Public Education Strategies Research Articles

Jordanian school principals’ perception towards inclusion barriers for students with disabilities in the light of ten-year (2019 - 2029) inclusion strategy

The current study aimed to identify barriers to the integration of people with disabilities into general education in the light of Jordan's 10-year integrated education strategy (2019-2029) from the viewpoint of inclusive schools in Jordan and based on variables such as gender, educational qualification, and years of experience. The study used the descriptive approach, and the sample consisted of (21) male and (17) female directors in the General Bani Kinanah in Irbid Governorate. A questionnaire was used (prepared by the researcher) and it consisted of (6) fields and (39) indicators that were verified as being valid and reliable. The results indicated that the overall level of the tool's fields as a whole was low, with arithmetic average of (1.22) and a standard deviation of (0.107), and that the averages of arithmetic ranged from (1. 14-1.30), where the fields of awareness, information, and lobbying ranked first, with average arithmetic of (1.30) and at a low level, while the field of human resources and capacity-building was last, with average arithmetic of (1.14) and at a low level. The results also showed no statistically significant differences at the level (α = 0.05) attributable to variables (gender, educational qualification, years of experience) from the point of view of the principals of inclusive schools in Jordan. Awareness of these barriers has implications for raising the professional capabilities of the cadres working in education, developing public education curricula and strategies to comply with integration requirements, and developing inclusive education programs in universities to support educational practices in public schools.

Utilising ‘new’ power strategies for public health education in addiction and dependency: learning from social media influencers

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The forging of moral leaders in social entrepreneurship: A comparative study from two public welfare organizations in China

Young people, including college students, are the main body for the main force of public welfare entrepreneurship and the effective force of future social entrepreneurs. How can college students, who are often self-made and lack entrepreneurial experience, social capital, and resources, grow up to be “moral leaders” of social entrepreneurship organizations? And what role does social entrepreneurship education play? Previous studies have not provided corresponding theoretical explanations to address these questions. This study uses as examples two public welfare organizations and their founders; namely, YinChao Pension Service Center in Yinzhou District, Ningbo City, and Ant Public Welfare Service Center in Yuyao City. The exploratory comparative research method of two cases is used, and the perspective is constructed based on personal significance. Through the open decoding analysis, this study refines the key elements of the individual growth of public entrepreneurs as “moral leaders,” including four stages: concept construction, moral conflict, relationship construction, and rule construction, as well as personal meaning construction strategy and public entrepreneurship education strategy. The research results not only explain how individuals grow up to be “moral leaders” in public welfare organizations through self-meaning construction in the context of public welfare entrepreneurship and the construction process from individual to organization morality systems but also provide a theoretical framework for cultivating successful public welfare entrepreneurs and a theoretical reference for the sustainable development of public welfare entrepreneurs and public welfare entrepreneurship education in colleges and universities.

Analysis of models of inclusive education in European countries (experience for Ukraine)

The purpose of scientific exploration is to harmonize the principles of inclusive education in the social and pedagogical dimensions. The task of the article can be conditionally divided into two stages: differentiation of social and pedagogical segments of inclusive education (to make optimal strategic decisions on the organization of inclusive education); search for a synergistic model (combination of social, pedagogical, and other elements) in the formation of a favorable educational environment for inclusive principles. The methodological basis of the study was scientific and pedagogical methods. The results of the study point to those elements of inclusive education in European states, which can be actualized in the Ukrainian system of education. Consequently, inclusive education in Europe has formed clear universal principles and mechanisms that can be implemented in public education strategies, developing countries.

