International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Research

13 pages, 598 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Time Perspective Latent Profile Analysis and Its Meaning for School Burnout, Depression, and Family Acceptance in Adolescents

by Joanna Kossewska, Katarzyna Tomaszek and Emilia Macałka

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(8), 5433; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20085433 - 7 Apr 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1632

Abstract

This study aimed to apply latent profile analysis (LPA) to (a) empirically identify adolescents’ profiles based on their time perspective (TP), using a person-centered approach; (b) outline the identified profiles across student burnout, depression, and perceived family acceptance; and (c) establish differences between [...] Read more.

This study aimed to apply latent profile analysis (LPA) to (a) empirically identify adolescents’ profiles based on their time perspective (TP), using a person-centered approach; (b) outline the identified profiles across student burnout, depression, and perceived family acceptance; and (c) establish differences between pre-COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 students. Cross-sectional data were collected through an online survey of 668 adolescents. The participants completed the Kutcher Adolescent Depression Scale (KADS), Student School Burnout Scale (SSBS), Time Perspective Inventory (TPI), and Perceived Family Acceptance (PFA) items. Five subtypes of TP were found: hedonistic youth focused mainly on the present time; hedonistic youths focused on the present and future time; fatalistic youths focused on the present and negative past time; future-oriented youths with a positive perception of the past; and hedonistic youths focused on the present with a mild past-negative time perspective. These five profiles were compared for the variables of student burnout, depression, and perceived family acceptance. Scores from SSBS, KADS, and PFA showed a statistical difference across the five subtypes, with the most intensive mental health, social, and educational problems in profile 5. The level of SSBS was significantly different in the pre-COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 samples; however, no significant differences were found in KADS and PFA. Thus, perspective should be emphasized in adolescents with burnout and depression symptoms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health, Quality of Life, Education and Socioeconomic Situation of People with Disabilities during the COVID-19 Pandemic)

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17 pages, 2493 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Improving Participation among Youth with Disabilities within Their Unique Socio-Cultural Context during COVID-19 Pandemic: Initial Evaluation

by Anat Golos, Chani Zyger, Yael Lavie-Pitaro and Dana Anaby

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(5), 3913; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20053913 - 22 Feb 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1716

Abstract

Background: Participation in meaningful activities is important for quality of life among youth with disabilities; yet participation is often restricted during adverse times. This study aimed to explore the effectiveness of the Pathways and Resources for Engagement and Participation (PREP) intervention among ultra-Orthodox [...] Read more.

Background: Participation in meaningful activities is important for quality of life among youth with disabilities; yet participation is often restricted during adverse times. This study aimed to explore the effectiveness of the Pathways and Resources for Engagement and Participation (PREP) intervention among ultra-Orthodox Jewish Israeli youth with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A 20-week single-subject research design with multiple baselines measuring participation goals/activities was employed with two youths (15 and 19 years old) combining quantitative and qualitative descriptive data. Changes in participation levels were measured biweekly using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure; COPM; participation patterns were measured using the Participation and Environment Measure—Children and Youth; PEM-CY pre- and post-intervention; parents’ satisfaction was measured using the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire, CSQ-8. Semi-structured interviews were conducted post-intervention. Results: Both participants significantly improved participation in all selected goals and participation patterns, and were highly satisfied with the intervention. The interviews revealed additional information on personal and environmental barriers, factors supporting intervention, and intervention effects. Conclusions: The results indicated that an environment-centered and family-centered approach can potentially improve the participation of youths with disabilities within their unique socio-cultural context, during adverse times. Flexibility, creativity, and collaboration with others also contributed to intervention success. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health, Quality of Life, Education and Socioeconomic Situation of People with Disabilities during the COVID-19 Pandemic)

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15 pages, 953 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Feasibility of Developing Audiovisual Material for Training Needs in a Vietnam Orphanage: A Mixed-Method Design

by Patricia Jovellar-Isiegas, Carolina Jiménez-Sánchez, Almudena Buesa-Estéllez, Pilar Gómez-Barreiro, Inés Alonso-Langa, Sandra Calvo and Marina Francín-Gallego

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(4), 3118; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20043118 - 10 Feb 2023

Viewed by 1529

Abstract

Disabled children living in orphanages in low-income countries may not have access to the therapy they need. The COVID-19 pandemic has complicated the situation dramatically, making online training activities a possible innovative option to meet the real needs of local staff. This study [...] Read more.

