Quasi-experimental Intervention Study Research Articles

Dry Needling Effects of the Upper Trapezius Muscle on the Angles and Range of Motion of the Neck in Individuals with Forward Head Posture

Introduction: Forward head posture (FHP) is one of the most common positional deviations. Frequent users often exhibit incorrect posture because of the rising popularity of media devices, such as smartphones and computers. This posture leads to changes in muscle activity in cervical flexion and extension. It is defined by hyperextension of the upper cervical vertebrae and forward translation of the cervical vertebrae. This study evaluates the effect of dry needles as a new method in the upper trapezius muscle on the neck’s angles and range of motion (ROM) in individuals with FHP
 Materials and Methods: In this quasi-experimental interventional study, 18 women with FHP underwent a dry needle session. The photogrammetry of the cranio-vertebral angle measured the degree of FHP. Visual analog scale (VAS), pain pressure threshold (PPT), cranio-vertebral angle (CVA) and cranio-horizontal angles (CHA), ROM, scapular index (SI), and forward shoulder translation (FST) were assessed before and after the intervention.
 Results: The results demonstrated that after the intervention, right and left PPT, flexion, and proper neck rotation, right and left SI, CVA, and CHA were significantly improved (P<0.05).
 Conclusion: The results showed that one session of dry needling with stretching exercises intervention could improve PPT, ROM, SI, CVA, and CHA and consequently improve FHP.

Family resilience of families with parental cancer and minor children: a qualitative analysis.

Estimated 50,000 minor children in Germany experience a newly diagnosed cancer in one of their parents every year. Family resilience has proven to be an important concept against life crises. However, little research exists regarding family resilience in the context of parental cancer with minor children. Based on the "Family Resilience Framework," the aim of the study is to investigate the processes of family resilience of affected families. In addition, we explore which combinations of promoting family resilience processes can be characterized. As part of the mixed-method quasi-experimental interventional study "F-SCOUT," a qualitative content analysis was used to analyze the documentation of the "Family-Scouts" (a fixed contact person who advises, accompanies, and supports the families). Documentation was performed by families' study inclusion (T0), after 3 months (T1) and 9 months (T2) concerning current family situation, organization of everyday life, emotional coping, open communication within the family, and planned tasks. The N = 73 families had between one and six children. In 58 (79%) families, the mother had cancer. In the course of the analysis, a category system with 10 main categories and 36 subcategories emerged. Family resilience processes were described to different extents. Combinations of categories promoting family resilience were characterized by the use of social resources, flexibility, economic resources, and open communication. The findings are consistent with existing assumptions about family resilience in terms of the importance of social resources, family cohesion, mutual support, flexibility, open communication, and psychological well-being. In contrast to the findings of previous research, spirituality, and collaborative problem-solving indicate less centrality here. In turn, the findings on economic resources and information-seeking provide a valuable addition to the family resilience literature in the context of parental cancer with minor children. ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT04186923.

Efectividad de la formación teórico-práctica en soporte vital básico a monitoras de comedores escolares desde Atención Primaria

Introduction: cardiovascular diseases constitute a public health problem worldwide and among them cardiorespiratory arrest (CPA) stands out. School canteens are spaces with potential risk of witnessing a PCR. Materials and methods: quasi-experimental analytical study of intervention. The participants received training through an interactive virtual platform and a face-to-face clinical simulation session on the Heimlich maneuver, basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of the semiautomatic external defibrillator (SAED). A descriptive analysis of the study population and a comparative statistical analysis between the results obtained in a test before and after the virtual training were carried out. A variable was created by subtracting the score obtained before training from that obtained after it. Clinical simulation was analyzed by direct observation. Statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05. Statistical analysis with SPSS version 19.0. The principles of the Declaration of Helsinki and the guidelines on good clinical practice were followed. Results: the entire sample was women with a median age of 48.50 years. The median mark of the pre-test was 6.7/10 and the post-test had a constant result of 10/10. The difference between the post-test and the pre-test had a median of 3.3 (p 0.01) and was found in the simulation that the learning was optimal. Conclusions: training in CPR is a strategy with a social impact, related to an improvement in the response to a case of CPA, reducing the morbidity and mortality that this implies.

