Significant Difference In Mean Scores Research Articles

The effect of supportive counseling on self-esteem of infertile women after in vitro fertilization (IVF) failure: a randomized controlled trial study

BackgroundThe unsuccessful treatment of infertility can lead to heightened levels of negative emotions, which are often associated with various psychological consequences. These consequences may include a decrease in self-confidence, feelings of loneliness, reduced self-esteem, and even discontinuation of treatment. Therefore, it is crucial to implement interventions that can help improve these consequences for women who have experienced IVF failure. The present study aimed to examine the effect of supportive counseling on self-esteem of infertile women after IVF failure.Methodsthis randomized clinical trial study was conducted on 63 infertile women after IVF failure, referred to Milad Infertility Center in Mashhad in 2021. In the intervention group, the researcher provided individual supportive counseling sessions. These sessions took place over a span of four weeks, with each session lasting 60 min (One session every week). Data collection was conducted both before and one month after the study using Eysenck self-esteem Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS25, as well as statistical tests such as chi-square, independent t-test, Paired t-test and Mann-Whitney tests. A significance level of less than 5% was considered.ResultsThe study found no significant difference in mean scores of self-esteem between the two groups before the study (p = 0.823). However, after one month, the intervention group had significantly higher self-esteem scores (24.3 ± 18.55) compared to the control group (21.74 ± 5.62) (p = 0.043) Moreover, Based on the Within-group comparison, there was a 2.43 ± 3.24 point increase in self-esteem scores of the intervention group after one month, while the control group showed a -0.33 ± 3.72 point decrease.ConclusionSupportive counseling was found to be effective in improving self-esteem following IVF failure. As a result, it can be recommended as an effective, affordable, and low-risk counseling approach for women who have experienced IVF failure. By offering supportive counseling, it is possible to help prevent and alleviate the psychological consequences associated with IVF failure.Trial registrationThis research project was registered at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials with code IRCT20210407050883N1- Date of registration 2021-05-25.

Effectiveness of peanut ball intervention on childbirth experiences, maternal satisfaction and behavioural responses among pregnant mothers: A randomised control trial

IntroductionA positive childbirth experience and satisfaction are the key indicators defining the quality of care pregnant mothers receive in a healthcare institution. Therefore, researchers have sought multiple strategies to improve childbirth experience and maternal satisfaction. In light of this background, the current research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of peanut ball intervention in improving maternal satisfaction and promoting positive childbirth experiences and behavioural responses. MethodsThe current research employed a randomised control trial in which 768 low-risk primigravid women were recruited into two groups: treatment (n = 384) and control (n = 384). A comparative evaluation of the outcomes was carried out between the peanut ball intervention provided to the treatment group and the standard care provided to the control group. Data was collected using an observation checklist for behavioural response and a questionnaire for childbirth experience and maternal satisfaction. ResultsThe study revealed a significant mean score difference in behavioural response, childbirth experience and maternal satisfaction, indicating the effectiveness of the peanut ball intervention in improving these outcomes. ConclusionThe peanut ball intervention can effectively improve positive behavioural response, childbirth experience and maternal satisfaction among low-risk primigravid women. The current study provides insight into healthcare providers' consideration of the peanut ball intervention among pregnant mothers as a safe and comfortable method of childbirth.

A Preexperimental Study to Find the Effectiveness of Structured Simulation-based Training on Basic Life Support among Dental Doctors, in Uttarakhand

Abstract Background: Improving skills to provide high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) among health-care professionals is vital and may lead to a reduction in unexpected deaths due to cardiac arrest. Aim: The aim of the study is to evaluate the impact of basic life support (BLS) training among dental physicians. Materials and Methods: A preexperimental study was conducted among 97 dental doctors selected using universal sampling at the center for Professional Education (CPD), All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh. The participants included faculty and postgraduate students from Seema Dental College, Rishikesh, after obtaining informed consent. A pretested, semi-structured questionnaire on BLS techniques and a feedback form was used to assess knowledge of CPR. A structured simulation-based training was given to the participants for 2 days about BLS after conducting a pretest. The training was given in small groups (10 members), and all the participants were given mandatory participation to practice the procedures before the posttest, followed by feedback on the quality of the training. Data analysis was done using statistical software. Results: There was a significant difference in mean scores of awareness between the pretest (13.69 ± 4.37) and posttest (22.01 ± 1.86) of the participants (P = 0.001). The majority of the participants (89.7%) felt that overall, the quality of the module was most satisfactory, intellectually stimulating, and relevant research based. Conclusion: There is a need for BLS training for the different cadres of health-care professionals, public volunteers, ambulance drivers, schoolteachers, students, and the general public at regular intervals. The feedback about the present training was favorable.

