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Jun 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-25-5560
Bai YeonCorresponding author
The benefits of exclusive breastfeeding are well-known. Despite the legislative and systemic efforts to promote breastfeeding in South Korea, the nation’s current rate of exclusive breastfeeding (5.2%) during the infant’s first six months is alarming. Under the framework of the theory of planned behavior (TPB), this study elicited the beliefs around exclusive breastfeeding commonly held by low-income women participating in NutriPlus, the community nutrition program. Using a convenient sampling method, online open-ended surveys were conducted with two program clinics in Seoul during spring of 2024. The survey included questions about their demography and beliefs regarding indirect theoretical constructs of the exclusive breastfeeding behavior by listing top three things that came to their mind. A total of 120 NutriPlus clients participated in this survey. Though 53.1% of postpartum women were breastfeeding, only 28.1% were breastfeeding exclusively. Based on most frequently mentioned beliefs, we classified them to behavioral, normative, and control beliefs under TPB. Modal behavioral beliefs were healthy babies (n=87) and mother-baby bonding (n=71) and feeding issues (n=96) and inconvenience resulting from the act of breastfeeding (n=86). Family members seemed to shape both positive (n=122) and negative (n=37) normative beliefs. The presence of support (n=84) mattered to facilitate breastfeeding, while feeding issues (n=98) played as barriers. Promotion efforts need to emphasize breastfeeding knowledge and skill building and include family members and society at large to improve the awareness and transform barriers of breastfeeding to facilitators.
Feb 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.3070-5835.jcpn-18-1956
Kara BelgüzarCorresponding author
Department of Internal Medicine Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Yuksek Ihtisas University, Ankara, Turkey
This pilot study aimed to determine the knowledge, beliefs and attitudes of Turkishpatients on in-center hemodialysis about home hemodialysis (HHD) and their related factors. A cross-sectional study was performed among 32 patients on in-center hemodialysis in a tertiary hospital in Turkey. Data were collected by using a questionnaire form including sociodemographic and disease-related characteristics and knowledge, beliefs and attitudes about HHD. Data analysis were performed using descriptive statistics and the Chi-square test. While the majority of the patients (65.6%) reported having knowledge about HHD, only 34.4% of them had ever considered it. The most common perceived benefits of HHD were minimized wasted time (71.9%) and more time spent with family (71.9%). The most common perceived barrier to HHD was also housing constraints (90.6%). The results of this study highlight the importance of recognizing knowledge, beliefs and attitudes toward HHD in patients on in-center hemodialysis for increasing the use of the treatment.
Feb 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2381-862X.jwrh-15-848
Wittkowski AnjaCorresponding author
University of Manchester, Division of Psychology and Mental Health
Postpartum depression is a common mood disorder following childbirth. Depression occurring at this crucial stage in a child’s life is known to have far reaching and potentially damaging consequences for the mother, the baby and her family. Whilst a number of risk factors have been identified in the literature as contributing to the development of postpartum depression, including a past psychiatric history and lack of social support, some of these are not easily modifiable through psychological interventions. The aim of this longitudinal study was to examine the contribution of specific psychological factors, including maternal beliefs about motherhood and perfectionism and perceived social support, in the development of postpartum depression. Seventy-three pregnant women consented to take part and returned questionnaires during the third trimester of their pregnancy. Of those women, 61 also completed questionnaires 4-6 weeks following the birth of their baby. Significant associations were identified for postpartum depression and the psychological variables of perfectionistic beliefs and social support, whereas many demographic factors were not significantly implicated in the development of depression. Using a multiple hierarchical regression analysis, the study examined whether maternal beliefs about motherhood and beliefs about perfectionism predicted more of the variance in postpartum depression scores than other demographic variables, including a past history of emotional difficulties. As predicted, beliefs about motherhood and perceptions of poor social support from friends and family were significant predictors of postpartum depression, when the influence of antenatal depression scores were accounted for. A past history of emotional difficulties was also retained in the final model, whereas beliefs about perfectionism were not. These findings have implications for clinical services, highlighting the need for refined assessments of expectant mothers’ beliefs about motherhood and their perceptions of their social support during pregnancy and the need for more refined psychological interventions that address these beliefs.
