Independent T-test Research Articles

Does amide proton transfer-weighted MRI have diagnostic and differential value in ovarian cystic and predominantly cystic lesion?

This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic value of amide proton transfer-weighted (APTw) imaging in distinguishing cystic or predominantly cystic ovarian lesions. 49 patients underwent APTw imaging at 3T-MR before surgery, with 20 volunteers serving as the control group. Participants were divided into the following groups: solid components of normal ovaries (Group A, n = 29), solid components of malignant lesions (Group B, n = 7), cystic fluid of follicles (Group C, n = 31), cystic fluid of benign lesions (Group D, n = 46), functional cysts (Group d1, n = 8), endometriomas (Group d2, n = 28), cystadenomas (Group d3, n = 10), and cystic fluid of malignant lesions (Group E, n = 12). Independent t-tests or Mann-Whitney U tests and one-way ANOVA were used to compare group differences. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy in distinguishing between different lesions. For solid components, significant differences in MTRasym values were observed between Groups A and B (P < 0.001). For cystic components, significant differences were found between Groups C and D, C and E, d1 and d2, d2 and d3, d1 and d3, C and d2, C and d3, E and d1, and E and d2 (all P < 0.01). ROC analysis of these results showed high AUC values (ranging from 0.813 to 1.0), all P < 0.05. APTw can reveal differences in MTRasym values between normal and diseased ovarian tissues, demonstrating high clinical value in differentiating functional cysts, endometriomas, and cystadenomas, as well as distinguishing benign lesions (functional cysts or endometriomas) from malignant tumors.

Prevalence and associated factors of mental health distress among hospitalized patients in general hospitals: a multi-center cross-sectional study in Iran.

Understanding the prevalence of mental distress in hospitalized patients and identifying associated factors can help reduce the burden of mental disorders on their medical management and improve their quality of life. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of mental distress among hospitalized patients in general hospitals and assess its associated factors. In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated the mental health status of inpatients in seven cities in Iran, using the General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12), with a total GHQ-12 score ≥ 4 or higher categorized as "mentally distressed." Statistical analyses were conducted using independent t-tests, one-way analysis of variance, and cross-tabulations. A total of 524 patients (347 females) were assessed, with 208 (38.7%) being classified as mentally distressed. The prevalence of mental distress was significantly higher among males (52.0%) compared to females (34.0%) (p = 0.002). There were no significant differences in GHQ-12 scores among different age groups (p > 0.05). Significant differences were observed in mental health status based on job status, with retired (64.7%) and laborer (22.8%) patients showing the highest and lowest rates of mental distress, respectively (p < 0.001). Additionally, mental distress prevalence varied significantly across hospital wards, with internal medicine (47.6%) and obstetrics and gynecology (28.3%) having the highest and lowest prevalence, respectively (p = 0.004). A considerable proportion of patients hospitalized for medical reasons also experience mental distress. Various demographic factors are associated with their mental health status. This highlights the need for integrated mental health assessments alongside medical treatment to alleviate the burden of mental disorders.

Resilience of young adults in Korea: Navigating the impact of collective trauma and anxiety.

Amidst increasing occurrences of disasters and traumatic events, there is growing concern about the declining mental health of young adults, who are facing rising societal pressures and uncertainty about their futures. This study investigates the interplay between collective trauma, anxiety, and resilience among young adults in the Korean context. Based on survey data collected in 2023 from 323 Korean young adults aged 18 to 34 years, a multiple linear regression and independent t-tests were used to examine their experiences of collective trauma, collective anxiety, and resilience, taking gender differences into account. Collective anxiety was associated with resilience, but collective trauma was not. Gender differences were observed: competition- and security-related anxiety, education, and income were positively associated with resilience only for men, while fairness-related anxiety was negatively associated only with women's resilience. Adaptation-related anxiety was a significant factor for both groups. Certain types of collective anxiety and socioeconomic status may act as protective factors against trauma. Gender should be considered when designing mental health assessments and services for young adults to address the unique needs and challenges in building resilience and managing anxiety.

