Educational Intervention Program Research Articles

General population knowledge and perception regarding family medicine specialty in Saudi Arabia

Background: Family medicine is a medical speciality concerned with the entire health care of the individual and the family. It incorporates biological, clinical, and behavioral sciences and its scope is not limited by age, gender, organ system, or disease entity limitations. Family physicians serve important roles in many countries' primary care systems, although family medicine (FM) is still in its early stages in Saudi Arabia.Aims: To assess the level of knowledge and perception towards family medicine among general population in Saudi Arabia.Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 382 participants form general population in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The responses were collected through the administration of a questionnaire in cluster 1 primary health care centers. Respondents were selected by convenient sampling technique. Data analysis was carried out by using SPSS.Results: The study group consisted of 382 respondents. Females represented 56.5% of participants and 43.5% were males. More than sixty percent of participants were aged between 18-35 years. The mean knowledge and perception score of our participants was 15±2.3 points (Range 6 – 20) and 53.5 ± 5.8 points (Range 37 – 70) respectively. In addition, we found that most of respondents showed good knowledge about family medicine specialty (62%) and only 38% of respondents revealed poor knowledge. Finally, our results demonstrated that there was no significant association between the level of knowledge, not even perception and different socio-demographic variables.Conclusion: Our findings concluded that people from Riyadh in Saudi Arabia revealed good level of knowledge and perception regarding the specialty of family medicine. Further studies and interventional educational programs are recommended.

Effects of an Emotional Education Program on Prisoners: An Experimental Study.

Emotional education has beneficial effects on physical and/or emotional health, resulting in a better quality of life. Thus, it is beneficial to provide prisoners with emotional education, because of the difficulties they often have, to attain these benefits. The aim of the study was to analyze the effects of a nursing intervention program in emotional education for incarcerated persons. Experimental study with pretest-posttest repeated measures with a control group was conducted at a penitentiary center in the southeast of Spain. Forty-eight prisoners participated in the emotional education intervention program, and another 48 were part of the control group. The emotional intelligence questionnaire 24-item Trait Meta-Mood Scale, the resilience scale Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, the Rathus Assertiveness Questionnaire, and the 36-item Short Form Health Survey were utilized. The intragroup, preintervention and postintervention comparisons in the study group showed improvements in self-esteem (p = 0.00, r = 0.51), resilience (p = 0.00, r = 0.42), assertiveness (p = 0.00, r = 0.46), and emotional intelligence in its dimensions of repair (p = 0.00, r = 0.32) and clarity (p = 0.02, r = 0.22) as well as in most of the quality of life dimensions. Significant intergroup differences were also found in all of these variables, except for attention and emotional clarity dimensions. The intervention improved the socioemotional health and quality of life of the prisoners, highlighting the importance of these interventions to be performed by the nursing personnel on a regular basis as a programmed activity within prisons.

Assessment of The Impact Of Sex Education In Reducing Unprotected Sexual Intercourse Among Adolescents In Ilese Comprehensive High School Ijebu North East Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria

This study assessed the impact of sex education in reducing unprotected sexual intercourse among adolescents in ilese comprehensive high school, ijebu north east local government area of ogun state. This project is guided by the following objectives; To determine whether Sex Education Intervention Programme would reduce at-risk sexual behaviours of school-going adolescents. Also, to suggest the need for effective sex education for the adolescents. The research is descriptive in nature and validated questionnaire was distributed to the one hundred (100) participants with balanced demographic characteristics and geographic distribution. The data obtained were analyzed with both descriptive and inferential statistics. Result shows 73% have been having sexual intercourse , 83% are aware tht unprotected sex is an act of sexual intercource or sodomy performed without the use of condom, 86% know that unprotected sexual intercourse is a rising event of sexually transmitted diseases; high rates of abortion and mortality are more among adolescents. Based on the findings of the study, the researcher concludes that adolescents in comprehensive high secondary school ilese do not have adequate information about sex. Therefore, parents should be sensitized about the whole question of adolescents’s sexuality so that they can me more involved in teaching them about the same also the educating system should put into consideration the idea of incorporating sex education into the school curriculum. Keywords: Assessment, Sex Education, Unprotected Sexual Intercourse, Adolescents, High School, Nigeria

