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Background: Primary carers, school teachers, and administrators are key influencers in promoting active lifestyle among children with disabilities (CWD). Guided by the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, Behavior Model, the Promoting Active Lifestyle among CWD (PALS) Questionnaire aims to determine these influencers' perceptions, capabilities, opportunities, and motivations in active healthy lifestyle promotion. This study evaluated the content validity and feasibility of the PALS Questionnaire in Filipino and English. Methods: Six experts rated the relevance of the items in the Filipino and English versions of the PALS Questionnaire. Item and scale content validity indices and agreement among raters (modified kappa k*) were computed. The questionnaires were revised and pilot tested among 11 participants comprising primary carers, and special education teachers and administrators using 3 methods of administration: online survey, phone interview, and pen-and-paper survey. Results: Scale-level content validity index indicated excellent content validity (0.96–0.97). Item-level content validity index ranged between 0.67 and 1.00. Interrater agreement on the relevance of all items was excellent (k* =.82–1.00), except for the item on teaching assistants (k* =.56). Most participants found the items easy to understand. The average time needed to complete a questionnaire was 30 minutes. The online version of the questionnaire was identified as the most feasible mode of administration. Conclusion: The PALS Questionnaire is a useful instrument for understanding Filipino primary carers' and educators' perceptions on promoting CWD's active healthy lifestyle. Information from the PALS Questionnaire could inform initiatives toward better CWD health and quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Middle age is increasingly acknowledged as a critical window for prevention of Alzheimers disease and related dementia (ADRD) since research has shown that AD develops in the course of 20-30 years (1) but we know very little about middle-aged individuals perspectives on ADRD. Knowledge gaps are particularly large for Latinas living in regions typically underrepresented in ADRD research, such as rural and/or agricultural regions. This is important given that over the next 40 years Latinos are projected to have the largest increase in ADRD cases in the U.S. Therefore, this study aims to assess knowledge, perceptions, and feelings associated with ADRD among a sample of middle-age, Spanish-speaking Latina women. METHOD: Using qualitative methods involving semi-structured interviews, we examined knowledge, perceptions, and feelings associated with ADRD among a subsample of the Center for Health Assessment of Mothers and Children of Salinas (CHAMACOS) study. Participants are Latina women residing in an underserved agricultural community entering mid-life (mean = 46.5 years old). Interviews were conducted with 20 women and data was analyzed with inductive thematic content analysis. RESULTS: We identified themes regarding perceptions, knowledge, and feelings. First, participants perceive ADRD as involving (1) Loss of memory, (2) Getting lost; (3) Losing the person they once were. With regard to knowledge about ADRD, participants reported: (1) Some knowledge about protective and risk factors for ADRD, (2) No awareness of the links between cardiovascular risk factors and ADRD; (3) A desire to learn prevention methods alongside signs and symptoms of ADRD. Themes related to feelings about ADRD were: (1) Fear of developing ADRD and not being aware of reality or who they are; (2) Worry about losing relationships with loved ones and caretaking if diagnosed with ADRD; (3) Sadness about forgetting ones family and depending on others if diagnosed with ADRD. CONCLUSION: The knowledge gaps and negative feelings associated with ADRD highlighted in this study underscore the need for ADRD interventions to include CVD prevention, particularly for mid-life Latino populations residing in rural regions.

BACKGROUND: Outcome measures are crucial to support a treat-to-target approach to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) care, yet their integration into clinical practice remains inconsistent. We developed an Electronic Heath Record-integrated, patient-facing side-car application to display RA outcomes (disease activity, functional status, pain scores), medications, and lab results during clinical visits (RA PRO Dashboard). The study aimed to evaluate patient perceptions and attitudes towards the implementation of a novel patient-facing dashboard during clinical visits using a mixed-methods approach. METHODS: RA patients whose clinicians used the dashboard at least once during their clinical visit were invited to complete a survey regarding its usefulness in care. We also conducted semi-structured interviews with a subset of patients to assess their perceptions of the dashboard. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically using deductive and inductive techniques. Emerging themes and subthemes were organized into four domains of the Ecological Model of Health. RESULTS: Out of 173 survey respondents, 79% were interested in seeing the dashboard again at a future visit, 71% felt it improved their understanding of their disease, and 65% believed it helped with decision-making about their RA care. Many patients reported that the dashboard helped them discuss their RA symptoms (76%) and medications (72%) with their clinician. Interviews with 29 RA patients revealed 10 key themes: the dashboard was perceived as a valuable visual tool that improved patients understanding of RA outcome measures, enhanced their involvement in care, and increased their trust in clinicians and the clinic. Common reported limitations included concerns about reliability of RA outcome questionnaires for some RA patients and inconsistent collection and explanation of these measures by clinicians. CONCLUSIONS: In both the quantitative and qualitative components of the study, patients reported that the dashboard improved their understanding of their RA, enhanced patient-clinician communication, supported shared decision-making, and increased patient engagement in care. These findings support the use of dashboards or similar data visualization tools in RA care and can be used in future interventions to address challenges in data collection and patient education.

The advent of AI-generated news as a novel form of content demands renewed attention toward modes of understanding reader perceptions. This research sought to answer: What evaluative criteria do readers use to perceive automated news content? To answer this, the study employed a two-phase survey methodology designed to elicit reader perceptions of AI-generated news. Phase 1 yielded 26 dynamic descriptor words and reflected broad social perceptions of AI. In Phase 2, a series of exploratory factor analyses (EFA) was conducted on results of a survey using the 26 items obtained in phase 1 to uncover underlying factors contributing to differences in how readers ranked articles based on the aforementioned descriptor words. In both phases, readers were informed at the beginning of the survey that the articles were generated using AI. The first set of exploratory factor analysis results were obtained using varimax rotation, which revealed five salient factors underlying the 26 descriptors labeled Quality, Engagement, Alienation, Effort, and Coherence. The second exploratory factor analysis used oblimin rotation, which contrastingly revealed nine salient factors, which were labeled Credibility, Prolixity, Engagement, Substance, Clarity, Alienation, Complexity, Effort, and Neutrality. When compared with the results of factor analyses for human-generated news content, the findings offer new constellations of terms that reflect the dimensions that readers attend to in articles attributed to artificial intelligence.

