A Network Analysis Study on the Structure and Gender Invariance of the Satisfaction with Life Scale among Spanish University Students.

INTRODUCTION: The psychometric properties of the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) have been evaluated across numerous languages and population groups, primarily from a factor analysis perspective. In some studies, inconsistencies in structural invariance have been identified. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to analyze the properties and gender invariance of the SWLS from a network analysis perspective. METHOD: A total of 857 Spanish university students were obtained through a stratified random cluster sampling method in a cross-sectional survey design study. Descriptive analysis of the items, partial-correlation network, Bayesian network model estimation, and invariance analysis by gender were conducted. RESULTS: The instrument did not exhibit any floor or ceiling effects. Each item can be considered univariately normally distributed, and all items clustered in a single and stable community. The partial-correlation network model and centrality measures were stable in the full sample and invariant across genders. Item 3 emerged as the most central node in the network with the highest predictability. The Bayesian network indicated that items 2 and 4 initiate the process, while item 5 acts as the sink, and items 1 and 3 act as mediators. CONCLUSIONS: The SWLS can be used as a unidimensional measure, and the total score and relationships among items are stable and reliable. Any potential differences among genders cannot be associated with the functioning of the instrument. The predictability of every item was high, and the Bayesian network clearly identified different roles among the items.

Validation of the Curiosity and Exploration Inventory-II in Spanish University Students.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to analyse the psychometric properties of the Curiosity and Exploration Inventory-II (CEI-II) to provide evidence of validity for its use in research on health promotion and the quality of life of young Spanish university students. METHOD: A sample of 807 participants (75.09% female) aged 18-26 years (M = 20.68; SD = 2.13) completed the CEI-II and health and quality of life measures questionnaire. RESULTS: A unidimensional structure was confirmed, but the original two-dimensional structure also showed an adequate fit. The measures obtained from the CEI-II were gender- and age-invariant, which exhibited adequate internal consistency for both the full scale and subscales, and showed a statistically significant relationship with life satisfaction, sense of coherence, and psychological distress. CONCLUSIONS: The CEI-II can be used as unidimensional, which is recommended, but also as a two-dimensional measure. Both structures provide reliable, valid, and invariant measures across gender and age of exploratory behaviours in Spanish university students. Furthermore, the results confirm the association between exploratory behaviours and greater health management.

Analysis of the psychometric properties of the Sense of Coherence scale (SOC-13) in patients with cardiovascular risk factors: a study of the method effects associated with negatively worded items.

PURPOSE: The objectives of this study were to analyze the psychometric properties of the Sense of Coherence scale (SOC-13), determine the role of the method effect in the performance of the instrument, and identify the relationship with health perception, quality of life, and sleep quality in patients at cardiovascular risk. METHODS: The final sample consisted of 293 patients at cardiovascular risk, with a mean age of 61.9 years (SD = 8.8), 49.8% of whom were women. The SOC-13, the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and the Medical Outcomes Study-Sleep Scale (MOS-Sleep) were administered. In addition, the participant's self-perceived health and quality of life were also evaluated. All analyses were carried out with SPSS 26.0 and EQS 6.1 statistical software. RESULTS: The results showed adequate reliability for the SOC-13, with a Cronbach's alpha of .789. The fit of the structures was not adequate in any of the cases (.26 to .62 for one factor, .26 to.73 for three factors, .20 to .54 for one second-order factor, and .25, .42, and .54 for three first-order factors). The three structure models showed an improved fit when adding a latent factor resulting from the method effect (.6 to .85 for one factor, .11 to.90 for three factors, and .11 to .96 for one second-order factor). Moreover, positive correlations were found with health perception, perceived quality of life, and perceived sleep quality. CONCLUSION: The SOC-13 is a suitable instrument for patients with cardiovascular risk in Spain, and it is also an indicator of health perception, quality of life, and perceived quality of sleep. Control of the method effect improves the fit of the instrument's structure. As a future direction, it is recommended to conduct new studies in this and other samples and using different versions of the SOC. TRIAL REGISTRATION: International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number: ISRCTN76069254, 08/04/2015 retrospectively registered.

