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Article
Publication date: 6 November 2024

Saeideh Valizadeh-Haghi, Mahvash Parsapour, Roya Pournaghi, Ahmad-Reza Baghestani and Yazdan Parsapour

Medical libraries can extend their resources’ accessibility by creating a network through web-based geographical information system (WEBGIS) that connects physical and…

Abstract

Purpose

Medical libraries can extend their resources’ accessibility by creating a network through web-based geographical information system (WEBGIS) that connects physical and non-physical resources. Geographical information system (GIS allows) libraries to create strong connections with other libraries by establishing a shared server for loading and using digital information. This research aims to explore the feasibility of creating a unified GIS-based service system for medical libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

The target population for this study includes a total of 32 medical libraries across three medical universities (in this case called A, B and C). A researcher-designed 34-item questionnaire was applied in this study.

Findings

Findings revealed that the libraries affiliated with University A have the highest average (46.54%) and better situation in terms of all of the needed infrastructures. Furthermore, in terms of the technical infrastructure required for implementing the integrated WEBGIS, the libraries of University B are in a better situation in comparison with other libraries (64.55%). Weak technical infrastructure belongs to libraries affiliated with University C, with 59.17% availability of infrastructure. The findings underscored the existing gaps in various aspects and highlighted the need for further improvements, particularly in financial and legal aspects, to enhance the overall availability of infrastructure.

Originality/value

This study was conducted for the first time in medical science libraries. The findings of this research shed light on the shortages within the surveyed universities in terms of human infrastructure. Results highlight the need for financial, legal and technical support to bridge the gap between the current status and the desired situation. By focusing on improving the various infrastructural aspects, libraries can foster a conducive environment for the effective utilization of spatial information systems, ultimately benefiting academic research, education and overall information management in the field of medical sciences.

Details

Performance Measurement and Metrics, vol. 25 no. 3/4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1467-8047

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 February 2017

Masoumeh Simbar, Zeinab Aarabi, Zohreh Keshavarz, Fahimeh Ramezani-Tehrani and Ahmad Reza Baghestani

Insufficient physical activity leads to an increase in chronic diseases. Skills-based health education methods are supposed to be more successful than traditional methods to…

Abstract

Purpose

Insufficient physical activity leads to an increase in chronic diseases. Skills-based health education methods are supposed to be more successful than traditional methods to promote healthy behaviors. Skills-based health education is an approach to create healthy lifestyles and skills using participatory methods. The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of skill-based education method on physical activities of female adolescents.

Design/methodology/approach

This was an experimental study on 80 female public high school students aged 12-14 years old in Tehran. The participants were randomly divided into two groups: experimental group of 40 girls who were educated using “Skills-based education method,” and control group of 40 girls who were educated by lecture as a routine educational method for health promotion. Data were collected using a valid and reliable questionnaire to assess physical activity-related knowledge, attitudes and behavior. Data were gathered three times; before, immediately after (Phase 1) and two months after educational intervention (Phase 2). Data analysis was performed using SPSS 20.

Findings

Intra-group comparison demonstrated that both educational methods can increase knowledge, attitude and behavior of the students after intervention comparing to before intervention (RMANOVA; p<0.05). However, the comparison between groups demonstrated a significant higher increase of knowledge (t-test; p<0.01 and p<0.0; phase 1 and 2, respectively), and behavior (t-test; p<0.01 and p=0.002; phase 1 and 2, respectively) but not attitude (p=0.083 and p=0.125, phase 1 and 2, respectively) among the students participated in the experimental “skilled based health education” group rather than the control “lecture” group.

Originality/value

Skill-based health education comparing to routine lecture-based education creates deep and long lasting knowledge and behavior and is highly recommended for promoting physical activity and other health-related knowledge and among adolescents.

Details

Health Education, vol. 117 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0965-4283

Keywords

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