Traditionally, public understanding of drowning survival has focused on swimming capacity, often measured by how far a person can swim. With respect to the high incidence of adult drowning in high-income countries, using the more inclusive concept of water competency may yield a more comprehensive explanatory framework for understanding the reasons behind these drownings. Any competency base required to survive a drowning situation is dynamic, complex, and multi-faceted. Furthermore, perceptions of risk and capacity to cope with that risk are likely to be pivotal to the avoidance of drowning. Adults' perceived water competence was measured against their actual water competence in a pool environment. Adults were tested on their competence in entering and exiting water, floating, and swimming. Despite most adults (98%) being unable to swim more than 100 m in open water, more than half (59%) perceived themselves as good swimmers, and more than quarter (27%) thought they could swim more than 200 m at the post-survey. In conclusion, reality gaps were found in water competence among adult groups. Differences between perceived and actual competence suggest that many adults may underestimate the risk of drowning and overestimate their competency. This provides a plausible explanation as to why many adults drown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Latina women living in the USA experience disproportionately higher rates of psychological distress compared to their non-Latina White counterparts. Poor maternal mental health during pregnancy can contribute to intergenerational mental health disparities. Through this pathway, mothers experiences, environments, and exposures (henceforth exposures) during pregnancy become biologically embodied and can negatively affect the fetus and life-long developmental trajectories of her child. One of the exposures that can affect mother-offspring dyads is the neighborhood. With the goal of integrating anthropological and sociological theories to explain mental health disparities among pregnant Latina women, we explored how perceptions of neighbor attitudes may influence mental health during pregnancy. We analyzed self-reported responses from 239 pregnant Latina women in Southern California (131 foreign-born, 108 US-born) on their mental health and perceived attitudes of their neighbors using multiple linear regression models. Among foreign-born Latina women, living in neighborhoods with more favorable views of Latinos was associated with lower depression scores (pooled β =  - .70, SE = .29, p = .019) and lower pregnancy-related anxiety scores (pooled β =  - .11, SE = .05, p = .021), but greater state anxiety scores (pooled β = .09, SE = .04, p = .021). Among US-born women, there were no associations between neighbor attitudes and mental health. Overall, results suggest that social environments are correlated with mental health and that foreign-born and US-born Latinas have varied mental health experiences in the USA. Our findings highlight the importance of improving aspects of neighborhood cohesion as part of maternal-fetal care management.

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BACKGROUND: Improving shared decision-making using a treat-to-target approach, including the use of clinical outcome measures, is important to providing high quality care for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We developed an Electronic Health Record (EHR) integrated, patient-facing sidecar dashboard application that displays RA outcomes, medications, and lab results for use during clinical visits (RA PRO dashboard). The purpose of this study was to assess clinician perceptions and experiences using the dashboard in a university rheumatology clinic. METHODS: We conducted focus group (FG) discussions with clinicians who had access to the dashboard as part of a randomized, stepped-wedge pragmatic trial. FGs explored clinician perceptions towards the usability, acceptability, and usefulness of the dashboard. FG data were analyzed thematically using deductive and inductive techniques; generated themes were categorized into the domains of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). RESULTS: 3 FG discussions were conducted with a total of 13 clinicians. Overall, clinicians were enthusiastic about the dashboard and expressed the usefulness of visualizing RA outcome trajectories in a graphical format for motivating patients, enhancing patient understanding of their RA outcomes, and improving communication about medications. Major themes that emerged from the FG analysis as barriers to using the dashboard included inconsistent collection of RA outcomes leading to sparse data in the dashboard and concerns about explaining RA outcomes, especially to patients with fibromyalgia. Other challenges included time constraints and technical difficulties refreshing the dashboard to display real-time data. Methods for integrating the dashboard into the visit varied: some clinicians used the dashboard at the beginning of the visit as they documented RA outcomes; others used it at the end to justify changes to therapy; and a few shared it only with stable patients. CONCLUSIONS: The study provides valuable insights into clinicians perceptions and experiences with the RA PRO dashboard. The dashboard showed promise in enhancing patient-clinician communication, shared decision-making, and overall acceptance among clinicians. Addressing challenges related to data collection, education, and tailoring dashboard use to specific patient populations will be crucial for maximizing its potential impact on RA care. Further research and ongoing improvements in dashboard design and implementation are warranted to ensure its successful integration into routine clinical practice.

BACKGROUND: Effective primary care necessitates follow-up actions by the patient beyond the visit. Prior research suggests room for improvement in patient adherence. OBJECTIVE: This study sought to understand patients views on their primary care visits, the plans generated therein, and their self-reported adherence after 3 months. METHODS: As part of a large multisite cluster randomized pragmatic trial in 3 health care organizations, patients completed 2 surveys-the first within 7 days after the index primary care visit and another 3 months later. For this analysis of secondary outcomes, we combined the results across all study participants to understand patient adherence to care plans. We recorded patient characteristics and survey responses. Cross-tabulation and chi-square statistics were used to examine bivariate associations, adjusting for multiple comparisons when appropriate. We used multivariable logistic regression to assess how patients intention to follow, agreement, and understanding of their plans impacted their plan adherence, allowing for differences in individual characteristics. Qualitative content analysis was conducted to characterize the patients self-reported plans and reasons for adhering (or not) to the plan 3 months later. RESULTS: Of 2555 patients, most selected the top box option (9=definitely agree) that they felt they had a clear plan (n=2011, 78%), agreed with the plan (n=2049, 80%), and intended to follow the plan (n=2108, 83%) discussed with their provider at the primary care visit. The most common elements of the plans reported included reference to exercise (n=359, 14.1%), testing (laboratory, imaging, etc; n=328, 12.8%), diet (n=296, 11.6%), and initiation or adjustment of medications; (n=284, 11.1%). Patients who strongly agreed that they had a clear plan, agreed with the plan, and intended to follow the plan were all more likely to report plan completion 3 months later (P

South Africa boasts a variety of herbal medicines based on the availability of medicinal plants utilised by diverse communities for healing. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and attitude of Health Sciences students at a South African university, including cohorts of future doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, pharmacists and occupational therapists, towards the use of herbal medicines as alternative medicine. A closed-ended questionnaire was administered to 144 students in their first year of study. The results revealed that all student cohorts had knowledge of herbal medicines with three cohorts expressing reservations about self-treatment. Although most cohorts reported personal use of herbal medicines, they relied on their experiences or colleagues’ recommendations for self-treatment. The cohorts acknowledged the use of herbal products by the industry but perceived limited availability in shopping outlets. Most physiotherapy, nursing and pharmacy students viewed traditional healers as a last resort and were uncertain about choosing a pharmacist or orthodox doctor over a traditional healer who would provide natural remedies such as herbal medicines. Notably, the students emphasised the need for scientific inquiry to validate the use of herbal medicines. Using the three pillars of sustainable development, the findings indicate that the vast majority of all cohorts in this study are aware of the cultural and social contribution that herbal medicines make to sustainable healthcare. A sizeable majority of all cohorts apart from the nursing students appreciate the environmental contribution to sustainable healthcare, but only a minority of all cohorts acknowledge the economic contribution herbal medication can make to sustainable healthcare. The current Health Sciences curriculum does not explicitly include content on the use of indigenous medicines including herbal medicines. Since most of South Africa’s population relies on herbal medicines, it is essential to incorporate these