Personal Factors Research Articles

Green products: purchasing intention, attitude and behaviour in the Ecuadorian market

Objective: the main objective of this study is to examine how social, personal, conspicuous, environmental and economic factors may influence the purchasing attitude of second-hand luxury products, in addition to analyzing how anonymity and authenticity warranty moderate the purchase intention of second-hand luxury, subjective norms, and perception of behavioral control, due to the increase in the second-hand luxury products market. Methodology/approach: using data collected from 301 Brazilians during the period of November 2022 and March 2023, we designed a structural model that consider the constructs: social, personal, conspicuous, environmental and economic factors, the attitude and intention to purchase second-hand luxury products, the anonymity, the authenticity warranty, the perception of behavioral control and subjective norms. Originality/value: this work tests the hypotheses that guaranteeing authenticity and anonymity increase the relationships between perceived behavioral control, subjective norms and purchase intention for the first time. This occurs because the authenticity warranty and anonymity are necessary for many consumers of used luxury items. Results: the results of the analysis show that anonymity and authenticity warranty do not increase the relationships among subjective norms and perception of behavioral control with the intention to purchase second-hand luxury items. Furthermore, environmental and personal factors do not show a positive relationship with the attitude towards purchasing second-hand luxury products. Theoretical and practical contribution: this study brings theoretical contributions by analyzing how factors influence second-hand purchase attitudes whereas it is difficult to find relevant academic studies that cover this topic. As a practical contribution, it provides guidance for companies in the first- and second-hand luxury products market to better develop marketing strategies because factors did not prove to be relevant.

Factors Affecting Career Choices of Students in Private High Schools in Ho Chi Minh City

This article comprehensively examines the factors influencing career decisions of students in private high schools in Ho Chi Minh City. Using both qualitative and quantitative research methods, the study reveals that students' career choices are shaped by personal factors, such as passion, self-assessment abilities, independence, and are strongly influenced by family, school, and social environment. The family plays a crucial role in providing guidance and financial support, enabling students to pursue desired career paths. Schools, through career counseling programs and extracurricular activities, offer opportunities for students to explore and gain a deeper understanding of the requirements of various professions. The social environment, especially the influence of media and peers, contributes to shaping career role models and industry trends. The study also indicates that in a growing economy, students increasingly consider factors such as salary, employment opportunities, and career growth potential. Consequently, the article proposes support strategies involving families, schools, and the community to foster sustainable career orientation for students, aligning with the demands of the modern labor market.

Species Diversity in Coastal Homegardens of Kerala, India: A Study Across Agro-ecological Units (AEUs)

This study examines the biodiversity of coastal homegardens in Kerala, focusing on crop and regional diversity across Agro-Ecological Units (AEUs). Using the Shannon-Weiner index, the study found crop diversity values ranging from 0.347 for tubers to 0.998 for fruits, influenced by local ecology, cultural practices, and socio-economic factors. Biodiversity indices for Courtyard, Mid-region, and Outer region were 1.117, 1.433, and 1.255, respectively, with overall biodiversity indices of 1.058, 1.159, and 1.547 for AEU 1, AEU 3, and AEU 4. Statistical analysis yielded an F value of 0.961 and a P value of 0.4345, indicating no significant difference in biodiversity indices across the regions within homegardens studied. The correlation analysis revealed significant relationships between personal and social factors of coastal homegarden farmers and biodiversity. Education, information source utilization, and economic motivation were significantly correlated with biodiversity at the 0.05 level, while market orientation showed a stronger correlation at the 0.01 level. The study underscores the need for collaborative efforts to enhance biodiversity through crop diversification, agroforestry, and support for small-scale and marginalized farmers.

The relationship between conference presentations and in-hospital mortality in patients admitted with acute myocardial infarction: A retrospective analysis using a Japanese administrative database.

