Younger Generation Research Articles

Barriers and facilitators to remote healthcare services use: perspectives of women and providers

Abstract Background The remote health services (RHS) proliferation raises concerns regarding relatively low use among minorities. Arab women in Israel belong to a minority that experiences health disparities, stigmatization, social and economic marginalization. This study aimed to identify barriers and facilitating means to RHS use relevant to Arab women in Israel from the perspective of women, primary care physicians (PCPs), and nurses. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 Arab women, 18 PCPs, and 4 nurses from different parts in Israel between December 2023-March 2024. We used a positive deviance approach by interviewing 14 women who succeeded in using RHS and 11 who did not. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, and thematically analyzed using Atlas qualitative analysis software. Findings The data distilled three main barriers to RHS use: sociocultural- importance of close relations with PCPs, privacy concerns of revealing the body or conversing with unfamiliar physicians, strict supervision by the family (Bedouin society); logistical-limited internet access and infrastructure, personal- unawareness to RHS, digital literacy, normative conceptions of limited quality of care and believing that only some health conditions are suitable for RHS. Facilitating means to RHS use: gender roles-women’s role as family health caretakers, mothers maintaining work-family balance and younger women generation feeling responsible for the older generation RHS adoption, accessibility- wider access to care due to limited transportation. Conclusions It is important to identify facilitating conditions (e.g., training opportunities, social, technological support), cultured elements (gender roles, limited mobility), and trust to adopting RHS by minority populations. The study provide data for developing requirements to ensure more equitable access to RHS to Arab women including addressing privacy concerns, guidelines for RHS-related information dissemination, and for RHS providers. Key messages • The findings help develop approaches and means to improve RHS use for Arab women from diverse backgrounds by identifying barriers associated with access, culture, and normative conceptions. • Developing RHS systems into routine care must ensure equitable use across social groups and address economic, logistical, and sociocultural barriers and guidelines for RHS information dissemination.

From crisis to chronic: a comparative analysis of Long COVID impact in Italy and the United States

Abstract Background The aftermath of COVID-19 is bringing about socio-economic consequences, such as diminished quality of life (QoL), decreased productivity, and considerable healthcare expenditures. Despite the emerging acknowledgment of a clinical syndrome following COVID-19 disease, known as Long COVID (LC), notable research gaps persist. This study aims to assess the epidemiological and economic impact of LC in both Italy and the United States (US). Methods This ecological analysis comprises epidemiologic and economic data from 2020 to January 2023, regarding working-age individuals (18-64 years). An Italy/US incidence rate ratio (eIRR) was estimated to compute LC cases in each country. The product between the value of a year spent in good health, individual Quality-Adjusted Life Year (QALY) loss, and LC cases yielded total lost QoL. Temporary productivity loss (TPL) was calculated through the Human Capital Approach. All estimates were deemed significant at a p-value less than 0.05. Results Up to date, the eIRR was 0.78 [0.43 - 0.91] implying 22% fewer LC cases in Italy with respect to the US. Total LC cases were 11 [8.7 - 13.5] and 1.8 [0.9 - 2.1] million in the US and Italy, respectively. The relative QALYs loss was 1.5 [0.8 - 3.1] and 0.2 [0.1 - 0.9] million. Reduced QoL cost roughly $189 [164 - 214] billion in the US and €6 [1 - 11] billion in Italy. TPL amounted to $37 [21 - 57] billion in the US and €2.8 [1.2 - 7.4] billion in Italy. Americans aged 30-39 years showed the largest income loss (26.6%), while in Italy it occurred in the age group 50-64 years (38%). Conclusions LC places a substantial burden in Italy and the US, impacting both the productivity of the working-age population and influencing the younger generation, who constitute the future workforce. Our study underpins the necessity for comprehensive health policies, programs, and interventions alongside effective tertiary prevention strategies to tackle the challenges posed by LC. Key messages • According to this analysis, both countries show significant productivity and quality-adjusted life years loss due to LC among working age individuals. • Steering the formulation of evidence-based sounding health policies to address LC burden, among working age individuals, both in Italy and in the US.

