The mediating role of emotional intelligence in the relationship between learning motivation and academic outcomes: Conditional indirect effect of gender.

BACKGROUND: The role of emotional intelligence and learning motivation in shaping university students' academic outcomes has received greater attention, especially during the modernization era. Thus, this study investigates the mediating role of emotional intelligence in the relationship between learning motivation and academic outcomes while examining the gender-conditional indirect effect. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in four randomly chosen cities in Saudi Arabia (Riyadh, Jeddah, Hail, and Yanbu), where 400 health science students were conveniently selected using equal allocation (100 students/campus). A digital survey was used for data collection (April-May 2022) containing three sections: Personal Characteristics and Academic Outcomes, Modified Schutte Self-Report Inventory, and Academic Motivation Scale. RESULTS: Emotional intelligence positively correlated with learning motivation (r = 0.525, P < 0.001) and academic outcomes (r = 0.153, P < 0.001), where academic outcomes had a weak positive correlation with learning motivation (r = 0.115, P = 0.014). Mediation analysis confirmed that emotional intelligence fully mediates the relationship between learning motivation and academic outcomes with an insignificant direct effect of learning motivation on academic outcomes [(ß =0.049, P = 0.573), 95% CI (-0.059, 0.144)]. The conditional indirect effect of gender significantly moderated 16.1% of the mediating effect of emotional intelligence [(ß =0.161, P = 0.005), 95% CI (0.035, 0.273)]. The significant indirect effect was proved for the male gender only [(ß = 0.157, P = 0.004), 95% CI (0.072, 0.240)]. No significant gender differences concerning emotional intelligence (P = 0.534) and academic outcomes (P = 0.466) were detected. However, male students had significantly higher learning motivation than female students (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Emotional intelligence completely mediates the relationship between learning motivation and outcomes with a stronger mediating effect for male students. Thus, policymakers must focus on improving the students' emotional intelligence skills to boost their learning motivation and academic outcomes.

Predicting perceived exclusive breastfeeding behavior among higher education female students in Saudi Arabia: Application of the theory of planned behavior using structural equation modeling.

The decision for infant feeding behaviors is often made early in life, based on the socio-cultural context. Thus, exploring this issue and its influencing factors can create Exclusive Breastfeeding (EBF) culture among future mothers. This study aimed to predict EBF behavior among female higher education students in Saudi Arabia through the application of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). This descriptive exploratory research was conducted on three university campuses in three cities (Dammam, Jeddah, and Abha). A multistage cluster random sampling was employed to select 600 female students using a digital survey containing three sections: Personal Data and Previous BF Exposure, EBF Knowledge Scale, and The TPB constructs for the EBF scale (attitude, Subjective Norms/SN, Perceived Behavioral Control/PBC, intention, and Perceived Behavior). The results showed that the highest percent of the participants had moderate BF exposure (63.8%) and knowledge (65.7%), positive attitude (85.8%), high SN (66.2%), moderate PBC (75.8%), high intention (55.2%), and positive perceived behavior (55.2%). The SEM had acceptable fit indices were χ2/df ratio=3.817, GFI=0.935, RMSEA=0.044, NFI=0.942, CFI=0.951, PCFI =0. 924. It showed that the EBF attitude (ß=0.607), SN (ß=0.123), and PBC (ß=0.158) were significant positive and direct predictors of the EBF intention (P <0.001). Both intention (ß=0.213) and PBC (ß=0.226) were significant positive and direct predictors of the perceived behavior (P <0.001). It accounted for 49.5% of the variance in EBF intention and 70.0% for the behavior. The BF exposure and knowledge were significant positive predictors of EBF intention (ß=0.158, ß= 0.237) and behavior (ß=0.140, ß= 0.207) (P=0.000). Thus, the TPB has a good predictive ability for EBF intention and behavior among the studied Saudi female university students. Thus, it can be employed for efficient health promotion and the development of EBF-friendly policies.

Associated Factors of Exclusive Breastfeeding Intention among Pregnant Women in Najran, Saudi Arabia.

The exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) intention conceived by pregnant women is the most important predictor of breastfeeding (BF) initiation, duration, and continuation. This study explores the associated factors of EBF intention among pregnant women. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted from November 2022 to January 2023 with 382 pregnant women who came to the outpatient clinic in the Maternal and Children Hospital (MCH). Four instruments were used for data collection: the Infant Feeding Intention scale, the Gender-Friendly BF Knowledge scale (GFBKS), the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude scale (IIFAS), and the basic data questionnaire. The study findings indicated that 51.8% and 75.9% of gravida women had adequate knowledge and a positive attitude regarding BF. Furthermore, 56.3% of the participants had a high intention for EBF. Binary logistic regression illustrated that occupational status, antenatal care, plan for the current pregnancy, BF practice, last child delivery mode, medical disorder during the current pregnancy, age, BF knowledge, and attitude are potential predictors. The goodness of fit test revealed that 46.8% of the EBF intention could be anticipated through the positive pre-mentioned factors. The low EBF intention is modifiable by addressing the previously positive predictors. BF educational interventions should be tailored based on EBF intention predictors in order to be effective and lead to behavior change.

