Statistical Package Research Articles

Does individual adaptability mediate the relationship between personal initiative and psychological well-being: evidence from Uganda’s small enterprises

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate whether individual adaptability mediates the relationship between personal initiative (PI) and psychological well-being of Ugandan small enterprise employees. Furthermore, the paper examines whether PI and individual adaptability also affect psychological well-being.Design/methodology/approachA cross-sectional survey design using quantitative approach was used in this study. Data were collected from 726 employees of small enterprises in Uganda using a self-administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Scientists and uploaded into AMOS version 23. Hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling technique.FindingsResults confirm that individual adaptability fully mediates the relationship between PI and psychological well-being. Findings further indicate that PI is negatively related to psychological well-being and that individual adaptability is positively related to psychological well-being.Research limitations/implicationsFirst, the sample of this study consisted of employees working with small enterprises in Uganda with different demographic characteristics; thus, the generalizability of these findings to other sectors or contexts needs to be established. Secondly, the study was quantitative in nature. This study has managerial implications in a way that managers need to create a climate that fosters individual adaptability among employees to help them enhance their Psychological well-being (PWB).Practical implicationsSmall enterprise employees with high levels of PI may benchmark on this study findings by ensuring that they adjust their thinking, emotions and behavior to navigate the challenges of the current working environment such that they can increase their psychological well-being.Originality/valueThis study may be among the first to demonstrate that individual adaptability mediates the relationship between PI and psychological well-being in the context of small enterprise employees of Uganda, an African developing country.

The effect of nursing care during pregnancy termination on women's prenatal grief, depression, anxiety, stress and coping levels: A randomized controlled study.

The termination of pregnancy is considered an emotionally devastating experience. Early intervention and counseling are essential to prevent adverse complications following pregnancy loss. This study aimed to determine the effect of nursing care based on Swanson's Theory of Caring on women's prenatal grief, depression, anxiety, stress, and coping levels during pregnancy termination. The training and counseling program, based on Swanson's Theory of Caring, included hospital care, a mobile application, and telephone follow-ups. We conducted this prospective randomized controlled experimental study in the gynecology and obstetrics clinic of a tertiary university hospital in Türkiye between September 2021 and May 2022. The study sample consisted of 50 women (intervention group: 25, control group: 25) whose pregnancy was terminated in the second trimester. The women were assigned to groups according to a randomization list created by a statistician. Data collection tools included a Personal Information Form, the Perinatal Grief Scale, the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale, the Coping and Adaptation Process Scale, and the Numerical Rating Scale. We collected the data during hospitalization, between the 6th and 8thweeks after discharge, and at the 12thweek. We performed a chi-square test, a paired samples t-test, and an independent samples t-test on the IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences Statistics 26. The intervention group had lower mean perinatal grief (54.76 ± 19.49), depression (2.56 ± 2.39), anxiety (2.08 ± 2.10), and stress (3.52 ± 1.78) scores and higher mean coping and adjustment scores (140.48 ± 11.47) than the control group(p < .05). The intervention group also had a lower perception of labor pain, shorter discharge time, and a higher level of readiness for a new pregnancy (p < .05). The program that we applied in the study was effective in managing the pregnancy termination and post-discharge period in the population we studied.

The effect of ballistic trainings on handling accuracy in football

Handling is one of the basic and important skills in football and represents the main purpose and aim which the team work on individually of in group in order to achieve winning, and ballistic trainings are most important exercises of the game in which work on the skill aspect and physical side of football players as they are similar to players responsibility in competitive conditions. The current study aims to identify the effect of compound trainings on shooting accuracy in football. The research sample consisted of (24) football players of (Soran Sports Academy) which intentionally selected for the study. The statistical package of social sciences (SPSS) is used for data analysis, and the results show after implementation of pre -test, applying ballistic trainings and post- test that the compound trainings have a significant and effectively positive role in developing handling accuracy. Therefore, the researchers recommended the coaches concern about ballistic trainings in training units.

