Health Educators Research Articles

Introduction Professional identity shapes the effectiveness, motivation, and well-being of allied health clinical educators (CEs). Burnout, characterised by emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation, and reduced personal accomplishment, can undermine these outcomes, diminishing both teaching quality and educator retention. While burnout in healthcare professionals is well documented, limited research has explored its relationship with educator identity among allied health professionals (AHPs), particularly in Asian contexts. This study examines the interrelationship between burnout, job satisfaction, and educator identity among AHP CEs, and identifies contextual factors that influence these experiences. Methods An exploratory qualitative study was conducted across multiple healthcare institutions in Singapore using a constructivist paradigm. Sixteen AHP CEs representing diverse disciplines participated in semi structured focus group discussions guided by Maslach and Jackson’s burnout framework. Data were analysed thematically through iterative coding and team based discussion to identify recurrent patterns and relational dynamics between burnout and educator identity. Results Participants described burnout as a multifaceted experience influenced by workload pressures, limited institutional recognition, and insufficient protected time for educational work. Contributing factors included inadequate career pathways and constrained access to faculty development. A strong sense of educator identity and job satisfaction emerged as protective buffers, whereas weak identification with the educator role appeared to heighten burnout risk. Supportive communities of practice and organisational cultures that value teaching were key in sustaining motivation and professional fulfilment. Discussion These findings underscore the need for systemic and institutional strategies to strengthen the educator identity of AHP CEs. Enhancing professional recognition, fostering collegial support, and promoting meaningful engagement in education may mitigate burnout and sustain a resilient allied health education workforce.

Ayan Faziyeva details her journey from dental nurse to dental student and oral health educator.

Development of a novel scale to measure health care professionals' patient-centered contraceptive counseling competency.

Mental health is a concern on college campuses across the United States, including at Gallaudet University, a university for deaf and hard of hearing students. In order to reduce the burden on counseling centers, college administrators need to consider cross-campus strategic efforts to provide mental health education and support. This qualitative case study explored whether reading the graphic novel Rock Steady: Brilliant Advice from My Bipolar Life by Ellen Forney and then engaging in a focus group discussion about the book would impact mental health awareness for deaf and hard of hearing students. Data included pre- and post-reflections from four focus groups and one individual interview (N = 20). Thematic analysis of the narrative data identified four themes: Reader Engagement, Connections, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Experience, and Coping Strategies. Findings suggest that using graphic novels can enhance accessibility, foster emotional connection, and promote coping strategies. While results are promising, larger-scale studies are needed to evaluate effectiveness as part of broader campus wellness initiatives. Campus health educators can use this book as a part of larger efforts to address mental health.

Nutrition Effects on Brain Outcomes and Recovery in Stroke after Hospitalization (NOURISH): Randomized controlled trial protocol and rationale.

Stunting is a serious nutritional problem that adversely affects children's physical and cognitive development. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Art Therapy and Play Therapy in enhancing cognitive abilities of preschool-aged children with a history of stunting in the Lawe Sumur Public Health Center working area. A quasi-experimental design with a control group was employed involving 80 preschool children randomly assigned to either the Art Therapy group (n = 40) or the Play Therapy group (n = 40). The intervention consisted of 12 sessions over six weeks, and cognitive abilities were assessed using the Preschool Cognitive Ability Scale (SKKP-15) before and after the intervention. Results indicated that Art Therapy was more effective than Play Therapy in improving cognitive abilities. Children receiving Art Therapy were 3.4 times more likely to achieve high cognitive ability compared to those receiving Play Therapy (p = 0.02; OR = 3.444; 95% CI: 1.310–9.058). Family environment factors, including maternal education level, employment status, family size, frequency of home stimulation, and quality of sleep, also influenced cognitive development. Nonetheless, Art Therapy consistently produced positive effects, even for children from families with limited stimulation and lower parental education. In conclusion, Art Therapy is an effective, practical, and inclusive non-pharmacological intervention for supporting the cognitive development of preschool children with a history of stunting. These findings provide a basis for health professionals, educators, and policymakers to integrate arts-based approaches into child development intervention programs in community health settings.

Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is a critical concern for young people in humanitarian settings, who face heightened vulnerability due to displacement and restricted access to care. This study examined barriers to SRH service access and utilization among young Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, focusing on health system constraints and sociocultural norms. A qualitative study was conducted between May and July 2021, consisting of in-depth interviews with 12 young Rohingya refugees and informal conversations with 7 service providers. The data were analyzed thematically using Atlas-ti qualitative analysis software. Young people reported relying on friends, cousins, and community health educators for SRH-related information and services. Young people said it was easier for married people to obtain SRH services than for sexually active unmarried people. Limited healthcare infrastructure, crowded facilities, and trust issues affected service quality, suggesting the need for resource improvements. Conservative social structures and stigma around sexual activity and SRH limited young people's efforts to seek out SRH services. Half of the participants raised concerns about the limited operating hours of health posts and distant field hospitals, especially at night or in the afternoon. Self-identified male participants exhibited reduced inclination for SRH services and information, and commonly held the belief that sexually transmitted infections could be managed easily without consulting service providers. Service providers also emphasized the low utilization of facility-based services by men and the prevalence of misconceptions regarding sexually transmitted infections. Substantial barriers limit SRH service access for young Rohingya refugees, especially unmarried individuals. Addressing these gaps requires services tailored to marital status, gender, age, and prevailing community norms.

Perceptions of classroom goal structures—whether learning (i.e., mastery goal structures) or performance (i.e., extrinsic goal structures) is emphasized—influence students’ motivation to learn in health classes. We investigated the relations of perceived goal structures in sexual health classrooms to adolescents’ learning behaviors and intentions during and after a sexual health education program ( N = 2,044 8th graders), using path and logistic regression analyses. Perceived mastery goal structures positively predicted students’ intentions to use online search engines to acquire additional health-related information 4–6 months after the program. Students’ clinic use was not significantly predicted by these goal structures. Importantly, perceived extrinsic goal structures undermined the positive relation of perceived mastery goal structures to session attendance, which in turn was positively linked to condom negotiation efficacy and situational self-efficacy. This interactive pattern highlights the potential pitfall of emphasizing extrinsic reasons for studying in sexual health classrooms and informs health educators teaching adolescents.

Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to examine medication adherence, health-seeking behavior, and quality of life among informal caregivers of diabetic patients in Can Tho City, Vietnam, and to explore relationships among these variables. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive-correlational design was conducted among 270 informal caregivers recruited by purposive sampling at Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital. Research instrument: Morisky Medication Adherence Scale, adapted Barriers to Care Evaluation, and World Health Organization Quality of Life - Brief Version. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, multiple regression, and path analysis. Results: Findings revealed that caregivers reported low levels of medication adherence (48.15%), low barriers to health-seeking behavior (55.19%), and moderate quality of life (47.8%). Significant positive correlation was found between medication adherence and quality of life (r = 0.55, p < 0.001), while health-seeking barriers were negatively associated with quality of life (r = -0.29, p < 0.001). Path analysis confirmed that medication adherence partially mediated the relationship between health-seeking behavior and quality of life with a significant direct effect (β = -0.154, p < 0.05), indirect effect (β = -0.137, p < 0.001), and total effect (β = -0.291, p < 0.001) Conclusions: Nursing professionals and health educators should implement targeted interventions that enhance medication adherence and reduce barriers to health-seeking behavior among caregivers.

