Initial Education Research Articles

Barriers to opioid use in the Arab world.

The Arab world consists of 22 countries, representing 5.5% of the world's population. Morphine consumption accounts for less than 1% of the world's consumption. This is the first study to identify barriers to opioid use in the Arab world. This study aimed to investigate the barriers to opioid use in pain management in the Arab world. Online survey was developed to investigate barriers to governance, prescribing, distributing, dispensing and administering, as well as educational barriers in the Arab world. The questionnaire was sent via email and a mobile app to one expert physician in pain management and one licensed pharmacist from each Arab country. With the exception of Tunisia, Djibouti and Comoros, 34(77%) participants from 19 Arab countries answered the survey. Most countries lack local opioid production, necessitate special licenses for physicians, and restrict opioid prescribing to medical specialists. Special prescription forms are mandated, and pharmacists lack the authority to correct prescription errors or accept refill or verbal orders on opioids. Storage requirements for empty ampoules and prescriptions are enforced. Nurses are not allowed to carry opioids during home visits, and only first degree relatives can collect opioids for patients. Furthermore, the integration of palliative care and pain management curricula into pharmacies and medical schools is lacking. There is a wide range of regulatory and other barriers to opioid use in the Arab world. There is a substantial need for regulatory review and reform, as well as for educational initiatives, in most Arab countries.

Factors Influencing Parental Practices Regarding Childhood Immunization in Lahore, Pakistan

Background: Childhood immunization is a key strategy of the World Health Organization (WHO) to reduce child mortality. The vaccine is intended to protect about 2 million and 3 million survivors per year. Despite this, Pakistan continues to struggle with vaccine-preventable diseases due to a significant number of unvaccinated children and is one of two states where the prevalence of poliovirus persists. This study aims to investigate the factors influencing parents’ decisions regarding childhood immunization in Pakistan, with a focus on understanding parental practices and perceptions surrounding vaccination Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess parent’s practices toward vaccination of their children in Lahore, Pakistan. Validated questionnaires was used to evaluate parent’s practices of childhood vaccination. The research population was 353 parents living in urban and rural areas of Lahore with children of different ages. The data collected through a questionnaire entered and analyzed by using SPSS program v21, IBM. P-values less than 0.05 were considered as statistically significant values. Results: Out of 353 parents surveyed, majority of the study subject were mothers (56.1%) with age 25-29 years with percentage 30.0%, stating that majority of the parents have poor practice (75.4%) and a few presented good practices i.e., 24.6%. Variables like occupation, number of children, residency, living class and health care providers in respondent family shows highly significant statistical association (p<0.001) with patient’s practice regarding their child immunization. Conclusion: The poor practice towards child immunization indicates a concerning gap in immunization adherence. The study revealed that a significant majority of parents demonstrated poor practices highlighting critical public health issues despite awareness campaigns. Factors such as limited access to healthcare facilities, socioeconomics challenges and cultural beliefs contribute to poor practice. The findings emphasize the need for improved support system and educational initiatives to bridge the gap between knowledge and practice, to enhance vaccination rates and improving public health outcomes.

Examining the Barriers to Redesigning Smallholder Production Practices for Water-Use Efficiency in Numbi, Mbombela Local Municipality, South Africa

Smallholder farmers in South Africa face issues related to water shortages and poor irrigation water management. This study investigated barriers to improving water-use efficiency (WUE) in smallholder production practices in Numbi, South Africa. The objectives were to identify barriers in redesigning production practices for higher agricultural productivity and analyze the relationship between irrigation water supply and the adoption of WUE methods. From a population of 7696 people, 141 smallholder farmers were sampled using a simple random sampling technique through Taro Yamane’s sample size formula. The data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and descriptive statistics. Unreliable water supply (M = 3.78, SD = 0.85), poor soil water retention (M = 3.78, SD = 0.85), lack of water-efficient irrigation systems (M = 3.91, SD = 0.71), lack of water storage facilities (M = 3.85, SD = 0.93), limited access to credit (M = 4.09, SD = 0.85), income instability due to market fluctuations (M = 3.96, SD = 0.91), inadequate knowledge of irrigation management (M = 4.00, SD = 0.84), and harsh climatic factors were identified. A positive correlation (r = 0.339, n = 141, p < 0.001) between irrigation water source and WUE techniques was evident, indicating that irrigation water source had an insignificant impact on WUE methods. Resolving these barriers requires a holistic approach focusing on investments in irrigation infrastructure and targeted education initiatives by extension agents and other stakeholders, as this can enhance agricultural productivity.

