Search Results (8,633)

Utah typically experiences 18 days with high fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) levels exceeding the National Ambient Air Quality Standards per year. In August of 2022, Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall convened an Indoor Air Quality Summit, during which experts in healthcare, industrial hygiene, and atmospheric science, among others, expressed the need to prioritize indoor air quality interventions more within the state. We conducted a furnace filter exchange pilot project that involved 11 families in Salt Lake City’s Westside. These families completed a survey regarding air quality-related concerns while researchers took air quality measurements—both inside and outside the residence. The goals of this pilot study were to gather data about the participants’ indoor and outdoor air quality perceptions, how frequently they changed their home air filters, and any barriers they experienced. In addition, this study developed a proof of concept demonstrating collecting preliminary indoor and outdoor air quality data and furnace filter deposition information alongside the survey. The survey results were limited by a small sample size (11 participants); however, among those sampled we found that residents are acutely concerned about outdoor air quality but are less worried about indoor air quality. We measured substantially lower indoor PM_2.5 levels compared to ambient air and found a wide range of filter replacement times from those less than a month to over two years. Our research team learned not only about indoor air quality conditions and resident perceptions, but also about the needs of community members including access to filters, health education, and the need to allow more time to build trust between researchers and residents. Full article

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) and psychological stress remain major occupational health challenges among teaching professionals in adult education, yet their interconnected causes are often underexplored. This narrative review aims to identify multifactorial risk factors that contribute to these conditions and to propose a comprehensive framework that enhances understanding of teaching professionals’ well-being. A systematic synthesis of recent epidemiological and occupational health studies was conducted to analyse both immediate and underlying determinants across human, workplace, organisational, and socioeconomic dimensions. The findings reveal that more than two-thirds of teaching professionals experience WMSDs, particularly in the neck and lower back, while psychological stress affects over seventy percent globally. The combined effects of poor ergonomics, prolonged static postures, excessive workload, and limited organisational support contribute significantly to both physical and psychological strain. Broader contextual influences such as job insecurity, insufficient institutional resources, and societal undervaluation further intensify these risks. The review identifies a reciprocal relationship between physical discomfort and psychological distress, where each condition amplifies the other through behavioural and physiological mechanisms. The proposed integrative framework establishes a foundation for targeted interventions and evidence-based policy, promoting a shift toward holistic, system-oriented approaches to occupational health for teaching professionals in professional education settings. Full article

Currently, an active debate is underway among the academic community, urban planners, and policymakers regarding optimal models of urban development, given that the majority of the population now resides in cities. One concept under discussion is the 15 min city, which posits that all urban residents should be able to reach key, frequently used services within a 15 min walk or cycle. Although the literature suggests numerous potential benefits, debate persists about whether such cities would be optimal from the standpoint of sustainable development objectives and residents’ quality of life. The ongoing discussion also concerns the extent to which existing cities are capable of aligning with this concept. This is directly linked to the actual spatial distribution of individual services within the city. The literature indicates a research gap arising from a shortage of robust case studies that would enable a credible assessment of the practical implementation of this idea across diverse cities, countries, and regions. This issue pertains to Poland as well as to other countries. A desirable future scenario would involve comprehensive mapping of all cities, with respect to both the spatial distribution of specific services and related domains such as the quality and coherence of linear infrastructure. This article presents an analysis of the spatial accessibility of basic urban services in the context of implementing the 15 min city concept, using the city of Koszalin (Poland) as a case study. This city was selected due to its representative character as a medium-sized urban centre, both in terms of population and area, as well as its subregional functions within Poland’s settlement structure. Koszalin also exhibits a typical spatial and functional layout characteristic of many Polish cities. In light of growing challenges related to urbanisation, climate change, and the need to promote sustainable mobility, this study focuses on evaluating access to services such as education, healthcare, retail, public transport, and green spaces. The use of Geographic Information System (GIS) tools enabled the identification of spatial variations in service accessibility across the city. The results indicate that only 11% of Koszalin’s area fully meets the assumptions of the 15 min city concept, providing pedestrians with convenient access to all key services. At the same time, 92% of the city’s area offers access to at least one essential service within a 15 min walk. Excluding forested areas not intended for development increases these values to 14% and 100%, respectively. This highlights the extent to which methodological choices in assessing pedestrian accessibility can shape analytical outcomes and the interpretations drawn from them. Moreover, given this article’s objective and the adopted analytical procedure, the assumed pedestrian walking speed is the key parameter. Accordingly, a sensitivity analysis was conducted, comparing the reference scenario (4 km/h) with alternative variants (3 and 5 km/h). This approach demonstrates the extent to which a change in a single parameter affects estimates of urban-area coverage by access to individual services reachable on foot within 15 min. The analysis reveals limited integration of urban functions at the local scale, highlighting areas in need of planning intervention. This article proposes directions for action to improve pedestrian accessibility within the city. Full article

