Sürdürülebilir Kalkınma Amaçları

Yazarlar

  • MakaleYalnız künye2026
    Impact of ROI size on fractal dimension values in radiographs using a novel ROI selection method

    Yavuz, Esra; Tunc, Selmi

    Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of various sizes of regions of interest (ROIs) on fractal dimension (FD) in the evaluation of trabecular bone structure in dental radiographic images. Materials and methods: This study included 12 sheep hemimandibles. One set of digital images was obtained from each hemimandible using either periapical radiography, panoramic radiography, or cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Fractal analysis (FA) was conducted using ImageJ 1.3 software with the box-counting method on small, medium, and large ROIs obtained from each image, using a novel ROI selection method. Comparisons of FD values obtained from the three different ROI sizes were conducted within each radiographic image using repeated-measures ANOVA. Post hoc pairwise comparisons were performed with Bonferroni correction. Data were analyzed using Jamovi 1.6.23. Statistical significance was accepted as p < 0.05. Results: In periapical radiography, the FD values ​​obtained in small, medium, and large ROI sizes were 1.60 ± 0.02, 1.60 ± 0.01, and 1.65 ± 0.01, respectively (p < 0.001). In panoramic radiography, they were 1.45 ± 0.04, 1.71 ± 0.02, and 1.59 ± 0.01, respectively (p < 0.001), and in CBCT, they were 0.76 ± 0.07, 1.21 ± 0.04, and 1.48 ± 0.04, respectively (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The study demonstrates that FD is affected by the ROI size.

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
  • MakaleAçık Erişim2026
    Evaluation of the effects of A-PRF and oral dexamethasone use on postoperative complications in third molar extraction: a split-mouth randomized-controlled trial

    Elbahisi, Youssef Hazza Mohamed; Keskin Tunç, Serap; Başkan Önal, Aslı; Baydar, Sava

    Background: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of advanced platelet-rich-fibrin (A-PRF) and oral dexamethasone on postoperative complications in patients undergoing impacted mandibular third molar extraction. Methods: This split-mouth, prospective, randomized-controlled study involved bilateral extraction of impacted mandibular third molars. A-PRF was applied to the extraction socket on one side, while postoperative oral dexamethasone was prescribed for the other side. Data were collected on pain, edema, trismus, and analgesic consumption. Intra-group and inter-group comparisons were performed. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used for pain assessment. The patients were given a form to record their postoperative analgesic use. Pain assessments were conducted at postoperative 3, 6, 9, 12, 24 h, and on Days 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, and 30. Maximum interincisal distance was measured for trismus evaluation, while facial measurements between specific points were taken for edema assessment. Trismus and edema measurements were conducted on postoperative Days 2, 7, 14, and 30. Results: This study included 30 patients with bilateral impacted mandibular third molars (total of 60 extractions). The VAS scores were significantly lower on the side treated with oral dexamethasone compared to the A-PRF side at all measurement times (p < 0.01). Considering edema evaluation, measurements were similar between both sides at all time points except on Day 2, when the A-PRF side showed significantly higher values (p = 0.001 and p < 0.01). For trismus evaluation, maximum interincisal distance was significantly greater on the oral dexamethasone side on Days 2 and 7 compared to the A-PRF side (p = 0.001 and p < 0.01). Analgesic consumption was significantly higher in the A-PRF group than in the oral dexamethasone group at all measured time points between 12 h and Day 7 (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Oral dexamethasone appeared to be more effective than A-PRF in reducing postoperative complications. However, no significant difference was observed between the two groups in edema on Days 7, 14, and 30. Although not as effective as oral dexamethasone, A-PRF, being an autologous product with no side effects, can still be considered for reducing complications following impacted tooth extraction. Trial Registration: The study was retrospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov with the number of NCT06823934, Registration date 02 June 2025.

