Planning Knowledge Research Articles

Effect of a Health Educational Intervention on Family Planning Methods among Childbearing in the West African Region: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Family planning services need to be available to all individuals who are of reproductive age. This study determined the effect of health education on knowledge of Family planning (FP) and perceptions (susceptibility, barriers, seriousness and benefits) of FP methods. A quantitative approach of quasi-experimental design was adopted, for the study. Data were collected again using validated questionnaires from both groups after the intervention and three months follow-up for the intervention groups and after three months for the control groups. Data were analyzed with the aid of IBM SPSS version 23. There was no significant difference between intervention and control groups concerning the baseline variables. Post-intervention showed that the FP knowledge changed significantly in the intervention group (p < 0.05). Findings regarding the effect on perceived susceptibility suggested that the participant in the intervention group reported a positive perceived susceptibility to pregnancy (without FP usage) compared to the control group at three months following the intervention (89.2%). The present study findings indicate that FP education intervention designed based on the theory of health belief model is effective in improving knowledge and perceived susceptibility of FP.

Knowledge and attitude towards ankle sprain management among primary care physicians in the department of family medicine, King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT Introduction: Family doctors are the primary care providers for ankle sprains, which are a prevalent condition that they treat with great care. Family physicians’ differing management styles and levels of knowledge about established recommendations may have a substantial influence on patient outcomes. Aims: The current study aimed to assess the level of awareness among family physicians regarding established guidelines for ankle sprain management. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted targeting all available and accessible primary care physicians within the Department of Family Medicine at King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia during the period from 2023 to May 2024. Data were collected using an online questionnaire that was initiated by the study researchers after comprehensive review of similar articles in the literature. Results: A total of 88 primary care physicians were included. Physicians’ ages ranged from 25 to 60 years with a mean age of 33.4 ± 7.4 years old. A total of 47 (53.4%) were males, 29 (33%) were residents, 28 (31.8%) were consultants, 16 (18.2%) were senior Registrar, and 9 (10.2%) were GPs. A total of 41 (46.6%) of the study physicians had an overall good knowledge level about ankle sprain while most of them (53.4%) had poor knowledge level. A total of 55 (62.5%) of the study physicians utilize the Ottawa Ankle Rules to guide the need for X-ray imaging in ankle sprains, and 52 (59.1%) routinely provide information on preventive measures to patients diagnosed with an ankle sprain. Conclusion: The study found that primary care physicians have average knowledge about ankle sprains, diagnosis, classification, and treatment, with lower knowledge of follow-up plans. They need training and educational programs.

Anatomical variations detected in the arterial arches of the palm: A case report

Background and objectives: The vascular anatomy of the hand, particularly the superficial palmar arch (SPA) and deep palmar arch (DPA), presents complex and variable patterns crucial for microsurgical interventions. Presentation of case: We encountered a unique case during routine cadaveric dissection, an incomplete SPA in a male cadaver. The left upper extremity revealed atypical branching of the ulnar artery (UA), where the superficial branch lacked the typical connection to the radial artery, deviating from conventional SPA anatomy. The medial branch of UA served as a common trunk, supplying the common palmar digital artery and the digiti minimi artery. Additionally, origin of first common palmar digital artery from palmar metacarpal artery (branch of radial artery) instead from ulnar artery itself further distinguished this case. Discussion: Incomplete SPA due to absence of connection between ulnar artery and superficial branch of radial artery is also reported by other studies with prevalence ranging from 3.6 % to 21.7%. Knowledge of this type of variation is significant for hand surgeries involving harvesting of the radial artery to prevent dangerous complications like ischemia and gangrene. Conclusion: Understanding anatomical variations in hand vasculature is pivotal for surgical procedures. This case highlights the importance of thorough anatomical knowledge in clinical practice and surgical planning.

