Human values, civic participation, and wellbeing: analysis on their relationship among older Europeans.

Introduction: So far, both for the general and older population, research on human values and wellbeing mainly shows correlational associations but does not inquire about the direction of this relationship. This is also true for values and civic participation. Therefore, our objective is to identify the directional association between civic participation and Schwartz values, and between values and wellbeing, among older Europeans. Methods: A pseudo-panel was created from the cross-sectional data of the European Social Survey (ESS 2002-2018), controlling for gender, age-group, country and level of studies (n = 3926). The data analysis was performed using a cross-lagged model, applying both random-effects and fixed-effects models. Results: On the one hand, the relationship between participation and values is bidirectional, but the effect of civic participation on values is more significant since participating stimulates the development of certain values. On the other hand, although the relationship between values and wellbeing is also bidirectional, the effect of wellbeing on values is stronger since a given level of wellbeing favors the development of particular values. Discussion: We conclude that civic participation should be promoted within the older population since it directly increases wellbeing, and moreover reinforces those (Growth-oriented) values that positively influence the health, happiness and life satisfaction of older people.

Validation of the WHOQOL-BREF Quality of Life Questionnaire in an Urban Sample of Older Adults in a Neighbourhood in Zaragoza (Spain).

BACKGROUND: Nowadays, the increase in life expectancy needs to be matched by an increase in the wellbeing of older adults. A starting point is the definition of what is understood by health-related quality of life and its measurement in different contexts. Our research translates these international priorities to a local base. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the psychometric characteristics of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF) in a sample of older adults from a Spanish urban community (Casablanca). METHODS: In collaboration with the local health centre, we designed and implemented the health neighbourhood survey. Interviews took place at subjects' homes with 212 women and 135 men over the age of 60, who were residents in Casablanca. With the results, we evaluated the psychometric characteristics of WHOQOL-BREF and tested its reliability and validation. RESULTS: The instrument has a high internal consistency with a Cronbach's Alpha of 0.9. The items with higher correlation value were: ability to carry out activities in daily life, enough energy for daily life. The scale contributions of Physical Health dimension (0.809) and Psychological Health dimension (0.722) were notable. CONCLUSIONS: As with other studies, the instrument proved to be an integral evaluation of the diverse domains that condition the wellbeing of older adults.

The work design contribution to educational workers' sustainable wellbeing and performance patterns.

Brazilian education faces difficulties relating to performance and illness, suggesting that the characteristics of the work can affect both variables. This study aims to describe the work characteristics that increase the odds of having happy-productive patterns in education workers. A total of 4,598 employees of the Secretariat of Education of the Federal District (SEEDF) participated in the research, answering questionnaires about work design (Brazilian version, with 18 factors), wellbeing (containing three factors), and performance. The results showed that task, social, and contextual characteristics increase the probability of being in the happy-productive pattern, and specifically, Social Support, Feedback from Others, Task Significance, Task Identity, and Autonomy, in this order, should be considered for intervention purposes.

The Moderating Role of Teamwork Engagement and Teambuilding on the Effect of Teamwork Competence as a Predictor of Innovation Behaviors among University Students.

Sustainable innovation is the cornerstone of economic growth and development of regions and nations, as well as of organizational competitiveness and success. Innovation is a complex process that relies on individuals and often implies social activities based on interaction with others. Higher Education (HE) is expected to prepare innovative and teamwork-competent individuals. However, it has been noted that, so far, HE has not really addressed the question of how to train innovative college students capable of working in teams. To face such challenges, incorporating active teaching and learning methodologies, such as game-based learning (GBL), could be of great utility, as well as conducting much more research about the effect of teamwork-related factors on IWB, such as teamwork engagement (TWE) and teambuilding (TB). Under this background, our aim was to test the predictor effect of teamwork competence (TWE) on IWB, exploring the moderating role of TWE and TB in a sample comprising 142 college students of Health Sciences and Social Work. Our obtained results, through a multiple additive moderation analysis, showed that TWC positively predicted IWB. Moreover, this effect was moderated by TWE and TB. Therefore, these findings set light around how to foster IWB in HE.

Corporate social responsibility and workplace health promotion: A systematic review.

