Search Results (4,097)

Background and Objectives: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a prevalent condition that impairs quality of life, functionality, and work productivity. While most acute episodes of back pain resolve, 4–25% become chronic due to factors such as high pain intensity, psychological distress, and maladaptive behaviors. Nonspecific CLBP is best understood through the biopsychosocial model, encompassing biological, psychological, and social influences, including kinesiophobia. Management relies on physical activity, pain education, and psychological interventions, with therapist knowledge and attitudes affecting outcomes. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of CLBP among healthcare workers, examine their knowledge of pain neurophysiology, evaluate kinesiophobia, and explore how personal experience with CLBP influences their beliefs, attitudes, and interactions with patients. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted from January to May 2025 among healthcare professionals. A total of 50 participants completed an online questionnaire, of which 42 were valid and included in the analysis. The questionnaire collected demographic and professional data, determined the presence of CLBP, and included three standardized instruments: the Revised Neurophysiology of Pain Questionnaire (rNPQ) to assess knowledge of pain mechanisms, the Health Care Providers’ Pain and Impairment Relationship Scale (HC-PAIRS) to evaluate beliefs about pain and disability, and the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK-11) to measure fear of movement. Data were analyzed using SPSS and Microsoft Excel. Results: Among the 42 participants, 11 demonstrated low, 28 moderate, and 3 high knowledge of pain neurophysiology (rNPQ), with a mean score of 5.66. On the HC-PAIRS, the majority (30 participants) scored above 60, indicating beliefs that pain leads to disability, while 12 scored below 60, reflecting a biopsychosocial perspective; gender did not significantly affect HC-PAIRS scores (p = 0.213). As for kinesiophobia (TSK-11), 24 participants had low, 17 moderate, and 1 clinically significant fear of movement. Correlation analysis revealed that younger participants had higher rNPQ scores (r = −0.358, p = 0.020) and lower TSK-11 scores (r = −0.389, p = 0.011). TSK-11 scores increased with age (r = 0.432, p = 0.004), while HC-PAIRS scores showed no significant correlations. Conclusions: Healthcare professionals, particularly physiotherapists, show gaps in knowledge of pain neurophysiology and a tendency toward biomedical beliefs regarding chronic low back pain. This cross-sectional study indicates that a greater understanding of pain mechanisms is associated with lower kinesiophobia, emphasizing the importance of education. Integrating the biopsychosocial model into undergraduate and continuing professional training, through interdisciplinary and practical modules, may improve knowledge, reduce maladaptive fear-avoidance behaviors, and enhance patient care. Future studies should include larger, more diverse samples and assess the long-term impact of educational interventions on clinical practice. Full article

The success of STEM education in early childhood education is reliant on the pedagogical practices of teachers. Effective teaching of STEM requires specific knowledge of the four disciplines of STEM, appropriate teaching and learning methods and relevant experiences. In Saudi Arabia the teaching of STEM is a relatively new field, and this paper outlines a research project to promote the teaching and learning of STEM through professional development workshops. The research is informed by Vygotsky’s cultural-historical/socio-cultural theory, acknowledging the crucial role of social interaction and cultural context in a collaborative learning environment. To evaluate the project, a mixed methods approach was used involving the collecting, analyzing, and interpreting of quantitative and qualitative data. Surveys were conducted before and after professional development as well as semi-structured interviews. The findings indicate positive shifts in attitudes and enthusiasm among early childhood educators to teach STEM following the professional development program. However, the practical implementation remains a challenge due to the perceived lack of suitable resources, support from school leadership and the need for ongoing coaching and mentoring. Full article

Rural transport remains a critical factor of social inclusion in South Africa, particularly for people with disabilities who rely on public transport. This study explores the experiences of minibus taxi drivers in transporting passengers with disabilities in Mt Elias, a rural community in the KwaZulu-Natal province. A qualitative research design was adopted, involving semi-structured interviews with 15 drivers operating between Dalton and Mt Elias route. Thematic analysis was conducted using ATLAS.ti to identify key patterns and relationships across the dataset. The four key themes that emerged from the dataset are: infrastructure and environmental challenges, accessibility and support for passengers, operational and economic constraints, and human interactions and attitudes. Findings reveal that drivers face multiple barriers, including poor road conditions, limited vehicle space, and a lack of formal training, yet many demonstrate empathy and commitment to assisting passengers with disabilities. The study highlights the need for targeted policy interventions to improve road infrastructure, provide disability awareness training for drivers, and redesign vehicles for accessibility. Promoting inclusive rural transport requires coordinated action among government spheres, taxi associations, and disability advocacy groups. This research contributes new insights into the lived realities of rural drivers and promotes the importance of inclusive mobility as a component of social justice. Full article

