Examining the Mechanisms Underlying the Persuasive Effects of User-Initiated Customisation on Attitudes Toward Health Behaviours

In Serbia, the highest incidence rates of sexually transmitted infections (STI) are recorded among young adults. Students enter medical studies with limited knowledge about STIs and HIV because there is an absence of reproductive health education in schools. The study aim was to evaluate the association of HIV and STI-related knowledge with attitudes toward people living with HIV and condom use among medical students. This cross-sectional study was conducted in the spring of 2023. Medical students in the first and the fifth year at the Belgrade University completed an anonymous online questionnaire about knowledge of HIV/STIs, attitudes toward people living with HIV (PLWH) and condom use. Data were assessed using the adjusted linear, quantile, and logistic regression models. Overall, 402 students responded (229 in the first and 173 in the fifth year). The total knowledge score was higher among older students (median 12 vs. 9 out of 14, p = 0.001), but no difference in attitudes toward PLWH was observed (12 vs. 12 out of 19, p = 0.128). Knowledge score only at the 90th percentile was associated with stronger positive attitudes toward PLWH. No difference in condom use at last sexual intercourse was observed (62% in first year vs. 54% in fifth year, p = 0.184). Being female, not being partnered, not practicing anal sex, having some type of sex education, and not binge drinking were associated with condom use at last sexual intercourse. Only students who had the highest level of knowledge on STIs and HIV were more likely to foster positive attitudes toward PLWH. However, neither high knowledge nor positive attitudes increased condom use. Condom use remains suboptimal among medical students. It is recommended that some forms of informal sex education be introduced to secondary and higher education institutions.

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a complex neurological condition that significantly affects emotional, social, and cognitive development. Its diverse manifestations can disrupt communication and learning, presenting notable challenges for clinical intervention. Despite its relevance, SPD continues to be under-recognized within the domain of speech language pathology. The present study assesses the awareness, knowledge, and attitudes toward sensory processing and its disorders among practicing Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs) in Maharashtra and examines how these vary based on factors such as educational qualification, work setting, area of expertise, and years of experience. A cross-sectional descriptive research design was employed. Data were collected via an online survey using a validated questionnaire, where 100 SLPs with a minimum of six months’ clinical experience completed the survey. Participants demonstrated moderate levels of awareness and knowledge, coupled with a generally positive attitude toward SPD. Neither educational background nor years of experience significantly influenced these domains. However, notable differences in knowledge were observed across workplace settings, with SLPs employed in hospitals and private clinics reporting higher knowledge scores. The area of expertise was also found to influence awareness levels. Enhanced knowledge in hospital and private practice settings suggested that exposure to diverse clinical cases and interdisciplinary collaboration may be critical for developing clinical competence in SPD. Despite strong positive attitudes, limited implementation suggests gaps in training and resources. Higher awareness among adult-focused SLPs challenges common assumptions, highlighting the need for practical, interdisciplinary training to bridge the gap between knowledge and application.

This study aims to analyze the relationship between attitudes toward mental health and help-seeking behavior among psychology students at Nusa Cendana University. The participants consisted of 217 active students aged 18-24, selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using questionnaires measuring attitudes toward mental health and help-seeking behavior, which were then analyzed using Pearson product-moment correlation. The findings indicate that the majority of respondents (77.4%) exhibit a positive attitude toward mental health, while 22.6% hold negative attitudes, reflecting stigma and barriers to help-seeking. The results also demonstrate a significant positive relationship between attitudes toward mental health and help-seeking behavior (r = 0.269; p < 0.05). This suggests that a positive attitude toward mental health contributes to an increased likelihood of students seeking support, whether informally from friends and family or formally from professional services. The study concludes that positive attitudes toward mental health can influence students' help-seeking behavior. The recommendation from this research is to promote ongoing education to reduce stigma and improve mental health literacy, enabling students to seek support more openly when facing mental health challenges. Keywords: attitudes toward mental health, help-seeking behavior, psychology students, Nusa Cendana University, stigma