Jun 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2324-7339.jcrhap-25-5559
Gamba PerryCorresponding author
Background HIV status disclosure is a complex process influenced by multiple factors beyond health system support. Understanding these factors is essential for developing comprehensive interventions to promote disclosure and improve HIV prevention and care outcomes. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 10 health facilities offering comprehensive HIV/AIDS care in Mukono district, Uganda. Data was collected from 317 clients through interview-guided questionnaires. Data was entered using EPI data and analyzed using SPSS version 16, including logistic regression to identify factors associated with disclosure. Results Multiple factors influenced HIV status disclosure. Individual factors included knowledge about HIV (OR=2.34, 95% CI: 1.45-3.78), self-efficacy (OR=3.12, 95% CI: 1.87-5.21), and psychological readiness (OR=2.89, 95% CI: 1.76-4.75). Relationship factors included relationship quality (OR=3.56, 95% CI: 2.13-5.94), communication patterns (OR=2.78, 95% CI: 1.65-4.69), and anticipated partner reaction (OR=4.23, 95% CI: 2.54-7.05). Community factors included perceived stigma (OR=0.34, 95% CI: 0.21-0.56), cultural norms (OR=0.45, 95% CI: 0.27-0.75), and religious beliefs (OR=1.87, 95% CI: 1.12-3.14). Structural factors included economic dependence (OR=0.38, 95% CI: 0.23-0.63) and access to support services (OR=2.45, 95% CI: 1.47-4.08). Conclusions HIV status disclosure is influenced by a complex interplay of individual, relationship, community, and structural factors. Effective interventions to promote disclosure must address these multiple levels of influence, going beyond health system support to create enabling environments for disclosure at the individual, relationship, community, and structural levels.
Jun 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-7785.jarh-24-5141
Marks RayCorresponding author
Efforts to mitigate or prevent painful disabling osteoarthritis have been pursued for more than a century with limited success. This current overview briefly summarizes how selected beliefs and behaviors, including coping and stress management approaches are potential mediators or moderators of osteoarthritis pain and its overall common adverse prognosis and outcome. Published data housed predominantly in PUBMED, PUBMED CENTRAL, SCIENCE DIRECT, and GOOGLE SCHOLAR sites and pertaining to selected aspects of the literature of current interest, cumulative results reported as of May 30, 2024, show a modest to strong rationale exists for considering the abovementioned factors in efforts to reduce pain and enable daily functions. Accordingly this line of research should be continued, and translated clinically without undue delay, especially in the face of increases in the aging population and osteoarthritis prevalence and undue suffering.
Jun 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-7785.jarh-22-4229
Marks RayCorresponding author
Department of Health and Behavior Studies, Columbia University, Teachers College New York, USA.
Background Osteoarthritis, a serious joint disease, said to represent a generally declining state of wellbeing and function among many older adults has been shown to be affected to a considerable degree by various negative beliefs and inactions rather than degradation alone. Aim This review examines the case of depression as this pertains to the older adult with osteoarthritis of one or more joints. Specifically, the most up to date information on this topic was sought, as care improvements over the past decade have not shown any impactful population wide results. Method Reviewed were relevant 2021-2022 research and review articles specifically pertaining to what is being observed currently by researchers as far as osteoarthritis-depression linkages goes, as these may reveal opportunities for more profound research, and practice-based endeavors. Results In line with 60 years of prior research, it appears a clinically important role for depression in some osteoarthritis cases cannot be ruled out. It further appears that if detected and addressed early on, many older adults suffering from osteoarthritis may yet be enabled to lead a quality life, rather than a distressing and excessively impaired state of being. Those older osteoarthritis cases requiring surgery who suffer from concomitant depressive symptoms are likely to be disadvantaged in the absence of efforts to treat and identify this psychosocial disease correlate. Conclusion Providers and researchers are encouraged to pursue this line of inquiry and begin to map clinical osteoarthritis measures with those that can track cognitive patterns, musculoskeletal, features and inflammatory reactions along with valid depression indicators among carefully selected osteoarthritis sub groups.
