Self-perceived Behavior Research Articles

Predicting the Adoption of a Sustainable Diet in Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study in Italy.

Shifting food choices towards sustainability entails the analysis of dietary behavior determinants. This study aimed to explain and predict the intention to follow a sustainable diet and its adoption in a representative sample of adults (n = 838) in Italy. An online survey based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) was developed. The adoption of a sustainable diet was measured as self-perceived behavior, adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD), and food consumption frequencies. Psychometric analysis and correlations between attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control (PBC) with both intention and behavior assessments were evaluated. Structural equation models were used to test whether and to what extent attitude, subjective norms, and PBC explained intention and behavior. Significant associations were found between TPB constructs and the behavior measures underlining the main role of intention and PBC in affecting behavior. The applied TPB models explained behavioral intention at most (78%). The results suggested promising interventions in narrowing the attitude-behavior gap to encourage specific adult population groups in Italy to adopt virtuous food consumption habits. Beside the implementation of price mechanism strategies, educational initiatives to increase awareness about food and diet sustainability issues and the reinforcement of the perceived control on food consumption at the individual level are recommended.

Strah potrošnikov glede prehranske varnosti v Sloveniji v obdobju prvega vala COVID-19 krize

Raznovrstne krize znatno vplivajo na celoten prehranski sektor in spreminjajo stališča Evropejcev in politik o pomenu prehranske varnosti, trajnostno pridelane, kakovostne in varne hrane za zdravje potrošnikov. Prispevek se osredotoča na strah glede prehranske varnosti v času prvega vala COVID-19 krize v Sloveniji, na z njim povezan strah glede prehranske varnosti v prihodnje in na spremembe potrošnih vedenj. Spletno anketiranje je bilo v Sloveniji izvedeno v juniju 2020 na način »snežene kepe« in je zajelo 490 posameznikov. Rezultati so pokazali, da sta obe merjeni obliki strahu (i) strah o prehranski varnosti med prvim valom COVID-19 krize in (ii) strah o prehranski varnosti v prihodnosti statistično značilno, srednje močno in pozitivno povezani s skoraj vsemi samozaznanimi spremembami lastnega vedenja zaradi pojava COVID-19 krize. Anketiranci so se najbolj osredotočili na nakup živil, ki so pridelana in predelana v Sloveniji, na ustvarjanje večjih prehranskih zalog ter na večjo pazljivost pri tem, koliko hrane zavržejo. Zgolj manjše spremembe pa so izrazili glede nakupnih kanalov, pri čemer so neposredno od kmetov pogosteje nakupovali starejši, višje izobraženi in ti, ki se samouvrščajo v višji družbeni razred. V prihodnje bi bilo treba vključiti reprezentativen vzorec in primerjati rezultate z rezultati v drugih državah in podrobneje analizirati vpliv posameznikovega ekonomskega položaja in vpliv promocijskih kampanj na spremembo potrošnih vedenj.

Limiting Postpartum Weight Retention in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Women: Secondary Analysis of the HeLP-her Randomized Controlled Trial.

Postpartum weight retention (PPWR) contributes to maternal obesity development and is more pronounced in culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) women. Our antenatal healthy lifestyle intervention (HeLP-her) demonstrated efficacy in reducing PPWR in non-Australian-born CALD women compared with Australian-born women. In this secondary analysis, we aimed to examine differences in the intervention effect on behavioral and psychosocial outcomes between Australian-born and non-Australian-born women and explore factors associated with the differential intervention effect on PPWR. Pregnant women at risk of gestational diabetes (Australian-born n = 86, non-Australian-born n = 142) were randomized to intervention (four lifestyle sessions) or control (standard antenatal care). PPWR was defined as the difference in measured weight between 6 weeks postpartum and baseline (12–15 weeks gestation). Behavioral (self-weighing, physical activity (pedometer), diet (fat-related dietary habits questionnaire), self-perceived behavior changes), and psychosocial (weight control confidence, exercise self-efficacy, eating self-efficacy) outcomes were examined by country of birth. Multivariable linear regression analysis was conducted to assess factors associated with PPWR. The intervention significantly increased self-weighing, eating self-efficacy, and self-perceived changes to diet and physical activity at 6 weeks postpartum in non-Australian-born women, compared with no significant changes observed among Australian-born women. Intervention allocation and decreased intake of snack foods were predictors of lower PPWR in non-Australian-born women. Results indicate that the HeLP-her intervention improved dietary behaviors, contributing to the reduction of PPWR in CALD women. Future translations could prioritize targeting diet while developing more effective strategies to increase exercise engagement during pregnancy in this population.

