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Introduction: Allotment gardening is a popular pastime which anecdotally contributes to health and wellbeing, although the extent of supportive research evidence is unclear. This systematic review investigates the question: Does allotment gardening contribute to health and wellbeing? Method: A systematic search was conducted, including the terms 'allotment', 'garden', 'health' and 'wellbeing'. Abstracts of identified papers were compared with inclusion criteria, and 10 papers were finally selected. Critical appraisal and data extraction were conducted simultaneously. Qualitative research papers predominated and were analysed thematically. Resultant themes were compared and integrated with the findings of quantitative research papers. Findings: Thematic analysis of the qualitative and quantitative papers' findings revealed five distinct health and wellbeing themes. Allotment gardening provides a stress-relieving refuge, contributes to a healthier lifestyle, creates social opportunities, provides valued contact with nature, and enables self-development. Conclusion: This review suggests that allotment gardening does indeed impact health and wellbeing. It is therefore recommended as occupational therapy for people with health problems, and as a health promoting occupation for the general population. Research particularly focused on the impact of group and therapeutic allotment gardening, so further investigations are recommended to explore the health promoting influences of everyday allotment gardening for individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this scoping review was to systematically map research on the effect of classroom acoustic conditions on children's mental wellbeing and identify existing gaps in knowledge to inform future research. This scoping review followed the PRISMA-ScR protocol. A comprehensive search of four online databases (ERIC, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) was conducted using the search term classroom AND (acoustic* OR noise OR reverb*) AND ("mental health" OR emotion OR wellbeing OR "quality of life" OR anxiety OR depression). Peer-reviewed papers were included if they were written in English, included children in the primary school age range (i.e. 5–12 years), and included a measure of children's mental wellbeing. Six papers met the criteria to be included in the review. Overall, this review suggests that poor classroom acoustic conditions can negatively affect children's mental wellbeing. Given the small number of studies, future research suggestions are proposed to fill current gaps in knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grandparenting duties can affect the well-being of the elderly both positively and negatively. This paper disentangles the interactions between grandparenting, quality of life, and life satisfaction in China. Using a panel dataset of 3205 respondents in three waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) in 2011, 2013, and 2015, we find that grandparents who look after grandchildren are less at risk of depression, receive more financial and in-kind transfers from their children, and report greater life satisfaction than grandparents who do not look after grandchildren. These benefits vary across gender and rural-urban status, however. The positive effect of grandparenting is driven mainly by the direct effect with negligible mediating effect attributable to better quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy interventions are increasing in use in neurological populations. There is a lack of information on the measures available. Purpose: To identify and classify the measures used in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy research studies with adults with acquired neurological conditions. Methods: PRISMA-ScR guided scoping review. MEDLINE, PsycInfo and CINAHL databases searched (up to date 29/06/2022) with forward and backward searching. All study types included. Extraction of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy process-of-change and health-related outcome measures. Outcomes coded using the Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials (COMET) taxonomy. Results: Three hundred and thirty three papers found on searching. Fifty four studies included and 136 measurement tools extracted. Conditions included multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury and stroke. Thirty-eight studies measured processes of change, with 32 measures extracted. The process measure most often used was the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (n = 21 studies). One hundred and four health-related outcome measures extracted. Measures exploring quality of life, health status, anxiety and depression occurred most frequently, and were used in all included neurological conditions. COMET domains most frequently coded were emotional functioning/well-being (n = 50), physical functioning (n = 32), role functioning (n = 22) and psychiatric (n = 22). Conclusions: This study provides a resource to support future identification of candidate measures. This could aid development of a Core Outcome Set to support both research and clinical practice. Further research to identify the most appropriate and relevant targets and tools for use in these populations should include expert consensus, patient, carer and public involvement and psychometric examination of measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The creation of digestive stomata is associated with a change in people's lives. Causing a strong impact that influences all dimensions of life. This paper reports on the effects of socio-educational interventions on the quality of life (QOL) of people with a digestive ostomy. Objective: To describe the effect of a nursing intervention on the QOL of people with a digestive ostomy. Methods: A quasiexperimental study was conducted whose sample consisted of 12 people who were ostomized in a public hospital in Colombia. Participants were selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to the intervention group and the control group. For the control group, an educational process was carried out through a theoretical session with virtual mediation (educational video). The QOL was evaluated before and after the interventions through the Montreux questionnaire. Results: The average age was 57(+7) years. No statistical differences were found between the groups in the QOL index or for any of the dimensions that make up QOL. Pretest and post-test analysis for each intervention separately showed improvement in two dimensions of QOL for each group; in the intervention group body image dimension (p =.017) and the positive coping dimension (p =.027). In the control group, the physical well-being dimension (p =.037) and social concerns dimension (p =.034). Conclusions: The personalized educational intervention or carried out through virtual pedagogical mediation, generated a clinically significant increase in the dimensions of QOL, without statistical differences. The study adds knowledge about the impact that digestive stomata have on the QOL, which is why it is necessary to establish specialized interdisciplinary teams to care for the person's new condition at home during the following months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Visual methods have been used extensively in social research to explore people's experiences of structural disadvantage. This indicates that they may provide a useful research approach to understanding equity-related concerns within palliative care. However, little has been published regarding the use of visual methods with people at the end of life. Purpose of the paper: In this article we draw on our experiences of using visual methods to illuminate the end of life experiences of people experiencing financial hardship and deprivation in Scotland's largest city. Evidence used to support the information presented: We present evidence from the published literature, as well as our own experiences of using visual methods to explore dying at home for people experiencing financial hardship and deprivation. Our analysis draws on two specific visual methods: photovoice and professional photography. Photovoice is a participatory visual method which involves enabling participants to take and discuss their own images and