Higher Literacy Levels Research Articles

Environmental Literacy and Pro-Environmental Behavior of Pre-Service Science Educators: The Mediating Effect of Their Climate Change Awareness

The study investigated at how climate change awareness mediates the relationship between environmental literacy and pro-environmental behavior among pre-service science educators in the Davao region, involving a total of 305 respondents. A descriptive-correlational approach was used in a non-experimental quantitative research design. The findings revealed that pre-service science educators exhibit high levels of pro-environmental behavior, environmental literacy, and climate change awareness. This finding highlights the important role of future science educators in disseminating knowledge about climate change, as persons with higher levels of environmental literacy are more likely to engage in pro-environmental actions. Climate change awareness functioned as a partial mediator, indicating that although environmental literacy is essential, climate knowledge enhances educators' involvement in sustainable practices. The findings underscore the essential function of prospective science educators in climate advocacy, indicating that educational programs may improve environmental literacy curricula and incorporate discussions on climate change, thus preparing future teachers to motivate responsible environmental actions in their communities.

The attitudes towards learning and study habits of Australian medical students

Background/Purpose Medical curricula are designed to provide students with strong foundational biomedical knowledge and the opportunity to develop and practice effective, appropriate, and safe clinical skills. However, instruction on optimal study strategies (i.e. “learning how to learn”) is often overlooked in medical programs. In this paper, we explore the attitudes towards learning and study habits of a large cohort of graduate-entry medical students in Australia. Method Participants in this observational study were invited to complete a questionnaire regarding their attitudes towards study behaviours and strategies, and to complete regular “study diaries” using a custom smartphone application. We collected data for first to fourth-year medical students at various timepoints throughout their academic year. Results We found that these students generally had a high level of literacy regarding the efficacy of evidence-based study techniques, such as practice testing and active participation, but also tended to favour less effective and more convenient and time-efficient study approaches and activities. Students also reported engaging in distracting off-task activities during approximately 61% of their “private study” sessions; however, due to the self-report nature of the data, this is likely an underestimate. Conclusion In conclusion, we found that there appears to be a disconnect between medical students’ knowledge and practice of effective study techniques. Given this apparent dissonance—and the significant demands placed on student time and attention—we encourage educators to consider how they might best support students to engage in effective study techniques.

Vaccine literacy and cultural competence training of Professional FOR health to improve the vaccination offer

Abstract Background It is essential that healthcare institutions have a high level of organizational vaccine literacy so that they can support Newly Arrived Migrants (NAM) to navigate, understand and make informed decisions on vaccinations in an effort to make uptake equitable. Developing training material for Professional-FOR-health (PfH) working with NAM, i.e. health and non-health workers, can improve the vaccination offer for NAM. Objectives A holistic training framework for PfH was designed to increase capacity building skills and cultural sensitivity of the healthcare system in promoting active immunization of NAMs. The blended training should cover four topics: “Vaccine Literacy”, “Cultural awareness/migrant sensitivity”, “Health promotion tools with community-based approach” and “Entitlement to vaccination for NAMs/NAMs profile”. As learners cannot be seen as mere recipients of notions, their needs, motivations, and experiences should be put right at the center of the training process. Therefore, a training guide and materials were shared to Consortium Countries to be adapted and implemented in their context. Training sessions were conducted in the summer of 2023. Results A total of 180 participants showed an average increase of 8.2% in correct answers from pre- to post-raining. Notably, 112 participants experienced more than a 10% increase in correct answers. Significant increases were observed across all topics, particularly in Vaccine Literacy (A1) and NAM Profile (A4), with increases of 52% and 74%. The training was evaluated positively with an overall index of 4.2 out of 5. All items analyzed from the satisfaction questionnaire yielded positive evaluations, with an average rating of 4 out of 5. Conclusions The evaluation underscores the effectiveness of training in meeting educational needs of participants. This type of training can be the groundwork for the changes needed to make the NAMs vaccination process more guaranteed and inclusive.

