Online Access To Information Research Articles

Internet Use, Social Capital, and Farmers’ Green Production Behavior: Evidence from Agricultural Cooperatives in China

Agricultural cooperatives are the main vehicle for farmers to engage in green agriculture. With the digital transformation in rural areas, it is crucial to explore how cooperative members can effectively access online information and integrate it into green production decision-making processes. Based on the survey data of 530 members of rice planting cooperatives in Heilongjiang Province in China, this paper selected eight green production behaviors commonly used by rice farmers as explained variables, and constructed an ordered probit model. Using the social capital theory, the impact and mechanism of internet use on cooperative members’ green production behavior were examined. The results showed the following: (1) Internet use facilitates the cooperative members’ green production behavior. This conclusion remains valid even after addressing the endogeneity test and robustness test. (2) The heterogeneity analysis revealed that the internet is particularly effective in enhancing the green production behaviors of farmers who are less educated, middle-aged, and those with strong connections to cooperatives. (3) A further mechanism test indicates that internet use not only significantly influences farmers’ trust in cooperatives but also aids them in comprehending the cooperative’s production specifications, thereby further advancing the improvement in green production behaviors. (4) Members’ satisfaction with cooperative sales can serve as a substitute for the internet in influencing their green production behavior.

Support for child victims of sexual violence who live with intellectual disabilities: an analysis of online Australian resources

ABSTRACT Children who live with an intellectual disability are at significant risk of experiencing sexual victimisation, yet they are also confronted with additional barriers to disclosures, including the role that carers might assume to facilitate support. While help-seeking journeys are complex, the availability of online information and resources can equip a victim or secondary victim with the requisite knowledge to decide whether and how to seek help. This paper reviews what is known about the victim support sector in Australia and its capacity to support children with intellectual disabilities who have been sexually victimised. It considers factors that underpin a decision to access support services such as perceived need, self-efficacy and the availability of online resources. The paper draws from Liang et al.’s (2005) conceptual framework of help-seeking and analyses publicly available service-focused data sources. Findings from our online search revealed that few specialist sexual violence services appear to specifically support the needs of children who live with intellectual disabilities. Targeted support and accessible online information, for children and carers, may help to facilitate uptake of help-seeking and enable the provision of support for child victims.

The Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Age-Based Disparities in Digital Health Technology Use: Secondary Analysis of the 2017-2022 Health Information National Trends Survey.

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of digital health technology, but it could also impact age-based disparities as existing studies have pointed out. Compared with the pre-pandemic period, whether the rapid digitalization of the health care system during the pandemic widened the age-based disparities over a long period remains unclear. This study aimed to analyze the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the multifaceted landscape of digital health technology used across diverse age groups among US citizens. We conducted the retrospective observational study using the 2017-2022 Health Information National Trends Survey to identify the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on a wide range of digital health technology use outcomes across various age groups. The sample included 15,505 respondents, which were categorized into 3 age groups: adults (18-44 years), middle-aged adults (45-64 years), and older adults (more than 65 years). We also designated the time point of March 11, 2020, to divide the pre- and post-pandemic periods. Based on these categorizations, multivariate linear probability models were used to assess pre-post changes in digital health technology use, controlling for demographic, socioeconomic, and health-related variables among different age groups. Essentially, older adults were found to be significantly less likely to use digital health technology compared with adults, with a 26.28% lower likelihood of using the internet for health information (P<.001) and a 32.63% lower likelihood of using health apps (P<.001). The usage of digital health technology for all age groups had significantly increased after the onset of the pandemic, and the age-based disparities became smaller in terms of using the internet to look for health information. However, the disparities have widened for older adults in using the internet to look up test results (11.21%, P<.001) and make appointments (10.03%, P=.006) and using wearable devices to track health (8.31%, P=.01). Our study reveals a significant increase in the use of digital health technology among all age groups during the pandemic. However, while the disparities in accessing online information have narrowed, age-based disparities, particularly for older adults, have widened in most areas such as looking up test results and making appointments with doctors. Therefore, older adults are more likely left behind by the rapidly digitalized US health care system during the pandemic. Policy makers and health care providers should focus on addressing these disparities to ensure equitable access to digital health resources for US baby boomers.

