Participation In Program Research Articles

Evaluating a National Biomedical Training Program Using QuantCrit: Revealing Disparities in Research Self-efficacy for Women of Color Undergraduates.

Program evaluation for interventions aimed at enhancing diversity can fall short when the evaluation unintentionally reifies the exclusion of multiple marginalized student experiences. The present study presents a Quantitative Critical Race Theory (QuantCrit) approach to program evaluation to understand outcomes for Women of Color undergraduates involved in a national biomedical training program called the Building Infrastructure Leading to Diversity (BUILD) initiative. Using longitudinal data, we examined the impact of participation in the BUILD Scholars programs and BUILD-developed novel biomedical curriculum on undergraduate's research self-efficacy. Employing propensity score matching and multiple regression models, we found that Black women who participated in the BUILD scholars program reported higher research self-efficacy, whereas Latine and White undergraduate BUILD scholars had lower research self-efficacy. Additionally, Latine women who participated in novel biomedical curricula reported significantly lower research self-efficacy. We contend that disaggregated and intersectional analyses of subpopulations are necessary for improvingunderstanding of program interventions and identifying areas where systems of exclusion may continue to harm students from minoritized backgrounds. We provide recommendations for future quantitative program evaluation practices and research in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM) equity efforts.

First Steps Toward a Participatory Research Program: Early Intervention Perspectives on SLP Services for Children of Diverse Backgrounds.

This research was designed to deepen the understanding of contributing factors to disparities in speech-language pathology (SLP) service delivery to children of diverse backgrounds with language and communication delays, as well as to initiate community connections. We sought to understand the perspectives and experiences of those who provide or oversee SLP services to children with communication disorders in early intervention settings in Washington State. Individual semistructured interviews were completed with six SLPs and three administrators across five organizations. The interviews were designed to understand both individual- and systems-level contributing factors to service delivery challenges. Interviews were analyzed using an iterative coding process with multiple rounds of coding and multiple coders. In addition to synthesizing participants' understandings of, and preparation for, culturally responsive practice, three overarching themes are presented: (1) assets of early intervention as a service delivery model, (2) the distance between families and the practitioners and systems that serve them, and (3) compromised access and quality of services due to a predominantly monolingual-English system. Findings inform the next steps for building community partnerships with early intervention organizations. The long-term goal of this work is to collaboratively develop a participatory research program on equitable service delivery that addresses children's, families', and SLPs' needs.

Volunteer Accuracy in a Benthic Macroinvertebrate Participatory Science Project

Concerns about the accuracy of volunteer-derived aquatic macroinvertebrate identifications and the resulting influence on calculated water quality metrics can limit use of volunteer-generated data in freshwater-focused participatory science programs. To address these concerns, we assessed 357 benthic macroinvertebrate quality control (QC) samples collected by volunteers using leaf packs, kick nets, and visual assessments between 2011 and 2016 for the Environmental Quality Institute (EQI) in North Carolina, USA. We reviewed each sample for quality, and compared macroinvertebrate identifications and water quality metric scores determined by volunteers to identification and metrics determined by an entomologist. About 80% of the QC samples were identified to be of high quality, indicating proper preparation, preservation, and labeling of samples. The majority of samples that received low quality ratings were improperly or poorly preserved. We recommend use of 95% (rather than 70%) ethanol for macroinvertebrate preservation, and increased communication to volunteers during QC sampling periods to enhance their success in properly preserving samples. We observed significant (p < 0.005) linear relationships between volunteer and entomologist-derived water quality metrics including a biotic index, Taxa Richness, and percent intolerant Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera (EPT) taxa. However, visual assessments – those in which no sampling equipment was used to collect aquatic macroinvertebrates – reduced the goodness of fit between volunteer and entomologist-derived biotic index scores and artificially increased the goodness of fit between volunteer and entomologist derived Taxa Richness and percent EPT scores. We recommend calculating water quality metrics based only on leaf pack and kick net samples collected by volunteers.

Exploring the perceptions and experiences of older people on the use of digital technologies during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study.

