Effectiveness Of Campaigns Research Articles

The Impacts of Animated Transport Safety Advertising Cross Two Cultures

ABSTRACT Transport safety campaigns are valuable for public health, as they prevent traffic fatalities and collisions. Authorities and nonprofit organizations attempt to promote transport safety by advertising via social media. Understanding the factors that make online transport safety campaigns successful is also important. However, studies exploring the impact of animated videos on transportation safety are scarce. We adopted the stimuli-organism-response (S-O-R) framework to examine the impact of music and graphics on transport users’ emotional states and behaviors. We also considered how the reactions varied across cultures. The respondents were shown animated transport safety advertisements produced by Metro Trains in Melbourne, Australia. A total of 217 valid questionnaires were collected from transportation users in Taiwan and Vietnam. In contrast, we explored the spillover effects of an animated transport safety promotion campaign across cultures. The findings show that music significantly impacts people’s emotions, which, in turn, are associated with positive behavioral intentions. Self-efficacy had the greatest effect on behavioral responses. We also found that transport users in Taiwan were more influenced by graphics, whereas those in Vietnam were more affected by music in the S-O path. Fear arousal affects the behavioral intentions of Vietnamese transportation users in the O-R path. Self-efficacy is the dominant factor affecting the ability of Taiwan’s transport users to obey traffic rules. Transport safety advertising should be designed to evoke emotions, and specific stimulus elements should be adjusted according to cultural preferences.

Consumer Brand Engagement Fostered by Cause-Related Marketing in Emotional and Functional Brands

ABSTRACT This study analyses the role of consumer perceived value in mediating the relationship between cause-related marketing and consumer brand engagement with emotional and functional brands. Two real brands that had developed cause-related marketing campaigns were selected as case studies for this research. In a survey with 369 participants, one brand was classified as emotional and the other as functional. A second survey with 268 participants tested the hypotheses using PLS-SEM and bootstrapping procedures. The results confirm that consumer perceived value exerts full mediation (in the case of the emotional brand) and complementary partial mediation (in the case of the functional brand) on the relationship between cause-related marketing and consumer brand engagement. The multigroup analysis reveals that the indirect effect is significantly stronger in the case of the emotional brand than in the case of the functional brand. This paper suggests the positive effect of cause-related marketing campaigns on consumer brand engagement and proposes that this relationship is enhanced when consumers perceive the brand as valuable, particularly in the case of emotional brands. This study is the first to test consumer brand engagement as an outcome of cause-related marketing and highlights the importance of brand value in this effect, which is reinforced by brand management that fosters the emotional side of brands. This study is also the first to test the effect of brand type – emotional and functional – on the engagement developed by cause marketing.

A Comparative Analysis of Advertising in the 2020 Presidential Elections & Phoenix Mayoral Elections using Natural Language Processing

This language model examines advertisements used for political campaigns, specifically the 2023 Phoenix mayoral election. Political microtargeting looks at the tone of content throughout Instagram and Facebook ads during the 8 months leading up to the election. Through various processing techniques, both written and spoken language within ads was collected and used Facebook ad API, associated with a target demographic or group within the platform. This allows campaigns to send targeted messages to voters based on factors like location, media preference, associated political beliefs, age, and other critical variables. This data was then compared to a peer-reviewed study by the University of Amsterdam, that studied Facebook and Instagram ads 8 months before the 2020 US Presidential election. Media companies often offer paid advertisements to a targeted audience, and during highly polarized world events such as an election, uncivil negative ads can be pushed to groups to which the shown ideology appeals. (Votta, F.) The question posed by Votta in the comparative study was: “TO WHAT EXTENT IS POLITICAL MICROTARGETING USED BY POLITICAL ADVERTISERS TO DELIVER TOXIC CAMPAIGN MESSAGES?” To study whether this optimization was occurring, the advertisements were run through a multilevel ordinal regression(Votta [https://www.aup-online.com/content/journals/10.5117/CCR2023.1.001.VOTT] et al., 2023). They took ads from official political campaigns and compared them to third-party groups. They then analyzed the size of the desired audience and compared the size of the audience to the verbal tone of the listed advertisement. Our results indicate that while traditional media remains an important part of electoral voting, show out, and postage signs and campaign events serve a purpose in reaching a wide, unrestricted audience, social media advertising presents a valuable resource in targeting specific groups of individuals who will be most susceptible to guided advertisement. Last, we analyze the implications of our findings in the 2020 Phoenix mayoral election, how city elections differ from a presidential election, and how micro-targeted advertisements might affect voter behavior.

