Assessment Practices Research Articles

Exploring Interoceptive Awareness With Adults: Occupational Therapy Practitioner Knowledge, Perception, and Practice Patterns.

As the literature states, interoception is important in health and wellness. Disruption of this system can negatively impact occupational performance. We completed a descriptive study to understand how occupational therapy practitioners working with adults address interoceptive awareness. A researcher-developed survey gathered data on knowledge acquisition of interoception and perceived practice patterns related to assessment, intervention, and outcomes. Participants (N = 44) reported acquiring knowledge of interoception through professional websites, browsing databases, and continuing education as the most common information sources. Client self-report (56.8%) and clinical observation (54.5%) were the most commonly reported assessments. Rehabilitation practitioners (n = 8) reported no use of formal assessments. Most participants (63.89%) reported interoceptive awareness interventions to be effective. Further research is needed on best practices for interoception assessment and intervention related to occupational performance.

Assessment of self-care practices & associated factors among hypertensives in urban slum areas of Mysuru city: A community-based cross-sectional study.

Background & objectives Hypertension is a significant modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and premature mortality worldwide, particularly affecting low- and middle- income countries (LMICs). This study focused on evaluating self-care practices among hypertensive affected individuals in urban slum areas of Mysuru city, India, and explore associated factors and their relationship with hypertension control levels. Methods A community based cross-sectional study was carried out from March 2022 to August 2023, enrolling 650 hypertensive affected individuals from 63 urban slums of Mysuru city. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, self-care practices, and hypertension control were collected using structured questionnaires and standardized scales. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used for data presentation and analyses. Results Among the participants, 62.9 per cent reported poor self-care awareness, and only 37.1 per cent had good self-care awareness. Factors such as age group, education, occupation, type of family, marital status, socioeconomic status, and hypertension control showed significant associations with self-care scores (P≤0.001). However, no significant association was found between gender and self-care scores. Interpretation & conclusions This study highlights the critical need for comprehensive interventions integrating self-care awareness into existing health programmes to address the growing burden of hypertension, particularly in urban slum populations. By prioritizing self-care education and empowerment, healthcare stakeholders can equip individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills for effective hypertension management, thus improving health outcomes at individual level and also reducing public health impact of hypertension.

Seismic nonlinear interaction and uplifting effects between the nuclear island building and soil

Since the Fukushima nuclear accident, seismic design requirements have increased, necessitating a more refined evaluation of base uplift for weakly anchored nuclear island buildings. The elevated cooling water over 3000 t is a distinguishing feature of third-generation reactor buildings (RBs). To assess potential safety-adverse coupling effects, seismic wave propagation process through viscoelastic soils, discontinuous interfaces, and sloshing water was analysed. To facilitate nonlinear systematic simulation and parametric study, the traditional soil-structure interaction direct methods are improved and programmed on: thickness-independent viscous-spring elements for stable static-dynamic boundary transitions; seismic forces separated from the artificial boundary for flexible mesh planning; elevated water simulated with gravity stacking and hydrodynamic action. A nuclear island region encompassing water-cooled RBs and underlying soil cushion layer was investigated as a typical scenario to reveal rules using the proposed high-precision simulation platform. Non-negligible structural risks and correlations between multiple factors were quantitatively elucidated according to simulation findings. A time-lagged increase in the base overturning moment may occur because of water oscillations. As the water level increases to 85 %, the uplift height increases, adversely affecting the in-structure response spectra. Earthquake-induced intense uplift may lead to an increase in hydrodynamic pressure along the inner wall. The research results support the practical assessment of buildings with water cooling facilities located in soft composite sites with high seismic intensities.

