BSc Degree Research Articles

Integration of AI Training in the Field of Higher Education in the Republic of Bulgaria: An Overview

The presented work provides a comprehensive evaluation of the current availability of education programs and courses related to of AI the field of Information Technologies and Computer Science in higher education institutions (HIEs) in the Republic of Bulgaria. More specifically, this study examines 163 bachelor’s and 239 master’s degree programs from 28 HEIs available during the 2023/24 academic year in four professional fields: (1) Electrical Engineering, Electronics, and Automation; (2) Communication and Computer Technologies; (3) Informatics and Computer Science; and (4) Mathematics. The conducted evaluation shows that 41.1% of evaluated BSc programs and 26.4% of MSc programs include at least one AI-dedicated course. Results indicate a significant presence of AI-focused education, particularly in degrees related to Informatics and Computer Science, where 47.8% of AI courses are concentrated. However, a notable disparity exists in the inclusion of AI subjects across other technical fields, particularly in Electrical Engineering and related degrees, which contain only 8% of the identified AI courses for BSc degree programs. The findings highlight the need for a broader and more accelerated integration of AI education to meet the evolving demands of both students and the labor market. This work underscores the importance of strategic curriculum adaptation to enhance the readiness of Bulgarian HEIs to support the development and application of AI technologies, addressing the skills gap and fostering a workforce capable of navigating the AI-driven future.

Mobbing Exposed by Deck Cadets at Onboard Training during the Internship Period

The aim of this study is to determine whether oceangoing officer candidates encounter mobbing “psychological terror in the workplace” during their onboard training period and analyze whether there is a dimensional difference between the mobbing behaviors experienced by the deck cadets. The attendees of the study are a total 212 oceangoing officer candidates who have sea experience and are studying for a BSc degree in maritime transportation engineering. The demographic information of cadets, along with the details about the internship process and the Leymann Inventory of Psychological Terror (LIPT) items was analyzed using statistical tests by SPSS and association rule mining methods with the SPSS modeler. The study results demonstrate that, regardless of the ship type or internship duration, the cadets were subjected to mobbing in the sub-dimension of Self-expression and communication and Occupational situation and quality of life. The cadets who reported experiencing occupational stress indicated that their career expectations changed after the internship. The presence of “only one cadet on board” was identified as a significant antecedent factor affecting not only Self-expression and communication and Occupational situation and quality of life but also occupational stress and changes in work expectations after internship.

Economic Burden of Sickle Cell Disease in Saudi Arabia

ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the direct and indirect costs of sickle cell disease (SCD) in Saudi Arabia. MethodsData were collected from 217 participants aged ≥18 years in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia, using a prevalence-based cost-of-illness approach. The Institute for Medical Technology Assessment Medical Consumption Questionnaire and Institute for Medical Technology Assessment Productivity Cost Questionnaire were used to assess costs. A multistage process was used, encompassing patient data collection over 3 months, cost calculation from clinic visits and drug prices, and extrapolation for annual estimates. ResultsThe study revealed substantial societal costs of SCD, with an average per-patient cost of SAR181 899 (US$48 506), covering healthcare and productivity losses. Healthcare costs, including hospitalization, informal care, and medication, averaged SAR80 306 (US$21 415). In addition, productivity costs, including unpaid work and presenteeism, averaged SAR101 594 (US$27 092). Obtaining higher levels of education, such as a diploma and BSc degree or higher, has been found to significantly decrease the costs associated with SCD (P = .016, P = .001). Furthermore, when comparing different employment statuses, students (B = −0.301, P = .058) were found to have marginally lower SCD costs, suggesting that their expenses were lower than those of individuals in other employment categories. The predictive model used in this study explained 11.2% of the variation in costs. ConclusionOur study highlights a significant economic burden of SCD in Saudi Arabia and highlights the need for targeted strategies to alleviate financial challenges and improve patient well-being.

