Evaluation of the Living Conditions and Health Perceptions of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Handlers in the Informal Sector in Dakar

Electrical and electronic devices are becoming an increasingly important part of our society. In Africa, and in Senegal in particular, the handling and management of electronic and electrical equipment (EEE) that has reached the end of its life is mainly informal. This professional environment is characterized by the disintegration of the sector and the social heterogeneity that can be found there. The objective of this study is to assess the standard of living of electrical and electronic equipment waste handlers in the Dakar region, as well as their perception of their health. A survey was used to obtain information on sociodemographic background, living arrangements, perception of health status, and good practices to be implemented in case of work-related health problems. Life style, perception of general health and health problems were ranged as excellent, very good, good, average and poor. Informal recyclers in the Dakar region lived mainly in rooms and buildings as tenants (49.1%), or in family homes (48.4%) before starting this activity, and 51.2% continue to live in rooms and buildings as tenants compared to 41.4% who still live in a family home. The perception of health status ranged from poor to excellent, and 4.9% believe that they are limited in work due to a disability or health problem. Informal work is a heterogeneous phenomenon that makes research and policymaking particularly complex. There are several external factors within informal WEEE re-cyclers that can cause health problems or functional disability. However, the living conditions and the perception they have of their state of health are contradictory to the working conditions and the social environment to which they belong. A biomedical approach would consolidate these achievements by confirming or invalidating them.

Perceptions of Mothers with Preterm Babies towards Donor Breast Milk at Women and Newborn Hospital,Lusaka Zambia

Breast milk offers essential nutrients crucial for the development of the preterm immune system, thus reducing the incidence of infection and mortality often associated with prematurity. In the absence of breast milk, the preferred option is donated breast milk, the best alternative for hospitalized neonates whose mothers have insufficient breast milk or are unavailable. In Zambia, donor breast milk is unavailable. Instead, the protocol recommends the administration of formula milk. However, the use of formula milk in preterm babies is associated with an increased risk of necrotizing enterocolitis and sepsis. Zambia needs to establish a donor milk bank, hence the need to understand the perception of mothers towards donated breast milk. A qualitative descriptive case study utilized 10 focus group discussions with in-depth interviews, purposively selected using a variation strategy. Data was thematically analysed. Participants demonstrated potential acceptance to donor breast milk utilization, as more nutritional compared to formula despite lack of awareness. Concerns related to safety, quality, fear of disease transmission and discomfort feeding from a different bloodline were identified as hinderance to possible utilisation. These perceptions underscore the importance of educational initiatives aimed at dispelling myths and misconceptions surrounding donor breast milk and establishing donor breast milk programs. Therefore, the study recommends educational initiatives tailored to raise awareness to mothers about donor breast milk.

Clinical competency:perceptions of nursing interns and clinical mentors

Objective:To assess the clinical competency of nursing interns and the perception of clinical nurse mentors toward student nurses'clinical competency.Methods:A study was carried out among 104 nursing interns and 26 clinical nurse mentors using the purposive sampling technique.A self-repor ted perception scale was used to collect the data.Results:In general,most nursing interns perceived themselves as clinically competent during the internship.The clinical nurse mentors too repor ted that the current internship is helping the nursing interns in becoming competent.Conclusions:Frequent clinical evaluation,buddy system,provision of stipends,good leadership,and coordination between the academic institute and hospital are repor ted as the critical motivating factors for improving the clinical competency of student interns.

Longitudinal Studies on Illness Perceptions in Cancer Patients: A Scoping Review

Objective:To conduct a scoping review of longitudinal studies related to disease perception in cancer patients and to provide a reference for the improvement of disease perception in cancer patients.Methods:Using the scoping method,PubMed,Web of Science,The Cochrane Library,Medline,CNKI,Wanfang Database,VIP Chinese Scientific and Technical Journals Database,and China Biomedical Literature Database were searched up to July 2023 for analysis and discussion of the included literature.Results:A total of 19 articles were included,distributed across 9 countries including China,the Netherlands,and the United Kingdom,with 8 articles published in China.The study subjects included patients with breast cancer,colorectal cancer,laryngeal cancer,lung cancer,esophageal cancer,and bladder cancer.The content covered dynamic changes in disease perception,the impact of disease perception,and the influencing factors of disease perception.Conclusion:The number of longitudinal studies on disease perception in cancer patients is gradually increasing and becoming more diverse.However,issues such as a small total number of studies,single research methods,and short observation periods persist.In the future,it is necessary to conduct in-depth longitudinal research on disease perception in cancer patients,expand the scope of research fields,and provide more comprehensive theories to guide clinical treatment and nursing practices,ultimately improving the treatment outcomes and quality of life for cancer patients.

Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices, and Perceptions for Salt/Sodium Reduction in the Gastronomic Sector of Costa Rica

Excess sodium intake is associated with high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases. This study examined food services in Costa Rica as a major source of sodium. The research included six cafeterias, six fast food establishments, 13 restaurants, and 15 diners using non-probabilistic convenience sampling. Interviews were conducted with workers to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding salt reduction. The findings were analyzed to determine effective intervention strategies. Participants showed regular knowledge about salt/sodium. While they recognized the link with high blood pressure, understanding of other health problems was limited. Positive attitudes were observed toward healthy cooking and reducing sodium in pre-prepared food, especially in restaurants. Over 70% expressed a desire to reduce salt in food services, with more than 80% indicating a need for staff training, particularly in cafeterias lacking knowledge of low-salt preparations. High-sodium ingredients were prevalent, with saltshakers and sauces readily available. However, some individuals were reluctant to reduce salt/sodium intake, citing concerns about taste, food variety, and customer complaints. Obstacles to reducing salt/sodium levels included limited accessibility and the cost of low-sodium ingredients. The data collection tools and methodologies used in this study can serve as a foundation for future investigations and strategies to reduce salt consumption in food services. The study recommends government support for transforming the gastronomic sector and implementing regulations and knowledge enhancement. Collaboration with the productive sector is crucial for creating healthy environments. This research presents valuable evidence regarding the utilization of salt and sodium in the gastronomic sector, thereby assisting in the decision-making process for public health initiatives and the prevention of non-communicable chronic diseases. It highlights the significance of tackling sodium reduction in food services to encourage the adoption of healthy culinary practices and enhance the overall health of the population.

An Overview of Government-Market Relationships:Evolving Perceptions,Role of the Market,and Government Functions

Building a high-level socialist market economy is conducive to giving full play to the market’s decisive role in resource allocations and bringing the government into better play.Correctly handling the market and the government relationships has been a central issue in China’s economic structural reform.Giving a comprehensive review and summary of the research findings achieved by the theoretical and academic circles in China,we generalize the evolution and working mechanisms of China’s socialist market economy system,following the developing trajectory and logic of relevant literature,focusing on the three aspects of evolving perceptions,the role of the market,and the functions of the government.Based on our literature overview,we also induced and extracted the basic conclusions and evolutionary features of relevant research and made suggestions for the future direction of theoretical research regarding China’s socialist market economy.

To explore patients’ perceptions about motivators and barriers of adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy among people living with HIV: A qualitative study

Objective:For people living with HIV(PLHIV),strict adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy(HAART)is the key to effective treatment and retention in human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)care.There are many factors which promote or halt the antiretroviral therapy(ART)adherence practices.Therefore,the present study aimed to examine the HAART adherence levels and to explore patients’views about barriers and facilitators to HIV treatment adherence.Methods:Semi-structured interviews were conducted among 15 PLHIV at the ART clinic of Dr.Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital,New Delhi.Interviews were audio-recorded in the local Hindi language,and bilingual experts(English and Hindi)transcribed verbatim.Qualitative data were coded for themes and subthemes and analyzed using a phenomenological approach as per thematic content analysis.Results:Feeling of hopelessness,delayed ART initiation,difficult initial phase of ART,forget to take ART on time,fear of disclosure of HIV diagnosis,lack of privacy and negative social support,and impact of lockdown due to COVID-19 were revealed as significant barriers to ART adherence.At the same time,commitment to raise and educate children,ART to increase life span,maintain oneself to be physically fit and healthy,only a single pill per day,very supportive counselors and health-care professionals,and hope to give birth to a healthy child were identified as facilitators of HIV retention.Conclusion:Understanding patient’s perception about ART adherence,its motivational and barrier factors which are directly affecting ART adherence and retention of PLHIV in HIV treatment and follow-ups are of utmost importance to improve ART adherence during HIV patient care services.

