Common Myths Research Articles

Dismantling Age Myths: Towards a Resilient Multigenerational Manufacturing Sector in Singapore

This paper examines the strategic importance of fostering a multigenerational workforce to enhance the competitiveness of Singapore’s manufacturing industry in the face of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Addressing common myths about age and technological adoption, our mixed-methods study reveals that the integration of the diverse strengths of an age-diverse workforce is not only beneficial but also necessary for innovation and sustainable growth. With Singapore’s manufacturing workforce rapidly ageing and fresh talent dwindling, the industry faces challenges like knowledge transfer, automation, and the risk of skills dilution. We argue that a multigenerational approach that combines the expertise of older workers with the digital fluency of the younger generation can create a resilient talent pool essential for continuous expertise and complex problem-solving. The aim of this paper is thus to debunk several myths around an ageing workforce that currently stand in the way of fostering a multigenerational workforce in Singapore’s manufacturing industry. We end the paper by arguing that such a workforce will become increasingly important for other industries as well.

Busting MisconSEXions: evaluation of a social media knowledge translation initiative addressing myths about sex.

There is a critical gap in sex education such that many people lack access to evidence-based and accessible information about sexuality, putting them at risk for endorsing myths about sex and in turn having poorer sexual wellbeing. To address this gap, we developed a novel social media knowledge translation initiative-MisconSEXions-to debunk common myths about sexuality. The goal of this study was twofold. First, to examine whether exposure to MisconSEXions is effective for reducing sexuality myth endorsement. Second, to evaluate the acceptability (participants' satisfaction with the content), appropriateness (the perceived fit of the content with participants), adoption (participants' intention to engage with the initiative), and penetration (participants' perception of the content's impact on their lives) of MisconSEXions among study participants. We also examined possible group differences in our observed effects by assigned sex, gender modality, and sexual orientation. A large and diverse sample (N = 2,356) of adults completed an online survey and reported on their demographics, sexuality myth endorsement before and after exposure to MisconSEXions content, and the acceptability, appropriateness, adoption, and penetration of the MisconSEXions content. We found that participants' sexuality myth endorsement was significantly lower following exposure to MisconSEXions content, and this effect held across assigned sex, gender modality, and sexual orientation groups. Regardless of participants' assigned sex, gender modality, or sexual orientation, MisconSEXions content was reported to be both acceptable and appropriate to people's lives. Participants reported relatively low levels of adoption, such that they reported reluctance to engage with the content on social media. Additionally, participants reported mixed feelings regarding the impact of the content on their lives (i.e., penetration). Overall, the findings have implications for how sexuality social media knowledge translation initiatives can fill important gaps in providing inclusive and accessible sex education.

Global Climate: Much more complex than measuring Greenhouse Gases and Carbon Footprints

This article analyzes the assertion that 97% of climate scientists concur that humans are the primary driver of global warming and climate change, significantly contributing to rising temperatures. The study examines common myths about climate change, the standard arguments against it, and the perspective and solutions offered by representatives from all sides of the debate. While researching this topic, primary and secondary sources are examined by analyzing their content, including interviews and arguments from credible experts within a wide range of sources, from climate change advocates to deniers and "climate doomers." While most climate scientists agree that human activities contribute somewhat to global warming, many highly reputable scientists and groups rightfully challenge this consensus and the proposed data. This includes prominent academics, corporate figures, and respected Nobel Peace Prize laureates and their works. In conclusion, all perspectives are driven by their concern for the future and survival of humanity and our planet.

The Dementia Knowledge Assessment Scale, the Knowledge in Dementia Scale, and the Dementia Knowledge Assessment Tool 2: Which Is the Best Tool to Measure Dementia Knowledge in Greece?

