Effects Of Programming Research Articles

Is a Traditional Smoking Cessation Program Effective for Vaping Cessation?

Is a Traditional Smoking Cessation Program Effective for Vaping Cessation?

Eight-Week Flywheel Training Enhances Jump Performance and Stretch-Shortening Cycle Function in Collegiate Basketball Players.

The effects of flywheel (FW) training on jump performance, muscle function, and muscle mass in athletes have not been fully clarified. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of an 8-week FW training program on jump performance, stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) function, muscle strength, peak power and muscle thickness in collegiate basketball players. Twenty male college basketball players (mean age: 19.8±1.3years, height: 179.1±6.7cm, body mass: 72.9±6.3kg) were randomly assigned to either the FW training (n=11) or control group (n=9). The FW training group performed squat exercises, 5 sets of 8 repetitions, twice a week using the FW device. Baseline and post-training assessments of jump heights of squat jumps (SJs), countermovement jumps (CMJs), and drop jumps (DJs) were performed in both groups. Additionally, the reactive strength index (RSI), representing SSC function; isometric maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) torque during knee joint extension; peak power during squats; and quadriceps muscle thickness were evaluated. As the results, we observed that the FW training group demonstrated significant increases in post-training SJ height (15.1%, p=0.03), DJ height (23.2%, p=0.01), RSI (36.8%, p=0.04), MVC, peak power and muscle thickness compared with pre-training levels. Furthermore, between-group comparisons indicated significantly higher post-training SJ height, DJ height, RSI, MVC, peak power, and muscle thickness in the FW training group (p<0.05). Therefore, the FW training program effectively enhanced jump performance and SSC function in male basketball players and proved beneficial for muscle strength and hypertrophy.

The effect of interactive learning methods and reflection on nurses’ learning in patient safety at the ICU and Emergency department

IntroductionPatient safety is vital to health care delivery and service quality. Therefore, it should be a priority in every healthcare system worldwide. As the importance of patient safety is increasingly recognized, the emphasis on training and its impact on safety competencies and quality of care has also grown. Innovation in education is essential to keep pace with the growing need to enhance patient safety through an effective education program. Therefore, this study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of the patient safety education program in Case-based Learning (CBL), lectures, and reflection on the knowledge, attitude, and performance of patient safety in the nurses of the Intensive care unit (ICU) and emergency department of Shahid Rahnemoon Hospital, Yazd.MethodThe quasi-experimental study was conducted by the nurses of the intensive care unit and emergency departments of Shahid Rahnamoon Teaching Hospital, Yazd, Iran, from November 2023 to the end of April 2024, using a three-group quasi-experimental intervention design with a pre and post-test. Nurses were randomly divided into three teaching groups: lecture, case-based learning, and reflection. The knowledge, attitude, and patient safety performance questionnaires were used before and three months after the intervention.ResultsIn this study, 113 nurses were analyzed across three groups: Case-Based Learning (CBL) with 38 participants, reflection with 38 participants, and lecture with 37 participants. The mean scores for knowledge pre- and post-study in the three groups were as follows: CBL (4.81 ± 1.24 vs. 8.07 ± 1.36), reflection (4.94 ± 1.39 vs. 8.18 ± 1.44), and lecture (5.16 ± 1.42 vs. 7.75 ± 1.40). Similarly, the average scores for attitude pre- and post-study were recorded as: CBL (41.50 ± 4.89 vs. 54.68 ± 4.64), reflection (41.23 ± 6.22 vs. 49.94 ± 6.42), and lecture (41.37 ± 6.75 vs. 48.62 ± 5.64). For practice, the average scores pre- and post-study were CBL (3.44 ± 1.05 vs. 6.26 ± 1.22), reflection (3.55 ± 1.08 vs. 5.76 ± 1.58), and lecture (3.59 ± 1.06 vs. 5.13 ± 1.53). These results indicate overall knowledge, attitude, and practice improvement across all groups following the study. Before the study, there were no significant differences in knowledge (F = 0.621, p = 0.539), attitude (F = 0.018, p = 0.982), and practice (F = 0.19, p = 0.828) among the three groups. After the study, no significant difference was found in knowledge (F = 0.938, p = 0.394); however, a significant difference was observed in attitude (F = 12.13, p < 0.0001) and practice (F = 506, p = 0.005).ConclusionAccording to the study's findings, all three groups of nurses demonstrated significantly higher scores in knowledge, attitudes, and performance after the intervention compared to before. However, no significant difference was observed among the three groups in the area of knowledge. Nonetheless, case-based learning significantly improved the average scores for attitudes and performance. These results indicate that patient safety training programs effectively enhance nurses' knowledge.

