Significant Difference In Knowledge Scores Research Articles

Effectiveness of a training program for bleeding disorders among accredited social health activists in Udupi District, Karnataka, India

IntroductionHemophilia and other bleeding disorders are underreported and cause significant morbidity and mortality in resource‐constrained countries. Training and the creation of awareness among accredited social heath activists (ASHAs) will aid in the early detection of bleeding disorders at the community level. ObjectiveTo develop awareness and skills for the screening and identification of cases with bleeding symptoms among ASHAs in Udupi District, Karnataka, India. MethodsAn interventional study was undertaken in Udupi District, which has three taluks and approximately 233 villages. All ASHAs with a current role (586) from rural Udupi were provided a competency‐based training program at the community health center using a specifically designed training manual for the identification of cases with bleeding disorders. A pre‐test/post‐test evaluation was performed to discover the training outcomes. ResultsSixteen (2.7%) participants had average knowledge in the first post‐test, and 570 (92.2%) participants had good knowledge. Thirty‐nine (6.6%) participants had average knowledge in second post‐test, and 547 (94.3%) participants had good knowledge. The effectiveness of the training program was assessed using Friedman's two‐way test. A significant difference in knowledge scores (χ2 = 955.1) was found at baseline evaluation and end of the training test 1 and at 30 days of training test 2 among the ASHAs. ConclusionAccredited social heath activists health care workers, who are the most important link between the community and health services, successfully created public awareness concerning the early detection of bleeding disorders.

Improving adolescents' periodontal health: evaluation of a mobile oral health App associated with conventional educational methods: a cluster randomized trial.

Adolescence is a decisive period in the construction of new conduits. The influence of an App associated with conventional educational methods in adolescents' oral health. Randomized controlled trial including 291 participants (mean age=16.1years) in baseline. The study consisted of four phases. Interventions were evaluated through the knowledge score (KS) and oral indexes (OHI-S/GBI). KS was obtained through five affirmations about periodontal diseases applied in different moments (pre-test, post-test, and follow-up test). Phase I included pre-test and oral clinical examination. Sample was randomly divided into two groups: oral (OG) and video orientation (VG) and post-test (phase II). Phase III characterized the formation of groups: OG+App/OG without App/VG+App/VG without App. App consisted of reinforcement messages which was sent during 30days. Phase IV comprised follow-up test and clinical evaluation. There was no significant difference in KS between OG/VG. Overall, App improved KS (P<0.001). VG+App showed a significant increase in KS in the follow-up test compared to the post-test (P=0.046). There was a significant reduction in oral indexes for all methods. App was effective in increasing knowledge, especially associated with video. The different methods were equally effective for a better standard in oral hygiene.

Decisional Quality in Patients With Small Renal Masses

To measure decisional quality in patients being counseled on treatment for small renal masses and identify potential areas of improvement. A total of 73 patients diagnosed with small renal masses at the University of California, Los Angeles Health completed an instrument measuring decisional conflict, patient satisfaction with care, disease-specific knowledge, and patient impression that shared decision-making occurred in the visit after counseling by a specialist. Participant characteristics were compared between those with high and low decisional conflict using chi-square or Student t test (or Wilcoxon rank-sum test). Participants were mostly older (mean age 63.5), white (84%), in a relationship (61%), and unemployed or retired (63%). Mean knowledge score was 59% correct. The mean (standard deviation) decisional conflict score was 16.4 (18.4) indicating low levels of decisional conflict but with a wide range of scores. Comparing participants with high decisional conflict with those with low decisional conflict, there were significant differences in knowledge scores (Wilcoxon P = .0069), patient satisfaction with care (P = .0011), and perceived shared decision-making (P <.0001). Patients with small renal masses generally have low levels of decisional conflict and can identify a preferred treatment after a physician visit. However, both groups lack overall knowledge about their disease even after counseling, and thus may be heavily influenced by paternalistic care. Those patients with decisional conflicts are less likely to perceive their care as satisfactory and are less likely to be involved in decision-making.