One is Good, but are Two Really Better? Outcomes for Dual versus Individual Attendees in a Behavioral Parent-Training Program for Caregivers of Young Children

ABSTRACT Background The Helping Our Toddlers, Developing Our Children’s Skills (HOT DOCS) BPMT program utilizes positive behavior support principles to help caregivers of children birth-5 years address early childhood disruptive behaviors and common developmental challenges experienced by many young children. Objective The present study examined whether there were differences in child outcomes, attendance rates, homework completion rates, levels of caregiver stress, and treatment satisfaction for individual versus dual caregiver participation in the HOT DOCS BPMT. Method Using a quasi-experimental design, caregivers of children ages 0–5 years were assigned to two non-equivalent groups: individual attendee (n = 141) and dual attendee (n = 123). Independent samples t-tests were utilized to compare means between individual and dual attendee groups for number of sessions attended and homework completion. Paired samples t-tests were calculated to compare means between individual and dual attendee groups on HOT DOCS program outcomes, including child behavior, parenting stress, and treatment satisfaction. Results There were no significant differences in outcomes between individual and dual attendee groups. Child behavior outcomes, parenting stress, treatment satisfaction, attendance, and homework completion were similar across both groups. Conclusions Individual caregiver engagement in the HOT DOCS BPMT program might be sufficiently potent to result in desirable outcomes. Future directions should include examining family structure and treatment modality on BPMT outcomes, maintenance of intervention gains, and perceived child behavior outcomes of BPMT non-attending caregivers.

Longitudinal analysis of sitting time and impact on wellbeing and quality-of-life of sedentary workers.

Sitting time (ST) in the occupational domain has been linked to reduced wellbeing and quality-of-life. However, studies investigating the impact of reducing ST in these outcomes are scarce. An ancillary analysis using data from a RCT containing a 6-month sit-stand desk-based intervention, evaluated workers' changes in ST (objectively measured), and subjective wellbeing and quality-of-life. Two groups were created based on changes in ST. Independent and paired-sample T-tests were used to evaluate the differences between and within groups, and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was conducted to evaluate the effects of ST reduction in the outcomes. Our analyses indicated that 13 participants out of 38 reduced ST (-72min/day [±40.0; p < 0.001], while 25 participants slightly reduced or increased ST (+36.7 min/day [±40.3; p < 0.001]). Both groups had an improvement in quality-of-life scores, but only those who reduced ST improved subjective wellbeing (p = 0.028). Despite these results, no time*group interaction was found.

The value of restriction spectrum imaging in predicting lymph node metastases in rectal cancer: a comparative study with diffusion-weighted imaging and diffusion kurtosis imaging.

To investigate the efficacy of three-compartment restriction spectrum imaging (RSI), diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI), and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in the assessment of lymph node metastases (LNM) in rectal cancer. A total of 77 patients with rectal cancer who underwent pelvic MRI were enrolled. RSI-derived parameters (f1, f2, and f3), DKI-derived parameters (Dapp and Kapp), and the DWI-derived parameter (ADC) were calculated and compared using a Mann-Whitney U test or independent samples t-test. Logistic regression (LR) analysis was used to identify independent predictors of LNM status. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and Delong analysis were performed to assess the diagnostic performance of each parameter. The LNM-positive group exhibited significantly higher f1 and Kapp levels and significantly lower f3, Dapp, and ADC levels compared to the LNM-negative group (p < 0.05). There was no difference in f2 levels between the two groups (p = 0.783). LR analysis showed that Dapp and Kapp were independent predictors of a positive LNM status. AUC and Delong analysis showed that DKI (Dapp + Kapp) exhibited significantly higher diagnostic efficacy (AUC = 0.908; sensitivity = 87.10%; specificity = 86.96%) than RSI (f1 + f3) and DWI (ADC), with AUCs were 0.842 and 0.771 (Z = 2.113, 3.453; p = 0.035, < 0.001, respectively). The AUC performance between RSI and DWI was also statistically significant (Z = 1.972, p = 0.049). The RSI model is superior to conventional DWI but inferior to DKI in differentiation between LNM-positive and LNM-negative rectal cancers. Further study is needed before it could serve as a promising biomarker for guiding effective treatment strategies. The three-compartment restriction spectrum imaging was able to differentiate between LNM-positive and LNM-negative rectal cancers with high accuracy, which has the potential to serve as a promising biomarker that could guide treatment strategies. Three-compartment restriction spectrum imaging could differentiate lymph node metastases in rectal cancer. Diffusion kurtosis imaging and diffusion-weighted were associated with lymph node metastases in rectal cancer. The combination of different parameters has the potential to serve as a promising biomarker.

