English-language Questionnaire Research Articles

Enhancing the understanding of safety and the quality of patient care among medical and health sciences students in interprofessional climate: an interventional study

BackgroundInterprofessional education (IPE) plays an essential role in improving healthcare outcomes through achieving shared understanding. Unfortunately, most healthcare professionals have not received training for patient safety (PS) in an interprofessional setting, which can meet the societal medical needs. This study aimed to foster the understanding of senior medical, dental, pharmacy and health sciences students about PS and quality of care at the University of Sharjah (UoS) in UAE.MethodsUsing a convenience sampling technique, we recruited students from the College of Medicine (CoM), College of Pharmacy (CoP), College of Dental Medicine (CDM), and College of Health Sciences (CHS) of UoS. The study was conducted in spring 2023, and an ethical approval was obtained from the UoS Research Ethics Committee (REC-21–12-12). After a thorough literature search, a bespoke English language questionnaire was developed covering three domains—medical professionalism, leadership in healthcare, and precision medicine. To ensure its validity across different settings, cultural adaptation was ensured with reiterative revision among the panel of experts. The online synchronous real-time workshop included interactive resource sessions, breakout room discussions using real clinical cases, and pre-post surveys using the questionnaire.ResultsA total of 248 students and 20 facilitators participated in the workshop. CoM had the highest representation (47.5%), followed by CoP (36.5%), CHS (13.3%), and CDM (2.7%). There was a statistically improved understanding of the participants, as reflected by significantly high scores of post-test survey in all domains of PS across all colleges (p < 0.001). Notably, students in years four and five from CoM and CoP showed significant improvement in their perceptions than other colleges (p < 0.001). The participants encountered challenges of weak internet connections, software issues, technical failures, and power outages during the workshop.ConclusionThis study highlights the positive impact of an IPE-based interventional workshop on students' attitudes, perceptions, and insights about PS and quality of care. Students' understanding and insights of PS and quality of care underscore the paramount role of IPE in improving perceptions and approaches towards PS in the context of healthcare education.

Translation, adaptation and validation of an epilepsy screening instrument in two Ghanaian languages.

The prevalence of epilepsy in sub-Saharan Africa varies considerably, and the exact estimate for Ghana remains unclear, particularly in peri-urban areas where data are scarce. More community-based studies are required to understand better the actual burden of epilepsy in these areas and the difficulties in accessing healthcare. To adapt and validate a household survey epilepsy-screening instrument in Shai-Osudoku and Ningo-Prampram District of Greater Accra Region, Ghana. We developed a 17-item epilepsy screening instrument by modifying previously validated English language questionnaires. We included questions that could identify convulsive and non-convulsive seizures. Language experts forward- and back-translated the questionnaires into the two languages: Asante Twi and Dangme. Cases were people with confirmed epilepsy attending healthcare facilities where these languages are used. Controls were unaffected relatives of cases or people attending the same healthcare facilities for other medical conditions. We matched cases and controls for geographical location and ethnicity. An affirmative response to one of the seventeen questions by a participant was deemed a positive screen. The questionnaires were divided into two stages. The first stage consisted of broader, more general questions aimed at identifying potential cases of epilepsy. The second stage involved a more detailed and focused set of questions administered to those who screened positive in the first stage. One hundred and forty Dangme speakers (70 cases and 70 controls) and 100 Asante Twi speakers (50 cases and 50 controls) were recruited. The sensitivity and specificity for Dangme were: Stage 1, 100% and 80%, and Stage 2, 98.6% and 85.7%. The Dangme version reliably identified epilepsy with positive predictive values of 83.3% and 87.3% at stages 1 and 2. The questionnaire excluded epilepsy with 100% and 98.4% negative predictive values. For the Asante Twi version, the sensitivity and specificity were 98% and 92% (95% at Stage 1, and for Stage 2, 96% and 94%. The Asante Twi questionnaire reliably specified epilepsy with positive predictive values of 92.5% and 94.1% at stages 1 and 2. It excluded epilepsy with negative predictive values of 97.9% and 95.9% for the two stages. Our questionnaire is valid for the two languages and usable for community-based epilepsy surveys in Ghana. It can also be adapted for other resource-poor settings, although translation and iterative in-country testing will be needed to ensure its validity.

