Naturalistic use of psychedelics does not modulate processing of self-related stimuli (but it might modulate attentional mechanisms): An event-related potentials study.

Classic psychedelics are able to profoundly alter the state of consciousness and lead to acute experiences of ego dissolution - the blurring of the distinction between representations of self and the external world. However, whether repeated use of psychedelics is associated with more prolonged and permanent modifications to the concept of self remains to be investigated. Therefore, we conducted a preregistered, cross-sectional study in which experienced psychedelics users (15 or more lifetime experiences with psychedelics; N = 56) were compared to nonusers (N = 57) in terms of neural reactivity to a Self-name (i.e., each participant's own name) stimulus, which is known to robustly activate a representation of self. Two control stimuli were additionally used: an Other-name stimulus, as a passive control condition in which no reaction was required, and a Target-name stimulus, to which participants provided a manual response and which thus constituted an active control condition. Analysis of the amplitude of the P300 ERP component evoked by the Self- or Target-names revealed no difference between the psychedelics users and nonusers. However, psychedelic users exhibited increased P300 amplitude during perception of Other-names. In addition, in comparison to nonusers, psychedelics users exhibited a smaller increase in P300 amplitude when processing the task-relevant Target-names (in relation to both Self- and Other-names). Therefore, our data suggests that regular naturalistic use of psychedelics may not be related to long-term changes in the representation of self, but it might potentially affect the allocation of attentional resources to task-relevant stimuli.

Enfacement illusions: Filling a knowledge gap in eating disorder risk assessment, prevention, and intervention?

Body image disturbance (BID) is central to eating disorders (EDs), yet the role of self-face perception has received limited empirical attention despite rising sociocultural pressures emphasizing facial appearance through technologies such as social media. Emerging evidence suggests impairments in self-face recognition accuracy and distorted perceptions of facial appearance among individuals with EDs. Enfacement illusions, involving the experimental induction of perceived ownership over another's face, offer a novel paradigm to comprehensively investigate the perceptual multisensory integration processes underlying self-face perception disturbances in ED populations. Such an approach may hold promise for elucidating core pathological mechanisms contributing to BID and ED psychopathology. We discuss how rigorous investigation of self-face perception through the enfacement illusion paradigm represents an innovative direction of research and/or clinical application that may advance etiological models of EDs and possibly inform interventions targeting the potentially multidimensional nature of body and facial image disturbances characterizing EDs. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Body image disturbance is central to eating disorders (EDs), yet, the role of face-related disturbances remains critically under-investigated. After summarizing findings on face-related disturbances in EDs we propose how enfacement illusions (i.e., the experimental induction of ownership over another's face) may elucidate self-face perception disturbances in EDs, and their underlying mechanisms. Enfacement illusions may also offer an intervention to potentially address multifaceted face and body image disturbances characterizing EDs.

The associations of self-perception, movement competence, and clinical features of young school-aged children with glaucoma.

The purpose of the study was to determine the associations of self-perception, motor skills, and clinical features of young school-age children with glaucoma (CG). This is a cross-sectional observational study. Children from preschool to second grade, including CG (N = 19), children with amblyopia (CA, N = 28), and controls (N = 32), completed the Manual Dexterity and Aiming and Catching Scales of the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2nd edition (MABC-2), including Manual Dexterity, Aiming and Catching, and Balance. CG, CA, and their parent completed the Pictorial Scale of Perceived Competence and Social Acceptance for Young Children, respectively, assessing the child's cognitive competence, peer acceptance, physical competence, and maternal acceptance. The Kruskal-Wallis H test and Bonferroni post hoc test compared motor skills among groups. Spearman's correlation analysis evaluated the correlations between motor skills, self-perception, and clinical features. The CG reported lower peer acceptance than CA (P = 0.040), and the parents of CG reported lower cognitive competence than CG reported (P = 0.046). Compared with controls, CG had worse performance of Aiming and Catching, and Balance (P = 0.018 and P = 0.001), and CA had worse performance of Balance (P = 0.009). The motor skills were comparable between CG and CA. For CG, older age correlated with worse competence of Aiming and Catching (r = - 0.620, P = 0.005), better best-corrected visual acuity of better-seeing eye correlated with higher competence of Manual Dexterity and Balance (r = - 0.494, P = 0.032, and r = - 0.516, P = 0.024), and longer duration of glaucoma correlated with worse competence of Manual Dexterity (r = - 0.487, P = 0.034). CONCLUSION:  Glaucoma and amblyopia have significant negative impacts on children's daily motor skills. The acuity of a better-seeing eye is an important factor influencing motor movement. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, ChiCTR2100050415. WHAT IS KNOWN: • The state of mental health in early childhood influences the development of their future personality and physical development. The prognosis and management of glaucoma may seriously impair the mental health development of the affected children. However, the exploration of psychological aspects and motor movement of childhood glaucoma was limited. WHAT IS NEW: • Children with glaucoma have impaired motor skills and self-perception development, especially in terms of peer socialization.

