Examining behavioural intention towards organ donation in Hong Kong.

Although many people report favourable attitudes towards organ donation, Hong Kong has one of the lowest rates of organ donation globally. The present study examined behavioural intention towards organ donation. A convenience sample of 225 Hong Kong Chinese adults (118 = female) aged 18-82 years were recruited to an online survey. Behavioural intention, attitudes, subjective norms, self-efficacy, knowledge and altruism were examined. ANOVA was conducted to examine key differences based on behavioural intention, regression then examined predictors of behavioural intention to donate before exploratory analysis examined the mediating role of subjective norms on the relationship between self-efficacy and behavioural intention. Findings revealed over one third (38%) of respondents were actively registered as organ donors. Women were significantly more likely to be registered as organ donors. Subjective norms and self-efficacy were strong predictors of behavioural intention to donate, and subjective norms significantly mediated the relationship between self-efficacy and behavioural intention to donate.

Predictors of Attitude Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help in Hong Kong.

The present study examined predictors of attitude toward professional psychological help-seeking in Hong Kong. A cross-sectional approach was adopted and a total of 166 participants (120 female) ranging in age from 20 to 60 years were recruited online. The relationship between attitudes toward professional help-seeking, self-stigma, and perceived accessibility and affordability of services were examined, gender differences were also examined. Findings revealed that self-stigma was significantly negatively associated with attitude toward professional psychological help-seeking, while perceived affordability was positively associated with attitudes. The current study demonstrates that stigma is still an ever-present obstacle, which could contribute to low utilization of services in Hong Kong.

Social participation, loneliness and well-being among older adults in Hong Kong: a longitudinal examination.

The present study adopts a longitudinal design to examine the relationship between loneliness, social participation, life satisfaction and social networks among older adults in Hong Kong. The study also explores the mediating effects of social network and social participation on the relationship between loneliness and life satisfaction. A community sample of 200 older adults (153 female) ranging in age from 65 to 93 years (Mage = 76.03) were recruited from 20 elderly centres and NGOs across Hong Kong. The model of loneliness as a predictor of life satisfaction, sequentially mediated by network importance and social participation was significant and explained a total of 21% of the variance in life satisfaction. The present study highlights the importance of social networks and social participation in contributing to the life satisfaction of older adults in Hong Kong.

A cross-cultural examination of masculinity and health behaviour in Hong Kong: the mediating role of age and social support.

Objectives: Examine masculinity as a predictor of engagement in health behaviour, and explore the mediating effect of age and social support on the relationship between conformity to masculine norms and health behaviour among a sample of Hong Kong Chinese, mainland Chinese, Caucasian, and South Asian men living in Hong Kong.Methods: A cross-cultural community sample of 495 men aged 18-81 years (Mage = 39.87 years) were recruited to the study. Participants completed self-report measures of conformity to masculine norms (CMNI), social support (MSPSS), and health behaviour (HBI).Results: Conformity to masculine norms was predictive of engagement with health behaviour, meanwhile age and social support mediated the relationship between conformity and health behaviour. Conformity was stronger among younger men, while higher levels of social support were predictive of poorer engagement in health behaviour for men in the present study. Findings from the multiple mediation revealed that social support better accounted for poorer engagement in health behaviour when compared to age.Conclusions: While much of the literature has focused on the toxic impact of masculinity on men's health, the present findings demonstrate that conformity to masculine norms does not necessarily equate with health risk behaviour. The association between lower levels of social support and health behaviour were interesting and demonstrate men's autonomy in health matters; this contradicts previous findings emphasising the importance of social support in influencing men's positive health behaviour. Findings are discussed in terms of their implications for and applications to men's health and health promotion.

"Take a Spoonful of Concrete and Harden the **** up!": How British Men in Hong Kong Talk About Health and Illness.