present them to different audiences to try to enact social change. We report our experiences as researchers, as well as those of our participants and recruitment partners. Key learning points: To successfully use visual methods, researchers need to invest significant time and resource in building a strong rapport with participants. There are also key ethical, practical and representational challenges to consider. A participatory framework should be adopted which ensures agency for participants in terms of image creation and public dissemination. Participants reported value in using visual methods in terms of legacy building and self-representation. Using photovoice (insider's view) and professional photography (outsider's view) together offered complementary perspectives, enabling a rich layering of stories and meaning. Our findings indicate visual methods can illuminate aspects of the end of life experience not captured by other research methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Through a systematic review of recent publications on residents' quality of life (QOL) in relation to tourism development (TD), this study surveys associated dynamics and emerging trends. Several patterns are observed: i) geographic areas of interest have expanded from developed economies to developing economies; ii) an array of theories and concepts have been introduced or merged with classic frameworks; iii) subjective composite approaches have dominated residents' QOL measurement; and iv) the direct and indirect influences of TD on residents' QOL constitute a main focus of recent work. Future work can take several directions: i) establishing a conceptual framework to link tourists' and residents' perspectives on QOL; ii) combining subjective and objective scales to improve generalizability; iii) employing longitudinal designs with innovative methods to offer insight into the dynamics of the TD–QOL nexus; and iv) investigating QOL/well-being from the eudaimonic tradition to accommodate diversified elements and broader perspectives of QOL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This methodological article reflects upon the relationships between researchers and professionals who work with marginalized young adults. The latter act as gatekeepers who have the power to foster or restrict cooperative research. As such, this paper focuses on the significance of researcher and gatekeeper relationships in the context of research that aims to broaden established professional practices, as well as the role of the gatekeeper. The paper evaluates a case example to determine how gatekeeping impacts the research process and how gatekeepers' engagement with research is maintained. The analysis is based on field notes and interviews that were completed during the research process for an empirical study that aimed to both scrutinize and promote the quality of life of 16- to 29-year-old young adults who were not in education or employment. In spite of the expectation of rapid and impactful results by entities that fund research, the ability to co-create new professional practices requires time and continuous negotiation. Therefore, operating as a researcher in targeted youth or social work calls for a developed understanding of varying forms of knowledge and gatekeeping that are relevant to youth counselling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Middle-range nursing theories provide a bridge between the more abstract grand nursing theories, research, and clinical practice. As such, middle-range nursing theories derived from extant nursing theories are critical for developing and advancing both nursing science and practice. This paper describes the strategy used in developing a middle-range theory of heart failure self-care. After integrating theoretical and empirical literature, a hypothetico-deductive approach was used to develop the middle-range theory of heart failure self-care from Orem's theory of self-care. Theoretical substruction was used to provide a graphic representation of the conceptual-theoretical-empirical structure demonstrating the congruence between the theoretical and operational systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a paradigm ("Artwork Effect" paradigm) to study the impact of museum stimulation programs for people with dementia. The literature concerning viewing and making art is considered. The paradigm, comprising qualitative and quantitative measures, is illustrated. The implementation of a shared paradigm of assessment can contribute to the validation of an assessment model to evaluate museum stimulation programs for people with dementia: a low-cost nonpharmacological intervention useful for the stimulation of cognitive functions and for increasing the well-being of people with dementia and their caregivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the efficacy of the use of creative dance intervention for persons with mild to moderate dementia, living in the community. Pre- and post-intervention data were collected on the sample of 35 older people to track the impact of the intervention on the domains of function, quality of life and well-being and caregiving stress through the use of the gait speed test, CONFbal scale, Functional Independence Measure, Quality of Life-AD, Dementia Care Mapping and Zarit Burden Interview. There was an overall improvement in all the domains. Statistically significant improvement was found in the Quality of Life reports (p = 0.002) and well-being as measured by Dementia Care Mapping (p < 0.001). The findings assert the positive contributions of person-centred creative dance towards an approach and environment that promotes dementia care. Future studies on determining sustainability of such intervention are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to discuss the question of how hotel companies contribute to improving the quality of life in host communities and the well-being of their employees. A number of research techniques were employed, which allowed to see what the hospitality sector has done to further the aforesaid end. The findings are placed into the context of corporate social responsibility (CSR), and it is argued that, in recent years, hotel companies have gone to great lengths to improve the quality of life in local communities and the well-being of their employees. Critically, by presenting concrete initiatives and highlighting their rationale, it is shown that a growing number of hotels have embedded the idea of CSR into their business models. The paper concludes by asserting that international hotel companies can play an important role in the development of host communities.Tourism and Hospitality Research (2009) 9, 147–158. doi:10.1057/thr.2008.46; published online 9 March 2009 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The article focuses on a research paper which emphasises that sustainable development means reconciling an aspiration, human wellbeing. The study argues that Great Britain government's approach to this is preventing further increases in unsustainable resource use. The study also argues that sustainability understood as eco-efficiency is impossible. The paper concentrates on domestic energy use. It is suggested that to make any changes, one has to accept the changes politically. The article states that the social and psychological meaning of energy consumption should be understood. Getting more quality of life with less energy services is a way to improve the overall ratio of quality of life to environmental damage, according to the article.

