Comprehensive Prevention Program Research Articles

Effectiveness of a Dual-Task Intervention Involving Exercise and Vocalized Cognitive Tasks.

Background/Objectives: Population aging is rapidly increasing, and the importance of preventive medicine has been stressed. Health checkups, diet, and exercise are of paramount importance. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a personalized dual-task intervention that combined exercise with cognitive tasks in improving physical and cognitive functions among independently living older individuals. Methods: Participants aged >65 years who were mostly independent in their activities of daily living were divided into two groups. The group receiving the 20 min robot-assisted session was compared with the group receiving traditional functional restoration training. This randomized trial assessed the impact of this intervention on the 30 s chair stand test score and Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Japanese version score of the participants. Results: Both scores significantly improved in the intervention group, indicating enhanced lower-limb function and cognitive capabilities. Conclusions: These findings suggest that integrating cognitive tasks with physical exercise can stand as an effective strategy to improve overall well-being in older people, offering valuable insights for designing comprehensive preventive health programs tailored to this demographic.

Considerations in the Aging Female Athlete

As female athletes age, their risk of musculoskeletal injuries increases. These injuries can have a negative impact on their health and athletic abilities. This article explores the most common conditions that aging female athletes may face, such as osteoarthritis, meniscal injuries, joint instability, rotator cuff injuries, and stress fractures. Hormonal and physiological changes, anatomical differences, and changes in bone mineral density can cause these injuries. To prevent such injuries, it is crucial to incorporate comprehensive injury prevention programs that include strength training, flexibility exercises, balance training, and appropriate warm-up and cool-down routines. These programs should be tailored to the individual's fitness level and musculoskeletal issues. Additionally, the article offers valuable insights into various techniques for managing and treating these injuries, such as non-surgical interventions, surgical options, and rehabilitation programs. Healthcare professionals, coaches, and athletes themselves must recognize and address these issues to improve performance, prevent injuries, and support the overall health and well-being of aging female athletes. In conclusion, maintaining physical fitness and engaging in structured exercise programs are crucial for aging female athletes to slow the decline in musculoskeletal strength and integrity. Proper first aid measures, appropriate medications, and a comprehensive exercise regimen can aid in recovery and regain strength, function, and mobility, enabling a return to competitive sports or other athletic pursuits.

Healthcare Professionals' Insights Regarding the Applicability of the STEADI Falls Prevention Program Among Neurology Patients: A Qualitative Study.

Falls are common among hospitalized patients especially those with neurological health conditions. This highlights the need to implement evidence-based, comprehensive fall prevention programs. However, certain barriers hinder successful implementation of fall prevention programs in hospitals. The aim of this study was to explore the insights of healthcare professionals regarding the implementation of an interdisciplinary falls prevention program among patients with neurological health conditions. A qualitative, descriptive design was used to conduct this study. Healthcare providers at two neurology units from two hospitals were invited to attend interdisciplinary workshops on fall prevention using the Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths, and Injuries (STEADI) program. Reflective journals were used to collect the data. A total of 23 healthcare providers returned their completed journals and thematic analysis was performed to extract the main themes. Thematic analysis revealed a total of four main themes: (1) The STEADI program provides an interdisciplinary approach to identifying fall risks, (2) The STEADI program improves patient safety and facilitates recovery, (3) The STEADI program fails to accommodate all neurology patients, and (4) Time and space constraints hinder success. Responses to the reflective journals revealed that the participants were able to identify the advantages of using the STEADI program for both healthcare professionals and patients with neurological conditions. The comprehensive and evidence-based approach, coupled with its interdisciplinary nature, was highly appraised by the participants.

