Cluster Sampling Research Articles

KORELASI PERILAKU HIDUP BERSIH DAN SEHAT DENGAN KECACINGAN PADA SISWA SEKOLAH DASAR DI KABUPATEN PROBOLINGGO

Background: Soil-transmitted worms are still a health problem in Probolinggo Regency, especially related to clean and healthy living behavior. Health and hygiene education is an effort to reduce worm transmission and infection. The purpose of this study was to identify clean and healthy living behaviors related to worms. Method: The study design was observational analytic with a Cross-Sectional Study approach. The population was elementary school students in Probolinggo Regency with a sample size of 607 students taken by cluster sampling with a single-stage method. Identification was carried out on clean and healthy living behaviors and the number of worm eggs in feces and soil. Data analysis used Chi Square with an alpha of 0.05. Results: The data showed that 96.4% of respondents were negative and 3.6% were positive with a distribution of worm eggs of 2.1% Ascaris lumbricoides, 1.3% Hookworm and 0.5% Trichuris trichiura with mild infection intensity. The results of the Chi Square test showed no relationship between washing hands before eating, washing hands after defecating, wearing footwear, and nail conditions with worms in students with p values of 0.748, 0.584, 0.550, 0.777, respectively. Conclusion: These results are due to the history of exposure and the body's immunity in overcoming parasite invasion. Long exposure to children with positive worms will make the parasite colony maintain a clean and healthy lifestyle. Conversely, low exposure and strong immunity keep children free from worm infections.

Prevalence and factors associated with visual impairment among high school students in Mbarara city, Southwestern Uganda: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundIn most low-income countries, including Uganda, routine screening for Visual Impairment (VI) in schools is not conducted, despite the growing global trend of VI among young people, and its negative impacts on academic performance and social integration. Data on prevalence and factors associated with VI among students in Uganda are limited. We determined the prevalence of VI and identified associated factors among high school students in Mbarara City.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study among high school students in sampled high schools within Mbarara City, southwestern Uganda from September 19, 2023 to October 14, 2023. Participants were selected using multi-stage stratified cluster sampling. We obtained data on socio-demographics and behaviors through interview-administered questionnaires. Visual acuity (VA) was measured using Snellen’s chart at six meters. Participants were considered visually impaired if their VA in the better eye was < 6/12. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with VI.ResultsWe enrolled 768 participants from four schools; most were males (56.4%), aged 18–24 years (50.3%). Median age was 18 (inter-quartile range [IQR]: 13–24) years. The prevalence of VI was 2.99% (n = 23; 95%CI 2.00–4.47%]. Age category 18–24 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.73, 95%CI 1.03–7.21, p = 0.043), obesity (aOR = 9.60, 95%CI 1.43–64.51, p = 0.020) and family history of VI (aOR = 7.09, 95%CI 2.87–7.51, p < 0.001), were independently associated with VI.ConclusionThe prevalence of VI among the high school students surveyed was low. However, targeted screening of older students, those with a family history of VI and obese students, could facilitate early detection and timely interventions in the region.

Determinan Pajanan Pestisida Terhadap Kadar Haemoglobin Wanita Usia Subur (WUS) di Kecamatan Dempo Selatan Pagar Alam

Women of childbearing age are a group that plays an important role in the agricultural sector not only in Indonesia but also in other agricultural countries around the world. The types of agricultural activities undertaken by WUS are sometimes the same as those of men, even those that allow contact with pesticides. Women of childbearing age in Pagaralam are at risk of experiencing health effects such as anemia, due to their exposure to Organophosphates. It is necessary to conduct research aimed at analyzing the determinants of pesticide exposure to the haemoglobin level in WUS as a basis for recommendations for efforts to prevent and overcome the effects of pesticide exposure. The design of this study was observational with a cross sectional study approach. The study population was women of childbearing age who were exposed to pesticides in the South Dempo District of Pagaralam, with a sample size of 120 WUS. Sampling using cluster sampling technique. Data collection was carried out through interviews using a questionnaire, observation using a checklist, measurement of body weight using a weight scale, height using a microtoise, and Hb levels using the Easy Touch GCHB tool. Data analysis of the results of the study was carried out univariately, and bivariate using the Chi- Square.The results of bivariate analysis of variables show that were significant with the haemoglobin level in women of childbearing age in South Dempo District were tenure, long time laundry spraying and length of time preparing pesticide. While variables that are not associated with haemoglobin levels are length of spraying, length of time mixed, frequency of spraying, and use of PPE. It is recommended that women of childbearing age reduce the length of time washing clothes spraying and the length of time preparing pesticides through good time management. Keywords : Haemoglobin level, pesticide exposure, woman of childbearing age

