Acceptance Of Services Research Articles

Determinants of Self-Medication in Immigrants: A Systematic Review.

Immigrants intended to more rely on self-medication because of the difficulty of accessing formal healthcare in host countries. Negative consequences could occur when self-medication was inappropriate. This study aimed to systematically explore the prevalence, sources and determinants of immigrants' self-medication and the extent of their inappropriate self-medication episodes. PubMed, Scopus, SpringerLink, and ScienceDirect were used for data searching. The search date was 10th June 2023, with no beginning date to limit searching articles. Thirty-two studies were included. The prevalence of immigrants' self-medication presented from 18 studies ranged between 20.2% and 94.6%. Major sources of immigrants' self-medication were commonly obtained from their home countries, local markets or shops, and informal networks. The determinants of immigrants' self-medication were systematically collated into four themes: (1) illness and self-medication perception, (2) access to healthcare and medication, including 6 dimensions: accessibility, availability, affordability, acceptability, awareness and accommodation, (3) worry, and (4) predisposing factors of immigrants. About 46% of immigrant's self-medication episodes were inappropriate, especially antibiotic use. About 66% of the included studies described antibiotic self-medication. Prevalence rates of self-medication among different immigrantsvaried based on different time frames, context of diseases and migrated countries. Immigrants' cultural health belief, facing significant worry about job security, legal status, and cultural barriers influenced their self-medication. When immigrants have greater availability, accommodation, awareness, accessibility, acceptability, and affordability of health services in host countries, they are less likely to use self-medication. The predisposing factors like age, income, work status and immigrants' language also influenced their self-medication.

An economic evaluation of the Virtual Rural Generalist Service versus usual care in Western NSW Local Health District.

Evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the Virtual Rural Generalist Service (VRGS) model of care. A cost-consequence analysis of the VRGS model of care compared with usual care (treatment by local or locum [non-VRGS] doctors) from the perspective of the health care funder in 2022 prices. Twenty-nine rural and remote hospitals in the Western NSW Local Health District where the VRGS has been in operation (VRGS sites). Patients of any age who presented to an emergency department (ED) or were admitted to hospital at VRGS sites over the pre-VRGS period (1 February 2019 to 31 January 2020) or the post-VRGS period (1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022). The VRGS model of care, which provides 24-hour 7-days-a-week rural generalist doctors, both virtually and in person, to small rural and remote hospitals, predominantly for lower acuity ED presentations, daily ward rounds for inpatients admitted by a VRGS medical officer, and ad hoc inpatient medical reviews when local doctors need support or are unavailable. Incremental cost per incremental quality-of-care outcome, maintenance of health service activity levels, workforce sustainability (measured by changes in locum shifts), and service acceptability (as determined by thematic analysis of interviews). The cost per standard unit of health care (national weighted activity unit) was lower for the VRGS ($1047) than for usual care ($1753). VRGS doctors dealt with ED presentations of similar complexity to non-VRGS doctors, and admissions of significantly lower (40%) complexity. Health service activity remained stable from the pre-VRGS period to the post-VRGS period, only declining by 4% in the post-VRGS period, which was during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Locum shifts decreased from 1456 days in the pre-VRGS period to 609 days in the post-VRGS period, improving the sustainability of the workforce. Local doctors and managers found the VRGS to be acceptable, but thought it could be enhanced with additional investment in nursing and technical staff. Our economic evaluation of the VRGS showed that it provided lower cost care and equivalent quality-of-care outcomes when compared with usual care for ED presentations of the same complexity, and supported local clinical staff to maintain activity levels despite a pandemic. With additional investment in data capture and in nursing and technical staff to support the service, the VRGS has promise as a flexible service that can help sustain access to quality medical care in rural and remote communities.

