Intermediate Educational Level Research Articles

#2225 Educational level and gender are associated with emotional well-being in a cohort of Dutch dialysis patients

Abstract Background and Aims Patients undergoing dialysis have an impaired health-related quality of life (HRQOL). There are conflicting data from small series whether patient-related factors such as educational level have an impact on experienced HRQOL. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between educational level and HRQOL in dialysis patients. Method In a single-center retrospective cross-sectional study HRQOL was measured using the Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form-36 (KDQOL-SF36) in prevalent chronic dialysis patients. Educational level was categorized into low, intermediate and high subgroups. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to assess the effects of age, gender, ethnicity, and dialysis vintage on the association between HRQOL and educational level. Results 129 chronic dialysis patients were included. The median age of the patients was 65.0 years and 58% of the patients were male. The median age did not differ between men and women (67.0 vs. 63.0 years, p = 0.673). Median dialysis vintage was 15.0 months. Patients with an intermediate educational level (OR: 4.37 [1.89-10.13]) and a high educational level (OR 4.13 [1.04-16.42]) had significantly higher odds of higher emotional well-being than patients with a low educational level. The odds for women compared to men were 2.83 [1.32-6.06] for better general health and 2.59 [1.15-5.84] for emotional well-being. There was no interaction between gender and educational level for both subdomains. Each year of increasing age was associated with decreased physical functioning (OR 0.94 [0.91–0.97]). Conclusion Low educational level and male sex were associated with worse emotional well-being compared to intermediate and high educational level and female sex in dialysis patients. Physical functioning decreased with increasing age.

Educational level and gender are associated with emotional well-being in a cohort of Dutch dialysis patients

BackgroundPatients undergoing dialysis have an impaired health-related quality of life (HRQOL). There are conflicting data from small series on whether patient-related factors such as educational level have an impact on experienced HRQOL. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between educational level and HRQOL in dialysis patients.MethodsIn a single-center retrospective cross-sectional study HRQOL was measured using the Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form-36 (KDQOL-SF36) in prevalent chronic dialysis patients. Educational level was categorized into low, intermediate and high subgroups. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to assess the effects of age, gender, ethnicity, and dialysis vintage on the association between HRQOL and educational level.ResultsOne hundred twenty-nine chronic dialysis patients were included. Patients with an intermediate educational level had significantly higher odds of a higher emotional well-being than patients with a low educational level 4.37 (1.-89–10.13).A similar trend was found for a high educational level (OR 4.13 (1.04–16.42), p = 0.044) The odds for women compared to men were 2.83 (1.32–6.06) for better general health and 2.59 (1.15–5,84) for emotional well-being. There was no interaction between gender and educational level for both subdomains. Each year of increasing age significantly decreased physical functioning (OR 0.94 (0.91–0.97)).ConclusionsEducational level and sex were associated with emotional well-being, since patients with intermediate and high educational level and females had better emotional well-being in comparison to patients with low educational level and males. Physical functioning decreased with increasing age.

Attitudes towards zoonotic disease risk vary across sociodemographic, communication and health-related factors: A general population survey on literacy about zoonoses in the Netherlands

IntroductionLiteracy about zoonoses can contribute people adapt their behaviour to minimize zoonotic risks. In this study, associations between sociodemographic factors and zoonotic risk-averse attitudes were explored. ObjectiveTo determine factors significantly associated with literacy about zoonoses across sociodemographic groups to inform targeted interventions aiming at improving awareness and zoonotic risk-avoidance behaviours. MethodData was collected in 2022 using an online survey of a nationally representative sample of residents in the Netherlands. A multivariable logistic regression analysis, accounting for multiple hypothesis testing, was applied to assess whether there were significant associations between socio-demographic factors and attitudes towards zoonosis prevention. ResultsA total of 2039 respondents completed the survey. People who were female, older, highly educated and those who searched for information about zoonoses, were relatively more likely to report behaviours favourable to the prevention of zoonoses. However, people with limited language and computer skills and immunocompromised people were significantly more likely to report risky behaviours. There were no significant associations found for pregnant women, dog and cat owners, those with an intermediate level of education and those who do have contact with farm animals. ConclusionCertain sociodemographic groups display significantly riskier attitudes towards zoonoses. These groups provide targets where to improve literacy about zoonoses. This also implies that there is room for improvement in literacy about zoonoses, particularly among immunocompromised people and people with limited language and limited computer skills.