A cross-sectional study on utilization and barriers of eSanjeevani telemedicine services in rural areas of South India: Curing at a distance

Background: Telemedicine services are essential in a country like India, where the doctor-to-patient ratio and hospital-topopulation ratio are lower than the World Health Organization (WHO)-recommended ratio. To prevent the long waiting time for doctor appointments, diagnosis, and treatment plans in person, an alternative system such as eSanjeevani telemedicine is necessary to tackle medical emergencies in a populated country like India. Objectives: To assess the utilization and barriers affecting the utilization of eSanjeevani services among residents of rural areas in Karnataka. Materials and Methods: A Cross sectional community study was conducted in the rural areas of south India, using a pre-tested semi-structured interview schedule. Multistage cluster sampling method was used to select 400 households. The collected data has been expressed in terms of frequencies and percentages. Results: The study identified that most of the study participants were from lower middle class as per the modified Kuppuswamy Scale. Only 34.8% were aware of the eSanjeevani services and among them 22% utilized eSanjeevani services in which General medicine services (86.3%) were used the most. Major barriers for utilization included network issues (29%) followed by no room for queries/questions (20%). Conclusion: Telemedicine has the potential to enhance the availability and accessibility of healthcare to everyone. At the moment, lack of awareness, low network connectivity, and inherent technological limits pose major challenges for accessing telemedicine. Utilization of telemedicine can be increased by making people aware about the advantages of using it through strong Information, Education and Communication and media publicity

The effect of parental and teacher autonomy support and core self-evaluations: a three-wave longitudinal study of middle students' career adaptability.

According to career construction theory, middle school students are in a critical phase of growth and exploration that requires self-reflection on their interests, values, and aspirations. Career adaptability is a key indicator of career development for middle school students and a crucial ability for achieving career success. Research indicates that many Chinese middle school students face significant hurdles in their career development, including a lack of motivation, limited self-awareness, and unclear career trajectories. To address these challenges, it is imperative to explore the factors influencing career adaptability, with a particular focus on the role of parental and teacher autonomy support within the framework of self-determination theory. This study aims to explore the correlation between parental autonomy support (PAS), teacher autonomy support (TAS), core self-evaluations (CSE), and career adaptability (CA) among middle school students. The longitudinal data for this study were collected from two middle schools in the Anhui province. Middle school students were recruited as research participants through a cluster sampling method. A total of 482 students were surveyed in three stages during a 1-year period, and a cross-lag model was employed to analyze the data. (1) From T1 to T2, T1PAS predicted T2CS, T1CSE predicted T2CA, and T1CA predicted T2TA; (2) from T2 to T3, T2PAS predicted T3CS, T2CSE predicted T3CA, and T2TAS predicted T3PAS; (3) TAS did not predict CSE and CA over time; (4) T2CSE mediated the relationship between T1PAS and T3CA. These findings suggest that autonomy support has a consistently positive influence on the career development of early adolescents. Valuing children's autonomy is beneficial for fostering positive self-evaluations and shaping their career trajectories. Autonomy support plays a pivotal role in enhancing middle school students' career adaptability and promoting career development by strengthening self-evaluations. Additionally, the effect of parental autonomy support is more stable than that of teacher autonomy support.

Development and Reliability and Validity Analysis of the Knowledge,Attitude, and Practice Evaluation Scale for Teachers' Early Childhood Sex Education.