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
  • MakaleAçık Erişim2026
    Explainable deep learning framework for brain tumor segmentation using vision transformer and conditional random fields

    Safarpour, Homayoun; Sadeghi, Soroush; Zarbakhsh, Payam; Kamsari, Mohammadreza; Kia, Marjan; Ranjbarzadeh, Ramin

    Brain tumor segmentation is critical for accurate identification and treatment planning. However, delineating intricate tumor areas like Edema, Tumor Core, and Enhancing Tumor remains challenging owing to diversity in dimensions, morphology, and delineation. This introduces a novel deep learning model integrating a pretrained Vision Transformer (ViT) for global context representation, Atrous Spatial Pyramid Pooling (ASPP) in both encoder and merging stages, and ReLU6. Additionally, attention mechanisms and Conditional Random Fields (CRF) were incorporated for refining feature emphasis and segmentation boundaries. The model was trained and tested on the BraTS 2020 dataset and compared with state-of-the-art methods. The suggested model obtained the highest Dice coefficients across all tumor regions, with improvements of up to 4% over nnU-Net and SwinBTS in the Enhancing Tumor and Edema region. Grad-CAM heatmaps illustrated the model’s proficiency in precisely identifying tumor areas, hence enhancing the interpretability of predictions. The incorporation of multi-scale feature extraction, attention mechanism, and global context representation markedly improved segmentation accuracy and interpretability. The findings underscore the proposed model’s capacity to enhance clinical processes and establish a standard for brain tumor segmentation tasks. Future endeavors involve testing on varied datasets and investigating lightweight structures for real-time applications.

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
  • MakaleYalnız künye2024
    Nexus between good governance and financial sustainability: evidence from microfinance sector of India

    Maeenuddin, M.; Hamid, Shaari Abdul; Nassir, Annuar Md; Fahlevi, Mochammad; Aljuaid, Mohammed; Jermsittiparsert, Kittisak

    Purpose: Microfinance emerged as an essential catalyst for socio-economic development and financial inclusion to reduce poverty. Microfinance institutions cannot meet their primary objective of poverty reduction if they are not sustainable financially. With the theoretical support of profit incentive theory, this paper aims to investigate the impact of organizational structure (OS), growth outreach (average loan per borrower [ALPB] and number of active borrowers), women empowerment (percentage of women borrowers [PWB]), liquidity, leverage and cost efficiency (cost per borrower) on the financial sustainability of microfinance providers (MFPs) in India and explore the possible moderating effect of the national governance indicators (NGIs). Design/methodology/approach: A financial sustainability index has been developed by using principal components analysis, including both conventional measures (return of assets and return on equity) and efficiency measures (operational self-sufficiency and financial self-sufficiency). Due to the existence of endogeneity and heteroskedasticity, this study uses two-step system generalized method of moments estimates to examine the relationships for a period of 2006 to 2018. Findings: The finding reveals that there is a strong significant relationship between financial sustainability and its influential factors. Organizatioanl Structure, loan size, women borrowers, Gross Domestic Products and inflation enhance the financial sustainability of India’s microfinance sector. However, a number of borrowers, liquidity, leverage and operating costs negatively affect the financial sustainability of MFPs of India. The estimates demonstrate that NGIs significantly moderate the association between financial sustainability and its influential factors. The NGIs negatively affect the positive impact of Organizatioanl Structure on financial sustainability. National governance increases the positive effect of loan size (ALPB) and reduces the negative effect of a number of borrowers and leverage on the financial sustainability of MFPs of India. However, NGIs negatively affect the positive relationship between Percentage of Women Borrowers and Financial sustainability of Microfinance Providers of India. Originality/value: To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first of its kind that incorporates all of the six dimensions of the National Governance Indicators (NGIs) and uses as a moderator. Secondly, a financial sustainability index has been developed for measuring the financial sustainability of Microfinance Providers (MFPs).

