Tertiary Level Of Education Research Articles

Evaluation of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices towards Colorectal Cancer in a Community in Mexico City: A Cross-Sectional Study Based on Surveys.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common and deadly neoplasms worldwide, with a growing burden in low- and middle-income countries, such as Mexico. This study seeks to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to CRC in a community in Mexico City. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between March and April 2023 among adults aged 45 to 74 residing in six neighborhoods of the Tlalpan borough in Mexico City. The questionnaire included sections on sociodemographic characteristics, medical family history, lifestyle habits, knowledge about CRC, attitudes towards prevention, and willingness to undergo screening. Data were analyzed using logistic regression models to identify factors associated with greater knowledge, attitudes, and practices. A total of 349 people were surveyed. A total of 35.2% reported knowing what CRC is, with greater knowledge of CRC being associated with higher education levels and having a family history of cancer. A total of 23.8% showed positive attitudes towards CRC screening, influenced by having a tertiary level of education. A total of 80.8% of participants expressed willingness to undergo CRC screening if offered, with lower intention observed among men. Levels of knowledge about CRC within the studied community are low, especially among those with lower education levels and without a family history of cancer. Intervention strategies should improve CRC education and foster positive attitudes towards early detection, particularly in high-risk groups.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Regarding Use of ORS in Diarrhoea by Mothers in an Island of Bangladesh

Introduction: The second leading cause of death in under-five children is diarrhea. ORS is a simple and highly effective therapy for managing diarrhea. However inappropriate knowledge of preparation and lack of use of ORS leads to health hazards including increased rate of mortality and morbidity. So aim of this study to assess the knowledge, attitude, and Practice of mothers towards the use of oral rehydration solution in the treatment of acute diarrhea in children. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out over eight months (1st May to 30th December 2023) among 510 mothers who had children of six months to five years and had recent episodes of diarrhea. Data were collected by using a semi-structured questionnaire in face-to-face interview. Data were analyzed by using SPSS software program.Results: Among 510 mothers, 47.05% were 20-30 years old, 29.80% were below 20 years and 23.13% were over 30 years. One fourth of them had no institutional education and 36.27% had primary, 20.78% and 18.23% had secondary and tertiary level of education respectively. 40.39% were from lower socioeconomic condition, 31.97% were from middle and 27.64% from upper socioeconomic condition. 100% of family used sanitary latrine though 73.72% use safe drinking water as a preventive part of diarrhea.89.98% of mother was aware about ORS but only 75.88% used ORS in recent episode of diarrhea, among them 63.03% prepared ORS correctly and 60.98% used adequate amount. Age of mothers was not corresponds with the correct preparation and practice of ORS but socioeconomic condition and level of education carried statistically significant value. Conclusion: Knowledge and practice of ORS preparation and used of ORS in recent episode of diarrhea among the mother was unsatisfactory. Improve the Maternal education and socioeconomic status will improve ORS correct preparation and use. Mothers should be taught the importance of optimal use and correct preparation of ORS in diarrhea. EWMCJ Vol. 12, No. 1&2, January-July 2024: 43-49

Low glycaemic index diet in pregnancy and child asthma: follow-up of the ROLO trial.

Epidemiological evidence suggests that a higher intake of sugar during pregnancy is associated with a higher risk of childhood asthma and atopy. However, randomised trial evidence supporting such a link is lacking. This study aimed to examine whether a low glycaemic index (GI) dietary intervention during pregnancy decreases the risk of childhood asthma and eczema. This is a secondary analysis of 514 children from the ROLO trial. Healthy women were randomised to receive an intervention of low GI dietary advice or routine care from early pregnancy. Mothers reported current doctor-diagnosed eczema in their children at 2 years (n 271) and current doctor-diagnosed asthma and eczema in their children at 5 (n 357) and 9-11 years (n 391) of age. Multivariable logistic regression models were used test the effect of the intervention on child outcomes overall and stratified by maternal education. There was a suggestion of a reduction in asthma at 5 years of age in children whose mothers received the low GI dietary intervention during pregnancy compared with usual care (adjusted OR 0·46 (95 % CI 0·19, 1·09); P = 0·08). In stratified adjusted analyses, the intervention was associated with a reduced risk of asthma at 5 years of age in children born to mothers with incomplete tertiary level education but not in those with complete tertiary level education (OR 0·14 (95 % CI 0·02, 0·69); P = 0·010 and OR 1·03 (95 % CI 0·34, 3·13); P = 0·94, respectively). A low GI diet in pregnancy may reduce the risk of developing asthma in childhood, particularly amongst children born to mothers with lower educational attainment.

