Mean Post Score Research Articles

Executive functions in adolescence: A longitudinal study comparing evaluations before and after the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT The change in the educational model derived from the COVID-19 pandemic might have an impact on cognitive development, particularly on Executive Functions (EFs). The aim of this study was to explore cognitive performance in adolescents at two time points (12 and 14 years of age), before and after the pandemic restrictions. We also analyzed possible sex differences in the results. We evaluated EFs using the Neuropsychological Battery of Executive Functions and Frontal Lobes (BANFE-2), which includes four cognitive indices corresponding to specific cognitive functions and associated prefrontal areas: Orbitofrontal Cortex (OC index -OCI-), Anterior Prefrontal Cortex (APCI), Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex (DCI), and Prefrontal cortex as an index of global EFs (EFI). The ANOVA conducted to compare the evaluations before and after the pandemic revealed no significant pre-post-pandemic differences in any sex and in any BANFE-2 index, except for the OCI, in which post-pandemic performance was impaired in boys (pre and post mean score = 96.61 vs. 66.53), but not in girls (pre and post mean score = 93.55 vs. 95.0). Our findings are thus compatible with the idea of a different vulnerability to change in the educational model between sexes, and they also reveal which specific EFs may have been affected during the pandemic.

An Inquiry-Based Learning Activity to Address Mental Illness Stigma

Background Mental illness stigma includes inaccurate stereotypes and is associated with treatment reluctance. Undergraduate psychology courses represent an opportunity for stigma reduction efforts, and yet mental illness stigma may be only minimally affected by standard offerings. Objective We present preliminary evidence of a single-day inquiry-based learning (IBL) activity to address mental illness stigma. Method Undergraduate psychology students ( N = 79) completed a stigma scale on the first day of class, participated in an IBL lab, and then completed the scale a second time. Results The mean score of mental illness stigma at the start of the semester was significantly higher than the postintervention mean score, providing preliminary evidence for the effectiveness of the activity. Teaching Implications This single-session IBL activity can be implemented in introductory to clinical psychology courses. Conclusion The activity shows promise as an active-learning strategy to address mental illness stigma. Future research is needed to build on the efficacy of the approach.

Effects of Myofascial Release on the Pain and Quality of Life in Patients with Fibromyalgia

Objectives: To investigate the effects of myofascial release technique on pain and quality of life (QoL) in patients with fibromyalgia (FM). Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted to investigate the effects of myofascial release technique on patients with FM in Shalamar Hospital Lahore, Pakistan. After initial screening, 28 patients aged 25 to 45 years of both genders meeting the predetermined inclusion criteria were selected using convenience sampling. They were divided into two groups. Group A was treated with myofascial release therapy and passive stretching, while group B was treated with passive stretching alone. The McGill pain questionnaire (MPQ) was used to assess the pain, and the revised FM impact questionnaire (FIQR) was used to evaluate QoL. Results: Out of 28 participants, 11(39.3%) were male and 17(60.7%) were females. Pre- and post-treatment mean scores of pain rating index on MPQ were 46.76±10.47 and 23.79±7.43 for the experimental group and 43.36±12.7 and 30.0±9.89 for the control group, respectively (P>0.05). Mean pre- and post-treatment FIQR scores were 52.9±13.6 and 33.02±13.75 for the experimental group and 57.77±23.04 and 46.59±19.37 for the control group, respectively. The difference in the means of post-treatment scores of the two groups for FIQR was significant (P=0.042). Discussion: Compared with passive stretching alone, the myofascial release method for FM did not demonstrate significant improvement in alleviating pain among such patients. However, it is remarkable that myofascial release therapy unveiled a positive impact by improving the overall QoL for FM patients.