Janina Bortkiewicz and Public Hygiene Education in Popular Magazines Published in Vilnius, 1930–1939

Because General Żeligowski’s troops occupied Vilnius in the autumn of 1920 and Poland annexed it two years later, the health-care system that operated in Poland at the time began to be introduced in the city and the region. The official guidelines for health policy in Poland derived from the concept of hygiene proposed by Tomasz Janiszewski, the founder of the health system in the country, which focused on social hygiene. Universities played an advisory role in the Polish health system and were involved in educating the public on hygiene issues. In interwar Vilnius, the most prominent figure in this field was Janina Bortkiewicz-Rodziewiczowa, a researcher and senior assistant in the Department of Hygiene of the Faculty of Medicine at Stephen Bathory University. This article analyses her publications aimed at promoting science. It examines the means by which Bortkiewicz-Rodziewiczowa conveyed specific medical knowledge to a lay audience. It also discusses what topics she emphasised most and what reasons led to her choices, and how this correlated with priorities in medical science and health policy at that time. Finally, it touches on an interesting practical aspect, namely what public education strategies applied at the time can still be applied today.

Women's perceptions of strategies to address the normalisation of gambling and gambling‐related harm

ObjectiveResearch has demonstrated that gambling is becoming increasingly normalised for women. As limited research has sought to understand women's perspectives on this issue, we sought women's opinions about the factors that may contribute to the normalisation of gambling for women, and the strategies that may counter this normalisation. MethodsSemi‐structured interviews were conducted with 41 women in young and middle adulthood, aged 20‐40 years. ResultsParticipants suggested that gambling was normal for women because gambling environments had been designed to appeal to women, newer technologies had removed the stigma of attending physical venues, and the growing equality and independence of women. To de‐normalise gambling, women suggested addressing the influential role of marketing, designing new public education strategies, addressing the availability and accessibility of gambling, and restricting engagement with gambling products. ConclusionThis study highlighted women's perceptions of strategies to address the normalisation of gambling and the importance of providing risk information paired with broader policy reform and prevention initiatives to address the range of determinants that normalise gambling for women. Implications for public healthInvolving women in advocacy and understanding their perspectives is important in developing relevant public health responses to the normalisation of gambling for women.

A Longitudinal Study to Reexamine the Mental Health Impact on Radiation Oncology Health Care Workers with the Launch of COVID-19 Vaccination Strategies in India

Abstract Introduction The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) catastrophe caused significant mental threats to health care workers (HCW), especially during the first wave of the pandemic. India successfully implemented vaccination strategies in January 2021 that is likely to ameliorate the mental health impact of HCWs. The current survey aims to identify the change in impact following vaccination and address the issues affecting mental health. Objective The primary objective is to reevaluate the stress levels of radiation oncology HCWs with vaccine implementation and compare it with the mental health status at the onset of the pandemic. The secondary objective is to identify the current causative factors influencing mental health. Materials and Methods Health care workers who participated in the initial mental health impact survey at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic from May to July 2020 were included in this study. Two hundred eligible HCWs were reassessed of the total 363 initial assessments. The 7-item Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and 22-item Impact of Events Scale-revised (IES-R) was again served for assessing anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder. The Mc Nemar test was used to evaluate the change and significance of the mental health impact. Univariate and multivariate analyses were done to identify the causative factors affecting mental health. Results The cohort's median age was 30 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 27–33). The incidence of moderate-to-severe level anxiety, depression, and stress significantly declined to 6.5% (p = 0.031), 9% (p = 0.01), and 19% (p < 0.001) compared with 39.5, 40.5, and 30.5% during the pandemic onset. On further analysis, HCWs with affected family members had higher levels of stress (p = 0.002). The rest of the parameters did not have significant impact on mental health outcomes. Conclusion With public education, awareness, and vaccination strategies, the second follow-up survey conducted after vaccine implementation demonstrated a significant number of HCWs in the radiation oncology community, exhibiting a decline in the incidence of anxiety, depression, and stress levels compared with the initial wave of the pandemic.