Assessment of Quality of Life in Patient with Knee Osteoarthritis

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent degenerative musculoskeletal disorder that significantly impairs the quality of life (QoL) of affected individuals, primarily impacting their physical capabilities and emotional well-being. Understanding the factors contributing to the quality of life in knee OA patients is crucial for developing effective management strategies. Objective: This study aims to ascertain the quality of life in patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis, emphasizing the role of demographic factors, physical limitations, and educational levels in influencing patient outcomes. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 100 patients diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis, recruited from the Pakistan Society for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled (PSRD) over a four-month period. Participants were selected using a convenient sampling technique, with inclusion criteria set for individuals aged between 40 and 70 years who had a medical diagnosis of knee OA and were willing to sign the consent form. Data were collected through the AIMS-2 SF questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 25.0, focusing on demographic details, physical abilities and limitations, and overall quality of life scores. Results: The study population comprised 84% females and 16% males, with a significant portion having an intermediate level of education (35%). The quality of life scores indicated a poor to fair level of QoL among participants, with mean scores slightly below the borderline for being considered 'fair.' Physical limitations were significant, with 44% of participants experiencing difficulty in performing heavy physical activities daily and 36% facing challenges in walking or climbing stairs. Educational level emerged as a crucial factor, with lower educational attainment associated with poorer functional performance and quality of life. Conclusion: The findings highlight a predominantly poor to fair quality of life among knee OA patients, influenced significantly by gender, physical limitations, and educational levels. The study underscores the need for targeted interventions focusing on awareness, lifestyle modifications, and patient education to improve the quality of life in this population.

Socio-demographic variables for child immunisation among Khatik population of Delhi

ABSTRACT Background: In India, the Expanded Programme on Immunization was introduced in 1978 and renamed the Universal Immunization Programme in 1985 with the intention of immunising at least 85% of newborns. To improve infant mortality and health outcomes in India and other low and middle income countries, it is critical to understand the local immunisation barriers. Methodology: A community based cross sectional study was conducted amongst the Khatik population of North East Delhi. All childbearing women were included in the study, and data from 387 mothers was collected. Results: The illiteracy rate amongst women (18.3%) was found to be higher compared to that amongst men (7.1%). A high proportion of the children were immunised (98.7%). The results of the chisquare test revealed that the influence of socio demographic variables was not statistically associated, with the immunisation status of the children (P > 0.05). Conclusion: However, it was also evaluated that both mothers and fathers with high and intermediate school levels of education were more likely to immunise their child compared to those who were illiterate, and with primary and middle levels of education. Increasing mothers’ knowledge could help to reduce the number of children who are not immunised.

Consumption of herbal infusions/decoctions and tea in Greece: a Planeterranean perspective on the results of Hydria survey