Role of intralesional platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy in the treatment of recalcitrant oral ulcers of pemphigus vulgaris

Pemphigus Vulgaris is a chronic, autoimmune vesiculobullous disorder in which 80-90% of patients develop oral lesions and in 60% of cases, oral lesions are the first sign. The platelet-rich concentrate present in autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy has a high concentration of growth factors that promote the synthesis of collagen and extracellular matrix. The wound healing property of PRP can be used to treat recalcitrant oral ulcers of pemphigus as it accelerates the healing process, prevents the patients from side effects of steroids, and reduces the pain and discomfort of the patients. To assess the role of intralesional Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy in the treatment of recalcitrant oral ulcers of pemphigus vulgaris. A total of 15 histo-pathologically proven cases of Pemphigus Vulgaris under treatment, in whom the skin lesions had healed up to 90% but the oral ulcers were still persistent were included in the study. The severity of the ulcers were monitored by calculating the POLIS (Pemphigus Oral Lesion Intensity Score). Autologous intralesional PRP was administered in 3 sittings 7 days apart and the result was evaluated by change in POLIS score after each sitting. The data was analyzed using SPSS IBM version 26.0. Out of the total cases, 12 patients were female and 3 were male. Intralesional PRP was found to accelerate the healing of recalcitrant oral erosions. It was found that POLIS was reduced after every PRP session. The paired t-test was conducted to compare the mean scores of POLIS-0 and POLIS-3. The result indicates a significant difference between the pre-intervention mean score POLIS-0 (M=19, SD=3.25) and post-intervention mean score POLIS-3 (M=6.6, SD=2.97), t(14)=13.33,p<0.001. Intralesional PRP has been found to improve the recalcitrant oral ulcers of pemphigus vulgaris. Hence, it can be a treatment option where oral and topical corticosteroids fail to respond or are contraindicated.

Implementation and Effectiveness of a Nurse-Led Oral Hygiene Program for Schoolchildren: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

Good oral hygiene is essential for schoolchildren's well-being. However, lack of knowledge, negative attitudes, and poor oral hygiene practices may predispose to oral-related diseases. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of a nurse-led oral hygiene program on schoolchildren's knowledge, attitudes, and practices. A quasi-experimental design with pre-and-post-test was used. Using the convenience sampling technique, we recruited 400 schoolchildren, aged 11-12 and in grades 5-6, from two primary schools in Egypt. The study was conducted from September 2022 to May 2023. The Oral Hygiene Program served as the primary intervention. This program contains health education topics (e.g., the importance of oral hygiene, techniques for effective tooth brushing, and dietary choices that promote dental health). Three visits were conducted (Visit 1: introduction of the program purpose and objectives and pre-test scores collection, Visit 2: implementation of oral hygiene topics, and Visit 3: post-test scores collection). We used three self-report instruments (Oral Health Knowledge Questionnaire, Hiroshima University's Dental Behavioral Inventory, and Oral Health Practice Questionnaire) for pre- and post-test. Paired T test and Pearson correlation analysis were used for data analysis. After the intervention program, the oral hygiene program effectively enhanced schoolchildren's knowledge, attitudes, and practices. The post-intervention mean scores were 7.83±0.488 (knowledge), 6.63±1.7 (practices), and 9.33±1.1 (attitudes). High statistically significant differences were noted between schoolchildren's oral health knowledge, attitudes, and practices before and after implementing the program (p=0.000). There were enhancements in the level of knowledge, with improved positive attitudes and satisfactory practices among schoolchildren after the implementation of the oral hygiene program. Integrating oral hygiene programs into the general curriculum in primary schools and training school nurses, caregivers, and teachers in implementing oral hygiene programs could improve oral health knowledge, attitudes, and practices for preventing oral problems.

The effectiveness of an intervention using LAWE (loveliness and well-being of employees) app to improve the employee's mental well-being.

