Individual Education Research Articles

Effectiveness of room-of-error interventions for healthcare providers: a systematic review

BackgroundPatient safety incidents are recognized as significant contributors to patient mortality, thus demanding immediate attention and strategic interventions in healthcare systems. The room-of-error education program serves as a solution, as it provides a case-based learning platform allowing nursing students to identify and resolve medical errors within a controlled environment systematically. This study aimed to identify the context, mechanisms, and outcomes of room-of-error training programs.MethodsThis study adopted a systematic review methodology aligning with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. Comprehensive searches were conducted across key databases, including OvidMEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, and CINAHL, by utilizing specific terms related to healthcare providers, nursing students, room-of-error education, medical errors, simulation training, and virtual intervention. Included studies focused on healthcare providers or students, error recognition, RFE-related training, and randomized or quasi-experimental trials, while exclusion criteria were non-English/Korean studies, non-original articles, abstracts, and qualitative studies. Risk of bias in the selected studies was assessed using the Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies version 2.0 tool.ResultsThe search strategy yielded 2,447 articles, with eight studies meeting the inclusion criteria. Predominantly quasi-experimental in design, these eight studies primarily focused on nurses as the target population. Simulations were found to be widely integrated into room-of-error programs, emphasizing skill performance and critical thinking. Half of the studies provided preparation time, 37.5% included feedback, and 62.5% covered medication errors, with 87.5% using offline delivery, 62.5% offering individual education, and program durations ranging from 4 to 35 min, with 25% having no time limit for error inspection. Diverse content, including topics such as medication errors and infection control, was found to be delivered through offline or virtual formats and group-based or individual education.ConclusionsThe findings provide valuable insights into the characteristics and outcomes of room-of-error training programs for healthcare professionals and students. This study emphasizes the significance of practical, case-based approaches in nursing education to augment knowledge, confidence, and competencies, thereby enhancing patient safety in clinical practice.

Examining STEM Preferences in Autistic Students: The Role of Contextual Support, Self-Efficacy, and Outcome Expectations

Over recent decades, there has been a significant increase in postsecondary STEM education among autistic individuals. Using data from the High School Longitudinal Study of 2009, this study examined the STEM pathways of autistic students, emphasizing key determinants like proximal context, self-efficacy, and outcome expectations within the framework of social cognitive theory. The results revealed that despite a lower college attendance rate, autistic students displayed a pronounced inclination for STEM majors, particularly in the fields of science, engineering, and mathematics. Notably, autistic students who pursue higher education tend to exhibit increased levels of self-efficacy and anticipate more positive outcomes within STEM disciplines. However, the levels of both constructs in mathematics had decreased by the 11th grade. Nonetheless, STEM self-efficacy played a significant role in influencing outcome expectations and major choices, with this relationship being more pronounced among autistic students. For autistic students, their choice of a STEM major was influenced by their self-efficacy, as well as factors like race and gender. On the other hand, for non-autistic students, their proximal context was an additional determinant in their decision. Insights gained from this research can inform educational strategies aimed at facilitating the participation of autistic individuals in postsecondary STEM education and related career paths.

A legdrágább falatok, avagy az élelmiszer-pazarlás a debreceni egyetemi hallgatók körében

The scale, importance and consequences of food waste are a much-studied topic, as they contribute greatly to resource wastage and environmental damage. Research at the University of Debrecen aimed to explore the factors behind food waste, with a particular focus on the habits of university students. While the overall level of food waste is well documented worldwide, research on specific population groups, such as university students, has only recently received attention. University students represent a unique demographic group due to their particular life rhythm, limited financial means and more in-depth knowledge. In the framework of the research, a survey was conducted among the students of the University of Debrecen in the academic year 2023/2024 to find out their knowledge and habits related to food waste. The aim of the survey is to highlight opportunities to reduce waste and contribute to more sustainable consumption patterns. The survey was voluntary and consisted of 133 questions in several groups of questions. After data cleaning, the present study is based on the responses of 618 students. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS 29.0. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and t-test were conducted and Chi-square test was used at 5% level of significance. K-means clustering algorithm was used to group respondents based on their estimated individual food waste in kilograms and their household or national average food waste. In addition to this, PCA (Principal Component Analysis) analysis was applied. There was a significant difference between genders, with women typically wasting less food than men, there was no difference in wastage between income groups, but there was for the principal components based on attitudes, with those of modest income typically being more financially conscious, while those of above average income were less characterized by planning and more characterized by environmentalism. There was also a significant difference by education level, with lower educated individuals being more receptive to discounts and higher educated individuals scoring higher on the environmental principal component.JEL Codes: D12, Q18, Q 53, Q56

