Well-Being Perception During COVID-19 Pandemic in Healthy Adolescents: Evidence From the Avatar Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesca Mastorci ◽  
Luca Bastiani ◽  
Gabriele Trivellini ◽  
Cristina Doveri ◽  
Anselmo Casu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Context ◽  
Social Contact ◽  
Risk Behaviour ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mental Skills ◽  
Emotional Status ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Lifestyle Habits ◽  
Adolescent Students ◽  
Environmental Deprivation

Abstract Background COVID-19 pandemic provided an extraordinary and naturalistic context to observe young people’s psychosocial profile and to study how a condition of environmental deprivation and lack of direct social contact, affect the well-being and health status of adolescents. The current study explored whether the COVID-19 outbreak changes, in the short term, the acute well-being perception in adolescents, as measured by a Personalised Well-being Index (PWBI) and the four components affecting health (i.e. lifestyle habits, social context, emotional status, mental skills), in a sample of early adolescent students. Methods Data were collected in 1019 adolescents (boys 48.3%, mean age 12.53 ± 1.25), at the beginning of school year (Baseline Condition, BC) as part of the AVATAR project and during the Italian lockdown phase (LP) using online questionnaire. Results During COVID-19 quarantine, adolescents showed a lower PWBI (p = 0.000) as compared to the baseline conditions. Considering the four health-related well-being components, lifestyle habits (p = 0.000), social context (p = 0.000), and emotional status (p = 0.000), showed significantly lower values during lockdown phase than baseline ones. However, mental skills, in LP, displayed a significant increase as compared to pre-COVID conditions (p = 0.000). Conclusions In this study, we have provided data on the personalised well-being index and the different components affecting health in adolescents during the COVID-19 lockdown, showing a general decreased in well-being perception, expressed in the lifestyle habits, social, and emotional components, demonstrating detrimental effects in the first phase of quarantine on adolescents’psychosocial profile. Our result shed new light on adolescence as a crucial period of risk behaviour, especially when social support is lacking.

scholarly journals Well-Being Perception during COVID-19 Pandemic in Healthy Adolescents: From the Avatar Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (12) ◽  
pp. 6388
Author(s):  
Francesca Mastorci ◽  
Luca Bastiani ◽  
Gabriele Trivellini ◽  
Cristina Doveri ◽  
Anselmo Casu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Context ◽  
Social Contact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mental Skills ◽  
Emotional Status ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Lifestyle Habits ◽  
Adolescent Students ◽  
Environmental Deprivation ◽  
Psychosocial Profiles

The COVID-19 pandemic provided an extraordinary and naturalistic context to observe young people’s psychosocial profiles and to study how a condition of environmental deprivation and lack of direct social contact, affects the well-being and health status of adolescents. The study explored whether the COVID-19 outbreak changes, in the short term, the acute well-being perception in adolescents, as measured by a Personalized Well-Being Index (PWBI) and the four components affecting health (i.e., lifestyle habits, social context, emotional status, mental skills), in a sample of early adolescent students. Data from 10 schools were collected on 1019 adolescents (males 48.3%, mean age 12.53 ± 1.25 y). Measurements were obtained at two time points, in September/October 2019, (baseline condition, BC) as part of the “A new purpose for promotion and eVAluation of healTh and well-being Among healthy teenageRs” (AVATAR) project and during the Italian Lockdown Phase (mid–late April 2020, LP), with the same students using an online questionnaire. During COVID-19 quarantine, adolescents showed a lower PWBI (p < 0.001) as compared to the BC. Considering the four health-related well-being components, lifestyle habits (p < 0.001), social context (p < 0.001), and emotional status (p < 0.001), showed significantly lower values during LP than BC. However, mental skills, in LP, displayed a significant increase as compared to BC (p < 0.001). In this study, we have provided data on the personalized well-being index and the different components affecting health in adolescents during the COVID-19 lockdown, showing a general decrease in well-being perception, expressed in lifestyle habits, social, and emotional components, demonstrating detrimental effects in the first phase of quarantine on adolescents’ psychosocial profiles. Our results shed new light on adolescence as a crucial period of risk behavior, especially when social support is lacking.

scholarly journals Relationships between Physical and Social Behavioural Changes and the Mental Status of Homebound Residents in Hong Kong during the COVID-19 Pandemic