A Qualitatively-Informed Approach to Examining the Construct Validity of Alcohol-Involved Sexual Violence

Abstract One in five women experience sexual victimization in her lifetime, making sexual victimization a significant public health crisis. This public health crisis also has detrimental health consequences. Understanding the scope of sexual violence and the effects of prevention programming requires accuracy in measuring sexual violence. Yet, a wealth of research suggests lack of precision in sexual violence measurement and potential confusion among respondents in how to interpret items on sexual victimization and perpetration questionnaires. Specifically, alcohol-involved sexual violence questions are among the hardest to operationalize in such questionnaires, due, in part to cultural ideas about alcohol and idiosyncratic effects of alcohol on behavior. The current study addressed this gap by assessing the construct validity of alcohol-involved sexual violence questionnaire items. We used a cognitive-interviewing qualitative approach to analyze interviews with forty participants to better understand the cognitive and interpretive language nuances between “took advantage of while drunk” and being “too drunk to consent.” Qualitative thematic analysis was conducted to identify and summarize differences in how stimuli were perceived and interpreted. Our thematic analysis identified three themes: (a) respondents used behavioral indicators as an indicator of impaired decision-making, (b) respondents perceived and expressed complexity in understanding alcohol-related consent, and (c) some respondents attributed the differences between the phrases to reflect experiences of either perpetration and victimization. The results underscore the importance of refining questionnaires using behavioral indicators of alcohol intoxication to differentiate between incapacitated and impaired alcohol-involved incidents, clarifying non-consent language, and being purposeful in describing a state or an action related to the consumption of alcohol, to better measure alcohol-involved sexual violence.

Case management in Emergency Care: Impact Evaluation of the CARED Program.

Hospitals face mounting pressure to reduce unplanned utilization amid rising healthcare demands from an aging population. The Case management for At-Risk patients in the Emergency Department (CARED) program is among the first ED transitional care strategies to focus on both frail older adults and Emergency Department (ED) re-attenders to reduce acute hospital utilization. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the CARED program in reducing hospital (re)admissions and ED re-attendances within 30- and 60-days post-discharge. A retrospective, propensity-matched study was conducted from April 2022 to July 2023 in the ED of Ng Teng Fong General Hospital in Singapore. The CARED program identifies and enrols at-risk patients i.e., frail older adults and patients who re-attend the ED within 30 days of hospital discharge, for a geriatric assessment. This is followed by multidisciplinary team care, discharge planning and right siting of care from the ED to community-based services by ED case managers. The primary outcomes were hospital (re)admissions and ED re-attendances within 30- and 60-days post-discharge. Secondary outcomes were cost avoidance and bed occupancy days from reduced acute hospital usage. Nearest-neighbour 1:1 propensity score matching matched 1,615 intervention group to 1,615 control group. Baseline characteristics of the intervention and control groups did not differ significantly. Difference-in-differences (DID) analyses showed significantly lower 30-day (3.96%; 95% CI 2.71% to 5.23%) and 60-day (6.69%; 95% CI 5.47% to 7.91%) hospital admissions, as well as 30-day (4.89%; 95% CI 3.83% to 5.95%) and 60-day (6.50%; 95% CI 5.28% to 7.72%) ED re-attendances in the intervention group compared to the control group. Additionally, the reduced admission and ED re-attendance rates resulted in 30-day and 60-day inpatient admission costs avoidance ($1,553,548.96 (69.86%); 95% CI $1,525,827.76 to $1,581,270.15; P = 0.006; and $1,400,047.07 (32.56%); 95% CI $1,365,484.79 to $1,434,609.37; P = 0.048 respectively), ED attendance costs avoidance ($25,849.92 (23.70%); 95% CI $25,091.93 to $26,607.89; P = 0.096; and $37,538.39 (18.09%); 95% CI $36,470.27 to $38,606.53; P = 0.086 respectively) and bed occupancy days saved (1,212 days; 95% CI 1,191.80 days to 1,232.20 days; P = 0.003; and 1,267 days; 95% CI 1,242.58 days to 1,291.42 days; P = 0.011 respectively). CARED program effectively reduced unplanned hospital use within 30- and 60-days post-ED discharge for at-risk patients. It also significantly lowered inpatient admission and ED attendance costs and hospital bed occupancy days, highlighting its potential to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare expenses.

