Related Attitudes Research Articles

Rural residents' Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice in relation to infection risk during the late stage of an epidemic: a cross-sectional study of COVID-19.

In the field of public health, the prevention and management of infectious diseases in rural regions have always been crucial. This study aims to analyze the factors influencing rural residents' Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices and their correlation with infection risk during the late stage of an epidemic, with a focus on the COVID-19 case. A cross-sectional study was conducted in rural regions of China's Guangdong province, using a multi-stage sampling technique to select rural residents for a validated questionnaire survey in February 2023. Descriptive statistical method was used to describe the infection status of rural residents and Chi-Square Test was used to explore the influencing factors of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice in this population. Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the presence of a statistically significant association between explanatory variables and outcome variables at corresponding 95% CI. A total of 3,125 rural residents were investigated, of whom 805 had never been infected with COVID-19. The survey participants had an average score of 5.84 ± 1.419 for COVID-19 knowledge. (The total score range is from 0 to 8. A score greater than 6.4 indicates good knowledge acquisition.) Regarding the attitude and practice sections, the average scores were 23.68 ± 3.169 and 23.45 ± 5.030, respectively. (The total score range of both these sections is from 0 to 32. A score greater than 25.6 represents positive attitudes and good practices.) The reduction of COVID-19 risk is significantly associated with an increase in Knowledge scores (p trend < 0.01). In stratified analyses, the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices scores of residents in each region have varying degrees of correlation with the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Rural residents' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices on COVID-19 prevention and control requires improvement. Efforts to promote their' perceptions and habits regarding COVID-19 prevention and control are crucial in reducing the risk of infection.

Relatives' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Experiences Toward Electroconvulsive Therapy: A Systematic Review.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an effective treatment for patients with severe psychiatric disorders. Stigma and lack of knowledge surrounding ECT are major obstacles for both patients and their caregivers, who play an important role as shared decision-makers. Insight in caregivers' perspectives on ECT can support the consent process and patient compliance with ECT. We aimed to review perspectives on knowledge, attitudes, and experiences of caregivers of adult and adolescent patients who received ECT. We performed a computerized search (EMBASE, MEDLINE) for articles meeting the following inclusion criteria: (1) qualitative studies, quantitative studies, or quasi-experimental studies that (2) report on caregiver perspectives of patients who received ECT. We conducted our systematic review according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses method. In total, 29 articles were included. Variation in knowledge about ECT was high among caregivers. Their attitudes were generally positive and most would advise for future ECT if necessary. Psychoeducational tools and ECT experience increased knowledge and attitudes in caregivers. In general, caregivers were satisfied with ECT but wanted more information on risks and side effects before ECT. Caregivers reported more positive attitudes toward and had better experiences with ECT compared with patients. Our systematic review demonstrated moderate knowledge, but overall positive attitudes and experiences on ECT in caregivers. Overall low methodological quality of included studies limits our conclusions. Future research should focus more on qualitative methods and cohort studies.

Unmanned aerial vehicle formation control method based on improved artificial potential field and consensus

AbstractFormation coordination can improve the overall performance of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems, so it is important to realize coordinated formation control. To solve the problems of ineffective internal collision avoidance and communication distance maintenance in existing formation control methods, a UAV formation control algorithm based on an improved artificial potential field and consensus is proposed. First, an improved artificial potential field obstacle avoidance method is used to solve the problems of collision avoidance and communication distance maintenance within the formation by setting a communication risk zone and a collision risk zone and by defining the dynamic adjustment parameters of the inter‐UAV virtual force to improve the traditional artificial potential field method. Second, a time integrating factor is introduced, and an improved consensus‐based formation control method is employed to overcome the problem of the artificial potential field method falling into the local optimum easily. Simulation experiments were designed to analyse the trends of the UAV formation motion trajectory, inter‐UAV relative distance, attitude, and formation time. The analysis results show that the method can make the UAV formation consistent with the flight trajectory of the intended formation, solving the problems of collision avoidance and communication distance maintenance within the UAV formation.

