Pilot Questionnaire Research Articles

STAFF MOTIVATION IN THE PROVISION OF QUALITY EDUCATION IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN BUNDA DISTRICT, TANZANIA

This study dealt with staff motivation in the provision of quality education in primary schools in Bunda District, Tanzania. Despite the efforts by the government, NGOs, parents and other stakeholders in promoting quality education, the quality of education in Bunda primary schools, in particular, is still a challenge. It employed a descriptive survey research design. The target population was 109 primary schools, 1290 teachers, 2450 parents and 1 district education officer. The researcher used 30% to get a sample size of 28 out of 109 head teachers. The researcher also considered using Saunders, Philip, and Adrian's (2003) table to get a representative sample of 278 teachers from the population of 1290 and 370 parents from 24650, respectively. Data collection instruments were questionnaires and interview schedules. Validity was established by giving the instruments to the experts in the Department of Education Administration Planning and Economics of Kisii University to ascertain. The reliability was ascertained by a pilot study conducted in the same district among the head teachers who were not included in the final study population. From the schools where the five head teachers were stationed 10 teachers were randomly selected for the pilot study, and 13 parents were also randomly selected. Split-Half technique was employed for the test. Pilot questionnaires were divided into two equivalent halves, and their correlation coefficient for the two halves was computed using the Spearman-Brown prophecy formula, describing the internal consistency of the test and then showing that the instrument was reliable. A correlation coefficient of 0.70 was obtained and recommended as reliable. The findings revealed that 16 (57.1 %) of headteachers reported that pupils are motivated by the provision of certificates whenever they do anything exemplary, while 12 (49.9 %) indicated that they are motivated by providing them with special meals. The study concluded that motivation was done by rewarding performing head teachers and staff in various ways. The study recommended that motivation by rewarding performing head teachers, staff and pupils be encouraged in various ways. The researcher sought permission from the National Council for Science Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI) through Kisii University as required. The researcher equally got permission from the Bunda District Education Officer. The respondents were assured of strict confidentiality. The researcher acknowledged all sources referred to so as to avoid plagiarism.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0745/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Acceptance of Virtual Reality Simulation Training for Stoma Care by Healthcare Providers: A Pilot Questionnaire Study After Viewing Prototype Imagings.

Educational simulation systems using virtual reality (VR) with head-mounted devices are spreading into the medical field. We developed an innovative training system whereby experienced ostomates can share their proficient stoma self-care techniques with novice ostomates through VR simulations, enabling anytime, anywhere learning. We examined the questionnaire study to assess the acceptance of VR simulation training for stoma care by healthcare providers. This study was conducted for the participants, nurses, and doctors, at the 39th Kyushu Stoma Rehabilitation Research Meeting with the organizer's permission. We created two VR simulation prototypes from the perspective of ostomates and caregivers using modeled stomas. We conducted a qualitative study through a questionnaire with healthcare professionals regarding their experiences of viewing VR videos. The study included 20 (52.6%) nurses certified in wound, ostomy, and continence (WOC) care, 16 (42.1%) non-WOC nurses, and two (5.3%) medical doctors. Over 90% of participants showed a positive inclination towards the practical application of the system in clinical settings for both scenarios. A significantly higher number of nurses in the non-WOC nurse group expressed a definite interest in using the imaging from the ostomate's perspective versus that in the WOC nurse group (81.3% vs. 40%, P=0.013). From this survey, we concluded that the respondents felt a VR training system was a positive experience, to say it is acceptable means that it was as good as the standard of care. ​​​​​​Particularly, non-WOC nurses, with fewer opportunities in stoma care compared to WOC nurses, showed stronger interest in practically implementing this innovative training system.

Study protocol for the development and validation of a questionnaire evaluating predisposition to immunosuppressant medication non-adherence of kidney pre-transplant patients. The KATITA project.