Physical inactivity is an ongoing problem throughout the lifespan. For older people, inactivity has a negative impact on wellbeing, which worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. Digital technologies can be employed to encourage uptake of social and physical activity through remotely delivered interventions to improve wellbeing, however, we need to understand older people's perceptions and experiences of using digital technologies before implementing these interventions. To explore the perceptions and experiences of older people on the use of digital technologies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 community dwelling older people from Hertfordshire, United Kingdom who were all programme participants in a remotely delivered mind-body physical activity programme called Positive Movement. Interviews were conducted before programme participation. The audio recorded interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Four themes emerged from the data. The perceived impact of COVID-19 on social contact, perceived impact of COVID-19 on mental wellbeing, using digital platforms for health or exercise and using digital platforms for social contact. Participants reported reduced social contact due to COVID-19. Most participants reported using digital technologies for social inclusion rather than health reasons, and there were mixed views on the willingness to use digital technologies for physical activity. Digital technologies offered a lifeline during COVID-19 to maintain social contact and their use was found acceptable by older people. Digital platforms such as Zoom can be further employed to conduct remotely delivered interventions with the aim to increase uptake of social and physical activity interventions within this population.

A synthesis of the National-scale Geochemical Survey in the last 50 years in Brazil

At the end of the 19th century, classical geochemistry arrived in Brazil through Henri Gorceix, being primarily used in his studies of mineralogy and petrology. Meanwhile, exploration geochemical arrives later, in the mid-20th century. But it was only in the late 1960s that systematic survey at the national level began, starting with the creation of CPRM - Geological Service of Brazil, culminating in over 50 years of uninterrupted activities, providing coverage of the entire country at various scales: global (7.3%), national (6.2%), regional (22.7%), and local (2.3%). Throughout this period, 681 projects were carried out and a variety of sample matrices were collected, such as stream sediment (226,792), soil (122,202), heavy-mineral pan concentrate (107,959), rock (56,807), among others (8,258), totaling 522,018 samples so far. All this collection has been progressively recovered, compiled, and organized into a robust public database (open access), developed by CPRM - Geological Service of Brazil. More recently, high-density geochemical surveys were conducted in partnership with the China Geological Survey with the aim of comparing analytical and sampling methodologies. For the future (until 2050), two main actions are planned: 1) an expectation of an increase in the coverage of high-density prospecting surveys, ranging from 951,386 km² (restrictive scenario: 11.2% of Brazilian territory) to 2,204,778 km² (favorable scenario: 25.9% of Brazilian territory); 2) a forecast of Brazil's participation in the Global Geochemical Baselines Program, where sampling will be subdivided by regions – North (736), Central-West (225), Northeast (305), and South-Southeast (343) – totaling 1,609 sampling cells.

The application study of harmonization code in medical device adverse event reporting.

The reporting of adverse events in medical devices (MD) is a starting point of post-market surveillance and the most common source of initial safety signals. Because MD adverse events (AE) occur globally and involve high-profile international public health crises, international regulators implanted standard codes for MDAE reporting. This study aimed to assess the application of MDAE terminology and codes by providing examples of virtual events. An online survey was conducted among participants of the MD Training Program for Regulatory Authorities which provide International Medical Device Regulators Forum (IMDRF) adverse event terminology and codes, and six virtual MDAE cases. All 29 of the 72 participants were regulators. In all cases, most participants selected the broad (level 1) codes rather than the detailed (level 2 or level 3) codes. While responders selected a variety of codes for all annexes in case 1, over 50% of responders selected the intended codes in case 6. The codes for cause investigation were chosen more frequently than other annexes for device problem, components, and health effect. No differences were observed in code selection amongst different stakeholders. We identified the diversification in terminology and code selection for reporting MDAEs.

Changes in healthcare costs and utilization for Medicaid recipients who received supportive housing through a payer-community-based housing partnership.