BackgroundThe consumption of various herbal infusions was and is common in the traditional Mediterranean diet, and apparently are used in many other regions of the world outside of the Mediterranean region. The present study aimed to investigate the consumption of herbal infusions/decoctions and tea in a nationally representative sample of Greece, considering also their Planetary use.Methods3951 adult participants of the HYDRIA Survey (2013–2014) were included from the 13 regions of Greece. The diet of participants was assessed by two 24-h dietary recalls (24-HDR) and the Food Propensity Questionnaire (FPQ). All food items were analyzed through the HYDRIA Food Composition Tables. Information on socio-demographics, lifestyle, and health characteristics during the baseline was also provided.Results26.9% of herbal infusions and decoctions consumers are ≥ 75 years old, pensioners with a low level of education, and residents of urban areas. However, 22.2% of tea consumers belong to the 18–34-year age group, being employed with an intermediate level of education and living in an urban area. Elderly men and women use more herbal infusions/decoctions (55.4%; 40.6%) compared to tea (41.8%; 25.2%). According to FPQ, 7.1% of men and 9.7% of women use herbal infusions and decoctions four times or more per week, while 7.1 and 10.9% of men and women, respectively, consume tea at the same frequency. Green tea, mountain tea (Sideritis spp.), and black tea are reported most frequently. In addition, mountain tea (61.2%), black tea (60.3%), mixed herbal infusions/decoctions (58.4%), and sage (59.4%) are consumed mostly at breakfast, while chamomile was reported mainly at dinner or during the night (42.4%).ConclusionsBased on the FPQ results, the moderate and high consumption of herbal infusions/decoctions and tea is low in Greece, especially among adults (18–64 years). Thus, our results indicate the existence of a generation gap to the attachment to the traditional Med Diet and the consumption of herbal infusions. The present study could encourage future research to focus on herbal infusions and decoctions consumption by other populations for cross-cultural comparison, as well as on emphasizing the value of consuming locally available herbs in a Planeterranean perspective.Graphical

Frailty and medication adherence among older adult patients with hypertension: a moderated mediation model.

Medication adherence has a critical impact on the well-being of older adult patients with hypertension. As such, the current study aimed to investigate the mediating role of health literacy between frailty and medication adherence and the moderating role of educational level. This cross-sectional study included patients admitted to the geriatric unit of a hospital. Participants were interviewed using the four-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale, the Frailty Phenotype Scale, and the Health Literacy Management Scale. Spearman's correlation coefficients were used to assess the association between variables. Mediation and moderated mediation analyses were performed using Process version 4.1 via Model 4 and 14, respectively. Data from 388 participants were analyzed. The median (IQR [P25-P75]) score for medication adherence was 4.00 (2.00-4.00). Results revealed that after controlling for age, sex, hypertension complication(s) and body mass index, frailty significantly contributed to medication adherence (βtotal -0.236 [95% confidence interval (CI) -0.333 to -0.140]). Medication adherence was influenced by frailty (βdirect -0.192 [95% CI -0.284 to -0.099]) both directly and indirectly through health literacy (βindirect -0.044 [95% CI -0.077 to -0.014]). Educational level moderated the pathway mediated by health literacy; more specifically, the conditional indirect effect between frailty and medication adherence was significant among older adult hypertensive patients with low, intermediate, and high educational levels (effect -0.052 [95% CI -0.092 to -0.106]; effect -0.041 [95% CI -0.071 to -0.012]; effect -0.026 [95% CI -0.051 to -0.006]). The relationship between frailty and medication adherence in older adult patients with hypertension was found to have mediating and moderating effects. A moderated mediation model was proposed to investigate the effect of frailty on medication adherence. It was effective in strengthening medication adherence by improving health literacy and reducing frailty. More attention needs to be devoted to older adult patients with hypertension and low educational levels.

Barriers experienced by community midwives to provide basic emergency obstetric and newborn care in rural Pakistan

