Perceptions Of Workers Research Articles

Productive Competence, Internship, and Family Support on Student Work Readiness Mediated by Self-Efficacy

The current problem is that many vocational school graduate students still need more skills. Students' skills and readiness are influenced by many factors including productive competence, internship, and family support. This research aims to analyze the influence of perceptions of productive competence, industrial work, and family support on vocational school students' work readiness, partially or simultaneously mediated by self-efficacy. This research is causal associative research with a quantitative approach. The total population in this study was 1132 students. The sample for this research was 296 respondents. The method used to collect data is a questionnaire. The instrument used to collect data was a questionnaire. The data analysis method used is descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. The data analysis technique used is Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The research results show that students' perceptions of productive competence, industrial work practices, family support, and self-efficacy have a positive and significant effect on students' work readiness. Based on the results of the Sobel test, Self-Efficacy can mediate the influence of productive competence, industrial work practices, and family support on vocational school students' work readiness. It was concluded that perceptions of productive competence, industrial work, and family support influenced vocational school students' work readiness. The implication of this research is that family and school support is very necessary for students so that students have good work readiness.

Food and family care during the COVID-19 pandemic: A study of women's domestic workload during the first wave in Chile.

This study aimed to explore women's perceptions of domestic work related to food and family care during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Chile and its association with sociodemographic and health variables. We conducted a cross-sectional, analytical, non-probabilistic study. A sample of 2047 women answered an online self-report survey that included a Likert scale about the perception of domestic work associated with food. The survey also included an open comment section. The survey was available between May and June 2020, during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and when most of the country had some degree of mobility restriction. 70.2% of participants perceived their domestic work as "regular"; being younger, having a higher educational level, caring for children or the elderly, and having worse self-perception of mental and general health status increased the chances of having a lower perception of the burden of these tasks. In comments, women declared how heavy the domestic work was, the challenges of being together with their families and of paid job requirements, and how family demands from them increased. Most women felt that their domestic work was heavier during this pandemic period: some groups of women could be at risk of being more affected by this extra workload at home. The importance of interventions and public policies with a gender perspective becomes relevant, considering the role of women in the home and the necessity to generate a social change regarding the domestic burden associated with gender.

A study on the influence of dominant sound sources on users’ emotional perception in a pediatric dentistry clinic

IntroductionSoundscape in dental clinics has varying degrees of impact on the emotions of healthcare workers and young patients. Emotions such as restlessness, anxiety, anger, and nervousness are commonly found among dental healthcare workers. Pediatric dental clinics are an important part of dental clinics, but there is a lack of research on the soundscape within pediatric dental clinics.MethodsThis study focuses on a typical pediatric dental clinic, using a combination of field questionnaires and objective measurements. It aims to determine the impact of dominant sound sources on the emotional perception (nervousness, restlessness, anger, fear, pain) and hostile emotional responses of users in the pediatric dental clinic.ResultsIn the soundscape of pediatric dental clinics for young pediatric patients, users experience negative emotional perceptions (nervousness, restlessness, anxiety, anger, fear, and pain) and emotional responses of hostility. The dominant sound sources can be divided into two categories: dental (dental drill, air-water syringe, and saliva ejector) and nondental (children crying). Under the influence of dental dominant sound sources, there was a significant negative correlation between the emotional perceptions of healthcare workers and their negative emotional perceptions (p < 0.05). Conversely, for young pediatric patients aged 0–11 years, a significant positive correlation was observed between their emotional perceptions and negative emotional perceptions. The mean perceived degrees of nervousness and fear in young pediatric patients were 1.82 and 1.71 times stronger, respectively, than those observed in healthcare workers. Under the influence of non-dental dominant sound sources, the average degree of emotional perception among healthcare workers was 0.71 higher than that of young pediatric patients, and anxiety perception was significantly enhanced (p < 0.05). The mean degree of nervousness perception was 1 point higher in healthcare workers compared to young pediatric patients, restlessness perception was 1.1 stronger, and there was a presence of mild pain perception. In terms of demographic/social factors, age, occupation, and years of work significantly affected the perceptions of fear and restlessness among healthcare workers, while age had a significant impact on the emotional reaction of hostility in young pediatric patients.DiscussionThe results of this study indicate that the soundscape is an important factor in creating a comfortable treatment environment in pediatric dental clinics. Healthcare workers and young pediatric patients are significantly affected by the dominant sound sources in the clinic, and these effects are closely related to demographic and social factors such as age, profession, and years of experience. This finding can provide more targeted methods and strategies for the design and creation of soundscapes in dental clinics.

