Search Results (796)

Risk perception has long been treated as a key driver of public climate attitudes and climate-friendly behaviors. Although prior studies have reported relatively modest levels of perceived personal climate threat among the Chinese public, they have also found strong recognition of anthropogenic climate change and solid support for climate policies. However, it remains unclear whether the relatively modest perceived threat to personal climate among Chinese respondents is associated with a lower willingness to engage in climate-friendly behaviors. To address this question, this study extended the multi-level risk and benefit framework to investigate how personal, societal, and national risk and benefit perceptions, and their associations with climate attitudes and behavioral willingness, were perceived via a national survey of Chinese respondents (N = 1500). Empirical analyses, however, show that personal and societal appraisals are not clearly distinguishable, whereas national-level appraisals form a distinct dimension. Regression results further indicate a systematic divergence in predictive patterns across appraisal domains. National-level appraisals are more strongly associated with climate attitudes, whereas proximate appraisals, particularly perceived personal benefits, are more closely related to behavioral willingness. While explaining the apparent paradox of relatively low perceived personal climate risk but comparatively strong climate attitudes in China, these findings extend research on the attitude–behavior gap by suggesting that national-level and proximate appraisals may play different roles in relation to climate-related attitudes and behavioral intentions in contexts characterized by strong state involvement in climate governance. Full article

Rural adolescents face persistent health inequities driven by limited access to preventive health education, intergenerational engagement, and resources that support lifelong wellness. This study evaluated the effectiveness of Active Aging for L.I.F.E., a school-based intergenerational health literacy program, in improving adolescents’ attitudes toward aging and health. The four-session program, delivered through a train-the-trainer model involving older adults and undergraduate students, was implemented in three rural schools during the 2024–2025 academic year. A total of 86 junior high and high school students participated, with 77 completing pre- and post-program surveys assessing attitudes toward aging, health consciousness, and intergenerational engagement. Paired t-tests and multiple regression analyses examined overall program effects and differences by sex/gender and age group. Students demonstrated significant improvements in aging attitudes, perceived relevance of aging topics, enjoyment of intergenerational interaction, and awareness of health-promoting behaviors across the lifespan. Several baseline sex/gender and age-based gaps in health-related perceptions were reduced following participation, with stronger future-oriented attitude shifts observed among younger adolescents. These findings suggest that brief, scalable intergenerational interventions embedded in rural school settings can support early prevention, health literacy, and community capacity building, offering a promising strategy for advancing rural public health outcomes across the life course. Full article

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses an escalating threat to global health, agriculture, and the environment, demanding urgent multisectoral action under the One Health framework. Despite global awareness efforts, understanding of AMR among the general population remains insufficient, particularly in low- and middle-income countries such as Brazil. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions (KAP) of the Brazilian population regarding AMR. Methods: An online questionnaire was distributed through social media platforms between April and August 2025, resulting in 945 valid responses after data cleaning. Quasi-Poisson models were applied to identify demographic predictors of KAP scores while logistic regression models were used to assess the association between KAP scores and antibiotic use-related practices. Results: Education level was the strongest predictor of higher KAP scores, whereas age and gender showed inconsistent influence. Only 40.3% of respondents correctly identified antibiotics among commonly used medicines, and 25.9% reported proper disposal of antibiotic packaging. More than half (54.2%) were willing to pay more for antibiotic-free products, although only 26.7% had ever noticed such labeling. Network analysis of open-ended responses indicated that concerns about potential health risks and AMR awareness were the primary motivators for purchasing antibiotic-free products. Conclusions: These findings reveal significant gaps in public understanding of antibiotic use and resistance in Brazil, emphasizing the urgent need for targeted educational initiatives, improved public communication, and behavioral interventions to support antimicrobial stewardship and sustainable antibiotic use. Full article

