scholarly journals Information or Habit: What Health Policy Makers Should Know about the Drivers of Self-Medication among Romanians

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 689
Author(s):  
Elena Druică ◽  
Cristian Băicuș ◽  
Rodica Ianole-Călin ◽  
Ronald Fischer
Keyword(s):  
Health Policy ◽  
Least Squares ◽  
Partial Least Squares ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Behavioral Factors ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Potential Risks ◽  
Cognitive Determinants

We use the Knowledge, Perceptions and Practices framework to analyze determinants of three types of self-medication practices in Romania: (1) self-medication in the case of cold/flu/viral infections; (2) taking non-prescribed medicine in general; and (3) self-medication based on recommendations by others. We analyzed 706 responses to an online survey and used a factor-based Partial Least Squares algorithm (PLSF) to estimate the relationships between each type of self-medication and possible predictors. Our results show that self–medication is strongly predicted by non-cognitive behavioral factors such as habits and similarity of symptoms, while cognitive determinants such as knowledge and understanding of potential risks are not significantly associated with self-medication behaviors. This paper identifies nonlinear relationships among self-medication practices and its predictors and discusses how our results can help policymakers calibrate interventions with better accuracy.

scholarly journals Testing the Youth Physical Activity Promotion Model during the COVID-19 Pandemic, with Partial Least Squares Second-Order Latent Constructs

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (12) ◽  
pp. 6398
Author(s):  
Elena Druică ◽  
Rodica Ianole-Călin ◽  
Monica Sakizlian ◽  
Daniela Aducovschi ◽  
Remus Dumitrescu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Least Squares ◽  
Partial Least Squares ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Physical Activity Promotion ◽  
Second Order ◽  
Latent Constructs ◽  
Activity Promotion ◽  
Youth Physical Activity ◽  
Mediating Mechanisms

We tested the Youth Physical Activity Promotion (YPAP) framework on Romanian students in order to identify actionable determinants to support participation in physical activity. Our sample consisted of 665 responses to an online survey, with participants aged 18–23 (mean = 19 years); 70% were women. We used the partial least squares algorithm to estimate the relationships between students’ behavior and possible predictors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our results indicate that all the theoretical dimensions of YPAP (predisposing, enabling and reinforcing) have a positive and significant impact on physical activity, with two mediating mechanisms expressed as predisposing factors: able and worth. Unlike previous research, we used second-order latent constructs, unveiling a particular structure for the enabling dimension that only includes sport competence, fitness and skills, but not the environmental factors.

scholarly journals How Tour Guides’ Professional Competencies Influence on Service Quality of Tour Guiding and Tourist Satisfaction: An Exploratory Research

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yi-Chien Lin ◽  
Mei-Lan Lin ◽  
Yi-Cheng Chen
Keyword(s):  
Service Quality ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Least Squares ◽  
Partial Least Squares ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Professional Competencies ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Tour Guides ◽  
Tourist Satisfaction

Drawing upon the theoretical perspectives from activity competency model and prior tourism literature, this study propose a conceptual framework to explain the impacts of professional competencies on service quality and tourist satisfaction. Empirical data were gathered from a large-scale online survey with experienced GPT tourists to test the proposed hypotheses and research model. The proposed conceptual framework was validated using the partial least squares (PLS) technique. Data gathered from tourists was based on a convenience sample of 345 respondents to test the proposed plausible hypotheses. The conceptual model was validated using the partial least squares (PLS) technique. The empirical results indicate that tour guides’ professional competencies significantly impact on service quality and tourist satisfaction; and tour guides’ service quality positively influences tourist satisfaction.

scholarly journals The effect of soft skills, ethics, and value on the willingness of employers to continue recruiting UMT graduates

2021 ◽  
pp. 1689-1698
Author(s):  
Abdul Hafaz Ngah ◽  
Nurul Izni Kamalrulzaman ◽  
Fauzayani Ibrahim ◽  
Noor Azuan Abu Osman ◽  
Nur Asma Ariffin
Keyword(s):  
Least Squares ◽  
Partial Least Squares ◽  
Survey Data ◽  
Structural Equation Modelling ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Soft Skills ◽  
Moderating Effect ◽  
Equation Modelling ◽  
The Relationship

This study aims to investigate the effect of soft skills and ethics and value on the employers’ willingness to continue recruiting Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) graduates, together with the moderating effect of knowledge on the relationship between soft skills and the employers’ willingness to continue recruiting UMT graduates. The study’s respondents comprised of 208 employers in Malaysia who responded through an online survey using Google Forms. The survey data was then analyzed using the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM), indicating that soft skills positively affected the employers’ willingness to continue recruiting UMT graduates. Nevertheless, ethics and value were found to be insignificant factors on the employers’ willingness to continue recruiting UMT graduates. It was also revealed that knowledge had the moderating effect on the relationship between soft skills and the employers’ willingness to continue recruiting UMT graduates. Therefore, universities were recommended to invest in soft skills and knowledge education to ensure that graduates met the employers’ professional recruitment standards in areas of expertise.

