Knowledge-related Factors Research Articles

Transforming life insurance buying: conceptual model for the adoption of Life InsurTech services in India

Purpose This study aims to construct a theoretical framework that combines the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and other variables related to life insurance adoption among customers. This will explain the factors that influence customers’ decisions to use Life InsurTech services in the future. Design/methodology/approach A hybrid method combining theory-driven analysis and thematic analysis was used for content analysis, allowing for a holistic perspective, and developing a conceptual research model. Findings The paper contributes significantly by creating a conceptual framework designed to understand and explain the factors that impact customers’ intentions to adopt Life InsurTech services. By emphasizing technology-related factors, behavior-related factors, knowledge-related factors and individual-related factors, one could potentially identify and explain the factors influencing the intention to use Life InsurTech services. Research limitations/implications The limitation of the current research is the lack of prior research on InsurTech services. This study contributes to reviewing and organizing earlier knowledge to help researchers address the key factors affecting Life InsurTech services adoption. Practical implications The study has suggested a conceptual framework that Life InsurTech managers can use to implement the effective adoption of Life InsurTech services. Social implications With the significant importance of life insurance for consumers as well as for the country’s economic development and the advent of InsurTech innovations, there is a need to understand the online life insurance purchase behavior of consumers. Originality/value The outcomes presented in this study will lay the groundwork for future investigations that aim to address the research question regarding the factors influencing customers’ intentions to utilize Life InsurTech services. With very few studies conducted on InsurTech services, this novel study proposes a new conceptual framework to better understand the adoption of Life InsurTech services.

Barriers to modern contraceptive utilization in Ethiopia.

Contraception is a critical service for women to control their reproductive health, allowing them to determine the number and spacing of their children prevent unintended pregnancies, reduce the risk of morbidity and mortality from associated with childbirth, and reduce the likelihood of abortions. Despite its benefits, the utilization of modern contraceptive methods remains low in certain regions of Ethiopia, Particularly in Afar and Somali, which are also experiencing high fertility rates. However, there is a substantial gap in understanding the sociocultural barriers that hinder the adoption of modern contraception in these regions. This study aims to explore these barriers to contraceptive use among women of reproductive age in Afar and Somali regions, providing qualitative insights that are essential for designing effective strategies to improve contraceptive service utilization. Asequential mixed method approach was employed, including scoping review and qualitative interviews. Scoping review focused on qualitative or mixed-methods studies conducted in Ethiopia and published between 2013 and 2023 in English, Selecting 14 articles Additionally, qualitative data were collected from Afar and Somali regions through In-depth interviews with women aged 15-49 who are married or in consensual union, and key informant interviews with health extension workers and contraception providers at health center. A total of 20 in-depth interviews and 07 key informants were conducted. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. The integrated findings from the scoping review and qualitative study reveal various barriers and determinants influencing contraceptive use among women in Ethiopia. Barriers includes religious or cultural beliefs, myths and misconceptions, fear of side effects, lack of knowledge and misinformation, negative attitude towards contraceptives, partner opposition, socio-cultural factors, fear of being judged by family and friends, and lack of communication between husband and wife, husband altitude, distance from health facility, availability of service and different contraceptive choice, separate room for family planning services, and cost of contraceptive method and transportation. The scoping review corroborates these findings, emphasizing on the role of socio-demographic, economic, cultural, religious, health service, and knowledge-related factors. Higher education, urban residence, higher income, mass media exposure, spousal communication, family size, and access to quality health services were associated with increased utilization, while lack of awareness, misconceptions, myths, side effects, fear of infertility, partner opposition, social stigma, and cultural norms decreased utilization. The study recommended promoting contraceptive use, challenging socio-cultural norms through Social Behavioural Communication and Counselling (SBCC), engaging partners and community members, and improving the quality of care.

