Public Trust Research Articles

Proficiency in Personalized Medicine and Health Data Sharing in the EU

Abstract Personalized medicine, leveraging genetic, environmental, and lifestyle data, has already transformed healthcare by tailoring prevention, diagnosis, and treatment to individual patients. The successful development and implementation of personalized approaches rely on the public’s proficiency and awareness of personalized medicine, enabling access to innovative techniques and fostering a willingness to share health-related data. We distributed a survey to 6,581 respondents from 8 EU countries: France, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Poland, Hungary, and Romania. 52.5% of respondents were female (n = 3,458), with a mean age of 48.5 years (range 18-89 years, median = 49 years, SD = 15.96), and 37.91% of the participants reported achieving tertiary education. Our survey investigates the general public’s knowledge of personalized medicine, support for genetic testing, and willingness to share health data among EU citizens while assessing their perception and acceptance of these medical paradigms. Knowledge levels vary among different EU countries. Only 12.11% of respondents had a high knowledge of the topics presented in this survey. Support for implementing genetic testing in healthcare was high, with 81.52% supporting the implementation of genetic testing in their healthcare systems, and nuanced differences in acceptance were observed based on testing purposes. 52.35% reported willingness to share health data. Both support for implementing genetic testing and the willingness to share health data correlated positively with knowledge and education levels. Geographical differences within the EU highlighted variations in attitudes toward personalized medicine and data sharing, with respondents from Southern Europe displaying higher odds than their peers in Central and Eastern Europe. The results emphasize the need for targeted communication and education strategies to enhance public understanding and trust in personalized medicine and health data sharing. Key messages • High support for genetic testing across the EU highlights the need for enhanced public education on personalized medicine to boost understanding and data sharing willingness. • Geographical differences in attitudes toward personalized medicine in the EU suggest targeted strategies to build trust and knowledge, particularly in Central Europe.

The Contrasting Risk Communication Strategies of European Leaders during the COVID-19 Crisis

Abstract COVID-19 brought the role of leaders under intense scrutiny; their communication and framing of the crisis was crucial during the initial period of uncertainty. UK prime minister Boris Johnson and German chancellor Angela Merkel, managed and communicated the first wave of the crisis (March-June 2020) very differently. The clear contrast between pandemic response in two countries, with similar population sizes, wealth, and exposure to COVID-19, provides a lens through which to reflect on the different risk communication strategies utilized by both leaders. Following a grounded theory approach, the communication strategies of both leaders were examined. Transcripts from 31 press conferences from the initial announcement of COVID-19 to the end of the first wave were examined, and key themes identified. The analysis was framed using the CDC’s Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication lifecycle model, allowing for a structured comparison across different phases of the crisis. The findings were examined through the broader socio-political context of their communication. Similar themes were present in both leaders’ speeches, this included a focus on national identity; national strategy; health situation and social solidarity. However, they did so in markedly different ways. Merkel’s consistent, evidence-based communication strategy was more closely aligned with risk communication best practice compared to Johnson’s initial populist approach, which ultimately required a significant mid-crisis adjustment. Their different approaches also reflect their personas as political figures. Key messages • The consistent, science-based communication strategies exemplified by Merkel closely followed risk communication best practice and is likely enhanced public compliance and trust during the crisis. • These finding demonstrate the importance of incorporating a political lens to understand leaders approaches to risk communication and in public health research more broadly.

