Effective Awareness Programs Research Articles

Unveiling Shadows: Stigma Among Family Members of Children With Trisomy 21

The experiences of family members of children with Trisomy 21 revealed the stigmatization these families face. This stigma arises from a combination of societal and cultural factors, mainly driven by people's tendency to judge based on physical appearance. Participants pointed out that the focus on facial features, where visible differences trigger prejudice, often leads to hurtful name-calling and exclusion. Additionally, a lack of awareness about Trisomy 21 in communities significantly affects families. Limited knowledge creates misunderstandings resulting in judgment and emotional distress. Disparities in education add another layer to the issue, as educational gaps foster unconscious biases and negative stereotypes. The data show that people's attitudes contribute to ongoing stigma. The uniqueness of this study is that it explored the pervasive stigma experienced by family members and extended family members of children with Trisomy 21, commonly known as Down syndrome. Through qualitative interviews, the researchers were able to investigate the stigmatization and prejudices faced by these families. The findings revealed that stigma manifests in various forms, including social exclusion, discrimination, and emotional distress, significantly impacting the psychological well-being and social integration of both the children and their family members. Through these experiences that were highlighted, it helped to create the themes. By examining these experiences, the study recommends for urgent need for raising awareness, inclusive policies, and supportive interventions to mitigate stigma and promote a more accepting and understanding society. Future research on the stigma faced by family members of children with Trisomy 21 may also delve deeper into the different cultural and regional contexts that influence the stigmatization that these families encounter. Future studies may examine how effective different laws, anti-stigma programs, and awareness programs are in order to promote a more inclusive and welcoming environment for these families. The data that were gathered highlights the need for raising awareness and the government giving more focus to these people to foster empathy and reduce the negative perceptions associated with Trisomy 21.

Mathematical modeling of containing the spread of heroin addiction via awareness program

As many countries are hit by the social economic impact of heroin addiction, there is an urgent need to have an effective awareness program that focuses on educating the population on the danger of heroin addiction and helping the heroin‐users quit. This paper aims to study the effect of the awareness program on the spread of heroin dependence using a mathematical model with distributed delay. First, we show the existence threshold parameter , which we call the basic reproduction number of the spread of heroin use. We prove, via the Lyapunov direct method, that the drug‐free equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable if . If , the drug dependence persists, and the drug equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable. We give three possible scenarios to find the optimal awareness program strategy that puts the heroin epidemic under control. These scenarios take into consideration the reachability of the population, the immunity against heroin addiction, and the effectiveness of the program to contain the use of heroin in the population and bring below one.

Increasing maritime cybersecurity awareness through game-based learning

Abstract Increased connectivity, digitalization and emerging autonomous operations within the maritime sector are paving the road for new cybersecurity risks. Such risks are not just a technical concern, as effective awareness and training programs play an important role in increasing the knowledge of relevant cyberattacks and defences, thereby improving security practices among stakeholders. Serious games have emerged as an engaging method to train individuals, effectively communicate an understanding of emerging cybersecurity threats and promote cybersecurity culture and hygiene. This paper delves into the development process of an asymmetrical strategy game for the maritime sector. The game uses a red versus blue paradigm to educate players about critical assets of maritime operations and how they can be exploited. The novelty of this work has been to design a gameplay based on actual incidents that for instance shipping companies have been facing up until today and likely future events. We employ a design science research methodology to ensure problem relevance and utility for practitioners. The game has been designed towards a demography of students from maritime education and training institutions and professionals working in the maritime sector but should be appealing to others looking to expand their comprehension of the maritime cybersecurity intricacies as well. The game serves as a pedagogical learning tool for elevating cybersecurity awareness, preparedness and response in the maritime digitalization sphere.