Determinant of Osteoporosis Preventive Behaviors among Perimenopausal Women: A Cross-Sectional Study to Explore the Role of Knowledge and Health Beliefs.

Osteoporosis is a silent chronic disease, and many people did not discover it until they were diagnosed with a fracture. Therefore, regular scanning and appropriate Osteoporosis Preventive Behaviors (OPB) are the management cornerstone. OPB is strongly affected by personal knowledge and health beliefs. This study explores the role of knowledge and health beliefs as determinants of OPB among perimenopausal women. This cross-sectional study was performed on 1075 perimenopausal women in Najran City, Saudi Arabia, from January 2023 to March 2023. The data collection instrument is a self-reported questionnaire consisting of basic data, the OPB scale, an osteoporosis knowledge assessment tool, and the osteoporosis health belief scale. The current study results showed that approximately one-quarter (27.8%) of the study participants had high OPB with an overall mean of 20.83 ± 5.08 grade. The group practicing high OPB demonstrated a higher knowledge mean (11.37 ± 2.99) than the low OPB group (9.93 ± 3.51). In addition, all health beliefs constructs significantly differed among the low and high OPB groups (p ˂ 0.05). The participant's age, occupational status, educational level, attendance of training courses, and history of bone fractures were significantly associated with high OPB. Osteoporosis knowledge, perceived susceptibility, perceived seriousness, exercises' perceived benefits, and health motivations are positive predictors of high OPB (p ˂ 0.05). The study concluded that osteoporosis-related knowledge and health beliefs-especially perceived susceptibility, perceived seriousness, exercises' perceived benefits, and health motivations-are positive predictors of high OPB. The health belief model can be an effective tool used to determine high-risk groups who practice low OPB and build need-based educational interventions.

Cervical cancer perceived risks and associated factors among women in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study.

Examining the risk perception of one of the most life-threatening cancers among women, such as cervical cancer, will guide the development of targeted advocacy and educational programs to reduce the burden of the disease. The current study investigated cervical cancer perceived risks and associated factors among Saudi women. A cross-sectional study was conducted through a social media-based survey, which conveniently targeted 1085 Saudi women in Najran city. The survey questionnaire consisted of four parts: basic sociodemographic data, cervical cancer knowledge quiz, attitude scale, and risk perception Scale. The present study confirmed that 57.4% of the study participants had high-risk perception regarding cervical cancer. Among the study participants, 42.6% had a low perception of the risk of cervical cancer, 57.3% had unsatisfactory knowledge, while 59.4% had a positive attitude (59.4%) towards cervical cancer prevention and its screening. The binary logistic regression proved that the positive significant factors associated with risk perception were higher education [AOR=3.105 (1.300 - 7.418), p=0.011], increasing age [AOR=1.191 (1.043-1.359), p=0.005], longer duration of marriage [AOR=3.123 (1.112 - 8.767), p=0.031], having family history of cancer/cervical cancer [AOR=4.498 (1.119 - 18.085), p=0.034], satisfactory knowledge [AOR=2.304 (1.289 - 4.116), p=0.005], and positive attitude [AOR=3.248 (2.532 - 4.166), p=0.000]. We conclude that more than half of the women in Najran city had high cervical cancer-related risk perception while more than two-fifths perceived low risk with unsatisfactory knowledge and a positive attitude. These results highlight the pressing need to develop cervical cancer health education programs to foster risk perception as a driving strategy for the prevention of cervical cancer in Saudi Arabian women.

Predictors of cervical cancer knowledge and attitude among Saudi women in Najran city: A cross-sectional study.

This study explores the predictors of cervical cancer (CC) knowledge and attitude among Saudi women in Najran city. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Najran/ KSA to recruit 1085 participants from June to September 2021. An online self-reported questionnaire was used for data collection; it consisted of basic data and health history, a CC knowledge quiz, and a CC attitude scale. Data analysis was performed using the Statistical IBM software, version 23 (IBM Corp., Armonk, N.Y., USA)'. The findings revealed that more than half of the participants (57.7%) had insufficient knowledge regarding CC. At the same time, 59.4% of them had a positive attitude toward CC screening. According to binary logistic regression analysis, University-educated participants had increased odds of sufficient knowledge (OR: 1.774, 95%CI1.101-2.856) and positive attitude (OR: 4.246, 95%CI 1.545-11.669) about CC compared to the participant with secondary education. Moreover, participants with no family history of CC were less likely to have sufficient knowledge (OR: 0.554, 95%CI 0.102-2.745) and positive attitude (OR: 0.867, 95%CI 0.776 - 0.968) about CC compared to participants with positive family history. Also, sufficient knowledge was statistically associated with a positive attitude (OR: 1.754, 95%CI 1.112-2.849). Among all basic variables, participants' educational qualifications and positive family history of CC are significant socio-demographic predictors of CC knowledge and attitude. Specific educational interventions to enhance women's knowledge and attitude toward CC screening should be developed and implemented in the community without delay, particularly for less-educated women.