Beyond the surface: Understanding obsessive symptoms and body perceptions, from shape concerns to fear of blushing.

INTRODUCTION: Recent reclassifications have expanded the understanding of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders (OCDs), now incorporated into a broader category known as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Related Disorders (OCRDs). This study sought to assess obsessive-compulsive symptoms and body uneasiness among outpatients seeking treatment for Eating Disorders (ED). Additionally, we aimed to explore associations and potential mediation effects between obsessive-compulsive symptoms and body uneasiness. This investigation extended beyond concerns related solely to body shape and weight, encompassing fears associated with specific body components (such as facial features, abdominal region, and limbs) or functions (including sweating, blushing, emitting noises, and releasing odors). METHODS: Psychometric assessments included the Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised (OCI-R) and the Body Uneasiness Test (BUT). Statistical analyses involved bivariate correlations, linear regression, and mediation analysis to explore the associations and potential mediation effects between obsessive-compulsive symptoms and different manifestations of body uneasiness. RESULTS: The sample (N = 210) demonstrated substantial obsessive-compulsive symptoms and notable body discomfort. OCI-R scores positively correlated with various dimensions of body dissatisfaction, including shape, weight, and specific body components or functions. Linear regression revealed significant associations between OCI-R scores and overall body uneasiness (BUT-A) as well as concerns about body components or functions (BUTB). Mediation analysis indicated that BUT-A mediated the relationship between obsessive-compulsive symptoms and BUTB. CONCLUSION: This study offers new insights into the comprehensive landscape of OCRDs. It specifically emphasizes the association between obsessive-compulsive symptoms and body uneasiness, embracing not only concerns about body shape and weight but also extending to body components and functions.

Correlation of Self-Efficacy for Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercise with Symptoms of Stress Urinary Incontinence in Women.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Self-efficacy for pelvic floor exercises, i.e. confidence in achieving pelvic floor contractions, may predict adherence to treatment. However, there is a paucity of literature investigating the clinical relevance of this outcome. The aim was to determine the relationship between self-efficacy for pelvic floor exercise and symptom severity, pelvic floor distress and impact on quality of life, as well as sociodemographic characteristics and pelvic floor muscle strength in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in women with SUI. The Spanish version of the Broome Pelvic Muscle Self-Efficacy Scale was used to assess self-efficacy for pelvic floor exercise. The dependent variables were: urinary incontinence symptoms using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire, short form (ICIQ-SF), pelvic floor distress symptoms using the Urogenital Distress Inventory-6, impact on quality of life using the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7), leakage using the 1-h pad test, number of SUI episodes per week and pelvic floor muscle strength. RESULTS: A total of 56 women with a median age of 44.5 years were included. Self-efficacy for pelvic floor exercise correlated negatively and moderately with the ICIQ-SF (r = -0.529; p < 0.001), IIQ-7 (r = -0.442; p = 0.001), 1-h pad test (rs = -0.467; p < 0.001); and number of SUI episodes/week (rs = -0.489; p < 0.001). Correlation with the other outcomes was weak or non-existent. Linear regression with forward selection showed that the ICIQ-SF was the variable most related to self-efficacy (ß: -3.01, 95% CI: -4.03 to -1.69). CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the importance of assessing self-efficacy for pelvic floor exercise in the treatment of women with SUI. Future prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Examining the changes in women's lives after the hysterectomy operation: Experiences of women from Turkey.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study is to examine what kind of changes the operation has brought about in the social and psychological life of women. METHODS: The study was a hermeneutic-phenomenological research conducted using qualitative research methods. It took place between May and July 2023 at a university hospital located in Istanbul, Turkey. Following ethical approval, the study included a total of 24 women who had undergone a 'total abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy.' These participants were selected using a combination of maximum diversity sampling and random sampling methods. Data collection was carried out using a semi-structured interview form. The interviews were conducted using face-to-face interview techniques and in-depth interview methods. Qualitative data analysis involved using the coding paradigm of Grounded Theory and Straus and Corbin's coding framework. For the analysis of quantitative data, SPSS version 28.0 was employed, while qualitative data were analyzed using MaxQDA Analytics Pro 2022. RESULTS: The study found that the participants had a mean age of 47 ± 7.53, and the majority, 66.7%, had not reached menopause before the operation. The qualitative analysis of the semi-structured interviews revealed five main themes, which were identified as follows: 'hysterectomy experiences', 'the impact of hysterectomy on sexual life', 'the significance attributed to the uterus', 'the significance attributed to femininity', and 'self-efficacy after hysterectomy'. CONCLUSIONS: The study revealed that women experienced changes in self-perception, body image, a sense of organ loss, and developed negative attitudes towards menopause following a hysterectomy. Additionally, there was a noticeable connection between the meanings attributed to the uterus and femininity, which was often influenced by cultural and social factors. In light of these findings, it is recommended that women receive counseling from healthcare professionals before undergoing a hysterectomy. This guidance can help women better understand and cope with the physical, emotional, and cultural aspects of the procedure.

