Quasi-experimental Research Articles

Ability beliefs and intrinsic motivation: Predictors in computational-thinking and inquiry-based pedagogies for critical skills

ABSTRACT Associations among self-efficacy, intrinsic motivation, and instructional methodologies fundamentally determine the success of skill acquisition within educational frameworks. This study assessed the impact of inquiry-based and computational thinking pedagogies on the outcomes among 132 students from two universities in Enugu State. The study adopted a quasi-experimental design using five instruments to assess students’ experiences. Hierarchical Multiple Regression and 5000 re-samples BC bootstrapping via the PROCESS macro were employed to test hypotheses and examine the relationship between student engagement and achievement. The study found that inquiry-based and computational thinking pedagogies improved achievement and retention, with ability, belief and intrinsic motivation as mediators. This study contributed to extant literature by integrating the mediators into computational thinking and inquiry-based learning, presenting a groundbreaking framework that enhances critical skills acquisition in Nigerian universities. The study recommended integrating these methods into Nigerian university frameworks to enhance students’ academic achievement, retention, and critical skills acquisition.

One is Good, but are Two Really Better? Outcomes for Dual versus Individual Attendees in a Behavioral Parent-Training Program for Caregivers of Young Children

ABSTRACT Background The Helping Our Toddlers, Developing Our Children’s Skills (HOT DOCS) BPMT program utilizes positive behavior support principles to help caregivers of children birth-5 years address early childhood disruptive behaviors and common developmental challenges experienced by many young children. Objective The present study examined whether there were differences in child outcomes, attendance rates, homework completion rates, levels of caregiver stress, and treatment satisfaction for individual versus dual caregiver participation in the HOT DOCS BPMT. Method Using a quasi-experimental design, caregivers of children ages 0–5 years were assigned to two non-equivalent groups: individual attendee (n = 141) and dual attendee (n = 123). Independent samples t-tests were utilized to compare means between individual and dual attendee groups for number of sessions attended and homework completion. Paired samples t-tests were calculated to compare means between individual and dual attendee groups on HOT DOCS program outcomes, including child behavior, parenting stress, and treatment satisfaction. Results There were no significant differences in outcomes between individual and dual attendee groups. Child behavior outcomes, parenting stress, treatment satisfaction, attendance, and homework completion were similar across both groups. Conclusions Individual caregiver engagement in the HOT DOCS BPMT program might be sufficiently potent to result in desirable outcomes. Future directions should include examining family structure and treatment modality on BPMT outcomes, maintenance of intervention gains, and perceived child behavior outcomes of BPMT non-attending caregivers.

The effectiveness of a resilience program on reducing social anxiety among peer victimized Jordanian adolescents: a quasi-experimental pilot study

Purpose This study aims to assess the effectiveness of a resilience-building program in reducing social anxiety among victimized adolescents and examining the mediating role of resilience in the relationship between peer victimization and social anxiety. Design/methodology/approach A nonequivalent control group pre-post quasi-experimental design was used, with participants divided into an intervention group receiving resilience training and a wait-list control group. This study involved Jordanian adolescents who had experienced peer victimization and reported elevated social anxiety symptoms. The intervention utilized the Youth Resilience Program, a nonclinical psychosocial method. Findings A total of 137 participants completed the study, with no significant baseline differences between the intervention and control groups in resilience, social anxiety or peer victimization scores. The intervention group showed significant improvements in resilience and reductions in social anxiety and peer victimization compared to the control group. Resilience partially mediated the relationship between peer victimization and social anxiety, indicating that higher resilience reduced the impact of victimization on social anxiety, although victimization still had a direct effect on social anxiety. Research limitations/implications The resilience-building program was effective in enhancing resilience and reducing social anxiety among victimized adolescents. However, while resilience reduced the impact of victimization, it did not entirely eliminate the anxiety associated with victimization, indicating the need for comprehensive interventions that address both resilience and other factors contributing to social anxiety. This study contributes to the understanding of the complex interplay between peer victimization, social anxiety and resilience in Arab adolescents and underscores the importance of culturally sensitive interventions in promoting adolescent mental health. Originality/value Within the Arab Jordanian context, the intricate relationship between social anxiety and peer victimization is profoundly influenced by the unique sociocultural factors and family dynamics of the Arab societies, which often place a strong emphasis on collectivism and conformity (Obeidat et al., 2012). Arab families often expect their children to adhere to societal norms and maintain harmonious relationships within the family and community. This emphasis on conformity can intensify social anxiety among adolescents, as the fear of deviating from the expected norms and bringing shame to the family can be overwhelming. However, the scenarios are grounded in hypotheses derived from prior Arab research examining various related variables. It is important to note that existing evidence regarding the role of adolescent resilience in shaping the relationship between peer victimization and social anxiety primarily stems from Western literature, using Western samples. No studies have yet investigated how these factors interact and influence one another among Arab adolescents.