Impact of knowledge factors on implementation of smart card technology in public healthcare

Background: Healthcare quality continues to advance with the use of innovative, adaptable technology, which will also reduce costs, increase efficiency, divide the number of errors, boost patient satisfaction, and enhance reimbursement for inpatient and outpatient healthcare professionals.Aim: The study’s aim was to investigate the impact of knowledge factors on the implementation of smart card technology (SCT) in public healthcare. Furthermore, it contributes equally to the understanding of the important determinants that influence the implementation of SCT in these hospitals.Setting: The study examined how knowledge factors affected the use of smart card technology in public healthcare in Southern Africa.Methods: The study used quantitative research approach. There were 489 healthcare professionals who took part in the initial data collection. As a result, 439 questionnaires were sent out and 406 of them were analysed.Results: The outcome of this study revealed that healthcare professionals had an impact on SCT implementation. According to the data, 2.2% and 2.5% of respondents, respectively, had very excellent and decent knowledge of SCT, compared to 33% of respondents who have a good understanding of SCT. A significant correlation between the application of SCT and effort expectancy (EE) may also have an impact on these outcomes. Effort expectancy was found to have a positive, considerable influence on the application of SCT in public healthcare in this study.Conclusion: This study showed that the Department of Health’s ability to properly administer SCT depends on certain factors that affect how it is implemented in South African public hospitals. Given these reasons, the possibility for adopting these e-health programs is of utmost importance.Contribution: The study can assist the Department of Health to understand how different knowledge-related factors impact the implementation of SCT in public healthcare.

Multilevel analysis of healthcare utilization for childhood diarrhea in high under five mortality countries

Globally, 4.9 million under-five deaths occurred before celebrating their fifth birthday. Four in five under-five deaths were recorded in sub-Saharan Africa and Southern Asia. Childhood diarrhea is one of the leading causes of death and is accountable for killing around 443,832 children every year. Despite healthcare utilization for childhood diarrhea has a significant effect on the reduction of childhood mortality and morbidity, most children die due to delays in seeking healthcare. Therefore, this study aimed to assess healthcare utilization for childhood diarrhea in the top high under-five mortality countries. This study used secondary data from 2013/14 to 2019 demographic and health surveys of 4 top high under-five mortality countries. A total weighted sample of 7254 mothers of under-five children was included. A multilevel binary logistic regression was employed to identify the associated factors of healthcare utilization for childhood diarrhea. The statistical significance was declared at a p-value less than 0.05 with a 95% confidence interval. The overall magnitude of healthcare utilization for childhood diarrhea in the top high under-five mortality countries was 58.40% (95% CI 57.26%, 59.53%). Partner/husband educational status, household wealth index, media exposure, information about oral rehydration, and place of delivery were the positive while the number of living children were the negative predictors of healthcare utilization for childhood diarrhea in top high under-five mortality countries. Besides, living in different countries compared to Guinea was also an associated factor for healthcare utilization for childhood diarrhea. More than four in ten children didn’t receive health care for childhood diarrhea in top high under-five mortality countries. Thus, to increase healthcare utilization for childhood diarrhea, health managers and policymakers should develop strategies to improve the household wealth status for those with poor household wealth index. The decision-makers and program planners should also work on media exposure and increase access to education. Further research including the perceived severity of illness and ORS knowledge-related factors of healthcare utilization for childhood diarrhea should also be considered by other researchers.

Knowledge and Skills Needed for Future Health Administrators: A Systematic Review.

The educational needs of future health administrators, prioritizing their needs, and developing a relationship between these needs and the needs of the community are very important to provide better responsiveness. We aimed to identify the knowledge and skills required for health care management students as future managers of the health community. In this systematic literature review, all studies conducted between 1990 and 2021 were searched in such databases as MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest Iran Medex, Magiran and Scientific Information Database (SID), and the collected data were analyzed via the thematic analysis method. Findings of this study were divided into two main categories and fourteen subcategories, including knowledge-related factors (awareness of the structure and processes in the field of health and knowledge of management science) and skill-related factors (planning, coordination, organization, leadership, control and evaluation, management of financial resources and budgeting, service management, communication and information management, human resource management, implementation of participatory and team activities, crisis management, entrepreneurship, innovation, marketing, policymaking, and decision-making). By identifying the knowledge and skills that students need, it is possible to empower them through necessary education. Therefore, by providing responsive education, developing skills, and improving capabilities, we can take an effective step to improve the quality of health system services.

