BACKGROUND: Understanding population health trends and their key determinants is essential for planning health services and implementing effective interventions. One of these determinants may be national cultural characteristics that are related to various health outcomes and health-related behaviours. However, little is known about their potential association to overall burden of disease. Thus, this study examined whether cultural characteristics expressed by Hofstede indexes are associated with the burden of disease. METHODS: We used data from open-source databases - Hofstede's Cultural Index, the Global Burden of Diseases (GBD) and the Human Development Index (HDI). The final sample comprised 69 countries covering all the continents. The burden of disease was measured using disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), years lived with disabilities (YLD), and years of life lost (YLL). National cultural characteristics were measured using Hofstede's dimensions. Bayesian correlation analyses were conducted to assess the relationships between cultural dimensions and health outcomes, stratified by countries' HDI levels. RESULTS: In countries with a very high HDI, there was strong evidence (Bayes Factor > 10) of a positive correlation of Power distance with the total disability-adjusted life years (r = 0.448) and years of life lost (r = 0.528), and Individualism (r = 0.667) and Indulgence (r = 0.494) with years lived with disabilities. In contrast, Long-term orientation negatively correlated of with years lived with disabilities (r = -0.527) and Indulgence with disability-adjusted life years (r = -0.437) and years of life lost (r = -0.537). Further, Power distance and Indulgence were correlated with the majority of the GBD indicators and Individualism with a few GBD indicators. In countries with a high and medium HDI, strong evidence of the associations was found in only a few cases. CONCLUSION: We found a correlation between national cultural characteristics and burden of disease. Policy-makers should consider integrating cultural factors into public health strategies to better align healthcare interventions with the local population's values and behaviours. Moreover, cross-cultural research and collaboration should increase to understand how cultural influences can be used to mitigate disease burdens and improve health outcomes globally. This study also opens a potentially new research area within population health research.
BACKGROUND: The increasing urgency to address rising loneliness among adolescents has become a critical issue, underscoring the need for further studies on its association with mental and physical health. The objective was to examine the changes in loneliness and its relation to mental and physical health issues in three adolescent age groups. METHODS: A total sample of 14,588 Czech pupils (50.7% boys, mean age 13.6 ± 1.7 years) in grades 5, 7 and 9 was used from a representative dataset of the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study. The network analysis based on undirected graphical models was used as an exploratory technique to assess and test the structure of the data. RESULTS: The association between loneliness and health decreased with age. There was a significant positive association between loneliness, feeling low, and irritability. No significant direct association between loneliness and physical health complaints was found. CONCLUSION: Further studies, preferably of longitudinal character, are needed to confirm the changes in associations between loneliness and mental and physical health outcomes.
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
This study aimed to investigate the relationship between sensory processing sensitivity (SPS), emotional and social loneliness and social isolation. Data were collected from September 2022 to May 2023 on a sample of 3247 participants aged 18 to 80 (mean age = 31.9 years ± 13.2; 66.2% female). We measured SPS using the Sensory Processing Sensitivity Questionnaire (SPSQ), loneliness using the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale (DJGLS), and social isolation, Neuroticism and Extraversion with the Big Five Inventory. Data analysis was performed using linear regression, binary logistic regression, the t-test, the Chi-square test and ANOVA. In our study, lower SPS was observed especially among men, pensioners and graduates of secondary vocational schools. SPS was associated with emotional loneliness (t = 4.276; b = 0.074; adjusted R2 = 0.181; p < 0.001), but no significant relationship was found between SPS and social loneliness. SPS is associated with higher emotional but not social loneliness or social isolation. Highly Sensitive Persons (HSPs) appear to have a higher need for intimacy and understanding in close relationships, which is essential to know for them, their friends, families and therapists.