Caregiver acceptance of human papillomavirus vaccine for their female children in Chileka, Blantyre, Malawi

IntroductionMalawi is one of the countries enduring an enormous burden of cervical cancer. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination offers a feasible and effective tool for reducing the burden. Such a prospect however, is being impeded by low uptake rates of the HPV vaccine in the country. This study, therefore, sought to identify barriers to caregiver acceptance of the HPV vaccine for their female children in Chileka, Blantyre, Malawi and to establish the consequential willingness to vaccinate their children. MethodologyA cross-sectional study was conducted using qualitative methods. We conducted 6 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with 4 groups of women and 2 groups of men in 4 villages located in a semi-urban area, Chileka, Blantyre. The guiding questionnaire was designed to draw out two main outcomes: barriers to caregiver acceptance of the HPV vaccine and willingness to vaccinate children. The data was analysed by thematic analysis by an inductive approach using NVivo software version 11. ResultsLack of knowledge on cervical cancer and HPV vaccination coupled with numerous misconceptions are the main barriers discouraging the population from accepting the HPV vaccine. Consequently, there was little desire to get their children vaccinated against HPV. Though responsibility to get the children vaccinated was mainly attributed to women, men argued that they need to have a final say in their children’s vaccination. ConclusionIn the wake of the revealed barriers and low acceptance of the HPV vaccine, it is imperative to organize effective and sustainable awareness programmes for the improvement of the HPV vaccine’s uptake.

Pathways of Care in the Hospital Visiting Patients Having Mental Health Problems in Central India

Background: There is a high community prevalence of mental health problems in India. Psychiatric patients often consult nonspecialist or unqualified health providers which results in significant treatment delays and poor mental health outcomes. Knowledge of existing treatment-seeking practices may be useful to design specific and effective awareness programs. Objectives: The objectives were to study the types of health-care providers contacted by patients suffering from different mental illnesses as well as assess the treatment delays and associated factors. Methodology: A cross-sectional observational descriptive study was done in a psychiatry clinic of a tertiary health care center and teaching hospital in Central India. The information was collected from consecutive newly visiting patients on two predefined weekdays through face-to-face interviews. A predesigned sociodemographic format and World Health Organization pathways interview schedule were used to assess pathways of care. Results: Data were collected from 157 participants. Majority of participants were males (58%). Mood disorders were the most common diagnostic category (28%), followed by substance-related disorders (23%) and anxiety disorders (21%). Eighty (51%) among the total participants consulted psychiatrist in the first visit. Allopathic practitioners were the second commonly consulted health provider category. The median delay in treatment was maximum in substance-related disorders (7 years). Conclusion: Significant delay in treatment was observed across all diagnostic categories. Training general practitioners in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses and a structured health-care referral system to enhance appropriate psychiatry consultations may be desirable to improve mental health outcomes in India.

Parents' views on pediatric COVID-19 vaccine in Saudi Arabia.

To end the COVID-19 pandemic, we need to reach herd immunity. A successful pediatric COVID-19 immunization program is the only way to achieve this goal. The objective of this study was to determine the views of parents in Saudi Arabia on the COVID-19 vaccine in children. This cross-sectional study took place within the Family Medicine Pediatric clinics at the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center (KFSH and RC). All parents of patients of Family Medicine Pediatric Clinics at KFSH and RC, Riyadh, were invited to participate in this study between January 2022 and June 2022. A culturally sensitive and specially designed questionnaire was administered using an interview-based model. Safety concerns were the primary reason for vaccine hesitancy among parents, with 29.7% of parents expressing concerns about side effects and 25.1% not knowing where to get reliable information about vaccines. Negative information and lack of perceived need were also important factors, with 17.1% and 18.3% of parents citing these reasons, respectively. Poor knowledge about vaccines was a significant predictor of parental vaccine hesitancy. Mothers had more concerns about the efficacy and safety of vaccines than fathers. Our study demonstrated a negative attitude toward the pediatric COVID-19 vaccine among parents in Saudi Arabia. A higher level of awareness about the vaccine was significantly associated with planning on having the vaccine. There is a need for effective awareness programs for better pediatric COVID-19 vaccine-related education to increase the acceptance of the vaccine among parents in Saudi Arabia.

Co-occurrence of problematic facebook and video game use: prevalence and association with mental health disorders among adolescents

