Academic Programs Research Articles

Provision of early clinical experience in UK medical schools: a cross-sectional survey

ABSTRACT Background There is an established evidence base to support early clinical experience (ECE) within medical degree programmes. However, increasingly crowded clinical learning environments can make provision challenging. The aim of this research was to develop understanding about how ECE is provided within UK medical schools. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study on ECE provision by UK medical schools using an electronic survey containing a mix of question styles. We gathered data on the stage at which ECE featured within curricula, the amount of ECE provided, the setting for ECE, the learning outcomes covered during ECE and whether such content was formally assessed. Support for survey dissemination was obtained from the UK Medical Schools Council (MSC) Education Leads Advisory Group (ELAG). Responses were collected between 10/05/23 and 11/10/23. Findings Of the 43 eligible UK medical schools, responses were received from 28 (65%). The provision of ECE amongst respondent medical schools was ubiquitous. The majority of ECE was provided within general practice and hospital settings, but community and voluntary sector settings were increasingly employed, as was technology enhanced ECE. A significant shift in the nature of the content addressed during ECE, with less focus on implementation of basic science was seen within learning outcomes. The extent to which ECE learning outcomes were formally assessed was variable. Conclusion The amount of ECE provided by UK medical schools has fallen. We encourage institutions to reflect on their provision of ECE and to consider how greater diversity of community settings and technology-enhanced learning could be harnessed.

Zum Stand des Fachs Cultură și civilizație an rumänischen Universitäten

Abstract Culture and civilization is probably one of the most discussed areas in foreign language didactics. It is taught both implicitly in the teaching of German as a foreign language and as an independent subject in university teaching. It is also offered at many Romanian universities as part of German-language degree courses. Especially in subjects in which prospective teachers and translators are trained, culture and civilization occupies a special position because it plays the undisputedly important role of imparting cultural knowledge about the target language country, which is seen as the second component in foreign language acquisition alongside linguistic knowledge. While foreign language lessons usually deal with everyday cultural topics, university courses on culture and civilization tend to focus on geography, history, politics, media, art and/or economics, usually according to the respective focus of the department where the culture and civilization course is offered. This article deals with academic research on the subject of culture and civilization at Romanian universities after 1995, specifically with the objectives and methods for teaching culture and civilization, the organization of encounters in culture and civilization lessons and possible subject catalogs.

Understanding diaper dermatitis: What parents of 0-36 month olds need to know and the key factors Influencing its development

Objective: Diaper dermatitis, commonly known as diaper rash, is a frequent skin concern for families with infants. This study explores the knowledge levels of parents with children aged 0-36 months regarding diaper rash and the factors influencing its development. Methods: The study involved 300 parents who participated in a survey designed to measure their knowledge and attitudes about diaper rash. The survey also inquired about their babies' diaper care routines and preferred sources of information on diaper rash. Results: A positive correlation was found between the education levels of the parents and knowledge of diaper rash. Parents with university degrees had a higher median awareness score [9 (3-12)] compared to parents with high school [8 (4-12)] and primary school diplomas [7 (3-12)] (p=0.009 and p

Perceptions of the Use of Mobile Technologies for Smoking Cessation: Focus Group Study With Individuals of Low Socioeconomic Status Who Smoke.

The use of mobile technologies to deliver behavioral health interventions, including smoking cessation support, has grown. Users' perceptions are important determinants of the adoption and use of new technologies. However, little is known about users' perceptions of mobile technologies as smoking cessation aids, particularly among disadvantaged individuals who smoke. This study aimed to examine the acceptance of mobile technologies for smoking cessation among young adults with low socioeconomic status who smoke. In total, 38 current cigarette smokers, 18 to 29 years old, who wanted to quit and did not have a 4-year college degree nor were enrolled in a 4-year college, participated in 12 semistructured digital focus groups. The moderation guide was guided by the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology. Discussions were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and coded for the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology constructs (ie, effort expectancy, facilitating conditions, performance expectancy, and social influence), sentiment (ie, negative, neutral, and positive), and purpose of using mobile technologies (ie, lifestyle and health management and smoking cessation) following a deductive thematic analysis approach. Participants had positive experiences using mobile technologies for lifestyle and health management, primarily for fitness and dietary purposes. Salient themes were facilitating conditions of use (44/80, 55%), with prior experiences and costs subthemes, followed by perceived usefulness of mobile technologies in helping users attain health goals (22/80, 27.50%), which were generally positive. Ease of use (11/80, 13.75%) and social influences (3/80, 3.75%) were minimally discussed. Conversely, participants had limited awareness of smoking cessation uses of mobile technologies, which was the primary barrier under facilitating conditions discussed (33/51, 64.70%). Participants expressed skepticism about the usefulness of mobile technologies in helping them quit smoking (14/51, 27.45%). Effort expectancy was not discussed, given participants' limited prior use. Social influences on mobile technology use for smoking cessation were minimally discussed (4/51, 7.84%). The use of mobile technologies for smoking cessation was unknown to young adults with low socioeconomic status who smoke. To reduce cigarette smoking and associated health disparities, increasing awareness and use of evidence-based mobile-based smoking cessation interventions are needed. Smoking cessation interventions should incorporate features perceived as useful and easy to use to capitalize on positive user experiences and the acceptability of mobile technologies for lifestyle and health management.

