Literacy Research Articles

On Urban Development Index of a Country: A Fuzzy Logic and Python Approach

The development index (DI) of a region is defined by various elements such as geography, population density, gross domestic product (GDP), GDP per capita, natural resources, markets, economic development, and other relevant factors. The traditional approach to classification usually depends on the country’s total land area measured in square kilometers. Nevertheless, the transition points between different levels of development size (small, medium, and giant) are highly subjective, resulting in frequent inconsistencies and conflicts. Fuzzy logic, a superset of conventional (Boolean) logic, extends the framework to include partial truth values, ranging from “fully true” to “totally false”. This development is especially essential since human reasoning, particularly commonsense reasoning, is approximate rather than precise. This study offers a model that uses fuzzy logic and the Mamdani fuzzy inference system (MFIS) to evaluate nine main cities in Pakistan based on their populations (POPs), gross domestic products (GDPs), and literacy rates (LR). The model includes variables for the antecedents (inputs) and the consequences (outputs). The input variables are the population (POP), GDP, and LR, while the output variable is the DI. The MFIS is used with Python programming tools, including the scikit-fuzzy library for inference and aggregation and matplotlib for graphics.

Women's enrollment in community-based health insurance and its determinants in Sidama national regional state, Ethiopia, 2024: A multilevel analysis.

Accessing affordable and high-quality healthcare remains a persistent challenge in low- and middle-income countries like Ethiopia. Community-based health insurance (CBHI) programs offer a promising solution to expand healthcare coverage and provide financial protection, particularly for vulnerable populations such as women. This study aimed to investigate the factors that influence CBHI enrollment among women in Sidama National Regional State, Ethiopia, using a multilevel analysis. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted using a multistage sampling technique from December 15th to January 12th, 2024, in the central Sidama zone, Sidama National Regional State. The study included 835 women aged 18 years and older, residing both in rural and urban areas. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using a pre-tested questionnaire to collect comprehensive data on socio-demographic, economic, and scheme-related factors. Data collection utilized the Open Data Kit mobile application, and data analysis was performed using Stata version 16, employing multilevel modified Poisson modeling to identify determinants of CBHI enrollment. Among 845 samples, 835 women were interviewed, resulting in a response rate of 98.8%. Individual-level factors such as older age (APR = 1.02, 95%CI: 1.01-1.03, p<0.001), larger family size (APR = 1.09, 95%CI: 1.03-1.16, p = 0.001), and moderate wealth index (APR = 2.72, 95%CI: 1.28-5.79, p = 0.009) showed positive associations with CBHI enrollment, depicted a higher likelihood of individuals joining the insurance scheme. In addition, at the community level, higher rates of women's literacy (APR = 1.73, 1.18-2.55, p = 0.005), and women's autonomy (APR = 2.64, 95%CI: 1.50-4.65, p = 0.001) were positively correlated with CBHI enrollment. The study revealed that the enrollment rate among women in the CBHI scheme was 35%, indicating a need for improved outreach efforts. Significant factors that affected enrollment included older age, larger family size, and moderate wealth. Additionally, positive community-level influences such as higher literacy rates and increased autonomy for women contributed to higher enrollment. To improve CBHI enrollment, the target should focus on younger women and those from smaller families. Financial support, such as subsidies for low-income women, can also encourage participation. Investing in women's literacy and empowerment programs will enable them to make informed health choices, thereby increasing enrollment. Finally, ongoing research is necessary to track enrollment trends and identify barriers. Utilizing qualitative methods will yield insights into women's perceptions of CBHI, facilitating more effective strategies. Implementing these recommendations can enhance women's access to healthcare through CBHI.

