Influence Of Demographic Variables Research Articles

Rural Consumers’ Satisfaction towards Payment Banks

Purpose: The study aims to investigate the satisfaction towards rural payment bank users underpins, namely flexibility, security, trust and rewards on the one hand and satisfaction on the other, as well as the mediation effects of service quality. Methodology:The researcher designed a structured questionnaire for collection of primary data on satisfaction towards rural payment bank users in Tamil Nadu. Convenience sampling method was used. A total of 225 rural customers provided the data for the study. Percentage analysis, multiple regression analysis and One-way analysis were used to measure the satisfaction. Findings: There is a significant influence of demographic variables on satisfaction level of rural payment banks user in Tamil Nadu. The rural payment bank users were satisfied with the services provided by the service provider and its saves time and make them comfort in payment from anywhere to any destination at any time. Realistic Inference: The study shows that the rural payment bank users are satisfied towards the services rendered by payment banks and introducer RBI the bankers’ bank in India.

Examining parental stress and its link to hair cortisol and DHEA levels in kindergartners

Background Parental work-family conflict (WFC) and parental household income have been linked to negative outcomes for children. So far, no study has associated these two stressors with the hair concentration of cortisol (HCC) and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in kindergarteners as a measurement of their objective stress. Methods and measures 44 children (40.91% female) with a mean age of 5.16 years and their parents participated in this cross-sectional study. Children’s cortisol and DHEA measurements reflected the hormones produced over the past two months. Parents filled out questionnaires concerning their WFC and parenting behavior. Results Higher maternal WFC and a lower parental net household income were negatively associated with the DHEA and positively with HCC/DHEA ratio of their children. No significant associations were found between HCC and any included variables. Paternal WFC had no impact on the stress hormones and negatively affected parenting behavior of both parents. Levels of stress hormones were not correlated with parenting behavior. Conclusion The present results indicated a higher stress exposure in children of mothers with a higher WFC and lower net household income. Conceivably, this may have led to an accumulation of allostatic load. Potential influences of demographic variables on the children’s hormones are discussed.

Evaluation of the use of a clinical practice guideline for external apical root resorption among orthodontists

BackgroundExternal apical root resorption (EARR) is a frequently observed adverse event in patients undergoing fixed appliance therapy. Assessing the patients’ risk during treatment is important, as certain factors are assumed to be associated with an increased likelihood of occurrence. However, their predictive value remains limited, making evidence-based clinical decision-making challenging for orthodontists. To address this issue, the Dutch Association of Orthodontists (NvVO) developed a clinical practice guideline (CPG) for EARR in accordance with the AGREE II instrument (Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II) in 2018. The aim of this study is to get insight into the actual utilization and the practical implementation of the guideline among orthodontists. The hypothesis to be tested was that after its introduction, clinical practice for EARR has changed towards the recommendations in the CPG.ObjectiveTo investigate the use of the 2018 clinical practice guidelines for EARR among orthodontists 3 years after its introduction.MethodsA questionnaire using a 7-point Likert scale was developed concerning four domains of EARR described in the guideline. The questionnaire was piloted, finalised, and then distributed digitally among Dutch orthodontists. REDCap was used for data collection, starting with an invitation email in June 2021, followed by two reminders. Effect was tested by the Mann–Whitney U test, and the influence of demographic variables was analysed.ResultsQuestionnaires were sent out to all 275 and completed by 133 (response rate 48%); N = 59 females and N = 73 males were included; 81% had their training in the Netherlands, 89% had ≥ 6 years of work experience, and 89% worked in private orthodontic practice. One hundred thirty orthodontists (98.5%) reported changes in clinical practice. The biggest positive change in clinical behaviour regarding EARR occurred if EARR was diagnosed during treatment. Sex, clinical experience, country of specialist training, and working environment of the respondents did not affect clinical practices regarding EARR.ConclusionsThis questionnaire demonstrated that, 3 years after introduction of the guideline, orthodontists improved their self-reported clinical practices to a more standardised management of root resorption. None of the demographic predictors had a significant effect on the results.

