Mediators of the Relationship Between Functional Limitations and Loneliness Among Homebound African Americans

Abstract Physical/functional limitations are known to lead to loneliness, but there is little research on protective factors that may mediate their adverse association, particularly in vulnerable populations. This study used cross-sectional survey data from 147 (aged 58-90 years; 75% females) predominantly low-income African American homebound community dwellers to investigate the role of resilience and social connectedness in mediating the effect of physical/functional limitations on loneliness. Items from validated instruments were used to measure four latent variables (physical/functional limitations, resilience, loneliness and social connectedness). Structural parallel mediator models estimated each path in the mediation analysis controlling for gender, education, and age. Confidence intervals for mediation effects were generated via bias-corrected bootstrapping with 10,000 replications. The total effect of physical/functional limitations on perceived loneliness was significant. Social connectedness and resilience fully and significantly mediated the relationship between physical/functional limitations and loneliness. The indirect effect (B =.143; 95% CI = .047, .280) for the physical/functional limitations-resilience-loneliness pathway indicated that the positive effect of physical/functional limitations on loneliness was approximately 0.143 points lower as mediated by higher resilience. The indirect path of physical/functional limitations on loneliness through the mediation of social connectedness (B =.077; 95% CI = .010, .168) yielded a reduction of .077 points. The total amount of variance in feelings of loneliness accounted for by the overall model, which included the proposed mediators and control variables, was 48.6%. Interventions to build resilience and social interactions may attenuate the effects of physical/functional disability and loneliness on health outcomes in individuals at risk.

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Determinants of Employee Motivation

10.4018/978-1-7998-7396-9.ch006 ◽

2022 ◽

pp. 130-149

Author(s):

Bikash Basnet ◽

Sarah Eyaa ◽

Nekpen Euodia Okhawere

Keyword(s):

Regression Analysis ◽

Multiple Regression Analysis ◽

Multiple Regression ◽

Employee Motivation ◽

Expectancy Theory ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Mediation Effects ◽

Indirect Impact ◽

The Relationship

This chapter integrates collectivism with the dimensions of the Expectancy Theory to investigate the direct and indirect impact of horizontal and vertical collectivism on employee motivation of operational and non-operational staff. Data were collected from 205 employees using a cross-sectional survey. Hypotheses were tested with multiple regression analysis. Across both employee categories, horizontal collectivism improves motivation while vertical collectivism does not have a significant impact on motivation. Mediation effects were significant in the relationship between horizontal collectivism across both employee categories. However, there were some variations in the mediation effects on the relationship between vertical collaboration and motivation across the two categories. This chapter contributes to motivation literature by integrating the Expectancy Theory with two under-investigated dimensions of collectivism to compare motivation determinants among operational and non-operational staff. This chapter presents implications for managers and policy for improving employee motivation.

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COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in multiple sclerosis: A cross-sectional survey

Multiple Sclerosis Journal ◽

10.1177/13524585211030647 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 135245852110306

Author(s):

Lauren Uhr ◽

Farrah J Mateen

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Influenza Vaccine ◽

Functional Disability ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Logistic Regression Models ◽

Immunosuppressed Patients ◽

Effective Public Health ◽

The Relationship

Background: Vaccine willingness among people living with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) requires assessment following the approval of the first COVID-19 vaccines, since there remains uncertainty on multiple aspects of COVID-19 vaccination in immunosuppressed patients. Objective: To understand COVID-19 and influenza vaccine willingness and its associations among PwMS, following the approval of the first two mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. Methods: A survey was distributed to PwMS via an online platform from December 2020 to February 2021. Logistic regression models were constructed to determine the relationship between (1) COVID-19 and (2) influenza vaccination willingness with demographic and clinical characteristics. Results: Of 701 responding PwMS, 76.6% were COVID-19 vaccine willing. COVID-19 vaccine willingness was significantly associated with influenza vaccine willingness ( p < 0.001). In multivariable models, older age increased the odds of COVID-19 and influenza vaccine willingness (odds ratios (ORs) > 1) and other race decreased the odds of COVID-19 and influenza vaccine willingness (ORs < 1); higher functional disability decreased the odds of COVID-19 vaccine willingness (OR = 0.88, 95% confidence interval = 0.80–0.96). Prevalent vaccine-related concerns include safety ( n = 244) and efficacy ( n = 122). Conclusion: Our findings identify demographic and clinical factors as well as concerns influencing vaccine hesitancy in PwMS. These results may inform effective public health interventions to improve vaccine acceptability in this at-risk group.