Enhancing resilience: the impact of a near-peer mentoring program on medical students

IntroductionEmerging adulthood is a vulnerable period and can be a crisis for many youth, leading to serious mental health problems. Medical students are especially vulnerable due to their high exposure to stressors, requiring enhanced resilience to cope with academic challenges. This study measured the effectiveness of a near-peer mentoring program in terms of resilience.MethodsA non-randomised controlled trial was conducted at Semmelweis University involving 133 medical students. The case group (n = 94) comprised students who participated in a mentoring program as mentors or mentees. The control group (n = 39) did not participate in mentoring. Data was collected at two points, 5 months apart, at the semester’s start (August 2022) and end (February 2023). Self-report measures included sociodemographics, resilience (Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale), and depression (Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale). Statistical analysis involved descriptive statistics and mixed linear models for repeated-measures ANOVA.ResultsResults showed a significant increase in resilience for the case group compared to the control group (F (1, 129) = 5.578, p = 0.020), with no significant main effect of time. There was a significant interaction effect between intervention and time on resilience (F (1.000, 129.000) = 4.915, p = 0.028). Depression scores showed no significant group difference but a significant main effect of time (F (1.000, 129.000) = 4.725, p = 0.032) and the interaction effect between intervention and time on depression (F (1.000, 129.000) = 4.018, p = 0.047).DiscussionThis mentoring program effectively increased resilience and helped maintain mental health, contributing to developing skilled healthcare professionals—where resilience remains a key strength for 21st-century doctors.

Docosahexaenoic and Eicosapentaenoic Acid Supplementation Could Attenuate Negative Effects of Maternal Metabolic Syndrome on Liver Lipid Metabolism and Liver Betacellulin Expression in Male and Female Rat Offspring.

Background/Objectives: This study investigated the effects of maternal metabolic syndrome during pregnancy on hepatic fatty acid metabolism and betacellulin expression in rat offspring. A rat model of maternal metabolic syndrome was created with a high-fructose diet (15% fructose in drinking water for six months). Methods: The females with metabolic syndrome were divided into the CON group, the HF group, which received fructose in drinking water, and the HF-DHA group, which received fructose in water and increased amounts of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) in the diet (2.5% fish oil in the diet). The male and female offspring were killed at birth and their liver tissue was analyzed for the fatty acid profile and expression of Δ-9-desaturase and betacellulin. Results: When the rat offspring were exposed in utero to maternal fatty acids altered by the high-fructose diet, this resulted in a similarly altered fatty acid profile in the liver, with the most significant changes being Δ-9 desaturation and a dramatic increase in monounsaturated fatty acids. The offspring also showed an overexpression of hepatic betacellulin. Supplementation with DHA and EPA increased the DHA content and normalized the fatty acid composition of oleic acid, saturated fatty acids, linoleic acid and n3-docosapentaenoic acid in the offspring of mothers on a high-fructose diet. In addition, the DHA/EPA supplementation of fructose-fed mothers normalized hepatic Δ-9-desaturase and betacellulin overexpression in the offspring, suggesting that DHA/EPA supplementation affects not only the fatty acid content but also the liver function. Conclusions: The changes observed in this study suggest that DHA/EPA supplementation may modulate the effects of maternal programming on disorders of the lipid metabolism in the offspring.

The Effect of Teacher Training and Community Literacy Programming on Teacher and Student Outcome

The Effect of Teacher Training and Community Literacy Programming on Teacher and Student Outcome

Development and effectiveness of an educational program to foster psychological safety: A randomized controlled trial focusing on care workers in geriatric care facilities

This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of a program for improving interpersonal relationships to foster psychological safety among geriatric care workers. A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 192 care workers in seven geriatric care facilities. Participants were divided into intervention or control groups; intervention groups attended a 60-minute program twice. Participants completed questionnaires addressing psychological safety, work environment, and intention to leave three times in six months. A linear multiple regression analysis was performed for each score at Time 1 or Time 2 as the dependent variable, with the score at baseline as the covariate. The psychological safety score increased (p < .05), and the “exclusive workplace climate” score decreased (p < .10) between the baseline and second survey. However, the significance became nonexistent between the second and third surveys. Although the program effectively fostered psychological safety, further ingenuity should be provided for continued effectiveness.