Knowledge and Attitude Towards Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis for HIV/AIDS and its Associated Factors Among Health Care Workers in Debretabor Compressive Specialized Hospital 2023

Back ground: Human immunodeficiency virus infection is a severe public health issue that claims the lives of numerous people, including medical professionals. The effectiveness of daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention among at-risk individuals has thus been repeatedly shown in clinical trials. An important public health opportunity to reduce HIV incidence is presented by pre-exposure prophylaxis. Objective: The purpose of this study is to evaluate health care workers' knowledge, attitudes, and factors related to pre-exposure prophylaxis against HIV/AIDS at Debretabor comprehensive specialized hospital in Debretabor, Ethiopia. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 322 health care workers in Debretabor comprehensive specialized hospital from June to July, 2023. The data were collected by trained data collectors using a structured questionnaire with self-administered questioners. The collected data were entered, and the data were checked, coded, data cleaning and analysis using SPSS version 23. Result: The level of attitudes of pre-exposure prophylaxis was analyzed among all 322 respondents. Overall attitudes of health care workers were 68% [95% CL: 62.7-72.7].Off 322 study participants were participated with a response rate of 100%. About 134(41.6%) health care workers had six to ten year clinical experience in their profession, and almost half, 63(51.6%) health care workers in this study were Nurses followed by 62(19.3%) doctors. Majority of 203(63%), and 127(39.4%) were male, and educational status were BSc degree, Prior to conduct this survey, 273 (84.8%) the respondents were aware of the concept of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis. but only half of, 171 (53.1%) Previously took training on pre-exposure prophylaxis. And 37 (11.5%) of participants had self-rating poor knowledge about HIV- pre-exposure prophylaxis. Variables which had P value less than 0.25 in bivariable analysis would be adequate for multivariable logistic regression analysis, and then in the final stage of multivariable analysis two variables such as marital status [AOR:.211(0.048-0.932],educational status[AOR:.032(.003- .365],[AOR:.181(0.054-0.600)],[AOR:.112(0.027-0.469)],[AOR: .084(0.025-0.286)], and [AOR: .204(0.058-0.720)] of health care workers had significantly associated with the attitudes of pre-exposure prophylaxis.. Conclusion and Recommendation: Our study shows that, inadequate knowledge, and attitude towards pre-exposure prophylaxis, and its management comparing to previously conducted researches, but the current study shows low levels of attitudes, there is suboptimal knowledge about PrEP. So concerned bodies expected to give training to health care workers to increase knowledge, and attitude of health care workers, and researchers expected to conduct research in the area of pre-exposure prophylaxis.

A real-world test of artificial intelligence infiltration of a university examinations system: A "Turing Test" case study.

The recent rise in artificial intelligence systems, such as ChatGPT, poses a fundamental problem for the educational sector. In universities and schools, many forms of assessment, such as coursework, are completed without invigilation. Therefore, students could hand in work as their own which is in fact completed by AI. Since the COVID pandemic, the sector has additionally accelerated its reliance on unsupervised 'take home exams'. If students cheat using AI and this is undetected, the integrity of the way in which students are assessed is threatened. We report a rigorous, blind study in which we injected 100% AI written submissions into the examinations system in five undergraduate modules, across all years of study, for a BSc degree in Psychology at a reputable UK university. We found that 94% of our AI submissions were undetected. The grades awarded to our AI submissions were on average half a grade boundary higher than that achieved by real students. Across modules there was an 83.4% chance that the AI submissions on a module would outperform a random selection of the same number of real student submissions.

Decolonizing Theories of Regional Integration

Interview with Dr. Ernest Toochi Aniche, Federal University Otuoke, Nigeria Ernest Toochi Aniche, PhD, is a Senior Lecturer and the Acting Head of the Department of Political Science, Federal University Otuoke, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. He holds BSc, MSc, and PhD degrees from the Department of Political Science, University of Nigeria with a specialization in International Relations. He is developing a new theory of African Integration (Post-Neofunctionalism), deconstructing the traditional Neo-functionalist approach. Dr. Aniche is a prolific scholar with over a hundred publications, including articles in dozens of the world’s most renowned African studies journals. He has also published co-edited books and authored and co-authored chapters in books published by reputable publishers such as Routledge (Taylor & Francis), Palgrave Macmillan (Springer Nature), Rowman & Littlefield International, Lexington Books, and Oxford University Press. The highlight of his career was co-editing books with the African scholar legend, Professor Toyin Falola. He is on the editorial boards of journals and publishers, particularly Springer Nature (SN) Social Sciences, Ubuntu: Journal of Conflict and Social Transformation, and Cambridge Scholars Publishing. In his interview, he explains what prompted him to develop his own theory of African integration, which would actually contribute to the development of the continent. He explains the reasons for the crisis tendencies of modern African regionalism, a manifestation of which is the creation of the Sahel State Alliance. He pays particular attention to the prospects for decolonizing social knowledge about Africa. He provides inspiring cases of those African intellectuals who were able to transform the study of politics from Political Science in Africa to African Political Science, as well as to decolonize African regionalism and African border and migration studies.

