Posttest Period Research Articles

Analysis of Tactical Knowledge for Learning an Alternative Invasion Sport

The study of declarative and procedural knowledge in sport allows us to assess students’ tactical learning processes. The aim of this study was to analyze and compare the level of declarative and procedural knowledge acquired by students according to the pedagogical model and gender, after the application of two intervention programs for an alternative invasion sport, “Rosquilla”. This study involved 136 students distributed into six groups of Primary Education (fifth and sixth year) and Secondary Education (first year). Each group in the same year participated in a different intervention program, one based on the Game-Centered Model and the other on a hybrid model of the Game-Centered Model and the Sports Education Model. A descriptive analysis was carried out to determine the characteristics of the participants. Subsequently, an independent samples Mann–Whitney U-test was applied to compare the level of knowledge between the models and genders in the pre- and post-test periods. A Linear Mixed Model was used to analyze the level of knowledge of students within each group and compare them according to methodology and gender. The results indicate that both programs generated improvements in declarative and procedural knowledge. Therefore, students learn equally regardless of the methodological perspective and gender.

Comparing the effectiveness of a blended video plus face-to-face educational program with a face-to-face educational program on quality of life among adolescents undergoing hemodialysis in Palestine.

Hemodialysis is frequently used as a primary treatment for individuals with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), and it significantly impacts the quality of life in adolescents undergoing this procedure. Providing a hemodialysis education to these patients is a valuable strategy for enhancing their well-being. The aim of the study is to assess the effect of the video-assisted educational program on the quality of life among adolescents undergoing hemodialysis in Palestine. This study employed a quasi-experimental design, a pre-test-post-test interventional study, involving a sample of 68 adolescent patients between the ages of 13 and 18 diagnosed with ESKD. The quality of life level was assessed in both groups using an Arabic version of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ version 3.0 ESKD Module survey. The study was conducted at the dialysis units in four hospitals associated with Augusta Victoria Hospital, An-Najah University Hospital, Palestine Medical Complex/Ramallah, and Beit Jala (Al Housain) Hospital. The study involved providing tailored face-to-face educational sessions with video assistance to the experimental group, while the control group received regular face-to-face education. The Generalized Estimating Equation analysis revealed no significant differences in quality of life between the experimental and control groups over time, across pre-test, post-test, and follow-up periods (p ≥ 0.05). However, within the experimental group, there was a significant improvement in total quality of life scores between the pre-test, post-test, and post-test follow-up (p ≤ 0.001), although the difference between the pre-test and follow-up approached significance but was not statistically significant (p = 0.056). In contrast, the control group showed significant differences in quality of life across the pre-test, post-test, and follow-up time points (p ≤ 0.05). Implementing suitable interventions can potentially enhance the quality of life for individuals undergoing hemodialysis. Consequently, we suggest using video-based education as a cost-effective, uncomplicated, and engaging approach for educating hemodialysis patients.

Evaluation of an education program upon women's knowledge toward management of Breast Self – Examination(BSE)

To determine the evaluation of education program on women's knowledge regarding managing BSE. The present quasi- experimental study, Non-probability (purposive), sample consisting of (260) women who are employee, and students in both colleges (Nursing college, Medical and Health Techniques College). The sample consist of two groups, study group (130) including those in (Nursing college), and control group (130) in (Medical and Health Techniques College). A questionnaire was constructed which included, Demographic information, Reproductive information, Family history, Previous medical history, and information about women's knowledge toward management of breast self examination (BSE). Instrument validity and reliability was determined. Data were collected through the use of the questionnaire, the application of the educational program a post-test was done for the study only which use the lectures, booklets, training practice of BSE, and video film. Analysis of data was performed through the application of descriptive and inferential statistical data analysis approach. Revealed that the women in the study group had benefited from the implementation of the educational program; their knowledge regarding managing BSE was adequately improved and developed. The study illustrated significant difference between women's knowledge means in pre and post test periods regarding their managing for BSE. Implementation of proposed model of continuous medical education for women for BSE within the scope of their work.