Mediterranean Diet, Psychological Adjustment and Health Perception in University Students: The Mediating Effect of Healthy and Unhealthy Food Groups.

This study aims to identify the relationships between eating habits and psychological adjustment and health perception, and to analyze potential mediating role of healthy and unhealthy foods in the relationship between adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) and the psychological constructs and health perception. The sample was selected through stratified random cluster sampling and was composed of 788 university students. The participants responded to a MedDiet adherence screener and food consumption inventory to assess the eating habits, instruments measuring self-esteem, life satisfaction, curiosity and sense of coherence to assess the psychological adjustment, and single item measuring perceived health. The results revealed 41.9% of the participants had a high consumption of vegetables and 85.1% a low consumption of energy drinks, while 29.9% showed a high adherence to the MedDiet which was positively associated to each psychological variable and healthy foods and negatively with unhealthy foods. In conclusion, a higher adherence to the MedDiet, and the consumption of fruits and vegetables is related to higher psychological adjustment and health perception. However, the relationships between MedDiet and the psychological variables and health perception were fully or partially explained because of the consumption of healthy and unhealthy foods.

Nominal Groups to Develop a Mobile Application on Healthy Habits.

The new pandemic-lockdown situation has caused empowerment of new technologies; mobile phones and computers have gained further importance. Homes have become the new educators of health since health education has decreased or stopped during the pandemic. The lack of knowledge in the child and adolescent population about how to incorporate healthy habits in their daily lives, along with the rise of health devices and the introduction of healthcare in the syllabus, has led to the realization of the present study. The aim of this study was to identify the relevant health topics in a sample of adolescents for the later development of a mobile application (Healthy Jeart) that promotes the adoption of healthy lifestyle habits in adolescence. The information was gathered through the technique of nominal groups. The sample was recruited by nonprobability purposive sampling, with a total of 92 students from 4 educational centers of the province of Huelva (Spain). According to the obtained results, the most relevant categories were physical wellbeing (40.81%), psychological wellbeing (22.13%), interpersonal relationships and social skills (21.58%), toxic substances and addictions (10.35%) and sex habits (1.83%). This technique allowed identifying and selecting the most relevant content areas of the "Healthy Jeart" application.

[The use of water pipe and its impact on university students' lifestyle and their psychological distress: a cross-sectional study.] / El uso de la cachimba y su impacto sobre el estilo de vida y malestar psicológico en los estudiantes universitarios: un estudio de corte transversal.

OBJECTIVE: In Spain, water pipe is a common device for substance abuse. It is the second most widespread way of cannabis abuse (11.9%) between young people from 14 to 23 years old. This use has become a public health problem, because of an intensive consumption in young people is considered as a predictor of excessive consumption in adulthood, and it causes health problems and increases the health costs. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between water pipe use, lifestyle (diet, physical activity and sleep) and psychological distress, also considering unexpected effects, in university students. METHODS: An observational and cross-sectional study was carried out, on a sample of 825 students from the University of Huelva, selected by random sampling stratified by conglomerates. The instruments used were extracted from a larger study called "Health Behavior in University". SPSS 26.0 software was used for statistical analysis and statistical analysis was performed on the data collected. RESULTS: The use of water pipe was associated with less adherence to the Mediterranean diet (t=1.64; p=0.04; d=0.12), a lower number of hours of sleep during weekends (t=2.12; p =0.03; d=0.14) and with intense physical activity (t=-1.80; p=0.07; d=0.13). On the contrary, it was not associated with psychological distress. CONCLUSIONS: The use of water pipe seems to be inversely related to some aspects of a lifestyle that could be associated with long-term metabolic and respiratory diseases.