To evaluate healthcare cost and utilization changes among Medicaid and dually eligible participants of a supportive housing program implemented by a managed care organization and community-based organization. Healthcare claims were reviewed retrospectively for 80 program participants in one urban Pennsylvania county between 1/1/2018 and 9/28/2023 who had ≥6 months of claims data in both pre- and post-housing periods. Eligibility included age >18 years, Medicaid/Special Needs Plan enrollment, and housing need. Due to limited housing units, potential participants were prioritized by medical need and history of unplanned care. Healthcare cost and utilization were compared during pre- (i.e., 12 months before housing initiation) and post-periods (i.e., 12 months after housing initiation). Compared to the pre-period, significantly lower medical (-40.4%, p = 0.004), emergency department (-62.7%, p = 0.02), and total (-33.3%, p = 0.02) costs of care were observed in the post-period. Significantly lower primary care (-50.0%, p = 0.0003), specialist (-31.3%, p = 0.02), and emergency department (-50.0%, p = 0.03) utilization were also observed. Healthcare cost and utilization among medically complex individuals were lower with supportive housing. Future evaluations with randomized designs can address the potential causal impact of supportive housing as a healthcare intervention on specific outcomes.

Artificial Intelligence in Morocco: Towards Holistic, Responsible and Ethical National AI Strategy for Moroccan Competitiveness and Strategic Intelligence

This paper analyses current achievements and emerging landscape of artificial intelligence in Morocco. It explores also the various challenges and opportunities related to the development of an AI ecosystem that facilitates the emergence of an agile, holistic, responsible, ethical, and forward-looking national artificial intelligence strategy that supports Morocco's global competitiveness and its strategic intelligence. Based on a methodological triangulation approach, we combined a documentary approach focused on a literature reviews and international benchmarks of national AI policies and strategies. In addition, we have proposed a conceptual model that outlines the essential elements and key enablers and drivers of the national AI strategy for Morocco. We have called it “LAFBAH AI Framework” focusing on Leadership & Vision, Adaptive Governance, Forward-thinking, Breakthrough Innovations, Agility in Implementation, and Human centred approach. This model is predictive and prescriptive, and most importantly, aligned with the Moroccan priorities and strategic orientations of Morocco’s New Development Model. The study's findings show that Morocco possesses strategic assets that can help it establish itself as an AI hub for Africa and bolster its leadership and digital influence. These assets mainly include the country's international commitment to AI, its participation in AI cooperation programs, a dynamic creation of institutions and university centres dedicated to AI and the start of a virtuous public and political dialogue on the subject involving the private sector, academia and civil society.Our research argues in favour of a holistic and integrated approach to AI in Morocco, which combines AI Governance with technological innovation, ethical and societal considerations to promote sustainable and inclusive development and enhance Moroccan competitiveness. It also demonstrates the urgent need to design and ensure the implementation of an innovative, adapted and integrated national AI strategy for Morocco. This national AI strategy should be designed as an integrative, agile, dynamic framework with a clear and integrated vision, ambitious strategic objectives, relevant priorities and choices and key pillars of AI such as responsible, ethical and innovative governance and strong ecosystem enablers, collaborative research and development, AI talent and skills, sufficient data and infrastructure.We have also designed the fundamental and necessary milestones for a new ecosystem of artificial intelligence in Morocco focused on the imperatives of the knowledge society, the digital, health, food and energy sovereignties of the country, while aspiring to be a hub of artificial intelligence in Africa.

Digitising the Physical: The Evolving Role of Collaboration Tools in Citizen Participatory Design Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic in Seoul

This case study investigates how the digital transformation of urban design governance following the COVID-19 outbreak has led to changes in approaches to citizen participatory design in Seoul, South Korea. Drawing on empirical data from the Seoul Citizen Design Bureau – an annual participatory program initiated by the Seoul Metropolitan Government since 2015 – and interviews with facilitators and participants, the study ethnographically examines the emergence of new local design actors amid unforeseen circumstances like the pandemic. The research sheds light on the diverse capacities and intermediary roles of digital collaboration tools such as ZoomTM and MuralTM, which not only enabled citizen involvement in design during the pandemic but also challenged established practices in institution-driven participatory design in Korea. By contextualising this analysis within a turbulent historical juncture, the study demonstrates the effectiveness of remote ethnography in uncovering the influence of “more-than-humans” in participatory design within the unique sociocultural setting of South Korea.

Nutritional education on health beliefs, metabolic profiles, and quality of life among high-risk pregnant women for gestational diabetes mellitus: a randomized controlled trial.