How to bridge the gap? Information asymmetry in Tibetan-Chinese bilingual search behavior

Significant information asymmetries exist between majority and minority languages on the web. The information asymmetry makes it difficult for ethnic minorities to access online information in their native languages, exacerbating their information vulnerability. It is necessary to investigate whether the information asymmetry between these two languages affects the language selection and interaction behavior of bilinguals in online searches. A user search experiment (N = 30) was conducted in Tibetan-Chinese bilinguals, combined with retrospective think-aloud interviews. Tibetan-Chinese bilinguals showed a preference for Chinese search, seen as a native language (L1) loss tendency in search. The bilinguals present an information asymmetry stereotype, which influenced their search language selection and negatively affected their search behavior. Four search phases for Tibetan-Chinese bilinguals were identified: direct search, vigilant avoidance, blind attempts, and serendipitous search.

Abstract B105: Quality and Accessibility of Online Information Regarding CAR-T Therapy in Hematologic Malignancies

Abstract Background Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapies have changed the treatment landscape for various hematologic malignancies and are currently under development and being tested in clinical trials for multiple solid tumors. Given that patients commonly use the internet as a source of health-related information, we sought to investigate the quality, understandability, and readability of online information regarding CAR-T therapy. Methods We conducted a search in a commonly used search engine (Google) of five pre-determined search terms to identify 100 unique web pages regarding CAR-T therapy. Scientific publications were excluded. Validated instruments were used to ascertain health information quality (DISCERN), understandability (Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool; PEMAT), and readability (Flesch-Kincaid, Gunning Fog, and SMOG indices). Results were summarized using descriptive statistics. Results Among the 100 web pages reviewed, 68% originated from academic medical centers, and 64% included links to clinical trials. Only 11% of the web pages included references to primary literature. 17% of web pages were available in a language other than English, with Spanish (15%) and Arabic (7%) being the most common. Moderate-to-high quality information (DISCERN ≥ 3) was presented by 47% of web pages, and only 31% of web pages were considered understandable (PEMAT ≥ 70%). Average readability scores were 10.6 (SD = 2.09), 12.6 (SD = 2.3), and 13.1 (SD = 1.7) using the Flesch-Kincaid, Gunning Fog, and SMOG indices, respectively. Conclusion Our study highlights that online information for CAR-T therapies commonly features low-quality health information that is typically not understandable to the general population. Further, contrary to recommendations from federal agencies and medical societies, available online information requires, on average, high school reading comprehension. Healthcare teams and stakeholders should strive to improve existing content and ensure patients have access to trusted, high-quality information given the unique complexities, processes, and toxicities associated with receiving CAR-T therapy. Citation Format: Luis C. Garcia, Ana I. Velázquez. Quality and Accessibility of Online Information Regarding CAR-T Therapy in Hematologic Malignancies [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr B105.

SP6.4 - Were QR codes to distribute information to patients following a consultation beneficial in a clinical setting?

Abstract Aims To investigate whether the use of QR codes to distribute information from brochures online would be accepted and preferred by patients compared to physical paper brochures; If paper waste can be reduced - fewer brochures being printed and discarded and hence eco-friendly and cost effective Methods Benign breast conditions were chosen for this project and QR codes generated with specific URLs for each booklet linked to a scannable QR code. At the end of clinical consultation, the Consultant invited and guided patients to scan the QR code brochure specific for their symptoms. 60 patients, from October 2022 to March 2023 were invited to take part in this original study, as a part of their consultation, with their responses gathered and analysed. Results 60 patients completed the feedback form with a 100% response rate. The age range was 20 to 70 (mean age = 45 years), of which 76.7% were aged under 50 years, and 96.7% were female. The majority (78.3%) preferred accessing an electronic leaflet via a QR code instead of a paper leaflet, and 88.3% found it easier to access information online via the QR code over other methods to access websites. Conclusions The majority of the patients were satisfied/very satisfied with the use of QR codes to access the online brochures. Although this was a simple study, it provides the basis to design a larger trial with a standardised methodology procedure, so that we can draw meaningful results from appropriate statistical analyses.

