bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Measuring young individuals’ responses to climate change: validation of the Slovenian versions of the climate anxiety scale and the climate change worry scale
Authors: Plohl Nejc , Mlakar Izidor , Musil Bojan , Smrke Urška 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionWhile increasing awareness of climate change is needed to address this threat to the natural environment and humanity, it may simultaneously negatively impact mental health. Previous studies suggest that climate-specific mental health phenomena, such as climate anxiety and worry, tend to be especially pronounced in youth. To properly understand and address these issues, we need valid measures that can also be used in non-Anglophone samples. Therefore, in the present paper, we aimed to validate Slovenian versions of the Climate Anxiety Scale (CAS) and the Climate Change Worry Scale (CCWS) among Slovenian youth.MethodWe conducted an online survey in which 442 young individuals (18–24 years) from Slovenia filled out the two central questionnaires and additional instruments capturing other relevant constructs (e.g., general anxiety, neuroticism, and behavioral engagement).ResultsThe confirmatory factor analyses results supported the hypothesized factorial structure of the CAS (two factors) and the CCWS (one factor). Both scales also demonstrated great internal reliability. Moreover, the analyses exploring both constructs’ nomological networks showed moderate positive associations with similar measures, such as anxiety and stress (convergent validity), and very weak associations with measures they should not be particularly related to, such as narcissism (discriminant validity). Lastly, we found that the CAS and, even more so, the CCWS have unique predictive value in explaining outcomes such as perceived threat, support for climate policies, and behavioral engagement (incremental validity).DiscussionOverall, Slovenian versions of the CAS and the CCWS seem to be valid, reliable, and appropriate for future studies tackling young individuals’ responses to climate change. Limitations of the study and areas for future research are discussed.
The effects of causal and self-efficacy beliefs on help-seeking for people with depressive complaints: a quasi-experimental online study
Authors: McLaren Thomas , Peter Lina-Jolien , Tomczyk Samuel , Muehlan Holger , Schomerus Georg , Schmidt Silke 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundOnly approximately a third of people with depressive symptoms seek professional health care. Furthermore, people labelled as mentally ill may experience stigmatisation, which can impede help-seeking behaviour.AimTo examine the effects of three vignette-based interventions endorsing biopsychosocial causal beliefs and strengthening self-efficacy on help-seeking intention and behaviour, as well as the predictive values of these variables and previous treatment experience.MethodA quasi-experimental online study utilising a fractioned factorial design was carried out. People were screened for depressive symptoms and their current treatment status. After baseline assessment, they were randomly allocated into one of 24 groups receiving a combination of interventional messages. Actual help-seeking behaviour was measured at follow-ups 3 and 6 months after baseline.ResultsAltogether, N = 1,368 participants were included in the final analyses and N = 983 provided data on their help-seeking behaviour within 3 to 6 months after the baseline assessment. The intention to seek help from a general practitioner or a mental health professional was significantly influenced by the interventions. However, help-seeking behaviour was not influenced by the interventions. On a conceptual level, biopsychosocial causal beliefs (β = 0.09–0.23) and self-efficacy to seek help (β = 0.16–0.25) predicted help-seeking intention. There was a negative interaction effect of both self-efficacy beliefs on intention and behaviour, which changed depending on depression severity. In all models, the intention was the main predictor of actual behaviour. Treatment experience predicted both help-seeking intention and behaviour.ConclusionBiopsychosocial causal beliefs and self-efficacy have a direct effect on help-seeking intention. Interventions should include information on how to actually seek help as a means to strengthen self-efficacy beliefs and simulate previous treatment experience. Further research is needed to investigate the respective interaction effects on intention and behaviour.Clinical Trial Registrationhttps://drks.de/search/de/trial/DRKS00023557, German Clinical Trials Register: DRKS00023557. Registered 11 December 2020. World Health Organization, Universal Trial Number: U1111–1264-9954. Registered 16 February 2021.