Effectiveness of standardized psycho-education for primary caregivers of patients in Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: Many people are still unaware that there are effective treatments for schizophrenia. A combination of regular medication, family education and support can reduce the relapse rate from 50% to10%. Aim: To assess effectiveness of standardized psycho-education for primary caregivers on care of chronic mentally ill patients. Method: One group pre-test post-test design with pre-experimental approach was used. 50 primary caregivers of patient with schizophrenia were selected using purposive sampling technique. Data was collected using structured knowledge questionnaire from two selected hospitals of Mangalore. A 45 minutes standardized psycho education was given to primary caregivers in small group of three.Results: Mean knowledge score at pre-test was 25.82±5.35 and 36.28±3.607 at post-test. There was significant difference in knowledge scores of pre-test and post-test (t= 21.676, p

A Study to evaluate the effectiveness of Planned Teaching Programme on knowledge regarding the Ill effects of plastics on health and environment among housewives in selected community at Aluva

A study to assess the effect of structured teaching program on knowledge regarding the ill effects of plastics on health and environment among housewives in selected community at Aluva. The objectives of the study were to assess the knowledge regarding ill effects of plastics on health and environment among housewives in selected community at Aluva, to evaluate the effectiveness of structured teaching program on knowledge regarding the ill effects of plastics on health and environment among housewives in selected community at Aluva, find out the association between pre test knowledge scores and selected demographic variables. The research design adopted for the study was one group pre test post test design. A sample of 30 adults of ward 16 of Keezhmadu Panchayath was selected by purposive sampling based on the inclusion criteria. After explaining the purpose of the study and obtaining their written consent, data were collected using knowledge questionnaire developed by the investigators. After conducting pre test, the investigators provided a structured teaching program and post test was conducted. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The result of the study showed that 13.34% had poor knowledge, 76.6% had average knowledge, and 10% had good knowledge in pre test. In post test 96.6% had good knowledge, 3.34%had average knowledge. There was significant difference in the pre test and post test knowledge scores. The comparison value of ‘t’ is 14.74 is greater than the tabulated value 1.761. This shows that there is a significant difference in knowledge score before and after teaching program. The study concluded that majority of adults had an average knowledge regarding the ill effects of plastics. The structured teaching program was found to be effective as there was a significant difference between the mean pre test and post test scores. There was no significant relationship between the knowledge scores and any of the demographic variables.

Effect of Education on Promoting Oral Cancers Knowledge of High School Students in Zahedan

Background: Cancers depend on the patients’ lifestyles, including the use of tobacco and alcohol. Based on the available evidence, the majority of smokers form the habit when they are young adults. In fact, lifestyles are formed during the adolescence, but they can be modified by increasing the awareness of target groups. Objectives: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of educational pamphlets on promoting the awareness of high school students in relation to oral cancers. Methods: In the present cross sectional study, 400 male and 400 female high school students were evaluated. The students were asked to fill out a standard questionnaire on oral cancer awareness. Subsequently, the educational pamphlets were distributed among the students. Three months after the distribution of the pamphlets, the same questionnaire was filled out by the same subjects. Results: There were no significant differences in knowledge scores between male and female students before the distribution of pamphlets, with scores of 5.6 ± 4.3 and 5.6 ± 1.7 in females and males, respectively (P = 0.96). Three months after the distribution of pamphlets, the knowledge scores of males and females had increased, with statistically significant differences. Conclusions: In the present study, despite the fact that the educational pamphlet was useful, it had low efficacy, which might be attributed to the more interesting nature of other more active educational methods, such as lectures or workshops for this age group.