Investigating Pre-Service EFL Teachers’ Self-efficacy in Their Classroom Management Skills using the EPOSTL as a Self-assessment Tool

Self-efficacy in classroom management is one of the important dimensions of the concept of teacher self-efficacy. Higher levels of classroom management self-efficacy (CMSE) have been positively correlated with an increase in teacher resilience and students’ learning outcomes. Therefore, it is crucial for teachers to develop CMSE beliefs to promote the quality of their teaching. Although the issue of classroom management has been comprehensively explored in the field of education, there are not many studies focusing on pre-service EFL teachers’ development of CMSE beliefs. Moreover, the relationship among several variables such as teachers’ affective states and students’ attitudes towards teachers or courses has been explored in the context of foreign language education (FLE). However, whether there is a relationship between self-assessment and development of CMSE beliefs in FLE settings has not been studied extensively. In this vein, the purpose of this study is to investigate pre-service EFL teachers’ CMSE beliefs depending on their use of the European Portfolio for Student Teachers of Languages (EPOSTL) as a self-assessment tool in their undergraduate education. This study follows an interventionist experimental design based on mix-method data collection. The participants of the study are 31 senior pre-service EFL teachers studying at a state university in Türkiye. Quantitative data of this study were collected through Teachers’ Sense of Efficacy Scale (TSES) by Tschannen-Moran and Woolfolk Hoy (2001) in the form of pre-test and post-test to the participants. Between pre and posttest period, the participants assessed themselves through the EPOSTL for three times. Qualitative data were collected through the participants’ reflective reports and semi-structured interviews and subjected to thematic analysis. The findings of the study have shown that the use of EPOSTL leads to an increase in participants’ level of CMSE beliefs. It may be stated that the wide-spread use of the EPOSTL can be fostered by designing language teacher education programs as more reflection-oriented. By this way, pre-service EFL teachers’ autonomy, CMSE beliefs, perseverance, and continuous professional development can be sustained.

The Impact of Ten Days of Periodic Fasting on the Modulation of the Longevity Gene in Overweight and Obese Individuals: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

Fasting potentially alters the aging process induced by obesity by regulating telomere integrity, which is related to longevity genes. However, the impact of periodic fasting (PF) on the expression of longevity genes, particularly Forkhead Box O Transcription Factors (FOXO3a) and the Human Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase (hTERT), is not fully understood. This study aimed to analyze the effects of PF, specifically on FOXO3a, hTERT expression, and other associated factors. A quasi-experimental 10-day study was conducted in Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia. This study consisted of an intervention group (PFG), which carried out PF for ten days using a daily 12 h time-restricted eating protocol, and a control group (CG), which had daily meals as usual. FOXO3a and hTERT expression were analyzed by quantitative real-time qPCR. A paired t-test/Wilcoxon test, independent t-test/Mann-Whitney U-test, and Spearman's correlation test were used for statistical analysis. Thirty-six young men participated in this study. During the post-test period, FOXO3a expression in the PFG increased 28.56 (±114.05) times compared to the pre-test, but the difference was not significant. hTERT expression was significantly higher in both the CG and PFG. The hTERT expression in the PFG was 10.26 (±8.46) times higher than in the CG, which was only 4.73 (±4.81) times higher. There was also a positive relationship between FOXO and hTERT in the CG. PF significantly increased hTERT expression in the PFG; however, no significant increase was found in FOXO3a expression. PF regimens using the 12 h time-restricted eating approach may become a potential strategy for preventing obesity-induced premature aging by regulating longevity gene expression.

The Use of Mondly Applications as a Media to Increase Vocabulary and Grammar of The Seventh Grade Student at Semarang

Mondly app is the best language learning app that can help students build vocabulary and develop proper grammar. Results from seventh-grade students of SMP N 17 Semarang the average vocabulary pre-test score was 65.03, and the average grammar pre-test score was 65.57. The average score on the vocabulary post-test was 83.45, and the average score on the grammar post-test was 83.27. Data from SPSS 26, where the correlation coefficient calculated and analyzed by the researcher obtained a result of 0.000, was observed from the results during the pre-test to post-test period. The correlation between the pre-test and post-test results is accepted because it is less than 0.05. There is a significant difference in students'' mastery of English vocabulary and grammar before and after using the Mondly application. At the time of the research, the class atmosphere became happier and livelier.