Mexican-origin parent and child reported neighborhood factors and youth substance use
Authors: Zhen-Duan Jenny , Banks Devin E. , Ferreira Caroline , Zhang Lulu , Valentino Kristin , Alegría Margarita 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundStructural oppression affects health behaviors through residence in suboptimal neighborhoods and exposure to community violence. Youth and parents report perceptions of neighborhood factors that can affect youth substance use behaviors. Given that Latinx youth report higher levels of perceived community violence than other racial and ethnic groups, it is imperative to examine how youth- and parent-perceived neighborhood-level factors may relate to youth substance use.MethodsData were collected using clinical interviews with family triads (fathers, mothers, and youth) and parent–child dyads (father or mother and youth) enrolled in the Seguimos Avanzando study of 344 Mexican-origin families in Indiana. Neighborhood measures, including perceptions of exposure to violence, neighborhood characteristics, and neighborhood collective efficacy, were included in parent and youth surveys. Self-report measures for past year alcohol and drug use were included in the youth survey only. T-tests were conducted to estimate differences in neighborhood reports among the sample triads. A series of linear regression models were used to estimate the associations between youth-, mother-, and father-reported perceptions of neighborhood factors and youth substance use.ResultsPreliminary results indicate that fathers reported higher levels of exposure to violence than mothers [t(163) = 2.33, p = 0.02] and youth [t(173) = 3.61, p &lt; 0.001]. Youth reported lower negative neighborhood characteristics than mothers [t(329) = 6.43, p &lt; 0.001] and fathers [t(169) = 3.73, p &lt; 0.001]. Youth reported significantly better neighborhood collective efficacy than mothers [t(296) = 3.14, p = 0.002], but not statistically different from fathers. Results from the primary analysis showed that youth exposure to violence was positively associated with youth substance use (b = 0.24, SE = 0.06, p &lt; 0.0001), but the youth’s neighborhood characteristics and collective efficacy were not significantly associated with youth substance use. None of the parent-reported neighborhood variables were associated with youth substance use.ConclusionThe discrepant findings between parent and youth reports of perceived neighborhood characteristics and substance use have important implications for researchers and community stakeholders, and for developing targeted interventions and prevention strategies. Our study highlights the need to address youth experience of community violence and to prioritize creating safe and inclusive neighborhood environments. Potential strategies include improving community resources, strengthening social support networks, promoting open communication about neighborhood risks, and fostering collaborative efforts to address substance use behaviors.
The relationship between depressive symptoms and sleep quality in medical staff after their infection with COVID-19
Authors: Memarian Amirhossein , Shahrbabaki Parvin Mangolian , Zakeri Mohammad Ali , Ahmadinejad Mehdi 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundHealthcare workers (HCWs) play a crucial role in managing infectious diseases like COVID-19. However, the demanding working conditions during the pandemic have led to an increased risk of depression and sleep disorders among these dedicated professionals. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the relationship between depressive symptoms and sleep quality in medical staff who had contracted COVID-19.MethodsThis descriptive study involved a sample of 203 HCWs who had contracted COVID-19. These HCWs were employed at a hospital affiliated with Kerman University of Medical Sciences in 2020. The data for this study were collected using a demographic information form, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS22, with a significance level set at less than 0.05.ResultsThe study found that the mean score for depressive symptoms among the participants was 11.67 ± 2.68, while the mean score for sleep quality was 5.47 ± 3.02. It was observed that 18.2% of the participants experienced moderate depression, 10.3% had severe depression, and 59.6% had poor sleep quality. Furthermore, a significant and positive correlation was identified between sleep quality and depression (r = 0.54; p = 0.001). Multiple regression models indicated that the harmful pattern and sleep quality together could predict 34% of the variance in depression. Additionally, the use of sedatives and depression were found to predict 33% of the variance in sleep quality.ConclusionThe findings of our study indicated a high prevalence of depressive symptoms and insomnia among medical staff who had contracted COVID-19. These results provide valuable insights for health managers, highlighting the need for implementing interventions in epidemic environments to reduce the vulnerability of HCWs.
COVID-19 in Baghdad, Iraq: adaptive and emotional findings in a household cluster survey
Authors: Lafta Riyadh , Al-Shatari Sahar , Mary Meighan , Burnham Gilbert 
Published: December 2023

PurposeThe objective of this study was to assess the impact of COVID-19 infection on households in Baghdad, Iraq.MethodsA cross-sectional household survey was conducted in early 2022; 41 clusters were selected proportional to population size from the districts of the Baghdad governorate. Households were randomly selected for inclusion. The head of household or senior female member present was interviewed to obtain a listing of COVID-19 infections, deaths, and vaccinations among members of the household and to understand if social and economic changes occurred during the pandemic. All analyses incorporated the complex survey design and sample weights for clustering.FindingsThe findings revealed that there were 1,464 cases of COVID-19 (37.1%) and 34 reported fatalities among the 927 households enrolled in this study. One or more COVID-19 immunizations were received by 50.9% of household members. Preventive measures against COVID-19 were widely reported to be being practiced but were not more commonly reported in households having reported a clinical case of infection. While some households where infections had occurred stated that their household expenses were increased, overall, infections were not associated with significantly increased household costs. In households where COVID-19 had occurred, senior members reported a substantial increase in emotional and psychological problems compared with uninfected households.ImplicationsCOVID-19 deaths were rare, though infections were common, suggesting an effect of vaccination and other efforts. The household economic implications were minimal in houses with and without COVID-19-infected members. COVID-19 had mental health consequences on affected and unaffected populations alike. It is conceivable that the fear and uncertainty generated by the pandemic had an effect on senior household members which was out of keeping with the other effects in the households sampled. This suggests that there may be a persisting need for mental health services for a protracted period to manage the consequences of mental health needs arising from the pandemic.
