Student Beliefs Research Articles

Examining the Role of Motivation, Attitude, and Self-Efficacy Beliefs in Shaping Secondary School Students’ Academic Achievement in Science Course

The aim of this study is to examine the effect of motivation, attitude, and self-efficacy beliefs of secondary school students towards science course on their academic achievement. The relational survey model was used to conduct the study. A total of 635 students, 319 females, and 316 males participated in the study. “Motivation Scale for Learning Science”, “Self-Efficacy Scale for Science”, “Attitude Scale for Science Course” were used as data collection tools. In the study, independent t-test was used to make comparisons in terms of gender, and path analysis using structural equation modeling principles was conducted to determine the direction and level of the relationship between the variables. In the results of the research, significant differences were found in students’ attitudes, motivation, and self-efficacy in terms of the gender variable. It was concluded that students’ attitudes and motivation directly affect their academic achievement. There was a strong positive relationship between attitude and motivation, a low positive relationship between self-efficacy and attitude, and a moderate positive relationship between self-efficacy and motivation. In line with the results of this research, and considering the direct effects of academic achievement on students’ motivation in science course, it is recommended that necessary information and training activities be provided to teachers in order to carry out studies on increasing students’ motivation.

Teacher Education Students’ Implicit Racial Attitudes and Interpersonal Attribution of Racialized Student Behavior

Teachers have been shown to hold lower behavioral expectations for Black students than for their White peers, and the mechanism underlying this may be teachers’ implicit attitudes about their Black students based on causal attributions. This study examined this connection, predicting that teacher education students (TES) who scored higher on the racial implicit bias test would attribute internal causality and controllability to explain challenging behaviors in the classroom more frequently for Black students than for White students. 233 teacher education students completed the racial bias section of the Implicit Assessment Test and a set of questions assessing causal attribution based on four vignettes depicting student misbehaviors in a classroom setting. We found that regardless of implicit bias, TES were more likely to believe that Black students had an internal locus of causality and controllability than their White counterparts when presented with similar instances of challenging behavior. These results support the need for teacher preparation programs to address how these internal beliefs of teacher education students affect what they learn about managing their expectations around students’ behavioral regulation and to what they attribute these behaviors.

Facilitating a Virtual International Experience for Undergraduate Students: Creating Global Awareness and Connection.

Preparing nursing students for practice is supported by developing a global perspective of health care delivery models. However, many schools of nursing and students lack the resources for study abroad. Using a virtual stay-in place model, 42 international students applied an evidenced-based approach to study statistics, research, transitions in care, and elder care models that supported collaboration among peers from Austria, Switzerland, Chile, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Students explored social, economic, and reimbursement factors not encountered in the typical classroom. Student beliefs and perspectives changed after completing a program with global peers. Survey results and themes in reflection papers indicated increased ability to conceptualize content in new ways, including holistic elder care, cultural practices and reimbursement options, and effects on future practice. Virtual international learning experiences are an effective education innovation that allows student to connect and learn from one another using a stay-in place model. [J Nurs Educ. 2023;62(11):647-649.].

Undergraduate students' espoused beliefs about different approaches to engineering design decisions

AbstractBackgroundEngineers are socialized to value rational approaches to problem solving. A lack of awareness of how engineers use different decision‐making approaches is problematic because it perpetuates the ongoing development of inequitable engineering designs and contributes to a lack of inclusion in the field. Although researchers have explored how engineering students are socialized, further work is needed to understand students' beliefs about different decision‐making approaches.Purpose/HypothesisWe explored the espoused beliefs of undergraduate students about technical, empathic, experience‐based, and guess‐based approaches to engineering design decisions.Design/MethodWe conducted semistructured one‐on‐one interviews with 20 senior engineering students at the conclusion of their capstone design experience. We used a combination of deductive and inductive data condensation approaches to generate categories of beliefs.ResultsWe identified a total of nine categories of beliefs, organized by approach. Although students' espoused beliefs did reflect the emphasis on technical approaches present in their socialization, they also described technical approaches as limited and overvalued.ConclusionThe landscape of beliefs presented make explicit both the challenges and the opportunities that students' beliefs play as the backdrop for any efforts of engineering educators to develop engineers as effective and equitable engineering designers.

