Constructive Attitude Research Articles

The construct of attitude in mathematics education research: current trends and new research challenges from a systematic literature review

AbstractThe crucial role of attitude towards mathematics in the processes of teaching and learning mathematics is now recognized by both school practitioners and researchers in the field. However, “attitude” is a construct borrowed by disciplines other than mathematics education, and it is still conceptualized in various ways within the broad body of research about the role of affect in the teaching and learning of mathematics. In this context, developing a systematic literature review is particularly significant to characterise the recent trends—through the critical description of studies, foci, and approaches—and to guide future research by highlighting new possible research challenges in light of the current state of the art. Adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, this paper describes the systematic literature analysis of 180 papers published between the beginning of 2016 and the end of 2023, sourced from the Web of Science and Elsevier’s Scopus databases. The review confirms the worldwide interest and production about attitude towards mathematics, highlighting new remarkable findings and interests, such as the critical discussion about the translation of validated scales, as well as the persistence of some typical critical issues related to the “quantitative domain” in methodologies and to the widespread absence of precise definitions for attitude or of appropriate theoretical frameworks.

Translation and Validation of the Filipino Sustainability Consciousness Questionnaire (F-SCQ)

Sustainable Development (SD) has undeniably become an important concept worldwide. But sustainability issues are viewed in different contexts and situations. It is believed that cultural context is an important factor that influences human behaviors and values related to society, the economy, and the environment. Language is an essential part of culture. Thus, measurement indicators that are culturally adapted are as important to visualize the efforts toward SD. The present study aims to create a Filipino version of the Sustainability Consciousness Questionnaire (SCQ) reflecting the three psychological constructs of knowingness, attitudes, and behavioral items which are related to SD dimensions of social, economic, and environmental. Also, validation of the Filipino SCQ (F-SCQ) by experts and pilot tests as to the conceptual level of the target users and construct validity were done. This study used a cross-sectional, explanatory nonexperimental design with participants composed of 678 male and female aged 18-19 years old. The translation processes go through preparation, translation proper (forward translation), and evaluation (i.e. back translation, bilingual technique, and pretest/cognitive debriefing with 10 target samples) to ensure that the translated instrument is both culturally acceptable and contextually scale relevant to target population. In terms of its factor structure, the results of the second-order factor analysis are as follows: for Sustainability Knowingness, all of the first-order factors (i.e., Environmental, Social, and Economic) were loaded onto a single second-order factor. For Sustainability Attitudes, only the Social and Economic factors were retained; while, for Sustainability Behaviour, only the Environmental and Economic factors were confirmed. Hence, this Filipino version of the SCQ is found to be psychometrically sound and suitable for Filipino adolescents in measuring their sustainability consciousness. Further evaluation is recommended in comparison to the original English SCQ, other age groups; and translation to other Philippine dialects may also be considered in future studies.

Applying an Extended Theory of Planned Behavior to Predict Young Drivers’ In-Vehicle Information System (IVIS) Use Intention and Behavior While Driving: A Longitudinal Two-Wave Survey

In-vehicle information system (IVIS) use while driving has raised concerns about driver distraction, especially for young drivers. To understand better their psychological factors, an extended theory of planned behavior (TPB) was employed to predict young drivers’ IVIS use intentions and behavior while driving. A two-wave longitudinal survey was conducted to explore the temporal effects of ‘intention–behavior’ causality. At Time 1, 236 qualified participants completed a main questionnaire assessing the standard TPB constructs (attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavior control) and the extended constructs (descriptive norms, moral norms, and perceived risks). At Time 2, 145 follow-up questionnaires measuring self-reported behavior were successfully administered. The hierarchical multiple regression analyses showed that the standard constructs account for 36.5% of the intention variance and 41.2% of the behavior variance. The extended constructs additionally contributed 20.3% of intention variance. All variables were identified as significant predictors of intentions, except for perceived crash risks and perceived risks of being caught and fined. The sole significant predictor of prospective behavior was intention. Theoretically, the findings further support the efficacy of the TPB in explaining IVIS use while driving. Practically, it is helpful to design non-legal interventions that sustainably reduce young drivers’ engagement in IVIS-related distractions.