Exposure to avian influenza in poultry farms and access to veterinary healthcare services in Nigeria and Ghana

The incidence of avian influenza (AI) is on the increase in most parts of the world. This cross-sectional study examines the exposure of poultry farms to AI and the extent of poultry farmers’ access to veterinary health services in Nigeria and Ghana. A pretested questionnaire was administered on 340 poultry farmers in Nigeria and Ghana. Also, Six Key Informant Interviews and fourteen In-depth Interviews were conducted in both countries. The majority of poultry farmers in Nigeria (61.2%) and Ghana (66.5%) are aware of AI, and the mass media was reported as a major source of knowledge. The perception of AI was characterized by the threats it poses to birds, humans, and poultry assets. The study showed an association between the perceived risks of respondents’ personal hygiene in farming practice and susceptibility to AI (p = 0.026). There is also an association between respondents’ nationality and their health-seeking behaviour on poultry farms (p = 0.000). Efforts should be made by relevant stakeholders to develop public health education strategies to promote veterinary healthcare service use among poultry farmers in Nigeria and Ghana.

Contributing Factors of Anemia in Pregnancy in the Twifo Atti-Morkwa District in Ghana

The exploding global population is presenting a new challenge of providing food for further billions of people against the backdrop of the challenges of already existing hunger and malnutrition, climate change, emerging destructive crop and animal diseases, and the pressure being exerted on arable lands by several other anthropological demands. Providing food for the world in the foreseeable future, therefore, requires the revolutionization of the agricultural sector as it stands today. Agricultural biotechnology has evolved over three decades and has presented itself as a critical avenue for addressing the perennial food production insecurity situations; particularly in Africa and other food-insecure regions of the world. This study sought to review agricultural biotechnology in Africa by assessing its current state and the future prospects of the technology on the African continent. The adoption and utilization of biotechnology in Africa have been faced with serious challenges of ethical, religious, environmental contamination, and health risks issues. Adoption of biotechnology and genetically modified (GM) products have only been achieved in a few countries in Africa on a small-scale basis and under a few selected crops. Inadequate legislation, unenhanced public education, and the spread of misconceptions by anti-GM technology activists remain a strong challenge to navigate around for the smooth adoption of the technology on the African continent. Smallholder farmers in Africa also harbor serious apprehension over seed monopoly and erosion of the traditional seed quality with neo-colonial intentions by the developers of the technology. Anti-GM sentiments based on misconceptions are deeply rooted in many African countries, heightening fear of its adoption. A stronger and more elaborate public education strategy that highlights the benefits of biotechnology and assures the people of the risk levels of the technology, and further research to alleviate public anxiety is critical for the adoption of biotechnology and GM products in Africa.

Development of Institutional Leadership in the Hungarian Education System

The study provides a systematic pedagogical overview of the training courses that prepare leaders of Hungary's educational institutions. By education, the authors mean the system established by Act CXC of 2011 on public education and Act LXXX of 2019 on vocational education and training, i.e. the system of educational institutions created by the secession of vocational education and training from public education: i.e. kindergarten, primary and secondary schools (secondary grammar school, vocational grammar school and vocational school), art schools and colleges. The paper also analyses the basic content adequacy of the training, i.e. whether there is a match between the range of management activities and the range of knowledge offered. Given the deficient number of training courses for development purposes besides preparation in the system of educational leaders' training, and as priority is given to the training of the heads of institutions in the public education strategy adopted in 2020, the paper concludes by suggesting that it is time to develop a concept in which preparation, development and training for leadership supervision are interlinked in a complex model of leadership development.

Association between Water Fluoride Levels and Low Birth Weight: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013-2016.

Background: Excessive fluoride consumption affects reproductive and child health. We examined the association between levels of fluoride in drinking water and birth weight, in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013–2016, after adjusting for known risk factors Low Birth Weight (LBW) including age, smoking, and socio-demographic variables including education, food security, health care access, and health status. Methods: The study included 7147 and 6858 women with complete birth weight and water fluoride data, respectively. Linear regression models evaluated the association between water fluoride and birth weight across racial/ethnic groups. The odds of delivering an LBW infant (<2500 g) compared to an infant weighing ≥ 2500 g, as well as the odds of delivering a Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW, <1500 g) infant compared to an LBW infant were explored in separate logistic regression models. Results: Women with LBW infants were exposed to significantly higher levels of water fluoride compared to those with normal birth weight infants. Our findings suggest a significant association between excess water fluoride exposure (>0.7 ppm) and LBW weight in Hispanic women, independent of established LBW risk factors. In logistic regression models, Hispanic women exposed to increased levels of water fluoride were 1.5 times more likely to give birth to an LBW infant and 3.5 more likely to give birth to a VLBW infant. Conclusion: Taken together, these findings can inform public health education strategies that highlight water fluoride as a potential risk factor during pregnancy in Hispanic women. More research is needed to confirm these findings.

