Cultural Perceptions Research Articles

Addressing deficits in malnutrition care in northern Sierra Leone; an educational intervention

Abstract The 2017 Sierra Leone National Nutrition Survey reported poor practice regarding the medical management of severe acute malnutrition and the provision of emergency food to patients, particularly in the northern city of Makeni. We developed a training package for paediatric nurses, aiming to design an easily reproducible format which could be utilised nationally. Our aims were to empower and educate staff to provide more consistent care by challenging the negative cultural perception of malnourished patients and increasing knowledge of key guidelines. A two-day course based around UNICEF guidance on malnutrition was developed with the financial support of the Sierra Leonean office of the World Health Organisation. We sought the advice of local staff on issues impacting the quality of malnutrition care, including cultural barriers, educational limitations and supply issues. Lectures and practical sessions were devised covering recognition, assessment and management. Communication skills were taught using role play, focussing on the key role of nurses in parental education, and nursing skills were reinforced using practical tasks. Local staff identified for their strong teaching and leadership were recruited as instructors and to provide feedback on session design and content. 21 candidates attended from across the region, with the majority based in inpatient feeding units. Candidates completed a pre- and post-course written examination and a qualitative feedback form. Pre-course exam results ranged from 35%-85% with an average of 65%; post-course results showed improvement with a range of 55%-100% and an average of 88%. Candidates rated the course on average 9.7 out of 10 and the written feedback was positive. We subsequently observed positive changes in clinical practice in the inpatient feeding units across the region. Based on these assessments the course achieved its aims. Further study is needed to know if noted clinical improvements were sustained. Key messages • Challenging local cultural perceptions of malnourished patients is crucial to establishing improvement in medical care for this group. • Sustainable educational intervention requires local instructors who can independently deliver teaching, and establishing this cohort at the course inception is critical to its ongoing success.

Navigating the Cultural Paradox: The Dual Role of Globalisation in Propagating Cultural Hybridisation and Nationalism

Abstract: This paper engages in a comprehensive exploration of the cultural paradox that is manifested by globalization's dual role in disseminating cultural hybridization and nationalism.Globalization not only promotes the fusion of different cultural elements, resulting in cultural hybridization phenomena. For example, the global success of South Korean pop music K-Pop, which combines Western and Korean musical elements, embodies a cultural product that is a harmonious blend of global and local cultures generated by globalization. At the same time, globalization also triggers cultural nationalism. Represented by the ideology of "America First", in the face of threats brought by globalization, it emphasizes protecting national culture and economic interests. Nationalism is a counter-reaction to globalization. The paradox of globalization lies in its role as a catalyst for both cultural hybridization and nationalism. Its complex dynamics affect the development of culture and people's perception of identity. In the future, as cultural exchanges continue to be intensified by technology and globalization, elements of hybridization and nationalism will continue to shape our world. They will influence individual and collective assertions of identity and manifest in various fields from arts and media to politics and economics. In this balancing act lies the potential to create a world that honors and appreciates the multiplicity of cultures while preserving diversity, comprising the riveting mosaic of global culture.

Ethical use of artificial intelligence based tools in higher education: are future business leaders ready?

AbstractThis study examined the ethical use of Artificial Intelligence-based Tools (AIT) in higher education, focusing on graduate business students. Drawing from a diverse sample of students from the United States of America (USA) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the research explored how cultural values shaped perceptions and behaviors towards ethical use of AIT. Structural Topic Modeling (STM), a machine learning technique to identify themes in open-ended responses, was used to assess the influence of culture as a covariate. Culture was classified into ten clusters comprising a group of countries, and findings were interpreted using Hofstede’s cultural framework. The study revealed significant variations in ethical perceptions across cultural clusters. For example, students from the Southern Asia cluster viewed the use of AIT to answer questions as more ethical, while students from Latin Europe were less likely to perceive it as ethical. Conversely, students from Latin Europe were more inclined to consider the use of AIT to understand concepts as ethical, compared to their Southern Asian counterparts. The findings highlight the importance of understanding cultural perceptions when integrating AIT in higher education. Addressing a significant gap in the existing educational literature, this research contributes to the broader discussion on the ethical implications of AI in education and offers practical strategies for fostering a culturally sensitive and inclusive approach while utilizing a novel methodology within the field.

