Search Results (806)

Self-medication is increasingly prevalent among healthcare students, raising concerns about the adequacy of current medical education in promoting safe medication practices. This study aimed to assess the frequency, motivations, and perceptions of self-medication among medical and pharmacy students and to identify educational gaps. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a structured, anonymous questionnaire distributed to medical and pharmacy students at a single academic institution. The questionnaire assessed self-medication frequency, substances used, motivations, perceived risks, confidence in knowledge, sources of information, and attitudes toward curriculum improvements. Over 50% of participants reported practicing self-medication at least once a month. The most commonly used substances were analgesics and dietary supplements. Main motivations included recognition of symptoms, confidence in personal knowledge, and avoidance of waiting times. Despite receiving university instruction on self-medication risks, students continued to self-medicate, with many relying on the internet as a primary source of information. Only 8% felt very confident in counseling patients on self-medication. A majority (over 70%) expressed a strong interest in integrating dedicated educational modules into the curriculum. There is a clear need for improved, practice-oriented education on self-medication. Future interventions should focus on interdisciplinary teaching, digital literacy, and simulation-based training to foster safer medication practices. Full article

This qualitative action research case study explored how a blended literacy learning intervention combining the flipped classroom model with youth-selected multimodal texts influenced sixth-grade Academic Intervention Services (AIS) students’ comprehension of figurative language. The study was conducted over four months in a New York State middle school and involved seven students identified as at-risk readers. Initially, students engaged with teacher-created instructional videos outside of class and completed analytical activities during class time. However, due to low engagement and limited comprehension gains, the intervention was revised to incorporate student autonomy through the selection of multimodal texts such as graphic novels, song lyrics, and YouTube videos. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews, journal entries, surveys, and classroom artifacts, and then analyzed using inductive coding and member checking. Findings indicate that students demonstrated increased the comprehension of figurative language when given choice in both texts and instructional videos. Participants reported increased motivation, deeper engagement, and enhanced meaning-making, particularly when reading texts that reflected their personal interests and experiences. The study concludes that a blended literacy model emphasizing autonomy and multimodality can support comprehension and bridge the gap between in-school and out-of-school literacy practices. Full article

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries and workforce demands globally. To ensure that individuals are prepared for an increasingly AI-driven world, it is crucial to develop robust AI literacy and address persistent gender biases in STEM fields. This paper presents a comparative study of AI literacy and gender bias among 192 participants from the United Kingdom and Indonesia. Using a survey-based approach, the study examines participants’ familiarity with AI concepts, confidence in utilizing AI tools, and engagement in ethical discussions related to AI. The findings reveal that while overall AI literacy levels are similar across both countries, UK respondents demonstrate significantly higher familiarity with programming and AI technologies, likely reflecting differences in educational frameworks and digital infrastructure. Moreover, despite widespread use of AI, discussions on its ethical implications remain limited in both countries. The study also highlights persistent gender biases that affect women’s participation and progression in AI and STEM fields; differences in perceptions of gender bias in recruitment, leadership promotion, and support for women suggest that, although progress is being made, significant barriers still exist. The study uncovers nuanced cultural variations in the perception of gender bias: UK participants exhibit greater confidence in gender inclusivity within recruitment and leadership roles, whereas Indonesian respondents report a higher prevalence of targeted initiatives to support women in technology. Overall, this research deepens our understanding of how AI literacy varies across diverse cultural and technological landscapes and offers valuable strategic guidance for tailoring interventions to overcome specific barriers, ultimately supporting innovative developments for women in STEM and women in AI in particular. Full article