The use of modern e-health services including telemedicine and telepharmacy for remote patient care in Saudi Arabia

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Numerous preventive measures and regulations including electronic health (e-health) services were implemented during the coronavirus pandemic. Despite their importance, very little is known about their use. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the use of e-health application by healthcare providers (HCPs), and assess their awareness, perceptions, and practices of such services. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted during July to September 2024 using online self-administered questionnaires. Participants were selected using convenient sampling technique supplemented by snowball sampling. The calculated sample size was 218 participants. Data was collected through an online pretested English-language questionnaire. SPSS version 26 was used to analyze data; Chi-square test was used to examine the associations between HCPs’ responses regarding perceived benefits, risks, and needs related to e-health tools. RESULTS: Of the 471 survey participants who started filling out the survey, 64% (n=300) reported using e-health services since coronavirus disease and were included in the final analysis. Female HCPs used e-health applications twice as often as males, and a decline in e-health use was seen with increasing age of participants. Most common purpose for using e-health services were treatment (61%), consultations (60%), and follow up with patient (54%). The most used e-health tools were telephones or cell phones (69.0%) and WhatsApp applications (64.0%) followed by Zoom application (50.0%) and Sehhaty application. Technical problems such as poor internet connection and automatic updates of applications were reported by more than half of the users (52%). Participants reported perceived risks regarding privacy and data protection, and clinical risks associated with using e-health tools. CONCLUSION: HCPs’ positive experiences with e-health services in Saudi Arabia, valued for their cost-effectiveness and efficiency. However, patient misinterpretation, privacy risks, and clinical errors persist. Growing demand underscores the need for more explicit e-health regulations and broader professional involvement to enhance e-health service.

Expectations and experiences of pain during medical abortion at home: a secondary, mixed-methods analysis of a patient survey in England and Wales

ObjectiveTo explore experiences of pain during medical abortion and provide patient-centred recommendations for improving abortion experience and pain counselling.MethodsWe invited patients of British Pregnancy Advisory Service who underwent medical abortion...

Knowledge, Attitude and Perception of Research Ethics and Research Ethics Committees among Post-Graduate Residents of Neurosciences - A Nationwide Analysis from Pakistan.

To assess the knowledge, attitude and perception of post-graduate residents of neurosciences towards research ethics (RE) and research ethics committees (RECs). This prospective cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted by the Punjab Institute of Neurosciences, targeting post-graduate neuroscience residents throughout Pakistan during January and February, 2024. An English-language general questionnaire, designed to assess knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of RE and RECs, was adapted to reflect local conditions. The collected responses were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) to determine measures of central tendency, percentages, and frequencies. Out of 241 residents, 64.3% were males. Sixty-eight percent respondents were from neurosurgery and 32% were from the field of neurology. Approximately 47% responses were from the province of Punjab. More than half (51.5%) of participants acknowledged the existence of a REC within their institution. A similar proportion (52.3%) claimed familiarity with ethical guidelines for research involving human subjects, only a slight majority (48.5%) demonstrated awareness of the specific functions carried out by RECs. Meanwhile, 44.5% expressed concerns that undergoing review by a REC could potentially delay research and pose additional challenges for researchers. Additionally, 27.4% of respondents admitted to considering the fabrication of data or results as acceptable. Our research uncovered a significant correlation between participants' perceptions of RE and RECs and their comprehension of ethical principles. These findings indicate that medical postgraduates with a deeper understanding or awareness of research ethics principles and RECs tend to hold more robust attitudes toward these aspects.

Hindi translation and validation of the English version of the gastrointestinal symptom rating scale questionnaire: An observational study.

The gastrointestinal symptom rating scale (GSRS) is a questionnaire in English language which is designed to assess the clinical symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and peptic ulcer disease. This validated scale has questions on around 15 items and has been validated in patients with dyspepsia and IBS. To translate and validate the English version of the GSRS questionnaire to the Hindi version. The purpose of the present work was to create a Hindi version of this questionnaire for use in the Indian population. The process involved various steps as per the World Health Organization methodology including initial forward translation, backward translation, and assessment by an expert committee. Initial pilot testing was followed by testing in healthy and diseased individuals. The Hindi translation was pilot tested in 20 individuals and further validated in healthy controls (n = 30, 15 females) and diseased individuals (n = 72, 27 females). The diseased group included patients with functional dyspepsia and IBS. Cronbach's alpha for internal consistency on the final translated GSRS questionnaire was 0.715 which is considered adequate. Twelve questions significantly differentiated the diseased population from the healthy population (P value < 0.05) in the translated Hindi version of the GSRS. The translated Hindi GSRS can be used to evaluate gastrointestinal function in clinical trials and community surveys in Hindi speaking populations.

