In European countries, people, whatever the socio-economic group or nationality they belong to, men or women, the young or the elderly without distinction, should be guaranteed the right to health as well as its promotion and support measures (Javtokas, 2009). Personal health promotion reflects the general idea stating that in order to enhance health it is necessary to change the way of life (Tones, Tilford, 1994; Donev et al., 2007). In this era of radical modernity related to the increased personal anxiety and uncertainty, there appear new alternative ways to enhance a person’s health: taking a variety of medications, trying different diets, engaging in traditional and non-traditional forms and ways of physical education (Cavill et al., 2006). In turn, physical education specialists and health educators bring out the importance of exercise encouraging a person to understand the social value and significance of their health promotion and physical development (Schneider and Becker, 2005; Netz et al., 2005). It is widely recognized that a major health risk factor associated with a person’s lifestyle, is low physical activity, the importance of which for human health has been shown in numerous scientific studies. They have emphasized the positive interface between active leisure time physical activity and a range of health indicators (Kalėdienė et al., 1999; Domarkienė, 2000; Borodulin, 2006; Kallings, 2008; Klumbienė, 2008, Gill et al., 2010; Weiler et al., 2010). The... [to full text] / Visuotinai pripažįstama, kad esminis sveikatos rizikos veiksnys, susijęs su asmens gyvensena, yra mažas fizinis aktyvumas, kurio svarba žmogaus sveikatai yra įrodyta daugelyje mokslinių studijų. Jose pabrėžiama pozityvi aktyvios fizinės veiklos laisvalaikiu sąsaja su įvairiais sveikatos rodikliais (Kalėdienė ir kt., 1999; Domarkienė, 2000; Borodulin, 2006; Kallings, 2008; Klumbienė, 2008; Gill et al., 2010; Weiler et al., 2010). Nekelia abejonių faktas, kad dažnai deklaruojama sveikatos stiprinimo idėja yra tiesiogiai susijusi su gyvensenos ypatumais, kuriuos lemia tiek atskiro individo požiūris į savo sveikatą, tiek įvairūs išoriniai veiksniai, visų pirma gyvenimo sąlygos. Savaime suprantama, daugiausia dėmesio stiprinant žmonių sveikatą turėtų būti skiriama įvairiose sveikatos ugdymo (sveikatinimo) programose. Šių programų pagrindinis tikslas turėtų būti asmens elgesio keitimas panaudojant žiniasklaidos ir individualaus poveikio priemones (Van der Bij et al., 2002; Rise, 2004; Roux et al., 2008). Reiškiama nuomonė, kad supažindinus gyventojus su aktyvaus gyvenimo būdo principais, propaguojant ir skatinant pastovų jų realizavimą, tobulinant fizinę parengtį, pagerėtų ir žmonių gyvenimo kokybė (Aхвердова, Maгин, 2002; Taylor et al., 2002; Netz et al., 2005; Kallings, 2008; Miller, Miller, 2010). Kita vertus, kada kalbama apie fizinį aktyvumą laisvalaikiu kaip apie asmens visapusiškos gerovės sąlygą bei ligų profilaktikos veiksnį labiau akcentuojama jo reikšmė vaikystės ir... [toliau žr. visą tekstą]

Tourism activities set in coastal and marine environments have evolved far beyond the traditional passive leisure experiences of the classic resort holiday. While the traditional beach holiday remains a contemporary mass tourism phenomenon. Marine tourism now extends far beyond beach activities to a wide spread spectrum of activities including scuba diving with over 20 million certified divers worldwide. The tourism product carries both the characteristics of the service product and the characteristics unique to the tourism industry, which makes the tourism product different from physical/ tangible goods. Therefore tourism destinations involve a multiple of industries (e.g. hospitality, transportation, entertainment) that contribute through their value-added activities to the overall competitive position in the marketplace. Tourism value can be seen as a combination of a product’s (destination’s) perceived quality and associated price which a visitor will summarize as the value received. Value in tourism has been seen as a definite option to improve a destination’s competitive edge. Tourism development is about adding value in a way that is consistent with market demand. As tourism value is created within the destination it holds various benefits including that destinations will achieve high market growth and hence become more competitive due to successful value-added programmes. Destinations are winning competitive battles by careful analysis and response to the core values and needs of the segmented travel marketplace. This study was based on four distinct value dimensions developed by Sweeney and Soutar (2001:211) that are termed emotional, social, quality/ performance and price/ value for money. Sweeney and Soutar’s model (2001:211) was examined to determine its appropriateness for an intangible product in the service sector namely scuba diving. Two modifications to Sweeney and Soutar’s model (2001:211) were required for this study. The modifications which were used in this study included perceived risk value which was introduced by Hall, Robertson and Shaw (2001:350) and epistemic value developed by Sheth, Norman and Gross (1991:160). The primary goal of this dissertation was to determine the perceived value of scuba diving tourists at a marine destination. A literature study was undertaken to contextualise Marine Tourism and perceived value since a review of existing literature on perceived value provides