Enhancing the effectiveness of interprofessional education in health science education: a state-of-the-art review

BackgroundIn order to foster effective collaboration and improve healthcare outcomes, students from multiple health professions engage in interprofessional education (IPE), learning together and from each other. Existing literature explores the effectiveness of IPE within health sciences but presents varied findings.The purpose of this study is to The effectiveness of IPE is defined as the four levels of training evaluation delineated by Kirkpatrick: reaction, learning, behavior, and results. Affecting factors are defined as elements directly influencing IPE effectiveness, while intermediating factors are influenced by these affecting factors, subsequently impacting overall IPE effectiveness.MethodsA state-of-the-art review was conducted using medical databases PubMed, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Scopus. Search terms included: (interprofessional learning) OR (interprofessional education) AND (higher education) within the time frame of 2017 to 2022. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute checklists for quasi-experimental and qualitative studies. Study features were evaluated using a coding scheme, and qualitative analysis of the included studies was performed.ResultsFifty-four studies met the inclusion criteria after screening. Qualitative analysis revealed four affecting factors: 1) Community-based learning approach, 2) Problem-based learning approach, 3) Experiential learning approach, and 4) Technology-based learning approach. Intermediating factors included student and team characteristics, such as boundary crossing, team leadership, readiness, educational discipline and background, and interprofessional attitudes. Additionally, educational design characteristics, like intervention duration, facilitation, and authenticity of learning experiences, served as intermediating factors. Organizational characteristics, such as organizational culture and logistics, were identified as further intermediating factors.ConclusionThis study provides insight on factors affecting and intermediating IPE effectiveness, vital in the design of IPE programs. Based on the findings we formulated six practical tips to enhance IPE effectiveness.

Impact of emergency financial support program on testing demand, SARS-CoV-2 prevalence, and social isolation during COVID-19 outbreak in Brazil: a quasi-experimental study

BackgroundPrograms offering financial support have been established to mitigate the economic fallout and vulnerabilities arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, financial incentives were introduced to promote compliance with social isolation measures, thereby preventing SARS-CoV-2 infections and transmission. However, few low- and middle-income countries have implemented financial aid to alleviate the socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. We estimated the association between the Brazilian Emergency Aid (EA) Program and SARS-CoV-2 testing demand, SARS-CoV-2 prevalence, and social isolation levels.MethodsIn this quasi-experimental study, we assessed microdata information from 380,000 individuals surveyed in the COVID-19 National Household Sample Survey (COVID-19 NHSS) between July 1, 2020, and Nov 30, 2020. Individuals meeting the EA eligibility criteria, those who have taken the SARS-CoV-2 test, those diagnosed with COVID-19, and/or those complying with social isolation measures were included. Beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries were matched (1:1) using propensity score matching, combined with the entropy balance technique and inverse probability treatment weighting, considering all relevant socioeconomic and health covariates. We performed logistic regression to compute the monthly average impact of EA benefits on the outcomes above.ResultsWe included 171,183 performed tests, 19,218 COVID-19 cases, and individuals’ self-response in complying with mild (N = 660,297), moderate (N = 597,159), strict social isolation (N = 149,125), and those who did not constrain social gatherings (N = 1,406,581). EA recipients showed greater testing demand (November; odds ratio [OR] = 1.014, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.001–1.026); however, this did not significantly reduce SARS-CoV-2 prevalence. Beneficiaries adhered better to mild isolation from July–September (September; OR: 1.017, 95% CI: 1.007–1.028), with no significant improvement from October–November. EA beneficiaries did not adhere to moderate (July, OR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.94–0.97; November, OR: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.80–0.86) or strict (July, OR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.75–0.84; November, OR: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.73–0.81) isolation compared to non-beneficiaries.ConclusionsDespite the severe COVID-19 situation in Brazil owing to the lack of effective public health policies and government resistance to scientific guidance, being an EA beneficiary was associated with increased testing demand and better adherence to mild social isolation measures.