HPV infection and vaccination: a cross-sectional study of knowledge, perception, and attitude to vaccine uptake among university students in Qatar

BackgroundHuman Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection is a significant public health concern in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, being widely prevalent and the main risk factor for cervical cancer. We aimed to assess knowledge and perception towards HPV, acceptability of the HPV vaccine, and HPV vaccination rates among university students in Education City, Doha, Qatar.MethodsThis cross-sectional survey utilized proportional quota-sampling, with quotas based on university, sex, and nationality, to recruit students from seven universities between February and September 2022. The English language questionnaire requested socio-demographic information, knowledge, and attitudes about HPV infection and the vaccine. The chi-square test, Student t-test, Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon tests and multivariable ordinal logistic regression were used to assess differences in proportion, mean, and median according to broad HPV knowledge categories.ResultsThree hundred and ninety-eight students were recruited (response rate = 82.3%), of whom 251 (63.1%) were female. Mean age was 21.7 years. Eighty-nine (22.4%, 95% CI 18.4–26.8%) students had poor knowledge about HPV, 220 (55.3%, 95% CI 50.2–60.2%) students had some awareness, and 89 (22.4%, 95% CI 18.4–26.8%) students were knowledgeable. Age, nationality, and field of study influenced the students’ knowledge about HPV. Only 25 (6.3%) students had previously been vaccinated against HPV. However, 71% of the unvaccinated students reported being willing to get vaccinated if recommended by their healthcare provider.ConclusionsOverall, 77.7% of the student population had some-to-good levels of knowledge about HPV-related infection, cancer, and vaccination. There are gaps in the student population’s understanding and knowledge about HPV. Increasing knowledge can be key toward shared decision-making for HPV vaccination among eligible populations. Targeted public health campaigns and integration into childhood vaccination programs should be critical first steps, especially as most of the surveyed students had a positive outlook on getting vaccinated. Healthcare professionals should be incentivized to increase their HPV knowledge and communication skills, while policymakers can work toward easing barriers in integrating HPV vaccinations in the immunization schedule and encouraging overall HPV vaccination uptake.

Periodontal microbiology from undergraduate perspective: a questionnaire study

Background: Periodontal diseases are inflammatory conditions affecting the supporting structure of the teeth, leading to potential consequences such as gingivitis and periodontitis. The intricate interaction between host’s immune system and oral microbiome promotes this disease. The human oral cavity harbors a vast and diverse microbial community, collectively known as the oral microbiome comprising of bacteria, viruses, fungi, this ecosystem is influenced by factors such as genetics, host immunity, oral hygiene practices, diet and environmental variables. Among these microorganisms, bacteria take center stage in the initiation and progression of periodontal diseases. The objective was to assess the knowledge and awareness about the periodontal microbiology (periopathogens) among dental students. Methods: A self-designed questionnaire in English language containing 26 items was circulated using Google forms and was distributed among third, final year students and interns of PMNM dental college and Hospital, Bagalkot, India. The framework covered 3 domains: The first domain containing microorganism’s interaction in host causing periodontal disease, second domain about colonizers in dental plaque and certain aspects covered inflammatory response in host and the third domain containing therapeutic planning and future perspectives. Results: When looked into 1st domain student had a good knowledge on microorganism interaction in host, student had fair knowledge about the 2nd domain, they lack knowledge about the 3rd domain that is about therapeutic planning. Conclusions: Student have a fair knowledge about the periodontal pathogen and they lack knowledge about the therapeutic planning. It is indicative of students’ commitment to understanding the complex dynamics of oral microbiology.

