Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Psychological and Socio-Demographic Predictors'

The present study attempted to identify demographic and psychological variables predictive of adolescent suicidal ideations and attempts. Data from 90 adolescents, who completed an intake form at a university community mental health clinic or were student volunteers, were utilized. Two judges tabulated information regarding age, gender, number of siblings, ethnicity, parental marital status, drug use, depression, suicidal ideation, and previous suicidal attempts. A multiple regression analysis was performed to identify which variables had predictive significance. Depression was the best predictor of both suicidal ideations and attempts. Ethnicity was also predictive; white adolescents were found to be at higher risk for suicide than individuals from other ethnic groups. It is suggested that additional studies be done exploring other predictors of suicide among adolescents.

Wasser ist eine der wichtigsten Ressourcen. Jedoch schätzt man, dass sich das globale Wasserdefizit schon im Jahr 2030 auf ca. 40 Prozent belaufen wird. Klimawandel, veränderte Lebensweisen, und Bevölkerungswachstum verstärken das Nachfrage-Angebot-Defizit. Als Konsequenz leiden immer mehr Regionen unter Wasserknappheit. Eine reduzierte Wassernachfrage bedingt durch verstärktes Wassersparen kann das Problem verringern. Das Ziel dieser Dissertation ist es daher, zu einem besseren Verständnis der sozio-demographischen und psychologischen Determinanten von Wassersparverhalten beizutragen. Basierend auf drei Datensätzen aus Deutschland und Jordanien wurden die verschiedenen Facetten von Wassersparverhalten und deren Determinanten beleuchtet. Das Verhältnis zwischen Wassersparen und Umwelteinstellung, einem latenten Konstrukt, das kooperative, prosoziale und sogar moralische Tendenzen widerspiegelt, wurde konzeptionell untersucht. Zusätzlich wurde Wassersparen in Deutschland als ein Repräsentant für moralisches Verhalten verwendet. In diesem Zusammenhang wurden Umwelteinstellung und der Persönlichkeitsfaktor Ehrlichkeit-Bescheidenheit auf ihr Vermögen hin verglichen, moralisches Verhalten vorherzusehen. Eine ausführliche Analyse zur Bewertung einer Kampagne zur Förderung des Wassersparbewusstseins hat detaillierte Informationen zu ihren tatsächlichen Effekten gezeigt. Eine weitere Analyse hat sich auf die Determinanten von Wassersparverhalten in Jordanien konzentriert. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass Wassersparverhalten nicht durch Alter, Bildungsgrad und Einkommen beeinflusst wird, sondern eher durch die Ausprägung der Umwelteinstellung. Diese Dissertation liefert wertvolle Informationen für Forscher und Politiker. Die detaillierte Untersuchung von verschiedenen Wasserspardeterminanten birgt großes Potenzial für ein verbessertes Wassermanagement.
Water is one of the most important resources. However, the global water deficit was estimated to reach about 40% by 2030. Climate change, changing lifestyles, and population growth increase the supply and demand gap further. As a consequence, more and more regions experience water scarcity. In that context, reduced household water demand due to enhanced water conservation could alleviate the problem or, at least, reduce the pressure on water resources. Thus, this thesis aims to contribute to a better understanding of the socio-demographic and psychological determinants of water conservation behavior. Based on three distinct datasets from Germany and Jordan, the manifold facets of water conservation and its determinants were examined. From a conceptual perspective, the relationship between water conservation and environmental attitude, a latent construct representing cooperative, prosocial, and even moral tendencies, were investigated. Furthermore, water conservation in Germany was used as a proxy for moral behavior. In that respect, environmental attitude and the personality factor Honesty-Humility were compared in order to determine, which factor constitutes the better predictor of moral behavior. Using original data from Jordan, a comprehensive impact evaluation of a water conservation awareness campaign revealed detailed information on its actual effects. Another analysis focused on a wide variety of water conservation determinants in Jordan. The results indicate that water conservation does not differ with respect to age, education, and income, but rather with different levels of environmental attitude. This thesis provides valuable information for researchers and policy makers alike. The detailed examination of various water conservation determinants offer a great potential for an improved management of household water demand.

This study assesses the vulnerability of Haitian women to cervical cancer by looking at the distribution of socio-demographic factors that might prevent their access to health services. Predictor variables of access to health services and variables known to be directly associated to an increased risk for cervical cancer were derived from the Haitian Demographic Health Survey (2005-2006). Five socio demographic predictors of access to health services were considered: Education, wealth index, distance to health services, type of place of residence and whether or not money was a problem to get medical help. The dependent variable used to categorize women into low risk group and high risk group to cervical cancer was created from three variables: young age at first sexual intercourse, more than two sexual partners and can the woman ask her partners to use condom. To study the association between the socio-demographic and economic predictors to access to health services and high risk group of women to cervical cancer, binary logistic regression was conducted. The univariate analysis performed showed that women who were in the high risk group to cervical cancer were more likely to be uneducated (OR= 2.447; p-value<0.0001), poor (OR=2.372; p-value<0.0001), to have economic barriers that prevent their access to health services (OR=1.566; p-value<0.05) and were more likely to live in rural areas (OR=1.705; p-value<0.0001). However, after running the multivariate analysis to control for the other predictors, only level of education (OR= 1.991; p-value<0.0001) and wealth status (OR=1.727; p-value<0.05) were still associated to the dependent variable. These findings proved that interventions that aimed at controlling cervical cancer among Haitian women should take into consideration these indirect socio-demographic and most important economic factors that might prevent the high risk group of women to benefit from the appropriate screening and treatment services, provided that they are available. Finally recommendations to find a better approach to address the cervical cancer burden in Haiti are made. INDEX WORDS: Uterine cervical neoplasmas, risk factors, accessibility to health services, developing countries

The purpose of this study was to examine the socio-demographic and financial characteristics that were associated with the likelihood of a discharge among Chapter 12 bankruptcy filers in Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming. Previous bankruptcy studies conducted in Utah have looked at the same associations in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. This study contains individual filer-level data from 158 Chapter 12 bankruptcy cases filed in Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming between 1997 and 2005. These cases were accessed through the Web-PACER system, a database of imaged court documents filed in district bankruptcy courts. Free access to this system was given by the Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming bankruptcy trustees to the researcher. The principal finding in this study is that filers with longer repayment plans and those that live in the states of Idaho and Wyoming are more likely to attain a discharge. The local legal culture of Idaho and Wyoming may promote plans that are more feasible and the debtors are more likely to reach a discharge. However, debtors in Utah are more likely to reach a discharge in a shorter time than those living in Idaho or Wyoming. Studies have found that debtors who started making payments were more likely to assure that their plans were successful. Discharge is the most common outcome for cases open for a number of years. Debtors who have reached a Chapter 12 confirmation are more likely to continue on a payment schedule and receive a discharge.

