Table of Contents
JHSS 2025;10(3):252-262
ORIGINAL ARTICLE IN PSYCHOLOGY
Cultivating ethnocultural empathy in healthcare: The effects of multilingualism and cross-cultural experiences
Authors: Chrysovalantis PAPATHANASIOU1, Dimitrios ZIOGAS2, Manos SPYRIDAKIS3, Theodora TSELIGKA4
1 School of Social Sciences, Hellenic Open University, Patras, Greece. Email: papathanasiou.chrysovalantis@ac.eap.gr
2 School of Social Sciences, Hellenic Open University, Patras, Greece. Email: dimzio@hotmail.com. ORCID: 0000- 0002-0722-0191.
3 Department of Sociology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece. Email: maspy@soc.uoa.gr. ORCID: 0000-0002-4720-1411.
4 Faculty of Medicine, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece. Email: thtselig@uoi.gr. ORCID: 0000-0002-8024-2936.
*Corresponding Author: Chrysovalantis Papathanasiou, School of Social Sciences, Hellenic Open University, Patras, Greece. Email: papathanasiou.chrysovalantis@ac.eap.gr
Abstract
Introduction: Empathy is a multidimensional construct essential to effective healthcare delivery, encompassing general, clinical, and ethnocultural components. While the importance of empathy in clinical settings is well-established, limited research has examined how these distinct dimensions interrelate and what sociodemographic factors may influence them. This study aimed to investigate the relationships among general, clinical, and ethnocultural empathy in healthcare professionals in Greece, and to identify sociodemographic predictors of higher empathy levels.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted during the first quarter of 2022, involving a convenience sample of 106 healthcare professionals (medical and nursing staff) from public hospitals across Greece. Participants completed an electronic questionnaire distributed via professional Facebook groups. The instrument included the Toronto Empathy Questionnaire (TEQ), the Jefferson Scale of Empathy – Health Professional Version (JSE-HP), the Scale of Ethnocultural Empathy (SEE), and a sociodemographic survey. Data were analyzed using SPSS 26.0, employing descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficients, and stepwise linear regression.
Results: Significant positive correlations were observed among general, clinical, and ethnocultural empathy scores. Higher levels of education, foreign language proficiency, and prior intercultural experiences (such as studying or living abroad) emerged as significant predictors of increased empathy across all three domains.
Discussion: The findings support the interconnected nature of empathy types and suggest that intercultural exposure may enhance empathic capacity, echoing Allport’s contact hypothesis. These insights have implications for healthcare education, highlighting the need to integrate ethnocultural empathy training to foster inclusivity and improve patient-centered care in increasingly diverse clinical environments.
Keywords: empathy; clinical empathy; ethnocultural empathy; healthcare professionals; cultural competency.
Free Full Text Download PDF
JHSS 2025;10(3):236-276
ORIGINAL ARTICLE IN PSYCHOLOGY
How social indicators and healthcare systems shape pandemic outcomes: Lessons from COVID-19
Authors: S.M. Asif EHSAN1, K.A. Binte ARIF2, Mostafizur RAHMAN3
1 Associate Professor, Department of Economics, North South University, Plot:15, Block: B, Bashundhara, Dhaka-1229, Bangladesh. E-mail: syed.ehsan@northsouth.edu ORCID: 0000-0003-3958-0447.
2. BRAC Institute of Governance and Development, Dhaka, Bangladesh. E-mail: akmam.arif@bracu.ac.bd.
3. Research Officer, Department of Economics, North South University, Plot:15, Block: B, Bashundhara, Dhaka-1229, Bangladesh. E-mail: mostafizur.rahman14@northsouth.edu. ORCID: 0000-0002-1935-3418.
*Corresponding Author: S.M. Asif EHSAN, Associate Professor, Department of Economics, North South University, Plot:15, Block: B, Bashundhara, Dhaka-1229, Bangladesh. Email: syed.ehsan@northsouth.edu
Abstract
Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic exposed structural weaknesses in healthcare and socioeconomic systems worldwide. This study examines how perceived corruption, health literacy, and communication with healthcare workers influenced COVID-19 cases and deaths across 79 countries. While earlier research considered various determinants, these socio-institutional factors remain underexplored in cross-country analyses. By integrating them into a single empirical framework, this study offers new insights into how trust and public awareness affect pandemic outcomes.
