Significant Increase In Perception Research Articles

Measuring the One Health impacts associated with creating access to veterinary care before and during the COVID-19 pandemic

Integrating community perceptions into One Health assessments is critical to understanding the structural barriers that create disproportionate health outcomes for community members, their pets, and the ecosystems that encompass them, particularly in historically marginalized and under-resourced communities. The validated One Health Community Assessment (OHCA) survey instrument was used to evaluate the associated impacts of The Humane Society of the United States’ Pets for Life (PFL) programming on communities’ perceptions of One Health. This evaluation took place across two phases, totaling four years. In phase one (May 2018 – December 2019), the PFL intervention was administered to one urban and one rural under-resourced community, while two demographically-paired communities served as comparison sites. Five OHCA subscales (human health, pet health, environmental health, community health, perceived links) were employed to measure changes in perceptions of One Health and fourteen OHCA items were used to measure perceptions of access to human healthcare, pet care, and the environment. Initiation of the confirmatory second phase of the study (May 2020–October 2021), in which all four communities received the intervention, coincided with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic and its resulting public health mandates hindered both PFL programming and data collection. Generalized Estimating Equations were employed in both the first and second phase analyses to model changes in perceptions of One Health associated with the PFL intervention. In the study’s first phase, PFL in the urban community was associated with significant increases in perceptions of community health and environmental health, and perceived access to human health care, pet care, and the environment. The presence of PFL during the study’s second phase was associated with increased perceptions of environmental health. The variables of PFL and the pandemic were not able to be isolated within the analyses. However, due to the severe, negative One Health implications associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, the phase two results were interpreted from the perspective of the pandemic being the largest driver of the results. The results are consistent with previous research on the effects of the pandemic on community perceptions of health. These findings offer initial support for the hypothesis that deployment of resources focused on companion animals may affect perceptions across the One Health triad and confirms previous research on effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fear over facts: how preconceptions explain perceptions of threat following cyberattacks

ABSTRACT Why do cyberattacks elevate perceptions of threat even as they fail to generate truly destructive effects? We argue that people employ motivated reasoning to align cyberattacks with their preconceptions. Fielding a two-wave panel survey immediately before and after a cyberattack on an Israeli hospital, we confirm that motivated reasoning plays a crucial role in how people interpret cyber events. Results show that people already predisposed to perceive cyberattacks as threatening experience a significant increase in perceptions of threat, while those initially viewing cyberattacks as harmless also have their beliefs reinforced. The data reveals how even minor incidents bolster cyber doom convictions.

Internet-Based Prevention of Re-Victimization for Youth with Care Experience (EMPOWER-YOUTH): Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Traumatic experiences and maltreatment are highly prevalent among adolescents in foster or institutional care and have severe long-term effects on mental health. Childhood maltreatment increases the risk of revictimization. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the internet-based prevention program EMPOWER YOUTH in reducing victimization experiences among youth with care experience. A total of 163 youth, that is, adolescents in foster or institutional care, adopted adolescents, or young care leavers aged 14 to 21 years (Mage = 17.68 years; SD = 2.11) were randomized to the six-module guided program or a wait-list control group. The primary endpoint was the decrease in victimization experiences at an 18-week follow-up. Secondary endpoints included risk perception, aggressive tendencies, empathy, prosocial behavior, depressiveness, post-traumatic stress symptoms, and loneliness. About half of the youth exhibited increased psychopathology. No significant interaction between time-point and group was found for victimization measures, though both groups saw a significant reduction over time (p = 0.012, ηp2 = 0.06; p = 0.017, ηp2 = 0.06). The intervention group showed a significant increase in perception of thrill-seeking and rebellious risks (p = 0.036, ηp2 = 0.04; p = 0.026, ηp2 = 0.05). While EMPOWER YOUTH effectively increased risk perception of thrill-seeking and rebellious behaviors, it should be considered an add-on to more intensive interventions for common mental health disorders in this vulnerable group, rather than a stand-alone online program.

