Gaps In Awareness Research Articles

Age assessment of unaccompanied foreign minors: an analyses of knowledge and practices among Italian pediatricians

BackgroundIncreases in migration patterns in the recent years have led to a continuously growing number of unaccompanied foreign minors (UFMs) entering Italy. As part of processing and integration, age assessment is performed by pediatricians upon request of regulatory bodies. Updated guidelines for age estimation procedures were published in 2020 in order to prioritize the well-being of the minors and the accuracy of the assessment. Nonetheless, literature suggests that the recently established multidisciplinary approach has not yet been widely adopted by physicians.MethodsA cross-sectional exploratory survey was distributed to pediatricians in Italy in order to gauge their range of experience with UFMs and age assessment protocols.ResultsIn total 344 pediatricians participated in the survey, originating from varied regions in Italy. Out of pediatricians who reported conducting age assessment procedures (38.9%), only a small fraction (14.2%) confirmed being knowledgeable about the methodology. Instead, a significant portion (28.8% and 56.4%) either had partial awareness or lacked knowledge of these procedures. These responses significantly differed when comparing hospital and outpatient pediatricians or according to their geographical area of work (p <0.05).ConclusionSurvey responses suggest that a gap in awareness and experience regarding a multidisciplinary approach to age estimations still exists, likely in part due to a lack of resources, especially at the regional level. In the future, efforts towards the education of professionals and mobilization of resources for investment in the field will be crucial for the improvement of work with UFMs and other migrant populations.

Assessing oral health knowledge among public school children in Saudi Arabian subpopulation

IntroductionOral hygiene is paramount for maintaining optimal oral and physical health, especially among children who are particularly susceptible to dental caries and issues due to dietary habits and inadequate hygiene practices. This study aimed to evaluate the awareness and knowledge of oral health among public school children, analyse their oral hygiene habits, educate parents on the importance of oral health for their children, and implement an oral hygiene educational program in Al-Kharj City, Saudi Arabia.MethodsFour public elementary schools were selected for the study, with a sample size of 200 school-going children participating. A structured questionnaire was used to assess awareness and knowledge of oral health among the participants. SPSS software version 26 was used for data analysis. Multiple regression analysis and correlation tests was employed to explore the relationships between the different variables measured in the study.ResultsThe findings revealed a significant lack of awareness regarding oral health among school children. Oral hygiene habits were found to be inadequate in many participants. Overall, the findings highlight the need for targeted interventions aimed at promoting regular dental visits, addressing dental fear, and fostering positive oral hygiene practices among school-going children to improve oral health outcomes in the studied population.ConclusionThe study highlighted a critical gap in oral health awareness among school children, underscoring the need for targeted interventions. While the oral hygiene educational program has been implemented and future data will shed light on its effectiveness, preliminary observations suggest that such programs could potentially improve oral health outcomes and overall engagement among students.

Distribution of biochemical and haematological parameters in an aging population from southern India: A cross-sectional analysis.

Examining the distribution of biochemical and haematological tests in different age groups of rural population is necessary to ensure that health care facilities are equipped to address the prevalent health conditions and manage age-related illness effectively. Hence, this study is aimed at seeing the distributions of blood biochemical and haematological parameters in rural population. This cross-sectional study investigated the distribution of 26 different haematological and biochemical parameters in longitudinal cohort study (Srinivaspura Aging, NeuoSenescence and COGnition - SANSCOG), from the villages of Srinivaspura, Kolar district, India. A total of 2592 participants (1240 males and 1352 females), aged ≥45 years who are cognitively healthy were included for the analysis. Mean, 2.5th, 5th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 95th and 97.5th percentiles were calculated for the entire sample. Additionally, median and percentiles were determined for both gender and age categories (45-54, 55-64, 65-74, and ≥75 years). We observed the distinct distributions of various haematological and biochemical parameters, with elevated levels of glycaemic, lipid, liver, and thyroid parameters. Findings revealed the notable variations from the established reference ranges, indicating the potential undiagnosed cases and highlighting the gaps in health awareness and health seeking behaviour.

