Descriptive Correlational Study Research Articles

Health care workers’ knowledge and perceptions on WHO hand hygiene guidelines, and the perceived barriers to compliance with hand hygiene in Cyprus

BackgroundHand hygiene (HH) is recognized as an important measure to avoid the transmission of harmful germs, and assists significantly in preventing healthcare-associated infections. HH compliance among health care workers (HCWs) is a result of their knowledge and perceptions.AimTo investigate the knowledge and perceptions of WHO hand hygiene guidelines among HCWs, and the perceived barriers to compliance with hand hygiene in a major public hospital in Cyprus.MethodsA descriptive correlational study was conducted in September of 2019. The target population was all of the HCWs in Nicosia General Hospital (N = 1,386). The final sample consisted of 820 participants (119 physicians, 613 nurses, 27 physiotherapists, 59 ward assistants, 2 unidentified). This study used the HH knowledge and perception questionnaire that was developed by the WHO.ResultsThe results revealed that the average percentage score for knowledge among our sample was 61%, and statistically significant differences were observed among HCWs with regard to certain questions. It was found that HCWs, in most of their responses, presented high percentages of correct answers regarding their perceptions on hand hygiene guidelines but several perceived barriers to compliance on HH guidelines were identified as well.ConclusionsKnowledge and perceptions of HH guidelines among HCWs were moderate and good respectively. In addition, several perceived barriers to compliance on HH recommendations were identified. HH education is recognized as an important tool for removing these barriers but the recommended HH strategy should be multi-modal and consider local resources, administrative support and barriers to compliance with HH.

Determinants of the desire to avoid pregnancy after the disaster of the century in Türkiye

BackgroundAfter natural disasters, the occurrence of mental health problems and adverse effects on reproductive health in women of reproductive age can be attributed to a multitude of factors, including the deterioration of health facilities, a shortage of qualified health professionals, a lack of socio-economic stability, and a paucity of familial and community support.MethodsThe descriptive correlational study was conducted through social networks with 405 women who had experienced the disaster of the century 8 months after (between November and December 2023) the earthquake. The snowball sampling method was used to obtain the research data. The questionnaire form, developed for the purpose of data collection, was disseminated to women who consented to participate in the study through social networks. The data were evaluated using a variety of statistical techniques, including number, percentage, mean, standard deviation, independent sample t-test, one-way analysis of variance, and structural equation modeling.ResultsAccording to the results of linear regression analysis, these were found to be predictors of the desire to avoid pregnancy: having housing problems (β-coefficient 0.173; p = .008), having a damaged home (β-coefficient. 276; p = .009), sleep patterns (β-coefficient 0.433; p = .022), eating habits (β-coefficients 0.248, 0.044), use of psychiatric medication (β-coefficient 0.436, p = .003), and problems related to the food and water supply (β-coefficient 0.127, p = .003). In addition, a structural equation model (SEM) was established to examine the relationship between these variables and mental well-being and pregnancy avoidance. Only the model constructed with mental well-being demonstrated significance in the SEM analysis.ConclusionsThis study shows that women’s mental health is negatively affected in unpredictable emergencies such as earthquakes and that poor mental health negatively affects pregnancy planning. The findings of the study may help to guide health professionals working in the field of women’s health to protect women’s mental health in emergency situations, to provide counseling about pregnancy planning, and to provide social and psychological support programs.

The correlation between job stress, burnout, and cognitive performance in Iranian firefighters: A cross-sectional study.