Background/Objectives: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major public health problem driven partly by inappropriate antibiotic use. Students of health studies represent future healthcare professionals with an important role in patient education, infection prevention, and antimicrobial stewardship. This study assessed knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours regarding antibiotic use and AMR among students of the Faculty of Health Studies, University of Mostar. Methods: An anonymous cross-sectional online survey was conducted in March 2025 using a self-selected convenience sample. The questionnaire was adapted from a previously published survey among Cypriot university students and distributed through student WhatsApp groups and by e-mail. Of 1113 invited students, 220 completed the survey, yielding a response rate of 19.8%. Results: During the previous 12 months, 39.5% of respondents reported antibiotic use. Most respondents reported adherence to medical instructions regarding dosage and duration of therapy, while 20.5% reported self-medication with antibiotics and 29.5% reported keeping unused antibiotics at home. Approximately 42% perceived antibiotics as easy or very easy to obtain without a prescription. Only 36.4% of respondents correctly distinguished antibiotics from other medications. Although most respondents recognised that bacteria can develop resistance, misconceptions persisted regarding humans and viruses. Differences between study programmes were observed for some attitudes and perceptions, whereas gender and year of study were not significantly associated with most responses. Conclusions: Health studies students demonstrated partial knowledge of antibiotics and AMR, together with behaviours that may contribute to inappropriate antibiotic use. Strengthened curricular content on rational antibiotic use, infection management, infection prevention, and antimicrobial stewardship appears justified. The findings are also consistent with the need to consider broader stewardship measures, including better enforcement of existing prescription-only dispensing requirements in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Full article

Underground heritage represents a hidden urban resource for cultural regeneration and sustainable tourism, preserving historical layers, wartime memory, and local identity. Positioning the shelters as a form of Underground Built Heritage (UBH), this study examines how concealed civil-defense spaces can be reinterpreted as local cultural heritage resources before systematic reuse. However, enclosed and unfamiliar spaces are often perceived as risky, making adaptive reuse socially sensitive. This study investigates Jingdezhen’s underground air-raid shelters through a scenario-based survey and partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Using an extended Value-Attitude-Behavior (VAB) framework incorporating perceived authenticity, anticipated affective identification, safety assurance, and perceived risk, this study identifies factors influencing pre-development public acceptance. Results show that public acceptance is shaped by cognitive evaluation of value and anticipated affective identification, while perceived risk constrains behavioral intentions. Perceived authenticity enhances value perception and anticipated affective identification; perceived value strengthens attitudes; safety assurance shows a small but statistically significant negative association with perceived risk, although most variance in perceived risk remains unexplained; and an exploratory moderation analysis further suggested that perceived risk may weaken the attitude–visit intention relationship. Although the estimated model showed a relatively high SRMR, the results are interpreted as prediction-oriented ex ante evidence rather than as a covariance-based model with strong global fit. These findings provide prediction-oriented ex ante evidence for the sustainable reuse of underground heritage, supporting heritage interpretation, risk management, and urban regeneration aligned with SDG 11. Full article

As AI permeates daily life, algorithmic platforms increasingly function as complex sociotechnical systems that shape public perception and societal attitudes. Addressing concerns that AI text-to-image models and search engines reinforce stereotypes, this study focuses on China, a context marked by traditional gender norms and a vast technological ecosystem, examining how algorithmic systems perpetuate gender power structures through occupational representations. Using algorithmic audits of 60 occupations, Z-tests, and QAP network analysis, this study compares platform gender representations with national census data, systematically distinguishing “generative bias” in AI platforms (Doubao Seedream 3.0, Jimeng Image 3.0) from “retrieval bias” in search engines (Baidu, Sogou). Findings reveal that search engines reinforce stereotypes by over-representing dominant genders and obscuring non-mainstream ones. Generative AI exhibits more radical distortions. The specialized AI Jimeng shows a strong gender polarization feature, while the general AI Doubao shows an ideal balanced gender presentation tendency, balancing representation yet creating an equally false reality. Compared to search engines, AI platforms have greater creativity in representing occupational gender. This study reveals a mutually reinforcing bias cycle among audiences, media, and algorithms, offering a crucial non-Western perspective for feminist technology studies and significant implications for equitable AI governance. Full article