Depressive Symptoms and Amyloid Pathology

Depressive symptoms are associated with cognitive decline in older individuals. Uncertainty about underlying mechanisms hampers diagnostic and therapeutic efforts. This large-scale study aimed to elucidate the association between depressive symptoms and amyloid pathology. To examine the association between depressive symptoms and amyloid pathology and its dependency on age, sex, education, and APOE genotype in older individuals without dementia. Cross-sectional analyses were performed using data from the Amyloid Biomarker Study data pooling initiative. Data from 49 research, population-based, and memory clinic studies were pooled and harmonized. The Amyloid Biomarker Study has been collecting data since 2012 and data collection is ongoing. At the time of analysis, 95 centers were included in the Amyloid Biomarker Study. The study included 9746 individuals with normal cognition (NC) and 3023 participants with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) aged between 34 and 100 years for whom data on amyloid biomarkers, presence of depressive symptoms, and age were available. Data were analyzed from December 2022 to February 2024. Amyloid-β1-42 levels in cerebrospinal fluid or amyloid positron emission tomography scans were used to determine presence or absence of amyloid pathology. Presence of depressive symptoms was determined on the basis of validated depression rating scale scores, evidence of a current clinical diagnosis of depression, or self-reported depressive symptoms. In individuals with NC (mean [SD] age, 68.6 [8.9] years; 5664 [58.2%] female; 3002 [34.0%] APOE ε4 carriers; 937 [9.6%] had depressive symptoms; 2648 [27.2%] had amyloid pathology), the presence of depressive symptoms was not associated with amyloid pathology (odds ratio [OR], 1.13; 95% CI, 0.90-1.40; P = .29). In individuals with MCI (mean [SD] age, 70.2 [8.7] years; 1481 [49.0%] female; 1046 [44.8%] APOE ε4 carriers; 824 [27.3%] had depressive symptoms; 1668 [55.8%] had amyloid pathology), the presence of depressive symptoms was associated with a lower likelihood of amyloid pathology (OR, 0.73; 95% CI 0.61-0.89; P = .001). When considering subgroup effects, in individuals with NC, the presence of depressive symptoms was associated with a higher frequency of amyloid pathology in APOE ε4 noncarriers (mean difference, 5.0%; 95% CI 1.0-9.0; P = .02) but not in APOE ε4 carriers. This was not the case in individuals with MCI. Depressive symptoms were not consistently associated with a higher frequency of amyloid pathology in participants with NC and were associated with a lower likelihood of amyloid pathology in participants with MCI. These findings were not influenced by age, sex, or education level. Mechanisms other than amyloid accumulation may commonly underlie depressive symptoms in late life.

Case Study Analysis of Dyslexia and Dysgraphia in a 10-Year-Old Male: Intervention and Outcomes

Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) represent a range of persistent difficulties in acquiring academic skills, often evident in areas like reading, writing, and mathematics. This study presents a detailed case analysis of a 10-year-old male diagnosed with mixed scholastic difficulties, specifically dyslexia and dysgraphia. The participant exhibited significant challenges with reading and writing, including issues with mirror images of letters and spelling errors, impacting academic performance. Comprehensive assessments, including the Malin’s Intelligence Scale for Indian Children (MISIC) and NIMHANS educational battery, were administered, revealing average IQ and academic performance equivalent to a second grader. The intervention involved 72 individualized sessions over six months, targeting attention span, reading comprehension, and spelling. Adjustments to the school curriculum, such as extra exam time and exemption from a third language, were implemented to support his learning needs. Post-intervention results indicated substantial improvements in reading, spelling accuracy, and academic confidence, as reported by teachers and parents. This study highlights the importance of personalized education plans and ongoing support for children with SLD, providing a framework for clinicians handling similar cases. Key Words: Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD), Dysgraphia, Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Individualized Education Plan (IEP), Reading and writing difficulties, Mirror image errors, SLD Asssessments, MISIC, NIMHANS neuropsychological battery, School accommodations, Case study, Therapeutic outcomes, Therapeutic Interventions