ПЕРЕВОД И МЕЖКУЛЬТУРНАЯ АДАПТАЦИЯ «ИНСТРУМЕНТА СКРИНИНГА ТРУДНОСТЕЙ С КОРМЛЕНИЕМ/ГЛОТАНИЕМ И НЕДОСТАТОЧНОСТИ ПИТАНИЯ У ДЕТЕЙ С ДЕТСКИМ ЦЕРЕБРАЛЬНЫМ ПАРАЛИЧОМ (FNST)»

Children with cerebral palsy (CP) often have feeding and swallowing difficulties, which can lead to malnutrition and low body weight gain and negatively affect growth and development. In order to identify feeding difficulties and malnutrition in children with CP and timely access to specialists, the FNST (Feeding Nutrition Screening Tool) English-language questionnaire has been developed and validated. The purpose of the research was to translate into Russian and carry out a cross-cultural adaptation of the FNST screening tool. Methods used: the translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the questionnaire content consisted of seven stages in accordance with the standards of the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics Research and Evaluation of Results (ISPOR). Preliminary testing of the pre-final version of the tool was conducted with the participation of 30 parents/caretakers of CP patients and 10 practitioners. The stages of the work were carried out at the National Medical Research Center for Children’s Health, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University and Moscow State Linguistic University (all three are located in Moscow, Russia). The pre-final version was adopted with minor changes. Results: the final Russian-language adapted 4-point screening tool represents a short and simple questionnaire to identify feeding disorders and malnutrition in children with CP aged 2 to 19 y/o and to ensure the possibility of timely dietary intervention. The translation of the questionnaire into Russian and its cross-cultural adaptation have preserved functional, structural and operational equivalence. Conclusion: a Russian-language version of the FNST questionnaire has been created and adapted for screening for eating disorders in children with CP, which is the first necessary step for its further official validation and implementation.

International Travel for Organ Transplantation: A Survey of Professional Experiences and Attitudes Toward Data Collection and Reporting.

Lack of data regarding international travel for organ transplantation (ITOT) hampers efforts to evaluate, understand, and respond to trends in ITOT activities, such as those suggestive of organ trafficking or "transplant tourism." This study aimed to assess transplant professionals' experience of ITOT and their attitudes toward reporting ITOT data to a global registry. An international cross-sectional anonymous survey of transplant professionals was conducted online (from October to December 2022). The English language questionnaire assessed professional experiences in providing care to individuals who had traveled to or from a country for living donation or transplantation, and attitudes toward reporting of ITOT data. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics. Two hundred thirty-nine individuals from 68 countries completed the entire questionnaire, of whom 79% had provided care for ≥1 patient who had traveled internationally for donation or transplantation. Of these, 60.8% of individuals (n = 115) had cared for ≥1 person who engaged in ITOT between 2019 and 2022, with the most recent case experiences involving 89 countries and 157 unique routes of international travel. Predominant concerns regarding reporting of ITOT data to a global registry related to prevention of harm and protection of patient privacy; most (52.7%; n = 126) respondents expressed a preference for anonymous reporting of ITOT data. ITOT is a global phenomenon and transplant professionals' experience with ITOT cases is more common than anticipated. Systems for the collection of ITOT activity data should be carefully designed to address potential ethical concerns of transplant professionals which may influence reporting practices.

Assessment of Knowledge and Communication Regarding Complementary and Alternative Medicine Among Physicians in Madinah City.

Despite the recognition of the importance of physician knowledge andphysician-patient communication about the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), few studies have explored this issue. Therefore, this study aims to assess physicians' knowledge and physician-patient communication regarding CAM. A cross-sectional study was conducted among physicians working at governmental hospitals and primary healthcare centers in Madinah, Saudi Arabia. The data collection tool was a validated English language questionnaire distributed using social media platforms. The questionnaire included sections to assess physician knowledge and communication about CAM. Of the 373 completed questionnaires, around 151 (40.5%) of the respondents stated that they have a poor level of knowledge about CAM, and 272 (72.9%) need to gain additional knowledge to properly counsel patients on CAM. Medical journals were the main source of knowledge about CAM. There were 121 (32.4%) physicians who believed that <20% of their patients use some form of CAM, and 180 (48.3%) believed that <20% of their patients spontaneously reported their CAM use without prompting or direct questioning. Around 180 (48.3%)of physicians believed that they asked <20% of their patients about using CAM. Regarding barriers that limit communication with the patient about CAM, the highest percentage was insufficient knowledge about CAM (137, 36.7%). The study showed that a significant number of physicians lack the appropriate knowledge about CAM and most of them agreed to gain additional knowledge to properly counsel their patients.Further research is needed to evaluate physicians' knowledge about CAM using a more objective method.

