DSpace Community:

Exploring the factors associated with early sexual debut among young women in Kinshasa: evidence from two cross-sectional studies

2026-04-13T01:24:55Z

Title: Exploring the factors associated with early sexual debut among young women in Kinshasa: evidence from two cross-sectional studies Authors: Ingoma, Reagan M.; Kim, So Yoon; Kamangu, Erick N.; Choi, Youngsoon; Kim, David Hyung Ho; 최영순; 김형호 Abstract: Background Early sexual debut among young women in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), represents a complex and multifaceted issue that carries significant implications for a range of factors including individual health and social dynamics. Aim This research seeks to illuminate the factors influencing early sexual debut among young women in Kinshasa. Method The analysis involved 1,352 young women using a chi-square test at p < 0.05 and 95% CI for categorical variables. A mixed-effects multilevel binary logistic regression identified determinants of early sexual debut, showing adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and related factors, with 95% CI. Result The prevalence of early sexual debut among respondents aged 15-24 years was 16.3% with an average current age of 16.6 years. Being aged 20-24 years [AOR = 1.40, CI;1-1.97], cohabiting with a partner [AOR = 0.46, CI;0.31-0.69] or being married [AOR = 0.43, CI; 0.25-0.76], tertiary education [AOR = 7.91, CI; 3.11-20.08], high wealth index [AOR = 1.78, CI; 1.18-2.2], were significantly associated with early sexual debut. The analysis showed minimal differences across clusters, suggesting that individual factors predominantly shape attitudes towards sexual debut, while community-level attributes play a lesser role in predicting these attitudes. Conclusion The analysis showed minimal differences across clusters, suggesting that individual factors predominantly shape attitudes towards sexual debut, while community-level attributes play a lesser role in predicting these attitudes. Furthermore, reinforcing the legal marriage and providing resources to support single and cohabiting women in delaying sexual commitments can significantly mitigate early initiation.

Conditional trust as a driver of public engagement in Korea's national project of bio-big data

2026-01-29T07:41:20Z

Title: Conditional trust as a driver of public engagement in Korea's national project of bio-big data Authors: Kim, Jae Sun; Kim, Seohyun; Lee, Cheyeon; Jeong, Wonoh; No, Huiwon; Lim, Sungsoo; Jung, Yul; Lee, Ilhak; Yang, Kwangmo Abstract: Introduction Trust is built on the belief that promises will be honored. In biodata research, public trust is established when researchers conduct studies as promised and utilize the research outcomes in accordance with the stated objectives. Participants, particularly those contributing sensitive data, often demand a detailed explanation regarding how their data will be utilized and governed, which forms the foundation of trust. The National Project of Bio-Big Data (NPBBD) was conceived upon this premise. Within this framework, participants recognize the necessity of biobanks, the state ensures trustworthy governance through institutional safeguards, and researchers uphold these commitments-thereby sustaining a cycle of trust. Although prior studies have examined public attitudes toward biobanks and general willingness to participate, less is known about their perspectives on consent models, governance structures, benefit-sharing mechanisms, and motivations for engagement. Persistently low participation rates highlight the need for systematic analysis of underlying barriers and strategies to strengthen public involvement. Considering the NPBBD's goal of building a nationwide cohort of one million individuals, this study seeks to identify the motivating factors that can foster improved public participation. By assessing public awareness and participation drivers, we aim to delineate the conditions of trust from the participants' perspectives and offer guidance for data-driven policies grounded in medical, ethical, legal, and social legitimacy.Methods Between August 22-30, 2024, a web- and mobile-based survey was conducted among 1,027 adults aged 19-64 years, residing across 17 provinces and metropolitan cities in Korea, selected via proportional allocation. The questionnaire, developed with reference to prior studies including ethical, legal, and social implications, comprised 19 items across six domains, and 16 sociodemographic questions.Results Overall, 15.1% of the respondents were aware of the NPBBD, and 35.1% had heard of it, as compared to 49.1% who recognized the term "biobank." Willingness to participate varied by incentive: 60.9% expressed willingness to participate when personal benefits were offered, 29.9% were motivated by public interest, and 9.3% declined participation altogether. Among the non-participants, 18.9% agreed to participate when presented with a rare disease scenario. Anticipated benefits included early detection and prevention (mean score: 78.3), treatment for rare or incurable diseases (76.5), and advancement of research (75.4). Key concerns centered on data breach (77.0), third-party misuse (76.1), and unconsented data use (75.6). Participation drivers included contribution to science (74.6), support for future generations (72.5), and personal benefits (68.1), with access to professional consultation (78.6) emerging as the most influential factor. The most desired information was genetic risk prediction (62.8%). Respondents favored receiving updates on sanctions for misuse (82.0%), supervisors assigned to monitor data use (80.3%), and ongoing research use (75.0%), through text messages (41.0%) and email (36.1%). Regarding additional data, 39.6% were willing to share information about their health, lifestyle, and habits; 38.0% preferred to share health information only; and 13.2% were ready to give biospecimens only. While the majority of participants favored reinvesting profits into drug and treatment development, others preferred receiving benefits through partial coverage of treatment costs (64.1%). In terms of governance, most respondents preferred a shared model involving government, public, and private institutions (44.7%). Consent preferences leaned toward dynamic (57.8%) over broad consent (35.2%).Discussion Public perception of biodata collection reflected a mix of anticipated personal and public benefits, alongside concerns regarding data disclosure. Willingness to participate was influenced more by personal benefits (60.9%) than by public interest (29.9%). While personal incentives such as treatment cost coverage were valued, participation was also driven by a desire to contribute to research and support drug development, reflecting a blend of self-interest and altruistic motivation. Concerns centered on data leakage, with dynamic consent emerging as a key condition of trust, alongside public governance and the right to information. To secure public trust and increase participation in the NPBBD, tailored strategies must be used to balance personal and public benefits with transparent governance, information provision, and consent procedures.

