Societies

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47 pages, 6711 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Life Satisfaction: Insights from the World Values Survey

by Daniel Homocianu

Societies 2024, 14(7), 119; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc14070119 - 15 Jul 2024

Viewed by 167

This paper explores enduring influences on life satisfaction using empirical analysis of World Values Survey (WVS) data (four versions of the most comprehensive dataset, namely 1.6, 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0). Five significant values emerged—financial satisfaction, happiness, freedom of choice, health, and democracy. Through [...] Read more.

This paper explores enduring influences on life satisfaction using empirical analysis of World Values Survey (WVS) data (four versions of the most comprehensive dataset, namely 1.6, 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0). Five significant values emerged—financial satisfaction, happiness, freedom of choice, health, and democracy. Through rigorous selection processes and various statistical techniques, a subset of three determinants resulted, along with consecrated socio-demographic variables such as age, gender, marital status, social class, and settlement size. Advanced methodologies such as feature selection, random and non-random cross-validations, overfitting removal, collinearity and reverse causality checks, and different regressions served to evaluate and validate robust models. Nomograms helped to predict life satisfaction probabilities. The findings contribute to understanding life satisfaction dynamics and offer practical insights for future research and policy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy Lifestyle: The Relevance of Health Promotion for Society)

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16 pages, 845 KiB

Open AccessArticle

WASTA in Arab Societies: Optimizing or Worsening Quality of Life? The Role of Religiosity

by Ibrahim A. Elsaher

Societies 2024, 14(7), 101; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc14070101 - 27 Jun 2024

Viewed by 273

Abstract

WASTA, a word widely used in Arab society, implies using people’s connections to generate mutual advantages. WASTA is rooted deeply in the culture of Arab societies and has a double effect that stimulates a continuous argument. On one hand, WASTA is considered a [...] Read more.

WASTA, a word widely used in Arab society, implies using people’s connections to generate mutual advantages. WASTA is rooted deeply in the culture of Arab societies and has a double effect that stimulates a continuous argument. On one hand, WASTA is considered a valuable social practice that optimizes social bonds and dual support to improve the overall quality of life (QoL) for all parties. In contrast, WASTA is regularly criticized for extending inequality and corruption in the community, which might worsen QoL, taking into consideration the mediating impacts of religiosity. This paper investigated the dual effects of WASTA on QoL and the mediating role of religiosity in Arab societies. Three hundred and ninety small- and medium-sized enterprises’ (SMEs’) owners in Saudi Arabia participated in a self-structured questionnaire that was analyzed using PLS-SEM. The results showed that the appearance of some dimensions of WASTA in Arab societies can optimize QoL. At the same time, other elements can worsen the QoL of the participating parties, but the adverse effect can be mitigated when religiosity is a mediator. These results suggest that WASTA can act as a positive connection method in Arab societies when accompanied by religiosity but can accelerate corruption in its absence; several practical and theoretical implications were discussed and elaborated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy Lifestyle: The Relevance of Health Promotion for Society)

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18 pages, 1149 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Medical Students’ Views on Cannabis Use in Recreational Contexts Are Related to Their Own Consumption Intention

by Anca-Livia Panfil, Simona C. Tamasan, Lucretia Marin-Bancila, Bianca Matei, Minas G. Musca, Claudia C. Vasilian, Alina Petrica and Diana Lungeanu

Societies 2024, 14(4), 52; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc14040052 - 11 Apr 2024

Viewed by 1304

Abstract

Health professionals are regarded as important sources of information and guidance for healthy living. Knowing health determinants and risks, and invested with credibility in society, many struggle with their own human limits to apply these principles. A cross-sectional study was conducted among advanced [...] Read more.

Health professionals are regarded as important sources of information and guidance for healthy living. Knowing health determinants and risks, and invested with credibility in society, many struggle with their own human limits to apply these principles. A cross-sectional study was conducted among advanced medical students to assess their attitude towards recreational cannabis consumption, intention to use it, and their opinion of its legal status. Secondary objectives were to explore the relation of these primary outcomes to: (a) potentially addictive habits (such as smoking and drinking); (b) individuals’ disturbances in self-organization (DSOs), defined in the ICD-11 as pervasive chronic effects of traumatic experiences or stressful events. An anonymous online questionnaire active in November 2022 collected data from 171 medical students, of which almost 56% were in favor of recreational cannabis legalization. In a logistic regression analysis, each additional point of own consumption intention (on a scale from 1 to 5) was found to increase the odds of a positive opinion of legalization by three times, when controlling for gender, age, smoking, drinking, onset age of smoking, and DSO: OR = 2.918, 95%CI (1.893–4.497). In conclusion, health professionals’ personal beliefs and practices regarding substance use have a significant subjective component. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy Lifestyle: The Relevance of Health Promotion for Society)

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12 pages, 229 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Complexity Theory in Health Promotion Research: Four Essential Principles Based on Niklas Luhmann’s Systems Theory

by Dan Grabowski, Jens Aagaard-Hansen, Morten Hulvej Rod and Bjarne Bruun Jensen

Societies 2023, 13(12), 253; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc13120253 - 6 Dec 2023

Viewed by 2443

Abstract

Complexity-oriented approaches built on complexity theories are not widely used in health promotion research. The field of health promotion faces significant difficulties in explaining and addressing unforeseen impacts and side effects due to the widespread tendency to implement health promotion initiatives that are [...] Read more.