Examining the Role of Financial Awareness, Attitude, and Knowledge in Personal Financial Planning: A Study in the Kathmandu Valley

Purpose. This study explores the relationship between financial literacy, including awareness, attitude, knowledge, and planning, among Nepalese individuals who reside in the Kathmandu Valley. Design/methodology/approach. The study employed a descriptive and causal research design based on the primary data collected from 386 respondents who were actively engaged in financial transactions at the Nepalese Stock Market. It used a purposive selection approach to select participants, specifically those involved in financial transactions at stock broker centers located in Kathmandu Valley. Findings. The study’s outcome indicates a modest positive relationship between financial awareness and individual financial planning (β = 0.143; p = 0.000), whereas financial attitude demonstrates a stronger positive association (β = 0.323; p = 0.000). Financial knowledge is the most influential component in individual financial planning (β = 0.501; p = 0.000). Research implications. The results indicate that by implementing focused educational programs, individuals can enhance their financial literacy, enable them to make well- informed financial decisions, enhance their financial planning skills, and ultimately progress their long-term financial security. Originality/value. This study underscores financial literacy's significance for individual and social well-being.

Making Hidden Sustainable Urban Planning and Landscape Knowledge Visual and Multisensorial

Many cityscapes and landscapes create reactions of awe due to their unexpected characteristics or uniqueness. First glance observations may not reveal or enable the understanding of all natural, social, economic, environmental, and cultural processes taking place at a given moment or, particularly, how those places have evolved and been transformed into being what they are today. Research helps to uncover hidden layers of reality and make sense of relationships among elements, dimensions, and processes. Distinct research styles of variable intensity and comprehensiveness are required to respond to the needs of multiple stakeholders. Quantitative research methods have become increasingly sophisticated, and while they serve to enhance one’s knowledge of complex phenomena, they can also be difficult to understand. To what extent can urban planners and landscape architects utilize visual and multisensorial literacies to bring about more transparency and significance to territorial transformation processes? This paper analyzes how four educational and research programs implemented at the University at Albany built upon visual and multisensorial research methods to augment educational outcomes, bolster scholarly significance, and provide up-to-date knowledge to empower concerned stakeholders to help change unsustainable urbanization practices, social inequities and injustices in cities, car dependence and sedentary lifestyles, protect natural resources and livelihoods, while reducing environmental and social harm. The methods comprised literature reviews, self-reflections on the implemented programs, and analyses of participant evaluations of various outreach activities. The paper concludes with remarks for other researchers interested in making their pedagogical and scholarly activities more effective and rewarding for themselves and their intended beneficiaries.

Imagined encounters, transformative potentials

Encounters do not start with physical meetings, but rather with the affective attributions of producing or developing knowledge of another person in advance of meeting them. Certain encounters are more desired than others, solidifying pre conceived notions of difference or helping to divert them. Even encounters that have not (yet) happened can create an affective space filled with strong emotions such as fear or desire. It is the affective complexity of just such an unrealistic encounter that this article addresses, based on fieldwork amongst a Vienna-based Arab collective of artists. Consisting largely of artists who were recently arrived as forced migrants, the collective sought to overcome the power asymmetry inscribed in their day-to day interactions by creating new forms of artistic engagement with the Austrian public. As I discuss, this desire came to influence their self-understanding, event planning, and internal knowledge production. By focusing on the potentiality inherent in encounters, this contribution asks how the imagining of desired encounters shapes subjectivities even when those encounters have not (yet) materialised.

Investigation of Potential Food Intake Biomarkers by LC-MS/MS: Suitability Under Conditions Close to Everyday Live.

