Beth Zalcman

• Master of Public Health
• Research Coordinator at CLALIT

Gender differences in wellbeing and trauma response have been a significant focus of psychological research, particularly among populations that have experienced extreme stressors, such as Holocaust survivors and their offspring. This study aims to explore the psychological impact of the “sense of threat” and “sense of challenge” experienced during...

Socioeconomic status and religion are associated with health indicators. This study compared the correlations between religious observance, socioeconomic status, and select health indicators among adults in neighboring cities in Israel based on data collected from the Maccabi Health Services database. One city is characterized by religious observan...

Purpose Social identity theory describes how an individual’s behaviors and choices are influenced by social group membership, including those related to financial planning. Social group behavior can also be influenced by structural barriers. The primary cause of poverty at retirement stems from the lack of financial planning for retirement. Underpr...

In recent years, an increasing number of ultra-Orthodox Jews have left their insular communities, choosing instead to lead a secular life. This article illuminates their perceptions and experiences related to sexuality, sexual behavior, and sexual health. Based on thematic analysis of 37 in-depth, semi-structured interviews with ultra-Orthodox disa...

Introduction This Practice Update discusses the potential for implementation of the 4M model for care of older adults in Israel, to complement the medical-centric model that exists today. The older adult population in Israel is increasing. However, efficient and sufficient care that takes patient's wishes into consideration is lacking. Purpose Car...

Background There is an increasing demand for comprehensive geriatric care. Nurse practitioners (NPs), who undergo specialized training, are situated to provide such care. In Israel, the role of a geriatric nurse practitioner was introduced in the health care system 10 years ago. However, little is known about the rate of professional satisfaction a...

Demands for whole blood (WB) and COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP) donations during the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic presented unprecedented challenges for blood services throughout the world. This study aims to understand the motivating factors that drive WB and CCP donations in the context of the pandemic. This cross-sectional study is based o...

Many religious disaffiliates, similar to immigrants, experience health vulnerabilities. Yet, few studies address their ability to access the healthcare system. This article contributes to filling this void by examining the case of Israeli Jewish ultra-Orthodox disaffiliates. The study analyzes the barriers that hinder these disaffiliates’ access to...

Background Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in Israeli women. Previous studies found socioeconomic status and other risk factors impact breast cancer outcomes. The ultra-orthodox community is characterized by a longer life expectancy, lower rates of mammography performance, higher fertility rates and other sociodemographic variabl...

Introduction For healthcare workers, good work-related well-being positively affects enthusiasm, efficiency, and job satisfaction. Conversely, poor well-being is associated with burnout and negative patient outcomes. During times of crises, it is difficult to balance professional responsibilities with well-being. Objective This study aimed to eval...

Aim: To evaluate Alzheimer's disease (AD) knowledge and attitudes among Israeli nursing students and nurses with different educational backgrounds working in varied geriatric settings BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease (AD) management and treatment relies on multidisciplinary care, providing comprehensive treatment to these patients. Nurses are vital...

Breast cancer is a leading cause of death. There are a number of risk factors for breast cancer mortality including parity, age, ethnicity, genetic history, and place of residence. This study examined the disparities in breast cancer-related mortality rates among women from urban areas compared to rural areas in Israel. This was a retrospective, fo...

Background: Nutrition therapy plans (NTPs) in discharge summaries of tube-fed patients transferred from acute-care hospitals to rehabilitation centers are fundamental for continuity of care. This study examined the presence and quality of NTPs in discharge summaries of tube-fed patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study was based on data retr...

The COVID-19 pandemic has imposed barriers to a healthy lifestyle, especially for older adults who are considered to be at a high-risk of infection. This study examined the associations between negative changes and the self-classification to COVID-19 risk level among physically active older adults who are members of a nationwide health club chain....

Introduction: The coronavirus pandemic has disproportionately negatively affected the ultraorthodox in Israel. Their unique characteristics and slow adoption of preventative health guidelines resulted in a significant increase in morbidity and mortality. To lower these rates, health and government authority figures employed methods to change the u...

Background Respiratory cancers, including lung, tracheal and bronchus cancers, are a leading cause of cancer-related mortality in Israel; however, incidence can differ among demographic groups. Despite the importance of sociodemographic characteristics and the interactions between them to incidence and mortality, this topic is understudied. This st...

Research indicates that mortality rates are lower among the religious. Israeli ultra-orthodox Jews, called Haredim, have characteristics distinguishing them from the rest of the Jewish population in Israel. These include lower socioeconomic status, higher fertility rates and rates of young marriage, and isolation from the general population. Our re...

Background Previous studies have shown that minorities and immigrants have low levels of trust in healthcare systems (HCSys), which might present a barrier in access to and utilization of healthcare services. We compared the levels of trust in Israel’s HCSys among the Arab minority, immigrant Jews, and non-immigrant Jew sand draw on the integrative...