Analisis Sumber Belajar Cetak IPA dalam Mengatasi Kesulitan Belajar Siswa Kelas 4 SDN Periuk Jaya Tangerang

Learning is assistance provided by educators so that the process of acquiring knowledge and knowledge, mastering skills and character, and forming attitudes and beliefs in students can occur. In learning activities, of course there are other components to support these learning activities, namely learning resources. There are many science learning resources that teachers can use in learning activities that are in accordance with the teaching material. However, there are several obstacles faced by students with the learning resources they use, such as those commonly used are printed learning resources. In this case, a teacher needs to develop printed learning resources in order to overcome the difficulties faced by students in their learning activities. This study aims to find out how teachers develop science print learning resources for grade 4 students at SDN Periuk Jaya Permai. The type of this research is observation, interview guide and researcher as instrument and key. The source of the data for this research is the results of interviews with teachers at the SDN. The result of this research is that teachers need to develop printed learning resources according to their creativity, such as being able to add pictures to power points or even draw using a blackboard.

Investigating the Effectiveness of Call for the English Language Learner

Purpose: The prime motive of this research is to investigate the affectivity of computer/technology-based learning that advances the future of digital world.
 Methodology: This research investigated the effects of CALL as a developmental tool for English language learners; the standard learning of CALL has been examined through the criteria of the mixed method. The data was gathered from survey closed-ended questionnaire by following the primary basis of data which is further analyzed through SPSS. Thus, 106 responses were gathered through questionnaire where it has estimated that 85% undergraduate students agreed CALL helps them to improve their L2 proficiency. In addition, the data is also collected through open-ended interviews from the English language instructor which analyzed through the content analysis that resulted in their positive responses of encouraging CALL based classes for learning English as L2.
 Findings: The gathered data depicted the 80% positive reliance over CALL based learning. However, the study accomplished the advent of CALL with effective proficiency.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: This research has also investigated the belief of students and teachers regarding the advance advent of CALL-in terms of language learning. Likely, the contribution of this study integrates the advancement in terms of language learning; that could bring the world closer to the technology. Institutes should promote the CALL based learning in order strengthen the learner’s language competence. Teacher should be fully aware of CALL based teaching which helps to brings effectively in instructing the learners.

IMPORTING AWARENESS AND EXPORTING CULTURE? CHINESE EFL LEARNERS’ BELIEFS ABOUT GLOBAL ENGLISHES AND ENGLISH LEARNING

There is an intensified interest among researchers and practitioners toward English as lingua franca (ELF), World Englishes (WE) and Global Englishes (GE) (Jenkins, 2012; Rose et al., 2021). However, beliefs about Standard English and the ideology of traditional English teaching are rarely studied in a GE context. The current study explores issues related to the student's language beliefs about Global Englishes, China English, Standard English, and English language education in mainland China. Both questionnaire and interview data are collected from students studying at a public university in mainland China. The results give prominence to the prevalence of the belief that English is a global language and that learners should be exposed to different varieties of the English language. Though Standard English grasps a dominant status in the learners’ beliefs, high awareness of and astrong preference for China English are still indicated. The findings also reveal that the current exam-oriented English language teaching in China might impede the students from being competent English users.