The present study draws on semistructured focus group discussions conducted with British men living in Hong Kong to examine how men's constructions of masculinity influence health behavior and attitudes. Twenty-eight men aged 21-51 years were divided into groups based on age (≤35 years and ≥36 years); length of residence ranged from 2 to 20 years. Discussions were analyzed using open-ended thematic analysis. Following intensive analysis of the transcripts, four subthemes were identified and analyzed in greater detail: (a) health talk; (b) help-seeking behavior; (c) health risk; and (d) health motivations. Findings suggest a widespread endorsement of a hegemonic view of masculinity among men in the present study. Men expressed reluctance in seeking help for illness, regardless of age, particularly when experiencing symptoms of ill-health that were deemed to be "minor." However, help seeking was embraced when it was perceived to impact masculinity, for example, when potentially related to sexual performance or function. While men in the present study were sometimes dismissive of health advice provided by family, they were more open and responsive to seeking help upon the advice of male friends. Findings are further discussed with reference to the relationships between masculinities and health; implications for health are discussed.

Sequential mediating effects of provided and received social support on trait emotional intelligence and subjective happiness: A longitudinal examination in Hong Kong Chinese university students.

Past research has often focused on the effects of emotional intelligence and received social support on subjective well-being yet paid limited attention to the effects of provided social support. This study adopted a longitudinal design to examine the sequential mediating effects of provided and received social support on the relationship between trait emotional intelligence and subjective happiness. A total of 214 Hong Kong Chinese undergraduates were asked to complete two assessments with a 6-month interval in between. The results of the sequential mediation analysis indicated that the trait emotional intelligence measured in Time 1 indirectly influenced the level of subjective happiness in Time 2 through a sequential pathway of social support provided for others in Time 1 and social support received from others in Time 2. These findings highlight the importance of trait emotional intelligence and the reciprocal exchanges of social support in the subjective well-being of university students.

Cross-cultural differences in the relationship between conformity to masculine norms and health behaviour among men in Hong Kong.

OBJECTIVE: Examine differences in the relationship between conformity to masculine norms and engagement in health behaviour among a cross-cultural sample of Hong Kong Chinese, mainland Chinese, Caucasian, and South Asian men living in Hong Kong. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. METHODS: A community sample of 495 Hong Kong Chinese (n = 161), mainland Chinese (n = 107), Caucasian (n = 122), and South Asian (n = 105) men enrolled in the study. Ages ranged from 18 to 81 years (M = 39.87). Participants completed self-report measures of conformity to masculine norms, health behaviour, social support, and job stress. RESULTS: Younger age was predictive of greater engagement in health behaviour among all men. Stronger conformity to masculine norms was predictive of engagement with health behaviour among Hong Kong, mainland Chinese, and Caucasian men, but not South Asian men. Social support was negatively predictive of engagement in health behaviour among Hong Kong Chinese, mainland Chinese, and South Asian men, suggesting that greater levels of social support may hinder engagement in health behaviour in some men. Job stress had a negative impact on engagement with health behaviour among Hong Kong Chinese and South Asian men only. CONCLUSIONS: Present findings demonstrate the need for a broader examination of the relationship between masculinity and health behaviour, focusing not only on the negative, but also the positive impact that masculinity can have on men's health behaviour. Findings are discussed in terms of their implication on men's health and health promotion. Statement of contribution What is already known about this subject? Men around the globe have higher mortality and morbidity across all leading diseases. Explanations have focused on men's poor health-seeking behaviour and how this impedes on health. The pursuit of masculinity is thought to contribute to poor health outcomes in men. What does this study add? Conformity to masculine norms was predictive of engagement in health behaviour. This is one of few studies cross-culturally examining masculinity and health in a Chinese context. Findings provide examples of how conformity can support engagement in health behaviour.

Media influence on drive for thinness, body satisfaction, and eating attitudes among young women in Hong Kong and China.

The present study examined the impact of thin-ideal media exposure on Chinese women's drive for thinness, attitudes towards body shape, and eating attitude. Women were assigned to one of two video conditions, which portrayed the thin-ideal (experimental) or was neutral (control group), in terms of content. A total of 83 young women from Hong Kong (N = 38) and Shanghai (N = 45), aged between 18 and 25 years (Mage = 22.7) participated in the study. A significant interaction was observed between the experimental video condition and location. Hong Kong women in the experimental group experienced greater levels of body dissatisfaction than Shanghai women exposed to the same condition. Exposure to thin-ideal media produced an increase in drive for thinness, body dissatisfaction and problematic eating attitudes regardless of location, with a greater immediate impact shown in Hong Kong women.

