scholarly journals The vaccinaTion & Hpv Knowledge (THinK) questionnaire: a reliability and validity study on a sample of women living in Sicily (southern-Italy)

PeerJ ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. e6254
Author(s):  
Domenica Matranga ◽  
Cristina Lumia ◽  
Rossella Guarneri ◽  
Vincenza Maria Arculeo ◽  
Marcello Noto ◽  
...  

Objective The aim of this study was to introduce the VaccinaTion & Hpv Knowledge (THinK) questionnaire to assess knowledge about human papillomavirus (HPV) and attitude to HPV-vaccination. Its reliability and validity was demonstrated in a sample of women living in Sicily (southern Italy). Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted on a sample of 220 women at the “Paolo Giaccone” University Hospital in Palermo (Sicily), aged 18–61. Data were analyzed through Cronbach’s alpha and exploratory factor analysis, followed by a structural equation model with measurement component. The two-level data structure was explicitly considered. Results Three dimensions were found: “knowledge of HPV infection (kHPV), “Attitude to be vaccinated against HPV (aHPV)” and “Knowledge about vaccines (KV)” (97% overall explained variance). Internal consistency was good for the whole questionnaire (0.82) and the first dimension (0.88) and acceptable for the second (0.78) and the third dimension (0.73). 23% of women showed no or little knowledge of HPV and 44.3% of women had no or little knowledge about HPV induced lesions. Discussion The use of a validated questionnaire may serve as a useful measure to assess general knowledge about HPV and attitude towards vaccination against HPV in the primary prevention setting.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wichai Aekplakorn ◽  
Paibul Suriyawongpaisal ◽  
Samrit Srithamrongsaw ◽  
Phanuwich kaewkamjonchai

Abstract Background To improve care for patients with chronic diseases, a recent policy initiative in Thailand focuses on strengthening primary care including training of the team to deliver healthcare based on the concept of Chronic Care Model (CCM). This study aimed to assess the perception of patients on the health care services after the implementation. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 4,071 patients with hypertension and/or diabetes registered to 27 primary care units and 11 hospital Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) clinics in 11 provinces.The patients were interviewed at home using a validated questionnaire of the Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care (PACIC+). It contains 20 items from the original PACIC, which measure different parts of the CCM, and an additional 6 items assess the 5A Model including assess, advise, agree, assist, and arrange subscales. Upgraded primary care unit (PCUs) were ordinary PCUs with the multi-professional team including a physician. Trained upgraded PCUs were upgraded PCUs with the training input. Structural equation modeling was used to create subscale scores for CCM and 5 A model characteristics. Mixed effect models were employed to compare subscale of patient perception of the care quality between trained upgraded PCUs, upgraded PCUs, ordinary PCUs and NCD clinics.Results There was an independent association between every PACIC subscale (as a measure of CCM) and facility type with the maximum likelihood for patients of ordinary PCU reporting high to highest scores (ORs: 1.46-1.85; p<0.05) compared to hospital NCD clinics. This is also the case for patients: seeing the same doctor on repeated visits (ORs: 1.82-2.17; p<0.05) or having phone contacts of the providers (ORs:1.53-1.99; p<0.05). Similarly, across all of the 5A model subscales, ORs for patients attending ordinary PCU responded with high to highest scores were 1.48-2.10 times compared to those for patients attending hospital NCD clinics (p<0.05). Conclusions The training and allocation of family physician approach in PCU may not satisfy the patients’ perception on quality of chronic care. Further studies might focus on other factors such as mismatch between health workforce and workload as a key factor influencing the success of the policy implementation.


2015 ◽  
Vol 57 (3) ◽  
pp. 343-359 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Bassam Mahmoud ◽  
Bayan Khalifa

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to confirm the factorial structure of SERVPERF based on an exploration of its dimensionality among Syrian universities’ students. It also aimed at assessing the perceived service quality offered at these universities. Design/methodology/approach – A cross-sectional survey was conducted targeting students at Syrian universities. Using a pilot sample of 40 students, the authors developed their hypotheses. Thereafter, based on a sample of 259 students, the hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling and one-sample t-test. Findings – The findings revealed that SERVPERF in the Syrian universities’ context was a three-factor instrument consisting of the three dimensions: faculty-individualized attention, support staff helpfulness, and support staff empathy. Moreover, the findings showed that students at Syrian universities hold negative perceptions toward all of the three service quality dimensions provided by their universities. Practical implications – Given the imperative need for universities to monitor and improve the quality of their services, this study can help Syrian universities’ administrations understand the perceptions of their students toward services offered, which can help them formulate effective marketing strategies. Originality/value – This paper came to be one of the first studies that attempted to assess the perceived quality of services offered through the Syrian higher education system. Additionally, this study pioneered through drawing a factorial picture for SERVPERF at the Syrian Arab context.