Autistic and transgender/gender diverse people’s experiences of health and healthcare

BackgroundAutistic people and transgender/gender diverse people experience poorer healthcare experiences and greater risk of diagnosed, suspected, and assessment recommended health conditions, compared to non-autistic and cisgender individuals, respectively. Despite this, there is a paucity of studies on the healthcare experiences and health outcomes of transgender/gender diverse autistic individuals.MethodsWe compared the healthcare experiences and health outcomes of cisgender autistic (n = 1094), transgender/gender diverse autistic (n = 174), and cisgender non-autistic adults (n = 1295) via an anonymous, self-report survey. All individuals whose sex assigned at birth did not match their current gender identity were categorized as transgender/gender diverse; this was possible to determine, as the survey asked about sex assigned at birth and gender in separate questions. Unfortunately, n = 57 transgender/gender diverse non-autistic participants were excluded from these analyses a priori, due to low power. Unadjusted and adjusted binomial logistic regression models with FDR correction were employed to assess healthcare experiences and rates of co-occurring mental and physical health conditions.ResultsBoth transgender/gender diverse and cisgender autistic adults had higher rates of all health conditions (including conditions that are formally diagnosed, suspected, or recommended for assessment), compared to cisgender non-autistic adults. Transgender/gender diverse autistic adults were 2.3 times more likely to report a physical health condition, 10.9 times more likely to report a mental health condition, and 5.8 times more likely to report self-harm than cisgender non-autistic adults. Both autistic groups also reported significantly poorer healthcare experiences across 50/51 items.LimitationsThese data were not originally collected to understand the experiences of transgender/gender diverse individuals. In addition, our recruitment strategies, use of a convenience sampling method, and the use of a self-report survey limit the generalizability of the study. As our sample was biased towards white individuals, UK residents, relatively highly educated individuals, those assigned female at birth, and those who currently identify as female, our findings may be less applicable to individuals of differing demographics. Finally, the present study does not include information on the experiences of transgender/gender diverse non-autistic people.ConclusionsAutistic people have poorer self-reported health and healthcare; however, being gender diverse is associated with further risk for certain adverse experiences and outcomes. Future research on the health and healthcare experiences of transgender/gender diverse autistic people is urgently needed. In particular, forthcoming studies in this area should aim to recruit large-scale and representative studies and should compare the experiences of transgender/gender diverse autistic people to those of transgender/gender diverse non-autistic people. Greater recognition of challenges and reasonable adjustments are essential for people with marginalized, intersectional identities in clinical practice.

Behavior changes to promote preconception health: a systematic review

BackgroundPreconception care is expected to prevent diseases, promote health, and improve pregnancy outcomes. Although a consensus exists on the efficacy of folic acid supplementation and preconception vaccination, evidence regarding comprehensive approaches to preconception care targeting the general population remains lacking. We aimed to identify and examine preconception care programs delivered to reproductive-aged women and men to promote behavioral change.MethodsWe searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases on November 30, 2023. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cluster RCTs assessing preconception care programs provided to the general population. We included behavioral change interventions, including screening, counseling, and education, to encourage preconception health. We performed a narrative synthesis of the characteristics and a summary of the intervention effects of the included studies.ResultsWe identified 26 trials (from 29 reports). Most of the studies recruited women. The most common study setting was healthcare services, and various types of behavioral change interventions were noted. All types of interventions, including individual education, group education, online education, and information campaigns, exhibited certain effects of improvement regarding behavioral change, knowledge, health outcomes, and other health-related outcomes in preconception health.ConclusionsIn this systematic review, only three studies recruited men. Further research on preconception care in men is needed. The topics typically addressed in preconception care are folic acid supplementation and nutrition. Additionally, further research is needed for a comprehensive approach, including physical, mental, and social health. Future research addressing the broad determinants of preconception health for both women and men could provide more effective preconception care.

