The association between stress,self‐esteem and childhood acceptance in nursing and pharmacy students: a comparative cross‐cultural analysis

The proposition that stress level is affected by self‐esteem development, for which acceptance from others in childhood is a key issue, was tested in two health care professions. The sample was 131 from nursing studies and 91 from pharmacy studies at a university in London, and 344 from nursing and 976 from pharmacy in Tokyo. Levels of stress were measured with the Perceived Stress Scale, self‐esteem with the Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Scale and childhood acceptance with the Parental Nurturance Scale. The data were analysed in terms of levels of and causal path between stress, self‐esteem and childhood acceptance. The proposed mechanism was supported among the nursing and pharmacy students in both British and Japanese cultures. The sample was also found to be substantially high on stress and low on self‐esteem and childhood acceptance. The results suggested that those entering the health care profession, such as nursing and pharmacy, have some additional vulnerability to stress compared with the general population. Enhancing self‐esteem was strongly recommended in stress management for health care professions. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Job stress and employee well‐being: a cross‐cultural empirical study

This study examined the relationship between job stress and employee well‐being among teachers in Canada and Pakistan. Job stress was operationalized in terms of perceived experiences at the job which were chronic in nature. Employee well‐being was operationalized in terms of burnout and its three dimensions (emotional exhaustion, lack of accomplishment and depersonalization), intrinsic motivation, job involvement and turnover intention. Data were collected by means of a structured questionnaire from teachers in metropolitan cities in Canada (N=420) and Pakistan (N=335). Pearson correlation and moderated multiple regression were used to analyze the data. In both countries, job stress was significantly related to a number of well‐being variables. Moderated multiple regression did not support the role of gender as a moderator of the stress–well‐being relationship. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Association of lower urinary tract symptoms with sexual dysfunction: a cross‐cultural study between Japanese and American men with localized prostate cancer

OBJECTIVE

To assess the association of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) with sexual function, and estimate the correlates of LUTS among Japanese and American men with localized prostate cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In all, 343 Japanese men and 307 American men with prostate cancer were enrolled in the study. Sexual function and sexual bother were measured separately with the University of California‐Los Angeles Prostate Cancer Index and obstructive/irritative voiding symptoms were measured with the American Urological Association Symptom Index (AUA SI).

RESULTS

Japanese men had worse sexual function scores than the American men before treatment, whereas no differences were reported between Japanese and American men in sexual bother scores. Japanese and American men also did not differ meaningfully in AUA SI. However, those with moderate to severe LUTS reported significantly worse sexual bother scores than those with mild symptoms in both Japanese and American men (P = 0.004 and <0.001, respectively). The Japanese men were more likely to have LUTS than were American men (odds ratio 1.60, P = 0.029). Age and sexual function were highly associated with LUTS (odds ratio 1.35, P = 0.027; and 0.652, P = 0.001, respectively). The comorbidity count was independently associated with worse urinary symptoms (odds ratio 1.23, P = 0.015).

CONCLUSIONS

We posit that cultural differences in the meaning or salience of sexual functioning, and the interpretation of the questionnaire in quality‐of‐life surveys, might explain the different profiles in the association of LUTS with sexual activity in Japanese and American men with localized prostate cancer.     

Physical self‐concept and social physique anxiety: invariance across culture,gender and age

This study examined the effects of culture, gender and age on the structure and mean levels of physical self‐concept (PSC) and social physique anxiety (SPA) in adolescents from Portugal and Spain. An additional aim was to examine the effects of these variables on the PSC‐SPA correlation. Adolescents (N = 3528, age range 12–18 years) completed the social physique anxiety scale and physical self‐worth scale from the physical self‐perception profile. Single‐ and multi‐sample confirmatory factor analyses supported a two‐factor model of PSC and SPA in the overall sample and within and across the culture, gender and age subsamples. Latent means analyses indicated that females tended to have significantly higher average SPA levels and lower PSC levels relative to males. There was a general downward trend in PSC in males and females in each cultural group. SPA was relatively consistent in females and higher than males in most groups. SPA was relatively similar in males and females in younger age groups (born 1994–1996), but declined in older males. SPA was similar in Portuguese males and females in the youngest age group (born 1996), but males tended to have lower scores in older age groups. Results generally support hypotheses and are discussed relative to self‐presentation models and coping with appearance‐related stress. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Management of idiopathic anal fistula using cross‐linked collagen: a prospective phase 1 study

Aim Fibrin glue and porcine intestinal submucosa are used in novel sphincter‐preserving techniques to heal anal fistulae. However, their success is highly variable and decreases with the length of follow up. The aim of this study was to assess the safety, feasibility and potential efficacy of another novel agent, cross‐linked collagen, in two different physical formats, to heal anal fistulae. Method Prospectively recruited patients underwent symptom, continence and anal physiology assessments and magnetic resonance imaging. Patients with secondary tracts or acute sepsis were excluded. At operation, participants were randomized to receiving a solid collagen implant or collagen fibres suspended in fibrin glue. Follow up included repeat symptom, continence and physiological assessments at 3 months, and regular clinical review thereafter. Results Twenty‐nine of 43 entrants were eligible for inclusion. Thirteen patients received the collagen implant, and 16 collagen–fibrin glue. Three months postoperation, no patient experienced acute sepsis or continence disturbance, and sphincter function and integrity were unchanged. At 29 months, 12 of 15 (one lost to follow up) patients treated with collagen–fibrin glue were healed, compared with seven of 13 who received the implant. Conclusion In the short‐to‐medium term, both techniques are safe and equally effective. The results justify continued research into the use of biomaterials to heal anal fistulae.     

Cultural and gender differences in perceiving stressors: a cross‐cultural investigation of African and Western students in Chinese colleges

This study was aimed to provide basic information about stress perceptions among overseas college students in China. In addition, it was also aimed at determining whether differences exist between cultures in their ways of perceiving stressors. To attain the research goals, Study Abroad Stress Survey (SASS) was administered to 82 Africans (46 men and 36 women), and 74 Westerners (32 men and 42 women) in 11 universities in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. Percentages of subjects' responses on SASS items were calculated to judge variations that exist between Africans and Westerners and between male and female in their perception of stressors. Results indicated that academic and interpersonal sources of stress were the most common stressors perceived by the two groups. High pressure and challenges perceived by both African and Western students were classified as daily strains. No group differences existed in subtotal perceptions for the four categories of stress measured. Group variations existed only in their sub‐divisional areas of stress. Both male and female students tend to experience the highest stress levels due to daily strains. Minor differences in perception of stressors such as attaining lower grades, missing too many classes, and working with unfamiliar peoples were concluded between male and female students. The study has suggested a need for cross‐cultural orientation of students in an effort to promote effective coping and health during a study abroad experience which will offer them an opportunity to learn and grow. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Stress management by psychosomatic training: effects of ChunDoSunBup Qi‐training on symptoms of stress: a cross‐sectional study

We examined the effects of ChunDoSunBup (CDSB) Qi‐training, one of Korea's traditional forms of psychosomatic training, on stress coping ability by cross‐sectional investigation using the Symptoms of Stress (SOS) inventory. Four types of groups—normal health (n=74) and three groups of Qi‐trainees (group Q1: subjects with CDSB Qi‐training for 1–4 months, n=64; Q2: 5–12 months, n=50; Q3: more than 13 months, n=66)—participated in this study. Qi‐trainees with over 13 months training had significantly lower scores in all the SOS subscales compared to the controls. A significant negative correlation was found between the Qi‐training period and all SOS subscales. The total stress scores of the Qi‐trainee groups were substantially lower than those of the controls and there was further reduction with longer training periods. These results suggest CDSB Qi‐training is effective in stress management and in decreasing symptoms of stress. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Type‐A behavior in a multinational organization: a study of two countries

This study examined the relationship of global Type A and its components (time pressure and hard driving/competitiveness) with job performance, job satisfaction and health problems among employees working in a multinational company in Malaysia (N = 305) and Pakistan (N = 325). Data were collected by means of a structured questionnaire from employees concerning Type‐A behavior, job satisfactions and health problems. Job performance data were obtained from the company's personnel files. The immediate supervisor provided the job performance rating annually for all employees. Bivariate multiple regressions were used to analyze the data. Global Type A and its two components were not related to job performance in either countries. Global Type A and the components time pressure and hard driving/competitiveness were significantly related to job satisfaction and health problems in both countries. Some support for the differential effects of Type‐A behavior components on health problems was noted in both samples. Implications of findings are discussed for international and cross‐cultural research. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Job Burnout,Work Engagement and Self‐reported Treatment for Health Conditions in South Africa

The purpose of the study being reported here was to investigate the relationship of job burnout and work engagement with self‐reported received treatment for health conditions (cardiovascular condition, high cholesterol, depression, diabetes, hypertension and irritable bowel syndrome), while controlling for age, gender, smoking and alcohol use. The sample comprised 7895 employees from a broad range of economic sectors in the South African working population. A cross‐sectional survey design was used for the study. Structural equation modelling methods were implemented with a weighted least squares approach. The results showed that job burnout had a positive relationship with self‐reported received treatment for depression, diabetes, hypertension and irritable bowel syndrome. Work engagement did not have any significant negative or positive relationships with the treatment for these health conditions. The results of this study make stakeholders aware of the relationship between job burnout, work engagement and self‐reported treatment for health conditions. Evidence for increased reporting of treatment for ill‐health conditions due to burnout was found. Therefore, attempts should be made to manage job burnout to prevent ill‐health outcomes. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Occupational stress and gender: a cross‐cultural study

The aim of this study was to examine the interaction of gender and culture in managers' experiences of work stress. Data were collected on sources of occupational stress (stressors), coping and consequences of occupational stress (strains) from male and female managers from four countries—South Africa, the United Kingdom, United States of America and Taiwan. Few significant results were found for the interaction between country and gender on any of the measures. When the sample as a whole was examined, however, there were also virtually no differences in sources of work stress, but there were differences in the consequences of work stress for male and female managers. The implications of finding a lack of differences in sources of work stress for males and females combined with finding differences in strains for male and female managers are discussed. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The role of coping responses in the relationship between perceived stress and disordered eating in a cross‐cultural sample of female university students

The aim of the study was to determine whether a relationship exists between perceived stress and disordered eating among 349 female, residential, first year students (143 Black and 206 White). The possible influence of coping responses and cultural differences on this relationship was also investigated. The participants completed measures of disordered eating, coping responses and perceived stress. Body mass index scores were also calculated. Product‐term regression analyses were conducted to investigate whether coping responses mediated or moderated the relationship between perceived stress and disordered eating. The results indicated a significant correlation between perceived stress and disordered eating among the White female students. Furthermore, with the exception of drive for thinness, similar results were found for the Black female participants. Coping responses did not moderate the relationship between perceived stress and disordered eating among the White female students. Coping responses did, however, act as mediators in this group. Coping responses were found not to moderate nor mediate the relationship between perceived stress and disordered eating among Black females. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Adolescents’ experience of a rapid HIV self‐testing device in youth‐friendly clinic settings in Cape Town South Africa: a cross‐sectional community based usability study

Introduction : Since HIV testing in South African adolescents and young adults is sub‐optimal, the objective of the current study was to investigate the feasibility and acceptability of an HIV rapid self‐testing device in adolescents and young people at the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation Youth Centre and Mobile Clinic. Methods : Self‐presenting adolescents and young adults were invited to participate in a study investigating the fidelity, usability and acceptability of the AtomoRapid HIV Rapid self‐testing device. Trained healthcare workers trained participants to use the device before the participant conducted the HIV self‐test with device usage instructions. The healthcare worker then conducted a questionnaire‐based survey to assess outcomes. Results : Of the 224 enrolled participants between 16 and 24 years of age, 155 (69,2%) were female. Overall, fidelity was high; 216 (96,4%) participants correctly completed the test and correctly read and interpreted the HIV test result. There were eight (3,6%) user errors overall; six participants failed to prick their finger even though the lancet fired correctly. There were two user errors where participants failed to use the capillary tube correctly. Participants rated acceptability and usability highly, with debut testers giving significantly higher ratings for both. Younger participants gave significantly higher ratings of acceptability. Conclusions : Adolescents and young adults found HIV self‐testing highly acceptable with the AtomoRapid and they used the device accurately. Further research should investigate how, where and when to deploy HIV self‐testing as a means to accompany existing strategies in reaching the UNAIDS goal to test 90% of all individuals worldwide.     

Applying a cognitive‐emotional model to nonsuicidal self‐injury

The recently proposed cognitive‐emotional model of nonsuicidal self‐injury (NSSI) draws on emotion regulation models and social cognitive theory to understand the onset, maintenance, and cessation of NSSI. We tested the prediction of the model that the relationship between emotional reactivity and NSSI is moderated by specific cognitions about self‐injury (i.e., self‐efficacy to resist NSSI, NSSI outcome expectancies), emotion regulation, and rumination. A sample of 647 university students aged 17–25 years (M = 19.92, SD = 1.78) completed self‐report measures of the constructs of interest. As expected, we found that emotional reactivity was positively related to NSSI, particularly for people who had weak self‐efficacy to resist NSSI. However, emotional reactivity was negatively related to NSSI for people who were more likely to use expressive suppression to regulate emotion. Implications for the theoretical understanding of NSSI are discussed.     

