive control group (N = 385). The outcomes were measured at the baseline (T0), at 9-week post-intervention (T9), and at 26-weeks follow-up (T26).

Results
Overall, the MBI was more effective in stress reduction when compared to the active control at T9 (β = -0.04, p &lt; 0.01, d = -0.11) and T26 (β = -0.04, p = 0.02, d = -0.11). Furthermore, students in the MBI group who carried out their regular mindfulness home practice showed greater decrease of stress. There were no MBI effects on self-kindness, nor did a change of self-kindness mediate the effects of MBI on stress.

Discussion
These findings demonstrate that the 9-week MBI is slightly more effective to reduce stress relative to relaxation training.

Key messages
• The result highlight the potential of MBI in increasing the stress management among students in school context.
• To ensure the effectiveness of MBIs in school context we need to teach these skills to teacher students already during their basic education in educational institutions and universities.
Parent perspectives on sports betting and its effects on children
Authors: Donaldson A , Cardak B , Seal E , Randle E , Staley K , Nicholson M , O’Halloran P 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Gambling-related harm is a global challenge. Sports betting is a rapidly growing form of gambling, facilitated by access to online wagering platforms and increased advertising. Most public health initiatives target ‘problem’ gamblers, ignoring socio-cultural influences. Within this context, we examine what parents think about sports betting, the potential impacts on their children, and whether they participate in sports betting around their children.

Methods
Using a survey of 3,481 Australian adult sports fans with dependent children, we analyse parental attitudes to sports betting and their concerns about possible effects on children. ANOVA and regression methods are used to test for differences in attitudes to sports betting between parents who are gamblers (sports and non-sports) and non-gamblers.

Results
Compared to non-gambling parents, sports-betting parents are much more permissive (by up to 0.9 standard deviations) of sports betting around and by children, and less concerned (by up to 0.6 standard deviations) about any harmful effects of sports betting on children. Sports betting parents place less importance on discussing the risks of sports betting with their children, and the more often a parent bets on sports, the less confident they are about having these discussions. Parents who bet on sports are 5.8 percentage points less likely than non-gambling parents to have had such conversations.

Conclusions
The strong influence of parent modelling and normalisation, combined with policy initiatives that recommend parents discuss potential sports betting risks with their children, implies that having a better understanding of attitudes will facilitate improved educational and harm minimisation policy initiatives. The findings of our study are important for public health policy and should inform interventions aimed at gambling harm reduction. Targeting sports betting parents with better tailored educational campaigns is warranted.

Key messages
• Children of parents who bet on sports are less likely to receive messages about the risks of sports betting, in addition to being exposed to role modelling that reinforces sports betting.
• Compared to non-gambling parents, those who bet on sports have more permissive attitudes towards sports betting, suggesting targeted messaging and interventions are warranted.
A repositioning nudge to encourage healthier snack purchases at a supermarket in a deprived area
Authors: van den Bekerom L , van Gestel L , Bussemaker J , Adriaanse M 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Diet quality positively correlates with socio-economic position (SEP). While nudges are often proposed as promising policy tools for promoting health behavior among lower SEP groups, research addressing their impact within lower SEP groups is limited. This study aimed to 1) examine the efficacy of a checkout repositioning nudge in a supermarket in a deprived area in encouraging purchases of healthier snacks, and 2) describe customers’ preferences and needs regarding grocery shopping and healthy eating.

Methods
Daily sales data were collected over four-week control and intervention periods. During the intervention, unhealthy snacks at the checkout were replaced by healthier snacks. Additionally, questionnaires were administered among customers (N = 90).

Results
The intervention led to a significant increase in daily sales of healthier snacks (M = 3.14, SD = 2.45) compared to the control period (M = 0.54, SD = 0.96), t(27) = 5.62, p &lt; .001. Despite a statistically significant nudge-effect, the absolute daily sales of healthier snacks remains extremely low. No difference in daily sales of unhealthy snacks was observed between both periods. Questionnaire data showed that customers report to seldomly purchase snacks at the checkout, find it important to eat healthily, think well about what they buy in a supermarket, and long for a healthier and more affordable food offer within the supermarket.

Conclusions
Interventions that are effective among higher SEP groups, such as repositioning nudges, may not be suitable for the circumstances and needs of lower SEP groups. To combat existing health inequalities, interventions must be tailored to lower SEP groups. More system-level interventions that target the healthiness and affordability of the offer may be needed.

Key messages
• Although nudging is often proposed as a promising policy approach for improving health behavior among lower SEP groups, repositioning nudges may not suit their circumstances and needs.
• To combat health inequalities, interventions must be tailored to lower SEP groups and integrated with system-level policies (e.g., targeting the healthiness and price of the offer in supermarkets).