Qualitative Phase Research Articles

Impact and Sustainability of Virtual Teams in an Adaptive World

Abstract Virtual Teams Model is nowadays a framework, moreover a structure designed to guide the organization of teams that collaborate remotely, and there are still different voices which are debating the effectiveness and efficiency of related structure in an adaptive environment. The current scientific literature is likely continuing to evolve, researchers are exploring topics related to impact of virtual collaboration and the sustainability of the model for business success, looking at motivation as the main human factor which values high. The research method was appointed quantitative and qualitative methods, two structured, three months’ period surveys and questionnaires were conducted, the qualitative phase aimed to uncover rich, context-specific information that quantitative methods alone might not capture. 30 IT specialists from Bucharest, average 32, were asked the three semi structured questions about the overall impact, long term sustainability and employers’ motivation of virtual teams’ setup in their organizations. The analysis unveils a significant boost in impact, and a simultaneous decline in sustainability and motivation. While heightened impact signals successful outcomes, reduced sustainability shows challenges in keeping long-term effectiveness. At the same time, waning motivation poses a risk to team engagement and overall performance. Striking a balance is crucial; strategies focusing not only on maximizing immediate impact but also on sustaining effectiveness and bolstering motivation are vital for enduring success in team dynamics. Initiative-taking measures and adaptive leadership are imperative to navigate and mitigate potential setbacks in the interplay of impact, sustainability, and motivation.

Attitudes of Respondents on the Significance of Digitization in Multinational Enterprises and Its Importance for Well-Being

Abstract This paper investigates the intricate dynamics of digitization in multinational enterprises, exploring the attitudes of stakeholders and their perceived impact on individual well-being within these complex ecosystems. The comprehensive literature review underscores the transformative potential of digitization, noting its “bright sides” such as efficiency gains and innovation, alongside the “dark sides” involving cybersecurity threats and job displacement. The study utilizes a rigorous research methodology employing statistical tools like the Mann-Whitney U Test, Kruskal-Wallis Test, Linear Regression and Factor Analysis to analyze attitudes and perceptions. The qualitative phase aims to capture in-depth insights into decision-making processes, challenges faced, and perceived benefits. The quantitative survey, designed based on identified factors from the literature, seeks to validate these findings on a broader scale. The findings reveal nuanced interplays between attitudes toward digitization in multinational enterprises and their broader implications for the well-being of individuals and society. The analysis also highlights the communalities and factors influencing peoples’ attitudes, emphasizing the delicate balance between the positive and negative dimensions of digitization. This study contributes a nuanced understanding of the intricate relationship between organizational attitudes toward digitization and its effects on the well-being of those navigating the complexities of multinational enterprises. Beyond its academic value, the research provides actionable insights for practitioners in crafting strategies that align digitization goals with the holistic well-being of stakeholders.

Nurture clinic: Promoting mental health of children and adolescents.

Nurses play an important role in multidisciplinary teams while treating children and adolescents with mental health issues. Nurses should recognize and capitalize on the client's and family's strengths as they develop interventions, provide education, and refer to resources as appropriate. It is a mixed-method research, with an initial qualitative phase of obtaining data by in-depth interviews of parents on caring for children and adolescents with mental illness followed by quantitative assessment of the level of care dependency and implementation of need-based nursing interventions to the children and adolescents with mental illness. A total of 235 boys and 123 girls received the interventions. The majority of them (51.4%) were boys aged between 6 and 12 years and the highest diagnosis was attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (34%). The need-based interventions required were nutrition (90%), prevention of injury and infection (83%), and positive and productive engagement (80%). Other interventions included self-care, physical activity, and medication. Need-based nursing interventions help in promoting the mental health of children and adolescents. This approach may be extended to primary care facilities and community mental healthcare by nurses.