Background: Diabetes is a growing public health problem affecting people worldwide both in the developed and developing countries, and poses a major socio-economic, psychological and Behavioral challenge. Consequently, diabetes takes a staggering toll on the people in Nigeria and the economic burden is very high. It is a well known fact that numerous factors influence diabetes self-care: such as patient’s physical, psychological, social, cognitive and health care system factors. In this study, the researcher set out to elicit an understanding of the association between socio-demographic, socio-cognitive, and psychological health and to specifically provide explanations for how these three factors are related and differ across ethnicity, gender and type of diabetes. Conversely, studies investigating the psychological health in people with diabetes have observed disparities in terms of gender, ethnicity and the type of diabetes. More so, the impact of socio-cognitive health indicators on psychological status in the Nigerian context remains invisible and unknown. Additional investigations were carried out to assess the pattern of the psychological health of diabetic patients using socio-demographic and socio-cognitive factors, to identify if differences occur in the psychological and socio-cognitive factors by gender, ethnicity and type of diabetes. Finally, an exploration of the contextual and explanatory factors perceived to have underlain the gender ethnicity and type of diabetes differences observed in the psychological status and socio- cognitive health was carried out. Methods: A sequential explanatory mixed methods design comprising a quantitative phase followed by a qualitative phase was employed. In the quantitative phase general survey, data from the N= 486 participants were analysed to test for significant differences of ethnic groups, gender, type of diabetes and the relationship they all have on psychological status and socio-cognitive health. The qualitative phase on the other hand, was based on a follow up of the significant results by using semi-structured focus group interviews with 18 recruited respondents across gender, ethnic groups and type of diabetes. Findings: A 2x4x2 MANOVA hypotheses: 2 and 3 from the quantitative study showed a significant interaction between gender, ethnicity and type of diabetes; ethnicity and type of diabetes; gender and type of diabetes; gender and ethnicity. From the partial eta squared 2 , type of diabetes explains more of the variance remaining (after excluding the variance attributable to other variables) (21.4% vs 20.1%); than gender (21.1% vs 13.3%); which, in turn, explains more of the variance than ethnicity (5.6% vs 6.5%) on the combined DVs Psychological and Socio-cognitive health respectively. The qualitative results revealed extreme and overwhelmingchallenges diabetes imposed on the sufferers. It provided specific insight and on patients contextual experiences such as non-adherence; concerns about the present and the future’ health care systems and the way medical practitioners interact with patients which negatively impact on psychological status. These factors broadened the quantitative result in terms of the consistence in the patients’ descriptions of living with and self-managing their diabetes. Conclusions: The outcome of the t study has extended knowledge on the complex and dynamic nature of individuals’ responses to the challenges of diabetes in day-to-day self-care management and how best diabetic patients should be supported in order to promote adherence, positive treatment processes, provide assistance to the physical discomfort associated with diabetes, and support pro-diabetes coping behaviors (diet), through psychotherapy so as to enhance optimal psycho-behavioral health.

This study examined the association between different socio-demographic factors and food insecurity in the Central Florida Communities of Maitland, Winter Park, and Eatonville. Data from the Institute for Social and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Central Florida were utilized to analyze 3 main questions: In which community is food insecurity more prevalent? To what extent are food consumption, transportation, poverty, and unemployment associated with food insecurity? Does the association between food consumption, transportation, poverty, unemployment, and food insecurity remain when controlling for self-reported overall health, education, marital status, and race. The results revealed differences in predictors of food insecurities. Particularly, there was a positive relationship between food consumption and the knowledge of recommended number of servings of fruits and vegetables suggesting that those who have nutritional knowledge practice healthy dietary behaviors. Furthermore, structural dysfunctions and affordability pose food consumption limitations on the communities studied (mainly Eatonville).
Ph.D.
Doctorate
Sociology
Sciences
Sociology

Inclusive education generally promotes a shift away from the use of psychometric assessment for the placement of learners in special education facilities. This study, however, examines the potential role of psychometric screening for inclusive education in South Africa. This was done by investigating the relationship between selected demographic factors of age, gender, parental levels of education, and caregiver employment status – and psychometric test performances in children identified as having barriers to learning. The participant sample consisted of 329 primary school children aged between 6 and 15 years from the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan area. Demographic data was collected by means of a questionnaire completed in collaboration with participants’ caregivers and their school authorities. Participants were psychometrically assessed by means of the Raven’s Coloured Progressive Matrices (CPM) and the Bender Gestalt Test (BGT), which are commonly used screening measures in the South African context. Results indicated a relationship between test scores and the demographic variables of age and gender on both the Raven’s CPM and the BGT. Paternal level of education was found to impact positively on the BGT scores when the father had achieved a Grade 10 level of education or higher. No statistically significant relationship was found between any of the other socio-demographic factors and the performance scores on the Raven’s CPM and the BGT. It was concluded that the measures appear to be free of undue influence or bias arising from demographic factors. They were found to be useful psychological measures which should be included in screening processes when identifying children with barriers to learning.

