Search Results (611)

Objective: This longitudinal study examined how preceptors’ perceived difficulty and role performance in instructing newly graduated nurses impacted by restricted clinical practicum opportunities because of COVID-19 impact their mental health outcomes, including stressors, burnout, and turnover intention. Methods: The study surveyed 426 preceptors responsible for newly graduated nurses across 39 hospitals during fiscal year 2022. Data were collected at three time points: June, September, and December 2022. The questionnaire assessed personal attributes, perceived instructional difficulty (PID) due to limited clinical practice, self-rated preceptor role performance, nursing job stressors, burnout, and intention to resign. Two-way ANOVA was conducted to analyze the effects of perceived difficulty (high/low) and role performance (high/low) on mental health indicators. Results: Seventy-six preceptors (6 males, 70 females) completed all three surveys. In June 2022, preceptors reporting high perceived difficulty demonstrated significantly higher scores in role performance subscales, including “goal achievement and accident prevention” and “continuation of instruction with cooperation.” Significant main effects of perceived difficulty and role performance were observed on stressors such as role conflict, physician conflict, and death-related stress, as well as on burnout dimensions such as emotional exhaustion and personal accomplishment. By December, significant interaction effects emerged for outcomes related to “intention to quit nursing” and “desire to change departments.” Conclusions: Preceptors’ PID and role performance significantly influence their stress, burnout, and turnover intentions. Those experiencing both high difficulty and high role performance experience increased psychological burdens. This underscores the importance of targeted mental health support for preceptors. Full article

Background/Objectives: The veterinary profession is associated with a variety of psychological stresses that increase the risk of exhaustion and burnout. There are no published systematic studies on work-related stress among veterinarians. The aim of this study was to apply work-related behaviour and experience patterns to this occupational group and to analyse age-related differences. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 832 practising veterinarians in Germany. The questionnaire was used to record work-related behaviour and experience patterns. The data were evaluated in terms of the frequency of the four AVEM patterns (G, S, A, and B) and age-related differences. Correlation and multivariate variance analyses were performed. Results: Overall, 61.1% of the respondents exhibited a risk pattern (A or B). Pattern B (burnout) was the most common, at 40.3%. Significant differences were found between age groups in several AVEM dimensions, particularly in terms of the tendency to resign in the face of failure, distancing ability, and experience of success at work (all p = 0.001), with older veterinarians showing more favourable values. The strongest correlation was weakly negative between age and work-related ambition (ρ = −0.262 with p < 0.001). Multivariate variance analysis of various AVEM dimensions and independent variables (e.g., gender, field of study, professional status, place of work, and age group) explained a maximum of 6.7% of the variance in the AVEM dimension of work-related ambition. Conclusions: This study fills an existing research gap by applying the AVEM model to the occupational group of veterinarians and identifying age-related differences in the experience of occupational stress. The high prevalence of patterns that are harmful to health underscores the importance of occupational health prevention and highlights the potential of the AVEM approach for occupational psychological assessment and intervention in veterinary practice. Full article

Background/Objectives. Quality of nursing care (QNC) is a central concept in healthcare systems worldwide, with growing emphasis on developing reliable and contextually appropriate instruments for its assessment. Over recent decades, there has been a shift from outcome-based evaluation toward more holistic, patient-centered frameworks that consider both clinical indicators and interpersonal dimensions of care. This scoping review aimed to map the range, nature, and characteristics of self-report instruments used to assess the quality of nursing care, including their psychometric properties and contextual applications across different clinical settings. Methods. A systematic search was conducted in CINAHL Complete, MEDLINE (via PubMed), Scopus, Web of Science, and ProQuest Dissertations & Theses, alongside gray literature sources, following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology and PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Studies were included if they reported on the development, validation, adaptation, or application of QNC assessment tools in hospital or community nursing contexts, and were published in English, Portuguese, or Spanish. Results. Fifty-nine studies were included, spanning from 1995 to 2025. The instruments identified were predominantly structured around Donabedian’s structure-process-outcome model, and many emphasized relational domains such as empathy, communication, and respect. Tools like the Good Nursing Care Scale (GNCS), the Quality of Oncology Nursing Care Scale (QONCS), and the Karen Scales demonstrated strong internal consistency (Cronbach’s α ranging from 0.79 to 0.95). Conclusions. Organizational factors, including leadership and staffing, and predictors such as burnout and work intensity, were found to influence perceived care quality. Important gaps remain regarding longitudinal use and integration of patient-reported outcome measures. Full article