Objective To develop the knowledge,attitude,and practice evaluation scale for teachers' early childhood sex education and analyze the reliability and validity of the scale,providing evaluation tools for the research on teachers' early childhood sex education. Methods On the basis of relevant guidelines,publications,and the theory of knowledge,attitude,and practice,a preliminary pool of items for the scale was formed by group discussions.The scale was drafted after two rounds of Delphi expert consultation.In May 2023,stratified cluster sampling was conducted,and 535 preschool teachers from Changshou District,Chongqing were selected for a survey.Cronbach's α coefficient,split-half reliability,exploratory factor analysis,and content validity were adopted to assess the reliability and validity of the scale. Results An evaluation scale for teachers' early childhood sex education was formulated,involving 27 items in 3 dimensions of knowledge,attitude,and practice.The total Cronbach's α coefficient of the scale was 0.875,and that of the knowledge,attitude,and practice dimensions were 0.902,0.743,and 0.879,respectively.The total split-half reliability of the scale was 0.937,and that of the knowledge,attitude,and practice dimensions were 0.934,0.821,and 0.912,respectively.The content validity of the scale was good,with a factor loading range of 0.500-0.836 and a cumulative variance contribution rate of 61.57.The average score of teachers' knowledge,attitude,and practice in sex education was 72.85±7.13,with a good rate of 70.84%. Conclusions The developed scale for evaluating teacher's early childhood sex education demonstrates good reliability and validity,and it can be used to evaluate the teachers' knowledge,attitude,and practice in early childhood sex education.The evaluation results indicate that teachers have low levels of knowledge,attitude,and practice in sex education,and relevant departments need to carry out training on the sex education for young children.

Impressive Factors of the Victimization of Shiite Muslim Minorities in Afghanistan: A Case Study District 13 of Kabul during the Pre-Taliban Period.

Shiite Muslims are one of the most influential ethnic minorities in Afghanistan. It appears that they are more victims of violence than other population groups in Afghanistan. On the other hand, the victimization rate in society is one of the most critical issues in criminology. Being victimized can lead to property loss, psychological trauma, and even death. Sensitive ethnic minorities are particularly pronounced in these challenges, especially in traditional societies such as Afghanistan. Therefore, the victimization rate and its influential factors among Shiite Muslims in Afghanistan need to be carefully analyzed. This is a survey study whose statistical population includes all residents of District 13 of Kabul, 285 of whom were selected using a structured questionnaire designed by the researcher and a multistage cluster sampling method. In addition, a multiple-choice Likert scale was used to measure the dependent and independent variables. The study's results indicate that more than 75% of the respondents and, in the past 5 years, more than 80% of their friends and family members have been victimized. In addition, respondents reported that the overall average probability of victimization over the next 10 years is 3.41 (the probability rate ranged from a minimum of 1 to a maximum of 5). Women were more likely to be victimized than men, with average victimization rates of 1.38 and 1.24, respectively (the probability rate ranged from a minimum of 1 to a maximum of 2). There was also a significant positive correlation between victimization and other variables such as age, gender, marital status, education level, and economic status.

A Survey of the Knowledge and Attitudes of First-Time Pregnant Women Regarding Infant Hearing Loss.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the knowledge and attitudes of first-time pregnant women regarding hearing loss in infants, and to identify the key factors that influence their perceptions. After validating and ensuring the reliability of a well-structured questionnaire consisting of 15 items, it was distributed to a total of 400 pregnant women who were experiencing their first pregnancies. Utilizing a cluster sampling method, participants were selected from both public hospitals and private gynecologist offices across diverse geographic regions in Tehran, Iran. Participants were asked to respond on a three-point scale (No, Not Sure, Yes). The results were analyzed using both descriptive and analytic statistics. The translated questionnaire exhibited suitable face validity, test-retest reliability, and internal consistency. Findings revealed the highest maternal knowledge for "newborns can be born with hearing loss "(77.5%) and the lowest knowledge score was observed for "delayed birth cry can lead to hearing loss" (23.8%). Regarding attitudes, 72.5% of mothers scored above the mean of 5.65 out of 6, indicating a preference for early diagnosis and intervention. Several factors, such as education level and the mother's city of residence, showed a significant correlation with certain knowledge and attitude-related questions. Notably, individuals receiving care at public hospitals showed greater knowledge compared to those visiting private clinics. Mothers play a crucial role in child health and need to have a thorough understanding of pediatric diseases in order to make informed decisions. One particular condition that mothers should be well-informed about is hearing loss, as it has a significant impact on language development. However, this study reveals that there are gaps in maternal knowledge when it comes to the specific causes of hearing loss.

