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May 2026 DOI 10.14302/issn.2693-1176.ijgh-26-6165
Background Women’s participation in environmental conservation within patriarchal societies is a critical factor for achieving sustainable development and improved community outcomes. Despite this importance, limited research has examined women’s perceptions of their roles and contributions to environmental conservation. The current study aimed to (1) explore women’s perceptions of their roles in environmental conservation within patriarchal structures, and (2) to document the effectiveness of strategies enhancing their participation. Methods This study followed a phenomenological design, using thematic data analysis. Information was gathered through semistructured interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), and key informant interviews with technocrats, civil servants, local leaders, and NGO staff. The sample size of the study was 30 participants, obtained using the point of saturation principle. The focus group consisted of 24 participants and 06 Key Informants. The study tools were pretested with a small group before the main fieldwork. Participants were selected using purposive sampling. The size of the sample was guided by data saturation. Results The findings show that although women’s representation in local councils and environmental committees has grown due to the 30% quota requirement, their influence remains constrained by systemic barriers. Political interference undermines technical teams’ conservation efforts, while widespread community ignorance of environmental laws limits compliance. Weak enforcement and corruption, with leaders themselves implicated in destructive practices, further erode progress. Critically, inadequate financing such as subcounties allocating only 600,000 shillings for sensitization, leaves many activities unimplemented, forcing reliance on development partners. Conclusion The study concludes that sustainable environmental stewardship requires not only legal reforms and institutional accountability but also adequate financing and communitydriven strategies that amplify women’s voices and foster collective responsibility.
Oct 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2693-1176.ijgh-25-5626
Background Masculinity remains a dominant phenomenon in the social construction and performance of male roles in society, influencing economic participation, access to essential services, and decision-making at household levels. Research focusing on women's empowerment has been extensively done, with little focus on how masculine support from men impacts the well- being of married women. This study examined how married women perceive male support in the context of economic, emotional, and physical support in Luwero district, Uganda. Methods This was an exploratory qualitative study conducted among married women aged 18 to 49 years. Key informant interviews were conducted with community women aged 30 to 40 years, and village health teams aged 30 to 40 years. The study participants were purposively selected based on the inclusion criteria of the study. Data were analysed using content analysis and the findings were presented using themes/sub-themes along with participant quotes. Results We interviewed married women aged 18 to 49 years old, with the majority falling in the age category of 30 to 39 years (59.1%) and were married for over 6 to 9 years (45.5%). Concerning the key informants, 2 VHTs were aged between 30 to 39 years (66.7%), and the women leaders were aged between 30 to 40 years (60%). About male support among women, nine subthemes emerged, including low engagement in family affairs, lack of financial support and cultural traditions, women’s insecurity, emotional neglect, women as providers of emotional support, lack of emotional responsiveness, emotional support driven by institutional policy, shared domestic responsibilities, and lack of physical presence during sickness. Generally, male support towards women was found to be lacking. Conclusion Male support among married women remains insufficient, contributing to emotional strain and unequally distributed responsibilities. Strengthening community awareness and engaging men through tailored programs can foster a more supportive domestic environment.
Jul 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-25-5580
Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) is a school-based intervention aimed at correcting misinformation surrounding sexual education among youth, often influenced by social media, peer groups and misleading online content. In The Gambia, the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education has developed and introduced a national framework to integrate CSE from Grade 4 (primary school level) to Grade 12 (senior secondary school level). This study explores the perceptions and recommendations of 50 secondary school teachers from 43 public and private schools in Region 1 on the implementation of CSE in schools. While some teachers expressed concerns that CSE might promote perverted and lewd early sexual behavior, others saw it as essential for increased awareness and youth well-being. Cultural, religious, and societal norms pose significant implementation barriers towards the implementation of CSE in schools. Teachers’ insights are vital for successful CSE delivery and educational strategy improvements.
Sep 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2693-1176.ijgh-24-5215
Background The understanding of older persons with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) regarding health well-being is paramount and can translate to increased self-efficiency, independence, and enhanced well-being. However, little is known about older persons' understanding of the concept of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in Uganda. The study explored perceptions and unveiled understanding of older persons with NCDs on HRQoL in central Uganda. Methods This exploratory qualitative study design involved 23 participants recruited from selected Primary healthcare facilities in Central Uganda. Thematic analysis using an inductive approach generated themes that informed the study's qualitative findings. Results The study highlighted the physical domain as a key component of HRQoL, encompassing holistic well-being, lifestyle modification, and financial stability. To promote well-being and support a healthy aging journey, it is essential to adopt a person-centered approach that aligns with the perceptions of older adults on HRQoL.
Jul 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2577-2279.ijha-24-5150
The instructional techniques in neuroanatomy laboratories continue to evolve to incorporate online interactive resources to improve student experience and outcomes. This study aims to design an “all in one”Virtual Interactive Brain Atlas (VIBA) that provides students with an educational resource that will improve their knowledge of neuroanatomy while in the brain lab and provide them with lab resources they can self-study and self-test. Coronal, midsagittal, whole brain, and horizontal brain slices were used to create detailed descriptions, interactive features, and quiz assessments to create VIBA. Upper level undergraduate and optometry students taking a neuroanatomy one-semester course were provided with VIBA for use during the semester. A paper survey was distributed after completing the course to determine student perception. No significant difference was indicated between the student groups regarding their self-reported understanding prior to the brain lab (p= 0.194) and after the brain lab (p= 0.308). There was a significant difference between the student populations when stating that they strongly agreed that the online brain atlas improved their understanding of neuroanatomy (p= 0.032) and that the VIBA tool was easy to navigate (p=0.048). There was a significant difference between the two student groups that strongly agreed that the online brain atlas quality was sufficient (p= 0.015). This online interactive brain atlas was created in a time-efficient manner from readily available models and was well received by experienced neuroanatomy faculty and students.
Feb 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2688-5328.ijp-23-4844
An experimental study examines how pain perception alters synaptic and somatic plasticity in the dentate gyrus. It summarizes methods, key electrophysiological findings, and implications for pain‑related cognitive effects.
Oct 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-22-4294
Aim Covid 19 is a pandemic that has ravaged the world resulting in thousands of deaths. This study aims to assess the knowledge, risk perception, and attitude of health care workers (HCWs) to the pandemic. Methodology This was a hospital based descriptive cross sectional study conducted among health care workers who were staff of the hospital. Data collected includes socio demographic characteristics, data on knowledge, risk perception and attitude. Results A total of 288 HCWs participated in the study. Participants had good knowledge at 95.6%, major source of knowledge includes internet/social media 68.8%, radio 34.6% and television 28.3%. About 92.6% of the respondents also had positive attitude while 89.75 of the respondents had a positive risk perception. Conclusion Overall, there was a high level of knowledge, high positive attitude and a high risk perception in the study. Consequently, to ensure that this high level is maintained, there is need for continuous health education and promotion.
Sep 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-22-4280
The study evaluated the users' opinions on data quality and related characteristics in ten public-health institutions of Nyarugenge district. A study used a cross-sectional design, data was collected through quantitative (n=150) methodology while qualitative data was obtained using interviews (n=20) and focus group talks (n=3). A checklist was utilized to examine the completeness, accuracy, and timeliness of data quality aspects. Collected quantitative data was analyzed through logistic regression by SPSS to examine the association of variables, while qualitative data was analyzed using the summative content analysis (SCA) to summarize the key themes. A 95 percent confidence level, Odds Ratio (AOR) were used to establish the strength of correlation among study variables, while a p-value of less than (p<0.05) was utilized to identify the variables which were statistically significant associated to HMIS data quality. The study finding showed that the majority (53.0%) was female while, 33 years was an average age, the majority of health practitioner (52.7%) had an A1 diploma. Approximately 90.6% of respondents have a positive perceptions on the system usage. Limited ability and a lack of relevant technology equipment such as computers and the internet have been cited as the challenges while using the system. Factors such as training AOR:2.62(95% CI:1.45, supervision AOR:1.81(95% CI:1.02, AOR:2.50(95% CI:0.85 for education background, works-experience AOR:1.60(95% CI:090 are factors associated with data quality. Maintaining, supportive supervision, regular training and refresher courses should be regularly offered to public health professionals to improve their knowledge in order to maximize the use of health information.