- MeSH
- dospělí MeSH
- emoce * MeSH
- lidé středního věku MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mladiství MeSH
- mladý dospělý MeSH
- neuroticismus MeSH
- osamocení * psychologie MeSH
- průzkumy a dotazníky MeSH
- senioři nad 80 let MeSH
- senioři MeSH
- sociální izolace * psychologie MeSH
- Check Tag
- dospělí MeSH
- lidé středního věku MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mladiství MeSH
- mladý dospělý MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- senioři nad 80 let MeSH
- senioři MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine the occurrence of adverse childhood experiences (ACE) in the adult Slovak population and to examine the relationships between mental and physical health, ACE, attachment anxiety and avoidance, and loneliness. SAMPLE AND SETTINGS: A cross-sectional study with a representative Slovak sample (n = 1018, mean age 46.24 years, 48.7 % men) collected in April 2019 data on ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences International Questionnaire; ACE-IQ), attachment (Experiences in Close Relationships Revised; ECR-R-14), mental and physical health (SF-8 Health Survey; questions on long-term health difficulties) and loneliness single-item question. Nested linear regression models were employed to analyzed the associations. RESULTS: Over 75 % of respondents reported at least one ACE, and nearly a third reported four or more. Community violence (43.6 %), violent treating of a household member (38.1 %), emotional abuse (34.4 %) and emotional neglect (30.9 %) were the most common ACE. The average number of ACE was 2.7 (± 2.6). Multiple ACE were associated with attachment insecurity and loneliness. ACE were found to be significantly associated with both physical and mental health. Attachment anxiety and avoidance were linked to mental health, but only attachment anxiety remained significant when loneliness was included. Loneliness was associated with mental and physical health difficulties. CONCLUSION: ACE and loneliness are associated with physical health difficulties. ACE, attachment anxiety and loneliness are linked to mental health difficulties. Preventing child maltreatment and addressing loneliness are key to mitigating the long-term health effects of ACE.
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
BACKGROUND: There is a growing importance of loneliness measurement through valid and reliable instruments. However, to establish valid and reliable measures, there is a need to explore their psychometric properties in different research settings and language environments. For this reason, this study aimed to validate the Three Item Loneliness Scale (TILS) in the Czech Republic within a Slavonic language environment. METHODS: A sample of Czech adults (n = 3236) was used consisting primarily of university students. We utilized Classical Test Theory to assess TILS internal consistency, temporal stability, and factor structure. Item Response Theory (IRT) was used to estimate Differential Item Functioning (DIF), the discrimination and difficulty of the TILS items and to estimate the measurement precision of the whole scale. Construct validity was explored through the Spearman correlation coefficient using personality traits, depression, and anxiety. RESULTS: The results showed satisfactory reliability and validity of the TILS in the Czech Republic. The scale's internal consistency and temporal stability were found to be satisfactory (Cronbach's α = 0.81, McDonald's ω = 0.82, ICC = 0.71). The parallel analysis supported the unidimensionality of the TILS. The IRT results indicated that the highest measurement precision was reached in individuals with lower and above-average levels of loneliness. Significant correlations between the TILS scores, anxiety, depression, and personality traits supported the construct validity of the scale. Although the DIF analysis identified statistically significant differences in responses to items TILS_2 and TILS_3 based on education level and employment status (with no significant differences observed for TILS_1), the effect sizes of these differences were small. This indicates that, despite statistical significance, the practical impact on the scale's validity across these groups is minimal. CONCLUSIONS: The validated TILS provides a reliable and valid tool for assessing loneliness in the Czech Republic. Its brevity makes it a practical option for researchers and clinicians seeking to measure loneliness time-efficiently. Future studies should explore how adding new items could increase the measurement precision of the TILS.