University indigenous students' perspectives on climate change and survival of indigenous peoples in Brazil: a concept mapping study
Authors: Grande Antonio Jose , Dias Ieda M. A. V. , Jardim Paulo T. C. , Vieira Machado Alessandra Aparecida , Soratto Jacks , da Rosa Maria Inês , Roever Leonardo , Bisognin Ceretta Luciane , Zourntos Xanthi , Harding Seeromanie 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionThis study aimed to identify what indigenous university students in Brazil perceived to be important and feasible actions to protect the survival of indigenous peoples from climate change-related impacts.MethodsConcept mapping, which is a participatory mixed methodology, was conducted virtually with 20 indigenous students at two universities in Brazil. A focus prompt was developed from consultations with indigenous stakeholders and read “To protect the survival of the Indigenous Peoples from climate change, it is necessary to…”. Students brainstormed 46 statements, which they then sorted into clusters based on conceptual similarity. They rated each statement for importance and feasibility. Quantitative multivariate analyses of clusters and ratings were conducted to produce multiple visual maps of perceived actionable priorities. These analyses used the Group Wisdom TM software.ResultsStudents agreed on 8 clusters that reflect the factors that influence the survival of indigenous peoples-preservation of lands 0.16 (SD 0.13), protection of demarcated lands 0.31 (SD 0.10), indigenous health and wellbeing 0.35 (SD 0.14), ancestral customs 0.46 (SD 0.04), global and national actions 0.61 (SD 0.13), indigenous rights 0.64 (SD 0.23), collective living 0.71 (SD 0.21), and respect 0.75 (SD 0.14).DiscussionThe most actionable priorities are related to the respect for their lands and customs, educational initiatives in schools about the importance of indigenous peoples to society, guarantees for basic health rights, and culturally appropriate provision of care, with specific mention of mental healthcare. The findings aligned closely with the concept of indigenous self-determination, which is rooted in autonomy and respect for cultural diversity, and the right to make decisions that impact their lives, land, and resources.
Effects of an educational intervention on frailty status, physical function, physical activity, sleep patterns, and nutritional status of older adults with frailty or pre-frailty: the FRAGSALUD study
Authors: Casals Cristina , Ávila-Cabeza-de-Vaca Laura , González-Mariscal Andrea , Marín-Galindo Alberto , Costilla Manuel , Ponce-Gonzalez Jesus G. , Vázquez-Sánchez María Ángeles , Corral-Pérez Juan 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionThe prevalence of frailty is increasing worldwide, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing healthy ageing. To address this, cost-effective and minimally supervised interventions are being sought. This study aimed to assess the impact of an educational program on frailty status, physical function, physical activity, sleep patterns, and nutritional status in community-dwelling older adults with at least 1 Fried’s frailty criteria.MethodsA 6-month multicentre randomized controlled trial was conducted from March 2022 to February 2023 in 14 health centres located in Cadiz and Malaga, Spain. The educational intervention consisted of 4 group sessions and 6 follow-up phone calls spread over 6 months. The program focused on educating participants about frailty and its impact on health, providing guidelines for physical activity, healthy dietary habits, cognitive training, psychological well-being and social activities. A total of 163 participants, divided into control (n = 80) and educational groups (n = 83) were assessed before and after the intervention.ResultsThe results showed a significant group-time interaction in the physical function evaluated with a large effect on Short Physical Performance Battery score (η2p = 0.179, −0.1 [−1.2–1.0] points for control group vs. 1.0 [0.0–3.0] points for educational group, p &lt; 0.001), and an effect on the 4-meter gait test ((η2p = 0.122, 0.5 [0.1–0.0] s for control group vs. –0.4 [−0.5– −0.3] s for educational group, p &lt; 0.001), and the 5-repetition sit-to-stand test (η2p = 0.136, 1.0 [0.0–1.2] s for control group vs. −4.3 [−7.0– −2.3] for educational group, p &lt; 0.001). Additionally, the use of accelerometers to assess physical activity, inactivity, and sleep patterns revealed a significant small effect in the number of awakenings at night ((η2p = 0.040, 1.1 [−0.5–3.4] awakenings for control group vs. 0.0 [−2.2–0.0] awakenings for educational group, p = 0.009). The findings also highlighted a significant medium effect regarding malnutrition risk, which was assessed using the Mini-Nutritional Assessment score (η2p = 0.088, −0.7 [−2.3–1.5] points for control group vs. 1.5 [−0.5–3.0] points for educational group, p &lt; 0.001).DiscussionThus, the 6-month educational program effectively improved physical function, sleep patterns, and nutritional status compared to usual healthcare attendance in community-dwelling older adults with frailty or pre-frailty. These findings underscore the potential of minimally supervised interventions in promoting a healthy lifestyle in this vulnerable population.
