Journal of Health Psychology

Hu, Bo; Liu, Xinjie; Lu, Chang; Ju, Xingda

doi: 10.1177/13591053241298362pmid: 39607815

The rapid expansion of the Internet and social media has intensified the spread of health misinformation, posing significant risks, especially for older adults. This meta-analysis synthesizes evidence on the prevalence and interventions of health misinformation among older adults. Our findings reveal a high prevalence rate of 47% (95% CI [33%, 60%]), surpassing recent estimates. Offline research settings have a higher prevalence of health misinformation. Despite methodological variances, the prevalence remains consistent across different measures and development levels. Interventions show significant effectiveness (Hedges’ g = 0.76, 95% CI [0.25, 1.26]), with graphic-based approaches outperforming video-based ones. These results underscore the urgent need for tailored, large-scale interventions to mitigate the adverse impacts of health misinformation on older adults. Further research should focus on refining intervention strategies and extending studies to underrepresented regions and populations.

Koppert, Tim Y; van Hoek, Renée; Geenen, Rinie

doi: 10.1177/13591053241239129pmid: 38566361

Psychological flexibility has been hypothesized to preserve health in bad times. We examined whether psychological flexibility as assessed with an abbreviated questionnaire, was indicated to preserve mental and physical health when having somatic symptoms. Principal axis factoring indicated that two dimensions best represented the 60-item Flexibility Index Test (FIT-60) questionnaire: “mindfulness and acceptance” (M&A) and “commitment and behavior change” (C&BC). We selected 18 items that best denoted these dimensions (FIT-18 questionnaire). Regression analyses in 2060 Dutch people with and without persistent somatic symptoms, indicated that the M&A dimension (β = 0.33, p < 0.001) and C&BC dimension (β = 0.09, p < 0.001) were additively associated with mental well-being, but not with physical functioning. Moreover, the M&A dimension was indicated to protect mental well-being when having more severe somatic symptoms (β = 0.11, p < 0.001). The observed differential associations with health suggest the significance for health of the two dimensions of psychological flexibility as assessed with the FIT-18 questionnaire.

Abdel-sayyed, Ahmed; Hoang, Kim Ngan; Turk, Tarek; Xu, Lujie; Fujiwara, Esther

doi: 10.1177/13591053241247376pmid: 38654542

In addition to biological sex, the impact of gender on health outcomes is now well-recognized. Gender norms are changing rapidly, demanding contemporary gender assessment tools. This study sought to validate the recent US-based Stanford Gender-Related Variables for Health Research (SGVHR) scale in Canada. We also aimed to improve gender prediction by including socio-demographic information on education, income and occupations. We recruited 2445 Canadian online participants (~50% female; mean age: 49.3). Multigroup confirmatory factor analyses confirmed the SGVHR factor structure in our sample, indicating its generalizability beyond the USA. Regression analyses indicated that the SGVHR subscales were moderately predictive of self-reported gender. Incorporating socio-demographic factors Significantly enhanced gender prediction via the SGVHR. This study underscores the SGVHR’s applicability in diverse Western populations and encourages the inclusion of easily accessible sociodemographic variables to approximate a gender metric. Future studies should test the health-relevance of such indicators along with the SGVHR.

Salamon, Gudrun; Strobl, Sophie; Field-Werners, Ursula; Welponer, Tobias; Murrell, Dédée F; Diem, Anja

doi: 10.1177/13591053231221369pmid: 38369713

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a rare disease characterised by skin fragility and a wide variety of symptoms. The Quality of Life in Epidermolysis Bullosa (QOLEB) score is an English 17-item EB-specific validated measurement tool with two dimensions: functioning and emotions. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to develop and validate a culturally adapted German QOLEB. The following steps were carried out: translation, expert evaluation, back translation, linguistic and cultural adaptation, sample-based psychometric testing and evaluation. Data analysis was performed with n = 46 patients across all EB types. The reliability and internal consistency of the translated German QOLEB were excellent (α = 0.901). Regarding convergent validity, the QOLEB correlated highly with the iscorEB (r = 0.879; p < 0.001). Structural similarity with the English original version was confirmed through exploratory factor analysis. In conclusion, the German QOLEB demonstrates internal reliability and construct validity and is suitable to assess the quality of life in German-speaking EB patients.