A cohort study of self-perception of ageing and all-cause mortality among older adults in China: a multiple mediators analysis.

BACKGROUND: Positive self-perception of aging (SPA) is a well-known predictor of longevity, while how and to what extent SPA is linked with all-cause mortality among older adults is still unclear. This study aims to elucidate the relationship between positive SPA and all-cause mortality and its potential mediators among Chinese older adults. METHODS: This is a 20-year dynamic cohort study conducted among 22,957 older adults aged ≥ 65 years old from a nationally representative sample. Positive SPA was measured using a validated 7-item scale. Potential mediators including health behaviors and social participation were collected using a self-reported questionnaire. Cox proportional hazards regression models were conducted to examine the association between positive SPA and all-cause mortality. A mediation analysis was conducted to determine whether health behaviors and social participation mediated the association between SPA and all-cause mortality. RESULTS: Throughout follow-up (median [interquartile range], 46 [21-84] months), all-cause mortality was 87.4%. Compared with older adults with the lowest quartile positive SPA, hazard ratio(HR) of all-cause mortality among older adults with the second, third, and fourth quartile of positive SPA was 0.96(95%CI:0.93-1.00), 0.93(95%CI:0.90-0.99), and 0.92(95%CI:0.87-0.96) respectively after controlling for all potential mediators and covariates. The mediation analysis showed that regular daily vegetable intake, physical activity, and high social participation explained 41.1-48.5% of the variance in the association between positive SPA and all-cause mortality. CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort study, we found that high positive SPA was associated with decreased all-cause mortality directly, and indirectly through healthy lifestyle behaviors and social participation. These findings suggest that interventions targeted at promoting or maintaining positive SPA may contribute to healthy ageing among older adults in China.

Objective and subjective measures of air pollution and self-rated health: the evidence from Chile.

PURPOSE: The literature exploring individual differences in self-rated health has grown fast in recent years. Self-rated health (SRH) is a good indicator of general health status. This empirical study explores the association between outdoor air pollution and SRH in Chile. This type of analysis is infrequent in Latin America. METHODS: We used objective and subjective air pollution measures. The first corresponds to PM2.5, and the latter to the perception of a high level of air pollution. Drawing on data from two independent and repeated nationwide surveys over the period 2006-2017 at the individual level in Chile, we performed repeated cross-sectional analyses for each year of survey application. Ordered Logit (OL) and Logit (L) multivariate models were used to investigate the association between SRH and air pollution measures, considering other socioeconomic and demographic covariates. RESULTS: We found that the higher is the level of air pollution, the lower the SRH in Chile, regardless of whether air pollution is physically measured or perceived by respondents. The results were consistent over the years in the sign and significance of regression coefficients using two surveys and two forms of the outcome variable. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings add evidence that air pollution is a relevant determinant of SRH. In addition, they show that subjective measures of air pollution can be as reliable as physical measures in the analysis of the association between air pollution and human health.

HIV knowledge, self-perception of HIV risk, and sexual risk behaviors among male Tajik labor migrants who inject drugs in Moscow.

