Participant Perceptions Research Articles

Perceptions of Sustainability among Children and Teachers: Problems Revealed via the Lenses of Science Communication and Transformative Learning

Scholars and policymakers see sustainability as depending on the inter-relationships between the three pillars of the environment, society, and the economy. However, it remains less clear how key stakeholders with a responsibility for educating the next generation perceive the concept of sustainability and act accordingly. In order to gain new insights, this research scrutinises participant perceptions of sustainability and climate change in two eco-schools in England for primary children (aged 5–11 years). Our case study involved individual interviews with classroom teachers and headteachers, group interviews with fourth- and fifth-year students (ages 10–12 years), and in-class observations. We also analysed data from student exercise books and photographs of school grounds to understand participants’ self-reported knowledge and perceptions of sustainability and climate change. Within a framework drawing on theories of science communication and transformative learning (a learning approach based on having challenging experiences), the results show that the integration of sustainability into the curriculum was limited and problematic. That is despite the fact that all students and teachers were aware of the environmental dimensions of sustainability, such as climate change and the overuse of natural sources. These findings suggest that schools are no different to other institutional settings when it comes to dealing with the challenges of integrating sustainability into daily practice. We conclude that there is a need for in-service teacher education programmes to enable and motivate teachers to provide richer teaching-learning environments so as to enable effective learning in schools about sustainability and climate change.

Clinicians' experiences and perspectives of a web-based lung cancer referral pathway.

e13539 Background: Efficient and streamlined referral of patients with suspected lung cancer is an integral part of providing optimal care for these patients. There is emerging evidence that use of online care pathways, such as HealthPathways is associated with improved referral quality from primary care, more timely access to secondary care and standardization of clinical management decisions by general practitioners (GPs). The Townsville Lung Cancer Referral Pathway (TLCRP) is part of ' Townsville HealthPathways', which is the evidence-based clinical pathway portal used in the Townsville Hospital and Health service in northern Australia. This study aimed to explore the experiences and perspectives of clinicians about TLCRP. Methods: This was a descriptive qualitative study nested within a larger project evaluating TLCRP, utilising a broader implementation science framework. In-depth, semi-structured interviews of GPs and lung cancer specialists were conducted. An iterative, inductive thematic analysis of interview transcripts was undertaken to derive key codes and themes regarding participant experiences and perceptions. Results: Twenty interviews were conducted, 14 with GPs and six with specialists across disciplines of respiratory medicine, oncology, and cardiothoracic surgery. Of the GPs, 11 were practicing in the regional locality of Townsville and three practiced in surrounding rural areas. Interview analysis identified two major themes and several sub-themes (Table). Several enablers and barriers to implementing TLCRP were identified. Barriers to adaptation of TLCRP included lack of clinical time, resistance to changing referral patterns, lack of familiarity or experience with HealthPathways and technology issues. Enablers included clinical usefulness of TLCRP, support from HealthPathways implementing team, integration of TLCRP with the electronic referral system and positive feedback from specialists. Conclusions: Emerging themes from this study may be used to reduce the barriers and improve uptake of TLCRP and other health care pathways in the local health service. Improving the uptake of TLCRP may mean that more patients in our region experience a streamlined journey to more timely specialist lung cancer care and improved health outcomes. [Table: see text]

Integrating Cultural Humility into Medical Education Using a Structured and Interactive Workshop.

Cultural humility is a lifelong commitment to self-evaluation, redressing power imbalances in patient-physician relationships and developing mutually trusting beneficial partnerships. The objective of this study was to determine the feasibility and efficacy of cultural humility training. From July 2020-March 2021, 90-minute educational workshops attended by 133 medical students, resident physicians and medical education faculty included 1) pre- and post- intervention surveys; 2) interactive presentation on equity and cultural humility principles; 3) participants explored sociocultural identities and power; and 4) reflective group discussions. There were significant increases from pre to post intervention assessments for perception scores (3.89 [SEM= 0.04] versus 4.22 [0.08], p<0.001) and knowledge scores (0.52 [0.02] versus 0.67 [0.02], p<0.001). Commonest identities participants recognized as changing over time were personality = 40%, appearance = 36%, and age =35%. Commonest identities experienced as oppressed/subjugated were race/ethnicity = 54%, gender = 40% and religion = 28%; whilst commonest identities experienced as privileged were gender= 49%, race/ethnicity = 42% and appearance= 25%. Male participants assigned mean power score of 73% to gender identity compared to mean power score of -8% by female participants (P<0.001). Non-Hispanic Whites had mean power score for race identity of 62% compared to 13% for non-white participants (p<0.001). English as a second language was only acknowledged as an oppressed/subjugated identity by those born outside the United States (p<0.001). An interactive educational workshop can increase participants' knowledge and perceptions regarding cultural humility. Participants can self-reflect to recognize sociocultural identities that are oppressed/subjugated or privileged.