Current Assessment of Dietary Habits, Physical Activity, and Related BMI among Students of People’s University of Medical &amp; Health Sciences for Women, Nawabshah (SBA)

Background: Eating habits and adequate physical activity play significant roles in enhancing growth, development, health, and physical and mental fitness of individuals. University students, especially those in medical fields, often face demanding schedules and rigorous studies that can lead to altered dietary habits and lifestyles. Assessing these patterns is crucial for identifying potential nutritional or eating disorders and understanding their impact on students' health. Objective: The study aimed to assess dietary habits, physical activity levels, and related BMI among female students of People’s University of Medical &amp; Health Sciences for Women, Nawabshah (PUMHSW). Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted over one and a half months within the premises of PUMHSW. A total of 331 female students from MBBS and Allied Sciences programs were selected using convenient sampling. Inclusion criteria included students aged 18-25 years enrolled in any year of their respective programs, while exclusion criteria excluded those below 18 or above 25 years old and postgraduate students. Data were collected through a structured English-language questionnaire administered via face-to-face interviews. The questionnaire covered variables such as income, education, parental occupation, dietary habits, physical activity, and BMI. Verbal consent was obtained from all participants, ensuring confidentiality. Ethical approval was obtained in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, with descriptive statistics including percentages, means, and standard deviations. Results were presented using frequency tables, charts, and graphs. Results: The majority of students were aged 21-23 years (61.6%), with most having a normal BMI (59.5%). Among the participants, 23.0% were underweight, 13.6% were overweight, and 3.9% were obese. Regular sleep patterns were reported by 68.9% of students, while 31.1% had irregular sleep patterns. A significant proportion (76.7%) did not engage in regular physical activity. The distribution of BMI classifications showed that 23.0% were underweight, 59.5% had normal BMI, 13.6% were overweight, and 3.9% were obese. A higher frequency of normal BMI was observed among MBBS students compared to Allied Sciences students. Conclusion: The study concluded that while most students had a normal BMI, a notable proportion were underweight, overweight, or obese. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to promote healthier lifestyles among university students, focusing on dietary habits, physical activity, and sleep patterns to prevent future health issues.

Features of evaluating the effectiveness of a mentor's work by company employees

Introduction. In the era of information technology, when information becomes available and narrow specialization becomes the norm, mentoring remains an important mechanism for the transfer of unique skills and knowledge. In addition, through the mentoring institute, not only structured expert knowledge is relayed, but also a significant amount of professional practice is transferred, which forms the mentee's readiness for real challenges. In this regard, the analysis of the effectiveness of mentoring in modern Russia is becoming an extremely urgent task. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of mentoring (using the example of a Russian company). An additional task of the study was the primary adaptation of M. Yukawa's English-language questionnaire on evaluating the effectiveness of mentoring. Materials and methods. The online survey was conducted in the fall of 2023, 1,356 representatives of a Russian company took part in it, the average age of respondents was 17.67 years (SD = 2.02) (40.6% were men, 59.4% were women). The toolkit included a 13-point questionnaire to assess the effectiveness of mentoring by M. Yukawa, a personality questionnaire of the ‟Big Five”, as well as a questionnaire to measure the emotional empathy of M. Mehrabyan and N. Epstein. In addition, the questionnaire was supplemented with a question to assess the effectiveness of mentoring. Motivation was also assessed: both the mentor and the mentee (self-assessment of motivation). Results of the study. Mentees refer to the most developed qualities of a mentor as the ability to listen and have experience, and to the least – the ability to find a balance between work and personal life, as well as an interest in expanding the circle of professional contacts of the mentee and advice in building a career. Women were significantly more likely to agree that their mentor was available to solve all issues. Older mentees, as well as those with more experience or a higher level of education, were more likely to rate the mentor as more effective. Mentors with a high level of empathy and openness to experience become receptive to the demonstration of professional experience by a mentor, according to the data obtained. The mentoring process as a whole is not rated very highly by the mentee, and the mentor's motivation is rated higher than the mentee's self-assessment of motivation. This indicates the hidden reserves of the mentoring mechanism. The analysis of correlations demonstrated the expected positive relationship between the subjective assessment of the effectiveness of the mentoring process with all the statements of the mentoring effectiveness assessment questionnaire. In addition, the mentoring effectiveness assessment questionnaire showed high internal consistency. Conclusion. The conducted research on the effectiveness of mentoring and the results obtained pose new challenges to clarify many aspects of the mentoring phenomenon related to the motivation and empathy of the mentored, as well as the specifics of working with young personnel who do not have work experience.

