Low Level Of Acceptance Research Articles

Does Banking Behaviour Differ by Occupation? A Contextual Investigation

Besides providing access to financial services, the basic objective of financial inclusion programme is to develop banking awareness and positively influence the banking behaviour of various sections of society that remain excluded from the formal financial system. The mega financial inclusion programme of India, 'Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana' (PMJDY), provides the context to study the financial and banking behaviour of two major sections of society namely the self-employed and the service holders. In this research, important issues like (i) product and service awareness (ii) effective usage of technology (iii) banking behaviour and others have been compared between the two groups, i.e., service holders and the self-employed. This study finds that the financial inclusion programme has impacted the two occupation groups differently. Self-employed people were assumed to have higher level of awareness, behaviour and usage of technology related to banking, but it is the service holders who indicated higher levels of response in most of the banking parameters. The study suggests that education and self-employment context in rural areas could be the reason for lower level of acceptance and usage of banking services. There seems to be a need for occupation specific banking orientation, and usage programme. Policy success would actually depend on higher level of acceptance by all occupation groups. The study suggests that education moderates awareness about banking products and habits related to banking. The financial inclusion programme has prompted people to open bank accounts because there was no money required to open such an account and this has positively impacted their savings habits. The duration of banking service usage also could influence the usage and gradual spread of effective financial inclusion.

An Interactive Planning Support Tool for Addressing Social Acceptance of Renewable Energy Projects in The Netherlands

The implementation of renewable energy policies is lagging behind in The Netherlands. While several Dutch cities have ambitious goals for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the implementation of renewable energy projects has been rather slow. The main reasons for this are the limited institutional capacities of local decision-makers, low levels of social acceptance of renewable-energy technologies, and limited opportunities for engagement of communities in decision-making processes. In order to address these issues we have developed an interactive planning support tool named COLLAGE for stakeholder participation in local renewable-energy planning. The goal of this paper is to analyze whether the COLLAGE tool helps to increase community engagement in renewable-energy projects and planning by increasing awareness and addressing social learning issues related to renewable-energy options. We tested the tool in a series of workshops with stakeholders and citizens from the city of Enschede, The Netherlands. The workshop results show that the tool helped involve stakeholders and communities in deciding where to locate renewable-energy facilities. It increased community members’ awareness of the benefits of and requirements for renewable energy by disclosing the spatial consequences of overall municipal goals. We conclude that the COLLAGE tool can be an important building block towards new local energy governance.

Social well-being of single women in the modern world

The aim of the work is to identify the factors of social well-being of single women. It has been revealed that social environment, in which there are single women with others` attitude towards them, is of great importance for experiencing social well-being. An empirical study has been carried out within the psychosemantic approach. The results of the study show a negative attitude of men towards single women who bring up one child or several children. There is a need to continue this study in order to identify the subjective experiences of the single women themselves about their loneliness. The value of this study lies in the identification of the problem of a low level of tolerance and acceptance towards single women, which requires searching the ways to improve this situation.

Informing decision making on climate change and low carbon futures: Framing narratives around the United Kingdom’s fifth carbon budget

Narratives can help increase experiential engagement with climate change and build support for transitions to a low carbon future. The UK’s 2050 climate targets provide indicatives frames through which emissions reductions could be translated to different contexts. The scenarios outlined in the UK’s fifth carbon budget will require lifestyle changes which may need to counter low levels of acceptance of the need to change through technological, political and behavioural initiatives. This paper explores the role of narratives of the UK’s fifth carbon budget in increasing engagement to climate change. Data are presented from thirty semi-structured interviews with UK academic, policy and practitioner communities. Six narratives are identified that could enable positive engagement with a low carbon future and better engagement on climate change: (i) showcasing investment opportunities; (ii) maintaining independence and freedom of choice; (iii) guiding audiences to visualise a low carbon future; (iv) demonstrating broader appeal, salience and impact of not doing anything; (v) supporting transitions and change; (vi) highlighting benefits to quality of life. Implications of these findings to public engagement on climate change and perceptions of how life may need to be reconfigured in a low carbon future are discussed.

