Hold Positive Attitudes Research Articles

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of dietary management among patients with rheumatoid arthritis in China

BackgroundThis study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding dietary management among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted at JiuJiang NO.1 People’s Hospital from November 2023 to May 2024. Data were gathered using structured questionnaires that solicited demographic information and measured KAP scores related to dietary management in RA patients.ResultsThe survey yielded 504 valid questionnaires. Of the respondents, 306 (60.71%) had a Body Mass Index (BMI) within the optimal range of 18.5–23.9 kg/m2. The mean scores for knowledge, attitude, and practice were 10.13 ± 3.58 (possible range: 0–22), 31.38 ± 2.38 (possible range: 9–45), and 4.46 ± 2.30 (possible range: 0–12), respectively. Correlation analysis revealed significant relationships between knowledge and practice (r = 0.294, p < 0.001) as well as between attitude and practice (r = 0.178, p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression showed that knowledge score (OR = 1.165, 95% CI: [1.078, 1.259], p < 0.001) was independently associated with proactive practice. The structural equation model (SEM) results showed that knowledge had direct effects on attitude (β = 0.291, p < 0.001) and practice (β = 0.188, p < 0.001). Meanwhile, attitude had a direct impact on practice (β = 0.081, p = 0.045).ConclusionThis study indicates that patients with RA generally demonstrate inadequate knowledge but hold positive attitudes toward dietary management, despite relatively inactive practices in implementing such dietary changes. Healthcare providers should prioritize educational interventions that not only enhance patient understanding but also actively support the implementation of dietary management strategies in clinical settings.

Knowledge, attitudes, behavior, and self-efficacy related to evidence-based practice among healthcare professionals working in the municipal healthcare service in Norway: a cross-sectional survey

BackgroundPracticing the process of evidence-based practice (EBP) may be challenging for healthcare professionals and may be affected by their EBP knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy, and behavior. We have some insight into how Norwegian healthcare professionals and students perceive EBP. However, research on the perception of EBP among primary healthcare professionals working in the Norwegian municipal health service is lacking. This study aimed to map EBP knowledge, attitudes, behavior, and self-efficacy among healthcare professionals working with older people in the municipal health service in Norway and to examine associations between how they score and their background characteristics.MethodsA cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted among healthcare professionals in the Norwegian municipal healthcare service. We used the revised Norwegian version of the Evidence-based practice profile questionnaire (EBP2-N) to measure the healthcare professionals’ EBP knowledge, attitudes, behavior, and self-efficacy, operationalized through the five domains of the EBP2-N. We calculated the mean scores for each EBP domain across the total sample and for each subgroup of healthcare professionals. We used a one-way between-groups analysis of variance (ANOVA) to analyze the differences in mean scores between the professions. We also calculated eta-squared values to determine effect size. We used linear regression analyses to examine associations with background variables.ResultsA total of 313 healthcare professionals, including nurses, assistant nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and medical doctors, responded to the survey. The total sample scored the highest on the relevance domain, with a mean domain score of 58.9 (95% CI = 58.1–59.7) on a scale ranging from 14 to 70. The practice domain had the lowest score, with a mean domain score of 22.2 (95% CI = 20.8–21.6) on a scale ranging from 9 to 45. Statistically significant differences in mean scores were found between professions in all domains except the confidence domain. The most considerable differences between professions’ mean scores were found for the relevance and terminology domains, with eta-squared values of 0.13 and 0.19, respectively. The multivariate regression results showed that EBP training was significantly associated with the sum score of the relevance, terminology, and confidence domain. However, EBP training was not associated with the sum score of the practice and sympathy domains.ConclusionsPrimary healthcare professionals in the Norwegian municipal healthcare service hold positive attitudes toward EBP. However, they report a low understanding of research terms, low self-efficacy in performing EBP activities, a lack of perceived compatibility of EBP with professional work, and a low frequency of EBP behavior. Additionally, we observed differences among the included professions in four out of five domains, suggesting that various professions may be unequally prepared for EBP. Finally, our results indicate potential positive outcomes of EBP training. Those who received EBP training exhibited more positive attitudes, a better understanding of common research terms, and higher self-efficacy in performing EBP activities. However, EBP training was not associated with their self-reported EBP behavior.Trial registrationRetrospectively registered (prior to data analysis) in OSF Preregistration. Registration DOI: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/428RP.