    • SDG 1 · Yoksulluğa Son
    • SDG 8 · İnsana Yakışır İş ve Ekonomik Büyüme
    • SDG 16 · Barış, Adalet ve Güçlü Kurumlar
  • MakaleAçık Erişim2024
    Measuring the Financial Sustainability and its Influential Factors in Microfinance Sector of Pakistan

    Maeenuddin; Hamid, Shaari Abd; Nassir, Annuar MD; Fahlevi, Mochammad; Aljuaid, Mohammed; Jermsittiparsert, Kittisak

    Financial sustainability is one of the major issues in the development process, particularly in developing countries. Microfinance started with two basic objectives of poverty reduction and women empowerment. However, unsustainable microfinance providers cannot assist the poor for a longer period of time, due to uncertainty about their existence. This study investigates that how financial sustainability of Pakistan’s microfinance sector is affected by various factors. A new financial sustainability index has been developed to measure the financial sustainability. Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) approach is employed to analyze the panel data from 34 Pakistani MFPs, yielding 344 MFI-years of observations from 2006 to 2018. The findings reveal that increase in loan size, female borrowers, liquidity, and leverage significantly enhances the financial viability of Microfinance Providers in Pakistan. However, the total borrowers and the operating cost per borrower negatively affect the financial sustainability of MFPs in Pakistan. MFIs needs to be financially independent, with less or no support from government or donor agencies. Financially sustainable MFPs contributes in the achievement of the 8 out of 17 Sustainable Development of Goals (2030 SDGs) of the United Nation. The data for 2018 onwards is seriously affected by COVID-19, which cannot be included in the current data set. Hence, researchers in future analyze the data from the pre-COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 periods to compare the analysis and examine the pandemic’s impact.

    • SDG 1 · Yoksulluğa Son
    • SDG 8 · İnsana Yakışır İş ve Ekonomik Büyüme
  • MakaleAçık Erişim2023
    Factors influencing the level of stigma in Parkinson's disease in western Turkey

    Demiryurek, E; Demiryurek, BE

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
  • MakaleAçık Erişim2023
    Adoption of the Green Economy through Branchless Rural Credit Banks during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Indonesia

    Marhaeni, A. A. I. N.; Jermsittiparsert, Kittisak; Sudarmo, Lucia Rita; Indrawati, Lucia Rita; Prasetyo, Andjar; Fuada, Noviati; Rachmadhani, Arnis; Raharjo, Tri Weda; Wahyudianto, Heri; Harwijayanti, Bekti Putri

    A green economy has an impact on improving welfare, but it takes continuous efforts to achieve it from various fields. Contribution in the context of banking on a small scale is one of the initiatives that can show participation in achieving a green economy. This study aims to explore people's behavior in financial transactions and analyze the practice of rural credit banks in encouraging the achievement of a green economy through the National Financial Inclusive Strategy (NFIS) program despite the COVID-19 pandemic. This study used quantitative approaches; observations were conducted at a certain time by collecting data taken directly as a complement to this study, as well as taking questionnaire data involving 363 samples and analyzing them using the structural equation model (SEM). The result is that green economic support is found in using paper for fewer savings transactions compared to branchless banking with conventional savings transactions. The high number of residents exposed to COVID-19 does not affect branchless banking. In addition, the use of branchless banking can show the penetration of financial literacy in the community. The results of the path analysis explain that perceived ease of use (7.468) and perceived usefulness (2.152) have an influence on attitude; intention is greatly influenced by attitude (15.357); and actual usage is influenced by intention (11.682). This research has specific implications for the Magelang City Rural Bank (MCRB), which needs to conduct market research to find out the potential of branchless banking that is specifically needed by the people of Magelang. Branchless banking innovation needs to be strengthened by presenting easy-to-understand and easy-to-use applications to improve the attitude of the Magelang people in adopting branchless banking applications and using them sustainably.

    • SDG 8 · İnsana Yakışır İş ve Ekonomik Büyüme
    • SDG 9 · Sanayi, Yenilikçilik ve Altyapı
    • SDG 12 · Sorumlu Üretim ve Tüketim
  • MakaleYalnız künye2023
    Does Political Governance Influence the Sports Performance of Asia?