Knowledge and attitude toward geriatric nursing care and associated factors among nurses working at hospitals in Hawassa City, Ethiopia, 2022.

Globally, the fastest growth in the number of older people combined with chronic and age-related medical conditions experienced by the older adult placed great demand on geriatric care. Thus, nurses are required to be knowledgeable and have a desirable attitude toward geriatric nursing care. Therefore, this study aimed to assess knowledge and attitude toward geriatric nursing care and associated factors among nurses working at hospitals in Hawassa City, Ethiopia. Hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from June 30 to July 30, 2022, among 365 nurses. The hospitals and study participants were selected by using purposive and simple random sampling methods, respectively. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires. Descriptive statistics were computed to generate descriptive results. Binary and multivariable logistic regressions were used to identify predictors at p-value <0.05. About 39.2% of nurses had good knowledge and 49.3% of the nurses showed a positive attitude toward geriatric nursing care. Nurses with BSc degree or above [AOR 2.5, 95% CI, (1.2-5.6)], having lived with older people [AOR 2.2, 95% CI, (1.4-3.6)], nurses with 6-10 years [AOR, 2.8, 95% CI, (1.4-5.57)] and >10 years of work experience [AOR 4.2, 95% CI, (1.6-10.8)] were more likely to have knowledge about geriatric nursing care. Having BSc degree or above [AOR 2.7, 95% C.I, (1.2-6)], 6-10 years [AOR 3, 95% CI, (1.48-6.3)], and >10 years [AOR 3.9, 95% CI, (1.4-10.99)] of work experience, living experience with older people [AOR 1.7, 95% C.I:1.05-2.7], knowledge about geriatric care [AOR 3, 95% CI,(1.85-4.92)], and having worked at adequate space [AOR 1.7, 95% CI: 1.009-2.8] increased odds of good attitude toward geriatric nursing care. Less than half of nurses demonstrated good knowledge and positive attitude toward geriatric nursing care. Higher level of education, higher work experience, living with older people were significantly associated with knowledge and attitude toward geriatric nursing care. Additionally, working in an adequate space and having knowledge about geriatric care positively influenced attitude toward geriatric nursing care. Therefore, nursing schools and hospitals should conduct training and consider incorporating more content about geriatric care into nursing education to enhance nurses' knowledge and attitude.

CSP2023: 261 - Learner perceptions of completing a BSc Degree Apprenticeship in Physiotherapy

CSP2023: 261 - Learner perceptions of completing a BSc Degree Apprenticeship in Physiotherapy

An Empirical Study of Turnover Intentions Among Nurses In Lucknow (UP) Hospitals: Insights from Socio-Demographic Factors and Perceptual Assessment

An Empirical Study of Turnover Intentions Among Nurses In Lucknow (UP) Hospitals: Insights from Socio-Demographic Factors and Perceptual Assessment

Progression from Chinese High School onto a TransNational Chinese-UK University joint BSc degree in chemistry; an international study focussing on laboratory practical skills

An investigation was carried out into laboratory practical skills development and students’ specific challenges in transition from laboratory chemistry at Chinese High School (HS) to a fully English style university laboratory course. To the best of our knowledge this is the first study of its type investigating practical laboratory skills for a TransNational Education (TNE) Chemistry BSc (3 + 1) degree programme between the United Kingdom (UK) and the People's Republic of China (PRC). Internationalization of such courses have become popular in recent years. The two universities in this study are Nanjing Tech University (NJTech) and the University of Sheffield (UoS). Our study is exploratory with the aim to determine the level of practical laboratory skills the NJTech students gained from High School and the challenges they encountered as they joined a UK degree laboratory programme delivered in English. For this international study, a mixed-methods approach was followed using qualitative inductive and deductive methodologies. Using open-ended questions it was found that particular challenges in the transition were around the lack of prior laboratory experience and the development of many new skills, laboratory notebook documentation, laboratory safety, and studying laboratory chemistry in a second language. Students welcomed these challenges and felt they were developing into professional chemists. Specific recommendations are made for international TNE degrees with laboratory programmes, particularly for those students who progress from Chinese High School through the Chinese GaoKao system into a western university chemistry laboratory programme. The scaffolded/structured curriculum design allowed for total and successful integration of the NJTech with the Sheffield home students during the final year of their BSc in Chemistry. After graduation, having gained high class degrees and becoming fluent in English many of the students progressed into Industry, and onto Masters or PhD programmes in the UK and throughout the world, suggesting internationalisation of students on our TNE programme was successful.