Health diplomacy training, pedagogical approaches, and skills assessment: a scoping review

2026-01-22T02:30:55Z

Title: Health diplomacy training, pedagogical approaches, and skills assessment: a scoping review Authors: Joshi, Ashish; Magana, Laura; Jha, Niharika; Otok, Robert; Kapologwe, Ntuli Angyelile; Sampaio, Luis De Almeida; Kastrup, Erica; Amde, Woldekidan; Surenthirakumaran, Rajendra; El-Mohandes, Ayman; Reis, Rodrigo; Kim, So Yoon; Kane, Catherine; Mackey, Tim K.; Yotive, William; Barros, Henrique; Kaledine, Ramune; Figueras, Josep; Brown, Mathew D. Abstract: Background Health diplomacy is gaining increasing importance as an approach in addressing domestic and global health challenges, yet educational programs that prepare future practitioners remain underdeveloped in addressing skills core to this domain of public health practice. Training in health diplomacy is critical for building interdisciplinary competencies needed to navigate increasingly complex negotiations, cross-cultural engagements, and policy influence. Competency based education in global health, widely accepted by the health professions education community, is a framework for training health professionals that focuses on observable, measurable skills and knowledge needed to meet specific health needs and improve global health outcomes.Objectives This study mapped the literature on health diplomacy education, examining curricula, training approaches, skill development, and evaluation practices, with a focus on their implications for public health diplomacy.Methods Establishing scoping review and inclusion methodology, this study conducted a systematic search and screening of relevant literature. Eligible documents included peer-reviewed articles, frameworks, and reports describing curricula, training initiatives, and educational models in health diplomacy. We extracted and synthesized data using descriptive statistics to map training types, audiences, and competencies, alongside narrative synthesis to identify pedagogical strategies, evaluation methods, gaps, and formulate key insights.Results We included eight training initiatives and frameworks published between 2017 and 2025. Programs ranged from short-term simulations and workshops to semester-long academic curricula, flexible competency frameworks, and career-long professional pathways. Training was predominantly designed for students and early-career professionals, but also included experienced diplomatic practitioners such as health attach & eacute;s. Delivery was largely in-person, with increasing adoption of blended and adaptable models. Common pedagogical methods included simulation-based experiential learning, problem- and competency-based approaches, peer-to-peer learning, and reflexive or decolonial pedagogy. Core competencies emphasized negotiation, diplomacy, cross-cultural communication, leadership, policy analysis, and crisis management. Evaluation methods were mostly short-term and self-reported, with limited evidence of long-term or institutional outcomes.Conclusion Health diplomacy education is key in strengthening the practice of public health diplomacy by equipping learners with essential skills in negotiation, leadership, cultural competency, and communication skills. However, current training initiatives remain fragmented, inequitable, and under-evaluated.

국가 바이오 빅데이터 구축 시범사업 전자동의에 대한 일반인 만족도 평가와 발전방향

2026-02-02T06:37:31Z

Title: 국가 바이오 빅데이터 구축 시범사업 전자동의에 대한 일반인 만족도 평가와 발전방향 Authors: 양지현; 이일학; 김정은 Abstract: 연구배경: 국가 바이오 빅데이터 구축 시범사업은 복수의 협력기관을 통해 참여자를 모집하는 구조로 운영되므로, 설명문과 동의서의 일관성 유지와 동의 정보의 체계적 관리의 측면에서 전자동의 모델 도입의 필요성이 대두되었다. 나아가 기존의 설명문과 동의서를 단순히 전자문서화하는 것을 넘어 참여자들의 동의 역량을 강화하기 위한 도구의 차원에서 전자동의를 활용할 수 있는 방안을 모색하기 위하여, 본 연구에서는 전자동의 시안을 개발하고 일반인을 대상으로 만족도 조사를 실시하였다. 연구방법: 설문조사는 전국 만 19세~68세 성인 남녀 1,000명을 대상으로 2022년 6월 29일부터 7월 8일까지 온라인으로 진행하였다. 설문 문항은 PSSUQ와 영국 Genomics England에서 실시한 동의 절차 경험 설문지를 기반으로 개발하였고, 전자동의의 내용, 사용성, 화면구성, 선호도 등을 4점 척도로 평가하였다. 연구결과: 응답자의 74%가 전자동의 이용 경험이 있었고, 전자동의 시안에 대한 만족도는 87.4%로 나타났다. 사용성과 기능적 측면에 대한 질문에 대해서도 긍정적인 반응이 나타났다. 종이를 이용하는 것과 비교하는 선호도의 측면에서도 전자적 형태를 선호하거나 특별한 선호가 없는 것으로 나타났으나, 종이를 선호하는 비율도 약 10% 차지하였다. 결론: 전자동의에 대한 일반인의 수용도는 전반적으로 높은 것으로 평가할 수 있으며 있다. 사업 목적, 참여 위험 등 주요 항목에 대해서는 설명문 난이도를 조정하고, 시청각 자료, 용어집 등 보조 설명 도구를 추가하면 전자동의의 활용의 장점이 더욱 부각될 수 있을 것이다. 전자동의는 참여자의 자율적 의사결정을 실질적으로 뒷받침하고, 동의 정보의 일관성 및 관리 효율성을 높이며, 향후 동적 동의 구현 가능성을 열어준다는 점에서 지속적인 발전과 채택이 필요하다.