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Social Public Health System and Sustainability
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Social Public Health System and Sustainability

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Health, Well-Being and Sustainability".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2020) | Viewed by 137467

Printed Edition Available!
A printed edition of this Special Issue is available here.

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Quan-Hoang Vuong

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Centre for Interdisciplinary Social Research, Phenikaa University, Hanoi, Vietnam
Interests: emerging capital markets; data management; scientific data; applied statistics (frequentist and Bayesian); emerging market economics; financial database systems; sustainable financial management; entrepreneurial finance
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Khuat Thu Hong

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute for Social Development Studies, Hanoi, Vietnam
Interests: Social health; gender equality; labor migration; environmental and occupational health

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The social public health systems (SPHS) in both the developed and developing worlds have profound impacts on social sustainability. Both the notions of social public health system and sustainability have expanded substantially over time due to rising complexities of societies, global mobility of workforce, increasing globalization and regionalization of economies and socio-economic forces, to name just a few. Nonetheless, as a research topic, the nexus and inter-relationships between the two critically important notions of today's science appear to have been underresearched.

In the intersection of the two, the following areas of research have emerged to be of critical importance for the scientific enterprise:

  • Gender issues, reproductive health, environmental and occupation health
  • Increasing mobility, migration workers and social vunerability in relation to social health and sustainability matters
  • Emerging socio-cultural and economic values in SPHS and sustainability concerns
  • The role of healthcare and health services managent and social sustainability
  • Impacts of Social networks and technologies on social health
  • Education in SPHS and sustainability
  • Institutions building, regulatory frameworks and political agenda in coping with rising complexity in SPHS and sustainability problems
  • Socio-economic inequality and the future of SPHS
  • Information, databases and science policy in improving the knowledge base about SPHS and sustainability
  • Evidence-based policymaking in SPHS and sustainability

This Special Issue invites your academic contributions, i.e., research articles, review articles, essays, perspectives, to help enhance our understanding of the above-mentioned missing nexus, from different angles of analysis, and also to improve the future agenda on addressing issues that hamper SPHS and sustainability.

Dr. Quan-Hoang Vuong
Dr. Khuat Thu Hong
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • social health
  • preventive medicine
  • social sustainability
  • information systems and databases
  • science policy in social health, political agenda
  • complexities and uncertainties
  • evidence-based policy making

Published Papers (18 papers)

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19 pages, 2463 KiB  
Article
An Appraisal of Communication Practices Demonstrated by Romanian District Public Health Authorities at the Outbreak of the COVID-19 Pandemic
by Mariana Cernicova-Buca and Adina Palea
Sustainability 2021, 13(5), 2500; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su13052500 - 25 Feb 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3122
Abstract
Communication during an ongoing crisis is a challenging task that becomes even more demanding during a public health crisis. Early in the start of the pandemic, global leaders called upon the public to reject infodemics and access official sources. This article focuses on [...] Read more.
Communication during an ongoing crisis is a challenging task that becomes even more demanding during a public health crisis. Early in the start of the pandemic, global leaders called upon the public to reject infodemics and access official sources. This article focuses on the communicative aspects of health services management, with a particular focus on the communication strategy of the Romanian district public health authorities during the COVID-19 lockdown, as seen on official websites and social networks. The 15 most affected districts were selected, according to the officially reported health cases. The issued press releases and the posts on Facebook pages show an uneven experience on the part of district authorities in dealing with public information campaigns. In addition, the results of the study indicate a lack of sustainable communication approaches as well as the need of professional training and strategy in dealing with the public health crisis. From a communication point of view, a strategic approach on behalf of the public health sector is crucial to enhance the preparedness of appropriate institutions to act during emergencies and to respond to the needs of the media and the public with timely, correct, and meaningful information. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Public Health System and Sustainability)
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15 pages, 338 KiB  
Article
The Impact of CEOs’ Gender on Organisational Efficiency in the Public Sector: Evidence from the English NHS
by Gema Gutierrez-Romero, Antonio Blanco-Oliver, Mª Teresa Montero-Romero and Mariano Carbonero-Ruz
Sustainability 2021, 13(4), 2188; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su13042188 - 18 Feb 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2672
Abstract
Increasing operational efficiency is an objective relevant for all institutions, but it is essential in public entities and even more in public health systems because of the number of resources they consume and their impact on general welfare. This research analyses the effect [...] Read more.
