Mean Response Scores Research Articles

Perspectives of medical undergraduate students toward self-directed learning

Objectives: Self-directed learning (SDL) is a process in which individuals take the initiative with or without the help of others in diagnosing their learning needs, formulating goals, identifying human as well as material resources for learning, implementing appropriate strategies and evaluating learning outcomes. In SDL, the onus of learning is on the learner and learning control is slowly transferred from facilitator to learner. Hence, this study helped to understand the SDL readiness in undergraduate medical students and figure out whether it differed between students of 2nd and 3rd professional years. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on undergraduate medical students of 2nd and 3rd professional year of tertiary care medical college hospital in south India after receiving permission from the Institutional Ethics Committee. A total of 285 students were considered in this study from both years after informed consent. A pre-validated questionnaire of the self-rating scale for SDL (SRSSDL) tool was included, and it comprised five components, namely, awareness, learning strategy, learning activity, evaluation and interpersonal skills, with 12 questions in individual sections. Demographic data were expressed in percentages while the Chi-square test and independent sample Mann–Whitney U-test were applied to understand the differences between 2 professional years. Results: Out of 285 students, 56.8% had a moderate level of readiness, followed by a high level of readiness (42.9%). The majority of the students from both academic years had a moderate level of readiness toward SDL. Learning strategy had the highest mean response score of 3.7 ± 0.52, followed by awareness with 3.69 ± 0.49. This mean score reflects that the majority of participants’ responses recorded were either ‘sometimes’ or ‘often’ for various components of the SRSSDL tool. The distribution of awareness, learning strategy, learning activities, evaluation and interpersonal skills did not show any significant association across academic years and gender. Conclusion: The moderate level of readiness shows that areas of improvement must be identified and evaluated with teacher guidance when necessary. The SRSSDL tool can be used as a measure of evaluation, as it helps to classify student readiness toward SDL.

Educating patients on osteoporosis and bone health: Can "ChatGPT" provide high-quality content?

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) models like ChatGPT offers potential for varied applications, including patient education in healthcare. With gaps in osteoporosis and bone health knowledge and adherence to prevention and treatment, this study aims to evaluate the accuracy of ChatGPT in delivering evidence-based information related to osteoporosis. Twenty of the most common frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to osteoporosis were subcategorized into diagnosis, diagnostic method, risk factors, and treatment and prevention. These FAQs were sourced online and inputted into ChatGPT-3.5. Three orthopedic surgeons and one advanced practice provider who routinely treat patients with fragility fractures independently reviewed the ChatGPT-generated answers, grading them on a scale from 0 (harmful) to 4 (excellent). Mean response accuracy scores were calculated. To compare the variance of the means across the four categories, a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used. ChatGPT displayed an overall mean accuracy score of 91%. Its responses were graded as "accurate requiring minimal clarification" or "excellent," with a mean response score ranging from 3.25 to 4. No answers were deemed inaccurate or harmful. No significant difference was observed in the means of responses across the defined categories. ChatGPT-3.5 provided high-quality educational content. It showcased a high degree of accuracy in addressing osteoporosis-related questions, aligning closely with expert opinions and current literature, with structured and inclusive answers. However, while AI models can enhance patient information accessibility, they should be used as an adjunct rather than a substitute for human expertise and clinical judgment.

'What would my peers say?' Comparing the opinion-based method with the prediction-based method in Continuing Medical Education course evaluation.

Although medical courses are frequently evaluated via surveys with Likert scales ranging from "strongly agree" to "strongly disagree," low response rates limit their utility. In undergraduate medical education, a new method with students predicting what their peers would say, required fewer respondents to obtain similar results. However, this prediction-based method lacks validation for continuing medical education (CME), which typically targets a more heterogeneous group than medical students. In this study, 597 participants of a large CME course were randomly assigned to either express personal opinions on a five-point Likert scale (opinion-based method; n = 300) or to predict the percentage of their peers choosing each Likert scale option (prediction-based method; n = 297). For each question, we calculated the minimum numbers of respondents needed for stable average results using an iterative algorithm. We compared mean scores and the distribution of scores between both methods. The overall response rate was 47%. The prediction-based method required fewer respondents than the opinion-based method for similar average responses. Mean response scores were similar in both groups for most questions, but prediction-based outcomes resulted in fewer extreme responses (strongly agree/disagree). We validated the prediction-based method in evaluating CME. We also provide practical considerations for applying this method.