The effect of honey in oral care intervention against chemotherapy-induced mucositis in pediatric cancer patients: a pilot study

ObjectiveMucositis is one of the common side effects of chemotherapy. This study aimed to identify the effects of honey on oral care interventions to reduce mucositis scores among children undergoing chemotherapy.MethodsThis pilot study was quasi-experimental with pre-post intervention with the control group. The study employed consecutive sampling, with 24 patients in the control and 24 in the intervention group. The intervention group received an oral care protocol using honey, whereas the control group received regular oral care. The data were collected using demographic information form and the Oral Assessment Guide (OAG) to assess mucositis. The intervention group received oral care intervention using honey (35 ml of honey applied topically in the oral cavity and 15 ml of honey used as a mouthwash and for lip care), which was given thrice daily for five days. The data were analyzed using percentage distributions, means, chi-square tests, dependent and independent t-tests, and multivariate analysis using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA).ResultsThe findings of this study showed that the intervention group experienced a significant reduction (-0.51 ± 0.66) in the average mucositis score after the intervention, whereas the control group experienced an increase in the mucositis score (3.84 ± 1.28) after controlling for confounding variables (p = 0.000).ConclusionThis study revealed that oral care with honey effectively reduced chemotherapy-induced mucositis in children with cancer. These findings suggest that oral care with honey should be used as a nursing intervention for chemotherapy patients.Trial registrationThis clinical trial was retrospectively registered in the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) with registration number ACTRN12624001313527 (29/10/2024).

Swedish abdominal massage versus warm water therapy on postoperative constipation: a comparison quasi-experimental study

Background Postoperative immobilizatiton for patients with lower extremity fractures causes constipation, which usually affects 50–70% of patients. When it comes to nursing interventions for postoperative constipation, Swedish abdominal massage and warm water drinking therapy are two possible options. Aim The objective of this study is to compare the effectiveness of drinking warm water and Swedish abdominal massage on constipation scores on post-operative lower extremity fractures. Methods A quasi-experimental pre-posttest design without control group design was applied. 30 respondents used simple random sampling technique. The Constipation Assessment Scale (CAS) questionnaire was used to assess the patient’s constipation levels before and after the intervention. The data analysis used independent t-test. Results The mean score of constipation of drinking water group after the intervention was 4.60 while abdominal Swedish massage was 3.56. Although both significantly reduced the constipation score, the p-value was 0.00. Conclusion The protocol of drinking warm water and Swedish abdominal massage immediately after waking up effectively reduced constipation scores on postoperative lower extremity fracture patients and can be use to adjuvant therapy. Further studies are needed to investigate postoperative constipation patients with immobility and the use of strong analgetics.

Computer case-based reasoning simulation versus traditional lectures for medical interns teaching of diagnosis and antibiotic prescribing for acute respiratory infection: a comparative quasi-experimental study

BackgroundAcute respiratory infections are a common presentation in clinical practice and medical interns must learn proper diagnosis and antibiotic prescribing. Traditional lecture-based teaching may not provide sufficient opportunities for students to apply their knowledge in realistic scenarios, whereas computer case-based simulations offer an alternative approach that allows active learning and decision-making in simulated patient cases. This study investigated the effectiveness of computer case-based reasoning simulation versus traditional lectures for medical interns teaching of diagnosis and antibiotic prescribing for acute respiratory infections.MethodsThis comparative quasi-experimental study was conducted from 2020 to 2022 in the Department of Infectious Diseases at Shahid Beheshti Hospital, affiliated to Kashan University of Medical Sciences. The samples were selected using a convenience method and assigned to the intervention and control groups using a permuted block randomization approach. Over a period of ten months (Each month, an average of eight medical interns), a total of 40 medical interns received traditional lecture-based teaching, while another 40 medical interns were taught using a Computer Case-based Reasoning simulation. The medical interns’ knowledge in both groups was assessed using pre- and post-tests. The collected data from the pre- and post-tests were then analyzed statistically using paired t-tests, independent t-tests, and ANCOVA.ResultsThe posttest scores of the medical interns in both groups were significantly higher than the pretest scores (P < 0.001). No statistically significant differences were observed between the two teaching methods regarding mean knowledge gains in diagnoses and antibiotic prescribing practices. (P > 0.21). The results of the ANCOVA, after controlling for pre-test scores, showed no statistically significant difference between the two teaching methods in their effect on medical interns’ diagnostic and antibiotic prescribing performance (P > 0.33).ConclusionThe study found that both computer case-based reasoning simulation and traditional lectures were effective in improving medical interns’ knowledge of diagnosis and antibiotic prescribing practices for acute respiratory infections. However, no statistically significant differences were observed between the two teaching methods. Thus, computer- based simulation could replace face-to-face teaching when this method is impractical or computerized methods are more cost-effective.