BACKGROUND: The interplay of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) knowledge and self-perception of risk for HIV among people who inject drugs is complex and understudied, especially among temporary migrant workers who inject drugs (MWID) while in a host country. In Russia, Tajik migrants make up the largest proportion of Moscow's foreign labor. Yet, HIV knowledge and self-perceived risk in association with sexual risk behavior among male Tajik MWID in Moscow remains unknown. OBJECTIVE: This research examines knowledge about HIV transmission, self-perception of HIV risk, and key psychosocial factors that possibly contribute to sexual risk behaviors among male Tajik labor MWID living in Moscow. METHODS: Structured interviews were conducted with 420 male Tajik labor MWID. Modified Poisson regression models investigated possible associations between major risk factors and HIV sexual risk behavior. RESULTS: Of the 420 MWID, 255 men (61%) reported sexual activity in the last 30 days. Level of HIV knowledge was not associated in either direction with condom use or risky sexual partnering, as measured by sex with multiple partners or female sex workers (FSW). Lower self-perceived HIV risk was associated with a greater likelihood of sex with multiple partners (aPR: 1.79, 95% CI: 1.34, 2.40) and FSW (aPR: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.59), but was not associated with condom use. Police-enacted stigma was associated with sex with multiple partners (aPR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.49) and FSW (aPR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.13, 1.54). While depression and lower levels of loneliness were associated with condomless sex (aPR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.24; aPR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.68, 0.92, respectively), only depression was associated with condomless sex with FSW (aPR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.54). CONCLUSIONS: HIV prevention programing for male Tajik MWID must go beyond solely educating about factors associated with HIV transmission to include increased awareness of personal risk based on engaging in these behaviors. Additionally, psychological services to counter depression and police-enacted stigma are needed.

Qualitative studies involving users of clinical neurotechnology: a scoping review.

BACKGROUND: The rise of a new generation of intelligent neuroprostheses, brain-computer interfaces (BCI) and adaptive closed-loop brain stimulation devices hastens the clinical deployment of neurotechnologies to treat neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. However, it remains unclear how these nascent technologies may impact the subjective experience of their users. To inform this debate, it is crucial to have a solid understanding how more established current technologies already affect their users. In recent years, researchers have used qualitative research methods to explore the subjective experience of individuals who become users of clinical neurotechnology. Yet, a synthesis of these more recent findings focusing on qualitative methods is still lacking. METHODS: To address this gap in the literature, we systematically searched five databases for original research articles that investigated subjective experiences of persons using or receiving neuroprosthetics, BCIs or neuromodulation with qualitative interviews and raised normative questions. RESULTS: 36 research articles were included and analysed using qualitative content analysis. Our findings synthesise the current scientific literature and reveal a pronounced focus on usability and other technical aspects of user experience. In parallel, they highlight a relative neglect of considerations regarding agency, self-perception, personal identity and subjective experience. CONCLUSIONS: Our synthesis of the existing qualitative literature on clinical neurotechnology highlights the need to expand the current methodological focus as to investigate also non-technical aspects of user experience. Given the critical role considerations of agency, self-perception and personal identity play in assessing the ethical and legal significance of these technologies, our findings reveal a critical gap in the existing literature. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of the current qualitative research landscape on neurotechnology and the limitations thereof. These findings can inform researchers on how to study the subjective experience of neurotechnology users more holistically and build patient-centred neurotechnology.

Self-perceived body weight and weight status: analysis of concordance by age group and sex.

OBJECTIVES: Previous studies suggest that there is discordance between actual weight status and body-weight perception. This fact has implications when it comes to designing public health interventions. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of the different categories of weight status and body-weight perception and to analyse their concordance in a representative Spanish population sample. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: Data were sourced from the 2018 Galician Risk Behaviour Data System, with the target population being all persons aged 16 years and above. We collected data on self-perceived body weight and assessed weight status on the basis of body mass index (BMI). BMI was estimated using self-reported measures of weight and height. To estimate concordance, Cohen's kappa coefficient, both unweighted and weighted with Cicchetti weights, was calculated. RESULTS: Data were obtained for 7853 individuals aged 16 years and above, whereas the overall unweighted concordance was 0.393 (95%CI: 0.377-0.409), with an agreement percentage of 61.6%, weighted concordance was 0.503 (0.490-0.517), with an agreement percentage of 86.6%. The highest concordance between self-perceived body weight and weight status was observed in women. By age group, the highest concordance was observed in the youngest group (16-24 years) for the BMI categories of underweight and overweight, and in the 45-64 age group for the category of obesity. CONCLUSIONS: The results highlight the existence of differences between self-perceived body weight and weight status, according to sex and age.

