Demographic Reasons Research Articles

Digital Divide: Examining Socioeconomic Inequalities in Internet Access and Usage

The term "digital divide" refers to the disparity that exists between those who have access to digital technologies, most notably the internet, and those who do not have such access. This disparity is caused by several socioeconomic, regional, and demographic reasons. The digital gap not only exacerbates existing disparities but also creates challenges for marginalized communities. This is because the Internet is becoming an increasingly vital instrument for education, communication, employment, and social involvement. The purpose of this review article is to analyze the underlying factors that contribute to these disparities, such as income, education, geographic location, and age, and to investigate the influence that uneven access to the internet has on different elements of contemporary life. In addition to this, it examines the policies and activities of the government, as well as the technical advancements that are being made to narrow this gap. Although attempts have been made to bridge the difference, the results imply that there is still a great deal of work to be done, especially in tackling structural inequities that continue to interfere with development. In conclusion, the article makes recommendations for comprehensive methods that aim to overcome socioeconomic obstacles and encourage fair access to Internet resources.

The Gaza Crisis and the Indian Urdu Press

Urdu is widely spoken in India, and due to historical, demographic, and political reasons, it is commonly associated with the Indian Muslim population. India has a vibrant Urdu press represented in both electronic and print media that caters largely to the Muslim population and reflects their views. Issues related to Israel, Zionism, and Jews, in addition to other Middle Eastern developments, are widely covered in the Indian Urdu press due to religious and historical factors. The coverage also reflects the ignorance, biases, and prejudices that are widely held among South Asian Muslims regarding Jews, Zionism, and Israel, which at times acquire extremist and anti-Semitic overtones. The Hamas attack of October 7, 2023, and the Israeli military response have been widely covered and commented upon in the Indian Urdu press, reinforcing the established ideas of the oppressive Israeli state and the perpetual Palestinian victimhood. However, one witnesses certain nuances and a diversity of opinion within the Urdu press. A systematic content analysis of the Indian Urdu press and its coverage of the Gaza crisis provides an understanding of views held among a large section of the Muslim population in India toward the Israel–Hamas conflict, in particular, and toward the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, in general.

ВЛИЯНИЯ ЛОЯЛЬНОСТИ ПЕРСОНАЛА НА ПРОЦЕСС ЭФФЕКТИВНОГО ФУНКЦИОНИРОВАНИЯ ОРГАНИЗАЦИИ

The study is devoted to the urgent problem of studying the influence of staff loyalty on the process of effective functioning of an organization in the dynamic turbulent socio-economic situation of recent years in the Russian Federation. In a period of insufficient personnel caused by demographic reasons and at the same time high rates of staff turnover, the study of the influence of staff loyalty on the process of effective functioning of the organization comes to the fore. A theoretical analysis of the influence of staff loyalty on the process of effective functioning of the company was carried out. The study presents the main aspects of the influence of staff loyalty on the process of effective functioning of the organization. Attitudinal and behavioral approaches to the definition of “loyalty” of personnel are outlined. A formulation is given to the basic concept of “loyalty” of personnel, which is revealed as the quality of an employee’s personality, determined by the willingness to adhere to the principles and established rules of the company, and the attitude towards the performance of job duties at a high level to maintain the functioning of the organization. The criteria for staff loyalty are highlighted, for example, such as: level of staff satisfaction with the conditions and results of work; emotional attachment to the organization (external and internal manifestations); degree of trust between management and employees. A description is given and the results of a practical study of the influence of staff loyalty on the process of effective functioning of the organization are presented. Of particular empirical importance are practical recommendations for the HR manager to determine the influence of staff loyalty, based on the use of methods for assessing the level of loyalty; research into the relationship between loyalty and company performance; analysis of received materials during feedback; monitoring of key indicators of the company’s operational efficiency and effectiveness.

Promoting Geropsychology: A Memorandum for Research, Policies, Education Programs, and Practices for Healthy Aging.