Extra-medical knowledge-related factors impacting malaria prevention among pregnant women in the Kirotshe health zone in North Kivu, Eastern DRC

Extra-medical knowledge-related factors impacting malaria prevention among pregnant women in the Kirotshe health zone in North Kivu, Eastern DRC

Prevalence, Trends in and Determinants of Teenage Pregnancies in Rwanda: Analysis of Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey (2010 to 2020)

Background: According to the World Health Organization, roughly 16 million teen mothers aged 15 to 19 give birth annually resulting a 44,000 births per day worldwide. Moreover, the vicious cycle of poverty in sub-Saharan Africa is exacerbated by adolescent pregnancy, this also increases maternal, perinatal, and infant mortality hindering SDG goal 5 and target 3 of ending the child marriage of 2030 to be achieved. This study aimed to identify the prevalence, trends, and determinants of teenage pregnancies in Rwanda between 2010 and 2020. Methods: This study used Rwanda's demographic and health survey data from 2010, 2015, and 2020, and a cross-sectional study design. All data were cleaned and appended to get the final data set for analysis, all analyses were performed using R software package 4.3.1. Moreover, statistical significance was determined at a 5% p-value and 95% Confidence Interval (CI) while not crossing one. Results: The total number of teenagers between 2010 and 2020 was 9,050 and among them, the prevalence of teenage pregnancy was 6.11% (n = 553/9050). By trend, teenage pregnancy in 2010 was 6.22%, in 2015, 7.30%, and in 2015 5.41% in prevalence. After adjusting the variables in a multivariate logistic regression model, the following were found to be potential predictors of teenage pregnancy in Rwanda: Region by Eastern province (AOR: 1.55:95% CI: 1.078,2.24), lack of education and primary school teens (AOR: 2.9:95% CI: 1.22,6.89) and AOR: 1.67:95% CI: 1.25,2.24)respectively, Poorest households AOR: 2.02:95% CI: 1.27,3.12), those with knowledge of contraceptive methods (AOR: 8.70:95% CI: 3.34,23.01), sexually active unmarried women (AOR: 3.50:95% CI: 1.58,7.78), teens who did not access social media (AOR: 2.03:95% CI: 1.41,2.91), and it was protective against family size. Conclusion: These results imply that a combination of social, sociodemographic, and knowledge-related factors, as well as awareness of contraceptive techniques, may impact teenage pregnancy in Rwanda. The provision of contraception education and awareness should be the primary goal of efforts to minimize adolescent pregnancies in Rwanda, particularly in areas where the prevalence is higher. In addition, encouraging family planning and tackling economic inequalities can be effective tactics to lower adolescent pregnancy rates.

The explanation of educational disparities in adiposity by lifestyle, socioeconomic and mental health mediators

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – EU funding. Main funding source(s): This work has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 857487 (R-Exposome Chair) and National Institute for Research of Metabolic and Cardiovascular Diseases (Programme EXCELES, ID Project No. LX22NPO5104) - Funded by the European Union – Next Generation EU. Background The inverse association between education and obesity was previously found in numerous studies. However, education level per se is not directly related to obesity. Instead, other factors linked to educational disadvantage are likely to serve as mediators of the association. Lower educational levels are associated with poor lifestyle, economic disadvantage, and mental health problems, which all are risk factors of increased adiposity. Purpose We hypothesize the potential mediating role of lifestyle, socioeconomic and mental health factors in the association between education and increased adiposity, thus this study aims to assess diverse mediators in the educational disparities in adiposity. Methods Cross-sectional population-based sample from Czechia included 2154 25-64 years old subjects (2013-2014, 54.6% women). Educational attainment was classified as high, middle, and low. Adiposity was assessed as a latent variable constructed based on four main available adiposity biomarkers - body fat percentage, BMI, waist circumference, and visceral fat. The mediation potential of 8 factors (unhealthy dietary behaviour, alcohol intake, smoking, sedentary behaviours, income, stress, depression, and quality of life) was assessed in age-adjusted sex-specific simple and multiple mediation models. Results The negative direct effect of education on adiposity was significant in all investigated models. In a simple mediation model (each potential mediator tested separately), in men, the indirect effect significantly operated via sedentary behaviour, while in women via dietary risk, alcohol consumption, sedentary behaviour, income, and mental health. In multiple mediation models (all potential mediators tested in a one set), in men, the indirect effect was significant via sedentary behavior (β=0.041; 95% CI [0.025-0.062]) with a mediation ratio of 23.7%. In women, the indirect effect was significant via dietary risk (β=-0.023, 95% CI [-0.037, -0.013]), alcohol intake (β=-0.006; 95% CI [-0.014, -0.001]), sedentary behavior (β=0.012, 95% CI [0.004,0.023]), income (β=-0.022; 95% CI [-0.041, -0.004]), and mental health (β=-0.007; 95% CI [-0.019, -0.001]). The total mediation ratio in women was 30.5%. Conclusions Sedentary behaviours mediated the protective potential of higher educational levels on adiposity in both sexes, with a higher magnitude in men. In addition, unhealthy diet and lower income partially mediated the educational gradient in women. Reducing sedentary time should be targeted in public health strategies to reduce the burden of increased adiposity. Future studies should investigate a broader spectrum of potential mediators including knowledge-related factors and components of external environment.