Social Acceptance Among Children with Learning Difficulties

This study explores social acceptance among children with general learning difficulties/children with special needs (CSN) using a qualitative approach involving structured interviews with 144 students and in-depth interviews with three teachers. The research highlights the social dynamics of CSN inclusion, emphasizing the importance of a supportive environment, positive teacher attitudes, and peer education programs in promoting social integration. Findings show that students, particularly females at the junior high level, generally hold positive attitudes towards CSN. At the same time, concerns over emotional behaviors like tantrums create interaction challenges, especially among elementary school boys. Teachers ensure equal participation for CSN through individualized support, inclusive activities, and peer support systems. This study's originality lies in its comprehensive exploration of peer attitudes across educational levels. It offers insights into gender differences, behavioral challenges, and the teacher's role in promoting inclusive education through adaptive teaching methods and social support.

Future of Undergraduate Education for Sustainable Development Goals: Impact of Perceived Flexibility and Attitudes on Self-Regulated Online Learning

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of online learning, particularly in higher education institutions. This shift underscores the importance of sustainable education practices aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). SDG 4 emphasizes inclusive and equitable quality education, highlighting how online learning environments can enhance accessibility and flexibility for students worldwide. SDG 9 underscores the role of technological advancements in education. SDG 10 focuses on reducing inequality within and among countries, and online education can bridge educational disparities by offering flexible learning options to diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. SDG 17 emphasizes the importance of partnerships, which have been crucial in developing effective online learning solutions. This study investigates the relationship between undergraduate students’ self-regulated online learning, perceived flexibility, and attitudes towards the use of distance learning environments at a state university in İzmir, Türkiye. Utilizing a survey-type correlational research model, data were collected from 300 undergraduate students. The results indicate that undergraduate students exhibit high-level self-regulation, perceive moderate flexibility, and hold positive attitudes towards the use of distance learning environments. The analysis showed that self-regulated online learning is moderately correlated with perceived flexibility and strongly correlated with attitudes towards the use of distance learning environments. These findings suggest that both perceived flexibility and positive attitudes towards the use of distance learning environments play important roles in predicting self-regulated online learning. This research provides valuable insights for educators and institutions aiming to enhance the online learning experience by promoting self-regulated learning behaviors and flexible learning environments.

Perceptions of distributive justice and public attitudes towards government welfare responsibility in China: moderating role of urban-rural and regional difference

ABSTRACT While current research mainly focuses on the social justice of contemporary people, it lacks attention to generational contradictions and distributive justice. This article analyses how citizens’ perceptions of distributive justice shape public attitudes towards government welfare responsibility in China. Using China General Social Survey data in 2015, it found that people upholding strong perception of intergenerational justice hold positive attitudes towards government responsibility for welfare provision, while people with strong perception of intragenerational justice are less supportive. Besides, intragenerational justice could mediate the effect of intergenerational justice on public attitudes towards government welfare responsibility. Furthermore, it reveals profound urban-rural and regional difference could moderate the effects of citizen’s perception of intergenerational justice and intragenerational justice on public attitudes. These findings indicate that a more unified welfare system should be established, and expand the spatial boundaries of social justice for both the present and future generations.

Perspectivas docentes sobre el Aprendizaje Socioemocional en Colombia: Desigualdad, escaso entrenamiento basado en evidencia, postconflicto y políticas públicas

Evidence-based Socio-Emotional Learning (SEL) programs promote the acquisition of intrapersonal and interpersonal competencies, such as self-awareness, self-control, social awareness, social skills, and responsible decision-making, within educational settings. To optimize the socio-emotional development of students, it is crucial to understand teachers' knowledge, practices, and context regarding SEL (Humphries et al., 2018). Despite various calls to address the socio-emotional development of children in educational contexts in Colombia (Pérez, 2016), there is limited research on SEL. This qualitative study investigated the perspectives of thirteen teachers from diverse sociocultural contexts in Colombia. Specifically, it explored teachers' knowledge about SEL, their actions to promote the socio-emotional development of their students, and their needs and barriers. The interviews were designed based on previous studies that examined teachers' knowledge and practices related to SEL (e.g., Bridgeland et al., 2013; Buchanan et al., 2009; Humphries et al., 2018). Thirteen semi-structured interviews were conducted, and Flick's (2014) methodology was used for data reduction, reorganization, and representation. The results show that teachers have a solid understanding of socio-emotional skills and hold positive attitudes toward SEL. However, socioeconomic disparities and lack of training hinder the implementation of evidence-based SEL, especially in rural schools affected by armed conflict. Teachers highlighted the need for SEL training and the importance of culturally sensitive and trauma-informed practices, supported by public policies. Creating a supportive environment for the implementation of SEL is crucial. Through targeted training and culturally sensitive practices, teachers can effectively promote the socio-emotional well-being of all students. These findings underscore the importance of investing in SEL education, especially in contexts affected by socioeconomic disparities and armed conflict, to promote the socio-emotional development of at-risk students.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices on Circular Economy among Senior Managers of Ethiopian Textiles and Agro-Food Processing Companies