Food intake biomarkers are proposed to be a more reliable tool for investigating the nutritional status compared to food diaries or food frequency questionnaires. Nevertheless, biomarkers have some disadvantages such as the influence of the individual lifestyle, different metabolism, nutrient-nutrient interaction or the specificity of the used biomarkers. To evaluate the suitability of several biomarkers, a study under conditions close to everyday life was conducted. Ten healthy volunteers were divided into three groups who followed different meal plans for 24h and collected their entire urine. Afterward, several potential biomarkers were quantified using an LC-MS/MS approach. To further investigate the suitability of those biomarkers, the results were investigated with the main goal of grouping the participants according to their provided diet, while the first author did not have any knowledge of the meal plans or other specific knowledge about the study design. The use of different biomarkers enables the evaluation of different eating habits without any prior wash out period or bigger than usual portion sizes. Especially long-term biomarkers seem to have a good suitability. Very high intakes and very low intakes are easier to distinguish than a moderate intake. Food intake biomarkers are proposed as a more reliable tool than food diaries or food frequency questionnaires. Nevertheless, data under realistic conditions are rarely available. In this study, ten volunteers were divided into three groups with different meal plans. An LC-MS/MS approach was performed and the data were further investigated with the main goal of grouping the participants according their provided diet, while the first author did not have any knowledge about the meal plans.

Planning for the Future: Advance Care Planning Knowledge, Discussion and Decision-Making Among Older, Sexual Minority Adults.

Background: Prior research has shown that advance care planning (ACP) knowledge and discussion varies among racial and ethnic groups. However, little is known if similar disparities exist within the sexual minority (SM) population. Objectives: To investigate racial disparities in ACP knowledge, discussion, and decision making within the SM population. Methods: Data from an online survey (N = 281) asked Black and White SM adults ages 50+ about their knowledge and actions about future healthcare wishes and their healthcare experiences. A series of multivariable logistic regressions were conducted to examine the association between ACP knowledge, discussion, and medical decision-making and race, while adjusting for other demographic and health-related variables. Results: On average, respondents were 57 years old (SD = 6.04) and just over half identified as being White (52%) and as men (55%). Most participants had heard of ACP (74%) and had an ACP discussion with someone (65%). Sixty-six percent of participants were very comfortable with medical decision-making. White SM adults had higher odds of having ACP knowledge (aOR = 3.56; 95% CI = 1.78, 7.07) and discussions (aOR = 2.43; 95% CI = 1.28, 4.61). While no racial differences were found in comfort with medical decision-making, other sociodemographics were significantly associated with comfort with medical decision-making. Conclusion: Outcomes from this work indicate persistent racial disparities in ACP within the SM population in addition to highlighting other factors that influence ACP. These findings emphasize the need for resources to address this systemic issues and to ensure that SM adults have access to and engage in ACP.

Analysis of the Influence of Financial Manager Competence, Access to Capital, and Community Economic Independence on the Effectiveness of Financial Management of MSME Actors in Kwala Serapuh Village, Langkat with Financial Information System as an Interve

This study aims to analyze the influence of three main factors, namely the competence of financial managers, access to capital, and economic independence of the community on the effectiveness of financial management of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Kwala Serapuh Village, Langkat. In addition, this study also explores the role of financial information systems as intervening or intermediary variables. The first factor studied is the competence of financial managers in managing MSME finances. It includes knowledge and skills in financial planning, transaction recording, and financial analysis. This research will identify the extent to which these competencies affect the effectiveness of MSME financial management. The sample in this study is 85 MSME actors. The method used is PLS analysis. The results of the study show that Financial Management Competency (KPK) has a significant positive effect on Financial Management Effectiveness (EMK). Financial Management Competence (KPK) has a significant positive effect on the Financial Information System (SIK). Access to Capital (AM) has no positive and insignificant effect on the Effectiveness of Financial Management (EMK). Access to Capital (AM) has a significant positive effect on the Effectiveness of the Financial Information System (SIK). Economic Independence (KE) has no positive and insignificant effect on the Effectiveness of Financial Management (EMK). Economic Independence (KE) has a significant positive effect on the Financial Information System (SIK). The Financial Information System (SIK) has a significant positive effect on the Effectiveness of Financial Management (EMK).

Examining the effectiveness, feasibility, and acceptability of an advocacy program for Latinx families of transition-aged autistic youth.

