Peer Encouragement Research Articles

Use of ChatGPT for education by engineering students in developing countries: a mixed-methods study

ABSTRACT Developing countries face challenges in AI integration into learning initiatives. With the widespread use of ChatGPT, many concerns were expressed. Thus, it is crucial to investigate students' attitudes toward ChatGPT and the factors influencing their decision to continue using it in the future. We used a mixed-methods triangulation design based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) and collected data based on convenience sampling from N = 195 engineering students in developing countries through semi-structured surveys with open-ended questions. Quantitative analysis included descriptive statistics and logistic regression, while thematic analysis was used for the qualitative part. Most students (89.69%) use ChatGPT, with all the elements of the UTAUT framework being strong predictors of their intention to continue. Most have continuous internet access and feel comfortable using technology. High-frequency usage, perceived benefits, and peer encouragement positively influence students' intention to continue using ChatGPT. However, concerns about accuracy, privacy, and laziness negatively correlate with usage intention. Address personal, institutional, and governmental concerns to integrate ChatGPT safely in educational systems, ensuring equitable access and preparing for future e-learning initiatives.

Factors promoting and hindering resilience in youth with inflammatory bowel disease: A descriptive qualitative study.

To explore factors promoting and hindering resilience in youth with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) based on Kumpfer's resilience framework. A descriptive qualitative study design with an interpretative approach was used. Participants consisted of 10 youths with IBD from a tertiary hospital in Beijing (China) recruited using the purposive sampling method. Data were collected by semi-structured interviews from December 2020 to March 2021. The directed content analysis was performed for data analysis. Both promoting factors and hindering factors could be divided into personal factors and environmental factors. Thirteen themes were identified. The promoting factors included acceptance of illness, strict self-management, previous treatment experience, life goals, family support, medical support and peer encouragement. Stigma, lack of communication, negative cognition, societal incomprehension, economic pressure and academic and employment pressure were hindering factors. Health care professionals need to develop greater awareness of factors, stemming from both the individual and the outside world, that hinder or promote resilience in order to aid young patients with IBD. Building targeted nursing measures to excavate the internal positive quality of patients, provide external support and promote the development of resilience.

The Influence of Peer and Parental Pressures to the Academic Achievement of Grade 11 Students: A Quantitative Analysis

This study dealt with the influence of peer and parental pressure on the Academic Achievement of grade 11 students in Lorenzo S. Sarmiento Sr. National High School. The primary goal of the study was to determine the level of peer pressure, parental pressure and academic achievement in terms of their respective indicators, the significant difference between peer pressure, parental pressure and academic achievement, and what domains of peer pressure and parental pressure substantially influence academic achievement. Also, this study utilized a quantitative-correlational design with 202 respondents among Grade 11 students in Lorenzo S. Sarmiento Sr. National High School. The average weighted mean, Pearson R, and multiple regression analysis were the statistical tools used in this study. Along with this, results showed a low level of peer pressure and a low level of parental pressure among Grade 11 students in terms of yielding to peer pressure, resistance to peer pressure, and peer encouragement as to Peer Pressure; and Self-efficacy, Creativity and Self-esteem as to Parental Pressure. Likewise, results showed a high level of academic achievement in Grade 11 students regarding mastery approach goal, performance approach goal and performance avoidance goal. In addition, there is a negligible correlation, and significant relationship between peer pressure and academic achievement. Hence, this leads to rejection of the null hypothesis. On the other hand, parental pressure and academic achievement shows no correlation and no significant relationship. Thus, this leads to not rejecting of the null hypothesis. Also, all domains of peer pressure and parental pressure showed a low rating as perceived by students. Thus, less evident peer pressure can subtly influence individuals to conform to social norms, affecting their choices and behavior. Parental pressure, when infrequent but intense, may create stress and impact decision-making, influencing a person’s life choices.