Non-collaborative behaviour of accommodation businesses in the associational tourism economy

Grounded in social exchange theory (SET) this paper presents research on non-collaborative behaviour among accommodation businesses within their spatial context. The study adopts semi-structured interviews of 14 co-located accommodation businesses in Christchurch, New Zealand. The findings reveal three categories of non-collaborative factors that influence business behaviour, namely (1) resource-based factors which include temporal, financial, and knowledge-related factors; (2) socio-cultural factors such as personal, cultural, and professional divergence; and (3) value-based factors denoting the absence of perceived business value in working with others or emanating from formed relationships with other businesses. An important implication is that hospitality businesses should value potential and existing collaboration opportunities that can address their business needs. Industry associations and governments must acknowledge the peculiarities of hospitality businesses with respect to collaborative behaviour in their decision making and policy settings. The study also underlines the multicultural nature of accommodation business owners in New Zealand. A limited understanding of this fact hinders effective collaboration between businesses, government, and communities.

Extent of male involvement and associated factors in antenatal care service utilization in Bench Sheko zone, Southwest Ethiopia: A community-based cross-sectional study.

In many low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), men are the key decision-makers and chief providers, often determining women's access to economic resources and maternal health services. Despite the important role of men in maternal healthcare, the involvement of male partners in maternal and child health in LMIC, including Ethiopia, is low. This study aims to assess the extent of male involvement and associated factors in antenatal care (ANC) service utilization in the Bench Sheko zone, Southwest, Ethiopia. A community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted in the Bench Sheko zone from February to May 2021. A multistage sampling technique was employed to select study participants. Variables with p-values <0.25 in binary logistic regression were selected as candidates for multiple logistic regression to determine independent factors associated with male involvement adjusting for sociodemographic, health service, personal, environmental, and knowledge-related factors. A total of 816 men took part in the study, with a 98.2% response rate. The prevalence of male involvement in ANC utilization was 38.2%. In multivariate analyses, residence (urban), age (25-34), education (diploma and above), income (≥2,500 Ethiopian Birr, ETB), and high knowledge of the advantages of ANC were shown to be positively associated with male involvement in ANC utilization. Male involvement in ANC utilization was low. Considering the importance of male involvement in maternal healthcare, we advocate for policies and strategies that can improve knowledge of the advantages of ANC among men and can enhance their engagement in maternal care. Special attention should be given to younger partners and those partners who live in rural areas.

Factors associated with institutional delivery among mothers who gave birth within 1 year prior to the study at Gilgelbelles town, Northwest Ethiopia: a mixed-methods study

ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess factors associated with institutional delivery among mothers who had delivered within 1 year prior to the study at Gilgelbelles town, Northwest, Ethiopia.DesignA community-based mixed-methods study...

Identification of patient-related, healthcare-related and knowledge-related factors associated with inadequate blood pressure control in outpatients: a cross-sectional study in Serbia

ObjectivesTo determine rate of blood pressure (BP) control and to analyse patient-related, medication-related and healthcare system-related factors associated with poor BP control in outpatients with hypertension (HT).DesignCross-sectional study.SettingTwo study sites...

Hotspots and determinants of women’s discriminatory attitude towards people living with HIV; evidence from ethiopian demographic and health survey data