The Delirium Objective structured clinical examination Education (DOE) Pilot Study: implementation of the delirium OSCE education package within hospital education for registered healthcare professionals.

Objectives To evaluate an interactive delirium educational intervention on confidence and competence in delirium assessment tools and delirium knowledge; delirium knowledge scores; clinical practice; planned practice change and perceived usefulness of the education. Methods We conducted a quasi-experimental pilot study, with qualitative follow-up, at two metropolitan hospital sites in Australia. Participants were active registered healthcare practitioners. Survey data were collected pre (T0) and six weeks after the educational intervention (T1). Scores were derived from the seven-item OSCE marking rubric (maximum 15). At T1, observations of delirium care in practice were undertaken using a 10-item (maximum 12) tool. Results There was a significant increase in perceptions of confidence and competence in using delirium assessment tools and knowledge (p<0.001). Delirium knowledge scores improved significantly from 13.6 (SD 1.7) at baseline to 14.6 (SD 1.1) at T1(p<0.001). The high level of competency in delirium care demonstrated and gained during the OSCE (88.7%, SD 0.1) was translated and maintained into clinical practice (81.5%, SD 0.1) (p=0.07). Open-ended survey responses generated three themes: (1) Assess for Delirium, (2) The usefulness of The Delirium OSCE Package and, (3) A need for ongoing education on delirium care. Conclusion This study generated evidence on integrating The Delirium OSCE Education Package in other clinical settings and private hospital sites. Following this pilot study, a RCT was designed using the tools and methods developed to evaluate the effectiveness of The Delirium OSCE Education Package against conventional professional development education.

A Study on the Perception and Behavior of Nail Coloring According to the Interest in Personal Color of Women in Their 20s

This study sought to determine whether the perception and behavior of nail coloring was influenced by the personal color interest of women in their 20s. The results of comparing the interest in color and perception and behavior of nail coloring according to nail coloring characteristics and the results of awareness and behavior level of nail coloring showed a statistically significant difference. This signifies that personal color makes effect on nail coloring. Considering that there was no significant difference in characteristics of nail coloring by type according to the visual measurement results of the visual measurement objects, it does not appear to affect the nail coloring characteristics of each type according to the visual measurement results. The comparison between the visual measurement result of the measurement object and the cube (hand) measurement results showed a difference from the visual measurement result but was not statistically significant. Based on these results, it seems that the concordance between the cloth measurement result and the cube(hand) measurement result was low. This signifies that accurate diagnosis of personal color would be necessary. As a result of examining the perception and behavioral level of nail coloring before and after the personal color diagnosis of the subject, there was a statistically significant increase in perception and behavior level of the measurement group. It was identified that they are related to personal color perception, positive image impact, and satisfaction with nail color. In other words, it was identified that personal color diagnosis is very important in nail coloring and makes effect on the difference in awareness and behavioral level. By investigating whether recognition of nail coloring according to interest in personal color affects behavior through this study, it will be useful data for continuous and systematic customer management method if it is used for personal color nail coloring that suits personal characteristics.

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Counseling with Social Media, Animation and Short Films in Improving Perception and Motivation to Do Physical Activity in Adolescents

Physical activity is an essential component for health, low physical activity in Indonesia causes a high death rate, with 70% of all deaths among adults (including due to heart and lung disease). Therefore, efforts are needed to increase healthy lifestyles, especially physical activity, by providing health information through the media. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of counseling with social media, animation and short films as health promotion media to increase perceptions and motivation to do physical activity in adolescents. The design of this study is Quasi Experiment with a total sample of 180 people taken by total sampling. The data collection technique uses a physical activity questionnaire. Data analysis using the Anova test. The results of the analysis obtained that counseling with short films was more effective in increasing perceptions and motivation to carry out physical activities in adolescents at SMAN 3 Muaro Jambi indicated by a significance value at 0.000 (p <0.05) compared to social media and animation. There was a more significant increase in perception and motivation to do physical activity after counseling with short films compared to counseling using social media and animation for teenagers at SMAN 3 Muaro Jambi. Suggestions for further research are to examine the factors that influence perceptions and motivation for physical activity in adolescents.