STROKE PREVENTION ALTERNATIVE: APPLICATION-BASED STROKE PATH EDUCATION FOR HYPERTENSION PATIENTS

In many regions of the world, hypertension is becoming more common. There are 74.5 million American adults older than 20 who have hypertension, although 90% of these instances have no identified etiology. The signs and symptoms of hypertension can differ from person to person and resemble those of other conditions. It is a silent killer. As a result of the high prevalence of hypertension in primary healthcare and the fact that up to 34.1% of Indonesians under the age of 18 suffer from the condition, there are an estimated 63,209,620 instances of hypertension in the country. In the meantime, there have been 427,218 cases of hypertension-related deaths in Indonesia. If left untreated, hypertension. If hypertension is not treated appropriately, it can damage blood vessels all throughout the body yet the risk of damage to the kidneys, heart, brain, and eyes is the most obvious. With the use of both pharmaceutical and non-pharmacological therapy, these dangers can be avoided and reduced. Knowing how to recognize a stroke clearly can help someone who has hypertension reduce their risk of having one. This research goal is to evaluate the effects of stroke preventive education's "Stroke Path" application-based approach on hypertension patients' knowledge, attitudes, and behavior. A control group and a pre-posttest quasi-experimental design are used in this investigation. The sample size was established by using the test statistic of the mean-variance variance of the two unique teams, and simple random sampling was applied as the sampling method. For the purposes of processing and analyzing statistical data, paired and independent t-tests were used in this study. Outcomes of the application-based stroke path education intervention in terms of knowledge, attitude, and behavior (p=0.000, respectively). In conclusion, application-based stroke prevention education is effective at enhancing patients' knowledge, attitudes, and behavior..

Effects of Different Crystallization Protocols on Marginal Gap of Lithium Disilicate Single Crowns: SEM Analysis

Objective: In everyday dentistry, lithium disilicate is a valid option for single-fix partial dentures, and this material crystallization process is available with two protocols: long and short. This study’s aim was to assess the effects of these two different crystallization protocols, long and short, on the marginal gap of lithium disilicate single crowns. Methods: A total of 24 abutment plastic teeth were scanned using an intra-oral scanner. For each plastic tooth, an identical pair of lithium disilicate crowns was milled (a total of 48 crowns) by a four-axis machine. Each paired sample was categorized into two groups: long crystallization (24 crowns) and short crystallization (24 crowns). To assess precision, each unit’s marginal gap (including abutments and crowns) was meticulously measured at four specified regions using a scanning electron microscope. A Kolmogorov–Smirnov test performed on the study variables indicated a normal distribution (p &gt; 0.05), and it was followed by independent t-tests (α = 0.05). Results: For the long crystallization group, the mean total marginal gap values were 42.91 ± 9.67 μm, and for the short crystallization group, the values were 43.25 ± 8.14 μm, with no significant difference between the groups (p = 0.894). In addition, no significant differences were found between the groups regarding the mean marginal gap measurements for all four surfaces (distal (p = 0.310), mesial (p = 0.732), palatal (p = 0.655), and buccal (p = 0.535)). Conclusions: Both the long and short crystallization methods used for lithium disilicate single crowns demonstrated marginal gap values of less than 120 μm, which are within the clinically acceptable range, with no significant differences across any parameters between the two groups. Regarding the marginal gap value, it is recommended to use the short crystallization protocol as it is more time-efficient.