scholarly journals Telemedicine Acceptance during the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Empirical Example of Robust Consistent Partial Least Squares Path Modeling

Symmetry ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 1593
Author(s):  
Patricio Ramírez-Correa ◽  
Catalina Ramírez-Rivas ◽  
Jorge Alfaro-Pérez ◽  
Ari Melo-Mariano
Keyword(s):  
Theory Of Planned Behavior ◽  
Technology Acceptance ◽  
Least Squares ◽  
Partial Least Squares ◽  
Planned Behavior ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Explanatory Power ◽  
Robust Estimator ◽  
Path Modeling ◽  
Consistent Partial Least Squares

The explanation of behaviors concerning telemedicine acceptance is an evolving area of study. This topic is currently more critical than ever, given that the COVID-19 pandemic is making resources scarcer within the health industry. The objective of this study is to determine which model, the Theory of Planned Behavior or the Technology Acceptance Model, provides greater explanatory power for the adoption of telemedicine addressing outlier-associated bias. We carried out an online survey of patients. The data obtained through the survey were analyzed using both consistent partial least squares path modeling (PLSc) and robust PLSc. The latter used a robust estimator designed for elliptically symmetric unimodal distribution. Both estimation techniques led to similar results, without inconsistencies in interpretation. In short, the results indicate that the Theory of Planned Behavior Model provides a significant explanatory power. Furthermore, the findings show that attitude has the most substantial direct effect on behavioral intention to use telemedicine systems.

SMEs' adoption of enterprise applications

2013 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 735-753 ◽  
Author(s):  
Boumediene Ramdani ◽  
Delroy Chevers ◽  
Densil A. Williams
Keyword(s):  
Least Squares ◽  
Partial Least Squares ◽  
Random Sample ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Marketing Strategies ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Enterprise Applications ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – This paper aims to empirically explore the TOE (technology-organisation-environment) factors influencing small to medium-sized enterprises' (SMEs') adoption of enterprise applications (EA). Design/methodology/approach – Direct interviews were used to collect data from a random sample of SMEs located in the northwest of England. Using partial least squares (PLS) technique, 102 responses were analysed. Findings – Results indicate that technology, organisation and environment contexts impact SMEs' adoption of EA. This suggests that the TOE model is indeed a robust tool to predict the adoption of EA by SMEs. Research limitations/implications – Although this study focused on examining factors that influence SMEs' adoption of a set of systems such as CRM and e-procurement, it fails to differentiate between factors influencing each of these applications. The model used in this study can be used by software vendors not only in developing marketing strategies that can target potential SMEs, but also to develop strategies to increase the adoption of EA among SMEs. Practical implications – This model could be used by software vendors to determine which SMEs they should target with their products. It can also be used by policy makers to develop strategies to increase the rate of EA adoption among SMEs. Originality/value – This paper provides a model that can predict SMEs' adoption of EA. SMEs, adoption, enterprise applications, enterprise systems, ICT, PLS, technology-organisation-environment framework, TOE

Why do Muslims engage in adaptive worship behavior during the pandemic? The role of protection motives and religiosity

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rokhima Rostiani ◽  
Jein Sriana Toyib ◽  
Siti Khoiriyah
Keyword(s):  
Social Influence ◽  
Least Squares ◽  
Partial Least Squares ◽  
Adaptive Behavior ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Communication Strategy ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Government ◽  
At Home

Purpose This study aims to investigate whether the protection motivation theory (PMT) and religiosity can explain the intention of at-home worship adaptive behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study further explores factors that may affect this adaptive behavior, namely, the intention to adapt behavior, religiosity, social influence and trust in the government. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected through an online survey to purposively sample the respondents, resulting in 368 responses that were valid for structural analysis using partial least squares structual equation modeling (SEM). Findings This study found that PMT, and not religiosity, directly predicts an individual’s intention to adapt his/her behavior to at-home worship during the pandemic. Religiosity, however, has a role in evoking a coping appraisal that leads to the intention to enact the adaptive behavior. Further, this study found that intention, social influence and trust in the government predict an individual’s adaptive behavior for at-home worship. Practical implications This study may guide the government to create a policy that could enhance people’s adherence to adaptive behavior during the pandemic, particularly regarding their communication strategy by focusing on the cognitive and psychological aspects. In particular, framing based on this study’s result may serve as an insight for better prevention of virus transmission through a focused communications strategy. Originality/value First, the utilization of PMT to explain adaptive behavior in the context of at-home worship during the pandemic was extended. Second, the research of religiosity in the context of a pandemic was advanced and how it influences adaptive behavior was investigated. Finally, the utilization of partial least squares-SEM techniques to investigate individual adaptive behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic was extended.

