Predictors Of Higher Scores Research Articles

Adult Attachment Functioning and Marital Quality: A Psychosocial Study on Early & Middle Adults

Marital quality, adjustment and post-marital family harmony have been considered to be significant precursors to adult well-being. The research aimed to find out gender differences, if any, among early and middle-adult participants. It also sought interactions/ interconnections between adult attachment style, stressful life events and marital quality of male and female early and middle adults aged between 25 and 45 years. Each participant individually filled out selfreport measures such as the Relationship Structure Scale and the Marital Quality Scale. Snowball sampling was used to collect data from a sample of 45 couple participants aged 25 to 45 years. Statistical analyses were done. Statistical analyses revealed no significant gender difference in the marital quality of the participants. Global Avoidance, Global Anxiety and Anxious Attachment Styles are the predictors of high scores on the Marital Quality Scale (higher score indicates poorer marital quality). Discussion and implications throw light on policy-making in the area of family and marital therapy and the rights and well-being of children.

Levels and predictors of nurses’ knowledge about diabetes care and management: disparity between perceived and actual knowledge

BackgroundNurses have a crucial role in managing, educating, and caring for diabetic patients. However, their knowledge should be regularly assessed to avoid preventable complications and reduce costs. Therefore, the present study assessed the perceived and actual knowledge about diabetes among nurses in Hail province of Saudi Arabia and investigated predictors of such knowledge.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 325 conveniently sampled nurses from all public hospitals and primary healthcare centres in Hail province from September to December 2022. A pre-designed questionnaire was used to collect demographic and practice-related characteristics of the nurses. In addition, data on nurses’ perceived and actual knowledge about diabetes were collected using the Diabetes Self-Report Tool (DSRT) and Diabetes Basic Knowledge Tool (DBKT) self-report questionnaires, respectively. The mean knowledge scores for demographic and practice-related variables were compared using the independent-samples t-test and one-way analysis of variance. Multiple linear regression was used to identify significant predictors of perceived and actual knowledge. The correlation between perceived and actual knowledge was investigated using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. A P-value ˂0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsBased on a highest maximum score of 60 using the DSRT, the mean score of perceived knowledge was 38.4 ± 12.0, corresponding to a percentage mean score of 64%. On the other hand, based on a highest maximum score of 49 using the DBKT, the mean score of actual knowledge was 23.2 ± 9.6, corresponding to a percentage mean score of 47.3% of correct responses. Being Indian, having a diploma or a bachelor’s degree, and having a poor or fair self-perception of competence in diabetes care were predictors of lower perceived knowledge scores, whereas having no access to diabetes guidelines was a predictor of higher scores. However, being non-Saudi and having experience of at least 16 years were predictors of higher actual knowledge scores. The correlation between actual and perceived knowledge about diabetes was negligible and statistically non-significant (r = 0.011, P = 0.055).ConclusionNurses affiliated with public health facilities in Hail province lack adequate knowledge about diabetes, with no correlation between what is perceived to be known and what is actually known. Indian citizenship, having a diploma or bachelor’s degree, not having access to diabetes guidelines, not attending courses/workshops, and having a poor or fair self-perception of competence in diabetes care can significantly predict nurses’ perceived knowledge. However, being non-Saudi (Filipino or Indian) and having at least 16 years of experience can significantly predict their actual knowledge of diabetes.

Stigma towards mental illness and help-seeking behaviors among adult and child psychiatrists in Hungary: A cross-sectional study.

Stigma towards people with mental health problems is a growing issue across the world, to which healthcare providers might contribute. The aim of the present study was to explore psychiatrists' attitudes towards their patients and link them to psychosocial and professional factors. An online questionnaire was used to approach the in- and outpatient psychiatric services across Hungary. A total of 211 trainees and specialists in adult and child psychiatry participated in our study. Their overall stigmatizing attitudes were measured, with focus on attitude, disclosure and help-seeking, and social distance dimensions by using the self-report Opening Minds Stigma Scale for Health Care Providers (OMS-HC). Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to elucidate the dimensions of stigma and its association with sociodemographic, professional and personal traits. Stigmatizing attitudes of close colleagues towards patients were statistically significant predictors of higher scores on the attitude [B = 0.235 (0.168-0.858), p = 0.004], the disclosure and help-seeking subscales [B = 0.169 (0.038-0.908), p = 0.033], and the total score of the OMS-HC [B = 0.191 (0.188-1.843), p = 0.016]. Psychiatrists who had already sought help for their own problems had lower scores on the disclosure and help-seeking subscale [B = 0.202 (0.248-1.925), p = 0.011]. The overall stigmatizing attitude was predicted by the openness to participate in case discussion, supervision or Balint groups [B = 0.166 (0.178-5.886), p = 0.037] besides the more favorable attitudes of their psychiatrist colleagues [B = 0.191 (0.188-1.843), p = 0.016]. The favorable attitudes of psychiatrists are associated with their own experiences with any kind of psychiatric condition, previous help-seeking behavior and the opportunity to work together with fellow psychiatrists, whose attitudes are less stigmatizing. The perception of fellow colleagues' attitudes towards patients and the openness to case discussion, supervision and Balint groups were the main two factors that affected the overall attitudes towards patients; therefore, these should be considered when tailoring anti-stigma interventions for psychiatrists.