Integrating Infant Safe Sleep and Breastfeeding Education Into an App in a Novel Approach to Reaching High-Risk Populations: Prospective Observational Study.

Sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) is a leading cause of death for US infants, and nonrecommended sleep practices are reported in most of these deaths. SUID rates have not declined over the past 20 years despite significant educational efforts. Integration of prenatal safe sleep and breastfeeding education into a pregnancy app may be one approach to engaging pregnant individuals in education about infant care practices prior to childbirth. This study aims to assess whether pregnant individuals would engage with prenatal safe sleep and breastfeeding education provided within a pre-existing pregnancy app. Secondary objectives were to compare engagement among those at high and low risk of losing an infant to SUID and to assess the importance of end user push notifications for engagement. This prospective observational study was conducted from September 23, 2019 to March, 22 2022; push notifications were removed on October 26, 2021. TodaysBaby (University of Virginia, Boston University, and Washington University), a mobile health program in which safe sleep and breastfeeding video education was originally provided via texts, was embedded into the MyHealthyPregnancy app (Naima Health LLC). Pregnant mothers who received prenatal care within the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center hospital system were randomized to receive either safe sleep or breastfeeding education beginning at the start of the third trimester of pregnancy and ending 6 weeks post partum. Pregnant persons were designated as high risk if they lived in the 5% of zip codes in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania with the highest rates of SUID in the county. The primary outcome was engagement, defined as watching at least 1 video either in response to a push notification or directly from the app's learning center. A total of 7572 pregnant persons were enrolled in the TodaysBaby Program-3308 with push notifications and 4264 without. The TodaysBaby engagement rate was 18.8% with push notifications and 3.0% without. Engagement was highest in the initial weeks after enrollment, with a steady decline through pregnancy and very little postpartum engagement. There was no difference in engagement between pregnant persons who were low and high risk. The most viewed videos were ones addressing the use of pacifiers, concerns about infant choking, and the response of the body to the start of breastfeeding. Integrating safe sleep and breastfeeding education within a pregnancy app may allow for rapid dissemination of infant care information to pregnant individuals. Birthing parents at high risk of losing an infant to SUID-a leading cause of infant death after 1 month of age-appear to engage with the app at the same rates as birth parents who are at low risk. Our data demonstrate that push notifications increase engagement, overall and for those in high-risk zip codes where the SUID education is likely to have the most impact.

Theory and Application of Narrative Counseling Literature Study

This article discusses the theory and application of narrative counseling as an approach in psychotherapy practice. Narrative counseling focuses on how individuals construct and understand their life stories, and their impact on identity and behavior. Through a literature study, this article examines the main concepts in narrative counseling, including narrative structure, the role of the agent in the story, and the techniques used in counseling sessions. Additionally, this article explores the various applications of narrative counseling in clinical, educational, and community contexts, highlighting successes and challenges faced by practitioners. The results of literature studies show that narrative counseling is effective in various contexts, including mental health problems and self-development. However, further research is still needed to explore its long-term impact and application in various cultures. Thus, narrative counseling offers an innovative and flexible approach in helping individuals understand themselves through the stories they create. The application of narrative counseling can be found in various contexts and situations, including individual counseling, family counseling, education, mental health, social intervention and personal development. Findings from this study suggest that narrative counseling can be an effective tool in helping individuals reconstruct experiences and create new meaning in their lives. Finally, this article suggests future research directions to deepen understanding of the long-term impacts of narrative-based interventions.