Utilising ‘new’ power strategies for public health education in addiction and dependency: learning from social media influencers

Utilising ‘new’ power strategies for public health education in addiction and dependency: learning from social media influencers

Cannabis use among youth in Canada: a scoping review protocol

IntroductionCanadian youth (aged 15–24) have the highest rates of cannabis use globally. There are increasing concerns about the adverse effects of cannabis use on youth physical and mental health. However,...

Association between Fathers' Use of Heated Tobacco Products and Urinary Cotinine Concentrations in Their Spouses and Children.

Heated tobacco products (HTPs) have become increasingly popular among smokers, especially among young adults in Japan in recent years. Assessments of secondhand tobacco smoke (SHS) exposure due to HTPs are scarce. The present study aimed to assess the urinary levels of total nicotine metabolites (TNMs) of non-smoking spouses and their children following SHS exposure due to their fathers’ use of HTPs. A total of 41 families including 129 participants were recruited between 2018 and 2021. The number of non-smoking spouses and children of the fathers who smoke combustion cigarettes, the fathers who use HTPs, and the fathers who are non-users or have never smoked was 27, 66, and 36, respectively. The urinary levels of TNMs, including cotinine (Cot) and 3′-hydroxycotinine (3-OHCot), were measured using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). The spouses and children of fathers who use HTPs had significantly higher levels of TNMs in their urine compared to those with fathers who were non-smokers or non-users. The current study is the first to assess SHS exposure due to HTP use, and to suggest the importance of strategies to prevent exposure to SHS from HTP use in public places and educational strategies to protect non-smokers from secondhand HTP aerosol exposure in households and other private places.

Black flies and Onchocerciasis: Knowledge, attitude and practices among inhabitants of Alabameta, Osun State, Southwestern, Nigeria.

This study reports knowledge of residents of Alabameta community, Osun State, Nigeria on the bioecology and socio-economic burden of black flies and onchocerciasis. Using structured questionnaires and Focus Group Discussion (FGD), a total of 150 community respondents participated in the study. The knowledge of the residents on the existence of black flies in the community was significant (p<0.05) as all the 150 respondents confirmed the presence of black flies with the local name 'Amukuru' i.e causing itching. However, their lack of knowledge of the flies breeding site (104) (69%), prevention (134) (89%), cause (132) (88%), and treatment (133) (89%) of onchocerciasis was profound. Majority 147(98%) of the respondents reported that flies bite more in the wet season as against dry season 3(2%) and have a higher affinity (124) (82%) for biting the leg than any other part of the body. A larger percentage (89%) of the respondents are unaware of any medication for the treatment of onchocerciasis while 11% are aware. There had been no sensitization on onchocerciasis according to 89% of the respondents. Due to lack of resident's knowledge on black flies bioecology which may continuously expose them to the bite of the flies and ultimately infection, it is paramount that the Osun State government and the NTD implementing partner map out new public health education strategies during routine Mass Administration of Medicines with Ivermectin with a view to preventing onchocerciasis infection as well as man-vector contact.