The impact of interprofessional task-based training on the prevention of surgical site infection in a low-income country

BackgroundTraining is considered instrumental in reducing surgical site infection. We developed training based on authentic tasks, interprofessional learning, and reflective learning for implementation in a low-income country where such training opportunities are rare. This study evaluated the results of training in terms of participants’ acceptance, participants’ knowledge acquisition, and their self-perceived behavior change.MethodsWe included 145 participants in the voluntary training program, comprising 66 technologists (45.5%), 43 nurses (29.7%), and 36 doctors (24.8%) from Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan. We measured “satisfaction” using a questionnaire at the end of the training, “knowledge” through pre-and post-intervention assessments, and “self-perceived behavior change” using a questionnaire and interviews 8 weeks post-training.ResultsPre- and post-test scores showed a significant increase in knowledge. Participants were favorable to the training and eager to participate. They positively applied in practice what they had learned about preventing surgical site infection. Our qualitative data analysis revealed two categories of themes, representing the upsides of the training as it stood, and existing factors or downsides that hindered the effective transfer of learning to practice.ConclusionParticipants were very enthusiastic about the training format. The knowledge test showed a gain in knowledge. Moreover, participants acknowledged that their behavior toward the prevention of surgical site infection in the operating rooms had changed. The use of authentic tasks from daily clinical practice, as well as the interprofessional approach and reflection, were considered to promote the transfer of learning. Although promising, our findings also pointed to obstacles limiting the application of evidence-based knowledge, such as a shortage of supplies and conventional practices.

Dementia Family Carers’ Quality of Life and Their Perceptions About Care-receivers’ Dementia Symptoms: The Role of Resilience

Aim: The study examined (a) the relationship between caregivers' (CG) quality of life (QoL) and their reports about care receivers' dementia symptoms and (b) whether CG's resilience would be a mediator in this relationship. Method: This was a cross-sectional study based on a purposeful sampling. Face-to-face structured interviews were conducted with 118 CGs (79% females, mean age = 59, SD = 12). CGs provided assessment of their QoL and resilience, and proxy assessments of people with dementia (PwD) symptoms (cognitive functioning, functional activity and behavioural problems (BP)). Results: The BP were the only perceived dementia symptoms associated with the CGs' QoL. CGs' resilience fully mediated the relationship between perceived BP and CGs' QoL. Implications: Tailored training programs designed to improve CGs' QoL should focus on strengthening their personal resources, such as skills to manage the behaviour problems exhibited by PwD and their resilience to adapt to self-perceived behaviour problems common to dementia.

Appropriate Self-Perceived Behaviors in Primary Education Pupils During Sports Games.

Based on the results obtained from primary education students—fifth and sixth graders—the aim of this work is to check the appropriate self-perceived behaviors during and at the end of the game. The study population was made up of 698 students from fifth and sixth grade in the Autonomous Region of Castilla–La Mancha (Spain). Data were collected through a questionnaire (scale) on the social skills of primary school students linked to the adequate skills when losing, the adequate skills when winning, and the adequate skills during the game. Study results revealed that analyzed behaviors vary, depending on the moment of the game, being it more frequently during the development of the game than when losing or winning.

Estimating the public response to mitigation measures and self-perceived behaviours towards the COVID-19 pandemic