Organizations are increasingly seeking comprehensive approaches to improve employee mental well-being (EMW). This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions delivered through the "Loveliness and Well-being of Employees" (LAWE) app, focusing on five key predictors: "Keep Learning," "Connect," "Take Notice," "Be Active," and "Given". A quasi-experimental intervention was conducted with 110 participants (53 in the intervention group and 57 in the non-intervention group) from the Kerman University of Medical Sciences in Southeastern Iran. Participants were recruited from a census of all employees at four schools. The intervention involved an Android-based app designed to enhance EMW through pre-designed tasks. Six standard tools were used to assess EMW and its predictors. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 28, employing Independent Samples T-Test, paired-samples t-test, one-way ANOVA, Spearman correlation coefficient and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). The intervention group showed a significant increase in mean EMW score, from 52.26±8.61 to 60.01±6.95 (P<0.01). Based on ANCOVA analysis, the post-intervention mean score was significantly higher in the intervention group compared to the non-intervention group by 0.219 points (P<0.01). The mean score of all predictors, except "Take Notice" (P=0.17), also significantly improved in the intervention group. Additionally, post-intervention comparison between the two groups revealed significant differences in mean EMW score (P<0.01), as well as in the mean scores for "Keep Learning" (P<0.05), "Given" (P<0.01), and "Connect" (P<0.01). The LAWE app provides a desirable and comprehensive platform for improving the EMW in organizations. It significantly improves most of the key predictors of EMW, making it a valuable resource for organizations aiming to promote employee well-being.

Assessment of Acceptability, Usage, and Impact on Caregivers of Children With Autism's Stress and Mindfulness: Multiple-Method Feasibility Study of the 5Minutes4Myself App's Mindfulness Module.

Caregiver wellness programs need to be easily accessible to address caregivers' constraints to participation. We aimed to assess the feasibility of 5Minutes4Myself app's mindfulness module (usability, usage, and impact on caregivers' levels of mindfulness and perceived stress). Before and after participation in the 5Minutes4Myself program, 15 participants were asked to complete the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ). Data on the usage of app-delivered meditations were collected electronically via the app, and app usability was rated on the Modified System Usability Scale. Analyses assessed participants' frequency of use of app-delivered meditations, app usability, and changes in participants' stress and mindfulness post intervention. Overall, participants completed 10.9 minutes of mindfulness meditations per week and rated the app 76.7, indicating above-average usability. Related samples t tests (2-tailed) found that group PSS (t10=1.20, P=.26) and FFMQ (t10=-1.57, P=.15) pre- or postintervention mean scores were not significantly different. However, a visualization of pre- and post-PSS and mindfulness scores suggested there was a group of responders who had decreased stress with increased mindfulness. This was confirmed via an individual change analysis. The effect size of the FFMQ scores (d=0.47) suggests there may be treatment effects with a larger sample. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis examined the degree mindfulness impacted perceived stress; 20% of the variance in participants' perceived stress could be attributed to increases in self-rated mindfulness (P=.04) when controlling for preintervention stress levels. Caregivers found the app highly usable and on average used low-dose levels of mindfulness meditations (10 min/wk). For responders, increased mindfulness was related to stress reduction to population-based levels.

전공 연계 ‘기후⋅생태계 챌린지’ 교외 교육활동의 효과성 연구: 예비유아교사의 환경관심도 및 기후환경 위험인식과 공동체 의식, 협력적 자기효능감을 중심으로

Objectives The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of the major-integrated extracurricular program of ‘Climate Ecosystem Challenge’ on pre-service early childhood teachers, focusing on environmental concern, climate environmental risk perception, sense of community, and collaborative self-efficacy. Methods The research subjects consist of 9 students attending Nano-LAB Meta at A University in the Chungcheong region. The trends(mean, standard deviation) and normality(Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Shapiro-Wilk test) of the study variables, along with the reliability assessment using Cronbach's α, were examined in SPSS 23.0. The effectiveness of major-integrated extracurricular program was tested using the non-parametric statistic of the Wilcoxon test, which is suitable for testing differences in paired samples. Results The main results are as follows: First, the difference (b-a) between the pre- and post-mean scores (a) and the post-mean score (b) indicated a minimum increaseof 0.55 points and a maximum improvement of 1.04 points in the post-mean score compared to the pre-mean score across all study variables. Second, despite the normality test not demonstrating statistical significance for some study variables, there is an intention to conduct nonparametric statistical analysis, which is justified by the central limit theorem. Third, the post test scores were higher than the pretest scores of the study variables, and the difference was statistically significant. Conclusions The research findings reaffirm the significance of extracurricular education integrated with the major. In this regard, we aim to promote mutual development between the university and the local community by proposing measures for major-integrated extracurricular education with consideration for community service contributions.

