Self-perceived Level Research Articles

Do I sound sick? Self-perceived and objectively measured voice impairment in acutely decompensated heart failure: fist insights from the AHF-Voice study

Abstract Introduction Acute heart failure (AHF) is a common reason for recurrent hospitalization. Daily smartphone-based recording of vocal biomarkers appears promising for the early detection of impeding AHF. However, the value of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), i.e. self-perceived voice alterations during decompensation, is unknown. Methods AHF-Voice is an ongoing monocentric prospective cohort study focusing on voice alterations in patients hospitalized for AHF. Exclusion criteria: listed for heart transplantation, high output HF, cardiogenic shock, history of vocal fold disease or surgery, or life-expectancy <6 months. During hospitalization, medical history & echocardiogram were taken and routine blood sampling was done. Daily voice recordings including sustained vowels and standardized reading were collected using a specially designed smartphone app under supervision. At admission and discharge, the self-perceived level of voice alteration was assessed by the Voice–Handicap Index-12 (VHI-12, 0-48 points) questionnaire and a global voice scale (Likert scale, 0-3 points). For both scales, higher values indicate a more severe voice impairment. Hypervolemia was quantified by body composition analysis. Preprocessing and feature extraction of voice recordings were performed using Praat software. The association of self-perceived voice impairment with surrogates of congestion and vocal biomarkers was assessed by bivariate correlation and linear regression. Results Between Apr 2023 and Feb 2024, 72 hospitalized patients with AHF were included. Four patients withdrew consent, 5 patients were excluded due to limited voice recording quality. Hence, 63 patients were considered for analysis: mean age 75±10 years, 67% men, 91% were in NYHA class III/IV, 49% de novo HF, mean LVEF was 45±16%, and median value of Charlson comorbidity score was 2 [1, 3]. Both measures of self-perceived voice impairment improved between admission and discharge (Table 1A and Figure). Concomitantly, body weight, hypervolemia, NT-proBNP, and vocal biomarkers (total reading time and shimmer) decreased. Bivariate correlation showed that both self-perceived scales of voice impairment were closely correlated, as expected (Spearman’s rho 0.36). Linear regression identified surrogates of congestion and objective voice impairments as predictors for change in both PROMs (Table 1B). However, the explained variance was low, e.g. for change in volume status and NT-proBNP 14% and 1% (VHI-12), and 4% and 7% (Global voice scale), respectively. Conclusion This preliminary analysis in patients with AHF showed that self-perceived voice impairment was sensitive to change during recompensation. Objectively generated voice measures and congestion only partially explained the observed improvement of these PROMs. This might indicate that the self-perceived voice impairment constitutes a complimentary domain of patient well-being and indicator for congestion that should be explored further.

Comparison of the Achieved and Expected Competence Level of New Graduate Nurses: Two Cross-Sectional Studies.

To explore and compare the self-perceived competence level of new graduate nurses with the expected competence level that nurse managers believe new graduate nurses should have in general. Two cross-sectional empirical studies. Two independent cross-sectional studies were carried out in 12 tertiary hospitals in September 2020 and November 2021, respectively. Participants were 1017 new graduate nurses with less than 2 years of work experience and 306 nurse managers who completed an online survey. The score of self-perceived nursing competence of new graduate nurses was 74.77 ± 14.35, and the expectation of nurse managers was 74.21 ± 15.04. The values of 18 items were significantly different between the two of them (p < 0.05), and there were only three items showed higher expectations of nurse managers than the self-rated values of new graduate nurses. Results of latent profile analysis revealed that this cohort of new graduate nurses could be divided into three subgroups, named risky competent (11.1%), medium competent (46.0%) and advanced competent (42.9%). When comparing, the nurse managers' expected competence level was between the value of 'medium competent' group and 'advanced competent' group. Our study adopted a dual perspective comparison of nurse managers and new graduate nurses, which broke through the limitations of the previous single perspective study of new graduate nurses' nursing competence. This study highlights the importance of the consistency in new graduate nurses' nursing competence from the perspectives of new graduate nurses and nurse managers. This study showed a generally good match of actual nursing competence level of new graduate nurses and the expected level from nurse managers. While there was significant individual heterogeneity in the competence score of new graduate nurses, three subgroups were identified through the individual-centred analysis of latent profile analysis. Therefore, Nurse managers need to systematically adjust the standardized training programs and teaching methods for new graduate nurses according to the population characteristics and take precise interventions to improve nursing competence of new graduate nurses. We adhered to the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines. No Patient or Public Contribution.

Design, Implementation, and Analysis of an Assessment and Accreditation Model to Evaluate a Digital Competence Framework for Health Professionals: Mixed Methods Study.

Although digital health is essential for improving health care, its adoption remains slow due to the lack of literacy in this area. Therefore, it is crucial for health professionals to acquire digital skills and for a digital competence assessment and accreditation model to be implemented to make advances in this field. This study had two objectives: (1) to create a specific map of digital competences for health professionals and (2) to define and test a digital competence assessment and accreditation model for health professionals. We took an iterative mixed methods approach, which included a review of the gray literature and consultation with local experts. We used the arithmetic mean and SD in descriptive statistics, P values in hypothesis testing and subgroup comparisons, the greatest lower bound in test diagnosis, and the discrimination index in study instrument analysis. The assessment model designed in accordance with the competence content defined in the map of digital competences and based on scenarios had excellent internal consistency overall (greatest lower bound=0.91). Although most study participants (110/122, 90.2%) reported an intermediate self-perceived digital competence level, we found that the vast majority would not attain a level-2 Accreditation of Competence in Information and Communication Technologies. Knowing the digital competence level of health professionals based on a defined competence framework should enable such professionals to be trained and updated to meet real needs in their specific professional contexts and, consequently, take full advantage of the potential of digital technologies. These results have informed the Health Plan for Catalonia 2021-2025, thus laying the foundations for creating and offering specific training to assess and certify the digital competence of such professionals.

Evaluation Of Medical Registrar Confidence In Approach To Acute Stroke And Experience Of Stroke Teaching

Abstract Background The American Heart Association scientific statement (2022) addressing inpatient stroke recommends the delivery of stroke-response training to all hospital staff. While performing a service evaluation on in-patient stroke metrics, we explored the self-perceived confidence levels of medical registrars at this hospital, and whether formal on-site teaching was received. We explored various components including awareness of local stroke protocol and teaching pedagogy. Methods Using Google Forms, a survey was sent to all medical registrars in our hospital. A 5-point Likert scale was used to assess the confidence levels of various topics. Results The response-rate was 63% (N=12). Fifty percent (N=6) of participants were on Higher Training Schemes while the remaining 50% (N=6) occupied standalone appointments. Most respondents (83%, N=10) reported experience managing an acute stroke as a registrar. Forty-two percent (N=5) of registrars ‘strongly agreed’ they were confident in assessment of acute stroke, with 50% (N=6) ‘agreeing’, and one respondent remaining ‘neutral’ (N=1). Some registrars were unfamiliar with local stroke protocol (23%, N=3). Half of respondents (50%, N=6) reported no formal teaching on acute stroke. Fifty percent (N=6) of registrars reported that most teaching occurred primarily on ward rounds, with 42% (N=5) reported teaching through lectures. The vast majority (83%, N=10) selected simulation as their preferred teaching method. Conclusion While our medical registrars were confident in their ability to assess and manage acute stroke, significant improvements can be made to ensure formal teaching is prioritized. As stroke protocol can change from site-to-site, it is crucial to define expectations and standards for registrars to ensure timely care for patients. There is a clear preference for simulation as a teaching pedagogy, hence we plan on introducing a formal stroke simulation curriculum. Stroke response is a multidisciplinary effort, hence future research directions include exploring stroke training in nurses, junior doctors, and other healthcare professionals.

Effects of Self-Perceived Oral Health and Stress Levels on Subjective Oral Symptoms and Lifestyle of University Students in South Korea: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Self-perceived oral health is related to clinical and subjective oral factors, socioeconomic factors, perceived stress, and oral health behavior. However, limited studies have examined whether self-perceived oral health is related to dry mouth, salivary viscosity, or lifestyle factors. Accordingly, this study aimed to verify the effect of self-perceived oral health and stress levels on subjective oral symptoms and lifestyle. The responses of 644 university students who agreed to participate in the study were analyzed. A chi-square test was used to determine whether self-perceived oral health and stress levels showed significant differences based on subjective oral symptoms and lifestyle. Logistic regression was used to analyze the effect of subjective oral symptoms and periodontal disease diagnosis on self-perceived oral health. Subjective oral symptom factors that showed significant differences depending on self-perceived oral health included gingival bleeding or pain, dry mouth, and saliva viscosity, and depending on lifestyle factors included the frequency of tooth brushing and beverage consumption. Additionally, subjective oral symptoms influenced self-perceived oral health. Self-perceived oral health was negative when there was gingival bleeding, pain (odds ratio (OR)=0.594, p=0.002), and dry mouth (OR=0.577, p=0.001). This study's results showed that self-perceived oral health significantly impacts gingival bleeding, pain, and dry mouth. Therefore, government intervention must provide and manage innovative and efficient education programs that promote self-perceived oral health management habits and maintenance and improvement of oral health.

Attrition of older adults in web-based health interventions: Survival analysis within an observational cohort study.

To identify demographics and personal motivation types that predict dropping out of eHealth interventions among older adults. We conducted an observational cohort study. Participants completed a pre-test questionnaire and got access to an eHealth intervention, called Stranded, for 4 weeks. With survival and Cox-regression analyses, demographics and types of personal motivation were identified that affect drop-out. Ninety older adults started using Stranded. 45.6% participants continued their use for 4 weeks. 32.2% dropped out in the first week and 22.2% dropped out in the second or third week. The final multivariate Cox-regression model which predicts drop-out, consisted of the variables: perceived computer skills and level of external regulation. Predicting the chance of dropping out of an eHealth intervention is possible by using level of self-perceived computer skills and level of external regulation (externally controlled rewards or punishments direct behaviour). Anticipating to these factors can improve eHealth adoption.

Changes in the self-efficacy and communication of nursing, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology students participating in a simulated patient simulation

BackgroundThis study aimed to examine changes in self-efficacy and communication of nursing, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology students through participation in an interprofessional patient simulation. Methods: Twenty-two occupational therapy graduate students, 16 speech-language-pathology graduate students, and 25 undergraduate nursing students participated. Participants completed the Self-Efficacy for Interprofessional Experiential Learning (SE-12), the Interprofessional Collaboration Scale (ICS) pre and post simulation, and an open-ended post-simulation questionnaire on self-perceived stress levels. ResultsEach discipline group demonstrated significant changes in perceived self-efficacy (p < .001) and communication (p < .001). Analysis of the open-ended questions revealed a consistent pattern in reducing stress levels from before the simulation to the post-simulation assessment. ConclusionIncorporating interprofessional patient simulation experiences into pre-professional health programs significantly enhances interprofessional communication skills and self-efficacy and reduces self-reported stress, serving as a valuable tool for preparing students to collaborate effectively in interdisciplinary teams to provide high-quality patient care.

Patient-Reported Variables Affecting Self-Perceived Overall Recovery Among People With Subacute Stroke.

Patients' perception of overall recovery is a critical outcome for stroke rehabilitation. However, the perception of overall recovery cannot be obtained using multidimensional measures, because satisfaction in most domains of life does not guarantee satisfaction in overall recovery. A single overall recovery score seems a straightforward measure. However, the clinical implications of overall scores are restricted, because factors affecting patients' overall recovery are unclear, which can be prioritized to optimize the effectiveness of rehabilitation. To examine patient-reported variables affecting overall recovery scores in patients with differing stroke severity. The 59 items of the Stroke Impact Scale 3.0 were selected using regression analysis with a forward selection to explain the overall recovery score (0% = no recovery; 100% = full recovery). Stroke severity was determined with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale. Hospitals. Data of 950 patients collected 90 days after stroke. The models explained about 55% of the variance of the overall recovery scores with five to nine variables, but merely 16% of the variance was explained for patients with moderate stroke. As stroke severity increased, the number of identified variables decreased. Most identified variables were related to social participation and self-care activities (e.g., ability to help others, control the bowels, and dress the torso). Differences in the remaining variables depended on stroke severity. Patients' priorities differ depending on stroke severity. The identified variables may be set as treatment goals to optimize patients' self-perceived overall recovery. Plain-Language Summary: How patients perceive their overall recovery after a stroke is a critical outcome for their stroke rehabilitation. This study demonstrated that patients with different stroke severity may have different priorities that influence their self-perceived levels of overall recovery. The variables identified in this study may help occupational therapy practitioners identify meaningful goals to optimize patients' self-perceived overall recovery.

In-Clinic and Natural Gait Observations master protocol (I-CAN-GO) to validate gait using a lumbar accelerometer

Traditional measurements of gait are typically performed in clinical or laboratory settings where functional assessments are used to collect episodic data, which may not reflect naturalistic gait and activity patterns. The emergence of digital health technologies has enabled reliable and continuous representation of gait and activity in free-living environments. To provide further evidence for naturalistic gait characterization, we designed a master protocol to validate and evaluate the performance of a method for measuring gait derived from a single lumbar-worn accelerometer with respect to reference methods. This evaluation included distinguishing between participants’ self-perceived different gait speed levels, and effects of different floor surfaces such as carpet and tile on walking performance, and performance under different bouts, speed, and duration of walking during a wide range of simulated daily activities. Using data from 20 healthy adult participants, we found different self-paced walking speeds and floor surface effects can be accurately characterized. Furthermore, we showed accurate representation of gait and activity during simulated daily living activities and longer bouts of outside walking. Participants in general found that the devices were comfortable. These results extend our previous validation of the method to more naturalistic setting and increases confidence of implementation at-home.

Evaluating the Impact of Gender, Race, and Training Year on Internal Medicine Residents' Experiences Across the United States.

Prior studies have highlighted experiences of bias within resident training based on trainees' gender and race and high rates of burnout. However, few studies have addressed the intersection between bias and wellness for residents in internal medicine (IM) programs. This study explores how race, gender, and training year affect IM residents' bias experiences and well-being. An anonymous survey with questions evaluating demographics and resident experiences of bias and perceptions of wellness and self-efficacy was distributed to 596 IM programs across the United States. Sixty-nine programs sent out the survey to their IM residents. Respondents to the survey included 176 residents. Descriptive analyses and χ2 tests were performed. Responses demonstrated that gender and race impacted residents' experiences with bias and misidentification. Eighty-eight percent of women compared to 1% of men, and 89% of Black residents compared to 3% of White residents reported being misidentified as a nonphysician due to gender and race, respectively. Degrees to which residents felt they were thriving in residency, experiencing burnout, and utilizing their strengths varied significantly by gender. Residents' self-perceived burnout levels were associated with being misidentified as not being a physician due to race. Experiences with bias also increased significantly with training year. This study provides important insights into the impact of gender, race/ethnicity, and training year on IM residents' experiences with bias and self-perception. The findings emphasize the need for structural changes within IM residency programs to reduce experiences of bias and to better cultivate the wellness of residents.

Blockchain, Holochain, and OtherDistributed Ledger Technologies:Web3 Awareness, Privacy Concerns,and Cryptocurrency Use AmongStudents in a Medical School

&lt;br&gt;&lt;b&gt;Aim:&lt;/b&gt; We aimed to reveal awareness of distributed ledger technologies (DLTs) among clinical year students (fourth, fifth, and sixth years in undergraduate medical training) in a medical school.&lt;/br&gt; &lt;br&gt;&lt;b&gt;Methods:&lt;/b&gt; This was a descriptive study. The participants were clinical year medical students in a medical school. We developed an electronic survey form on blockchain, Holochain, and other DLTs. Self-perceived knowledge levels on DLTs and Web3 were solicited, as well as DLT-based cryptocurrency-related questions to understand their practical involvement. This approach was taken because, while DLTs are used in healthcare and education, their most common application is in cryptocurrencies. We reported descriptive statistics.&lt;/br&gt; &lt;br&gt;&lt;b&gt;Results:&lt;/b&gt; Total number of participants was 546. Of the students, 74.7% have never heard of blockchain, and 86.3% have never heard of Holochain. DLTs such as DAG (Directed Acyclic Graph), Hashgraph, and Tempo have never been heard of by over 90% of the students. 75.3% stated they are worried about the security and privacy of their data on the internet. 20.3% of the students stated that they have purchased a cryptocurrency at least once, 7.9% used a cryptocurrency wallet where they hold its private key, and 6.8% used a decentralized exchange. If there were an elective course on DLTs in the faculty, 54.8% of the students would be willing to take this course.&lt;/br&gt; &lt;br&gt;&lt;b&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/b&gt; DLT and Web3 awareness among medical students is low. However, there is an interest in taking an elective course on these technologies. In order to create awareness, medical schools could leverage this interest to learn more about Web3 solutions.&lt;/br&gt;

Identifying Risk Factors for Presarcopenia in Early Middle Age

ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine whether risk factors for presarcopenia can be identified in a sample of early middle-aged men and women. DesignProspective study. SettingLongitudinal data from the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study were used to investigate the relationship between presarcopenia at age 45 years and selected early markers at ages 26, 32, and 38 years. ParticipantsLongitudinal data from N=899 participants from the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study. InterventionsNot applicable. Main Outcome MeasuresPresarcopenia was defined as low relative appendicular lean mass index assessed by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry and low strength assessed by grip strength. Logistic regressions were used to describe the association between selected markers and presarcopenia at age 45 years. ResultsMultivariate logistic regression revealed that a higher body mass index (BMI) at ages 26, 32, and 38 years was associated with lower likelihood of presarcopenia at age 45 years in both men and women (odds ratio [OR] range, 0.46-0.64). Higher age-normative grip strength at age 38 years in both men and women (OR range, 0.88-0.92) was also associated with lower likelihood for presarcopenia. Lastly, lower self-perceived physical fitness level in men at age 38 years was associated with an increased likelihood of presarcopenia at age 45 years (OR, 9.35; 95% confidence interval, 3.28-26.70). ConclusionsBMI and strength were associated with lower likelihood of presarcopenia during middle age. A higher likelihood of presarcopenia was associated with sex-specific lower self-perceived physical fitness. These modifiable biomarkers may serve as targets for clinical screening and early intervention aimed at slowing or preventing progression to sarcopenia in old age.

Facilitating Interaction with Police During Routine Traffic Stops for Persons with ASD.

A product of ASD socio-communicative-deficits and insufficient police training related to autism, ASD-police interactions have the potential to become problematic, with negative outcomes for ASD individuals and police alike. Thus, the combination of police acclimation, simulatory experience for drivers with ASD and the introduction of Connecticut's recent Blue Envelope could improve overall experiences for drivers. A simulated routine traffic stop practice event, utilising pre- and post- measures was conducted in an effort to quantify drivers' feelings about current and future interactions with police. Our prediction that participants would experience a statistically significant improvement in anxiety, comfort and self-perceived knowledge levels about future ASD-police interactions immediately following the intervention was confirmed. Our prediction that initially significant disparities between participants with and without police experience - those with previous police encounters versus those that don't - would become not significant immediately following the intervention was disconfirmed. While the longitudinal data suggested that improved post-intervention ASD psychological measures remained statistically significant in the long-term, the sample responses to our long-term questionnaire were too few in number to make any definitive conclusions. It is suggested that practice traffic stops such as these could benefit both drivers with ASD and law enforcement nationwide. It is further suggested that police officer curriculums should include additional training regarding special populations.

Impact of social anxiety on communication skills in face-to-face vs. online contexts

Individuals with social anxiety have been shown to prefer communicating through online platforms. Part of this preference may be accounted for by their self-perceived level of social skill ability in online modalities. However, it is unclear whether perceived social skill abilities change across in-person and online contexts. Therefore, this study investigated whether specific social skills, like sociability, assertiveness, self-disclosure, and non-verbal emotion recognition vary across online and face-to-face settings. We first validated the Real and Electronic Communications Skills (RECS) questionnaire using a confirmatory factor analysis in a sample of 780 participants, who completed the survey through Qualtrics. We then conducted a series of correlations and a doubly multivariate GLM to evaluate whether perceived social skills abilities are influenced by communication medium and social anxiety. Our results indicated that we were able to validate the RECS, and that specific social skills like sociability and assertiveness are influenced by communication medium. Specifically, higher social anxiety scores were associated with decreased in-person sociability, emotion recognition, and assertiveness. The results highlight a potential perceived barrier to approaching in-person interactions, which may exacerbate avoidance of social interaction, thus resulting in social isolation and loneliness.

Palliative care national plan implementation through stakeholder analysis

BackgroundNational palliative care plans depend upon stakeholder engagement to succeed. Assessing the capability, interest, and knowledge of stakeholders is a crucial step in the implementation of public health initiatives, as recommended by the World Health Organisation. However, utilising stakeholder analysis is a strategy underused in public palliative care.ObjectiveTo conduct a stakeholder analysis characterising a diverse group of stakeholders involved in implementing a national palliative care plan in three rural regions of an upper-middle-income country.MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional study design, complemented by a quantitative stakeholder analysis approach, was executed through a survey designed to gauge stakeholders’ levels of interest and capability in relation to five fundamental dimensions of public palliative care: provision of services, accessibility of essential medicines, palliative care education, financial support, and palliative care vitality. Stakeholders were categorised as promoters (high-power, high-interest), latent (high-power, low-interest), advocates (low-power, high-interest), and indifferent (low-power and low-interest). Stakeholder self-perceived category and knowledge level were also assessed.ResultsAmong the 65 surveyed stakeholders, 19 were categorised as promoters, 34 as advocates, 9 as latent, and 3 as indifferent. Stakeholders’ self-perception of their category did not align with the results of the quantitative analysis. When evaluated by region and palliative care dimensions the distribution of stakeholders was nonuniform. Palliative care funding was the dimension with the highest number of stakeholders categorised as indifferent, and the lowest percentage of promoters. Stakeholders categorised as promoters consistently reported a low level of knowledge, regardless of the dimension, region, or their level of interest.ConclusionsAssessing the capability, interest, and knowledge of stakeholders is a crucial step when implementing public health initiatives in palliative care. It allows for a data-driven decision-making process on how to delegate responsibilities, administer financial resources, and establish governance boards that remain engaged and work efficiently.

Association Between Health Literacy and Understanding of Doctors' Explanations: The Yamagata Study.

In Japan, the doctor-patient relationship has traditionally been characterized by a power imbalance that may contribute to communication gaps. To date, however, the link between patients' health literacy levels and their understanding of doctors' explanations of medical conditions and treatment has yet to be fully examined in Japan. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between patients' health literacy level and their understanding of doctors' explanations. This was a cross-sectional study analyzing data derived from 11,217 questionnaires collected in July 2021 from participants of the Yamagata Study, a community-based cohort study implemented by Yamagata University since 2009. The results showed lower health literacy was associated with poorer understanding of physicians' explanations, adjusting for potential confounding factors. In addition to low health literacy, factors associated with lower comprehension were being male, not having a regular family doctor, and having lower self-perceived levels of health and happiness. The results suggest that health care professionals need to communicate with patients according to their health literacy level and ensure they fully understand their medical condition and treatment. Medical providers need to create a better health-literate environment to enable patients and families to make decisions by themselves. [HLRP: Health Literacy Research and Practice. 2024;8(3):e175-e183.].

Perceptions of parental involvement in youth handball players, the effects of sport participation stage and sports injury.