University students face various stressors that may jeopardize their mental health. The aim of this study was to adapt the concept of organizational justice to universities, develop and validate a corresponding questionnaire (UFair: University Fairness Questionnaire) in German, and estimate its association with mental health. Perceived university unfairness was measured in 1105 students using the newly developed 20-item UFair Questionnaire. Mental health was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8, depression) and the Maslach Burnout Inventory for Students (MBI-SS, burnout). The UFair Questionnaire had good psychometric properties, a unidimensional factor structure, and a considerable association with the mental health indicators. Perceived injustice also represents a stressor in the university setting, showing a considerable relation with students’ mental health. The relevance of these aspects to the health of students should be recognized and considered by universities. Valid measurement using the UFair Questionnaire represents the basis for possible preventive approaches and interventions. Full article

Latvia faces one of the lowest nurse-to-population ratios in the EU, resulting in critical staff shortages in intensive care units (ICUs). Nurses frequently care for more patients than recommended, which not only compromises patient safety but also places heavy psycho-emotional burdens on staff. The aim of this study was to examine organizational-level relationships between objectively measured ICU nursing workload and subjectively reported psycho-emotional outcomes, including moral distress, burnout, and intention to leave one’s job. A secondary analysis combined data from two cross-sectional studies conducted in 2025. Workload was measured using 3420 Nursing Activities Score (NAS) protocols from three hospitals, while 155 ICU nurses from 16 units completed validated instruments assessing moral distress, burnout, and turnover intentions. The findings revealed persistent nurse shortages, with one ICU showing deficits exceeding 70% and mean NASs above 100 points per nurse per shift. Nurses reported moderate moral distress, particularly in situations of unsafe patient ratios and aggressive treatment, while burnout levels were moderate to high, especially in personal and work-related dimensions. About one-quarter of respondents were actively considering leaving their jobs. Moral distress significantly correlated with burnout (r = 0.357, p < 0.001), and organizational-level comparison indicated that higher workload was associated with greater emotional strain. These results not only highlight urgent national challenges but also resonate with international evidence on the link between unsafe staffing, moral distress, and workforce sustainability. Implementing systematic workload monitoring, safe staffing ratios, and structured support mechanisms is essential to safeguard ICU nurses’ well-being, reduce turnover, and protect patient safety in both Latvian and global contexts. Full article

Burnout is a critical problem among healthcare professionals worldwide, but nationally representative data on psychosocial factors associated with burnout are lacking for Latvia’s hospital system. This study investigated twofold aims: first, it examined the association between job-related demands, psychosocial resources, and burnout in a representative sample of Latvian hospital staff; and second, it tested whether specific resources buffer or amplify the impact of excessive workload. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 4756 healthcare workers across 30 inpatient institutions in Latvia. Participants completed the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire III and the Burnout Assessment Tool; regression and moderation analyses were used. Burnout was positively associated with longer working hours, multiple job-holding, and psychosocial demands such as emotional strain, time pressure, and work–life conflict. Several resources, including support from colleagues, supervisor support, recognition, sense of belonging, supervisor evaluation, and especially resources for quality work, were associated with lower burnout and weakened the relationship between workload and burnout. In contrast, high autonomy, meaning at work, organizational justice, and role conflict amplified this association. These findings suggest that in resource-constrained healthcare systems, some job resources may be associated with increased risk of burnout. Effective interventions should address both structural and relational factors to mitigate burnout among healthcare workers. Full article