The effect of cold water on the transitional speed and agility of basketball players

In recent years the researches focus on recovery strategies to boost the rebuild of physiological processes and improving performance in training and competition, and ice-bath is one of the modern scientific methods to fatigue phenomenon and refresh athletes in addition to active neuromuscular cells. The game of basketball features by rapid and intense movements such as jump, footwork, sprint and intense motion repetition with short recovery time periods. Therefore, players need speed, power and motion endurance such as (sprint, jump, changing direction and footwork) despite the ability of maintaining high level performance during the game. The study aims to identify the effect of ice-bath on speed and agility of basketball players. The research sample consists of Qala sport club players in Erbil province numbered (10) players divided into to equal groups of (5) participants (control group and experimental group). The statistical package of social sciences (SPSS) used for data analysis. The results show no significant differences in speed and agility tests, as speed require long resting periods to be fully recovered. The researchers recommend conducting further researches and studies on ice-bath in different sports to determine the its advantages for muscle recovery after trainings and games.

Investigating the impact of social media advertising and risk factors on customer online buying behavior: a trust-based perspective

In the realm of ever-changing e-commerce, understanding the dynamics of customer online buying behavior (COBB) is pivotal. This study investigates the impact of risk factors—financial risk (FR), time risk (TR), and psychological risk (PR) along with social media advertising (SMA) on COBB with the mediating effect of trust. Grounded on the stimulus–organism–response theory, the research targets diverse segments including students, businessmen, employees, working women, and housewives. To ensure a high response rate, an online questionnaire was distributed via email, WhatsApp, and social media groups of online buyers. Convenience sampling was used to collect primary data from 350 respondents. Data analysis that employed the Statistical Package for Social Sciences, including descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, normality testing, and regression analysis, was performed for reliability, validity and hypothesis testing. The findings underscore the significant negative impact of risk factors (FR, TR, PR) on building customer trust and subsequent online shopping behavior. Social media advertising has a positive and significant impact on trust and COBB. Furthermore, trust emerged as a significant determinant of COBB, thereby validating its pivotal role in online consumer decision-making processes. Moreover, trust mediates the relationship between risk factors, SMA and COBB. This study consists of both practical and theoretical contributions, offering insights into the nuanced interplay between risk perceptions, SMA effectiveness, trust dynamics, and COBB. These insights are essential for marketers, policymakers, and researchers navigating the evolving landscape of e-commerce.

Technical and Vocational Education and Training Institutions as Catalysts of Reduction of Unemployment Rates in Kiambu County, Kenya

Technical and Vocational Education and Training Institutions (TVETs) have been at the center of equipping students with prerequisite skills to fit into the job market by offering programmes aim to bridge the skills gap among students. However, in Kiambu County, rates of unemployment have continued to rise. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine how TVETS act as catalysts for reduction of unemployment rates in Kiambu County. The study was anchored on the human capital theory. The study adopted mixed methodology and concurrent triangulation research design. Target population comprised 30 principals, 578 tutors and 4879 employed TVET graduates totaling 5487 respondents from which 372 respondents was sampled using Yamane’s Formula. Stratified sampling was adopted to create 12 strata based on the number of sub-counties in Kiambu County. From each sub-county, one TVET principal was selected using purposive sampling. However, from each of the sampled TVETs, 5 tutors and 25 employed TVET graduates were selected using simple random sampling. This enabled the researcher to sample 12 principals, 60 tutors and 300 employed TVET graduates. Questionnaires were used to collect data from employed TVET graduates whereas interview guides were used to collect data from principals and tutors. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically along the objectives and presented in narrative forms. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages and inferentially using Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Analysis with the help of Statistical Packages for Social Sciences and presented by using tables. The study found that there is an increasing rate of unemployment in Kiambu County for the last five years. To mitigate these challenges, TVETs have refocused the training to equip students with job-specific practical skills, entrepreneurship education, linkages and internship as well as integration of ICT and innovation. However, much is yet to be fully realized in improving status of unemployment rates. Thus, the study recommends that TVETs should collaborate closely with local and international industries to ensure that their training programmes align with current market demands. By continuously updating the curriculum to include emerging technologies, sector-specific skills, and soft skills like communication and problem-solving, TVET graduates will be better equipped to meet employers’ needs.

