Community Attitudes Research Articles

Investigating changes in mental illness stigma and discrimination after the Time to Change programme in England.

Between 2008 and 2019, we reported positive change relating to mental health stigma and discrimination among the adult population of England, supporting the effectiveness of the Time to Change campaign. Using data from the Attitudes to Mental Illness survey (2008/2009 to 2023), we investigated the extent to which positive changes in stigma were sustained by 2023, 2 years after the programme's end in 2021. We used regression analyses to evaluate trends in outcomes. Measures were of stigma-related knowledge (Mental Health Knowledge Schedule (MAKS)), attitudes (Community Attitudes toward the Mentally Ill scale (CAMI)) and desire for social distance (Reported and Intended Behaviour Scale (RIBS)). We also examined willingness to interact with people based on vignettes of depression and schizophrenia, and attitudes toward workplace discrimination, using data from the British Social Attitudes Survey for comparison. CAMI scores improved between 2008 and 2023 (s.d. 0.24, 95% CI 0.16-0.31), but decreased since 2019 (P = 0.015). After improvements between 2009 and 2019, 2023 MAKS and RIBS scores no longer differed from 2009 scores, indicating decreases in stigma-related knowledge (MAKS scores declined 7.8%; P < 0.001) and willingness to interact (RIBS scores declined by 10.2%; P < 0.001) since 2019. Conversely, comparison with British Social Attitudes Survey data indicated that willingness to interact with people with depression and schizophrenia increased gradually between 2007, 2015 and 2023, and attitudes to workplace discrimination also improved. The lasting positive changes reflect support for non-discrimination and willingness to interact with someone after a sense of familiarity is evoked. Besides the end of Time to Change, interpretations for declines in other outcomes include the COVID-19 pandemic and economic stress.

Human rights engagement, stigma and attitudes towards mental health among Colombian social work and medical students.

Human rights training in mental health professions is essential to reduce stigma and facilitate recovery processes. The aim of this study was to understand the relationship between engagement to human rights and stigma towards people with mental disorders, as well as attitudes towards mental illness in medical and social work students of a Latin American context. An analytical, cross-sectional study was carried out with a sample of 243 students in the last two years of study. Community Attitudes Towards the Mentally Ill (CAMI), Mental Illness Clinicians' Attitude Scale (MICA), Human Rights Exposure in Social Work (HRXSW) and Human Rights Engagement in Social Work (HRESW) were used as instruments. To determine how the explanatory variables are related to the engagement to human rights (dependent variable) a binary logistic regression model was used. Correlations were found between the scales and their components. Economic condition, intersectional approach, authoritarianism, benevolence and mental health ideology explained 55.11% of the variance for commitment to the engagement of human rights. Some factors related to the stigma of mental disorders and the focus on human rights in future mental health professionals are highlighted that should be more visible in the training practices of these professions.

Medical mistrust and vaccine-hesitant attitudes explain SARS-CoV-2 vaccination disparities in a mixed-serostatus cohort.

To understand the extent of racial disparities in SARS-CoV-2 vaccination among PWH and those vulnerable to HIV infection and to estimate the contributions of medical mistrust and vaccine-hesitant attitudes to these disparities. Quantitative data analyses in a racially and gender diverse, mixed-serostatus prospective cohort, the MACS/WIHS Combined Cohort Study. Interviewer-assisted questionnaires assessed SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, medical mistrust, and vaccine-hesitant attitudes from March 2021-September 2022 (n=3948). Longitudinal analyses assessed effects of sociodemographics on medical mistrust and vaccine-hesitant attitudes. A hierarchical multivariable logistic regression assessed effects of these co-factors on SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Causal mediation models assessed whether a) medical mistrust mediated the relationship between Black identity and vaccine-hesitant attitudes, and b) vaccine-hesitant attitudes mediated the relationship between Black identity and SARS-CoV-2 non-vaccination. Participants' mean age was 56.7; 55.3% were Black, 52.6% cisgender female, 62.6% PWH. 10.1% reported never receiving SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations (13.4% of Black and 4.5% of white participants). Black-identified participants had higher odds of non-vaccination than white participants (aOR = 1.72; 95% CI: 1.08, 2.72). Medical mistrust mediated the relationship between Black identity and vaccine-hesitant attitudes, accounting for 46.0% of the effect (p < 0.0001). Vaccine-hesitant attitudes mediated the relationship between Black identity and SARS-CoV-2 non-vaccination to the extent that 57.7% (95% CI: 25.3%, 90.1%) of the disparity would be eliminated if vaccine-hesitant attitudes among Black respondents were reduced to levels reported among other racial groups. Findings indicate a profound need to build trustworthy healthcare environments to combat medical mistrust and vaccine-hesitant attitudes in Black communities in the U.S, including those affected by HIV.