Background: Healthcare organizations face major challenges in protecting staff health and ensuring business continuity, particularly in high-risk settings. Wearable technologies are emerging tools to monitor occupational health indicators, improve staff safety, and strengthen organizational resilience. Objectives: This scoping review aimed to map the current evidence on wearable technologies in healthcare, focusing on their impact on occupational health, staff safety, and economic outcomes, as well as barriers and facilitators to their adoption. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, sources from inception to July 2025. Studies were included if they evaluated wearable technologies used by healthcare workers and assessed outcomes related to occupational health, organizational resilience, absenteeism, presenteeism, or cost-effectiveness. The review followed the Arksey and O’Malley framework and PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Results: 31 studies met the inclusion criteria. Most were pilot or feasibility studies; only two randomized controlled trials were identified. The wearable technologies evaluated included continuous physiological monitoring devices, real-time location systems, hands-free communication tools, and consumer-grade devices. Evidence suggests potential benefits in improving staff safety, reducing stress and burnout, and enhancing workflow efficiency. However, economic evidence was limited and outcomes varied considerably. Barriers included alert fatigue, privacy concerns, interoperability challenges, and limited staff engagement. Facilitators included leadership support, user-centered design, and adequate infrastructure. Conclusions: Wearable technologies show promise for supporting occupational health and organizational resilience in healthcare, but evidence remains fragmented. Full article

Background/Objectives: Vicarious resilience is a positive psychological transformation in hospital nurses who witness the recovery and strength of patients. This study clarifies the concept using Walker and Avant’s method, identifying defining attributes, antecedents, and consequences to inform theory and practice. Methods: A systematic review of Korean and international databases included 21 studies. Through eight analytical steps, four defining attributes were identified: emotional growth, meaning-making, patient-centered engagement, and professional identity reinforcement. Results: Key antecedents include empathic exposure and reflective capacity. Consequences are enhanced resilience, reduced burnout, increased job satisfaction, and sustainable caregiving. Unlike compassion satisfaction, post-traumatic growth, or vicarious post-traumatic growth, vicarious resilience stems from relational experiences of patient recovery. The Vicarious Resilience Scale was reviewed, but a hospital nurse-specific measure is needed. Conclusions: This analysis offers a foundation for nursing education, organizational support, and interventions to foster emotional sustainability and professional growth in high-stress clinical settings. Full article

Background and Objectives: Professional burnout threatens special education teachers’ well-being and educational service quality through three psychological dimensions: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal achievement. Limited studies have employed behavioral data analysis to examine burnout patterns in special education and their relationships with demographic factors and contemporary stressors. This study aimed to (1) identify burnout levels among Greek special education teachers, (2) determine demographic risk factors, and (3) examine relationships between burnout dimensions and COVID-19 psychological impact. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study surveyed 114 special education teachers from Achaia and Aitoloakarnania prefectures, Greece (response rate: 87.7%), using the Maslach Burnout Inventory–Educators Survey (MBI-ES) and demographic questionnaires. Behavioral data analysis integrates traditional statistics with advanced techniques, including cluster analysis and classification modeling. Results: Four distinct burnout profiles emerged: Low Burnout (36.8%), Moderate Emotional Exhaustion (30.7%), High Risk (21.9%), and Depersonalization-Dominant (10.5%). Overall burnout prevalence was low, with 73.7% showing minimal depersonalization and 67.5% maintaining high personal achievement. Employment status emerged as the strongest predictor of burnout risk. Emotional exhaustion was the primary predictor of COVID-19 psychological impact (r = 0.547, p < 0.001), explaining 29.9% of pandemic-related distress variance. Male substitute teachers demonstrated the highest vulnerability to depersonalization, while experienced female permanent teachers showed resilience patterns. Conclusions: Behavioral data analysis revealed distinct burnout patterns enabling personalized interventions. Emotional exhaustion serves as both a key vulnerability factor and primary intervention target. These findings support targeted approaches to occupational health with implications for educational policy. Limitations include cross-sectional design and regional sampling. Future longitudinal studies should validate these patterns across diverse educational contexts. Full article

