RELATION OF EXAMINATION PERFORMANCE AND CLASS ATTENDANCE OF MBBS STUDENTS IN PHARMACOLOGY - A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

Introduction: Students attendance is considered as an important factor in the academic performance of medical students. Student attendance is an integral part of professional development and, from a regulatory perspective, considered evidence of professionalism.Aim of the undergraduate medical education is to produce competent doctors with adequate medical knowledge, affective attitude for the patients and proper clinical skills for practice Medical education demands high attendance for good understanding and grasps over the subject Aim: To study the relationship between student attendance and their performance in theory examination. Study design: A retrospective study was conducted among Second year MBBS pharmacology students. Student classroom (theory) attendance was compared with their marks secured in the internal assessment conducted by the pharmacology department. Materials and method: The second year MBBS students who attended pharmacology internal assessment were included in the study. The attendance of a total of 145 students was compared with their internal assessment marks. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA. Results: Among 145 students more number of students attendance lied between 61-70 percent.Only 2 of them got more than 90 percent attendance, in this one got below 50 percent marks and6 of them got less than 50 percent in both marks and attendance. Discussion: This study clearly demonstrated that the higher the percentage of attendance lesser is the chance of failure in theory internal assessment (P value is 0.002). It shows attending the theory lectures is significant to perform in the examinations.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women’s prospective acceptability of two biomedical HIV prevention approaches in Sub Saharan Africa: A multisite qualitative analysis using the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability

HIV infection during pregnancy and breastfeeding has implications for maternal health. Between May- November 2018, we explored prospective acceptability of two novel HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) products, oral pills and vaginal rings, through focus group discussions with 65 pregnant and breastfeeding women in Malawi, South Africa, Uganda, Zimbabwe. Qualitative analysis was completed, guided by the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability (TFA). First, a deductive thematic analysis was applied to relevant coded data, into the seven TFA constructs (Affective Attitude; Burden; Ethicality, Intervention Coherence; Opportunity Costs; Perceived Effectiveness; Self-efficacy). Next, an iterative analysis was completed to generate themes within each of the TFA constructs. Women’s positive attitudes towards daily oral PrEP highlighted the familiarity of taking pills, understanding the purpose of taking pills, and the perception that it is an effective method to protect mothers and babies from HIV during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Women emphasized the ease of using the ring given its monthly duration that lowers burden on the user, its discreetness and invisibility once in place. The TFA analysis highlighted how acceptability of both methods could be enhanced by focusing on perceptions of the end users (i.e. the women) and not just the products themselves. This approach provided insights into how to refine the intervention materials and plans for implementation.

Acceptability of mixed reality technology as a delivery mechanism for psychological intervention in adolescents with asthma: a qualitative study using the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability. (Preprint)

BACKGROUND Interactive, mixed-reality technologies such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR) and holographic technology may provide a novel, low-cost solution to fast-track the translation of evidence into practice; and may help overcome barriers to both mental health and asthma management service uptake. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate if mixed reality technology is an acceptable mechanism for the delivery of a component of CBT for the management of symptoms of elevated psychological distress among young people with asthma. METHODS To explore the perceived acceptability of these technologies, mixed reality tools were evaluated via qualitative, one-on-one interviews with young people with asthma and symptoms of psychological distress, parents/caregivers of young people with asthma and symptoms of psychological distress, and relevant health professionals. The Theoretical Framework of Acceptability (TFA) was used for deductive coding of recorded interview transcripts. RESULTS Three young people with asthma and symptoms of psychological distress (2 female, mean age (years) = 14, SD= 1.73), four parents/caregivers of individuals with asthma (1 female, mean age (years) = 55, SD= 14.58) and six health professionals (4 females, mean age = 40.8, SD= 4.32) consented to participate. Four constructs – experienced affective attitude, experienced effectiveness, self-efficacy and intervention coherence – were coded in all participant transcripts. The most frequently coded constructs were experienced affective attitude and intervention coherence; both reported a total of 96 times, while the least frequently coded construct was anticipated opportunity cost; reported a total of 5 times. Participants were mostly positive about the mixed reality resources. However, some concerns were raised regarding ethicality, particularly in relation to privacy, accessibility, and messaging. Participants noted the need for technology to be used in conjunction with face-to-face engagement with health professionals, and that some patients would respond to this type of delivery mechanism better than others. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that mixed reality technology for the purposes of delivery of psychological intervention may be an acceptable addition to current healthcare practices for young people with asthma and symptoms of psychological distress. CLINICALTRIAL The study was prospectively registered with the Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR): ACTRN12620001109998.

