Strengthening positive social pathways via digital social applications in individuals with social skills deficits: A scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Effective digital social capital interventions have great potential to establish trusted social pathways to access supportive services and to enable talking about issues contributing to distress. AIM: This review explores the digital social capital interventions used in individuals with social skills deficits, and the best social health outcomes achieved. METHOD: Four databases (PubMed, CINAHL, PsychINFO, and Web of Science) were used with no time limitation, and 33 papers were included. RESULTS: A diverse range of digital social programs was used for social capital improvement based on individuals' characteristics (e.g. age range and illnesses). Programs ranged from digitally-enhanced self-help or self-guided treatment (to enhance the self-efficacy of individuals), to group treatments and/or web-based caregiver support services. They comprised mobile social apps, video blogging, video-communication system/video-conferencing, and online social communication, to more advanced techniques such as virtual reality. All of these modalities were shown to be beneficial for improving the social health of individuals. Interventions targeted two aspects of social capital: (1) cognitive social capital, focusing on enhancing trust and control, self-efficacy on life. Some examples were cognitive behavioural therapy, and increasing the received and more importantly perceived social support. (2) structural social capital, focusing on individuals' relationships with family/carers, friends, peers to other connections at the macro level, such as health care providers and their community as a whole. The two interconnected aspects of social capital play a role in decreasing fears of being judged by others, general fears in social interactions and interpersonal problems. CONCLUSION: Guided digital social support interventions result in open and flexible access to various resources through supportive social networks, for patients and their family members/carers.

"She'll be right, mate!": do Australians take their health for granted?

INTRODUCTION Health consciousness highlights the readiness of individuals to undertake health actions and take responsibility for their health and the health of others. AIM To examine the health consciousness of Australians and its association with health status, health-care utilisation and sociodemographic factors. METHODS This quantitative cross-sectional study was a part of a larger project aiming to engage the general public in health-care decision-making. Adults from Queensland and South Australia (n=1529) were recruited to participate by a panel company. The questionnaire included the Health Consciousness Scale (HCS), health status, health-care utilisation, sociodemographic and socioeconomic variables. RESULTS The health consciousness of Australians was relatively low (mean score=21), compared to other international administrations of the HCS, and further investigations revealed that more health-conscious people tended to live in South Australia, be female and single, experience poorer physical and mental health and were more frequent users of health-care services. DISCUSSION The general approach to health in this sample of the Australian public may reflect 'here and now' concerns. It appears that an attitude of 'she'll be right, mate' prevails until a change in an individual's health status or their exposure to the health system demands otherwise. These findings need to be investigated further to see if they are confirmed by others and to clarify the implications for primary health programmes in Australia in redressing the public's apparent apathy.

Virtual Reality Therapy for Social Phobia: A Scoping Review.

Virtual reality (VR) has become an interesting alternative for the treatment of social phobia. This scoping review explored the impact of VR technologies in the treatment of social phobia (25 papers were included). Treatment approaches to social phobia included virtual reality exposure therapy, cognitive behaviour therapy, exposure group therapy, in vivo exposure therapy, and waiting list. VR was identified as the most successful approach, not only in improving social phobia, but also resulting in real life changes such as improvement in occupational success. VR Head Mounted Displays were used in most of studies (76%), followed by VR-based Specific Systems (24%). Although VR techniques indicated positive impact on patients to reduce their anxiety, it is paramount to consider variables such as the way therapists control the environment as well as individuals' characteristics for achieving the best outcome.

A comprehensive environmental scanning and strategic analysis of Iranian Public Hospitals: a prospective approach.

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to provide a strategic direction to public hospitals in Iran via environmental scanning in order to equip hospitals to plan and perform proactively and adapt with the everchanging environment. RESULTS: A mixed method study including in-depth interview and survey were used to determine influential environmental factors based on PESTLE (political, economic, social, technological, legal and environmental) and Douglas West framework to determine the effectiveness and feasibility of factors. Issues identified at micro environmental level were over prescription, inequality in distribution of healthcare services and high demands for luxurious health services. Issues identified at the macro environmental level were related to changes in disease patterns, inappropriate hospital budgeting, economic sanctions, government corruption and healthcare centralization. In order to tackle the issues identified, it is paramount to enhance bed distribution management, improve strategic policies for a more equitable payment system, and enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of services by implementing a strategic inventory control. Furthermore, the considerable impact of economic sanctions on financial resources of Iranian hospitals should not be ignored.

Bonding and bridging social capital in the recovery of severe mental illness: a synthesis of qualitative research.

BACKGROUND: Social networks are known to have a major influence on the recovery journey of people with severe mental illness (SMI). AIMS: To understand the role of bonding and bridging social capital in the recovery process following SMI and to identify the barriers that prevent social networks from being mobilized. METHOD: A review of major electronic databases for qualitative studies from 2006 to 2015 (41 papers) was undertaken for thematic synthesis. RESULT: The main themes for bonding social capital included: a buffer for isolation and loneliness, variations depending on illness stages, balance in relationships and connections as a source of self-management. Main themes for bridging social capital comprised: feeling powerless and excluded from community/health care, social care beyond the illness, social care barriers and social inclusion through community groups. CONCLUSION: All those involved in the management of SMI must be aware of how social support networks hinder or contribute to recovery. People with SMI need opportunities to form reciprocal relationships and sustain supportive networks that can assist them to endure the challenges presented by SMI.