Reducing dependency on chemical pesticides is a core ambition of the European Green Deal, yet adoption of low-input practices remains uneven. This systematic review synthesizes evidence on the behavioural determinants of European farmers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding sustainable pesticide use and evaluates the role of digital tools in facilitating Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we analysed 65 peer-reviewed articles published between 2011 and 2025, which were identified through Scopus and Web of Science. The synthesis reveals that while pro-environmental attitudes drive the intention to change, actual behaviour is frequently inhibited by loss aversion, ‘clean field’ social norms, and perceived economic risks. Digital tools—specifically Decision Support Systems (DSSs) and precision technologies—demonstrate technical potential to reduce pesticide loads but are constrained by the same behavioural barriers: a lack of trust in models, perceived complexity, and costs. Consequently, we propose a Psycho-Digital Integration Framework which posits that digital innovation acts as a catalyst only when embedded in systemic enablers—specifically green insurance schemes and independent advisory networks. These mechanisms are critical to redistribute perceived agricultural risk and bridge the gap between technical potential and behavioral adoption. Full article

This article offers an interdisciplinary ethnolinguistic and sociolinguistic reading of Karl Steinmetz’s early twentieth-century travel accounts from the northern Albanian highlands and links them to contemporary Albanian youth’s attitudes toward tradition. Through close analysis of his depictions of space, social organisation and oral practice, the study examines how tower, household, clan, honour, blood, revenge, hospitality and priest are lexically and discursively encoded as “word-concepts” structuring local worldviews. Methodologically, it combines textual analysis with a questionnaire administered to respondents aged 15–17 and 18–21 about the relevance of traditions today. The findings show that Steinmetz’s materials provide an early, systematic corpus on Northern Gheg Albanian, where linguistic variation is closely linked to customary law and collective identity; contemporary youth still value honour, hospitality, family solidarity and “besa”, while distancing themselves from the normative force of the Kanun and reinterpreting traditional codes in more individualised, rights-oriented terms. The article argues that Steinmetz’s work remains a crucial resource for understanding the diachronic interplay of language, culture and identity in northern Albania and for analysing how cultural models are transformed among younger generations. Full article

Under the requirements of the EU Nature Restoration Regulation, significant investment in the restoration of marine and coastal ecosystems will be necessary in EU Member States. A certain level of knowledge among the population will be required to ensure authorities have the required social license to pursue marine ecosystem restoration activities, and awareness raising campaigns will likely be a part of the body of actions taking place to support the delivery of the EU Nature Restoration Regulation. This survey assesses the baseline awareness, attitudes and support for marine and coastal restoration amongst the Irish adult population. Relatively low levels of awareness of both restoration initiatives and the regulation are documented, with approximately 15% of respondents aware of restoration activities and 19% aware of the regulation. While distance to the coast isn’t always strongly correlated with awareness and support, connection to the marine—represented by visiting the coast and being concerned about the marine environment—is strongly correlated with these metrics. The results indicate that information campaigns around marine and coastal restoration should attempt to highlight the benefits society receives from the marine and coastal environment and foster a sense of connection with it. Full article

Background/Objectives: Kidney donation remains a critical component of addressing end-stage renal disease. This study examines differences in awareness, willingness to donate, and concerns related to kidney donation among medical and non-medical university students. By comparing these groups within the context of Croatia’s presumed-consent system for organ donation, the study provides insights into how educational backgrounds shape attitudes in a setting with high transplantation rates but limited data on young adults. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study targeted at medical and non-medical university students in Croatia. Data were collected from 640 participants via a self-administered, close-ended, structured questionnaire with 33 items divided across three sections. Responses were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics program (v. 30.0), to identify significant differences. Due to the cross-sectional design, causal relationships could not be inferred. Results: Overall, 190 students (28.7%) reported willingness to donate a kidney during their lifetime, which was more common among medical students (N = 59; 39.0%) than non-medical students (N = 131; 26.8%). Collectively, willingness to donate postmortem was high in both groups (N = 527; 82.3%), as was willingness in a brain-dead state (N = 448; 70.0%). Medical and non-medical students mostly cited perceived health risks as a concern and concerns related to surgical complications. Regarding information sources, 33.2% of students reported inadequate knowledge of kidney donation, with social media and internet searches cited more frequently than healthcare professionals. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that medical and non-medical students exhibit distinct gaps in knowledge, risk perception and willingness toward kidney donation. Within Croatia’s presumed-consent framework, these findings highlight the importance of targeted educational strategies to support informed decision-making among future generations. Full article

