Determinant Factors Research Articles

Assessment of Concrete Formwork Practices in Bahir Dar City, Ethiopia

Formwork is among the most determinant factors affecting the cost and completion time of construction projects. In this study, the erection practices, challenges, types, quality and cost of formwork on active building construction projects in Bahir Dar were assessed. The study uses, Questionnaires, site observations and oral interviews with project managers, office and site Engineers, construction managers and carpenters were used to organize and analyse data. From assessment, most of the contractors have given less attention to formwork erection and safety issues. Since the principal criteria for formwork selection are cost and traditional formwork erection, it impacts construction safety and reduces the concrete finishing and quality. Formwork erection is left as the task of carpenters and labourers. There is no proper supervision of the quality of formworks that guarantees construction workers' safety so it is vulnerable to physical injuries and affects employee’s health. From the study, timber formwork is the most dominant type of formwork used for the construction of slabs, beams, columns and stairs due to its availability and low cost. Burnt oil is used as a releasing agent in all construction projects that causes undesirable outputs in concrete surfaces.

Artificial Punishment Signals for Guiding the Decision-Making Process of an Autonomous System

Somatic markers have been evidenced as determinant factors in human behavior. In particular, the concepts of somatic reward and punishment have been related to the decision-making process; both reward and somatic punishment represent bodily states with positive or negative sensations, respectively. In this research work, we have designed a mechanism to generate artificial somatic punishments in an autonomous system. An autonomous system is understood as a system capable of performing autonomous behavior and decision making. We incorporated this mechanism within a decision model oriented to support decision making on stock markets. Our model focuses on using artificial somatic punishments as a tool to guide the decisions of an autonomous system. To validate our proposal, we defined an experimental scenario using official data from Standard & Poor’s 500 and the Dow Jones index, in which we evaluated the decisions made by the autonomous system based on artificial somatic punishments in a general investment process using 10,000 independent iterations. In the investment process, the autonomous system applied an active investment strategy combined with an artificial somatic index. The results show that this autonomous system presented a higher level of investment decision effectiveness, understood as the achievement of greater wealth over time, as measured by profitability, utility, and Sharpe Ratio indicators, relative to an industry benchmark.

Determinant Factors of Logistics Firm Performance Mediated by Optilog Adoption Using a Mixed Method with an Explanatory Sequential Analysis

Recently, trucking logistics service providers are focusing on adopting technology and Information Technology (IT) capability to improve performance. Hence, it is essential to investigate how the IT capability of the firm can enhance logistics performance and impact technology adoption on performance. Therefore, the research examines the determinant factors of logistics firm performance mediated by Optilog adoption. The research design is a mixed method with an explanatory sequential design using quantitative and qualitative data analysis. Quantitative data analysis uses Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), while qualitative analysis adopts in-depth interviews. The analysis population includes 41 Optilog users in the logistics firm in East Jakarta, with the experts adopting a census sampling method. For qualitative phase, the researchers also recruit four respondents holding supervisory positions or higher using Optilog for daily operations. The results show that logistics firm performance is influenced by service excellence and Optilog adoption. Additionally, perceived risk, traceability, and IT capability positively affect Optilog adoption, which mediates the effects on logistics firm performance. The results confirm the rejection of the hypothesis that Optilog adoption mediates IT capability on logistics firm performance. The thematic analysis further concludes that the system, implemented in March 2022, does not impact logistics firm performance significantly, according to the respondents. Consequently, IT departments depend on responsiveness to address users’ needs and issues since when the vendor develops the system, it faces significant constraints due to the development and maintenance costs.

Perceived benefit is the strongest determinant factor of medication adherence in the elderly with hypertension

