The Self-perception of Text message Dependence Scale (STDS): A Brazilian-Portuguese validation and expansion of its psychometric properties

Strategies for Effective Communication in Hypertension Management: Validation of Messages from a Mobile Application to Assist Hypertensive Older Adults in Adherence to Treatment, Nutrition and Physical Activity

BACKGROUND

Poor adherence to antihypertensive treatment is a common problem among elderly hypertensive patients and one of the leading causes of inadequate blood pressure control. In this sense, it is essential to improve strategies for effective communication in managing hypertension treatment for this group.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to validate the text messages of a mobile application to aid adherence to antihypertensive treatment, nutrition, and physical activity among older adults with hypertension treated in Brazilian public primary health care.

METHODS

This descriptive, methodological development study with a quantitative approach was carried out between March and August 2024.

RESULTS

A total of 27 messages were constructed and validated by 13 experts, and this stage was divided into two rounds. The Content Validity index and percentage of agreement were used in the validation process. The messages were developed using theory, national guidelines, validation, and expert review.

CONCLUSIONS

Text messages for adherence to antihypertensive treatment involving medication, nutrition, and physical activity have enormous potential with the target audience studied.

Profile of Brazilian Undergraduates Who Use Electronic Cigarettes: a Cross-Sectional Study on Forbidden Use

The use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) persists in Brazil, despite restrictions on sales, imports, and advertising. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of e-cigarette use and user profiles among university students. This cross-sectional study used a convenience sample of 3083 university students (female = 2253, male = 830; M=26.1; SD =8.43) who completed an online survey. We employed logistic regression models and network analysis to determine the profile of e-cigarette users. The prevalence of e-cigarette use in the past year was 12.2% (n =377). Men, single individuals, Caucasians, secular individuals, and non-heterosexual individuals were more likely to engage in e-cigarette use. Intense use of alcohol, tobacco products, and illicit drugs increased the likelihood of e-cigarette use. Brazilian college students continue to use electronic cigarettes despite the prohibition. The pattern of alcohol abuse and tobacco product use among e-cigarette users is concerning. These risky behaviors render young and highly educated individuals targets for public policies to control and regulate electronic cigarettes in the country.

Problematic Internet, Smartphone, and SMS Use among Adults: Shared and Unique Predictors

BACKGROUND

Although a surge of interest has recently emerged in investigating the simultaneous problematic use of various technology-based tools, the findings are still inconclusive. The present web-based survey aimed at examining whether (a) personality traits, coping strategies, and sociodemographics are associated with problematic internet, smartphone, and SMS use among Greek users and (b) personality traits mediate the relationship between maladaptive coping strategies and problematic use of the three media.

STUDY DESIGN

A cross-sectional study.

METHODS

A convenience and snowball sample of 1016 participants (84.4% female, mean age of 30.3 years) completed the Problematic Internet Use Questionnaire-9 (PIUQ-9), the Mobile Phone Problem Use Scale (MPPUS), the Self-Perception of Text Message Dependency Scale (STDS), the Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire 4+(PDQ-4+), and the Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced Inventory (Brief COPE).

RESULTS

Shared predictors between problematic use of the three technology-based tools were younger age and low educational level, the coping strategy of substance use, and the narcissistic, avoidant, and dependent personality disorders. Predictors of problematic internet and smartphone use were coping strategies of emotional support, self-distraction, and behavioral disengagement. According to structural equation models (SEM) models, cluster C personality disorders fully mediate the relationship between maladaptive coping strategies and problematic use of technology-based tools.

CONCLUSION

Addressing factors that predispose (i.e., personality traits), precipitate, or maintain problematic use (i.e., coping strategies) can lead to effective and cost-saving preventive (i.e., screening of vulnerable groups) and therapeutic efforts (i.e., teaching adaptive coping strategies).

The Effect of Psychosocial Interventions for Reducing Co-occurring Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety in Individuals with Problematic Internet Use: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

The objective of this study is to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the effect of psychosocial interventions in reducing problematic Internet use (PIU), anxiety, and depression symptoms in a sample of people. This review was registered on the PROSPERO database (CRD42020181912) and a total of 15 studies were included. Analyses of the effect of the interventions were conducted based on the standardized mean difference of the studied outcomes (PIU, anxiety, and depression). Most studies reported a positive effect of psychosocial interventions on reducing symptoms of PIU, depression, and anxiety among people with PIU. However, only one detected a robust effect in reducing symptoms of anxiety. For depression, this effect was more modest, and there was no difference between the different modalities of psychosocial interventions. The results suggest that psychosocial interventions are effective in reducing both symptoms of PIU and co-occurring symptoms of depression and anxiety in individuals with PIU.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11469-022-00846-6.