insight as to why the value concept is so crucial for the success of marketing researchers. Thereafter an empirical study was undertaken to obtain relevant data for analysis. A nonprobability sampling method namely convenience sampling was used to conduct the survey due to the absence of a structured list of divers visiting Sodwana Bay during this time. A destination-based survey was undertaken at Sodwana Bay from the 29th of March to the 8th of April 2012. Five hundred (500) self-administered surveys where distributed by field workers among scuba divers who were available and willing to complete the questionnaire. Of the 500 questionnaires distributed a total of 402 were completed and could be used for collation of data. Microsoft™ Office™ Excel 2007 was used to capture the data, which was then statistically analysed and processed by means of descriptive statistics using the SPSS 20.0 programme. More specifically, factor analysis and ANOVAs were done to analyse the value created. In order to achieve the goal, the study was divided into two articles. Article 1 aimed to determine the perceived value of a tourism experience, in this case for the scuba diving tourists at a marine destination, namely Sodwana Bay. Results revealed that the demographic profile of the scuba divers, are middle aged Afrikaans speaking men who are well educated, earn a high income, and originate from Gauteng. To examine the factors underlying the value scale, a principle axis factor analysis with oblique rotation (direct oblimin) was undertaken. The twenty-two factor aspects yielded five factors with eigen values greater than 1.0. These factors explained 64% of the variance and were labelled: ‘Emotional value’, ‘Functional value’, ‘Social value’, ‘Perceived risk value’ and ‘Epistemic value’. Twenty-one aspects had loadings of over 0.418, with only one item having a factor loading of 0.251. With the highest mean (3.43) Epistemic value revealed that respondents consider curiosity, acquiring knowledge, providing novelty and broadening knowledge as key in a valued experience. Reliability (Cronbach’s α) was computed to verify the internal consistency of aspects with each factor. All factors with a Cronbach Alpha above 0.63 were deemed acceptable for the purposes of this exploratory study. Bartlett’s test of sphericity was significant (p<0.001) and the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin measure sampling adequacy (KMO) was 0.874, which are acceptable for the purpose of this study. Article 2 aimed to determine the factors which influence perceived tourism values of scuba divers at a marine destination, namely Sodwana Bay. To achieve this, ANOVAs were developed and correlations were drawn between age, gender, province, income, level of education, marital status, number of times dived, number of nights stayed in the area, travel group size and media (including, websites, shows, friends, radio, T.V., magazines, previous visits and social networks such as Facebook and Twitter). Correlations were discovered between language, province, marital status, income and media (including, websites, shows, friends, radio, T.V., Magazines, Previous visits and Social Networks such as Facebook and Twitter). The perceived values which were rated highest in each case were emotional value, perceived risk value and perceived functional value. Since this is the first study of its kind in South Africa, it can benefit marine destinations all across the country. The perceived values which were rated highest in both articles should be of high priority in marketing efforts for marine destinations, especially where scuba diving activities are taking place. Assessing and understanding these values will help scuba diving destinations to gain a competitive advantage and provide a more tailor-made product which will improve the value experienced. It is recommended that this study is repeated at other diving sites and also various other tourism products to determine difference and/or similarities between tourism values. Marketing strategies can be utilized through the identification of these and various other values which will improve current marketing efforts. / Thesis (MA (Tourism Management))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

Tourism activities set in coastal and marine environments have evolved far beyond the traditional passive leisure experiences of the classic resort holiday. While the traditional beach holiday remains a contemporary mass tourism phenomenon. Marine tourism now extends far beyond beach activities to a wide spread spectrum of activities including scuba diving with over 20 million certified divers worldwide. The tourism product carries both the characteristics of the service product and the characteristics unique to the tourism industry, which makes the tourism product different from physical/ tangible goods. Therefore tourism destinations involve a multiple of industries (e.g. hospitality, transportation, entertainment) that contribute through their value-added activities to the overall competitive position in the marketplace. Tourism value can be seen as a combination of a product’s (destination’s) perceived quality and associated price which a visitor will summarize as the value received. Value in tourism has been seen as a definite option to improve a destination’s competitive edge. Tourism development is about adding value in a way that is consistent with market demand. As tourism value is