Cross-sectional Correlational Research Research Articles

The influence of psychosocial work environment, personal perceived health and job crafting on nurses’ well-being: a cross-sectional survey study

BackgroundThe World Health Organization urged governments to prioritize the health and work well-being of nursing staff by promoting a positive working environment. A safe and healthy physical and psychosocial work environment is a basic human right for nurses. Job crafting is a necessary skill when facing challenging working conditions.ObjectivesThis cross-sectional correlational research based on the Job Demands-Resources Model aimed to explore the correlation between psychosocial work environment and work well-being among nurses working in the intensive care unit (ICU) and determine whether personal perceived health could mediate the relationship and whether job crafting can moderate the mediating effect. The study hypothesized that: 1. The psychosocial work environment would impact nurses' work well-being; 2. Personal perceived health would play a role as a mediator in the relationship between psychosocial work environment and work well‐being; 3. Job crafting would moderate the relationship between personal perceived health and work well‐being.MethodsA total of 655 registered nurses (RNs) from 7 ICUs in a teaching hospital in Beijing participated in this study. The RNs completed a battery questionnaire measuring their health, psychosocial work environment, well-being, and job crafting. PROCESS macros analysis was used to test mediating and moderating effects.ResultsPersonal perceived health mediated the relationship between psychosocial work environment and work well-being (b = 0.012, 95% CI [0.008, 0.016]). The moderated mediated analysis revealed that job crafting moderated perceived health’s impact on work well-being (b = -0.007, 95% CI [− 0.010, − 0.003]).ConclusionA better psychosocial work environment with well-designed work organization and job content through job crafting could positively impact nurses’ health and work well-being.

Post-Cancer Treatment-Related Symptom Distress and Fear of Cancer Recurrence in Colorectal Cancer Survivors

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a primary cause of cancer-related mortality, and, after treatment, cancer survivors often worry that disease recurrence may worsen their health. Nevertheless, limited research on fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) and treatment-related symptoms has been conducted on survivors of CRC. This study was designed to explore (1) symptom distress severity and post-treatment FCR in CRC survivors and (2) the predictors of FCR. A cross-sectional correlational research design and convenience sampling approach were used to recruit patients at the colorectal surgery outpatient department of a medical center in central Taiwan. Basic demographic data, the Symptom Distress Scale - Chinese Modified Form, and Fear of Progression Questionnaire - Short Form were used as monitoring tools. Pearson's product-moment correlation analysis, independent t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and stepwise linear regression analysis were used for statistical analysis. One hundred fourteen survivors of CRC with an average age of 63.44 were enrolled as participants. The top five symptoms of distress were numbness, bowel patterns, fatigue, insomnia, and dry mouth, and the average FCR score was 18.09. Gender, educational level, monthly disposable income, and symptom distress were identified as significant predictors of FCR, with an overall explanatory power of 41.4%. Level of post-treatment FCR in survivors of CRC is influenced by symptom distress severity. Early intervention by healthcare providers to control or alleviate physical symptoms can help prevent the emergence of negative emotions and improve quality of life in this patient group.

Relationship between Nurses' Therapeutic Communication and Family Anxiety Level of Patients Experiencing Emergency Conditions

Introduction: One of the nursing actions to overcome anxiety problems is to carry out therapeutic communication. With the existence of therapeutic communication, nurses can help clients and families understand better through verbal and non-verbal communication. However, there is often a gap between good communication theory and communication practice, leading to gaps in the field. The study wanted to determine the relationship between the nurse's therapeutic communication and the anxiety level of the patient's family experiencing emergency conditions.Methods: This study employed a cross-sectional and descriptive correlational research design with a sample size of 50 respondents using purposive sampling.Results: The results showed a relationship between nurses' therapeutic communication and the anxiety level of patients' families experiencing emergency conditions, with a p-value of 0.003. The results of this study indicated that most of the nurses' therapeutic communication was good (96%), and the patient's family anxiety level was mild (88%).Conclusion: Good therapeutic communication by nurses can reduce family anxiety.