ObjectivesSince March 2020, a rapid increase has been observed in the prevalence of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has essentially resulted from increased disease transmission and intensified testing and reporting. The international guidelines for the prevention and treatment of the COVID-19 pandemic have been frequently updated. Such guidelines assist the governmental regulatory bodies in taking optimal measures and safeguarding their citizens against the pandemic. We conducted a short survey with a Saudi cohort to understand the awareness about COVID-19 and estimate the responses for mitigation strategies. MethodsAn electronic survey was conducted, and the first 388 responses were analysed for publishing an initial report. The questionnaire comprised 27 items and was divided into three sections, namely demographic, awareness, and response to mitigation strategies and participants' self-perceived behaviours regarding COVID-19. The perceptions of the participants were compared with their responses to mitigation measures. ResultsIn our study, 89.7% understood the meaning of pandemic, while 82.2% correctly identified that the elderly belonged to a high-risk group for the COVID-19 infection. As many as 96.1% agreed that staying at home was one of the mitigation strategies. Nearly 35% preferred self-medication. Higher educational level (OR: 2.09, 95% CI: 1.02–4.29) and longer working hours were found to be significantly associated with a positive response to mitigation measures with p < 0.04 and p < 0.02, respectively. ConclusionsWe report better understanding and appropriate response to mitigation measures towards the COVID-19 pandemic among the general population in KSA. Nevertheless, the tendency towards self-medication was reported by one-third of the responders.

Calidad del ambiente y calidad de la conducta según alumnos de tercer ciclo de dos colegios privados salvadoreños

Esta investigación, de abordaje cuantitativo y diseño descriptivo y correlacional, analizó la relación entre la percepción del grado de calidad del ambiente escolar, familiar, social y religioso y el grado de calidad de la conducta autopercibida de 158 estudiantes de tercer ciclo de educación básica de dos colegios privados salvadoreños. Los resultados del estudio muestran que la calidad percibida de los ambientes sociales, familiares, religiosos y escolares es predictora significativa de la calidad de la conducta autopercibida. Se encontró también que en el caso de las mujeres los predictores más significativos fueron el ambiente religioso y el ambiente social, mientras que en los hombres los principales ambientes predictores de la conducta fueron los ambientes familiar y social.

Self-Perceived Behavior and Process Evaluation of Bocas Sanas Holanda-Maimón (BSHM, 2020): From the Past to the Future

The COVID 19 infection has been faced as an epidemic, through measures to enforce a high degree of isolation. These regulations hold for minors, as well, with consequent difficulties for this age group, which at the moment seems to be least vulnerable to the severe complications of COVID 19.

Students’ perspective on inclusion: Relations of attitudes towards inclusive education and self-perceptions of peer relations

The goal of the present study was to analyze how students’ attitudes towards inclusive education develop over the course of a school year and how these attitudes relate to students’ peer relations. Sixth- and seventh-graders of 44 inclusive classes filled out a questionnaire at two measurement points within one school year to assess attitudes towards inclusive education and peer relations. Applying multilevel regression analyses it turned out that changes in peer relations over time were positively predicted by students’ attitudes towards instructional adaptations for students with behaviour difficulties. Further, students with self-perceived behavior difficulties reported lower scores for peer relations compared to students without self-perceived difficulties.Results are discussed with respect to structural factors and individual characteristics affecting inclusive education.

Pupils’ prosociality and its relations to their meaning of life and teacher’s interaction style

The study deals with pupils´ self-perceived prosocial behaviour and its correlations to pupils´ meaning of life and teacher’s interaction style. The pupils (14-and-15-years old) from lower secondary school were respondents of this research. The objective was to find out what relation exists between self-perceived prosocial behaviour and teacher ‘s interaction style. At the same time, we analysed the relation between pupils´ self-perceived behaviour and pupils´ meaning of life. It was shown that a teacher may improve self-perceived prosocial behaviour of pupils if he/she is evaluated with a higher score in the areas such as leadership, understanding and responsibility. On the contrary, if a teacher’s interaction style is strict, uncertain, dissatisfied and admonishing, it correlates negatively with self-perceived prosocial behaviour of pupils.

Evaluating the pilot Narnian Virtues Character Education English Curriculum Project: a study among 11- to 13-year-old students

In order to evaluate the impact of the pilot Narnian Virtues Character Education English Curriculum Project, a pilot sample of 86 year 7 and year 8 students (11 to 13 years of age) completed a battery of tests both before and after participating for six weeks in the programme. The battery of tests comprised 12 Narnian Character Virtue Scales (NCVS) (to assess the degree to which students saw themselves as behaving virtuously), the Knowledge Index of Narnian Character Virtues (KINCV) (to assess knowledge of virtues gained during the programme), and established measures of personality, happiness, self-esteem, empathy, and religious affect (as control variables). Mean scores were significantly higher at the end of the programme on the KINCV, but on none of the 12 NCVSs, and on none of the control variables. These data suggest that the Narnian Virtues Character Education English Curriculum Project was successful in enhancing knowledge of virtues but not in changing self-perceived behaviour. These findings are consistent both with the general educational principle that education informs understanding prior to affecting behaviour and also with the expectations of the project – that improving virtue literacy and understanding of virtues precedes the practice of virtues.