“That’s How We Do Things Here”: An Investigation into Athlete Perceptions of Coach and Peer Leadership Behaviors, and Team Culture

Team culture can be considered essential for the success of any sport team, and it is known that leaders of all kinds play a unique role in making team success a reality. Utilizing survey tools developed by industrial/organizational psychology, this study investigated how athlete perceptions of head coach and peer leadership behaviors are predictive of athlete perceptions of team culture. A sample of 155 current collegiate athletes representing 17 NCAA teams across three divisions participated in an online survey. A path model analysis found that perceptions of leadership behaviors of both head coaches and peer leaders were significantly predictive of athlete perceptions of team culture. Further, perceptions of head coach leadership behavior were predictive of perceptions of group communication, while perceptions of peer leadership were more significantly related to the social aspects of team culture. The results of this study provide insight into the unique ways in which athletes’ perception of leadership can influence team culture and can aid in the understanding of how team culture works within a sport context.

The Beowulf Group: Taking the lead to defend Europe

Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has exposed divisions in European strategic culture and threat perception. The search for a lowest-common-denominator response to the threat has hampered the European reply to the Russian aggression, often forcing the EU to move at the speed of its slowest member, whether in supplying ammunition and equipment to Ukraine or setting up the defence industry needed to accelerate such a supply in the future. Notwithstanding the importance of keeping a broad coalition together, this article argues that it is now time to create a vanguard of like-minded European nations, led by France, Poland and, though not an EU member, the UK, but open to other states, which can force the creation of a new strategic culture able to meet the Russian threat. This ‘Beowulf Group’, named after the Danish hero from the Anglo-Saxon epic who stood up to the marauding monster Grendel, could establish a Strategic College for Europe, a joint Elite European Reserve Legion and a strategic communications centre, to move European policy in a more active direction.

The Depiction of Childhood in English Fairy Tales and Folklore

This article explores the depiction of childhood in English fairy tales and folklore, analyzing key aspects and symbolism associated with the image of the child. The study examines how cultural perceptions of childhood, upbringing, and the social role of the child are conveyed through fairy tale plots and characters. It identifies the main archetypes and motifs present in English folklore and their influence on the perception of childhood in the English-speaking world. The article also discusses the significance of these motifs in shaping national identity and instilling values in the younger generation.

The Role of Kinesics in the Formation of Idiomatic Expressions in Russian and English

The article explores the influence of kinesic phenomena, such as gestures and body movements, on the development of idiomatic expressions in both languages. It examines how culturally specific gestures and physical actions are verbalized and incorporated into idiomatic phrases, reflecting the unique cultural perceptions and communicative practices of Russian and English speakers. By conducting a comparative linguistic analysis, the study identifies similarities and differences in the way kinesics is integrated into idiomatic expressions, highlighting the role of nonverbal communication in language formation and its impact on the semantic richness of idioms. The findings of this research underscore the importance of understanding the cultural and linguistic contexts in which idiomatic expressions are used, offering insights for translators, linguists, and intercultural communication specialists.

Assessment of the Psychometric Properties of the Hospital's Culture of Nursing Research Scale Among Nurses.

