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1 – 10 of over 13000Bahadur Ali Soomro, Ghulam Rasool Lakhan and Naimatullah Shah
The present study examines the knowledge, attitude and practice towards the reduction of COVID-19 spread among entrepreneurs of the Federal Urdu University of Arts, Sciences and…
Abstract
Purpose
The present study examines the knowledge, attitude and practice towards the reduction of COVID-19 spread among entrepreneurs of the Federal Urdu University of Arts, Sciences and Technology (FUUAST), Karachi Pakistan.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors employed cross-sectional data to infer the results. The data are collected through an online survey questionnaire. To target the respondents; a convenience sampling technique is adopted. In total, 222 usable answers proceed with final results. The structural equation model (SEM) is applied for the data analysis.
Findings
The study outcomes found a significant and positive role of knowledge about COVID-19, attitudes towards a stay at home and practices against COVID-19 in reducing the spread of the pandemic.
Practical implications
The study provides coherent knowledge about the factors that fight against the pandemic's further spread. The findings would provide the guidelines to policymakers to think about such factors and boost them enormously. Further, the results would contribute to the literature of COVID-19.
Originality/value
This study is original, which empirically confirmed the effect of knowledge about COVID-19, attitudes towards a stay at home and practices against COVID-19 in an academic institute.
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Fauster Agbenyo, Miller Williams Appau and Eunice Yorgri
This paper aims to examine landlords’ health support systems to tenants to control COVID-19 in selected informal settlement rental housing (ISRH) in Ghana, dwelling on landlords’…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine landlords’ health support systems to tenants to control COVID-19 in selected informal settlement rental housing (ISRH) in Ghana, dwelling on landlords’ views.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper used the concurrent imbedded mixed-methods approach and grounded the findings in the socio-ecological theory. The authors collected both qualitative and quantitative data from 242 landlords in 13 informal settlements across Ghana using quotas. The authors undertook semi-structured face-to-face and telephone interviews. The authors conducted content and thematic qualitative data analysis and used simple descriptive statistical data analysis.
Findings
The paper discovered that tenants had limited knowledge on the transmission of the pandemic, forcing landlords to regulate their building services usage, ventilation and thermal control, entertainment, common areas and rent advancement for tenants to control the pandemic. Also, tenants found it difficult to comply with the rules on ventilation for fear of criminal attacks, while high social connection and interaction among renters and inadequate enforcement caused the non-adherence by renters to social gathering. Again, landlords had difficulty in contract-tracing visitors suspected to be infected with the virus.
Originality/value
The use of concurrent and imbedded mixed methods to investigate landlords’ viewpoints on their support in health needs of their tenants to regulate COVID-19. The prescriptions from the study provide practical applications to formulate a mix of housing and health policies to formalize the support of landlords to their tenants in ISRH in Ghana.
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Muhammad Asif Naveed, Amara Malik and Khalid Mahmood
This study investigated the impact of conspiracy beliefs on fear of Covid-19 and health protective behavior of university students in Pakistan.
Abstract
Purpose
This study investigated the impact of conspiracy beliefs on fear of Covid-19 and health protective behavior of university students in Pakistan.
Design/methodology/approach
A cross-sectional survey using an online questionnaire was conducted at three universities in Punjab (e.g. two public sectors and one private sector) with permission from concerned authorities for data collection. A total of 374 responses were received that were analyzed by applying both descriptive and inferential statistics.
Findings
The results indicated the prevalence of conspiracy beliefs and fear of Covid-19 among university students of two public sector universities and one private sector university. Furthermore, the conspiracy beliefs of university students predicted their fear of Covid-19. However, conspiracy beliefs did not predict the health protective behavior of university students.
Research limitations/implications
These results had serious implications for public health in Pakistan demonstrating the critical need for health education and promotion as individual preparedness along with system preparedness is essential to combat Covid-19 pandemic and infodemic. These results are useful for policymakers, healthcare professionals, university administration and library staff for making evidence-based decisions toward health education and promotion related to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Originality/value
It is hoped that the present study would make an invaluable contribution to existing research on promotional health in general and the role of conspiracy beliefs in putting public health at risk in particular as limited studies have been published so far.
