Exploring the Association Between Health Literacy and Psychological Well-Being Among Industry Managers in Germany

Health literacy and mental well-being among university students in the United States

Objective: Exploration of the relationship between mental health constructs and physical health constructs can help practitioners better understand the mental health of vulnerable populations, such as college students in the United States. The purpose of this exploratory study was to investigate the connection between mental well-being and health literacy of US college students. Participants: The sample included 410 undergraduate students (63% white; 71% female) attending universities across the United States. Methods: Participants completed the All Aspects of Health Literacy Scale and the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale. Univariate and bivariate statistics were observed for all study variables, and three linear regression models were run to see whether functional, communicative, and/or critical health literacy scores predicted mental well-being. Conclusions: Findings suggest that health literacy was associated with improved mental well-being among US college students, which has implications for health programming at US universities, such as the coordination of physical and mental healthcare.

Health literacy, worry about unmet needs for medical care, and psychological well-being among older Chinese adults

AIM

This study aims to examine the relationship between older adults' health literacy and their psychological well-being and the role of worry about future unmet needs for medical care in mediating this relationship.

METHODS

We adopted a sample of 965 older Chinese people aged 60+ (49.74% female) from the 2021 Chinese General Social Survey. A series of structural equation models (SEMs) were performed. Health literacy was measured by three items regarding older people's ability to understand medical professionals, ask them questions, and read medical instructions. A single-item question was adopted to measure participants' worry about unmet needs for future medical care. Psychological well-being was measured by three items regarding emotional problems and depressed or anxious mood in the past 4 weeks.

RESULTS

Worry about future unmet needs for medical care mediates the relationship between lack of health literacy and Chinese older people's psychological well-being. The indirect effect accounts for 22.3% of the total effect. The SEM model has a satisfactory model fit (goodness of fit index = 1.000, comparative fit index = 0.999, Tucker-Lewis index = 0.997, root mean square error of approximation = 0.009, standardized root mean square residual = 0.023, chi-square test = 50.96,  P = 0.321).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study underscore the importance of improving communication quality between healthcare providers and older adults. Clinical interventions that promote health literacy and address worries about unmet needs for medical services may benefit older adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 202-207.

Leading well and staying psychologically healthy: the role of resources and constraints for managers in the healthcare sector

PURPOSE

Maintaining a healthy and productive workforce is a challenge for most organizations. This is even truer for health organization, facing staff shortages and work overload. The aim of this study is to identify the resources and constraints that influence managers' mental health and better understand how they are affected by them.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH

A qualitative approach was chosen to document the resources, the constraints as well as their consequences on managers in their day-to-day realities. The sample included executive-, intermediate- and first-level managers from a Canadian healthcare facility. A total of 62 semi-structured interviews were conducted. The coding process was based on the IGLOO model of Nielsen et al. (2018) to which an employee-related level was added (IGELOO).

FINDINGS

Results highlight the importance of considering both resources as well as constraints in examining managers' mental health. Overarching context, organizational constraints and the management of difficult employees played important roles in the stress experienced by managers.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

The results offer a better understanding of the importance of intervening at different levels to promote better organizational health. Results also highlight the importance of setting up organizational resources and act on the various constraints to reduce them. Different individual strategies used by managers to deal with the various constraints and maintain their mental health also emerge from those results.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE

In addition to addressing the reality of healthcare managers, this study supplements a theoretical model and suggests avenues for interventions promoting more sustainable organizational health.

Organizational culture and leadership behaviors: is manager's psychological health the missing piece?

Background

In a context where organizations struggle to attract and retain highly qualified workers, organizations need to prioritize the psychological health of employees as a retention factor. To do so, they need to provide a healthy work environment. As an integral part of the employee experience, managers are an important factor in employee retention. In past studies, researchers have focused on the importance of leadership in boosting employees' health without, however, considering factors encouraging such behavior in managers. Recently, some scholars have become interested in managers' health as a resource allowing them to adopt good leadership behavior. Indeed, these studies reveal interesting links between managers' emotional state and their behavior as leaders. Other studies, underscore the importance of considering the organizational context to better understand managers' psychological health that may influence their leadership behaviors. This study proposes to examine the complex process by which organizational culture influences managers' psychological health, which acts as a resource favoring the adoption of good leadership behaviors that are known to be constructive and have positive effects on employee.