Background and Purpose: The "Hospital's Culture of Nursing Research Scale" (HCNRS) is a critical assessment tool in health care research. It was created in response to the rising acknowledgment of nursing research's critical role in improving patient care outcomes. This study aimed to develop the HCNRS to assess the nurses' perceptions of the hospital's culture of nursing research. Methods: This study utilized the instrument development design in developing the HCNRS. The study was conducted in Astana, Kazakhstan, from May to September 2023. The study followed three major stages of scale development: "item development," "scale development," and "scale evaluation." "Principal component analysis" (PCA; n = 387) and "confirmatory factor analysis" (CFA; n = 362) were performed in this study. Cronbach's coefficient α was computed for reliability. Results: The PCA on the 32-item HCNRS revealed five factors with an eigenvalue of above 1, contributing 66.0% of the model's total variance. The CFA revealed the following findings supporting the five subscales of the HCNRS-R: χ 2 /df = 2.65, root mean square error of approximation = .068 (90% CI [0.063, 0.072]), comparative fit index = 0.92, Tucker-Lewis index = 0.91, and standardized root mean square residual = .04. Based on the items that loaded in each factor, the subscales were labeled "Research Ethics, Integrity, and Supportive Culture," "Nursing Research Institutionalization," "Hospital's Financial Support and Incentives for Research Initiatives," "Nursing Research Engagement and Innovation," and "Nursing Research Integration and Career Support." The computed Cronbach's coefficient α of the entire scale was .963. For its subscales, the Cronbach's coefficient α ranged from .833 to .953. Conclusions: The study developed a five-factor HCNRS to evaluate the multifaceted aspects of nursing research culture in hospital settings. Health care institutions can utilize this scale to identify areas for improvement in research culture and implement strategies to foster research ethics, integrity, and innovation. This tool can also be used by hospital leaders, policymakers, and nurse researchers seeking to evaluate the research culture within their health care organizations.

A quasi-experimental evaluation of RADAR: response awareness, de-escalation, and referral for people with behavioral health issues

ABSTRACT This paper describes the implementation and evaluation of RADAR (Response Awareness, De-Escalation, and Referral), a hybrid CIT/co-response program for people with behavioral health issues (PBHI). RADAR emphasized information sharing between police, PBHI, and behavioral health professionals and targeted outreach to PBHI by a police officer and clinician working in partnership. We evaluated RADAR using a quasi-experimental analysis of calls for service and incident data, an officer survey, and interviews with key personnel. While RADAR did not significantly reduce calls, incidents, or physical contact and resistance relative to a comparison jurisdiction, the survey and interviews suggest that it did help to shift the department’s culture and organizational perceptions around collaborative responses to PBHI. The practical implications of our findings for police agencies seeking to implement co-responder programs include the need to focus on sustainability; relationship building between the police, PBHI, and clinicians; and technological solutions to improve data collection and evaluation efforts.

Perception of Work Culture and Ethics at Hotels - IHM Guwahati Graduate Students' Perspective

The total culture of a company or a hotel includes its ethical culture. It displays how a company treats morality and moral conduct. The work culture and ethics in hotels will be examined through the lens of Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) Guwahati alumni in this research study. The purpose of the study is to comprehend how these individuals view and interact with work ethics and culture in the hotel business. The hospitality sector is renowned for its diverse and demanding work environment, making the examination of work culture and ethics particularly pertinent. IHM Guwahati, an esteemed institution in the field, serves as a valuable source of insight into the experiences and perspectives of individuals who have undergone formal training and work experience in this industry. Students discovered that peer pressure, leadership philosophies, corporate ideals, and equitable pay are important determinants of moral conduct using a combination of qualitative and quantitative study. To promote ethical behaviour and professional development, they underlined the necessity of open communication, transparent policies, and frequent ethical training. It is observed that after implementing a mixed-method approach, in order to promote a strong ethical work culture, the research supports ongoing training, incentive programs, and reporting procedures. In order to raise ethical standards in hotels, it emphasizes the significance of incorporating ethics into hospitality education and advocates for equitable treatment and leadership development.

Cultura de Calidad y Seguridad del Paciente

Quality and safety in health is a concept that has gradually been installed on the agendas of different health organizations; however, it is still an incipient concept within the area. The objective of this research was to describe the concepts and application of the culture of quality and patient safety today in different health organizations. For this purpose, a qualitative methodology was carried out, with a phenomenological approach through the narrative review of scientific articles from the Scielo, Scopus and WOS databases, during the months of April to June 2023. 12 articles that met the criteria were obtained. with the requirements of not being older than 6 years and in Spanish and English. The results show the relevance of determining the perception of quality culture with a validated instrument, obtaining neutral results, showing the incipient development of the patient safety culture. In conclusion, the lifting of five categories and the relevance of a good organizational climate and culture are determining factors to be able to implement a safety culture, since there is no quality of care without safety.