- MeSH
- deprese psychologie diagnóza MeSH
- dospělí MeSH
- lidé středního věku MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mladiství MeSH
- mladý dospělý MeSH
- osamocení * psychologie MeSH
- průzkumy a dotazníky normy MeSH
- psychometrie * MeSH
- reprodukovatelnost výsledků MeSH
- úzkost psychologie diagnóza MeSH
- Check Tag
- dospělí MeSH
- lidé středního věku MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mladiství MeSH
- mladý dospělý MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Česká republika MeSH
OBJECTIVES: Emotional and behavioral problems (EBP) during adolescence are a major public health issue due to its high prevalence and long-lasting consequences. The knowledge of the barriers in providing psychosocial care can be a starting point for subsequent efficiency improvement. Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess which barriers do care providers experience while providing psychosocial care for adolescents with EBP. METHODS: We performed a qualitative assessment that was embedded in the Slovak Care4Youth study mapping the system of care provided for adolescents with EBP. We conducted 25 semi-structured individual and group interviews with a total of 49 care providers from 17 institutions that provided preventive counselling, social, and mental healthcare for adolescents with EBP. We focused on the care provider's perception of barriers in providing care for these adolescents. The interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. We coded the data using the consensual qualitative research approach in combination with conventional content analysis. RESULTS: We found that care providers experienced several barriers in providing care for adolescents with EBP which relate to six themes-legislative framework and legislative changes; financing of the care system; coordination of care; workforce development, education, methodical guidance and supervision; personnel and institutional capacities; and administrative burden. CONCLUSION: Addressing these barriers within the care system from the "front line" perspective provides clues to efficiently improve the psychosocial care for adolescents with EBP. According to the care providers, the organization and financing of the care system requires adaptation; the burden of the care providers should be reduced; and care providers require quality practical education, training, and methodological guidance.
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
OBJECTIVES: The Short Form-8 (SF-8) is a widely used 8-item tool for health-related quality of life assessment. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Slovak version of the SF-8 in a population sample. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey on a Slovak representative sample (n = 1018; mean age 46.24 ± 16.56 years; 51.3% women) monitoring health and well-being was performed in 2019. Exploratory network analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were used to assess the construct validity of the scale. Reliability and sociodemographic differences were evaluated. RESULTS: A 2-factor model had an adequate fit to the data [χ2(19) = 186.2, P < .001, comparative fit index = 0.998, Tucker-Lewis index = 0.997, root mean square error of approximation = 0.093, standardized root mean of residuals = 0.039], with high reliability (α = 0.93, ω = 0.95). The physical component score and mental component score (MCS) were negatively associated with the presence of chronic health conditions. Lower physical component score and MCS were associated with higher age (P < .001), and lower MCS were associated with female gender (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The Slovak version of the SF-8 represents a valuable tool for measuring health-related quality of life in the Slovak population in both practice and research.
- MeSH
- dospělí MeSH
- kvalita života * psychologie MeSH
- lidé středního věku MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- průřezové studie MeSH
- průzkumy a dotazníky MeSH
- psychometrie * metody přístrojové vybavení normy MeSH
- reprodukovatelnost výsledků MeSH
- senioři MeSH
- zdravotní stav MeSH
- Check Tag
- dospělí MeSH
- lidé středního věku MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- senioři MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- validační studie MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Slovenská republika MeSH
BACKGROUND: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), comprising ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, have a profound impact on people's lives. This study aims to investigate the perceived impact of IBD on sexual life and family planning to enhance understanding of the interplay between IBD, sexuality, intimacy and family planning to foster a better quality of life for those living with the condition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study used the qualitative DIPEx method (Database of Personal Experiences of Health and Illness) developed by the Health Experiences Research Group at the University of Oxford, standardized for the Czech Republic. Semi-structured interviews with 36 participants (19 with Crohn's disease, 17 with ulcerative colitis) were conducted, employing open coding and thematic analysis. The maximum variation sampling was utilized, considering various factors, such as disease stage, medications, treatments, age, age at diagnosis and sociodemographic characteristics. RESULTS: Five main topics emerged: sexual activity, body image and discomfort, partner relationships, family planning, and the role of gastroenterologists in family planning decisions. Participants' perceptions of sexuality varied, with some experiencing reduced sexual activity during acute phases of the disease. IBD had contrasting effects on partner relationships, and family planning was an important concern, with women valuing support and collaboration with their gastroenterologists in making pregnancy decisions. Information dissemination and open communication from professionals are highly needed. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study concerning the sexuality and family planning of people with IBD in the Czech Republic. It highlights the need for information and open communication from professionals.
