Mean Perception Score Research Articles

Perceptions of students regarding innovative approaches introduced in nutrition and metabolism module at Shifa college of medicine.

To assess the perceptions of 2nd year medical students regarding certain approaches introduced in the course of Nutrition and Metabolism module. The descriptive study was conducted at the Shifa College of Medicine, Islamabad, Pakistan, in December 2020, and comprised all 2nd year medical students who completed the Nutrition and Metabolism module in which new components had been added, including introduction to community nutrition, school visits, Islamic perspective of nutrition, journal club and e-posters. Data was collected using a questionnaire based on the modified Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure, and had 5 categories with a total of 25 questions that were scored on a 5-point Likert scale. Data was analysed using SPSS 22. Of the 100 students, 65(65%) were females and 35(35%) were males. The overall mean age was 20.5 ± 0.5 years. The total mean score was 74.68±2.53. Mean score for student's perception of learning was 38.17±0.17, student's perception of teachers 9.27±0.18, student's academic self-perceptions 12.1±0.11, student's perceptions of atmosphere 9.03±0.03 and student's social self-perceptions 6.11± 0.01. The perceptions medical students about innovations were positive, showing an encouraging attitude in terms of learning approach and outcome.

Pharmacy student’s perceptions, behaviours and attitudes toward virtual reality simulation

AimsThe definition of virtual reality simulation (VRS) used for study is the recreation of realistic simulation in a fully online situation with an immersive environment for learning an activity. The study aims to evaluate pharmacy students’ perspectives, behavioral and attitude characteristics in the process of VRS course requiring practical skills. Materials and methodsThis cross-sectional study was based on quantitative questionnaires analysis. A five-point Likert Scale (rating from 1 = Strongly Disagree; 2 = Disagree; 3 = Neutral; 4 = Agree; 5 = Strongly Agree) was utilized to measure the extent to which the students agrees on 30 statements comprised in A-E sections related to VRS. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire were studied by the Cronbach’s Alpha calculation. ResultsA total of 119 junior and senior pharmacy students, aged 18–25, participated in this study. There is no significant gender difference (P > 0.05) and grade difference (P > 0.05) in mean perception score, mean attitude score, mean behavior score and comparison score respectively. Most pharmacy students had positive perception that VRS could help them in practical ability (61.4 %), autonomous learning (68.9 %) and theoretical knowledge (61.4 %). Nevertheless, less than half the students agreed that VRS courses were indispensable (44.5 %) and needed to be increased (42.9 %). Moreover, the ‘disagree’ statement (33.6 %) exceeded ‘agree’ statement (27.7 %) about the question of whether preferring VRS courses to lab teaching. Interestingly, a significant positive correlation that was observed between mean perception score and mean attitude score (r = 0.76, p < 0.001), mean comparison (r = 0.68, p < 0.001) and mean behavior (r = 067, p < 0.001), which revealed that students who thought VRS was beneficial were more likely to accept it. ConclusionThe study highlights the need to establish an interactive, immersive and measurable VRS courses. It is suggested that good interaction between the faculty and student, technology improvement and blended programmatic assessment should be involved in challenges for implementing VRS courses.

Access to Breast Reconstruction in Kuwait: Assessing Surgeon-related Factors as a Barrier to Referral.

This is an online questionnaire-based study to investigate the variation in the referring general surgeons' knowledge and perception towards breast reconstructive surgery. A total of 141 general surgeons responded to the questionnaire, and only 63 (44.7%) always discuss the available options for reconstruction with their breast cancer patients. When asked about referral to a plastic surgeon, only 49 (34.8%) responded with always, and the majority (N = 61; 43.3%) responded with sometimes. More than half (N = 73; 51.8%) believe that the general surgeon should determine patient suitability for referral to a plastic surgeon, while only 53 (37.6%) agree that breast cancer patients should always be referred to a plastic surgeon for consideration of reconstruction. The mean knowledge score was 6.6 of 8, while the mean perception score was 8.9 of 12. Responders with a higher total knowledge score were more likely to discuss with patients the availability of reconstruction. Despite the acceptable knowledge scores in our general surgeons, there is a low rate of referral for breast reconstruction in Kuwait. There is a pressing need to generate legislations and a streamlined protocol for referral that facilitate access to breast reconstructive services.