Investigating the Relationship Between Cultural, Social, Political, and Economic Factors With Hookah Smoking in Iran Adolescents

Background: Tobacco consumption, especially hookah, is one of the major behavioral health problems that has been more prevalent among young people and adolescents in recent years. Therefore, identifying the influential factors in tobacco consumption is essential for planning preventive measures. This study investigates the relationship between cultural, social, political, and economic factors with hookah smoking in Iranian adolescents. Materials and Methods: The present research is a systematic review study, which was conducted by examining data through PubMed, ProQuest, Google Scholar, Ovid, Magiran, SID, Science, Cochrane Medlib, and Medex Iran databases between 2000-2024 using the keywords hookah, tobacco, cultural, the teenager has been collected. In the initial search, 500 articles were retrieved, which were then screened at different stages (removing duplicate articles [300], reviewing titles and abstracts [170], and full-text [13]). Finally, 17 papers that passed the researchers’ criteria were reviewed carefully. Results: The results of the studies showed that various factors influence hookah consumption among adolescents, which were divided into social, economic, political, cultural, and psychological factors. Numerous factors influence adolescents’ inclination toward hookah consumption, with the most important ones being planned advertisements, incorrect knowledge, and attitudes about the harms of hookah, easy and affordable access, sensory attractions, peer encouragement, cultural acceptance of hookah, and a means to fill leisure time. Conclusion: It is recommended to focus on promoting culture and increasing awareness, effective advertising, increasing leisure-time activities for adolescents, enforcing laws prohibiting hookah use in public places, increasing tobacco prices, and enhancing recreational facilities.

Inspiring Factors Among University Students in Joining Sports Activities and Clubs in Hezhou, China

This qualitative study explores the inspiring factors driving university students to actively participate in sports activities and clubs at Hezhou University, China. Against the backdrop of Hezhou University's rich history and commitment to academic excellence, the research employs in-depth interviews with 40 students from various disciplines. The thematic analysis reveals three main motivating themes: personal motivations, social influences, and perceived benefits. Personal motivations encompass students' desires for health and fitness, skill development, and stress relief. Social influences, including peer encouragement, role models, and social interaction, highlight the importance of a supportive social environment. Perceived benefits, such as personal growth, a sense of belonging, and recognition, showcase the multifaceted advantages associated with sports engagement. The implications of the findings emphasize the role of universities in promoting health and well-being by prioritizing diverse sports opportunities.Institutions can support skill development through resources and coaching, foster a supportive social environment, and recognize students' achievements to sustain motivation. The study also underscores the transferable skills acquired through sports engagement, advocating for their integration into students' academic and professional lives. Universities are recommended to tailor marketing strategies to resonate with identified motivating factors, fostering inclusive sports engagement. While the study contributes valuable insights, future research should explore challenges in sports participation and investigate long-term impacts. Understanding inspiring factors enhances universities' ability to create an environment that promotes physical, personal, and social development among students.

Identifying modifiable factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and acceptance among cancer patients in Jordan

IntroductionVaccines stand amongst the most effective medical interventions for the management of infectious diseases, and are pivotal tools for public health. The acceptance of vaccines is heavily influenced by perceptions of efficacy, safety and other modifiable factors.PurposeThis cross-sectional study sought to identify and examine the modifiable factors that can help address COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and acceptance among cancer patients.MethodsThe study was conducted between February and April 2021 using an online survey questionnaire comprising of four domains. The survey was administered to cancer patients in Jordan.ResultsAmong the 1,029 cancer patients who completed the online questionnaire (response rate= 73%), 58% (n=597) expressed willingness (intent) to take the vaccine. Notably, 72.5% (n=433) of those intending to take the vaccine were currently undergoing treatment. Knowledge and awareness played a significant role, with 54.3% considering them essential for vaccine acceptance. Fear of infection significantly influenced vaccine acceptance (p<0.001), with 66.8% expressing concern about potential infections. Peer encouragement was also a crucial factor, as 82.4% regarded it as an important driver for influencing vaccine acceptance (p<0.001).ConclusionPeer encouragement, awareness, and fear emerged as the primary modifiable factors associated with greater vaccine acceptance by patients with active malignancies. Study results suggest that providing personalized and tailored information about vaccinations, focusing on safety and potential interactions with cancer and its treatment, are potentially excellent strategies for improving vaccine acceptance among cancer patients.