Customer Acceptance of Cheque Truncation and Electronic Clearing Services in Nepal

Efficient financial systems are vital to the economic integration of nations, with technological connectivity playing a pivotal role. In Nepal, despite the introduction of electronic cheque clearing (ECC) services in early 2012, skepticism persists among users. This study investigates the factors influencing the adoption of clearing services in Nepal, employing primary data collected using structured survey questionnaire. The research explores the relationship between independent factors such as Risk, Convenience, Trust, and Relative Advantages in determining usage patterns. With a sample size of 375 respondents, the descriptive and inferential analyses reveal a strong negative correlation between risk perception and clearing service adoption, while Trust, Convenience, and Relative Advantage exhibit robust positive relationships. Notably, convenience emerges as a key driver of adoption. The findings indicate the need for banks to mitigate risks and enhance user confidence, while also emphasizing the importance of leveraging convenience and relative advantages to promote adoption. This research offers valuable insights into the dynamics influencing the adoption of clearing services in Nepal, informing strategic interventions to boost confidence and increase usage in the financial ecosystem.

Developing a framework for community childcare doctors to support community-based parental health education in preventing unintentional injuries among children aged below 6 years: a grounded theory exploration in eastern China

ObjectiveUnintentional injuries are a major threat to children’s health. Community-based health management services, which include the prevention of unintentional injuries among children aged 0–6 years, are important basic national public...

Acceptability, User Satisfaction, and Feasibility of an App-Based Support Service During the COVID-19 Pandemic in a Psychiatric Outpatient Setting: Prospective Longitudinal Observational Study.

Patients with mental disorders often have difficulties maintaining a daily routine, which can lead to exacerbated symptoms. It is known that apps can help manage mental health in a low-threshold way and can be used in therapeutic settings to complement existing therapies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the acceptability, usability, and feasibility of an app-based support service specifically developed for outpatients with severe mental disorders in addition to regular face-to-face therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients in a psychiatric outpatient department at a German university hospital were invited to use an app-based support service designed transdiagnostically for mental disorders for 4 weeks. The app included 7 relaxation modules, consisting of video, audio, and psychoeducational text; ecological momentary assessment-like questionnaires on daily mood answered via a visual smiley-face scale; and an activity button to record and encourage daily activities. Standardized questionnaires at baseline (T0; preintervention time point) and after 4 weeks (T2; postintervention time point) were analyzed. Feedback via the smiley-face scale was provided after using the app components (T1; during the intervention). Measures included depressive symptoms, quality of life, treatment credibility and expectancy, and satisfaction. Furthermore, participation rates, use of app modules and the activity button, and daily mood and the provided feedback were analyzed (T2). In total, 57 patients participated in the study, and the data of 38 (67%) were analyzed; 17 (30%) dropped out. Satisfaction with the app was high, with 53% (30/57) of the participants stating being rather satisfied or satisfied. Furthermore, 79% (30/38) of completers stated they would be more likely or were definitely likely to use an app-based support service again and recommend it. Feasibility and acceptability were high, with nearly half (18/38, 47%) of the completers trying relaxation modules and 71% (27/38) regularly responding to the ecological momentary assessment-like questionnaire between 15 and 28 times (mean 19.91, SD 7.57 times). The activity button was used on average 12 (SD 15.72) times per completer, and 58% (22/38) felt "definitely" or "rather" encouraged to perform the corresponding activities. Depressive symptomatology improved significantly at the postintervention time point (P=.02). Quality of life showed a nonsignificant increase in the physical, psychological, and social domains (P=.59, P=.06, and P=.42, respectively) and a significant improvement in the environment domain (P=.004). Treatment credibility and expectancy scores were moderate and significantly decreased at T2 (P=.02 and P<.001, respectively). Posttreatment expectancy scores were negatively associated with posttreatment depressive symptomatology (r=-0.36; P=.03). App-based programs seem to be an accessible tool for stabilizing patients with severe mental disorders, supporting them in maintaining a daily routine, complementing existing face-to-face treatments, and overall helping respond to challenging situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Preparing patient navigators and assessing the impact of patient navigation in promoting cervical cancer screening uptake, knowledge, awareness, intention, and health beliefs: a protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

There are limited studies in Tanzania concerning the modality of preparing patient navigators and the influence of patient navigation strategies on cervical cancer screening. This protocol describes the preparation of patient navigators and assesses the impact of a patient navigation strategy on promoting cervical cancer screening uptake, knowledge, awareness, intention, and health beliefs. This is a protocol for a community-based randomized controlled trial. The method is categorized into two phases. (1) Preparing patient navigators, which will involve the training of five patient navigators guided by a validated training manual. The training will be conducted over three consecutive days, covering the basic concepts of cervical cancer screening and guiding navigators on how to implement a patient navigation strategy in the communities. (2) Delivering a patient navigation intervention to community women (COMW) which will involve health education, screening appointments, navigation services, and counseling. The study will recruit 202 COMW who will be randomized 1:1 by computer-based blocks to either the patient navigation intervention group or the control group. The study will prove that the trained patient navigators are easily accessible and offer timely and culturally acceptable services to promote cervical cancer screening uptake in communities.

