Ebrahim Ghaderi, Kambiz Hassanzadeh, Khaled Rahmani, Ghobad Moradi, Nader Esmailnasab, Daem Roshani and Arian Azadnia
Health is one of the most basic human rights. Self-medication not only results in many risks, complications and mortalities but also remains a massive economic burden on…
Abstract
Purpose
Health is one of the most basic human rights. Self-medication not only results in many risks, complications and mortalities but also remains a massive economic burden on governments’ pharmaceutical budgets, insurance companies and the general population. The importance of self-medication as one of the worldwide health problems, this paper aims to investigate the extent of this problem and related factors in Sanandaj, Iran in 2018.
Design/methodology/approach
This cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted on 838 people who referred to pharmacies in Sanandaj, Iran in 2018. The subjects were selected in 10 pharmacies, 84 in each, randomly. A self-constructed questionnaire was used to collect information about demographic features, prevalence and reasons for self-medication. The data was analyzed statistically by SPSS software.
Findings
The results show a high prevalence of self-medication, 73.70 per cent among people who referred to the pharmacies in Sanandaj during 2018. There was a significant correlation between self-medication and occupation, education level, age groups, chronic disease, smoking or reasons to refer to pharmacies (p < 0.05). Analgesics, antibiotics; non-steroid anti-inflammatory, cold and gastrointestinal medicines were the most commonly used medicines by the subjects. People with headache, cold, infection, stomach pain, toothache and dysmenorrhea were more likely to act self-medication than people with other complaints. Among people who do self-medication, (85.60 per cent) had already experienced satisfactory results after using medicines. Mild symptoms of the disease (74.11 per cent), availability of medicines (72.98 per cent) and easy access to medicine supplies in pharmacies (71.35 per cent) are other reasons for self-medication.
Research limitations/implications
In general, the study had some limitations. One of the limitations was related to the research period i.e. spring and summer. So, it is suggested to conduct studies in other seasons, too. Furthermore, as the time of self-medication was the past three months, there was a probability of recall bias.
Originality/value
The prevalence of self-medication in Sanandaj is high and alarming, implementing educational programs about this issue is extremely required. Health policymakers should take all necessary steps to tackle self-medication efficiently.
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Seyedeh Mehrangar Hosseini, Behnaz Bahadori and Shahram Charkhan
The purpose of this study is to identify the situation of spatial inequality in the residential system of Tehran city in terms of housing prices in the year 2021 and to examine…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to identify the situation of spatial inequality in the residential system of Tehran city in terms of housing prices in the year 2021 and to examine its changes over time (1991–2021).
Design/methodology/approach
In terms of purpose, this study is applied research and has used a descriptive-analytical method. The statistical population of this research is the residential units in Tehran city 2021. The average per square meter of a residential unit in the level of city neighborhoods was entered in the geographical information system (GIS) in 2021. Moran’s spatial autocorrelation method, map cluster analysis (hot and cold spots) and Kriging interpolation have been used for spatial analysis of points. Then, the change in spatial inequality in the residential system of Tehran city has been studied and measured based on the price per square meter of a residential unit for 30 years in the 22 districts of Tehran by using statistical clustering based on distance with standard deviation.
Findings
The result of spatial autocorrelation analysis with a score of 0.873872 and a p-value equal to 0.000000 indicates a cluster distribution of housing prices throughout the city. The results of hot spots show that the highest concentration of hot spots (the highest price) is in the northern part of the city, and the highest concentration of cold spots (the lowest price) is in the southern part of Tehran city. Calculating the area and estimating the quantitative values of data-free points by the use of the Kriging interpolation method indicates that 9.95% of Tehran’s area has a price of less than US$800, 17.68% of it has a price of US$800 to US$1,200, 25.40% has the price of US$1,200 to US$1,600, 17.61% has the price of US$1,600 to US$2,000, 9.54% has the price of US$2,000 to US$2,200, 6.69% has the price of US$2,200 to US$2,600, 5.38% has the price of US$2,600 to US$2,800, 4.59% has the price of US$2,800 to US$3,200 and finally, the 3.16% has a price more than US$3,200. The highest price concentration (above US$3,200) is in five neighborhoods (Zafaranieh, Mahmoudieh, Tajrish, Bagh-Ferdows and Hesar Bou-Ali). The findings from the study of changes in housing prices in the period (1991–2021) indicate that the southern part of Tehran has grown slightly compared to the average range, and the western part of Tehran, which includes the 21st and 22nd regions with much more growth than the average price.