This cross-sectional study assessed the prevalence of food insecurity and food literacy and examined food intake among low-income Saudi families. It provides valuable insights into the association between food literacy, food insecurity, and food intake, contributing to a better understanding of the food-related challenges faced by vulnerable families. Conducted in June 2024, this study involved 483 low-income adults in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected through an online questionnaire distributed via charitable organizations. Overall, 35% of the participants experienced severe food insecurity, while 91.5% demonstrated adequate food literacy. No significant association was found between food literacy and food insecurity levels (p = 0.586). However, severe levels of food insecurity were significantly associated with reduced intake of fruits, vegetables, dairy products, meat, bread and cereals, sugar-sweetened beverages, potato crisps or salty snacks, sweets, and fast food (p < 0.001). Additionally, a significant difference was observed in the consumption of potato crisps or salty snacks, with individuals exhibiting adequate food literacy consuming slightly more than those with poor food literacy (0.25 ± 0.28 vs. 0.21 ± 0.30, p = 0.04). These findings highlight the need for interventions that not only build food knowledge but also address affordability, access, and cultural food norms among low-income Saudi families. Full article

During the last decade, artificial intelligence (AI) has enabled key technological innovations within the modern dementia and frailty healthcare and prevention landscape. This has boosted the impact of technology in the clinical setting, enabling earlier diagnosis with improved specificity and sensitivity, leading to accurate and time-efficient support that has driven the development of preventative interventions minimizing the risk and rate of progression. Background/Objectives: The rapid ageing of the European population places a substantial strain on the current healthcare system and imposes several challenges. COMFORTage is the joint effort of medical experts (i.e., neurologists, psychiatrists, neuropsychologists, nurses, and memory clinics), social scientists and humanists, technical experts (i.e., data scientists, AI experts, and robotic experts), digital innovation hubs (DIHs), and living labs (LLs) to establish a pan-European framework for community-based, integrated, and people-centric prevention, monitoring, and progression-managing solutions for dementia and frailty. Its main goal is to introduce an integrated and digitally enabled framework that will facilitate the provision of personalized and integrated care prevention and intervention strategies on dementia and frailty, by piloting novel technologies and producing quantified evidence on the impact to individuals’ wellbeing and quality of life. Methods: A robust and comprehensive design approach adopted through this framework provides the guidelines, tools, and methodologies necessary to empower stakeholders by enhancing their health and digital literacy. The integration of the initial information from 13 pilots across 8 European countries demonstrates the scalability and adaptability of this approach across diverse healthcare systems. Through a systematic analysis, it aims to streamline healthcare processes, reduce health inequalities in modern communities, and foster healthy and active ageing by leveraging evidence-based insights and real-world implementations across multiple regions. Results: Emerging technologies are integrated with societal and clinical innovations, as well as with advanced and evidence-based care models, toward the introduction of a comprehensive global coordination framework that: (a) improves individuals’ adherence to risk mitigation and prevention strategies; (b) delivers targeted and personalized recommendations; (c) supports societal, lifestyle, and behavioral changes; (d) empowers individuals toward their health and digital literacy; and (e) fosters inclusiveness and promotes equality of access to health and care services. Conclusions: The proposed framework is designed to enable earlier diagnosis and improved prognosis coupled with personalized prevention interventions. It capitalizes on the integration of technical, clinical, and social innovations and is deployed in 13 real-world pilots to empirically assess its potential impact, ensuring robust validation across diverse healthcare settings. Full article

This scoping review examines the affective–psychological and social characteristics of undergraduate engineering students in South Korea, identifying key research trends, thematic focuses, and gaps in the literature. A total of 95 peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2024 were analyzed based on publication year, journal outlet, research topics, and related variables. The literature search was conducted using major databases, including RISS, KCI, and DBpia. The findings highlight self-efficacy—particularly domain-specific self-efficacy—as a core construct linked to academic achievement, persistence, and career development. Social competencies such as communication, teamwork, and convergence ability are also emphasized; however, limited attention has been paid to emotional resilience, burnout, and ethical responsibility. Despite their growing importance in the artificial intelligence-driven era, gender differences, digital literacy, and global competencies remain underexplored. These findings underscore the need for learner-centered, evidence-based instructional strategies, as well as more longitudinal, comparative, and intervention-focused studies. This review offers foundational insights for designing inclusive, future-oriented educational programs tailored to the diverse needs of South Korean undergraduate engineering students. Full article