Antenatal care visits and its determinants among women in Afar regional state: North Eastern Ethiopia

BackgroundAntenatal care is an essential component of maternal healthcare that plays a crucial role in promoting the health and well-being of both mother and baby. While previous studies have examined factors influencing antenatal care visits in other parts of Ethiopia, there is a lack of research specifically focusing on the Afar region. This study aimed to assess determinants of antenatal care visits among pregnant women in Afar region, Ethiopia.MethodsThe data is 2019 Ethiopian Mini Demographic and Health Survey. In this study 641 weighted sample womens were included. Negative binomial regression model is applied.ResultsAbout 27.77% achieve optimal ANC visits. Living rural (IRR = 0.575, 95%CI: 0.467, 0.708). Reading whole sentences (IRR = 1.683, 95%CI: 1.212, 2.339). Under five children in house 1–2 (IRR = 0.789, 95%CI: 0.632, 0.984), 3–4 (IRR = 0.692, 95%CI: 0.509, 0.941), > = 5 (IRR = 0.075, 95%CI: 0.021, 0.268). Married (IRR = 1.550 95%CI: 1.172, 2.051), Widowed (IRR = 2.043, 95%CI: 1.238, 3.372). Age first birth 16–20 (IRR = 0.805, 95%CI: 0.652, 0.992). ConclusionThe study examined the utilization of antenatal care services among women in Afar regional state, North Eastern Ethiopia. The findings reveal that a significant proportion of women did not receive the recommended number of antenatal care visits during their pregnancy. Factors such as residence, mother’s literacy rate, age at first birth, number of living children, number of under five children in the house and marital status were major determinants of ANC (Antenatal Care) visit in Afar region. Increase access to antenatal care services by improving the availability and quality of health facilities in the region. Maternal health-care program should be expanded and mainly in rural areas of the region. Moreover, the necessary assessment and follow-up of ANC health care services should be encouraged in Afar region to decrease maternal mortality.

An In-Depth Analysis of the Oral Reading Comprehension of the Grade 7 Students of Liceo de Pulilan Colleges Inc.

Literacy, defined as the ability to read and write, was considered a vital skill for personal success and societal development. In the Philippines, the literacy rate was reported at 96% in 2019 (World Population Review, 2024). However, reading comprehension remained a significant concern. According to the 2022 Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), the Philippines ranked 76th out of 81 participating countries in reading comprehension (Servallos, 2023). This was not a new trend; in the 2018 PISA, the country had ranked the lowest among 79 nations, indicating a persistent challenge in improving reading skills among Filipino students. This study provided an in-depth analysis of the oral reading comprehension skills of Grade 7 students at Liceo de Pulilan Colleges Inc. It aimed to determine the factors that affected their reading proficiency and to identify strategies to enhance their comprehension abilities. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research assessed student performance through standardized tests, classroom observations, and teacher interviews. The findings revealed significant gaps in reading comprehension, which were attributed to several factors, including teaching methods, language exposure, socio-economic conditions, and limited access to reading resources. The study emphasized the need for targeted interventions and instructional improvements to bridge these gaps and foster a higher level of literacy among students. Ultimately, the research contributed to developing effective educational policies and practices that aimed to enhance reading skills, supporting students' academic success and lifelong learning potential.

An Assessment and Analysis of Financial Literacy in Kerala, India

Aims: To assess financial literacy levels in Kerala, India, using the OECD framework. Kerala's financial literacy rate (39%, NCFE 2019) underscores the need for targeted education programs. This study identifies gaps in financial knowledge, behavior, and attitudes, offering insights for policymakers to integrate financial literacy into education systems and community initiatives. Study Design: Cross-sectional quantitative survey. Place and Duration of Study: Conducted in Kerala, India across 14 districts from June to November 2024. Methodology: A sample of 125 respondents, selected using stratified random sampling, was surveyed. Financial literacy was measured based on the OECD framework's three dimensions: knowledge, behavior, and attitudes. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics and logistic regression to identify significant predictors. Results: 84% of respondents were moderately literate, 12% highly literate, and 4% financially illiterate. Gaps were identified in understanding compound interest and risk diversification, and in adopting long-term financial planning and budgeting behaviors. Conclusion: Education level significantly influenced financial literacy. The findings suggest integrating financial literacy programs into school curriculums and promoting community-based initiatives to address gaps in financial knowledge, behavior, and attitudes.

