Individual Education Research Articles

Behavior changes to promote preconception health: a systematic review

BackgroundPreconception care is expected to prevent diseases, promote health, and improve pregnancy outcomes. Although a consensus exists on the efficacy of folic acid supplementation and preconception vaccination, evidence regarding comprehensive approaches to preconception care targeting the general population remains lacking. We aimed to identify and examine preconception care programs delivered to reproductive-aged women and men to promote behavioral change.MethodsWe searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases on November 30, 2023. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cluster RCTs assessing preconception care programs provided to the general population. We included behavioral change interventions, including screening, counseling, and education, to encourage preconception health. We performed a narrative synthesis of the characteristics and a summary of the intervention effects of the included studies.ResultsWe identified 26 trials (from 29 reports). Most of the studies recruited women. The most common study setting was healthcare services, and various types of behavioral change interventions were noted. All types of interventions, including individual education, group education, online education, and information campaigns, exhibited certain effects of improvement regarding behavioral change, knowledge, health outcomes, and other health-related outcomes in preconception health.ConclusionsIn this systematic review, only three studies recruited men. Further research on preconception care in men is needed. The topics typically addressed in preconception care are folic acid supplementation and nutrition. Additionally, further research is needed for a comprehensive approach, including physical, mental, and social health. Future research addressing the broad determinants of preconception health for both women and men could provide more effective preconception care.

Integrating Infant Safe Sleep and Breastfeeding Education Into an App in a Novel Approach to Reaching High-Risk Populations: Prospective Observational Study.

Sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) is a leading cause of death for US infants, and nonrecommended sleep practices are reported in most of these deaths. SUID rates have not declined over the past 20 years despite significant educational efforts. Integration of prenatal safe sleep and breastfeeding education into a pregnancy app may be one approach to engaging pregnant individuals in education about infant care practices prior to childbirth. This study aims to assess whether pregnant individuals would engage with prenatal safe sleep and breastfeeding education provided within a pre-existing pregnancy app. Secondary objectives were to compare engagement among those at high and low risk of losing an infant to SUID and to assess the importance of end user push notifications for engagement. This prospective observational study was conducted from September 23, 2019 to March, 22 2022; push notifications were removed on October 26, 2021. TodaysBaby (University of Virginia, Boston University, and Washington University), a mobile health program in which safe sleep and breastfeeding video education was originally provided via texts, was embedded into the MyHealthyPregnancy app (Naima Health LLC). Pregnant mothers who received prenatal care within the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center hospital system were randomized to receive either safe sleep or breastfeeding education beginning at the start of the third trimester of pregnancy and ending 6 weeks post partum. Pregnant persons were designated as high risk if they lived in the 5% of zip codes in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania with the highest rates of SUID in the county. The primary outcome was engagement, defined as watching at least 1 video either in response to a push notification or directly from the app's learning center. A total of 7572 pregnant persons were enrolled in the TodaysBaby Program-3308 with push notifications and 4264 without. The TodaysBaby engagement rate was 18.8% with push notifications and 3.0% without. Engagement was highest in the initial weeks after enrollment, with a steady decline through pregnancy and very little postpartum engagement. There was no difference in engagement between pregnant persons who were low and high risk. The most viewed videos were ones addressing the use of pacifiers, concerns about infant choking, and the response of the body to the start of breastfeeding. Integrating safe sleep and breastfeeding education within a pregnancy app may allow for rapid dissemination of infant care information to pregnant individuals. Birthing parents at high risk of losing an infant to SUID-a leading cause of infant death after 1 month of age-appear to engage with the app at the same rates as birth parents who are at low risk. Our data demonstrate that push notifications increase engagement, overall and for those in high-risk zip codes where the SUID education is likely to have the most impact.