Organizational Commitment and Employee Performance during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Evidence from a BPO Company

The pandemic necessitated remote workplace setup, and as employees’ homes doubled as their workplaces, it became difficult to distinguish between the two. With this reality came the challenge of enhancing employee performance and organizational commitment. This study investigated the correlation between organizational commitment and employee performance during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study involved 158 employees of a BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) company situated in Quezon City, Philippines. Non-parametric statistical testing such as Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests were employed to examine the significant differences in the respondent's ratings when their demographic profiles were considered. Spearman’s rank correlation was used to measure the strength of the relationship between the constructs of organizational commitment and dimensions of employee performance. Results of the study revealed a high positive relationship between continuance commitment and employee performance. Furthermore, this study also explored organizational commitment along four demographic variables, resulting in the detection of significant differences in the perception of continuance commitment on account of gender, age, civil status, and length of service. A significant difference was also detected in affective commitment considering the length of service. Single, married, and widowed respondents also differed in their opinions on normative commitment. While research on organizational commitment exist, few studies have explored the role of demographic factors in shaping employee responses to pandemics. This study demonstrates value by examining the influence of demographic variables on organizational commitment and employee performance during the pandemic, adopting an intersectional perspective, and offering practical implications for organizational management, theoretical advancement, and future research directions.

Awareness and Perception Toward Obesity and Knee Osteoarthritis and Their Preventive Measures Among the Adult Population in the Northern Borders Region, Saudi Arabia.

Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee poses a significant public health challenge, with its prevalence escalating globally. This study addresses a critical knowledge gap by investigating the awareness and perceptions of knee OA in the Northern Borders Region, Saudi Arabia, focusing on demographic factors that may influence community perspectives. The primary aim of this cross-sectional study is to comprehensively examine the awareness and perceptions of knee OA, exploring the influence of demographic variables, including region, gender, age, nationality, and educational levels. A total of 501 participants from various cities in the Northern Borders Region, Saudi Arabia, were enrolled in this study. Demographic characteristics, including region, gender, age, nationality, and educational levels, were documented. A structured survey instrument was utilized to collect data on awareness and perceptions of knee OA. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression to explore associations. Demographic insights revealed a predominance of participants from Arar (37.50%) and Rafha (36.50%), with a nearly equal gender distribution (52.90% male, 47.10% female). The majority fell within the 31-45 age group (37.50%), and 97.60% were Saudi nationals. Educational levels varied, with 55.30% holding a bachelor's degree. Awareness levels indicated that 75.40% recognized obesity as a significant factor in knee OA. Significant associations were found between gender and acknowledgment of obesity (p = 0.021), as well as between age and awareness of obesity (p = 0.040). Non-Saudi participants exhibited a higher awareness of knee injury as a reason for arthritis (p = 0.028). Educational levels demonstrated significant associations with awareness of rheumatoid arthritis (p = 0.012), growing old as a reason for knee arthritis (p = 0.002), and various preventive measures and treatment options. This study provides a nuanced understanding of knee OA awareness and perceptions in the Northern Borders Region, Saudi Arabia. The high recognition of obesity as a risk factor, coupled with demographic variations, highlights the need for tailored health education interventions. Addressing gender-specific, age-related, and educational disparities is crucial for promoting effective community-wide initiatives to prevent and manage knee OA.

E-government quality from the citizen's perspective: the role of perceived factors, demographic variables and the digital divide

