Sweden has experienced a sharp rise in violent crime, particularly firearm-related homicides concentrated in socially vulnerable urban areas. Public debate often attributes this trend to migration, yet structural inequalities, rather than immigration itself, may play a more decisive role. This viewpoint argues that widening disparities in opportunity, unequal access to education and employment, and gendered disadvantage foster conditions for gang involvement and violence, especially among young men. Exclusion from mainstream institutions drives reliance on gangs as alternative sources of belonging, status, and livelihood, perpetuating cycles of violence and marginalization. Beyond law enforcement, this escalation poses urgent public health challenges. Violence functions as a syndemic, compounding trauma, adverse physical and mental health outcomes, and social exclusion. Addressing this issue may therefore require a preventive, equity-focused public health approach that complement law enforcement and criminal justice by strengthening education, employment pathways, and inclusive community structures. Confronting the structural and social determinants of violence is essential to disrupt marginalization and build safer, healthier communities.
Introduction: Hand grip strength is a simple and reliable measure of overall muscular strength and has been associated with various health outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the relationships among hand grip strength, physical activity, cognitive function, and sleep quality in healthy adults. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 160 normal adult participants, comprising 80 males and 80 females, with an average age of 25 (SD 9.69) years and a BMI of 24.58 (SD 5.99). Handgrip strength, physical activity, cognitive function, and quality of sleep were measured using a hydraulic hand dynamometer, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), the Cognitive Failures Questionnaire (CFQ), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), respectively. The collected data were statistically analyzed using descriptive statistics, and Spearman’s correlation tests were used to assess the association between the measured outcomes. Results: Right-hand grip strength demonstrated positive correlations with BMI (r=0.24, p=0.003), IPAQ scores (r=0.71, p=0.001), IPAQ level (r=0.62, p=0.000), while showing negative correlations with poor sleep quality (r=-0.42, p=0.001) and cognitive failures (r=-0.23, p=0.001). Physical activity displayed a weak, non-significant correlation. Discussion: This study demonstrates that higher hand grip strength is associated with increased physical activity, improved cognitive function, and enhanced sleep quality in healthy adult individuals. These findings suggest that assessing hand grip strength may provide valuable insights into an individual’s overall health and well-being. Longitudinal studies are warranted to elucidate the causal relationships among these variables further.
Introduction: Public safety personnel (PSP) experience three to five times higher rates of occupatio-nal stress injuries and adverse mental health outcomes. Sense of coherence (SOC) is a psychological trait that reflects coping capacity to deal with stressors, shown to act as a protective factor against adverse mental health outcomes. Methods: This review was conducted using the five-stage scoping review framework to answer two questions: 1) what is the extent, nature, and quality of research that has investigated the SOC and PSP mental health, and 2) what is the current state of the causal inference between SOC and post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and how does this guide next steps for research. Articles were identified through seven databases, “grey” literature, and hand-searching. Publication details, me-thodology, participant information, and results were extracted and summarized using descriptive statistics. A quality and causal analysis were performed using the Quality in Prognostic Studies tool and Bradford Hill Criteria for causation. Results: Eleven articles were included in this review. The publication years ranged from 2000 to 2020, 91% of the articles originated from the European Union, and 64% had a medium to high risk-ofbias. The PSP population of interest included police officers, firefighters, and paramedics. Most studies (73%) used a cross-sectional design to assess the relationship between SOC and PTSS. All studies reported that lower PTSS were low to moderately associated with higher SOC scores (r= -0.17 to -0.47, p< 0.05 to 0.001 and β = -0.31, p= 0.009). There was insufficient research to support a causal relationship between the SOC and PTSS, as the literature did not support several criteria (i.e., strength, consistency, temporality, and experimental evidence). Conclusions: While SOC evidence is preliminary, associations are sufficient to warrant future longi-tudinal and interventional studies.