IntroductionThe rapid proliferation of technology and its impact on adolescents’ lives have raised concerns about addictive behaviors and its potential consequences, including behavioral and mental health problems. This study investigates the prevalence and risk factors associated with the co-occurrence of Problematic Facebook Use and Problematic Video game Use among Tunisian adolescents.MethodologyWe conducted a cross-sectional study in the urban area of Sousse governorate in Tunisia during the 2018/2019 school year. We selected a representative sample of high school students enrolled in public educational institutions in Sousse. Data collection was performed through a self-administered structured questionnaire, which gathered information on sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle behaviors, and mental health disorders. Problematic Facebook Use was assessed using the validated Arabic version of the Bergen Scale, while Problematic Video Game Use was measured using the 21-point Lemmens Scale, which was translated into Arabic. Statistical analysis was carried out using the SPSS program (version 20).ResultsWe enrolled a total of 1342 high school students in our study, of whom, 63.2% were female with a mean age of 17.5 ± 1.44 years. The prevalence of Problematic Facebook Use and Problematic Video Game Use was 28.3% and 13% respectively. Regarding the co-occurrence of the two problematic behaviors, 31.3% of participants faced a singular addictive behavior, either related to problematic Facebook or video game use, while 5% had both addictive behaviors simultaneously. In a multivariate analysis, risk factors for the co-occurrence of Problematic Facebook and Video Game Use, in decreasing order of significance, included severe depression (AOR = 4.527; p = 0.003), anxiety (AOR = 4.216; p = 0.001), male gender (AOR = 4.130; p < 0.001), problematic internet use (AOR = 3.477; p = 0.006), as well as moderate depression (AOR = 3.048; p = 0.007).ConclusionOur study found that Problematic Facebook and Video Game Use were prevalent among Tunisian adolescents. The co-occurrence of these disorders is strongly linked to male gender, problematic internet use, depression, and anxiety disorders. These findings underscore the urgency of implementing tailored and effective awareness and prevention programs to address these emerging challenges.

Evaluating Climate Change Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors (KAB) in Agricultural Sciences and Technologies Education

The aim of this study is to determine the levels of knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors (KAB) regarding climate change among undergraduate and postgraduate students enrolled into the Agricultural Sciences and Technologies in Niğde province. The research involved 200 students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, encompassing Turkish and English speakers. Research data were obtained through a personal information form designed to assess students' knowledge levels, behaviors, and attitudes toward climate change. The survey consists of four sections measuring students' demographic characteristics, behavioral traits related to climate change, attitudes toward climate change, and knowledge about the subject. Descriptive statistics, including percentages for categorical variables and mean ± standard deviation for continuous variables, were used in data analysis to transparently illustrate the distribution of background variables such as age, gender, and education. Focusing on knowledge about climate change, 66% of students indicated that they attribute climate change to human activities. It was observed that students' awareness of environmental issues, specifically recycling, is at a rate of 22.5%. In conclusion, when examining the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of students are studied Agricultural Sciences and Technologies regarding climate change, the study highlights the need for more effective education and awareness programs on environmental issues.

Can self-reliant societies be potential adopters of electric bicycles? Examining the role of sociopsychological influences among the university employees in India

Electric bicycles (e-bikes) are gaining popularity globally as green and active modes of transport. Research on e-bike adoption to date has predominantly investigated various extrinsic motivations to use an e-bike, and little is known about the psychological influences. Examining the influence of psychological determinants is crucial to comprehend the unobserved individual and social factors affecting e-bike adoption. This study aims to determine the sociopsychological influences associated with e-bike use among the daily commuters (employees) of two university campuses in India which represent self-reliant societies. The study extends the classic Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) framework to account for influences like personal norms, knowledge of e-bikes, and parking anxiety, in addition to fundamental TPB constructs (attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control). Results are constructed by a structural equation model (SEM) for a sample of 347 non-users of e-bikes. SEM model indicates that among all TPB constructs, subjective norms are the strongest predictors of intentions to use e-bikes. Both subjective norms and attitudes have a significant positive effect on adoption intentions, whereas perceived behavioural control has a significant negative effect. Personal norms had significant indirect positive effects on e-bike use intentions with fundamental TPB constructs as mediators. Interestingly, parking anxiety (anxiety from missing the car parking spaces) positively, and knowledge of e-bikes negatively influence the e-bike adoption intentions. Further, comparison by psychological influences reveals that a significant difference exists between the perceptions of the two university commuters towards e-bike use, possibly due to the distinct terrain and climate characteristics of the universities. The study findings have implications for designing effective e-bike interventions and awareness programs seeking to promote e-bike adoption, particularly in self-reliant communities.