Comparison of the effects of group and individual reflection methods on self-regulated learning strategies and learning motivation among emergency medical technicians: a quasi-experimental study

BackgroundReflection is an essential educational practice often characterized as a self-regulated learning activity. Self-regulated learning has been shown to positively influence learning motivation and metacognition. This study aimed to compare the effect of group and individual reflection methods on self-regulation learning strategies and motivational components among emergency medical technicians.MethodsThis quasi-experimental study was conducted on 54 emergency medical technicians in South Khorasan province in 2023. Thirty pre-hospital emergency centers affiliated to Birjand University of Medical Sciences were randomly assigned to three blocks (A, B, and C). Participants were then selected through convenience sampling based on predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Eighteen participants working in pre-hospital emergency centers were selected from each block. The three blocks (A, B, and C) were randomly assigned into three arms: individual reflection, group reflection, and control. The individual reflection group members were asked to record their feelings and experiences using the Gibbs model in provided notebooks during four weeks (at the end of each week). The group reflection members, after forming groups and selecting leaders, engaged in the group reflection sessions in a designated room, following the Gibbs model for four weeks. The self-regulated learning strategies and learning motivation components of all participants were measured using standardized questionnaires before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using paired t-test, one-way analysis of variance, Tukey’s post hoc test, and Fisher’s exact test.ResultsThe mean score of self-regulation learning strategies and learning motivation significantly increased in the group reflection arm after the intervention (p < 0.05). While the mean scores of motivational component and its individual components increased significantly in the individual reflection group after the intervention (p < 0.05), no significant difference was observed in the mean scores of self-regulation learning strategies and their components before and after the intervention (p > 0.05).ConclusionThe results of this research highlight the superiority of group reflection method over individual reflection in promoting self-regulated learning. While both methods were effective in enhancing learning motivation, group reflection proved to be more beneficial. Therefore, it is recommended that Emergency Medical Services managers provide training programs that incorporate group reflection to enable technicians to benefit from its advantages in terms of self-regulated learning strategies and learning motivation.

The impact of using simulation-based learning to further develop communication skills of pharmacy students and pharmacists: a systematic review

BackgroundEffective communication in healthcare, among professionals and between professionals and patients is crucial for delivering high-quality care. While simulation effectively translates technical skills to clinical practice, its impact on communication, particularly in pharmacies, is less well documented.AimThis systematic review examined the impact of simulation-based education on communication skills among pharmacy students and pharmacists. It aims to identify the types of simulations used, the outcomes obtained, and the effectiveness of these simulations in enhancing communication skills, perception and confidence.MethodWe conducted searches in MEDLINE, LISSA, EMBASE, and PsycINFO for articles on communication training through simulation for pharmacy students and pharmacists. The search covered the period from inception to August 31, 2022. To be included, studies had to meet the following criteria: (i) target pharmacy student or graduate pharmacists; (ii) use simulation in the field of clinical pharmacy; (iii) provide a complete description of the outcome measure. Studies for which it was impossible to extract data specific to pharmacy students or simulation were excluded. Three investigators independently evaluated each title and abstract. If each investigator considered the citation eligible, six authors progressed to full-text review. The outcomes related to communication were categorized into three groups: perception of the importance of communication in delivering high-quality patient care, confidence in communication skills, and assessed communication proficiency. The quality of studies included in this review was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT).ResultsThe total number of participants was 3337. Among the 20 articles reviewed, which were primarily published in the United States over the last decade, only one focused on community pharmacists. Quasi experimental designs were predominant, and studies often relied on learners' self-assessments with non-validated questionnaires. Simulation-based learning aimed to enhance communication skills and attitudes across interprofessional contexts (involving nursing and medical students), patients, and families, frequently utilizing simulated patients. Studies evaluating outcomes have emphasized communication skills with patients and families, while those involving healthcare professionals often focused on perception of the importance of communication in delivering high-quality patient care.ConclusionDespite study heterogeneity, this systematic review concluded that simulation-based training significantly enhances perception, confidence, and communication skills. The development of clear guidelines and standardized assessment tools to evaluate communication would significantly improve the validity and reliability of future research efforts (PROSPERO registration: n°CRD42022371915).

