The Benign and Malicious Envy Scale (BeMaS) is designed to assess the trait of envy and evaluate individual differences in people's tendency to experience benign or malicious envy towards superior comparison standards. This study aimed to examine the factor structure of the BeMaS in Arab culture through exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis and to ensure the measurement equivalence of the benign and malicious envy scale across three countries in the Arab Maghreb region (Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco). The study was conducted on a sample of 1047 students from various universities across three countries, Algeria (n = 401), Tunisia (n = 289), and Morocco (n = 357), and implemented a cross-sectional study design. The study involved individuals aged 18-64 (M = 22.00, SD = 4.79). Most were females (64.4 %, n = 674), with substantial male representation (35.6 %, n = 373). All participants completed the Arabic BeMaS. The confirmatory factor analysis results indicated that the Arabic BeMaS has a two-factor structure for the total sample and each subsample. However, some modifications were necessary in the Tunisian sample. The overall results suggest that the two-factor structure of the BeMaS is valid and reliable in the Arab context. At the same time, differences between the three groups suggest cultural differences despite similarities in language, geographic proximity, and shared customs and traditions. Additionally, the results highlight the need for further research into envy, particularly within Arabic culture. Religious and cultural traditions may significantly influence how envy is experienced and perceived, making such cultural differences important to investigate. In summary, this study contributes to our measurement of Envy in the Arab context by validating BeMaS and highlighting the importance of cultural factors in measuring and explaining envy. However, further research is needed to deepen our understanding of this complex emotion in different cultural and social contexts.

The COVID-19 pandemic presented significant challenges for individuals who experienced stroke and their caregivers. It is essential to understand the factors affecting preventive behavior in these populations. Therefore, the present study examined the factors that influenced COVID-19 preventive behavior and motivation for COVID-19 vaccine uptake among patients with stroke and their caregivers. A cross-sectional study comprising 191 participants (81 patients with stroke and 110 caregivers) was carried out. Participants completed a survey assessing fear of COVID-19, stress, perceived susceptibility, problematic social media use, preventive behaviors, and motivation for vaccine uptake. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, and multiple linear regressions. Motivation for COVID-19 vaccine uptake was significantly positively correlated with problematic social media use (r = 0.225, P = .002), perceived susceptibility (r = 0.197, P = .008), and fear of COVID-19 (r = 0.179, P = .015), but negatively correlated with stress (r = −0.189, P = .010). Caregivers, compared to patients, showed a lower level of preventive behavior (standardized coefficient = −0.23, P = .017). Furthermore, higher levels of fear were associated with increased preventive behavior (standardized coefficient = 0.22, P = .006), while greater stress correlated with lower preventive behavior (standardized coefficient = −0.38, P < .001). Among patients with stroke and their caregivers, motivation of COVID-19 vaccine uptake and preventive behaviors were influenced by factors such as fear, perceived susceptibility, social media use, and stress. By using strategies such as targeted education, support, and communication campaigns, healthcare providers and policymakers may be able to enhance the well-being of patients with stroke and their caregivers during future pandemics.

Background: The annual medical litigation rate has increased yearly since 1987 in Taiwan. Policy makers keep going medical legislation reforms. The effectiveness of legislation reforms to reduce malpractice litigation risk is uncertain. Objective: To determine whether medical legislation reform helps reduce the risk of medical litigation. Design, Setting, and Participants: This retrospective study used national data obtained from Ministry of Health and Welfare in Taiwan. The period analyzed was from 1987 to 2018. The annual medical litigation rate was determined, types of medical negligence litigation were compared, medical appraisal results were summarized, and the importance of medical legislation was identified. Interventions: After legislation reform vs before legislation reform. Measurements: The main outcome showed trends in medical dispute assessments over time by adjusting for the general population (per 1, 000, 000 people). We established 2004 and 2012 as the 2 cut-points for further analysis of medical appraisal results due to legislation reform. Results: With legislation reforms, the annual medical litigation rate decreased from 26.68 cases per million people in 2012 to 16.41 cases per million people in 2018. The annual medical litigation rate declined by approximately 38% from 2012 to 2018. Medical appraisal results were malpractice cases in 22.1% before Medical Care Act (2004 Reform) compared with 18.8% from 2004 to 2012 (odds ratio [OR], 0.82; 95% CI, 0.727– 0.924; p=0.001), and 6.4% after mediation system introduced in 2012 (odds ratio [OR], 0.243; 95% CI, 0.205– 0.288; p< 0.001). Conclusion: Medical legislation reform has reduced the risk of malpractice litigation over time.

Importance: COVID-19 vaccination has been associated with various adverse outcomes. Although studies have reported cases of arrhythmia after COVID-19 vaccination, the precise underlying mechanism remains to be elucidated. Objective: Here, we report the case of a patient who developed atrial fibrillation after receiving the mRNA-1273 vaccine and describe our findings in light of relevant cases in the literature. Design, Setting, and Participants: This is a case report and a review of the relevant literature. A 55-year-old woman presented to our clinic with a history of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, hypertension, and mild mitral valve prolapse. The patient developed atrial fibrillation 3 days after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. She was diagnosed with moderate-to-severe tricuspid regurgitation and severe mitral regurgitation, and underwent valve repair surgery. To obtain relevant articles (December 2020 through August 2022), we searched the following key words on PubMed: atrial fibrillation and COVID-19 vaccination. Results: A total of 5 relevant case reports were identified. COVID-19 vaccination led to arrhythmia, including atrial fibrillation, within 14 days. Conclusions and Relevance: Cases of patients developing arrhythmia after COVID-19 vaccination have been increasingly reported. Although the underlying mechanism remains unclear, we hypothesize that mRNA vaccination may lead to arrhythmia and associated valve diseases. Thus, before administering mRNA-1273 vaccines to patients with a history of valvular heart disease or atrial fibrillation, the patients’ cardiologists must be consulted.

In Taiwan, as a super-aging society, older women face unique challenges that affect their health and quality of life (QoL). The present 1-year longitudinal study was conducted to examine changes in physical and psychosocial health and the relationship between these factors and QoL from March 2023 to June 2024. Women ( N = 114) aged over 60 years completed baseline assessments, which included demographic information and evaluations using standardized scales, and 48 completed the follow-ups conducted 1 year later. Findings showed a significant decline in QoL, particularly among those aged 75+ years (effect size = 0.630). Self-directed ageism, frailty, physical resilience, and depression were identified as critical associated factors affecting QoL. These results highlight the importance of developing tailored strategies for young-older (60–74 years) and old-older individuals (75+ years), focusing on preserving physical abilities, managing chronic illnesses, and enhancing psychosocial health, particularly for older women to improve their overall well-being and reduce societal caregiving costs.