Nudge theory on intrapreneurship: a conceptual view

Purpose This study aims to discuss appropriate individual, organizational and macroleveled conditions when it is desired to foster intrapreneurship with nudge techniques. Design/methodology/approach Conceptual paper. Findings This paper aims to provide theoretical framework on the relationship between nudges approach and intrapreneurship and offer measurable propositions at different level of analysis for future research. Originality/value At the individual level it is theorized that nudges techniques on intrapreneurship will work when: “agents are aware of being nudged”, “choice architect is a well-recognized leader”, “perception of meaningful work is high” and “agents had former experience about being nudged”. At the organizational level it is claimed that the “number”, “type” and “frequency” of nudges plays the prominent role. Lastly, at the macrolevel it is postulated that “cultural adjustments”, “providing education” and “forming networks” sets the ground for pushing masses to intrapreneurial activities via nudges.

Safety Climate Transformation in Oil and Gas Company Ownership Transition (Study Case from Multinational to National Company)

BackgroundThe aim of this research is to analyze the transformation of workers perceptions of the safety climate in an oil and gas company in Indonesia when they experience a change in ownership from a multinational to a national company. MethodsThis cross-sectional study used questionnaires distributed offline and online in three periods of ownership of Company X. Data analysis was carried out descriptively by comparing workers perception scores regarding the safety climate at Company X when managed by the multinational holder, transition period, and national holder. ResultsWorkers perceptions of the safety climate in Company X when it experienced a change in ownership from a multinational company to a national company has a trend of decreasing scores (from 8.07 to 7.48). Overall, a decreasing trend in scores occurred in several sub-variables of safety climate, namely management commitment (8.33 to 7.56), communication (8.10 to 7.64), safety priority (8.55 to 7.68), personal appreciation of risk (8.25 to 5.48), involvement (7.50 to 7.36), and personal priority and need for safety (8.25 to 5.48). ConclusionsOwnership changes cause a trend of decrease in employee perceptions of the safety climate at Company X. Company's priority on safety related to production target factors is decreasing due to the change of ownership. On the other hand, the national period had a higher score in supportive environments and work environments, compared to the multinational period.

Xpert HIV-1 qual point-of-care testing for HIV early infant diagnosis in Tanzania: experiences and perceptions of health care workers in a 2016 study

BackgroundHIV early infant diagnosis (HEID) at the centralized laboratory faces many challenges that impact the cascade of timely HEID. Point of Care (PoC) HEID has shown to reduce test turnaround times, allow for task shifting and has the potential to reduce infant mortality. We aimed at assessing the feasibility of nurse based PoC-HEID in five facilities of Mbeya region.MethodsWe analysed data from healthcare workers at five obstetric health facilities that participated in the BABY study which enrolled mothers living with HIV and their HIV exposed infants who were followed up until 6 weeks post-delivery. Nurses and laboratory personnel were trained and performed HEID procedures using the Xpert HIV-1 Qual PoC systems. Involved personnel were interviewed on feasibility, knowledge and competency of procedures and overall impression of the use of HIV-1 Qual PoC system in clinical settings.ResultsA total of 28 health care workers (HCWs) who participated in the study between 2014 and 2016 were interviewed, 23 being nurses, 1 clinical officer, 1 lab scientist and 3 lab technicians The median age was 39.5 years. Majority of the nurses (22/24) and all lab staff were confident using Gene Xpert PoC test after being trained. None of them rated Gene Xpert handling as too complicated despite minor challenges. Five HCWs (5/24) reported power cut as the most often occurring problem. As an overall impression, all interviewees agreed on PoC HEID to be used in clinical settings however, about half of them (11/24) indicated that the PoC-HEID procedures add a burden onto their routine workload.ConclusionOverall, health care workers in our study demonstrated very good perceptions and experiences of using PoC HEID. Efforts should be invested on quality training, targeted task distribution at the clinics, continual supportive supervision and power back up mechanisms to make the wide-scale adoption of nurse based PoC HEID testing a possibility.