The relationship between coronary artery severity and insulin resistance in patients with impaired glucose tolerance and metabolic syndrome

BackgroundThe relation between metabolic syndrome (MS) and coronary artery disease (CAD) is multifactorial, and the well-known risk factors can explain only about 25% of the disease as the relation between insulin resistance (IR) on top of MS and severity of CAD still a subject of debate with conflicting data. Also, IR and glucose intolerance are included in the definition of metabolic syndrome only by some associations. So, the aim of this research was to analyze the the relation between CAD severity (measured by the modified Gensini score) and the different components of the metabolic syndrome including insulin resistance and glucose intolerance.ResultsOut of 70 patients enrolled, 71.4% represented impaired glucose tolerance group (IGT group; n = 50) and 28.6% represented normal glucose tolerance group (NGT group; n = 20). The following variables were significantly greater among the IGT group including BMI (30.19 ± 2.27 vs 23.62 ± 2.92; P < 0.001), waist circumference (105.09 ± 8.02 vs 92.89 ± 19.92; P < 0.001), frequency of hypertension (80% vs 50%; P = 0.012), 2 h post prandial glucose (164 ± 30 vs 110 ± 20; P < 0. 04), fasting insulin (9.2 ± 1.2 vs 5.1 ± 4.3; P = 0.003), HOMA-IR (3.03 ± 0.12% vs 1.9 ± 0.12, P < 0.001), serum uric acid (4.8 ± 1.3 vs 5.8 ± 2.6; P = 0.03), mean modified Gensini score (22.3 ± 9.2 vs 15.4 ± 6.8; P < 0.001), while the mean serum HDL was significantly higher among the NGT group (40.8 ± 10.1 vs 50.6 ± 10.2; P < 0.001). There was a positive correlation between HOMA–IR; hs-CRP; MS-related variables (including waist circumflex; BMI; serum uric acid; HDL; TG);and the modified Gensini score (for HOMA, r = 0.63; P < 0.001). Several predictors for high scores of modified Gensini were noted in multiple regression analysis; however, out of those several predictors, HOMA-IR was the strongest one (OR = 4.0, 95% CI = (2.04-7.08).ConclusionIR is an independent risk factor for CAD severity in patients with IGT and MS. In patients with IR; those with aggressive CAD (or with a positive family history of premature CAD), IGT should be managed aggressively even before any evidence of frank diabetes. IR workup should be recommended among the other standard workup for those patients, if documented, interventions targeted against IR should be considered among the other standard management.

Predictors of tuberculosis knowledge, attitudes and practices in urban slums in Nigeria: a cross-sectional study.

IntroductionNigeria is among six countries responsible for the majority of tuberculosis (TB) cases in the world. The Nigerian government has emphasized community-based case finding to increase detection of TB. This process requires efforts to improve knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of TB, particularly in the poorest of communities. This study presents data from a KAP survey administered in two underserved Nigerian communities.Methodsa structured survey was administered by trained interviewers among adult residents in two slum communities in Lagos, Nigeria. Participants were selected through multistage random sampling. KAP scores were computed and the predictors of higher scores were assessed.Resultsa total of 504 respondents were surveyed. The mean KAP scores were relatively low: 9.8 ± 7.1 for knowledge (out of a maximum 34), 5.3 ± 3.4 for attitude (maximum = 10), and 5.2 ± 1.5 for practice (maximum = 7). The predictors of good knowledge were increasing age, post secondary education and professional occupation. The predictors of positive attitude were post secondary education and good TB knowledge. Good knowledge was a predictor of good practiceConclusionour findings underscore the need to improve the education about TB in underserved communities. Improving KAP scores will ultimately lead to higher rates of TB detection and treatment.