Influence of socio-economic variables and extension inhibitors on food sovereignty in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

This study assessed the influence of socio-economic variables and extension inhibitors on food sovereignty in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. This study identified and proffered solutions to extension inhibitors to food sovereignty. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select one hundred and twenty respondents used for the study. Data analysis comprised the use of percentages, frequency, means and Tobit regression model. The result of the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents showed that 27.50% of the respondents were from 41 and more years of age, while 25.00% were within the age range of 31 to 40 years. 8.33% of them were in the age brackets of 20 to 30 years. Majority of the farmers were very strong, agile and could adopt extension teaching methods easily. About 49.17% of the respondents were at tertiary level of education, while 23.32% had primary level of education. The result showed the mean (x ̅) response rate of extension inhibitors on food sovereignty as follows; inadequacy of funds (x ̅ = 4.65), use of poorly trained personnel (x ̅ = 4.04), ineffective research extension linkage (x ̅ =4.21), lack of evaluation (x ̅ = 4.422), poor policy (x ̅ = 4.04) among other factors. The hypothesis showed that gender, marital status and farm size were positive and significant at 1% level of probability. The result of the HO1, showed that any increase in farm size led to a corresponding increase in the probability and intensity of extension inhibitors on food sovereignty in the study area. Also, the coefficient of education was positively signed but not significant. This showed that education though very important but had no severe influence on the extension inhibitors. In the result, there was significant relationship between socio-economic variables and extension inhibitors on food sovereignty in the study area. The study concluded that some of the inhibitors of extension on food sovereignty are; inadequate funding, lack of extension service evaluation on food sovereignty situations, ineffective research extension linkage and use of poorly trained personnel. The study also concluded that majority of the farmers are of age and well educated to positively influence extension inhibitors with the view to improving food sovereignty situations in the study area. It was recommended that women being the majority in the study area should be involved in extension activities and evaluation, with a view to improving on food sovereignty. Key words: Akwa Ibom, Extension, Food Sovereignty, Influence, Inhibitors, Socio-economic and Variables

Effect of road infrastructure on food sovereignty in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

The study was designed to assess the effect of road infrastructure on food Sovereignty in Akwa lbom State, Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study were to: ascertain the socioeconomic characteristics of the respondents; identify the food sovereignty in the study area and ascertain the effect of road infrastructure on food sovereignty in the study area. The survey research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study comprised all rural farming households in Akwa Ibom State. The study adopted multi-stage and simple random sampling techniques. Three blocks were selected from each of the three Agricultural Zones in the state. Three cells were randomly selected from each of the blocks sampled, which gave a total of twenty-seven (27) cells. A total of 450 respondents were selected using simple random sampling technique. Data were collected with the aid of a semi structured questionnaire. Data obtained were analyzed using percentages, means and standard deviation as well as ranking. The results of the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents showed that 58.90% of the respondents were males (265), while 41.10% of them were females (185). A good number of the respondents, 53.60%, were married (241), while 24.20%were single (109). Also, the results showed that 19.60% of the respondents had no formal education (88), while 30.70% attained secondary level of education (134), and about 33.70% of the respondents had tertiary level of education (152). The socio-economic characteristics of the respondents also indicated that 40.0% of the respondents had farm size ranging from 1-2 hectares, while 5.80% had farm size of 5 hectares and above. A good number of the respondents had access to credit (59.60%), while a small proportion (40.40%) had no credit facilities. The study revealed that 21.30% of the respondents had income ranging from N351,000 to N450,000, less than one US$ while a small proportion of the famers (8.90%) had income of about N251,000 to N350,000 only from farming activities. The main sources of food sovereignty of the people were crop farming and livestock production, though some were involved in trading and artisanal activities. The study noted that road projects have reduced accident (x ̅=2.75), increased farmers’ income (x ̅=3.20), increased trading and shopping activities (x ̅ =2.62), and reduced floods (x ̅ =2.64) among others. It was also concluded that road projects have positive effects of food sovereignty although some of the abandoned projects have caused some hardship and environmental challenges. The study recommended the completion of all abandoned road projects carried out in rural Akwa Ibom State in particular, and Nigeria in general. The study, however, concluded that in Akwa Ibom State, rural road projects have brought the much needed relief from accidents, wastage, spoilage, and food sovereignty to many hitherto isolated rural communities. Key words: Akwa Ibom State, Effect, Farmers, Food, Sovereignty, Road infrastructure