Clinicians' research activities reportedly improve their healthcare performance. Presenting research at conferences may be related to improved patient care outcomes; however, few studies have investigated this relationship. Thus, we examined the association between presenting at conferences and the mortality of patients hospitalized for acute myocardial infarction. We analyzed an administrative database of acute care hospitals in Japan. The study compared patients admitted to hospitals in which physicians made at least one conference presentation during the patient's admission year (Presentation Group) with those admitted to hospitals with no conference presentations (Control group). We performed multivariable logistic regression analyses to estimate the risk of all-cause in-hospital mortality. Five models were fitted: a Crude model, unadjusted; Model 1, adjusted for personal factors, including sex, age, Killip classification, and so on; Model 2, adjusted for Model 1 plus hospital factors; Model 3 was a multilevel analysis clustered by hospital codes and adjusted for the same variables as Model 1; Model 4 was adjusted for Model 1 plus evidence-based practices through causal mediation analysis. After excluding 3,544 patients with missing Killip classification or ambulance use, data for 56,923 patients in 384 acute care hospitals were analyzed. Drug prescription in accordance with the evidence was significantly greater in the Presentation group than in the Control group. Moreover, conference presentation was significantly associated with lower in-hospital mortality in all models (Odds ratios (OR) = 0.68, 95% Confidence intervals (CIs): 0.65 to 0.72 in the Crude model; OR = 0.73, 95% CIs: 0.68 to 0.79 in Model 1; OR = 0.76, 95% CIs: 0.70 to 0.82 in Model 2; OR = 0.84, 95% CIs: 0.76 to 0.92 in Model 3; OR = 1.00, 95% CIs: 0.92 to 1.09 in Model 4). The promotion of scholarly activities such as conference presentations might improve patient outcomes through increased evidence-based practice.

A study of Work Safety Behavior of Company Employees S.K. Powerable Co., Ltd.

Background and Aims: Workplace safety behavior is critical for preventing accidents, injuries, and health risks, resulting in a safer environment for employees. It also promotes regulatory compliance, reduces downtime, and improves overall productivity and morale. This study aimed to study the safety behavior of employees of S.K. Power Able Co., Ltd. and to study the personal factors affecting the safety behavior of employees of S.K. Power Able Co., Ltd. Methodology: The sample group used in this research was 100 employees of the production and operation department. The instrument used was a questionnaire. The statistics used for data analysis were frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation.Results: The results of the study found that 1) Most of the respondents were male, aged 26-35 years, had 6-10 years of work experience, had a vocational certificate/associate degree or equivalent and were mostly permanent employees, and worked in the raw material preparation department. 2) Safety behavior of employees of the company S.K. Powerable Co., Ltd. was at a high level overall. When considering each aspect, it was found that the environment aspect had the highest mean value, followed by management aspect, and the operation aspect had the lowest mean value. 3) Comparison of work safety behaviors found that employees with different work experiences had different. Employees with different genders, ages, education levels, types of employees, and departments did not have different work safety behaviors.Conclusion: The study concluded that employees' work safety behavior at S.K. Powerable Co., Ltd. was generally positive, with the environment aspect receiving the highest rating. However, only work experience had a significant impact on safety behavior, while gender, age, education level, employee type, and department showed no discernible differences.

Exploratory Qualitative Study to Investigate Factors Influencing Men’s Utilization of Sexual and Reproductive Health Services in Kwa-Zulu Natal

Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is essential for men’s health, but a large body of research has indicated that the underutilization of most SRH services by men is a persistent issue that needs to be addressed. Men’s reluctance to access sexual and reproductive health services is one of the factors that leads to high morbidity and mortality rates among men, although their diseases may have been prevented or cured. This study aimed to explore factors that influence the decision of men who resided in men’s hostels and who accessed urology clinics in KwaZulu-Natal to seek help for their sexual and reproductive health issues. An exploratory qualitative approach was adopted using focus group discussions. We interviewed seventy-two men of ages above 15 years. The data were analyzed thematically. The Biomedical Research Ethics Committee (BREC) of UKZN granted ethical clearance (BE 347/19). Of the 72 interviewed men, thirty-three men attended urology clinics in the selected hospitals, and thirty-nine men resided in the hostels around Durban in KZN. Seven themes (lack of awareness of SRH services; participants’ reluctance to access SRH services; influence of culture and religion; lack of financial resources; influence of relationship dynamics; perceived low risk of individual sexual behaviors; and healthcare factors that discourage men from accessing SRH services) emerged from the data that were identified as barriers to SRH service utilization by men, whilst three themes (healthcare enabling factors; access to general information on SRH services; and personal motivational factors) emerged as factors that encouraged the participants to access these services. The participants’ reluctance to access SRH services was attributed to the lack of awareness of available SRH services, the influence of culture and religion, lack of financial resources, relationship dynamics, the perceived low risk of sexual behaviors for individuals, and healthcare workers’ negative attitude towards men requiring SRH services. The availability of healthcare resources, the appointment of more male healthcare workers, and more positive attitudes among healthcare workers will encourage men to utilize SRH services. The exposure of various barriers to SRH service utilization by this investigation warrants urgent attention from the government to impart knowledge about this phenomenon to men.

A Model of Death Preparedness in Patients With Advanced Cancer: A Grounded Theory Study.

Death preparedness in patients with advanced cancer is an important prerequisite for improving the quality of death. However, there are insufficient studies on death preparedness in patients with advanced cancer, and the level of death preparedness needs to be further improved. To develop a model of death preparedness in patients with advanced cancer. A qualitative approach with grounded theory was used. Data were collected between February 2024 and July 2024 in the oncology wards of the two general hospitals in Wuhan. We recruited 12 patients, 11 family members, 16 nurses and 4 doctors for semistructured interviews. Data analysis included open coding, axial coding and selective coding. The study is reported using the COREQ checklist. Death preparedness in patients with advanced cancer is a spiralling process whose core components include death awareness, emotional response, hospice programme and reflexive care, and multiple personal, interpersonal and social factors influence it. A model of death preparedness in advanced cancer patients was constructed through rooted theory, revealing its formation and change process. This model deepens the understanding of death preparedness and helps healthcare providers identify patients' preparedness status in advance to provide more targeted support and care. This personalised care enhances patients' quality of life and reduces the psychological burden on them and their families, achieving more comprehensive and humanised end-of-life care. To better understand patients' death preparedness, healthcare providers should focus on patients' cognitive, emotional, behavioural and social needs in the process of death preparation from a multifactorial perspective, and provide targeted support and assistance. No Patient or Public Contributions were included in this paper.

How Does Loss Aversion Mediate the Relationship Between Personality Traits and Efficiency of Skills in Investment Decision- Making?

This study examines how loss aversion mediates the connection between personality factors and the effectiveness of investment decision-making skills among individual investors at the Colombo Stock Exchange. This research challenges the neoclassical paradigm that presumes investor rationality. Instead, it accords with behavioural finance, which emphasizes deviations from rationality in both beliefs and preferences. Using Prospect Theory as a framework, this study examines how the five major personality traits -conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, neuroticism, and openness to experience influence investment decision-making. Analyzing data from 351 investors, a structured questionnaire and purposive sampling were used. The analysis was conducted using Structural Equation Modelling with SmartPLS4. The results demonstrate notable correlations: individuals with a higher level of openness to experience and agreeableness tend to have a positive impact on their investment decision-making, whereas extraversion, openness to experience, and conscientiousness are highly associated with loss aversion. Loss aversion plays a crucial role in connecting extraversion, conscientiousness, and openness to experience with investment decision-making. This study enhances the field of behavioural finance by providing a detailed understanding of how personality traits and loss aversion influence investing choices.

Older adults’ reasons for applying to a nursing home – a document analysis

Background Ageing in place is the social norm in Sweden, yet older adults apply for a nursing home on a daily basis which suggests that ageing in place needs further study as it is not suitable for everyone. Aim: to study descriptions of older adults’ reasons for applying to a nursing home in documents of granted nursing home decisions. Materials and methods One hundred and sixty decisions were analyzed through document analysis with a deductive content analysis using the Canadian Model of Occupational Performance-Engagement (CMOP-E) as a framework. Results Reasons for applying were represented in the three factors of the CMOP-E. In personal factors, reason for applying was e.g. connected to severe anxiety. In environmental factors, family culture had an influence in the application. In occupational factors, the ability to perform self-care and mobility greatly affected decisions to apply to nursing homes. Conclusion Descriptions of the older adults’ activities in daily life were limited. If OTs were further involved in nursing home applications, adults ageing in place could be better supported and a move to a nursing home may be prevented. Significance: this study contributes to the understanding of why older adults chose to apply to a nursing home.