This viewpoint paper reports the state of the art at a global level on research, practice and assessment, policies, and training in the clinical psychology of aging and, more specifically, in geropsychology. The main sources of information were as follows: (1) the most recent reviews of the literature available in the scientific literature; (2) the resources on the internet referable to professional and academic associations dealing with the topic; and (3) the laws, policy initiatives, and funded programs that are aimed at the diffusion and applications of mental health in aging. The present study aims to provide an updated and comprehensive memorandum highlighting the importance of prioritizing mental health in older adults. It seeks to promote health in general and disease prevention strategies, ensuring equitable access to mental health services integrated into primary care and designed for aging. This paper also aims to shed light on the slow development process and lack of consolidation in the adaptation of academic training at master's and doctoral levels in most developed countries, despite the long-declared importance of enhancing resources for the promotion of geropsychology. The results of the present study are patchy. Although the importance of enhancing resources for the promotion of geropsychology has long been declared, the development process seems very slow, and the adaptation of academic training at master's and doctoral levels in most developed countries-those that, for demographic reasons and attitudes, should be more sensitive to the issue, does not yet seem to have consolidated. Collaboration among diverse professionals is crucial for providing integrated and comprehensive care to older adults that addresses their physical, psychological, and social needs.

Socioeconomic inequality in breakfast skipping among Norwegian adolescents

BackgroundSkipping breakfast is associated with negative health-related and school-related outcomes. Breakfast is the most frequently skipped meal among adolescents. Thus, there is a need to explore the reasons for breakfast skipping across population subgroups to better inform policy makers. The purpose of this study was to present the prevalence of adolescents skipping breakfast on schooldays, analyse the reasons for skipping breakfast and assess associations between the prevalence of skipping breakfast and the reasons for skipping breakfast according to sociodemographic variables.MethodsThe data of a random sample of 10 000 upper secondary school students (aged 16–18 years) from Viken County, Norway, were collected. Students completed a questionnaire measuring breakfast skipping, reasons for skipping breakfast, and sociodemographic variables. Chi-square tests were used to assess differences between the independent groups (family affluence scale (FAS), parental education, and gender) and skipping breakfast and reasons for skipping breakfast.Results22% of adolescents reported that they usually skipped breakfast on all schooldays. Skipping breakfast was more prevalent among females, older students, students with lower socioeconomic status and students in vocational education programmes. The difference in breakfast skipping between students with low and high FAS scores was 31% versus 16%, respectively. The most common self-reported reasons for skipping breakfast were time (59%) and not wanting to eat breakfast (48%). Furthermore, 9% reported health issues, and 3% reported economic constraints as a reason for skipping breakfast. Not wanting to eat breakfast was related to a higher FAS score, health issues were more common among girls, and economic constraints were more common among those with low socioeconomic status.ConclusionsSkipping breakfast was common among Norwegian upper secondary school students. Lack of time and not wanting breakfast were clearly the most cited reasons for skipping breakfast. Health issues and economic constraints were also cited but were less common. The results showed diverging associations between different demographic characteristics and reasons for skipping breakfast. These results are important for developing effective programs to improve diet among adolescents.

Dorpstigting in die Oranje-Vrystaat: 1854-1864

Of the nine Orange Free State towns which were accorded the status of towns between 1854 and 1864, eight came into being without the approval of the Volksraad. The first ordinance on local government did not contain any procedures for the establishment of towns but merely laid down directives according to which existing towns were to be administered. However, the vigorous growth of the new state made it necessary to establish new towns for which, in addition to religious considerations, there were also demographic, geographic and economic reasons.