Evaluating village financial governance in top tourism destinations

Village fund management is important for village economy and welfare. Village funds in Gresik Regency, Indonesia In particular, for the 2022 period, the revenue budget is IDR. 2,355,638,000 in Pangkahkulon village, while Rp. 9,865,701,000 for Sekapuk village, demonstrating the principles of accountability and transparency for effective and sustainable development. Accountability and transparency in village fund management ensure clear financial reporting, community participation, and openness of information, despite still facing obstacles such as lack of resources and regulations. Lack of community participation reduces accountability, transparency in achieving good financial governance in 3 villages in Gresik Regency. This study proposes to assess the impact of financial governance in Sekapuk, Pangkahkulon, and Sidokumpul Villages, focusing on accountability, transparency, and community participation. Despite progress, challenges including resource constraints and regulatory changes remain. This study provides in-depth insights into the effectiveness of village financial management systems, emphasizing the importance of community participation in improving accountability and transparency and building public trust. This study explores the implementation of good financial governance in three Gresik villages, focusing on accountability, transparency, and community participation. The study design uses a phenomenological approach to understand perceptions related to transparency and accountability in village fund management in Gresik Tourism Villages through interviews and observations. Primary data were collected from village officials, and analysis was conducted using NVivo 12 Plus, prioritizing transparency and community participation. This study found that accountability in Gresik Tourism Villages requires a transparent and efficient financial system. The SISKEUDES application experienced technical problems that affected reporting, so technical improvements and staff training were needed. Transparency and community participation in meetings and discussion forums are key to increasing trust and effectiveness in village fund management. Thus, in achieving Good Financial Governance in Gresik Tourism Villages, a financial system that is accountable, transparent, and involves community participation is needed. Information technology, regular training, and supervision with NGOs are important for efficiency and transparency, and discussion forums strengthen community trust.

Occupational Stress, Psychological Distress, and Coping Strategies of First-Level Judges in the Philippines: Examining the Influence of Demographics and Caseloads

Judges worldwide face intense pressure from heavy workloads, emotionally charged cases, and limited resources, leading to burnout and decreased public trust in the justice system. While individual coping is important, systemic change is crucial. This descriptive-correlational study investigated occupational stress, psychological distress, and coping strategies among 357 first-level judges in the Philippines. The study employed three standardized instruments: the Occupational Stress Scale, the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), and the Filipino Coping Strategies Scale (FCSS). This study revealed that first-level judges in the Philippines experience high levels of occupational stress and psychological distress. However, they also utilize a range of coping strategies to manage these challenges. The study found no significant relationship between occupational stress, psychological distress, and coping strategies and the demographic profile of the first-level judges. This suggests that these challenges are inherent to the judicial role itself rather than influenced by individual differences. The study concludes that interventions and support systems tailored to the specific demands of the profession are needed to address these challenges. The findings served as the basis for the Wellness Program for the first-level court judges in the Philippines.

Assessing Academic Perspectives on Infodemic Management and Health Security: A Needs-Based Approach

Abstract Background The information environment significantly impacts public health decisions, behaviors, and health security. Misinformation and disinformation can compromise health interventions and undermine public trust, and this phenomenon, known as the infodemic, is increasingly challenging to address and requires innovation and transformation of public health and education of the health workforce. This study aimed to assess the relevance of infodemic management (IM) to different academic fields and training needs to create a competent workforce. Methods As part of the US Federal Assistance Award within the University Partnership Program between Emory University and the University of Belgrade, a mixed-methods study was conducted to evaluate the curricula of all 31 faculties at the University of Belgrade. An online survey was distributed to faculty deans to assess the current educational framework and opinions on IM in various academic fields. This approach provided a multidimensional view of how IM is perceived and integrated across diverse disciplines. Results The survey received 33 responses from different departments at the University of Belgrade. Over 75% of participants identified misinformation as prevalent in their respective fields. More than half of the respondents believe that students are not sufficiently familiar with the concept of the infodemic and its potential consequences, only 9% believe these topics are well covered in the current curriculum, and over 90% agree that additional content on IM is required to update study programs, indicating a gap in our current educational approach. Conclusions Academic circles have acknowledged the issue of misinformation and its negative impact on public health. Current gaps in academic curricula indicate the critical necessity of integrating IM into educational programs. This innovative approach will provide future specialists with the necessary skills to navigate the complexities of the modern information ecosystem. Key messages • Over 75% of surveyed professors identify misinformation and disinformation as prevalent in their professional fields, indicating a widespread impact. • Over half of professors feel academic programs do not sufficiently equip students to navigate the information ecosystem, with over 90% calling for additional infodemiology content.