Factors influencing willingness to pay for improved solid waste collection services among households in urban cities in Uganda: empirical evidence from Lira City

Waste management in Lira City, Uganda faces significant challenges, particularly in the area of waste collection. Pollution and health risks from uncollected waste are rampant, posing serious threats to human health and the environment. This persistent problem demands urgent attention and effective solutions to improve waste collection and safeguard the well-being of the community and the natural surroundings. This study aimed to assess households’ willingness to pay for improved waste collection services, examine their waste management practices, and identify influencing factors. We employed a multistage sampling technique to randomly select 585 household heads and conducted key informant interviews with city officials and private waste collectors. Data analysis was conducted with STATA 17 and results showed that 48.12% of households were willing to pay an average of UGX 3012 ($0.84) per month for better services. Factors including education level, occupation, distance to waste collection sites, and environmental awareness significantly influenced this willingness. The study highlights a significant gap in public awareness and understanding of efficient solid waste management practices and concludes that enhancing public awareness is crucial for improving environmental health and safety in Lira City.

Assessment of the Implementation of Policy on Anti-Sexual Harassment in a Nigerian University

Sexual harassment in universities undermines gender equity, safety, and learning. This study assessed the level of implementation of the anti-sexual harassment policy and the influence of implementation of the policy on gender protection of students and staff of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Nigeria. The study was hinged on the feminist theory. The feminist theory considers the plight of any person or people not just women, with a view to destabilizing systems of power and oppression, especially in an academic environment as in this context. The study adopted cross sectional survey research design. The population comprised of 450 students and 200 members of staff (100 teaching and non-teaching staff each) making a total of 650 participants, using a stratified random sampling to ensure proportional representation from the 10 selected faculties. Data was collected using questionnaires and gathered data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results identified gaps in initial awareness and understanding of the anti-sexual harassment policy among students and staff which constituted a setback for the implementation. It was equally noted that the policy development process lacked inclusivity, and implementation activities were perceived as insufficient. Since the implementation process was faulty, the policy has not been able to significantly achieve gender protection on the Campus. The students had uncertain views on the policy's impact, while staff had mixed opinions. The study recommended the need to strengthen policy implementation by way of improving communication channels, transparency, stakeholders’ involvement, and monitoring while punitive measures must be enforced when necessary.

Cultural Perceptions of Health in Asian Indian Adults

ObjectiveTo gain an understanding of the cultural perceptions of health among Asian Indian adults in an urban setting. DesignQualitative semistructured interviews. SettingMidwest urban community ParticipantsAsian Indian adults (n = 20) aged ≥25 years, who self-identified as 100% Asian Indian descent. Phenomenon of InterestIndividual interviews were conducted by a trained interviewer to assess cultural perceptions of health. AnalysisTranscript analysis was performed by 2 independent coders using verbatim transcripts. Content analysis was used to identify themes using a grounded theory approach. ResultsThe salient themes that emerged were a cultural definition of health, acculturation, mental health, and health information. Participants believed good health was associated with the ability to perform daily activities, regular exercise, and eating well. There was a lack of awareness of Asian Indian-specific body mass index categories and that overweight and obesity were an important risk factor for chronic diseases. Conclusion and ImplicationsThese data provide a context for health promotion efforts and underscore a gap in awareness of risk factors risk for chronic diseases among the Asian Indian community. Culturally specific interventions targeted at the Asian Indian population, considering their worldview and perceptions of health, will help address this important public health concern.

Knowledge Gaps in Gluten-Free Diet Awareness among Patients and Healthcare Professionals: A Call for Enhanced Nutritional Education.

Diet is the only treatment for celiac disease (CeD), and good adherence to a gluten-free diet (GFD) is the only way to ensure complete remission and to prevent complications. Limited education about the disease and a GFD is an attributing factor to inadequate adherence. Thus, our aim was to assess the current knowledge about a GFD and the clinical monitoring of adherence to the diet among CeD people and HCPs. Specific questionnaires were designed and distributed to assess the knowledge of CeD people (Q1 questionnaire) (n = 2437) and to analyze the follow-up of the disease from the perspective of patients (Q2 questionnaire) (n = 1294) and HCPs (Q3 questionnaire) (n = 346). Two-thirds of HCPs specialized in pediatric care, while one-third did so in adult care. In CeD people, general questions regarding food classification and cross-contamination are well understood. When patients have doubts, 51.4% reported using the Internet and social networks. Thus, it is crucial that resources like social media are reliable and provide valuable information. Q3 revealed the lack of time to follow up the diet after diagnosis (48% of HCPs allocate < 15 min), the interest in further training, and the need for a professional specialized in diets within the healthcare system. In conclusion, it is essential to enhance nutritional education to increase awareness of a GFD.

