scholarly journals Addressing migrants’ well-being during COVID-19: An analysis of Chinese communities’ heritage language schools in Germany

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zi Wang
Keyword(s):  
Public Schools ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Heritage Language ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Information Access ◽  
Well Being ◽  
School Closure ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Educational Programmes

Abstract The coronavirus pandemic and the ensuing lockdown affected social life in every regard. In critical times, the well-being of vulnerable groups is often at stake. Migrants represent a case in point because language barriers and the lack of social networks impede their seeking help from public institutions and information access. In migration policy and research, current attention overwhelmingly focusses on COVID-19’s impact on travel restrictions and healthcare. This article contributes a new perspective by demonstrating how migrants’ well-being needs (understood as emotions and sense of achievement) in education during the COVID-19-induced school closure were addressed by community educational organisations. Focussing on the Chinese community in Germany, data were collected in Chinese heritage language (CHL) schools from three urban areas. This article argues that CHL schools’ reaction to public schools’ closure had a positive impact on their members’ well-being. Such organisations achieved this by expanding their educational programmes during and after the lockdown. These measures ensured continuity in migrant children’s education beyond the realm of heritage language instruction, while enabling migrant parents to seek employment as the economy reopened. Overall, the results of this study underscore the potential of community organisations’ educational programmes in maintaining migrants’ well-being, especially in trying times.

scholarly journals Students’ attitude and sleep pattern during school closure following COVID-19 pandemic quarantine: a web-based survey in south of Iran

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Keivan Ranjbar ◽  
Hamidreza Hosseinpour ◽  
Reza Shahriarirad ◽  
Haleh Ghaem ◽  
Khoubyar Jafari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Schools ◽  
Computer Games ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
First Grade ◽  
General Information ◽  
School Closure ◽  
Sleep Pattern ◽  
Fars Province ◽  
Sleep Patterns ◽  
Online Questionnaire

Abstract Background School closure is one of the main policies of global health care strategies performed worldwide. Despite all benefits, there might be some threats for younger groups spending their time in quarantine. This study aims to determine the impacts of lockdown and school closure on children’s major lifestyle aspects, especially their leisure and sleep pattern during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods For the purpose of this study, an online questionnaire was distributed from 14th to 31st of March 2020 among the schools and students from the first grade to the 12th grade (before university) in Fars province, southern Iran. The questionnaire consisted of five sections which included data regarding the students’ general information, activity priorities, adherence to quarantine, attitude toward school closure, and sleep patterns. Results In our study, 20,697 filled questionnaires were received from the participants with an average age of 13.76 years; 29.7% of them were male, 80.6% were from urban areas, and 83.3% were from public schools. The overall first preference of students during school closure was mobile and computer games (30.1%), followed by studying (26.6%) and watching television (13.8%). Our results demonstrated that the majority of students adhered to social distancing and there was also a significant correlation among education levels and desire for schools to be closed till the end of the semester (P = 0.015). Also, regarding sleep patterns, the majority (53.5%) had above 12 h of sleep throughout the day. Conclusion It seems that lockdown following COVID-19 pandemic has changed various aspects of the students’ lifestyle remarkably, especially by increasing screen time and even sleep duration and pattern. We believe that certain strategies should be implemented by the Health and Educational Ministry to control not only the visible side effects of the quarantine period, but also the collateral consequences on their psychological and mental health.

scholarly journals Legal Gender Recognition in Portugal: A Path to Self-Determination

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Carla Moleiro ◽  
Nuno Pinto
Keyword(s):  
Social Life ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Clinical Report ◽  
Gender Recognition ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Trans People ◽  
The Law ◽  
The Impact

<p><br />This paper presents research on the enforcement and impact of the first legal gender recognition legislation in Portugal (Law no.7/2011). The study describes how the administrative process created by the law functioned during its initial 5-year period, and identifies challenges and processes of resistance to this legal innovation. Simultaneously, it seeks to assess the impact of the law on the social and psychological well-being of trans people, including in their access to vital spheres of social life such as education and employment. The research employs a mixed-methods approach and a multi-informant methodology: an online questionnaire was completed by 68 trans and non-binary people, and semi-structured in-depth interviews were carried out with various selected stakeholders: representatives of trans and LGBTIQ+ organisations (n=5), health professionals identified as experts in the topic and as gatekeepers in legal gender recognition processes (n=12), and trans people (n=6). Results show, on the one hand, the significant positive impact that legal gender recognition has on the psychological well-being and social welfare of the participants. On the other hand, results also show several challenges and forms of resistance to the implementation of the law, in particular those challenges resulting from the fact that legal gender recognition depended on a clinical diagnosis and the provision of a clinical report.</p>

scholarly journals Heat Stress in Indoor Environments of Scandinavian Urban Areas: A Literature Review

