Initial Education Research Articles

Nexus of Quality Use of Medicines, Pharmacists’ Activities, and the Emergency Department: A Narrative Review

Acute care provided in the hospital’s emergency department (ED) is a key component of the healthcare system that serves as an essential bridge between outpatient and inpatient care. However, due to the emergency-driven nature of presenting problems and the urgency of care required, the ED is more prone to unintended medication regimen changes than other departments. Ensuring quality use of medicines (QUM), defined as “choosing suitable medicines and using them safely and effectively”, remains a challenge in the ED and hence requires special attention. The role of pharmacists in the ED has evolved considerably, transitioning from traditional inventory management to delivering comprehensive clinical pharmacy services, such as medication reconciliation and review. Emerging roles for ED pharmacists now include medication charting and prescribing and active participation in resuscitation efforts. Additionally, ED pharmacists are involved in research and educational initiatives. However, the ED setting is still facing heightened service demands in terms of the number of patients presenting to EDs and longer ED stays. Addressing these challenges necessitates innovation and reform in ED care to effectively manage the complex, rising demand for ED care and to meet government-imposed service quality indicators. An example is redesigning the medication use process, which could necessitate a shift in skill mix or an expansion of the roles of ED pharmacists, particularly in areas such as medication charting and prescribing. Collaborative efforts between pharmacists and physicians have demonstrated positive outcomes and should thus be adopted as the standard practice in improving the quality use of medicines in the ED.

Challenges, Opportunities, and possible Interventions in the Biogas sector in Rural areas of Limpopo, South Africa

Biogas technology offers a sustainable and eco-friendly solution for addressing energy needs, particularly in rural areas. Despite its potential benefits, the adoption of biogas technology in rural Limpopo, South Africa, remains limited. This paper critically examines the factors hindering its uptake. Using an exploratory approach (Qualitative study), data were gathered through interview guide, field surveys, literature reviews, and expert opinions. The analysis indicates that while biogas is a superior thermal option for household energy crises, several challenges need resolution. Key obstacles include ineffective strategies for promoting biogas in Limpopo. Understanding stakeholder perspectives—such as government bodies, local communities, and private enterprises—is crucial for developing strategies to increase biogas use. Necessary interventions include training, capacity-building, and educational awareness initiatives in rural areas to boost adoption. The financial sector's role in renewable energy is critical, especially as cleaner fuels gain attention. Despite its significant benefits in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing household energy security, biogas technology's acceptance and use remain low.

Promoting Nursing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Through Virtual Reality Learning.

Nurse leaders are foundational to the success of creating an inclusive culture and climate and responding to situations of discrimination, racism, microaggressions, and bias in healthcare settings. This article describes a leadership education initiative using virtual reality to provide diversity, equity, and inclusion training for nurse leaders. Immersion in a lived experience provides a safe and effective learning environment to promote, improve, and exemplify diversity, equity, and inclusion principles and should be explored for other educational applications.

The elegance of lacquer: Unveiling traditional lacquer techniques in East Asia

This research delves into the intricate world of lacquer art in East Asia, aiming to unravel the relationships among artisan perspectives, aesthetic values, and the contemporary relevance of this ancient craft. The purpose is to provide a comprehensive understanding of how historical development, apprenticeship traditions, and evolving aesthetic values shape the intricate landscape of lacquer artistry. Employing a qualitative approach, this study conducts in-depth interviews with artisans and experts in the field of lacquer art. The research involves a comparative analysis of past literature, drawing upon historical and contemporary works to contextualize the findings within the broader trajectory of lacquer art. Thematic analysis is also applied to unravel the nuances of artisan perspectives, the transmission of knowledge through apprenticeship traditions, and the cultural and aesthetic dimensions embedded in lacquer paintings. This mixed-methods approach enriches the study by providing a holistic and nuanced exploration of the identified variables. The findings illuminate the enduring significance of apprenticeship traditions in preserving traditional lacquer techniques, with artisans actively navigating challenges posed by globalization and digital platforms. Aesthetic values, including symbolism and visual harmony, are revealed as integral components contributing to the narrative richness of lacquer paintings. The study uncovers the dynamic relationships among these variables, emphasizing the adaptive nature of lacquer art in a contemporary context. The implications extend to cultural preservation, heritage management, and educational initiatives, offering valuable insights for practitioners, policymakers, and educators involved in the realm of traditional crafts. The study contributes to theoretical frameworks on cultural continuity, knowledge transmission, and the socio-cultural dynamics of artistic practices.