Effectiveness of Competency-Based Educational Program on Quality of Care among Post-Graduate Nurses

Background: Nursing competencies significantly impact the quality of nursing care. This care can be improved by maintaining nursing proficiency via a competency-based nursing educational program. Aim: To determine the effectiveness of the competency-based educational program on quality of care. Methods and Materials: The quasi-experimental design (pre-posttest) was used in the current study to achieve the early stated objectives. The study was carried out from the period of 4th September 2023 to 3rd April 2024. A (Purposive Sample) consisted of 80 nurses. Data collected through using of a well-designed questionnaire consists of two parts: I: socio-demographic characteristics: Which consisted of (8) items. II: The Quality Nursing Care Scale (QNCS-M) which consisted of (36) items. Results: The results of the present study indicate that there is a significant difference in the pre- and post-test periods regarding quality of care with the quality of care with the final mean of the nurses’ overall quality of care for the study group in the posttest (mean = 2.56) compared to (mean = 1.54) in the pretest for the same group. Conclusion: The results of the data analysis show that the competency education program for nurses was implemented and that the evaluation of the program in two phases (pretest and posttest), it had a positive impact on the quality of care provided by the study group. Recommendations: periodic assessment of the healthcare provider's abilities to provide, in addition to appropriate support and motivation to encourage healthcare providers to engage in activities that improve the quality of care from persons in authority.

Effect of Physiotherapy Treatment in Tertiary Care Hospital on Functional Disability in Frozen Shoulder Patients

Background: Frozen shoulder was introduced as Adhesive capsulitis by Naviesar in 1947. It commonly occurs between 40 and 70 years and is more common in females than males. Bilateral movements occur in 10-40 % of cases. It is mostly seen in patients with Diabetes mellitus. Patients with frozen shoulders are managed by Physiotherapy, medications (NSAIDs), corticosteroid injection, Arthrography infiltration, and manipulation. If not managed conservatively, surgical options are also available. The symptoms of the Frozen Shoulder can be reversed after the treatment has been taken. So, it is important to check whether the physiotherapy treatment is beneficial from a long-term perspective or not. Materials and Methods: A total of 37 patients participated in this study, 20 were females and 17 were males. Previous demographic and assessment data of these patients were recorded. Patients who were undergoing treatment were called to the Physiotherapy OPD and their pain, range of motion, and SPADI scale were assessed- A statistical analysis of comparison of previous and present scores was done by using a computerized method. Results: Statistical analysis showed significant improvement in pain and SPADI score in pre and post-test periods (p values of Visual analogue scale were 0.0628 for at rest, 0.009 for on activity, and 0.0033 for SPADI. Range of motion was not showing significance (p-value is more significant than 0.05), it was maintained throughout during pre and post-test periods. Conclusion: In statistical analysis, Pain and SPADI assessment showed significance, and Range of motion did not show significance in the pre and post-test. Hence, we conclude that treatment taken in Tertiary care hospitals is effective in patients with Frozen shoulders in a long-term perspective.

Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) on Individual and Social Adaptation in Adolescents with Disabled Parents

Background: Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is an emerging form of cognitive-behavioral treatment that is based on functional context.
 Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of ACT in individual and social adaptation in adolescents with disabled parents
 Methods: The research design was a quasi-experimental, pre-test and post-test, with the control and experimental groups. The study population included all female adolescents with disabled parents in Mobarakeh, Isfahan, Iran, in 2017. The sample included 30 female adolescents with disabled parents selected using the purposive sampling method. The participants were randomly assigned to both experimental and control groups. The experimental group received ACT tests in 8 sessions, and each session lasted 90 minutes. The participants were assigned to each group before the intervention and at the end of the intervention using the California Psychological Inventory (CPI). Statistical analysis for this study was performed using SPSS-22 software for statistical calculations, and descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis.
 Results: According to the results, the mean ± standard deviation (SD) of the individual adaptation and social adaptation variables in the experimental and control groups during the post-test period (130.58 ± 7.88 and 128.50 ± 7.79, respectively), compared to the pre-test (44.8 ± 0.7128 and 45.5 ± 0.5128, respectively), did not increase significantly. Moreover, the results indicated that there was no significant difference in the post-test period between individual adaptation scores (F = 1.191; P = 0.288; η2 = 0.054) and social adaptation scores (F = 0.727; P = 0.403; η2 = 0.033) of the experimental group and the control group.
 Conclusions: The results showed that there was no significant difference between individual and social adaptation scores in the post-test stage. This study suggests that treatment attempts were not very effective.

