Provision Of Factual Information Research Articles

"I RUN CLEAN Project"-An Innovative and Self-Sustainable Approach to Develop Clean Sport Behaviours in Grassroots Athletes.

The phenomenon of doping is a public health issue that poses threats to sport and society. In recent decades, the emphasis on efforts to address the issue and reduce the incidence of doping by young people in sport has shifted from deterrence through testing and punishment to the promotion of clean sport behaviours through values-based education. The "I Run Clean project" sought to develop new and effective tools targeting grassroots athletes and those around them (coaches, medical support personnel, sport leaders, parents). These included sport-specific e-learning and in-person peer-to-peer workshops led by trained volunteer ambassadors. The aim of all "I Run Clean" measures is to go beyond the warnings and provision of factual information about early anti-doping campaigns to a more holistic educational approach that focuses participants on their personal and sport-related values in order to encourage good decision-making and resistance to doping-related behaviours. This study evaluates the efficacy of the peer-to-peer workshops and their impact on selected psycho-social variables. The collaboration of the volunteer ambassadors is shown to effectively transmit the desired reasoning, reduce doping risk factors and enhance protective factors.

Experiences of enhanced recovery after surgery in general gynaecology patients: An interpretative phenomenological analysis.

There is little qualitative research exploring non-cancer gynaecology patients’ experiences of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols. Seven women participated in audio-recorded interviews, discussing their experiences of enhanced recovery after surgery for gynaecological surgery. Data were transcribed and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Three themes were identified: meeting informational needs, taking control of pain, and mobilising when feeling fragile. Control emerged as a key element throughout the themes and was supported by provision of factual information. While participants were generally satisfied with their experience, topics such as concerns about analgesic use, the informal role of staff in mobilisation, and the expressed desire for more experiential information for participants require further research.

How do marine and coastal citizen science experiences foster environmental engagement?

Citizen science programs enable community involvement in scientific research. In addition to fostering greater science literacy, some citizen science programs aim to foster engagement in environmental issues. However, few data are available to indicate whether and how citizen science programs can achieve greater environmental engagement. We survey individuals choosing to attend one of seventeen reef citizen science events and examine the extent to which attendees reported three indicators of greater environmental engagement: (i) willingness to share information, (ii) increased support for marine conservation and citizen science, and (iii) intentions to adopt a new behavior. Most participants reported being willing to share information about reef conservation (91%) and described increased support for marine science and conservation (87%). Half of participants (51%) reported intentions to adopt a new conservation behavior. We found that key elements of the citizen science experience associated with these outcomes were learning about actions to protect reefs and coasts (procedural learning), experiencing surprise, and experiencing negative emotions about environmental problems. Excitement was also associated with positive outcomes, but only in participants who were less likely to see themselves as environmental, or were less frequent visitors to reefs and coasts. Importantly, the association between factual learning and environmental engagement outcomes was limited or negative. These findings suggest that the way citizen science experiences make people feel, may be more important for fostering future environmental engagement than factual-based learning. When designing citizen science programs for community members, these findings provide a reminder to not focus on provision of factual information alone, but to highlight environmental impacts while providing meaningful experiences and building environmental skills.

Evaluation of a Mobile Phone-Based Intervention to Increase Parents' Knowledge About the Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccination and Their Psychological Empowerment: Mixed-Method Approach.

