Beliefs Scale Research Articles

Psychometric Properties of the Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors Scale in Portuguese Pregnant Women.

Pregnancy provides a privileged and opportune moment to implement interventions promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors and significantly improving perinatal outcomes. The Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors Scale (HLBES) can be used to assess health promoting behaviors, such as diet, physical activity, and mental health. This study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the HLBES in Portuguese pregnant women. A methodological study was conducted on a convenience sample of 192 pregnant women receiving prenatal care. After cross-cultural adaptation, an exploratory factor analysis and internal consistency assessment were carried out to evaluate the psychometric properties of the scale. Data collected included the Healthy Lifestyle Beliefs Scale to assess the HLBES' criterion validity. Exploratory factor analysis with Varimax rotation yielded 2 subscales that explained 45.23% of the total variance. The scale revealed an overall internal consistency of 0.78 and a good criterion validity with the Healthy Lifestyle Beliefs Scale (r = 0.65, P < .01). Our results suggest that the HLBES is an instrument for reporting healthy lifestyle behaviors in Portuguese pregnant women; however, further studies are recommended. This scale can be used to not only describe healthy lifestyle behaviors in pregnant women but also to determine the effects of health promoting interventions.

Climate change beliefs, emotions and pro-environmental behaviors among adults: The role of core personality traits and the time perspective.

Climate change and its consequences are recognized as one of the most important challenges to the functioning of the Earth's ecosystem and humanity. However, the response to the threat posed by the climate crisis still seems inadequate. The question of which psychological factors cause people to engage (or not) in pro-environmental behavior remains without a comprehensive answer. The aim of this study is to establish the links between the cognitive (level of knowledge about climate change and degree of belief in climate myths), emotional (various climate emotions, especially climate anxiety) and behavioral aspects of attitudes towards the climate crisis and their determinants in the form of the Big Five personality domains and time perspectives. The stated hypotheses were verified by analyzing data collected in an online survey of 333 adults using knowledge tests and self-report methods, including psychological questionnaires (Climate Change Anxiety Scale by Clayton and Karazsia, Big Five Inventory-short version by Schupp and Gerlitz, and Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory by Zimbardo and Boyd), and measurement scales developed for this study (Climate myth belief scale, Climate emotion scale, and Inventories of current and planned pro-environmental activities). The results of stepwise regression analysis demonstrate the importance of the core personality traits and the dominant temporal perspective as determinants of belief in climate change myths, climate anxiety, as well as actual and planned pro-environmental behavior.

Unfounded beliefs, distress and powerlessness: A three-wave longitudinal study.

The aim of the study was to examine the relationships between unfounded COVID-19 beliefs and distress and powerlessness, specifically, whether distress and powerlessness are causes or consequences of unfounded COVID-19 beliefs represented by conspiracy beliefs and pseudoscientific beliefs regarding treatment and measures. Unfounded beliefs were assessed using the COVID-19 Unfounded Beliefs Scale; distress was measured with the Symptom Checklist-10, and powerlessness was measured with four items measuring the feeling of losing control. Data collection took place during three phases of the pandemic in Slovakia (October 2021, N = 1838; July 2022, N = 1,420; April 2023, N = 925). Results suggest that individuals with stronger unfounded beliefs about COVID-19 reported greater powerlessness longitudinally, and individuals with stronger COVID-19 unfounded beliefs treatment and measures reported greater distress longitudinally (notably, beliefs about COVID-19 measures in the first wave were associated with distress in the second wave, and beliefs about COVID-19 treatment in the second wave were associated with distress in the third wave). The present findings corroborate an existential threat model of conspiracy theories that says the relationship between unfounded beliefs and indicators of well-being is bidirectional, so interventions should be focused both on eliminating the unfounded beliefs and strengthening well-being.

Construction and Validation of the Belief in Divine Retribution Scale for Pakistani Muslims.