Knowledge, behaviours, practices, and expectations regarding climate change and environmental sustainability among health workers in France: a multicentre, cross-sectional study

Faced with climate change, hospitals are confronted with a dual challenge. On one hand, they need to embark on a far-reaching ecological transformation to reduce their contribution to greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental impacts; on the other hand, they need to limit the effects of climate change on their activities. We aimed to evaluate the knowledge, behaviours, practices, and expectations of health workers in French hospitals regarding climate change and environmental sustainability. This multicentre, cross-sectional study was carried out in six French hospitals from June 1, 2021 to Dec 31, 2022. All health workers at the hospitals were eligible to participate and were recruited through internal publicity. We designed a structured questionnaire consisting of five parts: participant characteristics, knowledge and perceptions of climate change, pro-environmental behaviours, practices concerning environmental sustainability actions, and expectations. A multilevel logistic regression model was used to evaluate associations between the knowledge, behaviours, and practices of health workers and the characteristics of the health workers and hospitals. Of 57 034 health workers across the six hospitals, 4552 (8·0%) participated in the study. Of those for whom gender data were available, 3518 (78·2%) participants were women and 979 (21·8%) were men. Participants considered energy consumption (71·0%) and waste and discharges related to medical activities (55·6%) and non-medical activities (50·2%) to be the three activities with the greatest environmental impact. On a scale of 1 (not a priority) to 10 (high priority), the median rating attributed by the participants to the commitment of their hospitals to ecological transformation was 5·0 (IQR 3·0-6·0). 1079 (23·7%) of 4552 participants had already initiated at least one environmental sustainability action in their hospital. Barriers reported by participants to the implementation of environmental sustainability-related projects were the lack of dedicated time (40·4%), hierarchical support (32·5%), methodological support (28·9%), and access to training (23·7%). The presence of a sustainable development steering committee, especially one with more than 5 years of activity, was positively associated with health workers feeling better informed about the ecological transformation of their hospital (adjusted odds ratio 1·78 [95% CI 1·29-2·45]), having better knowledge of the environmental impacts of their hospital (1·83 [1·32-2·53]), and initiating a larger number of environmental sustainability actions (1·74 [1·33-2·29]). We showed that health workers in French hospitals seem to be committed to the ecological transformation of their workplaces, and identified some drivers and barriers to further support these essential transformations. There is an urgent need to bolster training for all health workers, enhance structural frameworks within hospitals, and encourage future interdisciplinary research on the vulnerability of health-care facilities to climate change. The University Hospital of Poitiers.

Effectiveness of a Patient Safety Incident Disclosure Education Program: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

The accurate disclosure of patient safety incidents is necessary to minimize patient safety incidents and medical disputes. As prospective healthcare providers, nursing students need to possess the ability to disclose patient safety incidents. This study was designed to investigate the effect of a patient safety incident disclosure education program for undergraduate nursing students on participants' knowledge and perception of disclosure of these incidents, attitudes toward patient safety, and self-efficacy regarding disclosure of these incidents. A quasi-experimental study with a nonequivalent pretest-posttest design was conducted on fourth-year undergraduate nursing students recruited between September 6 and October 22, 2021, through convenience sampling from two universities in South Korea. The experimental group (n = 25) received the education program. The control group (n = 25) received educational materials on the disclosure of patient safety incidents only. Knowledge and perceptions of patient safety incident disclosure, attitudes toward patient safety, and self-efficacy regarding incident disclosure were measured. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis, t test, χ2 test, Fisher's exact test, Mann-Whitney U test, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and ranked analysis of covariance. Posttest results revealed knowledge (p < .001), perceptions (p = .031), and self-efficacy (p < .001) with regard to the disclosure of patient safety incidents were all significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group. Posttest attitudes toward patient safety were not significantly different between the two groups (p = .908). The patient safety incident disclosure education program effectively enhances the knowledge, perception, and self-efficacy of nursing students with regard to safety incidents. The findings may be used to improve training and educational programs in nursing colleges and hospitals to improve the knowledge, perception, and self-efficacy of nursing students with regard to disclosing patient safety incidents in clinical settings.

