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Article
Publication date: 5 May 2023

Akhtar Bibi, Muyu Lin, Julia Brailovskaia and Jürgen Margraf

Poor mental health in men and women is attributable to disparities in physical traits, social roles, power and health-seeking behaviours. This study aims to examine the gender…

Abstract

Purpose

Poor mental health in men and women is attributable to disparities in physical traits, social roles, power and health-seeking behaviours. This study aims to examine the gender differences in mental health among Pakistan and German university students and focuses on their right to seek mental health care.

Design/methodology/approach

Data on depression, anxiety and stress symptoms, as well as positive mental health (PMH), resilience, social support and life satisfaction, were gathered from Pakistani and German students.

Findings

In contrast to the Pakistani group, where no such gender differences were seen, women in Germany reported higher degrees of stress, anxiety and depression, as well as a lower level of overall good mental health. In comparison to German men and women, Pakistani women scored equally high on resilience. While gender had no bearing on life happiness in either Pakistan or Germany, women in both countries perceived more social support than men did.

Research limitations/implications

The study’s strengths include its large sample size and battery of mental health measures. The results of partial weak measurement Invariance (MI) on the stress subscale underlined the importance of using MI in cross-cultural studies. The validity of a direct comparisons on sum score between different language versions or country samples shall be cautious. Still, there are limitations. Firstly, the authors did not differentiate gender and biological sex, and there was no group of non-binary gender. Pakistani (N = 1,840) and German (N = 7,890) students were in unequal numbers. Again, only university students were sampled, so the results cannot be generalised to older (probably less educated) populations. Self-reported data that mainly obtained via online survey were the third limitation. This design is cost-effective and easy to administer for cross-cultural survey research. However, social desirability and memory bias are common in self-report inventories. Fourthly, although English is an official language in Pakistan and the medium of instruction in education, the authors recommend future study to use questionnaires that have been translated and validated into Urdu (Pakistan’s national language) and investigate gender differences in a general population. Fifthly, this is a cross-sectional survey; the authors were not able to explore the causality or risk factors that contribute to the poor mental well-being in Pakistan students in general or the relatively worse mental health in German women. Future studies may investigate the mechanism behind the phenomena observed in this study with longitudinal or experimental design. Last but not least, Germany and Pakistan differ in so many different aspects from culture, religions and history to social structure and economic status, which make it hard to claim whether the observed differences were due to national differences, cultural differences, economic differences, gender inequality differences or other effects. It would be helpful for future studies to include more country samples with clear definitions of different “culture” aspects for a better understanding of gender differences in other countries and in different mental well-being constructs.

Practical implications

The current study is the first attempt to compare the gender difference patterns in positive and negative mental health between European and South Asian counties and focuses on gender-specific approaches. Although Pakistani university students reported in general worse mental well-being, the differences between the two genders in mental health (e.g. depression, anxiety, general PMH) were not as pronounced as in the German student sample. Gender comparisons in these mental health constructs would help to improve protective factors against mental illness and to develop appropriate management programmes based on cultural differences. The results suggest that the gender differences found in western countries cannot always be directly translated into the South Asian cultural framework. Our results also highlight the importance of improving the general situation of Pakistan (students) instead of focusing on one gender. At the same time, in Germany, prevention and intervention plans are more warranted for women. It could be that once the general situation in Pakistan is improved, the gender-related differences in mental health will be clearly observed.

Originality/value

These findings imply the significance of cultural context when inferring gender variations in mental health. Moreover, it supports the advancement of comprehensive policies to reduce gender-related mental health inequalities and focuses on the equal rights of men and women to get mental health care.