Examining the psychometric properties of the Chinese Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory for patients suffering from chronic diseases.

This study examined the psychometric properties of the Chinese Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory among Hong Kong chronic disease patients. Using a cross-sectional design and multistage stratification sampling, 265 chronic disease patients were recruited from a selection of non-governmental organizations and patient self-help groups across Hong Kong. The Chinese Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory total scale and subscales showed satisfactory internal consistency, reliability and concurrent validity. The factor structure of the Chinese Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory fit well with a higher-order intrapersonal factor (self, spiritual and life orientation) and a first-order interpersonal factor. The Chinese Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory was predictive of hope and positive coping but negatively predictive of anxiety. The five Chinese Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory subscales can help practitioners identify meaningful health outcomes for Chinese chronic disease patients.

Using the Theory of Planned Behaviour to Explain Use of Traditional Chinese Medicine among Hong Kong Chinese in Britain.

The UK Chinese are known for their underutilisation of western healthcare services. Reasons for this underutilisation are complex. The Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) is a widely used model of social cognition, which in the present study is being applied to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) utilisation and satisfaction with TCM services. Two hundred and seventy-two UK Chinese aged between 15 and 91 years (M = 46.55; SD = 18.53) enrolled in the study. TCM utilisation was associated with gender, age, cultural attachment, and subjective norms. TCM users were more likely to be female and older and have a strong attachment to Chinese culture, and be influenced by the views of important others. Findings highlight the potential of the TPB in exploring TCM utilisation, whilst also throwing light on other factors influential in the use of TCM and satisfaction with TCM service provision among Chinese in the UK.

Assessing the factor structure of the Chinese conformity to masculine norms inventory.

The purpose of the present study was to examine the factor structure and assess the reliability of the Chinese Conformity to Masculine Norms Inventory-46 (CCMNI-46). Using a cohort of 254 Hong Kong-born Chinese males, scale reliability determination involved the internal consistencies of the entire instrument. Ages of respondents ranged from 18 to 81 years (M = 38.05; SD = 17.3). Confirmatory factor analysis provided support for the psychometric properties of the CCMNI-46, thus confirming the multidimensional structure of the CMNI-46 and the replicability of the CMNI using a Hong Kong Chinese sample. All items loaded onto the corresponding factor with the exception of one item from the emotional control subscale. The overall reliability of the CCMNI-46 was lower than previous Western studies and may well reflect the subtle diversity of masculinity across cultures. The findings offered psychometric support for use of the CCMNI-46 in research and practice regarding Hong Kong Chinese masculinity. The CCMNI-46 provides a useful template for the operationalization of masculine norms in Chinese society.

Determinants on the quality of social networks among Hong Kong Chinese.

The aim of the present study is to examine prospectively the quality of social networks of Hong Kong Chinese adults. A randomized household survey was employed. A total of 1170 Hong Kong Chinese respondents were recruited to the study. Participants ranged in age from 18 to 79 years, 43% of respondents were male. Findings revealed a negative association between familial trust and social network size. Network trust, social identification, and structural networks were all found to be positively associated with social network size and perceived respect from social network. The importance of family and the prioritization of the needs of the family over individual needs has implications on social network size and formation for Hong Kong Chinese individuals. More research is needed to further examine the importance of familial relationships and the prioritization of family and the impact this has on social network development and maintenance among Hong Kong Chinese.

Predictors of the gender gap in life expectancy across 54 nations.

We studied the gender gap in life expectancy (GGLE), which currently favours women on average by 5 years. Individual data from 54 societies were extracted from the 1999-2004 wave of the World Values Survey. The GGLE was not predicted by the socio-economic factors of gross domestic product (GDP) or Gini coefficient, but was increased by national level of alcohol consumption, and decreased by gender differences in national levels of life satisfaction. Different national-level phenomena appear to be responsible for male and female contributions to the GGLE. National levels of male longevity were responsive to GDP, Gini coefficient, social engagement, tobacco use and life satisfaction, whereas female longevity rates were responsive only to GDP and alcohol consumption, underscoring the greater sensitivity of male longevity to contextual features of the nations where they live.