The Impact of FinTech on Traditional Banking: A Comparative Study of Adoption in Tier 1 and Tier 2 Cities

The rapid evolution of FinTech has fundamentally changed the financial services landscape, which is a significant challenge to traditional banking systems. This study explores the comparative adoption of FinTech platforms, such as UPI, digital wallets, and digital lending, versus traditional banking services in Tier 1 cities (e.g., Mumbai, Delhi) and Tier 2 cities (e.g., Lucknow, Coimbatore) in India. The research investigates consumer preferences, usage patterns, and factors driving the growth of FinTech in these unique geographic segments. Using the mixed-methods approach, it combines quantitative survey data (200 respondents) with qualitative insights gathered from industry experts. Primary data were collected through the source of consumers and banking professionals; secondary data will be supported through RBI, NPCI, and FinTech industry reports. Findings indicate that higher FinTech adoption is observed in Tier 1 cities, because of the well-developed digital infrastructure, literacy rates, and urban convenience. Conversely, Tier 2 cities show promising growth, driven by government initiatives like Digital India and increasing smartphone penetration, but face challenges like digital literacy gaps and trust issues. The study identifies the competitive forces on traditional banks, especially concerning retaining customers used to the fast and convenient ways of FinTech. It also stresses the role of FinTech in making financial services accessible to semi-urban areas to bridge the access gap for these underprivileged communities. The research concludes with actionable recommendations for banks and policymakers to adapt to the digital revolution, emphasizing collaboration between FinTech and traditional banks, improved security frameworks, and enhanced consumer education. Keywords: FinTech, Traditional Banking, UPI, Digital Payments, Tier 1 Cities, Tier 2 Cities, Financial Inclusion, Consumer Behaviour

P-635. “Exploring Knowledge and Barriers to HPV Vaccination among Mothers of 9-14 Years Olds - a Descriptive Study in a Tertiary Care Hospital”

Abstract Background Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is pivotal in preventing cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases. However, uptake remains suboptimal, partly due to parental knowledge gaps and barriers Association between Knowledge Level &amp; Factors Hindering Vaccination Methods This prospective descriptive study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in Trivandrum, Kerala. A structured preformed questionnaire was administered to total of 268 participants who were mothers of girl children aged 9-14 years attending outpatient pediatric department. The questionnaire assessed knowledge about HPV, the vaccine available for HPV, and factors influencing vaccinations. Results Among the 268 study subjects, a significant majority, comprising 91.4%, demonstrated a commendable level of understanding regarding the HPV vaccine. Various factors were identified as barriers to vaccination uptake, with safety concerns being the most prevalent, cited by 91% of respondents. Additionally, a notable percentage (36.9%) expressed uncertainty regarding potential future infertility concerns linked to the vaccine, while 67.2% cited the high costs associated with it as a deterrent. Nevertheless, an overwhelming majority (99.6%) acknowledged the indispensable role of vaccines in disease prevention. Conclusion The substantial knowledge observed within our study cohort can be credited to the state's commendable literacy rates and the concerted efforts of governmental and non-governmental entities to fortify healthcare awareness. This study provides valuable insights the gaps in knowledge and measures to augment HPV vaccination rates among adolescents. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Factors Compel Young Generation to Indulge in Cell Phone Use

Background: Cell phone is very important and wonderful communicative tools used by all age group people especially young generation. Extra sense of security and safety is probably one of the main reasons parents even consider getting a younger child a cell phone. This study was designed to assess perception of the people about young generations indulge in cell phone use. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 725 respondents selected purposively from areas of Dhaka North City and Dhaka South City Corporation. Relevant data were collected through face-to-face interview with the help of semi-structured questionnaire. Results: Among the total 725 respondents 63.0% were male and the rest 37.0% were female. In Bangladesh the sex ratio is 0.98 (980 males per 1,000 females). Regarding education, it was seen that most were literate (97.2%) having education from non-formal to graduation and above. Majority of the respondents (60.6%) were graduates and above and 20.8% passed higher secondary education. The literacy rate of Bangladesh in the urban area is 81.28 % while in rural area it is 71.56. The rate is higher among the male population which is 76.56%, while among female population it is 72.82%. Adult literacy rate is the percentage of people ages 15 and above whom can both read and write with understanding a short simple statement about their everyday life. One fifth (20.6%) of the respondents were service holders, 17.1% were students, 15.7% were doctors, and 14.1% were businessmen. Conclusion: Cell phone becomes most popular in adolescence students for special feature like social networking and gaming service. Although cell phone is useful and convenient, adolescences are dependent on cell phone more and more for unnecessary communication. Considering its negative impact of cell phone over use on physical and psychosocial health, public health programs should develop preventive strategies. JOPSOM 2023; 42(2): 1-6