WeCare – Mental healthcare for health professionals

Abstract Issue/Problem Health professionals face physical and mental stressors (risk factors) due to challenging working conditions. Description of the Problem Despite high levels of health literacy among healthcare workers, maintaining healthy habits is challenging due to variable shifts, including nights, high workloads, and intense emotional and mental demands. Adopting a healthier lifestyle requires personal changes that can be difficult to implement, particularly in nursing and caregiving. This is critical, as retaining and attracting new staff in these fields is essential for the healthcare sector. Results/Effects/Changes To address these challenges, it’s crucial to boost intrinsic motivation and provide healthcare workers with practical tools to support their well-being and encourage them to remain in the sector. The WeCare project offers a mobile app designed as a ‘pocket coach,’ accessible at any time. Healthcare professionals can use the app to assess their current mental well-being through self-evaluation. With built-in assessments and predefined thresholds, the app tracks stress levels and quality of life. Depending on the outcomes, users are automatically guided to appropriate information, gamified activities, and exercises tailored to their specific needs. The project, running from 2022 to 2024, is co-funded by the European Union’s Erasmus+ programme. Lessons The app is beta-tested during 2024 in five countries: Germany, Austria, Serbia, Poland, and Italy, with local language support. The test group will consist of healthcare professionals and related professions. The results, including user engagement and motivational factors are analyzed. As the project concludes in autumn, comprehensive recommendations and lessons learned will be compiled and presented at the European Public Health (EPH) Conference. This will also include sharing the app and its solution with the broader healthcare community. Key messages • The WeCare app supports healthcare workers’ mental health with a mobile “pocket coach” that provides personalized exercises. Through gamification, it promotes healthy habits and boosts job motivation. • It is critical to support healthcare workers, as retaining and attracting new persons is essential for the healthcare sector.

The influence of health literacy on health outcomes and behaviors in fourth-graders in Germany

Abstract Background For the adult population, evidence suggests that a high level of subjective health literacy is associated with a number of favorable health outcomes and behaviors. However, for younger populations, particularly children, little evidence is available. This study investigates the relationship between subjective health literacy, health outcomes, and health behaviors in children. Methods We conducted a representative survey of 4th-grade students (age 8-11) in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, between Oct. 2022 and Feb. 2023. Subjective health literacy was measured with the HLS-Child-Q15 questionnaire. For mental and physical well-being, the KINDL-R was used. For health behaviors, we asked about the frequency of (1) brushing teeth, (2) eating fruit and (3) vegetables, (4) exercising, (5) consuming sweetened drinks, and (6) wearing a helmet when riding the bike. Regression analysis was used to determine the impact of health literacy on outcomes, controlling for a number of sociodemographic indicators (birthplace, home language, sex, age), as well as the tendency to give socially desirable responses. Health behaviors were rated on a Likert scale and where dichotomized for ordinal regression. Results n = 1085 students are included with a mean age of 9.5 years (SD=.6). 50.3% are female. While controlling for a number of variables, health literacy was a significant predictor (p<.05) for every indicator except the frequency of (1) brushing teeth, (4) exercising, and (5) consumption of sweetened drinks. For mental well-being, health literacy was the strongest predictor. Conclusions Our findings highlight the potentially enabling role of subjective health literacy regarding favorable health outcomes and health behaviors. However, because this is a study among younger children, further research is needed on the interplay of individual subjective health literacy, social contexts (e.g., parental health literacy and health behaviors), and children’s health outcomes and behaviors.

