Subjective Well-Being and Self-Assessed Health of Adolescents: A Longitudinal Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the stability and predictors of subjective well-being and self-perceived health in adolescents over a two-year period, focusing on the importance of mental health in overall well-being. METHODS: Participants in this longitudinal cohort study were surveyed at the ages of 15 (n = 441) and 17 (n = 354) through questionnaires. The data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Hierarchical regression was employed to investigate significant predictors of subjective well-being. The subjective well-being and self-perceived health dimensions showed a consistent level of stability throughout the two-year period of secondary education. Additionally, there was a significant correlation between well-being at the beginning and end of this education period. Furthermore, self-perceived health dimensions, particularly general health, vitality, and mental health, were positively associated with well-being at the end of secondary education, highlighting their role in overall subjective well-being. The regression analysis revealed that self-perceived health factors, notably "General health" and "Mental health", significantly predicted overall subjective well-being, enhancing the model's explanatory power beyond gender and economic status. Nevertheless, baseline subjective well-being has the strongest predictive effect on final well-being. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the importance of psychological and health factors, particularly mental health, that affect the overall well-being of adolescents and emphasizes the need to focus on and improve these factors in order to improve subjective well-being.

Sense of coherence and health in adolescents: a longitudinal cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: Several studies indicate an association between adolescents' sense of coherence (SOC) and health. However, a few longitudinal studies have been conducted. The aim of the study was to analyze the association between SOC and health among adolescents during secondary education. METHODS: Participants of longitudinal cohort study were followed by questionnaires at the age of 15 (N = 441), and 17 (N = 354). The data were analyzed using the methods of descriptive and inferential statistics. We used hierarchical regression to examine significant predictors of health. RESULTS: Adolescents' SOC was stable during the analyzed two-year period (128.84 ± 22.17; 129.24 ± 23.06). A strong significant positive correlation was found between SOC and mental health (r = 0.635, p<.001; r = 0.670, p<.001). A significant difference was found between adolescents with a low SOC and those with a high SOC in physical functioning (p<.018), general health (p<.001), vitality (p<.001), social functioning (p<.001), emotional role functioning (p<.013) and mental health (p<.001). Boys had higher SOC and most of the health dimensions. Having a stronger SOC, being male, and living with both parents were predictors of better mental health. CONCLUSIONS: Sense of coherence was a significant and stable factor associated with mental health. Thus, salutogenic interventions for improving the sense of coherence during adolescence should be explored.

Erasmus+ Program and Nursing Students' Sense of Coherence, Well-Being, and School Success.

BACKGROUND: An international exchange program is an increasing phenomenon across Europe. Any opportunity for students to work or study abroad whilst undertaking their degree program could have a positive impact on their well-being, professional development, and general competences. METHODS: The study was conducted on a cohort of 99 nursing students from the School of Nursing, who were followed before and after a one-month Erasmus+ mobility period. Quantitative data were collected using a sense of coherence, subjective well-being, and sociodemographic characteristics questionnaire. Qualitative data were collected using open-ended questions and interviewing the focus group. RESULTS: Student mobility did not significantly alter their sense of coherence or subjective well-being. A significant positive correlation before and after mobility occurred between the sense of coherence, subjective well-being, and school success. According to the qualitative analysis, the students' experiences were overall positive and stimulating, with many of them noticing better working conditions abroad. CONCLUSION: Although the international mobility of nursing students does not affect their sense of coherence and subjective well-being, it does contribute to changes in certain attitudes related to the profession and living conditions abroad. These findings may prove helpful in planning future mobilities during more favorable periods when school obligations are fewer.

The Sense of Coherence and Subjective Well-Being as Resources of Resilience in the Time of Stressful Situations: COVID-19 Outbreak and Earthquakes.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus outbreak was labeled a global pandemic by the WHO in March 2020. Simultaneously, an earthquake of 5.5 hit Croatia's capital Zagreb. The present study investigated the association between the sense of coherence, subjective well-being, and emotional distress (depression, anxiety, and stress) that people went through while facing an acute stress situation of COVID-19 outbreak and the earthquakes. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 1152 subjects. Orientation to Life Questionnaires (OLQ-13), Personal Wellbeing Index (PWI) and DASS-21 scale were used in an anonymous online survey which was conducted on 22 March 2020 (the twelfth day of the COVID-19 outbreak in Croatia and the day of the earthquakes in the Capital). The results of the questionnaires were determined by the correlation analysis. Hierarchical multiple regression was used to evaluate the association between the subjective well-being and the sense of coherence on the emotional distress. RESULTS: The sense of coherence correlated positively with subjective well-being (p<0.01) and negatively with all distress domains (p<0.01) as well as subjective well-being (p<0.01). Mild emotional distress was detected. Subjects who experienced the earthquakes showed a significantly higher degree of anxiety (p=0.005) and stress (p=0.003), with significantly decreased the two personal well-being domains: standard of living (p=0.023) and personal safety (p=0.026). Sense of coherence made a major contribution in explaining emotional distress (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The results support the importance of improving coping efficiency of the sense of coherence with respect to obtaining an appropriate level of well-being and reducing emotional distress in acute stressful situations.

Effect of low-flux and high-flux dialysis membrane on plasma concentrations of cardiac troponin I.

Aim: Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) concentration stability during dialysis have not been fully elucidated. The aim is to evaluate the effect of a single dialysis session on plasma cTnI. Patients & methods: From 122 consecutive anuric adult patients (75 [61.5%] men, age 27-86 years, median 67) on chronic hemodialysis blood samples for cTnI measurement were taken before and after a dialysis. Results: Dialysis had no effect on high-flux membranes (geometric means ratio = 0.99, 0.94-1.05, df 119, t = -0.19, multiplicity adjusted p = 0.847), but cTnI levels were higher after dialysis in patients on low-flux membranes (geometric means ratio = 1.14, 1.02-1.27, df 119, t = 2.59, adjusted p = 0.021). Conclusion: Dialysis session using low-flux membranes might increase the plasma cTnI.