Methods

Path analyses with the CALIS procedure SAS software, version 9.4 were conducted on a sample of 522 managers in three healthcare facilities in the province of Quebec, Canada.

Results

The results revealed that group culture is associated with the two indicators of managers' psychological health at work. The results also demonstrated that managers' psychological distress at work is positively related to transactional and laissez-faire leadership styles whereas psychological well-being at work is positively related to transformational and transactional leadership. Concerning indirect associations, there is a significant and positive indirect association between group culture and transformational leadership and there is also a significant and negative association between group culture and laissez-faire leadership. Finally, there is also an indirect association between hierarchical culture and transactional leadership.

Conclusion

Our study provides a more in-depth understanding of the relationship between organizational culture and leadership styles. More specifically, our findings highlight the benefits of implementing a group organizational culture to enhance psychological well-being, reduce psychological distress symptoms and promote good leadership behaviors.

Monitoring a cohort of trainees: changes over time and associations between health literacy, health behaviour and health

BACKGROUND

For many entrants, the initial stages of professional training are a challenge. Demands at work can lead to new physical and psychological stress, as well as new social requirements. These new requirements can influence the health behaviour and the state of health of young employees. In recent years, there have been many studies on health literacy (HL). HL represents resources and potentials that allow individuals to achieve improved control of their health and of factors that influence health. Thus, HL can influence both well-being and health. In the present study, the health of trainees in different branches (health and welfare services, office, sales, technology) is monitored over time ending in the period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the association between health literacy and health or health behaviour has been examined.

METHODS

In 2017/18, a baseline survey (T0) was performed on trainees in various sectors (office, sales, teaching, nursing and social welfare, engineering, hairdressers), who had been contacted through vocational colleges in four federal states in north Germany. The trainees were surveyed again in the in the first year after training in 2021 (T3). Demographic data were collected, as well as information on health literacy (HLS-EU-16), health behaviour (physical exercise, nutrition, smoking and alcohol) and state of health (BMI, psychological well-being and subjective state of health). Recognition, satisfaction at work and thoughts of leaving the profession were surveyed with the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ). Statistical analysis was performed with tests for paired samples and multivariate regression analysis in SPSS 26.

RESULTS

129 data sets were evaluated, with a follow-up rate of 10.2%. 85% of the trainees were female. The mean age at follow-up was 25.6 years. 56% were employed in the health service or social welfare. 35% worked in the office, sales or engineering. At T3, 47% of the employees exhibited limited health literacy, 67% low levels of exercise and 30% risky alcohol use. 42% exhibited overweight and 42% poor psychological well-being. An association between health literacy (HL) and psychological well-being was only observed in cross-section (HL inadequate vs. HL adequate OR: 3.2 95% CI: 1.07-9.49, p = 0.037). The odds ratio relative to subjective state of health was also increased, although the association was not statistically significant (HL inadequate vs. HL adequate OR: 2.7 95% CI: 0.72-9.78, p = 0.143). In the sector for health service and social welfare, there was statistically significant deterioration over time in all COPSOQ variables (recognition, satisfaction at work, thoughts of leaving the profession).

CONCLUSIONS

For a group of trainees in the first year of work during the covid-19 epidemic, the present findings show that there is a need to prevent risky health behaviour, overweight and poor psychological well-being. Health literacy was shown to be a modifiable parameter, that apparently is associated in cross - but not in longitudinal section with the health of young employees. It would appear to be reasonable to modify developing health literacy in the setting of work and school.

Measuring the Health Related Quality of Life and Economic Burden of Illness Among Migrant Workers With Pneumoconiosis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study is to evaluate the living status of migrant workers with pneumoconiosis (MWP) in China with regard to health-related quality of life (QOL) and economic burden of illness.

