scholarly journals CONSPIRACY THINKING INVENTORY (CTI) – CONSTRUCTION AND VALIDATION STUDY

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 363-383
Author(s):  
Jelka Stojanov ◽  
Sara Stanisavljavić ◽  
Višnja Tatić ◽  
Aleksa Pantić
Keyword(s):  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Dominant Factor ◽  
Psychometric Characteristics ◽  
Conspiracy Theories ◽  
Historical Significance ◽  
Preliminary Version ◽  
The Government ◽  
Health And Well Being ◽  
Conspiracy Thinking

Conspiracy thinking is defined as a form of reasoning about events and situations of personal, social, and historical significance, where “conspiracies” are a dominant factor. This research aims to construct and validate Conspiracy Thinking Inventory (CTI), which purpose is to measure general propensity for conspiracy thinking, rather than beliefs in specific conspiracy theories. Study 1 (N = 356), a preliminary version of CTI consisting of 93 items, was constructed and subsequently shortened to 23 items arranged in 4 facets: Control of Information, Government Malfeasance, Threat towards One’s Own Country, Threat towards Personal Well-being. In Study 2 (N = 180), factor structure and validity of CTI were tested, resulting in a two-factor solution: Conspiracy Thinking Aimed at Health and Well-being (CT), and Attitudes towards the Government Institutions and Representatives (AtGI). The pattern of correlations between CT and relevant constructs confirmed its convergent validity, and CT was also shown to be a good predictor of beliefs in specific conspiracy theories. Previously confirmed convergent and criterion validity and its psychometric characteristics show that CTI may be used as an indicator of conspiracy thinking. Nevertheless, divergent validity has yet to be confirmed by using other constructs (e.g., personality traits). Despite not having been foreseen, extraction of the second factor might be the consequence of using items with predominantly political content. This factor was not correlated with any external criteria which indicate that it does not reflect conspiracy thinking.

North Macedonian crisis spurs move to renewable energy

2022 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Power Plants ◽  
International Market ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Global Market ◽  
Market Prices ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Market Situation ◽  
The Government ◽  
Domestic Electricity ◽  
Health And Well Being

Significance Electricity companies wanted a near-38% rise amid soaring international market prices, but the ERC wanted to avoid a price shock. In November, the government declared an ‘energy crisis’ at the ERC’s request, thanks to reduced domestic electricity supply and the global market situation, and extended it in December for six months. Impacts Investment in infrastructure and technologies should contribute to economic growth and create jobs. Care will have to be taken that closing established mines and power plants do not depress economies locally and raise unemployment. Rising domestic utility prices will inflict political damage on a fragile government. Phasing out coal will improve air quality and population health and well-being, with knock-ons for healthcare priorities and spending.

scholarly journals Belief in a COVID-19 Conspiracy Theory as a Predictor of Mental Health and Well-Being of Health Care Workers in Ecuador: Cross-Sectional Survey Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xi Chen ◽  
Stephen X Zhang ◽  
Asghar Afshar Jahanshahi ◽  
Aldo Alvarez-Risco ◽  
Huiyang Dai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Anxiety Disorder ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Conspiracy Theories ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Health And Well Being

BACKGROUND During the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, social media platforms have become active sites for the dissemination of conspiracy theories that provide alternative explanations of the cause of the pandemic, such as secret plots by powerful and malicious groups. However, the association of individuals’ beliefs in conspiracy theories about COVID-19 with mental health and well-being issues has not been investigated. This association creates an assessable channel to identify and provide assistance to people with mental health and well-being issues during the pandemic. OBJECTIVE Our aim was to provide the first evidence that belief in conspiracy theories regarding the COVID-19 pandemic is a predictor of the mental health and well-being of health care workers. METHODS We conducted a survey of 252 health care workers in Ecuador from April 10 to May 2, 2020. We analyzed the data regarding distress and anxiety caseness with logistic regression and the data regarding life and job satisfaction with linear regression. RESULTS Among the 252 sampled health care workers in Ecuador, 61 (24.2%) believed that the virus was developed intentionally in a lab; 82 (32.5%) experienced psychological distress, and 71 (28.2%) had anxiety disorder. Compared to health care workers who were not sure where the virus originated, those who believed the virus was developed intentionally in a lab were more likely to report psychological distress and anxiety disorder and to have lower levels of job satisfaction and life satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS This paper identifies belief in COVID-19 conspiracy theories as an important predictor of distress, anxiety, and job and life satisfaction among health care workers. This finding will enable mental health services to better target and provide help to mentally vulnerable health care workers during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals Belief in Conspiracy Theory about COVID-19 Predicts Mental Health and Well-being: A Study of Healthcare Staff in Ecuador