La formación inicial del profesorado de primaria en educación para la ciudadanía. Estudio de casos en Latinoamérica

This article identifies, analyzes and interprets what happens with citizenship education in the initial training of generalist teachers, in university programs in Latin America. The methodological strategy is the documentary analysis of the citizenship education curriculum in three academic programs in Chile, Argentina and Colombia, which train primary school teachers and who agree to participate voluntarily in the study. The results identify that the purposes and objectives of the programs for the initial training of generalist teachers focus on global citizenship. In the study plans, the contents planned for teaching the area are few and focused on theoretical concepts related to national citizenship, which do not favor the development of critical thinking or the political training of teachers, which are essential aspects to train students future teachers and transformative intellectuals (Giroux, 2006). The analysis concludes that general teachers are not being trained to educate primary school boys and girls as critical and democratic citizens. Academic programs have the challenge of proposing problematizing curricula, in which future teachers acquire the professional skills to analyze and understand the complexity and interdisciplinarity of social knowledge and, to guide the area of ​​citizenship in primary education in the construction of democratic culture and social justice.

Staff Perspectives on the Role of Public Libraries in Facilitating College Literacy

The decision-making process for potential college students in the United States is overwhelming because of the volume of information available and the complexity of higher education systems. Prospective students must consider institutional rankings, academic programs, and financial aid opportunities in addition to completing numerous forms. For some students, there exist personal and professional advisors and resources to assist with navigating the process. Others with less social and cultural capital must figure out the system with little or no assistance while facing other barriers. Public libraries can be a resource for the college-bound community; however, research shows that public libraries are not actively engaged in supporting this user group. To provide focused, quality information services to any demographic, it is important to understand the perspectives of public-facing information workers. Through a cross-sectional online questionnaire of library staff across four states, this study sought to learn staff perspectives on the role of public libraries in serving prospective college students. The survey received 160 responses of which 100 open-ended responses pertained to the role of public libraries. Qualitative inductive analysis point to three core themes on the role of public libraries in serving this population, that of connector, provider, and supporter. A fourth theme suggests staff see the role as one for others to meet. This article provides insight into past examinations of public library support of college literacy offering an opening to further discussions on serving this overlooked user group.

La formación inicial del profesor para la ciudadanía en una universidad pública del Perú

Being a teacher today has regained new importance in the formation of citizens. On one hand, we want individuals who are critical and committed to their time, and for this, it is essential to understand the world we live in, to position ourselves within these new contexts of change and regulations. We are participants in the global and national crises, migration and its integration issues, as well as the political, economic, social, and cultural tensions of each region—factors that should enable us to provide responses in educational settings through critical reflection and participatory action. This academic work presents a qualitative and descriptive approach, arising from the analysis of documents related to the educational policy of our country: the General Education Law of Peru, the National Education Project, curricular plans, as well as the syllabus of the History and Geography degree program at a public university, with the aim of identifying, categorizing, and analyzing the subjects where citizenship-related issues are addressed, either explicitly or implicitly. Finally, after conducting a documentary analysis of the syllabus from the History and Geography degree program at a public university in Lima, we present a discussion of the findings and the respective conclusions. It is important to mention that, regarding teacher training for citizenship, there are various Peruvian studies that provide a complementary perspective on the gaps between the teacher training intended to be provided at universities and the development of social science subjects in schools.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Meat Hygiene Among Butchers in Abattoirs and Meat Markets in Wadi Salih Garsila, Central Darfur - Sudan