Youth Life Orientation Test-Spanish Version: Factorial Invariance, Latent Mean Differences and Effects on School Refusal

The objectives of this study were twofold. Firstly, it attempted to validate the scores of the Youth Life Orientation Test in Spanish children. Secondly, it had the objective of estimating the mean differences in scores and predictive capability of optimism and pessimism for school refusal. The sample consisted of Spanish students between the ages of 8 and 11 selected by random cluster sampling: 989 for the first study (M = 9.72; SD = 1.09) and 1078 for the second study (M = 9.63; SD = 1.12). Data were collected using the Youth Life Orientation Test (YLOT) and the School Refusal Assessment Scale-Revised. The first study replicated the two-factor model of the YLOT with 12 items and remained invariant across gender and age with adequate levels of internal consistency (α = .79 optimism, α = .77 pessimism). No significant differences were found based on gender; however, younger students were found to be significantly more optimistic than older ones. As for the second study, pessimism acted as a positive and significant predictor of high scores in school refusal, except for those students who justify their school refusal by pursuing tangible reinforcements outside of the school who obtained opposite results. These findings provide further evidence for the validity of the YLOT. In addition, the relationship between optimism, pessimism and school refusal is discussed.

Prevalence and knowledge of hepatitis C in a middle-aged population, Dunedin, New Zealand.

To determine the prevalence of infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) in those most at risk of advanced liver disease and to identify gaps in knowledge of HCV. Questionnaires were mailed to randomly selected residents aged 40-59 to assess the extent of their general knowledge about HCV. The questionnaire assessed demographics, the extent of general knowledge about viral hepatitis, potential risks for infection and the prevalence of risk factors associated with increased progression of liver fibrosis. Anonymised residual laboratory blood samples from 40-59 years old people from Dunedin taken in hospital or in the community, were tested for HCV antibodies and alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT). Linear regression was performed to examine whether the demographics sex, age, socio-economic status, qualification level and occupation sector (categorical variables) were predictors of level of general knowledge about hepatitis. For the demographics that were found to be significant predictors of score outcome, multiple regression analysis was used to determine independent effects. χ (2) tests were used to compare our selected sample and our responder population demographics, to the demographics of the entire 40-59 years old population in Dunedin using the 2006 NZ census data. Exact confidence intervals for the proportion positive for HCV and HBV were calculated using the binomial distribution. The response rate to the mailed questionnaire was 431/1400 (30.8%). On average 59.4% questions were answered correctly. Predictors for higher scores, indicating greater knowledge about symptoms and transmission included sex (female, P < 0.01), higher level of qualification (P < 0.000) and occupation sector (P < 0.000). Sharing intravenous drug utensils was a known risk factor for disease transmission (94.4%), but the sharing of common household items such as a toothbrush was not. 93% of the population were unaware that HCV infection can be asymptomatic. 25% did not know that treatment was available in New Zealand and of those who did know, only 40% assumed it was funded. Six hundred and eighty-two residual anonymised blood samples were tested for HCV antibodies, ALT, AST and GGT. The prevalence for HCV was 4.01%, 95%CI: 2.6%-5.8%. Liver function tests were not useful for identifying likelyhood of HCV infection. Prevalence of HCV in our population is high, and the majority have limited knowledge of HCV and its treatment.

Predicting positive and negative impacts of cancer among long‐term endometrial cancer survivors

Although the survival outcomes among women diagnosed with endometrial cancer are very favorable, little is known about the long-term impact of their cancer experience. This study identifies the extent of positive and negative impacts of cancer and factors associated with this, amongst long-term survivors of endometrial cancer. Australian women diagnosed with endometrial cancer (N=632) were sent questionnaires at the time of diagnosis and 3-5 years later. Hierarchical multiple regression models were used to examine whether a range of variables at diagnosis/treatment predicted subsequent scores on the Impact of Cancer Scale, which examines positive (e.g. health awareness) and negative (e.g. appearance concerns) impacts amongst cancer survivors. Overall, women had a higher mean score for the positive than negative impact scales (M=3.5 versus M=2.5, respectively). An intermediate grade of endometrial cancer, a prior diagnosis of cancer and lower levels of education were significant, but weak, predictors of higher scores on the positive impact scale. Higher scores on the negative impact scale were predicted by a higher grade of cancer, poor physical and mental health, a younger age, being single or having lower levels of education. The study demonstrates that factors that predict positive impact in cancer survivors differ to those that predict negative impact, suggesting that interventions to optimize cancer survivors' quality of life will need to be multi-dimensional, and this supports the need for tailored intervention.