The Effect of Brainwave Synchronization Using Binaural Beats on Improving Working Memory and Reducing the Severity of Symptoms in Women With Obsessive-compulsive Disorder.

Binaural beats are one of the new methods of brainwave synchronization. However, there is little knowledge about its clinical applications. The positive effect of this method on executive functions, such as attention and working memory, in the γ band has been mainly confirmed in healthy individuals. Still, its effectiveness on disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), with a prominent cognitive profile, has not been established. Therefore, the present study was conducted to examine the effect of binaural beats on working memory and the severity of OCD symptoms in the γ band in the affected women. Twenty-nine OCD women aged 25-40 years referring to psychological clinics in Tehran City, Iran, were selected by convenience sampling. After completing the symptom checklist 90 (SCL90) and the Yale-Brown severity scale (SS), the participants were given the Wechsler memory scale (WMS) digit repetition subtests. Then, they were randomly assigned to the experimental (n=15) and control (n=14) groups. The audio file of the binaural beats in the γ band was provided to the experimental group. The participants in the control group listened to the normal (no-wave) audio file. Both groups listened to the audio files for two weeks, three times a week, for 30 minutes each time. The Yale-Brown SS and digit repetition in post-test and one-month follow-up periods were obtained from both groups. According to the results, the severity of OCD symptoms was significantly reduced in the post-test and follow-up stages by the γ binaural beats (P<0.05). Also, the working memory function was improved, although it was not statistically significant (P>0.05). The results of this study show that binaural beats can be used as a complementary treatment to reduce the severity of OCD symptoms. Also, it seems that the patients' working memory is strengthened with this method.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Bayesian Knowledge Tracing Model-Based Explainable Recommender

Explainable recommendation, which provides an explanation about why a quiz is recommended, helps to improve transparency, persuasiveness, and trustworthiness. However, little research examined the effectiveness of the explainable recommender, especially on academic performance. To survey its effectiveness, the authors evaluate the math academic performance among middle school students (n=115) by giving pre- and post-test questions based evaluation techniques. During the pre- and post-test periods, students were encouraged to use the Bayesian Knowledge Tracing model based explainable recommendation system. To evaluate how well the students were able to do what they could not do, the authors defined growth rate and found recommended quiz clicked counts had a positive effect on the total number of solved quizzes (R=0.343, P=0.005) and growth rate (R=0.297, P=0.017) despite no correlation between the total number of solved quizzes and growth rate. The results suggest that the use of an explainable recommendation system that learns efficiently will enable students to do what they could not do before.

Investigating the Effectiveness of Developing a Pre-Marriage Educational Package Based on Film Using Sternberg's Theory on Attitudes About Romance and Mate Selection in Unmarried Girls

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of a pre-marriage educational package based on Sternberg's theory on attitudes about romance and mate selection in single girls. Specifically, it examines the efficacy of a pre-marriage education program for single girls, using Sternberg's theory on love stories. Methodology: This research is applied in purpose, quasi-experimental in method, and uses a pre-test-post-test control group design with a follow-up stage (one month). The statistical population comprised individuals who attended the Haft Sange Zendegi Educational Institute in Izeh city in 2023, selected through available sampling. Fifty single girls were selected and divided into two groups (experimental and control). Before the training classes, both groups were assessed using the Attitudes about Romance and Mate Selection Scale. The experimental group underwent a film therapy program based on Sternberg's concepts for 25 sessions of two hours each, while the control group received no intervention. Data analysis was performed using multivariate analysis of covariance and repeated measures analysis of variance with SPSS 27 software. Findings: The findings indicated that implementing the pre-marriage educational protocol based on Sternberg's theory through film led to a significant shift in the attitudes of single females (P&lt;0.001). There was a notable difference between the control and experimental groups in both the post-test and follow-up periods (P&lt;0.001). Conclusion: This research highlights the potential of premarital counseling centered on movies. The findings suggest that unmarried girls' viewpoints on love and partner selection improved following the program, emphasizing the benefits of such interventions before marriage. Various stakeholders, including parents, educators, and counselors, can employ these guidelines to address a range of concerns.

