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Nursing Reports (Pavia, Italy) Jun 2024Chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), arterial hypertension (HTN), and obesity are significant global health challenges, contributing to millions of...
Chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), arterial hypertension (HTN), and obesity are significant global health challenges, contributing to millions of premature deaths. In Mexico, these pose major challenges due to limited access to healthcare and inadequate primary care quality. Complementary medicine presents itself as an adjuvant in this context, offering minimally invasive techniques to enhance physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. However, effective treatment adherence is crucial for positive outcomes, influenced by self-efficacy, resulting in persistently low adherence rates-a pressing public health concern. This observational study aimed to explore how perceptions of complementary medicine and treatment adherence predict self-efficacy among individuals with chronic diseases in Mexico. Data were collected from 113 participants with chronic conditions, including T2DM, HTN, and obesity. Participants completed surveys assessing perception of complementary medicine, treatment adherence, and self-efficacy. Statistical analyses, including correlations and regression, were conducted to examine the relationships between variables. The study revealed significant correlations between the perception of complementary medicine, treatment adherence, and self-efficacy. Treatment adherence was positively associated with self-efficacy, while perception of holistic medicine was negatively correlated with self-efficacy. Perception of complementary medicine and adherence to treatment were found to predict 41.9% ( = 0.001) self-efficacy. These findings underscore the potential of complementary therapies in enhancing self-efficacy levels, and highlight the importance of holistic healthcare approaches in managing chronic conditions. Further research is needed to better understand these relationships and their implications for healthcare outcomes in Mexico and beyond.
PubMed: 38921724
DOI: 10.3390/nursrep14020114 -
Journal of Imaging Jun 2024The automatic segmentation of cardiac computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays a pivotal role in the prevention and treatment of...
The automatic segmentation of cardiac computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays a pivotal role in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. In this study, we propose an efficient network based on the multi-scale, multi-head self-attention (MSMHSA) mechanism. The incorporation of this mechanism enables us to achieve larger receptive fields, facilitating the accurate segmentation of whole heart structures in both CT and MRI images. Within this network, features extracted from the shallow feature extraction network undergo a MHSA mechanism that closely aligns with human vision, resulting in the extraction of contextual semantic information more comprehensively and accurately. To improve the precision of cardiac substructure segmentation across varying sizes, our proposed method introduces three MHSA networks at distinct scales. This approach allows for fine-tuning the accuracy of micro-object segmentation by adapting the size of the segmented images. The efficacy of our method is rigorously validated on the Multi-Modality Whole Heart Segmentation (MM-WHS) Challenge 2017 dataset, demonstrating competitive results and the accurate segmentation of seven cardiac substructures in both cardiac CT and MRI images. Through comparative experiments with advanced transformer-based models, our study provides compelling evidence that despite the remarkable achievements of transformer-based models, the fusion of CNN models and self-attention remains a simple yet highly effective approach for dual-modality whole heart segmentation.
PubMed: 38921612
DOI: 10.3390/jimaging10060135 -
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024(1) Background: While medication and various forms of psychotherapy are common treatments for severe mental illness, peer support programs have also proven to be... (Review)
Review
(1) Background: While medication and various forms of psychotherapy are common treatments for severe mental illness, peer support programs have also proven to be effective in managing mental disorders. These programs, which involve individuals with similar experiences in navigating mental health challenges, aim to improve coping skills and foster supportive community networks. However, despite the prevalent mention of peer support programs, especially those with supervision, there has been no systematic review or meta-analysis of peer support supervision. This study aimed to systematically review and meta-analyze the forms and effectiveness of peer support programs for individuals with severe mental illnesses. (2) Methods: A literature search focusing on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between February 2003 and January 2024 was conducted. (3) Results: Sixteen RCTs meeting the inclusion criteria and involving a total of 4008 participants were reviewed. These studies utilized various peer support program strategies, with eight studies included in the qualitative analysis. The combined effect sizes for depressive symptoms (d = 0.12; 95% CI, -0.14, 0.37; = 0.37), empowerment (d = 1.17; 95% CI, -0.81, 3.15; = 0.25), quality of life (d = 0.70; 95% CI, -0.12, 1.52; = 0.09), psychiatric symptoms (d = -0.05; 95% CI, -0.20, 0.10; = 0.54), and self-efficacy (d = 0.20; 95% CI, 0.05, 0.36; = 0.01) were assessed. (4) Conclusions: Our analysis emphasizes the need for further studies on peer support programs for individuals with severe mental illness, particularly those focused on self-efficacy outcomes across diverse geographic locations involving more countries and with larger scales to bolster the strength of the evidence.
PubMed: 38921293
DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12121179 -
European Journal of Investigation in... Jun 2024the objective of this longitudinal study (from pregnancy to the end of the sixth month postpartum) is to elucidate the association between maternal self-efficacy,...