Evaluating the Perception of Mycosis Fungoides Patients About Their Disease Before and After Educating Them.

Patient-held beliefs are important for disease management and few studies have evaluated illness perception of Mycosis Fungoides (MF) patients. Here, we aimed to determine the effect of educating MF patients on their perception of their disease. Patients with diagnosed MF were asked to fill the Illness Perception Questionnaire-Revised (IPQ-R) once before education and once 3 months later. Fifty-five patients, 41 men and 14 women, with a mean age of 45.5 ± 13.9 years were enrolled. Regarding the main etiologic factor, most patients cited anxiety (91%). After education, the most significant changed belief on disease etiology was immune system dysfunction and the change was twenty-six percent which was observed more in patients with higher educational levels, shorter disease duration, and lower MF stages. Regarding the most prevalent clinical manifestations, most patients mentioned erythema (86%). After education, the greatest change in symptom perception was related to lymphadenopathy (32%) which was significantly associated with less disease duration and those treated with phototherapy. Before education, the mean perception score about the disease chronicity was 23.67 ± 3.549 that increased to 27.71 ± 1.66 (P < 0.001). This change was more observed in men (P = 0.03), those with less disease duration, and those treated with phototherapy. Generally, MF patients hold favorable perspectives about their disease and educating them positively improves their illness perception. Patients with higher educational levels and lower stages of the disease showed more significant changes in various aspects of illness perception. Hence, early education is recommended in patients with lower educational levels.

Perception of quality of life in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. A five-year study

IntroductionSystemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune, inflammatory, and chronic disease that considerably affects the perception of health-related quality of life. ObjectiveTo determine the perception of quality of life in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. MethodologyDescriptive and correlational study; universe of 143 patients and a sample of 127 patients to whom the Short Form 36 questionnaire was applied to determine perception of health-related quality of life; the SLEDAI questionnaire to determine clinical activity, the SLICC to identify organic damage and the Morisky Green test to identify pharmacological adherence. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to determine the association between the study variables. ResultsMean age of 32.83 years, predominance of female patients (92.91%) and with disease progression of between one and 5 years (69.29%). Of the patients, 75.59% had at least one associated comorbidity and 80.31% were considered pharmacological adherents. The overall quality of life perception score was 61.02 points in women and 59.03 points in men. In general, the most affected dimensions were the emotional role in women and vitality in men. ConclusionsThe increase in disease progression time, the presence of associated comorbidities and pharmacological non-adherence were variables that determined a decrease in the mean scores of perception of quality of life. There was a strong negative correlation between clinical activity of the disease and perception of quality of life.

Societal vulnerability in the context of population aging-Perceptions of healthcare students' in Saudi Arabia.

Background and objective:Healthcare professionals have an important role in increasing awareness and protecting populations from natural disasters. This study aimed to assess the perception of healthcare students toward societal vulnerability in the context of population aging.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study conducted among students from two different health colleges over 4 months from February to May 2021. Descriptive analysis was used to assess the perception, and inferential testing was used to assess the various association of knowledge toward societal vulnerability using SPSS.ResultsThe majority of respondents were male (69.2%), between 20 and 24 years of age (91.2%), and studying for a nursing degree (76.6%). Only 4.7% had previously completed a previous degree. The mean score of perceptions on the Aging and Disaster Vulnerability Scale among nursing students was 42.5 ± 10.3 (0–65) while for paramedicine 48.1 ± 9.7 (0–65). Similarly, the mean score among male students was 44.1 ±10.5. The mean PADVS total score for the cohort was 43.8 (SD = 10.5). The mean PADVS total score for nursing students was significantly lower than paramedic students (42.5 vs. 48.1; p < 0.001). There was no correlation between PADVS total score and gender, age, area of residence, or previous degree.ConclusionOur results indicate that Saudi healthcare students perceive older adults are somewhat vulnerable to disasters with significant differences between nursing and paramedic students. Furthermore, we suggest informing emergency services disaster response planning processes about educational intervention to overcome disasters in Saudi Arabia and other countries.

