Significant Difference In Intention Research Articles

Sexual Consent, Alcohol Use, and Greek Membership: Testing Measurement Invariance and Group Mean Differences of Two Sexual Consent Measures

ABSTRACT Research into sexual consent among college students often focuses on gender and Greek community involvement differences. However, few studies have validated sexual consent measures used for such comparisons. The present study applied a structural equation modeling (SEM) framework to assess the psychometric properties and measurement invariances of two prevalent sexual consent measures across Greek membership and gender groups – the Sexual Consent-Related Behavior Intentions Scale and the Alcohol and Sexual Consent Scale. After establishing measurement invariance, the latent group means were tested between genders and Greek community status. The results with 501 college men (318 fraternity members and 183 non-fraternity members) and 1506 college women (1187 sorority women and 319 nonsorority women) suggested that both scales achieved scalar invariance, permitting confident usage for comparisons across Greek memberships and genders. The latent mean analyses revealed significant differences in intentions to negotiate sexual consent and beliefs regarding alcohol-involved sexual assault among the different groups.

Romanian nurses' beliefs on nursing diagnosis. A survey study based on the theory of planned behavior.

To identify clusters of beliefs about nursing diagnosis (ND) among Romanian hospital nurses and to ascertain variations in attitudes, intention to use, behavior associated with the use of ND, and sociodemographic characteristics. A cross-sectional online survey study was conducted on a convenience sample of 498 hospital nurses in Romania. The questionnaire comprises six scales measuring normative, behavioral, and control beliefs, intention to use, attitudes, and behavior toward ND. Results were reported through cluster analysis. Three clusters were identified: highly positive, average, and highly negative beliefs about ND. Romanian nurses have more homogeneous beliefs regarding ND than nurses from other countries. Comparisons among clusters showed significant differences in intention [H(2)=111.59, p<0.001], attitudes [H(2)=145.27, p<0.001], and reported behavior [H(2)=43.84, p<0.001]. The stronger the attitude toward ND, the intention to use it, and the behavior of using ND, the more favorable the beliefs and vice versa. Significant disparities among clusters were discovered regarding education in ND, whereas differences were not observed regarding years of experience, age, and gender. Nurses exhibited different belief patterns about ND. Those with more positive beliefs demonstrated a more favorable attitude, a higher intention, and a more frequent behavior in using ND. Training in ND facilitates positive beliefs about it. When designing interventions to promote ND in clinical practice, policymakers, administrators, and educators should consider addressing and potentially changing these beliefs. Modifying nurses' attitudes could positively impact patient care quality during their hospital stay and post-discharge.

Perceived physical self-concept profiles: intention to be physically active and emotional regulation

The objectives of the study were to identify physical self-concept profiles and examine their role in the intention to be physically active and emotional regulation. A sample of 606 physical activity practitioners (Mage= 34.19, SD= 13.05), completed a series of self-report measures that evaluated physical self-concept, the intention to be physically active, and emotional regulation. Cluster analyzes revealed three profiles of physical self-concept. Profile b with relatively high physical self-concept experienced significant differences in intention to be physically active, self-blame, and positive reappraisal. Profile a with low physical self-concept showed significant differences in acceptance, rumination, and catastrophizing. Profile c with a very low physical self-concept revealed significant differences in blaming others. In conclusion, profile b with relatively high physical self-concept and with optimal scores in condition, attractiveness and strength is associated with a higher intention to be physically active and the use of functional emotional regulation strategies.

Contributing to SDG 3 through Support for Trainer Autonomy: Relationship with Motivation, Basic Psychological Needs and the Intention to Be Physically Active.

The objective of the study was to identify the profiles of support for autonomy perceived by athletes and compare them with motivation, basic psychological needs, and the intention to be physically active. A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out with 280 athletes (M = 15.28; SD = 1.71). The results reveal the existence of two profiles using the perception of support for autonomy as a grouping variable. A profile of “High perception of support for autonomy” (group 1, n = 190, M = 4.38, SD = 0.32) and a profile of “Low support for autonomy” (group 2, n = 90, M = 3.40, SD = 0.86). The data show statistically significant differences in favour of group 1 with higher values in the Self-Determination Index (p = 0.009) and three basic psychological needs measured with the Index of Psychological Mediators (p = 0.000), but no significant differences in intention to be physically active were found. In conclusion, the importance of the support of autonomy granted by coaches is demonstrated, thus favouring more adaptive motivational climates and the greater satisfaction of basic psychological needs. The intention to be physically active was not found in federated athletes. New studies are required to clarify this fact and improve the contribution of sustainable development to the social dimension.