PRE- AND POST-NATAL METHODS FOR PREVENTING EARLY CHILDHOOD CARIES

In general, the world recognizes the lack of preventive measures against dental caries in children, as evidenced by itsprevalence and intensity with a signifi cant range of fl uctuations.The aim of the study. To describe modern approaches to the prevention of early childhood dental caries in children basedon the analysis of foreign and domestic literature.Materials and methods. The study used the bibliosemantic method and structural and logical analysis. The electronicdatabases PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science and EMBASE were used to search modern scientifi c literature using the key words «early childhood caries», «macro and trace elements», «probiotics», «prenatal prevention», «postnatal prevention», «oral cavity microfl ora».Results and discussion. At this stage of caries development, the most eff ective prevention programs are those developedon the basis of methods to minimize the impact of risk factors for the development of the disease, such as microbial plaque,low resistance of dental tissues to demineralization, frequent consumption of carbohydrates. The practical implementation of comprehensive prevention programs is very diffi cult, as it should be carried out before the birth of a child and continue throughout life. Often the role of the dentist is to organize and monitor the program, while specifi c preventive measures can and should be implemented by health and education authorities, medical personnel, parents and educators. The greatest impact will be achieved through collaboration among specialists in various medical and non-medical fi elds.Conclusions. Based on the analysis of the literature, there is a great interest of the world’s leading scientists in the prevention of early childhood caries. However, the problems of developing adapted preventive measures taking into account etiologic factors remain relevant.

Adaptation and qualitative evaluation of the BETTER intervention for chronic disease prevention and screening by public health nurses in low income neighbourhoods: views of community residents

BackgroundThe BETTER intervention is an effective comprehensive evidence-based program for chronic disease prevention and screening (CDPS) delivered by trained prevention practitioners (PPs), a new role in primary care. An adapted program, BETTER HEALTH, delivered by public health nurses as PPs for community residents in low income neighbourhoods, was recently shown to be effective in improving CDPS actions. To obtain a nuanced understanding about the CDPS needs of community residents and how the BETTER HEALTH intervention was perceived by residents, we studied how the intervention was adapted to a public health setting then conducted a post-visit qualitative evaluation by community residents through focus groups and interviews.MethodsWe first used the ADAPT-ITT model to adapt BETTER for a public health setting in Ontario, Canada. For the post-PP visit qualitative evaluation, we asked community residents who had received a PP visit, about steps they had taken to improve their physical and mental health and the BETTER HEALTH intervention. For both phases, we conducted focus groups and interviews; transcripts were analyzed using the constant comparative method.ResultsThirty-eight community residents participated in either adaptation (n = 14, 64% female; average age 54 y) or evaluation (n = 24, 83% female; average age 60 y) phases. In both adaptation and evaluation, residents described significant challenges including poverty, social isolation, and daily stress, making chronic disease prevention a lower priority. Adaptation results indicated that residents valued learning about CDPS and would attend a confidential visit with a public health nurse who was viewed as trustworthy. Despite challenges, many recipients of BETTER HEALTH perceived they had achieved at least one personal CDPS goal post PP visit. Residents described key relational aspects of the visit including feeling valued, listened to and being understood by the PP. The PPs also provided practical suggestions to overcome barriers to meeting prevention goals.ConclusionsResidents living in low income neighbourhoods faced daily stress that reduced their capacity to make preventive lifestyle changes. Key adapted features of BETTER HEALTH such as public health nurses as PPs were highly supported by residents. The intervention was perceived valuable for the community by providing access to disease prevention.Trial registration#NCT03052959, 10/02/2017.

The Impact Of Partial Substitution Of Date Palm Kernel Powder As An Alternative Energy Source For Grains In The Diet On The Productive Performance Of Broiler Chickens.