SPECIAL EDUCATION IN THE NEW NORMAL: EMBRACING DISTANCE LEARNING

This study explores the adaptation and challenges in special education during distance learning to develop a comprehensive continuity plan. Participants included three administrators and 15 teachers from special education schools in Cabanatuan City, along with 150 parents during the 2021-2022 school year at Cabanatuan East Central School, Lazaro Francisco Integrated School, and Camp Tinio Elementary School. Using a descriptive research method, the researchers created a questionnaire as the main data collection tool, which was validated for reliability. Data analysis was conducted using Microsoft Excel and the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), employing frequency counts and percentages to profile respondents. Weighted mean values were applied to assess adjustments, challenges, and support in special education distance learning. The findings reveal the effective implementation of modified practices in special education, covering instructional, curricular, and administrative areas. Administrators and teachers rated the challenges of executing the special education learning continuity plan as moderately difficult, while parents found them slightly challenging, emphasizing the significant efforts of teachers and administrators in helping parents and students comply with the plan. The researchers recommends a continuity plan designed to benefit administrators, special education teachers and parents with the goal of improving the educational experience for this group. KEYWORDS: Special Education, Distance Learning, Adaptation, Challenges

Effective PPI Therapy: Ensuring Appropriate Dosage of PPI in Patients with Different Comorbidities in Medicine, Surgery and Gastroenterology Ward

Background: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are widely prescribed medications used to treat conditions related to excessive stomach acid, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcers, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Despite their efficacy in managing acid-related disorders, the appropriate use of PPIs, particularly concerning the correct dosage remains a critical issue in clinical practice. Objective: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of PPI therapy by ensuring appropriate dosage of PPI in patients with different comorbidities in medicine, surgery, and gastroenterology wards in Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted at the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka, from July 2019 to June 2020. A total of 600 patients were selected as study subjects by purposive sampling technique. Data were collected and evaluated considering USFDA-approved indications, and the systematic review by Scarpignato et al. recommendations. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Analysis of data was carried out by using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) 22.0 for Windows. Results: Among 255 patients, who were prescribed PPIs for an appropriate indication, 129 (50.6%) patients were given PPIs in an appropriate dose, whereas the dose was inappropriate in 126 (49.4%) patients. The appropriate dose was followed mostly in the gastroenterology department (83.1%), followed by the medicine department (47.3%). Whereas in the surgery department, only 35% of patients were given PPIs with an appropriate dose and the difference in the usage of appropriate doses of PPIs among the three departments is significant with p-value &lt;0.001. The most common comorbid condition was diabetes (110; 18.3%), followed by hypertension (91; 15.2%) and stroke (24; 4.0%). Conclusion: This study estimates that only 50.6% of the 255 patients received the appropriate PPI dosage. The gastroenterology department had the highest adherence to appropriate dosing (83.1%). Diabetes was the most common comorbidity among patients (18.3%), followed by hypertension (15.2%) and stroke. These results highlight the need for improved adherence to PPI dosing guidelines across departments to enhance therapy effectiveness. J Rang Med Col. September 2024; Vol. 9, No. 2: 44-49

