Search Results (8,591)

Health and social care professionals are important for fostering behaviour change to improve population health. Behaviour change education is varied across university curricula, impacting practitioner preparedness to promote engagement in health behaviours. This study examined health and social care professionals’ perceptions of behaviour change education and training in their university course and the factors influencing their preparedness to engage in behaviour change conversations, guided by the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). Australian health and social care professionals (N = 153, M_age = 33.4, SD = 10.5) were surveyed on their perceptions of behaviour change training, knowledge, confidence, and six TDF domains. Sixty-one percent of participants reported that communication skills were highly integrated (‘a lot’ to ‘a great deal’) throughout their course, compared to behaviour change techniques (45.8%), behaviour change theories (45.8%), and counselling therapies (39.9%). Mental health/social care professionals differed significantly from primary care and allied health professionals in skills (p < 0.05) and beliefs about capabilities (p < 0.05 primary care only). Findings demonstrated strong professional identity and intentions for behaviour change but lower confidence in their own capability to deliver behaviour change interventions. University curricula should expand behaviour change content beyond current communication skills training, using discipline-specific approaches for improved graduate preparedness. Full article

Wild edible plants contribute significantly to food security, environmental protection, cultural heritage preservation, economic diversification, and the development of communities. In this paper, we present an inaugural ethnobotanical investigation of the traditional knowledge on wild edible plant species from Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Ethnobotanical fieldwork was conducted in Makkah from January to February 2025. Ethnobotanical data pertaining to wild edible plants were collected from 102 informants through free listing, semi-structured interviews, field observations, and a survey of the market. The data were analyzed based on descriptive statistics, the relative frequency of citation, preference ranking, and priority ranking. Forty-one out of one hundred and eighty-four wild plants were gathered and recognized as wild edible plant species belonging to twenty-one families. Poaceae showed the greatest species diversity, comprising five plant species (12%). Phoenix dactylifera L. is the most common wild edible plant. Notably, 11 of the 41 wild edible plants identified in this study had never been reported in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia before. Wild edible plants are currently threatened by several anthropogenic sources in the research region, including overgrazing, fuel wood collection, and the repeated use of multiple species. Therefore, to ensure sustainable future usage, wild food plants must be used carefully and should be the subject of targeted conservation efforts from all stakeholders. Full article

As living standards rise, the proliferation of discarded apparel contributes significantly to environmental pollution through traditional disposal methods, underscoring the importance of sustainable recycling practices in promoting a green lifestyle. This research examines factors influencing waste clothing recycling among Chinese residents, based on 1220 survey responses. It employs the entropy weight method to quantify dependent and moderating variables, followed by ordinary least squares regression analysis. The results indicate that (1) socio-demographic characteristics (notably gender, with females demonstrating higher recycling rates) and clothing disposal behaviors (including recycling knowledge, frequency of new clothing acquisition, usage duration, and disposal practices) markedly impact recycling activity, whereas age, geographic region, and income levels exhibit no significant effects. (2) Objective environmental conditions (such as recycling infrastructure and policy incentives) and recycling mode (formal outlets and donation platforms) positively moderate the relationship between key factors and recycling volume. These findings suggest that enhancing waste apparel recycling necessitates comprehensive strategies encompassing knowledge dissemination, environmental optimization, and diversification of recycling modalities—providing valuable insights for advancing circular economy initiatives and sustainable waste management within the apparel industry. Full article

This study investigated Cenchrus purpureus in the southern part of the Gaoligong Mountains and quantified its invasion risk using an integrated approach. We combined the Drivers–Pressures–State–Impacts–Responses (DPSIR) model, Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), and Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK). We adopted non-random sampling techniques to conduct a survey on the cognition, hazards, utilization and management of C. purpureus among 402 respondents from 25 villages. Our results classify C. purpureus as a medium-risk species (Level II). We identified a central socio-ecological dilemma: while 36.1% of communities use it for fodder, 54% report that it causes soil degradation, signaling potential long-term agricultural losses. SEM analysis confirmed that the willingness to manage the invasion is directly influenced by these usage patterns and risk perceptions. The traditional ecological knowledge of Cenchrus purpureus was highly consistent with scientific assessment, validating its use as an early warning indicator. Therefore, our study validates a multidisciplinary framework that integrates models (DPSIR, AHP, SEM) with traditional knowledge for a holistic assessment of C. purpureus invasion. This approach offers a replicable strategy for ecosystem management in global biodiversity hotspots in the mountainous regions. Full article