Assessing the awareness level, knowledge, and attitudes of the university community for sustainable development in Higher Educational Institutions in India—A review paper

Background: Sustainability plays a crucial role in the development of the education sector. It is analyzed that higher education institutions (HEIs) continuously working on the adoption of sustainable practices for carrying out business operations in the long run. Agenda 2030 is a comprehensive, multifaceted strategy that serve as an important framework for the comparison to uphold different principles. Additionally, the UN 2030 Agenda concerning sustainable development is introduced as global idea of balanced development. The 2030 Agenda and SDGs representing the program related to global development programs. Higher education institutions also working on the adoption of sustainable development perspective and the issues linked with them. Aim: The main aim of the study is to determine the level of knowledge, awareness, and attitude of the university community for achieving sustainability in HEIs. Policy Implementation: Adopting sustainable behavior is encouraged when policies are implemented well. Universities have the authority to develop and implement sustainability policies that set guidelines and requirements. Topics like waste reduction, environmentally friendly transportation, and environmentally friendly buying may be covered by the sustainability policies. Acting sustainably is encouraged among university community members through the implementation of sustainability policies. Conclusion: Findings stated efforts across sectors for the promotion of awareness and alignment with the 2030 Agenda consider a comprehensive strategy for addressing humanity, nature, and human rights. In higher education institutions, the role of education emerges as pivotal, developing green practices, development of campuses, and attracting students globally. In HEIs green practices are carried out for the development of the campus and activities in the future terms. Universities also supported in the adoption of sustainability in working education institutes international students are also attracted to them. It is identified that educators are playing an important role in achieving sustainability aspects in the education sector.

The price of mistrust: the impact of a medical ethics scandal on scientific capacity in Sub-Saharan Africa

ABSTRACT This study investigates how negative news alleging ethical misconduct in clinical trials can hinder scientific development in emerging economies. We examine a 2000 exposé surrounding a clinical trial conducted in Northern Nigeria, leading to decades of community mistrust in foreign pharmaceutical companies. By comparing scientific output of researchers in affected and less affected regions, we find a significant decline in publication growth, particularly for medical researchers. An exploration of the mechanisms suggests that eroded community support and participation in research and reduced international collaboration contributed to this slowdown. This study highlights the importance of the science-community relationship in fostering scientific development. Our findings imply that a ’social li- cense to operate’ grounded in community trust is essential for scientific progress, and that future research on the determinants of scientific capacity in developing countries should consider community attitudes and involvement.

Perception, Attitude, and Treatment Behaviour of The Community Towards Mental Disorders in Banyumas Raya

Introduction: The stigma associated with mental disorders continues to have negative value in Indonesian society, which can influence treatment decisions. This project is aimed at evaluating the public’s perceptions, attitudes, and behavior toward treatment of mental disorders in Banyumas Raya. Methods: This was a quantitative cross-sectional study with 410 respondents who had completed questionnaires on mental health perceptions (Mental Health Knowledge Schedule, MAKS), attitude assessment (the Community Attitudes toward Mental Illness, CAMI), and behavior of choosing traditional treatment or medical treatment in October–November 2022. A descriptive analysis was used, and the relationship was assessed using the chi-square test. Result: Descriptive analysis reveals that 273 (66.6%) respondents live in Banyumas, 167 (40.7%) are senior high school graduates, and 175 (42.7%) have an income of Rp. 1,000,000-Rp. 3,000,000. Bivariate analysis revealed a significant relationship between knowledge and behavior (p&lt;0.05; CI. OR: 0.251). Conclusion: Respondents with a high level of knowledge are more likely to engage in medical behavior.