Challenges to Implementing Food Safety and Produce Handling Training in School Meal Programs

This study explored school foodservice directors’ (FSDs’) attitudes, influencers, knowledge about safe produce handling, and perceived challenges related to food safety training using Ajzen’s (1985) theory of planned behavior (TPB) as a theoretical underpinning. A web-based questionnaire was developed, pilot tested, and sent to all 864 public school districts in California. Demographic data, knowledge scores, attitudes, influencers, and challenges are reported using descriptive statistics and t-tests. Most respondent school FSDs (n=136, response rate of 16.4%) were female, between the ages of 35-64, with a least a bachelors’ degree, and more than 10 years of school foodservice experience. Most districts were self-operated, small, at least 50% free and reduced eligibility, and had conventional kitchens with speed-scratch preparation. School FSDs’ attitude towards offering food safety training had the highest level of agreement regarding maintaining department reputation. The health inspector was identified as having the greatest likelihood to think food safety training should be offered. The noted perceived challenge to providing food safety training was “employee scheduling availability.” Findings identified 84.4% (n= 108) of respondents had a Certified Food Safety Protection (CFPM) certification and12.6% (n= 16) attended USDA’s Produce Safety University (PSU) with no significant differences in knowledge scores based on either having attended USDA’s PSU or having CFPM certification. Regarding knowledge questions, 24.4% answered all six correctly (n= 125-127). School foodservice staff need adequate food safety training and safe produce handling practices as part of their food safety management plan. Produce safety training can be supported by state agencies and professional organizations.

Assessing the Feasibility and Effectiveness of an App in Improving Knowledge on Oral Cancer-an Interventional Study.

Although current oral health care initiatives have proved to be quite successful, a great number of individuals are unaware of how their choice of daily activities compromises their oral health. That is why newer technologies like WhatsApp can definitely serve as a platform to communicate dental advice, thereby strengthening the bridge between health and technology. The objective of the study was to assess the effectiveness of WhatsApp as a tool for providing health education on tobacco and oral cancer as compared to the conventional health education via PowerPoint. The study was a cluster randomized controlled trial, single-center study. The students of 18-24years of age with WhatsApp application active in their mobile phones were included. Four classes with 182 students were randomly divided into intervention and control groups. Control group received health education on oral cancer using a PowerPoint presentation weekly, for a total of 4weeks. Intervention group received health education through WhatsApp messaging thrice a week for 4weeks. Pre- and post-health education knowledge scores were assessed using a questionnaire and compared using unpaired and paired two-sample t tests. Statistically significant increase in knowledge scores was seen in both groups, with highly significant improvement in the intervention group (p value=0.00). Intergroup comparison showed no significant difference in knowledge scores at baseline, but a significant difference in post intervention knowledge scores (t = -15.05 p<0.001) WhatsApp can be a more effective tool for providing dental education on tobacco and oral cancer as compared to conventional audio-visual aids.

Master of Pharmacy students’ knowledge and awareness of antibiotic use, resistance and stewardship

IntroductionAntibiotic resistance has become a global public health concern. In this study, we investigated the knowledge and awareness of antibiotic use, resistance and stewardship, held by the pharmacy students currently studying at the University of Brighton. MethodsThis was a cross-sectional, online survey, and email invitations to participate were sent to all students attending our Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) course (n=583). Students’ knowledge was assessed with 29 items; responses for these were totaled before comparison among students. Comparison of scores between groups of students was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis or the Mann­Whitney U test, as appropriate. ResultsThe response rate was 32%. The overall median knowledge score was 7.9. There was a statistically significant difference in knowledge scores between years of study (p=0.02), particularly between year of study 1 (7.6) and 4 (8.3). A statistically significant difference was found between the knowledge scores of male (8.4) and female (7.9) students (p=0.03). Most students believed a strong knowledge of antibiotics, and microbiology and infection control is important for their pharmacy careers and more than 90% agreed that antibiotic resistance will be a greater clinical problem in the future. Discussion and conclusionsAlthough the MPharm students studied achieved good overall knowledge scores, a significant proportion showed a lack of understanding with regards to some important aspects of antibiotic resistance mechanisms, factors promoting the emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance, and antibiotic stewardship policies.