Effects of a competence-based approach for clerkship teaching under alternating clinical placements: An explanatory sequential mixed-methods research

Background It is unclear whether alternating placements during clinical clerkship, without an explicit emphasis on clinical competencies, would bring about optimal educational outcomes. Methods This is an explanatory sequential mixed-methods research. We enrolled a convenience sample of 41 eight-year programme medical students in Sun Yat-sen University who received alternating placements during clerkship. The effects of competence-based approach (n = 21) versus traditional approach (n = 20) to clerkship teaching were compared. In the quantitative phase, course satisfaction was measured via an online survey and academic performance was determined through final scores on summative assessment. Then, in the qualitative phase, students were invited for semi-structured interviews about their learning experiences, and the transcripts were used for thematic analysis. Results Quantitative findings showed that students in the study group rated high course satisfaction and performed significantly better in their final scores compared with those in the control group. Qualitative findings from thematic analysis showed that students were relatively neutral about their preference on placement models, but clearly perceived, capitalised, and appreciated that their competencies were being cultivated by an instructor who was regarded as a positive role model. Conclusion A competence-based approach to clerkship teaching resulted in better course satisfaction and academic performance, and was perceived, capitalised, and appreciated by students.

Designing nickel smelter industry investment competitiveness policy in Indonesia through system dynamics model

Purpose This research is intended to assess the nickel smelter industry’s investment competitiveness in Indonesia and identify ways to improve its competitive advantage for the nation. Design/methodology/approach This research uses a sequential mixed-methods approach, expanding on a first qualitative phase with a second quantitative phase. Interviews are used in the qualitative phase to identify the underlying causes of issues and potential solutions to increase the competitiveness of the nickel smelter industry, while a system dynamics (SD) model is used to conduct the quantitative phase. This study uses the idea of a country’s competitive advantage from Porter’s diamond model (PDM). The model was tested and validated using SD simulation resulting in a new policy scenario, which was evaluated in metallurgy expert conferences and high policymaker discussion forums. Findings The results reveal the complexity of the nickel smelter industry in Indonesia and conclude that the integrated export duty beneficence policy is the most effective way to boost competitiveness. This policy gives a significant improvement both in the number of smelters and state revenue compared to the current policy. The industry’s investment competitiveness is enhanced by the six factors of the diamond model, with the first three factors being integrated strategy, limited export of excess production and export duty beneficence, while the remaining factors are metal price fluctuation, domestic demand and mineral supply which are related to mining conditions uncertainty. Research limitations/implications The research creates a SD model to support Indonesia’s competitive advantage in the smelter industry. Despite limitations like interpretations and distorted semantic analysis, it provides a useful framework for exploring complex industry themes, excluding social factors due to limited data and knowledge requirements. Practical implications The findings of this research offer a framework for policymaking by the government to enhance the competitiveness of investments in Indonesia’s nickel smelter industry. Originality/value This study delves into Indonesia’s nickel industry competitiveness using PDM. Using a more detailed SD model with quantitative analysis, it goes beyond strategy development to provide a comprehensive approach to the nickel smelter industry.

Current status of electronic health literacy among pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus and their perceptions of online health information: a mixed-methods study

BackgroundWomen diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus often rely on internet-based health information for managing their condition. This study aims to investigate the present state of electronic health literacy among women with gestational diabetes mellitus, analyze the influencing factors, and explore their experiences regarding accessing, comprehending, evaluating, and applying online health information pertinent to gestational diabetes mellitus.MethodsA sequential explanatory mixed methods research design was adopted in this study. Initially, 235 women with gestational diabetes mellitus participated in a cross-sectional survey. The research tools included general information and the Chinese version of the electronic Health Literacy Scale (eHEALS). Descriptive analyses were conducted to describe the characteristics of the sample, and multiple linear regression analyses were used to explore the factors influencing electronic health literacy among women with gestational diabetes mellitus. Secondly, 11 women with gestational diabetes mellitus joined semi-structured in-depth interviews to obtain their perceptions about online health information. The data were analyzed using inductive content analysis to develop themes.ResultsThe median score of eHEALS in the Chinese version among 235 women diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus was 29 (interquartile range [IQR], 26 to 32). Factors influencing electronic health literacy among these women included accessing health information from medical professionals (β = 0.137, p = 0.029) and utilizing health information from applications (β = 0.159, p = 0.013). From the qualitative phase of the study, four thematic categories emerged: reasons and basis for accessing health information from the Internet; address barriers to accessing and applying online health information; desires for a higher level of online health information services; outcomes of accessing and applying online health information.ConclusionThe electronic health literacy of women diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus remains suboptimal and warrants improvement. The sources of access to health information affect electronic health literacy in women with gestational diabetes mellitus. Moreover, women facing gestational diabetes encounter numerous impediments when attempting to access health-related information online, underscoring the necessity for enhanced online health information services to meet their needs.