POLARIZATION OF LOCAL COMMUNITY ORIENTATION TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF ECO-RURAL TOURISM IN KERINCI REGION, JAMBI PROVINCE, INDONESIA

Rural areas are increasingly the focus of exploration by various stakeholders. However, local communities, as landowners in these regions, often do not reap the full benefits. This issue stems from their limited involvement in regional development and a lack of awareness about ongoing projects. Local communities play a crucial role in the success of rural development, and understanding their attitudes is vital.This study aimed to explore local community attitudes toward eco-rural tourism development in Kerinci Regency, Jambi Province. A closed-ended questionnaire, designed with a "One Score One Indicator" system, assessed various factors including socio-cultural aspects, conservation, ethnic politics, economics, regional development, tourism, and landscape ecology across six villages. The analysis of local community orientation was conducted using quantitative descriptive methods and One-Way ANOVA statistical tests.Results indicated a positive polarization in community attitudes across all villages, showing strong support for eco-rural tourism. By focusing on the identified indicators, local communities are motivated to collaborate and enhance their rural areas through eco-tourism initiatives. The findings suggest that these communities possess significant potential to develop their regions in line with eco-rural tourism principles. Additionally, the insights gained can inform the creation of eco-rural tourism programs that emphasize community involvement and leverage local strengths. This approach aims to ensure that rural communities benefit from the exploration and development occurring in their areas.

Community perspectives on existence of human wildlife conflicts and underlying mitigation measures adjacent to protected areas in Northern Tanzania

Wildlife conservation has the potential to make significant contributions to community development. Despite this potential, the sector faces various challenges, including human-wildlife conflicts (HWC). Communities adjacent to the Ngorongoro, Tarangire, and Manyara protected areas (NTMPAs) are known to experience HWC; however, studies on HWC management strategies concerning the demographic characteristics of these communities are scarce. This study utilized questionnaires and focus group discussions to assess this information within the study area. The findings from this study revealed that respondents over the age of 30 significantly (x2(112) = 78.857, p < 0.000) reported the existence of problem animals causing conflicts in their villages. Additionally, respondents engaged in agriculture-related activities demonstrated significant (x2(4) = 23.501, p < 0.0001) concern about problem animals and conflicts compared to other groups. Conflict mitigation measure used, varied significantly (Cochran's Q Test (6) = 138.539, p = 0.001 and n = 120) across the study area. Respondents reported that different mitigation measures varied significantly across occupation and education levels. The study suggests that while efforts to engage younger individuals in formal and conservation education are important, similar initiatives should also target older individuals, particularly those involved in agriculture, whether as landowners or casual laborers. Wildlife management authorities should prioritize efforts to intensify community awareness, focusing on conservation education, the establishment of buffer zones, and the promotion of alternative crops. These initiatives aim to foster positive attitudes toward wildlife conservation. Ultimately, such efforts will help transform community attitudes and increase tolerance for wildlife, facilitating coexistence and enhancing sustainability in wildlife conservation and community development in areas adjacent to protected areas, including the NTMPAs.

THE RUSSIAN-UKRAINIAN WAR AND THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY: MAIN DIRECTIONS, PROBLEMS AND SOME LESSONS OF WESTERN SUPPORT FOR UKRAINE

Despite the heroic resistance of Ukrainians, in particular the Armed Forces of Ukraine, during the current Russian-Ukrainian war, without effective assistance, especially military, from the Western democratic world, Ukraine would hardly have withstood the Russian aggressor's more than two-year-long large-scale armed invasion and would have been able to preserve national statehood and the Ukrainian nation from genocide and destruction in the event of a protracted war of attrition. For such a war, Ukraine will need at least $150 billion a year, which can only be provided by its Western partners. And the World Bank estimates that over the next 10 years, about $500 billion will be needed to rebuild Ukraine's war-torn infrastructure, which is more than Ukraine's GDP, so without investment and financial assistance from our partners, we will not be able to find these resources in the country either. The purpose of the article is to systematise the huge amount of information available in accessible/open sources about the central, fateful event of modern international relations - Russia's war against Ukraine and the international community's attitude to it, in particular, to highlight the main directions, problems and some preliminary lessons of Western support for Ukraine in its resistance to Russian aggression, which can already be outlined in the third year of the large-scale war. Russia's unprovoked and brutal large-scale armed attack on Ukraine in February 2022 left no choice but to recognise this aggression as an attack on European and Euro-Atlantic democratic values and the fundamental principles on which the United Nations is built. This was a manifestation of the next stage of Russia's global hybrid war against the West. Unprecedented international support for Ukraine and powerful pressure on the aggressor country - Russia - is manifested in active political, financial, military, and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine from EU and NATO member states and other countries. In total, more than 50 countries provide such assistance to Ukraine during the war. However, our Western partners do not yet have a common strategic plan for the Russian-Ukrainian war and its victorious conclusion, and in the third year of the war, they are increasingly talking about different options for peace talks with the aggressor, so Ukraine must develop its own grand strategy, which should be based on the fact that war and peace coexist and that Russia poses a long-term threat to it and the entire democratic world.