Crafting emotional engagement and immersive experiences: Comprehensive scale development for and validation of hospitality marketing storytelling involvement

AbstractThis study develops and validates a scale for gauging consumer involvement in storytelling (to create memorable and emotionally resonant experiences) in hospitality marketing through four phases: qualitative inquiry, construct definition, item refinement, and nomological validation. Validation involves 24 in‐depth video interviews and consecutive online surveys. The hospitality marketing storytelling involvement scale, with four dimensions—contextual cues, emotional engagement, mental cognition, and immersive experience—comprising 14 items, precisely measures consumer involvement. The scale integrates narrative transportation theory and the elaboration likelihood model to enhance understanding of consumer engagement with fundamental human cognitive and emotional processes. The validated scale offers a valuable tool for marketers to precisely assess consumer involvement and strategically leverage storytelling to evoke emotions, foster brand loyalty, and judge campaign effectiveness. In diverse marketing contexts that elicit emotions, resonate with individuals, and foster immersive experiences, the scale demonstrates remarkable adaptability. Ultimately, it can help marketers craft compelling narratives, enhance brand perception, and strengthen consumer relationships, thereby contributing to emotional connections, optimizing strategies, and enhancing consumer engagement effectiveness.

The activation of nationalist attitudes: how voters respond to far-right parties’ campaigns

ABSTRACT The rise of far-right parties represents one of the main challenges for European democracies. Previous research has shed light both on their electoral strategies, and on the nationalist attitudes of their electorates. Yet, the causal mechanism by which far-right party discourse activates voters’ preferences is still unclear. This paper revisits the literature on campaign effects in the context of challenger party entry, and argues that the activation of attitudes on ‘wedge issues’, such as immigration and European integration, is the outcome of a process of learning and partisan updating. The empirical analyses focus on the electoral breakthrough of far-right parties in Britain and Germany, and rely on three-wave panel surveys to address reverse causation. Results show that voters update their vote intentions in light of their Eurosceptic and xenophobic attitudes only when they learn the policy positions of the far-right party vis-à-vis the other parties. These findings shed light on the nature of far-right party support, set a scope condition for research on priming and persuasion in election campaigns, and contribute to normative debates about the functioning of electoral democracy.

„Pożyteczni idioci” kampanii dezinformacyjnych. Mechanizmy tworzenia się społeczności wirtualnych rozpowszechniających fałsz i manipulację w sieci

This article explores the phenomenon of virtual communities disseminating false and manipulated content. The author points out the relationship between contemporary changes in the media environment, influencing the formation of social identity, worldview and the feeling of emotions, and the intentional creation of virtual communities around disinformation content. The impact of disinformation campaigns, initiated by organised state and non-state actors, on the creation of virtual communities complicit in the creation, reproduction and propagation of false narratives was also considered. The objectives of such campaigns, which focus on creating alternative information environments and disinformation communities, are identified and described. Contemporary social transformations were then characterised in relation to the role played by virtual communities in the adaptation of individuals to these changes. Particular attention was paid to increasing individualisation, the formation of social identification in digital media and the growth of a sense of anxiety and insecurity in society. As a result, mechanisms that are well-established in contemporary social transformations have been identified that foster the formation of and participation in disinformation communities, viz: (1) helping to understand complex and unclear socially important topics; (2) pointing to the “right” norms and values; (3) helping to form a worldview; (4) supporting coping with difficult-to-control emotions; (5) creating a space for the expression of rebellion and countercultural attitudes; (6) creating a space of “escape” for excluded or marginalised individuals; (7) helping to shape social identification. The effects of disinformation campaigns based on the participation of virtual communities were also identified, viz: (1) the creation of “unconscious disinformation agents”, (2) the formation of oppositional identities, (3) the polarisation of communities around emotions, and (4) the normalisation of extreme values and views.