Knowledge of Body Mechanics Techniques and Associated Factors among Nurses Working in East Shewa Zone Public Hospitals, Oromia Region, Ethiopia, 2022

Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders have been consistently high in nursing sectors. Having good knowledge is one of the methods that help to fellow principles of body mechanics techniques. However, there is paucity of information on practice of body mechanics techniques among nurses in Ethiopia. Objectives: -To assess Knowledge of body mechanics techniques and associated factors among nurses working in East Shewa zone public hospitals, Oromia regional state, Ethiopia, 2022. Methods: - An institution-based cross-sectional study design was conducted in east Shewa zone public hospitals from August 05 to September 04, 2022. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 422 participants. Data was entered into Epidata version 4.6 and was exported to SPSS version 26 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression was applied to see association between dependent and independent variables. Odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was used to declare associations between dependent and independent variables. P value less than 0.05 were considered as statistically significant. Results were summarized and presented by texts, tables and figures. Results: The overall mean was (6.32 + 3.28) for knowledge of body mechanics techniques. 39.1% of studied participants had good knowledge of body mechanics technique. BSc Degree qualification [AOR 3(1.51-5.95)], comprehensive specialized hospital level [AOR 2.25(1.251-4.05)], outpatient unit [AOR 3.16(1.69-5.87)] were associated with knowledge of body mechanics techniques. Conclusion: The degree of knowledge towards body mechanics techniques among nurses working in east Shewa zone public hospital was poor. Level of education, hospital level and unit of working were statistically significant with knowledge of body mechanics techniques. Recommendations: Providing educational opportunities and working in collaboration of nurses of each hospital and shifting working unit were recommended.

John Robert Lawrence Allen. 25 October 1932—18 October 2020

John Allen was one of the leading British geologists of the late twentieth century, who changed his primary research focus in mid career from clastic sedimentology to geoarchaeology. He read for a BSc degree in geology at the University of Sheffield, graduating with first class honours in 1955. He continued at Sheffield as a postgraduate student researching the geology of the Old Red Sandstone of the Clee Hills in Shropshire, but never submitted a PhD thesis. However, in 1958 the University of Reading offered him a research fellowship to investigate the geology of the hydrocarbon-rich River Niger delta region. In 1961 he became a lecturer in geology and a member of the new purpose-built Sedimentology Research Laboratory at Reading. The international renown of the laboratory was largely based on his prodigious sedimentological research output relating to sedimentary structures, river and coastal environments and Devonian continental deposits. He was appointed reader in 1967 and professor in 1972. In 1974 he led the founding of a taught MSc course in ‘Sedimentology and its applications’, which soon became a world leader. In 1988, in the context of the rationalization of university geology departments, Reading's department was selected for closure. However, John Allen's research esteem was such that a special case was made and a postgraduate-only institute specializing in sedimentology was established with him as director. He resigned the directorship after five years in favour of a research professorship. His objectives changed from orthodox old-rock studies to research on recent muddy estuarine sediments. By selecting the estuary of the River Severn as his new field area, he soon realized that this opened up a rich area of collaboration with colleagues in archaeology. His geological skills were subsequently applied to a range of archaeological problems. He became a key contributor to a new MSc degree course in geoarchaeology.

Editorial introductions.

Editorial introductions.

Knowledge assessment for nurses and medical staff regarding incidence of cystic fibrosis

The recent study conducted in Basrah city aimed to assess the nurses knowledge regarding fibrosis cyst. assessment questionnaire used to reach the aims and include demographic and scientific information. Data statistically analysed for percentage and mean of score. The results showed that female nurses were more 67% more than male, regarding educational level most nurses participated the questionnaire have BSc degree(51.9%) and 52.36% of them have less than one year of experience (35%). Of participants On other hand the knowledge of participants were showed significant mean of score with some insignificant items corresponding the knowledge related to clinical signs. 50% of the participants' answers were significant, regarding knowledge of the disease in terms of symptoms and clinical signs The same percentage was not significant regarding knowledge of information related to the history of the disease case.According to the results, Increasing nurses' knowledge of information related to the disease through curricula and educating the importance of the disease through publications were recommended.