Deciphering the influence: academic stress and its role in shaping learning approaches among nursing students: a cross-sectional study.

Nursing education presents unique challenges, including high levels of academic stress and varied learning approaches among students. Understanding the relationship between academic stress and learning approaches is crucial for enhancing nursing education effectiveness and student well-being. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of academic stress and its correlation with learning approaches among nursing students. A cross-sectional descriptive correlation research design was employed. A convenient sample of 1010 nursing students participated, completing socio-demographic data, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and the Revised Study Process Questionnaire (R-SPQ-2F). Most nursing students experienced moderate academic stress (56.3%) and exhibited moderate levels of deep learning approaches (55.0%). Stress from a lack of professional knowledge and skills negatively correlates with deep learning approaches (r = -0.392) and positively correlates with surface learning approaches (r = 0.365). Female students showed higher deep learning approach scores, while male students exhibited higher surface learning approach scores. Age, gender, educational level, and academic stress significantly influenced learning approaches. Academic stress significantly impacts learning approaches among nursing students. Strategies addressing stressors and promoting healthy learning approaches are essential for enhancing nursing education and student well-being. Understanding academic stress's impact on nursing students' learning approaches enables tailored interventions. Recognizing stressors informs strategies for promoting adaptive coping, fostering deep learning, and creating supportive environments. Integrating stress management, mentorship, and counseling enhances student well-being and nursing education quality.

Association of self-efficacy and faculty support on students’ readiness for practice

BackgroundThe nursing shortage is apparent again after nearly five decades of having a stable workforce. One novel development is that new Registered Nurses (RNs) are exiting their careers too early. Many of them leave the profession for multiple reasons such as burnout and family obligations, yet one reason has emerged – lack of readiness for practice, that also drives the RNs to leave the profession. PurposeThe purpose of this study was twofold — (1) to investigate the relationship between students' characteristics, their Generalized Self-Efficacy (GSE), Perceived Faculty Support (PFS), the Assessment Technologies, Inc. (ATI) Comprehensive Predictor RN Exam scores and their self-report of readiness for practice and (2) to examine which variables best explains the students' readiness for practice. MethodsA cross-sectional descriptive correlational research design with convenience sampling was utilized. Descriptive statistics were obtained to investigate the students' socio-demographic data. The Pearson r and multiple regression were used to analyze the relationships and influence between dependent variables Casey-Fink Readiness for Practice scale (CFRPS) and independent variables, students' characteristics, GSE, PFS, and ATI scores. ResultsOne hundred forty-three (143) out of 416 students in five baccalaureate schools from the western region of the United States participated in the survey. Findings showed GSE and PFS had significant positive correlations with students' readiness for practice. Further, factors of CFRPS in learning strategies, problem-solving, resourcefulness, and team player are best explained by GSE and PFS, accounting for 91 % of the variance. ConclusionStudents' GSE and PFS can contribute to their readiness for practice. Nurse educators must employ strategies that will bolster students' preparedness by improving their sense of self-efficacy and showing them the utmost faculty support.

The Relationship between the Edge Density of the Forest Fragments and the Tree Species Richness in the Detached Fragments of Kakamega Forest.

Purpose: The theoretical approach guiding this study was based on the Island Biogeography Theory. The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of the edge density of the forest fragments on tree species richness.
 Methodology: The study adopted a cross-sectional correlational research design. Proportionate random sampling was used. A sample of 30 plots each measuring 2m by 2m was established randomly in the fragments (0-200m from the edge towards the interior);Malava: Kisere: Ikuywa in that order for field sampling and measurements. Data was collected using tools such as measuring tapes,metre rule,GPS 64s Garmain and suunto inclinometer. A total of 39 species of trees were recorded from the three fragments with Funtumia africana being recorded as the most abundant species.
 Findings: The findings show 83%, 85%, and 92% variation of tree species richness in. Malava (r2 = 0.83), Kisere (r2 = 0.85) and Ikuywa (r2 = 0.92) in that order can be explained by the edge density of the fragments. The edge density also explained 87%, 94% and 94% variation of tree species relative abundance in Malava (r2 = 0.87), Kisere (r2 = 0.94) and Ikuywa (r2 = 0.94) in that order.
 Unique Contributor to Theory, Policy and Practice: It was concluded that tree species richness and tree species abundance in the detached portions of Kakamega forest were dominantly influenced by forest fragment total edge length and fragment edge density. For us to conserve more tree species we recommend maintenance of the total edge length of the fragments above 15km with edge density (3.413.79m\m2) in order to maintain high tree species richness and tree species relative abundance.