Providing equitable, high-quality education to all children, including those with intellectual disabilities (ID), remains a critical global challenge. Traditional learning environments often fail to address the unique cognitive needs of children with mild and moderate ID. In response, this study explores the potential of tablet-based game applications to enhance educational outcomes through an interactive, engaging, and accessible digital platform. The proposed solution, GrowMore, is a tablet-based educational game specifically designed for children aged 8 to 12 with mild intellectual disabilities. The application integrates adaptive learning strategies, vibrant visuals, and interactive feedback mechanisms to foster improvements in object recognition, color identification, and counting skills. Additionally, the system supports cognitive rehabilitation by enhancing attention, working memory, and problem-solving abilities, which caregivers reported transferring to daily functional tasks. The system’s usability was rigorously evaluated using quality standards, focusing on effectiveness, efficiency, and user satisfaction. Experimental results demonstrate that approximately 88% of participants were able to correctly identify learning elements after engaging with the application, with notable improvements in attention span and learning retention. Informal interviews with parents further validated the positive cognitive, behavioral, and rehabilitative impact of the application. These findings underscore the value of digital game-based learning tools in special education and highlight the need for continued development of inclusive educational technologies. Full article

Theory of planned behavior (TPB) constructs and shopping routines are strong predictors of food waste behavior, while socio-demographic factors show mixed and weaker associations. We analyzed survey data from a nationally representative sample of 1066 U.S. households, measuring self-reported food waste frequency across meals, food types, and disposal methods. We applied k-medoid clustering on 19 TPB constructs and 25 shopping characteristics to identify three distinct consumer segments. “Structured Planners” (Cluster 1) showed the most deliberate shopping habits and strongest engagement in food waste reduction. “Flexible Planners” (Cluster 2) shared similar waste outcomes but approached shopping with greater spontaneity, while “Younger Wasters” (Cluster 3) were younger, lower-income, and less educated, with casual shopping habits, lower ratings of TPB constructs, and the highest food waste frequency overall. These distinct behavioral profiles enable policymakers to directly identify and target specific demographic segments for tailored food waste interventions. Particularly, “Younger Wasters” reported a significantly higher food waste frequency at 6.7 times per week, while “Structured Planners” and “Flexible Planners” were statistically similar at approximately 4.6 and 4.4 times per week. Dinner is the meal resulting in the most food waste across all groups, and “Younger Wasters” reported the highest frequency of waste in protein, oil, and grain. Post-clustering ANOVA analysis tested the predictive power of TPB, shopping characteristics, and cluster membership on food waste frequency. Results show that “Younger Wasters”, along with variables like attitude, store shopping frequency, and shopping behavior, are significantly positively associated with food waste frequency. This study demonstrates the potential of clustering analysis in exploring food waste determinants and suggests using clustered indices as proxies for respondents’ overall traits. Full article

Background/Objectives: Although screening for scoliosis is common among adolescents, little is known about its subtypes and their correlations in young adults. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and classification of scoliosis (functional vs. structural) among female university students in Saudi Arabia and to examine associated factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 263 female students at Taibah University. Screening was performed using Adam’s forward bending test and a scoliometer. Data on age, body mass index, academic year, hand dominance, habitual sitting posture, backpack carriage method, leg-length discrepancy, painful conditions, and family history of scoliosis were collected. The association between scoliosis subtypes and contributing factors was analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and Spearman’s correlation. Results: Scoliosis was identified in 94 students (prevalence, 35.7%). Of these, 26.2% had functional scoliosis, whereas 9.5% had structural scoliosis. Functional scoliosis was significantly associated with sitting posture, leg-length discrepancy, and age (p < 0.05), whereas structural scoliosis was associated with family history, habitual sitting posture, and painful conditions (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The high prevalence and differing profiles of scoliosis subtypes underscore the need for routine postural screening in universities. Early identification and ergonomic education may help in selecting appropriate targeted interventions for individuals with functional or structural scoliosis. Full article