Measuring the burden of treatment for chronic disease: implications of a scoping review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Although there has been growing research on the burden of treatment, the current state of evidence on measuring this concept is unknown. This scoping review aimed to provide an overview of the current state of knowledge as well as clear recommendations for future research, within the context of chronic disease. METHODS: Four health-based databases, Scopus, CINAHL, Medline, and PsychInfo, were comprehensively searched for peer-reviewed articles published between the periods of 2000-2016. Titles and abstracts were independently read by two authors. All discrepancies between the authors were resolved by a third author. Data was extracted using a standardized proforma and a comparison analysis was used in order to explore the key treatment burden measures and categorize them into three groups. RESULTS: Database searching identified 1458 potential papers. After removal of duplications, and irrelevant articles by title, 1102 abstracts remained. An additional 22 papers were added via snowball searching. In the end, 101 full papers were included in the review. A large number of the studies involved quantitative measures and conceptualizations of treatment burden (n = 64; 63.4%), and were conducted in North America (n = 49; 48.5%). There was significant variation in how the treatment burden experienced by those with chronic disease was operationalized and measured. CONCLUSION: Despite significant work, there is still much ground to cover to comprehensively measure treatment burden for chronic disease. Greater qualitative focus, more research with cultural and minority populations, a larger emphasis on longitudinal studies and the consideration of the potential effects of "identity" on treatment burden, should be considered.

The relationship between living environment, well-being and lifestyle behaviours in young women in Shiraz, Iran.

There has been increasing interest in understanding the influence of the living environment on individual and population health. While our understanding of the connection is growing, there has been limited published research focusing on socially and economically transitioning countries such as Iran or specific populations such as young women. This study explores the relationship between the physical and social living environment with well-being outcomes and lifestyle behaviours of young women in Shiraz, Iran, in 2013. Using a cluster convenience sampling technique, 391 young Iranian women with the mean age of 27.3 (SD: 4.8) participated in a cross-sectional survey (response rate 93%). A scale adapted from the British General Household Social Capital scale was used to assess living environment characteristics. The International Health and Behaviour survey, Satisfaction with Life Scale (SwL) and WHO Quality of Life questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF) were used to measure lifestyle behaviours and well-being. The findings showed a moderate level of satisfaction with participants' living environment, with a mean score of 38.5 (SD: 7.7; score range: 11-45). There were correlations between physical and social neighbourhood environment, lifestyle behaviours and well-being outcomes (P < 0.05). Multiple regression analysis showed that the characteristics of living environments were determinants of quality of life (QoL), including physical, psychological, social and environmental QoL, as well as SwL (P < 0.05). Perceptions of individuals about their living environment issues were associated with demographic variables including ethnicity, income, level of education and occupation status. The current study shows how characteristics of the physical and social living environments play a significant role in shaping well-being and lifestyle behaviours among young Iranian women. Hence, there is a need for more focused attention to the meaning, measurement and building of neighbourhood livability, including both physical and social aspects of neighbourhood, in order to support QoL and SwL among young Iranian women, and enhance their healthy lifestyle behaviours.

The Association between Socio-economic Context at Individual and Neighbourhood Levels, Wellbeing and Lifestyle Behaviours of Young Iranian Women.

BACKGROUND: This study explored the relationship between socio-economic characteristics at the individual and neighbourhood levels, and wellbeing and lifestyle behaviours of young Iranian women. METHODS: Cluster convenience sampling was used to select 391 Iranian women participated in this cross-sectional survey in Shiraz, Iran in 2013. A scale adapted from the British General Household Social Capital questionnaire was used to assess neighbourhood socio-economic characteristics. The satisfaction with life scale, WHO quality of life scale, and the International Health and Behaviours Survey were used to measure wellbeing outcomes and lifestyle behaviours. RESULTS: Findings showed participants were dissatisfied with their neighbourhood socio-economic conditions (M: 36.3±9.8, score range: 11-60) as well as the availability of leisure facilities (M: 1.8, score range: 1-5) in their local areas. Correlations and regression analysis revealed that better neighbourhood socio-economic characteristics were positively associated with better wellbeing outcomes as well as healthier lifestyle behaviours. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest the need for transitioning economies to be cognisant of the importance of social policy and strategies for enhancing neighbourhood socioeconomic status in order to enhance wellbeing outcomes for sub-populations, including young women.

Perceived control and self-efficacy, subjective well-being and lifestyle behaviours in young Iranian women.