This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to meat hygiene among butchers and meat workers in abattoirs and markets in Garsila. A total of one hundred structured questionnaires were used to collect data on participants' knowledge and practices regarding meat hygiene, and data analysis was performed using SPSS version 21. The results showed that all butchers (100%) in this study were male, with 27% aged between 36 and 45 years. Less than half (41%) of the butchers were older than 46. Additionally, 90% of butchers were married, while 10% were single. The study found that 46% had less than 10 years of work experience, while 24% had 11 to 20 years of experience. Notably, 90% of butchers were uneducated, with only 1% holding a university degree. Furthermore, 99% believed regular handwashing can reduce the risk of meat contamination, and 84% thought using appropriate gloves could minimize contamination. However, 20% believed that freezing meat is not important for preservation. There was unanimous agreement among all butchers that wearing clean personal protective equipment improves meat hygiene. In conclusion, the study indicates moderate awareness regarding meat hygiene among butchers and meat workers in Wadi Salih Garsila.

Media Coverage of Treasury Single Account Introduced by Abia State Government and Its Effect on Abia State University, Nigeria

This research brief focuses on the analysis of the media coverage of the introduction of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) by the Abia State Government and its impact on the Abia State University in terms of autonomy, salaries, research and academic activities. The implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) has been the subject of intense media scrutiny, with attention focused on its implications for the autonomy of Abia State University. This study examines how the centralization of financial resources through the Treasury Single Account (TSA) framework can affect university decision-making processes, academic freedom and general governance autonomy. In addition, the research examines the effects of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) on the timely payment of salaries to university staff. By analyzing media reports and conducting interviews with stakeholders, the study aims to assess whether the implementation of the TSA has had an impact on the payment of wages, financial stability and employee morale in the university Furthermore, the study explores how the introduction of Treasury Single Account (TSA) has affected research activities in Abia State University. By examining media stories and academic publications, the research seeks to understand whether changes in financial management practices have affected the university's research output, funding opportunities and collaborative initiatives. Finally, the impact of Treasury Single Account (TSA) on academic activities in Abia State University is a major focus of this research. Through content analysis of media coverage and interviews with teachers and students, the study aims to assess whether financial reforms have improved or hindered the quality of teaching, learning experiences and the academic programs in the university. By examining the media coverage of the introduction of Treasury Single Account (TSA) and its effects on autonomy, salaries, research and academic activity in Abia State University, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of the implications of financial reforms in higher education institutions and provide policy makers with information. university administrators and stakeholders in the education sector.

Developing a foundation information and academic skills programme for potential Student Nursing Associates.

This article outlines the development of 'Prepare to Progress', a preapplication programme for potential Student Nursing Associate (SNA) applicants at Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Created collaboratively by the Trust's Library and Knowledge Services and Professional Education teams, the programme aims to provide realistic course expectations, teach study skills and boost confidence in using library services. Evaluation results indicate increased understanding of the SNA course, improved application decision-making, and enhanced academic confidence among participants. The programme demonstrates the valuable role of library services in preparing healthcare support workers for further education and addressing library anxiety. The study suggests benefits for both participants and library services.

From Thesis to Scientific Articles: Publication of Neonatal Research in Ecuador

Objective: To determine the proportion of scientific articles published by health professionals in Neonatology services in Ecuador in the last 20 years. Theoretical framework: Perinatal research is a priority in public health. Writing a thesis allows students to acquire research skills. Publishing these findings in indexed journals ensures their validity and relevance, becoming references for future studies, systematic reviews, hospital protocols and clinical guidelines. Method: Bibliometric study that examined the temporal evolution, research design, language, affiliations, keywords, journals and academic degrees of thesis writers. The search was carried out in databases and repositories from the last 20 years, using Zotero, Mendeley, Rayyan and R for the analysis. Results and Discussion: It was identified that 13% of the theses were published in indexed journals in Ecuador. (79%) corresponded to postgraduate studies in pediatrics and neonatology. Almost half (48.97%) were published in local journals and the majority (63.69%) in Spanish. The low rate of scientific publication is a common problem in Spanish-speaking countries. Ecuador contributes only 0.11% of world publications. Research implications: Strengthen research training for students and encourage other professionals involved in newborn care to publish their theses. Originality/Value: The publication of theses as scientific articles contributes to the advancement of knowledge. This process broadens the scope of research, enhancing its impact and application in clinical practice and evidence-based decision-making.

Impact of Polypharmacy on Symptoms and Health Outcomes in Older Adults With and Without Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias.

