Educational Intervention Strategies Research Articles

THE VALUE OF COMMUNITY–UNIVERSITY PARTNERSHIPS IN GHANA: IMPLEMENTING CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE DEMENTIA EDUCATION

Abstract Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias have not been given much attention in sub-Saharan Africa. Although the prevalence of dementia in Ghana is not yet established, those who present cognitive impairment are often stigmatized, discriminated against, or physically harmed by community members. The mistreatment may be due to a lack of dementia knowledge and awareness in Ghana. Recognizing the critical need to increase dementia knowledge and awareness in Ghana, Alzheimer’s Ghana (Ghana), AlterDementia (US), and researchers from the University of Georgia and Emory University (US) partnered to develop and implement a culturally adapted and relevant dementia education intervention. Through a series of collaborative sessions, both organizations and researchers co-created educational materials and intervention strategies addressing dementia awareness and knowledge. Education sessions consisted of a dementia overview, brain health overview, community testimonies, local resources, question and answer session, and closing remarks. Community-based participatory research principles were used to engage public officials, faith-based organizations, television personalities, healthcare professionals, secondary school educators, and researchers in Ghana to facilitate nine dementia education sessions, spanning 15-90 minutes, to over 800 participants across four regions of Ghana. Surveys and field notes were used to collect demographic and dementia knowledge and awareness data. Preliminary findings suggest promising avenues for improving dementia knowledge and reducing stigma. This work underscores the value of community-university partnerships to culturally adapt evidence-based interventions to advance ongoing community initiatives addressing dementia.

시뮬레이션 기반 평가에서 프로세스 데이터를 활용한 협력적 문제해결력 유형 분석

This study aims to identify the types and characteristics of collaborative problem-solving skills among test takers in South Korea. For this, process data from the PISA 2015 collaborative problem-solving assessment was analyzed using the K-medoids clustering method. The analysis revealed three distinct types of collaborative problem-solving skills: a fast type that allocates less time to responses, a deliberative type, and a type that engages in a higher number of interactions over a longer period, even when achievement levels are similar. We also analyzed the distribution of correct answer rates and collaborative problem-solving competency scores by cluster and level, confirming that various achievement levels were represented across all clusters. Based on these differences, educational and evaluative intervention strategies were explored, and the implications for assessment were discussed.

Research on Personalized Education Intervention Strategy Based on Barrage Emotional Analysis

With the development of online teaching, the interactive feature of bullet comments has increasingly highlighted its potential in reflecting learners' emotional attitudes. This study employs bullet comment sentiment analysis as a tool to explore its application in personalized educational intervention. By collecting and processing bullet comment data and utilizing cutting-edge sentiment analysis techniques, the study aims to uncover learners' cognitive and emotional needs. Furthermore, this paper analyzes educational intervention strategies and focuses on the specific needs of personalized education. Through the construction of a scientific empirical research model, the effectiveness and practicality of sentiment analysis of bullet comments in personalized intervention strategies have been validated. Experimental results support the research hypothesis, indicating that sentiment analysis based on bullet comments plays a significant role in enhancing the personalization of educational intervention strategies. The conclusions of this study contribute to optimizing the online teaching environment and improving educational quality and efficiency.

Psychological Study on the Influence of Physical Exercise on College Students’ Anxiety

This study aims to explore the impact of physical exercise on the anxiety level of college students. We collected physical exercise data and anxiety self-assessment results from college students of different grades, genders, and ages from multiple universities in Guangdong Province through a questionnaire survey. The study used standardized scales to evaluate participants’ physical exercise types, frequencies, intensities, and anxiety levels. The data analysis results showed that there is a significant negative correlation between college students’ physical exercise and anxiety level, that is, the more frequent and intense the physical exercise, the lower the anxiety level. In addition, there are differences in the effect of different types of physical exercises on anxiety relief, with aerobic exercises such as running and swimming showing more significant anxiety-relieving effects. The research results provide valuable references for psychological health education and anxiety intervention strategies in universities and suggest promoting physical exercise to effectively alleviate college students’ anxiety.