The Effect of a Happiness Education Program on the Expressed Emotion and Quality of Life of Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

The mental health of the parents of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), particularly the mothers, is poor due to the severity and complex nature of this condition, and they encounter numerous issues. This investigation aimed to determine whether happiness education affected mothers of children with ASD's Expressed Emotions (EE) and Quality of Life (QoL). A total of 70 mothers of children with ASD aged 3 to 13 years participated in this clinical trial study research. The experimental group received the Fordyce happiness training program once every 6 weeks via WhatsApp. In three stages, data were collected using a demographic form, the Family Questionnaire (FQ), and the World Health Organization Quality Of Life Instrument, Short Form (WHOQOL-BREF) (before the intervention, immediately afterward, and 1 month later). In the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software, the acquired data were analyzed using independent-sample t-tests, Chi-square tests, and repeated-measures Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). There was no significant difference in EE and QoL mean scores between the two groups before the intervention, but after, the intervention group's mean score of EE (20.91 (4.355)) was substantially lower than the control group's (44.74 (4.77)) (p < 0.001). In comparison, the intervention group's mean score of QoL and its dimensions was more significant than the control group's (p < 0.001). Given the efficacy of the happiness education program in reducing EE and enhancing QoL in mothers of children with ASD, such treatment strategies should be developed and used.

Performance Analysis of Fifth-Semester Physics Education: Assessing an Online Pascal Compiler in the Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences Education at University of Mataram

This study evaluates the integration of online Pascal compilers in undergraduate physics education at the University of Mataram, focusing on its impact on students' programming skills. Over one semester, three classes (A, B, and C) of physics education students from the Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences Education (PMIPA), Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP), University of Mataram, participated in lectures, discussions, and practical exercises using the GDB Online Pascal Compiler. Course content included Pascal fundamentals, arrays, matrices, and applications in physics, evaluated through assignments, mid-semester, and final exams. Quantitative analysis of student performance data revealed significant differences in mean scores and variability among the classes, with Class A achieving the highest average score and Class C exhibiting the greatest variability. Statistical tests confirmed that performance data for all classes deviated significantly from normal distribution, necessitating non-parametric tests. The Mann-Whitney U test indicated no statistically significant differences in median scores between class A vs. class B, class A vs. class C, and class B vs. class C, suggesting consistent performance outcomes across classes post-course. These findings underscore the potential of the online Pascal compiler in enhancing students' programming skills within the context of physics education.

Internet addiction among adults: A cross-sectional study

Introduction: Human beings generally feel stressed at some point in life. Internet addiction disorder is increasingly gaining attention as individuals use the internet excessively as a maladaptive way to cope with daily life stress. Objective: The paper aims to find out the level of internet addiction with respect to gender, age groups, and family type, to determine the difference (if any) between males and females with respect to internet addiction, the difference (if any) in internet addiction with respect to age groups, and the difference (if any) between nuclear and joint family types with respect to internet addiction. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 140 participants (71 male and 69 female) from Kolkata, West Bengal. Findings: It shows a statistically significant difference in internet addiction mean scores between males and females. It also indicates that participants under 25 years of age have higher mean scores than those over 25 years. The next part reveals that individuals in nuclear families have higher mean scores than those in joint families, regardless of gender and age group, and finally indicates a statistically significant interaction effect of age group with gender and family type. Conclusion: Gender significantly affects internet addiction mean scores, with females under 25 in nuclear families being more addicted than their counterparts.