Background: Mpox is a re-emerging viral zoonotic disease that remains relevant for public health preparedness, risk communication, and vaccination literacy. University students are an important population for infectious disease communication because they are socially active, digitally connected, and may act as knowledge multipliers. This study assessed Mpox-related knowledge, risk perception, preventive practices, and willingness to receive Mpox vaccination among university students in Aktobe, Kazakhstan, and identified independent predictors of adequate knowledge and vaccination willingness. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was conducted among students from three universities. The questionnaire collected socio-demographic characteristics, Mpox-related knowledge, information sources, attitudes, preventive practices, perceived risk, and vaccination willingness. Knowledge was summarized using a three-item score; adequate knowledge was defined as a score of at least 2 out of 3. Two multivariable logistic regression models were fitted: one for adequate Mpox-related knowledge and one for willingness to receive Mpox vaccination. Results: The final descriptive dataset included 482 respondents. Most participants were female (66.8%), from urban areas (80.5%), and aged 17–18 years (61.6%). Only 217 students (45.0%) had previously heard about Mpox, 193 (40.0%) correctly identified rash as the main symptom, and 179 (37.1%) knew that vaccination against Mpox exists. Adequate knowledge was observed in 201 students (41.7%), while only 150 students (31.1%) were willing to receive Mpox vaccination. In the multivariable model, adequate knowledge was independently associated with studying at Marat Ospanov West Kazakhstan Medical University (aOR = 5.66; 95% CI: 2.95–10.84), use of medical websites as an information source (aOR = 1.71; 95% CI: 1.09–2.69), and following infectious disease news (aOR = 2.81; 95% CI: 1.76–4.48). Vaccination willingness was independently associated with considering Mpox a dangerous infectious disease (aOR = 2.04; 95% CI: 1.11–3.77) and perceiving Mpox as a threat to Kazakhstan (aOR = 2.16; 95% CI: 1.30–3.59). Conclusions: Mpox-related knowledge among university students in Aktobe was limited, while vaccination willingness remained low despite moderate perceived risk. Reliable information exposure improved knowledge, whereas vaccination willingness was more strongly associated with perceived disease threat. These findings support university-based health literacy, vaccine literacy, and risk communication interventions aimed at improving preparedness for emerging infectious diseases. Full article

Vaccination stands as a preeminent public health measure in the fight against infectious diseases, with a proven track record of significantly reducing morbidity and mortality rates. However, the presence of vaccine hesitancy and misinformation, particularly evident during the course of the pandemic, has emerged as a significant challenge. The present study analyzes public perceptions of vaccination by examining YouTube comments on 215 vaccine-related videos, which total over 94,000 comments. Employing advanced topic modeling techniques, such as Hierarchical Dirichlet Process (hLDA), Latent Semantic Analysis (LSA), and Non-Negative Matrix Factorization (NMF), the study identifies key themes, including vaccine safety, side effects, pharmaceutical ethics, and public trust in healthcare authorities. The findings indicate that debates frequently center on political, social, and scientific concepts. Vaccine hesitancy has emerged as a pervasive global phenomenon that transcends cultural boundaries. The dissemination of misinformation regarding the efficacy of vaccines and the safety of treatments, such as ivermectin, is a prevalent phenomenon on social media platforms. This poses significant challenges to public health efforts. The subjects of child vaccination and parental standpoints are also recurring topics of concern. This study underscores the pivotal function of digital platforms such as YouTube in influencing public attitudes regarding vaccination. This underscores the necessity for targeted communication strategies, advanced digital literacy, and proactive policies by social media platforms to address misinformation and promote evidence-based information. Such precautions are imperative to sustaining elevated vaccination rates and safeguarding public health in the digital age. Full article

Radical environmental protests (REPs) have become more frequent and, in some contexts, more supported by the public. Amid ongoing climate change, biodiversity loss, government backsliding on environmental goals, and political polarization, REP is likely to grow, with implications for both social and environmental sustainability. This study investigates associations between REP, general pro-environmental attitudes and behaviours, more radical environmental beliefs such as anti-speciesism (AS), and perceptions of government efficacy. Using UK survey data from 2024–2025 (N = 1163), we assessed support for REP through established measures like the Nature Connectedness Scale and New Ecological Paradigm, alongside new scales measuring principled support for radical protest and perceived governmental efficacy. Moderated multiple regression analysis found that AS significantly predicts support for REP, even when controlling for general pro-environmental behaviour, but engagement in public environmental actions was an even stronger predictor. Perceived governmental efficacy did not moderate these relationships but was an independent positive predictor—indicating that support for REP is linked to political optimism, rather than disillusionment. These findings challenge assumptions that REP emerges from political disengagement, suggesting instead that it reflects a broader, hopeful commitment to environmental action in the face of global crisis. Full article

