Promotion Activities Research Articles

A critical analysis of the marketing mix elements of small businesses in the retail sector in Durban Central Business District

In an incisive analysis of the marketing mix's impact on small retail businesses in Durban's Central Business District (CBD), this study scrutinizes the extended 7Ps framework: product, price, place, promotion, process, people and physical evidence. Utilizing a quantitative methodology, data from 217 owner-managers, captured via a 5-point Likert scale, were analysed through ANOVA and Tukey's HSD tests, unearthing deep insights. The findings disrupt conventional marketing paradigms, revealing that an intense focus on product attributes does not correlate with enhanced performance. Small businesses that maintained competitive, yet balanced pricing mechanisms outstripped are those that engages in fierce price wars, underscoring the dangers of excessive price reductions. Strategic promotional activities and well-considered choice locations were pivotal, whereas overemphasis on physical evidence and internal processes proved detrimental. The study results advocate for a balanced, strategic approach to the marketing mix, urging small businesses to rethink traditional priorities. This study offers crucial guidance for business owners seeking to optimize performance and calls for targeted policy measures to support the retail sector’s growth and sustainability.

Key Risk-Factors Contributing to Cardiovascular Disease: Lifestyle Modifications to Improve Cardiovascular Health

Cardiovascular disease is a preventable public health issue. The aim of this review is to identify modifiable risk-factors for cardiovascular disease and recommend lifestyle modification to prevent cardiovascular disease. PubMed, ScienceDirect, SAGE, Google Scholar, World Health Organisation websites, as well as public and community health textbooks, were hand searched and academic resources which are relevant for this review were selected for inclusion. Cardiovascular disease is leading cause of deaths in all continents of the world. While deaths from cardiovascular disease is increasing in Africa and Asia, it is decreasing in Australia and fluctuating in the USA. Premature deaths from cardiovascular disease are preeminent across middle income countries in Europe compared with high income countries. Cardiovascular disease is higher in rural areas of South America compared with urban areas. Trends in lifestyle patterns, including physical inactivity, smoking behaviour, and diets contribute to cardiovascular disease-prone conditions. Prevention includes health promotion activities that facilitate healthy living across life course and limit the initial onset of cardiovascular disease. Investment in prevention is the critical sustainable solution for the cardiovascular disease epidemic. Adopting WHO existing policies within individual countries in Africa, Asia, and middle-income countries in Europe, and ensuring robust implementation of such policies across life course and from different layers of sectors such as education and workplaces would have wider impacts in reducing risk and cardiovascular disease burden in the respective continents. Government of countries with worsening cardiovascular events should also increase health financing and focus on strengthening primary health care services for prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease.

Barriers and Opportunities in the Discoverability and Indexing of Student-Led Academic Journals

Introduction: Student-led journals are not commonly included in academic indexes and databases. This study explores the barriers that indexing requirements may present for student journals, as well as editors’ attitudes toward discoverability strategies and opportunities. Methods: An environmental scan of select eight indexes looks at potential barriers to inclusion and at indexing rates among Canadian student-led journals (n = 202). A survey of Canadian student editors (n = 47) and follow-up interviews (n = 7) focus on editors’ attitudes toward discoverability, indexing challenges, and opportunities. Results: Only 15% (n = 30) of Canadian student journals are indexed in at least one of the seven indexes included in this study, and 74% (n = 146) of open-access journals appear in Google Scholar, with Open Journal Systems (OJS) having the highest Google Scholar indexing rate (97%) as a platform. Student editors generally prioritize reaching their audiences via social media, word of mouth, and targeted promotion. For editors who seek indexing, the biggest challenges come from confusing inclusion criteria and processes, lack of knowledge and comfort, and lack of capacity for such projects. Discussion: Most reviewed indexes have some requirements that may be challenging, but not exclusively to student journals. The main challenge comes from editors’ self-perception of not belonging in academic indexes, lack of understanding about the process, and insufficient capacity for discoverability and promotional activities. Conclusion: The lack of discoverability puts student journals at risk of being invisible to readers and potential authors. Although academic indexing may not be a high priority for student editors, regular outreach and support from libraries and faculty advisors could help editors better use various discoverability opportunities.