Correlation Between Intensity of Instagram Social Media User and Narcissism in Generation Z

Indonesia ranks ninth out of ten countries with an average of 3 hours and 11 minutes of social media usage per day. The Z generation uses Instagram extensively. Generation Z uses this platform to update themselves and get praise from others. This study aims to find out the relationship between the intensity of social media use on Instagram and narcissism in Generation Z. This type of research involves quantitative correlation with a cluster sample consisting of 157 active psychology students at Sumbawa University of Technology. The results show a positive relationship between the two variables with a very strong coefficient value of 0.880, which indicates that the higher the intensity, the higher narcissism, and so is the other way

School Heads Leadership Competencies: A Comparative Analysis between the Perceptions of Male and Female Secondary School Teachers

This study seeks to investigate the insights of teachers about leadership competencies of secondary school heads in Malakand division. The study population consisted of 8481 teachers working in three districts i.e. Swat, Malakand and Dir lower. By using cluster sampling probability sampling method, 635 teachers were randomly selected as sample of the study. A highly valid and reliable questionnaire gathered data from secondary school teachers, revealing that heads exhibit strong competencies. Technical competency was highly observed, while conceptual competency was less so. No significant difference was found between male and female teachers' perceptions of school heads' leadership competencies. The study recommended that both pre and in-service trainings and leadership development programs may be arranged for heads to enhance their leadership competencies to effectively manage school activities. Senior teachers may also be involved in different school activities.

Analysis of Prevalence and Related Factors of Cyberbullying-Victimization among Adolescents.

Cyberbullying is an increasingly serious issue that negatively impacts the mental and physical health of adolescents. This study aims to report the prevalence rates of adolescent cyberbullying-victimization and its associated related factors, providing a scientific basis for targeted efforts to protect the mental and physical well-being of adolescents; Methods: From March to May 2019, there were 13 high schools and 33 middle schools in Yixing, with a student ratio of 2:1 between middle and high school. Using a random cluster sampling method, we selected four high schools and three middle schools based on this ratio, resulting in a total of 13,258 students. We conducted a survey using a self-designed questionnaire to investigate the experiences of adolescents with cyberbullying and victimization, comparing the differences in cyberbullying-victimization based on various demographic characteristics. Additionally, we employed a multifactorial logistic regression model to analyze the associated factors; Results: The rate of adolescents who declared themselves as cyberbully-victims is 2.9%. The results of the logistic regression analysis indicate that being male, having both parents working outside the home, experiencing occasional or large conflicts among family members, being subjected to punishment-and-abuse child discipline, always or often using social software (websites), enjoying playing single or multiplayer games, self-smoking, and self-drinking were associated with a higher likelihood of being a cyberbully-victim (p < 0.05); Conclusions: Adolescent cyberbullying-victimization is affected by personal, family, and social factors. Therefore, comprehensive strategies and measures are needed to intervene in this problem.

Predictors of Attitudes toward Aging in Middle-Aged Individuals: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: Attitudes toward aging (ATA) are among the most important determinants of well-being in old age. However, little research has examined factors contributing to their formation in middle-aged individuals. This study aimed to investigate predictors of attitudes toward aging among Iranian middle-aged individuals in 2022. Method: This study recruited 330 people with a mean age of 56.5 ± 5.6 using multistage cluster sampling. Data were collected using a three-part questionnaire, including demographic factors, an attitude toward aging questionnaire (AAQ), and a multidimensional scale of perceived social support (MSPSS). The obtained data were analyzed using SPSS (v.22) statistical software to conduct t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and linear regression. Results: According to bivariate analysis, perceived social support (PSS), age, level of education, and perceived income adequacy (PIA) had a significant relation with the total ATA score (P &lt; 0.05). According to regression analysis, family support (β = 0.288, P &lt; 0.001), friend support (β = 0.188, P &lt; 0.001), significant others support (β = 0.130, P = 0.04), age (β = 0.118, P = 0.002), and PIA (β = 0.290, P &lt; 0.001) were the predictor factors of ATA and explained 41% of the variance. PSS and PIA were the predictors of all dimensions of ATA. Conclusion: The results highlight the role of potentially modifiable factors, such as PSS, PIA, and level of education, in shaping ATA. This requires interventions and policies that effectively promote social and financial support in middle-aged individuals.