Measuring dementia knowledge can be a valuable tool for assessing the effectiveness of dementia awareness activities, identifying the potential benefits of dementia training programs, and breaking down common myths and stereotypes about dementia. To compare the psychometric properties of three widely used dementia knowledge tools, the Dementia Knowledge Assessment Tool 2 (DKAT2-G), the Dementia Knowledge Assessment Scale (DKAS-G), and the Knowledge in Dementia Scale (KIDE-G) in the Greek adult population. A convenience sample of 252 participants from the general population completed the survey online. Statistical analyses included Cronbach's internal reliability, retest reliability, factor analysis, concurrent and construct validity, and floor and ceiling effects. The DKAS-G had the most appropriate reliability levels (Cronbach's alpha = 0.845; retest reliability = 0.921), whereas the DKAT2-G had satisfactory indexes (Cronbach's α= 0.760; retest reliability = 0.630). The KIDE-G showed unsatisfactory reliability (Cronbach's α= 0.419; retest reliability = 0.619). Construct validity was confirmed for all questionnaires, showing that all of them detected participants with pre-existing knowledge of dementia. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed a four-factor model for the DKAS-G and proposed the removal of 5 items. Floor and ceiling effects were found for the DKAT2-G and the KIDE-G, mainly among those who had previously participated in dementia training. The DKAS-G was found to have the highest levels of reliability and validity. The results prove that the DKAS-G meets the requirements for measuring dementia knowledge and evaluating dementia training programs in health professionals, caregivers, and the general population.

Where to start: Building a foundation of engagement to support healthcare transformation.

Introduction: Healthcare transformation is rooted in engagement, engaging people with context and content expertise to shape and co-design programs, services, and systems. The question that is often asked is where do we begin? To offer person centered integrated care, organizations are seeking to understand the needs, experiences, and expertise of those accessing care by building meaningful partnerships with patients, families, and care partners. This workshop will provide attendees with tools, resources, and a roadmap to support building partnerships with people with lived and living experience and engagement models, practices and principles that will support co-designing a healthcare system that is equitable, culturally safe and patient centered.
 Background: The Greater Hamilton Health Network (GHHN) is one of the first Ontario Health Teams across the province, with a purpose of transforming healthcare in partnership with patients, families, care partners, primary care, local organizations, and the community that is equitable, culturally safe and patient centred.
 Aims and Objectives:This workshop will provide attendees with an understanding of where to begin when looking to develop an engagement strategy and embed engagement practices and principles into their work at an organizational and system level. With a strong focus on how to develop partnerships with patients, families and carepartners, support patient advisors in their roles, build capacity and integrating lived experience on the team and throughout governance. We will provide examples and outcomes of how engagement has been implemented and successfully used at the GHHN and explore how learnings could be replicated. Emphasis will be placed on how to move from theory into practice.
 Target audience:This workshop is open to everyone and will work to provide meaningful learning, unlearning, relearning and reflection opportunities for staff, primary care, community organizations, leadership and people with lived and living experience seeking to transform healthcare with engagement as the foundation.
 Format (timing, speakers, discussion, group work, etc)
 
 5 minutes- Overview of GHHN and introductions
 5 minutes- Purpose of Workshop and Objectives
 10 minutes-Why Engagement in Healthcare (Benefits, Outcomes)
 
 -Patient Advisor example of engagement
 -Popcorn: common myths of engagement and the real benefits
 
 20 minutes-Building an Engagement strategy and leadership network to support healthcare transformation
 10 minutes- Onboarding, integrating lived experience on the team and throughout governance.
 
 -Resource package
 -Activity: Personal Reflection exercise
 
 10 minutes- A culture of engagement that supports providers, patients, families and care partners
 20 minutes: Activity: barriers and pathways empathy map exercise (patient, org, staff)
 5 minutes- Closing: call to action
 5 minutes- Questions
 
 Key Learnings/Take away: Patient engagement is a quantifiable measurement of healthcare, offering insights into what is working well and opportunities for growth. This workshop will focus on understanding practical examples of:
 
 Models of engagement
 Engagement strategy
 Onboarding and capacity building
 Developing an engagement leadership network
 Engagement roadmap
 Meaningful Engagement
 

Myths and Challenges Regarding Menstrual Hygiene among Adolescent Girls of Islamabad