Background: Russia has undergone tremendous socioeconomic transformations. Particularly detrimental was the period of 1990-s that evidenced hazardous trends in public health. Alcohol consumption was suggested to be responsible for the negative health trends in the society. Male alcohol consumption attracted disproportional attention leaving female alcohol consumption, its predictors and influence on women’s health disregarded and uninvestigated. Aim: To describe the practices of female alcohol consumption and socio-demographic predictors of drinking, to explore the impact that drinking might have on the self-rated health of Russian women. Method: Cross-sectional analysis of data drawn from the Russia Longitudinal Monitoring Survey, round 20th. The association tests between the measures of alcohol consumption and covariates were run. Ordinal regression model tested the predictors of self-rated health.      Results: A Russian female drinker is middle-aged, high-educated, married/ cohabiting or divorced, resides from the urban area and is infrequent drinker. The frequency of drinking increases when she is young, high-educated, married/ cohabiting, resides from urban area. U-shaped relation between drinking and self-rated health was demonstrated: never drinkers and regular drinkers report poorer health than seldom-drinkers.  Conclusion: Predictors of female drinking in Russia are poorly investigated due to overrepresentation of research focused on men’s drinking. More studies are needed in order to explore the impact of drinking on self-rated health of  Russian women.

The spread of pandemic influenza A (2009 H1N1 influenza) virus resulted in a global influenza pandemic in 2009. During the early stages of the pandemic, population surveillance was crucial. However, officials around the world realized that many of our surveillance and reporting systems were not prepared to respond in a coordinated, integrated way, which made informed public health decision-making very difficult. More accurate estimates of the total number of hospitalized 2009 H1N1 influenza cases were required to calculate population-based 2009 H1N1 influenza-associated mortality, morbidity and hospitalization rates. For instance, how many people were hospitalized with 2009 H1N1 influenza in Massachusetts? Of these, how many were admitted to the ICU and how many died? Compared to seasonal influenza, were some race/ethnic and age groups affected more than others, and what types of characteristics led to more severe manifestations of 2009 H1N1 influenza among these groups in Massachusetts? To address the above questions, I proposed a retrospective cohort study using data from the Hospital Discharge Database (HDD), which contains data for all inpatients discharged from 76 acute care hospitals in Massachusetts, as well as Census information to provide a measure of socioeconomic status (SES). My specific aims are as follows: 1. Develop methods to identify influenza cases precisely and describe characteristics of those hospitalized with ILI in MA between April 26-Sept 30, 2009; 2. Conduct analyses to identify race/ethnicity-related trends in reference to 2009 H1N1 influenza-related hospitalizations; 3. Conduct analyses to identify age-related trends in reference to 2009 H1N1 influenza-related hospitalizations. First, I established influenza case selection criteria using hospital discharge data. I addressed limitations in the published methods on defining cases of influenza using administrative databases, and evaluated ICD-9 codes that correspond with common and relatively serious respiratory infections and influenza using a ‘maximum’ and ‘minimum’ approach. Results confirmed that 2009 H1N1 influenza affected a younger population, and disproportionately affected racial minorities in Massachusetts. There were also higher rates of ICU admission compared to seasonal influenza. I then presented epidemiological data indicating race/ethnic disparity among 2009 H1N1 influenza cases in Massachusetts. I found that Hispanics had significantly lower odds of 2009 H1N1 influenza-related ICU stay. SES gradients calculated using five-digit zip code information did not account for these differences. Within race/ethnic strata, Hispanics Finally, I presented epidemiological data indicating differences among 2009 H1N1 influenza cases by age group in Massachusetts. I calculated measures of Diagnostic Cost Group (DxCG) comorbidity for the study population to provide a comorbidity measure at baseline. Main results indicate that although comorbidity scores were similar between the 2009 H1N1 influenza and seasonal influenza groups, 2009 H1N1 influenza caused more severe disease in younger age groups. This is the first study to report population-based statewide outcomes in all acute care centers in MA. In this dissertation I address challenges surrounding influenza surveillance to create case selection criteria within an administrative database. Using my case selection criteria, I then provide data related to fatality and severity of 2009 H1N1 influenza in Massachusetts in reference to sociodemographic variables such as racial/ethnicity and age groups, and provide evidence for patient-level interventions to those hardest hit by influenza. These findings provide valuable information about using large administrative databases to describe pandemic influenza cases and guide resource allocation to reduce disparities in relation to pandemic influenza preparedness.

Many historically disadvantaged South Africans are entering into universities, where they are expected to perform academically not only to secure themselves a continued place at university, but also to secure themselves a place in the competitive job-market post university. Not only have these individuals been disadvantaged by an inferior schooling system, which is the legacy of apartheid, but they also struggle against the grasp of poverty, attempting to sustain themselves financially in order to afford the necessities for their survival, while still attempting to cope academically. Resilience has been presented as a process that helps individuals deal effectively with stressful events and adverse conditions. An attempt is therefore made to investigate whether resilience plays this role in the experience of disadvantaged students at university, where academic performance and adjustment represent the expected measures of coping. The aim of the study was therefore to explore the role of resilience constructs in the relationship between socio-economic and demographic variables and academic coping. The study is based within the broad framework of Psychofortology, which is the science of psychological strengths. The resilience constructs used included fortitude (measured by the Fortitude Questionnaire), hardiness (measured by the Personal Views Survey) and sense of coherence (measured by the Sense of Coherence Scale). Demographic variables included age, sex, language, town (urban/rural), with household income as an indicator of socio-economic status. Academic coping (outcome) was measured using students&rsquo
academic performance (average grade) and their adjustment to university (measured by the Student Adaptation to College Questionnaire). Participants included 164 third year Psychology students from the University of the Western Cape. Results indicate statistically significant relationships between various demographic and resilience variables
between various demographic and outcome variables
and between various resilience and outcome variables. Resilience variables were also found to play a role in the relationship between demographic and outcome variables, as various resilience variables emerged as significant predictors of outcome variables, or as having either direct, moderating, mediating or indirect effects on the relationship between demographic and outcome variables. Research suggesting the health-sustaining and stress-reducing (buffering) roles of resilience constructs, as well resilience constructs as influencing the perceptions of adverse conditions or stressors is therefore supported by these findings. Limitations of the study were also discussed, as well as recommendations for future research put forward.