Quality assessment of oral health promotion contents regarding caries, periodontal disease, and oral cancer through websites using discern instruments: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACTIntroduction: One way to improve public oral health is through conducting health promotion activities. As technology develops, the internet has been used as a medium for health promotion by presenting health content through websites. However, the use of these websites has the potential to provide inaccurate health information due to the flexibility of users in uploading health content without a prior regulatory process and review of the contents. This study aims to describe oral health promotion content quality through regarding caries, periodontal disease, and oral cancer websites using Discern Instruments. Methods: This study used the descriptive method with a cross-sectional approach. Samples were taken using the purposive sampling technique, with a total of 46 samples. The instrument consisted of 16 questions divided into three sections. The first section, comprising seven questions, focused on the reliability and accuracy of the presented health information. The second section, with eight questions, focused on the quality of information regarding treatment options. The final section, consisting of a single question, assessed the overall assessment based on the previous questions. The quality of the websites was assessed by two reviewers. The inter-rater reliability between the two reviewers was calculated using the Cohen’s Kappa test. Data presentation included frequency distribution, mean, and standard deviation. Results: In this study, 33.3% of caries websites had low quality and 66.6% had moderate quality. In periodontal disease, 33.3% of websites were of low quality, 60% were of moderate quality and 6.6% were of high quality. In oral cancer, 26.3% were of low quality and 73.6% were of medium quality. Conclusion: The quality of dental and oral health promotion content on websites, assessed using the Discern Instruments, shows that most websites regarding caries, periodontal disease, and oral cancer have moderate quality, some have low quality, and only one website is of high quality.

Developing a High School Mental Health Action Checklist in Thailand: insights on perception and communication.

This study aimed to develop a mental health action checklist for high school students that emphasized the importance of readiness, safety, and good hygiene at work to enhance their mental health and prepare them for the workforce. In total, 949 students from public high schools in Bangkok, Thailand voluntarily participated in this study. The 15-item High School Mental Health Action Checklist was developed based on a literature review and a pilot study. We used the index of item-objective congruence (IOC) to verify the content validity of the Checklist and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to establish its construct validity. The tool's internal consistency was estimated using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. The High School Mental Health Action Checklist had good content (IOC = 0.867) and construct validity. EFA revealed four factors that accounted for 46.5% of the variance. The overall reliability coefficient for the High School Mental Health Action Checklist was 0.788, and the reliability coefficients of the subdomains were 0.783-0.797. The Checklist will allow schools to develop an annual action plan for student mental health promotion activities, in accordance with public health guidelines. Our results indicate the High School Student Mental Health Action Checklist has good psychometric properties.

Empowering Rural Left-behind Children in Meizhou, Guangdong: SIPS Model-Based Approach to Promoting Reading and Fostering Holistic Development

Objective: Under the dual influence of globalization and urbanization, the issue of left-behind children in rural areas has become increasingly prominent. Taking Meizhou, Guangdong Province, as a case study, this paper underscores the urgency of promoting reading activities for these children in this major agricultural hub in southern China. Methods: Leveraging a comprehensive approach that integrates online searches, official data, and other information-gathering techniques, the paper delves into the specifics of the challenge.The SIPS model, consisting of Resonance, Confirmation, Participation, and Sharing, offers a fresh perspective on tackling the challenge of promoting reading among these children. It explores how the collaboration of multiple stakeholders, including university student volunteers, government agencies, and private enterprises, can harness tools such as simulated data and data integration methods to gain a nuanced understanding of the reading needs, obstacles, and untapped resources of left-behind children. Results: The paper outlines a series of actionable strategies under the SIPS model to advance reading promotion activities for left-behind children in rural Meizhou, thereby fostering their holistic development and contributing to local rural progress. Conclusion: By engaging stakeholders and utilizing methods like simulation data and data integration, the paper proposes practical strategies to create a richer and healthier reading environment for left-behind children, ultimately contributing to their development and the overall progress of rural communities.