Which factors influence emotional overeating among workers and students? Is online food delivery consumption involved? Results from the DELIvery Choice In OUr Society (DELICIOUS) cross-sectional study.

Emotional overeating (EO) is a complex behavior that involves consuming excessive food in response to emotions, presenting health risks due to poor dietary choices. Research indicates a notable prevalence of EO, especially among females, and its association with disordered eating behaviors like binge eating (BE). The rise of online food delivery (OFD) services has raised questions about their potential role in exacerbating EO. This study aimed to explore EO behaviors among Italian workers and students, assessing the influence of various personal, socio-demographic, and lifestyle factors, including OFD. This study is a secondary data analysis utilizing the DELICIOUS survey data, conducted nationwide through social media platforms from July 12, 2022, to February 1, 2023. Participants completed validated questionnaires, including the EO Questionnaire (EOQ-5). The sample was stratified according to worker/student status. Statistical analyses, including descriptive statistics (chi-squared tests, Mann-Whitney tests) and multivariable logistic regression, were performed to assess the influence of key variables on EO. The sample comprised 2853 workers and 898 students, with almost 75% exhibiting EO behavior above the threshold. Several factors were significantly related to a higher occurrence of EO. Positive associations included bad health literacy, female gender, occasional smoking, higher BMI, depression risk for students, and low work-life balance, job dissatisfaction, screen time while eating, and depression risk for workers. Surprisingly, OFD usage showed no relationship with EO. While some findings align with previous research, like the depression-EO link, others, such as the absence of a link between OFD and EO, were unexpected. The results suggest that personal, socio-demographic, and lifestyle factors significantly influence EO, with OFD serving more as a means of food access influenced by individual characteristics, rather than a direct EO risk factor.

Unveiling the antecedents of career sustainability in project management

Purpose Despite the significant growth of project management as a field, it remains undervalued as a recognised career path within many organisations. This study aims to address this gap by investigating the factors that contribute to the sustainability of project managers’ careers. Specifically, this research assesses the role of career motivation, organisational support and supervisor support in enhancing career sustainability. Design/methodology/approach Using a sample of 224 project managers, a conceptual model is tested using partial least squares. Findings Career motivation, supervisor support and organisational support all play crucial roles in enhancing project managers’ perception of career sustainability. Supervisor support positively influences career motivation, and the latter mediates the relationship between supervisor support and one dimension of career sustainability – resourcefulness. Besides, organisational support is positively related to resourcefulness. The model demonstrates a good explanatory power of career sustainability, especially resourcefulness. Research limitations/implications The use of a convenience sample limits generalisability. Future research should include diverse cultural contexts and longitudinal designs to better establish causal relationships. Practical implications Organisations should develop programmes to enhance project managers’ career motivation and provide tailored supervisor support. Investing in both tangible and intangible resources will help sustain their career paths. Originality/value This study advances the project management literature by integrating personal and contextual factors into a comprehensive model of career sustainability. It highlights the synergistic effects of career motivation, organisational support and supervisor support.

Medical and sociodemographic characteristics related to feeding therapy referral and service provision for preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit.

To determine the scope of feeding therapy for preterm infants in the NICU and medical and sociodemographic factors related to feeding therapy referral and service provision. Retrospective study of infants born <37 weeks gestation in a level IV NICU between January 2017 and December 2019. Among 547 infants, 27% of infants received a feeding therapy referral, and 74% of those referrals were problem-based referrals. Feeding therapy referrals were more likely among infants with lower gestational ages and birthweights (both p < 0.001). In addition, infants with greater medical complexity, who required oxygen at 36 weeks, who had a history of mechanical ventilation, and who had a higher postmenstrual age at discharge were more likely to be referred to feeding therapy (all p < 0.001). While medical factors relate to feeding therapy referrals, there are other complex person and system factors that determine feeding therapy referral and service provision.