Introduction: Empathy is a multidimensional construct essential to effective healthcare delivery, encompassing general, clinical, and ethnocultural components. While the importance of empathy in clinical settings is well-established, limited research has examined how these distinct dimensions interrelate and what sociodemographic factors may influence them. This study aimed to investigate the relationships among general, clinical, and ethnocultural empathy in healthcare professionals in Greece, and to identify sociodemographic predictors of higher empathy levels. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted during the first quarter of 2022, involving a convenience sample of 106 healthcare professionals (medical and nursing staff) from public hospitals across Greece. Participants completed an electronic questionnaire distributed via professional Facebook groups. The instrument included the Toronto Empathy Questionnaire (TEQ), the Jefferson Scale of Empathy – Health Professional Version (JSE-HP), the Scale of Ethnocultural Empathy (SEE), and a sociodemographic survey. Data were analyzed using SPSS 26.0, employing descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficients, and stepwise linear regression. Results: Significant positive correlations were observed among general, clinical, and ethnocultural empathy scores. Higher levels of education, foreign language proficiency, and prior intercultural experiences (such as studying or living abroad) emerged as significant predictors of increased empathy across all three domains. Discussion: The findings support the interconnected nature of empathy types and suggest that intercultural exposure may enhance empathic capacity, echoing Allport’s contact hypothesis. These insights have implications for healthcare education, highlighting the need to integrate ethnocultural empathy training to foster inclusivity and improve patient-centered care in increasingly diverse clinical environments.
Background: Malnutrition in children is still a significant public health concern in Bangladesh, especially for underprivileged groups living in tea garden communities and urban slums. Socioeconomic factors, including maternal age at childbirth, parental education, family income, and parental occupation, have a significant influence on child nutritional outcomes. Socioeconomic factors, including maternal age at childbirth, parental education, family income, and parental occupation, have a significant influence on nutritional outcomes for children. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the body mass index (BMI) distribution among children aged 1 to 5 in several tea garden areas in Sylhet, Bangladesh, and to investigate the relationships between BMI and important socioeconomic variables. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2023 among 330 children residing in the tea gardens of Daldali, Lakkatura, and Malnicherra. Standardized WHO methods were employed to obtain anthropometric measures, and structured interviews with parents were conducted to gather socioeconomic data. Python was used to perform statistical analyses, including group comparisons, descriptive statistics, and correlation evaluations, to examine the relationships between socioeconomic factors and BMI. Results: The mean BMI of participating children was 15.16 kg/m² (SD 3.85), indicating a high prevalence of undernutrition, alongside a small proportion exhibiting overweight status. Over 80% of households reported monthly incomes of less than 7,000 BDT, and approximately half of the mothers had no formal education. Higher parental education levels and household income were positively associated with child BMI. Furthermore, children of non-working mothers had somewhat higher BMIs, which may indicate a connection to more time spent providing care. Lower BMI values in children were linked to early maternal age at childbirth, which is common in this group. Discussion: The findings highlight how intersecting socioeconomic factors impact child nutrition. Combating undernutrition in Bangladesh requires addressing poverty, promoting maternal education, and ensuring stable livelihoods.
Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic exposed structural weaknesses in healthcare and socioeconomic systems worldwide. This study examines how perceived corruption, health literacy, and communication with healthcare workers influenced COVID-19 cases and deaths across 79 countries. While earlier research considered various determinants, these socio-institutional factors remain underexplored in cross-country analyses. By integrating them into a single empirical framework, this study offers new insights into how trust and public awareness affect pandemic outcomes. Methods: Using cross-sectional data from 79 countries, we employed Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression to analyze two outcomes: reported COVID-19 cases and deaths. Key independent variables include perceived corruption, a composite health literacy index, and citizens’ ability to communicate with healthcare workers. Results: Perceived corruption is negatively associated with both cases and deaths, significant at the 1% level—a one-unit rise predicts a 76% drop in cases and 2.77-fold reduction in deaths. Perceived criminality increases death rates by 148% (5% significance). Health literacy shows a positive association with reported cases (2.28-fold increase, 5% significance), likely reflecting greater testing and awareness. Its relationship with deaths is positive but not statistically significant. Communication with healthcare workers is linked to a 119% increase in deaths (10% significance), possibly indicating late engagement with medical services. Discussion: The results highlight how institutional trust, public awareness, and healthcare access shape pandemic responses. Corruption may undermine public compliance, while health literacy enhances early detection. Increased mortality associated with delayed communication suggests gaps in timely care access.
Introduction: Union dissolution is a major life course transition with well-documented links to poor mental health, yet the role of post-separation residential mobility remains underexplored. Methods: This study uses linked administrative data from the Belgian Socialist Health Insurance Fund and the National Register to analyse 68,048 individuals aged 20–64 in opposite-sex partnerships in 2008 who separated between 2009 and 2018. Antidepressant use (≥90 defined daily doses/year) served as an objective indicator of treated depression. Results: Random-effects logistic regression models showed that changing municipality during or shortly after separation was not, on average, associated with higher antidepressant use than staying in the shared location. However, anticipatory effects emerged for women: those who moved during separation had higher antidepressant use before the event, suggesting pre-existing distress. Repartnering was associated with lower antidepressant use among women, particularly when combined with moving. By framing mobility as a socially embedded process shaped by gendered economic inequalities, housing market pressures, and life course dynamics, this study advances understanding of the social determinants of mental health. Discussion: Findings highlight the need for housing, welfare, and gender equity policies to support individuals during and after separation, with lessons relevant to diverse welfare state contexts.