In recent years, nutrition has become increasingly important in treating and managing gestational diabetes mellitus. The Health Belief Model (HBM) is a conceptual framework in health behavior research used in some medical research. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of glycemic index training based on the HBM on metabolic indicators and pregnant women's health-related quality of life. In this open-label, parallel-controlled randomized trial, 90 pregnant women from primary health centers in Iran were recruited and randomly assigned to either the intervention group or the control group, using a block randomization method with a block size of six. The intervention group underwent 12 weeks of nutritional education on the glycemic index and load of foodstuff. The control group only received routine health care. Valid and reliable questionnaires included demographic and prenatal information, physical activity, three days of food records, quality of life (SF-12), and HBM constructs. Fasting blood samples were taken at baseline and end of the study, to assess fasting blood glucose (FBS), fasting insulin, hs-CRP, and lipids. Eighty-four pregnant women with an age mean of 30.12 ± 4.35 completed 12 weeks of intervention. At baseline, there were no significant differences between groups in the HBM subscales (P > 0.05). However, within the intervention group, there was an increase in perceived susceptibilities (mean change 1.45 ± 4.21; P = 0.03) and cue to action (mean change: 1.22 ± 3.38; P = 0.02). In the adjusted model, the General Health subscale of Quality of Life showed a significant increase in the comparison between groups (mean change 13.69 ± 29.83 vs. 0.00 ± 29.58; P = 0.04). Additionally, the adjusted model revealed a notable difference between the groups in serum hs-CRP level, (mean change -0.877 ± 3.47 vs. -0.067 ± 3.40; P = 0.01) and triglyceride level (mean change - 55.24 ± 111.21 vs. 40.92 ± 142.01; P = 0.001). However, in the adjusted model, the total cholesterol levels increased between groups (mean change 22.75 ± 66.17 vs. 30.12 ± 61.33; P = 0.01) at the end of the study. There was no significant difference in glycemic indices (P > 0.05). Participation in a nutrition education program might positively impact nutritional beliefs, behaviors, and some biochemical indicators among pregnant women. Future studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-ups are warranted.Trial registration number: IRCTID: IRCT20190227042858N1. Registration date: 2019-07-18.

Specialty Tobacco Treatment Implementation in Oncology: A Qualitative Study.

In 2017, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) funded the Cancer Center Cessation Initiative (C3I) to implement and expand tobacco treatment programs in routine oncology care. Many C3I programs developed specialty care programs staffed by tobacco treatment specialists (TTSs) to deliver evidence-based treatment to adult patients who smoke. People involved in specialty tobacco treatment programs can help to identify implementation strategies and adaptations that may enhance tobacco treatment reach and effectiveness in cancer care and help more patients with cancer quit using tobacco. We conducted semistructured interviews with TTSs from 21 C3I-funded cancer centers and applied content analysis to interview transcripts from 37 TTSs and 17 respondents in other program roles. We used the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research to code interview data. We identified final themes and implementation strategies and adaptations recommended by respondents on the basis of these codes. Respondents shared that implementation of specialty tobacco treatment programs in cancer care settings could be facilitated by training staff to provide patient connection to services, incorporating prescription of no- or low-cost cessation medications, hiring additional staff to deliver tobacco treatment, allocating space to the program, and automating electronic health record workflows. TTSs and others involved in specialty tobacco treatment in NCI-designated cancer centers identified ways to improve tobacco treatment access, use, and effectiveness by (1) adapting specialty tobacco treatment delivery to meet patient needs; (2) facilitating referrals and pharmacotherapy coordination; and (3) committing staffing, space, and support resources to tobacco treatment programs. Key program participants suggested that these approaches would help more oncology patients connect with evidence-based tobacco treatment and quit smoking.