Psychometric assessment of scales used to evaluate sexual assault prevention programming in the United States Air Force.

Preventing sexual assault in the United States (U.S.) military is essential to safeguard the overall well-being of military personnel and support the military to function in alignment with its intended mission and objectives. Valid instruments are needed to accurately and reliably evaluate programming effectiveness. The goal of this research was to psychometrically assess measures used to evaluate the Sexual Communication and Consent (SCC) program within the Air Force Basic Military Training (BMT) context. We evaluated four measures used to assess the SCC program implemented at Air Force BMT in 2019-2020: Date Rape Attitudes, Self-Efficacy to Resist Unwanted Advances, Risky and Protective Dating Behaviors, and Bystander Intentions. The analytic sample included 7,126 BMT trainees (74% male). We assessed structural validity with exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). We used full information maximum likelihood estimation with robust standard errors in Mplus. We refined each scale based on factor analysis results and assessed internal consistency reliability by computing Cronbach's coefficient alpha for each scale in the overall sample, by sex, and by tailored SCC intervention group. We identified a two-factor structure for the Date Rape Attitudes scale; subscale reliability was moderate within the overall sample and among males, though low among females. We found single-factor structures and excellent reliability for both the Self-Efficacy to Resist Unwanted Advances scale and the Bystander Intentions scale. The Dating Behaviors scale CFA did not confirm the two-factor solution suggested by the EFA, but subscale reliability was acceptable. This research fills a critical gap in the psychometric literature in military settings. Based on our findings, we recommend approaches for using the finalized scales in future evaluations of sexual assault prevention programming in the U.S. Air Force BMT setting.

Effectiveness of educational interventions in United States schools to prevent opioid-related harms: A systematic review.

The opioid crisis in North America has increased concerns about adolescent problematic opioid use. Schools are crucial in prevention efforts, but the effectiveness of school-based educational programs is debated. This review evaluates the effectiveness of school-based opioid education programs in preventing opioid-related harms, and improving knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about opioids among youth. Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, Ovid PsycInfo, ERIC, and Web of Science databases were searched in January 2025. Included studies met the following criteria: (1) were published in English; (2) conducted in a middle or high school setting; (3) the intervention related to opioid education; (4) randomized trials or observational studies; and (5) published between January 2000 and January 2025. Among 1405 studies screened, eight met the inclusion criteria and evaluated seven school-based opioid education programs with participants aged between 11 and 18years. Most studies used quasi-experimental designs, and only one was a randomized controlled trial. One study showed that combining classroom-based interventions in grade 7 with sessions that involved parents participating alongside students significantly reduced prescription opioid misuse, with effects lasting until grade 12. Four studies showed improved knowledge and attitudes towards opioid use and two showed increased understanding of opioid withdrawal and overdose management. This review is the first to evaluate school-based opioid education programs for adolescents. Findings indicate that these programs effectively increase opioid knowledge and reduce problematic opioid use, though further randomized trials among diverse participant samples are needed to confirm efficacy and generalizability of findings.

Foot screening and customized health education program for patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy: A nurse-led, real-world observational study.