PurposeGovernments globally are adopting e-Government services to streamline administrative processes and meet citizens' expectations. This study investigates e-Government service quality from citizens' perspectives in 50 Greek municipalities, using the technology acceptance model (TAM) and cognitive theory.Design/methodology/approachThe data from 707 respondents across 50 Greek municipalities are analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM), ANOVA and moderation analysis. The study assesses the relationships between key factors and citizens' intentions to use e-Government services, examining the impact of demographics and the digital divide.FindingsThe study reveals that perceived attractiveness (PA), perceived usefulness (PU), perceived ease of use (PEOU) and awareness (AWA) significantly influence citizens' behavioral intentions (BINTs) toward municipal e-Government services. Interestingly, PEOU negatively impacts users' intentions, suggesting dissatisfaction with portal attractiveness and utility. The study explores the influence of demographic variables and the digital divide on citizens' BINTs, highlighting economic activity and income as crucial determinants.Practical implicationsThe study emphasizes the significance of user-friendly design, PU, PEOU and AWA campaigns for the development of effective e-Government platforms. Strategies to address the digital divide and promote citizen engagement are essential for enhancing user experience, service utility and AWA, ultimately fostering a positive attitude toward e-Government.Social implicationsAddressing demographic differences ensures inclusive e-Government systems, while bridging the digital divide promotes equitable service delivery and citizen engagement.Originality/valueThis research provides insights into factors influencing citizens' BINTs toward e-Government services. The study's examination of demographic attributes and the digital divide enhances understanding, contributing to the development of citizen-centric e-Government services and supporting inclusive digital transformations.

A Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Structured Teaching Program on Knowledge and Practice Regarding Warm Chain in the Prevention of Hypothermia in Newborn Babies among Staff Nurses in Selected Hospital in Jaipur

Abstract: Thermal protection of the newborn is a series of measures taken at birth and in the first days of life to ensure that the newborn does not become either cold or overheated and maintains a normal body temperature of 36.5—37.50C. The newborn cannot regulate its temperature as well as an adult. The poor utilization of this care arises in many high-risk cases and sometimes it leads to the death of newborns. So the present study aim at knowledge and practice regarding warm chain in the prevention of hypothermia in newborn babies among staff nurse. Design/methodology/approach: The experimental research design was used for the study Information can be gathered by direct questioning and through observation method ( 60 samples) of staff nurses. The data were analyzed through chi-square by using pre-test and post-test knowledge. Findings: the findings show the significant influence of demographic variables in terms of age, gender, professional qualification, professional experience, experience in the labor room, working department, and previous knowledge Research limitations: the study was limited to hospitals of Jaipur with limited demographic variables.

Reading for Meaning: The Influence of Reader Characteristics on Paragraph Understanding in Aphasia.

The study improves our understanding of the reading comprehension difficulties seen in people with aphasia. It investigates the influence of reader characteristics, including personal demographic variables, and linguistic and wider cognitive skills, on text comprehension. Seventy-five people with aphasia and 87 neurologically typical readers completed a test of paragraph comprehension. People with aphasia also completed background tests of language, attention, recognition memory, and executive functions. The influence of demographic variables (age, gender, and level of education) was analyzed separately in the group of people with aphasia and the typical readers using analyses of variance. In the people with aphasia, the relationship between paragraph comprehension and the language and cognitive tests was explored using correlational analyses. In the typical readers, there was a significant effect of gender and level of education and a significant three-way interaction. For the people with aphasia, there were no significant effects of demographic variables. Significant positive correlations were found between performance on paragraph comprehension and each of the language tests and with tests of auditory attention, executive functions, and recognition memory for words. In people with aphasia, the effects of demographic variables were overshadowed by the effect of their language difficulties. The association seen across language measures reflects the shared semantic representations across single-word, sentence, and text levels, across modalities. The study emphasizes the importance of attention, executive functions, and short-term memory in the comprehension of and memory for what we read. The contribution of both language difficulties and wider cognitive skills needs to be considered when planning intervention. https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.24695451.

Examining the Influence of Demographic Variables on Service Quality: An Empirical Investigation of Life Insurance Companies in India

Examining the Influence of Demographic Variables on Service Quality: An Empirical Investigation of Life Insurance Companies in India

Influence of Demographic Variables on Trust in the Banking Industry

Banks depend on trust. Commercial banks are vital to the economy because they help consumers save, lend, and manage their finances. This research was carried out to learn more about bank workers' faith in trust on a demographic basis. Quantitative data was collected from a sample of 111 individuals through a survey questionnaire. The survey assessed perceptions of trust in commercial banks. The analysis reveals that gender and educational level plays a role in trust and perceptions of leadership Marital status alone does not determine trust and perceptions, as individuals in both married and unmarried groups exhibited a range of opinions. Age and experience also do not influence trust. These findings provide insights into the dynamics of trust and perceptions of leadership. Still, they should be considered within the limitations of the dataset and the influence of other factors like organizational culture