Withholding diagnostic and prognostic information from patients in Pakistan: ethical and cultural perspectives

Dear Editor, I am writing to highlight a critical and often overlooked issue in our medical practice: withholding diagnostic and prognostic information from patients in favour of communicating primarily with family members. This practice raises significant ethical and legal concerns that merit urgent discussion. A significant portion of Pakistan's population—about 61%—resides in rural areas, where the literacy rate is approximately 59% [2,3]. Additionally, socio-economic factors play a major role, with over 37% of the population living below the poverty line [1]. Research indicates that patients with low literacy levels experience poorer health outcomes, including lower health knowledge, worse disease markers, higher morbidity, poorer general health status, and increased use of health resources. These patients are generally 1.5 to 3 times more likely to experience adverse health outcomes [4]. Consequently, medical decisions and treatment plans are frequently deferred to the household's primary earner rather than the patient, undermining the patient's autonomy. In countries such as the United States and Canada, patient autonomy is a fundamental principle of medical practice. Patients have the right to be fully informed about their health conditions and make care decisions. In his seminal work The Silent World of Doctor and Patient, bioethicists like Jay Katz argued that excluding patients from decision-making processes is a profound affront to their dignity and autonomy. Similarly, Beauchamp and colleagues, in Principles of Biomedical Ethics, stress the importance of respecting patient autonomy alongside beneficence and nonmaleficence. A recent cohort study concluded that when medical decision-making was conducted through shared decision-making, daily controller therapy adherence in patients with asthma was 84%, a considerable achievement [5]. Respecting patient autonomy does not mean indiscriminately sharing all information but fostering a trust-based relationship where the patient’s preferences for receiving information and involvement in clinical decisions are carefully considered. Healthcare providers must prioritize effective communication and uphold ethical standards by ensuring that patients are fully informed about their diagnoses and involved in their treatment plans. Educational institutions and healthcare organizations should emphasise the importance of these skills in medical training and continuing education programmes. I urge my fellow healthcare professionals to commit to promoting patient autonomy and transparency, ensuring that our patients are respected and their rights upheld in all aspects of their care.

Health Interventions for Health Promotion in Sub-Saharan Africa: Assessing Impact on Health Literacy and Comparative Analysis of Online Communication Channels

Introduction: Considering the increased incidence of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and the need for novel approaches to health promotion, this study investigates the feasibility of cross-country mHealth interventions in Sub-Saharan Africa. The study, which focuses on using digital platforms for health communication, intends to investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of cross-country mhealth interventions aimed at disseminating health promotion materials in Sub-Saharan Africa across various platforms. The study is based on the NCDs 365 project, a year-long health promotion initiative in five nations aimed at promoting NCD literacy. Methodology: The study utilized a multi-stage sample technique, including an intentional selection of five nations (Cameroon, Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, and Zimbabwe) with active local partner organizations conducting the initiative. The following stage was convenience sampling of members of these organizations who participated in the NCD365 project activities. Data gathering included the distribution of questionnaires via local partners, followed by thorough analysis using descriptive techniques and comparison tests such as ANOVA and the Kruskal-Wallis test. The extensive methodology ensured a broad and representative sample, which increased the findings' validity and generalizability. Results: The findings demonstrated the potential of mHealth interventions to close health literacy gaps and promote positive health behaviors throughout Sub-Saharan Africa. According to an analysis of online communication platform usage, WhatsApp was the most popular (58.6%), followed by X (20.8%) and Facebook (6.8%). The study also found significant trends in platform preference across all five countries. Furthermore, gender-specific study indicated comparable literacy rates, with males slightly outperforming females. The Kruskal-Wallis test found no significant difference in the efficacy of various online communication channels for health promotion, confirming the viability of cross-country mHealth programs. Conclusions: This study highlights the significant potential of cross-country mHealth interventions for health promotion in Sub-Saharan Africa. The study's strong methodology, agreement with current research, and gender-specific analysis add to its dependability and credibility. The findings of this analysis provide significant recommendations to policymakers seeking to optimize platform-specific policies and stimulate cross-country collaborations in health promotion. Finally, these findings expand the discussion on health literacy promotion and establish the groundwork for evidence-based recommendations that might drive effective health communication initiatives in the region and beyond.