A systematic review of second-hand smoking mass media campaigns (2002–2022)

BackgroundSecond-hand smoking (SHS) increases the risk of chronic disease in adults and poses a serious health threat to children. Mass media campaigns are instrumental in raising awareness and reducing SHS exposure. There is a need to identify recent SHS mass media campaigns and assess their sustainability in terms of knowledge, attitudes, and behavioural changes. This systematic review summarises the characteristics and outcomes of mass media campaigns on SHS prevention.MethodsPubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and grey literature were searched in November 2022 for SHS campaigns implemented between 2016 and 2022. The eligibility criteria included campaigns on the dangers or effects of SHS with any target group, dissemination medium, study design, or language. The database search identified 1,413 peer-reviewed titles, of which 82 full-texts were screened, with 14 meeting the eligibility criteria. The grey literature search identified 9,807 sources, of which 61 were included. We extracted data on the campaign characteristics, metrics, and smoking-related outcomes. The JBI critical appraisal tool was used to assess the risk of bias of the included studies.ResultsWe found 73 SHS campaigns conducted between 2002 and 2022, across 50 countries. The campaigns reached 378 million people. The reported recall rates range from 8 to 76%. Of the 11 studies that reported smoking-related outcomes, 10 reported increased knowledge in understanding SHS risks (73-85%), five reported an increased prevalence of smoke-free homes, and two reported an increase in number of participants persuading others to quit smoking. Two studies reported a decrease in overall smoking, whereas three studies observed a reduction in smoking in the presence of children.ConclusionThe available data provide some support for the effectiveness of SHS campaigns in reducing smoking behaviours in homes and around children. However, the certainty of evidence was low due to the lack of a control group and the substantial heterogeneity in the outcomes assessed. Future campaigns need comprehensive evaluation and reporting to reduce publication bias.

Human factors in cybersecurity: Navigating the fintech landscape

The dynamic landscape of financial technology (Fintech) introduces a myriad of challenges and opportunities, with human factors playing a pivotal role in shaping the cybersecurity ecosystem within this domain. This review explores the intricate relationship between human factors and cybersecurity in the context of Fintech, aiming to navigate the evolving landscape. In the realm of Fintech, where the fusion of finance and technology is reshaping traditional banking and investment practices, understanding human behavior becomes paramount. Human factors encompass a spectrum of elements, including cognitive abilities, decision-making processes, and user behaviors, all of which significantly impact the effectiveness of cybersecurity measures. This paper delves into the nuances of these factors and their implications for securing financial transactions and sensitive data in Fintech platforms. One key aspect of human factors in Fintech cybersecurity is the user interface design. Intuitive and user-friendly interfaces enhance security by minimizing human errors and fostering a secure user experience. Conversely, poorly designed interfaces can inadvertently contribute to vulnerabilities. This paper explores the intersection of user experience design and cybersecurity protocols, aiming to strike a balance that promotes both usability and security. Moreover, the study investigates the psychological aspects of cybersecurity awareness and education in the Fintech sector. As financial transactions increasingly migrate to digital platforms, users' awareness of potential cyber threats becomes a critical line of defense. Analyzing the effectiveness of training programs and awareness campaigns, the paper explores strategies to enhance cybersecurity consciousness among Fintech users. The research illuminates the symbiotic relationship between human factors and cybersecurity within the dynamic Fintech landscape. By comprehensively understanding and addressing human elements in interface design, user awareness, and decision-making processes, the paper aims to provide insights that contribute to the development of robust cybersecurity frameworks tailored to the evolving needs of Fintech platforms.