EXPLORING VITAMIN D-RELATED KAP INFLUENCING FACTORS IN MIDDLE-AGED AND ELDERLY PATIENTS WITH ANKLE FRACTURES: A LOGISTIC REGRESSION AND DECISION TREE MODEL-BASED STUDY

This study aimed to analyze the factors influencing vitamin D (VD)-related knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) in middle-aged and elderly patients with ankle fractures using the binary logistic regression and decision tree models, thereby providing scientific evidence for VD-related recovery strategies. A Chinese version of the nutrition KAP questionnaire was administered in a Grade III A Hospital using random sampling for the investigation. Meanwhile, the factors influencing KAP were analyzed using the aforementioned two models. The results of the binary logistic regression model showed that the patient age [odds ratio [Formula: see text]; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.117–0.295], spouse education ([Formula: see text]; 95% CI: 0.267–0.422), and spouse occupation ([Formula: see text]; 95% CI: 1.078–1.693) were the factors influencing VD-related KAP. The decision tree chi-squared automatic interaction detector (CHAID) algorithm showed that spouse education, patient age, and living room lighting were the influencing factors, among which spouse education was the most important. VD in middle-aged and elderly patients with ankle fractures was affected by the age and the education level of the spouse. These two models can analyze the influencing factors of knowledge and practice, and can be used together to complement each other.

A rapid and accurate transfer alignment method using inertial instrument measurement information

The rapidity and precision of transfer alignment impacts the response speed and working precision of inertial navigation system (INS) directly, and flexural deformation is a critical constraint on transfer alignment performance. However, transfer alignment performance of the traditional modeling estimation method is easily degraded by the effect of model mismatch. Therefore, a rapid and accurate transfer alignment method using inertial instrument measurements is proposed in this paper. The relative attitude of main/sub INSs is roughly estimated by angular velocity measurements. Then, a novel transfer alignment filter model is established by relative attitude error model, and measurements of inertial instrument are used to construct angular increment matching and specific force matching quantities. This approach improves both the rapidity and precision of sub INS’s alignment. The performance validation results indicate that compared with traditional methods, the proposed method can improve alignment accuracy by more than 70% and significantly shorten alignment time, thus realizing rapid and accurate alignment.

Oral health knowledge, attitudes, and practices among female public health and nutrition university students in Qatar.

The present study aimed to determine oral health (OH) related knowledge, attitudes, and practices among Public Health (PH) and Nutrition (NU) students at Qatar University. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a pre-validated questionnaire comprising 36 items covering demographics, knowledge, attitudes and perception of oral health practices. Data were analyzed descriptively (means, standard deviations, proportions) and inferentially using statistical tests including t-tests for comparing means, and chi-square tests for examining associations between categorical variables. A total of 112 female undergraduate students participated, including 41 from PH and 71 from NU programs (response rate for both courses = 59.5%). The mean age was 21.8, while 23% were Qataris and 77% non-Qataris. Overall, students demonstrated good knowledge of OH (67.65%), with the PH group scoring higher (70.7%) than NU (65.35%). Knowledge regarding dental plaque was low for both groups (31.0%). Attitudes toward OH varied among participants. Most students reported practicing brushing with fluoridated toothpaste and demonstrated high knowledge regarding the association between poor OH and general health (95%). Overall, PH and NU undergraduate students exhibited relatively good knowledge of OH, however, demonstrated a range of attitudes and practices, including suboptimal ones. Integration of OH education into the PH and NU curriculum is warranted, along with enhanced interprofessional education to promote self-awareness and improve patient oral health outcomes.

The comparison of comprehensive sexuality education knowledge and attitudes in CSE-exposed and CSE-naïve non-formal settings in Lagos State, Nigeria.

This study compared the sexual reproductive health and rights related knowledge and attitudes towards inclusive gender norms among students in comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) exposed and naïve technical and vocational centers in Lagos state, Nigeria. It also explored the benefits of teaching and learning about CSE from exposed students and their instructors. A mixed-method research design was used. The study population comprised of students 15-24 years of age attending technical and vocational centers in Lagos State and instructors in CSE-exposed centres. Sample size of 450 per group was calculated. A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire; focus group discussions and key informant interviews were used for data collection. Quantitative data was analyzed at p<0.05; coding and thematic analysis of qualitative data was followed by integration and of the findings; and interpreted using the information-motivation-behavioural skills model. Students in CSE-exposed schools had statistically significantly higher SRHR-related knowledge scores and positive attitudes towards inclusive gender norms. The CSE training improved the educational knowledge and teaching modalities of the instructors. The adolescents had increased knowledge, acquired behavioural skills, and changed certain behaviors. The SRHR-related benefits extended to their siblings and friends. This study contributes to the knowledge available on the benefits of CSE for young people in non-formal settings in Nigeria. It revealed that CSE training benefits not only the students but also their instructors, who reported acquisition of new teaching skills and improved parenting skills. The study findings suggest that the integration of CSE into non-formal educational settings could improve the SRHR- related knowledge among young people, promote inclusive gender norms and potentially contribute to improved SRH outcomes and related SDGs in Nigeria.