The Role of Social Capital in Contributing to Lifestyle Brand-Related Content on Social Media

The purpose of this research is to analyze the differences in users’ intentions to like, comment and share lifestyle brand-related content on social media based on the social capital focus. In this paper, social capital is conceptualized as a positive outcome of users’ interaction on social media, focusing on bonding and bridging dimensions of social capital. However, in order to examine the differences in intentions to like, comment and share between social media users with bridging and bonding focus, social capital is analyzed as a cause of social media engagement in terms of liking, commenting and sharing brand-related content on social media. A survey with social media users was carried out, using questionnaires as a method of data collection. A data set of 415 effective responses is collected and factor analysis and ANOVA test was used. The respondents were divided into two groups: social media users with bridging focus and with bonding focus. The results of factor analysis identified the factors as conceptualized in the literature. The results of ANOVA test indicated existence of significant differences in intentions to like, to share and to comment lifestyle brand-related content depending on the social media users’ social capital focus. Social media users with bridging focus showed stronger intentions to like, share and comment lifestyle brand-related content comparing to social media users with bonding focus. The findings of this research study may help social media marketing managers to successfully design and implement effective lifestyle brand-related content depending on the users’ social capital focus.

Intention to Quit and Predictive Factors Among Current Smokers in Vietnam: Findings From Adult Tobacco Survey 2020.

BACKGROUNDSmoking leads to many smoking-attributable diseases. The promotion of quitting tobacco smoking is urgent as it has significant and immediate health benefits and improves the impacts of other tobacco control strategies. Intention to quit smoking is considered the first step before quitting smoking.METHODOLOGYThis paper used data from Vietnam provincial GATS 2020 on 80,166 participants who were 15-year-old or older. Data were collected from 34 provinces and cities throughout Vietnam and managed using REDCap.RESULTSAmong those who were current smokers, 50.3% (95% CI: 49.1%–51.4%) had the intention to quit smoking. Some predictive factors found to be positively associated with the intention to quit smoking were age (from 45-64), education level, received information about harmful effects or encouragement to quit smoking from media channels (from 6 channels), hearing about the Tobacco Control Law and noticing health warnings on the cigarette package. There was no significant difference in intention to quit smoking between current smokers from urban and rural areas or among different age groups to start smoking.CONCLUSIONSInterventions or health promotion programs on smoking cessation should be focused on current smokers who have low education levels as they have a higher smoking rate and are less motivated to stop smoking. Received information about harmful effects or encouragement to quit smoking from media channels is also associated with stopping smoking in the future. The importance of health warning pictures on tobacco packages should be maintained and promoted as it has a specific effect on one’s intention to stop smoking.

User Experience in VR Fashion Product Shopping: Focusing on Tangible Interactions

It is necessary to focus on a VR environment centered on a tangible interaction (TI), which provides and interacts with the user experience (UX) with various sensational forms. Therefore, this study attempted to present UX evaluation items for VR fashion product shopping environment through focusing on the TI. In addition, the developed factors were evaluated for validity through empirical experiments and attempted to explore the possibility of using a VR shopping UX evaluation methodology. As a result of factor analysis of items related to VR shopping, six factors were extracted, and each factor was named as intention to use, playfulness, sharpness, telepresence, interactivity, and usability, respectively. As a result of a t-test for the difference in UX between immersive VR and non-immersive VR, it was found that there were significant differences in intention to use, playfulness, sharpness, and telepresence. As a result of performing a multiple regression analysis to analyze the effect of TI on the VR fashion shopping UX, it was found that interaction, playfulness, and telepresence are UX factors that are formed under the influence of TI in an immersive VR. In addition, intention to use, sharpness, telepresence, and usability were found to be factors experienced as an effect of TI in a non-immersive VR.

A Web-Based Intervention to Increase Smokers' Intentions to Participate in a Cessation Study Offered at the Point of Lung Screening: Factorial Randomized Trial.