To support Latinx families of autistic youth navigate school-based transition services and adult disability services, we provided a family advocacy program entitled, ASISTIR (Apoyando a nueStros hIjo/as con autiSmo obTener servIcios de tRansición; Supporting our Children with Autism to Obtain Transition Services). The ASISTIR program consisted of six, two-hour sessions and included the following topics: school-based transition planning, person-centered planning, Supplemental Security Income, Vocational Rehabilitation, and Home and Community-Based Medicaid Waiver. Twenty-nine Latinx family members completed the cohort-based ASISTIR program. After participating family members demonstrated increased knowledge of school-based transition planning and adult disability services. Participants also demonstrated increased empowerment and advocacy.

Study of Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Family Planning: Case of Female Staff of the Communal Medical Center (CMC) of Flamboyants, Conakry, Guinea

&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Introduction:&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; The aim was to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of female staff on family planning at the Flamboyants Communal Medical Center. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Methods:&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; This was a 3-month cross-sectional, prospective, descriptive and analytical study involving women (doctors, midwives, laboratory technicians and nurses) working at the Flamboyants CMC and agreeing to participate in the study. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Results:&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; The contraceptive prevalence was 61.9%. All respondents were aware of FP (100%). The most commonly cited contraceptive methods were: the intrauterine device (IUD) at 85.7%, the Jadelle implant (79.4%) and the contraceptive pill (68.3%). More than 8 out of 10 respondents (81.0%) were in favor of using family planning. Most of the respondents, 74.5%, discussed family planning with their spouses and 70.2% of the spouses were in favor of FP. The most frequently used method was the pill (59.0%). The factors associated with the use of FP were: dialogue with the spouse on contraception (p = 0.018), marriage (p = 0.012) and good attitude of the spouse towards FP (p = 0.000). &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Conclusion:&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Improving this prevalence would require the involvement of spouses and midwives during counseling during antenatal and postpartum follow-up.

Bridging disparity in knowledge and utilization of contraceptive methods among married couples in the pastoralist community of Fentale District, Eastern Ethiopia.

Despite progress in national reproductive health, pastoralist regions, including the Fentale District in Eastern Ethiopia, face challenges with limited contraceptive coverage due to gaps in understanding and adoption among couples. This cross-sectional study of 1496 couples in Fentale District, Eastern Ethiopia, from October 1 to December 25, 2021, utilized multistage sampling. Data entered into EPI Data underwent analysis with SPSS (v23.0) and STATA (v14.0), employing descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and binary logistic regression to identify predictors of contraceptive knowledge. Of the 1496 couples, 93.8% (1404) participated in the survey. Significant educational disparities were observed, with 53.8% having no formal education, particularly among women (65.2%). Despite this, 80.2% of couples were aware of at least one family planning (FP) method, and 78.6% knew modern methods. The median knowledge of contraception methods was 3 for both genders. Men showed higher awareness of male (43.2%) and female condoms (17.4%) compared to women (31.8% and 6.0%). Overall, 27.4% of couples used contraception, with a significant gender difference: 41.2% of women and 13.5% of men. Modern contraceptives were used by 18.2% of couples, predominantly by women (34.8%). Binary logistic regression analysis indicated positive associations between contraceptive knowledge and education, bank account ownership, occupation, proximity to healthcare, and media exposure, while a nomadic-pastoralist lifestyle and specific treatment preferences showed negative associations. The limited knowledge and utilization of family planning in the Fentale District stem from gaps in comprehension and disparities among couples. Factors influencing this situation include socio-demographic considerations, such as variations based on education, occupation, media exposure, bank account ownership, treatment preferences, and distance from healthcare facilities. This ensures that the interventions are having the desired effect and allows for adjustments as needed to promote family planning uptake.

