Digital Technology Adoption among Rural Entrepreneurs during the Covid-19 Pandemic

During the Covid-19 pandemic, digital technology has become among the most important mediums to reinvigorate declining businesses. For rural entrepreneurs, this issue is significance as digital technology has the potential to connect them with larger markets in urban areas. This study aims to explore the factors that influence the use of digital technology among rural entrepreneurs in Malaysia. Using qualitative methods, data were collected through interviews with 30 person from five sectors. The interview transcripts were then analyzed using thematic analysis method to the highlight the relationship between theory and the findings. For this study, the theory used results from the integration between TAM and TOE models. Then, Atlas.ti software were use for networking process. The results of the analysis shows that the type of business determines the use of digital technology while the age factor determines whether the rate of use is low or vice versa. This finding is expected to help rural entrepreneurs to take advantage of the use of digital technology that can increase business profits and use it to compete in the digital environment besides helping government agencies in provide facilities such as training and infrastructure according to the needs of entrepreneurs. © 2023 Penerbit Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. All rights reserved.

A study on the implementation of remote learning: Malaysian students' struggles and suggestions for improvement

This study seeks to explore Malaysian undergraduates' perspectives on the implementation of remote learning in their university during the period of the movement control order (MCO). Since teaching and learning activities have been impacted by the pandemic, it is imperative to consider students' perspectives on carrying out classes via the online platform as many studies claim that the pandemic has disrupted teaching and learning activities. A total of 1,028 undergraduate students participated in this voluntary study by answering an open-ended survey sent out to their student email addresses during the MCO period that restricted students and lecturers from going to the university. The qualitative responses from the students were critically analyzed for thematic patterns. The four themes emerging from the data provide future teaching and learning plans that should embed self-learning techniques that could aid students if a similar predicament should hit us in the future. Course instructors can use this information to design future lessons that could assist their learners better. © 2023, Institute of Advanced Engineering and Science. All rights reserved.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on psychological wellbeing of Oncology clinicians in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

OBJECTIVE: The reorganization of cancer services and the increased work burden on health care providers during the COVID-19 pandemic are likely to be associated with significant negative psychological impact. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the psychological well-being of oncology clinicians in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We randomly invited 1500 oncology clinicians including medical oncologists, clinical oncologists, radiation oncologists and surgical oncologists from 17 countries in the MENA region to complete a web-based survey to determine the level of psychological stress during the COVID-19 pandemic from October 2020 to January 2021. The questionnaire was based on the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Generalized Anxiety Disorders Scale (GAD-7) and WHO Well-being Index (WHO-5). The data was analyzed using SPSS version 21 and the difference between groups was measured by t-test and ANOVA. RESULTS: Overall, 520 (35%) clinicians including 368 (71%) males and 152 (29%) females participated in the survey with 247 (47%) participants between the ages of 36 to 45 years. Average score of 29.6 for males and 30.2 on PSS-10, indicative of high-perceived stress in both the genders. Compared to males, females had significantly higher anxiety levels on GAD-7 scale (p=.04), but this difference in stress level and well-being was not observed on PSS-10 (p=.134) and WHO -5 well-being index (p=.709). Clinicians of age 25-35 years had significantly higher anxiety levels on GAD-7 scale (p=.004) and higher stress on PSS (p=.000) as compared to other age groups. Age over 55 years was associated with lower levels of anxiety and stress on GAD-7 and PSS. Oncology clinicians working in public sector experienced significantly lower stress as compared to private sector on PSS scale (p=.041). CONCLUSIONS: Anxiety and stress levels among oncology clinicians have significantly increased in COVID-19 pandemic in the MENA region. Females and young clinicians had higher anxiety and stress, while oncology clinicians over the age of 55 years and working in the public sector reported less stress and anxiety. The general wellbeing of clinicians was well preserved even in a highly stressful and anxious situation.

Impact of COVID 19 pandemic on psychological wellbeing of oncology clinicians in MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region

Background: Cancer care has been severely affected by covid 19 pandemic leading to medical, ethical and organizational issues. Oncology healthcare professionals face challenges due to reorganization of cancer services and increasing health care requirements resulting in uncertainty and psychological stress. Aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of covid 19 pandemic on psychological well being of oncology clinicians in the MENA region. Methods: We randomly invited 1500 oncology clinicians including medical oncologists, clinical oncologists, radiation oncologists and surgical oncologists from 17 countries in the MENA region to complete a web based survey to determine the level of psychological stress during covid 19 pandemic from October 2020 to January 2021. The questionnaire was based on Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Generalized Anxiety Disorders Scale (GAD-7) and WHO Well-being Index (WHO-5). The data was analyzed using SPSS version 21 and difference between groups was measured by T-test and ANOVA. Results:Overall 520 (35%) oncology clinicians including 368 (71%) males and 152 (29%) females participated in the survey. Most of the participants were medical oncologists (38%) from teaching institutions (76%) and the public sector (84%). 46% (n = 242) participants were 35- 45 years of age. Majority of clinicians reported moderate (45.6%) to severe (42.3%) anxiety on GAD-7 scale. Females had statistically higher levels of anxiety (average score;15.46 ±4.87, p = 0.04). On PSS, the majority of participants reported higher stress with average scores (29.64 ±3.83) for males and (30.23 ±4.62) for females. Average score for WHO wellbeing index was 62.95 (±20.52) for males and 74.3 (±20.87) for females denoting a preservation of general well being, even in a higher stress and anxiety situation. Female gender was significantly associated with anxiety level on GAD- 7 scale (p = 0.04), but this difference in stress level and well being was not observed on PSS (p = 0.134) and WHO well being index (p = 0.709). Clinicians of ages 25-35 years had significantly higher anxiety levels on GAD-7 scale (p = 0.004) and higher stress on PSS (p = 0.000). Age over 55 years was associated with lower levels of anxiety and stress on GAD-7 and PSS. Oncology clinicians working in public sector experienced significantly lower stress as compared to private sector on PSS scale (p = 0.041) Conclusions: Covid 19 pandemic has significantly increased the anxiety and stress levels among oncology clinicians in the MENA region. Anxiety and stress were higher in females and young clinicians. Clinicians over 55 years of age and oncologists working in the public sector reported less stress and anxiety. General well being of clinicians was well preserved even in a highly stressful and anxious situation.

Gender and age factors in COVID-19 patients in Punjab, Pakistan;A cohort study

Background & Objectives: Since COVID-19 outbreak, and the first confirmed case in Pakistan, Pakistani government, media and health departments made significant efforts to ensure that the people stay at homes to avoid massive spread of COVID-19. Our study aimed to fill the existing gaps in knowledge and research based upon clinical symptoms and gender association of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) among different age groups in Punjab Pakistan. Methodology: Current cohort study was designed at Centre For Human Genetics, Hazara University Mansehra and conducted at Provisional Public Health Reference Lab, Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department Lahore-Pakistan. Results: Based on set objectives males were more prone (76%) to COVID-19 then females (24%) from one hundred confirmed cases of SARS-Co-2 enrolled study participants. In comparison to older age participants and children’s youngsters (16-30-y age) were at greater risk 35% of COVID-19 infection with mean age of 34.23 ≈ 1.60 ± (P < 0.05). Only 13% cases with no visible symptoms of SARS-Co-2 were tested positive for COVID-19 PCR test. Spread patterns of COVID-19 are ultimately based upon exposure to COVID-19 and irrespective of any immunological association reported yet. Conclusion: we recommend country leadership, media houses and researchers to understand differences in age wise spread patterns of (COVID-19) versus age wise mortality patterns of COVID-19 to educate the common public accordingly.