Aug 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-21-3927
Nagaraj NitashaCorresponding author
Assistant Professor, The George Washington University.
While Guatemala has made great strides towards gender equality, it remains a country with vast disparities. Gender sensitization and empowerment programs during adolescence when gender attitudes are formed have the potential to diminish gender inequities. The Girl Rising Pilot Program (GR) is a 24-week curriculum designed for adolescent girls living in the Sololá region where 95% of the total population is indigenous and Mayan. The present pilot study evaluated outcomes of the GR Guatemala pilot program. Specifically, the evaluation examined whether there were differences between baseline and follow-up on perceptions of gender equity, aspirations, and communication for adolescent girls who participated in the GR program. A quasi-experimental study design with a one group pre- and post-test was implemented. The pilot evaluation study included all 265 participants at baseline who participated in the GR program. after controlling for significant variables, it was found that the gender equitable attitudes score and communications scale still significantly increased between baseline and follow-up. The results of this evaluation prove that gender sensitization programs play a key role in forming and changing gender attitudes during adolescence, and have the potential to alter their short and long-term attitudes and beliefs.
Apr 2021
Asadzandi MinooCorresponding author
PhD. Assistant Professor, Research fellow. Medicine, Quran and Hadith Research Center, Head of the spiritual health workgroup of Baqiyatallah University, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences. Member of the Department of Spiritual Health of the
Background COVID-19 as an infectious disease, and deadly biological crisis, threatens the bio-psycho-social- spiritual health of the people. Spiritual health from the perspective of Islam, means having a sound heart, living in the present time with sense of peace, security, patience and gratitude, safe from the fear and anxiety of future, grief and regret for the past events. It affects other dimension of health. This study was conducted to investigate the spiritual health services in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic in a Muslim society. Methods This qualitative study was conducted from March 1, 2020 to the end of May 2020 in Tehran by using the Schwartz and Kim's hybrid model concept analysis with a deductive / inductive analysis approach, in three stages: 1- Theoretical review of religious and scientific evidence, 2- Field research 3- Final analysis. Data collection was done in hospitals and hospices by semi-structured interviews, taking notes, websites and social networks search. Data were analyzed by "Contractual Content Analysis Method". Results Despite the fact that spiritual health services (spiritual care and counseling) are not taught in Iranian universities, but in this biological crisis, spiritual health services, based on religious beliefs of health system employees were implemented. The Muslims’ belief in divine test, healing power of God, helping the people as highest worship, aroused spiritual awakening and enthusiasm in the health care team. Spiritual health services at prevention levels were provided with the aim of helping the patient, family and clients, in an inter-professional model based on the jurisprudential rules derived from the religious evidences (Verses and Hadiths), in line with holistic approach, community-based care, spiritual self-care, home-care, family participation. The involvement of non-specialists in the provision of medical services was prevented. According to, preserving the human dignity in Islam, Islamic rituals were performed by the treatment team and volunteer clerics for dying and dead people. Conclusion Considering the impact of religious spirituality on Muslims’ lifestyle and health behaviors, it seems that the use of Islamic health guidelines can improve the quality of health care services and help improve the spiritual health of people in biological crises.