Aug 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-21-3927
While Guatemala has made great strides towards gender equality, it remains a country with vast disparities. Gender sensitization and empowerment programs during adolescence when gender attitudes are formed have the potential to diminish gender inequities. The Girl Rising Pilot Program (GR) is a 24-week curriculum designed for adolescent girls living in the Sololá region where 95% of the total population is indigenous and Mayan. The present pilot study evaluated outcomes of the GR Guatemala pilot program. Specifically, the evaluation examined whether there were differences between baseline and follow-up on perceptions of gender equity, aspirations, and communication for adolescent girls who participated in the GR program. A quasi-experimental study design with a one group pre- and post-test was implemented. The pilot evaluation study included all 265 participants at baseline who participated in the GR program. after controlling for significant variables, it was found that the gender equitable attitudes score and communications scale still significantly increased between baseline and follow-up. The results of this evaluation prove that gender sensitization programs play a key role in forming and changing gender attitudes during adolescence, and have the potential to alter their short and long-term attitudes and beliefs.
Sep 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2693-1176.ijgh-20-3546
Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has rapidly evolved as a pandemic with a challenge to the entire world for its management. Various modalities of treatment have been tried till date and when all the modalities failed then the only option that has been shown to be successful in some cases is lung transplantation. Decision for Solid-organ transplantation is not only made based upon its therapeutic requirement but also need to be supported by the law of land. In this regard, current Nepalese law is not with the provision for lung transplantation. Thus, in order to make the concerned authorities aware of it and also as a step toward the preparedness for COVID-19 pandemic, this research has been conducted with an aim to see the perception of health care professionals of tertiary care centre of eastern Nepal regarding the legal aspects of lung transplantation. Conclusion Outcome of this research has supported the therapeutic aspect of transplantation over its legal issue in the emergency conditions like COVID-19 Pandemic.
Apr 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-5526.jmid-20-3248
Objective This study conducted to assess health care practitioners’ knowledge and perceptions of hand hygiene among health professional working in clinical settings in Khartoum State - Sudan. with the specific objective of determining the association between their stance on hand hygiene and the general demographic characteristics of these health-care professionals. Methodology This is a cross-sectional study conducted between July and November 2017 using a modified form of WHO questionnaire for knowledge and perception that was included 22 items was sent online to health care workers via social media. The data obtained entered and analyzed by SPSS version 24. Chi-square and test of independence were used as a test of significance. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant for all purposes. Result 437 hospital staff were responded to the questionnaire. (99.3%) was found to have good knowledge. 197(45.2%) had good perception and 239(54.8%) had fair perception. Formal hand hygiene training was found to have no association with knowledge levels of hand hygiene, but the fair perception was higher in the respondents who didn’t receive formal training. Conclusion The present study highlights the hand hygiene knowledge and perception. Most health care workers were found to have good knowledge, and the majority was found to have a fair perception. Formal hand hygiene training courses were found to have no association with knowledge but it may be reflected in practice. The importance of training sessions regarding hand hygiene was noticed in the perception level.
Sep 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-19-2995
Despite the gains India has made in recent decades, it remains a country with vast gender inequities. Gender sensitization and empowerment programs aimed at young people, precisely at the time when they are forming their gender attitudes, has the potential to diminish gender inequity in the long-term. This study represents data from 36 qualitative in-depth interviews conducted amongst adolescent boys and girls enrolled in grade 7 in northern India, in schools that serve under-resourced communities. The interviews asked questions related to positive youth development, gender roles, violence, and locus of control. The results of the qualitative analysis provide insights into how adolescents perceive gender discrimination in their families and communnites. The majority of expectations for boys revolved around physical labor, while, for girls, gender roles were primarily focused on stopping education early to get married and take care of the household and children. Many of the responses from both boys and girls on privileges/restrictions were related to daughters not being fully educated while sons often were. Furthermore, when comparing between boys and girls (attributes) and understanding superiority, many participants noted there is a clear preference of boys compared to girls. Girls also had higher proportion of violence codes compared to boys, perhaps because many girls felt they were hit more frequently than boys. The results of this qualitative analysis provide direction for both future research as well as the development of gender sensitization interventions specifically designed for adolescents.
Jan 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2640-690X.jfm-19-2604
Purpose: The perception of time and its measurements depend on subjective constructs that vary according to changes in health. The evidence has shown that cancer diagnosis induces new relationships with time in patients and caregivers. The purpose of this study was to propose a multifaceted view about time perception referred by caregivers of cancer survivors. Methods: This study used a qualitative phenomenological methodology including semi-structured interviews with caregivers of cancer survivors. Transcripts of the interviews were analyzed using an approach for intertextual analysis, taking as reference the book "Einstein's dreams". Results: The analysis of transcripts shows changes caregivers’ time perception. Participants were grouped into three essential moments related to each stage of the disease. The variations found in the perception of time in caregivers can be explained by common physiological and behavioral responses associated with the diagnosis of a chronic disease (i.e. stress, anxiety, fear, unhappiness, and sadness), which can be modified in the course of the disease. Conclusions: We propose that a holistic approach to patient and caregiver care should include management of time perception, thus establishing interventions that facilitate a change in the experience of time perception into a more pleasant experience after a cancer diagnosis. The above may result in increased quality of patient care and possibly increased quality of life of caregivers.
Aug 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2577-2279.ijha-18-2221
Background: Faculty of Medicine and Health sciences at University of Kassala, Sudan was established 1990. It adopts the traditional curricula, which implemented in preclinical (basic sciences) and clinical phases. This study was held to explore students' perception and attitudes towards the basic sciences. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted during April- August 2017 among 251 medical students. Self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. It was collected and analyzed using SPSS 16.0. Results: A total of 251 of participants in different phases of education in faculty of medicine and health sciences were included in the study; preclinical 116 (46.2%), 113 clinical (45.0%), and 22 (8.8%) were in internship. 95 (37.8 %) were males and 156 (62.2%) were females. The study revealed that physiology was the most preferable subject. Students' satisfaction to syllabus for anatomy, physiology and biochemistry was 61.4%, 43%, and 28.7% respectively. However, 46.6% of students spent a long time to understand biochemistry and 33.1% considered it as overloaded syllabus. Participants showed poor ability to link between theoretical and practical work in case of biochemistry (26.7%), where as anatomy and physiology were represented by 76.9% and 42.2% respectively. Less than half of students were able to integrate the subjects of basic sciences and basic with clinical sciences. Conclusion: In this study, the students determined the difficulties of recalling of information, poor integration between basic and clinical sciences and even integration within the subject. Development of integrated curriculum is necessary to improve the quality of education.
Aug 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2324-7339.jcrhap-18-2202
Background: Ideally, disclosure of HIV status to infected children and adolescents should involve both health care workers and parents/caregivers. Most studies on disclosure in children have focus mainly on parents/caregivers with little information on health care workers. We conduct this study to evaluate the practice, perception of the healthcare workers in our health facility on disclosure to infected children and adolescents. It is envisaged that such information will help in the design of better strategies on disclosure in our environment. Methods: A cross sectional hospital based study was conducted among health care workers at the special treatment clinic, and heart to heart unit of the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada from January to March 2017 for the above objective. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on disclosure among the healthcare workers, which include among others: their bio-data, knowledge, perception, and practice on disclosure in the two service areas of the hospital. Results: Of the 80 health care workers interviewed, 60(75.0%) were females, 11(13.8%) were doctors, 9(11.3%) nurses, 17(21.3%) monitoring/evaluation/record clerks, and 16(20.0%) were either voluntary counseling and testing counselors or adherence counselors. Their mean age and duration in service in the two areas were 39.70±7.10 and 7.93±4.99 years respectively. Over half 48(60.0%) of the health care workers were unaware of the hospital having guideline on disclosure, 64(80.0%) have not been trained, and 68(85.0%) does not know any key information on disclosure. While all 80(100%) felt that disclosure was a good practice for better adherence, only 16(20.0%) had actually disclosed, with 6(37.5%) not seeking any formal permission from parent/caregivers before disclosing. Ages 8-16 years was recommended by 60(75%) as the appropriate age to disclose, however 28(35.0%) recommended age 14-16 years. Over half of the respondents 58(72.5%) admitted that disclosure should be a shared responsibility between themselves and the caregivers, most however perceive their role as only preparing the parents/caregivers for disclosure, and providing ongoing counseling to both the parents/caregivers and the children and adolescents. Lack of training on disclosure, and none availability of guideline in the health institution were major setback on the ability of the healthcare providers to fully participate in disclosure process. Conclusion: While healthcare providers support the idea of disclosing at mid and late adolescent, their perceived role was that of support and provision of ongoing counseling. Lack of training and none availability of disclosure guideline affects their perceived role. There is need to train and retrain healthcare workers on disclosure guideline, and making such guideline available in the health facilities.