A Qualitative Program Evaluation of a Digital Peer Support Group for Formerly Incarcerated People

Abstract: Objectives: A qualitative program evaluation of the Formerly Incarcerated Peer Support (FIPS) group, a peer-led mutual support group for formerly incarcerated people, was conducted to understand participant perceptions of (1) digital delivery via Zoom, (2) curriculum content, (3) roles of group participants, and (4) therapeutic value of FIPS group as it relates to traumatic experiences in prison and ongoing challenges after release. Methods: Using a community-based participatory action research approach, a qualitative evaluation was conducted with participants in either the 2020 or 2021 curriculum. Semi-structured interviews were conducted via Zoom, transcribed, de-identified, coded, and analyzed via applied thematic analysis and results reviewed with participants. Results: Of 75 formerly incarcerated participants, 20 interviews were conducted and recorded ( n = 20). All participants were male, 85% were Black, and the average age was 54.8 years old. Zoom delivery was not preferred, but feasible. Most appreciated the comprehensive and holistic curriculum that enabled peers to gain practical and emotional social support in different areas of life after release. The facilitator’s experience with prison programs and relationships within peer networks was essential for recruitment and retention. Participants described (1) feelings of acceptance, (2) examples of teaching and learning from peers’ improved insight, trigger management, response modification to stressors, and (3) improved understanding within relationships with those who have not been incarcerated. Conclusions: Digital delivery of peer-led psychosocial support groups for formerly incarcerated people is feasible and impactful. Future research can further characterize the lingering impacts of institutional traumas and quantify changes.

스포츠 안전사고 중요요인에 대한 참여자와 지도자의 인식유형 분석 및 비교

This study aimed to identify the types of perceptions of sports participants and instructors on major factors of sports safety accidents using the Q methodology and to compare the perspectives of the two groups. A total of 25 Q-samples were constructed through various prior studies and interviews, and 10 sports participants and 10 sports instructors were selected as P-samples. The collected data were analyzed using Q Methodology Software, and principal component factor analysis and varimax factor rotation were conducted. As a result, three types of sports participants (prioritizing institutional responsibility, prioritizing advanced prevention, and prioritizing the role of participant) and three types of sports instructor (prioritizing the role of instructor, prioritizing the active role of participants, and prioritizing environmental factors) were identified. In addition, similarities between the two types of perceptions were found between the institutional responsibility type - prioritizing the role of instructor type and between prioritizing the role of participant type and prioritizing the active role of participants type.

Islamism and Globalisation: Unpacking the Dialectics of Ideology and Socio-economic Change in the Middle East

The ascension of Islamism in the Middle East is an articulation of the profound and far-reaching transformations transpiring within the political and cultural spheres. As a construct, Islamism is at the center of the public discourse regarding the interplay between Islam, Muslims and power. Despite disparities among Islamists in their perceptions of extremism, political participation and societal engagement, they hold in common several fundamental ideological tenets. Notwithstanding the enigmatic nature of these tenets, the diversity among Islamists in the extent to which they materialize these principles into action is profound. It is imperative to contextualize Islamism within the historical, social and economic contexts that have exerted an impact on its ideology and practices. In this regard, it is particularly important to situate contemporary Islamism within the context of globalization. The primary objective of this paper is to situate the emergence of Islamism within the framework of political economy and underscore the dialectical relationship between Islamist convictions and socio-economic transformations. The paper argues that by leveraging economic opportunities, Islamism has created alternative methods of existence. Islamism is seen as a confluence of organizations and endeavors that advocate for the diffusion of Islamic principles. Nonetheless, it has identified a battleground in the marketplace, where it can pursue a counter-hegemonic conflict with the dominant narrative of the establishment.