Analisis Framing Pemberitaan Kasus Korupsi Syahrul Yasin Limpo di Kompas.com

Corrupt practices in Indonesia are a major problem that causes financial losses andundermines public trust in government and justice system. This phenomenon has become a widespreadsince pre independence till Reformasi era, and involves various levels of government. The mass mediaplays an important role in publicizing corruption cases, shaping public opinion, and influencing the political agenda. This study aims to analyze the framing of the news coverage of the Syahrul Yasin Limpo corruption case by Kompas.com from February 29 to May 10, 2024. The framing analysis method is used to observe how the media shapes reality and presents news, as well as identify power dynamics and relationships between the parties involved. The results of the study show that Kompas.com focus on certain aspects that affect the public's view of the case. This study provides an understanding of the influence of media framing on public perception of corruption cases in Indonesia.Keywords: Analysis of Framing, Kompas.com, Corruption, Mass Media, Syahrul Yasin Limpo

The Impact of Political Interference on the Judiciary: India Vs. Pakistan

This paper investigates the significant effects of political interference on the judiciary in India and Pakistan, two countries with a common colonial history but differing paths since gaining independence. The judiciary serves as a fundamental pillar of democratic governance, designed to function independently while protecting the rule of law and upholding constitutional rights. Nevertheless, in both nations, political influences have notably affected judicial operations, compromised judicial independence and eroding public confidence. Through a comparative examination, this study highlights important historical moments, landmark rulings, and constitutional frameworks that demonstrate the degree and nature of political interference within both judicial systems. In India, such interference has emerged through executive control over judicial appointments and crises, notably during the Emergency period from 1975 to 1977. In contrast, Pakistan's judiciary has experienced direct meddling from military governments and political authorities, frequently rationalized by the contentious Doctrine of Necessity. Additionally, the paper investigates how the judiciary has responded to these interferences, including instances of judicial activism and civil society initiatives that promote judicial independence, such as the Lawyers' Movement in Pakistan. Ultimately, this research emphasizes the urgent need for strong protections to ensure judicial independence, bolster public trust in the judiciary, and maintain democratic principles in both countries. By highlighting the comparative experiences of India and Pakistan, this study aims to enrich the broader discussion on judicial independence in South Asia.

Public Perceptions and Engagement in mHealth Across Eight European Countries

Abstract Background Mobile health technologies have the potential to revolutionize healthcare delivery and patient engagement. This study explores public attitudes toward health app usage and data sharing across eight European countries, addressing a significant gap in understanding the public’s perspective on mHealth adoption. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted involving 6,581 participants from Italy, the Netherlands, France, Germany, Spain, Poland, Romania, and Hungary. The survey assessed current health app usage, future interest, willingness to share health data, and concerns about data privacy and security. Results 21.87% of respondents currently use health apps, with 42.71% expressing interest in future use. Regarding data sharing, 52.82% are willing to share health data with healthcare providers, and 25.48% would share data with research institutions. However, 53.18% fear unauthorized use or hacking of their health data. Significant generational and geographical differences in mHealth engagement were observed, with older generations showing higher willingness to adopt health apps OR 1.22 (CI 1.03 - 1.46) for Baby Boomers, OR 1.45 (CI 0.97 - 2.16) for Silent Generation. Education level emerged as a crucial factor, with tertiary-educated individuals more likely to use health apps (OR 1.41 CI 1.24 - 1.58) and demand transparency (OR 1.61 CI 1.45 -1.78). Conclusions The findings underscore the need for targeted strategies to enhance digital literacy, ensure data privacy, and promote equitable access to mHealth technologies across Europe. Policymakers and healthcare stakeholders should prioritize these areas to foster greater public trust and engagement in mHealth, ultimately improving health outcomes and patient care. Key messages • Public attitudes toward mHealth vary significantly across generations, countries, and education levels in Europe. • Addressing data privacy concerns and enhancing digital literacy are crucial for widespread mHealth adoption.

Does Reporting of Aksi Cepat Tanggap Cases Affected Public Trust on Zakat Institutions?