AbstractCompanies are increasingly seeking to adopt a Circular Economy (CE) approach when aiming for greater corporate sustainability. In Ethiopia, a country rapidly industrializing, a CE approach in line with Ethiopia’s Green Manufacturing Strategy offers businesses a more sustainable and efficient economic approach than linear value chains. This study evaluates approaches towards implementing CE principles into novel business practices, focusing on the crucial role of senior business managers. Drawing on a sample of 145 senior managers of Ethiopian textiles and agro-food processing companies, we analysed their knowledge, attitudes, and practices vis-à-vis CE. The findings show that managers have high levels of knowledge about CE and hold positive attitudes towards it, although their companies’ practices did not reflect this. Logistic regression analysis showed that environmental management training, business circularity strategies, and the type of managerial positions are the major determinants of managers’ willingness to adopt circular practices. A critical finding was that participation in environmental management training and their managerial status negatively affect the willingness to adopt circular practices. Based on these findings, the study offers key recommendations focused on the potential to build CE models at the corporate level in developing countries, such as Ethiopia, through policy change and improved education and training.

Enhancing Hospital-Acquired Infection Prevention Practices: Strategies for Healthcare Workers in Low- and Middle-Income Settings: Insights from a Study on Healthcare Workers in Western Uganda

In low- and middle-income hospital settings, hospital-acquired infections can occur among patients or arise among hospital staff, posing a significant challenge. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to preventing hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) and the associated factors among healthcare workers at Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital in Kabarole district, western Uganda. Conducted between January and March 2011, this hospital-based cross-sectional study employed simple random sampling to select 236 participants, achieving a 100% response rate. Structured self-administered questionnaires were utilized for data collection. Descriptive analysis was employed to present the main findings, revealing that 90% of participants had good knowledge and 57.2% held positive attitudes towards HAI prevention. However, only 36% demonstrated good practices in this regard, indicating suboptimal scores. Significant associations were found between levels of education and work experience and attitudes and practices related to HAI prevention (P value <0.005). Despite respondents exhibiting good knowledge and positive attitudes towards HAI prevention, this did not consistently translate into appropriate practices. Further, education level and work experience emerged as independent risk factors influencing attitudes and practices concerning HAI prevention. To bridge this gap, continuous on-the-job and off-the-job training, coupled with stringent adherence to updated standard operating procedures, are recommended. Keywords: Healthcare workers, HAI prevention, Hospital staff, Hospital settings, Work experience.

Factors Influencing Healthcare Workers' Knowledge of COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Study in Malaysia

As frontline defenders against the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers (HCWs) play a pivotal role in infection prevention and control (IPC). This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the factors influencing healthcare workers' (HCWs) knowledge of COVID-19 in a Malaysian healthcare setting. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in a tertiary hospital, involving 353 HCWs who completed a self-administered questionnaire. The study assessed HCWs' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to COVID-19 IPC. Statistical analysis, including logistic regression, was employed to identify factors influencing HCWs' knowledge. The study found that 79.9% of HCWs possessed a commendable level of knowledge, 86.4% held positive attitudes toward COVID-19 IPC measures, and an impressive 95.8% demonstrated safe practices in IPC. Factors significantly influencing HCWs' knowledge included level of education and participation in specialized IPC training programs. To effectively curb the spread of COVID-19, strategies should prioritize regular training, particularly for vulnerable HCW groups, while addressing identified risk factors for infection.