Impact of Self-reported Leisure Internet Usage on Social Interactions

Abstract Aim: This study aimed to determine whether leisure Internet usage affects social interactions among undergraduate dental students. Methods: All undergraduate dental students of Government Dental College and Hospital, Hyderabad, were included in the study. Leisure Internet usage was assessed using a fifteen-item Internet Disorder scale (IDS-15). Short form of the Social Interaction Anxiety (SIAS-6) and Social Phobia Scale (SPS-6) evaluated Social interaction anxiety and social phobia. The frequency distribution of responses IDS-15, SIAS-6, and SPS-6 was calculated based on gender and year of study. The mean response score was computed and compared based on demographic variables. Results: The total mean IDS-15 score for the study population was 39.09 ± 8.35. Average time spent on Internet per day was a significant variable for IDS-15 and its factors, with the highest mean score observed for those using Internet for more than 5 h/day. Although half of the population (165; 50%) revealed Internet addiction based on the IDS-15 scale, the majority of the population had low levels of social interaction anxiety (60.3%) and social phobia (69.39%). A positive and significant relation was noted between the total IDS-15 scale with both the social scales. Conclusion: Based on the analysis of this study, it was seen that 50% of the population had self-reported leisure Internet addiction. The amount of time spent emerged as a significant factor and a positive relation between the Internet usage and anxiety and phobia in social situations was also noted in this study.

Diversity of Learners, their Special Learning Needs and Inclusive Education: Perspectives of Teachers in Public Secondary Schools in Kwara State, Nigeria.

The study was aimed at building knowledge base for addressing learners’ special learning needs and for promoting inclusive education. The purpose of the study was to provide a rich description of public secondary schools’ teachers’ perspectives on their learners and on inclusive education. The study adopted quantitative design to investigate teachers’ awareness and knowledge of diversity of learners in their classrooms, including the teachers’ understanding of their learners’ special learning needs as well as the teachers’ perspectives on their experiences with implementation of inclusive education The population for the study comprised all teachers in public secondary schools in Kwara State, Nigeria, and by convenient sampling method drew a sample of one hundred and forty-five teachers. The instrument for data gathering was a questionnaire which contained descriptive statements responded to by respondents who indicated their degrees of agreement on a four-point; liker-type scale. Data collected were analysed and with the use of the descriptive statistics of percentage frequencies and mean response scores to answer the research questions and to arrive at the achievement of the study objectives. The results revealed that teachers involved in the study were generally aware of learners’ diversity in their classrooms. To strengthen this awareness, the teachers also indicated their knowledge regarding the manifestations of the diversity in terms of the learners’ ability and activity levels as well as behavioural tendencies. Teacher-respondents reported some learners as gifted and talented, some as more active than others, some aggressive or withdrawn in behaviors, some with speech and language difficulties as well as auditory, visual and orthopaedic impairments, while some are with other disabilities. The results of the study have implications for pre-service and in-service training of teachers as well as better structuring of schools’ physical infrastructure in order to promote better access, participation and belongingness for pupils with disabilities.