Details

International Journal of Human Rights in Healthcare, vol. 17 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2056-4902

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 21 August 2024

Michelle Jayman

This chapter introduces the topic of mental health and wellbeing in schools and the overarching theoretical framework for the book. The evolving role of schools from nurturing…

Abstract

This chapter introduces the topic of mental health and wellbeing in schools and the overarching theoretical framework for the book. The evolving role of schools from nurturing environments to frontline support for pupils’ mental health and wellbeing is scrutinised in the context of demand, capacity and constraints in a post-pandemic world. Alongside this is a critical consideration of schools’ and education staff’s role, responsibilities and boundaries. The disparate mental health needs of pupils within the school population are discussed, as well as key risk and protective factors to help facilitate timely identification and appropriate support pathways for vulnerable pupils. Key topics and case studies which comprise the remainder of the book are introduced to navigate the reader, and this concludes the chapter.

Details

The BERA Guide to Mental Health and Wellbeing in Schools: Exploring Frontline Support in Educational Research and Practice
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83797-245-6

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 21 August 2024

Jonathan Glazzard

The Mental Health of Children and Young People in England survey (National Health Service Digital, 2020) found that 1 in 6 children aged 5–16 have a probable mental health…

Abstract

The Mental Health of Children and Young People in England survey (National Health Service Digital, 2020) found that 1 in 6 children aged 5–16 have a probable mental health disorder. This represents 16% of children in that age group and is an increase from 1 in 9 in 2017 (Public Health England, 2021). Evidence suggests that some children and young people, particularly those who are economically disadvantaged, females and those with pre-existing mental health needs appear to have experienced greater negative impacts on their mental health and wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic (Public Health England, 2021) and schools and colleges therefore play an important role in continuing to support children and young people’s mental health. Evidence from the national charity, Education Support (2022), also indicates that the mental health of staff working in education has deteriorated, leading to adverse effects on job satisfaction, burnout and retention. This chapter explores the latest evidence relating to Children and Young People’s (CYP) mental health and the whole school approach to mental health, including the mental health of staff who work in the education sector. It makes a case for implementing a mental health curriculum in schools. It addresses the concept of mental health literacy and approaches for working in partnership with children and young people. It makes an argument for universal screening and outlines approaches for working in partnership with parents, carers and other agencies. Theoretical perspectives are considered and applied to school contexts.

Details

The BERA Guide to Mental Health and Wellbeing in Schools: Exploring Frontline Support in Educational Research and Practice
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83797-245-6

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 November 2023

Athanasios Michalis, Demosthenes B. Panagiotakos, Apostolos Papadopoulos and Vassiliki Costarelli

The study aims to have adults discuss experiences, practices needs and feelings related to health management, diet and food security.

Abstract

Purpose

The study aims to have adults discuss experiences, practices needs and feelings related to health management, diet and food security.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 22 immigrants were recruited from the Open School of Immigrants in Piraeus, Attica, Greece, to participate in focus group discussions. The discussions were audio recorded and thematically analyzed. Three major themes were developed: pathways to health care, nutrition management and experiences related to food shortages.

Findings

Most of the participants identified internet as the most commonly used way to obtain health advice; they also stated that unexpected ill-health is usually accompanied by feelings of fear, anxiety and loneliness. Immigrants, who had visited a public hospital in Greece, identified the language barrier as the most challenging issue, followed by the long waiting lists. Fear and anxiety of hospital visits was an important factor in their decision to vaccinate against COVID-19. Lack of time, high cost of healthy food and lack of knowledge were the most common obstacles to a healthy diet. One in two immigrants reported that they have faced food insecurity issues in the past. Stress, psychological distress and irritation were reported, due to food shortages, especially during the first few years of arriving in Greece. The exclusion of some foods, reduced portion sizes and buying cheaper foods were among the coping strategies to address food shortages.

Originality/value

The study offers an insight into immigrant’s experiences, practices and feelings about managing health issues and could be useful for health-care practitioners, researchers and policymakers.

Details

International Journal of Migration, Health and Social Care, vol. 20 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1747-9894

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 12 August 2024

Sławomir Szrama

This study aims to present the concept of aircraft turbofan engine health status prediction with artificial neural network (ANN) pattern recognition but augmented with automated…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to present the concept of aircraft turbofan engine health status prediction with artificial neural network (ANN) pattern recognition but augmented with automated features engineering (AFE).

