Participant Perceptions Research Articles

Engaging and supporting young adults in smoking cessation: Insights from a mobile-based cessation program in China.

Evidence-based smoking cessation treatments are underutilized by young adult smokers. This study explored young smokers' experiences with a mobile-based smoking cessation program that included a Quit & Win contest at a university in Zhuhai, China, aiming to identify key engagement and cessation mechanisms. Twenty participants (aged 18-25 years) were selected through purposive sampling. Semistructured interviews explored participants' experiences, motivations, and perceptions of the intervention. Thematic analysis was used to identify major themes from interview transcripts. Two main themes emerged: (1) strategies for enhancing program engagement, including the influence of campus-wide smoke-free environments, the appeal of the Quit & Win contest, and the use of peer counselors for recruitment; and (2) strategies for supporting smoking cessation, emphasizing the importance of a multifaceted approach. This approach included financial incentives as a motivator for quitting, sustaining cessation efforts with online group support, and building a therapeutic alliance with cessation counselors. Mobile-based interventions, combined with peer support, financial incentives, and campus-wide smoke-free activities, can effectively engage young adults in smoking cessation. Future interventions should implement comprehensive programs that incorporate these elements to address the unique challenges faced by this population.

EMPLOYER-SPONSORED FINANCIAL WELLNESS PROGRAMS ON FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY OF WORKING-CLASS MILLENNIALS IN CAVITE

The study focused on determining the effect of employer-sponsored financial wellness initiatives on working-class millennial's capacity to maintain their financial sustainability, with a particular emphasis on Cavite residents. The survey evaluates a number of financial wellness factors, including income stability, retirement planning, debt management, expenditure management, and savings. In order to better understand how these programs improve employees' financial well-being, the study will assess participants' demographic profiles, financial behavior, and assessments of the programs' effectiveness.The effects of financial wellness initiatives supported by employers on the long-term financial stability of Cavite's working-class millennial population. To determine the efficacy of different financial wellness programs, the study examines participant perceptions of their financial situation as well as demographic characteristics like age, gender, income, and employment status. The majority of respondents to a survey of 200 millennial's were female, single, and between the ages of 28 and 30. They also made between Php 5,001 and Php 10,000 per month. Participants' budgeting, saving, and investing techniques were much enhanced by the most popular program chosen, which was financial literacy seminar. The ability to handle unforeseen financial problems and retirement planning was especially improved, according to the participants, who also reported feeling more confident about handling their money. Employer-sponsored programs significantly increase financial well-being by lowering stress, increasing financial stability, and improving preparedness for future financial demands, according to the study's findings. Employers are advised to improve and broaden these initiatives, offer focused financial literacy instruction, and conduct frequent assessments of their efficacy in order to meet the changing demands of the labor market.

Strategies for Community Empowerment in Utilizing the Economic and Ecological Functions of Sustainable Mangrove Ecosystems in Jeneponto District, South Sulawesi

Mangrove forests in Balang Baru Village, Tarowang District have great potential for sustainable utilization of the economic and ecological functions of the mangrove ecosystem. Various potentials of the mangrove ecosystem in Balang Baru Village, Tarowang District include providing ecosystem services in the form of fish and other biota and multiple types of species that have economic value. Another potential of the mangrove ecosystem in Balang Baru Village, Tarowang District is its utilization as a nature-based tourism area. These various potentials can contribute to the welfare of local communities if they are utilized and managed sustainably. This study aims to analyze the potential area of mangrove forests, economic and ecological function services of mangrove ecosystems, perceptions and levels of community participation in mangrove ecosystem services, and create community empowerment strategies in utilizing of economic and ecological functions of mangrove forests. Data analysis of mangrove forest potential area by interpreting of LandSat 8 Satellite Imagery. Mangrove ecosystem benefits are calculated through economic valuation. Perception and level of community participation using Likert scale and tabulated in a frequency table. Data from in-depth interviews, FGDs, mangrove forest potential, perceptions, and levels of community participation were analyzed using SWOT. Determination of community empowerment strategies in utilizing the economic and ecological functions of the mangrove ecosystem is carried out by determining internal and external factors, compiling a SWOT matrix, then calculating the IFAS and EFAS matrices, and determining the location of the SWOT quadrant. The area of mangrove forest in Jeneponto Regency is 158.14 hectares. The total economic value of mangrove forests is Rp. 17,970,053,940/year or Rp. 1,046,596,036.113/ha/year. Community perceptions of mangrove ecosystem functions are influenced by the level of knowledge and education of the community. Local communities are involved in the utilization and management of mangroves. Priority strategies are developing the potential of sustainable and economically valuable mangrove forest resources, improving information, facilities and infrastructure that can support community empowerment activities, increasing promotion of ecotourism through online media, implementing conservation area policies and utilizing mangrove ecosystems, and increasing planting activities by involving various parties.