Complexity-oriented approaches built on complexity theories are not widely used in health promotion research. The field of health promotion faces significant difficulties in explaining and addressing unforeseen impacts and side effects due to the widespread tendency to implement health promotion initiatives that are considered best practices. It is important to theoretically embrace the fact that we operate in a complex world and that we, therefore, need to redefine our approaches by acknowledging the complexities involved in promoting health. In this theoretical paper, we propose a set of four complexity-oriented principles for health promotion research based on Niklas Luhmann’s systems theory: (1) direct transfer of health knowledge and health competencies is impossible; (2) all individuals and social entities are fundamentally different from each other; (3) the individual’s sense of health-related meaning determines what is deemed relevant; and (4) it is essential for communication to meet expectations if it is to be observed. The set of principles presented in this article can be applied to research projects intended to explore and address challenges related to complexity in health promotion settings. It can be used as a lens through which to observe health promotion practice. If health promotion research wants to address the field that we have defined for ourselves as extremely complex and unaddressed by anyone else, we need to embrace approaches that actually do this—by providing health promotion research with a formal framework appropriate to its existing main purposes and concerns. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy Lifestyle: The Relevance of Health Promotion for Society)

15 pages, 340 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Healthism vis-à-vis Vaccine Hesitancy: Insights from Parents Who Either Delay or Refuse Children’s Vaccination in Portugal

by Joana Mendonça and Ana Patrícia Hilário

Societies 2023, 13(8), 184; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc13080184 - 5 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1680

Abstract

Although healthism appears to be at the heart of the decision-making process of vaccine hesitancy, this matter has been understudied. We believe that the concept of healthism may be key to lessen the polarization of discourses around vaccination, offering a broad understanding of [...] Read more.

Although healthism appears to be at the heart of the decision-making process of vaccine hesitancy, this matter has been understudied. We believe that the concept of healthism may be key to lessen the polarization of discourses around vaccination, offering a broad understanding of parents’ decision to not vaccinate their children. This article aims to deepen the knowledge on the relation between healthism and vaccine hesitancy, using Portugal as a case study. A qualitative research approach was adopted, and therefore, in-depth interviews were conducted with 31 vaccine-hesitant parents. The findings showed that vaccine-hesitant parents usually adopt several strategies based on natural living to prevent and tackle their children’s potential health issues. There appears to be a common approach towards health and life (i.e., healthism) among vaccine-hesitant parents. Drawing upon the healthism ideology, vaccine-hesitant parents make choices to ensure the good health of their child. These choices nevertheless represent a privileged position as the pursuit of healthfulness is constrained by sociodemographic aspects. Using vaccine hesitancy as the starting point, our findings show that healthism and its focus on personal accountability under the umbrella of neoliberalism may jeopardize global public health. Healthcare professionals should pay particular attention to healthism when addressing vaccine hesitancy in Portugal and elsewhere. Research evidence advocates the need to be sensitive to the broad spectrum of vaccine hesitancy as this encompasses multiple views on the subject. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy Lifestyle: The Relevance of Health Promotion for Society)

12 pages, 279 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploratory Factor Analysis, Criterion and Psychometric Properties of a Proposed Scale to Measure the Risk of Eating Disorders in Adolescents (PETCA)

by Montserrat Monserrat, Angeles Arjona Garrido, Juan Carlos Checa, Dario Salguero and Joaquin Tarifa

Societies 2023, 13(7), 156; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc13070156 - 30 Jun 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1567

Abstract

This paper deals with the different risk scales of eating disorder in adolescents. The main objective is to create a scale to measure the risk of developing eating disorders using social and behavioral variables. The trial sample included 605 adolescents, aged 12–17 years [...] Read more.

This paper deals with the different risk scales of eating disorder in adolescents. The main objective is to create a scale to measure the risk of developing eating disorders using social and behavioral variables. The trial sample included 605 adolescents, aged 12–17 years (M = 14.27; SD 1.44), randomly selected from several centers who requested to participate in a health program. After using the principal component extraction method (PCA) with adequate internal consistency and reliability, and with a total explained variance of 60%, factor analysis showed five factors: satisfaction with body image, self-esteem, use of social networks, negative relationship with food, and image and social recognition. Pearson’s correlation coefficients between our scale and reference scale (SCOFF) factors provided information on converging validity. However, the Cronbach’s alpha values for dimensions 3 and 4 failed to reach the desired scores, and it was noted that not all dimensions had the same number of elements. Therefore, future interventions and proposals to develop a stronger scale are proposed. Despite the drawbacks, our findings provide a solid foundation for further analysis to find the most reliable method of analysis possible in this innovative area. We believe that this scale can help both health and education professionals to develop effective interventions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy Lifestyle: The Relevance of Health Promotion for Society)

18 pages, 1630 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quality Learning in Basic Life Support in Portuguese Basic Education School: A Cross-Sectional Study with 10th Grade Students

by Maria Aurora Boné, Maria João Loureiro and Jorge Bonito

Societies 2023, 13(6), 147; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc13060147 - 18 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1367

Abstract

An out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is one of the leading causes of death in the world. The survival rate can be influenced by the chain of survival. The school is the institution that has the opportunity to promote the education of citizens in [...] Read more.