A standardized educational program to improve peripheral vascular access outcomes in the emergency department: A quasi-experimental pre-post trial.

Difficult intravenous access (DIVA) patients are known to have disproportionately poorer vascular access outcomes. The impact of education and training on vascular access outcomes in this vulnerable population is unclear. We aim to demonstrate the success of a program (Operation (O) STICK) on improving vascular access outcomes in DIVA patients. This was a quasi-experimental pre-post interventional study conducted at a tertiary care emergency department (ED) with 120,000 annual visits and 1100 hospital beds. Adult patients requiring an ultrasound-guided (US) peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) in the ED were eligible participants. Traditional (palpation method) insertions were excluded. Using multivariable linear regression and inverse probability weighted (IPW) linear regression, the standard group inclusive of PIVCs inserted by staff without formalized OSTICK training were compared to the interventional group inclusive of PIVCs inserted by staff with training and competency in the OSTICK training model. Data were collected over two time intervals: 4/1/21-9/30/21 (pre; non-OSTICK) and 10/1/22-3/31/23 (post; OSTICK). 2375 DIVA patients included 1035 (43.6%) non-OSTICK and 1340 (56.4%) OSTICK PIVCs. Overall, OSTICK PIVCs had a higher proportion of upper arm or forearm placements (94.6% vs 57.4%; p < 0.001), 20 gauge catheters (97.1% vs 92.3%; p < 0.001), and left-sided placements (54.4% vs 43.5%; p < 0.001). 62.7% of OSTICK PIVCs were placed by ED technicians, compared to 25.5% in the non-OSTICK group (p < 0.001). OSTICK PIVCs were placed on the first attempt 86.2% of the time and by the second attempt 95.4% of the time. In a subanalysis of 1343 hospitalized patients (689 (51.3%) OSTICK vs 654 (48.7%) non-OSTICK), OSTICK PIVCs survived for a median of 92% of the patient's hospital length of stay, compared to non-OSTICK PIVCs at 74% (p < 0.001). Formalized vascular access training in the ED leads to improved adherence to best practices for PIVC insertion, high success of cannulation with minimal attempts, and improved PIVC functionality during hospitalization for DIVA patients. Importantly, these outcomes are sustainable as they were captured 12 months after implementation of the program.

The impact of consistent pressure ulcer prevention practice on nursing staff's pressure ulcer prevention knowledge: A quasi-experimental intervention study

Nursing staff's pressure ulcer (PU) prevention knowledge in long-term older people care (LOPC) varies. In particular, more evidence is needed to improve the knowledge of nursing staff with a lower level of education with context-tailored interventions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of intervention on nursing staff's PU prevention knowledge. The intervention, a consistent PU prevention practice for nursing staff based on international guidelines, was developed and implemented using the OMEBP model. The data were collected in two LOPC facilities from 253 registered and practical nurses using the Pressure Ulcer Prevention Knowledge test. In the intervention facility, knowledge improved in three PU prevention areas and in the total sum. Context-tailored PU prevention practice interventions focusing on nursing staff in LOPC facilities should be developed and these aspects should also be included in lower-level nursing staff's education.

Comparing drawing tasks and elaborate single-choice questions in simulation-based learning: how do they facilitate students’ conceptual understanding on chemical equilibria?

Past research repeatedly revealed students’ struggles to understand chemical equilibria, especially concerning their dynamic nature. Black-box simulations have proven to be helpful here. However, the effect is strongly dependent on the quality of teaching, the design principles of which are not yet fully known. One aspect of debate concerns the nature of supportive learning tasks, which require students to activate, construct and reflect on their mental models to foster conceptual understanding. In this paper, we investigate how drawing-assisted simulation-based learning promotes conceptual understanding of chemical equilibria in comparison to single-choice tasks. Both types of supporting tasks involve simulation-based activities according to the German instructional design SIMMS (Simulation-basedInstruction forMentalModelling inSchool), which requires students to construct their own explanations and predictions on a chemical system before exploring it via molecular dynamics simulations and revising their explanations and predictions retrospectively. In a quasi-experimental intervention study with 174 German high school students of ten chemistry courses (tenth grade), two treatment groups (drawing group and single-choice group) were compared with a control group, assessing the progress in conceptual understanding during simulation-based learning via drawings and explanations as well as pre- and post-intervention via questionnaire. Our findings reveal similar effects of drawing tasks and elaborate single-choice tasks on conceptual understanding of chemical equilibria. For equilibrium dynamics specifically, simulation-based settings featuring drawing tasks seem to be slightly more effective than simulation-based settings featuring elaborate single-choice-tasks in fostering understanding. What is more, simulation-based settings on the divergent phenomenon of Le Chatelier (where different final states emerge from the same initial state, depending on the nature of external perturbation) seem to be more efficient than those on the convergent nature of chemical equilibria (where several initial states with different educt/product ratios yield the same final state in equilibrium) in fostering student understanding irrespective of the mode of the supportive learning task.