Role of Demographic Characteristics in predicting Psychological Burden and Marital Satisfaction among Diabetic Patients

The study was conducted to predict the relationship of psychological burden and marital satisfaction among patients of diabetic mellitus with role of demographic variables. Sample size was 150 diagnosed diabetic patients in which 75 married males and 75 were married females. Sample was approached through purposive sampling technique. All diabetic patients were selected from public hospitals and private clinics of Multan Division, Pakistan. The Nishter Hospital Multan, Combined Military Hospital Multan and City Hospital Multan and it was focused to their gender, age, education, type of disease, working status and socio-economic condition. Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale (Lovibond, 1995) and Index of Marital Satisfaction (Hudson, 1981) were used as a research instrument to collect the data. Data were analyzed on SPSS. Findings of the study reveal that there is negative correlation between psychological burden and marital satisfaction. Moreover, depression, anxiety and stress are the significant negative predictors of marital satisfaction. Results suggest that level of psychological burden was reported higher among female patients than male. Mean score of marital satisfaction was greater among male as compared to female patients. Furthermore, there was significant mean score difference on PB between educated and uneducated patients. Patients with type 2 have greater level of psychological burden as compared to type 1 diabetes. Level of psychological burden was greater in those patients who have above than 3 children as compared to those who have 1-3 children. Difference is significant between working and non-working diabetic patients on psychological burden. Results suggest that there is no significant mean score difference of marital status with respect to education, type of diabetes, family size, and working status. There was no significant difference of PB and MS with respect to socio-economic status. Role of demographic characteristics of the participants is significant in predicting psychological burden among them.

Depression Conditions of the Elderly Living in Nursing Homes and the Factors Affecting Them

Aim: The aim of our article is to determine the depression status of elderly people living in nursing homes and the affecting factors. Material and Method: The study included 75 elderly individuals who lived in assisted living facilities. Data was collected through a Personal Information Form, the Geriatric Depression Scale, the Mini Mental Assessment Test, and retrospective blood results. The data were analyzed using SPSS 26.0 software and non-parametric tests were used due to the non-normal distribution of the data. The Mann-Whitney U test and the Kruskal-Wallis test were used to compare independent variables. Additionally, multiple regression analysis was employed. Results: The study found that 38.7% of elderly participants had abnormal mini-mental assessments, and 21.3% had significant depression. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in the total mean scores of the Mini Mental State Test (MMST) based on gender (p=0.023), marital status (p=0.001), educational attainment (p=0.001), and level of schooling. Additionally, there was a statistically significant difference (p=0.002) between the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) total mean score and the presence of sleep issues. The total mean scores of MMST indicated a statistically significant difference between the status of urine incontinence (p=0.001) and exercise (p=0.006), as well as their combination. Conclusion: Approximately one third of the participants were depressed and had poor cognitive status. Depression was associated with being female, low educational status and sleep problems, whereas mental status was associated with gender, marital status, and educational status. It is recommended to conduct longitudinal studies with larger samples in future studies.

유아 놀이중심 교육과정을 반영한 기후·생태계 프로그램 효과성 연구

Objectives The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of a climate-ecosystem program reflect-ing an early childhood play-based curriculum on early childhood development (nature), environmental con-servation attitudes, ecological literacy, and early childhood playfulness. Methods The study participants are 5-year-old children from a kindergarten in Gyeonggi Province, with 13 in-dividuals in the experimental group and 15 individuals in the control group. SPSS 23.0 was used to determine the mean, standard deviation, and reliability coefficient of the study variables. The homogeneity test was conducted using the pre-test mean scores between groups, and the difference between the experimental and control groups was analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test based on post-test mean scores. Pre-post differences between the experimental and comparison groups were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results The main research results are as follows: First, the simple difference between the pre-test and post-test mean scores of the study variables revealed improvement in the experimental group(from 0.13 to 1.02 points), while the comparison group showed both an increase(from 0.01 to 0.36 points) and a decrease(from -0.26 to -0.03 points). There was no statistically significant difference in pretest mean scores between the experimental and comparison groups, confirming homogeneity. The pre-post difference test of the experimental group showed statistically significant differences in early childhood development (nature) and environmental conservation atti-tudes and subscales (conservation attitude, recycling attitude, environmental pollution prevention attitude), eco-logical literacy and subscales (nature's rights, intention to support, resource protection, ecological sensitivity, eco-logical social environment, ecological development_reverse, nature governance_reverse, ecological crisis indif-ference), and early childhood playfulness and some subscales (physical spontaneity, social spontaneity, sense of humor). On the other hand, there were no statistically significant differences in the cognitive spontaneity and ex-pression of pleasure sub-domains of preschoolers' playfulness. The pre-post difference test for the comparison group found statistical significance only for ecological sensitivity, a sub-scale of ecological literacy, and physical spontaneity, a sub-scale of preschoolers' playfulness. Second, the factors that resulted in statistically significant differences in post-hoc mean scores between the experimental and comparison groups were environmental con-servation attitudes and their sub-scales, recycling attitudes, ecological literacy and its sub-scales, supportive in-tention, ecological sensitivity, nature dominance(reverse), and ecological crisis indifference. Conclusions The results of this study confirm the effectiveness of climate and ecosystem programs through play. As an extension of this study, we aim to propose collaborative activities with the local community through a living lab approach.