A Cross-National Study on Sustainable Smart City Indicators and Their Influence on Life Expectancy—A Cluster Analysis of EU Countries

As a consequence of climate change and its negative impacts on the environment and on human health, the topic of sustainability has become an integral part of urban policy. Smart city initiatives around the world are focusing on different aspects of sustainability in order to provide better living conditions for their residents. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of selected smart city indicators on the average life expectancy as a variable for quality of life and well-being. Based on a Common Correlated Effects (CCE) model, Instrumental Variable Estimator with Common Factors (2SIV), and clustering regression model, EU countries were divided into three distinct clusters indicating common elements but also specificities of each group. The analysis confirmed the positive impact of GDP growth, renewable energy consumption, and the proportion of the population with a tertiary level of education on life expectancy. On the other hand, CO2 emissions and transport pollution have an adverse effect. The analysis provides valuable insights into the complex relationship between smart city variables and quality of life, and it may serve as a basis for informed and responsible decision-making by relevant urban stakeholders aimed at designing more sustainable, resilient, and healthier cities.

Perceived Acceptability of Technology Modalities for the Provision of Universal Child and Family Health Nursing Support in the First 6-8 Months After Birth: Cross-Sectional Study.

Child and Family Health Nursing (CFHN) services provide universal care to families during the first 2000 days (conception: 5 years) to support optimal health and developmental outcomes of children in New South Wales, Australia. The use of technology represents a promising means to encourage family engagement with CFHN services and enable universal access to evidenced-based age and stage information. Currently, there is little evidence exploring the acceptability of various models of technology-based support provided during the first 2000 days, as well as the maternal characteristics that may influence this. This study aims to describe (1) the acceptability of technology-based models of CFHN support to families in the first 6 months, and (2) the association between the acceptability of technology-based support and maternal characteristics. A cross-sectional survey was undertaken between September and November 2021 with women who were 6-8 months post partum within the Hunter New England Local Health District of New South Wales, Australia. Survey questions collected information on maternal demographics and pregnancy characteristics, perceived stress, access to CFHN services, as well as preferences and acceptability of technology-based support. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the characteristics of the sample, the proportion of women accessing CFHN services, maternal acceptability of technology-based support from CFHN services, and the appropriateness of timing of support. Multivariable logistic regression models were conducted to assess the association between maternal characteristics and the acceptability of technology-based CFHN support. A total of 365 women participated in the study, most were 25 to 34 years old (n=242, 68%), had completed tertiary level education or higher (n=250, 71%), and were employed or on maternity leave (n=280, 78%). Almost all (n=305, 89%) women reported accessing CFHN services in the first 6 months following their child's birth. The majority of women (n=282-315, 82%-92%) "strongly agreed or agreed" that receiving information from CFHN via technology would be acceptable, and most (n=308) women "strongly agreed or agreed" with being provided information on a variety of relevant health topics. Acceptability of receiving information via websites was significantly associated with maternal employment status (P=.01). The acceptability of receiving support via telephone and email was significantly associated with maternal education level (adjusted odds ratio 2.64, 95% CI 1.07-6.51; P=.03 and adjusted odds ratio 2.90, 95% CI 1.20-7.00; P=.02, respectively). Maternal age was also associated with the acceptability of email support (P=.04). Technology-based CFHN support is generally acceptable to mothers. Maternal characteristics, including employment status, education level, and age, were found to modify the acceptability of specific technology modalities. The findings of this research should be considered when designing technology-based solutions to providing universal age and stage child health and developmental support for families during the first 2000 days.