Disabled children living in orphanages in low-income countries may not have access to the therapy they need. The COVID-19 pandemic has complicated the situation dramatically, making online training activities a possible innovative option to meet the real needs of local staff. This study aimed to detect the training needs of the local staff of an orphanage in Vietnam, as well as develop an audiovisual training material and measure its feasibility. Training needs were identified through a focus group carried out by the volunteers of Fisios Mundi, a nongovernmental organization. The audiovisual training material was developed to meet these specific needs. Lastly, its feasibility was evaluated, in terms of both content and format, through an ad hoc questionnaire. Nine volunteers participated in the project. Twenty-four videos were created and structured around five themes. This study expands the body of knowledge on how an international cooperation project can be developed in a pandemic situation. The audiovisual training material content and format created in this project was considered by the volunteers as very feasible and useful for training the staff of a Vietnamese orphanage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health, Quality of Life, Education and Socioeconomic Situation of People with Disabilities during the COVID-19 Pandemic)

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15 pages, 768 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Being a Parent of Children with Disabilities during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Multi-Method Study of Health, Social Life, and Occupational Situation

by Noémie Fortin-Bédard, Naomie-Jade Ladry, François Routhier, Josiane Lettre, David Bouchard, Béatrice Ouellet, Marie Grandisson, Krista L. Best, Ève-Line Bussières, Marie Baron, Annie LeBlanc and Marie-Eve Lamontagne

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(4), 3110; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20043110 - 10 Feb 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1794

Abstract

Parents of children with disabilities face challenges in their daily lives, but little is known about their experience of the COVID-19 pandemic. The objective of the study was to explore the experiences of parents of children with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic in [...] Read more.

Parents of children with disabilities face challenges in their daily lives, but little is known about their experience of the COVID-19 pandemic. The objective of the study was to explore the experiences of parents of children with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic in Quebec, Canada. Forty parents of children with disabilities from Quebec, Canada (mean [SD] age: 41.2 [6.7]; 93% women) were selected from the Ma Vie et la pandémie (MAVIPAN) study. All 40 parents completed the MAVIPAN online questionnaires including the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing short 7-item scale (WEMWBS), Social Provisions Scale-10 item (SPS-10), and the UCLA Loneliness Scale (UCLA-LS). A multi-method analysis was used to summarize questionnaires and thematically explore parents’ experiences. Parents reported deterioration in their mental (50.0%) and physical (27.5%) health, with moderate levels of depression, stress, and anxiety, yet moderately positive well-being. Additional experiences included reduction in available supports (71.4%) and feelings of social isolation (51.4%). Our results highlighted reduced mental and physical health, limited and modified access to certain services, and reduction of social supports for some parents of children with disabilities. Health professionals, policymakers, and governments should be mindful of these challenges experienced by parents of children with disabilities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health, Quality of Life, Education and Socioeconomic Situation of People with Disabilities during the COVID-19 Pandemic)

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8 pages, 642 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Psychological Consequences of Fear of COVID-19: Symptom Analysis of Triggered Anxiety and Depression Disorders in Adolescents and Young Adults

by Isabel Mercader Rubio, Pilar Sánchez-López, Nieves Gutiérrez Ángel and Nieves Fátima Oropesa Ruiz

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(21), 14171; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192114171 - 29 Oct 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1719

Abstract

Among the innumerable consequences of the pandemic caused by COVID-19 are those of a psychological nature, among which we find fear. For this reason, it is important to carry out research on the fear of contagion and its behavior, especially in the population [...] Read more.