There is a critical gap in understanding the symptom experience and health outcomes of older adults with and without Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias (ADRD) and polypharmacy (PPY). The primary aim of the study was to compare the number of symptoms experienced over time in older adults with and without ADRD by polypharmacy status. The secondary aim was to examine the trajectory of physical function and health outcomes over time in each group. This study utilized longitudinal data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study, a nationally representative sample of Medicare beneficiaries from 2016-2019. The sample was separated into four groups (N = 2,052): neither ADRD or PPY (n = 1,048), PPY only (n = 761), ADRD only (n = 116), and both ADRD and PPY(n = 127). The overall sample was predominately female (57.9%), White (70.9%), aged 84 or younger (75%), married (46%), and had some college or a college degree (50%). Participants with both ADRD and PPY experienced more symptoms on average, had higher odds of falls, hospitalizations, and mortality than all other groups. Older adults with both ADRD and PPY had lower physical function, needed more assistance with activities of daily living and higher assistive device utilization compared to the other three groups. Findings indicate that older adults with both ADRD and PPY experience more symptoms, negative health outcomes and physical function decline that can negatively impact their quality of life. Further research is needed to identify strategies for reducing PPY in people with ADRD.

Socio-demographic disparities in the familiarity with coastal climate adaptation strategies: implications for coastal management and climate justice

AbstractPublic preferences for coastal climate adaptation strategies have been increasingly documented in the face of climate change and sea-level rise in coastal regions worldwide. However, empirical evidence of whether the public is familiar with these strategies remains unclear. In this study, we conducted an online survey among residents in three coastal counties in Southeast Florida, the United States to elicit households’ familiarity with different coastal climate adaptation strategies and examine the socio-demographic disparities. Using a multinomial logit model, we find that although most respondents are familiar with coastal climate adaptation strategies, socio-demographic disparities in the level of familiarity are evident. Specifically, Black respondents are significantly less likely to be familiar with coastal climate adaptation strategies when compared to their White counterparts. Moreover, having college degrees or more advanced degrees significantly increases the respondents’ probability of being very familiar with these strategies. Respondents’ risk perception and their awareness of current flood risk also significantly influence their familiarity with coastal climate adaptation strategies. Since adaptive planning often overlooks equitable access, and local support is essential for implementing climate adaptation strategies, our results can provide insightful policy implications for coastal management. A lack of familiarity with coastal climate adaptation strategies among marginalized and vulnerable populations can lead to insufficient support for these strategies aimed at mitigating climate risks, exacerbating the issue of climate justice.

Uncertainty Avoidance, Perceptions of Emergency Remote Education, and University Commitment: A Cross-Country Analysis

Worldwide, there were significant changes in university courses due to COVID-19. One was a rapid transition to online courses, described as emergency remote education. The purpose of this research was to examine how students’ uncertainty avoidance (UA) affected their university commitment (UC) and whether their perceptions of emergency remote education (PERE) mediated this relationship. The b path of the mediation analysis (from PERE to commitment) was expected to be moderated by two variables: income and perceived quality of instruction. Students from universities in three countries (i.e., the United States (US), Pakistan, and South Africa (SA)) were assessed. The findings revealed that there were direct and indirect effects for this relationship for students from Pakistan, with a partial moderated mediation effect of perceived quality of instruction for students from Pakistan. Positive main effects of UA on UC were found for students from the United States, Pakistan, and South Africa. Potential explanations and implications for these results were explored.

Learner training for phonetic transcription of typical and/or disordered speech: A scoping review.