The purpose of the study was to construct and validate a Belief in Divine Retribution Scale for the Pakistani Muslim population. The process of construction and validation was completed by following standardized guidelines for scale construction (Boateng et al., 2018). The present study was carried out in four phases. In phase I, the task of item generation was completed through literature review and interviews (inductive and deductive approaches). Phase II aimed at exploration of factor structure. Exploratory factor analysis was carried out on a sample of seven hundred Muslim participants. Data for EFA were collected through a purposive sampling technique, which comprised both men (n = 339) and women (n = 361) with an age range of 18 to 69years. Results of EFA revealed a two-factor structure with a cumulative variance of 42.59 and with a Cronbach alpha reliability of .83. To confirm the obtained factor structure, Phase III was carried out on a sample of three hundred Muslim participants. The results of CFA confirmed the two-dimensional factor structure with a good model fit to the data. Phase IV provided evidence of convergent and discriminant validity of the scale. Moreover, data for validation were collected from an independent sample (N = 204). Finally, the results of validation revealed that there exists a significant positive correlation of Belief in Divine Retribution Scale with Belief in Just World Scale, which provided evidence of convergent validity. However, there exists a non-significant correlation of Belief in Divine Retribution Scale with Religious Practice Subscale of Short Muslim Practice and Belief Scale, and it provided evidence of discriminant validity. Implications along with limitations and suggestions for future research have also been mentioned.

Breaking the maternity mold: navigating the return to work and challenging rigid maternal beliefs through an online psychological intervention.

Working mothers must often balance work and family responsibilities which can be affected by rigid and irrational beliefs about motherhood. The present study had two aims: (a) to provide psychometric evidence for a shortened Italian version of the Rigid Maternal Beliefs Scale (RMBS) and (b) to facilitate mothers' return to work after maternity leave by reducing perceptions of anxiety and stress related to rigid maternal beliefs (i.e., perceptions and societal expectations of mothers, maternal confidence, maternal dichotomy) and by teaching specific recovery strategies (e.g., relaxation, mastery experiences) to manage anxiety and stress through an online psychological intervention. Results replicated the three-factor structure of the original RMBS and showed good psychometric properties. The online psychological intervention resulted in decrease in the rigidity of maternal beliefs, perceived anxiety and stress, and increase in recovery strategies. These initial results are promising and encourage further investigation into online psychological interventions for improving the well-being of working mothers.

The Role of Feminism and Gender in Endorsement of Hookup Culture among Emerging Adults.

Hookup culture has transformed the sexual behavior of emerging adults. Feminism, a movement that has advocated for liberating women from sexual repression, may be associated with hookup endorsement attitudes. This study explores the associations among multiple dimensions of feminism, gender, and hookup culture endorsement. Participants included 318 emerging adults (46% women; Mage = 22.2 years; 51% White, 27% Asian, 5% Hispanic/Latinx, 9% Black, 1% Middle Eastern, 1% American Indian, 6% Multiracial) from five Anglophone countries (62% U.S., 23% United Kingdom, 9% Canada, 5% Australia, 1% New Zealand), who completed the Feminist Beliefs and Behavior Scale and Endorsement of Hookup Culture Index via an anonymous, online survey. Participants were categorized according to their feminist identity label (feminist, non-feminist) and feminist belief system (hold feminist beliefs, hold non-feminist beliefs). A series of ANCOVAs was conducted, revealing that women who identified as feminist and/or held feminist beliefs reported significantly higher endorsement of hookup culture compared to non-feminist women with non-feminist beliefs. Neither dimension of feminism predicted hookup culture endorsement in men. When comparing feminist-identifying women and men, the gender disparity in hookup culture endorsement was eliminated. Together, these findings highlight how social movements, such as feminism, may be associated with young women's attitudes towards hookups, and may ultimately shape their sexual experiences.