    Jermsittiparsert, KittisaK; Joemsittiprasert, Watcharin; Fahlevi, Mochammad; Wekke, Ismail Suardi; Harakan, Ahma; Yusuf, Muhamma; Aljuaid, Mohammed

    National sports are highly valued throughout Asia, yet, political and administrative concerns impede the expansion of the sport system landscape. This study aims to investigate the effect of political governance structure on Asian sporting performance. To accomplish so, we analyzed the relationship between corruption control, government effectiveness, political stability, regulatory law, and national sports performance from 1998 to 2018 while controlling for the rule of law and accountability. The Generalized Linear Model and Partial Least Square estimators were utilized to examine the data. No significant association was observed between political and governance structure and national sports performance in the Asian countries under examination, according to the study's findings. The paper includes recommendations for further research and consequences for the government and policymakers.

  • MakaleYalnız künye2023
    Investigating the Association Between Economic Conditions and Sports Performance in Asia: A Panel Data Approach

    Jermsittiparsert, Kittisa; Joemsittiprasert, Watcharin; Fahlevi, Mochammad; Sözüdogru, Oytun; Emiroglu, Talip; Aljuaid, Mohammed

    Knowing the factors that influence a nation's sporting performance can aid in formulating appropriate policies and plans. This study examines the relationship between gross domestic product, population, total debt, inflation, and trade as a proportion of GDP for eleven Asian nations from 1998 to 2018. Panel unit root tests, cointegration tests, and finally, Fully Modified Ordinary Least Square (FMLOS) were used to examine the relationships between the variables. The panel results revealed that GDP and TRD favorably and significantly impact national sports performance, whereas POP and TD have a negative impact. INF was discovered to have a negligible effect on national athletic performance. Hence, we suggest that Asian nations take appropriate measures to boost national sporting achievements.

  • MakaleYalnız künye2023
    Do Social Factors Contribute to International Sports Performance: A Panel Data Analysis of Countries' Performance in the Asian Games

    Jermsittiparsert, Kittisak; Joemsittiprasert, Watcharin; Fahlevi, Mochammad; Mustanir, Ahmad; Ahmad, Jamaluddin; Aljuaidi, Mohammed

    Asia has become a leader in international sports championships, which justifies a greater emphasis on the region's sporting achievements. However, different economic, political, and social elements influence the region's performance since deteriorating social or economic systems can harm performance. This study examined the impact of social factors on the international athletic performance of Asian nations. To do so, we analyzed the effect of health expenditure, education expenditure, and development on sports performance from 1961 to 2018 while adjusting for gross domestic product and population growth. The data was evaluated using VAR, and the study's conclusions demonstrated a considerable correlation between social growth and national sporting performance. The paper includes recommendations for further research and consequences for the government and policymakers.

  • MakaleAçık Erişim2023
    An Intelligent Recommendation for Intelligently Accessible Charging Stations: Electronic Vehicle Charging to Support a Sustainable Smart Tourism City

    Suanpang, Pannee; Jamjuntr, Pitchaya; Kaewyong, Phuripoj; Niamsorn, Chawalin; Jermsittiparsert, Kittisak

    The world is entering an era of awareness of the preservation of natural energy sustainability. Therefore, electric vehicles (EVs) have become a popular alternative in today's transportation system as they have zero emissions, save energy, and reduce pollution. One of the most significant problems with EVs is an inadequate charging infrastructure and spatially and temporally uneven charging demands. As such, EV drivers in many large cities frequently struggle to find suitable charging locations. Furthermore, the recent emergence of deep reinforcement learning has shown great promise for improving the charging experience in a variety of ways over the long term. In this paper, a Spatio-Temporal Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning (STMARL) (Master) framework is proposed for intelligently public-accessible charging stations, taking into account several long-term spatio-temporal parameters. When compared to a random selection recommendation system, the experimental results demonstrate that an STMARL (master) framework has a long-term goal of lowering the overall charging wait time (CWT), average charging price (CP), and charging failure rate (CFR) of EVs.