HIV-related stigma could delay the identification and treatment of persons living with HIV (PLHIV), particularly in regions affected by ethnic conflicts. The aims of this study were to assess attitudes towards PLHIV and examine factors associated with stronger positive attitudes towards PLHIV among university students in the Serbian province of Kosovo. A cross-sectional study was conducted at the University of Pristina temporarily settled in Kosovska Mitrovica during the academic year 2013-2014. A total of 1,017 first- and fourth-year students completed an anonymous questionnaire about socio-demographic characteristics, PLHIV, high-risk groups for acquiring HIV and health behaviour. The main outcome measure was the Attitude Score (ATS), calculated as a sum of points awarded for all attitude-related items. The majority of students (84%) expressed positive attitudes towards PLHIV, while others were indecisive. Most students held negative opinions about persons who use drugs (64%), homosexual persons of both genders (50%) and sex workers (42%). Being female (odds ratio [OR]=1.49, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05-2.09) and older (OR=1.13, 95% CI 1.03-1.24), not doing paid work while studying (OR=3.35, 95% CI=1.63-6.84), studying health-related disciplines (β=-0.113, 95% CI=-0.085 to -2.747), having stronger positive attitudes towards homosexual persons of both genders (OR=0.77, 95% CI=0.64-0.94) and not using illicit drugs (β=2.08, 95% CI=1.03-4.20) were associated with stronger positive attitudes towards PLHIV. Social inclusion of PLHIV and individuals at high risk for acquiring HIV could help reduce the HIV-related stigma.

The purpose of this study was to measure and compare women's attitudes toward menstruation and breastfeeding and to determine whether self-objectification was associated with negative attitudes toward these events. We hypothesized that women who viewed menstruation as shameful would also report high levels of shame about breastfeeding and that women with greater self-objectification tendencies would have more negative or shameful attitudes toward both menstruation and breastfeeding. One hundred and seventy-six undergraduate women completed questionnaires measuring self-objectification, as well as attitudes toward menstruation and breastfeeding. As predicted, women who viewed menstruation as shameful also reported shameful attitudes toward breastfeeding. Women who reported higher levels of Body Shame and Self-Surveillance had significantly more shameful attitudes toward these reproductive functions than women with lower scores on these measures of self-objectification. Health care providers may be able to reduce women's feelings of shame about reproduction or minimize its negative impact on women's health behavior.

Adolescence is a critical developmental period marked by significant physical, psychological, and social changes, during which health-related behaviors are established. In Nigeria, abortion remains a highly sensitive issue shaped by cultural, religious, and legal contexts, yet empirical evidence on how adolescents’ attitudes toward abortion relate to broader health behaviors remains limited. This study examined the relationship between adolescents’ attitudes toward abortion, risk propensity, and healthy lifestyle behaviors among in-school adolescents in Ibadan, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey design was employed, involving 322 adolescents selected from 11 public secondary schools in Akinyele Local Government Area. Data were collected using standardized instruments measuring attitudes toward abortion, risk propensity, and healthy lifestyle behaviors. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis, multiple regression analysis, and independent t-tests were used to analyze the data. The results indicated that attitudes toward abortion and risk propensity were not significantly associated with healthy lifestyle behaviors, either jointly or independently. In addition, demographic variables including gender, age, religion, family type, and ethnicity did not show significant relationships with healthy lifestyle outcomes. No significant differences in healthy lifestyle behaviors were found based on gender or family structure. This study contributes to the adolescent health literature by providing empirical evidence that challenges commonly assumed associations between abortion attitudes, risk-taking tendencies, and healthy lifestyle behaviors. The findings suggest that adolescent health behaviors in this context may be shaped more strongly by broader socio-economic, environmental, and structural factors than by individual attitudes or risk propensity alone, underscoring the need for more comprehensive and context-sensitive models of adolescent health promotion.

Knowledge about HIV and level of HIV-related stigma have been considered the main indicators of the community's readiness to combat and bring the HIV epidemic to an end. Of all Serbia, the northern Kosovo province is especially vulnerable to the HIV spread because the infrastructure and the entire regulatory system had to be rebuilt after the ethnic conflict. The study objective was to examine the association between HIV-related knowledge level and attitudes towards people living with HIV (PLHIV) among university students from northern Kosovo using the quantile regression. A total of 1,017 students filled in an anonymous questionnaire. The questionnaire examined socio-demographic characteristics, HIV-related knowledge, attitudes towards PLHIV, sources of information about HIV, past experiences with PLHIV, and health behaviours. The dependent variable in the model was the attitude score (ATS) divided into quantiles (Q) in quantile regression analysis: Q0.10, Q0.25, Q0.50, Q0.75, and Q0.90. The independent variable was the knowledge score (KNS). The model was adjusted for relevant covariates. The majority of students had adequate HIV-related knowledge (89.6%) and 10.4% had lower knowledge. Most students also had a positive attitude (83.9%), while 16.1% were indecisive towards PLHIV. No students exhibiting wrong knowledge and negative attitudes were observed. The KNS and ATS significantly correlated with one another (ρ = 0.383; p = 0.001). The quantile regression model adjusted for variables associated with both KNS and ATS showed a negative association between KNS and ATS in the lowest quantile (Q0.10) of the ATS. In all other quantiles (Q0.25-Q0.90), a higher KNS was associated with having stronger positive attitudes towards PLHIV. This study confirmed that higher knowledge about HIV was associated with stronger positive attitudes towards HIV. Still, some students remain indecisive despite being knowledgeable about HIV. These students could benefit the most from continuing educational programmes to reduce the HIV-related stigma.