Motivations Influencing Relocation to the Suburbs: The Case of Izmir

The ongoing urbanization trend has led to various challenges including environmental degradation, and decreased welfare among city dwellers. While economic factors have historically been the primary driver of urban migration, recent research suggests that unplanned urbanization and the problems it brings such as decreased green spaces, traffic congestion and air pollution are gaining significance. As a result, a group of people has been relocating from urban to suburban areas, seeking an improved standard of living. This shift reflects a complex interplay of factors including demographic, socioeconomic, and sociocultural shifts. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increased interest in suburban areas due to remote work opportunities and concerns about urban living conditions. This study examines motivations for suburban living in Izmir, Turkey, focusing on Villakent neighbourhood. Through surveys and interviews with residents, it explores demographic characteristics and reasons for choosing suburban life. The research is based on the results of a sample of 123 participants of a survey questionnaire and 15 in-depth interviews. Findings have indicated that the participants’ desire for living in a house with a garden and the discomforting crowds in the city centers was the important factors in suburban relocation. In interviews, it was also revealed that the affordability of housing in the suburbs compared to city centers is also an important factor in choosing to settle in the suburbs. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on suburban relocation, and the earthquake risk in Izmir has also increased people's desire to move away from city centers. In the interviews, the preference for Villakent was discussed along with its positive and negative aspects in detail. Policymakers must consider these insights to address urban challenges and promote sustainable urban development.

Discharge Against Medical Advice Among Neonates Admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of a Tertiary Care Hospital

Discharge against medical advice is a condition where patient leaves the hospital against physician’s advice and is a serious public health issue, especially among neonates and a challenge faced commonly by physicians. It is a risk factor that can lead to adverse events like mortality and readmissions in neonatal units. To decrease neonatal mortality rate, it is necessary to investigate the causes leading to self-discharge. This study aimed to find out prevalence and reasons for discharge against medical advice among neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care units of a tertiary care hospital. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among neonates admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Units who were discharge against medical advice (DAMA) from 15th March 2022 to 14th March 2023 after obtaining ethical approval from the Institutional Review Committee (Reference number: F-NMC/544/078-079). Neonatal demographic information and reason for self discharged were recorded. A convenience sampling method was used among neonates who met eligibility criteria. Data were presented as frequency with percentage. A point estimate with 95% confidence interval was calculated. Out of 910 neonates admitted to NICU, 86 (9.4%; 95% CI:7.62-11.53) were discharged against medical advice. Among these, 72 (83.7%) were outborn neonates and 51 (59.3%) male. The most common morbidity was sepsis 53 (61.6%). The common reasons for parents to take DAMA was poor financial condition 72 (83.7%). The prevalence of discharge against medical advice among neonates admitted in the neonatal intensive care units was similar to other studies done in similar settings.

Effect of mail-in sperm cryopreservation solution on access to cryopreservation: A national demographic analysis.

e13524 Background: There are many circumstances under which someone may choose to bank their sperm, but forthcoming cancer treatment is among the most common. The advent of services offering mail-in semen analysis and cryopreservation has expanded access to sperm banking, especially for those living in rural areas, far away from traditional andrology labs. This study summarized demographic characteristics and reasons for cryopreservation among those using one such US-based mail-in service, with a focus on patients banking sperm prior to cancer treatment. Methods: Patients >18 years who banked sperm using a mail-in cryopreservation solution developed by Fellow Health, Inc. from March 2021 to January 2024 were included. Test kits sold for research purposes were excluded. To categorize each patient by reason for cryopreservation, we made use of a patient-provided reason, supplied during test kit registration, where available. For the remaining patients, reason was inferred using several data sources including medical history, medications, and clinic and physician information. Patients who could not be reliably classified were omitted from this portion of the analysis. Descriptive statistics of key demographics and reason for cryopreservation were reported under an IRB-approved protocol. Results: 2,154 patients met our inclusion criteria and 725 (33.7%) provided demographic information. Average age was 34.7 (SD=9.2) years and 11.9% identified as a trans female. The majority of the population identified as white (79.5%) and non-Hispanic (84.8%). Over half of the population had a college degree or greater (59.3%), was married/partnered (57.1%), and had private insurance (84.9%). Among the 756 patients whose reason for cryopreservation was discernible, the majority, 450 (59.5%), were doing so in the context of fertility treatment, with only 46 (6.1%) indicating cancer treatment. Other reasons included pre-vasectomy storage (n=137, 18.4%) and gender affirming hormone therapy (n=90, 11.9%). Of the patients who indicated cancer treatment as their reason for cryopreservation, 50.0% lived greater than a 25-mile drive of the nearest National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Cancer Center. Conclusions: Surprisingly, few patients utilizing a mail-in service for cryopreservation did so prior to beginning cancer treatment, with most originating from the fertility or pre-vasectomy context. Use was disproportionately high among trans women initiating hormone replacement therapy (HRT), perhaps demonstrating their preference for at-home sample collection to avoid the unique challenges they encounter in a clinical setting. Especially for oncology patients who are admitted to a hospital and cannot leave for fertility preservation, there is an opportunity to further integrate mail-in cryopreservation services within oncology to improve access and reduce time costs.