Community Feedback on Mass Medicines Administration for Neglected Tropical Diseases in Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the use of annual mass drug administration (MDA) as the strategy for controlling and eliminating the five preventive chemotherapy neglected tropical diseases (PC-NTDs). The success of MDAs hinges on community acceptance, active participation, and compliance. This study aimed to explore the experiences and perceptions of community members, to obtain a more thorough understanding of their openness and willingness to participate in MDA and other NTD elimination activities. A mixed-methods approach was employed, utilizing qualitative and quantitative methods for comprehensive data collection. Eighteen key informant interviews (KIIs) and sixteen focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted to explore community engagement, participation, medication utilization, and programme perception. Triangulation of findings from interviews and discussions with household survey results was performed to gain a deeper understanding of emerging themes. The household survey involved interviewing 1220 individuals (Abaji: 687; Bwari: 533). Audio tapes recorded KIIs and FGDs, with interview transcripts coded using Nvivo 12.0 software based on predefined themes. Descriptive analysis using SPSS version 21 was applied to quantitative data. Results indicated high awareness of mass drug administration (MDA) campaigns in both area councils (Abaji: 84.9%; Bwari: 82.9%), with a small percentage claiming ignorance (15.1%), attributed to lack of information or absence during health campaigns. Respondents primarily participated by taking medication (82.5%), with minimal involvement in other MDA campaigns. Perception of medicines was generally positive, with a significant association between participation level and performance rating (p < 0.05). The study recommends leveraging high awareness and community responsiveness to enhance engagement in various MDA activities, ensuring sustainability and ownership of the programme.

A Mediating Effect of Work-Family on the Relationship between Idiosyncratics Deals and Employees’ Job Satisfaction of Knowledge-Based Employees New Generation in Jiangxi Province of China

This study investigates the intricate dynamics between idiosyncratic deals, work-family interface, and job satisfaction among knowledge-based employees of the new generation in Jiangxi Province, China. Idiosyncratic deals, characterized by personalized arrangements between employees and their organizations, have gained prominence as mechanisms for addressing individual needs and preferences. However, the extent to which these deals influence job satisfaction among knowledge-based employees remains underexplored, particularly within the unique cultural and organizational context of Jiangxi Province. Drawing upon social exchange theory and the conservation of resources theory, this research proposes a conceptual framework to examine the mediating role of the work-family interface in the relationship between idiosyncratic deals and job satisfaction. The work-family interface serves as a crucial mechanism through which idiosyncratic deals may impact employees' job satisfaction, as it reflects the balance and integration of work and family roles, responsibilities, and resources. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, data will be collected from a sample of knowledge-based employees from various industries in Jiangxi Province. Quantitative data will be obtained through structured surveys measuring idiosyncratic deals, work-family interface, and job satisfaction, while qualitative data will be gathered through in-depth interviews to provide nuanced insights into the experiences and perceptions of participants. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to both theoretical and practical domains. Theoretically, it will advance our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the relationship between idiosyncratic deals and job satisfaction, shedding light on the mediating role of the work-family interface. Practically, the findings will offer valuable implications for organizational leaders and policymakers in Jiangxi Province, providing guidance on how to optimize idiosyncratic deal structures and support mechanisms to enhance the job satisfaction and well-being of knowledge-based employees, thereby fostering sustainable organizational success in the region.