Disclosure: E.W. Seely: None. S. Trabelsi: None. S.E. Levkoff: None. S.V. Romero: None. D. Cortes: None.BackgroundHispanic women have 1.5 times higher risk for gestational diabetes (GDM) versus non-Hispanic women and are less likely to engage in healthy eating and physical activity. Few interventions addressing T2DM risk in Latinas with prior GDM exist. Our initial pilot of 21 women over 6 weeks showed significant improvement in self-efficacy (SE) for healthy eating (p=0.003) and physical activity (p=0.007). Weight did not change significantly (p=0.16) (Seely et al., 2020). Based on the pilot, this 6-month study tests the culturally tailored m-health program (¡Hola Bebé, Adios Diabetes!) to reduce weight and improve SE for healthy eating and physical activity in Latinas with recent GDM. MethodsLatinas with GDM in the prior 5 yrs who owned a smartphone and without T2DM were recruited via Lynn and Brookside Community Health Centers (MA) or via User Interviews online platform. Baseline weights were obtained by a community health worker (CHW) or by subjects sending photos of weights on study provided scales. All materials were in Spanish and English. The Hola Bebé, Adios Diabetes! App included: weight tracking, 12 audio-visual modules on healthy eating and physical activity, customizable motivational messages, community forum and guidance from a health educator. A rewards system with badges for completing modules and action plans was available. Descriptive statistics (mean, sd), paired t-tests for normally and Wilcoxon rank sum for non-normally distributed data were used.​ Weight (primary outcome) from baseline to end of study via follow-up visit with the CHW or by subject sending a photo of weight on a study-provided scale, SE for healthy eating and physical activity (secondary outcomes) were measured using Sallis scales. Post-intervention structured interviews were performed.Results93 subjects had baseline and 65 had followup weights (30% non-completion). There was statistically significant weight loss (194.1 + 48.8 to 186.8 +48 lbs, p<0.001) and increase in healthy eating SE (p = 0.018) with no change in physical activity SE (p=0.34).88% of subjects reported improvement in diet and eating habits. 84% reported an increase in physical activity. 81% said they would recommend the app to others with prior GDM. Recommendations included longer exercise videos, more variety in lessons and more ability to personalize the app. Conclusion Our culturally tailored/bilingual app provided remote access to Latinas disproportionately affected by GDM and improved T2D risk factors by decreasing weight and improving healthy eating SE. Though physical activity SE did not increase, subjects reported improvement in physical activity habits. Future research should incorporate suggested changes, increase program completion rates and evaluate the ¡Hola Bebé, Adios Diabetes! app program in an RCT.Presentation: Sunday, July 13, 2025

Objective: Health education is critical in imparting health literacy to children and developing community health and wellbeing. The effectiveness of the teaching–learning interaction in health education classes depends on the teacher employing effective teaching methods, facilitating students’ deep understanding, critical thinking, and the development of skills, beliefs and attitudes that will be needed for them to cultivate healthy behaviours throughout their lives. Health education teaching differs from other learning areas as it addresses controversial and sensitive topics in class. Little research has been conducted regarding the preferred teaching methods of health educators and their ability to employ these teaching methods effectively in the classroom. Methods: In this paper, we present findings from a doctoral grounded theory study to explain the preferred teaching methods of teachers as they work with young people in the important learning area of health education. The study was conducted using a Chamazian constructivist grounded theory approach with the data being analysed using an inductive process, beginning with open codes and progressing to high-level categories. Main Results: This study determined that the preferred teaching method of the teachers delivering health education in Western Australia was discussion-based teaching. We examine the literature regarding discussion-based teaching methods, particularly in health education. Our findings evidence that teachers report preferring a discussion-based teaching approach, even though the health curriculum advises a critical inquiry approach and many schools in Australia currently promote an explicit teaching method. Conclusions: Teachers have expressed uncertainty as to how to effectively employ a discussion-based approach in class and have sought further clarification as they lead class discussions. Effective teaching practices need to be interrogated to support teachers, so how do we do this in a way that provides clarity for teachers and ultimately produces the best outcomes for young people?

The effects of a group-based laughter yoga intervention on mood, anxiety and loneliness in adolescents with mild intellectual or developmental disabilities: A pilot randomized controlled trial.