Determinants of cervical cancer screening among women of childbearing age in four sub-Saharan African countries: insights from large population surveys

BackgroundCervical cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related mortality among women in Africa. Cervical cancer screening in women is associated with decreased incidence and mortality of cervical cancer. There is a dearth of recent data regarding the prevalence and associated factors of cervical cancer screening in sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, this study is intended to determine the prevalence and associated factors impacting cervical cancer screening among women in four sub-Saharan African countries.MethodsData from the recent demographic and health surveys of four countries in sub-Saharan Africa conducted between 2022 and 2023. Multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression was used to determine the factors associated with the outcome variable. Variables with a p-value < 0.05 were declared statistically significant.ResultsThe prevalence of cervical cancer screening among women of childbearing age in four sub-Saharan African countries was 8.90% (95% CI: 8.67%, 9.13%). At the individual level, being older, educated, non-breastfeeding, employed, wealthier, sexually active, using contraceptives, having media exposure, visiting healthcare facilities in the last 12 months, and residing in urban areas were associated with higher odds of cervical cancer screening. At the community level, being from communities with a high level of literacy and media exposure increases the odds of cervical cancer screening among women in sub-Saharan Africa.ConclusionThe prevalence of cervical cancer screening among childbearing-age women was found to be low. To improve cervical cancer screening practices among women of childbearing age, it is therefore advised to support women’s empowerment, mass media campaigns, and regular visits to healthcare facilities.

Socioeconomic Determinants of Household Access to HIV/AIDS Healthcare in Kibra Sub-County, Nairobi County, Kenya

This study examined the impact of social and economic factors on the uptake of HIV/AIDS care in Kibra Sub County, Nairobi. The research was grounded in Behavioral theory and focused on how household income, literacy levels, and access to health information influenced the adoption of HIV/AIDS treatment. A descriptive survey design approach was employed, involving a sample of 365 households chosen through simple random and stratified sampling techniques from target population of 61,690 households, as outlined by Krejcie and Morgan's formula. Data collection was carried out using key informant interviews and self-administered questionnaires. Descriptive techniques, such as frequency and median analysis, as well as inferential techniques, such as bivariate correlation analysis, chi-square testing, and binomial logistic regression, were used. The results were displayed using tables, graphs, and percentages. Thematic analysis was also used to examine qualitative data in order to find new topics. The analysis revealed a strong positive relationship between access to health information and the likelihood of seeking treatment. Households with higher income and literacy levels were more likely to pursue HIV/AIDS care. Quantitative results showed that access to HIV-related information increased the likelihood of treatment uptake by 6.666 times. Additionally, increased household income and higher literacy levels were linked to a 7.434-fold and 3.554-fold rise, respectively, in the probability of seeking care. The study concluded that socio-economic factors, particularly income, literacy, and information access, significantly influenced healthcare-seeking behaviors in Kibra. To enhance access to HIV/AIDS treatment, it is recommended that policymakers, NGOs, and other stakeholders implement targeted interventions, including income-generating programs and comprehensive health education, to address the socio-economic barriers that hinder healthcare uptake.

“It is the best Tool we have, but that doesn’t mean it’s a Good Tool”: Czech Civically Engaged Youth Actors on Tackling the Ambiguity of Using Digital Media

This paper explores the ambiguities of using digital media in youth’s civic engagement, acknowledging the unprecedented transformation of the senses of public and private, and the pivotal role of the digital context in shaping citizenship. It presents results from a thematic analysis of post-sorting interviews conducted within a Q research among civically engaged youth actors aged 13-18 (n=20) from Czechia, mapping their experiences with digital media. The study identifies six key themes that point to the ever- present balancing of the risks and opportunities in pursuing the participants’ agendas online. The results reveal a high level of online resilience and digital literacy of the participants, exposing coping strategies they adopt while navigating the online spaces. The study also reports on the transformed notion of sociality, pointing to the glocal implications for active engagement in the digital age, which allows garnering support from peer groups and communities on a transnational basis.

Association Between Cancer Screening Patterns and Carer Literacy in Individuals With Cognitive Decline: An Observational Study.