BackgroundThere is mixed evidence on the effectiveness of vaccination-related interventions. A major limitation of most intervention studies is that they do not apply randomized controlled trials (RCTs), the method that, over the last 2 decades, has increasingly been considered as the only method to provide proof of the effectiveness of an intervention and, consequently, as the most important instrument in deciding whether to adopt an intervention or not. This study, however, holds that methods other than RCTs also can produce meaningful results.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate 2 mobile phone–based interventions aimed at increasing parents’ knowledge of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination (through elements of gamification) and their psychological empowerment (through the use of narratives), respectively. The 2 interventions were part of an RCT.MethodsWe conducted 2 studies with the RCT participants: a Web-based survey aimed at assessing their rating of the tool regarding a number of qualities such as usability and usefulness (N=140), and qualitative telephonic interviews to explore participants’ experiences with the app (N=60).ResultsThe results of the survey showed that participants receiving the knowledge intervention (alone or together with the empowerment intervention) liked the app significantly better compared with the group that only received the empowerment intervention (F2,137=15.335; P<.001). Parents who were exposed to the empowerment intervention complained that they did not receive useful information but were only invited to make an informed, autonomous MMR vaccination decision.ConclusionsThe results suggest that efforts to empower patients should always be accompanied by the provision of factual information. Using a narrative format that promotes parents’ identification can be an appropriate strategy, but it should be employed together with the presentation of more points of views and notions regarding, for instance, the risks and benefits of the vaccination at the same time.Trial RegistrationInternational Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number 30768813; http://www.isrctn.com/ ISRCTN30768813 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6xOQSJ3w8)

Genetic counseling in CHARGE syndrome: Diagnostic evaluation through follow up.

CHARGE syndrome (CS) is a complex genetic disorder causing multiple birth defects and sensory deficits (hearing, vision, balance, smell). Genetic counseling in CS must include not only the provision of factual information about CS, its cause, and inheritance, but also information about the developmental implications of CS features, referral to appropriate resources, and assistance with psychosocial adaptation to this information. CS should be considered in patients with any of the major diagnostic features: coloboma, choanal atresia, semicircular canal anomalies, or cranial nerve anomalies. The prime candidates in the differential are 22q11.2 deletion and Kabuki syndromes. Evaluation of features of CS, dysmorphology examination, and genetic testing can usually distinguish between the three conditions. Genetic counseling is important from early on, to help the family understand the process of genetic diagnosis, to interpret information coming from other specialists and to provide support and resources. Parents can easily be overwhelmed with the complexity of issues facing their child at diagnosis and in the future. CS is a substantial burden on a child, with high early mortality, multiple illnesses, hospitalizations and surgeries, and apparent medical fragility throughout life. The medical complexity of CS disrupts family life and contributes to delayed development. Multiple sensory deficits (impaired vision, hearing, and balance) further contribute to delayed motor and language development despite many individuals with CS having normal intelligence. Early referral to specialists in deafblindness and sensory deficits is essential. Resources are available to assist genetic counselors in diagnosis, follow-up, and management of patients with CS.

Public support for energy sources and related technologies: The impact of simple information provision

Increasing public awareness and understanding of alternative energy sources and related technologies is an essential component of informed decision-making regarding new options of generating energy for a low carbon future. The current study examined the influence of psychological factors (i.e., pro-environmental beliefs, and subjective norms) and the provision of factual information on public support for a range of energy sources and related technologies. A representative sample of 1907 Australians completed an on-line survey that measured perceptions of a range of climate change and energy issues. Results showed that support for renewables is stronger than support for traditional fossil-fuel based energy sources (i.e., coal or gas) or nuclear energy. The provision of factual information about generation cost and emissions significantly changed support ratings, particularly when cost information was provided. Regression analyses revealed that pro-environmental beliefs were significantly related to support ratings for alternative energy sources. Subjective norms, however, were the strongest positive explanatory factor, suggesting that social mechanisms may be key drivers of support for new and emerging energy sources and related technologies.

Evidence of Biased Processing of Natural Resource-Related Information: A Study of Attitudes Toward Drilling for Oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which individuals process natural resource-related information in a biased manner. Data were gathered using surveys administered to students enrolled in undergraduate classes at Colorado State University. Students' attitudes toward Arctic drilling were evaluated both before and after they were exposed to exaggerated information about both sides of the issue. Consistent with initial expectations, respondents' attitudes did not change as a result of exposure to new information. Respondents defended their initial attitudes in rating the quality of the information. Those who expressed initial support for drilling evaluated pro-drilling arguments more favorably and discounted anti-drilling arguments, while those in opposition to drilling tended to favor the anti-drilling arguments in their evaluations. Evidence of biased processing suggests that the provision of factual information may not be enough if the goal of education programs is to change attitudes toward controversial natural resource issues.