Increasing operational efficiency is an objective relevant for all institutions, but it is essential in public entities and even more in public health systems because of the number of resources they consume and their impact on general welfare. This research analyses the effect that CEOs’ gender has on the operational efficiency of the entities they manage. Despite the impact that the management team and notably the CEO have on the development of institutions, studies on their effect on performance are practically non-existent, especially for public organisations. We have used data from acute care hospital trusts belonging to the English National Health System (NHS) concerning its development. The results were obtained from a two-stage analysis. First, the entities’ economic efficiency and health/social efficiency (two operational efficiency measures) were evaluated using two data envelopment analysis (DEA) models. Secondly, the results have been regressed with the CEOs’ gender. The results obtained are robust and consistent, revealing that male CEOs have greater performance than female CEOs. This result provides insight into determining features that relate to operational efficiency, which it is of interest to the research and policymakers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Public Health System and Sustainability)
19 pages, 752 KiB  
Article
Understanding the Spatial-Related Abstraction of Public Health Impact Goals and Measures: Illustrated by the Example of the Austrian Action Plan on Women’s Health
by Tatjana Fischer
Sustainability 2021, 13(2), 773; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su13020773 - 14 Jan 2021
Viewed by 2040
Abstract
The influence of spatial aspects on people’s health is internationally proven by a wealth of empirical findings. Nevertheless, questions concerning public health still tend to be negotiated among social and health scientists. This was different in the elaboration of the Austrian Action Plan [...] Read more.
The influence of spatial aspects on people’s health is internationally proven by a wealth of empirical findings. Nevertheless, questions concerning public health still tend to be negotiated among social and health scientists. This was different in the elaboration of the Austrian Action Plan on Women’s Health (AAPWH). On the example of the target group of older women, it is shown whether and to what extent the inclusion of the spatial planning perspective in the discussion of impact goals and measures is reflected in the respective inter-ministerial policy paper. The retrospective analysis on the basis of a document analysis of the AAPWH and qualitative interviews with public health experts who were also invited to join, or rather were part of, the expert group, brings to light the following key reasons for the high degree of spatial-related abstraction of the content of this strategic health policy paper: the requirement for general formulations, the lack of public and political awareness for the different living situations in different spatial archetypes, and the lack of external perception of spatial planning as a key discipline with regard to the creation of equivalent living conditions. Nonetheless, this research has promoted the external perception of spatial planning as a relevant discipline in public health issues in Austria. Furthermore, first thematic starting points for an in-depth interdisciplinary dialogue were identified. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Public Health System and Sustainability)
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11 pages, 401 KiB  
Article
Economic and Social Factors That Predict Readmission for Mental Health and Drug Abuse Patients
by Quang “Neo” Bui and Emi Moriuchi
Sustainability 2021, 13(2), 531; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su13020531 - 08 Jan 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3050
Abstract
According to the United Nations, curtailing the rise of mental illness and drug abuse has been an important goal for sustainable development of member states. In the United States, reducing readmission rates for mental health and drug abuse patients is critical, given the [...] Read more.
According to the United Nations, curtailing the rise of mental illness and drug abuse has been an important goal for sustainable development of member states. In the United States, reducing readmission rates for mental health and drug abuse patients is critical, given the rising health care costs and a strained health care system. This study aims to examine economic and social factors that predict readmission likelihood for mental health and drug abuse patients in the state of New York. Patient admission data of 25,846 mental health patients and 32,702 drug abuse patients with multiple visits in New York hospitals in 2015 were examined. Findings show that economic factors like income level and payment type impact readmission rates differently: The poorest patients were less likely to get readmitted while patients with higher incomes were likely to experience drug relapse. Regarding social factors, mental health patients who lived in neighborhoods with high social capital were less likely to be readmitted, but drug abuse patients in similar areas were more likely to be readmitted. The findings show that policy-makers and hospital administrators need to approach readmission rates differently for each group of patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Public Health System and Sustainability)
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24 pages, 666 KiB  
Article
Inequalities and the Impact of Job Insecurity on Health Indicators in the Spanish Workforce
by Raúl Payá Castiblanque and Pere J. Beneyto Calatayud
Sustainability 2020, 12(16), 6425; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su12166425 - 10 Aug 2020
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1737
Abstract
In a context of high job insecurity resulting from social deregulation policies, this research aims to study health and substance abuse inequalities in the workplace from a gender perspective. To this end, a transversal study was carried out based on microdata from the [...] Read more.