Theory and Application of Narrative Counseling Literature Study

This article discusses the theory and application of narrative counseling as an approach in psychotherapy practice. Narrative counseling focuses on how individuals construct and understand their life stories, and their impact on identity and behavior. Through a literature study, this article examines the main concepts in narrative counseling, including narrative structure, the role of the agent in the story, and the techniques used in counseling sessions. Additionally, this article explores the various applications of narrative counseling in clinical, educational, and community contexts, highlighting successes and challenges faced by practitioners. The results of literature studies show that narrative counseling is effective in various contexts, including mental health problems and self-development. However, further research is still needed to explore its long-term impact and application in various cultures. Thus, narrative counseling offers an innovative and flexible approach in helping individuals understand themselves through the stories they create. The application of narrative counseling can be found in various contexts and situations, including individual counseling, family counseling, education, mental health, social intervention and personal development. Findings from this study suggest that narrative counseling can be an effective tool in helping individuals reconstruct experiences and create new meaning in their lives. Finally, this article suggests future research directions to deepen understanding of the long-term impacts of narrative-based interventions.

Beyond Income and Education: Unveiling the True Catalysts of Green Behavior in Pakistan and South Asia

There is extensive literature on the progress of green alternatives in Pakistan, but there is no evaluation of how the people of Pakistan will respond to these proposed solutions. After conducting a literature review on green alternatives, this paper employs the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) framework. It utilizes data from the World Values Survey (WVS) in conjunction with logistic regression to assess the viability of sustainable practices in Pakistan and whether specific demographic groups, such as women, highly educated individuals, and high-income citizens, exhibit a greater inclination to adopt sustainable practices. Our regression analysis indicates that people’s income, religiosity level, and age do not affect their likelihood of adopting sustainable practices. In contrast, their attitude towards free market ideology, self-provision, and cultural values such as power distance and global connectedness have a significant impact. The paper shows Pakistan’s education system does not instill environmental values in people like other South Asian systems. Women in South Asia are less likely to adopt sustainable practices than men. These findings offer valuable insights for policymakers and financial institutions, guiding a nuanced restructuring of green alternative approaches in Pakistan and South Asia.

Value Delivery Practices in the Thoughts of Miyazawa Kenji and Jiddu Krishnamurti: A Systematic Review from an Educational Perspective

The value delivery process engages with the collaboration process of trust, thinking, skills, communicating, relationships, and understanding self. As educated individuals, we are in this engagement process and question the current school education and understanding of childhood in children. The globally connected world where we live together in a material world where Happiness, compassion, and empathy are not reflected in the education system and the potential of a child is determined by grades and scores in exams, which is neglecting the part that drives our actions, the search for meaning and purpose of life. The lack of human values with the wave of technology and changing nature around us is alarming. Even in the age of modernization, we need to progress in being human. The basis of human life is childhood and the education that they gain. Unfortunately, the education presented these days lacks moral values. The paper attempts to systematically discuss value-based educational models and practices in India and Japan based on the philosophy of Miyazawa Kenji and Jiddu Krishnamurti. The systematic literature review is done using Google Scholar and Mendeley Reference Management. This study provides the framework of modeling and practices for a value education for policymakers, organizations, researchers, and individuals in the present and future. Therefore, the study of such type is evident from the theoretical clusters and current status of education. The findings of the study discuss the Development of the meaning of Educational Values, the Development of theories from different fields, discuss the development of value education, and the value perspectives of Miyazawa Kenji and Jiddu Krishnamurti. Krishnamuti’s insights on education reflect the right kind of education, which reflects questioning, attention, freedom, fearlessness, without competition, no comparison, and child-centered education, where both teacher and student are learners. Miyazawa Kenji's insights on education reflect resilience, risk-taking, understanding the actual talent, finding passion, love for the subject, finding ways in difficult situations, fearlessness, and helping the child grow while the teacher is the nurturer. Both philosophers focus on the affective domain and cognition; learning without values mechanically assists humans to think like machines when they are much beyond that. Therefore, understanding these value delivery practices is essential. Value delivery practices in these schools will help us understand the teaching-learning experiences and the collaboration of these affective, cognitive, and psychomotor skills. There is much learning in schools, but childhood innocence is missing.