Awareness of Zoonotic Diseases among the Bachelor of Science New Entrants at the Open University of Sri Lanka in 2020

Global attention towards zoonotic diseases has been oriented with the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 as they are infectious diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans, and they pose a significant threat to public health. This study draws on the awareness of a group of new BSc degree registrants (N=267) at The Open University of Sri Lanka in 2020 about common zoonotic diseases. A cross-sectional study was employed for the participants in a virtual orientation session in December 2020 using a structured online questionnaire. Pearson Chi-square test (χ2) was used evaualte statistical significance at p&lt;0.05. The survey reveals that from the total respondents, 89.9% were aware of zoonotic diseases in humans by animals, 77.9% are aware that zoonotic diseases can be transmitted to humans by direct contact with infected animals and 75.3% knew that zoonotic diseases can be transmitted by eating raw meat of infected animals. Further, 82.4% and 86.1% of respondents agreed that zoonotic diseases could be treated and prevented while 85.4% agreed that zoonotic diseases could be controlled. The majority of the respondents were aware of Rabies, Covid 19, Malaria, Dengue fever and SARS as zoonotic diseases and a higher proportion of female respondents identified Hepatitis E as a zoonotic disease. Bovine tuberculosis was identified by students who studied biological sciences compared to other streams. Respondents below 24 years of age identified Anthrax and Leptospirosis, SARS and Trichinellosis as zoonotic diseases than other age categories. Students in suburban areas had a higher tendency to identify Ebola virus disease, Giardiasis, and Hepatitis E as zoonotic diseases. Urban and suburban students had a higher tendency to wash their hands thoroughly after petting the animals. Pet owners only identified Giardiasis as a zoonotic disease and agreed that avoiding direct contact with animals, avoidance of rearing pets indoors and discarding pet faeces in a proper place as good practices to avoid the transmission of zoonoses. Most of the respondents agreed that zoonotic diseases could be prevented by avoiding eating raw meat, avoiding eating unwashed fresh fruits and vegetables, avoiding direct contact with animals, avoiding rearing pets indoors, regular vaccination of pets, proper discharge of animal faeces, washing the hands thoroughly after petting the animals. Overall, this study revealed that the level of awareness about zoonotic diseases among the new BSc registrants was satisfactory. It is inferred that the students could be more educated about the preventive and control measures for zoonotic diseases. It is expected that students will develop essential life skills that are required for the prevention and control of diseases.

Occupational exposure to HIV and utilization of post-exposure prophylaxis among healthcare workers at St. Peter’s specialized hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Healthcare workers are susceptible to blood borne pathogens, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Occupational exposure to HIV infection among healthcare workers is becoming a global public health concern. However, there is limited evidence about occupational exposure of healthcare workers to HIV and utilization of post-exposure prophylaxis in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Accordingly, this study was conducted to assess the prevalence of occupational exposure to HIV and utilization of post exposure prophylaxis among healthcare workers at St. Peter’s specialized hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A health facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 308 randomly selected healthcare workers in April 2022. Structured and pretested self-administered questioner was used to collect data. Occupational exposure to HIV was taken as any percutaneous injury or blood or other body fluids exposure while administering medications, specimen collection, and other procedures with HIV confirmed patients. Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with occupational exposure to HIV and utilization of post-exposure prophylaxis. Statistically significant association was declared on the basis of adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval and p-value less than 0.05. The study found that 42.3% (95% CI 36.6, 47.9%) of the healthcare workers had occupational exposure to HIV during their career time, out of whom 16.1% (95% CI 11.9, 20.3%) used post-exposure prophylaxis. Healthcare workers with lower-level education such as diploma (AOR: 0.41, 95% CI 0.17, 0.96) and BSc (AOR: 0.51, 95% CI 0.26, 0.92), and healthcare workers who received infection prevention training (AOR: 0.55, 95% CI 0.33, 0.90) had less risk of exposure to HIV. On the other hand, nurses (AOR: 1.98, 95% CI 1.07, 3.67), midwifes (AOR: 3.79, 95% CI 1.21, 11.9), and physicians (AOR: 2.11, 95% CI 1.05, 4.22) had high risk of exposure to HIV compared with other professionals. Moreover, healthcare workers with BSc degree compared with healthcare workers with masters degree (AOR: 3.69, 95% CI 1.08, 12.6), healthcare workers with long service year (AOR: 3.75, 95% CI 1.64, 8.57), and healthcare workers who are working in facilities where prophylaxis is available (AOR: 3.41, 95% CI 1.47, 7.91) had higher odds to utilize post-exposure prophylaxis. Significant proportion of healthcare workers included in the current study had occupational exposure to HIV and very few of them used post-exposure prophylaxis. Healthcare workers need to use appropriate personal protective equipment, safely manage contaminated equipment, and safely administered medications and collect specimen to protect themselves from exposure to HIV. Moreover, use of post-exposure prophylaxis should be promoted when exposure exists.

