Public University Students Research Articles

Undergraduate Students’ Post-Covid-19 Experiences with E-learning Platforms at Selected Public Universities in the Ashanti Region, Ghana

The study investigated students’ post-Covid-19 experiences with e-learning platforms among undergraduate students of public universities selected in the Ashanti region of Ghana. The study respectively drew 289 respondents from two public universities, i.e., Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Business School, and the Kumasi Technical University (KsTU) Business School in Ghana. Given that the population from the two public universities was fairly high, sampling had to be done. The overall population of the study was 480 students, randomly sampled from the two public universities, using the sampling ratio given by Alreck and Settle (2004). The population constituted 360 students from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Business School, and 120 from the Kumasi Technical University Business School (KsTU). The study employed questionnaires as a data collection tool. The data gathered were 289 responses out of 480 questionnaires administered; therefore, the response rate was 60.2%. The data were analysed using pie charts, bar charts, percentages, and line graphs. Findings revealed that the e-learning platforms were still useful. However, the students used them on a weekly basis in the post-Covid-19 era, unlike during the Covid-19 era, when they were used daily. All other academic activities, with the exception of examinations, are still undertaken on the e-learning platforms; however, they are being underutilised in the post-Covid-19 experience. The study recommends that universities should invest in infrastructure development to enable all academic activities, most especially examinations, to be undertaken by using e-learning platforms to curtail future challenges.

PP138 Awareness Of Health Technology Assessment And Its Predictors Among Medical Students In Public Universities In Klang Valley, Malaysia

IntroductionLack of awareness has been recognized as one of the most important barriers in the implementation of health technology assessment (HTA) across numerous countries. Medical students have been identified as a vital target group to instill an awareness, basic knowledge, and positive attitude towards HTA from the beginning of their medical career. Presently, there was no study found conducted on HTA awareness in medical students in Malaysia. This study aims to determine the level of awareness of HTA, and its predictors among clinical year medical students in public universities in Klang Valley, Malaysia.MethodsA cross-sectional study using the stratified random sampling method was conducted among clinical year medical students in four public universities in Klang Valley, Malaysia. The data on level of awareness of HTA and its associated factors were collected using a self-administered online questionnaire. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 27 to determine the level of awareness of HTA, its associated factors and predictors.ResultsThe total number of study participants was 323 and the response rate was 90 percent. The analysis showed that 69 percent of respondents had low level of awareness of HTA while 31 percent had high level of awareness of HTA. Factors associated with the level of awareness of HTA was attitude towards HTA (p < 0.001). The predictors of level of awareness of HTA were attitude towards HTA (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 7.417, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.491, 15.758), peer interaction on HTA (AOR = 0.320, 95% CI: 0.115, 0.888), and previous training on HTA (AOR = 4.849, 95% CI: 1.096, 21.444).ConclusionsThe majority of clinical year medical students in public university have low awareness of HTA which can be predicted by the level of attitude, peer interaction and training of HTA. Therefore, it is important to increase awareness among these future medical practitioners to encourage evidence-based decision-making. Early exposure and introduction of HTA in the current university curriculum in collaboration with a local HTA agency can be recommended to increase awareness as well as to improve students’ attitude towards HTA.

The Influence of Financial Attitude, Literacy, Knowledge and Skills on Financial Management Behaviour Among Students in Public University

University students are considered a high-risk demographic with financial instability due to a high propensity towards funds to pay for education. This study explored the effects of the theory of planned behaviour; Attitude (financial attitude), Subjective Norms (financial literacy), and Perceived Behavioural Control (financial knowledge and skills) on financial management behaviour among public university students. All data were collected via a convenient sampling method by using a questionnaire with a total of 363 respondents to examine the alternative hypothesis. The results obtained in this study indicated that Attitude (financial attitude), Subjective Norms (financial literacy), and Perceived Behavioural Control (financial knowledge and skills) positively and significantly influenced financial management behaviour among students. As such, this study could be a useful source of information for the creation of a financial management syllabus, especially in higher education.