Appropriate cognitive performance is vital for a firefighter, but many occupational factors can negatively affect it. This study assessed the correlation between job stress, burnout, and cognitive performance in firefighters. This descriptive-correlational study was conducted in three fire stations in Iran in 2023 with 61 participants, including 34 firefighters in the exposed group and 27 office workers in the control group. After ensuring the confidentiality of the obtained information and completing the demographic information checklist, Job stress and burnout levels were measured using standardized questionnaires, and cognitive functions were assessed using two computerized tests: Stroop and continuous performance. The mean age and work experience of firefighters were 33.29±9.44 and 10.42±3.51 years, respectively. The firefighters' job stress and burnout levels were, on average, 163.12±9.18 and 88.89±4.28, respectively, significantly higher than those of the control group (P < 0.05). The results of the Pearson correlation test revealed a strong correlation (r = 0.719) between job stress and burnout. Pearson correlation coefficient (r = -0.512-0.757), yielded from psychological tests, demonstrated that firefighters' job stress and burnout had moderate to strong associations with certain indicators of Stroop and continuous performance tests. According to the obtained results, it is recommended to take fundamental measures to reduce occupational stress and burnout of firefighters as a factor affecting cognitive performance.

Predicting social adjustment based on mindfulness and emotion regulation in university students through panel data model

Background: Given the important role of social adjustment in improving mental health and quality of life among university students, we must analyze the factors affecting adjustment. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between mindfulness and emotion regulation with social adjustment in university students. Methods: In this descriptive-correlational study, the path analysis method was used with panel data to predict social adjustment based on mindfulness and emotion regulation in university students. The statistical population included all university students in Ahvaz (Iran) in 2022–23. Convenience sampling was employed to select 222 students (177 females and 45 males), who responded to different questionnaires on mindfulness, emotion regulation, and social adjustment at two points of time two months (8 weeks) apart. Results: The findings indicated that mindfulness had a positive significant relationship with emotion regulation in university students (P&lt;0.001). However, emotion regulation had no significant effect on students’ mindfulness. Moreover, there was no significant relationship between emotion regulation and social adjustment in the students. Conclusion: According to the results, mindfulness can be employed to enhance emotion regulation in university students. Given the importance of social adjustment in the mental health and academic achievement of university students, future studies should analyze the relationships between other psychological variables and social adjustment.

A structural model of academic performance based on the meaning of education and academic optimism for students of medical sciences: The mediating role of stress

Background: Academic performance is a major concern of the education system and indicates its success in goal-setting and meeting individual needs. The present study aimed to investigate the mediating role of stress in the relationship between the meaning of education and academic optimism with academic performance in students of medical sciences. Methods: This was a descriptive correlational study. The statistical population comprised all students of medical sciences at Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Iran (2022-2023). The study sample consisted of 301 students who were selected using convenience sampling and the Meaning of Education Questionnaire, the Academic Optimism Questionnaire, and the Perceived Stress Scale were administered. The students’ last-semester grade point average (GPA) was used as an indicator of their academic performance. The proposed model was evaluated via structural equation modeling (SEM), and the bootstrap test was used to study the indirect relationships. Results: The results revealed significant positive associations between the meaning of education and academic performance (β=0.19, P=0.003) and between academic optimism and academic performance (β=0.18, P=0.007) among medical students. Additionally, the meaning of education had a direct negative effect on stress (β=-0.36, P=0.001), while academic optimism also exhibited a direct negative effect on stress (β=-0.43, P=0.001). Furthermore, stress had a significant negative impact on academic performance (β=-0.18, P=0.027). The associations between the indirect paths and academic performance were also significant with the mediating role of stress (P&lt;0.05). Conclusion: Accordingly, the proposed model has a good fit and can be useful in identifying the factors affecting academic performance and stress in the students of medical sciences and in developing and designing programs to prevent academic underachievement and improve academic performance in the target group.