Abstract 18751: Emerging Frontiers in Hypertension Management: Consensus on Novel Approaches for Optimal Control

Introduction: To establish a comprehensive consensus statement on hypertension management, incorporating contemporary evidence and drawing from the valuable real-world experiences of Indian physicians and cardiologists Methods: A virtual collaborative educational initiative was convened in May 2023, through a series of 8 nationwide virtual interactive meetings (n=87) at the forefront of hypertension care (3B Consensus Group). The cumulative clinical experience was approximately 2,500-man-years, who rated their level of agreement for 10 questions with each item on a 5-point Likert scale. This was preceded by a contemporary evidence-based discussion on the contemporary updates for hypertension. Weighted mean for the Likert scale was calculated and consensus was pre-defined as a score > 100. GraphPad 9.5.1 and ANOVA were used for statistical analysis. Results: The highest agreement score was for, hypertension is an important cardiovascular risk factor in CKD (127.1), bisoprolol with conventional treatment is efficacious for managing MI and cardiac insufficiency (126.8), because of considerable variability in BP response to different drugs, personalized treatment approaches are essential to optimize the effectiveness of BP reduction (118.3), research is warranted to explore the importance of salt awareness in patients with hypertension (117.4), beta blockers including bisoprolol in the treatment of MI complicated with cardiac insufficiency effectively reduce cardiotoxicity, enhance myocardial response (114.4), treatment guided by ABPM can enhance outcomes (102.7) (Figure). The highest mean response scores (±SD, 95% CI) for consensus were for strongly agree (52.6±28.6, 95% CI 32.1 to 73) followed by agree (50.8±13.4, 95% CI 41.2 to 60.4) Conclusions: The physicians and cardiologists establish hypertension management consensus, emphasizing cardiovascular risk, bisoprolol efficacy, personalized treatment, salt awareness, and ABPM

Abstract 18290: Enhancing Outcomes in Dyslipidemia Management: Contemporary Insights and Perspectives From the Indian Consensus

Introduction: To establish a comprehensive consensus statement on dyslipidemia management, incorporating contemporary evidence and drawing from the valuable real-world experiences of Indian physicians and cardiologists Methods: A virtual collaborative educational initiative was convened in May 2023, through a series of 13 nationwide virtual interactive meetings (n=238) at the forefront of dyslipidemia management (STRATIFY 2 Consensus Group). The cumulative clinical experience was approximately 6,000 man years, who rated their level of agreement for 10 questions with each item on a 5-point Likert scale. This was preceded by a contemporary evidence-based discussion on the updates for dyslipidemia including statins. Weighted mean for the Likert scale was calculated and consensus was pre-defined as a score > 100. GraphPad 9.5.1 and ANOVA were used for statistical analysis. Results: The highest agreement score was for, using LDL-C as a performance measure enhances cholesterol control in high-risk groups, leading to reduced cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality (119), attainment of LDL-C goals in patients receiving high-intensity statin therapy needs improvement in real-world settings (116), combination of short-term DAPT and intensive rosuvastatin reduces the risk of recurrent stroke (113), validated risk calculators such as QRISK3 are valuable tools for guiding clinical decisions regarding the initiation of statin therapy (112), rosuvastatin 40 mg daily is more effective in reducing LDL-C levels as compared to atorvastatin 80 mg (110), Rosuvastatin is more effective than Atorvastatin in reducing LDL-C levels in diabetes mellitus (104) (Figure). The highest mean response scores (±SD, 95% CI) for consensus were for agree (61±25, 95% CI 44 to 80) followed by strongly agree (32±17, 95% CI 20 to 44) Conclusions: The consensus findings contribute to advancing dyslipidemia management and guiding evidence-based practices for improved patient outcomes.

Impact of Information and Communication Technology Facilities in Teaching Financial Accounting in Colleges of Education in South-South Nigeria

The study assessed the use of information and communication technology (ICT) facilities in teaching Financial Accounting in Federal Colleges of Education in the South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria. 2 research questions guided the study and were examined while 2 hypotheses were formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance. Descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population of this study comprised 239 male and female Financial Accounting lecturers with accounting education background. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 169 representative sample for the study. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire titled “Information and Communication Technology in Teaching Financial Accounting Questionnaire (ICTITFAQ)” validated by two experts. Mean statistic was used to analyze data descriptively while independent sample t-test was used to test the formulated null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The results of the study revealed among others that accounting educators (lecturers) utilize, to large extent, accounting software and telecommunication facilities to teach financial accounting in colleges of education in South-South zone of Nigeria. The results further showed no significant difference in the mean response scores on the extent to which Accounting Educators (lecturers) use computer software facilities, and telecommunication facilities in teaching Financial Accounting between Federal and State Colleges of Education in the South-South Nigeria. However, a significant difference in the mean response scores on the extent to which Accounting Educators use internet in teaching Financial Accounting between Federal and State Colleges of Education in the South-South Nigeria in favour of Federal Colleges of Education. It was recommended that Federal and State governments should intensify efforts to buy relevant software packages for teaching Financial Accounting in Colleges.