Immersive virtual reality for prospective memory and eye fixation recovery following traumatic brain injury: A pilot study

Rehabilitation is crucial for the recoveriy from traumatic brain injuries (TBI); yet, only 77 &amp;ndash; 88% of TBI patients are receipients of rehabilitation. Particularly, individuals lacking insurance coverage or facing transportation hurdles, notably within the Hispanic community, are less likely to undergo rehabilitation. Virtual reality (VR), known for its mobility and affordability, is recommended as a rehabilitation alternative. This community-based participatory research project aimed to evaluate the acceptability, feasibility, and potential of VR scenarios in addressing common rehabilitative needs. Focus groups involving TBI patients (N = 12) were conducted to identify rehabilitative needs and design VR scenarios. Two novel scenarios were created to enhance prospective memory and eye tracking. The impact of the prospective memory VR scenario was assessed among individuals with brain injuries 1 year post-TBI (N = 11), who were divided into intervention and delayed-intervention groups. In addition, six participants underwent the eye-tracking VR scenario to evaluate its effectiveness. Data from memory tests and screen recordings were gathered. In the objective memory test, participants in the VR intervention group (66%) exhibited greater improvement than those in the memory card delayed intervention group (0%) after 12 sessions. However, there was no statistically significant difference in mean scores on a Prospective and Retrospective Memory Questionnaire memory scale between the intervention and delayed-intervention groups after 6 weeks. Nonetheless, all participants demonstrated enhanced eye tracking skills after completing the eye tracking VR scenario between the 6th and 12th sessions. In conclusion, the VR scenarios exhibited promise, acceptability, and feasibility in improving prospective memory and eye tracking for individuals with TBI 1 year post-injury.

Fracture load of chairside CAD-CAM veneers fabricated with pre-and fully crystalized lithium disilicate ceramics.

To evaluate the fracture load of chairside computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) veneers fabricated with two conventional pre-crystallized and two fully crystallized lithium disilicate ceramic materials. Seventy-five chairside CAD-CAM veneers (15 specimens/group) for maxillary right central incisors were fabricated with different lithium disilicate brands: (1) IPS e.max CAD; (2) Amber Mill; (3) Cerec Tessera; (4) n!ce Straumann; and (5) GC Initial LiSi Block. Restorations were cemented with resin luting cement (Variolink Esthetic, Ivoclar) to 3D-printed resin dies. Bonded restorations received 5000 thermal cycles and then were loaded until fracture. Statistical analysis included One-Way ANOVA. Conventional pre-crystallized e.max CAD displayed the highest fracture load value (640 N), followed by fully-crystallized n!ce Straumann (547 N), pre-crystallized Cerec Tessera (503 N), pre-crystallized Amber Mill (476 N), respectively; fully-crystallized GC Initial LiSi Block (431 N) displayed the lowest values. When comparing the fracture load of recent lithium disilicate ceramic material to the e.max group, which acted as the control, significant differences were noted. The LiSi Block GC group, in particular, had considerably higher mean difference values (208.867, p < 0.001, 95% CI [89.63, 328.10]), as did the Amber Mill group (164.200, p = 0.002, 95% CI [44.96, 283.44]) and CEREC Tessera group (137.533, p = 0.016, 95% CI [18.30, 256.77]). The e.max and n!ce Straumann groups had no statistically significant differences in mean scores (92.933, p = 0.198, 95% CI [-26.30, 212.17]). These findings imply that the clinical performance of recent lithium disilicate veneers varies when compared to the e.max CAD group. The fracture load of chairside CAD-CAM lithium disilicate veneers for maxillary central incisors varies according to the type of ceramic brands. Conventional pre-crystallized e.max CAD displayed higher fracture load than the recent pre- and fully-crystallized lithium disilicate materials, emphasizing the significance of choosing the right product based on the desired clinical outcome.