BACKGROUND
the objective of this longitudinal study (from pregnancy to the end of the sixth month postpartum) is to elucidate the association between maternal self-efficacy, defined as a mother's confidence in her ability to breastfeed, and breastfeeding outcomes.
METHODS
This prospective cohort study was conducted among high-risk pregnant women (including those with conditions such as gestational diabetes, hypertension, pre-eclampsia, and other pathological medical conditions) and normal-risk pregnant women in Greece. The high-risk group included 164 women, while the normal-risk group comprised 154 women. Data were collected using validated psychometric scales, including the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, Maternal Antenatal Attachment Scale, and Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale.
RESULTS
Higher maternal self-efficacy was significantly associated with a longer duration and greater exclusivity of breastfeeding. A statistically significant relationship between the type of breastfeeding and the degree of breastfeeding self-efficacy was observed at multiple postpartum milestones: in the first and third 24 h postpartum, and at the end of the sixth week, third month, and sixth month postpartum.
CONCLUSION
The findings underscore the critical role of maternal self-efficacy in breastfeeding success, influenced by individual psychological factors and broader socio-cultural contexts. Strengthening maternal self-efficacy is essential for improving breastfeeding outcomes.
PubMed: 38921085
DOI: 10.3390/ejihpe14060119 -
Behavioral Sciences (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Due to occupational exposure to potentially traumatic events, health care workers (HCWs) may be at risk of developing posttraumatic stress (PTS) symptoms or probable...
Due to occupational exposure to potentially traumatic events, health care workers (HCWs) may be at risk of developing posttraumatic stress (PTS) symptoms or probable posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study examined probable PTSD, coping, and resilience among national HCWs working in Greece. A total of 17.9% of the sample of participants (N = 112) met the screening criteria for probable PTSD. Logistic regression models were constructed to assess if trauma coping self-efficacy (CSE) and resilience predicted probable PTSD, and the results indicated that lower trauma CSE significantly predicted probable PTSD in unadjusted models (OR = 0.89, 95% CI, 0.82, 0.96, < 0.01) and adjusted models (OR = 0.90, 95% CI, 0.83, 0.97, < 0.01). Our study findings suggest that organizations that employ HCWs may support their workers through ongoing screening, assessment, and training that enhances coping self-efficacy.
PubMed: 38920841
DOI: 10.3390/bs14060509 -
Behavioral Sciences (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Theory-based HIV prevention programs have resulted in increased condom use, which remains the best method for the prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)...
Theory-based HIV prevention programs have resulted in increased condom use, which remains the best method for the prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among sexually active heterosexual individuals. Particularly, the integrative model of behavior prediction theorizes that attitudes, norms, self-efficacy, and socioenvironmental factors influence intention and behavior and has been useful in understanding STI risk among adolescents. However, more research is needed regarding young African American adults. Given the increased freedom and decision-making independence afforded to young adults compared to adolescents, it is important to consider the STI/human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention messages that would resonate with them, particularly regarding condom use. The present study sought to explore how attitudes, subjective norms, self-efficacies, and socioenvironmental factors may influence condom use and STI/HIV prevention, as conceptualized by the participants. We conducted a group-based concept map, a systems-thinking mixed methodology that resulted in a geospatial map reflecting the conceptualizations of the participants. Self-identified young heterosexual African American adults ( = 43) aged 20-26 engaged in an interactive concept mapping procedure in order to "map out" their overarching concepts about STI/HIV risk and condom use. Seven overall conceptual domains emerged: self-efficacy for partner communication, condom use self-efficacy, social media/sociocultural influences, condom use/STI knowledge, condom use cons, condom use pros, and subjective and social norms about condom use. We presented the concept map and discussed the conceptual interpretations and the relationships among the overarching concepts. We also discussed how the social environment, including the social media environment, was conceptualized regarding STI/HIV risk and prevention among young African American adults. Concept mapping can be viewed as a way to determine worthwhile messages for intervention development. The findings may provide information for prevention programs aimed at reducing the incidence of STIs among young adult heterosexual persons within African American communities.
PubMed: 38920833
DOI: 10.3390/bs14060501 -
Behavioral Sciences (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024(1) Self-regulation of driving is a means of maintaining one's driving identity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the extent to which older drivers with Mild...
Metacognitive Awareness of Older Adult Drivers with Mild Cognitive Impairment: Relationships with Demographics, Subjective Evaluation of Cognition, and Driving Self-Efficacy.