Sepsis is an emergency condition that requires rapid hospitalization, as it leads to the failure of multiple organs in the body, in addition to that it increases the levels of hospitalization. This study aimed to assess the level of awareness and knowledge of sepsis among the general public in the Saudi Arabia. This is an online cross-sectional survey study was employed in Saudi Arabia between February and May 2025. In order to recruit participants for this research, convenience sampling technique was implemented. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to predict significant factors influencing the total knowledge score. A total of 1640 participants completed the survey. Recognition of sepsis symptoms was relatively low, with only 39.2% (n = 643) identifying difficulty breathing and 29.5% (n = 483) identifying increased heart rate as symptoms. Regarding risk factor, 41.0 % (n = 672) acknowledged weakened immunity, while fewer recognized diabetes (n = 114, 7.0%). Around 51.0% (n = 837) incorrectly believed sepsis is always caused by bacterial infection, and 46.2% (n = 757) thought antibiotics are the only necessary treatment. Saudi individuals were significantly less likely to have higher knowledge compared to non-Saudis (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.26, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.09–0.7, P = .007). Married individuals had lower odds of higher knowledge compared to singles (AOR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.31–0.96, P = .036). Besides, government and nongovernment employees were also less likely to have higher knowledge compared to unemployed individuals (AOR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.21–0.85, P = .01) and (AOR = 0.30, 95% CI: 0.14–0.65, P = .002) respectively. Higher income was significantly associated with greater knowledge, with those earning over 10,000 showing the strongest association (AOR = 3.55, 95% CI: 2.23–5.64, P < .001). Notably, those who personally experienced sepsis or knew someone who had sepsis had dramatically higher odds of greater knowledge (AOR = 32.35 and odds ratio 77.92, respectively; P < .001). This study found that Saudi citizens have suboptimal level of knowledge of the signs and symptoms of sepsis, highlighting the need for awareness campaigns to prevent serious complications. Medical staff education and awareness campaigns are crucial to providing patients with proper treatment according to international guidelines and health instructions.

BackgroundThis study examined the mediating effect of psychological distress and wellbeing in the association between anti-mattering and irritability among a sample of Lebanese adolescents—a topic that remains largely underexplored in adolescent mental health research.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted during November 2023 and included 763 adolescents currently residing in Lebanon (mean age 16.08 ± 1.74 years, 37.6% males and 62.4% females) recruited from all Lebanese governorates using a snowball sampling technique. Data were collected via an online questionnaire and analyzed using the PROCESS Macro for mediation analysis.ResultsThe findings indicated that both psychological distress (β = .39, BootSE = .04, 95% CI [.33,.46]) and wellbeing (β = .07, BootSE = .02, 95% CI [.03,.12]) partially mediated the relationship between anti-mattering and irritability. Adolescents with higher levels of anti-mattering reported greater distress and reduced wellbeing, both of which were associated with increased irritability.ConclusionOur results highlight the psychological relevance of anti-mattering in adolescence and suggest that addressing feelings of insignificance may play a key role in managing emotional dysregulation. Mental health practitioners and educators should consider developing culturally sensitive interventions that target feelings of anti-mattering, enhance wellbeing, and reduce psychological distress. School-based programs promoting emotional support and social inclusion may prove especially beneficial. Future studies should investigate these associations longitudinally and across varied cultural contexts to better inform prevention and intervention strategies.

Explore Hispanic cancer survivors' thoughts about survivorship care plans (SCPs), lay health educator (LHE)-delivered survivorship information, and general survivorship care among Hispanic cancer survivors. A subset of N = 95 participants (≥ 18 years) enrolled in a randomized controlled trial (RCT; March 2023 to August 2023) assessing the feasibility of LHE-delivered survivorship information completed phone-based interviews in which semi-structured guides probed their views on SCPs, the LHE call, and survivorship more broadly. Twenty participants (21% of the total enrolled) completed interviews (11 in English, 9 in Spanish). Most participants were female (70%), half were born in the United States (50%), and the majority had breast cancer (55%); the remaining had colorectal (5%), lymphoma (15%), and prostate cancers (25%). The average time since cancer diagnosis was 3.1 years (SD 1.8). Participants reported few issues transitioning from oncology to primary care and perceived that this transition was supported by easily accessible medical records that also help delineate the care responsibilities of different providers. Most participants thought the SCPs were easy to understand and helped them manage their survivorship care with confidence. They also found information on nutrition and physical activity helpful. Participants liked the LHE call but did not necessarily think it assisted with care coordination. Hispanic cancer survivors reported that the SCPs were helpful and easy to understand but that benefits of a survivorship-focused LHE session were less clear. Additional research may help to determine how best to utilize SCPs and LHEs for these survivors and their providers.Clinical Trials Registration: clinicaltrials.gov NCT04081779.