Acute Care Interprofessional Event Improved Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Athletic Training and Nurse Practitioner Students

Objective In this study, we sought to assess the changes in the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of athletic training program (ATP) and nurse practitioner (NP) graduate students before and after an acute care interprofessional education (IPE) workshop. Design and Setting This was a descriptive KAP survey to be taken by participants before and after the IPE event. This survey was administered using a QR code that participants scanned. The study occurred at the University of Central Florida College of Nursing before and after acute care skills were taught and practiced by each program’s students. Patients or Other Participants A total of 35 students from a professional master’s ATP and an adult gerontology acute care NP program were present at the workshop. Thirty-two students took the preworkshop survey, while 30 students completed the postworkshop survey. Main Outcome Measure(s) In this study, we aimed to measure the change in perceptions about the knowledge, skills, teaching, and IPE understanding of each respective program after the educational workshop. Surveys were distributed before the IPE workshop and then again after the workshop concluded. The survey responses were scored on a 5-point Likert scale. Scores for each section were averaged, and statistical analysis was done using repeated measures analyses of variance for total and subsection scores for both programs. Results A significant increase was found for each group in IPE understanding, knowledge, skills, and teaching scoring (P < .05) with moderate to large effect sizes. Conclusions Participating in this acute care IPE workshop showed significant increases in perceptions of the KAP among ATP and NP students.

Improving Adolescent Perceptions of Barriers and Facilitators to Sexual and Reproductive Health Services Through Sexual Health Education

PurposeThis study examines whether comprehensive sexual health education that provides information on clinical services can change adolescents’ perceptions of barriers, facilitators, and intention to use services and whether changes in perceptions differ by participant characteristics. MethodsAdolescent participants in a statewide sexual health education program in California were surveyed at baseline and at exit about their perceptions of barriers, facilitators, and intention to use clinical services. Linked baseline and exit surveys (n = 7,460) assessed change in perceptions after program completion. Logistic regression analyses that accounted for the clustered data structure assessed associations between participant characteristics and improvement in perceptions. ResultsAfter the program, there were significant reductions in two perceived barriers (worry about cost and judgment by staff), but there were also small but significant increases in perceptions of two barriers (worry about confidentiality of services and test results). There were significant increases in all three perceived facilitators and intention to use sexual and reproductive health services, which rose from 90.6% at baseline to 96.2% at exit. Younger youth were more likely than older youth to show improvement in all perceived facilitators and intentions. Girls and Black youth were more likely than boys and Hispanic youth to show improvement in two facilitators (knowing what to expect and access). No sociodemographic characteristics were consistently associated with reductions in perceived barriers. DiscussionComprehensive sexual health education that addresses adolescents’ questions and concerns regarding clinical services can help to reduce perceived barriers, increase facilitators, and increase intention to use services if needed.

The Effect of On-Site Visits From the Physical Therapy Clinical Instructor Perspective: A Mixed-Methods Approach

Introduction and Review of the Literature. Strong academic–clinical partnerships are necessary to conduct effective, sustainable clinical education for entry-level physical therapy students. On-site visits are conducted by the entry-level physical therapist education program at affiliated clinical sites with identified clinical instructors. The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to explore the experience and impact on-site visits have on the academic–clinical partnership as perceived by physical therapy clinical instructors. Subjects. Participants were licensed physical therapists who have acted as a clinical instructor for at least 1 student from the study program. Ninety-five participants completed an anonymous survey and 14 participated in concurrent semi-structured interviews during the survey period. Methods. A concurrent, triangulation mixed-methods design was used to integrate quantitative and qualitative approaches in data analysis. A validated, novel survey was developed to assess perspectives of partnership using ordinary linear regression equations. A transcendental phenomenological approach explored perspectives of partnership after an on-site visit. The Partnership Success theoretical framework was used to define and frame the concept of partnership within this study. Results. Key findings showed that on-site visits demonstrated a statistically significant increase in perceptions of commitment among participants. On-site visits also appear to improve communication, result in stronger connections between the clinical site and physical therapist education program, and enhance resource sharing based on clinical instructor's interviews. Additionally, program alums demonstrate higher perceptions of trust and communication behaviors as compared with nonalums. Discussion and Conclusion. On-site visits are viewed favorably by clinical instructors who felt the visits positively contribute to the academic–clinical partnership and contribute to elements of the academic–clinical partnership, particularly in the area of perceived commitment. Program alums have different perceptions of partnership than nonalums.