The Relationship Between Happiness and Caring Behaviors in Nurses: A Descriptive-Analytical Study

Background: Caring behaviors encompass the supportive actions undertaken by nurses to assist patients, with the primary aim of reducing the duration of illness. Enhanced happiness may positively influence these behaviors, which are essential for nurses in maintaining and promoting patient health. Objectives: This study investigates the factors affecting the happiness of Iranian nurses and examines whether increased happiness correlates with improved caring behaviors. Methods: This descriptive-correlational study employed random sampling to survey 220 nurses in Isfahan, Iran, in 2024. Data were collected through questionnaires evaluating demographics, happiness (measured by the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire-Short Form), and caring behaviors. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation coefficients in SPSS V.23. Results: The Iranian nurses in this study demonstrated above-average happiness (mean score: 34.48 ± 5.82). Happiness showed a significant correlation with caring behaviors (P &lt; 0.05) and was also significantly associated with gender, work experience, and income level. No significant associations were found between happiness and age, marital status, education, employment type, or department (P &gt; 0.05). Conclusions: Higher levels of nurse happiness are associated with improved caring behaviors, suggesting that initiatives aimed at enhancing nurse happiness can lead to better quality of patient care. It is imperative for government and healthcare organizations to prioritize programs and policies that focus on increasing nurse satisfaction to improve healthcare outcomes.

The relationship between academic motivation and moral sensitivity in nursing students

BackgroundA Bachelor’s degree in nursing is one of the most challenging programs in the field of medical sciences. As a result, maintaining students’ academic motivation at the desired level is a constant concern for policymakers and educational administrators. Furthermore, tackling complex ethical dilemmas is inherent in nursing, making the educational period an important moment to instill moral sensitivity and reinforce professional ethics in students. This study aimed to investigate the association between academic motivation and moral sensitivity among undergraduate nursing students.MethodsIn this descriptive-correlational study, 265 undergraduate nursing students from the Abhar School of Nursing at Zanjan University of Medical Sciences in Iran were chosen using a census approach in 2024. The data collection tools included demographic surveys, the Academic Motivation Scale (AMS), and the Moral Sensitivity Questionnaire (MSQ), all completed online. The data were analyzed with SPSS version 16 software, which used descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (independent t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression) with a significance level of 0.05.ResultsNursing students had average academic motivation and moral sensitivity ratings of 79.24 ± 14.05 and 121.12 ± 16.33, respectively. Furthermore, a significant relationship was found between the overall scores and all dimensions of academic motivation and moral sensitivity (p < 0.001). Additionally, 29.1% of the variance in moral sensitivity was explained by the dimensions of the student’s academic motivation.ConclusionThis study’s findings revealed a link between academic motivation and moral sensitivity among nursing students. As a result, it is advised that levels of academic motivation be continually checked during the program. This will assist in identifying students at danger of losing motivation and allow for the development and execution of effective initiatives to improve their academic engagement.

Current status of vocational delay of gratification among practicing nursing students and its influencing factors: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundPracticing nursing students play a critical role in addressing the nursing workforce shortage. Their vocational delay of gratification influences career planning and practice quality. This study aimed to assess the level of vocational delay of gratification among nursing students and identify its influencing factors.MethodsA convenience sample of 250 nursing students practicing in three tertiary hospitals in Anhui Province (February–May 2024) was studied. Data were collected using a general information questionnaire, job involvement scale, clinical communication ability scale, and vocational delay of gratification scale. Random forest, independent samples t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and multiple linear regression analyses were applied to identify the key influencing factors.ResultsThere were 39 (15.6%) males and 211 (84.4%) females who participated in this study and the mean score for vocational delay of gratification was (2.843 ± 0.513), the mean score for level of job involvement was (2.468 ± 0.923), and the mean score for ability to communicate with patients was (2.830 ± 1.083).Influencing factors included willingness to upgrade education, whether you are willing to work in nursing after graduation, whether a relative works in a medical facility, ability to communicate with patients, intention to study nursing, level of job involvement(P<0.05).ConclusionNursing students demonstrated a moderate-to-high level of vocational delay of gratification. Training programs addressing these factors can enhance students’ capabilities, improve internship quality, and support long-term career development. The study conducted in three hospitals in Anhui Province may limit the generalizability of the results due to regional differences in education and practice. Nonetheless, this study provides important insights for optimizing the career development and retention of nursing interns.Trial registrationNo medical interventions were administered to human participants in this study. Clinical trial number: not applicable.