Investigating relationships between ridesourcing and public transit using big data analysis and nonlinear machine learning: A case study of Shanghai, China

Ridesourcing has transformed the landscape of passenger transportation systems in many cities worldwide, but whether it competes with or complements public transport (PT) is still debated, and the literature is limited. Therefore, this study aims to address this knowledge gap by measuring the relationships between the two systems and examining their determinants using a multisource big data analysis and nonlinear machine learning approach, with Shanghai, China, as the study case. First, we used the observed ridesourcing data in Shanghai to compute the fastest PT alternative for each ridesourcing trip based on the Amap open platform and subsequently compared the travel patterns (i.e., distance, duration, and generalized cost) of the two systems. Second, we propose a technical framework that considers the spatiotemporal availability and generalized cost acceptability of PT services, as well as the inclusivity of ridesourcing services, to accurately classify and identify the relationship between ridesourcing and PT systems. Finally, we explored the importance of four types of determinants, namely, ridesourcing characteristics, PT service, built environment, and weather, and their nonlinear effects on different relationships based on extreme gradient boosting and Shapley additive explanations. Our results show that the fastest PT alternative involves an average travel distance, generalized travel time, and generalized cost that are 1.16, 2.13, and 1.15 times greater, respectively, than those of ridesourcing. Competitive trips account for 36% of urban areas but only 16% in the suburbs. Furthermore, more than 70% and 10% of the ridesourcing trips in suburban areas are used to complement and integrate PT, respectively. The nonlinear machine learning framework identified the top three determinants of integration as travel cost, distance to the CBD, and travel time. Notably, determinants such as the distance to the CBD and temperature have nonlinear effects on these relationships. These findings offer valuable insights for designing multimodal transportation options that integrate the benefits of ridesourcing and PT.

Speaking versus touching: how consumers respond to robot communication modality in hospitality services

The advancement of natural language recognition and processing technology has revolutionized how consumers interact with service robots. Initially reliant on manual communication (typing or clicking), the shift has occurred towards verbal communication (speaking or talking). However, how consumers respond to these two modalities is less understood, especially in hospitality service settings. This study examined the mechanisms of robot communication modality (voice vs. touch) on consumers’ behavioral intentions (robotic service acceptance and disclosure intention). The moderating roles of individual public self-consciousness and service embarrassability were further examined. The results of three scenario-based experiments show that consumers exhibit lower robotic service acceptance and disclosure intentions when robots use voice (vs. touchscreen) interaction. These effects are mediated by consumers’ concerns about social judgment and are stronger for individuals with high (vs. low) public self-consciousness and when a service involves higher levels of embarrassability. We present theoretical and practical insights for human-robot interface management to enhance consumers’ experience with service robots.

Can cuteness soften my anxiety? The impact of conversational styles of service robots on consumer service acceptance

Purpose As artificial intelligence technology empowers service robots, they increasingly communicate with consumers in a human-like manner. This study aims to investigate the effect of service robots’ different conversational styles (competent conversational style vs. cute conversational style) on consumer service acceptance and demonstrate the moderating role of consumers’ technology anxiety. Design/methodology/approach Based on anthropomorphism theory and social presence theory, the authors conducted two scenario-based experiments (restaurant scenario and hotel scenario) to investigate this issue. Findings The results indicate that service robots’ conversational styles impact consumers’ willingness to accept the use of service robots through perceived social presence and positive emotion. Moreover, consumers perceived social presence and positive emotion play a serial mechanism. In addition, the effect of competent conversational style on consumers perceived social presence is less effective than that of cute conversational style. Finally, the authors demonstrate the moderating role of consumer technology anxiety in the relationship between conversational styles and perceived social presence. Practical implications To provide consumers with a positive human–robot interaction experience at the service front line, managers need to make better use of the conversational styles of service robots by comprehensively considering the characteristics of consumer technology anxiety. Originality/value This research extends the literature on service robots by integrating consumer characteristics and robots’ conversational styles. These findings highlight the effectiveness of cute conversational style in alleviating consumer technology anxiety.