In a context of high job insecurity resulting from social deregulation policies, this research aims to study health and substance abuse inequalities in the workplace from a gender perspective. To this end, a transversal study was carried out based on microdata from the National Health Survey in Spain—2017, selecting the active population and calculating the prevalence of the state of health and consumption, according to socio-occupational factors (work relationship, social occupational class, time and type of working day). Odds ratios adjusted by socio-demographic variables and their 90% confidence intervals were estimated by means of binary logistic regressions stratified by sex. The results obtained showed two differentiated patterns of health and consumption. On the one hand, unemployed people and those from more vulnerable social classes showed a higher prevalence of both chronic depression and anxiety and of hypnosedative and tobacco use. On the other hand, the better positioned social classes reported greater work stress and alcohol consumption. In addition, while unemployment affected men’s health more intensely, women were more affected by the type of working day. The study can be used to design sustainable preventive occupational health policies, which should at least aim at improving the quantity and quality of employment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Public Health System and Sustainability)
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10 pages, 217 KiB  
Article
COVID-19: A Relook at Healthcare Systems and Aged Populations
by Thanh-Long Giang, Dinh-Tri Vo and Quan-Hoang Vuong
Sustainability 2020, 12(10), 4200; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su12104200 - 20 May 2020
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4710
Abstract
Using data from the WHO’s Situation Report on the COVID-19 pandemic from 21 January 2020 to 30 March 2020 along with other health, demographic, and macroeconomic indicators from the WHO’s Application Programming Interface and the World Bank’s Development Indicators, this paper explores the [...] Read more.
Using data from the WHO’s Situation Report on the COVID-19 pandemic from 21 January 2020 to 30 March 2020 along with other health, demographic, and macroeconomic indicators from the WHO’s Application Programming Interface and the World Bank’s Development Indicators, this paper explores the death rates of infected persons and their possible associated factors. Through the panel analysis, we found consistent results that healthcare system conditions, particularly the number of hospital beds and medical staff, have played extremely important roles in reducing death rates of COVID-19 infected persons. In addition, both the mortality rates due to different non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and rate of people aged 65 and over were significantly related to the death rates. We also found that controlling international and domestic travelling by air along with increasingly popular anti-COVID-19 actions (i.e., quarantine and social distancing) would help reduce the death rates in all countries. We conducted tests for robustness and found that the Driscoll and Kraay (1998) method was the most suitable estimator with a finite sample, which helped confirm the robustness of our estimations. Based on the findings, we suggest that preparedness of healthcare systems for aged populations need more attentions from the public and politicians, regardless of income level, when facing COVID-19-like pandemics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Public Health System and Sustainability)
27 pages, 4737 KiB  
Article
Policy Response, Social Media and Science Journalism for the Sustainability of the Public Health System Amid the COVID-19 Outbreak: The Vietnam Lessons
by Viet-Phuong La, Thanh-Hang Pham, Manh-Toan Ho, Minh-Hoang Nguyen, Khanh-Linh P. Nguyen, Thu-Trang Vuong, Hong-Kong T. Nguyen, Trung Tran, Quy Khuc, Manh-Tung Ho and Quan-Hoang Vuong
Sustainability 2020, 12(7), 2931; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su12072931 - 07 Apr 2020
Cited by 202 | Viewed by 49679
Abstract
Having geographical proximity and a high volume of trade with China, the first country to record an outbreak of the new Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Vietnam was expected to have a high risk of transmission. However, as of 4 April 2020, in comparison to [...] Read more.
