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Research on the Employment of College Students under the Background of Popularization of Higher Education

The background information includes that nowadays, people are under increasing pressure to find jobs, and more and more people are unable to find jobs or feel the pressure of job competition is extreme. Many college students have great difficulty finding jobs. In this paper, the main research in the background of the popularization of higher education in the employment of college students encountered difficulties and reasons behind, including possible solutions. The conclusion of this paper is that the audience of college students in higher education has increased significantly, and there are obvious differences between what they have learned in undergraduate and what they have faced in work, and there is great pressure of job competition. National policies such as improved job-searching systems, better understanding of the workforce structure, and reforms to make higher education more work-friendly could alleviate these problems. The significance of this article lies in the careful analysis of the difficult problems of college students in employment, providing readers with in-depth understanding and inspiration on the employment of college students and also providing reference for future decision-making.

Enhancing support for patients with low anterior resection syndrome: insights and educational resources from the LARSCAT project

PurposeTo address the educational gaps and support needs of patients with low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) following rectal cancer surgery. The LARSCAT project aimed to develop comprehensive resources to better inform patients and enhance their quality of life.MethodsA qualitative study was conducted between November 2022 and March 2023. Seven focus groups were formed, including six patients, two surgeons, and three nurses. Patients had undergone rectal cancer surgery with stoma reversal 2 to 12 years earlier, and all experienced major LARS. The focus groups, held in-person and online, explored the impact on daily life, social and sexual health, mood, rest, and relationships. Thematic analysis was performed to identify key issues and support strategies following the COREQ guidelines.ResultsParticipants reported insufficient information regarding potential dysfunctions after rectal cancer surgery, and difficulties finding reliable information online. The timing of receiving information varied according to individual coping mechanisms. LARS symptoms significantly impacted daily life, social activities, sexual health, and mood. Patients emphasised the need for more tailored information and supplementary written materials to read at their own pace. Consequently, three comprehensive documents were created and made available online.ConclusionThis study highlights a significant gap in patient education on the long-term effects of rectal cancer surgery. The resources developed by the LARSCAT project aim to provide essential support to patients and healthcare professionals. Future research should focus on integrating these resources into routine care and evaluating their impact on patient outcomes and quality of life.

Students’ Perceptions of Their Speaking Practice with Foreign Interlocutors via Online Platforms

As online platforms become more widely accessible, English learners have greater opportunities to practice speaking with foreign interlocutors, though many remain hesitant due to a lack of confidence in their speaking abilities. This study examines the perceptions of 107 first-semester English learners at a private university who were assigned to use SCMC platforms like Free4Talk, InterPals, and HelloTalk to engage in English conversations with foreign interlocutors. The aim was to understand how these platforms supported speaking practice and identify any challenges faced. Data were collected through a questionnaire that included Likert-scale items and open-ended questions. The results revealed that 78% of students had positive perceptions, indicating that the platforms facilitated their English-speaking practice through real-time communication. However, they also reported technical issues, such as poor internet connectivity, and challenges with engagement, including difficulty finding consistent conversation partners. The study recommends further research into long-term language learner experiences and an exploration of platform features that could enhance English-speaking practice.

Fusion algorithms on identifying vacant parking spots using vision-based approach

<div class="page" title="Page 1"><div class="layoutArea"><div class="column"><p>In densely populated cities, parking space scarcity results in issues like traffic congestion and difficulty finding parking spots. Recent advancements in computer vision have introduced methods to address parking lot management challenges. The availability of public image datasets and rapid growth in deep learning technology has led to vision-based parking management studies, offering advantages over sensor-based systems in comprehensive area coverage, cost reduction, and additional functionalities. This study presents an innovative fusion algorithm that integrates object detection with occupancy state algorithms to accurately identify vacant parking spaces. The employment of the YOLOv7 framework for vehicle instance segmentation, combined with three occupancy algorithms Euclidean distance (ED), intersection over reference (IoR), and intersection over union (IoU) are compared to determine the occupancy state of observed areas. The proposed method is evaluated using the CNRPark-EXT dataset, and its performance is compared with state-of-the-art methods. As a result, the proposed approach demonstrates robustness under varying conditions. It outperforms existing methods in terms of system evaluation performance, achieving accuracies of 98.88%, 97.99%, and 90.04% for ED, IoR, and IoU, respectively. This fusion detection method enhances adaptability and addresses occlusions, emphasizing YOLOv7’s advantages and accurate shape approximation for slot annotation. This study contributes valuable insights for effective parking management systems and has potential usage in the real-world implementation of intelligent transportation systems.</p></div></div></div>

Do patients with axial spondyloarthritis with active disease suffer from greater disease burden and work impairment? Results from the International Map of Axial Spondyloarthritis (IMAS)

BackgroundTo assess the prevalence of clinically active disease in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and its associated factors in a large global sample of patients from the International Map of Axial Spondyloarthritis (IMAS) study. MethodsIMAS is a cross-sectional online survey (2017–2022) of 5557 axSpA patients. Patients were divided between those with active disease (BASDAI ≥4) and without active disease (BASDAI <4). The factors evaluated were sociodemographic, lifestyle, patient-reported outcomes, employment, disease characteristics, extra-musculoskeletal manifestations, and treatment. Logistic regression analysis stratified by gender were used to evaluate the relationship between investigated factors and active disease. ResultsIn the present study, 5295 patients who had responded to the BASDAI scale were included in the present study: 3231 were from Europe, 770 from North America, 600 from Asia, 548 from Latin America, and 146 from Africa. The mean age was 43.8±12.9 years and 55.4% were females. Patients reported a mean BASDAI of 5.4 (±2.1) with 75% having active disease (BASDAI ≥4). In South Africa, 87.0% of patients reported having active disease, compared to 68.5% in Asia. Multivariable logistic regression showed an association of active disease with higher functional limitation, greater spinal stiffness, difficulty finding a job due to axSpA and worse mental health in both genders. For males, younger age and shorter diagnostic delay, and for females, no physical activity and presence of inflammatory bowel disease were associated with active disease. ConclusionsThree quarters of patients with axSpA reported clinically active disease, with higher proportion of patients with active disease in South Africa and lower proportion in Asia. Our results underline the complexity of the clinical disease activity concept in axSpA and the need for a holistic approach in the patient management, care and treatment.

Resistome phylodynamics of multidrug-resistant Shigella isolated from diarrheal patients.

Multi-drug resistance (MDR) in Shigella continues to pose a significant public health challenge, particularly in developing countries. Recent advances in genomics strengthen the surveillance of MDR-pathogens and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) mediators. However, genome-based investigations into resistome dynamics in Shigella are limited, specifically in Bangladesh. Therefore, we investigated MDR-Shigella resistomes to evaluate their AMR transmission and phylodynamics. Clinical Shigella strains were screened for MDR phenotypes through susceptibility tests against 28 antibiotics from 10 different classes. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and bioinformatics approaches were performed to unveil the resistome dynamics: >500 global plasmid entities and >1,000 plasmid-mediated resistance gene clusters from global databases were included in this study. We identified 28 distinct antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) from nine antibiotic classes, with 75% originating from plasmids. Notably, two conjugative MDR plasmids included nearly all potential ARGs, conferring resistance to first-line drugs for shigellosis. Two third-generation cephalosporin-resistant [wubC-blaCTX-M-15-ISEcp1 and blaTEM-1] and two macrolide-resistant mobile genomic islands (GIs) [mphA-mrx-mph(R)A-IS6100 and mphE-msrE-IS482-IS6] had emerged in Shigella in Bangladesh. In addition, trimethoprim-aminoglycoside-streptothricin-sulfonamide-resistant dfrA1-sat1-aadA1 and aph3-dfrA14-aph6-sul2 were in conjugative plasmids in Bangladesh. The MDR plasmids and resistant GIs were phylogenetically relevant to Europe, USA, or China-derived isolates, indicating carry-over of the emerging ARGs from heavily industrialized countries and MSM-burdened (men who have sex with men) populations. The global burden of resistance GIs has increased sharply, especially after 2014. Emerging resistance mediators were most frequent (>80%) in human-associated Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. We infer ARGs horizontally propagate among Enteropathogens: informing treatment strategies and supporting policymakers in strengthening AMR-containment efforts utilizing the phylodynamics network.IMPORTANCEThe world is suffering from a high burden of MDR enteropathogens. Healthcare providers in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) often face trouble finding effective drugs among the many antibiotics introduced in diarrheal treatment. Resistance-mediated drug inactivation is more rapid than the advent of new antimicrobials, leaving enteritis treatment on the edge. In Bangladesh, where one-third of users are self-prescribing antibiotics and thousands are dying due to resistance-related treatment failure, phylogenomic evidence of AMR transmission root is scarce. Therefore, investigating the resistomes of MDR-Shigella, the leading cause of diarrheal deaths in Bangladesh, is crucial. We identified several emerging resistance mediators and their phylogenetic links to global entities, which is significant for improving shigellosis treatment and enhancing AMR containment strategies. Understanding the MDR mechanism in Shigella will help physicians choose effective drugs and anticipate resistance-mediated changes in treatment approaches; the spatiotemporal phylodynamics of AMR mediators aid policymakers in setting effective checkpoints in the AMR transmission network.

Correlation between thermography and the photonumerical scale of cellulitis severity

Background: Gynoid lipodystrophy (GL) is a complex condition that mainly affects women, who often face challenges such as body dissatisfaction, difficulty finding clothes, and pain due to the appearance of an "orange peel" texture. These issues have a significant impact on their quality of life, sometimes leading to social exclusion. Objective: This study aimed to correlate the Cellulite Severity Scale (CSS) with Thermography when used to classify GL. Patients/Methods: Cross-sectional study, where 40 women underwent evaluation through the photonumerical scale of cellulite severity and thermography. After analyzing the inclusion criteria, the buttocks were classified as right (HG) and left (LG) and underwent Pearson's correlation test and linear regression. Results: The results showed that there is no correlation between the mean temperature of the left buttock (ºC) by thermography and the CSS score of the left buttock (r=0.15); and there is also no correlation between the mean temperature of the right buttock (ºC) by thermography and the CSS score of the right buttock (r=0,21). Conclusion: It was concluded that there is neither correlation nor association between thermography and the CSS when used to classify GL.

Parking Slot Scanning for Maximum Efficiency Using Python

The growing number of vehicles in major cities has posed significant challenges in parking lot management. Motorists often have difficulty finding empty parking slots quickly, which not only wastes time but also aggravates traffic congestion and increases air pollution. This research develops a Python-based smart parking system by utilizing the OpenCV library to detect the status of parking slots in real-time. The system uses a camera as the main sensor and processes the image using techniques such as grayscale, Gaussian blur, and adaptive threshold to identify the parking slot status, whether empty or occupied, with good accuracy. The parking slot coordinate data is stored in CSV format to ensure efficient data management. Experimental results with video recordings show that the system is able to operate well in various parking conditions. The system proved to be cost-effective and easy to implement, making it an ideal solution for parking managers who want to improve management efficiency without being burdened with high costs. This research offers a practical solution to help motorists and parking managers optimize parking space usage, reduce search time, and minimize negative impacts such as congestion and carbon emissions.

Perancangan E-Monitoring Laporan Polisi Menggunakan Metode Prototype pada Polsek Semendawai Suku III

The system for receiving police reports at the Semendawai Tribe III Police is currently still done manually by typing them in Microsoft Word which are then printed and stored in hard copy in the criminal investigation room. Storing files in hard copy form results in files piling up, being scattered, being tucked away, as well as the potential for losing files or having difficulty finding files when they are needed again. Apart from that, police report files in softcopy form are sometimes accidentally deleted, not copied, and immediately overwritten with a new police report, resulting in data loss that cannot be recovered. Therefore, this research aims to design electronic monitoring of police reports using a prototype method that allows gradual development of the system based on input from users. The electronic monitoring design was carried out in several stages, starting with the creation of a report recording module, followed by a combination of report status monitoring features, and ending with the implementation of automatic backup. Each stage is tested and evaluated separately to ensure optimal quality and usability. The research results show that this system is able to increase the efficiency of report management, can minimize the risk of data loss, and makes it easier for Sector Police personnel to monitor the progress of reports. With automatic backup, report data is stored safely and can be accessed at any time. It is hoped that this research can be an innovative solution for Sector Police in digitalizing administrative processes, as well as providing a basis for further development in the future.

Obesogenicity perception of food environments in adults: A cross-sectional study in urban areas of Santiago, Chile.

In Chile, there is a high prevalence of obesity, and most people have an inadequate quality of food. Food environments can constitute barriers that prevent healthy food choices and lead to overweight and obesity, as well as diet-related non-communicable diseases. There are international instruments that allow the characterization of food environments. In Chile, there are no studies on the perception of food environments. This study aimed to characterize the perception of obesogenicity of food environments in the urban Chilean population using an instrument previously validated in Chile. This is a cross-sectional study with probabilistic sampling. The "Perceived Nutrition Environment Measures Survey", based on the Chilean model of food environments, was applied to 256 participants from two urban communities of the Metropolitan Region. Scores were calculated for the instrument items, which allowed calculating scores by environments included in the Chilean model of Food Environments. Negative scores were related to a higher obesogenic level. The results show that the domestic food environment is perceived as less obesogenic (median of 15.8 points), with more than 90% of households having fruits, vegetables, and legumes, even though the supply food environment was negative (median -0.19 points). However, about 50% of households had ultra-processed foods. The street food environment was perceived as the most obesogenic (median -1.91 points), with more than 60% of the participants indicating difficulty finding healthy options. According to the level of obesogenicity of the environments studied, it is necessary to have public policies that improve them and ensure the availability and physical and economic access to healthy food, particularly in the food supply and public road environments.

Employing School Librarians: What Decision-Makers Tell Us

Although research has shown that having a school librarian benefits students, librarian positions are being cut in schools across the U.S. SLIDE — The School Librarian Investigation: Decline or Evolution? — examined federal data on school library staffing and interviewed 49 district leaders about their decisions to eliminate or add librarian positions. Keith Curry Lance, Debra E. Kachel, and Caitlin Gerrity report that of 54 total decisions leaders made related to changes in librarian staffing, 28 resulted in librarian increases and 26 resulted in librarian decreases. Decisions to add or eliminate positions were generally related to changes in district priorities. Although leaders expressed that they value librarians’ role in providing information literacy instruction and support and had positive experiences with librarians, some had to allocate resources to other positions. Others had trouble finding librarians with the necessary qualifications. When making staffing decisions, leaders need to consider what benefits librarians offer and how to meet student and staff needs for information and media literacy.

Prevalence of Mental health and Receipt of Services in Latino Immigrants Living in Philadelphia

Abstract Background and Purpose Research shows that Latino populations are less likely to seek formal mental health services, these attitudes combined with difficulty finding affordable services impact the ability to receive a mental health diagnosis. This project examines mental health symptoms, utilization of mental health services, and socio-ecological barriers to receive mental health services among Latino immigrants, including region of origin, health insurance, immigration status, and English proficiency. Methods Data was collected between 2021-2022 by Drexel University’s CRISOL lab using a cross-sectional respondent-driven sample survey of Latinos born outside the U.S. mainland and residing in Philadelphia. The final sample included 420 Latino/a/e immigrants. Descriptive statistics and bivariate associations using Chi-square analyses were computed. Outcomes The findings revealed that 29.1% of the surveyed individuals exhibited signs of Depression, 36.1% experienced symptoms of Anxiety, 8.7% showed signs of PTSD, and 43.4% possessed one or more mental health conditions. The findings show that country of origin (p&amp;lt;.01), health insurance (p&amp;lt;.05), immigration status (p&amp;lt;.01), and language proficiency (p&amp;lt;.001) are significantly associated with whether an individual has received mental health services in the past year or in their lifetime. Of the survey population, only 39.5% of individuals with one or more mental issues had received mental health services in their lifetime. Conclusions Interventions to increase access to mental health services for Latino communities are needed. Solutions addressing disparities in access to mental health services must address systemic, cultural, and language barriers. Key messages • Region of origin, health insurance, immigration status, and English proficiency impact the utilization of mental health services. • Immigrant populations face stressors that increase the risk for mental health disease and experience multiple barriers to access mental health services.

Child care for young children with disabilities.

More than half (56%) of Canadian children aged 0 to 5 years are in non-parental child care, but data on child care attendance among children with disabilities is limited. This study examines child care participation among young children with disabilities in Canada, with a focus on different disability types. Analyses were conducted on 1,189 children aged 0 to 5 years identified with disabilities from Statistics Canada's 2023 Survey on Early Learning and Child Care Arrangements - Children with Long-term Conditions and Disabilities. Rates of child care participation, difficulties finding child care, difficulties within child care, and whether parents reported that their child had ever been denied a child care space because of their condition were examined. Logistic regression models tested for differences in the main child care arrangement and difficulty finding child care based on the child's disability while controlling for sociodemographic variables. Among children aged 0 to 5 years with disabilities, 45% attended a daycare centre, preschool, centre de la petite enfance, or before or after school care as their main child care arrangement; 17% attended another type of child care, such as a family child care home or care by a relative; and 38% did not regularly attend non-parental child care. The parents of nearly half of children with disabilities reported difficulty finding a child care arrangement, particularly for children with emotional conditions. Close to 1 in 10 parents of children with disabilities who were using child care reported that their child had been denied a child care space because of their condition. These findings highlight the need for information to support inclusive policies, practices, and resources for children with disabilities within the Canada-wide early learning and child care system.

PERANCANGAN USER INTERFACE DAN USER EXPERIENCE APLIKASI MONITORING EXPIRED MENGGUNAKAN METODE DOUBLE DIAMOND

Indomaret is one of the franchise business ventures which is a company owned by PT Indomarco Prismatama. At this time the process of monitoring products that are approaching the expiration date is still inefficient, often there are products whose expiration dates are missed and employees have difficulty finding products that will expire while there is no data and reminders about products that will expire. Therefore, a user interface design is needed before designing an application that can facilitate employees in managing expired products to be more efficient. In designing the user interface, researchers used the Double Diamond method which includes 4 stages, namely discover, define, develop, and deliver. For user experience testing, researchers adopted the User Experience Questionnaire (UEQ) method using 6 aspects with 26 items, including Attractiveness, Perpicuity, Effciency, Depandability, Stimulation, Novelty. The test results showed that t5 UEQ scales were on the "Excellent" assessment, namely on the Attractiveness, Efficiency, Dependability, Stimulation, Novelty scales. While one UEQ scale is at "Above Average", namely the Perspicuity scale.

A longitudinal study of the impact of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics on Japanese residents' support: The mediating role of social well-being

Mega sporting events can generate significant impacts on the host destinations. The Tokyo 2020 Olympics (“Tokyo 2020” hereafter) was a unique case as the pandemic minimized the impact of international tourism. In this situation, how could residents' perceived event impacts be associated with support intention for future event hosting? The purpose of this study is to examine the relationships between event impact perceptions of Tokyo 2020, residents' social well-being, and their support toward future event hosting. Three-wave time-lagged data were gathered from residents in Japan (T1 = approximately one month prior to the event; T2 = immediately after the event; and T3 = four months after the event; N = 296). The results of the structural equation model showed that no event impact perceptions were directly associated with residents' support, measured four months after the event. However, positive economic and environmental impacts (T1) indirectly via residents' social well-being (T2) influenced their support for future event hosting (T3). The findings highlighted that the event impact perceptions and residents' support for event hosting can be mediated by temporarily activated social well-being. The findings are particularly important when people have difficulties finding connections to society (i.e., the pandemic in this study). A sense of social well-being is the key to enhancing residents’ support for future event hosting.

A Pilot Feasibility Study of Delivering a Quit & Win Tobacco-Free Contest in Community Mental Health Programs.

Quit & Win contests are a community-based tobacco cessation strategy that has demonstrated success in supporting tobacco cessation efforts in the general population. However, such contests have not been implemented and evaluated among people living with mental illnesses (MIs). This pilot study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of implementing Quit & Win contests in terms of program delivery, engagement, and cessation outcomes among people with MIs. A single-group posttest design to evaluate the feasibility of Quit & Win contests conducted at three community mental health programs. Flyers introducing the contest were posted at study sites 2 weeks prior to recruitment. Recruitment occurred on 2 days over a 2-week period. Eligible participants received a pamphlet with information about tobacco treatment resources. At the follow-up, postsurveys and expired CO levels were obtained. Participants (N = 28) were mostly male, Non-Hispanic White, with a high school or higher education, unemployed, and 46.4% had a primary substance use disorder diagnosis. Among those who engaged in the program, seven (25.0%) returned for the follow-up, of which three (42.9%) successfully stopped cigarette use. Four (57.1%) described using nicotine replacement therapy in their attempt to stop using cigarettes. Challenges to cessation included difficulty finding available tobacco treatment programs, limited access to treatment medications, and experiencing nicotine withdrawal symptoms. Our findings suggest the feasibility of Quit & Win interventions in community mental health settings. Further efforts are required to enhance recruitment, engagement, and retention, and to support access to community-based tobacco treatment resources.