A study on the potential of endophytic bacteria to promote plant growth: uses in agriculture and future directions

The escalating demand for chemical-free fertilizers in agriculture stems from the adverse impacts associated with chemical fertilizers on both human and animal health, as well as environmental pollution. To address this concern, plant-based microorganisms emerge as a promising solution for the development of environmentally sustainable biofertilizers. Among these microorganisms, endophytic bacteria, residing within plant tissues without causing harm to the host plant, exhibit exceptional attributes conducive to plant growth promotion. Notably, these bacteria demonstrate the production of phytohormones, ammonia, phosphate solubilization, and nitrogen fixation capabilities. Additionally, endophytic bacteria showcase the synthesis of hydrolytic enzymes, the production of siderophores, and antimicrobial activity against pathogens. Such characteristics contribute significantly to the robust growth and development of host plants, fostering tolerance to environmental stresses. This manuscript aims to comprehensively review the plant growth promotion activities of endophytic bacteria, elucidating their diversity and isolation from various plants. Furthermore, it explores the potential future directions in this burgeoning field of research, envisioning the development of endophytic bacterial strains capable of replacing traditional chemical fertilizers. Future research endeavors hold the promise of uncovering novel and effective endophytic bacterial strains, heralding a sustainable paradigm shift in the realm of agricultural fertilization.

Pharmaceutical industry promotional activities on social media: a scoping review

Abstract Objectives The rise of social media has broadened the reach and impact of pharmaceutical promotion across countries. This scoping review synthesizes available literature on the nature, extent, and impacts of such promotion, with a particular focus on public health implications. Methods Using a systematic strategy, we searched six multidisciplinary scholarly databases for empirical studies, both peer-reviewed and grey, published since 2004, which had collected data on pharmaceutical promotion via social media. Data were synthesized qualitatively into outcome domains. Key findings We included 45 studies, primarily conducted in the USA (20/45, 44%) and multi-nationally (15/45, 33%), and published after 2013 (40/45, 89%). Studies used content analyses, surveys, and interviews to measure pharmaceutical industry presence or impacts on the following indicators: social media, social media strategy, consumer reach and engagement, health information quality, ethical and regulatory guideline adherence, and consumer attitudes and behaviours. Taken together, these studies indicate a gradual increase in industry use of social media, notably including the development of novel consumer engagement strategies, such as targeted promotion and influencer sponsorship. Studies also showed that, in some cases, health information provided on social media is of low quality, ethically and legally questionable, and potentially harmful to public health. Conclusions Appreciating the regulatory and reputational risks of consumer engagement on social media, the pharmaceutical industry has gradually increased promotional activities on social media since its inception. Evidence of harmful content and promotional activities that have become more covert and targeted suggests the need for regulatory development.

Physical activity, screening cancer, and savings rate as indicators of health responsibility

Introduction: The health of individuals can change gradually over time as a result of the choices they make. Aim: The study aimed to examine indicators such as physical activity levels, screening participation, and household savings in the context of their role as potential measures of individual health responsibility. The second aim was to identify cognitive barriers and motivations influencing physical activity, breast and cervical cancer screening participation, and money-saving habits. Material and methods: The analysis used available data on physical activity, the screening level (for breast and cervical cancer), and household savings rates. Then, the data for Poland were presented against the background of available averages for the European Union. The data came from Eurostat, Eurobarometer - the official survey instrument used by the European Parliament. Results: According to Eurobarometer data, 65% of respondents in Poland have never been physically active in 2022 (vs in the European Union 45%). In 2022, the percentage of women who were screened for cervical cancer in Poland was 34% of women. And the cervical cancer program (cytology) was used by 10.9% of people. In 2022, the household saving rate was 12.7 % in the EU, and in Poland -2.89%, where the lowest rate occurred in Greece and the highest in Germany (Eurostat data). Conclusion: The low level of physical activity and participation in screening tests in Poland, compared to EU countries, highlights the need to intensify public health promotion activities. Additionally, promoting saving as an important element of health responsibility can not only improve the financial well-being of citizens but also have a positive impact on their mental health.