This study examined whether young Iranian women's perceived control and self-efficacy, as a component of cognitive social capital, predicts health and well-being. A total of 391 women aged between 18 and 35 years completed a survey including scales measuring control and self-efficacy and health outcomes including quality of life, satisfaction with life and lifestyle behaviours. Statistical analyses indicated that participants had low perceived control and influence over community affairs together with high perceived control over their personal lives. Multiple regression analyses indicated the predictive role of control and self-efficacy for well-being outcomes suggesting the potential role for health interventions targeting control and self-efficacy.

Self-perception of quality of life and its association with lifestyle behaviours of young Iranian women.

BACKGROUND: Limited studies have examined the relationship between quality of life and lifestyle behaviors. The purpose of this study is to examine the perceptions of quality of life among young Iranian women and its association with lifestyle behaviors. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 391 young women selected through a cluster convenience sampling strategy in Shiraz, Iran. WHOQoL-BREF and satisfaction with life scales were used to measure subjective well-being. The International Health and Behavior survey was used for measuring lifestyle behaviors. RESULTS: Young Iranian women were averagely dissatisfied with their life circumstances. The score of psychological quality of life, and social quality of life were below average. According to the findings, higher quality of life is positively related to healthier lifestyle behaviors. Multiple regression analysis showed that smoking and physical activity are the main predictors of quality of life. Findings also demonstrate that diminished quality of life was significantly associated with older age, low income, being single, low level of religiosity, smoking and low levels of physical activity. CONCLUSION: In order to improve the situation of young Iranian women, the findings that should be sources of concern to policy makers include the average dissatisfaction with circumstances of life particularly in terms of psychological, social and environmental quality of life. While the health system focus is often upon addressing unhealthy lifestyle behaviors, policy initiatives aimed at improving these circumstances of life for young Iranian women would be of substantial medium to long-term benefit to their wellbeing.

Trust and quality of life: A cross-sectional study of young women.

BACKGROUND: Trust is increasingly identified as a psychosocial determinant of well-being. However the relationship between trust and well-being outcomes has not been comprehensively examined, particularly in socially and economically transitioning countries such as Iran and among young women. AIMS: This cross-sectional study examined the association between trust and the quality of life of young Iranian women. METHODS: A total of 391 young Iranian women aged between 18 and 35 years (M: 27.3, standard deviation (SD): 4.8) were recruited through cluster convenience sampling to participate in this cross-sectional study. The measures used included the 'Trust scale' adapted from the British General Household Survey (GHS) Social Capital scale, and the Persian version of the WHOQOL-BREF (World Health Organization Quality of Life questionnaire--brief version). RESULTS: The participants (n = 391, mean age of 27 years) reported a relatively low level of trust. For the participants, trust was positively associated with better quality of life (r = .24, p value: .01). The findings also showed that there is a significant difference between socio-demographic factors such as the level of religiosity, occupation and income with the domains of trust. CONCLUSION: Policies are needed to improve participation and reciprocity at the level of individuals and informal social groups, including local to broader communities in order to increase the sense of community belonging, improving trust and consequently quality of life.

Stress and its determinants in a sample of Iranian nurses.

Health care professions including nursing are ranked among the most stressful jobs. The harmful aspects of this stress can affect the nurses, their families, patients, and health care services. The purpose of this study was to investigate the most important stressors among nurses. This quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among 225 nurses in Yazd, and data were analyzed with SPSS software. Findings showed that 73.4% of nurses had faced severe stress in the preceding 2 years, and workplace stressors were the most significant factors compared with other sources of stress (mean score of 4.62 on a 7-point Likert scale). Heavy workload (mean: 5.76), insufficient salary (5.67), discrimination (5.56), high expectations (5.48), high degree of responsibility for patients (5.48), and physical atmosphere at the workplace (5.25) were the most important workplace stressors. The results also indicated a significant relationship between the percentage of nurses facing stress in the workplace and gender (P = .037), the type of ward (P = .003), the type of employment (P = .050) and also work experience (P = .020). Findings indicate the necessity of improving the work environment for nurses such as changes in physical work conditions, better salaries and terms of employment, educational programs for stress reduction, and coping techniques.

The financial cost of preventive and curative programs for breast cancer: a case study of women in Shiraz-Iran.

BACKGROUND: This cross-sectional study was conducted to compare the average costs of breast cancer screening and treatment among women with the age of 25 and over in Shiraz-Iran. METHODS: Three majors hospitals affiliated with Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (SUMS) were selected for data collection. Financial documents and interviews with the hospitals' financial officers were used for data collection. RESULTS: Finding shows that the total cost of screening would be 5,847,544.96 US dollars for age groups of 25-34 and 35 and above, demonstrating the huge expense of screening programs. On the other hand, the average cost of breast cancer treatment for each patient would be 3608.47, 996.89, and 311.47 US dollars for mastectomy, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, respectively. In addition, the total average cost for treatment of 2217 patients would be 1,466,988.9 US dollars, which is much less than screening programs expenses. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that although screening can be effective for improving quality of life and treatment effectiveness, considering the high costs of screening, it is not economical in Iran. Screening methods within suitable intervals, and also considering patients' medical history have been recommended by the present study.