Background: The level of medication adherence among the elderly with hypertension is decreasing globally, including in Indonesia. Medication adherence is a major factor in treatment effectiveness for hypertensive patients. The Health Belief Model is one of the theories illustrating factors influencing patients’ medication adherence. Purpose: This study aimed to analyze determinant factors of medication adherence among the elderly with hypertension based on the application of the health belief model. Methods: This is a descriptive-analytic study with a cross-sectional approach. Sampling used a proportional stratified random sampling technique involving 193 patients with hypertension recruited from one of the Regional General Hospitals in Denpasar City Center. Data were obtained using three questionnaires, namely demographic characteristics, the health belief model (HBM), and the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8). Data were analyzed using binary logistic regression. Results: The research results showed the majority of respondents (62.7%) were compliant in taking medication. Multivariate test results showed that perceived susceptibility (p <0.001; AOR: 5.163), perceived benefits (p <0.001; AOR: 12.061), self-efficacy (p <0.001; AOR: 3.213), perceived barriers (p <0.001; AOR: 0.133) and cues to action (p <0.001; AOR: 3.480) is related to medication adherence in the elderly with hypertension. Conclusions: Perceived benefit is the strongest determining factor of medication adherence among the elderly with hypertension. Respondents with high belief in perceived benefits tend to adhere to medication 12.061 times compared to respondents with low belief in perceived benefits. Health workers are advised to increase the elderly's belief in the perceived benefits and perceived susceptibility to increase their medication adherence.

Prevalence and factors associated with undocumented children under-five in Haiti

BackgroundDespite many efforts to provide children with legal existence over the last decades, 1 in 4 children under the age of 5 (166 million) do not officially exist, with limited possibility to enjoy their human rights. In Latin America and the Caribbean, Haiti has one of the highest rates of undocumented births. This study aimed to analyze the prevalence and the determinant factors of undocumented childhood in Haiti.MethodsFor analysis of undocumented childhood and related socioeconomic determinants, data from the 2016/17 Haiti demographic and health survey were used. The prevalence and the associated factors were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the binary logistic regression model.ResultsThe prevalence of undocumented childhood in Haiti was 23% (95% CI: 21.9–24.0) among children under-five. Among the drivers of undocumented births, mothers with no formal education (aOR = 3.88; 95% CI 2.21–6.81), children aged less than 1 year (aOR = 20.47; 95% CI 16.83–24.89), children adopted or in foster care (aOR = 2.66; 95% CI 1.67–4.24), children from the poorest regions like “Artibonite” (aOR = 2.19; 95% CI 1.63–2.94) or “Centre” (aOR = 1.51; 95% CI 1.09–2.10) or “Nord-Ouest” (aOR = 1.61; 95% CI 1.11–2.34), children from poorest households (aOR = 6.25; 95% CI 4.37–8.93), and children whose mothers were dead (aOR = 2.45; 95% CI 1.33–4.49) had higher odds to be undocumented.ConclusionAccording to our findings, there is an institutional necessity to bring birth documentation to underprivileged households, particularly those in the poorest regions where socioeconomic development programs are also needed. Interventions should focus on uneducated mothers who are reknown for giving birth outside of medical facilities. Therefore, an awareness campaign should be implemented to influence the children late-registering behavior.

Impact of cardiac structure and function on exercise intolerance in Chagas cardiomyopathy: Insights from CPET and echocardiography

Introduction: Chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy (CCC), the most severe clinical condition of Chagas disease, often leads to a reduction in functional capacity and the appearance of symptoms such as fatigue and dyspnea on exertion. However, its determinant factors remain unclear. We aimed to evaluate the peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) in patients with CCC and identify its determining factors. Methods: An observational study with 97 CCC patients was conducted. Patients underwent clinical examination, cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET), and echocardiography as part of the standard clinical evaluation. Multivariate linear regression was used to identify independent clinical and echocardiographic predictors of VO2peak and percentage of predicted VO2. Results: Mean age of study patients was 55.9 ± 13.4 years, median left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) was 40 (26–61.5) % and median VO2peak was 16.1 (12.1–20.8) ml/Kg/min. 36 patients presented preserved LVEF and 61 presented reduced LVEF. There were significant differences in almost all CPET variables (p < 0.05) between these two groups. VO2peak was associated with age, male sex, NYHA functional class, LVEF, left atrium diameter, LV diastolic diameter, E wave, LV mass index, and pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP). Age, male sex, LVEF, and E wave remained independently associated with VO2peak in the multivariate analysis (R2 = 0.69), furthermore, only LVEF and E wave were associated with the predicted VO2 percentage (R2 = 0.53). Conclusion: In patients with CCC, disease severity, male sex, LV systolic and diastolic function influence the functional capacity.