Abstract 4125887: Aladyn Individual: Dynamic Individual Comorbidity Modeling for Genomic Discovery and Clinical Prediction

Intro: Considering comorbidity patterns for both discovery and prediction of individual disease trajectories is essential for personalized medicine. Existing methods often lack genetic integration and interpretability. We develop an approach suited for dynamic environments that combines genetics with individual and population level-trajectories for enhanced discovery and prediction. Method: Our method employs a dynamic Bayesian hierarchical latent allocation framework to learn and predict disease trajectories. Leveraging longitudinal electronic health care data from 485,698 UK Biobank participants and 287,012 All of Us Research Program participants, we aim to learn individual and population level disease trajectories for 352 distinct conditions. Genetic risks inform the model in two fundamental ways: First, we introduce a genetic warping parameter that recognizes the tendency of an individual to experience events earlier or later within these profiles while retaining the relative order of progression (1a). Second, we introduce a gaussian process to combine individual and population level trends in comorbidity profile prevalence over time (1b), whose mean is augmented by genetic predilection. Finally, we allow for profile weights to update with each new diagnoses, merging prediction and classification. Results: Our results indicate stark disparities in disease progression; individuals at high genetic risk for myocardial infarction experience events nearly a decade earlier than those at low risk (median age of onset 53.7 [53.1-53.9] vs 62.6 years [61.4-63.1]) (1b). Our model dynamically updates and predicts correct diagnoses 79.5% more frequently than existing topic-modeling approaches (1c,d). The dynamic approach adjusts disease profiles by at least 11.7% annually for 50% of individuals, with 65% experiencing over a 10% change in comorbidity profiles. Simulation results confirm the model's superior accuracy [51.4-41%], precision [50.9 vs 39.9%], and recall [48.4 vs 39.2%] compared to fixed-weight approaches. Summary: We offer a novel approach for integrating genetic risk with dynamic modeling of complex disease profiles for joint biologic discovery and personalized clinical prediction over the lifetime.

The Resident Scholars Program for Workforce Diversity: A Qualitative Study About Supporting Family Medicine Abortion Providers

Background and Objectives: While workforce diversity helps mitigate health inequities, few initiatives support prospective abortion providers who are underrepresented in medicine (URiM). To address this issue, Reproductive Health Education in Family Medicine established the Resident Scholars Program for Workforce Diversity (RSPWD), a year-long program for URiM and other Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) residents committed to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) provision. Program elements include: (a) mentorship by BIPOC family physicians; (b) virtual didactic sessions about SRH integration into primary care, advocacy, leadership, reproductive justice, and patient-centered care; (3) conference sponsorship; and (4) community-building among residents and mentors. Methods: We conducted a qualitative study with the program’s first cohort of residents and mentors to examine perspectives about program successes and needed improvements. We used a semistructured interview guide along with a direct contact analysis approach. Results: We interviewed eight scholars and four mentors. From the interviews, we gleaned data on three main themes: (a) value of mentorship, (b) importance of community, and (c) program improvement suggestions. Scholars expressed appreciation for SRH mentorship from BIPOC mentors who had lived experiences similar to their own, noted the mentorship’s importance for career-building, and spoke positively of their sense of safe community among all program participants. Respondents shared suggestions for improved scheduling and requested better guidance for navigating the mentee–mentor relationship. Conclusions: The RSPWD success is reflected in the enthusiasm and gratitude for the program and the resulting mentorship and community that fostered supportive personal and professional relationships, including career opportunities. When considering the importance yet dearth of workforce diversification in family medicine, this program offers a promising model for supporting a more diverse and representative future SRH workforce that may apply to other family medicine clinical niches.

Evaluating the impact of place-based education: insights from a river environmental program in Taiwan

PurposeThe current education paradigm is often criticized for fostering human dependence and failing to reduce environmental impacts. This has led researchers to propose alternative approaches. One alternative approach, place-based education, integrates a specific location’s natural and social context into learning experiences. By deepening students’ connection to their surroundings, place-based environmental education aims to enhance students’ sense of interdependence with a place and their place attachment in cognitive and affective dimensions. While widely practiced, its effectiveness remains largely unevaluated, particularly in the East Asian context. The gap hinders the development of impactful pedagogical approaches for educators.Design/methodology/approachThe authors examine a river environmental education program located upstream of Taiwan’s capital, offering a valuable case study within the East Asian context. The program’s design is analyzed, and its impact on enhancing students’ place attachment is assessed through a pre- and post-survey approach.FindingsThe results indicate a substantial increase in students’ place attachment following program participation, particularly pronounced among children with limited prior experience with the river. Importantly, this increase is comparable to or exceeds those observed in similar studies from other regions.Originality/valueThe considerable increase in place attachment observed in this program demonstrates its effectiveness in fostering environmental connections, particularly among children with limited prior experience. The magnitude of the increase might be partially attributable to the interdependent orientation of Taiwanese culture. This suggests that place-based education might yield significant positive outcomes in other non-Western countries with strong interdependent cultural orientations.