Developmental art therapy is regarded as a collaborative model of positive psychology and artistic potential development to explore its theoretical basis and practical application. This study analyzes the unique advantages of art therapy in promoting individual mental health, stimulating creativity and improving the quality of life from the perspective of positive psychology. This paper first reviews the development of positive psychology and developmental art therapy, and expounds the similarities between the two in terms of ideas and methods. Then it deeply explores the core concept, basic principles and operating procedures of developmental art therapy, and emphasizes that it plays an important role in stimulating individual's inner potential, cultivating positive emotions and strengthening psychological resilience. With the help of case analysis, this paper showed the application effects of developmental art therapy in different ages and different groups, such as emotional control of children and adolescents, stress reduction of adults, and maintenance of cognitive function of the elderly, etc. It also explored that developmental art therapy has a good application prospect in the fields of education, psychological counseling and community service. Finally, this study summarizes the advantages and challenges of developmental art therapy as a collaborative paradigm of positive psychology and artistic potential development to provide directional suggestions for future research. The purpose of this study is to provide a novel treatment and intervention model for mental health workers, educators and art therapists to promote the overall development of individuals and improve the mental health of society as a whole.

BackgroundThe consumption of e-cigarettes is increasing steadily among university students. This might be due to its greater social acceptance related to its contemporary look and variety of flavors. In this context, the objective of this study is to map the use and identify the perceptions and knowledge of the effects of e-cigarette use among dental students at the University of Brasília, Brazil.MethodsA questionnaire on use, perceptions, and knowledge about electronic cigarettes was anonymously distributed to 303 dental students at the University of Brasília, Brazil. Of these students, 184 (60.72%) answered the questionnaire. Descriptive and analytical statistics were performed using proportions and mean values, and the chi-square test was applied to identify significant differences between quantitative variables. To investigate factors associated with the use of these devices and participants' confidence in answering questions about e-cigarettes, two binary logistic regression analyses were performed.ResultsMost participants knew about e-cigarettes but had never used them (63.60%), and 46.70% of the students received some information about the effects of e-cigarettes during undergraduate education. The main factor that influenced the use of e-cigarettes was curiosity (73.38%), followed by friends (63.15%). Participants who received information about e-cigarette use during undergraduate education had more knowledge of its association with cancer incidence and impairment of oral health (p < 0.05).ConclusionsConsidering that the risks and health effects of using e-cigarettes are still unknown in the long term, it is necessary to implement educational strategies in health courses to promote students as health educators. However, additional studies are needed to establish whether these findings are similar among larger samples.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-025-24565-4.