Phonetic transcription is a core skill of speech and language therapists/pathologists (SLT/Ps) for clinical assessment of speech sounds and/or errors, and linguists for investigation of phonetic phenomena in various languages; hence, it is included in the curriculum of the corresponding degree programme. Many experts and course instructors have discussed their opinions on different aspects of phonetic transcription teaching and/or reported their own training programmes. However, no review has systematically summarized the types of expert recommendations and training methodology reported in the literature. Such information is important for mapping the knowledge gaps, refining current teaching and planning further research. To systematically summarize (1) the materials and procedures for delivering and evaluating phonetic transcription training programmes, and (2) the opinions from experts in phonetic transcription teaching regarding but not limited to the content, rationale(s), format and structure, and timing of teaching phonetic transcription of typical speech and/or disordered speech reported in the literature. A scoping review was carried out by following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. PubMed, EBSCOhost and Web of Science were searched and citation searching of included papers was completed. The included papers were divided into training programme reports, of which data (e.g., type and number of speech stimuli used, type and number of learners, outcome measures) were charted, and expert opinion papers, analysed using content analysis. A total of 565 studies were retrieved. After excluding duplicates and irrelevant papers and merging two sources that reported the same training, a total of 23 sources on training programmes and six opinion papers were analysed. Most training were for English and for SLT/P students, with some for the linguistics students. There are variations in the training content (with phonetic transcription practice as the main procedure), delivery mode (some presented via websites or computer software), stimuli (audio recordings of typical adults and children with speech disorders were most used), feedback (mostly immediate feedback using answer keys) and outcome measures (mainly transcription accuracy of learners and user opinions). Content analysis of opinion papers determined five main categories: rationale for training; aspects of the delivery of training; transcription; problem areas noted; and strategies/resources. Implications and considerations for teaching are discussed, along with recommendations for research in the design of evidence-based training. The findings can contribute to the development of general guidelines about phonetic transcription training in educational programmes and the establishment of pre-registration competencies. What is already known on this subject Phonetic transcription is a core skill of SLT/Ps and linguists for clinical speech assessment and research, and it is an important component in the curriculum of the relevant degree programmes. Many experts and course instructors have discussed their opinions regarding phonetic transcription teaching and/or reported their own training programmes in various sources such as books and book chapters, research papers and conference proceedings. What this paper adds to the existing knowledge The paper reports a scoping review that systematically summarized the materials and procedures for delivering and evaluating phonetic transcription programmes and experts' opinions and recommendations for phonetic transcription teaching, reported in the literature. The data from these two types of sources allowed an integrated discussion of the various aspects of phonetic transcription training, such as content, format and structure, materials and timing of teaching and the evaluation of training efficacy. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? The data synthesized and discussed provide a foundation for a review of current practice in phonetic transcription teaching in SLT education. The findings can contribute to the development of general guidelines about phonetic transcription training in educational programmes and the establishment of pre-registration competencies.

Improvement of quality of life on breast cancer-related lymphedema patients through a postmastectomy care program in Mexico: a prospective study.

To assess whether health-related quality of life (HRQOL) improved through a postmastectomy care program focused on breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) protection/awareness. Postoperative breast cancer patients were enrolled prospectively (February-2018 to September-2019) at Nursing and Obstetrics Faculty, Durango, Mexico. Sociodemographic/clinical characteristics, arm measurements, and HRQOL evaluation with Functional Assessment Cancer Therapy-Breast Cancer were collected at baseline and after six follow-up assessments between six-to-twelve-month postmastectomy. Lymphedema was verified through circometry. Descriptive analysis and McNemar-Bowker test were used to evaluate paired differences in HRQOL. Subgroup analysis was conducted to assess sociodemographic/clinical characteristics of BCRL using Pearson's chi-squared or Fisher exact test along with odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). All tests were two-sided with P-values < 0.05 considered statistically significant. One-hundred-two patients developed BCRL (incidence 66.2%, n = 154). All dimensions of HRQOL improved after the postmastectomy care program (P < 0.05). The subgroup analysis indicated that elementary academic degree (OR = 2.40, 95%CI: 1.01-5.69), laborer (OR = 9.85, 95%CI: 3.30-29.3), and total mastectomy (OR = 4.23, 95%CI: 1.20-14.9) were more associated with BCRL (P < 0.05). Conversely, high school academic degree (OR = 0.46, 95%CI: 0.22-0.94), married status (OR = 0.42, 95%CI: 0.21-0.86), housewife (OR = 0.27, 95%CI: 0.12-0.61), professional occupation (OR = 0.10, 95%CI: 0.01-0.64), and having no comorbidities (OR = 0.31, 95%CI: 0.15-0.63) were less associated with BCRL (P < 0.05). Although HRQOL improved through the postmastectomy care program, our findings suggest that lower education, working as a laborer, and total mastectomy may be more associated with BCRL. Continuing research may uncover liabilities among BCRL patients within limited-resources settings.