UnDErstanding consumer food choices & promotion of healthy and sustainable Mediterranean diet and LIfestyle in Children and adolescents through behavIOUral change actionS: the DELICIOUS project

Abstract Over the last decades, the abandonment of traditional dietary patterns and engagement in unhealthy lifestyles (including poor physical activity, prolonged screen time, poor sleep behaviours) in children and adolescents has been considered an important threat for the future health of the younger generations living in the Mediterranean area and the safeguard of the environment. The DELICIOUS project aims to promote healthy lifestyles among children and adolescents by implementing activities and tools to increase the adherence to the Mediterranean diet with an attention to the environmental impacts of dietary habits. The DELICIOUS project as a single-arm, uncontrolled behavioral intervention program providing formal and non-formal education activities, development of new snacks and recipe reformulation, web/mobile app development, and physical activities to school children and adolescents in five European countries. Over 2000 families joined a preliminary survey to investigate potential determinants of adherence to a healthy diet. Children and adolescents recruited from schools in the parterns’ countries are now currently being recruited to participate to the intervention activities. A web application for school canteen and a mobile application for parents have been developed to help both schools and families to track and provide healthy and sustainable meals. The project aims to increase awareness of the nutritional benefits and the sustainability aspects of the Mediterranean Diet and to promote consumers’ empowerment through an online platform for sustainable and healthy meal planning in the school canteen.

The Actualization of Civic Education as a Solid Foundation for Youth in Countering Secularism

Civic Education holds significant importance as a scientific field in cultivating the moral values of the Indonesian population and shaping the future image of the country. In the present era, there is an urgent need for Civic Education among the Indonesian people, particularly the youth, to establish a solid national foundation and develop noble character traits that will protect them from the influence of secularism pervading society. Secularism is viewed as a formidable adversary to the Indonesian people, and it is crucial to prevent the younger generation from embracing such ideas within the boundaries of the Indonesian state. This article adopts a literature review approach, incorporating articles from various credible sources such as SAGE Journal, Google Scholar, and relevant books, in order to enhance the credibility and accuracy of the research findings. The outcomes of this study will comprehensively illustrate the implementation of Civic Education as a means to empower youth in firmly opposing the spread of secularism in Indonesia. The role of youth in shaping the nation's civilization is of utmost significance, as they serve as the vanguard in safeguarding against the encroachment of secularism and strive towards realizing the national ideals of independence, unity, sovereignty, justice, and prosperity

Ded Moroz (Father Frost) as a social construct of childhood and society

The article proposes to expand the understanding of the fairy-tale wizard Ded Moroz (Father Frost) as a myth and cultural and symbolic image using sociological approaches. As an analysis methodology, the concept of social construction of reality was applied, which made it possible to characterize the social construct «Ded Moroz (Father Frost)», which performs numerous social functions for the adult population and additional, specific for children. The main functions include participation in the formation of national identity, traditions, political distinction, economic, educational, educational, socializing, additionally described as an incentive in projective research methods. Arguments are presented to prove that Ded Moroz (Father Frost) is not only an attribute of the cultural heritage of Russia, but also unites numerous ideas, social practices of children and the organization of the child's daily space, promotes the socialization of the modern young generation, participates in the intergenerational transmission of values and identity. The subjects and mechanisms of constructing processes, levels and possibilities of application in the periodization of childhood are highlighted. With the help of a representative empirical study of 2023 estimates by young people of the eventfulness of their childhood, including the situation of loss of faith in Ded Moroz (Father Frost) (average age 9.1 years), conclusions were drawn about social factors of stability and variability of the age of debunking the myth of the reality of the fairy-tale hero. Some hypotheses have been proposed for further research, including the new role of a «social worker and social defender» for Ded Moroz (Father Frost), the artificial lengthening of the period of trust in the fairy-tale character by the children themselves in order to receive gifts and entertainment.

