Preferences Of Respondents Research Articles

Weighting factors for LCA—a new set from a global survey

PurposeThis paper provides global weights (weighting factors) for the three endpoint impact categories (areas of protection (AoPs)) of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Life Cycle Initiative’s “Global Guidance for Life Cycle Impact Assessment Indicators and Methods” (GLAM) project, namely human health, ecosystem quality, and natural resources and ecosystem services.MethodsA discrete choice experiment (DCE) was conducted to elicit the preferences of respondents on the GLAM AoPs, and they were then used to calculate the respective weights. Responses were obtained from a subset of countries pertaining to each income level defined by the World Bank (i.e. low, lower-middle, upper-middle, and high). The adimensional (between 0 and 1) weights were derived using two different approaches: econometric and multiple criteria decision analysis (MCDA). The econometric approach obtained weights by transforming the estimated preference parameters from a multinomial logit model. The MCDA approach obtained weights representing the vectors that best reconstitute the choices of each individual, using linear programming to fit an additive value function.ResultsWhen considering responses from all income groups, the weights from the econometric approach are 0.42, 0.31, and 0.26 for human health, ecosystem quality, and natural resources and ecosystem services, respectively. Following the same order for the AoPs, the weights from the MCDA approach are 0.41, 0.32, and 0.27. For high-income countries, ecosystem quality has the highest weight; for upper-middle-income countries, ecosystem quality and human health have the same weights using the econometric approach, while in the MCDA approach, human health is weighted higher than ecosystem quality. For the two lower income country groups, the priority is given to human health with both approaches. Recommendations for the use of these weights are also provided, as well as a comparison with other existing weights.ConclusionThe two methods obtained similar weights overall, although with some differences when disaggregated by income groups. The weights proposed in this paper are suitable for decision-makers or users who want to use survey-derived weights for endpoint-based LCA when using the AoPs of GLAM. These weights can be used in projects where the decision-makers do not want to or have no resources to identify a set of weights themselves, or when decision-makers are not involved.

Unravelling Elements of Value of Healthcare and Assessing their Importance Using Evidence from Two Discrete-Choice Experiments in England.

Health systems are moving towards value-based care, implementing new care models that allegedly aim beyond patient outcomes. Therefore, a policy and academic debate is underway regarding the definition of value in healthcare, the inclusion of costs in value metrics, and the importance of each value element. This study aimed to define healthcare value elements and assess their relative importance (RI) to the public in England. Using data from 26 semi-structured interviews and a literature review, and applying decision-theory axioms, we selected a comprehensive and applicable set of value-based elements. Their RI was determined using two discrete choice experiments (DCEs) based on Bayesian D-efficient DCE designs, with one DCE incorporating healthcare costs expressed as income tax rise. Respondent preferences were analysed using mixed logit models. Six value elements were identified: additional life-years, health-related quality of life, patient experience, target population size, equity, and cost. The DCE surveys were completed by 402 participants. All utility coefficients had the expected signs and were statistically significant (p<0.05). Additional life-years (25.3%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 22.5-28.6%) and patient experience (25.2%; 95% CI 21.6-28.9%) received the highest RI, followed by target population size (22.4%; 95% CI 19.1-25.6%) and quality of life (17.6%; 95% CI 15.0-20.3%). Equity had the lowest RI (9.6%; 95% CI 6.4-12.1%), decreasing by 8.8 percentage points with cost inclusion. A similar reduction was observed in the RI of quality of life when cost was included. The public prioritizes value elements not captured by conventional metrics, such as quality-adjusted life-years. Although cost inclusion did not alter the preference ranking, its inclusion in the value metric warrants careful consideration.

Surveying adult support for child and youth voice on environmental governmental decision-making in Australia and New Zealand

The global movement of student strikes for climate action illustrates that many children and youth want to have a voice on governmental decisions on the environment. Yet in most nations, an electoral voice is not granted to those under the age of 18. From prior research, we see the main barrier for child and youth voice to parliament is adult attitudes towards children and youth. To find out who supports their voice on government decisions for the environment, we added such a question to the Australia and New Zealand iterations of the International Social Survey Program 2020 survey. The results indicated that the majority of surveyed adults support 11–14 year olds (Aus 62 %, NZ 59 %) and 15–18 year olds (Aus 79 %, NZ 80 %) having opportunities to influence government decisions on the environment. Analysis of responses to this question in relation to demographic survey data indicated variations in preferences for different age groups of children and youth, and that age, gender, education, concern for the environment, environment organisation membership and prior election political party preference of respondents were variables of significance for both nations. Recommendations for policy and practice to broaden support for child and youth voice to contribute to government decisions on the environment are suggested with application of Iris Marion Young’s propositions for more inclusive democracy.