A Meta-Analysis on the Link Between Young People’s Social Environment, Socioeconomic Status, and Political Violence Outcomes

Young people are particularly likely to engage in political violence, hold positive attitudes towards political violence, and show willingness to engage in political violence. The social environment in which young people are immersed is characterized by factors increasing and protecting against the risk of such outcomes. The present meta-analysis systematically summarizes the body of studies on the link between political violence outcomes and risk and protective variables in the following domains: a) parents and family (familial support, familial conflict, parental control, importance of family, parental violence), b) radical networks and peers (having friends with racist or violent attitudes, membership in political groups that oppose mainstream politics, general membership in a peer group), c) school (school attachment, school achievement), and d) socioeconomic status. A total of 288 effect sizes from 44 reference samples met the selection criteria. Findings were combined using two- and three-level meta-analytic models. Average effect sizes ranged between very small to small (|r| = .03 to |r| = .26), with the largest effect sizes detected for membership in a political group that opposes mainstream politics and having friends with racist or violent attitudes. The results are constrained by the low number of eligible samples and the significant level of heterogeneity for many of the meta-analyses.

Enhancing Formative Assessment Practices in Chinese Classrooms: Opportunities and Limitations

This study examines the implementation of formative assessment in Chinese classrooms and the challenges faced by teachers in adopting this approach. The research focuses on four key aspects: teachers' understanding and conceptualization of formative assessment, their beliefs and attitudes towards it, the practices and strategies employed, and the obstacles encountered during implementation. The findings indicate that Chinese teachers generally have a good grasp of formative assessment and hold positive beliefs and attitudes towards it. However, challenges such as tight curriculum schedules, an exam-oriented education culture, limited teacher training and resources, and a lack of effective assessment tools and technology hinder the implementation of formative assessment practices. Reforms and innovations are necessary across various dimensions, including educational philosophy, policy systems, teacher training, and educational technology. Adequate training and support should be provided to enhance teachers' assessment literacy and improve their formative assessment practices. Policymakers and educational institutions should prioritize strengthening formative assessment practices and provide resources, support, and conducive environments for its effective implementation. Recent efforts, such as the release of new curriculum standards aimed at enhancing education quality and innovation in China, are promising steps in the right direction. By addressing these challenges and fostering a comprehensive understanding and application of formative assessment, teachers can effectively support student learning and development in Chinese classrooms.

Bad apples or rotten orchards? Public attitudes of interactions with police and the role of political ideology

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to explore the ideological gaps across a range of policing interactions with the public.Design/methodology/approachIn a survey distributed via Mechanical Turk (MTurk) (n = 979), the authors explore the role that respondents' political ideology plays in the agreement of 13 aspects of policing services, their demeanor and decorum.FindingsAttitudes toward policing interactions are slightly positive. Conservatives steadfastly hold positive attitudes about police. Liberals vacillate from negative to positive attitudes across the 13 policing interaction statements.Social implicationsAlthough small, there is an ideological consensus that police adequately protect citizens and are knowledgeable about the law.Originality/valueEven at record lows of public confidence in the police, some subsections of the sample, such as conservatives, firmly hold positive attitudes about police. The unwavering support for police by conservatives continues across the multi-item measure of policing interactions, whereas liberals illustrated less uniformity in their attitudes.

Language use, language attitudes, and identity in Aruba

Abstract This study investigates the language situation in Aruba, a Caribbean island that is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The main home language in Aruba is Papiamento, a Spanish/Portuguese lexifier creole, but Dutch was the only official language for centuries. English and Spanish are also widely used due to immigration, tourism, and the media. Carroll (2009, 2010, 2015) observes that Papiamento has high vitality, but also signals that speakers think that the language is under threat due to the increase in the use of English and Spanish. The aim of this study is to examine to what extent Carroll’s findings may be corroborated by a quantitative survey that accessed the views of a large group of people (809) from all over the island. The results indicate that Papiamento is the most frequently cited language regardless of backgrounds. People hold positive attitudes toward Papiamento and Aruban identity. Hence, our findings corroborate Carroll’s hypothesis that sentiments of language threat are mostly based in perception rather than in actual language use and attitudes.

Tracing the Relationship Between Pre-service Teachers’ Learning Styles and Attitudes Toward Online Learning

The present study attempted to uncover pre-service teachers’ attitudes toward online learning and investigate the relationship between these attitudes and their learning styles, year of study, gender, enrolled program, and grade points average (GPA). In this descriptive survey study, we recruited 337 pre-service teachers enrolled in a state university in Türkiye and having had to attend the emergency remote learning process during the COVID-19 pandemic in the spring semester of the 2020-2021 academic year. The findings revealed the participating pre-service teachers overall held positive attitudes toward online learning. Besides, while they had a high general acceptance of online learning, their attitudes toward its usefulness were relatively low. Most of the participants often adopted a multimodal learning style, and the kinesthetic learning style was highly preferred among unimodal learners. Those adopting the kinesthetic learning style had a more positive view of online learning than their peers adopting the visual and read/write learning styles. In addition, the male participants had more positive attitudes toward online learning than their female counterparts. However, the pre-service classroom teachers had lower attitudes toward online learning than their peers in the other programs. Finally, it is surprising that the participants with lower GPAs had higher attitudes toward online learning.

Attitudes toward depression among Ecuadorian physicians using the Spanish-validated version of the Revised Depression Attitude Questionnaire (R-DAQ)

PurposeDepression is inadequately recognized and managed, and physicians’ attitudes toward this condition and its treatment may play a part in this. This study aimed to assess Ecuadorian physicians' attitudes toward depression.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study conducted using the validated Revised Depression Attitude Questionnaire (R-DAQ). The questionnaire was delivered to Ecuadorian physicians, and the response rate was 88.8%.Results76.4% of participants had never received previous training in depression, and 52.1% of them indicated neutral or limited professional confidence when dealing with depressed patients. More than two-thirds of the participants reported an optimistic attitude toward the generalist perspective of depression.ConclusionOverall, physicians in Ecuador's healthcare settings were optimistic and held positive attitudes toward patients with depression. However, a lack of confidence in the management of depression and a need for ongoing training were found, especially among medical professionals who are not in daily contact with patients with depression.

Time Perspective in Relation to Academic Performance and Subjective Well-Being among Chinese Adolescents

In an effort to contribute to the study on time perspective and its influence on adolescents, the present study aimed to investigate the relationship between the time perspective and adolescents’ academic performance and time perspective and adolescents’ subjective well-being. In this study, time perspective has three dimensions, the past, present, and future, and is divided into time relation, time orientation, time frequency, and time attitudes. Subjective well-being consisted of four subscales to assess adolescents’ subjective well-being score, including the joy of learning, school connectedness, education purpose, and academic efficacy. A total of 379 students (176 males and 203 females) from seven middle and high schools in China participated in our study by responding to an online survey. The results showed that adolescents who think more frequently about the future and present and hold positive attitudes towards the present usually had better academic performance. Thinking more frequently about the present exerted a positive influence on adolescents’ subjective well-being. In contrast, past time perspective was not a major determining factor on either adolescent’s academic performance and subjective well-being.

Knowledge and Attitudes of Allied Health Professionals Towards End-Of-Life and Advance Care Planning Discussions With People With COPD: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive, life-limiting condition. End-of-life (EOL) and Advance Care Planning (ACP) discussions are essential, yet access and support remain inadequate. Allied health professionals (AHPs) commonly have ongoing relationships with patients and opportunities to discuss care outside acute crises as is considered best practice. Australian and New Zealand AHPs were invited to complete an anonymous, online, cross-sectional survey that aimed to explore knowledge, attitudes and practices, and associated perceived triggers and barriers to EOL and ACP discussions with patients with COPD. Closed survey responses were summarized descriptively and free-text thematically analysed. One hundred and one AHPs (physiotherapists, social workers and occupational therapists) participated. Many held positive attitudes towards ACP but lacked procedural knowledge. Half (50%) of participants routinely discussed EOL care with patients when perceiving this to be appropriate but only 21% actually discussed ACP with the majority of their patients. Many cited lack of training to engage in sensitive EOL discussions, with barriers including: 1) clinician lack of confidence/fear of distressing patients (75%); 2) perceived patient and family reluctance (51%); 3) organizational challenges (28%); and 4) lack of role clarity (39%). AHPs commonly have ongoing relationships with patients with chronic conditions but lack the confidence and role clarity to utilise this position to engage ongoing EOL and ACP discussions. While AHPs may not traditionally consider EOL and ACP discussions as part of their role, it is crucial that they feel prepared to respond if patients broach the topic.