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Combined with Self-Compassion and Cognitive-Motor Activities Versus Cognitive-Motor Intervention Alone on Death Anxiety and Aging Perception in the Elderly

Background and Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy combined with self-compassion along with cognitive-motor activities versus cognitive-motor intervention alone on death anxiety and aging perception in the elderly. Methods and Materials: The research method was quasi-experimental and of the pre-test, post-test type with a control group and a follow-up period. To this end, a sample consisting of 42 individuals (21 women and 21 men) over the age of 60 residing in Mashhad in 2021, who met the inclusion criteria, was selected. They were randomly assigned to three groups: the first experimental group (with cognitive-behavioral therapy combined with self-compassion along with cognitive-motor activities), the second experimental group (with cognitive-motor activities alone), and the control group (with no intervention). They underwent 18 sessions of 90 minutes over 9 weeks. Data obtained from the Templer Death Anxiety Questionnaire (1970) and the Slotman Aging Perception Questionnaire (2017) were analyzed using SPSS software and multivariate covariance analysis with repeated measures. Findings: The results showed that for both variables, death anxiety and aging perception, there was a significant difference between the two experimental groups and the control group in both post-test and follow-up periods. However, the difference between the two experimental groups was not significant. Conclusion: It appears that cognitive-behavioral therapy combined with self-compassion along with cognitive-motor activities, as well as cognitive-motor intervention alone, can be used to reduce death anxiety and improve the perception of aging in the elderly. These interventions can contribute to enhancing the quality of life and developing appropriate educational programs for them.

Development of an Emotion Regulation Training Protocol and Evaluation of its Effectiveness on Internet Addiction in Female Students

Objective: The present study aimed to develop a protocol for emotion regulation training and to examine its effectiveness on internet addiction among female students. Methods and Materials: The methodology of this study was a quasi-experimental design with a pre-test, post-test, control group, and follow-up period. The study population consisted of all female internet-using high school students in Islamshahr in the year 2021 (ages 15 to 18). The sample size was 100 participants who were randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group. Goldberg’s General Health Questionnaires (1972) and Jackson’s Sensitivity to Reinforcement Questionnaires (2009) were administered before and after the training sessions to the relevant groups. The findings were analyzed using a mixed-methods approach. Findings: The analysis showed that emotion regulation training led to a reduction in internet addiction (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Consequently, it can be stated that employing an emotion regulation approach can effectively reduce internet addiction among students.

The Relationship Between Anaerobic Performance Test and Time of Useful Consciousness Determined in Low-Altitude Chamber (25.000 Feet) with Heart Rate Variability

Understanding the relationship between anaerobic performance and time of useful consciousness (TUC) is important for individuals engaged in activities at high altitudes such as climbers, pilots, or astronauts. The aim of this research is to investigate the relationship between anaerobic capacity and TUC determined in a low-altitude chamber (LAC), in terms of performance and heart rate variability (HRV), in healthy males. Thirty male participants were included in the study as volunteers (mean age: 23.2±0.8 years; height: 180.6±6.0 cm; weight: 77.0±8.2 kg). In the scope of the research, participants were exposed to oxygen in a LAC at an atmospheric level of 25.000 feet after body measurements were taken on the first day, and TUC was determined. Anaerobic capacities of the participants were determined the following day using the Wingate Anaerobic test (WAnT). HRV was recorded before, during, and after both tests. According to the findings of our research, the parameter changes of Mean-RR, SDNN, and frequency domain parameters HFnu were significant for both WAnT and LAC in terms of TUC in the pre-test, during the test, and post-test periods. RMSSD change was significant for LAC, while LFnu change was significant for WAnT. In intra-group comparisons, there was a significant difference between pre-test and during the test for WAnT, but no significant difference between during the test and post-test. For LAC, there was a significant difference between pre-test and during the test, as well as between during the test and post-test. In terms of the relationship between anaerobic capacity and time to achieve TUC, TUC showed a non-significant negative correlation with relative peak power (r=-0.03; p=0.86), and non-significant positive correlations with total peak power (r=0.19; p=0.31) and total mean power (r=0.23; p=0.23). The most striking result of this research is the lack of significant relationship between TUC duration and anaerobic performance of the participants. Additionally, in terms of TUC, recovery was significant after TUC in LAC, while no recovery was observed after WAnT. According to the results of this research, anaerobic exercises are not a priority in terms of performance and HRV change to increase TUC. Anaerobic performance may not be the primary criterion for personnel selection for high altitude missions.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Can it Reduce Competitive Anxiety?