The effect of organizational culture in health services on employee flourishing.

Culture has an important role in maximizing the value of human capital, which is regarded as the main source of organizational effectiveness. The research was conducted to determine the effect of organizational culture perceptions of healthcare professionals working in a university hospital on employee flourishing. It is a descriptive study conducted with 299 healthcare professionals working in a university hospital. "Structured Personal Information Form", "Denison Organizational Culture Survey" and "New Flourishing Index" to collect the data. In the analysis descriptive statistical methods such as percentage, frequency, arithmetic mean and standard deviation as well as Pearson correlation, linear regression and multiple linear regression analyses were performed to determine the relationship between variables. According to the results of linear regression analysis, it was determined that organizational culture and flourishing were related (F: 88.229; p < 0.05). The organizational culture alone explained 22.6% of flourishing. As a result of multiple regression analysis, it was determined that the relationship between organizational culture sub-dimensions and flourishing was significant (F = 25.975; p < 0.05). The sub-dimensions of organizational culture explained 25.1% of the flourishing. As a result of the study, it is observed that the perception of organizational culture of healthcare professionals has an impact on flourishing, and therefore the favorable development of organizational culture will contribute positively to employee flourishing. In present conditions, it has become a necessity for health organizations to provide the circumstances that will make all investments that will contribute positively to the flourishing of their employees a part of the organizational culture.

Exploring the Relationship Between Hospital Patient Safety Culture and Performance on Measures of Hospital-Acquired Conditions

Objective The aim of the study is to examine the relationship between hospital perceptions of patient safety culture and the incidence of hospital-acquired conditions (HACs) included in Medicare’s HAC Reduction Program utilizing updated and standardized metrics. Methods The pooled cross-sectional study design utilized the 2018 and 2021 datasets from (1) the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality’s Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture (HSOPS), (2) the American Hospital Association’s annual survey, and (3) the Center for Medicare and Medicaid’s Hospital Compare dataset. The final analytic sample included 131 acute care, nonfederal, U.S. facilities. Multivariable linear regression models were used to compare the HSOPS domains of patient safety culture to CMS’s HAC metrics. Results Controlling for hospital structural and patient-mix characteristics, hospitals with higher staff-reported ratings of overall patient safety culture (‘overall perceptions of patient safety’ and ‘patient safety grade’) had significantly lower rates of HACs, including total HAC rate, catheter-associated urinary tract infections, and central line-associated blood stream infections (P’s &lt; 0.000–0.044). Higher HSOPS domain scores were variably associated with lower HAC rates, with consistently significant associations found for domains related to nonpunitive, open communication (P’s &lt; 0.05). Conclusions Our relatively robust results suggest that while patient safety culture may not be the only strategy necessary to improve HAC rates, it needs to be aligned with other efforts to improve quality and safety. This underscores the importance of cultivating a culture of psychological safety that promotes open feedback and communication about errors.

Barriers and facilitators to skin cancer prevention among Hispanics: a qualitative study

BackgroundIn the past two decades, melanoma incidence among Hispanic people has risen greatly. This qualitative study explored Hispanic people’s perceived barriers and facilitators to skin cancer-related preventive behaviors.MethodsFive focus groups among Hispanic people (2 in Spanish and 3 in English; n = 34; 11 Spanish-preferring and 23 English-preferring) were conducted, where participants discussed their perceptions and behaviors relating to skin cancer, sun protection, and skin self-examination. Additionally, healthcare providers (n = 9) and Hispanic community leaders (n = 6) were recruited for individual interviews to complement the results of focus groups. A thematic analysis was conducted on all transcripts.ResultsPerceived barriers to sun protection included: 1) Low levels of knowledge and awareness/misperception; 2) low perceived importance or not a priority, 3) economic issues or limited access, 4) downsides/concerns about engaging in sun protection behaviors, and 5) Hispanic cultural norms (e.g., machismo). Facilitators to sun protection included: 1) relevance/care for family, 2) negative consequences of sun exposure, and 3) Hispanic cultural norms (e.g., familismo). Barriers to skin examination included: 1) low levels of knowledge and awareness, 2) lack of insurance coverage or access, and 3) difficulty or discomfort associated with practicing skin self-examination. Facilitators to skin examination included: 1) relevance/previous experience and 2) having insurance coverage or access.ConclusionsFuture interventions should focus on individual, community, and system-level strategies to address misperceptions in the Hispanic community, increase knowledge and awareness, address perceptions of cultures regarding skin cancer preventive activities, and emphasize the importance or priority of health issues related to skin cancer.