Ho Chi Minh’s Ideology on Environmental Protection and that Ideology’s Significance of Environmental Protection Awareness Education for Students

During the process of leading the country, Ho Chi Minh soon outlined strategic directions for the country’s development, including the issue of environmental protection. Educating environmental protection awareness for all classes of people, especially the young generation, is of great significance. The young generation, including youth and students, is a part of society that the Communist Party of Vietnam always pays attention to training and nurturing; they will become the core force shouldering the responsibility of the country’s future. The purpose of this study is to clarify Ho Chi Minh’s Ideology on environmental protection, and the significance of that Ideology in educating environmental protection awareness for students today. To achieve this goal, the study uses disciplinary and interdisciplinary research methods in social sciences and humanities. Research results have shown that Ho Chi Minh’s ideology on environmental protection is still valuable today. At the same time, inheriting those values for environmental protection education activities for students will bring about great changes in the awareness and actions of Vietnamese students. Proposing necessary solutions will help universities improve the quality of environmental protection education for students at present and in the future.

Important intergenerational transmission of knowledge in promotion of well-being and cultural identity in Greenland

ABSTRACT The “Kinguaariit Inuunerissut” (KI) camps, meaning “generations in well-being” in Greenlandic, was a pilot initiative designed to enhance cultural identity and intergenerational connections through culturally relevant activities. The outcomes of the KI-camps have informed the development of a broader KI-concept aiming at tailoring and implementing elements from KI-camps into early childhood education services, after-school programmes, and schools. In this paper we present the results from three workshop held in January 2024 in Sisimiut, Greenland where 28 older participants and 28 professionals were asked about essential knowledge and skills to be passed down to younger generations. The focus was on songs, storytelling/myths, the spiritual world, animals, plants, skills in nature/home, and handicrafts. Results shows that older people and professionals agree on the importance of passing down cultural knowledge through all the different categories and support the need to integrate these elements into educational programmes to preserve cultural heritage and strengthen community cohesion. The findings will guide the integration of intergenerational activities into municipal institutions and contribute to culturally relevant health promotion strategies in Greenland.

Pengembangan Makanan Tradisional Apem Kesesi Menggunakan Metode Quality Function Deployment (QFD) dan Konsep Green Product Sebagai Upaya Meningkatkan Kualitas Produk

Apem kesesi is a traditional wet cake food in Pekalongan district. Apem kesesi cake has the problem of not being long-lasting, the packaging and appearance of the product is less attractive, less hygienic, impractical and the taste is not suitable for the younger generation. Therefore, it is necessary to develop apem kesesi products according to needs to improve product quality. Apem kesesi product development uses the quality faction deployment (QFD) method and the green product concept. Based on survey results, consumers want apem kesesi products that are hygienic, practical, unique, have attractive packaging and are durable. The main ingredient for making apem cake is rice flour. Add tapioca flour to give the apem cake a chewy texture, palm sugar to produce a distinctive taste and aroma, then vanilla to strengthen the taste, and sodium benzoate as a preservative. The product packaging design consists of primary packaging and secondary packaging. Based on validation tests and different tests, the results showed that the product design developed met consumer needs and was better than existing products.

The Impact of Changes in Population Structure on the Economic Development in China and the US

Abstract: China and the United States are both undergoing notable shifts in their population dynamics, marked by longer life expectancy and fewer births. This shift is resulting in population aging, with a growing proportion of elderly people compared to younger generations. Studying the impact of population changes on economic development offers valuable guidance for policymakers in China and the US. The research will utilize statistical analysis, data collection, literature review, and comparative case studies as its methodologies. And it informs effective policies in healthcare, education, retirement, and workforce planning. Both China and the United States are witnessing demographic changes marked by aging populations, impacting labor force participation, healthcare expenses, and social security outlays. And both nations confront challenges in maintaining skilled workforces and have implemented policies like fertility incentives, immigration reform, and education investments to address these issues. However, the impacts of demographic changes vary significantly between the two countries. This is due to differences in government policies and culture, such as immigration and fertility policies. Therefore, each country needs to address issues based on the actual changes in its population structure. By leveraging mutual learning and implementing tailored policies, both China and the United States can adeptly navigate demographic shifts, fostering sustainable growth and prosperity.