Acceptability of a head-mounted assistive mouse controller for people with upper limb disability: An empirical study using the technology acceptance model.

Due to limited motor capabilities, people with upper limb disabilities have trouble utilizing a typical mouse while operating a computer. Different wearable Assistive Mouse Controllers (AMCs) have been developed to overcome their challenges. However, these people may not be able to realize the importance, ease of use, and social approval of these AMCs due to their fear of new technology, lack of confidence, and lack of ingenuity. These may negatively affect their attitude and intention toward accepting AMCs for equitable human-computer interaction. This study presents the development of a sensor-based head-mounted AMC, followed by an empirical analysis of its acceptance using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) from the socioeconomic perspective of Bangladesh. In a similar vein, we examined the effects of three additional psychological constructs-technology anxiety, confidence, and innovation, on its acceptance along with the original components of the TAM. A total of 150 individuals with stroke-induced upper limb disability participated in an online survey, and their responses were analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling, following the general least square method. Analysis revealed, about 96.44% of the participants had positive attitude towards the AMC, and almost 88.56% of them had positive intentions to accept it. Furthermore, about 68.61% of them expressed signs of anxiety, 96.35% were confident, and 94.16% of them had an innovative mindset in terms of device usage. The findings imply that individuals with an innovative mentality are more capable of comprehending the practical implications of a new technology than those without one. It is also feasible to reduce technological anxiety and boost a user's confidence while using an AMC by combining an innovative mentality with straightforward device interaction techniques. Additionally, peer encouragement and motivation can significantly enhance their positive attitude towards accepting the AMC for facilitating their interaction with a computer.

Self-Efficacy, Interest, and Effort Indicators in the Teaching Motivation of Public Senior High School Teachers in the Philippines

This study sought to determine the level of teaching motivation of 72 teachers from 11 public senior high schools in the Philippines based on self-efficacy, interest, and effort indicators. A 25-item questionnaire was employed, and the resultant data analyzed using a mixed method approach. Results showed that the outcome aspect of self-efficacy posted the highest score, while the personal aspect presented the highest degree of motivation. With regard to interest, the enjoyment aspect received the highest score suggesting the teachers’ general satisfaction with teaching. The lowest score was seen in the participants’ moderate agreement with the view that enjoyment make up for the financial drawbacks inherent in the profession. As for effort, the two aspects of performance and importance showed almost the same score indicating the participants’ equal regard for them as motivators. In addition, the teachers gave the highest score to peer encouragement and the desire for constant professional improvement. Overall, the results showed the participants’ passion for educating senior high school students under their tutelage, appreciation for the intrinsic rewards in teaching coupled with a realistic awareness of its strict demands and financial drawbacks, and a strong desire to improve themselves for the benefit of the learners.

Preferences for enhanced treatment options to address HIV care engagement among women living with HIV and perinatal depression in Malawi

BackgroundOption B + offers lifelong ART to pregnant or breastfeeding mothers, but postpartum loss to HIV care, partially driven by perinatal depression (PND), threatens the impact of this policy. This study aims to understand women’s and providers’ preferences for developing a feasible intervention to address PND and support engagement in HIV care among women living with PND and HIV.MethodsWe conducted a total of 6 focus group discussions (FGDs) involving 4 clinics in Lilongwe District from December 2018 through February 2019. We conducted 2 FGDs each among 3 stakeholder groups: clinical staff, prenatal women, and postnatal women. Perinatal participants were living with HIV and screened positively for PND using the validated Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Clinical staff were nurses who were trained antiretroviral therapy (ART) providers. Interviewers led FGDs in Chichewa using a semi-structured guide. Data were analyzed using deductive and inductive coding in NVivo 12 software.ResultsWomen favored ART linkage services, but providers said they already offered such services, with mixed results. Individual counselling was universally supported. A perceived benefit of group counselling was peer support, but there were concerns among women regarding confidentiality and stigma. Women liked mobile appointment reminders but identified low phone ownership as a barrier. Participants recommended home visits as an additional care engagement strategy. Women consistently discussed the need for social support from family members and friends to address PND and support engagement in HIV care.ConclusionThis study highlights the importance of peer encouragement to support perinatal HIV care engagement among women with HIV and PND. The results from this study can be used to support intervention development to increase HIV care engagement and improve long-term HIV outcomes in women with PND.