Barriers and Facilitators to Cervical Cancer vaccination Among Young Females in Chennai: A Cross-Sectional KAP Study

Cervical cancer develops in the cervix, primarily caused by persistent infection with high-risk types of human papilloma virus (HPV). It is one of the most common cancers in women, especially in low- and middle-income countries. While most HPV infections resolve naturally, some persist and can lead to cervical cancer over time. Aim: This study aims to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of young women in Chennai regarding cervical cancer, screening, and prevention, and to identify barriers and facilitators influencing participation in screening programs. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to May 2024 among 222 young females, aged 13 and above.. A semi-structured questionnaire assessed their KAP towards cervical cancer. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and Bloom’s taxonomy was applied to categorize knowledge and attitude. Chi-square tests were used to determine statistical significance, with a p-value < 0.05. Results: Although 78.2% of participants were aware of cervical cancer, knowledge of preventive measures was low—only 25.2% knew about the HPV vaccine, and 44% understood the correct Pap test frequency. Attitudes toward screening were mostly positive, with 73.2% agreeing that free screening reduces cervical cancer risk. However, actual preventive practices were limited—only 9% had undergone a Pap smear, and 10% had received the HPV vaccine. Statistical analysis showed no significant differences in KAP between groups (p > 0.05), except for medical students, who demonstrated significantly higher knowledge levels. Conclusion: Despite positive attitudes toward cervical cancer screening, there were notable gaps in knowledge and preventive practices among young women in Chennai. The findings underscore the need for targeted educational interventions, particularly on HPV vaccination and routine screening, to bridge these gaps.

SUPPORT FOR ATTRACTING INVESTMENTSTO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE TOURISM SECTOR

The article examines the institutional support for attracting investments to the development of the tourism sector in Ukraine, which serves as a key factor for creating a favorable investment climate and stimulating industry growth. The aim of the research is to analyze, systematize, and summarize the existing institutional foundations for attracting investments, as well as to develop recommendations for overcoming institutional problems in the tourism sector's development. The study presents a system of legal, organizational, economic, and social instruments that create conditions for activating investment activities in the tourism sector. The importance of state support, improving legislation, and developing effective financial mechanisms for attracting investors is substantiated. The research findings indicate that Ukraine has significant potential in the tourism sector due to its natural, cultural, and historical resources. It is revealed that the lack of systematic legislation, inadequate training of personnel, weaknesses in financial mechanisms, and the mismatch of the tax system with industry needs hinder the development of the tourism sector. The study also identified the urgent need for a unified legislative act regulating activities in the tourism sector. Special attention is paid to the role of government organizations that provide informational support and cooperation between the state and business, as well as their participation in developing tourism development strategies. The article presents examples of international cooperation and Ukraine's participation in international organizations' programs that promote foreign investment attraction. The necessity of creating effective financial instruments, including state subsidies and grants, to support new tourism projects is justified. The research emphasizes the importance of implementing tax incentives for enterprises in the tourism sector and developing informational platforms for convenient access to investment opportunities. It is argued that institutional support for attracting investments to the development of the tourism sector in Ukraine is a comprehensive process that requires the systematization of legislation, support for innovative enterprises, modernization of personnel training, and the development of financial mechanisms that will contribute to the sustainable development of tourism infrastructure and the attraction of new investments.