Background: Elder abuse and its effects are a serious public health issue. However, little is known about therelation between psychological abuse, other factors (e.g. social support) and quality of life (QoL) by domain. This studyaddressed differences in QoL by domain between psychologically abused and non-abused. While considering otherfactors such as social support. Methods: The respondents were 4,467 (2,559 women) randomly selected persons aged 60-84 years living in7 European cities. The mean response across countries was 45.2%. The cross-sectional data were analyzed withbivariate/multivariate methods. Results: Abused respondents contrasted to non-abused scored lower in QoL (autonomy, 67.42 ± 21.26 vs. 72.39± 19.58; intimacy, 55.31 ± 31.15 vs. 67.21 ± 28.55; past/present/future activities, 62.79 ± 19.62 vs. 68.05 ± 18.09;social participation, 65.03 ± 19.84 vs. 68.21 ± 19.77). Regressions showed that abuse was negatively associated withautonomy, intimacy and past/present/future activities, and positively with the social participation. All QoL dimensionswere negatively associated with country and depressive/anxiety symptoms, and positively with social support. Further,variables such as age, sex and somatic symptoms were negatively associated with some of the QoL dimensions andothers such as family structure, education, health care use and drinking positively. The regression model “explained”32.8% of the variation in autonomy, 45.6% in intimacy, 44.8% in past/present/future activities and 41.5% in socialparticipation. Conclusions: Abuse was linked to lower QoL in most domains, but other factors such as depressive symptomsalso carried a negative impact. Social support and to some extent family structure had a “protective” effect on QoL.Abuse, health indicators (e.g. depressive symptoms) and social support should be considered in addressing the QoL ofolder persons. However, QoL was influenced by many factors, which could not be firmly disentangled due to the crosssectionalapproach, calling for longitudinal research to address causality.

Projeto de Graduação apresentado à Universidade Fernando Pessoa como parte dos requisitos para obtenção do grau de licenciada em Criminologia
Na última década a luta contra o tráfico de seres humanos tem vindo a receber uma crescente atenção por parte de diferentes entidades no mundo inteiro. No entanto, e não obstante a multiplicidade de esforços que têm vindo a ser colocados em prática nos últimos anos para combater este fenómeno, a realidade é que, surpreendentemente, muito pouco ainda se sabe acerca daqueles que o praticam. Assim, tendo como objetivos globais dar resposta a esta necessidade de investigação e possibilitar uma melhor compreensão desta realidade em Portugal, este projeto visa apresentar uma proposta de investigação empírica para a identificação das características e padrões sociodemográficos, psicológicos, motivacionais e comportamentais dos traficantes de seres humanos condenados pela prática deste crime em Portugal. Este seria, portanto, um estudo exploratório, de natureza essencialmente qualitativa, conduzido quer através da realização de entrevistas semiestruturadas a uma amostra de indivíduos que se encontrem a cumprir pena de prisão pela prática de todas, e quaisquer formas de tráfico abrangidas pela legislação portuguesa, quer por intermédio da aplicação da técnica de análise documental a processos judiciais sobre os casos de tráfico condenados a nível nacional. Independentemente dos desafios ou obstáculos que possam surgir face a uma futura implementação desta proposta, espera-se um dia poder avançar com uma pesquisa desta natureza em Portugal, acreditando-se que a criação de dados empíricos nesta área poderá constituir uma ferramenta imprescindível na luta contra, aquele que poderá ser considerado, um dos piores crimes que a humanidade é capaz de cometer contra si própria.
Over the last decade the fight against trafficking in human beings has been receiving increased attention from different entities worldwide. Nonetheless, and regardless the multiplicity of efforts that have been put in place during the past years to combat this phenomenon, the reality is that, surprisingly, still very little is known about those who practice it. Thus, with the overall goals of addressing this research gap and enable a better understanding of this reality in Portugal, this project aims to present an empirical research proposal for the identification of the socio-demographic, psychological, motivational and behavioural characteristics and patterns of the human traffickers convicted of the practice of this crime in Portugal. This would be, therefore, an exploratory study, of an essentially qualitative nature, conducted through either the use of semi structured interviews to a sample of individuals serving prison sentences for all, and any forms of trafficking covered by the Portuguese law, as well as through the application of the document analysis technique to the court records of trafficking cases convicted at the national level. Despiste the challenges or barriers that may arise in a future implementation of this proposal, it is hoped one day to move forward with a study of this nature in Portugal, believing that the creation of empirical data in this field may constitute a vital tool in the fight against, one of those that may be considered, the worst crimes that humanity is able to commit against itself.

