Quasi-experimental Research Articles

Educational video games to improve the learning process

<span lang="EN-US">The pandemic has made us quickly migrate to virtual environments, for this reason, we must look for quality education mechanisms, thus continuing with the same level of traditional teaching. This research aims to determine the influence of an educational video game in improving the learning process, for which a study was carried out on first-cycle university students. The level of the research is explanatory, of the applied type, with a quantitative approach and quasi-experimental design. We worked with two groups already formed in which 65 students participated. The following results were obtained: an increase in the grade of motivation of 12.9%, an improvement in the acquired knowledge indicator of 46.34%, and an improvement in the obtained qualification indicator of 12.77%. Therefore, it is concluded that an educational video game influences the motivation, acquisition, and application of learning.</span>

Anti-stigma interventions in low-income and middle-income countries: a systematic review

Stigma exacerbates power imbalances and societal disparities, significantly impacting diverse identities and health conditions, particularly for low and middle-income countries (LMICs). Though crucial for dismantling harmful stereotypes, and enhancing healthcare utilisation, existing research on anti-stigma interventions is limited with its condition-focused approach. We aimed to thoroughly evaluate peer-reviewed and non-peer-reviewed literature for a comprehensive review of anti-stigma interventions for diverse identities and all health conditions in LMICs. This review systematically explored peer-reviewed and non-peer-reviewed literature, in ten electronic databases up to January 30, 2024, covering all anti-stigma interventions across various stigmatised identities and health conditions in LMICs. Quality assessment for this systematic review was conducted as per Cochrane Collaboration's suggested inclusions. The review was registered with PROSPERO (Registration: 2017 CRD42017064283). Systematic synthesis of the 192 included studies highlights regional imbalances, while providing valuable insights on robustness and reliability of anti-stigma research. Most studies used quasi-experimental design, and most centred on HIV/AIDS or mental health related stigma, with very little work on other issues. Certain high-population LMICs had no/little representation. The interventions targeted diverse segments of populations and consequently yielded a multitude of stigma-related outcomes. However, despite the heterogeneity of studies, most reported positive outcomes underscoring the effectiveness of existing interventions to reduce stigma. This study is supported by the UK Medical Research Council Indigo Partnership (MR/R023697/1) award.

Guided inquiry with Moodle to improve students’ science process skills and conceptual understanding

This study aims to improve and describe science process skills (SPS) and conceptual understanding (CU) college students through guided inquiry learning with Moodle (GI-Moodle). This quasi-experimental study used a pretest-posttest non-equivalent control group design. College students taking general biology courses at Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering (FSTT), Universitas Pendidikan Mandalika (UNDIKMA) participated in this study. They were divided into three classes: the experiment, control 1, and control 2. Their SPS was measured using an essay test instrument containing 18 items, while the CU was examined using 50 items multiple choice test and 5 items essay test. The obtained data were analyzed using the analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) test. The analysis results identified different average students’ SPS and CU before and after they attended the learning processes using GI-Moodle, guided inquiry with WhatsApp group (GI-WAG), and structured inquiry with WhatsApp group (SI-WAG). The experiment class attended learning using GI-Moodle presented a more significant increase of SPS and CU than the students attending the other two learning with GI-WAG and SI-WAG. Therefore, the GI with Moodle learning can be used to improve students’ SPS and CU during post COVID-19 pandemic. Besides, further studies are suggested to use a more number and broader participants and identify the influence of GI-Moodle on other variables.

Simulation Strategies to Develop Undergraduate Nurses' Skills to Identify Patient Deterioration: A Quasi-Experimental Study

BackgroundGraduate nurses are unprepared to recognize and respond to patient deterioration. Simulation involving micro-debriefing with feedback and opportunities for repeated performance can improve simulated clinical practice. MethodsA prospective quasi-experimental design evaluating two simulation approaches (Standard simulation versus Rapid Cycle Intentional Simulation) recruited 138 second year undergraduate nursing students. ResultsDuring simulations the intervention groups demonstrated behaviors associated with situational awareness, in context of a deteriorating patient. Conversely control groups initiated incorrect clinical actions throughout the scenario, potentially harming the simulated patient. ConclusionsSimulation that involves interruptions and micro-debriefings has been shown to improve student performance in deteriorating patient simulations.