Non-adherence to immunosuppressive medication after kidney transplant is an important cause of graft rejection and loss. Approaches to minimization of non-adherence have focused on the identification of episodes of medication non-adherence, but by then irreparable harm to the graft may already have occurred, and a more effective approach would be to adopt preventive measures in patients who may have difficulty in adhering to medication. The aim of this study protocol is to develop and validate a clinical questionnaire for assessing, in kidney transplant candidate patients in the pre-transplant setting, the predisposition to non-adherence to immunosuppressive medication. In this multicenter, prospective study, a pilot questionnaire in Brazilian Portuguese language, composed of Likert-scaled statements expressing patients' beliefs, behaviors and barriers regarding medication taking will be assembled from a literature review, from focus groups, and an expert panel. The pilot questionnaire will be administered to a minimum of 300 patients in kidney transplant waiting lists and exploratory factor analysis will be used for development of the definitive questionnaire. A random subsample of a minimum of 60 patients will have the scale re-administered after one month for evaluation of test-retest reliability. A multicenter, external validation study will include 364 kidney transplant candidates who will be evaluated immediately before surgery and at months 3, 6 and 12 post-transplant for assessment of concurrent validity, by comparison with two scales that assess medication non-adherence, and for determination of predictive validity using a triangulation method for assessment of medication non-adherence. Structural validity will be assessed with confirmatory factor analysis using structural equation modeling. Cross-cultural generalizability and validity will be assessed by a multicenter study, in which a translation of the scale to another language will be administered to kidney transplant candidate patients from a different culture, with a subsample being selected for test-retest. This study will be conducted in Spain with a Spanish translation of the scale.

What Types of Continuing Professional Development Training Courses Do Healthcare Assistants Employed in Community Care Settings Think Should Be Conducted Face-To-Face or Online?

Aim: This study was undertaken to explore what types of continuing professional development (CPD) clinical training courses Healthcare Assistants think should be conducted by face-to-face or online methods. Methodology: A purpose-built piloted questionnaire was utilised to collect data. A total of 71 completed questionnaires were included in the data analysis. The participants were all consenting adults aged between 20 - 61 years. Results: The face-to-face learning method was thought of as the preferred method by 45/71 (63%) of the participants while 9/71 (14%) of the participants thought of online learning as their preferred method. Interestingly, 17/71 (23%) thought of blended learning as their preferred method. Among 20 popular CPD courses, participants preferred 16/20 (80%) for the face-to-face training method and 3/20 (15%) of the courses for online training methods. There was an equal preference for 1/20 (5%) course. Conclusion: The face-to-face training/learning method remains the dominant preference for HCAs, but online training/learning is gaining popularity, especially among younger computer-literate learners. A blend of the two methods may satisfy proponents of traditional teacher-centric training/learning styles on one hand and those supporting digitally aided student-centric training/learning on the other.

Design for community happiness—an approach and framework

The paper addresses the emerging notion of “happiness” and “community happiness” as means and an objective in site planning and community design highlighting its complexities and illusive nature in terms of scope, aspects, and components to formulate a conceptual “framework” and a design tool for monitoring, enhancing, and developing community happiness, in limited scale urban settings. The research presents and follows the proposition that “happiness” is inherently addressed in site planning and design processes and the closely related notions and drives of “sustainable development” and “quality of life”. The design for the “community happiness” framework is formulated through a sequence of relational matrices, for “happiness”, “sustainable development”, and “quality of life”, each comprising selected international approaches and agendas, related indicators, and key aspects, physical, and non-physical, emphasizing similarities and overlapping. The proposed “framework” and underlying propositions were validated through a pilot questionnaire, targeting a sample of specialists, and practicing academics. The participants generally accepted the research key propositions, adopted the method and the proposed “framework”, and interacted with them, emphasizing the relative weights of the selected “happiness” key indicators and relations to site planning elements, and criteria. The relative importance of the design criteria, the related “happiness” indicators, and the likely products, as well as the cost of achieving “happiness” deserve to be further addressed, in future research.