Originality/value
There is massive inequality in housing prices in different areas and neighborhoods of Tehran city in 2021. In the period under study, spatial inequality in the residential system of Tehran intensified. The considerable increase in housing prices in the housing market of Tehran has made this sector a commodity, intensifying the inequality between owners and non-owners. This increase in housing price inequality has caused an increase in the informal living for the population of the southern part. This population is experiencing a living situation that contrasts with the urban plans and policies.
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The COVID-19 outbreak reached a critical stage when it became imperative for public health systems to act decisively and design potential behavioral operational strategies aimed…
Abstract
Purpose
The COVID-19 outbreak reached a critical stage when it became imperative for public health systems to act decisively and design potential behavioral operational strategies aimed at containing the pandemic. Isolation through social distancing played a key role in achieving this objective. This research study examines the factors affecting the intention of individuals toward social distancing in India.
Design/methodology/approach
A correlation study was conducted on residents from across Indian states (N = 499). Online questionnaires were floated, consisting of health belief model and theory of planned behavior model, with respect to social distancing behavior initially. Finally, structural equation modeling was used to test the hypotheses.
Findings
The results show that perceived susceptibility (PS), facilitating conditions (FC) and subjective norms are the major predictors of attitude toward social distancing, with the effect size of 0.277, 0.132 and 0.551, respectively. The result also confirms that the attitude toward social distancing, perceived usefulness of social distancing and subjective norms significantly predict the Intention of individuals to use social distancing with the effect size of 0.355, 0.197 and 0.385, respectively. The nonsignificant association of PS with social distancing intention (IN) (H1b) is rendering the fact that attitude (AT) mediates the relationship between PS and IN; similarly, the nonsignificant association of FC with IN (H5) renders the fact that AT mediates the relationship between FC and IN.
Practical implications
The results of the study are helpful to policymakers to handle operations management of nudges like social distancing.
Originality/value
The research is one of its kind that explores the behavioral aspects of handling social nudges through FC.
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Darshana Girish Kulkarni, Girish Ramesh Kulkarni, Punit Saurabh and Samik Shome
The COVID-19 outbreak has severely impacted the health tourism industry. This study aims to examine the research undertaken on health tourism during COVID-19.
Abstract
Purpose
The COVID-19 outbreak has severely impacted the health tourism industry. This study aims to examine the research undertaken on health tourism during COVID-19.
Design/methodology/approach
A bibliometric analysis was performed using 211 documents written by 645 authors between 2020 and 2024. The databases used for this analysis are SCOPUS, Web of Science and PubMed. The study was conducted using the Biblioshiny application for R software. Various analyses, including citation analysis, keyword analysis, thematic mapping and evolution and collaboration analysis, were conducted to get a comprehensive picture of the impact of COVID-19 on health tourism.
Findings
The findings suggest that medical tourism was the major area of focus for researchers during COVID-19, whereas wellness tourism was studied in the later stages of the pandemic and is considered important for coping with the negative effects of COVID-19. The thematic review indicates that pre-pandemic research focused on strategies that accelerate the growth of the health tourism sector, whereas during and post-pandemic, the focus was on studying the impact of COVID-19 on the survival and recovery of the sector. Overall, health tourism was considered instrumental in the post-pandemic revival of the tourism industry.
Research limitations/implications
The bibliometric analysis is limited to only four years, as the focus was on studying health tourism during COVID-19. Hence, the study offers more precise insights into the research focus on health tourism during a pandemic. The current study offers limited insights into the post-pandemic scenario as the research is still emerging.
Practical implications
There is a significant opportunity for future research on post-COVID-19 recovery strategies, wherein this research will be helpful for researchers, particularly from emerging countries and countries with high dependence on health, medical and wellness tourism. The thematic analysis provides a valuable comparison of pre-, during and post-pandemic research.
Social implications
The research indicates an opportunity to study the policies and strategies adopted by various countries regarding the health tourism sector in the post-COVID-19 era. The research also highlights the interwoven, intricate, interdisciplinary nature of health tourism in relation to public and mental health and the need for collaborative efforts.
Originality/value
The study provides critical insights and new directions for future research by highlighting the crucial role of health tourism in mitigating the impact of COVID-19.
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Samiha Siddiqui, , Sehar Nafees and Sheeba Hamid
India's Muslim women (MW) face significant underrepresentation within the government and commercial sectors, rendering them virtually invisible in the job market. This…
Abstract
Purpose
India's Muslim women (MW) face significant underrepresentation within the government and commercial sectors, rendering them virtually invisible in the job market. This underrepresentation is compounded by the double stigma of being both Muslim and female. As a result, this study aims to address this critical issue by looking into MW's intention to work in the industry of tourism and hospitality (T&H).