Background: Menstrual hygiene remains clouded by misconceptions, posing challenges for adolescent girls. This study aims to identify myths surrounding menstrual hygiene among young girls in Islamabad and recognize the challenges they face in maintaining proper menstrual hygiene. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in three government schools in Islamabad, involving adolescent girls aged 13-18 years in grades 8-12 over a six-month period. Simple random sampling was used to enroll 600 participants, and data were collected using a self-structured, pre-tested questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25. Results: Of the 600 participants, 47% were in the age group of 13-15 years, and 53% were in the age group of 16-18 years. Mothers were the primary source of information for 85.8% of the girls. Common myths included 69% of girls avoiding baths based on advice from elders and 58.2% avoiding washing their groin during menstruation. Challenges reported by adolescent girls included 38.8% finding menstrual products unaffordable, 56.6% lacking sanitary pads at school, and 54.8% feeling embarrassed about asking for menstrual products. Additionally, 56.5% of girls were hesitant to discuss genital issues due to social taboos. Conclusion: This study highlights prevalent myths and challenges undermining menstrual hygiene practices among adolescent girls. Debunking these myths and providing necessary facilities are essential to enhance menstrual health and overall quality of life for adolescent girls.

Young Adult Boot Camp Translation in the Engaging Communities of Hispanics for Aging Research (ECHAR) Network

AbstractBackgroundHispanic/Latin American (H/L) populations are at an increased risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRDs). Yet, H/Ls are less likely to participate in research due to several recruitment barriers such as research related stigma, health literacy, and institutional mistrust. Considering family dynamics, household composition, and cultural scripts, young H/L individuals may serve as mediators to help facilitate H/L recruitment and mitigate these key barriers.MethodFollowing the Boot Camp Translation (BCT) approach of the ECHAR Network, we recruited 10‐15 H/L young adults, ages 18 to 35, to carry out the BCT in Houston, Texas. Through the BCT, we (1) developed community relevant awareness, education, and recruitment materials and (2) designed outreach and dissemination strategies that will be used to target H/Ls young adults and their older‐adult family members for participation in ADRD research.Result10 young adults (mean age (range) = 21.50± 3.75 (18‐31), mean education (range) = 14.60± 1.65 (12‐16), 80% female) participated in the Houston young adult BCT. Participants agreed that the central message should convey a sense of urgency and accountability (i.e., “Alzheimer is real. Healthy or not: On which side do you want to be?”) and focused on dispelling common myths associated with ADRDs. Participants categorized H/Ls by age groups to be targeted according to the sense of urgency of the message. Finally, graphic materials should be intergenerational, representative of the H/L community, informative, and simple.ConclusionThe young adult BCT leveraged intra‐familial health communication to enhance ADRD‐specific health education. Results demonstrated that culturally relevant messages can be communicated by young adult children to their parents and/or grandparents with downstream effects for engagement and recruitment into ADRD research.

Common myths and misconceptions about breast cancer causation among Palestinian women: a national cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe discussion about breast cancer (BC) causation continues to be surrounded by a number of myths and misbeliefs. If efforts are misdirected towards reducing risk from false mythical causes, individuals might be less likely to consider and adopt risk-reducing behaviors for evidence-based BC causes. This national study aimed to assess the awareness of BC causation myths and misbeliefs among Palestinian women, and examine the factors associated with having good awareness.MethodsThis national cross-sectional study recruited adult women from government hospitals, primary healthcare centers, and public spaces in 11 governorates in Palestine. A modified version of the Cancer Awareness Measure-Mythical Causes Scale was used to collect data. The level of awareness of BC causation myths was determined based on the number of myths recognized to be incorrect: poor (0–5), fair (6–10), or good (11–15).ResultsA total of 5,257 questionnaires were included. Only 269 participants (5.1%) demonstrated good awareness (i.e., recognizing more than 10 out of 15 BC mythical causes). There were no notable differences in displaying good awareness between the main areas of Palestine, the Gaza Strip and the West Bank and Jerusalem (5.1% vs. 5.1%). Having chronic disease as well as visiting hospitals and primary healthcare centers were associated with a decrease in the likelihood of displaying good awareness.Myths related to food were less frequently recognized as incorrect than food-unrelated myths. ‘Eating burnt food’ was the most recognized food-related myth (n = 1414, 26.9%), while ‘eating food containing additives’ was the least recognized (n = 599, 11.4%). ‘Having a physical trauma’ was the most recognized food-unrelated myth (n = 2795, 53.2%), whereas the least recognized was ‘wearing tight bra’ (n = 1018, 19.4%).ConclusionsA very small proportion of Palestinian women could recognize 10 or more myths around BC causation. There is a substantial need to include clear information about BC causation in future educational interventions besides focusing on BC screening, signs and symptoms, and risk factors.