Healthcare workers perceptions of patient safety culture in selected Ghanaian regional hospitals: a qualitative study

BackgroundPatient safety culture is an integral part of healthcare delivery both in Ghana and globally. Therefore, understanding how frontline health workers perceive patient safety culture and the factors that influence it is very important. This qualitative study examined the health workers’ perceptions of patient safety culture in selected regional hospitals in Ghana.ObjectiveThis study aimed to provide a voice concerning how frontline health workers perceive patient safety culture and explain the major barriers in ensuring it.MethodIn-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 42 health professionals in two regional government hospitals in Ghana from March to June 2022. Participants were purposively selected and included medical doctors, nurses, pharmacists, administrators, and clinical service staff members. The inclusion criteria were one or more years of clinical experience. Interviews were recorded and transcribed. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes.ResultThe health professionals interviewed were 38% male and 62% female, of whom 54% were nurses, 4% were midwives, 28% were medical doctors; lab technicians, pharmacists, and human resources workers represented 2% each; and 4% were critical health nurses. Among them, 64% held a diploma and 36% held a degree or above. This study identified four main areas: general knowledge of patient safety culture, guidelines and procedures, attitudes of frontline health workers, and upgrading patient safety culture.ConclusionsThis qualitative study presents a few areas for improvement in patient safety culture. Despite their positive attitudes and knowledge of patient safety, healthcare workers expressed concerns about the implementation of patient safety policies outlined by hospitals. Healthcare professionals perceived that curriculum training on patient safety during school education and the availability of dedicated officers for patient safety at their facilities may help improve patient safety.

Psychological features of perception of artworks by people with different types of functional brain asymmetry

The relevance of the study is conditioned by the increased attention of modern psychology to individual personality traits and its decreased focus on the normativity of an individual. In the process of individual development, the contemplation of art allows a person not only to broaden their own worldview, but also contributes to cultural enrichment. The purpose of the study was an empirical investigation of the features of perception of works of art by persons with different types of functional brain asymmetry. The study was conducted using the method of standardised interviews with the subjects of two groups: the main group – people who do not have professional knowledge of art (N = 43), and the control group – students studying art history and fine arts as professional disciplines, and familiar with the rules for constructing composition in a picture (N = 30). The results were analysed using statistical criteria: the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and the Fisher angular transformation criterion φ*. As a result of the empirical study, there were no statistically reliable patterns in the perception of works of art in the general group, but significant differences were found in the features of perception of movement and its speed in works of art by persons with different types of functional/interhemispheric brain asymmetry, which indicates a nonlinear nature of perception, and the influence of cognitive phenotypes on the perception of works of art. The perception of artworks is an individual cognitive process that may differ between the author and the recipient of artistic creativity, and the author’s intention may be misunderstood by the audience if the features of individual perception of a work of art, and the laterality of the personality, are not considered. The practical significance of the study lies in the possibility of applying its results in the process of professional training of students of art specialities, considering the specific features of the laterality of art recipients

COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccination experiences and perceptions among health workers during the pandemic in Ebonyi state, Nigeria: An analytical cross-sectional study