(261) DIGITAL PROMOTION OF INFERTILITY COVERAGE FOR TRAINEES IN UROLOGY RESIDENCY PROGRAMS

Abstract Introduction Physicians face significantly higher rates of infertility than the general public and over 50% of medical residents express concerns over their own fertility. This highlights a pressing issue within the medical community, particularly among those in surgical training programs. Addressing these concerns is crucial for the well-being and future planning of medical professionals, especially as certain institutions have begun to offer coverage for fertility services in employer-sponsored insurance plans. Objective To evaluate the accessibility of online information describing infertility coverage for resident physicians by accredited United States urology residency programs. Methods Utilizing the AUA’s listing of accredited U.S. Urology Programs, we investigated each program website to assess for mention of fertility benefits and coverage offered for trainees. Regardless of the information found at the primary program websites, we conducted a second inquiry via a thorough internet search to find any mention of fertility coverage offered at individual institutions. Fertility benefits were defined as coverage for any of the following: fertility evaluation, intrauterine insemination (IUI), in-vitro fertilization (IVF), surgical treatment, egg/sperm storage, fertility medications, and/or adoption services. The programs were then sorted into four groups depending on available online information: 1.) No mention of fertility benefits; 2.) Information regarding coverage was alluded to but behind a required institutional login or portal; 3.) Fertility benefits/coverage was mentioned on the website and is offered to its trainees; 4.) Fertility benefits/coverage was mentioned on the website but is not offered to its trainees. Descriptive statistics were performed on the dataset using SPSS. Results Of the 156 urology program websites, nearly 75% did not mention fertility coverage options at all (Figure One). On their main residency website, 15.4% mentioned that they provide fertility coverage for their residents, 2.6% explicitly mentioned that they do not provide fertility care through their insurance plans, and in 8.3%, fertility coverage information was not accessible due to institutional login/portal. Lastly, through the broader search, 42.3% of institutions with an associated urology program did not mention fertility benefits. In 48.7% of health systems, fertility benefits were mentioned and offered. Conclusions Despite growing concerns in the medical community about the fertility impact of demanding residency programs and delaying childbearing, there is a lack of transparency regarding fertility coverage on urology residency websites. Clear and accessible information regarding infertility coverage would enable trainees to make more informed decisions when selecting the rank of residency programs, ensuring that they can adequately plan for their personal and professional futures. Disclosure No.

The impact of internet usage preferences on labor income: Evidence from China.