Investigating Myths and Misconceptions Within the Maltese Primary School Setting

Educational myths occur when evidence-based research does not confirm common beliefs about learning and teaching methodology. On the other hand, educational misconceptions are beliefs which have been debunked by research but are still being used in a classroom setting. This research aims to investigate the beliefs of Maltese primary school educators concerning the main educational myths and misconceptions. The researcher seeks to provide a perspective of the local educators in relation to common educational myths and how these beliefs could infiltrate the Maltese educational system. A quantitative explorative design was utilised to evaluate the beliefs of Maltese primary school educators concerning four areas: Learning Styles, Bilingualism, Digital Learners and Homework. One hundred and seventy-nine educators responded to an online questionnaire. The researcher used descriptive and inferential statistics to analyse the data. Results indicate that primary school educators believe in myths related to learning styles the most, followed by misconceptions about homework provision. Chi-square analysis revealed that myths were widespread throughout different cohorts, where no difference between educators’ roles and level of education could be identified; however, some differences between sectors could be identified.

Truth or myth

This month, in our series looking at common myths concerning contact lenses, Junghee Seo and John Meyler look at whether soft torics are time consuming to fit

ECMO in trauma care: What you need to know.

Over the past 10 years, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) use in trauma patients has increased significantly. This includes adult and pediatric trauma patients and even combat casualties. Most ECMO applications are in a venovenous (VV ECMO) configuration for acute hypoxemic respiratory failure or anatomic injuries that require pneumonectomy or extreme lung rest in a patient with insufficient respiratory reserve. In this narrative review, we summarize the most common indications for VV ECMO and other forms of ECMO support used in critically injured patients, underscore the importance of early ECMO consultation or regional referral, review the technical aspects of ECMO cannulation and management, and examine the expected outcomes for these patients. In addition, we evaluate the data where it exists to try to debunk some common myths surrounding ECMO management.

Gendered framing & victim-blaming in fictional sexual assault survivor portrayals

ABSTRACT Evidence of victim-blaming has become a reoccurring feature in media portrayals of female sexual assault survivors, but considerably less attention has been devoted to victim-blaming in portrayals of male survivors. This study explores how framing of portrayals and potential presentations of rape myths in fictional television dramas differ based on gender of the survivor in the same fictional television program. Data was collected and analyzed using a content analysis of fictionalized sexual assault experiences in 41 episodes of 13 Reasons Why and 20 episodes of Law & Order: SVU, two widely consumed programs depicting sexual assault. Findings indicate improvement, to some extent, in reducing the level of victim-blaming of survivors in television drama episodes airing in the post #MeToo era. Despite improvement, the continued emphasis of notions present in common male and female rape myths, even following #MeToo, make it imperative to understand how these types of portrayals may be influencing viewers’ perceptions of sexual assault survivors.

Ten common misconceptions about antibiotic use in the hospital.

Antimicrobials are one of the most administered medications in hospitals. Thoughtful and rational antibiotic prescribing by clinicians are important in reducing the adverse effects to both the host that takes the antibiotic and also the individuals in the host's community. Principles informing antibiotic prescribing in the hospital are commonly rooted in misconceptions. We review 10 common myths associated with antibacterial usage in hospitalized patients and share contemporary evidence in hopes of enhancing evidence-informed practice in this patient care setting.