Feb 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2470-0436.jos-17-1825
Background: To measure the affected subepidermal nerve sensation with a combination of current perception threshold (CPT) and Semmes-Weinstein monofilament (SWM) testing under pain areas with herpetic ophthalmic neuralgia (HON). Methods: One hundred fifty-five subjects with HON and 30 age-matched volunteers were recruited for the study. Results: The combined SWM and CPT testing yielded significantly abnormal responses at the painful sites for the patients with HON compared to those responses of the normal controls (p< 0.05). The SWM and CPT tests were able to distinguish local hypoesthesia of pain areas when the cut-off values were 0.135g, 53 (5Hz), 66 (250Hz) and 199 (2,000Hz). The ratio of the painful site to the mirror site indicated there were significant differences in the CPT ratio at 250Hz and 2,000Hz among different pain characteristic groups. Post hoc tests showed significant differences in CPT250Hz between itching and lancinating pain (p=0.006), itching and allodynia (p=0.002), and burning pain and allodynia (p=0.042). There were significant differences in CPT2000Hz between deep pain and allodynia (p=0.001) and itching and allodynia (p=0.014). Conclusion: CPT and SWM testing can probably be used as semi-quantitative indicators to represent the neural function at the local skin of pain area with HON.
Jun 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2381-862X.jwrh-15-820
Although structured taught aquatic baby programmes (STABPs) are one of the earliest forms of physical activity, the possible impacts of structured taught aquatic baby programmes are unknown. This study aims to understand the perceived impact that attending STABPs has on parents/carers, their baby/child and their family. An online survey was completed by 2854 parents/carers. It was advertised via numerous online advertisements. Of the respondents, 89% had attended STABPs. ‘Attendees’ were significantly older and were less likely to live in a more deprived area compared to ‘non-attendees’. STABPs are perceived to be beneficial in terms of water safety, confidence, benefits to parent-child relationships and interaction with other children but cost affects attendance. The evidence-base regarding the benefits of STABPs should be established to further understand their impact on parents/carers and babies. Further research should focus on understanding barriers to attendance and ways to facilitate attendance. The need to understand the ‘key ingredients’ of structured taught aquatic baby programmes was highlighted.
Jan 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2324-7339.jcrhap-13-180
Perception of Human Immunodeficiency Virus has been topical due to its central place in determining attitudes and care for people living with HIV/AIDS and having implications for the containment of the epidemic. People living with HIV/AIDS face social stigmatization due partly to misconception in the perception of the disease and people living with it and students are not left out in this stigmatization and discrimination. This study aimed at exploring the perception of HIV/AIDS by the students of Obafemi Awolowo University. The study utilized quantitative methodology –questionnaires to elicit information from 160 students on their perception of the disease. The sampling technique was quota sampling technique in which 40 students were randomly selected from each hostel out of the 4 selected hostels. The findings were that majority of the respondents view the disease and people living with it negatively (53.9) and dangerous (30.9) and 66.4 percent of the respondents did not see themselves being vualnerable to contracting the virus. The result further showed a significant association between knowledge and perception of the disease. It was also revealed that there was no significant relationship between perception of the disease and socio-economic status of students. This negative perception has serious implications for students living with HIV/AIDS in the University. In conclusion, the negative students’ perception of the disease and people living with it has serious implications for the containment of the epidemic in that people living with HIV/AIDS would hide their sero-positive status to avoid stigma and would in turn infect others. There is therefore need for intervention to change student perception to positive in the university.
Jun 2015 DOI 10.14302/issn.2324-7339.jcrhap-15-648
HIV/AIDS has become a global scourge affecting mainly young people. Sexual behavior change remains the most effective way of preventing further spread. The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge, perception and practice of safe lifestyles towards prevention of HIV infection among students of a tertiary educational institution in Abakaliki, south eastern, Nigeria. A cross sectional descriptive study was carried out, and participants were selected using multistage sampling technique. Data was collected using a pretested, self administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS software, version 20. Three hundred and eighty seven participants were recruited for the study, including 199 (51.4%) males and 188 (48.6%) females. Mean age of participants was 23.6 ±2years. All (100%) of the participants were aware of the existence of HIV/AIDS, with the commonest source of information being electronic media (81.1%). Their knowledge of the routes of transmission and modes of prevention of HIV infection was high, though few of them have some misconceptions. Poor practice of safe lifestyles towards prevention of HIV infection as well as low perception of self-vulnerability to the risk of HIV infection was also found. There was poor practice of preventive lifestyles among the participants despite high knowledge of HIV transmission and preventive measures probably due to low perception of self-vulnerability to the risk of HIV infection. Health education should be intensified to impact sufficient comprehensive knowledge to change low perception of self-vulnerability among the students.
Jun 2015 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-14-591
Objectives Taste sensitivity is an important determinant of food choice and differs between children and adults. This difference is probably due to several factors that constitute an individual’s phenotype. The aim of this study was to explore taste perception in relation to the TAS2R38 and CAVI (gustin) genotypes in age classes from infancy to adulthood in a Mediterranean population. Methods In this cross-sectional study we evaluated the TAS2R38 and gustin genotypes and administered a standardized PROP taste test in 705 individuals (435 adults, 270 children); the sample included 224 mother-child dyads. We also explored the acceptance and consumption of bitter and non-bitter vegetables. Results Sensitivity to bitterness was strongly related to the TAS2R38 haplotype, and we observed an intriguing relationship with age. In fact, children were more sensitive than adults with the same TAS2R38 haplotype also within mother-child dyads. The mother-child tasting differences decreased with age and became minimal when children reached adolescence. Variations in the gustin gene did not contribute significantly to the overall taste phenotype, but helped to differentiate among non-tasters. Conclusions The genetic profile of the bitter-taste receptor TAS2R38 explains most of the variance in bitter taste perception, but the related phenotype is also strongly influenced by age, also in mother-child dyads that share the same genotype. This finding is likely to have a significant impact on the complex feeding relationship between mother and child.
Mar 2026 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-612X.ijpr-25-5933
We have highlighted the significant harm caused by internalized homophobia in LGBTQ+ individuals and the dimensions of internalized identity that often dim and redirect Motivations and Longings for a meaningful and valuable life for individuals in the LGBTQ+ community. We surveyed the dimensions of Life Goals and Longings as a basis for building motivation and a sense of worth in the individual, which forms the foundation of emotional well-being. From the perspective of the need for Longings and Life Goals, we identified relevant focal points in empowering work to establish these anchors within LGBTQ+ individuals. This process primarily focuses, alongside interpersonal and social dimensions, on the internal feelings associated with an individual's sense of identity. We emphasized the importance of having unique, personally tailored Longings for LGBTQ+ clients that are rooted in the dimensions ('virtues') of what is called 'character.’ As Hammack and Toolis (2014) articulated, we did not focus on others' perceptions of the LGBTQ+ individual as the sole central factor in constructing an individual's sense of self-esteem, although it is an important factor. Instead, we focused on the view that LGBTQ+ individuals mainly construct their self-esteem based on their perception of their values relative to those of society around them. An individual's values and Goals are at the center of constructing their sense of self-esteem when compared to society’s ‘correct' Goals. Individuals see themselves in character traits, less so in terms of function, in relation to their environment, and thus define their self-esteem as being 'good' or 'bad' in their own eyes 666467.