Purpose: Substantial cancer burden may be prevented through lifestyle modifications. The purpose of this study was to determine the preliminary effectiveness of health coaching for the improvement of health, fitness, and overall well-being of cancer survivors in a community setting. Methods: Participants were recruited from Cancer Support Community Delaware locations. Health coaching was provided to people diagnosed with cancer anywhere along the survivorship continuum. Coaches provided 6 individual sessions. Surveys were sent pre- and post-intervention on topics including fitness, eating habits, sleep, perceived stress, anxiety, depression, and quality of life. Results were analyzed using multilevel modeling. Results: 48 participants completed an average of 85% of health coaching sessions. Coaching participants noted improvements in weekly physical activity frequency, including moderate–vigorous physical activity. Increases were found in healthy eating behavior. Participants reported improvements in the quality of their sleep, including changes in sleep duration and sleep efficiency. Significant reductions were found in perceived stress, anxiety, and depression. Importantly, participants reported improved quality of life, particularly in areas of physical and emotional well-being, as well as functional and total well-being. Conclusion: Preliminary findings indicate significant behavior change in measured outcomes and suggest health coaching may be an important tool for cancer survivorship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Racial justice movements sparked by police killings of Black and Brown persons have led to a reassessment of the role of policing in America. This has promoted important conversations about how best to improve public safety and design law enforcement practices that are equitable and just across communities. A component of this conversation is addressing stress and trauma faced by police as a routine part of their duties, as it can affect the quality of policing. Job-related stress and trauma experienced by police officers are an international phenomenon, yet underexplored areas in social work research and practice. Police officers experience high levels of stress from routine exposure to traumatic situations, leading to high rates of post-traumatic stress disorder, substance use, and depression. Officers who are actively experiencing symptoms of stress and trauma are more likely to engage in misconduct, including the unnecessary use of force. This study explores the stress and trauma-related experiences of police officers. We conducted one-on-one, semi-structured interviews with 23 officers from an urban police department in St Louis, Missouri. Analysis of interviews addressed three areas: (1) stress and trauma experiences associated with police work, (2) negative effects of stress and trauma on officers, and (3) factors impacting officer access to treatment. We conclude that social work can contribute to improved policing outcomes by helping officers address their job-related stress and trauma through engaged research and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present research, we analysed the properties of the Measuring the Quality of Prison Life (MQPL) survey in Serbia; it assesses five dimensions of prisoners' well-being (harmony, professionalism, security, conditions and family contact, and well-being and development) composed of 21 narrow scales. The participants were 650 prisoners serving sentences in five prisons. Reliabilities (measured by both Cronbach's alphas and test–retest correlations) were high for most narrow scales and excellent for global scales. Confirmatory factor analysis showed a satisfactory fit of the model although the MQPL dimensions showed high intercorrelations (indicating elevated informational redundancy). The validity of the scales was established by detecting positive correlations with the WHOQOL-BREF quality of life scale and by capturing the differences between the five prisons in which the data were collected. We used network analysis to detect the most central nodes in MQPL: analysis on the dimension level revealed that harmony, professionalism, and well-being and development had high centrality. Estimating the network on the level of narrow scales demonstrated that prisoners' well-being, organisation and consistency in prison activities, and help and assistance from prison staff were central aspects of their quality of life. Therefore, the present findings show that MQPL scales have high reliability and validity, the model fits the empirical data, and the central aspects of prisoners' quality of life are identified; at the same time, we also analysed the limitations of MQPL. In general, the results suggest that MQPL is a valuable tool for assessing the quality of life and social climate in prisons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Ambient Assisted Living Joint Programme, instituted in 2008 by the European Union, aimed to create better living conditions for older adults through the funding of information and communications technology projects. This review aimed to uncover what can be learned from the Ambient Assisted Living Joint Programme by determining (1) the target populations served, (2) technology-based interventions used and (3) effects on health and well-being outcomes. Information from the Ambient Assisted Living catalogue, project websites and deliverables and from papers in PubMed and EMBASE was reviewed. Overall, 152 projects from the first six rounds of funding were identified. Sensors, computers, phones, tablets and televisions were used for various purposes, that is, monitoring, feedback, coaching, reminders and communication. In total, 12 projects reported evaluating health and well-being outcomes; however, these evaluations demonstrated poor methodological quality. Only three projects reported exact values. For all other projects, published evidence on the effect of these projects on health and well-being outcomes was not available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To enable an assessment of the costs and benefits of a new health technology one should use a range of outcome measures, including medical, psychosocial and economic. Therefore, unless a patient-reported outcome as well as clinical outcome is assessed in a study, the effect of a health technology on the patient will remain unknown as two therapies may have similar clinical consequences but different impacts upon the quality of the life of the patients. An important issue when designing a study with a new patient-reported outcome is the quantification of an effect size. Through a case study we highlight how simple calculations can enable the estimation of the effect sizes if there is information on established outcomes. This is done by mapping changes on the new scale to clinically relevant and important changes on established scales. We recommend the approaches described in this paper be considered for the quantification of important treatment effects when designing a clinical trial with a new patient-reported outcome measure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ARFTEMIS (ART Encounters: Museum Intervention Study) is an art-based intervention designed especially for people with dementia and their care partners that involves a combination of museum visits and artistic activity. This paper reports the results of a randomized wait-list controlled study on the influence of the ARTEMIS intervention on the emotional state, well-being, and quality of life of dementia patients. People with mild-to-moderate dementia (n = 44) and their care partners (n = 44) visited the Frankfurt Städel Museum once a week on six pre-arranged occasions. The intervention consisted of six different guided art tours (60 minutes), followed by art-making in the studio (60 minutes). Independent museum visits served as a control condition. A mixed-methods design was used to assess several outcomes including cognitive status, emotional well-being, self-rated aspects of quality of life, and subjective evaluations by informal caregivers. In a pre-post-assessment, we found significant improvements in participants’ self-rated quality of life (t = −3.15, p < .05). In a situational assessment of emotional well-being immediately before and after each of the museum sessions, we were able to demonstrate statistically significant positive changes with medium effect sizes (dcorr = .74–.77). Furthermore, the total Neuropsychiatric Inventory score as well as the affective (depressed mood and anxiety) and apathy subscales were significantly lower after the ARTEMIS intervention (tNPI total = 2.43; tNPI affective = 2.24; tNPI apathy = 2.52; p < .05). The results show that art museum-based art interventions are able to improve the subjective well-being, mood, and quality of life in people with dementia. This promising psychosocial approach deserves further attention in future studies and consideration in community-based dementia care programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To assess the risk of depression in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) in a tertiary care center and the effect of treatment on depression scores. Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between November 2021 and June 2022 and included adult patients (≥14 years) with CRS. The validated Arabic or English Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) were used before treatment and 3 to 6 months after surgery and maximal medical treatment. PHQ-9 scores were compared at baseline and follow-up visits. The relationship between changes in SNOT-22 and PHQ-9 scores were assessed using Spearman's correlation and simple linear regression. Results: Overall, 38 participants with a mean ± SD age of 32.7 ± 12 years were enrolled. CRS with nasal polyps (55.26%) was the most frequently seen condition, followed by allergic fungal CRS (31.58%) and CRS without nasal polyps (13.16%). Six patients (15.7%) had PHQ-9 scores ≥10, indicating they had major depressive disorder. PHQ-9 and SNOT-22 scores improved significantly after treatment (3.7 ± 5.8 vs 6.5 ± 6.9 pretreatment, P =.001; 20.7 ± 20.5 vs 45.6 ± 28.9 pretreatment, P <.0001, respectively). Mean ± SD change in PHQ-9 and SNOT-22 scores was −2.7 ± 7 and −24.9 ± 29.8, respectively. SNOT-22 and PHQ-9 scores were positively correlated (r =.522, P <.001). PHQ-9 score change was significantly associated with SNOT-22 score change (β =.178, 95% confidence interval 0.12-0.23, P <.0001). Conclusion: CRS affects the quality of life and psychological well-being of patients. Patient-centered care with maximal medical and surgical treatment help overcome its deleterious consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There have been mixed findings on whether social media use is positively or negatively related to well-being. Using the Midlife in the United States Refresher study (N = 782, age 25–75), multilevel structural equation modeling examined social support quantity (time giving and receiving) and quality of as mediators at both the within- (intraindividual) and between-person (interindividual) levels. Giving support significantly mediated at within- and between-person levels: more social media use was associated with more time giving support and worse well-being. Receiving support significantly mediated at the between-person level: more social media use was associated with more time receiving support and worse well-being. When examining social support quality as a mediator, findings showed that more social media use to contact family/friends was related to better social support quality and better well-being. Results added to our understanding of the relationship between social media use and well-being by considering the role of social support quantity/quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many autistic adults are likely to experience poor financial wellbeing and hardship due to unemployment and under-employment. Research in the general population demonstrates that subjective financial wellbeing—how people perceive their financial situation—influences quality of life. There is no research, however, examining the subjective financial wellbeing of autistic people. This study therefore aimed to (1) understand the subjective financial wellbeing of a sample of autistic adults living in Australia compared to a general Australian population sample and (2) identify the predictors of subjective financial wellbeing in this sample of autistic adults. To this end, 191 autistic adults aged 18–83 years (mean = 39.28, standard deviation = 11.74) completed an online survey about their economic status, financial wellbeing, financial behaviors, confidence in money management skills, and anxiety and depression symptoms. Almost half of our sample felt it was a struggle to make ends meet, whereas only one-third of the general Australian population felt this way. Similar to the general population, autistic people's income and their financial behaviors (specifically, saving and not borrowing for everyday expenses) predicted their sense of financial wellbeing. Our findings have implications for both research and practice. Researchers have found the way people feel about their financial situation is related to their quality of life. We know that many autistic people find it hard to find a job. And for those autistic people who have a job, they are often underpaid. Not having a job or being underpaid often means having low income. Having low income is likely to influence how autistic people feel about their financial situation. However, no research has looked at these issues for autistic people. This is the first study that helps us learn more about what autistic adults think about their financial situation. We looked at autistic people's thoughts on this issue compared to people from the general Australian population. We also looked at what things might impact how autistic people feel about their financial situation—which might be how much money they earn, what they do with that money, and their mental health. Many autistic adults felt they were struggling with financial wellbeing and this was connected both to the level of their income and how they said they managed their money. Those who were able to save and not borrow for everyday expenses reported feeling a greater sense of financial wellbeing. Concrete changes might help to improve autistic people's financial wellbeing. We need to investigate how we can help autistic people find and keep well-paying jobs. And we need to work out the best ways of equipping autistic people with the skills they need in financial matters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Individuals living in poverty often visit primary healthcare clinics for health problems stemming from unmet legal needs. We examined the impact of a medical-legal partnership on improving the social determinants of health (SDoH), health-related quality of life, and perceived health status of attendees of a Legal Clinic Program (LCP). Methods: This was a pre-post program evaluation of a weekly LCP established within an urban primary healthcare clinic to provide free legal consultation. Patients aged 18 years or older were either approached or referred to complete a screening tool to identify potential legal needs. Those identified with potential legal needs were offered an appointment with LCP lawyers who provided legal counsel, referrals, and services. For those who attended the LCP, changes in SDoH and health indicators were collected via a self-reported survey 6 months after they attended the LCP and compared to their baseline scores using paired t -tests, McNemar's test for paired proportions, and the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test for related samples. Results: During the 6-month evaluation period, 31 participants attended the LCP and completed both the baseline and 6-month surveys; 67.8% were female, 64.5% were white, 90.3% were not working full-time, and 61.3% had a household income of $700 to 1800 per month. At follow-up, 25.8% were receiving at least 1 new benefit and there was a statistically significant reduction in food insecurity (35.5% vs 9.7%, P <.05). Also, perceived health status using the visual analog scale (ranges from 0 to 100) significantly improved from 42.5 points (SD = 25.3) at baseline to 56.6 points (SD = 19.6) after 6 months (P <.05). Conclusions: The LCP has the potential to improve the health and wellbeing of patients in primary healthcare clinics by addressing unmet legal needs and SDoH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Clarifying the distinctions between art-based creative activities in the domains of occupational therapy and art therapy in the context of stroke rehabilitation, while also describing the effects of art-based creative activities on stroke rehabilitation. Design: Scoping review. Data source: A systematic search was performed in nine databases (Web of Science, PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CINAHL and four Chinese database) from their inception to December 2023. Review methods: The study included randomized and non-randomized controlled trials involving art-based creative activities, as well as qualitative research providing detailed intervention measures. The study focused on stroke patients, with primary outcomes related to patients' physiological recovery, psychological well-being, ADL, etc. Data extraction included information on intervention