IMPLEMENTASI PERATURAN PRESIDEN NO 72 TAHUN 2021 TENTANG PERCEPATAN PENURUNAN STUNTING DI KABUPATEN KEPULAUAN MENTAWAI

This research aims to determine the implementation of Presidential Regulation No. 72 of 2021 concerning the Acceleration of Reducing Stunting in the Mentawai Islands Regency, especially in the Betumonga area. This research is motivated by stunting problems which are increasing in the Mentawai Islands Regency, especially in the Betumonga Area. This research uses qualitative methods by conducting field surveys and interviews with related parties such as service staff and local service heads. Based on the results of interviews using the theory presented by Marile a Grindle, the results obtained from the implementation of Presidential Decree number 72 of 2021 concerning the acceleration of stunting reduction in the Mentawai Islands Regency in the Betumonga area can be said to have been implemented well out of a total of 105 achievement indicators in Presidential Decree number 72 of 2021, 27 indicators which is not fulfilled properly and there are only 80 indicators that are fulfilled. achievement indicators that have not met targets. 27 indicators that have not been met, several indicators that are not yet close to the development line and are not in line with the targets for 2024 in the Betumonga area, the government has made efforts to overcome the problem of stunting, but the community still sometimes does not want to accept the reality and some still refuse to handle stunting prevention. The research results show that this incident is caused by the need for sustainable programs, especially in remote areas that are difficult to reach due to their wide reach so that access to transportation is limited. The implementation of Presidential Decree number 72 of 2021 in the Mentawai Islands Regency requires additional rules or efforts in handling stunting cases related to the determinant factors that cause stunting for families at risk of stunting, especially in special cases such as the Betumonga area as well as additional regulations for preventing stunting.

Joint decision on contraceptive use and determinant factors among married women of reproductive ages (15–49) in Ethiopia: a multilevel analysis using Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey; 2016 data

BackgroundContraceptive usage in Ethiopia is significantly influenced by the decision-maker at the household level. Joint decision-making involving both women and their husbands/partners is considered ideal for improving contraceptive uptake among women and for managing health outcomes related to contraceptive side effects. However, there is a lack of substantial evidence regarding the prevalence and impact of joint decision-making on contraceptive use in Ethiopia. Therefore, the current study aimed to assess the magnitude of joint decision-making on contraceptive use and its determinant factors among married, contraceptive-using, reproductive-age women in Ethiopia.MethodsThis study was conducted based on the Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) 2016 data. A total weighted sample of 3,669 married, contraceptive-using, reproductive-age women were included in the study. Multilevel logistic regression was employed due to the hierarchical nature of the data. Variables with a p-value of ≤ 0.2 in the bivariate multilevel analysis were included in the multivariable multilevel analysis. The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to determine the direction and strength of associations. Variables with a p-value of < 0.05 in the multivariable multilevel analysis were considered statistically significant for joint decision-making on contraceptive use.ResultsThe prevalence of joint decision-making on contraceptive use in Ethiopia was 78.81% [95% CI: 71.35-74.23%]. Several factors were found to be statistically significant in relation to joint decision-making on contraceptive use: Women educational level primary, secondary, and higher (Adjusted odds’ ratio (AOR = 1.5; CI 1.2–1.9), (AOR = 1.9; CI 1.3–2.9), and (AOR = 2.1; CI 1.2–3.5) respectively, protestant in religion (AOR = 1.7; CI 1.7–2.5), wealth status rich (AOR = 1.4; CI 1.1–1.9), media exposure (AOR = 1.4; CI 1.1–1.9), and community poverty high (AOR = 0.6; CI 0.6–0.9).ConclusionsIn Ethiopia, the majority of contraceptive users are married, reproductive-age women, and their decision to use contraceptives is typically made jointly with their husbands or partners. Factors positively associated with joint decision-making on contraceptive use include women’s educational level (primary, secondary, and higher), being Protestant, having a higher wealth status, and media exposure. Conversely, women living in communities with high poverty levels are less likely to make joint decisions about contraceptive use. Health care providers, health care programmers and policy makers should be focused on these determinant factors to enhance joint decision-making in women’s contraceptive use in Ethiopia.