Effects of Core Stability Training on Lumbar Flexibility in Postpartum Females with Hyperlordosis: AQuasi-Experimental Study

Background: Lordosis is the natural curve of lumbar spine which is essential for proper posture and spinalalignment. When this angle increases then that is hyperlordosis &amp; when it decreases called hypolordosis.Many postpartum women experience an increase in lumbar lordosis, which can cause discomfort, pain, andpostural imbalances, potentially leading to long-term musculature issues. Core stability exercises effectivelystrengthen the abdominal and spinal muscles, addressing these postural problems and enhancing overallstability, which is crucial for recovery and preventing future complications.Objective: The current study was designed to assess the effect of core stability training on lumbar flexibilityin hyperlordotic postpartum females. Methods: In this Quasi Experimental study, a Non-Probability-Convenience sampling technique was used tocollect the data. The total duration of treatment was 12 weeks. Pre-treatment Modified-Modified SchoberTest (MMST) value was measured before and after the treatment of twelve weeks to check the efficiency ofthe core stability exercises in hyperlordotic postpartum females. Data was analyzed on SPSS 25. Results: In this study, core stability training significantly decreased lumbar lordosis (p value = 0.000) withmean values of 8.21 ± 0.22 and 7.68 ± 0.37 for Pre-Exercise MMST(Mean ± SD) and Post-Exercise MMST(Mean ± SD) respectively. Conclusions: Core stability training is a good approach for correcting lumbar lordosis and back pain afterchildbirth. This means core stability exercises played an important role in correcting hyperlordosis and ingaining the spine's normal curvature hence alleviating symptoms.

Looking up the sky: unidentified aerial phenomena and macroeconomic attention

Attention to information plays a key role in recent macroeconomic analysis, yet measuring it is a challenging endeavor, most notably in terms of covering varying geographical levels and time frequencies. We propose a novel, unconventional measure of public attention, which addresses these limitations, based on individuals’ reports of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP). We document a surprising link between UAP sightings and macroeconomic conditions at the U.S.-county, state, and national levels. Controlling for weather conditions, and external influences, UAP sightings are more common in wealthier regions, but within regions the pattern is counter-cyclical. Thus, variations in attention to exceptional phenomena in the skies implicitly point at more general patterns of variations in the public attention. We further support this interpretation by a quasi-experimental design that utilizes plausibly exogenous regional variations in COVID-19 restrictions and find evidence for a causal effect on public attention. We further show that the UAP sightings measure is highly correlated with conventional measures of attention that are based on expectations data. We then apply our measure in the context of monetary policy transmission. We find that it can account for sizable regional heterogeneity in the response to monetary shocks. Higher levels of attention across U.S. regions, as well as within regions over the business cycle, substantially mitigate the effect of monetary policy.

Service Learning in the First Year: Enhanced Retention and Graduation Rates for First-Year and Transfer Students from Underrepresented Groups

This study constitutes an assessment of the service-learning program at a minority-serving institution, using data spanning nine years. It focuses on two student populations: those who enrolled as first-time students, and the larger population of students who transferred from other institutions, primarily two-year colleges. Within these groups, we examine the effects of service-learning in the first year on Latinx/Hispanic students, low-income students, and other underrepresented student subpopulations on first-year retention and on graduation rates. Using propensity score analysis with full matching techniques means this study may be considered a quasi-experimental design in the cases for which strong balance is obtained. Results indicate that service-learning increases first-year retention rates, and increases two measures of graduation rates in every case demonstrating strong balance and significance. Results for Hispanic students are particularly notable.

Project-Based Learning: an Effective Strategy for Improving Critical Thinking in Universities

Purpose: This research evaluated critical thinking in university students using the application of a learning with projects educational program as a strategy. Theoretical Framework: It was based on the theoretical foundations on critical thinking, being the basis of the study of cognitivism, as well as on the relationship between critical thinking and higher education, as a goal of university education, to promote the development of higher thinking based on criticism, innovation and creativity. Design/methodology/approach: A quantitative research with a quasi-experimental design was developed with the participation of 60 university students from the Faculty of Education of a public university in the Loreto region of Peru. Results and Discussion: A significant relationship was found between the educational program learning with projects and critical thinking (p&lt;0.005) in which the training of university students in critical thinking competencies partially had this relationship. The results indicated that the university students who were part of the study had better competencies in the development of critical thinking. Research, practical and social implications: It can be stated that project-based learning is important to improve problem solving and informed decision making skills as competencies in university students to respond to the challenges of the 21st century. Originality/value: This study contributes original value to the field of undergraduate formative study by providing empirical evidence on the effectiveness of the project-based learning educational program to improve critical thinking in Peruvian university students.