Effect of Drama Based Instruction on Knowledge Regarding Consanguineous Marriage among College Students

Globally about 20% of the human population live in communities with a preference for consanguineous marriages, and at least 8.5% of children have consanguineous parents. Prenatal and infant mortality are important indicators of community health, consanguineous marriages increases the risk of having children with autosomal recessive disorders and may be a cause of prenatal and infant death that cannot be prevented. Awareness regarding hazards of consanguineous marriages was very low (7.6%). The young age of marriage in consanguineous couples implicates a need to increase awareness programs among young generation about the deleterious effects of consanguineous marriages. Objectives of this study were to assess the knowledge of college student regarding consanguineous marriage. To determine the effectiveness of drama based instruction on knowledge of college students regarding consanguineous marriage and to find out the association between selected demographic variable to the knowledge regarding consanguineous marriage. Study was conducted on 200 college students in age group of 16–20 years in Pune city to find out the Effect of drama based instruction on knowledge regarding consanguineous marriage. Quantitative Pre-experimental, One group pre-post test research design was used. All students were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Data analysis was done by SPSS Win 13.0. Outcome of the study shows asignificant improvement in the knowledge score of consanguineous marriage. In pre test 38.5% student had poor, 49% had average while 12.5% had good knowledge score on consanguineous marriage. After drama based instruction the post test score was poor in 1%, average in 7% and good knowledge score in 92% students. Hence there was significant difference in knowledge score before and after intervention at < 0.05 level. This study proved that Drama based instruction was effective in improving knowledge of college students on consanguineous marriage.

Improving ICU Nurses’ Practices of Physical Restraints in Jordan: Effect of an Educational Program

Background: Physical Restraint (PR) has been widely used in the intensive care units, which aims to protect patients and maintain their safety. With all benefits of PR, there are many complications and risks from improper utilization. Further, no Jordanian studies have found to educate nurses regarding the proper PR utilization. Purpose: To evaluate the impact of an educational program on nurses’ knowledge, attitude and practice regarding PR use in ICUs. Methods: A pre-experiment with one-group pretest-posttest design was used among 40 ICU nurses. A self-administered questionnaire was used to evaluate nurses before the education program and two weeks after its completion. Results: After implementation of the program, nurses demonstrated a significant difference in knowledge scores between pretest (M = 10.35 ± 1.73) and posttest (M = 13.30 ± 1.47) (t = 9.92; df = 39; P = 0.000), attitudes scores (M = 27.90 ± 2.79 vs. M = 30.40 ± 2.32) (t = 4.61; df = 39; P = 0.000), and practice scores (M = 36.85 ± 1.98 vs. M = 40.52 ± 1.60) (t = 11.59; df = 39; P = 0.000). Conclusion: Service-education program can improve ICU nurses’ knowledge, and enhance their attitudes and practices towards physical restraint. Such improvement is expected to be reflected in improving the quality of care delivered to the patients, and decreasing complications of malpractice regarding physical restraint.

Diabetic retinopathy: Knowledge, awareness and practices of physicians in primary-care centers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

PurposeDiabetic retinopathy (DR) is a serious cause of irreversible blindness and is the most common complication of diabetes. Annual fundus examination for diabetics aids in the prevention of blindness and allows intervening at a timely manner. As primary care physicians (PCP) are the main providers for diabetic care in Saudi Arabia, we aim to evaluate the current knowledge and awareness, and to assess practices among PCP regarding DR. MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study covering 46 randomly selected primary-care centers in Riyadh during October 2015. A Self-administered questionnaire was distributed to PCP containing 3 sections. The first section covered participants' demographics and professional background. The second section contained multiple-choice questions on knowledge related to diabetes and DR. The third section was to assess physicians' practices. ResultsA total of 216 PCPs completed the questionnaire. The mean overall knowledge score was 57±14 out of 100. There was a significant difference in knowledge score between physicians who had obtained a subspecialty degree in family medicine compared to others (59±14, 53.3±14 respectively; P=0.003). Only 19% of PCPs were aware of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections as a modality of treatment. A defect was found in the screening and follow-up of type 1 diabetics, and only 24% of physicians correctly referred patients with type 1 diabetes to an ophthalmologist. ConclusionOur study uncovered areas of defects in knowledge among PCP regarding DR. This needs to be addressed in future seminars and workshops with an emphasis on the proper ophthalmological screening and management of diabetic patients.