Use of anxiolytics/antidepressants among university students in the pre-vaccine period of the COVID-19 pandemic

The present study assessed the prevalence of the use of anxiolytics/antidepressants and associated factors among university students in the pre-vaccine period of the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 983 students of public and private universities in Brazil. Data were collected between September and December 2020 with the aid of a questionnaire available on the Survey Monkey® platform addressing socioeconomic data, self-rated health, the use of anxiolytics/antidepressants, history of depression, psychological/psychiatric treatment and aspects of the undergraduate course. Statistical analysis involved descriptive statistics and Poisson regression with robust variance (α = 5%). The prevalence of anxiolytics/antidepressants use was 15.7%. The use of anxiolytics/antidepressants was associated with the female sex (PR = 1.53; 95% CI: 1.03-2.26), dissatisfaction with one’s overall health (PR = 1.40; 95% CI: 1.08-1.82), undergoing psychological/psychiatric treatment (PR = 2.85; 95% CI: 1.91-4.22) and a medical diagnosis of depression (PR = 3.44; 95% CI: 2.52-4.70). The female sex, dissatisfaction with one’s own overall health status, undergoing psychological/psychiatric treatment and a medical diagnosis of depression exerted an influence on the use of anxiolytics/antidepressants by undergraduate university students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Carbon Dioxide Monitoring Demonstrates Variations in the Quality of Ventilation on Public Transportation Buses and University Student Shuttle Vans and Identifies Effective Interventions.

There is a risk for transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and other respiratory viruses in motor vehicles, particularly if ventilation is inadequate. We used carbon dioxide monitoring to examine the quality of ventilation in several public transportation buses and in university student shuttle vans in the Cleveland metro area during peak and non-peak travel times. Carbon dioxide levels above 800 parts per million (ppm) were considered an indicator of suboptimal ventilation for the number of people present. In the shuttle vans, we evaluated the impact of an intervention to improve ventilation. In large articulated buses with 2 ventilation systems, carbon dioxide concentrations never exceeded 800 ppm, whereas in standard buses with 1 ventilation system concentrations rose above 800 ppm during peak travel times and on some trips during non-peak travel times. In shuttle vans, the ventilation system was not turned on during routine operation, and carbon dioxide levels rose above 800 ppm on all trips during peak and non-peak travel times. In the shuttle vans, an intervention involving operation of the existing ventilation system resulted in a significant reduction in carbon dioxide levels (mean concentration, 1,042 no intervention versus 785 with intervention; P < 0.001). Our findings demonstrate substantial variability in the quality of ventilation in public transportation buses and university shuttle vans. There is a need for efforts to assess and optimize ventilation in motor vehicles used for public transportation to reduce the risk for aerosol-mediated transmission of respiratory viruses. Carbon dioxide monitoring may provide a useful tool to assess and improve ventilation.

An egocentric network analysis of U.S. college students’ recollection of mental health symptoms and social connections during the COVID-19 pandemic

Objective: This study analyzes pandemic-era diminished mental health and social connections among college students. Participants: Students of a large public university completed an online survey measuring self-reported mental health symptoms for themselves and that of their closest social connections. Methods: Three regression models were used to understand if pandemic-era diminished mental health was associated with mental health characteristics present among their social networks: (1) depressive symptoms, (2) loneliness, and (3) hopelessness. Results: Students experiencing depressive symptoms (R2 = 0.13, F = 3.685, p < 0.001) perceived depressive symptoms (β = 0.32, p = 0.01) among their social connections. Students experiencing loneliness (R2 = 0.13, F = 3.867, p < 0.001) perceived loneliness (β = 0.39, p = 0.02) among their social connections. Students experiencing hopelessness (R2 = 0.14, F = 4.223, p < 0.001) perceived depressive symptoms (β = 0.35, p = 0.01) among their social connections. Conclusion: Social connections may influence mental health symptoms and could be a social determinant of certain mental health outcomes.

