Ting An, Jing Jian Xiao, Nilton Porto and Luiz Cruz
This study aims to examine the association between mobile payment usage and financial anxiety and explore the mediating role of financial behavior. Moreover, this research also…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the association between mobile payment usage and financial anxiety and explore the mediating role of financial behavior. Moreover, this research also compares the moderating effects of financial education and financial knowledge.
Design/methodology/approach
A sample of 18,584 consumers from the 2021 National Financial Capability Study in the USA was analyzed. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to explore indirect associations between mobile payment usage and financial anxiety. Two undesirable financial behaviors, overspending and overindebtedness, were used as mediators between mobile payment and financial anxiety. Moreover, multi-group analyses were conducted for two financial knowledge groups and two financial education groups to examine the heterogeneity. A robustness test is employed to ensure the reliability of the results.
Findings
The SEM results showed that the positive association between mobile payment and financial anxiety was mediated by overspending and overindebtedness in a parallel multiple mediation relationship. In addition, financial knowledge moderated the relationships between financial behaviors (overspending or overborrowing) and financial anxiety, while financial education moderated the associations between mobile payment use and overspending and between overspending and financial anxiety.
Research limitations/implications
This study is limited by its use of cross-sectional data, which restricts conclusions on causality and temporal dynamics. Additionally, the study does not account for the potential bidirectional relationship between financial anxiety and mobile payment usage, which warrants further exploration. The mediating variables examination focus mainly on overspending and overindebtedness, suggesting the need to explore other factors like budgeting and saving. Finally, the study’s findings may not generalize to other populations, highlighting the need for research in diverse cultural contexts.
Practical implications
Consumers should be cautious of increased financial anxiety linked to overspending and debt. Platforms can help by enabling spending limits, sending alerts and providing detailed expenditure analysis. Stricter controls on loans and government regulations may also be needed to curb overindebtedness. Additionally, financial knowledge does not mitigate these risks, so even knowledgeable users should be cautious. Financial education programs should address debt management alongside overspending to provide a more comprehensive understanding of financial well-being.
Originality/value
This study explored the association between mobile payment use and financial anxiety and how undesirable financial behaviors like overspending and overindebtedness mediate this process. Furthermore, multi-group analyses were employed in financial education subsamples and financial knowledge subsamples. Based on the findings, implications were discussed for individual users, government regulation and education programs of mobile payment.
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Josephine Ssirimuzaawo, Miph Musoke and Pio Frank Kiyingi
This paper on the prevalence of attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) in schools holds immense significance due to its unique contribution to the existing body of…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper on the prevalence of attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) in schools holds immense significance due to its unique contribution to the existing body of knowledge. This study stands out as one of the few conducted in Uganda and the entire African continent. The purpose of this study is to establish the prevalence of ADHD symptoms in government primary schools in Wakiso District, Uganda. And also inform educational policies and interventions tailored to address the needs of children with ADHD in Uganda and globally.
Design/methodology/approach
The research paradigm adopted was pragmatism, an explanatory sequential mixed methods approach was used, with a quantitative sample of 1,067 participants (learners), 64 teachers who underwent a series of training to equip them with the necessary knowledge about ADHD filled questionnaires for the 1,067 learners, four teachers selected in each school, one teacher per class and a qualitative sample of 32 teachers and one key informant from 16 primary schools. Random and purposive sampling was used. The strengths and weaknesses of ADHD symptoms and normal behavior scale questionnaire was used for quantitative data collection, while qualitative data was gathered through interviews, observations and focus group discussion.
Findings
The results revealed an overall prevalence of ADHD symptoms of 11.60%, with inattention symptoms being more dominant than hyperactive/impulsivity symptoms (8.82%). There was no significant difference in prevalence between boys and girls, with primary one pupils having the highest prevalence of symptoms and primary four pupils having the lowest. Pupils aged 10–13 may be less susceptible to ADHD symptoms. The most prevalent symptoms were linked to interrupting or intruding behavior, failure to give attention to detail and inability to play quietly. Qualitative data from the key informant’s observations and teacher focus groups supported these findings.
Research limitations/implications
Limited geographic scope: The study was conducted in only one district, Wakiso, in Uganda. However, this district is very densely populated with people from different cultural and economic background, making it representative of the entire country Uganda. While the response rates for both the quantitative and qualitative components were relatively high (95% and 84%, respectively), there is a possibility that those who chose to participate may have different experiences. But the response rate provided sufficient data for analysis according to the researcher.
Practical implications
The researcher recommends that further research is needed in other districts; also, there is a need to develop early intervention strategies for teachers and parents with ADHD children. More research is needed to better understand the primary causes and risk factors associated with ADHD in primary school children.
Originality/value
This study stands out as one of the few conducted in Uganda and the entire African continent on ADHD. By addressing this research gap, the paper adds valuable insights to the field of ADHD research, shedding light on the prevalence of ADHD symptoms, which can be used to investigate the impact of ADHD on academic performance within the Ugandan education system further. The findings of this study have the potential to inform educational policies and interventions tailored to address the needs of children with ADHD in Africa and beyond.