MP25-02 DECISIONAL QUALITY IN PATIENTS WITH SMALL RENAL MASSES

You have accessJournal of UrologyGeneral & Epidemiological Trends & Socioeconomics: Practice Patterns, Quality of Life and Shared Decision Making I1 Apr 2016MP25-02 DECISIONAL QUALITY IN PATIENTS WITH SMALL RENAL MASSES Joseph Shirk, Aaron Laviana, Sylvia Lambrechts, Lorna Kwan, Amit Sumal, and Christopher Saigal Joseph ShirkJoseph Shirk More articles by this author , Aaron LavianaAaron Laviana More articles by this author , Sylvia LambrechtsSylvia Lambrechts More articles by this author , Lorna KwanLorna Kwan More articles by this author , Amit SumalAmit Sumal More articles by this author , and Christopher SaigalChristopher Saigal More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2016.02.779AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Treatment options for patients diagnosed with small renal masses are proliferating, and the optimal choice for any one patient may depend on her personal preferences. Decades of research on “shared decision-making” have demonstrated that patients who make preference-sensitive decisions in a collaborative, evidence-based manner with their physicians tend to have higher decisional quality. We measured current decisional quality in patients being counseled at a referral center for small renal masses to identify areas of improvement to be addressed in the future by a shared decision making program. METHODS We evaluated measures of decisional quality such as decisional conflict, patient satisfaction with care, disease specific knowledge, and patient impression that shared decision-making occurred in the visit. 56 patients diagnosed with renal masses at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center completed a decisional quality instrument after counseling by a specialist. These measures were then compared using Student's t-test. RESULTS Patients were mostly older (mean age 64.2), white (79%), in a relationship (55%) and unemployed/retired (57%). Average ± SD knowledge scores were 59 ± 19%. The average ± SD decisional conflict score was 16.5 ± 19.6, signifying low levels of decisional conflict but with a wide range of scores. Comparing patients with high decisional conflict to low decisional conflict, there was a significant difference in knowledge scores (p= 0.0024), patient satisfaction with care (p=0.0165) and perceived shared decision making (p= <0.0001)(Figure). 48% of patients were unsure about their treatment, and 20% of these patients remained unsure after counselling. CONCLUSIONS Patients with small renal masses generally have low levels of decisional conflict and are able to identify a preferred treatment after a physician visit. However, both groups lack overall knowledge about their disease even after counselling, and thus may be heavily influenced by paternalistic care. Those with decisional conflict are less likely to perceive their care as satisfactory and are less likely to be involved in decision making. Implementation of a shared decision making program in this setting may improve decisional quality for these patients. © 2016FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 195Issue 4SApril 2016Page: e278-e279 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2016MetricsAuthor Information Joseph Shirk More articles by this author Aaron Laviana More articles by this author Sylvia Lambrechts More articles by this author Lorna Kwan More articles by this author Amit Sumal More articles by this author Christopher Saigal More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Knowledge, attitude, and practices concerning presence of molds in foods among members of the general public in Malawi.