Methods: Using cross-sectional data from 79 countries, we employed Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression to analyze two outcomes: reported COVID-19 cases and deaths. Key independent variables include perceived corruption, a composite health literacy index, and citizens’ ability to communicate with healthcare workers.
Results: Perceived corruption is negatively associated with both cases and deaths, significant at the 1% level—a one-unit rise predicts a 76% drop in cases and 2.77-fold reduction in deaths. Perceived criminality increases death rates by 148% (5% significance). Health literacy shows a positive association with reported cases (2.28-fold increase, 5% significance), likely reflecting greater testing and awareness. Its relationship with deaths is positive but not statistically significant. Communication with healthcare workers is linked to a 119% increase in deaths (10% significance), possibly indicating late engagement with medical services.
Discussion: The results highlight how institutional trust, public awareness, and healthcare access shape pandemic responses. Corruption may undermine public compliance, while health literacy enhances early detection. Increased mortality associated with delayed communication suggests gaps in timely care access.
Keywords: COVID-19; healthcare systems; socio-economic indicators; public trust; health literacy; pandemic response.
Free Full Text Download PDF
JHSS 2025;10(3):277-291
ORIGINAL ARTICLE IN PSYCHOLOGY
Socioeconomic determinants of child health in urban slums of Bangladesh: A cross-sectional analysis of BMI and associations with parental education, poverty, occupation, and maternal age at birth
Authors: Sharmistha ROY1,5,*, Ashis Kumar BISWAS2, Provakar ROY3, Jinuk PURKAYASTHA4, Nirmeen Refat KHAN5, Manoj SHARMA1,6
1 Department of Social and Behavioral Health. School of Public Health. University of Nevada, Las Vegas, USA. E-mail: roys5@unlv.nevada.edu. ORCID: 0009-0000-2691-938X
2. Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics. School of Public Health. University of Nevada, Las Vegas, USA. E-mail: biswaa1@unlv.nevada.edu ORCID: 0000-0003-1386-0838
3. Upazila Health Complex, Tahirpur, Sunamganj, Bangladesh. E-mail: royprovakar991@gmail.com
4. Jointapur Upazila Family Planning Office, Sylhet, Bangladesh. E-mail: purkayasthajinuk@gmail.com
5. Department of Community Medicine, NIPSOM, Dhaka. E-mail- nirmeenkhan1971@gmail.com
6. Department of Internal Medicine. Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV. University of Nevada, Las Vegas, USA. manoj.sharma@unlv.edu. ORCID: 0000-0002-4624-2414
Abstract
Background: Malnutrition in children is still a significant public health concern in Bangladesh, especially for underprivileged groups living in tea garden communities and urban slums. Socioeconomic factors, including maternal age at childbirth, parental education, family income, and parental occupation, have a significant influence on child nutritional outcomes. Socioeconomic factors, including maternal age at childbirth, parental education, family income, and parental occupation, have a significant influence on nutritional outcomes for children.
Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the body mass index (BMI) distribution among children aged 1 to 5 in several tea garden areas in Sylhet, Bangladesh, and to investigate the relationships between BMI and important socioeconomic variables.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2023 among 330 children residing in the tea gardens of Daldali, Lakkatura, and Malnicherra. Standardized WHO methods were employed to obtain anthropometric measures, and structured interviews with parents were conducted to gather socioeconomic data. Python was used to perform statistical analyses, including group comparisons, descriptive statistics, and correlation evaluations, to examine the relationships between socioeconomic factors and BMI.
Results: The mean BMI of participating children was 15.16 kg/m² (SD 3.85), indicating a high prevalence of undernutrition, alongside a small proportion exhibiting overweight status. Over 80% of households reported monthly incomes of less than 7,000 BDT, and approximately half of the mothers had no formal education. Higher parental education levels and household income were positively associated with child BMI. Furthermore, children of non-working mothers had somewhat higher BMIs, which may indicate a connection to more time spent providing care. Lower BMI values in children were linked to early maternal age at childbirth, which is common in this group.
Discussion: The findings highlight how intersecting socioeconomic factors impact child nutrition. Combating undernutrition in Bangladesh requires addressing poverty, promoting maternal education, and ensuring stable livelihoods.