Attitude, Knowledge and Perception Among General Public About Tele-Manas Services in Delhi NCR

This study delves into the impact of the National Tele Mental Health Programme of India, known as Tele MANAS, on public access to and perceptions of mental health services in Delhi NCR. Despite India's rich history in mental health awareness, contemporary hurdles such as accessibility and stigma persist. Tele MANAS end eavours to tackle these challenges by offering integrated tele-mental health services across the nation. Through a cross-sectional study involving 207 participants, this research delves into public attitudes, knowledge and awareness regarding Tele MANAS. Findings reveal a notable demand for mental health services but a limited awareness of the program. Notably, social media and television emerged as primary channels for awareness dissemination. While attitudes toward Tele MANAS were generally positive, there remains a need for targeted outreach to engage neutral segments of the population. Analysis uncovered variations in demand, awareness, and perception, highlighting the necessity for tailored strategies. This research holds significant implications for improving Tele MANAS's efficacy and advancing mental health care in India. By understanding the current landscape and addressing gaps in awareness and access, Tele MANAS can better serve the populace, particularly in regions like Delhi NCR. Moreover, the study underscores the importance of ongoing efforts to destigmatize mental health issues and ensure equitable access to quality care for all individuals, regardless of background or demographics.

Collective Strategies to Equip Graduating Medical Students from Racial/Ethnic Backgrounds Underrepresented in Medicine to Succeed in Residency

Phenomenon: Trainees from racial/ethnic backgrounds underrepresented in medicine (RE URiM) in the United States face challenges of racism and micro- and macro-aggressions during residency. Many have learned to navigate these challenges through successes and failures, but there is insufficient literature providing these lessons to graduating URiM medical students. Our study among medical school alumni explores strategies to help graduating URiM students prepare for success in residency. Approach: We conducted an online cross-sectional survey (Qualtrics) from February to March 2022. Graduates from a Northeast U.S. medical school identifying as URiM were invited to participate. With emphasis on “thriving” in residency training, we solicited rating-scale responses on preparedness for residency and open-text responses on strategies for success. Standard statistical and text content analysis were used to determine findings and themes. We used Word Cloud technology to further explore word frequency and patterns. Findings: Of the 43 alumni contacted, 23 (53%) completed the survey. Participants were trained in various specialties. We identified three themes with regard to strategies for thriving in residency: (1) importance of identifying and seeking early mentorship; (2) importance of identifying and having diverse forms of support; and (3) need for more education on navigating macro/microaggressions. Insight: While advocating for systems-level interventions to create inclusive learning environments, we highlight the gap in trainee awareness of the importance of seeking early mentorship. Our study provides strategies for graduating URiM medical students to succeed in residency based on respondent experiences. These recommendations should inform medical school curricula.

The Awareness Gap in Personal Data Privacy in Indonesia's Cyberspace

This study discusses the protection of personal data in the context of human rights, specifically the right to privacy in Indonesia. In the digital era, personal data has become a valuable asset that drives the operations of businesses, governments, and individuals. Digital literacy plays a crucial role in the protection of personal data, equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills to manage personal information effectively and safely. Although personal data protection laws in Indonesia have been implemented, many challenges remain, including the gap in public awareness about personal data protection and the readiness of infrastructure and human resources. This study also highlights survey results showing that the awareness of Indonesians about personal data protection is still low, with many data breach incidents occurring.

