Can government subsidies and public mechanisms alleviate the physical and mental health vulnerability of China's urban and rural residents?

BACKGROUND: Poverty vulnerability has been defined as the likelihood of a family falling into poverty in the upcoming months. Inequality is a major cause of poverty vulnerability in developing countries. There is evidence that establishing effective government subsidies and public service mechanisms significantly reduces health poverty vulnerability. One of the ways to study poverty vulnerability is by using empirical data such as income elasticity of demand to perform the analysis. Income elasticity refers to the extent to which changes in consumers' income affect changes in demand for commodities or public goods. In this work, we assess health poverty vulnerability in rural and urban China. We provide two levels of evidence on the marginal effects of the design and implementation of government subsidies and public mechanisms in reducing health poverty vulnerability, before and after incorporating the income elasticity of demand for health. METHODS: Multidimensional physical and mental health poverty indexes, according to the Oxford Poverty & Human Development Initiative and the Andersen model, were implemented to measure health poverty vulnerability by using the 2018 China Family Panel Survey database (CFPS) as the data source for empirical analysis. The income elasticity of demand for health care was used as the key mediating variable of impact. Our assessment was conducted by a two-level multidimensional logistic regression using STATA16 software. RESULTS: The first level regression indicates that the marginal utility of public mechanism (PM) in reducing urban and rural vulnerability as expected poverty on physical and mental health (VEP-PH&MH) was insignificant. On the other hand, government subsidies (GS) policies had a positive suppression effect on VEP-PH&MH to a relatively low degree. The second level regression found that given the diversity of health needs across individual households, i.e., the income elasticity of demand (HE) for health care products, PM and GS policies have a significant effect in reducing VEP-PH&MH in rural and urban areas. Our analysis has verified the significant positive impact of enacting accurate GS and PM policies on effectively reducing VEP-PH&MH in rural as well as urban areas. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that implementing government subsidies and public mechanisms has a positive marginal effect on reducing VEP-PH&MH. Meanwhile, there are individual variations in health demands, urban-rural disparities, and regional disparities in the effects of GS and PM on inhibiting VEP-PH&MH. Therefore, special consideration needs to be given to the differences in the degree of health needs of individual residents among urban and rural areas and regions with varying economic development. Furthermore, considerations of this approach in the current worldwide scenario are analyzed.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on undergraduate and postgraduate students: A cross-sectional survey.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted many facets of life. This study focuses on undergraduate and postgraduate students in China to explore how the pandemic has affected health status, daily life, learning situations, graduation-related situations, and their studies or work planning. Methods: This study sent online questionnaires to 2,395 participants to investigate the extent to which they were affected by the epidemic in the various aspects mentioned above and to understand what help they tend to get in the face of these effects. Results: A total of 2,000 valid questionnaires were collected. The physical health of 82.90% of the respondents was affected to varying degrees, with male students, non-medical students, and graduates being more affected than female students, students with medical majors, and non-graduates, respectively. The proportion of students affected by mental health, the total amount of physical exercise, emotional life, and interpersonal communication was 86.35, 88.65, 80.15, and 90.15%, respectively. Compared with medical students and non-graduates, non-medical students and graduates were more affected. In addition, students' learning and graduation conditions have also been affected to a certain extent: 13.07% of students may not be able to graduate on time, and the proportion of postgraduate students' graduations affected was higher than that of undergraduate students. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the health status of students, their daily lives, learning situations, and so on to varying degrees. We need to pay attention to the issues, provide practical solutions, and provide a basis for better responses to similar epidemics in the future.