2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (31) ◽  
pp. 438
Author(s):  
Thomas O. Nyachanchu ◽  
Joel Chepkwony ◽  
Ronald Bonuke

The advent of globalization has brought with it drastic changes to the operating landscape for firms in the manufacturing sector. The need for transformational changes so as sustain competitive advantage has been on  the rise. Firms are expected to continuously re-engineer their business models and operations to catch up with the turbulent environment. Previous studies have investigated the contribution of manufacturing firms in economic growth. Some have concentrated on the preferred approaches that countries should take, whether protectionism or free market. However, empirical studies investigating direct impact of dynamic capabilities on manufacturing firms’ performance have been minimal. The general objective of the study was to examine the influence of the three dimensions of dynamic capabilities (sensing capabilities, seizing capabilities and reconfiguration capabilities) on firm performance. The study was grounded on the Resource-Based View theory. An explanatory research design was used for the cross-sectional survey. Primary data was obtained from 271 out of 369 firms sampled from a population of 1,496 manufacturing firms in Nairobi County, Kenya, using a structured questionnaire instrument through drop and pick. The questionnaire was completed by the firms’ CEOs. Reliability and validity tests were carried out on the research instruments and study measures. Hypotheses were tested using regression analysis results, namely: - sensing capabilities (B=0.215, P<0.01), seizing capabilities (B=0.194, P<0.01) and reconfiguration capabilities (B=0.182, P<0.001). These three variables combined, contributed 25.9% (R2=0.259) of the variance in firm performance. The study concluded that deployment of dynamic capabilities has significant influence on firm performance.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 103-113
Author(s):  
Mercy Inikpi Achoba ◽  
Roshida Abdul Majid ◽  
Cyril Obinna Obiefuna

Office occupants’ have always preferred workplaces that have windows that connects them to the outside. Window access to the outside can influence occupants’ satisfaction with the combination of other workplace features. This study aims to identify the window and view factors relationship in the workplace, to confirm the reliability and validity of the measurement and structural model. Adopting a cross-sectional survey design, primary data from five offices in the Kogi State of Nigeria with 267 respondents were collected by using the convenience sampling method and analysis was performed with the Statistical Package for Social Science version 23 and AMOS 22.0 version as the modelling tool. The study identified eleven vital factors that are interrelated in the relationship between windows and view in the workplace. They are referred to as latent construct namely; Window distance (WDB), Seating arrangement (SAB), Room height (FHB), Office size (OSB), Window position (WPB), Window Sill level (WLC), Window size (SWC), Window type (TWC), View content (CVC), View satisfaction (VSC), and Occupants’ satisfaction (SAT). The result showed a valid model using the Structural Equation Model, and the effect of the current workplace negligence on occupants’. This study improves the existing knowledge on the window and view relationship in the workplace, and provide suggestions for Facility Managers, Architects, and Interior Designers on maintaining a healthy workplace environment


2017 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 322-337 ◽  
Author(s):  
Princely Ifinedo

Purpose Students’ use of blogging tools in learning environments is increasing across the world. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the literature by examining the effects of relevant factors that engender satisfaction and positive impacts of the technology for learning. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional survey was used to collect data from 108 undergraduate students taking a management information systems course. The partial least squares technique of structural equation modelling was used to test the reliability and validity of the data, and the study’s hypothesised relationships or paths. Findings This study revealed that perceived enjoyment, compatibility, usefulness, ease of use, and confirmation have positive influence on students’ satisfaction with blog use. Perceived enjoyment had the greatest influence on students’ satisfaction with blog use for learning. Perceived impact on learning was positively influenced by perceived ease of use, enjoyment, and satisfaction. Originality/value A limited amount of empirical research has focussed on students’ perceptions of satisfaction and perceived impact on learning through blog use in higher educational contexts. This study adds to the growing literature in this area of study.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jingjin Shi ◽  
Xueming Yan ◽  
Miao Wang ◽  
Ping Lei ◽  
Guangjun Yu