The electronic word of mouth (eWOM) has emerged as a communication tool that significantly influences consumers’ attitudes and purchasing behavior in the online market. Research indicates that the effect of eWOM sources, such as (strong ties, weak ties, and influencers) varies in terms of perceived value components (price, quality, emotional, and social value) and purchase intention, particularly with regard to gender. This study, which is based on the SOR framework; examines the role of eWOM as a stimulus affecting student responses and considers the mediating role of perceived value components and the moderate effect of gender. A sample of 901 students from Westbank universities was analyzed using Smart PLS software. The findings reveal that strong ties and influencer eWOM are positively associated with perceived value components and purchase intention, while weak tie eWOM does not directly correlate with purchase intention. Mediation analyses show that perceived quality and social value act as mediators of purchase intent towards eWOM sources, while emotional value specifically mediates strong relationships and influencers. Notably, price value exerts only a mediating effect on purchase intention when communicated through influencers, highlighting the unique role of the influencer in shaping price perceptions and its broad impact on all components of perceived value. Gender differences were observed in students’ responses to eWOM content; particularly in terms of price, quality, and emotional appeal but not in terms of social factors. The outcomes of this study underscore the significance of considering both the source of the message and the characteristics of the audience when formulating targeted marketing strategies. Full article

This study suggests the concept of multifunctional social spaces (MSSs) as intergenerational communication platforms, contributing to SDG achievement and environment awareness in local communities. Retirees could perform socially significant practices via local MSS premises supported by municipalities and initiative groups. The basic social vector of an MSS is supposed to produce a synergy effect with the educational and environmental impetus of the Sustainable Environmental Education (SEE) approach. Lifelong education underlies the process of adapting various age groups to different local spaces, namely metropolis, suburb, or rural areas. Test qualitative interviews were conducted with pensioners and young people to discover attitudes towards MSS-prescribed functions within different reference groups. These interviews helped to define the preferred communication instruments for MSS operation. General types of MSSs were classified based on mini case studies. MSS introduction is supposed to influence basic social indices such as population health, life expectancy, and fertility levels in the long term, and support several environmental awareness markers. Future studies could examine such influences in detail and discuss more national and regional specifics. Municipal and regional authorities, as well as local community leaders, could use the results of this study to consider local development, SDG strategies, and roadmaps. Full article

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic forced an unprecedented global transition to emergency remote teaching, fundamentally disrupting traditional higher education delivery methods. This study investigated how Greek higher education students adapted to mandatory distance learning during the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020 to May 2021), providing baseline evidence of forced technology adoption patterns that can inform understanding of subsequent hybrid learning developments and future educational design. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional design surveyed n = 477 students from Greek higher education institutions using a structured questionnaire measuring technology access, platform usage, learning modality preferences, challenges encountered, and future educational perspectives. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, and multiple linear regression to identify predictors of distance learning satisfaction and preferences. Results: Most students expressed positive attitudes toward distance learning (67.9%) and reported comfort with online courses (71.6%), with 69.8% strongly preferring hybrid approaches combining synchronous and asynchronous modalities. Internet connectivity emerged as the primary predictor of satisfaction (β = 0.393, p = 0.052), while demographic factors showed minimal influence (R² = 0.048). Most students achieved platform proficiency within ten days (73.6%), though 67.9% recognized that distance learning poses differential accessibility challenges. Conclusions: Despite successful adaptation to emergency remote teaching, students envision a hybrid educational future that strategically integrates online and face-to-face modalities rather than wholesale replacement of traditional methods, emphasizing the need for infrastructure investment and pedagogical innovation while preserving valued social learning dimensions. Full article