CN15 Individual factors leading to delay in diagnosis in patients with colorectal cancer and their illness perceptions

The purpose of this study was to determine the time elapsed between the first symptoms and seeking medical help, factors contributing to the delay and disease perception in patients with colorectal cancer. The study was conducted at the medical oncology outpatient clinic of a University Hospital in Ankara and included 114 patients who were diagnosed with colorectal cancer. The data were obtained by using the questionnaire form and the brief illness perception questionnaire. The elapsed time between patients’ first symptoms and seeking medical health was classified into ‘‘normal’’ when it was less than one month, ‘‘delay’’ when it was between one and three months, ‘‘long-term delay’’ when it was more than three months, and ‘‘very serious delay’’ when it was more than six months. In the analysis of the data, chi-square test, one-way analysis of variance and correlation tests were used. The mean elapsed time between patients’ first symptoms and seeking medical health was 7.27±11.02 month (range: 1 - 62.5 month), 60.6% of patients were delayed over a month and there is a serious delay in 31.6% of them. Most of the patients (76.3%) stated that they did not know the signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer and 16.7% stated that they had a screening test. It was determined that 89.9% of patients experienced symptoms and signs before colorectal cancer diagnosis. The most common complaints were changes in bowel habits (20.3%), rectal bleeding (14.1%) and abdominal pain (10.3%). When the factors contributing to the delay were evaluated, 60% of them did not stated any reason, 17% stated perceiving the symptoms as temporary or insignificant. A significant relationship was found between the delay in diagnosis and level of education and the change in bowel habit (p<0.05). The mean score of brief illness perception was found to be 21.74 ± 11.36 (range: 0- 56). The three most important factors that they believed to cause illness were stress (32.8%), nutrition (24.9%) and sadness (13.6%). Although the individuals participating in the study have symptoms that may be a symptom of colorectal cancer; there was considerable delay in the time to seeking medical help due to lack of awareness about the symptoms of colorectal cancer.

Is learning mathematics still creative and enjoyable during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Creativity in learning is an enjoyable experience for most students who are studying mathematics. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented experiences to students, learning mathematics is questionably creative and enjoyable nowadays. This study intends to measure the level of creativity and how enjoyable is learning mathematics amidst the pandemic. The study develops statistical models to capture the different factors that significantly influence the students' creativity and enjoyable experience in learning mathematics. A selected secondary data from the existing study was utilized and analyzed through some descriptive measures and a regression method as well as its diagnostics. Results revealed that the mean perception scores (scale of 1 to 10) for the level of creativity and enjoyment are 5.27 and 5.17, respectively. This implies that there is only moderate creativity and enjoyment in learning mathematics amidst the pandemic. Findings showed that the predictors of students' level of creativity in learning mathematics are "synchronous learning modality", "learning environment" and "health aspect". In addition, it is revealed that "age", "learning environment", and "health aspect" are significant predictors of students' level of enjoyment. Thus, teachers must maintain a lively and motivating learning environment for students by giving them interesting and enjoyable mathematics learning activities. Furthermore, teachers and students are advised to do physical exercise and maintain a good diet to become healthy amidst the pandemic.

Public awareness and perception towards COVID-19 in Sub-Saharan African countries during the lockdown.