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Can Social Connections Improve Dementia Knowledge Among Homebound Community-Dwelling Older African Americans?

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.930 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 290-290

Author(s):

Maritza Dowling ◽

Hiroko Dodge ◽

Antonio Puente ◽

Beverly Lunsford

Keyword(s):

Social Relationships ◽

Low Income ◽

Social Connectedness ◽

Latent Class ◽

Well Being ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Social Connections ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Literacy Class

Abstract Despite the clear and compelling association between social connections and well-being, the underlying mechanisms that help stave off adverse health impacts are not well understood, particularly among older adults in disadvantaged groups. Social relationships in older age may be instrumental for exchanging and gaining knowledge that further influence health and help increase awareness about misconceptions and lifestyle behaviors known to delay or reduce cognitive decline. This study used cross-sectional survey data from 147(aged 58-90 years; 75% female) low-income African American homebound community dwellers to investigate heterogeneity in dementia literacy profiles and its association with social connectedness. Eleven items (false=0, true=1, don’t know=2) from a validated instrument were used to measure dementia literacy (DL). The Lubben’s social network scale was used for a social connectedness construct. We employed a 2-stage latent class modeling approach to examine heterogeneity in DL and estimate the regressions among the derived classes and the predictors (social connectedness, education level and age). A 3-class model produced a reasonable fit and classification (entropy=0.852) of “dementia literacy patterns” labeled as (high-literacy:37%), moderate-literacy:45.2%), low-literacy:17.8%)). Social connectedness was highly predictive of class membership. A high level of social relationships increased the probability of being in the “high-dementia-literacy” class compared to the “low-dementia-literacy” class (OR=2.189, p=0.016). For a unit increase in social connectedness, the odds of being in the “high-dementia-literacy” class compared to the “low-dementia-literacy” class increased by a factor of 2.2. Tailored and focused interventions to reduce social disconnectedness may also help increase dementia awareness and reduce barriers to early diagnosis.

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The Relationship between Cancer Caregiver Burden and Psychological Outcomes: The Moderating Role of Social Connectedness

Current Oncology ◽

10.3390/curroncol29010002 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 29 (1) ◽

pp. 14-26

Author(s):

Eva Y. N. Yuen ◽

Carlene J. Wilson

Keyword(s):

Caregiver Burden ◽

Social Connectedness ◽

Psychological Symptoms ◽

Survey Study ◽

Psychological Resources ◽

Depression And Anxiety ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Cancer Caregivers ◽

The Relationship

The present study: (a) examined the extent of caregiver burden and psychological wellbeing and (b) tested whether social connectedness moderated the association between caregiver burden and psychological symptoms in caregivers of people with cancer. The cross-sectional survey study included 189 cancer caregivers (mean age = 36.19 years, standard deviation = 11.78; 80.4% female). Data were collected on caregiver burden, social connectedness, and depression and anxiety. Moderation analysis was conducted to examine the effect of social connectedness on the relationship between caregiver burden and depression and anxiety. Caregiver burden was positively associated with depression and anxiety symptoms. Controlling for significant demographic and caregiver characteristics, the moderation model showed as perceived social connectedness increased, the relationship between caregiver burden and depression decreased (β = −0.007, se = 0.004, 95% CI: −0.014, 0.000, p = 0.05). By contrast, social connectedness did not moderate the association between caregiver burden and anxiety. Findings have implications for the management of depression in cancer caregivers. Social connectedness appears to provide a protective buffer from the negative impacts of caregiving, providing increased psychological resources to manage the burden associated with caregiving, resulting in lower depression. Research on strategies to improve caregiver wellbeing through enhancing engagement with social networks in ways that improve perceived sense of connectedness with others is warranted.