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (18) ◽  
pp. 6653
Author(s):  
Ben Y. F. Fong ◽  
Martin C. S. Wong ◽  
Vincent T. S. Law ◽  
Man Fung Lo ◽  
Tommy K. C. Ng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Hong Kong ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Severe Depression ◽  
Social Contact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Physical Strain

In Hong Kong, social distancing has been adopted in order to minimise the spread of COVID-19. This study aims to examine the changes in physical health, mental health, and social well-being experienced by local residents who were homebound during the pandemic. An online questionnaire in both Chinese and English versions was completed by 590 eligible participants from 24 April to 13 May 2020. The questionnaire found that individuals aged 18 to 25 years spent more time resting and relaxing but experienced more physical strain. Working status was associated with social contact, with participants working full-time jobs scoring higher in “maintaining social communication via electronic means” and “avoiding social activities outside the home”. Additionally, approximately one third of the participants (29.7%) had moderate to severe depression, and participants aged 18 to 25 were found to have higher scores in PHQ-9. Changes in physical health and social contact were significantly associated with developing depressive symptoms. From the results, it is clear that the COVID-19 pandemic has the potential to exert a negative impact on the mental health status of individuals.

scholarly journals Development of a Web-Based School Support System Within the AVATAR Project for Psychosocial Well-being in Adolescents: Pilot Feasibility Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesca Mastorci ◽  
Paolo Piaggi ◽  
Gabriele Trivellini ◽  
Cristina Doveri ◽  
Anselmo Casu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Context ◽  
Feasibility Study ◽  
Support System ◽  
Well Being ◽  
School Support ◽  
Health Programs ◽  
Emotional Status ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Pilot Feasibility Study ◽  
Health And Well Being

BACKGROUND Health and well-being promotions are key points of educational programs for adolescents within schools. There are several health education programs mainly based on lifestyle habit changes; however, social and emotional dimensions should be considered within these educational strategies. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to (1) develop a new web-based school support system to assess and analyze individual, classroom, and scholastic institute data on lifestyle habits, social context, emotional status, and scholastic performance; (2) create a web tool for managing the well-being of adolescents through a dynamic and personalized interface that provides immediate feedback that allows the school to monitor progress; and (3) evaluate, in a pilot study, the feasibility of this web-based school support system in order to build health programs that are specific to the needs of the studied population. METHODS The AVATAR (a new purpose for the promotion and evaluation of health and well-being among healthy teenagers) method consists of integrating the information coming from different questionnaires. In particular, to allow planning didactic and educational actions based on the results obtained, the AVATAR approach allows subdivision of the results of the different observed variables and the 4 components into the following 3 percentile categories: modify, improve, and maintain. The AVATAR web platform was designed to collect data on lifestyle, emotional status, and social context from junior high schools in terms of the fundamental aspects of adolescent daily life, with free use by the scholastic community (scholars, teachers, and parents). In this pilot/feasibility study, data from 331 students were acquired between 2018 and 2019 at the beginning of the scholastic year (pre) and at the end following the school-based program (post). RESULTS Preliminary results showed that after school planning and specific program implementation, defined after AVATAR feedback, students reported better well-being perception characterized by higher perception in psychological well-being (<i>P</i>=.001), mood (<i>P</i>=.001), self-perception (<i>P</i>=.006), and autonomy (<i>P</i>=.001), and an increase in the perception of financial resources (<i>P</i>=.001), which helped in developing healthy lifestyle habits (<i>P</i>=.007). In the social context assessment, students reported stronger relationships with family (<i>P</i>=.02) and peers (<i>P</i>=.001), and a lower perception of bullying (<i>P</i>=.001). CONCLUSIONS The AVATAR web-based platform is a feasible and flexible tool for the health and well-being management of adolescents from epidemiological, preventive, and educational points of view. In particular, it can be used to (1) promote information campaigns aimed at modifying risk behaviors in the student population, (2) sensitize students and put them at the center of their growth path, (3) inform institutions about the health and well-being of the school population, (4) ensure health programs are acceptable and feasible to users before launching on a large scale, and (5) improve the relationship of users (school) and educational agencies with research groups.

scholarly journals Development of a Web-Based School Support System Within the AVATAR Project for Psychosocial Well-being in Adolescents: Pilot Feasibility Study