Background: eHealth literacy (eHL) is the ability to seek, find, understand, and apply digital health information. Adolescents often overestimate their eHL skills, potentially leading to poor health decisions and posing a public health concern. Objectives: This study aimed to examine the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors toward eHL and seeking health information online among a sample of Italian adolescents aged 10–19 to identify the sociodemographic characteristics and other variables that are associated with the outcomes of interest. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured questionnaire, including the eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS). Results: A total of 793 Italian adolescents from seven public schools in Naples, southern Italy, participated in the survey. Among the participants, 58.6% had an eHEALS score below 27. A higher eHL was associated with being male, perceiving the Internet as useful for health decisions, the use of electronic devices for seeking health information, consulting institutional/scientific sources, having a mother with lower education, and having parents without underlying chronic conditions. Additionally, a higher eHL, male sex, younger age, and Internet use for seeking health information in the last three months were linked to perceiving the Internet as a helpful tool for health decision making. Conclusions: Overall, Italian adolescents reported suboptimal eHL with sex, attitudes, and parental factors playing significant roles. Targeted educational interventions are needed to enhance eHL in this specific age group. Full article

Against the backdrop of an escalating global environmental crisis, bridging the “knowledge–action gap” in the pro-environmental behavior (PEB) of university students has become a key challenge for sustainable development education, aligning with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Traditional linear models often struggle to capture the complex non-linearities and interaction effects when explaining this gap. To overcome this limitation, this study introduces an integrated “prediction-plus-explanation” framework using eXplainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI). Based on survey data from 463 university students in China, we constructed a high-precision PEB prediction model (Accuracy = 93.55%) using the CatBoost algorithm and conducted an in-depth analysis of its internal decision-making mechanisms with the SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations) framework. The results reveal that a “Practice Primacy” model plays a dominant role in driving PEB: the formation of environmental habits, participation in environmental practices, and the investment of related resources are the overwhelmingly dominant factors in predicting individual behavior, with their cumulative contribution far exceeding that of traditional cognitive and attitudinal variables. Furthermore, heterogeneity analysis revealed significant group differences in these driving mechanisms: the behavioral decisions of male students tend to be more “value-driven,” while lower-division students are more susceptible to external educational interventions. By quantifying the non-linear effects and relative importance of each driver, this study offers a new “Action-to-Cognition” perspective for bridging the knowledge–action gap and provides robust, data-driven support for universities to design precise and differentiated intervention strategies, thus contributing to the achievement of SDGs. Full article

Punta Carola beach, located on San Cristóbal Island in the Galápagos Archipelago, exemplifies how island environments of recent human settlement can rapidly acquire cultural significance. Drawing on a survey of 201 residents, this study examines perceptions of the ecosystem services provided by Punta Carola, their relationship to subjective wellbeing, and attitudes toward alternative tourism and governance strategies. The findings reveal that the inhabitants of San Cristóbal recognize a wide range of tangible and intangible benefits that the natural environment of Punta Carola contributes to their quality of life, sense of belonging, and cultural identity, as well as recreational and aesthetic values. Life satisfaction was positively associated with perceptions of nature’s contribution, the maintenance of local ecological knowledge, and household income, while formal education correlated negatively. Residents identified freshwater and artisanal fishing as the most critical ecosystem services, reflecting their centrality to local livelihoods and wellbeing. The results also underscore widespread criticism of large-scale tourism projects perceived as exclusionary or unsustainable and highlight the importance of participatory governance schemes that legitimize local values. Punta Carola thus emerges as a “cultural landscape of resistance”, where external pressures catalyze identity construction and territorial rootedness. This case contributes to academic debates on socio-ecological resilience in fragile island contexts and offers actionable insights for inclusive planning in the Galápagos. Full article