In this study, 160 unsexed day-old Cobb broiler chicks were utilized to investigate the impact of incorporating various levels of date palm kernel powder into broiler chicken diets on productive performance. The chicks were raised in a closed poultry barn in Ain Zara, Tripoli, Libya, from September 10, 2022, to October 23, 2022, using a floor-rearing system. The study comprised four different dietary treatments, in addition to a control treatment, with chicks randomly and replicatively distributed. Each treatment consisted of four replications, and each replication included ten chicks. Date palm kernel powder was added at levels of 0%, 3%, 5%, and 7% to the first (control), second, third, and fourth treatments, respectively, during the starter and grower phases. The experimental treatments were uniform in nitrogen (23%) and caloric content (3200 kcal/kg). A free-choice feeding system was implemented, providing feed and water to the chicks throughout the six-week study period, with temperature monitoring. The chicks were raised under consistent environmental conditions, including lighting, ventilation, bedding, labor, and a comprehensive therapeutic, preventive, and vaccination program throughout the experimental period. The study also encompassed evaluating average weight gain, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio, and mortality rate for 42-day-old birds. Results demonstrated a significant (P≤0.05) effect of adding date palm kernel powder to broiler chicken diets on weight gain and feed efficiency compared to the control treatment. Sequential addition of date palm kernel powder at levels of 3%, 5%, and 7% led to improvements in weight gain and feed efficiency. Additionally, higher levels of addition resulted in enhanced weight gain and feed efficiency, with the optimal weight gain observed at the 7% addition level, followed by the 5% addition level, and then the 3% addition level, in comparison to the control treatment (0%). Conversely, the best feed efficiency was recorded for the fourth (7%) and third (5%) treatments, respectively, compared to the control treatment (0%). No statistically significant differences were noted in feed consumption and mortality rate among all treatments, as mean values were similar. Based on the results, utilizing date palm kernel as an alternative energy source to grains could be significant, especially in regions where palm trees are cultivated, providing essential grains for human consumption. Keywords: Date kernel, productive performance, broiler, weight gain, feed efficiency.

Linking childhood maltreatment to cyberbullying perpetration and victimization: A systematic review and multilevel meta-analysis

Both theoretical and empirical evidence has suggested that childhood maltreatment is positively associated with cyberbullying involvement (perpetration and victimization). However, empirical evidence on the strength of such positive associations is not yet clear. To clarify the strength of the associations, the current meta-analysis examined the extent to which childhood maltreatment is correlated with cyberbullying (perpetration and victimization), and whether these associations varied by sample, publication, and research design characteristics. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a total of 57 studies (N = 98,351 participants) involving 281 effect sizes were included through a systematic literature search of five databases and auxiliary searches. An advanced multilevel meta-analysis approach was employed in R to synthesize the effect sizes. No significant publication bias was found. Results showed that childhood maltreatment was significantly and positively related to both cyberbullying perpetration (mean r = 0.349, p < 0.001) and victimization (mean r = 0.237, p < 0.001). Further, moderator analyses revealed that the association between childhood maltreatment and cyberbullying perpetration was stronger for young adults than for adolescents. Finally, the associations between childhood maltreatment and both cyberbullying perpetration and victimization were stronger for emotional abuse than neglect. The findings suggest that childhood maltreatment is a risk factor for developing both cyberbullying perpetration and victimization. Childhood maltreatment warrants attention in the design of comprehensive prevention and intervention programs for cyberbullying (perpetration and victimization).

The problems of counteraction to HIV-infection and its prevention in places of imprisonment

The article considers the problem of organizing prevention and treatment of HIV-infection in suspected, accused and convicted persons in places of deprivation of liberty. The HIV-infected individuals in places of deprivation of liberty are in situation of increased risk that creates objective necessity for in-depth study of this phenomenon. The purpose of the study was to determine specific characteristics of organization of support of HIV-infected individuals, to identify ways of contamination and its main risk factors among both suspected, accused and convicted persons and penitentiary institution personnel. The study provided sorting out of main aspects that resulting in convicts' refusal to receive drugs and treatment. The corresponding recommendations for optimizing general and particular prevention of these negative phenomena were developed. The conclusion was made that it is possible to apply complex methods to motivate convicted HIV patients for treatment. Some of these methods can include such medical social psychological measures of organizational managerial character as training of specialists; participation of HIV patients in comprehensive preventive programs; group support of convicted HIV patients; positive reinforcement application; individual approach.