Design/methodology/approach

The main concept of engine health status prediction was based on three case studies and a validation process. The first two were performed on the engine health status parameters, namely, performance margin and specific fuel consumption margin. The third one was generated and created for the engine performance and safety data, specifically created for the final test. The final validation of the neural network pattern recognition was the validation of the proposed neural network architecture in comparison to the machine learning classification algorithms. All studies were conducted for ANN, which was a two-layer feedforward network architecture with pattern recognition. All case studies and tests were performed for both simple pattern recognition network and network augmented with automated feature engineering (AFE).

Findings

The greatest achievement of this elaboration is the presentation of how on the basis of the real-life engine operational data, the entire process of engine status prediction might be conducted with the application of the neural network pattern recognition process augmented with AFE.

Practical implications

This research could be implemented into the engine maintenance strategy and planning. Engine health status prediction based on ANN augmented with AFE is an extremely strong tool in aircraft accident and incident prevention.

Originality/value

Although turbofan engine health status prediction with ANN is not a novel approach, what is absolutely worth emphasizing is the fact that contrary to other publications this research was based on genuine, real engine performance operational data as well as AFE methodology, which makes the entire research very reliable. This is also the reason the prediction results reflect the effect of the real engine wear and deterioration process.

Book part
Publication date: 27 August 2024

Michael John Norton and Oliver John Cullen

This, the first chapter of this text provides an introduction to a social world that is constructed through cultural attitudes, with a long history of the so-called ‘insane’ or…

Abstract

This, the first chapter of this text provides an introduction to a social world that is constructed through cultural attitudes, with a long history of the so-called ‘insane’ or deviants being excluded from society. In many cases, this was due to their behaviour resulting from an addiction issue, mental ill health or as is often the case, both. The chapter begins with an introduction to what led to the conceptualisation of this text. Once this occurs, the interplay between the ‘normal’ and the deviant, as discussed above, is played through an examination of the cultural perceptions of both mental health and addiction. In addition, to support this, a brief historical timeline of mental health, addiction and dual diagnosis is described and visually depicted. Finally, the chapter concludes with an introduction to both editors of this text who then describe what will be discussed in the chapters that follow.

Details

Different Diagnoses, Similar Experiences: Narratives of Mental Health, Addiction Recovery and Dual Diagnosis
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80455-848-5

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 27 August 2024

Oliver John Cullen and Michael John Norton

The second chapter of this text provides an introduction to policy relating to mental health, addiction and dual diagnosis from three jurisdictions [Ireland, UK and Australia]…

Abstract

The second chapter of this text provides an introduction to policy relating to mental health, addiction and dual diagnosis from three jurisdictions [Ireland, UK and Australia], chosen because of their close links to Irish people and mental health service provision. The chapter begins with an introduction, reflecting on key points raised in Chapter 1 and how they are relevant to this present chapter. A critical exploration of the policies within these three jurisdictional areas is then presented to highlight the strategic direction of mental health and addiction service provision within the three jurisdictions. This includes the acknowledgement that mental health and addiction services need to be integrated as the presence of dual diagnosis in modern society increases at an alarming rate. Finally, this chapter concludes with a link to each of the policies mentioned herein for those who wish to explore these issues further.

Details

Different Diagnoses, Similar Experiences: Narratives of Mental Health, Addiction Recovery and Dual Diagnosis
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80455-848-5

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 21 August 2024

Jonathan Glazzard and Anthea Rose

In this chapter, the authors argue that technology can be advantageous to children and young people’s mental health. The authors argue that social media platforms can foster…

Abstract

In this chapter, the authors argue that technology can be advantageous to children and young people’s mental health. The authors argue that social media platforms can foster social connection, social support and access to important information to support mental health. The authors also highlight the risks, particularly the research which links technology to mental ill-health. The authors argue that the digital curriculum in schools should develop young people’s knowledge of digital literacy, digital citizenship and digital resilience. Finally, the authors explore the potential role that technological applications (apps) can play in supporting children and young people’s mental health. The authors argue that although research is in its infancy, some studies have produced promising results.