An exploratory qualitative study of the experiences of women in volunteer non-player roles in Australian community football clubs

IntroductionWomen are underrepresented in volunteer non-player roles in community sporting clubs, particularly in traditionally male sports such as football (soccer), where participation rates for men and boys remain higher than women and girls. Experiences of women volunteering in community sporting clubs are not well-represented in research literature. By exploring women's experiences volunteering in community Australian Football clubs, the present research aimed to understand the barriers and facilitators of women's participation in volunteer non-player community sport club roles. Our intention is that our findings will provide empirical basis for the design of efficacious evidence-based interventions and initiatives to help close the gender gap of volunteerism rates and experiences, thus facilitating equal opportunities for women to access associated individual social, physical, and mental health benefits of sports volunteering.MethodWe conducted individual semi-structured interviews with six women from four Australian Football clubs, to determine barriers and facilitators to volunteering.ResultsReflexive thematic analysis of barriers generated six themes: high expectations of self, intersectionality (of gender with motherhood or race), constrained resources, interpersonal disconnection, lack of organisational support and structure, and gender role assumptions and stereotypes. Analysis of facilitators produced six themes: having or building confidence, positive reinforcement, social connection, deliberate efforts to engage women, role autonomy and shaping, and supportive culture within a club or governing body.DiscussionFindings revealed that impacts on women's development in non-player roles exist at the individual level, including the interaction of gender, race, and parental status, but also extend beyond this to personal, interpersonal, organisational, and sociocultural factors. Given our research findings we make seven recommendations for governing bodies and community football clubs to enhance volunteering gender equity: 1. Establish support for women by dividing work evenly among volunteers; 2. Provide clear descriptions of non-player roles; 3. Match the skill sets of new women volunteers to suitable roles; 4. Implement mentorship programs to aid collaboration among women who volunteer; 5. Educate communities about gender biases and assumptions; 6. Monitor and seek feedback on gendered task allocation to ensure women's unpaid labour is not disproportionate to men's; and 7. Promote and publicise women in non-player roles to enhance women's visibility and acceptance in community football clubs

Benefit Versus Risk Deliberations on Revisions, Corrections or Rejections of Manuscript Submissions: Reflections of an African Woman Scholar in Audiology

ABSTRACT The academic landscape is fraught with challenges, particularly for scholars whose identities intersect with marginalised backgrounds. This reflective paper explores the nuanced implications of revisions, corrections or rejections (RCRs) on the academic journey of a Black isiZulu-speaking African woman scholar in Audiology from South Africa. It contends that the effects of RCRs extend beyond the confines of a single manuscript, impacting the scholar’s sense of self, existence within the academic realm, and the deliberate ‘cancelling’ of one’s knowledge. Focusing on the unique challenges faced by African scholars, particularly the perceived emphasis on publishing as a measure of belonging, the paper employs a benefit-risk evaluation lens. This approach delves into the complex interaction between personal and environmental factors, shedding light on the multifaceted considerations that African scholars grapple with to establish their presence within the academic sphere. The paper outlines the well-known ‘publish or perish’ phenomenon, emphasising the hypercompetitive nature of the academic and research environment. Peer review, considered a critical component in the publication process, is explored for its role in quality assurance. However, the paper contends that the peer review process can inadvertently perpetuate inequalities, especially for scholars from underrepresented backgrounds. Thematic analysis of reviewer reports from papers I recently submitted forms the core of the paper. Seven emergent themes, such as the influence of proximity to native English speakers and the dominance of Western narratives, illustrate the challenges I faced in both local and international journals. Notably, the paper provides direct quotes exemplifying each theme, offering a very personalised perspective on the adversities encountered during the publication journey. The paper situates the field of audiology within the broader context of institutional and systemic racism, highlighting the underrepresentation of certain racial groups within the profession. It argues that this underrepresentation extends to knowledge generation and publishing, perpetuating the normalisation of Euro-American-centric norms and the exoticisation of Afrocentric standards. The reflective paper concludes by asserting that epistemological racism, intertwined with individual and institutional racism, stifles my pursuit of decolonisation and Africanisation of speech-language and hearing knowledge and practice. It contends that the peer review process, often Euro-American-centric, contributes to the silencing and exclusion of diverse knowledges, hindering local knowledge development and intellectual practices. In navigating the academic minefield, the paper calls for a re-evaluation of existing norms and practices within the peer review process to create a more inclusive and equitable academic environment for scholars with diverse backgrounds.