Learners‟ Attributional Beliefs in Success or Failure and Their Performance on the Interchange Objective Placement Test

Although attribution theory has been applied in many fields of education as a way of understanding individual differences, it has somewhat been neglected by professionals in ELT to date. This study has thus sought to investigate the role of EFL learners’ attributions for success and failure in learning a foreign language and their performance on placement tests. Three instruments, namely, the Interchange Objective Placement Test (Lesley, Hansen, & Zukowski-Faust, 2005), the Revised Causal Dimension Scale, and the Language Achievement Attribution Scale were administered to 96 Iranian Intermediate EFL learners studying at English language institutes. Attributional properties and causal attributions were compared with learners’ English language proficiency scores. Pearson product-moment correlation was applied to the data in order to see if there was any significant relationship between learners’ attributions of success and failure and their English language proficiency. The results showed significant correlations between LAAS as well as CDS-II subscales and learners' proficiency scores. Results from Regression Analysis for causal attributions and proficiency scores indicated that effort attribution was the best predictor of high scores, but task difficulty attribution was the best predictor of low scores, in proficiency. Moreover, results from Regression Analysis for attributional properties and proficiency scores indicated that internal locus positively, but external control negatively, predicted students’ foreign language proficiency. At the end, what the results of the study may tell us about language teaching and learning is considered.

Evaluation of Statistical Approaches in Quantitative Nursing Research

The purposes of this study were to (a) develop a tool to assess statistical methods and (b) use the tool to evaluate recently published quantitative research. We rated the statistical approaches used in 152 studies published in the 5 top impact-factor nursing research journals from September 2005 to August 2007. Studies were generally of high quality; 45% scored between 80% and 100%, and 22% achieved a score of 100%. Predictors of high scores were interdisciplinary authorship, a statistician coauthor, and the number of aims. The authors conclude that studies published in high impact-factor nursing journals are statistically sound and provide a solid foundation for evidence-based practice.

The Influence of Parental Separation and Divorce on Father–Child Relationships

ABSTRACT Using a risk and resilience theoretical framework, this study examined the influence of parental divorce during childhood on father–child relationship quality in young adulthood. Relationship quality was measured using nurturant fathering and modified father involvement scales, and self-reports of current amount of face-to-face and verbal father–child contacts. Comparisons on these measures were made between 107 young adults from intact and 96 from divorced family backgrounds. The divorce group was also examined in isolation to explore how divorce-related factors—including structural, early contact, and interparental relationship factors—predict young adults' perceptions of their father–child relationship. Results demonstrate young adults from intact family backgrounds report a comparatively stronger father–child relationship. Among divorce group participants, structural factors (higher father socioeconomic status and joint custody) and early contact (greater percentage of time spent with father postdivorce) were predictors of higher scores on combined nurturant fathering and involvement measures. Greater early contact and stronger interparental relationship factors (low conflict and high contact and cooperativeness) similarly predicted current contact.

2. Use of a health advocacy essay to improve competence

We set out to determine if essay writing on health advocacy could improve scores on a Health Advocacy observed structured clinical exam (OSCE) station.&#x0D; A Health Advocacy station was used as one of ten stations at the annual resident OSCE in 2006. Subsequently, residents were instructed to write an essay regarding their actions as a health advocate, either in general or relating to a specific situation. For the 2007 OSCE, a different Health Advocacy station was used that was similar to the previous year in terms of the issues that residents needed to address and the scoring structure. The results on the OSCE stations between the two years were compared using Student’s T-test. Regression analysis was used to identify any predictors for a higher score.&#x0D; The number of residents taking the OSCE in 2006 and 2007 were 17 and 13, respectively. Nine residents completed the OSCE in both years. The number of PGY-1’s taking the OSCE for the first time in 2006 and 2007 were 8 and 4, respectively. Compliance with the essay writing was 100%. The mean score on the Health Advocacy station was significantly higher in 2007 compared to 2006 (53.0 ± 14.6 compared to 65.6 ± 10.0 vs. 53.0 ± 14.6; p=0.01). The mean score of PGY-1’s in 2007 tended to be higher than PGY-1’s in 2006 (67.5 ± 11.4 vs. 54.5 ± 12.3; p=0.11), suggesting the improvement was not due to having taken the OSCE previously. Regression analysis did not identify and other predictors of higher score on the OSCE station.&#x0D; These results suggest that essay writing by residents about actions they have taken as health advocates improves knowledge about the CanMEDS competency of Health Advocacy, as measured in an OSCE station. The non-randomized design of the study does not exclude the possibility of other factors influencing the improvement in score.&#x0D; Oandasan I, Barker K. Educating for Advocacy: Exploring the Source and Substance of Community-Responsive Physicians. Acad Med 2003; 78(1):S16-S19.&#x0D; Frank J, Langer B. Collaboration, Communication, Management, and Advocacy: Teaching surgeons new skills through the CanMEDS project. World J Surg 2003; 27:972-978.&#x0D; Verma S, Flynn L, Seguin R. Faculty’s and residents’ perceptions of teaching and evaluating the role of health advocate: A study at one Canadian university. Acad Med 2005; 80:103-108.