METHODS

An on-site investigation of 685 respondents in 7 provinces is conducted. Quality of life scores are derived using the self-made scale, and human capital method and disability-adjusted life year are applied to value the economic loss. Multiple linear regression and K-means clustering analysis are performed for further investigation.

RESULTS

Respondents have an overall lower QOL of 64.85 ± 7.04 and significant average loss of Ұ344.5 thousand per capita, where age and provincial heterogeneity generally exist. Pneumoconiosis stage and assistance condition are 2 significant predictors affecting MWP's living conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

The evaluation of QOL and economic loss would contribute to the formulation of targeted countermeasures for MWP to enhance their well-being.

Occupational Health Literacy Scale (OHLS): development and validation of a domain-specific measuring instrument

Occupational health literacy (OHL) is a domain-specific approach that can empower people to make health-appropriate decisions in the work environment. OHL comprises the knowledge, skills and willingness of people to access and process health-related information and to apply it in work situations. The aim of this study was to evolve a conceptual model and validate a scale for OHL, that can be used in many sectors in the Western industrial countries, which does not yet exist. After piloting, item selection and alteration were carried out in a pretest with n = 163 working adults in diverse small- and medium-sized enterprises in Germany. The resulting OHL items were validated in a main survey with n = 828 participants working in small- and medium-sized enterprises and among them 47.5% people with migration background. The final 12-item questionnaire had good structural characteristics and is reliable and valid for measuring OHL. Using exploratory structural equation modeling, good fit indices (root mean square error of approximation = 0.063, comparative fit index = 0.940) confirmed a two-factor structure: (i) knowledge and skill-based processing of health information (internal consistency α = 0.88) and (ii) willingness and responsibility for occupational health (α = 0.74). The OHL scale fills the gap regarding domain-specific OHL questionnaires for working adults in diverse sectors in Western industrial countries. The Occupational Health Literacy Scale can be used to identify the needs of employees and companies and then to adapt and evaluate health promotion measures. Further research could include validation and use in other countries and large companies.

Differences in the Mediating Role of HL in Socioeconomic Inequalities in Health Across Age Groups: Results from the Dutch Doetinchem Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Although it is known that health literacy (HL) plays an explanatory role in educational inequalities in health, it is unknown whether this role varies across age groups.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the mediating role of HL in educational inequalities in four health outcomes varies across age groups: age 46 to 58 years, age 59 to 71 years, and age 72 to 84 years.

METHODS

We used data from the Dutch Doetinchem Cohort Study, which included 3,448 participants. We included years of education as predictor, chronic illness prevalence and incidence, mental and self-perceived health as outcomes, and HL, based on self-report, as mediator. We used multiple-group mediation models to compare indirect effects across age groups.

KEY RESULTS

In the complete sample without age stratification, HL partly mediated the effect of education on all health outcomes except for incidence of chronic diseases. These indirect effect estimates were larger for subjective (self-perceived health, proportion mediated [PM] = 37%, and mental health, PM = 37%) than for objective health outcomes (prevalence of chronic disease, PM = 17%). For the prevalence of chronic disease, the indirect effect estimate was significantly larger among individuals age 46 to 58 years compared to individuals age 59 to 71 years and for incidence of chronic disease also compared to individuals age 72 to 84 years. All other indirect effect estimates did not differ significantly between age groups. Using an alternative cut-off point for HL or adjusting for cognitive functioning did not meaningfully change the results.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, we found that the explanatory role of HL in educational inequalities in mental and subjective health was stable but that it varied across age groups for chronic diseases, where it was largest among individuals age 46 to 58 years. Future studies may investigate the benefits of starting to intervene on HL from a younger age but means to improve HL may also benefit the subjective health of older adults with lower education. [HLRP: HL Research and Practice. 2023;7(1):e26-e38.] Plain Language Summary: This study examined age-group differences in the mediating role of HL in the relationship between education and health. Overall, we found that the explanatory role of HL in educational inequalities in mental and subjective health was stable but that it varied across age groups for chronic diseases, where it was largest among individuals age 46 to 58 years compared to individuals age 59 to 71 years and individuals age 72 to 84 years.