Objectives: Latinx Americans represent the largest ethnic minority group (nearly 19% of the U.S. population). Their behavioral health has received increasing attention as they exhibit elevated prevalence rates of anxiety (ANX), depression (DEP), and substance use disorders (SUDs). The National Latino and Asian American Study (NLAAS) is the first national population-based mental health study of Latinx Americans and is the most comprehensive resource for understanding their behavioral health. This systematic review aims to synthesize peer-reviewed publications using the NLAAS dataset to identify psychosocial determinants of the three key outcomes. Method: We followed PRISMA to search for English peer-reviewed articles published in EBSCO, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and PubMed. Inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) Latinx in the NLAAS database; (2) ANX, DEP, or SUD; (3) risk or protective factors; and (4) peer-reviewed publications in English. Search terms such as Latino, Latina, anxiety, depressive symptoms, substance abuse, and NLAAS were used to search for relevant articles. Two authors screened the articles independently and extracted data from each study. Results: Thirty-two studies published between 2007 and 2024 were included in our final review. Among them, 12 studies investigated ANX, and 17 studies examined DEP and SUD, respectively. Sixteen studies assessed protective factors. Thirteen articles assessed multiple key outcomes. All risk factors were grouped into three categories: Trauma and negative relationships (e.g., childhood maltreatment, negative family relationship, traumatic life experience), acculturation- and immigration-related factors (e.g., nativity, acculturation experience, English proficiency, discrimination), and sociodemographic and social participation factors (e.g., gender, education, income level). Protective factors such as family cohesion, religious activity, gender, and education were also identified. Conclusion: This first systematic review provided comprehensive NLAAS findings on multifaceted cultural, social, and intrapersonal factors that were either negatively or positively associated with three behavioral health outcomes within the U.S. Latinx population. Potential mechanisms by which risk and protective factors influence their mental health, as well as limitations of this review, were discussed. Findings of this review can inform culturally responsive prevention strategies and interventions to reduce behavioral health disparities and to improve mental health outcomes among Latinx Americans. Full article

Background/Objectives: Ear, nose, and throat (ENT) presentations are common across the UK healthcare system and are often managed initially by junior doctors on call. Short, structured teaching interventions (e.g., boot camps and simulation workshops) have been introduced to improve confidence and preparedness. This review evaluated evidence published since 2015 on such ENT teaching interventions for junior doctors, examining effectiveness, study design, and outcome measures. Methods: Five databases were searched (January 2015–July 2025). Eligible studies assessed ENT-specific courses for junior doctors and reported outcomes on confidence, preparedness, knowledge, or performance. Study quality was appraised using the Medical Education Research Study Instrument (MERSQI). Owing to heterogeneity, findings were narratively synthesised in line with Synthesis Without Meta-analysis (SWiM) guidance. Results: Eleven studies (n = 591) met inclusion criteria: nine single-group pre–post studies, one two-group comparative study, and one randomised controlled trial (RCT). Most studies reported increased confidence after the interventions, while three also showed gains in knowledge. A minority reported improvement using blinded performance assessments. Overall methodological quality assessed using MERSQI scores was moderate (mean 10.0/18). Limitations included reliance on self-reported outcomes, limited use of control groups, and generally short follow-up periods. Conclusions: Short, structured ENT courses for junior doctors are associated with immediate improvements in confidence and knowledge, with some evidence of objective performance gains. However, the predominance of single-arm designs and brief follow-up limits causal inference and conclusions regarding retention, workplace behaviour, and patient outcomes. More robust comparative studies with blinded assessment and longitudinal follow-up are needed to determine sustained impact. Full article