Electrical and electronic installations (EEIs) are essential to modern building functionality, yet they remain insufficiently addressed in circular economy (CE) strategies and sustainability frameworks. This study examines how CE principles are understood and applied to EEI in the Flemish construction sector, utilising a national survey of 32 professionals and, among them, five expert interviews. Results confirm that energy-efficient technologies, such as LED lighting and the integration of renewable energy, are widely adopted. In contrast, circular practices, including reuse, modularity, and design for disassembly, remain relatively rare. Respondents acknowledged the importance of lifecycle thinking but reported limited access to practical tools, clear guidelines, and market or regulatory incentives to support its implementation. Circular business models, such as leasing and take-back schemes, are recognised in theory but not widely adopted in practice. At the same time, stakeholder engagement often occurs too late to influence circular outcomes. Overall, the findings suggest that strengthening interdisciplinary cooperation, improving knowledge exchange, and defining clearer project requirements could help translate circular principles into everyday professional practice. This study provides an initial evidence base for improving professional awareness and integrating circular principles into EEI design and procurement, contributing to more circular and sustainable EEI within the construction sector. Full article

Diabetes is a global and local epidemic, with an exponential growth trend in prevalence rates. This article presents data collected through a survey administered to a probabilistic sample of patients enrolled in a diabetes control program within a network of health institutions in Cali, Colombia. The purpose of the survey was to explore knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to diabetes. The survey was designed as part of the quantitative component of a mixed methods macroproject, and the questionnaire was developed based on a review of the literature and the research team’s expertise in the field. The results of the article correspond to the description of the database and combine raw survey data with additional analytical variables derived from grouped response options or recoded items. The data provides a valuable source of information for further research and for decision-makers interested in diabetes risk management. In conclusion, this database enables other broader studies on factors related to adherence to conventional treatments and the use of nonconventional treatments for type 2 diabetes. Full article

Background: Proper nutrition supports maternal and fetal health. Gaps in nutritional knowledge (NK) and nutritional literacy (NL) can affect maternal and fetal health. NK refers to knowing facts and processes about nutrition, while NL is a broader component that includes competencies and skills needed to obtain, understand, and apply nutrition information to make dietary decisions. NL and NK limitations may contribute to adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. This scoping review aims to understand the relationship between NK, NL, and pregnancy outcomes, offering insights into areas for future nutrition-based interventions. Methods: Seven databases were searched for studies assessing NK and NL among pregnant women. A total of 5080 articles were identified, with 4249 retained after removing duplicates. Following title and abstract screening, 18 articles underwent full-text review, and 11 met the inclusion criteria. Data were extracted, analyzed, and categorized into nine key themes. Results: All eleven studies employed survey-based methods; ten focused on NK and one on NL. Overall, NK was generally low. The evidence for an association between NK or NL and pregnancy outcomes was limited. Education, income, occupation, and family influence were identified as key factors influencing the NK and NL of pregnant women. Education and income levels were identified as having the most significant impact on NK overall. Only one study accessed the relationship between NK and adverse birth and neonatal outcomes, and this only included HDP and preterm labor. Also, only one out of the eleven studies was conducted in the US. Conclusions: In this review, we found that NK and NL among pregnant women was generally low, with limited evidence linking it to pregnancy outcomes; education and income emerged as the most influential factors of NK and NL. Future studies in high-income countries are recommended to assess the association between NL and adverse maternal outcomes, especially GDM. Full article

Science and Technology (S&T) education is fundamental for advancing sustainability and preparing new generations to face global challenges. However, there is growing concern about the decline in interest and positive attitudes of pre-university students towards S&T and STEM fields, which affects the future workforce and the ability to address complex problems such as energy transition. Research highlights the importance of early interventions and innovative teaching methods to sustain motivation and foster positive attitudes towards S&T and STEM fields. Among these, gamified learning strategies, such as escape rooms, have emerged as promising tools for making S&T education more engaging and accessible. This study investigates whether such approaches can enhance knowledge in renewable energy and attitudes towards S&T in pre-university students. A total of 101 secondary education students participated in a gamified escape room on renewable energy, followed by pre- and post-intervention surveys assessing knowledge and attitudes towards S&T. Responses from 96 students were analyzed using non-parametric statistical tests. The activity improved students’ knowledge of renewable energy but did not lead to measurable changes in their attitudes towards S&T, suggesting that one-time interventions may raise awareness but are insufficient to shift perceptions; therefore, sustained and immersive educational strategies are needed to foster lasting engagement with STEM fields. Full article