Research Originality: Funds misallocation comitted by ACT identified as fraud and the non-transparent financial that reported in online mass online media in terms of negative reporting. This influence has never been studied on the loyalty of zakat payer (muzakki) of paying Zakat, Infaq, and Shadaqah (ZIS) in Islamic philanthropy institutions (LAZ) admidst related to negative reporting of ACT.Research Objectives: This research analyze the impact of transparency, fraud management and the cases reporting of ACT on public trust in paying zakat, infaq, shadaqah in other Islamic philanthropy institutions.Research Methods: This research setted in the Bogor City among 100 respondents of muzakki in the year 2023 and 2024. Then, multiple linear regression were involved to analyze the impact of independent variables on dependent variable.Empirical Results: The results reveal that being transparent and avoiding fraud cases will significantly increase public trust in paying ZIS at LAZ institutions. Meanwhile, coverage of the ACT cases had no impact on the loyalty of muzakki who were also well-educated.Implications: LAZ are encouraged to provide information related to ZIS funds management, so that trust of the muzakki will increase. Besides, LAZ also needs to have a strong internal control system to enforce transparency in financial reporting, and effective monitoring mechanisms to prevent fraud.JEL Classification: G23, G30, Z12

Sensitive personal health information, public trust, and biases in algorithmic decision-making: public health concerns in digital wellness.

Sensitive personal health information, public trust, and biases in algorithmic decision-making: public health concerns in digital wellness.

Ethical issues after the earthquake in Turkey: A qualitative study on nurses' perspectives.

After natural disasters, the urgent need for survival and rescue operations for those trapped in the rubble results in a heightened demand for healthcare services. Nurses are pivotal in addressing the consequences of such calamities. Nurses operating in critical conditions encounter numerous challenges, including safety issues and ethical quandaries. The ethical considerations primarily revolve around the limitations, duties, and modified norms of care administered by nurses during disasters, presenting both significant and complex challenges. The study was designed to elucidate the nature and essence of nurses' care experiences and to offer an in-depth depiction of the ethical dilemmas while attending to individuals injured in the earthquake. A descriptive phenomenological design was used in this research. A total of 16 nurses who worked for at least 7 days in field hospitals in any of the earthquake regions after the 2023 earthquake in Turkey participated in the research. The research was conducted between March 13 and March 20, 2023. Data were collected by face-to-face interview method with a semistructured form. The steps of Colaizzi's phenomenological method were used to analyze the qualitative data. The study involved a group of 16 Turkish nurses, aged between 20 and 36 years. Through data analysis, four primary themes, 14 subthemes, and 25 codes were identified. The principal themes derived from the interviews included "humanitarian duties," "non-adherence to ethical principles," "respect for the injured," and "medical errors." In this intricate process, it becomes paramount to enhance support for nurses in the domains of management, education, and psychosocial assistance, thereby nurturing their individual and professional acumen, commitment, and ethical sensitivity. Refining the guidelines and professional standards that encapsulate the principles to be adhered to by nurses in disaster scenarios, coupled with providing comprehensive training in both medical and ethical competencies, represents a significant avenue for advancement. Focused training on crisis management will enable nurses to render ethically informed decisions and bolster their professional proficiency. Natural disasters, including earthquakes, pose significant ethical challenges for healthcare professionals, especially nurses who play a pivotal role in delivering care during these emergencies. Issues such as resource allocation and triage, the duty of care and ensuring continuity of care, informed consent and communication, cultural sensitivity, and providing psychosocial support are critical ethical considerations for nursing policies in earthquake situations. Addressing these ethical issues in nursing policies related to earthquakes is crucial for maintaining the integrity of healthcare delivery, preserving public trust, and ensuring the well-being of both the injured and healthcare providers during times of crisis.

Bioengineering breakthroughs: The impact of stem cell models on advanced therapy medicinal product development.