Sep 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2381-862X.jwrh-20-3504
CHHABRA S.Corresponding author
Emeritus Professor, Officer on Speical Duty, Dr. SushilaNayar Hospital, Utavali, Melghat, Amravati, Chief Executive Officer, Akanksha Shishugruha, Kasturba Health Society, Sevagram
Background Induced abortions are globally sought, whether permitted, or not permitted. Community based information about abortion seeking by rural tribal women is scarce. Objectives Community based study was carried out to know the magnitude, profile, reasons, places, persons performing IA for rural tribal women. Material Methods Study was conducted in 118 villages to get the study subjects . Women from every fourth house were interviewed for desired information. Results and Conclusion Of all abortions, 2.17% in Melghat and 24.38 %in Sewagram were IA. Most women who had IA were young and 19% in Melghat region, 2.6% in Sewagram region were illiterate. Majority of Sewagram region, were housewives of low middle class, in Melghat unskilled workers of low economic class. In Melghat region all women reported seeking IA at health facilities,63% Private hospitals (PH), 18.5% Sub centres (SC), 7.4% Medical College (MC), 7.4% District hospital(DH), 3.7% Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and In Sewagram region 58% PH, 23% MC, 6.7% PHCs, 3.9% DH, 3.9% SCs and 3.9% at home. Most women said they had IA for spacing with no contraceptive use or contraceptive failure, poor health, poverty, IA were done medically in 76.2%, surgically 23%. No sex–selective IA were reported and there was no evidence Many women lacked awareness and had misconceptions, more so in Melghat region. In focus group discussions, common reasons for disfavoring IA were personal beliefs (34%), practice restrictions (19%). There was extreme poverty, still PH were used. Lot of awareness is required.
Feb 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2643-6655.jcap-18-2570
Emanuela ZappellaCorresponding author
Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Bergamo, Italy
Self-determination is a key concept to promote greater self-awareness in the subjects with disability, to build appropriate educational or professional projects and to evaluate the already active programs. Using PRISMA checklist, I selected articles from different databases (CINAHL, Medline, Psych INFO, Cochrane Library, ERIC, Scholar. The 9 evaluation measures identified are analyzed with respect to: choice of the points of view to be collected, domains, items and data collection methods. The results show that while some scales focus on autonomy, empowerment, self-realisation and self-regulation and others focus on knowledge, skills and abilities, attitudes and beliefs. Two instruments added also: opportunities and support. With respect to the choice of the points of view to be collected: in some cases the student’s opinion is collected but in other cases their point of view is integrated or replaced with that of teachers and parents. Only one tool is designed for all children and starts from the belief that self-determination is important for all people, including those with a disability. A third element of the analysis is the possibility of answering the questions posed by the various evaluation tools. A typical form is Likert scale while in other cases open questions are used. The analysis highlights two critical issues. The variety of definitions of self-determination is inevitably reflected in the choice of domains and items and therefore self-determination is only partially investigated. Secondly the opinion and people with disabilities are sometimes completed or replaced by that of third persons as parents and teachers. Starting from the analysis of existing instruments. the article closes with a reflection on the possibility of constructing a scale that considers all the aspects of self-determination offered in the literature (at the individual and environmental level) and collects the opinion of all the subjects involved in self-determination projects. This synthesis represents a first step in the construction of a possible universal scale starting from the analysis of the literature. A comparison would then be necessary with the students with intellectual disabilities, the family members and the other actors involved to understand which domains are really meaningful to them and to build indicators that correspond to the elements that are important to them. In this way we would have a tool capable of combining the point of view of literature with that of the people directly involved.
May 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-3585.jpmc-18-2059
Jnr. John Elvis HaganCorresponding author
Neurocognition and Action - Biomechanics"- Research Group, Faculty of Psychology and Sport Sciences, Bielefeld University, 33501 Bielefeld, Germany
Extant epidemiological and social diagnosis information shows an alarming upsurge in the prevalence of overweight and obesity over the last decade in developing countries including Ghana. Despite literature on the dangers and associated risk factors of these two health related constructs is well-written and documented, there seems to be a distinct knowledge gap on cultural influences that may trigger the onset of overweight and obesity, and related comorbidities. This review paper provides a general overview on overweight and obesity, and presents a supportive evidence of their rising prevalence as well as associated overall implications on public health in Ghana. Additionally, the paper explores how indigenous cultural perceptions, beliefs and norms impact on dietary and physical activity behaviours of the people. Based on available evidence, the complementary role of behaviour modification towards the management of overweight and obesity is suggested. The PEN-3 model as an appropriate cultural framework is proposed for future empirical investigations. This would afford programme planners to assess how to design culturally underpinned appropriate intervention programmes that would positively influence long term behavioural practices of the local people.