Effectiveness of E-learning on "Sexual Health" among students of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences based on the Kirkpatrick model.

Implementing educational programs such as E-learning is highly low-cost and highly effective. The aim was to design and implement a sexual health education program to enhance female students' knowledge based on the Kirkpatrick model. This study was a quasi-experimental intervention study conducted on 60 female students of the Medical Ethics course at Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences based on the Kirkpatrick model. After needs assessment and determining the course syllabus, the teaching content was produced electronically and made available to the research population after scientific (Women's Group) and technical (E-Learning Group) approval. Data analysis was performed based on Mann-Whitney U test and independent t-test through SPSS version 26. The mean (standard deviation) scores of the Kirkpatrick level 2 measurement (learning) of the participants increased from 15.34 (4.89) before the intervention to 16.88 (5.20) after intervention (P < 0.001), which was statistically significant. The participants' satisfaction rate with the educational content was 86%, with the course duration was 94.4%, with the educational facilities and equipment was 85.4%, and with the presentation method and attractiveness of the materials was 86.3%. In total, the participants' satisfaction rate with the electronic course was 88%. The results of this study indicated a positive impact of the course on students' knowledge regarding sexual issues, and the students overall expressed satisfaction with this electronic course. Therefore, it is recommended to implement this course extensiver in other universities considering the advantages of E-learning.

Virtual Reality and Simulation Videos as Effective Training Tools for Creating Safe and Inclusive Environments for Transgender People.

University education is undergoing a paradigm shift towards active methodologies, such as virtual reality and training videos, which have proven to be valuable resources, especially in the health sciences. The scarcity of existing research on the topic prompted us to conduct this study, which seeks to measure the knowledge gained from the aforementioned tools by users, their level of satisfaction with them, and their perceived utility. This is a quasi-experimental intervention study analysing the impact of virtual objects as learning resources for undergraduate nursing students. Fifty-four participants completed the training, yielding highly significant differences between their mean scores, with a high statistical power and a large effect size. A total of 85.46% of participants confirmed that the virtual resources helped them considerably to empathise with the experiences of trans people in healthcare settings. Students were comfortable using the virtual resources, very satisfied with the methodology employed, and would recommend the training received. University teaching must adapt to meet the current legislations and changing health needs of society, and teaching staff must be prepared to implement new active teaching methodologies that make learning a more dynamic process. Considering these results, our study serves as a guide for other nursing educators who seek to promote inclusive healthcare regarding gender diversity. This study is not registered.

The effect of a smoking cessation program for patients in cancer treatment: a quasi-experimental intervention study