Clinical insights into cross-sectional imaging integration in radiography education

IntroductionClinical practice is a critical component of radiography curricula, offering students with essential skills and training for proficient practice. Educational institutions are challenged to review and develop strategies to meet evolving service demands regularly. This study aims to gain insight into the inclusion of cross-sectional imaging within pre-registration radiography training. MethodsAn online questionnaire, based on previous European Federation of Radiographer Societies (EFRS) surveys, included closed-ended questions and ascertained the level of qualification, cross-sectional imaging incorporation, and tasks and assessments within programmes. The questionnaire was distributed through the EFRS Research Hub at the European Congress of Radiology (ECR) 2023 and online via social media. Closed-ended questions were summarised using descriptive statistics. ResultsResponses were received from 64 individual radiography educators across 29 different countries. Fifty-seven respondents (91.9 %) reported including cross-sectional imaging training in their institution's pre-registration radiography programme. An increase in the amount of time dedicated to clinical training in cross-sectional imaging was reported by 24 respondents (42.1 %). Overall, 32 individuals (53.3 %) stated that CT is a specialised modality, and dedicated training should be for radiographers once they obtain their basic qualifications. In contrast, 36 respondents (61 %) agreed that MRI should also be reserved as a specialised modality. ConclusionStudy findings indicate a lack of consistency among pre-registration radiography programmes in terms of how they include cross-sectional imaging in their curricula. Differing opinions on this issue are likely to be guided by national standards and workforce requirements upon qualification. Implications for practiceVariations in training curricula can present significant challenges for graduates. To align with the most recent Standards of Proficiency, curricula must be regularly reviewed and updated. Such Standards now typically require radiographers to perform a range of CT scans, including those of the head, C-spine, chest, and abdomen. Therefore, integrating comprehensive training in cross-sectional imaging into pre-registration education is crucial to ensure that future professionals meet these essential competencies and are fully prepared for their roles.

Practical Social Skills Assessment for Inclusive Classroom Settings

Social skills development is essential for optimal social, educational and professional growth and well-being. The development of these skills starts from childhood through interaction with others. Educational settings are crucial for promoting social skills development because they are the first structured settings children enter, and they provide social interaction opportunities. Educators should be prepared to facilitate social skills development in a diverse student body in today's inclusive settings. Social skills interventions are essential for those children that experience more challenges in their social interactions. Therefore, educators should be familiar with social skills assessment tools that help recognize children's strengths and areas that need intervention to support their social skills development. This article provides information on a practical social skills assessment that can facilitate developing Individual Education Plan (IEP).

Depression among people living in rural and urban areas of Thailand: A cross-sectional study.

Depression has a growing trend in the population worldwide. In this cross-sectional study, we investigated the prevalence and associated factors of depression among individuals residing in rural (Ban Luang district, Nan Province) and urban (Lak Si, Bangkok) areas of Thailand. Understanding the differences in depression between these two settings can provide insights for specific targeted interventions and mental health policies. The multistage stratified random sampling was applied to select the study participants. We recruited participants from rural and urban communities in Thailand using a structured survey questionnaire through either face-to-face interviews or in paper or electronic form. We collected data on depression using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) tool and sociodemographic characteristics and conducted descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis. Of 867 survey participants, 420 were from rural areas (Nan) and 447 were from urban areas (Bangkok). Participants' mean age was 55.9±9.5 years in rural areas and 56.0±12.0 years in urban areas. Most participants in urban areas were women, married, and had lower education levels (71.1%, 50.3%, 58.8%, respectively). The overall prevalence of depression across both settings was 18.6%. We found a higher prevalence of depression in the urban (31.8%) than the rural (4.5%) setting. In multiple logistic regression analysis, urban residence was significantly associated with higher rates of depression compared with rural residence (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 9.43, 95% confidence interval [CI] 5.08-17.52). Nuclear family and using social media were associated with lower levels of depression in urban areas (AOR 0.50 and 0.43, 95% CI 0.27-0.93 and 0.22-0.84, respectively). Higher education level was significantly associated with higher levels of depression in rural areas (AOR 3.84, 95% CI 1.19-12.42). This study emphasized the difference in depression and related factors between rural and urban areas of Thailand, highlighting a greater prevalence in urban areas. To help prevent depression, it is important to address specific challenges in each setting, such as those faced by highly educated individuals living in rural areas with high depression rates, exploring social media use patterns in urban populations, and understanding dynamics of the nuclear family. Our findings can inform the development of public health policies aimed at effectively mitigating the burden of depression and improving overall mental well-being in specific settings.