Neurodevelopmental benefits of judo training in preschool children: a multinational, mixed methods follow-up study

IntroductionIn our quasi-experimental study, we evaluated the neurodevelopmental impact of judo on young children (n = 182) aged 4–7 years, specifically focusing on primitive reflex integration. Participants were divided into judo and non-judo control groups, and assessments were conducted over 6 months across Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria.MethodsNeurodevelopmental changes were measured using Institute for Neuro-Physiological Psychology (INPP) and Physical and Neurological Examination for Soft Signs (PANESS) for children, while parents completed the Performance Skills Questionnaire (PSQ).ResultsAnalysis with Repeated Measures ANOVA (significance set at p &amp;lt; 0.05) revealed significant improvements in cognitive and motor performance in judo-practicing children compared to their non-judo counterparts. Furthermore, Spearman correlation analysis revealed that INPP and PANESS were effective in identifying neurodevelopmental changes, PSQ was not suitable as a simplified screening tool for parents, potentially due to its absence of items focused on primitive reflexes.ConclusionDespite the limitations of the study, our findings suggest that judo practice could foster central nervous system (CNS) maturation in young children, promoting the potential inclusion of judo in early childhood education programs.

Effect of a Social Support Program on the Health-Promoting Lifestyle of Family Caregivers of Older Adults with Cancer

Background: Cancer is one of the common diseases in old age that imposes the burden of care on family caregivers, and by creating physical, psychological, and social problems for caregivers, it affects their healthy lifestyle. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the impact of the social support program on the health-promoting lifestyle of family caregivers of older adults with cancer. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted in 2021 in Dezful-Iran. 58 eligible samples were selected consecutively and divided into intervention and control groups. The intervention group received social support. Walker and Hill-Polerecky’s Health-Promoting Lifestyle tool was completed before and 6 weeks after the intervention in both groups. Data analysis was done using SPSS software v.16. Results: The overall score of the health-promoting lifestyle in the intervention (129.58 ± 15.21) and control (116.13 ± 24.62) groups had a statistically significant difference (P = 0.01). Also, after the intervention, the interpersonal relations subscale in the intervention (24.58 ± 3.00) and control (21.62 ± 5.41) groups and the health responsibility subscale in the intervention (26.68 ± 2.79) and control (5.37 ± 22.00) groups, there was a statistically significant difference (P &lt; 0.05). However, this difference was insignificant in other subscales in the two groups after the intervention (P &gt; 0.05). Conclusions: Social Support Programs, in addition to enhancing the lifestyle of family caregivers, can also contribute to improving the quality of care for older adults. The findings of this study recommend sharing insights with nurses, formal and family caregivers of older adults with cancer, and health services policymakers to inform and guide the development of targeted interventions and support systems that can enhance the health-promoting lifestyle of family caregivers of older adults with cancer.

Investigating the Efficiency of the Rotation Model in Improving First-Year Undergraduate ESL Learners’ Writing: A Quasi-Experimental Study

The present study uses a quasi-experimental design to assess the effectiveness of the Rotation Model (RM) on English as a Second Language (ESL) learners’ writing errors among undergraduate students. Few studies have focused on ESL learners' writing errors in inflectional suffixation. To address this gap, the current study investigates the effect of the Rotation Model on ESL learners' writing errors in inflectional suffixation within the Cognitive Load Theory (CLT) framework. The study has collected data from 132 participants. They were divided into two groups. The first group serves as the experimental group (N=66). The experimental group undergoes an intervention through the Rotation Model to improve English writing. The second group is the Control group (N=66). The control received instruction through the grammar-translation method.) Data were collected using pretests and posttests from both groups on two different pictures. The data were analyzed using paired t-tests on SPSS. The analysis revealed that the ESL learners in the experimental group improved their writing by minimizing errors related to inflectional suffixation more than the control group. These findings suggest that the Rotation Model effectively enhances the accuracy of ESL learners' use of inflectional suffixes. The implications of these results underscore the potential of RM as a superior instructional approach over traditional methods in ESL contexts, particularly for complex grammatical structures such as inflectional suffixation.