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xi Chen ◽  
Stephen X. Zhang ◽  
Asghar Afshar Jahanshahi ◽  
Aldo Alvarez-Risco ◽  
Huiyang Dai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Job Satisfaction ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Anxiety Disorder ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Conspiracy Theory ◽  
Healthcare Staff ◽  
Conspiracy Theories ◽  
Health And Well Being

AbstractBackgroundSocial media are becoming hotbeds of conspiracy theories, which aim to give resolute explanations on the cause of COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, no research has investigated whether individuals’ belief in conspiracy theory about COVID-19 is associated with mental health and well-being issues. This association enables an assessable channel to identify and reach people with mental health and well-being issues during the pandemic.ObjectiveWe aim to provide the first evidence of belief in conspiracy theory regarding the COVID-19 virus as a predictor of the mental health and well-being of healthcare workers.MethodsWe conducted a survey of 252 healthcare workers in Ecuador from April 10 to May 2, 2020. We analyzed the data of distress and anxiety caseness with logistic regression and life and job satisfaction with linear regression.ResultsAmong the sampled healthcare workers in Ecuador, 24.2% believed that the virus was developed intentionally in a lab; 32.54% experienced distress disorder, and 28.17% had anxiety disorder. Compared to healthcare workers who were not sure where the virus originated, those who believed the virus was developed intentionally in a lab were more likely to have distress disorder and anxiety disorder and had lower levels of job satisfaction and life satisfaction.ConclusionsThis paper identifies belief in a COVID-19 conspiracy theory as an important predictor of distress, anxiety, and job and life satisfaction of healthcare workers. It enables mental health services to better target and help mentally vulnerable healthcare workers during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

India will struggle to rein in fiscal deficit

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health System ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Tax Revenue ◽  
Gdp Growth ◽  
Fiscal Deficit ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Glide Path ◽  
The Government ◽  
Health And Well Being

Significance The fiscal deficit is projected to be 9.5% of GDP in 2020/21 -- compared with a budgeted 3.5% -- narrowing to 6.8% in 2021/22 and 4.5% by 2025/26. The government is counting on increased tax revenue and receipts from divestment to help it stick to this fiscal ‘glide path’. Impacts Increased spending on health and well-being should at least create more jobs in the public health system. Delhi will count on a return to high levels of GDP growth to help reduce the government debt-to-GDP ratio. The government may find it difficult to realise its goal of pushing through privatisation of Air India within the first half of 2021/22.

scholarly journals The Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect (SCAN) Programme in Malaysia: From Inception to Present

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 148
Author(s):  
Rimah Melati Ab. Ghani ◽  
Azriman Rosman ◽  
Nor Asiah Muhamad
Keyword(s):  
Child Abuse ◽  
Child Abuse And Neglect ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Hospital Staff ◽  
Government Hospital ◽  
Abuse And Neglect ◽  
Supportive Service ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Many ◽  
Health And Well Being

Issues on child abuse are very critical considering the many incidents of abuse and violence against children. Experiencing abuse in childhood has lifelong impacts on the health and well-being of children, their families and communities. Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect (SCAN) service is centralised, multidisciplinary team management in the government hospital and serve as a supportive service or programme to children, families and hospital staff. This paper outlines the history and the SCAN service available in Malaysia.

scholarly journals Risky work: Accidents among Nepalese migrant workers in Malaysia, Qatar and Saudi Arabia

2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 3-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pratik Adhikary ◽  
Zoë A Sheppard ◽  
Steve Keen ◽  
Edwin Van Teijlingen
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Migrant Workers ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Host Countries ◽  
Workplace Accidents ◽  
Work Accidents ◽  
The Government ◽  
Health And Well Being

Background: Nepal is a growing supplier of migrant labour for factories in Malaysia and building sites in the Middle East. This study assessed the extent of workplace accidents among Nepalese migrant workers in Malaysia, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.Methododology: A questionnaire survey was conducted at Nepal’s main international airport with men who returned from working in Malaysia, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire was completed by 403 migrant workers from these three countries. Where possible the questionnaire was self-administered and interview-administered for those migrant workers with poor literacy skills. A logistic regression was conducted to identify factors associated with accidents at work and health risks perceived by migrant workers themselves.Results: One in six (17%) experienced accidents at work in their host country. This proportion is lower than that reported in previous studies of Nepali migrant workers. Age, country of work, doctor registration and perceived standard of work environment and accommodation are significantly associated with accidents at work.Conclusion: To help improve Nepalese men’s health and well-being whilst working abroad, host countries and the Government of Nepal should ensure that migrants hold health insurance. Mandatory pre-departure and arrival health and safety training is also recommended as a way to reduce risks to the health of migrant workers.