An evaluation of knowledge and perception of pharmacology in undergraduate oral hygiene students and recent graduates at a single higher institution in Pretoria.

Pharmacology is an increasingly important area of study for oral hygienists,as it provides the scientific basis for safe and effective oral healthcare. However, a lack of fundamental understanding of the discipline among clinical graduates can present significant challenges. Oral hygienists require pharmacological training to meet the requirements of their scope of practice. Pharmacology knowledge assists with the diagnosis and treatment of oral conditionsand forms the foundation for further clinical competency development. The knowledge and perceptions of pharmacology for pharmacy, nursing and medical students have been well documented; however, little information is present for Bachelor of Oral Hygiene (BOH) students. This paper sets out to evaluate BOH students' and recent graduates' knowledge and perceptions of pharmacology at a single higher institution in Pretoria to identify possible gaps and weaknesses. A cross-sectional study design was used to collect data using an online questionnaire. The English-language questionnaire consisted of the self-reported perceptions and knowledge and actual knowledge of pharmacology of undergraduate BOH students and recent graduates. The questionnaire consisted of multiple choice questions, true or false questions and Likert scale questions. Ethics was obtained from the institution's Research Ethics Committee (REC 350/2021). Overall, the participants perceived the pharmacology module positively and understood its importance. Concerns were raised about insufficient time for studying and that assessments were more aligned to gaining factual knowledge than the development of problem-solving skills. Students rated their knowledge between 57.24% and 69.44%, with BOH III students and graduates having a statistically significant greater self-rated knowledge of antivirals, antifungals and common agents used to treat oral conditions in comparison with BOH I and BOH II students. Overall, BOH students and graduates' actual knowledge was between 45.24% and 66.84%. Although not statistically significant, the total self-rated knowledge of BOH III students and recent graduates tended to be higher than their actual knowledge. Knowledge deficits were evident with some pharmacological concepts across the various BOH groups, such as pharmacokinetics, pain, drugs altering dental treatment I: central nervous system drugs, drugs altering dental treatment II: respiratory and endocrine drugs, drugs altering dental treatment III: cardiovascular drugs, drug-drug interactions and common agents used to treat oral conditions. Self-rated knowledge deficiencies were noted by students and recent graduates for certain pharmacological concepts and were supported by the measurement of their actual knowledge. Further investigation into knowledge deficiencies is needed to guide curriculum review to further strengthen oral hygienists' pharmacological competencies and ensure alignment to their scope of practice.

Understanding the potential of market and brand orientations: An empirical investigation of the mediating role of brand equity on business performance

Brand Orientation and Market Orientation have been demonstrated to exert a significant impact on brand equity. Moreover, brand equity serves as a crucial link connecting these orientations to company performance. However, the existing literature presents a substantial gap in understanding this relationship, particularly within the context of India. To address this gap, this study proposes an innovative framework for examining the interplay between brand orientation, market orientation, business performance, and brand equity. A survey was done in northern India using a causal study design to determine cause-and-effect correlations among the components. The participants were asked to respond to an English-language questionnaire. The outcomes of the structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis support all of the proposed hypotheses. The findings of this study carry significant implications for businesses aiming to optimize their brand and market orientations while capitalizing on their brand equity to enhance their overall performance. This research offers fresh insights for businesses operating in diverse cultural and economic contexts through its innovative methodology and empirical evidence. Businesses can enhance their brand and reputation, launch tailored offerings, and gain a competitive advantage through market and brand orientation. The framework developed in this study can be adapted to other emerging economies or even larger organizations. For both businesses and academics, this research serves as a valuable resource, providing a deeper comprehension of the intricate relationship between brand orientation, market orientation, company performance, and brand equity in India and beyond.