Background: Birth defects remain a major global public health concern, particularly in low-resource settings where awareness and preventive practices are limited. Maternal knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) are critical in the prevention and management of birth defects. This study explored contextual factors influencing maternal KAP using a mixed-methods approach in three rural districts of the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Methods: A convergent mixed-methods cross-sectional study was conducted among 72 mothers selected through purposive sampling. Quantitative data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered in English only, covering socio-demographic characteristics, obstetric history, knowledge, and preventive practices. Qualitative data were obtained through interviews exploring beliefs, perceptions, and cultural explanations of birth defects. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and linear regression analysis to identify factors associated with birth defects, while qualitative data were thematically analysed to provide contextual understanding. Results: Most participants resided in the Amathole district (63.89%), followed by Alfred Nzo (18.06%) and Joe Gqabi (18.06%). Most women were aged between 20 and 35 years (52.78%), while 15.28% were younger than 20 years and 6.94% were older than 45 years. Over half of the respondents were single (55.56%), 34.72% were married, and the remainder were either separated (4.17%) or divorced (5.56%). Numerous participants had primary education (56; 77.78%), followed by secondary (11; 15.28%) and tertiary education (5; 6.94%). The majority were unemployed (56; 77.78%), while smaller proportions were employed (10; 13.89%) or engaged in other income-generating activities (6; 8.33%), indicating limited participation in formal employment among respondents. Nearly all participants (95.83%) had experienced pregnancy, with 70.83% reporting pregnancy-related complications. Only 2.78% reported having a child with a birth defect, while 90.28% reported a family history of birth defects. Knowledge of genetic causes was relatively high (69.23%), but awareness of modifiable risk factors was limited. Although 93.06% recognized alcohol use during pregnancy as harmful, fewer participants identified smoking or medication use (18.06%) and advanced maternal age (26.39%) as risk factors. Only 13.89% acknowledged the preventive role of antenatal care. Qualitative findings revealed strong cultural influence on perceptions of birth defects, with causes attributed to medical factors (38.89%), supernatural beliefs such as witchcraft or curses (18.06%), immoral behaviour (12.50%), and dietary taboos (11.11%). Traditional health-seeking behaviour was common, with 91.67% consulting traditional healers during pregnancy. Linear regression analysis identified significant predictors of birth defects, including family history (β = 1.36, p = 0.008), alcohol use during pregnancy (β = 1.13, p = 0.050), and inadequate antenatal care attendance (β = 0.99, p = 0.040). Advanced maternal age showed a weaker and non-significant association (β = 0.79, p = 0.080). Conclusions: The study highlights substantial gaps in maternal knowledge and the strong influence of cultural beliefs on birth defect prevention. Strengthening culturally sensitive health education, improving antenatal care services, and engaging traditional healers in community-based interventions are essential to improve maternal health outcomes in rural South Africa. Full article

Urban forests and green spaces provide important ecosystem services that support climate adaptation, public health, and urban sustainability. Despite growing evidence from individual Portuguese cities, nationwide data on how citizens perceive, use, and support the governance of urban green spaces remain limited. This study addresses that gap through a nationwide online survey conducted in Portugal in 2024, gathering 927 valid responses from Portuguese adults across metropolitan, intermediate-density, and low-density municipalities, to investigate public perceptions of ecosystem services, patterns of green space use, management challenges, and attitudes toward urban forestry governance policies. Results revealed strongly positive perceptions of urban trees and green spaces across all sociodemographic groups, with over 95% of respondents acknowledging that urban green spaces positively influence physical and mental health. Regulating services, including air quality improvement, urban noise reduction, climate change mitigation, and flood mitigation, received the highest levels of agreement, while cultural ecosystem services were positively perceived but with comparatively lower agreement. Accessibility emerged as a critical determinant of visitation frequency: 85% of respondents could reach a green space within 15 min, and 82% of daily users lived within 300 m of one, broadly consistent with the 3 + 30 + 300 principle. Frequent visitation was primarily associated with relaxation, physical activity, and social interaction. Conversely, only 6% considered that trees cause more damage than benefits, with pavement damage and superficial roots cited as the more significant management challenges. Support for public investment was broad, with over 90% of respondents favouring allocating municipal tax revenues to urban tree management. However, 68% remained unfamiliar with Law No. 59/2021, revealing a gap between public support and policy awareness. These findings establish a national baseline to support municipalities in developing more resilient, inclusive, and health-promoting urban environments in the face of climate change, as they align urban forestry practices with citizens’ expectations. Full article

