Public University Research Articles

Exploring medical students’ perceptions of telehealth in Pakistan: a cross-sectional study

IntroductionThis study aimed to investigate medical students’ perceptions of telehealth in Pakistan and assess the relationship between students’ proficiency in computers and technology, gender, and age.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted on 330 medical students from various universities in Karachi, Pakistan. Data on demographic characteristics, computer proficiency, and perceptions of telehealth were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient were utilized for data analysis.ResultsThe study included 330 participants, predominantly from public universities (83.3%), with a mean age of 21.40 ± 4.24 years. Most participants were pursuing MBBS (67%). In terms of computer proficiency, 41.8% fell into the middle category. Gender correlated significantly with proficiency (p < 0.05), with females more often in the middle category and males in the not-that-amateur category. Age demonstrated a small positive correlation with proficiency (p < 0.05). A majority (77.6%) expressed a general interest in technology. Regarding healthcare apps, 51.8% had 1–3 apps, and 33.6% had none. Most participants believed telehealth would enhance healthcare (72.1%) and make it cheaper (63.3%). Additionally, 56.7% agreed that Pakistan should invest in telehealth, while only 2.7% disagreed.ConclusionThe study revealed that medical students in Pakistan exhibit an interest in technology and perceive telehealth as beneficial. These findings suggest that telehealth holds the potential to enhance healthcare opportunities in Pakistan. Therefore, investing in and expanding telehealth services may represent a viable solution for improving access to healthcare in the country.

Predicting the Elements of Life Necessities for Students at UiTM Melaka

This research delves into the hotly contested topic of residency requirements in our country, which is now receiving a lot of attention from the media. Students at public colleges, especially those from low-income families who already face many obstacles, should pay special attention to this issue. Students who must manage the challenges of university life in addition to having to repay student loans are even more disadvantaged. Thus, the purpose of this study is to investigate the social, psychological, and financial aspects that impact the need for living on campus. 200 questionnaires in all were disseminated using Google Forms and then analyzed. The study utilized multiple regression analysis to evaluate the predictor factors that influence kids' fundamental survival needs. According to the findings, societal factors (b = -.455) had the biggest impact on the fundamental requirements of UiTM Melaka degree and diploma holders. The kids' basic needs were also strongly impacted by psychological (b = -.310) and economic (b = -.357) aspects. These results highlight the vital role that social, economic, and psychological interventions have in improving people's quality of life—not just in college settings, but also in general. The study's high R Square value (.978) indicates that these factors together account for almost all variances in quality of life. As a result, this research supports all-encompassing approaches that target these important factors to enhance people's general well-being, especially those of those who are vulnerable.

COVID-19 pandemic impacts on student learning in undergraduate mineralogy

Online and hybrid instruction as a response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic presented specific challenges in geosciences due to the role of laboratory and field activities. We carried out a research study on student learning in undergraduate mineralogy at a large public research university in the United States over a 4-year period including pre-pandemic in-person instruction and during pandemic online and hybrid instruction. A total of 94 students participated in course activities and mixed-method surveys. Survey results indicated that during the pandemic, students entered the course with lower sense of belonging relative to pre-pandemic students. Despite challenges related to instruction and student learning since 2020, the pandemic did not necessarily produce worse learning outcomes for mineralogy students as measured by course assessments. Structured course delivery and opportunities for interaction can offset challenges resulting from global emergencies.

Artificial intelligence (AI) in Medicine: A cross-sectional study of undergraduate medical students’ knowledge, attitudes, and perceived importance of Artificial Intelligence.

