scholarly journals How social influences and work environment affect the overall experience of tefl teachers in China

2021 ◽  
Vol 57 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Gabriella Berman ◽  
Adele Potgieter
Keyword(s):  
Work Environment ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Social Influences ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Sampling Procedure ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Descriptive Research ◽  
Final Sample ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Self Administered Questionnaire

Abstract Background Expatriation has grown rapidly, and the TEFL (teaching English as a foreign language) industry relies on it heavily. As is the case with any expatriation adjustment, TEFL teachers’ overall experience of living and working in China can be influenced by external factors. For the purpose of the study described in this article, both social influences and the work environment are highlighted as influences on the overall experience of teaching TEFL in China. Research aims The research aim of the study was to investigate the efect of social influences and work environment on the overall experience of TEFL teachers who teach in China. Methodology The study made use of a positivistic research paradigm and a descriptive research design. The sampling procedure utilised in the study was non-probability sampling, and the technique used was convenience sampling. The target population comprised TEFL teachers who were teaching in China, with the final sample consisting of 379 respondents. To collect data, the method used was an online survey, and the specific measuring instrument was a web-based, self-administered questionnaire, distributed via a link on Facebook, WeChat, LinkedIn, and Reddit groups that are specifically for TEFL teachers in China. Once the data were collected, both descriptive and inferential statistics were utilised to analyse and interpret the data. Findings From the empirical data collected in the study, it was found that, in general, both social influences and the work environment of TEFL teachers in China positively affected their overall experience, while the potential influence of a language barrier proved to have no negative effect on their overall experience.

scholarly journals Behavioral Changes During COVID-19 Confinement in France: A Web-Based Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (22) ◽  
pp. 8444 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hélène Rossinot ◽  
Romain Fantin ◽  
Julien Venne
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Mental State ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Tobacco Consumption ◽  
Behavioral Changes ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Balanced Diet ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Final Sample ◽  
Negative Effect

Background: A global pandemic due to COVID-19 emerged in November 2019 and hit France in early March 2020. It not only resulted in a loss of lives, but also in very strict confinement measures. The objective of this study was to understand what the determinants of the changes in participants’ behavior and mental state were during the confinement. Methods: An online survey was launched on 23 April 2020 and closed on 7 May 2020. The final sample included 1454 participants from 24 to 65 years old. Descriptive and multivariate analyses were then performed. Results: In total, 28.7% reported having a more balanced diet, against 17.1% with a less balanced diet, 22.7% of respondents reported an increased alcohol consumption, as opposed to only 12.2% declaring a decrease, and 11.2% of respondents increased their tobacco consumption, while 6.3% decreased it. In total, 50.6% of the participants reported being more depressed, stressed, or irritable since the beginning of the lockdown. Confinement had a negative effect on every behavior studied in this survey, except for nutrition. We also found that negative mental state changes were strongly associated with nutrition, sleep, physical activity and alcohol consumption changes.

scholarly journals Behavioral Changes During COVID-19 Confinement in France: A Web-Based Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hélène Rossinot ◽  
Romain Fantin ◽  
Julien Venne
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Mental State ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Tobacco Consumption ◽  
Behavioral Changes ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Balanced Diet ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Final Sample ◽  
Negative Effect

(1) Background: A global pandemic due to COVID-19 emerged in November 2019 and hit France in early March 2020. It not only resulted in a loss of lives but also in very strict confinement measures. The objective of this study was to understand what the determinants of the change in participants’ behavior and mental state were during the confinement. (2) Methods: An online survey was launched on April 23rd, 2020, and closed on May 7th, 2020. The final sample included 1454 participants from 24 to 65 years old. Descriptive and multivariate analyses were then performed. (3) Results: 28.7% reported having a more balanced diet, against 17.1% with a less balanced diet. 22.7% of respondents reported an increased alcohol consumption, as opposed to only 12.2% declaring a decrease and 11.2% of respondents increased their tobacco consumption, while 6.3% decreased it. 50.6% of the participants reported being more depressed, stressed, or irritable since the beginning of the lockdown. Confinement had a negative effect on every behavior studied in this survey, except for nutrition. We also found that negative mental state changes were strongly associated with nutrition, sleep, physical activity, and alcohol consumption changes.

scholarly journals Changes implemented in the work environment of nurses in the COVID-19 pandemic

2022 ◽  
Vol 75 (suppl 1) ◽  
Author(s):  
José Luís Guedes dos Santos ◽  
Fernando Henrique Antunes Menegon ◽  
Gustavo Baade de Andrade ◽  
Etiane de Oliveira Freitas ◽  
Silviamar Camponogara ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Work Environment ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Physical Structure ◽  
University Hospitals ◽  
Descriptive Research ◽  
Semantic Classes ◽  
Care Processes ◽  
Structure Adaptation ◽  
Training Courses ◽  
Nursing Professionals