Determining the challenges and opportunities of virtual teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic: a mixed method study in the north of Iran.

The aim of this study was to determine the challenges and opportunities of virtual education during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study was conducted in 2022-2023 with a mixed method. During the quantitative phase, we chose 507 students from Mazandaran Province medical universities (both governmental and non-governmental) by stratified random sampling and during the qualitative phase 16 experts were collected by purposive sampling until we reached data saturation. Data collecting tools consisted of questionnaires during the quantitative phase and semi-structured interview during the qualitative phase. Data was analyzed using SPSS21 and MAXQDA10. Mean scores of the total score was 122.28±23.96. We found a significant association between interaction dimension and background variables (P < 0.001). The most important privilege of virtual education is uploading the teaching material in the system so that students can access the material constantly and the most important challenge regarding virtual education is lack of proper network connection and limited bandwidth. Virtual education proved to be a suitable alternate to traditional methods of medical education during the COVID-19 pandemic in theoretical topics, we recommend that educational policymakers would take the necessary actions to provide the requirements and facilities needed to improve the quality of virtual education.

Social intelligence in health professions educationists: how it helps to deal with challenges at the workplace? a mixed-method study

Objective: To identify the social intelligence of medical educationists, and the coping strategies used to deal with workplace challenges. Method: The mixed-method study with an explanatory sequential design was conducted from March 15 to July 30, 2021, after approval from the ethics review committee of Riphah International University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, and comprised medical educationists working in medical and dental colleges and institutions across the country. Data was collected using Tromso social intelligence scale in the quantitative phase. The socially intelligent educationists were identified, and were interviewed. Qualitative data was subjected to thematic analysis to identify predominant themes explaining the coping strategies used. Results: In the quantitative phase, there were 80 participants; 51(63.7%) females and 29(36.3%) males, with 24(30%) having &gt;10 years of professional experience. Of them, 11(13.8%) scored low, 54(67.5%) moderate and 15(18.8%) high on the social intelligence scale. In the qualitative phase, there were 13 subjects; 9(69.2%) females and 4(30.8%) males. There were 4 themes identified as coping strategies; inspire respect and trust, bringing readiness before a change, a collaborative and inclusive approach, and soft skills. Conclusion: Variation was seen in the levels of social intelligence among medical educationists working in academic institutions. Those with high levels of social intelligence used their non-cognitive soft skills to manage workplace challenges. Key Words: Social intelligence, Medical education, Workplace, Coping strategies, Coping skills.

Navigating the Future: Assessing the 21st Century Skills of Sangguniang Kabataan Kagawad in Noveleta, Cavite: A Sequential-Explanatory Study

The 21st century skills of Sangguniang Kabataan Kagawad of Noveleta Cavite a Sequential-explanatory Study Study aims to investigate the respondents' perceived levels of verbal and physical leadership skills as well as their Sangguniang Kabataan Kagawad behavior and how these factors affect their behavior as leaders in their barangay. Additionally, the aim was to elucidate the correlation between the two variables under investigation. The study used a sequential-explanatory mixed-method research design to provide comprehensive illumination, analysis, and exploration of the assessed and linked variables. Ten (10) interviewees participated in the study's qualitative phase, whereas ninety-six (96) respondents participated in its quantitative phase. A non-probability sampling method called "purposeful sampling" was used to choose the respondents. The results of the variables that were looked at showed that the SK Kagawad in Noveleta, Cavite, that was chosen had strong leadership qualities in terms of both verbal and physical leadership skills.