Introduction: In recent years, the detection and control of dengue have become more relevant due to the increase in its incidence in tropical and subtropical regions. This study aimed to systematically analyze the use of advanced technologies, such as geospatial mapping, building analysis, and image processing, in the detection and control of dengue between 2015 and 2025. Methods: Following the PRISM methodology, 148 documents are selected through relevant searches in scientific databases such as Scopus and IEEE Xplore, applying thematic and quality filters. Results: The results highlight that the United States and Brazil lead research in this field while Latin America, with countries such as Colombia and Mexico, shows a lower representation. In terms of thematic areas, 75% of the studies reviewed correspond to scientific articles, highlighting the academic importance of the topic, while 19.5% come from Environmental Sciences, evidencing the role of sustainability in the fight against dengue. Discussion: Significant role in evaluating climate data, vegetation indices, and machine learning-based techniques to anticipate the risk of contracting dengue.
Introduction: The widespread circulation of conspiracy theories on social media continues to influence public discourse around vaccination, often fostering skepticism and misinformation. Academics represent a unique community whose vaccine-related behaviors may be shaped by their socio-political orientations and access to credible information. This study aims to explore vaccine engagement among Indonesian academics by examining the predictive roles of fake news exposure, digital literacy, ideological orientation, and attitudes toward science. Methods: Data were collected from 512 academic respondents across various higher education institutions in Indonesia. Multivariate correlation analysis and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) were employed to examine the relationships among variables and to test the proposed model. Results: The findings from Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) reveal that several factors significantly predict vaccine acceptance. Notably, digital literacy (Estimate = 0.477, p < .001), exposure to fake news (Estimate = 0.463, p < .001), and a positive attitude toward science (Estimate = 0.405, p < .001) were the strongest predictors. Ideological orientation (Estimate = 0.307, p < .001) and political choice (Estimate = 0.159, p = .003) also demonstrated a significant influence. Furthermore, digital literacy, ideology, and scientific attitudes were found to significantly moderate the adverse effects of fake news exposure. Discussion: The results underscore the complex interplay between misinformation, personal beliefs, and digital competencies in shaping vaccine attitudes among educated populations. Promoting digital literacy and reinforcing trust in science are crucial strategies to counter misinformation and improve vaccine acceptance in academic communities.
Background: Missing persons represent a critical issue in Italy with significant social and forensic implications. Methods: Data from the Extraordinary Commissioner for Missing Persons were analyzed for 2019–2022 by year, region, sex, age, and nationality. Results: 75% of missing persons were male; minors accounted for the highest proportion. Sicily and Lombardy showed the greatest numbers, largely reflecting migration and population density patterns. Conclusions: Regional and demographic disparities underline the need for preventive strategies targeting minors and foreign populations.
Introduction: Psychological burnout constitutes a major concern in the field of positive psychology, particularly as it is commonly experienced by students during their academic journey. Therefore, identifying its contributing factors is of critical importance for both research and intervention. Attachment to parents and peers, basic psychological needs, and social-emotional competence are pivotal factors influencing psychological burnout. This study examines the direct and indirect effects of these factors on psychological burnout. Methods: This study’s sample consisted of 350 university students (270 females and 80 males) enrolled at Azad University of Shiraz, Iran. Participants were selected through convenience sampling and ranged in age from 18 to 40 years (Mage = 22.05, SD = 3.51), who completed four standardized self-report instruments: the Psychological Burnout Inventory (PBI), Psychological Basic Needs Scale (PBNS), Emotional-Social Competence Questionnaire (ESCQ), and Attachment to Parents and Peers Inventory (APPI). For the analysis of data, SPSS (V.26) and AMOS (V.26) were employed. Results: The assumed research model has a good fit so that, the effect of attachment to parents and peers on psychological burnout is mediated by emotional-social competence and psychological basic needs (χ2/df = 1.98, p <0.01, CFI = 0.91, RMSEA = 0.05). Furthermore, the effect of attachment to parents and peers on psychological burnout is mediated by emotional-social competence (χ2/df = 1.90, p < 0.01, CFI = 0.92, RMSEA = 0.006), and the effect of attachment to parents and peers on psychological burnout is mediated by psychological basic needs (χ2/df = 1.98, p < 0.01, CFI = 0.98, RMSEA = 0.05). Discussion: This study indicates that Iranian university students with strong parental and peer relationships, who are aware of their basic needs and possess emotional-social skills, tend to exhibit lower levels of psychological burnout and higher mental health.