May 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2576-9383.jhhr-18-2111
Silbermann MichaelCorresponding author
Middle East Cancer Consortium (MECC)
The continuous waves of refugees from Africa and the Middle East to Europe present major inter¬cultural challenges to European health professionals and to society at large. A recent workshop in Sicily brought together local physicians, nurses, psychologists and managers of governmental agencies, along with representatives from Lebanon, Israel, Iraq, Iran, Sudan, Tunisia, Jordan and the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) to develop training programs aimed at formulating dialogue between regional professionals and refugees. A major barrier refugees face is a lack of verbal and cultural communication, which hinders their smooth absorption into the new society. Cultural mediators who speak Arabic and Italian and understand the refugees' faith, tradition and beliefs are vital to successfully build bridges of trust between caregivers and refugees. Most asylum seekers experience anxiety, fear, and depression upon arrival in Europe. To achieve trust, all workshop participants agreed to develop a palliative care model that would best suit the unique circumstances now facing some Mediterranean countries and assist in overcoming the suffering of refugees during their initial stay in Europe. Such a model would include bio-psychosocial elements, essential for a culturally sensitive approach and based on core ethical principles.
Mar 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-7785.jarh-17-1461
Lessard SabrinaCorresponding author
Research Centre – InterActions, CUISSS du Nord-del’Île-de-Montréal
Given the aging of the population, an increase in the number of persons in need of long-term care and end-of-life care can be expected in the coming years. The scientific literature underlines the lack of end-of-life care for elderly people in long-term care centres. The aim of this study is to explore needs in terms of new knowledge and research on end-of-life care for elderly persons in long-term care settings, from the perspective not only of the scientific and international community, but also of Quebec professionals concerned by the issue. An online survey using the LimeSurvey® tool was conducted in 2015 among health professionals involved in end-of-life care for elderly persons in long-term care settings in Quebec. 208 professionals rated the priority of new knowledge and research needs related to 1) health professionals; 2) delivery and quality of care; 3) residents and their loved ones; and 4) organization and management of care. The results show that the statements collected in scientific literature resonate with health professionals. The most important need is to identify the symptoms of distress in residents in the final stages of their lives, as well as their causes and treatments. This study also shows professionals’ concerns about attitudes, beliefs, and values of practitioners and the related impacts on end-of-life care in long-term care settings. This study shows that there is a significant need for new knowledge and research. It revealed that there are few studies on end-of-life care for elderly persons in long-term care settings and that there is much more to be discovered in this field.
Nov 2013 DOI 10.14302/issn.2324-7339.jcrhap-13-200
Sangrar RuheenaCorresponding author
Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy - University of Toronto
Various sporting activities are being used as vehicles for HIV/AIDS education and prevention within the field of sport-for-development (SFD). Kicking AIDS Out! is one SFD program that aims to promote protective attitudes regarding HIV/AIDS amongst youth. This study explored organizers’ perspectives of the use of sporting activities in the Kicking AIDS Out! program in Trinidad and Tobago. Qualitative case study methodology was used to examine the case. Data was generated through semi-structured interviews with seven organizers who were Kicking AIDS Out! staff or volunteer members. Thematic analysis guided data analysis. Generated themes include: Sport to Draw, There’s Something for Everyone, the Emotional Wow, and Beyond Sports. These themes illuminate the idea that sport captivates and attracts youth, and illustrate the use of sport activities to promote engagement in the program as they are tailored to the skills and interests of youth. Sport activities may challenge values and beliefs regarding HIV/AIDS and may promote engagement in new roles, such as those as advocate or caregiver for individuals with HIV/AIDS, and engagement in healthy lifestyle behaviours, such as safe sexual encounters. The findings of this study offer an opportunity for HIV/AIDS prevention programs to consider their use of sporting activities in a manner that achieves these SFD characteristics.