P.028 Exploring young adult stroke patients’ lived experience, healthy lifestyle habits, and recommendations for designing innovative brain care-related initiatives

Background: Over the past decade, worldwide stroke incidence has been increasing among young adults (≤65years), which has implications during the most dynamic period of their life. There is a dearth of research exploring young adults stroke patients’ experiences, healthy lifestyle habits, preferences, and recommendations for brain care-related initiatives. The study aimed to gain knowledge and a deeper understanding of young adult stroke patients’ experiences, lifestyle habits, and support needs for brain care-related education and interventions. Methods: A descriptive qualitative study was used. Participants who took part in the quantitative phase of a larger mixed methods study (n=103 that expressed an interest in the qualitative phase, were invited to take part in semi-structured focus groups. Simultaneous data collection and analysis are being conducted. Data are being analyzed using inductive thematic analysis outlined by Braun and Clarke (2006). Results: Findings will be available by May 20, 2024. Conclusions: Study findings will be essential to 1) mobilize an understanding of young adult stroke patients’ lived experience; 2) reconceptualize the current model of stroke care and services that is traditionally geared towards older adults; and 3) inform the development of brain care-related education and interventions to meet the unique needs, priorities, and preferences of young adult stroke patients.

Childhood Apraxia of Speech: A Descriptive and Prescriptive Model of Assessment and Diagnosis.

Childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) represents a significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenge within the field of clinical neuropsychology, characterized by its nuanced presentation and multifactorial nature. The aim of this study was to distil and synthesize the broad spectrum of research into a coherent model for the assessment and diagnosis of CAS. Through a mixed-method design, the quantitative phase analyzed 290 studies, unveiling 10 clusters: developmental apraxia, tabby talk, intellectual disabilities, underlying speech processes, breakpoint localization, speech characteristics, functional characteristics, clinical practice, and treatment outcome. The qualitative phase conducted a thematic analysis on the most cited and recent literature, identifying 10 categories: neurobiological markers, speech motor control, perceptual speech features, auditory processing, prosody and stress patterns, parent- and self-report measures, intervention response, motor learning and generalization, comorbidity analysis, and cultural and linguistic considerations. Integrating these findings, a descriptive and prescriptive model was developed, encapsulating the complexities of CAS and providing a structured approach for clinicians. This model advances the understanding of CAS and supports the development of targeted interventions. This study concludes with a call for evidence-based personalized treatment plans that account for the diverse neurobiological and cultural backgrounds of children with CAS. Its implications for practice include the integration of cutting-edge assessment tools that embrace the heterogeneity of CAS presentations, ensuring that interventions are as unique as the children they aim to support.

Boredom and its perceived impact in adolescents with exceptional mathematical talent: a sequential mixed-methods study in Paraguay.

Boredom, a state where the task at hand presents difficulties in attentional resources and attributed meaning, can be detrimental to talent development by reducing cognitive engagement. This study employed a mixed sequential design to assess boredom in adolescents with exceptional mathematical talent in Paraguay participating in a talent development program. First, in the quantitative phase 54 students completed the Boredom Short Scale, School Attitudes Assessment Survey-Revised, and Psychological Well-Being Scale for Adolescents. Next, in the qualitative phase 50 students participated in focus groups to explore their personal experiences of boredom, along with their perception of possible factors that impact boredom. Boredom in this population was similar to the general population of adolescents, albeit significant differences existed in items and subscales showing a pattern unique to this population; they tended to become bored quicker but had an easier time sparking interest in activities. Higher boredom had small to moderate correlations with worse attitudes at school and with teachers, lower motivation and self-regulation in academic activities, lower self-control, and lower involvement in personal projects. Higher valuation of goals and academic self-perception related with a lower tendency toward boredom only in the context of a talent development program, but not at school. Boredom seemed multifaceted, with dimensions such as the absence of meaning, superficial entertainment, and wasted time. Contributing factors included waiting for other people's slower pace, limited choices, lack of novelty, insufficient intellectual challenge, and the influence of teachers and social dynamics. Coping mechanisms included inner intellectual stimulation, seeking entertainment and escape, pursuing independent learning, extracurricular activities, like-minded peers, and extreme sensation-seeking. Fostering adequate challenge and support in advanced academic endeavors for the development of mathematical talent can prevent negative consequences associated with boredom in exceptionally talented populations.

Patients and Stakeholders' Perspectives Regarding the Privacy, Security, and Confidentiality of Data Collected via Mobile Health Apps in Saudi Arabia: Protocol for a Mixed Method Study.