The Effectiveness of Listening Team Learning Strategies to Improve the Results of class five in Fiqh Lesson at Islamic Boarding School Darussalam Gontor 2 for Female

Listening Team Strategy cooperative learning model that requires students to think critically, and each group has a different task. So, students can play an active role in expressing their opinions. The low average result in fiqh lesson (bidayatul mujtahid) of class five in Fiqh lesson (Bidayatul Mujtahid) of Islamic Boarding School Darussalam Gontor 2 for female shows that students do not understand the material as whole. Based on the description above, this research aims to: (1) Know the result before and after using the methode from Listening Team in strategy for the experimental class and (2) know the result before and after using conventional learning in the control class (3) to know the effectiveness of listening team strategy on learning outcomes (Bidayatul Mujtahid) of class five in Fiqh lesson at Islamic Boarding School Darussalam Gontor 2 for female. The type of research in this study is quantitative experiments using a quasi-experiment design, namely a nonequivalent control group design with the form of a pretest-posttest control group design. Test the initial and final tests in both classes. Based on the results of this study, researchers concluded that the Listening Team strategy effected to increase the learning outcomes of class five of Islamic teacher training college. Researchers hope that further research to deepen the learning tractor and improve student outcomes. It can help students to understand learning material, especially fiqh lesson.

Development and Evaluation of an Immersive Cinematic Escape Room for Disaster Preparedness and Self-Efficacy Among Nurses

BackgroundThe occurrence of natural disasters is unpredictable. Nurses need to have the core competency of disaster nursing to effectively respond to natural disasters. This study aimed to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of an immersive cinematic escape room (ICER) instructional approach in disaster preparedness and self-efficacy in nurses. MethodThis quasi-experimental research design used a convenience sample of 115 nurses. The course contents covered establishment of medical stations, incident command system (ICS), personal preparedness and protection in disasters, and mass casualty triage (START). Evaluation of disaster preparedness and self-efficacy occurred before, one week after and four weeks after the course. ResultsThe experimental group, lacking prior disaster preparedness education experiences, demonstrated a statistically significant improvement (p < .01) compared to the control group with more such experiences. At week four, both groups showed improvement in the self-efficacy scores, but the improvement did not achieve statistical significance (p > .05). ConclusionThe ICER approach significantly enhanced nurses’ disaster preparedness and self-efficacy. Educators are encouraged to adopt this approach for comprehensive disaster nursing education.

Gender dynamics in GeoGebra integration: In-service mathematics teachers’ development

Teachers’ perceptions of integrating educational technologies such as GeoGebra in teaching varied according to gender and these disparities were explored. The pre- and post-technological pedagogical and content knowledge (TPACK) Likert questionnaires were used as data collection instruments. TPACK was also used as the framework underpinning the study. The researchers purposively sampled 22 mathematics secondary teachers from twelve randomly selected schools in one district. Of the 22 selected teachers, 13 were male and nine were female. The researchers adopted a quasi-experimental research design within a quantitative approach and used the descriptive and inferential statistics to analyze and interpret the results. The findings revealed that males ranked their familiarity and experience with several novel technologies higher than did females. There exist gender differences with more male than female teachers showing a greater benefit to most of TPACK components.

The impact of psychospiritual program on state of depression, anxiety and stress among female juvenile delinquents

The participation of teenagers in inappropriate social actions is linked to the disregard for their mental health. This research was carried out to assess how a psychospiritual program impacts the reduction of depression, anxiety, and stress among delinquent adolescents. The study employed a quasi-experimental design, utilizing a single group for pretest-posttest evaluation. In this study, 36 delinquent adolescents who were females (N=36) and were enrolled in an Approved School in Terengganu, Malaysia, participated. The analysis was conducted through paired sample t-tests. The level of depression, anxiety, and stress before and after the psychospiritual program was assessed using the clinical scale for depression, anxiety, and stress (DASS-21). The results showed that the level of depression, anxiety and stress had decreased as much as 0.7619, 1.4643 and 0.7937 respectively after joining the program which was less than 0.05 (p=0.000 ≤0.05). This implies that the psychospiritual program exerts a significant influence in reducing depression, anxiety, and stress levels among adolescent delinquents. As a result, it is prudent to explore the psychospiritual approach as a potential alternative to the conventional allopathic intervention for addressing depression, anxiety, and stress problems especially among female delinquent adolescents at approved schools who have similar criterion.