The Role of Community Cohesion in Older Adults During the COVID-19 Epidemic: Cross-sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: The community environment plays a vital role in the health of older adults. During the COVID-19 epidemic, older adults, who were considered the most impacted and most vulnerable social group, were confined to their homes during the implementation of management and control measures for the epidemic. In such situations, older adults may have to contend with a lack of resources and experience anxiety. Therefore, identifying the environmental factors that are beneficial for their physical and mental health is critical. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the association between community cohesion and the physical and mental health of older adults and to identify the related community services and environmental factors that may promote community cohesion. METHODS: This community-based cross-sectional study was designed during the COVID-19 epidemic. A multistage sampling method was applied to this study. A total of 2036 participants aged ≥60 years were sampled from 27 locations in China. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews. The neighborhood cohesion instrument consisting of scales on 3 dimensions was used to assess community cohesion. Self-efficacy and life satisfaction, cognitive function and depression, and community services and environmental factors were also measured using standard instruments. Statistical analyses were restricted to 99.07% (2017/2036) of the participants. Separate logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the association among community cohesion and physical and mental health factors, related community services, and environmental factors among older adults. RESULTS: The results showed that high levels of community cohesion were associated with good self-perceived health status and life satisfaction (odds ratio [OR] 1.27, 95% CI 1.01-1.59 and OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.15-1.27, respectively) and high levels of self-efficacy and psychological resilience (OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.05-1.13 and OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.03-1.06, respectively). The length of stay in the community and the level of physical activity were positively associated with community cohesion scores, whereas the education level was negatively associated with community cohesion scores (P=.009). Community cohesion was also associated with low levels of depression and high levels of cognitive function. Community cohesion was significantly associated with community services and environmental factors on 4 dimensions. High levels of community cohesion were associated with transportation services and rehabilitation equipment rental services as well as high levels of satisfaction with community physicians' technical expertise and community waste disposal (OR 3.14, 95% CI 1.87-5.28; OR 3.62, 95% CI 2.38-5.52; OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.08-1.73; and OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.01-1.50, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Community cohesion was found to be associated with the physical and mental health of older adults. Our research suggests that enhancing community services and environmental resources may be an effective strategy to increase community cohesion during major infectious disease epidemics.

Role of Journalism in Promoting Yoga and Meditation in India during Covid Period

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to examine the role of journalism in promoting yoga and meditation in India. Design/Methodology/Approach: The primary quantitative method has been used where the survey procedure is included. Through this method, the graphical representation of other viewpoints has been highlighted. Finding(s): It has been noticed that meditation and yoga provides helps in culming the mind of an individual and strengthen the immune system. The journalism motivates people on the inclusion of the yoga and meditation in daily lives. Research, practical work, and social implication: The study helps to highlight the benefits of involving yoga and meditation in the daily life. Originality/ Value: The value of the study is that it gives a better understanding about the yoga and meditation on improving the immune system during Covid period. Copyright © 2022, Anka Publishers. All rights reserved.

Effectiveness of Liu-zi-jue exercise on coronavirus disease 2019 in the patients: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of Liu-zi-jue exercise on the respiratory symptoms, quality of life, and mental health of patients with mild coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). METHODS: A single-center randomized controlled trial was conducted with 104 patients with mild COVID-19. The patients were randomly assigned to the Liu-zi-jue plus conventional therapy group and conventional therapy group. The outcome measures included Modified Borg Dyspnea Scale (MBDS) score, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) score, Fatigue Scale-14 (FS-14), respiratory symptoms, and vital signs. Data were collected on the first and sixth days of hospitalization and on the discharge day. RESULTS: Repeated-measures ANOVA revealed that the whole scales all showed a downward trend in the two groups (all 0.05). The results of single-group effect suggested that the whole scale score in the intervention group was significantly lower than that in the control group at the sixth day of hospitalization. Compared with the control group, only the MBDS, expectoration, and FS-14 scores showed significantly lower scores at the discharge day ( 0.001, 0.011, 0.002). Comparison within the group showed that all the variables were significantly different at the three time points with a decreasing trend ( 0.05), except for the PHQ-9 and expectoration scores ( 0.331, 0.052). All patients' vital signs remained within a stable normal range throughout the hospital stay. CONCLUSION: The results suggested that Liu-zi-jue exercise as a complementary and alternative therapy showed beneficial effects on improving the symptoms (shortness of breath, fatigue, and cough), quality of life, and mental health of patients with mild COVID-19.

Suggestions on Relieving Physical Anxiety of Medical Workers and Improving Physical and Mental Health Under the COVID-19 Epidemic-A Case Study of Meizhou City.

The study examined the effects of swimming pools on healthcare professionals' willingness to engage in recreational activities, physical anxiety, and physical and mental well-being in the context of COVID-19. The research adopted the mixed research method, used SPSS 26.0 statistical software to test the reliability of the questionnaire, and then collected 840 valid questionnaires; first analyzed the data with basic statistics, t-test, ANOVA, and PPMCC test methods, and then used the interview method to collect expert opinions. A multi-check approach assembled all data and discussions. The study found that the use of personnel dynamic tracking systems or measures, combined with sodium hypochlorite and repeated filtration to stabilize water quality, could maintain the confidence of most medical workers in the swimming pool sports environment for epidemic prevention and avoid violations. The government could formulate safety prevention and control mechanisms in traffic and establish appropriate traffic routes. Next, formulated a prescription for swimming or other physical activity mechanisms for men aged 31-50 and redesigned measures for medical staff over 51 years old to have tense head issues and physical fatigue, promote blood circulation and improve sleep quality. This will promote the purpose of relieving stress and regulating the physical and mental health of medical staff after engaging in swimming.