A workplace mindfulness training program may affect mindfulness, well-being, health literacy and work performance of upper-level ICT-managers: An exploratory study in times of the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction

Mindfulness-based interventions have gained more importance in workplace health promotion due to increased psychological distress in the digital era. Although managers in the information communication technology sector (ICT)-sector are at risk for lower mental health, few studies have evaluated the effects of workplace mindfulness trainings (WMT) on upper-level ICT-managers.

Methods

By applying a mixed methods approach, the study aimed at exploring differences in upper-level ICT-managers' mindfulness, well-being, health literacy and work performance at the beginning of a WMT (t0), immediately after (t1) and 3  months after (t2) a WMT. Thirteen groups of managers (n = 56) completed the training and three corresponding surveys consecutively from October 2019 to April 2021. Managers rated their mindfulness (MAAS), well-being (WHO-5), health literacy, and work performance (HPQ). During the COVID-19-pandemic the training switched from a live on-site mode to a hybrid mode and finally to a digital mode. Repeated measures ANOVAs and Bonferroni-adjusted post hoc analyses were used for data analysis. Open-ended responses were content analyzed.

Results

We found significant differences in managers' mindfulness [F(2.106) = 3.376, p = 0.038, η_p ² = 0.06, n = 54], well-being [F(2.106) = 73.019, p < 0.001, η_p ² = 0.17, n = 54], health literacy [F(2.108) = 9.067, p < 0.001, η_p ² = 0.15, n = 55], and work performance [F(2.80) = 7.008, p = 0.002, η_p ² = 0.15, n = 41] between t0 and t2. Significant differences between t0 and t1 were also found for well-being, health literacy and work performance, but not for mindfulness. Qualitative findings demonstrated positive training effects, barriers and facilitators to daily application of mindfulness practice.

Discussion

The results suggest that compared to the beginning of the WMT, the post and follow-up measurements showed outcome improvements. The workplace mindfulness training may thus be a promising program to facilitate mental health and working capabilities among upper-level ICT-managers. Contextual workplace factors need to be considered to sustain long-term mindfulness practice of managers.

Teacher Trainees’ Well-Being—The Role of Personal Resources

Teacher well-being is intrinsically associated with their personal resources, including health literacy and occupational self-regulation. However, there are few empirical findings on teacher trainees’ health literacy. Furthermore, occupational self-regulation has so far only been associated with indicators of occupational well-being. From a public health perspective, research on teacher trainees’ general well-being will benefit from taking both research aspects into account. In this study, we analysed data from 407 teacher trainees in Germany. Latent profile analysis confirmed the four occupational self-regulatory types (healthy-ambitious, unambitious, excessively ambitious, and resigned), which differed significantly on the health literacy dimensions self-regulation, self-control, self-perception, proactive approach to health, communication and cooperation, and dealing with health information. The health literacy dimensions of self-regulation and self-control were mainly related to occupational self-regulation. Independently of each other, the self-regulatory types and the health literacy dimensions of self-regulation, self-control, and proactive approach to health predicted teacher trainees’ general well-being. If both constructs are considered together, the health literacy dimensions explain more variance in teacher trainees’ general well-being than the self-regulatory types. Research and practical implications are discussed.

Association Between Health Literacy and Work Ability in Employees With Health-Related Risk Factors: A Structural Model

INTRODUCTION

In workplace health promotion (WHP), health literacy and work ability are considered as outcomes of high interest. Therefore, the question arises as to what extent individual health literacy skills have an impact on work ability alongside sociodemographic influences.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to examine the associations between a structural model of health literacy as well as sociodemographic context factors and the work ability among employees with health-related risk factors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study was based on baseline data of a workplace-related intervention (158 employees with health-related risk factors, 53.8% women, 48 ± 10 years). Health literacy skills were assessed with Lenartz's Questionnaire (measuring "self-perception", "proactive approach to health", "dealing with health information", "self-control", "self-regulation", and "communication and cooperation"). Work ability was measured by the German Short Form of the Work Ability Index (WAI). As sociodemographic context factors, sex, age, and educational level were assessed. The associations were examined using structural equation modeling with partial least squares (SmartPLS 2.0.M3). Common quality criteria were applied and significance level was set at α = 5%.