ABSTRACT Objective: to describe the changes implemented in the work environment of nurses in university hospitals considering the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: this qualitative and descriptive research was developed from an online survey with 75 nurses from three Brazilian university hospitals. Data processing occurred through textual analysis with the aid of software IRAMUTEQ. Results: five semantic classes were obtained: Organization of units for exclusive care of patients with COVID-19; Adaptations in the use of personal protective equipment; Physical structure adaptation; Care flow institution; Increased number of beds and training courses. Final considerations: the results show the effort of healthcare and nursing professionals/managers in the development of structural adaptations and reorganizations of care processes, in the hospital context, to respond with quality and efficiency to the demands arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals Information Technology in Nursing Education: Perspectives of Student Nurses

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-28
Author(s):  
Fiona Singh ◽  
Thembekile Masango
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
Nursing Education ◽  
Positive Attitude ◽  
Student Nurses ◽  
Education Institution ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Internet Connectivity ◽  
Descriptive Research ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Self Administered Questionnaire

Background: Nursing education institutions in South Africa are integrating Information Technology (IT) into nursing programmes to prepare student nurses to meet the demands of a contemporary healthcare landscape. Objective: To explain and describe the perspectives of student nurses at a private nursing education institution on the use of IT in nursing education. Methods: A quantitative, non-experimental descriptive research design was selected. The target population included student nurses registered for basic and post-basic qualifications. A structured self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Results: The respondents acknowledged the importance of IT in nursing education but also experienced challenges in terms of training and internet connectivity, owned at least one IT device, used IT frequently for study and work purposes, reported IT competence, and had positive attitudes to IT. The respondents were significantly competent in general IT (M=3.5410, SD=.98619), t (243)=8.569, p<.0005; used IT significantly frequently for medical purposes/learning (M=3.2917, SD=0.76598), t (243)=5.948, p<.0005, and were significantly competent in the use of IT for medical purposes/learning (M=3.3646, SD=.94497), t (242)=6.015, p<.0005; and had significantly positive attitude towards using IT (M=4.2964, SD=0.66557), t (243)=30.426, p<.0005. Conclusion: While there are numerous advantages to IT in nursing education, IT challenges are a reality for student nurses. Identified gaps must be closed to ensure that IT is accepted, adopted and used effectively and efficiently. The inclusion of an IT module in the curriculum is recommended to improve the use of IT in nursing education.

scholarly journals The supporting behaviour of generations towards non-profit organisations in Gauteng

2011 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Laureane Du Plessis ◽  
Danie Petzer
Keyword(s):  
Baby Boomers ◽  
Generation X ◽  
Generation Y ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Marketing Strategies ◽  
Non Profit ◽  
Descriptive Research ◽  
Similarities And Differences ◽  
Quota Sampling ◽  
Self Administered Questionnaire

Purpose and objective: The purpose of this paper is to provide a better understanding of different generations' supporting behaviour towards non-profit organisations (NPOs). It more specifically focuses on uncovering the different methods with which the generations support NPOs; how frequently they support NPOs; the type of NPOs that they prefer supporting; and the reasons why they support NPOs. Problem Investigated: Non-profit organisations (NPOs) are facing greater challenges than ever before. They have to compete with a growing number of other NPOs for donations and volunteers. Their traditional support from Baby Boomers is declining as this generation grows older and supports NPOs to a lesser extent than before. NPOs are therefore compelled to pay more attention to younger generations as a possible donor base and source for volunteers. It is therefore critical for an NPO that wishes to survive and prosper to understand the supporting behaviour of the different generations in order to successfully target them to grow the donor and volunteer base. Methodology: A descriptive research design was followed. A self-administered questionnaire was fielded amongst a target population that included Baby Boomers, Generation X and Generation Y consumers residing in Gauteng who have supported an NPO in the previous year. Quota sampling was used to ensure that equal numbers of respondents from the different generations were included, while each quota was filled on the basis of convenience to collect 602 responses for analysis. Findings: The results reveal significant associations between the different generations and different supporting behaviours. Significant differences were also uncovered between the different generations and the reasons for supporting NPOs. The paper reveals a number of marketing strategies NPOs could follow to encourage supporting behaviour from the different generations. Value of the research: This research provides insights into the supporting behaviour of different generations towards NPOs and allows NPOs to develop more effective marketing strategies when targeting different generations. Conclusion: Since the results reveal a number of associations between generations and particular supporting behaviours as well as similarities and differences between the generations and reasons for supporting NPOs, NPO marketers should take these into account when targeting the different generations for support.