BackgroundHuman Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the major public health concern in Ethiopia with more profound effect on women. Discriminatory attitude towards people living with HIV (PLWH) impose a significant impact on patient outcomes and related issues. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the hotspot areas and determinant factors of women’s discriminatory attitude towards people living with HIV.MethodsAn in-depth secondary data analysis was conducted based on Ethiopian demographic and health survey (EDHS) 2016. A total of weighed 13,822 reproductive-age women were included in the analysis. The non-spatial analysis was conducted using Stata 16. A mixed effect multi-level logistic regression model was fitted to identify determinant factors of discriminatory attitude towards PLWH. A p-value < 0.2 and 0.05 were used as a cut-off point to declare statistical significance for the bi- and multi-variable regression models, respectively. Four separate models i.e. the null, individual, community level model, and a fourth combined model were fitted. Model comparison was done using deviance. Random effect parameters such as correlation coefficient, median odds ratio, and proportional change in variance were used to explain the variation between and within clusters. Global and local level spatial analyses were conducted using Global Moran’s index, GetisOrd Gi* statistics, and Spatial scan statistics were conducted.ResultsThe magnitude of women’s discriminatory attitude towards PLWH was 62.66% (95%CI: 60.12, 65.10). The discriminatory attitude of women towards PLWH was spatially clustered (Moran’s index = 0.41, P < 0.01). The hotspots of discriminatory attitude towards PLWH were detected in most parts of the Tigray region; Northern, and southeast borders of the Amhara region; Addis Ababa city; Central, Southern, and western Oromiya region; and East, south, and northeastern parts of South Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Region (SNNPR). Being rural resident, and having no media exposure were positively associated while better educational statuses, better wealth index, unmarried, having comprehensive HIV knowledge, Orthodox religion fellow, and ever being tested for HIV were negatively associated with women’s discriminatory attitude towards people living with HIV.ConclusionDiscriminatory attitude of women towards PLWH was high in Ethiopia. Hotspots were detected in Amhara, Oromiya, SNNPR, Tigray regions, and Addis Ababa city. Socio-demographic, socio-economic, and HIV knowledge-related factors determine the women’s discriminatory attitude towards PLWH.

Determinants of adolescents’ contraceptive uptake in Ethiopia: a systematic review of literature

IntroductionVarious studies have identified different factors that affect adolescent contraceptive uptake in different parts of Ethiopia. However, varying results were reported across primary studies and those results need to be systematically collated to inform policies. Therefore, this systematic review aimed to synthesize the findings of those primary studies to obtain more robust and representative evidence about adolescent contraceptive uptake in Ethiopia.MethodsFive databases (MEDLINE via PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Science Direct and CINAHL) were searched for papers published from January 2000 up to June 2021 in English. We limited our search to start on January 2000 as the health of adolescents have been given more attention after this period and to avoid time-lapsed biases. Seven studies were included in this systematic review. We used the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool for quality assessment of the selected studies.ResultsDeterminants of adolescent contraceptive utilization were focused on four levels: individual, socio-cultural, healthcare service and knowledge related factors. Individual-related factors that influence adolescents’ contraceptive uptake include; being in the age group of 10–15 years, not currently enrolled in school and being from low-income families, while socio-cultural factors include: lack of discussion with family members, arranged marriage, pressure from a partner, harmful traditional practices, discussion with peer groups and sexual partners. Healthcare service-related factors include; lack of information about contraceptives during health facility visits, lack of privacy during service provision and inconvenient service hours at health facilities, and not visiting health facilities, whereas, knowledge related factors include; having knowledge of contraceptive methods and being heard about contraceptives from media. Also, the proportion of adolescent contraceptive uptake ranged from 12 to 79%.ConclusionsIn this systematic, individual, socio-cultural, health-care-related, and knowledge-related characteristics have all been identified as influencing adolescents’ contraceptive uptake in Ethiopia. Hence, integrated interventions aimed at overcoming barriers to adolescent contraceptive uptake would be beneficial to improving adolescent contraceptive utilization in Ethiopia.

Adolescents' Contraceptive Uptake in Ethiopia: A Meta-Analysis.