Mammography Screening Preferences Among Screening-Eligible Women in Their 40s : A National U.S. Survey.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recently changed its recommendation for mammography screening from informed decision making to biennial screening for women aged 40 to 49 years. Although many women welcome this change, some may prefer not to be screened at age 40 years. To conduct a national probability-based U.S. survey to investigate breast cancer screening preferences among women aged 39 to 49 years. Pre-post survey with a breast cancer screening decision aid (DA) intervention. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05376241). Online national U.S. survey. 495 women aged 39 to 49 years without a history of breast cancer or a known BRCA1/2 gene mutation. A mammography screening DA providing information about screening benefits and harms and a personalized breast cancer risk estimate. Screening preferences (assessed before and after the DA), 10-year Gail model risk estimate, and whether the information was surprising and different from past messages. Before viewing the DA, 27.0% of participants preferred to delay screening (vs. having mammography at their current age), compared with 38.5% after the DA. There was no increase in the number never wanting mammography (5.4% before the DA vs. 4.3% after the DA). Participants who preferred to delay screening had lower breast cancer risk than those who preferred not to delay. The information about overdiagnosis was surprising for 37.4% of participants versus 27.2% and 22.9% for information about false-positive results and screening benefits, respectively. Respondent preferences may have been influenced by the then-current USPSTF guideline. There are women in their 40s who would prefer to have mammography at an older age, especially after being informed of the benefits and harms of screening. Women who wanted to delay screening were at lower breast cancer risk than women who wanted screening at their current age. Many found information about the benefits and harms of mammography surprising. National Cancer Institute.

Perception of park environment and its impact on aesthetic evaluation

Abstract The synthesis of scientific works highlighted a fundamental difference in the methods and approaches used to investigate the aesthetic qualities of park environments involving respondents. A pivotal methodological question in studying the aesthetic qualities of park environments and their human perception lies in determining the research approach - whether natural or using substitutes such as photographs or virtual simulators. In the context of this study, an analysis was conducted to ascertain the correspondence between the perception of the park environment and the assessment of its aesthetic qualities under different survey conditions. The research established that the influence of park environment features on the aesthetic evaluation of landscapes significantly differs depending on the season and the method of research. Characteristics of the park environment noted by respondents, which are closely related to aesthetic evaluation, are positive associative features defining the overall psycho-emotional impression of the landscape. Seasonal changes in the park environment notably affect the perception of compositional characteristics, especially enhancing aesthetic evaluation during summer surveys conducted directly within the park boundaries. Substantial decrease in aesthetic evaluation is observed due to the mismatch between basic features and respondent preferences, a phenomenon independent of the research method employed.

Perceived legitimacy of agricultural support schemes: An investigation using factorial survey experiments

Abstract Agricultural support payments are a significant position in public budgets, and the legitimacy of such payments is subject to continuing debate. The legitimacy rests on the social acceptance of citizens for support payments to farmers, which is the focus of this study. Social acceptance is investigated using evaluations of farm and farmer descriptions in a factorial survey experiment. The results reveal higher acceptance of payments for farms demonstrating enhanced animal welfare, biodiversity, and a lower carbon footprint. The acceptance of support payments is negatively associated with payment amount, but payments to farmers who are financially struggling are more accepted than payments to profitable farmers; indicating respondent preferences that align with the need justice principle. Study findings can be used to inform priorities for legitimate policies of agricultural support schemes, to identify areas of consensus or disagreement regarding social acceptance of support, and to facilitate effective communication on agricultural support policy.