Carbonate diagenesis: A celebration of the work of John Anthony Dawson (Tony) Dickson

Carbonate diagenesis: A celebration of the work of John Anthony Dawson (Tony) Dickson

Radiographers’ knowledge and attitudes toward dementia

IntroductionDementia is a syndrome associated with a decline in brain function, impacting how we speak, think, feel, and behave. Misunderstanding of dementia and how it affects patients and their carers is common. There is limited research on how radiographers provide adequate care to those with dementia. Radiographers with knowledge and positive attitudes can reduce stigma and fear, improving the quality of care. This study aimed to assess radiographers’ knowledge and attitudes towards dementia. MethodsA cohort of registered radiographers in Ireland participated in an online survey. Two pre-existing validated questionnaires: The Alzheimer's Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS) and the Dementia Attitudes Scale (DAS), assessed radiographers' knowledge and attitudes towards dementia and people with dementia. Scores were compared across variables such as gender, age, grade, qualification, work setting, and the number of years qualified. ResultsA total of 123 radiographers responded. Knowledge scores did not significantly differ across demographic groups (p > 0.05). Total knowledge scores ranged from 60% to 100%. Total attitude scores ranged from 50% to 100%. Participants with a BSc, MSc, and other post-graduate degrees scored higher on the attitude scale than those with a diploma qualification (p = 0.027). Those with less than 20 years’ experience scored higher than those with more. Knowledge had little correlation with attitude (r = 0.0522; p = 0.5667). ConclusionFindings indicate variations in attitudes linked to age and experience, and some misconceptions can be observed across varying groups. Interventions to improve attitudes and raise awareness are needed. Implications for practiceThere is a need for further research and education on dementia care in the imaging department. We have identified areas requiring further education.

A Preuniversity Initiative to Motivate Students to Pursue Chemistry Higher Education

Molecular School (MS) is an extracurricular initiative intended to show relevant and complex concepts of chemical sciences to precollege students. The main goal is to motivate the participants to expand their awareness of chemical sciences and to acknowledge its relevance in everyday life, in order to stimulate the students to engage in chemistry undergraduate degrees. Here, we address the successful case of MS, implemented in Portugal, where recently, the universities have been facing significant difficulties in attracting new students to join chemistry-related courses. We report the first three editions of this free of cost preuniversity school, whose main subject is chemistry. All editions were held in the University of Coimbra, Portugal, and organized by PhD students of the department of chemistry of this institution. The three editions are discussed here, with particular focus on the last edition. Several participants ultimately chose chemistry BSc degrees to continue their education, which substantiates the positive outreach of this initiative. We believe MS can be replicated, adapted, and improved in other contexts and countries to increase the number of students enrolling chemistry university degrees.

Knowledge and attitudes of nurses towards pain management at Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, Banjul

BackgroundPain is known to affect a person’s physical, mental health, and quality of life. Therefore, its management and control is a very important goal in patient care. Inability to adequately assess, manage patients’ pain and intervene accordingly has an impact on patients’ quality of life. AimTo investigate the knowledge and attitude of nurses towards pain management at the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH), in The Gambia. MethodsDescriptive cross-sectional study design was used. A sample of 115 nurses was recruited using the convenience sampling method. Nurses’ Knowledge and Attitudes Survey Regarding Pain (NKASRP) was used to assess the knowledge and attitude of pain among nurses. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for this instrument was 0.73. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software (SPSS, version 20). Descriptive statistics, chi-squared test, and regression analysis were used to analyse the data using SPSS version 20.0. Approval for the study was granted by the EFSTH Research Review Board. ResultsOne hundred and fifteen nurses filled and returned the questionnaire giving a response rate of 79 %. The mean age of study participants was 29.39 years (SD ± 6.3) and years of working experience was 5.17 years (SD ± 5.0). The mean total score of the NKASRP was 50.0 (SD ± 12.3). The majority of the nurses had inadequate knowledge (60.9 %) and an unfavorable attitude (69.6 %) towards pain management. Logistic regression analysis showed nurses working in the accident & emergency department are more likely to have adequate knowledge (p < 0.05), and BSc degree nurses are more likely to have a favorable attitude towards pain management (p < 0.05). ConclusionNurses have inadequate knowledge and unfavorable attitude towards pain management and this continues to be a challenge in health care facilities in The Gambia. Therefore, regular in-service training, extra workshops, and seminars both for students and staff nurses are recommended.