Teachers’ motivation and behavioral intentions are pivotal to implementing educational innovations effectively. Understanding these processes requires theoretical frameworks that capture both deliberate decision-making and underlying motivational forces. The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and Self-Determination Theory (SDT) have each contributed valuable insights, yet both face limitations when used independently. Integrating TPB and SDT may provide a more comprehensive account of how self-determined motivation shapes attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control—the proximal predictors of intention proposed by TPB. This scoping review, conducted following the PRISMA-ScR framework, examines how TPB–SDT integration has been applied to study teachers’ behavioral intentions. A search across five databases—EBSCO, Scopus, Web of Science, ERIC, and CNKI—identified 1384 records, of which nine studies met the inclusion criteria. Most studies employed quantitative approaches, particularly structural equation modeling, while longitudinal, mixed-methods, and intervention-based designs were rare. Cross-cultural comparisons were lacking, and in-service teachers were studied more often than pre-service teachers. Findings reveal a limited but expanding body of research on TPB-SDT integration in education, with attitudes and autonomy emerging as the most consistent predictors of teachers’ intentions. This review highlights theoretical potential, methodological gaps, and directions for advancing research on teacher motivation. Full article

In the Mediterranean Basin, increasing water scarcity, exacerbated by climate change, necessitates the use of alternative water resources in agriculture. This study analyses farmers’ propensity to use reclaimed wastewater for irrigation in Basilicata, a region in southern Italy. Through a survey of 167 farms and the application of a logit model, this work quantifies the role of the main factors influencing farmers’ propensity to use this new resource. The results identify several key drivers and barriers. A higher level of education and participation in Producers’ Organisations make wastewater use approximately ten times (odds ratio equal to 9.84) and five times (odds ratio equal 4.96) more likely, respectively. Furthermore, an adequate knowledge of the relevant legislation nearly quadruples (odds ratio equal to 3.57) the likelihood of adoption. In contrast, concerns related to worker health and groundwater pollution are strong deterrents, reducing the odds of adoption by 90% and 87%, respectively. Concerns about product quality also significantly decrease the propensity to adopt (odds ratio equal to 0.25). The findings underscore the need for integrated interventions that enhance farmers’ awareness and knowledge of the characteristics and impacts of new practices, thereby fostering the innovative and sustainable management of water resources. Full article

Women with disabilities often face unique barriers to accessing healthcare, potentially increasing their vulnerability and reducing engagement with vital health services, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing. This study assessed the prevalence and associated factors of HIV-testing among women with disabilities in Ghana. Cross-sectional data from the 2017–2018 Ghana Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey, encompassing 819 women with disabilities, were analysed both descriptively and inferentially. The overall prevalence of HIV testing was 48.0% (95%CI = 44.6–51.4). Educational attainment, marital status, and geographical region were key determinants of HIV testing uptake. Women possessing a Senior High School or Tertiary level education demonstrated higher odds of HIV testing compared to those with no formal education. Women residing in Greater Accra, Volta, Brong Ahafo, and Upper West regions were more likely to have undergone HIV testing than those in the Western Region. Never-married women exhibited lower odds of HIV testing uptake than their married counterparts. No statistically significant association was found between various disability types and HIV testing uptake. Less than half of women with disabilities in Ghana had ever tested for HIV, highlighting a substantial unmet need and underscoring the urgent need for targeted interventions, including enhanced, region-specific educational and health promotion initiatives, and tailored support for never-married women with disabilities. Full article

Background/Objectives: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States (U.S.). Virginia, South Carolina, and North Carolina are among the U.S. states with extraordinarily high rates of lung cancer mortality, particularly among Black residents. The current lung cancer screening guidelines, revised in 2021, support screening for younger, non-Medicare age-eligible individuals who smoke. However, their health insurance, if any, may not cover their screening. This lack of access could create more disparities in lung cancer mortality rates. Methods: To address this concern, the Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Medical University of South Carolina Hollings Cancer Center, and the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center secured a four-year Stand Up To Cancer^® (SU2C) grant titled “Southeastern Consortium for Lung Cancer Screening (SC3) Study” with a novel aim to test the effectiveness of a multimodal, multilevel, barrier-focused patient navigation intervention to promote lung cancer screening among Black patients from federally qualified health centers. Results: A total of 170/675 Black participants have been recruited to date. The majority of participants (n = 134; 78.82%) were aged 55–74 years. Most participants were unmarried (n = 100; 58.82%), more than half had a high school education/GED or less (n = 111; 65.29%), most currently smoked (n = 142; 83.53%), and more males than females participated (n = 107; 62.94% male). Their reported lung cancer screening barriers, addressed by the patient navigators, were cost concerns, insurance coverage issues, and recent medical history precluding screening. Conclusions with Relevance to Cancer Health Equity: This SC3 study includes a unique lung cancer screening cohort that is in direct contrast to the predominantly White cohort in the National Lung Screening Trial. The SU2C study has created a novel, community-engaged approach to lung cancer screening navigation that could become the gold standard in high-risk medically underserved populations. Full article