There is data paucity regarding users' awareness of privacy concerns and the resulting impact on the acceptance of mobile health (mHealth) apps, especially in the Saudi context. Such information is pertinent in addressing users' needs in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). This article presents a study protocol for a mixed method study to assess the perspectives of patients and stakeholders regarding the privacy, security, and confidentiality of data collected via mHealth apps in the KSA and the factors affecting the adoption of mHealth apps. A mixed method study design will be used. In the quantitative phase, patients and end users of mHealth apps will be randomly recruited from various provinces in Saudi Arabia with a high population of mHealth users. The research instrument will be developed based on the emerging themes and findings from the interview conducted among stakeholders, app developers, health care professionals, and users of mHealth apps (n=25). The survey will focus on (1) how to improve patients' awareness of data security, privacy, and confidentiality; (2) feedback on the current mHealth apps in terms of data security, privacy, and confidentiality; and (3) the features that might improve data security, privacy, and confidentiality of mHealth apps. Meanwhile, specific sections of the questionnaire will focus on patients' awareness, privacy concerns, confidentiality concerns, security concerns, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and behavioral intention. Qualitative data will be analyzed thematically using NVivo version 12. Descriptive statistics, regression analysis, and structural equation modeling will be performed using SPSS and partial least squares structural equation modeling. The ethical approval for this research has been obtained from the Biomedical and Scientific Research Ethics Committee, University of Warwick, and the Medical Research and Ethics Committee Ministry of Health in the KSA. The qualitative phase is ongoing and 15 participants have been interviewed. The interviews for the remaining 10 participants will be completed by November 25, 2023. Preliminary thematic analysis is still ongoing. Meanwhile, the quantitative phase will commence by December 10, 2023, with 150 participants providing signed and informed consent to participate in the study. The mixed methods study will elucidate the antecedents of patients' awareness and concerns regarding the privacy, security, and confidentiality of data collected via mHealth apps in the KSA. Furthermore, pertinent findings on the perspectives of stakeholders and health care professionals toward the aforementioned issues will be gleaned. The results will assist policy makers in developing strategies to improve Saudi users'/patients' adoption of mHealth apps and addressing the concerns raised to benefit significantly from these advanced health care modalities. DERR1-10.2196/54933.

Understanding switching intentions towards renewable energy technologies using push-pull-mooring framework

Due to climate change threats, governments worldwide are taking measures to move towards cleaner technologies. One such alternative in the energy sector is Renewable Energy Technologies (RET). Due to its merit over conventional technology, RET is being promoted in the industry and households. However, residential consumers switching from incumbent technologies to RET is still low. To fill this gap, this study builds on the Push-Pull-Mooring (PPM) framework to uncover the key factors affecting the switching intention of residential consumers toward RET. We adopted a sequential explanatory mixed-methods approach that involved a quantitative investigation followed by a qualitative study. In the quantitative phase, we used structural equation modeling techniques to analyze survey data from 291 participants to test our conceptual model. Subsequently, in the qualitative phase, in-depth interviews with 25 participants were conducted to gain deeper insights and validate the relationships identified in the quantitative analysis. The results indicate that environmental concern (push factor), economic benefit, and independence benefit (pull factor) have a positive association with switching intention. However, switching cost (mooring factor) was found to have a negative association with switching intention. Further, switching cost was also found to moderate the association between economic benefit and switching intention. The qualitative study provided further insights into the results of the quantitative investigation. It was clarified from the qualitative study that neighbor experiences and societal preferences of the causes may mitigate the influence of subjective norms on switching intention. Lastly, implications were drawn for academicians, marketers, and public policymakers. Marketers can utilize these findings to develop appropriate marketing strategies for this untapped market, which has huge potential.

The Use of Generative AI in Learning and Its Influence on Students’ Academic Engagement in Noveleta Senior High School

The conducted study entitled The Use of Generative AI in Learning and Its Influence on Students’ Academic Engagement in Noveleta Senior High School seeks to provide insights on the relationship between the use of generative AI in learning and students’ academic engagement. A sequential-explanatory mixed-method research design is applied in the study to supply in-depth enlightenment, discussion, and investigation of the evaluated and correlated variables. Eighty-seven (87) respondents served as participants for the quantitative phase of the study, and ten (10) interviewees for the qualitative phase. The respondents were selected using Convenience Sampling, a non-probability sampling technique. Findings showed that use of generative AI has positively affected students' academic engagement and it improved their learning environment. On the other hand, generative AI has been a great aid in enhancing students' learning and engagement. Using Pearson R- Correlation, the researcher found that there is a significant high positive correlation between use of generative AI and students' academic engagement (r (87) = .765, p &lt; 0.00001), while it has a good effect on their academic engagement. Generative AI has also made students lazier and more reliant on it which bears a lot of risk especially in academics. The duality of generative AI has been evident to the respondents of the study.