Recruiting males to the nursing profession: acceptability testing of the ‘Make a Difference with Nursing’ intervention for post-primary school students

BackgroundThe nursing profession is facing a worldwide recruitment shortage which could be partially addressed by recruiting more males. However, in many developed countries numbers of male nurses have traditionally been low. To address this issue we developed and tested a post-primary school-based intervention to recruit more males into the nursing profession.MethodsParticipants included thirty-four female students drawn from an all-girls post-primary school, fifty-one males from an all-boys post-primary school and seven males and fifteen females drawn from a mixed gender post-primary school, all located in Northern Ireland. Participants were all sixteen years of age and were in receipt of careers education. The intervention titled ‘Make a Difference with Nursing’ was co-designed with careers teachers, nurses and post-primary school students. This video based intervention was created to fit within existing career lessons and featured nursing staff and students describing their experiences of the profession. Participants completed the six domains of Nursing as a Career Choice Questionnaire prior to viewing the intervention and again after viewing.ResultsPositive and statistically significant increases in perceptions of the nursing profession were found between pre and post test scores across all six domains. No statistically significant differences in perceptions were found between males and females after watching the intervention. Comparison by school type showed statistically significant differences on the domains of prior healthcare exposure (p = 0.046; 95% CI -0.19 to 3.79) and job prospects (p = 0.005; 95% CI 1.04 to 7.01). Students from the all-girls school rated these more positively than those from the all-boys and mixed-gender schools.ConclusionsA short video presentation to post-primary school students is capable of changing how they perceive the nursing profession. Students expressed surprise over the variety of professional nursing roles suggesting that many were not well informed about the realities of nursing. Providing tailored resources for use in careers lessons can better educate students and teachers about nursing and provide positive portrayals of male role models in the profession.

Racialization of Serious Crime Arrestees: Who Does It and Does It Predict Worry about Victimization in Minority Neighborhoods?

Using data from two statewide surveys conducted in 2018 and 2020, this study explores the characteristics of adults who racialize serious crime arrestees and examines if racialization influences worry of victimization in minority neighborhoods. Results show a significant increase in perceptions of Whites as the largest portion of arrestees, suggesting a reduction in racialization. Those who do racialize serious crime arrestees were significantly more likely to express worry of victimization in predominantly Black or Hispanic neighborhoods. Our findings suggest the public lacks accurate information about arrests for serious crimes which may perpetuate stereotypes about minorities.

Effectiveness of an online education intervention to enhance student perceptions of Respectful Maternity Care: A quasi-experimental study

BackgroundChildbearing women's relationship with maternity care providers enhance childbirth outcomes. Students need to understand and offer respectful care. ObjectiveEvaluate effectiveness and impact of an online education intervention on nursing students' perceptions towards respectful maternity care during labour and childbirth in Nepal. DesignA quasi-experimental pre-post design was used. ParticipantsA total of 89 Third Year Bachelor of Nursing students (intervention n = 40; control n = 49) from three participating colleges. MethodsStudents completed online pre and post-test surveys using the Students' Perceptions of Respectful Maternity Care scale and questions about impact of the intervention. The intervention group received six hours of education delivered online (three sessions x three weeks). ANCOVA and non-parametric Wilcoxon signed-rank tests measured effects. ResultsCompared to controls, students in the intervention group reported a significant increase in perceptions towards respectful maternity care (F (1, 86) = 28.19, p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.25). Participants reported a good understanding of respectful maternity care (75%), positive views about providing such care (82.5%), and a desire to use their new knowledge in practice (65%). ConclusionRelatively few intervention studies to promote respectful maternity care in students have been published. This brief online intervention improved students' perceptions. The intervention package can be integrated into nursing or midwifery curricula and in-service training. A larger study with longer follow-up is needed to support current findings.