Reflective portfolios: a learning and self-assessment tool

Recent studies have emphasized the growing relevance of portfolios in higher education, particularly as a tool that fosters reflective and formative assessment practices. This article presents a qualitative study conducted with a group of Education students, exploring the portfolio as the primary assessment method. The research investigates the conditions under which portfolios can serve as effective tools for both self and peer assessment, using reflective cognition (metacognition) to enhance learning. Classroom observations were combined with open-ended questionnaires, and data analysis was conducted using webQDA software to ensure rigor and objectivity in interpreting the findings. The study reveals that the use of portfolios not only fostered student agency and autonomy but also strengthened self-responsibility and promoted deeper engagement with the learning process. Furthermore, portfolios facilitated a more dynamic, transparent, and collaborative relationship between students and instructors, offering a structured yet flexible approach to assessment. By aligning with competency-based curricula, the portfolio enables a more personalized and meaningful evaluation of students' development, shifting away from traditional, static assessment models. This study contributes to the advancement of assessment practices in higher education, advocating for portfolios as a critical tool in promoting cognitive development, reflexive thinking, and an integrated approach to learning and assessment.

The development of a roadmap for Health Technology Assessment implementation in Moldova.

Moldova strives for universal health coverage (UHC) and considers health technology assessment (HTA) an important policy instrument to inform the choice of services that should be covered to progressively realize UHC. It plays a key role in determining which technologies are coved, considering various dimensions often including cost-effectiveness, budget impact, and feasibility. This paper reports on work undertaken to develop a roadmap for HTA implementation, using evidence-informed deliberative processes (EDPs) as the guiding framework. Between 2020 and 2022, we undertook several activities that informed the roadmap. We conducted a needs assessment and an assessment of European HTA best practices using a combination of desk research, interviews and surveys. We then conducted a document review of six selected HTA systems, complimented by expert interviews from three neighbouring countries. The roadmap provided a suggested HTA process, which included instructions on how to execute the different steps of the EDP framework to enhance the legitimacy of HTA-informed decision-making. The roadmap encompasses several aspects such as how to organize stakeholder involvement, how to identify and operationalize decision criteria, and how to make the decision process transparent. Guidance was given to the country on establishing a legal framework for HTA; a communication strategy; strengthening capacity and leveraging HTA expertise. The country was also given tailored advice on the positioning of the HTA-agency, first as an entity within the Ministry of Health or the National Agency of Public Health but with the long-term vision for it to be independent of any state institution. Despite several challenges, including a partial disruption because of the Covid-19 pandemic, the development of the roadmap for HTA implementation was completed and agreed upon by the Ministry of Health in Moldova. This work has helped motivate and support the country in HTA institutionalization.

Measuring concern about smile appearance among adults.

To adapt and estimate the psychometric properties of Utrecht Questionnaire for esthetic outcome assessment in rhinoplasty (OAR) to assess concern about smile appearance and to estimate the influence of demographic characteristics on this concern in adults. This was a cross-sectional observational study. Individuals aged between 18 and 40 years participated in the study. The Portuguese version of OAR was adapted for smile assessment in dental practice and was named Questionnaire for Outcome Assessment of Smile Aesthetic (OA-Smile). Data validity was estimated using factorial validity [confirmatory factor analysis (CFA)-CFI, Tucker-Lewis index (TLI), SRMR)] and convergent validity (average variance extracted). Reliability was assessed using the alpha ordinal coefficient (αordinal) and the omega coefficient (ω). A structural model was elaborated to assess the contribution of demographic characteristics to smile appearance concerns. Model fit was evaluated, and the z-test (α = 5%) was used to estimate the significance of the path estimates (β). 2.523 subjects participated in the study [mean age = 32.86 (SD = 11.39) years, 68.1% female]. The factor model of orofacial appearance (OA)-Smile presented an adequate fit to the data [CFA: comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.99, TLI = 0.99, SRMR ≤ 0.05]. Convergent validity (AVE ≥ 0.80) and reliability (αordinal and ω ≥ 0.85) were adequate. The structural model presented an acceptable fit (CFI = 0.974; TLI = 0.991 and SRMR = 0.053). Women, younger people, single people, people with lower income, people using dental prostheses, undergoing dental treatment, and those who do not like their smile were more concerned about their smile appearance. Nonprobability sampling, online data collection, and cross-sectional design are considered limitations of the study. OA-Smile is a suitable scale to assess smile appearance concerns, and the data obtained with this scale were valid and reliable. Demographic characteristics should be considered when measuring concerns about smile appearance.