Examining the mediating effect of nature of science perceptions on the relationship between metacognition and science self-efficacy

ABSTRACT Background The nature of science (NOS) and science self-efficacy have an important place in the development of scientific literacy, which is the ultimate goal of science education. However, the relationship between them and metacognition, which can have a significant impact on these variables, is an under-researched area and worthy of study. Purpose To fill this gap in the literature, this study examines the relationship between metacognition, NOS perceptions, and science self-efficacy using structural equation modeling. Sample A total of 448 secondary school students (grades 5–8) participated in the study. Design and Method Students’ Ideas about the Nature of Science, Science Learning Self-Efficacy Belief Scale, and Metacognitive Awareness Scales were utilized to collect the data. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was performed to reveal the mediating role of the NOS perceptions in the relationship between science self-efficacy and metacognition of secondary school students. Results and Conclusion The results showed that NOS perceptions partially mediate the relationship between metacognition and science self-efficacy. Furthermore, metacognition highly predicted NOS perceptions and science self-efficacy, providing clues to the formation or prevention of misconceptions about the nature of science. From this perspective, it is suggested that developing students’ metacognition should be another important goal of science education to increase their scientific literacy.

Religiosity as a Predictor of Post-traumatic Growth and Psychological Distress among Heart Patients: Mediating Role of Perceived Social Support

Objectives: This study investigates the indirect effect of religiosity on post-traumatic growth and psychological distress through perceived social support among heart patients. Methodology: A cross-sectional research design was employed, gathering data from a purposive sample of 140 heart patients, with equal representation of both men and women, from public and private hospitals in Sargodha. Data collection utilized the Urdu-translated versions of the Short Muslim Practice and Belief Scale, Interpersonal Support Evaluation List, Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory, and DASS-21 to assess religiosity, perceived social support, post-traumatic growth, and psychological distress, respectively. Results: Perceived social support significantly mediated the relationship between religiosity and post-traumatic growth, amplifying the strength of this association. Additionally, it mediated the relationship between religiosity and psychological distress by alleviating the negative impact on psychological health. Conclusion: This study illuminates the positive influence of religiosity on social support while simultaneously mitigating psychological distress among heart patients. Moreover, perceived social support not only diminishes distress but also fosters post-traumatic growth, serving as a vital mediator in these dynamics. These findings offer insights for interventions aimed at leveraging religiosity and social support to enhance mental well-being in this population.

THE COMPARISON OF HEALTH EDUCATION THROUGH TELEHEALTH (WHATSAPP) AND BOOKLET ON HIV/AIDS PREVENTION BEHAVIOR IN PROSPECTIVE BRIDES BASED ON THE HEALTH BELIEF MODEL

Background : HIV/AIDS is a sexually transmitted disease that is currently a disease with a high prevalence in Indonesia with the majority of sufferers in the age range of 25-49 years old. Health education is one of the primary prevention efforts in suppressing the incidence of HIV / AIDS. Currently, there are many media that can be used in delivering health education such as booklets and telehealth. Objectives : The purpose of this study was to determine the most effective media in providing health education on HIV/AIDS prevention behavior in prospective brides based on the health belief model. Methods : The study method used a type of quantitative study with a quasy-experiment. This study has a total sample of 54 respondents with accidental sampling technique. This study instrument used AHBS (AIDS Health Belief Scale) as a questionnaire. Result : There is a significant difference between health education through telehealth and booklets on HIV / AIDS prevention behavior in prospective brides based on the health belief model through the Mann Whitney statistical test obtained the results of p value (0.000 &lt;0.05). Conclusions : It can be concluded that telehealth media is a fairly effective tool with the resulting N-gain score of 59.8% in delivering health education. Through this research, it is hoped that Religious Affairs Office Cimahi can use telehealth (whatsapp) and booklets as a media for HIV/AIDS health education for prospective brides

A Scale Development Study: The Vitamin D Health Belief Scale According to The Health Belief Model