BackgroundScreen ASSIST is a cessation trial offered to current smokers at the point of lung cancer screening. Because of the unique position of promoting a prevention behavior (smoking cessation) within the context of a detection behavior (lung cancer screening), this study employed prospect theory to design and formatively evaluate a targeted recruitment video prior to trial launch.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to identify which message frames were most effective at promoting intent to participate in a smoking cessation study.MethodsParticipants were recruited from a proprietary opt-in online panel company and randomized to a 2 (benefits of quitting vs risks of continuing to smoke at the time of lung screening; BvR) × 2 (gains of participating vs losses of not participating in a cessation study; GvL) message design experiment (N=314). The primary outcome was self-assessed intent to participate in a smoking cessation study. Message effectiveness and lung cancer risk perception measures were also collected. Analysis of variance examined the main effect of the 2 message factors and a least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) approach identified predictors of intent to participate in a multivariable model. A mediation analysis was conducted to determine the direct and indirect effects of message factors on intent to participate in a cessation study.ResultsA total of 296 participants completed the intervention. There were no significant differences in intent to participate in a smoking cessation study between message frames (P=.12 and P=.61). In the multivariable model, quit importance (P<.001), perceived message relevance (P<.001), and affective risk response (ie, worry about developing lung cancer; P<.001) were significant predictors of intent to participate. The benefits of quitting frame significantly increased affective risk response (Meanbenefits 2.60 vs Meanrisk 2.40; P=.03), which mediated the relationship between message frame and intent to participate (b=0.24; 95% CI 0.01-0.47; P=.03).ConclusionsThis study provides theoretical and practical guidance on how to design and evaluate proactive recruitment messages for a cessation trial. Based on our findings, we conclude that heavy smokers are more responsive to recruitment messages that frame the benefits of quitting as it increased affective risk response, which predicted greater intention to participate in a smoking cessation study.

Latent Profile Types by Career Aspiration, Person-Organization Fit, Person-Job Fit, and Major Relevance and Group Differences in Intention to Stay of Engineering Graduates

본 연구는 공과대학 졸업생들의 진로포부, 직무적합성, 조직적합성, 전공연관성에 따른 잠재프로파일 유형을 확인하고, 각 유형에 따른 잔류의도의 차이를 검증하기 위해 이루어졌다. 이를 위해 잠재프로파일분석을 실시하고, 잠재프로파일 유형의 따른 직장 잔류의도의 차이를 확인하고자 일원분산분석을 실시하였다. 연구를 위해 2019년 한 대학의 졸업생 취업실태조사에서 수집한 자료를 조사 담당자의 동의를 얻어 사용하였다. 이 조사는 졸업 후 5년 이내의 졸업생들을 대상으로 이루어졌으며, 본 연구에서는 전체 응답자 중 현재 직장에 재직 중이며, 전공에 공학계열으로 답한 477명의 자료를 사용하였다. 본 연구의 주요 결과는 다음과 같다. 첫째, 잠재프로파일분석을 한 결과 4개의 잠재프로파일 유형(낮은 포부-매우 낮은 적합성, 낮은 포부-낮은 적합성, 높은 포부-높은 적합성, 높은 포부-매우 높은 적합성)이 확인되었다. 둘째, 4개의 잠재프로파일은 잔류의도에 유의미한 차이가 있었다. 잔류의도는 높은 포부-매우 높은 적합성 집단이 가장 높았고, 높은 포부-높은 적합성, 낮은 포부-낮은 적합성, 낮은 포부-매우 낮은 적합성 순으로 도출되었다. 이상의 연구 결과를 토대로 공과계열 대학생과 졸업생의 직업과 진로교육의 방향과 시사점을 제안하였다.This study was conducted to identify latent profile types according to career aspiration, job fit, organization fit, and major relevance of engineering college graduates, and to verify the difference in intention to stay for each type. To this end, latent profile analysis was conducted, and a one-way ANOVA was conducted to confirm the difference in the intention to stay at work according to the types of latent profile. For the study, data collected from the survey on the employment status of graduates of a university were used with the consent of the person in charge of the survey. This survey was conducted on graduates within 5 years after graduation, and data of 477 people who are currently employed and who majored in engineering were used. The main results of this study are as follows. First, as a result of the latent profile analysis, four types of latent profiles (low aspiration-very low fit, low aspiration-low fit, high aspiration-high fit, high aspiration-very high fit) were identified. Second, the four latent profiles had significant differences in intention to stay. Intention to stay was derived in the order of high aspiration-very high fit group, followed by high aspiration-high fit, low aspiration-low fit, and low aspiration-very low fit. Based on the above research results, the directions and implications of career and career education for engineering students and graduates were suggested.