This study assessed knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of the public in Malawi on issues related to molds in foodstuffs. A survey involving structured questionnaire was conducted with 805 respondents from seven districts of Malawi. Descriptive statistics, t tests, and analyses of variance were calculated. A majority of respondents recognized that molds were dangerous to human health (88%); however, about 50% of respondents were not informed that mold toxins are thermally stable and that they are not destroyable by normal cooking processes. About 33% of the respondents asserted that they buy moldy maize, while approximately 20% of respondents reported that they consume moldy fruits having discarded moldy fraction. There were significant differences in knowledge scores among different demographic groups. Females had significantly (p < 0.05) lower knowledge scores on issues related to molds in foods. Additionally, the respondent's location had a significant effect. However, respondent's education had subtle effect on knowledge score and the overall population's knowledge score was generally low (3.55 ± 1.32 score out of 9). Results of the study underline the need to raise public's knowledge about health risks associated with spoilage molds in food and prevention and management options.

An Assessment of the Knowledge and Attitudes of Graduating Medical Students in Lagos, Nigeria, Regarding Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Symptom scores show that a significant proportion of Nigerians are at high risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea; however, the diagnosis is rarely made in this country. The knowledge of medical students regarding sleep apnea may provide insight into their future ability to recognize patients with sleep apnea and can also inform student education on this disease. To assess the knowledge and attitudes of graduating medical students in Nigeria regarding obstructive sleep apnea using a standard validated questionnaire. This descriptive, cross-sectional survey study was performed at the College of Medicine of the University of Lagos, Nigeria. The Obstructive Sleep Apnea Knowledge and Attitude (OSAKA) instrument was self-administered by the subjects. This validated questionnaire consists of 18 knowledge assessment questions and 5 attitude assessment questions. The response rate was 99%, and our final sample comprised 143 participants. The maximum achievable knowledge score was 18. Obtained scores ranged from 0 to 15; the mean ± SD score was 7.6 ± 3.2 (42.2%); and the median score was 8 (interquartile range, 6-10). Four participants (2.8%) had a score of 0, and 56 (39.2%) had a score corresponding to ≥50%. There was no significant difference in knowledge scores by sex or age. Regarding attitudes, over 80% considered obstructive sleep apnea an important disorder; 41% were confident in identifying patients with the condition; 16.1% were confident in managing the disease; and 16.8% expressed confidence in managing patients receiving continuous positive airway pressure therapy. The total attitude score ranged from 1 to 5 (mean, 2.9 ± 0.7). There was a significant correlation between the total attitude score and the total knowledge score (r = 0.22, P = 0.01) and the age of the participants (r = 0.18, P = 0.04). The level of knowledge of obstructive sleep apnea among medical students at the Nigerian university in our study was not optimal. This study demonstrates a need to formally incorporate evaluation of sleep disorders into the undergraduate medical curriculum with the clear objective of enabling recognition of clinical features of common sleep disorders such as sleep apnea.

An evaluation of expectant parents knowledge, satisfaction and use of a self-instructional infant CPR kit

Objectivein many parts of Europe as in Ireland, maternity services do not provide infant CPR training routinely to expectant or new parents. Little is known of the views of expectant women and their partners about learning the skills of infant CPR as part of their antenatal education. The aim of this study was to evaluate knowledge, satisfaction and use of a 22 minute Self-Instructional Infant CPR kit to facilitate the teaching of infant CPR and the relief of choking in an infant. Methodsexpectant women with their partners were recruited through the antenatal education classes from one maternity hospital in Ireland. An uncontrolled pre-post-test design was used and participants were surveyed immediately pre- and post-training and six months following training. Findingsthe study sample comprised of 77 participants including 42 nulliparous women at least 32 weeks gestation or greater. It found significant difference in knowledge scores following training compared to baseline p=<0.0001 and at six months p=<0.0001 compared to immediate post training for both infant CPR and choking prevention. There was a 70% (n=58) response rate at six months with 84.5% reporting average or above confidence levels for performance of Infant CPR. The multiplier educational effect was 37.9% with 22 out of 58 participants sharing the kits with family and friends. Participants (57 out of 58) indicated that the maternity services should facilitate infant CPR training for expectant women and their partners. Conclusionexpectant women and their partners are very motivated to learn the skills of infant CPR. The facilitation of a 22 minute self-instructional infant CPR kit is effective in increasing infant CPR knowledge and confidence in parents at six months post training. Findings provide the views of expectant and new parents on the relevance of acquiring the skills of infant CPR as part of their preparation for parenthood.