Background: The number of students with Specific Learning Disorders (SLDs) in universities has recently increased. Thus, it is important to analyze their difficulties throughout their academic studies and propose adequate interventions to prevent emotional problems and dropout. Previous research has reported higher levels of internalizing problems (anxiety and depression) in students with SLDs compared to those with typical development. Surprisingly, academic burnout among students with SLDs remains a largely overlooked and under-researched issue. The present work is one of the first studies that seeks to address this critical gap by examining the levels of academic burnout, and exploring its relationship with depression and anxiety in university students both with and without SLDs. Methods: The sample included 120 university students (M = 42, F = 78; mean age = 21.16, SD = 2.26). Of these, 60 students had SLDs and 60 had typical development (TD). Students were asked to complete three questionnaires assessing burnout (BAT-C), depression (BDI-II), and anxiety (STAI-Y). Results: The comparison between groups revealed that students with SLDs reported significantly higher levels of total burnout (mean difference = −3.98, t[118] = −2.59, p = 0.011, d = 0.47) and trait anxiety (mean difference = −2.87, t[118] = −2.73, p = 0.007, d = 0.50), with a moderate effect size for both differences. They also exhibited greater cognitive impairment related to burnout (U = 2333.50, p = 0.006, r = 0.25). No group differences were found in depression. Path analyses showed that while trait anxiety mediated the burnout–depression link in both groups, state anxiety was a significant mediator only for students with SLDs (β = 0.22, p = 0.025). Conclusions: The findings provide new evidence of the importance of monitoring academic burnout and anxiety in students with SLDs. The results show that anxiety plays a crucial mediating role between burnout and depression in students with SLDs, reinforcing the need for specific psychological support programs in universities. Full article

Background: Suicide remains a leading cause of death among youth, yet effective tools to predict suicide attempts (SA) in individuals under 18 are scarce. This study aims to develop machine learning (ML) models to predict SA in paediatric populations using Google Trends data. Methods: Relative Search Volumes (RSVs) from Google Trends were analysed for terms linked to suicide risk factors. Pearson Correlation Coefficients (PCC) identified terms strongly associated with SA rates. Based on these, several ML models were developed and evaluated, including Random Forest Regression, Support Vector Regression (SVR), XGBoost, and Linear Regression. Model performance was assessed using metrics such as PCC, mean absolute error (MAE), mean squared error (MSE), root mean square error (RMSE), and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE). Results: Terms related to suicide prevention and symptoms, including psychiatrist and anxiety disorder, showed the strongest correlations with SA rates (PCC ≥ 0.90). Random Forest Regression emerged as the top-performing ML model (PCC = 0.953, MAPE = 20.12%, RMSE = 17.21), highlighting burnout, anxiety disorder, antidepressants, and psychiatrist as key predictors of SA. Other models’ scores were XGBoost (PCC = 0.446, MAPE = 22.57%, RMSE = 18.03), SVR (PCC = 0.833, MAPE = 42.23%, RMSE = 47.32) and Linear Regression (PCC = 0.947, MAPE = 23.64%, RMSE = 17.66). Conclusions: Google Trends–based ML models suggest potential utility for short-term prediction of youth SA. These preliminary findings support the utility of search data in identifying real-time suicide risk in paediatric populations. Full article

Burnout syndrome, caused by chronic unmanaged stress, is common among health sciences students, and dental students in clinical training are particularly vulnerable due to the intense cognitive, emotional, and practical demands. This multicenter cross-sectional study assessed burnout and related factors in 312 students in their 8th–10th semesters at three Ecuadorian universities using the Maslach Burnout Inventory and a questionnaire on physical and emotional symptoms. High emotional exhaustion affected 79.5% of students, high depersonalization 54.5%, and low personal accomplishment 11.5%, with an overall burnout prevalence of 8.01%. No statistically significant associations were found with university or academic semester, although students studying or working more than 30 h per week showed a non-significant trend toward higher risk (OR = 3.39; p = 0.208), and the model’s predictive capacity was low (AUC = 0.645). Frequently reported physical symptoms included lower back pain (41.35%), neck pain (35.9%), and headaches (30.45%). These findings reveal that burnout, often accompanied by physical discomfort, affects a significant number of dental students, highlighting the need for institutional strategies such as psychological support and curricular adjustments to reduce stress and improve overall well-being. Full article