Impact of Information and Communication Technology Facilities in Teaching Financial Accounting in Colleges of Education in South-South Nigeria

The study assessed the use of information and communication technology (ICT) facilities in teaching Financial Accounting in Federal Colleges of Education in the South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria. 2 research questions guided the study and were examined while 2 hypotheses were formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance. Descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population of this study comprised 239 male and female Financial Accounting lecturers with accounting education background. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 169 representative sample for the study. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire titled “Information and Communication Technology in Teaching Financial Accounting Questionnaire (ICTITFAQ)” validated by two experts. Mean statistic was used to analyze data descriptively while independent sample t-test was used to test the formulated null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The results of the study revealed among others that accounting educators (lecturers) utilize, to large extent, accounting software and telecommunication facilities to teach financial accounting in colleges of education in South-South zone of Nigeria. The results further showed no significant difference in the mean response scores on the extent to which Accounting Educators (lecturers) use computer software facilities, and telecommunication facilities in teaching Financial Accounting between Federal and State Colleges of Education in the South-South Nigeria. However, a significant difference in the mean response scores on the extent to which Accounting Educators use internet in teaching Financial Accounting between Federal and State Colleges of Education in the South-South Nigeria in favour of Federal Colleges of Education. It was recommended that Federal and State governments should intensify efforts to buy relevant software packages for teaching Financial Accounting in Colleges

Development of a Novel Massage Therapy Outcome Measure for Children and Young Adults Receiving Hematopoietic Cell Transplant.

Children receiving hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) often experience an unfortunate sequalae of negative effects including pain, deconditioning, and anxiety. Massage therapy (MT) has demonstrated effective non-pharmacological management of fatigue, pain, and anxiety in patients undergoing cancer treatment. Existing studies have been limited by the lack of available MT-specific outcome measures to track responses to interventions. This study aimed to describe the creation of a novel MT-specific outcome measure to be utilized in the pediatric acute-care setting and establish construct validity for this measure to assess clinical effectiveness of MT interventions. An oncology ward at a large pediatric tertiary medical center in the United States. A total of 58 children and young adults undergoing HCT. Retrospective Cohort Study. A panel of massage therapists created a novel outcome measure, OMPREP, for use in MT sessions and performed a literature review to ensure face validity of the tool. This outcome measure was administered to patients and data were collected retrospectively to assess construct validity. A total of 1,333 MT sessions were completed (80.7% completion rate) with the novel OMPREP outcome measure utilized on 100% of visits. Mean engagement (p<.001), response (p<.001), and pain (p<.001) scores were all significantly greater at evaluation and discharge compared to the lowest observed scores post-HCT. The novel MT-specific outcome measure, OMPREP, was feasible and demonstrated construct validity when implemented in a pediatric acute-care setting by massage therapists. This new tool may offer a quantitative measure of MT-interventions and assist in tracking patient outcomes.

