Glow up: does a professional photoshoot intervention affect self-esteem and emotions among adolescent psychiatric patients?-A longitudinal intervention study.

Background: Today, online communication is shaped by a billion-dollar social media (SM) and social networking site (SNS) industry. Visual content consumed by children and adolescents has been shown to influence behavioral patterns, state emotions, and self-esteem (SE). In this study, we introduced a novel intervention creating visual content through a professional photoshoot and investigated its impact on state emotions and SE in child and adolescent psychiatric (CAP) patients. Methods: Standardized and validated self-rating questionnaires were used to assess SE, state emotions, coping mechanisms, psychopathological symptoms, and internet use behavior at baseline. SE and state emotions were monitored at different time points around a professional photoshoot within 45 CAP patients (30 female patients; mean age, 15.1 years) using a longitudinal design. Results: Within-subject repeated-measures ANOVA and bootstrapped paired-sample t-tests showed a significant fluctuation in state emotions and SE throughout the intervention. Spearman correlations and univariate logistic regressions revealed that internalizing symptomatology and maladaptive coping significantly worsened the outcome of the intervention on state emotions and SE in girls. Internet-related variables heightened the positive effect of the intervention in boys and lowered SE in girls during the intervention. Conclusion: The photo intervention had various gender-specific effects. Boys did benefit from the intervention in terms of longitudinal outcome on positive state emotions (PE) and SE, even positively influenced by SNS and SM. Thus, it might be concluded that online social comparison was processed more beneficial in boys. In contrast, when working with visual content in girls, psychopathology and coping must be considered. Internet consumption in general, especially SM and SNS, was related to low SE in girls. Nevertheless, when therapeutically accompanied, the "glow up moment" during the shoot (high on PE and SE; low on negative state emotions) could be used as an index moment for therapeutic reflection.

The relationship between problematic internet use and attention deficit, hyperactivity and impulsivity: A meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between problematic internet use (PIU) and ADHD-related symptoms of attention deficit, impulsivity and hyperactivity. METHODS: We chose a meta-analytical approach and searched for relevant studies in different databases (Pubmed, PsycInfo, Google scholar). We identified 24 studies with 18 859 participants (mean age = 18.40 (SD = 5.51)) published between 2004 and 2021 which were applicable for our research. We calculated 21, 7, and 9 effect sizes for attention deficit, hyperactivity and impulsivity, respectively. RESULTS: We found significant associations between PIU and attention deficit (r = 0.36, 95% confidence interval = [0.28 to 0.43]), hyperactivity (r = 0.44, 95% confidence interval = [0.33 to 0.53]), and impulsivity (r = 0.41, 95% confidence interval = [0.30 to 0.51]), p < .001 for all three. The effect sizes of attention deficit and hyperactivity were significantly higher in male compared to female participants. Additionally, higher attention deficit effects were found in adults compared to children/adolescents. CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis indicates that ADHD-related symptoms are associated with PIU. Although cross-sectional analyses cannot explain cause-and-effect relationships, we hypothesize that attention deficit, hyperactivity and impulsivity constitute a vulnerability towards PIU.

The association between problematic smartphone use and symptoms of anxiety and depression-a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Recent research links problematic smartphone use (PSU) and mental health problems. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the relationship between PSU and symptoms of anxiety and/or depression. METHODS: We searched for research literature published recently in PubMed and Google Scholar via a systematic literature search. Twenty-seven studies published since 2014 with 120 895 participants were included in the meta-analysis. RESULTS: PSU was moderately but robustly associated with both anxiety, r = 0.29 (95% CI: 0.23-0.35), and depression, r = 0.28 (95% CI: 0.22-0.34), P < 0.001 for both. Homogeneity tests showed significant P-values for anxiety and depression, but without affecting the results. Neither the age of the participants, publication year nor the study quality could explain the heterogeneity. Furthermore, we found no evidence for publication bias, since Egger's regression test showed no significance for depression (P = 0.21) and anxiety (P = 0.35). CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that PSU can be viewed as an indicator of symptoms of anxiety and depression and a possible manifestation of these mental health problems in modern society. Furthermore, PSU as a maladaptive coping behavior may contribute by worsening these symptoms. PSU screening should thus become part of standard clinical psychological diagnostic procedures.