Exploring theoretical constructs of cybersecurity awareness and training programs: comparative analysis of African and U.S. Initiatives

This review paper presents a comparative analysis of theoretical constructs underpinning cybersecurity awareness and training programs in Africa and the U.S. By examining these initiatives' design, delivery, and outcomes. The paper highlights how different educational theories—behaviourist, cognitive, and constructivist—are adapted to suit thetwo regions' diverse cultural and economic contexts. The analysis reveals significant variations in program effectiveness, driven by factors such as digital literacy levels, technological infrastructure, and localized cyber threats. Recommendations for policymakers and practitioners emphasize the need for tailored, context-sensitive approaches to enhance cybersecurity education globally. The study underscores the importance of continuous adaptation and cross-regional collaboration in developing effective cybersecurity awareness and training programs to address the evolving landscape of cyber threats. Keywords: Cybersecurity Awareness, Training Programs, Comparative Analysis, Educational Theories, Cultural Adaptation, Digital Literacy.

Direct judicial democracy as a constitutional and legal phenomenon

The scientific article examines direct judicial democracy as a constitutional and legal phenomenon.&#x0D; It has been established that conducting scientific research on the direct participation of the people in the exercise of judicial power requires the use of various methods and approaches to obtain objective information and understand this process. These include empirical research (collection of factual data related to court cases in which citizens participated, analysis of court documents, minutes of court sessions and other sources of information), study of legislation and legal acts regulating the participation of citizens in court processes, in order to determine the structure and scope of the rights and obligations of participants in court cases, the study of historical changes in legislation that relate to the direct participation of the people in the exercise of judicial power and their influence on modern judicial practice, sociological surveys and questionnaires (using structured questionnaires or interviews it is possible to investigate the opinions and beliefs of citizens regarding participation in judicial processes, their expectations and attitudes towards the judicial system in general), comparing court decisions and practices in different judicial systems or regions to identify similar and different characteristics in the impact of direct participation of citizens on the judiciary.&#x0D; It is emphasized that ensuring the independence of the judiciary and increasing its social responsibility to citizens through mass media and civil society are important components on the way to improving the justice system.&#x0D; It was noted that direct judicial democracy is a mechanism by which citizens take an active part in making court decisions, giving them the opportunity to influence the decision of cases. In this context, citizens become judges who participate in the consideration of specific cases, make decisions and determine punishment, if it is necessary.&#x0D; In summary, despite the advantages of direct judicial democracy, it is also accompanied by challenges and limitations, such as insufficient legal education of citizens, the possibility of manipulation and the need for significant resources to ensure the participation of citizens in judicial procedures. However, these limitations are not insurmountable and can be overcome through effective education and awareness programs, as well as by encouraging civic participation.

Knowledge and Attitude of Married Women in Kwara State, Nigeria Towards Vasectomy as a Choice of Male Contraception

Despite the well-documented impact men have on women’s choice of contraception, it appears that women’s input into their partners’ decisions about contraception has been undervalued and underutilized. Vasectomy being one of the few options available for males, is not often used as a means of family planning. This study examined the knowledge and attitude of married women in Kwara state, Nigeria towards vasectomy as a choice of their male partner’s contraception. Specifically, differences in knowledge and attitude based on selected demographic characteristics were assessed. The study design was descriptive survey type. Six hundred married women were sampled from the six Local government areas selected across the three senatorial districts of Kwara State, Nigeria through a multistage procedure. Two research questions and hypotheses were tested for the study. Data collected were analyzed using percentage and pie-chart to answer the research questions raised while 4-way Analysis of Variance to test the hypotheses postulated at 0.05 alpha level. Results revealed that respondents had inadequate knowledge of vasectomy and negative attitudes towards it as choice of contraceptive for their partners. There was no significant difference in the knowledge of vasectomy among respondents based on years of marriage, family size and religion. However, when tested, a significant difference existed in knowledge of vasectomy based on educational level (F (8, 532) = 0.665; p&gt;0.05). Also, no significant difference was found in the attitude of females on vasectomy as a choice of male contraception based on years of marriage, education, family size and religion in Kwara State, Nigeria (F (8, 532) = 1.047; p&gt;0.05)The findings suggest a need for effective awareness programmes as well as improvement in health talks and counselling topics targeted to enhance their knowledge of vasectomy as well as improve their attitude towards it.