Consumers’ decisions in social commerce: the role ofguanxielements

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 759-772 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xue Yang
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Least Squares ◽  
Partial Least Squares ◽  
Sense Of Belonging ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Research Model ◽  
Social Commerce ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Social Shopping

PurposeRecently, the popularity and growth of social media have boosted the development of social commerce (s-commerce). The purpose of this paper is to investigate consumers’ decisions in s-commerce, for which this study conducted empirical research on WeChat, a very popular social media in China, to validate howguanxielements (e.g.ganqing,renqingandxinren) affect consumers’ decisions in s-commerce.Design/methodology/approachTo examine the research model, an online survey instrument was developed to gather data. The hypotheses were tested using partial least squares modeling.FindingsThe results confirm thatguanxielements are positively related to eWOM sharing intention and social shopping intention. Moreover, these effects are mediated by a sense of belonging.Originality/valueThis study enhances the existing literature by introducing the concept ofguanxielements to the context of s-commerce, and linking the concept ofguanxielements and consumers’ decisions. Moreover, this study improves the theoretical and empirical understanding ofguanxielements by investigating its impact on eWOM sharing intention and social shopping intention. Third, the results confirm thatguanxielements not only influence a sense of belonging but also conjointly impacts eWOM sharing intention and social shopping intention in s-commerce.

Drivers of halal orientation strategy among halal food firms

2015 ◽  
Vol 117 (8) ◽  
pp. 2143-2160 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suhaiza Zailani ◽  
Kanagi Kanapathy ◽  
Mohammad Iranmanesh ◽  
Marco Tieman
Keyword(s):  
Least Squares ◽  
Partial Least Squares ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Government Support ◽  
Market Demand ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Halal Food ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Internal Drivers

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors that motivate the halal food firms in Malaysia to practice halal orientation strategy (HOS). Design/methodology/approach – Data were obtained from a survey of 137 halal food firms in Malaysia, and analyzed using the partial least squares technique. Findings – Results showed that halal market demand, government support, expected business benefits, and integrity positively affect HOS. Practical implications – The findings of the study will help policy makers and managers of halal food firms to understand external and internal drivers of HOS, which may lead to successfully motivating the implementation of HOS in halal food firms. Originality/value – Although HOS plays a key role in protecting the halal status of any given product, this topic is rarely explored. This study thus contributes to the advancement of knowledge on factors that motivate the halal food firms to practice HOS.

Drivers of consumers’ willingness to pay for halal logistics

2016 ◽  
Vol 118 (2) ◽  
pp. 464-479 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elahe Fathi ◽  
Suhaiza Zailani ◽  
Mohammad Iranmanesh ◽  
Kanagi Kanapathy
Keyword(s):  
Willingness To Pay ◽  
Least Squares ◽  
Partial Least Squares ◽  
Media Coverage ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Positive Relationship ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Halal Food ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors that motivate the consumers in Malaysia to pay for halal logistics and its consequences on their demand for halal logistics certification. Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected through a survey responded 313 randomly selected consumers. Partial least squares technique was employed in the analysis. Findings – Results showed that consumers’ perception on halal logistics, their concern about halal, and media coverage have positive and significant effects on consumers’ willingness to pay for halal logistics. Furthermore, positive relationship exists between willingness to pay and the extent of demand for the halal logistics certification. Practical implications – The findings of the study will be useful for the policy makers and managers of halal food companies because they can guide them in increasing the demand for the halal logistics. Originality/value – Although halal logistics play a key role in supporting the halal status of any given halal foods, the demand for this service is low. Thus, this study contributes to the advancement of knowledge on the drivers of consumers’ willingness to pay for halal logistics.

scholarly journals The Role of Incentives in Deciding to Receive the Available COVID-19 Vaccine in Israel

Vaccines ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 77
Author(s):  
Liora Shmueli
Keyword(s):  
Health Policy ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Monetary Incentives ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Monetary Rewards ◽  
Health Related ◽  
To Receive ◽  
Sense Of Urgency

This study aimed to assess the Israeli public’s intention to get vaccinated immediately after the COVID-19 vaccine became available, and to determine the role of incentives beyond socio-demographic, health-related and behavioral factors, in predicting this intention. An online survey was conducted among adults in Israel (n = 461), immediately after the first COVID-19 vaccine became available (22 December 2020 to 10 January 2021). Two regressions were performed to investigate determinants of intention to receive the available COVID-19 vaccine and sense of urgency to receive the vaccine. Although many adults were willing to receive available COVID-19 vaccine, only 65% were willing to immediately receive the vaccine, 17% preferred to wait 3 months and 18% preferred to wait a year. The sense of urgency to get vaccinated differed by age, periphery level, perceived barriers, cues to action and availability. Incentives such as monetary rewards or the green pass did not increase the probability of getting vaccination immediately. Providing data on the role of incentives in increasing the intention to immediately receive the available COVID-19 vaccine is important for health policy makers and healthcare providers. Our findings underscore the importance of COVID-19 vaccine accessibility. Health policy makers should consider allocating funds for making the vaccine accessible and encourage methods of persuasion, instead of investing funds in monetary incentives.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document