A Modified CREATE Approach for Introducing Primary Literature Into Psychological Sciences Courses

Background Previous research has indicated positive changes in student perceptions of primary literature using the CREATE primary literature approach (a collection of guide tools for reading primary literature). Objective The objective of this research was to examine how a modification of the CREATE approach relates to student perceptions of primary literature and STEM career interest in psychological sciences courses. Method The CREATE approach was modified for use as a one-time project and assessed in (a) two course levels (introductory-level and senior level) and (b) two course deliveries (face-to-face and online). Participants filled out a survey with six factor perceptions of primary literature and STEM careers before and after project administration. Results After project completion, there was a significant increase in perceptions of primary literature (five of the six factors), but not STEM career interest. Conclusion There were significant increases over time (pre- to post-survey) in five of the six factors of perceptions of primary literature, but there was no change in the “thinking like a scientist” factor or STEM career interest. Teaching Implications This one-time project can concurrently be administered with textbook-based curriculum in online or face-to-face psychological sciences courses to introduce students to primary literature.

A Wearable Activity Tracker Intervention With and Without Weekly Behavioral Support Emails to Promote Physical Activity Among Women Who Are Overweight or Obese: Randomized Controlled Trial.

BackgroundPhysical activity (PA) plays a fundamental role in combating the current obesity epidemic; however, most women who are overweight or obese are generally physically inactive. Wearable activity tracker interventions can help increase the PA levels in this population. Supplementing such interventions with behavioral support emails may further improve their effectiveness, but this remains to be confirmed.ObjectiveThis study aims to determine if adding behavioral support emails to a wearable activity tracker intervention can further increase PA levels among women who are overweight or obese in comparison to a wearable activity tracker–only intervention and a control condition.MethodsWomen with a BMI ≥25 kg/m2 who were not meeting the Canadian PA guidelines for aerobic and strength training were randomized into 1 of 3 groups. Group 1 received 6 weekly behavioral support emails, a wearable activity tracker, and a copy of the Canadian PA guidelines. Group 2 received a wearable activity tracker and a copy of the Canadian PA guidelines, and group 3 (control condition) received a copy of the Canadian PA guidelines. Self-reported data for walking and moderate to vigorous intensity PA were collected preintervention (week 0; prerandomization), postintervention (7 weeks postrandomization), and at follow-up (21 weeks postrandomization) and analyzed as metabolic equivalent of task minutes per week. In addition, potential mechanisms of behavior change (ie, basic psychological needs satisfaction and motivational regulations) were assessed for within- and between-group differences at all 3 time points. Data were analyzed using nonparametric statistical tests.ResultsA total of 49 women were recruited; data from 47 women (mean age 37.57 years, SD 11.78 years; mean BMI 31.69 kg/m2, SD 5.97 kg/m2) were available for analysis. Group 1 reported a significant increase in walking from preintervention to postintervention (χ22=7.5; P=.02) but not in moderate to vigorous intensity PA (P=.24). Group 1 also reported significant increases in perceptions of competence from preintervention to follow-up (χ22=7.6; P=.02) and relatedness from preintervention to follow-up (χ22=8.7; P=.005). Increases in perceived autonomy were observed for group 2 (χ22=7.0) and group 3 (χ22=10.6). There were no significant changes in the motivational regulations within the groups. The difference between the groups was not significant for any outcome variable.ConclusionsThe results suggest that adding behavioral support emails to a wearable activity tracker intervention may help to increase time spent walking and perceptions of competence and relatedness for PA among women who are overweight or obese.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT03601663; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03601663

Active Tactile Sensibility of Brånemark Protocol Prostheses: A Case-Control Clinical Study.