Challenges of Teaching English Language as a Second Language in Sierra Leon

Purpose: English language is not the Language of anyone and no one owns proprietary right over English language not even Britain neither America. The Language has today gained global relevance and it is by far the most widely used Language in the world. The teaching and learning of English are important in Sierra Leone due to its status. English in Sierra Leone is a Second language and it is our official language. It is the Language of the Government, Parliament and the Court. It is the Language that is used in our schools, colleges and universities. It is the Language of instruction in academic institutions. It is a compulsory discipline for secondary education in Sierra Leone. It is compulsory in the first- and second-year levels of tertiary education according to the Tertiary Education Commission policy in the Country. However, the standard of teaching English in Sierra Leone has fallen drastically and the need to examine the challenges of teaching English language as a second language is eminent. Materials and Methods: The Research adopted a mixed method. The use of this methodology plays out in maintaining the validity and reliability of the Research. Findings: The Research shows that the lack of teaching proficiency by the teachers is the most relevant challenge that faces the teaching of English in Sierra Leone. This was seconded by lack of structured department and thereafter the negligence of the Government of Sierra Leone. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Research recommends that the Government should encourage citizens to study and master the Discipline at tertiary levels through the provision of scholarships and other facilities. Besides, the Government and other stakeholders in education need to invest in the teaching of English language through professional training, provision of learning materials amongst others.

Exploring the Potential Challenges Faced by Sudanese EFL Learners in Acquiring English Language Speaking Skills at the Tertiary Educational Level

This study aims to investigate the challenges that might face Sudanese EFL learners in acquiring the English language as a means of communication and to emphasize the importance of speaking skills in the English language, in Sudanese English language learners at the postsecondary level. To achieve its objectives, the study adopted the descriptive-analytical method, in which a questionnaire was used to address the research inquiries and goals. A total of 100 employed students participated in responding to the questionnaire. As per the study’s findings, students’ confidence in using speaking skills is very weak; they also lack the motivation to practice speaking skills since they were taught by Grammar Translation Approach which ignores speaking skills, moreover most lecturers prefer to avoid classroom interaction which leads to non-smart fluent EFL learners. This study suggests EFL teachers to consolidate the use communicative activities in a variety of ways which help leaners to play a crucial role in using English inside the classroom.

Assessment of the public knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of Nigerians regarding preparedness for future pandemics

IntroductionPandemics are global health crises that have caused millions of deaths, enormous socio-economic disruptions, and considerable public and global health security consequences. This study assessed Nigerians’ knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions regarding preparedness for the next pandemics.MethodsA cross-sectional questionnaire-based national survey was conducted among 1276 respondents in Nigeria to determine public knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of preparedness for future pandemics. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for analyses.ResultsOf the 1276 respondents to this survey, > 50% had not heard of the Spanish flu and Zika disease. Approximately half (594) of the respondents did not consider antimicrobial resistance a possible cause of future pandemics. Over an average proportion of respondents reported unsatisfactory knowledge (655, 51.3%) and poor perceptions (695, 54.5%) about pandemic preparedness. The respondents’ good knowledge and satisfactory attitudes toward pandemic preparedness decreased with age. The respondents' education, age, and state of residence were significantly associated with good knowledge, satisfactory attitudes, and positive perceptions of pandemic preparedness with respondents with tertiary education levels being at least two times more likely to have these positive outcomes.ConclusionThis study revealed serious gaps in Nigerians’ knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of their readiness for upcoming pandemics. To protect Nigerians’ health, emphasis should be placed on these issues by all stakeholders, including the government.

HIV prevalence and associated factors among adolescent boys and young men in South Africa: 2017 nationally representative household-based population survey

IntroductionThere is growing recognition that adolescent boys and young men (ABYM) have been left behind in the HIV response and are under-represented in HIV services, leading to poor outcomes across...

Sociodemographic and clinicopathologic characteristics of patients treated with high dose rate prostate brachytherapy in Nigeria.