Background: In low-resource health systems, official mHealth platforms often face usability and infrastructure barriers. In India, Community Health Workers (CHWs) and their supervisors have pragmatically turned to WhatsApp as an informal digital infrastructure. While widely adopted, its dual role as both a support system and a source of burden remains underexplored. Aim: To examine the patterns and purposes of WhatsApp use among CHWs and block-level supervisors; to identify perceived benefits, barriers, and risks; and to assess its influence on workflow, power relations, digital equity, and program outcomes in an Indian Aspirational District. Methods: We conducted a qualitative study between June and December 2023 in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, India. Data comprised 32 in-depth interviews and six focus group discussions with CHWs (Anganwadi Workers, ASHAs, ANMs) and block-level public health officers (total participants n = 81). We used reflexive thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke’s approach; reporting adhered to the COREQ guideline. Results: WhatsApp emerged as a de facto digital backbone for real-time communication, peer support, and program supervision, often perceived as more usable than official applications. Its informal adoption also created a triple burden: digital fatigue from information overload and blurred work–life boundaries; duplication of reporting across WhatsApp and official portals; and systemic inequities that disadvantaged older or less digitally literate CHWs, with risks of surveillance creep and data privacy breaches. Conclusion: WhatsApp simultaneously enables coordination and imposes workload and equity costs on India’s frontline workforce. Without formal policy and governance, this user-driven adaptation risks widening digital divides and accelerating burnout. We recommend clear protocols on purpose-limited use, investments in equitable digital capability and devices, and safeguards that protect worker well-being and data privacy. Full article

This scoping review examines the affective–psychological and social characteristics of undergraduate engineering students in South Korea, identifying key research trends, thematic focuses, and gaps in the literature. A total of 95 peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2024 were analyzed based on publication year, journal outlet, research topics, and related variables. The literature search was conducted using major databases, including RISS, KCI, and DBpia. The findings highlight self-efficacy—particularly domain-specific self-efficacy—as a core construct linked to academic achievement, persistence, and career development. Social competencies such as communication, teamwork, and convergence ability are also emphasized; however, limited attention has been paid to emotional resilience, burnout, and ethical responsibility. Despite their growing importance in the artificial intelligence-driven era, gender differences, digital literacy, and global competencies remain underexplored. These findings underscore the need for learner-centered, evidence-based instructional strategies, as well as more longitudinal, comparative, and intervention-focused studies. This review offers foundational insights for designing inclusive, future-oriented educational programs tailored to the diverse needs of South Korean undergraduate engineering students. Full article

This study presents the first nationwide, system-level investigation of occupational stress and professional burnout among probation counselors in Romania, in the context of increasing caseloads, complex job demands and limited institutional support. Building on a comprehensive theoretical analysis, we employ a sociological research design involving a representative sample of 247 probation counselors from all 42 national probation services. Using the Maslach Burnout Inventory—Human Services Questionnaire, along with stress-related factors, we examine the prevalence, most important factors and typologies of burnout. Advanced quantitative techniques—including multiple linear regression, principal component analysis and K-means clustering—allow for a robust identification of key predictors of emotional exhaustion and three distinct psychosocial profiles: stress-resistant seniors, under involved younger staff and overworked, frustrated employees. We also conducted a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to check the validity of the MBI-HSS. This typology offers a novel conceptual framework for understanding professional burnout in probation, highlighting systemic vulnerabilities and distinct risk categories. Nevertheless, limitations exist: self-reported data may underestimate stress, and omitting variables like resilience or work meaning constrains explanatory depth. Despite these constraints, this study addresses a significant gap in Romanian probation research and lays the foundation for future longitudinal and qualitative studies. These should incorporate psychological and organizational factors to improve targeted interventions and human resources strategies. Full article