Examination of the relationship between dimensions of sexual perfectionism and female sexual function and sexual performance anxiety among Iranian married women of reproductive age: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundPerfectionism is a multidimensional personality trait that manifests itself through various aspects of life as well as sexuality. Yet, the specific nexus between perfectionism and women’s sexual experiences continues to remain unaddressed. Hence, this research aimed to investigate the relationship between the dimensions of sexual perfectionism, sexual function, and sexual performance anxiety (SPA) among Iranian married women of reproductive age in Gonabad, Iran.MethodA cross-sectional study was conducted in Gonabad City in 2021, involving 450 women of reproductive age. Stratified sampling was used to select public healthcare centers, and participants were chosen via simple random sampling. Data were collected online through platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram, using the Multidimensional Sexual Perfectionism Questionnaire (MSPQ), Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and Brief Sexual Performance Anxiety Scale (BSPAS). The validity and reliability of these instruments were confirmed through content validity assessments and Cronbach’s α. Hierarchical linear regression was performed using SPSS version 26, with the significance level set at p < 0.05.ResultsLinear regression analysis indicated that self-oriented sexual perfectionism was positively associated with all FSFI domains, including desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, total FSFI (p < 0.001), and pain (p < 0.01). Partner-oriented sexual perfectionism was positively associated with satisfaction (p < 0.05). In contrast, partner-prescribed sexual perfectionism was negatively associated with all domains of FSFI, including desire, pain (p < 0.05), arousal, lubrication, total FSFI (p < 0.001), orgasm, and satisfaction (p < 0.01). Socially-prescribed sexual perfectionism was positively associated with desire and negatively associated with pain (p < 0.05). In particular, only partner-prescribed and socially-prescribed sexual perfectionism were positively associated with SPA (p < 0.01).ConclusionThe association found between dimensions of sexual perfectionism, sexual function, and SPA in Iranian women underscores the necessity for educational initiatives tailored to psychologists, psychiatrists, counselors, sexologists, and other healthcare practitioners. These programs would help to build a deeper insight into the origins of women’s sexual complaints and identify and manage them within the context of marital relationships.

Optimization Research on Integrating Mental Health Into Ideological and Political Theory Courses Through Deep Learning Network Applications

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of incorporating mental health education into ideological and political theory classrooms using speech emotion recognition technology from the field of human-computer interaction. Mental health education is essential for students' well-being, and this study establishes a theoretical framework for its integration into the curriculum. Utilizing recurrent neural networks (RNNs) augmented with attention mechanisms, the research demonstrates the model's proficiency in identifying subtle emotional cues within speech data. The model achieves an average recognition accuracy of 87.21% on the RAVDESS speech emotion corpus, showing particular strengths in detecting emotions like happiness and boredom. The findings suggest that this technology can be effectively employed to gauge student satisfaction with different teaching methodologies post-integration, offering valuable insights for refining educational practices in ideological and political theory classes through improved mental health education initiatives.

Socio-Demographic Determinants of Junk Food Consumption among University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study in Central Department of Education, TU

College life is a critical period during which students are particularly vulnerable to developing unhealthy dietary behaviors. This study assessed the socio-demographic determinants of junk food consumption (JFC) among higher education students. A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered survey questionnaire among 272 university students studying at the Central Department of Education, TU. The findings revealed that although only six percent of students preferred to consume junk food, a surprisingly high proportion (83.5%) reported consuming it. Peer pressure was mentioned by nearly half of them (47.8%) as the main cause of JFC. Bivariate analysis showed a significant relationship between JFC and selected socio-demographic variables, including sex (p&lt;0.05), subject specialization (p&lt;0.001), and caste/ethnicity (p&lt;0.05). The results indicate a high prevalence of JFC among university students, with socio-demographic factors such as sex, subject specialization, and caste/ethnicity being significantly associated with JFC. To lower the frequency of JFC among university students, the study emphasizes the urgent need for university-based health promotion and education initiatives.

Awareness of Peptic Ulcer Disease among the General Population in Al-Ahsa.

Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is a condition characterized by discontinuity in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract's inner lining, often caused by factors such as Helicobacter pylori infection and NSAID consumption. PUD can lead to various symptoms, but up to 70% of patients may not experience any symptoms. Diagnosing PUD can be challenging due to the unreliability of individual symptoms and signs. PUD can have serious complications if left untreated. Despite its significance, there is a lack of studies measuring the awareness of PUD among the population in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the level of awareness of PUD among the general population in Al-Ahsa. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia, from September to December 2023. The study included 399 adult residents of Saudi Arabia who agreed to participate. A convenient nonprobability sampling technique was used to collect data. An online self-administered questionnaire, distributed through social media platforms, was used to gather information on participants' awareness of PUD. The questionnaire included sociodemographic characteristics and questions related to PUD awareness. Data were analyzed using SPSS, and qualitative data were presented as numbers and percentages. The Chi-square test was used to examine qualitative data between the two groups. Of the 399 participants, 71.4% demonstrated a good level of knowledge regarding PUD, whereas 28.6% had a low level of knowledge. The sample consisted of nearly equal numbers of males and females, with participants aged 18-55+ years. The majority of participants had attained a bachelor's degree and were employed. The findings suggest a relatively high level of education among the study population. The study highlights the need for increased public awareness of PUD in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. While some participants showed good knowledge of PUD, a significant number had low awareness. Educational initiatives are essential to improve understanding and knowledge of PUD among the community. By enhancing awareness, early detection and appropriate management of PUD can be promoted, resulting in improved health outcomes for individuals in Al-Ahsa.

Antibiotics Knowledge and Prescription Patterns Among Dental Practitioners in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia: A Comparative E-Survey with a Focus on Medically Healthy and Compromised Patients

Background: The non-specific prescription of antibiotics, especially in dentistry, contributes to the global problem of antimicrobial resistance and highlights the need for education on the proper use and serious consequences of overprescribing these drugs. The main objective of this study is to assess and evaluate antibiotic knowledge and prescribing patterns in dental practice in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia, focusing on understanding the rationale for prescribing, adherence to evidence-based guidelines, and dentists’ awareness of antibiotic resistance. Methods: A total of 795 dentists participated in this electronic cross-sectional survey (Croatia N = 336, Bosnia and Herzegovina N = 176, and Serbia N = 283). The study utilized a self-structured questionnaire to collect data on various aspects of antibiotic use, including knowledge, prescribing practices, awareness of guidelines, and demographic and professional information about dentists. Data analysis included the Mann–Whitney test, the Kruskal–Wallis test with post hoc analysis, and chi-square tests, with statistical significance set at p &lt; 0.05. Results: The overall score for the participants’ knowledge of antibiotics was 6.40 ± 1.40 out of a maximum of eight points, which indicates a generally good level of knowledge among dentists. Factors such as gender, specialty, and practice location significantly influenced the level of knowledge (p &lt; 0.05). However, actual prescribing practice was a cause for concern. Only 66.1% of Croatian dentists felt they had received adequate training during their studies, and even fewer in Serbia (48.4%) and Bosnia (46.6%). It is noteworthy that 9.7% of dentists in Bosnia and Herzegovina prescribe antibiotics at the request of patients, while 22.3% of Croatian and 25.4% of Serbian dentists do so. Many dentists prescribe no or only one antibiotic per week. In addition, 50.9% of Croatian dentists reported adverse effects related to the use of antibiotics, while only 31.3% of Bosnian and 33.6% of Serbian dentists reported similar experiences. Conclusions: While the study results indicate that dentists in the region generally possess good knowledge of antibiotic use, there are significant discrepancies between this knowledge and actual prescribing practices. This highlights the need for enhanced educational programs and awareness initiatives focused on proper antibiotic guidelines to improve prescribing behaviors.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices of the healthcare staff and students about disposal of unwanted medications: a systematic review