Digital divide in elderly: Self-rated computer skills are associated with higher education, better cognitive abilities and increased mental health

Background and objectivesRecent evidence indicates a positive relationship of computer and internet use with mental health and life quality of elderly. However, the role of computer skills is unclear. This study evaluates self-rated computer skills of elderly and their relationship with mental health, cognitive abilities and related variables.MethodsWe used data recently collected by Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) and included individuals across Europe aged 65 and above. The sample consisted of N=26,525, 55.6% were female. Mean age of the sample was 74.57 (SD=7.12).ResultsWe observed significant relationships between self-rated computer skills level and mental health, cognitive abilities and physical health. Having a partner, education level and self-rated writing skills turned out to be the best predictors for self-rated computer skills level in elderly.ConclusionsThe findings underscore the importance of computer skills in the elderly. Programs designed to enhance the ability to engage in computer and internet activities may be useful to counteract the digital divide. (AU)

Psychological online interventions for problem gambling and gambling disorder - A meta-analytic approach.

OBJECTIVE: The Covid-19 pandemic has reignited discussions about the prevalence of and treatment options for problem gambling and gambling disorder (PGGD). Since affected persons seldom seek professional help, online interventions can improve accessibility. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of psychological online interventions on PGGD. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis and searched in PubMed, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar for peer-reviewed experimental and quasi-experimental research published between 2010 and 2021. We calculated two meta-anlyses, one for treatment control comparisons (TCC), and one for pre-post-comparisons (PCC). RESULTS: We included six studies (ten TCC and n = 2076) in meta-analysis 1 and five studies (six PCC and n = 781) in meta-analysis 2. Online interventions turned out to be effective in both analyses with Hedges g = 0.41, 95% confidence interval = [0.22 to 0.60], p < .001, for meta-anaylsis 1 and Hegdes g = 1.28, 95% confidence interval = [0.85 to 1.71], p < .001, for meta-analysis 2. CONCLUSIONS: We identified significant effects of online interventions on PGGD in both analyses, indicating the potential of online applications. We discuss methodological aspects and further research directions.

Tackling the 'digital pandemic': The effectiveness of psychological intervention strategies in problematic Internet and smartphone use-A meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Problematic Internet and smartphone use is associated with serious mental health problems. We thus investigated the effectiveness of psychological interventions on problematic Internet and smartphone use. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis and searched in PubMed, PsyArticles, PsycInfo, Medline and Google Scholar for peer-reviewed experimental and quasi-experimental research published between 2008 and 2021. RESULTS: A total of 10 studies accompanied by 14 effect sizes were included in the meta-analyses for problematic Internet use and 3 studies accompanied by 4 effect sizes for problematic smartphone use. The total sample size was n = 1439 with a mean age of 20.34 (SD = 6.63) years. Psychological interventions were effective for both problematic Internet use (g = -1.41, 95% confidence interval = [-1.90, -0.91], p < 0.001) and problematic smartphone use (g = -0.40, 95% confidence interval = [-0.79, -0.01], p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Current evidence indicates that psychological interventions can be effective in reducing problematic Internet use/problematic smartphone use. However, the results must be considered preliminary due to the limited number of studies available in the respective fields.

"Working old-old": Psychological well-being, cognitive abilities and physical health of employed and self-employed Europeans aged 75.