Assessment the Level of Awareness of Aflatoxin Contaminations in Maize-Based Meals Among Boarding School Personnel

Tanzania is a tropical country that lies few degrees south of the equator The coast area includes regions such as Dar es Salaam and Coastal region which are hot and humid with cooling breezes of the Indian Ocean. Awareness of society is a crucial aspect of ensuring the safety and quality of food. One of the risk factors in food safety is the presence of aflatoxin in various foods such as cereals, and groundnuts. The aim of this study was to assess the levels of awareness of aflatoxin B1 contamination in maize and maize flour used for meals in boarding secondary schools. A total of 90 respondents from 30 schools from 7 districts of the two regions were interviewed. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect information and the survey showed that 74.4% of the respondents were aware of aflatoxin contamination. 85.6% of respondents know that aflatoxin is found in food and only 14.4% were not aware. 74.4% were capable of selecting the correct list of food that can be contaminated with aflatoxin while 11.1% selected the wrong list. 14.4% of the respondents were unable to select the list of foods that can be contaminated with aflatoxin. These results indicate that most of them are aware of the issue of aflatoxin contamination in maize and its products which is good for reducing aflatoxin contamination in food products and its effect. An effective and broad awareness program for the society including boarding school personnel and students on good management of food for prevention of aflatoxins contamination and its health effects is necessary, as maize and its products are the most consumed grain in the study area.

Prevalence of Internet Addiction and Its Associated Risk Factors Among Medical Students in Sudan: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Internet addiction has been studied extensively worldwide and shown to have adverse social, psychological, and functional consequences. It has become a global health issue, particularly among young adults. Unfortunately, few studies have been conducted among medical students in Sudan. This study aimed to measure the prevalence of internet addiction and determine its associated risk factors among medical students in Sudan. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted among medical students using a systematic sampling technique. An online structured questionnaire was used, which included sociodemographic data and the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) to assess the presence and severity of internet addiction, as well as the Kessler Questionnaire to assess psychological distress. Results Among the 307 medical students who participated in this study, 63.8% (n=196) were female. The majority 78.5% (n=242) were aged 18-22 years, and the prevalence of internet addiction was 75.5% (n=232). The addiction levels were as follows: mild, 39.7% (n=122); moderate, 33.2% (n=102); and severe, 2.6% (n=8). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that being a female medical student was associated with a 1.9 times higher risk of internet addiction (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.87, p = 0.033). Psychological distress was associated with a 6.368-fold higher risk of internet addiction compared to non-distressed students (AOR = 6.368, p < 0.001). Additionally, students in the clinical years had a lower risk of internet addiction, specifically in the fourth and fifth years (AOR = 0.325, p = 0.010; AOR = 0.398, p = 0.043, respectively). Conclusions This study found a high prevalence of internet addiction among medical students at the National University, Khartoum, Sudan, which was strongly associated with mental distress. Effective awareness programs, potentially initiated by educational authorities, are required to educate students on limiting excessive internet usage and addressing associated risk factors. Future research should include longitudinal and multi-university studies to obtain more generalizable results and toinvestigate the relationship between internet addiction and mental distress more robustly.

Unraveling the Essence of Cybersecurity in Banking: Preserving Financial Integrity and Building Confidence

There are more plastic cards in the wallet than currency notes. This change is because the Indian banking industry, is going through an IT revolution to be competitive with the other developed and developing nations and other regulatory reason has led to total banking automation in the Indian Banking Industry. According to KPMG-CII report, India has the capability to become the third largest by 2025 and fifth largest in the world by 2020 in the banking industry. Also, India’s banking industry is worth Rs. 81 trillion and it is utilising latest internet infrastructure to be competitive to other economies. The Indian banking system consists of 26 public sector banks, 20 private sector banks, and 43 foreign banks, together with 61 regional rural banks (RRBs) and over 90,000 credit cooperatives. The change towards internet banking is intensified by the changing dynamics in India as it is about to become one of the youngest countries in the world by 2020, the average age being 29 years. And this young population is technology savvy and wants real time online information. As the users of the online banking will increase rapidly in the years to come, these systems are becoming the most likely targets of hackers and cyber criminals. Banking institutions must take all measures to make online banking system safe, to maintain the customer trust and satisfaction level for online banking. To be protected by the cyber security threat banking institutions will have to develop effective and efficient customer awareness programs as safety from cyber threats related to bank are equally interdependent 2024on the level of awareness of using the banking online system and does not solely depend on the safeguards and practices implemented by the bank. This makes it very difficult for banking institutions to maintain the confidentiality and integrity of the banking system. The research will try to assess whether there is awareness of threats of online banking among the users that comprise online banking and to further analyse whether there is a difference in awareness of the users on the basis of Age and Gender.