COVID-19 precautionary practices and associated factors among clients visiting a tertiary hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

BackgroundDespite efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19, Addis Ababa, the country’s COVID-19 epicenter, is experiencing a sharp increase in the number of cases and death rate. While poor public adherence to COVID-19 precautionary practices is evident, factors associated with it are not well studied. We aimed to assess the level of practice of COVID-19 precaution and associated factors.MethodsThis was a hospital-based cross-sectional study conducted from February 1st to 15th, 2021 at Saint Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, a tertiary teaching hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. We used a structured questionnaire to conduct a face-to-face exit interview with clients visiting the hospital. Systematic random sampling was employed to recruit study participants. Binary and multivariable logistic regressions were implemented to examine factors associated with precautionary practices. Statistical significance was declared at p-value <0.05. The Crude odds ratio (COR) and Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) were reported with a 95% confidence interval.ResultsWe analyzed data obtained from 262 participants. The mean age of participants was 36 (SD+12) years. The majority (207, 79%) of the study participants had a favorable attitude towards prevention and control measures of COVID-19. A little over half (116, 55.7%) of the respondents had a satisfactory level of practice of COVID-19 precautions. Living in an area with strict enforcement of COVID-19 precautionary measures [AOR: 2.25, 95% CI (1.22–4.15)], and having a favorable attitude of COVID-19 prevention [AOR: 4.88, 95% CI (2.08–11.68)] were significantly associated with satisfactory COVID-19 precautionary practices.ConclusionsThe level of practice of COVID-19 precaution was unsatisfactory. Favorable attitude and stricter enforcement of COVID-19 preventive measures might have contributed more to adherence to precautionary practices. The findings highlight the need for a public health education strategy targeted at improving attitudes of the community on COVID-19 focusing on the effectiveness of preventive measures.

Vaccination coverage among COVID-19 prevention and control management teams at primary healthcare facilities in China and their attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccine: a cross-sectional online survey

ObjectiveTo investigate the COVID-19 vaccination coverage rate and differences among various COVID-19 prevention primary healthcare (PHC) facilities in China and understand their attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccine. These findings are helpful...

Prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection among pre-clinical and clinical medical students using QuantiFERON-TB gold plus and tuberculin skin test at a teaching hospital in Thailand: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundHealthcare workers are considered to be at a higher risk of acquiring tuberculosis (TB) infection than the general population. Clinical medical students are part of the healthcare team and clinical practice are done during their clinical rotation. They could be exposed to similar occupational risks as the healthcare workers. Most students who become infected have latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) and may not exhibit any clinical symptoms. Some students with LTBI can progress to TB disease during clinical rotations in the hospitals. Therefore, screening for LTBI in this population represents hospital aspect of public health strategy and infection control in medical school in high TB burden countries. ObjectiveWe aimed to determine the prevalence of LTBI among fourth-year medical students and sixth-year medical students by using QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus) and Tuberculin Skin Test (TST). MethodsA cross-sectional study of fourth-year medical students (n = 73) and sixth-year medical students (n = 85) was conducted at the School of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand. The medical students (n = 158) who met the eligibility criteria were recruited into the study. LTBI was detected by using QFT-Plus and some of the participants had a tuberculin skin test (TST). The TST was interpreted after 48–72 h. The participants who tested positive by QFT-Plus were considered to have LTBI. Demographic information and data on occupational TB exposure were collected via a questionnaire. A multivariate logistic regression was used to test for associations between independent variables and results of the QFT-Plus. ResultsA total of 158 participants were included in this study. The overall prevalence of LTBI was 6.3% (n = 10) as determined by QFT-Plus. The LTBI prevalence was higher in the sixth-year medical students (9.4%) compared to the fourth-year medical students (2.7%). Higher risk of LTBI was associated with sixth-year medical students (odds ratio, 3.69 [95%CI, 0.75–17.96]), but this was not significant. Moreover, history of occupational TB exposure without PPE yielded an odds ratio of 2.98 [95%CI, 0.68–13.12] but it was not statistically significant due to the small sample size. One hundred thirty-nine (88%) participants were BCG vaccinated as per the national vaccination requirements. No abnormal chest X-rays were found for any of the positive participants. Of the 158 participants, 41 (25.9%) of them had TST. Of the 41 participants, 6 (14.6%) tested positive at a cut-off of ≥ 10 mm for TST, which was concordant with QFT-Plus results. The agreement between the two tests was 0.57 using kappa coefficients. ConclusionThe screening of TB infection in new healthcare workers (HCWs), especially medical students, is essential to reduce future nosocomial TB incidences in the hospitals. This study showed that there was a high prevalence of LTBI among sixth-year medical students compared to fourth-year medical students. Our results suggest that tendency of higher LTBI prevalence might be associated with advanced clinical years, thus tailored public health education strategy and infection control in tertiary care hospitals for new healthcare workers in TB endemic countries may prevent nosocomial TB disease from developing in the future. Therefore, active surveillance should be done for all new HCWs, and TB preventive therapy should be administered to recent converters.