Effect of Collaborative Learning on Conceptual Understanding ability in Mathematics among 5th Grade Neglected Children

Conceptual understanding is a fundamental component of learning as it allows students to develop a deep and meaningful understanding of a subject. This is especially true in subjects like mathematics, where understanding the principles and logic behind formulas and equations is crucial particularly for neglected children. The objectives of the study were to investigate the effect of collaborative learning on the conceptual understanding ability of 5th grade neglected children in mathematics and to explore the beliefs of students about mathematics and the teaching of mathematics in collaborative learning settings. This study used both quantitative and qualitative methods. The study involved 60 students of fifth-grade from Child Protection School Lahore, divided into control and experimental groups. The experimental group received collaborative learning treatment, while the control group used traditional learning methods for two weeks. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected using pre and post-tests and structured interviews. Results showed that the experimental group performed better on mathematic achievement test than the control group, and their beliefs about mathematics improved. The research findings indicated that collaborative learning is a more efficient approach for enhancing the conceptual understanding abilities of 5th grade students compared to traditional learning methods. The study recommended the widespread adoption of this approach for educational rehabilitation of neglected children throughout the Punjab.

Developing 21st-century skills through PBL in a public university

This study aimed to examine the beliefs of students in a public university about the benefits of problem-based learning (PBL) projects in developing 21st-century skills in the EFL classroom. A mixed methodology was applied to a sample of 62 A2 level students in a public university who worked on small PBL projects during the semester, with the teacher as a facilitator. The study aimed to analyze the effects of PBL on students’ process and learning outcomes, specifically in terms of attitudes towards collaborative and critical learning in problem-solving. Data was collected through direct observations, surveys, open-ended questionnaires, and semi-structured personal interviews. The study concluded that PBL projects have a positive impact on the process and learning outcomes of students.

O-176 Knowledge and belief about fertility preservation for medical and social reasons among Iranian female students

Abstract Study question What is the knowledge and beliefs of the female students in Tehran universities regarding the oocyte cryopreservation for medical and social reasons? Summary answer This study highlighted the positive attitude but insufficient knowledge about medical and social egg freezing and the ideal timing of childbearing in female students. What is known already Emerging research indicates that physiologic or pathologic ovarian aging limits the female reproductive capacity and oocyte cryopreservation (OC) is a rapidly evolving branch of reproductive medicine. Given the growing numbers of young women surviving cancer, along with increasing numbers of high educated women postponing childbearing for educational or professional pursuits, there will be a growing demand for egg freezing services to guarantee the pregnancy in near future. Egg freezing can prevent age-related infertility, but it also can cause new potentially ethical and financial problems and the neonatal and maternal risks of childbearing at an advanced maternal age. Study design, size, duration Totally, 1279 students from Tehran universities were included in this cross-sectional survey between March and August 2022. Participants/materials, setting, methods The survey was distributed through an online forum and advertised on social media groups targeting students in Tehran universities. Childless students in master's and doctoral degrees with the age of ≤ 38 years were included. Bachelor’s students were not included. Knowledge and beliefs about medical and non-medical oocyte cryopreservation were assessed through Fertility Preservation Survey (FPS) instrument. To analyze the data, descriptive statistical methods (mean and standard deviation) and analytical statistics (One-way ANOVA) were used. Main results and the role of chance The majority of participants were 30-34 years (41.1%, M: 26.38± 4.9), not married (77.2%), master’s student (77.7%), and hoped to have 2 children in the future (40.5%). Most of participants expected to be “30-34 years” when they become pregnant with their first child (34.4%) and “35-39 years” when they give birth to their last child (39.1%). The students agreed with preserving fertility with medical (93.3%) and social (86.9%) indications and believed medical (95.1%) and social (87.4%) costs of cryopreservation should be covered by health system. Participants believed in the routine providing of information about egg freezing to women of childbearing age as part of regular healthcare visits by health care professionals (95.5%). Women stated if they decide not to use eggs to become pregnant, they would consider donating them for fertility research (67.1%), to a friend or family member with fertility problems (58.1 %) and to infertile couples (42.7%). The overall correct response to knowledge questions was 57.7% which is relatively moderate. The marital status (P = 0.028), university faculty (P = 0.025) and occupation (P = 0.048) were related to knowledge. Married (M: 7.40±1.98) and unemployed students (M: 7.24±2.24) had more knowledge and students of Art faculty had lower knowledge than other faculties (M: 6.36±2.22). Limitations, reasons for caution The results would not be generalizable to all female students because the research project’s advertisement may have been ignored by students who are not interested in childbearing or it might have been noticed by students who are more interested in childbearing and preserving their fertility. Wider implications of the findings The findings are valuable in planning fertility preservation services. The supportive policies for childbearing could be expanded to cover the costs of fertility preservation. Midwives could play an important role in increasing the knowledge about age-related infertility and oocyte cryopreservation and help students in their reproductive life planning. Trial registration number not applicable