Determinant factors that impact Islamic social reporting: a study on Islamic Banking

This research aims to find out how sharia reporting is disclosed by sharia commercial banking using variable indicators such as liquidity, leverage, size of the sharia supervisory board, awards, and company size. This research was conducted on sharia banks registered with the Financial Services Authority (OJK) Indonesia from 2017 to 2022. The method used in data collection was a purposive sampling method and a sample of 14 sharia banks registered with the Financial Services Authority (OJK) was obtained. The results show that the variables liquidity, rewards and company size have a positive and significant impact on the disclosure of Islamic Social Reporting, while the variables leverage and size of the sharia supervisory board have no effect on Islamic Social Reporting disclosure. The research concludes that to increase the impact of Islamic Social Reporting, companies need to increase current assets to maintain liquidity, obtain awards, and increase total assets as a company size. Therefore, disclosing Islamic Social Reporting at each institution is very important to attract public attention regarding the company's excellence and performance, and this disclosure can be beneficial for the company's future.

Health-related quality of life and its determinant factors in Thai children with cancer: parents vs. children perspectives

BackgroundHealth-related quality of life (HRQOL) is a vital assessment to demonstrate the achievement in pediatric cancer care parallels that of medical treatment. The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) 3.0 Cancer Module in the Thai Version has become a standard tool to access the HRQOL among Thai children with cancer and their families. This study aimed to explore the HRQOL and factors related to HRQOL among pediatric oncology patients using the PedsQL 3.0 Cancer Module.MethodsIn 2018–2019, a single-institution, cross-sectional study was conducted among children with cancer and their families in Bangkok, Thailand. A paired-sample t-test was performed to evaluate the differences between the HRQOL scores of the child and parents' reports. Linear regression was used to evaluate factors associated with HRQOL and which particular domains of the PedsQL 3.0 Cancer Module were influenced.ResultsEighty-five children with cancer and their families were enrolled. The patients’ mean age was 10.82 ± 5.48 years. The most common cancer types included acute lymphoblastic leukemia (n = 32, 67%), central nervous system tumors (n = 13, 15%), osteosarcoma (n = 10, 27%) and neuroblastoma (n = 9, 24%), in rank. The mean HRQOL scores in child and parent reports were 74.37 ± 15.7 and 70.42 ± 17.15, respectively (p = 0.034). Factors negatively correlated to HRQOL in parent reports were the number of outpatient visits (p = 0.019) and hospital admissions (p = 0.002). The number of hospitalizations was the only independent factor that affected HRQOL (p = 0.044). The number of outpatient visits and/or hospital admissions was influenced by pain and hurt, nausea, procedural anxiety and communication domains (p < 0.05). Only the number of hospitalizations was an independent factor influencing the procedural anxiety domain in HRQOL (p = 0.005).ConclusionHRQOL among Thai children with cancer was desirable from both children's and parent's perspectives. Differences between child and parent HRQOL scores were observed. The number of outpatient visits and hospital admissions affected HRQOL, particularly in the procedural anxiety aspect.Trial registrationThai Clinical Trials Registry (TCTR) Number: TCTR20200904001 (04/09/2020), https://www.thaiclinicaltrials.org/.

Gender Stereotypes As Determinant Factors On Education Of The Girl Child In Ogoja Education Zone Of Cross River State

Gender Stereotypes As Determinant Factors On Education Of The Girl Child In Ogoja Education Zone Of Cross River State

University Dropout: A Systematic Review of the Main Determinant Factors

Introduction This research is a systematic review aimed at synthesizing scientific evidence on the causes of university dropout, focusing on the subcategories of vocational guidance, academic performance, socioeconomic status, and institutional aspects between 2020 and June 2024. Methods Only articles addressing university dropout were considered, analyzing dimensions such as vocational guidance, academic performance, socioeconomic status, and institutional aspects. Articles published in indexed scientific journals with double-blind, double-blind peer, or open reviews between 2020 and June 2024 were included. The main databases used were Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. To assess the risk of bias in qualitative studies, the criteria from the article “Validity criteria for qualitative research: three epistemological strands for the same purpose” were used. For quantitative studies, the criteria from the article “Evaluating survey research in articles published in Library Science journals” were followed. For mixed-method studies, both sets of criteria were combined. Results A total of 23 studies were included: 15 quantitative (65.22%), 3 qualitative (13.04%), and 5 mixed-method (21.74%). All studies (100%) addressed the subcategories of socioeconomic status and institutional aspects. Regarding the academic performance subcategory, 86% of the studies addressed it, while the vocational guidance subcategory was covered by 73.91% of the studies. Conclusions Vocational guidance, academic performance, socioeconomic status, and institutional aspects are crucial for reducing university dropout. Providing adequate professional guidance, academic support, financial assistance, and strong institutional support is fundamental to improving student retention and academic success.