P12 Assessing the clinical utility of antibiotics for urinary tract infections in India: findings from a questionnaire survey

Abstract Background We aimed to formulate a consensus for the therapeutic utilization of antibiotics based on contemporary evidence and the real-world experiences of the clinicians at the forefront of the care of patients with urinary tract infection (UTI). Methods We developed customized technological response system for mapping exercise and panel of eminent specialists was convened. Prior consent was obtained, and the weblink of the questionnaire was provided. Sub-expert nationwide panel (n=397), across India (PRISM Survey group), rated their level of agreement with 11 questions with each item on a five-point Likert scale and 5 objective response questions. The consensus was pre-defined if the weighted mean score for the Likert scale was &amp;gt;100. Data were statistically analysed by GraphPad software version 9.5.0. Results The mean years of experience were 9.2 years (SD ±10, 95% CI 8.2–10), and cumulative clinical experience was 3669 person-years. The predominant clinical practice setting of the respondents was a public hospital (58.6%). The highest agreement score in the decreasing rank order (of adjusted weighted mean score) for UTI were: antibiotic resistance is a major challenge (126.1), oral fosfomycin-based regimens are effective against MDR pathogens (123.4), is a good option for bacterial biofilm reduction (121.7), the potential to manage recurrent lower UTI (121.6), oral fosfomycin along with nitrofurantoin is been useful to manage MDR UTI (106.8), nitrofurantoin and fosfomycin are chosen as empirical treatment (103.7), fosfomycin has stood the test of time (120.2). Adjusted mean response scores (±SD, 95% CI) for consensus were: agree (73±9.4, 95% CI 66 to 79) followed by strongly agree (32±13, 95% CI 24 to 41), neither agree nor disagree (13±4.9, 95% CI 9.8 to 16), disagree (−6.5±4.7, 95% CI −9.7 to −3.4), strongly disagree (−0.86±0.9, 95% CI −1.5 to −0.26). Conclusions In the era of MDR UTI, time-tested oral fosfomycin and nitrofurantoin can improve management of UTI without increasing the complexity.

Obstacles for self-management practices among diabetes patients: A facility-based study from Coastal South India.

Background The purpose of the study was to assess the obstacles faced by diabetes patients in their self-care and determine the factors associated with these obstacles. The management of diabetes mellitus (DM) extends beyond the clinician’s efforts, with the responsibility of the care also being shared by the patient to achieve better treatment outcomes and prevent complications. Self-care management is the most important part of DM treatment, which includes diet, regular exercise, blood glucose monitoring, medication and foot care. Methods A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 107 type 2 DM patients aged &gt;18 years using the Diabetes Obstacles Questionnaire-30. Patients scoring a mean response score &gt;3 were considered to have an obstacle. We included age, gender, socioeconomic status (SES), duration of DM and blood glucose levels as factors for regression analysis and a P value &lt;0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results A large majority (64.5%, n = 69) of our participants were aged above 55 years and belonged to lower socio-economic status (65.4%, n = 70). Family history of DM was present in 41% (n=44) of the participants. The median duration of DM among the participant was 10 (4 – 7) years. In our study, the participants faced obstacles for two items in the domains: Support from Friends &amp; Family (mean score: 3.73) and Knowledge of the Disease (mean score: 3.58). A multinominal regression analysis revealed SES was predictive of participants who could not understand information from literature with a P. value of 0.002 (OR: 3.65, CI: 1.60-8.338). Conclusion The two major obstacles to self-management practices that were identified were in the domains of Support from Friends and Family, and Knowledge of the Disease. Socioeconomic status was identified to be a predictive factor associated with the participants who are not able to understand information from the literature.

Evaluating the Implementation of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) for Housing Provision in Nigeria: A Case Study of Niger State

Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) is a joint effort by the public and private sector for the financing, development, operation, and or ownership of public housing and infrastructure. The rapid increase in population and urbanization in Nigeria has resulted in a housing deficit of about 17-23 million. Mortgage financing which is the predominant means of funding housing eludes the low income earners due to their inability to access mortgage facilities. This paper evaluated the implementation of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) as an option for public housing delivery in Nigeria using Niger State as a case study. Questionnaires were administered to 200 built-environment professionals in public and private sectors in Niger State and interview was conducted with NSPPPA officials on project conception and management. Official reports and guidance documents on PPP implementation for housing were also reviewed. The responses to the questions were categorized into political, project, financial, and environmental factors and the mean score of responses to each question were calculated before calculating the mean score of each category. Political (4.28) and project (4.24) factors were found to have the greatest influence in implementing PPPs in Niger State. Interview and document reviews also revealed that out of eight housing projects conceived under the Niger State PPP program in 2013 only four were implemented. Of the four implemented projects, two were completed while two were delayed due to lack of funds and disagreements between public and private sector partners. The study recommends among others that all stakeholders in Nigeria’s housing sector should work together to realize the goal of PPPs in housing as stated in the New National Housing and Urban Development Policy (NNHUDP) of 2002 and that government should focus more on the provision of housing for the low income earners as they are the most affected by the housing problem in Nigeria.