Having geographical proximity and a high volume of trade with China, the first country to record an outbreak of the new Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Vietnam was expected to have a high risk of transmission. However, as of 4 April 2020, in comparison to attempts to containing the disease around the world, responses from Vietnam are seen as prompt and effective in protecting the interests of its citizens, with 239 confirmed cases and no fatalities. This study analyzes the situation in terms of Vietnam’s policy response, social media and science journalism. A self-made web crawl engine was used to scan and collect official media news related to COVID-19 between the beginning of January and April 4, yielding a comprehensive dataset of 14,952 news items. The findings shed light on how Vietnam—despite being under-resourced—has demonstrated political readiness to combat the emerging pandemic since the earliest days. Timely communication on any developments of the outbreak from the government and the media, combined with up-to-date research on the new virus by the Vietnamese science community, have altogether provided reliable sources of information. By emphasizing the need for immediate and genuine cooperation between government, civil society and private individuals, the case study offers valuable lessons for other nations concerning not only the concurrent fight against the COVID-19 pandemic but also the overall responses to a public health crisis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Public Health System and Sustainability)
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25 pages, 2854 KiB  
Article
A Scientometric Study on Depression among University Students in East Asia: Research and System Insufficiencies?
by Minh-Hoang Nguyen, Manh-Tung Ho, Viet-Phuong La, Quynh-Yen Thi. Nguyen, Manh-Toan Ho, Thu-Trang Vuong, Tam-Tri Le, Manh-Cuong Nguyen and Quan-Hoang Vuong
Sustainability 2020, 12(4), 1498; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su12041498 - 17 Feb 2020
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 6197
Abstract
Given that mental health issues are acute in Asian countries, particularly Japan and Korea, and university students are more vulnerable to depression than the general population, this study aims to examine the landscapes of scientific research regarding depressive disorders among university students and [...] Read more.
Given that mental health issues are acute in Asian countries, particularly Japan and Korea, and university students are more vulnerable to depression than the general population, this study aims to examine the landscapes of scientific research regarding depressive disorders among university students and evaluate the effectiveness of international collaboration and funding provision on the scientific impact in Korea, Japan, and China. Based on articles retrieved from the Web of Science database during the period 1992–2018, we found that the number of scientific publications, international collaborations, and allocated funds regarding depressive disorder among university students in China (97 articles, 43 international collaborations, and 52 funds provided, respectively) overwhelmingly surpassed the case of Korea (37 articles, 12 international collaborations, and 15 funds provided, respectively) and Japan (24 articles, 5 international collaborations, and 6 funds provided, respectively). The differences in collaboration patterns (p-value < 0.05) and the proportion of allocated funds (p-value < 0.05) among Korea, Japan, and China were also noted using Fisher’s exact test. Based on the Poisson regression analysis, China’s associations of scientific impact with international collaboration (β = −0.322, p-value < 0.01) and funding provision (β = −0.397, p-value < 0.01) are negative, while associations of the scientific impact and scientific quality with funding provision and international collaboration were statistically insignificant. These findings hint that Korea and Japan lacked scientific output, diversity in research targets, international collaboration, and funding provision, compared to China, but the quality of either China’s internationally collaborated or funded articles was contentious. As a result, policymakers in Korea and Japan are suggested to raise the importance of mental health problems in their future policy planning and resource distribution. Moreover, it would be advisable to establish a rigorous system of evaluation for the quality of internationally collaborated and funded studies in order to increase scientific impact and maintain public trust, especially in China. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Public Health System and Sustainability)
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16 pages, 270 KiB  
Article
Dietary Health-Related Risk Factors for Women in the Polish and Croatian Population Based on the Nutritional Behaviors of Junior Health Professionals
by Dominika Głąbska, Valentina Rahelić, Dominika Guzek, Kamila Jaworska, Sandra Bival, Zlatko Giljević and Eva Pavić
Sustainability 2019, 11(18), 5073; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su11185073 - 17 Sep 2019
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2631
Abstract
In Poland and Croatia, similarly as for a number of European countries, anemia and osteoporosis are common diet-related diseases in women, while for both the proper nutritional behaviors and preventive education are crucial. However, for the proper nutritional education there are some barriers, [...] Read more.