Objective: This study was conducted to develop Vitamin D Health Belief Scale based on the health belief model in adult women and determine its validity and reliability.&#x0D; Methods: The sample of the study consisted of 404 women who were aged between 18 and 65, volunteered to participate in the study, and met study criteria. The theoretical framework of the scale was based on the health belief model. During the scale development stage, exploratory factor analysis and index values were evaluated by using confirmatory factor analysis, item-total correlation, and mean scores.&#x0D; Results: The content validity index of the scale was found as 91.52%. As a result of the factor analysis, the variables were gathered under 6 factors with a total explained variance of 58.22%. Cronbach’s alpha value of the scale was determined as.884.&#x0D; Conclusion: As a result of all analyses, a 5-point Likert-type scale that consisted of 31 items was developed. Six factors were obtained from the scale: perceived sensitivity, caring, health motivation, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, and self-efficacy. The total score of the scale gives the Vitamin D Health Belief score. The lowest and highest scores on the scale which consists of 31items are 31 and 155&#x0D; respectively. It is recommended to use this scale to determine vitamin D health beliefs in adult women.

The psychometric properties of the Arabic version of the dieting beliefs scale (DBS)

BackgroundThere are relatively few data about the association between locus of control and weight loss in Arabic populations. A tool does exist, the Dieting Belief Scale (DBS), that was designed to measure individuals’ beliefs regarding their ability to control their body weight. The aim of this study was to translate this tool into Arabic and to evaluate its psychometric properties. MethodsThe forward translation of the DBS from English to Arabic was completed by two professional bilingual translators, while the back translation from Arabic to English was independently performed by another two different professional bilingual translators. An online survey using the tool was then completed by 245 participants, fully aware of the study's purpose. Psychometric analyses were subsequently conducted to assess the reliability and validity of the Arabic DBS.Internal consistency was examined using Cronbach's α and McDonald's ω coefficients. Test-retest reliability was also assessed. Confirmatory factor analysis was employed to evaluate the fit of a three-factor model, with indices including Comparative Fit Index (CFI), Tucker Lewis Index (TLI), Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA), and Standardized Root Mean Square Residual (SRMR). Convergent validity was assessed by examining the correlation between the Arabic DBS and the Eating Attitude Test (EAT-26) previously translated into Arabic, the latter identifying attitudes, feelings and behaviors related to eating. ResultsThe Arabic translated DBS scale demonstrated high translation accuracy and content validity estimates. Cronbach's α and McDonald's ω reliability coefficients for the translated scale were approximately 0.91. Test-retest reliability was 0.96. The three-factor model showed an acceptable fit (CFI = 0.93, TLI = 0.92, RMSE = 0.08, SRMR = 0.06). The Arabic version of the DBS was found to have good convergent validity, as evidenced by the significant correlation between the EAT-26 and DBS questionnaires (r = 0.53, p < 0.01). ConclusionThe Arabic version of the DBS is highly reliable and has sufficient content validity to measure belief about personal ability to control one's weight.

Adolescents’ Knowledge of Sexuality in a School Context: A Descriptive Study

INTRODUCTION: School is a privileged place for sex education that equips adolescents with the knowledge and skills to make choices about their health, well-being and safe experience of sexuality. The study was carried out as part of a health promotion project with secondary school students from a school in the Lisbon Metropolitan Region, with the aim of drawing up a profile of knowledge, beliefs and attitudes about sexuality, which would inform the development of specific and adapted interventions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a descriptive, correlational, cross-sectional study using a questionnaire comprising questions on socio-demographic and academic characterization and two scales of knowledge, beliefs and attitudes towards sexuality (QCS and QACSES), validated for the population under study. The sample consisted of students from a secondary school attending the 10th, 11th and 12th grades. RESULTS: The sample had an average age of 16,4 years, 51,1% boys and 48,5% girls. Female gender, age and previous attendance at courses on sexuality showed statistically significant correlations with knowledge and/or attitudes and these also showed a positive correlation with each other. The different areas of study also showed significant differences in terms of both attitudes and knowledge. CONCLUSIONS: The instruments used are suitable for the initial diagnosis and/or assessment of sexuality.