The complex situation that global society is facing as a result of COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of companies committing to the principles of social responsibility. Among the internal initiatives, those related to the health of workers are, obviously, highly topical. The objective of our research is to provide concise knowledge of the relationship between workplace health promotion (WHP) and corporate social responsibility (CSR) so that the relevant specialized research was gathered in a single document that lays the foundations of its applicability. A systematic review, following the PRISMA method, has been carried out. Twenty-seven articles have been selected from the main scientific databases. Their qualitative analysis concludes that CSR and WHP are linked, have beneficial reciprocal effects, need committed leadership respectful of autonomy and voluntariness, and require the establishment of specific goals within the framework of the organizations' sustainability policies. Future studies should establish the impact of the pandemic on these aspects.

Are you ready for retirement? The influence of values on membership in voluntary organizations in midlife and old age.

Membership in voluntary organizations is associated with individual and social benefits. Due to the negative consequences of the global pandemic on older people, and the governmental challenges posed by population aging, voluntary membership is of great importance to society. To effectively promote volunteering among older people, it is necessary to understand the determinants of voluntary membership. This study analyses the influence of individual values-secular/traditional and survival/self-expression-on voluntary membership among European adults (N = 31,985). Specifically, it examines which values orient two age groups (middle age: 50-64 and old age: 65-79), as well as men and women toward a certain type of association (Social Awareness; Professional and Political; Education and Leisure; Religion). The sample of 31,985 comprises 60% of adults aged 50-64 and 40% aged 65-79; of which 56% are women and 44% men. The empirical estimation considers different levels of data aggregation: individual, national and welfare system, therefore multilevel analysis is used as an analytical strategy. Individual-level variables from the Integrated Values Survey (2005/09, 2010/14, and 2017/20) and national-level variables (Gini Index and Gross Domestic Product Per Capita) from the World Bank and Eurostat are used. The results indicate that traditional and self-expression values promote membership in voluntary organizations in general more than secular and survival values. However, there are differences according to the type of organization. Furthermore, values are found to moderate the effect of age and gender on voluntary membership.

Childhood Cancer and the Family: A Pilot Proposal for Comprehensive Intervention at the Time of Diagnosis.

Childhood cancer has a great impact on children and their environment. To minimize this, countries such as Canada and the USA have protocols in the field of social work, although these are scarce in Europe and especially in Spain. This paper aims to develop a pilot protocol in Aragon (Spain) for the practice of onco-pediatric social work in one of the hardest moments: the diagnosis. For its elaboration, a previous study was carried out in three phases, which provided data on the disease and its impact on the family and children and a methodological basis for the intervention from social work, all considering the participation of the agents involved as a fundamental element. Variables have been identified that influence the impact on the family support network and its quality of life at the time of diagnosis of childhood cancer. In addition, different indicators have been explored, based on the reality of these families. Finally, a pilot proposal for a comprehensive family intervention protocol in the diagnosis of childhood cancer has been elaborated. This work is intended to be a guide for intervention and delimitation of quality standards to be considered when dealing with the diagnosis of childhood cancer.

The Influence of ASD Severity on Parental Overload: The Moderating Role of Parental Well-Being and the ASD Pragmatic Level.

The aim of the present study is to analyze the relation between the severity of symptoms in people with ASD on their parents' overload, moderated by parental well-being and the ASD pragmatic level. A sample consisted of 28 fathers and mothers whose children had ASD. The obtained results showed that the higher the ASD severity, the better the parental overload was perceived if parents had low well-being levels. However, this relation did not occur if the parental well-being level was high. Moreover, the relation between severity and parental overload moderated by parental well-being occurred regardless of the pragmatic language level. Therefore, the main results of this study are that the responsibility for parental overload depends more on parental well-being than on the symptom severity of the person with ASD. The relevance of carrying out interventions with not only people with ASD, but also with their parents or caregivers for their well-being is highlighted.

Civic Participation as a Promoter of Well-Being: Comparative Analysis among European Countries.