Social commerce isn’t the cherry on the cake, its the new cake! How consumers’ attitudes and eWOM influence online purchase intention in China

Purpose In the recent decade, social media popularity and growth have boosted the development of social commerce (SC). This study aims to explore the significant impact of guanxi (关系) elements (ganqing 感情, renqing 人情 and xinren 信任) on online purchase intentions. Furthermore, this study investigated the moderating role of social support between electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) and online purchase intentions. Design/methodology/approach An online survey was conducted on 309 consumers who had online purchasing experience through WeChat, a famous social media application in China. Structural equational modeling was used to test all hypotheses. Findings The results indicate that guanxi elements are positively related to eWOM, affective attitude and online purchase intentions in SC. Additionally, social support has a significant moderating role between eWOM intention and online purchase intention. Practical implications Considering the effects of guanxi elements on eWOM affective attitude and online purchase intention in Chinese SC, online retailers are advised to carefully develop their marketing strategies to retain and attract new consumers. Furthermore, online retailers can use the findings from this study to understand the consequences when online purchase intention is strongly influenced by guanxi elements. Originality/value This research extends the current literature by applying the notion of guanxi components to the sense of SC and relating the notion of guanxi components and consumer decisions. The results show an understanding of the reality by which guanxi elements may affect the intention of eWOM sharing and boost online purchase intention.

Measuring Attitude Towards Chemistry, Biology, and Math at a Hispanic-Serving Institution

This work describes the evaluation of the Attitude toward the Subject of Chemistry Inventory (ASCI), as well as two modifications (one for measuring attitude toward math and one for measuring attitude toward biology), for college students at a Hispanic Serving Institution. Instrument reliability was tested via multiple administrations of the instruments,and confirmatory factor analysis supported a two-factor structure similar to an existing model of a revised version of the ASCI for all three instruments. The similar factor structure of the three instruments, coupled with interviews with students, provide validity evidence for the instruments and support an interpretation that one of the subscales aligns with a cognitive aspect of attitude while the other subscale aligns with an affective aspect. The results of these instruments indicate that students have a more positive attitude towards biology than either chemistry or math, and more positive affective attitude than cognitive attitude for all three subjects, although student attitudes show little change with respect to biology, chemistry, or math during a typical semester. However, major perturbations, such as switching to remote instruction mid-semester, can lead to small but significant increases and decreases in attitude.

Acceptability of a Brief Web-Based Theory-Based Intervention to Prevent and Reduce Self-harm: Mixed Methods Evaluation

Background The volitional help sheet (VHS) for self-harm equips people with a means of responding automatically to triggers for self-harm with coping strategies. Although there is some evidence of its efficacy, improving acceptability and making the intervention available in a web-based format may be crucial to increasing effectiveness and reach. Objective This study aims to use the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability (TFA) to explore the acceptability of the VHS, examine for whom and under what circumstances this intervention is more or less acceptable, and develop a series of recommendations for how the VHS can be used to support people in reducing repeat self-harm. Methods We explored acceptability in two phases. First, our patient and public involvement partners evaluated the original VHS from a lived experience perspective, which was subsequently translated into a web-based format. Second, a representative sample of adults in the United Kingdom who had previously self-harmed were recruited via a YouGov survey (N=514) and were asked to rate the acceptability of the VHS based on the seven constructs of the TFA, namely, affective attitude, burden, perceived effectiveness, ethicality, intervention coherence, opportunity costs, and self-efficacy. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, one-tailed t tests, and binary logistic regression. A directed content analysis approach was used to analyze qualitative data. Results Participants in the web-based survey rated the VHS as positive (affective attitude; t457=4.72; P<.001); were confident using it (self-efficacy; t457=9.54; P<.001); felt they did not have to give up any benefits, profits, or values when using it (opportunity costs; t439=−15.51; P<.001); understood it and how it worked (intervention coherence; t464=11.90; P<.001); and were confident that it would achieve its purpose (perceived effectiveness; t466=2.04; P=.04). The TFA domain burden appeared to be an important indicator of acceptability. Lower levels of perceived burden when using the VHS tool were more prevalent among younger adults aged 18-24 years (OR 3.63, 95% CI 1.50-8.78), people of White ethnic background (OR 3.02, 95% CI 1.06-8.613), and people without a long-term health condition (OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.01-2.30). Perceived modifications to further improve acceptability included improved formatting (burden), the feature to add new situations and responses or amend existing ones (ethicality), and clearer instructions and further detail about the purpose of the VHS (intervention coherence). Conclusions Our findings show high levels of acceptability among some people who have previously self-harmed, particularly among younger adults, people of White ethnic backgrounds, and people without long-term health conditions. Future research should aim to improve acceptability among older adults, people from minority ethnic groups, and people with long-term health conditions.