Few studies have assessed active tactile sensibility in patients rehabilitated with implants. Improved knowledge about functional tactile sensibility will contribute to several clinical applications, such as protocols for immediate loading, prosthesis design, occlusal improvement in implantology, and physiological integration of implant-supported prostheses. The present study evaluated active tactile sensibility in patients rehabilitated with Brånemark-type mandibular prostheses that impede the total mucosa-supported maxillary prosthesis. Thirty-five subjects participated in this study. The experimental group (n = 18) inclusion criteria were as follows: Brånemark-type prosthesis and a total mucosa-supported maxillary prosthesis. The control group (n = 17) was composed of participants with complete healthy dentition. Carbon foils with different thicknesses (12 μm, 24 μm, 40 μm, 80 μm, and 200 μm) were placed in the premolar region to evaluate the brink of active oral tactile sensibility. The researchers assessed the participants 120 times. After evaluation, we observed a statistical difference (p < 0.05) between the groups. Additionally, the degree of sensibility was found for all thicknesses, except for 12 μm, on both sides. There was a more significant increase in perception in the control group as the carbon thickness increased. The tactile sensibility threshold was 2.5 times greater for participants with prostheses. Thus, the tactile sensibility for mandibular implant-supported and maxillary mucosa-supported prostheses is significantly lower than that of dentate patients, which was detected above the thickness of 80 μm; in patients with natural dentition, different thicknesses were seen starting from 24 μm.

Examining the Effects of Passing a Campus Carry Law: Comparing Campus Safety Before and After Georgia’s New Campus Carry Law

ABSTRACT Although there has been an increase in research on support for campus carry laws, few studies have examined how these laws influence campus safety. Using longitudinal data from a university sample, this study compares measures of campus safety before and after the adoption of a campus carry law. We found statistically significant increases in perceptions of campus as unsafe, fear of crime, lack of confidence in campus police, fearful conflicts, and carrying a gun on campus, but no change in violent victimization. Some changes differed for faculty/administrators, staff, and students. Also, in our exploratory multivariate analyses, we found that other factors could not explain much of the variation in changes in campus safety perceptions; these changes are likely due to allowing guns on campus.

Benefits of Indirect Contact With Nature on the Physiopsychological Well-Being of Elderly People.

Exposure to nature or to green space has positive mental health benefits. Closing of parks and green spaces during the COVID-19 pandemic has reduced options for mental health and well-being benefits and could have a greater impact on vulnerable populations, especially the elderly. The present study, therefore, explores the physiopsychological impacts of indirect contact with nature, using forest imagery, on the brain activity and autonomic nervous systems of elderly people. A within-subject design experiment was used. Thirty-four participants aged 82.9 ± 0.78 years were asked to look at bamboo and urban images for 2 min. During the visual stimulation, α relative waves were measured using electroencephalography as an indicator of brain activity. Heart rate variability and skin conductance (SC) responses were utilized as indicators of arousal. Afterward, psychological responses were evaluated using the semantic differential and the Profile of Mood States questionnaires. Visual stimulation with bamboo image induced a significant increase in α relative waves and parasympathetic nervous activity and a significant decrease in SC. In addition, a significant increase in perceptions of "comfortable," "relaxed," "cheerful," and "vigorous" feelings was observed. Indirect contact with nature enhances the physiological and psychological conditions of the elderly. Findings can be used to guide the new design, renewal, and modification of the living environments of the elderly and those who are unable to get outside.

Knowledge and self-perception comparisons between students with and without prior technician experience in community pharmacy lab courses