created within the destination it holds various benefits including that destinations will achieve high market growth and hence become more competitive due to successful value-added programmes. Destinations are winning competitive battles by careful analysis and response to the core values and needs of the segmented travel marketplace. This study was based on four distinct value dimensions developed by Sweeney and Soutar (2001:211) that are termed emotional, social, quality/ performance and price/ value for money. Sweeney and Soutar’s model (2001:211) was examined to determine its appropriateness for an intangible product in the service sector namely scuba diving. Two modifications to Sweeney and Soutar’s model (2001:211) were required for this study. The modifications which were used in this study included perceived risk value which was introduced by Hall, Robertson and Shaw (2001:350) and epistemic value developed by Sheth, Norman and Gross (1991:160). The primary goal of this dissertation was to determine the perceived value of scuba diving tourists at a marine destination. A literature study was undertaken to contextualise Marine Tourism and perceived value since a review of existing literature on perceived value provides insight as to why the value concept is so crucial for the success of marketing researchers. Thereafter an empirical study was undertaken to obtain relevant data for analysis. A nonprobability sampling method namely convenience sampling was used to conduct the survey due to the absence of a structured list of divers visiting Sodwana Bay during this time. A destination-based survey was undertaken at Sodwana Bay from the 29th of March to the 8th of April 2012. Five hundred (500) self-administered surveys where distributed by field workers among scuba divers who were available and willing to complete the questionnaire. Of the 500 questionnaires distributed a total of 402 were completed and could be used for collation of data. Microsoft™ Office™ Excel 2007 was used to capture the data, which was then statistically analysed and processed by means of descriptive statistics using the SPSS 20.0 programme. More specifically, factor analysis and ANOVAs were done to analyse the value created. In order to achieve the goal, the study was divided into two articles. Article 1 aimed to determine the perceived value of a tourism experience, in this case for the scuba diving tourists at a marine destination, namely Sodwana Bay. Results revealed that the demographic profile of the scuba divers, are middle aged Afrikaans speaking men who are well educated, earn a high income, and originate from Gauteng. To examine the factors underlying the value scale, a principle axis factor analysis with oblique rotation (direct oblimin) was undertaken. The twenty-two factor aspects yielded five factors with eigen values greater than 1.0. These factors explained 64% of the variance and were labelled: ‘Emotional value’, ‘Functional value’, ‘Social value’, ‘Perceived risk value’ and ‘Epistemic value’. Twenty-one aspects had loadings of over 0.418, with only one item having a factor loading of 0.251. With the highest mean (3.43) Epistemic value revealed that respondents consider curiosity, acquiring knowledge, providing novelty and broadening knowledge as key in a valued experience. Reliability (Cronbach’s α) was computed to verify the internal consistency of aspects with each factor. All factors with a Cronbach Alpha above 0.63 were deemed acceptable for the purposes of this exploratory study. Bartlett’s test of sphericity was significant (p<0.001) and the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin measure sampling adequacy (KMO) was 0.874, which are acceptable for the purpose of this study. Article 2 aimed to determine the factors which influence perceived tourism values of scuba divers at a marine destination, namely Sodwana Bay. To achieve this, ANOVAs were developed and correlations were drawn between age, gender, province, income, level of education, marital status, number of times dived, number of nights stayed in the area, travel group size and media (including, websites, shows, friends, radio, T.V., magazines, previous visits and social networks such as Facebook and Twitter). Correlations were discovered between language, province, marital status, income and media (including, websites, shows, friends, radio, T.V., Magazines, Previous visits and Social Networks such as Facebook and Twitter). The perceived values which were rated highest in each case were emotional value, perceived risk value and perceived functional value. Since this is the first study of its kind in South Africa, it can benefit marine destinations all across the country. The perceived values which were rated highest in both articles should be of high priority in marketing efforts for marine destinations, especially where scuba diving activities are taking place. Assessing and understanding these values will help scuba diving destinations to gain a competitive advantage and provide a more tailor-made product which will improve the value experienced. It is recommended that this study is repeated at other diving sites and also various other tourism products to determine difference and/or similarities between tourism values. Marketing strategies can be utilized through the identification of these and various other values which will improve current marketing efforts. / Thesis (MA (Tourism Management))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