EXPLORING LANGUAGE ATTITUDES THROUGH MATCHED GUISE TECHNIQUE: A CASE OF YOUNG KASHMIRIS OF AZAD JAMMU &amp; KASHMIR

This study seeks to determine the language attitudes of young bilinguals towards Kashmiri and Urdu, as well as their potential implications. Using the matched-guise technique, 34 Kashmiri- and Urdu speaking students from the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) were surveyed. Audio clips of each language were provided to assess the participants' attitudes towards Kashmiri and Urdu. On a Likert scale, participants evaluated a variety of personality traits of Kashmiri and Urdu audio speakers. The mean response scores were calculated and compared using SPSS and an independent t-test. The results indicate speakers have a more negative opinion of Kashmiri than Urdu. It suggests that the Kashmiri community has developed a negative attitude towards their mother tongue, which may eventually result in a community-wide language shift.

CONSENSUS TOWARDS THE UTILISATION OF BISOPROLOL IN COMBINATION WITH TELMISARTAN IN INDIAN PATIENTS WITH HYPERTENSION

Objective: To formulate a consensus statement for the utilization of bisoprolol in combination with telmisartan based on the contemporary evidence and the real-world experiences of the Indian cardiologists Design and method: A virtual collaborative educational initiative was convened from November 2022, to December 2022, through a series of 8 nationwide virtual interactive meetings by leading cardiologists (n = 90) at the forefront of cardiovascular care (CERTAIN Study Group). The cumulative clinical experience was approximately 2,500-man-years, who rated their level of agreement for 14 questions with each item on a 5-point Likert scale. This was preceded by a contemporary evidence-based discussion on the contemporary updates for hypertension and for the combination of bisoprolol (beta blocker) and telmisartan (ARB). Weighted mean for the Likert scale was calculated and consensus was pre-defined as a score &gt; 100. GraphPad 9.4.0 and ANOVA were used for statistical analysis. Results: The highest agreement score was for the concurrence for the diabetes have consistently higher risks over the whole BP range (127), bisoprolol is a suitable choice for management of Left Ventricular Dysfunction post MI (124), bisoprolol has impactful clinical implications for modulation of resting heart rate in patients with CAD (123), telmisartan has a distinctive pharmacological properties that translate into a clinically relevant approach for management of hypertension (122), bisoprolol is beneficial in patients with hemodialysis (120), bisoprolol in combination with telmisartan is useful in patients with co-morbidities (115), bisoprolol has modulatory properties for the impact of remodelling in patients with heart failure (111), bisoprolol in combination with telmisartan is a useful tool to manage hypertension. (Figure). The highest mean response scores (±SD, 95% CI) for consensus were for agree (25±10, 95% CI 19 to 31) followed by strongly agree (14±11, 95% CI 7.6 to 20) Conclusions: We observed a high preference for the combination of bisoprolol with telmisartan for use in patients with hypertension with comorbidities. We attribute this to a high level of perceived effectiveness, based on the recent clinical trials.

Developing Learning Management System-Based Inquiry Model Learning Devices for Dynamic Electricity Materials

This research is aimed at producing LMS-based inquiry model learning devices for dynamic electricity materials and probing the validity, effectiveness, and practicality of the developed products. This was research and development (R&amp;D) using the 4D model made up of four phases, which were Define, Design, Develop, and Disseminate. The research subjects were twelfth graders in Science class SMAN 1 Bolangitan. Data were collected using several instruments: expert validation sheets, learning output tests, and student response questionnaires. The learning device validity was determined based on the mean score given by content, design, and learning media validators. The mean score was 1.00 at the very valid criterion. The N-gain, identified to observe the learning device effectiveness, was 0.77 at the effective criteria. The mean score of student responses was 70.06 at the very practical criterion. Building on the results, the developed devices met the criteria for quality products, i.e., valid, effective, and practical.