The Impact of Individual and Organizational Characteristics on Work Ethics- Cross-Cultural Comparison

This study aims to analyze the effect of individual (gender and education) and organizational (organizational sector) characteristics on work ethics in the United Kingdom, Serbia, and the United Arab Emirates. This research is centered around a survey conducted among managers, from the UK, the UAE, and Serbia. Their main task was to evaluate the aspects of the Multidimensional Work Ethic Profile (MWEP) short form. The MWEP was chosen for this study as it does not explicitly address work ethics with religion, making it a suitable tool for examining work ethics across three cultures with different religious practices. This study contributes to existing literature by exploring how organizational factors influence work ethics in three countries that share business interests and have cultural and economic ties. The findings indicate that these factors have an impact on work ethics in studied countries.

Effects of Bionutraceuticals on the Human Body

Nutraceutical, Pharmaceutical, Vitamin D, Carotenoids, N- Acetylcysteine, Curcumin, ROS, L- Cysteine, Anti-Inflammatory. The concept of nutraceuticals is a hybrid concept that has been constantly evolving in the light of new research from past to present. From the words 'nutruent' and 'pharmaceutıcal' in 1989 DR. It was created by Stephen Defelice. Due to the current population and the health education of individuals, nutraceuticals are increasing worldwide. Nutraceuticals meet on common ground with pharmaceuticals by converting functional foodstuffs into forms such as capsules, pills, tablets, etc. Nutraceuticals reduce the need for pharmaceutical drugs by preventing or reducing diseases. In this case, the cytotoxicity value caused by pharmaceutical drugs decreases. Nutaseuticals are broadly divided into many groups. The main source of vitamin D is the epidermis. It is a fat-soluble hormaon through its conversion to biologically inactive vitamin D3, undergoing hydroxylation by 25-hydroxylase in the liver to 25(OH)D. stimulating the maturation of type II pneucytes, supporting surfactant production and increasing the innate immune response in the airways. Skin concentrations of carotenoids increase with ingestion of ingredients and decrease with oxidative stress and UV exposures. There are four main components in the carotenoid family. These are β-carotene, lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, and are thought to be useful in preventing a variety of diseases, including certain cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and eye diseases. N-acetylcysteine has both oral and tropical biobenefits and is the prodrug form of L-cysteine. It reveals glutathione, the most abundant endogenous intracellular antioxidant in the body, thus playing an important role in the body's antioxidant defense system. As a result of the increase in oxidative stress, DNA damage and aging begin to occur. The anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin have the ability to suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines, including chemokines, cyclooxygenase-2, prostaglandin E2, MMPs, interleukins (IL) such as IL-6 and IL-12, and tumor necrosis factor-α. At the same time, curcumin has the role of an antioxidant by suppressing ROS production, scavenging free oxygen radicals, and inhibiting lipid peroxidation.

Методы оптимизации обучающего процесса в цифровой среде

The article analyzes the existing possibilities of informatization in education, particularly during a period of socio-economic transformation. Several scenarios have been developed on the AnyLogic platform for the education of individuals with disabilities (IWD) under conditions of unpredictability in their behavior, physical limitations, and emotional well-being. The article raises the problem of the influence of electronic pedagogical didactics on the educational process. It examines and proposes methods for motivating learners to engage in education via an electronic platform, interactive programs for interaction among all participants in the educational process, as well as initiatives aimed at optimizing the execution of tasks in group projects, case-based learning, and the application of other active learning methods amidst digitalization. The article substantiates and describes a range of possibilities for forming individual learning track during the digital transformation of socio-economic processes. Furthermore, the work outlines the potential applications of neural networks (artificial intelligence) for the formation of intelligent competency diagnostics.