Supportive psychotherapeutic intervention and video directing observed therapy to increase family adherence

To determine the effect of supportive psychotherapy and video-directing observed therapy interventions on family compliance in assisting patients with mental disorders in the working area of the Kabila Health Center, Bone Bolango District, Gorontalo City. Research design quasi-experimental design with a one group pre- and post-test design, where the variables to be measured are family adherence in providing treatment assistance, which are included in the dependent variable. The independent variables in this study were supportive psychotherapy and video-directed observation therapy. The sampling technique used was a total sampling technique with a sample size of 39 respondents. Data analysis was performed using univariate analysis, namely descriptive analysis (frequency, percentage, median, minimum value, and maximum value) and bivariate analysis (Wilcoxon test), with a significance level of &amp;lt;0.05, which was performed using SPSS version 25 software. Supportive psychotherapy and video-directing observed therapy increased family compliance accompanying the treatment of patients with mental disorders (p-value of x1=0.020, x2=0.000, p&amp;lt;0.05). Supportive psychotherapy interventions and video-directed observed therapy have been proven to increase family compliance in treatment assistance, which can improve the quality of life of patients with mental disorders.

Pre-simulation Preparation Preferences of Senior Nursing Students: Virtual Simulation Games Versus Traditional Case Studies

BackgroundPresimulation preparation is critical to prepare learners to participate fully in clinical simulations; however, many do not complete assigned presimulation activities. Research QuestionWhich presimulation preparation activities will senior nursing students choose and perceive as helpful? MethodsA quasi-experimental study evaluated senior nursing student (n = 115) pre-simulation preparation preferences. Students had access to eight activities including a case study and a virtual simulation game (VSG). Participants indicated which activities they completed, and rated the case study and VSG in terms of usability, engagement, and impact on learning. ResultsOverall, 57% of participants completed the paper-based case study and 37% played the VSG. Participation in any preparation resulted in significant improvements in competence (t = 2.3; p = .02). Learners rated VSG higher than case study in terms of usability (t = 2.6; p = .01), engagement (t = 2.8; p = .01) and impact on learning (t = 2.4; p = .02). ConclusionResults revealed nursing students have different preferences for pre-simulation preparation. Although more students completed the case study than the VSG, those who played the game rated it higher. This supports providing a choice in presimulation preparation activities.

Effects of stress management interventions on heart rate variability in adults with cardiovascular disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Meta-analysis was used to investigate the potential benefits of stress management interventions (SMIs) on vagally-mediated heart rate variability (HRV) in adults with cardiovascular disease. Electronic bibliographic databases were searched through August 2022. Randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies assessing effects of SMIs on HRV were included. Methodological quality was assessed with a standardized checklist. A pooled effect size was calculated for vagally-mediated HRV indices (standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals, root mean square of the successive differences, and high frequency power) using random effects models. Fourteen studies (1202 participants, Mage: 59 ± 6.25years; 25% ± 16% women; 61% ± 22% White) were included. Ten studies (11 effects) reported short-term HRV assessment; a small between-group difference emerged for vagally-mediated HRV (d+ = .27, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.01-0.52, k = 11). Most interventions examined biofeedback; these studies yielded a small between-group difference on vagally-mediated HRV (d+ = 0.31, 95% CI 0.09-0.53, k = 7, Q [6] = 3.82, p = .70, I2 = 11%). This is the first systematic examination of the effect of SMIs on HRV in adults with CVD. Findings suggest a small effect of SMIs on vagally-mediated HRV, with biofeedback likely driving the effect. More research is required to fully understand whether this benefit on vagally-mediated HRV applies to other SMIs.

The Influence Of The Project-Based Learning Model On The Scientific Creativity Of Physics Education Undergraduate Students At Madura Islamic University

Scientific creativity is a skill needed in the 21st century. 21st-century skills are known as 4C skills, one of which is being creative to produce innovative work to answer the challenges of the Industrial Revolution era 5.0. The Project-based learning model is a learning model that can guide students to increase students' scientific creativity through a series of questions that direct and explore students' scientific knowledge and creativity. This research used a quasi-experimental research design with 36 students divided into control classes and experimental classes. This research aims to see how much influence the PjBL learning model has in increasing the scientific creativity of students in physics subjects in terms of the implementation of the model and the influence of the PjBL model. The instruments used to obtain data were essay test questions for pretest and posttest, and observation sheets to observe the implementation of learning in class. All test questions have been validated by experts and tried out to test the reliability of the questions, level of difficulty, and distinguishing power of the questions using the ANATES Essay Questions application. Concept mastery data (posttest) was analyzed by hypothesis testing (t-test) using the SPSS application. The results of the research show that: (1) There is a significant influence of using the Project-based learning model on students' mastery of physics concepts. A significance value of 0.031 (Sig &lt; 0.05) was obtained at the 95% confidence level. (2) The implementation of the project-based learning model accompanied by probing prompting techniques is included in the good category Keywords: Scientific Creativity, Project Based Learning