Background COVID-19 continues to be a disease of global public health importance and requires long-term management and control. Health workers’ (previous) experiences and perceptions regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and COVID-19 vaccination/vaccination process will influence not only their subsequent use of control measures but also public experiences/perceptions. We explored the COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccination and the vaccination process experiences and perceptions, and their predictors, among the health workers in Ebonyi state, Nigeria. Methods We conducted an online-offline analytical cross-sectional survey between March 12 and May 9, 2022 among all categories of health workers (clinical/non-clinical, public/private) working/living in Ebonyi state who consented to participate and were selected by convenience/snowballing techniques. A structured electronic questionnaire was used to collect data: self-administered via WhatsApp and interviewer-administered via KoBoCollect for participants who did not have WhatsApp. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and bivariate/multivariate generalized linear models. Results Of the 1276 health workers surveyed: 55.8% had strong COVID-19 experience and perception, 80.7% had good COVID-19 vaccination expectation and perception, and 87.7% had positive COVID-19 vaccination process experience and perception. The most important predictors of the extent and level of COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccination and the vaccination process experiences and perceptions were level of place of work (primary-secondary/tertiary), level of attitude towards COVID-19 (vaccination), and level of knowledge about COVID-19. Another important predictor was place of work (public/private). Conclusions The evidence indicate the factors that should guide subsequent policy actions in the strategies to enhance the COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccination and the vaccination process experiences and perceptions of health workers (and their use of control measures) in Ebonyi state, Nigeria, and other similar contexts. It also indicate factors to be considered by future policy actions regarding similar diseases.

A Qualitative Exploration of Chinese Rural College Students’ Career Development: A Psychology of Working Perspective

Rural college youth encounter numerous challenges in securing decent education and work. However, there has been scant research on their career development from a vocational psychology perspective. Drawing from the Psychology of Working Theory (PWT), we examined the contextual and personal factors that shape their work volition and perceptions of future decent work. We conducted semistructural interviews with 12 Chinese rural college students and employed Consensual Qualitative Research (CQR) method to analyze the data. Our findings revealed that their vocational barriers included economic constraints, inadequate educational resources, limited access to decent internship opportunities, and lack of study-related electronics. However, their coping stratgies to overcome these constraints included social support, notably from teachers, as well as positive attributes such as critical consciousness and proactive personality. Regarding future employment, participants valued job stability, a balance between work and life, the ability to provide for their families, and displayed prosocial and growth orientations. These findings provided support for the applicability of PWT in understanding the vocational trajectories of rural college students in a non-Western context. The implications of these findings for future research and vocational interventions are discussed.

Underpaid, undervalued, and overworked: The working conditions of cooks in India's school lunch programme

AbstractMotivationSchool feeding programmes employ more than 4 million people globally and have the potential to contribute to the realization of multiple Sustainable Development Goals, including decent work and reducing inequalities. However, the working conditions and experiences of workers in these programmes have received little attention from academics and policy‐makers alike. Consequently, it is currently unclear what the impacts of the employment generated are and whether this employment reduces or perpetuates inequalities.PurposeThis article examines the extent to which school feeding programmes can generate beneficial employment by examining the experiences of cooks in the world's largest school lunch programme, India's Midday Meal Scheme. The article focuses on five key areas: who is employed; their pay; their workload; their access to social protection; and the effects of privatization.Approach and methodsTo examine these five areas, data from three sources are combined: primary data collected in Rajasthan; state‐level secondary data; and the analysis of national‐level documents.FindingsThe findings show that national policy creates a system in which cooks in the Midday Meal Scheme are underpaid, undervalued, and overworked. These working conditions are underpinned by a series of assumptions and narratives which are all too common in perceptions of care work: that the work is unskilled, not time consuming, and motivated by altruism. The state's lack of regard for these workers is evident in the growing privatization of the scheme.Policy implicationsOverall, the findings show that policy on school feeding programmes, including those in India, needs to ensure that those working in the scheme are treated as employees and receive sufficient pay and benefits. Providing decent work in these programmes has the potential to not only reduce poverty and inequalities but also to improve the implementation of school feeding programmes.

An assessment of the operationality and factors influencing the effectiveness of rabies surveillance in Gombe State, Nigeria.