Sunscreens: potential hazards to environmental and human health

The increasing demand for natural products in the United States reflects a cultural shift towards health and sustainability. This trend infiltrates consumer sectors such as the sunscreen industry, amidst concerns about health and environmental impacts of chemical ingredients. The Hawaii Sunscreen Ban has intensified sunscreen formula safety discussions, particularly regarding butylparaben, oxybenzone, and octinoxate. Even at low concentrations, these compounds bleach hard corals eventually leading to their death. As well, these chemicals pose threats to marine ecosystems and raise concerns about human health, particularly systemic absorption and the possibility of causing endocrine disruption. While some argue for chemical-based sunscreens for skin cancer prevention, others advocate for mineral-based alternatives that avoid harmful ingredients. However, public opinion on sunscreen varies, influenced by adverse reactions, socioeconomic status, gender, and cultural perceptions. Future studies should explore diverse demographic perspectives and long-term health and environmental impacts of products containing potentially toxic ingredients. As well, effective communication strategies to promote sunscreen safety and encourage sustainable sun protection practices is needed.

Assessment of patient safety culture among healthcare providers in tertiary hospitals in Malaysia-A cross-sectional study.

Patient safety culture is crucial for every health care institution, as a lack of it may harm patients seeking treatment. The current study aimed to identify the level of safety culture and assess the knowledge, attitude, and perception of patient safety culture among healthcare providers (HCPs') in tertiary hospital settings. A cross-sectional study was conducted among HCPs from two private tertiary hospitals in Johor and Selangor. A structured validated questionnaire, including the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture, was used to assess the level of patient safety culture in these hospitals. In this study, the calculated sample size was 320, and all 550 eligible participants from both hospitals were approached to participate. However, only 158 responded, resulting in a response rate of 49.38%. The majority of the HCPs (n = 110; 69%) rated their hospital as very good or excellent in maintaining an overall patient safety culture. The study revealed that communication about the errors (PRR = 80) and organizational learning and continuous improvement (PRR = 74) were good in their hospital settings. However, staffing and work pace (PRR = 28), response to errors (PRR = 40), reporting patient safety events (PRR = 48), and handoffs and information exchange (PRR = 39) were inadequate. These findings indicate the negative attitudes among HCPs and the need for further improvement to maintain a culture of patient safety. HCPs in the study settings had optimal knowledge but negative attitudes towards the culture of patient safety in their organization. Inadequate staffing, work pace, and a lack of response to mistakes were commonly observed, which may increase the chances of errors and pose health threats to patients that need to be addressed immediately. Every healthcare organization is urged to address the issue of patient safety culture as a matter of urgency.

Exploring factors associated with uptake of breast cancer screening among a subset of women in a South African metropolitan area: research to inform public health interventions