Communication training program for nurses caring for patients with aphasia: a quasi-experimental study

BackgroundNurses are key communication partners for patients with aphasia. Nurses’ skills are vital for improving the patients’ environment and nursing performance. This study develops and evaluates the effectiveness of a communication training program for nurses who care for patients with aphasia.MethodsA program was developed based on the Intervention Mapping Protocol. Then, a simulation using a standardized patient with aphasia and surveys were conducted. Program effectiveness was evaluated using a quasi-experimental framework with a non-equivalent control group and pretest-posttest non-synchronized design.ResultsThe two groups exhibited statistical significant differences in health communication competence, knowledge of aphasia, patient advocacy, clinical decision-making, and compassionate competence.ConclusionThis study developed communication training for nurses who care for patients with aphasia. The effectiveness test showed that this training affected nurses’ knowledge, attitude, and skills. Clearly, communication education for nurses is important to provide comprehensive care for patients with aphasia and can enhance nursing.

Efficacy of povidone-iodine as an effective pleurodesing agent: an experience from a teaching hospital

The management of persistent malignant pleural effusion (MPE) or uremic pleural effusions requires the removal of pleural fluid and the prevention of recurrence through pleurodesis. Pleurodesis involves injecting a sclerosing agent into the pleura to encourage adhesion between the two layers, ultimately obliterating the pleural space. Povidone-iodine is a potential pleurodesing agent. This quasi-experimental study was conducted at the Department of Pulmonology, Shaikh Zayed Hospital, Federal Postgraduate Medical Institute, Lahore, Pakistan, over one year (March 2021- March 2022). A total of 70 patients with MPE, uremic pleural effusions, and secondary spontaneous pneumothorax (SSP) were enrolled after meeting the inclusion criteria. The pleurodesis procedure involved administering a mixture of 20 mL of 10% povidone-iodine solution and 30 mL of normal saline through a chest tube, followed by clamping for 3 hours. Patients were scheduled for follow-up visits at 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. The average age of participants was 53.26 years (+13.71). Of the 70 patients, 39 (55.7%) were male and 31 (44.3%) were female. 62 patients (88.57%) had pleural effusion, and 8 patients (11.42%) had pneumothorax. The procedure was successful in 84.3% of patients, with varying success rates by diagnosis: MPE (81%), uremic pleural effusion (92%), and SSP (75%). Statistical analysis revealed significant positive effects of povidone-iodine on procedure outcomes (p=0.048) and effectiveness in preventing pleural effusion recurrence (p=0.028). This study indicates that 10% povidone-iodine can serve as a viable alternative to other pleurodesis agents, yielding standard-quality pleurodesis in 84.3% of patients. It is readily available, cost-effective, and has minimal adverse effects.

Designing and assessing experiential learning pedagogy for an intercultural communicative competence training module: a quasi-experimental study

Intercultural communicative competence (ICC) is crucial for future workers in the global job market, where many feels unprepared to communicate effectively with culturally diverse colleagues. Therefore, university students must develop this skill to stay competitive. Experiential learning pedagogy, focused on ICC training, can enhance final-year students’ abilities, offering an alternative to traditional teaching methods. To examine the effectiveness of experiential learning pedagogy in a redesigned ICC module for undergraduates, a multiple-group pre-test and post-test quasi-experimental design was adopted. Data were collected from 31 undergraduate students at two public universities in Indonesia. The module was redesigned to incorporate experiential learning pedagogy, providing various opportunities through face-to-face training workshops. Validated and reliable instruments measured students’ experiential level with the pedagogy and their competencies in intercultural communication. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. Participants showed a substantial enhancement in the Intercultural Communicative Competency Scale after the training workshop, as evidenced by higher post-test scores compared to pre-test scores. Additionally, the post-test data demonstrated a moderate improvement in participants’ expectations from the pre-test for the experiential learning pedagogy. The findings prove the effectiveness of both the content and the pedagogy of the module. Furthermore, these modules should continually integrate more interactive elements to better meet learners’ needs.