The incidence rates of dementia, mild cognitive impairment, and cancer increase with age, posing challenges to affected individuals and their families. However, there are currently no clear cancer screening guidelines for individuals with cognitive impairment. This study analyzed the impact of carer health literacy on screening behaviors in this population. We conducted a postal follow-up survey, associated with the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology-Life STORIES of People with Dementia, that targeted primary carers to assess their reports regarding patient attendance at regular cancer screenings recommended by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, over the preceding 2 years. Screening rates were compared between the memory clinic cohort and the national average, and the influence of carer health literacy level on screening was analyzed. Among the 826 total individuals analyzed, the memory clinic cohort exhibited lower breast cancer screening rates, at 11% among female patients aged 65-74 years versus the national average of 32%. Higher health literacy among carers was significantly associated with increased screening. For female patients, carers with high levels of communicative health literacy were more likely to ensure that patients attended screenings for gastric (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.77; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03-3.04), colorectal (AOR, 1.70, 95% CI 1.08-2.70), and breast cancers (AOR, 3.08; 95% CI, 1.40-6.76). Among the male patients, high communicative health literacy was associated with increased lung cancer screening attendance (AOR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.11-2.99). Our research highlights a notable gap in cancer screening attendance between individuals with cognitive impairment and the general population, potentially arising from the intricate nature of screening procedures and the extensive burden on carers. More informed decisions and increased screening rates can be achieved through patient-centric communication strategies that accommodate the cognitive abilities of patients, ensuring the comprehensibility and accessibility of health-related information.

Mental health literacy for public employees

PurposeAlthough mental disorders are common in the workplace, they often go unnoticed. There is frequently a gap in the recognition and effective management of these disorders, leading to delayed recovery and worsening conditions. This study evaluates the level of Mental Health Literacy (MHL) among employees of the Finance and Planning Departments in the Federal District, Brazil, and proposes preventive measures and de-stigmatization strategies for mental health in the workplace.MethodsMHL among active employees was assessed using the Mental Health Literacy Scale (MHLS), developed by O’Connor and Casey (2015) and validated for Brazilian Portuguese by Buta et al. (2024). The data analysis included descriptive and inferential statistics, with nonparametric tests used to compare MHL across different groups.ResultsThe results showed that 27.6% of participants had adequate literacy, 67.9% had problematic levels, and 4.5% had inadequate levels. Women were observed to have higher literacy levels than men. Additionally, significant variations in literacy levels were noted among individuals with different health conditions; those diagnosed with cancer, depression, or other illnesses had higher literacy than those without diagnosed conditions.ConclusionTo address MHL challenges, educational actions such as awareness campaigns, training, and consultancy programs are essential.

The Mediating Effect of Organizational Communication Climate on Media Literacy and Communication Competence of Higher Education Institution Teachers

This study explored the mediating role of organizational communication climate on the relationship between media literacy and communication competence among higher education institution teachers. Using a quantitative, non-experimental correlational design, data were gathered from 200 professors at Higher Education Institutions in Davao City through purposive sampling and online surveys. The researcher employed statistical tools such as mean, Pearson r, and medgraph with Sobel Z-test. The findings revealed high levels of media literacy and organizational communication climate, while communication competence was found to be very high. Significant relationships were identified between media literacy and communication competence, as well as between organizational communication climate and communication competence. However, no significant relationship was observed between media literacy and organizational communication climate. Additionally, organizational communication climate was found to partially mediate the relationship between media literacy and communication competence among the teachers.

Understanding mobile health literacy among the working-age population: A cross-sectional study in Thailand

Mobile health (mHealth) literacy refers to the ability of individuals to seek, find, understand, and evaluate health information accessed via mobile devices. In Thailand, an assessment of mobile health literacy among the working-age population (25-59 years old) across the country is still needed to gain a better understanding of the current landscape of this concept as well as to create strategies for improvement. As a result, this study aimed 1) to assess mHealth literacy among the Thai working-age population, 2) to investigate differences in mHealth literacy among the Thai working-age population classified by demographic variables, and 3) to identify the predictive factors affecting mHealth literacy among the Thai working-age population. Cross-sectional survey research was conducted in this study with samples consisting of 600 working-age individuals derived from six regions across the country. Respondents were randomly selected using a multi-stage sampling method. Data were collected by a self-administered questionnaire. Mean, SD, t-test, One-Way ANOVA, and multiple regression analysis [MRA] were used for data analysis at a .05 level of significance. The results found that 1) the samples showed a high level of mHealth literacy (Mean = 4.32, SD = 0.58) 2), differences in mHealth literacy level were classified by gender, age, income, education, and region, and 3) perceived behavioral control, attitudes, and subjective norms were factors significantly affecting mHealth literacy. These findings can be used to plan and develop strategies for improving mHealth literacy among the Thai working-age population more effectively.