Men’s Knowledge, Attitudes and Perceptions on Family Planning in Tourourou Village, Gogui Rural Commune, Nioro Circle, Kayes Region of Mali

Introduction: The involvement of men in reproductive health programmes and more specifically in family planning has always been of concern to the various development actors at both national and international levels. Objective: To study the births, ideas and opinions of men on Family Planning in the village of Tourourou. Material and Methods: This was a prospective cross-sectional, descriptive and analytic study from February 1 to July 31, 2020 in the village of TOUROUROU on the Knowledge, Attitudes and Perceptions of Men on Family Planning. We included in our study, all men residing in TOUROUROU whose age is between 14 and 99 years, who agreed to participate in the study. Results: Our study involved 200 men. The 25 - 29 age group was the most represented with 25.5%. The Soninke had represented 41%. In our study, 97.5% of men had heard of family planning, 62% had spontaneously cited at least one modern contraceptive method, and the pill ranked first with 64.5%. Radio and friends were the most frequent sources of information with 57.5% and 54.5% respectively. Birth spacing was the most cited family planning goal by men in 43.5% of cases. Men supported the practice of family planning in 50.5% of cases. Conclusion: In the village of Tourourou men play a crucial role in decision-making concerning the health of the couple and the family, their effective involvement in Reproductive Health especially in Family Planning will contribute enormously to the improvement of the health of the family.

Perceptions of Nurses at Ndola Teaching Hospital towards Sexual Health Needs of People with Mental Health Problems

Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is among the fundamental packages of health care, which all clients seeking health care should receive. However, it is unclear how healthcare providers, in particular, nurses perceive the issue of people with mental problems having sexual health needs. The aim of this study was to explore perceptions of nurses at Ndola Teaching Hospital towards sexual health needs of people with mental health problems. A general descriptive qualitative study design was utilized and data were collected using three focus group discussions (FGDs) that were recorded and later transcribed verbatim. Purposive sampling was used to select 21 nurses who participated in the study. Nine were male, while 12 were female. Each FGD comprised seven participants. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data, and six major themes: 1) physiological interplay among different body systems, 2) disease process and effects of psychotropic, 3) participant differences in age, gender, educational level, and cultural backgrounds, 4) staff shortages in mental health units, 5) deficient record keeping, and 6) Social stereotypes and labelling theories emerged. Despite acknowledging the existence of sexual activity among people with mental health problems;participants had both positive and negative perceptions. It is, therefore, recommended that interventions aimed at strengthening implementation of SRH guidelines among nurses caring for people with mental health problems should be put in place.

Healthcare-Associated Infections: Experiences and Perceptions of Nurses at the Ziniaré District Hospital in Burkina Faso

Introduction: Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are a worldwide concern because of their magnitude and their human and financial cost. While nurses’ non-compliance of hygiene and asepsis measures is questioned, the rationale behind it is not fully understood. We hypothesized that nurses’ experiences and perceptions are one of the reasons for their non-compliance with prevention recommendations. Also, nurses’ caring approach would play an important role in patient safety. The objective of this study was to describe nurses’ experiences and perceptions of HAIs in a district hospital in Burkina Faso with the aim of developing a culture of safety in health care practices. Methods: Qualitative data were collected through unstructured interviews with twenty nurses from the Ziniaré district hospital. Data analysis followed the qualitative phenomenological method according to Giorgi. Results: Phenomenological analysis yielded the following themes: “an ignored reality”;“a denied responsibility”;and “a vulnerable problem”. These results show that nurses’ perception of the extent and seriousness of HAIs is low, and that they deny responsibility for their occurrence. As a result, HAIs are not always perceived as a concern. However, nurses deplore the situation, but remain optimistic about resolving the problem. Conclusion: These nurses’ perceptions of HAIs could explain their non-compliance with prevention recommendations. Corrective action could be redirected by raising awareness, continuing training, improving working conditions and involving all players, including patients and their families, in the fight against HAIs. .

Knowledge,perceptions,and practice towards adverse events following immunization surveillance among vaccination workers in Zhejiang province,China

Objective:To access the level of knowledge,perceptions,and practice towards adverse events following immunization(AEFI)surveillance among vaccination workers in Zhejiang province,China.Methods:This was a cross-sectional survey involving 768 vaccination workers.Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires and analyzed by using SAS 9.3 software.Knowledge,perceptions,and practice on AEFI surveillance were summarized using frequency tables.The mean±SD value was used as the cut-off for defining good(values≥mean)and poor(values<mean)knowledge,perceptions or practice.Binary logistic regression analysis was used to determine sociodemographic variables associated with knowledge,perceptions,and practice towards AEFI.Results:The proportions of good knowledge,perceptions and practice on AEFI surveillance were 78.13%,57.81%and 66.15%,respectively.Having a higher education background,longer years of experience,previous training on AEFI and≥30 years of age were factors associated with good knowledge,perceptions and practice on AEFI surveillance among vaccination workers.Conclusions:Over half of the respondents had good knowledge,perceptions and practice on AEFI surveillance work.Interventions on improving the vaccination workers’knowledge,perceptions and practice on AEFI surveillance should be considered in order to develop a more effective surveillance system.