Pedagogical Content Knowledge and Job Motivation in School Teachers: The Mediating Role of Teaching Efficacy

The present study explored the relational dynamics of pedagogical content knowledge, teaching efficacy, and job motivation in school teachers. Directed by the published literature, it was postulated that a) there would be a positive relationship among teaching efficacy, pedagogical content knowledge and job motivation, b) teaching efficacy and pedagogical content knowledge would predict job motivation and, c) teaching efficacy would mediate between pedagogical content knowledge and job motivation. After observing all stipulated ethical considerations, a purposive sample of 220 school teachers (n = 117 men, n = 103 women) with an age range of 20-50 years (M=33.54, SD=4.54) was recruited for this cross-sectional correlational research. Tools used were demographic information sheet, teacher sense of efficacy scale (short form), STEM pedagogical content knowledge scale and motivation at work scale. Findings showed that there was a significant negative relationship between teaching efficacy and pedagogical content knowledge, and between job motivation and pedagogical content knowledge in teachers. Moreover, pedagogical content knowledge was a significant predictor of job motivation and teaching efficacy mediated the relationship between pedagogical content knowledge and job motivation. Other than facilitating occupational and educational psychologists in their work with teachers, current findings can also be incorporated into policymaking of the education sector.

Self-Harming Behaviors and Psychopathy Traits in Abused Children

This study aimed to explore child abuse and neglect in relation to psychopathy and self-harming behaviors. A cross-sectional correlational research design was used to carry out the research. A sample of 100 children (50 boys & 50 girls) was selected at age ranging from 12-18 years through purposive sampling. The data was collected from two NGOs in Lahore through purposive sampling. An adapted and translated Child Abuse Screening Tool was used to identify children with different levels and types of abuse and neglect. Urdu version of the Youth Psychopathy Inventory was used to find out psychopathy traits. The deliberate Self-Harm Inventory was translated into Urdu for the purpose of assessing self-harm behavior in participants along with a demographic questionnaire. Pearson product-moment correlation showed there was no significant relationship between psychopathy and child abuse. It was identified that there were no significant gender differences between psychopathy traits and self-harming behaviors in abused children. The current study is significant because it addresses the pressing public issue prevailing in the country day by day, and it has a negative impact on the victim’s survival. The findings revealed that child abuse leads victims towards self-harm and can develop psychopathic traits. On the basis of results, further study is needed to be conducted on these variables, as self-harm was more reported in abused children as compared to psychopathic traits. The variables used in this study needed to be addressed broadly to evaluate the clear impact of abuse in this study, the limitation was the availability of limited data due to the sensitivity of the topic or legal issues that could be addressed in future studies.

Does Corporate Sustainability Reporting Influence Financial Performance? Evidence from Kenyan Listed Companies