BackgroundConsidering the high maternal mortality rate, the government of Pakistan has deployed Community Midwives (CMWs) in rural areas of Pakistan. This relatively new cadre of community-based skilled birth attendants has previously reported to experience several challenges in providing maternal and child healthcare. However, what barriers they experience in providing basic emergency obstetric and newborn care needs to be further studied.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study conducted in twelve districts in Sindh province, Pakistan, with poor maternal and child health indicators. A total of 258 CMWs participated in this study and completed the questionnaire on a pretested, validated tool in their community-based stations. The trained data collectors completed the questionnaires from the respondents. The problems identified were categorized into three major issues: financial, and transport and security related; and were analyzed accordingly. Ethical approval was obtained from the institutional review board (IRB) of Health Services Academy (HSA) Islamabad, Pakistan.ResultsThe majority (90%) of 258 CMWs had formal training in maternal and neonatal care from the recognized institutions. Financial difficulties faced by CMWs were identified as the most frequent barriers and others were transport, security, and other issues. In univariate analysis, 38.1% and 61.9% of the community midwives who faced financial difficulties had completed a graduation or intermediate level of education, respectively (p = 0.006). Round-the-clock availability for emergencies was inversely associated with having financial difficulties, i.e., 71.4%, in contrast to 28.4% who had financial difficulties were available round-the-clock for emergency calls in their community clinics (p = 0.008). Formal training (p = 0.001), work experience (p = 0.015), longer duration of work (p = 0.003), and liaison with health workers and posting district (p = 0.001) had statistically significantly higher transport related issues. Security difficulties faced by CMWs and a set of correlates such as formal training (p = 0.019), working experience (p = 0.001), longer duration of work (p = 0.023), 24 h of availability on call (p = 0.004), liaison with traditional birth attendants (TBAs) in the community (p = 0.002), and district of posting (p = 0.001) were statistically significantly different. Other issues like working experience (p = < 0.001) and Liaison with TBAs in the community (p = < 0.001) were found statistically significant.ConclusionFinancial, transportation and security related barriers were commonly reported by community midwives in the delivery of basic emergency obstetric and newborn care in rural Pakistan.

Cross Sectional Analysis of Agri-enterprises in Bihar: An Empirical Study

"Agripreneurship creates value in the production and consumption activities of agriculture. There are so many areas and sub-areas in agriculture. Within each area, enormous numbers of commodities are available. The study, is conducted in four districts of Bihar, namely Patna, Purnea, Nalanda and Bhagalpur. Twenty respondents were selected by snowball sampling method from each district. Hence the sample size is eighty. The data was collected by survey method and then recorded and compiled. From the study it can be concluded that most of the respondents belonged to young category and they had completed intermediate education level. Although (46.25%) of the respondents belonged to backward caste category as backward caste is more prevalent in Bihar. Majority (40%) of the respondent’s family income belonged to (1-50 lakhs in `) and in case of annual enterprise income (56.25%) it was (1-10 lakhs in `). Most of the respondents, chosen their products for maintaining their economic condition whereas (23.12%) of the respondents were chosen for their marketability criteria Most (73.75%) of the respondents have brand name of their product whereas (26.25%) of the respondents don’t have brand name. Although, (48.75%) of the respondents do not having quality certificate for their products because most of them are in progressive stage of their enterprise. The major source of finance to do business was friends and family whereas only (3.48%) of the respondents got the finance from money lenders. Findings shows that (26.58%) of the respondents have five and more loan instalments received whereas (13.92%) of respondents received only two instalments. It is noted that 91.25% of the respondents don’t require any collateral offered to get loan. About, 58.67% of the respondents repay their loan up-to one year. Majority (25.14%) of agripreneur adopted self-mode of channels of distribution of their products and participated in exhibition for promotion of their product sale."

Socioecological correlates of parental lifestyle patterns during the prenatal period