The FLAMINGO project: a comparison of galaxy cluster samples selected on mass, X-ray luminosity, Compton-Y parameter, or galaxy richness

ABSTRACT Galaxy clusters provide an avenue to expand our knowledge of cosmology and galaxy evolution. Because it is difficult to accurately measure the total mass of a large number of individual clusters, cluster samples are typically selected using an observable proxy for mass. Selection effects are therefore a key problem in understanding galaxy cluster statistics. We make use of the $(2.8~\rm {Gpc})^3$ FLAMINGO hydrodynamical simulation to investigate how selection based on X-ray luminosity, thermal Sunyaev–Zeldovich effect or galaxy richness influences the halo mass distribution. We define our selection cuts based on the median value of the observable at a fixed mass and compare the resulting samples to a mass-selected sample. We find that all samples are skewed towards lower mass haloes. For X-ray luminosity and richness cuts below a critical value, scatter dominates over the trend with mass and the median mass becomes biased increasingly low with respect to a mass-selected sample. At $z\le 0.5$, observable cuts corresponding to median halo masses between $M_\text{500c}=10^{14}$ and $10^{15}~\rm {{\rm M}_{\odot }}$ give nearly unbiased median masses for all selection methods, but X-ray selection results in biased medians for higher masses. For cuts corresponding to median masses $\lt 10^{14}$ at $z\le 0.5$ and for all masses at $z\ge 1$, only Compton-Y selection yields nearly unbiased median masses. Importantly, even when the median mass is unbiased, the scatter is not because for each selection the sample is skewed towards lower masses than a mass-selected sample. Each selection leads to a different bias in secondary quantities like cool-core fraction, temperature, and gas fraction.

The potential effectiveness of community health and nutrition volunteers on mothers’ infant and young children feeding knowledge and practice in remote areas, Hajjah, Yemen

BackgroundThe Infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices directly affect the health, development and nutritional status of children under two years of age. However, IYCF counseling is one of the Community Health and Nutrition Volunteers (CHNVs) activities provided, which may contribute to improving the IYCF knowledge and practice among mothers. Since establishment of the CHNVs program in Yemen, its outcome has never been evaluated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the role of CHNVs in improving the IYCF knowledge and practice among mothers in Hajjah governorate.MethodsA comparative cross-sectional study design was conducted in Bani Qais and Al-Maghrabah districts, Hajjah governorate between January and April 2023. A three-stage cluster sampling method was used to select districts, volunteer villages and households. A total of 926 mothers were interviewed. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was used to collect data. SPSS 26 was used for data analysis. The multinomial logistic regression and Chi-Square test were used to compare the IYCF knowledge and practices among mothers between the volunteer and non-volunteer villages. Odds Ratio (OR) with 95% Confidence Interval (CI) were calculated. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsThe mothers in volunteer villages had significantly better breastfeeding and complementary feeding (CF) knowledge than mothers in non-volunteer villages. The OR of having good and moderate knowledge of breastfeeding were 3.5 (95%CI: 2.4–5.2) and 1.6 (95% CI: 1.2–2.2), respectively. The OR for good and moderate knowledge of CF were 1.7 (95% CI: 1.1–2.7) and 2.2 (95% CI: 1.5-3.0), respectively. Moreover, there is a statistically significant association in prevalence of Exclusively breastfed for the first two days after birth (EBF2D), Mixed milk feeding under six months (MixMF) and Bottle feeding 0–23 months (BoF) between volunteer and non-volunteer villages [(OR = 1.4, 95% CI: 1.0-1.8), (OR = 0.4, 95% CI: 0.2–0.8) and (OR = 0.5, 95% CI: 0.4–0.7), respectively].ConclusionsThe study found that CHNVs play a significant effect in improving the breastfeeding and CF knowledge, and prevalence of EBF2D, MixMF and BoF practices among mothers in their villages compared to non-volunteer villages. Future follow-up study and expansion to other settings in different governorates is recommended.