Are person-related and socio-structural factors associated with nurses’ self-management support behavior? A correlational study

ObjectiveTo explore nurses’ self-perceived behavior of supporting patients’ self-management, and its association with person-related and socio-structural factors. MethodsCorrelational study in a sample of nurses from nine general hospitals, three community healthcare organizations, and six private community practices. Nurses with >50% of their patients living with a chronic condition were eligible to participate. Data were collected at two time-points. Self-management support behavior was measured by the SEPSS-36 instrument. The person-related and socio-structural associated factors were derived from behavioral theories and measured by validated questionnaires. ResultsNurses (N=477) scored overall low on self-management support behavior. Nurses lacked mainly competencies in collaborative goalsetting, shared decision making and organizing follow-up. Factors predicting nurses’ behavior in supporting patients’ self-management were self-efficacy, priority, perceived supervisor support and training in self-management support. This model explained 51.7% of the variance in nurses’ behavior. ConclusionTo date, nurses do not optimally fulfil their role in supporting patients’ self-management. Self-management support is practiced from a narrow medical point of view and primarily consists of informing patients, which is the lowest level of patient participation. Practice implicationsIt is essential to better prepare and support nurses − and by extend all healthcare professionals − for the challenges of supporting patients’ self-management.

Knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours of healthcare professionals regarding child maltreatment in China.

A new, recently issued national law and regulation in China conferred the responsibility of healthcare professionals in child maltreatment intervention. However, few studies have reported on the recognition and reporting of child maltreatment by healthcare professionals in China. The aim of this study was to assess healthcare professionals' knowledge, attitudes, and self-perceived behaviour in terms of identifying, assessing, and reporting child maltreatment cases in China. A cross-sectional survey of 877 healthcare professionals from four provinces was conducted using a structured questionnaire. The respondents demonstrated insufficient knowledge on identifying potential child maltreatment cases. Over 30% of them were less than confident in the medical examination, evaluation, and treatment of child maltreatment cases, especially with regard to cases involving sexual abuse. Only 3.19% of respondents had ever received training on child maltreatment intervention, and as a result, lack of knowledge with regard to dealing with child maltreatment cases, referral procedures, and regulations was indicated to be the main cause of underreporting. Healthcare professionals in China have insufficient knowledge, skills, and confidence when it comes to dealing with all aspects of child maltreatment. Although participants reported a positive attitude towards their role in detecting and reporting child maltreatment cases, there are obstacles that hinder them from doing so. Appropriate training courses should be developed to empower professionals with knowledge and skills, as well as increase their confidence in dealing with suspected child maltreatment cases.

Self-Reported Emotional Dysregulation But No Impairment of Emotional Intelligence in Borderline Personality Disorder

Emotional dysfunction is a key feature of patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD) but emotional intelligence (EI) has rarely been investigated in this sample. This study aimed at an investigation of ability EI, general intelligence, and self-reported emotion regulation in BPD. We included 19 patients with BPD and 20 healthy control subjects in the study. EI was assessed by means of the Mayer-Salovey-Caruso emotional intelligence test and the test of emotional intelligence. For the assessment of general intelligence, we administered the multidimensional "Leistungsprüfsystem-Kurzversion." The emotion regulation questionnaire and the difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale were used to assess emotion regulation. The patients with BPD did not exhibit impairments of ability EI and general intelligence but reported severe impairments in emotion regulation. Ability EI was related both to general intelligence (patients and controls) and to self-reported emotion regulation (patients). In conclusion, emotional dysfunction in BPD might primarily affect self-perceived behavior rather than abilities. Intense negative emotions in everyday life may trigger dysfunctional emotion regulation strategies in BPD although patients possess sufficient theoretical knowledge about optimal regulation strategies.