Virtual Education in Military Medical University: A Descriptive Study

Background: Evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of virtual education is essential today. Objectives: This study examines the satisfaction of professors and students with the learning management system and the quality of virtual education in a military university. Methods: This descriptive-correlational study was conducted between 2021 and 2022. The sample included 44 professors and 167 students from the Faculty of Nursing, Medicine, and Pharmacy at a university. Data were collected using a demographic form and three standardized questionnaires that assessed satisfaction with the quality of virtual education, system interface, evaluation of professors' performance, and professors' opinions about virtual teaching. The data were analyzed using SPSS software version 22, employing correlation tests, one-way analysis of variance, independent t-tests, and multivariate analysis. Results: The students' average age was 21.23 ± 2.78 years, and 81.8% of them were male. The overall satisfaction of students with the learning management system (LMS) had an average score of 497.21 ± 109.68. The professors' performance, as perceived by the students, had an average score of 43.18 ± 9.98. The quality of online education was rated at 58.81 ± 12.51, with 68% of students reporting a moderate level of satisfaction. Among the professors, 29.5% expressed dissatisfaction with the LMS system interface, while 81.8% were moderately satisfied with the virtual education approach. Conclusions: Given the significance of virtual education, it is imperative to devise solutions that enhance professor satisfaction, improve content quality, and optimize performance. These measures will contribute to the overall success and effectiveness of virtual education, benefiting both professors and students alike.

School Heads’ Mentoring Practices And Supervisory Skills: Their Influence On Teachers’ Performance

This descriptive-correlational study investigated the relationship between school heads’ mentoring practices, supervisory skills, and teacher performance in Iloilo City, Philippines. Data from 350 randomly selected elementary and secondary teachers revealed that school heads prioritize fostering a positive attitude in teachers, while their overall supervisory skills are perceived as exceeding expectations. Interestingly, teacher performance also exceeded expectations, but no significant correlation was found between mentoring-supervisory skills and teacher performance. This suggests that other factors beyond school leadership might influence teacher effectiveness. However, mentoring practices were consistently valued by teachers, highlighting their importance in creating a supportive school environment.

EXPLORING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TEACHERS' POLITICAL SKILLS AND CREDIBILITY

Objective: This study investigates the significance of the relationship between teachers' political skills and credibility. It aims to present data-driven evidence that enhancing political skills can boost credibility so educational outcomes and student-teacher relationships will strengthen. Theoretical Framework: The theoretical underpinning of this study is the Source Credibility Theory, which describes the effect of perceived credibility on the source. Method: This descriptive-correlational study used primary data from 278 hospitality and tourism management students via questionnaires. Pearson R determined the strength and direction of the relationship. Regression analysis modeled the relationship and influence of political skills on credibility. Results and Discussion: The mean and standard deviation indicated very high political skills and credibility. The correlation test revealed a significant positive relationship between variables. The regression model showed a 74.7% influence of political skills on credibility, with sincerity as the best predictor. Research Implications: These findings suggest that teacher training should focus on developing political skills and sincerity to enhance credibility and effectiveness. Researchers in this field can explore ways to nurture these traits among educators and evaluate their effect on student outcomes for policymakers to apply across educational contexts. Originality/Value: This study provides evidence of a significant positive relationship between teachers' political skills and credibility. It highlights the importance of developing political skills and credibility among educators to earn trust. It extends the Source Credibility Theory to the educational domain, providing a foundation for future research in various contexts.

Severity of Pain Catastrophizing and Its Associations With Cognitive Flexibility and Self-Efficacy in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Pain catastrophizing in patients with rheumatoid arthritis exacerbates negative pain-related outcomes, such as anxiety, depression, and pain intensity. Therefore, it is essential to investigate the severity of pain catastrophizing and the factors contributing to it among these patients. The present study aimed to assess the severity of pain catastrophizing and its association with cognitive flexibility and self-efficacy in a sample of Iranian patients with rheumatoid arthritis. A descriptive correlational study was conducted on 220 rheumatoid patients referred to a rheumatology clinic affiliated with Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran. The instruments used to collect data included a demographic form, the Pain Catastrophizing Scale, the Cognitive Flexibility Inventory, and the Arthritis Self-Efficacy Scale. The data were analysed using SPSS version 24. The mean age of the participants was 53.25±12.41years, and the mean duration of their disease was 6.63±3.39years. The majority of participants, specifically 61.8%, reported high levels of pain catastrophizing. An inverse and significant correlation was found between pain catastrophizing and cognitive flexibility (p<0.001). Likewise, pain catastrophizing exhibited an inverse and significant correlation with self-efficacy and all its dimensions (p<0.001). The results of the multiple linear regression analysis indicate that the final significant predictors of pain catastrophizing were cognitive flexibility (β=-0.34, p<0.001) and self-efficacy (β=-0.53, p<0.001). These predictors were found to significantly explain 51% of the variance in catastrophizing. Through psychosocial interventions aimed at enhancing pain self-efficacy and cognitive flexibility, healthcare providers can hope to reduce pain catastrophizing and its adverse effects in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Relationship between nursing students' personality traits and competence in workplace violence management