Abstract Introduction Improper disposal of medications poses a significant environmental risk on the ecosystems and human beings1. When medicines are discarded by flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the household trash, their active components may leak into the water supply2. Aim This systematic review seeks to compile studies that examine healthcare professionals' and students' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding medication disposal. It also aims to explore recommendations and barriers related to appropriate medication disposal. Methods A systematic review was conducted by adhering to guidelines outlined in Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 and the Joanna Briggs Institute. The primary outcome is to measure the levels of the healthcare staff and students' knowledge, as well as their attitudes, and practices about disposal of unwanted medications. Authors included qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method primary research studies. Participants included pharmacists, doctors, nurses, and both undergraduate and postgraduate medical, pharmacy, and nursing students due to their significant involvement with medication and its disposal in healthcare settings. Data extraction was conducted by four of the researchers independently. The study details were categorised into three main domains i.e., knowledge, attitude, and practice using the KAP model. Other relevant information was also extracted, thematically, such as challenges and recommendations. Ethical approval was not required as this systematic review used previously published data. Results 37 studies from 18 countries (21 from Asia, 7 from the US, 5 from Africa, and 2 each from the EU and South America) met the inclusion criteria. 86.5% (n=32) investigated participants' knowledge of medication disposal. Although there is a good level of awareness about the environmental impacts, there are significant gaps in knowledge regarding correct disposal methods, available services, guidelines, and training. 30 studies explored participants' attitudes toward medication disposal. The results indicate a generally positive attitude towards the need for environmentally safe disposal practices. 35 studies evaluated participants' practices in relation to medication disposal. Although there was generally a positive attitude and some understanding of appropriate disposal methods, majority of the participants do not follow the practice guidelines, especially outside healthcare settings. This inconsistency may be due to numerous factors such as inadequate practical training, limited resources, or unclear guidelines. Discussion/ Conclusion Overall, it was found that while healthcare staff and students have fair knowledge and positive attitudes toward medicine disposal, their actual practices are lacking. One significant challenge identified is the limited awareness about proper disposal methods coupled with a lack of established services or guidelines in many regions. Even in cases where take-back programs are available, they often face issues with accessibility. To tackle these challenges, it is suggested by the studies that governmental bodies should establish and enforce clear policies on medication disposal while also expanding educational initiatives to increase understanding among healthcare professionals and students about appropriate disposal methods. Furthermore, improving access to take-back programs is crucial for ensuring safe medication disposal and minimising potential environmental and health hazards.

The Impact of Linguistic Identity on the Perception of Abai’s Poetry

This scientific article explores the complexities and prospects of creating a poetic corpus of Abai Kunanbayev. The project's primary objective is to digitize and annotate Abai's poetry, addressing challenges such as accessibility to diverse sources, linguistic barriers, technical issues, and cultural interpretations. The article discusses the methods used in digitizing and annotating Abai's poetry, including linguistic analysis and thematic classification. It presents the results obtained from the creation of the corpus, highlighting its significance in preserving Kazakh cultural heritage and advancing scholarly research. The discussion explores the implications of the corpus for linguistic studies, educational initiatives, and international collaborations in digital humanities. The conclusion reflects on the project's achievements, outlines future directions for expanding the corpus, and emphasizes its role in promoting and preserving Abai Kunanbayev literary legacy.

Creativity Cultivation in Primary School Drama Courses: An Exploratory Case Study

This study delves into the symbiotic relationship between drama education and the cultivation of creativity. By integrating insights from teaching practices and educational trends, it proposes novel teaching methodologies for drama courses to enhance creativity development. These courses emerge as potent tools for nurturing students' creative potential, employing professional and standardized guidance methodologies. Rooted in principles like drama element training, core literacy-focused teaching, thematic instruction, and organic integration, these methods collectively form a comprehensive framework for enriching drama education. Drama courses not only provide an effective educational avenue for fostering creativity but also offer aesthetic solutions that counteract the limitations of exam-centric education. By incorporating creativity-driven teaching practices inspired by national educational initiatives, these approaches aim to instill holistic and lifelong learning outcomes. This research underscores the transformative power of drama education in fostering creativity and enhancing educational practices, ultimately preparing students for the challenges of a dynamic and evolving world.

Institutionalizing Sustainability: The Role of Multiple Logics in B Corp Course Integration

AbstractSustainability has gained increased importance in business schools, yet its full institutionalization within the curricula remains challenging. To address this gap, business schools are increasingly collaborating with alternative organizations, such as B Corporations. However, the factors driving the integration of these B Corp courses into the curricula are not well understood. This study employs an institutional logic approach to examine in what way institutional logics coexist and shape the integration of B Corp courses within business school curricula. A qualitative analysis of 31 U.S. business schools revealed how the coexistence and hybridization of industry, social institution, and sustainability logic shape B Corp course framing, implementation, and perception. Industry logic drives career readiness and market alignment, social institution logic emphasizes community engagement and ethical responsibility, and sustainability logic promotes long-term impact and transformative education. This research contributes to the discourse on sustainability in business education by illustrating how multiple institutional logics can coexist constructively, offering a model for enhancing the effectiveness of sustainability initiatives in higher education.