The art of aging well: a study of the relationship between recreational arts engagement, general health and mental wellbeing in cohort of Australian older adults
Authors: Davies Christina R. , Budgeon Charley A. , Murray Kevin , Hunter Michael , Knuiman Matthew 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionEvidence of the benefits of arts engagement to community wellbeing has been mounting since the 1990s. However, large scale, quantitative, epidemiological studies of the “arts–healthy aging” relationship, or the types of arts older adults voluntarily choose to engage in as part of their everyday life, for enjoyment, entertainment or as a hobby (vs. therapy or interventions) are limited. The aims of this study were to describe older adult recreational arts engagement via the Busselton Healthy Ageing Study (BHAS) cohort, and to determine if there was an association between arts engagement, general health and mental wellbeing.MethodsOverall, 2,843 older adults (born 1946–1964) from the BHAS cohort (n = 5,107) who had completed a supplementary arts survey (n = 3,055, 60%) and had data on required variables were included in this study (93% of those eligible). The dependent variable was general health (SF12) and subjective mental wellbeing (Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale, WEMWBS). The independent variable was hours engaged in recreational arts in the last 12 months. A descriptive analysis followed by a linear regression analysis was conducted.ResultsThe prevalence of recreational arts engagement in the last 12 months was 85% (mean = 132 h/year). Older adults engaged in the arts in a number of ways including attending events (79%), actively participating/making art (40%), as an arts society/club/organization member (20%), by learning about the arts (13%) or by volunteering/working in the arts (non-professional, 11%). When general health was assessed via the SF12, the average physical component score (PCS) was 50.1 (SD 8.9) and the average mental component score (MCS) was 53.6 (SD 8.3). When mental wellbeing was assessed, the average WEMWBS score was 54.9 (SD = 8.6). After adjustment for 12 demographic and lifestyle covariates, it was found that older adults who engaged in any recreational arts in the last 12 months had significantly higher WEMWBS scores and higher SF12 physical component scores than those who did not engage in the arts (0 h/year).DiscussionEvidence of an arts-health relationship was found in this study. The suitability of the arts as a population based, healthy aging strategy to influence the mental wellbeing and general health of older adults should be investigated further.
Impact of health insurance equity on poverty vulnerability: evidence from urban–rural health insurance integration in rural China
Authors: Li Zhipeng , Chen Yuqian , Ding Jing 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundIn 2016, the Chinese government introduced an integration reform of the health insurance system with the aim to enhance equity in healthcare coverage and reduce disparities between urban and rural sectors. The gradual introduction of the policy integrating urban and rural medical insurance in pilot cities provides an opportunity to evaluate the policy impact. This study attempts to assess the policy impact of urban–rural health insurance integration on the chronic poverty of rural residents and to analyze the mechanisms.MethodBased on the four waves of data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) conducted in 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2018, we employed a staggered difference-in-differences (staggered DID) model to assess the impact of integrating urban–rural health insurance on poverty vulnerability among rural inhabitants and a mediation model to analyze the mechanism channel of the policy impact.Results(1) Baseline regression analysis revealed that the urban–rural health insurance integration significantly reduced the poverty vulnerability of rural residents by 6.32% (p &lt; 0.01). The one health insurance system with one unified scheme of contributions and benefits package (OSOS, 6.27%, p &lt; 0.01) is more effective than the transitional one health insurance system with multiple schemes (OSMS, 3.25%, p &lt; 0.01). (2) The heterogeneity analysis results showed that the urban–rural health insurance integration had a more significant impact on vulnerable groups with relatively poor health (7.84%, p &lt; 0.1) than those with fairly good health (6.07%, p &lt; 0.01), and it also significantly reduced the poverty vulnerability of the group with chronic diseases by 9.59% (p &lt; 0.01). The integration policy can significantly reduce the poverty vulnerability of the low consumption and low medical expenditure groups by 8.6% (p &lt; 0.01) and 7.64% (p &lt; 0.01), respectively, compared to their counterparts. (3) The mechanism analysis results showed that the urban–rural health insurance integration can partially enhance labor supply (14.23%, p &lt; 0.01) and physical examinations (6.28%, p &lt; 0.01). The indirect effects of labor supply and physical examination in reducing poverty vulnerability are 0.14%, 0.13% respectively.ConclusionThe urban–rural health insurance integration policy significantly reduced poverty vulnerability, and the OSOS is more effective than the OSMS. The urban–rural health insurance integration policy can significantly reduce poverty vulnerability for low consumption and poor health groups. Labor supply and physical examination are indirect channels of the impact. Both channels potentially increase rural household income and expectations of investment in human health capital to achieve the policy objective of eliminating chronic poverty.