Prevalence and Awareness of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries Among Full-Contact, Semi-contact, and Non-contact Sports Athletes in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Background The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a crucial connective tissue that links the femur to the tibia, playing a vital role in stabilizing the knee by resisting forward and rotational movements. ACL tears can occur due to both contact and non-contact sports injuries. Diagnosis and assessment typically involve the Lachman test and magnetic resonance imaging. Initial treatment focuses on reducing swelling, followed by physical therapy or surgery to restore long-term knee functionality. Objective This study aimed to assess the injury prevalence and awareness of ACL and the engagement of preventing training programs among Bahraini athletes across diverse sports. Methods A cross-sectional survey was utilized to evaluate injury prevalence and awareness of ACL and engagement in preventing training among 161 Bahraini athletes from different sports. Data were collected through a detailed questionnaire addressing demographics, sports involvement, ACL injury history, and preventive training. The analysis involved descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, and independent t-tests to compare knowledge across sports types. A chi-square test was performed to examine correlations between injury history and training. Results The results showed that athletes in full-contact sports exhibited significantly higher ACL injury awareness compared to those in semi-contact and non-contact sports. Furthermore, a higher percentage of athletes in semi-contact and non-contact sports reported a history of ACL injuries when compared to those in full-contact sports. However, there was no significant difference in the engagement of preventive exercise training across different sports categories. Conclusion A notable gap in ACL injury awareness exists among Bahraini athletes, varying significantly across sport types. The data highlight the need for customized educational programs catering to different sports.

Quantitative outcomes of a type 2 single arm hybrid effectiveness implementation pilot study for hypertension-HIV integration in Botswana

BackgroundSuccessful HIV treatment programs have turned HIV into a chronic condition, but noncommunicable diseases such as hypertension jeopardize this progress. Hypertension control rates among people with HIV (PWH) are low owing to gaps in patient awareness, diagnosis, effective treatment, and management of both conditions at separate clinic visits. Integrated management, such as in our study, InterCARE, can enhance HIV-hypertension integration and blood pressure (BP) control.MethodsOur pilot study was conducted in two Botswana HIV clinics between October 2021 and November 2022. Based on our formative work, we adopted three main strategies; Health worker training on HTN/cardiovascular disease (CVD) management, adaptation of HIV Electronic Health Record (EHR) for HTN/CVD care, and use of treatment partners to support PWH with hypertension for implementation. We employed the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework to assess implementation effectiveness and outcomes for BP control at baseline, 6 and 12 months. HIV viral load (VL) suppression was also measured to assess impact of integration on HIV care.ResultsWe enrolled 290 participants; 35 (12.1%) were lost to follow-up, leaving 255 (87.9%) at 12-months. Median age was 54 years (IQR 46–62), and 77.2% were females. Our interventions significantly improved BP control to < 140/90 mmHg (or < 130/80 mmHg if diagnosis of diabetes or chronic kidney disease), from 137/290 participants, 47.2% at baseline to 206/290 participants, 71.0%, at 12 months (p < 0.001). Among targeted providers, 94.7% received training, with an associated significant increase in counseling on exercise, diet, and medication (all p < 0.001) but EHR use for BP medication prescribing and cardiovascular risk factor evaluation showed no adoption. In the intention-to-treat analysis, HIV VL suppression at 12 months decreased (85.5% vs 93.8%, p = 0.002) due to loss to follow-up but the per protocol analysis showed no difference in VL suppression between baseline and 12 months (97.3% vs 93.3%, p = 0.060).ConclusionThe InterCARE pilot study demonstrated that low-cost practical support measures involving the integration of HIV and hypertension/CVD management could lead to improvements in BP control. These results support the need for a large implementation and effectiveness trial.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT05414526. Registered 18th May 2022.

Assessing Women's Knowledge and Awareness of Sexually Transmitted Infections in Saudi Arabia: A Comprehensive Study.

This study aimed to comprehensively assess the knowledge, awareness, and misconceptions regarding sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among women in Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 600 women aged 18-55 from various regions across the country. The findings revealed moderate overall STI knowledge, with gaps in understanding transmission routes (31.7%), recognizing symptoms (40.8%), and awareness of prevention methods (35.2%). Prevalent misconceptions included the belief that STIs can spread through casual contact (38%), only individuals with multiple partners are at risk (30%), and STIs are always symptomatic (32%). Demographic factors such as age, education level, and marital status significantly influenced STI knowledge, while residential area did not. Higher education, particularly bachelor's degrees and above, was strongly associated with better awareness. Digital platforms like the internet and social media emerged as significant sources of STI information. Undergoing STI testing, discussing STIs with partners, using protection, and receiving the HPV vaccine were linked to higher knowledge levels. This study highlights the need for targeted educational interventions, integration of sexual health education into curricula, training healthcare providers, community engagement, and leveraging digital platforms to enhance STI awareness and prevention efforts among Saudi women.