IDENTIFYING FACTORS OF CONSUMER’S PURCHASE INTENTION ON E-CARS

Background: The awareness of people’s health knowledge and behavior on COVID-19 has helped education and health promotion policies, and examination of people’s opinions on governance measures against this disease will guide policymakers in making more decisions and responsiveness. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate people’s knowledge and behaviors toward COVID-19 and their views on adopted public policies against this disease in Maragheh, a city in the Northwest of Iran. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional, analytical study that was done in urban areas of Maragheh from 13 November to 20 December 2020. The sample size was estimated at 672 participants, and the sampling method was stratified random. The data collection instrument was a researcher-made questionnaire that consisted of four sections: demographic information, health behaviors, respondent’s knowledge of COVID-19, and their viewpoints on adopted public policies against this disease and was shared online. The one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression were used to analyze data with SPSS version 23. Results: The mean scores of people’s knowledge (6.42 ± 1.2) out of 9 and health behaviors (34.8 ± 3.9) of 36 were moderate. The majority of respondents had high levels of knowledge and also behavior about keeping the physical distance (98.5%) and proper handwashing (97.9%). Knowledge (β = 0.23) and male (β = -0.27) were the predictors of health behaviors (P < 0.001, F = 12.47). The investigation of myths on COVID-19 indicated that 17% and 41.1% of the respondents believed that alcohol consumption and using garlic and herbal drinks are effective in the prevention and 57.7% of them believed that holding the breath for 10 seconds is a sign of being healthy. People’s views on the COVID-19 control policies were assessed to be at the medium level (48.2 ± 7.5) of 65. The most effective policies against COVID-19 from the people’s opinions consisted of lockdown policies (96.4%), schools’ closure (95.9%), and constraints on intercity trips (91.3%). Conclusions: It seems necessary to strengthen measures on health knowledge promotion and implementation of health education interventions on protective behaviors of COVID-19 in such a way that right beliefs are replaced with wrong ones. Based on positive public opinions on Lockdown interventions, re-applying these policies is recommended to get the cities out of the high-risk situation.

Research has shown that physicians with positive health and lifestyle behaviors have more positive attitudes toward effective counseling, but little is known about how personal health behaviors of medical students influence their attitudes regarding pediatric obesity counseling before entering practice. To determine whether the personal health status and habits of osteopathic medical students influence their attitudes toward counseling obese pediatric patients regarding lifestyle behaviors. A cross-sectional survey was distributed electronically to first- through fourth-year osteopathic medical students. The survey assessed students' personal lifestyle habits and their top anticipated barriers to providing pediatric weight counseling. A total of 200 participants completed the survey. National physical activity recommendations were met by 81 participants (40.5%). These 81 participants had significantly more positive attitudes toward pediatric physical activity counseling than participants who did not meet the recommendations (H=-35.06, P=.001) or those who only met resistance training recommendations (H=40.63, P=.021). Participants with obesity had significantly lower pediatric weight management counseling scores than overweight participants (H=40.77, P=.028). Thirty-one participants (15.5%) consumed a healthy amount of both vegetables and fruit. These 31 participants had significantly higher dietary mean item counseling scores than those who did not (H=-30.40, P=.048). Participants identified the barriers "Time" (137 [68.5%]) and "Difficult for patients to change behavior" (99 [49.5%]) most frequently. Clinical participants identified "Poor or lacking reimbursement" (21 [28.0%]) more frequently than preclinical participants (12 [9.6]). Medical students who exhibited healthier lifestyle habits were more likely to positively view pediatric obesity management counseling.

This study compares breast cancer awareness and attitudes toward screenings in women with and without a family history of breast cancer. This descriptive and correlational research included 1,620 women-807 with a family history and 813 without. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, Breast Cancer Awareness Scale (B-CAS), and Attitudes Toward Cancer Screenings Scale. SPSS 27 software was used for data analysis, including chi-square test, Pearson correlation, and descriptive statistics. The mean age of women with a family history was 31.22 ± 8.97, while those without had a mean age of 27.15 ± 8.78. Women with a family history scored higher on the B-CAS and the Attitudes Toward Cancer Screenings Scale, particularly in knowledge of risk factors, symptom awareness, screening barriers, and health behaviors (p < 0.001). Women with a family history of breast cancer have greater awareness and knowledge of risk factors than those without.