Reliability and Validity of the Sexual Intention Questionnaire for Adolescent Boys (SIQ-AB) in Malaysian Context

INTRODUCTION: The newly developed Sexual Intention Questionnaire for Adolescent Boys (SIQ-AB) is an adapted tool from the Youth Sexual Intention Questionnaire (YSI-Q) and Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), aimed to assess the influence of knowledge, permissive attitude, social norms, and self-efficacy toward the sexual intention. Thus, the aim of this study was to validate the newly developed SIQ-AB to determine Malaysian adolescent boys’ sexual intention. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The SIQ-AB validity and reliability were assessed in this study. A total sample of 252 (Exploratory Factor Analysis, n=126 and Confirmatory Factor Analysis, n=126) among adolescent boys from Serian and Kota Samarahan, Sarawak were included in this study. The exploratory factor analysis (EFA) assessed three constructs of sexual intention which include attitude, self-efficacy, and social norms with a 4-point Likert scale with a total of 19 items. The confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) assessed the TPB constructs of sexual intention, attitude, self-efficacy, and social norms with a 4-point Likert scale with a total of 19 items adopted from YSI-Q. RESULTS: The four-factor structures were supported by the EFA which had 19 items which accounted for 65.79% of the variation overall. Four items were removed due to improper positioning or low factor loading (<0.50), even though EFA supported the four-factor structure. Using Cronbach’s alpha, internal reliability varied between 0.77-0.89. Construct, convergent and composite validity of the SIQ-AB were further validated by the CFA with χ 2=199.0, df=129, p< 0.001, χ 2/df =1.54, CFI=0.98 and TLI=0.98 and RMSEA=0.06. CONCLUSIONS: The result proved that the SIQ-AB instrument is a valid and highly reliable tool to assess adolescent boys' sexual intention.

The Factors Affecting Learning Achievement in English Language Studies of The Students at North Bangkok University

Background and Aims: Research emphasizes the critical role that learners' attitudes and behaviors play in determining their success in acquiring the English language, emphasizing the relationship that exists between mindset and actions. Achieving proficiency objectives and optimizing language learning outcomes requires a focus on the development of constructive attitudes and efficient learning behaviors. Thus, the study of the factors affecting learning achievement in English language studies of the students at North Bangkok University aims to investigate the factors affecting learning achievement in English language studies of the students at North Bangkok University. Methodology: The sample comprises students enrolled in the ENG 101 course, totaling 283 individuals, selected through stratified random sampling and simple random sampling methods. The research methodology involves utilizing a questionnaire as the primary data collection instrument. Statistical analyses employed in the study include percentages, means, standard deviations, Pearson correlation coefficients, and stepwise multiple regression analysis. Results: The results found that the factors of students, teachers, family, and school can collectively predict the factors affecting learning achievement in English language studies of students at North Bangkok University. This predictive set comprises the factors related to students (x1), teachers (x2), and family (x3). These predictor variables can predict the factors that affect the learning achievement in English language studies of the students at North Bangkok University with an accuracy of 42.77%. This can be written as a prediction equation as follows; (1) The prediction equation in raw score format can be expressed as follows: Y = .386+.282X1 +.174X2 + .151X3. (2) The prediction equation in standardized score format can be expressed as follows: ZY = .341X1 +.228X2 + .163X3 Conclusion: According to the study, family dynamics, instructors, and students all have an impact on how well students learn English at North Bangkok University. The accuracy of these predictor variables, which include factors related to students, teachers, and families, in predicting learning outcomes in English language studies is 42.77%.

Theory of planned behavior and fast fashion purchasing: an analysis of interaction effects

The fast fashion industry, characterized by its reliance on rapid consumption cycles, and short-lived garment use, has raised major environmental concerns. This industry generates over 92 million tons of waste and consumes 79 trillion liters of water annually, driven by rising consumer demand for fast fashion. As such, there is a pressing need to transition from the current wasteful fast fashion purchasing behavior to more sustainable behavior. Despite extensive research on sustainable purchasing behavior, there is still a gap in our understanding of the predictors of consumers’ sustainable fast fashion purchasing behavior. To address this gap, our study utilized a survey questionnaire to collect data from a convenience sample of 123 South African consumers. We expanded the theory of planned behavior (TPB) by incorporating sustainability awareness as a background factor in the hypothesized theoretical model. We also investigated the relationships among the TPB constructs (attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control), sustainability awareness, and sustainable fast fashion purchasing behavior. By employing hierarchical regression within the extended TPB framework, we found that perceived behavioral control mediated the relationship between sustainability awareness and sustainable fast fashion purchasing behavior. Further, perceived behavioral control and its interaction with attitude significantly predicted sustainable fast fashion purchasing behavior, while sustainability awareness significantly predicted perceived behavioral control. Notably, our findings reveal that lower perceived behavioral control is associated with a stronger positive relationship between attitude and sustainable fast fashion purchasing behavior. These findings have important implications for theory and practice, and provide suggestions for future research directions.