Objective: To assess the knowledge and perceptions of AI among medical students in a public sector medical college of Punjab, Pakistan. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Period: January 2024 to March 2024. Methods: With sample size of 137 convenient sampling technique was used, questionnaire was generated and data was collected from 1st year to final year via online Google forms. Then, data analysis was done using IBM SPSS software version 26. Results: 137 students participated in the study. Majority of the students 123(89.8%) were aware of Artificial Intelligence and its fascinating tools; some out of them 57(41.6%) also knew about Machine Learning &amp; Deep learning and their applications in medical field 87(63.5%). Some of them 44(33.6%) believed that AI will be a burden on medical practitioners but majority 107(78.1%) of the students are willing to work on AI. Conclusion: Many students knew much about AI and they had good perception regarding AI functioning in the medical field. They are keen to master the skills of AI and they are looking forward to utilize these tools in their medical studies as well as during healthcare practice.

Empathy unmasked: the compassion quotient of dental students

BackgroundDespite an empathic doctor patient relationship being of utmost importance to improve health care outcomes, this aspect is scarcely explored in dental students of Pakistan. This primary objective of the present study was to assess the reliability and validity of the Jefferson Scale of Empathy- Health Professions Student (JSE- HPS) version in a sample of Pakistani dental students. The study also compared the differences in empathy levels of dental students studying in different academic years.MethodsThis comparative cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 304 students from first to final year from selected 02 private and 02 public dental colleges of Karachi, Pakistan from December 2021- January 2022. The self-administered Jefferson Scale of Empathy- Health Professions Student (JSE-HPS) version was used for data collection. This questionnaire includes 20 items that can be answered on a 7-point Likert scale. After attendance sheets were obtained, random student names were marked, and questionnaire distributed by hand to these students. All forms were collected right after to maximize response rate.ResultsA total of 304 forms with complete data were returned, a response rate of 86.9%. Females (97.79 ± 15 94) were more empathetic than males (94.16 ± 12.13) (p = 0.001). Students of third-year were the most empathetic (p = 0.000). Internal consistency of questionnaire was acceptable (Cronbach’s α- 0.77). Factor analysis revealed factor related to belief that patient’s perspectives improve health outcome had 14 items with factor coefficient > 0.4 contributing to largest proportion of variance (23.15%).ConclusionsOur study shows JSE- HPS to have acceptable internal consistency. Structural validity of the scale evaluated by confirmatory factor analysis reported results that were in concordance to those suggested by developers of this scale. In our study population, like other studies, females were more empathic than males. Third-year dental students were more empathetic than students of other undergraduate years.

Active learning strategies in entrepreneurship. Perceptions and experiences of students at a Mexican University

The intention of the educational research was to explore the expressions of students after experiencing various active learning strategies to enhance entrepreneurship. In 2023, an educational research project was conducted at a public Mexican university with three groups and two teachers. At the beginning of the course, the students' initial perceptions of the strategies were obtained. Subsequently, during the teaching-learning period, these strategies were guided by the teaching team. At the end of the course, the same students were asked to narrate their experiences with these strategies, and a thematic content analysis of the written narratives was conducted. The results indicate that the students' expressions were mostly positive and encouraging, especially in the early stages, though they declined slightly by the end, with nearly nine out of ten students expressing the intention to start a business someday. Learning through projects, conducting laboratory practices, receiving feedback-mentorship and counseling, attending conferences and visiting companies, and presenting business plans were the strategies perceived as most successful. Meanwhile, collaborating among peers and with teachers from various disciplines was less well received, yet still above 80% in the final evaluation. The students expressed the need for teacher support and solid institutional organization. The findings suggest improvements for teaching entrepreneurship at the university level through active learning, highlighting the challenges of entrepreneurial education.

Sedentary Behavior and Ultra-Processed Food Consumption Associated to BMI Changes in Brazilian Students During COVID-19.