BACKGROUND: Recent research deals with the effects of employment/self-employment of elderly on mental and physical health. However, the rising group of "old-old", aged 75 and above, is almost missing in this research. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to analyze psychological well-being, cognitive abilities and physical health of employed/self-employed and retired Europeans aged 75 and above ("old-old"). METHODS: We used data recently collected by Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). Our final sample consisted of N = 9,884, 57.69%were female. Employed or self-employed (vs. retired) rate was 30.20%for male and 28.88%for female. Mean age of the sample was 81.07 (SD = 4.90). RESULTS: Employed/self-employed "old-old" showed significant better psychological well-being, cognitive abilities and physical health than their retired counterparts. Age of the groups did not differ. Further analysis indicated the close connection between physical health (i.e. chronic diseases, negative self-perceived health, physical inactivity and ADL number of limitations) and employment/self-employment status. CONCLUSIONS: Against the background of continuity theory of ageing future research has to focus on the growing group of "old-old" still working.

Effects of a multi-level intervention on hookah smoking frequency and duration among Iranian adolescents and adults: an application of socio-ecological model.

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to investigate the effects of a multi-level intervention on hookah smoking frequency and duration among Iranian adolescents and adults. METHODS: In this study, two comparable cities in Iran were selected to participate in an intervention program based on a social-ecological model (SEM). In each city, 133 hookah smokers in coffee houses were selected. Environmental changes in coffee houses such as serving light foods and games were conducted. A virtual group named "no hookah" was established on the Telegram application to train participants in the intervention group. Messages, pictures, and short videos were sent to the participants through that virtual network. The frequency and duration of hookah consumption were assessed in both groups at baseline and after the intervention. RESULTS: The frequency of hookah consumption decreased in 72.6% of participants in the intervention group (vs. 6.3% in the control group), and the duration of hookah consumption per session decreased in 39.5% of participants in the intervention group (vs. 5.5% in the control group). CONCLUSIONS: Using multi-level interventions through a social-ecological model can reduce hookah consumption in adults.

Predictors of musculoskeletal symptoms in radiology technologists in Austria, Europe.

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) are a major health problem in health professionals. However, there is very little evidence about predictors of MSS in the group of radiology technologists. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to identify prevalence and predictors of MSS in radiology technologists working in Austrian Hospitals. METHODS: 272 radiology technologists completed a self-report questionnaire including MSS, work demands, work strain and well-being (WHO-5 questionnaire). RESULTS: Lower back pain and upper back pain are the most frequent MSS in radiology technologists. A high proportion of participants experience these symptoms every day (20.1% and 19.8%, respectively). Work strain, age and well-being were the best predictors for MSS in a regression model. CONCLUSIONS: MSS is a major health issue for radiology technologist working in hospitals. Our results provide evidence for the assumption that psychological factors play an important role in development of MSS. Thus, beside physical health promotion programs (e.g. safe patient handling), psychological intervention may have positive effects on MSS.

Blood lead levels and cognitive functioning: A meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The neurotoxicity of lead is well-known and even low exposure levels potentially impact neurocognitive abilities. This metaanalysis aimed to investigate associations between neurocognitive performance and lead exposure in adults and further assess potential effect thresholds. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Articles indexed in Medline published until January 2017 reporting associations between lead exposure, blood lead, cognitive abilities and sensomotoric performance were included. The unbiased, standardized mean differences g between lead exposure and control groups extracted from the primary studies were pooled using a three-level, random-effects meta-analytic model with a restricted maximum likelihood estimator. Moderator analyses were conducted using weighted, mixedeffects regression analyses. RESULTS: We identified 22 articles (n=3,849 participants, mean age 39.94±7.87years) published between 1976 and 2014 reporting lead exposure effects on cognitive and sensomotoric parameters (verbal abilities, visuospatial abilities, memory, attention, psychomotor function). On average, blood lead concentrations were 21.09±6.44 µg/dl higher in exposed than in control subjects. After exclusion of outliers, the random-effects three-level meta-analysis identified a significant (p<.001) pooled mean difference between exposure and control groups. Except for a smaller effect in the digit symbol test (p<.05), lead exposure did not result in different outcomes across the examined cognitive measures. Based on a marginally significant (p=.06) effect of difference in exposure levels, a blood lead increase of 10 µg/dl translated into a decline in cognitive abilities of Hedges g=.09. CONCLUSIONS: Neurocognitive performance in adults with occupational or environmental lead exposure was significant impaired with regard to the examined parameters. However, further studies are needed for the determination of effect thresholds and reversibility.