Induction of phytoextraction, phytoprotection and growth promotion activities in Lupinus albus under mercury abiotic stress conditions by Peribacillus frigoritolerans subsp., mercuritolerans subsp. nov.

Strain SAICEUPBMT was isolated from soils of Almadén (Ciudad Real, Spain), subjected to a high mercury concentration. SAICEUPBMT significantly increased aerial plant weight, aerial plant length and the development of secondary roots under mercury stress; increased twice the absorption of mercury by the plant, while favoring its development in terms of biomass. Similarly, plants inoculated with SAICEUPBMT and grown in soils contaminated with mercury, express a lower activity of antioxidant enzymes; catalase enzymes (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione reductase (GR) for defense against ROS (reactive oxygen species). Whole genome analysis showed that ANI (95. 96 %), dDDH (72.9 %), AAI (93.3 %) and TETRA (0.99) values were on the thresholds established for differentiation a subspecies. The fatty acids analysis related the strain with the Peribacillus frigoritolerans species. And the synapomorphic analysis reveals a common ancestor with analysis related the strain with the Peribacillus frigoritolerans species. Results from genomic analysis together with differences in phenotypic features and chemotaxonomic analysis support the proposal of strain SAICEUPBMT as the type strain of a novel subspecies for which the name Peribacillus frigoritolerans subps. mercuritolerans sp. nov is proposed. The absence of virulence genes and transmissible resistance mechanisms reveals its safety for agronomic uses, under mercury stress conditions. The ability of Peribacillus frigoritolerans subsp. mercuritolerans subsp. nov to improve plant development was tested in a Lupinus albus model, demonstrating a great potential for plant phytoprotection against mercury stress.

Analysis of the Effectiveness of a Fall Prevention Program Incorporating an Interprofessional Team Collaboration Model on Reducing Fall Risk in Elderly Living in Long-term Care Facilities

Concurrent with population ageing, falls have become a significantly more challenging public health issue among older adults. Three years of data collected recently from a nursing home in northern Taiwan reveals an increasing trend in fall density that is primarily associated with aging, physiological decline, chronic diseases, polypharmacy, osteoporosis, and lack of exercise. The percentage of nursing home residents at high risk of falls is currently at 12.6%, and the fall rate has been reported as reaching as high as 30% annually. A fall prevention program was implemented to reduce the fall incidence rate to 18%, with secondary goals of improving fall prevention awareness, behavior, self-efficacy, lower limb muscle strength, balance, and gait by 10% on average, respectively, between pre-test and post-test. From September 30, 2023 to February 29, 2024, a health promotion activity and fall prevention exercise course were implemented using an interdisciplinary team collaboration model over a six-week period, providing individualized exercise for the participants. The study included 20 older adults with an average age of 88 years. Most (90%; n = 18) had chronic diseases, 25% (n = 5) were on more than nine medications, 70% (n = 14) had reduced bone mass, and 40% (n = 8) were at high risk of falls, with a fall incidence rate of 30% during the immediately preceding year. Post-intervention, the fall incidence rate dropped to 5%, fall prevention awareness, behavior, and self-efficacy increased by 18.3%, and lower limb muscle strength, balance, and gait improved by 11.7%. The post-test results in fall prevention awareness, behavioral changes, self-efficacy, and lower limb strength, balance, and gait were all significantly better than pre-test results, with all results achieving statistical significance. The project results support the positive effects of the developed intervention effectively on elderly physical fitness and fall risk, providing valuable insights for the implementation of fall prevention strategies in nursing homes.