scholarly journals Role of Innovation Capability on firm performance in the context of Commercial Banks in Nairobi City County, Kenya

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 14-23
Author(s):  
Makena Mugambi ◽  
Godfrey M Kinyua
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Performance ◽  
Commercial Banks ◽  
Dynamic Capabilities ◽  
Technological Development ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Innovation Capability ◽  
Resource Based View ◽  
Descriptive Research ◽  
Self Administered Questionnaire

The Kenyan banking industry is characterized by increased environmental dynamism brought about by rapid technological development, customer sophistication and regulations. The achievement and sustenance of competitive advantage is important as any organization that does not gain and sustain this may not survive. In order for an organization to remain relevant, it must be able to leverage on innovation capability for effective adaptation to changes in the environment. This study therefore sought to assess the influence of innovation capability on performance of Commercial Banks in Nairobi City County, Kenya.The study was anchored on dynamic capabilities theory and resource-based view, Resource. Descriptive research design was used for this study. The target population was Commercial Banks in Nairobi City County. The unit of analysis was the commercial banks while the unit of observation was management. Data was gathered using self-administered questionnaire then analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Version 25.0) software. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages and mean and inferential statistics such as correlation coefficient was used to analyze quantitative data. Charts, tables and graphs will be used to present the data. The study established that innovations capability positively and significantly affects performance. The study revealed that innovation capability is an important requirement for the effective management of inventions and creativity and the introduction of transformative technologies. The study recommends that in an era of faster competition and digitization, commercial banks in Nairobi City County, Kenya must increase their innovation capability. New innovations easily adopted in organizations enables banks to adjust to meet new customer needs and market changes. Innovation also enables creation of new products and services from time to time .Innovation capability of an organization affects organizational performance as it determines organization’s productivity and effectiveness.

scholarly journals Parental reporting of adverse drug reactions in South Africa: An online survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shavani Pillay ◽  
Mwila Mulubwa ◽  
Michelle Viljoen
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Adverse Drug Reactions ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Drug Reactions ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Lower Education Level ◽  
Global Concern ◽  
Quantitative Descriptive ◽  
Public Clinics ◽  
Self Administered Questionnaire

Background: The high incidence of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in children is of global concern. Enhancing the reporting of ADRs could contribute to making safer medicines available to children.Aim: To assess parents’ awareness of reporting ADRs and their knowledge on the reporting procedures in South Africa.Setting: South African parents with online access.Method: A quantitative descriptive study was conducted based on an anonymous voluntarily web-based self-administered questionnaire that was distributed through Facebook® and LinkedIn™ to parents in South Africa.Results: The questionnaire was completed voluntarily by 206 respondents. The majority of participants (70.9%) were aware of the term ADR. Significant associations between not being aware of the term ADR and single marital status, lower education level, not having private medical aid and accessing public clinics for medical services were found. The majority (66.5%) of participants did report an ADR to a healthcare professional whilst only 15% reported it to a product manufacturer. More than half of the participants (58.7%) knew how to report ADRs whilst 72.8% knew what type of ADRs to report. Almost a third (32.5%) did not know where more information on ADR reporting could be found or how ADRs could be reported (31.5%).Conclusion: The majority of the respondents were aware of the term ADR, indicative of a good knowledge basis on which ADRs to report and the importance of reporting ADRs. However, gaps in the respondents’ knowledge were identified which highlighted specific groups of individuals to be targeted to increase ADR awareness and improve the knowledge on the reporting process.

scholarly journals Use of Web-Based Health Services in Individuals With and Without Symptoms of Hypochondria: Survey Study (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christiane Eichenberg ◽  
Markus Schott
Keyword(s):  
Health Services ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Health Anxiety ◽  
Attitude Scale ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Online Health Information ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Final Sample ◽  
Health Related

BACKGROUND An increasing number of people consult physicians because of distressing information found online. Cyberchondria refers to the phenomenon of health anxiety because of online health information. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine online health research of individuals with and without symptoms of hypochondria and their impact on health anxiety as well as behavior. METHODS An online survey was conducted. Demographic data, health-related internet use, and general health behavior were assessed. The illness attitude scale was used to record symptoms of hypochondria. RESULTS The final sample consisted of N=471 participants. More than 40% (188/471) of participants showed at least some symptoms of hypochondria. Participants with symptoms of hypochondria used the internet more frequently for health-related purposes and also frequented more online services than individuals without symptoms. Most online health services were rated as more reliable by individuals with symptoms of hypochondria. Changes to behavior such as doctor hopping or ordering nonprescribed medicine online were considered more likely by individuals with symptoms of hypochondria. CONCLUSIONS Results show that individuals with symptoms of hypochondria do not turn to online research as a result of lacking alternatives but rather consult health services on- as well as offline.