Using palliative and end-of-life simulation to enhance pre-licensure nursing students' emotional intelligence, palliative care knowledge and reflective abilities: A single group, pretest-posttest study

BackgroundNursing students have reported that they lack skills and knowledge in palliative and end-of-life care, and as a result, they faced numerous challenges caring for patients and families receiving palliative and end-of-life care during clinical attachments. ObjectivesTo develop a palliative and end-of-life care simulation program and evaluate its effects on nursing students' emotional intelligence, palliative care knowledge and reflective abilities. DesignA single group, pretest-posttest quasi-experimental study. SettingsA simulation center in a Singapore university. ParticipantsA convenience sample of 135 third-year undergraduate nursing students. MethodsStudents attended a two-day simulation program consisting of four scenarios in total. Outcomes were measured before and after the study. Palliative care knowledge was measured using the Palliative Care Knowledge Test, emotional intelligence using the Trait Meta-Mood Scale-24, and reflective abilities using the Groningen Reflective Ability Scale. Outcome and demographic data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. ResultsTotal Palliative Care Knowledge Test scores (p = 0.003) and total Trait Meta-Mood Scale-24 scores (p < 0.001) improved significantly, but there was no significant change in Groningen Reflective Ability Scale scores (p = 0.650). Demographic characteristics did not significantly influence most outcome variables. Students' highest education level and experience with caring for a person receiving palliative or end-of-life care significantly affected the posttest scores of the Palliative Care Knowledge Test. Students with prior experience in caring for a person receiving palliative or end-of-life care scored significantly better in the Palliative Care Knowledge Test post-simulation compared to those who did not (p = 0.011). ConclusionsThe palliative and end-of-life simulation program significantly improved nursing students' emotional intelligence and palliative care knowledge. Further research is needed on developing a reliable tool to measure nursing students' palliative care knowledge. Future simulations should include structured and deliberate reflection features aside from debriefings to enhance reflective abilities, which is an important nursing competency. More research is needed on the effect of palliative and end-of-life care simulations on emotional intelligence and reflective abilities, and the influence of demographic variables on nursing students' outcomes.

The Impact of Demographic Variables of Audit Committee on Earning Management in Listed Companies in Amman Stock Exchange

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to inspect the influence of demographic variables of the AC on EM in listed companies on the ASE. Specifically, the study aims to examine the effect of AC size, independence, expertise, and diversity on EM practices in Jordanian firms. Theoretical framework: The influence of demographic variables of the AC on EM is an important topic that has been studied by a significant number of researchers, as well as those who are interested in the accounting profession. This subject has gotten a lot of attention from academics, professionals, and other interested parties in recent years (Al-Thuneibat, Alsmadi, and Alsharairi (2017); Al-Khadash (2016); Srouji and Khamees (2021) and Al-Rawashdeh and Al Khattab (2020). Findings: In this study, demographic variables of the AC, such as gender diversity, age, education, and experience, are expected to affect the effectiveness of the committee in fulfilling its monitoring and control functions or its supportive functions. For instance, a more diverse AC may bring different perspectives and enhance the quality of decision-making, whereas an experienced committee may have a better understanding of the company's operations and risks. Research, practical &amp; social implications: The study population comprised of all Jordanian industrial firms listed on the ASE for 5 years, from 2017 to 2021. Moreover, 55 industrial firms were included in the analyses. Analyses was used to analyze the panel data which was collected from the annual report were used to analyze the panel data. Originality/Value: The fact, our current study is the first to inspect the influence of demographic variables of the AC on EM in listed companies on the ASE. Specifically, the study aims to examine the effect of AC size, independence, expertise, and diversity on EM practices in Jordanian firms.