Promoting breast health among female adolescents: a comparative analysis of the effects of two didactic tools on knowledge and practice regarding breast self-examination in Southwest Nigeria

BackgroundTeaching effective methods for breast self-examination (BSE) to adolescent females is essential for promoting early detection and improving outcomes in breast cancer management. This study therefore aimed to compare two pedagogical tools for teaching BSE among adolescent females.MethodsA quasi-experimental design with a group for pre- and post-intervention tests was adopted. The sample included 970 female senior secondary school class I-III students. The Yamane formula was used to determine a sample size of 276. Pre- and post-intervention data were collected using an observation checklist for practice and a validated questionnaire with a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.76 for knowledge of BSE. A proportionate stratified random sampling technique was used to determine the number of participants for each group. Among the 276 participants, 161 were taught the traditional method (TM), i.e., a lecture, and 115 were taught using the modern method (MM) by watching a podcast that contained BSE lessons. Post-intervention data were collected after six weeks. The data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics at a 5% level of significance to compare the effectiveness of the methods.ResultsThe findings of this study showed that the participants’ mean ages across the two methods were 15.49 ± 1.65 and 15.43 ± 1.40 years for the traditional method (TM) and modern method (MM), respectively. Pre-intervention mean BSE knowledge scores in both the TM and MM groups were 8.19 ± 3.17 and 8.31 ± 2.39, respectively, and BSE practice scores were 7.17 ± 2.48 and 6.44 ± 2.75, respectively. Post-intervention knowledge mean scores in both the TM and MM groups increased to 13.75 ± 4.09 and 16.92 ± 2.91, respectively, and post-intervention practice scores increased to 13.06 ± 2.74 and 15.68 ± 3.12, respectively.ConclusionThis study revealed that both teaching methods were effective at teaching breast self-examination among female adolescents; nevertheless, modern methods are more effective at teaching breast self-examination among female adolescents.

Efficacy of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors for cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background &amp; Objective: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelinating condition characterized by a myriad of neurologic deficits. The prevalence rate of Cognitive impairment (CI) ranges from 40 to 60 percent among community-dwelling individuals with MS. Cholinergic dysfunction is one of the different mechanisms proposed to cause CI, supporting the use of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) in certain conditions. The study aims to determine the safety and efficacy of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors in multiple sclerosis patients with cognitive impairment through a review of randomized clinical trials. Methods: Using the updated PRISMA guidelines, we searched MEDLINE by PubMed, Cochrane Central Register for Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), ClinicalTrials. gov website, Google Scholar, and HERDIN Database for relevant studies until November 15, 2022. Results: A total of 73 records were identified and five studies were included in the analysis. Pooled evidence shows that AchEIs (donepezil 10 mg/day or rivastigmine 10 mg/day for 12 to 14 weeks) did not significantly improve Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT) score for information processing and sustained attention and the Selective Reminding Test (SRT) score for verbal memory. Another study using the Weschler Memory Scale (WMS) also did not show significant improvement in their scores. However, a recent trial that used the Everyday memory questionnaire (EMQ), prospective and retrospective memory questionnaire (PRMQ), and the Digit span test (DST) showed significant difference between pre- and post-intervention mean scores in the donepezil group (p&lt;0.001). The physical and mental health scores of the Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life questionnaires (MSQOL) significantly improved in MS patients receiving donepezil. Both donepezil and rivastigmine were associated with non-serious adverse events. Conclusion: The use of AchEIs among MS patients does not significantly improve objective measures of cognition but has positive impact on subjective scales of cognition (EMQ and PRMQ). AchEIs were shown to improve patients’ quality of life. AchEIs are safe and well tolerated among MS patients.