Help-seeking behaviour of parents of children with hearing loss in India: a qualitative analysis

Objective The age of identification of hearing loss in children is highly influenced by the hearing help seeking behaviour of their parents, particularly in countries without universal newborn hearing screening programs. In this study, an attempt was made to identify the factors associated with help seeking behaviour in parents of children with hearing loss, and the relationship of such factors with the age of identification of hearing loss. Design Focus group discussions based on the framework of health belief model were carried out. The discussions were transcribed and the transcripts were thematically analysed. Study sample Participants were 35 parents of children with hearing loss from the state of Karnataka in India. Results The findings revealed 30 factors related to their awareness about hearing loss, geographical location, socio-economic status, family, and society. The factors differed between early and late help seekers. Conclusions Awareness, accessibility, and affordability are the key factors that influenced the hearing help seeking behaviour of the participants. Effective public awareness programs, newborn hearing screening programs, and provisions to make hearing healthcare affordable to all can reduce the age of identification of paediatric hearing loss in India.

Survey of Pulmonary Embolism Risk Stratification Methods in the Emergency Department and Barriers to Electronic Health Record Documentation

Introduction Pulmonary Embolism (PE) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Diagnosis is essential as untreated PE has a 30% mortality rate. Currently, computer tomography pulmonary angiogram (CTPA) is the standard of care to diagnose PE. However, this modality is expensive, exposes patients to radiation and increases risk of contrast induced nephropathy. Furthermore, only 5% of CTPAs performed are positive for PE signifying that many unnecessary tests are being performed. To address this gap, Pre-Test Probability (PTP) tools have been developed to safely exclude patients with low risk of PE and limit iatrogenic harm from over testing. Despite the tools being developed over 20 years ago, they are not widely available in electronic health record (EHR) systems and even when they are built in, uptake remains low. Methods Three large integrated health systems using Epic EHR systems across five states (MA, WI. MN, AZ, FL) built electronic PTP assessments into their EHR systems to safely exclude patients with low risk of PE and limit over testing. Two sites made the PTP optional, and one site made it a forced function (providers were forced to complete PTP prior to ordering CTPA unless a D-dimer result was present in the prior 48 hours). To assess the usability of these EHR tools, the team conducted a survey with ED clinicians across the three test sites. The survey was created to identify which PE risk stratification methods were employed by ED clinicians (EHR embedded PTP tool, apps on their phone, web applications like MDcalc, calculations from memory, or if they relied on clinical gestalt), and to identify barriers to using the EHR embedded PTP. Results Site 1 had 47 respondents, Site 2 had 94 respondents, and Site 3 had 16 respondents. Two key findings emerged from the survey (Figure 1). First, clinicians used a variety of risk stratification approaches and few of them documented their risk assessments in structured fields in the medical record. Second, clinical gestalt was the most used PE risk stratification approach, and this was true across all three test sites. In addition, the health system with a PTP prompt before clinicians could proceed with CTPA orders (Site 3) did not have a higher percentage of clinicians who reported using the EHR embedded tool than sites that did not prompt clinicians to fill in the PTP. Clinicians cited a variety of different barriers to using the EHR embedded PTP tool (Table 1). Conclusion While many clinicians indicated intermittent use of PTP criteria to aid in the diagnosis of PE, risk factors and scores from phone apps, web tools, and calculations from memory are unlikely to be documented in the patient's medical record, which means that they are not accessible to all members of the ED care team and cannot be used for electronic clinical quality measure. The biggest hurdles to increasing the use of structured PTP assessments in the ED setting to safely exclude PE and limit iatrogenic harm from over testing are (1) obtaining buy-in from ED clinicians that the PTP tools provide value over clinical gestalt, at least for a subset of patients who could most benefit, and (2) identifying best practices for incorporating PTP tools into EHR systems that make the tools easier to access and use 3) developing and implementing effective education and awareness programs around the PTP tools. This survey adds to the body of literature on PTP assessments in the ED setting and can help inform further research that is needed to continue to improve the diagnosis of PE. Funding: This project is funded in part by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation through Grant GBMF10778 to the American Society of Hematology.