Abstract Background There is growing evidence that family lifestyle patterns in early life are associated with the risk of child obesity. However, beyond the influence of socio-economic position, scarce are studies on the social determinants of such lifestyle patterns. The aim was therefore to investigate the socio-ecological correlates of parental lifestyle patterns in pregnancy. Methods We selected 1,110 families from the EDEN birth cohort, recruited in two maternity hospitals in France between 2003 and 2006. In a previous work, we identified two parental lifestyle patterns characterized by 1) “high parental smoking, low maternal diet quality, and low leisure physical activity 2) “low parental body mass index and high gestational weight gain”. Within the framework of both socio-ecological and hierarchical approaches, we conducted multivariable linear regression analyses, with socio-ecological factors added progressively from the most distal to the most proximal, i.e. urban environment variables (block 1); socio-economics, geographic origin, parents’ age, parity (block 2); and psychological factors or access to health care (block 3). Results Parents with a higher socio-economic position (education level, household income), first-time or older mothers and those having attended antenatal sessions had lower scores on the first pattern. Multiparous women, with an intermediate level of education, and older fathers had lower scores on the second pattern. No major associations were reported with urban environment or psychological factors. Conclusions Beyond the expected socio-economic gradient of family lifestyle patterns, we report novel insights into potential levers specific to the prenatal period, such as the opportunity of parenting preparation to engage in healthy behaviours. Analyses will be replicated in three other European cohorts, if confirmed, these findings will be valuable to increase the effectiveness of future childhood obesity prevention strategies in early life. Key messages • Higher socio-economic conditions and attendance of parenting preparation classes are associated with healthier family lifestyle in pregnancy. • The identification of potential facilitators and barriers for family lifestyle in early life will help for further translation to effective childhood obesity prevention and implementation strategies.

Impact of transition to retirement on the risk of depression and suicidality: results from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE)

Abstract Background Depression is among the main contributors to older adults’ mental health burden. Retirement, as a major life transition, has been claimed to influence mental health substantially. Methods To assess short- and long-term impacts of transitioning to retirement on depression risk and suicidality in older adults across Europe, we conducted a longitudinal study using data from the SHARE, collected between 2004 and 2020 in 27 European countries plus Israel. To estimate relative risks (RR) for depression and suicidality at seven time intervals before and after retirement, we fitted adjusted generalised estimating equation models for repeated measures. Results We included 8,998 individuals employed at baseline and retired at follow-up. Compared to the year of retirement, the risk of depression was 11% lower in the following year (RR 0.89; 95% CI 0.81-0.99), 9% lower after 2 years (RR 0.91; 95% CI 0.82-1.00) and after 3 years (RR 0.91; 95% CI 0.81-1.01). Significant estimates remained among females, married individuals, those with an intermediate or higher level of education, former manual workers and those who retired at or before their country's median retirement age. A significant increase in depressive symptoms emerged from the tenth year after retirement among former non-manual workers (RR 1.21; 95% CI 1.05-1.40) and late retirees (RR 1.37; 95% CI 1.16-1.63). As for suicidality, we reported an increase in risk only 5 years or more after retirement: +30% 5-9 years after retirement (RR 1.30; 95% CI 1.04-1.64) and +47% 10 or more years after retirement (RR 1.47; 95% CI 1.09-1.98). Conclusions Longitudinal data suggest an independent effect of retiring associated with a reduction in depression and suicidality risk in the short run, with its effect decreasing in the long run. If greater flexibility in pensionable age may help prevent depression late in life, the transition to retirement is to be accompanied by targeted health promotion interventions.

Exploring the Influence of Sociodemographic Backgrounds on Money Mule Recruitment Types in South Korea: An Analysis of Probabilities from Machine Learning Classifiers

ABSTRACT This study explores the influence of socio-demographic characteristics on money mule recruitment types in South Korea. Analyzing data from 543 apprehended money mules, probabilities were calculated for each group’s involvement in recruitment types. Using class membership probability estimates from six machine learning methods, the research investigates the probability relationship between socio-demographic characteristics and recruitment types. Findings indicate that unemployed individuals in their 20s with intermediate education levels are more likely to be recruited through social media, while offline recruitment is prevalent among unemployed teenagers with low education levels and men over 50s with criminal records. Highly educated unemployed individuals in their 20s and 30s show a higher probability of using online job search channels. The study provides valuable insights into the complex interplay between sociodemographic factors and money mule recruitment, offering potential implications for law enforcement agencies in developing effective crime prevention strategies. Further analysis will shed light on the underlying reasons behind these results.