Impact of source credibility on behavioural responses to a mental health promotion social marketing campaign

PurposeSource credibility is a key influencing factor across both commercial and social marketing. It is perhaps even more important for the latter given that the issues under consideration generally have substantial implications for both individual and societal health and well-being. The Act-Belong-Commit campaign is a world-first population-wide application of social marketing in the area of positive mental health promotion. This study aims to focus on the perceived credibility of the Act-Belong-Commit campaign as a source of information about mental health as a predictor of three types of behavioural responses to the campaign: adopting mental health enhancing behaviours; seeking information about mental health and mental health problems; and seeking help for a mental health problem.Design/methodology/approachA state-wide survey was undertaken of the adult population in an Australian state where the Act-Belong-Commit campaign originated. The survey included measures of the above three behavioural responses to the campaign and measures of respondents’ perceptions of Act-Belong-Commit’s source credibility. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine whether the three behavioural responses can be predicted based on perceived source credibility. The predictive performance of the model was examined by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.FindingsGreater perceived source credibility was significantly associated with having done something for their mental health and for having sought information, and an increased likelihood, but not significantly so, of having sought help for a mental health problem.Originality/valueDespite the acknowledged importance of source credibility, there has been little published research that the authors are aware of that has looked at the impact of such on the effectiveness of social marketing campaigns. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first published study of the association between source credibility and behavioural response to a social marketing campaign.

DépistaFest: The evaluation of an inclusive, positive, and playful STBBI screening campaign's effectiveness.

Young adults are disproportionately affected by sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs), and rates of STBBI screening in this population are persistently low. The present study examined the effectiveness of Club Sexu's social marketing campaign, DépistaFest, in increasing STBBI screening, screening intentions, and general STBBI and STBBI screening knowledge among young adults in Quebec, Canada. Grounded in the health belief model, the campaign provided practical and scientifically accurate information on STBBIs and screening using an inclusive, positive, and playful approach. A sample of 686 participants (M = 28.0years old) was recruited through Club Sexu's social media to complete an online survey assessing campaign exposure, recent STBBI screening, screening intentions, and general STBBI and screening knowledge. Logistic regressions and ANCOVAs were performed to examine group differences on outcome variables. Compared to nonexposed participants, those who were exposed to the campaign were 2.11 times more likely to report having been tested in the past 6months, and 2.07 times more likely to report planning to get tested in the next 6months. Exposed participants were also more likely to correctly answer general STBBI knowledge questions and reported higher levels of self-perceived STBBI screening knowledge than nonexposed participants. The findings support the effectiveness of an STBBI prevention campaign grounded in the health belief model. Future STBBI prevention campaigns aimed at young adults would benefit from destigmatizing STBBIs and normalizing STBBI screening using an inclusive, positive, and playful approach.

Personality Traits of Creative Advertising Professionals

Within the evolving landscape of advertising, educators and employers continuously strive to recognize students and potential employees for every competitive advantage. Creativity, a pivotal determinant of campaign effectiveness, has been recognized as the foremost soft skill sought by employers according to LinkedIn. Grounded in trait theory, this paper posits that personality serves as a crucial tool for educators and employers in identifying individuals predisposed to a career in creative advertising and delineates personality traits that are predictive of an individual’s propensity to engage in creative advertising. This not only bridges the gap between personality and advertising practices but also offers empirical insights that could inform educational strategies and recruitment processes. Thus, it contributes a novel perspective to the discourse on talent identification and development in the creative advertising domain. Lastly, this study utilizes HEXACO Personality Inventory, an advancement from models such as the Big-5 to advance trait theory research.

Explaining differences in self-focused and other-involved public health preventive behaviors between the US and China: the role of self- construal and health locus of control.

This study examined national similarities and differences in people's engagement in health preventive behaviors during a public health crisis, as well as investigated the underlying individual-level psychological mechanisms. A conceptual distinction was made between self-focused and other-involved preventive behaviors in response to public health crises. Two cross-sectional surveys were conducted in the United States (N = 888) and China (N = 844) during the early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hayes' PROCESS was utilized to assess national differences in seven preventive behaviors, along with the mediating effects of self-construal and health locus of control. The results showed that American participants reported greater engagement in self-focused preventive behaviors than Chinese, whereas Chinese participants reported greater engagement in other-involved preventive behaviors than Americans. Chinese participants also engaged more in other-involved than self-focused preventive behaviors. Self-construal and health locus of control partially explained the observed differences in engagement in preventive behaviors. This study introduces a culture-sensitive approach to provide insights for crafting communication interventions that can enhance the effectiveness of health campaigns in the context of a public health crisis.