Empowering women with fetal malpositions: enhancing childbirth experience and empowerment through educational interventions: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

This study aims to determine the impact of a childbirth educational intervention, based on empowerment theory, on childbirth experience and empowerment in women with fetal occiput posterior and occiput transverse malpositions. A randomized controlled trial was conducted from February 2022 to December 2022 involving pregnant women with fetal occiput posterior and occiput transverse malpositions. Eligible women were randomly assigned to either the control or study group. The control group received routine care during childbirth, while the study group received routine care and a childbirth-empowering educational intervention delivered by midwives. Primary outcomes assessed were childbirth experience and patient perceptions of patient-empowering nurse behaviors in pregnant women. Secondary outcomes included pregnancy outcomes, delivery support and control, maternal coping behavior during delivery, maternal participation in delivery decisions, and perception of empowerment. A total of 137 pregnant women were enrolled, with 69 and 68 in the control and study groups, respectively. The study group showed significantly higher levels of childbirth experience and reported better patient perceptions of patient-empowering nurse behaviors than the control group. Additionally, the study group demonstrated higher levels of delivery support and control, maternal coping behavior, and specific aspects of perceived participation and patient perception of empowerment compared to the control group. There were no statistically significant differences in pregnancy outcomes between the two groups. The childbirth empowering educational intervention effectively improved the childbirth experience and empowerment of women with fetal occiput posterior and occiput transverse malpositions. However, further studies are required to investigate its impact on pregnancy outcomes. The study protocol was approved by the hospital ethics committee (approval number:2020140A01) and registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (registration number: ChiCTR2300070915; date of first registration: 26/04/2023).

Exploring perceptions of diabetes distress and its care in Japan: a qualitative study of patients and physicians

ObjectivesThis study aimed to identify the obstacles preventing care of diabetes distress from being integrated into diabetes management, as perceived by both patients and healthcare professionals. By conducting interviews with...

Immediate Effects of Whole Body Vibration on Proprioception and Upper Extremity Reaction Speed in Young Adult Students.

There is limited information on the immediate effects of whole-body vibration (WBV) on the upper limb. This study aims to determine the immediate effects of WBV on reaction speed and proprioception in young adult students' upper extremities. In total, 62 students participated in the study. WBV was applied to the participants, and its immediate effects on proprioception and upper extremity reaction speed were examined. Participants' proprioception and perception of joint position at 30-60 degrees of shoulder flexion, shoulder abduction, and elbow flexion angles were measured with absolute error degrees. Reaction rates were evaluated with the Ruler-Drop Test and the mobile application SWAY. A decrease was observed in the absolute error level of the participants' joint position perception at 30-60 elbow and shoulder position degrees, measured after immediate WBV application (p <0.05). After the RDT application, a decrease in the length of catching the target was observed (p <0.05). The SWAY test determined that they moved the smartphone in a shorter time (p <0.05). Right and left RDT scores showed that the distance to catch the ruler was significantly lower in male individuals before the application. In comparison, the distance to catch the ruler was lower after the application (right/left p<0.05). The study found that applying WBV improved upper extremity proprioception perception and reaction speed in young adults. This information can guide clinicians in applying WBV to healthy individuals and those with symptoms.