Educational Intervention Program for Young Voters: Improving Political Knowledge and Voting Behavior in the 2020 Simultaneous Local Elections

Young voters' low level of political knowledge, which impacts political participation, is still a phenomenon today. The influence of political knowledge on young voters' behavior is still being debated, and there is little empirical evidence, especially regarding political knowledge and voting behavior enhanced through specific educational programs. Therefore, an effective education program is needed to increase political knowledge and the desire of young voters to participate in general elections. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of educational programs in increasing political knowledge and shaping voting behavior among young voters in South Kalimantan Local Elections (Pilkada). We used a quasi-experimental research design by providing extension activities as an online educational intervention program to 41 participants. All participants took three measurement phases, starting from the pre-education program, post-education program, and post-Pilkada phase. The education program was conducted online by providing materials related to the reasons for using the right to vote, information on candidates, considerations for making choices, election techniques, and time and place for the election. The results of the analysis found that educational programs influenced the political knowledge and voting behavior of young voters. Thus, this educational program can significantly and effectively improve young voters' political knowledge and voting behavior.

Knowledge and Perceptions on Antenatal Care among Men in Embakasi South Sub County, Nairobi, Kenya

Background: Involving husbands and men in decision-making processes can play a crucial role in antenatal care uptake and utilisation. However, men often lack necessary knowledge and have misleading beliefs and perceptions.Subjects and Method: The current research was an analytical cross sectional study conducted in Embakasi South Sub county, Nairobi, Kenya which sought to assess the knowledge and attitude towards antenatal care among men. Kelsey et al sample size determination formula was used to calculate a sample of 66 subjects. A researcher-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Descriptive statistics and chi-square analyses were used in the analysis of data with the help of SPSS.Results: The results in this study showed that slightly above half (57.6%, n=38) of the subjects had low knowledge. Slightly above half (51.5%, n=34) had positive attitudes towards ANC. None of the demographic characteristics was significant to knowledge. There was also no significant associations between demographic characteristics and subjects’ attitudes towards antenatal care. There was a significant association (p =0.048) between knowledge and attitudes. Results showed that subjects with low knowledge were 2.196 times likely to have positive attitudes.Conclusion: These findings highlight the current knowledge gap that exists among men regarding antenatal care. An education intervention program ought to be carried out among men in Embakasi South Sub County and other parts of Nairobi and the country. Community health programs should also build on the positive attitudes towards ANC as found in this study to help improve male involvement in antenatal care and other reproductive health issues.

The Benefits of a Therapeutic Exercise and Educational Intervention Program on Central Sensitization Symptoms and Pain-Related Fear Avoidance in Breast Cancer Survivors

BackgroundCentral sensitization symptoms and pain-related fear avoidance are two common problems in breast cancer survivors. Non-pharmacologic interventions such as therapeutic exercise and patient education can be effective in this population. AimsThis study aimed to: (1) analyze the benefits of a therapeutic exercise and educational program on central sensitization symptoms and pain-related fear avoidance in breast cancer survivors, and (2) explore the association between pain-related fear avoidance and central sensitization symptoms. DesignA single group pre–post intervention study was conducted. MethodsPatients were recruited from the service of Medical Oncology of the University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Victoria, in Málaga (Spain). The intervention consisted of a therapeutic exercise and educational program that lasted 12 weeks, twice a week, for 1 hour. Two instruments were used: the Spanish version of the Central Sensitization Inventory and the Spanish Fear Avoidance Components Scale. ResultsA total of 82 breast cancer survivors participated in the study. Pre–post change on Central Sensitization Inventory was statistically significant (p = .007). There was a trend towards a significant difference for the Spanish Fear Avoidance Components Scale (p = .062). There was a statistically significant correlation between pain-related fear avoidance and central sensitization symptoms (r = 0.536, p < .001). ConclusionsThe current study has provided preliminary evidence on the benefits of this intervention in pain-related fear avoidance and central sensitization symptoms in breast cancer survivors. The Spanish version of the Central Sensitization Inventory and the Spanish Fear Avoidance Components Scale demonstrated responsiveness to change.