Background: Pediatrician workforce shortages have aroused great attention from health authorities in China. Telemedicine services have been known to enhance the management of children's health, yet the rate of adoption and usage in Chinese hospitals still at a quite low level, and the factors influencing the acceptance of telemedicine services remains unclear.Objective: The purpose of this empirical study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of a technology acceptance measurement instrument applied in healthcare, to investigate the perception of telemedicine services on the provider-side and demand-side, and to determine the factors that may drive individuals to adopt telemedicine services.Methods: A cross-sectional survey study based at Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, was conducted in March 2020. A total of 456 valid responses were obtained by convenience sampling. The internal consistency of items was assessed by Cronbach's alpha (α), composite reliability (CR) and average variance extracted (AVE) to evaluate both the reliability and validity of the questionnaire. Structural equation modeling analysis was used to test and verify the interrelationships among relevant variables.Results: Price value is the strongest predictor (β = 0.30, p = 0.02), facilitating conditions (β = 0.28, p = 0.01) and hedonic motivation (β = 0.13, p = 0.04) also have significantly positive direct effects on telemedicine acceptance. The results showed the perception of child patients' families were significantly more acceptable to telemedicine services than pediatricians (t = −2.99, p &lt; 0.01). Participants with no prior experience and lower education may be more willing to adopt telemedicine.Conclusion: Telemedicine will likely continue to have an integral role in pediatric health care delivery, and the findings can assist policy makers and hospital administrators in determining the more valued characteristics of telemedicine services from a behavioral perspective. Future attention will be paid to the pricing, training and service quality of telemedicine in China.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wichai Aekplakorn ◽  
Paibul Suriyawongpaisal ◽  
Samrit Srithamrongsaw ◽  
Phanuwich kaewkamjonchai

Abstract Background To improve care for patients with chronic diseases, a recent policy initiative in Thailand focused on strengthening primary care based on the concept of Chronic Care Model (CCM). This study aimed to assess the perception of patients about the health care services after the implementation. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 4,071 patients with hypertension and/or diabetes registered with 27 primary care units and 11 hospital non-communicable diseases (NCDs) clinics in 11 provinces.The patients were interviewed using a validated questionnaire of the Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care. Upgraded primary care units (PCUs) were ordinary PCUs with the multi-professional team including a physician. Trained upgraded PCUs were upgraded PCUs with the training input. Structural equation modeling was used to create subscale scores for CCM and 5 A model characteristics. Mixed effect logistic models were employed to examine the association of subscales (high vs low score) of patient perception of the care quality with type of PCUs.Results Compared to hospital NCD clinics, ordinary PCUs were the best in the odds of receiving high score for every CCM subscale (ORs: 1.46-1.85; p<0.05), whereas the trained upgraded PCUs were better in terms of follow-up (ORs:1.37; p <0.05), and the upgraded PCU did not differ in all domains. According to the 5 A model subscales, patient assessment also revealed better performance of ordinary PCUs in all domains compared to hospital NCD clinics whereas upgraded PCUs and trained upgraded PCUs did so in some domains. Seeing the same doctor on repeated visits (ORs: 1.82-2.17; p<0.05) or having phone contacts with the providers (ORs:1.53-1.99; p<0.05) were found beneficial using CCM subscales and the 5A model subscales. However, patient assessment by both subscales did not demonstrate a statistically significant association across health insurance status.Conclusions The policy implementation might not satisfy the patients’ perception on quality of chronic care according to the CCM and the 5A model subscale. However, the arrangement of chronic care with patients seeing the same doctors or patients having telephone contact with healthcare providers may satisfy the patients’ perceived needs.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wichai Aekplakorn ◽  
Paibul Suriyawongpaisal ◽  
Samrit Srithamrongsawadi ◽  
Phanuwich Kaewkamjonchai