Creating the Chinese version of the transgender attitudes and beliefs scale

BackgroundTrans persons’ physical and mental health is easily affected by the attitude of those around them. However, China currently lacks a valid psychometric instrument to investigate people’s attitudes toward trans persons. Therefore, this study modifies the English version of the Transgender Attitudes and Beliefs Scale (TABS) to suit the Chinese context. It subsequently examines the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the TABS.MethodsThis study recruited 1164 university students, aged 18–25 years, from 7 regions of China. SPSS26.0 and AMOS24.0 were used for data statistical analysis. Critical ratio method and correlation coefficient method were used for item analysis. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were used to test the structural validity of the Chinese version of Transgender Beliefs and Attitudes Scale, and the internal consistency reliability of the scale was tested.ResultsThe TABS-C contains 26 items with 3 factors. The Cronbach’s alpha was 0.957 for the total scale and 0.945, 0.888, and 0.885 for the 3 factors. The half-point reliability of the scale was 0.936, and the retest reliability was 0.877. The Pearson correlation coefficients for the 3 factors and the total scale score ranged from 0.768 to 0.946.ConclusionThe TABS-C has reliable psychometric properties and is suitable for usage among college students in the Chinese context.

Determinants and Prevalence of Exclusive Breastfeeding Among Thai Muslim Mothers: A Cross-sectional Analysis

Exclusive breastfeeding is pivotal for the health and development of infants and offers numerous benefits to mothers. However, unique cultural beliefs and practices, particularly among Muslim communities, can significantly influence breastfeeding behaviors. This study sought to elucidate the factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding among Thai Muslim mothers. The sample was 168 postpartum Muslim mothers from well-baby clinics in southern Thailand, selected through multi-stage random sampling. Data were collected from June to December 2022 employing the Demographic Data Form, Infant Feeding Intentions Scale, Breastfeeding Knowledge Questionnaire, Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale, Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale -Short Form, Maternal Health Literacy Scale, Islamic Belief Scale, Exclusive Breastfeeding Social Support, and Breastfeeding Practices Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Spearman rank’s correlation, and binary logistic regression analysis. The study found that the rate of exclusive breastfeeding among Thai Muslim mothers at six months postpartum was 54.8%. Notably, breastfeeding self-efficacy emerged as the sole predictor of exclusive breastfeeding, accounting for 11% of the variance in this practice. These findings underscore the critical role of breastfeeding self-efficacy in promoting exclusive breastfeeding. It is recommended that nurses and healthcare professionals develop culturally tailored support programs that enhance breastfeeding self-efficacy, aligned with Islamic beliefs, to improve breastfeeding practices among Muslim mothers.

Relationship between gender roles, motherhood beliefs and mental health.

Gender roles, as social constructs, play a significant role in shaping individuals' beliefs and attitudes, influencing various aspects of life, including perceptions and expectations surrounding motherhood. These beliefs, acquired through culture and society, can have an impact on our mental well-being. This research consists of three independent studies conducted in the Mexican population. In the first and second studies, we extended the Attitudes Towards Gender Roles Scale and Motherhood Beliefs Scale and performed psychometric validation through exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. The aim of including additional items in both scales was to update these attitudes and beliefs in Mexican culture to avoid the traditionalist bias in both instruments. Finally, the third study examined the relationship between the new versions of both scales and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and Positive Psychological Functioning as indicators of mental health in women and men with and without children. Our findings revealed a significant association between higher levels of traditional attitudes towards gender roles and traditional motherhood beliefs, as well as between non-traditional attitudes towards gender roles and non-traditional beliefs about motherhood. Interestingly, we observed that traditional attitudes toward gender roles were associated with lower anxiety and depression scores, while non-traditional attitudes were associated with higher levels of depression. Furthermore, individuals who embraced non-traditional attitudes towards both gender roles and motherhood beliefs tended to exhibit better psychological well-being in all subsamples. Additionally, women generally showed lesser alignment with traditional attitudes towards both gender roles and motherhood beliefs compared to men. However, women reported higher rates of depression and anxiety, along with lower psychological well-being scores, than their male counterparts. This highlights the significant influence that traditional cultural norms about gender roles and motherhood have on women's mental health, underscoring the need for a deeper understanding and reevaluation of these traditional constructs in society.

