Background: Organ transplantation recipients have been shown to struggle with medication adherence, which has severe consequences on their health. Research on medication non-adherence has...Show moreBackground: Organ transplantation recipients have been shown to struggle with medication adherence, which has severe consequences on their health. Research on medication non-adherence has demonstrated an inconsistent relationship between social integration and support (SIS) and adherence. Two theories can be used to explain a positive association between SIS and adherence. Firstly, according to the Self-Determination Theory, SIS can influence intrinsic motivation, further influencing adherence. Secondly, the Buffer Hypothesis states that high SIS can buffer the impact of negative life experiences that increase non-adherence. Additionally, some studies have suggested that the relationship between SIS and adherence is different for men and women. Aims: The current study studied the effect of SIS on adherence, hypothesizing that higher SIS would be related to adherence. The second hypothesis was that this effect would be stronger among men compared to women. Methods: To investigate the hypotheses in a cross-sectional study, transplant recipients completed questionnaires about their SIS (Health Education Impact Questionnaire) and medication adherence (Basel Assessment of Adherence to Immunosuppressive Medication Scale). Recipients were recruited from seven transplant departments of five University Medical Centres. Analyses of the following associations were conducted using logistic regression: (1) SIS and medication adherence, (2) SIS and medication adherence with gender as a covariate. Results: Overall, 168 transplant recipients completed the questionnaires. The mean age was 53.87 (SD: 13.8), most participants were male (62.5%) and 17% of the patients were considered medication non-adherent. There was no significant association between SIS and adherence, (OR = 0.955, 95% CI [0.472 – 1.933). This effect was not significantly influenced by gender, (OR = 0.83, 95% CI [0.149 – 4.624]. Conclusion: No significant associations between SIS, gender and medication adherence were reported. A possible explanation for these findings is that other moderating and mediating factors exist and that the relationship between SIS and medication adherence is more complicated than this study was able to examine. Alternatively, the type of SIS studied was not specific enough to be associated with adherence. Future studies should investigate the factors that influence medication adherence and specify the type of SIS that is crucial for increasing medication adherenceShow less
This study investigates the manifestation of Islamophobia in Argentina’s capital of Buenos Aires and its effect on the Muslim communities. By looking at the historical context of migration and the...Show moreThis study investigates the manifestation of Islamophobia in Argentina’s capital of Buenos Aires and its effect on the Muslim communities. By looking at the historical context of migration and the current visibility of the community, this study demonstrates that Islamophobia is only limited experienced by the Muslim communities in the city due to a generally low level of islamophobia and high degree of efficient integration. Comparatively analysing the case of Buenos Aires to other case studies from predominantly catholic countries with an Islamic minority, this study finds that the current tendency of Islamophobia does not affect the integration of Muslims in the society of Buenos Aires. Furthermore, the Argentinean national identity and the Islamic religious identity co-exist and are currently not threatened by Islamophobia.Show less
A vast number of people have come to Greece as a consequence of the recent war in Syria. Of those, beneficiaries of international protection have the right to be integrated into Greek society....Show moreA vast number of people have come to Greece as a consequence of the recent war in Syria. Of those, beneficiaries of international protection have the right to be integrated into Greek society. Therefore, amplifying the efforts regarding refugees being socially included, given a chance to live in a safer and stable environment, and feel incorporated in Greece’s social structure is imperative. This study has an exploratory aim and qualitative research on this topic highlights various theoretical and practical implications of the challenges in the integration process, the uncovering of current gaps, and the levels of cooperation between three substantial actors involved; the Greek state, Greek civil society actors, and the International Organization for Migration.Show less