Design/methodology/approach
A survey was conducted online to gather data and 404 of the responses met the requirements for selection. The research model was empirically assessed by applying structural equation modelling. The data collection phase spanned from August 11, 2023, to November 10, 2023.
Findings
The study's findings demonstrate the effectiveness of the extended theory of planned behaviour in providing a robust model for analysing MW's intentions to participate in the T&H industry.
Research limitations/implications
This research discloses inclusive policies, reduces discrimination, empowers women in the workforce, improves educational opportunities, promotes cultural sensitivity and fosters inclusive leadership in the T&H industry, focusing on MW career intentions, to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 5 (gender equality).
Originality/value
The importance of this study is contingent upon its ability to inform policymakers in academia and the T&H sector. By recognising and addressing the barriers faced by MW, it has the potential to foster a workplace environment that promotes equality and eliminates discrimination, ultimately improving the image of the T&H industry and harnessing the untapped potential of these women in India.
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Mohammad Rahimi, Hossein Moshiri and Ali Otarkhani
This study aims to evaluate patterns, trends and knowledge networks within social security research. By using bibliometric analysis, the research seeks to provide a comprehensive…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to evaluate patterns, trends and knowledge networks within social security research. By using bibliometric analysis, the research seeks to provide a comprehensive perspective on the evolution of global social security research. The purpose extends to identifying significant contributors, collaborative clusters and multifaceted issues addressed in the field.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses bibliometric analysis to assess social security research trends and knowledge networks from 2015 to 2023. Using the Web of Science database, 6,152 relevant articles are analyzed. Quantitative techniques such as coauthorship network analysis, institutional productivity rankings and keyword clustering are applied for a comprehensive understanding.
Findings
The findings indicate a rising trajectory of publications in social security research, with the USA, China and Europe emerging as top contributors. Coauthorship patterns reveal collaborative clusters with focused research interests. Prominent authors emphasize key aspects like public policy, economics, health and labor dynamics related to social security. Keyword clustering identifies nine thematic clusters, ranging from inequality and poverty to retirement and disability reforms. A thematic map visualizes overarching categories, including motor themes, basic themes, niche themes and emerging themes.
Originality/value
This bibliometric study offers original insights into global social security research, providing a comprehensive understanding of its evolution, significant contributors and diverse thematic issues addressed. The originality lies in the application of quantitative techniques, including coauthorship network analysis and keyword clustering, to reveal collaborative patterns and thematic clusters. The study’s value extends to facilitating evidence-based decision-making for advancing the critical domain of social security through international collaboration and impactful research aligned with societal needs.
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Kayode Kolawole Eluwole, Taiwo Temitope Lasisi, M. Omar Parvez and Cihan Cobanoglu
Fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) is explored as a transformative tool rooted in complexity theory, shedding light on uncertainties shaping real-world decisions…
Abstract
Purpose
Fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) is explored as a transformative tool rooted in complexity theory, shedding light on uncertainties shaping real-world decisions in tourism, with a focus on its application in the hospitality domain.
Design/methodology/approach
This study systematically evaluates fsQCA’s application in hospitality and tourism research, employing bibliometric analysis to scrutinize the published literature since its induction in 2011. The research seeks to understand the evolving usage by qualitatively reviewing impactful studies based on total citations.
Findings
The study reveals the ascendancy of fsQCA as a predominant approach in hospitality and tourism studies, particularly in illuminating decision-making paradigms in key sectors like destination and hotel selections and entrepreneurial orientations. However, an absence of fsQCA applications in gastronomy and wine tourism is identified, signaling uncharted territories for future inquiry.
Research limitations/implications
Theoretical implications include paradigm shifts to complexity theory, configural analysis and asymmetric algorithms. Practical implications involve improved decision-making and tailored marketing, benefiting industry practitioners. Limitations include potential academic bias, while future research suggests exploring sub-sectors, sustainability and emerging technologies.
Originality/value
This study identifies gaps in the fsQCA application and pioneers its examination within the hospitality domain, offering a unique perspective on understanding intricate relationships and configurations among variables. The study emphasizes the efficacy of asymmetric methodologies in elucidating behavioral nuances in hospitality and tourism, providing a foundation for future inquiries to expand horizons and unravel the nuanced applications of fsQCA in this research domain.