Falta de conhecimento sobre os fatores de risco não ocupacionais da dor lombar entre profissionais de saúde ocupacional brasileiros: um estudo observacional transversal

INTRODUCTION: Low back pain (LBP) is highly prevalent and is one of the main causes of disability in Brazil and around the world. LBP presents a multifactorial etiology, being extremely common in workers. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to verify the knowledge about the LBP risk factors, beliefs and attitudes about the management of LBP among health professionals (physiotherapists and ergonomists) working in the occupational area. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted with 81 Brazilian occupational health professionals. Participants completed an electronic questionnaire comprising professional data, sociodemographics, items about LBP risk factors, and the Brazilian version of the Pain Attitudes and Beliefs Scale for Physiotherapists. Knowledge, beliefs and attitudes were analyzed using the chi-square test for LBP risk factors and the linear regression model for health professionals' beliefs and attitudes. RESULTS: Obesity (7.4%), sitting for more than 2 hours (8.6%), physical activity (9.9%), lack of psychosocial support at work (11.1%) and consuming alcohol (37.0%) presented the lowest rate of knowledge about LBP risk factors by professionals. Items about general health showed the lowest knowledge. A balanced biomedical and psychosocial orientation of beliefs and attitudes about managing LBP was observed. CONCLUSION: Brazilian occupational health professionals lack knowledge about non-occupational LBP risk factors, especially general health status. These professionals also have balanced biomedical and psychosocial concepts in managing LBP.

Parents, preschoolers, and napping: the development and psychometric properties of two Nap Belief Scales in two independent samples

IntroductionMost children cease napping between 2 and 5 years old. Little is known about the predictors of this cessation. Parents' sleep-related beliefs aid in understanding children's nighttime sleep behaviors, but few index daytime sleep beliefs.MethodsTwo measures of parents' napping beliefs were developed and evaluated-the Parents' Nap Beliefs Scale (14 items) and the Reasons Children Nap Scale (19 items). Canadian parents of 1–5-year-old children completed these questionnaires and other sleep-related measures in independent pilot (n = 201) and replication (n = 702) samples. In the replication sample, a subsample of parents also completed 1–3 weeks of daily sleep diaries. The samples were representative of the Canadian population by ethnicity and region.ResultsIn both samples, both measures demonstrated strong construct validity, convergent and divergent validity, and internal consistency. The Parents' Nap Beliefs Scale was composed of two factors: (a) Positive Beliefs and (b) Negative Beliefs about napping. The Reasons Children Nap Scale was composed of two higher order factors and five lower order factors: (a) Encouragement Reasons (Child related; Parent related) and (b) Discouragement Reasons (Child prefers not to nap; Child functions well without a nap; Scheduling).DiscussionFuture research should (a) test these scales as longitudinal determinants of children's nap behavior and cessation, (b) evaluate parental Nap Beliefs in non-Western cultures, and (c) adapt these scales for use with childcare providers.

