Quantitative Portion Research Articles

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs Regarding Medical Cannabis Among Patients and Providers in Florida's Long-Term Care Facilities.

Medical cannabis (MC) has been found effective in treating multiple symptoms commonly experienced by older adults; however, residents in long-term care (LTC) often lack access to MC products. This study seeks to identify patterns and barriers to recommending MC to patients and to explore the knowledge and attitudes toward MC use among patients and providers. The quantitative portion of this study employed a survey to assess the knowledge of, attitudes toward, and barriers to MC among 126 providers in Florida LTC. Frequencies were reported, bivariate associations were analyzed, and a final regression model predicting MC knowledge was tested. In-depth interviews were conducted with 25 LTC patients, and content was analyzed using the RADaR method. The ageof the providersranged from 21 to 74; 74% were female, 18% were Black/African American, and 17% reported Hispanic ethnicity. Less than half (37.2%) felt they received adequate training on MC. Having accurate knowledge about MC was associated with greater confidence in answering patients' questions (p=0.002). Although most providers (94.2%) felt MC is a viable treatment option, the main barriers to recommending it to patients were a lack of proper training or clinical guidelines. Regarding patients, 16% reported ever using MC, and less than half (32%) had knowledge of MC or how to obtain products. Many believed it could help with symptoms and would consider its use if recommended by a doctor. However, they reported that MC was rarely recommended by providers and that they knew little about the use of this therapy. This study underscores access challenges among seniors in LTC who might benefit most from MC's therapeutic properties. Complex MC policy implementation issues are discussed. State and federal policy issues around cannabis contribute to limited research on the therapeutic uses of cannabis, as well as the MC access problem addressed in this study.

Leprosy and lymphatic filariasis-related disability and psychosocial burden in northern Mozambique.

Leprosy and lymphatic filariasis (LF) are among the most disabling neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) that affect the citizens of Mozambique, especially in the Northern provinces. The irreversible impairments caused by these NTDs often lead to psychosocial consequences, including poor mental wellbeing, stigma and reduced social participation. Limited data on these consequences are available for Mozambique, which are urgently needed to better understand the true disease burden and support advocacy for scaling up interventions. A cross-sectional mixed-methods study was conducted. Mental distress was assessed with the Self Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20), participation restriction was assessed with the Participation Scale Short (PSS) and perceived stigma was assessed with the Explanatory Model Interview Catalogue affected persons stigma scale (EMIC-AP). Additionally, semi-structured interviews were conducted with persons affected by leprosy or LF. In total, 127 persons affected by leprosy and 184 persons affected by LF were included in the quantitative portion of the study. For the qualitative portion, eight semi-structured interviews were conducted. In both disease groups, mental distress was found in 70% of participants. Moreover, 80% of persons affected by leprosy and 90% of persons affected by LF perceived stigma. Moderate to extreme participation restriction was found in approximately 43% of persons affected by leprosy and in 26% of the persons affected by LF. Persons affected by leprosy and LF felt excluded from society and experienced financial problems. More severe disabilities were associated with more severe outcomes for mental wellbeing, participation restriction and stigma. By contrast, participation in a self-care group was suggested to have a positive impact on these outcomes. The findings provide evidence that persons affected by leprosy and LF must not only confront physical impairments but also experience significant disability in the psychosocial domain, including mental distress, participation restriction and stigma. These challenges must be urgently addressed by NTD programmes to promote the inclusion and wellbeing of persons affected by NTDs.

Health Needs and Priorities of an Underserved Karenni Refugee Community: A Community Needs Assessment.

Southeast Asian refugee communities are frequently underserved by social and medical systems and experience profound health and health care inequities. The purpose of this study was to detail the health needs, priorities, and health care utilization of the Karenni, a Southeast Asian refugee community, in Forsyth County, North Carolina. A mixed-mode survey (i.e., online and in-person) was distributed in Kayah, Burmese, and English to Karenni adults in Forsyth County. Quantitative and qualitative questions focused on community health needs, health and public health service utilization, and social determinants of health. 101 Karenni adults completed the survey, with a total of 91 participants completing the quantitative portion (N = 91). Utilization of health care and public health services was low and impacted by individual- and contextual-level barriers, such as limited English profi-ciency and social determinants of health (e.g., lower levels of education and employment compared to state and national averages). Mental health, chronic pain, and health care access were highlighted as prominent community concerns while theh plaw theh jie (togetherness) and community organizations were described as community strengths. Data were collected using convenience sampling, and limited knowledge from the Karenni community regarding research served as a barrier to recruitment. Some sensitive questions (e.g., income) also experienced higher levels of missingness. This assessment highlights the need to increase engagement with and lower barriers to care for the Karenni community in Forsyth County, North Carolina. To produce culturally congruent and acceptable care, public health and health care systems should partner with the community to identify and address community needs and priorities, harness assets, and mitigate health and health care inequities.