PERBEZAAN GENDER DAN STATUS SOSIOEKONOMI TERHADAP KEBIMBANGAN BAHASA ASING DALAM KALANGAN PELAJAR UNIVERSITI AWAM DI SABAH

This study was conducted to identify the level of foreign language anxiety (FLA), gender differences,and socioeconomic status influence on FLA among public university students in Sabah. The research wascarried out at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) branch in KotaKinabalu, Sabah. A total of 358 respondents, consisting of 104 males and 254 females, participated in thisstudy. The research adapted the Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale (FLCAS) questionnaire developedby Horwitz, Horwitz, and Cope (1986). Data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for SocialScience (SPSS) version 28.0. The study results indicated that the level of FLA among public university studentsin Sabah is at a moderate level. The study also showed gender differences in FLA among male and femalestudents (p &lt; .05), where female students (M = 97.97, SD = 20.88) exhibited higher levels of FLA compared tomale students (M = 91.22, SD = 20.09). Furthermore, the study revealed socioeconomic status differences inFLA among public university students in Sabah (p &lt; .05). The findings showed that students from lowsocioeconomic status were reported to have high levels of FLA (M = 97.72, SD = 21.02). On the other hand,students from high socioeconomic status had lower levels of FLA (M = 83.63, SD = 16.79). The findings of thisstudy can provide a deeper understanding and clarity for students, parents, and educators regarding the issue ofFLA that often occurs among students. Suggestions for future research include expanding the scope of locationsand study samples, diversifying data collection methods, and conducting longitudinal studies.

Factors Influencing Rate of Completion of Undergraduate Students in Public Universities in Kenya. A Case of University of Nairobi, Faculty of Education

Factors Influencing Rate of Completion of Undergraduate Students in Public Universities in Kenya. A Case of University of Nairobi, Faculty of Education

Electro-Learning amidst Covid-19 Lockdown and Related Challenges of Undergraduates in Nigerian Universities

This paper examined the various electronic learning platforms adopted by undergraduates in Nigerian Universities which include both private and public universities in Nigeria and its related challenges during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020. The coronavirus’ enormous consequences, which affected all countries and industries, influenced around 91% of the world's students. The objective of this study is to investigate the experiences of private and public university undergraduates in a Nigerian University, to determine whether there is a significant disparity in the accessibility, affordability, and ease of use of the various e-learning platforms that were adopted during the global pandemic lockdown. The study employed the survey method in eliciting useful information from undergraduates in Covenant University, and in the University of Lagos. The population of the study consisted of 374 undergraduates from both schools. Due to the inaccessibility of students whose lecturers were on industrial action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, the questionnaire was physically distributed to students at Covenant University, while a Google form was generated for students at the University of Lagos. Data was analyzed using descriptive techniques in frequencies, percentages, and linear regression analysis. Results from the study revealed that 68.1% of students at Covenant University utilized more e-learning platforms like Moodle, Coursera, Zoom, and WebEx unlike their counterparts at the University of Lagos who used only Moodle and Zoom with 43.6%. Also, 87.5% of Covenant University undergraduates made use of their laptops mostly for their e-learning classes while 56.4% of their counterparts in the University of Lagos mostly made use of their smartphones. Findings revealed that students from public Universities faced major challenges such as unstable internet, limited financial capability in buying devices such as laptops, and lack of skill and competence in navigating the e-learning platforms while students in the private universities on the contrary had relatively stable internet connectivity, could afford laptops and smart devices and had the requisite skills to properly navigate their e-learning platforms. The study concludes by recommending the provision of substantial financing that will aid in the acquisition of relevant technology to promote and support e-learning in public universities in Nigeria. It also suggested the inclusion of public University students with adequate training on how to navigate the e-learning platforms, thereby equipping them with the requisite skills needed to maximize the benefits of e-learning. The study emphasizes how the use of e-learning can be an effective sustainable learning solution for current and future situations by the main actors, educators, and learners. In the long run, the Nigerian educational system would be better prepared to face future emergencies that may warrant the adoption of remote learning.