Campus Life in Contemporary Polish, Slovak, and Ukrainian Fiction

The article focuses on the image of campus life as presented in a selection of novels written in Polish, Slovak, and Ukrainian after 1989. The author presents generic peculiarities of Slavic campus fiction and analyses the theme of (academic) coming-of-age in Slavic campus fiction. The maturation of student characters in Maryna Hrymych’s Yura and Pavol Parkov’s The Legend About the Language occurred in Soviet Ukraine and Czechoslovakia, respectively, around 1968. In contrast, the protagonists of Jagoda Grudzień’s Erasmopeja and Tania Kalytenko’s Antero undergo academic identity formation in contemporary Scandinavian countries as participants in academic exchange programs. While Hrymych and Rankov portray characters navigating totalitarian societies of the past, Grudzień and Kalytenko situate their students within the anxieties of the globalised world, where remembering the past remains crucial. The author concludes that contemporary campus fiction written in Slavic languages addresses the issues significant for the cultural memory of the particular nation. Collectively, these novels contribute to a sense of continuity in academic culture within East-Central Europe.

Unlocking potential: exploring the interplay between entrepreneurship and research competence across diverse academic disciplines

This study aims to identify and analyze the self-assessment of entrepreneurship sub-competences among students at Latvian higher education institutions. The research questions addressed include: What is the self-assessment of students’ entrepreneurship competence at different levels of education? How and to what extent does the self-assessment of students’ entrepreneurship competence vary across different thematic groups? How and to what extent does the self-assessment of students’ entrepreneurship competence differ between academic and professional programs? Do bachelor’s and Master’s students’ entrepreneurship competences improve during the study process? Additionally, the study explores the correlation between students’ self-assessment of their entrepreneurship competence and their research competence. Data were collected using an assessment tool for students’ transversal competences developed in the ESF project “Development and implementation of the education quality monitoring system”, which consists of an online survey data and were analyzed with SPSS Statistics v.21. The results show that students evaluated their entrepreneurship competence just above average. Bachelor-level students improved their entrepreneurship competences during their studies, but there were no statistically significant differences between Master’s students’ evaluations in their first and last study years. Network analysis indicates that the entrepreneurship sub-competence “Identification, mobilization, and efficient use of internal and external resources” is connected with most research competence dimensions, and improving this sub-competence will therefore have the most effect on influencing research competence.

A multi-site mixed-method evaluation of 'Cardiac College for Women' implementation: perspectives of cardiac rehabilitation patients and providers.

A Cardiac College for Women curriculum was developed to address the dearth of women-focused cardiac rehabilitation (CR) education. This study investigated: (1) patient utilization of the education; (2) acceptability and applicability of the education; as well as (3) patient and CR providers' experiences implementing it. This was a multi-site, mixed-methods study. After baseline assessments at an academic CR program in two Canadian provinces, the 12 weekly 30 min structured in-person group education sessions were led by staff in the relevant discipline, with supporting online videos and written materials. Women reported their engagement with the education in weekly diaries, and completed a survey post-program. Semi-structured virtual interviews were held with willing participants and staff delivering the intervention. Transcripts were analyzed concurrently by two researchers independently via NVIVO using text condensation, followed by consensus reconciliation and multi-source validation. Forty patients participated in the women-focused education program, with 28 completing weekly diaries and 36 post-intervention surveys. Participants attended 80% of sessions (67%-89%). They spent an average of 30 min/week engaging additionally with the online education, with 83% rating the weekly content applicable (73%-100%). Overall acceptability was rated 4.3 ± 1.7/5. Twelve patients and 5 staff participated in interviews. Four themes were identified: contextual considerations, staffing and implementation issues, valued aspects, and suggestions for improvement. In conclusion, Cardiac College for Women was established as highly acceptable and applicable to patients, supporting their self-management. The women-specific CR education materials were also established as readily implementable by CR staff.

Student Suicide in India: An Analysis of Newspaper Articles(2019-2023).

Student suicide is one significant public health concern across the world, including India. In recent years, the surge in suicide cases has further worried mental health professionals and policymakers. The current study analysed the reported student suicide cases published in four leading Indian newspapers. Based on the analysis of newspaper reports published between 2019 and 2023, the study detected a total of 491 suicidal deaths of students. The result revealed that academic reasons (academic dissatisfaction, academic stress and academic failure), institutional reasons (bullying, caste discrimination, ragging, harassment and toxic institutional culture), mental health issues (depression, psychological stress and anxiety), financial crisis and online gaming are the most commonly reported reasons behind student suicides. The majority of suicide victims were within the age range of 16-21 years. The highest number of suicide cases are reported from Kota, a city often referred to as the coaching capital of India. The study highlights considering changes in the academic curriculum to make academic programs less stressful for students. More importantly, policies should ensure that the academic campuses are free from harassment, bullying or similar aggressive experiences. Furthermore, emphasising students' mental health should be the education system's biggest priority.