Demographic assessment of reintroduced bearded vultures in the Alps: Success in the core, challenges in the periphery

Abstract Regular assessment of reintroduced populations is essential to guide management and provide lessons for other reintroduction projects. Bearded vulture Gypaetus barbatus reintroduction in the Alps began in 1986 with the release of the first fledglings, the first successful reproduction was recorded in 1997, and the population has grown steadily since. A previous assessment suggested that no further releases would be required to establish a self‐sustaining population from a demographic point of view. However, this conclusion was based on a small sample size and spatially homogeneous demographic rates of released individuals, which may differ from and be spatially variable among wild‐hatched individuals. Using longitudinal data and breeding site survey data, we constructed an integrated population model to examine the demography of the entire Alpine population, spatially stratified into a core and a periphery. We performed retrospective population analyses to identify demographic reasons for spatial differences in population growth and conducted population viability analyses to assess the impact of future threats and reintroduction options. In 2021, an estimated 172 (CRI: 147–198) females were present in the Alps, of which 65 (CRI: 63–67) were breeders. Adult survival and productivity were higher in the core than in the periphery, so the population grew more strongly in the core than in the periphery. Differences in adult survival contributed most to the differences in population growth between the two areas. The population viability analysis predicts that the Alpine population will double in 10 years but that an increase in the mortality hazard above 0.055 will lead to a population decline. Unlike the population in the core, the population in the periphery is dependent on further releases at this stage. Bearded vulture reintroductions in the Alps have succeeded in creating a self‐sustaining population with higher reproductive success and similar survival probabilities to the autochthonous Pyrenean population. In general, management should focus on preventing further mortality risks. In the periphery, reducing current mortality and increasing reproductive success are essential to make the population independent of releases.

Young people's experiences of physical activity insecurity: a qualitative study highlighting intersectional disadvantage in the UK

BackgroundIntersecting socioeconomic and demographic reasons for physical activity (PA) inequalities are not well understood for young people at risk of experiencing marginalisation and living with disadvantage. This study explored young people’s experiences of PA in their local area, and the associated impacts on opportunities for good physical and emotional health and wellbeing.MethodsSeven local youth groups were purposefully sampled from disadvantaged areas across urban, rural and coastal areas of England, including two that were specifically for LGBTQ + young people. Each group engaged in three interlinked focus groups which explored young people’s perceptions and lived experience of PA inequalities. Data were analysed using an inductive, reflexive thematic approach to allow for flexibility in coding.ResultsFifty five young people aged 12–21 years of different sexualities, gender and ethnicity took part. Analysis yielded four themes: PA experiences across spaces; resigned to a lack of inclusivity and ‘belonging’; safety first; complexities in access and accessibility. Young people felt more comfortable to be active in spaces that were simpler to navigate, particularly outdoor locations largely based in nature. In contrast, local gyms and sports clubs, and the school environment in general, were spoken about often in negative terms and as spaces where they experienced insecurity, unsafety or discomfort. It was common for these young people to feel excluded from PA, often linked to their gender and sexuality. Lived experiences or fears of being bullied and harassed in many activity spaces was a powerful message, but in contrast, young people perceived their local youth club as a safe space. Intersecting barriers related to deprivation, gender and sexuality, accessibility, disability, Covid-19, affordability, ethnicity, and proximity of social networks. A need emerged for safe spaces in which young people can come together, within the local community and choose to be active.ConclusionsThe overarching concept of ‘physical activity insecurity’ emerged as a significant concern for the young people in this study. We posit that PA insecurity in this context can be described as a limited or restricted ability to be active, reinforced by worries and lived experiences of feeling uncomfortable, insecure, or unsafe.