BackgroundViolence against nursing students is a growing concern in nursing education, clinical practice, and professional development and needs to be managed. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between nursing students' personality traits and competence in workplace violence management. MethodsThis cross-sectional, descriptive-correlational study was conducted with 321 nursing students between 23 May 2022 and 14 June 2022. ResultsA total of 20.9 % of the nursing students were exposed to violence in clinical practice areas. The personality traits of nursing students and their competence in workplace violence management showed a strong correlation. Increase in personality traits such as extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and openness resulted in an increase in competency in workplace violence management (p < 0.05). However, a negative correlation was observed between neuroticism and competency in workplace violence management (p < 0.05). ConclusionCollaboration between academic institutions and healthcare organizations should be established to increase nursing students' competency in workplace violence management. The personality traits of the students should be evaluated by nurse educators, and education and counseling should be offered on managing violence, especially for students with high neuroticism levels.

Multi-Dimensional Investigation of Factors Affecting Peer Educator Self-Assurance in Teaching Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health

Purpose: to examine the factors affecting the self-confidence of peer educators. Design/Methodology/Approach: a correlational descriptive study utilizing the SEM method, conducted with 216 health students. Findings: The self-confidence of peer educators is significantly influenced by the following factors: impact from situations, impact from other people, self-awareness, perceived advantages of action, perceived obstacles to action, perceived self-efficacy, emotion connected to the activity, and dedication to a planned course of action. Among these factors, Commitment to Plan Action is the most influential in shaping peer educators' self-confidence. Research limitation/implications: Higher commitment to planning actions, when paired with self-awareness, leads to a significant boost in peer educators' assurance in teaching teenagers about sexual and reproductive health. Practical Implication: This study focuses on enhancing self-awareness while strengthening self-efficacy and commitment to planning actions. Social Implications: The results provide an understanding of the elements that might increase peer educators' self-assurance while instructing adolescents on sexual and reproductive healthcare. Originality/Value: To improve peer educators' self-confidence, the study suggests a framework for raising self-awareness and creating a dedicated action plan.

Relationship between eHealth Literacy and Health Promoting behaviors among nursing students

Background: Utilizing health literacy is important in establishing knowledgeable health advancements and practices, which can become deterrents to promoting a healthy lifestyle. Technological advancements improve health information availability and accessibility that potentially affect the users’ proficiency and their capability in applying the accessed health information. However, accessing health information via IT for health promotion requires e-health literacy. Purpose: The objective of the study is to determine the relationship between eHealth literacy and health-promoting lifestyle behaviors among nursing students. Methods: Descriptive-correlational study was applied to 131 nursing students recruited through a purposive sampling method from a nursing school in Philippines. The researchers adopted original English version of the e-Health Literacy Scale and Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP) to collect the data. The gathered data were analyzed using descriptive analysis; frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and test the correlation using Pearson's r correlation. Results: A total of 131 nursing students were employed in the study with a mean age of 20.14 (±1.22). Participants were female (71.8%) and are Level 1 students (44.3%) The mean of the total sum score for eHealth literacy was 31.24 (±4.30) while the over-all item mean was 3.92 (±0.54). On the other hand, the health-promoting behavior has a mean score of 2.43 (±0.43) while its subscales have a mean score of 2.46 (±0.45) for nutrition, 2.45 (±0.62) for physical activity, and 2.39 (±0.47) for health responsibility. It was found that eHealth literacy had a significant relationship with the students’ health-promoting behavior (r=0.245, p=0.005). Hence, students who have a high level of eHealth literacy are more inclined to perform healthy behaviors. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the development of strategies to improve the e-health literacy of nursing students may contribute to the maintenance of their health-promoting behaviors. Identified intervention strategies based on eHealth literacy are needed to encourage healthy practices, which may reduce risks of illnesses due to unhealthy lifestyle behaviors among nursing students.