Factors affecting employment status in people with epilepsy

Aim: People with epilepsy often face difficulties finding and keeping a job in India. This study aimed to determine the employment rate of people with epilepsy, compare it with that of people without epilepsy and to assess the various factors affecting theiremployment status. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was done by recruiting 140 people with epilepsy and 140 people without epilepsy (relatives of patients) from an epilepsy clinic in New Delhi, India. Demographic and clinical data were collected using questionnaires. Additionally, five items were added to measure self-perceived importance of work, ability to work and family support for working. Psychometric scales were used to measure the psychosocial variables affecting employment. Questionnaires were completed by people with epilepsy. Results: The employment rate of people with epilepsy was 59.3% as compared to 70.0% in those without epilepsy (P=0.045). Gender, younger age, having fewer family members, higher educational attainment, self-perceived importance of being employed for personal and financial reasons, and the ability to work and family support for working were some of the factors associated with employment status in people with epilepsy (P&lt;0.05). Among the psychosocial variables, epilepsy stigma and perceived social support were found to be significantly associated with being employed (P&lt;0.05). None of the clinical variables were found to be associated. Of those in the study, 56 out of 83 people with epilepsy, who had a job, felt they were underemployed. Conclusions: The employment rate of people with epilepsy was lower than the control population. The majority of those with jobs felt they were underemployed. A host of factors affect employment status in people with epilepsy. This suggests the need for vocational training, raised awareness among the general population, and counselling and other services for people with epilepsy.

Creating And Accelerating The Shift From Fossil Fuel Jobs To Green Energy Jobs

The green energy job market in the United States is growing consistently, whereas fossil fuel employment is declining. Green energy jobs have overtaken fossil fuel jobs in electric power generation (EPG), and they are beginning to command a presence in the fuels sector. Demand for green energy workers is very high, and green energy employers are having trouble finding qualified workers to fill their open positions. Real wages in green energy are increasing, the jobs are stable, and workers have more choice as to which parts of the US they want to live in. Meanwhile, workers are being pushed out of fossil fuel jobs, and this has caused fossil fuel dependent communities to languish. However, workers pushed out of fossil fuel industries are not shifting to green energy jobs, despite their attractive qualities. This is caused by numerous, major barriers. However, solutions are starting to form amongst major institutions such as the Brookings Institute and the New York Times, showcasing that there is a real problem and potential for opportunity in this area. A possible solution is to take this job transition online, consolidating the workers, employers, and necessary re-training in one place

ASPEN survey of parenteral nutrition access issues: How the system fails the patient.

Product shortages and a lack of qualified providers to manage care may impact the safety and efficacy of parenteral nutrition (PN). This survey assessed the frequency and extent to which limitations to PN-related access affects patients. Outpatient/patients receiving home PN were surveyed. Questions were developed to characterize the population and determine the extent and severity of PN access issues with components, devices, healthcare professionals, and transfers of care. Reimbursement issues surveyed included insurance coverage, contribution of healthcare costs to annual income, and the extent to which adjunctive therapy was reimbursed. Burdens surveyed included impact on disease symptoms and medical outcomes as well as the types and frequency of medical or system errors experienced, adverse events, or resultant nutrition problems. Respondents (N = 170) were well educated, rented or owned their own home, and were either employed or retired. All age populations were represented. Patients made frequent contact with care providers. Most were able to manage PN costs but feared losing insurance or changes to insurance. Patients used additional prescribed therapies that are poorly covered by insurance. Patients reported symptoms or exacerbation of disease, development or worsening of malnutrition, and episodes of nutrient deficiency. Patients noted errors occur, especially during periods of transitions of care, when they also often encounter clinicians with little understanding of PN. These are high-acuity patients who have difficulty finding providers for their care. This patient survey provides evidence that access issues can result in the "failure of the PN system" to assure care is consistently safe and effective.

Oral Health Behaviour, Care Utilisation, and Barriers among Students with Disabilities: A Parental Perspective

Background: Oral health is a critical component of overall well-being. However, students with disabilities (SWDs) face unique challenges in maintaining oral hygiene and accessing dental care. This study aims to explore oral health behaviours, dental care utilisation, and barriers to accessing dental care among SWDs in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia, from the perspectives of their parents. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among parents of SWDs in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire covering oral health behaviours, dental care utilisation, and barriers to care. The sample size was determined based on the SWDs population in the region. Data were analysed using descriptive and analytical statistics, with significant associations identified at p &lt; 0.05. Results: Findings revealed that 45.7% of SWDs brushed irregularly, with only 16.8% brushing twice a day or more. Dental flossing was reported by just 4.3% of SWDs. Emergency-based dental visits were common (51.9%), and 29.5% of SWDs had never visited a dentist. Significant associations were found between maternal education and tooth brushing frequency (p = 0.004) and between parental education and the frequency of dental visits (p = 0.035). The most reported barriers included fear of treatment (47.1%), difficulty finding willing dentists (45.5%), and long wait times for appointments (44.7%). Conclusions: The study emphasises the pressing need for targeted interventions to improve oral hygiene practices and enhance accessibility to dental services for SWDs.