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Introduction: Antenatal care (ANC) services play a crucial role in safeguarding the health of pregnant women during their reproductive years. This study aimed to evaluate the primary factors influencing the utilization of ANC among women of childbearing age in Isari town, Jigawa State. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study among 400 mothers of childbearing age, selecting them using a simple random sampling method. Data were collected using interviewer-administered questionnaires. The statistical analyses performed were descriptive analysis, Pearson's chi-square test, and binary logistic regression analysis. Results: The majority of respondents (92.5%) indicated awareness of ANC, with a significant proportion expressing the necessity of ANC services (85.7%). 57.8% of the respondents indicated attending ANC services at least four times during pregnancy. Furthermore, the number of visits has a significant relationship with age (P < 0.001), educational level (P = 0.003), occupation (P = 0.043), mother's knowledge of pregnancy danger signs (P = 0.001), and husband's support for ANC (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Enhancing ANC utilization will necessitate focusing on women residing in rural areas and those with limited educational attainment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The influence of social determinants of health (SDH) on sustainable development goals (SDG) has gained attention in recent years. However, there is a scarcity in the availability of valid and reliable instruments to assess the multiple aspects of SDH. Hence, this study was conducted to develop a brief self-reported measure for assessing SDH. Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among university undergraduate students in Nigeria. The study consisted of 300 participants in the EFA (males 55.7%, females 44.3%) and 430 participants in the CFA (males 54.0%, females 46.0%). Participants were selected using a convenience sampling approach to assess their perceptions regarding SDH. Content Validity Index (CVI), Face Validity Index (FVI), Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), Composite Reliability (CR), Average Variance Extracted (AVE), Cronbach's alpha, and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) were computed to determine the psychometric properties of the newly developed SDH scale. Results: In the EFA, two factors were extracted (structural determinants of SDH and intermediary determinants of SDH), with all 20 items retained. The total variance explained by the EFA model was 61.8%, and the factor correlation was 0.178. The Cronbach's alpha values of the two factors were 0.917 and 0.939. In the CFA, the initial model did not fit the data well based on fit indices. After several re-specification of the model, the final re-specified measurement model demonstrated adequate fit factor structure of the SDH scale with two factors and 20 items (CFI = 0.943, TLI = 0.930, SRMR = 0.056, RMSEA = 0.053, RMSEA p-value = 0.220). The CR was 0.797 for structural determinants of SDH and 0.794 for intermediary determinants of SDH. The ICC was 0.938 for structural determinants of SDH and 0.941 for intermediary determinants of SDH. Conclusion: The findings indicate that the SDH scale has adequate psychometric properties and can be used to assess the perceived level of SDH. We recommended that this tool be tested in other populations with diverse age groups and other demographic characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study examines the mediating effect of psychological factors in the structural relationships between social and physical environmental factors and the amount of physical activity among undergraduate students at Universiti Sains Malaysia. The sample consisted of 422 students with a mean age of 20.2 years (SD = 1.27). The majority of the students were female (69.7%) and Malay (81.3%). Standardized scales were used to measure the total amount of physical activity and all the study variables. The final SEM had a good fit to the data: CFI = 0.968, TLI = 0.948, SRMR = 0.036, RMSEA (90%CI) = 0.046 (0.025, 0.065), RMSEA p-value = 0.609 with 11 paths relationships. Family support had a significant effect on perceived benefits and perceived barriers. The effect of friend support on physical activity was significantly mediated by perceived benefits, self-efficacy, and psychological needs satisfaction. The effect of the availability of exercise facilities on physical activity was significantly mediated by perceived benefits and psychological needs satisfaction. Furthermore, psychological needs satisfaction mediated the effect of perceived benefits, perceived barriers, and self-efficacy on physical activity. The study findings illustrated that the application of the social-ecological model and psychological factors is important in order to understand and promote positive physical activity behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Due to the worldwide reach of the COVID-19 pandemic, authorities across the globe deemed it essential to enforce exceptional containment measures. Maintaining physical activity (PA) during this time was only feasible through engaging in activities at home. Therefore, this study focused on elucidating the levels of PA and well-being among Somali students in the aftermath of the lockdown measures implemented by governments at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This study was conducted in Somalia among undergraduate students studying at Somali International University. A total of 1266 students were included in the present study. An online survey was utilized to measure participant PA behavior. The assessment of PA was conducted in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, utilizing the Godin Leisure questionnaire. The study showed that 85.8% of the study participants (n = 1086) were between the ages of 17 and 22. More than half of the participants (58.7%, n = 743) were female and had no other employment (57.3%, n = 743). Results: Jogging was the most frequently reported PA (57.3%, n = 726), and PA level was on average 59.7 minutes per day (SD = 25.9). Also, most of the study participants were in their last year (82.1%). In the regression