Popular Music Excerpts Are Rated As More Memorable And Salient If They Involve Vocals, Compound Hooks, and Choruses

Hooks are a widely recognized feature of popular music. Despite this, few empirical studies have investigated what makes musical material likely to be a hook. Definitions of hooks consistently refer to both salience and memorability as a defining characteristic, suggesting that hooks may be understood as an interaction with attentional and memory processes. The current study aims to investigate which musical elements of pop music influence participant perceptions of salience and memorability. Participants were presented with four pop songs and asked to rate twenty excerpts from each song based on their ability to stand out and be memorable. Excerpts were isolated layers of the song, allowing for measurement of specific musical phrases. Excerpts were classified based on song section, whether they were topline or from the backing track, and whether they were rated as hooks by musicologists, as per Burns (1987). Results indicate that excerpts from the topline, from the chorus, and that included compound hooks were associated with an increase in participant ratings. Results provide evidence towards the perception of hooks as a psychological process involving memory and attentional systems. Future research should emphasize alternative methodologies and populations to further contribute to a psychological understanding of hooks.

Perceived barriers and enablers middle-aged and older adults experience to adopting ‘sustainable’ diets: A mixed methods systematic review

Abstract The adoption of sustainable diets among middle-aged and older adults may lead to both improved health outcomes and lower environmental impact. Understanding the barriers and enablers that influence food choices and dietary patterns in this growing demographic is pivotal to inform the promotion of dietary change. A convergent integrated mixed methods systematic review was conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. Four databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus and PsychInfo) were searched for studies published from January 2009 to February 2024 that identified the perceptions of participants 45 years and older in high-income countries about sustainable food choices and barriers and enablers to consumption. From 6295 studies, 23 studies were included and critically appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Findings were integrated in a narrative review. Key enablers included the following: understanding of environmental impacts of food; nutritional benefits of plant products; nutrition knowledge and awareness of the health and environmental concerns around some animal food sources. Key barriers included the following: cost of eating a sustainable diet; preference for taste of animal foods like meat and high accessibility; inconvenience of preparation; concerns around nutritional adequacy of plant foods versus animal foods; sociocultural influences and lack of familiarity about sustainability and diet. These findings provide insight into public perceptions of over 45 year olds and may be used by public health practitioners in education and nutrition promotion efforts to motivate people to overcome barriers, such as lack of knowledge, accessibility and food preparation skills as highlighted by this review. Other forms of research into policy and regulatory functions may be needed to further inform strategies to modify dietary patterns.

Say No to Frailty: Insights for Frailty Management

ABSTRACT Singapore’s aging population is projected to rise to 19% by 2030, and the prevalence of frailty will increase if no countermeasures are implemented. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a multicomponent frailty management initiative, Say No To Frailty (SNTF), based on the perceptions of older adult participants. A qualitative study design was used in this study. One-to-one semi-structured interviews with participants from two community sites were conducted immediately post-intervention. All interviews were audio-recorded with permission, transcribed verbatim and thematically analyzed using NVIVO software. Sixteen semi-structured interviews were thematically analyzed and derived with four main themes: (a) a well-structured initiative; (b) self-management strategies learnt; (c) positive behavioral changes leading to a healthier lifestyle; and (d) feedback and recommendations for future improvements. Participants from both centers attributed the positive behavioral modifications that they have acquired to the initiative’s structure and strategies. Furthermore, the majority of the participants provided positive feedback about SNTF regarding goal achievement and eliciting positive behavioral changes. Finally, participants shared valuable suggestions for future implementation. These findings highlight that SNTF promotes positive behavioral changes to reverse frailty. The widespread implementation of multicomponent frailty management initiatives in Singapore is therefore essential to prevent frailty.

What do patients with lumbar spinal stenosis think is physical therapy’s best card? A survey of perceived message strength