Instructional Leadership Practice of Secondary School Principals to Deliver Quality Education in North Shewa Zone in Ethiopia

ABSTRACT The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The participants of the study were secondary school principals (47) and supervisors (16) selected using availability sampling. The method of data collection was a principals’ instructional management rating scale. The quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and an independent t-test, p < .05. The findings indicated that the practice of the ten instructional leadership functions was mainly poor, with some good with slightly better practices. The findings from an independent-sample t-test analysis showed that there were no statistically significant mean score differences between principals and supervisors’ ratings of the three dimensions of instructional leadership. To improve the instructional leadership practice in the schools, practical pre-and in-service training should be given to improve the knowledge and skill of instructional leadership of the principals.

Development of an Interactive Digital Learning Media “E-MIREDOKS” on Redox Reaction Material

This study aims to develop and evaluate the feasibility of E-MIREDOKS (Redox Reaction Interactive E-Module) as a digital and interactive learning tool for teaching redox reactions in chemistry. The research methodology employed is the Research and Development approach developed by Sukmadinata, which involves three main stages: preliminary study, media development, and media testing, culminating in a limited-scale trial. This methodology was chosen due to its alignment with the goal of developing a learning tool. The validity of the developed medium was assessed using validity sheets, pretest and posttest sheets, student feedback, and observation sheets. The medium was found to be feasible based on its content and construct validity, with validity percentages of 85.56% and 85.93% respectively, falling within the category of exceptionally valid. The effectiveness of the medium was evaluated through a comparison of pretest and posttest scores, resulting in a sig.(2-tailed) value of 0.00 &amp;lt; 0.05 (α), indicating a significant difference in mean scores between the pretest and posttest. Out of 36 students, 31 achieved individual learning accuracy, while 86.11% attained classical learning accuracy. The practicality of the medium was assessed using student feedback, which yielded a percentage of 92.63%, and observations of student behavior, which scored 96.67%, both falling within the category of exceptionally practical. These findings provide evidence that E-MIREDOKS can serve as an effective digital and interactive learning tool for chemistry education.

Effect of Supportive Midwifery Care in Primiparous on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Fear of Childbirth in Labour

Introduction: This study was conducted to determine the effect of supportive midwifery care in primiparous on posttraumatic stress disorder and fear of childbirth in labour. Methods: The study was conducted in the delivery room of a maternity hospital in eastern Turkey. The data were collected between January and November 2018. This study is a quasi-experimental study, in which pregnant women were sampled from the relevant population using the non-probability random sampling method. The sample consisted of 164 women, including 82 in the experimental group and 82 in the control group. The women in both groups were asked to complete a personal information form and the Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire (W-DEQ) Version A. Those in the experimental group received midwifery support during labour. The women in both groups were then given the Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire Version B and the Impact of Event Scale-Revised 6–8 hours after childbirth. Results: The mean prenatal W-DEQ version A score was 47.15±19.68 in the experimental group and 63.23±23.10 in the control group. There was a significant difference in mean scores between the groups (p

Development of the Blood Stasis Questionnaire for Gynecological Diseases: An Analytical Cross-Sectional Study