    • SDG 7 · Erişilebilir ve Temiz Enerji
    • SDG 9 · Sanayi, Yenilikçilik ve Altyapı
    • SDG 11 · Sürdürülebilir Şehirler ve Topluluklar
  • MakaleAçık Erişim2023
    Sustaining the Earth: Unraveling the Synergy of Workplace Spirituality, Responsible Leadership, and Pro-Environmental Behavior in Pakistan's SMEs

    Shah, Syed Haider Ali; Fahlevi, Mochammad; Jamshed, Kamran; Aman, Nida; Rafiq, Nosheen; Jermsittiparsert, Kittisak; Aljuaid, Mohammed

    Purpose: The purpose of this research is to investigate the synergistic impact of workplace spirituality (WPS), responsible leadership (RL), and pro-environmental behavior (PEB) within the context of Pakistan's Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) along with the mediating mechanism of Affective commitment (AC).Methods: Our study utilizes structural equation modeling (SEM) to analyze survey data collected from 390 employees within Pakistani SMEs. We develop a single unified framework to test the hypothesized relationships between RL, PEB, and AC as a mediator. Results: Our results unveil significant positive relationships between WPS, RL, and PEB. Our findings endorse both the direct connections between WPS, RL, and PEB, as well as the mediating mechanisms through AC. This study offers novel insights into the influence of PEB in the context of Pakistan's SMEs.Conclusion: The research significantly contributes to the existing literature by examining WPS, RL, PEB, and AC in the context of Pakistan's SMEs. The study's conclusions emphasize the potential benefits of integrating WPS and RL into business practices to encourage PEB. Additionally, we discuss the limitations of our research and suggest future avenues for further exploration in this vital area of sustainable business management.

    • SDG 8 · İnsana Yakışır İş ve Ekonomik Büyüme
  • MakaleAçık Erişim2023
    Ameliorative effect of Silk Fibroin against 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU)-induced gastrointestinal damage in rats

    Sexirli, Ahmet Ozer; Aykaç, Asli; Özkayalar, Hanife; Savtekin, Gokge; Sayiner, Serkan

    Objective: 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), a widely administered anti-cancer drug, causes gastrointestinal damage through various mechanisms. This study aimed to investigate the ameliorative effect of silk fibroin (SF), which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, against 5 FU-induced gastrointestinal damage. Materials and methods: Wistar albino rats were divided into 3 groups; Control group, 5-FU group (30mg/kg/day on days 0, 2, 4), and 5-FU+SF (30 mg/kg/day 5-FU on days 0, 2, 4 + 600 mg/kg/day SF for 14 days). At the end of the experiment, stomach and intestinal tissue samples were collected and immunohistochemically iNOS, caspase-3, CD4+ and CD8+ were measured. Besides, structural damage was assessed with hematoxylin-eosin and caspase-3 and 9 activities were evaluated using western blot analysis. Results and Discussion: It was determined that iNOS, caspase-3, caspase-9 activities, CD4+ and CD8+ levels and structural damage significantly increased in both stomach and intestinal tissues. Furthermore, elevated markers were regressed almost to control levels in SF administrated group. Conclusion: SF may have an ameliorative effect, thus reducing the gastrointestinal damage caused by 5 FU. More clinical and scientific research should be conducted as the silk fibroin may be a suitable candidate against the adverse effects of chemotherapeuic agents.

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
  • MakaleAçık Erişim2023
    The role of industry 4.0 in sustainable supply chain: Evidence from the textile industry

    Chatchawanchanchanakij, Petcharaporn; Jermsittiparsert, Kittisak; Chankoson, Thitinan; Waiyawuththanapoom, Phutthiwat

    The objective of this study was to examine the role of Industry 4.0 in the sustainable supply chain (SSC). The relationship between Industry 4.0, data storage, data assessment, performance evaluation, data inquiry and SSC were examined. To achieve the study objective, the mediation effect of data storage, data assessment, performance evaluation and data inquiry between Industry 4.0 and SSC was examined. Employees of textile companies were selected for data collection in Indonesia. Results of the study highlighted that Industry 4.0 had a significant positive effect on SSC. Better implementation of Industry 4.0 showed a positive effect on SSC. In addition to this, Industry 4.0 had a positive effect on data storage, data assessment, performance evaluation and data inquiry. Finally, data storage, data assessment, performance evaluation and data inquiry had a positive effect on SSC.

