Prospectively predicting dietary restraint: The role of interpersonal self-efficacy, weight/shape self-efficacy, and interpersonal stress

This study investigated how the precursors of interpersonal self-efficacy and weight/shape self-efficacy would interact in the face of interpersonal stress to prospectively predict dietary restraint. Three models were explored, each with a different type of interpersonal stress: stress from same sex friendships, opposite sex friendships, or romantic relationships

Incorporating an ambient agent to support people with a cognitive vulnerability

This article presents the design of an intelligent agent application aimed at supporting people with a cognitive vulnerability to prevent the onset of a depression. For this, a computational model of the cognitive processes around depression is used. The agent application uses the principles of Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy (RBET). The effect of the application is studied using software simulation.The simulation shows that a person that responds to REBT therapy develops less cognitive vulnerability than people that are not supported

Primary care physicians' response to pandemic influenza in Hong Kong: A mixed quantitative and qualitative study

Objectives: The current study was conducted to use a developed framework to appraise the public primary care response to pandemic 2009 influenza A H1N1 virus in Hong Kong in 2009. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted of 300 doctors working in public primary care clinics. In addition, a qualitative study was conducted in two selected general outpatient clinics (GOPCs) with 10 doctors between September and December 2009. Results: We found that there was an increase in clinical service demand for public primary care doctors and that there was lower compliance with hand washing as compared to the wearing of masks among GOPC doctors during the study period. Conclusions: Since hand hygiene and influenza vaccination are effective methods to prevent the spread of influenza infection, future studies should explore the reasons for non-compliance with these preventive behaviors among doctors. More education and training in dealing with influenza A H1N1 infection may be needed. © 2012 International Society for Infectious Diseases.link_to_subscribed_fulltex