Intervention Strategies for Mitigating Drug and Substance Abuse Among Youths in Selected Local Government Areas of Benue State, Nigeria

This study investigated intervention strategies for reducing drug and substance abuse among youths in selected Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Benue State, Nigeria. The survey research design was employed in this study and qualitative data collection was made. Both primary and secondary data were collected through in-depth interviews conducted with key informants, including community leaders, parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals, to obtain qualitative insights into the underlying factors contributing to drug and substance use. The study adopted the qualitative data analysis which involved thematic and content analysis to identify key themes and patterns in the participants' narratives. Thematic and content analysis revealed various contributing factors to drug abuse and the distinct roles of key players in addressing the issue. Tailoring national campaigns to local contexts through domestication emerged as an effective approach, leveraging community engagement, local influencers, and continuous monitoring. The study emphasised the critical roles of the NDLEA, health practitioners, religious and traditional institutions, media, and NGOs in prevention efforts. The study discovers that various key players are identified, showcasing their distinct roles and responsibilities in addressing this pressing issue. The study showed that tailoring national campaigns to local contexts through domestication enhances effectiveness by customizing messages and interventions to the local culture of drug and substance abuse. The study recommended implementing comprehensive prevention programs, advocating for good parenting, strengthening law enforcement, and improving access to mental health services for affected youths. This study underscores the collective responsibility of stakeholders, including governmental agencies, community institutions, religious leaders, educators, parents, NGOs, and youths themselves, in addressing drug abuse among youths in Benue State. The study concludes that the significance of acknowledging drug abuse as a collective concern that requires the involvement of various stakeholders, including governmental agencies, community institutions, religious leaders, educators, parents, NGOs, and youths themselves. The prevalence of drug abuse among youths in the district underscores the need for immediate action and underscores the responsibility of each stakeholder to play a role in prevention, intervention, and rehabilitation efforts towards mitigating drug and substance abuse among youths in Benue State.

Substance Use Disorders among Adolescents in the United States: 2000-2019.

Substance use disorders (SUDs) are characterized by impairment caused by the recurrent use of alcohol, illicit drugs, or both. SUDs are pervasive and endemic among US adolescents, with potentially negative health and social consequences. Although the term experimentation normalizes adolescent substance abuse, the long-term consequences of this behavior beginning in adolescence can be detrimental to not only the adolescent but also the adult into which he or she develops. Our objective was to examine the epidemiology of SUD among hospitalized US adolescents, 13 to 19 years of age, during the time period 2000-2019. A case-control study was conducted using 5,260,104 hospital discharge records (394,952 SUD and 4,865,152 non-SUD) from the 2000-2019 Kids' Inpatient Database. SUD and clinical outcomes variables were identified based on the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth/Tenth Revisions, Clinical Modification, coding. SUD rates (per 1000 discharges) were calculated and adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed using logistic regression models for predictors of SUDs among hospitalized adolescents. The prevalence of SUDs was estimated to be 75.10 cases per 1000 discharges (95% CI 74.86-75.31). Demographically, the highest crude rates (per 1000 discharges) were seen among Native American (139.58) and White (91.97) patients. Adolescent patients who experienced SUD were twice as likely as nonusers to be 16 to 19 years of age (aOR 2.2, 95% CI 2.13-2.19) or to be male (aOR 2.2, 95% CI 2.22-2.27). SUD was significantly associated with cooccurring conditions, including anxiety (aOR 2.5, 95% CI 2.48-2.53), depression (aOR 2.3, 95% CI 2.30-2.35), mood disorder (aOR 2.17, 95% CI 2.14-2.20), schizophrenia (aOR 2.6, 95% CI 2.52-2.64), sexually transmitted infections (aOR 2.3, 95% CI 2.23-2.45), hepatitis (aOR 3.0, 95% CI 2.87-3.15), and suicide (aOR 1.33, 95% CI 1.30-1.35). The study examined the epidemiology, risk factors, and common characteristics of hospitalized adolescent patients with SUDs. The high burden of psychiatric and medical comorbidities observed among this patient group warrants designing effective and comprehensive substance use prevention and treatment programs for youths.