Perceptions and Acceptance of Desalinated Seawater for Irrigation: A Case Study in the Níjar District (Southeast Spain)

In the context of increasing demand for irrigation water—but, at the same time, with the constraints in the supply from traditional resources—desalinated seawater has been recognized as one of the alternative sources of water to increase the supply for agricultural irrigation. However, its use among farmers has not yet started to expand. Policy makers need to understand what is causing the low acceptance levels of farmers, and how their attitudes could be improved. This is the first study that has conducted an analysis of farmers’ perceptions and acceptance of the use of desalinated seawater for irrigation. The study is based on collected data from a survey completed by farmers in southeastern Spain who do not use desalinated seawater. The main results indicate that desalinated seawater as a water supply source has the lowest acceptance level for farmers. Barriers for its use are price, the need for additional fertilization, and the perception that it would negatively affect the yield and crop quality. The farmers’ general level of knowledge about the impact of using desalinated seawater in agriculture is extremely low. Furthermore, farmers consider it a priority that their startup investment should be subsidized and that water prices should be reduced. Based on the study findings, this paper makes recommendations for the decision-making process in order to improve farmers’ acceptance levels.

Analysis of Existing Problems and Improvement Schemes for Substituting Electricity for Scattered Coal in China

In recent years, a coal-induced haze erupted over a large area in China. Implementing a strategy of substituting electricity for scattered coal (hereafter referred to as SEFSC) for the control of scattered coal is thus urgently needed. In particular, there lies great practical significance in analyzing the existing problems and improving the path of SEFSC in order to ensure rapid and effective advancement in this area. In light of this, the current paper first analyzes the distribution of China’s scattered coal and the relevant policy implementation, and discusses the potential for China to implement SEFSC. Secondly, PEST (policy, economy, society and technology) analysis is used to analyze the existing problems in China’s SEFSC strategy. From this, it becomes clear that the effect of scattered coal handling is still poor due to poor policy implementation, a weak economy, a low level of social acceptance and technical bottlenecks. Finally, based on the present situation and existing problems, this paper puts forward recommendations for improving China’s SEFSC strategy.

Knowledge, acceptance and utilisation of the female condom among women of reproductive age in Ghana

BackgroundThe female condom (FC) is the only safe and effective female-initiated method that provides simultaneous protection against unintended pregnancy as well as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV/AIDS. Knowledge of FC use among women and the perceptions and attitudes towards condom use can contribute to its uptake as an important public health strategy for HIV prevention in Ghana. However, there is a dearth of empirical evidence in this area of public health research to inform interventions. This study seeks to examine women’s knowledge, acceptance and utilisation of the FC and factors that influence its acceptance and utilisation.MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional survey design was used and a total of 380 females between the ages of 15 and 49 years were sampled from the Hohoe Municipality of the Volta Region, Ghana. A self-administered structured questionnaire measuring the study variables was used, and frequencies, percentages and Chi Square tests were used to analyse the data.ResultsThere is low level of FC use among the women as less than half (48.4%) of the sample were aware of the FC. It was further observed that 21.1, 21.8 and 11.1% of the sample reported friends, media and a public lecture as their sources of knowledge of the FC respectively. It was also observed that there is a low level of FC acceptance and utilisation, and also limited access to the FC from nearby shops/pharmacies (1.8%) and health centres (7.4%).ConclusionsThere is a generally low level of FC awareness, knowledge, acceptance and utilisation and therefore, there is the need for increased public education on the FC and its benefits to women in preventing unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Public perception of climate engineering and carbon capture and storage in Germany: survey evidence