Designing an Information Leaflet: using consumer-oriented research to inform the development of a drug resource for children

This project was commissioned to develop a written drug information resource for children and from this to develop a model of good practice. The article focuses on the way the resource was designed using a consumer-oriented approach. The research was undertaken in three stages: ” Stage one: listening . Identification of the mindset of the children and needs assessment of both children and parents and teachers. This also included a review of the literature. ” Stage two: interpreting . Development and design of resources based on the findings of the first stage, the literature review and the views of parents and professionals. ” Stage three: evaluation . Piloting the material and obtaining feedback from children, teachers and parents. The results from stage one resulted in a decision to focus on drug use and skill enhancement as opposed to the provision of factual information about drugs. The study attempted to consult and keep in touch with consumers with the aim of producing effective and innovative communication. The resulting resource allowed children to establish their own position in relation to drug use and was therefore capable of meeting the differing needs of different groups of children.

A survey of Canadian consumer perceptions of beef in relation to general perceptions regarding foods

Approximately 250 consumers were interviewed in each of three Canadian provinces Nearly all of the consumers interviewed expressed concerns about environmental issues, and a majority expressed strong concerns about such matters. A majority interviewed also felt agriculture and farming had an impact on the environment, and over one‐fourth (29–88%) believed modern beef production had an environmental impact. It was also evident that concern over environmental issues has influenced purchasing decisions and consumption patterns. A majority of the consumers interviewed also had concerns regarding the safety and wholesomeness of certain foodstuffs. However, 30·71% of the consumers interviewed considered beef to be an extremely safe and wholesome food and 38·03% indicated that this perception had influenced their purchasing habits and beef consumption. Over three fourths (75·7%) of the consumers interviewed expressed some concern regarding the Canadian meat inspection system. However, much of this concern was dispelled through provision of factual information. Although the quality of beef currently available is generally regarded as acceptable, a significant portion is regarded as unacceptable primarily as a result of toughness. Significant portions of the Canadian consumers interviewed perceived beef quality to have either improved or deteriorated during the past decade, and nearly half of these consumers indicated that these perceived changes had influenced their beef buying and consumption patterns.

The Church's Memory of Jesus: A Social Science Analysis of 1 Thessalonians

The collective memory theory of Maurice Halbwachs shows that the memory traditions of Jesus recorded in the Second Testament have a function beyond the mere provision of factual information about the historical figure. From this perspective, the memory of Jesus is understood to be constitutive of Christian community and to be normative for the collective self-definition. This essay explores this theory by way of an analysis of 1 Thessalonians.

Changing high school students' attitudes toward disabled people.

The modification of social stereotypes is a difficult challenge and has traditionally been attempted by means of individual methods such as the provision of factual information. In the study reported here, three different methods of influencing attitudes were combined in an effort to modify high school students' attitudes toward the disabled. Results suggest that combining methods has potential for success.

School sex education and the causes of unintended teenage pregnancies

THE provision of sex education in British schools has improved both in quality and quantity in recent years. Evaluation sug gests that it has a favourable influence on knowledge and atti tudes, but little direct effect on sexual behaviour. Unintended teenage pregnancies are prob ably caused more by lack of anticipation than by simple ignorance. Promising strategies for a reduction in incidence in clude the use of specific teaching approaches, combined with the involvement of parents and school counsellors. Straightfor ward provision of factual infor mation is relatively unimportant, compared to the need to im prove motivation.

Education for aging.

The increasing proportion of older adults within the population has two major implications for health education. First, provision of factual information relating to increasing longevity at optimal levels of wellness is likely to produce a new generation of older adults able to enjoy an improved quality of life during the later years. Second, self-esteem and positive emotional health can be enhanced through programs emphasizing positive attitudes regarding this stage of the life development cycle. Basic concepts and generalizations related to aging are presented to illustrate how aging content can be integrated within existing health curricula. As each of us ultimatley must develop a successful pattern of aging to enjoy older adulthood, the provision of a clearer understanding of the aging process is a responsibility that must be addressed within the arena of the schools.