ABSTRACT Objectives Rising surgical rates for lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) and underutilization of physical therapist services for this condition may increase patient risks and healthcare costs. Patient beliefs may also contribute to this problem. Therefore, our objective was to determine which messages about physical therapy were perceived as strongest by patients with LSS and whether those messages were influenced by patient factors. Methods The study used a cross-sectional survey design, and participants were patients of outpatient physical therapy clinics with imaging or clinical evidence of LSS. Participants completed an electronic survey containing different messages about physical therapist services for LSS. Messages were designed using the health belief model. Perceived message strength was scored using the perceived argument strength scale (PASS). Pain catastrophizing and pain self-efficacy were measured to determine whether they influenced participant perceptions. Occurrence of magnetic resonance imaging and surgical consultations were also measured. Results Of 189 potential participants, 101 were included in the study. The message perceived as strongest emphasized physical therapists as listeners who would customize a plan (PASS 36.1 [5.0]) Similar scores were seen for messages that emphasized benefits of education and self-management and de-emphasized severity. The message that emphasized research findings was rated the least strong. Participants who had high levels of pain catastrophizing were more likely to have had imaging and perceived arguments as less strong. Discussion/Conclusion Results of the current study suggested patients with LSS preferred a message that emphasized physical therapists as listeners who would customize a plan. The message about research outcomes was perceived as the least strong. Therefore, awareness campaigns intended to influence the beliefs or behavior of patients with LSS should emphasize the individualized nature of physical therapy more than research evidence.

A Study on Foreign Viewers' Perceptions of Turkish Series and the Marketing of Turkish Series

Television and digital series serve as cultural reflections of the societies in which they are produced, influencing viewers' perceptions and fostering cross-cultural interactions. By presenting social, political, and economic dynamics, these series offer audiences from different countries opportunities to explore and engage with foreign cultures. Beyond their role in representing society, series contribute significantly to national interests, such as promoting tourism, enhancing country image, and influencing consumer behavior. Many countries strategically export their television and film productions to global markets, utilizing these cultural exports to build positive international reputations and counter negative stereotypes. This study examines foreign audiences' perceptions of Turkish series, focusing on the relationships between the series and tourism, country image, language learning, and travel intentions. The research also explores the marketing strategies behind these series. It has been observed that the Turkish series watched by participants have an impact on their willingness to learn Turkish, their desire to visit the country, and their curiosity to get to know Turkey.. The research encompasses the contributions of the series to the country, their marketing strategies, and the thoughts and perceptions of foreign participants regarding Turkish series.

Enhancing Animals is “Still Genetics”: Perspectives of Genome Scientists and Policymakers on Animal and Human Enhancement

Background Nonhuman animals are regularly enhanced genomically with CRISPR and other gene editing tools as scientists aim at better models for biomedical research, more tractable agricultural animals, or animals that are otherwise well suited to a defined purpose. This study investigated how genome editors and policymakers perceived ethical or policy benefits and drawbacks for animal enhancement and how perceived benefits and drawbacks are alike, or differ from, those for human genome editing. Methods We identified scientists through relevant literature searches as well as conference presentations. Policymakers were identified through rosters of genome editing oversight groups (e.g., International Commission on the Clinical Use of Human Germline Genome Editing, World Health Organization) or efforts aimed at influencing policy (e.g., deliberative democracy groups). Interviews covered participants’ views on ethical differences between interventions affecting somatic or germline cells and distinctions between using gene editing for disease treatment, prevention, and enhancement purposes. Results Of the 92 participants interviewed, 81 were genome editing scientists, and 33 were policymakers, with 22 interviewees being both scientists and policymakers. Multiple areas were identified in which the ethical implications of genomic enhancements for nonhuman animals differ from those for human animals including with respect to experiential welfare; germline edits; environmental sustainability; and justice. Conclusions Overall, respondents viewed that animal enhancement is unburdened by the ethical complexities of human enhancement. These views may be related to participant perceptions of animals’ lesser moral status and because germline editing in animals is common practice.

The efficacy of lower limb orthoses on quality of life, well-being, and participation following stroke: A systematic review.

Stroke is the main cause of acquired adult disability globally, with motor impairment affecting 80% of people after stroke. To regain mobility, diminish falls, and improve quality of life (QoL), after a stroke, orthoses are recommended. Most studies, to date, have focused on the positive impact of ankle-foot orthoses on spatial-temporal, kinematic, and kinetic outcomes. The objective of this review is to assess the evidence of the effects of lower-extremity orthoses on perceptions of QoL, psychological well-being, and social participation after stroke. The following databases were used to search the literature: CINAHL, EMBASE, Scopus, and PubMed, between 1990 and 2022. Previous reviews and reference lists were also screened. Information on the trial design, sample characteristics, information of orthoses used, outcome measures, and results were extracted. Critical appraisal was conducted using SIGN guidelines. Ten articles were identified as meeting the inclusion criteria. The effect of orthoses on QoL was inconsistent: 4 articles reported a positive relationship, one found a negative relationship, and 3 did not find any relationship. Six of 7 articles reported a positive relationship between the use of orthoses and psychological well-being and participation, although the level of evidence was low. This literature review has identified a small number of articles addressing the research question. Furthermore, varied study designs, low levels of evidence seen, the variation in follow-up times, and the limited information about the fitting and appropriateness of the orthoses in the studies highlight that more research is needed.

ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE, PERCEPTION, ATTITUDES AND BARRIERS TO POLIO VACCINATION AMONG PARENTS

Polio remains a significant public health challenge in Pakistan, necessitating an understanding of parental knowledge, perceptions, attitudes, and barriers to vaccination in urban and rural areas. Objective: To assess the knowledge, perceptions, attitudes, and barriers towards polio vaccination among parents in urban and rural regions of Pakistan. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted from October 2019 to February 2020, involving 609 respondents (mothers and fathers) with an 87% response rate. A pretested, anonymous, self-administered questionnaire was used to evaluate participants' knowledge, perceptions, attitudes, and barriers to polio vaccination. Results: Participants exhibited good knowledge and positive attitudes towards polio vaccination. No significant differences were noted in awareness of polio terminology between urban and rural participants (p=0.427). A majority supported polio vaccination for all children (p=0.0001*) and recognized its importance (p=0.007*). Concerns regarding vaccine sterility (p=0.0001*) were prevalent. Barriers such as lack of knowledge (p=0.216) and distrust in medical facilities (p=0.0001) were identified. Conclusion: Parents in Pakistan demonstrate good knowledge and positive attitudes towards polio vaccination. However, addressing gaps in knowledge and mistrust in medical services is critical to enhancing vaccination uptake, particularly in rural areas.

The Role of ESG Participation in Sports Sponsorship: Enhancing Consumer Purchase Intention Through Electronic Word of Mouth (eWOM)

This study explored how fans’ perceptions of sponsor participation in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) activities influence attitudes toward the sponsor, sponsor image, electronic word of mouth (eWOM), and purchase intentions. Limited research has focused on the interactions between sports sponsorship and ESG activities. This study filled this research gap by considering the case of the Rakuten Monkeys, a professional baseball team in Taiwan, and its sponsors. Grounded in the theory of planned behavior, this study investigated how fans’ perceptions of sponsor participation in ESG initiatives affect their purchase intentions through sponsor attitudes, sponsor image, and eWOM. A total of 800 Rakuten Monkeys fans were recruited for this study, and the study hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling. The results indicate that all investigated paths were significant. That is, fans’ perceptions of sponsor participation in ESG activities significantly enhance their attitudes toward the sponsor and sponsor image, which in turn positively influence their eWOM and purchase intentions. This study has theoretical and practical implications for enhancing brand image and consumer purchase intentions through ESG activities. The study contributes valuable insights that can be used by sports sponsors for developing marketing strategies.

UNVEILING STUDENTS’ VOICE ON LECTURERS’ CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT IN VIRTUAL ENGLISH MEDIUM INSTRUCTION

A private university in Indonesia has implemented English Medium Instruction (EMI) classes in order to support internationalisation programmes. This policy entails using English as the instructional language in the classroom. This case study examined the teaching practices of seven content lecturers from the Biology, Physics, Mathematics, and Primary Education Departments in EMI classes, focusing on classroom management. Additionally, it explored 208 students’ perceptions in this setting. Data were collected through class observations, questionnaires, and interviews. The findings suggest that effective classroom management by lecturers leads to increased student participation and engagement. The lecturers employed various organisational, teaching management, and teacher-student relationship strategies to manage their classrooms. These findings provide valuable insights into maximising classroom management in an EMI setting, which can enhance critical reflection and support the implementation of EMI classes. The study also highlighted the students' perception of participation and interaction in the class, confirming that lecturers who lack effective teaching skills and multimodal strategies result in passive learning among students.