Research has shown that DPN affects 50 % of individuals with diabetes and, in severe cases, can lead to amputation or death. Interventions led by doctors for DPN have demonstrated limited effectiveness in delaying its onset and progression. Nevertheless, there is an increasing recognition of the significance of nurse-led screening and health education in the early detection and slowing down of DPN. The present study conducted a retrospective analysis of medical records of 10,191 diabetic patients from 2019 to 2023, who also regularly attended outpatient clinics. Patients with incomplete medical data, transfers, critical conditions or death, existing foot ulcers or amputations, bedridden or uncooperative individuals (5,470 individuals) were excluded, and a total of 4,721 individuals were selected for analysis. The screening and intervention components of the FSCHE program were all led by nurses. A total of 2022 participants received foot screening and customized health education (FSCHE) program, while 2699 participants recevied regular care. The primary outcome is on determining the prevalence rate of DPN among all the included diabetic patients. The data was collected through experimental tests and nurse-led foot screening. Prevalence rates were reported as the number of cases per 1000 individuals. Odds Ratios were calculated to approximate Risk Ratios to determine the effectiveness of the FSCHE program. The prevalence of DPN in diabetic patients who received the FSCHE program decreased from 557 cases per 1000 individuals in 2019 to 199 cases per 1000 individuals in 2023. The hospitalization duration decreased from 11.2 days to 7.59 days. The risk of DPN in diabetic patients participating in the FSCHE program was 0.741 times higher than that of regular diabetes care (RR [95 % CI]: 0.741 [0.654, 0.840], p < 0.001). The DPN-related risk factors showed promising control results as well. In this observational study conducted among Chinese patients with diabetes, it was found that the nurse-led FSCHE program effectively manages DPN and its associated risk factors. These results highlight the importance of employing objective screening tools to detect DPN at an early stage, as well as the significance of nurse-led interventions in promoting healthy behaviors and preventing the development and progression of DPN.

Effectiveness of a Calgary-Cambridge model-based communication skills training for paediatric trainees in Sri Lanka: A nationwide pre-post intervention study using observed practices.

To evaluate the effectiveness of a Calgary-Cambridge model-based communication skills training program for postgraduate paediatric trainees in Sri Lanka. A pre-post intervention study was conducted among 133 paediatric trainees across Sri Lanka. The training program focused on relationship-building, information gathering, and information giving. Communication skills were assessed using an OSCE with simulated patients and a 12-item checklist. Paired t-tests were used to analyze score differences. Significant improvements were observed across all domains. Relationship-building scores increased from 13.5 to 23, information gathering from 12.6 to 20.2, and information giving from 13.3 to 24.8 (p < 0.01 for all). Relationship-building correlated positively with information gathering (r = 0.626) and giving (r = 0.600, p < 0.01). Trainees with prior communication training scored higher post-intervention (mean difference = 10.5, p = 0.019). No gender differences were observed. The Calgary-Cambridge model-based training program effectively enhanced communication skills among Sri Lankan paediatric trainees. Incorporating structured communication skills training into postgraduate curricula is essential, particularly in culturally diverse medical settings.

AI-Powered Coding Tools: A Study of Advancements, Challenges, and Future Directions

This review examines the effects of AI-assisted programming in contemporary software development, paying particular attention to tools driven by Large Language Models (LLMs), such as GPT-4o and GitHub Copilot. Starting with data processing and ending with model deployment, the review describes the standard workflow for training machine learning models and how programmers use these models to improve their coding processes. GitHub Copilot, an AI-powered code generator, and GPT-4o, a general-purpose LLM, are compared in terms of accuracy, usability, and efficiency when assisting with programming tasks. The results show that although both tools greatly facilitate coding, they each have particular advantages and disadvantages. GitHub Copilot is excellent at integrating with IDEs, providing contextual code recommendations and streamlining processes. In contrast, GPT-4o shows better accuracy when creating code from scratch, but it does not have Copilot’s seamless IDE integration. The review also identifies some of the current drawbacks of AI-powered coding tools, including the possibility of producing faulty or vulnerable code as a result of training on unreliable datasets and the inability to comprehend context, which can occasionally result in functionally correct but practically incorrect code. In order to filter and fix problematic code before training, the review recommends using advanced algorithms for data pre-processing. It also suggests improving the interpretability of code generated by AI to help developers better comprehend and trust the results.

Effectiveness of a Multicomponent Program for Fibromyalgia Patients in a Primary Care Setting (FIBROCARE Program): A Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background/Objectives: Multicomponent, non-pharmacological therapies are the preferred first-line treatments for fibromyalgia (FM), but little is known about them in primary care settings. Our study assessed the effectiveness of the FIBROCARE Program in improving the quality of life, functional impact, mood, and pain of people with FM. Methods: We conducted a pragmatic, randomized controlled trial that was not blinded for both patients and the professionals delivering the treatments in the study groups. We compared a group receiving non-pharmacological multicomponent group therapy (MT) based on health education, physical exercise, and cognitive-behavioral therapy with another group receiving the usual clinical care. The MT group was treated in the primary care context in Catalonia (Spain) through 12 consecutive weekly sessions. Both groups were followed up with at the end of the MT group sessions and 6 and 12 months after the group sessions with the Short-Form 36 (SF-36) v2 Health Survey questionnaire, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-A and HADS-D), the Visual Analog Scale, and the Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04049006). Results: Improvements in pain intensity, functional impact, physical health, fatigue, and emotional problems that affect daily activities in the MT group lasted up to 12 months. Benefits measured by the SF-36 Mental Health dimension and the HADS-A subscale were lost after 6 months. Effects on the SF-36 Social Functioning dimension and HADS-D present at 6 months persisted for up to 12 months. Generally, the longer the time since the FM diagnosis, the better was a patient's mood. Conclusions: The FIBROCARE Program effectively improves all the studied health outcomes except patient mood, since anxiety symptoms persist. The program should reinforce patient psychological support overall, focusing particularly on the years initially after diagnosis.