Rate and Causes of Unplanned Hospital Returns within 60 Days following Head and Neck Surgery.

Introduction Unplanned hospital returns are frequent and may be preventable. Objective To comprehend the reasons for unplanned hospital readmission and return to the Outpatient Department (OPD) and Emergency Department (ED) within 60 days after discharge following head and neck surgery (HNS) at a tertiary care center in Saudi Arabia. Methods In the present retrospective study, the medical records of all patients who underwent HNS for benign and malignant conditions between January 2015 and June 2022 were reviewed in terms of demographic data, comorbidities, and reasons for hospital return. Results Out of 1,030 cases, 119 (11.55%) returned to the hospital within 60 days after discharge, 19 of which (1.84%) were readmitted. In total, 90 (8.74%) patients returned to the OPD, and 29 (2.82%), to the ED. The common reasons for readmission included infections (26.32%) and neurological symptoms (21.05%). For OPD visits, the common causes were hematoma (20%) and neurological symptoms (14.44%). For ED returns, the frequent causes were neurological symptoms (20.69%) and equipment issues (17.24%). Compared with nonreadmitted patients, readmitted patients had a higher preoperative baseline health burden when examined using the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score ( p = 0.004) and the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale (CIRS; p = 0.002). Conclusion The 60-day rates of unplanned hospital return to the OPD and ED were of 8.74% and 2.82% respectively, and 1.84% of the patients were readmitted. Hematoma, infections, and neurological symptoms were common causes. Addressing the common reasons may be beneficial to decrease postoperative hospital visits.

Взлеты и падения: как меняется численность среди коренных малочисленных народов (по результатам переписи 2021 г.)

In December 2022, the fifth volume of the All-Russian Census of 2021 was published, which provided new information on the linguistic and national composition of the country's population. The census is of particular importance for groups of indigenous small-numbered peoples, since their numerical indicators are one of the criteria for inclusion in the “Unified List of Indigenous Small-numbered Peoples of Russia”. This paper examines the stories of four peoples who had changes in quantitative indicators between 2010 and 2021: The reasons for the increase in the number of Soyots and Tubalars are being investigated, while the decrease in Nagaibaks and Shapsugs is being investigated. The Besermians, whose number has remained the same, are considered separately, but their strategy of preparing for the census is of interest for this work. The purpose of the paper is to study the conditions and circumstances that led to fluctuations in the number of ethnic groups. As the study shows, the population change is not due to demographic reasons, but is a consequence of socio-cultural processes taking place in the community. It is important for Buryat Soyots to revive their own culture and preserve the memory of their ancestors. For Tubalars, it is important not only to identify oneself as a representative of an ethnic group, but also to support its cultural potential. For the last ten years, the Nagaibaks have been in ethnic calm, but new circumstances can intensify interest in their identity. Different naming of Shapsugs gives them the opportunity to choose their own designations depending on current conditions. The threat of extinction motivated the Besermians to consolidate the community and actualize their own identity. It should be noted that the presence of preferences for small indigenous peoples plays an important role in identifying themselves in the census. It is possible that the significance in this is not the benefits themselves, but the feeling of self-worth of the people through support from the outside. This study demonstrates the variability and drift of ethnicity, as well as its dependence on external and internal circumstances. Today it is impossible to predict what will happen to the number of ethnic groups in question in the future — the more interesting and valuable it is to observe this in the future.