Relationship between Attitude Toward Aging, Health Literacy, and Utilization of Healthcare Services among Older Adults in Suburban Areas in Iligan City

Background and Aim Health literacy and attitudes towards aging have become increasingly important problems, especially as they relate to health care. This study focused on exploring the relationship between attitudes toward aging, health literacy, and utilization of healthcare services among older adults.  Methods Using quantitative, descriptive-correlational design, data were collected from 150 older adults through structured questionnaires.  Results Older adults agreed that the services are being provided adequately. The study found a positive correlation between having adequate knowledge to manage health and the accessibility of healthcare services, and it also indicated that providing adequate information to the public can increase their knowledge about health services and facilities provided. Providing adequate information to the public can increase their knowledge about the health services and facilities provided.  Conclusion These results highlight the need for intervention that increases the utilization of healthcare services among older adults. The overall attitude towards aging is positive. High levels of health literacy are essential to enhance their ability to access and improve utilization of healthcare services. A positive attitude toward aging correlates to the accessibility of healthcare highlighting the importance of considering attitudes in the healthcare concept. There was a significant relationship between attitude toward aging, health literacy, and utilization of healthcare services among older adults.

Art literacy of masters students and masters in folk artistic culture

Introduction. The relevance of studying the phenomenon of artistic literacy is determined by the fact that the ability to understand art is a necessary skill of a modern person. Artistic literacy at work refers to the ability to study art, as well as apply this knowledge when creating your own works of art. The purpose of this article: to study the characteristics of artistic literacy of undergraduates and masters of folk art culture. Materials and methods. This study of artistic literacy was carried out through a diagnostic method. The sample members were masters and undergraduates in the field of study 51.04.02 “Folk artistic culture” in the direction “Musical heritage of the Russian people”, studying or completing their studies at I.A. Bunin Yelets State University. The sample consisted of 43 respondents (N=43). At the time of the study, 19 subjects were studying in the 1st and 2nd years of a master’s degree; 24 subjects completed their studies in this master’s program in 2021-2023. The “Artistic Literacy Scale” by I. Yucetoker was identified as a diagnostic technique, which includes 26 statements. Each statement is asked to be rated on a 5-point scale. The artistic literacy scale consists of 4 factors: “Information need”, “Research activity”, “Use of knowledge of the artistic field in scientific activity”, “Transfer of the results of scientific research into the artistic field into performance and creativity”. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS software. To process the results of the diagnostic technique, a t-test for independent samples was used. Also, to identify certain aspects of the conditions for the formation of artistic literacy, interviews were conducted with some of the study participants. Results. The level of artistic literacy among all members of the sample is quite high. There were no statistically significant differences among the groups of respondents distributed by gender (t (43) = 1.42; p &gt; 0.05), while statistically significant differences were observed between the groups of undergraduates and masters (t (43) = 3.02; p &gt; 0.05). Master's students demonstrate better results, which is determined by their professional experience. The main problem areas for master's students are related to the use of knowledge of the artistic sphere in scientific activities and the transfer of the results of scientific research into the artistic sphere into performance and creativity. Apparently, the process of developing functional literacy at a professional level is associated not only with receiving vocational education, but also with the first experience of professional activity. The high level of artistic literacy of master's students is due to the presence of such circumstances as passion for a certain creative and/or performing practice, extensive experience of solo or group participation in various musical or cultural projects. Scientific novelty. For the first time, based on a sample of Russian students, the results of assessing artistic literacy are shown. Practical significance. The results of the study can be used to optimize the process of organizing research work of undergraduates, as well as industrial internships.