Epidemiology and Outcomes of Cerebral Edema in Hospitalized Children

BackgroundCerebral edema can be a consequence of multiple disease processes. Untreated cerebral edema can be fatal, and even with aggressive management, it can be devastating. The objective of this study was to describe the prevalence, underlying causes, and outcomes of cerebral edema in hospitalized children. MethodsA retrospective cross-sectional study using the 2016 Kids' Inpatient Database was performed. Children aged one month to 20 years were included. Sample weighting was employed to produce national estimates. Univariate analyses were used to compare those who died and survived. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to assess the influence of demographic variables and etiologic factors on mortality. ResultsCerebral edema was documented in 4903 children of 2,210,263 (2.2 of 1000) discharges. Among children with cerebral edema, males were 57%, white children were 47.9%, and adolescents were 48.9%. The three most common etiologies associated with cerebral edema in this cohort were stroke (21.7%), anoxic injury (21.4%), and central nervous system (CNS) malignancy (16%). The overall hospital mortality rate was 29.4%. The adjusted mortality rate was significantly higher when cerebral edema was associated with anoxic injury (84%). The mortality was lower when cerebral edema was associated with CNS malignancy (9.5%) or diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) (4.3%). ConclusionsCerebral edema is uncommon in hospitalized children but has a high mortality. Stroke and anoxic brain injury are the two most common etiologies for cerebral edema in hospitalized children in the United States. Among all etiologies for cerebral edema in children, anoxic brain injury has the highest mortality, whereas DKA has the lowest mortality.

Understanding the relationship between residential environment, social exclusion, and life satisfaction of private renters in Shenzhen

The recent revival of the private rented sector in many regions highlights the importance of understanding the well-being of private renters. While there is a consensus that private renters are less satisfied with their life than homeowners, little attention has been given to examining the life satisfaction of private renters from different sub-sectors, nor has the underlying mechanism linking residential environment and life satisfaction been thoroughly investigated. The present paper aims to address these gaps by examining the life satisfaction of private renters from different sub-sectors in Shenzhen, China. We propose a model, based on Amérigo and Aragones’ (1997) theoretical framework, that links residential environment, social exclusion, and life satisfaction. The model fits well with the data collected from 619 renters. The results showed that only 38% of the respondent private renters were satisfied with their life. Furthermore, we found urban village renters were significantly less satisfied with their life compared with renters living in commercial housing and Long-term Rented Apartments. Path analysis results suggest that some objective aspects of the residential environment, renters’ perceived social exclusion, and their residential satisfaction could explain a substantial proportion of the variances in life satisfaction while the influence of demographic variables was found to be insignificant. Perceived equal citizenship rights, perceived discrimination, and perceived reasonable rent were shown to have significant effects on life satisfaction. The paper concludes with a discussion on policy implications aimed at enhancing the life satisfaction of private renters.

Influence of Demographic Variables and Peer Relations on Aggressive Tendencies among Secondary School Students in Keffi, Nigeria

Influence of Demographic Variables and Peer Relations on Aggressive Tendencies among Secondary School Students in Keffi, Nigeria

Influence of age, education, and blast exposure on the Test of Memory Malingering in an active-duty military sample

Neuropsychologists use performance validity tests (PVT) to detect performance invalidity across various populations. Unexpected scores for normative and clinical populations on PVT performance could invalidate the assessment if the poor performance does not have a reasonable explanation. One of the most well-validated and frequently used PVT is the Test of Memory Malingering, whose usefulness has been analyzed in various populations, including the military. Studies on the influence of demographic variables and blast exposure on the performance of military samples have yielded inconclusive results. The current study investigates the influence of age, education, and blast exposure on the TOMM Trial 2 in a military sample that is representative of their demographics. The total sample size was 872 participants between 18–62 years of age (M = 26.35, SD = 6.63), divided into 832 males and 40 females. All participants were on active duty, and they had been deployed in war zones in Afghanistan and Iraq. They were referred to Carolina Psychological Health Services from the Naval Hospital of Camp LeJeune for psychological and/or neurological complaints, such as cognitive difficulties. The results show that age, education, and blast exposure variations do not affect TOMM performance. Further studies on the relationship between these variables should be pursued to elucidate how they are associated with the normative or clinical cognitive functioning of military populations.