Background: Dietary fiber plays a crucial role in body weight regulation and metabolic health. Despite benefits, fiber intake remains suboptimal. This study investigated the relationship between dietary fiber intake, BMI, and fiber sources among young Austrian adults in higher education. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a validated screening tool (18-item FiberScreen) to assess total daily fiber intake. Self-reported anthropometric data were used to calculate BMI, and participants were categorized into normal-weight and overweight groups. Differences in fiber intake and sources were analyzed by sex and BMI category. Correlations between fiber intake, BMI, and food group contributions were assessed. Results: The mean daily fiber intake among participants (n = 813) was 15.72 g/day. Overweight individuals consumed significantly less total fiber (13.18 ± 0.44 g/day) compared with those of normal weight (16.09 ± 0.22 g/day). Normal-weight participants obtained fiber mainly from fruits, vegetables, and legumes, while the overweight group relied more on potatoes and white bread. Fiber intake was also negatively correlated with BMI (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Low fiber intake is widespread among young adults and associated with higher BMI. The findings suggest that not only the quantity but also the quality of fiber sources play a role in weight status. Interventions aimed at improving dietary fiber intake through targeted education and healthier food environments would be a good strategy to support better health outcomes in young adults. Full article

Background/Objectives: This narrative review examines how developmentally appropriate safety and health education interventions in early childhood settings impact the incidence and severity of pediatric conditions requiring neurosurgical intervention, and which educational approaches most effectively promote neurological health and injury prevention among preschool-aged children. Methods: This narrative review employed a systematic literature search across medical and educational databases (ERIC, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Education Source, and specialized neurosurgical sources) to identify relevant studies from 2000 to 2025. Results: Structured, play-based safety education in early childhood settings significantly reduces traumatic brain injury incidence. Programs integrating parent–educator partnerships have shown greater effectiveness in establishing protective behaviors than classroom-only approaches. Culturally responsive interventions have demonstrated specific success in high-risk communities, reducing complications from untreated hydrocephalus resulting from infections. Early childhood education can significantly impact recognition of neurological warning signs. Conclusions: Early, developmentally appropriate health education establishes protective behaviors that reduce pediatric neurosurgical cases. Implementation should prioritize experiential safety learning, recognition of neurological warning signs, and strong family–educator partnerships. Findings support integrating neurosurgical prevention strategies within early childhood curricula and developing interdisciplinary approaches connecting medical specialists with early childhood educators to reduce traumatic brain injuries, acquired hydrocephalus, and neural tube defects. Full article

This pilot study analyzes the level of development of personal and social competencies linked to Effective Personality in Early Childhood Education pre-service teachers, to provide evidence for the construction of an inclusive teaching profile. Using a quantitative, descriptive, and cross-sectional design, the Effective Personality Questionnaire in the University Context (PECED) questionnaire was administered to 107 teacher candidates at a university in southern Chile. The results show a positive profile in dimensions such as academic self-actualization and problem-solving self-efficacy, along with moderate levels of social self-actualization and aspects of self-esteem. Differences were identified according to age, but not according to cohort. Moreover, a significant correlation was found between self-esteem and problem-solving self-efficacy. The main contribution of this study lies in the application of the PECED instrument in a still largely unexplored educational context, revealing the need for intentional pedagogical interventions for pre-service teachers’ social–emotional development. The findings support the redesign of Early Childhood teacher education curriculum proposals with an inclusive approach and suggest extending the research to other academic programs and regions, validating the usefulness of the Effective Personality construct as a diagnostic and training tool in initial teacher education. Full article