A Qualitative Investigation into the Experiences of Students with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD/Dyspraxia) in Higher Education.

Developmental coordination disorder (DCD/Dyspraxia) is a commonly misunderstood and under-recognized specific learning difficulty (SpLD) in educational settings. This lifelong condition affects fine and gross motor coordination and significantly interferes with many activities of daily living, academic achievement, and employment opportunities. However, most Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are unaware of its prevalence within their context, even though 5% of the general population have DCD and the enrolment of students in UK Higher Education with a known disability has increased by 42.4% between 2018 and 2023. Thus, understanding the lived experiences of students with DCD within Higher Education in the UK remains a considerable gap in knowledge. Through the use of focus groups, the lived experiences of 10 students with DCD at two UK HEIs were investigated. The thematic analysis identified four main themes: 'Awareness of DCD', 'Participation in Higher Education for individuals with DCD', 'Wellbeing', and 'Everyday living'. Students shared that HEIs appeared to lack awareness of DCD and felt they had an inability to specify the correct support at university. Importantly, whilst the students in the study were not always confident in identifying the specific support they needed, they shared the strategies they used to aid their university experience. The students described the physical toll that many everyday living tasks can take, which subsequently negatively impact academic participation and wellbeing. On a positive note, many of the students discussed positive experiences at university, such as enjoying their own autonomy (and flexibility) to be independent and inform strategies for their own learning. Importantly, the findings from this work highlight the complexity and heterogeneity of DCD and the need for a tailored approach to supporting individuals with this condition. Given the importance of educational qualifications to enter the workplace, and the contribution of employment to quality of life, these findings help signpost areas where HEIs can improve the experiences of students with DCD that may also enhance academic success.

Factors measuring the readiness of teacher educators’ to use web 2.0 technologies

Web 2.0 has opened many opportunities and avenues in education, especially in tertiary education. The open nature of Web 2.0 has enabled teachers and students to access, share, collaborate, and communicate knowledge around the world with just one click. Web 2.0 tools have been frequently used in teacher education in session planning and designing strategies for the teaching–learning process. Pakistan's public and private sector universities offer teacher education programs. Due to the significant influence of Web 2.0 technologies, there have been a rising number of studies on the use, effects, and perceptions of Web 2.0 technologies in education. However, there was a need for study in the Pakistani scenario, which could uncover teacher educators' practices regarding the use of Web 2.0. To better understand the factors that influence teacher educators’ decisions to adopt Web 2.0 technologies. This study used the Decomposed Theory of Planned Behavior (DTPB) framework aimed to unwind teacher educators' behaviors and practices for Web 2.0 technology usage. The research design of this study was exploratory with a quantitative approach. The data was collected through an adopted DTPB scale-based survey questionnaire that provided a snapshot of the behaviors, attitudes, opinions, and beliefs of teacher educators. The population of the study was comprised of teacher educators of the teacher education departments from public and private sector universities of Sindh province in Pakistan. From both sectors, a total of 156 subjects were targeted for data collection, out of which 73 participants responded. This research uses descriptive analysis and inferential analysis to establish the overall tendency of responses from individual teacher educators and to note how this tendency varies among both sectors. Based on the findings, the results depict how a large population views the usage of Web 2.0 technologies in the teaching–learning process and the diversity of both sectors.