strategies and study results. Results: Seventeen studies were included, extracting six similarities and differences in creative activity between two domains. Creative activities were observed to have positive impacts on daily living activities, limb motor function, fine motor ability, and emotional well-being in stroke patients. Conclusion: Creative activities, whether in occupational therapy or art therapy, involve providing participants with tangible crafting materials for the creation of artistic works. Future stroke rehabilitation practices should tailor activities and intervention focus based on patients' rehabilitation needs, preferences, and cultural background. The current comprehensive analysis provides initial support for the potential positive role of creative activities in stroke rehabilitation, but further in-depth research is needed to confirm their effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study's aim is to explore the experiences of people with advanced cancer and professionals participating in a program with focus on rehabilitation and palliative care. The study is based on two adjusted rehabilitation programs for 33 people with advanced cancer and 12 professionals. An observational study was conducted among the participants and two focus group interviews with 10 professionals. The analytic themes were "Lightness and happiness to gain control in everyday life," "Community and closeness," and "Training as a happiness and changing agent." The activities had to support physical functions and everyday activities promoting body identity and well-being as well as emotions like closeness, lightness, and happiness in groups with like-minded people and at home with a partner and other family members. These activities and theory of emotions and body can expand the understanding of palliative care and rehabilitation as separated or integrated perspectives theoretical and in practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors introduce meta-analysis as a compelling tool for macromarketing research in an increasingly complex and data-driven world, and share an example of its application. They synthesize and generalize empirical findings on the relationships between marketing systems (MS) and quality-of-life (QOL), two concepts integral to macromarketing. Results indicate dimensions of MS are positively associated with QOL, suggesting that marketing systems enhance consumer well-being across contexts and metrics. The promotion dimension of MS has the highest correlation with QOL; the strongest positive MS-QOL relationship was estimated for personal health. Measurement, cultural, and socioeconomic factors that affect the strength of MS-QOL relationships also were assessed. Results suggest the association between MS and QOL is stronger in studies based on primary/subjective measures of QOL constructs, in samples drawn from developed economies, and in more indulgent, uncertainty-tolerant, and long-term-oriented cultures. Implications for theory, policy, practice, and opportunities for further research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Assessment of occupational balance is of clinical relevance for occupational therapists working with patients with reduced occupational performance. Clinical practice lacks validated assessment tools to measure occupational balance. Aim: To establish the content validity of the 11-item Danish version of the Occupational Balance Questionnaire (OBQ-DK) with a radar chart add-on for use in occupational therapy practice. Materials and methods: A convergent mixed-methods study was performed investigating content validity. Three group interviews were conducted in 3 settings with 12 occupational therapists. A deductive content analysis covered face validity, relevance, comprehensiveness and comprehensibility. The relevance of the 11 items was further assessed using a content validity index. Results: All items were found to be relevant to the construct of occupational balance. Even so, concerns were raised regarding content validity. The comprehensiveness was questioned regarding the coverage of the balance of meaningful occupations. Comprehensibility was questioned for 6 of the 11 items, and the response scale. Conclusion: Content validity was investigated. The doubts raised in relation to comprehensiveness call for new wordings or elaborate instructions to enhance constructional clarity. The response scale levels should be adapted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experience of clinically significant anxiety and anxiety disorders represent significant and often debilitating problems for many residents in long-term care (LTC) settings. However, anxiety problems often go undetected and untreated in this growing population. The purposes of this paper are to examine the prevalence and impact of anxiety problems among residents in LTC facilities, describe the efficacy of the current instruments that are used to detect anxiety in these settings, and provide clinical guidance for the thorough assessment of anxiety. Regarding measurement tools, the GAI, GAI-SF, GAS-LTC, and the BADS are the only self-report measures designed for older adults that have been successfully validated for use with older adults living in LTC settings. Clinicians should focus on ways to educate LTC directors and staff to emphasize the importance of screening and assessing for anxiety, using validated measures, to improve the assessment and treatment of anxiety in their residents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nexus between tourism and quality of life (QoL) has been widely discussed in the literature. There is an extensive research that examines the connection between tourism activities and QoL. Although the existing studies converge in that QoL and well-being should be incorporated and made a central aspect of tourism policies and strategies, the current literature lacks an integrated comprehensive approach to how QoL can be incorporated into tourism decision-making. Tourism decision-making organizations have yet to integrate QoL into the assessment of important strategy-related benchmarks (e.g., performance, tourism satellite accounts, demand, and resource integration). Thus, the objective of this article is to offer a conceptual framework integrating QoL and tourism public policy. The suggested model provides guidelines regarding the implementation of QoL at different stages of policy development. The framework will provide a guide for tourism destinations in formulating and implementing policies with a focus on improving the community's QoL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite participatory institutions' increasing ubiquity, we know little about their effects on governance and well-being. What we do know comes largely from Brazil, where positive outcomes have been attributed to civil society's role in implementation. Often, however, participatory institutions are imposed by national governments, with little civil society engagement. In these cases, scholars have argued, participatory institutions are unlikely to improve governance and well-being, as civil society is not present to unlock the institutions' potential. We test this proposition in Peru, the first country featuring government mandated participatory institutions for all subnational governments. We find, surprisingly, that Peru's participatory budgeting process increased pro-poor spending and improved citizen's quality of life. We attribute these outcomes to reduced information asymmetries, made possible by the central role played by an influential and autonomous government agency. We employ a unique panel dataset, as well as an original survey and extensive interviews with government and civil society actors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current study, common and unique genetic and environmental influences on personality and a broad range of well-being measures were investigated. Data on the Big Five, life satisfaction, quality of life, self-rated health, loneliness, and depression from 14,253 twins and their siblings (age M: 31.82, SD: 14.41, range 16–97) from the Netherlands Twin Register were used in multivariate extended twin models. The best-fitting theoretical model indicated that genetic variance in personality and well-being traits can be decomposed into effects due to one