The Pathway to Startup Success: A Comprehensive Systematic Review of Critical Factors and the Future Research Agenda in Developed and Emerging Markets

Notwithstanding the benefits derived from successful startup firms in the contemporary entrepreneurial landscape, for many startup firms, the pathway to success is extremely challenging; unfortunately, the failure rate is globally high. The aim of this article is to review empirical contributions regarding startup firms and provide a comprehensive analysis of the factors influencing their success in developed and emerging markets. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a systematic search was undertaken within the Web of Science database, encompassing studies published between 2004 and 2024, which were analyzed. The PRISMA framework is preferred because it stands out from other guidelines due to its transparent and complete reporting and evidence-based recommendations. This work also employed aggregate impact estimation to rank the relative importance of each success factor regarding the success of startups. This article offers a comprehensive analysis of 24 success factors extracted from a systematic review of 48 empirical studies conducted on the subject. We prioritized each success factor according to their relative impact on the success of startup firms. These were classified as personal (entrepreneurial vision and leadership, adaptability, networking), organizational (team building, financial and resource management, innovation, strategy and marketing) and environmental factors (government support and dynamism of political, economic and cultural environment). The findings underscore the importance of a holistic approach that considers both internal and external factors in fostering startup success. However, it is essential to acknowledge that not all factors exert comparable effects on success; certain factors wield a substantial influence, whereas others demonstrate a significant yet lesser impact. Several conclusions and implications for startup founders, government policymakers and startup firm researchers are derived.

Chocolate intake and risk of type 2 diabetes: prospective cohort studies

ObjectiveTo prospectively investigate the associations between dark, milk, and total chocolate consumption and risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in three US cohorts.DesignProspective cohort studies.SettingNurses’ Health Study (NHS; 1986-2018), Nurses’...

Personal and workplace factors influencing the resilience of nurses caring for women with cervical cancer in a resource-constrained setting in Ghana.

Cervical cancer has been identified as the fourth most common form of malignancy affecting and killing women globally. Nurses caring for cervical cancer patients are exposed to emotional and psychological distress due to late presentation and the burden of care. Resilience has been identified as one of the effective ways of helping nurses to cope well with the stress of oncology nursing, but this remains undetermined in Ghana. This study explored personal and workplace factors influencing the resilience of nurses caring for women diagnosed with advanced cervical cancer (stage III and IV) in a resource-constrained setting in Ghana. Using a qualitative approach, we recruited twenty nurses and midwives who had worked for a year and above caring for advanced-stage cervical cancer patients at the national referral hospital in Ghana. We conducted in-depth interviews between July, 2022 to September, 2022 which were audio-taped with participants' consent. Transcription was done verbatim, and analysis conducted using thematic analysis approach with the aid of NVivo 10.0. The results revealed experience as a safety toolkit, inherent desire to help/care for the patient, emotional numbness and maintaining professional outlook as personal factors influencing resilience among the participants. Regarding the workplace factors influencing resilience, we identified the main theme of demands of caregiving for advanced cervical cancer patients with the following sub-themes; severity of cases managed, nature of care rendered, activities of care given, reshuffling, schedules and gender mirroring as an exacerbator of psychological suffering. Resilience among nurses and midwives caring for terminally ill cervical cancer patients is influenced by longer years of service, intrinsic motivation to work as a nurse, and the defense strategy of emotional numbness and professionalism at the individual level. Also, the huge demand of caregiving serves as a major workplace factor affecting the resilience of nurses and midwives. We recommend strategies such as regular ward conferences and in-service trainings aimed at enhancing job-experience, inherent desire to render care and professionalism be adopted in resource-constrained settings to improve nurses' resilience. In addition, political actors and management of hospitals must prioritize allocation of resources for advanced cervical cancer care with particular focus on providing more specialized nurses and midwives.