Background Compared to non-smokers, smokers have reduced effects of cancer treatment, and increased risk of treatment-related toxicity. Quitting smoking can improve treatment effects and reduce side effects. This study reports on the potential impact of a smoking cessation program on smoking cessation rates among patients in cancer treatment. Material and methods Cancer patients 18 years and older who smoked, with survival prognosis ≥12 months, not suffering dementia or other mental illness, and who were referred to cancer treatment at six Norwegian hospitals were invited to participate. The study took place from 2017 to 2020 and used a pre-test-posttest non-equivalent control group design. The intervention group received structured smoking cessation guidance based on Motivational Interviewing combined with cost-free nicotine replacement products, while the control group received standard smoking cessation treatment. Self-reported smoking status were registered at baseline and at 6 months’ follow up. Results 76% of patients smoked at baseline and 44% at follow-up in the intervention group, correspondingly 72% and 49% in the control group. In an analysis of differences in within-person change, the reduction in the intervention group was 13 percentage points larger (95% CI = (0.25, −0.005), p = 0.041). Adjusting for gender, age, education, labour market participation and partnership status did not attenuate the estimated effect (18 percentage point difference, 95% CI = (−0.346, −0.016), p = 0.032). Demographic factors and dropout rate differed somewhat between the groups with a higher dropout rate in the intervention group, 54% vs. 51%, respectively). Conclusion Offering a structured smoking cessation program based on Motivational Interviewing and cost-free nicotine replacement products to cancer patients can increase cessation rates in comparison to standard smoking cessation care.

Impact of an antimicrobial stewardship program on critical haematological patients

ObjectiveAntimicrobial Stewardship Programs (ASPs) have appeared as very useful tools in order to improve the use of antimicrobial agents. The objective of this study is to assess the impact of an ASP on haematological patients hospitalized in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU). MethodsA quasi-experimental pre-post intervention study, which included haematological patients admitted to an ICU and assessed by the ASP program during 3 years. The impact of the program on patient evolution was assessed by comparison between the previous period and the intervention period in terms of mortality, mean stay, number of re-hospitalizations, and duration of mechanical ventilation for intubated patients. ResultsThe ASP team assessed 324 antimicrobial agents in 169 patients; they recommended 121 modifications, including 55 treatment discontinuations. Compared with the pre-intervention period, there were no significant differences in the variables assessed. No variation was observed in colonization by multi-resistant bacteria. ConclusionsThe implementation of an APS on critical haematological patients will lead to a relevant number of treatment modifications, without any impact on the clinical evolution of patients.

Effectiveness of a workshop-based intervention to reduce bullying and violence at work: A 2-year quasi-experimental intervention study

IntroductionBullying and violence at work are associated with reduced wellbeing of the victims, but few evidence-based interventions are available to prevent these offensive behaviours. We developed and examined the effectiveness of an intervention aimed at prevention of bullying and violence at work through modifications in psychosocial work environment. MethodsIn accordance with pre-published protocol, employees and supervisors of 12 work units in 3 cities (intervention group A: n = 315; intervention group B: n = 271) received a workshop-based intervention on organizational practices to prevent bullying and violence, including supervisor support, supervisor justice, workplace social capital, and psychological safety and were compared to a reference group (n = 2310) which did not receive the intervention. Latent change score modelling (LCSM) was used to estimate between- and within-individual differences in changes of organizational practices and prevalence of bullying and violence from baseline (2020) to follow-up (2022). ResultsNo direct or indirect effects of intervention were observed. Of the potential mediator variables, supervisor support (B = 0.04; 95% confidence interval 0.006, 0.07) and supervisor justice (0.04; 0.01, 0.08) improved in the intervention group B between the measurements and compared to control group, but the result was not replicated in intervention group A. No changes were observed between the measurement points in bullying or violence at work. ConclusionsNo intervention effects on bullying and violence at work were observed. It may be worthwhile to develop the intervention further to focus more on supervisor and co-worker relationships and on psychosocial resources of work team.

Analysis on the predictors of knowledge of medication adherence among care-givers of patients with Schizophrenia in some selected Hospitals of Jigawa State, Nigeria