Evaluation of parental education using biomechanical visualization to increase child restraint use in China

IntroductionDespite demonstrated effectiveness of child restraint system (CRS), its use in China is extremely low due to the lack of national legislation requiring the use of CRS, as well as lack of child passenger safety knowledge among caregivers. Implementing an effective intervention is urgently needed to promote the use of CRS. In this study, we primarily evaluated the effectiveness of biomechanical visualization delivered in the context of CRS education to promote CRS use. MethodsWe conducted a cluster randomised controlled trial to test the effects of educational intervention programs on increased use of CRS. Participants included caregivers from 8 pre-schools located in two cities (i.e., Chaozhou and Shantou) in China. Following a baseline survey, 8 pre-schools were randomly assigned into 1 of 4 groups with 2 schools in each group: 1) CRS education-only, 2) CRS education with behavioral skill training, 3) CRS education with biomechanical visualization, and 4) control. The primary outcome was CRS use, and the secondary outcomes included scores of child passenger safety-related knowledge and CRS use-related attitudes. The effect of the intervention was assessed among caregivers at two time points: baseline preintervention and 6 months postintervention. ResultsMore than 70% caregivers had never used CRS at baseline. No statistically significant between-group differences CRS use were observed at baseline preintervention (34.2%, 25.4%, 29.6% and 21.9%, respectively, P = 0.18). However, compared to the control group, odds of CRS non-use was significantly lower in caregivers assigned to the CRS education with biomechanical visualization (adjusted odd ratio (AOR) = 0.11, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.07–0.17), CRS education with behavioral skill training (AOR = 0.15, 95%CI = 0.10–0.24) and CRS education-only (AOR = 0.26, 95%CI = 0.17–0.41) groups, respectively. Statistically significant differences were also observed in the secondary outcomes postintervention across groups. Specifically, the CRS education with biomechanical visualization and CRS education with behavioral skill training groups had higher mean knowledge change scores than the CRS education-only group (3.3 ± 1.5 vs. 2.9 ± 2.2, p = 0.035 and 3.2 ± 1.9 vs. 2.9 ± 2.2, p = 0.039, respectively). We also observed a significantly higher increase in the attitudes scores in the CRS education with biomechanical visualization group compared with the CRS education-only group (4.7 ± 2.1 vs. 3.5 ± 2.8,p = 0.026). ConclusionsThis study shows that both biomechanical visualization and behavioral skill training supplements to education improved understanding of CRS knowledge compared to education only, and all three strategies led to increased CRS use. Importantly, CRS education with biomechanical visualization was shown to be more effective than CRS education alone in improving caregiver’s knowledge and attitudes. The use of biomechanical visualization may be an effective supplement to traditional education programs.

Feasibility of a case-based educational intervention focusing on prevention of blood and body fluid exposure among nursing students

Purpose: There was a relative lack of research regarding case-based educational interventions to improve blood and body fluid exposure prevention practice among nursing students. This study aims to develop and test the feasibility of a case-based educational intervention program and its effects with the expectation of improving students’ knowledge, attitude and practice of preventing blood and body fluid exposure at Nam Dinh University of Nursing. Method: This study employed a one-group pre-posttest design. Convenience sampling was used to recruit through the target population to obtain 35 nursing students. Students’ blood and body fluid exposure prevention knowledge questionnaire and Students’ self-reported exposure prevention behavior scale were used to collect data at three-time points. The case-based educational intervention was adapted from the intervention program by Thai et al. and intensively reviewed relevant literature about educational intervention studies in the prevention of fluid and blood exposure. Results: The fndings revealed that the participants were recruited smoothly and attended completed intervention sessions with positive feedback. We found signifcant positive changes in students’ knowledge, attitude and practice of preventing blood and body fluid exposure after receiving the intervention. Conclusion: The results provide evidence that the case-based educational intervention was feasible and of beneft to nursing students.