Knowledge and awareness of cervical cancer and human papillomavirus vaccination among female university students.

Prevention strategies for reducing cervical cancer incidence rely on informed populations, particularly those most at risk. This study assesses the knowledge and awareness of female university students towards cervical cancer, human papillomavirus (HPV) and its vaccination. A validated self-administered questionnaire was used in a descriptive cross-sectional study among female university students. The data were analysed with Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 26, andp 0.05 was considered significant. The total participants were 190 with a mean age of 22.6 ± 4.35 years. The majority (90%) were aware of cervical cancer, and 78.9% agreed it is a terminal illness, but fewer participants knew it was associated with infection (63.7%), and that it had effective risk-reducing methods (70.5%). Only 32.6% were aware of the Pap smear test, less than half (43.2%) were aware of the cervical cancer vaccine and only 43.7% knew it was available locally. Although fewer (39.5%) considered themselves susceptible to cervical cancer, many (62.1%) would like a Pap smear test. Overall, 88.9% of the participants possessed adequate knowledge of cervical cancer, 67.9% of the HPV vaccine and only 33.7% of HPV. Ethnicity (p= 0.03), year of study (p= 0.001) and institution (p= 0.002) were all significantly associated with knowledge levels, vaccine awareness and Pap smear test awareness. Participants showed low HPV knowledge and varying awareness levels regarding cervical cancer, HPV and HPV vaccine.Contribution:This study provides insights into female university students' knowledge and awareness gaps, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.

Perceptions, attitudes, and experiences of domestic violence among Vietnamese university students

BackgroundIn Vietnam, domestic violence (DV) is recognized as an intentional act of causing physical, mental, sexual, or economic harm among family members. Despite legislative efforts, DV remains prevalent, significantly impacting women's mental and physical health. Traditional beliefs and cultural norms further entrench DV, particularly among women and children, necessitating an understanding of perceptions and attitudes toward DV. MethodsThis exploratory cross-sectional study surveyed 81 Vietnamese university students to assess their perceptions, attitudes, and personal experiences of DV. Survey data was collected online and analyzed using descriptive statistics. ResultsThe study found high awareness of DV, with most participants recognizing physical and psychological violence, while less awareness was noted for economic abuse. A majority perceived DV as fairly common (57%) and highly common (37%). Most participants attributed DV to alcoholism (93%), drug addiction (93%), and poverty or social exclusion (90%). Roughly half of the participants had friends or family victims who were victims (53%) or perpetrators (46%) of DV. Despite general knowledge of DV laws, many were unaware of specific legal and social support mechanisms. Notably, while most participants found DV unacceptable and should always be punishable by law (64%), actual reporting and intervention rates were low, with significant gaps in support awareness. ConclusionsThe findings highlight a substantial awareness of DV among Vietnamese university students but also reveal critical gaps in understanding and addressing economic abuse and available support systems. There is a need for enhanced education and accessibility of resources to effectively combat DV and support survivors, especially for young adults who would soon explore marriage and family lives.

Scam Awareness Gaps: A Survey on Malaysian Youth’s Digital Habits and Knowledge

Scam Awareness Gaps: A Survey on Malaysian Youth’s Digital Habits and Knowledge

Meningkatkan Keadilan Sosial Ekonomi melalui Implementasi Akhlaq dalam Hukum Islam