The effectiveness of postoperative delirium prevention, diagnosis, and intervention protocol in patients monitored in the intensive care unit after cardiac surgery: a quasi-experimental study

BackgroundThe incidence of delirium is high in the intensive care unit (ICU) after cardiac surgery. The development of evidence-based care protocols for delirium management and training of nurses in this regard can ensure effective management of delirium. This quasi-experimental study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a postoperative delirium prevention, diagnosis, and intervention protocol in patients undergoing monitoring in the ICU after cardiac surgery.MethodsThis study included 64 patients who underwent cardiac surgery and met the inclusion criteria, along with 14 nurses working in the ICU. Patients were divided into control (n = 32) and intervention (n = 32) groups. The study comprised three phases: determining the incidence of delirium in the control group and the delirium diagnosis status of the nurses; providing training to nurses on postoperative delirium prevention, diagnosis and intervention protocol; implementing a preliminary study of the protocol; and finally, implementing the protocol in the intervention group. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.ResultsWhile there was no significant agreement in delirium diagnosis between researcher and nurses in the control group (kappa: 0.207) (p > 0.05), significant agreement was observed in the intervention group (kappa: 1.00) (p < 0.001). The delirium diagnosis rate of the nurses was 14.3% in the control group and 100% in the intervention group, which was a significant difference. The incidence of delirium was 21.9% in the control group and 9.4% in the intervention group, although the difference was not significant.ConclusionPostoperative delirium prevention, diagnosis, and intervention protocol effectively enhance delirium diagnosis compliance among researchers and nurses and improve the accuracy of delirium diagnosis among postcardiac surgery ICU patients. The implementation of this protocol is recommended for delirium management in such patients.Trial registrationThis study was retrospectively registered at Clinicaltrials.gov on 19.02.2024 (Clinical Trials ID: NCT06268119).

Swedish abdominal massage versus warm water therapy on postoperative constipation: a comparison quasi-experimental study

Background Postoperative immobilizatiton for patients with lower extremity fractures causes constipation, which usually affects 50–70% of patients. When it comes to nursing interventions for postoperative constipation, Swedish abdominal massage and warm water drinking therapy are two possible options. Aim The objective of this study is to compare the effectiveness of drinking warm water and Swedish abdominal massage on constipation scores on post-operative lower extremity fractures. Methods A quasi-experimental pre-posttest design without control group design was applied. 30 respondents used simple random sampling technique. The Constipation Assessment Scale (CAS) questionnaire was used to assess the patient’s constipation levels before and after the intervention. The data analysis used independent t-test. Results The mean score of constipation of drinking water group after the intervention was 4.60 while abdominal Swedish massage was 3.56. Although both significantly reduced the constipation score, the p-value was 0.00. Conclusion The protocol of drinking warm water and Swedish abdominal massage immediately after waking up effectively reduced constipation scores on postoperative lower extremity fracture patients and can be use to adjuvant therapy. Further studies are needed to investigate postoperative constipation patients with immobility and the use of strong analgetics.

STROKE PREVENTION ALTERNATIVE: APPLICATION-BASED STROKE PATH EDUCATION FOR HYPERTENSION PATIENTS

In many regions of the world, hypertension is becoming more common. There are 74.5 million American adults older than 20 who have hypertension, although 90% of these instances have no identified etiology. The signs and symptoms of hypertension can differ from person to person and resemble those of other conditions. It is a silent killer. As a result of the high prevalence of hypertension in primary healthcare and the fact that up to 34.1% of Indonesians under the age of 18 suffer from the condition, there are an estimated 63,209,620 instances of hypertension in the country. In the meantime, there have been 427,218 cases of hypertension-related deaths in Indonesia. If left untreated, hypertension. If hypertension is not treated appropriately, it can damage blood vessels all throughout the body yet the risk of damage to the kidneys, heart, brain, and eyes is the most obvious. With the use of both pharmaceutical and non-pharmacological therapy, these dangers can be avoided and reduced. Knowing how to recognize a stroke clearly can help someone who has hypertension reduce their risk of having one. This research goal is to evaluate the effects of stroke preventive education's "Stroke Path" application-based approach on hypertension patients' knowledge, attitudes, and behavior. A control group and a pre-posttest quasi-experimental design are used in this investigation. The sample size was established by using the test statistic of the mean-variance variance of the two unique teams, and simple random sampling was applied as the sampling method. For the purposes of processing and analyzing statistical data, paired and independent t-tests were used in this study. Outcomes of the application-based stroke path education intervention in terms of knowledge, attitude, and behavior (p=0.000, respectively). In conclusion, application-based stroke prevention education is effective at enhancing patients' knowledge, attitudes, and behavior..