Authorship Improprieties: Analyzing the Practice of Including Advisers as Co-Authors in Students’ Research

Purpose. This research aims to investigate the prevalent practice of including advisers as co-authors in students' research works, with a specific focus on understanding the attitudes of the academic community, particularly students and educators. The study seeks to explore. Students' and educators' perceptions, beliefs, and/or opinions regarding the practice raise concerns in higher education institutions worldwide. Methodology. Through a descriptive-correlational research design following a quantitative research approach, the researcher gathered data on the attitudes of 200 students and 200 educators of 4 Higher Education Institutions in Region IV-A, Philippines, towards the inclusion of advisers as co-authors in students' theses, particularly when presented in conferences and published in journals. The collected data is analyzed to identify prevailing opinions and perspectives within the academic community. This analysis takes into account factors such as mentorship, intellectual contribution, and ethical considerations related to authorship attribution. By weighing these factors, the researcher forms a stance on the practice and offers recommendations for its ethical implementation. Results revealed differing opinions between students and educators. Moreover, significant differences in the attitudes of faculty members towards the practice when grouped based on their highest educational attainment, academic rank, and tenure were established, as well as the significant relationship between the research engagement and productivity of faculty members, and their attitude towards the matter. Although the inclusion of advisers in students’ theses was found acceptable within the academic community, the authorship guidelines set by the Committee on Publication Ethics, also known as COPE, suggest otherwise. Conclusion. These findings contribute to the existing literature on academic authorship improprieties and provide insights into the attitudes and opinions of the academic community. They are expected to stimulate discussions, fostering a better understanding of the implications of including advisers as co-authors in students' research works. The paper also offers practical recommendations to promote transparency, fairness, and integrity in authorship practices, ensuring that credit is appropriately attributed to all contributors in academic publications.

Purchase Intention and Attitude Toward Community Products in Sing Buri Province: The Role of Perceived Authenticity from Local Wisdom for Sustainable Economic Growth And Reduced Inequalities

Objective: This comprehensive research aims to study the factors contributing to constructing a structural equation model for marketing, providing a reliable foundation for promoting consumers’ purchase intention towards community products in Sa Chaeng Subdistrict, Bang Rachan District, Sing Buri Province: The Role of Perceived Authenticity from Local Wisdom for Sustainable Economic Growth and Reduced Inequalities. Method: The study synthesizes relevant factors from a literature review, identifying key components in the structural equation model, including perceived authenticity of the product, attitudes towards the product, and the level of purchase intention. The study employs the structural equation modeling process for analysis and hypothesis testing. The study population comprises potential consumers interested in local community products and general consumers. Data was collected using a questionnaire, with a total sample size of 400 participants. Results: The study results indicate that the structural equation model aligns with empirical data (CMIN/df = 3.448, GFI = 0.955, NFI = 0.961, RFI = 0.915, IFI = 0.972, TLI = 0.958, CFI = 0.972, RMSEA = 0.078). Conclusions: Hypothesis testing reveals that the variables of perceived authenticity of community products and attitudes toward community products have a direct positive influence on the purchase intention of community products in Sa Chaeng Subdistrict, Bang Rachan District, Sing Buri Province, at a statistically significant level of 0.01.

Multifaceted Exploration of Public Awareness, Government Perspectives, and Community Attitudes Toward HIV.