Lost in the Feed: Exploring the Lived Experiences of Students on Doomscrolling

The study, titled Lost in the Feed: Exploring the Lived Experiences of Students on Doomscrolling, aims to provide insights on the effects of doom scrolling in students and their behavior towards this phenomenon. Furthermore, it aimed to provide insight into the relationship between doom scrolling and the elements uncovered during the researchers' interview. The exploratory research design is being employed in this investigation. For qualitative research, use the lived experience approach, and for quantitative research, employ the descriptive method. The qualitative phase involved ten (10) interviewers, while the quantitative phase included one hundred twenty (120) responses. The respondents were chosen using Purposive Sampling, a non-probability sampling method. The results of the factors studied revealed that the selected learners at Noveleta Senior High School are affected by doom scrolling and have a high level of doing so. On the contrary, respondents engage in a high level of doom scrolling. Using the Spearman r-correlation, the researcher discovered a significant relationship on Doomscrolling with Time Management (r = 0.816, p &lt; .001), Procrastination, (r = 0.889, p &lt; .001), Social Media (r = 0.832, p = &lt; .001), Mental Health and Doomscrolling (r = 0.729, p &lt; .001). The results indicate that by doing doom scrolling it affects their behavior to their daily task and their well-being.

Mental Health Impacts of Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis in Patients and Household Contacts: A Mixed Methods Study.

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) patients experience disproportionately worse mental health, with implications for adherence, outcomes, and families. Comprehensive assessments of comorbid depression/anxiety and related factors remain limited. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, predictors, and qualitative experiences of depression and anxiety in MDR-TB patients and household contacts. A sequential explanatory mixed methods study was conducted in Gujarat, India, with 403 smear-positive MDR-TB patients and 403 contacts. The quantitative phase administered structured questionnaires on sociodemographic factors, clinical history, depression/anxiety symptoms, and psychosocial stressors (like stigma and social support). Logistic regression models were used. The qualitative phase included in-depth interviews with 30 purposively sampled patients for thematic content analysis. Results were integrated to contextualize quantitative findings. High rates of depression (37.5%, n = 151) and anxiety (45.2%, n = 182) were documented among the MDR-TB patients, significantly greater than household contacts (20.1%, n = 81and 25.1%, n = 101, respectively). For depression, older age (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 2.03, 95% CI 1.01-4.05), female gender (AOR 2.5, 95% CI 1.1-6.0), divorced/widowed status (AOR 3.8, 95% CI 1.1-8.0), financial constraints, substance abuse (AOR 1.7, 95% CI 1.1-2.7), greater disease severity (AOR 1.8, 95% CI 1.5-2.2), medication side effects (AOR 2.4, 95% CI 1.2-4.6), and perceived stigma (AOR 3.2, 95% CI 1.1-5.3) emerged as significant risk factors. For anxiety, significant predictors were less social support (AOR 0.81, 95% CI 0.71-0.86), higher perceived stigma (AOR 2.2, 95% CI 1.1-6.3), greater disease severity (AOR 2.6, 95% CI 1.3-4.0), and more medication side effects (AOR 3.3, 95% CI 1.1-5.5). Prominent themes included psychological impacts like depression and anxiety, experiences of stigma and caretaking challenges, and recommendations for comprehensive patient support services. MDR-TB patients experience a substantially higher dual disease burden of depression and anxiety, elevating the risk for adverse outcomes and transmission. Improving psychosocial support is vital to patient-centric care pathways for vulnerable groups. Mixed methods provide comprehensive evidence to inform integrated physical and mental health services.