- MeSH
- Crohnova nemoc * psychologie MeSH
- dospělí MeSH
- idiopatické střevní záněty psychologie MeSH
- kvalita života * MeSH
- kvalitativní výzkum * MeSH
- lidé středního věku MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mladý dospělý MeSH
- představa o vlastním těle psychologie MeSH
- senioři MeSH
- sexualita psychologie MeSH
- sexuální chování * psychologie MeSH
- sexuální partneři psychologie MeSH
- služby plánování rodičovství * MeSH
- ulcerózní kolitida * psychologie MeSH
- Check Tag
- dospělí MeSH
- lidé středního věku MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mladý dospělý MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- senioři MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Česká republika MeSH
PURPOSE: Remote microphone systems improve intelligibility in difficult conditions when the performance of hearing aids/cochlear implants is insufficient. The purpose of this study was to explore parents' experiences with remote microphone systems for their children with hearing loss and to determine the advantages and disadvantages as perceived by parents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were collected by means of semi-structured interviews with parents of children with moderate to profound bilateral hearing loss (2-19 years old). The open coding method and thematic analysis were used. The final sample consisted of 19 mothers and 9 fathers who had experience with remote microphone systems. RESULTS: Parents listed the advantages of remote microphone systems for their child, for themselves and for other carers, such as better hearing and understanding, a life more similar to that of their peers without hearing loss, safety in road traffic, lower fatigue, vocabulary acquisition, better school results. Some limitations were identified, namely low benefits, technical issues and a reluctance to use the device by children or teachers. CONCLUSIONS: It is crucial to provide parents with information about assistive devices and the consequences of limited access to hearing speech. Professionals should motivate parents, children and teachers to use remote microphone systems even in situations when the benefit may not be obvious if there is a potential benefit for the child. UNLABELLED: IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONThe main advantages of remote microphone systems perceived by parents are better hearing and understanding, a life more similar to peers without hearing loss, safety in traffic, lower fatigue, vocabulary acquisition and better school results.The main disadvantages are for parents: persisting hearing problems, low benefits, technical issues and a reluctance to use the device by children or teachers.Sufficient and accurate information is needed about remote microphone systems, but also about the consequences of hearing loss in general.The possibility to try wireless devices before buying and troubleshooting help is appreciated.
- MeSH
- dítě MeSH
- dospělí MeSH
- hluchota * MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- matky MeSH
- mladiství MeSH
- mladý dospělý MeSH
- nedoslýchavost * MeSH
- percepce řeči * MeSH
- předškolní dítě MeSH
- sluchové pomůcky * MeSH
- Check Tag
- dítě MeSH
- dospělí MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mladiství MeSH
- mladý dospělý MeSH
- předškolní dítě MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
OBJECTIVE: This study explores the experience of body-image changes throughout the trajectory of breast cancer. METHODS: We conducted qualitative in-depth interviews with 53 women (n = 53) representing diverse age groups, with a mean age of 48.61 years (SD = 13.12), from various regions across the Czech Republic. The interviews were audio/video recorded and divided into two phases. The initial phase consisted of a narrative part, followed by a semi-structured interview. Thematic analysis was employed to identify and explore the topics that held significant importance to the participants. RESULTS: This research investigated how body image and emotional responses evolve in women with breast cancer during various stages of the illness. Throughout the breast cancer journey, women undergo diverse body image changes, with some of them being described as particularly traumatic, such as hair loss and preventive operations. The effects of breast cancer extend beyond physical scars, influencing femininity and womanhood in the long run. The experience of womanhood is marked by visible and non-visible effects that persist for years after treatment. CONCLUSION: Study has provided valuable insights into the emotional journey that women experience during breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. The illness trajectory framework has proven to be a valuable tool for understanding the complexities of body image concerns and the emotional implications faced by breast cancer patients. By acknowledging the significance of body image issues and providing targeted interventions, healthcare providers can improve the psychosocial well-being and overall quality of life for breast cancer survivors. Further research in this area is needed to develop and refine supportive interventions that address the unique challenges women face during their breast cancer journey. Ultimately, by fostering a sensitive and comprehensive approach to care, we can empower women to navigate their breast cancer journey with greater resilience and confidence.
- MeSH
- dospělí MeSH
- kvalitativní výzkum * MeSH
- lidé středního věku MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- nádory prsu * psychologie MeSH
- představa o vlastním těle * psychologie MeSH
- rozhovory jako téma MeSH
- senioři MeSH
- Check Tag
- dospělí MeSH
- lidé středního věku MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- senioři MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Česká republika MeSH