Details

The BERA Guide to Mental Health and Wellbeing in Schools: Exploring Frontline Support in Educational Research and Practice
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83797-245-6

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 September 2024

Evangelia Chrysikou

This paper aims to strengthen the connection between therapeutic built environments and tourism research and practice. While there is evidence in the importance of the Built…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to strengthen the connection between therapeutic built environments and tourism research and practice. While there is evidence in the importance of the Built Environment (BE) of cities, workspaces and health-care facilities to health, the BE of facilities for tourism in relation to health remains relatively unexplored.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper conducts an exploratory search on architecture and tourism BE and narrowed it down to a scoping review on wellness tourism and architectural health impacts from 2010 to 2024. This would highlight lessons learned from the field of medical architecture, i.e. a cross-disciplinary field combining BE research, public health and health-care services research, to explore potential synergies of cross-pollination with the field of hospitality and medical architecture.

Findings

Principles and theories of medical architecture can be incorporated into the BE of wellness hospitality, tourism for ageing and pandemic preparedness.

Originality/value

The paper sets the basis of a novel cross-disciplinary collaboration between therapeutic architecture and hospitality for increasing the societal impact of the latter. This is particularly important in a post-Covid and an ageing society.

目的

本文旨在加强治疗性建筑环境与旅游研究和实践之间的联系。虽然有证据表明城市、工作场所和医疗设施的建筑环境(BE)对健康很重要, 但与健康相关的旅游设施的建筑环境仍相对未被探索。

设计/方法/方法

作者对建筑和旅游建筑环境进行了探索性搜索, 并将其缩小到2010年至2024年期间的健康旅游和建筑健康影响的范围审查。这将突出医疗建筑领域的经验教训, 即结合建筑环境研究、公共卫生和医疗服务研究的跨学科领域, 以探索与酒店业和医疗建筑领域交叉授粉的潜在协同效应。

发现

医疗建筑的原则和理论可以纳入健康酒店业、老龄化旅游和大流行病准备的建筑环境中。

原创性/价值

我们为治疗性建筑和酒店业之间的新型跨学科合作奠定了基础, 以增加后者的社会影响。这在后疫情时代和老龄化社会中尤为重要。

Objetivo

Este documento pretende reforzar la conexión entre los entornos construidos terapéuticos y la investigación y la práctica del turismo. Aunque existen pruebas de la importancia del entorno construido (EC) de las ciudades, los espacios de trabajo y las instalaciones sanitarias para la salud, el EC de las instalaciones para el turismo en relación con la salud sigue estando relativamente inexplorado.

Diseño/metodología/enfoque

Realizamos una búsqueda exploratoria sobre arquitectura y el EC turístico y la acotamos a una revisión de alcance sobre el turismo de bienestar y los impactos arquitectónicos en la salud desde 2010 hasta 2024. Esto pondría de relieve las lecciones aprendidas en el campo de la arquitectura médica, es decir, un campo interdisciplinar que combina la investigación de la EC, la salud pública y la investigación de los servicios sanitarios, para explorar posibles sinergias de polinización cruzada con el campo de la hostelería y la arquitectura médica.

Resultados

Los principios y teorías de la arquitectura médica pueden incorporarse a la EC de la hosteleria para el bienestar, el turismo para el envejecimiento y la preparación ante pandemias.

Originalidad/valor

Sentamos las bases de una novedosa colaboración interdisciplinar entre la arquitectura terapéutica y la hostelería para aumentar el impacto social de esta última. Esto es especialmente importante después de la crisis y en una sociedad que envejece.

Content available
Article
Publication date: 19 September 2024

Fiona Ellen MacVane Phipps

Abstract

Details

International Journal of Health Governance, vol. 29 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2059-4631

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