Exploring Chinese high school students' performance and perceptions of scientific argumentation by understanding it as a three‐component progression of competencies

AbstractArgumentation plays a significant role in science as a scientific practice in which knowledge is constructed, evaluated, and modified. Scientific argumentation (SA) is thus a promising activity for students to pursue in order to think and act like scientists and to enhance their understanding of science. Considering the impact that assessments usually have on teaching and their role in understanding students' ability, this study aims to explore the assessment of scientific argumentation competence (SAC) and Chinese high school students' performance and perceptions of SA. This study, therefore, proposes a three‐component framework for understanding SAC, including the competencies to identify, evaluate, and generate the SA elements outlined in Toulmin's argument model. Based on this framework, we hypothesize three levels of SAC and develop a test including 22 items to see whether these proposed SAC elements are valid and to what extent they represent students' levels of SAC. An iterative procedure is adopted to develop and validate the assessment instrument, validity evidence is collected from the analysis of teachers' interviews, students' think‐aloud and follow‐up interviews, and from confirmatory factor analysis and Rasch analysis of students' scores on the test. The results suggest that the measure, which includes three SAC components has acceptable reliability and validity, and the three‐level progression of SAC is aligned with and further expands previous learning progressions of SA. We also find that most students in our sample are at level 1 of SAC and they in general hold positive attitudes toward learning through argumentation, but their willingness in engaging with SA tends to be affected by their perception of the intrinsic and practical value of SA and their personality. Providing them with explanations of SA elements does not improve their test performance.

A nationwide survey exploring physicians’ and pharmacists’ knowledge, awareness and perceptions regarding generic medicines in China

BackgroundGeneric medicines substitution is an important means to control rapid growth of pharmaceutical expenditures for the healthcare system in China. Acceptance and utilization of generic medicines is highly influenced by healthcare providers’ perceptions. This study aimed to compare the knowledge, awareness and perceptions of generic medicines between physicians and pharmacists in China.MethodsWe used an online, cross-sectional survey across China. The questionnaire explored four sections: demographic characteristics, assessment of the participants’ knowledge and awareness of generic medicines, perceptions of generic medicines and generic substitution practices. Chi-square or Mann–Whitney-U tests were applied to compare differences between physicians and pharmacists. P-values < 0.05 were considered significant.ResultsA total of 1644 physicians and 4187 pharmacists participated. Most physicians (82.8%, n = 1362) and pharmacists (89.8%, n = 3760) correctly identified the definition of generic medicines. A similar percentage of physicians and pharmacists agreed that approved generic medicines are as effective (64.1% vs 68.2%) or safe (63.8% vs 69.1%) as brand-name medicines. Most physicians and pharmacists (67.6% vs 71.0%) supported the policy of generic substitution. In practice, 79.4% (n = 1305) of physicians reported that they had prescribed generic medicines. More than 78% of respondents reported an obvious increase in the number of generic medicines prescribed in their medical institutions. The majority of physicians and pharmacists identified lack of trust regarding efficacy and safety of generic medicines and the difficulty of changing patients’ preference as top challenges in generic substitution.ConclusionsBoth physicians and pharmacists surveyed had adequate knowledge of generic medicines, and hold positive attitude towards generics and generic substitution. Efficacy and safety are key factors related to prescribing or dispensing generic medicines. Various policies and regulations should be taken to encourage successful generic substitution.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices toward COVID-19 and Vaccines among Chinese Small-Town Residents: A Cross-sectional Study.

ABSTRACT.China has basically controlled the COVID-19 epidemic as a result of widespread vaccination and other containment strategies, despite localized outbreaks, as of September 2021. This study investigates the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccines among Chinese small-town residents to provide suggestions for public health policy. Residents who were vaccinated against COVID-19 were asked to complete a paper questionnaire on KAP in Xidian, Zhejiang. The knowledge questionnaire consisted of 12 questions regarding COVID-19 and 12 questions regarding COVID-19 vaccines. Attitude and practice evaluation included agreement on the eventual control of COVID-19 and having recently worn a mask outside. Of 405 survey responders, 52.3% were male, 71.4% had middle school education or less, and 59.0% engaged in physical labor as an occupation. The correct answer rates of the COVID-19 section and the vaccine section were 79.2% and 71.7%, respectively. Age groups of 18 to 29 years and > 50 years, occupations of physical labor and unemployment, and primary school education and less were associated with lower knowledge scores. The majority of participants (91.6%) believed that COVID-19 will eventually be controlled, whereas women, students, and patients with chronic held relatively negative attitudes toward epidemic control. Most participants (87.4%) wore masks outside recently. In conclusion, Chinese small-town residents have a medium level of knowledge regarding COVID-19 and vaccines, hold positive attitudes, and have appropriate practices. Health education should be provided to the target populations to enrich their knowledge of COVID-19 and vaccines, and to improve their attitudes toward epidemic control.