RESULTS

Model's reliability, validity, and structure could be validated. Regarding the impact on work ability, "self-regulation" showed a statistically significant direct effect (ß = 0.32, t (∞) = 4.00, p < 0.01, f 2 = 0.09) and "self-perception" had a significant indirect effect (ß = 0.13, t (∞) = 2.53, p < 0.05). The only additional association with work ability was found for age (ß = -0.25, t (∞) = 3.82, p < 0.01, f 2 = 0.04). The WAI score variance was explained to 17.5% by the health literacy skills and to 27.5% considering the additional sociodemographic context factors.

CONCLUSION

According to the structural model of health literacy, in employees with health-related risk factors, a target group-specific WHP approach could be the encouragement of self-regulation and self-perception. However, additional resources and conditions influencing work ability should be considered.

How Does Health Literacy Modify Indicators of Health Behaviour and of Health? A Longitudinal Study with Trainees in North Germany

BACKGROUND

Health literacy (HL) is a resource that can help individuals to achieve more control over their health and over factors that influence health. In the present follow-up study, we have investigated the extent to which HL in trainees changes over time and whether or to what extent HL influences health behaviour and health.

METHODS

In 2017, we performed a baseline survey (T0) of trainees from six different branches, who were contacted through vocational colleges in four northern federal states in Germany. The survey was repeated at the midpoint of their training in 2019 (T1). Demographic data were surveyed, together with information on HL (HLS-EU-Q16), health behaviour and on health status (psychological well-being, subjective health status). Multivariate regression analyses were performed in SPSS 26.

RESULTS

Three hundred and ninety-one (391) data sets were evaluated, with a follow-up rate of 27%; 79% of the trainees were female. The mean age was 21.2 years. Over all subjects, the mean HL increased over time (x¯ (SD): 11.9 (2.9) to 12.2 (2.9), p = 0.070). This increase was only statistically significant for the health service trainees (x¯ (SD): 12.1 (2.8) to 12.5 (2.9), p = 0.019). Relative to persons with adequate HL, the odds ratio over time for impaired psychological well-being was increased by 230% in persons with inadequate HL (OR: 3.3, 95% CI: 1.70-6.32, p < 0.001). For persons with problematical HL, the corresponding increase in odds ratio was 110% (OR: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.30-3.38, p = 0.002). Relative to persons with adequate HL, trainees with inadequate HL exhibited a significant increase in odds ratio of 2.8 over time for poor or less good subjective health status (OR: 2.8, 95% CI: 1.23-6.33, p = 0.014).

CONCLUSIONS

We observed a positive longitudinal association between HL and health. A significant increase in HL was observed in trainees in the health service. Thus the study shows that the concept of HL may provide a potential preventive approach for trainees.

How Managers Perceive and (Do Not) Participate in Health Promotion Measures-Results from a Cross-Sectional Mixed-Methods Survey in a Large ICT Company

Managers often face stress and high work demands. Yet they have received limited attention as targets of workplace health promotion measures (HPMs). This study’s primary objective (1) is to examine managers’ self-reported participation in HPMs and factors associated with HPM participation. The secondary objective (2) is to examine managers’ perceptions of their working conditions. A cross-sectional mixed-methods online survey was conducted with a nonrandom sample of 179 managers in a large German ICT company. Stepwise logistic regression and qualitative content analysis were used for data analysis. Quantitative findings revealed that 57.9% of managers had not participated in HPMs yet. “Workload relief through digital tools” resulted as a significant predictor of managers’ previous HPM participation (OR: 2.84, 95% CI: 1.42–5.66). In qualitative findings, workload, time, lack of knowledge, and lack of demand were reported as participation barriers (1). Managers reported that work facility traits, workload, social support, and corporate culture should be improved to make their working conditions more health-promoting (2). These findings suggest that providing adequate organizational working conditions may help improve managers’ HPM participation rates and their perception of health-promoting work.