The Role of Influencer Marketing for Tourism Destinations in Improving Brand Awareness through Instagram

This abstract delves into a comprehensive examination of the impact of Influencer Marketing on elevating brand awareness for tourism destinations, specifically leveraging Instagram as a pivotal social media platform. Situated in Nglanggeran Tourism Village, Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta, Indonesia, the study investigates the symbiotic relationship between influencer collaboration and the promotion of tourism destinations, with a focal point on measuring brand awareness as a primary outcome. Employing a quantitative methodology that integrates content analysis, surveys, Focus Group Discussion, and In-depth interviews; the study aims to assess the efficacy of Influencer Marketing campaigns. It further aims to identify the key factors of influencing brand awareness and delve into the perceptions and experiences of the influencers. The research question is how does influencer marketing on Instagram contribute to enhancing brand awareness for tourism destinations and what factors influence the effectiveness of such campaigns in the context of evolving consumer behaviour and preference. The findings reveal a positive correlation between influencer marketing and brand awareness, underscoring Instagram's potential as a potent tool for destination promotion. This study offers valuable insights for tourism marketers and destination management organizations seeking to strategically utilize influencer collaborations to enhance brand visibility and attract a greater influx of tourists.

Mass Political Information on Social Media: Facebook Ads, Electorate Saturation, and Electoral Accountability in Mexico

Abstract Social media’s capacity to quickly and inexpensively reach large audiences almost simultaneously has the potential to promote electoral accountability. Beyond increasing direct exposure to information, high saturation campaigns—which target substantial fractions of an electorate—may induce or amplify information diffusion, persuasion, or coordination between voters. Randomizing saturation across municipalities, we evaluate the electoral impact of non-partisan Facebook ads informing millions of Mexican citizens of municipal expenditure irregularities in 2018. The vote shares of incumbent parties that engaged in zero/negligible irregularities increased by 6–7 percentage points in directly-targeted electoral precincts. This direct effect, but also the indirect effect in untargeted precincts within treated municipalities, were significantly greater where ads targeted 80%—rather than 20%—of the municipal electorate. The amplifying effects of high saturation campaigns are driven by citizens within more socially-connected municipalities, rather than responses by politicians or media outlets. These findings demonstrate how mass media can ignite social interactions to promote political accountability.

Self Determination, Decision Making and Social Functioning as a Prognostic Factor among Hepatitis ‘B’ and ‘C’ Patients

Background: Viral hepatitis, encompassing hepatitis B and C, remains a significant public health challenge globally, with a vast majority of those affected unaware of their infection status. The societal stigma and lack of awareness about these diseases impede early diagnosis and effective management, particularly in developing regions. Patient self-help groups and public health initiatives play a critical role in bridging the knowledge gap and facilitating access to care. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of patient self-help groups in Punjab, Pakistan, on raising awareness and enhancing the management of hepatitis B and C. It sought to assess the effectiveness of awareness campaigns and the role of healthcare professionals in disease identification and management. Methods: A mixed-methods approach was employed, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative data collection through surveys distributed among 150 participants, including 102 males and 48 females from rural and urban areas. The survey consisted of three parts: an evaluation of patient self-help groups, liver disease awareness campaigns, and public health initiatives' commitment against viral hepatitis. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, focusing on the correlation between demographic variables, awareness levels, and the impact of educational campaigns. Results: The findings revealed a significant correlation between awareness levels and participation in self-help groups (r=.564, p<.000). Urban participants showed slightly lower awareness scores (Mean=81.69, SD=14.00 for Total1; Mean=121.81, SD=19.52 for Total2) compared to rural participants (Mean=82.27, SD=12.10 for Total1; Mean=125.75, SD=17.73 for Total2). Gender analysis indicated higher awareness among females (Mean=83.56, SD=13.65 for Total1; Mean=125.60, SD=19.21 for Total2) than males (Mean=81.42, SD=12.11 for Total1; Mean=124.20, SD=17.89 for Total2). Despite the efforts of patient groups, a gap in healthcare professionals' knowledge about viral hepatitis was noted, with no specialized training programs available for general practitioners. Conclusion: The study underscores the crucial role of patient self-help groups and targeted awareness campaigns in improving the management and awareness of hepatitis B and C in Punjab. However, the lack of knowledge among healthcare professionals about viral hepatitis highlights the need for comprehensive training programs. Enhancing public health strategies and educational initiatives could significantly contribute to early disease detection and management, reducing the burden of viral hepatitis.

