Information Sessions Research Articles

Recruitment Techniques for LIS Internship Applicants of Color: Case Study of a Paid Medical Data Internship Program

Background: The recruitment of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) has been an ongoing effort for specialized libraries and library programs, especially as they try to fill technical roles while combatting internalized biases and candidates’ potential self-deselection by not applying or otherwise removing themselves from the recruitment process. Introduction: This case study examines the recruitment efforts of the National Center for Data Services (NCDS) for a paid internship program for BIPOC graduate students interested in data librarianship in health sciences settings. Methods: To enhance recruitment efforts and support applicants, NCDS met with consultants on equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The recruitment process included reaching out directly to graduate programs, hiring an independent application coach who was available to consult with anyone interested in applying, holding informational sessions about the internship opportunity, and limiting the required components of the application, which included removing the need for letters of recommendation or support. Results: Although the target group was a very small pool of Library and Information Science (LIS) BIPOC students interested in medical and data librarianship, we received applications from all United States (U.S.) racial groups, except Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander. The recruitment efforts led to 38 applications for 8 positions in 2022 and 59 applications for 12 positions in 2023. Conclusions: The resultant number of applications showed an interest and need for specialty programs for BIPOC LIS students and highlighted how recruitment methods impact participation in specialized programs. Further research is necessary to assess the impact of various recruitment styles for this target group and the impact of these recruitment methods.

Public engagement and collaboration for carbon dioxide removal: lessons from a project in the Dominican Republic

Despite an increase in literature on public perceptions of carbon dioxide removal (CDR), there remains a paucity of evidence describing the social and developmental processes involved in the implementation of projects in-situ. This research illustrates a case study documenting a planned research project for coastal enhanced weathering—a form of ocean alkalinity enhancement—in a remote, rural area of the Northwestern Dominican Republic, a Small Island Developing State particularly at risk from climate change impacts. This paper is a collaboration between the company responsible for the project (Vesta) and researchers located in the Dominican Republic and the United Kingdom, We draw upon 2 years' worth of surveys, interviews, focus groups, group information sessions, and reflexive documentation by the Dominican Republic researchers, to present a first-hand account of local community responses to the planned research project and to coastal enhanced weathering and climate change more broadly. We discuss themes of climate vulnerability, justice, and adaptive capacity through the lens of the collaborative governance and social diffusion principles that the project was designed with. We also reflect on a program of outreach and participatory activities which was established to support community development in the areas surrounding the field trial site, as informed by exploration of community needs drawn from the research.

Trend and Determinants of Neonatal Mortality at the Buea and Limbe Regional Hospitals, Southwest Region, Cameroon

Background: Over the years the rate of neonatal mortality in low-income settings has been on the increase and most cases of neonatal mortality can be associated with modifiable risk factors. However, the rate of neonatal mortality remains high in Cameroon with the Southwest Region having one of the highest rates of neonatal mortality. Objectives: We aimed to determine the trend and determinants of neonatal mortality in Buea and Limbe Regional Hospitals. Method and Materials: A hospital based retrospective study of files of neonates was conducted from the 1st of January 2017 to the 31st of December 2022. Socio-demographic, clinical and outcome data were obtained using a data extraction form and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) Version 27. Results: The trend of neonatal mortality was apparently constant (16.1% and 17.8%) between 2017 to 2022. Birth asphyxia 150(53.4%) was found to be the most common cause of neonatal mortality. Identified determinants were: acute fetal distress (AOR:2.6 [1.333-5.346]), no ANC visit (AOR:13.1 [3.849-44.284]), birth weight less than 2500g (AOR:2.050 [0.039-4.216]), birth weight greater than 4000 g (AOR:2 [1.002-3.43]), Apgar Score ˂ 3 (AOR:99.9 [87.036-100.000]) and Apgar score ˂ 6 (AOR=5.164 [1.768-15.082]). Conclusion: Neonatal mortality in our context is still below the expectations of SDG3 with perinatal asphyxia and its related modifiable factors influencing neonatal mortality the most. Therefore, more impactful community education and information sessions to build a positive mind set on pregnant women and their families to reduce neonatal mortality is required from all health sectors.