Consumer Perceptions of Noni Juice Health Benefits during a 90-Day In-Home Use Test

Noni juice, made from the fruit of Morinda citrifolia, is a health-promoting food from the Pacific Islands with an extensive history of traditional use. Human clinical trials have revealed that noni juice has antioxidant, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. Previously, regular noni juice consumers in Europe and traditional healers in Fiji were surveyed to identify potential noni juice health benefits. But to better understand the perception of its health benefits among those with no previous experience with noni juice, an in-home study was conducted in the United States. Three hundred and nineteen adults with untreated chronic health conditions were provided with a 90-day supply of a blinded (unlabeled) commercial noni juice product (Tahitian Noni® Juice), instructed to consume 4 fluid ounces (1/2 cup) each day, and responded to a questionnaire given on days 30, 60 and 90 to evaluate product appeal and perceived effectiveness. A total of 299 people (94%) felt that their health improved in some way after drinking TNJ for 90 days. More than 80% of the subjects reported feeling better or healthier in general. Most participants also concurred with more than two dozen additional positive health perception statements, especially on days 60 and 90. More than 70% of consumers also indicated that noni juice helped them feel better than other wellness supplements they had tried in the past, including other so-called “super fruit” products. These findings seem to corroborate the results of clinical trials and previous consumer surveys regarding the potential for noni juice to provide discernable health benefits when used consistently over time. Such findings may help guide additional placebo-controlled clinical trials in which specific effects may be evaluated more rigorously.

A tale of duality:Community perceptions towards the ecotourism impacts on Simien Mountains National Park,Ethiopia

This study aims to analyze how park households perceive the economic,sociocultural,and environmental impacts of ecotourism in Simien Mountain National Park(SMNP),Ethiopia.We combined qualitative and quantitative techniques for data collection.A sequentially embedded mixed design that gives priority to quantitative data was used.We also employed a multistage sampling technique to select respondents from three districts or woredas,namely Debark,Janamora,and Beyeda woredas.Finally,397 participants were involved in the study from a random selection of three villages from each district or woreda.Data were gathered using a survey questionnaire,interviews,and focus group discussions.Data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistical methods,including means,standard deviations,analysis of variance(ANOVA),and logistic regression models.The findings from a logistic regression analysis revealed that ecotourism participation had a significant relationship with gender(B=1.850,P=0.023),level of education(B=0.238,P=0.032),geographical location(B=0.420,P=0.041),and occupation(B=0.920,P=0.019).This investigation suggested that males and individuals with a higher educational background are more likely to possess optimistic perspectives concerning the impacts of ecotourism.Furthermore,individuals residing in districts relatively near ecotourism destinations,those engaged in tourism-related work,and younger participants were recognized as having optimistic viewpoints regarding the impacts of ecotourism.In conclusion,the study highlighted the need for collaborative efforts among stakeholders to maximize ecotourism’s benefits and minimize negative effects in SMNP.To achieve this,it is recommended that the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Agency,the Ministry of Tourism,and local government should work together to develop sustainable tourism plans that enhance local livelihoods and park conditions.Efforts should focus on increasing the participation of females and individuals with lower education levels through training and resource provision.

The impact of nurses’organizational commitment on their perceptions of the work environment:Strong mediating effect of the psychological contract

Objective:The objective is to assess the direct and indirect effects of nurses’organizational commitment(OC)on their work environment perceptions(WEP)and the role of the psychological contr act(PC).Methods:A cross‑sectional quantitative study of 3047 registered nurses in four Chinese hospitals was conducted.The Essentials of Magnetism II(Chinese version),OC,and PC scales were used in the study,and the structural equation modeling was used to assess the connections among variables.Results:The results showed that OC was positively correlated with WEP(r=0.561,P<0.001),and PC was negatively correlated with the WEP(r=−0.717,P<0.001),and OC(r=−0.739,P<0.001).Nurses’PC played a strong mediating role between OC and WEP,accounting for 87.64%of the total effect.Besides,PC played an important role in creating a healthy work environment.Conclusions:The exploration of the relationships among WEP,PC,and OC provides new insights for hospital managers to build a better work environment for nurses,which is conducive to maintaining a stable nurse team and providing high‑quality nursing services for patients.