Nov 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2476-1710.jdt-25-5775
A number of developmental factors increase risk for adolescent rumination. This particular kind of repetitive negative thinking pattern often begins in the context of familial stressors and parental modeling. Though rumination can be effectively targeted with rumination-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (RF-CBT), it is unknown whether caregiver-child co-rumination (1) affects caregiver views of their child’s psychopathology, (2) or interferes with youth rumination- focused treatment. The present study uses data from a randomized clinical trial of RF-CBT to examine whether caregiver-child co-rumination, or caregivers’ own rumination patterns, are associated with bias in parental perception of their adolescent’s depression symptoms. We also examine if co-rumination scores at baseline moderate rumination scores for youth at treatment termination, and whether treatment effects dampen or decay more significantly post-treatment among youth with higher caregiver-child co-rumination. Youth (N = 76) were randomized to either 10-14 sessions of RF-CBT (n = 38) or treatment as usual (TAU; n = 38) and completed interviews and surveys at pre-treatment baseline, post-treatment, and 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-month follow up. Results indicate that neither caregiver rumination nor co-rumination scores bias caregivers’ views of their child’s depression symptoms. In terms of reduction in child’s rumination scores, estimated treatment effects were larger for patients with higher baseline co- rumination scores, and there was no statistically significant difference in treatment effect decay over time in high versus low co-rumination groups. Results indicate co-rumination overall does not dampen the effect of RF-CBT, and those experiencing the highest levels of co-rumination may benefit most from treatment.
Oct 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2693-1176.ijgh-25-5729
Background In sub-Saharan Africa, where many countries continue to experience high burdens of vaccine-preventable diseases, increasing immunization access have been a priority for the governments and international organizations such as Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. Over 40 Gavi-supported African countries have been impacted, with 364 million children reached and over US$5.7 billion disbursed, averting over 8.9 million child deaths. Despite this progress, the African region has struggled with immunization coverage due to various factors. Nevertheless, some African countries are transitioning out of Gavi support due to economic growth. However, many require strong political will to increase their expenditure on immunization. This study therefore aims to understand the factors influencing immunization performance and its relationship to public expenditure. Methods Data on 37 Gavi-eligible sub-Saharan African countries between 2006 and 2019 was obtained from the World Bank’s World Development Indicators, the WHO and UNICEF Joint Reporting Form and the Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index. Descriptive immunization and health expenditure were analyzed using a panel regression of variables. DPT3 was used as an indicator of immunization uptake. The indicator for public expenditure on immunization per child was based on government spending on immunization divided by the number of children in the birth cohort. Results The average gross national income increased from US$639 to US$1,192 per capita, while government spending on immunization increased from US$1.7 to about US$4.5 per child. The findings show that there is a correlation between improved immunization financing, increased gross national income, reduced corruption, and improved immunization coverage. However, performance declines beyond a certain threshold when gross national income per capita increases. In addition, an English-speaking country effect was observed. Conclusions While improved immunization financing increases immunization coverage and constitutes an advocacy talking point, there is a need to understand why an increase in gross national income per capita does not translate into an improved immunization coverage. Key highlights Increasing national spending on immunization drives up the uptake of childhood vaccines. There is a threshold beyond which immunization coverage falls despite increased GNI. Controlling corruption increases immunization coverage tendency. French- and English-speaking countries’ immunization coverage differs. Immunization and health system financing have separate outcomes.
Mar 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2644-1101.jhp-24-5387
The formation of narratives while listening to music is seen across cultures, but narrative perception in Asian Americans who have bicultural identities is not well understood. This study analyzed the potential effect of cultural identity on adolescents’ ability to form narratives with East Asian music. Two groups of adolescents (n=42), Asian American (n=28) and Non-Asian American (n=14), listened to three music excerpts with varying degrees of Asian and Western influences. The most Asian-influenced excerpt was a Gugak Korean traditional piece titled T’ungae sanjo, performed on traditional Korean folk instruments and creating a distinctly East Asian sound. The Mixed excerpt, containing both Western and Asian influences, was from Tan Dun’s Eight Memories in Watercolor. It contained a Chinese folk melody while being performed on a Western instrument. Finally, the most Western-influenced excerpt was from Toru Takemitsu’s Rain Tree Sketch. The piece contained octatonicism, a musical technique prominent in modern Western composers’ works. Participants completed a survey containing a free response question where they described their imagined narratives and a survey containing 4 questions measuring narrative engagement. Chi-square tests, t-tests, and reflexive thematic analysis were used to yield the results from the data collected. Results demonstrated that the extent of narrativization was dependent on enculturation. Asian Americans, with their bicultural identities, demonstrated consistent narrativization across all excerpts. In contrast, non-Asian Americans narrativized significantly less for the traditional Asian excerpt. Within the free responses, both cohorts identified similar themes with the Western-influenced music, as they have had overlapping exposure to Western culture leading to shared thought patterns. However, there was substantial thematic variability between cohorts with the Asian-influenced music, as the two cohorts had different levels of exposure to Asian culture. This study thus reinforces the notion that enculturation has a profound effect on narrativization in music, demonstrated through Asian American adolescents’ abilities to narrativize to music containing both Asian and Western roots.
Sep 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2577-137X.ji-24-5207
COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy has emerged as a major challenge to global efforts to control the pandemic, particularly in Nigeria, where hesitancy to other effective vaccines such as polio and measles has been widely reported. Several individual, societal, and structural factors contribute to this behaviour and prevent the effectiveness of COVID-19 prevention efforts. Objectives This study sought to identify the predictors of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in the seven states of North-Central, Nigeria. Methods A population-based cross-sectional online survey was conducted among residents using a semi-structured questionnaire adapted from the WHO SAGE vaccine hesitancy scale and distributed via social media networks over 8-weeks. Results A total of 1,429 responses met the inclusion criteria and were analysed. Among the respondents, 60.7% were males, 47.5% were between the ages of 26 and 45, and 80.1% had postsecondary education. A total of 421 respondents (29.5%) were hesitant and unwilling to receive the vaccine. The reasons for hesitancy were concerns about side effects (37.1%), doubt about the existence of COVID-19 (11.0%), and the perception of time required to receive the vaccine (9.6%). Post-secondary education (AOR: 0.49, 0.36-0.66) and people of the Islamic faith (AOR: 0.68, 0.52-0.90) were found to be associated with lower levels of hesitancy. Conclusion The study found that vaccine hesitancy is a complex problem that is linked with multiple social determinants of health as lower educational attainment, lower income and Christian faith were found to be predictors of vaccine hesitancy. Confidence, Complacency and Convenience factors were expressed by respondents as concerns about side effects, doubt about the existence of COVID-19 and time required to receive the vaccines were the most prominent reasons for unwillingness to receive the vaccine. In order to protect the public health of communities, targeted interventions are required to increase vaccine acceptance by cultivating trust in vaccines, disseminating accurate information, and engaging with community stakeholders including religious groups.
Jun 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2381-862X.jwrh-24-5099
Parents' and siblings’ role model motivation and function could play an important role in positively influencing both their own media behavior and that of family members. To investigate whether parents and siblings consciously take on this role model function, their intentions were being evaluated with a standardized questionnaire before a 6-week media fasting intervention. 135 pairs of parents and 178 pairs of children were included. A major component of the parents' media fasting intention to media fast was to be a role model for their children. This was particularly related to the idea that media fasting has something cleansing about it, as well as the hope of becoming more attentive and calm as a family. These parents seem to want to strengthen family cohesion and climate and protect their children from excessive media consumption. Children who want to be role models for their parents also intend to have a positive influence within the family and want to be role models for their siblings. Regression analyses revealed several predictors of the parents' intent for role model function: the hope of becoming more attentive and calm as a family, the view that media fasting has something cleansing about it, and the perception that it is good for one's children to use less digital screen media, and, inversely, age (R2 =.35). The best predictors of the corresponding intention among the children were the desire to be a role model for their siblings, for the family to do more together again and, as for the parents, a younger age (R2=.57). The intentions of both groups are different, but the possibility of using less media is perceived as sensible. The role model function appears to be a relevant motivating and influencing factor regarding the conscious use of digital screen media and regulation of screen time. This should be taken into account when developing interventions.