The Role of Social Factors in the Acceptance of Artificial Intelligence-Based Services: the Example of the Banking Sector of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract In times when AI’s development and research is moving at an unprecedented speed, this paper explores its role in retail banking. The results presented are part of a wider research of market readiness and AI acceptance, especially in developing economies. The research was conducted in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H). The quantitative portion consisted of a survey completed by 671 respondents. This paper focuses on the influence of social factors (perceived humanness, perceived social interactivity, and perceived social presence) on the attitudes towards – and subsequently acceptance of - AI-based services. Chatbots, specifically ChatGPT-4, were the technology the research focused on. The results indicate that perceived humanness and perceived social interactivity have a positive effect on attitudes – and acceptance – of AI-based services. This research could not prove that there is a positive relationship between social presence and attitudes towards AI-based services. The positive relationship between attitude and acceptance was proven as well.

Argumentation Skills of Pre-Service Physics Teachers: An Exploration During a STEM Project in Water Turbidity

Pre-service physics teachers (PSPTs) should have an established argumentation skill, a recognized skill in 21st-century education, to support learning. In line with this, the study explored the argumentation skills of PSPTs using an argumentation framework, Toulmin’s argument pattern (TAP), to provide a clear view of the argumentation skills of the 39 PSPTs who were involved in a four-meeting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) project. The study employed a mixed method research design in which the quantitative portion investigated the categories of TAP aspects, and the qualitative portion focused on exploring the argumentation patterns of the PSPTs. The data for this study was derived from the STEM project worksheets answered by the pre-service teachers. Quantitative analysis revealed PSPTs' argumentation aspect to be high regarding the claim aspect (97.44%) and data aspect (94.87%). Meanwhile, the warrant aspect (53.85%) is moderate, backing (20.51%) is low, and the rebuttal aspect (2.56%) is deficient. On the other hand, the qualitative analysis showed that PSPTs make four argumentation patterns: claim data (C-D); claim, data warrant (C-D-W); claim, data, warrant, backing (C-D-W-B); and claim, data, rebuttal (C-D-R). Considering TAP, quantitative and qualitative findings imply that PSPTs' argumentation skills still need to be developed, particularly on low-level aspects and in constructing a solid argument following the claim, data, warrant, backing, and rebuttal pattern

How do Math Anxiety and Self-Confidence Affect Mathematical Problem Solving?

Problem-solving performance requires both cognitive and affective aspects related to math anxiety and self-confidence. This study aims to determine the effect of math anxiety and self-confidence on geometry problem-solving skills and then explore students' geometry problem-solving based on their level of math anxiety and self-confidence. This study utilized a mixed-methods approach with a sequential explanatory design and involved 106 students. The quantitative portion of the study employed a multiple linear regression test to examine the influence of math anxiety and self-confidence on problem solving. Furthermore, qualitative research was done to thoroughly examine the effect through in-depth interviews. The results demonstrate that math anxiety and self-confidence influenced geometry problem-solving (R = 0.476; p = 0.000) and contributed 22.6% based on the value of R-square. Furthermore, the present study also found differences in the performance of a subject with low math anxiety and high self-confidence and a subject with high math anxiety and low self-confidence.