Identification of Motivational Determinants for Telemedicine Use Among Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis in Germany: Secondary Analysis of Data From a Nationwide Cross-Sectional Survey Study.

Previous studies have demonstrated telemedicine to be an effective tool to complement rheumatology care and address workforce shortage. With the COVID-19 outbreak, telemedicine experienced a massive upswing. An earlier analysis revealed that the motivation of patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases to use telemedicine is closely connected to their disease. It remains unclear which factors are associated with patients' motivation to use telemedicine in certain rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases groups, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study aims to identify factors that determine the willingness to try telemedicine among patients diagnosed with RA. We conducted a secondary analysis of data from a German nationwide cross-sectional survey among patients with RA. Bayesian univariate logistic regression analysis was applied to the data to determine which factors were associated with willingness to try telemedicine. Predictor variables (covariates) studied individually included sociodemographic factors (eg, age, sex) and health characteristics (eg, health status). All the variables positively and negatively associated with willingness to try telemedicine in the univariate analyses were then considered for Bayesian model averaging analysis after a selection based on the variance inflation factor (≤ 2.5) to identify determinants of willingness to try telemedicine. Among 438 surveyed patients in the initial study, 210 were diagnosed with RA (47.9%). Among them, 146 (69.5%) answered either yes or no regarding willingness to try telemedicine and were included in the analysis. A total of 22 variables (22/55, 40%) were associated with willingness to try telemedicine (region of practical equivalence %≤5). A total of 9 determinant factors were identified using Bayesian model averaging analysis. Positive determinants included desiring telemedicine services provided by a rheumatologist (odds ratio [OR] 13.7, 95% CI 5.55-38.3), having prior knowledge of telemedicine (OR 2.91, 95% CI 1.46-6.28), residing in a town (OR 2.91, 95% CI 1.21-7.79) or city (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.23-1.27), and perceiving one's health status as moderate (OR 1.87, 95% CI 0.94-3.63). Negative determinants included the lack of an electronic device (OR 0.1, 95% CI 0.01-0.62), absence of home internet access (OR 0.1, 95% CI 0.02-0.39), self-assessment of health status as bad (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.21-0.89) or very bad (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.06-2.06), and being aged between 60 and 69 years (OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.22-1.04) or older than 70 years (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.16-0.85). The results suggest that some patients with RA will not have access to telemedicine without further support. Older patients, those not living in towns, those without adequate internet access, reporting a bad health status, and those not owning electronic devices might be excluded from the digital transformation in rheumatology and might not have access to adequate RA care. These patient groups certainly require support for the use of digital rheumatology care.

Role of multiparametric US in the preoperative assessment of hepatic parenchyma in patients with liver tumors.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of shear wave elastography (SWE), shear wave dispersion (SWD), and attenuation imaging (ATI) in assessment of hepatic parenchyma in patients with liver tumors before resection. Patients with liver tumors were prospectively enrolled in this study. All participants underwent SWE, SWD, and ATI examinations. Fibrosis stage, necroinflammatory activity and hepatic steatosis grade were determined histopathologically. We evaluated the stability of ATI, SWE and SWD examinations. Multivariable linear regression analyses were conducted to determine the determinant factors for SWE, SWD, attenuation coefficient (AC) values. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to evaluate diagnostic performance of multiparametric US (ultrasond). A total of 280 participants were enrolled in this study. TG (triglyceride) and steatosis for AC value were significant determinant factors. PLT (platelet), PT (prothrombin time), GGT (glutamyl transpeptidase), and fibrosis stage for SWE value were significant determinant factors. PLT, fibrosis stage and inflammation activity for SWD value were significant determinant factors. AC value was correlated with hepatic steatosis. Both SWE and SWD values were correlated with fibrosis stage, inflammation activity, respectively. The area under the ROC (AUROC) curve of ATI for predicting hepatic steatosis grade were 0.910(≥ S1), 0.927(≥ S2), 0.962(= S3), respectively. The AUROC curve of SWE for predicting fibrosis stage were 0.923(≥ S1), 0.934(≥ S2), 0.930(≥ S3), 0.895(= S4), respectively. The AUROC curve of SWD for predicting fibrosis stage were 0.858(≥ S1), 0.886(≥ S2), 0.866(≥ S1) (≥ S3), 0.825(= S4). The AUROC curve of SWE for predicting inflammation activity were 0.846(≥ G1), 0.724(≥ G2), 0.787 (≥ G3), respectively. The AUROC curve of SWD for predicting inflammation activity were 0.777(≥ G1), 0.727(≥ G2), 0.803 (≥ G3), respectively. For patients with liver tumors, ATI technology showed excellent feasibility and diagnostic performance for detecting and grading hepatic steatosis, SWE was more accurate in detecting fibrosis stage than SWD, SWD was not superior to SWE in detecting inflammation activity.