Perceptions of barriers to cervical cancer screening among Saudi women: A cross-sectional study.

In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), Cervical Cancer (CC) ranked fourth in incidence and associated mortality among all cancers, with a mean age incidence of 61 years. This study evaluates the perceived barriers to CC screening among Saudi women in Najran city, KSA. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Najran/ KSA, involving 1085 females. The data collection instrument comprised three main parts: basic data questionnaire, women's knowledge regarding CC screening, assessment of health belief model scale for CC, and Pap smear test. Data collection started through an online survey from the beginning of October 2021 till the end of January 2022. Data analyses were performed using the Statistical IBM software, version 23 (IBM Corp., Armonk, N.Y., USA). The results showed that fear of bad results (68.9%), cost of treatment (58.8%), embarrassment (59.9%), and preference for female physician (47.4%) among several others were the barriers to CC screening identified by women Over 61% of the participants had a moderate barrier to CC screening, and 24.8% had high perceived barriers. Ordinal logistic regression shows that age, higher education, high monthly income, positive family history for CC, and adequate CC screening knowledge are positive predictors of low CC screening barriers (p˂0.05). Increasing number of deliveries and parities was a negative predictor for low CC screening. CC screening barriers are still high among Saudi females. Some demographic variables may predict low CC screening barriers, and health care providers should consider these variables during CC preventive and educational programs.

Saudi women health beliefs and associated factors regarding cervical cancer prevention at Najran city: A theory-based study.

According to Saudi Arabia's 2030 vision, research should be directed to promote health and prevent diseases like cervical cancer (CC). Furthermore, the Kingdom pays specific attention to the health of women. CC ranks eighth among all cancers in Saudi Arabia; therefore, determining women's beliefs and associated factors will help prevent and treat them early. The objective of this study was to explore Saudi women's health beliefs and associated factors regarding CC prevention in Najran city. A cross-sectional design was carried out using a convenience sampling technique of 1085 participants from the Najran region. Data collection was done from June to September 2021, using tools consisting of basic data and personal/family history of the study participants and the health belief model (HBM) scale for CC. The findings revealed that up to 99% of the participants did not take the HPV vaccine, while only 2% undertook the Pap smear test. Less than one-fifth (17.9%) of the participants believed they were highly susceptible to developing CC, although more than two-thirds (70.4%) of them believed CC is a serious disease. Only one-tenth (9.8%) of the participants had low perceived barriers to undergoing a Pap smear test, even though a large proportion (85.3%) of them highly perceived its benefits and were motivated to uptake CC prevention. Rural area residence, low education, insufficient monthly income, and young age were negatively associated factors with CC prevention and health beliefs (p< 0.05). Participants with a family history of CC or who previously performed Pap smear test had a higher health motivation and perceived benefits of CC screening and prevention (p<0.05). The study concluded that most Saudi women did not undertake Pap smear tests or HPV vaccine, although average scores of the sub-dimensions of the HBM scale about CC were moderate or high except for perceived susceptibility to CC. Therefore, national educational programs for Saudi women should be directed to increase their perceived susceptibility to CC and decrease the perceived barriers to Pap smear test. In addition, the ministry of health's educational efforts should be directed to rural areas' residents with low education, insufficient monthly income, and young age women.

Intention and self-efficacy for pap smear screening and Human Papilloma Virus vaccination among Saudi women at Najran city, KSA.

Exploring the women's intention of the core self-directed behaviors for cervical cancer prevention and their confident abilities for engagement is of utmost importance for targeted intervention development. This study investigates the Saudi women's intention and self-efficacy for Pap Smear Screening and HPV Vaccination in Najran city, KSA. It was a descriptive cross-sectional study incorporating a convenient sample of 1085 Saudi women through a social media-based four-part questionnaire: Basic Data and Reproductive Health History, Pap Smear Intention Scale, HPV vaccination intention scale, Self-Efficacy Scale for Pap smear testing, and HPV vaccination. The results indicated that 59.5% of the study participants had a low intention for Pap testing, while 62.5% of them had a high intention to receive the HPV vaccine, and the self-efficacy for both was high among 57.0% of them. Binary logistic regression showed higher odds for Pap testing intention among older women with enough family income and those with no history of Pap testing and higher gravidity and parity. Rural resident women and those having no family history of CC have Lower odds for HPV vaccination intention. Women of reproductive age and those with high gravidity and parity have higher odds. Self-efficacy has lower odds among divorced, rural resident women and those with no history of Pap testing or HPV vaccine; however, women with longer marriage duration and higher gravidity and parity had higher odds. Hence, there is an apparent high intention for HPV vaccination with a low intention for Pap testing among Saudi women in Najran despite having a higher self-efficacy. These necessitate establishing consolidated efforts for awareness-raising and advocacy programs to prevent CC.