Young customers’ intention to purchase organic food in South Africa: extending the theory of planned behaviour

Ethical consumption has become an increasing trend as young customers get increasingly aware of their environmental and ethical responsibilities. The study aimed to examine the determinants of organic food purchase intention and behaviour of young customers in South Africa by extending the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB). The main objective of the study was to determine the effects of TPB constructs (attitude, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control) on young consumers’ intention to purchase organic food. Also, the study investigated whether the extended TPB model would improve the predictive validity of the model. The TPB was modified by the addition of three value constructs (health, environmental and appearance consciousness) as antecedents of attitude and intention and two personal factors (moral norms and ethical self-identity) as predictors of purchase intention. In addition, the study examined the mediating effects of attitude towards organic food in the relationship between value and purchase intention. Furthermore, the study determined the effect of intention on actual organic food purchase behaviour of young consumers. The study adopted a quantitative research approach and data was collected through the cross-sectional survey method using self-administered questionnaires from four hundred and three respondents. The questionnaires were distributed to the respondents through mall intercept and the Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling (PLS SEM) was used to test the hypotheses of the study. The findings confirmed that two constructs of the TPB (attitude towards organic food and perceived behavioural control) are predictors of purchase intention. In addition, health and environmental consciousness are antecedents of attitude and intention. Attitude mediates the relationship between health, environmental consciousness and intention. Furthermore, intention is a predictor of behaviour. Recommendations to improve the purchase of organic food focus on communication by marketers to consumers about the benefits of organic food. The study concludes that the extended TPB is an applicable theoretical framework to explain the purchase of organic food by young consumers.

Development and validation of dental visiting behavior among adults based on health belief model

AimThis study aimed to develop and validate an instrument, Dental Visiting Behavior Based on Health Belief Model among Adults (DVBHBM), and to assess factors influencing adults' dental visiting behavior based on Health Belief Model. Materials and methodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted among 277 adults in Hyderabad, India. The DVBHBM instrument, based on Health Belief Model, was developed, validated, and distributed among participants. Exploratory factor analysis, reliability analysis, descriptive analysis, independent t-tests, and path analysis were conducted to explore construct validity, internal consistency, attitudes, and relationship among variables. ResultsParticipants with discomfort exhibited higher perceived susceptibility (3.70 ± 1.15) compared to those with regular dental visits (2.84 ± 1.26, p < 0.05). Conversely, individuals with regular dental visits demonstrated significantly greater perceived benefits (22.32 ± 2.5) than those experiencing discomfort (19.76 ± 3.36, p = 0.001). Perceived barriers were lower among individuals with regular dental visits (11.01 ± 4.61) compared to those experiencing discomfort (12.71 ± 4.26, p = 0.001). Participants with regular dental visits also perceived the severity of not visiting a dentist (3.87 ± 0.95) more strongly than those experiencing discomfort (2.91 ± 1.03, p = 0.000). Cues to action were more pronounced in individuals with discomfort (3.34 ± 1.06) compared to those with regular dental visits (2.98 ± 1.07, p < 0.05). ConclusionParticipants exhibiting discomfort in dental visits had significantly higher perceived susceptibility, perceived barriers, cues to action and self-efficacy towards dental visits. However, factors such as age, gender, marital status, income, brushing, flossing and tobacco use did not impact dental visiting behaviour of adults.