Kurashima, Yuki; Shiraishi, Mie; Harada, Rio; Chiba, Takako; Matsuzaki, Masayo

doi: 10.1177/13591053241253142pmid: 38801107

This study aimed to develop the Japanese version of the Pregnancy and Weight Gain Attitude Scale (J-PWGAS) as a measurement of body image regarding body weight and shape during pregnancy. This cross-sectional study was conducted at a perinatal medical center in Osaka, Japan, between March and November 2020. We recruited pregnant women in their second or third trimester, who were 20 years old or older and without pregnancy complications. This study evaluated the criterion validity, construct validity, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability. Of the participants, 218 and 102 women participated in the validation and test-retest reliability studies, respectively. An exploratory factor analysis revealed a 17-item, five-factor structure. The J-PWGAS indicated acceptable criterion validity, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability. The J-PWGAS can measure attitudes toward gestational weight gain in Japanese pregnant women and would be useful in examining the association of body image with weight gain and psychological status during pregnancy.

Evangeli, Michael; Kaleva, Ina; Agyemang, Abigail; Williams, Ivor; Chawatama, Tsitsi; Jackson, Rachel; Keakantse, Moemedi; Morake, Barnabas; Seipone, Khumo; Busang, Lesego

doi: 10.1177/13591053241248944pmid:

Palao-Loayza, Luis; Yupanqui-Lorenzo, Daniel E.; Arauco-Lozada, Tania; Caycho-Rodríguez, Tomás; Seminario Ortiz, Heber Domingo; Lobos Rivera, Marlon Elías; Cardoza-Sernaqué, Manuel Antonio; Pulido-Joo, Luis Alexander; Pulido-Capurro, Víctor; Cárcamo-Zepeda, Eduardo; Mendoza-Sierra, María-Isabel; Cuellar-Hernández, Ma de Lourdes;

Iovino, Paolo; Marcomini, Ilaria; Rasero, Laura; Manara, Duilio Fiorenzo; Vellone, Ercole; Villa, Giulia

doi: 10.1177/13591053241278169pmid: 39295230

Despite the importance of social support in ostomy care, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) does not appear to be validated in the context of ostomy care. This study evaluated the psychometric characteristics of MSPSS in ostomy patients and their informal caregivers. The MSPSS was tested in a sample of 775 participants with confirmatory factor analysis. Internal consistency reliability was assessed with the ordinal Omega coefficient. Criterion-related validity was ascertained via hypothesis testing by correlating the scores of the MSPSS with other measures. MSPSS for patients and caregivers has a three-factor structure with a good fit. Internal consistency reliability of the factors was excellent. Concurrent validity was supported by the negative correlations between MSPSS scores with depression and stoma-related QoL, and the positive correlations with perceived mutuality. Our research indicates that the MSPSS is a sound measure of social support for ostomy patients and their caregivers.

Hunt, Carly A; Letzen, Janelle E; Direnzio, Dana; Gould, Neda F; Sibinga, Erica MS; Vetter, Maria; Webb, Caroline; Finan, Patrick H; Mun, Chung Jung

doi: 10.1177/13591053241274462pmid: 39344580

The health benefits of meditation are well-documented, yet people struggle to practice regularly. Domain-specific self-efficacy is an important modifiable driver of health behavior change that is poorly understood in the meditation context. As such, the present study developed the Self-Efficacy for Regular Meditation Practice Scale (SERMS) assessing confidence in one’s capacity to meditate frequently and in a way that favorably impacts well-being, including securing the psychological, social, and structural supports needed for ongoing practice. Participants provided online survey data at baseline and 1-week follow-up. Exploratory factor analyses were conducted (n = 249) followed by confirmatory factor analysis (n = 249). A three-factor structure best fit the data, with subscales measuring self-efficacy to benefit from meditation, persist in meditation, and obtain teacher and community support. Validity and test-retest reliability coefficients supported the SERMS as a promising measure of self-efficacy for meditation that may further research on meditation behavior adoption.

Mommersteeg, Paula MC; Kupper, Nina; Klinge, Ineke; van Valkengoed, Irene

doi: 10.1177/13591053241306874pmid: 39791540

This study aimed to validate the Dutch version of the Stanford Gender-Related Variables for Health Research (GVHR) questionnaire and explore sex differences in lifestyle factors, mental health, and health status. In 2021, 569 Dutch participants (54% women, 45% men, aged 20–80) completed the survey. Sex-stratified analyses examined associations with lifestyle (obesity, smoking, alcohol use, physical activity), mental health (depression, anxiety, stress), and overall health status. A seven-factor model best fit the data, revealing significant gendered differences. Women reported higher caregiver strain, discrimination, and emotional intelligence, while men reported more social support and risk-taking. In women findings were more pronounced, and caregiving strain was linked to psychological distress, whereas emotional intelligence and social support were protective. For men, gender discrimination was associated with smoking, depression, anxiety, stress, and poorer health status. The GVHR effectively assesses gender-related behaviors in Dutch samples, though further validation is needed in more diverse populations.