Previous research on the direction of the relationship between civic participation and well-being has evidenced that civic participation is a promoter of well-being among older adults in Europe. Accordingly, the objective of the present study is to identify and analyze the differences between European welfare systems regarding both civic participation and well-being. For this purpose, a logistic multilevel regression analysis was performed as an empirical strategy, using the cross-sectional data from the 9 waves of the European Social Survey (2002-2018). Significant differences in well-being were observed, with Anglo-Saxon elders being the healthiest, and the Nordic the happiest and most satisfied with their lives. In contrast, Eastern European seniors reported the lowest levels of well-being. Also, Nordic countries are the most civically engaged, followed by the Continental and Anglo-Saxon, while Mediterranean and Eastern countries engage the least. However, the impact of civic participation on well-being is strongest for the Mediterranean countries, while its impact on satisfaction and happiness is weakest for the Nordic countries. The 3 models of the multilevel analysis indicate that civic participation has a positive impact on health, happiness and life satisfaction, and that this effect is quite robust. Also, by adding country-level macro variables to the model, it is possible to reduce the random effects and hence to better explain these international differences. Concisely, the impact of civic participation on the well-being of the elderly differs across nations and should therefore be considered by policy makers.

Gender Gap in Self-Rated Health: A Cohort Perspective in Eastern European Countries.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between self-rated health and gender differs across countries and generations. The aim of this study is to analyze the effect of socioeconomic conditions on self-rated health from a generational perspective, its differential effect on gender, and its influence on the gender gap in order to explore health diversity using a multidisciplinary approach and considering policy implications in Eastern European countries. METHODS: We used data drawn from the European Health Interview Survey for eight Eastern European countries and EUROSTAT from 2006 through to 2009. We conducted multilevel analyses to understand the individual and national health determinants of self-rated health by gender and to determine whether national differences remain after controlling for micro variables. In order to analyze the role of equity (Gini quartile) in gender differences, Oaxaca analyses were used. RESULTS: The self-rated health gender gap increases with age. Individual characteristics, such as educational level or smoking, influence citizens' perceived health, and have a stronger effect on women than on men. Knowing both the characteristics (endowment effects) and the effects of individual characteristics (coefficient effects) on health is important in order to understand gender gaps among people from the silent generation. CONCLUSIONS: Our research indicates that random effects are greater for men than for women. Moreover, random effects might be explained to a certain extent by economic equity (Gini index). The combined effects of gender, cohort, and geographical differences on self-rated health have to be taken into account to develop public health policies.

The Cost of Loneliness: Assessing the Social Relationships of the Elderly via an Abbreviated Sociotype Questionnaire for inside and outside the Clinic.

Gauging the social relationships of the elderly is a significant sociometric research subject and a deep biomedical concern-particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic. It is imperative for facultatives in primary care, for geriatric clinics, and for social care services. In this respect, this article explores the validity of an abbreviated version of the Sociotype Questionnaire (SOCQ), a tool previously developed by the authors for assessing the social relationships of the general population, now specifically addressed to the elderly population. The aim is to construct a 4-item dichotomous scale (SOCG-4) out of the 12 items of the original scale of the SOCQ, so that it can serve to discriminate among the patients in primary care and the geriatric clinic, helping the facultative to find those in need of social care or of psychosocial intervention. The population data have been obtained from a series of previous studies on social relationships in different segments of the elderly population (Ntotal = 915). The resulting abbreviated version of SOCG-4 was extracted by means of confirmatory factor analysis, with the congruence, validity, and relationship with the determinants as close to optimal. The significant correlations with SOCQ (0.82), UCLA (-0.55), Barthel (0.40), and other relevant tests are obtained. The test was also put to trial in a pilot study, being applied to 150 subjects via phone surveys, home visiting, and geriatric clinic-it becomes particularly useful for assessing the social relationships in geriatric clinic use. The 4-item Geriatric Sociotype scale (SOCG-4) appears as a valid measurement instrument for use in the clinic and in other social care instances.

The Influence of Gender Equality on Volunteering Among European Senior Citizens.

This research analyzes how gender equality influences the participation of European senior citizens in a range of volunteering activities (Social Awareness, Professional and Political, Education, and Religion). The main contribution is the simultaneous consideration of different levels of data aggregation: individual, national and welfare system. This allows conclusions to be drawn on the effects of variables linked to sociodemographic characteristics, gender equality and welfare systems. The empirical estimation utilised microdata from the World Values Survey (2005/09 and 2010/14) and the United Nations Development Programme. Results suggest that the European senior citizens appear to believe that they are more equal than the official statistics of their countries indicate. Men are more likely to participate in professional and education activities; women are more likely to be involved in religious organisations. Welfare systems influence volunteering behaviours. The promotion of macro-policies for gender equality could be important for increasing participation in non-profit organisations.