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 560 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karin Lundgren Kownacki ◽  
Chuansi Gao ◽  
Kalev Kuklane ◽  
Aneta Wierzbicka
Keyword(s):  
Heat Stress ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Heat Waves ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Heat Index ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Heat Radiation ◽  
Indoor Environments ◽  
Promising Alternative

Climate change increases the risks of heat stress, especially in urban areas where urban heat islands can develop. This literature review aims to describe how severe heat can occur and be identified in urban indoor environments, and what actions can be taken on the local scale. There is a connection between the outdoor and the indoor climate in buildings without air conditioning, but the pathways leading to the development of severe heat levels indoors are complex. These depend, for example, on the type of building, window placement, the residential area’s thermal outdoor conditions, and the residents’ influence and behavior. This review shows that only few studies have focused on the thermal environment indoors during heat waves, despite the fact that people commonly spend most of their time indoors and are likely to experience increased heat stress indoors in the future. Among reviewed studies, it was found that the indoor temperature can reach levels 50% higher in °C than the outdoor temperature, which highlights the importance of assessment and remediation of heat indoors. Further, most Heat-Health Warning Systems (HHWS) are based on the outdoor climate only, which can lead to a misleading interpretation of the health effects and associated solutions. In order to identify severe heat, six factors need to be taken into account, including air temperature, heat radiation, humidity, and air movement as well as the physical activity and the clothes worn by the individual. Heat stress can be identified using a heat index that includes these six factors. This paper presents some examples of practical and easy to use heat indices that are relevant for indoor environments as well as models that can be applied in indoor environments at the city level. However, existing indexes are developed for healthy workers and do not account for vulnerable groups, different uses, and daily variations. As a result, this paper highlights the need for the development of a heat index or the adjustment of current thresholds to apply specifically to indoor environments, its different uses, and vulnerable groups. There are several actions that can be taken to reduce heat indoors and thus improve the health and well-being of the population in urban areas. Examples of effective measures to reduce heat stress indoors include the use of shading devices such as blinds and vegetation as well as personal cooling techniques such as the use of fans and cooling vests. Additionally, the integration of innovative Phase Change Materials (PCM) into facades, roofs, floors, and windows can be a promising alternative once no negative health and environmental effects of PCM can be ensured.

scholarly journals Difficulties and Barriers of Primary Health Care Physicians in Rural Areas of Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mastor A.M. Alshahrani ◽  
Mohammed A. Alsaleem ◽  
Safar A. Alsaleem ◽  
Mohammed A. Alfaya ◽  
Muhammed A.Y. Alkhairi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Primary Health Care ◽  
Primary Healthcare ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Primary Health ◽  
Primary Health Care Physicians

Aim of Study: To identify difficulties and barriers facing primary health care physicians in rural areas of Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at primary healthcare centers (PHCCs) belonging to the Saudi Ministry of Health, in rural areas of Aseer Region. A total of 134 physicians participated in the study. A validated study questionnaire was adapted and used for data collection. Results: Female physicians constituted 43.3% of respondents, age of 58.2% was 30-35 years, (Mean±SD: 32.8 ± 7.0 years), 54.5% were married, the salary of 76.1% was <10,000 SR, and the place of residence of 43.3% was in urban areas. Only 34.3% had opportunities for on-the-job continuing medical education, 33.6% were satisfied with medical equipment and resources, and 50% were dissatisfied with their salary. Internet service was present for 83.6% of participants. The social life of 83.6% was negatively affected, and 16.4% were exposed to violence at the workplace. Most participants had a favorable attitude toward working in rural areas, mainly in the form of professional satisfaction, pursuing postgraduate academic studies, building confidence as a clinician and provision of opportunities to upgrade knowledge and skills. Participants were less satisfied regarding several social factors, such as internet connectivity, isolation from family and relatives; received support from rural people, difficult schooling for children, but were not satisfied regarding PHCC infrastructure, their residential facilities, or earning more money. Conclusion: Serving within the rural healthcare system provides young physicians with an opportunity to build up their experience and to increase their confidence as physicians. However, important difficulties that they face are mainly social and financial. Hence, creating a health policy to safeguard the serving physicians’ career and providing facilities to promote personal and social well-being needs to be considered. Key words: Primary healthcare, rural health, difficulties, barriers, Saudi Arabia