Dialogue and Disruption at the Doorstep: Participant Perceptions during a City Walk as a Climate Communication Format

Since there is a broad empirical consensus that linear science communication focusing on disaster framing rarely empowers audiences and prompts transformative action, alternative climate communication formats are needed. This paper explores an alternative climate communication format, which integrates the issue into a local context (Munich, Germany) via transdisciplinary cooperation, specifically through collaboration with local climate educators and tapping into the scientific expertise of local stakeholders. The conceptualized format of a City Walk on the subject of climate justice addresses urban citizens and tests the effectiveness of climate justice as an alternative framing. Drawing on an accompanying empirical study with qualitative group discussions (n = 14, October 2023), this article explores how the format and framing are perceived by the participants. Based on these findings, we discuss the potentials and pitfalls of the format for transdisciplinary science communication. In summary, the City Walk deepened participants’ understanding of local climate justice—that is to say, how heat and flooding could amplify existing inequalities, and why adaptation and mitigation measures have not yet been implemented more thoroughly. Here, the crucial point is not whether the shift from climate change being a general topic to a personal one is supported by technical aspects of communication (e.g., virtual simulations). However, perceived local climate justice barriers (like bureaucracy) led participants to prioritize individual action (‘footprint’) over collective action (e.g., addressing local change). With these results, this study underlines the importance of new transdisciplinary formats for climate communication to address local change.

Relevant factors to implement continuous improvement in administrative services of public universities: an action research study

The research presented in this article focuses on enhancing the quality of administrative services in a higher education institution, addressing the scarcity of concrete examples of continuous improvement in public services. The study investigates the applicability and effectiveness of continuous improvement methodologies in a public service context, emphasising the distinct challenges faced by public institutions, such as a culture of silos, in implementing process improvements. The article employs an action research methodology, which involves researchers collaborating with university administrative personnel to identify improvement opportunities, implement solutions, and measure the impact of these initiatives on service quality. The impact of continuous improvement initiatives on the quality of administrative services offered by the university is assessed through participant perceptions, service user feedback, and the improvement of main processes within the university departments. The research identifies several barriers and facilitators to continuous improvement within the university’s administrative services, including organisational culture, employee involvement and commitment, communication, goal clarity, and resource availability. The study provides insight into how these factors influence the success of continuous improvement efforts. Based on the findings, the study offers recommendations for deploying continuous improvement workshops at the university. These recommendations aim to address the identified barriers, leverage facilitators, and enhance the overall quality of administrative services. The article contributes to understanding continuous improvement in public service contexts and provides practical guidance for implementing such initiatives in higher education institutions.

Supporting Implementation Through Online Learning Communities: Lessons Learned From a National Training and Technical Assistance Network.

Recent implementation science frameworks highlight the role of training and technical assistance (TTA) in building workforce capacity to implement evidence-based practices (EBPs). However, evaluation of TTA is limited. We describe three case examples that highlight TTA by three regional centers in the national Mental Health Technology Transfer Center (MHTTC) network. Each MHTTC formed Learning Communities (LCs) to facilitate connections among behavioral health professionals with the goals of sharing implementation strategies, discussing best-practices, and developing problem solving techniques. Data on outcomes were collected through a combination of self-report surveys and qualitative interviews. LC participants reported strong connectedness, gains in knowledge and skills, improvements in implementation capacity, and intentions to advocate for organizational and systems-level change. Furthermore, across the case examples, we identified LC characteristics that are associated with participant perceptions of outcomes, including tailoring LC content to workforce needs, providing culturally relevant information, engaging leaders, forming connections among participants and trainers, and challenging participants' current workplace practices. These findings are interpreted through the lens of the Interactive Systems Framework, which focuses on how TTA, such as LCs, can facilitate connections between the theoretical and empirical foundations of interventions and the practices of implementing interventions in real-world settings to advance workforce capacity.

Regional coalition heuristics: government participation and party perceptions in multi-level systems

When parties cooperate, they are perceived as closer together in an ideological space than when they compete. This mechanism has only been tested at the national level and researchers have disregarded the complex interaction between parties competing and cooperating at various levels of a polity. This article argues that complex multi-level systems have an influence on the voters’ perceptions, especially for coalition parties. More specifically, the hypothesis is that voters perceive those national parties that are in government in their Bundesland as closer together on a left-right scale, even though they are not members of the same coalition at the national level. The hypothesis is tested by relying on GLES data from 2009–2021. National government participation and political sophistication are also taken into account as moderating variables. The results have important implications for understanding party perceptions and the effect of regional government participation in multi-level systems.