ABSTRACTClimate engineering (CE) and carbon capture and storage are controversial options for addressing climate change. This study compares public perception in Germany of three specific measures: solar radiation management (SRM) via stratospheric sulphate injection, large-scale afforestation, and carbon capture and storage sub-seabed (CCS-S). In a survey experiment we find that afforestation is most readily accepted as a measure for addressing climate change, followed by CCS-S and lastly SRM, which is widely rejected. Providing additional information decreases acceptance for all measures, but their ranking remains unchanged. The acceptance of all three measures is especially influenced by the perceived seriousness of climate change and by trust in institutions. Also, respondents dislike the measures more if they perceive them as a way of shirking responsibility for emissions or as an unconscionable manipulation of nature. Women react more negatively to information than men, whereas the level of education or the degree of intuitive vs reflective decision making does not influence the reaction to information.POLICY RELEVANCECurrent projections suggest that the use of climate engineering (CE) technologies or carbon capture and storage (CCS) is necessary if global warming is to be kept well below 2°C. Our article focuses on the perspective of the general public and thus supplements the dialogue between policymakers, interest groups, and scientists on how to address climate change. We show that in Germany public acceptance of potentially effective measures such as SRM or CCS-S is low and decreases even more when additional information is provided. This implies that lack of public acceptance may turn out to be a bottleneck for future implementation. Ongoing research and development in connection with CCS-S and SRM requires continuous communication with, and involvement of, the public in order to obtain feedback and assess the public’s reservations about the measures. The low level of acceptance also implies that emission reduction should remain a priority in climate policy.

Unique Contributions of Acceptance and Catastrophizing on Chronic Pain Adaptation.

Pain catastrophizing and acceptance represent distinct but interrelated constructs that influence adaptation to chronic pain. Clinical and laboratory research suggest that higher levels of catastrophizing and lower levels of acceptance predict worse functioning; however, findings have been mixed regarding which specific outcomes are associated with each construct. The current study evaluates these constructs in relation to pain, affect, and functioning in a treatment-seeking clinical sample. Participants included 249 adult patients who were admitted to an interdisciplinary chronic pain rehabilitation program and completed measures of pain and related psychological and physical functioning. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses indicated that pain catastrophizing and acceptance both significantly, but differentially, predicted depressive symptoms and pain-related negative affect. Only pain catastrophizing was a unique predictor of perceived pain severity, whereas acceptance uniquely predicted pain interference and performance in everyday living activities. There were no significant interactions between acceptance and catastrophizing, suggesting no moderation effects. Findings from the current study indicate a pattern of results similar to prior studies in which greater levels of catastrophic thinking is associated with higher perceived pain intensity whereas greater levels of acceptance relate to better functioning in activities despite chronic pain. However, in the current study, both acceptance and catastrophizing were associated with negative affect. These relationships were significant beyond the effects of clinical and demographic variables. These results support the role of pain acceptance as an important contribution to chronic pain-related outcomes alongside the well-established role of pain catastrophizing. Results are limited by reliance on self-report data, cross-sectional design, and low racial/ethnic diversity.

The impact of human papillomavirus type on colposcopy performance in women offered HPV immunisation in a catch-up vaccine programme: a two-centre observational study.

To determine whether human papillomavirus (HPV) immunisation has affected the prevalence of HPV genotypes and colposcopic features of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) in young women referred for colposcopy. A two-centre observational study including vaccinated and unvaccinated women. Colposcopy clinics serving two health regions in Scotland, UK. A total of 361 women aged 20-25 years attending colposcopy following an abnormal cervical cytology result at routine cervical screening. Cervical samples were obtained from women for HPV DNA genotyping and mRNA E6/E7 expression of HPV 16, 18, 31, 33, and 45. Demographic data, cytology, and histology results and colposcopic features were recorded. Chi-square analysis was conducted to identify associations between vaccine status, HPV genotypes, and colposcopic features. Colposcopic features, HPV genotypes, mRNA expression, and cervical histology. The prevalence of HPV 16 was significantly lower in the vaccinated group (8.6%) compared with the unvaccinated group (46.7%) (P = 0.001). The number of cases of CIN2+ was significantly lower in women who had been vaccinated (P = 0.006). The HPV vaccine did not have a statistically significant effect on commonly recognised colposcopic features, but there was a slight reduction in the positive predictive value (PPV) of colposcopy for CIN2+, from 74% (unvaccinated) to 66.7% (vaccinated). In this group of young women with abnormal cytology referred to colposcopy, HPV vaccination via a catch-up programme reduced the prevalence of CIN2+ and HPV 16 infection. The reduced PPV of colposcopy for the detection of CIN2+ in women who have been vaccinated is at the lower acceptable level of the UK national cervical screening programme guidelines. Reduction of hrHPV positivity and CIN in immunised women consistent with lower PPV of colposcopy for CIN2+.