The widespread application and iterative updating of computers and Internet communication technologies have not only increased productivity and enhanced intra- and inter-enterprise collaboration, but have also led to significant changes in the labor market and residents' labor income. In the digital era, accepting digital technology and possessing a certain degree of digital literacy have become the necessary abilities for people to survive and develop. However, the differences in digital literacy caused by individual differences will inevitably bring about a series of chain reactions. Therefore, it is necessary to study the subtle impact of Internet usage preference on residents' labor income in the context of digital transformation to promote digital equity. This study aims to empirically analyze micro-level survey data to reveal the impact of individual differences in internet usage preferences on their labor income. The findings provide theoretical references for government policy formulation and individual development. A function model was established to analyze the impact of individual internet usage preferences on labor income. Relevant data from the authoritative Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS2017) were selected, and empirical analyses for significance, heterogeneity, and robustness were conducted using the ZINB and CMP models in the Stata statistical software. (1) Higher Internet Usage Frequency (IUF) increases the likelihood of higher income. (2) Engaging in Online Social Networking (OSN) helps in accumulating social capital, leading to higher labor income. Meanwhile, participating in Online Entertainment (OE) relieves work and life stresses, thereby increasing labor income. Proficiency in Accessing Online Information (AOI) is associated with higher labor income, while frequent involvement in Online Business (OB) is correlated with higher personal income. Additionally, the Marginal utility of these internet usage preferences indicate that OB > AOI > OSN > OE. (3) Individual variations in physical, psychological, and social characteristics significantly influence the labor income effects of internet usage preferences. (4) There are substantial differences in the labor income effects of internet usage preferences between urban and rural areas and across different regions. (5) Education attainment has a positive mediating effect on the labour income effect of individual Internet use preferences, and enhancing residents' digital literacy has a positive effect on increasing their labour income and alleviating inequality in digital gains. (6) The popularity of Internet technology is the background that triggers an individual's Internet use, and the acceptance of a particular Internet technology is catalyzed by an individual's perception of the value and difficulty of mastering that technology; an individual's biased learning or proficiency in a particular Internet technology in order to gain higher competitiveness and value in the labour market is an important internal driving force.

Assessing the readability and quality of online patient information for laser tattoo removal

Just as tattoos continue to increase in popularity, many people with tattoos also seek removal, often due to career concerns. Prospective clients interested in laser tattoo removal may do research about the procedure online, as the internet increasingly becomes a resource to get preliminary health information. However, it is important that the online health information on the topic be of high quality and be accessible to all patients. We analyzed 77 websites from a Google search query using the terms “Laser tattoo removal patient Information” and “Laser tattoo removal patient Instructions” to assess this. The websites were evaluated for their readability using multiple validated indices and comprehensiveness. We found that websites had a broad readability range, from elementary to college, though most were above the recommended eighth-grade reading level. Less than half of the websites adequately discussed the increased risk of pigmentary complications in the skin of color clients or emphasized the importance of consulting with a board-certified dermatologist/plastic surgeon before the procedure. Over 90% of the websites noted that multiple laser treatments are likely needed for complete clearance of tattoos. The findings from our study underscore a significant gap in the accessibility and quality of online information for patients considering laser tattoo removal, particularly in addressing specific risks for patients with darker skin tones and emphasizing the need for consulting a board-certified physician before undergoing the procedure. It is important that online resources for laser tattoo removal be appropriately written to allow better decision-making, expectations, and future satisfaction for potential clients interested in the procedure.

Influences on COVID-19 Vaccine Adherence among Pregnant Women: The Role of Internet Access and Pre-Vaccination Emotions.

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic brought about global uncertainties and fears, escalating the dissemination of fake news. This study aims to analyze the impact of fake news on COVID-19 vaccine adherence among pregnant women, providing crucial insights for effective communication strategies during the pandemic. A cross-sectional, exploratory study was conducted with 113 pregnant women under care at a Women's Health Reference Center. Data analysis included relative frequency and odds ratio to assess the relationship between sociodemographic and behavioral variables regarding vaccination. In the behavioral context of vaccination, internet access shows a significant association with decision-making, influencing vaccine refusal due to online information. Nuances in the odds ratios results highlight the complexity of vaccine hesitancy, emphasizing the importance of information quality. Pre-vaccination sentiments include stress (87.61%), fear (50.44%), and anxiety (40.7%), indicating the need for sensitive communication strategies. Results revealed that pregnant women with higher education tend to adhere more to vaccination. Exposure to news about vaccine inefficacy had a subtle association with hesitancy, while finding secure sources was negatively associated with hesitancy. The behavioral complexity in the relationship between online information access and vaccination decision underscores the need for effective communication strategies. In the face of this challenging scenario, proactive strategies, such as developing specific campaigns for pregnant women, are essential. These should provide clear information, debunk myths, and address doubts. A user-centered approach, understanding their needs, is crucial. Furthermore, ensuring information quality and promoting secure sources are fundamental measures to strengthen trust in vaccination and enhance long-term public health.

