The aim of this study was to explore whether general self–efficacy would moderate the relationship between stress and positive mental health in participants from an African context. Literature supported the concept that stress has a negative influence on mental health and that this interaction may be moderated by cognitive resources. General self–efficacy is a cognitive resource that may act as a moderator in the negative association between stress and positive mental health. Although general self–efficacy is thought to be a universal construct, little empirical research on it has been conducted in an African context. An African socio–cultural context is often described as more collectivistic and characterised by social harmony and interdependence. A sample of 1050 participants from both urban (n=451) and rural (n=599) settings completed Setswana versions of the four relevant questionnaires, i.e. the Mental Health Continuum - Short Form (MHC–SF, Keyes, 2006), used to measure positive mental health, the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ, Goldberg & Hillier, 1979), used to measure the experience of stress, the Generalized Self–Efficacy Scale (GSE, Jerusalem & Schwarzer, 1992) and the New General Self–Efficacy Scale (NGSE, Chen, Gully & Eden, 2001), both measuring general self–efficacy. Data were collected in a quantitative cross–sectional survey design with the aid of 16 trained bilingual (English and Setswana speaking) fieldworkers. Results showed negative correlations between the GHQ (SS, AS, SD, and DS) and MHC–SF (EWB, PWB, and SWB). Results indicated that general self–efficacy moderated the negative effect of manifestation of stress as shown by indices of psychological distress on emotional, psychological and social well–being. Thus, it is found that higher levels of self–efficacy are beneficial for the well–being of individuals in this African sample. / Thesis (M.A. (Clinical Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

Bakgrund: Daglig rökning och låg fysisk aktivitet på fritiden är betydligt högre bland individer med psykisk ohälsa.Syfte: Att undersöka dessa samband i ett köns- och socioekonomiskt perspektiv, samt eventuellt finna bakomliggande orsaker.Metod: Använder data från en tvärsnittsstudie (Folkhälsoenkät, Skåne 2000) med en representativ population (n = 11 304) i åldern 18-65. Huvudvariabler är självrapporterad daglig rökning och låg fysisk aktivitet, samt psykisk ohälsa som bedöms via General Health Questionnaire-12. Analyser gjordes med logistiskregression för att få oddskvoter och kontrollera för möjliga confounders.Resultat: Samband finns mellan psykisk ohälsa och daglig rökning, respektive låg fysisk aktivitet bland båda könen, och bland socioekonomiska grupper. Kvinnor har signifikant lägre oddskvoter gällande båda sambanden. Individer med psykisk ohälsa har fler ofördelaktiga levnadsvanor än de med ej psykisk ohälsa, oavsett socioekonomisk status. Ingen signifikant skillnad upptäcktes mellan socioekonomiska grupper vid jämförelse av oddskvoter gällande låg fysisk aktivitet, bland kvinnor med ej psykisk ohälsa.Slutsatser: Studien har bekräftat sambandet psykisk ohälsa och daglig rökning, respektive låg fysisk aktivitet, bland båda könen och inom olika socioekonomiska grupper. / Title: The relationship between mental ill-health and health related lifestyle habits among women and men in a scanian populationBackground: Daily smoking and low leisure time physical activity prevalence are higher among individuals with mental ill-health.Aim: To investigate these relationships in a gender- and socioeconomic perspective, together with possible underlying mechanisms.Methods: Using data from a cross-sectional survey (Scania public health survey, 2000) with a representative sample (n = 11 304), aged 18-65. Included were selfreported daily smoking, low leisure time physical activity, and mental health measured by the General Health Questionnaire-12. Logistic regression analyseswere performed to get odds ratios (OR), and to adjust for potential confounding factors.Results: Daily smoking and low leisure time physical activity were found to be associated with mental ill-health, among both sexes. Women had significantly lower OR than men with regard to both relationships. Individuals with mental illhealth had more unfavourable lifestyle habits than individuals without, independently of socioeconomic status. There were no significant differences between socioeconomic groups when comparing OR for low leisure time physicalactivity among women without mental ill-health.Conclusions: This study confirms the relationships of mental ill-health and dailysmoking, and low leisure time physical activity, among both sexes and within different socioeconomic groups.Key words: mental health; daily smoking; low leisure time physical activity; General Health Questionnaire-12; gender; socioeconomic status; etnicity; crosssectional study.

Trata-se de estudo quantitativo, do tipo descritivo e exploratório, de corte transversal, em que se utilizou inquérito populacional domiciliar, que teve por objetivo analisar a qualidade de vida de mulheres com bexiga hiperativa no município de Sorocaba/SP, verificar as correlações existentes entre os escores de QV e algumas variáveis sócio-demográficas e clínicas da amostra, além de verificar as correlações existentes entre os escores de QV e a Escala de Sintomas do KHQ. Foi utilizado um questionário sócio-demográfico e clínico e o questionário específico de QV King\'s Health Questionnaire (KHQ), sendo que o estudo foi aprovado previamente pelo Comitê de Ética da PUC/SP. A população do estudo foi constituída por 334 mulheres das quais foram selecionadas para a amostra as 33 que apresentaram os sintomas caracterizadores de bexiga hiperativa (BH) e que possibilitaram uma estimação da prevalência da mesma para o município. As entrevistas foram realizadas nos domicílios das mulheres e o banco de dados implantado com o uso do software SPSS versão 13.0 foi submetido às análises estatísticas através da análise de regressão linear categórica pelo método CATREG (Categorical Regression with Optimal Scaling), tendo sido realizadas por meio dos programas estatísticos GENSTAT for Windows versão 8, Sudaan 7.5 e NCSS 2007. Foram avaliadas as correlações não paramétricas entre os dados sócio-demográficos e clínicos e os domínios do KHQ pelo Coeficiente de postos de Spearman e foram avaliadas as significâncias do qui-quadrado do Teste de Hosmer-Lemeshow que variaram de 0,384 a 0,85; indicando bom ajuste dos modelos, que foi a forma escolhida para a organização das variáveis para a análise. O teste da razão de verossimilhança mostrou que a contribuição de cada variável nos modelos ajustados foi significante (p< 0,05). A presença ou não de multicolinearidade (alta correlação entre as variáveis independentes) foi testada em cada modelo. O nível de significância adotado foi de 5% e as estatísticas com p descritivo <= 0,05 foram consideradas significantes. As propriedades psicométricas do KHQ foram dadas pelo Alpha de Cronbach (LAVD=0,76; LF=0,42; LS=0,82; RP=0,98; AE=0,90; SD=0,83 e MG=0,80). Os sintomas considerados, em ordem de importância foram freqüência diurna, freqüência noturna, urge-incontinência e urgência, sendo que o teste de NagelKerke mostrou que essas características explicam 72% da variação da ocorrência de BH. Os domínios do KHQ com maiores escores médios foram II (49,49); SD (45,95); LAVD (40,40) e PGS (40,15). As variáveis referentes aos sintomas específicos de BH, \"freqüência diurna aumentada\", \"urgência\" e \"urge-incontinência\", tiveram uma associação positiva e significante com todos os domínios do KHQ, com destaque para II (R2 = 0,631), sendo que a UI foi a mais importante. A presença de diabetes mellitus, hipertensão, neuropatias, infecções do trato urinário, dores, climatério, idade mais avançada, constipação intestinal, cirurgias pélvicas prévias, paridade aumentada, pouca atividade sexual e pouca libido e o uso de bebidas alcoólicas, pimenta e cafeína estão estatisticamente relacionadas com a BH. O estudo concluiu que a BH contribui para uma piora significativa na qualidade de vida específica das mulheres de Sorocaba por ela acometidas / This study aims to analyze the quality of life (QoL) of the women with Overactive Bladder (OAB) according the ICS definition, verify the correlations between the Qol scores and the social, demographics and clinical characteristics of the sample, and verify the correlations between the KHQ scores and the symptoms scale. It was approved by the Ethical Committee and investigated 334 women in the female population that filled out a social, demographic and clinical questionnaire and the King´s Health Questionnaire (KHQ), a specific health related questionnaire to evaluate QOL and symptoms of women with urinary incontinence and OAB. Women with evaluable data were included (33) in this study and it were possible to assess the prevalence of OAB in the city. The interview were made at the women\'s home and the data was organized with the software SPSS version 13.0 and analysed with the Categorical Regression with Optimal Scaling (CATREG) by the stathistical programs GENSTAT for Windows versão 8, Sudaan 7.5 e NCSS 2007. It was evaluated the non parametric correlations between the KHQ domains and the social, demographic and clinical data by the Spearman Rank Correlation, the significances of the Qui-square of the Hosmer-Lemeshow Test ranging from 0,384-0,85 with a good adjustment of the models. The test shows that the contribution of any variables was significant (p<0,05). The psychometric properties were tested using the Cronbach\'s Alpha Coefficient (RL=0,76; PL=0,42; SL=0,82; PR=0,98; E=0,90; SE=0,83 e SM=0,80). The symptoms considered was diurnal urinary frequency, nocturnal frequency, urinary urge incontinence and urgency in this important sequence and the NagelKerk test shows that this characteristics explains 72% of the occurrence ranging of OAB. The KHQ domains with the high scores were UII (49,49), SE (45,95); RL (40,40) and GHP (40,15). The symptoms diurnal frequency, urgency, and urinary urge incontinence had a positive and significant association with the KHQ domains and the urinary urge incontinence was the best one (R2 = 0,631). Diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, neurological problems, urinary tract infections, pain, perimenopausal symptoms, high age, constipation, pelvic surgery, many deliveries, few sexual relationships, few libido, alcoholic beverages, pepper and caffeine were statistical related with the OAB. The authors concluded that the OAB improves a significant worst in the women\'s HRQoL

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is common among college students. The disease perpetuates depressive symptoms and potentially leads to chronic depressive episodes. Existing literature has shown that students who use both cognitive and behavioral maladaptive coping skills are more prone to endure depressive symptoms and poorer academic performance. Despite these known associations, little research has examined the relationship between coping skills and self-efficacy in response to warning signs of MDD in college students. This study sought to fill the gaps in the research of MDD related to precursors, predictors, and coping mechanisms among undergraduate students in a national sample of U.S. college students. Secondary data (N = 6,713) were analyzed from the Healthy Minds Study 2012, which used the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) with a test-retest reliability. Social learning and social cognitive theories were used as the theoretical frameworks to focus on problems such as management of life activities, academic success, and maladaptive beliefs. Analyses of the data from the cross-sectional survey using multiple linear and logistic regressions indicated a statistically significant relationship between depressive symptoms and the potential predictive factors of MDD. These findings contribute positively to social change by informing the work of therapists and program developers, who may use these results to create programs that reduce depressive symptoms among undergraduates.

This research investigated the use of a self administrated health assessment questionnaire by children, and the significance of the translation from the source instrument (in English) into te reo Maori. The translation of a child health questionnaire was undertaken to produce a health survey tool that could be completed by a child over the age of 8 years in English or in te reo Maori. The questionnaire was pre-tested then used in a survey to determine both reliability and validity. The parents and caregivers of the children surveyed were also interviewed. The parent’s responses were compared with those of their children. The research undertaken has provided a new opportunity for children to take a central role in research into their own health. Children contributed as key experts, focus group participants and translators of the child questionnaire, alongside adults in some cases. Children provided a new perspective of their health and well-being by translating the questionnaire. This child-centred process added depth to the research of questionnaire validation and testing. The questionnaire was shown to perform adequately as a survey tool. New research is required in order to theorise beyond the questionnaire’s original two-factor conceptual model and to develop clinical and public health applications using a child-centred research process. The translation provided by the children demonstrated they are informed participants, who have an interest in their own health, are reliable and understand their health in a different manner to adults. This thesis argues that the direct and full involvement of participants in research that is designed to investigate their health is critical if new knowledge is to emerge. It also concludes the self administered questionnaire can be useful tools to understand the health of Maori speaking children.

This research was aimed at validating the PHQ–9 in an African context. This study forms part of the project of Psychosocial Health and Biomarkers in an African context (FORT3, Wissing, 2008). The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ–9) is a nine–item depression scale that has the potential of being a dual–purpose instrument to establish the diagnosis of a depressive disorder, as well as the grade of symptom severity (Kroenke, Spitzer & Williams, 2001). The PHQ–9 was administered with criterion related measures to a multicultural convenience sample of 2214 participants from the North West Province of South Africa, including two groups of adolescents (n1 = 1480 and n2 = 559) and an availability sample of adults (n3 = 185). Instruments to determine criterion validity were the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), designed to detect symptoms of mental disorders; the Mental Health Continuum - Short Form for Adults (MHC–SF) which measures the degree of emotional, social and psychological well–being; and the New General Self–Efficacy Scale (NGSE) designed to measure an individual’s general self–efficacy. Descriptive statistics for the PHQ–9 including its reliability in the various groups is reported. The PHQ–9 manifested a Cronbach Alph are liability index of 0.86. Criterion–related validity was supported by significant correlations between the PHQ–9 and criterion measures. Confirmatory factor analysis for the PHQ–9 yielded a one–factor solution in all groups. The percentage variance explained ranged between 34.71% and 46.62%. Exploratory factor analyses yielded two factors in all groups with the second factor comprised of no more than 2 items and thus interpreted as a minor factor. The construct validity obtained in this research indicates that the PHQ–9 may be a valid measure to identify depression in a South African context. Based on the psychometric properties found in this study, it can be concluded that the PHQ–9 is a valid measure of depression in two of the samples selected for this study. Future studies may further validate this instrument in specific language and cultural groups, and explore the cross–cultural measurement equivalence. / Thesis (M.A. (Research Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

Depression is a psychiatric disorder associated with severe impairment in physical, social and role functioning, and with higher health care utilization. Experiencing an event that causes physical or psychological stress may substantially increase a person's chances of developing depression. Coping has been defined as a response aimed at diminishing the physical, emotional and psychological burden that is associated with stressful life events. Coping is considered one of the core concepts in health psychology and is strongly associated with the regulation of emotions throughout the stress period and thus it is important that it is understood, especially in the South African context of future morbidity. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there is a relationship between coping self–efficacy strategies and depression in an African context. Participants consisted of a convenience sample of 2 198 participants from both rural and urban areas. The rural group consisted of 182 adolescent Further Education and Training (FET) students between the ages of 16 and 21 years, and the urban group consisted of another 2 016 adolescent FET students between the ages of 16 and 21 years. Participants from both groups completed measurements on coping and depression. Two self–report measures were used: the Coping Self–Efficacy Scale (CSE) to determine a person's confidence or perceived self–efficacy in performing coping behaviors when facing life challenges or threats and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ9) to measure depression severity. Descriptive analysis results indicated that a relationship existed between coping selfefficacy strategies and depression and that levels of depression were very similar for both rural (9.23) and urban (9.25) groups. Coping strategies were very different in rural and urban areas; rural participants only used problem–focused coping and stop unpleasant thoughts and emotions, while urban participants used all three coping self–efficacy strategies: problemfocused coping, stopping unpleasant thoughts and emotions and support from friends and family. Rural participants did not use support from friends and family as a coping selfefficacy strategy; possibly due to the different relationships people living in rural areas have with one another, as opposed to the relationships of people living in urban areas. Rural people may not deem it socially acceptable to ask friends or family members or help when struggling with various stressors. Alternatively, rural areas may be more depleted of personal resources due to the strong urbanization process going on. It was concluded that there is an important relationship between coping strategies and level of depression, and in this study this relationship was found to be different in some ways for rural and urban groups. The results of this study have great implications for further research and clinical practice. / Thesis (M.A. (Research Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

This research was aimed at validating the PHQ–9 in an African context. This study forms part of the project of Psychosocial Health and Biomarkers in an African context (FORT3, Wissing, 2008). The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ–9) is a nine–item depression scale that has the potential of being a dual–purpose instrument to establish the diagnosis of a depressive disorder, as well as the grade of symptom severity (Kroenke, Spitzer & Williams, 2001). The PHQ–9 was administered with criterion related measures to a multicultural convenience sample of 2214 participants from the North West Province of South Africa, including two groups of adolescents (n1 = 1480 and n2 = 559) and an availability sample of adults (n3 = 185). Instruments to determine criterion validity were the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), designed to detect symptoms of mental disorders; the Mental Health Continuum - Short Form for Adults (MHC–SF) which measures the degree of emotional, social and psychological well–being; and the New General Self–Efficacy Scale (NGSE) designed to measure an individual’s general self–efficacy. Descriptive statistics for the PHQ–9 including its reliability in the various groups is reported. The PHQ–9 manifested a Cronbach Alph are liability index of 0.86. Criterion–related validity was supported by significant correlations between the PHQ–9 and criterion measures. Confirmatory factor analysis for the PHQ–9 yielded a one–factor solution in all groups. The percentage variance explained ranged between 34.71% and 46.62%. Exploratory factor analyses yielded two factors in all groups with the second factor comprised of no more than 2 items and thus interpreted as a minor factor. The construct validity obtained in this research indicates that the PHQ–9 may be a valid measure to identify depression in a South African context. Based on the psychometric properties found in this study, it can be concluded that the PHQ–9 is a valid measure of depression in two of the samples selected for this study. Future studies may further validate this instrument in specific language and cultural groups, and explore the cross–cultural measurement equivalence. / Thesis (M.A. (Research Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

Depression is a psychiatric disorder associated with severe impairment in physical, social and role functioning, and with higher health care utilization. Experiencing an event that causes physical or psychological stress may substantially increase a person's chances of developing depression. Coping has been defined as a response aimed at diminishing the physical, emotional and psychological burden that is associated with stressful life events. Coping is considered one of the core concepts in health psychology and is strongly associated with the regulation of emotions throughout the stress period and thus it is important that it is understood, especially in the South African context of future morbidity. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there is a relationship between coping self–efficacy strategies and depression in an African context. Participants consisted of a convenience sample of 2 198 participants from both rural and urban areas. The rural group consisted of 182 adolescent Further Education and Training (FET) students between the ages of 16 and 21 years, and the urban group consisted of another 2 016 adolescent FET students between the ages of 16 and 21 years. Participants from both groups completed measurements on coping and depression. Two self–report measures were used: the Coping Self–Efficacy Scale (CSE) to determine a person's confidence or perceived self–efficacy in performing coping behaviors when facing life challenges or threats and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ9) to measure depression severity. Descriptive analysis results indicated that a relationship existed between coping selfefficacy strategies and depression and that levels of depression were very similar for both rural (9.23) and urban (9.25) groups. Coping strategies were very different in rural and urban areas; rural participants only used problem–focused coping and stop unpleasant thoughts and emotions, while urban participants used all three coping self–efficacy strategies: problemfocused coping, stopping unpleasant thoughts and emotions and support from friends and family. Rural participants did not use support from friends and family as a coping selfefficacy strategy; possibly due to the different relationships people living in rural areas have with one another, as opposed to the relationships of people living in urban areas. Rural people may not deem it socially acceptable to ask friends or family members or help when struggling with various stressors. Alternatively, rural areas may be more depleted of personal resources due to the strong urbanization process going on. It was concluded that there is an important relationship between coping strategies and level of depression, and in this study this relationship was found to be different in some ways for rural and urban groups. The results of this study have great implications for further research and clinical practice. / Thesis (M.A. (Research Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

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