Patterns of Dyslipidemia Among Patients with Diabetes Mellitus

Background: Diabetes mellitus presents a prevalent endocrine and metabolic challenge globally. Type-2 diabetic patients exhibit a heightened incidence of dyslipidemia, characterized by elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL), diminished high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or increased triglycerides (TG) levels. This phenomenon poses a significant public health concern both internationally and within our nation. Objective: This study aimed to assess the patterns of dyslipidemia among diabetes patients. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted at the Outpatient Department (OPD) of Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital, Bogura, from July 2018 to June 2019. Both male and female patients with Type2 diabetes were considered as the study population. A total of 90 patients were selected as study subjects through purposive sampling.The study included 45 diabetic patients on therapy, divided into male (A1, n=19) and female (A2, n=26) subgroups. Additionally, 45 newly diagnosed diabetic patients were categorized into male (B1, n=15) and female (B2, n=30) subgroups.Analysis was performed by using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Science) version 22.0. Results: The study found similar ages and BMI among groups. Elevated serum TC was noted in 31.6%, 19.2%, 26.7%, and 30% of subjects in A1, A2, B1, and B2 respectively. High serum TG levels were observed in 36.8%, 38.5%, 40%, and 66.7% of subjects in the respective groups. Dyslipidemia prevalence varied, with A1 at 57.9%, A2 at 53.8%, B1 at 46.7%, and B2 at 76.7%. High HbA1C was prevalent in B1 and B2 (100%). Conclusion: Dyslipidemia patterns among diabetes patients exhibit significant variability, with elevated serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein levels, alongside reduced high-density lipoprotein levels, commonly observed. These findings underscore the importance of tailored lipid management strategies in mitigating cardiovascular risk in this high-risk population. J Rang Med Col. September 2024; Vol. 9, No. 2: 78-83

Социальные факторы формирования лидеров общественного мнения в медиапространстве средствами креативных индустрий

Social media influencers and opinion leaders are an important social phenomenon. As social networks become more important in all spheres of life, the communicative distance between the media producer and the media consumer keeps shrinking, marking a focus shift to content consumption. Creative industries are an important factor in developing social media influencers. This research features the social factors that contribute to the formation and sustainability of social media influencers through creative industries. The authors conducted a content analysis of documentary sources published as textual or visual content on various media platforms, i.e., social networks, video hosting, or blogs, to identify the key topics, images, and representations broadcast by opinion leaders. A secondary analysis of sociological research data and online analytical reviews made it possible to study the influence of opinion leaders on public attitudes and consumer behavior, including by means of creative industries. The data obtained were processed using the SPSS statistical package and data analysis software. The formation of social media influencers proved to be a complex process, where social determinants are even more important than economic, political, or other aspects. The research revealed nine groups of factors in shaping the social media influencers that target young population: technology; popularity; publicity; media coverage; the role of social capital and its monetization; media trends and representations formed by million-follower bloggers; influence on social behavior; personal qualities; risk factors. Social media influencers act through creativity, creative industries, expressive and visual means of musical and plastic arts, etc. They are strategically important stakeholders in business and other social spheres as they shape the current behavioral patterns of young people.

Electronic records management in government departments and parastatals in Zambia

Traditionally, records have existed as print sources of information. Therefore, many records in most government departments and agencies in many developing countries such as Zambia remain paper records. However, as countries push to implement the concept of e-governance, government departments and agencies are deploying electronic records management systems (ERMS) to manage electronic records. The study employed a survey research design, exploiting purposive sampling method to sample 50 government departments and parastatals. Data was collected from 42 records officers, registry clerks, or officers in charge of managing records through a questionnaire. The collected data was analysed quantitatively using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. The findings reveal that the majority 76% of government departments and parastatals in Zambia kept e-records. Only 24% indicated that they do not keep e-records. The study also shows that the adoption and use of ERMS in government departments and parastatals in Zambia is not widespread. For example, only 9.5% of government departments and parastatals in Zambia have deployed EDRMS commercial software such as TRIM and HP Records Manager. The study further established that inadequate funding was the greatest challenge towards the effective management of e-records, alongside issues such as the absence of clear policies, laws, and standards, lack of qualified staff, inadequate end user ICT infrastructure, and lack of senior management support and corruption.