Background: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak has caused a universal health crisis resulting in significant morbidities and mortalities particularly among high-risk groups. This study sought to determine regional factors associated with knowledge and attitude towards COVID-19 mitigation practices and risk perception of contracting the disease in Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries. Methods: A cross-sectional anonymous online study was conducted among 1970 participants between April and May 2020, during the lockdown in many SSA countries. Recruitment of participants was via WhatsApp, Facebook and emails using authors’ networks. The outcome variables were KAP (knowledge, attitudes and practice) of COVID-19 and analysis of variance (ANOVA) with post hoc test was run to assess the level of KAP by four regions in SSA. Simple and multiple linear regression (MLR) analyses were performed to examine factors associated with the outcome measures in the four SSA regions. Results: Mean knowledge (P=0.707) and risk perception (P=0.904) scores by four regions in SSA did not differ significantly. However, the mean attitude score was higher among West Africans compared with Southern (P=0.019) and Central Africans (P=0.003). MLR analysis revealed that among those living in West (adjusted coefficient β=-0.83 95% CI: -1.19, -0.48) and Southern Africa (β=-0.91 95% CI: -1.42, -0.40), having a primary or secondary education was associated with a decrease in knowledge scores while not being worried about COVID-19 decreased risk perception scores across the four SSA regions(West [β=-6.57, 95% CI: -7.53, -5.62], East [β=-6.24: 95% CI: -8.34,-4.15], Central [β=-6.51, 95% CI: -8.70, -4.31], and Southern Africa [β=-6.06: 95% CI: -7.51, -4.60]). Except among Southern Africans, participants who practiced self-isolation had positive attitude towards COVID-19. Conclusion: Future research on health education regarding COVID-19 or a future related pandemic in SSA should target people with lower education, those who do not self-isolate, those living in Southern and Western Africa and not worried about contracting COVID-19.

Nurses’ perception and compliance with personal protective equipment and hand hygiene during the third wave of COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundHealthcare workers' (HCWs) compliance with infection prevention and control (IPC) measures during the COVID-19 pandemic is crucial to reducing the spread of infection to their colleagues, families, and community. This study assessed the risk perception and compliance with personal protective equipment (PPE) usage, hand hygiene, and specific IPC measures and explored the factors associated with compliance among nurses during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Egypt.MethodsA hospital-based cross-sectional survey was conducted at the Alexandria Main University Hospital (AMUH) in Alexandria city from May to August 2021, where 354 nurses were included with a response rate of 94.9%. A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted.ResultsThe overall compliance with PPE usage, hand hygiene, and IPC measures was 81.9%. The mean risk perception score was 40.9 ± 3.3. More than 95% of nurses were aware of the high risk of COVID-19 infection at their workplace, the serious consequences of the disease, and the risk that can be minimized by using PPE, whereas a relatively low percentage of nurses believed that the risk of COVID-19 infection could be reduced by using a surgical mask (19.2%) or gloves (50.5%). Good compliance was independently predicted by risk perception (OR = 1.25; 95% CI = 1.13, 1.39), and knowledge about PPE usage and hand hygiene (OR = 3.53; 95%CI = 2.40, 5.19). Facilitators of compliance with the PPE usage were attending suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases in their hospital (overline{x} = 9.82), comfort to use the PPE (overline{x} = 9.16), availability of PPE (overline{x} = 8.96), hospital policy (overline{x} = 8.74), and senior compliance (overline{x} = 6.5).ConclusionsNurses at AMUH reported high risk perceptions. The rate of compliance with PPE usage, hand hygiene, and IPC measures was 81.9%. The personal risk perception and knowledge about the PPE usage and hand hygiene are the keys to improving compliance in a healthcare facility.

The relationship between the level of trust in nurses and nursing care quality perceptions of patients treated for Covid-19.