The PharmD Students’ Beliefs, Perceptions, and Challenges Regarding their First Year in the PharmD Program: A Qualitative Study

Background: The beliefs of pharmacy students in their curriculum may be critical to the success of medical education and the development of global health competences. Objective: To assess the beliefs, attitudes, and obstacles of PharmD students at the College of Pharmacy, University of Baghdad, during their first year in the newly adopted PharmD program. Method: In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted using flexible probing approaches. A sample of fourth-year PharmD students from the University of Baghdad's College of Pharmacy was selected using a purposive sampling method. The gathered data was analyzed using a thematic content analysis approach. Results: 40% of participants applied for the program because they believed it would improve their chances of finding work in the future. The majority of participants complained about the difficulties of the first course, citing the numerous themes as their greatest issue. Two individuals (13%) said the benefits were minor, while 40% said the subjects' difficulty allowed them to adapt and study faster and more efficiently. Six of the fifteen participants thought the information they were given was inadequate. Furthermore, more than half of the participants said the practical aspect was insufficient. Moreover, half of those polled advised decreasing organic chemistry because they thought it was superfluous. Sixty percent are hopeful about the future of PharmD in Iraq and believe that if it is well organized, it will be successful. Conclusion: Despite some challenges during the first year of the program, most participants are hopeful about the future of PharmD in Iraq and believe that it will be successful if it is well organized.

In their own words: An exploration of primary children's participation in a dementia education program.

As the population ages the prevalence of dementia increases and children are increasingly experiencing family members and older friends living with dementia. Unfortunately, stigma about living with dementia is common. Increasing understanding about dementia among children has the potential to reduce this stigma. This paper reports on the qualitative findings of Project DARE (dementia knowledge, art, research and education), a school-based, multi-modal, arts program designed to increase understanding about dementia among children aged 8-10 years. A constructivist grounded theory approach was used to understand students' experience of the intervention. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes emerging from interviews with randomly selected students (n = 40) who had taken part in the program. The data analysis generated three themes related to students' awareness of dementia and experiences of the program: (1) nurturing empathy, (2) memory loss is complex, (3) learning about dementia through the arts to promote resilience. These themes show that the intervention increased students' awareness of dementia, and empathy towards people who are both directly and indirectly affected by dementia. Although dementia education can be viewed as too sensitive for primary aged students, the current study demonstrates that such initiatives are feasible and can be effectively implemented with this age group. SO WHAT?: Changing student's beliefs about dementia can positively impact their relationships with people living with dementia.