Prenatal, perinatal, and environmental risk factors contribute to the high prevalence of autism spectrum disorder in northeastern Bangladesh

Objectives Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition with increasing prevalence worldwide, including in Bangladesh. This study investigated prenatal, perinatal, and environmental risk factors associated with ASD in northeastern Bangladesh, where data on the disorder is scarce. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with 168 children diagnosed with ASD (CWA), 167 typically developing children (TDC), and 185 unaffected siblings (Sib), recruited from five government-approved specialized schools in Sylhet, northeastern Bangladesh. Diagnoses were confirmed using a modified ADI-R/ADOS, and logistic regression was used to analyze associated risk factors. Results Advanced maternal age, firstborn status, and a history of consanguinity were significant prevalence of prenatal/perinatal complications, including birth asphyxia and blood Rh incompatibility, compared to TDC and Sib. A considerable gap in scientific awareness was noted, with many parents attributing their child’s condition to associated with ASD. Parental exposure to mercury-based dental amalgam was also strongly linked to ASD. CWA had a higher generational or religious belief. Conclusions We identified critical risk factors contributing to the high prevalence of ASD in northeastern Bangladesh, underscoring the need for enhanced diagnostic, educational, and healthcare strategies to ensure good health and well-being and to provide quality education for individuals with ASD.

Beyond Income and Education: Unveiling the True Catalysts of Green Behavior in Pakistan and South Asia

There is extensive literature on the progress of green alternatives in Pakistan, but there is no evaluation of how the people of Pakistan will respond to these proposed solutions. After conducting a literature review on green alternatives, this paper employs the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) framework. It utilizes data from the World Values Survey (WVS) in conjunction with logistic regression to assess the viability of sustainable practices in Pakistan and whether specific demographic groups, such as women, highly educated individuals, and high-income citizens, exhibit a greater inclination to adopt sustainable practices. Our regression analysis indicates that people’s income, religiosity level, and age do not affect their likelihood of adopting sustainable practices. In contrast, their attitude towards free market ideology, self-provision, and cultural values such as power distance and global connectedness have a significant impact. The paper shows Pakistan’s education system does not instill environmental values in people like other South Asian systems. Women in South Asia are less likely to adopt sustainable practices than men. These findings offer valuable insights for policymakers and financial institutions, guiding a nuanced restructuring of green alternative approaches in Pakistan and South Asia.

Value Delivery Practices in the Thoughts of Miyazawa Kenji and Jiddu Krishnamurti: A Systematic Review from an Educational Perspective

The value delivery process engages with the collaboration process of trust, thinking, skills, communicating, relationships, and understanding self. As educated individuals, we are in this engagement process and question the current school education and understanding of childhood in children. The globally connected world where we live together in a material world where Happiness, compassion, and empathy are not reflected in the education system and the potential of a child is determined by grades and scores in exams, which is neglecting the part that drives our actions, the search for meaning and purpose of life. The lack of human values with the wave of technology and changing nature around us is alarming. Even in the age of modernization, we need to progress in being human. The basis of human life is childhood and the education that they gain. Unfortunately, the education presented these days lacks moral values. The paper attempts to systematically discuss value-based educational models and practices in India and Japan based on the philosophy of Miyazawa Kenji and Jiddu Krishnamurti. The systematic literature review is done using Google Scholar and Mendeley Reference Management. This study provides the framework of modeling and practices for a value education for policymakers, organizations, researchers, and individuals in the present and future. Therefore, the study of such type is evident from the theoretical clusters and current status of education. The findings of the study discuss the Development of the meaning of Educational Values, the Development of theories from different fields, discuss the development of value education, and the value perspectives of Miyazawa Kenji and Jiddu Krishnamurti. Krishnamuti’s insights on education reflect the right kind of education, which reflects questioning, attention, freedom, fearlessness, without competition, no comparison, and child-centered education, where both teacher and student are learners. Miyazawa Kenji's insights on education reflect resilience, risk-taking, understanding the actual talent, finding passion, love for the subject, finding ways in difficult situations, fearlessness, and helping the child grow while the teacher is the nurturer. Both philosophers focus on the affective domain and cognition; learning without values mechanically assists humans to think like machines when they are much beyond that. Therefore, understanding these value delivery practices is essential. Value delivery practices in these schools will help us understand the teaching-learning experiences and the collaboration of these affective, cognitive, and psychomotor skills. There is much learning in schools, but childhood innocence is missing.