Factors associated with utilisation of traditional Chinese medicine among Hong Kong Chinese.

The present study explored factors associated with belief in, and utilisation of, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), as well as factors associated with trust in TCM practitioners (TCMPs) among Hong Kong Chinese individuals. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. A sample of 300 Hong Kong Chinese aged between 18 and 90 years old were recruited. The study used a number of outcome variables including demographic variables, health status, as measured by the SF-12, attitude towards TCM and Western medicine as measured by the Chinese-Western Medical Beliefs Scale, traditional Chinese values as measured by the Chinese Values Scale and trust in physicians. Findings revealed an association between age, gender and education level, with older age, being female and lower educational attainment all being predictive of TCM utilisation. Utilisation norms was predictive of trust in practitioners, indicating that frequent use of TCM lead to higher levels of trust in TCMP. Chinese values were differentially associated with use of and belief in TCM. Confucian obligation was predictive of belief in TCM and utilisation of TCM, while tolerance and harmony was not associated with belief and use of TCM. Younger respondents tended to score higher in tolerance and harmony, while older respondents scored higher in Confucian obligation, which goes some way to explain these differing trends in Chinese values and associations with TCM as older respondents were much more likely to utilise TCM than their younger counterparts.

The importance of illness perceptions, quality of life and psychological status in patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

The present study investigates illness perceptions of inflammatory bowel disease patients in an outpatient population, examining whether these illness perceptions are related to disease severity, quality of life and psychological adjustment. A cohort of 102 inflammatory bowel disease outpatients was prospectively enrolled on the study. The participants completed a questionnaire assessing illness perceptions, anxiety, depression and disease-specific symptoms. The study has identified specific illness perceptions of inflammatory bowel disease sufferers that are strongly associated with patients' quality of life. By raising and addressing these issues, clinicians may be able to allay these significant and often unexpressed concerns, and improve quality of life for patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

The relationship between personality, social functioning, and depression: a structural equation modeling analysis.

The relationship between personality, social functioning, and depression remains unclear. The present study employs structural equation modeling to examine the mediating role of social functioning between harm avoidance (HA), self-directedness (SD), and depression. A sample of 902 individuals completed a self-report questionnaire consisting of the following scales: HA and SD subscales of the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Social Adaptation Self-Evaluation Scale (SASS). Structural equation modeling via analysis of moment structure was used to estimate the fit of nine related models. Results indicated that social functioning is a mediator between harm avoidance or self-directness and depression. Self-directedness was also shown to have direct effects on depression. The results support the social reinforcement theory of depression and provide a theoretical account of how the variables are related based on correlation methods. Suggestions are offered for future experimental and longitudinal research.

Medical pluralism of the Chinese in London: an exploratory study.

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to examine the extent of medical pluralism among the Chinese in London. DESIGN: Members of the London Chinese community were recruited through Chinese organizations in London and participated in six focus groups. METHOD: A total of 48 Chinese men and women aged 24-74 years were asked to talk about their health behaviour and health utilization patterns. Transcripts of the focus group discussions underwent thematic analysis to explore and describe the utilization of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Western medicine (WM) of informants and factors that impacted on utilization. RESULTS: Findings focus on participants' evaluation of TCM and WM as two systems of health provision, how informants used these two health systems, and the reasons associated with use of these two systems. Utilization of TCM and WM varied. Concurrent use of TCM and WM was common. The National Health Service was generally perceived as difficult to use, with concerns over the language barrier, and communicating with and being able to trust health providers. The UK TCM trade was perceived as being aimed at the non-Chinese market and there were issues of trust related to the regulation of UK TCM. CONCLUSIONS: Although none of these issues are unique to the Chinese in the UK, previous experience with different approaches to health care, particularly TCM, may make the experience of such barriers more extreme.