Among the innumerable consequences of the pandemic caused by COVID-19 are those of a psychological nature, among which we find fear. For this reason, it is important to carry out research on the fear of contagion and its behavior, especially in the population as a whole, and the consequences that these facts entail. The present study examines the fear of contagion and illness by COVID-19 and its relationship with symptoms of anxiety disorders and depression in a total of 1370 participants aged 16 to 29 years. The results indicate that fear of COVID-19, fear of death from COVID-19 infection, and concern that family members and/or friends will be infected with COVID-19 are predictors of symptoms related to depressive disorder. elderly and social phobia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health, Quality of Life, Education and Socioeconomic Situation of People with Disabilities during the COVID-19 Pandemic)

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14 pages, 365 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Resilience and Coping with Stress and Marital Satisfaction of the Parents of Children with ASD during the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Anna Gagat-Matuła

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(19), 12372; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191912372 - 28 Sep 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2379

Abstract

Raising and caring for a child with ASD is a challenge for the parents’ marriage relationship. Caring for a disabled child changes the functioning of the family and requires greater involvement in care and specialist therapy. The respondents’ answers show that such parents [...] Read more.

Raising and caring for a child with ASD is a challenge for the parents’ marriage relationship. Caring for a disabled child changes the functioning of the family and requires greater involvement in care and specialist therapy. The respondents’ answers show that such parents experience higher levels of stress related to the upbringing and future of the child. However, parenting challenges need not be a negative experience if the parents support each other. The process of bringing up children in the family are related, inter alia, to the quality of their parents ‘marriage, which is influenced by the partners’ personal resources. The resilience of the partners and coping with this situation contribute to marital satisfaction. The aim of the study is to find out about the relationship between spouses’ resilience and coping styles and their assessment of marriage satisfaction. In total, 50 married couples participated in the study—50 mothers of children with ASD and 50 fathers, the partners of these mothers (N = 100). The following tools were used: the Resilience Scale (SPP-25), the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS) and the Well-Matched Marriage Questionnaire (KDM-2), as well as a survey questionnaire (data on respondents). The results show that the gender of the parent of a child with ASD does not differentiate the overall assessment of the quality of marriage (the overall score on the scale indicates a low level of satisfaction with the relationship). When analyzing in detail the dimensions of individual scales of satisfaction with the relationship, one statistically significant difference was noted for the sex of the respondents in the disappointment dimension, showing that the level of disappointment in the quality of the relationship is higher in wives than in husbands. In the other dimensions of satisfaction with marriage: intimacy, personal fulfillment, similarity, there were no statistically significant differences in terms of gender of the respondents. The resilience of the spouses positively correlates with their assessment of marriage satisfaction, and in particular, openness, perseverance and determination to act increase the level of Task-oriented coping (SSZ) with difficult situations. All resilience factors negatively correlate with the emotional coping style (SSE). In both the studied groups, openness is a significant predictor of intimacy, and persistence is a predictor of self-fulfilment in a relationship. A predictor of disappointment in women is managing using substitute activities (ACZ), while in men it is the Emotion-oriented coping (SSE) style. The results indicate the need to support married couples raising a child with ASD during the pandemic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health, Quality of Life, Education and Socioeconomic Situation of People with Disabilities during the COVID-19 Pandemic)

15 pages, 1000 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Accessibility Analysis of Worldwide COVID-19-Related Information Portals

by Patricia Acosta-Vargas, Sylvia Novillo-Villegas, Belén Salvador-Acosta, Manuel Calvopina, Nikolaos Kyriakidis, Esteban Ortiz-Prado and Luis Salvador-Ullauri

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(19), 12102; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191912102 - 24 Sep 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 1583