Eksistensi Sistem Pendidikan di Negara Denmark sebagai Salah Satu Negara dengan Pendidikan Terbaik Dunia

The Danish education system is an example of an inclusive and individual development-oriented education model, with an emphasis on active and collaborative learning. Primary education in the country is compulsory and free of charge, allowing all children to have equal access to quality education. One of the main strengths of this system is the pedagogical approach that emphasizes creativity, critical thinking, and social skills, which prepares students to face the challenges of the modern world. However, behind these successes, there are some shortcomings, such as inequities in academic achievement among different socio-economic groups and criticism of the evaluation system as lacking transparency. Improvement efforts are ongoing to address these issues, including increased training for educators and the development of a curriculum that is more responsive to student needs. Thus, although the Danish education system has many strengths, challenges remain and require attention to ensure equality and fairness in education for all children.

Teachers' and Students' Experiences on the Implementation of Individualized Education Programme for Students with Visual Impairments in Inclusive Secondary Schools

This study explored the experiences of teachers and students in implementing Individualized Education Programmes (IEPs) for students with visual impairment in Tanzania. The study employed a qualitative approach under case study design, situated at Shinyanga Secondary School in Kishapu district. A total of nineteen participants involved, including five special education teachers participated through interview and fourteen students with visual impairment participated through focus group discussion. The participants were selected purposively depending on their experiences in inclusive secondary school. The thematic analysis was used to analyse the data inductively. The study revealed three significant themes as experienced by the participants: the identification of the learning needs of students with visual impairment (VI), strategies to meet VI learning needs, and challenges during the implementation of the IEPs. The study found inadequate implementation of IEPs from the selected school due to several challenges, including informal strategies in identifying students with VI, irregular training for the IEP team and inadequacy of teachers of special education to accommodate the available students with VI. The study suggests that the identification of students with visual impairment needs to be formalized, regular knowledge updates for the IEP team, and a reduced workload for special education teachers. Although this research is confined to a single-school study, the findings can be used as a benchmark for the schools that face similar situations regarding IEP implementation

Training for Students of Pedagogical Specialties “Modeling of Subjective Space”

Introduction. The article presents a scientific problem of modeling the subjective space of students, which is due to a number of factors: the need to monitor the process of developing personal competencies of the student; the primacy of studying and optimizing the relationship between teachers and students; insufficient theoretical and practical study of issues related to the phenomenon of the personal space of a student-future teacher. The purpose of the publication is to theoretically study the subjective space of students of pedagogical specialties and experimental testing of training as a means of working with students along seven vectors of objective movement: knowledge, skills, abilities, intellectual abilities, value-semantic awareness, spiritual and moral potential and metacognitive thinking. Methodology. The study was facilitated by the methods of theoretical (analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction, formalization) and empirical knowledge (observation, questionnaires, comparison). Results. The scientific results obtained during the study fully confirm the effectiveness of the study. The pedagogical innovation of the problem study is concentrated in the modeling of the subjective space and the development of training for studying the vectors of the subjective movement of students in the context of forming their readiness for strategic activity. As part of the training work, the process of student diagnostics is presented. The author has developed nine questions for each vector. Conclusions. Based on the conducted research, conclusions are formulated that in the professional training of future teachers it is advisable to use the training “Modeling of Subjective Space”, the task of which is the individualization of professional and pedagogical education, which is required with the growth of the educational load, when students need a reflexive assessment of the results of their achievements for successful strategic activity in the future.

Facilitation of Creative Self-Actualization of a Person with Disabilities and People with Disabilities in the Process of Professional and Life Self-Determination within the Conditions of Specially Organized Events