Student Teachers’ Resilience During The COVID-19 Pandemic: Navigating Remote Teaching Practice

This article explores student teachers’ resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic and their ability to thrive in online teaching practice. Amid the pandemic’s unprecedented challenges, student teachers exhibited remarkable adaptability in navigating the shift to remote teaching. Through qualitative research and thematic analysis, this article delves into student teachers’ experiences, highlighting their positive encounters with online teaching methodologies and tools. The findings underscore the importance of resilience and adaptability in the dynamic field of education, emphasising the valuable skills student teachers attained through their engagement with online teaching. Furthermore, the article explores the advantages of online practical assessments, shedding light on innovative evaluation methods that may shape future educational practices. Overall, the insights gleaned from this research contribute to a deeper understanding of student teachers’ experiences during times of educational transformation. Recommendations are also offered to integrate online teaching methods into teacher training programmes to enhance these students’ resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity.

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices towards Sexual and Reproductive Health among Secondary School Students in Kicukiro District, Rwanda

Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is intricately connected to a variety of factors, including cultural norms, psychological influences, and individual experiences. This study explores the experiences of late adolescents regarding SRH, focusing on their knowledge, attitudes, and practices in Kicukiro District, Rwanda. Despite government efforts to educate youth on SRH, many secondary school students remain vulnerable to issues like unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). To evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding sexual and reproductive health among secondary school students in Kicukiro District, Rwanda. The study targeted secondary school students from two schools: Groupe Scolaire Saint Vincent Pillotie Gikondo (urban) and EFOTEK (rural). Using Fisher’s formula, a sample size of 423 respondents was determined through stratified random sampling. Data were collected via structured questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS and descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentages, means, and standard deviations. The findings revealed that 88% of students were aware of puberty and pregnancy processes, while 78.7% were knowledgeable about contraceptive methods, particularly condoms and oral contraceptives. Positive attitudes towards SRH were noted, with a mean score of 4.00 for pre-marital relationships, but significant misconceptions existed, such as 11% of respondents lacking knowledge on HIV protection. The overall mean for practices related to SRH was 3.98 for seeking medical check-ups, indicating a willingness to engage with health services. However, practices promoting healthy lifestyles received a lower mean of 3.25, suggesting areas needing improvement. The study highlights the need for enhanced sexual and reproductive health education among secondary school students in Kicukiro District. While students demonstrate good knowledge and positive attitudes toward SRH, targeted interventions are necessary to address misconceptions and promote healthier practices, particularly in areas related to lifestyle and open communication.

From entry to transformation: exploring AI integration in teachers’ K–12 assessment practices

ABSTRACT This study explores the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in K–12 student assessment practices, focusing on educators’ use of AI tools. Through content analysis of active Facebook groups dedicated to AI in education, the authors examined how educators integrate AI into assessment across various grade levels and subjects. Using the Technology Integration Model, they analysed posts to evaluate the use of AI across subjects and grade levels. The findings revealed a progression from initial interest and experimentation with AI to more advanced, adaptive uses in assessment creation and grading. Educators reported positive experiences with AI-driven tools, especially in automating tasks and gamifying assessments. However, challenges such as ensuring reliable, context-specific feedback persist. Overall, the research highlights AI’s potential to enhance student-centred assessment practices and provides insights for educators, administrators and policymakers on AI’s evolving role in education.

Assessment of Husbandry Practices, Production and Reproductive Performance of Indigenous Cattle in Urban and Peri -urban Areas of Gambella City, Ethiopia