The changing work environment has caused individuals to revise and change their career decisions. This creates career uncertainty, which has become a widespread problem, particularly for students. When this problem is not addressed, it leads to career indecision, or less optimal choices which could influence career opportunities and quality of life. Career indecision could impact on organisations, resulting in problems such as person–job adjustment, lack of engagement and burnout. Although research on career uncertainty is available internationally, there is limited research on career uncertainty and its antecedents in the South African context. Career uncertainty can have short– and long–term effects on the individual. This study therefore contributes toward the gap in research on the antecedents of career uncertainty. Given that career uncertainty is a problem that individuals are constantly confronted with, it is important that the antecedents of this be investigated. The objectives of this study were to 1) conceptualise the antecedents of career uncertainty according to the literature; 2) determine if socio–demographic characteristics (gender, career guidance, help from parents, help from other individuals and work experience) are significant predictors of career uncertainty; 3) determine if personality characteristics (self–esteem, self–efficacy and neuroticism) are significant predictors of career uncertainty; 4) determine if career decision–making difficulties are significant predictors of career uncertainty; 5) determine if student burnout and student engagement are significant predictors of career uncertainty; and 6) determine if academic performance is a significant predictor of career uncertainty. A non–probability quota sample (N = 782) was used to investigate antecedents of career uncertainty in a sample of university students. Career uncertainty was measured by one item The changing work environment has caused individuals to revise and change their career decisions. This creates career uncertainty, which has become a widespread problem, particularly for students. When this problem is not addressed, it leads to career indecision, or less optimal choices which could influence career opportunities and quality of life. Career indecision could impact on organisations, resulting in problems such as person–job adjustment, lack of engagement and burnout. Although research on career uncertainty is available internationally, there is limited research on career uncertainty and its antecedents in the South African context. Career uncertainty can have short– and long–term effects on the individual. This study therefore contributes toward the gap in research on the antecedents of career uncertainty. Given that career uncertainty is a problem that individuals are constantly confronted with, it is important that the antecedents of this be investigated. The objectives of this study were to 1) conceptualise the antecedents of career uncertainty according to the literature; 2) determine if socio–demographic characteristics (gender, career guidance, help from parents, help from other individuals and work experience) are significant predictors of career uncertainty; 3) determine if personality characteristics (self–esteem, self–efficacy and neuroticism) are significant predictors of career uncertainty; 4) determine if career decision–making difficulties are significant predictors of career uncertainty; 5) determine if student burnout and student engagement are significant predictors of career uncertainty; and 6) determine if academic performance is a significant predictor of career uncertainty. A non–probability quota sample (N = 782) was used to investigate antecedents of career uncertainty in a sample of university students. Career uncertainty was measured by one item consisting of four categories: I am very sure; I know exactly what career I will pursue (n = 228), I am fairly sure what career I will pursue (n = 416), I am not sure at all which career I will pursue (n = 135) and I do not plan to follow a career (n = 3). For the objective of the study, categories one and two were grouped together with participants who were fairly certain which career they would follow, while participants in category three represented participants who were uncertain. Category four was not included as only three participants within that category answered. In total, 644 students were (fairly) certain, while 135 were uncertain. These two groups were enclosed as a dependent variable in the logistic regression. The results of this study showed that work experience influences career uncertainty to some extent. This is supported by previous research. Furthermore, it was found that self–esteem also influences career uncertainty to some degree. However, these two variables were only significant in the first steps of the logistic regression. Furthermore, the results showed that career decision–making difficulties share a significant relationship with career uncertainty. The study also found that significant antecedents of career uncertainty include: a lack of information about the decision–making process; a lack of information about occupations; inconsistent information due to internal conflict; a lack of information about ways of obtaining information; and inconsistent information due to external conflict. In conclusion, exhaustion, cynicism and dedication were also found to be significant antecedents of career uncertainty. Based on these results, this study suggests that student burnout and student engagement influence an individual’s level of career uncertainty. Recommendations were made for practice as well as for future research. / Thesis (M.A. (Industrial Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