Background: With the accelerating demographic transition and rising prevalence of biopsychosocial frailty among older adults, there is a growing need for integrated care models. Italy, among the oldest countries in Europe, faces increasing healthcare costs and a high burden of chronic conditions in the elderly. Objectives: This study presents a Prevention and Diagnostic Therapeutic Care Pathway (PDTCP) aimed at the early identification and management of biopsychosocial frailty in community-dwelling individuals over 65 years of age. Methods: The PDTCP is a multidisciplinary model based on multidimensional assessment tools (SFGE and Sunfrail+), enabling risk stratification and tailored interventions. The pathway includes early detection, personalized care planning (PCP), coordination with general practitioners, and structured follow-up. Implementation involves a dedicated governance structure and community engagement initiatives. Outcome indicators include reduced emergency visits, hospitalizations, and institutionalizations. Results: While currently at the design and implementation phase, the PDTCP targets key performance indicators such as 90% PCP drafting in frail/pre-frail patients, 20% reduction in ER visits, hospitalizations, and falls, and 80% uptake of care plans. A logic model and operational protocol support systematic evaluation. Conclusions: The PDTCP provides a comprehensive and person-centered framework for managing frailty in aging populations. Further validation through pilot implementations and outcome evaluation is needed to confirm its impact and scalability.
Introduction: Regular alcohol consumption, binge drinking, and the use of psychoactive drugs reach their peak in emerging adulthood. Among other factors, socialization contexts such as nightlife and individual differences in personality and motives for drug use contribute to adolescents’ exposure to risk. Methods: The current overnight project study was conducted in a summer nightlife setting. Italian adolescents aged 18 to 25 were invited to complete a short online survey about their lifetime, i.e., if ever used a substance, and past-month alcohol and drug use. A subsample also self-reported on a short Big Five personality measure, and another subsample on a measure of motives for drug use and perceived drug use among siblings and friends. A total of 770 people (54.8% females) provided valid self-reports. Results: The prevalence of binge drinking, frequent alcohol use, stimulants, and club drugs use was higher in the nightlife sample compared to a normative sample, with significant odds ratios indicating moderate to high risk, particularly for the male nightlife population. The Big Five personality profiles helped distinguish between frequent alcohol use and binge drinking, between regular cannabis use and use of other drugs, including poly-drug use. In the case of stimulant use, socially oriented motives predominated, while in the case of regular cannabis use and poly-drug use in the past month, self-related motives such as coping with anxiety also emerged. Finally, drug users were 2 to 4 times more likely than their peers to report substance use among their friends. Discussion: To date, no studies have been conducted in nightlife settings in Italy. The results of the present Overnight project confirm that the nightlife environment represents a risk factor for alcohol and substance use, and that personality and motives for substance use help identify young people at higher risk for substance misuse. Prevention projects can benefit from these findings.
Introduction: Migraine and major depressive disorder (MDD) represent significant global health burdens, with migraine affecting approximately 1 billion individuals worldwide and MDD being the leading cause of disability globally. These conditions frequently co-occur and profoundly impact quality of life (QOL) and suicide risk through complex bidirectional pathophysiological mechanisms. Understanding of sociodemographic influences remains limited in Middle Eastern populations, particularly Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted across multiple mental health hospitals in Saudi Arabia, involving 205 participants stratified into migraine (n=60), MDD (n=64), and control (n=81) groups. Comprehensive sociodemographic data were collected. Clinical assessments utilized validated Arabic translations of WHOQOL-BREF and PHQ-9. Statistical analyses included univariate and multivariate logistic regression models to identify independent predictors of suicide risk. Results: Significant sociodemographic disparities were observed. Age distribution differed markedly (p<.001), with median ages of 35.0 years in migraine, 36.5 years in MDD, and 27.0 years in controls. Gender distribution showed pronounced female predominance in migraine (75.0%) and MDD (51.6%) versus controls (43.2%) (p=.001). Unemployment rates were elevated in migraine (55.0%) and MDD (54.0%) groups versus controls (31.3%) (p=.005). Suicide risk scores were highest in migraine (median: 64.5), followed by MDD (63.0) and controls (51.0) (p<.001). High suicide risk prevalence was 25.0% in migraine, 19.0% in MDD, and 4.9% in controls. Multivariate analysis revealed depression severity as the sole independent predictor of suicide risk (coefficient=0.826, p<.001). Discussion: Depression severity serves as the dominant independent predictor of suicide risk across migraine and MDD populations. Findings necessitate systematic depression screening in migraine management and integrated care approaches to mitigate suicide risk in vulnerable populations.