IntroductionIt is unknown if students with previous pharmacy technician experience benefit from a community pharmacy dispensing lab. Anecdotally, students with previous technician experience often do not feel a substantial benefit from the course. The purpose of this project was to evaluate pharmacy practice knowledge and perceptions of those with and without prior technician experience in a community lab course. MethodsDoctor of pharmacy students enrolled in the lab course were included in the study. All students were administered a pre- and post-course self-perceptions survey and knowledge assessment (20 scenario-based multiple-choice questions). The knowledge assessment evaluated understanding of community pharmacy law, workflow, inventory, insurance, and prescription verification. Survey variables analyzed included length of experience, confidence, and course expectations. Results were analyzed using student's t-tests. ResultsA total of 216 students completed the pre- and post-assessments and were included for analysis. Students with previous technician experience scored statistically significantly higher on the knowledge assessment than students without experience (pre: 57% vs. 33%, post: 67% vs. 53%, respectively). Students without prior technician experience had many statistically significant increases in perceptions of knowledge and confidence, while those with prior technician experience had few. ConclusionsThere is a baseline knowledge gap between students with technician experience and those without in a community pharmacy simulation lab. Results of this study have identified specific gaps which may be useful for course structure and design. This data supports investigation into ‘testing out’ or providing separate tracks in a community lab for experienced and non-experienced students.

Pharmacist and pharmacy intern perceptions of adolescent vaccination administration

ObjectivesTo characterize pharmacists’ and pharmacy interns’ perceptions of administering adolescent vaccinations. Secondary objectives were to model the association between 1) perceptions and respondent demographic information and 2) pre- and post-training survey responses. DesignA 12-item survey, on the basis of the Theory of Self-Perception, was used to collect respondents’ perceptions of adolescent vaccination administration retrospectively before and after pharmacist and pharmacy intern completion of Online training. The training reviewed Center for Disease Control and Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice recommendations for vaccination schedules, vaccine administration, managing adverse reactions, finding vaccine-related information, the importance of vaccinating, and dispelling common misconceptions. Setting and participantsPharmacists and pharmacy interns representing 114 Indiana community pharmacy locations within a national supermarket chain were eligible to complete an Online survey between March and April 2019. Outcome measuresDescriptive statistics were used to characterize pharmacists’ and pharmacy interns’ perceptions of adolescent vaccination administration. A multivariable regression analysis was used to determine the association between perceptions and respondent demographic information. Differences in perceptions before and after the training module were evaluated using paired t tests. ResultsOf the 293 eligible pharmacists and pharmacy interns, 138 (47.1%) completed the survey and 124 (42.3%) responses were included for analysis. Pharmacists and pharmacy interns had positive perceptions of adolescent vaccination administration. There was a negative relationship between the number of years that a pharmacist had been in practice and their baseline perceptions of adolescent vaccination administration (P = 0.02). There was a statistically significant increase in perceptions following completion of the training module (P < 0.001). ConclusionPharmacists and pharmacy interns, specifically those who have been in practice for few years, had positive perceptions about adolescent vaccination administration but their perceptions were strengthened with additional training. Further research is needed to determine the relationship between additional training and vaccination rates.

The Impact of Owning a Guide Dog on Owners’ Quality of Life: A Longitudinal Study

ABSTRACTIndividuals with visual impairments often report low quality of life (QOL), increased depression, and reduced functionality. Trained assistance dogs have been shown to help improve QOL and daily functioning of individuals affected by chronic conditions, but these studies have been largely crosssectional and QOL has not been considered in guide dog owners. A longitudinal cohort study was undertaken using the Flanagan Quality of Life Scale to compare individuals on the UK guide dog national waiting list and established guide dog owners at two time points. Data collected from both time points were compared between three groups: those who remained on the waiting list throughout the study (n = 17), those who acquired a guide dog during the study (n = 15), and established guide dog owners (n = 14). Analysis comparing the effect of “group” was conducted on individual questionnaire items as well as total quality of life scores. Individuals who acquired a guide dog during the study showed a significant increase in perceptions of independence in comparison with those who remained on the waiting list. In general, those in the established guide dog group and those who acquired a guide dog demonstrated increased perceived QOL over time, but those who remained on the waiting list showed a decrease. Owing to the small sample sizes we computed effect sizes to inform the development of future studies. Effect sizes were highest on items relating to health, material comforts, independence, and total QOL. Comparison with previous research looking at QOL with hearing dog and physical assistance dog partners showed that guide dog ownership may be specifically associated with perceived gains in terms of material comforts and inter-personal relationships.