Factors Associated with HIV Testing Uptake in Cameroon: Data from the 2018 Cameroon Demographic and Health Survey.

HIV represents a significant public health challenge, contributing to increased mortality and morbidity within the population. Despite the implementation of various HIV testing strategies, the uptake rate of HIV testing remains low. This study aims to assess the factors associated with HIV testing uptake among women and men in Cameroon. A secondary analysis of the 2018 Cameroon demographic and health survey (DHS) was conducted using data of sexually active men and women aged 15-64. Multivariate logistic regression was employed to identify the key factors associated with HIV testing in Cameroon. We included a total of 18,112 participants (12563 women and 5549 men). The study found that 47.8% (95% CI 46.9-48.7) of women and 45% (95% CI 43.7-46.3) of men were tested for HIV in the past 12 months. Among women and men, age above 20-24 years (AOR= 1.3, p<0.01 vs AOR= 2.3, p<0.001), a high level of education (AOR= 2.1, p<0.001 vs AOR= 2.3, p<0.001) and high wealth (AOR= 1.9, p<0.001 AOR= 2.0, p<0.001) were positively associated with HIV testing uptake. Conversely,residing in the northern regions (AOR= 0.5, p<0.001 vs AOR= 0.4, p<0.001), was negatively associated. Among men, no independent significant association was found between HIV testing uptake and never being married. This study, utilizing data from the Cameroon DHS, provides valuable insights into HIV testing in Cameroon. To achieve UNAIDS targets of "zero new infections and zero deaths" by 2030, interventions must prioritize less educated individuals, younger age groups and low income earners. The findings from this research can inform recommendations for decision-makers and contribute to the development of effective public health interventions to combat HIV in Cameroon.

Clinical insights into cross-sectional imaging integration in radiography education

IntroductionClinical practice is a critical component of radiography curricula, offering students with essential skills and training for proficient practice. Educational institutions are challenged to review and develop strategies to meet evolving service demands regularly. This study aims to gain insight into the inclusion of cross-sectional imaging within pre-registration radiography training. MethodsAn online questionnaire, based on previous European Federation of Radiographer Societies (EFRS) surveys, included closed-ended questions and ascertained the level of qualification, cross-sectional imaging incorporation, and tasks and assessments within programmes. The questionnaire was distributed through the EFRS Research Hub at the European Congress of Radiology (ECR) 2023 and online via social media. Closed-ended questions were summarised using descriptive statistics. ResultsResponses were received from 64 individual radiography educators across 29 different countries. Fifty-seven respondents (91.9 %) reported including cross-sectional imaging training in their institution's pre-registration radiography programme. An increase in the amount of time dedicated to clinical training in cross-sectional imaging was reported by 24 respondents (42.1 %). Overall, 32 individuals (53.3 %) stated that CT is a specialised modality, and dedicated training should be for radiographers once they obtain their basic qualifications. In contrast, 36 respondents (61 %) agreed that MRI should also be reserved as a specialised modality. ConclusionStudy findings indicate a lack of consistency among pre-registration radiography programmes in terms of how they include cross-sectional imaging in their curricula. Differing opinions on this issue are likely to be guided by national standards and workforce requirements upon qualification. Implications for practiceVariations in training curricula can present significant challenges for graduates. To align with the most recent Standards of Proficiency, curricula must be regularly reviewed and updated. Such Standards now typically require radiographers to perform a range of CT scans, including those of the head, C-spine, chest, and abdomen. Therefore, integrating comprehensive training in cross-sectional imaging into pre-registration education is crucial to ensure that future professionals meet these essential competencies and are fully prepared for their roles.

Experiences of south Asian key workers in COVID-19 lockdowns in the United Kingdom.