Pooled prevalence of malaria and associated factors among vulnerable populations in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundMalaria is a serious, fatal disease, and a high-risk determinant for human health globally. Children, pregnant women, and migrants are vulnerable groups for malaria infection in African regions. Recently, malaria is an endemic disease in Ethiopia.ObjectivesThis study aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of malaria and its determinant factors among the most vulnerable populations in Ethiopia.MethodsElectronic databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Semantic Scholar, and Scopus were used for searching articles published since the 2020 Gregorian calendar and onwards. All peer-reviewed Ethiopian journals, health institutions, and Universities were considered for article searching. A PRISMA flow chart and Endnote software were used for article screening, and to remove duplications, respectively. The modified version of the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale was used for potential risk of bias assessments. The heterogeneity among the included studies was evaluated using the indicator of heterogeneity (I2). Egger’s test and funnel plot were used to examine the possible publication bias. A random-effects analysis was used to assess the pooled prevalence of malaria, and its determinant factors with a 95% CI. The screening process, data extraction, and quality assessment were done independently, and any disagreements were resolved through discussions.ResultsA total of twelve studies were included in this study. The pooled malaria prevalence was 11.10% (95% CI: 6.10, 16.11). Stagnant water (AOR: 4.19, 95% CI: 2.47, 7.11), no insecticide-treated net utilization (AOR: 3.15, 95% CI: 1.73, 5.73), and staying outdoors at night (AOR: 5.19, 95% CI: 2.08, 12.94) were the pooled estimated statistically risk factors for malaria prevalence. Whereas, insecticide-treated bed net utilization (AOR: 1.59, 95% CI: 0.23, 10.95) reduces the risk of malaria infection.ConclusionsThe pooled prevalence of malaria is high among vulnerable populations. Creating awareness regarding utilization of insecticide-treated bed nets, and draining stagnant water from the environment are possible interventions to reduce the prevalence of malaria.

Understanding factors affecting the acceptance of post-abortion contraception: A comprehensive analysis

To assess the proportion of post-abortion contraceptive acceptance and the determinant factors in the utilization of contraception. It is a prospective observational study done on 468 women who presented for abortion care in a tertiary care centre. Data were collected using a pre-structured questionnaire, counselled for contraceptive usage. The family planning method accepted was noted and followed up after one month. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and expressed in the form of frequency and percentages. In the present study, the magnitude of acceptance of post-abortion contraception was 73.08%. Most women were in the age group 21-30 years (62.82%), the majority belonged to lower socioeconomic status (43.16%), 78.62% were homemakers. Age of the women, education status, and history of the previous usage of contraception showed a positive association with acceptance of post-abortion contraception. The most accepted method was tubectomy (24.35%) followed by barrier contraception (20.51%). During follow-up after 1 month, 69.24% were willing to continue the same method and 5.1% opted for a change in the contraceptive method. The common determinant factors for not opting for post-abortion contraception were due to religious belief, partner opposition, fear of side effects of contraceptive methods and willingness to concieve again shortly. The proportion of post-abortion family planning utilization is good but could be improved. Education before and especially at the time of abortion strongly influenced the usage of family planning services especially in rural areas where the accessibility is comparatively low. Family planning counseling during the time of abortion plays an important role in accepting post-abortion family planning services. At all levels of health care, family planning counseling and services should be provided to those who come for abortion to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality.