Report on the South Eastern New South Wales Primary Health Network

In response to the evolving healthcare challenges in South Eastern New South Wales, this report outlines a strategic framework for enhancing the region’s health services. Established under Australia’s Primary Health Networks, the South Eastern New South Wales Primary Health Networks aims to address significant health concerns and issues identified including high rates of potentially preventable hospitalisations, increasing chronic conditions, mental health crises, rising substance abuse, and inadequate culturally tailored health services. This report proposes four evidence-based recommendations: shifting chronic condition management to pre-hospital settings, enhancing emergency departments with 24-h mental health coverage, implementing a universal substance use screening tool, and redesigning culturally appropriate services. These recommendations are evaluated based on Duckett and Willcox’s criteria for an ideal health system, aiming to improve service efficiency, equity, quality, and acceptability.

Consumer Involvement in the Design and Development of Medication Safety Interventions or Services in Primary Care: A Scoping Review.

Medication-related problems remain a significant burden despite the availability of various interventions and services in primary care. Involving health care consumers to design interventions or services across health disciplines is becoming more widely used as this type of engagement reportedly leads to more accessible, acceptable and sustainable health services and quality of life. We conducted a scoping review to examine when and how consumers have been involved in the design and development of medication safety interventions or services within the primary care. We searched five key databases (MEDLINE (EBSCOhost), CINAHL (EBSCOhost), PsycINFO (EBSCOhost), Embase (Elsevier) and Cochrane Library (Wiley)) for relevant articles published up to February 2024. Studies were included if they involved adult consumers (≥ 18 years), their families, carers or the wider community as stakeholders. This review only included studies where the aim was to improve safe and effective medication use, delivered exclusively in primary care. To examine consumer involvement approaches and methods we adapted a framework describing the stages of consumer involvement for the data extraction tool. Overall, 15 studies were included (comprising 24 articles). Codesign, experience-based codesign, coproduction and participatory action research were commonly used approaches. Meetings, interviews, surveys/questionnaires were commonly used methods. Two studies reported consumer involvement across all stages of the research study, and only one study described the consumer experience of being involved in the research process. The impact of consumer involvement on the effectiveness of these services or interventions was mixed. The potential benefits of consumer involvement in the design and development of medication safety interventions or services may not have been fully maximised, given that genuine consumer involvement across all stages of the research study appears uncommon. More transparent and consistent reporting around the description of consumers involved, their experience of being involved and overall impact and quality of consumer participation is needed. This scoping review was undertaken without consumers, patients, service users, caregivers or people with lived experience or members of the public due to resource limitations. This scoping review was undertaken and written by academics, who have undertaken codesign with consumers and stakeholders and also have personal lived experience of medication-related problems.

Factors influencing demand and acceptance of hospice care among Chinese older adults: A meta-analysis

ABSTRACT This study aimed to systematically integrate existing research findings on relevant factors influencing Chinese older adults to choose hospice care, thus providing targeted theoretical support and a basis for the promotion of hospice care services in China. The literature on factors affecting the older adults’ choice of hospice care services were retrieved from nine databases, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang Data, VIP, CBM, and SinoMed. The data were extracted and analyzed using Revman5.3 and Stata17.0. A total of 11 articles are incorporated, and 13 related factors are extracted. The meta-analysis results show that the demand and acceptance of hospice care services in the older adults are related to age (RR = 1.39, 95% CI (1.17,1.65), p = 0.0002), education level (RR = 1.94, 95% CI (1.42,2.63), p < 0.001), marital status (RR = 1.21, 95% CI (1.05,1.40), P = 0.007), death attitude (RR = 1.21, 95% CI (1.53,9.45), p = 0.004), having experienced or witnessed emergency treatment (RR = 2.07, 95% CI (1.51,2.85), p < 0.001), and living condition (RR = 1.32, 95% CI (1.00,1.73), P = 0.05). The elders who are at an advanced age, well educated, unmarried in solitude, and have experienced or witnessed emergency treatment have a high demand and acceptance of hospice care services