Can information about jobs improve the effectiveness of vocational training? Experimental evidence from India

We use a randomized experiment to evaluate the impact of providing richer information about prospective jobs to vocational trainees on their employment outcomes. The setting of the study is the vocational training program DDU-GKY in India. We find that including in the training two information sessions about placement opportunities make trainees 18% more likely to stay in the jobs in which they are placed. We provide suggestive evidence that the effect is driven by improved selection into training: as a result of the intervention, trainees that are over-optimistic about placement jobs are more likely to drop out before placement.

Taking on a Life of Its Own: Relational Mentoring for Mutual Professional Growth

Relational mentoring, or critical friendships, has been recognized as an effective form of continuous professional development (PD). Through autonomous informal mentoring sessions implemented outside the umbrella of institutional top-down PD initiatives, teachers can gain valuable insights on their own practice and that of their peers. In this paper, one such mentoring session is analyzed from the perspective of both participants. Transcribed audio data of the mentoring session was inductively analyzed by both mentor and mentee, and major points of salience were reflectively and collaboratively discussed. The reflections highlighted the fluid nature of the session that challenged the traditional hierarchical mentor-mentee dynamic. While the session began in a transactional fashion with mentee seeking knowledge from mentor, it was seen to evolve into a more symmetrical relationship of co-learning. This short account of reflective practice offers additional evidence of the transformational potential of relational mentoring and critical friendships on teachers’ PD. Moreover, there are indications that such autonomous PD can contribute positively to sustaining teacher wellbeing in times of uncertainty and instability.

Expanding capacity for publication in nursing: Experiences from a writing for publication group

Nurses have valuable knowledge and expertise to share. Yet, for a variety of reasons, many nurses do not write for publication. Members in one Sigma Theta Tau International chapter requested information about publishing so a writing for publication program (WPP) was convened. Ten nurses from diverse clinical and academic backgrounds participated. The goal of the WPP was to support a small group of nurses to advance knowledge and develop practical skills through the development of a manuscript with mentorship from doctorally-prepared nurses with publishing experience. The anticipated effect was that participants would share what they learned with colleagues or mentor others to publish in the future. Beginning with informational sessions to lay the foundation for writing and publishing, the WPP included biweekly, two-hour online sessions over a seven-month period whereby individual and group writing with embedded peer and WPP leader feedback occurred. WPP participants gained proficiency in searching online databases, synthesizing published literature, and working as a member of a writing team. The group successfully published a manuscript based on a topic of interest. This current article describes the structured support and mentorship provided during the WPP with recommendations for overcoming publication barriers commonly described in the literature.

Experiences of women on the use of Implanon NXT in Gauteng province, South Africa: A qualitative study.

Maternal-related illnesses and pregnancy-related deaths could be averted using contraceptives, particularly long-acting methods because they improve overall access to family planning because of their benefits, such as fewer visits to the healthcare facility, higher effectiveness and value for money. The introduction of Implanon NXT in the South African health system raised great concern about the number of women who returned to healthcare facilities for its early removal within a few months of insertion. This article focussed on exploring the experiences of women regarding early removal of Implanon NXT insertion. The study was conducted in four selected clinics in Region E sub-district, city of Johannesburg. A qualitative exploratory approach was followed using semi-structured individual interviews to collect data. Data were analysed using the content analysis method. The most cited reasons for its discontinuity were that women experienced unpleasant side effects such as amenorrhoea, excessive bleeding and headaches, whilst other women found it to be reliable and convenient. Contraceptive methods empower women to take control of their lives and to decide on the right time for them to have children. It is, therefore, important to equip women with relevant information about the contraceptive methods so that they can make informed decisions and choices. The study calls for health promoters to periodically conduct information sessions with women as guided by the National Contraception Policy Guidelines to ensure up-to-date practice.