Socio-demographic Characteristics Associated with Tobacco Consumption among Smokers Attended Ministry of Health Smoking Cessation Clinics in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia during 2018

Introduction: The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified tobacco smoking as a global epidemic, causing an estimated three million deaths annually. This study aims to examine the socio-demographic characteristics and smoking-related behaviours among individuals attending smoking cessation clinics in Jeddah during 2018. By identifying these factors, appropriate interventions can be developed to combat the smoking epidemic.&#x0D; Methods: The study enrolled All the clients who visited the Smoking Cessation Clinics in Jeddah from January 2018 to December 2018. Eligible participants were between 18 and 60 years old and agreed to take part in the study. Data on smoking status, medical history, previous attempts at quitting, and medication use were collected. Statistical analysis, including chi-square tests and p-values, were conducted to assess the associations between participants' medical history and smoking cessation attempts.&#x0D; Results: A total of 5869 participants were included in the study. The findings revealed that approximately one-fifth of the participants had previously attempted to quit smoking, while the majority (81.4%) had not made any cessation attempts. Among those who had made quit attempts, most had tried quitting between one to four times (16.5%). The duration of successful cessation reported by participants was generally short, with the majority (81.5%) not experiencing any extended period of quitting. Common reasons for relapse included cravings, social influences, mood changes, stress, and withdrawal symptoms.&#x0D; Conclusion: There was a significant association between male gender, age group over 51years, divorced marital status, intermediate educational levels, higher income levels, retired status, extreme BMI category, and previous attempts at smoking cessation. Healthcare providers and policymakers should consider these findings when developing and implementing smoking cessation programs. The insights gained from this research can contribute to the development of targeted interventions to reduce smoking rates and improve public health outcomes.

Unveiling the Tapestry of Tobacco Consumption: Exploring the Sociodemographic Factors Impacting Smokers at Smoking Cessation Clinics in Jeddah.

Background The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified tobacco smoking as a global epidemic, causing an estimated three million deaths annually. This study aims to examine the sociodemographic characteristics and smoking-related behaviors among individuals attending smoking cessation clinics in Jeddah during 2022. By identifying these factors, appropriate interventions can be developed to combat the smoking epidemic. Methodology The study enrolled male and female participants who visited the Smoking Cessation Clinics in Jeddah from January 2022 to December 2022. Eligible participants were between 18 and 60 years old and agreed to take part in the study. Data on smoking status, medical history, previous attempts at quitting, and medication use were collected. Statistical analysis, including chi-square tests and P-values, was conducted to assess the associations between participants' medical history and smoking cessation attempts. Results A total of 5,869 participants were included in the study. The findings revealed that approximately one-fifth of the participants had previously attempted to quit smoking, while the majority 4,780 (81.4%) had not made any cessation attempts. Among those who had made quit attempts, the majority had tried quitting between one and four times 968 (16.5%). The duration of successful cessation reported by participants was generally short, with the majority 4,781 (81.5%) not experiencing any extended period of quitting. Common reasons for relapse included cravings, social influences, mood changes, stress, and withdrawal symptoms. The study also found significant associations between specific medical conditions and smoking cessation attempts. Conclusions The study identified significant associations between male gender, older age group (51-60 years), divorced marital status, intermediate educational levels, higher income levels, retired status, extreme body mass index (BMI) categories, and previous attempts at smoking cessation. Healthcare providers and policymakers should consider these findings when developing and implementing smoking cessation programs. The insights gained from this research can contribute to the development of targeted interventions to reduce smoking rates and improve public health outcomes.

Gestational age and socio-demographic factors associated with school performance at the age of 12 years, a population-based study.