    • SDG 9 · Sanayi, Yenilikçilik ve Altyapı
    • SDG 12 · Sorumlu Üretim ve Tüketim
  • MakaleAçık Erişim2023
    Access Cavity Preparation and Localization of Root Canals Using Guides in 3D-Printed Teeth with Calcified Root Canals: An In Vitro CBCT Study

    Kamburoğlu, Kıvanç; Sönmez, Gül; Koç, Cemre; Yılmaz, Funda; Tunç, Osman; Isayev, Abulfaz

    Pulp canal obliteration (PCO) is a significant complication in endodontics that can occur due to various factors. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a useful diagnostic tool for identifying root canal anatomy and variations, and guided endodontics is emerging as an alternative treatment solution for teeth with partially or entirely obliterated pulpal canals. However, the accuracy of CBCT-guided 3D-printed guides on different materials and layer thicknesses is not well understood. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of guides prepared using CBCT images on 3D-printed teeth with stereolithography (SLA) using three different materials and two different layer thicknesses. This study found that 3D-printed guides were accurate and reliable for accessing 3D-manufactured obliterated teeth and reaching the apical area. No significant differences in distance or angle measurements were found when different guide materials were used, suggesting that materials can be selected based on availability and cost. These findings contribute to the knowledge base regarding the effectiveness of 3D printing technology in guided endodontics and can help to identify the most suitable materials and techniques for this application.

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
  • MakaleAçık Erişim2023
    Cone-beam-computed tomography evaluation of mandibular nutrient canals in patients with periodontal diseases

    Tumer, H.; Orhan, K.; Aksoy, S.; Berberoglu, A.

    Background and Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate radiographically the prevalence of mandibular nutrient canals (NCs) in patients with/without periodontal bone loss with aging and to correlate the number of NCs with the severity of bone loss using cone-beam-computed tomography (CBCT). Patients and Methods: CBCT examinations of 208 patients were evaluated retrospectively of all patients, 114 had periodontal bone loss, whereas 94 patients were control subjects. Alveolar bone loss investigations were performed according to the Progressive Rate Index. Results: NCs were observed in 55% of the control group and 86% of the periodontitis patients. NCs were more prevalent in the elderly age group with periodontal bone loss. In the study group, the NCs were statistically more frequent than in the control subjects (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Statistical analysis showed a significant difference between the age groups and the prevalence of NCs increased in patients with periodontal alveolar bone loss with aging (P < 0.05).

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
  • MakaleYalnız künye2023
    Does α-lipoic acid therapeutically effective against experimentally induced-acute pulpitis in rats?

    Kermeoğlu, Fatma; Sayıner, Serkan; Şehirli, Ahmet Özer; Savtekin, Gökçe; Aksoy, Umut

    The purpose of the study was to investigate the therapeutic effects of α-lipoic acid (ALA) on an induced-acute pulpitis model in rats. Twenty-four Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into three groups: control, induced-acute pulpitis (PULP) and PULP + ALA groups. In the PULP and PULP + ALA groups, the crowns of the maxillary left incisors were removed horizontally. All exposed pulp tissues were treated with 5 µL LPS solution. In the PULP + ALA group, the rats were treated intraperitoneally with a single dose of ALA (100 mg/kg). The rats were sacrificed 24 h after pulp injury, and the trunk blood and pulp samples were collected and then determined using ELISA assay kits. TNF-α, IL-1β, MMP-1 and MMP-2 levels in the serum and pulp tissues were considerably higher in the PULP group than the control group (p < 0.01–0.001). In the PULP + ALA group, TNF-α, IL-1β, MMP-1 and MMP-2 levels in the serum and pulp tissues decreased significantly compared to the PULP group (p < 0.05–0.001). ALA decreases pro-inflammatory mediators and proteolytic enzymes, which might relieve acute inflammation.