Fighting behavior, conflict perceptions, and firearm access among U.S. adolescents in a pediatric emergency department

ObjectivePrior evidence demonstrates that both firearm access and fighting can predict future violence and injury in adolescents. We aimed to examine associations between firearm access with fighting behavior and conflict perception in a sample of adolescents in an urban emergency department (ED) setting. MethodsIn 2023, we conducted a secondary analysis of 13,610 adolescent encounters in the ED of a U.S. children's hospital from 2013 to 2020, using a universally applied, self-administered computerized behavioral health survey. We compared patient characteristics by reported firearm access and fighting behavior using chi-squared tests. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used to investigate associations between 1) fighting behavior and firearm access, and 2) between fighting behavior and respondent preference to and reporting of fighting incident to law enforcement after adjusting for race and ethnicity, age, and gender. ResultsApproximately one-quarter of the sample reported past year fighting. Youth who reported fighting were more likely to report firearm access (AOR = 1.66, 95%CI = [1.49–1.86]). This association strengthened among youth who perceived continued conflict after a fight (AOR = 2.05, 95%CI = [1.73–2.43]). Youth who perceived continued conflict following a fight were more likely to report (AOR = 1.97, 95%CI = [1.65–2.36]) or want to report (AOR = 2.63, 95%CI = [1.81–3.81]) the fight to law enforcement. ConclusionsThose perceiving continued conflict after a fight were more likely to report access to firearms and endorse retaliation; however, they were more likely to want to report the fight to law enforcement. These findings highlight the potential for more comprehensive ED risk assessment to reduce retaliation and reinjury for adolescents reporting fighting behavior.

NURS-07. A NEEDS ASSESSMENT OF THE BRAIN TUMOR EDUCATION AND THERAPY (BEAT) GROUP AT WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE IN ST. LOUIS

Abstract BACKGROUND The Brain Tumor Education and Therapy (BEAT) group extends support to patients and families with pediatric brain tumor diagnoses. Social Work and healthcare providers typically meet with families quarterly to provide psychosocial support and address their educational needs. To better understand the factors that may impact participation and engagement, we sought to evaluate the opinions of current patients and their families. METHODS Both caregivers and adolescent patients, aged 16 years or older, were invited to participate in a 25-question survey. The survey assessed current sources of support, preferred meeting format, as well as educational and psychosocial needs. Additionally, the survey included questions about the patient’s diagnosis, treatment, and side effects experienced. RESULTS Over six weeks, 28 surveys were completed. Almost all respondents reported receiving support from family (93%) and friends (78%), while a smaller percentage (21%) sought support from families with similar diagnoses. Nearly half (46%) of respondents follow online or social media groups. When it comes to receiving support, 47% preferred online sessions (social media or virtual meetings), compared to in-person meetings (16%) or a combination of online and in-person (24%). Most respondents (85%) reported educational needs related to the late effects of therapy, while 69% cited concerns about friendships and socialization, and 57% on transitioning to young adulthood. Sixty-two percent request resources for emotional and psychosocial support. Respondents prefer (87%) healthcare professional-led sessions. CONCLUSION Our findings highlight an ongoing demand for healthcare professionals to provide psychosocial support and education to families of brain tumor patients. However, the preference is shifting towards virtual attendance of these meetings. In response, we intend to introduce a virtual support group and educational sessions, complemented by informative videos and handouts available on our hospital website or social media platforms. Subsequent studies will focus on family satisfaction with changes to the program.

Physicochemical Characteristics and SPF Value of Kepok Banana Corm Extract Cream

Banana Corm is banana plant waste that has not been utilized optimally and contains flavonoids which have the potential as natural UV repellents. This study aims to determined the physical-chemical characteristics and preferences of respondents as well as the SPF value of kepok banana corm extract creams. Three cream formulations were carried out using concentration variants of 10% (F1), 20% (F2) and 30% (F3) with physical property tests including organoleptic tests, cream type tests, homogeneity tests, spreadability tests, centrifugation tests and SPF value. The test results show that the three formulations have different colors and aromas and are o/w cream types and have a homogeneous texture. All formulas meet the skin's pH range. In the test results there was a significant difference (p&lt;0.05) in the order of highest spreading power in diameter F3 (5.725 ± 0.01 cm) × F2 (5.24 ± 0.2 cm) × F1 (5.24 ± 0.092 cm ), whereas for the centrifugation test results there was no phase separation in the supply. The results of respondents' preferences for cream showed that the overall cream preparation formula is acceptable and liked by respondents. Based on the research results, it can be concluded that the banana bongol extract cream meets the physical quality requirements based on predetermined parameters and the banana bongol extract cream can be accepted by respondents. Cream with variations in banana weevil concentration of 10%, 20% and 30%, obtained an SPF value in the maximum protection category

Putting the Choice in Choice Tasks: Incorporating Preference Elicitation Tasks in Health Preference Research.