Background: As part of the research project ‘Seigungo–Gungo’s Health, Education, and Maternal and Child Quality of Life: An Action-Research Project’, a study was conducted in the Gungo community in Angola, a region facing significant challenges in terms of access to healthcare and health literacy. The primary aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention training model designed to improve the health literacy of the participants. Methods: The sample consisted of 30 trainees, 60% of whom were male, with an average age of 45.6 years. Most participants were single (53.3%) and had completed 6 years of formal education (26.7%). Health literacy levels were assessed using the HLS-EU-PT-Q16, a short 16-item questionnaire designed to assess three key domains: healthcare, disease prevention, and health promotion. These domains are related to the focus of the training programme. Data collection took place throughout the year 2024. Results: According to the data obtained, prior to attending the training program, 60% of the participants demonstrated an inadequate level of health literacy. Following the intervention, this percentage dropped significantly to 20%. In contrast, the proportion of participants with sufficient to excellent health literacy rose from 16.7% to approximately 40%. The results indicate that the training program had a positive and statistically significant impact on improving health literacy in the Gungo community. Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of targeted training and sustained intervention efforts to address the specific health education needs currently affecting this community. Full article

Background: Telepsychiatry expanded rapidly during the COVID-19 pandemic, yet patient experience data from mixed urban and rural areas in Saudi Arabia remain scarce. Objective: We aimed to quantify the perception of telepsychiatry among adults with major depressive disorder [MDD] in Madinah City, the KSA, and to identify associated demographic and clinical factors. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted at Madinah Mental Health Hospital between December 2024 and March 2025. Eligible participants were Arabic-speaking adults [≥18 years] with a clinician-confirmed diagnosis of major depressive disorder [MDD] according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition [DSM-5], following a scheduled video- or audio-based telepsychiatry consultation. Perception of telepsychiatry was assessed using the validated 10-item Arabic version of the Telehealth Satisfaction Scale [TeSS], which evaluates audiovisual quality, communication, and support. Variables associated with perception at p < 0.20 in the bivariable analyses were entered into a multiple linear regression model to identify independent predictors. Results: Of the 218 eligible patients, 207 participated [response rate = 95%], with similarly high participation rates being reported in comparable telepsychiatry surveys [e.g., 90–91%]. The majority were male [59%], with a mean [SD] age of 38.4 [11.2] years. The mean satisfaction score was 32.3 ± 6.3, and 36% of participants were classified as highly satisfied. In the multivariable analysis, higher satisfaction was independently associated with male gender [B = 3.0, 95% CI: 1.3–4.7], intermediate versus elementary education [B = 4.3, 95% CI: 1.1–7.6], and the presence of a chronic illness [B = 2.1, 95% CI: 0.3–3.8]. Conclusions: Telepsychiatry is generally well-accepted among adults with depression in Madinah. However, women and individuals with lower educational attainment report lower satisfaction. Targeted interventions such as improving privacy, offering digital literacy support, and tailoring communication may help improve the telepsychiatry experience for underserved groups. Full article

Background/Objectives: Adolescence is a critical period for identity development and self-perception, increasingly shaped by digital media. This study aimed to examine how gender, body mass index (BMI), and Internet use influence body esteem and global self-esteem among adolescents aged 15–18 years old, with particular focus on the psychological impact of digital exposure. Methods: A three-wave online study was conducted using the Computer-Assisted Web Interview (CAWI) technique. The final sample consisted of 500 Polish adolescents (251 girls, 249 boys). Participants completed the Body Esteem Scale (BES) and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (SES) at three time points. The study explored gender differences, the role of BMI, and the impact of time spent online. Results: Girls reported significantly lower BES and SES scores than boys (p < 0.001), despite no significant gender differences in BMI. Time spent online was negatively associated with both body esteem and self-esteem (p < 0.01), with the most pronounced effects among girls using the Internet for more than 4 h daily. Regression analyses identified gender and Internet use as significant predictors of self-perception, while BMI did not. Conclusions: Digital media use, particularly prolonged exposure, appears to be a stronger predictor of adolescent self-perception than objective body measures such as BMI. Girls are especially vulnerable to its adverse effects on both body esteem and global self-esteem. These findings underscore the need for gender-sensitive interventions focused on media literacy, emotional resilience, and healthy digital habits among adolescents. Full article