NURSING HOME EXPECTATIONS AND MENTAL HEALTH AMONG OLDER ADULTS IN THE HEALTH AND RETIREMENT STUDY

Abstract Three million older adults live in long-term care facilities. Transitioning into a nursing home is a major life event that can worsen mental health. Expectedness of nursing home transitions may have implications for mental health; however, this area is understudied. This study examined the relationship between expectations of transitioning into a nursing home in the next five years and depressive symptoms and passive suicidal ideation, and how social integration modified these relationships. Sample included respondents aged 65+ from the 2018 Health and Retirement Study (n=7,944, mean age=73.9, 55.4% female, 80.5% Non-Hispanic White). Nursing home transition expectations were modeled continuously (range: 0-100%). Mental health outcomes were assessed by the Composite International Diagnostic Interview-Short Form. Social integration measured composition, frequency of contact, and closeness with spouses/partners, children, other family members, and friends. Multivariate logistic regressions were fit for depressive symptoms and passive suicidal ideation separately, adjusting for demographic, health characteristics, and health-related reasons for moving. Additional models simultaneously adjusted for all social integration measures. Higher nursing home expectations were associated with elevated depressive symptoms (OR: 1.06, 95% CI: 1.01-1.11), major depressive episode (OR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.02-1.15), and suicidal ideation (OR: 1.10, 95% CI: 1.03-1.16). These relationships persisted even after accounting for social integration. Future research can explore modifiable factors salient to these relationships, such as perceived social support and family care, to inform mental health-targeted interventions as older adults transition into long-term care.

Comparative Assessment of Oral Health Attitudes and Behaviors of First-Time and Previous Dental Patients UndergoingExodontia Treatment During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Private Dental Clinics in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia.

The COVID-19 lockdown affected oral health behaviors. This study aims to assess and compare the oral health attitudes and behaviors of first-time and previous patients undergoing dental extractions during the COVID-19 pandemic at private dental clinics in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia. This cross-sectional study was conducted among patients aged 18-65 years undergoing dental extractions at private dental clinics in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia. Four hundred and eighty patients were selected using a convenient sampling methodology. A structured, close-ended questionnaire investigated demographic information, tooth extraction attendance, and oral health attitudes and behaviors using 20 items Hiroshima University Dental Behavioral Inventory (HUDBI). A total of 480 exodontia patients [282 (58.8%) males and 198 (41.2%) females] participated in this study. All patients used a stiff-bristled toothbrush and wereconcerned about their teeth' color and bad breath. Similarly, all the participants did not feel brushed unless they used strong strokes, and the dentist told them to brush very well. An overall mean HUDBI score of 6.34±1.12 was observed. Patients with a primary education (5.61±0.79), income ≤5000 SAR (6.00±0.92), residing in rural areas (5.84±0.93), and government employees (5.62±0.96) exhibited lower HU-DBI scores compared to their counterparts. The study revealed a significant variation in HUDBI scores across different demographic factors, including education, income, residence, occupation, and reason for extraction (p<0.001). The HUDBI score of first-time attendees to dental extraction (5.88±1.03) was found to be significantly poorer than to those of previous attendees (6.63±1.09), (p<0.001). Patients who underwent dental extractions at private dental clinics in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia, during the post-lockdown COVID-19 pandemic exhibited average oral health attitudes and behaviors. Oral health attitudes and behaviorsdiffered by socioeconomic status. Patients undergoing dental extractions for reasons other than dental caries and periodontal diseases and first-time attendees demonstrated poor oral health attitudes and behaviors.

Demographic Characteristics and Reasons for Progestin Subdermal Implant (PSI) Use: Inputs for Alternative Family Planning Method

This study aims to analyze the demographic characteristics and reasons for Progestin Subdermal Implant (PSI) use among selected women in Central Luzon, Philippines. The study used descriptive-correlation research on 75 volunteer women using purposive sampling. The study observed significant differences in age, occupation, educational attainment, number of living children, type of family planning used before PSI use, reasons for practicing family planning, type of birth delivery, and plan to have another baby. Lastly, significant relationships were found in the same demographic characteristics and reason for the PSI use. The study concluded that there exists variation in the use of PSI and association for the benefit of PSI among the respondents.