Reducing Metabolic Syndrome through a Group Educational Intervention Program in Adults with Obesity: IGOBE Program.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and cancer. Despite the higher prevalence of MetS in obese adults, little is known about the effectiveness of intensive and group interventions in improving MetS prevalence. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of an intensive lifestyle program in reducing the prevalence of MetS in adults with obesity. Patients with obesity (n = 456, 48.8 12.8 years, 18.5% male) were randomized in two groups as indicated in a prospective interventional real-life study: a control group (CG), in which patients received usual care, and an interventional group (IG), in which the patients participate in a healthy lifestyle habits program in six weekly sessions, IGOBE program. Anthropometric, body composition, medications, and MetS features data were analyzed in both groups at the pre-intervention and post-intervention stages using a completer’s analysis. At 12 months of follow-up, the IG showed a relative reduction of 13.4% in the prevalence of MetS from baseline, while the CG showed a reduction of 2.1% (p < 0.001). A significant reduction was also observed in four of five MetS features. In this trial, implementation of the IGOBE program resulted in a significant reduction in MetS prevalence and better control of MetS features compared with the standard of care.

Effect of Educational Intervention Program regarding Knowledge, Attitude, and Habits of Junk Food among Primary School Students

knowledge, healthy attitude and ill effects of junk food should be taught to primary school students.

Relationship between Health Literacy and Knowledge, Compliance with Bowel Preparation, and Bowel Cleanliness in Older Patients Undergoing Colonoscopy.

Compared to young adults, it is difficult for the older people with relatively low health literacy to perform proper bowel preparation for a colonoscopy. This study aims to identify the relationship between knowledge, compliance with bowel preparation, and bowel cleanliness with health literacy in older patients undergoing colonoscopy. The participants were 110 older people undergoing colonoscopy, recruited from an endoscopy hospital in G metropolitan city, South Korea. Data obtained from a structured questionnaire that included items on health literacy and knowledge of and compliance with bowel preparation, and the Aronchick bowel cleanliness scale. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, χ-test, Pearson’s correlation, t-test, and ANCOVA. Participants who were younger and those with a higher education level and better economic status had a statistically significantly higher health literacy level. Older people with a health literacy level of 7 points and above had a higher knowledge level and bowel cleanliness index, a showed better compliance with bowel preparation. The results highlight the need for developing a customized education intervention program that can improve health literacy for successful bowel preparation and examination of the older population undergoing colonoscopy.

Effectiveness of educational intervention on breast cancer knowledge and breast self-examination among female university students in Bangladesh: a pre-post quasi-experimental study

BackgroundBreast cancer is a global health issue and a leading cause of death among women. Early detection through increased awareness and knowledge on breast cancer and breast cancer screening is thus crucial. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of an educational intervention program on breast cancer knowledge and the practice of breast self-examination among young female students of a university in Bangladesh.MethodsA quasi-experimental (pre-post) study design was conducted at Jahangirnagar University in Bangladesh. Educational information on breast cancer and breast self-examination (BSE), demonstration of BSE procedure and leaflets were distributed among 400 female students after obtaining written informed consent. The stepwise procedures of BSE performance were demonstrated with images. Pre-intervention and 15 days post-intervention assessments were conducted to assess the changes in knowledge on breast cancer and practices of BSE. Mc-Nemar’s tests and paired sampled t-tests were performed to investigate the differences between pre- and post-test stages.ResultsA total of 400 female university students aged 18-26 years were included in the sample. Significant changes were found in knowledge and awareness about breast cancer and BSE practices after the educational intervention. The significant differences were measured in the mean scores of pre-test vs. post-test: breast cancer symptoms (2.99 ± 1.05 vs. 6.35 ± 1.15; p < 0.001), risk factors (3.35 ± 1.19 vs. 7.56 ± 1.04; p < 0.001), treatment (1.79 ± 0.90 vs. 4.63 ± 0.84; p < 0.001), prevention (3.82 ± 1.32 vs. 7.14 ± 1.03; p < 0.001), screening of breast cancer (1.82 ± 0.55 vs. 3.98 ± 0.71; p < 0.001) and process of BSE (1.57 ± 1.86 vs. 3.94 ± 0.93; p < 0.001). Likewise, a significant percentage of change in BSE practices was obtained between pre-test and post-test (21.3% vs. 33.8%; p < 0.001).ConclusionsStudy findings confirm that the study population had inadequate awareness and knowledge at baseline which was improved significantly after educational intervention. A nationwide roll-out with community-based interventions is recommended for the female population in both rural and urban areas.