Background/Objectives: In Angola, malnutrition contributes each year to the deaths of an estimated 42,000 to 76,000 children under the age of 5. Addressing this issue must stand as a priority and requires providing local residents with access not only to nutritious food but also to adequate and accurate information in order to facilitate informed dietary choices. As part of the “Seigungo—Health, Education and Quality of Maternal and Child Life in Gungo project”, a nutrition-focused study was conducted in Gungo, Angola to evaluate the effectiveness of a training model designed to enhance food literacy among residents. Methods: Data were collected using a 14-item questionnaire developed to assess various key domains of food literacy: information seeking and access; comprehension and thematic knowledge; critical evaluation of information and behaviour; practical application and sound decision-making. Results: Thirty trainees took part in the study, of which 60% were men, with a mean age of 45.6 years. The majority were single (53.3%) and had completed six years of formal education (26.7%). Before attending the training program, 86.7% of the participants demonstrated inadequate or problematic food literacy. Following the intervention, the proportion of participants with adequate food literacy increased significantly from 13.3% to 73.3% (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The training program had a statistically significant impact on improving food literacy. Full article

Background: Adherence of renal patients to a prescribed therapeutic regimen is crucial for the success of haemodialysis and the decreased mortality rates of patients; however, 60% are non-adherent to dialysis, fluid, and dietary allowances. To identify promising interventions aimed at improving treatment adherence, this review aimed to collate research evidence on the prevalence of non-adherence to treatment (fluid, diet, and routine haemodialysis) and to synthesise the factors contributing to non-adherence in long-term haemodialysis patients. Methods: An integrative review was conducted using Whittemore and Knafl’s five-stage framework (2005). ProQuest, CINAHL, PubMed, and Web of Science were searched, using the keywords ‘haemodialysis’ and ‘non-adherence’. The review included peer-reviewed quantitative studies published in English from 1 August 2018 to 30 June 2025, focusing on adults over 18 undergoing haemodialysis. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist was used to assess the quality of the studies. Results: Twenty-nine studies were included, identifying factors across four treatment groups: non-adherence to fluid allowance, dietary allowance, haemodialysis session, and fluid/diet/haemodialysis. These factors were grouped into three themes: social demographics, clinical factors, self-management, and perceptions. Commonly cited factors included age, gender, educational status, health literacy, and perception. Conclusions: This review highlights the complex factors influencing treatment non-adherence, which may vary based on the variables and measurement tools used in each study. Low-level health literacy is the most frequently cited modifiable factor. Therefore, prioritising effective patient education that enhances knowledge and understanding of the importance of adhering to treatment is key to improving compliance in long-term haemodialysis patients. Full article

High blood pressure, or hypertension, remains a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease, contributing significantly to global morbidity and mortality, particularly in Caribbean island nations like Curaçao. This pilot study assessed the impact of a health fair led by Community Health Workers (CHWs) or Promotornan di Salú and organized in collaboration with local faith-based organizations to increase hypertension awareness and promote preventive behaviors. The study utilized a cross-sectional design, and data were gathered from attendees at a health fair held on 29 June 2024, at the Iglesia House of Worship in Willemstad, Curaçao. A structured questionnaire was used to collect demographics, event satisfaction, health behavior intentions, and qualitative feedback data from participants aged 12 years and older. Of the 145 participants, 78.6% rated the event as excellent, 83.4% expressed plans to change their health behaviors, 80.6% intended to share information with family and friends, and 59.7% intended to follow up with a general practitioner (GP)/doctor. These findings highlight the effectiveness of culturally tailored, community-based initiatives to raise hypertension awareness, improve health literacy, and promote preventive health behaviors. The success of this intervention emphasizes the potential of CHW-led health fairs as valuable public health strategies and practical training opportunities for reducing the burden of chronic conditions like hypertension. Full article