Indigenous knowledge in climate adaptation planning: reflections from initial efforts

There are increasing calls to incorporate indigenous knowledge (IK) into climate adaptation planning (CAP) and related projects. However, given unique attributes of IK and the positionality of tribal communities to scientific research, several considerations are important to ensure CAP efforts with IK are ethical and effective. While such topics have been thoroughly explored conceptually, incorporation of IK into CAP is a nascent field only beginning to report findings and improve science production and delivery. Based on recent work with Ute Mountain Ute (UMU) resource managers and knowledge holders, we reflect on key considerations for incorporating IK into CAP: the importance of sustained and multi-level tribal engagement, operational approaches to IK incorporation, cross-cultural challenges with risk-based approaches, and how CAP can support existing tribal priorities. We hope exploring these considerations can help set appropriate expectations, promote ethical interactions, and increase the effectiveness of tribal CAP and related efforts.

The Thematic Analysis of Barriers to Immediate Post-Partum Long-Acting Reversible Contraception.

Globally, many women express the desire to avoid immediate pregnancy for 24 months postdelivery, and only forty percent use contraceptives during this period. There is an enormous demand for postpartum family planning, particularly in developing countries with low- or middle-income grades. Postpartum intrauterine devices such as long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) are among the most effective methods of family planning in the immediate postpartum period, yet their effectiveness is hindered because of a lack of availability and training. Strategies to increase access to LARCs are essential. Hence, the purpose of the current study is to determine the barriers among healthcare providers in providing immediate postpartum family planning services. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at SIMS, a tertiary care teaching hospital, from January to March 2024. Approximately 293 healthcare providers who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were provided an online questionnaire in the form of a Google Forms link, which included a structured questionnaire focusing on various aspects, including demographics, knowledge, practices, and barriers in their practice. The data collected were analysed through SPSS version 26, which employs chi-square tests and Pearson's correlation to determine any significant associations among them. Based on the key statistical outcomes and the significant correlations observed related to the data, a thematic analysis through SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) was conducted. The study adhered to the method outlined by Braun and Clarke (2006) and compiled with the COREQ (consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research) checklist to uphold methodological integrity. Among the participants, 92.4% provided family planning counselling after childbirth, predominantly during the antenatal period (75.1%), and the provision of immediate postnatal family planning was reported in 76.1% of the participants, with PPIUDs identified as the most utilized method by 52.6%. Various barriers were identified, including insufficient training on Implanon (33.4%) and the PPIUCD (12.6%), the unavailability of implants (59.0%), and a lack of interest among patients (46.1%). Statistically significant associations were observed between the practice setting and knowledge of postpartum family planning (p = 0.002), as well as deficiencies in training for the PPIUCD (p < 0.001). The study highlights the place of practice and the practitioners' experience as significant strengths in offering immediate postpartum contraception and referring patients for family planning. However, qualification was identified as a limiting factor for practicing immediate postpartum family planning. This study revealed significant difficulty in delivering prompt postpartum long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs), underscoring the necessity of improved education and training for professionals. Focusing on these challenges is important in enhancing postpartum family planning acceptance and decreasing unfulfilled requirements in resource-limited settings.

Smart Waste Management System

Internet of Things (IoT) plays an important role to make the cities greener, safer, and more efficient. Waste collection management solution based on providing intelligence to wastebins, using an IoT prototype with sensors is been presented in this paper. Planning the waste management for all of the garbage produced in the country is an enormous task which involves both logistical planning and scientific knowledge in order to balance the impact on the environment and the people. With speedy increase in population, the issues related to sanitation with respect to waste operation are demeaning immensely. It creates unhealthy conditions for the citizens in the near surroundings, leading to the spread of contagious conditions and illness. In the proposed system, embedded device helps in real time monitoring of checking the status of the waste in waste dustbins. The data regarding the waste level will be used to deliver optimized route for waste collecting vans, which will reduce cost associated with fuels. The load sensor will increase effectiveness of data related to waste status and moistness sensor will be used to give data of waste segregation in a dust bins. Keywords: Internet-of-Things, smart waste management, Arduino, Wi-Fi, Internet.