Corporate sustainability reporting is currently a prominent issue in the global business world, with companies worldwide actively publishing sustainability reports to meet the demands of different stakeholders regarding social, environmental, economic, and governance concerns. The existing literature has proved that companies that participate aggressively in corporate sustainability reporting tend to have higher firm value, experience tremendous growth rates in terms of size and profitability, have a high capital and asset base, are lowly geared, and gain a competitive edge in the industry in which they operate. The study examines the link between corporate sustainability reporting and the financial performance of firms listed at the Nairobi Securities Exchange. Corporate governance, social, environmental, and economic pillars were used as indicators of corporate sustainability reporting. The Global Reporting Initiative framework will be employed to establish the corporate sustainability reporting scores and construct the sustainability reporting index. Financial performance was measured by return on assets. The study is anchored on the stakeholder theory supported by legitimacy and the tripled bottom-line theories. The target population comprises sixty-seven companies listed in Kenya. Secondary data was collected from the company integrated reports, published accounts, and the accounts filed with the Nairobi Securities Exchange for the period 2011 to 2020. The study adopted a cross-sectional correlational research design. Descriptive statistical tests carried out include mean, standard deviation, kurtosis and skewness. Correlation analysis was done to test and establish the direction of the relationship between the study variables. Regression analysis was employed to test the hypotheses of the study. Generally, the study findings are that corporate sustainability reporting had a significant positive effect on financial performance. The empirical results of this study showed that corporate sustainability reporting led to improved financial performance among listed companies, although sustainability reporting in Kenya was purely voluntary. Therefore, Kenya’s Capital Markets Authority should consider making corporate sustainability reporting compulsory for all listed companies. Further research can be extended to include non-listed companies and the application of other sustainability reporting frameworks. Keywords: Corporate Sustainability Reporting, Financial Performance, Global Reporting Initiative, Nairobi Securities Exchange.

Relationship Between Attitude Towards Euthanasia and Perceived Social Support

The purpose of the research was to examine the relationship between attitudes toward euthanasia and perceived social support. The study also identified gender differences and their attitude towards social support. It was a cross-sectional correlation research. The sample size was 200, and the data was collected from a general population of male and female university students through a questionnaire of Attitudes Towards Euthanasia-ATE and Perceived Social Support-PSS along with an informed consent form and a demographic sheet. The study significantly highlighted a negative correlation between ATE and PSS. It predicted that social support would be stronger, and people would receive it from family members to maintain their lives instead of terminating it. Social support was a primary source to help the patients mitigate their attitude towards euthanasia. Due to gender differences, the women received less social support, and the score on the scale of attitude toward euthanasia differs among men and women. Society, parents, family, and other peer members should be supportive to help the patient maintain their life and daily functioning.

Association between health-related empowerment and health-protective behaviors among community-dwelling older adults

BackgroundEmpowerment is a broad concept seen as a critical approach for helping older adults who lack power to gain control over various aspects of their lives, including their health-protective behaviors. AimThe study investigated the association between health-related empowerment and health-protective behaviors in older adults. DesignA cross-sectional correlational research design was used by recruiting a convenient sample of 200 older adults. ToolsThe Elder Health Empowerment Scale and Health Protective Behavior Scale were used to collect the participant data. ResultsIt showed a significant positive correlation between health-related empowerment and health-protective behaviors in older adults (r = 0.891, p = 0.001), indicating that as health-related empowerment increases, engagement in health-protective behaviors also increases. Furthermore, health-related empowerment accounted for a large proportion of the variation in health-protective behaviors (85.7 %). ConclusionOverall, these findings suggest that there is a need for interventions to improve the health-related empowerment of older adults, particularly in terms of their ability to turn their health goals into actionable plans, overcome barriers to health, and make informed healthcare choices. However, the studied older adults generally engage in health protective behaviors; there is variability in the extent to which they engage in specific behaviors, which may provide valuable insights for developing targeted health promotion programs and interventions.

Predicting Nomophobia in Adolescents Based on Personality Traits and Psychopathological Symptoms