Dissertação apresentada à Universidade Fernando Pessoa como parte dos requisitos para obtenção do grau de Mestre em Psicologia, com especialização em Psicologia Clínica e da Saúde.
A investigação sobre as condições que permitem uma boa Qualidade de Vida (QdV) na velhice, bem como as variações que a idade comporta, revestem-se de grande importância científica e social. Tentar responder à aparente contradição que existe entre velhice e Bem-Estar, ou mesmo a associação entre velhice e doença poderá contribuir para a compreensão do envelhecimento e dos limites e alcances do desenvolvimento humano. O principal objectivo do presente estudo consiste em tentar perceber em que medida algumas variáveis sociodemográficas, se relacionam com a Qualidade de Vida dos Idosos (QdV), bem como o seu Bem-Estar Psicológico (BEP), na medida em que alguns estudos têm evidenciado resultados opostos, quanto à existência de relações e diferenças estatisticamente significativas, quando se consideram variáveis sociodemográficas. Houve interesse também em analisar a relação entre estes dois construtos. Participaram 125 idosos, com idades compreendidas entre os 65 e os 92 anos (M=76,29 ; DP=7,54), na sua maioria a residir na comunidade e a frequentar Centros de Dia. Foram utilizados os seguintes instrumentos: uma ficha de recolha de dados sociodemográficos, o Health Organization. Quality of Life Instrument- Bref (WHOQOLBREF) e a Philadelphia Geriatric Center Morale Scale (PGCMS). Os principais resultados mostram a existência de relações significativas entre Qualidade de Vida e Bem-Estar. Constatou-se a existência de relações e diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre a Qualidade de Vida, o Bem-Estar Psicológico e algumas variáveis sociodemográficas na amostra do presente estudo. The investigation about the conditions that allow a good Quality of Life (QoL) in old age, such as the variety in wich the ageing process with olds, reveals a great cientific and and social importance. Trying to respond to the apparent contradiction that exist between old age and well-being, or even the association between old age and illness would contribute to the understanding of the ageing process and its limits in the humam development. The main goal of this study consists in trying to comprehend to what extent some socio-demographic variables relate with the QoL of elders, such as their Psychological Well-Being, in the way studies some studies have demonstrated contradictory results, concerning the existence of statistically significant correlations and differences when taking into account the socio-demographic variables. There was also interest in analyzing the relation between the two matters. A hundred and twenty five elders participated in the study, within the ages between 65 and 92 years old (M= 76,29; SD= 7, 54), the majority live in the community and attend Day Care Centers. The following instrument were used: a socio-demographic data base was collected, the Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument- Bref (WHOQOL-BREF) e a Philadelphia Geriatric Center Morale Scale (PGCMS). The main results demonstrated significant correlations between QoL and Psychological Well-Being. Revealing the existence of correlations and significant statistical differences between QoL and Psychological Well-Being, and some socio-demographic variables in the sample of the present study. L´étude sur les conditions qui permettent une bonne Qualité de Vie aux personnes âgées, aussi bien que les changements que les années d’une vie comporte, démontre une grande importance scientifique et social. Essayer de répondre à l’aparent contradiction qui existe entre la vieillesse et le Bien-être, ou même l’association entre la vieillesse et la maladie pourrait contribuer à la compréhension du vieillissement et des limites et aboutissement du développement humain du développement humain. L’objectif principal de cette étude consiste à comprendre de quel manière certaines variables sociodémographiques influencent la qualité de Vie des Personnes Agées (QdV), bien comme leur Bien-être Psychologique (BEP), de quelle manière certaines études démontrent des résultats contradictoires, quand à l’existence d’une relation et les différences statistiquement significatives lorsque l’on utilise des variables sociodémographiques. Il y avait également l’intérêt d’examiner la relation entre ces deux concepts. Cent vingt cinq personnes âgées ont participés, âge de 65 et 92 ans (M=76,29 ; DP=7,54), dans sa majorité vivant dans leur communauté et fréquentant des Centres de jours. Nous avons utilisé les instruments suivants : un formulaire de collecte de donnés sociodémographiques, le Health Organization. Quality of Life Instrument – Bref (WHOQOL- BREF) et la Philadelphia Geriatric Center Morale Scale (PGCMS). Les principaux résultats montrent l’existence d’une relation significative entre la qualité de Vie et le Bien-être. Il a été constaté l’existence de relations et de différences significatives entre Qualité de Vie, le Bien-être Psychologique et certaines variables sociodémographiques de l’échantillon de cette étude.