BackgroundDuring the pandemic process, nursing care has gained more importance. So, it is critical to evaluate the level of trust in nurses and the perception of care in terms of the patient, in order to improve the care service provided, to achieve the desired successful patient results, to ensure patient satisfaction in nursing care and to create a healthy society in the long term.AimThis study aimed to examine the relationship between the level of trust in nurses, care perceptions of patients receiving care with the diagnosis of Covid‐19, and the level of trust in nurses and care quality perceptions of patients.MethodsThis descriptive, cross‐sectional, correlational study was conducted in the Covid‐19 unit of a state hospital in the Western Black Sea Region of Turkey between May and October 2021. The sample size was calculated as 227 using the sample calculation formula whose population is unknown in the literature. ‘Personal Information Form’, ‘Trust in Nurses Scale’ and ‘Patient Perception of Hospital Experience with Nursing (PPHEN)’ was used to collect data. Ethical approval was obtained from the clinical research ethics committee,ResultsThe total mean score of the patients' trust in nurses scale was 27.67 ± 3.29 (min: 15, max: 30); the mean score of the patients' Perception of Nursing Care scale was determined as 69.52 ± 12.51 (min:15, max:75). It has been determined that the level of trust in nurses and the perception of nursing care of patients receiving Covid‐19 treatment are high. A positive, significant and weak relationship (r = 0.348, p < 0.01) was found between the patients' level of trust in nurses and their perceptions of nursing care.ConclusionDuring the pandemic process, trust in the patient–nurse relationship increases the patient's perception of nursing care and positively affects the quality of care.

노인요양시설 요양보호사의 감염관리 인지도 및 수행도

Purpose : Elderly people in nursing homes typically have multiple conditions that increase their risk for infection, including chronic diseases and depressed immune systems. Infections are common in nursing homes and contribute significantly to resident morbidity and mortality. Therefore, controlling of infections in nursing homes is an important issue and it is necessary to educate that can improve infection control for care workers. The objectives of this study are to describe the level of perception and performance of infection control of care workers in nursing home and to provide the basic data of the infection control education program for care workers. Methods : A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted with 120 care workers who are employed in 8 nursing homes. The data were collected by using self-report questionnaires from March 2 to June 15, 2021. Descriptive statistics, independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, and pearson correlation coefficient, stepwise multiple regression performed using SPSS Windows for 22.0 program. Results : The mean scores of perception and performance of infection control of care workers were 4.13±0.44 and 4.05±0.47. There were statistically significant differences in the perception of infection control according to age(F=3.35, p=.038), education level(F=4.33, p=.015) and nursing home size(F=4.34, p=.015). There were statistically significant differences in the performance of infection control according to nursing home size(F=6.85, p=.002). Performance of infection positively correlated with the perception of infection control(r=.92, p&lt;.001). Perception of infection control and nursing home size were the primary factors that impacted the care worker’s performance of infection control by explaining 85.5% of the variance. Particularly, perception of infection control was identified as factors influencing performance of infection control(β=.90, p&lt;.001). Conclusion : Findings from this study provide valuable information regarding perception of infection control was the major factor that impacts infection control performance. Therefore, it is necessary to increase the perception of infection control and provide systematic education about infection control.

Pandemic Pedagogy: Perception of Nursing students': A cross-sectional study.

Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic impacted across the globe disrupting all sectors including the higher education universities. Nursing institutions faced various challenges due to the pandemic restrictions, of which the abrupt shift of implementing the curriculum to online mode posed a major challenge to both the teachers and the students. To assess nursing students' perception of pandemic pedagogy and the challenges faced in online teaching-learning, this cross-sectional survey was conducted among 982 undergraduate nursing students from three Deemed to be University nursing institutions of Southern India. Institutional Ethics Committee approval (IEC 444/2020), permission from the heads of the institutions and study participant's consent was obtained. Data was collected using an online survey questionnaire which had three domains, including student-related (19 items), teacher-related(5 items), and physical learning environment-related factors (11 items). The reliability was established using Cronbach's Alpha (0.86). Explored the favouring, hindering factors and challenges faced during the emergency remote teaching with open-ended items. The overall mean score of perceptions on pandemic pedagogy was 89.03±10.03. Sixty-three percent of students had a total perception score above 87 which indicates that they preferred online learning during the pandemic whereas 45% preferred classroom learning. There was a significant difference in the total perception scores and the years of study( F (3, 978) = 4.96, p = 0.002). The factors favouring online learning were, an opportunity to view the recorded classes even after the live classes' (n=165), and 'more time to spend for learning activities' (n=152). Factors that hindered the learning or the challenges faced were poor network connectivity (n=451), and lack of opportunity for group study (n=326). Students favoured online learning during the pandemic; however, there were several challenges. The educational institutions need to prepare themselves to overcome this and focus on a blended learning curriculum.