SENSE OF COHERENCE AND SUBJECTIVE WELL-BEING AMONG ADOLESCENTS - THE POTENTIAL IMPACT OF LIVING IN A DORMITORY COMPARED TO LIVING WITH FAMILY.

The aim of the study was to analyze the relationship between the sense of coherence (SOC) and subjective well-being (SWB) as a health promoting resource among adolescents living with parents and those living in dormitories. There were 442 adolescent responders, yielding a response rate of 84.3%. The SOC was measured using the Orientation to Life Questionnaire, while SWB was obtained from the Personal Wellbeing Index. There were no significant differences between the group living with parents and the group living in dormitories in SOC (128.3 and 129.4, respectively; p=0.580) and SWB (78.0 and 78.9, respectively; p=0.537). A significant difference was found between the genders. Boys had a higher SOC, both those living with parents (131.7 and 124.9, respectively; p=0.014) and those living in dormitories (136.5 and 124.5, respectively; p=0.001), and a higher SWB when living in dormitories (83.4 and 75.8, respectively; p=0.001). Adolescents with better socioeconomic status had a significantly higher SWB if living with parents (76.7 and 85.5, respectively; p=0.003), whereas no difference was found in the dormitory group (78.5 vs. 83.4; p=0.241). The SOC was strongly and positively associated with SWB (correlation coefficient 0.63; p=0.001) and was a key predictor of adolescent SWB (R2=0.373). These findings may prove helpful in future planning and supportive work in schools and dormitories to improve student health.

A Survey on Cardiovascular Nursing Occupational Standard: Meeting the Needs of Employers.

Occupational standard is the result of the agreement between relevant stakeholders in the labor market and education on optimal content for a particular occupation. While drafting occupational standard, the primary instrument for researching competencies at a workplace is a survey on occupational standard. This study identifies key competencies, roles, and responsibilities that are deemed necessary by employers of cardiovascular nurses. The survey addressed the responses of 41 organizations from 11 out of 21 counties in Croatia which were represented by the head nurses of cardiology departments in the hospitals. The survey consisted of 24 questions that covered the main responsibilities, competencies, generic skills, and psychometric abilities. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. Conducting diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, health care, education, administration of medications, monitoring, and documentation were listed as the main responsibilities of cardiovascular nurses. The most common skills included assessment, monitoring patient's condition, knowledge of the diagnostic or therapeutic procedures and cardiovascular diseases, interpreting the electrocardiograms, preparing patients for checkups, conducting patient's education, and following practice guidelines. Generic skills included communication and organizational skills, teamwork, and responsibility. Reaction time and attention span were the most assessed psychomotor abilities. Artificial lighting and radiation were the most important environmental risk factors. The most appropriate level of education for cardiovascular nursing was specialist graduate studies. The results of the study could be used to develop occupational standards for cardiovascular nursing and to guide the curriculum for the educational program development.

Compliance of menus with nutritional standards in state and private kindergartens in Croatia.

BACKGROUND: It is necessary to ensure a variety of nutrients in weekly menus in kindergartens according to the recommendations and standards currently in effect. It is also important to follow the energy value of macronutrients, which is usually carried out by the relevant institutions quarterly in every kindergarten. However, the quality of menus in relation to the representation of different types of food is not monitored. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to estimate the quality of meals in relation to the representation of different types of food in state and privately owned kindergartens in one of Zagreb district in Croatia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Weekly menu's daily meals served in kindergarten groups for children (4 - 6 years old) were ana- lysed and compared with the Croatian Health Care, Hygiene and Balanced Diet Programme for Children in Kindergartens and with Food Plan Standards for Children in Kindergartens - Menus and Standards. The studies were performed in state and privately owned kindergartens in Zagreb, district Maksimir. RESULTS: Except in the serving of dairy products, which were in comparison to the proscribed standard overrepresented, other foods such as grains, fruits, vegetables, meat, eggs, pulse were underrepresented. Grains, except in a smaller number of servings, were statistically underrepresented in state owned kindergartens in comparison to the privately owned ones. The largest discrepancy was shown in the low number of fish servings, equally so in the state and privately owned kindergartens. CONCLUSIONS: In recent years strides have been made to harmonise menus provided by kindergartens with standards based on scientific research on the prevention of obesity. However, further harmonisation of "old" and "new" foods intended to achieve a more substantial balance of the consumption of certain foods and the adequate amounts of their nutritional values is necessary.

[Virtual communication in nursing--are we ready?]. / Virtualna komunikacija u sestrinstvu--jesmo li spremni?

Electronic correspondence is undeniably important in professional communication, education, research and development of a profession. As for others, it is also crucial for development of the nursing profession. Even though e-mail today is a very important tool in the healthcare system, it has not been given sufficient attention yet. There are numerous examples of poor communication, and the answers are often hidden behind attitudes and knowledge of communicators. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the level of knowledge and attitudes of nurses about electronic communication. The research has shown that even though the nurses have positive attitudes about electronic communication and a desire to acquire new knowledge, they do not attend computer science courses nor did they have proper IT training while at school. Only 17% of the interviewees gave satisfactory answers to the survey about the knowledge of e-mail. This result can be indicative of the total knowledge of information and communication technology, signaling the need to implement an organized IT education of nurses, which is a necessary requirement for professional development and better functioning of the healthcare system.