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Introduction: The use/consumption of psychoactive substances is considered a complex phenomenon, which has biological, psychological and social origins and consequences. Objectives: Describing, analyzing and comparing socio-demographic, psychological and clinical characteristics presented by a population having a Substance Use Disorder. Casuistic and Method: A convenience sample comprising 50 adult male patients who took part in the present study were seen in a Psychosocial Attention Center Alcohol and Drugs (CAPSad) based in a medium-sized city located in São Paulo State countryside. An Identification Form containing personal and socio-demographic features, as well as a Semi-directed Interview Script, were used for people with alcohol and/or drug-related problems. Data were analyzed by means of non-parametric statistic evidences and qualitative analysis of frequency and percentage of answer category having the same semantic meaning. Results: The study group mostly comprised an adult (28-37 and 48-58 years old), negroid (62%), not engaged (72%), evangelic (44%), unemployed (59,18%) population born in areas around the target city (44,68%), with 5 to 8 years of study (42%) and a monthly family income of 3-5 minimum salaries (47,73%). 68% of these patients had been under treatment for at most a month, especially the youngest interviewed ones (18-37 years old). There has been balance between the participants directed to CAPSad and the ones who have searched for help on their own. Some of the main reasons for this search were: willingness to quit consuming, psychological and emotional problems, as well as chemical addiction. 43,18% of the patient sample were abused (esp. physically) in childhood and/or adolescence, and 74% reported having family problems involving alcohol and/or others drugs. Psychoactive substances use was a contributing factor to damages in the quality of relationship with family of origin, spouse and children. Participants reported significant changes and social repertoire and part of leisure activities was associated to the very use of substances or related activities. 76,60% declared having friends who made use of alcohol and/or other drugs. Alcohol (98%), nicotine (84%), cocaine (72%) and cannabis (72%) derivates, inhalants (48%), hallucinogens (22%) and psychotropic medicine (12%) were the most commonly consumed drugs in a lifetime found among patients. Marijuana, cocaine and crack were statistically associated to research youngest population. 64% started using substances in adolescence, mainly due to friendship, party attendance and curiosity and 38% of these youngsters already made continuous use of them in this very life stage. 66% indicated ‗group, friendship circle, friends as usage partners, 72,92% declared uninterrupted use of drugs for some days and 86% of them reported having had periods without any drug contact. The main factors encountered to relapse were loneliness, family distance, belief of being able to drink with no negative consequences, as well as of feeling fine, use willingness and pleasure and individual psychological characteristics. The most common treatments for problems with alcohol and/or other drugs were CAPSad, Hospitalization, Emergency Room, ―Alcoólicos Anônimos‖, ―Narcóticos Anônimos‖, ―Amor Exigente‖ and religion. Participants reported psychological (96%), physical (90%) and cognitive (71,92%) damages related to substance use. Conclusions: It has been observed that a great percentage of the total number of adult participants in the present study presented significant damages related to alcohol and other drugs abuse/dependence, compromising all individual s functioning areas. Although the results are not conclusive to predicting factors in childhood to drug use, considering sample characteristics varied from worse to better socioeconomics and life conditions. In adolescence, individuals with significant damages, changes and sufferings, in touch with user friends and presenting common features for abuse maintenance were predominant. We may conclude that efficient health promoting and prevention programs and more effective treatments and rehabilitation programs must take into consideration users population heterogeneity.
Introdução: Considera-se o uso de substâncias psicoativas um fenômeno complexo, com origens e consequências biológicas, psicológicas e sociais. Objetivos: Descrever, analisar e comparar características sociodemográficas, psicossociais e clínicas apresentadas por uma população com Transtornos por Uso de Substâncias. Casuística e Método: Participou da pesquisa uma amostra de conveniência com 50 pacientes adultos, sexo masculino, atendida no Centro de Atenção Psicossocial Álcool e Drogas (CAPSad) de uma cidade de médio porte do interior do Estado de São Paulo. Foram utilizados: Ficha de Identificação, contendo características pessoais e sociodemográficas e Roteiro de Entrevista Semidirigida para pessoas com problemas relacionados ao álcool e/ou outras drogas. Os dados foram analisados por meio de provas da estatística não paramétrica e por análise qualitativa a partir de frequências e porcentagens de categorias de respostas com mesma semântica de enunciados. Resultados: Pode-se destacar uma população adulta (28-37 e 48-58 anos), negróide (62%), sem companheiro(a) (72%), com 5 a 8 anos de estudos (42%), evangélica (44%), natural da região administrativa da cidade alvo do estudo (44,68%), com renda mensal familiar de 3 a 5 salários mínimos (47,73%) e desempregada (59,18%). 68% estavam em tratamento no período de ‗até um mês , principalmente os entrevistados mais jovens da pesquisa (18-37 anos). Houve equilíbrio entre participantes que foram encaminhados ao CAPSad e os que buscaram ajuda por conta própria, sendo os principais motivos: cessar o consumo, problemas psicológicos, emocionais e dependência química. 43,18% sofreram abusos (principalmente físicos) na infância e/ou na adolescência e 74% relataram possuir familiares com problemas de álcool e/ou outras drogas. Uso de substâncias psicoativas foi um fator contribuinte para prejuízos na qualidade dos relacionamentos com família de origem, cônjuge e filhos. Os participantes referiram significativa mudança e redução do repertório social e parte das fontes de lazer esteve relacionada ao próprio uso de substâncias ou atividades afins. 76,60% relataram possuir amigos que faziam uso de álcool e/ou outras drogas. Álcool (98%), nicotina (84%), derivados de coca (72%) e de canabinóides (72%), inalantes (48%), alucinógenos (22%), medicamentos psicotrópicos (12%) foram os tipos de drogas mais consumidas durante a vida. Maconha, cocaína e crack foram associadas estatisticamente à população mais jovem da pesquisa. 64% iniciaram o uso de substâncias na adolescência, sendo os principais motivos amizades, frequência em festas e curiosidade e 38% já faziam uso contínuo nessa mesma fase da vida. 66% relataram ‗turma, amigos, colegas como companheiros de uso, 72,92% uso ininterrupto de drogas por alguns dias e 86%, períodos sem o consumo. Principais fatores relacionados à recaída foram solidão, distância dos familiares, impressão de poder beber sem consequências negativas ou de estar bem, vontade e prazer no uso e características psicológicas próprias dos entrevistados. Tratamentos mais utilizados para problemas com álcool e/ou outras drogas foram CAPSad, Internação, Pronto Socorro, Alcoólicos Anônimos, Narcóticos Anônimos, Amor exigente e Religioso. 96% dos participantes relataram prejuízos psicológicos, 90% físicos, e 71,92% cognitivos, relacionados ao consumo de substâncias. Conclusões: Na vida adulta foram evidenciados, para quase a totalidade dos participantes do presente estudo, significativos prejuízos relacionados ao abuso/dependência de álcool e/ou outras drogas, em todas as áreas de funcionamento dos indivíduos. Embora os resultados não permitem evidenciar fatores considerados como preditores na infância para o início do uso de substâncias, uma vez que características da amostra foram variadas entre piores e melhores condições socioeconômicas e de vida, para a adolescência, houve predomínio de sujeitos com prejuízos relevantes, mudanças e sofrimentos, em contato com amigos usuários, demonstrando características comuns para a manutenção do abuso. Há a necessidade de programas eficazes de promoção e prevenção de saúde, tratamentos e reabilitações mais efetivos que levem em consideração a heterogeneidade da população usuária.