Pre-clerkship Exploration of Underrepresented Specialties: Participant Perceptions

Background: Background: Exposure to specialties significantly influences medical student career decisions; however, many students feel they are not adequately introduced to particular specialties until the end of their undergraduate training, if at all. Therefore, the Pre-clerkship Residency Exploration Program (PREP) was established. PREP was designed to reduce concerns regarding career decisions, while increasing exposure to specialties that traditionally receive less exposure in medical school curricula. Methods: PREP was a two-week elective available to second year medical students (n = 40) comprising five components: clinical electives, panel discussions, procedural skills circuits, simulations, and specialty-specific workshops. Participants rotated through ten electives and engaged in panel discussions focused on career choices and decisions. Skills circuits and simulations introduced students to procedures and scenarios they could encounter during PREP elective rotations. Specialty-specific workshops were held by several departments to build interest and introduce students to under-represented specialties. Results: PREP was assessed using the Kirkpatrick model, a framework that evaluates the effectiveness of training. PREP significantly increased students’ comfort with making career decisions, while reducing concerns related to a lack of exposure to various specialties (p &lt; 0.0001) and time constraints with determining career options (p &lt; 0.0001). Furthermore, PREP directly impacted career aspirations with 80.6% of participants changing their top-three career choices after completing the program. PREP is a valuable addition to medical school education and offers a novel approach to supporting students’ informed career decisions as well as increase their exposure to specialties which are underrepresented in medical school curricula. Discussion: We are currently in discussion with several Canadian medical schools about implementing PREP at their universities. Future research will analyze if participation in PREP translates to increased application rates to underrepresented specialties. To accomplish this objective, we will follow cohorts of PREP participants through the residency matching process and compare outcomes with historical data.

Use of personas in co-designing learning experiences with teachers: An exploratory case study

AbstractThis paper explores the use of personas in co-designing learning experiences for students. It reviews existing literature about the use of personas within the design process and then presents a case study of a group of teachers (N = 15) and designers collaboratively designing (co-designing) a term-long learning experience for a group of digital technologies students in a high school. The paper draws upon theory and results from the exploratory case study to suggest that there is significant value in using personas early in the design process when a group of co-designers are designing for a group who are absent—in this case, students. The paper shares a description of the co-design process and the use of personas, as well as an analysis of the personas created and the participant perceptions of the value of the activity. It outlines a three-step activity framework for using creative personas effectively in similar situations where a group of teachers-as-designers are co-designing for absent students. It proposes that personas are valuable for groups of teachers co-designing for students as a way to evoke empathy, aid in problem framing, and set up a space for creative thinking as part of an iterative design process.

Initial tweet valence, abuse volume, and observer Dark Tetrad characteristics influence perceptions of female celebrity abuse on Twitter

Research into relationships between victim-generated content, abuse received, and observer characteristics when considering Twitter abuse has been limited to male victims. We evaluated participant perceptions of female celebrity victims and abuse received on Twitter. We used a 3 (Initial Tweet Valence; negative, neutral, positive) × 2 (Abuse Volume; low, high) repeated measures design and online survey method. Participants were shown tweets generated by six female celebrities, counterbalanced such that each participant saw each celebrity in one Valence-Volume condition. Stimuli were presented across six ‘lists’ such that celebrity ‘victims’ could be rotated across Valence-Volume pairings. Participants rated—per target stimulus—the level of blame attributable to the victim and the perceived severity of the incident. Furthermore, participants were asked to complete a Dark Tetrad scale—measuring their Machiavellianism, Narcissism, Psychopathy, and Sadism. Analyses determined that victim-blaming was influenced by victim Initial Tweet Valence (greater victim-blaming associated with more-negative content) and observer Machiavellianism. Perceived severity was influenced by victim Initial Tweet Valence, Volume of Abuse received, and observer Machiavellianism. Results were consistent with previous research involving male celebrity victims. Further research is needed to understand the contributions of participants’ hostile and benevolent sexism, as well as the role of victim attractiveness.

Knowledge, Perception, and Associated Factors of Electronic Cigarette Consumption Among the Saudi Population in Jeddah City.