Indexing ECG for Integrated Health Social Networks Predicting Keywords from ECG to Access Online Information

Health Social Networks (HSN) provide rich medical knowledge bases that are scalable and sustainable, while IoT provides non-invasive, pervasive, and low-cost methods to collect patient data. However, receiving relevant information from HSN is time consuming and challenging for users, such as searching for the right relevant information using keywords and filtering. On the other hand, healthcare IoT has limited access to the vast medical knowledge bases, such as HSN, to interpret the collected data. To address these challenges, we propose Keyword-based Integrated HSN of Things (KIHoT), an approach that combines the strengths of both HSNs and IoT to overcome their limitations. In this method, data (biosignals) collected via IoT devices are converted to human readable keywords using word embedding vector features and CNN (Convolutional Neural Network) predictors. The CNN predictors are trained to predict keywords that individuals search within an HSN to extract relevant information of the given biosignals. Those keywords are encoded as word embedding for searching relevant information. KIHoT utilizes contrast learning techniques to extract latent feature representations of electrocardiogram (ECG) signals, which are then used to predict disease-related keywords. The proposed method was evaluated using 11,936 ECG signals from patients with heart disease and achieved an accuracy of 98% for disease prediction. Our results suggest that KIHoT can effectively extract relevant information from HSN portals, making it easier for researchers and clinicians to access valuable medical knowledge.

Information-seeking behaviour in patients exploring orthognathic surgery: A qualitative study.

To explore how orthognathic patients seek information during decision-making. Qualitative, cross-sectional study. A hospital in Cumbria, UK. Prospective orthognathic patients. Participants were purposively recruited from joint orthognathic clinics after the original consultation. Semi-structured interviews were conducted via remote video call with nine participants aged 18-30 years. Data collection and reflexive thematic analysis occurred in parallel until thematic saturation was achieved. The central finding of this research was that patients were making informed decisions about orthognathic surgery. Four themes were identified to support this central finding including the following: (1) selective engagement with orthognathic information sources; (2) the central role of patient-specific information from professionals and peers; (3) Internet use to supplement standard information resources; and (4) concerns over information found online. The preferred source of information was verbal from the clinical team as it was trusted and person-specific. Past patients were identified as valued sources of information and establishing contact through digital social media networks was found to be a convenient alternative to face-to-face. Online information found was valued but concerns included information overload, problems establishing applicability and concerns over its credibility. Orthognathic patients were making informed decisions about their treatment. This study highlights the central role of the patient-clinician interaction in decision-making, especially in providing patient-specific information. Insight into the nuances of information-seeking behaviours will better inform clinical care. Since patients frequently access online information that is decision-relevant, encouraging patients to discuss online searches will support the shared decision-making process and alleviate any concerns with information found. During consultation, explaining the purpose of an information aid rather than expecting patients to read them separately, may further enhance its usefulness in decision-making. This study identified an unmet need for visual aids, such as real-time images of postoperative recovery. These findings can inform the design of future information resources.

Digital mosque management strengthening workshop to enhance the competence of mosque administrators in Malang City

In recent years, mosques have primarily served as places of worship, neglecting their ten additional roles and functions. This stems from the limited understanding of mosque administrators (takmir masjid). This community service initiative aimed to enhance the competence of takmir masjid in management, digitalization, and mosque economic empowerment, targeting mosque administrators in Malang City. The activities employed included lectures, discussions, and hands-on training. The outcomes revealed a significant improvement in takmir masjid competence, particularly in utilizing MOSQ for mosque management. Besides enhancing mosque management systems, the broader community can now easily access online information about mosques.