Enablers and barriers to adopt the locally developed Masi mechanical ventilator amid COVID-19 pandemic in Peru

BackgroundLimited supply of resources during the COVID-19 emergency encouraged the local development of the Masi mechanical ventilator (MV). Despite the efforts to promote Masi, adopting this innovation faced multiple obstacles, regardless of its performance. We explored the perceptions among healthcare personnel towards incorporating Masi to provide ventilatory support to COVID-19 patients during the second wave in Peru (January to June 2021). MethodsWe conducted twelve in-depth virtual interviews. Topics included experience when handling Masi, the impact of the training received, confidence in the device, barriers perceived, and enablers identified. All participants provided verbal informed consent. ResultsMost of the participants were male physicians. Participants belonged to seven hospitals that exhibited a wide range of healthcare capacities. Globally, the adoption of Masi MV was driven by the scarcity of ventilatory devices in the wards and reinforced by appropriate training and prompt technical support. Participants reported that Masi's structural and operational features played both advantages and disadvantages. Hospital infrastructure readiness, availability of commercial MVs, mistrust in its simple appearance, and resistance to change among healthcare personnel were perceived as barriers, while low-cost, prompt technical support and user-friendliness were valuable enablers. The first two enablers were observed in participants regardless of their attitude towards Masi. Despite the small number of participants for this qualitative study, it is important to note that the sample size was sufficient to reach saturation, as the topics discussed with participants became redundant and did not yield new information. ConclusionsThe perceptions among healthcare personnel to incorporate Masi as a mechanical ventilator for COVID-19 patients showed that communication, training and experience, and peer encouragement were essential to secure its use and sustainability of the technology. A priori judgments and perceptions unrelated to the performance of the novel device were observed, and its proper management may define its further implementation. Altogether our study suggests that along with strengthening local technological development, strategies to improve their adoption process must be considered as early as possible in medical innovations.

Facilitators to improve whole-grain consumption among Malaysian adults: a qualitative study

PurposeThis study aims to explore the facilitators that could help to improve the consumption of whole grains in the Malaysian adult population.Design/methodology/approachA total of 30 individual in-depth interviews were conducted online. Malaysian adults aged a minimum of 18 years old and responsible for grocery shopping and food preparation at home were included in the study. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically.FindingsMore than half of the participants were females (63.3%), with a mean age of 39.2 years old, and from urban areas (76.7%). Whole-grain cookbook development was the most commonly mentioned facilitator (100%), followed by cost reduction (86.7%), whole grains education (83.3%), awareness of whole grains (53.3%) and enhanced accessibility and availability of whole grains (63.3%). The least mentioned facilitator was improving product labelling (23.3%), creating a habit/lifestyle that encourages the consumption of whole grains in daily life (23.3%) and peer encouragement (10%).Research limitations/implicationsThis study addresses the facilitators that should be emphasised in future nutrition intervention studies. The cookbook was perceived to be an effective facilitator to improve the consumption of whole grains in Malaysia. The researchers anticipate that the study findings may improve whole-grain consumption among the Malaysian population.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper to outline the facilitators to improve the consumption of whole grains amongst Malaysian adults.

Addressing the social inequities of vaccination: an imperative to close the gap

Addressing the social inequities of vaccination: an imperative to close the gap

Connecting the Vote: Evaluating the Effect of Peer Encouragement on Turnout in the 2020 Election

Connecting the Vote: Evaluating the Effect of Peer Encouragement on Turnout in the 2020 Election

Peer Facilitators as Core Co-developers of an Online Peer Encouragement Network (OPEN2chat) for Austrian Adolescents.