topics into the Health Sciences curriculum, equipping future doctors and allied health professionals with better knowledge and communication skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Motor skills development plays an integral role in preparing kindergarten learners to be ready in a formal school setting. This research assessed the motor skills of kindergarten learners toward formal school readiness. It utilized quantitative descriptive correlational research design. The study was conducted in Bonbon Elementary School, Cebu City with 25 respondents. A researcher-developed survey questionnaires were designed and utilized to gather the needed data. Employing weighted means to get the extent of readiness of the learners as perceived by the teachers and parents and an independent sample T-test in determining the significant relationship. The empirical findings revealed that most teacher respondents were females aged 27-33. They all held Early Childhood Education Degrees, some with master's units. Experienced from 2 to 10 years, with many not attending seminars in ECE while the parent respondents answered the survey questionnaires who are identified as having low monthly income and parents at a young age. The statistical test revealed that there was a significant relationship between fine motor skills and gross motor skills in teachers' and parent's assessment of the skills readiness of the learners. Based on the result, the researcher concludes that parent's support and kindergarten teachers' knowledge, skills, and understanding of what helps strengthen students' motor skills. Thus, the utilization of the enhancement plan is necessary for achieving the total development of kindergarten learners' motor skills for formal school readiness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates senior high school graduates' experiences, perceptions, and outcomes regarding research subjects at Gapok National School. The research employed qualitative methods to gather data from 15 participants, focusing on their reflections on the importance of research subjects, challenges faced, support from teachers and mentors, impacts on academic and career pathways, and suggestions for curriculum improvement. Key findings reveal that research subjects play a crucial role in developing critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and academic readiness among students. Participants highlighted the significant support received from teachers and mentors, which proved instrumental in overcoming challenges such as time management and resource constraints. The study underscores the profound impact of research education on shaping students' academic trajectories and preparing them for future careers. Recommendations for improving research subjects include enhancing resource accessibility, providing early exposure to research concepts, conducting hands-on workshops, and fostering diverse research topics. Practical experiences and improved time management skills are suggested to enhance student engagement and preparedness further. By implementing these recommendations, Gapok National School can enrich the effectiveness and relevance of its research subjects, better-equipping students for higher education and professional endeavors. This study contributes valuable insights into optimizing research education within secondary school settings, ensuring students are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead in their academic and career pursuits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the longest-standing federal programs promoting Active School Transportation (AST) is the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program. In Michigan, this program is funded by the Michigan Department of Transportation and administered by the Michigan Fitness Foundation. This paper assesses the various perceptions affecting AST. First, we look at the SRTS program in Michigan, assessing the differences in perceptions of parents and students regarding walking and biking to/from school. Second, we look at the difference in perceptions between parents living in rural and urban areas regarding the preferred mode of transport to school and the perceived challenges to using active transportation to and from school. Lastly, we look at what other built environment characteristics are associated with the use and perceptions on AST. Using primary data and statistical analyses such as Chi-Squared tests, linear and logistic regressions, we found various associations with AST and discuss the potential policy implications to understand and address the perceived barriers to using it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pharmacists can play a role in enhancing treatment outcomes of autistic people, but they must possess sufficient knowledge and awareness of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Current evidence is scant among Nigerian pharmacists. The objectives of this study were to: (1) Describe and compare Nigerian hospital and community pharmacists' ASD knowledge, awareness, and perceptions; (2) Determine if there is a significant correlation between ASD knowledge, awareness, and perceptions; (3) Determine if demographic and practice-related factors are significantly related to pharmacists' ASD awareness. Method: Hospital and community pharmacists were administered a self-report survey to assess ASD knowledge and awareness, as well as confidence in caring for autistic people, and perceived benefits of ASD training and care. Data were collected from August to December 2021 and analyzed using inferential and descriptive statistics. Cronbach's alphas were used to assess reliability. Results: Of respondents, (Total N = 383; N = 201 hospital pharmacists from various states) and N = 182 community pharmacists in Lagos state) community pharmacists had significantly higher mean knowledge than hospital pharmacists (58.10% ± 19.00% vs 53.20% ± 20.10%; P =.016). Overall mean awareness score was 2.90 ± 0.80, with no significant difference between community and hospital pharmacists (P =.096). Perception regarding ASD continuing education (CE) was strongly correlated with the perceived benefits of pharmacy services to autistic people in Nigeria (r =.69; P <.0001). Additionally, awareness was positively correlated with knowledge (r =.47, P <.0001) and perceived confidence in ASD medication counseling (r =.54, P <.0001). Multivariate analysis revealed that being a hospital pharmacist, having courses on ASD during pharmacy degree programs, undergoing ASD CE, and having <5 years of practice experience were significantly (P < 0.05) associated with higher ASD awareness. Conclusion: Respondents had suboptimal knowledge and awareness of ASD. Including ASD in the pharmacy curriculum and providing CE programs may help improve pharmacists' ability to provide more optimal patient care services for autistic people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractPurposeMaterials and methodsResultsConclusion\nIMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONHealth-related low back pain costs can be direct monetary, indirect monetary, or intangible, non-monetary. The purpose of this review was to identify the intangible, non-monetary costs of low back pain from the perspective of the individual.A scoping review of literature was undertaken. Four databases were searched up to 6th August 2024. Data were charted and coded using deductively derived categories in line with our purpose; additional categories were developed for text that did not fit these categories. Data were analysed using directed content analysis.Forty-six studies met the inclusion criteria. Six categories were derived from the data, which express the experience of the person with low back pain: Perceptions of pain, Experience of healthcare, Becoming defined by low back pain, Life on hold, My social self, and Disrupted work life. Each category explored an aspect of life affected by low back pain.This review highlights that low back pain profoundly affects many areas, with implications for peoples’ personal, social, and work lives. Our findings suggest that suffering can be reduced when healthcare practitioners show empathy and legitimise the lived experience of low back pain, acknowledging the restrictions it imposes on peoples’ lives.Intangible costs of low back pain are less frequently reported than direct or indirect monetary costs, so may be under-recognised in service planning.There needs to be recognition of, and empathy for, the impact low back pain has on all areas of life.The search for a definitive diagnosis from a person with low back pain is frequently caused by a need for legitimisation.Healthcare practitioners need to identify people with low back pain at risk of a poor outcome early in treatment to minimise the risk of chronicity and the concomitant intangible costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Problem-based learning (PBL) is a well-known teaching method which promotes self-directed learning (SDL) in many medical programs worldwide. This study aimed to examine the perceptions of Sudanese physiologists on applying PBL in teaching their physiology courses or sessions. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 82 physiologists (70% of the total Sudanese physiologists). The data were collected using questionnaires that included questions about attitudes towards, effectiveness of, and barriers to PBL implementation. The internal reliability of the questionnaire (over 0.7) was good, as measured by Cronbach's alpha. The Mann‒Whitney U test, Kruskal–Wallis test, multiple linear regression and correlation (Spearman) analysis were performed to assess various factors associated with physiologists' perceptions of the research domains. Results: Physiologists generally had a positive attitude (overall score percentage of 76.9 ± 23.97%) towards PBL compared to other teaching methods and had good perceptions of the effects of PBL (overall score percentage of 77.1 ± 25.13%) on the student learning process. Furthermore, physiologists had a notable knowledge gap about common challenges affecting PBL application (overall score percentage was 56.93 ± 19.43%) at their relevant institutes. Physiologists' perceptions of common factors affecting PBL application were significantly related to participants currently working inside or outside Sudan (p value = 0.010) and applying PBL at their relevant institutes (p value = 0.008). In addition, the attitude score was significantly associated with the current workplace (governmental/private) classification (B= -14.083, p = 0.031). Additionally, attitude toward PBL had a significant positive correlation with age (r = 0.233, p = 0.005) and the perception score of PBL's effects on students' learning processes (r = 0.788, p < 0.001). Conclusion: In general, physiologists have good attitudes towards and perceptions of PBL's effectiveness, although they are unaware of the main challenges that PBL faces. The findings of this study can help the Federal Ministry of Higher Education make informed decisions about how to improve teaching methodology by implementing such novel approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Viral suppression is a critical component for preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV(MTCT). Mothers' perceptions of viral load suppression is crucial in the attainment of successful outcomes in preventing mother to child transmission of HIV. We therefore aimed to explore the experiences and perceptions of women on viral suppression. Methods: This was a qualitative sub-study embedded in a cluster-randomized trial (NCT04122144) designed to improve viral load outcomes among pregnant and breastfeeding mothers living with HIV in four level III/IV health facilities in South-western Uganda. Thirty-two in-depth interviews were conducted with pregnant and breastfeeding women with HIV from 1st March 2020 to 30th September 2020 to explore their understanding and interpretation of viral suppression. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and coded in Dedoose software for analysis. Results: A total of 32 Women living with HIV were enrolled in this qualitative study. WLHIV explained viral suppression in the context of attaining good health and having HIV-free babies. Adherence to ART was presented as a key avenue to viral suppression. The level of engagement with providers was presented as a key attribute of attaining viral suppression. The participants narrated their experiences with viral load testing within the routine services. However, they revealed experiencing some proximate barriers to suppression including anticipated stigma, challenges with non-disclosure of HIV status, pregnancy distress, and distance to the health facility. Conclusion: The understanding and interpretation of viral suppression among pregnant and breastfeeding mothers living with HIV provides a basis for adopting behaviors leading to prevention of vertical transmission of HIV. Health care workers can support women by providing clear and culturally appropriate education about viral suppression, adherence strategies and creating a supportive and non-judgmental environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Palliative care (PC) has been shown to benefit patients with metastatic cancer by managing symptoms, improving quality of life, and facilitating advance care planning. Despite this, PC is often misunderstood and underutilized. Objective: To deepen our understanding of PC barriers seen among the spine metastasis population. Design/Setting: Between March 2021 and August 2022, people with metastatic spine tumors (MSTs) at a multidisciplinary oncology clinic were administered a survey on PC prior to their scheduled appointment. These responses were compared with the Health Information National Trends Survey 5 (HINTS 5), which is a validated survey created by the National Cancer Institute between February and June of 2020. Chi-squared statistical analysis was used. Results: Fifty-six people with MST were compared with 3795 patients from the HINTS 5 database. People with MST reported a significantly higher baseline understanding of PC when compared with the general population (GP) (chi-squared = 34.4, p = <0.0001). People with MST had a higher frequency of disagreement with the statement "PC is equivalent with death" when compared with the GP (chi-squared = 12.8, p = 0.0124). Over 25% of the MST group reported no understanding of PC. Conclusion: MST patients are often referred to PC services due to the extreme symptom burden of their disease. Based on this study, in comparison to the GP, people with MST tended to have a more accurate and well-adjusted perception of the goals and functions of PC. Although reassuring, there remains a high proportion of patients who have no knowledge of PC, and groups erroneously associated PC with hospice status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study was to examine expectations, perceptions and attitudes about dietetics services among the Australian and New Zealand public, to provide insights for building a future dietetics workforce that will meet consumer needs. Methods: A cross‐sectional, anonymous, online survey was employed to gain perspectives of a representative sample of Australian and New Zealand adults. Questions were purposely designed to collect views regarding sources of dietary information, expectations of dietetics service providers and factors influencing choice of dietetics service provider. Data were analysed descriptively and using Pearson's chi‐square test to assess relationships between categorical variables. Free‐text responses were analysed using content analysis. Results: Of 2601 respondents, approximately one third (32%) had seen a dietitian. Doctors were the most trusted sources of dietary information (87%), particularly with participants over 60 years (χ(1) = 44.168, V = 0.130, p < 0.001). Cost was the most frequently reported factor influencing choice of dietetics services (56%), with 88% of respondents interested in accessing a dietitian, preferably in‐person (64%), if they could do so for no cost. Participants anticipated that dietitians would offer services like meal plans (59%) and nutritional analysis (48%) as well as weight and other body measurements (56%). Some expectations such as blood tests (54%) were outside the usual scope of dietetic practice. Conclusion: The results of this study have implications for practising dietitians, dietetics educators, and funders of dietetics services. Cost as a barrier suggests that advocacy to government for funding type, duration and number of visits to dietitians is still required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mindfulness has received increased attention recently in educational contexts as a tool helping students mitigate negative emotions, enhance resilience, reduce classroom anxiety, and improve academic performance. Although interventions that teach mindfulness principles have flourished in elementary school and university contexts, limited research has investigated the effects of interventions in educational contexts for English language learning. This study investigates student perceptions of the effectiveness of mindfulness interventions in an intensive English program for non-matriculated university students where teachers taught a 65-minute mindfulness lesson once a week for 13 weeks in addition to their normal English language curriculum. Six teachers and 107 English language learners participated. Teachers were given the flexibility to decide how best to incorporate the mindfulness interventions into their lessons. Survey and focus group data were collected. The qualitative comments were analyzed following a phenomenological approach to understand how students perceived their individual learning experiences. Students' overall reaction to the mindfulness interventions was positive; they highlighted benefits to both their emotional toolbox and their classroom experience. Implications of this research incorporating mindfulness instruction into the ESL classroom are also included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents our recent experience studying public perceptions, discourses, and social values in Park Beverin, a Regional Nature Park in Switzerland. We applied four social research methods (news media analysis, survey with micro‐narratives, go‐along interviews, and focus groups), and delved into the subject of wolf Canis lupus adapting a triangulation protocol and systematic process from the health sciences. We observed the recurring perceptions of 'wolf' throughout three of the four methods; however, depictions, values, prominence, and presence varied by method. Social values of the wolf were mostly silent when compared to other topics, and 'wolf amplification' and 'wolf fatigue' point to the need to rethink the social aspects in wolf management, conservation, and policy. The findings also show the need for diverse research methods for revealing social values and perceptions on sensitive topics that otherwise the use of one method may be masking or amplifying. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water security as a concept recognizes the profound connections between the physical and social aspects of water. Yet, water security research features limited perspectives from two disciplines directly concerned with human behavior—the behavioral and psychological sciences. This review aims to characterize the main areas of research on water (including floods and droughts) which do feature concepts and methods from the behavioral and psychological sciences, discuss knowledge gaps, and draw attention to their potential to contribute to water‐related research. Bibliometric mapping of published water research identifies five research clusters and associated sub‐clusters: risk perception and flood, climate change and drought, water quality and water conservation, drinking water and bottled water, and mental health and WASH. A summary of research in each cluster and sub‐cluster highlights the application of many conceptual frameworks and behavioral determinants associated with water‐related behavior. Few articles focus on the role of governance or structural factors, and studies in low‐ and middle‐income countries are less represented in some clusters. The discussion considers the scope to apply higher level organizing frameworks for structuring behavioral and psychological science applications in water security and for exploring synergies with the physical and wider social sciences. In conclusion, further engagement with behavioral and psychological science within, between, and beyond the clusters identified here, could potentially deepen understanding of human–water interactions and enhance the design of measures to promote water security. This article is categorized under:Human Water > Water GovernanceHuman Water > Water as Imagined and RepresentedScience of Water > Water and Environmental Change [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research study investigated how clubs hosted in public libraries can affect the ways in which attendees of these clubs perceive and use libraries. Interviews were conducted with 15 library club attendees. Participants tended to be using library services more often – and in different ways – due to their attendance of library clubs. Interviewees believed that the library had become more relaxed over time, and that the purpose of public libraries went beyond a focus on books. These findings suggest that library clubs might lead to attendees expanding their ideas of the role libraries can play in their lives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This case study contributes to the research on the environmental beliefs of extractive industry workers in an illiberal populist regime. This research is based on semi-structured interviews with logging sector workers of the Russian Northwest—a severely understudied population directly involved in resource extraction. The data shows that these workers understand forestland as two separate localities: the northwestern region of Russia, in which the loggers have expertise and knowledge, and the rest of the country, in which workers don't have any work or travel experience. This division facilitates a process of hybridization of populist environmental narratives on one hand, and loggers' science-supported knowledge and experiences on the other. This hybridization of the workers' beliefs is anchored in, and perpetuated by, Russia's state-controlled media and its modern authoritarian populist regime. This research offers policy implications and encourages future studies on the politicization of the environment and resources in authoritarian populist states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In view of increased support for a rightwing populist (RWP) party and marketization of the Swedish welfare state, here we study local politicians' and voters' perceptions of welfare service privatization. We specifically ask whether such perceptions form coherent attitudinal profiles, linked to partisanship and left-right ideology. Using survey data focusing on the views of local politicians and voters in Sweden, we analyze perceptions of potential consequences of privatization and apply cluster analysis to examine whether and how such perceptions are interlinked. The results show that two distinct and contrasting latent profiles can be identified based on the underlying pattern across eight indicators. A large majority displays these profiles, which are closely connected to partisanship and ideology. Moreover, an ambivalent profile is identified. Contrary to expectations, views expressed by RWP politicians and voters are mainly aligned with the coherent profile associated with social democrats but also to a lesser extent the ambivalent profile. Thus, there appears to be a duality in RWP politicians' and voters' perceptions of welfare service privatization, suggesting that the potential impact of increased support for an RWP party on the future development of welfare service delivery in Sweden is not clear-cut. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Student enrolment in higher education is increasing, as are enrolments in non-traditional pathways, such as degree completion programs, particularly those that are offered online. These changes have shifted the nature of student learning needs and perceptions. Therefore, stakeholders in higher education need a greater understanding of the drivers and obstacles to degree completion from the student point of view, especially in online degree completion programs. Beyond overall and subgroup insights into online degree seeking motivations and other factors, our findings revealed that (1) there is a mismatch between student goals and perceived employer needs, (2) many students expected modest financial gains upon completion, and (3) the primary barrier of continuing higher education was balancing education and life responsibilities. The findings are useful for administrators, faculty, and other stakeholders involved in the recruitment of online degree completion program students and the design of online courses and curricula for this audience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the first time in history, the Olympic Games were postponed due to the dissemination of the new coronavirus, which has physically and psychologically affected all involved in sports. Understanding how Olympic and Paralympic athletes experienced this crisis was of utmost importance in this context. The current article aimed to explore the experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic and the postponement of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Portuguese Olympic and Paralympic athletes, focusing on their perceptions and emotions. Therefore, using a qualitative methodology, data were collected through semi-structured online interviews with 15 athletes (M = 29,9 ± 5,5 years) from both sexes (nmale = 9), including 13 Olympic athletes and two Paralympic athletes of various sports. Overall, the content analysis suggested that participants had multiple perceptions regarding the postponement, which impacted their social and personal life and their sports careers, affecting both training and competition. More importantly, results seem to suggest that although the postponement of the Olympic Games negatively affected athletes, it was also perceived as an opportunity for growth and development. Regarding emotional reactions, athletes reported more negatively-toned emotions, especially anxiety, while also mentioning positively-toned emotions. This one-time event created an opportunity to study the situation from the athletes' points of view. The results reassure the individual, dynamic, and complex nature of athletes' experience. Findings may also provide important cues to help athletes and sports agents deal with other stressful events, regardless of their level of competition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to examine preschool teachers' practices of online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 389 preschool teachers from 48 preschools (governmental, experimental, private, and international) in greater Cairo, Egypt responded to a survey in the Fall semester of 2021/2022. The survey was comprised of seven subscales (45 items) that represented teachers' online practices during the pandemic. The multiple linear regression analysis showed that teachers' online learning practices in private and international schools outperformed those in other schools. Teachers who have a teaching experience (11–20 years) outperformed other teachers. Teachers who had training related to online learning showed better practices than other teachers who had not. The multivariate analysis of variance showed that there are statistically significant differences according to the type of school. The study results highlight the need to enhance teachers' online practices during the pandemic to maximise preschool students' learning gains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Global research on gender bias has highlighted key trends in discrimination and inequality across various fields, including medicine. In Lebanon, a nation celebrated for its diverse cultural landscape and increasing female representation in medical education, there has been a notable absence of studies exploring gender dynamics in the medical profession. Methods: To address this gap, we conducted a cross-sectional study using an online survey to explore the Lebanese population's perceptions towards female physicians and the quality of care they provide. Results: The mean age of the study sample (n = 330) was 31.55 ± 10.07 years and included 114 females and 216 males. Most respondents had received care from a female physician. Notably, those who selected female physicians as their family doctors or had female doctors within their immediate family displayed a stronger tendency to engage in annual medical check-ups. While most respondents did not express any preference for the gender of their general practitioner or surgeon, there was a marked preference