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People who report anomalous information reception have higher dissociation symptom scores

F1000Research ◽

10.12688/f1000research.12019.2 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 6 ◽

pp. 1416

Author(s):

Helané Wahbeh ◽

Dean Radin

Keyword(s):

Functional Disability ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Convenience Sample ◽

Spiritual But Not Religious ◽

Dissociative Symptoms ◽

Secondary Analyses ◽

Logistic Regressions ◽

The Relationship ◽

College Educated

Background: Dissociative states exist on a continuum from nonpathological expressions, such as highway hypnosis and day-dreaming, to pathological states of derealization and depersonalization. Claims of communication with deceased individuals or mediumship have been dismissed as dissociative symptoms in the past, although current definitions of dissociative pathologies have been qualified to include distress from the disorder and functional disability. This study examined the relationship between dissociative symptoms and mediumship or anomalous information reception (AIR) in a large convenience sample. Methods: Secondary analyses of cross-sectional survey data were conducted. The survey included demographics, the Dissociation Experience Scale Taxon (DES-T), and AIR data. Summary statistics and linear and logistic regressions evaluated the relationship between dissociative symptoms and AIR endorsement with and without covariates. Results: 3,023 participants were included and were mostly middle-aged (51 years ± 16; range 17-96), female (70%), Caucasian (85%), college educated (88%), had an annual income over $50,000 (55%), were raised Christian (71%) and now affiliated as Spiritual but not Religious (60%). AIR ability was endorsed by 42% of participants. AIR experiences usually began in childhood (81%). Also, 53% had family members with similar AIR experiences. The mean DES-T score was 14.4 ± 17.3 (range 0-100) for all participants and was significantly higher for AIR claimants (18.2 ± 19.3) non-claimants (11.8 ± 15.2; t = -10.3, p<0.0005). In total, 11% of non-claimants and 22% of claimants had a cut-off score greater than 30 (X 2 = 63.0, p=<0.0005). Conclusions: Mean DES-T scores for all participants were lower than a clinical cutoff for pathological dissociation. Future studies comparing AIR claimants and non-claimants may benefit from using a more comprehensive measure of dissociative symptoms. In addition, evaluating the participant’s functional impairment would help discern the pathological versus non-pathological nature of purported AIR experiences.

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People reporting experiences of mediumship have higher dissociation symptom scores than non-mediums, but below thresholds for pathological dissociation

F1000Research ◽

10.12688/f1000research.12019.3 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 6 ◽

pp. 1416 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Helané Wahbeh ◽

Dean Radin

Keyword(s):

Functional Disability ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Convenience Sample ◽

T Score ◽

Spiritual But Not Religious ◽

Dissociative Symptoms ◽

Threshold Score ◽

Secondary Analyses ◽

The Relationship

Background: Dissociative states exist on a continuum from nonpathological forms, such as highway hypnosis and day-dreaming, to pathological states of derealization and depersonalization. Claims of communication with deceased individuals, known as mediumship, were once regarded as a pathological form of dissociation, but current definitions recognize the continuum and include distress and functional disability as symptoms of pathology. This study examined the relationship between dissociative symptoms and mediumship in a large convenience sample. Methods: Secondary analyses of cross-sectional survey data were conducted. The survey included demographics, the Dissociation Experience Scale Taxon (DES-T, score range 0-100), as well as questions about instances of mediumship experiences. Summary statistics and linear and logistic regressions explored the relationship between dissociative symptoms and mediumship endorsement. Results: 3,023 participants were included and were mostly middle-aged (51 years ± 16; range 17-96), female (70%), Caucasian (85%), college educated (88%), had an annual income over $50,000 (55%), and were raised Christian (71%) but were presently described as Spiritual but not Religious (60%). Mediumship experiences were endorsed by 42% of participants, the experiences usually began in childhood (81%), and 53% had family members who reported similar experiences. The mean DES-T score across all participants was 14.4 ± 17.3, with a mean of 18.2 ± 19.3 for those claiming mediumship experiences and 11.8 ± 15.2 for those who did not (t = -10.3, p < 0.0005). The DES-T threshold score for pathological dissociation is 30. Conclusions: On average, individuals claiming mediumship experiences had higher dissociation scores than non-claimants, but neither group exceeded the DES-T threshold for pathology. Future studies exploring dissociative differences between these groups may benefit from using more comprehensive measures of dissociative symptoms as well as assessments of functional impairment, which would help in discerning between pathological and non-pathological aspects of these experiences.