Prevalence and Factors Associated With Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infections in the Northeast Region of Brazil

Objective: To estimate the positivity rate and the factors associated with the occurrence of soil-transmitted helminth infections in the Northeast region of Brazil to guide control measures. Theoretical Framework: Soil-transmitted helminth infections represent a significant burden on Brazilian public health and are associated with socioeconomic factors. Method: This ecological study, descriptive and explanatory in nature, analyzed data from 2017 to 2021 from the Information System of the Schistosomiasis Surveillance and Control Program (SISPCE), which also records data on soil-transmitted helminth infections. The data were collected through the Department of Informatics of the Unified Health System (DATASUS) and the Human Development Atlas of Brazil. Descriptive analyses of dependent variables were performed, as well as correlation analysis using Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) to examine relationships between positivity rates for soil-transmitted helminth infections and socioeconomic and demographic indicators. Results and Discussion: The positivity rates for ascariasis, hookworm infection, and trichuriasis were 4.8% (N=113,748), 3.8% (N=88,678), and 1.5% (N=35,456), respectively. A strong correlation was observed between the number of soil-transmitted helminth cases and factors such as access to piped water, per capita income, and illiteracy rates. Research Implications: The findings highlight the need for a broad approach to controlling soil-transmitted helminths, emphasizing poverty reduction, housing improvements, and health education. Originality/Value: This study underscores the necessity of integrated actions in sanitation, education, and poverty alleviation, while revealing an unexpected correlation between income inequality and soil-transmitted helminth cases.

Government, business and making China an educational powerhouse since the 1980s

This article examines how China successfully built a highly competent K-12 education system since the 1980s achieving high literacy rates, broad basic education, and gender equality. It argues that this success was driven by a strategy of blending public and private interests, known as the ‘walking on two legs’ approach, within an examination-oriented system. K-12 education was delivered through a combination of Central and local governments, state-owned enterprises, and the private sector with the rise of private tutoring, or ‘shadow education’. It goes on to explore why the Chinese government launched a major policy reversal after 2016 designed to transform what appeared a successful system. The article argues that this was in response to systemic dysfunctions and regional disparities in access to more prestigious schools and private training programs, as well as reflecting broader policy shifts towards greater centralisation.

Bridging the gap: Evaluating ChatGPT-generated, personalized, patient-centered prostate biopsy reports.

The highly specialized language used in prostate biopsy pathology reports coupled with low rates of health literacy leave some patients unable to comprehend their medical information. Patients' use of online search engines can lead to misinterpretation of results and emotional distress. Artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT (OpenAI) could simplify complex texts and help patients. This study evaluates patient-centered prostate biopsy reports generated by ChatGPT. Thirty-five self-generated prostate biopsy reports were synthesized using National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines. Each report was entered into ChatGPT, version 4, with the same instructions, and the explanations were evaluated by 5 urologists and 5 pathologists. Respondents rated the AI-generated reports as mostly accurate and complete. All but 1 report was rated complete and grammatically correct by the majority of physicians. Pathologists did not rate any reports as having severe potential for harm, but 1 or more urologists rated severe concern in 20% of the reports. For 80% of the reports, all 5 pathologists felt comfortable sharing them with a patient or another clinician, but all 5 urologists reached the same consensus for only 40% of reports. Although every report required edits, all physicians agreed that they could modify the ChatGPT report faster than they could write an original report. ChatGPT can save physicians substantial time by generating patient-centered reports appropriate for patient and physician audiences with low potential to cause harm. Surveyed physicians have confidence in the overall utility of ChatGPT, supporting further investigation of how AI could be integrated into physicians' workflows.

Demand side financing for promoting institutional delivery: experiences of Janani Suraksha Yojana in Indian states.