Exploring UK adult and policy stakeholder perspectives on obesity prevention policy and inequalities

Abstract In England, 14 obesity strategies have been published, including 689 proposed policies, while rates of obesity persist, and inequalities worsen. This study explores adults’ attitudes in relation to food-related obesity policy and how socioeconomic inequalities in obesity are considered throughout the policy process through the perspective of policy stakeholders (PSH). 31 semi-structured interviews with UK-based adults (GPP) (18+) and 14 interviews with PSH categorised as government officials, academics, and advocacy group representatives were conducted and analysed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis. Both PSH and GPP attributed obesity causation primarily to the food environment rather than to individual behaviour. The PSH identified the food industry’s role in shaping the environment. Level of deprivation was believed to exacerbate the barriers to healthy weight in both samples. All participants agreed that, in the UK, there was an unequal opportunity to attain a healthy diet. A disconnect was found between the GPP perspectives towards the barriers to healthy weight and their attitudes towards policy action. The GPP described mistrust in the government’s motives and willingness, fuelling the perspective that policy lacked impact and was disconnected from their lived experiences, particularly among participants of lower socioeconomic status and higher weight classifications. The PSH raised concerns regarding barriers to policy implementation, including inconsistent government commitment, competing priorities, and resistance to state intervention. PSH suggested that it was unfeasible to prioritise inequalities while population rates remain high, and the failure of implement proposed policies continue. This study shows the necessity of incorporating a health equity lens, breaking down policy silos, and amplifying community voices in the policy process to challenge assumptions regarding lived experiences and ensure healthier equitable policy outcomes. Key messages • The study shows the importance of integrating a health equity lens, breaking policy silos, and amplifying community voices to challenge assumptions and achieve more equitable policy outcomes. • Obesity policy requires greater consideration to inequalities to strengthen policy impact as demonstrated by all participants recalling the unequal opportunity to sustain a healthy weight in the UK.

Parental norms and attitudes in Relation to Children’s sugar consumption − A mediation analysis of the “Are You Too Sweet?” intervention study

Parental influence on children’s dietary behaviour makes parents an obvious target for prevention strategies with nutritional foci. Mediation analysis is considered a valuable tool for understanding the underlying mechanisms of influence in intervention studies aimed at implementing behaviour change strategies.The present study used data from the multi-component cluster-randomised intervention “Are You Too Sweet?” with 153 Danish children (5–7 years) to explore mediating effects and role of parental determinants on added sugar intake in children.A pre-and post-intervention questionnaire evaluated parental knowledge, practices, self-efficacy, norms, and attitudes. Children’s dietary intake was estimated from a seven-day dietary record. Associations between children’s added sugar intake and parental responses and changes in responses following the intervention were evaluated using linear mixed models. Exploring potential behaviour change pathways of the intervention was done using mediation analyses.Children’s reduction in added sugar consumption was partly mediated by changes in parental norms and attitudes regarding limiting sugar-rich foods and drinks to special occasions. Parental knowledge of guidelines on the intake of sugar-rich discretionary foods and drinks increased as an intervention effect but did not demonstrate a mediating effect. No significant changes or mediating effects were found in parental self-efficacy or practices.The findings highlight parental norms and attitudes regarding restricting sugar-rich foods and drinks to special occasions as modifiable and a mediator for reducing added sugar intake in the “Are You Too Sweet?” intervention study.Trial registration: Retrospectively registered at ISRCTN: ISRCTN10409779.

Health literacy demand and attitudes toward COVID-19 prevention measures among Korean American older adults and their caregivers

BackgroundHealth literacy has been linked to positive attitudes toward COVID-19 preventive measures among adolescents and young- or middle-aged adult populations. This study examined the relationship between health literacy and attitudes toward COVID-19 preventive measures among non-English speaking Korean American older adults and their caregivers. The study additionally investigated how sociodemographic characteristics were associated with attitudes.MethodsCOVID-19 survey data was collected from potential participants for an ongoing randomized controlled trial involving both Korean American older adults and their caregivers in the Baltimore-Washington and the New York Metropolitan areas (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03909347). Korean American older adults with normal cognition and their caregivers were allowed to participate in the survey. We used latent profile analysis to find unique clusters of participants with a similar pattern of responses to attitudes toward COVID-19 preventive measures. Based on the analysis, we employed multinomial logistic regression to investigate how health literacy and sociodemographic characteristics were associated with the clusters.ResultsWe found three clusters based on participant responses to COVID-19 preventive measures—Positive, Negative, or Mixed. Health literacy was not associated with COVID-19 related attitudes in the study sample. Men were 2.37 times more likely to be categorized as Mixed than having Positive Attitudes compared to women. The odds of a person living in the New York metropolitan area being categorized as having Mixed Attitudes compared to Positive Attitudes were also 2.67 times more than for a person living in the Baltimore-Washington area.ConclusionsDifferences in attitudes toward COVID-19 preventive measures were found among sociodemographic variables but not health literacy. Investigating what information channels or methods drive perception of public health information such as COVID-19 may help identify effective dissemination strategies for non-English speaking Korean older adults.