Preliminary Effect of Challenge-Based Learning on Fostering Nursing Students’ Multidisciplinary Collaboration in Community Health Care Settings

BackgroundCompetence in multidisciplinary collaboration is an essential attribute of nurses working in community health settings. Nursing students should be equipped with this attribute during undergraduate training. AimTo examine the effect of Challenge-Based Learning (CBL) on multidisciplinary collaboration among nursing students. MethodsA one-group pretest-posttest study. Nursing students worked in multidisciplinary groups to conduct community projects framed with CBL. The students designed, planned, and implemented health promotion activities for the selected health topics over a 14-week semester. Multidisciplinary collaboration was measured by Collaboration Scale at baseline and after the projects were completed. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare the total and subdomain collaboration scores within-group. p-value <0.05 was statistical significance. ResultsThe total and subdomain collaboration scores were significantly greater than those of the pretest ones (p<0.001), with the effect sizes (r) ranging from 0.48 to 0.71. ConclusionsThe present findings shed light on the potential positive effect of CBL on strengthening nursing students’ competence in multidisciplinary collaboration. Future studies with a more rigorous approach are needed to verify the findings.

Impacts of cultural practices on consumers’ buying behavior in sales promotional activities in the settings of COVID-19

PurposeThis study aims to explore the impact of cultural practices on consumers’ buying behavior in sales promotional activities toward the fashion clothing brands based on the Theory of Black-Box Model under the conditions of COVID-19 at Pakistan.Design/methodology/approachThe study has collected data through questionnaire-based survey from 600 consumers of fashion clothing brands using convenience sampling technique in Pakistan and analyzed through PLS-SEM to find results.FindingsThe results confirmed that cultural practices and sales promotional activities have positive significant relationship with the consumers’ buying behavior during the celebration of events, also under the conditions of COVID-19. The study also found that ethnocentrism and xenocentrism are positively associated with cultural practices while social factors, physical factors, product innovation and marketing innovation with sales promotional activities.Practical implicationsThe outcomes provide interesting insights about consumers’ assessment toward the sale’s promotional activities and cultural practices of fashion clothing brands during the celebration of events and guide the marketing practitioners to develop the customers edifying and environment-oriented business strategies to boost up the buying behavior in crisis situations.Originality/valueAlthough prior research has widely investigated the cultural practices, sales promotion and consumers’ buying behavior in various settings, but to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study in these domains.

From China to Malaysia: Understanding The Cultural and Economic Dynamics of Imported Chinese Films

The connection between China’s diplomatic engagements abroad and its trans-border film trade holds considerable importance. Inherent in this dynamic is cross-cultural interaction and inter-cultural communication. Malaysia’s support for China’s Belt and Road Initiative has fostering a growing cultural exchange, particularly through the trade of Chinese films, some of which have aschieved significant box office earning success in Malaysia. Despite occasional media attention, there is a notable lack of scholarly literature addressing the impact of these films on Malaysian audiences. This study examines the cinematic consumption of the films imported from China by Malaysian distributors for exhibition to its cinemagoers, using Song Hwee Lim’s framework of conceptualization of transnational cinema. It seeks to better understand the phenomenon of the imported Chinese films for audience appeal, cultural influence and impact on box-office earnings. By collecting and analyzing relevant data from distributors through in-depth interviews with their representatives, this study identifies the approaches of film promotion and marketing activities that are reshaping the cultural experience of filmic storytelling in the Malaysian context. The implications of this study extend beyond film distribution, offering insights into how transnational cinema can shape cultural narratives and influence the cultural landscape in a globalized context. By examining the interplay between Chinese films and Malaysian audiences, the research highlights the role of transnational cinema in fostering cultural exchange and understanding, as well as its potential to impact the future direction of filmic storytelling within a multicultural society. Keywords: Transnational cinema, Chinese film, Malaysian cinema, film distribution, cultural trade.