Educational training and nursing professional self-perception in Mongolia: A prospective observational pre-post design study.

AIMS: To determine whether professional self-perception of nurses in Mongolia improves following an educational intervention and to identify differences in scores among participant subgroups. DESIGN: A prospective observational pre-post design. METHODS: Using a convenience sample of 67 nurses in Mongolia in 2019, the Nursing Professional Values Scale-3 instrument was used pre- and post-intervention. Independent and paired sample t-tests were conducted. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS 28.0.1.1 and Stata/SE 16.1. This study complied with the STROBE checklist. RESULTS: Of the 67 nurses, 92.0% were female, mean age was 32.15 years (SD 8.96), 70.0% held a bachelor's degree, 58.0% had 5 or more years' nursing experience and 51.0% were members of a professional nursing organization. After participating in the educational training, nurses reported higher overall professional self-perception as well as across subscales: activism, professionalism and caring. CONCLUSION: Considering the nursing shortage in lower-middle-income countries, it is important to recognise the influence of nurses' professional self-perception on nursing retention. This study highlights the significant role continuing educational opportunities play in increasing nurses' professional self-perception. It is imperative to explore ways of improving this perception and focusing on subgroups of nurses to help guide the use of limited resources. Further research is necessary to include nurses in other areas of Mongolia. IMPLICATION FOR THE PROFESSION: Accurately assessing nursing professional self-perception and providing educational opportunities could improve nursing professional self-perception, nursing satisfaction, patient safety and nursing retention in lower-middle-income countries. IMPACT: What problem did the study address? This study meets the need for current study on the nursing professional self-perception of nursing from the perspective of nurses in Mongolia. It addresses the dangerous nursing shortage in Mongolia by determining if an educational intervention could improve nursing professional self-perception and thus improve nursing job satisfaction and retention. What were the main findings? Mongolian nurses in this study scored in the top quartile of the NPVS-3, indicating a baseline high NPSP. Educational intervention (including translated oral education and written clinical pathways) significantly improved the nurses' professional self-perception. Nurses were eager for training in other clinical and leadership topics. Where and on whom will the research have an impact? This research can be impactful for nurses, nurse leaders and policy makers in low- and lower-middle-income countries. Specifically for nurses in Mongolia, with increasing technologies and services such as cardiac catheterization laboratories becoming available, more education in these nursing specialty areas is imperative. Professional Nursing Organizations are poised to foster more educational offerings to their members and to increase membership. Nursing education provided by international volunteer nurses with Non-Governmental Organizations can improve NPSP in nurses in LMICs. REPORTING METHOD: This study complied with the STROBE checklist. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No patient or public contribution.

Negative self-perceptions and severity of NSSI: Testing the benefits and barriers model.

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is theorized to be caused by negative associations with the self, including low self-esteem, but the mechanisms explaining why low self-esteem is related to more severe NSSI are unclear. The current study aimed to address this limitation by evaluating a mediation model, proposing that low self-esteem would relate to more severe NSSI through increasing self-punishment motivations. Data came from 468 undergraduate students with a history of NSSI who completed an online survey measuring NSSI characteristics and functions, self-esteem, and self-punishment motivations for NSSI. Mediation was tested using a structural equation model using bootstrapped 95% percentile-corrected confidence intervals in which NSSI severity was modeled as a latent variable composed of NSSI frequency, recency, and versatility of methods. The total model was significant and the indirect effect of self-esteem on NSSI severity through self-punishment motives was significant. Self-esteem also retained significant direct effects on NSSI severity, indicating partial mediation. These results provide support for the benefits and barriers model of NSSI, suggesting that negative self-views increase risk for more severe NSSI through self-punishment motivations. Clinical interventions that emphasize self-compassion and focus on modifying self-punishment motivations may help reduce NSSI behavior.