Application of Customer Value to Increase Perceived Value through Special Business Request Marketing Program

This research was conducted at PT Telkom Indonesia, a company engaged in telecommunications, to evaluate the implementation of the Special Business Request (SBR) marketing program in increasing perceived value by customers. The SBR program is an initiative that offers discounts on large projects to strengthen cooperation with government customers. This research uses a qualitative descriptive method, collecting data from the company through in-depth interviews, observation, documentation, and secondary data. The evaluation was conducted on the effectiveness of the SBR program in increasing customer satisfaction and perceived value, using customer value theory, which emphasizes the difference between the benefits obtained by customers and the costs they incur. The results showed that the SBR program effectively increased customer perceived value, helping PT Telkom Indonesia win significant projects and strengthening long-term relationships with government customers. Recommendations are given to refine the program and introduce more personalized marketing strategies based on individual customer needs to achieve optimal results.

Effectiveness of Block Programming and Quarky Robots to Improve Computational Abilities Thinking through the STEMC Approach

The results of PISA 2022 show that Indonesian students are still weak in science literacy, mathematics, and technology-based problem solving, which are the basis for developing computational thinking (CT) skills. CT includes four primary indicators: decomposition to break down significant problems into smaller parts, pattern recognition to find similarities in data, abstraction to filter out irrelevant information, and algorithms to design systematic steps in solving problems. There are many ways to train CT, so this study uses block programming and the Quarky robot. This approach was chosen because it is visual and interactive and makes it easier to apply CT concepts practically, making it suitable for building 21st-century skills. The study was conducted in two high schools in Banda Aceh, involving 20 students from school A and 26 students from school B. Students were divided into two study groups in each school. Learning activities were designed based on STEMC in the form of Student Worksheets (LKPD), which include interactive learning scenarios, block programming challenges, and exploration of the Quarky robot's functions to solve real problems. The activities were arranged in stages, from a basic introduction to applying CT concepts in solving complex problems. The results showed a significant increase in students' CT abilities, especially in the algorithm indicator. Although both schools progressed, school B recorded higher growth, with better pre-test and post-test results than school A. This shows that block programming-based learning and Quarky robots effectively improve CT skills, which is essential in 21st-century education

Effect of Self-Measuring Blood Pressure Program on Hypertension Control: Analysis by Diabetes Status, Age, Gender, and Race in Rural Arizona.

Rural areas face numerous health challenges, including workforce shortages, limited training opportunities, and delayed care. These disparities can be mitigated by self-management interventions for diseases such as hypertension. This study assessed the implementation of a Self-Measuring Blood Pressure (SMBP) program in rural Arizona, documenting its barriers and patient experiences. In this before-after study, participants were loaned a digital device which they used to self-measure and record blood pressure (BP) over 1 week or more for hypertension diagnosis or 4 weeks or more for monitoring. Blood pressure (BP) control was assessed per the guidelines of the American Heart Association and American Diabetes Association. BP changes between baseline and post-program were assessed using paired-Student t tests. Effect modification by diabetes was analyzed using stratification. Among 740 participants, significant associations were found with gender, age, and controlled BP among non-diabetic patients. Post-intervention, 63.4% of diabetic patients showed controlled BP, and 25.7% of non-diabetic patients had controlled BP, with higher control rates among females and older age groups (60-79 years). Baseline mean SBP was 148.3 ± 19.6 mmHg, improving to 133.9 ± 14.6 mmHg; baseline DBP was 88.5 ± 33.6 mmHg, improving to 83.4 ± 9.6 mmHg. The SMBP program effectively controlled BP, highlighting the value of combining clinical care with telemonitoring.