Family caregivers of persons with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia experience high level of burden and compromised quality of life. A considerable amount of burden on the caregivers often leads to display of certain attitudes towards persons with severe mental illness called expressed emotion, which then leads to poor quality of patients as well. Although numerous studies dealing with these issues separately are present, but studies dealing with relationship, using mixed methodology, among these issues are scarce. Adherence to a drug regime is a significant issue in the clinical management of schizophrenia. A study of adherence in bipolar disorder showed that slightly more than one-half of the patients studied were fully adherent, 20% were partially adherent, and nearly 30% were non-adherent. Risk factors for non-adherence in this group included younger age, minority status, substance abuse, and homelessness (Shehu, et al., 2019). This study assessed and Analysis on the predictors of good knowledge of medication Adherence among care- givers of patients with Schizophrenia in some selected Hospital of Jigawa State, Nigeria. A quasi-experimental psycho-educational intervention study was conducted with before and after design among care givers of patients with Schizophrenia in some selected hospitals of Jigawa State, Nigeria. The study population comprised all the eligible care- givers of patients with schizophrenia within the study area, who were selected and agreed to participate in the study. A sample size of one hundred and thirty participants each for both the experimental and control groups were selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data was collected using Questionnaire Data collected was coded, entered, and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22. After adjusting for the confounding effects using logistic regression analysis; type of treatment (ECT) was found to be negative predictors of good knowledge on medication adherence to treatment among study participants (AOR=0.50, 95%CI=0.27 – 0.85). While, cost of treatment of more than one thousand five hundred naira per day (AOR=2.5, 95%CI=2.11 – 8.33), combination of drugs and ECT (AOR=3.01, 95%CI=1.85 – 14.76), presence of side effects (AOR=4.00, 95%CI=2.05-21.55) and monthly income (AOR=3.00, 95%CI=1.01-15.88) were positive predictors of good knowledge on medication adherence among the study participants in the experimental groupSocial support had a significant correlation with caregivers' QoL. Caregivers should be encouraged to request assistance from other family members and friends in providing care, especially when caregivers are unemployed or long-time carers. Mental health education campaigns and helping families to maintain and enhance a supportive social network may provide useful means to improve caregivers.&#x0D;

Impact of Pharmacist Counseling on Treatment Adherence Outcomes of patients undergoing Maintenance Hemodialysis

Objectives: The study objective was to assess the impact of pharmacists’ counseling on treatment adherence of patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis. Methods: This was a quasi-experimental interventional study with four months of follow-up. An indirect method was used to assess adherence and self-report from patients. A modified and validated version of the Greek simplified Medication Adherence questionnaire for hemodialysis patients was used. Patient counseling by the pharmacist was described as a semi-structured approach. A comparison of the scores in each month was performed using Repeated-measures ANOVA. Friedman's test, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Cochran's Q test, McNemar test. Results: A significant improvement in % of medication adherence over the months (p&lt;0.001, by Cochran’s Q test). There was a significant improvement in fluid adherence in every pair of months, except for months 1 to 2 (by Repeated-measures ANOVA tests). The mean rank shows diet adherence was improved from months 1, months 2, 3, and 4 (Friedman’s test, p&lt;=0.001). The pairwise comparison shows that diet adherence was found to be statistically significant between months 1 and 2, 3, and 4 (P&lt;0.05). All the other pairwise comparison shows no difference. Repeated measure ANOVA shows mean of the weight gain is reduced from months 1 to 2, 3, and 4(p &lt;0.001). Conclusion: The patients improved in treatment adherence in four months. Pharmacists' counseling, along with the services of other healthcare professionals, positively affected patient adherence. Therefore, we recommend that pharmacy counseling services be added to the services available to hemodialysis patients.

The Effect of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Counseling on Blood Glucose and Perceived Stress in Women with Gestational Diabetes.

Gestational diabetes can cause maternal and neonatal morbidity. Psychological factors, especially stress, play a meaningful role in diabetes management. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction counseling on blood sugar and perceived stress in women with gestational diabetes. The present quasi-experimental interventional study was performed on 78 women with gestational diabetes. In the intervention group, a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction counseling program was conducted by the researcher in 8 sessions of 90 minutes twice a week. The Cohen stress questionnaire was filled in both groups. Also, fasting blood sugar and 2-hour blood sugar levels were measured in both groups. Statistical analysis was performed using the independent T-Test, the paired T-Test, the Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon Tests using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows version 20 version (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). The mean age of pregnant women in the intervention group was 28.84 ± 6.20 years old and 29.03 ± 5.42 years old in the control group. There was a significant mean difference between the fasting blood sugar score (p = 0.02; - 6.01; and - 11.46) and the 2-hour fasting blood sugar score (p < 0.001;12.35; and - 5.3) and the perceived stress score (p < 0.001; 35.57; and - 49.19) existed between the intervention and control groups after the intervention. The results of the present study showed that mindfulness-based stress reduction counseling is effective in reducing blood sugar levels and reducing perceived stress in women with gestational diabetes treated with diet.