Choice-based preference elicitation methods such as the discrete choice experiment (DCE) present hypothetical choices to respondents, with an expectation that these hypothetical choices accurately reflect a 'real world' health-related decision context and that consequently the choice data can be held to be a true representation of the respondent's health or treatment preferences. For this to be the case, careful consideration needs to be given to the format of the choice task in a choice experiment. The overarching aim of this paper is to highlight important aspects to consider when designing and 'setting up' the choice tasks to be presented to respondents in a DCE. This includes the importance of considering the potential impact of format (e.g. choice context, choice set presentation and size) as well as choice set content (e.g. labelled and unlabelled choice sets and inclusion of reference alternatives) and choice questions (stated choice versus additional questions designed to explore complete preference orders) on the preference estimates that are elicited from studies. We endeavoure to instil a holistic approach to choice task design that considers format alongside content, experimental design and analysis.

Not in the countryside please! Investigating UK residents’ perceptions of an introduced species, the ring-necked parakeet (Psittacula krameri)

Wildlife management can generate social conflict when stakeholder perceptions of the target species are not considered. Introduced Ring-necked Parakeets (RNP) are established in the UK and have been added to the ‘general licence’ of birds that can be killed to prevent serious economic damage. We aimed to better understand perceptions of RNPs on a nationwide scale to inform mitigation actions for potential future conflict over RNP management. We surveyed 3,947 UK residents to understand awareness of, knowledge of and attitudes towards the RNP across the UK. We found that most respondents (90.2%) were aware of the RNP. Almost half of respondents (45.9%) held negative opinions, particularly against the RNP in rural areas (64.7%), suggesting landscape contexts influence attitudes. Respondent preference for the RNP was low in local neighbourhoods (7.80%) although the species was considered aesthetically pleasing by most (83.0%). Many respondents knew the species’ name (54.9%), but underestimated current population numbers in the UK (82.6%) and few knew its full native range (10.0%). We identified respondents’ ecological interest, age, education, preference for, awareness of and knowledge of the RNP as significant factors associated with perceptions. Our findings suggest that the RNP presents a complex socio-environmental challenge, with respondent awareness, knowledge and attitudes each forming an important component of perceptions towards this species. We recommend that wildlife managers utilise our findings and cohesive approach to enhance future RNP perception research in the UK and abroad and towards the success of any proposed management initiatives under the UK general licence.

Evaluasi Kenyamanan Termal dan Estetika Berbasis Analisis Tapak dan Persepsi User Taman Kota Depok

The condition of Parks in Depok City has become unmaintained since the covid-19 pandemic due to restrictions on the number of visitors. On the other hand, a comfortable park can improve health. This study identifies existing conditions and analyzes thermal comfort and aesthetics in Taman Lembah Gurame, Taman Lembah Mawar, and Taman Merdeka based on site analysis and users’ perceptions. Evaluation of thermal comfort using Thermal Humidity Index (THI) analysis, while evaluation of landscape aesthetic using the Scenic Beauty Estimation (SBE) method. The perception and preference of respondents using descriptive statistical analysis methods. The THI analysis result showed that the thermal comfort of three city parks was classified as uncomfortable to very uncomfortable. However, the aesthetic assessment in Taman Lembah Gurame and Taman Lembah Mawar was highly aesthetic, while Taman Merdeka was lowly aesthetic. It could be caused by planting design, layout, and activities on-site, which makes users more tolerant of the thermal comfort of parks. Improving facilities and adding flowering plants and shady trees are needed to make city parks more comfortable, beautiful, also adaptive in the new normal era.

Supplementing a Paper Questionnaire with Web and Two-way Short Message Service (SMS) Surveys

Abstract When deciding which modes to offer, researchers consider cost, known respondent contact information, and potential mode effects. For a short survey on employment, we evaluate the effect of adding one of two new electronic data collection modes to a mailed questionnaire. We sent a survey to principals who previously responded to the National Center for Education Statistics’ (NCES) National Teacher and Principal Survey (NTPS) asking about their current job status. This questionnaire, known as the Principal Follow-up Survey (PFS), has typically been administered as a short paper form that is mailed to NTPS respondents. In 2022, the PFS introduced two new modes of completion, and principals were randomly assigned to receive: (i) a paper form only; (ii) a paper form, as well as emails with a direct link to complete a web survey; or (iii) a paper form, as well as invitations by text message to complete an automated two-way short message service text survey by responding to texted “yes/no” questions. This article compares overall response rates and time-to-response by mode to determine respondent preferences for completing short surveys. Adding either electronic mode significantly increased response rates and decreased the number of days in which completed surveys were received, compared to offering only a paper questionnaire. Although email and text messages are both forms of electronic communication that may be accessible on a smartphone, the added text message survey resulted in higher response rates than the added web survey. This suggests that respondents interact differently with emails and text messages they receive and that offering an option to complete a survey by text message can increase the speed and efficiency of data collection for short surveys.