scholarly journals Interdisciplinary approach to the problem of health-saving information and educational environment: a view from Russia

2018 ◽  
Vol 55 ◽  
pp. 03012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iskandar Mukhametzyanov ◽  
Alexandr Morozov ◽  
Anna Arinushkina
Keyword(s):  
Interdisciplinary Approach ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Educational Environment ◽  
The State ◽  
Educational Process ◽  
Modern Education ◽  
The Russian Federation ◽  
The Government ◽  
State Registration ◽  
Health And Well Being

The article examines the phenomenon of the information and educational environment through the prism of medical and psychological aspects of its health-saving component, which is one of the most pressing issues in the system of modern education, requiring the closest attention of scientists and practitioners, scrupulous study and adoption of adequate measures; special attention is paid to the technologies of personality-oriented learning, taking into account the needs of the trainee’s personality in the context of the informatization of education and based on health and rehabilitation work with them with the aim of improving the health and well-being of the subjects of the educational process. The work was carried out within the framework of the State task for the Program of Fundamental Scientific Research of the State Academies of Sciences for 2013-2020 (in the part of RAO) (approved by the Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation of December 3, 2012 No. 2237-r) on the theme: “Development of the Informatization of Education in the Context information security of the person “(state registration (№ 14.07.00.20.01.04).

scholarly journals Burnout Assessment Tool (BAT)—Development, Validity, and Reliability

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (24) ◽  
pp. 9495
Author(s):  
Wilmar B. Schaufeli ◽  
Steffie Desart ◽  
Hans De Witte
Keyword(s):  
Factor Structure ◽  
Work Engagement ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Discriminant Validity ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Validity And Reliability ◽  
Psychometric Characteristics ◽  
Dialectical Approach ◽  
Adequate Reliability

This paper introduces a new definition for burnout and investigates the psychometric properties of the Burnout Assessment Tool (BAT). In a prior qualitative study, 49 practitioners were interviewed about their conceptualization of burnout (part 1). Using a dialectical approach, four core dimensions—exhaustion, mental distance, and impaired emotional and cognitive impairment—and three secondary dimensions—depressed mood, psychological distress, and psychosomatic complaints—emerged, which constitute the basis of the BAT. In the second study, the psychometric characteristics of the BAT were investigated in a representative sample of 1500 Flemish employees, focusing on factorial validity, reliability, and construct validity, respectively. Results demonstrate the assumed four-factor structure for the core dimensions, which is best represented by one general burnout factor. Contrary to expectations, instead of a three-factor structure, a two-factor structure was found for the secondary dimensions. Furthermore, the BAT and its subscales show adequate reliability. Convergent validity and discriminant validity with other burnout measures—including the MBI and OLBI—was demonstrated, as well as discriminant validity with other well-being constructs, such as work engagement and workaholism.

scholarly journals Empirical Investigation of Healthcare Financing and Its Influence on Social Security: Peculiarities, Problems and Challenges

2021 ◽  
Vol 319 ◽  
pp. 01030
Author(s):  
George Abuselidze
Keyword(s):  
Social Security ◽  
Empirical Investigation ◽  
Public Spending ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Healthcare Financing ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Important Concern ◽  
The Government ◽  
Health And Well Being ◽  
Practical Implications

The global pandemic has posed significant challenges to the healthcare system. Ensuring social security has become an important concern of the government. The aim of the paper is to determine the relevance of public spending on health. Also, is there any standard measurement or recommendation of how much the government should spend or not, even considering the economic situation of the country? This led to the study of the experiences of different countries in this regard. The crisis caused by the epidemic most likely involves a longer period of time than COVID-19 itself. Accordingly, the results presented in the study and the recommendations developed based on it have practical implications for the link between crisis elimination, health and well-being.

scholarly journals Health Sector Allocationin India’s Budget (2021–2022): A Trick or Treat?

2021 ◽  
pp. 251660262110173
Author(s):  
Mrigesh Bhatia ◽  
D. P. Singh
Keyword(s):  
Health Sector ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Healthcare Systems ◽  
Public Healthcare ◽  
The Public ◽  
Finance Minister ◽  
Public Health Infrastructure ◽  
Health Infrastructure ◽  
The Government ◽  
Health And Well Being

The Finance Minister of India Nirmala Sitharaman announced the Budget in February 2021, giving health and well-being as a top priority for the government, with an impressive increase of 137% over the previous year’s health sector budget. The need to strengthen primary, secondary and tertiary public healthcare systems was a clear message from the budget statement. The authors analyse the current budget in the context of chronic underinvestment in health and question whether this allocation will make any meaningful impact on the public health infrastructure as the impressive headline allocation appears to be more of a trick than a treat to the health sector.

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