Does access to and use of primary healthcare services influence health insurance uptake? A mixed-methods study in the Wa Municipality, Ghana

ABSTRACT Purpose This study explored access to quality primary healthcare services under Ghana's National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), its impact on NHIS enrolment, and the implications for attaining Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Methods A sequential explanatory mixed-method research design was employed using a multistage sampling technique. We collected data from 413 insured individuals and 47 healthcare facilities for quantitative community-level analysis using questionnaires. Purposive sampling was used to select 17 healthcare providers and 20 insured key informants for qualitative investigation using interview guides. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, and binary logistic regression. Qualitative data were thematically analyzed to explain the quantitative findings. Results The results indicated a positive association between outpatient and inpatient services, maternal healthcare, and laboratory testing. Maternal healthcare and laboratory diagnostics positively influenced the renewal of NHIS membership. Binary logistic regression revealed that access to, and utilization of PHC services significantly increased the likelihood of NHIS membership renewal, influenced by healthcare system factors such as service availability, acceptability, and affordability. Conclusion Our findings suggest that policymakers must enhance the NHIS with improved service delivery to attain UHC in Ghana.

The impact of smart elderly care service acceptance on elderly service usage behavior in Xi’an: An analysis of mediating effects based on the UTAUT model and the moderating role of digital literacy

As the aging trend intensifies, the Chinese government prioritizes technological innovation in smart elderly care services to enhance quality and efficiency, catering to the diverse needs of the elderly. This study examines the acceptance and usage behavior of smart elderly care services among elderly individuals in Xi’an, using a modified Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model that includes digital literacy as a moderating variable. Data were collected via a survey of 299 elderly individuals aged 60 and above in Xi’an. The study aims to identify factors influencing the acceptance and usage behavior of smart elderly care services and to understand how digital literacy moderates the relationship between these factors and usage behavior. Regression analysis assessed the direct effects of Performance Expectancy (PE), Effort Expectancy (EE), Social Influence (SI), and Facilitating Conditions (FC) on usage behavior. These dimensions were then integrated into a comprehensive index Service Acceptance to evaluate their overall impact on usage behavior, with behavioral intention examined as a potential mediating variable. Results indicate that EE and SI significantly impact the adoption of smart elderly care services, whereas PE and FC do not. Behavioral intention mediates the relationship between these variables and usage behavior. Additionally, gender, age, and digital literacy significantly moderate the impact of service acceptance on usage behavior. This study provides valuable theoretical and practical insights for designing and promoting smart elderly care services, emphasizing the importance of usability and social promotion to enhance the quality of life for the elderly.

AHP SO08 - Weekend physiotherapy pilot for patients on hepatobiliary enhanced recovery pathways: Examining the impact of a 7-day service

Abstract Background Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) is a safe, multi-disciplinary, evidenced-based approach to optimise the perioperative management and outcomes after hepatobiliary (HPB) surgery. Despite the adoption of the ERAS mobilisation protocols to improve recovery time, one limitation is a traditional 5-day service model (Monday-Friday). This can result in an inequality of service provision for those patients operated Thursday or Friday and lead to increased length of stay (LOS) in hospital. Mobilisation across 7 days can ensure improved compliance with ERAS mobilisation protocols, better continuity of care, facilitate improved outcomes and timely discharge from hospital. Method Data was collected pre-introduction of the 7-day physiotherapy service from May-October 2022. During November 2022 – April 2023 a 7-day physiotherapy service was piloted. This service included 1 qualified physiotherapist and 1 non-qualified physiotherapist on Saturday and Sunday. This 7-day service provided continuity of care for patients from intensive care or post-anaesthesia care unit to the ward, facilitating discharges and accelerating return to independence. Data was collected during the 7-day service as well as 6 months post intervention (May 2023-October 2023). Acceptability of the intervention was assessed among the HPB multi-disciplinary team (MDT) using a survey consisting of 5 qualitative questions. Results The table illustrates that a reduction in mean LOS was seen in all 4 HPB surgeries that follow ERAS protocols during the 7-day physiotherapy service. It was also shown that 6-months post intervention (returning to a 5-day service) all 4 HPB ERAS surgeries mean LOS increased. To determine the acceptability of the 7-day physiotherapy service, 22 members of the MDT responded to a survey (5 consultants, 4 physiotherapy staff, 4 sisters, 5 staff nurses, 1 nursing assistant, 2 healthcare assistants). All 22 members of the MDT agreed that a 7-day physiotherapy service was acceptable and improves recovery. Conclusion A 7-day physiotherapy service has shown to reduce mean LOS in comparison to a 5-day physiotherapy service within HPB ERAS pathways. From an MDT perspective the 7-day physiotherapy service was also deemed to be beneficial and improves patient recovery.