Objectives: Blood stasis is the slowing or stagnation of blood and can cause metabolic, musculoskeletal, and gynecological diseases. This study developed the Blood Stasis Questionnaire for gynecological disease (BSQ-GD) by extracting clinical indicators related to gynecological diseases using the Blood Stasis Questionnaires I and II (BSQ-I and II, respectively) and analyzed the clinical data of a cross-sectional study. Patients and Methods: In total, 103 women aged between 25 and 65 years who met gynecological disease criteria were enrolled in this study. Blood stasis scores (BSS) were evaluated using the BSQ-II and categorized into BSS and non-BSS groups. To assess the reliability of BSQ-GD, the internal consistency coefficient was employed using Cronbach’s α. Furthermore, correlation analyses were conducted for the clinical symptoms related to gynecological diseases, and the discriminant validity was confirmed by comparing the two groups. The prediction accuracy was determined using logistic regression and the cut-off value of the BSQ-GD was established via the sensitivity and specificity calculations. Results: The BSQ-GD showed satisfactory internal consistency (Cronbach’s α coefficient = 0.71) and validity, with significant differences in mean scores between blood stasis (22.30 ± 3.34) and non-blood stasis (14.93 ± 3.49) groups. The cut-off value of the BSQ-GD score was 19 points when the Youden index (73.45) and the concordance probability (0.75) were at their maximum. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was approximately 96%, and the sensitivity and specificity of the diagnostic accuracy according to the cut-off value are 80.95% and 92.50%, respectively. Conclusion: The BSQ-GD can be an appropriate instrument to estimate blood stasis in patients with gynecological diseases; its diagnostic sensitivity according to the cut-off value is high.

Assessing Residents in the Department of Surgery at a Tertiary Care Centre Using Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercise (Mini-CEX).

This study aimed to introduce, sensitize, and train our postgraduate students and faculty of the department of general surgery with the use of mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercise (mini‑CEX) and to assess the perception of students and faculty towards it. A cross‑sectional observational study was conducted over a period of four months. Ten surgery residents in the department were asked to volunteer to participate and five professors conducted the session. Five sessions of mini‑CEX(nine points) were conducted for each resident in different settings of the out‑patient department (OPD) and in‑patient department (IPD). A total of five skills were tested. Feedback from faculty and residents regarding the perception of mini‑CEX was alsotaken. A statistically significant difference in mean scores of all domains was observed comparing the first and last assessment (p<0.05). Hundred percent of the residents scored superior category (7-9) in the final assessment in all domains, whereas the maximum was in a satisfactory scoring grade in 1st assessment. The time taken for the assessment significantly reduced from 1st assessment to the last assessment in OPD and IPD settings (p=0.001). The mini-CEX assessment tool got 100% feedback from faculty in terms of skill improvement, method, attitude of residents, and ability to identify gaps in knowledge. However, one assessor thought that "time given for assessment" was inadequate and more effort was required than the usual traditional assessment methods. The most identified problem faced by residents was that the "time given during assessment" was less (50%); however, overall residents also found it valid, effective, and helpful in identifying knowledge gaps and improving clinical and communication skills. Mini‑CEX improves the learning environment in residency and also leads to improvement in medical interviewing skills, physical examination skills, humanistic qualities/professionalism, and counseling skills. So, it can be used for residency training in clinical departments.

Actual Scope of Nursing Practice in Saudi Ministry of Health Hospitals.

Articulating a clear scope of practice for all nursing categories is essential for improving patient safety, quality of care, and nurse retention. However, this is not the case in many countries, including Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to analyze the actual scope of practice for nursing staff in Saudi Ministry of Health hospitals. The study used a cross-sectional exploratory design. The sampling method used in the study was the quota sampling technique. The scale utilized in this study was the Actual Scope of Practice (ASCOP) scale. Data were collected in March 2021 through an electronic form questionnaire completed by 286 nurses in two hospitals in Al-Hasa province in Saudi Arabia. The overall mean score for ASCOP was 4.64 out of 6. When participants were grouped according to select characteristics (various nursing staff categories, educational levels, years of experience, nationality, gender, and type of work setting), the results revealed no statistically significant differences in overall ASCOP mean scores, except for gender and nationality. The overall mean scores of nursing activities performed in practice do not significantly differ across nurses with different professional categories (health assistant, nursing technician, nursing specialist, and senior nursing specialist), indicating no clear scope of practice for each nursing category, in turn leading to role overlap among them in practice. The current study's findings can guide decision-makers to develop a clear scope of practice for nurses. The findings should also urge the decision-makers to reevaluate the usefulness of having multiple professional categories of nurses who are allowed to carry out almost the same job duties.