Globally, from the age of 14, the dropout rate of young athletes is high in all sports games in Hungary. The reasons for dropping out are complex, however parental support is critical to succeed or continue, especially after failure or injury. The present study explored the main effects of sports injury and sport participation stage on parental involvement in sports. 1,174 parents and 690 athletes completed our questionnaire, which contains questions on young players' sport participation, injury background and Parental Involvement in Sport Questionnaire. Parents' self-perceived level of involvement differed from the parental involvement perceived by their children. The significant predictors were the person who completed, the parent/athlete, the athlete's previous sports injury and the child's current stage of sport participation. In Directive Behavior, the main effect of stages is only seen in parents whose child has been injured. In the sample of injured athletes, the rate of perceived parental Praise and Understanding tends to be lower in the specializing stage. Our findings suggest that these two behaviors could be part of the same parenting style, which requires further investigation. The results expand the existing knowledge of the complexity of parents' involvement in children's sports careers. These findings have implications beyond parental psychoeducation impacting the work of coaches, sports physicians and rehabilitation experts.

Self-perception of health and physical activity levels among the youth and adults before and amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

Emerging research indicates that the COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions led to decreased physical activity levels and poorer health globally. However, most studies on this topic have focused on advanced countries, leaving a gap in understanding the impact in countries like Ghana. This study aimed to fill this gap by assessing self-perceived health status and physical activity levels among youth and adults in Ghana before, during, and after the COVID-19 restrictions. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for informing public health interventions and policies to promote well-being during and beyond the pandemic. A cross-sectional survey using online data collection methods was conducted, involving 937 participants. Data included demographic information, and International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF). Analysis was done using SPSS version 25, with descriptive statistics and multinomial regression. Most participants (89.6%) reported good health. Male participants were significantly more likely to engage in moderate (1.78 times) and high (3.17 times) physical activity during the COVID-19 period compared to females. This study highlights gender disparities in physical activity levels during the pandemic in Ghana. Addressing these disparities and promoting healthier lifestyles, especially during crises, is crucial for general and mental health. Further research should explore socio-demographic factors' role in health behaviors during pandemics.

Social networking sites as affordable tools for high-potential personal learning networks: the case of teachers as learners in Vietnam

AbstractWhile a great deal has been published about the educational value of social networking sites (SNSs) for teachers, less has focused on teachers who are arguably more dependent on these virtual platforms for informal professional learning due to financial constraints and a lack of regular in-service professional development. Situating this study in Vietnam and focusing on teachers teaching English as a foreign language, we examined how these teachers have adapted SNSs, a tool typically used in leisure and social life, into online personal learning networks. The evidence was collected from 393 teachers’ responses to an online survey. The results from descriptive and non-parametric inferential tests revealed three main findings: (1) Teachers engage in a variety of professional learning activities using SNSs with high frequency, regardless of their self-perceived levels of technology competence or teaching experience; (2) Teachers make use of online groups on SNSs for professional topics and their preferences of topics are not likely to be determined by their experience, except for the topics of classroom management techniques and knowledge about learners; (3) The most decisive factors these teachers associated with effective professional learning on SNSs include time availability, reliability of information and materials, personal information privacy and desire to learn. Teachers’ perceptions about these factors are influenced by the frequency of their SNS use and professional work experience. The implications of these findings for teacher professional development in Vietnam, and other countries in similar economic circumstances, are also discussed.

Online assessment practices during the pandemic in secondary schools in Catalonia

ABSTRACT During the COVID-19 pandemic, teachers had to face different teaching and assessment challenges. This study aims to analyse the relationship between the assessment practices of teachers (related to their assessment conceptions) with their self-perceived level of teachers’ digital competence (TDC) and their received TDC and assessment training courses. For this, the authors applied an online questionnaire that analysed the case of secondary school teachers in Catalonia (Spain) (n = 278). Results show that participating teachers who have the highest self-perception of TDC are the ones who perceive themselves as integrating mainly formative assessment. Significant correlations were also found between recent teacher training and the kind of assessment practices carried out by participants. Official certification of TDC also has a statistically significant association with different assessment characteristics and purposes. Finally, the implications of these findings for pre-service and in-service teacher training are discussed, both regarding the TDC and the assessment competence.