OBJETIVO: En España, la cachimba es una vía extendida para el consumo de sustancias, y entre los 14 y 23 años es la segunda forma más extendida de consumo del cannabis (11,9%). Este uso constituye un problema de Salud Pública, pues el consumo intensivo en jóvenes es considerado un predictor de consumo excesivo durante la edad adulta, lo que conlleva problemas de salud en la población que aumentan el gasto sanitario. El objetivo del presente estudio fue analizar la relación entre el uso de cachimba, el estilo de vida (alimentación, actividad física y sueño) y el malestar psicológico, considerando también efectos no esperados, en los estudiantes universitarios. METODOS: Se realizó un estudio observacional y transversal, sobre una muestra de 825 estudiantes de la Universidad de Huelva, seleccionados por muestreo aleatorio estratificado por conglomerados. Los instrumentos utilizados fueron extraídos de un estudio más amplio denominado "Health Behaviour in University". Los análisis estadísticos se llevaron a cabo con el software SPSS 26.0 y se ejecutó el análisis estadístico sobre los datos recogidos. RESULTADOS: El uso de la cachimba se asoció con una menor adherencia a la dieta mediterránea (t=1,64; p=0,04; d=0,12), un número menor de horas de sueño durante los fines de semana (t=2,12; p=0,03; d=0,14) y con actividad física intensa (t=-1,80; p=0,07; d=0,13). Por el contrario, no se asoció con el malestar psicológico. CONCLUSIONES: El uso de la cachimba parece estar inversamente relacionado con algunos aspectos de un estilo de vida que podrían asociarse con enfermedades metabólicas y/o respiratorias a largo plazo.

Dimensions of Leisure and Perceived Health in Young University Students.

The aim of this study was to analyze the main leisure habits of students at the University of Huelva and the relationship with perceived health by grouping the various activities into components whilst also evaluating possible gender differences. The sample was selected through random cluster sampling and was composed of 903 students from various courses and degrees. Of the sample, 73.8% were female and 26.2% were male, with a mean age of 20.82 years. The participants responded to items measuring perceived health and the inventory of leisure activities extracted from the INJUVE (Spanish Youth Observatory) survey. The results obtained offered a solution of four components, grouping the activities into passive leisure, festive leisure, sports-competitive leisure and cultural leisure. Passive leisure was the most practiced and cultural leisure the least practiced. Statistically significant differences were observed between men and women in terms of the sports-competitive component and in the perception of health. In addition, a direct relationship was found between the sports-competitive dimension and health perception. These results support the existence of a "techno-active" profile in males and should be considered in the creation of university policies linked to health promotion or the prevention of risk behaviors.

"It's Important but, on What Level?": Healthy Cooking Meanings and Barriers to Healthy Eating among University Students.

The negative impact of a sedentary lifestyle and poor diet on health is evident across the lifespan, but particularly during the university period. Usually, the diet of university students is rich in sweetened drinks and processed foods and low in fruits, vegetables and legumes. Although there is an association between maintaining a healthy diet and the frequency of cooking at home, the time currently spent on cooking or learning how to cook is decreasing globally. The main aim of this study was to explore university students' perceptions about healthy cooking and barriers to eating healthily. A group of 26 students participated in four focus groups. Content analysis was conducted using Atlas.ti v.8. Students perceived cooking healthily as a more complicated and time-consuming process than cooking in general. Individual and environmental factors were the most reported barriers. Costs and time, among others, were the main barriers pointed out by students with regard to healthy eating. This study highlights the need to develop interventions that modify these false perceptions about cooking healthily, and to train students so that they are able to cook healthy meals in a quick, easy, and cost-effective way. Further, specific actions are required in the university setting to minimize access to unhealthy options and to promote those linked to healthy eating.

Psycho-Emotional Approach to the Psychological Distress Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic in Spain: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study.

Anxiety, depression, and stress are common and expected reactions to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The objective of this study is to analyze psychological distress in a sample of Spanish population, identifying the predictive nature of the information received, the preventive measures taken, level of concern, beliefs, and knowledge about the infection. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on a sample of 4615 participants. Data were collected through a self-prepared questionnaire and the general health questionnaire (GHQ-12). Bivariate analyses and logistic regressions were performed. Of the total participants, 71.98% presented psychological distress. The study population actively sought information about coronavirus, expressed a high level of concern and knowledge, and the most frequent preventive behavior was hand washing. As predictive factors, the degree of concern for COVID-19 was identified (odds ratio (OR) = 1.244, 95% confidence interval (CI) = [1.179, 1.312]), the number of hours spent consulting information on COVID-19 (OR = 1.038, 95% CI = [1.009, 1.068]), or the need for psychological support (OR = 1.135, 95% CI = [1.094, 1.177]), among others. These results could help design more effective strategies towards a psycho-emotional approach for the population when in similar health crisis situations. There is a need for interventions aimed at the psychological well-being of the population that meet the needs of their reality.