Perancangan Keluarga Menurut Islam dan Amalan dalam Kalangan Wanita Umur Reproduktif di Malaysia / Family Planning According to Islam and Practices Among Reproductive-Age Women in Malaysia

Family planning is essential for helping women avoid unwanted and high-risk pregnancies. Despite the introduction of family planning programs in Malaysia in the 1960s, the practice of family planning remains low. From the Islamic perspective, the practice of family planning involves certain laws and requirements. This study aims to investigate the prevalence, knowledge, and factors influencing the practice of family planning among ever married women aged 15-49. This study used a quantitative approach with a two-stage stratified sampling technique to select 2,081 respondents from all states in Malaysia. Data was gathered through online questionnaires or personal interviews and analysed using descriptive statistics and the chi-square test. The results of the study found three most commonly methods of family planning were condoms, pills and withdrawal. The contraceptive prevalence rate (CPR) was 64.7 percent, with the highest prevalence were among Malays, aged 30-34, living in rural areas, having low education, working, belonging to the M40 income group, having 1-2 children, and possessing high knowledge of family planning. However, 48.1 percent of respondents had a low level of knowledge about family planning. This study found a significant relationship between the practice of family planning and ethnic background, place of residence, educational level, number of children, and knowledge about family planning. The study suggests that improving women's knowledge about family planning is crucial for the well-being of women and families. The knowledge of the law of family planning according to Islam should also be emphasized to achieve the goal of maintaining well-being and avoiding harm.

Humans versus models: a comparative assessment of ecosystem services models and stakeholders’ perceptions

Mapping the production of Ecosystem Services (ES) is imperative for sustainable ecosystem management. Likewise, incorporating expert knowledge enhances ES research. Here, we calculate eight multi-temporal ES indicators for mainland Portugal using a spatial modelling approach. These indicators are then integrated into the novel ASEBIO index—Assessment of Ecosystem Services and Biodiversity—which depicts a combined ES potential based on CORINE Land Cover, using a multi-criteria evaluation method with weights defined by stakeholders through an Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). Outputs from the modelling show how ES have changed in Portugal in relation to land use changes, including trade-offs between 1990 and 2018. The composed ASEBIO index is compared against the stakeholders’ valuation of ES potential for the year 2018. The results reveal a significant mismatch between the ES potential perceived by stakeholders and the models, with stakeholder estimates being 32.8% higher on average. All the selected ES were overestimated by the stakeholders. Drought regulation and erosion prevention have the highest contrasts, while water purification, food production and recreation are the most closely aligned among both approaches. Providing the first national overview about the status of multiple ES over a 28 year-period, our findings highlight potential disparities between data-driven and stakeholder-based evaluations. Therefore, we suggest the need for integrative strategies that consider scientific models with expert knowledge for more effective ES assessments and land-use planning. This approach could help bridge the gap between data-driven models and human perspectives, resulting in more balanced and inclusive decision-making.

Prevalence and incidence of chronic wounds in Austria - a population-based real-world data analysis

Abstract Background Chronic wounds are associated with pain, odor, loss of mobility, an increased risk for infection and sepsis and a reduced quality of life. Treatment costs are rising due to the longevity of the population and increasing number of diabetes cases. For service planning in healthcare, it is thus necessary to describe patient characteristics and estimate the prevalence and incidence of chronic wounds. Currently, no data exists on this subject broken down by age group, gender, and province in Austria. Methods A retrospective analysis of real-world data was conducted using two merged datasets from an outpatient wound centre and the Austrian Health Insurance Fund. The study population consisted of people who resided in Austria and were covered by statutory health insurance from 2018 to 2022. We performed a descriptive, socio-demographic analysis of the data of patients, followed by a set of cluster analyses using the unsupervised K-means algorithm. From these clusters, we derived subgroup characteristics and patient trajectories and calculated prevalence and incidence rates for chronic wounds according to diagnoses, different age groups, gender, and different regions. Results Gender was almost evenly distributed in the wound centre’s data set (n = 4963; 49.6% female). The age distribution revealed the age group from 71-80 years being the largest group. In general, more women than men are affected by chronic wounds from the age of 81 onwards. 31% of chronic wound patients had diabetes as an underlying condition. More men were affected by peripheral arterial occlusive disease and diabetic foot syndrome and, conversely, more women by chronic venous insufficiency. These are preliminary results of the analyses. Conclusions Chronic wound patients were characterised by older age and multi-morbidity. Interestingly, gender differences appeared in the occurrence of comorbidities. Key messages • This study makes a crucial contribution in making routine data usable for the epidemiological study of chronic wounds, a cluster of diseases of complex aetiology. • It thus contributes to filling a knowledge gap. The prevalence estimate serves as a basis of knowledge for health care planning and a basis for the health economic assessment of the problem.