Introduction Ethiopia has made significant efforts to enhance family planning services despite variations in the community's use of modern contraception in different parts of the country. Various studies have reported the proportion and determinant factors of adolescents' contraceptive uptake in Ethiopia. These studies are not consistent in terms of size, scope, and geographic coverage, and the results need to be systematically collated to inform policies. Therefore, this review was aimed at analyzing the findings of those primary studies to obtain more representative evidence of adolescents' contraceptive uptake in Ethiopia. Methods Five databases (MEDLINE via PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and CINAHL) were searched for papers published from January 2000 up to June 2022 in English. Of thirty eligible studies, eight papers were included in this meta-analysis. Between-study heterogeneity was evaluated by the forest plot and inconsistency index (I2). A random-effects model was used to calculate the pooled estimates of adolescents' contraceptive uptake. Results The overall pooled proportion of adolescents' contraceptive uptake was 40% (I2 = 99.70, p ≤ 0.001; 95%CI = 19, 61). Adolescents' usage of contraception was influenced by a number of factors: individual-, sociocultural-, knowledge- (about contraceptive methods), and healthcare service-related factors. Individual-related factors include the educational status of adolescents, being of young age, and the income status of adolescents' families. Sociocultural-related factors comprise discussion with the family/relatives, parent disapproval and pressure from partners, and being married or having a partner. Healthcare service-related factors include the availability of youth clubs and inconvenient service hours for SRH services. Knowing contraceptive methods and SRH services was also positively associated with adolescents' contraceptive utilization. Conclusions The proportion of adolescents who used contraception in Ethiopia was 40%. Adolescents' use of contraceptives was influenced by a variety of factors: individual-, sociocultural-, healthcare-, and knowledge-related factors. Hence, integrated interventions targeted at tackling barriers to contraceptive uptake may be helpful to improve adolescents' contraceptive utilization in Ethiopia.

The financial ambidexterity of the immigrant entrepreneurs: a conceptualization

PurposeAccess to financing has long been identified as a stumbling block for the economic endeavors of immigrant entrepreneurs (IEs) in host countries. Yet, little is known about the internal enablers for the IEs success to overcome their financing barriers in host countries. Accordingly, the purpose of this paper is to introduce the theoretical concept of the financial ambidexterity of IEs as a potential behavioral ability some IEs develop over time to access financing in both host and coethnic contexts.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses sociopsychological lenses to introduce and discuss the term “financial ambidexterity of IEs” by synthesizing empirical evidence drawn from the different literature on immigrant entrepreneurship, biculturalism, financial literacy and cultural intelligence. This discussion is carefully embedded within the framework of the immigrant entrepreneurship literature.FindingsThe study proposes and discusses the role of bicultural identity integration, cultural intelligence and financial literacy in enabling the “financial ambidexterity of IEs.” It further defines the “financial ambidexterity of IEs” as their ability to explore and exploit financing opportunities, either simultaneously across the contexts within which they are embedded, e.g. coethnic and mainstream, or alternately in one context when barriers occur in the other.Originality/valueThe paper mainly contributes to the literature on immigrant entrepreneurship by suggesting an explanation for how IEs overcome financing barriers in their host countries, and why some IEs are more successful in that than other peers. Moreover, the paper attempts to advance the understanding of immigrants' entrepreneurial endeavors using a sociopsychological lens that considers cultural, cognitive and knowledge-related factors.

Determinants of overweight and/or obesity among school adolescents in Butajira Town, Southern Ethiopia. A case-control study.

BackgroundThe global rise of adolescent overweight and obesity is posing a new challenge to the public health sector by determining the forthcoming generation for the most awful and upsetting quality of social life by inducing bantering, social isolation, and stigmatization among children that contribute to the mental wellbeing of the growing adolescents. Risk factors for overweight and/or obesity might not be the same across different regions due to differences in socioeconomic characteristics, culture, ethnicity, and geographical location. Moreover, in this study area, no report has been documented so far on the determinant factors of overweight and/or obesity among school adolescents. Hence, this study aimed at identifying context-specific determinants of overweight and/or obesity among adolescents in the study area.Methods and materialsSchool-based unmatched case-control study design was employed from March 1–30, 2019, in Butajira town, Southern Ethiopia. Data were collected regarding sociodemographic, dietary practice, physical activity, nutritional knowledge-related factors, and anthropometric measurements. Multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to identify independent predictors of overweight/obesity.ResultsWe enrolled 297 adolescents: 99 cases, 198 controls. Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis revealed that those in high socioeconomic status [AOR = 5.8, 95% CI (2.66, 12.5)], consumed soft drinks 3 and above times per week [AOR = 3.7, 95% CI (1.8, 7.3)], physically inactive [AOR = 4.4 95% CI (1.68, 11.6)], spent free time by watching television/movies for 3 and above hours per day [AOR = 8.6, 95% CI (4.3, 17)] and with poor nutritional knowledge [AOR = 3.4, 95%CI (1.7, 6.9)] were significantly associated with overweight and/obesity.ConclusionHigh socioeconomic status, consumption of soft drinks, physical inactivity, sedentary behavior, and poor nutritional knowledge were significantly associated with overweight/obesity. Therefore, strengthening parent and school-based health education in healthy nutrition behaviors and promotion tactics such as enhancing physical activity, limiting watching television, and soft drinks will be helpful to minimize overweight and obesity among adolescents.