The Consumerism Culture of the Younger Generation in Fashion

Fashion is one of the most widely known phenomena of everyday life, inextricably linked with art, communication, and mass culture. The scope of fashion includes clothing, forms of everyday life, cars, aesthetic and artistic tastes, etc. In most cases, researchers understand fashion as clothing patterns that are most popular in a specific historical period. A person always searches for his belonging, tries to identify himself with a social group that is a reference for him. Habit, following a model and imitation are the basis of self-determination, which ensures the rituality of culture and the mechanisms of its development and reproduction. Fashion helps to preserve cultural tradition, is a symbol of social status, directs behavior and sets the boundaries of what is permitted and desired, and acts as a means of achieving social recognition. In modern world, fashion has received much attention from both ordinary people and scientists. Being an interdisciplinary object, fashion attracts the attention of researchers from different fields of knowledge. More precisely than others, the essence and concept of fashion are reflected by those who create it. Therefore, the article studies and analyzes the understanding of fashion by famous couturiers. In conclusion, the author, according to literature materials, and combining the approaches considered, explain main attributes of the consumption culture of young generation. Keywords: fashion, consumption culture, youth, fashion industry, social recognition

The Rural and Urban China Education Disparities

Abstract: In the last decades, education in China has significantly developed and the majority of Chinese young generations are literate. While the exponential growth in urban adult literacy is a testament to the success of the compulsory education system, it is crucial to acknowledge that rural education has been left behind and marginalized in China. This research delves into the urgent issue of rural education inequality in China. The paper thoroughly investigates the current education problems in rural regions and proposes a solution by adjusting faculty distribution and implementing a national central platform for artificial intelligence classrooms (AIC). These measures aim to address the pressing concern, optimize funding usage, and mitigate inequality in education resources to prevent the urban-rural gap from widening. It is important to note that while implementing these proposals is yet to be completed, this paper provides a theoretical examination of the existing issues. Based on the findings, the study proposes a theoretical AIC model for making a social change of education.

Revitalizing Interest in Traditional Malaysian Games Among the Younger Generation Through Mobile Applications: An Interface Design Approach

The rich heritage of traditional Malaysian games is at risk of fading in the face of modern digital entertainment, particularly among younger generations. This study explores how mobile applications can serve as a platform to revitalize interest in these games by employing an innovative interface design approach. Focusing on user-centred design principles, this paper highlights the importance of visual appeal, ease of use, and engagement in encouraging younger users to interact with this cultural artefact. By combining tradition with technology, the research demonstrates how thoughtfully designed mobile applications can preserve cultural heritage while resonating with the digital-native generation. The findings present a framework for integrating cultural education into modern gaming experiences, contributing to preserving Malaysia's unique cultural identity.

Kimbu speakers’ attitudes toward language endangerment

This article is based on a study that assesses the attitudes towards language endangerment of Kimbu speakers, a minority language spoken in the Chunya and Sikonge Districts in Tanzania. The study used a descriptive approach to assess whether Kimbu speakers have developed negative attitudes towards their language, have ambivalent language loyalty and are indifferent about language transfer to children. Data for this study were collected through interviews with 50 Kimbu speakers. The study revealed that most of the Kimbu parents and younger generation are ambivalent and indifferent about their language, and they have developed negative attitudes towards it, claiming that it has no socio-economic and educational significance. Because of such a situation, they have ceased using it in most genuine and natural domains like home and other social functions in favour of other co-existing languages. The study concludes that the Kimbu language is relatively unsafe from endangerment. The recommendation is made that Kimbu speakers should be told of the importance of ethnic community languages and that they make a symbolic identity, therefore teaching their children the language and encouraging the use of it everywhere in the community will pave the way to positive attitudes, and ensure language vitality.

Of Rare and Obsolete Words

Abstract Older residents of the Modern Western Aramaic-speaking village of Maaloula are keenly aware of the progressive impoverishment of their lexicon as the younger generations come to maturity without direct knowledge of traditional ways of life and material culture. In this short Modern Western Aramaic text, two such residents discuss both the localities in which these ways of life unfolded and the words associated with them, which have become rare and even obsolete among contemporary speakers. The text is furnished with interlinear morphosyntactic glosses, a short lexicon of terms that do not appear in the standard dictionary of Modern Western Aramaic (NWAW), a translation into the local vernacular Arabic, and images illustrating the words and the locations that the speakers discuss.