Sodium Levels in Pre-packaged Foods and Beverages Sold in Jamaica: A Label Analysis

Background: High salt intake is the main dietary risk factor for hypertension, one of the five leading causes of death, among Jamaicans. A large share of available pre-packaged products are ultra-processed, containing sodium well in excess of recommended healthy thresholds. Policymakers are advocating for reformulations and devising public education strategies to reduce sodium content which requires an understanding of the amount and variety of sodium compounds being used in products. Procedures: This study describes the sodium content of 5,008 pre-packaged products using food label analysis. Products were divided into 15 foods and 4 beverage categories. Descriptive statistics were used to present sodium data. Additionally, a keyword search for the terms “salt” and “sodium” was done to identify the type and variety of sodium-containing ingredients in each product. Findings: Approximately, 44% of products were high in sodium. In addition to salt (sodium chloride), other sources of sodium included 27 sodiumcontaining chemical additives identified from the ingredient listing. Ready-to-heat/eat foods, animal meat products, dry spices, seasoning, spreads and sauces contained the most sodium per serving. There was high variability in mean sodium levels within and across food and beverage categories. Conclusions: Overall, a large share of pre-packaged products in Jamaica are ultra-processed emphasizing the urgency for product reformulations and policies towards healthier levels of sodium. Keywords: Sodium; Food label; Blood pressure; Hypertension; Packaged foods; Beverages; Jamaica; Sodium reduction; Reformulation; Food policy

Lay Public View of Neuroscience and Science-Based Brain Health Recommendations in Slovenia.

Background: Brain health is one of the cornerstones of a long and full life. Active care for brain health and reduction of lifestyle-related risks for brain disorders may be a key strategy in tackling the growing prevalence of mental and neurological illnesses. Public knowledge, perception, and preventive behavior need to be considered in the planning of effective strategies for brain health promotion. Our research is the first effort aimed at assessing Slovenian lay public knowledge, search and use of scientific information about the brain, and care for brain health.Methods: An online survey was used to gather data for descriptive and associative statistical analyses of a sample of the Slovenian public (n = 2568) in August 2017. Participants with formal brain-related education were excluded, leaving the remaining sample of the lay public (n = 1012). Demographic characteristics and information regarding the perceived importance and knowledge of brain health and engagement in preventive behaviors of participants were collected, and key associative analyses were carried out.Results: The majority of respondents (89%) considered brain health to be important. Over one-third (39%) considered their knowledge of the brain as sufficient relative to their needs. Most of the respondents identified science-recommended practices to be important for brain health. No recommendation was followed daily by the majority of the respondents, primarily due to declared lack of time (59%), and lack of information (32%). Information was obtained primarily from television (38%), followed by newspapers and magazines (31%), the Internet (31%), and direct conversations (27%). However, the highest-rated, preferred source of information was lectured by experts. One-third of our sample struggled with the trustworthiness of information sources. Female gender and older age were associated with a higher frequency of healthy practices. Personal or familial diagnoses of brain disorders were not associated with a higher frequency of the behavior in favor of brain health, but did affect available time and perceived value of preventive practices.Conclusions: Our research provides an initial insight into the perceptions, knowledge, and brain health-promoting behavior of the Slovenian lay public. Our findings can inform future strategies for science communication, public education and engagement, and policy-making to improve lifelong active care for brain health.