Abstract

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, communication technology has demonstrated its usefulness in sharing and receiving health data and communicating with the public. This study evaluated the accessibility of 199 websites containing official COVID-19 information related to medical schools, governments, ministries, and [...] Read more.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, communication technology has demonstrated its usefulness in sharing and receiving health data and communicating with the public. This study evaluated the accessibility of 199 websites containing official COVID-19 information related to medical schools, governments, ministries, and medical associations, obtained from the Geneva Foundation for Medical Education and Research website. We used the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 to evaluate web accessibility, using a six-phase process with an automatic review tool. The study results reveal that the highest number of barriers encountered are concentrated in the perceivable principle with 6388 errors (77.8%), followed by operability with 1457 (17.7%), then robustness with 291 (3.5%), and finally understandability with 78 errors (0.9%). This study concludes that most COVID-19-related websites that provide information on the context of the pandemic do not have an adequate level of accessibility. This study can contribute as a guide for designing inclusive websites; web accessibility should be reviewed periodically due to technological advances and the need to adapt to these changes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health, Quality of Life, Education and Socioeconomic Situation of People with Disabilities during the COVID-19 Pandemic)

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17 pages, 6616 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Regional Inequalities and Influencing Factors of Residents’ Health in China: Analysis from the Perspective of Opening-Up

by Guozhen Gao, Jinmiao Hu, Yuanyuan Wang and Guofeng Wang

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(19), 12069; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191912069 - 23 Sep 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1293

Abstract

While opening-up promotes regional economic development, its impact on the residents’ health level cannot be ignored. Based on provincial data of China from 2009 to 2020, the Gini Coefficient and Theil Index are used to analyze the regional inequalities in residents’ health in [...] Read more.

While opening-up promotes regional economic development, its impact on the residents’ health level cannot be ignored. Based on provincial data of China from 2009 to 2020, the Gini Coefficient and Theil Index are used to analyze the regional inequalities in residents’ health in China. The Difference-in-Difference model is constructed to study the impact of China’s opening-up policies and other factors on residents’ health. The results show that, firstly, the health levels of Chinese residents have steadily improved and regional inequalities have been gradually narrowing. Secondly, the Belt and Road Initiative has significantly improved the residents’ health along the route, while the Pilot Free Trade Zone, which is another important opening-up policy in China, has had an inhibitory effect on the health of residents. Thirdly, it is proven that the Belt and Road Initiative improves the health of residents in provinces along the route by increasing the degree of opening-up and improving the regional environmental quality. This study will support and advance the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG10 (Reduced Inequalities). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health, Quality of Life, Education and Socioeconomic Situation of People with Disabilities during the COVID-19 Pandemic)

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17 pages, 938 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Survey of the Challenges Faced by Individuals with Disabilities and Unpaid Caregivers during the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Yashoda Sharma, Alison Whiting and Tilak Dutta

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(16), 10075; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191610075 - 15 Aug 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1748

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected many individuals. In particular, it is likely that individuals with disabilities and unpaid caregivers were disproportionately affected, however, its exact impact is largely unknown. The primary objective of this work was to identify challenges faced by individuals with [...] Read more.

The COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected many individuals. In particular, it is likely that individuals with disabilities and unpaid caregivers were disproportionately affected, however, its exact impact is largely unknown. The primary objective of this work was to identify challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and unpaid caregivers. A secondary objective was to identify potential solutions to the major challenges experienced by both populations. Two surveys were administered online to individuals with disabilities and unpaid caregivers, respectively between September 2020 and January 2021. We used an inductive thematic analysis within an interpretivist paradigm to analyze survey responses. A total of 111 survey responses were collected amongst both surveys. Separate thematic maps were created for individuals with disabilities and unpaid caregivers, and maps were drawn to compare challenges. Potential solutions to mitigate the challenges experienced by both populations include revising financial assistance programs and improving awareness of support programs that are available. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health, Quality of Life, Education and Socioeconomic Situation of People with Disabilities during the COVID-19 Pandemic)

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15 pages, 360 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Psychosocial Functioning and the Educational Experiences of Students with ASD during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Poland

by Aneta Lew-Koralewicz

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(15), 9468; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19159468 - 2 Aug 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2138

Abstract

Due to their individual developmental and learning needs, adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) benefit from a variety of educational, medical, and therapeutic services. During the COVID-19 pandemic, these services were discontinued or significantly reduced, which may have resulted in increased difficulties in [...] Read more.