Effectiveness of self-management health promotion education package among diabetic patients in Pokhara Metropolitan City, Nepal

ABSTRACT Diabetes is on an increasing trend, and it is one of the four priority non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and major public health problems. Studies indicate that educational programs are effective in the management of diabetes. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a diabetes self-management education program among diabetic patients in Pokhara Metropolitan City, Nepal. The study design was a pre-test and post-test interventional study among 60 diabetic patients. Questionnaires were used to collect information about demographic variables and Health Belief Model (HBM) constructs. Data were collected before the educational intervention program and after the educational intervention program. Paired t-test was performed to assess the effectiveness of an educational intervention. This study showed the effectiveness of the self-management health promotion educational package. The results showed a significant increase in each construct of HBM and self-management practice after the educational intervention (p < 0.0001). The mean value of perceived susceptibility was increased from 2.94 to 3.49; perceived severity was increased from 2.83 to 3.08; the perceived benefit was increased from 3.09 to 3.55; the perceived barrier was decreased from 2.44 to 2.00, self-efficacy was increased from 3.06 to 3.48 and self-management practice was increased from 3.02 to 3.46. The intervention was effective to the diabetes patients; there was an increase in perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefit, self-efficacy, and self-management practice except for the perceived barrier. Educational programs should be focusing on the behavioral theory that plays a significant role in the self-efficacy and control of diabetes.

Effect of the COPE Program on Self-Efficacy in Mothers of Preterm Infants: A Pretest-Posttest Quasi-Experimental Study.

The birth of a premature infant and its subsequent hospitalization in the neonatal intensive care unit are stressful experiences for mothers. Because of uncertainty concerning interactions with a premature baby, mothers often feel helpless and only hesitantly assume their maternal role. This may have a negative impact on the mother-child interaction and prevents mothers from taking an active part in E46www.jpnnjournal.com the care for their child. "Creating Opportunities for Parent Empowerment" (COPE) is a 4-phase educational intervention program aiming to systematically involve parents into caring for their premature infant. In this pretest-posttest quasi-experimental study in 2 Swiss university hospitals, we focused on maternal self-efficacy. We compared self-efficacy in mothers receiving the COPE program or standard care alone at baseline and 3 months after estimated delivery date. To measure maternal self-efficacy, we used the "Tool to measure Parenting Self-Efficacy" (TOPSE). While scores for "Emotion and Affection," "Empathy and Understanding," as well as "Learning and Knowledge" increased in both groups, only "Learning and Knowledge" scores were significantly higher in the intervention group. Given the intention of improving learning and knowledge, the COPE program might be a promising intervention contributing to enhanced maternal self-efficacy.