Determinants of sodium intake knowledge and attitude: a cross-national analysis of socio-economic and health factors.

The aim of this study is to conduct a comparative analysis across nations to: (1) identify the determinants influencing knowledge and attitudes related to sodium (Na) intake and (2) to analyse the association between knowledge and attitudes related to Na intake. We utilised a secondary data from a cross-sectional study that was conducted across seven nations. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was utilised to assess the impact of socio-economic and health-related predictors on knowledge and attitudes pertaining to Na intake and further to investigate the relationship between knowledge and attitude. Indonesia, Brazil, Thailand, Japan, France, the UK and the USA. 7090 participants aged 15 years and above were included in the study. SEM analysis showed a strong association between knowledge about Na intake and related attitude across all countries, particularly in the UK (2·65, 95 % CI 1·48-3·82), France (2·62, 1·45-3·79) and the USA (1·97, 1·21-2·73). In Brazil, Japan and France, individuals or family members having certain health conditions such as raised blood pressure, heart diseases, strokes or other diseases exhibited a positive attitude towards reducing Na intake. Conversely, socio-economic factors like education and income demonstrated the complexity of influences on knowledge and attitudes about Na intake. The study underscores the need for tailored public health interventions to reduce excessive Na consumption, considering the diverse cultural, social and economic factors. It highlights the complex determinants of knowledge and attitudes towards Na intake, calling for further research in varied populations.

Public Health Nurses' Competence Related to Long-Term Breastfeeding in the Context of Maternity and Child Health Clinics.

To explore public health nurses' competence (namely knowledge, skills, and attitudes) in relation to long-term breastfeeding and their experience of the need for additional training on the subject. The study design was quantitative, descriptive, and cross-sectional. Public health nurses (n = 270). Data were collected with the Long-Term Breastfeeding Competence Scale (LBCS) online survey. Data analysis was done with Spearman's correlation analysis and binary logistic regression analysis. Slightly more than half of the respondents had a good level of knowledge and skills. The majority had a baseline positive attitude toward long-term breastfeeding, but the attitude became more negative as the age of the breastfed child increased. Better competence was associated with younger age, parenthood, an additional degree in midwifery, and breastfeeding specialist certification. Knowledge and skills, and attitudes revealed a high correlation: the higher the knowledge and skills level, the more positive attitudes. Respondents with better knowledge and skills experienced more often the need for additional training on the subject. This study addresses that public health nurses lack competence in relation to long-term breastfeeding. This may compromise the quality of breastfeeding guidance for families in healthcare settings.

Multigroup Analysis on Live Selling Purchase Intention in E-Commerce Platform: The Role of Relational Bonds, Language Attitude and Streamer Ability to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals

Objective: The study aims to analyze the effect of relational bonds and language attitude on streamer ability and live selling purchase intention to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)). It also seeks to reveal the differences in test results between two groups: printed Batik consumers and hand-written Batik consumers. Theoretical Framework: This study employs the theories of relational bonds, language attitude, streamer ability, and live selling purchase intention. Method: This research is a quantitative study that uses convenience sampling with 220 respondents who are consumers of both printed and hand-written Batik. Data is analyzed using a Structural Equation Model (SEM) with Smart-PLS. The analysis includes a multigroup analysis to compare the effects between the two groups. Results and Discussion: The results of the analysis show that the relational bonds and the language attitude of the costumer have a positive effect on the streamer ability and live selling purchase intention to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). The results of the multi-group analysis indicate differences in the analysis between printed Batik consumers regarding the effect of language attitude on streamer ability and the effect of relational bonds on live selling purchase intention. Research Implications: This study proposes several efforts to increase Batik sales, particularly through digital platforms capable of reaching a wider market share. Originality/Value: The study highlights how cultural products like Batik can be marketed effectively through digital platforms, emphasizing the role of cultural authenticity and quality in consumer decision-making to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

Parentification and satisfaction of psychological needs in romantic relationships: The mediating role of relational attitudes

Parentification and satisfaction of psychological needs in romantic relationships: The mediating role of relational attitudes

Dementia Training for Nurses in Acute Care Settings: Impacts and Barriers.