A commentary on\nTaking stock of self-control: a meta-analysis of how trait self-control relates to a wide range of behaviors\n\nby De Ridder, D. T. D., Lensvelt-Mulders, G., Finkenauer, C., Stok, F. M., and Baumeister, R. F. (2012). Pers. Soc. Psychol. Rev. 16, 76–99. doi: 10.1177/1088868311418749

Healthcare workers face significant mental health challenges, including stress, burnout, and psychological distress, leading to high rates of mental health symptoms and even suicide attempts, as well as an increase in medication errors and unprofessional behavior. Targeted interventions are needed to address these issues. However, promoting healthier traits in medical students or refining selection could also prove beneficial, as research shows that mental health is significantly influenced by personality traits and personal values. This study examines the relationship between personality traits, values, and attitudes toward professionalism among medical students in Slovenia. A total of 996 participants were examined in three data collections from the academic years 2015–2016 to 2019–2020 using the Big Five Questionnaire, the Personal Values Scale, and the Attitude Toward Professionalism Scale. Hierarchical linear regression analysis was conducted to examine the factors associated with professionalism. The results showed that attitudes toward professionalism were stable over the years, with higher scores consistently associated with the female gender, agreeableness, and conscientiousness. Conversely, material value orientation had a negative impact on professionalism. In addition, we examine the associations between mental health and personality traits, personal values, and attitudes toward professionalism to illustrate the importance of selecting and nurturing medical students, based on traits that promote mental health and professional behavior. These findings may lead to improvements in medical education and selection processes to improve the well-being and functioning of future medical professionals.

ABSTRACTBackground and AimsAntibiotic resistance is increasing globally and regionally, posing a significant public health concern. This study aimed to assess knowledge and attitude toward antibiotic use and the prevalence of self‐medication and its association with the knowledge and attitude toward antibiotic use and resistance among private university teachers in Bangladesh.MethodsThis quantitative, cross‐sectional study utilized a convenience sampling technique and included 509 respondents. All data were collected using both face‐to‐face and online versions. Data were collected through both face‐to‐face and online surveys with all questions in a closed‐ended format. Data analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS (version 20), employing frequency analysis, chi‐squared tests, and logistic regression.ResultsAmong the respondents, 47.9% demonstrated high knowledge of antibiotic use and resistance. Only 19.3% showed a strong positive attitude toward antibiotic use and resistance. Self‐medication with antibiotics was reported by 29.0% of respondents. Logistic regression analysis revealed that female participants were 5.02 times more knowledgeable about antibiotic use and resistance than male participants (95% CI: 2.72−9.91; p < 0.001). Additionally, respondents over 40 years old had a 3.71 times higher attitude toward antibiotic use and resistance than those aged 30 or below (95% CI: 1.98−7.06; p < 0.001). Females were 6.79 times more likely to self‐medicate with antibiotics compared to males (95% CI: 3.67−13.43), and respondents aged 31−40 were 3.91 times more likely to practice self‐medication than other age groups (95% CI: 1.07−3.86). Furthermore, participants with low knowledge and a low attitude toward antibiotic use and resistance were 3.87 times and 4.26 times more likely to self‐meditate, respectively, than those who had high knowledge and attitude scores (95% CI: 2.00−5.70 and 95% CI: 1.99−5.12).ConclusionTo combat antibiotic resistance, campaigns and seminars on responsible antibiotic use should be held at university level. Additionally, enforcement of laws prohibiting unnecessary antibiotic sales in retail pharmacies is essential.

Today, many young men who have sex with men (YMSM) with a new HIV infection were diagnosed and successfully linked to HIV services. Studies on their health behaviors while living with HIV and their attitude toward the HIV clinic are scarce. We characterized common health behaviors of YMSM and assessed their perspective towards the existing HIV services. We collected data from a self-administered questionnaire and in-depth interviews (IDI) using a mixed-method cross-sectional study design. A hundred YMSM, aged 18-24, who attended the HIV clinic were enrolled. Their median age was 23 years (interquartile range, IQR 21-24). Eighty-four (84%) were gay men. Their common health behaviors included 15 (15%) being current smokers and 30 (30%) using alcohol regularly. Sixty-four (64%) reported > 95% antiretroviral treatment adherence, while 32 (32%) self-reported adherence at 80-95%. Fifty-three (53%) reported 100% condom use, while 30 (30%) reported using a condom in > 80% of their sexual activities. From the questionnaire respondents, individual characteristics of providers were the most critical factor affecting participants' willingness to attend HIV services. From the IDI, social disclosure of HIV status was their primary concern, with the presence of self- and anticipating HIV-related stigma issues. In summary, YMSM living with HIV who regularly attended the HIV clinic had a low frequency of health risk behaviors. Most did not socially disclose their serostatus but could manage their health. They were generally satisfied with patient-friendly services while calling to protect their confidentiality and privacy.