The impact of community care: Burden and quality of life of the informal caregivers of patients with severe mental disorder.

This study analyzes the dimensions and consequences of the burden of caregivers of patients with SMD (Severe Mental Disorder) and the repercussions that this role has on their quality of life and health in the physical, psychic and social spheres. This is a descriptive cross-sectional study and inferential observational study which explores caregivers of patients with SMD admitted to Psychiatry Day Hospital (Huesca, Spain). The technique of consecutive cases was used as a technique for sampling and sample selection. An individualized interview was arranged, where sociodemographic data were collected and scales and instruments were administered. 52 caregivers met the inclusion criteria. The female sex predominates (67%), being the patient's mother (48%). The average age of caregivers is 60 years old. Almost 60% of the sample presents intense burden and alterations of general mental health, 77% reveal anxiety and depression, and 46% little social support. Burden is associated with hospitalization within the last year, anxiety, or total social support received. It is appreciated how the diagnosis of a chronic disease constitutes an important challenge for the patient and their family, due to the burden of the disease and the impact of the new routines imposed by the continuous treatment.

The Quality of the Supervisor-Nurse Relationship and Its Influence on Nurses' Job Satisfaction.

BACKGROUND: Leader-Member Exchange theory provides strategic information about how to improve the leader's role and nurses' satisfaction on healthcare organizations. OBJECTIVES: The main objective of this research was to study the quality of the supervisor-nurse relationship in relation to the nurses' job satisfaction. This research also analyses how the relationship between Leader-Member exchanges and nurse job satisfaction could be moderated by other variables, such as nurse psychological empowerment, nurse-perceived organizational support and Leader-Leader Exchange. METHODS: The sample comprises of 2541 registered nurses who work in public hospitals in the Autonomous Region of Aragon (Spain). Regression analyses were conducted. RESULTS: The statistically significant results demonstrate the influence that the supervisor's leadership exerts on the job satisfaction of the nurse. CONCLUSIONS: The moderating variables (Empowerment, Perceived Organizational Support and Leader-Leader relationship) play an important role explaining the job satisfaction of the nurse. Deepening in these relationships could help us implement precise strategies to improve the nurse organizational commitment and the quality of health care performance.

Health-Related Quality of Life and Physical Activity in a Community Setting.

This article analyses how physical activity reinforces each of the dimensions (mental, physical, social, etc.) of the health-related quality of life concept. To that end, we determined whether this relationship is moderated by educational level and area of residence. The empirical part was based on data obtained from a cross-sectional survey carried out in the Casablanca neighbourhood (Zaragoza, Spain). The sample comprised 1083 participants aged between 25 and 84 years residing in the three residential areas of this neighbourhood: Viñedo Viejo, Las Nieves and Fuentes Claras. These three areas exhibit significant socio-economic differences in their population. The self-reported questionnaire included the following key information for this study: socio-economic characteristics (sex, age, educational level and area of residence) and health-related quality of life (WHOQOL-Brief: mental health, physical health, social relations and environment). The main results obtained from the descriptive statistics and regression systems were added. Playing a sport or undertaking some physical activity brings many health benefits, both physical and mental. The educational level and area of residence affect this relationship, such that the effects of physical activity are greater for those residents of Casablanca who have a higher educational level and/or live in more favoured areas of this neighbourhood. The results have also been discussed by sex and age group. Investing in innovative programmes in educational institutions and communities to acquire healthy habits and behaviour patterns that take into account socioeconomic differences in the population would be an advisable public health strategy.

Acceptability of and intention to use the Unified Protocol delivered in group format in the Spanish Public Health System.

