Mediterranean Diet Adherence and Subjective Well-Being in a Sample of Portuguese Adults

The Mediterranean diet (MD) and other lifestyle characteristics have been associated with well-being, a broad multiparameter concept that includes individual’s subjective assessment of their own well-being (SWB). Some studies have suggested that diet influences SWB, thus, this work aimed to add novel information on the association of MD and SWB in a sample of Portuguese adults. Data on sociodemographic, economic, lifestyle, diet, and SWB were collected through a self-filled online questionnaire. MD adherence was assessed by the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) score. Results showed a moderate adherence to the MD in 490 Portuguese adults (mean MEDAS of 7.4 ± 2.1). A higher MD adherence was found to be significantly positively associated with women, employed individuals, a higher number of meals per day, and those with frequent contact with nature (p-value < 0.0025, using Bonferroni adjustment). As a novelty, this study divided the participants into low SWB, medium SWB, and medium to high SWB profiles (3.9 ± 1.0; 6.2 ± 1.0; 8.2 ± 1.3, respectively; p-value < 0.05), which reported significantly increasing MEDAS scores (6.5 ± 2.1; 7.3 ± 2.1; 7.8 ± 1.9; respectively, p-value < 0.05).     

The Well-Being of Australian Service Mothers

In recent years servicewomen with dependent children have for the first time in history been deployed into conflict zones in support of Australian Defence Force operations. This represents a significant social change, and the implications of deployment on the health of these service mothers are not fully understood. Data from women who participated in the Middle East Area of Operations Census study were analyzed to compare the psychological and physical symptoms reported by service mothers with service women who had no dependent children at the time of deploying to Afghanistan and/or Iraq. Of the 921 women who were included in this analysis, 235 had dependent children and 686 had no dependent children (comparison group). Service mothers were significantly older and were more likely to have served in the Air Force than women in the comparison group. Findings demonstrate that serving mothers were not at any significantly higher risk of psychological distress, post-traumatic stress symptoms, alcohol misuse, or reporting of somatic symptoms, than women who had no dependent children. A number of possible explanations for these findings are discussed, including the healthy soldier/mother effect, support from partners and extended family members, and collegial networks.     

Swedish Women and New Technology

This paper provides information and analysis on the overall situation of women in Sweden with regard to computer based new technology. It is based on a survey of computer use in Sweden, carried out in June 1984 by Statistics Sweden. The aim of the study was to ascertain the knowledge base and experience with computers of the Swedish population. In order to study whether sex differences exist a special analysis of the data was carried out. Women are involved in new technology in Sweden to a very great extent, however, there is male dominance in both the initiation and develop ment of the technology. This may be as much reflective of general male and female roles in the workplace as of the nature of new technology itself.     

The Impact of Sexual Esteem, Body Esteem, and Sexual Satisfaction on Psychological Well-Being in People with Physical Disability

The current study investigated the association between sexuality and psychological well-being in people with physical disabilities. A total of 1,196 participants completed the study. There were 748 participants who had a physical disability and 448 participants who were able-bodied. The results demonstrated that sexual esteem, body esteem, and sexual satisfaction were strong predictors of self-esteem and depression among people with physical disability, and that this relationship was stronger among people with physical disability than able-bodied participants. It was also found that body esteem was more closely associated with self-esteem in disabled women, while sexual esteem was more closely associated with self-esteem in disabled men. The results of the study suggest that researchers and clinicians who are concerned with the psychological health of people with physical disability should consider strategies to improve the body esteem and sexual well-being of people with physical disabilities.     

The Role of Spirituality in Sustaining the Psychological Well-Being of HIV-Positive Black Women

ABSTRACT

Historically, spirituality has been an instrumental component to the survival of Black women. In an era when the HIV epidemic disproportionately compromises their health, it is imperative to explore spirituality's role in sustaining the psychological health of Black women living with HIV. This study examined the relationship between spirituality and self-reported depression among Black women living with HIV. A sample of 308 HIV-positive Black women were recruited from HIV/ AIDS clinics in the Southeastern United States. Participants completed an interview assessing demographics, quality of life, depression, coping, and spirituality. A hierarchical multiple regression was used to determine the association between spirituality and depression. The results suggest that in our sample, spirituality accounted for a small, yet significant proportion of variance in reducing depressive symptoms, above and beyond variance accounted for by demographic variables and other theoretically important psychosocial factors. In light of these findings, future studies with HIV-positive Black women should assess spirituality as a salient factor affecting psychological health. Developing interventions that address spirituality may serve to enhance women's psychological adjustment to living with HIV.     