Leave Against Medical Advice among Neonates Admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in a Tertiary Care Centre: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Leave against medical advice is a condition in which a patient leaves the hospital against the treating physician's recommendation and is a sensitive issue occurring frequently in neonatal intensive care units across the developing world. Investigating the causes of newborn deaths is essential as there is high neonatal mortality rate in context of Nepal and a huge gap between that rate and desired outcomes. Self-discharge of sick neonates from hospitals further increases the chance of death. Hence, this study aimed to find out the prevalence of leave against medical advice among neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit in a tertiary care centre. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among patients admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit from 14 April 2021 to 13 April 2023 after obtaining ethical approval from the Institutional Review Committee (Reference number: 077/78-021). The patient’s demographic and clinical characteristics and reasons for self-discharge were recorded. Convenience sampling was done. Point estimate and 95% Confidence Interval were calculated. Results: Among 1352 neonates, the prevalence of leave against medical advice was 119 (8.80%) (7.29-10.31, 95% Confidence Interval). Conclusions: The prevalence of leave against medical advice from the neonatal intensive care unit was lower than in other studies done in similar settings.

Islamic Educational Provisions in South Korea and Indonesia: A Comparison

This essay seeks to uncover, examine and analyse the provision of Islamic education in both Indonesia and South Korea. Comparisons were made in respect of infrastructure, curriculum, scope and reach, professionalism, funding and other areas, and potential for improvements identified. By examining existing research, publications, newspaper articles, journal publications, statistics and other data and information sources, it is apparent that Korea is severely lacking in Islamic education provisions, whereas this is not generally the case in Indonesia. This is primarily owing to demographic, historical and social reasons. However, with the declining population of Korea, and a birth-rate unable to reach even a stable replacement-rate, Korea will be forced to meet labour needs by way of immigration. Accordingly, with the arrival of more Muslim workers, and a higher number of Muslim students, the Muslim of population is likely to significantly increase, as will the rate of Korean Muslims by way of conversion to Islam.

The Reasons for the Rejection of Spinal Interventional Pain Management Techniques in Patients with Chronic Lower Back Pain

We investigated the reasons for the rejection of spinal interventional pain management techniques (SIPMT) in patients with lower back pain. The patients included in the study applied to an algology outpatient clinic with complaints of chronic lower back pain and were recommended SIPMT. The demographic data, systemic diseases, diagnoses, suggested SIPMT, and reasons why certain patients refused SIPMT, were all evaluated. Among the 196 patients who were recommended SIPMT, 61 (31.1%) refused the treatment. The most common reasons for refusing SIPMT was a belief that the injection would not be a definitive solution (63.9%), belief that the pain would recur after the injection (55.7%), the inability to avoid work that would strain the lower back after the injection (39.3%), and the fear that the pain would worsen (37.7%). Patients have a wide range of concerns about SIMPT. If the wide range of concerns patients have about SIMPT can be more comprehensively considered, refusal of such treatments due to unnecessary concerns can be prevented.

Rapid psychiatric readmission in youth: A five-year retrospective Cohort Study

This study describes predictors of psychiatric readmission among youth, including rapid readmission within 30 days of discharge. A retrospective chart review identified demographic features, diagnoses, and reasons for initial admission among 1324 youth admitted to the child and adolescent psychiatric emergency unit at a Canadian children's hospital. 22% of youth had at least one readmission and 8.8% had at least one rapid readmission during the five-year period. Personality disorder (HR=1.64, 95% CI=1.07, 2.52) and self-harm concerns (HR=0.65, 95% CI=0.48, 0.89) predicted odds of readmission Reducing readmission is an important goal, particularly for youth with personality concerns.