Cognitive flexibility's role in shaping self-perception of aging, body appreciation, and self-efficacy among community-dwelling older women.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive flexibility, the capacity to adjust to new information, affects how aging is perceived. In Egyptian culture, older women's views on aging are shaped by societal gender roles and expectations. These views influence their body image and belief in their abilities, all melded by cultural standards and values. AIM: Investigate the mediating role of cognitive flexibility in the relationship between self-aging perception, body appreciation, and self-efficacy among community-dwelling older women. METHODS: A correlational analytical design was used on 200 women aged 60 years or older using the Cognitive Flexibility Inventory, Self-Perceptions of Aging, General Self-Efficacy Scale, and Body Appreciation Scales. Structural equation modeling was used in the analysis. RESULTS: The study found that cognitive flexibility is positively related to self-perception of aging and body appreciation and is also significantly related to general self-efficacy. However, no significant relationship was found between body appreciation and general self-efficacy. Additionally, the study found that cognitive flexibility partially mediates the relationship between self-perception of aging and body appreciation and fully mediates the relationship between body appreciation and self-efficacy. CONCLUSION: Cognitive flexibility is vital in the relationships between self-perceptions of aging, body appreciation, and self-efficacy among older women. Therefore, nursing interventions targeting cognitive flexibility are recommended to promote positive self-aging perceptions, body appreciation, and self-efficacy in this population.

Black Adolescent Self-Perceptions: The Roles of Ethnic Identity and Stress Exposure.

Ethnic identity is associated with various positive outcomes for Black adolescents, but more information is needed about its potential to protect adolescents exposed to stress. Stressful life events predict a range of health outcomes, yet few studies have examined their association with adolescent self-perception. Ethnic identity may serve as protection from stress. This study examines longitudinal data to understand relationships between ethnic identity, stressful life events, and self-perception (i.e., social competence, behavioral conduct, and global self-worth). The sample included 140 adolescents (65% female; 93% Black) with an average age of 12.55 (SD = 0.85). Results indicate stressful life events are associated with behavioral conduct self-perception, and ethnic identity is associated with global self-worth. Ethnic identity behavior and other group orientation are associated with self-perception. Ethnic identity and ethnic identity behavior moderate the relationship between stressful life events and behavioral conduct self-perception. Understanding the connections between adolescent stressors and strengths provides insight into research, practice, and policy directions to promote positive outcomes.

Sociocultural interactions and self-perception of health in older adults from an active participation centre: A qualitative study.

INTRODUCTION: Promoting healthy ageing is a global priority. Active Participation Centres are potentially key in fostering psychosocial and emotional health, contributing to a fulfilling and active lifestyle for older adults. AIMS: The study explores self-perceived health, perceptions of sociocultural participation, emotions that emerged when sociocultural participation, and preferences among older adults engaged in community socio-cultural activities from an Active Participation Centre. METHODS: We realised a hermeneutic study; interviews with nine older participants were conducted. Hermeneutic considerations were employed for data analysis. RESULTS: Findings reveal the centre's significance as a therapeutic space, positively influencing emotional well-being, fostering social connections, and offering diverse activity preferences. CONCLUSION: This study underscores the nuanced interplay between sociocultural engagement and self-perceived health, emphasising the need for holistic approaches to promote well-being among older adults attending Active Participation Centres.

Assessment of treatment needs, barriers, and self-perception regarding oral health among female university students: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The study aimed to compare the self-perceived oral health status measured through a self-administered questionnaire with clinically determined oral health status measured by decayed-missing-filled teeth (DMFT) and community periodontal index of treatment need (CPITN) indices in university going females. In addition, access barriers to treatment related to oral healthcare were also determined. METHODS: A 3-month analytical cross-sectional study was designed for consenting university going females (aged 18-22 years) in Islamabad, Pakistan. The self-perceived oral health was recorded through a questionnaire requesting information regarding socio-demographics, self-perception of oral health, frequency of dental visits and barriers to seeking oral health. Seven independent examiners performed intraoral clinical examination and assessed the oral health status using globally standardized oral health assessment indices (DMFT and CPITN). RESULTS: A total of 400 students were included in the final sample. The study revealed a significant disparity between self-perceived oral health and clinical assessment. Although perceived oral health was considered "good" by 80.0% of the respondents, clinical examination revealed moderate DMFT scores (mean 2.95 ± 1.41) and periodontal disease requiring treatment in 89.5% of the individuals. The most common barriers in seeking dental care were lack of knowledge, dental phobia, affordability issue and false self-perception. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated a notable discrepancy between self-perception of oral health and clinically assessed oral health. These results emphasize the importance of focused educational programs and community outreach programs, especially directed towards this demographic. Prioritizing such initiatives will help individuals to recognize their actual oral health condition thus encouraging positive oral health behaviors and outcomes.