Abstract 2222: Knowledge of risk factors and symptoms of head and neck cancers among Arab-Americans

Abstract Background: In 2023, approximately 66000 patients with head and neck cancers (HNC) will be diagnosed in the United States (U.S.). There are approximately 3.7 million Arab-Americans living in the U.S., with large concentration in Michigan (MI). For example, Dearborn, MI has the largest percentage of Arab-Americans (40% of people having Arab ancestry). Smoking, alcohol, and human papillomavirus (HPV) are the main causes of HNC. Common symptoms of HNC are lump in the neck/mouth, nonhealing ulcers, dysphagia or odynophagia, and change in voice. Currently, there is a scarcity of research on knowledge of HNC risk factors and symptoms among Arab-Americans. We examined knowledge of risk factors and symptoms of HNC among Arab-Americans residing in MI. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of adult Arab-Americans (≥18 years) conducted between March and July 2023. Survey questions were adapted from the National Cancer Institute and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and offered in English and Arabic depending on respondent preference. Awareness of the symptoms of HNCs were assessed using 14 questions while risk factors were assessed using 10 questions. The questions were in the form of “Do you know that the following can be symptoms/risk factors of HNC?” Respondents selected “yes,” “no,” or “don’t know/not sure” for each answer choice. Results: Of the 295 Arab-Americans survey respondents, the mean age ± SD was 37.9 ± 14.6, and most were female (60.7%), had at least a college degree (57.6%), private health insurance (56.7%), and usual place of receiving care (70.7%). Majority had no history of cigarette use (81.7%) or alcohol use (91.6%). Regarding HNC symptoms knowledge, only 40-50% knew about most common HNC symptoms: nonhealing ulcers (41%), dysphagia or odynophagia (51.4%), and voice changes (48.6%); while 60.6% knew about swelling or lump in neck/throat. About half of respondents knew of persistent mass or lesion on the tongue (53.3%) and bleeding in the mouth or throat (50.3%) as symptoms of HNC. About a third knew these as HNC symptoms: teeth loosening (31.7%), ill-fitting dentures (25.9%), otalgia (37.8%), and nasal obstruction/congestion (34.9%). For HNC risk factors knowledge, tobacco smoking, chewing, and second-hand smoking were the most common recognized risk factors, identified by 78.9%, 72.8% and 66.8%, respectively. However, less than half knew HPV (40.6%) and Epstein-Barr virus (35.4%) as risk factors. Conclusion: While there is higher knowledge about tobacco as a risk factor for HNC, knowledge about HPV as a risk factor is very low. Similarly, knowledge about HNC symptoms is suboptimal in the Arab-American community, which could result in late-stage presentation and thus lower survival. Educational programs designed for this community are needed to help close this gap and improve HNC related health outcomes among culturally and ethnically distinct Arab-Americans. Citation Format: Eric Adjei Boakye, Reem F. Siddiqui, Nada Al-Antary, Marissa Gilbert, Lamis Fakhoury, Milkie Vu, Farzan Siddiqui. Knowledge of risk factors and symptoms of head and neck cancers among Arab-Americans [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 2222.

The Australian public’s preferences for further environmental and cultural water recovery options in the Murray-Darling Basin

The Murray-Darling Basin (MDB) Plan in Australia legislated in 2012 represents the largest recovery of water, from consumptive use to environmental use in the world – with the aim of restoring rivers and ecosystems back to health. To date, although billions of dollars have been spent, the Plan’s water recovery targets have not been achieved and will not meet their original target dates for full recovery, with governments needing to continue to make difficult water policy choices and trade-offs. This study explores a survey of Australian public preferences for five different water reallocation options in the MDB (and methods to be used for recovery) and identifies individual characteristics associated with various policy options. Almost a quarter of those surveyed did not support further water recovery; 17 % favoured recovering water to current goals only; 22 % favoured recovering environmental water beyond current goals; while 38 % favoured recovering both environmental and cultural water beyond current goals. For those wanting further recovery, a third preferred using irrigation infrastructure subsidies as the main method, while the majority favoured buying water directly back from irrigators (either through voluntary buyback or compulsory acquisition). Trust levels, location, age, climate change perception and gender all played a part in influencing respondent preferences for various water recovery options.

ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN SENSORY PREFERENCES OF TOURISTS UNDER MARTIAL LAW

The study of changes in sensory preferences of tourists under martial law is important both for understanding the impact of military conflicts on people's psychology and behaviour, and for developing strategies for managing the tourism industry in conditions of instability and crisis. The aim of the study is to analyse the changes in tourists' sensory preferences due to the effects of the Russian-Ukrainian war. Two sociological surveys were used to analyse and draw conclusions on the changes in the sensory preferences of tourists in connection with the large-scale invasion of Russia. The first survey was conducted in November-December 2021 and January 2022, the second in September and October 2023, which was a continuation of the first. A chi-squared test was calculated to confirm the hypothesis of a difference in the answers given by respondents before and during the war. Confirmation of the hypothesis allowed to prove that when developing tourism products, companies should take into account changes in the sensory preferences of tourists. The study showed significant changes in the choice of tourist options by travellers under the influence of sensory sensations that were formed during the Russian-Ukrainian war. The cost of travel has become more important, cultural and walking tourism has lost popularity, while extreme and gastronomic tourism has gained popularity. Aromas and tastes have a greater impact on travellers' associative memory, while visual impressions remain important, with historical themes becoming more popular. It was concluded that the sensory preferences and emotional reactions of travellers differ significantly by age. Younger respondents (under 16 years old) prefer food and music the most, while the older group (over 50 years old) prefers cuisine, tastes and appearance. It is clear that tourism businesses need to adjust their services and marketing strategies to take into account these age-specific characteristics and differences in tourists' reactions to sensory stimuli. Tourism businesses can use the findings of this study to adapt their marketing strategies and tourist offerings to the changing sensory preferences and needs of tourists caused by the military conflict. This will allow them to attract and retain customers even in times of insecurity, instability and crisis.

Effects of Family Characteristics and Work Relationship on Retirement among Teachers in Agona West Municipality, Ghana

Family characteristics and work relationships have effects on teachers’ retirement decision-making in the country. This has led to much frustrations of life for some retired teachers in Ghana. The study was guided by the following research objectives: Effects of family characteristics on retirement decision-making, the influence of work relationships on retirement decision-making and the strategies that can be put in place to improve retirement decision-making among teachers. A quantitative approach and descriptive survey design were used. The target population comprised teachers in public Basic schools in the Agona West Municipality. 150 teachers formed the sample for the study. Data was obtained using a self-developed questionnaire. It emerged from the findings that high financial demands stemming from home expenses, expectations from family members, and being first-borns hindered individuals’ ability to save and plan for their retirement. Also, it revealed that teachers in the Agona Swedru Municipal place considerable importance on their interactions with colleagues when it comes to retirement decision-making. It was found that teachers in the Agona Swedru Municipal place considerable importance on their interactions with colleagues when it comes to retirement decision-making. It was therefore recommended that retirement planning initiatives and financial education programmes should prioritize offering diverse and adaptable forms of psychoeducation and guidance to cater for the varying expectations and preferences of respondents. Educational institutions and policymakers should encourage and support peer relationships to improve retirement preparedness and satisfaction among teachers in the Municipality. Prioritize and tailor retirement planning guidance and education to address the diverse preferences and needs of respondents.

A205 PRACTICE PATTERNS FOR EOSINOPHILIC ESOPHAGITIS IN ADULTS VARY WIDELY AMONG CANADIAN GASTROENTEROLOGISTS: INTERIM ANALYSIS OF A NATIONWIDE SURVEY