The mediating effects of resilience in the relationship between social support and posttraumatic growth in patients with acute coronary syndrome in China.

Posttraumatic growth has a positive impact on patients diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Patients with acute coronary syndrome in China report low to moderate levels of posttraumatic growth. Additionally, there is a dearth of research exploring the associations between resilience, social support, and posttraumatic growth in this specific patient population. This study examined whether resilience serves as a mediator between social support and posttraumatic growth in patients with acute coronary syndrome who had been discharged for 1 to 6 months and were being followed up in clinics. A descriptive correlational study design was utilized. A systematic sampling technique was used to recruit 121 patients with acute coronary syndrome who had been discharged for 1 to 6 months from cardiovascular clinics of a tertiary care hospital in Jiangsu Province, China. The research instruments included the demographic characteristics questionnaire, the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory. The data were collected between August 2022 and November 2022 and were analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analyses to determine the mediating effects. The level of posttraumatic growth among patients with acute coronary syndrome attending follow-up clinic visits was moderate (Mean = 60.58, SD = 14.13). Resilience had a direct and positive impact on posttraumatic growth (β = 0.361, p <0.001). Moreover, resilience fully mediated the relationship between social support and posttraumatic growth (indirect effect = 0.203, 95% CI [0.076, 0.331]; direct effect = 0.162, p = 0.101). Patients with acute coronary syndrome in China experience moderate posttraumatic growth after discharge. Resilience mediates the relationship between social support and posttraumatic growth. Therefore, nursing interventions focusing on promoting social support and resilience should be developed to encourage posttraumatic growth in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

Sense of Coherence: A Predictor of Quality of Life in Caregivers of Cancer Patients

Background: The caregivers of cancer patients go through numerous changes in their lives, caused by the complexity of cancer care, which then influence their quality of life (QoL). In this context, the sense of coherence (SoC) has been introduced as individuals' capacity to adapt to complex situations. Objectives: This study aimed at examining the relationship between QoL and SoC among the caregivers of cancer patients. Methods: This descriptive correlational study was performed on the caregivers of cancer patients referred to a teaching hospital in Tehran, Iran. In total, 200 eligible caregivers, selected by purposive and convenience sampling from September to December 2022, completed the research instrument comprised of a researcher-made demographic-clinical information form, the SoC Scale (13-item), and WHOQoL-BREF. The data were analyzed by the SPSS 20 software. To investigate the relationship between caregivers’ SoC and QoL, first, the correlation was determined, and afterward, the significant variables were analyzed, using multiple linear regression. Results: The overall mean score of QoL among the caregivers was 52.12 ± 14.45. In this way, the highest and lowest values were associated with the domains of physical health and social relationships, receiving the mean scores of 55.19 ± 11.46 and 38.40 ± 10.08, respectively. The overall mean score of SoC was also equal to 49.71 ± 9.34. As well, the results of the study demonstrated a significant positive correlation between SoC and QoL (r = 0.585, P &lt; 0.001) as well as its 3 domains. Considering the demographic and clinical factors, the regression outcomes revealed that SoC was a predictor of QoL in the caregivers of cancer patients (P &lt; 0.001, Β = 0.65). Among the demographic factors, a significant correlation was accordingly observed between age, marital status, income level, employment status, and QoL and some of its domains (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: It was argued that SoC could be a positive predictor and a protective factor for QoL among the caregivers of cancer patients. In this vein, it was recommended to give a boost to the SoC dimensions during oncology and palliative care via an interdisciplinary approach and a variety of interventions. Upon developing QoL in the caregivers, QoL among the cancer patients could be then promoted.