Mental health and well-being in times of COVID-19: A mixed-methods study of the role of neighborhood parks, outdoor spaces, and nature among US older adults.

The role of parks and nature to support well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic is uncertain. To examine this topic, we used mixed-methods data collected in April-May 2020 from US adults aged ≥55 in the COVID-19 Coping Study. We quantitatively evaluated the associations between number of neighborhood parks and depression, anxiety, and loneliness; and conducted qualitative thematic analysis of participants' outdoor experiences. Among urban residents, depression and anxiety were inversely associated with the number of neighborhood parks. Thematic analysis identified diverse engagement in greenspaces that boosted physical, mental, and social well-being. The therapeutic potential of outdoor and greenspaces should be considered for interventions during future epidemics.

Effects of Asthanga Yoga & Dietary Program on Physical and Mental well being of Under Graduate Students

Introduction: Sedantary life style among undergraduate medical students is leading to non communicable diseases like under nutrition and over nutrition (obesity), common mental disorders including stress and anxiety. Prevalence of non communicable and mental illness in India is 9.3-23.0%. Sedentary behaviour, primarily assessed as time spent viewing mobile phones, and electronic devices increases risk for overweight and obesity in students. The sedantary time spend by students is an average of 6 and 8 hours per day. The activities with these devices have further increased due to Covid -19 online classes increasing the usage time further. Yoga increases awareness, which often leads practitioners to start making changes in every part of their lives. Methods: Formation of an IP (Inter Professional) team and developing Yoga module and nutritional diet chart module. After developing online modules, zoom online Yoga sessions were implemented. The sample size selected was 60 MBBS Students, out of which 30 were considered under test and 30 students under control. Students under case study have received Yoga module with dietary program. Students under control have received Yoga module without dietary program. Asthanga yoga zoom online classes were conducted. The session lasted for 1 hour. Four such sessions per week were conducted for one and half months (6 weeks). Each session comprised of forty minutes of Yoga Asanas (postures), ten minutes of Pranayama (breathing exercises), and ten minutes of Meditation. The sessions were video recorded. RESULTs: The interprofessional team was formed and the Yoga and nutritional modules were developed and validated. After study results were statistically analysed. Following the Yoga sessions and nutritional intervention, the parameters have shown significant P value interpreting the intervention has helped. Chi square test determined that the difference in the proportion of pre- and post sessions were statistically significant, X2 (1) = 13.25, p < .0005. Conclusion: The study intends to educate the students regarding effects of Asthanga Yoga & dietary program on physical and mental well being. It brings about improved quality of life individually and knowledge gained thus helps during medical practice. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Journal of Cardiovascular Disease Research (Journal of Cardiovascular Disease Research) is the property of Journal of Cardiovascular Disease Research and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)

Effect of COVID-19 on Medical Intern Students: Bangladesh Perspective

To observe and analyze the impact of covid-19 on medical interns based on some factors, such as their career perception, training, mental and physical wellbeing, treating covid-19 patients, and availability of protective gear. We surveyed the medical interns of Bangladesh. We prepared a set of 18 questions based on the factors that have impacted the medical interns. The response of the medical interns was analyzed to check how big of an impact did the pandemic have on the interns. The survey showed a significant effect on the physical and mental health of the interns due to covid-19 compared to other factors. The interns were concerned for their family members at home for the risk they posed to them due to being in close proximity to coronavirus patients during work. The survey revealed no significant impact on the career perception of the interns. However, the interns had a relatively bad training experience. The study clarified the different ways in which medical interns were affected by the pandemic. As the interns were in the frontline of battling this virus and other healthcare workers, they had to face challenges they had not anticipated. © 2021 IEEE.

Can the Development of Religious and Cultural Tourism Build a Sustainable and Friendly Life and Leisure Environment for the Elderly and Promote Physical and Mental Health?

From the perspective of satisfaction, physical and mental health, and re-travel, this study explored whether the development of religious and cultural tourism could construct a sustainable and friendly life and leisure environment for the elderly to promote physical and mental health. This research adopted a mixed method, collected 700 questionnaires, used SPSS 22.0 statistical software, and analyzed basic statistics, t-test, and PPMCC test. Then, the researchers conducted semi-structured interviews, collected the opinions of six interviewees, and finally analyzed with multiple checks Law discussion. The results found that people of different genders and stakeholders had different opinions about DIY activities on leisure satisfaction, featured itineraries, relaxation areas, signs and instructions, community association and service center services, historical landmarks, and public transportation. They found people's life satisfaction in physical and mental health was increased, their headaches or pressures on the top of their heads were relieved, backache problems were reduced, and they were no longer anxious and lost tempers. They had a greater willingness to revisit some places and share experiences. This study found significant differences among these topics (p < 0.01). Women, residents, and tourists had different opinions. In addition, although the natural environment landscape and feelings have the greatest influence, the better the physical and mental health was improved, the better the willingness to travel. However, the more perfect the local construction and development, the less favorable to attract people to engage in leisure activities or tourism consumption.