Keywords: Child malnutrition; Socioeconomic Factors; determinants; Body Mass Index; Poverty.
Free Full Text Download PDF
JHSS 2025;10(3):292-310
ORIGINAL ARTICLE IN PSYCHOLOGY
Understanding Indonesian academics’ engagement with vaccination: Exploring the influence of fake news, ideology, digital literacy, and attitude toward science: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Mardianto MARDIANTO1,9, Indriyani SANTOSO2, Agitia Kurniati ASRILA3, Hamdi MULUK4, Dian Ratna SAWITRI5, Joevarian HUDIYANA6, Rizal KURNIAWAN7, Aufizzahra As SYAFIYAH8,9
1 Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Health, Universitas Negeri Padang, Padang, Indonesia. Email: mardiantopsi@fip.unp.ac.id. ORCID: 0000-0001-8937-1569.
2. Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Health, Universitas Negeri Padang, Padang, Indonesia. Email: indriyani@fpk.unp.ac.id. ORCID: 0000-0003-4573-078X.
3. Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Health, Universitas Negeri Padang, Padang, Indonesia. Email: agitiaasrila@fpk.unp.ac.id. ORCID: 0000-0002-7249-8464.
4. Faculty of Psychology, Universitas Indonesia, Depok, Indonesia. Email: hamdim@ui.ac.id. ORCID: 0000-0002-9400-3055.
5. Faculty of Psychology, Universitas Diponegoro, Semarang, Indonesia. Email: dsawitri@lecturer.undip.ac.id. ORCID: 0000-0003-3446-6362.
6. Faculty of Psychology, Universitas Indonesia, Depok, Indonesia. Email: joevarian91@ui.ac.id. ORCID: 0000-0001-5507-0573.
7. Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Health, Universitas Negeri Padang, Padang, Indonesia. Email: mardiantopsi@fip.unp.ac.id. ORCID: 0000-0003-0126-0560
8. Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Health, Universitas Negeri Padang, Padang, Indonesia. Email: zahraaufizzahra@student.unp.ac.id. ORCID: 0009-0008-3375-5836.
9. Cyber Psychology Intervention and Research Center, Universitas Negeri Padang, Padang, Indonesia.
#First Co-authorship
*Corresponding Author: Mardianto Mardianto, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Health, Universitas Negeri Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia. E-mail: mardiantopsi@fip.unp.ac.id
Abstract
Introduction: The widespread circulation of conspiracy theories on social media continues to influence public discourse around vaccination, often fostering skepticism and misinformation. Academics represent a unique community whose vaccine-related behaviors may be shaped by their socio-political orientations and access to credible information. This study aims to explore vaccine engagement among Indonesian academics by examining the predictive roles of fake news exposure, digital literacy, ideological orientation, and attitudes toward science.
Methods: Data were collected from 512 academic respondents across various higher education institutions in Indonesia. Multivariate correlation analysis and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) were employed to examine the relationships among variables and to test the proposed model.
Results: The findings from Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) reveal that several factors significantly predict vaccine acceptance. Notably, digital literacy (Estimate = 0.477, p < .001), exposure to fake news (Estimate = 0.463, p < .001), and a positive attitude toward science (Estimate = 0.405, p < .001) were the strongest predictors. Ideological orientation (Estimate = 0.307, p < .001) and political choice (Estimate = 0.159, p = .003) also demonstrated a significant influence. Furthermore, digital literacy, ideology, and scientific attitudes were found to significantly moderate the adverse effects of fake news exposure.
Discussion: The results underscore the complex interplay between misinformation, personal beliefs, and digital competencies in shaping vaccine attitudes among educated populations. Promoting digital literacy and reinforcing trust in science are crucial strategies to counter misinformation and improve vaccine acceptance in academic communities.
Key words: fake news; ideology; digital literacy; attitude toward science; vaccine acceptance.