Effects of Drug Abuse on the Academic Performance of Students of Selected Tertiary Institutions in Lagos, Nigeria

Drug abuse has become an international phenomenon, a torn in the flesh of nations across the globe. It has been identified as one of the precarious vices; an impediment to the academic excellence of students of tertiary institutions; and a threat to the future of the Nigerian nation. The task of the paper was to interrogate the effects of drug abuse on the academic performance of students of selected tertiary institutions in Lagos, Nigeria. A quantitative method of data collection was employed to get the task of the paper done. The work adopted social learning theory as its theoretical framework. The study found peer group pressure, experimental curiosity, remedy for low self-esteem, poor parenting and influence of role models among others as root causes of drug abuse among students of tertiary institutions in Nigeria. The finding revealed that the rise of drug abuse among the students of higher institutions of learning in Nigeria is at an alarming rate; by implication, absenteeism from school activities, loss of memory, lack of seriousness in academic work, declining grades, increased potential for dropping out of school and suspension from school to mention a few are attributed to drug abuse. The study concluded by recommending a peer education intervention strategy, enactment of laws to discourage drug abuse, inclusion of mandatory drug education in all educational programs, constant monitoring of students by parents, and setting up of guidance and counselling offices across the campuses. Constant awareness programmes about the effects of drug abuse on academic achievement are also appropriate.

Research progress on knowledge-attitude-practice of VTE prevention in hospitalized patients: A review.

This study analyzes and summarizes the assessment tools, current situation, and influencing factors of venous thromboembolism (VTE) prevention knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) among patients. This study aimed to provide a reference basis for developing targeted health education plans and intervention strategies for patients to improve their knowledge and beliefs concerning VTE prevention. This study aimed to increase the implementation rate of VTE prevention measures and ultimately reduce the incidence of VTE.The current studies found that the factors influencing knowledge, attitude, and practice of VTE prevention in hospitalized patients include demographic factors (age, sex, education level, occupation), disease-related factors (treatment stage, injury site, and wards), and other factors (receiving VTE-related knowledge education and having medical workers at home).

Determinants of Weight Status and Body, Health and Life Satisfaction in Young Adults.

Health behaviors include behavioral patterns and habits that relate to health maintenance, restoration and improvement. They do not only affect the physical condition; they are also associated with life satisfaction. In our study, we focused on young adulthood, a specific lifespan period for establishing long-term health behavior patterns. The aim of the present study was to investigate depressive symptoms, lifestyle and eating behaviors and delineate their associations with overweight/obesity and body, health and life satisfaction in young adults in Poland. We enrolled 800 students (81.4% females and 18.6% males). Diet, physical activity, depressive symptoms, eating behaviors and body, health and life satisfaction were assessed. Multivariate logistic regression models were employed. Almost half of the participants in our study had at least mild symptoms of depression. Symptoms of depression significantly reduced the odds of satisfaction with body, health and life, whereas physical activity increased them. Overweight/obesity significantly reduced the odds of body and health satisfaction. In women, a history of depression and emotional eating increased the odds of being overweight/obese. The results of our study may contribute to the development of educational programs and intervention strategies for young adults.

Effect of educational intervention on the knowledge, attitude and practice of breast self-examination among female students at a private university in Southern Nigeria