Rabies remains a burden in Africa, disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable despite the availability of effective vaccines. Nigeria, the most populous African country, needs rapid disease control actions and commitments to achieve the goal of eliminating dog-mediated rabies by 2030. Surveillance is an essential element of effective disease control strategies. This study examined the current state of operationality of the rabies surveillance system for early case detection and management in Gombe state, Nigeria, through a One Health lens. It further examined the barriers impeding the effectiveness of the surveillance based on the perception of surveillance workers. Qualitative and quantitative methods were used to assess the structure of the system and its functioning. Data on dog bite and rabid cases obtained from the veterinary services in Gombe state were analysed descriptively. A total of 13 key informants were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis to explore in depth the factors that influenced the operationality of the system. A total of 157 potential human exposures to rabies were identified in this study, out of which two people reportedly died at the health facility after showing symptoms highly suggestive of rabies. In terms of rabies surveillance and control, cross-sectoral collaboration was found between the human health and veterinary sectors for risk assessment of potential rabies exposures and its management. Some identified factors affecting the operations of the surveillance were inadequate funding, lack of infrastructure, lack of feedback from higher authorities and insufficient knowledge of rabies prevention and management. To improve the capacity for case detection and management within the state, the appropriate authorities may focus on increasing awareness about the disease to the populace to increase the number of cases identified by the system, employ more workers and strengthen the surveillance capability of existing workers.

Polychronicity fit and turnover intentions in projects: the mediating roles of exhaustion and work overload

PurposeDespite the deployment of state-of-the-art methodologies for project management, employee turnover in projects remains high. Such turnover has significant costs in terms of replacing personnel, potential deadline overruns and financial expenditure. Employee turnover in project contexts may stem from time-related issues associated with multiple parallel projects and short deadlines. Using person–environment fit and time congruence theories, this research examines the relationship between employee turnover intentions and individual–organizational (I–O) polychronicity fit, which captures the degree of match between individuals’ and organizational preferences for focusing on multiple tasks simultaneously.Design/methodology/approachSurvey data were collected from 309 software project employees in Pakistan. Hypotheses were tested using polynomial regressions and response surface modeling.FindingsI–O polychronicity fit is related to turnover intentions. Turnover intentions are lower when I–O polychronicity fit occurs on the lower end of the polychronicity continuum, whereas turnover intentions are higher when fit is observed on the higher end of the polychronicity continuum. The relationship between I–O polychronicity fit and turnover intentions is significantly explained by exhaustion and perceptions of work overload.Practical implicationsThe study’s insights provide recommendations for organizations to optimally manage multitasking to help retain project employees.Originality/valueThese findings extend our understanding of the underlying mechanisms between I–O polychronicity fit and turnover intentions. Furthermore, this research expounds on how employee exhaustion and perceptions of work overload explain the relationship between I–O polychronicity fit and turnover intentions.

Empowering ESL Learners: Unleashing Autonomy through Project-Based Learning

The growing interest in learner autonomy is propelled by the swift advancement of information technology and globalization. Embedded within the Malaysian Education Blueprint (MEB 2013-2025), Autonomous Language Learning (ALL) is promoted to elevate language proficiency among students. Traditional educational methods are declining in relevance for preparing learners for contemporary workforce demands, prompting a shift towards a self-directed approach. Educators are currently tasked with fostering individuals who can continually learn and excel in a rapidly evolving global economy driven by knowledge. Consequently, project-based learning (PBL) emerges as a powerful tool for educators to foster learner autonomy in ESL classrooms. This qualitative study explores the impact of project-based learning (PBL) on learner autonomy and personal development among first-semester Diploma students majoring in Business Administration at Universiti Mara Kedah Branch. The study employed a descriptive qualitative research design to delve into students' perceptions of PBL and its influence on their learning experiences, outcomes, and self-improvement. The research aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of how PBL fosters learner autonomy, aligning with the overarching goal of promoting self-directed learning. The study involved 30 first-semester Diploma students, who collaborated in teams on a poetry writing project centered around a theme of solidarity with Palestine. Data collection included open-ended survey questions to gather detailed insights into students' perceptions of project work, learning outcomes, and personal development. Thematic analysis of the qualitative data revealed key themes such as positive attitudes towards project work, enhanced problem-solving skills, effective communication, and personal growth. These findings underscore the transformative effects of PBL on students' autonomy and confidence, emphasizing the importance of integrating PBL approaches in ESL classrooms to empower students for success in a dynamic global economy.

Perceptions of healthcare workers on men's sexual and reproductive health services utilization in Kwazulu-Natal.