(1) Self-regulation of driving is a means of maintaining one's driving identity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the extent to which older drivers with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) are metacognitively aware of the requirements of specific demanding driving conditions and whether this awareness is linked to subjective assessments of cognition. (2) One hundred seventeen (117) older MCI drivers participated in a telephone survey in which they reported their metacognitive experiences in nine driving conditions, listed as an aim of self-regulation. The analyses included the participants' subjective cognitive assessments, both in terms of their cognitive state and their perceived driving self-efficacy. (3) The analyses pointed out a direct and negative effect of age on the formation of the metacognitive feeling of certainty. Furthermore, an indirect effect of sex through driving self-efficacy was established. This effect was negative in the case of the metacognitive feeling of difficulty and the estimation of effort and positive in the case of the metacognitive feeling of certainty. (4) This position points out the need to establish appropriate levels of the perceived self-efficacy of older drivers with MCI, and it raises issues when it moves to fictitious levels.
PubMed: 38920815
DOI: 10.3390/bs14060483 -
Behavioral Sciences (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024This study explored the positive effects of a six-week Social-Emotional and Ethical Learning (SEE Learning) program on resilience and social and emotional competences,...
This study explored the positive effects of a six-week Social-Emotional and Ethical Learning (SEE Learning) program on resilience and social and emotional competences, adapted for elementary students in Daegu, South Korea, a region strongly affected by the first outbreak of COVID-19. A total of 348 third- and fourth-grade students from 15 elementary schools participated, and the curriculum was tailored, emphasizing key areas such as resilience, attention, kindness, attention training, and compassion. Repeated measures analysis of variance (RMANOVA) tests showed statistically significant improvements between pre- and post-tests in resilience and its subscales, including self-efficacy, tolerance of negative affect, positive support relations, power of control, and spontaneity, as well as in social and emotional competencies, including emotional regulation, social skills, empathy, and social tendencies. Despite a lack of maintenance in all areas, at follow-up, the mean scores for self-efficacy, tolerance of negative affect, and positive support relations, as well as emotional regulation, social skills, empathy, and social tendency, remained higher than pre-test levels, suggesting some lasting benefits. The findings underscore the potential of the SEE Learning program integrated with resilience, mindfulness, compassion, and ethical practices to enhance students' resilience and social and emotional well-being. This study contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting the use of mindfulness and compassion-based SEL programs to mitigate the adverse effects of traumatic events on children's mental health.
PubMed: 38920790
DOI: 10.3390/bs14060458 -
Behavioral Sciences (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Passion for studying can be considered a significant factor that promotes well-being and mental health in students. This study aimed to examine whether the psychological...
Passion for studying can be considered a significant factor that promotes well-being and mental health in students. This study aimed to examine whether the psychological characteristics of students with a passion for studying differed from those of students without one. To compare these two groups, we used a set of different psychological variables (e.g., academic burnout and vitality), as well as integrated both person-centered (i.e., group comparison research) and variable-centered (i.e., correlational analysis) approaches. During classes, one hundred and fifty-four students from a Polish university completed a comprehensive set of short self-report questionnaires online on different psychological characteristics, including variables related to studying (i.e., passion for studying, academic burnout, and general academic self-efficacy), psychopathology symptoms, perceived stress and somatic complaints, as well as personal resources (vitality, resilience, self-esteem, and optimism). We noted multiple statistically significant differences in psychological characteristics between the two studied groups of students. Thus, harmonious passionate students tended to have more favorable psychological characteristics within variables related to studying, mental or somatic health symptoms, and personal resources compared to the non-passionate students. A harmonious passion for studying seems to have potential health-promoting and health-protecting effects, whereas a lack of passion for studying may lead to less favorable outcomes.
PubMed: 38920785
DOI: 10.3390/bs14060453 -
Geriatrics (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Although supervised and real-time telerehabilitation by videoconferencing is now becoming common for people with Parkinson's disease (PD), its efficacy for balance and... (Review)
Review
Although supervised and real-time telerehabilitation by videoconferencing is now becoming common for people with Parkinson's disease (PD), its efficacy for balance and gait is still unclear. This paper uses a scoping approach to review the current evidence on the effects of telerehabilitation by videoconferencing on balance and gait for patients with PD. We also explored whether studies have used wearable technology during telerehabilitation to assess and treat balance and gait via videoconferencing. Literature searches were conducted using PubMed, ISI's Web of Knowledge, Cochrane's Library, and Embase. The data were extracted for study design, treatment, and outcomes. Fourteen studies were included in this review. Of these, seven studies investigated the effects of telerehabilitation (e.g., tele-yoga and adapted physiotherapy exercises) on balance and gait measures (e.g., self-reported balance, balance scale, walking speed, mobility, and motor symptoms) using videoconferencing in both assessment and treatment. The telerehabilitation programs by videoconferencing were feasible and safe for people with PD; however, the efficacy still needs to be determined, as only four studies had a parallel group. In addition, no study used wearable technology. Robust evidence of the effects of telerehabilitation by videoconferencing on balance and gait for patients with PD was not found, suggesting that future powered, prospective, and robust clinical trials are needed.
PubMed: 38920422
DOI: 10.3390/geriatrics9030066