Associations between health-related skills and young adults' work ability within a structural health literacy model

Young adults have a high societal relevance but are still an under-represented target group in health promotion. Health literacy is widely acknowledged as one of the strongest predictors and key determinant of health, so its influence on work ability is of great interest. The purpose of the study was to examine the associations between health-related skills and work ability within the structural model of health literacy of Lenartz, Soellner and colleagues, which explains health behaviour and health through the indirect and direct influence of six 'advanced skills' ('self-perception', 'proactive approach to health', 'dealing with health information', 'self-control', 'self-regulation' and 'communication and cooperation'). The cross-sectional study was based on baseline data of a health literacy promotion intervention (495 vocational school students, 59.0% female, age span 18-25 years). Structural equation modelling with partial least squares was used to examine the associations between the six constructs of the model and the Work Ability Index (WAI). Mean WAI score was 39.7 ± 4.5 (51.1% categorized 'moderate'/'poor'). Five out of six constructs of the model showed a statistically significant indirect or direct effect, respectively, on work ability. The model explained 24.8% of the WAI score variance. Our findings show associations between the health literacy model and the work ability among young employees. In view of demographic change, it is crucial to develop and analyse target group-specific health literacy interventions. The model offers new facets in the modelling of health literacy.

Health literacy and mental health of school principals. Results from a German cross-sectional survey

Purpose

School principals are generally seen as key facilitators for the delivery and long-term implementation of activities on school health promotion, including health literacy. However, there is little evidence on the health literacy and health status of this occupational group. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the health literacy of school principals and its association with mental health indicators.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional online survey with German school principals and members of the management board (vice principals) was conducted (n = 680, 68.3% female). Demographic (gender, age) and work characteristics (type of school, professional role) as well as health literacy served as independent variables. Mental health as a dependent variable included well-being, emotional exhaustion and psychosomatic complaints. Next to uni- and bivariate analysis, a series of binary logistic regression models was performed.

Findings

Of the respondents, 29.2% showed a limited health literacy with significant differences to the disadvantage of male principals. With regard to mental health, respondents aged over 60 years and those from schools for children with special educational needs were less often affected by low well-being as well as frequent emotional exhaustion and psychosomatic complaints. Taking into account demographic and work characteristics, regression models revealed significant associations between a low level of health literacy and poor mental health across all indicators.

Research limitations/implications

The cross-sectional nature of this study does not allow to draw conclusions about the causal pathways between health literacy and mental health. Although the sample has been weighted, the results cannot be generalized to the whole population of school principals. There is a need for evidence-based interventions aiming at promoting health literacy and mental health tailored to the needs of school principals.

Originality/value

This is the first study to investigate health literacy and its association with health indicators among school principals.

Neighborhood Social and Built Environment and Disparities in the Risk of Hypertension: A Cross-Sectional Study

Citizens’ participation in urban environmental quality assessment is important when identifying local problems in the sustainable development and environmental planning policy. The principal aim of this study was to analyze whether any social differences exist between the joint effect of built neighborhood quality and exposure to urban green spaces and the risk of hypertension. The study sample consisted of 580 participants residing in 11 districts in Kaunas city, Lithuania. Using geographic information systems (GIS), individual data on the socioeconomic status (SES) and health were linked to the participants’ perceptions of the environmental quality and exposure to green spaces (NDVI). We used multivariate logistic regression to estimate associations as odds ratios (OR). Those study participants with lower education and those study participants with higher education on low incomes rated their health significantly worse. Low SES persons residing in areas with low exposure to green spaces had a significantly higher risk of hypertension when sex, age, family status, smoking, and income were accounted for (OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.01–3.36). This citizen science study provided evidence that the social environment and the quality of the built environment had a complex effect on disparities in the risk of hypertension.