PERAN PENDIDIKAN DALAM BIMBINGAN KONSELING UNTUK MENINGKATKAN MOTIVASI BELAJAR ANAK

Learning is a form of assistance provided by the teacher so that the process of obtaining knowledge and knowledge can occur, mastering skills and character, forming attitudes and beliefs in students. in the educational environment problems for students who experience delays in the power of thinking, delays in writing, and reading. The teacher in this teaching and learning process becomes a facilitator for students who have difficulty reading and writing. In the guidance and counseling process, if there are children who have difficulty reading and writing, the teacher can identify the problems and needs of students, besides that the teacher diagnoses what causes the child to experience delays in reading and writing.Learning difficulties can also occur in children who under standard abilities, does not only occur in students with low abilities. Learning difficulties can also befall students and students who have normal or average academic standards. The steps for solving student learning difficulties in counseling guidance, namely talking to the principal in advance about having students with problems. Then look for ways that need to be done to deal with these problems, it can be concluded that the role of the homeroom teacher acts as a guide so that students can achieve educational goals that are directed to be good in the entire educational process, the guidance counselor collaborates with the subject teacher or homeroom teacher with work The same between the three can make it easier for students to increase learning motivation. The homeroom teacher also acts as a guide who always directs the behavior of students, by showing students things that are not done correctly and asking them to do it again correctly and as well as possible

Role relations in the family: characterization of beliefs of boys and girls in the period of matrimonial choice

Introduction. The family as a resource for psychological well-being influences the formation of personal beliefs about interpersonal and role-based family relationships. The reflected experience of relationships in the family of origin and subjective models of interaction with the world are reflected in the beliefs of boys and girls about the family structure. Beliefs about role relationships in the family influence the matrimonial behaviour of the individual, determining the choice of a strategy of actions based on the hierarchy of family values.Purpose. Identification and description of the features of the content of the individual’s beliefs about role relationships in the family during the period of matrimonial choice.Materials and methods. The study involved 135 people (55 boys and 80 girls, aged 17-21 years), students from Adygea State Pedagogical University, who are in the matrimonial choice period. The Role Expectations and Claims in Marriage (RESM) test by A. N. Volkova and the Distribution of Roles in the Family methodology by Yu. E. Alyoshina, L. Ya. Gozman, E. M. Dubovskaya were applied. A comparative analysis of the severity of beliefs about the desired role behaviour of the future marriage partner in boys and girls was carried out.Results. The specificity and gender differences in the severity of beliefs indicators about the distribution of roles in the family among modern students are shown, taking into account the gender factor. The importance of personal identification with a partner is reflected (girls have an average score of 6.9, boys 5.6 according to the RECM method) and the expected performance of the emotional-psychotherapeutic function by the family (average score 7.2 for girls and 6.6 for boys). The beliefs of students of both sexes about the structure of the family reflect the features of the egalitarian type of family, that is, the expectations of equal partnership in the family (the results obtained using the Distribution of Roles in the Family methodology showed no significant differences in the views of girls and boys).Discussion and conclusion. The adequacy of the reality of ideas about the requirements for a partner, the subject of role behaviour, provides awareness of matrimonial choice, which is necessary for building a prosperous and constructive interaction in the family. In conclusion, the effectiveness of art therapy in psychological support programmes for the development of constructive ideas about the psychological determinants of a successful family among young people is emphasized.

Engineering Students’ Writing Perceptions Impact Their Conceptual Learning

<bold xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">Background:</b> Technical writing is a critical professional skill for engineers, but engineering students often perceive writing as less important. <bold xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">Literature review:</b> Research suggests feedback, revision, and reflective writing support conceptual learning. However, just as student beliefs about intelligence impact engagement and learning outcomes, beliefs about writing may likewise affect how valuable writing is to learning. <bold xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">Research questions:</b> 1. Do student beliefs—expressed in reflections—depict writing as a learning process or as a deterministic artifact? 2. To what extent do these expressed beliefs explain variance in their conceptual learning in a chemical engineering laboratory course? <bold xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">Research methodology:</b> A design-based research study was conducted in three semesters of an upper division chemical engineering laboratory course to jointly study the use of feedback, revision, and reflection, and to develop contextualized theory about the relationships between these and students’ conceptual learning. Students’ writing was analyzed qualitatively. Regression modelling explained variance in scores of students’ conceptual understanding. <bold xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">Results:</b> We found that students who elaborated on errors and corrections scored significantly lower on conceptual understanding in their final submission, while students who described writing as an ongoing process scored significantly higher on conceptual understanding in their final reports. We found a similar trend for students who completed a second cycle, and especially that a focus on perfecting a written artifact corresponded to lesser gains. <bold xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">Conclusions:</b> Our findings lend support for assisting engineering students to approach writing as a developmental and learning process and for engaging them in multiple rounds of feedback, revision, and reflection across their programs of study.