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Assessment of knowledge and practice of vaccination of dogs against rabies by dog owners in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria

10.25259/anmrp_1_2020 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 1 ◽

pp. 5

Author(s):

Audu Onyemocho ◽

Agwa Moses ◽

Aboh Kisani ◽

Omole Namben Victoria ◽

Anejo-Okopi Joseph

Keyword(s):

Low Income ◽

Life Time ◽

Knowledge Score ◽

Educational Status ◽

Low Income Countries ◽

Bivariate Analysis ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Knowledge And Practice ◽

Dog Owners ◽

The Relationship

Objective: Rabies, one of the oldest and fatal infectious diseases known to human race, is transmitted by infected dogs. The global target of zero dog-mediated rabies human deaths has been set for 2030; however, the realization of this goal poses challenges in most low-income countries where rabies is endemic due to weak surveillance. Dogs have been increasingly deployed for domestic uses over the years, especially for security purposes. This study assessed the assessment of knowledge and practice of vaccination of dogs against rabies by dog owners. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional community-based study was employed to study 400 dog owners in Makurdi metropolis through multistage sampling techniques. Sighting of valid dog vaccination card was used as criteria for current vaccination. Bivariate analysis was carried out to establish the relationship between the respondent knowledge of rabies and dog vaccination with significant value set at P < 0.05. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 31 (Â ± 0.8) years, majority of them had tertiary and secondary education (40.0% and 39.0%, respectively), 26.0% were traders, and 50.0% were married. Overall, 73.0% of the respondents had good knowledge score, 61.0% had seen at least a rabid dog in their life time, and 74.0% have a history of dog vaccination, but evidence of up to date vaccination of dogs by owners was seen in only 18.0% of all the vaccination cards sighted. The relationship between the educational status of the respondents, their knowledge score, and their dog vaccination was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Knowledge of rabies among dog owners in Makurdi was good, but the practice of dog vaccination was poor. Educational status was a good predictor of practice. Awareness campaign on dog vaccination should be strengthened and adequate measures should be put in place at the veterinary hospitals in Makurdi for vaccination of dogs.

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Sleep Reactivity and Psychological Health in Normal Sleepers: the moderating role of stress

10.31234/osf.io/nxz42 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Jason G. Ellis ◽

Sarah Allen ◽

Michael Perlis ◽

Michael Grandner ◽

Maria Gardani ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Life Events ◽

Psychological Health ◽

Public Health Campaign ◽

Health Campaign ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Dysfunctional Cognitions ◽

The Relationship ◽

Moderating Role

The aim of the present study was to determine whether normal sleepers with vulnerability to insomnia, via high sleep reactivity, demonstrate more sleep-related dysfunctional cognitions and behaviours and poorer psychological health compared to those who are not vulnerable. Further, the influence of stress on the relationship between sleep reactivity and psychological health was also examined. A cross-sectional survey of 737 young adult ‘normal’ sleepers from the general population was undertaken. Results indicated normal sleepers vulnerable to insomnia demonstrated more sleep-related dysfunctional cognitions and behaviours as well as poorer psychological health compared to those not vulnerable. Furthermore, the relationship between sleep reactivity and psychological health was moderated by perceived stress over the previous month and life events over the previous year. Therefore, identifying and supporting those who are vulnerable to insomnia may be a fruitful avenue for preventative public health campaign to mitigate both insomnia and poor psychological health.