The changing work environment has caused individuals to revise and change their career decisions. This creates career uncertainty, which has become a widespread problem, particularly for students. When this problem is not addressed, it leads to career indecision, or less optimal choices which could influence career opportunities and quality of life. Career indecision could impact on organisations, resulting in problems such as person–job adjustment, lack of engagement and burnout. Although research on career uncertainty is available internationally, there is limited research on career uncertainty and its antecedents in the South African context. Career uncertainty can have short– and long–term effects on the individual. This study therefore contributes toward the gap in research on the antecedents of career uncertainty. Given that career uncertainty is a problem that individuals are constantly confronted with, it is important that the antecedents of this be investigated. The objectives of this study were to 1) conceptualise the antecedents of career uncertainty according to the literature; 2) determine if socio–demographic characteristics (gender, career guidance, help from parents, help from other individuals and work experience) are significant predictors of career uncertainty; 3) determine if personality characteristics (self–esteem, self–efficacy and neuroticism) are significant predictors of career uncertainty; 4) determine if career decision–making difficulties are significant predictors of career uncertainty; 5) determine if student burnout and student engagement are significant predictors of career uncertainty; and 6) determine if academic performance is a significant predictor of career uncertainty. A non–probability quota sample (N = 782) was used to investigate antecedents of career uncertainty in a sample of university students. Career uncertainty was measured by one item The changing work environment has caused individuals to revise and change their career decisions. This creates career uncertainty, which has become a widespread problem, particularly for students. When this problem is not addressed, it leads to career indecision, or less optimal choices which could influence career opportunities and quality of life. Career indecision could impact on organisations, resulting in problems such as person–job adjustment, lack of engagement and burnout. Although research on career uncertainty is available internationally, there is limited research on career uncertainty and its antecedents in the South African context. Career uncertainty can have short– and long–term effects on the individual. This study therefore contributes toward the gap in research on the antecedents of career uncertainty. Given that career uncertainty is a problem that individuals are constantly confronted with, it is important that the antecedents of this be investigated. The objectives of this study were to 1) conceptualise the antecedents of career uncertainty according to the literature; 2) determine if socio–demographic characteristics (gender, career guidance, help from parents, help from other individuals and work experience) are significant predictors of career uncertainty; 3) determine if personality characteristics (self–esteem, self–efficacy and neuroticism) are significant predictors of career uncertainty; 4) determine if career decision–making difficulties are significant predictors of career uncertainty; 5) determine if student burnout and student engagement are significant predictors of career uncertainty; and 6) determine if academic performance is a significant predictor of career uncertainty. A non–probability quota sample (N = 782) was used to investigate antecedents of career uncertainty in a sample of university students. Career uncertainty was measured by one item consisting of four categories: I am very sure; I know exactly what career I will pursue (n = 228), I am fairly sure what career I will pursue (n = 416), I am not sure at all which career I will pursue (n = 135) and I do not plan to follow a career (n = 3). For the objective of the study, categories one and two were grouped together with participants who were fairly certain which career they would follow, while participants in category three represented participants who were uncertain. Category four was not included as only three participants within that category answered. In total, 644 students were (fairly) certain, while 135 were uncertain. These two groups were enclosed as a dependent variable in the logistic regression. The results of this study showed that work experience influences career uncertainty to some extent. This is supported by previous research. Furthermore, it was found that self–esteem also influences career uncertainty to some degree. However, these two variables were only significant in the first steps of the logistic regression. Furthermore, the results showed that career decision–making difficulties share a significant relationship with career uncertainty. The study also found that significant antecedents of career uncertainty include: a lack of information about the decision–making process; a lack of information about occupations; inconsistent information due to internal conflict; a lack of information about ways of obtaining information; and inconsistent information due to external conflict. In conclusion, exhaustion, cynicism and dedication were also found to be significant antecedents of career uncertainty. Based on these results, this study suggests that student burnout and student engagement influence an individual’s level of career uncertainty. Recommendations were made for practice as well as for future research. / Thesis (M.A. (Industrial Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