Racism, Colorblindness, and Social Work Education: An Exploratory Study of California MSW Student Beliefs and Experiences

Racism, Colorblindness, and Social Work Education: An Exploratory Study of California MSW Student Beliefs and Experiences

METODE PEMBELAJARAN BAHASA INDONESIA YANG INOVATIF TINGKAT SEKOLAH DASAR DENGAN TEORI BELAJAR SIBERNETIKA

The purpose of writing this article is to fulfill the assignment of the learning theory course, besides that, it can also find out the method of learning Indonesian by using learning media combined with learning methods based on the learning curriculum in accordance with the innovative government based on cybernetika learning theory. some studies of events that occur in learning in the present. Efficient learning methods do not only use one method and the learning methods applied in the classroom must be in accordance with the material as well as the innovative teacher will produce student learning outcomes that are creative, productive, and well informed and correct. According to Anggit Sri, et al (2013), the learning process is a process of student interaction with learning resources in a learning environment. Learning is assistance provided by educators so that the process of acquiring knowledge and knowledge, mastering skills, and behavior, as well as forming attitudes and beliefs in students occurs. In other words, learning is a process to help learners to learn well. This innovative learning is equipped with very varied models with syntax or steps. These include direct learning, cooperative learning, problem-based learning, inquiry, or learning through discovery. Thus this paper is made with the hope that it can be one of the references for every reader in developing his ability to develop a learning process based on the principles of innovative learning.

Partnership and Motivations for Starting a Family of One's Own in the Opinions of Students with Disabilities.

Creating and maintaining stable, happy intimate relationships is a right every individual has. Previous research has shown that people with disabilities are at risk of building unsatisfactory partner relationships. The aim of the study was to ascertain the beliefs of students with disabilities concerning their motives for starting families and, in regard to potential partners, their tolerance for risky life experiences and the personal qualities accepted. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 2847 university students in southeastern Poland. It was found that the following motives for entering into a permanent relationship were considered more important by students with disabilities than they were by students without disabilities: enhancement of self-esteem (p = 0.001), high economic potential of a partner (p = 0.007) and a shared system of values and interests (p = 0.036). Love (p = 0.031) and the mental qualities (p = 0.010) of a partner were considered less important by students with disabilities than they were by students without disabilities. Moreover, students with disabilities are far more likely than students without disabilities to accept disability (p < 0.001) in potential partners. They are also significantly more willing to enter into relationships with people who have risky life experiences, even in the form of violence against previous life partners (p < 0.015) and children (p = 0.001), addiction to alcohol (p < 0.001) or drugs (p = 0.01) and the resulting treatment, and those having served time in prison (p = 0.034). Educational and institutional support for students with disabilities should be intensified with regard to partner selection being satisfactory to both partners.

(064) “Condoms and Sexual Health Practices, Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Students”