Pflege in Zeiten von COVID-19: Onlinebefragung von Leitungskräften zu Herausforderungen, Belastungen und Bewältigungsstrategien

Zusammenfassung. Fragestellung / Ziel: Angesichts der dynamischen Entwicklungen und Folgen der COVID-19-Pandemie für die Versorgung Pflegebedürftiger stellen sich folgende Fragen: Wie nehmen Leitungskräfte von Pflegeeinrichtungen Herausforderungen wahr, wie belastet sind sie und wie bewältigen sie diese? Methoden: Per E-Mail wurden bundesweit Leitungskräfte aus ambulanten und stationären Pflege- und Hospizeinrichtungen online befragt. Geschlossene Fragen wurden deskriptiv, offene inhaltsanalytisch ausgewertet. Ergebnisse: Von 4333 angeschriebenen Einrichtungen lagen von 525 vollständige Informationen vor. Die Sorge vor Infektionen, Beschaffung von Schutzausrüstung, Hygienevorschriften, Widersprüchlichkeit und Intransparenz von Informationen sowie Richtlinien und Einnahmeausfälle zählen zu den größten pandemiespezifischen, sich bedingenden Herausforderungen, und führen zu einer Belastungskaskade. Rund 40 % der Befragten sind unsicher, ob sie diese bewerkstelligen können. Das Wohlbefinden und Präsentismusverhalten hat sich den Befragten zufolge seit Pandemieausbruch verändert. Finanzielle und strukturelle Maßnahmen, die Stärkung des sozialen Zusammenhalts und Aufklärung wurden als Bewältigungsstrategien der Krise genannt. Schlussfolgerungen: Die Ergebnisse verdeutlichen einen Anstieg von Herausforderungen und veranschaulichen pandemiebedingte und sich gegenseitig bedingende Belastungen. Diese werden vornehmlich durch Mehrarbeit und einen Zusatzaufwand, vor allem auf Seiten der Leitungskräfte, bewältigt. Unklar bleibt, welche langfristigen Folgen aus der Belastungssituation zu erwarten sind.

Effects of a Classroom Training Program for Promoting Health Literacy Among IT Managers in the Workplace: A Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE

IT managers have received limited attention in health literacy research, although they are subject to special professional demands. The aim of this study was to evaluate a training program designed to promote health literacy among managers.

METHODS

A randomized controlled trial with a sample of 171 industry managers from one IT company was conducted. Effects of classroom training on health literacy, psychological well-being, self-rated health, and cortisol awakening response were investigated using pre- (t0), post- (t1), and follow-up (t2) surveys.

RESULTS

The intervention effects (time and group) were not significant for the primary outcome of health literacy. At the second measuring point, psychological well-being and self-rated health significantly decreased, and cortisol awakening response significantly increased.

CONCLUSION

Our study did not show beneficial intervention effects of a training program on promoting health literacy.

Psychometric properties of the Five-item World Health Organization Well-being Index used in mental health services: Protocol for a systematic review

AIMS

To synthesize evidence of the psychometric properties of the Five-item World Health Organization Well-being Index in mental health settings and critically appraise the methodologies of the included studies.

DESIGN

Protocol for a systematic psychometric review.

METHODS

The review protocol has been registered in the International Prospective Register for Systematic Reviews. The bibliographic databases MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science will be searched for relevant studies. The psychometric properties of each study will be evaluated according to the Consensus-based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurements Instruments.

DISCUSSION

The results of our psychometric review will synthesize the psychometric properties of the Five-item World Health Organization Well-being Index in mental health settings and identify possible gaps in the literature regarding methodological quality and its reliability, validity, and responsiveness to change.

IMPACT

The evaluation of patient well-being is important, and the Five-item World Health Organization Well-being Index is an increasingly used patient-reported outcome measure. It is simple to collect, free to use, and consists of five questions using positive health statements. Although the number of studies assessing the validity, reliability, and responsiveness of the questionnaire is increasing worldwide, there is a need to summarize the existing evidence of the psychometric properties of this questionnaire. The proposed study's findings will contribute to future research recommendations and help midwives and nurses in different settings pick an effective, appropriate questionnaire to evaluate patient well-being.