Effect of Targeted Educational Program Based on Thetranstheoretical Model on the Acceptance and Understanding of Mammography in Women Over 40

Background and Objective: Mammography screening as the most sensitive diagnostic test, while reducing mortality, will improve the quality of life. Training that has the ability to change perceptions and acceptance can be used in designing effective interventions to perform and perpetuate this behavior. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of targeted education based on the transtheoretical Model on the acceptance and perception of mammography in women over 40. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 128 eligible women over 40 years of age referring to comprehensive health centers in Amol were randomly assigned to two groups of intervention and control (n=62 in each group). For the intervention group, four online training sessions were held using WhatsApp over a period of four weeks. Leaflets and instructional videos were provided to participants, and their questions were answered online. The control group received the same educational content after sampling. The Rakowski Stages of Change Questionnaire and the Decision Balance Questionnaire for both groups were completed before, immediately, and one month after training. Data analysis was performed in SPSS software using paired t-test, chi-square, repeated measures RM, and independent t-test. Results: The frequency percentage of the stages of change model before the intervention was not significantly different between the control and intervention groups immediately after the intervention (P=0.022) and one month later (P=0.008). In the intervention group, the frequency of pre-thinking stages decreased, while the stages of thinking and acting increased. The mean score of negative perception based on the decision balance questionnaire was significantly different between the two groups of control and intervention before training, immediately after training, and one month after training (P&lt;0.001). The mean score of positive perception based on the decision balance questionnaire demonstrated a significant difference between the control and intervention groups immediately after training and one month after training (P&lt;0.001). Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, the use of the transtheoretical model, while increasing positive perception, improves people's performance and can be used to improve screening programs.

The era of E-learning from the perspectives of Jordanian medical students: A cross-sectional study

IntroductionOnline learning is becoming a crucial part of the educational process worldwide, especially after the recent COVID-19 pandemic. This study was designed to assess medical students’ perception toward online learning and their perceived preparedness and barriers during the COVID-19 pandemic. MethodsAn electronic-based, cross-sectional survey was used to recruit eligible students in Pharmacy, Doctor of Pharmacy, Medicine, Nursing, Dentistry, and Veterinary Medicine programs at various Jordanian universities (public and private). Descriptive and linear regression analysis were conducted using S.P.S.S. software. The perception score was calculated based on a 5-point Likert scale. ResultsA total of 939 students agreed to participate in this study. The prominent category was females (n = 691, 73.6%), the median age of students was 22.0 years (IQR = 2.0), and around 56% of the students study in private universities (n = 520, 55.6%). More than half of the students reported that their experiences were unsatisfactory or very unsatisfactory (n = 510, 54.3%). The majority of students preferred face-to-face communication with their professors and colleagues and considered it more effective (n = 682, 72.6%). The median of the mean perception score was 2.4 (IQR = 1.1). Regarding challenges and barriers, more than 70% reported weak internet connection, E-learning boredom, and lack of motivation (n = 723, 77.0%). ConclusionThis study reported inadequate satisfaction and perception towards the current experience in E-learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. It also discussed the barriers and challenges hindering this transition, such as weak internet connection and the lack of motivation, indicating a need for implementing new pedagogies to enhance students’ experiences regarding online education.

Perceptions towardthe use of over-the-counter dietary supplements during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: A cross sectional study of the general public in Jordan.