scholarly journals Physical symptoms in tinnitus: an international web-based study (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Michiels ◽  
Stephen Harrison ◽  
Markku Vesala ◽  
Winfried Schlee
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Diagnostic Criteria ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Acoustic Stimulation ◽  
Physical Symptoms ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
As Stress ◽  
Low Intensity Exercise ◽  
Ringing In The Ears

BACKGROUND Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, is a phantom perception of sound in the absence of overt acoustic stimulation. Many patients indicate that the perception of their tinnitus is not constant and can vary from moment to moment. This tinnitus fluctuation is one of the diagnostic criteria for somatosensory tinnitus (ST), a tinnitus subtype that is influenced by cervical spine or temporomandibular dysfunctions. Although various factors have been reported to cause fluctuations in tinnitus, such as: stress, anxiety and physical activity. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was twofold: first to investigate the presence of physical symptoms in a large group of participants with tinnitus and second to investigate if these physical symptoms are more frequently present in a subgroup of participants with ST. METHODS An online survey, questioning the presence of physical symptoms in participants with tinnitus was launched on the online forum Tinnitus Talk, managed by Tinnitus Hub. After a general analysis of the physical symptoms, present in our survey population, we further analysed the group op participants who were diagnosed by a physician (n = 1262). This subgroup was divided into two groups, one group diagnosed with ST and another group diagnosed with other types of tinnitus. RESULTS In total, 6115 participants with a mean age of 54,08 years (SD: 13,8) completed the survey. Physical symptoms were frequently present in our sample of participants with tinnitus: 69% reported some form of neck pain, 7% was diagnosed with temporomandibular disorders, 44,6% indicated they have bruxism and 14 to 23,1% was able to modulate their tinnitus by voluntary movements. ST was diagnosed in 17,7%. Symptoms referring to the known diagnostic criteria were evidently more present in the ST-group than in the non-ST-group. Additionally, participants with ST more often indicated a negative effect of a bad night’s sleep and light intensity exercise. CONCLUSIONS Physical activity and movement (disorders) frequently affect the tinnitus severity. Head-neck related symptoms are more frequently reported in the ST-group, as is the ability to modulate the tinnitus by head or jaw movements. Additionally, participants with ST more often report fluctuations of their tinnitus and reaction to sleeping difficulties and low intensity exercise.

Low Back Pain in Commercial Airline Pilots

2020 ◽  
Vol 91 (12) ◽  
pp. 940-947
Author(s):  
Matthias Albermann ◽  
Maria Lehmann ◽  
Christian Eiche ◽  
Joachim Schmidt ◽  
Johannes Prottengeier
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Low Back Pain ◽  
Back Pain ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
German Population ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Airline Pilots ◽  
Acute Low Back Pain ◽  
Commercial Airline ◽  
Negative Effect

BACKGROUND: In their working life, airline pilots are exposed to particular risk factors that promote nonspecific low back pain (LBP). Because of the varying incidence internationally, we evaluated the point prevalences of acute, subacute, and chronic nonspecific LBP, as well as the current prevalences in German airline pilots. Furthermore, we compared the prevalence to the general German population and to European counterparts.METHODS: An anonymous online survey of 698 participating German airline pilots was evaluated. The impairment between groups was analyzed. Prevalences from our data were compared to existing data.RESULTS: The following point prevalences were found: 8.2% acute, 2.4% subacute, 82.7% chronic LBP; 74.1% of all individuals were suffering from current LBP when answered the questionnaire. A total time spent flying greater than 600 h within the last 12 mo was significantly related to acute nonspecific LBP. Individuals with any type of LBP were significantly impaired compared to those unaffected. It was found that German airline pilots suffer more often from current LBP than the general population and have a higher point prevalence of total LBP than their European counterparts.CONCLUSIONS: The evaluation showed a surprisingly high, previously unidentified, prevalence of nonspecific LBP in German airline pilots. Why German airline pilots suffer more often from LBP remains uncertain. The number of flying hours appears to have a negative effect on developing acute low back pain, but causation cannot be concluded. Other risk factors could not be confirmed.Albermann M, Lehmann M, Eiche C, Schmidt J, Prottengeier J. Low back pain in commercial airline pilots. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2020; 91(12):940947.

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