University students experienced significant changes in their routines with the implementation of remote learning during Covid-19 pandemic, including increase in sedentary behavior (SB) time and ultra-processed foods (UPF's) consumption, which may have influenced changes in body mass index (BMI). To evaluate the association between the variation in SB time and UPF's consumption with the variation in BMI, before and during the pandemic, in university students. This is a cross-sectional study, conducted between November 2020 and February 2021, with students from a public university of Southeast of Brazil, who answered an online questionnaire with questions regarding to the period before and during the pandemic. SB was assessed through questions about time spent on TV and electronic devices. A score of the frequency of UPF's consumption was estimated based on the Brazilian Food Guide. Self-reported information on height and body mass was used to calculate BMI. The sample comprised 3390 university students, with an average age of 28.7 (± 10.0) years. Among them, 65.4% were undergraduates, and 66.9% were women. SB time, UPF score, and BMI increased significantly during the pandemic, compared to the previous period. In this population, there was a significant association between increased SB time (β = 0.06; SE = 0.01; p < 0.001) and UPF score (β = 0.08; SE = 0.01; p < 0.001) with an increase in BMI. Changes in SB time and UPF score were associated with an increase in BMI before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in students from a Brazilian University.

Optimizing EFL learning: exploring the role of learner background factors and the nuances of their effects on intrinsic and extrinsic motivation among university students in a mixed-methods study

IntroductionMotivation is a driving force behind man’s behavior which has led to many psychological studies throughout the world. Moreover, it is the fuel for successful learning. While intrinsic motives provide the internal rewards, extrinsic motivation supplies the required external rewards to keep the engine of learning running. Knowing the factors which impact intrinsic/extrinsic motivation helps educators target their efforts at a higher level and make more informed decisions.MethodThis study intends to examine how intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivation may be influenced by demographics including learners’ background factors of major, age, and occupation and to determine the relationships that may exist between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. To this end, an explanatory sequential mixed-methods research was conducted at one of the public universities in Shiraz on the majors of Elementary Education, Educational Affairs, Social Studies and Theology, and the Arabic language which were selected through cluster sampling. These students were having their English courses at the university. Based on Krejcie and Morgan’s formula for sample size, a questionnaire was administered to 100 participants to collect quantitative data. Moreover, semi-structured interview sessions were conducted with one fourth of the participants.ResultsUsing Multiple Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) and Pearson correlation, we found that learners’ background factors of age, field of study and professional status did not affect intrinsic nor extrinsic motivation. However, significant and positive relationships were found between intrinsic motivation and total motivation index, and between extrinsic motivation and total motivation index. Qualitative data obtained from the interviews were analyzed using a thematic analysis. The results of the interviews showed some new illuminating trends as revealed from the participants’ responses and it was found that most interviewees followed intrinsic motives and considered motivation as a factor of great significance.ConclusionIn the English as a Foreign Language (EFL) context in which our study was conducted, instructors can follow more similar classroom motivational techniques and strategies since neither type of motivation was influenced by the variables of different major, age and occupation. Though many studies have shown that EFL learners are more extrinsically motivated in comparison with ESL ones, our study revealed that participants were more intrinsically motivated. Thus, this study may be replicated in other educational contexts such as an ESL context. The study can also be repeated in some universities in which other educational systems such as coed education is used to see the possible similarities and differences. Motivation is the important stimulant to impel the learners to achieve their learning goals; thus, it should receive sufficient attention in various educational settings.

DEA-Based Malmquist Productivity Approach for Assessing Total Factor Productivity Change in Malaysian Public Universities

This study uses the non-parametric frontier method to examine the productivity growth of Malaysian public universities from 2017 to 2021. It examines changes in productivity at university groups and individual institutions, using three inputs (academic staff, undergraduate student enrolment, and postgraduate student enrolment) and three outputs (undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications awarded and publications). This study analyses productivity changes and breaks them down into technical efficiency and technological change using the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA)-based Malmquist productivity index (MPI). The analysis reveals that public universities in Malaysia have seen an average annual increase in MPI of 0.5% over the period of the study. However, when the components of this productivity change are examined, it becomes evident that Malaysian public universities have had an annual average 1.3% increase in technology along with a 0.8% decline in technical efficiency. Further evaluation of the indexes reveals disparities between Malaysian university groups. Technical, comprehensive, and research universities make up the group that performs the best to the worst. Although Malaysian public universities’ productivity is increasing, it is mostly due to technology, which comes at the expense of decreased technical efficiency.