Suicide is a leading cause of death among construction workers, particularly younger and lower-skilled employees. Barriers such as stigma, low mental health literacy, and traditional masculine norms hinder help-seeking in this male-dominated sector. Few mental health interventions are tailored to this context. This study developed a co-designed, theory-informed training to improve mental health literacy, reduce stigma, and increase help-seeking among construction workers in Ireland. Using the Medical Research Council’s framework, the training was developed with the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), Behavior Change Techniques, and extensive stakeholder co-design. Two systematic reviews, a broad literature review, and focus groups with industry managers informed the content and structure. The training will be pilot-tested using validated measures: the Literacy of Suicide Scale (LOSS), the Stigma of Suicide Scale (SOSS), and the General Help-Seeking Questionnaire (GHSQ), the results of which will be the subject of a separate study. CAIRDE is a promising, evidence-based training that addresses key mental health barriers in Irish construction. Embedding the TPB within a co-design methodology has resulted in the development of a training program that is underpinned by theoretical fidelity and cultural relevance and provides a framework for other male-dominated industries to draw upon. Future work should address remaining challenges related to stigma and help-seeking, and explore broader implementation through integration into mandatory safety training. Full article

This work draws on the principles of Environmental Education as a framework for designing meaningful teaching interventions that foster a critical understanding of socio-environmental issues. The proposal focuses on the specific case of plastic pollution and its impact on marine ecosystems, adopting an integrative perspective that connects animal, environmental, and human health. To this end, the One Health approach is incorporated, highlighting the close interdependence between the health of ecosystems, animals, and people, which allows the issue to be analyzed from a systemic and global perspective. The intervention is grounded in the principles of Transformative Environmental Education—a pedagogical orientation that seeks to promote deep changes in how students understand their environment and engage with the challenges of today’s world. This approach encourages ethical reflection, critical thinking, and the ability to imagine sustainable futures, as well as the development of competencies for action and civic engagement. The teaching proposal takes the form of a learning experience designed and implemented in three 7th-grade classrooms (1º ESO) in Cádiz, Spain, through a mixed-methods approach with 79 students (12–13 years old), structured around an escape box activity. This is a variation of the escape room format in which students, working in teams, must open a series of boxes by solving a sequence of puzzles. In this case, the escape box is set in a marine context. Through a gamified narrative, students receive a suitcase containing objects, clues, and materials that require the application of scientific knowledge about ocean acidification, biodiversity loss, and types of plastics. Data were collected through field notes, student artifacts, and a final questionnaire. The proposal is designed to foster critical environmental literacy, a holistic vision of environmental challenges, and the capacity to propose collective solutions from a One Health perspective. The results revealed high levels of motivation, engagement with the storyline, and a solid understanding of the link between marine plastic pollution and its effects on animal and human health, aligned with the One Health perspective. Full article

Background/Objectives: Despite global efforts to promote moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) among youth, limited evidence exists regarding adolescents’ knowledge of official physical activity (PA) guidelines. The aim of this study was to assess adolescents’ knowledge of MVPA guidelines and examine its potential association with meeting PA recommendations and levels of sedentary behavior. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2025 with a sample of 1032 adolescents (50.5% boys) from northernmost Brazil. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire and included information on knowledge of PA guidelines, PA levels, sedentary behavior duration, and sociodemographic characteristics. Associations were tested using logistic regression models. Results: Only 11.7% of adolescents accurately identified all components of the PA recommendations. Boys who met PA guidelines were 15.76 times more likely to be aware of the official recommendations (95% CI: 7.14–24.48), while girls had 10.05 times higher odds (95% CI: 4.43–16.67). Adolescents who were less sedentary (<3 h/day) were significantly more likely to know the guidelines, both among boys (OR = 2.00; 95% CI: 1.08–3.70) and girls (OR = 3.13; 95% CI: 1.12–8.33). Conclusions: The low level of awareness regarding official PA guidelines among adolescents is concerning, particularly given the strong association between such knowledge and the adoption of more active and less sedentary behaviors. Public health and educational strategies should prioritize health literacy in school curricula and community-based programs to promote more active lifestyles and reduce sedentary behavior among youth. Future studies should use longitudinal designs to clarify causal links and test practical interventions. Full article