Healthcare workers have crafted and implemented several health policies and programs to attract men, but men still struggle to access SRH services. This study explored healthcare workers' perceptions and views about the determinants of men's sexual and reproductive health service utilization. This qualitative study employed a purposive sampling technique to select healthcare workers in urology clinics and those managing men diagnosed with SRH conditions outside urology clinics. Data were analyzed thematically. HCWs highlighted men's lack of awareness due to inadequate community education and health campaigns, staff shortage, the unavailability of medicines and medical supplies, health system incapacity, personal factors, and cultural norms and beliefs as hindrances in using SRH services. Health policymakers and relevant stakeholders need to pay attention to the SRH needs of men. The ongoing awareness campaigns about the importance of SRH service utilization, including additional male nurses, can encourage men to engage more with such services.

The community health worker experience and perception toward mental illness: A multi-settings cross-sectional study in Indonesia.

The experiences and perceptions of Community Health Workers toward mental illness are vital for tailoring interventions, reducing stigma, improving access to services, and fostering community engagement in mental health initiatives. This study investigates the experiences of community health worker and their perception of mental illness. A multi-settings cross-sectional study was conducted among 487 Community Health Workers. Their experience and perception toward mental illness were studied with questionnaires, which examined their general perception, religious-related perception, cause, treatment, and expectation for mental treatment. Most participants concurred that serving as a community health worker enhances their communication abilities (90.4%), strengthens connections with community health center staff (84.8%), boosts self-confidence (84.6%), and refines their capacity to identify signs of mental disorders (77%). Most notably, they consider their fellow community health workers essential to their extended family. Furthermore, a notable proportion associates' mental illness with religious elements, with 19.5% believing it can result from a lack of religious worship and a minority attributing it to witchcraft or black magic (3.5%). In terms of treatment, 14.2% think Ruqyah can cure mental illness, 6.4% believe in treatment by religious scholars, and a similar percentage (6.4%) think no medication or treatment is necessary for mental problems. Participants overwhelmingly recognize the positive impact of serving as community health workers, citing improvements in communication, relationships with health center staff, self-confidence, and mental disorder identification. The strong bond among community health workers, likened to an extended family, emphasizes their collective importance. Additionally, the majority advocates for compassionate treatment of individuals with mental illness. These findings underscore the complex interplay of professional, communal, and cultural elements in addressing community mental health.

Knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of Latin American healthcare workers relating to antibiotic stewardship and antibiotic use: a cross-sectional multi-country study

BackgroundThe burden of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Latin America is high. Little is known about healthcare workers’ (HCWs) knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of antimicrobial stewardship (AS), AMR, and antibiotic use (AU) in the region.MethodsHCWs from 42 hospitals from 5 Latin American countries were invited to take an electronic, voluntary, anonymous survey regarding knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of AS, AMR, and AU between March–April 2023.FindingsOverall, 996 HCWs completed the survey (52% physicians, 32% nurses, 11% pharmacists, 3% microbiologists, and 2% “other”). More than 90% of respondents indicated optimizing AU was a priority at their healthcare facility (HCF), 69% stated the importance of AS was communicated at their HCF, and 23% were unfamiliar with the term “antibiotic stewardship”. Most (> 95%) respondents acknowledged that appropriate AU can reduce AMR; however, few thought AU (< 30%) or AMR (< 50%) were a problem in their HCF. Lack of access to antibiogram and to locally endorsed guidelines was reported by 51% and 34% of HCWs, respectively. Among prescribers, 53% did not consider non-physicians’ opinions to make antibiotic-related decisions, 22% reported not receiving education on how to select antibiotics based on culture results and 60% stated patients and families influence their antibiotic decisions.ConclusionsAlthough HCWs perceived improving AU as a priority, they did not perceive AU or AMR as a problem in their HCF. AS opportunities include improved access to guidelines, access to AMR/AU data, teamwork, and education on AS for HCWs and patients and families.

COVID-19 epidemiology, health services utilisation and health care seeking behaviour during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in Mweso health zone, Democratic Republic of Congo.