analysis, age, gender, academic year, and work status were significant predictors of being physically active after the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: Factors affecting PA after the COVID-19 pandemic include age, gender, academic year, and work status. Males, younger individuals, and those who engage in outdoor exercise are more likely to be physically active. Once the COVID-19 restrictions were relaxed, undergraduate students in Somalia were physically active. A high level of PA appears to be advantageous for public health. Universities in Somalia should uphold school policies that promote an active lifestyle among students, aiming to maintain or enhance the existing level of PA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Since the emergence of COVID-19 in 2019, every country in the world has been affected to varying degrees. Long-term psychological pressure and anxiety will inevitably damage the physical and mental health of students. This study aimed to examine the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on students who experienced stress and anxiety and to clarify which intervention was more effective. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted between January 2020 and December 2022 using online databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar by using the following keywords in combination: "COVID-19," "stress," "anxiety," "depression," and "intervention." The retrieved literature was screened and reviewed. Results: A total of 2,924 articles were retrieved using subject and keyword searches. After screening through the titles and abstracts, 18 related studies were retained. Their review revealed that: (1) most studies did not use medication to control stress and anxiety; (2) the standard methods used to reduce stress and anxiety were religion, psychological counseling, learning more about COVID-19 through the media, online mindfulness courses, improving sleep quality, and physical exercise; (3) the most effective interventions were physical activity and raising awareness about COVID-19 through the media and online mindfulness programs. However, some studies show that physical activity cannot directly relieve psychological stress and anxiety. Conclusion: Limited interventions are effective, but learning more about COVID-19 and using active coping strategies may help reduce stress and anxiety. The implications of COVID-19 are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Based on the self-determination theory, the psychological requirements for competence, autonomy, and relatedness boost beneficial exercise behaviour for healthy living. However, there is no valid, reliable Malay version scale to investigate the extent to which these psychological needs are met. The main purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of a Malay version of the Psychological Need Satisfaction in Exercise (PNSE-M) scale. In addition, the purpose of this study was to confirm the measurement and structural invariance of the PNSE-M across gender. Methods: The study participants included 919 students (male: 49.6%, female: 50.4%), with a mean age of 20.4 years (standard deviation = 1.5). The participants were selected through convenience sampling. The 18-item PNSE-M was used to measure psychological need satisfaction in exercise. The English version of the PNSE was translated into Malay using standard forward-backward translation. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and invariance tests were performed on the three domains of the PNSE-M model. Composite reliability (CR), average variance extracted (AVE), internal consistency based on Cronbach's alpha, and test-retest reliabilities using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were also computed. Results: After some model re-specification, the CFA findings based on the hypothesised measurement model of three factors and 18 items indicated acceptable factor structure (CFI =.936, TLI =.923, SRMR =.054, RMSEA =.059). The CR and AVE values were.864–.902 and.573–.617, respectively. Cronbach's alpha was.891–.908, and the ICC was.980–.985. The findings supported the full measurement and structural invariance of the PNSE-M for both male and female participants. The CFA model matched the data well for both male (CFI =.926, SRMR =.057, RMSEA =.066) and female (CFI =.926, SRMR =.060, RMSEA =.065) participants. Conclusion: The PNSE-M with three factors and 18 items is considered to be a valid, reliable instrument for university students in Malaysia. It is valid for use to make meaningful comparisons across gender. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study examined the psychometric properties of the Korean and Malay version of the decisional balance (DB) for exercise (i.e. perceived benefits and perceived barriers) using a cross-sectional design. Also, this study assessed the measurement and structural invariance of the DB scale across countries. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in Malaysia and Korea. The study sample consisted of 574 Korean participants and 562 Malaysian participants. The mean age of the participants was 19.8 (SD = 1.29) for the Korean sample and 19.8 (SD = 1.22) for the Malaysian sample. Participants were invited to complete the DB scale with the 10-item and two factors (i.e., perceived benefit and perceived barriers). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and invariance test were conducted on the data by using Mplus 8.3. Results: The CFA results based on the hypothesised measurement model of two factors and ten items showed sufficient construct validity after adding residual covariance between items within the same factor: CFI = 0.979, TLI = 0.970, SRMR = 0.036, RMSEA = 0.036 for the Korea sample, and CFI = 0.964, TLI = 0.949, SRMR = 0.055, RMSEA = 0.066 for the Malay sample. For the Korea sample, the construct reliability was 0.62 and 0.74 for perceived benefits and perceived barriers respectively. For the Malay sample, the construct reliability was 0.75 and 0.77 for perceived benefits and perceived barriers respectively. The findings presented evidence for measurement and structural invariance of the DB scale for the Korea and Malaysia samples. Conclusion: The DB scale was a valid and reliable measure for assessing exercise behaviour and for making comparisons between Korean and Malaysian samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to determine the validity of the Malay-translated version scales for assessing the social support and physical environment for exercise activities. Method: The study was a cross-sectional design in nature, using self-reported questionnaires among the university students in Malaysia. Participants were selected using a convenience sampling approach. Perceptions regarding social support and physical environment were assessed using the Malay-translated version scales. The standard forward-backwards translation was conducted to translate the English version of the scales to the Malay version. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to validate the translated version scales; composite reliability (CR) and average variance extracted (AVE) were computed. Results: A total of 857 students participated in this study (female: 49.1%, male: 50.9%). The mean age of the participants was 20.2 (SD = 1.6). The fit indices of the initial hypothesized measurement models (social support and physical environment) were not satisfactory. Further improvements were made by adding covariances between residuals' items within the same factor for each hypothesized model. The final re-specified measurement models demonstrated adequate factor structure for the social support scale with 24 items (CFI =.932, TLI =.920, SRMR =.054, RMSEA =.061), and the physical environment scale with five items (CFI =.994, TLI =.981, SRMR =.013, RMSEA =.054). The CR was.918 for family support,.919 for friend support,.813 for perceived availability, and.771 for perceived quality. The AVEs were.560 for family support,.547 for friend support,.554 for perceived availability, and.628 for perceived quality. The intra-class correlation (ICC) based on test-retest was.920 for family support,.984 for friend support,.895 for availability of facilities, and.774 for quality of facilities. Conclusion: The Malay version of the social support scale for exercise and the physical environment scale for physical activity were shown to have adequate psychometric properties for assessing perceived social support and physical environment among the university students in Malaysia. Perspective: This study presented the psychometric properties of the social support and physical environment scales based on CFA and was the first to translate these scales from the original English version to the Malay version. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study examined the psychometric properties of the Malay version of the decisional balance (DB-M) for exercise (i.e. perceived benefits and perceived barriers) using a cross-sectional design. Also, this study assessed the measurement and structural invariance of the DB-M across gender. Methods: The study sample consisted of 750 students (female: 51.7%, male: 48.3%), with a mean age of 20.2 years (SD = 1.2). Decision balance (DB) scale was assessed with the 10-item DB-M. Standard forward-backward translation was performed to translate the English version of the DB into Malay version (DB-M). Results: The confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) results based on the hypothesised measurement model of two factors and ten items demonstrated adequate factor structure after the addition of some correlated item residuals (comparative fit index (CFI) =.979, Tucker and Lewis index (TLI) =.969, standardised root mean square residual (SRMR) =.037, root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) =.047). The construct reliability and average variance extracted values were.850 and.839, and.542 and.538, for perceived benefits and perceived barriers, respectively. Meanwhile, the Cronbach's alpha was.857 and.859, and the intraclass correlation coefficient for test-retest reliability was.979 and.960 for perceived benefits and perceived barriers respectively. The findings provided evidence for measurement invariance of DB-M for the male and female samples. The final CFA model fit the data well for both male sample (CFI =.975, TLI =.964, SRMR =.040, RMSEA =.052) and female sample (CFI =.965, TLI =.949, SRMR =.044, RMSEA =.058). Conclusions: The translated version of the DB-M was valid and reliable for assessing the level of perceived benefits and perceived barriers in exercise among university students in Malaysia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The present study was aimed at validating the Malay-language version of the Self-Efficacy for Exercise Scale (SEE-M) using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Methods: Data were collected from undergraduate students at all campuses of the Universiti Sains Malaysia. A total of 1,605 students completed the SEE-M (female: 71.5%, male: 28.5%), with the mean age of 20.3 years (SD = 1.5). Perceived self-efficacy was assessed with the 18-item SEE-M. Standard forward–backward translation was performed to translate the English version of the Efficacy for Exercise Scale (SEE) into the Malay version (SEE-M). Results: The 2 initial measurement models tested (1-factor and 3-factor models) did not result in a good fit to the data. Subsequent investigation of the CFA results recommended some modifications, including adding correlations between the item residuals within the same latent variable. These modifications resulted in good fit indices for the 1-factor model (RMSEA = .059, CFI = .939, TLI = .922, SRMR = .049) and the 3-factor model (RMSEA = .066, CFI = .924, TLI = .903, SRMR = .051). The final measurement models comprised all 18 SEE-M items, which had significant factor loadings of more than .40. The test-retest results indicated that the SEE-M was stable, with an intra-class correlation of .99. The composite reliability was .886 for the 1-factor model and .670–.854 for the 3-factor model. Conclusions: The translated version of the SEE-M was valid and reliable for assessing the level of self-efficacy for exercise among university students in Malaysia. Perspective: This study examining the psychometric properties of the SEE scale based on CFA was the first to assess 2 proposed models (1-factor and 3-factor models) simultaneously and to translate the original, English-language SEE into Malay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]