Changes in attitudes towards telemedicine in acute burn care following the Covid-19 pandemic

BackgroundTelemedical referrals after burn injury had been shown to be advantageous over telephone referrals for multiple reasons, however there were several key barriers towards complete implementation. The Covid-19 pandemic facilitated the adoption of telemedicine to ensure the safety of both clinicians and patients. Due to the circumstances, it was unclear whether the pre-pandemic barriers still existed despite the complete implementation of telemedicine. This study aims to evaluate clinicians’ views about the barriers towards implementation of a specific telemedicine system for burns referrals, and their changing attitudes following the pandemic, to identify key domains for improvement in current and future telemedicine systems. MethodsA questionnaire was created to evaluate the attitudes of referring clinicians towards telemedicine, following literature searches and administration of a pilot questionnaire. This was administered via telephone to staff working in EDs and MIUs which referred to the South-West United Kingdom Burns Network using the Medical Data Solutions and Services (MDSAS) system, in both 2019 and 2022. A statistical analysis was performed to compare the attitudes of clinicians towards telemedicine both pre- and post-pandemic. Results100 respondents completed the survey in 2019 and 70 in 2022, with similar demographics of respondents. Out of the twelve barriers identified, the lack of reliable Wi-Fi and need to duplicate notes were identified as the main obstacles to implementation in both time periods. In both years, the single greatest barrier reported was poor access to reliable Wi-Fi (p = 0.944). Miscommunication between clinicians using the system, inadequate numbers of devices and financial constraints were identified less frequently as barriers in 2022 than 2019 (p = 0.005, p = 0.047 and p < 0.001 respectively). However, significantly more respondents reported time pressures when waiting for a response to their telemedicine referral in 2022 (p = 0.022). ConclusionOverall, clinicians displayed a positive attitude towards the MDSAS system for acute burns, with clinicians identifying fewer concerns with the system following the Covid-19 pandemic. However, concerns over the time pressures that this telemedicine system places on the referring clinician and existing Wi-Fi infrastructure persist. Further streamlining of the system and investment in internet access is recommended, with continued input from all stakeholders.

The Effectiveness of a Cell Phone eHealth App in Changing Knowledge, Stigmatizing Attitudes, and Intention to Seek Help Associated With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Pilot Questionnaire Study.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a disabling disorder associated with high interference in people's lives. However, patients with OCD either do not seek help or delay seeking help. Research suggests that this could be explained by poor mental health literacy about the disorder and the associated stigma. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of a mental health mobile app, esTOCma, developed to improve knowledge about OCD and its treatment, increase help-seeking intention, and reduce stigmatizing attitudes and social distance associated with OCD. We used preintervention, postintervention, and 3-month follow-up assessments in this single-arm pilot intervention. Overall, 90 participants were recruited from the community using the snowball sampling method. We used esTOCma to defeat the "stigma monster" over the course of 10 missions. The participants completed the sociodemographic information and Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised at preassessment and an acceptability questionnaire at postassessment. All other measures were completed at the preassessment, postassessment, and 3-month follow-up (ie, the Spanish Mental Illness Stigma Attribution Questionnaire-27, the General Help-Seeking Questionnaire, the Social Distance Scale, and the Mental Health Literacy Questionnaire). Of the 90 participants from the community that were assessed for eligibility, 86% (n=78) were allocated to intervention. Of these 78 participants, 79% (n=62) completed the game and answered the postintervention assessment (completer group). Overall, 69% (43/62) of the participants also completed the 3-month follow-up assessment. The participants completing the study were older (P=.003) and had a higher baseline knowledge of OCD (P=.05). The participants took an average of 13.64 (SD 10.50) days to complete the intervention, including the pre- and postassessments. The participants spent an average of 4.56 (SD 3.33) days completing the 10 missions included in the app. Each mission took a mean of between 2 (SD 3.01) and 9.35 (SD 3.06) minutes. The app was rated as useful or very useful by the vast majority of participants 90% (56/62). Moreover, 90% (56/62) of the participants reported that they had learned or learned a lot, and 98% (61/62) of the participants reported that they would recommend the app to a friend. Repeated measures ANOVA (43/62, 69%) showed that after the intervention participants showed an increased knowledge of mental health and intention to seek help as well as fewer stigmatizing attitudes and less social distance. Preliminary data show that esTOCma is a feasible and acceptable app, and after completing its 10 missions, there is an increase in the understanding of OCD and help-seeking intention along with a decrease in the social stigma and social distance associated with OCD that lasts for at least 3 months. The results support the potential of technology-based interventions to increase the intention to seek help and reduce the stigma associated with OCD. A larger, community-controlled study is also recommended.