Factors Influencing Human Capital Development Activities of Public and Private Universities in Rivers State, Nigeria

The study focused on factors influencing human capital development activities in Public and Private Universities in Nigeria. The population of the study consisted of undergraduate students from two universities in Rivers State, Nigeria, this is as a result of university students graduating without full impact to development of the nation. Purposive and simple random sampling by balloting was used to draw a sample of 320 respondents for the study. An instrument titled “Influence of Human Capital Development Activities Questionnaire” (IHCDAQ) was constructed by the researcher and used as means of retrieving data from the respondent. Validation of the instrument was done by three experts in measurement and evaluation while Cronbach Alpha method was used to determine the reliability of the instrument in sections and reliability index of 0.86 was realized. The data was analysed using frequency and percentage while t – test at 0.05 alpha level. Finding showed that there is a significant difference in the mean response scores of respondents in public and private universities on the extent to which constant strike actions (p=0.034&lt;0.05) and Provision of library facilities (p=0.021&lt;0.05) influence human capital development in Nigerian public and private Universities. There was no significant difference in the mean response scores of respondents in public and private universities on the extent to which constant provision of infrastructure (p=0.34&gt;0.05) influence human capital development in Nigerian public and private Universities. Thus, government and every other stakeholders should be sincere in their deliberation as way of avoiding strike actions since it has been proven that such actions has a significant effect on human capital development index as perceived by student in public and private institution.

Assessment of Knowledge about Consumer Protection Act, 2019, among Medical Professionals in Chennai

In India, the Consumer Protection Act [COPRA] was enacted in 1986 to safeguard the interests of consumers. On November 13, 1995, the judgement of the Honourable Supreme Court of India brought medical services under the ambit of the Consumer Protection Act. All services rendered to a patient by a medical or dental practitioner are covered under the CPA, except when the service is provided free of charge, especially in charitable or governmental dispensaries, hospitals, and primary health centres. On August 9, 2019, the Consumer Protection Act of 2019 was passed and received presidential assent, repealing the Consumer Protection Act of 1986 in order to strengthen consumer rights and provide consumer justice. The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge about the Consumer Protection Act (CPA) 2019 among medical professionals in Chennai. 305 doctors from Chennai were included in the study. Out of the 305 doctors, 192 were working in teaching institutions, 48 were attached to corporate hospitals, and 65 were involved in private practise. To summarize, the mean response scores of MBBS graduates, MD/MS/DNB graduates, and DM/MCH graduates are 7.72, 8.75, and 10.55, respectively. The mean response scores of teaching faculties, corporate doctors, and private practitioners are 8.91, 8.85, and 8.04, respectively. The mean awareness score about CPA 2019 among the total study population is 8.71. The results of the present study showed that a majority of the study population has reasonable knowledge about CPA, but in-depth knowledge is lacking.

The impact of a targeted education package on the knowledge, attitudes, and utilisation of patient reported outcome measures amongst chiropractors in Australia