Effects of Applying Problem Based Learning (PBL) Strategy Use on Students’ Oral Vocabulary as One Aspect of Speaking Performance

This study’s main goal was to investigate how PBL, a learning strategy, might improve students’ oral vocabulary, which is one component of their speaking abilities in an EFL class with grade 11 students as the emphasis. The experimental (treatment) and comparative groups were the two research groups. Biftu Nekemte Secondary School was the site of the study (BNSS). The study’s population comprised all eleventh grade students enrolled in the academic year of 2014–2022. As a type of quasi-experimental research, the current study used a non-randomized pre-test, post-test comparison group design. The researcher used a multi-phase sampling strategy. 48 students from the experimental group and 49 from the comparison group took part in the study. The pre- and posttest instruments were adapted from the speaking performance rubric by Brown (2004). In fact, the researcher simply applied the rubric’s vocabulary part. The study’s quantitative portion was calculated using a number of statistical procedures. Calculations were made using descriptive statistics tools for the pretest and posttest groups to determine if the data was parametric or not. Additionally, separate t-tests were conducted. Cohen’s D (Effect Size) and Cohen’s Kappa (for inter-rater reliability) were also conducted, and they were equally significant. The usage of problem-based learning as a learning approach was found to considerably enhance EFL learners’ oral vocabulary skills, which is one facet of speaking abilities. Therefore, it is advised that various stakeholders take into account using PBL as a learning technique in EFL classes, especially for the teaching and acquisition of oral vocabulary.

Collaborative Synergies for Elevated Destination Experiences: A Model of Cooperation between Hotel Companies, DMOs, and Local Stakeholders

Abstract Background and Purpose As outlined in the National Tourism Development Strategy until 2030, Croatia aims to provide higher value, innovative, sustainable, and authentic tourist experiences. There is a need to examine how the main tourism stakeholders can contribute to the transformation of traditional and commodified tourism products into premium-class offerings that add value throughout the entire value chain. It is important for premium-class hotels to take additional steps in improving their offerings to positively impact the entire destination and enhance service quality. This paper aims to: explore initiatives for promoting innovation in premium-class experiences within destinations focusing the cooperation between on hotel companies and DMOs; identify anticipated trends influencing the future of the tourism industry, and assess the future prospects of premium-class hotels in Croatia. Design/Methodology/Approach The methodology incorporated both quantitative and qualitative approaches, driven by the structured nature of the questions in the online survey that target sales and/or marketing directors of hotel companies that have premium-class hotels in their portfolio. Suitable statistical methods were employed to conduct the analysis for the quantitative portion of the data. Content analysis was utilized to analyze the open-ended questions. For this purpose, the MAXQDA software for coding, categorizing, and exploring patterns within the data. Originality/value This study represents one of the pioneering investigations into the essential initiatives that hotel companies need to undertake in order to orchestrate the development of a destination that relies on its premium-class experiences. Furthermore, the study examines the role of supporting institutions such as destination management organizations (DMOs) in facilitating this process. A conceptual model to improve the development of the premium hotel segment and destination at the same time, pursued by the responsible practices and initiatives of the hotel companies and strong partnerships with DMO and the local community, is proposed.

"No sufro, estoy bien/I am not suffering, so I am doing OK": A mixed method exploration of individual and network-level factors and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) among Mexican American adults in New York City.

The prevalence of type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is 2-3 times greater among Mexican Americans than non-Latino whites, and Mexican Americans are more likely to develop T2DM at younger ages and experience higher rates of complications. Social networks might play a crucial role in both T2DM etiology and management through social support, access to resources, social engagement, and health behavioral norms. To quantitatively identify the social network features associated with glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in a community sample of Mexican immigrants residing in New York City, and to explore the extent to which these quantitative findings converge with qualitative narratives of their lived experiences. This study used a convergent mixed methods design. To collect personal network data, we used EgoWeb, and obtained 1,400 personal network ties from 81 participants. HbA1c readings were collected using dried blood spots and categorized according to the laboratory criteria of the American Diabetes Association. Additional survey data were collected using Qualtrics software. To investigate the significance of the network-level factors after accounting for the socioeconomic and demographic individual-level factors that the literature indicates to be associated with T2DM, we used a multiple regression model on quantitative data sources. For the qualitative portion of the study, we selected a subset of individuals who participated in the quantitative portion, which represented 500 personal network ties from 25 participants. We conducted in-depth interviews guided by the visualization of these ties to explore who was helpful or difficult in managing their health and health behaviors. Individual-level indicators associated with lower HbA1c scores were body mass index (β = -0.07, p<0.05), and healthy eating index scores (β = -0.03, p<0.02). The network-level predictor associated with higher HbA1c levels was the percentage of diabetic alters in the network (β = 0.08, p <0.001, with a 25% increase in the percentages associated 2.0 change in HbA1c levels. The qualitative data highlighted that most of the diabetes-related information diffused through the social networks of our participants was related to dietary practices, such as reducing sugar and red meat consumption, eating out less, and reducing portion sizes. Notably, even among those with elevated levels and diabetes-related health complications, HbA1c was not considered a part of the lay descriptions of good health since they were not "suffering." Participants regarded doctors as the ultimate authority in diabetes care, even if they had supportive members in their personal networks. Our study provides quantitative evidence for the significant role of diabetic network members in the etiology and management of T2DM among Mexican Americans. Our qualitative findings suggest important ley terms for T2DM management and the importance of physicians, which could be included in in future social networks studies seeking to diffuse diabetes-related health information for T2DM prevention and management efforts in this population.