Health, education and employment status of Europeans aged 60 to 69†years: results from SHARE Survey.

The objective of this study was to identify health and education related predictors of employment/self-employment in the age between 60 and 69 yr in Europe. Data were obtained from Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) study-Wave 6. Our final sample (n=13,447) was retrieved from 16 European Union member states, Switzerland and Israel. We used logistic regression model including education level, physical and mental health parameters to predict employment/self-employment vs. retired. Employment/self-employment was associated with higher education status, increased risk for depression, and obesity, but with decreased risk for chronic diseases, loneliness and limitations in daily life activities. Age-appropriate working conditions, part-time options, and enhanced job characteristics may contribute to maintain a good health status and prevent negative aspects of work that can induce the risk for stress and depression.

Relationship between happiness and tobacco smoking among high school students.

OBJECTIVES: Recent research has described negative relationship between happiness and habitual smoking among adolescents. No study of this relationship has been conducted among Iranian adolescents. The aim of the present study was to characterize the relationship between happiness and cigarette or hookah smoking among a sample of high school students. METHODS: A sample of 1,161 10th-grade students in Tabriz (northwest Iran) was selected by multi-stage proportional cluster sampling. Participants completed a self-administered multiple-choice questionnaire including information on cigarette smoking, hookah smoking, happiness score, substance abuse, self-injury, general risk-taking behavior, attitudes towards smoking, socioeconomic information, and demographic characteristics. An ordinal logistic regression model was used for data analysis. RESULTS: It was found that 5.9 and 5.0% of students were regular cigarette smokers and regular hookah smokers, respectively. After controlling for potential confounders, higher happiness scores were found to protect students against more advanced stages of cigarette smoking (odds ratio [OR], 0.98; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.97 to 0.99; p=0.013). However, no significant relationship was found between happiness scores and hookah smoking status (OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.97 to 1.02; p=0.523). CONCLUSIONS: Happiness scores were associated with less advanced stages of habitual cigarette smoking among high school students. Our findings underscore the necessity of conducting longitudinal or interventional studies aiming to determine the effects of enhancing happiness on preventing the transition through the stages of cigarette and hookah smoking.

Job satisfaction in the European union: the role of macroeconomic, personal, and job-related factors.

BACKGROUND: Job satisfaction is influenced by many factors. Most of them are attributed to personality or company features. Little research has been conducted identifying the relationship of job satisfaction with macroeconomic parameters. METHODS: We used data collected by European Commission (Eurostat, Eurofound) and World Health Organization (WHO) for personal (eg, subjective health, physical activity), company (eg, career advancement perspectives, negative health effects of work), or macroeconomic parameters (eg, Gross Domestic Product, unemployment rate) on state level. Correlation analysis and a stepwise linear regression model were obtained. RESULTS: Gross domestic product (GDP) was the best predictor for job satisfaction across the European Union member states ahead of good career perspectives, and WHO-5 score (depressive symptoms). CONCLUSIONS: Beside personal, job-related, and organizational factors that influence job satisfaction, the macroeconomic perspective has to be considered, too.

Post-treatment Clinical Outcomes of Cutaneous Leishmaniosis in the Bam Area, South Eastern Iran: Analysis of over 9,000 Cases.