Prevalence of tobacco consumption among the Northeast population of India

Background and Objectives: Widespread use of tobacco among Indians has been associated with several lung diseases; however, the exact prevalence of tobacco use, particularly in the northeastern region of India, is not known. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the prevalence of tobacco use among the northeast population of India. Methodology: Four electronic databases were searched using the appropriate search strategy. A systematic search yielded 15 articles that were included in this review. Out of these, 13 studies were found to be eligible for meta-analysis. Risk of bias was assessed using the Hoy et al. scale. Statistical analysis was done using the STATA version 16. Results: Data from 453,844 participants, mean age range of 15–60 years, were collected from the northeastern states. The overall pooled prevalence estimate for the tobacco consumption reported was found to be 44.71% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 16.48%–72.93%). Manipur reported comparatively higher tobacco consumption than the other eastern northeastern states 45.13% (95% CI: 7.26%–72.93%). A higher pooled prevalence was found for the employed (31.10%; 95% CI: 24.83%–83.00%) versus unemployed (26.96%; 95% CI: 22.07%–31.86%), and literates (40.36%; 95% CI: 16.19%–64.54%) versus illiterates (19.87%; 95% CI: 3.95%–35.79%). In addition, smokeless tobacco (29.10%; 95% CI: 9.33%–48.88%) consumption was reportedly higher than that of smoked tobacco (22.96%; 95% CI: 1.74%–44.18%). Gender subgroup analysis showed a higher prevalence in males (28.59%; 95% CI: 24.16%–33.02%) as compared to females (25.77%; 95% CI: 17.68%–33.86%). Conclusion: A higher prevalence of tobacco use among the northeastern region of India, particularly males, the employed class, and illiterate people, suggests a dire need of more effective awareness programs to reduce tobacco consumption.

Current Perceptions and Unmet Needs of People with Parkinson Disease and their Families

Purpose: A new diagnosis of Parkinson disease (PD) occurs every nine minutes in the United States. It is a multimodality neurogenic disorder whose prevalence is expected to only increase worldwide in the coming decades. Therefore, a systematic examination of the current perception of PD symptoms and the different unmet needs of people with PD and their families can allow healthcare professionals to design more effective education, awareness, and management programs. The current study examined perceptions of different PD-related symptoms among individuals with PD and care partners (including spouses and family members) living in different communities of the United States (including Oklahoma and surrounding regions).Methods: The study included 39 participants with PD and 11 care partners based in four states (including Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas).Results: Findings indicated that participants with PD and care partners more frequently reported motor symptoms associated with PD than nonmotor and communication symptoms. In addition, specific to unmet needs, both groups reported the need for specialized services and educational resources related to PD symptoms in their respective communities.Conclusions: Overall, there is a need for more widespread education and access to specialized services specific to PD. Overall, findings from the study will help create more effective service delivery programs for individuals with PD and their families in different communities.

ANALYSIS OF THE INFLUENCE OF BEHAVIORAL ACCOUNTING ON VILLAGE FINANCIAL SYSTEMS IN KERINCI REGENCY

In the current era of globalization, village financial reporting is needed by users of financial reports, both central and local governments. The village financial system is part of village financial reporting. This study delves into the intricate relationship between behavioral accounting and village financial systems within Kerinci Regency. By examining how behavioral accounting practices impact these systems, this research sheds light on the dynamics that govern financial management in local communities. Drawing on a comprehensive analysis of data collected from various villages, this study reveals noteworthy insights into the effects of behavioral accounting practices on financial decision-making processes. Through an empirical investigation, it becomes evident that behavioral accounting practices can significantly influence the financial behavior of village administrations. The study uncovers that certain behavioral biases and cognitive patterns among administrators can impact financial reporting accuracy and budget allocation strategies. Furthermore, the research underscores the significance of effective training and awareness programs to mitigate potential negative effects of behavioral biases in financial decision-making. This study underscores the vital role of behavioral accounting in shaping the financial landscape of village systems. By recognizing and addressing the behavioral factors that influence financial decisions, village administrations can enhance the effectiveness and transparency of their financial management practices. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, administrators, and stakeholders seeking to improve the financial sustainability and accountability of village systems in Kerinci Regency and similar contexts.