Microaggressions among staff in higher education: Examining differences by social identities, and the association with job satisfaction

Microaggressions are everyday slights or insults directed toward members of marginalized groups; microaggressions are harmful, even if unintentional, and they occur in various contexts including the workplace. However, there is limited research on microaggressions among staff in higher education. The first aim of this study was to obtain systematic reports of experiences of microaggressions and other forms of discrimination among staff at a large public university. The second aim was to test for differences in these experiences as a function of staff members’ race/ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, and disability status. A third aim was to examine whether microaggression and discrimination predicted job satisfaction. Web-based survey data were collected from a diverse sample of 680 university staff members. The survey included adapted versions of two scales on microaggressions and standard measures of everyday and workplace discrimination. Results indicated that experiences of microaggressions and discrimination were common among staff, and differed by race/ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, and disability status, with those of marginalized identities reporting significantly more negative experiences. Finally, more frequent experiences of microaggressions and workplace discrimination predicted lower job satisfaction. These findings indicate a need for education on microaggressions pertaining to campus climate improvement in institutions of higher education.

Environmental concern and eco-entrepreneurial intention: the mediating effects of nature-based solutions and self-efficacy.

Environmental responsibility is crucial in both consumption and production processes. Increasing environmental concerns of societies require eco-innovative and nature-based solutions (NBS) for entrepreneurs. Young people's intentions as potential innovators and entrepreneurs on eco-entrepreneurship with mediating effects have not been investigated, which is a shortcoming in the literature. This study was conducted with 920 respondents from a public university (Düzce University) students to determine the underlying motivations of eco-entrepreneurship intentions using structural equation modeling (SEM) and bootstrap methodology. SEM results show that environmental concerns have a positive direct effect (β = 0.62) on students' eco-entrepreneurship intention. This study can serve the several sustainable development goals (SDGs) making suggestions for the efficient and effective use of production factors in terms of environmentally responsible behavior. Study results provide data for sustainable business applications and eco-innovative thinking. Study results intend the direction of modern environmental governance, policymakers, and SEM developers.

Inclusive Policies and the Permanence of Students with Disabilities in Higher Education 2024

The situations of disability of students in public and private universities in Ecuador and the use of inclusive policies represent a point of analysis and institutional application worthy of research. Through the implementation and evaluation of these policies, it is intended to guarantee equitable access to education, while promoting an inclusive academic environment. The research aimed to determine the relationship between inclusive policies and the permanence of students with disabilities at the University of Guayaquil during the fiscal period 2023, through a quantitative approach, non-experimental design, correlational scope, and cross-sectional section. The adaptation of perception instruments on inclusive policies and student permanence was used, which were validated by experts in addition to establishing adequate reliability indices, for a total sample of 113 students. Among its results, it evidenced a medium perception of inclusive policies with 56.64% by students, about their application in higher education institutions; in relation to the perception of student permanence, a mean perception of 62.83% by students corresponded. Likewise, a positive and significant relationship was denoted between both inclusive policies and the permanence of students with disabilities in the university. In conclusion, as the application of inclusive policies is perceived, the permanence of students with disabilities is guaranteed.

Reducing mental health stigma in academia: Assessing the acceptability of a first-person narrative program.