Due to their individual developmental and learning needs, adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) benefit from a variety of educational, medical, and therapeutic services. During the COVID-19 pandemic, these services were discontinued or significantly reduced, which may have resulted in increased difficulties in coping with various areas of life. The purpose of this study was to explore how the pandemic affected the psychosocial and educational functioning of students with ASD. A qualitative, problem-focused interview method was used. The obtained material was subjected to interpretive phenomenological analysis. The study involved 10 secondary school students diagnosed with ASD. The assessment of the effects of the pandemic on the functioning of people with ASD is inconclusive. The respondents noted both negative and positive effects of lockdown. On the positive side, they were able to spend time with their family, isolate themselves from difficult social relationships and feel better. Among the negative effects, adolescents point to difficulties in emotional functioning—increased levels of stress and anxiety, as well as increased feelings of loneliness and difficulties with online education. The study showed the varied experiences of young people with autism during the pandemic, highlighting the significant need to support some of them in terms of their emotional, social and educational functioning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health, Quality of Life, Education and Socioeconomic Situation of People with Disabilities during the COVID-19 Pandemic)

13 pages, 671 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Experiences of Disabled Older Adults in Tokyo’s Adult Day Care Centers during COVID-19—A Case Study

by Takashi Naruse, Masakazu Hatsushi and Junichi Kato

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(9), 5356; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19095356 - 28 Apr 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1797

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in social isolation among elderly people with disabilities. Adult daycare (ADC) is an important community care option for socialization among people with disabilities. However, their experiences with ADC remain underexplored. Thus, this study investigated the experiences of community-dwelling disabled [...] Read more.

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in social isolation among elderly people with disabilities. Adult daycare (ADC) is an important community care option for socialization among people with disabilities. However, their experiences with ADC remain underexplored. Thus, this study investigated the experiences of community-dwelling disabled elderly with ADC from the perspective of socialization. Four older women from Tokyo with disabilities, availing of one ADC service, were interviewed across two sessions between November 2020 and January 2021. The transcribed interviews and field notes were analyzed qualitatively. This yielded eight categories: two pertaining to context (“restricted social interaction outside of ADC”, “feeling simultaneously grateful and ashamed of oneself as a recipient of care services”), and six pertaining to experience with ADC (“take a catastrophic defensive posture in situations where one’s perception of value is shaken”, “express oneself positively to justify one’s daily life”, “have trouble knowing what to do”, “put oneself in a shaded exchange relationship”, “examine the value of elderly people in need of care in society”, and “savor regular contact with others”). Ensuring the use of ADC as a safe place for interaction while considering pandemic-related needs is important to develop policy and practical responses to restricted socialization during COVID-19. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health, Quality of Life, Education and Socioeconomic Situation of People with Disabilities during the COVID-19 Pandemic)

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20 pages, 18783 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How Well Environmental Design Is and Can Be Suited to People with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A Natural Language Processing Analysis

by Moti Zwilling and Beni R. Levy

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(9), 5037; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19095037 - 21 Apr 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4153

Abstract

The quality of life of people diagnosed as having Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is essential for increasing their self-reliance and reducing their communication problems in order to allow them to work, take care of themselves, and develop a capacity to intercommunicate with their [...] Read more.

The quality of life of people diagnosed as having Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is essential for increasing their self-reliance and reducing their communication problems in order to allow them to work, take care of themselves, and develop a capacity to intercommunicate with their surroundings. Their need to organize their day-to-day and workplace surroundings has been addressed in the literature via long-term intervention programs aimed to imbue people with ASD with interpersonal communication capabilities. Yet, there is still a gap in the literature regarding new design methods aimed at creating a safe and friendly environment adapted to the needs of people with ASD. Therefore, this study has two objectives: (1) to shed light on the existing factors and methods related to workplaces designed to be friendly to people with ASD, specifically adults, through a natural language processing (NLP) analysis of existing scientific papers in the field of architecture and design; and (2) to explore the factors that might assist in improving the design and architecture of adaptive spaces for people with ASD by analyzing a corpus of experts’ documents. The study findings and their implications are analyzed and discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health, Quality of Life, Education and Socioeconomic Situation of People with Disabilities during the COVID-19 Pandemic)

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