Mothers' attitude to the use of a combined oral contraceptive pill by their daughters for menstrual disorders or contraception.

Mothers' attitude may affect use of combined oral contraceptive pills by their daughters. We explored Chinese mothers' knowledge of and attitudes towards the use of combined oral contraceptive pills by their daughters for menstrual disorders or contraception, and evaluate the factors affecting their attitude. This survey was conducted from October 2012 to March 2013, and recruited Chinese women who attended a gynaecology clinic or accompanied their daughter to a gynaecology clinic, and who had one or more daughters aged 10 to 18 years. They completed a 41-item questionnaire to assess their knowledge of and attitude towards use of the combined oral contraceptive pills by their daughters. The demographic data of the mothers and their personal experience in using the pills were also collected. A total of 300 women with a mean age of 45.2 (standard deviation, 5.0) years completed the questionnaire. Only 58.3% of women reported that they had knowledge about the combined oral contraceptive pills; among them, a majority (63.3%) reported that their source of knowledge came from medical professionals. Of a total possible score of 22, their mean knowledge score for risk, side-effects, benefits, and contra-indications to use of combined oral contraceptive pills was only 5.0 (standard deviation, 4.7). If the medical recommendation to use an oral contraceptive was to manage their daughter's dysmenorrhoea, menorrhagia, acne, or contraception needs, 32.0%, 39.3%, 21.0% and 29.7%, respectively would accept this advice. Women who were an ever-user of combined oral contraceptive pills or who were more knowledgeable about combined oral contraceptives had a higher acceptance rate. Chinese women had a low acceptance level of using combined oral contraceptive pills as a legitimate treatment for their daughters. This was associated with lack of knowledge or a high degree of uncertainty about their risks and benefits. It is important that health caregivers provide up-to-date information about combined oral contraceptive pills to women and their daughters.

Urine diversion dry toilets in eThekwini Municipality, South Africa: acceptance, use and maintenance through users' eyes

This study was part of the VUNA project aimed to develop an affordable sanitation system that produces a valuable fertiliser, reduces pollution of water resources and promotes health. Urine diversion dry toilets (UDDTs) simplify the on-site hygienisation of faeces and allow for nutrient recovery from urine. Social acceptance is vital for the implementation of the UDDT, because sanitation is only effective if the system not only provides a well-designed toilet and effective waste management, but also offers users a facility that caters to their needs and is sensitive to their cultural lifestyle. This study used qualitative and quantitative methods to investigate acceptance, use and maintenance of UDDTs. Key findings indicate lower levels of acceptance of UDDTs among the elderly, who are accustomed to traditional pit toilets. The users aspire to own a flush toilet, perceived to be indicative of household wealth. A dominant concern was emptying the pit and the quality of the building material. Community interventions are required that will promote acceptance, understanding and encourage proper use and maintenance of the UDDT, and may need some technology modification. There is an urgent need for increased community participation to address users’ perceptions, attitudes and behaviour concerning the UDDT.

Parents’ perception and acceptance of parenting

Background Parenting is the process of promoting and supporting the physical, emotional, social, financial, and intellectual development of a child from infancy to adulthood. The definitive objective of parenting is to promote the well-being and development of children. Aim The aim of the present study was to explore parents’ perception and acceptance of parenting. Methods A descriptive qualitative research design was applied to achieve the aim of the study. A convenient sample of 150 parents of school-aged children and adolescents with different acute and chronic health problems were recruited from outpatient clinics that were affiliated to Cairo University Pediatric Hospitals (El-Monira). Two tools were used in the study; a sociodemographic data sheet for parents and their children, and a structured interviewed questionnaire sheet to explore parents’ perceptions and acceptance of parenting. Results The results of the present study revealed that approximately half of the parents expressed that they had not accepted their relationship with their children, and two-thirds of those parents did not interact with their children, as well as did not attended training classes related to parenting. In addition, more than half of parents perceived parenting as a hard task. Finally, the findings showed that parents obtained their perception and acceptance of parenting from three thematic areas: parenting as being embraced by Islam, transferring of cultural values and traditions, and parenting as a challenge. Conclusions The present study concluded that each parent perceived parenting from strong interplay of Islamic teachings, sociocultural values and traditions, in addition to the challenges and difficulties of being a parent. Parents had low levels of perception and acceptance of parenting of their school aged and adolescent children. In addition, there was a significant relationship between parents’ perception and the selected sociodemographic variables. The study recommends that outpatient clinics should provide educational programs about parenting regarding different aspects of parents’ perception and acceptance of parenting.