IntroductionIn Nigeria, breast cancer (BC), a disorder marked by the unchecked growth of breast cells, has been the commonest cancer among women in Nigeria. Breast self-examination (BSE) is one of the suggested methods for screening for the early diagnosis of breast cancer. However, studies have reported inadequate knowledge, negative attitudes and poor practices of BSE among undergraduate female students. The study was designed as an interventional study to examine the effect of educational intervention on knowledge, attitude and practice of breast self-examination among female students in a private university in southern Nigeria.MethodsThis pretest posttest design study was carried out on 103 students of Novena University at baseline in 2022, which were chosen through the use of simple random sampling. A validated questionnaire with components on demographics, knowledge, attitude, and BSE practice was used to gather the data. After that, the students participated in three hourly sessions of an educational intervention for two weeks. A month later, the students’ data were once again collected, and SPSS 20 software was used to evaluate the results using the mean, paired t test, and logistic regression at the P < 0.05 level of significance.ResultsThe mean age of the respondents was 22.37 ± 1.92 years. Only 53 (51.3%) were aware of BSE. The mean knowledge, attitude and practice of BSE at pretest significantly increased at posttest after the educational intervention (1.58 ± 1.48 vs. 4.31 ± 1.15, 2.37 ± 1.27 vs. 4.80 ± 0.49 and 1.97 ± 0.09 vs. 5.81 ± 3.26, respectively). Furthermore, age and family history of BC were predictors of knowledge (OR = 4.00 95% CI = 0.29–41.99, OR = 141, 95% CI = 0.15–13.18), attitude (OR = 2.39, 95% CI = 0.28–12.32, OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 0.24–8.34) and practice of BSE (OR = 2.66, 95% CI = 0.38–18.41, OR = 1.44, 95% CI = 0.24–8.34) respectively.ConclusionThe findings showed that using an educational intervention strategy will improve the knowledge, attitude and practice of BSE among undergraduate students.

Endline assessment of knowledge about sickle cell disease among the tribal community of Chhotaudepur district of Gujarat.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a significant public health concern in India, with one of the highest disability burdens worldwide. For the success of the disease prevention and control program that aims to reduce prevalence through health promotion and screening, the public's prior knowledge of the disease is important. Hence, this study was conducted to assess baseline knowledge of the disease and effects of health education and community mobilization program in the SCD endemic tribal community of Gujarat. This quasi-experimental study was conducted in three phases at Chhotaudepur district of Gujarat, India. Knowledge of the community was assessed through the administration of pretested quantitative questionnaire in 1646 and 1631 individuals respectively during formative and evaluation phases. Differences between the proportions of two phases were statistically assessed by chi-square tests. Despite 75.3% of respondents having heard of SCD before, only 20% could perceive the correct cause. It was improved by 42% post-intervention. During the evaluation, 83% respondents recognized the most common symptom of extreme pain, whereas 86.8% identified the correct diagnostic method. Seventy-seven percent respondents reported modern medicine as a treatment for SCD at endline. Knowledge and awareness about SCD were found inadequate in the community. However, health education intervention strategies effectively improved knowledge related to the disease and its causes, diagnosis, and treatment. Hence, urgent action is required to incorporate community mobilization and awareness generation strategies to mitigate the disease burden.

Association between short-term daily temperature variability and blood pressure in the Chinese population: From the China hypertension survey

BackgroundWe aimed to evaluate the impacts of short-term daily temperature variability (DTV) on blood pressure (BP) among participants with normotension, prehypertension, and hypertension, respectively, and explore the effects in different climate zones and seasons. MethodsA representative population sample (n = 397,173) covering the subtropical, temperate continental, and temperate monsoon zones was obtained from the China Hypertension Survey. DTV was calculated as the standard deviation of daily minimum and maximum temperatures during the exposure days. The linear mixed effect regression model was used to estimate the associations between DTV exposure and BP among normotension, prehypertension, and hypertension, respectively, and further stratified analysis was performed by climate zones and seasons. ResultsAfter adjustment for confounders, per interquartile range (IQR) increase in DTV (2.28 °C) at 0–6 days of exposure was associated with an increase of 0.41 mmHg (95 % confidence interval [CI]: 0.07, 0.75) in systolic BP (SBP) and 0.41 mmHg (95 % CI: 0.09, 0.72) in pulse pressure (PP) among hypertensive participants in the subtropical zone. Similarly, DTV exposure was associated with an increase of 0.31 mmHg (95 % CI: 0.06, 0.55) in SBP and 0.59 mmHg (95 % CI: 0.24, 0.94) in PP among prehypertensive participants in the temperate continental zone. Additionally, during the warm season, DTV was positively associated with SBP among populations with prehypertension and hypertension, and with PP among all three populations. ConclusionShort-term DTV exposure was associated with an increase in SBP and PP among hypertensive and prehypertensive participants in the subtropical zone and the temperate continental zone. In addition, positive associations of DTV with SBP and PP were observed among participants with prehypertension and hypertension in the warm season. Comprehensive health education and effective intervention strategies should be implemented to mitigate the effects of temperature variations on BP, particularly among prehypertensive and hypertensive populations.