Analysis of a Medication Safety Intervention in the Pediatric Emergency Department

Strategies to reduce medication dosing errors are crucial for improving outcomes. The Medication Education for Dosing Safety (MEDS) intervention, consisting of a simplified handout, dosing syringe, dose demonstration and teach-back, was shown to be effective in the emergency department (ED), but optimal intervention strategies to move it into clinical practice remain to be described. To describe implementation of MEDS in routine clinical practice and associated outcomes. This mixed-methods interrupted time series study of MEDS was conducted April 2021 to December 2022 in an academic pediatric ED using a hybrid type 1 design. Parents and guardians of children aged 90 days to 11.9 years who were discharged with acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or both were eligible for inclusion in the quantitative portion. Clinicians from a diversity of role groups (attending physician, resident, and nurse) were eligible for the qualitative portion. The study was conducted in 5 stages (baseline, intervention 1, washout, intervention 2, and sustainability phases). The 2 intervention phases taught clinical staff the MEDS intervention using different implementation strategies. During the intervention 1 phase, in-depth interviews were conducted until thematic saturation was reached; results were analyzed using thematic analysis. Interviews informed intervention 2 phase interventions. The primary outcome was any error (defined as dosing or frequency error) at a 48- to 72-hour follow-up phone call. There were 256 participants (median [IQR] child age, 1.7 [3.0-7.0] years; median [IQR] parent and guardian age, 36.0 [31.0-41.0] years; 200 females among parents and guardians [78.1%]) who consented and completed follow-up. At baseline, 44 of 68 participants (64.7%) made an error compared with 34 of 65 participants (52.3%) during intervention 1, 31 of 63 participants (49.X%) during intervention 2, and 34 of 60 participants (57.X%) during sustainability. After adjustment for language and health literacy, the adjusted odds ratio for error during the combined intervention phases was 0.52 (95% CI, 0.28-0.97) compared with baseline. This study found that both MEDS intervention phases were associated with decreased risk of error and that some improvement was sustained without active intervention. These findings suggest that attempts to develop simplified, brief interventions may be associated with improved medication safety for children after discharge from the ED.

Posttraumatic growth in eating disorder recovery

ObjectiveTo investigate posttraumatic growth in individuals recovering from an eating disorder. DesignA convergent parallel mixed methods design was used. ParticipantsThe sample consisted of 28 participants who completed the entire study and an additional 10 who completed only the quantitative portion of this mixed methods study. MethodsThe National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) provided a link to the electronic survey via their website. Participants were asked to complete the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) and the Core Beliefs Inventory (CBI) in the quantitative strand. For the qualitative strand, participants were asked to describe any positive changes in their beliefs or life as the result of their eating disorder (ED). ResultsParticipants reported a high amount of posttraumatic growth as indicated by their mean score on the CBI (30.39, SD 7.89) and (71.26, SD 16.58) on the PTGI. Qualitative categories included relating to others, personal strength, new possibilities, appreciation of life, and spiritual change. ConclusionParticipants described the transformation they experienced in the recovery process, with recovery from an eating disorder facilitating an opportunity for growth. Providing posttraumatic growth interventions may have the potential to help individuals with eating disorders find meaning in their pathway through recovery.