Relationships Between Quality of Life in the Psychological Domain, Acceptance of Illness, and Healthcare Services in Patients with Asthma.

Asthma patients should be considered not only in terms of the medical aspects, but also the nonmedical issues associated with the psychological domain, since these are factors that can significantly improve patients' health state, quality of life, and illness acceptance, and can contribute to the reduction of healthcare utilization. The purpose of this study was to assess the acceptance of illness among asthma patients and their quality of life in the psychological domain, as well as to identify factors that influence illness acceptance and quality of life in the psychological domain. We examined 172 patients with asthma (median age: 58; range: 18-89 years) recruited from two pulmonology wards. We demonstrate that the patients with low levels of illness acceptance and a high healthcare service index had low quality of life in the mental domain. Older age; being separated, divorced, or widowed; and having BMI > 25, all significantly affect the levels of quality of life and illness acceptance. In conclusion, measurements of health-related quality of life and illness acceptance are useful for estimating the impact and progression of asthma. These results confirm that psychological functioning should be taken into account alongside the somatic state.

Factors Influencing Medical Professional Adoption of Electronic Health Record in Jordan Hospital

Electronic health records (EHRs) have proven to improve hospital quality, reduces health costs and medical errors. Currently, EHRs adoption is not completed in Jordan hospitals, and limited research has been done in Jordan government hospitals. The aim of this study is to explore the factors that influence medical professional adoption of EHRs in Jordan Hospital. The problem statement of this study is the low acceptance level of EHRs in Jordan hospitals. A conceptual model, adapted from the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) model, is built to relate the Individual Context and Trust Factor on the Behavioural Intention to adopt EHRs in Jordan hospitals. Self-administered questionnaires are used to gather the data from healthcare professionals in two major government hospitals that have used EHRs. The results indicated that the effects of Individual Context, Performance Expectancy, Effort Expectancy, Social Influence, Hedonic Motivation, Habit, Trust Factors, Trust Information and Trust System on the Behavioural Intention, to use EHRs are significant and positive. The results also indicated that Individual Context is the most significant predictor of the Behavioural Intention to use EHRs. Trust Factors is found as the second most significant predictor. Finally, from the results of moderation analysis, it is found that Age positively moderates the effects of Social Influence, Trust Information and Trust System on Behavioural Intention to use EHRs. However, the effect of Effort Expectancy on the Behavioural Intention to use EHRs is negatively moderated by the Age. The finding of this work has contributed to the growth and enhancement of the theoretical knowledge of UTAUT2 in the medical informatics field. This study has extended the current model and extension of the UTAUT2 model by including Trust Information and Trust System. Therefore, the findings can aid decision makers in formulating EHRs adoption strategies in Jordan hospitals medical informatics.

A qualitative exploratory study on gender identity and the health risks and barriers to care for transgender women living in a U.S.–Mexico border city

ABSTRACTThis exploratory, qualitative study examined the health risks and barriers to care for transgender women who live in a U.S.–Mexico border city. Individual in-depth interviews were conducted with 13 self-identified transgender women in El Paso, Texas, seven of whom identified as Latina. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded for analysis of emerging themes, using the qualitative analysis software Atlas.ti (v.7.0). The themes that emerged are (1) self-acceptance of transgender identity; (2) acceptance of transgender identity within social networks; and (3) health risks, including body modifications and barriers to health care. The findings reveal phases of self-acceptance of transgender identity, a high level of health risks, scarce health services resources, and low levels of acceptance from family, friends, and partners. This study provides an important contribution to the health disparities literature on gender identity and health risks and the needs of transgender women, particularly in a U.S.–Mexico border context.