Objective: The detrimental and excessive use of communication technologies today can have negative psychological effects on individuals. Among these negative effects is a phenomenon known as nomophobia. Nomophobia, an abbreviation for "no mobile phone phobia," is considered a 21st-century disorder that can be caused or exacerbated by various factors in an individual. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the extent to which personality traits and psychopathological symptoms play a role in predicting nomophobia in adolescents. Methods and Materials: This study was a cross-sectional correlational research. The population consisted of adolescents aged 12 to 18 years in the city of Isfahan, who were selected through convenience sampling to a total of 250 participants. Data were collected using the Yildirim and Correia (2015) Nomophobia Questionnaire, the NEO Personality Inventory (1986), and the SCL-90-R Psychopathological Symptoms Checklist (1976). Multiple regression analysis was used for data analysis. Findings: Personality traits (neuroticism, extraversion, openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness) could predict nomophobia in adolescents at a significance level of less than 0.05. Likewise, psychopathological symptoms (depression, anxiety, hostility, phobia, obsession, paranoid thoughts, psychosis, interpersonal sensitivity, somatization) could also predict nomophobia in adolescents at a significance level of less than 0.05. Conclusion: Nomophobia is among the social problems in adolescents, where numerous personality and psychopathological factors can play a significant role in its development and progression. These factors should be considered by researchers in more extensive samples and various cultures when dealing with adolescents with nomophobia. Additionally, these predictive factors should be taken into account in the counseling process of adolescents.

DETERMINANTS OF PSYCHOSOCIAL REACTIONS IN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS POST COVID-19: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Objective: To identify the mediating role of Perceived Social Support in Psychological Strength and Psychosocial Reactions in university students post COVID-19. Study Design: Cross-sectional (correlation) research design was used. Place and Duration of study: The data was collected from November 2021 to January 2022 from different state and private universities in Lahore, Pakistan. Subject and Method: The purposive sample of N=150 (men=70 and women=80) university students studying in first and last year of 18-24 years old (M=20.75, SD=1.76) were drawn from different public and private universities of Lahore. Data was collected using Psychological Strength Scale (PSS; Bashir, 2020), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS; Zimet et al., 19 88) and Psychosocial Reactions Scale (PRS; Mahmood et al., 2020). Data was analyzed using SPSS 25. Results: Of the 150 participants, 70(46.7%) were men and 80(53.3%) were women. The overall mean age was 20.75 ± 1.76 years. Pearson Product Moment Correlation revealed that a significant negative relation of Psychological Strength and Perceived Social Support with Psychosocial Reactions. Psychological Strength and Perceived Social Support had positive significant relationship (r= .68***), but a negative relationship between Perceived Social Support and Psychosocial Reactions (r= -.56***) and Psychological Strength with Psychosocial Reactions (r= -.33***) was also found in university students post COVID-19. Mediation analysis showed that Perceived Social Support fully mediated the relation among Psychological Strength and Psychosocial Reactions (p<.001). Conclusion: Study implicates that by increasing Psychological Strength and Perceived Social Support in university students we could reduce Psychosocial Reactions faced by them.

The role of emotional regulation difficulties in unusual sensory experiences

ABSTRACT Background Emotional regulation difficulties have been linked to unusual sensory experiences (USEs) in the general population. However, the multi-factorial nature of emotional regulation is relatively understudied. This study examined emotional regulation difficulties, alexithymia and interpersonal emotional regulation across six USEs in a psychosis-proneness sample. Methods This study used a cross-sectional correlational research design with predictive models. Data was gathered using an online survey methodology, with convenience purposive sampling. Results A series of hierarchical linear regressions tested the predictive power of the emotional regulation variables on USEs, controlling for self-identified psychiatric diagnoses. Emotional regulation difficulties were a significant predictor in all six USEs. Alexithymia was a significant predictor in three USEs. Interpersonal emotion regulation was not a significant predictor. Discussion The consistency of the relationship between emotional regulation difficulties and USEs emphasised its importance in psychological models and the potential to utilise the large emotional dysregulation evidence base with psychosis populations. Emotional regulation is a multi-factorial construct. Further exploration of emotional regulation difficulties in USEs, and utilising emotional regulation skills with clinical samples are warranted.