A Cross-National Study of Subjective Sexual Well-Being Among Older Women and Men: Findings From the Global Study of Sexual Attitudes and Behaviors

Subjective sexual well-being refers to the cognitive and emotional evaluation of an individual's sexuality. This study examined subjective sexual well-being, explored its various aspects, examined predictors across different cultures, and investigated its possible associations with overall happiness and selected correlates, including sexual dysfunction. Data were drawn from the Global Study of Sexual Attitudes and Behaviors, a survey of 27,500 men and women aged 40-80 years in 29 countries. The cross-national variation of four aspects of sexual well-being (the emotional and physical satisfaction of sexual relationships, satisfaction with sexual health or function, and the importance of sex in one's life) was explored using cluster analysis, and relationships among sexual well-being, general happiness, and various correlates were examined using ordinary least squares regression and ordered logistic regression. Results from the cluster analysis identified three clusters: a gender-equal regime and two male-centered regimes. Despite this cultural variation, the predictors of subjective sexual well-being were found to be largely consistent across world regions.     

Physical Activity Patterns and Maternal Well-Being in Postpartum Women

OBJECTIVE: To examine changes in activity prepregnancy to postpartum; examine postpartum activity and sociodemographic predictors of maternal well-being; and, examine maternal well-being in subjects on the basis of sport/exercise activity prepregnancy to postpartum. METHODS: Ninety-one postpartum women completed a Kaiser Physical Activity Survey (KPAS) Ainsworth BE, Sternfeld B, Richardson MT, Jackson K. Evaluation of the Kaiser Physical Activity Survey in women. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2000; 32:1327-38. and the Lederman Postpartum Questionnaire (PPQ) Lederman RP, Weingarten CT, Lederman E. Postpartum self-evaluation questionaire: Measures of maternal adaptation. In: Raff BS, Carrol P, editors. Perinatal parental behaviour: Nursing research and implications for newborn health. New York: Alan R. Liss, 1981:201-31. Subjects recalled activity prepregnancy and postpartum for the KPAS indexes that included household/care giving (HC), active living habits (AL), occupation (0), and sports/exercise (SE). The PPQ has seven well-being subscales. RESULTS: Subjects with older infants or no other children increased HC and decreased O prepregnancy to postpartum compared to subjects with younger infants or > or =1 other child. Predictors of the variance in the PPQ subscales included SE and AL (21% in subscale one), SE (6.0% in subscale two), HC (5.3% in subscale three), socioeconomic status (19.7% in subscale four), O (5.0% in subscale five), education (5.2% in subscale seven). Subjects who maintained or increased SE showed better well-being as compared to subjects who reported no SE or decreased SE prepregnancy to postpartum. Conclusions: In this group of women, subjects with older infants or no other children reported higher HC and lower O prepregnancy to postpartum. Postpartum SE, education, and socioeconomic status were predictors of maternal well-being. In general, better maternal well-being was found among subjects maintaining or increasing SE compared to no SE or decreased SE prepregnancy to postpartum. Support from partner/husband, family, and friends were significant factors in maintaining or increasing SE.     

Life style intervention in general practice: Effects on psychological well-being and patient satisfaction

The objectives of this study were to: (1) study if an opportunistic screening of coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors among male attenders in general practice (GP) influenced the overall subjective satisfaction with life of persons labelled high risk compared to other screened persons; (2) compare psychological well-being and patient satisfaction in a patient centred and self-directive (PCSD) intervention with conventional care (CC); and (3) evaluate patient satisfaction and psychological well-being among subjects with high CHD risk during a one year intervention study. Effects of labelling were evaluated in 115 subjects with high CHD risk in comparison with a low risk reference population. The 22 participating GP centres were randomly allocated to follow either a PCSD intervention or a CC approach. An overall satisfaction with life question was employed and psychological well-being were measured using the General Health Questionnaire (20 item version). Satisfaction measures on health care aspects were also included. No difference of change between the high risk and the reference population was found concerning satisfaction with life after screening. No significant difference of change was found within or between the PCSD and the CC group concerning emotional well-being or overall satisfaction with life during one year intervention. Satisfaction with the care received was significantly better in the CC group as compared with the PCSD group (p=0.02). Satisfaction with own efforts for improving health was, however, more pronounced in the PCSD group (p=0.01). A substantial number (n=61) of the participants reported distaste of being reminded of the risk of heart disease and no more than 60 of the participants were satisfied with their own efforts for improving health. Although no significant change of satisfaction with life and emotional well-being due to screening or intervention could be detected, clinicians should be aware that encouraging patients to change life style may lead to patients' annoyance of being reminded of the risk of disease and dissatisfaction with their own efforts. Increasing patient responsibility and self-determination may improve their satisfaction with their own efforts, but reduce satisfaction with medical care.     