Primordial prevention: promoting preparedness for ebola virus disease.

India may face a danger of immediate spread of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) if it enters the subcontinent. Preparedness for such a condition is a part of its prevention. Dentists form a sizeable chunk of healthcare in India and may help in augmenting the health care team at the time of such outbreaks. This paper details the development and evaluation of a specially tailored program for dental students and faculty for imparting knowledge on EVD and its prevention strategies. To assess the knowledge score for EVD and its prevention after attending a specially tailored program. A multidisciplinary team was selected for content development and providing an insight on the topic. The program was attended by students and faculty members of Manav Rachna Dental College. The knowledge of the attendees about EVD was assessed at the end of the program through a structured questionnaire. The response rate was 96%. According to the knowledge score attained, 52.4% of the participant had good knowledge level and 2.8% had poor knowledge level. There was no significant difference in knowledge scores between the participants having prior knowledge and those having no previous knowledge about the disease (p = 0.135). High response rate and good knowledge level attained by most of the participants established evidence of a successful program.

Knowledge of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: Effects of age, locality, occupation, media and sports participation

Event Abstract Back to Event Knowledge of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: Effects of age, locality, occupation, media and sports participation Michelle Wilkes1* and James Donnelly1 1 Southern Cross University, Psychology, School of Health and Human Sciences, Australia Aims: Misconceptions about the effects, treatment and diagnosis of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) have been reported as robust. These misconceptions can have detrimental effects on TBI survivors. The aim of this study was to understand Australians’ knowledge in relation to TBI and gather data on which information sources respondents relied. Method: Australian participants (n = 373) were recruited through a university email distribution list and social media. A modified Common Misconceptions about Traumatic Brain Injury Questionnaire (CM-TBI) (Linden, Braiden & Miller, 2013) was administered online. Additionally, respondents provided demographic information and endorsed possible sources of TBI knowledge. Results: Misconceptions about TBI were reported by participants, irrespective of gender, locality, occupation, or history of sports participation. There were no significant differences in knowledge scores across these demographic groups. In particular, healthcare and education workers did not score any higher than other occupations. At least 40% of respondents answered either incorrectly or “I don’t know” on items related to gender differences, the utility of neuroimaging, and patient insight into their impairments. For those in non-medical, professional occupations, the older they were the less they knew about TBI (r = -.299, p = 0.009). In contrast, a positive correlation (r = 0.268, p = 0.018) was found between age and TBI knowledge for workers in healthcare or education. Conclusions: Misconceptions about TBI are present in Australia and are consistent across genders, localities, occupations and sport participation groups. A concern is that risk for misconceptions is not lower in healthcare or education professions. This suggests that professional development for groups most likely to be the frontline referral resources and supports for head injured children and adults may require further training. Keywords: Traumatic Brain Injury, knowledge, misconceptions, Sports participation Conference: 12th Annual Psychology Research Conference, 2015, Coffs Harbour, Australia, 25 Sep - 26 Sep, 2015. Presentation Type: Research Topic: Psychology Citation: Wilkes M and Donnelly J (2015). Knowledge of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: Effects of age, locality, occupation, media and sports participation. Front. Psychol. Conference Abstract: 12th Annual Psychology Research Conference, 2015. doi: 10.3389/conf.fpsyg.2015.66.00001 Copyright: The abstracts in this collection have not been subject to any Frontiers peer review or checks, and are not endorsed by Frontiers. They are made available through the Frontiers publishing platform as a service to conference organizers and presenters. The copyright in the individual abstracts is owned by the author of each abstract or his/her employer unless otherwise stated. Each abstract, as well as the collection of abstracts, are published under a Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0 (attribution) licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) and may thus be reproduced, translated, adapted and be the subject of derivative works provided the authors and Frontiers are attributed. For Frontiers’ terms and conditions please see https://www.frontiersin.org/legal/terms-and-conditions. Received: 23 Sep 2015; Published Online: 23 Sep 2015. * Correspondence: Ms. Michelle Wilkes, Southern Cross University, Psychology, School of Health and Human Sciences, Coffs Harbour, NSW, 2450, Australia, m.wilkes.10@student.scu.edu.au Login Required This action requires you to be registered with Frontiers and logged in. To register or login click here. Abstract Info Abstract The Authors in Frontiers Michelle Wilkes James Donnelly Google Michelle Wilkes James Donnelly Google Scholar Michelle Wilkes James Donnelly PubMed Michelle Wilkes James Donnelly Related Article in Frontiers Google Scholar PubMed Abstract Close Back to top Javascript is disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser settings in order to see all the content on this page.