Feb 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2766-8681.jcsr-24-4897
Introduction The arrangement of teaching content to relate to or unite concepts that are regularly taught in different academic courses or departments is referred to as integration of teaching. It simply refers to creating links between theoretical knowledge and actual application. Teaching the fundamental sciences in separate blocks prevents students from having the opportunity to connect and integrate their newly acquired knowledge. Objectives To evaluate the effectiveness of Integrated teaching method over traditional teaching and perception of students towards integrated method among first MBBS students Methodology The total of 62MBBS first year students are randomly divided into two groups, with 31 in each group. Group A is subjected for Conventional teaching and Group B for Integrated teaching method in the same topic. Among the 2 sessions one session is Horizontal and other is Vertical method of integrated teaching have been implemented. Finally, an evaluation test was conducted for both the groups and the mean marks obtained by the students were analyzed by using SPSS software version 17. Student’s perception towards this method was evaluated by pre-validated feedback questionnaire and analyzed. Results The mean marks (outof40) obtained by Group B (Conventional teaching) is 13.82 and by Group A (Integrated Teaching) is 31.18. So, the marks obtained by students after integrated method were found to be higher than the other group which underwent conventional teaching and this difference was found to be statistically significant (P <0.0001). Discussion and conclusion In comparison to the typical conventional method, integrated teaching has been found to be a more successful mode of instruction in terms of students' performance and assessment exams.
Jul 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2324-7339.jcrhap-22-4204
Introduction Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an element of the biomedical interventions of Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention. The level of protection is strongly correlated to PrEP drug adherence. In Nigeria, the prevalence of HIV among female sex workers (FSW) is 15.5%. The 2020 integrated biological and behavioral surveillance survey did not report on PrEP adherence among FSW. This study therefore assessed the level of adherence to PrEP and its predictors among FSW in South-Western Nigeria. Methodology This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in 2021. Study population were brothel-based FSW at Gambari Ogbomoso and Lagos, Nigeria. A total of 156 FSW participated in the study. Data was collected using interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed using IBM SPSS Version 25. Results One hundred and forty-nine properly completed questionnaires were analyzed. Ninety-nine respondents (66.4%) have been working for more than 5years as a FSW and 65(43.6%) had initiation of sex work before 18 years of age. Respondents’ sexual behavior showed that 55 (36.9%) of total respondents had consistent use of condom. One hundred and thirty-four respondents (89.9%) had good knowledge of PrEP, 97 (65.1%) had good attitude towards PrEP while 111 (74.5%) had good perception of risk of HIV infection. One hundred and thirty-two (88.6%) reported to be taking PrEP and 119 (79.9%) had good adherence to PrEP. Predictors of adherence to PrEP were educational status, age of commencement of sex work and monthly income. It was found that educated sex workers were 2.67 times more likely to adhere to PrEP (OR=2.67, 95% CI=1.280-5.591, p=0.019). Those who commenced sex work after clocking 18 years of age were 75% times less likely to adhere to PrEP (OR=0.251, 95% CI=0.106-0.597, p=0.001) while those with average monthly income more than #10,000 were 1.65 times more likely to adhere to PrEP (OR=1.65, 95% CI=0.674-4.042, p=0.0275. Discussion and Recommendation The level of adherence to PrEP is considerably high and underscores a positive effect of the efforts of the Government of Nigeria in controlling HIV as a threat by 2030. Further studies would be useful to understand the behavioral factors associated with low adherence to PrEP among FSW who have spent more than 5 years in sex work.
Nov 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-21-4001
The lived experiences of thousands of health care providers demonstrates an inconguence in values while giving us a tremendous amount of information - if we listen. At every level behaviors are compromised in a structure when the values of the providers are not aligned with the system. Over time, statistics as well as disease become so normalized that the status quo dominates perceptions and inhibits action. The United States will continue to have mediocre to poor outcomes unless the ethical foundation of the system is fundamentally altered to profit on wellness. “You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.” Buckminster Fuller 1
Mar 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2644-1101.jhp-21-3753
People tend to believe that power imbalance that women and men experience in an intimate relationship is natural, the way it should be and of course, something that should not be debated. The problem with this argument and/or generalisation is that it usually suggests that hegemonic masculinity should not be interrogated. In Africa, power imbalances are one of the challenges that have limited women in society. This practice is influenced by culture, religion, traditional practices and laws which influence perceptions, and expectations of people in intimate relationships. This study, Power imbalances among intimate partners in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area encapsulate the dynamics of gender power relations that exist in intimate, heterosexual relationships in four communities. This study seeks to examine intimate partners’ perception of decision making, the extent of its social acceptability and relevance of their socio-economic circumstances towards power imbalances. The population for this study was twenty-seven thousand three hundred and fifty-five. Sample size was calculated using the Taro Yamame determination technique which stood at three hundred and ninety-four. The study employed a survey research design which consisted of twenty-two items on a four-point Likert scale of (Agree, Strongly Agree, Disagree, and Strongly Disagree). Simple percentage (%) and frequency table was used to analyze the data. The study found that partners socio-economic circumstances did not reflect a significant degree of influence on power imbalances. This study therefore, recommend for responsive gender equality programmes that support and empower both partners.
Feb 2021
Introduction Risk reduction intervention is meant to provide enhanced and desirable interventions for HIV prevention among adolescents especially the in-school. Adolescents have been identified as the most vulnerable groups that can easily acquire human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Therefore, adolescents are the appropriate target for HIV prevention efforts. Most interventions for adolescents focus on providing AIDS-related education with the assumption that improving knowledge would enable adolescents to protect themselves from sexually transmitted infections. Numerous studies have shown that using class-room education alone is insufficient in reducing adolescents’ risky sexual behaviours. Therefore, this study used role-plays and peer facilitation for the study. Materials and Method The study used role-play and peer facilitation for the intervention strategy. The theme of the role-play was ‘My Future is My Choice’ (MFMC) intervention which was aimed to reduce HIV risk behaviours among sexually inexperienced adolescents. The role-play was carried out by 4 peer leaders who were trained in the theoretical framework of role-plays and peer facilitation by a consultant. With mastery and experience they carried out the role play in a regular classroom section for over 3 class periods, co-facilitated with the assistance of a volunteer teacher. A unique feature of this intervention was the dual focus on strategies that influenced both individual risk factors (i.e., attitudes, behavioural skills) and social environments (e.g., peer resources). A school was chosen by simple random sampling for the intervention. In the school chosen, a total sample of 65 students in senior secondary classes 2&3 ( SS2&3) were included in the study. These were the students considered to be sexually active who can respond to the questions in the questionnaire. Self-administered pre-and post-questionnaire were completed by the students. The results were analysed using frequency tables, descriptive and inferential statistics. Results The students studied were between the ages of 13-18 years. There was evidence that the role play ‘My Future is My Choice’ (MFMC) intervention created positive effects on reduction of HIV risk behaviours among the sexually inexperienced participants aged 13–18. Perceptions on methods of preventing risk reduction behaviours were also positively impacted by the intervention as 12(18.5%) and 34(52.3 %) of the respondents realized after post- intervention that having sex with someone outside marriage and being transfused with infected blood respectively Will constitute risk to HIV infection. Conclusion The role play which used the theme ‘My Future is My Choice’ (MFMC) intervention provided safer choices for reducing one or more measures of sexual risk behaviours among the sexual inexperienced respondents. It created the opportunity for the students to recognize that engaging in unprotected sex constitutes high risk for HIV, other sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy.
Feb 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-21-3709
Background Children need to drink enough water (1.1-1.3 litres) throughout the day to stay hydrated and for health benefits1. Wellbeing and cognitive function benefits have been identified for children who are hydrated2. Yet there is a dearth of research focusing specifically on children’s perceptions of their own fluid intake levels and who helps support them in ensuring they are drinking enough water, this is a novel area to investigate. Previous research3 identified that 44.2% of young children’s fluid intake were influenced the strongest by a family member. This paper will explore in further detail the influence of siblings on children’s fluid intake, in particular older versus younger siblings. Methods 130 children (67 girls and 63 boys, of which 45 had a younger sibling (s) and 85 having an elder sibling(s), from 4 primary schools in the South East of England, were questioned between January and April 2019 using an adapted version of Coppinger and Howells’ (2019)4 questionnaire, on their understanding of fluid intake, how much they perceived they drank and who supported them in prompting them to drink. Physical visual representations were used to aid question comprehension and to ensure the questions were appropriate for young children. The data was analysed using SPSS 24.0 using MANOVAs (P < 0.05) to consider statistical variance in gender and older sibling status. Results The most significant results were linked to elder siblings influence younger siblings in drinking too little fluids within a school day (F=0.530, p<0.05), whilst those without an elder sibling, thought they drank beyond the daily recommended guidelines and reported they drank over 2 litres. This illustrates that children misunderstand fluid intake recommendations regardless of whether they have an elder sibling or not. Children named adults, both parents and teachers as well as elder siblings as the key influencers of them drinking (F=3.67, p<0.05) and the data indicated that girls were more influenced by siblings than boys, whilst twins were not influenced by each other. Conclusion It is concluded that siblings do have an influence on the consumption of water, as siblings act as role models and other siblings follow their habits, therefore the whole family unit is important to ensure that the right fluid intake is consumed. It is recommended that further education, curriculum and community development is needed to continue to support young children’s knowledge and understanding of fluid intake.