This research aims to explore the potential for enhancing socio-economic justice through the implementation of ethics in Islamic law. Using a qualitative approach, the study analyzes concepts of ethics and principles of Islamic law relevant to economic contexts. The findings indicate that principles such as justice, honesty, and social responsibility play a crucial role in creating a fairer and more inclusive economic system. The research also identifies several challenges in implementing ethics within Islamic legal practices, including societal misunderstanding and awareness gaps regarding these concepts, as well as complexities in adapting them to modern economic contexts. Therefore, collaborative efforts are necessary from various stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and the private sector, to address these challenges and promote the implementation of ethical principles in Islamic law in everyday economic life. The research underscores that implementing ethics in Islamic law holds significant potential for enhancing socio-economic justice. Identifying challenges in implementing ethical principles in Islamic law, including lack of awareness and understanding, implementation difficulties, regulatory challenges, and lack of stakeholder cooperation, underscores the complexity yet importance of enhancing socio-economic justice through the implementation of ethics in Islamic law. Keywords: socioeconomic justice, morality, Islamic law, inclusive, collaborative

Exploring Data Privacy and Privacy Paradox Nature of Consumers Using Block Chain Technology: Application of SLR and Bibliometric Analysis Tools

This research presents an in-depth study of blockchain technology’s impact on data privacy and the consumer behaviour phenomenon known as the privacy paradox. Through a systematic literature review (SLR) and bibliometric analysis, the study delves into the effectiveness of blockchain in safeguarding personal data in an increasingly digital world. Key databases such as Scopus and Web of Science provide rich academic contributions, particularly from regions with stringent data privacy laws. The findings highlight blockchain’s effectiveness in limiting unauthorised data access, boosting user control and tackling the privacy paradox, where personal information is shared despite privacy worries. Yet, it points out challenges in aligning blockchain with legal frameworks, such as General Data Protection Regulation, particularly concerning data erasure rights. The study emphasises three themes: blockchain’s progression toward robust data protection, psychological aspects of the privacy paradox in consumer decisions and attitudes toward blockchain solutions. It notes gaps in standardisation, public awareness and blockchain’s practical applications, alongside ethical and policy issues. Conclusively, the research stresses the need for aligning technological advancements with legal and ethical frameworks, highlighting user experience in digital technology adoption. It positions blockchain as a pivotal factor in reshaping digital privacy, advocating for continued innovation and exploration in blockchain applications to ensure a secure, user-empowering future globally.

AWARENESS OF EFFECTIVE TEACHING METHODS IN HYBRID TEACHING A SURVEY OF EDUCATORS

As hybrid teaching becomes increasingly prevalent in educational settings, understanding educators' familiarity with effective teaching methods within this model is crucial. This study aims to evaluate the awareness levels of educators concerning various pedagogical strategies that are integral to successful hybrid teaching. A comprehensive survey was administered to 167 respondents, encompassing a diverse group of educators across different educational institutions. The analysis of the survey data reveals a nuanced landscape of awareness among educators. While a majority demonstrate a strong understanding of several key teaching methods such as delivering information through multiple channels and employing game-based learning however there are notable gaps in awareness, particularly concerning the use of dashboards to track student progress and the implementation of cooperative learning strategies. The findings underscore the importance of targeted professional development programs aimed at bridging these knowledge gaps. By enhancing educators' understanding and application of these lesser-known strategies, the overall effectiveness of hybrid teaching can be improved, leading to better educational outcomes for students.

INCLUSIVITY IN HIGHER EDUCATION: ANALYSING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF NEP 2020 FOR MARGINALIZED COMMUNITIES IN INDIA

This study examines the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and its impact on inclusivity in higher education for marginalized communities in Punjab, India. The research employs a qualitative case study approach, focusing on three districts—Amritsar, Ferozepur, and Moga—through semi-structured interviews with 50 stakeholders, including students, educators, and local government officials. Key findings reveal significant challenges in access to higher education, including financial barriers, inadequate digital infrastructure, and limited language support, which continue to hinder the inclusivity goals of NEP 2020. While there is a positive perception of scholarship schemes, their availability and complexity of access remain concerns. The curriculum is still perceived as elitist, and the support for marginalized students is viewed as insufficient. Implementation barriers such as inadequate educator training, bureaucratic delays, and awareness gaps further complicate the policy's effectiveness. However, success factors like community engagement, proactive local governance, and the use of digital learning platforms demonstrate potential areas for improvement. The study underscores the need for targeted interventions, increased financial support, and enhanced training to address these challenges. The findings provide empirical evidence to inform policy adjustments, ensuring that NEP 2020 fulfills its promise of creating an inclusive and equitable education system for all.