Improving attitudes toward poverty and attitudes toward interprofessional collaboration through online interprofessional synchronous poverty simulation: A mixed methods comparison study

Introduction: Interprofessional poverty simulations can improve attitudes toward poverty and attitudes toward interprofessional collaboration. This study evaluated an immersive synchronous online poverty simulation.Methods: A mixed-method study was conducted to compare the outcomes of onsite and online interprofessional poverty simulations. The simulations were carried out at a private university in the US 6 times onsite between 2017 and 2019, and 4 times online between 2020 and 2021. The quantitative portion utilized two pre- and post-test questionnaires: the Attitudes Toward Poverty Short Form and the University of West England Interprofessional Questionnaire, which evaluate attitudes towards poverty and interprofessional collaboration respectively. Additionally, qualitative interviews of selected students were conducted 2-4 weeks after the simulations. Quantitative data were analyzed using paired t-tests for individual results, and independent samples t-tests to compare onsite with online pre-post changes. Qualitative data were evaluated using thematic analysis by faculty members from three disciplines.Results: The research indicates that both online and onsite poverty simulations can improve student attitudes toward both poverty and interprofessional collaboration. Results for 196 online participants were compared to 325 onsite participants. Both online and onsite groups showed significant improvements in attitudes toward poverty and interprofessional collaboration (p &lt; .05). The quantitative effect size was smaller for online than onsite, but the difference was less in 2021, the second year of the online simulation, likely due to improved implementation techniques. The qualitative data suggested a less intense emotional response for online participants compared to onsite. Overall results suggest that there is a learning curve in offering an effective online poverty simulation, but that online poverty simulations do significantly influence attitudes toward poverty and interprofessional collaboration.Recommendation: In the article, lessons learned are shared. Online simulations can effectively change attitudes toward poverty, and allow many students to participate who otherwise might not be able to, but the magnitude of the impact for our population was not as great online as onsite. It is recommended that schools of nursing and faculty of other healthcare professions consider the pros and cons of incorporating interprofessional poverty simulations in their curricula.

The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Family and Community Medicine Residency Training Program: The Philippine Experience.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on medical education, particularly in Family and Community Medicine training programs. This study aimed to assess the impact in the Philippines by comparing the number of cases and procedures before and during the pandemic, as well as the adaptations made by these programs. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on Family and Community Medicine training in the Philippines by comparing the average number of cases and procedures done before and during the pandemic and the changes implemented by the different accredited training programs. A cross-sectional study utilizing an explanatory sequential mixed methods approach was undertaken. The quantitative portion collected data on cases and procedures from the participating institutions' residents using the standardized checklist of the Philippine Academy of Family Physicians. The qualitative portion was done through a focused group discussion (FGD) following a prepared set of FGD questions. Analysis of variation (ANOVA) was used to compare the average cases seen and procedures across the four years and content analysis for the qualitative data. There was a significant decrease in the average number of adult and pediatric cases during the pandemic years (2020-2021) compared to before (2018-2019). Various organ systems cases such as neurology, ophthalmology, dermatology, and gastrointestinal, showed significant differences (p-value <0.05) in the average number of pediatric cases. For adult cases, significant differences (p-value <0.05) were found for several organ system cases when comparing the years before (2018-2019) and during the pandemic (2020-2021), including neurology, ophthalmology, ENT, dermatology, cardiology, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, reproductive health, musculoskeletal, and endocrinology cases. The trainers adjusted training activities to support the hospital's COVID-19 response and that prompted an abrupt shift to online strategies for patient consultations, teaching sessions, and examinations. The COVID-19 pandemic led to a reduction in the variety of cases and procedures in Family and Community Medicine training, impacting the fulfillment of specialty training requirements. However, it also drove innovation through the integration of technology, including online teaching methods. These experiences underscore the importance of resilience and adaptability in medical education and offer valuable lessons for future training programs, potentially leading to improvements in training and patient care through innovative methodologies.