Patient trust in nurses: exploring the relationship with care quality and communication skills in emergency departments

BackgroundPatient trust in medical staff is an important ethical issue that can influence various patient behaviors and attitudes, such as seeking healthcare, sharing confidential information, accepting treatment, and adhering to recommendations. This study aimed to assess patient trust in nurses and its relationship to the quality of care and communication skills of nurses in emergency departments.MethodsThis descriptive correlational study was conducted in 2023 in the emergency departments of medical training centers of Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Iran. A total of 378 patients was selected using a quota sampling method. Data were collected using three valid and reliable tools: the Quality Patient Care (QUALPAC) scale, the Health Communication Feedback Questionnaire (HCFQ), and the Trust in Nurses Scale (TNS).The data were analyzed using independent t-tests, one-way analysis of variance, and Pearson's correlation coefficient tests using SPSS version 24.ResultsThe majority of patients (99.2%) rated nurses' communication skills as moderate, with none rating them as poor. The average scores were 27.59 ± 2.76 for patient trust in nurses, 72.43 ± 3.30 for nurses' communication skills, and 198.30 ± 14.60 for the quality of nursing care. A significant correlation was found between patient trust in nurses and the overall quality of nursing care (r = 0.256, P < 0.001) as well as its dimensions. However, there was no significant relationship between patient trust in nurses and patient's perception of the nurses' communication skills (r = 0.046, P = 0.369).ConclusionsThe findings indicate that patient trust in nurses is positively and significantly associated with the perceived quality of nursing care. As the quality of care improves, patient trust in nurses also increases. Therefore, nurses should focus on providing high-quality care to enhance patient trust.

Nurse Caring and Readiness to Transition From the Hospital to Other Care Settings

This descriptive correlational research study aimed to explore the relationship between patients’ experience of nurse caring and patients’ readiness to transition from the hospital to home or other care settings in a large acute care hospital in South Florida. In addition, the predictors among the patients’ characteristics of patients’ readiness to care transition were examined. The study was grounded in Duffy’s Quality Caring Model. A convenience sample of 103 medical-surgical patients was recruited for the study. The participants completed the demographic data survey, the Caring Assessment Tool-V, and the Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale-Adult Form. The results of the study showed a strong positive correlation between patients’ experience of nurse caring and patients’ readiness to care transition (r= .243,p&lt; .05). Furthermore, marital status could predict patients’ readiness to care transition based on perceived knowledge, coping ability, and expected support (f= .0625,p&lt; .05). The study highlights the importance of nurse caring in enhancing patients’ readiness to care transition and valuing the patients’ support systems.

Inclusive education in Zimbabwe: An assessment of teachers' self‐efficacy and attitudes in Masvingo

AbstractSince the Salamanca Statement and Framework for Action in 1994, many countries have been advancing their education systems towards inclusive education. Zimbabwe, being one of the signatories to this framework, is one of the countries that have embraced the concept of inclusive education and has since been making strides towards its advancement albeit rather slowly. The purpose of this descriptive correlational study was to examine the self‐efficacy levels of Zimbabwean primary, secondary and high school teachers with inclusive education, as well as their attitudes towards the practice. To do this, 100 primary, secondary and high school teachers working in inclusive school settings in the Masvingo province were surveyed using a modified version of the Inclusion Competencies of Sri Lankan Teachers, (ICSLT) instrument. Findings of this study indicated that most of the participating teachers were in support of inclusive education despite not having the requisite preparation to implement it. Based on the findings, specific recommendations are provided for improving preservice teacher preparation and professional development for in‐service teachers in support of inclusive education.