The study purpose was to determine the effect of progressive muscle relaxation training on reducing competitive anxiety among shooting athletes. Materials and methods. An experimental approach with a pretest-posttest control group design was used in this study. The experiment was carried out eight times. A total of 12 athletes, 8 males and 4 females, who were shooting athletes, took part in this research. The athletes in this study, who joined the regional training center in East Java Province, Indonesia, ranged in age from 20 to 44 years. In this investigation, saturated samples, including those from all individuals, were used. Data were obtained from competitive anxiety scales during the pre- and post-test periods. Independent samples t-tests were used to assess the data. Results. The t-value for this study is -14,210, and the p-value is 0.001. These findings suggest that progressive muscle relaxation training reduces competitive anxiety in shooting athletes. The athlete’s awareness of the value of mental training contributes to reduction in competitive anxiety. This study has gained traction since athletes are aware of the value of preparing for training before competing because they attend and participate in the regional training center. Conclusions. Progressive muscle relaxation training can be used as an intervention to help shooting athletes reduce their competitive anxiety.

Comparing the Effectiveness of Psychotherapy based on Narrative Therapy and Cognitive-behavioral Therapy on increasing the Meaning of Life of Opioid-dependent Patients after Detoxification

Introduction: The lack of meaning in life is among the factors that can affect the successful treatment of addiction-related patients. Accordingly, identifying the most effective psychological treatments and interventions in this regard is of great importance. As a result, the present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of psychotherapy based on narrative therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy on increasing the meaning of life of opioid-dependent patients after detoxification. Method: This semi-experimental research had a pre-test and post-test design and follow-up with a control group. The statistical population was the patients of state-funded addiction treatment centers in Bojnurd, Iran, in 2022. Due to the semi-experimental nature of the project, a sample of 45 people was selected according to the inclusion criteria from the statistical community by the available sampling method, who were randomly divided into three groups of 15 people, including two experimental groups and one control group. The tool used in this research was the Meaning of Life Questionnaire developed by Steger et al. (2006). The experimental groups separately were subjected to 8 sessions of 90 minutes of psychotherapy based on narrative therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy, while the control group did not receive any training. The collected data was analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance and Ben Ferroni's post hoc test in SPSS software (version 25). Results: The obtained results indicated the effectiveness of both narrative therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy on increasing the meaning of life (P&lt;0.001). Therefore, both approaches increased the meaning of patients' lives. Of note, the narrative therapy was more effective than cognitive- behavioral therapy in the post-test and follow-up period (P&lt;0.05). Conclusion: The results of this research showed that narrative therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy can be used to increase the meaning of life of opioid-dependent patients.

The Benefit of Using Apple Cider Vinegar to Reduce Foot Ulcer Grade among Diabetic Patients: A New Dressing Method