P258 Correlation between patient-reported disease activity, physician’s global assessment and quality of life in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Abstract Background As a chronic disease, patients’ perspectives on their disease status and quality of life is an essential part of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) management. Patient reported outcomes should be the standard of measure for signs and symptoms evaluation. We aimed to evaluate the correlation between patients’ self-assessment of disease activity, activity scores and the physician’s global assessment. Methods A unicentric cross-sectional study was conducted. The Short Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (SIBDQ) was administered to consecutively evaluated IBD patients in the outpatient setting. Additionally, a pilot questionnaire containing items related to disease activity was also applied to both the patients and the attending physician. Disease activity was categorized as remission, mild, moderate, or severe. Remission was defined as Harvey Bradshaw Index (HBI) ≤ 4 for Crohn's disease or Mayo Clinic Subscore (MCS) ≤ 2 for ulcerative colitis. Correlations between patient's perspective on disease activity, attending physician’s global assessment, activity scores and patient's quality of life were assessed using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. Results A total of 105 patients were included (female: 52%; mean age: 44±15 years), of whom 68% had Crohn's disease. 71% percent of patients were receiving biological therapy (table 1). A quarter of the patients (n=27) perceived their disease to be in remission, of whom 56% were indeed in deep remission and 19% in endoscopic remission (table 1). A statistically significant positive correlation was observed between patient self-assessment and HBI scores (mean=2.5±6.5 points, r=0.400, p=0.001) and MCS scores (mean=3.4±4.0 points, r=0.574, p&amp;lt;0.001). Among patients who did not consider themselves in remission, 42% rated the activity of their disease as mild, 23% as moderate, and 9% as severe. The attending physician assessed 26% with mild disease, 22% with moderate disease, and 18% with severe disease (table 1). There was a statistically significant positive correlation between patient and physician assessments (r=0.374; p&amp;lt;0.001). The mean score on the SIBDQ was 28±11 points (table 1), and a statistically significant positive correlation was found between patient self-assessment of disease activity and the SIBDQ (r=0.508, p&amp;lt;0.001). Conclusion These observational data suggest a weak correlation between patient-reported disease activity and the physician’s global assessment. Divergent perceptions of disease activity between patients and physicians may compromise patient-engagement. Furthermore, the moderate correlation observed with overall quality of life supports the importance of alignment patients and physicians to improve the quality of care provided.

Development of the impact of tinnitus in children questionnaire (iTICQ)

IntroductionTinnitus is a common disorder of the auditory system. Questionnaires are essential tools for clinical assessment and research. Whilst many questionnaires are available to measure different aspects of tinnitus complaint in adults, there is currently no self-report questionnaire measure of tinnitus that has been developed for or is suitable for use with children. This study describes the development of the first self-report measure of tinnitus impact for children aged 8–16 years old.MethodsTwo phases of questionnaire development were conducted. In Phase 1 children's tinnitus-related problems were elicited from interviews with children with tinnitus (n = 11; aged 9–16 years old), parents (n = 5), and clinicians (n = 8). Interview transcripts were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Findings were combined with problems identified by the clinical co-authors, researchers, and clinicians in a conference workshop, and those previously reported in service evaluation of UK National Health Service pediatric tinnitus services and in a scoping review. From this, a conceptual framework of tinnitus impact on health-related quality of life in children was developed. Based on the conceptual framework, a 38-item pilot questionnaire was drafted. In Phase 2, content validity of the pilot questionnaire was assessed in cognitive interviews with six children who had tinnitus (aged 8–15 years old) and an online survey with clinicians working in pediatric tinnitus services (n = 8 services and 28 clinicians). Finally, readability assessments were conducted. Feedback led to iterative revisions to the questionnaire. The final questionnaire was named the Impact of Tinnitus in Children Questionnaire (iTICQ).ResultsThe iTICQ contains three scene setting (non-scoring) items, and 33 scoring items covering six domains of tinnitus impact: Sleep and Feeling Tired, Learning, Emotional Health, Hearing and Listening, Taking Part, and Relationships.ConclusionsThe iTICQ is a new self-report measure of tinnitus impact that can be self-completed by children aged 8–16 years old. It shows good content validity and can be used to measure problem severity across the domains of core relevance to children with tinnitus. Further validation studies and translations of the iTICQ are indicated to determine its psychometric properties in different child populations and to make it widely accessible.