This study aims to explore the experiences, challenges, and support given to South Asian Key Workers (food and necessary goods, Transport (delivery and taxi drivers,) working in the United Kingdom in times of the COVID-19 lockdowns between March 2020 to March 2021. The qualitative study aims to explore the experiences, challenges, and financial support given to South Asian Key Workers working in the United Kingdom in times of the COVID-19 lockdowns. A phenomenological approach was used to explore the experiences of key workers during the COVID-19 lockdowns in the UK. Snowball sampling was used to contact participants, who were South Asian key workers working in food, necessary goods and transport during COVID-19 lockdown in United Kingdom. Semi-structured, in-depth face to face and telephonic interviews were conducted with study participants in February and March 2021. Inductive qualitative approach was used for data analysis, and data analysis was done parallel with data collection. Researcher interviewed 17 key workers. During the data analysis four theme categories emerged: 1) Precarious working conditions, 2) Coping with stress and fear, 3) Sustainability pressures, and 4) Insufficient support. Overall, the results show that the many participants had been working in close interaction with co-workers, customers and clients, poor protective measures to prevent catching infection, excessive workload, received limited support from employer, no access to furlough pay, restriction based on immigration status and limited economic support. Instead, they had to use self-devised strategies to cope with the increased workload, economic burdens and protection from infection. The precarious working conditions exhausted participants physically and economically. They were holding a lot of grievances and hurt inside due to long existing inequalities in the society, where many highly educated and skilled individuals were unable to get stable and secure employments, despite the health vulnerabilities, South Asian key workers worked through the Covid-19 lockdowns to overcome difficulties stem from precarious work. Although currently coping with increased debts, economic burdens and long COVID symptoms, comprehensive job security and entitlement to secure contracts with provisions to sick leaves and pays should be made available to address economic vulnerabilities of south Asian key workers.

Practical Social Skills Assessment for Inclusive Classroom Settings

Social skills development is essential for optimal social, educational and professional growth and well-being. The development of these skills starts from childhood through interaction with others. Educational settings are crucial for promoting social skills development because they are the first structured settings children enter, and they provide social interaction opportunities. Educators should be prepared to facilitate social skills development in a diverse student body in today's inclusive settings. Social skills interventions are essential for those children that experience more challenges in their social interactions. Therefore, educators should be familiar with social skills assessment tools that help recognize children's strengths and areas that need intervention to support their social skills development. This article provides information on a practical social skills assessment that can facilitate developing Individual Education Plan (IEP).

Depression among people living in rural and urban areas of Thailand: A cross-sectional study.

Depression has a growing trend in the population worldwide. In this cross-sectional study, we investigated the prevalence and associated factors of depression among individuals residing in rural (Ban Luang district, Nan Province) and urban (Lak Si, Bangkok) areas of Thailand. Understanding the differences in depression between these two settings can provide insights for specific targeted interventions and mental health policies. The multistage stratified random sampling was applied to select the study participants. We recruited participants from rural and urban communities in Thailand using a structured survey questionnaire through either face-to-face interviews or in paper or electronic form. We collected data on depression using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) tool and sociodemographic characteristics and conducted descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis. Of 867 survey participants, 420 were from rural areas (Nan) and 447 were from urban areas (Bangkok). Participants' mean age was 55.9±9.5 years in rural areas and 56.0±12.0 years in urban areas. Most participants in urban areas were women, married, and had lower education levels (71.1%, 50.3%, 58.8%, respectively). The overall prevalence of depression across both settings was 18.6%. We found a higher prevalence of depression in the urban (31.8%) than the rural (4.5%) setting. In multiple logistic regression analysis, urban residence was significantly associated with higher rates of depression compared with rural residence (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 9.43, 95% confidence interval [CI] 5.08-17.52). Nuclear family and using social media were associated with lower levels of depression in urban areas (AOR 0.50 and 0.43, 95% CI 0.27-0.93 and 0.22-0.84, respectively). Higher education level was significantly associated with higher levels of depression in rural areas (AOR 3.84, 95% CI 1.19-12.42). This study emphasized the difference in depression and related factors between rural and urban areas of Thailand, highlighting a greater prevalence in urban areas. To help prevent depression, it is important to address specific challenges in each setting, such as those faced by highly educated individuals living in rural areas with high depression rates, exploring social media use patterns in urban populations, and understanding dynamics of the nuclear family. Our findings can inform the development of public health policies aimed at effectively mitigating the burden of depression and improving overall mental well-being in specific settings.