Medical education environment perception and learning engagement in undergraduate nursing students: The mediating effect of self-regulated learning ability

AimTo investigate the interrelationships of medical education environment perception, learning engagement and self-regulated learning ability among Chinese undergraduate nursing students. BackgroundAfter the outbreak of COVID-19, great changes have taken place in the medical education environment, many offline teaching and academic activities have been replaced by online activities. Students’ learning engagement influences the efficiency of online learning. However, the mediating effect of self-regulated learning (SRL) ability between medical education environment perception and learning engagement is unclear. DesignThis study involved a cross-sectional descriptive correlational research. MethodsA total of 228 undergraduatenursing students who were attending online learning were included in this study.This investigation adopted Dundee Ready Educational Environment Measure scale (DREEM), Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ) and Utrecht Work Engagement Scale-Student scale (UWES-S) to respectively know about the levels of medical education environment perception, self-regulating and learning engagement. The structural equation model and bootstrap method were used to clarify the association and interaction among the three variables. ResultsThe scores of nursing students' medical education environment perception, SRL ability and learning engagement were 135.64 ± 15.12, 161.39 ± 22.57 and 68.01 ± 11.77, respectively. Perception of medical education environment directly affects learning engagement (β = 0.556, P < 0.001). SRL ability partially mediated the effect of medical environment perception on learning engagement (x2/df = 1.427, RMSEA = 0.043, GFI = 0.962, NFI = 0.954, TLI = 0.980, CFI = 0.986), and the variance was 30.8 %. ConclusionSRL ability plays a mediating role between medical education environment perception and learning engagement. Nursing educators should continuously optimize the online education environment, such as designing intelligent teaching platform or software, adopting interactive teaching methods, strengthening professional value education and encouraging peer learning, so as to meet the requirements of nursing students' learning engagement in the new medical education environment.

The Relationship Between Safe Nursing Care and Professional Commitment of Nurses in Iranian Educational-Therapeutic Hospitals

Background: Safe nursing care and professional commitment are known as two important components influencing the nursing service quality. Objectives: The present study aimed to assess the relationship between safe nursing care and nurses’ professional commitment. Methods: In the present cross-sectional correlational research, 263 nurses were selected from the intensive care unit/cardiac care unit (ICU/CCU), internal, surgery, pediatrics, gynecology and obstetrics, oncology, burn, orthopedics, infectious, and neurology wards of educational-therapeutic hospitals affiliated with Qazvin University of Medical Sciences by quota sampling method between May 2022 and September 2022. Data collection was performed using the nurses’ professional commitment scale (NPCS) and the assessment of safe nursing care (ASNC) questionnaire. Nurses were selected using a convenience sampling method. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical tests (t-test, Pearson’s correlation, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA)) by SPSS software version 16. Results: The mean scores of nurses’ professional commitment and safe nursing care were 86.16 ± 4.92 and 134.57 ± 16.15, respectively. Pearson’s correlation test showed a significant relationship between nurses’ professional commitment and safe nursing care (r = 0.345, P ≤ 0.001). Also, the test results indicated that the level of nurses’ professional commitment varied among individuals with different employment types (P = 0.008). Conclusions: According to this study, safe nursing care and nurses’ professional commitment are two important components influencing each other. Therefore, these results have important implications for policymakers and healthcare systems involved in promoting the level of safe nursing care and nurses’ professional commitment.

Psychological Problems among School Going Children- A Systematic Review

impairments in individuals. Adolescence is the most critical stage for the development of diverse psychological adaptations. Objective: This research study systematically analyzes the psychological problems affecting school-going children. The aim of this study is to assess the consensus and variations in the spectrum of psychological problems among school-going children, as well as their associated factors, based on previously published literature. Methodology: The research methodology employed in this study follows the PRISMA diagram. We conducted a search in EndNote Version X9's PubMed collection using specific keywords, such as "psychological issues" and "school-age children." Papers published before 2019 were excluded from the electronic PubMed collection. Results: Out of a total of 1564 papers, we included 10 articles for systematic analysis. These articles were international research studies conducted in various countries, including China, Europe, Turkey, the Netherlands, Denmark, the USA, and Canada. The research studies utilized cross-sectional correlational research design, longitudinal research studies, and quantitative cross-sectional studies. Conclusion: Qualitative analysis revealed a spectrum of psychological and physical problems in school-going children, including behavioral changes, ignorance, arrogance, irritation, social withdrawal, social isolation, lack of confidence, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, stress, and post-traumatic stress disorder. These psychological issues are strongly associated with factors such as mobile phone addiction, social media addiction, parental psychological disorders, child sexual abuse, school bullying, and criticism. It is recommended to consider moderate to vigorous physical activities as non-pharmacological treatments for these psychological problems.