An out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is one of the leading causes of death in the world. The survival rate can be influenced by the chain of survival. The school is the institution that has the opportunity to promote the education of citizens in basic life support (BLS), increasing the number of trained bystanders. This study aimed to identify the theoretical and practical knowledge and self-reported skills in BLS, in order to characterize the motivation to intervene in an emergency. A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional and analytical study of the survey type was developed with a sample of 1215 students enrolled in 10th-grade secondary education in 2019–2020 in Portugal. The results point to a fragile appropriation of theoretical and practical knowledge in the field of BLS. Self-declared competences tend to rank below the theoretical knowledge manifested. Motivation to intervene is high: students are sensitive to the topic and willing to learn and highlight the importance and social relevance of the topic. We conclude that students do not feel prepared and are not empowered to intervene in an OHCA episode. It seems necessary to develop didactic proposals that align the teaching of BLS with the essential learning at the end of compulsory education in Portugal. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy Lifestyle: The Relevance of Health Promotion for Society)

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18 pages, 658 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Use of Instagram as a Resource for the Adoption of Behaviors Related to Health and Well-Being of Young College Students: Associations between Use Profile and Sociodemographic Variables—A Cross-Sectional Study

by Kaline Pessoa, Cícero Luciano Alves Costa, Ana Cláudia Coelho, Ana Bastos and Isilda Rodrigues

Societies 2023, 13(2), 45; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc13020045 - 14 Feb 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2787

Abstract

The use of Instagram and content from digital influencers to gain information and adopt behaviors related to health and well-being may be associated with sociodemographic variables. Few studies have been conducted in different contexts regarding the use of Instagram to obtain information about [...] Read more.

The use of Instagram and content from digital influencers to gain information and adopt behaviors related to health and well-being may be associated with sociodemographic variables. Few studies have been conducted in different contexts regarding the use of Instagram to obtain information about health and well-being and its relationship with sociodemographic variables. A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed with a convenience sample of the population of students attending a degree course in physical education, in the northeast region of Brazil, to assess the prevalence of Instagram use as a resource for the adoption of behaviors related to health and well-being, as well as to understand the associations between use profiles and sociodemographic variables. An online validated questionnaire was completed by 162 students from March to June 2021. Descriptive statistics and analysis of artificial networks were used. Results indicate the profile of using Instagram to obtain information about health and well-being is impacted by sociodemographic variables such as gender, age, monthly income, and the semester the student is attending. Specifically, although men adopt health and well-being behaviors more frequently, the relationship between variables such as age and monthly income and the variables of the Instagram use profile is stronger among women. However, the adoption of behaviors and the belief in their contribution to self-care establish a strong relationship among both genders. It is concluded that sociodemographic variables can contribute to a better understanding of the use of Instagram to adopt behaviors related to health and well-being. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy Lifestyle: The Relevance of Health Promotion for Society)

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12 pages, 294 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Knowledge about COVID-19 Best Practices in the North of Portugal and the Importance of Health Education in the Prevention of Pandemic Events

by Joana Oliveira, Isilda Rodrigues, Manuela Matos, Isabel Carvalho, Ana Cristina Matos, Luís Figueira, Maria da Conceição Fontes, Nuno Alegria, Ana Patrícia Lopes, Beatriz do Vale, Luís Cardoso and Ana Cláudia Coelho

Societies 2022, 12(3), 82; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc12030082 - 18 May 2022

Viewed by 2245

Abstract

Introduction: The rapid global spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has made COVID-19 one of the biggest pandemics of all time, with several devastating public health challenges. In this study, we investigated the knowledge towards COVID-19 best practices in the [...] Read more.

Introduction: The rapid global spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has made COVID-19 one of the biggest pandemics of all time, with several devastating public health challenges. In this study, we investigated the knowledge towards COVID-19 best practices in the north of Portugal. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed with a convenience sample of the population of northern Portugal to assess their knowledge about COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2 and measures to prevent and mitigate pandemics. An online validated questionnaire was completed by 411 participants, from September to October 2020. Results: The overall correct knowledge was 81.3%, which indicates a good knowledge by the northern Portuguese respondents about COVID-19. The correct answer score differed considerably between men and women, being significantly higher among the latter (12.28 ± 1.22; p = 0.011). Moreover, the highest knowledge was observed in participants who attended high school or above (12.27 ± 1.21; p < 0.000). Conclusion: This study contributes to the analysis of COVID-19 knowledge by the northern Portuguese population, emphasizes the crucial role of health education in the control and mitigation of the COVID-19 pandemic, and provides field-based evidence to prevent the next pandemic event. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy Lifestyle: The Relevance of Health Promotion for Society)

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