Systemic corruption: A nightmare to service delivery in Nigeria public tertiary institutions

The level of corruption in Nigeria public tertiary institutions is alarming and has drawn the attention of concerned individuals in both the academics and industries. The aim of this paper is to examine the effect of systemic corruption on service delivery of Nigeria public tertiary institutions. The study utilised a quantitative research approach. Data were collected from 364 staff of selected public tertiary institutions in south-eastern Nigeria using a structured questionnaire. Hypotheses were tested using International Business Machine Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (IBM-SPSS) version 27 that runs multiple regression analysis (MRA). The findings reveal that fraud, nepotism, bribery and abuse of power have significant and negative effect on the service delivery of public tertiary institutions in Nigeria. The study therefore, concluded that systemic corruption has significant and negative effect on service delivery of Nigeria public tertiary institutions. The study recommended that all cases of corruption, regardless of their nature, be handled as serious crimes, carrying lengthier and more punitive prison terms.

Sustainable energy consumption in African higher institutions of learning: the nexus of top management commitment and institutional pressures

PurposeThis study investigates the nexus of top management commitment and institutional pressures towards enhancing sustainable energy consumption in African Higher Institutions of Learning.Design/methodology/approachUsing a structured questionnaire survey, cross-sectional data collected from 64 higher institutions of learning registered with the Uganda National Council for Higher Education were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).FindingsThe findings revealed that top management commitment and institutional pressures individually associate with sustainable energy consumption. Top management commitment does not cause variations in sustainable energy consumption. However, when top management commitment coalesces with institutional pressures, they significantly predict sustainable energy consumption.Research limitations/implicationsThe current study focuses on Higher Institutions of Learning in Uganda. Hence caution should be taken before generalization of findings. This study therefore sets ground for future studies to investigate sustainable energy consumption in other institutions.Originality/valueThis study tests the efficacy of top management commitment and institutional pressures on sustainable energy consumption using evidence from African Higher Institutions of Learning. It provides new directions for study in such a nascent area of critical national dimension as sustainability and climate change issues top the global agenda.

Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology of Palpable Head and Neck Masses: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Fine needle aspiration cytology is a quick and safe technique done for the initial diagnosis of head and neck region masses. This study aims to assess the utility of fine needle aspiration cytology in head and neck palpable masses. Materials &amp; Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was done in the Pathology Department of Kathmandu Medical College from 1st February 2023 to 31st December 2023. All the patients with palpable head and neck lumps were included in the study. A convenience sampling method was used. The data was entered and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 22.0 Results: Among 650 fine needle aspiration cytology done during the study period, 184 were from head and neck lesions (28.30%). The mean age of the patient was 35.4 years with female predominance. The most common site was lymph node 85 (46.19%) followed by thyroid 39 (21.19%). Reactive lymphadenitis was the most common cause of lymphadenopathy seen in 41(22.2%) patients and colloid goitre was the most common cause of thyroid swelling seen in 26(14.13%) patients. Conclusions: Fine needle aspiration cytology is a useful and reliable technique for the diagnosis of head and neck mass. It helps to avoid unnecessary surgeries and is recommended and guides the clinician in general clinical management.

The tesselle Project: A Collection of R Packages for Research and Teaching in Archaeology

Abstract The use of programming languages in archaeological research has witnessed a notable surge in the last decade, particularly with R, a versatile statistical computing language that fosters the development of specialized packages. This article introduces the tesselle project (https://www.tesselle.org/), a comprehensive collection of R packages tailored for archaeological research and education. The tesselle packages are centered on quantitative analysis methods specifically crafted for archaeology. They are designed to complement both general-purpose and other specialized statistical packages. These packages serve as a versatile toolbox, facilitating the exploration and analysis of common data types in archaeology—such as count data, compositional data, or chronological data—and enabling the construction of reproducible workflows. Complementary packages for visualization, data preparation, and educational resources augment the tesselle ecosystem. This article outlines the project's inception, its objectives, design principles, and key components, along with reflections on future directions.