Growing transnational partnership educational provision via a Learning Development strategy: possibilities and pitfalls

Educational provision within transnational partnerships arrangements has come under increased scrutiny in recent years. This lightning talk focused on the creation of a Professional Development Series (PDS) initiative in the transnational educational partnership work at London Metropolitan University designed to strengthen cooperative, dialogic practice and to embed a strong communities of practice approach (Wenger, 1998) within partnership work. The PDS programme ran in the autumn of 2023 with hourly sessions roughly twice a month. It sought to bring together partnership educators from all backgrounds (including frontline teaching educators, library staff educators and educators in quality and governance) and included education-focused sessions (‘Evaluating the quality of learning and teaching’ and ‘Supporting learners who are struggling with their studies’), research-focused sessions (‘Understanding research ethics’ and ‘Exploring quantitative research’), graduation-focused sessions (‘Embedding employability in HE curricula’), and a session dedicated to partnership work (‘Working successfully in partnerships’). Conroy’s lightning talk outlined the starting points and principles underlying the PDS before discussing how to design and run Learning Development initiatives in transnational education, including points around initial reconnaissance work, pragmatics, tone, and how to foster dialogue and interaction within session spaces. Attention then turned to evaluating what may amplify or diminish the success and impact of such programmes and finally raised discussion points intended to spur debate among conference delegates around the boundaries, parameters, and desirable points of emphasis for Learning Development initiatives in transnational educational provision.

Beyond Verification: The Evolving Role of Fact-Checking Organisations in Media Beyond Verification: The Evolving Role of Fact-Checking Organisations in Media Literacy Education for YouthEducation for Youth

This research investigates the crucial role of fact-checking organisations in promoting media and information literacy (MIL) amid the challenges of widespread misinformation. By educating and empowering individuals, these organisations and their educational branches are identified as emerging components within MIL ecosystems, particularly focusing on engaging youth. Using qualitative research methods, our study analyses the activities of seven prominent fact-checking organisations and two university-affiliated projects across Spain, Catalonia, Poland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Argentina, and Brazil. Thus, our study aims to understand why fact-checking organisations have become involved in MIL education and training for youth and what types of MIL, approaches, and subjects fact-checking organisations employ in their MIL education and training initiatives for this audience. Our findings reveal a shift in these organisations toward actively promoting MIL education through dedicated divisions and teams driven by mission-oriented action and peer collaboration. Various institutions and political and educational policies support or hinder this transformation. A significant issue observed is the limited availability of open-access materials and general opacity regarding their pedagogical approaches. Although these organisations have integrated educational components into their models, achieving financial sustainability remains challenging.

Institutionalising inclusion

Inclusion within the electoral process is crucial for democratic societies, ensuring all citizens can participate regardless of background. The study explores how institutional frameworks, particularly electoral management bodies like the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), facilitate or hinder inclusivity through their operational mandates. Drawing on data from Election Observation Missions and other sources, this analysis evaluates the ZEC's performance in candidate inclusion, accessibility of polling stations, voter education initiatives, and representation of marginalised groups such as women and youth. Key findings reveal that while ZEC implemented measures to enhance inclusion, challenges persisted, such as accessibility issues for voters with disabilities and uneven voter education coverage. Through a historical backdrop and contextual framework, this paper delves into the role of electoral institutions in promoting democratic processes and enhancing inclusion. The findings underscore both achievements and challenges encountered by the ZEC, suggesting areas for future improvement and policy refinement to strengthen electoral inclusivity through institutional means. The study concludes by recommending enhanced financial and legislative support for ZEC to bolster its operational capacity and collaboration with other institutions. Addressing these recommendations could mitigate common electoral challenges and further embed inclusive practices within Zimbabwe's electoral framework.