Effects of Leisure Obstacles, Job Satisfaction, and Physical and Mental Health on Job Intentions of Medical Workers Exposed to COVID-19 Infection Risk and Workplace Stress.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of leisure obstacles, job satisfaction, physical and mental health, and work intentions of medical workers in Taiwan. SPSS 26.0 and AMOS 24.0 statistical software were used to analyze 208 questionnaires by basic statistical tests, t-tests, and structural model analysis. Results: Under the epidemic, medical workers were unable to develop job identity due to low promotion opportunities and low job achievement. The lack of recreational exercise skills, time, and information created leisure obstacles. In addition, they were unable to express their true selves freely at work, which led to health problems such as reduced enthusiasm, mental weakness, and emotional irritability. In particular, female medical workers felt more strongly about the issues of leisure obstacles and the intention to stay in their jobs. The study found that the higher their job satisfaction, the higher their intention to stay in the job, while the more pronounced the leisure obstacles and physical and mental health problems, the more pronounced their intention to leave.

WITHDRAWN: Health risk assessment and health management of urban residents facing epidemic pneumonia.

Ahead of Print article withdrawn by publisher.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Informal Caregiving and Care Receiving Across Europe During the First Phase of the Pandemic.

Purpose: We analyzed the effects of COVID-19 as well as its accompanying epidemiological control measures on health-related outcomes (physical and mental health) and unmet care needs of both caregivers and care recipients across Europe and Israel by taking into account country differences. Methods: We applied comparisons of adjusted predictions, controlling for a large set of relevant respondent characteristics, to investigate changes in the physical and mental health of caregivers and care recipients due to COVID-19. Furthermore, multilevel regression models were used to analyze the effect of individual and contextual indicators on the probability of reporting difficulties in receiving care. For the analyses, we used data from 26 countries with 51,983 respondents over 50 years based on the eighth wave of the Survey of Health, Aging and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), which had to be suspended in March 2020, and the SHARE Corona Survey fielded from June to August 2020. Results: During the first phase of the pandemic in spring/summer 2020, the frequency of providing personal care to parents increased in almost all European countries, while care to children, in turn, decreased. Parental caregivers who increased the frequency of providing personal care reported significantly more mental health strains, that is, feeling sad/depressed and anxious/nervous more often since the outbreak of the pandemic. With respect to receiving care, about one out of five care recipients had difficulty in obtaining adequate care from outside the household during the pandemic. The perception of unmet care needs was significantly associated with country differences regarding the duration of the stay-at-home orders. In contrast, the number of confirmed deaths did not have a significant effect on perceiving difficulties related to receiving care. Conclusions: Our findings show the extent of the burden to which caregivers and care recipients were exposed with respect to the unintended consequences of COVID-19-related epidemiological control measures. There is a great need within this population for interventions, which effectively reduce the burden as well as the symptoms of anxiety or depression for caregivers as well as care recipients. This should be recognized by (health) policymakers and social organizations.

Death in the time of Covid-19: Efforts to restore the death penalty in the Philippines.

The Philippine Congress recently passed a bill amending the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 and reimposing the penalty of life imprisonment to death for specific-drug related offenses. House Bill No. 7814 also allows the presumption of guilt in certain drug-related crimes unless otherwise proven, thereby overturning the long-standing constitutional presumption of innocence. The bill has been sent to the Senate for its concurrence and could only be several steps away before being signed into law by President Rodrigo R. Duterte. This paper discusses the ramifications of the new bill and the questioned timeliness of its passage when the country continues to have a large and overcrowded prison population and a significant number of deaths due to SARS-CoV-2 in Southeast Asia. The government's lapses in following the 2021 national vaccination plan became apparent in the 31 March 2021 assessment made by the congressional health panel on the government's response to the pandemic. From the authors' perspective, the urgency of using the country's limited resources to help medical frontliners and local government units prevent further infections and save lives should have outweighed the efforts exerted to pass a law that legalized the death penalty for the third time in the Philippines.