Effects of pilates exercise on quality of life and menopausal symptoms in menopausal women: A quasi experimental study

Background: Menopause is an unspoken, unattended, reality of life, the cause of which is still undeciphered completely by human. Women can enjoy good quality of life after menopause even without hormones as exercise works by improving muscle mass, strength, flexibility and coordination. Pilates exercise has grown in popularity as a result of profound effects that it has had on both healthy and injured bodies. Nowadays Pilates exercise more formally into rehabilitation from more medical perspective. Aim: To assess the effect of Pilates exercises on quality of life and menopausal symptoms in menopausal women. Materials and Methods: A Study was performed on a total of 30 women. Subjects matching the inclusion criteria with age group 45-55 years were included for the study. They performed pilates exercise, 3 times a week for 8 weeks. Menopause Rating Scale and Menopause-specific Quality of Life were used as outcome measures to assess the pre and post effect of exercises. Data was analyzed using SPSS software 28. Results and Discussion: There is a statistically significant difference in the outcomes of pre and post intervention. Paired t test was performed. Conclusion: It is concluded that the Pilates training program in menopausal women helps to improve their quality of life and also beneficial in reducing the symptoms of menopause.

Improving Science performance through games: An Analysis of Game-based Learning in Earth and Life Science

Game-based learning (GBL) has emerged as a promising pedagogical strategy in science education, aiming to enhance student engagement and academic performance. This study investigates the effectiveness of GBL in Earth and Life Science classes among grade 11 students. A quasi-experimental design with pre-test and post-test measurements was employed, comparing a control group with traditional instruction to an experimental group using GBL. Results indicate a significant improvement in students' academic performance in the experimental group compared to the control group. Statistical analysis revealed higher post-test scores in the experimental group, suggesting the efficacy of GBL in enhancing learning outcomes. The study underscores the importance of individualized approaches and innovative methodologies in science education, emphasizing the potential benefits of integrating GBL into the curriculum. Recommendations include integrating GBL methodologies into science curriculum, providing professional development for instructors, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, and assessing long-term effects on student performance and attitudes toward science. Overall, GBL presents a valuable supplement to traditional instructional methods, catering to diverse learning styles and preferences in science education.

The Integration of Educational Technology in Teaching Filipino in Taganito National High School, Claver, Surigao Del Norte, Division of Surigao Del Norte: A Program

The study determined the effectiveness of integrating educational technology in teaching the Filipino Subject for Grade 9 students in Taganito National High School. The study employed a quasi-experimental research design utilizing two homogenized group comprising 30 students per group. Data gathered were analyzed using the mean and standard deviation, T-test for dependent samples, and analysis of co-variance (ANCOVA). Results revealed that the average post test scores of Grade 9 students in Filipino subject is mostly Very High both in the Control (M=9.12; SD=.38) and in the Experimental (M=9.41; SD=.31). Learning performance of Grade 9 students in the Experimental Group is significantly higher (p=.002) compared to that of the Control Group. Therefore, the use of educational technology in teaching the Filipino subject is highly effective. Students’ learning achievement in Filipino subject is significantly enhanced with the effective use of educational technology in instruction. Thus, it is recommended that the Grade 9 teachers handling the Filipino subjects are enjoined to effectively use educational technology in teaching the subject. Moreover, the learning modules used in this study may be adopted by other Filipino teachers as teaching interventions in teaching the Grade 9 students.

The Effectiveness of Hammock Positioning in Regulating Behavioral Patterns in Preterm: A Systematic Review

Background- Preterm newborns benefit from supportive developmental techniques such as hammock placement, which give them a sense of being in the womb that promotes calm, relaxation, and deep restful sleep. Objective- To identify and synthesize the available evidence on the effect of hammock positioning in regulating behavioral patterns and sleep in preterm infants admitted to the NICU Data Sources: We searched the Google Scholar, Pubmed, and Scopus databases for reports of primary research studies using a three-step strategy. We also searched for and reviewed the reference lists of retrieved articles. Methods: We included data from randomized controlled trials, Quasi-experimental and Comparative study measuring the effects of hammock positioning on physiological stress outcomes, defined as oxygen saturation, body temperature, heart rate and respiratory rate, Sleep-wakefulness, and behavioral pattern. The PRISMA model was used to conduct data extraction. We performed a narrative synthesis of all studies when data were available from multiple studies. Results: Five studies were eligible for inclusion. Infants who received hammock positioning has shown to have a higher mean heart rate, oxygen saturation and temperature, Sleep-wakefulness and improved behavioral patterns. Conclusions: Current evidence suggests that hammock positioning in the neonatal intensive care unit setting is a safe method that may significantly affect some of the physiological parameters of stress, improved behavioral patterns and Sleep-wakefulness in preterm infants. However, due to clinical heterogeneity, further studies are needed to assess the effects of physiological stress in the neonatal intensive care unit on the development of preterm infants.