10.2196/24840 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (12) ◽  
pp. e24840
Author(s):  
Francesca Mastorci ◽  
Paolo Piaggi ◽  
Gabriele Trivellini ◽  
Cristina Doveri ◽  
Anselmo Casu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Context ◽  
Feasibility Study ◽  
Support System ◽  
Well Being ◽  
School Support ◽  
Health Programs ◽  
Emotional Status ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Pilot Feasibility Study ◽  
Health And Well Being

Background Health and well-being promotions are key points of educational programs for adolescents within schools. There are several health education programs mainly based on lifestyle habit changes; however, social and emotional dimensions should be considered within these educational strategies. Objective This study aimed to (1) develop a new web-based school support system to assess and analyze individual, classroom, and scholastic institute data on lifestyle habits, social context, emotional status, and scholastic performance; (2) create a web tool for managing the well-being of adolescents through a dynamic and personalized interface that provides immediate feedback that allows the school to monitor progress; and (3) evaluate, in a pilot study, the feasibility of this web-based school support system in order to build health programs that are specific to the needs of the studied population. Methods The AVATAR (a new purpose for the promotion and evaluation of health and well-being among healthy teenagers) method consists of integrating the information coming from different questionnaires. In particular, to allow planning didactic and educational actions based on the results obtained, the AVATAR approach allows subdivision of the results of the different observed variables and the 4 components into the following 3 percentile categories: modify, improve, and maintain. The AVATAR web platform was designed to collect data on lifestyle, emotional status, and social context from junior high schools in terms of the fundamental aspects of adolescent daily life, with free use by the scholastic community (scholars, teachers, and parents). In this pilot/feasibility study, data from 331 students were acquired between 2018 and 2019 at the beginning of the scholastic year (pre) and at the end following the school-based program (post). Results Preliminary results showed that after school planning and specific program implementation, defined after AVATAR feedback, students reported better well-being perception characterized by higher perception in psychological well-being (P=.001), mood (P=.001), self-perception (P=.006), and autonomy (P=.001), and an increase in the perception of financial resources (P=.001), which helped in developing healthy lifestyle habits (P=.007). In the social context assessment, students reported stronger relationships with family (P=.02) and peers (P=.001), and a lower perception of bullying (P=.001). Conclusions The AVATAR web-based platform is a feasible and flexible tool for the health and well-being management of adolescents from epidemiological, preventive, and educational points of view. In particular, it can be used to (1) promote information campaigns aimed at modifying risk behaviors in the student population, (2) sensitize students and put them at the center of their growth path, (3) inform institutions about the health and well-being of the school population, (4) ensure health programs are acceptable and feasible to users before launching on a large scale, and (5) improve the relationship of users (school) and educational agencies with research groups.

scholarly journals Teaching during the Pandemic: A Comparison in Psychological Wellbeing among Smart Working Professions

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 4850
Author(s):  
Emanuela Mari ◽  
Giulia Lausi ◽  
Angelo Fraschetti ◽  
Alessandra Pizzo ◽  
Michela Baldi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ad Hoc ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Italian Population ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Psychological Variables ◽  
Group Methods ◽  
Random Probability ◽  
Smart Working ◽  
Restrictive Measures

Background: As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, since March 2020, the Italian population was forced into lockdown to prevent the spread of the virus. The restrictive measures imposed forced many organizations and workers to work through online platforms and no longer in-person. Smart working, enjoyed by some workers for its flexibility, affected several professional categories. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether there are differences in the psychological variables related to four groups of professional categories (practitioners, managers, executive employees, teachers), particularly the teachers group. Methods: A total sample of 628 individuals was recruited through a random probability sample across Italy. Due to the lockdown, an online questionnaire was developed; several validated scales were chosen, and some ad hoc constructed items related to the smart working experience were included. Results: The results showed statistically significant differences between the four groups of examined smart workers. Conclusions: All workers have had to readjust to this new way of working, but our results show that teachers were the most affected, both in the perception of their psychological well-being and in the management of the smart working mode.

scholarly journals Subjective Well-Being and Parenthood in Chile

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (14) ◽  
pp. 7408
Author(s):  
Consuelo Novoa ◽  
Claudio Bustos ◽  
Vasily Bühring ◽  
Karen Oliva ◽  
Darío Páez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Context ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Positive And Negative Affect ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Cultural Perception ◽  
Probabilistic Database ◽  
The Social ◽  
Life Trajectory ◽  
Being There ◽  
And Gender