Molar incisor hypomineralisation: Teaching and assessment across the undergraduate dental curricula in the UK.

No consensus exists on how molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) should be covered by the undergraduate dental curricula. To assess the current teaching and assessment of MIH in the UK. A piloted questionnaire regarding the teaching and assessment of MIH was disseminated to paediatric, restorative and orthodontic teaching leads in each UK dental school (n = 16). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-squared and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Response rates from paediatric, restorative and orthodontic teams were 75% (n = 12), 44% (n = 7) and 54% (n = 8), respectively. Prevention of caries, preformed metal crowns, anterior resin composites and vital bleaching were taught significantly more by paediatric teams (p = .006). Quality of life and resin infiltration were absent from restorative teaching. Orthodontic teaching focussed on the timing of first permanent molar extractions. Paediatric teams were mainly responsible for assessment. Risk factors, differential diagnoses for MIH and defining clinical features were more likely to be assessed by paediatric teams than by others (p = .006). All specialities reported that students were prepared to manage MIH. Molar incisor hypomineralisation is primarily taught and assessed by paediatric teams. No evidence of multidisciplinary or transitional teaching/assessment existed between specialities. Developing robust guidance regarding MIH learning in the UK undergraduate curricula may help improve consistency.

Dietary intake and associated risk factors among pregnant women in Mbeya, Tanzania.

Poor dietary intake among pregnant women has serious detrimental consequences for pregnancy and offspring both in developed and developing countries. This study aimed to assess dietary intake and associated risk factors among pregnant women. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Mbeya, Tanzania with a sample size of 420 pregnant women attending antenatal clinics to assess the factors associated with dietary intake. Dietary intake was assessed using a piloted questionnaire of the Prime Diet Quality Score. A tested standard questionnaire was also used to collect factors that are associated with dietary intake among pregnant women. The strengths of the associations between the dependent and independent variables were tested using the Pearson chi-square tests and the multivariate log-binomial regression method was performed to calculate the adjusted risk ratios (ARR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). The study revealed that out of 420 pregnant women who participated in this study only 12.6% and 29.3% consumed at least four servings of fruits and vegetables per week respectively. Poor dietary intakes were less likely among cohabiting pregnant women [Adjusted RR 0.22 (95% CI 0.09-0.50)] and; those who reported taking Fansidar tablets during the pregnancy [Adjusted RR 0.55 (95% CI 0.31-0.96)]. Further, we found that poor dietary intakes were more likely among pregnant women who were classified as overweight and obesity by the MUAC above 33cm [Adjusted RR 3.49 (95% CI 1.10-11.06)]. The study results affirm that cohabitation and obesity affect dietary intakes among pregnant women differently compared to married women in rural settings of Tanzania. Further research is needed to investigate the social aspects that link dietary intake outcomes for developing a tailored gestational intervention to improve maternal and birth outcomes in sub-Saharan African countries.

Gender diversity on corporate boards: importance of female traits/characteristics as perceived by university students