Student intention to drop out is a concern for higher education institutions as well for their students. Students with the intention to drop out may eventually drop out and contribute towards the already high dropout rates, which are causing economic damage. Students leaving their institution have vast financial consequences for their institution, as institutions obtain grants from the government according to their success rates. Although previous research has been conducted on students’ intention to drop out, it is limited, especially when looking at possible predictors that are specific to the South African context. This study contributes towards the gap in research regarding the possible predictors of student intention to drop out. The objectives of this study were to 1) conceptualise the possible predictors of student intention to drop out according to the literature; 2) determine if self-evaluation traits (self-esteem and self-efficacy) are significant predictors of student intention to drop out; 3) determine if student burnout and student engagement are significant predictors of student intention to drop out; 4) determine if social support (social support from parents and general social support) are significant predictors of student intention to drop out; and 5) determine if career decision-making difficulties are significant predictors of student intention to drop out. A non-probability quota sample (N = 782) was used to investigate possible predictors of career student intention to drop out in a sample of university students. Student intention to drop out was measured by one item consisting of two categories: I have no intention to drop out (n = 501), and I have an intention to drop out (n = 280). These two groups were enclosed as a dependent variable in the logistic regression. The variables included in the final model predicted between 13% (Cox and Snell) and 18% (Nagelkerke) of the variance in intention to drop out. The results of this study suggest that self-esteem had an influence on student intention to drop out. Furthermore, it was found that cynicism and dedication have a significant relationship with student intention to drop out. Lastly, lack of information about ways to obtain information also indicated a significant relationship with student intention to drop out. Thus, it may be concluded that self-esteem, burnout and engagement and lack of information about ways of obtaining information have an influence on students’ intention to drop out. Recommendations were made for practice as well as for future research. / Thesis (MCom (Industrial Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012

The main objective of the study is to analyze the role of family planning program in reducing maternal mortality in Bangladesh. A conceptual framework has been developed in which family planning is shown to be integrated in reducing maternal mortality. This study found that the risk factors of maternal mortality e.g. unwanted pregnancy, high parity, and early and old age at child birth still prevail in Bangladesh. It is hypothesized that the prevalence of these factors can be substantially reduced by a proper practice of family planning. There is a high level of unmet need for family planning Bangladesh, and its removal will substantially help in reducing maternal mortality in the country. The risk factors of maternal mortality are strongly associated with lack of family planning practice and other socio-economic and demographic background characteristics of women. By using data from the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) of 2004 and the Bangladesh Maternal Health and Maternal Mortality Survey (BMMS) of 2001 the study has analyzed the relationship of the risk factors of maternal mortality, namely wantedness of pregnancy, age at child birth, parity and birth interval with various socio-demographic factors. The analysis has shown that use status of family planning is influenced by the risk factors of maternal mortality. Wantedness of pregnancy has been found to be significantly related with age at birth, parity and birth interval. It has been also found that the risk factors of maternal mortality also affect on antenatal care. The study has identified some policy implications regarding family planning and maternal mortality, and has made appropriate recommendations. One of the major aspects of the strategies to reduce maternal mortality through family planning is to provide family planning services to all women, regardless of any group affiliation. Fulfilment of unmet for family planning has been recommended as an important strategy to reduce maternal mortality in the country. It addition, it is also recommended to raise the age at marriage and child birth, to space births and to limit family size by empowering women through education.