The risky news sharing quotient (RNSQ): A research instrument for exploring news-sharing behaviour that spreads fake news

The spread of fake news (FN) has attracted attention from disciplines ranging from social sciences to Artificial Intelligence. This work is novel because it explores the news-sharing behaviour of social-media users, focussing on those that spread FN, rather than the psychological motivations behind them. The 14-item Risky News-Sharing Quotient (RNSQ) was developed and Exploratory Factor Analysis discovered three relevant factors: (i) news-sharing behaviour that contributes to debunking FN; (ii) news-sharing frequency and attitudes to sharing; and (iii) news-sharing behaviour that contributes to the spread of FN. The study, conducted among university students, found that 75% reported risky news-sharing behaviour that spreads FN. No link was found between perceiving FN as a problem and debunking it. Moreover, 83% of survey participants were unable to identify a FN story. Overall, the findings suggest an inability to apply knowledge of the relevant FN detection strategies to debunk FN, but importantly an apparent lack of motivation to check the veracity of a news story. From these conclusions, better-informed educational intervention strategies can be implemented to address the FN problem in-situ, such as promoting the importance of responsible news-sharing by raising awareness of how the spread of FN can impede the proper functioning of societies.

Resilience in vulnerable university groups: An analysis of social work intervention strategies from the perspective of social inclusion

Introduction. Resilience refers to the ability of individuals, groups or communities to adapt and recover in the face of adverse or stressful situations, such as violence, poverty, natural disasters or disease. Aim. The present research aims to analyse the impact of social work intervention in strengthening resilience in vulnerable groups served by the Faculty of Humanistic and Social Sciences of the Technical University of Manabí during the 2023-A academic period, to identify the pedagogical intervention of social work in vulnerable groups, and to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention strategies implemented by social work professionals. Methodology and research methods. The quantitative paradigm was applied. The design corresponds to a non-experimental study. The population was 259 students of Social Work. The sample consisted of 70 students belonging to vulnerable groups. A questionnaire with 15 items was applied. Multiple regression analysis and ANOVA analysis were carried out. Results. Among the results, the pedagogical intervention strategies applied by the social work professionals were effective. There is a positive impact on strengthening resilience in vulnerable groups, as well as on socio-economic and cultural factors. Social work pedagogical intervention strategies as well as socio-economic and cultural factors are important in strengthening resilience in vulnerable groups. Scientific novelty. The scientific novelty of this study is that building resilience through inclusion stands out as a pedagogical component in social work and as a pillar that strengthens social work. Practical significance. It is important to take socio-economic and cultural factors into account when designing and implementing these pedagogical strategies, as they can influence their effectiveness. It is also important to continue research on the factors that influence the development of resilience in vulnerable groups in order to design and implement more effective and sustainable educational intervention strategies.

P24 Improving the patient pathway for timely referral and management of infantile haemangioma

Abstract Infantile haemangiomas (IH) are vascular tumours which typically present soon after birth and grow rapidly at a young age. Complications can arise depending on location and rapidity of growth of the lesion1. Timely treatment with an oral beta-blocker can limit growth and speed up resolution of IH. Not infrequently, we noted babies were being referred at a stage when most of the growth of the IH had already taken place. These patients often had skin breakdown, or a large haemangioma, making successful treatment harder to achieve. We aimed to educate GPs and health-visitors regarding the need for timely referral and to speed up the triage process for these patients. Information was sent to regional GP practices, with instructions on referral criteria according to the BSPAD guidelines for treatment of IH. A photograph of the IH was requested at the time of referral. Submitted referrals were triaged promptly and where appropriate, booked directly into a telephone clinic. After telephone consult, IH meeting the criteria for propranolol were booked directly for commencement of the beta-blocker with a paediatric review. If there was diagnostic doubt or other complications, a timely face to face review was arranged. Patients not requiring oral treatment were discharged back to GP. A patient satisfaction questionnaire revealed that parents appreciated the speed of assessment and reduced hospital visits. We describe an educational intervention and triage strategy resulting in improvement in the timing of referral and management of infantile haemangioma.