PurposeThis study aims to contribute to the literature on board gender diversity by soliciting university students' views on several perceptions raised by academics concerning the suitability of women to serve on corporate boards. In particular, if the opinions of male students differ from those of female students, this showing any gender bias.Design/methodology/approachThe study is part of a much more comprehensive investigation into board gender diversity. It adopts a questionnaire approach, with this paper focussing on twelve research statements. Two hundred and ninety-six university students completed the questionnaires at a public university in the Czech Republic during March–April 2023. A pilot questionnaire was conducted in February 2023, resulting in minor changes being made. The data is analysed using SPSS and MedCalc® statistical software.FindingsWhilst, in some respects, it supports the literature in relation to the observations highlighted in the research statements concerning female traits/characteristics, there is unmistakable evidence of gender bias in the respondents' opinions regarding the qualities women can bring to corporate boards. Overall, this research shows a negative bias by male respondents towards the positive attributes females can bring to the boardroom. This bias may influence the selection of female directors in the future. This research suggests that the apparent discrimination against women is not just because they are female but from a perceived mismatch between inferred female characteristics and male stereotype leadership requirements. There is, however, no gender bias with respect to students' leadership aspirations.Practical implicationsThe findings of this research should help with policy-making decisions concerning the selection of future corporate board directors and help break down any negative gender selection bias. The paper adds to the discussion and debate about ethical issues related to business and broader society concerning gender diversity in senior management roles. It also adds to the political debate on the issue of legislative gender initiatives.Originality/valueThe research respondents' perceptions may well influence the decision-making process for the selection of future corporate directors. Whilst these current perceptions may, and invariably will, change over time, it is important to identify them at an early stage in the respondents' careers. This research gives a better understanding of the perceived qualities that women bring to corporate boards from an inexperienced perspective.

Clinical pattern and outcome of hematuria in children – A prospective follow-up study from South India

Background: Hematuria is defined by the presence of an increased number of red blood cells (RBCs) in the urine. It can be visible or apparent only on microscopic analysis of urine which many times is an incidental finding. The prevalence of microscopic hematuria is 4–5% in routine clinical practice in children of 6–12 years of age. The pediatrician is the first person who comes in contact with children having microscopic or gross hematuria. Updated knowledge of clinical patterns and their outcomes will help improve the management of children with hematuria. Aim and Objective: The aim and objectives are to study the outcome of hematuria in children attending SAT Hospital, Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective follow-up study of 100 children admitted with hematuria in our hospital whose ages were between 1 month and 12 years. A preformed and piloted questionnaire was used. Clinical history and examinations were done. Relevant investigations and follow-up assessments were done for 1 year. Biopsy was done for 35 patients by an experienced pediatric nephrologist. Results: Among the 100 children presented with hematuria, 24 had prior renal disease whereas 76 children did not have any pre-existing renal disease. Both were followed up for 1 year. 80% (45) of those without prior renal involvement cleared of hematuria by 1 year and 20% had persistent renal impairment. In the other group with prior renal problems, 75% (15) showed persistent renal problems. School-going children (57%) were mostly affected with female preponderance (30%). The most common etiology was acute post-infectious glomerulonephritis (60%), and the next most common seems to be IgA nephropathy (23%) followed by SLE (17%) Conclusion: Eighty percent of hematuria was found to be resolved completely after 1 year. The remaining 20% has to be carefully evaluated including renal biopsy when indicated. This will help the clinician to provide better care for sick babies with hematuria.

Perceptions of Artificial Intelligence Among Otolaryngologists in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Otolaryngology has experienced notable advancements and growth in the application of artificial intelligence (AI). However, otolaryngologists' perception of these tools are lacking. This study aims to assess the knowledge and attitudes of otolaryngologists toward AI. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 110 otolaryngologists in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. A piloted questionnaire was used to gather information on knowledge, attitude, and opinions regarding AI. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 26. Of the sample, 60% indicated average perceived knowledge of AI, while approximately 44.5% perceived their AI knowledge in the field of otolaryngology to be below average. A significant positive correlation was identified between knowledge and attitude scores. It was found that a higher knowledge score was more closely associated with seeing more than 15 patients per day, while a higher attitude score was more closely associated with being older, being a consultant, and having more years of professional experience. Of the sample, 38.2% strongly agreed that the application of AI in scientific research should be included in the residency training program. These findings underscore the importance of incorporating AI tools into certain aspects of the otolaryngology residency training program, highlighting their significance.

Factors Related to Client Satisfaction with Community Based Health Insurance Services During COVID-19 Pandemic in Central Uganda: A Mixed Methods Healthcare Facility Based Study.