Rental subsidies and take‐up barriers in an era of expensive rents: An extended version of the theory of planned behaviour

AbstractDespite increasing rent price burdens throughout Europe, many eligible households for rental subsidies do not use them. Understanding determinants of low take‐up is crucial for evaluating program effectiveness and anticipating fiscal implications. To identify those determinants, we built an extended version of the theory of planned behaviour, incorporating dimensions from the claiming costs scale. In an online survey, participants comprising renting households likely eligible for the housing subsidy from Germany (n = 862) and Spain (n = 1032) completed measures of behavioural intention, rental cost burdens, theory of planned behaviour constructs (attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, and past behaviour), and claiming costs constructs (information costs, process costs, and stigma). Results supported a multi‐group model, showing different paths for Germany and Spain. Several similar paths were identified for both countries, such as the indirect association of stigma with intention to apply for rental subsidies via attitude, the positive and strong association of subjective norms, and the positive association between perceived behavioural control and intention. The indirect relationship involving information costs was observed for Spain but not Germany, and rental cost burdens operated differently as well. These findings suggest that multiple dimensions, both psychological and policy‐related, should be considered when investigating claiming behaviours for rental subsidies, while emphasizing the need to acknowledge the unique characteristics of each country. This evidence is also relevant to policymakers, offering insights into leveraging established policy tools. Please refer to the Supplementary Material Section to find this article's Community and Social Impact Statement.

Attitudes of support people: a key element when implementing technologies for people with intellectual and visual disabilities

Aim The degree to which people with intellectual and visual disabilities can use technology relies on the level of support they receive. However, there is a lack of knowledge about the relationship between the constructs effort expectancy, attitudes, and behavioural intentions of support people (i.e. relatives and healthcare professionals) regarding the use of such technologies for people with intellectual and visual disabilities. The aim of this study was to gain insight into how these constructs are connected and to explore their relationship with support person’s characteristics and the support need levels of people with intellectual and visual disabilities. Methods In total, 186 support people from a Dutch healthcare organisation focusing on people with intellectual and visual disabilities participated in an online questionnaire. We used a regression analysis to explore how the constructs, the characteristics, and the level of support needs were related. Results Both effort expectancy (β = .35; t(185) = 5.04; p < .001) and attitude (β = .75; t(185) = 15.55; p < .001) of support people were related to the intention to use technologies. The effect of effort expectancy (β = .04; t(177) = .74; p = .462) on the intention to use technologies was mediated through attitude (β = .74; t(177) = 13.28; p < .001). Younger support people scored higher on attitude than older support people. Conclusions Support people’s effort expectancy and attitude play a significant role in their intention to use technologies when supporting people with intellectual and visual disabilities, with attitude emerging as pivotal factor.

ChatGPT usage and attitudes are driven by perceptions of usefulness, ease of use, risks, and psycho-social impact: a study among university students in the UAE

BackgroundThe use of ChatGPT among university students has gained a recent popularity. The current study aimed to assess the factors driving the attitude and usage of ChatGPT as an example of generative artificial intelligence (genAI) among university students in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).MethodsThis cross-sectional study was based on a previously validated Technology Acceptance Model (TAM)-based survey instrument termed TAME-ChatGPT. The self-administered e-survey was distributed by emails for students enrolled in UAE universities during September–December 2023 using a convenience-based approach. Assessment of the demographic and academic variables, and the TAME-ChatGPT constructs’ roles in ChatGPT attitude and usage was conducted using univariate followed by multivariate analyses.ResultsThe final study sample comprised 608 participants, 91.0% of whom heard of ChatGPT while 85.4% used ChatGPT before the study. Univariate analysis indicated that a positive attitude to ChatGPT was associated with the three TAME-ChatGPT attitude constructs namely, lower perceived risks, lower anxiety, and higher scores on the attitude to technology/social influence. For the ChatGPT usage, univariate analysis indicated that positive attitude to ChatGPT use was associated with being male, Arab in nationality, and lower point grade average (GPA) as well as the four ChatGPT usage constructs namely, higher perceived usefulness, lower perceived risks of use, higher scores on the behavior/cognitive construct and higher scores on the ease-of-use construct. In multivariate analysis, only TAME-ChatGPT constructs explained the variance in attitude towards ChatGPT (80.8%) and its usage (76.9%).ConclusionThe findings indicated that ChatGPT usage is commonplace among university students in the UAE. The determinants of use included the perceived usefulness, lower perceived risks, cognitive and behavioral factors, perceived ease of use, while the attitude was determined by lower perceived risks, lower anxiety, and higher scores for attitude to technology/social influence. These factors should be considered for understanding the motivators for successful adoption of genAI including ChatGPT in higher education.