The provision of consistent, high-quality dementia care training for healthcare professionals in acute care hospital settings has been largely overlooked until recent years. This study was designed to investigate the effect of current healthcare professional dementia care training courses on related knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy in hospital nurses and to understand their training-related experiences, willingness, and perceived barriers. Using a cross-sectional design, 201 nurses were recruited from a teaching medical center in Taiwan. A questionnaire was developed by the researchers to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy related to caring for people with dementia and to elucidate participant experiences and preferences regarding dementia care training courses. Five academic and clinical dementia care experts held three content validity evaluation rounds for the developed questionnaire. Inferential statistics were used to compare the knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy related to caring for people with dementia between participants who had and had not attended a dementia care training course. Nearly all (96.5%) of the participants had prior experience caring for people with dementia, but only 25.9% and 7.0% respectively reported haven taken basic and advanced healthcare professional dementia care training courses. Those who had taken either the basic or advanced course earned higher mean knowledge scores than those who had taken neither ( p = .009 and p = .027, respectively). Time constraints and scheduling conflicts were identified as the major barriers to attending dementia care training ( n = 164, 81.6%). The participants who had attended either the basic or advanced healthcare professional dementia care training course were found to have better dementia care knowledge than those who had not. Stakeholders should work to further reduce the barriers faced by nurses to attending essential dementia care training.

Separated spacecraft attitude algorithm research based on star sensor multi-information fusion

Faced with the problem of poor anti-interference ability of star map recognition technology, in order to improve its anti-interference ability and achieve higher attitude measurement accuracy, this article proposes a star map recognition method based on binary search trees. Star sensors and gyroscopes are combined to solve the problem of the poor real-time performance of star sensors, optimizing the Extended Kalman Filtering (EKF) algorithm. This improves attitude output accuracy and formulates corresponding attitude measurement schemes considering the situation where the star sensor is not visible. The results showed that the improved star pattern recognition algorithm had better adaptability and robustness than the rasterization algorithm, with a high recognition success rate of 95.6% when the star sensor field of view was 3°*3°, while the rasterization algorithm cannot recognize small fields of view. The recognition success rate of the algorithm was 98.6% when the standard deviation of magnitude noise was 2.0 pixels, which was 15.4% higher than the rasterization algorithm. Unlike the EKF algorithm, the optimized EKF algorithm had a higher attitude output accuracy, with an average error of about 0.000 211°; compared to before optimization, it has increased by 93.43%. In the attitude measurement scheme, the relative attitude angle measurement error was small, and the maximum attitude measurement error in the rolling angle direction was 1.8 × 10−3°. This paper adopts a method to achieve high-precision satellite attitude measurement with good adaptability, which can be applied in complex space missions.

A Holistic Approach to Bovine Brucellosis: Serological Tests, Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Evaluation, and Risk Factor Identification on Dairy Farms of Ethiopia

Brucellosis, a contagious bacterial disease affecting animals globally presents a substantial zoonotic risk that is frequently underestimated, hinders animal trade, and endangers livestock and human health. The present study was conducted from November 2023 to June 2024 in Central and North Gondar Zone, Ethiopia. The current cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of brucellosis and to explore the related knowledge, attitudes, and practices within the specified region. A total of 384 serum samples were collected via random sampling from 20 dairy farms located in Ethiopia. Both local and cross-breed samples screened using the Rose Bengal Plate test and confirmed through an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The seroprevalence of bovine brucellosis for both tests was 17.71% overall, with 9.62% for Central Gondar and 27.27% for North Gondar. Extensive farms exhibited notably higher odds of brucellosis compared to intensive farms, with unadjusted crude odds ratios of 3.01 and adjusted odds ratios of 2.37, respectively. Medium-sized herds also demonstrated increased odds in the multivariate analysis compared with small herds. Young respondents displayed the highest awareness levels, followed by adults and older individuals, with statistically significant differences observed across all categories. Regarding a semi-structured survey from 150 farmers on the association between sociodemographic data and knowledge, females exhibited higher awareness levels, with 117 (80.14%) responding positively. Young respondents showed a higher positive response rate of 58% compared to adults (52.7%) and the elderly (36.54%). In conclusion, these results emphasize the need for comprehensive strategies to address the factors influencing bovine brucellosis prevalence and respondent awareness.