Academics are more likely to experience mental health difficulties like depression and anxiety. However, stigma remains a key barrier to help-seeking, and limited data exists on stigma reduction for academics. This study examines the acceptability of a first-person narrative-based antistigma program conducted by Dragonfly Mental Health at a large public university. This intervention used a multitiered approach that leverages education and contact strategies to reduce stigma among graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, staff, and faculty. Personal stories of six local faculty with lived experience of mental health struggles were shown in a short film during three separate departmental retreats, followed by moderated large and small group discussions. This study presents descriptive survey data from academics (N = 149) who attended one of these three programs. A thematic content analysis was conducted on open-ended responses from 86 participants. Overall, the Dragonfly Mental Health program was well-received: 95% of participants found the film beneficial, and over 92% felt the film and discussions reduced stigma. Qualitative analysis highlighted several themes on participants' experiences. Participants appreciated the open, honest disclosures of faculty members in the film but reported that the vague disclosures perpetuated stigma. Participants liked the normalization of mental illness but desired more representation from the mental health spectrum. Participants expressed frustration over an academic work culture that is defined by overwork and burnout. These findings suggest that sharing faculty stories is a powerful mechanism to build connectedness among academics, promote open communication, and foster change in academic culture around mental health. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Relationship between perceived value, attitudes, and academic motivation in distance learning among nursing students in rural areas

BackgroundNursing students manifest a distinct level of intellect and comprehension, impacting their attitudes and perceived significance of distance learning in education. This study examined the attitudes, perceived value, and academic motivation surrounding distance learning among Jordanian nursing students, offering insights crucial to optimizing their educational journey.MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional design was used. A convenience sample of 298 undergraduate Jordanian nursing students was recruited from two public universities in rural cities in south Jordan. Data were collected via self-reported instruments (June 2022 to August 2022). A Pearson correlation and independent t-test were used to examine the relationship between variables.ResultsThe mean age of students was 20.9 years (SD = 1.16), and most students have a low perceived value of distance learning (n = 181, 60.7%). Most students (n = 179, 60.1%) have negative attitudes toward distance learning, and only 39.9% reflected positive attitudes. More than half of the participants (n = 166, 55.7%) reflected less academic motivation toward distance learning. Positive significant relationships were found between students’ perceived value of distance learning and their attitudes and academic motivation toward distance learning; low perceived value of distance learning was related significantly with low attitudes (r = 0.844, p < 0.01) and less academic motivation toward it (r = 0.721, p < 0.01).ConclusionNursing students’ perceived value, attitudes, and academic motivation toward DL in rural regions is inadequate. Educators must provide valuable visions to expand the quality of health education in rural universities and improve health care.

Examining graduate student perspectives on supervision and peer mentoring across four professional faculties

Purpose The purpose of the study was to examine graduate student perspectives on the common and unique roles peer mentors and supervisors play in supporting student success and wellbeing during their program. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative research design involving semistructured interviews with 62 thesis-based masters and doctoral students from four professional faculties, Education, Medicine, Nursing and Social Work, at a large public research-intensive university in Canada. Findings Findings transcend the four disciplines of study. Communities of support are described that involve both supervisors and peers in combination, clusters of meaning by supervisory paradigm are identified and original findings presented that expand upon the learning alliance framework by explicitly considering the role of peer mentors in graduate student success. Research limitations/implications While supervisors bear primary responsibility for fostering effective research-based relationships, this study’s findings strengthen the argument that mentoring and advising of graduate students is most effective when conducted within a collaborative community of support that involves learning alliances among faculty, peers, program staff and academic leaders across the institution. Practical implications A four-pronged approach to graduate education that emphasizes the collective responsibility of institutions, programs, supervisors and students in creating a supportive ecosystem for holistic graduate student academic success and wellbeing is recommended. Social implications Key argument that it is essential to embrace a collaborative and community of support mindset, where multiple stakeholders actively contribute to the wellbeing and academic development of graduate students throughout their programs. Originality/value A cross-disciplinary perspective is offered on the importance of both supervisors and peers in assisting thesis-based graduate students to successfully navigate academic, social and personal journeys through graduate school.

Selected lifestyle factors as students transition from secondary school to university in Slovakia.