Knowledge of Pap smear test among reproductive age group women of Kathmandu, Nepal

Cervical cancer is a malignant tumor of the lowermost part of the uterus and a major cause of morbidity and mortality among women in the world. Globally, it is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women after cancers of the breast, lungs, stomach and colorectal in developing countries. About 80% of new incidences of cervical cancer occur in developing countries, usually, with less comprehensive cervical cancer prevention programs. The objective of the study is to assess the level of knowledge on cervical cancer and Pap smear tests among Reproductive age group women. A descriptive study was conducted in Gokarneshwor-8, Kathmandu community on 105 respondents through non-probability purposive sampling techniques and data was collected using interviewers administered questionnaires. Out of 105 respondents, a majority (64%) respondents had adequate knowledge of cervical cancer and Pap smear tests, while 36% had inadequate knowledge. This study concluded that the majority of respondents had adequate knowledge of Pap smear tests while only thirty-six percent had inadequate knowledge. Though there is adequate knowledge, only a few respondents had ever done a Pap smear test. Still, there are existing gaps that need more education to connect knowledge with attitudes as well as to uplift the regular practice of cervical cancer screening for eligible women.

Prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolic complications in orthopedic patients

To analyze the comprehensive program for prevention of thromboembolic complications in orthopedic patients. We have analyzed thromboembolic complications in orthopedic patients after surgeries on large joints over the past 5 years (2018-2022). A comprehensive approach to prevention and treatment of thromboembolic complications including ultrasound, early surgical prevention of pulmonary embolism can significantly improve postoperative outcomes after joint replacement surgery. Vacuum aspiration retrograde thrombectomy is effective, feasible and safe for acute ilio-femoral venous thrombosis reducing hospital-stay (p=0.0124) and restoring vein patency. Widespread thromboembolic complications, especially for pulmonary embolism in 2022, are likely due to a new coronavirus infection and require careful screening of patients with risk factors with appropriate preventive antithrombotic therapy.

Development of a statistical analysis software for determining effectiveness of a comprehensive fall risk management protocol

IntroductionAs the leading cause of fatal injuries in geriatric populations, falls are a serious health concern with a predicted rate of seven fall-related deaths per hour by 2030. The Timed...

Maintaining Program Fidelity in a Changing World: National Implementation of a School-Based HIV Prevention Program

Large-scale, evidence-based interventions face challenges to program fidelity of implementation. We developed implementation strategies to support teachers implementing an evidence-based HIV prevention program in schools, Focus on Youth in The Caribbean (FOYC) and Caribbean Informed Parents and Children Together (CImPACT) in The Bahamas. We examined the effects of these implementation strategies on teachers’ implementation in the subsequent year after the initial implementation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected from 79 Grade 6 teachers in 24 government elementary schools. Teachers completed training workshops and a pre-implementation questionnaire to record their characteristics and perceptions that might affect their program fidelity. School coordinators and peer mentors provided teachers with monitoring, feedback, and mentoring. In Year 1, teachers on average taught 79.3% of the sessions and 80.8% of core activities; teachers in Year 2 covered 84.2% of sessions and 72.9% of the core activities. Teachers with “good” or “excellent” school coordinators in the second year taught significantly more sessions on average (7.8 vs. 7.0, t = 2.04, P < 0.05) and more core activities (26.3 vs. 23.0, t = 2.41, P < 0.05) than teachers with “satisfactory” coordinators. Teachers who had a “good” or “satisfactory” mentor taught more sessions than teachers who did not have a mentor (7.9 vs. 7.3; t = 2.22; P = 0.03). Two-level mixed-effects model analysis indicated that teachers’ program fidelity in Year 1, confidence in the execution of core activities, and school coordinators’ performance were significantly associated with Year 2 implementation dose. Implementation of FOYC + CImPACT was significantly associated with improved student outcomes. Teachers maintained high fidelity to a comprehensive HIV prevention program over 2 years during the COVID-19 pandemic. Future program implementers should consider additional implementation support to improve the implementation of school-based programs.