The Mediating Role of Self-Compassion in the Relationship between Psychological Flexibility and Depression

The study explored the mediating role of self-compassion in the relationship between psychological flexibility and depression. The participants consisted of 307 people, 183 women and 124 men, aged between 18- 59. The study employed the correlational research design, one of the quantitative research methods. The data were collected using the Demographic Information Form, the Beck Depression Inventory, the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II, and the Self-Compassion Scale. In data analysis, the independent samples t-test and mediation analysis methods were used. According to the mediation analysis, self-compassion had a partial mediating role in the relationship between psychological flexibility and depression. The findings were discussed in the context of previous studies and recommendations were given.

Positive Impact of Prefabrication on the Mental Health of Construction Workers

Based on the literature-established benefits of prefabrication to promote better working conditions and its potential to enhance workers’ overall mental health, this study compares the state of mental health of traditional and prefabricated construction workers. In addition to the mostly adopted negative measures of mental health such as anxiety and depression, positive mental health indicators were also used to measure and compare overall mental health conditions of the two categories of construction workers. Data were collected with a questionnaire from 93 prefabricated factory-based and site-based construction workers in Australia. The survey contains eight items to measure poor mental health and seventeen variables of four sub-constructs of positive mental health (emotional, social, psychological, and cultural/religious well-beings). An independent samples t-test was employed to examine the significance of the differences between the means of traditional and prefabricated construction workers on the measured variables and their underlying constructs of mental health and well-being. The findings revealed significantly lower symptoms of burn-out (reduced task accomplishment), suicide ideation (feeling less interested in life), and depression among the workers in prefabricated projects. Similarly, prefabrication tends to provide a positive-mental-health-supportive environment, as the workers were found to be significantly healthier than traditional construction workers on the subjective measures of emotional, social, psychological, and cultural/religious well-beings. Assessing the predictive influence of prefabrication on the overall mental health of different groups of construction workers, especially with qualitative data from different samples in different times, is recommended for future studies.

Validity and reliability study of the Turkish version of KOOS-ACL questionnaire

BackgroundThis study aimed to adapt the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score- Anterior Cruciate Ligament (KOOS-ACL) into Turkish and to assess its validity and reliability.MethodsThe adaptation process involved translation, back-translation, and cultural adaptation of the questionnaire. Totally 133 patients who had a diagnosis of anterior cruciate ligament tear was recruited. The reliability of the Turkish version of the KOOS-ACL was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha, item-total correlations, and ICC. EFA and CFA were performed to evaluate construct validity, supported by KMO and Bartlett’s test results. Criterion validity was examined through correlations with IKDC scores, and discriminative power was assessed using an independent samples t-test.ResultsIKDC score for evaluating knee function was 59.84 ± 21.74. The composite KOOS-ACL-Tr score was 61.95 ± 25.19. Cronbach’s Alpha value was found to be 0.952 demonstrating high reliability. KOOS-ACL-Tr scores showed a linear positive correlation with the time elapsed since injury and IKDC scores (p < 0.001) establishing concurrent validity.ConclusionsThe adapted Turkish version of the KOOS-ACL is a valid and reliable scale intended for use in monitoring patients with ACL injuries.

Investigating students’ perceptions of the medical education environment and learning autonomy in blended learning in pediatrics: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundIn the process of education reform, carrying out continuous educational environment measurement is necessary. This study aimed to evaluate the perceptions of the medical education environment and learning autonomy in blended learning in pediatrics among clinical medicine students, as well as the relationship between these two constructs.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted on clinical medical students from the First Clinical School of Wuhan University who had completed the blended learning courses of pediatrics. Perceptions of the medical education environment and learning autonomy were surveyed using the Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM) and the Autonomy in Learning Rating Scale for college students (ALRS), respectively. Independent samples t-test, one-way ANOVA, correlation, and multiple linear regression analyses were conducted.ResultsA total of 487 students participated in the survey (valid response rate: 83.53%). Students’ perceptions of the current medical education environment and learning autonomy were generally positive. Among the average scoring rates of DREEM, students’ perception of teachers (SPT) > students’ perception of learning (SPL) > students’ perception of atmosphere (SPA) > students’ academic self-perceptions (SASP) > students’ social self-perception (SSSP), while learning strategies > learning motivation > self-regulation > content and environment among the average scoring rates of ALRS. Correlation analyses revealed that all subscales of the two were significantly associated with each other (P < 0.05). Regression analyses showed that SPA and SASP were significant factors for students’ learning autonomy.ConclusionClinical medicine students who experienced blended learning in pediatrics had positive perceptions of the medical education environment, and their learning autonomy was good and closely related to the perceptions of the medical education environment. In the implementation of blended learning, continuous optimization of teaching content and proactive enhancement of the medical education environment will help enhance clinical medicine students’ satisfaction with the educational environment and their learning autonomy.Clinical trial numberNot applicable.