The S in STEM: gender differences in science anxiety and its relations with science test performance-related variables

BackgroundSTEM education has experienced significant growth due to its pivotal role in innovation and economic development. While cognitive factors like prior knowledge are known predictors of STEM success, non-cognitive factors, including attitudes and demographics, also play vital roles. However, there is a notable scarcity of research focusing on the "S" in STEM—science—compared to extensive studies in fields like mathematics. This study aims to address this gap by exploring gender differences in science test performance and related attitudes, providing insights into this under-researched aspect of STEM education.ResultsThe effective sample comprised 1839 Estonian 12th-grade students who took a computer-assisted science test. The test consisted of tasks combining chemistry, physics, biology, and geography, and a post-test survey was also administered. Across the total sample, the results showed that test performance positively correlated with test-taking duration, effort, and test importance. Test performance was negatively correlated with perceived test difficulty. Interestingly, while general science anxiety was not associated with test performance, subject-specific anxiety, especially chemistry anxiety had a negative association with test performance. While there were no gender differences in test performance, female students scored consistently higher on all science anxiety measures, compared to male students. Furthermore, female students assessed the science test to be more difficult, and they also took more time to complete the test. The correlations in gender subsamples mirrored those observed in the total sample.ConclusionsThe association between science test performance and test-related variables is nuanced: students might not necessarily have a “general” STEM anxiety but it may be associated with a specific subject. Moreover, the findings imply that although there are no gender differences in test performance, girls have a greater anxiety when it comes to natural sciences subjects. These findings indicate the need for investigating the origin of such anxieties, which do not seem to stem from aptitude.

Knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours about gender equality: a cross-sectional survey of adolescents from rural India.

Background: Gender equality is a fundamental human right and vital to accelerate global progress towards several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Adolescents' involvement is essential to achieve such equality and SDGs to develop peaceful sustainable societies. However, there are limited data especially from developing countries such as India to plan gender equality related programmes targeted at adolescents. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey to assess gender equality related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours among 16 to 19 year-old adolescents from sixty villages of the Maharashtra state of India. Results: Data from 1306 respondents (667 females and 639 males) showed a mean score of 30 out of 44, suggesting an overall moderate gender equality score in rural adolescents. The majority of girls (68.3%) were in the high scoring group, whereas the majority of boys were in the moderate group (60.3%). Regression analysis showed that responses from boys were associated with lower scores compared to responses from girls by five points (adjusted β-coefficient: -4.99, 95%CI: -5.85 to -4.12, p<0.001). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that there is a need to involve adolescents with a major focus on boys to improve gender equality in rural areas of Maharashtra. This will help introduce concepts of equality from an early age to educate boys, empower girls, and address gender-based discrimination and violence against girls and women.

Impact of sustainability education on senior student attitudes and behaviors: evidence from India

Purpose This study aims to ascertain the impact education for sustainable development (ESD) on knowledge, attitude and behavior among senior (last year undergraduate) Indian students. Design/methodology/approach This study is a cross-sectional causal investigation with descriptive design using survey method. It uses the knowledge, attitude and behaviors toward the sustainable development scales of the International Institute of Sustainable Development (IISD) for data collection and partial least-square structural equation modelling for empirically testing the proposed research model. Findings The study results establish the importance of sustainability education on knowledge, attitude and behavior. The impact of knowledge on behavior is direct and partially mediated through the attitudinal pathway – indicating central and peripheral routes sustainability related information processing and attitude formation. The results also indicate poor knowledge of the impact of socio-cultural issues on sustainability. Research limitations/implications The study results will help assess the impact current ESD initiatives in India and redesign the ESD curriculum in line with ESD for 2030 initiatives to facilitate the achievement of UN’s sustainable development goals by 2030. This study is limited to senior students and offers scope for extension to other groups. Social implications The study results can help redesign the sustainability curriculum at the school and undergraduate levels in the country in line with ESD for 2023 objectives. The results indicate an urgent need to include the impact of sociocultural issues on sustainability to sensitize Indian students towards the same. Originality/value This study contributes to the sustainability education literature by assessing the impact of sustainability curricula on sustainability knowledge, attitude and behavior among Indian senior students – hitherto uninvestigated. It also will help in the informed redesign/ improvement of ESD curriculum under the ESD for 2030 initiatives.