BACKGROUND: Knowledge about risk or protective factors for post-treatment outcomes in Cutaneous Lishmaniosis are rare, especially in endemic areas such as Iran. The present study aimed to evaluate the association between the outcome of infection, clinical manifestation, and treatment with adverse post-treatment outcomes in Cutaneous Lishmaniosis patients. METHODS: This was a cross sectional study based on recently collected data of 9077 Cutaneous Lishmaniosis patients (4585 female and 4492 male) from March 2003 to March 2011 in the Bam area, Iran. Multivariable multinomial logistic regression was applied to assess the effect of outcome of infection, clinical manifestation and treatment on relapse, treatment after interruption, treatment failure and clinical resistance. RESULTS: Head lesions were strongest risk factor for relapse (Odds Ratio, OR = 4.21; CI 95%: 3.56-4.98), treatment after interruption (2.00; 1.70-2.35), treatment failure (6.61; 5.17-8.45) and clinical resistance (2.62; 2.00-3.44). Family occurrence (yes vs. no), intra lesion therapy method, treatment duration (>3 v. ≤ 3 week) and source of detection by Surveillance (active vs. passive), were the most protective factors for relapse (OR = 0.58; CI 95%: 0.46-0.74), treatment after interruption (0.36; 0.31-0.42) treatment failure (0.24; 0.20-0.29) and clinical resistance (0.24; 0.09-0.67). CONCLUSION: Head lesions and treatment variables (e.g. therapy method and duration) could predict the occurrence of adverse post-term outcomes of Cutaneous Lishmaniosis. Further longitudinal studies have to clarify cause and effect relationships.

Substance abuse in relation to religiosity and familial support in Iranian college students.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Drug abuse and alcohol use in young adults are a major public health problem. The aims of present study were to determine the prevalence of alcohol use and substance abuse and related factors in a sample of Iranian college students. METHODS: The study took place in Tabriz (northwest of Iran) in April and May, 2011. The randomly selected sample consisted of 1837 college students. Data were collected in a survey. A self-administered questionnaire was used to measure smoking, sexual behavior, alcohol and drug use, religious belief, and parental support. RESULTS: The prevalence of alcohol use in the past 30 days and ever drug abuse were 7.7% and 8.0%, respectively. After adjusting for other factors, living in dormitory in comparison to parental home (OR=0.61) and having higher score of religious beliefs (OR=0.98) were protective factors for ever use of illicit drugs. Being male (OR=1.89), living in the single house in comparison to parental home (OR=2.64), smoking (OR=2.0), alcohol use (OR=4.71), hookah smoking (OR=2.89), and having unsafe sex (OR=2.40) were risk factors ever use of illicit drugs. CONCLUSION: Our results show low prevalence of alcohol use and drug abuse in Iranian college students and determined some of its associated factors. The findings of this research can be used for planning and evaluating interventions by considering risk and protective factors.

Acute effects of electromagnetic fields emitted by GSM mobile phones on subjective well-being and physiological reactions: a meta-analysis.

The potential effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) emitted by GSM mobile phones on subjective symptoms, well-being and physiological parameters have been investigated in many studies. However, the results have been ambiguous. The current meta-analysis aims to clarify whether RF-EMF have an influence on well-being in self-reported sensitive persons, as well as in non-sensitive people. A literature search revealed 17 studies including 1174 participants. The single effects for various subjective and objective outcomes were meta-analytically combined to yield a single population parameter. Dependant variables were subjective (e.g. headaches) and objective parameters (e.g. heart rate variability) of well-being. The results show no significant impact of short-term RF-EMF exposure on any parameter. Future research should focus on the possible effects of long-term exposure.

Associations between problematic mobile phone use and psychological parameters in young adults.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to address possible associations between excessive or dysfunctional use of mobile phones and certain psychological variables. METHODS: Our study focuses on Problematic Mobile Phone Use (PU) in 196 young adults. A survey was arranged to measure PU, daily mobile phone use in minutes, use of short message service (SMS) and also included psychological and health variables (e.g., chronic stress, depression). RESULTS: Statistic analysis indicates that chronic stress, low emotional stability, female gender, young age, depression, and extraversion are associated with PU. CONCLUSIONS: Future research needs to clarify the causality of these findings and should also intend to develop concepts for a more meaningful use of mobile phone and related technologies.