In Poland and Croatia, similarly as for a number of European countries, anemia and osteoporosis are common diet-related diseases in women, while for both the proper nutritional behaviors and preventive education are crucial. However, for the proper nutritional education there are some barriers, including those associated with an educator, his own nutritional behaviors and beliefs. The aim of the study was to assess the dietary health risk factors for women in the Polish and Croatian population based on the nutritional behaviors of junior health professionals. The study was conducted in Polish (n = 70) and Croatian (n = 80) female students of the faculties associated with public health at the universities in capital cities. Their diets were assessed based on 3-day dietary records. Nutritional value and consumption of food products, as well as the dietary risk factors for anemia and osteoporosis, were compared. While assessing the risk factors for anemia, in the Polish group, the higher intake of iron and folate, as well as vitamin B12 per 1000 kcal, was observed; and for folate, the higher frequency of inadequate intake was stated for Croatian women. While assessing the risk factors for osteoporosis, in the Polish group, compared with the Croatian, the higher intake of calcium per 1000 kcal was observed, but for vitamin D, there were no differences. Differences of the intake between the Polish and the Croatian group of junior health professionals may result in various dietary health risks for women. Based on the assessment of dietary intake, for anemia, compared to Polish women, a higher risk may be indicated for Croatian women, but for osteoporosis, similar risks may be indicated for Polish and Croatian women. Therefore, for public health, adequate nutritional education of junior health professionals is necessary. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Public Health System and Sustainability)
17 pages, 2501 KiB  
Article
Research on the Efficiency of Local Government Health Expenditure in China and Its Spatial Spillover Effect
by Mengying Wang and Chunhai Tao
Sustainability 2019, 11(9), 2469; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su11092469 - 26 Apr 2019
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3741
Abstract
The efficiency of the local government health expenditure (GHE) in China determines the level of public health services. However, the local government does not pay much attention to that efficiency, though the scale of local GHE is increasing. In this paper, first, we [...] Read more.
The efficiency of the local government health expenditure (GHE) in China determines the level of public health services. However, the local government does not pay much attention to that efficiency, though the scale of local GHE is increasing. In this paper, first, we use the data envelopment analysis (DEA) method to measure the static overall efficiency of the local government health expenditure (GHE) in each region of China from 2007 to 2016. Then, based on the spatial statistical theory, global and local spatial Moran’s I value is utilized to investigate its spatial correlation and spatial agglomeration phenomenon. Finally, the spatial spillover effect (SSE) of the static overall efficiency of local GHE in each region is measured by constructing a spatial Durbin model (SDM). It is demonstrated that there are significant differences in the efficiency of the local GHE between different regions of China. In addition, it is shown that Moran’s I value of the static overall efficiency of the local GHE from 2007 to 2016 is positive. It passed the test of the 5% significance level, indicating that there is a positive spatial correlation between the efficiency of the local GHE and a spatial spillover effect. On the other hand, the decomposition of the SDM reveals that the proportion of GHE to financial expenditure, gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, and population density have a positive effect on the efficiency of the local GHE. Hence, their growth will improve the GHE efficiency in the local region and neighboring regions. In contrast, the proportion of urban population, illiteracy, and fiscal decentralization have a negative effect. Thus, their growth will decrease the GHE efficiency in the local region and neighboring regions. The results are discussed and suggestions are given based on the analysis in this paper. The main contribution of this work is to consider the spatial spillover effect in terms with realistic meaning. The results obtained can be used as a reference for optimizing the structure and improving the efficiency of government health inputs. It breaks the government’s GDP-only theory-based assessment system and helps to improve it by assessing the GHE efficiency. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Public Health System and Sustainability)
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17 pages, 1297 KiB  
Article
Hospitals’ Financial Health in Rural and Urban Areas in Poland: Does It Ensure Sustainability?
by Agnieszka Bem, Rafał Siedlecki, Paweł Prędkiewicz, Patrizia Gazzola, Bożena Ryszawska and Paulina Ucieklak-Jeż
Sustainability 2019, 11(7), 1932; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su11071932 - 01 Apr 2019
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 5596
Abstract
Literature review suggests that rural hospitals are in the worst financial conditions due to several factors: They are smaller, located in remote areas, and they provide less specialized services due to their problems with employing well-qualified staff. We decided to check whether it [...] Read more.