Validating a Web-based Diabetes Education Program in continuing nursing education: knowledge and competency change and user perceptions on usability and quality.

BackgroundNurses as the members of health care professionals need to improve their knowledge and competencies particularly in diabetes mellitus through continuing nursing education programs. E-learning is an indirect method of training that can meet nurses’ educational needs. This study is aimed at validating a web-based diabetes education program through measurement of nurses’ knowledge and clinical competency in diabetes and nurses’ perception about its usability and quality.MethodsThis Quasi-experimental research was conducted on a single group of 31 nurses employed in hospitals affiliated with Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. We used a 125 MCQ knowledge test and Objective Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE) to measure knowledge and clinical competency of nurses in diabetes before and after intervention. A Learning Management System (LMS) was designed to provide educational content in the form of 12 multimedia electronic modules, interactive tests; a forum and learning activities. Nurses were trained for two months in this system after which the post-test was administered. Each nurse completed two questionnaires for measurement of their perceptions on usability and quality. We used descriptive statistics for demographic and descriptive data analysis. Paired t-test was used to compare pre- and post-data using SPSS.ResultsThe findings showed significant differences in knowledge scores (p < 0.001), total score of clinical competencies (p < 0.001), and all ten assessed clinical competencies. The range of ratings given by participants varied on the six usability variables of Web-based training (2.96-4.23 from 5) and eight quality variables of Web-based training (3.58-4.37 from 5).ConclusionWeb-based education increased nurses’ knowledge and competencies in diabetes. They positively evaluated Web-based learning usability and quality. It is hoped that this course will have a positive clinical outcomes.

Enhanced and conventional project-based learning in an engineering design module

Engineering education focuses chiefly on students’ ability to solve problems. While most engineering students are proficient in solving paper questions, they may not be proficient at providing optimal solutions to pragmatic project-based problems that require systematic learning strategy, innovation, problem-solving, and execution. The present study aims to determine whether an enhanced Project-based learning (PBL) with appropriate innovative interventions leads to increased students’ ability to achieve better learning and project outcomes. The interventions refer to incorporating added learning and facilitating methods, namely, (1) use of mind-maps; (2) employment of analogies; and (3) use of round-table discussions. The study was conducted with a total number of 60 first-time PBL students equally divided into two classes with one serving as an experimental class and another as a control class. In addition, one class of students had a lower academic standing compared to the other (control). The rubric for the project-based module included a written knowledge test and a scenario-based oral examination to test knowledge and problem-solving skills, a artefact demonstration to evaluate artefact’s performance. A major finding of this study was that there were significant differences in knowledge scores, problem-solving ability and artefact performance between students undergoing conventional and enhanced PBL methods. It could also be inferred from this study that students who had undergone enhanced PBL method designed better systems and had better performing artefacts than those who were subjected to the conventional PBL approach. Finally, it was concluded that incorporating enhanced learning and facilitating methods to group-centric, project-based driven education provided a more fertile environment to promote better learning experience and improved problem-solving ability which could eventually lead to developing innovative and pragmatic solutions to real-world engineering problems.