Two birds, one stone: minimum wage and child labor

PurposeThis paper investigates the impact of quasi-exogenous and substantial increases in the minimum wage on child labor outcomes in Türkiye. The study aims to provide empirical evidence on how minimum wage policies affect child labor outcomes in a developing country context, with a focus on gender and age differences. It seeks to understand whether minimum wage increases lead to a reduction in child labor and whether the impact is different for various demographic groups.Design/methodology/approachThe research employs a difference-in-differences methodology using data from the 2012 and 2019 Child Labor Force Survey in Türkiye. The treatment group consists of children from households with minimum wage earners, while the control group comprises children from other households. Various labor market outcomes are analyzed, and robustness checks are performed.FindingsOur findings indicate that while the overall effect of minimum wage increases on child labor is statistically insignificant, there are notable heterogeneous impacts across different demographic groups and employment sectors. Specifically, we observe a significant reduction in the employment probability of girls under the age of 15 and unpaid family workers. Additionally, the likelihood of younger children being wage earners decreases, and the minimum wage increase reduces employment in the agriculture and services sectors for certain subgroups. The impact is also more limited for children in single-adult-worker households.Social implicationsThese results underscore the varying effects of minimum wage policies on child labor and highlight the importance of considering demographic and sectoral differences in policy formulation. Policymakers should complement such policies with income-generating programs and targeted education initiatives to address child labor issues more comprehensively and sustainably.Originality/valueThis study fills a critical gap in the limited international literature on the causal effects of minimum wage policies on child labor incidence. One notable exception, Menon and van der Meulen Rodgers (2018) have explored the impact of minimum wage on child labor in India using regional variation, our study uniquely analyzes the effects at the household level in Türkiye. This approach provides valuable insights into how minimum wage changes affect child labor outcomes in a developing economy context with a high prevalence of minimum wage earners. It also contributes to the broader economic understanding of child labor and household income dynamics.

The impact of education and training on promoting gender equality while simultaneously contributing to sustainable peacebuilding

The interplay between education, training, and gender equality is crucial in the context of peacebuilding. This paper investigates how educational initiatives can foster gender equality while simultaneously contributing to sustainable peace in conflict-affected societies. By examining the transformative role of education, This research investigate the potential to empower women and girls, challenge traditional gender norms, and facilitate social cohesion. Giving access to quality of education enables women to gain essential skills and knowledge, which are vital for their participation in peacebuilding processes. Educational programs that incorporate gender sensitive curricula not only promote awareness of gender issues but also encourage critical thinking and dialogue about conflict resolution and civic engagement. Such programs can help dismantle harmful stereotypes and foster a culture of respect and collaboration between genders. vocational training initiatives aimed at women can enhance their economic independence, which is crucial for their active involvement in peace processes. Empowered women can act as catalysts for change, advocating for their rights and contributing to community resilience. Some case studies from various regions illustrate how education and training have been instrumental in mobilizing women as leaders in peacebuilding efforts. This research discusses the importance of involving men and boys in educational programs that promote gender equality. By engaging all genders in discussions about peace and equality, communities can work towards a more inclusive approach to conflict resolution. The findings indicate that education serves as a critical foundation for building a peaceful society where gender equality is prioritized. The integrating education and training focused on gender equality into peacebuilding strategies can lead to more sustainable outcomes. Investing in the education of both women and men is essential for creating a culture of peace, reducing violence, and fostering inclusive governance. Ultimately, this approach not only benefits individuals but also strengthens communities and contributes to broader societal stability.

Advanced Detection Techniques to neutralize Supply Chain Cyber-attacks on small and medium businesses in the United States: The Machine Learning and AI Approach.

Cyber-attacks targeting supply chains represent a significant and increasing risk for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in the United States. This paper examines the role of machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) in detecting and mitigating these cybersecurity threats. Key challenges faced by SMBs include high implementation costs, a shortage of skilled personnel, inadequate data quality, and the complexity of integrating advanced technologies into existing systems. Despite these hurdles, the paper identifies strategic approaches that can empower SMBs to effectively leverage ML and AI, including affordable solutions, targeted training, and improved data management practices. It emphasizes the importance of addressing privacy and usability concerns to facilitate successful technology adoption. Recommendations include pursuing cost-effective, subscription-based AI and ML models, utilizing government incentives, and enhancing workforce skills through training and partnerships. Additionally, collaboration with larger organizations can improve data management and system efficacy. By implementing robust protective measures and increasing awareness through educational initiatives, SMBs can strengthen their cybersecurity posture and better navigate the evolving landscape of cyber threats.