Being a parent plays an important role in people’s life trajectory and identity. Though the general cultural perception is that having children is a source of subjective well-being, there is evidence that, at least in some societies, the subjective well-being of those who are parents is worse, in some aspects, than that of those who are not. This gap has been the object of interest and controversy. The aim of this study was to compare Chilean adults with and without children in a broad set of well-being indicators, controlling for other sociodemographic variables. A public national probabilistic database was used. The results show that, in terms of positive and negative affect, those who are not parents achieve greater well-being than those who have children. Other results also pointed in that direction. The implications of the social context and gender, which are aspects that pose a burden for the exercise of parenthood in Chile, are discussed.

scholarly journals Towards a standardized approach of assessing social context of persons receiving home care in Flanders, Belgium: the development and test of a social supplement to the interRAI instruments

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shauni Van Doren ◽  
Kirsten Hermans ◽  
Anja Declercq
Keyword(s):  
Social Context ◽  
Home Care ◽  
Living Arrangements ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Developmental Process ◽  
Stage Iv ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Frequency Distributions ◽  
Early Evaluation ◽  
Care Assessment

Abstract Background Apart from a person’s physical functioning, the early identification of social context indicators which affect patient outcomes - such as environmental and psychosocial issues - is key for high quality and comprehensive care at home. During a home care assessment, a person’s biomedical and functional problems are typically considered. Harder to define concepts, such as psychosocial well-being or living arrangements, are not routinely documented, even though research shows they also affect functioning and health outcomes. The purpose of this study is to develop and test a concise, integrated assessment (BelRAI Social Supplement) that evaluates these social context indicators for persons receiving home care to complement existing interRAI- instruments. Methods The development of the BelRAI Social Supplement is a multi-stage process, based upon the revised MRC-framework, involving both qualitative and quantitative research with stakeholders such as; clients, informal caregivers, care professionals and policy makers. The developmental process encompasses four stages: (I) item generation based on multiple methods and content validation by a panel of stakeholders (II) assessing feasibility and piloting methods, (III) early evaluation, and (IV) final evaluation. Stage II and III are covered in this paper. Results During Stages I and II, a testable version of the BelRAI Social Supplement was developed in an iterative process. In Stage III, 100 care professionals assessed 743 individuals receiving home care in Flanders between December 2018 and December 2019. Using inter-item correlation matrixes, frequency distributions and regular feedback from the participants, the BelRAI Social Supplement was improved and prepared for Stage IV. The updated version of the instrument consists of four main sections: (1) environmental assessment; (2) civic engagement; (3) psychosocial well-being; and (4) informal care and support. In total, the BelRAI Social Supplement contains a maximum of 76 items. Conclusions The BelRAI Social Supplement was reviewed and shortened in close collaboration with care professionals and other experts in Flanders. This study resulted in an instrument that documents need-to-know social context determinants of home dwelling adults.

scholarly journals Well-Being and the Lifestyle Habits of the Spanish Population: The Association between Subjective Well-Being and Eating Habits

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 1553
Author(s):  
Laura Cabiedes-Miragaya ◽  
Cecilia Diaz-Mendez ◽  
Isabel García-Espejo
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Perceived Health ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Spanish Population ◽  
Sociological Research ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Lifestyle Habits ◽  
Independent Variables

The so-called Mediterranean diet is not simply a collection of foodstuffs but an expression of the culture of the countries of the south of Europe, declared Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. Despite the link between food and culture, little has been studied about how diet contributes to the well-being of the population. This article aims to analyze the association between subjective well-being and the eating habits of the Spanish population in order to gain a better understanding of the subjective well-being that food culture produces. For this study, we used a representative sample of the Spanish adult population from a survey by the Sociological Research Center (CIS 2017). Three indicators of subjective well-being were used: perceived health, life satisfaction, and feeling of happiness. The independent variables relating to eating habits considered in the analysis were, among others, how often meat, fish, vegetables, fruit, and sweets were consumed; how the food was prepared; how often meals were eaten out at restaurants or cafés and how often they were eaten with family or friends. Other independent variables related to lifestyle habits were also included in the analysis, in particular, physical exercise and body mass index. We used ordinal logistic regressions and multiple linear regression models. Our findings coincide in large measure with those obtained in earlier studies where perceived health and income play a key role in evaluating subjective well-being. In turn, several variables related to lifestyle habits, such as consuming sweets and fruits, social interaction around meals, exercising, and body mass index, were also associated with subjective well-being.

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