The facilitation of creative self-actualization of a person with disabilities and people with disabilities finds itself at the forefront of the conditions that lead to the organic inclusion of the people with specific educational needs into the society. At the university, this process determines the need for an academic mentor able to fulfill the function of facilitation within a developed system of cross-level connections in between all the elements of special and inclusive education that considers a multi-level model of personal development and upbringing through environmental interaction in full. The purpose of this research is the theoretical and methodological substantiation of the process of creative self–realization of a person with disabilities and people with disabilities. Modeling environmental characteristics, substantiation of network cooperation in the interests of a self-fulfilling personality are in the focus of this paper. The research methodology is based on the theoretical constructs of the cultural and historical concept (L. S. Vygotsky); holistic approach in psychology (A. Maslow); humanistic psychology (K. Rogers). The results of the study represent a scientific generalization of empirical experience and the results obtained within longitudinal procedures of more than twenty years. In special psychology, there is a tradition of the long-term, rigorous research on a person with special educational needs and people with disabilities. The survey analysis gives grounds for a holistic perspective of a person – “a unified personality in a holistic world.” In conclusion of the research based on theoretical modeling and a longitudinal experiment that covers twenty years, we present a comprehensive psychological and pedagogical model of support at various stages along with the path of self–actualization for each of them. Based on self-realization via creative self-actualization in the space of assistive solutions aimed at combining efforts and a kind of “holistic ecumenism” the survey presents a predicted development space individuals in special inclusive education.

The ‘new achikumbe elite’: linking youth, education and agriculture in Malawi

ABSTRACT The paper looks at an emerging group of urban-based educated individuals. They are termed the ’new achikumbe (modern farmer) elite’ (NAE). With a higher level of formal education, these farmers are engaging in agriculture in commercially oriented and media-savvy ways. They challenge the narratives that educated youth opt for non-agrarian livelihoods. Drawing on scholars who explore the relationship between neoliberal economic changes and emerging educated identities, I use fieldwork data from 2018 to explore how these NAE relate their educated identities to agrarian livelihoods. Using three case studies and the wider concept of educated identities, I show how the NAE mixes agriculture with other opportunities in Malawi’s changing economy in forging a future for themselves.

CHALLENGES TO HOUSEHOLD FOOD SECURITY – EXPERIENCES FROM EUROPEAN UNION COUNTRIES

Household food security in a self-sufficient and highly developed regions such as the European Union is a rare topic in the scientific literature. Recent crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and food market disruptions, have reignited discussions on food security in the EU. Therefore, the aim of this article was to review the latest available publications on household food security in the EU and to explore the challenges and issues that contribute to the persistence of household food insecurity in EU countries. The review was carried out using the PRISMA methodology and includes articles from the last 20 years. The results suggest under European conditions, lack of food security means that people affected by this problem cannot afford food of sufficient quality and quantity to stay healthy and participate in society. The review of existing literature confirmed the importance of education, gender, age, marital status, household composition and location, country-specific heterogeneity, employment status and income in preventing food insecurity in EU countries. The problem of food insecurity particularly affects women, unmarried individuals, less educated individuals, less skilled workers and lower income families, and is strongly linked to mental health.

Assessment of knowledge and utilization of contraceptive methods among puerperal women at Saint-Nicolas Hospital in Haiti

Background This study aimed to determine the level of knowledge of postpartum patients on traditional (lactation amenorrhea method (LAM), withdrawal, calendar) and modern (condoms, intrauterine devices (IUDs), pills, implants, sterilization) contraception methods available in Haiti as well as their behaviour towards them. We also sought to investigate possible correlations between the level of knowledge and other variables such as age, parity and level of education. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in the maternity ward of Saint-Nicolas Hospital, Saint-Marc, involving 175 postpartum women who met the inclusion criteria and consented to participate. Data were collected using a questionnaire covering knowledge, use of contraceptive methods, and socio-demographic information. Statistical analysis included univariate and bivariate descriptive analyses using Epi Info 7.2.5.0, with a P-value < 0.05 considered significant. Results Most women (58.86%) were aged 20-30. Most (89.14%) had previously used contraception, with male condoms being the most common (74.35%) and IUDs the least used (1.3%). Knowledge levels were generally average (36-53 points /72), with only 5% having good knowledge. Fear of side effects was a significant barrier (26%). Higher knowledge levels correlated with age, parity, and education (P = 0.02). Conclusions Contraceptive knowledge among the women was average and improved with age, education, and parity. Modern contraceptive methods were underutilized. Awareness and education targeting younger and less educated individuals in rural areas are essential to enhance use of effective contraception, prevent unwanted pregnancies and reduce maternal mortality rates.