Development, validation, user testing of patient information leaflet to improve awareness of metabolic side effects in patients on atypical antipsychotics

BackgroundMetabolic adverse effects of second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) have been well-documented in literature. This study aimed to develop, validate, and evaluate the usefulness of patient information leaflet (PIL) by user testing method to improve metabolic monitoring for psychiatric patients prescribed with SGAs. MethodsThe study included out-patients above 18 years of age diagnosed with schizophrenia, schizoaffective, bipolar disorders prescribed with SGAs. Database such as micromedex, guidelines on developing PIL and factsheets on antipsychotics were used to prepare the content of the leaflet and was given to experts for validation. The PIL covered information on definition of antipsychotic and its types, metabolic syndrome and its prevention such as lifestyle modifications and regular monitoring. Readability of the PIL was assessed using Flesch reading ease (FRE), Flesch Kincaid grade level (FK-GL) and user testing in 20 similar patient population. ResultsThe BALD scores on layout and design of the PILs was found to be 29. The FRE readability test score was found to be 63.5 and FKGL test score was found to be 7.6. Among the 20 patients, 5 of them favoured English PILs, while 15 chose Kannada PILs. The overall pre and post user-testing mean scores for knowledge assessment significantly increased from 60.62 ± 23.39 to 91.25 ± 11.54. Overall, about 85 % of patients gave the PIL leaflets a good rating. ConclusionPatient education materials of high quality that are created with pictures may aid in a better knowledge of the treatment for psychiatric patients who are on long term SGA therapy.

학습저성취 고등학생을 위한 학습코칭 프로그램 개발 및 효과 검증

Objectives The purpose of this study is to develop a coaching program aimed at enhancing self-directed learning abilities and study behavior among underachieving high school students, and to validate its effectiveness. Methods To achieve this goal, following Kim Chang-Dae et al.'s (2011) program development model, four stages including goal setting, composition, preliminary research, implementation, and evaluation were conducted to design a total of 10 sessions for the program. The study participants were recruited from three schools, A, B, and C, with 18, 15, and 15 students respectively, who scored an average of 7 or below in the three worst subjects in the previous mock exam, totaling 48 students. These students were then divided into experimental, control, and comparative groups, each consisting of 16 students, and assigned wirelessly. The experimental group received a learning coaching program based on cognitive neuropsychology, the comparative group received a learning coaching program based on information processing theory, and the control group received no intervention. Pre- and post-tests were conducted for each group using a pre-post test design for the control group. The dependent variables were self-directed learning ability and study behavior. To evaluate the effects of each group, paired sample t-tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used, and to compare the effects according to the experimental, comparative, and control groups, independent sample t-tests and Mann-Whitney tests were utilized. Results The analysis of the effectiveness of the coaching program for underachieving high school students revealed that the post-mean scores of self-directed learning abilities in all areas were significantly higher than the pre-mean scores. In the comparison with the comparative program, the present program showed superiority in all aspects of self-directed learning abilities. Study behavior, including weekday and weekend self-study times, also significantly increased compared to pre-measures, and the program showed superiority in both aspects when compared with the comparative program. Conclusions This study holds significance in proposing a structured coaching program that can be practically utilized in schools for underachieving high school students, especially in light of the relative weakening of support under national basic education guarantee policies.

A study to assess the effectiveness of reiki therapy on pain and anxiety among critically ill women admitted in selected hospital, Tiruvannamalai