Literature review suggests that rural hospitals are in the worst financial conditions due to several factors: They are smaller, located in remote areas, and they provide less specialized services due to their problems with employing well-qualified staff. We decided to check whether it is true in the case of Polish hospitals. Based on the literature review, we have assumed that rural hospitals have less favorable financial conditions. In order to verify this assumption, we use seven indicators of financial health as well as a synthetic measure of financial condition. We have found that, in fact, there is no difference in financial condition between rural and urban hospitals, or even that the financial health of rural hospitals is better if we employ the synthetic measure. Additionally, we have found that the form of activity can be a crucial driver of better financial performance. The concept of rural sustainability is supported by good financial conditions of rural hospitals, which helps to provide better access to medical services for inhabitants of rural areas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Public Health System and Sustainability)
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12 pages, 1880 KiB  
Article
The Role of Occupational Stress in the Association between Emotional Labor and Mental Health: A Moderated Mediation Model
by Heyeon Park, Hyunjin Oh and Sunjoo Boo
Sustainability 2019, 11(7), 1886; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su11071886 - 29 Mar 2019
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 7739
Abstract
This study investigated whether occupational stress factors moderate the effect of emotional labor on psychological distress in call center employees. A cross-sectional and descriptive study using anonymous paper-based survey methods was conducted in a sample of 283 call center employees in South Korea. [...] Read more.
This study investigated whether occupational stress factors moderate the effect of emotional labor on psychological distress in call center employees. A cross-sectional and descriptive study using anonymous paper-based survey methods was conducted in a sample of 283 call center employees in South Korea. Participants completed the Emotional Labor Scale, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, and the Korean Occupational Stress Scale. Moderated mediation analyses were conducted using the PROCESS macro in order to investigate the relationship among variables. The results showed that the association between surface acting while having emotional labor and psychological distress was mediated by emotional dissonance. The mediated effect of emotional dissonance was moderated by discomfort in occupational climate, suggesting that improving the occupational environment can lessen the level of psychological distress among emotional workers, and that more attention should be devoted to the development of an intervention at the organizational level in order to prevent mental health problems in this population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Public Health System and Sustainability)
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19 pages, 677 KiB  
Article
Depression, Acculturative Stress, and Social Connectedness among International University Students in Japan: A Statistical Investigation
by Minh Hoang Nguyen, Tam Tri Le and Serik Meirmanov
Sustainability 2019, 11(3), 878; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su11030878 - 08 Feb 2019
Cited by 32 | Viewed by 18504
Abstract
(1) This study aims to examine the prevalence of depression and its correlation with Acculturative Stress and Social Connectedness among domestic and international students in an international university in Japan. (2) Methods: A Web-based survey was distributed among several classes of students of [...] Read more.
(1) This study aims to examine the prevalence of depression and its correlation with Acculturative Stress and Social Connectedness among domestic and international students in an international university in Japan. (2) Methods: A Web-based survey was distributed among several classes of students of the university, which yielded 268 responses. On the survey, a nine-item tool from the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), the Social Connectedness Scale (SCS) and Acculturative Stress Scale for International Students (ASSIS) were used together with socio-demographic data. (3) Results: The prevalence of depression was higher among international than domestic students (37.81% and 29.85%, respectively). English language proficiency and student age (20 years old) showed a significant correlation with depression among domestic students (β = −1.63, p = 0.038 and β = 2.24, p = 0.048). Stay length (third year) also displayed a significant correlation with depression among international students (β = 1.08, p = 0.032). Among international and domestic students, a statistically significant positive correlation between depression and acculturative stress, and negative associations of social connectedness with depression and acculturative stress were also found. (4) Conclusions: The high prevalence of depression, and its association with Acculturation stress and Social Connectedness, among the students in this study highlight the importance of implementing support programs which consider the role of Acculturation and Social Connectedness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Public Health System and Sustainability)
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13 pages, 622 KiB  
Article
Sex Differences and Psychological Factors Associated with General Health Examinations Participation: Results from a Vietnamese Cross-Section Dataset
by Quan-Hoang Vuong, Kien-Cuong P. Nghiem, Viet-Phuong La, Thu-Trang Vuong, Hong-Kong T. Nguyen, Manh-Toan Ho, Kien Tran, Thu-Hong Khuat and Manh-Tung Ho
Sustainability 2019, 11(2), 514; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su11020514 - 18 Jan 2019
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4363
Abstract
This study focuses on the association of sex differences and psychological factors with periodic general health examination (GHE) behaviors. We conducted a survey in Hanoi and the surrounding areas, collecting 2068 valid observations; the cross-section dataset was then analyzed using the baseline category [...] Read more.