The study aimed to evaluate self-perceived changes in lifestyle factors, particularly physical activity (PA), following the transition from secondary school to university. A secondary objective was to examine the relationship between lifestyle variables and weekly PA frequency. Key factors assessed included sleep quality, dietary habits, alcohol and tobacco consumption, and PA frequency. The study surveyed 1,665 first-year undergraduate students at Slovak public universities (mean age: 20.73 years, SD ±1.39) using adapted versions of Healthy Lifestyle Questionnaire (CEVS-II) and the Brief Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (B-PSQI). Data collection took place between December 2022 and February 2023. Significant declines were observed in most lifestyle variables after students transitioned to university. The proportion of students engaging in irregular, or no PA increased from 37% before university to 46% during their studies (p < 0.01). Reports of tiredness upon waking also rose, from 52 to 64% (p < 0.01). Meal frequency decreased, particularly among males, with the percentage of students eating only 1-2 meals per day rising from 9 to 15% (p < 0.05). Conversely, the regularity of breakfast consumption increased, increasing from 65 to 73% (p < 0.01). No significant changes were observed in tobacco smoking habits. The findings highlight a notable reduction in PA and other lifestyle factors during the transition to university life. These results emphasize the need for targeted interventions to support healthy behaviors during this critical life phase.

Diversity and Grit: First-Generation College Students in Online Degree Programs

ABSTRACT First-generation college students (FGCS) show self-determination and resilience as they seek to become the first within their families to earn a higher education degree. Colleges are beginning to recognize these strengths as they recruit and keep a diverse student population, particularly within the expanding online degree programs. For better insight into FGCS experiences online compared to students enrolled in traditional degree programs, researchers examined a secondary dataset from an anonymous undergraduate survey conducted at a 4-year public university. Among 412 survey respondents who identified as first-generation, 71 were enrolled in online degree programs. This study examines scores on the Grit-S and Social Support scales and student use of campus resources. Results highlight online students’ pattern of self-reliance over seeking outside support. They also had less connection to campus resources. Increased social support can enhance their sense of belonging to the learning community as online FGCS. Improving support for online students starts with collaboration between educators and administrators. Focusing on increasing academic confidence we can develop opportunities for online students to connect virtually with tutors, mentors, peer study groups, and faculty.

Empirical Research on Student Satisfaction with Career Services in Public Universities

Providing long-term career guidance is an increasingly important role of public universities. Career services have become one of the most important evaluation factors for universities. This study used a mixed-methods approach to track and measure students satisfaction with career services in a public university in China. We designed and validated a questionnaire, then distributed it to university students. The questionnaire explored factors comprising the perceived quality of career services, with 20 quality indicators (e.g., employment skills training). According to the results, the perceived usefulness of career services was statistically significantly correlated with student satisfaction. The factors affecting student satisfaction varied with students’ grades. All 20 indicators had an impact on student satisfaction. The top three indicators contributing to higher satisfaction levels were the teacher’s teaching capacity, teacher’s knowledge, and guidance on career planning. The results led us to suggest that public universities can strengthen career services by enlisting the participation of all teachers, developing student-centered programs, and offering a wide variety of enrichment activities to improve the employability of graduates.

Impact of information literacy on research work performance: measuring thesis students’ competency at a public university in Bangladesh

Impact of information literacy on research work performance: measuring thesis students’ competency at a public university in Bangladesh

People First Services: A Qualitative Study on Library Consolidations

ABSTRACTThis poster presents results from a phenomenological research study investigating the effects of a university consolidation on the affiliated libraries of three U. S. public universities. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted through purposive sampling of twelve librarians working at three different consolidated institutions within the same university system. Data was analyzed through the lens of sensemaking theory, a process where individuals attempt to construct meaning and enact their roles within an organization through their evolving experiences (Ancona, 2011; Weick, 1995), and organizational theory which provides both a theoretical and practical way of managing, understanding, analyzing, and improving organizations based on patterns of design and behavior (Daft, 2001). The use of Bolman and Deal's (1997) organizational theory, including the structural frame, the human resource frame, the political frame, and the symbolic frame, provides insight into the effects on library services and librarians' identity resulting from consolidations.