Gestational age is positively associated with cognitive development, but socio-demographic factors also influence school performance. Previous studies suggested possible interaction, putting children with low socio-economic status (SES) at increased risk of the negative effects of prematurity. To investigate the association between gestational age in weeks, socio-demographic characteristics, and school performance at the age of 12 years among children in regular primary education. Population-based cohort study among liveborn singletons (N = 860,332) born in the Netherlands in 1999-2006 at 25-42 weeks' gestation, with school performance from 2011 to 2019. Regression analyses were conducted investigating the association of gestational age and sociodemographic factors with school performance and possible interaction. School performance increased with gestational age up to 40 weeks. This pattern was evident across socio-demographic strata. Children born at 25 weeks had -0.57 SD (95% confidence interval -0.79, -0.35) lower school performance z-scores and lower secondary school level compared to 40 weeks. Low maternal education, low maternal age, and non-European origin were strongly associated with lower school performance. Being born third or later and low socioeconomic status (SES) were also associated with lower school performance, but differences were smaller than among other factors. When born preterm, children from mothers with low education level, low or high age, low SES or children born third or later were at higher risk for lower school performance compared to children of mothers with intermediate education level, aged 25-29 years, with intermediate SES or first borns (evidence of interaction). Higher gestational age is associated with better school performance at the age of 12 years along the entire spectrum of gestational age, beyond the cut-off of preterm birth and across socio-demographic differences. Children in socially or economically disadvantaged situations might be more vulnerable to the negative impact of preterm birth. Other important factors in school performance are maternal education, maternal age, ethnicity, birth order and SES. Results should be interpreted with caution due to differential loss to follow-up.

The role of dialogue in meaningful classroom interaction in South Africa

The importance of meaningful classroom dialogue in the foundation and early intermediate levels of education in creating effective literacy skills is well documented. Despite comments in a recent paper that there is a dearth of research on classroom observations around print in South Africa since 1994 at foundation level, there have actually been several studies that have observed classroom practice in this area post-1994. This paper discusses three particularly important ones that spanned some three decades in South Africa and observed the role and practice of dialogue in classroom teaching around text at foundation and early intermediate schooling levels. All three studies indicate that teaching styles have changed very little to date, and that meaningful classroom interaction between teacher and learner remains largely absent. The Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK) of the participating teachers continues to restrict student agency in the area of classroom interaction. Although each of the researchers captured the evidence in different ways, they all came to the same conclusion: that all teachers are still teaching restrictively and do not ask the type of open, extended questions necessary to engage in dialogue which helps develop critical thinking or the vocabulary necessary to develop effective literacy skills in learners.

Development and validation of a screening questionnaire for early identification of pregnant women at risk for excessive gestational weight gain

BackgroundExcessive weight gain during pregnancy is associated with adverse health outcomes for mother and child. Intervention strategies to prevent excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) should consider women’s individual risk profile, however, no tool exists for identifying women at risk at an early stage. The aim of the present study was to develop and validate a screening questionnaire based on early risk factors for excessive GWG.MethodsThe cohort from the German “Gesund leben in der Schwangerschaft”/ “healthy living in pregnancy” (GeliS) trial was used to derive a risk score predicting excessive GWG. Sociodemographics, anthropometrics, smoking behaviour and mental health status were collected before week 12th of gestation. GWG was calculated using the last and the first weight measured during routine antenatal care. The data were randomly split into development and validation datasets with an 80:20 ratio. Using the development dataset, a multivariate logistic regression model with stepwise backward elimination was performed to identify salient risk factors associated with excessive GWG. The β coefficients of the variables were translated into a score. The risk score was validated by an internal cross-validation and externally with data from the FeLIPO study (GeliS pilot study). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC ROC) was used to estimate the predictive power of the score.Results1790 women were included in the analysis, of whom 45.6% showed excessive GWG. High pre-pregnancy body mass index, intermediate educational level, being born in a foreign country, primiparity, smoking, and signs of depressive disorder were associated with the risk of excessive GWG and included in the screening questionnaire. The developed score varied from 0–15 and divided the women´s risk for excessive GWG into low (0–5), moderate (6–10) and high (11–15). The cross-validation and the external validation yielded a moderate predictive power with an AUC of 0.709 and 0.738, respectively.ConclusionsOur screening questionnaire is a simple and valid tool to identify pregnant women at risk for excessive GWG at an early stage. It could be used in routine care to provide targeted primary prevention measures to women at particular risk to gain excessive gestational weight.Trial registrationNCT01958307, ClinicalTrials.gov, retrospectively registered 9 October 2013.