general, common factor (Mdn: 60%, range 15%–89%), due to personality-specific (Mdn: 2%, range 0%–78%) and well-being-specific (Mdn: 12%, range 4%–35%) factors, and trait-specific effects (Mdn: 18%, range 0%–65%). Significant amounts of non-additive genetic influences on the traits' (co)variances were found, while no evidence was found for quantitative or qualitative sex differences. Taken together, our study paints a fine-grained, complex picture of common and unique genetic and environmental effects on personality and well-being. Implications for the interpretation of shared variance, inflated phenotypic correlations between traits and future gene finding studies are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Sport participation may have quality-of-life benefits for people with chronic breathlessness; however, its feasibility and impact on health are unknown. We aimed to synthesise the scientific literature concerning the impact of sport for people with chronic breathlessness. Data sources: Searches of MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Embase, SPORTDiscus and Google Scholar were conducted (May 2023). Review methods: Studies were included if they assessed the impact of sport with participants who were likely to suffer from chronic breathlessness due to an underlying condition (e.g. severe asthma, heart failure). A convergent-segregated approach to synthesis in accordance with the JBI methodology for mixed-methods reviews was utilised, including meta-analytic and meta-aggregation analyses. Results: A total of 22 studies met the inclusion criteria. Studies sampled 1017 participants from 13 different countries, with sample sizes ranging from 5 to 185. Causes of breathlessness consisted of chronic respiratory diseases (9 studies) and coronary heart disease (13 studies). Design-wise, 18 reported quantitative methods, 3 qualitative, and 1 mixed-methods. Conclusions: Sports were well-adhered to with only minor/unrelated adverse events reported. Improvements in exercise capacity were observed although there was no impact on health-related quality of life. Other quantitative outcomes extracted varied widely across studies, making it difficult to draw firm conclusions. Participation in sports was reliably recorded at intensity consistent with moderate-to-vigorous activity despite being self-paced. Qualitative themes emphasised the positive elements of sport participation, namely, social cohesion, the capacity to incorporate culture, and the idea that participation is enjoyable rather than a necessary chore to maintain one's health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this evidence-based project (EBP) was to determine if an evidence-based sleep health and wellness intervention improved sleep in veterans self-reporting a history of insomnia. Insomnia can negatively affect an individual's physical and psychological well-being, as well as increase health-care costs and decrease the overall quality of life. The intervention utilized a combination of insomnia treatments, delivered to two American Legion veteran participant groups: an Alabama American Legion Retreat and individuals at an American Legion Post site. The holistic-focused modalities used in this intervention included Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) techniques, sleep hygiene principles, and Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) methods. The measurement tool, the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), indicated statistically significant changes in the severity of participants' self-reported insomnia. Based upon the research evidence and results of the pre- and post-test ISI, a more permanent, ongoing sleep health and wellness intervention is feasible and would have numerous beneficial effects for the veteran's management of insomnia symptoms. Future efforts include implementing sleep hygiene, CAM interventions, and holistic nursing-supported education interventions at other sites and venues within the Alabama American Legion, as well as maintaining long-term community partnerships with veteran groups such as the Alabama American Legion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As more women choose to forgo motherhood, childfree women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) are important to study, particularly given pronatalist ideals that can make the choice not to have children difficult to exercise. Although temporary contraception prevents motherhood, physicians sometimes discourage or deny women access to more permanent options, including sterilization, due to their belief that childfree women and those AFAB will regret their decision. From a reproductive justice framework, we examined psychological outcomes of sterilization approval and denials among a sample of 154 childfree women and nonbinary people AFAB who sought and either obtained or were denied sterilization. Participants completed measures of psychological well-being, self-esteem, and sexual quality of life. Childfree participants who obtained sterilization reported higher self-esteem, better sexual quality, and higher well-being than childfree individuals who were denied the procedure. Neither age nor time since making the sterilization request accounted for the differences between the groups in terms of sexual quality of life and psychological well-being. Collectively, these findings offer the first empirical evidence of the potential outcomes among childfree women seeking sterilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mental health conditions range from mood disturbances like depression and bipolar disorder to anxiety and psychotic disorders, eating disorders, and ADHD. Treatment plans traditionally involve pharmaceutical interventions. However, the emerging concept of lifestyle medicine can be an additive strategy for mental health management. The primary aim of this article is to dive into the use of medication in treating different mental health disorders and also highlight lifestyle changes, such as dietary adjustments and physical activity, as a means to enhance mental well-being, mitigate medication side effects, and address comorbid side effects like diabetes and obesity. The comprehensive approach of lifestyle medicine is presented as a promising complementary option, aiming for better symptom control and improved quality of life alongside medication in managing complex mental health conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Being diagnosed with a neurodegenerative disease is a life-changing event and a critical time to help patients cope and move forward in a proactive way. Historically, the main focus of Parkinson's disease (PD) treatment has been on the motor features with limited attention given to non-motor and mental health sequelae, which have the most impact on quality of life. Although depression and anxiety have been described at the time of PD diagnosis, demoralization, intolerance of uncertainty, decreased self-efficacy, stigma and loneliness can also present and have negative effects on the trajectory of the disease. Hence, understanding the psychological impact of the diagnosis and how to provide better counselling at this critical time point may be the key to a better long-term trajectory and quality of life. Focus: There has been a paradigm shift in the treatment of chronic illness moving beyond the medical model, which focuses on fighting illness with the physician being in charge of the treatment process and the patient being the passive recipient, toward a more holistic (i.e., physical, psychological, social, and spiritual health) biopsychosocial approach that emphasizes behavioral factors with the patient being an active collaborator in their treatment. Hence, we propose that fostering resilience, social support, and psychological flexibility offer promise toward attenuating negative reactions and improving overall well-being. Conclusion: Through a proactive wellness approach incorporating lifestyle choices, people with PD (PwP) can not only achieve improved states of health, well-being, and quality of life, but actually thrive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Covid-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns provided opportunities to engage and reconnect with nature, with many people noting associated benefits to well-being. Research from