Knowledge and practice of Medication Adherence among patients with Schizophrenia attending Hospitals in North-western Nigeria

Background: Adherence to psychiatric medications is a complex, dynamic behaviour requiring patients to initiate treatment and continue to take their medications at the correct time, in the correct dose, for prolonged periods of time. But, improving adherence in schizophrenia may have a considerable positive impact on patients and society in terms of quality of life. This can be achieved by focusing on the identified multitude of factors driving non-adherence. Aim: This study assessed the knowledge and practice of medication adherence among patients with Schizophrenia attending hospitals in Northwestern part of Nigeria. Methodology: A quasi-experimental psycho-educational intervention study was conducted with before and after design among patients with Schizophrenia and their family caregivers selected from some hospitals in Northwest Nigeria. The study population comprised all the eligible patients with schizophrenia and their family caregivers within the study area, who were selected and agreed to participate in the study. A sample size of one hundred and thirty participants each for both the experimental and control groups were selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data was collected using Questionnaire Data collected was coded, entered, and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22. Result: There was an increase in the knowledge of schizophrenia and medication adherence, quality of life and level of medication adherence after the psycho-educational intervention.The predictors of medication adherence among the study participants in the experimental group include the following: type of treatment (ECT) (AOR=0.25, 95%CI= 0.18 – 0.75) was found to be negative predictor of medication adherence to treatment among study participants (AOR=0.25, 95%CI= 0.18 – 0.75). While, cost of treatment of more than one thousand five hundred naira per day (AOR=3.00, 95%CI=2.83 – 12.24).

Career Choice With the Serious Game Like2be

Choosing a career is an important biographical event for adolescents. Toward the end of compulsory education, they must decide which career path they want to pursue. The serious game like2be was developed to support adolescents in this individual career choice process. In a quasi-experimental intervention study with 809 adolescents, like2be was evaluated for its effectiveness in career choice classes at the lower secondary level. In addition, a teaching concept for the application of the serious game which included additional teaching materials was analyzed. The data show that like2be is an effective medium for broadening personal career choice horizons, especially when it is pedagogically well-founded and integrated into career choice classes. Although the effectiveness of like2be in stimulating intensive reflection on one's own vocational aptitude or a gender-sensitive attitude towards occupations is limited, the present study shows that like2be has major potential for supporting the process of career choice among adolescents.

The effects of planned education given to parents on smoking in the home environment and passive exposure of children aged 0–5: A quasi-experimental pre-post intervention study from Turkey

PurposeThis study was carried out to determine the effects of planned education given to parents on smoking status at home and on children's passive smoking exposure. Design and methodsThis quasi-experimental study was conducted with the inclusion of 40 parents with at least one child between the ages of 0 and 5 and smoking in their homes, who were registered at a Family Health Center in a city center in the Central Anatolia Region of Turkey, from 1 September 2019 to 30 June 2020. The data of the study were collected using Participant Screening Form, a Personal Information Form, the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence, a Smoking Behaviors and Precautions at Home Form, and a Measurement and Follow-up Form. The collected data were analyzed using the SPSS 23.0 package software. ResultsIn the follow-ups after the planned smoking cessation training given to the parents, the carbon monoxide measurements at their homes decreased significantly throughout the four follow-ups, the number of parents who presented to the smoking cessation outpatient clinic increased, and the number of smoking parents decreased (p < 0.05). ConclusionsIt was concluded that the planned education that was given to smoker parents reduced the smoking rates of the parents, lowered the carbon monoxide values measured in their home environments, and thus, it was effective in reducing the passive exposure of their children at the ages of 0 to 5 years to cigarette smoke. Practice implicationsParents who are addicted to cigarettes should be encouraged not to smoke at home, and homes should be included in closed environments where smoking is prohibited.

An educational intervention study to enhance breast cancer awareness among women and primary healthcare providers of an urban health center area, Visakhapatnam.