Aortic disease 101: Breaking down myths of type A aortic dissection for patients and families

Objectives: Patients with Type A aortic dissections are often overwhelmed by the influx of new information and changes necessary to adjust to life with an aortic disease. This article uses psychoeducation about life after dissection to dispel common myths about aortic disease and empower patients to live full lives. It is written in clear and easy-to-understand language to maximise patient comprehension and knowledge of their condition to help them feel more confident after Type A aortic dissection. Design: An interdisciplinary group of professionals (including cardiothoracic surgeons, a clinical cardiac psychologist, clinical cardiac psychology trainees, and genetic counsellors) were asked about their interest in creating an article written for patients who have undergone Type A aortic dissection repair. Those who agreed were then asked to report some of the myths commonly heard in practice about the procedure and its ramifications. Setting: The myths confronted in this article come from professionals working for a comprehensive heart care institute, the East Carolina Heart Institute in Greenville, NC, USA and Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD, USA. Methods: A multi-disciplinary group of professionals focused on aortic disease contributed myths commonly reported by patients seen in practice. Results: Common myths are presented and include safety fears about physical activity, diet, and recurrence of aortic dissection. By educating yourself about the facts of your diagnosis, you can feel as though you have more control over your health and your life. Conclusion: The takedown of common myths about life post-dissection can be helpful for patients with aortic disease and their families. Understanding the facts about a loved one’s new diagnosis can help partners and caregivers to be more fully involved in the patient’s care and feel confident. An important limitation of the present work is the lack of prior research on patient quality of life and mental health following Type A aortic dissection. Future work should explore the unique mental health needs of patients with aortic disease to create interventions that target mental health symptomatology to help patients live longer, healthier and richer lives.

Truth or myth

This month, in our series looking at common myths concerning contact lenses, Doerte Luensmann and John Meyler look at whether different brands use the same fitting methods

Applying Economics—Not Gut Feel—to ESG

Interest in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues is at an all-time high. However, academic research is still relatively nascent, often leading us to apply gut feel on the grounds that ESG is too urgent to wait for peer-reviewed research. This paper highlights how the insights of mainstream economics can be applied to ESG, once we realize that ESG is no different to other investments with long-term financial and social returns. A large literature on corporate finance studies how to value investments; asset pricing explores how the stock market prices risks; welfare economics investigates externalities; optimal contracting considers how to achieve multiple objectives; private benefits analyze manager and investor preferences beyond shareholder value; and agency theory helps ensure that managers pursue shareholder preferences, including non-financial preferences. I identify how conventional thinking on ten common ESG myths is overturned when applying the insights of mainstream economics.

An Educational Session for Medical Students Exploring Weight Bias in Clinical Care Through the Lens of Body Diversity.

Weight bias is pervasive in health care and can lead to inadequate care for people with higher weight. However, few medical schools offer training on mitigating weight bias and incorporating body diversity into clinical care. As part of a course for second-year medical students, we developed and implemented a 3-hour multimodal educational session on mitigating weight bias. Didactics included content on body diversity and addressing weight bias, followed by a facilitated case discussion in small groups focused on debunking common myths related to weight. Assessment consisted of an open-content quiz and evaluation of a postsession survey. We performed a thematic analysis of the essay quiz responses and evaluation survey results. Three hundred fifty-three students participated in academic years 2020-2021 and 2021-2022. In the postsession quiz, students described several learning points, including understanding environmental influences on body size, improving communication by reducing weight bias, and strengthening the patient-provider relationship. In the postsession evaluation, students reported that their knowledge and skills had improved with respect to the learning objectives, with means of 4.0-4.1 on a 5-point Likert scale. Areas for suggested improvement included more time for discussion and more guidance on weight-inclusive care. This multimodal educational session on weight bias was successful in meeting the stated learning objectives. Future work will consist of building on this content and extending future iterations to residents and attendings, with the goal of disrupting harmful assumptions and improving access to holistic, evidence-based care for all people, regardless of size.

Myths and facts about functional neurological disorders: a cross-sectional study of knowledge and awareness among medical students and healthcare professionals in Iraq

BackgroundFunctional neurological disorder (FND) is a complex condition with neurological symptoms but no clear structural or biochemical explanation. Myths and misconceptions about FND can lead to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment....

Truth or myth

This month, in our series looking at common myths concerning contact lenses, Junghee Seo and Kurt Moody look at whether the preferred sighting method is a good place to start

A Path Across the Rift: Informing African Energy Transitions by Unearthing Critical Questions and Data Needs

This issue brief reviews an analysis of African energy transitions and pinpoints critical questions we need to answer to foster science-based policymaking to enable decisions informed by clear and objective country-specific analysis. This also helps debunk common myths about the energy transition in Africa and identifies gaps in the current knowledge that warrant further research.