Nov 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2692-1537.ijcv-20-3620
COVID-19 remains a global public health emergency till date. It is eminent that the transmission of the disease is subjective to people’s readiness to implement public health preventative strategies and these are often related to knowledge. Proper public knowledge about COVID-19 plus its predisposing factors is critical to effectively manage the increasing public health risks. However, socio-demographics have been implicated to COVID-19 infection risk and management outcome. Thus, this present study examined the influence of knowledge on COVID-19 risk outcome, the contribution of socio-demographics on the risk of COVID-19 and predicted synergistic effects of knowledge and socio-demographics on the risk of COVID-19. All measured was strictly perception amongst African sampled with an online Google form as the primary data source. The Correlation designed used Zr Statistics of Fisher Transformation to determine the differences between the two correlation coefficients of the prediction variables after an initial test using Pearson Product Moment Correlation between COVID-19 risk and Knowledge plus socio-demographic. The hypothesis was tested using Statistical Package for Social Science version 21 and iStat at varying significant levels of 0.05 and 0.01 respectively. Generally, a significant relationship exists between COVID-19 risk and knowledge level but not with composite socio-demographics. However, specific significant relationship (p<0.05) was noticed between COVID-19 risk and age (r=0.220) as well as marital status (r=-0.158). Educational level, location, and sex showed no correlation (p>0.05) with COVID-19 exposure. Also, the proposition of no significant difference between correlation coefficients of socio-demographics and knowledge was proven otherwise (p<0.05). The regression model (R2=0.420 and adjusted R2=0.404, df=2, 336, F-value=27.012. p=0.00) significantly predicted the synergic contributions of knowledge level and socio-demographics to COVID-19 exposure. 40.04% of the COVID-19 risk exposure can be explained by socio-demographics and knowledge about COVID-19. Synergic contribution of knowledge and socio-demographics proved risk prediction to COVID-19. Traditional factor like age should be decidedly considered and attention should be drawn towards good knowledge about COVID-19 especially its signs and symptoms plus transmission.
Apr 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2470-0436.jos-20-3273
Objective To identify common ocular and non-ocular signs and symptoms of patients with chiasmal lesions presenting to ophthalmologists. Methods This is a three year case series of patients who presented to Rizal Medical Center Ophthalmology OPD clinic, diagnosed as cases of chiasmal lesion with a complete neuro-ophthalmogical exam, ancillary test and neuroimaging. Data collected include patient profile, ocular and non ocular symptoms, duration of blurring of vision (BOV), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), Color Vision, Optic nerve (ON) description, Visual field defects (VFD) and size & location of chiasmal lesion. Results A total of twelve patients were included with 1:1 M:F ratio and a median age of 39 years. Blurring of Vision was the presenting symptom in 10 cases, bulging of the eyes and headaches in the remaining cases. Associated symptoms include: non specific headache in all; diplopia in 3 (1 with and 2 without motility defects); and systemic symptoms related to hormonal imbalance in 2 cases. Best corrected vision ranged from 6/6 to no light perception (NLP). Color vision was affected in all cases. ON palor was seen in 6 (50%) and disc edema in 1 case. VFD include Junctional scotoma (58.33%), bitemporal hemianopia (33.3%) and generalised scotoma (8.3%). Neuroimaging revealed pituitary lesions in 10 cases, 1 craniopharyngioma and ON glioma with chiasmal extension. Conclusion Ocular and non ocular symptoms seen were comparable to other studies except that Junctional scotoma was the most common VFD identified in the included population of our case series. This highlights the importance of VF testing among patients complaining of unilateral visual loss to rule out a chiasmal lesion.
Nov 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-612X.ijpr-19-3093
The present study aims to investigate how dispositional mindfulness affects the mental well-being of cancer patients through the way they perceive stress. A total of 182 moderate and advanced gastrointestinal cancer patients volunteered to complete the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), the Chinese Perceived Stress Scale (CPSS), and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ). Results showed that perceived stress significantly mediated the relationship between dispositional mindfulness and all dimensions of the mental well-being as captured by the GHQ (i.e. anxiety/depression, social dysfunction, and loss of confidence), and perceived stress was positively correlated with all the dimensions of mental well-being. Results of the Structural Equation Model showed that the model fit the data very well (χ2/df = 1.72，RMSEA = 0.063 (95% CI = 0.014 ~ 0.103), CFI = 0.984, TLI = 0.970, SRMR=0.041). Further analyses showed that dispositional mindfulness predicted all the dimensions of psychological well-being. Specifically, higher levels of dispositional mindfulness predicted reduced subjective perceptions of stress, which in turn predicted lower levels of anxiety/depression, social impairment, and loss of confidence. This study indicated a possible mechanism of intervention focused on improving mindfulness capability. Future work is encouraged to investigate the long-term influence of dispositional mindfulness on perceived stress and psychological well-being in cancer patients with other types of cancer.
Nov 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-19-3083
Background In November 2014, the World health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), and the World Food Programme, produced interim guidelines (iGL) on providing nutritional support to patients in Ebola treatment units (ETUs). They have been translated into French and issued by the Ministry of Health, UNICEF and WHO in adapted versions to be used in the current outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This paper evaluates the use and usefulness of the 2014 iGL in the West Africa and current DRC Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreaks and identifies experiences and lessons learned from practitioners on the operational aspects of nutritional care and support in ETUs. Methods Key-informants (n=26), from 12 organizations (Non-Governmental Organizations, United Nations, Red Cross Red Crescent Movement) were interviewed who were actively engaged in the nutritional and/or clinical care of EVD patients. Results There was a consensus among key-informants that the 2014 iGL initially served a guiding purpose. However, the vast amount of learning from the 2014-2016 and current EVD outbreaks indicates that the interim guidelines need to be revised. Practitioners struggled to find operational solutions for nutritional care, and the challenges were plentiful, especially regarding 1) the different perceptions of the importance of nutritional care among ETU staff; 2) the difficulties around food preparation and distribution for EVD patients; 3) how to take into account the patients’ dietary preferences; 4) the nutritional care needed in relation to specific EVD symptoms; 5) who assumed roles in nutritional care in ETUs; 6) if and how feeding support was organized; 7) whether malnutrition needed to be addressed and how; and 8) whether the intake of specific nutrients could contribute to improved treatment outcomes. Information from the key-informants interviews resulted in numerous lessons learned and recommendations for nutritional support during current and future outbreaks. Conclusions This investigation underscored the importance of documenting experiences of practitioners on nutritional care in emerging infectious diseases for which limited scientific evidence exists and for which interim guidelines are produced to fill in knowledge gaps. It also emphasized the importance of nutritional care in ETUs during treatment.
Apr 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2639-3166.jar-19-2732
The objectives of this study were to assess the Quality of Agricultural Graduates, employers’ perceptions of the employability and skills. A descriptive, analytical statistics, multistage random sampling method was adopted. Where two types of questionnaires were distributed to the Graduates and institutions associated with Sustainable agriculture (SA). The collected data was analyzed by Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS). The results revealed some respondents began higher education in Arabic (66.7%), while others in English (33.3%). The respondents faced with difficulties in understanding the courses due to teaching methods (36.7%), language (33.3%), and curriculum (30%). The result indicated some respondents (56.7%) do not have back ground about (SA). The respondents in the Ministries of Agriculture assessed the Graduates in regard to agricultural skills, and confidence to perform duties as fair (10%), and good (23.3%), but, for reliability, managerial skills, tactic and ability to participate in forums as fair (6.7%). Good (27.7%), fair (3.3%), and good (30%) respectively. Assessment of the Graduates at Research Centers, were assessed in relation to Research methodology, statistical analysis, and writing scientific papers as good (40 %,).While for Software skills as excellent (100%), and for Agricultural Technology Transfer as very good (80%). While; the respondents from Faculties of Agriculture, assessed the Graduated for practical skills, teaching ability, skills of writing scientific papers, participation in workshops and seminars as good (93.3%), very good (6.7%), fair (6.7) and very good (33.3%), respectively. The Graduates’ quality is below the expectations. Based on the above findings, the study recommends the review of the whole educational system, Faculties of Agriculture to include the concepts of sustainable agriculture in their curriculum and give high consideration to practical part. In the same context, further study is recommended including the whole Country.