Need for Sexual, Reproductive, and Mental Health Promotion Among Diverse College Students in a COVID-19 Era

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic forced unprecedented disruptions in higher education operations. While the adverse mental health effects experienced by college students due to these changes are well documented, less is known about the impact on their sexual and reproductive health (SRH), and the reciprocal relationships between SRH and mental health among adolescents and emerging adults. This position paper reviews existing literature on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on SRH, sexual violence, unintended pregnancy, sexually transmitted illness and human immunodeficiency virus rates and highlights issues specific to college-aged males, females, racial/ethnic and sexual minorities, and individuals with disabilities. The need to conceptualize SRH as an integral component of normal development, overall health, and well-being in the context of COVID-19 is discussed. The need to prioritize the design and implementation of developmentally appropriate, evidence-based SRH interventions specifically targeting college students is identified. Furthermore, an intergenerational approach to SRH that includes parents/caregivers and/or college faculty and staff (e.g., coaches, trainers) could facilitate comprehensive SRH prevention programming that enhances sexual violence prevention training programs currently mandated by many colleges. Policies and programs designed to mitigate adverse pandemic-related exacerbations in negative SRH outcomes are urgently needed and should be included in mainstream clinical psychology, not only focused on preventing unwanted outcomes but also in promoting rewarding interpersonal relationships and overall well-being. Recommendations for clinical psychologists and mental health researchers are made.

A qualitative analysis of self-reported suicide gatekeeper competencies and behaviour within the Australian construction industry.

Construction workers in Australia have suicide rates 84% higher than other workers, with even higher rates for younger and less-skilled workers. Gatekeeper training (GKT) is a suicide prevention strategy that aims to improve knowledge, attitudes and self-efficacy to identify and assist individuals at risk of suicide. However, the impact of GKT on long-term behaviour and suicide prevention is unclear in the construction industry. Researchers conducted 22 semi-structured interviews with trained Bluehats, who provide support to their colleagues in the construction industry experiencing mental health difficulties and suicidal distress. Participants reported high levels of motivation and capability due to lived experience of mental health problems or suicide, training, satisfaction from helping others and feeling valued in their work environment. The study highlighted the importance of physical and social opportunities for participants to support their colleagues. The findings reinforced the need to integrate GKT within comprehensive industry suicide prevention programs that provide a range of interventions for workers and ongoing support to trainees to translate their skills into behaviour. Future GKT should include behaviour change approaches to identify and target contextual and individual-level factors influencing behaviour. SO WHAT?: Understanding the potential and limitations of GKT within the construction industry offers invaluable insights for health promotion. Integrating GKT with holistic prevention programs could lead to more impactful strategies, potentially reducing the high suicide rates and fostering a healthier work environment in the construction sector.

A health system's journey to preventing workplace violence: Use of multidisciplinary teamwork to unify efforts across a health system.

Workplace violence (WPV) is known to threaten the safety of patients and staff. In 2018, a wellness survey showed many employees had not received training on WPV prevention and felt unprepared to manage aggression. The health network's leaders knew they needed to take action. From various multidisciplinary committees, the leaders were able to create a comprehensive WPV prevention program. Some of the highlights of this program include forming a centralized security department, codes of conduct, and crisis response process, adopting tools to predict violence, and providing a range of education. Data from WPV events showed the health network had a statistically significant reduction in WPV events from 2020 to 2021. However, WPV events increased in 2022. This increase in 2022 mirrors national trends in WPV. There are a number of factors that may have impacted this increase. Regardless, the leaders at the health network are dedicated to continuously improving the WPV prevention program. Some of the ongoing projects include improving data collection methods and building a long-term notification for highly violent individuals. This WPV prevention program relies on the commitment of its multidisciplinary team members and focuses on taking care of patients while also prioritizing the wellness of the staff.

Preventing financial statement fraud in the corporate sector: insights from auditors