During the COVID-19 lockdowns, healthcare services were disrupted and community-based health insurance (CBHI) schemes could not operate efficiently. This study assessed the level of client satisfaction with CBHI schemes, associated factors, and service provider perspectives in central Uganda. This was an explanatory sequential mixed-methods (quantitative - qualitative) study that was conducted between March and September 2021. In the first phase, a cross-sectional study among the 365 clients of the CBHI schemes who were aged ≥18 years old. The participants were recruited consecutively as they reported to the healthcare facility. Quantitative data were collected at patient exit using a piloted semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. In the second phase, qualitative data were collected through 11 key informant interviews. These data were analyzed using a deductive thematic analysis approach. Modified Poisson regression was used to assess factors associated with client satisfaction and a p-value ≤0.05 at a 95% confidence interval was considered to be statistically significant. Of the total number of participants, 38.9% (142/365) were "satisfied" with the CBHI services. Less satisfaction was associated with secondary level of education or above (adjPR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.36-0.85, P=.007); residing beyond 16 kilometers from the healthcare facility (adjPR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.41-0.95, P=.014); staying on the scheme for over 3 years (adjPR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.51-0.99, P=.046); and good knowledge about the CBHI (adjPR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.58-0.99, P=.040). Irregular availability of healthcare workers and long waiting time affected client satisfaction. Satisfaction was considerably low during the lockdown. Lockdowns due to pandemics interrupt healthcare services and subsequently affect the satisfaction of CBHI clients with scheme services. Scheme managers need to identify facilities that are closer to enrolees and invest in technologies that reduce waiting time in the healthcare facility.

Gender diversity on corporate boards: perceptions on quotas

PurposeThis paper aims to seek the perceptions of potential future corporate managers and directors on the issues raised in the literature, especially recent articles in the corporate communications literature, concerning corporate board gender quotas. It focusses on the Czech Republic, where research on board gender diversity is sparse.Design/methodology/approachThe study is part of much more comprehensive research into board gender diversity. It adopts a questionnaire approach, with this paper focussing on 13 research statements. A Likert Scale of 1–4 (Strongly Agree; Agree; Disagree; Strongly Disagree) was applied to the perceived views expressed. The questionnaires were completed by university students at a public university in the Czech Republic during March–April 2023. A pilot questionnaire was conducted in February 2023, resulting in minor changes being made. The data is analysed using SPSS and MedCalc® statistical software.FindingsThere is overwhelming opposition to quotas, even from women. The opinions expressed by the respondents to this research, in many respects, support the literature, but there is unmistakable evidence of gender bias. Regarding the positive female benefits of quotas, male respondents disagreed; regarding the negative issues of quotas, male respondents agreed more than their female counterparts.Practical implicationsThe research findings have important implications for how women recruited through quotas may be received onto corporate boards – what challenges will they likely face? Some current female candidates for directorship, who would have been selected on merit and perceived as such by their male counterparts, may now be hesitant to apply for such positions if they are seen as being appointed due to quotas. Therefore, the selection procedure must continue to be based on merit and seen as such.Originality/valueOne of the important aspects of the paper is that it focusses on a country that has, until recently, resisted pressures to implement mandatory corporate board gender quotas; in this respect, it has a corpus of originality and value. The Czech Republic and other European countries will also be affected by the recent EU law on gender balance or corporate boards. The paper also highlights the perceptions of potential future directors on various issues of board gender quotas.

Inappropriate behaviours in a dental training environment: pilot of a UK-wide questionnaire.

Incivility and inappropriate behaviour in the workplace are topics of growing interest due to their impact on patient care and safety. Several surveys and campaigns have emerged highlighting the existence of a problem. However, the true scale is difficult to ascertain. The aim of this study is to determine the existence of inappropriate behaviours within the UK dental training environment.An anonymous pilot questionnaire was distributed across multiple platforms reaching out to dental professionals within training environments, inviting responses between July 2022 and October 2022. A total of 215 responses were received. The vast majority (73.2%) felt that inappropriate behaviour is a problem within UK dental training. Senior colleagues were identified as perpetrators in 88% of responses. Most respondents (66%) reported feeling uncomfortable raising the issue, and when raised, 30% felt unsupported. Only 9% felt confident that action was taken after the issue was reported. Belittling was experienced and witnessed most commonly.The feedback received reveals the existence of inappropriate behaviours within dental training environments. Qualitative feedback indicates that if left unaddressed, the impact of such behaviour may persist long-term. Further research is required to address this issue, improve dental training conditions and job satisfaction.