Public perceptions about the emerging human monkey pox disease and vaccination in twin cities of Pakistan: a cross-sectional study

Background:The monkey pox virus is caused by monkey pox(MPX),which is similar to both smallpox and cowpox.Near tropical rain forests,it usually occurs in isolated communities in Central and West Africa.The monkey pox virus,a member of the family Poxviridae and belongs to the genus Orthopoxvirus.Close contact with infected animals,sick people,or contaminated inanimate things can cause the virus to spread to humans.The illness typically takes 7 to 14 days to incubate and is characterized by fever,headache,lethargy,myalgia,generalized body pains,lymph node swelling,and skin lesions.Given the variety of illnesses that can result in skin rashes,it could be challenging to differentiate monkey pox solely based on clinical presentation,particularly for patients with an uncommon look.Objective:The main objective of the study is to evaluate public perceptions regarding the emerging human monkey pox disease and vaccination.Methods:The study was conducted using a cross-sectional study design.The sample size was 472 participants;however,10 questionnaires were excluded because of invalid data.The 462 questionnaires were included by expert validation from the general public of Rawalpindi and Islamabad,Pakistan.The data were analyzed using Chi-squared tests.Results:This questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 15 Sep to 15 Oct 2022.The participants’perceptions,knowledge,and attitudes were collected via a 24-item-based questionnaire survey.The survey was based on 462 participants,196(42.4%)were females,and 266(57.6%)were males.The results reveal that out of 462 participants,clinical symptoms of monkey pox disease 82.7%(382),complications of monkey pox disease 81.2%(375),lymphadenopathy(swollen lymph nodes)is one clinical feature that could be used to differentiate between monkey pox and smallpox 81.2%(375)and monkey pox is common in Western and Central Africa 24.2%(112).Furthermore,the majority of participants(P≤0.05)agreed that health officials should start a vaccination campaign to combat monkey pox.Regarding preventive measures and vaccination campaigns,health officials should take public preventive measures 79.7%(368)and health officials start a vaccination campaign against monkey pox disease 56.3%(260).Conclusion:There was a significant difference seen in the public perception regarding monkey pox preventive measures and vaccination.The International health authorities must take priority-based preventative measures to prevent the spread of monkey pox disease around the world.

A Comparison of Libyan and Australian Students＇ Perceptions of Empowerment in Accounting Courses

The concept of empowerment was introduced into the accounting education research by Zraa, Imran, Kavanagh, and Morgan （2011）. The authors＇ purpose is to compare Libyan and Australian students＇ perceptions of empowerment in accounting courses and to investigate their relationships with classroom instruction. This study involves a survey of 409 students, who are studying the first-year business degree at institutions in Libya and Australia. Observations and interviews are also conducted. Data are analyzed using reliability tests, factor analysis, t-tests, and correlations. The results indicate that Australian students are more empowered than Libyan students. In addition, the result reveals that classroom instruction methods influence students＇ empowerment.

Gastroenterologist perceptions of faecal microbiota transplantation

AIM: To explore gastroenterologist perceptions towards and experience with faecal microbiota transplantation(FMT).METHODS: A questionnaire survey consisting of 17 questions was created to assess gastroenterologists' attitude towards and experience with FMT. This was anonymously distributed in hard copy format amongst attendees at gastroenterology meetings in Australia between October 2013 and April 2014. Basic descriptive statistical analyses were performed.RESULTS: Fifty-two clinicians participated. Twenty one percent had previously referred patients for FMT,8% more than once. Ninety percent would refer patients with Clostridium difficile infection(CDI) for FMT if easily available,37% for ulcerative colitis,13% for Crohn's disease and 6% for irritable bowel syndrome. Six percent would not refer any indication,including recurrent CDI. Eighty-six percent would enroll patients in FMT clinical trials. Thirty-seven percent considered the optimal mode of FMT administration transcolonoscopic,17% nasoduodenal,13% enema and 8% oral capsule. The greatest concerns regarding FMT were: 42% lack of evidence,12% infection risk,10% non infectious adverse effects/lack of safety data,10% aesthetic,10% lack of efficacy,4% disease exacerbation,and 2% inappropriate use; 6% had no concerns. Seventy seven percent believed there is a lack of accessibility while 52% had an interest in learning how to provide FMT. Only 6% offered FMT at their institution.CONCLUSION: Despite general enthusiasm,most gastroenterologists have limited experience with,or access to,FMT. The greatest concerns were lack of supportive evidence and safety issues. However a significant proportion would refer indications other than CDI for FMT despite insufficient evidence. These data provide guidance on where education and training are required.