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Marzieh Ghasemi, Akram Karimi-Shahanjarini, Maryam Afshari and Leili Tapak
Understanding the factors that influence individuals’ adherence to social distancing is critical to effective policymaking in respiratory pandemics such as COVID-19. This study…
Abstract
Purpose
Understanding the factors that influence individuals’ adherence to social distancing is critical to effective policymaking in respiratory pandemics such as COVID-19. This study aims to explore the role of social factors in relation to social distancing measures.
Design/methodology/approach
Stratified convenience sampling was used in this survey research, involving 450 adults residing in both rural and urban areas of Aligodarz County, Lorestan, Iran.
Findings
The findings showed that approximately 14% of participants did not adhere to any of the assessed social distancing behaviors, while only around 30% adhered to all four assessed behaviors. On average, participants reported having 5.13 (SD = 3.60) close physical contact within the 24 h prior to completing the questionnaire. Bridging social capital and gender emerged as the most frequently observed predictors across the assessed social distancing measures. Additionally, age, employment status and residential setting were identified as influential factors for some of the evaluated measures.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the field by highlighting that the likelihood of non-adherence to social distancing measures tends to increase among male participants, those aged above 60, employed individuals, urban residents and those with a higher level of bridging social capital.
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Yasheng Chen, Mohammad Islam Biswas and Md. Shamim Talukder
The pressure to survive in a highly competitive market by using artificial intelligence (AI) has further demonstrated the need for automation in business operations during a…
Abstract
Purpose
The pressure to survive in a highly competitive market by using artificial intelligence (AI) has further demonstrated the need for automation in business operations during a crisis, such as COVID-19. Prior research finds managers' mixed perceptions about the use of technology in business, which underscores the need to better understand their perceptions of adopting AI for automation in business operations during COVID-19. Based on social exchange theory, the authors investigated managers' perceptions of using AI in business for effective operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Design/methodology/approach
This study collected data through a survey conducted in China (N = 429) and ran structural equation modeling to examine the proposed research model and structural relationships using Smart PLS software.
Findings
The results show that using AI in supply chain management, inventory management, business models, and budgeting are positively associated with managers' satisfaction. Further, the relationship between managers' satisfaction and effective business operations was found to be positively significant. In addition, the findings suggest that top management support and the working environment have moderating effects on the relationship between managers' satisfaction and effective business operations.
Practical implications
The results of this study can guide firms to adopt an AI usage policy and execution strategy, according to managers' perceptions and psychological responses to AI.
Social implications
The study can be used to manage the behavior of managers within organizations. This will ultimately improve society's perception of the employment of AI in business operations.
Originality/value
The study's outcomes provide valuable insights into business management and information systems with AI application as a business response to any crisis in the future.
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The purpose of the study was to apply Maslow’s hierarchy of needs to understand consumer motivation for preventive health care in India using content analysis.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the study was to apply Maslow’s hierarchy of needs to understand consumer motivation for preventive health care in India using content analysis.
Design/methodology/approach
Content analysis approach which is a qualitative-based approach was adopted. The responses were collected through semi-structured interviews using purposeful sampling method, and the responses were analyzed using content analysis approach. Sub themes and main themes were derived from the data which related to concepts in Maslow’s theory.
Findings
The results indicate the following: healthy food, healthy diet and health supplements are the basic need; sustainability of health and fitness and health security relate to safety and security need; feeling of pride in being fit, being a role model of fitness for others and influence of electronic media relate to social and self-esteem need; freedom from disease and peace of mind fulfill the need for self-actualization.
Research limitations/implications
To strengthen the external validity, a mix of alternate research methodologies adopting qualitative and quantitative approach need to be adopted.
Practical implications
This study will help to better understand motivation for preventive health care. It will enable health-care companies to design health-care marketing programs based on Maslow’s theory to motivate individuals to purchase health products. The public health-care departments can issue guidelines based on Maslow’s theory to motivate citizens toward preventive health care.