Reducing the incidence of overweight and obesity by a healthy lifestyle intervention program for schoolchildren in Hanoi, Vietnam: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThe increasing incidence and prevalence of childhood overweight (OW) and obesity (OB) are major global health challenges. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a 2-year healthy lifestyle intervention program in reducing the incidence of OW and OB among schoolchildren aged 11–12 years in Vietnam.MethodsStudy design: Randomized controlled trial.Participants and interventions: In total, 733 students participated in this study. Participants were included from four schools in Hanoi based on a random cluster sampling method. Students’ health outcomes were assessed at baseline and after 2 years.Main outcomes: The primary outcomes were the incidence of OW and OB, and the secondary outcomes were the prevalence and remission of OW and OB. Generalized estimating equations (GEEs) were used to determine the outcomes and risk factors.ResultsAfter the intervention, the prevalence of OW decreased by 9.24% in the intervention group and 3.01% in the control group.After adjustment for age and sex, the odds of overweight were 36.7% lower in the intervention group than in the control group (OR = 0.633; 95% CI: 0.434–0.925; P = 0.018). The incidence of OW was 1.31% in the intervention group compared with 5.33% in the control group. After adjustment for age and sex, the odds of incident overweight in the intervention group were 77.4% lower than in the control group (OR = 0.226; 95% CI: 0.063–0.813; P = 0.023). The proportion of patients who achieved OW remission was 41.22% in the intervention group and 28.68% in the control group. After adjustment for age and sex, the odds of OW remission of overweight were 2.219 times greater in the intervention group than in the control group (OR = 2.219; 95% CI: 1.220–4.036; P = 0.009). For most OB-related factors, there were no significant differences between the intervention and control groups.ConclusionA multicomponent healthy lifestyle intervention was effective in reducing the incidence of OW; however, it had no significant effect on OB among children aged 11–12 years in Hanoi, Vietnam.Trial registrationRetrospectively registered number: UMIN000014992, 20/08/2023.

Detection of antiretroviral drug-resistant mutations and HIV-1 subtypes in circulation among men who have sex with men, SEM females and female sex workers: results of Vietnam's HIV Sentinel Surveillance Plus (HSS+) system, 2018 - 2020.

HIV drug resistance (HIVDR) can reduce the effectiveness of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs in preventing morbidity and mortality, limit options for treatment, and prevention. Our study aimed to assess HIV-1 subtypes and HIVDR among key populations in HIV Sentinel Surveillance Plus Behavior (HSS+) in 2018 and 2020. One-stage venue-based cluster sampling was used to recruit participants at hotspots identified for Men who have sex with men (MSM) in 7 provinces and SEM females and female sex worker (FSW) in 13 provinces. Participants completed a standard questionnaire about risk and preventive behaviors, and ART history, and provided intravenous blood for HIV testing. HIVDR testing was conducted on HIV-positive samples with VL >1,000 copies/ml. A total of 185/435 (42.5%) HIV-positive samples had viral load ≥1,000 copies/ml, of which 130/136 from MSM and 26/49 from FSW, were successfully sequenced. Six HIV-1 subtypes were detected (CRF01_AE, A, CRF07/08_BC, B, C, CRF25_cpx), with CRF01_AE (82.7%, 129/156) the most common. Drug resistance mutations were detected in 16.7% of participants overall (26/156), in 15.4% (20/130) of MSM, and in 23.1% (6/26) of FSW. Mutations associated with resistance to NNRTI were the most frequently detected (73.1%, 19/26). The high level of resistance was presented in NNRTI and NRTI classes. There are 10 major resistance mutations detected with NRTI (M184VI-25.0%, K65KR-50.0%, Y115F-25%), NNRTI (K103N-21.1%, E138A-10.5%, V106M-5.3%, K101E-5.3%, G190A-5.3%) PI (L33F-40.0%, M46L-20.0%). Vietnam's HSS+ system identified an emerging strain of HIV-1 and mutations associated with resistance to multiple drug classes among MSM and FSW.

An Association Between Left-Hand Digit Ratio (2D:4D) and Anthropometric Indexes in Chinese Children and Adolescents Aged 8-15 Years in Bengbu City.

The digit ratio (2D:4D) is a possible marker of prenatal hormone exposure. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationships between digit ratio (2D:4D) and anthropometric indexes in Chinese children and adolescents. This study is a cross-sectional study. A school-based survey among 685 children and adolescents aged 8-15 years were conducted by stratified cluster sampling. The length of index finger (2D) and ring finger (4D) of the left hand, height, sitting height (ST), weight, chest circumference (CC), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), and abdominal skinfold thickness (AST) were measured. Pearson correlation and multivariate linear regression were used to analyze associations between 2D:4D and above indexes. In girls, 2D:4D was positively related to WC, AST, waist-to-height (WHtR), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) after adjusting for ages (p < 0.05). The WC, AST, WHtR, and WHR among girls with 2D:4D ≥ 1 were significantly higher than those among girls with 2D:4D < 1, respectively (p < 0.05). However, there was no correlations between digit ratio (2D:4D) and above anthropometric indexes in boys (p > 0.05). The 2D:4D was related to anthropometric indexes in girls, which suggests that the maternal prenatal hormone exposure might be related to the anthropometric indexes of their female offspring.