The Effectiveness of a Shared Reading Program Among Parents of Newborns

Early parent-child shared reading has been demonstrated to promote the development of literacy, reading skills and learning achievement in young children. Parent-child shared reading intervention programs may strengthen the willingness and reading competence of parents. To explore the attitudes and skills related to parent-child shared reading before and after an intervention program conducted in a nursery room and outpatient pediatric clinic. A single-group pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design was conducted. Seventy-five parents of newborns in the baby rooms from two hospitals in Hualien County were conveniently sampled. Parents who had just given birth received health education before discharge from the hospital from nurses focusing on the knowledge and skills of shared reading. Three age-matched picture books with reading fact sheets and consultation support were offered free to parents of children in three, respective, age groups (newborn, 4-months old and 6-months old) during parent-child visits to the pediatric clinic for regular health examinations and vaccinations. A self-designed questionnaire was administered to analyze the parents' demographic variables, reading environment, parents' attitudes toward parent-child shared reading, and familiarity with regard to parent-child shared reading skills. Parent-child reading attitudes were positively correlated with skill familiarity (r = .39). The presence or absence of children's books at home, the parent-child relationship, and parental reading habits explained 32.0% of the variance in parent-child shared-reading attitudes (R2 = .32). The presence or absence of children's books at home and the presence or absence of a library card for the child explained 44.0% of the variation in familiarity with co-reading skills (R2 = .44). Parent-child shared reading attitude scores (t = -5.14, p < .001) and skill familiarity of parents (t = -7.52, p < .001) both increased significantly after the intervention program. Parent-child shared reading educational intervention programs may be used to improve parental attitudes and skills related to parent-child shared reading.

Understanding Precocious Puberty through Educational Intervention towards Physical Activity and Nutritional Concerns

The purpose of the study was to understand the precocious puberty through educational intervention towards physical activity and nutritional concerns. The selected 120 tween girls (Pre-Pubertal) were randomly divided into two groups namely experimental group (PNP) and control group. Each group consist of 60 girls (n=60). Girls who were interested in educational intervention on physical activity and nutritional concerns to prevent precocious puberty were selected as subjects. From each school, two groups namely - control and experimental groups were taken as per the students’ as per their interest. Experimental group underwent PNP training for a period of 6 weeks with the help of the comprehensive module. The control group did not participate in any intervention apart from their regular program of the curriculum. School based educational intervention programme on pre-adolescent’s physical fitness and nutritional fitness can be effective and an important way of enhancing pre-adolescent girls’ knowledge attitude and practice on their physical and nutritional fitness in preventing precocious puberty. Need for School based training on sensitive issues especially for girls can be included in the curriculum. Similar studies can be conducted in wider scale to create awareness among the tween girls with scheduled training and traditional recipes. Educational interventions are found to be effective in bringing changes among the group of girls than in individual. Schools can encourage such intervention programmes.

Self-Concept and Feeling of Belonging as a Predictor Variable of the Attitude towards the Study from the PISA 2018 Report

The importance of self-concept and the feeling of belonging to a school have been highlighted in numerous studies as predictors of school success. However, there are hardly any studies that link the relationship between self-concept and the feeling of belonging to the school. Thus, the aim of this study is to analyze the influence of personal and educational self-concept on the feeling of belonging to school, based on the data provided by the PISA 2018 report. To achieve this objective, a correlational methodology based on structural equation modelling has been used. The sample of participants is composed of 35,943 students of Compulsory Secondary Education from different Spanish high schools that participated in the PISA 2018 Report. The results obtained have shown that personal and educational self-concept correlate positively. In addition, both factors were positively related to the feeling of belonging to the educational centre. This study allows us to infer the idea of the existence of a direct and positive correlation between school and personal self-concept and the feeling of belonging, which would allow schools to develop educational intervention programmes with the aim of promoting the student’s self-concept in order for them to feel better integrated into the school.

Respiratory, hepatic, renal, and hematological disorders among adolescent females environmentally exposed to pesticides, Menoufia governorate, Egypt.