Related Health Factors of Psychological Distress During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Spain.

Measures to prevent and contain the COVID-19 health crisis include population confinement, with the consequent isolation and interruption of their usual activities. The aim of the study is to analyse psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic. For this, a cross-sectional observational study with a sample of 4180 people over the age of 18 during quarantine was developed. Variables considered were sociodemographic variables, physical symptoms, health conditions, COVID-19 contact history and psychological adjustment. The data were collected through a self-developed questionnaire and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). Bivariate analyses were performed, including Chi-Squared test and Student's T-test. Predictive ability was calculated through logistic regression. Results obtained showed a high level of psychological distress (72.0%), with a higher percentage in women and people of lower middle age. Statistically significant differences were found in the variable working situation (χ² = 63.139, p ≤ 0.001, V = 0.123) and living with children under the age of 16 (χ² = 7.393, p = 0.007, V = 0.042). The predictive variables with the highest weight were sex (OR = 1.952, 95% IC = (1.667, 2.286)), presence of symptoms (OR = 1.130, 95% CI = (1.074, 1.190)), and having had close contact with an individual with confirmed COVID-19 (OR = 1.241, 95% CI = (1.026, 1.500)). These results could enrich prevention interventions in public health and, in particular, in mental health in similar pandemic situations.

El uso de la cachimba y su impacto sobre el estilo de vida y malestar psicológico en los estudiantes universitarios: un estudio de corte transversal / The use of water pipe and its impact on university students' lifestyle and their psychological distress: a cross-sectional study

OBJETIVO: En España, la cachimba es una vía extendida para el consumo de sustancias, y entre los 14 y 23 años es la segunda forma más extendida de consumo del cannabis (11,9%). Este uso constituye un problema de Salud Pública, pues el consumo intensivo en jóvenes es considerado un predictor de consumo excesivo durante la edad adulta, lo que conlleva problemas de salud en la población que aumentan el gasto sanitario. El objetivo del presente estudio fue analizar la relación entre el uso de cachimba, el estilo de vida (alimentación, actividad física y sueño) y el malestar psicológico, considerando también efectos no esperados, en los estudiantes universitarios. MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio observacional y transversal, sobre una muestra de 825 estudiantes de la Universidad de Huelva, seleccionados por muestreo aleatorio estratificado por conglomerados. Los instrumentos utilizados fueron extraídos de un estudio más amplio denominado "Health Behaviour in University". Los análisis estadísticos se llevaron a cabo con el software SPSS 26.0 y se ejecutó el análisis estadístico sobre los datos recogidos. RESULTADOS: El uso de la cachimba se asoció con una menor adherencia a la dieta mediterránea (t=1,64; p = 0,04; d=0,12), un número menor de horas de sueño durante los fines de semana (t=2,12; p = 0,03; d=0,14) y con actividad física intensa (t=-1,80; p = 0,07; d=0,13). Por el contrario, no se asoció con el malestar psicológico. CONCLUSIONES: El uso de la cachimba parece estar inversamente relacionado con algunos aspectos de un estilo de vida que podrían asociarse con enfermedades metabólicas y/o respiratorias a largo plazo

OBJECTIVE: In Spain, water pipe is a common device for substance abuse. It is the second most widespread way of cannabis abuse (11.9%) between young people from 14 to 23 years old. This use has become a public health problem, because of an intensive consumption in young people is considered as a predictor of excessive consumption in adulthood, and it causes health problems and increases the health costs. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between water pipe use, lifestyle (diet, physical activity and sleep) and psychological distress, also considering unexpected effects, in university students. METHODS: An observational and cross-sectional study was carried out, on a sample of 825 students from the University of Huelva, selected by random sampling stratified by conglomerates. The instruments used were extracted from a larger study called "Health Behavior in University". SPSS 26.0 software was used for statistical analysis and statistical analysis was performed on the data collected. RESULTS: The use of water pipe was associated with less adherence to the Mediterranean diet (t=1.64; p = 0.04; d=0.12), a lower number of hours of sleep during weekends (t=2.12; p =0.03; d=0.14) and with intense physical activity (t=-1.80; p = 0.07; d=0.13). On the contrary, it was not associated with psychological distress. CONCLUSIONS: The use of water pipe seems to be inversely related to some aspects of a lifestyle that could be associated with long-term metabolic and respiratory diseases

Influence of the Sense of Coherence, the Doctor-Patient Relationship, Optimism and Non-Haematological Adverse Reactions on Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Breast Cancer.