The effects of progressive muscle relaxation exercise applied to lung cancer patients receiving chemotherapy on dyspnea, pain and sleep quality: A randomized controlled trial

PurposeThe aim of the present study is the analysis of how progressive muscle relaxation exercise affects dyspnea, pain and sleep quality in patients with lung cancer receiving chemotherapy. MethodsSeventy-four patients diagnosed with lung cancer were included in this randomized controlled study. A total of 16 sessions of progressive muscle relaxation exercises were applied to the patients in the intervention group for a duration of 30 min, 2 days a week for 8 weeks. Patient Information Form, Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale (MRC dyspnea scale), Pitssburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Visual Analog Scale- Pain (VAS-P) were used to collect data. ResultsSocio-demographic and disease characteristics were found to be similar in control and intervention groups. Final scores indicated significant differences between the experimental and control groups in all variables. The experimental group showed significantly more favorable results in dyspnea (p < 0.001), pain (p < 0.003) and sleep (p < 0.001) symptoms. When the effect size values (Cohen's d) of these findings were analyzed, PMR exercise was found to have a moderate effect on mean VAS-P scores (0.548) and a large effect on mean MRC dyspnea scale (1.073) and PSQI (0.970) scores. These results indicated significant differences in pre and post intervention mean scores. ConclusionProgressive muscle relaxation exercise applied to lung cancer patients receiving chemotherapy was found to be effective in reducing dyspnea and pain severity and improving sleep quality.Clinical trial registration at ClinicalTrials.gov. NCT04978805

Investigating the Level of Attitude and Satisfaction among Nursing Instructors Regarding OSCE/OSPE at the Institutes of KPK

The Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) is a commonly utilized tool for evaluating clinical performance among students pursuing medical and health professions. The study was conducted with the aim of determining the level of attitude and satisfaction among nursing educators in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Methods: A cross sectional analytical study design was used to evaluate the level of attitude and satisfaction from nursing educators of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from 181 participants using convenient sampling technique. The study was conducted from March to December 2023. A valid and reliable adopted questionnaire was used for collection. The study was approved by the ethical review board while informed consent from each participant was taken before data collection. Independent t-test, ANNOVA and chi-square test was applied through SPSS version 22.0 for data analysis. Results: In the present study, the number of males was higher (65%), age 25 to 35 was 89 (49.4%), and education post-RN BSN was 101 (56.1%) in majority. The maximum number of the participants, 132 (73.3%), attitude level was moderate, having a mean score of 46.79 ± 7.01, while the level of satisfaction of the higher number of participants, 141 (78.3%), was also moderate, with a mean score of 79.77 ± 10.53. There was significant difference in mean score of attitudes within the groups of qualification, and experience, while the satisfaction there were significant difference within the groups of age, qualification and experience. Conclusions: The study concluded that attitude is associated with age, qualification, and experience, while satisfaction was associated with qualification, the tool should be improved for acceptance and understanding.

Comparison of Cluster Analysis and Latent Class Analysis for the Detection of Fake Responses on Personality Tests

This study compared the effectiveness of cluster analysis and latent class analysis in detecting fake responses in personality tests. A post-test control group design was employed involving 543 11th-grade students from eight different high schools in Şanlıurfa province during the 2021–2022 academic year. The experimental group was instructed to portray a positive personality profile on the test and provide deceptive responses, as their admission to a university program was contingent on this. Conversely, the control group was asked to represent themselves truthfully and provide honest responses. In this study, the initial focus was on assessing the validity and reliability of the scores obtained from the personality test. Subsequently, a comparison was made between the scores of the participants in the experimental and control groups for each sub-dimension of the personality test to determine if there was a significant difference. The findings revealed a significant difference in mean scores between the two groups, favoring the experimental group. Moreover, the results obtained from Cluster Analysis and Latent Class Analysis demonstrated that Latent Class Analysis outperformed Cluster Analysis in detecting fake respondents, exhibiting a lower error rate.