Supporters with Vantage Position: The Role of Youth Work in the Online Lifeworld from the Perspective of Adolescents and Youth Work’s Partners

The online environment, where the boundaries between the domains of home, school, work, and leisure are blurred, poses new challenges for youth work practice. Due to limited research on this subject matter, the theoretical underpinnings of the online youth work practice are constrained. The fulfilment of youth work’s aims online, the position it can take in the online context, and its relation to its partners in the online lifeworld need a theoretical base. This paper seeks to analyse the role of youth work in the online lifeworld according to adolescents and youth work’s partners. The research was conducted in the Netherlands in collaboration with 14 youth work organisations. A qualitative research design was used: group conversations with young people and semi-structured interviews with youth work’s partners (i.e., parents, schools, informal networks, neighbourhood support teams, police, and municipal officials). The findings indicate that youth work in the online lifeworld, according to the respondents, is part of the general youth work practice, with a primary role of addressing the developmental needs of young people and creating new developmental opportunities. This role is expected to be fulfilled by engaging and connecting with young people in the online lifeworld and providing them instrumental, informational, socioemotional, and cognitive support. To do so, according to the partners, youth workers can make use of their vantage position in the online relationship with adolescents in order to access online information relevant for support and prudent prevention aimed at adolescents’ development. This vantage position may potentially encourage a collaboration between young people and partners, and between the online and offline youth work practice.

Mind or Machine?

Abstract: Searching for and accessing online information through search engines causes digital media users to become overconfident in their own knowledge – in a sense, to attribute online knowledge to themselves. If searching the internet via search engine leads people to conflate digital information as self-produced, what happens when features of our devices turn information search into an interpersonal situation? The proliferation of anthropomorphic technology underpinned by artificial intelligence (AI) may challenge the current view of search-induced cognitive overconfidence. In two experiments, we investigate how using digital agents to search for information moderates the misattribution of online information to one’s own memory. We find that, in contrast to using a search engine, using a digital agent to access online information does not lead to higher estimations of cognitive self-esteem (Experiment 1). Moreover, using a humanized digital agent may lead to lower cognitive self-esteem than using a non-humanized digital agent or thinking alone (Experiment 2). Whereas internet searches can make people overconfident in their cognitive abilities, accessing information through a conversational digital agent appears to clarify boundaries between internal and external knowledge.

Training to use smart tablets to access reliable online health information in older adults’ post-pandemic: A focused pilot intervention study

BackgroundOlder adults are becoming more accepting and interested in using digital technologies, but difficulties and barriers remain for accessing reliable health-related information. The purpose of this focused pilot intervention study was to: (1) understand older adults’ firsthand experiences and challenges while using smart tablets post-COVID-19 pandemic, and (2) gather suggestions for age-appropriate training materials, preference of training materials, and resources to access reliable online health information. MethodsA focused pilot intervention study that involved training older adults to use smart tablets followed by focus group of a convenience sample of 13 older adults (65–85 years old; 91.6% female) on their experiences of using smart tablets. ResultsThematic analysis revealed three themes: tablets are convenient to access online information and older adults reported technical, security concerns, emotional and cognitive challenges regarding use of smart tablets. Older adults also requested one-on-one support, assistance, and topic specific learning for future training sessions. ConclusionsFuture studies should focus on providing detailed, clear instructions at an acceptable pace for older adults.

E-government and administrative management at the Provincial Municipality of Huaura, Peru

By using digital technologies to streamline procedures and increase the productivity of public services, e-government modernizes administrative management and makes government more accessible and responsive to citizens' requests for assistance. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between e-government and administrative management in the Provincial Municipality of Huaura, Peru. Using a sample of 129 administrative workers and a population of 194 administrative workers, a quantitative, non-experimental, cross-sectional and correlational methodology was developed. Participants completed a survey-questionnaire. The results showed a substantial relationship between administrative management and e-government in the Provincial Municipality of Huaura, with a sig. of less than 5 % and a Rho value of 0,596. This allowed us to deduce that the planning, organization, management and control of the entity's public resources will improve to the extent that a more solid electronic infrastructure is implemented, political will and institutional architecture, governance through transformations and organizational redesign, and whether or not its citizens have the necessary tools or knowledge to access online information and services