The purpose of this research is to quantify the knowledge of students about HIV, social media contribution, and their satisfaction with the government and society's acceptance of HIV patients. A cross-sectional survey of 579 participants was conducted at Punjab University, University of Peshawar, Karachi University, Baluchistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences University, and Quaid-i-Azam University. Student self-administered surveys included demographics, knowledge, government satisfaction, social media rumors, and PLWHA acceptability. The response rate was 96.5%. The four variables are knowledge, government satisfaction, social media rumors, and HIV patient acceptance. The knowledge score in married males (Beta=-0.075) and married females (Beta=-0.022), government satisfaction in married males (Beta=0.087) and females (-0.412), social media rumors in married males (Beta=-0.125) and married female (Beta=-0.301, and HIV acceptance in society married male -0.301 and married female 0.07. the knowledge and government satisfaction, score showed that males had higher knowledge about HIV than married females. Married women say HIV acceptability in society is strong, whereas men believe social media spreads less misinformation. Similarly, there is a negative correlation between government satisfaction social media rumors (-0.687**) and HIV acceptance in society (-0.687**). HIV acceptance has a strong correlation with knowledge (0.711**) and social media rumors (0.727**). The p<0.001 indicates that there is a significant correlation. Sufficient knowledge and the positive role of social media, effective government contributions to eradicate HIV, and more awareness and knowledge can significantly change the attitude of the community toward PLWHA.

Gender Norms, Attitudes and Perceptions towards Male Involvement in Maternal Health in Kafue District, Lusaka

Male involvement in maternal health remains a major issue despite efforts by the international community. Despite the many benefits of male involvement in antenatal care there has been an observed low participation. Community gender norms, attitudes and perceptions towards male involvement in maternal health may affect the utilization of services offered by health facilities. The gap observed in many studies is that the attitude and perception of men regarding maternal health have largely been neglected. Therefore, this study sought to investigate the gender norms, attitudes and perceptions towards male involvement in maternal health in Kafue district of Zambia. The study adopted a descriptive research design. Both quantitative and qualitative paradigms were utilized in this study. A sample of 150 participants was used. Data was collected by the help of questionnaire and in-depth interviews. Results showed that respondents from Kafue were knowledgeable on antenatal care. Additionally, it was also revealed that respondents had a positive attitude towards male involvement in maternal health. However, due to gender norms their roles were limited when it came to delivery and child care. Nevertheless, the findings showed that men were involved in supporting their wives and helping out with house chores and providing money for antenatal care, skilled birth at a hospital, postnatal care, childcare and any necessities required for delivery. Men who were married were more likely to be involved in maternal health than men who were not married. The study also revealed that men were not comfortable with discussing their wives’ pregnancy with a health care provider due to lack of privacy. Findings suggested that there were many factors affecting male involvement in maternal health. Lack of messages and programs targeting men, health stuff attitude during delivery, gender norms such as men not being allowed to attend to women when in labor and hospital infrastructure were identified by the respondents as a cause to low male involvement. In this study, it was also revealed that men and women had a positive perception towards pregnancy being a shared responsibility, men supporting and caring for their wives during and after delivery. However, both men and women had a negative perception towards men’s presence in the delivery ward.

A spatially explicit assessment of factors shaping attitudes toward African elephant conservation.

Conservation plans that explicitly account for the social landscape where people and wildlife co-occur can yield more effective and equitable conservation practices and outcomes. Yet, social data remain underutilized, often because social data are treated as aspatial or are analyzed with approaches that do not quantify uncertainty or address bias in self-reported data. We conducted a survey (questionnaires) of 177 households in a multiuse landscape in the Kenya-Tanzania borderlands. In a mixed-methods approach, we used Bayesian hierarchical models to quantify and map local attitudes toward African elephant (Loxodonta africana) conservation while accounting for response bias and then combined inference from attitude models with thematic analysis of open-ended responses and cointerpretation of results with local communities to gain deeper understanding of what explains attitudes of people living with wildlife. Model estimates showed that believing elephants have sociocultural value increased the probability of respondents holding positive attitudes toward elephant conservation in general (mean increase=0.31 [95% credible interval, CrI, 0.02-0.67]), but experiencing negative impacts from any wildlife species lowered the probability of respondents holding a positive attitude toward local elephant conservation (mean decrease=-0.20 [95% CrI -0.42 to 0.03]). Qualitative data revealed that safety and well-being concerns related to the perceived threats that elephants pose to human lives and livelihoods, and limited incentives to support conservation on community and private lands lowered positive local attitude probabilities and contributed to negative perceptions of human-elephant coexistence. Our spatially explicit modeling approach revealed fine-scale variation in drivers of conservation attitudes that can inform targeted conservation planning. Our results suggest that approaches focused on sustaining existing sociocultural values and relationships with wildlife, investing in well-being, and implementing species-agnostic approaches to wildlife impact mitigation could improve conservation outcomes in shared landscapes.