Background: In patients with diabetes, diabetic foot ulcers are a significant and frequent consequence that can, in extreme situations, result in the amputation of the lower limbs. This study looked at the impact of a new dressing technique that uses apple cider vinegar on diabetes patients to reduce foot ulcer severity and grade. Aim: This study aims to examine the effects of using apple cider vinegar dressing to reduce foot ulcer grade among diabetic patients. Methods &amp; materials: A quasi-experimental study conducted at Imam Al-Hassan Center for Endocrinology and Diabetes in holy Kerbala governorate during the period from 26th September 2022 to 12th June 2023.The study sample consist of0 patients with diabetic foot ulcer were divided into two groups: 30patients were assigned in the intervention group and 30 in the control group. Patients in the intervention group were followed to apply apple cider vinegar dressing, while in the control group only received routine conventional care. Results: The result indicate that the mean score of diabetic foot ulcer grade of control group is 4.07±0.30 and the mean score of study group is 3.81±0.26. There is a statistically significant difference between pretest and posttest period in healing process and consequently decreasing severity of foot ulcer grades for the study group at p -value (0,00). This study exposed that the using of apple cider vinegar dressing is effective in promoting foot ulcer healing and decrease grades among diabetic patients. Conclusion: The results of the current study demonstrated that the application of apple cider vinegar dressing reduced the grade severity and enhanced wounds healing of diabetic foot ulcers.

An Initiative to Increase Nurse Knowledge and Decrease Postpartum Readmissions for Preeclampsia

ObjectiveTo increase nurses’ knowledge using innovative education and to improve maternal outcomes by reducing postpartum readmission rates of women with preeclampsia. DesignQuality improvement project implementing escape room–style education for nurses. Setting/Local ProblemA large tertiary hospital in southeastern Michigan with initial postpartum readmission rates of women with preeclampsia exceeding national averages. ParticipantsRegistered nurses (n = 71) working on the hospital postpartum unit; 70 completed the project. Intervention/MeasurementsParticipants completed a knowledge survey on the care and management of women in the postpartum period with preeclampsia and then engaged in an escape room game scenario involving an increasingly acute case of a woman with preeclampsia. Debriefing occurred after the education, and then participants completed the same survey. Using data collected after the project, we compared postpartum readmission rates of women with preeclampsia to the median national average of 3.55%. ResultsNurse knowledge increased by 10.5% from the pre- to posttest period. For the 2-month project time period, the average readmission rate was 1.49%. ConclusionOffering innovative, interactive education to nurses, such as an escape room game, appeared to be an effective method to increase nurses’ knowledge and may have improved maternal outcomes, as demonstrated through a readmission rate lower than the median national average. Further projects using longer time periods are needed to understand the true impact of the education on readmission rates.

Knowledge and Perception of Religious Leaders on Premarital Genetic Counseling for Sickle Cell Disease in Kano, Northern Nigeria

Context: Nigeria has the highest burden of sickle cell disease in the world. Premarital counseling (PMC) programs to reduce the burden of hemoglobinopathies have been successfully implemented in Muslim predominant countries with similar religious and cultural practices to northern Nigeria. Religious leaders have a significant role to play in the success of PMC in northern Nigeria. Aims: To assess the knowledge and perception of premarital genetic counseling for sickle cell disease (SCD) among religious leaders in a culturally and religiously sensitive environment. Settings and Design: A cross-sectional (pre and post) study was conducted during the premarital screening workshop for SCD on July 20th, 2019, at Bayero University Kano, northwest Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Convenient sampling method was used to identify and invite 126 Islamic clerics through the CICID (Centre for Islamic Civilization and Interfaith Dialogue) at Bayero University Kano, to a premarital screening workshop for SCD. Self-administered semi-structured pre-and posttest questionnaires were used to collect data from the participants. Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital Human Health Research and Ethics Committee approved this study. Statistical Analysis Used: Statistical analyses were performed with R version 4.0.2. The data were summarized using descriptive statistics and presented as mean ± standard deviation (SD), median and interquartile range (IQR), and percentages as appropriate. Wilcoxon test for score comparison of pre-and posttest was used with a significance level of 0.05. Results: A total of 97 religious' leaders with a mean age ± SD of 44.7 ± 12.7 completed both pre-and posttests. The male-to-female ratio was 5:1. Participants gave more accurate responses to questions during the posttest period than during the pretest; knowledge of the sign of SCD (Proportion of False Discoveries Rate (pFDR) =0.005), knowledge for the complications of SCD (pFDR = &lt;0.001), knowledge for the best time to test for SCD (pFDR = 0.023) and perception for SCD (pFDR = &lt;0.001). Conclusion: Providing health education to Islamic clerics improved their knowledge about SCD and their willingness to advocate for PMC to intending couples, and as such, we recommend that religious leaders should be involved in PMC counseling programs.