Originality/value
Maslow’s theory was applied in the context of preventive health care.
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Nurul Nazleatul Najiha Mohd Nazif, Shazwin Mat Taib, Mohd Fadhil, Md Din, Nurfarhain Mohammed Rusli and Dianah Mazlan
Fluorocarbon (FC) gas, which contributes to the ozone depletion and global warming, is commonly used especially in the refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) equipment. In…
Abstract
Fluorocarbon (FC) gas, which contributes to the ozone depletion and global warming, is commonly used especially in the refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) equipment. In Malaysia, lifecycle management of FC gas is still lacking at all stages, especially at the downstream level (maintenance, service, recycle, recovery, and destruction). Thus, the aim of this study is to assess the level of awareness of local stakeholders and consumers regarding FC gas management. Furthermore, the level of awareness among the consumers has been identified based on their educational background. Two sets of questionnaires were developed based on the dichotomous question types (yes/no) and were distributed to local stakeholders and consumers by using convenience sampling in two different programmes. The data were statistically analysed using IBM SPSS software. Findings demonstrate that, in contrast to consumers, local stakeholders have high level of awareness in every section. Remarkably, all non-engineering respondents have a low level of awareness about FC gas management. As a result, capacity building for consumers and service maintenance personnel who are heavily involved in middle steam and downstream lifecycle FC gas management is needed.
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Moustafa Mohamed Nazief Haggag Kotb Kholaif and Xiao Ming
The research aims to profoundly investigate the correlation between uncertainty-fear against COVID-19, corporate social responsibility (CSR) and labor practices issues based on…
Abstract
Purpose
The research aims to profoundly investigate the correlation between uncertainty-fear against COVID-19, corporate social responsibility (CSR) and labor practices issues based on ISO 26000.
Design/methodology/approach
Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was adopted for data analysis and hypotheses testing on a sample of 304 managers and employees in the Egyptian small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Findings
Preliminary results indicate that the uncertainty-fear against COVID-19 positively affects CSR practices in SMEs. CSR positively impacts labor practices dimensions. However, CSR has an insignificant effect on the social protection and work condition dimension. Also, CSR has a significant mediating role in the association between uncertainty-fear toward the pandemic and labor practices. But, this relation is insignificant regarding social protection and work condition dimension.
Practical implications
Managers could develop a consistent strategy for applying CSR practices, providing clear information and focusing on their procedures to protect their workforce during COVID-19. Governments should impose policies to guarantee that all employees have the same opportunities and not discriminate directly or indirectly in any labor practice.
Originality/value
Based on both the “stakeholder” and “social-cognitive” theories, this study shed light on the optimistic side of the COVID-19 pandemic, as it also brings the concepts of social responsibility, sustainability and green practices back into the light, which helps in solving labor issues.
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Johnson Okoro, Ambrose Ekeroku, Benedicta Nweze, Tobechukwu Odionye, Joel Nkire, Martins Onuoha, Chinenye Ezeonwuka and Jude Owoh
COVID-19 remains a public health emergency of international concern. Efforts at the global and national levels are being made to control its spread. The Nigerian Correctional…
Abstract
COVID-19 remains a public health emergency of international concern. Efforts at the global and national levels are being made to control its spread. The Nigerian Correctional Service is also proactive in the fight against the disease by organizing COVID-19 awareness training for correctional officers. We conducted a pre- and post-test assessment of COVID-19 knowledge among correctional officers in Enugu State Command to determine the impact of awareness training on their knowledge level. The study also assessed correctional officers’ attitude and preventive practices towards the disease.
The mean knowledge score was 19.34 out of 25, and the awareness training significantly improved the participants’ COVID-19 knowledge. We found a significant moderate, positive correlation between knowledge and attitude/practice, and a significantly higher knowledge level among those with higher educational qualifications.
Regular hand washing with soap and water (87.9%), wearing face masks (84.4%), and social distancing (83%) were practiced by the majority of the participants. The majority of the participants (53.2%) received COVID-19 information from multiple sources including the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and the World Health Organization.
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