Climate Change Implications on Middle Eastern Geography and Stability – A Case Studies of GCC- with a Focus on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

The environment constitutes the natural setting where humans reside, secure food sources, and utilize natural resources to fulfill their material and life necessities. Unlike other creatures, humans have not adapted to nature and the surrounding environment; instead, they have manipulated it to their advantage, disrupting the ecological balance. The primary catalyst for this disruption was the Industrial Revolution, which significantly increased pollution rates, harmful emissions, and the extraction of raw materials, thereby intensifying the exploitation of natural resources. The gravest concern is that the damage inflicted upon nature may reach a point of no return, with catastrophic and enduring consequences, such as global warming, ice melting, rising sea levels, and escalation in greenhouse gases, along with severe repercussions of these events, including an increase in mortality rates due to natural disasters. Effective responses necessitate actions at various levels, including cultural and educational initiatives and international measures, particularly in legislation. Such laws must enforce stringent controls on emissions from industrial and automotive sources. Individuals are called upon to conserve electricity and water, and adopting renewable energy sources, such as solar, hydro, wind, and tidal energy, that do not rely on fuel combustion is encouraged. Planting trees, which absorb carbon dioxide as a primary contributor to global warming, is among the most critical measures we can undertake. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is essential in combating climate change in this arena, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is leading in this. This paper elaborates on the impact of climate change in Middle Eastern countries using a brief case study of the Saudi Green Initiatives. The paper also presents the policy recommendations to the concerned stakeholders of the GCC and the government of Saidi Arabia.

Privacy, confidentiality and ethical concerns in audio ai assistants: A comparative study of North American, European, and Asian Markets

This study examines the ethical, privacy, and confidentiality issues with audio AI assistants in the markets of North America, Europe, and Asia. Understanding the ramifications of data collecting, storage, and usage is crucial as the use of technologies like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa grows. The study highlights significant regulatory differences between the areas; North America offers a fragmented landscape, and many Asian nations are still developing their data protection legislation, while Europe leads with strong frameworks like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Key challenges identified include a lack of user awareness regarding privacy rights, extensive data collection practices, unauthorized listening, data breaches, and cultural differences influencing attitudes toward data protection. The findings reveal that these challenges impact user trust and hinder the responsible innovation of AI technologies. Recommendations for improvement include establishing global regulations to promote consistency in data protection, adopting best practices such as privacy-by-design principles, and enhancing user education initiatives. Additionally, the study identifies critical areas for future research, particularly the role of AI assistants in sensitive sectors like healthcare and education, where privacy concerns may differ significantly. Overall, this comparative analysis provides a foundational understanding of audio AI assistants' ethical landscape and underscores the importance of addressing these issues to foster a secure and trustworthy digital environment.

Expert Consensus Recommendations on a Biosimilars Value Framework for the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries.

This paper aims to develop a biosimilar value framework with local stakeholders in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. A convenience sample of ten key opinion leaders from the United Arab Emirates, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar participated in an expert panel meeting in November 2022 that examined factors positively influencing biosimilar adoption in these countries. The discussion was structured around a conceptual biosimilar value framework and an overview of biosimilar policies as derived from a targeted review of the peer-reviewed and grey literature. The expert panel agreed on a biosimilar value framework for the GCC countries that is founded on trust, cost savings and contextual considerations. They emphasized the importance of launching educational initiatives that build trust in and expand knowledge of all stakeholders about biosimilars. This also includes making stakeholders aware of the various value propositions of biosimilars as an instrument to produce, for example, cost savings. Finally, they stressed that biosimilar adoption is influenced by contextual factors such as incentives and implementation efforts. Our proposed biosimilars value framekwork is the first set of recommendations in the Arab countries designed to help policymakers and decision-makers promote biosimilar adoption, both in high-income GCC countries and in low- and middle-income countries.