신규 간호사의 학부 감염 관리 교육 경험과 교육 만족도에 따른 손위생 의도 및 손위생 수행도의 차이

Purpose: This study aims to identify the degree of intention to hand hygiene and hand hygiene behavior in new nurses based on education experience on infection control. Method: The participants comprised 108 new nurses working in a general hospital in S city, Korea. Data were collected from September to December, 2020. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Pearson correlation with SPSS 26.0 program. Results: There were statistically significant differences in intention to hand hygiene (F=3.39, p=.021) and hand hygiene behavior (F=3.33, p=.022) depending on education experience related to infection control during undergraduate courses. Hand hygiene intention (F=4.41, p=.008) and hand hygiene behavior (F=4.13, p=.008) showed statistically significant differences depending on educational satisfaction with infection control during undergraduate courses. There were significant positive correlations between intention to hand hygiene and hand hygiene behavior (r=.21, p=.026). Conclusion: This suggests that education in infection control can reinforce intention to hand hygiene and hand hygiene behavior in new nurses.

A randomized controlled trial to test the effect of simplified guidance with visuals on comprehension of COVID-19 guidelines and intention to stay home if symptomatic

BackgroundIn the COVID-19 pandemic, it is imperative that people understand and comply with self-isolation guidelines. We tested whether a simplified version of the guidelines and a simplified version with visual aids would affect comprehension and intention to self-isolate during the containment phase of the pandemic in the UK, in March 2020, compared to the standard guidelines.MethodsWe conducted an online, three-armed parallel randomized controlled trial. Participants were English and over 18. The survey software randomized them into conditions; they were blind to condition. The control group read the 7-page standard guidelines (the current version at the time of the trial). The intervention groups were given either a 3-page simplified version, with a summary box on the front page and numbered bullet points, or the same simplified version with pictograms illustrating the points in the box. Primary outcomes were comprehension of the guidelines, as measured by the number of correct answers given to six questions about the content, and the proportion who answered that they would ‘definitely’ stay at home for 7 days if symptomatic.FindingsRecruitment was from 13 to 16 March 2020, with 1845 participants randomised and all data analysed. The Control group averaged 4.27 correct answers, the Simplified 4.20, and the Simplified + visual aids 4.13, out of a possible total of 6 correct answers. There were no differences in comprehension in the unadjusted models; however, when the model was adjusted for demographic variables, there was lower comprehension in the simplified + visual aids condition than in the control, (ß = − 0.16, p = 0.04998). There were no statistically significant differences in intention to stay home: Control was 85%, Simplified 83%, and Simplified + visual aids condition 84%.ConclusionSimplified guidance did not improve comprehension compared to the standard guidance issued in the containment phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, and simplified guidance with visual aids may even have worsened comprehension. Simplified guidance had no effect on intention to stay home if symptomatic. This trial informed COVID-19 policy and provides insights relevant to guidance production in the acute phase of a major public health emergency.

Perspectives on the receipt of a COVID-19 vaccine: A survey of employees in two large hospitals in Philadelphia

BackgroundHealth care personnel have been identified by the ACIP as a priority group for COVID-19 vaccination. We conducted a survey in November-December 2020 at two large, academic hospitals in Philadelphia to evaluate the intention of hospital employees to be vaccinated. MethodsThe survey was sent electronically to all employees (clinical and nonclinical staff) at a children’s hospital and an adult hospital. The survey was voluntary and confidential. Questions focused on plans to receive a COVID-19 vaccine when available, reasons why employees would/would not get vaccinated, when employees planned to be vaccinated, vaccine safety and efficacy features that would be acceptable, and past history of receipt of other vaccines by the employee and family. Responses were analyzed using univariate and multiple logistic regression methods. ResultsA total of 12,034 hospital employees completed the survey (a 34.5% response rate). Overall, 63.7% of employees reported that they planned to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, 26.3% were unsure, and 10.0% did not plan to be vaccinated. Over 80% of those unsure or unwilling to be vaccinated expressed concerns about vaccine side effects and the vaccines’ newness. In multivariable logistic regression, persons planning to take a COVID-19 vaccine were more likely to be older, male, more educated, Asian or White, up-to-date on vaccinations, without direct patient contact, and tested for COVID-19 in the past. No significant difference in intention to be vaccinated was found between those with higher versus lower levels of exposure to COVID-19 patients or the number of previous exposures to patients with COVID-19. ConclusionsWhile the majority of hospital employees are planning to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, many are unsure or not planning to do so. Further education of hospital employees about the safety, efficacy, and value of the currently available COVID-19 vaccines is critical to vaccine acceptance in this population.