Introduction: Reiki therapy is a hands-on healing technique that transmits universal energy from the Reiki practitioner to the person receiving the treatment. The aim of the study was a quasi-experimental study was carried out in government medical college and hospital at Tiruvannamalai to evaluate the effectiveness of reiki therapy on pain and anxiety among critically ill women’s. 60 subjects were selected by using non-probability convenience sampling technique and the sample was equally divided into experimental &amp; control group (30 in each group). Results: In experimental group, pain pretest mean score was 7.13 with SD± 2.01 and post-test mean score was 3.43 with SD± 1.90. The calculated paired‘t’test is t=13.17. In control group, pre-test mean score was 7.23 with SD±1.81and post-test mean score was 7.40 with SD± 1.86 the calculated paired ‘t’ test is t=1.30. In anxiety, experimental group pre-test mean score was 19.90 with SD± 6.87 and post-test mean score was 11.83with SD±6.27and the calculated paired ‘ t’ test is t=13 where as in control group, pre-test mean score was 20.20with SD± 5.38 and post-test mean score was 20.83 with SD± 5.45 the calculated paired ‘t’ test is t=0. In experimental group, pain pre-test mean score was 7.13 with SD± 2.01 and control group mean score was 7.23 with SD± 1.81. The calculated Unpaired “t” value is t=0.13. The post-test mean score was 3.43 with SD± 1.90 and the post mean score was 7.40 with SD± 1.86. The calculated unpaired “t” value was t=8.14. Where as in anxiety experimental group pre-test mean score was 19.90 with SD± of 6.82 and the control group mean score was 20.20with SD±5.38. The calculated Unpaired “t” value is t=0.02. In experimental group post-test mean score was 11.83 with the SD± 6.27 and in control group mean score was 20.83 with SD± 5.45. Conclusion: The findings revealed that, the effectiveness of reiki therapy was statistically tested and found to be statistically significant at p&lt;0.001 level then the control group. Therefore reiki therapy is beneficial to reduce the pain and anxiety of critically ill women’s.

지역사회 연계 환경 프로그램 효과성 연구

Objectives The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of community-based environmental programs for alternative school children, focusing on environmental behavior, pro-environmental behavior, environmental sensitivity and awareness.&#x0D; Methods The subjects of the study are 19 students from Alternative School A in Seoul. The trends (M, SD) and normality (Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Shapiro-Wilk) of the pre-post mean scores for the research variables, namely environmental behavior, pro-environmental behavior, environmental sensitivity and awareness, were verified using SPSS 23.0. Since normality was not met, the Wilcoxon test, a non-parametric statistical method that analyzes differences between paired pre- and post-samples, was used to verify effectiveness.&#x0D; Results The main results are as follows: First, the trend of research variables was analyzed by differentiating between pre-mean scores (a) and post-mean scores (b), and examining the difference (b-a). The results showed improvement in post-mean scores compared to pre-mean scores for all research variables. Second, the normality of the pre- and post-test mean scores of the study variables was not satisfied, so nonparametric statistical methods were used to test for differences. Third, all study variables showed higher post-test mean scores than pre-test mean scores, and the results were statistically significant.&#x0D; Conclusions The findings of this study suggest that community engagement programs operated by alternative schools should be expanded to support optimized programs by identifying and implementing improvements through continuous monitoring. The proposal focuses on measures for experiential project activities through strengthened collaboration with the local community.&#x0D;

The effects of progressive muscle relaxation exercise applied to lung cancer patients receiving chemotherapy on dyspnea, pain and sleep quality: A randomized controlled trial

PurposeThe aim of the present study is the analysis of how progressive muscle relaxation exercise affects dyspnea, pain and sleep quality in patients with lung cancer receiving chemotherapy. MethodsSeventy-four patients diagnosed with lung cancer were included in this randomized controlled study. A total of 16 sessions of progressive muscle relaxation exercises were applied to the patients in the intervention group for a duration of 30 min, 2 days a week for 8 weeks. Patient Information Form, Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale (MRC dyspnea scale), Pitssburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Visual Analog Scale- Pain (VAS-P) were used to collect data. ResultsSocio-demographic and disease characteristics were found to be similar in control and intervention groups. Final scores indicated significant differences between the experimental and control groups in all variables. The experimental group showed significantly more favorable results in dyspnea (p < 0.001), pain (p < 0.003) and sleep (p < 0.001) symptoms. When the effect size values (Cohen's d) of these findings were analyzed, PMR exercise was found to have a moderate effect on mean VAS-P scores (0.548) and a large effect on mean MRC dyspnea scale (1.073) and PSQI (0.970) scores. These results indicated significant differences in pre and post intervention mean scores. ConclusionProgressive muscle relaxation exercise applied to lung cancer patients receiving chemotherapy was found to be effective in reducing dyspnea and pain severity and improving sleep quality.Clinical trial registration at ClinicalTrials.gov. NCT04978805