Pemikiran Pendidikan Islam dalam Perspektif Az-Zarnuji

Focusing on its comprehensive approach to character formation and individual growth, through analysis of the educational thought of Az-Zarnuji, a famous Islamic thinker from the 12th century. The purpose of this article is to examine Az-Zarnuji's writings about education in order to understand his beliefs in educational ideals, pedagogical approaches, and the importance of character education. This study analyzes Az-Zarnuji's main points by utilizing a text analysis and literature review approach. Based on his findings, Az-Zarnuji concluded that educating people to be happy and successful both in this world and the afterlife is the main goal of education. An emphasis on active learning, conversation, and reflection characterizes his pedagogical approach, which integrates theoretical understanding with real-world experience. Az-Zarnuji continued, character education is very important to create ethical and responsible humans. This article examines an educational initiative spearheaded by Az-Zarnuji to spread core ethical principles, including compassion, humility, perseverance, and honesty. The ideas put forward by Az-Zarnuji are very relevant considering modern educational practices. In this essay, we see how Az-Zarnuji's educational philosophy can influence the creation of a character-based curriculum and how teachers can provide the best service to their students by being an inspiration and role model. Teachers can do their part to instill strong moral character and commendable traits in the next generation by familiarizing themselves with Az-Zarnuji's educational philosophy and practicing its teachings.

Excessive consumption behavior of young people under the wave of digital payment: an analysis from the perspective of behavioral economics

With the popularization of digital payment, the excessive consumption of young people is increasingly serious, which harms personal finance and social and economic stability. This paper employs behavioral economics theory to analyze the internal mechanism of excessive consumption among young people within the background of digital payment. It considers individual-level reference dependence, payment isolation, hyperbolic discounting psychology, and external framing effects and decoy effects. Moreover, suggestions are given based on these analyses to help young people form rational consumption attitudes through educational initiatives, guidance from family and social networks, the dissemination of information, policy encouragement, regulatory enhancement, and legal safeguards. This initiative aims to promote the well-being of the consumer market and the economic growth of the nation by fostering a healthy consumer environment and the development of healthy and sustainable consumer habits among young people.

Rethinking adult education in Ethiopia: the quest for interventions to overcome implementation challenges and foster effectiveness

The introduction of modern education, especially adult education, has a long history in Ethiopia. However, consistent implementation remains a big challenge to reach all adults. Considering this situation in mind,the current study was conducted to scrutinise the fundamental challenges faced by adult education programs and identify promising interventions that need to be taken into account to overcome the exisitng challenges and improve implementation effectiveness. In doing so, the current study employed a qualitative research method with a case study design. Data was collected through interviews with purposefully selected fourteen participants and through document analysis. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data collected. Accordingly, the study results revealed the following major findings: The presence of traditional attitudes and cultural stigma that devalue adult education limits its reach to broader adults. Additionally, the existence of insufficient political commitment from the government often results in limited support for adult education initiatives. There is also criticism that the current adult education practice has limited adaptability due to its ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach and its inability to meet the dynamic learning needs of adults. Furthermore, the presence of inadequate resources poses a multifaceted challenge. To address these issues and promote success, some actionable interventions are identified that could be prioritised into three thematic areas. These include the centrality of equity and access, the need for a context-specific structure, and the importance of aligning adult education programs with the country’s national development goals. These proposed interventions hold multifaceted promise for improving the practices of adult education programs. At the end, further discussions and conclusions are forwarded.

Human papillomavirus vaccine for cervical cancer prevention in India: new improvement and way forward

Cervical cancer is the malignant abnormal changes in the tissues of cervix mostly transmitted through the human papilloma virus. Prophylactic vaccination against HPV is effective strategy to prevent cervical cancer. India has access to two types of vaccines that are licensed worldwide, the bivalent cervarix and the quadrivalent Gardasil. The drug controller general of India has authorized “CERVAVAC” a new HPV vaccination that is less expensive and is being offered in India as a single dose for females between the ages of 9 and 19 years. The government said in February 2024 that girls between the ages of 9 and 14 will receive the HPV vaccine as part of universal immunization programme. There are significant obstacles to vaccination implementation in India like lack of epidemiological evidences for illness prioritization, vaccine duration, parental attitude and vaccine acceptance. The WHO's goal of eradicating cervical cancer by 2030 depends on implementing socially and culturally relevant public awareness campaigns after educational initiatives for healthcare professionals.