Employee Wellness Pilot Program.

Mental health professionals caring for the veteran population are at increased risk for compassion fatigue, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress based on the nature of their work. While mental health professionals may experience positive outcomes from providing compassionate care to veterans, compassion fatigue can lead to instability of the workforce. A pilot employee wellness program was implemented over a 9-week period, offering a different wellness module weekly during the employee lunch hour. Demographic data were collected pre-program, and mental health employees were surveyed pre- and post-program using an intent to stay scale and the Professional Quality of Life Scale version 5 (ProQOL-5) to measure compassion satisfaction, burn out, and secondary traumatic stress. Pre-program participants (N = 42) reported significant differences in intent to stay in their current position for the next year compared to the post-program group (N = 15). Pre-program participants reported no intent to leave their current position, apply for internal or external positions, or retire in the following year. However, post-program participants reported intent to leave their current positions, apply to internal or external positions, or retire. Pre- and post-program compassion satisfaction scores increased and burnout and secondary traumatic stress scores decreased; these scores were not significantly different between groups. While no significant differences were found between ProQOL-5 subscale scores, the change in participants' scores may indicate some change, potentially as a result of the intervention. This pilot program offered a creative solution to organizations with limited resources to combat occupation-related compassion fatigue.

Awareness, Commitment, and Attitude Toward Breastfeeding in Pregnant Women

To assess the benefits of 1-hour classes that focus on breastfeeding education, information, and demonstrations of appropriate breastfeeding techniques through presentations, visual aids, and question-and-answer sessions at two federally qualified community health centers in coastal Georgia. This project was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Troy University. This project will measure the effect of prenatal breastfeeding education on breastfeeding rates, knowledge, awareness, and attitudes among pregnant women ages 19 to 45 years who are in their third semester at community prenatal clinics. The level of evidence for this quasi-experimental pretest–posttest research design is 2. Pender’s health promotion model served as the guiding conceptual framework for this study. Through the use of flyers, a convenience sample consisting of 52 pregnant women, ages 19–45 years and 34–36 weeks gestation, was recruited from two federally qualified, nonprofit community health clinics in a coastal Georgian city. The intervention spanned 4 weeks, consisting of weekly 1-hour classes of breastfeeding education, informational sessions by a certified lactation counselor, demonstrations of appropriate breastfeeding techniques, presentations, visual aids, and question-and-answer sessions. Data were collected using the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale (IIFAS) with Cronbach alpha scores of .85 to .86. Chi-square analysis revealed significant differences in intent to breastfeed and breastfeeding initiation after delivery. Forty participants initiated breastfeeding postintervention, 10 of whom had planned to formula feed in preintervention. Descriptive statistics indicated increased knowledge of breastfeeding; participants who disagreed or strongly disagreed to the statement, “Breast milk is lacking in iron,” increased from preintervention to postintervention by greater than 30%. The paired t test revealed statistically significant differences in the attitude toward breastfeeding between preintervention and postintervention time periods, indicating an increased positive attitude overall toward breastfeeding. Findings of this study are consistent with research demonstrating benefits of educational interventions on breastfeeding rates, knowledge, and attitude toward breastfeeding. Community prenatal clinics should implement prenatal breastfeeding education to enhance awareness, positive commitment, and attitudes among pregnant women. Evidence-based findings in this project can change practice to sustain, improve, and strengthen health care systems in the global market.

Effect of a breastfeeding educational programme on fathers' intention to support exclusive breastfeeding: A quasi-experimental study.