Introduction: The Stress Mindset Measure (SMM) is a self-report scale assessing the extent to which individuals believe that the effects of stress are beneficial or harmful. It has been linked to physiological and behavioural outcomes relevant to wellbeing and validated across different languages and cultures. However, its factorial structure remains inconsistent across studies, raising questions about its optimal conceptualization. This study aimed to validate the SMM and examine its factorial structure in an Italian sample. Methods: A sample of 215 adults completed the Italian version of the SMM, along with measures of perceived stress, life satisfaction, and self-efficacy. An Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was conducted to investigate the SMM factorial structure emerging from the data. Confirmatory Factor Analyses (CFA) were then used to compare this model with the original unidimensional model and previously proposed two- and four-factor structures. Additional CFAs explored the psychometric properties of two shortened versions of the SMM. The practical utility of each model was evaluated through regression analyses predicting adjustment outcomes. Results: EFA supported a novel two-factor model distinguishing between beliefs about the effects of stress on learning/productivity and on health/wellbeing. CFA confirmed this model provided superior fit compared to alternative structures (CMIN/df = 1.21, RMSEA = 0.032). However, regression analyses indicated that the unidimensional model best predicted perceived stress (β = – .205), life satisfaction (β = .150), and self-efficacy (β = .229). A shortened version including only the four positively worded items (SMM-4P) showed strong psychometric properties and similar predictive validity to the full unidimensional scale. Discussion: Findings support the Italian adaptation of the SMM and suggest that the novel two factor solution may offer greater conceptual clarity. Nonetheless, the unidimensional structure remains more practical for predicting adjustment outcomes. The results also highlight the potential utility of the SMM-4P in time-constrained contexts such as clinical assessment.
Introduction: Promoting psychological well-being in young multinational corporation (MNC) employees requires understanding the relationship between stress, loneliness, and mental health attitudes. However, existing research lacks a comprehensive analysis of how these factors interact and influence attitudes toward seeking psychological help. Addressing this gap is crucial for developing effective workplace mental health interventions. Methods: Using a sample of 118 young MNC employees in Vietnam (64.4% Gen Z, 81.4% female, 11% LGBTQ+, 67.8% single), this study examines relationships between stress, loneliness, problematic internet use (PIU), and attitudes toward seeking psychological help, with tenure and remote work status as moderators. Data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Results: Perceived stress is positively correlated with problematic internet use (PIU) and dissatisfaction with social relationships, while negatively correlated with social satisfaction. PLS-SEM revealed that perceived stress significantly predicted dissatisfaction with social relationships (β = 0.408, p < 0.001), which was strongly associated with PIU (β = 0.407, p < 0.001), indicating a maladaptive coping mechanism. Higher social dissatisfaction correlated with negative attitudes toward psychological help. Longer tenure was associated with reduced social dissatisfaction, whereas remote work intensified the loneliness–PIU relationship. Tenure (β = -0.209, p < 0.05) and remote work status (β = 0.216, p < 0.05) moderated the stress–loneliness and loneliness–PIU relationships, respectively. Conclusion: These findings highlight the complex relationship between stress, loneliness, and workplace factors in young MNC workers. Addressing problematic internet use and improving psychological support may reduce stress and loneliness. Furthermore, tenure-related interventions could foster social well-being in corporate environments, emphasizing the need for targeted workplace mental health strategies.