Baseline Correlates of Insulin Resistance in Inner City High‐BMI African‐American Children

To characterize the influence of diet-, physical activity-, and self-esteem-related factors on insulin resistance in 8- 10-year-old African-American (AA) children with BMI greater than the 85th percentile who were screened to participate in a community-based type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) prevention trial. In 165 subjects, fasting glucose- and insulin-derived values for homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) assessed insulin resistance. Body fatness was calculated following bioelectrical impedance analysis, and fitness was measured using laps from a 20-m shuttle run. Child questionnaires assessed physical activity, dietary habits, and self-esteem. Pubertal staging was assessed using serum levels of sex hormones. Parent questionnaires assessed family demographics, family health, and family food and physical activity habits. Girls had significantly higher percent body fat but similar anthropometric measures compared with boys, whereas boys spent more time in high-intensity activities than girls. Scores for self-perceived behavior were higher for girls than for boys; and girls desired a more slender body. Girls had significantly higher insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), compared with boys (P < 0.01). Adjusting for age, sex, pubertal stage, socioeconomic index (SE index), and family history of diabetes, multivariate regression analysis showed that children with higher waist circumference (WC) (P < 0.001) and lower Harter's scholastic competence (SC) scale (P = 0.044) had higher insulin resistance. WC and selected self-esteem parameters predicted insulin resistance in high-BMI AA children. The risk of T2DM may be reduced in these children by targeting these factors.

Medication Overuse and Misuse

Since March 2020, a rapid increase has been observed in the prevalence of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has essentially resulted from increased disease transmission and intensified testing and reporting. The international guidelines for the prevention and treatment of the COVID-19 pandemic have been frequently updated. Such guidelines assist the governmental regulatory bodies in taking optimal measures and safeguarding their citizens against the pandemic. We conducted a short survey with a Saudi cohort to understand the awareness about COVID-19 and estimate the responses for mitigation strategies.An electronic survey was conducted, and the first 388 responses were analysed for publishing an initial report. The questionnaire comprised 27 items and was divided into three sections, namely demographic, awareness, and response to mitigation strategies and participants' self-perceived behaviours regarding COVID-19. The perceptions of the participants were compared with their responses to mitigation measures.In our study, 89.7% understood the meaning of pandemic, while 82.2% correctly identified that the elderly belonged to a high-risk group for the COVID-19 infection. As many as 96.1% agreed that staying at home was one of the mitigation strategies. Nearly 35% preferred self-medication. Higher educational level (OR: 2.09, 95% CI: 1.02–4.29) and longer working hours were found to be significantly associated with a positive response to mitigation measures with p < 0.04 and p < 0.02, respectively.We report better understanding and appropriate response to mitigation measures towards the COVID-19 pandemic among the general population in KSA. Nevertheless, the tendency towards self-medication was reported by one-third of the responders.

Validity of Cognitive Predictors of Adolescent Sugar Snack Consumption

To estimate the applicability of an extended version of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) in predicting self-perceived sugar intake among adolescents in Uganda. Two questionnaires were completed involving 1146 and 372 secondary school adolescents. Confirmatory factor and path analyses were performed using Amos software. TPB exhibited good fit with the data (chi2 = 1.29, df = 2, P = 0.53) and explained 58% and 5% of the variance in intention and self-perceived behavior. Adding past behavior increased the explained variance of behavior with 4%. When applied to consumption of sugared snacks among Ugandan adolescents, the TPB shows satisfactory validity.

Predicting Intended and Self-perceived Sugar Restriction among Tanzanian Students using the Theory of Planned Behavior

This study examines the applicability and sufficiency of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) in predicting intention and self-perceived behavior with respect to avoiding between-meal intake of sugared snacks and drinks. One thousand one hundred and twenty-three Tanzanian students (mean age 26.4 years) completed self-administered questionnaires designed to measure the components of the TPB during May-July, 1999. Self-perceived sugar consumption was obtained in a subsample of respondents (n = 228) four weeks later. The TPB provided a significant prediction of intention (R(2)= 0.44), with attitude (= 0.25), subjective norms (= 0.28) and perceived behavioral control (= 0.35) significant, and subsequent behavior (R(2) = 0.15, with intention (= 0.25) and perceived behavioral control (= 0.18) significant. Frequency of past behavior explained a significant, albeit small, amount of additional variance in intention (1 percent) and behavior (4 percent). The results indicate that the TPB is applicable to the prediction of food choice-related intention and behavior among young adult students living in a non-occidental setting.