The Difference in the Perception of the Performed Medical Treatment in a Public Institution and a Private Contractor – A Cross-Sectional Study – A Comparative Quantitative Analysis

Introduction: With our research we wanted to find out if differences exist, and if they do, what they are regarding the comprehension of treatment at the health service providers, who belong either to the purely public sector or to the private contractor (concessionaires). Methods: We prepared a pilot questionnaire, which was amended by using an Exploratory (EFA) and a Conformal Analysis (CFA) into a final questionnaire. We used the final questionnaire on 400 patients in an institution that belongs to the purely public sector and 400 patients at the concessionaire. Results: Thus, there were 800 patients involved in the research. In general, it bears mentioning that the evaluations given by these health services users were very high, regardless of their place of treatment. In all categories which we used for defining the comprehension of the health service, except for the comprehension of price, the answers at the concessionaire were statistically of more significant value. Conclusion: We can establish that, regardless of the provider, the general preception of healthcare services is very high. However, our study, which was limited by the number, as well as by the type of provider, confirmed that the patients who also visit the concessionaire gave us a significantly higher grade except in the price category. In our opinion, the methodology and the questionnaire are a good basis for similar studies in the future.

Willingness for Medical Screening in a Dental Setting-A Pilot Questionnaire Study.

An important way to manage noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) is to focus on prevention, early detection, and reducing associated risk factors. Risk factors can be detected with simple general health checks, which can also be performed in dental clinics. The purpose of this study was to investigate participants' willingness to participate in general health checks at the dentist, in particular the difference in opinion between medical patients and random healthy dental attendees. A total of 100 medical patients from an outpatient internal medicine clinic and 100 dental clinic attendees were included (total of 200 participants). The participants were asked for their opinion using six closed-ended questions. Overall, 91.0% of participants were receptive to information about the risk of diabetes mellitus (DM) and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The majority (80-90%) was receptive to screening for DM and CVD risk, such as weight and height measurements, blood pressure measurement, saliva testing for CVD and to measure glucose and cholesterol via finger stick. No significant differences were found in the frequencies of the responses between the different groups based on health status, age, sex, or cultural background. This study shows that most participants are willing to undergo medical screening at the dentist for early detection and/or prevention of common NCDs.

Knowledge and Attitude of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients Toward Colorectal Cancer Risk, Its Management, and the Role of Healthcare Providers: A Cross-Sectional Study in the UK.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) increases the risk for colorectal cancer (CRC). Limited literature exists on patients' knowledge of CRC risk and management. Attitude toward doctor-recommended management and the role of healthcare providers (HCPs) in CRC risk awareness remain unexplored. This study aimed to fill the gap in knowledge about CRC risk awareness and management in IBD patients in the UK. This cross-sectional internet-based study was conducted in April-July 2019. Adult (>18 years) IBD patients with a confirmed diagnosis for 2 years and adequate command of English language were invited from non-Natinal Health Services sources. A self-designed and piloted questionnaire with open- and closed-ended questions was used. Closed-ended data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and open-ended responses were analyzed using content analysis. Ninety-two participants (52.5% Crohn's disease and 67.5% females) responded. Around 88% knew that IBD increased CRC risk. Only 20.7% were aware of colonoscopy as the best screening tool; 88% were unaware of screening initiation time. Almost 90% would agree to a doctor's recommendation of colonoscopy. For dysplasia with 10% risk of CRC, 46.7% would not agree with colectomy. Some 48% reported to have never had a discussion about the risk of CRC in IBD with their HCPs, while 58% were not informed of the role of screening and surveillance in managing CRC risk. IBD patients were poorly aware of CRC risk management and had mixed willingness to comply with a doctor's recommendation. HCP's role in cancer knowledge dissemination was suboptimal and patients desired more information.