The objective of the present study was to characterize cattle husbandry practices, production and reproductive performance of cattle in the urban and peri-urban areas of Gambella city. Sample of respondents from each selected kebele were selected randomly using simple random sampling technique. A total of 133 household (70 from urban and 63 from peri-urban) were selected for questionnaire interview. Data was analyzed using SPPS version 23 software. The overall mean of the respondents revealed that, the management system practiced was semi-intensive (87.2%), extensive system (12.8%) and there was no intensive management system practiced. the overall mean daily milk yield was 1.58± 0.017 Littre/cow/day. The overall mean daily milk yield analysis of variance was significantly (P<0.05) difference among urban and peri-urban areas. The current result also indicated that, the overall average lactation length was and 10.59± 0.15 months, and was not significantly (P>0.05) affected by the study areas. The overall average age at first services, age at first calving and calving interval was 46.31±0.33, 51.51±0.54, and 19.01±0.11 months respectively. In Addition, disease prevalence, poor animal health service delivery, grazing land and feed shortage were among the major constraints affecting production and productivity in the study areas. In conclusion, Age at first services, age at first calving and calving interval of indigenous cow was low compared to some of the indigenous breed in other regions, animal health and health services delivery are the problems affecting cattle productivity. Hence, all concerned stakeholders need to take urgent interventions in order to improve production and productivity of cattle.

Clinical adverse events to letairis: a real-world drug safety study based on FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS)

ABSTRACT Background Letairis (ambrisentan), an endothelin receptor antagonist (ERA), is a critical medication for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Despite its efficacy, its safety profile is under scrutiny, warranting a detailed analysis. Research design and methods This study leveraged the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) from Q1 2007 to Q4 2023, focusing on Letairis as the primary suspect in adverse events. Employing advanced data mining techniques, such as Reporting Odds Ratio (ROR), Proportional Reporting Ratio (PRR), Bayesian Confidence Propagation Neural Network (BCPNN), and Multi-item Gamma Poisson Shrinker (MGPS), the study aimed to uncover safety signals. Results A total of 43,774 cases were identified, with Letairis implicated in 16,038,963 adverse event reports. There was a notable predominance of female patients (75.30%), with a median age around 64 years. Severe outcomes, including hospitalization (51.63%) and fatalities (20.44%), were prevalent. Signal strength analysis highlighted concerns in infections and infestations, as well as cardiac disorders. Conclusion The analysis underscores the need for vigilant pharmacovigilance and highlights Letairis’s potential to induce serious AEs, particularly in female and elderly populations. These findings are instrumental in guiding clinical practice and future drug safety assessments.

Why authenticity matters: a qualitative investigation of students’ perceptions of personal values in first-year assessments

ABSTRACT Authentic assessments in higher education typically imply the replication of real-world tasks. Psychological authenticity is the perceived alignment between an individual’s internal reference sources (i.e. personal values and beliefs) and their actions. Applying psychological authenticity logic to assessment tasks, we investigated students’ perceptions of scaffolded first-year assessment tasks on their health behaviour. In particular, we explored the meaning and value students associated with these tasks. One hundred students (86 female) completed an online open-text survey. Following our thematic analysis of the data, we constructed two higher-order themes. First, ‘the assessments were the catalyst for enabling self-reflection’ exemplified the opportunity students were afforded to reflect upon their current health behaviour. Second, ‘most changed for the better, but some stayed the same’ captured the dichotomy of student perceptions in completing the assessment tasks. Collectively, our findings offer new insights into authenticity in higher education assessment practices.

Rationale and design of Dapagliflozin vErsus SacubiTrIl-valsartaN therapY in Heart Failure with reduced ejection fraction (DESTINY-HF): a pragmatic randomised controlled trial protocol

BackgroundHeart failure affects almost 64 million people, with more than half of it constituting heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors (ARNI) and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors...

Validating scores from the short form of the Music Self-Perception Inventory (MUSPI-S) with seventh- to ninth-grade school students in Germany

The Music Self-Perception Inventory-Short (MUSPI-S) is a theoretically based instrument consisting of 28 items with subscales that assess music self-concept globally and in six specific areas. The present study sought to validate a German translation of the MUSPI-S using a sample of 444 secondary school students. In addition to participants’ scores from the German translation of the MUSPI-S, associated data included demographic background variables, self-reported school grades in various subjects, and interest in the school subject of music. Confirmatory factor analyses supported the hypothesized factor structure and measurement model for MUSPI-S scores. Latent factor correlations among MUSPI-S subscale scores and correlations of these scores with school grades and interest in the school subject of music aligned well with theoretical expectations and previous research. Findings also provided evidence for strict measurement invariance of scores in the German MUSPI-S across subgroups of gender, school year (i.e., grade level), and musical activity. MUSPI-S subscale factor-level means did not reliably differ among seventh-, eighth-, and ninth-grade students but favored females over males and musically active over non-active students on nearly all subscales. Overall, this evidence supports the use of the German translation of the MUSPI-S in assessing a wide range of important self-perceived musical abilities for research and practical assessment purposes.