Fathers' support towards exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is fast gaining recognition as a critical ingredient for successful EBF. This study examined the effect of a breastfeeding programme on fathers' intention to support EBF in Ikenne, LGA, Ogun State, Nigeria. This study adopted a pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design. A total of 50 expectant fathers participated in the study. A theory-based questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25 at p≤0.05. Results revealed a significant effect of the breastfeeding programme on intention (R2 = 0.839, R2adj = 0.837, F (1,70) = 364.337, p = 0.000). There was significant difference in intention between the post-experimental (x̄ = 6.587±0.948) and pre-control (x̄ = 5.444±1.473) groups at p-value = 0.025. A breastfeeding programme targeted at fathers had positive impact on intention towards EBF support. Government policies review is required to ensure the inclusion of fathers in maternal and child health service delivery.

Evaluation of the symptom-focused health assessment and empathy program for undergraduate nursing students: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundHealth assessments are a vital competency required of nurses. The more traditional ways of teaching and learning this skill require practice and are often limited by time constraints. With the rise of technology-based platforms, students can supplement their learning health assessment skills through other means, such as videos, that not only teach the steps but also allow them to learn in context. ObjectivesThis study describes how a symptom-focused health assessment and empathy (SHAE) program, which primarily involves the use of a case-based health assessment video, was implemented and evaluated. DesignThe study involved a single-centre, single-blind, parallel randomized controlled trial. SettingsThe study was conducted at a university in Singapore. ParticipantsYear one undergraduate nursing students enrolled in the Comprehensive Health Assessment (CHA) module during semester two of the academic year 2018/2019 participated in the study. MethodsParticipants were randomized into one of the two parallel groups: the experimental group or the waitlisted control (WL) group. The experimental group received the SHAE program in addition to conventional learning methods (e-lectures, lab demonstration, and pair practice). The WL group received only the conventional learning methods. Pre- and post-test measures of the study variables such as knowledge, health assessment skills, confidence, empathy, and intention to learn were conducted. The WL group was given access to the SHAE program after the post-test. Analyses of covariance (ANCOVA) were used to compare the means of the study variables between the intervention and WL groups. ResultsParticipants in the intervention group had significantly higher scores on knowledge (p = 0.016), confidence (p = 0.03), and health assessment skills (p = 0.004). No significant differences in intention to learn and empathy between the two groups were found. ConclusionThe use of a case-based video has the potential to be a valuable method of teaching health assessments in context to nursing students. The SHAE program has shown beneficial effects on students' knowledge, health assessment skills, and confidence. However, there was no effect on students' intentions to learn and their empathy. Further refinements of the program will need to focus on improving these domains.

An examination of consumer reactance to daily fantasy sport and sport gambling regulatory restrictions

According to psychological reactance theory (PRT), when an individual’s freedom is threatened or eliminated, a state of reactance will occur in an attempt to have the freedom restored. Consumer reactance to firm marketing strategies and governmental restrictions have been examined in a variety of contexts. However, an examination of consumer reactance regarding participation in sport gaming activities, such as daily fantasy sport and sport gambling is non-existent. Two studies were developed using experimental designs to: (a) identify whether sport gaming participation intentions were influenced by government restrictions; (b) examine the influence of reactance tendencies on behavioral intentions; and (c) test whether consumer reactance moderates the relationship between government restrictions and gaming intentions. Our results showed significant differences in intentions based on government restrictions for both daily fantasy sport (DFS) and sport gambling participants. Mean intention scores were highest in the scenarios where the activities were legal, which is contrary to previous consumer reactance literature. However, varying state regulations may be playing a role, as individuals can participate in these activities in states where they are legal. Additionally, consumer reactance played a moderating role for groups that were discouraged or restricted from the activity. Consumers with high reactance tendencies reacted unfavorably to threats of freedom as anticipated, extending our knowledge of the impacts of consumer reactance within the sport gaming industry.

Unpacking the drivers behind the use of the Agricultural Innovation Systems (AIS) approach: The case of rice research and extension professionals in Sierra Leone