The effect of nursing care during pregnancy termination on women's prenatal grief, depression, anxiety, stress and coping levels: A randomized controlled study.

The termination of pregnancy is considered an emotionally devastating experience. Early intervention and counseling are essential to prevent adverse complications following pregnancy loss. This study aimed to determine the effect of nursing care based on Swanson's Theory of Caring on women's prenatal grief, depression, anxiety, stress, and coping levels during pregnancy termination. The training and counseling program, based on Swanson's Theory of Caring, included hospital care, a mobile application, and telephone follow-ups. We conducted this prospective randomized controlled experimental study in the gynecology and obstetrics clinic of a tertiary university hospital in Türkiye between September 2021 and May 2022. The study sample consisted of 50 women (intervention group: 25, control group: 25) whose pregnancy was terminated in the second trimester. The women were assigned to groups according to a randomization list created by a statistician. Data collection tools included a Personal Information Form, the Perinatal Grief Scale, the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale, the Coping and Adaptation Process Scale, and the Numerical Rating Scale. We collected the data during hospitalization, between the 6th and 8thweeks after discharge, and at the 12thweek. We performed a chi-square test, a paired samples t-test, and an independent samples t-test on the IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences Statistics 26. The intervention group had lower mean perinatal grief (54.76 ± 19.49), depression (2.56 ± 2.39), anxiety (2.08 ± 2.10), and stress (3.52 ± 1.78) scores and higher mean coping and adjustment scores (140.48 ± 11.47) than the control group(p < .05). The intervention group also had a lower perception of labor pain, shorter discharge time, and a higher level of readiness for a new pregnancy (p < .05). The program that we applied in the study was effective in managing the pregnancy termination and post-discharge period in the population we studied.

Characterising the activity, lifestyle behaviours and health outcomes of UK university students: an observational cohort study with a focus on gender and ethnicity

BackgroundHealth-related outcomes and behaviours in university students are known to be poor relative to the general population. The substantial contextual shifts related to the COVID-19 pandemic, combined with increased numbers of students from minoritised ethnicity backgrounds and presenting as trans and gender diverse (TGD), means that up-to-date information is unavailable. The primary aim of this study was therefore to characterise the current movement, dietary and lifestyle behaviours, mental health, and Body Mass Index (BMI) of UK university students and assess differences between genders and ethnic groups.MethodsAn online, self-report survey was administered across three years (2021–2023). Three independent cohorts of university students’ (n = 6,327) completed the survey on four key topic areas. One-way ANOVAs were used to assess differences between genders (men, women, TGD), and independent samples t-tests were used to assess differences between ethnic groups (White, Minoritised Ethnicity).Results30% of students were not meeting physical activity guidelines, 54% were sedentary for ≥ 6 h·d− 1, 83% had poor diet quality, 51% were in high or increased risk groups for alcohol consumption, 18% experienced terrible or poor sleep quality, and 32% were overweight or obese. Gender differences were present for all variables other than walking physical activity (WPA) (P < 0.05), with men having better mental health and engaging in healthier movement and sleeping behaviours, whereas women had more healthful dietary and drinking behaviours, and TGD students had poorer outcomes compared to cis-gender students in most domains. Differences between White and minoritised ethnicity students were present for all variables other than sedentary behaviour, diet quality, WPA and BMI (P < 0.05); students of minoritised ethnicity engaged in better movement, drinking and sleep behaviours in addition to having more positive mental health than White students.ConclusionThe findings of the current study provide an update on the landscape of UK university students’ health and health-related behaviours. Overall, health-related outcomes and behaviours are poor in this population and these data suggest that gender and ethnicity play a role in determining students’ health and health-related behaviours. Therefore, these factors should be considered when developing strategies to promote healthy living in the context of higher education.