Factors influencing Jordanian parents' COVID-19 vaccination decision for children: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundVaccine hesitancy is a major public health problem that emerged post-COVID-19 pandemic, especially for children. Different factors influence parents' perspectives about vaccinating their children and can vary across different populations and contexts. PurposeThis study aimed to explore the vaccine hesitancy among parents in Jordan to vaccinate their children between the ages of 5 and 18. Design and methodsA descriptive cross-sectional design was used. A convenient sample was used to recruit Jordanian parents. Data was collected via an online questionnaire including demographic data, the Vaccine Hesitancy Questionnaire, the Questionnaire of Vaccine Hesitancy Reasons, and the Vaccine Conspiracy Beliefs Scale. ResultsOver 177 parents, the mean age was 37.74 years (SD = 8.39); the majority of them were females (74%). 51.4% of the participants refused to give the COVID-19 vaccine to their children. Concerns about the safety and efficacy of the vaccine and lack of information about disease and vaccine were the common reasons for the parents' hesitancy. In addition, 54.2% of participants agreement was with the conspiracy theory that pharmaceutical companies cover up the dangers of vaccines. Parents' younger age and fewer children were associated with hesitancy to vaccinate their children with COVID-19. ConclusionsMany parents are hesitant to vaccinate their children against COVID-19. Concerns about the vaccine's efficacy and safety as well as potential long-term negative effects were the main reasons for vaccine hesitancy. Practice implicationsNurses play a critical role in determining parental hesitancy. Providing detailed, accurate, evidence-based vaccine information is essential to reduce this hesitancy.

Factors related to nurses' beliefs regarding pain assessment in people living with dementia.

To evaluate registered nurses' beliefs and related factors regarding pain assessment in people living with dementia. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted between July 2022 and April 2023. An online survey comprised of demographics, knowledge scale, and beliefs scale relating to pain assessment in dementia was distributed to registered nurses (RNs) caring for people living with dementia in Australia. RNs (N = 131) completed the survey. Most respondents were females (87.0%) and self-identified as Caucasian (60.3%). The mean beliefs score was 72.60 (±6.39) out of a maximum possible score of 95. RNs' beliefs about pain assessment varied based on their education, dementia pain assessment knowledge, nursing experience, and ethnicity. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis revealed factors significantly related to the beliefs score (i.e. education and dementia pain assessment knowledge). The relationship between education and knowledge, and the beliefs score indicates the potential to improve RNs' knowledge and overcome their erroneous beliefs about pain assessment in dementia. Education and training in assessing pain in people living with dementia should be tailored to overcome RNs' misconceived beliefs. These programmes should be integrated into continuous learning programmes. Some RNs' beliefs about pain assessment in dementia were not evidence-based, and knowledge and educational status were the strongest factors related to RNs' beliefs. RNs' erroneous beliefs about pain assessment in dementia need to be addressed to improve pain assessment and management. Researchers should explore the potential of educational interventions to overcome RNs' misconceived beliefs about pain assessment in dementia. This study was reported adhering to the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology checklist. RNs caring for people living with dementia participated as survey respondents. Additionally, RNs were involved in the pre-testing of the study's survey instrument.

Predicting individuals’ behaviors during a pandemic: why we might have acted as we did during the COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundThis study examined individual differences in how people behave in response to a pandemic – more specifically, the current coronavirus pandemic.Participants and procedureA sample of 420 participants was recruited through the online data collection platform MTurk. Participants were directed via an online link to a Qualtrics survey. This survey was composed of several demographic questions and self-report personality and belief scales, followed by a set of outcome measures designed to measure specific behaviors relating to avoidant behavior, protective behavior, and impulsive buying which the participants might, or might not, have engaged in during the COVID-19 pandemic.ResultsThe results showed that locus of control was the best personality-related predictor of peoples’ pandemic-relevant behavior, such that externally oriented people were more likely to report both protective behavior and impulsive buying behavior. In addition, perceived threat was significantly associated with all three types of pandemic-relevant behaviors (avoidant, protective, and impulsive buying).ConclusionsIndividuals’ personality traits and beliefs clearly play a major role in determining their behavior during health crises. In the case of the current COVID-19 crisis, some people adopt behaviors that ensure their safety and the safety of others, whereas other people display careless behaviors that contribute to spreading the infection. Because individual differences in this situation matter, it is important to determine which variables accurately predict which behaviors.