The Predictive Power of Academic Motivation of Primary School Teacher Candidates on Their Self-Efficacy in the First Reading and Writing Teaching

The aim of this study was to determine the predictive power of academic motivation of primary school teacher candidates on their self-efficacy in the first reading and writing teaching. To this end, the study was designed as correlational survey model. The universe of the study consisted of public university students at Grades 2, 3 and 4 of the department of primary school education in 2021-2022 spring semester and the participants were selected randomly for this study. As data collection tool, “Academic Motivation Scale” was used in order to determine the motivational level of candidate primary school teachers, whereas “Self-Efficacy Scale for the First Reading and Writing Teaching” was used to evaluate the self-efficacy of the primary school teacher candidates in the first reading and writing teaching. Designed on “Google Forms”, these two scales were administered to teacher candidates in one online session. For the data collection procedure, two weeks were allowed for data collection. At the end of this duration, the data was analyzed. As for data analysis, descriptive statistical analysis and simple linear regression analysis were used in the study. As a result of the study, it was seen that both academic motivation level and self-efficacy level of the teacher candidates on the first reading and writing teaching were at high level. Additionally, it was realized that there was a significant relationship between academic motivation and self-efficacy in the first reading and writing teaching, and also it was stated that academic motivation significantly predicted the level of self-efficacy in the first reading and writing teaching. Besides, academic motivation accounted for 22% of the changes in the self-efficacy scores in the first reading and writing teaching.

Risk perception and its predictors towards type 2 diabetes mellitus among students in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has become increasingly prevalent among young adults. Risk perception is believed to be an important determinant of preventive health behaviors; however, young adults remain unaware of the benefits. The current study aimed to examine Malaysian public university students' perceived risk of developing T2DM and its predictors. This cross-sectional study involved a total of 1078 healthy students at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). The validated Malay version of the Questionnaire on Risk Perception of Developing Non-Communicable Diseases in Malaysia was used to assess their perceived risk of developing T2DM in the future. Multiple logistic regression was used to analyze the data regarding the predictors of perceived risk to obtain the final model after controlling the potential confounders. . It was found that the majority of respondents (83.8%) perceived low risk of developing T2DM. Results from the multiple logistic regression indicated that respondents from non-health related faculties (OR, 1.71: 95% CI 1.162, 2.515), smoking (OR, 8.43: 95% CI 1.108, 64.130), consume fast food ≥ 3 times/month (OR, 1.56: 95% CI 1.104, 2.207), and snacking ≥ 3 times/week (OR, 1.79: 95% CI 1.262, 2.550) were significant positive predictors while family history of diabetes was a negative predictor (OR, 0.50: 95% CI 0.350, 0.695). Students who self-rated themselves as practising healthy lifestyles and actively seeking health information perceived a low risk of developing diabetes in the future. . The findings indicate that students perceived their risk as low even though they have the risk. This creates an urgent need to emphasize the necessity of diabetes prevention education, especially on socio-behavioral factors, to address the widespread misunderstandings among university students regarding diabetes risk factors to reduce diabetes incidence.

Opportunities and challenges in clinical learning of midwifery students in public Universities of Tigray Region, Ethiopia, 2020: a qualitative study

BackgroundClinical learning focuses on real problems in the context of professional practice in which learners are motivated by its relevance and active participation. Studies showed that midwifery students were challenged by the absence of a variety of cases in non-teaching hospitals, overcrowded teaching hospitals, absence of objective-based evaluation methods, and lack of supervision from clinical instructors. If the theory learned in class was applied in practice, it is helpful to produce skillful and competent midwifery professionals. The aim of this study was exploring opportunities and challenges for midwifery students in the clinical learning environment.Methodsthe study was conducted in public Universities of Tigray, Ethiopia. Phenomenology study design and purposive sampling technique were employed; four focused group discussions and five key informant interviews were conducted. Data were collected using an open-ended guide, transcribed verbatim, entered into ATLAS ti7 software, and translated. Then codes and themes were derived from the transcribed data, and finally analyzed thematically.Resultsa total of 33 participants in which 28 in four focused group discussions and five key informant interviews participated in this study. Based on the result, midwifery students were getting opportunities to practice when they were assigned to non-teaching hospitals, working with close supervision, having smooth relationships with staff, receiving constructive feedback, and evaluated based on their skills. Whereas, they were challenged by aggressive staff, poor follow up, overcrowded teaching hospitals, low usage of skills lab, and short time for clinical practice.ConclusionMidwifery students have positive attitude, and were getting opportunities to practice while they were assigned to a very conducive clinical learning environment with supportive and skillful clinical instructors/ preceptors. However, they have negative attitude, and were challenged to work due to the poor attention given to midwifery students’ clinical learning. It is recommended that midwifery students have to practice well in skills lab before they assigned for clinical practice so that the skills lab have to be strengthen with all necessary materials for clinical practice and clinical instructors have to be integrated to teaching hospitals so as to educate students while their hands-on.