The burgeoning field of bioengineering has witnessed significant strides due to the advent of stem cell models, particularly in their application in advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs). In this review, we examine the multifaceted impact of these developments, emphasizing the potential of stem cell models to enhance the sophistication of ATMPs and to offer alternatives to animal testing. Stem cell-derived tissues are particularly promising because they can reshape the preclinical landscape by providing more physiologically relevant and ethically sound platforms for drug screening and disease modelling. We also discuss the critical challenges of reproducibility and accuracy in measurements to ensure the integrity and utility of stem cell models in research and application. Moreover, this review highlights the imperative of stem cell models to align with regulatory standards, ensuring using stem cells in ATMPs translates into safe and effective clinical therapies. With regulatory approval serving as a gateway to clinical adoption, the collaborative efforts between scientists and regulators are vital for the progression of stem cell applications from bench to bedside. We advocate for a balanced approach that nurtures innovation within the framework of rigorous validation and regulatory compliance, ensuring that stem cell-base solutions are maximized to promote public trust and patient health in ATMPs.

Plagiarism in Higher Education and Impacts

The development of information technology has made it easy to access all information according to certain interests and purposes, including bringing a tendency to plagiarism. In the world of education, plagiarism can occur starting from various levels of education, including at the university level. Plagiarism at the university level carried out by various circles can be categorized into plagiarism carried out intentionally or unintentionally both on all or part of the work of others without including adequate reference sources in order to achieve certain goals or targets. The impact of plagiarism can occur in three aspects, namely, the impact on the perpetrators of plagiarism, especially the losses that will be felt in the future, the development of science that will be hampered, and the future of educational institutions in Indonesia related to public trust and the quality and value of its usefulness which results in a decrease in the quality of human resources in an effort to advance the nation and state.

STATE POLICY AS A FORM OF TARGETED STATE ACTIVITY

The article examines state policy as an organized and purposeful activity of the state, which provides for the protection of public interests, ensures the adoption of balanced and justified state decisions, and contributes to the stable development of Ukrainian society. Issues of state policy formation in the system of planning and implementation of development plans of modern society are considered. It was determined that with the transition from bureaucratic forms to innovative methods of managing the state and society, state policy acquires certain signs of publicity, due to the involvement of both state and non-state public organizations in its implementation. It has been proven that the European integration of Ukraine is accompanied by changes in state policy, which is based on European values ​​and standards for the formation of a legal, social and democratic state. Therefore, it is better to use the term «public policy», as active purposeful actions of the state based on the cooperation of state institutions, civil society institutions, as well as non-state organizations and individual citizens. It is noted that the participatory theory of democracy should become a universal principle of organizing the public policy of the Ukrainian state. Because the basis of the effective functioning of participatory democracy is a developed civil society, as well as public trust in the activities of state and public institutions, that is, citizens' confidence in the correctness of the actions of public authorities to implement the goals announced by the state. It is substantiated that modern state (public) policy, firstly, is designed to ensure public expression of will, expression of interests and needs of the population and their practical implementation at the level of power institutions; secondly, it should be based on the principles of: openness, transparency and democracy; thirdly, in the process of development and implementation of political decisions, civil society institutions should be involved in this work. The specific characteristics of state policy as an active activity are singled out, which distinguish it from a whole array of other types of policies. In further studies, it is suggested to pay attention to the normative and legal regulation of state policy.

LEGAL REGULATION OF THE APPLICATION OF POLITICAL CORRECTNESS IN PUBLIC SERVICE IN UKRAINE

The article analyzes the legal regulation of the use of political correctness in public service in Ukraine under modern conditions. At the beginning of the study, the prerequisites for the emergence and conditions for the implementation of the idea of political correctness are mentioned. The meaning of the concept of «political correctness» is revealed from different angles, taking into account what exactly is included in it and in what context it is used. It is indicated that the use of political correctness in the public service contributes to the establishment of contacts between different categories of persons, the formation of friendly and neutral relations, the strengthening of humanistic attitudes in society and the strengthening of the public's trust in the government (official apparatus). The main part of the article is devoted to the analysis of the normative consolidation of the idea of political correctness in international and domestic legal acts. It is found out, that the provisions of the studied international documents contain norms that indirectly regulate the issue of ensuring political correctness in the sphere of public administration and in other social spheres. There is no clear normative definition of the concept of «political correctness» in their provisions. It is established that the national legislation also does not contain a normative definition of the concept of «political correctness», but only establishes the principles of «discrimination-free barriers». These principles are laid down in Art. 24 of the Constitution of Ukraine. On the basis of the specified constitutional norm, legal acts detailing the application of political correctness in public service in Ukraine were adopted at different time intervals. At the end of the article, it is concluded that political correctness in the modern world is an important element of everyday communication, especially in the field of public administration. Political correctness is a standard of socially permissible and acceptable behavior of public officials when communicating with different groups (age, ethnic, sexual, etc.) of the population with the aim of preventing any oppression or humiliation of human honor and dignity, by using stylistically neutral vocabulary and non-verbal communication.