the pandemic period has largely focused on the way neurotypical or general populations experienced nature; less is known about how autistic people used nature to support well-being during this time. In this qualitative survey study of 127 autistic adults in the United Kingdom, we used reflexive thematic analysis of text box responses to develop two themes: respite in nature and connecting amid widespread disconnection. For some autistic adults during the pandemic, nature provided physical distance from others or from crowded homes, enabling them to use nature to experience relief from stress. In addition, some participants felt more psychologically connected to nature itself during the pandemic, while for others, nature served as a way of connecting with others during a potentially isolating time. These findings have implications for autistic people and their families and carers who may want to seek out nature-based activities to support well-being in the wake of the pandemic. The Covid-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns provided opportunities to spend time in nature, with many people reporting that this benefitted their well-being. However, existing research from the pandemic period has focused on the way general populations experienced nature; less is known about how autistic people used nature to support their well-being during the pandemic. We created a survey that invited autistic adults living in the United Kingdom to reply to text box questions. A total of 127 people responded to our survey; we analysed their responses using a method called reflexive thematic analysis and developed themes based on patterns among all the responses. We developed two themes: respite in nature and connecting amid widespread disconnection. For some autistic adults during the pandemic, nature provided physical distance from others or from crowded homes, which helped them reduce their stress. In addition, some participants felt more psychologically connected to nature itself during the pandemic, while for others, nature served as a way of connecting with others during a potentially isolating time. These findings are important for autistic people and their families and carers who may want to seek out nature-based activities to support well-being in the wake of the pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Assessment of quality of life (QoL) in cancer patients can provide an overall picture of the patient's adaptation to the disease and maintain long-term health and well-being. Determining the QoL in cancer patients could help with better care and could be as prognostic as medical factors and the survival benefit that pharmacological treatment could provide. The main objective of this review was to determine the prevalence of QoL among Ethiopian adult cancer patients. Methods: A systematic review was conducted using the "Preferred Reporting Results of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses" guidelines. Databases such as PubMed/Medline, CINAHL, AMED, Embase, the Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect, World Health Organization's Hinari portal, and African Journals Online databases were searched from January 2022 to June 2022. Google, Google Scholar, and university repositories were used to access unpublished studies. Two reviewers independently screened the data using a standardized data extraction format and appraised their quality using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Results: In this review, 10 studies were included. The prevalence of poor QoL ranged from 52 to 89.6. The physical, role, social, and emotional functioning were the most affected domains of QoL and have been significantly associated with QoL. Financial difficulty was the most important predictor of QoL among Ethiopian cancer patients. Pain, dyspnea, nausea, vomiting, and poor appetite were also reported as predictors of QoL. Low income, lower educational status, unmarried status, underweight, anxiety, and depression, advanced stage of cancer, patients with ≤2 cycles of chemotherapy, and the presence of comorbid diseases were significantly correlated with QoL. Conclusions: The QoL of an Ethiopian cancer patient was low. Quality of life assessments, appropriate symptom management, integration of psycho-oncology care, and providing economic support shall be considered to improve their QoL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: We aimed to co-produce and validate an accessible, evidence-based questionnaire measuring 'living well' with dementia that reflects the experience of people with mild-to-moderate dementia. Methods: Nine people with dementia formed a co-production group. An initial series of workshops generated the format of the questionnaire and a longlist of items. Preliminary testing with 53 IDEAL cohort participants yielded a shortlist of items. These were tested with 136 IDEAL cohort participants during a further round of data collection and assessed for reliability and validity. The co-production group contributed to decisions throughout and agreed the final version. Results: An initial list of 230 items was reduced to 41 for initial testing, 12 for full testing, and 10 for the final version. The 10-item version had good internal consistency and test-retest reliability, and a single factor structure. Analyses showed significant large positive correlations with scores on measures of quality of life, well-being, and satisfaction with life, and expected patterns of association including a significant large negative association with depression scores and no association with cognitive test scores. Conclusions: The co-produced My Life Questionnaire is an accessible and valid measure of 'living well' with dementia suitable for use in a range of contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endometriosis is related to adverse quality of life (QoL) and wellbeing outcomes. The way in which endometriosis is perceived by individuals experiencing the condition has not been directly considered, yet illness perceptions (IPs) are predictors of QoL in several chronic conditions. This research aims to gain an understanding of the IPs held by individuals experiencing endometriosis and their impact on QoL. Semi-structured, one-to-one interviews with 30 UK-based participants sought to gain an understanding of participant experiences and perceptions linked to endometriosis. Three themes were constructed through reflexive thematic analysis: a life disrupted; lost sense of self; and complex emotional responses. Largely negative IPs were held by individuals experiencing endometriosis which, along with endometriosis-specific symptoms, fuelled fears for the future and reduced QoL. IP-based interventions may support the QoL of those experiencing endometriosis whilst effective treatment is sought. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Preventing Loss of Independence through Exercise (PLIÉ) is an in-person group mind-body movement program for people across the spectrum of cognitive decline and care partners (CPs). Objective: This study developed and refined an online version called Moving Together and tested feasibility and satisfaction with an online delivery. Methods: In Phase 1, we used qualitative methods to determine which elements of the in-person program were essential to retain for the online version and adaptations that would be needed to support the user experience. In Phase 2, we created a prototype of the online program and iteratively refined it based on user feedback. In Phase 3, we assessed feasibility of online delivery based on class attendance and program completion; we assessed satisfaction and participant-reported outcomes using a post-program evaluation survey with quantitative and qualitative components. Results: Phase 1 findings from 27 participants (14 PLWD, 13 CPs) revealed three key considerations related to online delivery of PLIÉ: technology use, social connection as a primary motivator, and physical safety concerns. Phase 2 iterative testing among 25 participants (14 PLWD, 11 CPs) resulted in key refinements to program delivery and instructional elements; Phase 3 pilot testing included 39 participants (12 PLWD, 15 CPs, 12 MCI) who attended 75 ± 29% of 24 classes; 77% completed the 12-week program, of whom 96% rated it as excellent or good. Participant-reported outcomes included