Obsessive-compulsive Symptoms Prevalence among Medical Students in Four Major Universities, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is recognized by the World Health Organization as one of the top 10 most disabling disorders globally. Characterized by recurrent and persistent thoughts (obsessions) and/or repetitive behaviors (compulsions), it significantly disrupts an individual's daily life, impacting routine, education, career development, and social relationships. The disorder's prevalence varies worldwide, with studies in Saudi Arabia showing a higher rate of obsessive-compulsive symptoms among medical students. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of obsessive-compulsive symptoms among undergraduate medical students in four major universities in Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional, web-based survey was administered between April and June 2023 to medical students from Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, King Faisal University, King Saud University, and King Abdulaziz University. The survey assessed obsessive-compulsive symptoms using the OCI-R scale. Out of 886 medical students, 411 (46.4%) scored 21 or more on the OCI-R, indicating probable obsessive-compulsive disorder. Females had significantly higher OCI-R scores compared to males. Younger students, those with a family or personal history of psychiatric disorders, particularly depression, and those with lower academic satisfaction exhibited higher scores. This study emphasizes the importance of incorporating mental health awareness programs into educational curricula due to the high prevalence of obsessive-compulsive symptoms among medical students. Implementing such programs can help reduce stress and improve both academic performance and overall well-being.

The Impact of Individual and Organizational Characteristics on Work Ethics- Cross-Cultural Comparison

This study aims to analyze the effect of individual (gender and education) and organizational (organizational sector) characteristics on work ethics in the United Kingdom, Serbia, and the United Arab Emirates. This research is centered around a survey conducted among managers, from the UK, the UAE, and Serbia. Their main task was to evaluate the aspects of the Multidimensional Work Ethic Profile (MWEP) short form. The MWEP was chosen for this study as it does not explicitly address work ethics with religion, making it a suitable tool for examining work ethics across three cultures with different religious practices. This study contributes to existing literature by exploring how organizational factors influence work ethics in three countries that share business interests and have cultural and economic ties. The findings indicate that these factors have an impact on work ethics in studied countries.

Effects of Bionutraceuticals on the Human Body

Nutraceutical, Pharmaceutical, Vitamin D, Carotenoids, N- Acetylcysteine, Curcumin, ROS, L- Cysteine, Anti-Inflammatory. The concept of nutraceuticals is a hybrid concept that has been constantly evolving in the light of new research from past to present. From the words 'nutruent' and 'pharmaceutıcal' in 1989 DR. It was created by Stephen Defelice. Due to the current population and the health education of individuals, nutraceuticals are increasing worldwide. Nutraceuticals meet on common ground with pharmaceuticals by converting functional foodstuffs into forms such as capsules, pills, tablets, etc. Nutraceuticals reduce the need for pharmaceutical drugs by preventing or reducing diseases. In this case, the cytotoxicity value caused by pharmaceutical drugs decreases. Nutaseuticals are broadly divided into many groups. The main source of vitamin D is the epidermis. It is a fat-soluble hormaon through its conversion to biologically inactive vitamin D3, undergoing hydroxylation by 25-hydroxylase in the liver to 25(OH)D. stimulating the maturation of type II pneucytes, supporting surfactant production and increasing the innate immune response in the airways. Skin concentrations of carotenoids increase with ingestion of ingredients and decrease with oxidative stress and UV exposures. There are four main components in the carotenoid family. These are β-carotene, lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, and are thought to be useful in preventing a variety of diseases, including certain cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and eye diseases. N-acetylcysteine has both oral and tropical biobenefits and is the prodrug form of L-cysteine. It reveals glutathione, the most abundant endogenous intracellular antioxidant in the body, thus playing an important role in the body's antioxidant defense system. As a result of the increase in oxidative stress, DNA damage and aging begin to occur. The anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin have the ability to suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines, including chemokines, cyclooxygenase-2, prostaglandin E2, MMPs, interleukins (IL) such as IL-6 and IL-12, and tumor necrosis factor-α. At the same time, curcumin has the role of an antioxidant by suppressing ROS production, scavenging free oxygen radicals, and inhibiting lipid peroxidation.