Collective teacher efficacy and its relationship to attitudes to inclusion of students with special educational needs in Sweden

ABSTRACT This study aimed to investigate the perceived collective teacher efficacy, teacher attitudes to inclusion of students with special educational needs, and the relationship between the constructs in a sample of Swedish teachers. The participants were 930 teachers involved in the Inclusive Behavioural Support in Schools implementation programme. The teachers answered the two questionnaires: The Teacher Attitudes to Inclusion Scale Swedish version (TAIS-Sw) and the Collective Teacher Efficacy Scale (CTES). The questionnaires were analysed and adapted to fit the sample adequately. This exploration identified a three-factor model for TAIS-Sw that is suitable for the data. The three latent variables related to classroom management, perception of the positive effects of inclusion for all students, and objections towards segregated special education. For CTES, a two-factor model showed a good fit for the data. The latent variables were related to aspects of teachers’ competence, including belief in competency and skills to teach all students. The questionnaires identified positive expressions of collective teacher efficacy but more hesitant attitudes to inclusion. Structural equation modelling was used to investigate the relationship between the constructs of collective teacher efficacy and attitudes to inclusion, revealing a small positive relationship. Further investigations could help identify factors supporting successful inclusive practices.

THE UNTOLD STORY OF HAVING A FAMILY MEMBER AS TERROR CONVICT: STUDY OF FAMILY HARDINESS &amp; FAMILY PERSPECTIVE

Families with members charged for terrorism face immense challenges. This study aims to understand family hardiness and family perspective of families who have family members as terrorists convict. Using a phenomenological approach, we explore family perspectives and family hardiness in three informants (father,mother, older sister of a terror convict). The results of this study reveal that family develops family hardiness through the stages of shock and early adaptation, surrender and believe in God during the hard times, confidence in dealing with difficult circumstances, identifying challenges and formulating constructive attitudes, and working together as a unit to control difficult situations. We also found how one family and its internal communication can possibly become the fuel to form a positive perspective, and to strengthen the belief to move forward. These results imply family hardiness is formed as a whole by the process of how a family accepts the effects of difficult situations and works together as a unit to overcome it. We call for more attention to strengthening support for families, at both social and policy levels, because these actions and initiatives can help families with difficult situations, e.g. a family who has a member as a terrorist convict to cope and adapt successfully, preventing them from experiencing severe psychological burdens and depression as they possibly received stigma and social exclusion.

Mother blame and emotion work: a sociological study on Swedish mothers of children with long-term school absenteeism

Building on interviews with 31 Swedish mothers and drawing on the concepts of emotion work, feeling rules, and cultural, economic and social capital, the article examines the emotion management mothers of neurodivergent and school-absent children carry out as they navigate school and care systems to improve their children’s situation. Three main findings are presented: (1) the mothers were left with a burdensome individual responsibility to obtain support for their children in the education and care sectors, and while doing so, they were expected to follow feeling rules emphasising reason, calmness and a constructive attitude; (2) the emotion work the mothers carried out in relation to the feeling rules was underscored by mother blame; and (3) the mothers’ emotion work was marked by their cultural, economic and social capital, though not always in a straightforward way. The article contributes to research on mother blame by illuminating the underexplored issue of emotion work among mothers experiencing mother blame. The results also add to previous research on mother blame and social class by demonstrating when and how mothers’ cultural, economic and social capital helps them fend off mother blame and when such resources play a more ambiguous role.

A theoretical explanation of naloxone provision among primary care physicians and community pharmacists in Tennessee