Trends of Physics Critical Thinking Skill Research in Indonesia: A Systematic Literature Review

Critical thinking skills are fundamental in 21st-century teaching. This study aims to identify trends in research on critical thinking skills in physics in Indonesia, as reported in journal articles published between 2016 and 2022. This is meta-analysis research using the Prisma model. There were 36 articles that met the selection criteria. We performed the data analysis manually and used VOSviewer software. The indicators used for data analysis include the year, type of research, research subject, topic, treatment, data collection instrument, and the application of data analysis in each article. The analysis of article reviews reveals that the research trend for critical thinking skills in physics in Indonesia has increased, with more publications expected in 2020. Temperature and heat are the physics topics that have become the focus of research. High school students in grade X are the most frequently selected research subjects. Research on physics education typically employs quantitative methods, employs a quasi-experimental design, and utilizes a test as a data collection instrument. The most common method of data analysis in research is the t-test.

Students’ Perception in Using Daily Activities Diary to Improve Writing Ability of the Tenth-Grade Students of SMA Negeri 1 Mamuju

This study analyzed the use of a daily activities diary to improve students' writing ability. The study aimed to determine students' perceptions of using daily activities diary to improve the writing ability of the tenth-grade students of SMA Negeri 1 Mamuju. This study used a quantitative research method with quasi-experimental design. The population of this study was the students of SMA Negeri 1 Mamuju. The samples of this study were students of class X B who used the daily activities diary continuously. The researcher used interviews as the research instrument. The results of this study showed that students' perceptions of using daily activities diary to improve their writing ability were positive perception. This illustrates that the use of a daily activities diary could improve the writing skills of tenth-grade students of SMA Negeri 1 Mamuju.

The impacts of an mHealth intervention targeting parents on health service usage and out-of-pocket costs in the first 9 months of life: The Growing healthy app.

Mobile health (mHealth) interventions provide a low-cost, scalable approach to supporting parents with infant feeding advice with the potential to reduce health care visits and associated costs for infant feeding support. This Australian study examined the impact of the Growing healthy (GH) app on health service utilisation and out-of-pocket costs for families in the first 9 months of their infants life. A quasi-experimental study with a comparison group was conducted in 2015-2016 with an mHealth intervention group (GH app, n = 301) and a nonrandomized usual care group (n = 344). The GH app aimed to support parents of young infants with healthy infant feeding behaviours from birth to 9 months of age. App-generated notifications directed parents to age-and feeding-specific content within the app. Both groups completed surveys at baseline when infants were less than 3 months old (T1), at 6 months (T2) and 9 months (T3) of age. At T3, participants reported health services used and any out-of-pocket costs for advice on infant feeding, growth or activity. App users had lower odds (odds ratio: 0.38 95% confidence interval: 0.25, 0.59) of using one or more services and had lower number of visits to a general practitioner (1.0 vs. 1.5 visits, p = 0.003) and paediatrician (0.3 vs. 0.4 visits, p = 0.049) compared to the usual care group. There was no difference in out-of-pocket costs between groups. Provision of an evidenced-based infant feeding app may provide substantial savings to the health system and potentially to parents through fewer primary health care and paediatrician visits.

Applying Peer Review to Improve Students’ Descriptive Writing Text

This research is conducted to determine whether there is a significant difference in students’ descriptive writing score after being treated using peer review compared to those students who did not get the same treatment. This is a quasi-experimental research design with one group as the experimental and one group as the control. Pre-test and post-test were also administered before and after the 10 times treatment given. The population of this research are all of the seventh-grade students in Bangka Islandy the total 80 students. Meanwhile, 50 students from two different classes were the sample of this research. The result of this research showed that the t-obtained in equal variances assumed 6.353 and the significant (2-tailed) was 0.00. Since t-obtained was higher than t-table (2.02) and the significant (2-tailed) was lower than computation with level significant (0.05), it could be stated that there was a significant difference in post-test between the experimental class and control class. It can be concluded that the using of peer review is able to improve the students’ descriptive writing score significantly.