Assessment Beliefs, Practices and Competence Vis-À-Vis Demographic Characteristics of Senior High School Social Studies Teachers in Ghana

This study examined the impact of demographic factors on the assessment beliefs, practices and competence of Social Studies teachers in selected Senior High / Technical Schools in the Volta and Oti Regions of Ghana. The study was guided by the Human Capital Theory (HCT). It utilized a quantitative research approach and a cross-sectional research design. Employing a two-stage simple random sampling method, 196 Social Studies teachers were randomly selected from 80 Senior High Schools (SHS) and Senior High Technical Schools (SHTS) in the Regions. Data was collected through a questionnaire, covering the participants’ demographic information and assessment beliefs, practices and competence. Statistical data treatment was done through frequency distributions. It was displayed using a contingency table and Cramer's V analysis. Findings indicated no significant correlation between the teachers’ gender, educational background, teaching experience, assessment beliefs, practices and competence. The study concludes that the demographic did not influence the teachers’ assessment beliefs. Based on the conclusions, it is recommended that professional development should focus on individualized training that targets specific needs of teachers in assessment literacy rather than generalizing based on demographic factors. This could help foster more robust and consistent assessment beliefs across the teaching population. In addition, teacher education programs should prioritize skills-based training on contemporary assessment methodologies and address competency gaps regardless of demographic factors.

Psychometric and edumetric properties of the Turkish version of the assessment of physiotherapy practice

BackgroundClinical education is a crucial process in which students learn how to use theoretical knowledge in clinical settings. However, there is no standardized assessment tool routinely used to evaluate the clinical performance of physiotherapy students in Turkey. This study aimed to examine the psychometric (validity and reliability) and edumetric (acceptability, feasibility, and educational impact) properties of the Turkish version of the Assessment of Physiotherapy Practices (APP-T).MethodsThis methodological study included 7 clinical educators and 174 4th-grade physiotherapy students at three universities in Turkey. Students were assessed with the APP-T on completion of 4-week clinical placements. The construct validity was examined using the exploratory factor analysis. The internal consistency was determined using Cronbach’s α-coefficient. The test-retest and inter-rater reliability were evaluated with the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). For the measurement error of the APP-T, standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimum detectable change (MDC) values were calculated. After the administration of the APP-T was completed, clinical educators were requested to provide feedback on the acceptability, applicability, and educational impact of the APP-T.ResultsExploratory factor analysis demonstrated the 20 items of the APP-T represent a single dominant dimension explaining 76.28% of the variance. Excellent test-retest and inter-rater reliability was detected by ICC = 0.94 and ICC = 0.77, respectively, and good internal consistency was detected by Cronbach’s α = 0.935. The MDC90 values for test-retest and inter-rater reliability were 3.11 and 6.86, respectively. Clinical educators provided generally positive feedback on the acceptability, feasibility, and educational impact of the APP-T.ConclusionsThe current findings provided evidence for universities and clinical educators that the APP-T has sufficient psychometric and educational properties for evaluating the clinical performance of physiotherapy students in Turkey.

An expert consensus on the most effective components of integrated motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioural therapy for lifestyle behaviour change: protocol for an online modified Delphi study

IntroductionBehaviour change interventions are advocated as a key approach to manage behavioural risk factors such as insufficient physical activity, poor diet and smoking. Integrated motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioural therapy...