Internet access as a moderator of mental health and satisfaction with life during the COVID-19 pandemic: Evidence from young Filipino undergraduates from income-poor households

The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced extraordinary challenges in the personal and school lives of young people living in poverty in the Philippines. These pandemic-induced life challenges can be further complicated when the students experience mental health problems and have poor access to the Internet. Using the lens of capability approach, this cross-sectional online survey study examines how the interaction of mental health, and Internet access influence satisfaction with life during the pandemic among young, income-poor Filipino undergraduates through moderation analysis. A total of 1,393 public university students aged 18 to 24 years old from households earning an estimated monthly income of less than PhP10,000 (198USD) were included in this study. Findings reveal that more than half (53 %) of the sample report having unstable Internet access. Mental well-being was positively linked with satisfaction with life. Moreover, moderation analysis results suggest that stable Internet access can weaken the impact of poor mental health on life satisfaction among the income-poor students. The findings highlight the importance of addressing the mental and digital needs of youth living in poverty to improve their overall well-being.

Perceived soft skills needs of agriculture students in public universities in Niger Delta, Nigeria

The study investigated the perceived soft skills needs of agriculture students in public universities in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria. The population of the study is 11,283 agriculture undergraduate students in the 12 public universities in states in the Niger Delta geo-political zone. The sample size was 300 agriculture undergraduate students. Multistage sampling procedure was used to select the sample. The instrument for data collection was a questionnaire. Percentage and mean were used for analysis. Results revealed that the majority of the respondents (97.2%) could communicate effectively; 96% had a good sense of humour; 95.6% possessed the ability to cope with new changes; 92% possessed the ability to meet responsibilities on time; 89.6% possessed problem-solving skills. The results also revealed that agriculture students need many soft skills; some of which are creative thinking skills (x̄ =3.51), teamwork skills (x̄ =3.50); problem-solving/decision-making skills (x̄ =3.48); and leadership/management skills (x̄ ==3.47) among others. The universities should establish 6-month to 1-year student internship programmes, which will enable agriculture students to fully understand professional soft skills such as teamwork, creative thinking skills, and time management, among others that are relevant to the establishment and sustainability of agro-based enterprises.

The Trend of Using Social Networking Site at Public University Students

The utilization of Social Networking Sites (SNS) has experienced a surge in popularity in recent years, particularly among university students for the purposes of studying and communication. This paper investigates the experiences of university students in using social networking sites (SNS) and the approaches they choose to enhance social interaction and learning activities by utilizing social media platforms such as Facebook, You tube, Instagram, and WhatsApp. The quantitative study was established on primary data gathered from a semi-structured face-to-face and on air interview with Jahangirnagar University students who reported the multiple strategies in learning and communicative activities and experiences received from SNS. The results of the study showed how many times they spent using SNS. Despite some limitations, varsity students use SNS for social and academic purposes. Unpleasant experiences like restlessness, low self-esteem, anxiety, physical threats, cyberbullying, online harassment, were also noted by the participants. This study was done using interview with 500 students of university coming from different background. Nevertheless, there is an apparent increase in the reliance on social networking sites (SNS), which poses a potential risk to the academic, social, and physical well-being of students.