Breast cancer is the most common malignant tumour in women around the world. The objective of this study was to quantify the number of non-haematological adverse reactions associated with chemotherapy, as well as to assess the effect of the sense of coherence, optimism-pessimism and the quality of the doctor-patient relationship on the quality of life of breast cancer patients. To this end, a cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted involving 110 breast cancer patients who were treated with docetaxel, epirubicin, and cyclophosphamide during the period 2012-2014. The difference in the quality of life in patients who have five or fewer toxicities compared to those with more than six is highlighted. This difference is not as important when comparing patients with 6 to 10 toxicities and those with more than 10. The multivariate model used in this study corroborates the direct implication of the sense of coherence on the quality of life and adds the number of adverse reactions as a new construct. This has virtually the same impact on the quality of life of these patients, but in reverse. In conclusion, to improve the quality of life of breast cancer patients it would be necessary to have an impact on the number of adverse reactions involved in chemotherapeutic treatment, as well as on psychological interventions, with the sense of coherence as a possible starting point.

Afrontamiento en hombres operados de cáncer de laringe / Coping in men operated for larynx cancer

Los objetivos del presente estudio son conocer las principales estrategias de afrontamiento utilizadas por una muestra de hombres operados de cáncer de laringe, valorando así mismo las posibles diferencias con respecto a una muestra de hombres sanos. Además, intentamos delimitar la percepción sobre este aspecto por parte de las parejas de los hombres objeto de nuestro estudio. Para ello utilizamos la Escala "Modos de Afronta-miento" de Lazarus y Folkman (WCS) adaptada para la población española por Sánchez-Cánovas (1991). Podemos decir que las estrategias de afrontamiento más utilizadas por los hombres operados de cáncer de laringe son el "Distanciamiento" y la "Reevaluación Positiva". Por otro lado, a diferencias de los hombres laringectomizados, los sanos emplean en menor medida la "Aceptación de la Responsabilidad" y la "Planificación". Por último, podemos decir que no hay diferencias significativas entre la percepción de los hombres laringectomizados y sus mujeres, al igual que en el caso de los hombres sanos y sus mujeres (AU)

This study looks at the main coping strategies used by a sample of men who had undergone operations for larynx cancer, assessing possible differences with a sample of healthy men. We also try to gauge what the partners of these men think about this subject. We use the "Ways of Coping Scale" of Lazarus & Folkman (WCS) adapted to Spanish by Sánchez-Cánovas (1991). The coping strategies used most by the larynx cancer patients are "Distancing" and "Positive Reassessment". Unlike the larynx operated patients, the healthy males used to a lesser extent "Acceptance of Responsibility" and "Planning". Finally, there are no significant differences between the perceptions of the larynx-operated patients and their partners, as is the case with the healthy males and their partners (AU)

El modelo ecológico de Bronfrenbrenner como marco teórico de la Psicooncología / The Bronfrenbrenner ecological model as theoretical framework of the Psychooncology

La Psicooncología es una disciplina reciente que carece de un marco teórico propio. En su lugar se ha ido nutriendo de otras disciplinas de la Psicología como la Psicopatología o la Psicología de la Salud. Nosotros planteamos en nuestro trabajo que una alternativa válida para afrontar el tratamiento y sobre todo la investigación con pacientes oncológicos podría ser el Modelo Ecológico de Bronfrenbrenner. Este modelo nos permite evaluar e intervenir en todas aquellas variables que inciden directa o indirectamente sobre el paciente. Variables que van a ser decisivas a la hora de que la persona se adapte a su enfermedad y que en muchas ocasiones olvidamos cuando planificamos una intervención o investigación. (AU)