Predictors of mental distress in early adulthood: a five-year follow-up of 709 high-school students

Mental health risk factors in adolescence were examined as predictors of mental distress in early adulthood. A cohort of 709 Finnish adolescents was studied in 1990 (mean age 16.8) and in 1995. Trait anxiety, defence styles, life events, self-esteem and somatic symptoms were evaluated as predictors of high scores in the General Health Questionnaire in adulthood. Females (36%) were more likely to be distressed than males (23%). High trait anxiety and somatic symptom scores among adolescent females, and high immature defence style scores among males predicted mental distress. Males with low trait anxiety in adolescence had less distress. The results indicate trait anxiety as an important predictor of mental distress. Gender differences in other predictors suggest gender differences in coping.

Center Care and Education in Bahrain: Does It Benefit Children's Development?

The purpose of this study was to examine the role of preschool education in Bahrain by studying the effects of three different preschool settings (care‐oriented, educationally‐oriented, and home) on children's cognitive and socio‐emotional performance. A profile of six culturally adapted and translated (Arabic) parametrical instruments were used to measure children's progress (W = 140; M age = 48.7 months) over one academic year. Multiple regression analysis which considered several family and school background factors indicated that children attending preschools performed significantly better on language, memory, vocabulary, counting, and conceptual maturity measures when compared with children who stayed at home. Children attending educationally oriented centers significantly outperformed children at care‐oriented centers and at home on all cognitive function and ability measures, including self‐esteem, self‐confidence, and emotional conduct. Most family background variables (mother's years of schooling, mother's age, months in preschool at entry and father's occupation) were not significantly related to outcome measures. Gender had a positive effect on some outcomes (language, perception, counting and emotional conduct problems) with boys scoring higher than girls. Age was a positive predictor of higher scores for children on the perceived competence outcomes.

Sex, Marital Status, and Mental Health: A Reappraisal

Previous research (cf. Gove) has suggested that the higher rates of mental illness among females may be due to the greater stress associated with the marital role for women in our society. Using data (N = 3674) gathered as part of a major epidemiologic study in the southeastern United States, the authors examine the relationships between Health Opinion Survey scores (a widely used psychiatric assessment instrument), marital status, marital history, length of marital status, and several sociodemographic variables. As anticipated, higher scores for females across race and in most marital statuses were found. But when data were analyzed via multiple regression which controlled for sociodemographic and marital status factors, it was found that low socioeconomic status (SES) was the strongest predictor of high scores. Being female was also significant. The only significant marital status variable in the equation was being separated. Persons who had been married more than once also had significantly elevated scores. Marital status, length of present status, and history of previous marital statuses were not powerful predictors of mental health problems: most of the explained variance was subsumed by sociodemographic variables. The authors conclude that the disproportionately high rates of mental illness among females cannot be accounted for by marital status and its incumbent stresses and suggest that other explanations need to be explored. The relationship between sex roles, marital status, and mental illness has received recently an increasing amount of attention in the social science and psychiatric literature (Brodsky: Clancy and Gove; Cooperstock; Gittleman-Klein and Klein: Gove; Gove and Tudor; Overall; Pokorny and Overall; Redick; Rosen et al.)1 Findings from these and other studies indicate that females in our society have higher rates of mental illness than males and/or that they more often seek treatment for problems related to psychiatric distress. The reasons for these differential rates have not been definitively established although a number of hypotheses have been offered. For example, Phillips and Segal have argued that the higher rates for females are due to methodological factors associated with response biases, e. g., naysaying and social desirability, a position refuted by Clancy and Gove. Gurin et al. have suggested the higher rates for females result from their finding marriage less satisfying than males. Others have contended that role strain, particularly as engendered by the changing status of females in industrial societies, produces ambiguous *This research was made possible by MH Grant No. 24740-01.