Relationship between eHealth Literacy and Health Promoting behaviors among nursing students

Background: Utilizing health literacy is important in establishing knowledgeable health advancements and practices, which can become deterrents to promoting a healthy lifestyle. Technological advancements improve health information availability and accessibility that potentially affect the users’ proficiency and their capability in applying the accessed health information. However, accessing health information via IT for health promotion requires e-health literacy. Purpose: The objective of the study is to determine the relationship between eHealth literacy and health-promoting lifestyle behaviors among nursing students. Methods: Descriptive-correlational study was applied to 131 nursing students recruited through a purposive sampling method from a nursing school in Philippines. The researchers adopted original English version of the e-Health Literacy Scale and Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP) to collect the data. The gathered data were analyzed using descriptive analysis; frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and test the correlation using Pearson's r correlation. Results: A total of 131 nursing students were employed in the study with a mean age of 20.14 (±1.22). Participants were female (71.8%) and are Level 1 students (44.3%) The mean of the total sum score for eHealth literacy was 31.24 (±4.30) while the over-all item mean was 3.92 (±0.54). On the other hand, the health-promoting behavior has a mean score of 2.43 (±0.43) while its subscales have a mean score of 2.46 (±0.45) for nutrition, 2.45 (±0.62) for physical activity, and 2.39 (±0.47) for health responsibility. It was found that eHealth literacy had a significant relationship with the students’ health-promoting behavior (r=0.245, p=0.005). Hence, students who have a high level of eHealth literacy are more inclined to perform healthy behaviors. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the development of strategies to improve the e-health literacy of nursing students may contribute to the maintenance of their health-promoting behaviors. Identified intervention strategies based on eHealth literacy are needed to encourage healthy practices, which may reduce risks of illnesses due to unhealthy lifestyle behaviors among nursing students.

The Influence of Sharia Financial Literacy and Perceived Usefulness on the Decision of the Muslim Generation to Choose the Shopee Paylater

This research is motivated by the use of Shopee Paylater which is one of the most popular services. This attraction is a challenge for the Muslim generation to choose a payment method in online transactions that does not deviate from sharia principles. As data presented by CNBC Indonesia states that the younger generation was recorded as the largest contributor to paylater non-performing loans as of April 2023 at 9.7%.Islamic financial literacy is a guide for the community in managing finances in line with sharia principles. And perceived usefulness is a person's description of the usefulness of technology service products for one's performance. So the purpose of this study is to analyze the effect of Islamic financial literacy and perceived usefulness on the decision to choose the Shopee Paylater payment method. This research uses quantitative research. The data analysis method used is multiple linear regression analysis with the SPSS 25 analysis tool. The results of this study indicate that Islamic financial literacy has a significant negative effect on the decision to choose the Shopee Paylater payment method and perceived usefulness has a significant positive effect on the decision to choose the Shopee Paylater payment method. This means that if someone has a high level of Islamic financial literacy, the decision to choose Shopee Paylater will decrease. And if someone has a good perceived usefulness of using Shopee Paylater, the decision to choose Shopee Paylater will increase. So that efforts that need to be made to overcome the phenomenon of high rates of non- performing loans for the younger generation are increasing Islamic financial literacy and educating the public on the wise use of technology.

The Effect of Health Literacy on Health Status in Patients with Heart Failure: A Path Analysis.

Managing heart failure (HF) is challenging because of its complexity and high rates of hospitalization, morbidity, and mortality. Effective management requires coordination between patients' abilities and healthcare services; however, low health literacy among patients with heart failure can adversely affect their health status. Therefore, the understanding relationship between health literacy and health status would provide the evidence for developing future intervention. This analytical study explored multilevel factors influencing health literacy and health status in patients with heart failure (HF) who underwent health service delivery at outpatient clinics. The sample consisted of 453 patients with HF from 12 hospitals located in five regional areas (north, south, east, northeast, central, and Bangkok) in Thailand. A hypothetical model was used to test the association between comorbidity, social support, patient-centered care, health service delivery, health literacy, and health status. Path analysis was used to analyze the data. The results indicated that 40.8% of patients with HF exhibited low or inadequate levels of health literacy, yet perceived their health status as good, with an average of 25.2±19.8 points. Health service delivery by a cardiologist and nurse case manager directly influences health literacy. Comorbidity had a direct impact on health status, whereas social support, patient-centered care, and the aforementioned health service delivery indirectly affected health status through health literacy. Importantly, health literacy status directly influences health status. Comorbidity, social support, patient-centered care, and health service delivery were related with health literacy and high level of health literacy could influence the better health status. To increase the quality of health care services, health care providers should promote health literacy and integrate the concept of patient-centered care for HF patients at outpatient clinics. Recommendations include the training of nurses as case managers.