Background: Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) prevention presents significant challenges in Peruvian healthcare settings, with substantial gaps in knowledge implementation and preventive practices. However, little is known about how patients’ sociodemographic factors influence the translation of knowledge into preventive practices. Methods: This cross-sectional study examined the associations between knowledge, preventive practices, and potential mediating roles of occupation, educational level, and sex among MDR-TB patients. We surveyed 280 patients from twelve health centers in the Piura-Castilla Network, Peru, recruited from urban (38.55%), marginal urban (32.06%), and rural (29.39%) areas through nonprobability convenience sampling. Participants represented diverse occupational backgrounds, including housewives (19.85%), workers (20.99%), and unemployed individuals (23.28%). Results: Measurement instruments were validated through confirmatory factor analysis, demonstrating adequate reliability (McDonald’s ω > 0.80) and discriminant validity (HTMT < 0.85). Path analysis using structural equation modeling assessed direct and indirect relationships. Knowledge showed a significant direct association with preventive practices (β = 0.194, p < 0.001). Among the three mediating variables examined, only educational level demonstrated a significant indirect effect (β = 0.073, p < 0.001), while occupation (β = −0.010, p = 0.490) and sex (β = −0.035, p = 0.150) showed no significant indirect associations. The model explained 29.7% of the variance in preventive practices. Conclusions: Educational level appears to facilitate the translation of knowledge into preventive practices among MDR-TB patients, though the cross-sectional design precludes causal or directional inferences. Healthcare institutions should develop tailored educational interventions according to patients’ educational backgrounds, including literacy-sensitive materials, simplified visual aids, and personalized counseling sessions to enhance MDR-TB prevention effectiveness in clinical settings. Full article

This study developed and implemented a three-year educational program aimed at fostering local human resources for sustainable regional development in a depopulated area of Japan. The program was conducted within the “Period for Integrated Studies”, a compulsory cross-curricular subject in Japanese junior high schools designed to promote interdisciplinary and community-based learning. A longitudinal questionnaire survey (2021–2023) of students assessed changes in knowledge, attitudes, and awareness related to regional sustainability. The results showed significant improvements in students’ understanding of sustainability and awareness of local issues, indicating that continuous, school-based programs can promote more enduring learning outcomes than one-time interventions. However, the increase in students’ willingness to take concrete actions was limited, suggesting the need for further curriculum refinement to strengthen the link between awareness and behavioral change. This study provides empirical evidence that embedding sustainability education systematically within the existing curriculum framework can effectively foster young people’s capacity to engage with the future of their local communities. Full article

Against the backdrop of global biodiversity crises and climate change, integrated forest management (IFM) has emerged as a critical pathway for sustainable forest development. Grounded in the social–ecological system (SES) framework, we examine the mechanisms and pathways through which knowledge transfer influences IFM, with a focus on residents in China’s state-owned forest regions in the Northeast. By constructing an IFM-SES theoretical framework and utilizing survey data, we employ OLS regression and mediation effect models to empirically assess the driving effects of knowledge transfer on IFM and its heterogeneous impacts. We show that: (a) community-based knowledge transfer significantly enhances IFM; (b) knowledge transfer indirectly promotes IFM by fostering collective action efficacy, strengthening institutional rule compliance, and optimizing conflict resolution mechanisms; and (c) heterogeneity analysis indicates that the impact of knowledge transfer varies across governance models, with stronger effects observed among local residents compared to migrants. This study provides theoretical insights for integrating traditional ecological knowledge with modern scientific management and offers empirical support for global forest sustainability policy design. Full article

Composing in early childhood classrooms offers a critical opportunity to strengthen children’s language skills, yet many teachers feel underprepared to provide this instruction. This study examines whether an AI-enhanced digital platform (L4C) can serve as a sustainable, community-based professional development model that bridges theory and practice. Twenty-nine teachers in the southeastern United States engaged with L4C, a professional learning model designed to integrate principles from the Science of Literacy, Learning, and Instruction into a cohesive platform that links teachers’ content and pedagogical knowledge-building with lesson planning and reflective practice. Data sources included surveys, pre- and post-lesson plans, and AI usage logs from the lesson planning tool. Findings showed that teachers initially reported significant barriers to composing instruction and sought professional learning responsive to their classroom needs. After using L4C, teachers demonstrated notable growth in their knowledge of language components and the quality of their composing lesson designs. Teachers evaluated the platform positively, particularly valuing the linked videos and scripted lesson tools for making theoretical concepts actionable. These findings suggest that AI-driven platforms like L4C can advance teacher learning in practical, individualized, and contextually relevant ways, offering a promising pathway for professional development in early literacy instruction. Full article