Pakistan has historically prioritized education and sports as essential pillars for national development. However, emerging evidence highlights a troubling trend: Pakistani school-aged children and adolescents are engaging in insufficient physical activity (PA), experiencing rising rates of overweight and obesity, and exhibiting declining physical fitness.¹⁻⁷ Addressing this growing public health concern requires urgent reform in school physical education (PE) programs, alongside the strategic use of social media to raise awareness, inspire action, and promote healthy behavioral changes. Current Situation Research consistently documents the prevalence of unhealthy behaviors among Pakistani children and their association with obesity. Tanveer et al.¹ found that limited participation in school-based physical activity interventions significantly increased the risk of overweight and obesity. Additional studies on 24-hour movement behaviors² and sleep duration³ confirmed strong links between sedentary lifestyles and adverse health outcomes. Parental support⁴, nutrition patterns⁷, and access to community-level physical activity opportunities⁸ further influence children’s health behaviors. Despite this knowledge, fewer than 30% of students meet the global recommendation of at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) per day, while sedentary, screen-based activities continue to rise.¹⁷ Navigating the Challenges These trends reflect structural and sociocultural barriers within Pakistan’s education system. Heavy academic loads and the marginalization of PE reduce opportunities for active participation.⁵,⁶ In many schools, PE remains optional, hindered by limited infrastructure, insufficiently trained instructors, and lack of standardized curricula. Rural and underprivileged areas face even greater challenges, including unsafe environments and scarce sports facilities.⁶,⁸ Compounding these barriers are modern lifestyle factors such as prolonged screen time, video gaming, and smartphone use, which replace active play with sedentary entertainment.¹⁷ The Path Forward Strengthening PE as a mandatory and assessed component of school curricula is critical. Regular engagement in structured PE classes and school sports correlates with reduced obesity rates, improved fitness, mental resilience, social cohesion, and academic performance. Achieving these benefits requires a coordinated national strategy that ensures equitable implementation, adequate funding, and qualified instructors across all provinces. Social media presents a powerful opportunity to accelerate these efforts. With over 70 million internet users and a growing youth population, Pakistan can leverage digital platforms to promote PA, healthy nutrition, and reduced screen time. Campaigns led by educators, health professionals, and influencers can utilize engaging content—fitness challenges, short educational videos, and interactive competitions—to extend health promotion beyond the classroom. Evidence shows that digital engagement can effectively modify behaviors when combined with structured school interventions.¹⁹,²⁰ A national initiative involving the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of National Health Services, and social media organizations could replicate models like China’s “Healthy China 2030” by creating coordinated campaigns that emphasize gender equity and equal participation in sports.¹,²,⁵ Professional development for PE teachers and health educators, delivered via online platforms, can equip them with modern pedagogical skills and innovative teaching strategies. Schools should also conduct annual fitness assessments, using anthropometric and PA evaluation tools to guide policy and intervention efforts.⁵,⁶,¹¹ In conclusion, reversing the trend of physical inactivity and rising obesity in Pakistani children requires a comprehensive, evidence-based approach that integrates education reform, social media engagement, and community involvement. Without decisive action, these challenges may escalate into long-term public health crises, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes.¹⁷,²² By strengthening school PE, promoting parental and community support, and harnessing the power of digital media, Pakistan can foster a physically active, healthier generation ready to thrive in the future. The time to act is now. Financial support and sponsorship: None Conflict of interest: None declared.

Abstract Expert-by-experience involvement in the design, implementation and evaluation of university curricula is an expectation in health professional programs in Australia. To achieve this, educators and experts-by-experience need to partner to design and deliver curriculum. However, research is needed to guide collaborations and disrupt hegemonic practices. This study aimed to explore the experiences and perceptions of health educators and experts-by-experience who partner to co-design and/or co-deliver curriculum. A qualitative descriptive design was adopted, where six experts and six educators were interviewed. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed. Four themes were generated: i) navigating co-teaching: from theory to practice, ii) navigating the institutional labyrinth: breaking down barriers, iii) authentic partnerships, and iv) elevating education through lived experience. While it is best practice to partner in co-design and co-delivery, there are important considerations for high-quality, effective and sustainable partnerships. This paper provides recommendations that support key stakeholders to enact these partnerships.

Background: Measles is a serious and highly contagious viral disease that continues to affect people around the world, especially in areas with low vaccination rates. Although a safe and effective vaccine is available, outbreaks still happen, often because of poor awareness and false beliefs. Nursing students, as future health educators, need to have correct and clear knowledge about measles and how to prevent it. Aim: This study aimed to check how much nursing students know about measles and its vaccine, and to see if a short educational session could improve their knowledge. Methodology: A one-group pre-test and post-test design was used. The study was done at Albiruni College of Nursing, Hyderabad. A total of 66 undergraduate nursing students were selected through convenience sampling. An adapted questionnaire was used to collect data before and after the educational session. The results were analyzed using SPSS version 27, and a paired t-test was used to compare the scores. Results: The results showed a clear improvement in knowledge after the session. The average pre-test score was 8.863 (SD =2.44034), and the average post-test score was 11.590 (SD = 1.98837). The difference in scores was 2.7, with a p-value less than 0.001, which means the improvement was statistically significant and results are reliable. Conclusion: The study shows that short educational sessions can help improve nursing students' knowledge about measles and its vaccine. Adding such sessions to nursing training can support students in becoming better vaccine educators and public health advocates.