Influence of a Training Module on the Knowledge of Midwives Concerning Postpartum Warning Signs at the Primary Health Care Level in Osun State, Nigeria

Background: Postpartum warning signs are essential in preventing postpartum complications in new mothers and can be detected during postpartum visits. The provision of postpartum care in Nigeria is deficient, and many maternal deaths occur during the postpartum period due to missed postpartum warning signs. Therefore, training midwives on postpartum warning signs can improve the quality of health education given to women. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a training module to improve midwives' knowledge of postpartum warning signs at the level of primary health centres. Methods: A quasi-experimental design using one group pre- and post-intervention was used to implement a training module on postpartum warning signs among midwives in Primary Health Centres in Osun State, Nigeria. Sixty-four (64) participants were recruited using a maximum variation sampling technique to ensure all cadres of midwives were selected for the study. Results: The mean age of the participants was 40.5 years, ranging from 31 to 40 years. There was a significant difference between the pre- and post-intervention mean score of knowledge gained on postpartum warning signs (t62 = 8.75, p &lt;0.05). Furthermore, multiple factors such as theory-practice gap (91.4%), years of clinical experience (97.1%), exposure to seminar and workshops (87.1%), acquiring of additional qualifications (74.3%), pre-service training (84.3%) and in-service training (88.6%) contributed to the level of knowledge regarding postpartum warning signs among the study participants. Conclusion: The training module improved midwives' knowledge of postpartum warning signs. Therefore, it was recommended that midwives be exposed to training on postpartum warning signs.

Improvements in Interdisciplinary Communication Following the Implementation of a Standardized Handoff Curriculum: SAFETIPS (Statistics, Assessment, Focused Plan, Pertinent Exam findings, to Dos, If/Thens, Pointers/Pitfalls, and Severity of Illness).

Background Handoffs between medical providers serve a crucial patient safety function. While most published literature on the topic studies the handover process amongphysicians, robust literature is available on interdisciplinary medical communication. Little is known about the downstream effects of effective physician handover on subsequent physicianand nursing interactions. Objective Our objective was to implement a handoff curriculum, SAFETIPS (Statistics, Assessment, Focused plan, pertinent Exam findings, To dos, If/thens, Pointers/pitfalls, and Severity of illness), for pediatric residentsand to investigate its impact on nurses' perceptions of resident preparedness, efficiency, and competency. Methods Nurses were asked to score residents in five domains and describe the frequency of nurse-to-resident and resident-to-nurse interruptions. The survey was distributed before and after the SAFETIPS introduction. Results Statistical analysis revealed significant post-intervention mean score increases of one full point in four categories, namely organization and efficiency, communication, content, and clinical judgment. The percentage of nurses using the term "reasonable/relevant" to describe interactions with residents significantly increased from 45% to 76% (p = 0.004). The percentage of nurses reporting that residents gave "unsure response[s]," made decisions that differed from nurses' decisions, and made decisions without family/parental interests significantly decreased by 31 (p = 0.004), 22 (p = 0.034), and 30(p = 0.002) percentage points, respectively. Conclusion The introduction of a structured handoff curriculum significantly improves communication among residents.This is then associated with improved interactions between residents and nurses.