This study focuses on the association of sex differences and psychological factors with periodic general health examination (GHE) behaviors. We conducted a survey in Hanoi and the surrounding areas, collecting 2068 valid observations; the cross-section dataset was then analyzed using the baseline category logit model. The study shows that most people are afraid of discovering diseases through general health examinations (76.64%), and the fear of illness detection appears to be stronger for females than for males (β1(male) = −0.409, p < 0.001). People whose friends/relatives have experienced prolonged treatment tend to show more hesitation in participating in physical check-ups (β2 = 0.221, p < 0.05). On the ideal frequency of GHEs, 90% of the participants agree on once or twice a year. The probability of considering a certain period of time as an appropriate frequency for GHEs changes in accordance with the last doctor visit (low probability of a health examination every 18 months) and one’s fear of potential health problems post-checkup (no fear raises probability of viewing a health examination every 6 months by 9–13 percentage points). The results add to the literature on periodic GHE in particular and on preventive health behaviors in general. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Public Health System and Sustainability)
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8 pages, 218 KiB  
Article
Sleep Duration and Sleep Quality as Predictors of Health in Elderly Individuals
by Lovro Štefan, Vlatko Vučetić, Goran Vrgoč and Goran Sporiš
Sustainability 2018, 10(11), 3918; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su10113918 - 28 Oct 2018
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3252
Abstract
The main purpose of the present study was to explore the associations of sleep duration and sleep quality with self-rated health. In this cross-sectional study, participants were 894 elderly individuals. Self-rated health, sleep duration, and sleep quality were self-reported. The associations were examined [...] Read more.
The main purpose of the present study was to explore the associations of sleep duration and sleep quality with self-rated health. In this cross-sectional study, participants were 894 elderly individuals. Self-rated health, sleep duration, and sleep quality were self-reported. The associations were examined using multiple logistic regression analyses.After adjusting for sex, physical activity, smoking consumption, alcohol consumption, psychological distress, socioeconomic status, and chronic disease/s, sleeping <6 h (OR (Odds ratio) = 3.21; 95% CI (95 percent confident interval) 1.61 to 6.39), 6–7 h (OR = 2.47; 95% CI 1.40 to 4.36), 8–9 h (OR = 3.26; 95% CI 1.82 to 5.83), and >9 h (OR = 3.62; 95% CI 1.57 to 8.34) and having ‘poor’ sleep quality (≥5 points; OR = 2.33; 95% CI 1.46 to 3.73) were associated with ‘poor’ self-rated health. When sleep duration and sleep quality were entered simultaneously into the model, the same associations remained. Our findings provide evidence that both ‘short’ and ‘long’ sleep and ‘poor’ sleep quality are associated with ‘poor’ self-rated health. Thus, interventions that promote healthy sleep hygiene in the elderly are warranted. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Public Health System and Sustainability)
15 pages, 515 KiB  
Article
Factors Associated with the Regularity of Physical Exercises as a Means of Improving the Public Health System in Vietnam
by Quan-Hoang Vuong, Anh-Duc Hoang, Thu-Trang Vuong, Viet-Phuong La, Hong Kong T. Nguyen and Manh-Tung Ho
Sustainability 2018, 10(11), 3828; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su10113828 - 23 Oct 2018
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4667
Abstract
Being ranked among the most sedentary countries, Vietnam’s social public health is challenged by the rising number of overweight people. This study aims to evaluate factors associated with the regularity of exercise and sports (EAS) among Vietnamese people living in the capital city [...] Read more.
