Objective: This study investigates the influence of tobacco prices on consumption habits among 200 smokers in Lisbon, Portugal, focusing on generational preferences and perceptions of tobacco taxes. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a quantitative approach. Participants were categorized by generational cohort, and data on tobacco consumption types, awareness of tobacco taxes, and opinions on tax increases were collected. Statistical analyses were used to explore relationships and predictors. Results: Findings reveal that 46.5% of participants favored heated tobacco, 37.0% smoked cigarettes, and 16.5% consumed other types like roll-your-own tobacco and electronic cigarettes. Significant generational differences were observed, with older cohorts predominantly smoking cigarettes (51.5%), while Generation Z showed a preference for heated tobacco (55.2%). Most smokers (79.5%) were aware of tobacco taxes, with diverse opinions on their purpose: revenue generation (44.0%), consumption reduction (44.5%), and indifference (11.5%). Despite this awareness, 60.5% reported no change in consumption habits due to tax increases. Conclusion: The study underscores the complexity of tobacco consumption behaviors influenced by price and generational factors. While heated tobacco gains popularity among younger smokers, traditional cigarettes remain prevalent among older cohorts. The findings highlight challenges in tobacco control policies, suggesting a need for comprehensive strategies integrating price measures with targeted educational and cessation interventions to effectively reduce tobacco use across different generations.
We present an interdisciplinary exploration of technostress in knowledge-intensive organizations, including both business and healthcare settings, and its impact on a healthy working life. Technostress, a contemporary form of stress induced by information and communication technology, is associated with reduced job satisfaction, diminished organizational commitment, and adverse patient care outcomes. This article aims to construct an innovative framework, called The Integrated Technostress Resilience Framework, designed to mitigate technostress and promote continuous learning within dynamic organizational contexts. In this perspective article we incorporate a socio-technical systems approach to emphasize the complex interplay between technological and social factors in organizational settings. The proposed framework is expected to provide valuable insights into the role of transparency in digital technology utilization, with the aim of mitigating technostress. Furthermore, it seeks to extend information systems theory, particularly the Technology Acceptance Model, by offering a more nuanced understanding of technology adoption and use. Our conclusion includes considerations for the design and implementation of information systems aimed at fostering resilience and adaptability in organizations undergoing rapid technological change.
This study aims to investigate the impact of dance training on the mental health of college students. Utilizing experimental research methods, we established an experimental group and a control group to compare changes in mental health dimensions—including anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and social skills—between the two groups before and after 12 weeks of dance training. The findings indicate that dance training significantly reduces levels of anxiety and depression, while also improving self-esteem and social skills, thereby enhancing social adaptability. These results provide empirical support for the use of dance as an intervention for mental health and offer new insights for mental health education in colleges and universities.
Climate change is occurring more quickly and has more complex effects than expected. The well-being of populations in general and financial resources have been impacted by climate change in recent years. Children, pregnant women and the elderly bear the brunt of the impacts caused by climate-related risks. This research aims to assess the perceptions of health personnel and clients on climate change as well as these impacts in the Greater Lomé health region in Togo. Furthermore, this research examines the differences between the perceptions of caregivers, patients and scientific observations in this area. Based on field observations, an interview guide and a questionnaire, the information collected shows that nearly 75.95% of those questioned perceived climate change, particularly in the form of an increase in precipitation concentrated on a cost duration causing floods and the scarcity of rain at the end of the year leading to droughts. More than 25.40% and 61.86% respectively perceive that droughts and floods impact their livelihoods, but do not fully understand the causes. The results are useful for planning useful actions to facilitate the management of climate-related risks in health establishments in the Greater Lomé health region. It is therefore important to carry out awareness campaigns, train stakeholders and take necessary measures to make health systems resilient.
Diagnosis-related groups (DRGs) are gaining prominence in healthcare systems worldwide to standardize potential payments to hospitals. This study, conducted across public hospitals, investigates the impact of DRG implementation on human resource allocation and management practices. The research findings reveal significant changes in job roles and skill requirements based on a mixed-methods approach involving 70 healthcare professionals across various roles. 50% of respondents reported changes in daily responsibilities, and 42% noted the creation of new roles in their organizations. Significant challenges include inadequate training (46%), and coding complexity (38%). Factor analysis revealed a complex relationship between DRG familiarity, job satisfaction, and staff morale. The study also found a moderate negative correlation between the impact on morale and years of service in the current hospital, suggesting that longer-tenured staff may require additional support in adapting to DRG systems. This study addresses a knowledge gap in the human resource aspects of DRG implementation. It provides healthcare administrators and policymakers with evidence to inform strategies for effective DRG adoption and workforce management in public hospitals.
Climate change is causing serious impacts, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, where poverty rates could increase by 2050 if climate and development measures are not taken. The health consequences are diverse and include transmissible and non-transmissible diseases. The objective of this study is to analyze the strategies implemented in health facilities in the Greater Lomé health region to cope with the impacts of climate change. The survey was carried out in 23 health facilities in 2022. It was a descriptive cross-sectional study which was carried out from July to September 2022. Qualitative and quantitative approaches were used. Non-probability sampling method and purposive choice technique were used. Four techniques made it possible to collect the data, namely documentary analysis, survey, interview and observation. The collected data were processed with Excel software and exported to SPSS for analysis. In total, 112 people were surveyed out of 161 planned. According to the results, 52.68% of health facilities did not implement adaptation strategies, 47.32% used adaptive strategies depending on to their means. Strategies exist but at low percentages due to limited technical and financial resources and the insufficiency of innovative policies. These strategies need to be supported in order to make them more effective. The study provides a basis for adopting innovative strategies and encouraging financing for adaptation actions.
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