Agriculture Innovation System (AIS) thinking and approaches are largely perceived as a sine-qua-non for the design and implementation of effective and sustainable agriculture development programmes. AIS has gained popularity in the agriculture innovation literature and has been embedded in policy documents of agriculture sector institutions in many countries. However, there is much less evidence of AIS thinking influencing the behaviours of research and extension institutions and staff ‘on the ground’. An important research gap is the need to better understand the attitudes and beliefs of extension and research professionals regarding AIS and that drive behaviours. Sierra Leone, like most developing countries, has embraced the use of AIS (at least in theory) as evident in policy documents of government institutions – the leading innovation system actors in the country. This study uses the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) to assess the cognitive foundation of agricultural research scientists and extension professionals' intention to use the AIS approach related to rice innovation (the country's staple food crop). Results show there are significant differences in intention which relate to organisation affiliation, age, and gender. Moreover, those with a high intention to use the AIS approach have significantly stronger beliefs associated with the benefits of AIS including its ease of use and the positive effects it is likely to have on smallholder farmers' food security and ability to innovate. Those with a high intention to use the AIS approach also perceive stronger social pressure from key social referents such as colleagues, employers and supervisors; suggesting that policies and an organisation's vision have a significant bearing. Furthermore, the findings suggest that impediments to the use of AIS relate to lack of finance and knowledge. Unpacking these beliefs allows possible entry points to be identified which can enhance the functioning of existing AISs and newly formed ones. The findings and framework presented are useful for many developing countries where AIS approaches are being tested.

Effects of Current and Enhanced Tobacco Corrective Messages on Smokers' Intention to Quit Smoking and Intention to Purchase Cigarettes.

A federal court has ordered tobacco companies to issue corrective messages to address tobacco-related misperceptions. This study examined the effects of viewing current versus two enhanced versions of tobacco corrective messages on smokers' intention to quit smoking and intention to purchase cigarettes. US adult smokers (N = 803) were randomly assigned to view (1) two current tobacco corrective messages (Current), (2) two corrective messages that include an industry deception statement (Industry Deception), or (3) two corrective messages with an industry deception statement and testimonials of people harmed by smoking (Industry Deception + Testimonial). Outcomes were pretest-posttest change in intentions to quit smoking and posttest intention to purchase cigarette measures. Intention to quit smoking increased significantly after viewing the Current corrective messages versus baseline. In addition, viewing the Industry Deception + Testimonial messages increased intention to quit smoking compared with the Current corrective condition and the Industry Deception condition. Hispanic smokers had increased intention to quit smoking and decreased intention to purchase cigarettes to a greater degree than non-Hispanic smokers in response to Industry Deception + Testimonial messages. There was no significant difference in intention to purchase cigarettes across conditions. Enhancing the current corrective statements by including an industry deception statement and testimonials may strengthen effects and contribute to remedying the effects of tobacco misinformation. Previous research has found that draft or proposed versions of tobacco industry corrective messages are effective in correcting beliefs and knowledge. However, studies have not examined how the current court-ordered corrective messages could change intention to quit smoking and intention to purchase cigarettes nor whether enhanced messages could perform better. Study findings suggest that the current corrective messages can increase smokers' intention to quit smoking beyond their baseline intention. More importantly, enhancing corrective messages by including an industry deception statement and testimonial was found to be more effective than current corrective messages. Findings can inform future iterations of tobacco correctives and strategies to reverse the effects of tobacco misinformation.

The Relationship Between Health Department Accreditation and Workforce Satisfaction, Retention, and Training Needs.

To improve quality and consistency of health departments, a voluntary accreditation process was developed by the Public Health Accreditation Board. Understanding accreditation's role as a mediator in workforce training needs, satisfaction, and awareness is important for continued improvement for governmental public health. To compare differences in training needs, satisfaction/intent to leave, and awareness of public health concepts for state and local health department staff with regard to their agency's accreditation status. This cross-sectional study considered the association between agency accreditation status and individual perceptions of training needs, satisfaction, intent to leave, and awareness of public health concepts, using 2017 Public Health Workforce Interests and Needs Survey (PH WINS) data. Respondents were categorized on the basis of whether their agencies (at the time of survey) were (1) uninvolved in accreditation, (2) formally involved in accreditation, or (3) accredited. Multivariate logistic regression models found several significant differences, including the following: individuals from involved state agencies were less likely to report having had their training needs assessed; staff from accredited and involved agencies identified more gaps in selected skills; and employees of accredited agencies were more aware of quality improvement. While state employees in accredited and formally involved agencies reported less job satisfaction, there were no significant differences in intent to leave or burnout. Differences were identified concerning awareness of various public health concepts, especially among respondents in state agencies. While some findings were consistent with past research (eg, link between accreditation and quality improvement), others were not (eg, job satisfaction). Several self-reported skill gaps were unanticipated, given accreditation's emphasis on training. Potentially, as staff are exposed to accreditation topics, they gain more appreciation of skills development needs. Findings suggest opportunities to strengthen workforce development components when revising accreditation measures.