Knowledge and attitudes on anemia and menstrual health among Malaysian female university students

Anemia is a significant public health concern, particularly among young female adults due to its potential impact on reproductive health. This study investigated the association between anemia-related knowledge, attitudes, menstrual health, and anemia status among Malaysian university students. This was a cross-sectional study named “SCARF” - Study to Combat Anemia - Research for Female Students, involving 674 university students in Malaysia. Anemia status was determined based on haemoglobin level, while knowledge, attitude and menstrual health were measured using validated questionnaires. The mean menarche age of students in this study was 12.1 ± 1.21 years. Students who were anemic had significantly longer menstrual cycle duration (P = 0.034) and more days with heavy flow (P = 0.038). Most students had poor knowledge (44.5%) and attitudes (84.1%) towards anemia. Students with good knowledge were 1.1 times more likely to have better anemia status compared to those with poor knowledge (95% CI: 1.0–1.2, P = 0.049). This study highlighted a lack of practical application of the knowledge to dietary habits. Collaborative efforts between educators and healthcare providers are crucial in developing a comprehensive strategy, such as interventions to prioritise educational initiatives and practical support to enhance overall menstrual health among female students.

Sexual harassment among higher education students: a worldwide review

Abstract Introduction Sexual harassment is an uprising problem in higher education systems worldwide with major impacts on students. The aim of this study was to describe and meta-analyze quantitative data on sexual harassment prevalence among higher education students. Methods We searched in seven databases and included studies published in English and French from 2000 until 2023 if they measured sexual harassment prevalence on students attending higher education, and they were quantitative cross-sectional studies. Prevalence estimates disaggregated by gender identity, and world region were meta-analyzed using a random-effects model and reported following PRISMA guidance. Results We identified 53 articles, from 6 different regions of the world, with highly variable sample sizes, ranging from 164 to 779,170. 45% of the samples were from the United States. 32% of studies used convenience or purposive sampling and 39% random sampling. The meta-analyzed prevalence of sexual harassment was globally 36.9% (95% CI [30.6, 43.6], 43.7% for women, 16.8% for men, 33.4% for non-binary. In additional, variations in prevalence were observed across the different world regions. In particular, the Eastern Mediterranean region presented the highest prevalence estimates for sexual harassment among women, reaching 67.5%, while the Americas region presented the highest prevalence estimates for sexual harassment among men, at 18.8%. Discussions Higher education institutions, especially in low- and middle-income countries, should commit to the conduct of surveys to monitor the prevalence of sexual harassment, and policymakers should allocate specific funds and resources to support the implementation of sexual harassment prevention and intervention initiatives in higher education, prioritizing the safety and well-being of students. Key messages • High prevalence of sexual harassment in higher education underscores urgent need for proactive measures to ensure student safety and well-being. • Policymakers should allocate specific funds and resources to support the implementation of SH prevention and intervention initiatives in higher education.

Health literacy in the evolving era of personalised medicine and digital health

Abstract Health literacy is pivotal for advancing public health, empowering individuals to grasp health information and make informed decisions. However, health literacy levels are often influenced by social and economic factors, with lower levels correlating with reduced disease-specific knowledge and underutilization of preventive health services. As healthcare technology rapidly evolves, particularly with the advent of personalised medicine (PM) and novel genetic testing methods, there’s an increasing demand for heightened health literacy to effectively navigate these transformative innovations and optimize health outcomes. The European ExACT project aims to assess the understanding of PM and related technologies across the EU. In this context, through a survey conducted in several European countries, including Italy, France, Spain, Poland, the Netherlands, Romania, Hungary, and Germany, demographic data and attitudes towards PM, genetic testing, health portals, and big data were gathered. Logistic regression analysis identified factors influencing knowledge and attitudes. Among 6581 respondents, the results highlight a broad awareness of genetic testing (81%) and health portals (54%) yet a lesser familiarity with PM (48%) and big data (37%). Education level, age, and gender influenced awareness, with Hungary showing significant awareness across all topics (OR 2.09 95%CI 1.46-2.98), Spain excelling in big data (OR 1.88 95%CI 1.55-2.27), and Poland leading in genetic testing knowledge (OR 2.68 95%CI 1.82-3.96). Differences between countries may indicate successful policies and factors that can be replicated. Overall, the study emphasizes the importance of enhancing health literacy and sheds light on the predicting role of sociodemographic factors. It underscores the significance of bolstering health literacy to effectively navigate the advancements in PM and digital health, improving health outcomes in light of these evolving healthcare landscapes. Key messages • In Europe, awareness of personalised medicine, health portals and big data is lacking. Educational initiatives are crucial for effective navigation of innovations, considering regional differences. • Social and economic factors affect health literacy levels, impacting disease-specific knowledge and healthcare utilization.