Effect of Nurse-Led Training On Knowledge of Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness Among Pregnant Women in Selected Primary Health Centres, Lagos State

Effect of nurse led-training on knowledge of birth preparedness and complications readiness among pregnant women has created much more concerns than ever before. Quasi-experimental research design was employed to assess effect of nurse-led training on knowledge of birth preparedness and complication readiness among 412 pregnant women in selected primary health centers, Lagos state. Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 412 pregnant women in selected primary health centers, Lagos state. Nigeria. Adapted instrument was administered to obtain information on relevant issues. Data was analysed using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS 23.0). Result showed that the intervention of nurse led-training on complications readiness among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic had significant effect on readiness and available of birth materials (p&lt;0.05), conversant with place of birth (p&lt;0.05); recognition of skilled birth attendant (p&lt;0.05); recognition of danger signs in pregnancy (p&lt;0.05); saving money for delivery and emergence (p&lt;0.05); provision for means of transportation (p&lt;0.05). Result also revealed a notable difference between pre-intervention and post-intervention mean scores of knowledge regarding birth preparedness and complication readiness. This indicates that the nurse-led training successfully enhanced the understanding and awareness of pregnant women in these areas. It was recommended that there is need to implement evidence-based, interactive nurse-led training programs tailored to pregnant women's socio-demographic characteristics, focusing on birth preparedness, complication readiness, and maternal healthcare.

Effects of Deep Breathing Exercises On Oxygen Saturation and Functional Capacity in Hospitalized Patients with COPD

Objective: This study aims to examine the effect of deep breathing exercises on oxygen saturation and functional capacity in hospitalized patients with COPD. Methods: This quasi-experimental study included 37 male patients aged between 60-75 years. This study was conducted from 25th November 2022 to March 2023 at Arif Memorial Teaching Hospital, Mayo Hospital, and Gulab Devi Hospital. There were 6 sessions, 3 sessions per week. Each session was of 15-20 min. Deep breathing exercises were performed on each patient. Patients included in the study were hospitalized for exacerbated COPD without the use of NIV (non-invasive ventilation). The measuring parameters were; self-designed oxygen saturation measured by pulse Oximetry and dyspnea index for functional capacity. Results: By using paired sample t-test, there is a significant difference between oxygen saturation of COPD patients post-intervention with a mean value of -1.972±1.301 with a p-value of 0.05. By using a paired sample t-test, there is a significant difference between pre (23.18±4.77) and post-mean score (16.86±1.11) of dyspnea index with p-value &lt; 0.05. Conclusion: The findings of the current study showed that deep breathing exercises were effective in improving oxygen saturation and functional capacity among hospitalized COPD patients. KEYWORDS: Deep breathing exercises, oxygen saturation, functional capacity, COPD.

The effectiveness of aesthetic care training on nurses’ perceptions of end-of-life care in patients with cancer: a quasi-experimental study

BackgroundSupportive end-of-life care plays a significant role for patients with cancer. Significantly, art and aesthetics in nursing are regarded as key components of nursing practice. They may contribute to supportive end-of-life care that nurses provide for patients with cancer. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effectiveness of aesthetic care training on nurses’ perceptions of end-of-life care in patients with cancer.MethodsA quasi-experimental study was conducted with two groups of nurses working in the oncology wards of two hospitals in Kerman, Iran. A sample consisting of 100 nurses was selected by census and randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 49) and a control group (n = 51). The experimental group received educational workshops on aesthetic care over four weekly-held 90-minute sessions. Both groups completed the Oncology Nurses’ Perceptions of End-Of-Life Care (ONPEoLC) Scale before, immediately after, and one month after the intervention. The data were analyzed with SPSS software version 21 using t-test, Chi-square, and repeated measures ANOVA. The significance level was set to p < 0.05.ResultsThe mean baseline scores on the ONPEoLC Scale were 163.08 ± 13.58 in the experimental group and 163.27 ± 14.57 in the control group. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). Post-intervention mean scores in the experimental and control groups were 187.1 ± 18.22 and 159.11 ± 22.11, respectively, indicating a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.001). One month after the intervention, the experimental and control groups’ mean scores were 190.89 ± 11.13 and 165.80 ± 11.69, respectively, with a significant difference between the groups (P = 0.001).ConclusionBased on the results of the present study, designing aesthetic care educational programs is an effective way to improve nurses’ understanding of end-of-life care. Therefore, it is recommended that nursing faculties and educational policymakers utilize aesthetic care training to improve the nurses’ perceptions of end-of-life care.