“Poner en práctica” (Put into Practice): Impacts of Service-Learning for University Students in the Dominican Republic (Los impactos del aprendizaje de servicio para estudiantes universitarios en la República Dominicana)

This mixed-methods research charts the student impact, with special attention to the effects on civic attitudes and skills, of a service-learning (SL) project implemented as part of a noncredit-bearing course at a private university in the Dominican Republic. The context of the study is situated within an understanding of SL in Latin America and the Caribbean, and it serves to offer a counterpoint to studies that center on International Service Learning or Global Service Learning in the Dominican Republic given that these approaches traditionally focus on U.S.-based college students engaged in SL abroad. The main goal of the study is to evaluate changes in the civic attitudes and skills of the university students as well as to gain a better understanding of the impact of SL coursework for Dominican students engaged in a local SL project. The quantitative portion of the study included a pre- and postcourse survey (a Spanish translation of the Civic Attitudes and Skills Questionnaire). The qualitative element consisted of semistructured interviews with individual students.

Unmet Sexual Health Resource Needs and Preferences for Interventions to Address These Needs Among Female Partners of Patients With Prostate Cancer

ObjectivesTo characterize unmet sexual health resource needs and preferences for interventions to address unmet needs among female partners of patients with prostate cancer (PCa), given the significant negative impact of PCa on the sexual health of partners. MethodsWe conducted an exploratory sequential mixed methods study of female partners recruited from multiple U.S. clinical locations, websites, and support groups for caregivers. We first conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews. Qualitative results informed development of a cross-sectional survey, which was administered to a larger sample of partners. ResultsOverall, 12 and 200 female partners participated in the qualitative and quantitative portions of the study. Major emergent themes from interviews were the benefits and drawbacks of technology-based interventions, the importance of sexual health resources throughout the PCa journey, and a desire for sexual health support groups that include partners. In the survey, the most common sexual health topics that partners wanted more information about were male libido problems (30.0%), erectile dysfunction (26.5%), and female libido and arousal problems (24.5%). Additionally, 41.5% wanted more information about sexual health websites, 35.0% about partners-only support groups, 29.5% about support groups for couples, and 23.5% about sexual medicine specialists. ConclusionsTo our knowledge, this is the largest study to date on female partners’ unmet sexual health resource needs and preferences for sexual health interventions. Partners prefer technology-based interventions, desire sexual health-focused support groups, and want more information about a variety of sexual issues and specialists who treat them.

MATHEMATICS CONNECTIONS VIEWED FROM ADVERSITY QUOTIENT IN LMS ASSISTED PROBLEM BASED LEARNING IN SMA

The connection between mathematics and adversity quotient (AQ) has an important role in a person's ability to make decisions to solve problems in life. The Problem-based learning (PBL) model assisted by the Learning Management System (LMS) is a learning that utilizes technology combining PBL models and LMS assisted learning. This study aims to (1) examine the effectiveness of LMS-assisted PBL to improve high school students' mathematical connection skills, (2) examine the effect of AQ on students' mathematical connection abilities in LMS-assisted PBL learning. This research is a mixed method research with a sequential explanatory design with a larger quantitative portion than the qualitative one. The population of this study was class XI students of SMA N 1 Ungaran, Semarang Regency. Quantitative data were selected by simple random sampling technique. Qualitative data was taken based on the students' AQ. Quantitative data analysis techniques with parametric statistics such as average test, classical completeness test, and regression test. Qualitative data analysis techniques using data reduction, presentation, and drawing conclusions. The results showed that (1) LMS-assisted PBL learning was effective in increasing students' mathematical connections (2) there was an influence of AQ on students' mathematical connection abilities in LMS-assisted PBL learning.

JOB EXPECTATIONS VS. REALITY: WORKPLACE EXPERIENCES FROM THE NURSING HOME FRONTLINES

Abstract Nursing assistants have been at the frontlines of nursing home care, providing direct resident care and services to aging adults. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an increased employment need for nurse aides over the next ten years. However, the annual rate of nurse aide turnover is over 120 percent. To better understand the unique factors that contribute to nurse aide turnover in nursing homes and assisted livings, this sequential mixed-methodological study design reports findings of activities, relationships, and job interactions that contribute to nurse aide turnover. Guided by a socio-ecological model, qualitative findings from 17 nurse aides (N=17) reveal interpersonal factors, such as relationships with others at the workplace and relationships with residents, as impacting turnover. Institutional and Community factors were also found to impact turnover, including staffing levels, resources, education, and compensation. Informed by the interview findings, there were 239 nursing home or assisted living nurse aides (N=239) that participated in the quantitative portion of this study. Over one-quarter of nurse aides (27.80%) reveal that getting to know the residents was one of the best things about working in a nursing home or assisted living. Of direct care tasks, nurse aides reported physical injury or strain (20.16%), and the physical demands of the job (20.16%) as the greatest challenges. Taken together, findings from this study reveal that using community-engaged research methods in nursing home research may lead to a more nuanced understanding of the workplace needs and desires of nursing assistants.