Public expenditure for the improvement of maternal health is crucial in addressing the major social and demographic challenges in developing countries like India. Accordingly, the Government of India initiated the Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) in 2005 as a flagship conditional cash transfer scheme to encourage institutional delivery in the country. While the provisions under the JSY remain uniform throughout the country, there are apprehensions that the impact would differ across the states as well as between the rural and urban setups depending on varied socio-economic conditions and local level dynamics. Besides, households' choice of the type of institution (i.e., government versus private healthcare centres) may also change following the implementation of the JSY. This paper examines these two critical but interrelated aspects. Using secondary data compiled mainly from the last two rounds of the National Family Health Survey and estimating panel data econometric models, the paper finds that interactions with health facilitators during pregnancy, and per capita income contribute positively to the increase in institutional delivery in India irrespective of whether the households are located in rural or urban areas. Importantly, the paper does not find any significant role of the JSY in this regard. On the contrary, the JSY encourages households to prefer public toprivate hospitals in both rural and urban areas, whereas preference for private hospitals is positively associated with the household head literacy rate in urban area and health insurance coverage and per capita income in rural areas. The findings suggest greater emphasis on quality enhancement of the government healthcare centres. Besides, active engagement of the health workers should also be encouraged, particularly in mobilising the community towards institutional delivery and linking them effectively with the related initiatives of the government.

Can public education campaigns equitably counter the use of substandard and falsified (SF) medical products in African countries?

Substandard and falsified (SF) medical products are a serious health and economic concern that disproportionately impact low- and middle-income countries and marginalized groups. Public education campaigns are demand-side interventions that may reduce risk of SF exposure, but the effectiveness of such campaigns, and their likelihood of benefitting everybody, is unclear. Nationwide pilot risk communication campaigns, involving multiple media, were deployed in Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Uganda in 2020-2021. Focus group discussions (n=73 FGDs with n=611 total participants) and key informant interviews (n=80 individual interviews and n=4 group interviews with n=111 total informants) were conducted within each of the four countries to ascertain the reach and effectiveness of the campaign. Small proportions of focus group discussants (8.0%-13.9%) and key informants (12.5%-31.4%) had previously encountered the campaign materials. Understandability was varied: the use of English and select local languages, combined with high rates of illiteracy, meant that some were not able to understand the campaign. The capacity for people to act on the messages was extremely limited: inaccessibility, unavailability, and unaffordability of quality-assured medicines from official sources, as well as illiteracy, constrained what people could realistically do in response to the campaign. Importantly, reach, understandability, and capacity to respond were especially limited amongst marginalized groups, who are already at greatest risk of exposure to SF products. These findings suggest that there may be potential for public education campaigns to help combat the issue of SF medicines through prevention, but that the impact of public education is likely to be limited and may even inadvertently widen health inequities. This indicates that public education campaigns are not a single solution; they can only be properly effective if accompanied by health system strengthening and supply-side interventions that aim to increase the effectiveness of regulation.

Assessment of the inclusiveness of health services and challenges in the context of scheduled tribes in Kerala

This study investigates the health challenges faced by scheduled tribes (S.T.s) in Kerala, a state renowned for its progressive health indicators. Despite significant advancements in healthcare, S.T.s remains marginalised, with a population of 484839 as per the 2011 census. The paper aims to assess the inclusiveness of health services, explore the stagnation of health outcomes in tribal areas, evaluate the effectiveness of health policies, and examine the adequacy of existing health infrastructure. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study reveals high illiteracy rates and limited access to employment as primary barriers to social and economic progress. Approximately 90 percent of the tribal population engages in seasonal, low-income labour, and around 80 percent live below the poverty line. Health issues prevalent among these communities include malnutrition, anaemia, and high rates of infectious diseases, exacerbated by inadequate sanitation and water facilities. The study highlights a concerning reliance on traditional practices, leading to underutilisation of available health services. Key findings indicate that maternal health and hygiene are critical areas needing intervention, particularly regarding menstrual health issues. The functioning of community health workers, such as ASHAs, requires enhancement to ensure timely access to healthcare information and services. Recommendations emphasise the need for targeted educational initiatives, improved employment opportunities, and better maintenance of health infrastructure to foster inclusivity and address the pressing health challenges faced by scheduled tribes in Kerala.