Exploring Factors Affecting Breastfeeding: Insights From Hispanic and Black Mothers and Healthcare Providers in El Paso, Texas

Objective:Breastfeeding has been shown to have many health benefits to both the infant and the mother. However, there are racial and ethnic disparities in breastfeeding rates across all U.S. states and territories. This study sought to understand the support needed to improve breastfeeding rates and address disparities in El Paso County, Texas using the socioecological model framework for analysis.Methods:We conducted focus groups involving 16 Hispanic and Black mothers. During these sessions, we asked them about the environmental and social factors that influenced their decisions to either start or stop breastfeeding. Additionally, we interviewed six health professionals to gain insights into the support activities they provide to breastfeeding women and identify potential gaps in care.Results:The study found several themes that align with prior research on breastfeeding support: (a) Breastfeeding is recognized as being healthy, but misconceptions exist about formula. (b) Some mothers find public breastfeeding or pumping inappropriate, but opinions vary. (c) Family members significantly influence the decision to breastfeed; their support varies. (d) Although aid from healthcare professionals (HCPs) in breastfeeding is appreciated and valued, it is not always available. (e) HCPs are not uniformly perceived as knowledgeable or helpful, occasionally providing conflicting information. (f) Prenatal classes featuring breastfeeding are appreciated, but the depth of information provided varies. (g) Women seek increased postdischarge support from hospitals. (h) The transition back to work introduces various challenges. (i) Community norms and attitudes toward breastfeeding can be unsupportive. (j) Demand exists for updated, accessible local breastfeeding resources. (k) The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children is valued, but there is confusion about services and eligibility requirements. (l) Undocumented immigrants might hesitate to access public services due to concerns about their status.Conclusions:Breastfeeding support programs should take into account the cultural context, the influence of healthcare providers, and the availability of community support. Addressing these aspects can be key to promoting breastfeeding and reducing disparities in breastfeeding rates.

Coexistence through sustainable conservation strategies for sitatunga Tragelaphus spekii in African ecosystems

Sitatunga Tragelaphus spekii is an antelope species adapted to the dense swamps and marshes of Sub‐Saharan Africa, where traditional population survey techniques have been ineffective and encountered difficulties in making estimations. The species formerly occurred alongside waterways throughout the lowland forest zone of West and central Africa, extending into swamp systems in the savanna zones of central, East, and southern Africa. In most parts of Africa, the sitatunga population is declining, and attracting the attention of conservationists. Furthermore, its geographical range has been recorded to have shrunk. The present study reviewed major threats to sitatunga, assessed previous and current management approaches, and proposed new approaches to effectively manage its declining populations in Africa. To achieve the study objectives, published literature, reports, online information, expert knowledge, and personal experience were reviewed to acquire relevant information. Results indicated that sitatunga are threatened due to increased habitat loss, population isolation, political instability, water level changes, habitat fragmentation, illegal hunting, and diseases. Current wildlife management approaches raise many doubts as to their effectiveness. National‐level management may unsustainably segment management actions while the protected area approach manages only part of the range of wildlife. The current tenure system in most parts of Africa discourages human–wildlife co‐existence, whereas human–wildlife conflict management approaches only treat the symptoms and not the root cause of the problems. If wildlife, including sitatunga, are to persist in Africa, management approaches should be changed and include re‐focusing of the management context at the ecosystems and landscape level; assessing the genetic diversity of sitatunga; promoting better wetland management, including the aspect of human dimension in management; using non‐invasive techniques to genetically estimate the minimum population size; assessing inbreeding; and enhancing the implementation strategy of wildlife policy in African countries. Changing the attitude of the local community may take time, but it is a pivotal point if humans and wildlife are to coexist.

Empowering Communities through Citizen Science: Dengue Prevention in Córdoba.

Traditional mosquito vector control methods have proved ineffective in controlling the spread of dengue fever. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of community engagement through student-led science in promoting dengue prevention and socioecological factors in the temperate urban city of Córdoba, Argentina. It assesses community perceptions, knowledge, attitudes, and preventive practices regarding dengue fever and its vector. Results showed a significant increase in knowledge about the vector and the disease and respondents' adoption of good preventive practices. Student-led science was identified as a valuable tool for reaching households and leading to behavior changes at home. Furthermore, the findings highlighted the need for school programs to address vector biology and vector-borne disease prevention all year round. This study provides invaluable insights into the effectiveness of community engagement through student-led science to promote dengue prevention and socioecological factors. The findings suggest that this approach could be used to control the spread in other regions affected by the disease.