Factors affecting accounting students’ misuse of chatgpt: an application of the fraud triangle theory

PurposeThis study aims to explore the factors that contribute to student academic dishonesty through an examination of the misuse of AI language models. Using the fraud triangle theory, which posits that opportunity, rationalization and pressure are key factors for fraudulent behavior, this study investigates how these elements interact and contribute to academic dishonesty among students.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, data on how accounting students used ChatGPT to cheat was acquired from 279 accounting students in Jordanian public universities over the course of two months, from January 2023 to March 2023, through previously tested and validated questionnaires. The main tool for gathering data was a questionnaire distributed online using Microsoft Forms.FindingsThe results show that all of the fraud triangle factors are significant determinants of student academic dishonesty and student misuse of ChatGPT. The findings of this research can be used to guide the development of technology-based preventative measures.Originality/valueThis study provides valuable insights into the motivations and factors that drive students to engage in academic dishonesty and sheds light on the broader issue of technology-assisted academic dishonesty and its impact on the educational system. This study’s contribution is significant, as it sheds light on a pressing issue in education and provides valuable information for educators and policymakers to address the problem and improve academic standards.

‘Students’ Perception of Online Education during Covid-19: A study on the Students of University of Dhaka

Due to the global pandemic, there has been an emergency shift in higher education of Bangladesh from face-to-face to fully online mode. This quick and somewhat unplanned change in the mode of teaching-learning has created a lot of challenges for both the teachers and the students. It is evident that the students, especially the public university students are mostly suffering because of this change. This qualitative study thus focuses on the perceptions of the students of University of Dhaka about this new way of teaching and learning and its effects on their lives. The finding reveals that most of the challenges are regarding infrastructural conditions, economic condition, mental wellbeing and teacher-student relationship. This study also explores possible solutions for these challenges and ways to incorporate online or blended education strategies in the higher education system of Bangladesh. Teacher’s World: Journal of Education and Research, Vol. 48(2), Dec 2022, p.41-53

The Differences in Ethnic and Gender on Communication Styles among Public University Students in Klang Valley, Malaysia

The Differences in Ethnic and Gender on Communication Styles among Public University Students in Klang Valley, Malaysia

Attitude, Motivation, Anxiety, and Academic Performance During the Learning Process in Students at Public Universities in Peru

The knowledge society requires universities to prepare professionals with autonomy during training. It was proposed to relate the attitude, motivation, anxiety, and academic performance during the learning process in students at public universities in Peru, comparing the results according to gender, area, and cycle of studies. The study was descriptive-correlational-comparative, quantitative, and cross-sectional. 792 students from two public universities in Peru participated, intentionally selected, applied a duly validated scale to collect information. A correlation (p &lt; .05) was found between attitude, motivation, anxiety, and academic performance during the learning process in students of public universities in Peru, being the statistically significant correlation of direct mean level between academic performance and attitude (.445**) and between academic performance and motivation (.438**), for the variables academic performance and anxiety, a statistically significant correlation of low and inverse level (-.225**) was found. It is concluded that the student who presents a greater attitude towards science has more excellent academic performance, that greater motivation has greater academic performance, and that greater anxiety, lower academic performance.

Internationalization of Higher Education, University Quality Service, and International Students’ Loyalty in Malaysia

This quantitative study examines the effects of internationalization practices on university quality service and students’ loyalty as perceived by international students in Malaysian public universities. A total of 1,575 international students from 10 different public universities in Malaysia and from different home countries participated in this study. Stratified sampling was used to select the international students by dividing the population into continents. Data were collected using questionnaires and analyzed using SmartPLS Structural Equation Model (PLS-SEM). The findings of PLS-SEM confirmed the effect of internationalization of higher education practice and university quality service on international student loyalty in Malaysia. It was also found the effect of internationalization of higher education practice on university quality service. The research reported here adds to the growing body of knowledge on foreign student satisfaction and perceptions of quality, internationalization of education, and student mobility. It also helps provide some insights for the education industry in Malaysia and beyond in their effort to gain global recognition in the field of academic teaching, research, and professional development.