THE IMPACT OF HEART FAILURE ON QUALITY OF LIFE: A MIXED METHOD STUDY

Abstract Introduction Heart failure (HF) is a significant global health problem, affecting over 64,000 people annually and resulting in high mortality rates (Savarese et al., 2023). However, for those receiving follow–up care, there is a 20% increase in 5–year survival (Braunwald, 2013). Globally, heart failure affects 1–3% of the population in developed countries, with 15 million patients in Europe and a 2% prevalence in Italy, accompanied by a 20% mortality rate (Heidenreich et al., 2022). Patients with heart failure often experience a reduction in quality of life (QoL), impacting their psychosocial well–being (Lupón, 2013). Indeed, those with lower QoL tend to experience more adverse events, such as rehospitalization and mortality (Ly et al., 2023). Therefore, it becomes crucial to assess QoL over time, utilizing new technologies for home monitoring. Continuous evaluation of QoL and the use of home monitoring technologies, such as telemedicine and telemonitoring, are essential and can have a positive impact on promoting QoL (Morken et al., 2022). OBJECTIVE: Investigate the perceived quality of life in geriatric patients with heart failure, describing the impact of the condition on QoL. Materials and Methods This mixed–methods study aims to explore QoL perception in a cohort of real–life outpatient geriatric patients with HF based on different stages of the disease. The study consists of two phases: a quantitative survey and a qualitative investigation. The KCCQ 23 scale was used to quantitatively assess self–reported QoL during in–person follow–up appointments and subsequently through phone follow–ups at 6 and/or 12 months. Additionally, the qualitative phase involved conducting semi–structured interviews via video calls. Results, Discussion and Conclusions The study involved 478 patients with heart failure, with women, who were underrepresented, reporting lower QoL than men. Analysis of interviews and subsequent triangulation of quantitative and qualitative data revealed that the QoL of HF patients is influenced by six identified themes: future perspectives, self–care, social interactions, emotional state, functional status, awareness of the disease, and awareness of one‘s health status. Furthermore, it was observed that deceased patients who received follow–up care reported significantly worse QoL scores compared to those who did not receive follow–up.

AN INVESTIGATION INTO STUDENTS’ SENSE OF BELONGING: A CASE STUDY AT A UNIVERSITY IN VIETNAM

This study aimed to examine students' perceptions of belonging in their first year studying at “AUTHOR” University, explore significant factors affecting students' sense of belonging and find out how students’ sense of belonging influences their educational outputs. A mix method approach which combined both quantitative and qualitative analysis was used in this research. In the quantitative phase, 266 first-year students were asked to give their responses on a questionnaire which consisted of three sections. Section one was an adaption from The Psychological Sense of School Membership Scale (Goodenow, 1993) while the other sections involved items on factors affecting students' sense of belonging and the influences of students' belonging on educational outputs. In the qualitative phase, 20 first-year students (10 on-campus and 10 off-campus) took part in the semi-structure interviews. The results showed that the factors affecting students' sense of belonging to the university were academic factors (classroom comfort and instructor support), social factors (co-curricular involvement, peer connection, faculty support, and campus climate) and environmental factors (campus facilities and living space). Institutional factors, on the other hand, did not contribute to students' sense of belonging. Eventually, the findings revealed that students’ sense of belonging had a significant effect on their academic achievement, motivation and positive well-being. Meanwhile, loneliness and stress were relieved.

Parenting experiences and outcomes among former adolescent mothers: A mixed methods study.

The purpose of this explanatory sequential mixed methods study was to examine parenting outcomes and experiences over time among marginalized adolescent mothers enrolled in randomized clinical trials (RCT) between 2002 and 2016 testing Minding the Baby® (MTB), an early home visiting program. The quantitative phase examined associations between measures of maternal experiences and parenting outcomes from 71 participants 2-8 years since RCT completion. MTB mothers reported less hostile parenting and fewer child behavior problems. The sequential qualitative phase involved interviews with a subsample (n = 31) and revealed six themes about their personal and parenting maturation. Through integration of quantitative and qualitative data, we generated metainferences, revealing a nuanced understanding of participants' experiences. Integrated findings revealed the complex personal and parenting experiences among former adolescent mothers during their developmental phases of emerging and early adulthood. Findings inform clinical and research approaches to promote personal growth and positive parenting outcomes over time among women who began childbearing in adolescence.