Instilling gender equality values as a formulation for preventing bullying behavior

Indonesia currently holds the 5th position globally in reported bullying cases, showing a prevalence rate of 41.10%. The pervasive nature of bullying within the education sector affects nearly every school in the country. This service activity is designed to tackle this issue head-on by highlighting the crucial role of gender awareness values in preventing bullying. The strategy involves a comprehensive approach, incorporating socialization sessions and focus group discussions, primarily targeting high school students. The intervention commences with informative sessions covering essential aspects like gender concepts, bullying education, and the interconnectedness of gender equality and bullying behavior. Subsequently, interactive discussions are facilitated through focus group discussions. The resulting positive outcomes indicate an enhanced understanding among students regarding gender-related learning and its pivotal role in preventing bullying. The service output includes actionable solutions, such as advocating for education on gender awareness, eliminating the culture of silence, strengthening gender-based school programs, encouraging cross-sector collaboration, and establishing an effective digital complaint platform to address bullying more efficiently.

The impact of a virtual mind-body program on symptoms of depression and anxiety among international English-speaking adults with neurofibromatosis.

The neurofibromatoses (NFs) are a set of incurable genetic disorders that predispose individuals to nervous system tumors. Although many patients experience anxiety and depression, there is little research on psychosocial interventions in this population. The present study examined the effects of a mind-body intervention on depression and anxiety in adults with NF. This is a secondary analysis of the Relaxation Response Resiliency Program for NF (3RP-NF), an 8-week virtual group intervention that teaches mind-body skills (e.g., relaxation, mindfulness) to improve quality of life. Participants were randomized to 3RP-NF or the Health Enhancement Program for NF (HEP-NF) consisting of health informational sessions and discussion. We evaluated depression (PHQ-9) and anxiety (GAD-7) at posttreatment, 6 months, and 12 months. Both groups improved in depression and anxiety between baseline and posttest, 6 months, and 12 months. The 3RP-NF group showed greater improvements in depression scores from baseline to 6 months compared with HEP-NF and with lower rates of clinically significant depressive symptoms. There were no between-group differences for anxiety. Both interventions reduced distress and anxiety symptoms for individuals with NF. The 3RP-NF group may be better at sustaining these improvements. Given the rare nature of NF, group connection may facilitate reduced distress.

Addressing Breast Cancer Equity Through Virtual Community Oncology Navigation and Engagement (vCONET).

Breast cancer remains a leading cause of cancer morbidity and mortality worldwide. In the United States, Black women face significant disparities in screening mammograms, experience higher rates of breast cancer at advanced stages, and are more likely to die from the disease. This study aimed to develop and beta-test a virtual health navigation program to enhance breast cancer care within the Black community. We identified barriers to utilizing virtual patient navigators and factors impacting the adoption of virtual navigation for breast cancer information among Black women. The vCONET (Virtual Community Oncology Navigation and Engagement) intervention was delivered through the Second Life virtual platform. The informational content was collaboratively developed with community members. Participants engaged in an informational session on risk factors, mammography information, and preventive behaviors. Surveys (n = 18) and focus groups (n = 9) assessed knowledge and insights into perceptions. Findings revealed a positive impact of the intervention, with participants expressing increased knowledge and willingness to seek further information about breast cancer prevention, and highlighted the engaging nature of the virtual environment, while acknowledging potential technological challenges. Virtual health navigation shows promise in addressing breast cancer disparities by promoting awareness among Black women. Future efforts should optimize virtual navigation approaches through collaborative engagement for lasting impact, enhancing breast cancer care and equity in communities of color.

Disorder and rehabilitation: The paradox of digital games and vulnerabilities.