Women’s Investment Decision: An Examination of Risk Tolerance and Financial Literacy

“This study investigates the impact of Digital Financial Literacy (DFL), Access to Technology (AT), and Socioeconomic Status (SES) on Financial Decision-Making (FDM). Using a sample of 147 participants, the research employs regression analysis to reveal significant positive relationships between DFL, AT, and SES with FDM. Findings indicate that higher levels of digital financial literacy and improved access to technology enhance individuals' ability to make informed financial decisions. Furthermore, SES is shown to play a crucial role in shaping financial behavior. The study's insights underscore the need for targeted educational initiatives and policies aimed at improving digital financial literacy, particularly among economically disadvantaged populations. This research contributes to the understanding of factors influencing financial decision-making and offers recommendations for stakeholders aiming to foster financial inclusion in an increasingly digital landscape.”

Spatiotemporal trends and drivers of forest cover change in Metekel Zone forest areas, Northwest Ethiopia.

The spatiotemporal dynamics of forest cover are essential for understanding the patterns and processes of forest change over time and space. This research focused on the spatiotemporal trends and drivers of forest cover change in the Metekel Zone of Northwest Ethiopia. Landsat 5, Landsat 7, and Landsat 8 imagery, covering the period from 1986 to 2019, were used for land use/cover classification. Land use/cover classification was performed using random forest (RF) and support vector machine (SVM) algorithms in the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform, with training samples obtained through visual image interpretation. Spectral indices, such as the normalized difference vegetation index, soil-adjusted vegetation index, leaf area index, and normalized difference water index, were analyzed to examine forest cover dynamics over time. In addition, key informant interviews (KIIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted. Findings revealed that forest cover decreased significantly from 51.37% in 1986 to 17.20% in 2019, driven largely by human activities such as agricultural expansion, increased demand for firewood, and urban expansion. Findings from spectral indices further corroborated the finding that forest cover in the study region (mainly in the southwestern part) substantially decreased from 1986 to 2019. Concerning forest depletion, the lack of local community awareness has become a key challenge. This problem is attributed to communities prioritizing immediate needs such as fuel and land for agriculture over long-term forest conservation. To combat ongoing deforestation, the Metekel Zone Administration, in collaboration with the land administration office and other stakeholders, revisited and strengthened existing forest policies and control systems. It is also suggested that community awareness, chiefly among youth, should be enhanced through the strategic expansion of formal and nonformal educational initiatives, which empower the youth as agents of change and promote the dissemination of knowledge throughout the community.

Enhancing community potential to boost grassroots economy through value-added pickled bamboo shoots, Thailand

The objectives of this research article were: 1) to examine the community context, problems, and needs, 2) to enhance the community's capacity through the process of upgrading and adding value to fermented bamboo shoot products, and 3) to assess the capacity development of the Ban Sang Thor community, Phon Mueang Subdistrict, Lao Suea Kok District, Ubon Ratchathani Province. This study employed a mixed-methods research design. The key informants were 12 experts, 50 workshop participants selected through purposive sampling, and ten experts, 50 producers (selected through purposive sampling), and 100 consumers selected through accidental sampling for product development satisfaction evaluation. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including percentages, frequencies, means, and standard deviations. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis and descriptive explanations. The Ban Sang Thor community, characterized by a rich historical background and traditional Heet Sip Song Kong Sip Si customs, addressed socioeconomic challenges such as poverty, household indebtedness, and low income through the enhancement of fermented bamboo shoot products. The community engages in educational initiatives regarding hygienic production practices and participates in packaging design processes. The resulting products exhibit durability, aesthetic appeal, and consumer acceptance. High levels of satisfaction from experts and consumers culminate in the production of safe sanitary products with a distinct community-branded identity. Sustainable economic development contributes to the preservation of a community's cultural heritage.

The American Headache Society First Contact-Headache in Primary Care program: Current metrics, knowledge assessments, and direction for future initiatives.