Although the evidence about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has increased exponentially since the beginning of the pandemic, less is known about the direct and indirect effects of the pandemic in humanitarian settings. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), most studies occurred in Kinshasa and other cities. Limited research was conducted in remote conflict-affected settings. We investigated the COVID-19 epidemiology, health service utilisation, and health care-seeking behaviour during the first year of the pandemic (March 2020-March 2021) in the Mweso health zone, North Kivu, DRC. This mixed-methods study includes a descriptive epidemiological analysis of reported COVID-19 cases data extracted from the provincial line list, interrupted time series analysis of health service utilisation using routine health service data, qualitative perceptions of health care workers about how health services were affected, and community members' health care seeking behaviour from a representative household survey and focus group discussions. The COVID-19 epidemiology in North Kivu aligns with evidence reported globally, yet case fatality rates were high due to underreporting. Testing capacity was limited and initially mainly available in the province's capital. Health service utilisation showed different patterns - child measles vaccinations experienced a decrease at the beginning of the pandemic, while outpatient consultations, malaria, and pneumonia showed an increase over time. Such increases might have been driven by insecurity and population displacements rather than COVID-19. Community members continued seeking care during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic and visited the same health facilities as before COVID-19. Financial constraints, not COVID-19, were the main barrier reported to accessing health care. The first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Mweso health zone was characterised by low testing capacity and an underestimation of reported COVID-19 infections. The increase in health care utilisation should be further explored to understand the role of factors unrelated to COVID-19, such as insecurity, population displacement, and poverty, which remain major challenges to successfully providing health services and improving the population's health. Measles vaccination coverage dropped, which exacerbated the ongoing measles outbreak. Improved decentralised testing capacity will be crucial for future epidemics and enhanced efforts to maintain child vaccination coverage.

Safety in context: routines and the effect of a balanced safety and operations focus on worker perceptions and performance

PurposeTo investigate the influence of logistics and transportation workers’ perceptions of their management’s simultaneous safety and operations focus (or lack thereof) on related worker safety and operational perceptions and behaviors.Design/methodology/approachThis multi-method research consisted of two studies. Study 1 aimed to establish correlational relationships by evaluating the impact of individual-level worker perceptions of operationally focused routines (as a moderator) on the relationship between worker perceptions of safety-related routines and workers’ self-reported safety and in-role operational behaviors using a survey. Study 2 aimed to establish causal relationships by evaluating the same conceptual relationships in a behavioral-type experiment utilizing vehicle simulators. After receiving one of four pre-task briefings, participants completed a driving task scenario in a driving simulator.FindingsIn Study 1, the relationship between perceived safety focus and safety behavior/in-role operational behavior was strengthened at higher levels of perceived operations focus. In Study 2, participants who received the balanced pre-task briefing committed significantly fewer safety violations than the other 3 treatment groups. However, in-role driving deviations were not impacted as hypothesized.Originality/valueThis research is conducted at the individual (worker) level of analysis to capture the little-known perspectives of logistics and transportation workers and explore the influence of balanced safety and operational routines from a more micro perspective, thus contributing to a deeper understanding of how balanced routines might influence worker behavior when conducting dynamic tasks to ensure safe, effective outcomes.

Good Intentions Aside: Stereotype Threat in the Face of Media Strategies to Counter Age Bias.

The current study shifts the focus of research on media's role in facilitating and inhibiting self-stereotyping among the members of stigmatized groups. More specifically, this study proposes and tests a conceptual model explaining (un)intentional effects of a real-world anti-ageism social media campaign among stereotyped targets: Older workers. Drawing on an experiment among older Dutch adults (N = 649), we test the effects of two message strategies for reducing prejudice: the media-literacy and the counter stereotypical information strategy. The results show that exposure to content warnings as well as strong counter-stereotypical message (i.e., consisting of positive exemplars and the negation of generic age stereotypes) is powerful in inhibiting implicit stereotype endorsement, ultimately boosting favourable employability perceptions of older workers. By integrating insights from the parasocial content hypothesis and stereotype threat indications, we provide a nuanced understanding of how anti-bias campaigns impact stigmatized targets, and isolate reasons for the varied effectiveness of such interventions.