scholarly journals Relaxation in the Chinese Hukou System: Effects on Psychosocial Wellbeing of Children Affected by Migration

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (19) ◽  
pp. 3744 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jingjing Lu ◽  
Minmin Jiang ◽  
Lu Li ◽  
Therese Hesketh
Keyword(s):  
Public Schools ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Migrant Worker ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Migrant Children ◽  
Psychological Problems ◽  
Rural Children ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Registration System ◽  
Left Behind

The hukou household registration system in China is being relaxed in small and medium-sized cities, which makes it easier for migrant worker parents to take their children with them to cities for work. The aim of this study was determine the potential impact on psychological well-being of this change for children by migration and hukou status. We conducted a cross-sectional survey using the Chinese version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) in urban and migrant schools in the capital, Hangzhou, and in schools in two rural counties of Zhejiang Province. Completed questionnaires were obtained from 2965 children, aged 10 to 15: 867 urban children with urban hukou, 625 migrant children with rural hukou, 695 rural children with rural hukou living with parents, and 778 left behind children. The crude SDQ scores showed that children directly affected by migration (migrant children and left behind children) were most at risk of psychological problems; urban and rural children living with their parents in their accustomed environment were least vulnerable. After adjustment for confounders, migrant children were the most vulnerable to psychological problems. Given that migration with children is on the increase, efforts should be made to improve conditions in urban areas for these children, and especially to ensure access to urban public schools.

scholarly journals Review of foreign studies on the impact of cochlear implantation on the quality of life of persons with hearing impairment

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 79-85
Author(s):  
A.A. Izvolskaya
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Hearing Impairment ◽  
Cochlear Implantation ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Cochlear Implant Surgery ◽  
The Impact

The article is devoted to the review of foreign studies on the impact of cochlear implantation on the quality of life of persons with hearing impairment. The results of the work of American, Australian, Italian, Romanian, Israeli scientists indicate a significant improvement in auditory perception after cochlear implant surgery, which has the most positive impact on the quality of life of patients of different ages (children, adolescents, adults, the elderly). The article also considers additional parameters that affect the quality of life, such as the possibility of participation in social life, financial well-being, psychological characteristics (attitude to oneself and one’s impairment, anxiety, ability to protect one’s interests), etc.

scholarly journals Urban Green Spaces As Promoters of Healthy Living: Evidence From Putrajaya, Malaysia

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdulrahman Saadu Danjaji ◽  
Mohammed Danladi ◽  
Abdullahi Adamu ◽  
Haruna Musa Danladi
Keyword(s):  
Health Promotion ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Open Space ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Open Spaces ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Aesthetic Quality ◽  
Urban Green Spaces

Abstract Open spaces have a significant positive impact on the overall well-being of the residents of urban areas and the influence on the use of recreational facilities due to the extent of the residents' engagement with these infrastructures and active lifestyles. The effectiveness of using these spaces on the well-being of residents is on their relative quality, quantity, and accessibility. Putrajaya houses 350,000 residents; about 4,931 (37%) of the total landmass was designated as open space to have a balanced city. Four of the twenty open spaces were purposeful selected based on their respective quality and services for the harmonious development of Putrajaya. A convenient sampling technique (non-probability) determines the respondents in each designated open space. This research used the survey data collection method to collect the primary data, using a cross-sectional approach. Pearson product-moment correlation analysis was used to determine the extent and direction of the relationship between open space attributes and health promotion. And multiple regression analysis (entered method) was adopted to predict the health promotion' of residents who visited the provided open spaces based on their respective quality, quantity, and accessibility. The results reveal that the areas' sizes, existing facilities, and greenness are the predominant influencing incentives that attract patronage by both local and international users. Meanwhile, when designing open space to promote the health status of respective users, effort must be toward providing high aesthetic quality in sufficient quantity and size, as indicated in this study.