Malgré des recherches intensives portant sur l’hérédité et les aspects biologiques de la rétinite pigmentaire (RP), peu de recherches fondées ont porté sur les aspects psychologiques. Ces quelques études suggèrent que les personnes atteintes de rétinite pigmentaire s’adaptent différemment à la déficience visuelle. Le but de la présente étude était donc de vérifier si les personnes atteintes de rétinite pigmentaire s’adaptaient différemment d’un point de vue psychologique par rapport à des personnes ayant une déficience visuelle causée par une autre pathologie. Des entrevues téléphoniques incluant des personnes ayant la rétinite pigmentaire, la rétinopathie diabétique (RD) et l’albinisme ont été menées. Cinq questionnaires ont été utilisés afin d’évaluer le bien-être psychologique et de recueillir les données démographique. Les résultats de la première étude démontrent qu’il n’existe aucune différence entre les individus atteints de rétinite pigmentaire et ceux ayant d’autres pathologies visuelles d’un point de vue « bien-être psychologique ». En fait, les facteurs démographiques, la baisse de vision, les fluctuations et le type de perte de vision semblent être les seuls facteurs directement corrélés à l’adaptation et au bien-être psychologique. Dans la deuxième étude, aucune différence n’a pu être établie entre les trois types de pathologies. Ce sont plutôt, des facteurs comme la perception des capacités fonctionnelles, l’identité personnelle, l’appréhension de la perception sociale et le niveau d’indépendance qui étaient davantage reliés au bien-être psychologique associé à la déficience visuelle. Les résultats de cette étude suggèrent que les personnes atteintes de Rétinite pigmentaire ne présentent pas de différences au niveau du bien-être psychologique et de l’adaptation. Les facteurs démographiques et psychologiques sont plus importants que la pathologie elle-même.
While there is extensive research on retinitis pigmentosa (RP) focusing on biological and hereditary aspects of the disease, little research regarding psychological adjustment has been conducted. These few studies suggest that people with RP adapt differently to vision impairment. This study investigated whether those with RP adapt differently to vision loss/impairment than those with other vision disorders. Telephone interviews of those with RP, diabetic retinopathy (DR), and albinism were conducted. Demographic information was gathered and psychological wellbeing was assessed using the Visual Function-14, Centre of Epidemiology Studies Depression-10 symptoms index, Impact of Vision Impairment Profile, Brief COPE, and Adaptation to Vision Loss Scale. In Experiment I it was found that individuals with RP did not differ from those with other diagnoses on any of the measures of psychological wellbeing and adaptation. Rather, demographic factors, visual factors such as declining and fluctuating vision, and pattern of vision loss, were better correlates of adaptation to and psychological wellbeing associated with vision loss/impairment. In Experiment II there was no difference found between those with RP and other diagnoses on any of the measures. Rather, factors such as perceived visual ability, self-identity, fear of social stigma and level of dependence were more closely related to adaptation to and psychological wellbeing associated with vision loss/impairment. The results of this study suggest that individuals with RP do not differ from those with other vision disorders in their adaptation to and psychological wellbeing associated with vision loss/impairment, but that other demographic, visual and psychological factors are more important.

碩士
國立臺北大學
企業管理學系
102
It is widely acknowledged in recent years that global warming has caused abnormal and extreme weather worldwide. The CO2emission per capita in Taiwan is 11.31 metric tons in 2011, which ranks #21 in the world (IEA, 2012). Taiwanese household electricity usage per capita ranks #32 in the world, far more than other developed nations, such as United Kingdom and Germany (UN,2005). Taiwanese government has thus focused on reducing electricity consumption as a means to cut carbon emission. For many household electricity consumption studies, the target variables which signifying energy consumption can be divided into two broad groups: energy saving intentions and actual electricity consumption. The information used for the later include is the amount of electricity consumed by the whole household every two months and/or the bi-monthly electricity bill. However, such an overarching data can only reveal limited amount of details concerning power usage throughout time. In this study, the real-time consumption data for one of most common brown goods, TV, is used. Such data is collected by the “Green Energy Management System for Cloud Intelligence” (In-Snergy) (provided by Taiwan Institute for Information Industry). Four psychological determinants are selected, namely environmental attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control and personal norm. The first three determinants are the major constructs from Theory of Planned Behavior, which is one of the theories often used to discuss pro-environmental behavior. Environmental attitude is defined as the degree a person would determine the behavior as favorable or unfavorable depending on the its cost, effort and time, and potential benefits; whereas subjective norm refers to an individual’s perception of social pressure to perform a behavior or not and her motivations to comply with such social pressures. Perceived behavioral control refers to a person awareness of the degree of difficulty to complete a certain behavior. The last determinant, personal norm, is adopted from the Norm Activation Model and it is defined as an individual’s internalized moral which reflects the perceived level of self-approval and responsibility when engaging in a behavior. The research data were collected in the period from January 2013 to January 2014. Twenty one sets of In-Snergy tools were installed to households located in the greater Taipei area. Due to the limited number of tool sets, each set was installed in a household for the minimum of two to three weeks before it was installed to other households. The sample size in total is 65 households. The data analysis methods include descriptive analysis, principle component analysis, and the linear regression. The results showed that: (1) intention to reduce electricity consumption is significantly influenced by the psychological variables (subjective norm); (2) television consumption behavior is not significantly affected by demographic variables; (3) whether the appliance is in a state of need or not would determine how the television consumption behavior is affected by the psychological variables.

A Research Report submitted to the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand of Johannesburg, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Msc degree in the field of Epidemiology and Biostatistics November 2015
Background: Worldwide, more people die annually from cardiovascular diseases than from any other cause. Evidence seems to support that these conditions account for nearly 30% of all deaths worldwide, with more than 10 million of deaths occurring among people aged less than 70 years old. Low and middle income countries are the most affected by these conditions, with proportions of more than 80% of cardiovascular diseases deaths occurring in these countries. Although reducing major risk factors such as tobacco use, obesity, hypertension and lifestyle are key steps toward an effective prevention of these man-made diseases, it is also highly recommended to document demographic and socioeconomic factors associated with these deaths. However, considerable uncertainties regarding the epidemiology of CVDs persist in the African continent. Aims: This study aims to investigate the demographic and socioeconomic factors associated with cardiovascular diseases mortality in South Africa from 2006 – 2011. Secondly, the study wanted to document geographic variations of CVDs deaths across South Africa. Methods: Using repeated cross-sectional data from the vital registration system in South Africa, we investigated demographic and socioeconomic factors associated with CVDs deaths in South Africa, using simple logistic regression model, Cox proportional hazard model and Cox frailty, accounting for a random effect at district level. The hazard ratios of the Cox shared frailty model were mapped to show geographical variation across the nine provinces. Results: 3,454,868 deaths were registered at the Department of Home Affairs from 2006 – 2011. Of these deaths, about 500,633 were attributable to CVDs. The final sample contained 598,013 deaths for which relevant data were available. Gender, age, race, education, tobacco use were associated with CVDs death. Males had 6% reduced risk for dying from CVDs (HR: 0.94; 95% C.I: 0.92 – 0.95). The risk for CVDs mortality increased with education level, confirming lifestyle effect among those with tertiary education (HR: 2.19; 95% C.I: 2.11 – 2.28). Smokers had 31% increased risk (HR: 1.31, 95% C.I: 1.29 – 1.33) for dying from CVDs. Most important significant geographic variations were displayed regarding CVDs mortality, with people who lived in Free State and Kwazulu Natal having the highest risk for dying from CVDs (HR: 1.17; 95% C.I: 1.05 – 1.30 and 1.19; 95% C.I: 1.07 – 1.31 respectively) compared to those who lived in Northern Cape. Conclusion: The results of this study highlight important socioeconomic and demographic differentials regarding CVDs mortality and provide supporting arguments for significant geographical variations of CVDs mortality at provincial level.