Aim Breast cancer represents a significant global health concern and remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality, particularly among women in developing countries. Despite the South African Department of Health recommending early breast cancer detection to improve overall survival rates and enhance patients’ quality of life, there is lack of awareness among women regarding the importance of regular breast cancer screening and available options. This study investigates the factors associated with breast cancer screening uptake among a subset of women attending public health services in a South African metropolitan area. Methods A cross-sectional survey of adult women attending primary health care services at a community health centre was conducted in February-March 2020. Data on sociodemographics, health beliefs, access to information, and breast cancer screening uptake were subjected to descriptive and logistic regression analyses. Results Out of 252 women, 48.0% were older than 30 years, 69.4% were unemployed, and 56.0% self-reported breast cancer screening non-uptake. After adjusting for other variables, marital status, employment status, home language, and perceived breast cancer screening benefits were significantly associated with breast cancer screening uptake. Married women were twice (AoR: 2.3; CI: 1.19-4.58) as likely to self-report breast cancer screening than their unmarried counterparts. Employed women were almost thrice (AoR: 2.6; CI: 1.41-4.83) as likely to self-report breast cancer screening uptake relative to unemployed women. Women whose home language was Sesotho were almost twice (AoR: 1.9; CI: 1.05-3.43) as likely to self-report breast cancer screening than women reporting other home languages. Self-reported uptake of breast cancer screening was also more likely with every unit increase in perceived benefit scores (AoR: 1.1; CI: 1.02-1.16). Conclusions A significant proportion of women were in the age range where breast cancer screening is typically recommended, with more than half self-reporting breast cancer screening non-uptake. Results highlight the necessity of addressing socioeconomic, cultural and individual perceptions to improve breast cancer screening rates and promote early detection.

DEVELOPMENT OF WOMEN’S FOOTBALL IN AZERBAIJAN: PROBLEMS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

This study explores the challenges faced by women’s football in Azerbaijan, including societal attitudes, limited resources, and infrastructure. It offers strategic recommendations to promote the sport, such as increased funding, improved training facilities, and awareness campaigns to shift cultural perceptions and encourage greater participation among women and girls.

Acculturation, Perceptions about Seeking Mental Health Care, and Utilization of Mental Health Services among US-based South Asians.

To examine the relationship between acculturation, cultural perceptions surrounding mental health (MH) burden and utilization of MH services among South Asian (SA) adults in the United States. Cross-sectional study. Online survey. Four hundred five SA adults (≥18 years old) residing in the United States. Cross-sectional study of acculturation, attitudes toward MH burden, and MH service utilization was conducted via online survey. Multivariate logistic regression models were employed to understand how these factors were associated with MH service utilization. Utilization of MH services. Among the 405 participants, 49.0% identified as immigrants (75.1% Indian, 8% Bangladeshi, 5.5% Pakistani, and 3.8% from other SA countries). Current utilization of MH services was associated with comfort conversing in English (odds ration [OR]=5.99; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.63, 27.02), having English-speaking peers (OR=3.80; 95% CI=1.12, 12.93), and having family (OR=2.37; 95% CI=1.21, 4.64) and peers (OR=5.64; 95% CI=1.71, 18.66) who used MH services. Participants with mostly SA peers (OR=0.48; 95% CI=0.23, 0.97) reported lower lifetime MH service utilization, and those with positive perceptions about MH burden reported higher lifetime utilization (OR=1.04; 95% CI=1.01, 1.09). Comfort expressing emotions in English, knowledge of family/peer MH service use, and type of social connections were associated with MH service utilization among SA immigrants. Interventions should aim to increase SA languages in which MH services are offered and to engage with SA communities to increase acceptance of MH service utilization.

Pragmatic Strategies In The Representation Of Plus-Size Women In Nollywood Films: A Case Study Of Skinny Girl In Transit.

This study investigates the pragmatic strategies employed in Skinny Girl in Transit, a popular Nollywood web series, to examine how language reflects and challenges societal norms about body image. Focusing on conversational implicature, speech acts, and politeness theory, the analysis explores how the protagonist, Tiwa, a plus-size woman, navigates societal pressures concerning her weight and identity. The case study approach is utilized, selecting key scenes from the series where body image is discussed, either implicitly or explicitly. Through the application of pragmatic theories, the research reveals that while language in the series often reinforces societal expectations about slimness, it also provides a platform for resisting stereotypes. Characters use humor, indirect remarks, and polite strategies to address sensitive issues, creating a nuanced portrayal of plus-size women in Nollywood. The findings highlight how Skinny Girl in Transit both mirrors and critiques cultural attitudes toward body size, offering a more complex representation of plus-size women in Nigerian media. This study contributes to the fields of pragmatics, media representation, and African cinema by demonstrating the power of language in shaping cultural perceptions.