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
  • MakaleAçık Erişim2022
    Clinical comparison of intraoral CMOS and PSP detectors in terms of time efficiency, patient comfort, and subjective image quality

    Kamburoğlu, K; Samunahmetoğlu, E; Eratam, N; Sönmez, G; Karahan, S

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
  • MakaleAçık Erişim2022
    Perception towards vaccine effectiveness in controlling COVID-19 spread in rural and urban communities: A global survey

    Marzo, Roy R.; Shrestha, Rajeev; Sapkota, Binaya; Acharya, Swosti; Shrestha, Nita; Pokharel, Mandip; Ahmad, Absar; Patalinghug, Mark E.; Rahman, Farzana; Salim, Zahir R.

    IntroductionSeveral studies exhibited varying reports of perception toward vaccine effectiveness, vaccine hesitancy, and acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines. As this fluctuated with evidence generation, this study explored the perception toward vaccine effectiveness in rural and urban communities among various countries. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted online from April to August 2021 using convenience sampling among people from different countries approved by the Asia Metropolitan University Medical Research and Ethics. We adapted the questionnaire from the World Health Organization's (WHO) survey tool and guidance on COVID-19. The logistic regression models were performed to show perception toward vaccine effectiveness. ResultsA total of 5,673 participants responded to the online survey. Overall, 64% of participants agreed that the vaccine effectively controlled viral spread, and 23% agreed that there was no need for vaccination if others were vaccinated. Males had 14% higher odds of believing that there was no need for vaccination. Less social media users had 39% higher odds of developing the belief that there is no need for vaccination than all other people vaccinated. ConclusionPeople's perceptions toward vaccine acceptance have fluctuated with the information flow in various social media and the severity of COVID-19 cases. Therefore, it is important that the current scenario of peoples' perception toward vaccine acceptance and determinants affecting the acceptance are explored to promote the vaccination approach against COVID-19 prevention and transmission effectively.

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
  • MakaleAçık Erişim2022
    Digital health literacy for COVID-19 vaccination and intention to be immunized: A cross sectional multi-country study among the general adult population

    Marzo, Roy Rillera; Su, Tin Tin; Ismail, Roshidi; Htay, Mila Nu Nu; Essar, Mohammad Yasir; Chauhan, Shekhar; Patalinghug, Mark E. E.; Kucuk Bicer, Burcu; Respati, Titik; Fitriyana, Susan

    IntroductionIt is clear that medical science has advanced much in the past few decades with the development of vaccines and this is even true for the novel coronavirus outbreak. By late 2020, COVID-19 vaccines were starting to be approved by national and global regulators, and across 2021, there was a global rollout of several vaccines. Despite rolling out vaccination programs successfully, there has been a cause of concern regarding uptake of vaccine due to vaccine hesitancy. In tackling the vaccine hesitancy and improving the overall vaccination rates, digital health literacy (DHL) could play a major role. Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess the digital health literacy and its relevance to the COVID-19 vaccination. MethodsAn internet-based cross-sectional survey was conducted from April to August 2021 using convenience sampling among people from different countries. Participants were asked about their level of intention to the COVID-19 vaccine. Participants completed the Digital Health Literacy Instrument (DHLI), which was adapted in the context of the COVID Health Literacy Network. Cross-tabulation and logistic regression were used for analysis purpose. ResultsOverall, the mean DHL score was 35.1 (SD = 6.9, Range = 12-48). The mean DHL score for those who answered Yes for support for national vaccination schedule was 36.1 (SD 6.7) compared to 32.5 (SD 6.8) for those who either answered No or Don't know. Factors including country, place of residence, education, employment, and income were associated with the intention for vaccination. Odds of vaccine intention were higher in urban respondents (OR-1.46; C.I.-1.30-1.64) than in rural respondents. Further, higher competency in assessing the relevance of online information resulted in significantly higher intention for vaccine uptake. ConclusionPriority should be given to improving DHL and vaccination awareness programs targeting rural areas, lower education level, lower income, and unemployed groups.

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam