Computer Assisted Web Interview Research Articles

ФІНАНСОВИЙ КОНТРОЛІНГ ПРОЦЕСУ ЗЛИТТЯ ТА ПОГЛИНАННЯ КОМПАНІЙ В УМОВАХ ГЕОПОЛІТИЧНИХ РИЗИКІВ

Introduction. Geopolitical risks and crises have become a significant factor affecting financial and investment decisions. Military actions, pandemics, climate change, supply chain disruptions, and social upheavals have become drivers of uncertainty, leading to unpredictable volatility in global markets. This necessitates a reevaluation of traditional tools for supporting financial and investment decisions, including decisions regarding mergers and acquisitions (M&A transactions). Problem Statement. The problem lies in the insufficient adaptation of traditional decision-support tools for M&A to the new geopolitical reality, characterized by permanent crises, supply chain disruptions, and increased levels of uncertainty. Purpose. To determine the nature of the impact of geopolitical risks and behavioral factors on investment decision-making and to substantiate the concept of financial controlling in M&A. Methods. A mixed-method approach (Mixed Methods Research) was employed, whereby hypotheses were formulated based on inductive observations and then deductively tested. Within this framework, both qualitative and quantitative research methods were applied, including content analysis, abstract-logical and synthesis methods, regression-correlation analysis, and the online survey method (CAWI – Computer Assisted Web Interviewing). Results. The nature of the impact of geopolitical risks on the dynamics of the merger and acquisition market has been clarified. Based on empirical analysis, the influence of the subjective, behavioral component on investment decision-making as a whole and decisions regarding mergers and acquisitions in particular has been confirmed. For the first time, the concept of financial controlling in M&A has been substantiated, aimed at providing informational, methodological, and analytical support for relevant decisions. The essence of the ecosystem approach to the process of mergers and acquisitions has been revealed. Conclusions. It has been proven that geopolitical risks are insufficiently taken into account in the process of making investment decisions regarding M&A, which often leads to unsuccessful deals. This is a consequence of the shortcomings of existing company valuation and rating methodologies, as well as the influence of the subjective, behavioral component on investment decision-making. To address the complex issues associated with M&A, it is advisable to implement a comprehensive concept of financial controlling and an ecosystem approach to the merger and acquisition process.

Preferred sources of information on diabetes prevention programmes: a population-based cross-sectional study in Poland.

This study aimed to analyse preferred sources of information on diabetes prevention programmes and to identify sociodemographic determinants influencing these preferences among adults in Poland. A cross-sectional survey was carried out between 15 and 18 September 2023 using a computer-assisted web interview. A self-prepared questionnaire included 10 questions on sources of information on type 2 diabetes prevention. Data were obtained from 1046 adults (18-82 years); 53.4% were females. Most respondents preferred email communication (46.4%), followed by a doctor or nurse (33.5%), and a letter or leaflet directly delivered to the mailbox (25.8%) for type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) prevention information. Younger respondents were more likely to indicate mass media (OR=1.81, 95% CI=1.12 to 2.95, p=0.01) and digital media (OR=1.65, 95% CI=1.02 to 2.67, p=0.04) as a source of information on DM2 prevention. Those who had higher education (OR=1.51, 95% CI=1.16 to 1.96, p=0.002), as well as those with chronic diseases (OR=1.50, 95% CI=1.14 to 1.97, p=0.004), were more likely to indicate digital media. Out of 10 different variables analysed in this study, passive occupational status (OR=1.43, 95% CI=1.04 to 1.96, p=0.03) as well as having chronic diseases (OR=1.51, 95% CI=1.16 to 1.96, p=0.002) were associated with higher odds of indicating healthcare workers as a preferred source of information. Marital status, having children, place of residence, household characteristics and financial status do not significantly decide communication preferences. Communication on DM2 prevention should be adjusted to public preferences and expectations. Tailoring interventions to different demographic groups can enhance outreach and engagement. Email emerged as a popular choice, suggesting the potential of digital communication in preventive health programmes.

Physicians' attitudes toward beta-blockers for the treatment of hypertension in Italy, Poland, and Turkey.

Despite substantial progress in understanding the complex pathophysiology, hypertension remains a serious public health challenge affecting over 1.2 billion adults aged 30-79 years worldwide. Appropriate knowledge of the different pharmaceutical classes of antihypertensive agents and an understanding of the characteristics of individual molecules are essential to optimize clinical outcomes in patients with hypertension. We conducted a computer-assisted web interviewing (CAWI) quantitative survey in Italy, Poland, and Turkey to investigate physicians' prescriptions, knowledge, and perceptions of antihypertensive drugs with a focus on β-blockers, to assess antihypertensive usage patterns and the reasons underlying prescription choices. The survey findings show that β-blockers retain a pivotal role in the management of hypertension and are prescribed more often for patients with cardiovascular comorbidities than for patients with diabetic comorbidities. In all three countries, nebivolol is the only β-blocker among the ones analyzed which is consistently prescribed to 20% or more of patients and is overall the most prescribed one for the population with comorbid diabetes. In terms of specific β-blockers' features, this study revealed knowledge gaps that underline the need for educational activities focused on the differences among β-blockers, which are important in choosing the most suitable agent for individualized antihypertensive therapy.

Sociodemographic profile, health-related behaviours and experiences of healthcare access in Italian transgender and gender diverse adult population.

Information on the general health of transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals continues to be lacking. To bridge this gap, the National Institute of Health in Italy together with the National Office against Racial Discriminations, clinical centres, and TGD organizations carried out a cross-sectional study to define the sociodemographic profile, health-related behaviours, and experiences of healthcare access in Italian TGD adult population. A national survey was conducted by Computer-Assisted Web Interviewing (CAWI) technique. Collected data were compared within the TGD subgroups and between TGD people and the Italian general population (IGP). TGD respondents were 959: 65% assigned female at birth (AFAB) and 35% assigned male at birth (AMAB). 91.8% and 8.2% were binary and non-binary TGD respondents, respectively. More than 20% of the TGD population reported to be unemployed with the highest rate detectable in AMAB and non-binary people. Cigarette smoking and binge drinking were higher in the TGD population compared with IGP (p < 0.05), affecting TGD subgroups differently. A significant lower percentage of AFAB TGD people reported having had screening for cervical and breast cancer in comparison with AFAB IGP (p < 0.0001, in both cases). Over 40% was the percentage of AFAB and non-binary TGD people accessing healthcare who felt discriminated against because of their gender identity. Our results are a first step towards a better understanding of the health needs of TGD people in Italy in order to plan the best policy choices for a more inclusive public health.

Estonian Generations and Gender Survey 2020:

In Estonia, the Generations and Gender Survey 2020 (GGS-II) is the third large-scale demographic survey that collects data on family and fertility dynamics. As the country participates in the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe, the GGS-II opted for a shorter age range of the sample (18–59). The questionnaire in the GGS-II in Estonia follows the GGS-II wave 1 baseline questionnaire. The questionnaire also includes the Global Uncertainties’ module developed by the Nordic countries, a battery of questions on the perceived impact of COVID-19, and several country-specific items. The GGS-II in Estonia was implemented using only computer-assisted web interviewing (CAWI). In this article, we present a concise overview of the sampling and data collection process, analyse representativeness and response rates, and briefly assess the data quality. We conclude that despite low response rates, the GGS-II provides a good basis for the analysis of fertility and family dynamics.

The role of innovative human resource management practices, organizational support and knowledge worker effort in counteracting job burnout in the Polish business services sector.

This study focuses on analyzing the impact of innovative human resource management practices (IHRMP) on knowledge worker burnout, and how organizational support and employee effort help explain this relationship in the context of the business services sector. To explore the problem, investigated whether IHRMP have a significant negative impact on employee burnout, and organizational support and employee effort mediate the negative impact of IHRMP on employee burnout. A survey was conducted, collected using the computer assisted web interview method on 1000 knowledge workers employed at business services sector (BSS) organizations in Poland. The quantitative results obtained were analyzed using AMOS software to test the main statistical relationships and through structural equation modeling. The study outlines direct and indirect mechanisms to counteract perceived burnout among knowledge workers. The article contributes to the understanding of how IHRMP reduce burnout among knowledge workers and highlights the central importance of organizational support and employee effort as mediating factors against burnout in the context of high-skill, high-intensity work. The expected results in terms of application provide a proposal of measures for managers' consideration that can be implemented in the organization with a view to counteracting the incidence of burnout among BSS employees. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2024;37(2).

The Impact of Removing the 10-Minute Bout Requirement and of Different Survey Administration Methods on National Physical Activity Estimates in Austria.

Monitoring survey methods, as well as movement recommendations, evolves over time. These changes can make trend observations over time difficult. The aim of this study was to examine the differences between 2 computer-assisted survey administration methods and the effect of the omission of the 10-minute minimum bout requirement in physical activity (PA) questions on PA outcomes. We used data from the second Austrian PA Surveillance System for 2998 adults (18-64y), applying computer-assisted personal interviewing and computer-assisted web interviewing. Within the computer-assisted web interviewing sample only, we added PA questions without the 10-minute requirement. Quantile and logistic regressions were applied. Between computer-assisted web interviewing and computer-assisted personal interviewing, within the computer-assisted personal interviewing sample, we found lower PA estimates in the leisure domain and work and household domain, but not in the travel domain, and no significant difference in the proportion of people meeting the PA recommendations. In all 3 PA domains, the median minutes did not differ when assessed with or without the 10-minute requirement. However, the percentage participation in the travel domain and work and household domain performing >0minutes per week PA was higher when there was no 10-minute requirement. The proportion of people meeting the Austrian aerobic recommendation for adults when computed with or without the 10-minute requirement did not differ. Our findings suggest that the omission of the 10-minute requirement does not seem to result in marked differences in PA estimates or the proportion of adults meeting the recommendations.

Herpes zoster (HZ) vaccine coverage and confidence in Italy: a Nationwide cross-sectional study, the OBVIOUS project

BackgroundHerpes Zoster is an age dependent disease and as such it represents a problem in the Italian social context, where the demographic curve is characterized by an overrepresentation of the elderly population. Vaccines against Herpes Zoster are available, safe and effective, however coverage remains sub-optimal. This study was therefore conducted to examine the variations in Herpes Zoster vaccine uptake and confidence across different regions in Italy.MethodsThis study utilized a cross-sectional computer-assisted web interview (CAWI) methodology. The survey was conducted by Dynata, an online panel provider, and involved 10,000 respondents recruited in Italy between April 11 and May 29, 2022. The sample was stratified based on geographic region, gender, and age group. Data management adhered to European Union data protection regulations, and the survey covered demographics, living conditions, and vaccination against herpes zoster (HZ), following the BeSD framework.ResultsThe findings indicate regional disparities in herpes zoster vaccine uptake across Italy. Notably, the Islands region exhibits a particularly low vaccination rate (2.9%), highlighting the need for targeted interventions. The multivariate regression analysis showed that sociodemographic factors, limited access to healthcare services, and inadequate awareness of vaccine eligibility contribute to the lower uptake observed in this region.ConclusionIn conclusion, this research emphasizes regional disparities in herpes zoster (HZ) vaccination uptake in Italy. Demographic, socioeconomic, and geographic factors impact individuals’ willingness to receive the vaccine. The study highlights the importance of awareness of vaccine eligibility and accessible vaccination facilities in increasing uptake rates.

Is destination management data-driven and technology based? The perspective of the authorities responsible for destination management in a geographically diverse destination area

n order to determine whether the entities responsible for destination management at the local level are keeping up with market trends, especially the requirements on implementing “smartness”, and whether there is a recognition of the need for their decision-making to be guided by real-time information and data, this research surveyed most of the local tourism authorities in the recognized tourism region of the Adriatic, which regularly records high numbers of tourist arrivals and overnight stays in the Republic of Croatia, a country where tourism is an extremely important component of GDP. To explore the topic, a survey was conducted by using the methods of Computer-Assisted Web Interviewing (CAWI) and Computer-Assisted Personal Interviews (CAPI), depending on the preferences of the respondents, primarily heads of destination management entities. The study of a specific topic related to tourism development decision-making, the application of smart technologies in the destination, and the collection of input from visitors to the destination included 73.53% of tourism management bodies (tourist boards of cities/municipalities) in the observed region and resulted in interesting findings. It is indicative that the application of technologies varies by sub-region and that decision-making is based on similar sources, regardless of the strategic importance of a particular decision and its long-term impact. Also, the fact that a large proportion of destination planning and development managers interviewed had no knowledge about the existence of strategic documents on sustainable development, and that only a very small proportion implement a strategy for the application of smart technologies and recognize the benefits of such an approach, is somewhat alarming. The limitations in this research are mostly caused by the determinants imposed by the funding source

A socio-psychological portrait of a pathological gambler as a prerequisite for preventing gambling addiction (gambling disorder)

Gambling always carries risks for the player's mental health, as it can provoke the development of gaming addiction. A direct connection between the socio-psychological portrait of the player, his gaming behavior, and the risks of game addiction can be traced. The purpose of the work is to form a socio-psychological portrait of a "pathological" gambler. The work was performed based on the State Institution "Institute of Forensic Psychiatry of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine". Methods used: CAWI (Computer Assisted Web Interviewing) questionnaires in online gambling establishments; CAPI (Computer Assisted Per­sonal Interviews - server event tracking method) in land-based casinos (more than 9,000 people were inter­viewed); statis­tical (for selection and analysis of materials). A questionnaire specially developed by the authors with a point evaluation of the results (from 71 to 90 points) allows us to conclude that the interviewee is a pathological gamb­ler. For the first time in Ukraine, the survey was conducted exclusively among gamblers at gambling establishments. The obtained results made it possible to form a statistically reliable р&lt;0.05 socio-psychological portrait of a pathological gambler, mostly men (87.7%) aged 25-35 years (52.4%) with secondary special (43.4%) or higher education (37.7%). In this group, 94% of people declared their inability to resist the desire to play, and 83.0% thought about stealing money to continue. Of pathological gamblers, 85.0% consider gaming as a means of earning money. All interviewed pathological gamers have experienced continuous gaming for more than 5 hours; 79.2% play almost every day. Such players in 95.0% noticed that they lost more money or spent more time than they planned, 96.0% felt culpable for the game, and 95.0% started the day with a game. Based on this portrait, the authors derived quantitative criteria that the organizer of gambling games can use to prevent gambling addiction among players within the framework of the application of the principles of responsible gaming.

SMEs sustainability: The role of human resource management, corporate social responsibility and financial management

Research background: The sustainability of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) represents a significant scientific and professional problem in the current turbulent period because these enterprises play an important role in any country’s economic and social systems. Purpose of the article: This paper aimed to define the significant sustainability factors of small and medium-sized enterprises and to quantify their impact and importance on the sustainability of SMEs. The areas of Human Resource Management, Corporate Social Responsibility, and financial management were defined as significant sustainability factors. Methods: Empirical research, on which the scientific hypotheses were formulated and evaluated, was conducted in June 2022 in V4 countries (Czech Republic, Slovak Republic, Poland, and Hungary) using a structured questionnaire. The study accumulated a sample of 1398 respondents. Data collection was conducted through an external agency, MN FORCE, operating in Central European countries. The Computer Assisted Web Interview (CAWI) method was used to record respondents’ perceptions. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and linear regression analysis were used to evaluate the hypotheses. Findings &amp; value added: The research showed that all defined factors in the areas of Human resource management (HRM), Corporate social responsibility (CSR), and financial management of the firm had an impact on defined sustainability attributes. The greatest impact was found on the firm’s financial management, followed by CSR and HRM. The empirical results confirm that the intensity of the independent variables varies across the V4 countries. These results also show that the intensity of the selected HRM, CSR, and financial management factors of a firm is higher in the integrated models than in the models for individual V4 countries. The research results have shown that a range of factors determine the right attitude towards the sustainability of companies. In this context, economic policymakers and entrepreneurs must perceive sustainable growth as complex and apply a systemic approach to its design and implementation.

Is Obesity a Cause for Shame? Weight Bias and Stigma among Physicians, Dietitians, and Other Healthcare Professionals in Poland-A Cross-Sectional Study.

Weight bias and weight stigma pose significant challenges in healthcare, particularly affecting obesity management practices and patient care quality. Our study evaluates their prevalence and impact among healthcare professionals in Poland. Using the Fat Phobia Scale and custom questions, we surveyed 686 professionals via Computer-Assisted Web Interview (CAWI). Results reveal a moderate level of explicit weight bias (mean score: 3.60 ± 0.57), with significant variations across professional groups: physicians (3.70 ± 0.48), dietitians (3.51 ± 0.48), and others (3.44 ± 0.77). Common feelings towards individuals with obesity include willingness to help (57.0%) and compassion (37.8%), yet 29.9% perceive obesity as shameful. The results also vary depending on the respondent's sex or BMI. These findings underscore the need for evidence-based interventions to mitigate weight stigma and enhance understanding of obesity among healthcare professionals.

Attitudes and purchase intentions of polish university students towards food made from insects-A modelling approach.

The marketing of insect-derived protein has led to the development of respective legal regulations on such insects-based foods in the European Union. Despite the interest in the area of insect-based food, European researchers have paid relatively little attention to consumer attitudes and behaviors towards such products or the factors that may affect them. Attempts undertaken so far in this respect are insufficient; therefore, there is a need to continue and expand research in this field. The present study attempts to verify the following research hypotheses: H1. Attitudes towards food containing insects are related to the attributes/characteristics of these products, care for health and the natural environment, and attitudes towards novelty (neophilic/neophobic); H2. Intentions to purchase food containing insects can be predicted based on attitudes towards food from insects, product attributes, and attitudes towards environmental health and novelties. An empirical study was conducted among university students (N = 1063) by an indirect interview method using a specially designed questionnaire, via an online platform (Computer-Assisted Web Interview, CAWI) in November 2023. The questionnaire was validated by assessing the construction validity and estimating the reliability of the scales used. The study results demonstrated that the attributes of insect-based food products can influence the positive attitudes towards them and behavioral intentions to consume them, and that the strength of the impact of health quality traits is far greater than that of the organoleptic or functional traits. A negative, statistically significant value of the correlation coefficient between neophobic attitude and intention to purchase this type of food was observed. Thus, respondents without food neophobia were characterized by a positive attitude towards the purchase of foods containing edible insects in their composition.

MODEL OF SUSTAINABILITY OF SMES IN V4 COUNTRIES

The research’s objective was to develop a thorough model of the viability of SMEs in the V4 countries based on predetermined variables. The following factors were defined: human resources management, business ethics, corporate social responsibility, company digitalisation, environmental considerations, financial management, and sustainability of SMEs. The model was developed on the solid empirical research carried out in the Visegrad Four countries in June 2022 by the renowned external agency MNFORCE using a sample of 1,398 respondents and the “Computer Assisted Web Interviewing” technique. According to the research, the developed complex model of SMEs’ sustainability depending on the listed criteria is statistically significant. Each investigated factor has a favourable impact on SMEs’ sustainability. The study’s findings supported the notion that the environmental aspects of the business have the strongest positive impact on the long-term sustainability of SMEs. The study’s findings indicate that the management of human resources, finances, and the degree of digitalisation of SMEs significantly influence the viability of businesses. The findings provide an important platform for managers responsible for the sustainability of the SME segment at the worldwide level (International council for small business), national level (particularly for V4 nations), as well as institutions supporting SMEs and SME owners.

External audits and official controls – what’s the difference in their usefulness and credibility?

PurposeThe study aims to determine whether audited organizations experience differences between external audits and official controls.Design/methodology/approachA survey among 100 organic food producers was conducted to explore differences regarding the usability of external audits and official controls. The survey was conducted in 2020 using the computer-assisted telephone interview (CATI) method supplemented by the computer-assisted web interview (CAWI) method. Organizations processing organic farming products in Poland were chosen for the study.FindingsThree primary benefits associated with external audits and official controls were identified, i.e. (1) enabling and initiating activities related to the improvement of the organization, (2) improving the financial performance of the organization and (3) enhancing credibility. For most organizations, the assessment of these features was at the same level for both external audits and official control. However, if these assessments differed, commercial audits were assessed at a higher level than official controls.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is limited to only one specific type of manufacturing organization and one European country.Originality/valueThe literature review shows some conceptual differences between audits and official controls, but the results of this study show that the business environment does not perceive these differences as significant. Thus, the value of the study is reflected in the conclusion that both external audits and official controls are considered useful and credible approaches to monitoring the quality within the organization, which allows us to state that external evaluation is generally seen as an opportunity to improve the performance of the organization.

Greenery in times of crisis: Accessibility, residents' travel preferences and the impact of travel time

Urban green spaces (UGSs) played a pivotal role in easing the effects of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. It is, therefore, relevant to identify factors influencing why people choose specific UGSs. This paper aims to investigate the preferences of residents of Kraków (Poland) regarding the selection of UGSs in times of crisis. Distance or travel time from home are among the key factors affecting the choice of UGSs. The paper verifies whether such other factor considerations as age, type of housing, and physical activity influence travel preferences to UGSs. We analyse residents' preferences regarding travelling to UGSs by integrating survey research with statistical and geostatistical methods, which is the innovative value of the research. The Computer Assisted Web Interview (CAWI) survey yielded 1353 returned questionnaires, which provided input data when combined with geostatistical analyses of network distance (routing). With nonparametric statistical methods, we could identify preferences of Kraków residents regarding travelling to UGSs during times of crisis. The primary results show that travel time was not always a factor when selecting UGSs. In times of crisis, the respondents were willing to cover larger distances to UGSs, namely up to 51 minutes on foot and 16 minutes by bicycle. We also demonstrated that there is a relationship between age and UGS travel time and a link between type of housing and UGS travel time. The results are inconclusive regarding the importance of distance to UGSs for people who are physically active. Note that accessibility recommendations for travel time often presented in the literature did not apply to Kraków in times of crisis.

Use and acceptance of traditional, complementary and integrative medicine in Germany-an online representative cross-sectional study.

Older representative surveys show that Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (TCIM) is used by about 60% of the German population. However, no data exists for the current nationwide situation. The main aim of this cross-sectional study is to investigate the current use and acceptance of TCIM in Germany. This study is based on a representative sample of the German population aged 18-75 years. Participants were asked about the use and acceptance of TCIM. The survey was conducted online using Computer Assisted Web Interview (CAWI) in 2022 by three renowned German market research institutes on behalf of and in close coordination with the working group. The data set was analyzed descriptively and inferentially. In total, 4,065 participants (52% female, 48% male, 0.4% diverse) responded completely (response rate: 21.5%). Among participants, 70% stated that they had used TCIM at some point in their lives, with 32% doing so in the last 12 months and 18% currently. The most common reason given (17%) was musculoskeletal pain. For their own health, 39% stated that TCIM is important. Traditional European Medicine was rated as very/mainly effective by 27% of participants and as partly effective by 44% (conventional medicine: 69% very/mainly effective, 19% partly effective). As a complementary treatment strategy to conventional medicine, 35% considered TCIM to be optimal ("Complementary Medicine"), 33% in combination with conventional medicine ("Integrative Medicine") and 5% without conventional medicine ("Alternative Medicine"). The majority of the participants were in favor of more research on TCIM and stated that the costs of TCIM services should be covered by health insurance companies (71% and 69%, respectively). These results from a representative online-population suggest that the use of TCIM in Germany remains at a high level. The nationwide relevance of TCIM should be given greater consideration in German health care policy making. TCIM should be systematically investigated using appropriate study designs and methods including high quality randomized clinical trials to investigate their effectiveness, efficacy, therapeutic safety and costs in the future.

Overactive bladder negatively affects erectile function and promotes premature ejaculation: findings from large representative population-level study.