BackgroundIncreasing access to naloxone reduces opioid-related morbidity and mortality. Primary care and community pharmacy settings are critical access points, yet limited theoretical research has examined naloxone prescribing and dispensing behaviors. ObjectivesTo determine if the theory of planned behavior (TPB) combined with theoretical constructs from communication science explains intentions to co-prescribe and discuss co-dispensing naloxone among primary care physicians and community pharmacists, respectively. MethodsThis cross-sectional study surveyed cohorts of licensed primary care physicians and community pharmacists in Tennessee in 2017. Intentions were measured using profession-specific case vignettes, whereby they were asked given 10 similar patients, how many times (0–10) would they co-prescribe or discuss co-dispensing naloxone. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were used. ResultsThe analytic sample included 295 physicians (response rate = 15.6 %) and 423 pharmacists (response rate = 19.4 %). Approximately 65 % of physicians reported never intending to co-prescribe naloxone (0 out of 10 patients), while 47 % of pharmacists reported never intending to discuss co-dispensing. All TPB constructs—attitudes (AOR = 1.32, CI = 1.16–1.50), subjective norms (AOR = 1.17, CI = 1.06–1.30), and perceived behavioral control (AOR 1.16, CI = 1.02–1.33)—were associated with an increased likelihood of pharmacists always (versus never) discussing co-dispensing. Similarly, two TPB constructs—attitudes (AOR = 1.41, CI = 1.19–1.68) and subjective norms (AOR = 1.22, CI = 1.08–1.39)—were associated with an increased likelihood of physicians always co-prescribing. Among physicians only, one communication construct—self-perceived communication competence (AOR = 1.19, CI = 1.01–1.41)—was associated with an increased likelihood of always co-prescribing. ConclusionFindings support the value of theory, particularly TPB, in explaining primary care physician intentions to co-prescribe and community pharmacist intentions to discuss co-dispensing naloxone.

Can self-reliant societies be potential adopters of electric bicycles? Examining the role of sociopsychological influences among the university employees in India

Electric bicycles (e-bikes) are gaining popularity globally as green and active modes of transport. Research on e-bike adoption to date has predominantly investigated various extrinsic motivations to use an e-bike, and little is known about the psychological influences. Examining the influence of psychological determinants is crucial to comprehend the unobserved individual and social factors affecting e-bike adoption. This study aims to determine the sociopsychological influences associated with e-bike use among the daily commuters (employees) of two university campuses in India which represent self-reliant societies. The study extends the classic Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) framework to account for influences like personal norms, knowledge of e-bikes, and parking anxiety, in addition to fundamental TPB constructs (attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control). Results are constructed by a structural equation model (SEM) for a sample of 347 non-users of e-bikes. SEM model indicates that among all TPB constructs, subjective norms are the strongest predictors of intentions to use e-bikes. Both subjective norms and attitudes have a significant positive effect on adoption intentions, whereas perceived behavioural control has a significant negative effect. Personal norms had significant indirect positive effects on e-bike use intentions with fundamental TPB constructs as mediators. Interestingly, parking anxiety (anxiety from missing the car parking spaces) positively, and knowledge of e-bikes negatively influence the e-bike adoption intentions. Further, comparison by psychological influences reveals that a significant difference exists between the perceptions of the two university commuters towards e-bike use, possibly due to the distinct terrain and climate characteristics of the universities. The study findings have implications for designing effective e-bike interventions and awareness programs seeking to promote e-bike adoption, particularly in self-reliant communities.

The behavioral intention telepharmacy questionnaire based on theory of personal health differences and planned behavior

Modern pharmaceutical services are offered via telepharmacy, an internet platform. Identification of items and factors that influence people's behavioral intentions towards telepharmacy services is needed to develop this service. The study aims to develop a questionnaire based on a research model that combines two well-known theories: the theory of personal health differences (TPHD) and the theory of planned behavior (TPB) technique. The purposive sampling strategy was combined with a cross-sectional observational method. 116 participants who were at least 18 years old were given the questionnaire. Convenience sampling from various population subgroups was used to select them. Data analysis was then conducted using the exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Factors were extracted using varimax rotation and principal component analysis. The results showed that the questionnaire consists of 16 items divided into 5 constructs (attitude and self-efficacy, behavioral intention, subjective norm, personal health status, and personal health value), this study proves that the behavioral intention telepharmacy questionnaire based on personal health differences and planned behavior theory is a reliable and valid measure. It can also draw attention to the many aspects of adoption behavior, helping service providers toward the successful digitalization of pharmaceutical services by fostering telepharmacy literacy. The application of telepharmacy is both a hope and a challenge for pharmacists and society, especially in terms of the intention to provide safe and quality pharmaceutical care.

Translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and validation of a Gujarati version of a theory of planned behavior questionnaire that assesses walking treatment beliefs in people with intermittent claudication

BackgroundWalking as a treatment is recommended for people with intermittent claudication (IC), but participation tends to be poor. Walking treatment beliefs, as defined by the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) are associated with walking behavior, so assessing and designing interventions targeting walking treatment beliefs are crucial. To assess walking treatment beliefs in people with IC in Gujarat, a translated, culturally adapted questionnaire that assesses the four TPB constructs (attitude, subjective normative beliefs, perceived behavioral control beliefs, and intention to walk) is required. AimTo translate and cross-culturally assess the content validity and face validity of a Gujarati version of a TPB questionnaire that assesses walking treatment beliefs. Materials and methodsA forward-backward translation of the 12-item TPB questionnaire was applied using a standardized approach. The translated versions were compared with the original questionnaire, and ten experts, rated each item according to: clarity, semantic, appropriateness, and cultural relevance. Content Validity Index (CVI), item level content validity (I-CVI), Scale –content validity index (S-CVI/Ave), and universal agreement (UA) were computed to summarize the overall content validity of the questionnaire as well as a proportion of agreement with content experts. Face validity was assessed using a think-aloud approach with ten patients with IC. This cognitive interviewing approach (think-aloud approach) asked participants to describe their thoughts whilst completing the questionnaire. Responses were analyzed thematically. ResultsThere was complete agreement between experts for 9/12 items (I-CVI=1.00), leading to an overall agreement (S-CVI/Ave) of 0.98. For face validation, at least 50% of the participants had no significant problems with any question in the questionnaire. Most problems participants encountered were straightforward, such as re-reading some questions or considering the questions carefully before answering. ConclusionThe Gujarati TPB questionnaire had excellent content validity and was comprehensible and answerable by the majority of our participants with IC and, therefore, had good face validity; this will enable walking treatment beliefs to be assessed in people with IC.

Consumers’ willingness to pay in socially sustainable restaurants: an application of the decent work scale

PurposeRestaurant and foodservice workers who were formally “essential” throughout the global pandemic were disproportionately subjected to layoffs and furloughs, and are now slowly returning to the industry with expectations of equitable pay and benefits. Given the recent acceleration of the UN’s Sustainability Development Goals and its focus on decent work, the purpose of this study was to determine if restaurant consumers would be willing to pay for decent work that supported the social sustainability of restaurant workers.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from 317 restaurant consumers during August 2023. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to validate the Decent Work Scale adapted for consumers. Structural equation modeling was employed to test the full behavioral model of decent work predicting willingness to pay, while bootstrapping was used to test the mediation.FindingsThe adapted Decent Work Scale for consumers strongly predicted their willingness to pay through a full mediation of Theory of Planned Behavior constructs (attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control).Originality/valueThis study demonstrated that restaurant consumers were willing to pay for the decent work and social sustainability of restaurant workers. This study validated an adapted Decent Work Scale in the consumer context, whereas prior research utilizing the scale was of worker self-reports of decent work.

Knowledge attitude and convenience on self-medication practices among university students in Bangladesh exploration using structural equation modeling approach

Self-medication is a prevalent practice among university students globally and is a significant public health concern. However, previous research has been limited in scope, focusing primarily on adolescents or the general public, leaving a gap in understanding the causal relationships associated with self-medication; thus, this study aimed to investigate the factors influencing self-medication practices among university students in Bangladesh by developing a comprehensive causal model. Data from 417 students across five public universities were collected using the simple random walk technique by a team of 10 members. The study utilized constructs of knowledge, attitude, and convenience related to self-medication as independent variables, while self-medication practice as the dependent variable. One-way ANOVA and structural equation modeling (SEM) were employed to develop a causal model of self-medication practice among university students in Bangladesh. The findings revealed that students with better medication knowledge and adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were more likely to practice self-medication. A positive attitude towards self-medication and ADRs was also significantly associated with higher self-medication practice scores. Additionally, those who perceived self-medication as convenient and prescribed medication as inconvenient had higher self-medication practice scores. The attitude towards self-medication had the most substantial negative effect on self-medication practice, followed by the inconvenience of prescribed medication and the convenience of self-medication. The model explained 87% of the variance in self-medication practice, indicating a good fit for the data. University students in Bangladesh possess intermediate knowledge of medication and primary knowledge of ADRs. They exhibit a positive attitude towards self-medication and ADRs. Physical convenience favors self-medication, while the inconvenience of prescribed medication contributes to its lower preference. Policymakers should focus on evidence-based guidelines to reduce the extent of unnecessary self-medication practice and to enhance the quantity and accessibility of prescribed medications to address the issue effectively.