Professional Women's Well-Being: The Role of Discrimination and Occupational Characteristics

This study examined the association between perceived discrimination, workplace racial composition, and three outcomes—psychological distress, life dissatisfaction, and job dissatisfaction—among a sample of Black (n = 72) and White (n = 74) professional women. As a comparison, these relationships were analyzed to determine if they varied from those observed in more traditionally studied populations: Whites and non-professional Blacks, using data from a population of working women in the 1995 Detroit Area Study (N = 533). Perceived discrimination was associated with differences in psychological distress and job dissatisfaction but not with life dissatisfaction. The correlation between perceived discrimination and psychological distress was larger for White professional women than for Black professional women (White women odds ratio [OR]: 1.99; Black women OR: 0.80). A larger correlation between race and job dissatisfaction was observed for Black professional women than for Black non-professional women. The racial composition of the workplace was unrelated to any of the outcomes. Study results emphasized the importance of decreasing the frequency of discrimination for positive mental health and underscored the need for more systematic research on discrimination and health among Black women of higher socioeconomic status, a growing sub-population in the United States.     

Effects of Pilates-Based Exercise on Life Satisfaction,Physical Self-Concept and Health Status in Adult Women

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of Pilates-based mat exercises on life satisfaction, perception of appreciation by other people, perception of physical appearance, perception of functionality, total physical self-concept, and perception of health status in healthy women. A randomized controlled trial was conducted in Évora, Portugal, in 2008, in which 62 healthy adult women were randomized to a Pilates-based mat (experimental group) (n = 38, mean age ± SD, 41.08 ± 6.64 years) or a control group (n = 24, mean age ± SD, 40.25 ± 7.70 years). Experimental group participants performed the Initial Mat of Body Control Pilates twice per week, 60-minutes per session. Repeated measurements were performed at baseline, 3 months and 6 months. No significant differences between the two groups were observed in life satisfaction, perception of appreciation by other people, perception of physical appearance, perception of functionality, total physical self-concept, and perception of health status at three time point measures (baseline, after 3 months, and after 6 months). No significant differences were observed in the control group over time. The experimental group showed significant improvements between baseline and six months in life satisfaction (p = .04), perception of appreciation by other people (p = .002), perception of physical appearance (p = .001), perception of functionality (p = .01), total physical self-concept (p = .001), perception of health status (p = .013) and between three and six months in life satisfaction (p = .002), perception of appreciation by other people (p = .05), perception of physical appearance (p = .001), perception of functionality (p = .02), and total physical self-concept (p = .001). Life satisfaction, perception of appreciation by other people, perception of physical appearance, perception of functionality, total physical self-concept and perception of health status may improve after 6 months of Pilates-based mat exercise.     

以健康扶贫项目工程带动农村妇女病普查普治工作的实践与体会

目的探索在农村如何更有效地开展好妇女健康行动任务,规范以防治"宫颈癌、乳腺癌"(两癌)为目的的普查模式。方法从分析我市032项目工作情况入手,探讨妇幼保健机构在农村妇女健康行动中的地位和作用。结论我们的经验证明:⑴只有项目带动,政府积极支持,组织基层组织联动,为普查提供平台,妇幼保健机构才会有更大程度的展示机会,也才能更好地完成普查工作。⑵加大宣传工作力度。在农村妇女病普查普治工作中,应将工作重点放在宣传发动上,力争做到宣传工作家喻户晓,人人皆知。⑶妇幼保健机构是实施行动的主体,必须充分依托市、乡、村三级妇幼保健网络。⑷建立健全经费保障机制。     

The effects of a 12-week group exercise programme on physiological and psychological variables and function in overweight women

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a 12-week functional exercise programme on overweight women. METHODS: Twenty-six subjects (n=13 exercisers, n=13 controls) aged (mean+/-SD) 63 (+/-4) years completed the study. The exercise sessions were carried out twice each week for 12 weeks. The variables measured were body mass, body mass index, skin-fold thickness, resting blood pressure, total blood cholesterol, chair rise, timed 'up and go' test, 20-m walk,lifting a 1- and a 2-kg bag on to a shelf, stair walking, 'sit and reach' flexibility test, Life Satisfaction Index and Physical Self-perception Profile for Older Adults. The exercise sessions consisted of 40-min sessions during which the subjects performed aerobic and strength exercises. RESULTS: Paired analyses showed that body mass, body mass index, blood pressure (systolic and diastolic values), 'up and go' time, time to complete a 20-m walk, time to lift a 1- and a 2-kg bag with both the right and left arms onto a shelf, and stair climbing-total time and ascent time-decreased significantly in the exercise group. Also, the exercise group improved their Life Satisfaction Index score significantly compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that a functional exercise programme has the potential to improve performance in a number of physiological variables and functional activities in overweight women. The exercise programme enhanced life satisfaction.     