This article examines the trajectory of secularization and desecularization in Turkey through the lens of Imam Hatip high schools, focusing on how religion has been reintroduced into the public sphere and reshaped educational exposure. While secularism in Turkey historically emerged as a state-driven project imposed from above, recent decades have witnessed a marked process of desecularization under the Justice and Development Party, facilitated by institutional reforms in law, education, and bureaucracy. The study draws on qualitative interviews with experts, analyzed through grounded theory, to capture their perceptions of religious schooling and its impact. The analysis is organized into three themes: the persistence of top-down secularism, the institutionalized reintroduction of religion, and the intersection of religionized politics with educational practices. Findings indicate that while family socialization remains a primary source of religious identity, Imam Hatip schools function as a symbolic site of religiosity and political contestation. The study concludes that Turkey’s current desecularization is not merely a grassroots revival but a state-mediated restructuring of the secular–religious balance, with education serving as a central arena for negotiating visibility, autonomy, and identity. At the same time, the legacy of top-down secularism has paradoxically contributed to alienating younger generations from religion, shaping ambivalent attitudes toward faith and schooling. Full article

Contemporary environmental challenges necessitate the adoption of active learning methods within educational frameworks, particularly those that foster the development of environmental awareness among young people. The 2030 Agenda underscores the importance of project-based learning as a strategy for building the competencies required to achieve sustainable development goals. In this context, the attitudes and behavior of young people towards the environment serve as critical indicators of future social transformations within the sphere of sustainable development. The aim of this research was to determine whether project-based learning in geography, as opposed to traditional teaching methods, exerts a more pronounced influence on the formation of environmental values, attitudes, and pro-environmental behavior among students in their final year of primary school. The research was conducted using a convenience sample (n = 255) and employed pedagogical experimental surveys with parallel group designs. In the experimental group, project-based learning was implemented, whereas the control group continued with traditional teaching approaches. To assess environmental values and attitudes, the research employed a scale grounded in the EAATE framework, and pro-environmental behavior was evaluated using a measurement scale derived from the PEB and GEB scales. The obtained results are attributed to the influence of project-based learning. Although they cannot be generalized to the entire population, they indicate the potential of project-based learning as a more effective strategy in environmental education. Furthermore, these findings provide opportunities for further professional and scientific research in this area. Full article

Emerging adulthood is a critical time for the development of disordered eating attitudes. Low self-esteem is a known risk factor for unhealthy eating attitudes, but the mechanisms behind this link are not fully understood. This study examined the relationship between self-esteem and eating attitudes in emerging adults, focusing on the mediating role of social physique anxiety and the moderating role of gender. The sample included 495 university students (68.9% women, mean age = 20.94 years, SD = 1.97). Self-esteem, social physique anxiety, and eating attitudes were assessed using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Social Physique Anxiety Scale, and Eating Attitudes Test-26, respectively. Mediation and moderation mediation analyses were conducted using PROCESS macro. Women reported lower self-esteem, higher levels of social physique anxiety, and more frequent disordered eating behaviors. Mediation analysis indicated that social physique anxiety fully mediated the relationship between self-esteem and eating attitudes (path c’: b = 0.05, 95% CI [−0.12, 0.21]; indirect effect: b = −0.44, 95% CI [−0.57, −0.32]). Moderated mediation revealed that the indirect effect of low self-esteem on maladaptive eating attitudes through social physique anxiety was stronger among women (index of moderated mediation: b = 0.28, 95% CI [0.07, 0.51]). These findings indicate that low self-esteem can heighten body-related distress in social settings, increasing vulnerability to disordered eating, especially among women. By providing a better understanding of the mechanisms linking self-esteem and eating attitudes in emerging adults, the findings can inform the development of interventions targeting self-perception and body-related concerns, especially among women, to reduce the risk of eating disorders and promote healthier eating attitudes. Full article

Grounded in Social Impact Theory, this study examines the effects of virtual experiences generated by Mere Virtual Presence (MVP), Mere Virtual Presence with Product Experience (MVPE), and pure brand websites on consumers’ brand attitudes and purchase intentions. Additionally, it explores the moderating roles of Consumers’ Need for Uniqueness (CNFU) and product type (search vs. experience products). This study adopts an experimental design with three brand website types (MVP brand communities, MVPE brand communities, and pure brand websites) and two product types to examine the hypothesis. Specifically, a 3 (brand website type) × 2 (product type) experimental design was implemented to examine the influence of brand website types across different scenarios of online marketing. The findings reveal significant insights into consumer brand marketing. Specifically, consumers with low CNFU exhibited higher brand attitudes and purchase intentions compared to those with high CNFU when engaging with search products in MVPE brand communities Furthermore, fan avatars within a virtual brand community can still influence consumer perceptions even without direct interaction. These insights contribute to the growing body of research on personalized marketing and offer practical strategies for leveraging eWOM to enhance consumer engagement and influence decision-making in the digital landscape. Full article