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy in adult males. High dose rate brachytherapy (HDRB) recently became available in the country for the management of localized prostate cancer in addition to other treatment modalities. HDRB offers a less invasive option to radical prostatectomy and also has a better side effects profile. To report the socio-demographic features of the patients treated with HDRB, the clinicopathologic pattern of their disease and possible predictors of these features. A retrospective study of patients with histopathologically confirmed prostate cancer, who had HDRB at the Department of Radiation Oncology, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria, between July 2020 and 2023 was done. Patients' socio-demographic and clinicopathologic characteristics were extracted from their treatment records. A total of 73 patients had HDRB within the period under review. The median age was 66 years (51-78 years). About 40% had prostate cancer diagnosed following routine prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening. The median screening PSA was 20.5 ng/mL (5.83-75.35 ng/mL). About a quarter (24.7%) were asymptomatic at presentation while frequency (60.3%), nocturia (45.2%) and urgency (35.6%) were the most common symptoms. The median initial PSA was 26.00 ng/mL (5.10-124.50 ng/mL) and the median PSA before brachytherapy was 6.25 ng/mL (0.03-175.30 ng/mL), the majority (75.3%) had androgen deprivation therapy before brachytherapy. Forty-seven patients (64.4%) presented with TNM stages 1 and 2 while grade group 2 (24.7%) and high risk (76.7%) were the commonest grade group and risk group, respectively. There was a significant association between age group and TNM stage (p = 0.043), level of education (LOE) and TNM stage (p = 0.037) as well as PSA screening and grade group (p = 0.007). The majority of the patients who presented for prostate brachytherapy were elderly, had higher initial PSA, were in the high-risk group and had early-stage disease. About 25% of the patients were asymptomatic at presentation. Patients with tertiary LOE and elderly patients presented more with stage 1 and 2 diseases.

Post-Omicron SARS-CoV-2 serostatus in Sierra Leone: A cross-sectional study in a maternity hospital setting in Freetown, November/December 2022

BackgroundSpread of SARS-CoV-2 in Sub-Saharan African countries has been poorly investigated, especially in the later pandemic stages. We aimed to assess the post-Omicron situation in Sierra Leone in November/December 2022 considering SARS-CoV-2 serostatus, vaccinations, and behavioral factors. MethodsIn a cross-sectional study conducted in a maternity hospital in Freetown, Sierra Leone, both patients and staff provided dried blood spot samples for analysis of anti-S and anti-N IgG prevalence using Anti-SARS-CoV-2-ELISA. Additionally, we collected sociodemographic and infection-related information through questionnaires. Outcome parameters included seropositivity, infection-related seroprevalence, and self-reported vaccination status. We used logistic regression to identify associations with prior infection and with vaccination status. ResultsOut of 791 participants (389 patients, 402 staff), 670 (84.7 %) displayed a positive SARS-CoV-2 serostatus resulting from either infection or vaccination. Among a sub-sample of 514 participants within which determination of prior natural infection was possible, 441individuals (85.8 %) were affected. Prior infection was associated with female sex and tertiary education level. Overall, 60.3 % reported having been vaccinated. Staff as opposed to patients, and individuals with higher socioeconomic status were more likely to report vaccination. Individuals who assessed their risk of COVID-19 as either higher or lower compared to a medium-level risk were more likely to have contracted the virus and less likely to have received vaccination. ConclusionOur findings suggest that since the Omicron wave in 2022, the Sierra Leonean population has almost universally been exposed to SARS-CoV-2. While this is encouraging in the light of relatively low excess mortality in the country, future investigations on the long-term effect of high viral exposure on epidemic resilience and public health impact will be crucial.

Exploring Multifaceted Expectations from Teachers: An Analysis From Guardians’ and Students’ Perspective

The teachers' role extends beyond academics, including sharing knowledge and imparting moral values and ethics to students. However, guardians and students have multi-dimensional expectations from their teachers, encompassing several facts and figures. Considering the context, this study investigates those multifaceted expectations aiming to bridge the gap and propose measures for enhancing the teachers' ability to meet the expectations of guardians and students. This study has collected data through a structured questionnaire survey. The sample population of this study includes guardians, students, and teachers from primary to tertiary education levels. A total of 384 samples were selected from unknown populations. A descriptive statistical technique (percentage analysis) was applied to identify patterns and trends in the quantitative data. This study finds that the expectations of guardians and students emphasize the teacher’s role as a good human being, guide, and role model. Skills for motivation, thirst for knowledge, empathy, and communication are considered the necessary qualities for an ideal teacher. Moreover, respondents argue that effective teacher-student relationships depend on fairness, openness, accessibility, and compassion. They emphasize enhancing teachers' humility, neutrality, clear communication, and ability to realize the expectations of students. The study recommends measures that may help teachers meet the intricate expectations of guardians and students, such as providing training, opportunities for higher education, ensuring academic support, teacher autonomy and flexibility, and depoliticizing educational institutions. It concludes that enhanced support and teacher training are vital in meeting the complex expectations of guardians and students. The findings of this study contribute to the enhancement of teaching-learning practices and the delivery of quality education

Medication Disposal Patterns and Practices with Awareness of Environmental Contamination Caused by Pharmaceuticals among the General Public in Malaysia.