Investigating Taste and Odour Characteristics in a Drinking Water Source: A Comprehensive 3-Year Monitoring Study.

The monitoring of drinking water quality is a vital public health concern together with taste and odour (T&O) episodes, an emerging global problem causing a loss of public trust to the quality of water. Our objective was to monitor water quality of an important drinking water source and also the production dynamics of geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol (2-MIB) which cause taste and odour problems in the lake. The trophic status of the lake was classified as mesotrophic. 2-MIB was positively correlated temperature while geosmin was positively correlated with depth. Other physicochemical parameters related with water quality did not show significant correlation with geosmin and 2-MIB. The highest 2-MIB and geosmin concentrations were detected during the thermal stratification period in 2016 and 2018 by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Cyanobacteria and Actinobacteria were detected in geosmin & 2-MIB detected samples as potential taste and odour producers by PCR. Selected samples were analysed with metabarcoding and Planktothrix, Pseudanabaena, Cyanobium, Streptomyces, and Nocardioides were detected as potential geosmin & 2-MIB producers. Micrococcus, Rhodococcus, Acinetobacter, Comamonas, Novosphingobium, Sphingopyxis, Pseudomonas, Sphingomonas, Stenotrophomonas and Flavobacterium were identified as potential geosmin & 2-MIB degraders. The results highlighted the significant role of the autochthonous bacterial community, temperature and thermal stratification in the taste and odour dynamics of a drinking water source.

Corruption in the Nigerian Public Sector: Causes, Consequences and Sustainable Solutions

Corruption in Nigeria's public sector has long hindered the nation's development, stability, and prosperity. It permeates various facets of governance and society, leading to detrimental consequences, including economic stagnation, social injustice, and the erosion of public trust. Historical factors, such as the legacy of colonial exploitation and successive post-independence governments' mismanagement, have entrenched a culture of corruption. Despite efforts to combat it, including the establishment of anti-corruption agencies like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), corruption remains pervasive. This study adopts a qualitative research design to explore the complex dynamics of corruption in Nigeria's public sector. Using Albert Bandura's social learning theory as the theoretical framework, and it explores how corrupt behaviors are observed, imitated, and reinforced within the public administration. The research identifies multiple causes of corruption, including institutional weaknesses, economic pressures, and cultural norms, which create an environment conducive to corrupt practices. The consequences of corruption are enormous: It undermines economic growth and development, deters foreign direct investment, exacerbates poverty and inequality, erodes public trust in government, and fuels political unrest and instability. Addressing corruption requires a comprehensive approach involving the strengthening of institutional frameworks, promoting transparency and accountability, improving public sector management, and fostering a culture of ethical leadership. Sustainable solutions to combat corruption include; enhancing the capacities of anti-corruption agencies, to be independent of the executive body, implementing public procurement reforms, ensuring budget transparency, and enforcing stringent anti-corruption measures.

The impact of AI-generated content dissemination on social media on public sentiment

Abstract. AI has gradually become a vital tool involved in creating content since it has changed the way information that is shared on different platforms is produced, the use of artificial intelligence in content generation particularly through social media has far-reaching consequences for societys attitude, confidence, and the public information domain. This literature review aims to critically evaluate the prevalence of the works hinging on the impact of AI-generated content dissemination on public sentiment and trust; it assesses the way content disseminated through AI impacts the users perception and behavior. Thus, this review not only presents an integration and elaboration of the existing literature but also notes limitations and directions for forthcoming exploration.