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women worldwide posing greater health challenge. The poor survival rate from breast cancer in India may be attributed to lack of awareness, low rate of screening uptake and presentation of cases in advanced stage. To assess the baseline knowledge and effectiveness of educational intervention in improving the knowledge regarding breast cancer. A quasi-experimental community-based health educational intervention study was performed among 100 women and 18 female primary healthcare providers residing in urban field practice area. Face-to-face interviews were performed using a questionnaire adapted from the Breast Cancer Awareness Measure (Breast-CAM) Version 2. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. To assess the difference between pre- and postintervention scores, Mc-Nemar's test and paired sample t tests were applied. Association between socio-demographic variables and difference in mean scores was assessed by using ANOVA and independent t test. P value less than 0.05 was taken as statistically significant. The mean pre-intervention score of knowledge items (21 including warning signs, risk factors of breast cancer) among 100 women participants was 7.19 ± 3.45 and postintervention mean score was 18.18 ± 2.42. The mean pre-intervention score among 18 primary healthcare providers was 10.89 ± 4.59 and postintervention score was 19.89 ± 1.28. There was significant improvement in mean scores. The increase in percentage of scores in all 21 items postintervention was significant (Mc-Nemar's test). There was significant association between socio-demographic profile and increase in mean scores. The study identified various barriers for seeking medical care among women. The community-based educational intervention was effective in enhancing the knowledge regarding breast cancer among women.

The Metabolic and Analytical Changes of Healthy Volunteers upon Intake of Portuguese Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A Comparison Study between Pre- and Post-Intervention.

(1) Background: Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is studied mostly for its health benefits in preventing non-communicable chronic diseases, particularly within a Mediterranean dietary pattern. However, few studies have addressed the effect of EVOO in healthy individuals, prior to an established disease. This study aims to evaluate the impact of Northern Portuguese polyphenol-rich EVOO (NPPR-EVOO) consumption on various important clinical parameters in healthy adult volunteers. (2) Methods: This quasi-experimental intervention study assessed the impact of NPPR-EVOO for a period of 100 days. Serum total cholesterol, HbA1c, HDL-c, LDL-c, and CRP, and anthropometric measures-waist and hip perimeters, hand grip strength, and body fat-were assessed and food logs were analyzed. (3) Results: Serum HbA1c (5.12 ± 0.32%; 4.93 ± 0.24, p = 0.000) and LDL-c (96.50 ± 28.57 mg/dL; 87.41 ± 31.38 mg/dL, p = 0.017) significantly decreased following NPPR-EVOO. Also, daily energy significantly increased, but no changes in other dietary parameters, or anthropometry, were seen. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet did not explain the differences found in individuals regarding serum lipid profile and HbA1c, reinforcing the role of EVOO's effect. (4) Conclusions: NPPR-EVOO lowered the serum levels of LDL cholesterol and HbA1c, providing clues on the effect of EVOO-putative health benefits. These results pave the way for a deeper exploration of EVOO as a functional food.

Effect of text messages online education for premenstrual syndrome symptoms using media-based support in Iranian Students

Background and aims: One of the most common complaints of women is premenstrual syndrome (PMS). This study aimed to determine the effect of text messages online Education on PMS using Media-based Support. Methods: The present research was an interventional quasi-experimental study from May 2021 to August 2021 in all female students in Ramsar city, Iran. Sixty-eight cases were selected and divided into two groups (the intervention and control groups). Demographic characteristics questionnaire and Premenstrual Symptoms Questionnaire (PSQ) were used. Each case in the experimental group received text messages for three menstrual cycles. PMS symptoms were compared before and after the intervention in two groups. The data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 16), independent t-test, paired t-test, and covariance analysis (P=0.005). Results: The participants were 18-25 years old and were studying for a bachelor’s degree. Before the intervention, the mean of the PMS score was (11.25±10.05) in the Intervention group and (31.38±14.31) in the Control group (P=0.041). After the intervention, the mean PMS scores in the Intervention and Control groups were (21.85±8.25) and (33.26±14.45) (P=0.001). In the intervention group, psychological and physical symptoms were statistically significant before (25.11±10.05) and after the intervention (21.85±8.25) (P=0.007). Conclusion: The study results showed that media-based support is an efficient and effective method in reducing premenstrual symptoms, which can be used in related interventions as an effective, easy, and low-cost method.