Abstract Background Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic allergic, type 2 immune-mediated, condition of the esophagus with increasing prevalence in Canada. Practice patterns among Canadian gastroenterologists are not well described. Aims To identify practice variation among Canadian gastroenterologists who care for adults with EoE. Methods A cross-sectional, web-based survey was distributed to Canadian gastroenterologists through the Canadian Association of Gastroenterology as well as administrations at Canadian universities. Results Of 53 respondents, 68% currently work in an academic setting. 77% manage at least 6 patients with EoE per year, with 19% managing over 50 patients per year. 51% of respondents obtain biopsies in every new patient presenting with an acute food bolus, while 26% take biopsies in less than 50% of cases or never at all. 36% take less than 5 biopsies on initial endoscopy with 23% only taking biopsies from one location in the esophagus. 58% are either unaware of the EoE Endoscopic Reference Score (EREFS) or never use it in clinical practice. Most respondents (72%) prefer proton pump inhibitors as initial therapy while 17% prefer starting multiple treatment modalities. 9% use topical steroids initially. Only 6% keep their patients on topical steroids indefinitely, if started. Preferred dietary approach vary with 36% choosing 6-food elimination diet (FED), 23% 2-FED, 19% 4-FED, 13% milk-only elimination diet, 6% allergy test-directed diet, and 4% elemental diet. Only 17% feel very comfortable starting biologic therapies. When evaluating treatment effectiveness, 23% use improving patient symptoms alone, while 74% include repeat histological assessments. 42% do not regularly screen for adaptive behaviours, such as excessive chewing, or texture modification and avoidance. In those who perform repeat endoscopic evaluation, 13% do so in less than 3 months after starting therapy, 32% in 3-5.9 months, 28% in 6-11.9 months, and 8% after a year. 11% will only repeat endoscopic evaluation if a patient reports symptom recurrence. 64% do not regularly refer to an allergist. For guidance, 59% follow the American Gastroenterology Association 2020 guidelines, 34% American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy 2022 guidelines, 4% British Society of Gastroenterology 2022 guidelines, while 21% do not use any guidelines. 83% feel Canadian guidelines would be useful in their practice. Conclusions EoE practice patterns among Canadian adult gastroenterologists vary widely, with management differing from the current consensus guidelines. Strategies aimed at decreasing these variations, such as the development of Canadian guidelines, are needed to standardize practice. Funding Agencies None

Proposing an Approach for the Diffusion of Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPVs)—A Case Study

Consistent probing into building integrity has led to the exploration of clean energy options such as building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV). BIPV has proven to be aesthetically pleasing, architecturally feasible, and capable of making buildings energy producers instead of mere energy consumers. Despite the enormous benefits of BIPV, its adoption and diffusion have been relatively sluggish and remain far below expectations, especially in developing countries like Ghana. This empirical study aims to assess the impact of advertising on BIPV awareness in Ghana. It also highlights the aesthetic preferences of various respondents. The study uses online surveys to gather quantitative data from 412 respondents across all 16 regions of the country. An initial study conducted on the awareness of BIPV in Ghana indicated a low rate of awareness. Therefore, a sensitisation poster and architectural visualization (AV) were adopted to boost awareness across all 16 regions of the country. Awareness of BIPV increased from 18% to 79.5% after the introduction of the sensitisation poster. Also, 88.8% of the respondents preferred BIPV to Building Applied Photovoltaic (BAPV) mainly because of aesthetics (beauty) and the cost benefits. The respondents indicated that aesthetics is paramount when choosing solar panels for their homes. This study therefore recommends high investment in awareness creation, development of specific design guidelines for BIPV applications and establishment of demo projects in developing countries. The findings of this study contribute to the existing literature on BIPV adoption and may be useful for BIPV manufacturers, marketers, government, and other stakeholders as it provides evidence on the often-neglected approach to BIPV diffusion.

Formulation Aroma Therapy Balm Preparations Combination Red Ginger Essential Oils (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) and Essential Oil Of Leaves Lemongrass (Cymbophogon nardus (L) Rendle)

The essential oil combination of red ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) and citronella leaves (Cymbophogon nardus (L.) Rendle) can be formulated as the most preferred balm and concentration preparation. Method type of experimental research. Experimental research is an experimental activity which aims to determine a symptom or influence that arises as a result of certain treatments. It was found in the organoleptic test that the preparation was in semi-solid form, dark yellow to pale yellow in color, with the aroma of mint and red ginger combined with citronella; the preparation is declared homogeneous; the pH of the aromatherapy balm with a combination of red ginger and citronella essential oils ranges from 5.23 – 5.63; the preparation does not cause irritation; and in the respondent's preference test, the F1 formula is more preferred. The essential oils of red ginger and citronella leaves with concentrations of 2.5%, 5%, 7.5% and 10% can be formulated into balm preparations. Test homogeneity and pH according to standars, there was no irritation in volunteers and the most popular balm preparation is formula F1 (containing 10% red ginger essential oil and leaves citronella concentration 2.5%).