Family planning knowledge, use, and associated factors among women with mental illness and epilepsy in Rwanda: a cross-sectional study.

Family planning knowledge and access to quality family planning services occupy a central position in the lives of all women of reproductive age. However, women with mental illness and epilepsy who are at a high risk of sexual violence, unwanted pregnancies, poor obstetric outcomes, and drug interaction consequences, need it the most. Understanding their family planning knowledge and utilization remains crucial for meeting their needs. The present study aims to assess knowledge, use of family planning, and associated factors among women living with mental illness and epilepsy who attend the Ndera Neuropsychiatric Hospital and affiliated branches. A cross-sectional study was conducted between October 2022 and February 2023. The study involved a purposive sample of 289 women who attended the Ndera Neuropsychiatric Hospital and its two affiliated branches during the data collection period. Psychiatric nurses administered a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the factors associated with the use of family planning methods. Out of 289 who participated in the study, the majority (96.9%) were aware of family planning methods, most (67.8%) had used one method once in their life course, a half (51.9%) were using a family planning method at the time of data collection, and a slight number (26%) expressed intentions of using a family planning method in the future. The most known and used methods were respectively the injectable (17.5%) and oral contraceptive pill (17.5%). Regarding the natural family planning methods, breastfeeding and withdrawal were less used. Being single (AOR = 66.4, 95% CI: 9.8, 44) or married (AOR = 51.4, 95% CI: 11.9-22), having a primary level of education (AOR = 5.6, 95% CI: 2.0, 15.9), knowing a contraceptive method (AOR = 5.8, 95% CI: 0.6, 49) and suffering from brief psychotic disorders (AOR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.1, 6.6) predicted a higher utilization of family planning. Most of the women with mental illness in this study were aware of family planning methods and had used one of the family planning methods in life. The national average is below when it comes to family planning awareness. It is important to improve family planning education and counseling for women who attend psychiatric outpatient clinics.

Who is the next leader? Understanding women leadership development and succession planning in Saudi Arabian higher educational institutions.

Leadership development and succession planning is a valuable strategy for closing the gender gap and providing an equal chance for males and females to be trained and involved in leadership roles. This strategy is an incredibly effective tool in higher education, where there is a significant disparity between male and female academic leaders. Despite its effectiveness, succession planning remained an overlooked component of the higher education system. Further research studies enhance our understanding of the current state of succession planning and the factors that affect the recruitment and selection of future academic leaders. Hence, this study aims to identify the current women's leadership development and succession planning practices in public and private universities in Saudi Arabia. A qualitative study was conducted in a Saudi Arabian higher education setting. The interest in Saudi Arabia stems from the fact that succession planning is less likely to be practiced since gender discrimination is apparent when assigning leadership positions. Results indicate that top powers typically select leaders since succession planning is absent in Saudi Arabia's higher education institutions. In this circumstance, networking and relationships play a significant role, as these institutions have no formalized succession planning process. In a highly gender-segregated society like Saudi Arabia, women are deprived of expanding their networks and showcasing capabilities to male decision-makers. The results of this study further identified the underlying components of the women's leadership and succession planning process in the Saudi Arabian setting. This study contributes to leadership and succession planning knowledge and its implications, which may extend opportunities for practitioners, consultants, and policymakers to include women in higher education succession planning.