Free Full Text Download PDF
JHSS 2025;10(3):311-326
ORIGINAL ARTICLE IN PSYCHOLOGY
T Mapping, building analysis and image processing in the detection and control of Dengue: A systematic review from 2015 to 2025
Authors: Ana HUAMANI-HUARACCA1, Claudia MARRUJO-INGUNZA2, Julio MÉNDEZ-NINA3, Alicia ALVA-MANTARI4, Sebastián RAMOS-COSI5, Zulema Daria LEIVA BAZAN6
1 Dirección de Investigación, Universidad de Ciencias y Humanidades, Lima, Perú. Email: ahuamani@uch.edu.pe. ORCID: 0009-0002-8841-6088.
2. Dirección de Investigación, Universidad de Ciencias y Humanidades, Lima, Perú Email: cmarrujo@uch.edu.pe. ORCID: 0009-0006-3869-2059.
3. Dirección de Investigación, Universidad de Ciencias y Humanidades, Lima, Perú Email: jmendez@uch.edu.pe. ORCID: 0000-0003-0312-1775
4. Dirección de Investigación, Universidad de Ciencias y Humanidades, Lima, Perú Email: vothienly21@gmail.com. ORCID: 0000-0001-6706-5966
5. Dirección de Investigación, Universidad de Ciencias y Humanidades, Lima, Perú Email: sramos@uch.edu.pe. ORCID: 0000-0002-5284-3291.
6. Dirección de Investigación, Universidad de Ciencias y Humanidades, Lima, Perú Email: zleiva@uch.edu.pe. ORCID: 0000-0002-0416-4526
*Corresponding Author: Zulema Daria Leiva Bazan, Dirección de Investigación, Universidad de Ciencias y Humanidades, Lima, Perú Email: zleiva@uch.edu.pe
Abstract
Introduction: In recent years, the detection and control of dengue have become more relevant due to the increase in its incidence in tropical and subtropical regions. This study aimed to systematically analyze the use of advanced technologies, such as geospatial mapping, building analysis, and image processing, in the detection and control of dengue between 2015 and 2025.
Methods: Following the PRISM methodology, 148 documents are selected through relevant searches in scientific databases such as Scopus and IEEE Xplore, applying thematic and quality filters.
Results: The results highlight that the United States and Brazil lead research in this field while Latin America, with countries such as Colombia and Mexico, shows a lower representation. In terms of thematic areas, 75% of the studies reviewed correspond to scientific articles, highlighting the academic importance of the topic, while 19.5% come from Environmental Sciences, evidencing the role of sustainability in the fight against dengue.
Discussion: Significant role in evaluating climate data, vegetation indices, and machine learning-based techniques to anticipate the risk of contracting dengue.
Keywords: mapping; buildings; image processing; dengue, review.
Free Full Text Download PDF
JHSS 2025;10(3):327-356
ORIGINAL ARTICLE IN PSYCHOLOGY
Moving out and moving on: The impact of mobility in a context of union dissolution on antidepressant intake in Belgium
Authors: Joan DAMIENS1*, Christine SCHNOR2, Didier WILLAERT3
1 Helsinki Institute for Demography and Population Health, University of Helsinki, Finland. E-mail: joan.damiens@helsinki.fi. ORCID: 0000-0001-9667-5413.
2. Centre for Demographic Research, Université Catholique de Louvain, Belgium. E-mail: christine.schnor@uclouvain.be. ORCID: 0000-0002-8436-1166.
3. Solidaris – Socialist Health Insurance Funds, Brussels, Belgium. E-mail: didier.willaert@socmut.be.
*Corresponding Author: Joan Damiens, Helsinki Institute for Demography and Population Health, University of Helsinki, Finland. E-mail: joan.damiens@helsinki.fi. ORCID: 0000-0001-9667-5413.
Abstract
Introduction: Union dissolution is a major life course transition with well-documented links to poor mental health, yet the role of post-separation residential mobility remains underexplored.
Methods: This study uses linked administrative data from the Belgian Socialist Health Insurance Fund and the National Register to analyse 68,048 individuals aged 20–64 in opposite-sex partnerships in 2008 who separated between 2009 and 2018. Antidepressant use (≥90 defined daily doses/year) served as an objective indicator of treated depression.
Results: Random-effects logistic regression models showed that changing municipality during or shortly after separation was not, on average, associated with higher antidepressant use than staying in the shared location. However, anticipatory effects emerged for women: those who moved during separation had higher antidepressant use before the event, suggesting pre-existing distress. Repartnering was associated with lower antidepressant use among women, particularly when combined with moving. By framing mobility as a socially embedded process shaped by gendered economic inequalities, housing market pressures, and life course dynamics, this study advances understanding of the social determinants of mental health.