Conclusions

2019 ◽  
pp. 354-356
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Ethnic Diversity ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
Built Environments ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The City

Urban environments can be toxic to people’s mental health. Life in the city can also have positive impact on education, cultural enrichment, and employment opportunities and access to services when needed. Wide variety of housing and transport can help. Cities can also provide sexual and ethnic diversity. As most clinical services themselves are set in the urban areas, clinicians often do not understand the impact of urban environment on people’s well-being. Similarly, very often urban designers and city planners do not take into account the effect built environments can have on people’s mental health. It is critical that as part of prevention of mental illnesses and promotion of mental health both groups work with other stakeholders to ensure that urban environments are safe and clean and provide a milieu for people to work, play, and live in without endangering their well-being. Joint working should be the first crucial step.

scholarly journals More Trust and Cohesion for Secondary School Classes – Experiences of the Implementation of the Express Yourself! Programme in Four EU Countries

2021 ◽  
pp. 42-65
Author(s):  
Aija Kettunen ◽  
Heidrun Kiessl ◽  
Katrin Neuhaus ◽  
Sakari Kainulainen ◽  
Niko Nummela ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Schools ◽  
Secondary School ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
School Context ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Research Perspective ◽  
Cultural Conditions ◽  
Erasmus Programme

Aim: The article describes and evaluates the implementation and impact of an inclusive grouping programme in the secondary school context, and how best practices can be established in different contextual and cultural conditions in Ireland, Germany, Lithuania, and Spain. The article is part of the Express Yourself! project and the European Union’s Erasmus+ Programme. Methodology: The theoretical framework of this study is based on the self-determination theory. Following the PDCA Cycle, the project team developed a programme scheme (fitting for the broader European context) based on an experienced Finnish model as well as a research perspective. The participating school types ranged from secondary public schools in cities to vocational schools in inclusive settings and gymnasiums with students (approx. 12-20 years) from mainly rural areas. The Express Yourself! sessions include five meetings of 60 to 120 minutes over several weeks. Each session focuses on a different topic, but building up on each other. The training was held in the facilities of the schools and mainly carried out by external pedagogical staff. A 3X10D questionnaire, mainly gathering data on the well-being of the participants (N=677), and a trainer questionnaire, focusing on the content on perception of the session content, were used for the analysis. Results: The article provides evidence that the Express Yourself! programme is a practical way of stimulating social inclusion in schools in different cultures and contexts. The research indicates a positive impact on students’ experienced overall well-being, especially in life-as-a-whole, managing daily activities, friends, and self-esteem. Deeper analysis of the results indicates that there were differences between the success of the project in cooperation countries. The main influencing factors were gender and age.  Conclusion: The Express Yourself! programme was experienced as a low threshold and effective way to positively influence students’ well-being and inclusion. Promising results were promoted by the motivation and cooperation between the trainers and teachers, which was indirectly reflected in the atmosphere in the class. Based on cooperation, sessions were tailored to the needs of each class.

A descriptive study of the prevalence of psychological distress and mental disorders in the Canadian population: comparison between low-income and non-low-income populations

2010 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 148-149 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Caron ◽  
A. Liu
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Substance Abuse ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Descriptive Study ◽  
Canadian Community Health Survey ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
High Psychological Distress

Objective This descriptive study compares rates of high psychological distress and mental disorders between low-income and non-low-income populations in Canada. Methods Data were collected through the Canadian Community Health Survey – Mental Health and Well-being (CCHS 1.2), which surveyed 36 984 Canadians aged 15 or over; 17.9% (n = 6620) was classified within the low-income population using the Low Income Measure. The K-10 was used to measure psychological distress and the CIDI for assessing mental disorders. Results One out of 5 Canadians reported high psychological distress, and 1 out of 10 reported at least one of the five mental disorders surveyed or substance abuse. Women, single, separated or divorced respondents, non-immigrants and Aboriginal Canadians were more likely to report suffering from psychological distress or from mental disorders and substance abuse. Rates of reported psychological distress and of mental disorders and substance abuse were much higher in low-income populations, and these differences were statistically consistent in most of the sociodemographic strata. Conclusion This study helps determine the vulnerable groups in mental health for which prevention and promotion programs could be designed.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document