BackgroundPatient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) have been shown to be valid and reliable indicators of health status and treatment outcomes, however, the current knowledge, understanding, and utilisation of PROMs within the Australian Chiropractic profession is limited. This study used the New World Kirkpatrick Model (NWKM) to evaluate whether an online PROM education package could improve knowledge, confidence, attitude, and utilisation of PROMs by chiropractors in Australia.MethodsA longitudinal cohort interventional study of chiropractors in Australia. The recruitment phase and data collection period occurred from November 2020 – May 2021. Participants completed three online surveys two weeks before, four weeks after, and 12 weeks after receiving an online education package that included ten evidence-based region-specific modules on PROMs. Survey questions were grouped into five subthemes for analysis according to the NWKM levels: (1) Reaction; (2) Learning - knowledge; (3) Learning – confidence; (4) Behaviour – attitude; (5) and Behaviour - utilisation).ResultsOf the 116 participants that enrolled in the study, 43 completed all three survey and were included in the analysis. There was very positive reaction to the education package with mean response scores (1–5 Likert scale) for the reaction questions ranging from 3.75 to 4.43. There was a small, but significant, increase in knowledge (out of 32) at four weeks (24.3 ± 6.1) and 12 weeks after receiving the education package (27.2 ± 5.5), compared to baseline (27.4 ± 5.1). There was no effect of the intervention on clinician confidence or attitude towards PROMs. Utilisation of function- and pain-related PROMs did not change after the intervention. There was a small and significant (p < 0.05) increase in utilisation of health-related PROMs 12 weeks after the intervention.ConclusionDespite modest improvements in knowledge, which were retained 12 weeks after the educational package was provided, there was no evidence that participant confidence, attitude, or utilisation of PROMs changed because of the intervention. While the respondents’ have positive attitudes and beliefs regarding PROMs use, further education surrounding the clinical translation process into clinical practice is required. Caution is advised when interpreting these findings due to the low participant response and completion rate with the potential for selection bias and the inability to generalise the results.

Knowledge of HIV/AIDS transmission modes and attitudes toward HIV/AIDS infected people and the level of HIV/AIDS awareness among the general population in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study.

IntroductionThe human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) are worldwide public health issues. Since Saudi Arabia is growing more accessible to the outside world, it is critical to analyze the general population's knowledge of HIV/AIDS transmission modes and attitudes toward HIV/AIDS infected people, and the level of HIV/AIDS awareness. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the knowledge of HIV/AIDS transmission modes and attitudes toward HIV/AIDS infected people, as well as the level of HIV/AIDS awareness among the general population in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.MethodsThe current online community-based cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among the general population of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia using a self-administrated electronic questionnaire between October 2017 and February 2018. A score <3 was considered a negative response. In contrast, scores of 3 and 4 were considered positive responses. The sum score of each outcome was evaluated according to Bloom's cutoff point. The scores for knowledge and attitude were transformed into mean percentage scores by dividing the sum scores obtained by the respondents by the number of items multiplied by 100. Consequently, the overall mean percentage of scores for each category of knowledge and attitude at 60% and above was considered a good level, whereas <60% was deemed a poor level.ResultsA total of 2,081 subjects residing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia participated in this survey. The mean score of the participant's responses to knowledge items on HIV/AIDS transmission modes was 84.2 ± 15.8%. The mean score of the participant's responses to attitude items toward HIV/AIDS infected people was 50.1 ± 49.9%. The mean score of the participant's responses to attitude items toward the level of HIV/AIDS awareness in Saudi Arabia was 55.7 ± 3.6%. Many socio-demographic variables were significantly associated with mean scores of knowledge of HIV/AIDS transmission modes, mean scores of attitude toward HIV/AIDS infected people, and mean scores of attitude toward the level of HIV/AIDS awareness (P-value ≤ 0.05). The Spearman rank correlation explained significant negative linear correlations between knowledge of HIV/AIDS transmission modes-attitudes toward HIV/AIDS infected people and knowledge of HIV/AIDS transmission modes-attitudes toward the level of HIV/AIDS awareness of r = −0.040 and r = −0.070, respectively (P-value ≤ 0.05). Otherwise, there was a positive linear correlation between attitudes toward HIV/AIDS infected people-attitudes toward the level of HIV/AIDS awareness (r = 0.080, P-value = 0.072).ConclusionsThe study showed that a high percentage of the respondents had good knowledge of HIV/AIDS transmission modes. However, a low rate of the study respondents had positive attitudes toward HIV/AIDS infected people and the level of HIV/AIDS awareness among the general population in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, there is a dire need for advocacy campaigns and policies to help reduce HIV stigmatization levels.