Gender-Related Preferences for Learning by Tinkering: Updated Research is Needed

Imagine you open a new application on your computer for the first time, and a help wizard appears on the screen. Do you follow the step-by-step tutorial, or do you dismiss it and tinker with the interface? Previous studies show that designing for both types of users yields a more gender-inclusive design. This paper explores the question: if those studies were based on participants born several technology-generations earlier, does this research need an update? Children now have greater access to smartphones and STEM outreach opportunities than before, which may have shifted girls’ technology learning preferences. This research found that most studies about gender and tinkering were conducted before 2006, revealing a research gap about younger generations. Future work could explore whether preferences to learn by process or by tinkering are still disproportionately represented in different genders. This work has implications for how human factors professionals design gender-inclusive products and training.

Surfing into trouble? How internet use influences early adolescent behavior through diverse pathways?

In the digital age, the escalating accessibility of the Internet to younger populations prompts significant concerns about its potential behavioral repercussions. The objective of this research is to investigate the connection between Internet use and externalizing problem behaviors in early adolescents. A total of 1155 Chinese early adolescents, ranging in age from 11 to 14 years, participated by completing an anonymous self-report questionnaire. The findings reveal that: (1) there is a positive correlation between the extent of Internet use and the prevalence of externalizing problem behaviors, suggesting a potential risk factor inherent in unregulated digital exposure; (2) both self-education expectations and peer relationships mediate the link between Internet use and externalizing problem behaviors, indicating that educational aspirations and social interactions play a pivotal role in mediating this impact; (3) Internet use indirectly influences externalizing problem behaviors through the sequential mediation of self-education expectations and peer relationships, outlining a complex interplay that influences behavioral outcomes; and (4) the influence of Internet use on externalizing problem behaviors shows notable differences based on gender and geographical location, with a greater adverse impact observed in males than in females and in rural settings compared to urban areas. These findings underscore the urgent need for bespoke strategies to mitigate the negative influences of Internet use on youth, tailored to address the specific challenges faced by different demographic groups. The study not only extends the current understanding of digital media’s impact on adolescent behavior but also catalyzes policy discussions aimed at fostering healthier digital environments for the younger generation.

Assessment of knowledge, attitude and practice of over-the-counter drugs and dietary supplements among non-healthcare college students in Chitradurga

Background: The market for OTC drugs and dietary supplements is rapidly growing. However, there exists a lack of adequate awareness among the general public regarding the advantages and potential drawbacks associated with these products, particularly among the younger generation, who heavily rely on the internet for information. Therefore, this study sought to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of college students regarding OTC drugs and dietary supplements, including prevalence and associated factors. Methods: A prospective interventional study with 306 participants was conducted. Data were collected using a self-designed and pre-validated questionnaire and analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 28. Descriptive and inferential (T-test) statistics were use. Results: The prevalence of usage of OTC drugs and DSs was found to be 98.4% and 61.4% respectively. Easy accessibility (42.2%), safe and well tolerable (32.5%) were the main factors that influenced them to turn to SM with OTC drugs. The respondent’s preference for DSs was primarily driven by their desire to maintain good health (33.6%). Internet (22.2%) and healthcare professionals (21.9%) were the two most reported sources that students relied on to obtain information about DSs. The result revealed poor knowledge and a positive attitude towards OTC drugs and DSs among all participants. Conclusions: A high prevalence of self-medication with OTC drugs and dietary supplements use was highlighted. Notable issues and improper practices were recognized. The findings indicate a need for education to enhance knowledge about OTC drugs and DSs and to encourage safe practices.