Changes in mortality associated with different hematologic malignancies during the pandemic in the United States.

Patients with hematologic malignancies are at increased risk of adverse COVID-19 outcomes; nonetheless, only sparse population-based data are available on mortality related to hematologic cancers during the pandemic. Number of deaths and age-standardized mortality rates for specific hematologic malignancies selected either as the underlying cause of death (UCOD), or mentioned in death certificates (multiple causes of death-MCOD) were extracted from the US National Center for Health Statistics, CDC WONDER Online Database. Joinpoint analysis was applied to identify changes in mortality trends from 1999 to 2021, and to estimate the annual percent change with 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) across time segments. Among the most common malignancies, chronic lymphocytic leukemia showed marked peaks in the monthly number of deaths attributed to COVID-19 during epidemic waves; acute myeloid leukemia showed the least variation, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma and multiple myeloma were characterized by an intermediate pattern. Age-standardized death rates relying solely on the UCOD did not show significant variations during pandemic years. By contrast, rates based on MCOD increased by 14.0% (CI, 10.2-17.9%) per year for chronic lymphocytic leukemia, by 5.1% (CI, 3.1-7.2%) for non-Hodgkin lymphoma and by 3.2% (CI, 0.3-6.1%) per year for multiple myeloma. Surveillance of mortality based on MCOD is warranted to accurately measure the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and of other epidemics, including seasonal flu, on patients with hematologic malignancies, and to assess the effects of vaccination campaigns and other preventive measures.

Students’ Perception of The Effectiveness of Mass Media Campaigns on Mental Health Awareness in Nigeria: A Study of Auchi Polytechnic Students

Mental health challenge remains a stigmatized and under-addressed issue in Nigeria, contributing to significant societal challenge. Mass media campaigns have emerged as potential tools to raise awareness and combat the stigma. However, little research explores the effectiveness of these campaigns from the perspective of students. It is in the light of the above that this study examines students’ perception of the effectiveness of mass media campaigns on mental health awareness in Nigeria. The researchers embarked on this study with the intent of achieving four objectives and, based on the objectives of this study, four research questions were formulated to serve as a guide for this study. This study is hinged on the rational model theory. The researchers adopted the survey research design, and data were collected through the use of questionnaires. Findings from this study reveal that the majority of the respondents (31%) rated their level of awareness of mental health issues as very high as a result of their exposure to mass media campaigns on the subject. The study also reveals that the majority of the respondents (30%) noted that one of the impacts of mass media campaigns on the attitudes of students towards seeking help for mental concerns is that these campaigns have increased help-seeking behaviour among students. This study therefore concludes that mass media campaigns have proven to be effective in addressing mental health issues in Nigeria by raising awareness, promoting understanding, and reducing stigma. They have successfully disseminated information, encouraged help-seeking behavior, and fostered conversations about mental health. This study, among other things, recommends that producers of media messages should recognize the cultural and regional diversity within Nigeria and tailor mass media campaigns accordingly. Mental health issues may be perceived and addressed differently across various communities; therefore, the producers of media messages should produce campaigns that resonate with different cultural backgrounds, languages, and social norms to ensure inclusivity and effectiveness.

Feasibility of delivering vitamin A supplementation (VAS) and deworming through routine community health services in Siaya County, Kenya: A cross-sectional study.