INVESTIGATION OF STUDENTS’ ATTITUDES TOWARD MATHEMATICS IN MIDDLE SCHOOLS IN SAUDI ARABIA

&lt;p&gt;Many students in Saudi Arabia complain that they achieve poor results in mathematics and appear to have a negative attitude toward the subject. The current study, therefore, investigates students’ attitudes towards mathematics, using a mixed method approach, in 13-16 years old students from the intermediate level of education. The age was important because this period is thought to be crucial to the formation of lasting attitudes and opinions. The first main research question, the study aims to address is therefore, “What are students’ attitudes towards mathematics in Saudi middle schools?” The study also aims to explore gender issues using a second research question, “Is there any significant gender difference in students’ attitudes towards mathematics?” The survey was conducted in two government-run middle schools in Saudi Arabia, one boys’ school and one girls’ school, because Saudi Arabia has an exclusively single-sex education system. 180 participants (90 boys and 90 girls) were asked to complete a questionnaire to show their views about mathematics. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected at the same time, but the analysis of each type of information was conducted separately to enable the full picture to be understood. T-test was used to explore any gender differences. The main findings were that both male and female students in two Saudi middle schools show a positive attitude towards mathematics, with female students being slightly more positive than males. The factors which affect attitudes towards mathematics in both genders include the usefulness of mathematics in everyday and future life and career, the teacher, enjoyment of mathematics and the difficulty of the subjects. Girls’ attitudes towards mathematics were also affected by the influence of social media personalities and internet teachers. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Article visualizations:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="/-counters-/soc/0050/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Pride and Protest: Horizontal and Vertical Emotional Response in the Aftermath of the 2019 Chilean Spring

A large body of literature has shown that emotions can motivate collective action. Nevertheless, the effect that collective actions could have on emotion has been less researched. This study examined the effect of protests on bystanders’ pride, using the case of the 2019 “Chilean Spring.” Our findings indicate that a set of indicators of pride, representing the country, the status quo, and the social structures, were negatively affected by the crisis, which suggests vertical emotional response. Protests’ frame signaled that not everything in the country was as thought, generating a moral shock that affected shared emotions about the country. However, pride toward fellow citizens was positively affected. Some of these effects are stronger for people with an intermediate educational level. These findings contribute to the literature on the impact of protests showing that unexpected, loosely organized, and massive movements can trigger generalized emotions.

Procjena kognitivnog statusa kod starijih osoba u zajednici

Objective. Aging is characterized by the loss of abilities in the psychological and physical sense. Detailed assessment of cognitive status may enable early identification of high-risk patients who are candidates for dementia. The aim of this research was to examine the cognitive status of elderly people over 65 years of age living in the community and potential risk factors that contribute to the onset of dementia. Methods. The research was designed according to the principle of a cross-sectional study. The research used a general questionnaire, subjective and objective assessment of respondents, Mini Kog assessment. The ch2 square test was used for statistical tests. The usual value of p&lt;0.05 was taken as the level of statistical significance. Results. Females (80.2%) had better cognitive status than males (84.6%) (ch2 =0.189; p=0.664). Respondents with the lowest level of education (primary school) had a worse cognitive status (23.5%) compared to 13.3% of respondents with an intermediate level of education (ch2 =9.139; p=0.010). 8.8% of respondents who socialize with friends had a good cognitive score compared to 0% of respondents with a good cognitive score who do not socialize with friends (ch2 =18.243; p=0.000), also, the cognitive status was worse in those respondents who used different aids (75%) versus 17% of those who do not use different aids for their functional mobility (ch2 =8.832; p=0.003). Conclusion. Dementia is present in a high percentage among elderly people. The level of education and the use of aids are potential risk factors for the onset of dementia.