LOVOT ROBOT AS COMPANIONS FOR OLDER ADULTS IN LONG-TERM CARE

Abstract This exploratory, mixed-methods study explores how older adults living in Canadian Long-Term Care (LTC) homes experience and perceive LOVOT, an AI-driven social robot from Japan. It is an extended arm of a mixed-methods, three-country study conducted in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Canada. Our Canadian sample consists of 20 older adults and 40 interdisciplinary staff, and 10 leadership team members. The participants join four weekly sessions of interaction with LOVOT. In the quantitative portion of the study, questionnaires are administered before and after interaction with LOVOT to assess participants’ experiences of the LOVOT robot. The qualitative portion consists of individual conversational interviews with older adults and focus groups with the LTC staff and leadership. We use thematic analysis to guide our initial conceptual framework, and later use both Chi-square tests and content analysis for our quantitative and qualitative data. This study demonstrates (1) the experiences and perceptions of older adults and their family members regarding their interactions with the LOVOT robot, and (2) the LTC staff and leadership perceptions on having the LOVOT robot in LTC. The study offers insights into the potential role of social robots in LTC homes across eastern and western countries.

Comparison of Mindfulness Practices for Effectiveness of Stress and Burnout Reduction in Healthcare Staff.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of various mindfulness practices for reducing feelings of stress and burnout among healthcare staff. Study Design: This article contains the quantitative portion of a mixed-methods study. Methods: Healthcare workers (n = 48) were randomly assigned to one of three practices. Data were collected at three-time points (pre-intervention, mid-intervention, and three-weeks-post-intervention). Scores on the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and the Maslach Burnout Inventory for Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS) were recorded at each time point. Findings: Scores on the PSS reduced significantly (p < .05) across three time periods. Maslach Burnout Inventory for Human Services Survey EE subscale scores reduced significantly (p < .05) across three time periods. There was no significant difference between the intervention groups on PSS or MBI-HSS scores. Conclusions: All three mindfulness practices were effective in reducing perceived occupational stress and emotional exhaustion. There was no intervention that stood out from the others as the most effective in reducing scores on the PSS and MBI-HSS. This study demonstrated the effectiveness of mindfulness practices that are short in time and simple in implementation for relieving stress and burnout in healthcare staff.

Analysis of Grade X Physics Textbooks on the Basic Measurement Material from the Nature of Science Perspective

Issues related to the quality of textbooks are often a topic of discussion in science. However, in various education systems, some textbooks have effectively incorporated the nature of science, while others are still lacking in this aspect. It is well-known that the nature of science serves as a crucial foundation that should be applied in science education, especially in physics. This is because the nature of science plays a role as the basis to guide a more holistic learning approach and an exploratory process in understanding knowledge about the natural world. Hence, a study was conducted to analyze physics textbooks to analyze the percentage of nature of science content and describe the proportion of nature of science aspects in high school physics textbooks. The research employed a mixed methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative research. The quantitative research section involved the development of the theory, including observations and data collection for accuracy. The quantitative research portion explained how to obtain percentage data for the ten aspects of the nature of science under investigation. The study results showed that the textbook published by Grafindo, referred to as Book B, presented the most aspects of the nature of science compared to the other two textbooks. Quotations in Book B were presented explicitly, although some quotations were presented implicitly. Books A and C were found to be less inclusive of the nature of science aspects in the measurement material. The proportion of the appearance of the nature of science in Book A was 33%, in Book B, it was 53%, and in Book C, it was 27%. Overall, all three evaluated textbooks explicitly conveyed aspects of the nature of science. The implications of this research highlight the importance of incorporating the nature of science aspects in science learning materials to enhance understanding of the nature of science, as the nature of science is a complex concept and serves as a fundamental foundation for studying science.