Discussion: Findings highlight the need for housing, welfare, and gender equity policies to support individuals during and after separation, with lessons relevant to diverse welfare state contexts.
Keywords: union dissolution; residential mobility; antidepressants; gender differences; Belgium.
Free Full Text Download PDF
JHSS 2025;10(3):357-367
ORIGINAL ARTICLE IN LEGAL MEDICINE
Monitoring the missing: Trends in the phenomenon of disappearances in Italy, 2019–2022
Authors: Laura DONATO1, Rossana CECCHI2, Michele TREGLIA3, Douglas H. UBELAKER4, Adriano DELLE DONNE5, Pierluigi PASSALACQUA6, Margherita PALLOCCI7, Jessika CAMATTI8, Anna Laura SANTUNIONE9, Franco MINNELLA10, Luigi Tonino MARSELLA11
1 PhD program in Applied Medical Surgical Sciences, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Tor Vergata, Rome (Italy); Laif (laboratorio di Antropologia e Invecchiamento Forense), Sezione di medicina legale, sicurezza sociale e tossicologia forense, University of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy. E-mail: donato.laura@gmail.com.
2. University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; Laif (laboratorio di Antropologia e Invecchiamento Forense), Sezione di medicina legale, sicurezza sociale e tossicologia forense, University of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy. E-mail: rossana.cecchi@unimore.it.
3. Laif (laboratorio di Antropologia e Invecchiamento Forense), Sezione di medicina legale, sicurezza sociale e tossicologia forense, University of Tor Vergata, Rome (Italy); Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy. E-mail: michelemario@hotmail.it.
4. Department of Anthropology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, USA; Laif (laboratorio di Antropologia e Invecchiamento Forense), Sezione di medicina legale, sicurezza sociale e tossicologia forense, University of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy. E-mail: ubelaked@si.edu.
5. Lieutenant Commissioner, Military Corps of the Italian Red Cross. E-mail: adrianodelledonne@gmail.com.
6. Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
7. Link Campus University, Rome, (Italy); Laif (laboratorio di Antropologia e Invecchiamento Forense), Sezione di medicina legale, sicurezza sociale e tossicologia forense, University of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy. E-mail: margherita.pallocci@gmail.com.
8. Università di Parma, Laif (laboratorio di Antropologia e Invecchiamento Forense), Sezione di medicina legale, sicurezza sociale e tossicologia forense, University of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy. E-mail: jessika.camatti@unipr.ir.
9. University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena (Italy), Laif (laboratorio di Antropologia e Invecchiamento Forense), Sezione di medicina legale, sicurezza sociale e tossicologia forense, University of Tor Vergata, Rom, Italy. E-mail: annalaura.santunione@unimore.it
10. Consultant, Ministry of the Interior, Health Service Department, Italian State Police, Centro Sanitario Polifunzionale di Milano. E-mail: francominnella@tiscali.it
11. Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Tor Vergata, Rome (Italy); Laif (laboratorio di Antropologia e Invecchiamento Forense), Sezione di medicina legale, sicurezza sociale e tossicologia forense, University of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy. E-mail: marsella.luigi@gmail.com.
*Corresponding Author: PhD program in Applied Medical Surgical Sciences, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Tor Vergata, Rome (Italy); Laif (laboratorio di Antropologia e Invecchiamento Forense), Sezione di medicina legale, sicurezza sociale e tossicologia forense, University of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy. E-mail: donato.laura@gmail.
Abstract
Background: Missing persons represent a critical issue in Italy with significant social and forensic implications.
Methods: Data from the Extraordinary Commissioner for Missing Persons were analyzed for 2019–2022 by year, region, sex, age, and nationality.
Results: 75% of missing persons were male; minors accounted for the highest proportion. Sicily and Lombardy showed the greatest numbers, largely reflecting migration and population density patterns.
Conclusions: Regional and demographic disparities underline the need for preventive strategies targeting minors and foreign populations.
Keywords: missing persons; forensic science; forensic anthropology; missing foreigners; Government’s Extraordinary Commissioner for Missing Persons.
Free Full Text Download PDF