Community attitudes toward tourism and quality of life: a case study of Palangan village, Iran

Community perception is essential for influencing the physical, social, and environmental growth of a region and is key to achieving a high Quality of Life (QOL). Tourism serves as a common means of introducing outsiders to the area where the community lives. Embracing tourism in remote locations like small towns or rural areas can be difficult, and the success of tourism hinges on community attitudes towards it. The community's engagement and approval of tourism are dependent on the benefits such as how tourism improves their QOL in both the short. Therefore, this study aims to explore the local community's perceptions on how tourism influences various aspects of QOL. A survey of 160 households in Palangan Village was conducted to collect primary data, using a conceptual model with 16 indices to evaluate QOL. The findings indicate that the local community generally has a positive perception of the effects of tourism, especially on key QOL components. Civic and generative well-being are considered more significant than other aspects of QOL. Analysis of the data reveals differences in perception across the 16 QOL indices. The highest average ratings were for institutional participation (3.476), quality of employment (3.456), and individual capability (3.203), while the lowest ratings were for standard of living (1.883), social solidarity (2.289), and environmental resource quality (2.725). For instance, the institutional participation index received an average response rating of 3.476. Additionally, the dispersion coefficient index highlighted notable variations in perception, particularly for satisfaction with living conditions (0.488) and standard of living (0.488). Conversely, employment quality (0.360), institutional cooperation (0.385), and freedom of choice had the lowest dispersion coefficients (0.386). Other indices showed moderate levels of dispersion and distribution of perception. In conclusion, these results underscore the significance of community perception in tourism development and its affect on QOL. They also underscore the importance of strategic planning and balanced development to ensure that all aspects of QOL benefit from the expanding tourism sector, leading to a more sustainable and harmonious community.

The Reasons for Special Talented Secondary School Remoteness Towards Student’s Academic Performance: Case Study; Urban District at Zanzibar

This paper sought to investigate the reasons for special talented secondary school remoteness towards students’ academic performance; a case study of Urban District Council in Zanzibar. Specific objectives were: to determine reasons for special talented secondary school remoteness in Urban district at Zanzibar, and to find out the strategies for improving students’ academic performance in special talented secondary school remoteness in Zanzibar. This article employed a mixed approach research method and is centered and guided by social capital theory propounded by Robert Putnam in 1993. A sample of 151 respondents including 1 DEO, 6 head of schools, 36 teachers, 84 students and 24 parents were used. Simple random sampling techniques were used in selection of ordinary teachers and students while purposive sampling technique was used in selection of the head of schools, DEO and parents in the area of study. Questionnaires, interviews, and documentary reviews were used in data collections. The findings identified reasons for special talented secondary school remoteness in Urban District Council at Zanzibar include limited financial support, nomadic lifestyle, community's negative attitudes towards education, lack of open spaces for constructions of schools, geographical dispersion and unfriendly transport infrastructure. Lastly, the study proposed which can be used to improve students’ academic performance in special talented secondary schools are construction of hostels, introduction of food programs, provision of transport facilities and clear policies on school locations

Islamic views on local tourism engagement in conservative societies: an insight from Oman

ABSTRACT Understanding the diverse viewpoints within host communities is vital for achieving sustainable tourism development. While literature often addresses pro-tourism perspectives, scant attention is given to anti-tourism factions (unsupportive cohort of society) and those not directly benefiting. The current study addresses this gap, employing social exchange and social distance theories to explore opposition to Western-style tourism. Interviews with 22 respondents across five traditional villages in Oman reveal concerns about religious and cultural preservation, privacy, and lifestyle. The results showed that perceptions of social distance significantly shape community attitudes and behaviours towards tourists, particularly those perceived as cultural outsiders. Despite challenges, respondents adopt a nuanced approach, balancing cultural preservation with respect for tourists. Findings further illustrate that communities use symbolic markers to maintain cultural identity and cohesion amid external pressures and perceived risks. The study offers insights into culturally sensitive tourism strategies in religiously conservative societies.