Adherence to Mediterranean diet in Moroccan school-age adolescents: sociodemographic, socioeconomic and lifestyle determinants

BackgroundDespite its benefits, the Mediterranean diet (MD) is abandoned or not adopted by the younger generations in most Mediterranean countries.ObjectiveThe aim here was to examine some factors determining adherence to MD in Moroccan school-age adolescents.Material and methodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted in a school setting among 386 students (148 boys and 238 girls), aged 14 to 18 years, randomly selected and from different socioeconomic strata. A structured questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic, socioeconomic and lifestyle data. Physical activity was assessed using the short French version of the IPAQ questionnaire. The KIDMED test was used to assess adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Weight, height and waist circumference were measured according to WHO standards. Body mass index (BMI) and waist�to-height ratio (WHtR) were calculated. Statistical ANOVA test was used for to compare multiple means, Student’s t-test for independent samples, <i>Chi</i><sup>2</sup> test for categorical variables and multinomial logistic regression analysis to identify factors associated with adherence to the MD amongst adolescents sample.ResultsAdherence to the MD in this population was very low, with nearly 53% having poor adherence and only 7.7% reporting optimal adherence. Multinomial regression analyses showed that poor adherence is correlated with female gender (p=0.042), low paternal education (p=0.004), limited number of meals (p=0.006), advanced age (p=0.005) and inadequate sleep duration (p=0.027). In contrast, better adherence appears to be correlated with a high number of meals per day (p<0.001) and a better socio-professional class of the father (p<0.001).ConclusionsThis study revealed a low prevalence of good adherence to MD confirming a transition of the study adolescents towards a Westernized diet. Targeted nutritional intervention programs should be implemented to improve adherence to the MD among Moroccan adolescents, by promoting healthy eating habits.

Revitalizing Ancestral Values through Technology: Using Wayang Kulit to Engage Gen Z in Cultural and Educational Innovation

“Wayang Kulit” is a cultural heritage that combines art, storytelling, education and creativity. Although it has many charms, the lack of awareness as well as opportunity to witness this art and the perceived indifference amongst the younger generation is slowing diminishing the impact of the Wayang Kulit especially in line with ancestral values and education. This research aimed to assess if technology and education using the Wayang Kulit could be an attractive learning tool for Gen Z to apply ancestral culture and values within a modern context. In order to make it more attractive and relevant from a technology perspective, the participants selected were undergraduates from Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU) pursuing courses in Multimedia and Games Development. The participants were required to create a short video between 2 to 3 minutes embedding the art of “Wayang Kulit” using popular stories linking it to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) for a competition known as “Videre Lumina”. The participants were also interviewed to understand further their experience and whether the “Wayang Kulit” could potentially be a strong asset in educational innovation. This qualitative study used the Social Learning Theory (SLT) and analyzed the videos and interviews using Pragmatist Thinking and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. The results reflected positive feedback towards “Wayang Kulit” and the stories behind it. The students were also enthusiastic with the learning process and the ability to communicate their story-telling skills from a multitude of ways including expressing themselves digitally through the stories, backgrounds, music, characters and the puppets. The link to culture was especially noted when participants of different backgrounds portrayed the same characters as hero’s or villain’s depending on their culture or heritage stories. Therefore, the “Wayang Kulit” is definitely an intangible asset that should be continued and celebrated as its benefits and charm can impact education, values and be used as a social engineering tool. The use of technology also provides further opportunities to expand the opportunity to watch this art and further create awareness and appreciation for its value.

MÜASİR DÖVRDƏ UŞAQ BAĞÇALARINDA FOLKLOR NÜMUNƏLƏRİNDƏN İSTİFADƏNİN ƏHƏMİYYƏTİ

The people of Azerbaijan have been formed on the basis of high aesthetic values due to their national origin and historical roots. A child starts learning his mother tongue with his mother's lullaby. Children's folklore is an important part of centuries-old oral creativity of our people, how to raise a child, what to teach him and how. Children's folklore is rich in material that covers their field of interest. Here, their requirements and needs of all age stages are satisfied in a certain way. The reason for folklore examples to live and reach the present day is to justify and maintain the power of education. Folklore examples have been a means of educating the young generation of our ancestors since ancient times, and the educational ideas reflected here meet the requirements of today. The people approached the aesthetic education of the growing generation with aesthetic requirements and gave importance to it at all stages of life.