Assessment of early neonatal practices to prevent hypothermia ; A comparative study

Background Globally, neonatal deaths are significantly attributed to hypothermia. This is mostly because of its co-morbidity with asphyxia, premature birth and severe neonatal infections. Worldwide, neonatal hypothermia case fatality rates (CFRs) range from 8.5% to 52%. This study aimed to assess how well a video-based training intervention on mothers’ knowledge and practices in preventing neonatal hypothermia worked. Methods The knowledge and practices of two groups of primi-para mothers—one control group and one intervention group—were compared in order to achieve this. A total of 124 primipara mothers took part in the research. Using a video based tool, the intervention group was educated about preventing hypothermia in newborns. Both control and intervention group mothers were interviewed to compare the knowledge and practices. Results Sixty-one of the sixty-two mothers in the control group were unsure of which body area to cover in order to preserve the baby’s body heat. Following the intervention, 61 out of 62 mothers in the group recognised which body part to cover to protect the baby’s body heat. In the post-intervention group, 98.4% of moms wore a cap over their baby’s head, compared to just 35.5% in the control group. Conclusion The results of this study demonstrate the significant improvement in mothers’ knowledge and actions about the prevention of neonatal hypothermia resulting from the use of a video-based training tool.

The AI Assessment Scale (AIAS) in action: A pilot implementation of GenAI-supported assessment

The rapid adoption of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) technologies in higher education has raised concerns about academic integrity, assessment practices and student learning. Banning or blocking GenAI tools has proven ineffective, and punitive approaches ignore the potential benefits of these technologies. As a result, assessment reform has become a pressing topic in the GenAI era. This paper presents the findings of a pilot study conducted at British University Vietnam exploring the implementation of the Artificial Intelligence Assessment Scale (AIAS), a flexible framework for incorporating GenAI into educational assessments. The AIAS consists of five levels, ranging from “no AI” to “full AI,” enabling educators to design assessments that focus on areas requiring human input and critical thinking. The pilot study results indicate a significant reduction in academic misconduct cases related to GenAI and enhanced student engagement with GenAI technology. The AIAS facilitated a shift in pedagogical practices, with faculty members incorporating GenAI tools into their modules and students producing innovative multimodal submissions. The findings suggest that the AIAS can support the effective integration of GenAI in higher education, promoting academic integrity while leveraging technology’s potential to enhance learning experiences. Implications for practice or policy: Higher education institutions should adopt flexible frameworks like the AIAS to guide ethical integration of GenAI into assessment practices. Educators should design assessments that leverage GenAI capabilities, while supporting critical thinking and human input. Institutional policies related to GenAI should be developed in consultation with stakeholders and regularly updated to keep pace with technological advancements. Policymakers should prioritise research funding into the impacts of GenAI on higher education to inform evidence-based practices.

Long-Term Reproducibility of BMD-Measurements with Clinical QCT Using Simultaneous and Asynchronous Calibration Methods and Different Measurement and Reconstruction Protocols.

Osteoporosis is underdiagnosed and undertreated. To improve timely fracture risk assessment optimized densitometry methods are required such as opportunistic spinal quantitative computed tomography (QCT). However, it is unclear how to best calibrate these scans and correct for potential scanner drift of QCT when used for monitoring bone mineral density (BMD) changes. We compared gold standard simultaneous calibration with asynchronous calibration methods, assessing mid-term (12weeks) and long-term (1.5years) reproducibility of BMD measurements. Cortical and trabecular compartments of the European Spine Phantom were studied with ten different protocols including low dose and high resolution (HR)-modes. Based on weekly phantom data, we compared simultaneous calibration to asynchronous single (termed global) or monthly calibration. The accuracy was better for trabecular measurements than for cortical measurements for all calibration methods. Reproducibility was excellent for all methods and slightly better for asynchronous than for simultaneous calibration both for trabecular and cortical bone. For HR protocols, reproducibility was better than for low dose measurements. In trabecular compartments averaged HR-BMD remained stable for global (- 0.1%/year, ns) but not for simultaneous calibration (- 1.5%/year, p < 0.001). No significant drifts could be detected for averaged low dose BMD (- 0.9 to + 0.8%/year) for either calibration method. Our data suggest that with regard to precision and accuracy measurements with asynchronous calibration are suitable for vertebral BMD assessment (no contrast agents) in clinical practice. Regular (e.g., monthly) stability tests using a calibration phantom could assure long term stability of at least 1year.