Abstract 4126893: Feasibility and Acceptability of a Nurse-Pharmacist Post-Discharge Telehealth Model of Care for Heart Failure Patients

Background: Suboptimal medication management is common in patients with heart failure (HF), particularly during transitions-of-care. To date, there are few studies assessing the feasibility of a nurse-pharmacist post-discharge telehealth service for medication optimisation in patients with HF. We performed a feasibility study to determine service uptake and acceptability, and ability to identify medication-related issues for HF patients as they transition from hospital to home. Methods: HF patients were referred to an existing post-discharge telehealth service and offered medication reconciliation and education in addition to their usual care; a service we termed ‘MedRec’ (MR). Primary outcomes were feasibility, measured through recruitment and successful MR completion, and acceptability, measured by an investigator-developed survey. Secondary outcomes were medication-related issues detected during MR. Results: A total of 100 HF patients were offered a post-discharge MR. Mean age of patients was 68.5 ±14.2 years, and mostly male sex (62%). Pharmacist MRs were requested by 80% of patients. In total 62 MRs (77.5%) were performed; 9 patients declined MR during follow-up and an additional 9 patients were uncontactable. Mean time to MR following nurse referral was 10.98 ±9.74 days. Drug-related toxicity or adverse effect presentation was identified in 25 (40.3%) MR recipients at the time of consultation and subsequently required general practitioner follow-up. Medication compliance issues were detected by the pharmacist in 13 (20.9%) patients; forgotten doses being the most common concern. Undertreated medical conditions, such as symptomatic HF and chronic pain, were identified in 12 (19.3%) MR recipients. Medications prescribed without any apparent indication were found in 8 (12.9%) patients. Drug or disease management information was requested by 35 (56.4%) MR recipients. A total of 35 (56.5%) post-MR surveys were successfully completed. All participants who completed a post-MR survey agreed that a post-discharge telehealth MR was an acceptable form of education provision. Engagement with a pharmacist MR was perceived to ease anxiety associated with understanding medication-related changes and empowered greater medication self-management. Conclusions: A post-discharge nurse-pharmacist telehealth service is a feasible and acceptable model of care. Inclusion of a routine MR post-discharge may be an effective means of maintaining continuity of care for HF patients.

From Function to Relation: Exploring the Dual Influences of Warmth and Competence on Generative Artificial Intelligence Services in the Hospitality Industry

Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) has emerged as a transformative force in the rapidly-evolving hospitality industry. This study examined the correlation of acceptance of GenAI services with perceived warmth and competence, and the consequent correlations with customer outcomes in the hospitality industry. Employing a Hospitality Service Dialogue System prototype, this study collected responses from 1,306 hotel guests. Perceptions of warmth and competence correlated with increased customer intention to use GenAI services and satisfaction. Satisfaction correlated significantly with customer–brand identification and attachment. The Technology Readiness Index moderated the relationships of warmth and competence with the acceptance of GenAI services. This investigation extends the stereotype content model and the behaviors from intergroup affect and stereotypes map framework by integrating them with the technology acceptance literature, unveiling service innovations enabled by technology in the hospitality industry. This study provides hotel managers, technology developers, and marketers with strategic directions for implementing GenAI.