Abstract Background To improve care for patients with chronic diseases, a recent policy initiative in Thailand focused on strengthening primary care based on the concept of Chronic Care Model (CCM). This study aimed to assess the perception of patients about the health care services after the implementation. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 4071 patients with hypertension and/or diabetes registered with 27 primary care units and 11 hospital non-communicable diseases (NCDs) clinics in 11 provinces. The patients were interviewed using a validated questionnaire of the Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care. Upgraded primary care units (PCUs) were ordinary PCUs with the multi-professional team including a physician. Trained upgraded PCUs were upgraded PCUs with the training input. Structural equation modeling was used to create subscale scores for CCM and 5 A model characteristics. Mixed effect logistic models were employed to examine the association of subscales (high vs low score) of patient perception of the care quality with type of PCUs. Results Compared to hospital NCD clinics, ordinary PCUs were the best in the odds of receiving high score for every CCM subscale (ORs: 1.46–1.85; p < 0.05), whereas the trained upgraded PCUs were better in terms of follow-up (ORs:1.37; p < 0.05), and the upgraded PCU did not differ in all domains. According to the 5 A model subscales, patient assessment also revealed better performance of ordinary PCUs in all domains compared to hospital NCD clinics whereas upgraded PCUs and trained upgraded PCUs did so in some domains. Seeing the same doctor on repeated visits (ORs: 1.82–2.17; p < 0.05) or having phone contacts with the providers (ORs:1.53–1.99; p < 0.05) were found beneficial using CCM subscales and the 5A model subscales. However, patient assessment by both subscales did not demonstrate a statistically significant association across health insurance status. Conclusions The policy implementation might not satisfy the patients’ perception on quality of chronic care according to the CCM and the 5A model subscale. However, the arrangement of chronic care with patients seeing the same doctors or patients having telephone contact with healthcare providers may satisfy the patients’ perceived needs.


2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (6) ◽  
pp. 803-808 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luigi Vimercati ◽  
Luigi De Maria ◽  
Francesca Mansi ◽  
Antonio Caputi ◽  
Giovanni M. Ferri ◽  
...  

Background: Thyroid diseases occur more frequently in people exposed to ionizing radiation, but the relationship between occupational exposure to ionizing radiation and thyroid pathologies still remains unclear. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of thyroid diseases in healthcare workers exposed to low-level ionizing radiation compared with a control group working at the University Hospital of Bari, Southern Italy, and living in the same geographical area, characterized by mild iodine deficiency. Methods: We ran a cross-sectional study to investigate whether healthcare workers exposed to ionizing radiation had a higher prevalence of thyroid diseases. Four hundred and forty-four exposed healthcare workers (241 more exposed, or “A Category”, and 203 less exposed, or “B Category”) and 614 nonexposed healthcare workers were enrolled during a routine examination at the Occupational Health Unit. They were asked to fill in an anamnestic questionnaire and undergo a physical examination, serum determination of fT3, fT4 and TSH, anti-TPO ab and anti-TG ab and ultrasound neck scan. Thyroid nodules were submitted to fine needle aspiration biopsy when indicated. Results: The prevalence of thyroid diseases was statistically higher in the exposed workers compared to controls (40% vs 29%, adPR 1.65; IC95% 1.34-2.07). In particular, the thyroid nodularity prevalence in the exposed group was approximately twice as high as that in the controls (29% vs 13%; adPR 2.83; IC95% 2.12-3.8). No statistically significant association was found between exposure to ionizing radiation and other thyroid diseases. Conclusion: In our study, mild ionizing radiation-exposed healthcare workers had a statistically higher prevalence of thyroid diseases than the control group. The results are likely due to a closer and more meticulous health surveillance programme carried out in the ionising radiation-exposed workers, allowing them to identify thyroid alterations earlier than non-exposed health staff.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-44
Author(s):  
Koawo Edjah ◽  
Francis Ankomah ◽  
Ebenezer Domey ◽  
John Ekow Laryea

AbstractStress is concomitant with students’ life and can have a significant impact on their lives, and even how they go about their academic work. Globally, in every five visits by patients to the doctor, three are stress-related problems. This study examined stress and its impact on the academic and social life among students of a university in Ghana. The descriptive cross-sectional survey design was employed. Using the stratified and simple random (random numbers) sampling methods, 500 regular undergraduate students were engaged in the study. A questionnaire made up of Perceived Stress Scale and Students’ Life Satisfaction Scale was used to gather data for the study. Frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviation, and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), with AMOS were used for the analyses. It was found that majority of the students were moderately stressed. Paramount among the stressors were academic stressors, followed by institutional stressors, and external stressors. Stress had a significant positive impact on the academic and social life of students. It was concluded that undergraduate students, in one way or the other, go through some kind of stress during the course of their study. It was recommended that the university, through its Students’ Affairs, and Counselling Sections, continue to empower students on how to manage and deal with stress in order to enhance their academic life.


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