Introduction: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) were known as a risk factor for mental health problems and impact during adulthood. This study puts intention on the perfectionism concept that is a personality trait that may be developed from ACEs and impact on mental health. Objective: This study aims to explore the relationship between ACEs, perfectionism, depressive symptoms and life satisfaction. Additionally, we aim to find the differences between symptoms of depression and life satisfaction by gender and birth order as a consideration of Vietnamese culture. Methods: We used random sampling and collected 554 valid respondents (including 178 participants who had ACEs) in Vietnam. The respondents ranged from 18 to 60 years old (Mean = 20.92, SD = 3.252) PLS-SEM model was conducted to examine the relationship among constructs of this study. Furthermore, One-way and Two-way MANOVA was used to find the differences of variables. Results: Maladaptive aspects of perfectionism (including concern over mistakes, doubt about actions, parental expectations, parental criticism, and personal standards) played a mediating role in the relationship between ACEs and depressive symptoms (β = 1.063, 95% CI [0.760; 1.416], p < 0.001). In addition, the adaptive aspect of perfectionism (organization) played a moderating role in the pathway from maladaptive perfectionism to life satisfaction (β = -0.122, 95% CI [-0.222; -0.022], p < 0.05). We also found significant differences in depressive symptoms and life satisfaction by gender and birth order. Conclusion: The coexistence of both adaptive and maladaptive aspects of perfectionism provides researchers with a foundation to further investigate the relationship between perfectionism and other mental health issues. Additionally, it extends the data available for mental health practitioners to develop treatment plans for patients and clients who have experienced childhood adversities.
Introduction: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) (including Crohn’s disease, Ulcerative colitis) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) are different debilitating conditions affecting the digestive system. Both diseases significantly impact patients’ lives, not only physically but also psychologically. Although some comparative literature exists, there is currently a lack of studies exploring qualitative differences in how pathology is experienced. In the present study, we explore the broad spectrum of psychological impacts caused by gastrointestinal disorders, including the experience of surgical interventions on the intestines, impact of the disease activity, severity of symptoms, and Quality of Life (QoL). Additionally, we examine how the diagnosis can be perceived as an emotional trauma for patients. Methods: A total of 366 participants was enrolled (aged between 18 and 65 years, Mage=37.06, SD=12.09), 82% of whom are female. Patients were divided into 4 subgroups and compared according to the gastrointestinal pathology: (1) Crohn’s disease (IBD); (2) Ulcerative colitis (IBD); (3) Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS); (4) Other condition / Subject awaiting diagnosis. From these participants, we obtained 87 descriptive texts (1668 words; 104 segments) about describing the pathological condition, emotional experiences, and experiential aspects related. The software MAXQDA Analytics Pro (v.22.7.0) was employed for the textual analysis of prevalent themes associated with each specific medical condition. Results: Statistically significant differences were found among the four intestinal condition groups in both perceived quality of life (χ² = 19.12, p = 0.0003) and diagnosis experience (χ² = 21.57, p = 0.043), worse for IBD group, suggesting that the perception of the impact of the intestinal condition varies depending on the diagnosis. The qualitative analyses highlighted emotional, psychological, and social aspects, including anxiety, depression, guilt, and social isolation, which significantly impacted the patients’ daily lives. Discussion: Previous research has primarily compared QoL across gastrointestinal conditions without delineating the distinct sources of suffering characterizing each disorder. The identification of significant differences in patient experiences and underlying themes supports a more precise and condition-specific personalization of therapeutic strategies and clinical management, emphasizing the necessity of adapting interventions to the unique clinical profiles of each patient population.
Introduction: Employee turnover represents a critical challenge for organizations, impacting productivity, costs, and workplace stability. Traditional measures of turnover intention typically assess its intensity but fail to capture its dynamic and multi-stage nature. The present study introduces and provides a preliminary validation of the Italian version of the Ordinal Turnover Intention Scale (OTIS), a new tool designed to capture the employees’ position within the turnover decision-making process. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online survey platform. Participants (N = 303 Italian employees) completed the OTIS, along with a traditional turnover intention measure and validated scales assessing job satisfaction, work engagement, and occupational stress. Reliability was assessed using the correction for attenuation formula for single-item measures, and construct validity was evaluated using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Criterion validity was examined through correlational analyses. Ordinal logistic regression and path analysis were performed to explore the relationships among turnover intention and its antecedents, based on the Job Demands-Resources model. Results: Findings demonstrated that the OTIS categories align with the expected progression of turnover intention. The scale exhibited good reliability and convergent validity, as evidenced by its correlation with the traditional turnover intention measure. Criterion validity was further supported by the associations between OTIS scores and known antecedents of turnover intention. Path analysis revealed that work engagement and occupational stress influenced turnover intention indirectly through their effects on job satisfaction. Discussion: The OTIS provides a simple yet flexible approach to assessing turnover intention, improving upon traditional intensity-based measures. Its ability to capture the dynamic nature of turnover intention holds promise for both researchers and organizations seeking to understand and mitigate voluntary employee departures. A longitudinal study is ongoing to further evaluate its predictive validity.