#4671 ESTIMATED GLOMERULAR FILTRATION RATE USING CYSTATIN C AND CREATININE IN CHILDREN WITH NEUROGENIC BLADDER – IMPACT OF DEMOGRAPHICS AND PROTEINURIA

Abstract Background and Aims There is a high-risk of progressive chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with neurogenic bladder (NB) and early detection of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) reduction is essential, preventing delayed diagnosis. Creatinine-based formulas can overestimate eGFR in these patients due to decreased muscle mass. This study aims to compare eGFR calculated by different equations using serum creatinine (Cr) and/or cystatin C (CysC), in children with NB, and analyse the influence of demographic variables and proteinuria. Methods Data on pediatric patients with NB and CKD stage 1 and 2, based on eGFR calculated by the CKiD-Cr formula, were collected from January 2009 to December 2022, in a Pediatric Nephrology Unit from a tertiary hospital. The eGFR was calculated using CKiD CysC, Schwartz combined Cr/CysC, Zapitelli-CysC and Zapitelli combined Cr/CysC formulas. Proteinuria was defined by urine protein-to-creatinine ratio greater than 0.2 (mg/mg). Results Fifty patients were evaluated, with a median (25th-75th percentile) age of 14.2 (9.0-16.7) years, 48% (n = 24) female, with a median height of 142 (119.8-154.3) cm, mostly below to 5th percentile (64%, n = 32) and a median body mass index of 20.5 (15.5-26.7) kg/m2, 58% (n = 29) of patients had lipo/myelomeningocele and 76% (n = 38) were classified as stage 1 CKD. The median eGFR (ml/min/1.73m2) calculated by different formulas was: CKiD-Cr 108.1 (89.2-129.6); CKiD-CysC 77.1 (59.7-87.7), CKiD- Cr/CysC 86.6 (67.4-98.1); Zapitelli-CysC 83.3 (63.3-95.7) and Zapitelli combined- Cr/CysC 101.4 (75.5-121.2). When compared to CKiD-Cr, all the CysC-based formulas showed significantly lower values of eGFR (p&amp;lt;0.01). No statistical differences were obtained in eGFR calculated by CKiD-Cr and CKiD-CysC equations regarding age, sex, percentile of height or body mass index. In patients without independent gait (wheelchair or orthosis), with more muscle atrophy and underdeveloped lower limbs (54%, n = 27), the eGFR calculated by CKiD- Cr equation was higher than in the patients who are ambulatory (119.0 (102.8-150.0) vs 91.6 (64.5-111.8); p&amp;lt;0.01). On the other hand, there were no differences regarding eGFR obtained by CKiD-CysC in those two groups of patients (p = 0.640). Proteinuria was detected in 39% (n = 15) of the patients with stage 1 CKD and of these 87% (n = 13) had CKD upstaging using CKiD-CysC equation. In addition, the difference between the median Cr-eGFR and CysC-eGFR was significantly higher in the group of patients with proteinuria (53.0 (36.2-59.7) vs 32.6 (13.4-45.9); p = 0.007). Proteinuria was significantly higher in the group of children with more muscle atrophy, without independent gait (wheelchair or orthosis) compared to ambulatory (0.30 (0.12-0.43) vs 0.12 (0.06-0.20); p = 0.021). Conclusions In pediatric patients with NB and poor muscle mass Cr-based formulas can overestimate eGFR and delay the diagnosis and correct staging of CKD. In these patients CysC-based equations seem to be more reliable in assessing kidney function. In children with NB proteinuria appears to be a possible early and sensitive marker of CKD progression, mostly in those with more muscle depletion.