Estimating meaningful change for The Impact of Weight on Self-Perception (IW-SP) questionnaire among people with type 2 diabetes.

PURPOSE: The Impact of Weight on Self-perception Questionnaire (IW-SP) is a three-item patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) instrument assessing the impact of body weight on self-perception. To date no published threshold for meaningful change exists. The objective of this study was to estimate the minimal important change (MIC) for the IW-SP among people with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: Responder analyses were conducted using anchor- and distribution-based approaches with existing clinical trial data (SURPASS-2). As SURPASS-2 did not include a priori anchors, a set of alternative exploratory anchors were identified based on the MICs and items from two conceptually related measures used in the trial as well as percent change in body weight. Exploratory anchors with change estimates that were sufficiently related to change in IW-SP (r ≥ 0.30) and were not redundant with other anchors were retained for the MIC analyses. The analyses were conducted in two stages (estimation = 2/3 of sample) to derive initial IW-SP MIC estimates, and a subsequent confirmation stage (remaining 1/3 of sample). RESULTS: While the most conceptually related anchors and items performed best in responsiveness analyses, all anchors resulted in a similar estimate of minimal meaningful change for the IW-SP total score: a 1-point change in raw units (1-5-point scale), corresponding to a 25-point change for transformed scores (0-100 scale). Distribution-based analyses supported these MIC estimates. Results were similar across both stages for all analyses. CONCLUSION: The MIC for the IW-SP for patients with T2D is a 25-point change on the transformed score.

A population-based cross-sectional survey on the prevalence, severity, risk factors, and self-perception of female urinary incontinence in rural Fujian, China.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: To determine the prevalence, severity, risk factors and self-perception of female urinary incontinence (UI) in rural Fujian, China. METHODS: This population-based cross-sectional study was conducted between June and October 2022. Women aged 20 to 70 years from rural communities in Fujian Province were selected by multistage random sampling. Data from respondents were collected by completing standardised questionnaires through face-to-face interviews. The main outcome was prevalence and self-perception of UI. RESULTS: A total of 5659 valid questionnaires were collected. The overall prevalence of female UI was 23.6% (95% CI 22.5-24.7). The most common type was stress UI with a prevalence of 14.0% (95% CI 13.1-14.9), followed by mixed UI with a prevalence of 6.1% (95% CI 5.5-6.7), and finally urgency UI with a prevalence of 3.5% (95% CI 3.0-3.9). Multivariate regression analysis suggested that older age, obesity, postmenopausal status, multiple vaginal deliveries, macrosomia, instrumental vaginal delivery and previous pelvic floor surgeries were independently associated with UI (P < 0.05). The overall awareness rate of UI was 24.7%, and older age, lower level of education, and income were significantly associated with a decrease in awareness (P < 0.05). Only 33.3% of respondents believed they should seek medical help for UI. CONCLUSION: UI affects more than one-fifth of women in rural Fujian, and several factors are thought to be associated with its development. Rural women have a poor self-perception of UI, which is exacerbated by older age, lower levels of education, and lower income.

Genetic and Familial Influences on Self-Perception in Early Childhood and Self-Esteem in Adulthood: A Cross-Sectional Analysis.

Self-perception in early childhood and self-esteem in adulthood are related to a variety of aspects of psychological wellbeing. The goal of the present study was to examine genetic and familial influences on self-perception and self-esteem in separate samples of children (153 twin pairs of 5-year-olds) and adults (753 twin pairs between the ages of 25-75 years). Genetic common factor modeling showed that three facets of self-perception (physical competence, peer acceptance, and maternal acceptance) loaded onto a single heritable factor in children. Multilevel modeling showed no effects of self or co-twin sex on self-perception, but authoritative parenting style was negatively related to self-perception in boys. Similarly, in Study 2, with the adult sample, five self-esteem items loaded on a single heritable factor with no effects of co-twin sex on adult self-esteem. Remembered maternal affection, paternal affection, and maternal discipline were positively related to self-esteem in adults; maternal affection was especially significant for women. The reversal in direction of parenting effects between early childhood and adulthood suggests that parents may play different roles in shaping how children and adults think of themselves. These results suggest that self-perception in childhood and self-esteem in adulthood are both influenced by genetic and environmental factors and that parenting is an important environmental factor for both children and adults.