ANALYSIS OF FACTORS INFLUENCING CONTRACEPTIVE USE AMONG FERTILE AGE COUPLES (PUS) IN TEBING TINGGI DISTRICT

An increase in the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) leads to a growing population and a decline in family quality within a society. This study aims to identify the factors influencing contraceptive use among couples of reproductive age in Tebing Tinggi District. A cross-sectional design was employed, with multivariate analysis used for prediction models. The sample consisted of couples of reproductive age in Tebing Tinggi District, West Tanjung Jabung Regency, selected through a simple random sampling method. Six variables were found to be significantly associated with contraceptive use: husband’s support, knowledge, education, partner’s attitude, perception of side effects, and sources of information. Conversely, there was no significant relationship between the ideal number of children, economic status, and cultural factors with contraceptive use. The dominant factor influencing contraceptive use was husband’s support, showing a higher likelihood of contraceptive use among couples who received support from their husbands. Health facilities play a crucial role as pioneers in providing education to couples of reproductive age regarding contraceptive use, thus potentially increasing participation in family planning programs among these couples.

Assessment of Public Transportation Safety Measures in Yaoundé, Cameroon: Case of Collective Taxis

Yaoundé, the capital of Cameroon, is one of the cities in the country most affected by road traffic crashes. Despite the measures taken by authorities, the human factor remains a major cause of these crashes. This study aimed to evaluate the measures taken to reduce the risk-taking behaviors of collective taxi drivers in Yaoundé. A survey of 144 collective taxi drivers was conducted to gather information on their driving habits, adherence to, and perceived effects of safety regulations. The study revealed the following prevalence of risky driving behaviors among collective taxi drivers: 41.33% for impaired driving; 67% for speeding, 62% for disobeying traffic lights, 68.86% for distraction; and 67% for risky maneuvering on the road. Significant associations were found between risk perceptions and involvement in risky driving behaviors. Associations were also established between the frequency of police inspections and involvement in risky behaviors, between the participation in training programs on safety issues and using poorly maintained vehicles, and between the frequency of awareness campaigns and poor maneuvering on the road. To address these issues, it is essential to strengthen preventive measures on risk factors, raise awareness on a large scale and on a regular basis, and strictly enforce the existing regulations.

The impact of pension reform on employment, retirement, and disability insurance claims

We evaluate the 2011 comprehensive reform of Norwegian early retirement institutions using a parsimonious random utility choice model. Conditional on employment at age 60, we estimate a three-state conditional logit model to explain the realized labor market state at age 63 among the alternatives of employment, retirement, and disability program participation. The reform radically changed work incentives and/or pension access age for some (but not all) workers, such that the influence of economic incentives can be identified based on reform-generated variation only. We find that improved work incentives caused employment rates to rise considerably at the expense of early retirement and exit through disability insurance. Improved liquidity through a lower age to access own pension funds on actuarially neutral terms caused a small increase in employment and a large drop in disability program participation. Properly designed pension reforms thus need to take the interplay between old-age pension and disability insurance programs into account.

Practice Changes 6 Months Following a Physical Therapist Training Program Regarding Opioid Use and Misuse Screening and Assessment: A Qualitative Study.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that all healthcare providers be trained to screen for misuse and/or opioid use disorder. An opioid misuse training program for physical therapists was developed and implemented. The purposes of this research were to (1) understand whether the participants found the training useful, (2) understand if they instituted practice changes that resulted from the training, and (3) understand barriers to implementing the skills learned in the training. Four separate 30-minute virtual training sessions were provided (1 session every 2 weeks). The topics included an introduction to the opioid crisis, screening, assessing, and communicating with patients and with the healthcare team about opioid misuse. A final training manual was distributed after the final training session at which time participants were asked to implement what they learned in the training. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with all training program participants (n = 13) approximately 6 months after the final training session. Rapid content analysis was used to understand the perceptions of and barriers to implementing what the physical therapists learned in the training. Generally, the participants found the training important and useful and strengthened their perceptions of physical therapists' role in screening for opioid misuse. Compared to the opioid misuse-related content of the training, most found it easier to implement general opioid-related content such as asking whether their patients were taking an opioid. Few participants screened any of their patients for opioid misuse. Barriers to implementation included concerns about how the patient might respond to being asked about their opioid use. These findings provide insight into physical therapists' perceptions of an opioid misuse training program and the challenges with implementing what they learned in the program. Future training could incorporate activities such as role-playing to improve participants' comfort with screening for opioid misuse.