Overall Satisfaction Index on the improvement of the program of the Pharmacology discipline in an Angolan university

Introduction: An educational intervention strategy was carried out in the teaching-learning process of the discipline of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy at the Jean Piaget Polytechnic Institute of Benguela in the Republic of Angola, prior to an initial diagnosis of the process, and the perception of the level of satisfaction of students and teachers was intended to be analyzed.Objective: to evaluate the level of overall satisfaction regarding the improvement of the Teaching and Learning Process in the discipline of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy.Method: A descriptive and cross-sectional observational study was carried out with a quantitative or positivist approach. A questionnaire was applied to 8 teachers and 43 students. 28 variables were analyzed (15 for teachers and 13 for students). The Global Satisfaction Index was calculated through the Iadov technique.Results: the Iadov Global Satisfaction Index (ISG) was 0.63 and 0.57 for teachers and students respectively. According to the interpretation of this result, it is within the range of satisfactory evaluation. According to the professors' evaluation, low indices were obtained in the range of lack of definition in learning through clinical cases (ISG=0.44) and the topic of teaching based on experimentation (ISG=0.44). On the part of the students, the variable that generated dissatisfaction in them was the experimentation activities in any of its modalities [ISG= (-0.05)].Conclusions: Overall, there is satisfaction in students and professors with the modifications implemented in the educational teaching process in the discipline of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy

Self-reported meal planning practices among households in the Tshwane North area, Gauteng.

Meal planning is crucial for households to improve food choices and promote healthier eating habits. The study aims to assess meal planning practices in households in Tshwane area, Gauteng province. The study was conducted in households, north of Tshwane, Gauteng province. A survey questionnaire was administered to 368 households. Descriptive statistics were analysed, and Pearson's chi-square test was used to assess the relationship between categorical variables. The Spearman-Rho correlation coefficient was used to determine the relationship between variables. A p ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant and a Spearman Rho correlation coefficient (r) ≥ 0.25 signified a positive relationship. Sixty-one per cent of the participants regarded meal planning as important. A total of 137 participants (37%) reported that they planned their meals before cooking and 64% (n = 235) never used recipes. There was statistical significance (p <0.05) between the options considered when buying food and the age of the participants. A positive association (p < 0.05) between the options considered when planning meals and employment status were obtained. The Spearman's Rho correlation coefficient showed a positive relationship between the options considered when planning meals and buying groceries (r = 0.377, p < 0.001). Meal planning was considered important by participants but was not fully practised in households. Therefore, interventions through practical sessions are recommended to improve household's meal planning and meal preparation practices, including household's cooking skills. Community-based nutrition education intervention strategies will empower households to opt for healthier meals through meal planning.

Study on prevention and educational intervention strategies of students' delinquency

Study on prevention and educational intervention strategies of students' delinquency

A Study of Artificial Intelligence-Driven Educational Intervention Strategies for Students with Special Educational Needs

Abstract This paper first introduces the intervention path of artificial intelligence in special education. It then takes the deaf and hard-of-hearing people as the research object, adopts artificial intelligence technology, digitizes the speech signal, performs sound-rhyme syncopation, and constructs an interactive speech evaluation system using the HMM model as the evaluation basis. Finally, this paper discusses the effect of an interactive speech recognition model on special education interventions and describes the future development trend of combining artificial intelligence and special education. The results show that the subjects’ passive response to basic interactive speech in the baseline period showed a stable state, the interactive speech ability in the intervention period showed stable progress, and the subjects’ ability in the maintenance period remained at a high level. In the three periods, the posttest error rates of the experimental group testers on semantic recognition were 40%, 30%, and 10%, respectively, whereas the control group was 80%, 70%, and 65%, respectively, which shows that the semantic network training affected the improvement of the speech recognition ability of the 10 subjects. The mean values of the average error rate of the three stages of the experimental group were 7.53%, 2.44%, and 2.07%, and their average recognition times were 1566.73 seconds, 1051.30 seconds, and 463.55 seconds, respectively. The three-stage semantic recognition training significantly improves the subjects’ semantic recognition ability and reduces the recognition time. The integration of artificial intelligence and special education is critical for special education groups’ education and healing.