Influence of Health Literacy on the Physical Activity of Working Adults: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of the TRISEARCH Trial

Studies show that high health literacy (HL) can support the promotion and maintenance of healthy behavior such as physical activity (PA). However, most studies rely on subjective data. The aim of the present study is to investigate the relationship between HL and PA, not only with subjectively but also with objectively measured PA data. The present study is a pooled analysis of baseline data from the research association TRISEARCH (2015-2018), which focused on the HL of working adults. HL was measured by Lenartz' questionnaire, and PA by the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ; n = 1056). A subsample (n = 124) also received accelerometers (Actigraph GT3X+) to provide more objective PA data. Partial correlations and regression models were used to investigate the relationship between HL and questionnaire- and accelerometer-derived PA. Very low and medium partial correlations could be found for HL subscales and daily PA by questionnaire (r = -0.06, p < 0.05) and accelerometer (r = 0.26, p < 0.01). No subscale of HL made a significant contribution to the amount of daily PA (all p > 0.05). Not all subscales of HL seem to have an influence on the occurrence of healthy behavior, such as PA. This should be considered when HL-based interventions are designed. Further investigation of the relationship between HL and PA is needed. Objective assessments of both HL and PA can provide additional information for this task.

Influence of Health Literacy on the Physical Activity of Working Adults: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of the TRISEARCH Trial

Studies show that high health literacy (HL) can support the promotion and maintenance of healthy behavior such as physical activity (PA). However, most studies rely on subjective data. The aim of the present study is to investigate the relationship between HL and PA, not only with subjectively but also with objectively measured PA data. The present study is a pooled analysis of baseline data from the research association TRISEARCH (2015–2018), which focused on the HL of working adults. HL was measured by Lenartz’ questionnaire, and PA by the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ; n = 1056). A subsample (n = 124) also received accelerometers (Actigraph GT3X+) to provide more objective PA data. Partial correlations and regression models were used to investigate the relationship between HL and questionnaire- and accelerometer-derived PA. Very low and medium partial correlations could be found for HL subscales and daily PA by questionnaire (r = −0.06, p < 0.05) and accelerometer (r = 0.26, p < 0.01). No subscale of HL made a significant contribution to the amount of daily PA (all p > 0.05). Not all subscales of HL seem to have an influence on the occurrence of healthy behavior, such as PA. This should be considered when HL-based interventions are designed. Further investigation of the relationship between HL and PA is needed. Objective assessments of both HL and PA can provide additional information for this task.

Digital Leadership Skills and Associations with Psychological Well-Being

Due to increasing digitalisation, today's working world is changing rapidly and provides managers with new challenges. Digital leadership is an important factor in managing these challenges and has become a key concept in the discussion about what kinds of skills managers need for digital transformation. The main research question our study explored was if digital leadership is associated with psychological well-being in upper-level managers. Based on a qualitative pilot study and relevant literature, we developed a new scale for digital leadership in managers. We conducted an online survey with a sample of 368 upper-level managers from a large German ICT-company. Using a stepwise logistic regression analysis, potential effects of digital leadership on psychological well-being (WHO-5) were analysed. Logistic regression analyses showed that better skills in digital leadership were significantly associated with higher well-being. Results also showed that gender, age and managerial experience had no effect in our model. Our study provides a valuable insight into the association between digital leadership and well-being in managers. However, further research is necessary to validate the newly developed scale for digital leadership and to confirm a causal effect in the relationship between digital leadership and well-being.

Managers' Well-Being in the Digital Era: Is it Associated with Perceived Choice Overload and Pressure from Digitalization? An Exploratory Study

Due to the current digital transition, companies are under pressure to pursue digitalization and often initiate far-reaching transformation processes. As a result, managers must drive change within a company and are involved in important decision-making processes. In the present study, we focused on two cognitive job demands in managers related to change due to digital transformation: perceived choice overload and pressure from digitalization. We assumed that the extent of challenging cognitive demands at work is rising and negatively influencing managers’ psychological well-being. We conducted an online survey with a sample of 368 upper-level managers from a large ICT-company, where, at the time of the study, extensive transformation processes were taking place. Using multivariate regression analysis, potential prognostic effects on well-being were tested. Results showed that lower well-being was significantly associated with higher choice overload, but not with perceived pressure from digitalization. In our explorative study, we investigated two potential job demands in managers that, to our knowledge, have not yet been scientifically tested. Given the unsettled state of the field, it is important to try to further understand when choice overload and pressure from digitalization occur and when these may trigger negative health consequences.