Determinants of political trust : a lifetime learning model

This article addresses questions regarding the origins of individual variations in political trust. Using 2 prospective longitudinal studies, we examine the associations between family background, general cognitive ability (g) and school motivation at early age, educational and occupational attainment in adulthood, and political trust measured in early and mid-adulthood in 2 large representative samples of the British population born in 1958 (N = 8,804) and in 1970 (N = 7,194). A lifetime learning model of political trust is tested using structural equation modeling to map the pathways linking early experiences to adult outcomes. Results show that political trust is shaped by both early and later experiences with institutions in society. Individuals who have accumulated more socioeconomic, educational, and motivational resources throughout their life course express higher levels of political trust than do those with fewer resources

The role of pre-university education in the development of human capital

The role of education has evolved and undergone paradigm shifts, from that which focuses purely on imparting knowledge to the present one which encompasses career development of individuals to fulfil the needs of the global job market. The question that begs an answer is when (at what stage of education) does the aspect of career development or vocational awareness become significant, and how can educators better equip students at this stage? Looking at the developmental needs of young learners ? primary and secondary levels ? a broadbased curriculum approach is necessary in order to develop the academic aptitude, learning skills and create the body of knowledge necessary for the students to make the right choice in pursuing their tertiary or professional studies and perhaps disciplines of personal interests as well. Hence, we believe that pre-university level education has significant impact on shaping ?what? and ?how? students decide with regards to their career choices and this consequently impinges on the development of human capital in the country. This paper will document paradigm shifts that have taken place over time that have led to the present global trends, and review some critical thoughts and issues arising within the context of developing human capital in Malaysia. The national agenda for manpower development as outlined by the government shall also be considered. This paper will attempt to highlight the important role pre-university education can play in the development of employable graduates within the Malaysian context

A Pilot Study: Association between Minor Physical Anomalies in Childhood and Future Mental Problems

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Change in condom and other barrier method use during and after an HIV prevention trial in Zimbabwe

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>We examined the use of male condoms and the diaphragm following completion of a clinical trial of the diaphragm's HIV prevention effectiveness. In the trial, called Methods for Improving Reproductive Health in Africa (MIRA), women were randomized to a diaphragm group (diaphragm, gel and condoms) or a condom-only control group. At trial exit, all women were offered the diaphragm and condoms.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Our sample consisted of 801 Zimbabwean MIRA participants who completed one post-trial visit (median lapse: nine months; range two to 20 months). We assessed condom, diaphragm and any barrier method use at last sex act at enrolment, final MIRA and post-trial visits. We used multivariable random effects logistic regression to examine changes in method use between these three time points.</p> <p>Results and discussion</p> <p>In the condom group, condom use decreased from 86% at the final trial visit to 67% post trial (AOR = 0.20; 95% CI: 0.12 to 0.33). In the diaphragm group, condom use was 61% at the final trial visit, and did not decrease significantly post trial (AOR = 0.77; 95% CI: 0.55 to 1.09), while diaphragm use decreased from 79% to 50% post trial (AOR = 0.18; 95% CI: 0.12 to 0.28). Condom use significantly decreased between the enrolment and post-trial visits in both groups. Use of any barrier method was similar in both groups: it significantly decreased between the final trial and the post-trial visits, but did not change between enrolment and the post-trial visits.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>High condom use levels achieved during the trial were not sustained post trial in the condom group. Post-trial diaphragm use remained relatively high in the diaphragm group (given its unknown effectiveness), but was very low in the condom group. Introducing "new" methods for HIV prevention may require time and user skills before they get adopted. Our findings underscore the potential benefit of providing a mix of methods to women as it may encourage more protected acts.</p