Sense of personal control,stress and coping style: a cross‐cultural study

The relationship between personal control, stress, and psychological health is well documented, but these associations may represent a Western bias—a sense of personal control may only reflect individualistic Western values—distinct from Eastern collectivist values. This study examined the relationship between sense of personal control, stress, coping and psychological distress in a Japanese and British sample. Japanese respondents were found to have a significantly lower sense of personal control, report higher perceived stress and negative mood compared to British respondents. Cultural differences in coping styles were also identified: Japanese respondents were found to employ significantly more emotion‐focused strategies (i.e. escape–avoidance and positive reappraisal) when faced with stressful encounters compared to the British sample. No differences were found for problem‐focused coping. Sense of personal control was only associated with stress, psychological distress and coping style in the British sample—providing support for the notion of a Western bias. The results are discussed within the context of cross‐cultural stress and coping research and implications for future investigations are discussed. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Burnout,stress and health of employees on non‐standard work schedules: a study of Canadian workers

This study examined the relationship between non‐standard work schedules (shift work and weekend work) and job burnout, stress and psychosomatic health problems among full‐time employed Canadians in a large metropolitan city on the east coast. Data were collected by means of a structured mail back questionnaire (N = 376). Employees involved with weekend work reported significantly higher emotional exhaustion, job stress and psychosomatic health problems than employees not involved with weekend work. Similarly, employees on non‐standard work shifts (other than fixed day shift, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.) reported significantly higher overall burnout, emotional exhaustion, job stress and health problems than employees on a fixed day shift. Results from two‐way ANOVA indicated that employees involved with weekend work and non‐fixed day shifts reported significantly higher emotional exhaustion and health problems than other employees. Implications of the findings are discussed for future researchers in light of employee well‐being and non‐standard work schedules. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Work environment and changes in self‐rated health: a five year follow‐up study

A representative sample of 5001 Danish employees was followed for five years. The respondents were interviewed by telephone in 1990 and again in 1995. Social class, diseases, self‐rated health (SRH), and a number of psychosocial and other work environment factors were assessed in 1990, and SRH was measured again in 1995. We analyzed predictors of changes in SRH from 1990 to 1995. After control for age, gender, and disease, the following factors predicted worsening of SRH among respondents with good SRH in 1990: repetitive work, high psychological demands, low social support, high job insecurity, and high ergonomic exposures. After further control for social class, the ORs for some of these factors were reduced, but they all remained significant. Only one of the work environment factors, ergonomic exposures, predicted improvements in SRH among those respondents who had poor SRH in 1990. Many studies have shown that SRH is a powerful independent predictor for total mortality. This is the first study showing that a number of work environment factors predict worsening of SRH over time. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Chemical cross‐linking of xenopericardial biomeshes: A bottom‐up study of structural and functional correlations

Decellularized bovine pericardium (DBP)‐based biomeshes are the gold standard in reconstructive surgery. In order to prolong their stability after the transplantation, various chemical cross‐linking strategies are employed. However, structural and functional properties of the biomeshes differ in dependence on the cross‐linker used. Here, we performed a bottom‐up study of structural and functional alterations of DBP‐based biomeshes following cross‐linking with hexamethylene diisocyanate (HMDC), ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (EGDE), 1‐ethyl‐3‐(3‐dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide (EDC) and genipin. The in vitro cytotoxicity tests supported their clinical applicability. Their structural differences (eg roughness, fibre thickness, pore morphology) were evaluated using the two‐photon confocal laser scanning, atomic force, scanning electron and polarized light microscopies. HMDC and EDC samples appeared to be the roughest. Complex mechanical trials indicated the tendency to reduced Young’s Modulus and mechanical anisotropy values of DBP upon cross‐linking. The lowest mechanical anisotropy was found in EDC and genipin sample groups. In vitro collagenase susceptibility was the highest for EDC samples and the lowest for EGDE samples. The comparative analysis of the results allowed us to recognize the strengths and weaknesses of each cross‐linker in relation to a particular clinical application.