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Association between Social Media Use for Health Purpose and Depressive Symptoms: A Cross-Sectional Survey (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.25007 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Hee Yun Lee ◽

Yan Luo ◽

Cho Rong Won ◽

Jiyoung Lee ◽

Jeongwon Baik

Keyword(s):

Social Media ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Social Networking Sites ◽

Inverse Relationship ◽

Age Groups ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Use Of Social Media ◽

The Relationship ◽

Health Purpose

BACKGROUND The use of social media or social networking sites (SNS) is increasing across all age groups, and one of the primary motives of using SNS is to seek health-related information. Although previous research examining the effect of SNS use on depression exist, studies regarding the effect of SNS use for health purpose on depression is limited. OBJECTIVE Our study aims to explore the relationship between SNS use for health purpose and depression across the four age groups (18-34 years old, 35-49 years old, 50-64 years old, and above 65 years old). METHODS A sample of 6,789 adults aged 18 and older was extracted from a 2017 and 2018 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS). Univariate and bivariate analyses to examine the association between each variable and four age groups were conducted. Multiple linear regression analyses to predict depression level among participants with use of SNS for health purpose were conducted. RESULTS SNS use for health purpose and depression were positively associated for three age groups but not for those 65 years or older (=0.13, P<0.05; =0.08, P<0.05; =0.09, P<0.05). Income and self-reported health status indicated an inverse relationship for all age groups. The relationship with marital status differed based on age group with 18 and 34 years old showing an inverse relationship (=-0.13, P<0.01) while 65 years or older showing a positive relationship (=0.06, P<0.05). Gender was positively associated among those in the 35-49 years old (=0.09, P<0.05) and 65 years or older (=0.07, P<0.05). Being Non-Hispanic White was positively associated with depression among 50-64 years old (=0.07, P<0.001) and 65 years or older (=0.08, P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Age-tailored education on determining accurate and reliable information shared via SNS is needed to reduce depressive symptoms.

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The Relationship between the Sense of Coherence of Dental Hygiene Students in Their Graduation Year and Their View of the Profession and Attitude to Work: A Cross-Sectional Survey in Japan

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17249594 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (24) ◽

pp. 9594

Author(s):

Rumi Tano ◽

Hiroko Miura ◽

Katsuo Oshima ◽

Kanako Noritake ◽

Hideki Fukuda

Keyword(s):

Sense Of Coherence ◽

Dental Hygienist ◽

Dental Hygienists ◽

Future Prospects ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Dental Hygiene Students ◽

Training Institutions ◽

Level Of Significance ◽

The Relationship

Objective: The need to make sense of coherence in placement support for student dental hygienists has been shown. On this basis, this study investigated the relationship between the sense of coherence of student dental hygienists and their view of the profession and attitude to work in order to clarify how they perceive their prospects for employment. Methods: The subjects were graduation-year students at all of the dental hygienist training institutions in Japan, and anonymous, self-administered questionnaires were sent to the institutions by post in 2019. The results were analyzed by χ2 tests, as well as one-way analysis of variance and multiple comparisons using Tukey’s test, with the level of significance set at 5%. Results: Of 6270 questionnaires that were returned, 6264 were analyzed. The sense of coherence (SOC) component senses were manageability (F(26,221) = 5306.06, p < 0.01), meaningfulness (F(26,222) = 4373.48, p < 0.01), and comprehensibility (F(26,216) = 3986.12, p < 0.01), with meaningfulness scoring significantly higher than the other two (p < 0.01). Analysis with SOC scores divided into the low, medium, and high groups showed a relationship between the SOC of student dental hygienists and their view of the profession and attitude to work (p < 0.01), such that higher SOC scores were associated with a better view of the profession and a better attitude to work (F(26,225) = 282.18, p < 0.01). Conclusions: The results suggest that education that increases SOC in dental hygienist training programs may positively affect future prospects for student dental hygienists.

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