The effect of digital citizenship and cyberloafing on under graduate nursing students academic performance

Background Nursing students must be adequately aware by digital citizenship to avoid cyberloafing that directly influence on their academic performance. Aim of the study This study aimed to assess the effect of digital citizenship and cyber loafing on under graduate nursing student’s academic performance. Design A descriptive, cross-sectional correlational research design was used. Setting The study was conducted at Faculty of Nursing Sohag University. Subjects 870 nursing students were selected randomly by using stratified random sample technique. Tools Four tools were used: Personal characteristics and academic data form, digital citizenship questionnaire, cyber Loafing questionnaire and under graduate nursing students’ academic performance audit form. Results The current study revealed that nearly two thirds (66.2%) of the studied students had average level of digital citizenship, less than three fifths (58.9%) of the studied students had high level of cyber Loafing and more than two fifths (42.1%) of the studied students have high level of academic performance. Conclusion There was a highly statistically significant negative correlation between the students’ academic performance and cyber loafing, also there is statistically significant positive correlation between the total studied students’ academic performance and digital citizenship. Recommendations Provide educational program for students about negative effect of cyber loafing and Provide special course about digital citizenship for faculty student.

Factors associated with health-related quality of life among employed individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A correlational study in China.

The rising prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in China has led to a decline in the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of employed individuals with the condition. Consequently, healthcare providers play a crucial role in identifying the factors associated with HRQOL in this population. This study aimed to describe the HRQOL of employed individuals with COPD and determine the relationships between symptom burden, functional performance, social support, and HRQOL. A cross-sectional correlational research design was employed for this study. A total of 130 employed individuals with COPD who visited the respiratory outpatient department at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University were selected through simple random sampling. Data were collected between August and September 2021 using a demographic questionnaire and four scales. Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation were used for data analysis. The study findings revealed that the mean HRQOL score among the participants was in the moderate range (M = 69.46, SD = 16.82). The correlation analysis revealed a significant negative association between symptom burden and HRQOL (r = -0.80, p <0.001). On the other hand, a positive relationship was observed between functional performance and HRQOL (r = 0.56, p <0.001), while social support did not show a significant relationship with HRQOL (r = 0.04, p >0.05). These findings serve as a foundation for healthcare service providers and policymakers in developing targeted nursing interventions and comprehensive management approaches for employed individuals with COPD. By addressing the symptom burden and promoting functional performance, nurses can strive to enhance the HRQOL of this population. Moreover, strategies to improve social support networks and facilitate access to emotional and practical assistance may further contribute to improving the overall well-being and satisfaction among employed individuals with COPD.

Audit Committee and Performance: Evidence from Kenyan Deposit Taking Saccos

This research examined the effect of Audit committee characteristics on performance of Deposit Taking Saccos in Kenya. Audit committee characteristics was measured by independence, terms of service and study specialization as proxy. The study was guided by the Agency Theory and adopted descriptive cross-sectional survey and correlational research designs. A sample size was 108 licensed Deposit Taking Saccos drawn from a target population of 175. Primary data was collected from the board members and management executives. The analysis was done using descriptive statistics and multiple regressions. The study findings suggest that the overall correlation coefficient for Audit Committee characteristics and performance was found to be 0.144 with a p-value of 0.143&gt; =0.05. This implies a weak positive and insignificant relationship between Audit Committee characteristics and performance. Based on findings, the study recommends proper constitution of audit committee with well spelt out terms of service and a consideration be made on appropriate study specialization. Independence of audit committee must be complied with to ensure conformity to best standards of practice. Areas for further studies suggested are conducting studies in other contexts to corroborate these findings and consideration of effect of other variables of Audit Committee characteristics on the performance.