This study examines the American Headache Society First Contact-Headache in Primary Care program metrics to date in order to assess the program's reach and provide direction for future initiatives. Approximately 4 million primary care office visits annually are headache-specific encounters. Therefore, it is important that primary care providers are knowledgeable about headache management. Recognizing the need, the American Headache Society First Contact designed the comprehensive First Contact-Headache in Primary Care program with input from an advisory board comprised of a diverse group of physicians and advanced practice providers with backgrounds in family and internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, and neurology. This is the first study to assess the reach of the program and critically examine how to best meet the needs of clinicians and patients going forward. We report descriptive statistics for the First Contact website metrics from October 2020 to June 2023 and grand rounds program data from May 2020 to December 2023. We also conducted a cross-sectional analysis of survey data from presentations conducted at two large national family medicine symposia, as well as a thematic analysis of the question: "Please indicate what areas of your practice could be enhanced or improved with additional education?" The First Contact program homepage was the second most visited page on the American Headache Society website (>100,000 views). A total of 20 podcast episodes were created for the program (>3500 plays). The First Contact program held 99 events (72 institutional grand rounds, 22 State-level meetings, and five national meetings), reaching >7000 clinicians. The institutional grand rounds and state-level meetings were held across 27 States and Washington D.C. Only 31.9% (30/94) of First Contact program events (excluding national meetings) occurred in the West census region, which has the fewest headache subspecialists and lowest headache subspecialist density in the United States. When examining survey data of participants who attended the two virtual national family medicine symposia (39.3% response rate, N = 636/1620), 85.7% (544/635) reported being "completely confident" or "veryconfident" in their ability to recognize and accurately diagnose patients presenting with a primary complaint of headache and 81.5% (517/634) reported being "completely confident" or "very confident" in their ability to develop evidence-based treatment plans that are tailored to the needs of individual patients. The use of diagnostic tools to recognize patients with migraine (60.4%, 384/636) and translating standards of care to the practice setting (42.5%, 270/636) were the most reported intended changes by participants. Most participants reported that program content was of clinical relevance and would improve their patients' outcomes (90.5% [571/631] and 90.6% [572/631], respectively). Over three-quarters (77.8%, 495/636) of participants reported areas of their practice that can be improved by additional education specifically regarding workflow, diagnosis, and management. This study evaluates one of the first national initiatives for primary care education. Data from the two First Contact Family Medicine national symposia indicate the program is generally well received with most participants reporting improved confidence and intention to implement key changes in practice to improve care for patients with headache; however, there remain areas of exploration for education that could further enhance participant experience and expand the reach of the initiatives. Areas for future programming include continued education on multifactorial approaches to headache treatment and suggestions for addressing cost, insurance, and time constraints. Also, future work may examine where the First Contact program might focus initiatives based on specific areas of need in headache care, such as geographic "desert" areas, racial and ethnic disparities, and uninsured/underinsured populations.

Sex Education in the Prevention of Teenage Pregnancy in Lambayeque

Comprehensive sexual education (CSE) seeks to prepare adolescents for a safe and healthy life. This study evaluated the effectiveness of sexual education programs in preventing adolescent pregnancy in Lambayeque, with a focus on their impact on reducing the rate of adolescent pregnancy, barriers and opportunities to improve sexual education in the region, the methodology, a bibliographic review was carried out and public health statistics were analyzed, the results eighty-five percent of students said their understanding of STD prevention and contraceptive techniques had significantly increased. This result is in line with research that demonstrate how well-designed educational initiatives can greatly increase young people's awareness of and ability to abstain from harmful sexual conduct. Additionally, 70% of respondents showed more positive attitudes toward contraceptive use, compared to 50% before the program was implemented. This change in attitudes is consistent with research indicating that comprehensive sexuality education can change attitudes toward contraception and promote safer sexual behaviors, disparities in the implementation and reach of sexual education programs in Lambayeque explain the differences in students' knowledge and attitudes. Improving coverage, ensuring the quality and comprehensive content of programs, providing adequate training to educators, and obtaining greater institutional and cultural support are crucial steps to increase the effectiveness of sexuality education in the region.