The proper disposal of pharmaceuticals has become a prime concern in contemporary healthcare and environmental management. The evolving awareness highlights the ecological and public health risks associated with pharmaceutical waste. Therefore, evaluating medication disposal patterns and public awareness regarding pharmaceutical-related environmental issues is crucial for promoting responsible practices. The primary aim of this study is to identify the determinants of participation in the Medicine Return Program (MRP) among Malaysians. This cross-sectional study employed snowball sampling and an online questionnaire, disseminated via multiple social media platforms. Results: Out of 389 respondents, 46% were 18 to 29 years old, 61% were female, and 69.7% attained a tertiary educational level. Most of them (71.5%) reported disposing of their unused medicines into the rubbish bin, indicating that this disposal method is prevalent among Malaysians. Only 26.2% participated in the MRP program. The study revealed that 73.0% of respondents were aware of pharmaceutical-related environmental contamination. Furthermore, significant associations were demonstrated between a factor of receiving advice from healthcare professionals (p < 0.001), awareness level on environmental pharmaceutical contamination (p < 0.001) and MRP (p < 0.001) and willingness to participate in MRP (p < 0.001) with MRP support. This study provides valuable insights on Malaysian pharmaceutical disposal practices and the factors influencing MRP participation. These findings can inform targeted interventions and public health campaigns to improve medication disposal behaviors and reduce pharmaceutical waste's environmental impact.

Kesan Penggunaan Teknologi Realiti Terimbuh Terhadap Pencapaian Akademik Pelajar : Sebuah Kajian Literatur Sistematik

The use of technological elements in education has become one of the elements of learning in the 21st century (21st Century Learning) Incorporated Augmented Reality is one of the branches of technology that is increasingly being applied in education. Augmented Reality is a technology that applies virtual information to the physical world in a three-dimensional form, which produces an interactive and comprehensive experience for the user. The highlighting objective of this systematic study is to identify the use of Augmented Reality applications in education and its impact on student academic achievement. The methodology of this study is based on online research highlighting from databases such as Scopus and Web of Science (WOS). The keywords used in the search are Augmented Reality in education, impact, learning, and academic achievement. This systematic study highlighted the use of augmented reality in a range of primary education level up to tertiary education level in learning fields, such as language studies, science, mathematics, and higher education. The study also found that the application of augmented reality can help improve student visualization skills, student problem-solving skills and help improve students' academic achievement. This aided researchers and educators to use the augmented reality application in education, while also providing future study related to the implementation of augmented reality and appropriate learning strategies for effective use of augmented reality technologies. The study also found that both teachers and also students have positive perception towards the use of augmented reality applications in learning process.

Empowered hospitalized patients are involved in shared decision making on antibiotic therapy: a quantitative analysis

BackgroundHalf of hospitalised patients receive antibiotics, but they are rarely involved in shared decision making (SDM) on antibiotic therapy. We sought to understand the association between patient empowerment and their involvement in SDM on antibiotic therapy. MethodsFrom March 2021 to April 2022, we conducted a cross-sectional survey on hospitalised patients receiving antibiotic therapy for ≥1 day in a 1600-bed adult general hospital in Singapore. The questionnaire included 7 items (5-point Likert scale) on involvement in SDM from SDM-Q-9 (Kriston,2012) and 10 items (4-point Likert scale) on patient empowerment from HCEQ-10 (Gagnon,2006). A multivariable logistic regression model was constructed to assess for independent associations between the three constructs of patient empowerment and involvement in SDM on antibiotic therapy. ResultsOf 636 hospitalised patients, mean age was 57.6 (SD 15.5) years, 61% were males and 37% had tertiary-level education. The majority (90%) were aware that they were on antibiotic therapy, but only 11% of them knew the name of the antibiotic given. After adjusting for age, gender, ethnicity, educational level, and duration of hospital stay, patients with a high-level of involvement in decisions (Adjusted odds ratio[AOR] 3.63, 95% CI 2.19-6.01), interactions with healthcare professionals (AOR 1.77, 95% CI 1.03-3.02), and degree of control over their hospital care (AOR 1.90, 95% CI 1.15-3.12) were more likely to have a high-level of involvement in SDM on antibiotic therapy. ConclusionsEmpowering hospitalised patients with involvement in decisions, interactions with healthcare professionals, and control of their hospital care can increase their participation in SDM on antibiotic therapy in hospitals.