Drivers and barriers to sustainability practices in the Zambian Construction Industry

Zambia, and Sub-Sahara Africa (SSA) generally, is lagging behind in the area of sustainable construction due to several barriers to the implementation of sustainable construction. This study therefore explored drivers and barriers to the adoption of sustainable construction practices in Zambia. The study could inform stakeholders on measures which could improve the implementation of sustainable construction. The study used an online quantitative questionnaire survey of construction professionals and clients. A total of 112 responses were received representing various stakeholder groups in the construction industry. The data were subjected to factor analysis and ranked using the relative importance index. The data show that drivers to sustainable construction cluster into three constructs namely, environment and health-related factors, regulatory and industry-related factors and, economy and firm-related factors. Barriers clustered into three groups namely, awareness and knowledge-related factors, regulatory and industry-related factors and, economy and cost-related factors. Therefore, measures aimed at improving sustainable construction in Zambia should focus attention on these broad clusters.

Dentists’ Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Regarding Dental Care for Children with Special Healthcare Needs in Saudi Arabia

Introduction: Despite advancements in dentistry, children with special needs continue to have poor oral health, with a higher prevalence of untreated dental caries and periodontal disease. Many treating dentists and the parents of these children encounter difficulty managing these children, and the quality of their oral health will be determined by this. Hence, identifying and overcoming the barriers of managing children with Special Healthcare Needs (SHCN) can be assessed as important step in addressing their treatment needs. Aim: The study investigated the perceptions of general and Paediatric dentists in Saudi Arabia, regarding the treatment needs and challenges posed while providing dental care to children with special needs. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, questionnairebased study was conducted among 447 general dentists and 76 Paediatric dentists in Saudi Arabia during five-month period between 15th October 2021 to 15th March 2022. A prevalidated questionnaire consisting of 18 close-ended questions assessing the knowledge, attitude, and practices of the dentists related to children with SHCN was emailed to each dentist. The data was analysed using the IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 22.0 version (IBM, Chicago, USA). The threshold for significance was established at 5%. The significance of study variables was determined utilising Chi-square test. Results: Most Paediatric dentists and general dentists were of the opinion that mental/behavioural/cognitive disability was the most difficult to manage (p&lt;0.001). Out of the total, 66.2% of the dentists were aware of the dental home concept in managing children with SHCN. The knowledge related factors that were significantly associated, included type of impairment most difficult to manage (p&lt;0.001) and awareness of the dental home concept (p&lt;0.001). Regarding attitude, both general and Paediatric dentists agreed that providing oral care is as important as providing medical care and that they were confident in treating these children (p&lt;0.001). The practices related factors that were significantly associated included supporting staff's comfort in treating these children (p=0.004), accessibility of clinic (p&lt;0.001), the availability of equipment to treat (p=0.02), and the techniques most commonly used for managing the behaviour of SHCN children (p&lt;0.001). Conclusion: The two most significant challenges to a SHCN child receiving dental care were a lack of access to a dentist who can provide oral care and limitations in the child’s cooperation during the procedure. The unmet treatment needs of these children can be considerably reduced by improving parental awareness, facilitating approaches that enhance patient compliance, and providing convenient access to dental care.

Exploring inattentional blindness in failure of safety risk perception: Focusing on safety knowledge in construction industry

Inattentional blindness (IB) is a popular human error associated with selective attention or inattention. It can be depicted as an individual’s failing to notice or recognize a visual object or event due to a lack of active attention in a given situation. Dynamic situations at construction sites often can lead to IB, which can cause failure of safety risk perception (FSRP) on hazards and lead to potential accidents. Few studies have focused on the importance of the IB concept in the construction industry. To overcome this gap, 53 supervisors participated in an experiment to analyze the performance of IB in FSRP and safety knowledge-related factors that affect IB and FSRP to establish practical safety management strategies. The results show that IB accounted for 50% of FSRP, validating the importance of IB. Other factors, such as certified training and frequent exposure to accidents, also had positive impacts on reducing IB. Certification and external training showed positive impacts in the low-experience group but not on the high-experience group. Based on these findings, the IB concept should be considered when addressing construction safety management. Practical safety management strategies to improve IB should be applied differently according to the supervisor’s experience.