Investigation of the psychometric properties of the Turkish child-friendly Oral Health Questionnaire

BackgroundOral problems are a common occurrence among school-age children. In order to develop effective oral health interventions and services, it is essential to determine children's oral health behaviours using an internationally accepted standardised instrument that is child-friendly. However, no instrument currently exists to measure oral health according to the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) in Turkish school-aged children. The aim of this study was to investigate the psychometric properties of the Oral Health Questionnaire, which includes the components of the theory of planned behavior such as attitude toward children's oral health, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, and self-efficacy, for the Turkish population.MethodsThis was a methodological–descriptive–correlational study conducted on 298 school children aged 9–10 years. Data were collected using The Oral Health Questionnaire. The data were evaluated using explanatory and confirmatory factor analysis, Cronbach's alpha, item-total score correlation, and Pearson product-moment correlation analysis.ResultsFactor analysis confirmed the five-dimensional structure. The factor loads were greater than 0.30, and all fit indices were greater than 0.90. The model consistency indexes were found to be X2 = 146.95, RMSEA = 0.053, GFI = 0.94, CFI = 0.98, IFI = 0.97, and NNFI = 0.97. The Cronbach's alpha values of its sub-dimensions were 0.71 and 0.80.ConclusionsThe Turkish version of Oral Health Questionnaire is considered a reliable and valid instrument that can be used by professionals to determine children's attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and oral and dental health intentions toward tooth brushing.

Navigating the Path to inclusive Education in Primary Schools in Arusha Region, Tanzania: A Descriptive-Correlational Study on Key Implementation Factors

This study navigated the path to inclusive education in primary schools in Arusha Region, Tanzania. The study used the descriptive correlational design. Out of the population of 14,881 stakeholders, the study had the sample size was 1,163 subject including 370 mainstream pupils, 278 mainstream teachers, 346 special needs learners and 169 special needs teachers. Sources of data were a questionnaire, an interview schedule, an observation schedule and Focus Group Discussions. Data analysis involved the thematic approach, descriptive statistics and regression analysis. While the running of inclusive education requires supporting tools and infrastructure, the schools did not have sufficient infrastructure and science and technology facilities to support the inclusive learning atmosphere. While primary schools had suitable classrooms, toilets, and playing grounds, the lighting, ventilation, and sound system were limited in quality. Based on the conclusions, the established shortcomings in infrastructure and technological equipment call for the school budget to include special education requirements. Finally, there is a need for schools to propagate appropriate cultural norms that cherish the value of humanity for both teachers and learners to respect special needs learners, providing necessary support for special needs learners to study comfortably without any discrimination.

Stroke knowledge and health-promoting behaviors: Mediating effect of patient self-esteem

ObjectiveTo investigate the levels of and associations between stroke knowledge, self-esteem, and health-promoting behavior (HPB) among stroke patients, and examine the mediating effect of self-esteem in the stroke knowledge–HPB relationship. MethodsThis descriptive correlational study involved a total of 150 stroke patients. We collected data through questionnaires during outpatient visits at two Korean secondary hospitals, inquiring about general and disease-related characteristics, stroke knowledge, self-esteem, and HPB. Correlation and mediation analyses were performed. ResultsStroke knowledge significantly increased patients’ self-esteem (β = .53, p = .001) and HPB (β = 1.64, p < .001). Self-esteem mediated the relationship between stroke knowledge and HPB, with the mediating effect coefficient determined to be 1.68 [95 % CI (0.56,−2.46)]. ConclusionEducation and intervention programs that increase both self-esteem and stroke knowledge need to be developed and evaluated such that stroke patients are motivated to engage in HPB. Practice implicationsStroke patients are often physically and mentally impaired, and low self-esteem can be a barrier to engaging in HPB after diagnosis, negatively affecting their health outcomes. Nursing interventions focused on enhancing self-esteem can empower these patients to effectively engage in HPB. Healthcare professionals should adequately communicate and impart disease-related knowledge to patients with poor disease-related knowledge or education.