for female obstetricians/gynecologists, psychiatrists, pediatricians, and dermatologists. This preference was attributed to perceptions of female physicians being particularly compassionate, understanding, and proficient in communication. Conclusion: This study represents a groundbreaking contribution to understanding gender perceptions in the Lebanese medical field. It highlights the growing trust and positive regard for female physicians, underscoring the significant role in shaping healthcare experiences and outcomes in Lebanon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the effect of extraversion and DIAMONDS situation characteristics, including Duty, Intellect, Adversity, Mating, Positivity, Negativity, Deception, and Sociality, on state happiness among Chinese participants. With a daily diary design, Study 1 established the relation between extraversion and daily happiness. With an experience sampling design, Study 2 not only replicated the positive relation between extraversion and state happiness, but also extend this conclusion by examining the effects of DIAMONDS situation characteristics on momentary happiness. Specifically, mating, positivity and sociality positively predicted momentary happiness, whereas adversity, negativity and deception negatively predicted momentary happiness. Duty and intellect were not related to momentary happiness. Interactions between extraversion and situation characteristics were also examined. Implications and limitations of this research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social situations can present challenges for those looking to reduce or avoid eating meat. In an experimental vignette study with a large representative sample of 1,117 UK-based meat eaters, we explore affective responses to requests for vegetarian meals and perceptions of those making the request across four social situations: a BBQ, a pub, a restaurant dinner, and a dinner party. We examine moderators of these perceptions including whether the requester presents themselves as vegetarian or a meat restrictor and whether they cite health, environmental or no motives for their request. Overall, we find that these moderators have a greater impact on meat eaters' perceptions of the requester than on their affective responses to the request. We also find that these outcomes are more impacted by the mention of motives than they are diet type. Standout findings include evidence that people citing environmental motives for their vegetarian meal request are perceived more negatively, while those with health motives are perceived more positively. We also identify substantial heterogeneity across the respondents' levels of meat attachment: those who are more attached to meat have more negative perceptions of vegetarian meal requesters and experience higher negative affect and lower positive affect in response to the request. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractBackgroundAims/objectivesMaterials and methodsResultsConclusions and significance\nIMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONOccupational therapists have long been recognized for their expertise in welfare technology use, particularly in the context of dementia care. Despite this advanced training, however, there is often a gap between their knowledge of available technologies and the frequency with which they recommend these tools to individuals with dementia.This study explores the perspectives of occupational therapists on the recommendations of welfare technologies for individuals with dementia.A survey was created with the assistance of an expert group in a Swedish municipality. The survey consisted of 26 questions (demographics, background/workload, perceptions of welfare technologies, accessibility/information and knowledge on how and when to use, and initiation of contact and recommendation frequency) and was distributed to 60 occupational therapists within the selected municipality. We received a total of 29 responses. The responses were then analyzed qualitatively for meaningful insights across various themes. Using an encoding scheme, a statistical analysis of the responses was performed to uncover potential trends in the distribution of the responses.Results indicate positive perceptions of welfare technologies by occupational therapists, but a low frequency of recommendations for individuals with dementia.Based on the results, we find it important to advocate for more educational opportunities for occupational therapists regarding welfare technologies and improved organizational structures that promote their understanding and ultimately benefits of recommending welfare technologies to individuals with dementia.Occupational therapists generally hold positive perceptions of welfare technologies. However, this positivity does not correlate with the frequency of recommending these technologies to people with dementia and their relatives.Time seems to be a factor potentially hindering occupational therapists’ engagement in further educational opportunities.Contact with occupational therapists typically begins at a moderate level of dementia, which may impede the utilization of welfare technologies by people with dementia and their relatives.Despite their positive perceptions of welfare technologies for people with dementia, occupational therapists maintain a conservative approach, resulting in a low frequency of recommending these technologies.Occupational therapists generally hold positive perceptions of welfare technologies. However, this positivity does not correlate with the frequency of recommending these technologies to people with dementia and their relatives.Time seems to be a factor potentially hindering occupational therapists’ engagement in further educational opportunities.Contact with occupational therapists typically begins at a moderate level of dementia, which may impede the utilization of welfare technologies by people with dementia and their relatives.Despite their positive perceptions of welfare technologies for people with dementia, occupational therapists maintain a conservative approach, resulting in a low frequency of recommending these technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experiential learning and discovery through farmer field schools (FFS) have the potential to empower smallholder livestock farmers who face heightened vulnerability to climate change. However, there are various levels of learning and discovery in FFS that can inform smallholder livestock farmer knowledge and perception. Understanding this is vital, as farmers' perceptions influence their readiness to adopt climate-smart practices, informing effective resilience-building strategies. Therefore, this study sought to investigate and assess the impact of the FFS approach on smallholder livestock farmers' perceptions of climate change, taking Raymond Local Municipality in South Africa as a case. The design followed by the study was a longitudinal survey, with three pools each signifying various FFS intervention points. The study utilized simple random sampling to collect data from 80 smallholder livestock farmers using structured questionnaires in each of the three cross-sectional pools, while descriptive statistics, Min–Max Normalization, and t-tests were used for analysis. The results show that there was an increase in the awareness of climate change due to the interventions of the FFS. Furthermore, there are cumulative differences between the knowledge and perception towards climate change between the three pooled cross-sections. In conclusion, participating in FFS had a significant impact on farmers' level of understanding and adaptation to climate change. The study recommends that the government and policymakers extensively promote FFS and support them financially so that they can provide more support to rural farmers as well as enhance knowledge on climate change. This study recommends the provision of workshops and awareness campaigns on climate change for farmers through FFS as this will assist farmers to be more sustainable on their farming systems and production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the IELTS speaking test assesses English verbal-communication competence accurately and reliably, its traditional, retroactive scoring framework stops short of providing detailed diagnostic information about individual test-takers' specific domains of proficiency or deficiency. This study employed a cognitive diagnostic assessment (CDA) framework, grounded in cognitive psychology and diagnostic, formative feedback theories, to identify the specific cognitive (sub)skills and attributes required to successfully perform on the IELTS speaking test and examine the test-takers' perceptions regarding the CDA and IELTS-speaking-assessment interface. The purpose was to integrate CDA and feedback literacy into the IELTS assessment. Adopting a cognitive/psychometric perspective, we conceptualized language proficiency as encompassing separate cognitive subskills that can be systematically measured and diagnosed. To this end, we analyzed speaking data from 500 pre-IELTS candidates and conducted 20 expert interviews. The thematic analysis employed through the MAXQDA software helped identify five specific subskills related to the IELTS speaking test. Using a similar thematic analysis procedure, we extracted five perceptive themes regarding an integrated IELTS-CDA framework from the interview data of 151 participants. The results have important implications for the practicality and efficacy of employing CDA to improve IELTS speaking interpretation and feedback. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the relationship between economic dependence on China and foreign policy preferences towards China. The authors argue that public perceptions play a significant role in shaping these preferences, even more so than economic realities. The study analyzes public opinion data from 54 countries and finds that perceptions outweigh economic realities in shaping preferences, with the effects of economic dependence varying among national populations. The authors emphasize the need to consider the disconnect between perceptions and material realities when studying China's international influence. The article also discusses the impact of media consumption and belief in disinformation on these perceptions, and concludes by highlighting the policy implications of the findings. The text includes a list of references and citations from various academic sources, providing valuable information for library patrons conducting research on related topics. [Extracted from the article]