Introduction Electronic cigarettes(e-cigarettes) are rising in popularity among young adults and teenagers. Previous studies have shown that among high and middle schoolers, the percentage of e-cigarette smokers was noticeably higher than tobacco cigarette smokers. Various research papers focusing on different communities have reported a low-to-moderate level of knowledge and awareness of e-cigarette's effects on health. E-cigarettes were initially advertised as devices to help people quit smoking, but the use of e-cigarettes in modern days has changed considerably. A big chunk of the population perceivedthat e-cigarettes have no harmful effects because they are nicotine-free and thus are used as a replacement for regular cigarettes rather than as a way to quit smoking. Objectives The study aimed to assess the perception of e-cigarette consumption and associated factors among the Saudi population in Jeddah city. Methodology A cross-sectional study was conducted on the Saudi population in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, during the year 2023. The study assessed the participant's perceptions of e-cigarette consumption and its risk factors. A pre-existing online questionnaire created by Google Forms was distributed among the population through social media applications to collect data after obtaining their informed consent. Results A total of 515 participants were included in this study. Relatives and friends were the most common sources (54%) for information about e-cigarettes. Of the sample, 17.5% thought that e-cigarettes were safer than conventional cigarettes, 13.4% used e-cigarettes on a regular basis, and 65% had not smoked electronically before. Vaping pushed only 17.2% to try traditional tobacco cigarettes, and 25% stopped using traditional tobacco products after starting to smoke e-cigarettes. Gender, age group, and total family salary were the associated factors with the use of e-cigarettes. In addition, an association between the perception of e-smoking and its use was noticed, as well as a significant association between gender and withdrawal symptoms. Conclusion A minority of the participants perceived that e-cigarette smoking is safer than conventional methods of smoking. The majority did not practice e-smoking at all. Furthermore, results showed that relatives and friends were the most common sources of information. The findings from the correlation testing underscore several noteworthy associations within the studied population. Notably, gender, age, total family salary, and occupation exhibited statistically significant correlations with e-cigarette usage.

Effectiveness of Environmental Leadership Indicators Based on Local Wisdom in Development Horticultural Agriculture in Ngada - Indonesia

This research delves into the pivotal role of farmer groups in driving the development of horticultural agriculture in Ngada Regency, Flores, Indonesia, under the leadership of their respective group chairmen who adopt an environmental leadership approach rooted in local wisdom, recognizing its significance in fostering effective agricultural development. Employing an interpretive phenomenological qualitative research approach, the study unravels the intricate dynamics of environmental leadership by delving into the lived experiences and perceptions of participants. Data collection involves diverse methods including observations, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions (FGD) within horticultural farmer groups, highlighting nuances of their organizational structure and practices. Findings elucidate a spectrum of indicators emblematic of effective environmental leadership within the context of agricultural development, such as possessing an ecological vision, adeptness in motivating others, exemplifying leadership through personal conduct, effective communication skills, and a steadfast commitment to goal attainment, underscoring the interconnectedness between local wisdom, ecological stewardship, and leadership efficacy.

Relato de experiência da participação de estudantes voluntários no inquérito soroepidemiológico da COVID-19 no Município de Jundiaí, Brasil

ObjectiveExperience report of medical and nursing students on participation in the seroepidemiological investigation of COVID-19 in the city of Jundiaí.MethodsIn the survey, resident of 1260 households were tested, and a questionnaire was filled out with information about the individual and family in June/20. The students clarified the situation of the pandemic, providing guidance on general preventive care. To assess the students’ perception of participation in the survey, a questionnaire was available online, including questions about the satisfaction, adherence to the survey proposal, feeling of security and risk, availability of individual protective equipment and personal motivation.ResultsThe 50 volunteers answered the form (100%). In the evaluation, they were very satisfied, with the health team, 86% (n=43); regarding the organization of activities, 66% (n=33); and with the availability of protection personal equipment, 64% (n=32); 70% said they did not feel afraid at any time and 45% (n=46) stated their main motivation for the desire to contribute to the pandemic, followed by the desire to learn (29%, n=30).ConclusionIt was evident the motivation of academics to act in the face of the pandemic of COVID-19, combined with satisfaction and the opportunity to include practical learning in activities with the population. Emphasis is placed on the importance of community outreach activities as a tool for social change and university education.