Email Excuses and Their Acceptability by Hungarian University Students

The main aim of the paper is to investigate student excuses in emails written by Hungarian university students to their instructor, as well as to examine students’ perceptions of the acceptability of these excuses. First, the analysis of a corpus of student emails (n = 74) shows that students make excuses most frequently because they would like to request the extension of deadlines for their assignments.What is more, the most common excuses students send to the instructor in email are related to technical problems (computer, internet) and to their health (illnesses). Furthermore, data provided by Hungarian university students (n = 83) on the acceptability of excuses indicate that students find family-, health- or technology-related excuses acceptable, whereas they believe that not understanding the assignment, being forgetful, and considering the task boring or unchallenging are rather inadequate excuses to make when missing a deadline. Finally, the analysis of the interview data provides an insight into some of the factors, i.e. control, timing, and proof, that influence the perceptions of participants (n = 53) regarding excuses in student emails.

Children's right to participation in residential care: A staff-based study in Portugal.

Youth in residential care (RC) reveal high-risk trajectories, which require upholding their rights and providing them with opportunities to participate. We aimed to identify staff profiles focused on their perceptions of participation and the association with sociodemographic variables. This study included quantitative analysis of qualitative data collected from 87 professionals in the RC (Mage=38.92, SD=9.36). A variable-centered approach was applied to identify the associations between the categories and configurations of profiles, followed by a person-centered approach to group professionals who shared similar conceptual profiles. Three profiles were identified. The Full Participation profile (14.9%) involves those who conceive participation as ensuring that youth's views must be acted upon, and youth should participate in their education, play activities and RC issues to promote their empowerment. This cluster did not include participants from settings only for females, showing a greater proportion of males-only settings than the others. The Participation in the Case Plan profile described most professionals (56.3%), reporting that youth should participate in child protection cases and family contacts to foster their well-being and quality of RC. This cluster showed a greater proportion of female-only settings than did the others. The Blurred Participation profile (28.7%) represented a non-specific vision of how participation might work and showed a greater proportion of mixed settings than others. Most professionals focused on youth participation in case plans more than on their capacity to participate in all decisions and be empowered. Skilled professionals are required to encourage participation in RC.

Quality of life among physicians in Egypy and its influencing factors: a cross-sectional study

Doctors have an essential role in healthcare service, and their quality of life (QoL) is crucial for their professional satisfaction and overall well-being. This study assessed the QoL among physicians and explored the influencing factors that affect it. This cross-sectional study was carried out using a self-administered Internet survey. The survey was focused on physicians employed at various hospitals and clinics in Egypt. Data on participants' demographics, work-related factors, and QoL were collected using WHOQOL-BREF. WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire measures a participant's perception of their life quality across various domains, including general health, physical well-being, psychological health, social relationships, and the environment. The scores for each domain are calculated based on participants' responses to specific items, with higher scores indicating a better QoL. The QoL scores were 3.57±1.02 for the general health domain, 12.93±2.49 for physical domain, 12.29±2.67 for psychological domain, 12.87±3.20 for social domain, and 11.00±2.58 for environmental domain. The overall QoL score was 3.64±0.835. The findings indicate a moderate QoL among the participating physicians. The physicians' QoL domains were affected by age, sex, education level, marital status, chronic disease, smoking, speciality, working hours per week, extra working hours, and work experience.

Youth Perceptions of Participation in Organized Sports and Mental Health.

Organized sports are among one of the most widespread activities in youth. The purpose of this study was to assess the associations between youth perceptions of their participation in organized sports and mental health from the perspective of youth and their parents. Participants were 208 children ages 5 to 12 years. Children who endorsed elevated depressive symptoms scored significantly higher on the YES-S Negative Experiences Scale (mean = 19.00) compared to children who did not endorse elevated depressive symptoms (mean = 14.94; P < 0.01; d = 0.63). After controlling for the number of mental health diagnoses, there was a significant positive association between the YES-S Negative Experiences Scale and child self-reported depressive symptoms (standardized beta coefficient = 0.40; P < 0.001). Our findings underscore the importance of creating positive environments for organized youth sports and highlight the value of assessing both child and parent perspectives of child depressive symptoms in the context of organized sports participation.