Analisis Pengaruh Literasi Keuangan Islam terhadap Inklusi Keuangan Syariah pada Generasi Milenial

Currently, there are still heated discussions regarding the low level of sharia financial literacy and inclusion, which causes a lack of competitiveness. At the same time, Indonesia is entering an era of demographic bonus, which can be seen from the large number of millennial generations and a Muslim population of 237.56 million people (86.7% of the total population). This research uses a quantitative approach with survey methods to collect data from a sample of the millennial generation in Indonesia. The research instrument is a questionnaire designed to measure the level of Islamic financial literacy and use of Islamic financial products and services. Data analysis was carried out using the SmartPLS tool to test the relationship between Islamic financial literacy and Islamic financial inclusion. The validity and reliability of the instrument were tested before data collection to ensure the accuracy of the research results. The research results show that there is a positive and significant relationship between Islamic financial literacy and Islamic financial inclusion. Millennials with a high level of Islamic financial literacy tend to be more active in using sharia financial products and services. This research has important implications for stakeholders, including governments, financial institutions, and educational organizations, to strengthen Islamic financial literacy programs to encourage wider participation in the Islamic financial system.

Civic Literacy and Disinformation in Democracies

The aim of this study is to explore civic literacy as an approach to counter disinformation in democracies. From group interviews, we elicit, categorize, and analyze diverse perspectives on disinformation in Sweden, previously upheld as a country with high civic literacy levels. We focus on people’s understandings of disinformation, their assessment of their own abilities to discern disinformation, and their ideas about how increased resilience to disinformation could be achieved. Our findings, based on input from 73 interviewees across Sweden, suggest that shared basic knowledge on disinformation is lacking. Moreover, there is a related weak understanding of what constitutes authentic information. Those with low awareness operate on a logic of beliefs, implying that measures to improve factuality and objectivity could not even be aspired for. Still, there are also constituents showing advanced understandings. The majority of respondents call for new measures to strengthen citizen knowledge and skills and generate many proposals to that end. Our results indicate that citizen competence needs to increase considerably to keep up with the rapidly evolving disinformation environment. A concerted drive to boost citizen knowledge and skills, tailored to different constituencies, is needed for the democratic system to work as intended.

Treatment patterns and preferences of people living with HIV starting or switching antiretroviral therapy: Real-world evidence from Portugal.

There is a lack of up-to-date real-life evidence on antiretroviral therapy (ART) strategies among people living with HIV (PLWH) in Portugal. This study aimed to describe the treatment strategy used in PLWH either initiating or switching ART. Non-interventional, cross-sectional, multicenter study carried out between December 2019 and October 2021 in Portugal. A total of 237 PLWH were included in this study, 171 of whom were ART-experienced and 66 were ART-naïve. The study showed that triple regimens were the most common ART strategy and integrase strand transfer inhibitors-based therapy was the most frequently used therapeutic class in both ART-naïve and ART-experienced PLWH. Nevertheless, about a third of PLWH who started a triple regimen transitioned to a dual regimen. Patient-reported outcomes revealed high HIV literacy and similar ART preferences in both groups. This real-world study showed that triple regimens were the most widely used ART strategy, even after the European AIDS Clinical Society guidelines introduced the recommendation of a dual regimen for naïve patients. The cohorts of this study presented a high level of HIV literacy at the time of inclusion. Our findings highlighted that taking pills only once a day is considered a very important feature for most patients.