Incorporating personality traits for the study of user acceptance of electric micromobility-sharing services

Electric micromobility-sharing services (EMS) have emerged as a promising mobility tool for tackling transportation problems. Understanding the drivers of user acceptance of EMS is essential for proper deployment. However, there is no consensus in the literature on the effects of psychological factors on EMS adoption, and little research has considered personality traits to capture individual differences. To fill this research gap, we administered a survey through a Dutch panel that integrated the Big Five personality traits into a user acceptance framework and applied structural equation modeling (SEM) to investigate user acceptance of EMS. The quantitative analysis reveals that three UTAUT factors (social influence, performance expectancy, and hedonic motivation) have strong positive direct effects on user acceptance. Among the Big Five personality traits, openness and extraversion have significant but weaker total effects, while other personality traits (conscientiousness, agreeableness, and neuroticism) have no significant effects. It is also found that young people and residents of large cities have a higher intention to adopt EMS, while the majority who are highly satisfied with the status quo transportation modes have a lower intention to use EMS for short trips. The analysis results offer crucial insights into crafting tailored strategies to deploy EMS.

Acceptability and factors associated with the community nutrition service for children under two years of age by mothers in the Degadamot district, west Gojjam, Ethiopia, 2023

BackgroundMalnutrition accounts for 45 percent of children under five years of age in Ethiopia and is a more common problem in rural communities. In this regard, Ethiopia has implemented the Community Based Neutrition (CBN) program at the community level to improve the nutritional status of children. Despite this, malnutrition still causes a significant rate of child morbidity and mortality. The status of the implementation of the CBN program is unknown. MethodsA single case study design was employed from March 28 to April 28, 2023. A total of 407 systematically selected mothers for exit interviews participated in the study. The data was entered into Epi-Inf version 7 and exported to STATA version 17 for analysis. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to determine the factors associated with the acceptability of mothers. Findings were presented using descriptions, tables, and graphs. ResultsAccording to the predetermined judgment parameter, the acceptability of CBN services by mothers (66.6 %). Rural residence 0.28 (AOR = 0.28, 95 % CI 0.106, 0.754), merchant 0.11 (AOR = 0.11, 95 % CI 0.036, 0.47), primary 2.5 (AOR = 2.53, 95 % CI 1.09, 5.85), secondary 3.29 (AOR = 3.29, 95 % CI 1.03, 8.43), and higher education 1.46 (AOR = 1.46, 95 % CI 1.09, 4.05) were significantly associated with acceptability. ConclusionsThe general acceptability of the mother to community nutrition services was measured fairly according to the predetermined judgment parameter. Educating mothers is an important factor in increasing service acceptability.

“Us versus Them”: is the voice of the community heard when planning communication screening programmes for preschoolers?

ObjectivesCommunity consultation is necessary to ensure the uptake and use of community-based screening intervention to detect early childhood disabilities, as its absence can result in poor service acceptance and usage. To document stakeholders' perspectives regarding planning a community-based communication disorder (an impairment in the ability to receive, send, process and comprehend concepts or verbal, non-verbal and graphic symbol systems) screening programmes for pre-schoolers. Study designThis qualitative research design used purposive and random sampling to recruit 46 participants from eThekwini Municipality, South Africa. These stakeholders consisted of caregivers/parents of children who underwent screening for communication disorders, People who are Deaf, their parents, early childhood development practitioners, health professionals and government officials involved with children with disabilities. All participants were adults aged between 19 and 79 years, with an average age of 39.7 years. MethodsData was collected through focus group discussions and individual interviews, which were thematically analysed. ResultsThe four emergent themes were screening approaches, methods, location and personnel. Service users expected greater access to screening and reliable tests to identify problems by trained personnel at sites within the community. Service providers preferred a targeted approach to screening with parental input. Task shifting and sharing were seen as a solution to address staff shortages and provide services at health facilities, as resource constraints made it challenging to provide outreach services. ConclusionStakeholder engagement revealed diverging views between service users and providers, with implications for programme provision and uptake. There is a need for ongoing, inclusive discussion to ensure consensus during the planning stage, in order to render services that address issues of equity and accessibility for people with disabilities in marginalised communities.