improvements in social connection, emotional well-being, physical function, cognitive function and present-centered body awareness. PLWD or MCI also reported improvements in self-concept, and CPs reported improvements in caregiving self-efficacy. The primary challenges were related to participant navigation of technology. Conclusion: The Moving Together online program is feasible for PLWD or MCI and CPs with participants reporting high satisfaction and positive outcomes across multiple domains. Providing individual technology support is critical for the success of livestreamed, online interventions for dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Nursing research studies investigating the relationship between spiritual wellbeing and health-related quality of life are lacking among Arab hemodialysis patients in Jordan or any other Arab country. The purpose of this study was to explore the associations between spiritual wellbeing, its religious and existential wellbeing dimensions, and health-related quality of life among Jordanian Muslim hemodialysis patients. Design: A cross sectional, quantitative correlational study. Methods: A convenience sample of 150 Jordanian hemodialysis patients completed a structured, self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate regression models were used. Findings: The Jordanian hemodialysis patients had a moderate level of spiritual wellbeing and religious wellbeing, a low level of existential wellbeing, and a poor health-related quality of life. The findings revealed a significant moderate positive correlation between the spiritual wellbeing and its dimensions, and health-related quality of life. The existential wellbeing was the strongest predictor, with a large, positive, and significant effect after controlling for other spiritual, demographic and medical-related variables. Conclusion: Overall, the study suggests Jordanian hemodialysis patients use their religious and spiritual beliefs and practices as a coping mechanism, especially as sources of satisfaction, peace, comfort, strength and support, to help improve their health-related quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recognition of the challenges inherent in psychology research related to cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) and other craniofacial anomalies (CFAs) is far from novel; yet these challenges continue to limit progress within the field. The aim of the present article was to illustrate these challenges by utilizing data extracted from 2 recent literature reviews pertaining to psychological adjustment within CL/P and CFA research. Design: Data relating to 148 CL/P and 41 CFA studies were extracted, summarized, and compared, using percentages, figures, and χ2 calculations. Results: Comparable patterns were observed in both populations in relation to small sample sizes, wide age ranges, a reliance on data collection from single sites, and limited global coverage. Similarly, only one-third of all studies had used a comparison group, 42% of studies did not include the patient perspective, and fewer than 10% of studies had collected data longitudinally. Qualitative research was lacking across both populations, but particularly in relation to CFA. A higher proportion of CFA studies utilized validated measures and were less likely to exclude patients with additional anomalies. CFA studies most frequently focused on behavior and overall quality of life, while CL/P studies tended to investigate emotional well-being and social experiences. Conclusions: Findings illustrate the variability in research approaches, sampling, measurement, and analysis across both populations. There is a pressing need to address key methodological issues within craniofacial research and to examine the possible similarities and condition-specific differences between CL/P and other congenital craniofacial anomalies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite its relatively recent emergence over the past few decades, oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) has important implications for the clinical practice of dentistry and dental research. OHRQoL is a multidimensional construct that includes a subjective evaluation of the individual’s oral health, functional well-being, emotional well-being, expectations and satisfaction with care, and sense of self. It has wide-reaching applications in survey and clinical research. OHRQoL is an integral part of general health and well-being. In fact, it is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as an important segment of the Global Oral Health Program (2003). This paper identifies the what, why, and how of OHRQoL and presents an oral health theoretical model. The relevance of OHRQoL for dental practitioners and patients in community-based dental practices is presented. Implications for health policy and related oral health disparities are also discussed. A supplemental Appendix contains a Medline and ProQuest literature search regarding OHRQoL research from 1990-2010 by discipline and research design (e.g., descriptive, longitudinal, clinical trial, etc.). The search identified 300 articles with a notable surge in OHRQoL research in pediatrics and orthodontics in recent years. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article presents abstracts on planning literature which include approaches to empirical work in regional economics, understanding the barriers to social adaptation, and management of large city regions.

Objectives: To propose collective well-being as a holistic measure of the overall "health" of a community. To define collective well-being as a group-level construct measured across 5 domains (vitality, opportunity, connectedness, contribution, and inspiration) and introduce an actionable model that demonstrates how community characteristics affect collective well-being. To review the literature describing each domain's association with health outcomes and community characteristics' associations with collective well-being.Methods: We came to consensus on topics describing each component of our conceptual model. Because "well-being" is not indexed in MEDLINE, we performed topic-specific database searches and examined bibliographies of papers retrieved. We excluded articles that were limited to narrow subtopics or studies within small subpopulations. Preference was given to quasi-experimental or randomized studies, systematic reviews, or meta-analyses. Consensus was reached on inclusion or exclusion of all articles.Results: Reviewed literature supported each of the proposed domains as important aspects of collective well-being and as determinants of individual or community health. Evidence suggests a broad range of community characteristics support collective well-being.Conclusions: The health and quality of life of a community may be improved by focusing efforts on community characteristics that support key aspects of well-being. Future work should develop a unified measure of collective well-being to evaluate the relative impact of specific efforts on the collective well-being of communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Theories relating to youth participation are, in the main, ill-defined and contested. It is often assumed that citizenship and a sense of well-being are the outcomes of active forms of youth participation. This paper presents a critical comparative review of each before offering a new model which seeks to explain the top-down and bottom-up influences on the positive engagement of young people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper argues that a worthwhile life is one in which the meaningful relationships existing in nature are recognised and respected. A meaningful relationship occurs when the interactions between two entities have significance in their past history and its anticipated continuation. The form in which the history of both the human and the non-human is related is narrative. A life is enriched or impoverished by the subject's relationships to other people and nature, and as such is more or less worthwhile. The argument presented here shows how Alan Holland's approach to conservation decision making can be extended to have relevance to individual lives, and that a strong ethical position can be developed from this insight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]