Influencing factors for heart failure patients in accepting digital technology for self-care

Abstract Background Heart failure (HF) is a complex, progressive debilitating condition. Despite advances in pharmaceuticals, implantable devices and surgical therapies, long-term outcomes and quality of life for many with HF remain poor. The Covid-19 pandemic prompted healthcare professionals to employ new ways of working, including greater use of digital technologies. While patients were receptive to this change, it required them to be more responsible and aware of their symptoms. However, perceptions of the longer-term use of digital technology, as it becomes more embedded in modern HF services, are uncertain. Purpose To identify factors that influence patients’ perceptions of using an E-Health device in HF management. Methods Clinicians and researchers from across four countries (UK, Netherlands, Ireland, and Germany) developed a 43 item questionnaire. Ethical approval was obtained, and 165 questionnaires were distributed to HF patients in a single UK site between February 2021 and May 2022. Patients who met the inclusion criteria, informed written or audio recorded consent was obtained, taking into consideration patient preference and the impact of ongoing Covid-19 restrictions. Patients recorded their responses in the questionnaire in written form or electronically via the Qualtrics platform. Demographic data, such as age, marital status, educational background was collected. Patients were asked which factors would influence their decision to use technology to help manage their HF treatment. Using SPSS Version 27 an independent researcher performed frequency and chi-squared analyses, with post-hoc corrections. Results Results from responders are presented as percentages. There was a response rate of 61% with 101 questionnaires completed. Most respondents were male (n= 67, 66%), 26 patients (26%) over the age of 70 years. The majority of patients (n=74, 74%) had children, with most (n=63, 63%) having two or more. In total, 60 (60%) patients reported their highest level of education as secondary school, only 25 (25%) completed tertiary level education. Upon questioning regarding the use of technology to manage HF symptoms, 45 (47%) patients considered an E-health device could be beneficial, and 40 (42%) were unsure (See Figure 1) Over half who responded (n=54, 60%,) would seek the advice of their HF nurse if experiencing a cardiac problem. When asked who would convince them to use an E-health device, 88% (n=77) named their HF nurse, followed by research findings (67%). Conclusion Many patients with HF have a positive perception towards digital technology and can envisage its role in their future management. HF nurses are in an ideal position to encourage patients to embrace technology and develop personalised ways of integrating it into their care. Future use of technology and artificial intelligence is changing the face of healthcare; however, it is imperative it is safe and trustworthy, and enhances HF patients personalised care.Figure 1

Peran Mediasi Tax Knowledge dalam Hubungan Tax Education dan Tax Compliance

This research examines tax education which influences tax knowledge with the mediation of tax knowledge. Data from a survey of 130 individual taxpayers in Samarinda who had taken taxation courses through formal tertiary level education were analyzed using smartPLS, which produces findings that tax education and tax knowledge have a significant and positive effect on tax compliance, tax education has a significant and positive effect on tax knowledge, and tax education has a significant and positive effect on tax compliance through tax knowledge which is partial mediation. This research results in empirical evidence regarding the importance of tax education in increasing tax compliance. High tax compliance will help the government in terms of funding to carry out work programs that can ultimately improve people’s lives.

Translanguaging Practices in Kotebe University of Education Classrooms and their Implications for Pedagogy

Ethiopia uses English as a medium of instruction for every subject, except for national language subjects, at tertiary level education. This policy is also applied at Kotebe University of Education (henceforth KUE). The education of bilingual and multilingual speakers is facing several challenges due to the medium of instruction. One of the problems is the prevalence of a monolingual instructional approach whereby instructions are carried out exclusively in English, and the place given to L1 use in any circumstances is less. This project attempts to explore the practice of translanguaging (multilinguals’ tendency to switch between languages) among students and teachers in KUE classes. By employing a questionnaire and semi-structured interviews, data about the nature, types, and functions of local language use in classrooms were gathered. Combinations of quantitative and qualitative methods were implemented to analyze the data. The results indicated that local languages were used in classrooms for various purposes by students and teachers. Most of the students had positive attitudes towards the use of local languages. Teachers also confirmed that they used code-switching, code-mixing, and translation, in classrooms to meet their students’ communication needs.