Assessing the predictive validity of pre-admission criteria on dental students’ academic performance: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThis study examines the multifaceted factors influencing academic performance among dental students in Saudi Arabia, exploring the complex relationships between demographic, educational, and psychological variables and students' Grade Point Averages (GPAs) to enhance global dental education admission strategies.MethodsData on demographics, academic performance indicators (including GPA, high school grades, test scores), accommodation type, parental education, suspension history, and English proficiency were collected through an English-language electronic questionnaire from 900 dental students across multiple institutions in Riyadh. The study employed Pearson’s correlation analysis to examine relationships between GPA and various academic and demographic factors. A detailed regression analysis, using a stepwise selection based on Akaike’s information criteria (AIC), identified significant GPA predictors and evaluated the average marginal effects of pre-admission variables on GPA, alongside rigorous diagnostic checks to validate the model’s robustness.ResultsThe study revealed a complex interplay of factors impacting GPA among dental students. High school grades, achievement, and aptitude test scores showed moderate positive correlations with GPA, while negative correlations were observed with age and number of times suspended. Regression analysis highlighted age, marital status, high school grades, and test scores as key predictors, with complex interaction effects demonstrating the layered influences of these factors. For instance, the negative impact of age on GPA was moderated by high school grade and aptitude test score. The analysis also highlighted the significant marginal effects of various pre-admission variables on GPA, such as the negative average impact of age and the positive impact of high school grades.ConclusionsThis study provides valuable insights into the multifaceted determinants of academic success in dental education. Our findings underscore the significant roles of high school grades, achievement, and aptitude test scores, as well as the nuanced influence of age and marital status on GPA. These results advocate for a holistic approach in evaluating candidates for dental programs and have broader implications for global dental education, emphasizing the need for comprehensive admission strategies.

Prevalence of Career Indecision and Factors Influencing it among Medical Students and Interns in Oman

Aim and objectives: Career indecision (CI) is a broad term refers to the uncertainty and difficulty of decision- making of the future career among junior professionals. This study aims primarily to estimate the prevalence of CI among senior medical students and medical interns in Oman. Secondly, it assesses the association of socio-demographics factors influencing it. Finally, it examines the association between participation in career development activities and CI among them during the academic year of 2022-2023. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using anonymous self-administered questionnaire in English language. We used a 21-item Career Factors Inventory (CFI) to determine CI score. CI scores were further classified to low-level CI (score 27-71) and high-level CI (score 72-105). Results: Total number of participants was 161. The minimum sample size calculated was 153 participants for 95% confidence interval. Unpaired t test and ANOVA test were used to determine association. The results showed the prevalence of high-level CI is 63.4% (95% CI 55.4% - 70.8%) among the participants. Participants with one of their parents in healthcare professions and those who did not participate in career development activities have high CI scores with P-value 0.002 and 0.022 respectively. Moreover, participants younger than 25 years of age in comparison to older participants had higher Need for Self-Knowledge (NSK) scores (p-value 0.018). Conclusion: Study participants showed high prevalence of high-level CI among senior medical students and medical interns in Oman. Few factors were found to be statistically associated, especially participation in career development activities. Further studies are recommended to investigate the causality of high CI levels among junior professionals in Oman and the contributing factors. Curricular and extra-curricular career development activities and counselling may improve CI and reduce its burden.

Ab. No. 147 Pelvic Floor Health Literacy in Ahmedabad- A Pilot Study

Introduction: The purpose of the study is to investigate, beliefs and mentalities prevalent in community related to pelvic floor problems. Pelvic floor problems are not discussed because of certain barriers and healthcare personnel remain uninformed about the condition. Literature also mentions that, there are barriers in community. A Physiotherapist, working with diverse population needs knowledge about health literacy levels in community so as to educate, prevent and approach community with acceptable solutions. Methods: Both genders, 18-65 years were included from the community of Ahmedabad using convenience sampling was used. Participants from different socio-cultural, economic, educational backgrounds with/without history of pelvic floor issues were included. Participants belonging to medical background, and not willing to participate were excluded. Close-ended in English language questionnaire, validated by expert panel was prepared to investigate health literacy. A google form was filled by investigator in front of the participant after obtaining verbal consent. Descriptive analysis of 37(25 females,12 males) participants was done using Microsoft excel 2019 and Google spreadsheet. Result: Data collection is on-going. Mean age of participants was (38.41 + 12.06) years. More than 50% participants do not know the term “Pelvic Floor”. 60% participants do not know whom to consult, around 60% participants rely on family and/or friends’ advices. 56% of participants do not want to share these problems. Large number of participants feel cultural/societal barriers in sharing these problems, do not find information in news or social media and do not have an access to sources providing reliable information. Conclusion: Pelvic floor health literacy is low in community. Unawareness about “Pelvic Floor,” not having reliable sources, cultural and societal barriers about these problems keeps health care providers uninformed about the problem. Implication: Findings may help Physiotherapist build a culturally sensitive protocol, develop educational material, improve public awareness, plan early intervention and prevention.