M&amp;A기업에서의 컬처덱을 통한 기업문화 정립에 관한 실행연구

Based on action research, this study aims to determine the manner by which a newly established company formed via merger and acquisition establishes their unique corporate culture by creating a “culture deck” and infusing it into employees’ daily lives through culture activities led by the culture project team. To create a culture deck, comprehensive interviews were performed on “C”-level executives, after which the results were transcribed and coded for categorization. The culture deck was drafted based on the interviews and then complemented by focus-group interviews with middle managers. Finally, all employees participated in an online live session for a culture jam to provide their feedback regarding the culture deck. The culture deck includes the company’s vision, mission, leadership principles, compliance commitments, and detailed culture guide for decision making. To normalize the culture deck in the workplace, the company formed a culture task-force team and implemented various entertaining culture activities for promotion. The process of constructing a culture deck can be easily applied to other companies, thus facilitating them in establishing and fostering their own corporate culture.

두뇌 유입(Brain Gain) 관점에서 외국인 유학생의 국내 고용 활성화를 위한 IPA 분석 : 정부출연연구기관 이공계 석·박사과정을 중심으로

With Korea's total fertility rate recorded at 0.72 in 2023, there is even a pessimistic prospect that it will become the 'first country to extinguish the population'. In the face of serious demographic challenges such as a population decline, regions disappear, and a lack of high-quality human resources in the industry due to a rapid decline in the fertility rate, the Korean government and each local government are pouring out various policies to alleviate these problems by utilizing the capabilities of international students. This study analyzed the importance of domestic employment promotion activities and differences in the degree of implementation of the employment support system for international students studying as master's and doctoral students at government-funded research institutes using the importance-performance analysis(IPA) methodology. As a result of the analysis, 'recommendation of supervisors' and 'industrial cooperation projects' were evaluated as the most important employment promotion activities, and in the employment support system, 'flexible visa system' and 'simplification of immigration procedures' for researchers were recognized as important. In addition, it was found that there is a difference in perception between the importance and performance of international students depending on the region of residence and country of origin, so a strategy for promoting employment tailored to the region of residence and country of origin is necessary. This study is limited to international students in science and engineering who are enrolled in U graduate university, so there is a limit to the generalization of research results. In future research, extended research is needed including international students from science and technology specialized universities and base national universities. In addition, it is proposed to expand the study on how the expectations and demands of the employment support system of international students differ according to the cultural context by comprehensively considering the country and cultural background and economic conditions that affect the employment activation of international students.

Branding Argowisata Kebun Melon Sumber Berkah Balikpapan melalui Media Sosial dan Fasilitas Penunjang

Balikpapan City has the potential for argotourism, namely Kebun Melon Sumber Berkah, in addition to agriculture as well as educational tourism such as providing planting and harvesting experiences. Educational activities carried out become brand positioning so that Kebun Melon Sumber Berkah is more easily recognised by the public. Promotional activities carried out have not displayed in accordance with the identity of Kebun Melon Sumber Berkah, besides that supporting facilities to support Kebun Melon Sumber Berkah as argotourism are still very minimal. Based on this, the purpose of this activity is to strengthen the image or position as argotourism and maximise its educational potential. The method used is ABCD or Asset Based Community Development which is carried out with 4 stages, namely preparation, implementation, analysis and utilisation of results. The result of this activity is that visitors are satisfied with the programme carried out so that the promotion and facilities of Kebun Melon Sumber Berkah are easily known as educational tourism.

Nurses' health promotion practices in rural primary health care in Nigeria. A qualitative study.

Nurses play a vital role in providing high-quality primary healthcare and health promotion services. The state of research highlights their often complex operational realities and shows the need for an evidence-based understanding of nurses' perspectives on health promotion practices, especially in low-resource settings. This study focuses on how community health nurses in rural primary healthcare centers in Nigeria perceive their health promotion role and the opportunities and challenges of, and potential entry points for strengthening, their practice. A sample of 10 nurses from eight rural primary healthcare centers in eight local government areas of Anambra state, Nigeria, was purposively selected. Data were collected via semistructured telephone and written interviews and analyzed by qualitative content analysis using a deductive-inductive approach. Nurses emphasized their commitment to supporting patients and communities to develop skills and take control of their own lives. Nurses described their role as facilitators of behavioral and environmental change, individual and community empowerment facilitators as well as social activists. Factors that enhance the health promotion practice of nurses include adequate skills, sufficient human and material resources and community support and participation. Inhibiting factors included insufficient funding, poor working conditions, staff shortages, high workload, lack of training opportunities and low participation of community members. Overcoming challenges and facilitating health promotion activities in rural communities require bolstering nurses by providing further training opportunities for enhancing their health promotion competencies and creating supportive environments. Future research should focus on how to strengthen nurses' health promotion efforts through interprofessional and intersectoral collaboration.