Nov 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2324-7339.jcrhap-18-2291
In The Gambia like all nations, drug abuse is seen as a social and health problem that has many serious implications for the physical, social, psychological and intellectual development of the victims more especially, the children. Therefore, it continues to be a concern to families, community leaders, educators, social workers, health care professionals, academics, government and its development partners. Though there are some studies on drug abuse, there is none on children and drug abuse focusing on the street children the most vulnerable category. Street children are hypothesized to be more at risk of any epidemic including drug abuse. This study sought to determine the risk and prevalence of drug abuse among street children focusing on those in the car parks. The research was focused on six critical areas: level of knowledge of drug abuse, perception towards it, level of knowledge of the causes of it in the community and among street children, level of knowledge of negative impacts of it, level of knowledge of the preventive methods; and level of knowledge of the support services and treatments needed by victims. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the data from thirty five participants (i.e. one driver and six casual apprentices from each of the five car parks) were interviewed. The data was presented and analyzed using tables and percentage. The findings revealed among other things, that there is high level of awareness of drug abuse but the feelings towards it are mixed. Like other children, street children are abusing drugs mainly due to peer influence with the ultimate objective of getting high to relief stress, group recognition, desire to be trusted by peers, etc. Similarly, participants are highly aware of the negative impacts encompassing fighting, stealing, mental illness, etc. To finance the behavior, victims are engaged in all types of dangerous antisocial behavior including romantic ones exposing them to a range of diseases including STIs and HIV/AIDS. Marijuana is the most commonly abused drug. Though in the minority, some have started experimenting cocaine/coke, hashish; and heroin. While participants have good knowledge of the critical methods to fight drug abuse, the support services needed by victims, victims are mostly reluctant to seek the services not only because they are hard to find but fear societal stigmatization, exclusion and discrimination and professionals’ maltreatments.
Nov 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2578-8590.ipj-18-2465
Objective: Soccer has a reduced overall recovery time. If these situations are not properly controlled they can cause the athlete chronic fatigue, an increase in delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and thus result in a decrease in athletic performance. There are several therapies that have attempted to improve athletic performance, decrease the percentage of injuries and results in soccer. Training and recovery instances are opportunities to find ways to address this issue. Understanding the physiology of recovery is essential to accelerate some processes, with the aim of shortening the times. Subjects: Cryotherapy could improve functional performance tests and decrease pain in soccer players. Our work design is an experimental prospective study. Method: Twenty subjects (10 experimental subjects and 10 control group subjects), between the ages of 17 and 23, who are members of a university men's soccer team, participated in the study. The following variables were controlled: power; the number of jumps, the average height of a jump in a 30-second continuous jump test, and DOMS perception through visual analog scale (VAS). Both groups shall be subjected to a more active recovery as well as elongation carried out by the coaching staff. In addition to this, the experimental group shall also be subjected to ice baths (42-47 °F) for three minutes. Results: We found significant statistical differences in the number of jumps and the power of the same in the control group, thus obtaining improvements. No significant differences were observed in either group for the average jump height and percentage yield variables. In the assessment of DOMS significant differences were observed, with a lower perception of DOMS seen in the experimental group. Conclusion: Ice baths provide favorable results in some aspects of the 30-second continuous jump test, decreasing the perception of leg pain and fatigue, and therefore they can be considered a valid alternative in the management of these athletes.
May 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-3585.jpmc-18-2059
Extant epidemiological and social diagnosis information shows an alarming upsurge in the prevalence of overweight and obesity over the last decade in developing countries including Ghana. Despite literature on the dangers and associated risk factors of these two health related constructs is well-written and documented, there seems to be a distinct knowledge gap on cultural influences that may trigger the onset of overweight and obesity, and related comorbidities. This review paper provides a general overview on overweight and obesity, and presents a supportive evidence of their rising prevalence as well as associated overall implications on public health in Ghana. Additionally, the paper explores how indigenous cultural perceptions, beliefs and norms impact on dietary and physical activity behaviours of the people. Based on available evidence, the complementary role of behaviour modification towards the management of overweight and obesity is suggested. The PEN-3 model as an appropriate cultural framework is proposed for future empirical investigations. This would afford programme planners to assess how to design culturally underpinned appropriate intervention programmes that would positively influence long term behavioural practices of the local people.
Dec 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2381-862X.jwrh-17-1822
Objective Because of the increased demand for the availability of independent information regarding the efficacy, the lack of efficacy and the possible harm of medical interventions, the study aims to evaluate the information package „Menopause", published by the German Institute for Quality in Healthcare (IQWiG). Methods: Qualitative, guideline-based interviews, carried out in n=41 women (40-63 years). The analysis of transcripts was carried out according to Mayring. Results Information perception of women who could use the material could be summarized into the following: (1) Information were perceived as independent and deemed trustworthy. (2) Scientific study results were unknown but welcomed. (3) Decision aids are useful but need further communicative support. (4) Women requested suggestions for empowerment and self-help. (5) Some women are better accessible through experiences. (6) Women who did not take on any information presented in the material. Conclusions: Through evidence-based health information (EBHI) and decision aids interviewed women can be enabled to make informed decisions concerning their health care. Health information should include the relevant context factors. However, not all women could be reached. Practice implications Not only the implementation of independent EBHI into the structure of healthcare but also communicative services including biographical aspects and self-help strategies are needed.
Nov 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2372-6601.jhor-17-1761
With the introduction of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI), patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) have obtained survival rates close to normal. It may appear paradoxical, then, that medication adherence is suboptimal in some health care settings. As the first of its kind, this study aimed to explore drivers and barriers to TKI treatment adherence in Danish CML patients. A literature study informed the design of qualitative interviews with 20 patients, individually and in focus groups, focusing on their disease perceptions of CML, their health-related quality of life (QoL) and medication adherence. The study showed that many participants had previously switched treatment due to lacking efficacy or intolerance but most felt their current disease burden was tolerable. Anxiety might, however, resurface if treatment stopped working or with the occurrence of infections or side effects, creating a state of ‘fragile peace’. To these patients, their role functioning – as professionals, spouses, parents and grandparents – was crucial to uphold a positive self-image and meaningful life. Whether treatment enabled or hindered this was thus decisive to their QoL and medication adherence. Our participants expressed high adherence rates with only one having intentionally non-adhered due to side effects and poor QoL. Most participants felt well-informed about CML and treatment and privileged to receive specialised personal care from the public health care system acting to motivate their medication adherence. As a novel finding, this study indicates that the prospect of treatment-free remission may positively affect ‘adherence’ suggest this should be explored in future studies.
Aug 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2324-7339.jcrhap-17-1686
Background: In the absence of a cure for HIV and AIDS, prevention remains the most effective strategy to eliminate the pandemic. Abstinence from sexual intercourse is, therefore, the primary prevention weapon among unmarried adolescents and young adults, especially the school-going ones. This study uses the main constructs of the Health Belief Model (HBM), as the theoretical framework to investigate the psychosocial predictors of sexual abstinence among senior secondary school students in an urban setting in the Southwest region of Cameroon Methods: This study adopted a cross-sectional design, collecting data from a stratified random sample of 420 students in November 2016, using a pretested structured questionnaire, and analyzing them using SPSS version 20 software programme, using binomial logistic regressions at the level 0.05. Results: Only 194 (46.2%) were abstaining from sex. Perceived susceptibility to HIV, perceived severity of HIV/AIDS, perceived benefits of sexual abstinence and perceived self-efficacy for sexual abstinence were not that high, 79.8%, 71.0%, 86.4% and 68.3% respectively. None of the above constructs of the HBM was a significant predictor of sexual abstinence. However, increasing age was significantly associated with an increased likelihood of sexual abstinence, OR=1.6 (95% CI 1.20-2.24, p=0.002). Conclusions: Senior secondary school students in urban Cameroon were not practicing sexual abstinence. Interventions and strategies to increase sexual abstinence are highly recommended and should focus on increasing the perception of risk of contracting HIV, which is assumed to be the immediate antecedent of sexual abstinence, on overcoming barriers to sexual abstinence and on sexual abstinence negotiating skills, and should target adolescent students (10-19 years old).