Adaptation of the Russian version of the Aging Perceptions Questionnaire (APQ)

The work is devoted to the adaptation of the “Perception of Aging” questionnaire based on the English-language Aging Perceptions Questionnaire (APQ). Modern scientific knowledge has a significant amount of data in the field of psychology of aging, interest in which does not fade, and the aging process is studied from various angles. Researchers more often turn to the problem of constructing a productive old age, the planning of which is recommended to begin at earlier stages of life. The results of modern research indicate that a positive perception of aging is a predictor of quality of life in old age and contributes to various aspects of health in old age. In this regard, the question arises about psychodiagnostic tools that allow us to identify the specifics of the perception of aging. Even though that there are currently studies on this problem, there is no version of the questionnaire that will allow assessing the perception of aging in a Russian sample. This study examined the reliability and construct validity of the English version of the APQ Perceptions of Aging Questionnaire. The study involved 229 people aged 29 to 68 years. Reliability was assessed by calculating Cronbach’s α and showed internal consistency both for the entire questionnaire and across gender groups. To test the convergent validity, the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile questionnaire, the K. Riff Psychological Well- Being Scale, the Australian Healthy Aging Questionnaire, and the Positive Affect and Negative Affect Scales were used. As a result of exploratory factor analysis, six scales were identified: “Consequences negative”, “Control positive”, “Emotional representation” and “Unstable image of old age” (Timeline (cyclical)), “Consequences positive”, “Control negative”. Analysis of convergent validity showed the connection of the selected scales with indicators of psychological and physical health. The Perceptions of Aging Questionnaire is a simple and flexible method for assessing the image of aging.

Occupational Health Hazards among Petrol Station Workers in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

When a consumer comes to the gas station to buy fuel, the attendants are their initial point of contact. Petrol station employees deal with a variety of risks and health issues on the job. This study was carried out to ascertain the health risks, occupational safety practices, and health issues among gas station workers in Ibadan, Oyo State. Africa.&#x0D; This intervention study was conducted with all willing attendants that operate at Ibadan's filling stations. A semi-structured interviewer-administered English-language questionnaire was used to gather data. STATA 12.1 software was used for data analysis after structured interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to gather data. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used in the analysis. A 5% threshold for significance was used.&#x0D; The study involved 620 respondents in total for both genders, the mean age of the responders was 29.4 ± 4.6 years. The inhalation of petrol fumes, customer confrontation, and noise exposure were among the hazards that were reported. Dust-related chronic cough; heat stress that frequently leads to heat exhaustion and heat stroke; hearing loss; hypertension from excessive equipment noise; back and general body ache from bending over repeatedly at work; robbery; fire; harsh weather; and exhaust fume incidence. Health problems reported included headache, blurry vision, vomiting, drowsiness, vertigo, heartburn, slurred speech, weakness, staggering, facial flushing, itching, loss of consciousness, heart failure, convulsion, irritability, memory loss, nausea, tremor, involuntary eye movement, cough, muscle spasms, hallucination, altered vision, insomnia, poor appetite and stomach upset factor associated with health problem. The results, which have a p-value of 0.29, demonstrate that there is no meaningful correlation between occupational safety practices and health issues. Occupation-related health hazards, work environment, and health problems are significantly correlated, with p-values of less than 0.01. Additionally, there is no significant correlation (p-value of 0.12), between understanding of safety procedures and health issues.&#x0D; In conclusion, the study found that attendants at fiilling stations were subjected to a variety of risks and health issues. Poor hand washing techniques, first aid box availability, PPE awareness and use, and medical assessment procedures were all present. The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association and other relevant parties should endeavor to guarantee that filling station owners assume accountability for the well-being and security of their employees.