Factors influencing hybrid maize farmers' risk attitudes and their perceptions in Punjab Province,Pakistan

Hybrid maize farmers have to face diverse kinds of climate, biological, price and financial risks. Farmers＇ risk perceptions and risk attitudes are essential elements influencing farm operations and management decisions. However, this important issue has been overlooked in the contemporary studies and therefore there is a dearth of literature on this important issue. The present research is therefore, an attempt to fill this gap. This study aims to quantify hybrid maize farmers＇ perceptions of disastrous risks, their attitudes towards risk and to explore the impacts of various farm and farm household factors on farmers＇ risk attitudes and risk perceptions. The present study is conducted in four hybrid maize growing districts of Punjab Province, Pakistan, using cross-sectional data of 400 hybrid maize farmers. Risk matrix and equally likely certainty equivalent （ELCE） method are used to rank farmers＇ perceptions of four catastrophic risk sources including climate, biological, price and financial risks and to investigate farmers＇ risk aversion attitudes, respectively. Furthermore, probit regression is used to analyze the determinants affecting farmers＇ risk attitudes and risk perceptions. The results of the study showed that majority of farmers are risk averse in nature and perceive price, biological and climate to be potential sources of risks to their farm enterprise. In addition, analysis divulges that distance from farm to main market, off-farm income, location dummies for Sahiwal and Okara, age, maize farming experience, access to extension agent, significantly （either negatively or positively） influence farmers＇ risk attitudes and risk perceptions. The study delivers valuable insights for farmers, agricultural insurance sector, extension services researchers and agricultural policy makers about the local understanding of risks to hybrid maize crop in developing countries, like Pakistan, and have implications for research on farmers＇ adaptation to exposed risks.

FUZZY SYNTHETIC EVALUATION ON RESIDENT'S PERCEPTIONS OF TOURISM IMPACTS——Case of Jiuzhaigou National Park, Sichuan Province, China

Tourism can have both positive and negative outcomes for residents in tourism destinations, It is a good method to analyze the status of tourism impact by means of investigating residents＇ perceptions of it. Various methods have been used in previous authoritative studies. However, owing to inherent imprecision, difficulties always exist in some conventional methodologies when describing the interpretation of linguistic or measured uncertainties for real-world randoln phenomena. The purpose of this research is to present the fuzzy synthetic evaluation method to investigate residents＇ perceptions of tourisln impacts. At first, basic attributes and a hierarchical framework of tourism impacts are defined and formed. Secondly, the weighted vectors are determined according to the knowledge and experience of experts. Thirdly, the weighted evaluation matrices are aggregated to get the fuzzy sets of tourism impacts. In the last stage, the final fuzzy sets are defuzzified to get the rank of the residents＇ perceptions of tourism impacts. A case study in Jiuzhaigou National Park of China is provided to demonstrate the application of this method.

Undergraduate nursing students' knowledge of aging, attitudes toward and perceptions of working with older adults in Kathmandu Nepal

Objectives: This study aims to examine Nepalese undergraduate nursing students' knowledge of aging,attitudes towards older adults and perceptions of working with older adults,and to assess differences in these outcomes by socio-demographic characteristics as well as type of nursing program.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 385 undergraduate nursing students in six nursing colleges located in the Kathmandu Valley,Knowledge of aging,attitudes toward older adults and perceptions of working with older adults were assessed using standardized tools,the Palmore Facts on Aging Quiz,Kogan's Attitudes towards Older People Scale,and Nolan's Intent to Work with Older People Questionnaire,respectively.Results: The mean knowledge scores on older adults and aging were relatively low;participants scored an average of 26.9 out of 50.Scores assessing attitudes towards and perceptions of working with older adults were more favorable.Compared to students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN),students pursuing a Bachelor of Nursing (BN) had a significantly higher score on the knowledge,attitudes and perception of aging scales.Linear regression analyses showed that the students' knowledge of aging (β =0.55;95% CI =0.25-0.86) and perceptions of working with older adults (β =0.22;95% Cl =0.05 -0.38) had a significant positive association with their attitudes toward older adults.Conclusions: Undergraduate nursing students in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal displayed a relatively low level of knowledge,but a positive attitude towards older adults,and a positive perception of working with older adults.Observed differences in knowledge,attitude,and perception scores between students in BSN and BN programs needs further investigation;closing this gap may be important for bolstering undergraduate gerontological preparation in Nepal.