BACKGROUND: The high prevalence of emotional disorders leads to a high demand for mental care which results in high costs and long waiting lists in public mental health settings. The Unified Protocol for Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders (UP) is a recent emotion-regulation-based intervention that can be a cost-effective solution in public mental health settings due its transdiagnostic approach and the possibility to apply it in group format. However, the acceptability by mental healthcare professionals (MHCPs) delivering the UP in group format has not been explored. METHODS: Thirty-three MHCPs, grouped into MHCPs without previous experience and MHCPs with experience in delivering the UP, were asked about aspects of acceptability and intention to use. Quantitative analysis was carried out to explore MHCPs acceptability. Furthermore, qualitative opinion about UP were collected through a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis to explore MHCPs opinion of delivering the UP intervention in a group format, within the Spanish Public Mental Health System. RESULTS: The results showed high scores in all acceptability dimensions and intention to use in the future. SWOT analysis showed strengths and opportunities focusing on its transdiagnostic nature and the cost-effective benefits of group treatment, and weaknesses and threats related to the limited material and human resources. CONCLUSIONS: Findings indicate high acceptability of the UP by MHCPs working within the Spanish Public Mental Health System and also identified areas for improvements. In order to enhance the dissemination and implementation of the UP, it is essential to consider MHCPs' perceptions and to be open to their suggestions.

Health-related quality of life in young people: the importance of education.

BACKGROUND: The concept of health-related quality of life and education integrates the bio-psychosocial perspective of health and the multidimensional potentialities of education for wellbeing. This present work is especially relevant to young people because understanding the interaction between health and education can facilitate the design of preventive policies. The research examines the way in which the educational level of young people from an urban district in the city of Zaragoza (Casablanca) has an influence on their health-related quality of life (HRQOL). METHODS: A cross sectional survey was undertaken in the Casablanca district of Zaragoza (Spain). Participants were not randomly selected; their numbers reflected the areas where they lived with respect to age and sex distribution. It comprised 122 boys and 122 girls, aged between16 and 29, living in the neighbourhood are: Viñedo Viejo, Las Nieves and Fuentes Claras. These three residence zones are markedly different in terms of socioeconomic composition. The questionnaire included the following information: socioeconomic characteristics (sex, age, educational level, employment status, residence zone), an assessment of health (health problems, diagnosis and medication in the last 2 weeks) and HRQOL (WHOQOL-BREF dimensions: mental health; physical health; social relations; and environment). ANOVA and four regression models were used to assess the role, direction and intensity of educational level on HRQOL. RESULTS: The results show that the higher the level of education, the better the level of HRQOL. The biggest impact of education was on the mental health dimension, but this influence was modulated by sex and residence zone. The value of the interaction of education and residence zone was more significant than educational level alone. HRQOL of girls is more sensitive to education, being a student and residence zone than the HRQOL of boys. CONCLUSIONS: The dimensions of HRQOL are influenced by educational level. The influence is greatest among girls and the youngest members of the poorest area of the district. Public authorities should contemplate the development of an equitable education system from the beginning of the life cycle as a public health strategy.

Reply to Learning by Doing .Errors! Comment on Gil-Lacruz, M.; Gracia-Pérez, M.L.; Gil-Lacruz, A.I. Learning by Doing and Training Satisfaction: An Evaluation by Health Care Professionals. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16, 1397.

We would like to thank the reviewer for the positive and constructive comments on our work and offer the following response: [...].

Informal care. European situation and approximation of a reality.

INTRODUCTION: In European countries, the increasing of dependency affects individual, family-level and political aspects. The purpose is to analyse the effects on the health of informal carers living with a dependent person and the number of hours taken up by this care. Results between genders will be compared with other situations (time, energy commitments, influential socio-economic factors and differences among countries). MATERIALS/METHODS: This research is a cross-sectional study analysing secondary data and is carried out as part of the European Social Survey (ESS), 2014/2015. A total of 32,992 participants aged over 25 years took part in the ESS. Using an empirical framework, we have selected a simple logit model (logit) and a logit model with a multilevel structure ranking by country of residence (Xtmelogit). RESULTS: Being a carer is associated with a decrease in health indicators. Moreover, being a woman is related to an intense load of hours of care, no level of studies and living with difficulties. Living in southern or eastern European countries can also be considered a risk factor for carers. There are also important north-south political differences. POLITICAL IMPLICATIONS: These results show the need to apply gender policies to reconcile and regulate the distribution of the income of economically more vulnerable families, as well as the provision of social services to help dependents.