Background: Stunting is impaired linear growth that occurs within the first 1000 days of life and continues later in life. It is associated with short and long term morbidity. This study aims to examine the association between stunting and maternal biodemographic and socioeconomic characteristics in children 0-59 months in Ghana.  Methodology: The study is an analysis of a nationally representative sample of households, based on the socio-ecological framework. Data was sourced from the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) conducted in 2014. Logistic regression was used to analyze 2759 children aged 0-59 months.  Results: The prevalence of stunting was 17.6%. Children 24-35 months had higher odds of stunting (OR=10.6 95% CI 5.18-21.8). Boys had higher odds than girls to be stunted (OR=1.62, 95% CI 1.21-2.17). There was an association between early initiation of breastfeeding, access to proper toilet facility, mothers’ level of education and ethnicity with stunting. Difficult access to healthcare was associated with high risk of stunting (OR=10.3, 95% CI, 1.38-76.8). Households with more than two U-5 children had higher odds of stunting (OR=1.61, 95% CI, 1.10-2.34). Conclusions: Stunting is a public health concern in Ghana. To address stunting, multisectorial interventions needs to be targeted at extending nutrition programmes to above 24 months. Nutrition interventions should prioritize early initiation of breastfeeding. Easy access to quality healthcare by strengthening the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) should be promoted. Results also suggested that it is critical to invest in free education and scale up family planning programs.

Back pain is a major health problem in the Western World impacting on individuals, their families and the whole society. Back pain causes significant economic costs due to health expenses and absenteeism from work. Most cases of back pain respond well to treatments and are resolved within weeks. However, some individuals do not respond well to medical treatments and experience persistent back pain that becomes chronic in nature. Chronic back pain is characterised by its duration and its poor response to medical interventions. The literature researched indicated that in most cases the experience of chronic back pain is heavily influenced by psychosocial factors, which impact on individuals more than the original injury or disease. There is limited literature in relation to biopsychosocial factors and treatment up-take. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of biopsychosocial factors in the experience of chronic back pain. It was hypothesised that biopsychosocial factors would have an impact on the number of treatments received and the level of disability reported. A total of 201 adult participants (men and women) completed a battery of questionnaires that collected demographic information, psychological distress, social support, pain levels and disability scores. The findings indicated that psychosocial factors had a greater impact on the number of treatment sessions and reported disability than level and/or duration of pain. Education level was the strongest marker for both hypotheses with tertiary educated participants reporting significantly higher numbers of treatment sessions and lower disability scores. The findings of this study supported the Biopsychosocial Model of Health and the Theory of Social Causation. In addition, the findings supported previous research that advocated that a diagnosis of chronic back pain is a unique condition different from acute or temporary pain. Furthermore, the findings supported the creation of new diagnostic and measurement tools for chronic back that include psychological and social measures in addition to biological indicators. Finally, the findings offered renewed backing for interdisciplinary approaches to the treatment of chronic back pain in light to its multifaceted nature.

Food insecurity in South Africa is not due to a shortage of food in the country but to inadequate access to food by poor groups of individuals and households. Many people, who lost their jobs due to retrenchments or can’t find suitable jobs for various reasons, revert to street trading or other activities of the informal economy as a survival strategy. There is limited information on understanding the food security status and strategies used by street traders and their households in Durban. This study aims to understand the extent of food insecurity among street traders in terms of their access to food, the quality of food consumed and the strategies they used to cope with food shortage. A mixed research method composed of a survey, face to face interviews and observations were conducted with a sample population of 120. The findings of this study confirmed that the sector was dominated by semi-literate people who generated R2000 per month which was to be shared with an average of 4 members of their respective households. Consequently, the majority of street traders’ households lived below the poverty line, thus food insecure. Limited income compromised the quality of food consumed: energy dense food dominated their food; hence 59.2% suffered from communicable lifestyle diseases. The study recommended more studies in this field, the extension of the Isipingo census to the entire municipality and the decriminalization of street trading by the municipality in order to improve the food security situation of street traders.
Geography
M.A. (Human Ecology)

The objectives of the research were to examine the relationship between organizational commitment, career adaptability and retention factors within the retail sector in the Western Cape and to determine whether the demographical variables (age, gender, race, marital status, tenure and job level) influence an employees’ decision to stay with or to leave the organisation. A cross-sectional quantitative, correlational research approach was followed wherein a nonprobability convenience sampling (N=224) of permanent customer service employees of a reputable retail store in the Western Cape was used. The data were collected by means of Organisational Commitment Questionnaire (OCQ by Meyer & Allen, 1997), Career Adapt-Abilities Scale (CAAS by Savickas & Porfeli, 2012) and Retention Factor Measurement Scale (RFMS by Döckel, 2003). Correlational analysis revealded that statistical significant and positive relationships exist between organisational commitment, career adaptability and retention factors. A stepwise regression analysis indicated that organisational commitment and career adaptability significantly and positively predict retention factors. Tests for mean differences revealed that some differences do exists in organisational commitment, career adaptability and retention factors in terms of demographical variables (age, gender, race, marital status, tenure and job level). Recommendations are suggested for use by human resource managers and practitioners in terms of retention strategies and practices, specifically within the retail sector
Human Resource Management
M. Com. (Human Resource Management)