Antioxidant Activity of the Medicinal Plant Urtica dioica L.: Extraction Optimization Using Response Surface Methodology and Protective Role in Red Blood Cells

Free radicals are highly reactive compounds that lead to the onset of a variety of serious health conditions, known as “oxidative stress”. Antioxidants, on the other hand, act as defense mechanisms to fight the accumulation of free radicals and maintain cell homeostasis. Urtica dioica L. is a medicinal plant with unique antioxidant properties, mainly attributable to the presence of polar phenolic compounds. This study aimed to optimize the combination of determinant factors toward the maximum extraction of antioxidants from U. dioica L. Furthermore, it investigated the protective role of the extract on red blood cells that were exposed to oxidative stress. The extraction optimization was performed using Response Surface Methodology and the in vitro antioxidant activity of the extract was determined with Folin–Ciocalteu, FRAP, and DPPH assays. Based on the results, the highest value of antioxidant activity and polar phenolic compounds was recorded using 34% (v/v) ethanol as a solvent in an ultrasonic process carried out at 42 °C for 87 min. In addition, UV–Vis spectrum of the extract revealed the presence of chlorophylls, carotenoids, and flavonoid glycosides. This study also provided insight into the in vitro protective effect of the plant extract on red blood cells morphology under oxidative stress conditions. The findings highlighted the good predictability of the extraction model and the potential role of the extract as an antioxidant product.

Examining HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) acceptability among rural people who inject drugs: predictors of PrEP interest among syringe service program clients

ABSTRACT Rural communities in the US have increasing HIV burden tied to injection drug use, yet engagement in pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) care has been low among people who inject drugs (PWID). Syringe service programs (SSPs) are widely implemented in Kentucky’s Appalachian region, presenting an important opportunity to scale PrEP services. This paper examines PrEP awareness, interest and preferences among PWID attending community-based SSPs in Appalachia. Eighty participants were enrolled from two SSP locations. Eligibility included: ≥ 18 years old, current injection drug use and SSP use, and an indication for PrEP as defined by CDC guidelines. Participants completed a structured baseline interview. Predictors of PrEP awareness, interest and formulation preferences were examined. 38.8% reported baseline awareness of PrEP, 50% expressed high interest in PrEP, and 48.1%reported a preference for injectable PrEP. Significant bivariate predictors of PrEP interest included: current worry about health, higher perceived HIV risk, higher community HIV stigma, and higher enacted substance use stigma in the past year; in the adjusted model, enacted substance use stigma remained significant. Findings demonstrate substantial interest in PrEP among rural PWID. Intrapersonal and social determinant factors were associated with PrEP interest, which suggests the importance of multi-level intervention targets to increase PrEP uptake.

Determinant Factors of Financial Stability of Fintech Companies in Indonesia

Determinant Factors of Financial Stability of Fintech Companies in Indonesia

Determinant factors for online cash waqf intention among Muslim millennial generation

Purpose This study aims to examine the factors influencing the intention of Muslim Millennial Generation in Indonesia to donate cash waqf digitally. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative approach was employed, surveying 284 Muslim Millennial Generation in Indonesia. The study integrated the Decomposed Theory of Planned Behavior (DTPB) and Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to investigate the key factors driving the intention to contribute to cash waqf digitally. The researcher analyzed data using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Findings The findings of this study indicate that all hypotheses related to the variables are supported, including both direct and indirect correlations, except for perceived religiosity. This study confirms that the decision of millennials to donate cash waqf online is influenced by various factors, including their attitudes, the environment they are in, their ability to control their behavior, their perception of the ease and usefulness of technology and the availability of suitable facilities. Knowledge of technology is also a decisive component. Nevertheless, this study yielded intriguing findings that the perceived level of religious devotion does not impact the millennials’ willingness to make online cash waqf donations. Practical implications This study’s findings offer valuable insights for waqf institutions, providing a better understanding of Muslim millennials’ characteristics and preferences regarding spending, donations and waqf activities. This understanding can be instrumental in enhancing innovative digital platforms for cash waqf in the digital economy era. Originality/value This study uniquely explores the determinants of digital cash waqf donations among Muslim Millennial Generation in Indonesia. Contributions include integrating the DTPB and the TAM for a comprehensive analysis. Cross-disciplinary perspectives from behavioral economics and digital marketing enrich the research. Comparative studies and potential longitudinal analysis enhance depth, providing nuanced insights into the dynamic factors shaping digital donation behavior among Muslim millennials.