Being ranked among the most sedentary countries, Vietnam’s social public health is challenged by the rising number of overweight people. This study aims to evaluate factors associated with the regularity of exercise and sports (EAS) among Vietnamese people living in the capital city of Hanoi, using data collected from a randomized survey involving 2068 individuals conducted in 2016. Physical exercises and daily sports are considered a major means for improving the Vietnamese social public health system by the government, families, and individuals. Applying the baseline-category logit model, the study analyzed two groups of factors associated with EAS regularity: (i) physiological factors (sex, body mass index (BMI)) and (ii) external factors (education, health communication, medical practice at home). Females with a university education or higher usually exercise less than those with lower education, while the opposite is true for males. The study also shows that those with a higher BMI tend to report higher activity levels. Additionally, improved health communication systems and regular health check-ups at home are also associated with more frequent EAS activities. These results, albeit limited to only one location in Vietnam, provide a basis for making targeted policies that promote a more active lifestyle. This, in turn, could help the country realize the goal of improving the average height of the population and reducing the incidents of non-communicable diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Public Health System and Sustainability)
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19 pages, 1578 KiB  
Article
Does Mobile Phone Penetration Affect Divorce Rate? Evidence from China
by Jiaping Zhang, Mingwang Cheng, Xinyu Wei and Xiaomei Gong
Sustainability 2018, 10(10), 3701; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su10103701 - 15 Oct 2018
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 7518
Abstract
Marital happiness is an important symbol of social harmony and can help promote sustainable economic and social development. In recent years, the rapid rise of the divorce rate in China, a country where the divorce rate had previously been low, has attracted wide [...] Read more.
Marital happiness is an important symbol of social harmony and can help promote sustainable economic and social development. In recent years, the rapid rise of the divorce rate in China, a country where the divorce rate had previously been low, has attracted wide attention. However, few articles have focused on the popularization of information and communication technology's impact on China’s rising divorce rate in recent years. As a first attempt, the provincial panel data during the period 2001–2016 is applied to study quantitatively the relationship between mobile phone penetration and the divorce rate. In order to get more reliable estimation results, this paper uses two indicators to measure the divorce rate, and quantile regression is applied for further analysis. Additionally, one-year to five-year lag times of the mobile phone penetration are used as the core explanatory variables in order to analyse the lagging effect of mobile phone penetration on divorce rate. The result shows that the correlation between the mobile phone penetration and the divorce rate was statistically positive significant in China during the period 2001–2016. Furthermore, the paper also finds that mobile phone penetration had the greatest impact on divorce rate in central China, followed by eastern China, but it was not obvious in western China during this period. From a technological perspective, this paper provides some possible explanations for the rising divorce rate in China in recent years, and further enriches the relevant research on the impact of the development of information and communication technology on societal changes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Public Health System and Sustainability)
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Review

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11 pages, 789 KiB  
Review
Sustainable Harm Reduction Needle and Syringe Programs for People Who Inject Drugs: A Scoping Review of Their Implementation Qualities
by Danielle Resiak, Elias Mpofu and Rodd Rothwell
Sustainability 2021, 13(5), 2834; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su13052834 - 05 Mar 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4816
Abstract
While substance use disorders (SUD) continue to be a global concern, harm reduction approaches can provide sustainable harm minimization to people who inject drugs (PWID) without requiring abstinence. Yet, the evidence for the sustainable implementation of harm reduction approaches is newly emerging. This [...] Read more.
While substance use disorders (SUD) continue to be a global concern, harm reduction approaches can provide sustainable harm minimization to people who inject drugs (PWID) without requiring abstinence. Yet, the evidence for the sustainable implementation of harm reduction approaches is newly emerging. This scoping review sought to map the evidence on implementation qualities of sustainable harm reduction needle and syringe programs (NSPs). We searched the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, PubMed, ProQuest Central, and Directory of Open Access Journals for empirical studies (a) with an explicit focus on harm minimization NSPs, (b) with a clearly identified study population, (c) that described the specific NSP implementation protocol, (d) that provided information on accessibility, affordability, and feasibility, and (e) were published in English between 2000–2020. Following narrative qualitative synthesis, the evidence suggests individual implementer characteristics directly influenced sustainable availability and scope of NSP provision while implementation processes explained the predictability and continuity of service provision across services. External factors including community perceptions of NSPs and policing activity influenced the sustainability of NSP implementation. The emerging evidence suggests that sustainable NSP programs for PWID require provider, consumer, and community engagement, supported by enabling health policies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Public Health System and Sustainability)
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