Caffeine intake and its association with nutrition, sleep, and physical activity among schoolchildren in the United Arab Emirates: a national cross-sectional study.

Recent surveys indicate a significant increase in total caffeine intake among schoolchildren. Limited research has been published concerning the total intake of caffeine among schoolchildren in the Middle East and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including the UAE. This cross-sectional survey estimated the total caffeine intake from foods and beverages among 10,275 schoolchildren in the UAE. Caffeine intakes were related to the European Food Safety Authority's level of no safety concern (3.0 mg/kg BW) and level of effects on sleep (1.4 mg/kg BW). More than half (56.2%) of the students consumed more than 100 mg (the upper limit allowed) of caffeine from dietary sources. High intake of caffeine (> 100 mg/day) was significantly associated (p = 0.001) with reduced sleep duration, difficulty falling asleep, infrequent exercising, using smart devices for more than 2 h a day, getting a lower GPA, skipping breakfast, eating fewer servings of vegetables than recommended, frequent consumption of fast food and more frequent snack consumption. Excessive intake of caffeine from different dietary sources coexists with unhealthy dietary and lifestyle behaviors and sleep problems. Tailoring educational programs and intervention strategies is warranted to correct the unhealthy intake of caffeine and the associated unhealthy dietary and lifestyle behaviors among schoolchildren in the UAE.

The Efficacy of Self-care Behaviors, Educational Interventions, and Follow-up Strategies on Hospital Readmission and Mortality Rates in Patients with Heart Failure.

Heart failure (HF), a worldwide epidemic with significant morbidity and mortality risks, is frequently secondary to cardiovascular disorders and probably is the common final way to survive patients. Almost 25% of hospitalized patients with acute HF are expected to be readmitted within 30 days post-discharge, and the rates of rehospitalization increase to almost one-third at 60 days and 60 percent within one year of discharge. Although care planning for patients with heart failure is complex, multidisciplinary, and resource-dependent, optimal self-care management along with appropriate educational intervention and follow-up strategy could be able to reduce readmissions, decline the duration of hospitalization, increase life expectancy, decrease the rates of mortality, and reduce costs of healthcare services for patients with HF. However, there are contradictions in previous reports about the efficacy of self-care, mainly due to patients' non-adherence to self-care behaviors. Therefore, the current study aimed to review the investigations on the effectiveness of self-care of HF patients in reducing hospital readmissions and increasing quality of life, and discuss novel approaches for predischarge educational interventions and postdischarge follow-up strategies.

Assessing Staff Digital Literacy Level vs Attitude toward Online Teaching and Learning

This paper aimed at positioning a staff digital literacy level versus attitude toward online teaching and learning quadrant in the curriculum transformation interventions of various institutions to ensure that their policy intervention with regard to online learning remains user-friendly and sector appropriate. Using a critical autobiographical narrative inquiry, this quadrant was developed to assist educational institutions, personnel, and other stakeholders with a unique tool to assess their staff digital literacy level and the position of their attitude toward online teaching and learning. The quadrants consist of 4 sections: High Digital Literacy Level-Low Attitude Toward e-Teaching &amp; Learning; High Digital Literacy Level-High Attitude Toward e-Teaching &amp; Learning; Low Digital Literacy Level-Low Attitude Toward e-Teaching &amp; Learning; Low Digital Literacy Level-High Attitude Toward e-Teaching &amp; Learning. The quadrant used staff attitude as a yardstick to effectively implementing online learning initiatives in the education sector. The quadrants also serve as an educational re-engineering intervention strategy for the society 4.0/5.0 curriculum professionals.