Underlying Personality Factors Behind Experiencing Shame, Guilt and Remorse

Underlying Personality Factors Behind Experiencing Shame, Guilt and Remorse

Factors associated with predicting knee pain using knee X-ray and personal factors: A multivariate logistic regression and XGBoost model analysis from the Nationwide Korean Database (KNHANES).

With increasing life expectancy, knee pain has become more prevalent, highlighting the need for early prediction. Although X-rays are commonly used for diagnosis, knee pain and X-ray findings do not always match. This study aims to identify factors contributing to knee pain in individuals with both normal and abnormal knee X-ray results to bridge the gap between X-ray findings and knee pain. Data from the fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), collected from 2010 to 2012, including data from 5,191 participants, were analyzed. The focus was on epidemiological characteristics, medical histories, knee pain, and X-ray grades. Multivariate logistic regression and extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) models were used to predict knee pain in individuals with normal and abnormal knee X-rays, categorized by Kellgren-Lawrence grades. For normal X-rays, the logistic regression model identified aging, being female, higher BMI, lower fat percentage, osteoporosis, depression, and rural living as factors associated with knee pain. The XGBoost model highlighted BMI, age, and sex as key predictors, with a feature importance >0.1. For abnormal X-rays, logistic regression indicated that aging, being female, higher BMI, osteoporosis, depression, and rural living were associated with knee pain. The XGBoost model highlighted age, BMI, sex, and osteoporosis as key predictors, with a feature importance >0.1. Aging and being female were associated with knee pain due to hormonal changes in women, as well as cartilage and bone deterioration. Lower fat percentage was significantly associated with increased pain, which might be attributable to higher activity levels. Higher BMI and osteoporosis were significantly associated with knee pain, possibly due to increased stress and reduced resistance on knee structures, respectively. Depression was identified as a key predictor of knee pain in patients with normal X-rays, potentially attributable to psychosomatic factors. The study's limitations include its cross-sectional nature, which does not allow for the establishment of causal relationships, the lack of detailed medical history such as trauma history, and recall bias due to self-reported questionnaires. Future research should address these limitations to support our hypothesis.

Estudio del Desarrollo Vocacional, Autoeficacia y Expectativas de Resultado en Estudiantes de Educación con y sin Discapacidad

Introduction. Drawing on Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT), this study examines the academic development process of university students. According to the model, self-efficacy and outcome expectations are key constructs in SCCT, shaped by personal factors and predispositions, such as disability, gender, and race. Method. The sample comprised 299 students enrolled in the Bachelor's Degree programs in Primary Education and Early Childhood Education at the University of Granada. The measurement instruments utilized in the study included the University Biodata Questionnaire (Rocabert et al., 2007), the Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale (Baessler &amp; Schwarzer, 1996), and the Academic Outcome Expectations Scale (Zalazar-Jaine &amp; Cupani, 2018). Results. The study variables demonstrated a direct relationship among them. Validation tests were conducted due to the adaptation of one of the instruments, highlighting its suitability for the study. No differences were observed in vocational development levels, self-efficacy, or outcome expectations between students with and without disabilities. Differences were found concerning the sex variable in terms of self-efficacy and outcome expectations, but not in relation to effective vocational development. Discussion or Conclusión. While the overall scores of the combined sample did not show significant differences in comparison, factors such as vocational interest periods, perceived barriers to study completion, satisfaction with the chosen career, and extrinsic or intrinsic academic outcome expectations exhibited notable variations between the two groups. The exploratory nature of the study is emphasized, along with the potential biases within the sample regarding disability and gender.