Public awareness and perception of human biomonitoring (HBM) and pesticide exposure are essential for informed decision-making and policy, yet understanding remains limited and often shaped by media and advocacy. This study combined three focus group discussions with Latvian citizens and an online content analysis of pesticide-related posts. Discussions explored understanding of HBM, attitudes toward chemical exposures, and support for related research, while content analysis identified commonly discussed pesticides and the role of non-governmental organisations (NGO) in shaping public opinion. Findings indicate low awareness and frequent misconceptions about HBM, often confused with wearable health technologies rather than a tool for assessing internal chemical exposure. Concerns were mainly linked to food additives and household chemicals, with less attention to pesticides. Glyphosate emerged as the most debated pesticide, largely driven by NGO activity and media coverage. Trust in government initiatives was mixed, with concerns about political influence, industry interests, and data privacy. Nevertheless, participants expressed strong support for further national research. Overall, the results highlight gaps in public understanding and the significant influence of media and advocacy. Strengthening risk communication, transparency, and public engagement is essential to build trust and support the development of Latvia’s HBM framework. Full article

Background: Public perception of environmental (natural background) radiation represents an important challenge for public health communication, as risk perception is often influenced more by information quality and institutional trust than by objective exposure levels. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 481 respondents using a structured questionnaire assessing self-perceived knowledge, information sources, perceived radiation risk, institutional trust, and health-related attitudes. Results: Significant gender differences were observed in self-reported knowledge about radioactivity, with men more frequently reporting higher knowledge levels than women (p < 0.001), while no significant differences emerged between urban and rural respondents; logistic regression analysis showed that lower perceived risk was associated with lack of medical information (OR = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.14–0.71) and absence of avoidance behavior (OR = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.11–0.47), whereas low trust in medical institutions was associated with higher odds of perceiving natural background radiation as dangerous (OR = 1.84, 95% CI: 1.21–2.80). Conclusions: Effective radiation risk communication requires more than the dissemination of information; it must also address public concerns, enhance institutional trust, and provide clear, credible, and accessible health-related messages. Tailored communication strategies are essential to bridge the gap between expert knowledge and public perception. Full article

Background: The growing use of big data and algorithmic personalisation in political communication has intensified concerns about surveillance, privacy, and manipulation. Although previous research has examined these issues among the general public, much less is known about how journalism students—future professionals who have grown up in data-fied environments—perceive them. This study investigates the extent to which these students feel ‘spied on’ by digital platforms and online media, how such perceptions influence their trust in media, platforms and political actors, and what attitudes they hold regarding the ethical use of data in journalism. (2) Methods: Based on a survey of 222 journalism students, the research analyses perceptions of digital surveillance, awareness of political microtargeting, and attitudes toward the ethical use of audience data in journalism practice. A qualitative component, through focus groups, complements the survey by exploring ethical reflections on algorithmic tracking and journalistic responsibility. (3) Results: The findings reveal a widespread distrust of social networks and political actors and a more moderate scepticism toward the news media. Students express strong ethical concerns about data use and algorithmic personalisation, particularly in political communication and in relation to their future professional roles. (4) Conclusions: The study suggests that journalism students show critical awareness of algorithmic personalisation. Their perceptions highlight the need for academic training in transparency, consent, and accountability in data-driven practices. Full article

Background/objective: The Immunisation Agenda 2030, led by the World Health Organization, aims to ensure that people of all ages benefit from vaccination. South Africa remains committed to these goals, strengthening childhood immunisation largely through the Expanded Programme on Immunisation. However, despite progress, the number of unvaccinated and partially vaccinated children continues to rise in some urban settings. This study sought to identify barriers to childhood immunisation in selected zero-dose urban communities in Gauteng Province. Methods: A qualitative exploratory–descriptive design was used to examine factors influencing childhood immunisation. Data were collected through seven focus group discussions and fifteen key informant interviews with purposively selected caregivers, community leaders, community health workers and healthcare workers involved in routine immunisation services at public healthcare facilities across the Cities of Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni, and Tshwane. Thematic analysis was conducted using NVivo^® software. Results: The study identified multiple demand-side and supply-side barriers. Demand-side barriers included limited parental knowledge, lack of trust in the government and immunisation services, religious beliefs, migration, and perceptions of caregiver substance use. Supply-side barriers involved distance to the facility, negative healthcare worker attitudes, long queues and waiting times, and frequent vaccine stock-outs. These barriers collectively contributed to missed opportunities and decreased uptake of immunisation services. Conclusions: Childhood immunisation remains a critical and cost-effective public health intervention. The findings demonstrate the complex interplay of individual and system-level factors influencing vaccine demand, uptake and persistent zero-dose status in urban Gauteng communities. Addressing these barriers requires a comprehensive approach that strengthens community trust, improves caregiver vaccine literacy, and ensures accessible, responsive, and respectful immunisation services. Full article