Academisch Proefschrift, ter verkrijging van de graad Doctor aan de Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, op gezag van de rector magnificus prof. dr. J.J.G. Geurts, volgens besluit van de decaan van de Faculteit der Bètawetenschappen in het openbaar te verdedigen op donderdag 19 februari 2026 om 11.45 uur in …

As the global population continues to age, maintaining the physical performance and independence of older adults has become a critical public health concern. Population ageing describes a simultaneous increase in the number of older adults and the growth of the oldest- old demographic, which poses substantial …

Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore the functioning of people with lipoedema from their perspective. Methods: This was a qualitative study following a phenomenological perspective using individual in-depth interviews with a convenience sample of 13 Dutch people with lipoedema. The data were …

Abstract Purpose Recovery is a key objective in mental health services for people with severe mental illness (SMI). In addition to clinical and functional recovery, personal recovery has gained increasing attention. The CHIME Framework identifies five personal recovery processes—Connectedness, Hope, …

For the elderly a major decline in health often entails a dramatic shift in living conditions. One of the harshest aspects is the loss of social context. Based on experiences in her own family, the designer sets out to redefine the puzzle of health, care and social context. By conceiving the needs in …

PURPOSE: To gain a rich understanding of the experiences and opinions of patients, healthcare professionals, and policymakers regarding the design of OGR with structure, process, environment, and outcome components. METHODS: Qualitative research based on the constructive grounded theory approach is performed. …

Pregnancy and early parenthood mark a transformative period where women become caregivers and assume a new role with new responsibilities. While often portrayed positively, the transition to motherhood can be overwhelming. This is especially true for women living in adverse circumstances, presenting …

Adults’ development of literacy and numeracy skills that can enable them to navigate the demands of contemporary life and be prepared for the future is central to their economic, social, and personal well-being and the functioning of society. This article discusses the role of literacy and numeracy in …

Powerful Ageing is a power training intervention offered by Dutch municipalities to improve the physical functioning of its older residents, thereby reducing their reliance on assistive living devices and social support services. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Powerful Ageing on muscle …

Introduction: Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in adult people with HIV is lower than that of the general population. Previously, no differences were detected in HRQoL of Dutch children with perinatal HIV (PHIV) compared with norm groups. In this study, we compared HRQoL of PHIV young adults (PHIV-YA, …