Examining the development and utilisation of Community-Based Health Information Systems (CBHIS) in Africa: A Scoping Review

Introduction The community-based health information system (CBHIS) is a vital component of the community health system, as it assesses community-level healthcare service delivery and generates data for community health programme planning, monitoring, and evaluation. CBHIS promotes data-driven decision-making, by identifying priority interventions and programs, guiding resource allocation, and contributing to evidence-based policy development. Objective This scoping review aims to comprehensively examine the use of CBHIS in African countries, focusing on data generation, pathways, utilization of CBHIS data, community accessibility to the data and use of the data to empower communities. Methods We utilised Arksey and O'Malley's scoping review methodology. We searched eight databases: PubMed, EMBASE, HINARI, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, and grey literature databases (Open Grey and OAIster). We synthesized findings using a thematic approach. Results Our review included 55 articles from 27 African countries, primarily in Eastern and Southern Africa, followed by West Africa. Most of the studies were either quantitative (42%) or qualitative (33%). Paper-based systems are primarily used for data collection in most countries, but some have adopted electronic/mobile-based systems or both. The data flow for CBHIS varies by country and the tools used for data collection. CBHIS data informs policies, resource allocation, staffing, community health dialogues, and commodity supplies for community health programmes. Community dialogue is the most common approach for community engagement, empowerment, and sharing of CBHIS data with communities. Community empowerment tends towards health promotion activities and health provider-led approaches. Conclusion CBHIS utilizes both paper-based and electronic-based systems to collect and process data. Nevertheless, most countries rely on paper-based systems. Most of the CBHIS investments have focused on its digitization and enhancing data collection, process, and quality. However, there is a need to shift the emphasis towards enabling data utilisation at the community level and community empowerment.

Assessing Patient Satisfaction and the Need for Collaborative Treatment with Korean and Western Medicine.

The collaborative treatment of Korean medicine (KM) and Western medicine (WM) in Korea has gained prominence since its initiation. However, comprehensive evaluations of patient satisfaction and care effectiveness remain limited. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate patient satisfaction and the need for collaborative KM-WM treatment in the fourth phase of the national pilot project. A multicenter survey was conducted among 321 patients from 15 institutions participating in the fourth phase of the collaborative KM-WM pilot project, spanning from 1 August 2023 to 31 October 2023. Patient satisfaction and needs were assessed using a validated, semi-structured questionnaire with a 5-point Likert scale. Descriptive statistics and hierarchical multiple regression were used in the analysis. The overall satisfaction with collaborative KM-WM treatment was notably high (91.25%). Among the participants, 91.58% indicated the necessity of the collaborative KM-WM pilot project, whereas 90.66% pointed out the need to incorporate inpatient services into collaborative care. Expansion of the pilot project to additional institutions and primary healthcare settings was substantially demanded (85.36% and 80.06%, respectively). Treatment effects (β, 0.344; 95% CI: 0.237-0.451), appropriate treatment time (β, 0.140; 95% CI: 0.051-0.229), medical procedural efficiency (β, 0.227; 95% CI: 0.126-0.328), and promotional activities (β, 0.175; 95% CI: 0.101-0.250) significantly contributed to overall patient satisfaction (each, p < 0.05). The fourth phase of the KM-WM project reflects high patient satisfaction and a substantial need for collaborative treatment. Further research should include longitudinal studies and employ mixed-methods approaches to better understand, evaluate, and improve collaborative KM-WM treatment.