Effectiveness of a video-assisted teaching program on menstrual cup usage among women (18-45 years age group) in selected colleges of Patna.

Menstrual cups are a sustainable alternative to traditional menstrual products, yet their usage remains low in many regions. In India, only 0.3% of women use menstrual cups, representing a lack of knowledge and a negative attitude towards the use of menstrual cups. This study aimed to promote menstrual cup usage and develop the right attitude among women (18-45 years old) in selected colleges in Patna. One group pre-test-post-test quasi-experimental study was conducted in selected colleges in Patna with a nonrandomized convenient sampling technique employed to select 100 participants. The intervention consisted of a 30-minute video session on menstrual cup usage, and a structured questionnaire administered pre- and post-intervention to assess knowledge and attitudes. Post-intervention analysis showed a significant increase in knowledge and positive attitudes towards menstrual cup usage. The video-assisted teaching program was found effective in enhancing knowledge regarding menstrual cup usage, as evidenced by the mean knowledge score, which improved from 7.25 + 1.89 to 8.40 + 1.43, as well as the attitude mean score, which improved from 32.14 + 8.50 to 33.91 + 7.88. The video-assisted teaching program effectively enhanced knowledge and positively influenced attitudes toward menstrual cup usage among women in the targeted age group. This suggests that similar educational interventions could be beneficial in promoting sustainable menstrual hygiene practices. Many participants suggested that if it is added through government schemes, it will be more valuable in promoting the adoption of menstrual cups among women.

Health changes from trans-theoretical model-based education in older adults with mild cognitive impairment: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundLow awareness and misconceptions surrounding mild cognitive impairment highlight the urgent need for effective health education. Reluctance to seek intervention and poor adherence to management strategies make behavior-oriented health education essential. ObjectiveTo assess the effectiveness and clinical significance of a trans-theoretical model-based health education program on cognitive-behavioral outcomes in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. DesignA two-arm and assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial. Settings and participants100 community-dwelling older adults with mild cognitive impairment in Huzhou, China. MethodsParticipants were randomly assigned to a trans-theoretical model-based health education program (weekly 45–60 min sessions for 8 weeks, followed by 12 weeks of unsupervised practice) or a wait-list control group receiving standard health education. Disease knowledge, behavioral stage, and adherence to health management behaviors were assessed at baseline, 8-week, and 20-week. Effects were evaluated at the group level via generalized estimating equation and at the individual level using reliable and clinically significant change. ResultsThe trans-theoretical model-based health education program demonstrated significant effects over the wait-listed control. Generalized estimating equation analyses showed statistically significant effects on behavioral stage (β8-week = 1.04, 95%CI = 0.34–1.75; β20-week = 1.72, 95%CI = 0.95–2.49), disease knowledge (β8-week = 1.14, 95%CI = 0.26–2.02; β20-week = 1.78, 95%CI = 0.87–2.69), and adherence to health management behaviors (β8-week = 6.20, 95%CI = 2.03–10.37; β20-week = 10.74, 95%CI = 6.47–15.01) at both measured intervals. Additionally, global cognitive function (β8-week = 0.60, 95%CI = -0.18–1.38; β20-week = 2.42, 95%CI = 1.64–3.20), Purdue Pegboard Test Assembly and Bimanual Tasks (β8-week = 0.16/0.38, 95%CI = -0.21–0.53/−0.18–0.94; β20-week = 0.96/1.80, 95%CI = 0.57–1.35/1.17–2.43) improved significantly over time. Reliable and clinically significant change analyses at 8 weeks indicated significant improvements in the intervention group: 57 % of participants improved in disease knowledge (22 % clinically significant), 90 % in adherence to health management behaviors (17 % clinically significant), and 61 % in global cognitive function (10 % clinically significant). By 20 weeks, these rates increased to 63 % (29 %), 100 % (25 %), and 78 % (27 %). However, non-significant improvements in depression symptoms and sleep quality were found at individual-level assessment. ConclusionsThis study shows that the trans-theoretical model-based health education program effectively enhances cognitive-behavioral health outcomes in older adults with mild cognitive impairment, with benefits persisting for 12 weeks. Future research should further explore the potential mechanisms underlying the cognition and behavior-enhancing effects of this program. Registration numberChiCTR1900028351.