The Effects of Unemployment on Economic Growth in Saudia Arabia in the period 1995-2023

This study examined the relationship between unemployment and economic growth in Saudia Arabia for the period 1995 to 2023. The study utilized co-integration and error correction model approach. Although the unit root tests showed that the variables were integrated of different orders, the Johansen co-integration result showed that the variables were co-integrated. This study has revealed that unemployment, growth in government expenditure and gross fixed capital formation, population growth and education among others are significant explanatory variables of economic growth in Saudia Arabia under the period of study. Also, the result of the Error Correction Model analysis (ECM) shows that the unemployment has a negative and insignificant impact on economic growth over the period under study. Suggesting that higher unemployment leads to decreased GDP growth, indicating that unemployment rate increases economic growth becomes decline. The results of the study, show that, there is no causality relationship between unemployment and economic growth over the period under study. In addition, the results of causality test show that there is evidence of unidirectional causality running from growth government expenditure, the gross fixed capital formation, education (literacy rate) and population growth to economic growth (GDP) at different confidence and level of significance in Saudi Arabia. Moreover, this study present evidence that, bidirectional causation between unemployment and growth of population was found in Saudia Arabia. To increase economic growth, Saudi Arabian government should identify measures to reduce the unemployment rate and improve country's economic growth. For example, improving the quality of education, skills training, and implementing employment policies. The contribution of the study is the confirmation of the existence of the correlation of unemployment with the mentioned development indicators, and the validity of Okun's Law also hold on Sudia Arabian economy.

AN ASSESSMENT ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF PROJECT B.O.O.K.S. (BRINGING OPPORTUNITIES AND OUTSTANDING KNOWLEDGE TOWARDS SUCCESS) THROUGH THE LENS OF SCHOOL STAKEHOLDERS: A MULTIPLE CASE STUDY

This multiple case study aimed to accumulate and understand the assessment on the impact in the literacy rates in the implementations of Project BOOKS through the experiences of school stakeholders in Maniki Central Elementary School SPED Center. Using purposive sampling and inclusion criteria, the participating six (6) participants were identified. All of them participated in the in-depth interviews. The study highlighted the positive impact with regards to literacy rates in the implementation, such as focus on literacy development, improvement of student’s reading ability and holistic development. Key findings revealed that stakeholders experienced challenges such as being saddened for the loss of materials, time constraints and overlapping of activities. Despite these challenges, stakeholders demonstrated resilience through adaptive coping strategies, including partnership and collaboration, stakeholder engagement and support, and the importance of having a supportive environment. The study also highlighted the realization of stakeholders on the importance of books, success and improvement of the implementation, and the call for addressing reading difficulties through reading experts and programs. The results of this study were deemed significant by the participants, teachers, students, and researchers. KEYWORDS: Project B.O.O.K.S, stakeholders, multiple-case study, conducive learning environment, Philippines

INTERIOR DESAIN UNTUK MENINGKATKAN KENYAMANAN DAN AKSESIBILITAS PADA PENATAAN RUANG PERPUSTAKAAN KOTA BOGOR

The Bogor City Library plays an important role in creating a strong literacy ecosystem, functioning as a center for community empowerment by providing access to information and skills development. This research aims to analyze circulation patterns and spatial planning in libraries, in order to increase public interest in utilizing existing facilities. Although founded in 1972, the library faced serious challenges, including inadequate space and unattractive facilities, such as a non-functioning multimedia room and a lack of private rooms for discussions. The low literacy rate in Bogor City shows the need for more efforts to increase interest in reading. It is hoped that the "Free Literacy" program can be a solution, but its success is very dependent on library development. By implementing modern architectural designs and innovative elements, libraries can create a comfortable and inspiring learning environment. This research is expected to provide constructive recommendations for developing libraries as effective and inclusive literacy centers. Focusing on the quality of space and human circulation patterns will support optimal visitor experience, making libraries the main pillars in improving literacy and the quality of life of people in the city of Bogor. The synergy between attractive facilities, inspiring space quality, and efficient circulation design will strengthen the role of libraries in social, economic and cultural development.

Brazil-Portugal Comparison: Education, Health and Social Development in light of the Sustainable Development Goals.

to comparatively analyze the health, education and social development systems of Brazil and Portugal, their relationship with the Sustainable Development Goals and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development averages. exploratory and descriptive qualitative research, through documentary analysis. The indicators address health, education and social development, considering life expectancy, mortality, prevalence of chronic diseases, literacy, educational performance and poverty rates. indicate significant differences between countries. Portugal presents better indicators in life expectancy, educational quality and poverty rates, whereas Brazil faces greater challenges in chronic diseases and equity in access to healthcare services. the importance of public policies adapted to local realities and the need for a strategic vision for healthcare systems aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, in addition to the need for continuous investments and integration of digital health for efficient and equitable systems, stand out.