Adolescence is a crucial developmental time, and it is essential to ensure stable mental health during the transition to adulthood. Peer-to-peer networks seem to be a promising tool to support adolescents during that time. While co-development often concentrates on the end-user, this paper focuses on the peer facilitators of an online peer encouragement network (OPEN2chat), where adolescents can chat with peer facilitators about their problems. We conducted 3 group discussions with 18 peer facilitators after a testing phase to improve the process of these interactions. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data after transcription. The four main themes were the responsibility of the peer facilitators toward their peers, especially their role of giving advice; the interaction process itself; time management; and technology aspects of the application. Including these stakeholders in the development process empowered the young people, helped eliminate problems with the application, and made the researchers more sensitive toward potential issues and emotions that peer facilitators encounter that may have been missed without a co-development process. Eliminating these problems might also help establish a better environment and support system for the actual end-users.

The effects of self-efficacy on the use of self-regulated learning strategies and project-based writing performance

This paper explores how the three factors of self-efficacy (SE), namely language self-efficacy, literature search and reading self-efficacy, and research self-efficacy, affect college students’ project-based writing (PBW) process and outcome. We studied 107 college students’ performance on their PBW term papers and their responses to a questionnaire. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyse the direct and indirect relationships among the latent variables. The findings are as follows: the three factors of SE strongly influence the use of self-regulation strategies (SRS); SE directly predicts writing performance; SE indirectly predicts PBW performance through the mediating effects of cognitive strategies. The more self-efficacious students use self-regulated strategies more frequently and perform better in PBW. Finally, based on the importance of self-efficacy in PBW discovered in the study, the authors suggest that writing strategy scaffolding along with teacher and peer encouragement be provided to improve the students’ self-efficacy in PBW.

REACHING OUT TO RETURNING STUDENTS AMIDST PANDEMIC

Some learners who had untoward experience in life turn out to be school leavers, either by their own choice or through circumstance that they did not expect. But returning after a year or more of being out of school is a new beginning for them. This study focused on investigating the experience of returning students amidst time of pandemic. Twelve returning students from grades 8 to 11 became the participants in this study. Through social media connectivity, the researchers provided assistance to them in terms of peer tutoring in different subjects, having to stay at home while doing modular tasks due to COVID 19. Seven qualitative questions were given on a weekly interval for the participants to share their experience and idea on how returning learners can adjust in schooling through the aid of peers, teachers, school, family and community. Data gathered were encoded, processed through word cloud generator, interpreted and analyzed thematically in the light of sound principles so as to construct meaningful conclusion pertaining to the assistance that can be provided to returning students. Themes were developed which surround the concept of peer assistance, teacher intervention, school program, and family and community partnership. The school system should provide safe and motivating environment, practical implementation of curriculum, and positive discipline to create a better ground for returning students. Teachers should generally improve the strategies in providing moral support and showing compassion to returning learners as part of their intervention. Peer encouragement in the form of guidance and assistance academically and morally helps returning learners pursue studies. Parents and community can collaborate in bringing about projects that promote close-family ties and academic assistance as well.

Perception of Hong Kong Teenagers and Young Adults on Esports Participation: A Qualitative Study Using Theory of Planned Behavior.

Esports is a rapidly growing industry worldwide, and it is making significant inroads in Hong Kong as well. However, owing to debates regarding the distinction between Esports and video gaming and the potential negative effects of engaging in Esports, its development in Hong Kong is still in its infancy. Therefore, this qualitative study investigated the perceptions and attitudes of teenagers and young adults toward Esports development and engagement, using the theory of planned behavior. Twenty-five teenagers and young adults (male = 24, female =1) participated in this study, with their ages ranging from 15 to 29 years. Our results revealed the views of Hong Kong teenagers and young adults on the beneficial and deleterious outcomes (goal setting and achievement, physical health, socialization and teamwork, psychological benefits, academics and time distribution, physical strain, negative social image, and perception toward sport participation), subjective norms (parents, peers, teachers, and modeling effect), and barriers and facilitators (balance between academics and Esports, capability, career prospects and future reality, psychological benefits, and peer encouragement and support) of participating in Esports. Additionally, the results of this qualitative study may contribute toward a deeper understanding of Hong Kong Esports players to develop a theory of planned behavior construct for capturing the beliefs and perceptions of Hong Kong teenagers toward Esports.