Introduction: The quality of life related to oral health is a multidimensional concept that includes the subjective evaluation of the oral health of the individual, functional aspects, general well-being, emotional well-being, expectations and satisfaction with their self-care. Furthermore, it is part of the general state of health and wellness. This paer is to assess the impact of oral health and sociodemographic factors in life quality of elderly people. Methods: A cross-sectional survey with elderly participants in a social group in Santa Maria, RS state, was performed. Data were collected in the same living group by previously trained interviewers. It was used for data collection, the instrument Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP -14), and a structured interview addressing sociodemographic and health issues. Data were analyzed using STATA 13.0 (Stata 13.0 for Windows; Stata Corporation, College Station, TX, USA). The descriptive analysis provided the statistics of clinical and sociodemographic characteristics as well as the average values of OHIP-14 scores and their respective domains. The differences between the mean scores of OHIP-14 according to the clinical and sociodemographic variables were statistically compared using the Mann- Whitney test, adopting a significance level of 5%. The conducted study design was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Federal University of Santa Maria and all participants signed a term of consent form. Results: A total of 64 subjects were analyzed. The average age was 69.8 years, ranging from 60 to 88 years. BMI ranged from 17.99 to 42.64 kg/m (average of 28.28 ± 5.05 kg/m²), and 53, 13% (34/64) had normal weight, 15.62% (10/64) low weight and 31.25% (20/64) had obesity according to BMI classification. The mean weight was 68.7 kg ranging from 46.3 kg to 107.9 kg. The highest average of the total scores of OHIP-14 was observed in subjects who had low education (<5 years), low income (≤ R $ 2,500), altered taste, difficulty in feeling the taste of food, which were depressed and malnourished. Schooling also associated with OHIP-14 scores in the psychological discomfort and disability fields, just as changes in taste also influenced the areas of functional limitation and disability. Individuals malnourished worsened their quality of life when compared to individuals with excess weight in the total scores and disability domain. Conclusion: Oral disorders associated with worse quality of life were found in elderly women who had low family income, low education and those who had a worse nutritional diagnosis. / Introdução: A qualidade de vida relacionada com a saúde oral é um conceito multidimensional que inclui a avaliação subjetiva da saúde oral do indivíduo, aspectos funcionais, bem-estar geral, bem-estar emocional, expectativas e satisfação com o seu auto cuidado. Além disso, é parte integrante do estado geral de saúde e bem estar. Objetivos: Avaliar o impacto da saúde oral e dos fatores sociodemográficos na qualidade de vida de idosas. Métodos: Foi realizada uma pesquisa do tipo transversal com idosas participantes de um grupo de convivência na cidade de Santa Maria RS. Os dados foram coletados no próprio grupo de convivência por entrevistadores previamente capacitados. Foram utilizados para coleta dos dados o instrumento Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP -14), e uma entrevista estruturada abordando questões sociodemográficas e de saúde. Os dados foram analisados utilizando-se o programa STATA 13.0 (Stata 13.0 for Windows; Stata Corporation, College Station, TX, USA). As análises descritivas forneceram as estatísticas das características clínicas e sociodemográficas, bem como os valores médios dos escores do OHIP-14 e seus respectivos domínios. As diferenças entre os escores médios do OHIP-14 de acordo com as variáveis clínicas e sociodemográficas foram comparadas estatisticamente através do teste de Mann-Whitney, adotando nível de significância de 5%. O projeto do estudo realizado foi previamente aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria e todos os participantes assinaram um termo de Consentimento Livre e Esclarecido. Resultados: Um total de 64 sujeitos foram analisados. A média de idade foi de 69,8 anos, variando de 60 a 88 anos. O IMC variou de 17,99 a 42,64 kg/m² (média de 28,28 ± 5,05 kg/m²), sendo que 53,13% (34/64) apresentava-se eutrófico conforme IMC, 15,62% (10/64) magreza ou desnutrição e 31,25% (20/64) apresentava excesso de peso de acordo com a classificação do IMC. A média de peso corporal foi de 68,7 kg, variando de 46,3 kg a 107,9 kg. As maiores médias dos escores totais do OHIP-14 foram observadas em indivíduos que possuíam baixa escolaridade (<5 anos), baixa renda familiar (≤ R$2.500), alteração do paladar, dificuldade de sentir o gosto dos alimentos, depressivos e desnutridos. A escolaridade também se associou com escores do OHIP-14 nos domínios desconforto psicológico e incapacidade física, do mesmo modo que as alterações no paladar influenciaram também os domínios de limitação funcional e incapacidade física. Indivíduos desnutridos apresentaram piora de qualidade de vida quando comparados aos indivíduos com excesso de peso nos escores totais e no domínio de incapacidade física. Conclusão: As desordens orais associadas a pior qualidade de vida foram encontradas em idosas que possuíam baixa renda familiar, baixa escolaridade e que apresentavam um pior diagnóstico nutricional.