Flipbook Media Increases Elementary School Students' Interest and Learning Outcomes in Citizenship Education

Students' low interest and learning outcomes are due to the application of less creative and innovative learning media in class III. This research aims to analyze the application of flipbook-based learning media to increase student interest and learning outcomes in Citizenship Education subjects. This research is included in quantitative research. The research method used in this quantitative research design is the ex post facto method. The population in this study was all 30 grade III elementary school students. The sampling technique used by researchers is purposive sampling with a sample size of 30 students. The methods used to collect data are observation, interviews, questionnaires, and tests. The research instruments used in this research were interviews, questionnaires, documentation, and test questions. The data analysis technique used in this research uses the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) computer software application. The research results, namely the correlation results, show that the flipbook learning media and interest in learning have a moderate relationship. The correlation results also show that the flipbook learning media and learning outcomes are closely related. The t-test results showed an increase in the application of flipbook learning media to increase interest in learning for 3rd grade elementary school students. The test results also show an increase in the application of flipbook learning media to improve student learning outcomes. It was concluded that applying flipbook learning media could increase student interest and learning outcomes.

Adoption challenges of sensing technologies in construction project management in sub-Saharan African countries

PurposeThe use of technology has increased in the industrial sector over the years. This has propelled the construction industry to follow suit by enhancing construction technology to experience the associated benefits. However, technology adoption in the construction environment has not been smoothly implemented. This article aimed to determine the obstacles to adopting sensing technology in managing construction projects in three major sub-Saharan African nations.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted a quantitative approach using structured questionnaires. The questionnaire link was sent to construction professionals in Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa, of which 120 were responded. Data received were analysed using the Statistical Package for Special Science (SPSS) to generate mean scores and the Kruskal–Wallis test and component analysis.FindingsThe results show that construction professionals face herculean tasks when adopting sensing technology in construction project management. Some prominent challenges are initial cost, lack of proper information technology (IT) infrastructure, power supply, lack of well-trained staff, maintenance cost, operating cost, cost of training, technology immaturity and resistance to change. The results also revealed that adoption challenges differ in these three countries, which may be attributable to the economic development level.Practical implicationsDespite the importance of sensing devices in construction industries, the study has revealed that Sub-Saharan African countries face enormous challenges in adopting them in project management and execution. This situation may hinder the industry’s ability to benefit from this technology in terms of efficiency, effectiveness and safety management, which may ultimately affect their cash flows.Originality/valueThe study provides a valuable understanding of the challenges encountered in implementing sensing technology in the construction sector in major countries within sub-Saharan Africa. These findings will enable the countries examined and other African countries to become cognizant of the challenges and implement strategies to overcome them, thereby enhancing performance in the construction industry.

Diarrhea and associated factors among under-five children in open defecation free and open defecation rural households of Degem district, Oromia, Ethiopia

IntroductionDiarrheal diseases are the top cause of preventable death, particularly among children under the age of five in developing countries like Ethiopia. Despite the national level of latrine coverage being 61%, diarrhea is responsible for the deaths of half a million children under 5 years annually. Therefore, this study aimed to assess diarrhea and its associated factors among children in open defecation free (ODF) and open defecation (OD) households of Degem district, Oromia, Ethiopia.MethodsA comparative cross-sectional study was conducted within the community, involving 398 participants (200 from open defecation free [ODF] and 198 from open defecation [ODF] households). The selection of study participants from OD and ODF households was done using a multistage sampling approach. Data input was carried out using Epi Data 3.1, while data analysis would be performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 software, employing appropriate testing methods. Statistical significance and the strength of relationships were assessed using odds ratios with a 95% confidence interval.ResultsThe prevalence of diarrhea among children in open defecation free and open defecation households was 26 and 38%, respectively. Factors such as children who were not vaccinated for rotavirus, mothers or caregivers did not have diarrhea, mothers or caregivers did not wash their hands at critical times, and individuals with poor latrine utilization were significantly associated with diarrhea among children in ODF households. On the other hand, children who were not vaccinated for rotavirus, not received vitamin A supplementation, mothers or caregivers did not wash their hands at critical times, children lacking access to latrines and children whose their families practice open field solid waste disposal were significantly associated with diarrhea among children in open defecation free households.ConclusionThe study results indicated that the prevalence of diarrhea among children under five in open defecation areas was notably higher compared to those residing in open defecation free areas. Consequently, it is imperative for all responsible bodies to focus on evidence-based strategies to combat childhood diarrhea and to ensure child health status.