COBIMET’S Distance Education Online Certification for Librarians: Participants Assessment and Satisfaction Survey Results

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; This viewpoint article presents the development and outcomes of a distance education certification offered in 2022 by the Consorcio de Bibliotecas Metropolitanas (COBIMET) for librarians in Puerto Rico. The program's inception was driven by the need to equip librarians with the skills and knowledge required to effectively support learners and educators in the evolving landscape of online education, technology, and information access. The certification consisted of five modules covering topics such as Learning Through Distance Education, Information and Communication Technology and the Internet, Assessment and Evaluation, and Instructional Design. The findings from the online satisfaction survey indicate that the program has met high levels of participant satisfaction, particularly in terms of course design, content, assessment methods, and overall delivery. Twenty-two (22) out of the 27 participants completed the certification (81% retention rate). Pre-test results showed that only 40% of participants scored 80% or more correct answers at the beginning of the certification, while at the end of the certification, 100% of participants scored 80% or more.Participants' constructive feedback has provided insights for program enhancements and expansion to a broader group of library professionals.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

The extent of awareness of the importance of using mobile learning systems among students specializing in educational technology at Taiz University in Yemen

The aim of the research is to investigate the extent of awareness regarding the skills of utilizing the Mobile Learning (M-Learning) system among students specializing in Educational Technology at Taiz University. In order to achieve the research objective and address its inquiries, a descriptive-analytical methodology was depending on this methodology is used in the analysis and investigation of research phenomena. The research sample comprised graduate students specializing in Educational Technology enrolled in the master’s program at Taiz University for the academic year 2023/2024, totalling 63 male and female students. A questionnaire was used as the data collection tool. Upon gathering and statistically analysing the research data, the results indicated that the research sample students possess awareness of the importance of mobile learning, with their awareness primarily cantered around the fundamental skills of utilizing mobile learning. The results also demonstrated a moderate level of awareness among students regarding their use of mobile learning skills. Their mobile and smart device use is largely restricted to communication and basic applications. However, there is a significant deficiency in their awareness of using mobile devices to access information online, engage in online courses, attend virtual conferences, and other skills available for students' educational and learning benefit. Several suggestions were put forward by the students to enhance effective utilization of mobile learning skills in education and learning. Among these suggestions were raising awareness about mobile learning skills and organizing training courses to equip students with the ability to employ mobile devices in the educational process. Consequently, a number of recommendations were made, including the necessity of incorporating mobile learning as a curriculum component for students, arranging training and awareness sessions on mobile learning skills, fostering students' interest, and encouraging them to acquire mobile learning skills. Additionally, the importance of being cognizant of the diverse uses of mobile learning to keep up with contemporary developments was emphasized.

Impact of Credibility of Online Information on ADHD in the MENA Region

Recent studies have focused on mental and physical disabilities and disorders, particularly in the Arab world. However, there has been a lack of research on online information about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the discourse in which this information is presented on websites in the MENA region. This study aims to evaluate the credibility and accuracy of online information about ADHD, and the language discourse in which it is presented, in the Arab world. The study collected 22 landing pages of ADHD websites from ten Arab countries and applied three stages of inductive qualitative and partial quantitative approach: website credibility, website content analysis, and language discourse analysis. The findings showed that few websites(13%) had high credibility, and most did not have credibility elements on their landing page. Majority of the websites(86%) discussed key ADHD issues, but spread misleading information about ADHD. The discourse analysis revealed that some websites(23%) used authoritative discourse (AD), 27% used internal persuasive discourse (IPD), 23% used AD-IPD, and 27% were neutral. These findings suggest that the discourse used to discuss ADHD leans towards the AD where the science voice is dominant. This study highlights the need to improve the credibility, accessibility, and accuracy of online information on health-related topics, particularly for caregivers, parents, and teachers who are the first line spotters of ADHD symptoms in the MENA region.