Abstract Introduction Sexual wellbeing is a large aspect of college students’ health that continues to be minimally addressed on university campuses. Considering the topic of STIs, it is estimated that people ages 15-24 accounted for almost half of the 26 million new sexually transmitted infections that occurred in the United States in 2018 (CDC, 2018). While there is information on condom and contraceptive usage for college students, there is not much data on the usage and beliefs surrounding condoms and sexual health practices. To further explore the sexual health practices at a university, a mixed-method study was conducted by the Sexual and Reproductive Health Lab during the 2020-21 school year. The study included a survey (n=580) and focus group discussions (n = 16) designed to answer the research questions 1) to what extent are condoms being used by students and 2) what are students’ knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about condoms and sexual health? Results from the study indicated that while 69% of students engage in sexual activity, sex-based differences are apparent in the desire to use condoms, condoms are only used for vaginal sex, and barrier methods other than external condoms are not being used. Further, conversations prior to sex surrounding STI status and testing are limited. Future interventions are necessary to ensure that current limitations to best safe sex practices are improved through more inclusive sexual education and access to sexual health resources. Objective 1. Describe the factors that students consider when electing whether to use a condom by examining scenarios in which they are used frequently, which partner uses one, and why these scenarios elicit use. 2. Identify what type(s) of sexual acts condoms are currently being used for within the Cal Poly student population in comparison to guidelines for best sexual health practice by asking directly about patterns of use for penetrative vaginal, penetrative anal, and oral sex. 3. Discuss the ways in which health services at the University can better support the specific needs of Cal Poly students by gauging knowledge and certain perceptions on sexual health behaviors and contraceptive use, ultimately using the data to identify areas in which university services can target informative and preventive campaigns and provide access to relevant resources. Methods One-on-one in person or virtual interviews were conducted and asked students about their sexual histories to reveal their experiences using protection, initiating STI status conversations, and circumstances where protection is or is not used. Questions were then asked to evaluate student perceptions of “cleanliness” and clean status conversations. After, the interviews were transcribed via Microsoft Word and NVIVO is being used to code the data. Open coding of the data was first done to create codes and themes of the data and once codes were created, axial coding was done to interpret the data. Results Emerging data from the ongoing study reveals some important trends. Perhaps the most notable emerging finding centralizes on the role of trust in influencing a student’s decision to use a condom, engage in an STI status conversation, and ask for proof of status. Many participants also mentioned trust as a key factor. Another emerging finding reveals that students do not share a universal definition of the word “clean”, but instead the semantic value ranges from the physical environment to personal hygiene habits, to STI status. Furthermore, the use of the word “clean” to describe STI status was nor preferred by the general student population as they believe it propagates the stigma surrounding sex and STIs and implies people are dirty. Conclusions As we have uncovered, students do seem to have some understanding of safe sex practices. In addition, plenty of free barrier methods like condoms and dental dams are available across campus. Therefore, the issues related to lack of conversation and condom use, and subsequent rising rates of transmission, cannot be attributed to lack of knowledge or resources. Other factors, then, appear to be impeding adherence to sexual health best practices. Disclosure Yes, this is sponsored by industry/sponsor: Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Clarification: Industry funding only - investigator initiated and executed study.

Human Papilloma Virus Infection and Vaccine Knowledge Levels, Attitudes, Beliefs in University Students: Turkey and Ghana Comparison.

Purpose: Studies reported that early diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cervical cancer are influenced by knowledge, beliefs, and attitude toward screening. This descriptive-comparative study aimed to assess human papilloma virus (HPV) knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs in university students and the affecting factors and to compare between Turkish and Ghanaian students. Methods: The sample consists of 933 university students studying in 4 different faculties in 2 universities from Turkey and Ghana. The data were collected between November 2019 and February 2020. The study's data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance, Pearson Correlation test, t-test, and Mann-Whitney U test. Results: The findings of the study showed that none of the students in both countries had HPV vaccination. It was found that students have low level of knowledge about HPV infection and vaccine (3.28 ± 2.14) and positive attitudes (16.57 ± 3.28) and beliefs (36.74 ± 6.55) toward vaccine. The attitude score of the Ghanaian students (17.54 ± 3.23) was found to be significantly higher than the Turkish students (15.74 ± 3.09). The knowledge score of the Ghanaian students who had sexual intercourse was found to be significantly higher than others. The findings of the study revealed that the students of both countries had low level of knowledge about HPV infection and vaccine and positive attitudes and beliefs toward the vaccine. Conclusions: It is recommended to increase effective interventions to increase the knowledge level of university students about HPV infection and vaccine. In addition, the vaccine should be included in the immunization program in both countries.