The impact of digital gaming on human health, both mental and physical, can be both positive and negative. However, excessive gaming can lead to gaming disorders, which are a cause for concern. With the pandemic, online classes became more common, leading to an increase in gaming-related disorders and even suicides. While the combination of education and fun in online gaming can be beneficial, it can also be a risk for gaming disorders and suicide. This study aimed to explore this paradox and provide safety measures to prevent gaming disorders. A qualitative research methodology with exploratory and discourse analysis was used in the study. Several real-life incidents related to the research were gathered from newspaper research articles, media, and existing theses. The researchers used textual interpretation in secondary sources to identify the paradox of digital games and vulnerabilities. This research article focuses on the various benefits and harmful effects of digital games on individuals' mental and physical health. The research findings were presented based on true events that occurred in and around India. The results of the current study specified that gaming disorders were pushing individuals toward mental disorders and suicide. It is crucial to implement preventive measures to address this issue. According to the study, people who suffer from excessive gaming disorders may experience anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts, which can have negative effects on society. To address this issue, it is helpful to monitor and control individuals' digital game usage and provide informative sessions on how to use digital games properly. While it may not be possible to completely ban the use of digital games, certain restrictions can be put in place. Educating individuals on both the benefits and drawbacks of digital gaming and the rapid technological advancements is essential. Through proper education, it is possible to reduce the number of suicides among gamers and individuals.

The role of necroscopy and autopsy investigations in the diagno-sis and risk management of infections related to public health care: forensic and medico legal implications.

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) represent the most frequent adverse event in healthcare systems around the world. From a forensic point of view, HAIs show various legal implications. Therefore, it is essential in cases of death or injury from a suspected nosocomial infection that the infection itself, the source and the method of contamination are correctly diagnosed in order to evaluate any profiles of professional liability. This study combined a minireview of the scientific literature using the Pubmed search engine, the website of the Higher Institute of Health and the member states information sessions on infection prevention and control (IPC). Despite the significant impact that HAIs have on healthcare systems, their severity is often not fully understood by healthcare professionals, leading to insufficient responses. In the autopsy setting, the diagnosis of these infections is not always simple due to the risk of post-mortem contamination determined by the endogenous bacterial flora. In the forensic field, the medical examiner during the autopsy can use various diagnostic techniques and investigative tools to identify the infection. Some usefulpp approaches include: 1) Macroscopic examination of the organs; 2) Histopathological investiga-tions; 3) Microbiological analyzes with the performance of swabs; 4) Immunofluorescence tests for the detection of antigens or antibodies on biological liquids; 5) Molecular tests. The choice of methods will depend on the nature of the suspected infection and the availability of diagnostic resources.

Raising awareness in the community: Addressing the consequences of missing teeth in the oral cavity through a community service program

A community service program is designed to raise awareness among the general population regarding the detrimental consequences of missing teeth in the oral cavity. This program aims to empower individuals to make informed decisions about their oral health by providing comprehensive information and practical solutions to address the challenges associated with missing teeth. The paper highlights the significance of addressing the consequences of missing teeth. It also emphasizes the importance of oral health education, prevention, and early intervention in maintaining optimal oral health. The community service program utilizes a multi-faceted approach to engage individuals of diverse backgrounds. It includes informative workshops, interactive sessions, and demonstrations to foster a greater understanding of the causes, prevention, and available treatment options for missing teeth. The program also collaborates with local oral health professionals and organizations to provide access to affordable dental care. By facilitating access to appropriate dental services, the program endeavors to increase awareness, foster a sense of responsibility, and improve the quality of life for community members affected by missing teeth. Ultimately, the result is that we can serve as a comprehensive guide for developing and implementing similar community service programs centered around raising awareness of the consequences of missing teeth. It underscores the potential impact of such initiatives in fostering a healthier and more informed community while advocating for the importance of oral health in overall well-being.

Investigating Determinants Affecting the Adoption of Contemporary Contraceptive Methods: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Adolescent Utilization in the Nabdan District, Upper East Region, Ghana