Acceptance of Recommendations of "Healthy Start - Young Family Network" on Infant Nutrition and Nutrition for Breastfeeding Mothers. A Survey of Different Professional Groups

This study aims to measure the level of acceptance of the recommendations of the "Healthy Start - Young Family Network" on infant nutrition and nutrition for breastfeeding mothers among different professional groups. A standardised online questionnaire was used to investigate the level of acceptance (dichotomised response mode: accept vs. not accept). The first survey was of midwives, gynaecologists and paediatricians among others, the second survey was of paediatricians. The level of acceptance was categorised as low (<75%), moderate (75-89%), strong (90-94%), very strong (95-99%) and absolute (100%). 1 311 health professionals participated in the first survey (n=908 midwives) and 77.6% reported having knowledge of the recommendations. The average level of acceptance was lowest among midwives (67.5%). 119 paediatricians participated in the second survey and 86.5% of this group said they had knowledge of the recommendations. A low acceptance level was mainly found with regard to recommendations on supplementation (fluoride and iodine). A focus on the individual situation of young families, an orientation towards other recommendations and subjective assessment were the main reasons for non-acceptance. Recommendations have not been successfully implemented in midwives' practices. Due to overrepresentation of midwives, the observed results do not necessarily apply to other occupational groups. However, the implementation of the recommendations into training and education of health professionals, revision of ambiguous statements as well as the communication of the scientific background of the recommendations are meaningful measures to raise acceptance levels.

Equal Status in Ultimatum Games Promotes Rationality

Experiments on the Ultimatum Game (UG) repeatedly show that people’s behaviour is far from rational. In UG experiments, a subject proposes how to divide a pot and the other can accept or reject the proposal, in which case both lose everything. While rational people would offer and accept the minimum possible amount, in experiments low offers are often rejected and offers are typically larger than the minimum, and even fair. Several theoretical works have proposed that these results may arise evolutionarily when subjects are in equal status (e.g., they act in both roles) and there is a structure in the population specifying who plays with whom. We report the first experiments on UG on networks with subjects playing simultaneously both roles. We observe that acceptance levels of responders approach rationality and proposers accommodate their offers to their environment. More precisely, subjects keep low acceptance levels all the time, but as proposers they follow a best-response-like approach to choose their offers. We thus find that status equality promotes quasi-rational behaviour while the network influence leads to fairer offers compared to well-mixed populations. Our results are far from what is observed in single-role UG experiments and largely different from available theoretical predictions.

Processes and conditions underlying the link between shyness and school adjustment among Turkish children

This study examined the underlying processes and conditions that contribute to the school adjustment of shy children in Turkey, where children's interpersonal relationships in social settings and academic achievement are highly emphasized. First, we examined the unique mediating roles of children's feelings of social anxiety, depressive symptoms, and loneliness in the associations between shyness and indices of school outcomes (academic achievement and school liking/avoidance). Second, we explored the moderating role of children's peer acceptance in these associations. Fourth- and fifth-grade children (N=599; Mage = 10.11years, SD=0.65; 48% girls) provided information on shyness, social anxiety, depressive symptoms, loneliness, and school liking/avoidance. Head teachers in each classroom reported on students' academic performance. The peer nomination method was used to assess children's peer relationships. Results revealed that when children displayed shy behaviours, they reported more depressive symptoms that were, in turn, associated with poorer academic performance, less school liking, and higher school avoidance. Moreover, shyness negatively predicted school liking at low levels of peer acceptance, suggesting that difficulties in peer relationships increased shy children's risk of school dissatisfaction. Overall, our findings support the importance of the interpersonal relationship context for children's adjustment within the Turkish cultural context. Statement of contribution What is already known on this subject? Shy children have difficulties initiating and maintaining social interactions, which put them at risk for a wide range of socio-emotional difficulties. Shy children have poor academic performance and experience school adjustment difficulties in North America. What does this study add? Shyness is an important risk factor for poorer academic performance and adjustment among children in Turkey. The association between shyness and difficulties at school is explained by children's experience of depressive symptoms. Difficulties with peer relationships increase shy children's risk of school dissatisfaction.

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