Purpose This study aims to examine how auditors perceive the influence of crucial fraud prevention factors in deterring financial statement fraud within the corporate sector. Additionally, this research explores the mediating effect of fraud awareness in elucidating the impact of ethical leadership and internal control systems on preventing financial statement fraud. Design/methodology/approach The study used an online survey, targeting a sample of 141 professionally qualified auditors with at least one year of practical experience in the field. The researchers used “Structural Equation Modeling (SEM)” to examine relationships between latent variables using partial least squares structural equation modeling. The study investigated the impact of whistleblowing systems, fraud awareness, ethical leadership, internal control systems and corporate governance on fraud prevention. Findings This research finding provides evidence to the corporate sector by establishing the significance of fraud awareness as the most influencing factor in preventing financial statement fraud. Furthermore, the combined explanatory variables account for 77.4% of the overall variance in financial statement fraud prevention. The study reveals a partial mediation effect of fraud awareness on the relationship between the internal control system and financial statement fraud prevention. Practical implications This research finding may assist in developing an effective fraud prevention programme to mitigate fraud instances and improve financial reporting quality. In the corporate sector, each organisation should clearly specify the policies on whistleblowing systems, fraud awareness training, internal control systems and corporate governance. To foster a comprehensive fraud prevention programme, the leaders should enforce these policies with employee support. Originality/value This research integrated crucial elements to develop a new theoretical framework for investigating financial statement fraud prevention within the corporate context. Accordingly, this research framework provides a more in-depth explanation of preventing financial statement fraud from an auditor’s perspective. Additionally, this research is the first to explore the mediating role of fraud awareness in influencing the effectiveness of the internal control system in preventing financial statement fraud.

School-based prevention education for children and youth with intellectual developmental disabilities

Children with intellectual developmental disabilities (IDD) are at a heightened risk of experiencing child maltreatment (CM) when compared to their peers without IDD. Despite expanding evidence supporting the efficacy of school-based CM prevention programs, there are limited programs that tailor their lessons to the unique needs of children with IDD. This discussion first presents information regarding the prevalence and risk factors of CM among children with IDD. We then present existing peer-reviewed CM programs that have been developed for children with IDD. Finally, based on the latest research of CM prevention and special education, we present our considerations for a comprehensive school-based CM prevention program for children with IDD. Prevention programs for children with IDD may increase risk awareness among children with IDD and their parents, equip children with IDD with the protective skills necessary to navigate unsafe situations, and decrease the overall incidence of CM against this population.

ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION AMONG MEDICAL WORKERS. ANALYSIS. EVALUATION

The aim. To examine the impact of individual medical and social factors, including work experience, lifestyle and living conditions, excess body weight, metabolic syndrome, types of circadian rhythms of blood pressure, and heredity, on the frequency of arterial hypertension (hypertensive disease - HD) formation.&#x0D; Materials and methods. The study involved the collection of anamnestic data, conducting interviews, performing objective examinations, and monitoring blood pressure in 391 medical workers, predominantly from therapeutic, surgical, and intensive care backgrounds. The obtained data were statistically processed using probability assessment criteria, risks assessed through odds ratio (OR), and ROC analysis.&#x0D; The results. The study revealed that only 33% of medical workers have a normal body weight. The risk of developing hypertensive disease (HD) is 3.24 times higher in the group with excess body weight and 8.72 times higher in the group with obesity compared to the examined subjects with normal body weight (p&lt;0.0001). Daily blood pressure monitoring results showed a statistically significant difference in 12 out of the 21 studied parameters (p&lt;0.05) between patients with HD, with and without metabolic syndrome. This indicates that the presence of metabolic syndrome affects the severity of hypertensive disease. Additionally, a statistically significant difference (p&lt;0.05) was observed in the distribution of circadian rhythm types of blood pressure between groups with and without hypertension. It was established that there is a predominance of unfavorable types of circadian blood pressure rhythm in medical worker groups experiencing high professional psycho-emotional stress (78.1-85.5%). Recognizing the risk factors for HD occurrence in medical workers can significantly enhance the effectiveness of a comprehensive hypertensive disease prevention program, leading to reduced blood pressure levels and a lower frequency of complications.&#x0D; Conclusions. It has been established that excess body weight is a risk factor for the development of hypertensive disease (HD) in medical personnel. The presence of metabolic syndrome has been proven to affect the severity of the hypertensive disease course. There is a certain association between disruptions in circadian blood pressure rhythms, professional psycho-emotional stress, and the development of arterial hypertension in medical workers of certain specialties. The prognostically significant threshold level of work experience for the formation of a group at an increased risk of developing HD is 11 years.