The Perceptions of Overweight and Obese Individuals Regarding Weight-Loss Dietary Supplement Advertisements: A Pilot Cross-Sectional Survey

Introduction: The negative health consequences of overweight and obesity underscore the importance of weight loss in mitigating these issues. Weight-loss dietary supplements (DS) are highly sought-after by overweight or obese individuals, with widespread advertisements promoting their use. This study aimed to investigate the perceptions of overweight and obese individuals regarding weight-loss DS advertisements. Methods: Over a six-week period from 5th April to 17th May 2023, an online pilot cross-sectional study was conducted targeting overweight and obese individuals in Malaysia. The study utilized a convenience sampling method to recruit participants. Results: Of the 146 participants, most were female (82.9%), 53.4% were overweight, and 46.6% were obese. Most respondents believed that weight-loss DS advertisements often contained exaggerated, unverified, and misleading information. Nearly 90% acknowledged that exaggerated advertisement claims might influence consumers, and about 85% believed that people are influenced to buy frequently advertised weight-loss DS. Despite these perceptions, about 40% reported purchasing a weight-loss DS after seeing such a product in an advertisement, while less than 50% of those who purchased weight-loss DS sought information from healthcare professionals. Conclusion: The study found that almost 40% of the respondents had purchased a weight-loss DS after seeing such products being advertised. Individuals with higher income, married people, and older respondents appeared more likely to purchase a weight-loss DS. These findings underscore the necessity for stricter regulatory frameworks and comprehensive consumer education initiatives to protect consumers from misleading information and unethical marketing tactics within the weight-loss DS industry. Implementing targeted public health interventions could further safeguard consumers from the risks associated with exaggerated product claims.

Examining the sustainable leisure and business values in sporting events and lottery analyses development

Purpose: This study aims to clarify the meaning of sport analysis, explore the contributions derived from sporting event analysts, and highlights the importance of responsible sport gambling. It also investigates how sustainable practices can be integrated into sports analysis to enhance social well-being. Design/methodology/approach: Secondary text data from government documents, news articles, and website information were extracted by searching keywords such as sports lottery and sports analysis in traditional Chinese, and then analyzed to establish the research framework and scope. Subsequently, 18 interviews were conducted with stakeholders to gain deeper insights. Findings: The content analyses reveals that sport analysis tends to be sport data science. Sporting event analysts may contribute to improving the performance of players or a team, enhancing spectator sports, and increasing sports lottery revenues. In the leisure aspect, the professionalism of sporting event analysts not only increases epistemic and entertainment values in spectator sports but also boosts engagement with sport lotteries. To ensure these enhancements remain beneficial, it is vital to emphasize responsible sport gambling and sustainable practices that protect vulnerable groups and promote long-term health benefits for those involved in sports. The integration of sustainable practices in sport analysis and the expertise of sporting event analysts can significantly advance economic and social development by generating funds through sport lottery industry for athlete programs, sports infrastructure, and educational initiatives, aligning with multiple Sustainable Development Goals. Additionally, the professionalism of these analysts may enhance public understanding and engagement of sports, promoting increased participation in sports, reducing healthcare costs, and contributing to the development of a healthier and more resilient society. Originality: Emphasizing responsible sports gambling is essential to the sustainability of sports lotteries and the role of sporting event analysts.

Cleaning and Disinfection of Surfaces in a COVID-19 Respiratory Syndrome Unit: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Objective: This study aimed to assess the impact of an educational intervention on the cleaning and disinfection processes within a respiratory syndrome unit, serving as a designated facility for COVID-19 patients. Methods: A quasi-experimental design was employed, incorporating a pre-intervention and postintervention assessment. The evaluation of surfaces involved various monitoring techniques, including Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) testing, colony-forming unit analysis, and visual inspections. All statistical analyses were conducted at a significance level of 5% (p &lt; 0.05). Results: Following the implementation of the educational intervention, a notable reduction in surface contamination rates was observed. Significant improvements were noted for specific surfaces when utilizing the ATP testing method, including benchtops (p = 0.030), mattresses (p = 0.014), doorknobs (p = 0.014), and armchairs (p = 0.014). Furthermore, a decrease in the total count of aerobic bacteria was observed for benchtops (p = 0.014), mattresses (p = 0.014), and doorknobs (p = 0.014). Visual inspection results also indicated enhancements, with approval rates for benchtops, armchairs, and mattresses rising from 0% before the intervention to 37.5% afterward. Conclusion: The findings of this study demonstrate substantial improvements in approval rates following the implementation of the educational intervention. Additionally, this research provides valuable insights for the development of ongoing educational initiatives for the healthcare team, incorporating evaluation and feedback mechanisms as well as updates to cleaning and disinfection protocols.