The Mediating Role of Self-Efficacy in the Relationship Between Salespersons’ Personal Factors and Sales Performance

A skilled salesperson can build strong relationships with clients, which fosters loyalty and repeat business. They provide valuable insights into customer preferences and competitive landscapes as well as creating value for their customers, manage customer relationships, and gather information for their firms. Hence, this paper explores how self-efficacy functions as a mediator in the correlation between improvisational behaviour, adaptive selling, and sales performance of salespersons. This study investigates the direct and indirect relationship of self-efficacy with sales performance. This study used a survey research approach using clustered random sampling. Data are collected from 315 salespersons employed by Malaysian commercial banks in Klang Valley via survey questionnaires. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyse the data. The findings indicate that self-efficacy serves as a partial mediator in the relationship between improvisational behaviour and adaptive selling with sales performance. Additionally, the results also showed that improvisational behaviour and adaptive selling are positively related to sales performance. The study concluded that personal factors of salespersons are important in determining their sales performance. Hence, for managers to have a competitive advantage in the banking sector, they need to adopt a more comprehensive understanding of what makes a good customer service provider.

Investigating the Prevalence of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder in Patients Who Have Recovered From COVID-19

Background: The purpose of this study is to investigate the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in patients who have recovered from COVID-19. Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 97 individuals who had recovered from COVID-19 and had a history of hospitalization were selected using a cluster sampling method. Data was collected through demographic questionnaires created by the researcher. The studied variables were first analyzed using descriptive statistical methods, followed by appropriate statistical tests to examine the relationships between variables. A significance level of less than 0.05 was considered for all tests. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS 21 statistical software. Results: The average PTSD score was severe in 48% of the recovered patients. Regression results indicated that variables such as age, education, marital status, occupation, and illness positively affected the development of PTSD. The relationship between PTSD and age was direct, with men having higher average PTSD scores than women. Additionally, individuals with lower levels of education were more likely to exhibit PTSD. Married individuals showed higher rates of PTSD than others. Retired individuals had higher PTSD scores compared to those in other occupations. However, no statistically significant relationship was found between PTSD and physical or mental illness (P &gt; 0.05). Conclusions: Based on the results, at least half of the individuals who faced COVID-19 are at risk of psychological effects and post-traumatic stress symptoms. Timely counseling and treatment services may prevent potential long-term consequences.

The association between family emotional climate and moral development with vandalism in students: The mediating role of academic self-efficacy

Background: Research on the mediating role of academic self-efficacy can help identify how the family environment and moral judgment influence destructive behaviors, informing targeted strategies to promote positive youth development. This study investigates the mediating role of academic self-efficacy in the relationship between family emotional climate and moral development with vandalism in students. Methods: In this research, a correlational path analysis framework was adopted to investigate the relationships between various factors and destructive behaviors in adolescents. The target population encompassed all high school students within Eyvan, Iran, during the year 2023. A multistage cluster sampling approach yielded a sample of 364 participants. Standardized instruments assessed vandalism, family emotional climate, moral development, and academic self-efficacy. Structural equation modeling (SEM) software (AMOS 23) was utilized to evaluate the hypothesized model. Results: The findings revealed a non-significant direct association between family emotional climate and vandalism. In contrast, the analysis yielded significant positive and negative associations, respectively, between moral development and academic self-efficacy (P=0.001) and moral development and vandalism (P=0.001). The indirect effect of family emotional climate on vandalism through academic self-efficacy was negative and significant (P=0.012). Similarly, the indirect effect of moral development on vandalism mediated by academic self-efficacy was also negative and significant (P=0.009). Conclusion: These findings highlight the importance of promoting academic self-efficacy alongside efforts to cultivate positive family environments and moral development. By strengthening students’ belief in their academic abilities, interventions can empower them to make positive choices and reduce their likelihood of engaging in destructive behaviors like vandalism.