The effect of overactive bladder (OAB) on sexual health has been evaluated extensively for women but much less for men. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between OAB and men's sexual activity and the effect of OAB on erectile dysfunction (ED) and premature ejaculation (PE) in a large representative cohort of men at the population level. This study was based on computer-assisted web interviews that used validated questionnaires. The most recent census and the sample size estimation calculations were employed to produce a population-representative pool. The study included 3001 men, representative of the population in terms of age and place of residence. The frequency of sexual intercourse was higher for respondents without OAB symptoms compared with persons who had OAB (p = 0.001), but there was no association between OAB symptoms and number of sexual partners (p = 0.754). Regression models did not confirm the effect of OAB on sexual activity (odds ratio 0.993, CI 0.974-1.013, p = 0.511). Both ED and PE were more prevalent in respondents with OAB symptoms compared with persons who lacked those symptoms (p < 0.001). Importantly, the effect of OAB on ED or PE was independent of age, comorbidities, and lifestyle habits (regression coefficients of 0.13 and 0.158 for ED and PE, respectively). Overactive bladder did not significantly affect men's sexual activity, but it significantly correlated with ED and PE. Our results suggest a need in daily clinical practice to screen for OAB symptoms for persons who report ED or PE.

Influenza Vaccine Uptake in Italy-The 2022-2023 Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Campaign in Italy: An Update from the OBVIOUS Project.

Influenza is a significant public health concern, with Italy being profoundly impacted annually. Despite extensive vaccination campaigns and cooperative initiatives between the Public Health Departments of Local Healthcare Authorities and family physicians, low vaccine uptake rates persist. This study builds upon the OBVIOUS project, providing an updated picture of influenza vaccine uptake in Italy through a representative sample. A cross-sectional computer-assisted web interviewing (CAWI) survey of 10,001 Italian citizens was conducted between 31 March and 5 June 2023. Our findings underscore the negative impact of a lack of awareness that a person is in a priority group for influenza vaccination (-26.1 percentage points in vaccine uptake) and the profound influence of social circles on vaccination decisions (-5 percentage points when unfavorable). Medical professionals played a pivotal role, with recommendations from family doctors significantly promoting vaccine uptake (+20.2 percentage points). Age, chronic conditions, and socio-demographic factors also influenced vaccination behaviors. For children, parental negative perceptions regarding the flu (-10.4 percentage points) and vaccine safety (-23.4 percentage points) were crucial determinants. The present study emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach addressing awareness, societal beliefs, and tailored medical advice to enhance vaccination rates and protect public health in Italy.

Provision of special diets to children in public nurseries and kindergartens in Kraków (Poland).

A specialized diet could be due to an allergy or other medical needs and also religious or cultural reasons. This study aimed to assess the availability and provision of special diets in kindergartens and nurseries financed by the Municipality of Kraków. This observational cross-sectional study was based on a diagnostic survey carried out using the Computer-Assisted Web Interview method and addressed to the managers of nurseries (n = 21) and kindergartens (n = 71) and, separately, to the parents of children attending these facilities (n = 1,096). Non-parametric tests were applied for an unadjusted comparison between children at nurseries and those at kindergartens. Children with particular dietary requirements received special diet meals in 95.2% of nurseries and 60.5% of kindergartens. The availability of special diets was associated with the type of facility (p = 0.001), the number of children who ate in the facility (p = 0.032), and the daily cost of meals served to children (p = 0.009). The cost of meals was higher in kindergartens that offered special diets vs. those that did not offer such diets (p < 0.001). According to parents, 96.4% of the total number of children ate meals served in the facilities. In nurseries, 16.1% of children were on a special diet (as per the doctor's recommendations in 11.7% of cases and according to parents' own choice in 4.4%). In kindergartens, a special diet was served to 12.7% of children (doctor's recommendations, 8.5%; parents' own choice, 4.2%). The most common reason for using a special diet was food allergy (8.2% of children in nurseries and 5.8% of children in kindergartens). It was reported more often by the parents of children attending nurseries than by the parents of children attending kindergartens (8.0% vs. 4.2%, p = 0.007). The requirement for a special diet was found to be associated with the age of children (p < 0.033) and the use of oral treatment for chronic disease (p < 0.001). Providing special diets for children is better in nurseries than in kindergartens. Legal regulations are urgently needed to ensure equal access to adequate nutrition for all children with special dietary needs in childcare facilities.