Jul 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-612X.ijpr-17-1543
Our own long term experiences as clinical teachers among undergraduate medical students have generated the interest to investigate the plausible connection between students’ study orientation and their learning experiences in small groups.The objective of the study was to assess the hypothesis whether learning in small groups may contribute to study motivation. Participants were 52 undergraduate medical students (10-12 in each group) in the primary health care course between 1st and 5th year during the spring term 2012. The questionnaires used were the Inventory of General studies (IGSO) for study orientation and IQ questionnaire for group learning. The data were analyzed by Bayesian network modeling. In this study, the application used was the Bayminer (www.BayMiner.com) non-linear visualization modeling software. Positive atmosphere in a small group increases study motivation and commitment and predicts mutual trust and gives space to new ideas, where contradictive views can raise interesting discussions. Based on Bayesian modeling it seems that the experience of motivational problems in the present studies may be an indicator of study alienation and connected with the perception of small group dysfunctionality.
Feb 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2381-862X.jwrh-15-848
Postpartum depression is a common mood disorder following childbirth. Depression occurring at this crucial stage in a child’s life is known to have far reaching and potentially damaging consequences for the mother, the baby and her family. Whilst a number of risk factors have been identified in the literature as contributing to the development of postpartum depression, including a past psychiatric history and lack of social support, some of these are not easily modifiable through psychological interventions. The aim of this longitudinal study was to examine the contribution of specific psychological factors, including maternal beliefs about motherhood and perfectionism and perceived social support, in the development of postpartum depression. Seventy-three pregnant women consented to take part and returned questionnaires during the third trimester of their pregnancy. Of those women, 61 also completed questionnaires 4-6 weeks following the birth of their baby. Significant associations were identified for postpartum depression and the psychological variables of perfectionistic beliefs and social support, whereas many demographic factors were not significantly implicated in the development of depression. Using a multiple hierarchical regression analysis, the study examined whether maternal beliefs about motherhood and beliefs about perfectionism predicted more of the variance in postpartum depression scores than other demographic variables, including a past history of emotional difficulties. As predicted, beliefs about motherhood and perceptions of poor social support from friends and family were significant predictors of postpartum depression, when the influence of antenatal depression scores were accounted for. A past history of emotional difficulties was also retained in the final model, whereas beliefs about perfectionism were not. These findings have implications for clinical services, highlighting the need for refined assessments of expectant mothers’ beliefs about motherhood and their perceptions of their social support during pregnancy and the need for more refined psychological interventions that address these beliefs.
Feb 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2381-862X.jwrh-15-672
The study was conducted in four selected hospitals in the Southern part of India with an aim to determine the support needs of women in early labour as perceived by women. A descriptive design was used to determine the support needs of women in early labour. Following ethical approval, sixty women between 29-40 weeks of gestation with singleton pregnancy were interviewed in early labour, using a validated Labour Support Need Assessment Tool to gather data on background information and perception of women related to need and support needs (physical, emotional and informational support). Results indicated that women perceived all types of support such as physical, emotional and informational as significant factors in their care during labour, regardless of their parity and gestation. The major findings of the study suggested that there was a slightly higher need for support among women for informational (90.33%) and emotional support (88.78%) compared to physical support (80.19%). For primigravid women, and multiparous women who were experiencing labour for the first time (previous birth by caesarean section), the ‘need for support’ was greater than for women who had previous experience of labour. Early labour is the time when most women use their own coping skills and seek support. Determining the quantity and quality of support women need at this phase of labour can help care providers to provide the best comprehensive care to women in early labour. The findings of the study provide a guide on what women feel is helpful in early labour.
May 2015 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-14-584
During the past three decades the prevalence of childhood obesity has steadily increased in the United States. Causes of childhood obesity are complex and include numerous individual and environmental factors. The purpose of this study was to determine parent perceptions on the social-ecological barriers (community, school, and family) to physical activity and healthy eating, perceived specific to their children. Self-reported data gathered from a 50-item questionnaire and six focus groups were conducted with parents (n=43) enrolled in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program. Participants (16 to 67 years old) were predominately female (88.4%), Hispanic (67%), low income, and living in or near Lompoc in Santa Barbara County, CA. The social-ecological model (family, school, and community) was utilized to create focus group questions and provide recommendations as part of the Lompoc Community Health Improvement Project (2006-to-the-present). Popular community barriers for physical activity were: disconnected sidewalks, lack of safe bike routes to school, lack of recreational programming at an affordable cost, and language barriers (lack of marketing physical activity programs in Spanish). Two safety barriers involved parks; fear of injury (dilapidated equipment) and fear of gangs (violence). Common school barriers were: teachers do not lead-by-example, lack of healthy food in school cafeteria, and insufficient time for children to purchase food and eat. Family barriers included: grandparents sabotaging healthy eating environments (e.g., spoiling children), insufficient nutrition knowledge (both children and parents), and economics (not being able to afford healthy food and a recreation/gym membership).
May 2014 DOI 10.14302/issn.2324-7339.jcrhap-13-186
Despite recent improvements in teen pregnancy and birth rates, 2000 teens get pregnant each day in the U.S. Innovative strategies that are effective and acceptable within communities are needed to continue these declines in teen pregnancies. Captivating educational interventions enhanced by infant simulators, such as “Baby Think it Over” (BTIO), can discourage teen pregnancy. The purpose of this research was to evaluate a BTIO intervention to determine the effectiveness of the program in changing 236 high school students’ perceptions of the costs of teen parenting. From a comparison of pre-test/two post-test measures, it appears the participants recognized that teen parenting would be costly in terms of increased difficulty in making responsible decisions as well as the challenges of juggling school with parenting. They also recognized other costs including negative impacts on relationships, on feelings of personal worth, and the likelihood of diminished achievements in the future.
May 2014 DOI 10.14302/issn.2324-7339.jcrhap-12-186
Despite recent improvements in teen pregnancy and birth rates, 2000 teens get pregnant each day in the U.S. Innovative strategies that are effective and acceptable within communities are needed to continue these declines in teen pregnancies. Captivating educational interventions enhanced by infant simulators, such as “Baby Think it Over” (BTIO), can discourage teen pregnancy. The purpose of this research was to evaluate a BTIO intervention to determine the effectiveness of the program in changing 236 high school students’ perceptions of the costs of teen parenting. From a comparison of pre-test/two post-test measures, it appears the participants recognized that teen parenting would be costly in terms of increased difficulty in making responsible decisions as well as the challenges of juggling school with parenting. They also recognized other costs including negative impacts on relationships, on feelings of personal worth, and the likelihood of diminished achievements in the future.
Feb 2014 DOI 10.14302/issn.2374-9431.jbd-13-312
Objective: This study assessed the baseline knowledge, perceptions, attitudes and behaviors of prediabetes patients in order to tailor a new technology-enhanced primary care-based lifestyle modification intervention. Methods: Patients with a diagnosis of prediabetes were enrolled in a randomized, controlled pilot study, Avoiding Diabetes Thru Action Plan Targeting (ADAPT), a technology-based intervention to promote action plan discussions around patient-selected behavior change goals. Results: A total of 54 adults (82% female) were enrolled in the pilot study. Most (89%) had comorbid conditions and mean BMI was 36. Participants exhibited significant levels of diabetes risk knowledge and diabetes risk perception, as well as high levels of willingness to make changes to decrease diabetes risk. Number of daily steps was inversely correlated with perceived physical activity (r=-0.35082, p<0.001). Poorer scores on diet quality were inversely correlated with BMI. Conclusion: Participants in this sample demonstrated requisite levels of knowledge, self-efficacy, motivation and risk perception for effective behavior change. These data suggest that primary care-based prediabetes interventions can move beyond educational goals and focus on enhancing patients’ ability to select, plan and enact action plans.