Vitamin A deficiency and soil-transmitted helminth infection are serious public health problems in Kenya. The coverage of vitamin A supplementation and deworming medication (VASD) provided through mass campaigns is generally high, yet with a cost that is not sustainable, while coverage offered through routine health services is low. Alternative strategies are needed that achieve the recommended coverage of >80% of children twice annually and can be managed by health systems with limited resources. We undertook a study from September to December 2021 to compare the feasibility and coverage of VASD locally delivered by community health volunteers (CHV) ("intervention arm") to that achieved by the bi-annual Malezi Bora campaign event ("control arm"). This comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in sub-counties of Siaya County using both qualitative and quantitative methods. VASD were offered through the CHS in Alego Usonga and through Malezi Bora in Bondo Sub-County. Coverage was assessed by a post-event coverage survey among caregivers of children aged 6-59 months (n = 307 intervention; n = 318 control). Key informant interviews were conducted with n = 43 personnel across both modalities, and 10 focus group discussions were conducted with caregivers of children aged 6-59 months to explore knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of the two strategies. VAS coverage by CHV was 90.6% [95% CI: 87.3-93.9] compared to 70.4% [95% CI: 65.4-75.4] through the Malezi Bora, while deworming coverage was 73.9% [95% CI: 69.0-78.7] and 54.7% [95% CI: 49.2-60.2], respectively. With sufficient training and oversight, CHV can achieve superior coverage to campaigns.

The role of constraints and information gaps in driving risky medicine purchasing practices in four African countries.

Substandard and falsified (SF) medical products pose a major threat to public health and socioeconomic development, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. In response, public education campaigns have been developed to alert consumers about the risks of SF medicines and provide guidance on 'safer' practices, along with other demand- and supply-side measures. However, little is currently known about the potential effectiveness of such campaigns while structural constraints to accessing quality-assured medicines persist. This paper analyses survey data on medicine purchasing practices, information and constraints from four African countries (Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Uganda; n > 1000 per country). Using multivariate regression and structural equation modelling, we present what we believe to be the first attempt to tease apart, statistically, the effects of an information gap vs structural constraints in driving potential public exposure to SF medicines. The analysis confirms that less privileged groups (including, variously, those in rural settlements, with low levels of formal education, not in paid employment, often women and households with a disability or long-term sickness) are disproportionately potentially exposed to SF medicines; these same demographic groups also tend to have lower levels of awareness and experience greater levels of constraint. Despite the constraints, our models suggest that public health education may have an important role to play in modifying some (but not all) risky practices. Appropriately targeted public messaging can thus be a useful part of the toolbox in the fight against SF medicines, but it can only work effectively in combination with wider-reaching reforms to address higher-level vulnerabilities in pharmaceutical supply chains in Africa and expand access to quality-assured public-sector health services.

Barriers to Timely Seeking of Breast Cancer Care Among Palestinian Women: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Examining the association of breast cancer (BC) symptom awareness with time to help seeking and exploring barriers to timely presentation may enhance the effectiveness of BC awareness campaigns and early detection efforts. This study aimed to assess the anticipated time for seeking medical advice when experiencing a potential BC symptom among women in Palestine and to identify their barriers to early presentation. A convenience sampling method was used to recruit adult women from hospitals, primary health care facilities, and public areas across 11 governorates in Palestine. A translated-into-Arabic version of the validated BC Awareness Measure was used. The questionnaire consisted of three sections: sociodemographic information, recognition of 13 BC symptoms and reporting time for seeking medical advice, and barriers to early presentation. A total of 5,257 questionnaires were included. The proportion of participants who would seek medical advice immediately varied on the basis of the nature of BC symptoms. For symptoms related to the breast, the proportion ranged from 25.7% for redness of the breast skin to 53.5% for a lump or thickening in the breast. For symptoms related to the nipple, the proportion ranged from 30.7% for nipple rash to 48.0% for discharge or bleeding from the nipple. Exhibiting good BC symptom awareness was associated with a higher likelihood of seeking medical advice within a week for all BC symptoms. Emotional barriers were the most frequently reported barriers. There was no association between increasing levels of BC awareness and reporting fewer or more barriers. The nature of BC symptoms had an impact on help-seeking behaviors. Participants with good BC symptom awareness were more likely to seek medical advice earlier.