Assessing Vaccine Intentions, Knowledge, Self-Efficacy, and Trust: A Cross-Sectional Study on Perceptions of Monkeypox Vaccination and Public Health Risk Awareness in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria.

Introduction The global emergence of monkeypox has heightened public health concerns, particularly in regions with limited vaccine uptake. In Nigeria, understanding the factors influencing vaccination intentions is essential for developing effective public health strategies. Despite vaccine availability, hesitancy and varying degrees of acceptance persist, driven by factors such as self-efficacy, vaccine trust, and overall attitudes toward vaccination. Previous research highlights the importance of these factors in shaping health behaviors, particularly in vulnerable populations. In Benue State, where distinct health challenges affect key demographic groups such as people living with human immunodeficiency virus(PLHIV) and men who have sex with men (MSM), addressing vaccination intentions is critical for public health efforts. Objectives The objective was to assess the intention to receive the monkeypox vaccine, self-assessed knowledge levels, self-efficacy, and risk perception among the PLHIV, MSM, and the healthcare populationin Benue State, Nigeria. Additionally, the study aimed to evaluate public trust in vaccines and health authorities and to understand how these factors influence attitudes toward vaccination and overall perceptions of monkeypox-related health risks. Methodology A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 377 participants in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria, focusing onPLHIV, MSM, and healthcare workers. Participants were recruited using a snowball sampling technique, which leveraged social media platforms (WhatsApp, Facebook, and Telegram) and the Federal Medical Center in Makurdi. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire designed to assess self-efficacy, trust in vaccines, vaccination attitudes, and prior vaccination experiences. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 25.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the characteristics of the study population. Bivariate analyses, including chi-square tests and independent t-tests, were employed to explore the relationships between socio-demographic characteristics and vaccination intentions. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05 for all analyses. Results The study revealed a significant positive relationship between self-efficacy and vaccination intention (p = 0.001). Trust in vaccinations and health authorities was also found to be a significant predictor of vaccination intention (p < 0.05). Furthermore, participants who had previously received the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine were more likely to express intention to receive the monkeypox vaccine (p = 0.000). However, the perception that the threat of monkeypox was exaggerated did not significantly impact vaccination intention (p = 0.4). Conclusion This study highlights the critical role of self-efficacy, trust in vaccines, and prior vaccination experiences in shaping the intention to receive the monkeypox vaccine in Benue State, Nigeria. The findings suggest that public health policies should prioritize enhancing trust in vaccines and health authorities, as well as boosting self-efficacy, to improve vaccination uptake. Addressing these factors may lead to more effective public health interventions against monkeypox and other infectious diseases.

The Role of Digital Health Under Taiwan’s National Health Insurance System: Progress and Challenges

ABSTRACT Digital health covers a wide spectrum of applications of digital technologies in the healthcare field. As a new set of tools to support the health system in achieving its goals—improving access to care, quality of care, and system efficiency—digital health has significantly transformed the landscape of modern medicine and health care. This paper examines the role of digital health under Taiwan National Health Insurance, considering the profound impacts of digital health during the COVID-19 pandemic. It focuses specifically on big data management and analytics (MediCloud and My Health Bank/NHI Mobile Easy Access) and innovative service provision models (telemedicine). We discuss two imminent challenges that any health system is likely to encounter: digital trust and digital divide. For the digital divide, we assessed the use of telemedicine and its determinants during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our study shows that high-income levels and the presence of chronic or severe illness were positively correlated with the use of telemedicine. This observation suggests that poor people who have poorer health status were most likely to suffer from unmet needs for telemedicine. Enhancing cybersecurity to safeguard confidentiality, and effective communications with the public are fundamental and essential steps to regaining public trust in the digital era. When calling for more investment in digital technology, policy makers should be mindful of the potential digital divide across the demographic and socioeconomic strata, and specific policies should be devised to provide support to target the socially disadvantaged group.