Burden of Oral Symptoms and Its Associations With Nutrition,Well-Being,and Survival Among Nursing Home Residents

ObjectivesTo explore how oral problems, chewing problems, dry mouth, and swallowing difficulties cluster and whether their burden is associated with nutritional status, eating habits, gastrointestinal symptoms, psychological well-being, and mortality among institutionalized residents.DesignCross-sectional study with 1-year mortality.Setting and participants3123 residents living in assisted facilities and nursing homes in Helsinki, Finland.MeasuresTrained nurses assessed residents in all nursing homes and assisted living facilities in Helsinki in 2011. A personal interview, the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), oral symptoms, questions about eating habits, and psychological well-being were used to assess each resident. We divided the subjects first according to the number of oral symptoms into 4 groups: no oral symptoms (G0), 1 oral symptom (G1), 2 oral symptoms (G2), and all 3 symptoms (G3); and second according to the symptoms: dry mouth, chewing problems, and swallowing difficulties. The diagnoses and medications were retrieved from medical records, and mortality data were obtained from central registers.ResultsIn all, 26% of the subjects had 1 oral problem (G1), 11% had 2 oral problems (G2), and 4% had all 3 oral problems (G3), whereas 60% (n = 1870) had no oral symptoms. Thus, the oral symptoms moderately overlapped. The burden of oral symptoms was linearly associated with malnutrition, higher numbers of comorbidities, dependency in physical functioning, gastrointestinal symptoms, and eating less and more often alone. The higher the burden of oral symptoms, the lower the self-rated health and psychological well-being. Mortality increased along with the higher oral symptoms burden. Among residents having 1 or more symptoms, 26% had chewing problems, 18% swallowing difficulties, and 15% dry mouth.Conclusions/ImplicationsThe burden of oral health problems was associated in a stepwise fashion with poor health and psychological well-being, malnutrition, and mortality. Clinicians should routinely assess older institutionalized residents' oral health status to improve residents’ well-being.     

Use of Anticholinergic Drugs and its Relationship With Psychological Well-Being and Mortality in Long-Term Care Facilities in Helsinki

Objectives

To assess the burden of drugs with anticholinergic properties (DAPs) and associated factors in long-term care facilities and to explore how psychological well-being and mortality are associated with the use of DAPs.

Adolescent Mothers' Subjective Well-Being and Mothering Challenges in a Yoruba Community,Southwest Nigeria

Well-being varies within cultures and context. Studies on the well-being and mothering challenges of adolescents in Nigeria have focused on the general poor well-being of adolescent mothers rather than exploring their agency and subjective well-being within specific context. This study explores adolescent mothers' (13–20 years) subjective well-being by focusing on their childbirth, mothering experiences, and available network of supports. Thirty face-to-face in-depth interviews were conducted through the support of four informants and peer referrals. Content analysis was used to identify salient themes and patterns. Findings showed that a high proportion of the adolescent mothers had stigmatizing experiences among which include dropping out of school, and lack of supports from families, friends, and the society. Where available, supports were perceived as inadequate in contributing to their well-being and that of their children. Some of the adolescent mothers were apprehensive of losing their children to ill health while emphasizing that their present challenges could affect their children's future. However, the adolescent mothers invoked their agency by subtly using strategies such as petty trading and apprenticeship to reduce the social consequences of unintended pregnancy and earn a living. Recognizing adolescent mothers' agency in policies targeted toward their empowerment would be of benefit.     

Maternal Food-Related Practices,Quality of Diet,and Well-Being: Profiles of Chilean Mother-Adolescent Dyads

Objective

To identify mother–adolescent dyad profiles according to food-related parenting practices and to determine differences in diet quality, family meal frequency, life satisfaction, and sociodemographic characteristics.

Effects of Lactobacillus gasseri CP2305 on Mild Menopausal Symptoms in Middle-Aged Women

Lactobacillus gasseri CP2305 (CP2305) is a paraprobiotic that exhibits beneficial effects on the intestinal function and microbiota, and increases resistance to psychological stress. The stress response mechanism mainly involves the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, which is influenced by the gut–brain axis. Furthermore, the gut–brain axis also communicates bidirectionally with the intestinal microbiota. Additionally, the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal and hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axes share a common route that affects both mental and health aspects in women. This double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group clinical trial aimed to analyze the influence of the intake of CP2305 on mild symptoms associated with menopause. Eighty women aged 40–60 years ingested CP2305 or placebo tablets for six consecutive menstrual cycles. Assessment was based on the observation of climacteric symptoms with two validated questionnaires—the Simplified Menopausal Index (SMI) and the Greene Climacteric Scale (GCS). The results showed that CP2305 provided significant relief in the SMI total score, SMI vasomotor score, SMI psychological score, GCS total score, GCS somatic score, and GCS vasomotor score compared to the placebo. The percentage of women with symptom relief for the SMI total score was 75.0%, with 30 of 40 women in the CP2305 group, and 55.0%, with 22 of 40 women in the placebo group (p = 0.0594). These findings provide new insights into the function of paraprobiotic CP2305 in relieving mild climacteric symptoms in women.