Risk and Protective Factors of Current Opioid Use Among Youth Living on or Near American Indian Reservations: An Application of Machine Learning.

Opioid use among youth, particularly among American Indian (AI) youth, is rising, resulting in a large number of accidental overdoses and deaths. In order to develop effective prevention strategies, we need to use exploratory data analysis to identify previously unknown predictors of opioid use among youth living on or near reservations. The present study is an application of Machine Learning, a type of exploratory data analysis, to the Our Youth, Our Future epidemiological survey (N = 6482) to determine salient risk and protective factors for past 30-day opioid use. The Machine Learning algorithm identified 11 salient risk and protective factors. Importantly, highest risk was conferred for those reporting recent cocaine use, having ever tried a narcotic other than heroin, and identifying as American Indian. Protective factors included never having tried opioids other than heroin, infrequent binge drinking, having fewer friends pressuring you to use illicit drugs, initiating alcohol use at a later age, and being older. This model explained 61% of the variance in the training sample and, on average, 24% of the variance in the bootstrapped samples. Taken together, this model identifies known predictors of 30-day opioid use, for example, recent substance use, as well as unknown predictors including being AI, Snapchat use, and peer encouragement for use. Notably, recent cocaine use was a more salient predictor of recent opioid use than lifetime opioid use.

Becoming a Socially Responsive Co-Learner: Primary School Pupils’ Practices of Face-to-Face Promotive Interaction in Cooperative Learning Groups

Promoting pupils’ face-to-face promotive interaction (FtFPI) is crucial for effective cooperative learning (CL) in group work. This article provides insight into interpersonal behaviour and supportive communication as two important aspects of FtFPI. Sixteen pupils 9–10 years of age were videotaped in four structured mixed-ability groups during CL sessions at two primary schools in post-war Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). The features of FtFPI that pupils use for peer support in small CL groups and on interfering factors that pupils encounter during FtFPI were analysed using a thematic hybrid approach. The study found that pupils used verbal and non-verbal features for co-learners’ responsive actions during FtFPI. However, the findings also revealed some factors that interfere with the pupils’ FtFPI, such as having insufficient knowledge and personal skills about peer attention, encouragement and praising. The study recommends that future studies should implement the intervention necessary to foster both teachers’ and pupils’ understanding and functional knowledge of FtFPI for successful small CL groups.

Transparency, trust and minimizing burden to increase recruitment and retention in trials: a systematic review

ObjectiveTo describe patient perspectives on recruitment and retention in clinical trials. Study Design and SettingSystematic review of qualitative studies that reported the perspective of adult patients with any health condition who accepted or declined to participate in clinical trials. ResultsSixty-three articles involving 1681 adult patients were included. Six themes were identified. Four themes reflected barriers: ambiguity of context and benefit – patients were unaware of the research question and felt pressured in making decisions; lacking awareness of opportunities – some believed health professionals obscured trials opportunities, or felt confused because of language barriers; wary of added burden – patients were without capacity because of sickness or competing priorities; and skepticism, fear and mistrust – patients feared loss of privacy, were suspicious of doctor's motivation, afraid of being a guinea pig, and disengaged from not knowing outcomes. Two themes captured facilitators: building confidence – patients hoped for better treatment, were supported from family members and trusted medical staff; and social gains and belonging to the community – altruism, a sense of belonging and peer encouragement motivated participation in trials. ConclusionImproving the visibility and transparency of trials, supporting informed decision making, minimizing burden, and ensuring confidence and trust may improve patient participation in trials.