Adolescent females are often environmentally exposed to pesticides by living near agricultural fields, by using pesticides at home, or by having contact with contaminated clothes and pesticide application work tools. This study assessed respiratory, hepatic, renal, and hematological health disorders that might arise due to environmental exposure to pesticides among adolescent females. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 100 adolescent females environmentally exposed to pesticides that had one or more of their family members working as seasonal pesticide applicators and 50 nonexposed (control) adolescent females from Menoufia governorate, Egypt. The studied period of pesticide application season of the cotton crop was from May 1 to September 1, 2017. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire about pesticide exposure and respiratory, hepatic, renal, and hematological disorders. In addition, serum acetylcholinesterase (AChE), spirometry, complete blood count, and liver and kidney function tests were measured pre and post-pesticide application season. The control adolescent females had a higher AChE activity, a lower prevalence of respiratory symptoms, and higher means of spirometric measurements than the exposed group. During the pre- and postseason, the exposed group presented a prevalence of (6%, 24%) for cough, (4%, 11%) for rhinitis, and (6%, 26%) for dyspnea during the pre and postseason, respectively. In addition, there was a decrease in means of spirometric measurements (FEV1%, FEV1/FVC%, FEF 25-75%, and PEF%) in the postseason compared to preseason among the exposed group. Also, there were significant associations between (AChE) activity and both the prevalence of respiratory manifestations and spirometric measurements among the exposed females. On the other hand, there was a statistically significant increase in red blood corpuscle (RBC) and lymphocyte counts, and a statistically significantly lower mean hemoglobin level among the exposed group (postseason) than each of their pre-season values and the control group (P < 0.05). AChE level, total protein, albumin, and albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio levels were statistically significantly lower, while SGPT, SGOT and globulin, blood urea, and serum creatinine mean levels were statistically significantly higher among the exposed group (postseason) than either of their preseason or the control group (P < 0.05). There was a positive correlation between the AChE level and all studied CBC parameters for the exposed group reaching a statistically significant level with basophils (P < 0.05). Also, there was a negative correlation between the AChE level and each of SGPT, SGOT, ALP, globulin, blood urea, and serum creatinine for the exposed group reaching a statistically significant level with each of SGPT and SGOT (P < 0.05). At the same time, a nonsignificant positive correlation was found between AChE level and each of total protein, albumin, and A/G ratio (P > 0.05). So, environmental exposure to organophosphorus pesticides has a detrimental impact on respiratory, hepatic, renal, and hematological systems of adolescent females living in rural districts at the Menoufia governorate. Educational and training intervention programs on pesticide handling and safety precautions are recommended for protecting both pesticide workers and their family members who might be exposed.

Scale of self-efficacy in oral hygiene (OHSE): analysis of psychometric properties in Spain

Aim Oral self-efficacy has been shown to be an important variable in predicting successful treatment, preventing health risks and encouraging health-promoting behaviour. In the context of oral health, it is of paramount importance to facilitate the use of the Oral Hygiene Self-Efficacy Scale (OHSE) in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to analyze the psychometric properties of the OHSE scale in a sample of Spanish adults and offer standards for interpreting the scale. Method A sample of 360 people aged from 18 to 75 years was assessed using the OHSE scale. The scale was culturally adapted and translated, reliability tests, construct validity, comparison of means by sex and age group were carried out, and scales for evaluating the responses were prepared. Results After eliminating six items, the reliability and validity analyses showed adequate psychometric properties. There were no differences between sex or age group. Conclusion The OHSE scale for a Spanish adult population has sufficient empirical support to be considered a valid and useful instrument with solid psychometric properties and it offers an opportunity for oral health education intervention programs aimed at the adult population.

A psychological and educational intervention program for incarcerated youth

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to examine the results of a deliberate psychological and educational intervention with at-risk youth (placed in a detention center) that have been identified as having the potential to benefit from a behavioral program.Design/methodology/approachThe program provided systemic behavioral health assessments using trauma-informed care guidelines and then linked the participants to mental health and substance services to increase the children’s access to key health services and reduce the risk of recidivism. The program also provided psychoeducational resources to stakeholders including parents, judges and corrections officers. Comparisons were made between participants receiving the intervention to determine pre and post results.FindingsRecidivism rates were also examined. Study participants included 395 at-risk youth between the ages of 13 and 17. In summary, the findings supported the use of this multi-pronged program with juveniles residing in detention centers.Originality/valueAll work on this research project was completed by the listed authors.