Causes and Effects of Psychoactive Substance Abuse Among the Youth in Zimbabwe: The Case of Makokoba High Density Suburb, Bulawayo

Psychoactive substance abuse has become a pandemic in most parts of the globe. This study sought to assess the contributory factors and impacts of psychoactive substance abuse among the youth in Makokoba—a high-density residential area in Zimbabwe’s second largest city, Bulawayo. A mixed methods research design was used on a sample of 122 respondents who were invited to participate in the study. Data were gathered using questionnaires and semi-structured in-depth interviews. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 was used to analyse quantitative data, while the qualitative component was analysed using thematic analysis. Findings revealed peer pressure, broken homes, poor parental care, and poverty as the main causes of psychoactive substance abuse among the youth. Development of health problems, violent behaviour, disrespect for the elderly, and teenage pregnancies were considered as the major effects of psychoactive substance abuse. Given the roles that peer pressure and the family environment played in psychoactive substance abuse among the youth, the study recommends family and community-based measures. Close monitoring at the family level in educational and religious institutions as well as socio-economic development are the key prescriptive measures recommended by this study.

Evaluation of the knowledge levels of university students about Human Papilloma Virus

Aim: Human papilloma virus (HPV) is the most common viral infection agent of the reproductive system. A large portion of sexually active women and men are infected with this virus at some point in their lives. The aim of this study was to examine the knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of university students about HPV vaccines. Materials and Methods: The research survey was applied to volunteer undergraduate students receiving health education as an online Google survey. The survey form consists of a total of 24 questions aimed at evaluating demographic information and knowledge about HPV vaccines. The results were transferred to spreadsheets and evaluated using Microsoft Excel and SPSS Version 25.0 statistical package programs. Results: A total of 300 students participated in the study. According to the descriptive statistics results, 71% of the participants were female, 92% were studying in the health field (medicine, dentistry, first and emergency aid, physiotherapy, nursing, etc.) and 8% were studying in departments other than health. While 7% of the students stated that they had received the HPV vaccine, 36% stated that they wanted to receive the HPV vaccine; 45% were undecided about receiving the vaccine. While 63% of the students thought that HPV vaccines should be included in the routine vaccination schedule; 33% were hesitant. When asked the question “If you recommend the HPV vaccine, to whom would you recommend it?”, 17 of the students responded “To women and men with a family history of cervical cancer”, 208 of the students responded “to both men and women”, 43 of them responded “to all women”, and 10 of them responded only “to women with a family history of cervical cancer”; 22 of the students reported that they did not recommend the HPV vaccine. When the reasons for not recommending the HPV vaccine were examined, 10 of the students stated that they did not recommend the HPV vaccine due to doubts about the safety of the vaccine, 10 of them stated that they were afraid of possible negative outcomes, and 2 of them stated that they did not recommend the HPV vaccine due to difficulties in receiving adequate counseling. Conclusion: Our study found that university students have low knowledge about HPV vaccine and infection and the vaccination rate is also low (7%). Multidisciplinary public health studies should be conducted to provide the necessary education and counseling to ensure that university students are informed about HPV vaccine.