Existing research on inclusive STEM-focused high schools (ISHSs) has focused on the design and implementation of ISHSs at the school-level, along with the positive effects of ISHSs on STEM course taking, college majoring, and STEM career orientations. Missing from the literature are studies that foreground the perspectives and voices of students of color and their perceptions of science and scientists from asset-based, critical perspectives. Thus, the purpose of this qualitative case study is to document the perceptions of science and scientists among racially, ethnically, and linguistically minoritized ninth graders at an urban, inclusive STEM-focused high school in a mid-sized, northeastern city in the United States, along with the contexts, sources, and associated experiences informing these perceptions. Iterative cycles of inductive and deductive coding and domain analysis, informed by theoretical perspectives on ecological systems and Discourses, revealed paradoxical perceptions. Students viewed science as a body of knowledge, testing and experimenting, a life-enhancing discovery, building on background information, and connected with other disciplines and everywhere. Students' perceptions of scientists were both stereotypical and expansive, including that scientists are smart and serious; use science equipment and gear in traditional lab contexts; and are creative, curious, and open-minded. While students primarily identified deceased White males as scientists, three girls of color mentioned counter-stereotypical women and people of color when they thought of science. Students noted that science field trips and after school programs, as well as science in the media and school, informed their perceptions. These findings suggest that despite reform efforts such as Science for All, very little has changed regarding conceptions of science and scientists. What is more, these findings are troubling when minoritized students at an ISHS continue to replicate status quo perceptions of science and scientists. This study has implications for practice, research, and policy related to building on and extending these views in more critically conscious and equity-oriented ways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Informal social protection interventions are instrumental in improving people's welfare through fostering income growth and enabling self‐sufficiency. Whereas the success of some informal social protection initiatives has been acknowledged and documented, there is limited knowledge of the factors influencing the performance of informal social protection initiatives, especially in developing countries like Uganda. In this study, we identify and isolate the perceived factors influencing the performance of informal social protection initiatives. We use exploratory factor analysis on a sample of 130 beneficiaries of two informal social protection interventions in the Alebtong and Kampala districts of Uganda. Findings reveal that the performance of informal social protection interventions is perceived to be influenced by three categories of factors, collectively accounting for 62.4% of the total dataset variance which is more than the threshold of 50%. The factors are beneficiary empowerment, welfare enhancement and coverage and equality. Each factor encompasses a cluster of variables that collectively capture the essential dimensions of individual perceptions concerning the effect of informal social protection initiatives. This research offers valuable insights into how the beneficiaries perceive informal social protection initiatives, shedding light on the nuanced factors contributing to their effectiveness in Uganda. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To explore perceptions of annual surveillance with magnetic resonance imaging and perceptions of care during the examination among women with a hereditary risk of breast cancer. Design: Phenomenography. Methods: Fourteen face‐to‐face interviews using a semi‐structured interview guide were conducted among women undergoing surveillance in the southern region of Sweden. A seven‐step phenomenographic analysis with investigator triangulation was performed. Results: 'Considering own risk of developing breast cancer', 'Entrusting oneself to surveillance' and 'Living in a cycle' represented descriptive categories of perceptions. Family narratives introduced comprehension of own risk of breast cancer, followed by appraisal of own benefits of participating in surveillance. Entrusting oneself to surveillance included handing over management of diagnostic examinations and dealing with practical issues and diverse emotions related to surveillance. Planning life based around surveillance, struggling with fluctuating emotions, also between the examinations and questioning own identity implied the perception of living in a cycle. Conclusion: Surveillance for hereditary breast cancer implies living in a cycle of dealing with fluctuating emotions and planning life based around surveillance. Comprehension of one's own risk for breast cancer arises from awareness in the family. Women value the surveillance programme and trust the healthcare system. Implication for the Profession and Patient Care: Knowledge of women's perceptions of the surveillance programme and care is vital for supporting women in their decision‐making on attendance and providing person‐centred care during surveillance. Impact: A gap in explorative studies from the perspective of the individual woman in the context of surveillance for breast cancer and care in magnetic resonance imaging in surveillance was addressed. 'Considering own risk of developing breast cancer', 'Entrusting oneself to surveillance' and 'Living in a cycle' represented women's perceptions of surveillance and care. The study results have implications for person‐centred care among women in the surveillance programme. Patient or Public Contribution: No patient or public contribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

School readiness has a profound educational value for children's positive adjustment to primary school and holistic development. However, little research sufficiently addresses how young children view multifaceted components of learning, such as cognitive, affective and behavioural experiences on school readiness. A timely understanding of children's perceptions and experiences is crucial to shed light on how to promote transition and improve children's school readiness. This study investigated the perceptions and experiences of 41 children in China (5–6 years of age, 23 girls) regarding their school readiness based on Mosaic approach methods. The results indicated that young children have their own unique perceptions, emotional and behavioural experiences of school readiness. The perceptions of school readiness include four aspects of material supplies, subjects knowledge, interests and specialties and behavioural habits, which has similarities to that of adults in aspects of academic knowledge and social rules. Nevertheless, findings revealed young children view interests and strengths as important part of school readiness, reflecting their personal preferences and abilities. The emotional experiences could be considered positive or negative, with positive emotional experiences expressing children's curiosity and expectation, fulfilment and pleasure, and negative emotional experiences expressing academic burden, rules pressure and social worries, which need to be addressed. Young children's behavioural experiences with school readiness present two patterns of passive acceptance and active participation, they are eager to participate in activities and have a strong desire to explore and learn. Our findings extend beyond existing conception of school readiness, and give greater weight to children's interests and strengths, positive experiences and active participation. It is important to focus on children's intrinsic interests and strengths, accept children's ideas and choices, care for their emotional state and provide positive support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sleep hygiene behaviours are a suggested set of behaviours people can engage in to improve sleep. However, there are numerous issues relating to the measurement of sleep hygiene, primarily, the lack of consensus as to which behaviours impact sleep and should therefore be included in scales. Method: Cross-sectional correlational methods were used to assess the association between sleep quality, a highly inclusive range of sleep hygiene behaviours, and individual perceptions of those behaviours in a non-clinical sample of 300 participants. Results: Of the 35 sleep hygiene behaviours assessed, 18 were independently associated with sleep quality. Post-hoc factor analysis revealed that behaviours clustered together across four factors. A 'routine' factor included behaviours such as going to bed and waking up at the same time each night, and were important predictors of sleep quality, as were behaviours belonging to the 'perseverative cognition' and 'negative emotionality' factor. Other behaviours related to physiological processes like exposure to sunlight during the day and going to bed hungry were also significantly associated with sleep. Negative perceptions moderated the relationship between daytime exposure to sunlight and sleep. Conclusions: Although certain behaviours were significantly related to sleep, almost half were not, supporting the need to examine the association between sleep and behaviours used for sleep hygiene recommendations more critically. Reframing sleep hygiene recommendations into a condensed set of shared underlying mechanisms may be of benefit for the development of sleep hygiene scales and interventions in non-clinical populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Virtual care centres (VCCs) are novel wards of hospitals and facilitate the provision of remote monitoring and home-based patient care. Whereas since the COVID-19 pandemic VCCs have rapidly emerged, there is no standardised framework for the development and implementation of VCCs. To develop such a framework, insight in current experiences of employment in VCCs is needed. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore nurses' perceptions and experiences of working in VCCs. Results: Between February and July 2023, semi-structured online interviews were conducted with thirteen nurses (age 45 ± 8 years) from four VCCs in the Netherlands. Interviews were thematically analysed using a six-stage approach, yielding six themes of nurses' perceptions and experiences of working in VCCs: 1)' Changing role of nurses', especially in the patient-professional relationship, transformation of care and communication; 2)'Clinical perspective of nurses', need for general medical knowledge and use of data in relation to nurses' clinical perspective, 3)'Education and training', need to keep nurses' knowledge up-to-date and create time for education; 4)'Organisation of care', nurses' role in the development of protocols and need for sufficient technological preconditions; 5)'Cooperation with other healthcare professionals', consisted of the collaboration with and needed support by other healthcare professionals to organize and provide care to VCC patients; 6)'Experienced effects of VCCs' included advantages and disadvantages of VCCs for the nurses, patients and the hospital. Themes were mapped onto the Capability, Opportunity and Motivation of Behaviour (COM-B) model where all themes included components of capability, opportunity and motivation. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the importance of considering COM-B components of nurses' work in VCCs. Due to the changing roles of nurses in VCCs, there are evolving educational needs in to communicate with patients and colleagues, and the use of data to support their clinical view, as well as providing technological optimisations to further support nurses' work and the VCCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Research has indicated potentially neutral or even positive cognitive effects of e-cigarette usage in adults, but whether these findings extend to adolescents remains uncertain. This study aimed to examine the interplay between e-cigarette use, mind wandering and self-efficacy, and mood. Method: The responses of 432 adolescents aged 11-18 years from an online survey were analyzed. Among them, 88 adolescents had used e-cigarettes. Results: Adolescents who have used e-cigarettes reported poorer academic self-efficacy, t (430) = 3.26, 95% CI [1.12, 4.51], p < 0.001; greater mind-wandering tendencies t(430) = −3.38, 95% CI [-4.14, −1.10], p < 0.001; and greater severity of depression, t(430) = −3.38, p < 0.001, anxiety t(430) = −2.67, p = 0.01, and stress t(430) = −3.32, p <.001. Increased frequency of e-cigarette use was also associated with attitudes toward e-cigarette use, r (86) = 0.31, p = 0.003 and lower academic self-efficacy, r (86) = −0.27, p =.010. However, there was no significant correlation between frequency of use and mind-wandering. Further network analysis suggested negative relationships between frequency of e-cigarette use, academic self-efficacy and mind-wandering. Conclusion: Our findings suggest a potential adverse impact of e-cigarette use on mind-wandering and academic confidence among adolescents. However, the direct or indirect relationship between e-cigarette use and these effects could not be definitively determined due to the cross-sectional survey design employed in our study. Nonetheless, our findings underscore the importance of considering developmental differences and the unique vulnerabilities of adolescents when assessing the impact of e-cigarette use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a lack of understanding about public opinions of artists in the United States, thereby impeding stakeholders' ability to empirically inform policy decisions and advocacy relevant to artists. Using novel, nationally representative survey data, this study provides insights on U.S. public opinion of artists during the first two years of the COVID pandemic. We find a decline in the percent of adults who engaged with artists in their local communities over these years, but that perceptions of artists' roles in local communities remained steady; the opinion that artists make communities better places to live varies by socio-demographics and is positively associated with perceptions of artists as workers, collaborators, and as bringing attention to community concerns; and that over half of the U.S. adult population suggests that artists can uniquely contribute to healing from the pandemic. This study demonstrates means to empirically inform policy decisions and advocacy relevant to artists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peer recovery coaches (PRCs), direct service providers with lived experience in recovery, are a growing sector of the substance use workforce. As rates of cannabis use increase nationwide, including among treatment-seeking populations, many PRCs will work with clients who wish to use cannabis for medical or recreational purposes. This study explores how PRCs perceive the use of cannabis among clients in treatment or recovery services. Semi-structured phone interviews were completed with 28 PRCs in Michigan. Inductive thematic analysis was used to document PRCs' perceptions of client cannabis use, including overall trends, potential benefits, and concerns. While participants indicated a desire to support clients' autonomy, and many were able to identify potential benefits of cannabis use, they also expressed concerns about the quality of clients' recovery and difficulties managing personal biases. Findings highlight key areas for training and technical assistance to assist PRCs in their work with clients who use cannabis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To identify perceptions, attitudes, behaviours and barriers to effective obesity care among people living with obesity (PLwO) and healthcare professionals (HCPs) across mainland China. Materials and Methods: ACTION‐China (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05428501) was a cross‐sectional, observational, descriptive, online survey‐based study of 7000 PLwO and 1000 HCPs (conducted between August and November 2022). Results: The majority of PLwO (76.8% [5374/7000]) and HCPs (94.6% [946/1000]) agreed that obesity is a chronic disease. Only 40.8% of PLwO (2853/7000) had discussed their weight or talked about losing weight with an HCP in the past 5 years. The most frequent reason given by PLwO for not discussing weight management with an HCP was believing it was their responsibility to manage their weight (34.7% [2430/7000]), whereas the most frequent reason HCPs gave for not discussing obesity with their patients with obesity was having more important health issues to discuss (72.1% [721/1000]). A smaller proportion of PLwO (19.1%) than HCPs (53.6%) felt that weight management discussions with an HCP would be very or extremely helpful for the patient, and 30.7% of PLwO experienced negative feelings after their most recent discussion. Overall, 34.8% (2438/7000) of PLwO had been diagnosed with obesity by an HCP, while 30.0% (2101/7000) of PLwO did not recognize that they had obesity. Conclusions: This large, national survey conducted among PLwO and HCPs highlights key barriers to effective obesity care in China, including underestimation of weight status by PLwO and the need for increased communication between HCPs and PLwO regarding weight management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the representation of diversity in STEM picture books for the primary grades. Research suggests that the inclusion or exclusion of various identities contributes to how children view their potential and sense of belonging, which can shape their STEM identity. Children often view books with the lens of understanding what role they can and cannot inhabit based on the characters they see represented within the pages of a book. Results indicated that primary STEM books had an absence of cultural specificity across all categories examined, showing relative invisibility for many groups of individuals. The authors conclude that there needs to be more intentionality related to culturally responsive pedagogy, pairing books with additional research that diversifies the curriculum and stimulates STEM dispositions in students, building bridges between cultures, teaching, and learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]