Background and AimsOver‐the‐counter (OTC) dietary supplements gained popularity during the COVID‐19 pandemic as a preventive measure. Lack of complete understanding among the general population of the pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying the severity and progression of infection with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has further encouraged the use of supplements. The present study aimed to assess the perceptions of the general public toward the efficacy and safety of the use of OTC dietary supplements as immune enhancers during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The factors impacting these perceptions were also explored.MethodsThis was an online survey‐based, cross‐sectional study conducted in Jordan over 4 months. A validated survey which comprised 28 questions covering aspects related to the respondents’ demographic characteristics, their perceptions toward the efficacy of OTC dietary supplements and their awareness regarding the safety of popular OTC supplements and healthy dietary habits was used to collect responses. Associations between patient characteristics with perception and awareness were explored.ResultsA total of 1487 responses were included in the analysis. Ascorbic acid, zinc, and vitamin D were the most popular OTC supplements, as indicated by the percentages of users (48.8%, 38.6%, and 34.6%, respectively). Perceptions toward OTC supplement use were suboptimal, with a reported mean perception score of 27.82 ± 8.56 (range 0–45). The multivariate analysis showed that participants who were of older age (>65 years) (AOR = 6.29, 95% CI = 2.2–17.9), had an income level >1500 (AOR = 1.84, 95% CI = 1.80–3.56), and used chronic medications had better perceptions than did younger participants, those with no income, and non‐users of chronic medications, respectively. The mean safety awareness score was 5.36 ± 1.58 (maximum 7), with a significant direct relationship identified between perceptions and safety awareness scores (Spearman's correlation = 0.136, p < 0.001).ConclusionThis study highlighted the needs to organize educational campaigns that promote general public perceptions toward the safe use of OTC supplements to enhance immunity during COVID‐19.

Perceived Risk and Associated Factors towards COVID-19 infection among the residents of Ondo State, Southwest Nigeria

BackgroundPerceived risk is an important factor in understanding why and how a population adopts health-prevention interventions. When diseases are perceived as low-risk, motivation to use and adhere to prevention interventions is low, which can aid the spread of highly infectious diseases such as COVID-19. In this study, we assessed risk perception and its associated factors towards COVID-19 infection among the residents of Ondo State, southwest Nigeria. MethodsA community-based, cross-sectional study design using a multi-stage sampling technique was used to recruit 593 heads of households in three local government areas (LGA) in Ondo State. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire which captured information on sociodemographic variables, knowledge of COVID-19 prevention, COVID-19 infection prevention and control practices, and risk perception from September 1 to 30, 2021. ResultsThe respondents were mostly males 357 (60.2%). The mean age of respondents was 37.5±14.7 years with 409 (69%) between the age group of 20 to 40 years. Slightly more than one quarter of respondents were civil servants and 78.4% were of Yoruba ethnicity. More than three quarters, 522 (88%), of the respondents had good knowledge of COVID-19 and its preventive measures. The mean risk perception score was 49.0±12.1. Respondents who were civil servants, had good knowledge of COVID-19 and its preventive measures, had lower household income, and were of Yoruba ethnicity had significantly higher risk perception towards COVID-19 infection compared to other groups. Higher risk perception was associated with preventive measures, such as handwashing. ConclusionOur study shows a high-risk perception towards COVID-19 infection among residents in Ondo state, Nigeria. However, there were significant differences between varying knowledge levels, ethnic groups and civil versus non-civil servants. In view of this, we recommend intensified risk communication interventions targeting these groups to improve their risk perception to change health-protective behaviour towards COVID-19 infection.

FACULTY PERCEPTION TOWARD ONLINE EDUCATION DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Background: COVID-19 outbreak has changed the education system from traditional class­room to online education across the world. Due to need for social distancing, countries were bound to close the educational institutions and adapt online learning as the only means available for learning. Although, this has provided teachers an opportunity to work from home, at the same time it has brought many challenges. Therefore, understanding faculty perception is an important aspect for successful implementation of online education. Thus, this study aimed to identify the faculty perception toward online education during COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Cross-sectional online survey was conducted from December 2020 to September 2021 during both the 1st and 2nd wave of COVID-19 Pandemic and lockdown in Nepal. Convenience sampling was used to select the faculty members from different universities across different places of Nepal. Self-developed five-point Likert scale was used to assess faculty perception toward on­line education. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16 using statistical tool like frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation. Results: Total 394 faculty members participated in the study. More than half 271 (68.8%) of the respondents had positive perception, whereas, only 123 (31.2%) had negative perception toward online education. The mean score of perception of was 3.14±0.279. Conclusions: More than half of the faculty had positive perception toward online education, which concludes that, online education can be an effective means of continuing education during the crisis situations like COVID-19 pandemic. However, the finding of this study offers useful sugges­tion for policy makers and stake holders to develop proper strategies and on-going professional development courses and training programs to successfully implement online education program.