Introduction: Promoting the use of contraception among adolescents is essential to improving their sexual and reproductive health. Teenage pregnancies are becoming more common, and the Nabdam area continues to have low rates of use of contemporary contraceptive methods. These facts highlight the urgent need to address the needs of adolescents concerning their sexual and reproductive health. This study aims to investigate the factors impacting the Upper East Region of Ghana's Nabdam District's adoption of contemporary contraceptive methods.
 Methods: 261 older teenage girls from the Nabdam district, ages 15 to 19, were included in the study, which used a quantitative technique and a descriptive cross-sectional design. Respondents were chosen using a multiphase sample technique, and data were collected over the course of 10 working days using a standardized survey form. STATA Version 14 was utilized for data analysis. A significance criterion of p < 0.05 was applied to bivariate and logistic regression models to investigate any correlations between independent factors and outcome variables.
 Results: 52.1% of respondents said they have had their first sexual experience before turning 20. The oldest stated age at first sex was 19 years old, while the youngest was 10 years old. Additionally, 97.8% of respondents reported learning about contemporary contraception via a variety of sources, such as peers, instructors, health professionals, and radio media. Even with this knowledge, 48.7% of respondents thought using a contraceptive technique would provide 100% protection against getting pregnant, while 73.6% of respondents had never used any kind of birth control. Age (p< 0.001), educational attainment (p< 0.001), marital status (p< 0.001), peer influence (p< 0.001), place of residence (p< 0.001), religious affiliation (p< 0.018), consent from a sexual partner (p< 0.001), positive attitudes from healthcare providers (p < 0.001), and the availability of contraceptives (p < 0.001) were discovered to be linked to the usage of modern contraceptives.
 Conclusion: Although a sizable percentage of respondents showed awareness of contemporary contraceptive methods, low modern contraceptive usage was significantly correlated with several factors, including age, marital status, educational attainment, peer influence, partner consent, and the unfavorable attitudes of healthcare professionals. To tackle this problem, a community-based strategy emphasizing the advancement of enabling elements and the removal of obstacles is required. The Ghana Health Service could enhance its School Health Education Program (SHEP) by increasing informational sessions, organizing theatrical productions and debates, and recruiting peer educators as invaluable resources to share experiences and instruct their peers on sexuality, reproductive health issues, and the use of modern contraceptives

Suggestions from Experience and AI Tools to Teach Evidence Based Practice to Nurses

Hospital librarians receive invites to teach thinking and searching in an evidence-based way and critical appraisal of the literature to nurses. With these invitations, the hospital librarians play a central role in establishing an evidence-based culture in the hospital and contribute to the nursing staff feeling competent and confident in fulfilling evidence-based competencies. This author just prepared a 17-minute online talk as part of an international nursing webinar on “searching nursing literature in an evidence-based way.” Using this experience, remembering other teaching and presentation experiences, and some “help” from AI tools, this experienced hospital librarian suggests decision points for colleagues to create a meaningful, practical information session for nurses and introduce to some AI tools along the way.

Public Speaking Anxiety among Senior High School Students: A Basis for Enhancement Program

This study addressed Public Speaking Anxiety Among Senior High School Students: A Basis For Enhancement Program. The study’s primary goal was to determine the level of public speaking anxiety in terms of their respective indicators and the significant difference between the levels of public speaking anxiety among Grade 11 and Grade 12 students. The study utilized a quantitative-correlational design with 274 respondents among Senior High School Students in Lorenzo S. Sarmiento Sr. National High School. The average weighted mean and T-test were the statistical tools used in this study. The results showed a high level of Public Speaking Anxiety, along with the indicators of Trait Anxiety, Context Anxiety, and Audience Anxiety. Additionally, a significant difference was found between the Level of Public Speaking Anxiety of Grade 11 and Grade 12 Students suggesting a need for comprehensive enhancement program to enhance students’ public speaking skills. Consequently, the null hypothesis was rejected. The recommendations include implementing regular workshops and training sessions on public speaking skills, integrating public speaking into the curriculum, establishing peer support programs and public speaking clubs, providing flexible assessment methods, engaging parents through informational sessions, and encouraging gradual exposure to speaking opportunities. This necessitated an enhancement program to improve the public speaking skills of Grade 11 and 12 students, the Vocal Ease: Triumph Over Public Speaking Anxiety Program.

Assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practice of blood donation among paramedical students of a medical college in Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Blood donation is an essential global need far outweighs the available supply, rendering it a scarce and valuable resource. Within India, blood transfusion services hold significant importance and constitute a crucial aspect of the national health-care framework. Voluntary Non-Remunerated Blood Donation (VNRBD) is deemed the safest among the various ways of donating blood. The student population of educational institutions across the country, particularly those who are young and physically fit, represents one of the most promising sources of blood donations. The aim of the study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and donation practices of medical college students and motivate them to embrace voluntary blood donation as a regular habit. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The Department of Allied Health Science at Dr MGR Educational and Research Institute in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, conducted a questionnaire survey from March 2023 to October 2023. Two thousand and two hundred forty students were invited to participate, with 2331 ultimately willing to partake. The gathered data underwent analysis using the SPSS Statistics software, version 20, with a significance level fixed at a P = 5%. RESULTS: The study included 2331 participants, comprising 840 males (36%) and 1491 females (64%). The age range of the participants was between 17 and 25 years, with a mean age of 18.9 ± 1.3 years. Out of 2331 participants, the majority (66.7%) showed sufficient knowledge with 9 or more correct answers, while the rest (33.2%) showed below-average knowledge. CONCLUSION: The Tamil Nadu Health Professions Colleges possess the potential to make a noteworthy impact on the promotion of blood donation. According to a recent survey, students express a keen interest in donating blood if a camp is organized on the campus. By organizing awareness campaigns and conducting informative sessions, the colleges can inspire and motivate more students to donate blood, thereby playing a vital role in saving lives.

Design Considerations for Implicit Bias Training

This paper identifies the issues with implicit bias training (IBT) and its ineffectiveness to reduce biased behavior. We seek to transform implicit bias training from introductory and reactive information sessions to training that supports students in obtaining fundamental skills that promote behavior change. We seek to design and develop a professional open educational resource (OER) instruction to support IBT for cross-disciplinary organizations that incorporate more behavior-focused implicit bias training within their diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion (DEAI) initiatives.

Persons With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and High Levels of Activation Improved Their Physical Activity Skills After an Educational Session.

Daily physical activity is part of the self-management of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and didactic information sessions may be insufficient for the provision of these skills. Prior activation can determine sensitivity to these sessions. We evaluated whether the activation in patients with COPD, as measured by the Patient Activation Measure (PAM)-13 questionnaire, determined their responses to an educational group session on physical activity (PA), which were measured with actigraphy by the number of steps/day. We conducted an uncontrolled clinical trial in an outpatient clinic with 75 patients with nonexacerbating COPD (forced expiratory volume in 1 second 30%-80%) who were selected consecutively. Patients were provided with an actigraph that they used for 15 days and completed the PAM-13 questionnaire. On the eighth day, they attended a group educational session where they were given PA information. We compared the changes in activity after the session by pooled PAM levels and the correlation between the change in the number of steps/day and the PAM-13 questionnaire. A total of 26 patients had activation levels of 1-2, while 49 patients had levels of 3-4. After the session, patients in Levels 1-2 decreased their number of steps (-596±42), while those in Levels 3-4 increased them (680±253, p<0.01). The level of activation was positively correlated with change in the number of steps/day (p<0.05). COPD patients with greater activation showed greater improvements in daily PA after a group educational session.

EPIPEN INSTRUCTIONS FOR ANAPHYLAXIS PATIENTS DURING DISPENSING: FACTORS RELATED TO THE QUALITY OF PHARMACISTS' INSTRUCTIONS

We previously reported that pharmacists working in pharmacies don't have enough knowledge and enough experience teaching anaphylaxis (An) and EpiPen use. We administered a questionnaire survey to pharmacists with experience handling EpiPen prescriptions. We investigated the relationship between the questionnaire results and the factors in the pharmacists' background regarding the explanation and guidance to patients. The percentage of pharmacists working in pharmacies who provided guidance using visual information and demonstrations was insufficient. Moreover, this figure decreased after the second guidance session. Objective confirmation of patient understanding was also insufficient. The results indicated that self-examination and participation in drug information sessions were important background factors for pharmacists who provided detailed guidance to patients. For appropriate long-term management of their condition, An patients must master the EpiPen technique. Pharmacists' guidance plays a critical role in this regard. A support system should be established for proper instruction of pharmacy patients by improving pharmacists' self-education and other educational opportunities.