Environmental Attitude of the Inhabitants of Nijandaris in the Conservation of Natural Resources - Peru

The environmental attitude is a psychological tendency expressed by the evaluative (perceptions or beliefs) response towards the environment and natural resources flora, fauna, water, soil and air are naturally valuable products for development and continuity towards sustainability; relating both concepts in the Nijandaris population is the main objective of this research. Methodology: a probabilistic sampling was carried out at an age of [30 - 60 years] = 50 people respondents, questionnaire of 20 questions each; validated by the Rensis Likert scale 3 levels each, applying the Karl Pearson relationship coefficient and bilateral t-student. Conclusions: The environmental attitude of the inhabitants of Nijandaris is between bad to regular, likewise their conservative attitude towards natural resources ensures that they always do so. The relationship between environmental attitude and conservation turned out to be positive and significant. Regarding their dimensions, the association between affective attitude and conserving flora and fauna obtained r=0.38 positive median t=2.88; the correlation between cognitive attitude and conserving water and soil obtained an r=0.42 positive median t=3.21, and the relationship between conative attitude and conserved air has a considerable positive r=0.62 t=5.47. Therefore, we affirm that there is an environmental attitudinal concern towards the conservation of the natural resources of the adult population [30-60 years] in the Nijandaris Populated Center.

Determinants of Organ Donation Registration Among University Students in Hong Kong

The present study explored the determinants of registration to facilitate the promotion of posthumous organ donation based on the theory of reasoned actions. A total of 211 university students participated in the study. Logistic regression, multiple regressions, and path analysis were conducted. The logistic regression model correctly predicted nearly 80% of registration status, and a good fit model of registration for posthumous organ donation (MRPOD) was proposed. Findings suggested that affective attitude, subjective norm of family, self-rated knowledge, distance from death, and age were predictors of registration. Worries about organ removal and postmortem mutilation anxiety were also mediated through bodily integrity, which had an indirect effect on the registration through affective attitude. Policymakers are suggested to address the negative emotions associated with challenges towards bodily integrity, encourage parents to initiate discussions with children, instill correct knowledge of brain death, and intervene the bystander effect on organ donation.

Self-Escapism Motivation: A Determinant of E-Cart Use and Abandonment

E-shopping engagement has become a significant user activity in cyberspace. Prior scholarship has found self-escapism a crucial user motivation to engage in e-shopping. The current research identifies dimensions of self-escapism motivation to engage in e-shopping and their influence on shoppers’ attitude, e-cart use, and abandonment. Data were collected from 305 shoppers in Pakistan via an offline survey. Results reveal self-suppression and self-expansion as dimensions of shoppers’ self-escapism motivation to engage in e-shopping. These dimensions of self-escapism motivation determine shoppers’ positive affective attitude towards e-shopping. Nonetheless, they have a differing influence on shoppers’ e-cart use and abandonment. Keywords: Self-Escapism Motivation, E-Shopping, Affective Attitude, E-Cart Use; E-Cart Abandonment.