O ingresso na universidade impõe inúmeros desafios ao estudante e pesquisas indicam que estudantes mais habilidosos socialmente podem ter menor propensão a apresentar problemas de saúde mental, provavelmente por terem maior habilidade para lidar com esses desafios. Nessa interface o desempenho acadêmico dos universitários também ganha destaque na literatura da área. Observa-se uma tendência a identificação de uma relação positiva entre repertório socialmente habilidoso, bom desempenho acadêmico e saúde mental dos universitários, embora poucas pesquisas empíricas embasem tal afirmação Nesse contexto se insere a proposta deste estudo, como desdobramento de um amplo estudo desenvolvido junto a alunos de graduação. Objetiva-se verificar se as habilidades sociais e as condições de saúde mental de estudantes universitários dos anos iniciais da graduação são preditoras do desempenho acadêmico dos mesmos no início e ao final da graduação, bem como verificar as possíveis associações entre as variáveis mencionadas. Propõe-se um delineamento comparativo, correlacional e preditivo e a inclusão da variável desempenho acadêmico dos graduandos, não avaliada no estudo amplo. Foram participantes deste estudo 305 estudantes universitários, de ambos os sexos e de diferentes cursos de graduação da UNESPBauru, que foram avaliados quando cursavam até um semestre anterior ao meio do curso, caracterizando início da graduação. Esses participantes, após os devidos procedimentos éticos, responderam em sala de aula, a um conjunto de instrumentos apresentados em um caderno contendo instruções específicas para cada um deles, a saber: Questionário de Avaliação de Habilidades Sociais, Comportamentos e Contextos para Universitários (QHC universitários), Versão reduzida do Inventário de Fobia Social (Mini SPIN), Inventário de Depressão de Beck (BDI) e Inventário de Habilidades Sociais (IHS Del Prette). E, posteriormente, responderam individualmente a Entrevista Clínica Estruturada para o DSM-IV (SCID) conduzida por telefone. Realizou-se a coleta dos dados sobre o desempenho acadêmico dos universitários, junto à secretaria da universidade, registrando as informações referentes às notas de início do curso e se os participantes concluíram ou não a graduação no tempo especificado pelas grades curriculares dos cursos. Foram selecionadas para o modelo de regressão logística binária para as análises do desempenho acadêmico do início e final da graduação as variáveis que apresentaram nível de significância de p<0,1 nas análises univariadas. As variáveis IHS-autocontrole da agressividade em situações aversivas (F5) e saúde mental foram as variáveis incluídas na análise do início da graduação e se mantiveram como preditoras. Em relação ao final da graduação foram incluídas as variáveis QHC comunicação e afeto, QHC falar em público e apresentar seminários, QHC comunicação e afeto e QHC potencialidades para grupos diferenciados pelos escores de ansiedade, IHS escore total, IHS autoafirmação da expressão de sentimentos negativos, IHS autoexposição a desconhecidos e situações novas, sexo, ano do curso, área e desempenho acadêmico inicial, mantendo-se como preditoras: sexo feminino, estar matriculado em anos mais avançados, por ocasião da avaliação do início do curso, cursar área de humanas e ter desempenho acadêmico inicial na média ou acima da média. Tais dados sugerem desdobramentos para os campos da psicologia, da educação e para as políticas públicas. / Getting into college poses many challenges for students. Research in the field shows that more socially skillful students are less likely to present with mental problems, probably because they have better skills in coping with these challenges. In this aspect academic performance also plays an important role in the field literature. A tendency is seen that points to a positive relationship between good social skills, good academic performance and mental health in university students, although little empiric research bears out this statement. That is the goal of this project, a spin-off of a study carried out among undergraduate students. Our aim is to assess whether mental health and social skills of university students in the first years of an undergraduate course predict their academic performance during and at the end of the course as well as to assess possible associations between the variables under study. We propose a correlational and predictive analysis and the inclusion of the undergraduate students academic performance variable, not assessed in the in-depth study. 305 students of both genders and of different undergraduate courses of UNESP-Bauru were assessed when they were still in a semester before half of the course, which corresponds to the beginning of the undergraduate course. These subjects, after undergoing ethical procedures, answered in the classroom a set of questionnaires shown them in a notebook containing specific instructions for each one of them, which were: Questionnaire on Assessing University Students Behavior and Lifestyles (QAUSBL), reduced version of the Social Phobia Inventory (Mini SPIN), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Social Skills Inventory (SKI - Del Prette). Later they individually answered a structured clinical telephone interview for DSN-IV (SCID). Data concerning students academic performance were collected at the university deans office, including grades at the beginning of the course as well as whether students graduated within the period specified by the school\'s timetable. For the model of binary logistic regression to analyze academic performance at the beginning and end of undergraduate studies, the variables with a significance level of p<0 in univariate analyses were selected. The variables IHC-self-control of aggressiveness in adverse situations (F5) and mental health were the variables included in the analysis at the beginning of undergraduate studies and were kept as predictive. At the end of the course, communication and affection QAUSBL, speaking in public and presenting seminars QAUSBL and potentialities for groups differentiated by anxiety scores QAUSBL, total score SKI, self-affirmation of expressing negative feelings SKI, self-exposal to strangers and new situations, sex, course year, field and initial academic performance SKI. The predictive factors were: feminine sex, being enrolled in higher years during the evaluation that took place at the beginning of the course, attending human science courses and to showing an initial academic performance on average or above average. Such data suggest unfolding into the fields of psychology, education and public policies.

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