Ecosystem Services of Smallholder Rubber Cultivation: A Case Study in Moneragala District in Sri Lanka

Any type of positive, direct or indirect benefits which are provided free to human well-being is considered as an Ecosystem Service (ESS). Although a land of rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) cultivation is a man-made forest, it provides us with an ESS. This study was carried out to assess the Smallholders’ Perception on ESS of the Smallholder Rubber Cultivation (SPESSSRC) in Moneregala District. Thus, this study was aimed to find the perception of the Rubber Smallholders (RSs) on the ESS of rubber cultivation and to identify the factors affecting their perception. A questionnaire survey was carried out for the study in 2019, and the sample of RSs was selected with stratified random sampling. The study covered 222 RSs in eight rubber growing Divisional Secretariat Divisions in Moneragala District. Twenty-five items were developed to measure the SPESSSRC namely; Provisioning Services (PS), Regulating Services (RS), Cultural Services (CS) and Supporting Services (SS) provided by the ESS. A five point modified Likert-type scale was used to measure the extent of agreement of items and the mean score for each item was derived. Then the mean perception score of respondents was calculated and their key socio-economic characteristics were measured. Perception of the respondents was categorized as the least, moderate and the most favourable level by confidence interval method. Descriptive method and Spearman’s rank correlation analysis were used in data analysis. Items used to measure SPESSSRC were reliable (Cronbach alpha values&gt;0.7). The overall perception level of RSs towards SPESSSRC was under the most favourable level. About 54% of RSs in this study area considered that SPESSSRC as the most favourable, while 30% as favourable and 16% as the least favourable level. The mean score of overall SPESSSRC was 3.77. The highest mean score was recorded with the PS (3.81), while the lowest (3.73) was recorded with the CS. The mean scores of RS and SS were 3.78 and 3.75, respectively. The level of education (r=0.4570), age (r=0.7650), the experience in farming (r=0.8790) and rubber farming (r=0.8870), the extent of rubber farming (r=0.6987), training programmes participated (r=0.6370) and income from rubber farming (r=0.7370) were significantly correlated with SPESSSRC at 0.05 significance level, while gender and the type of job engagement have not shown a significant relationship with perception. Accordingly, perceived perception of RSs explained that rubber cultivation possess ESS.&#x0D; Keywords: Ecosystem service, Rubber cultivation, Smallholders

Grade 10 Students’ Perception of Learning Environment: Prospects for K to12 Science Teaching Enhancement

Creating a positive psychosocial learning environment (PsLE) that holistically considers the learners’ needs is vital to optimizing learning productivity in Science. This study investigates the Science learning environment as perceived by the students in actual Science classes. Anchored on the three PsLE dimensions namely: relationship, personal development, and systems maintenance and change, it tracks for alignment of the current Science teaching and learning practices to the expectations of the Kto12 Science curriculum standards. A survey method was done to gather the students’ perception ratings based on a 5-point Likert scale (with 5 as most indicative) using the adapted established learning environment instruments, namely, the Constructivist Learning Environment Survey, the Individualized Classroom Environment Questionnaire, and the Science Laboratory Environment Inventory. The data was collected from 105 Grade 10 students in one of the provinces in Central Visayas, Philippines, and treated statistically using descriptive statistics to get the mean percentage score and standard deviation. Results showed a high perception rating of the scales in the relationship dimension with a mean perception score (MPS = 3.7, SD= 0.36) and least in the personal development dimension. The specific scales that are of low perception include independence, open-endedness, shared control, and differentiation. These findings bear implications for potential interventions for the improvement of Kto12 Science teaching. Re-tooling the teachers with professional development training is a practical move that can be undertaken by the school leadership. Some concrete teaching practices anchored on the PsLE framework are discussed for the enhancement of Kto12 Science teaching.