User-Centered Mobile Applications for Stroke Survivors (MAPPS): A Mixed-Methods Study of Patient Preferences

ObjectiveInvestigate stroke survivors’ (SS) preferences for a hypothetical mHealth app for post-stroke care and to study the influence of demographic variables on these preferences. DesignMixed-methods, sequential, observational study. SettingFocus groups (phase 1) were conducted to identify SS perceptions and knowledge of mHealth applications (apps). Using grounded theory approach, recurring themes were identified. A multiple-choice questionnaire of 5 desired app features was generated using these themes and mailed to SS (national survey, phase 2). SS’ demographics and perceived usefulness (yes/no) for each feature were recorded. In-person usability testing (phase 3) was conducted to identify areas of improvement in user interfaces of existing apps. Summative telephone interviews (phase 4) were conducted for final impressions supplementary to national survey. ParticipantsSS aged >18 years recruited from study hospital, national stroke association database, stroke support and advocacy groups. Non-English speakers and those unable to communicate were excluded. InterventionsNone. Main Outcome Measures(1) Percentage of SS (phase 2) identifying proposed app features to be useful. (2) Influence of age, sex, race, education, and time since stroke on perceived usefulness. ResultsNinety-six SS participated in focus groups. High cost, complexity, and lack of technical support were identified as barriers to adoption of mHealth apps. In the national survey (n=1194), ability to track fitness and diet (84%) and communication (70%) were the most and least useful features, respectively. Perceived usefulness was higher among younger SS (P<.001 to .006) and SS of color (African American and Hispanic) (ORs 1.73-4.41). Simple design and accommodation for neurologic deficits were main recommendations from usability testing. ConclusionsSS are willing to adopt mHealth apps that are free of cost and provide technical support. Apps for SS should perform multiple tasks and be of simple design. Greater interest for the app's features among SS of color may provide opportunities to address health inequities.

Exploring Significant Predictors of Retention Willingness in Nurses Diagnosed With COVID-19

COVID-19 affected both the physical and mental health of frontline nurses and the stability of the nursing workforce. This study was designed to explore the influence of demographic variables, physical and mental health status, perceived work stress, and job satisfaction on intention to continue working as nurses among nursing staff who had been infected by COVID-19. In this cross-sectional study, an internal online survey was used to collect data from 152 nurses at a hospital in southern Taiwan. The questionnaires in the survey included the Chinese Health Survey Scale, Stress Scale on COVID-19 Patient Care, McCloskey/ Mueller Satisfaction Scale, and Employee Retention Scale. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS/Windows 22.0. The most significant predictors identified included age, seniority, level of education, job satisfaction, physical and mental wellbeing, and work stress. These predictors collectively explained 32% of the total variance in retention willingness (F [18,128] = 4.78, p < .001). Almost half (46.7%; 71/152) of the participants expressed intent to continue working in nursing. Being a senior staff and having a master's degree or higher were positively associated with retention. The findings may be referenced by healthcare organizations and managers to help healthcare staff gain strength and resilience against future pandemics. Key recommendations include reducing staff work stress, increasing job satisfaction, and facilitating a more equitable life-work balance.

Causal modelling of the influence of demographic variables on work-stimulated stress among early childhood educators in South Africa

Work-related stress has emerged as a pervasive global issue that needs to be investigated by specialists around the world. Work stress is a condition of pressure brought on by one's line of work and occurs when the demands of the job are too great for an employee's abilities or resources. The study was undertaken to examine the direct and indirect causal effect of some demographic variables on work-stimulated stress among early childhood educators in South Africa. Hence, the researchers developed and validated a model involving causal linkages between early childhood educators’ demographic variables such as age, gender, race, marital status, income and educational qualification, and work-stimulated stress. The study adopted an ex-post-facto research design. The sample comprised one hundred and twenty (120) early childhood educators across twenty (20) Early Childhood Education (ECE) centres. A stratified random sampling technique was used to select the early childhood educators for the study. One validated instrument on work-stimulated stress developed by the researchers on a four-point rating scale was used to collect the data for the study, while path analysis and multiple regression analysis were employed for data analysis. The findings of this study documented the more parsimonious model, which effectively predicts the influence of demographic variables on work-stimulated stress among early childhood educators. The results further indicated that three (Age, Gender, and Marital Status) out of the six predictor variables caused early childhood educators’ work-stimulated stress more than the other variables. The implications of these findings for education policymakers, administrators, and teachers are discussed.