Statistical Package For Social Sciences Research Articles

Clinical presentation and outcomes of Mooren’s ulcer: a 2-year retrospective cohort study

Background: Mooren’s ulcer is a chronic, painful, unrelenting, peripheral ulcerative keratitis with atypical geographic presentation and distribution. This study aimed to retrospectively investigate the clinical presentation and outcomes of patients with Mooren’s ulcer over a 2-year period at the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) Eye Hospital, Kano, Nigeria. Methods: The theatre records of 24 patients with Mooren’s ulcer were retrospectively reviewed, with a focus on those who had up to 2 years of follow-up. The surgical treatment followed a standard procedure of 3 ml of 2% xylocaine and 0.01% adrenaline were administered for peribulbar anaesthesia. The periorbital area was cleaned with 10% povidone iodine, draped, and a lid speculum was inserted to part the lids. The conjunctiva was excised 2 mm from the edge of the ulcer, and the area was lightly cauterized. This was followed by a combination of subconjunctival injection of 2 mg of dexamethasone and 20 mg of gentamycin and a drop of 0.3% of ciprofloxacin and 1% of atropine. Data were analyzed using a social science statistical package (IBM SPSS Inc. Chicago V 19.0) with 95% confidence. Results: The results revealed that Mooren’s ulcer was predominant in an age range of 11 and 30 years. A total number of 24 patients were seen in the two years of review, with an average age of 27.3±13.7 years. There were 19 male and 5 female patients, with a male-to-female ratio of 3.8:1. At presentation, patients had poor preoperative vision, with acuity values of less than 6/60–3/60 range. Postoperatively, 15 eyes had a borderline outcome (cannot see 6/18 but can see 6/60), 12 eyes had good vision (VA 6/18) and 4 eyes ended up with the same presenting vision (VA<6/60) after treatment. One patient had iris prolapse and three patients had evisceration. Conclusions: This study provided the clinical characteristics of patients with Mooren’s corneal ulcer. A comparison of preoperative and postoperative visual acuity showed that early presentation and intervention improved visual outcomes. Although most eyes maintained or improved vision, nearly half demonstrated a borderline result that fell short of the target vision threshold. The retrospective nature of this study limited its ability to review complete patient information. The small sample size also constrained the analysis due to the low incidence of Mooren’s ulcer. Further research is needed to better understand increased susceptibility in younger populations. This will help inform prevention and treatment efforts to address this public health challenge.

Auditor's Ability to Detect Fraud

This research aims to find out whether professional skepticism, independence and competence influence fraud. The population and sample for this research are auditors who work at the South Sulawesi Inspectorate Office. The sampling technique uses purposive sampling technique. The sample in this study was auditors who worked at the South Sulawesi Inspectorate Office. The data collection method uses a questionnaire. The research questionnaire uses a Likert scale. Data analysis used multiple linear regression analysis using Statistical Packages for Social Science (SPSS). The research results show that skepticism, independence, competence and experience of auditors have a positive and significant effect on fraud at the South Sulawesi Inspectorate Office

The Opportunity for Profit to College Student-AthletesAnalysis Study

A recent study by Romero (2018) suggests that NCAA athletes should receive better compensation. College student-athletes put in much time and energy, but many do not receive adequate pay. High school athletes’ chances of participating in college sports are lower without scholarships. It is time to recognize their value and provide financial support. (NCAA) is a nonprofit organization that regulates collegiate sports, and this study emphasizes the livelihood of collegiate student-athletes and the rules they must follow. Furthermore, the study compares the coach’s salaries with collegiate student-athlete student-athletes to profit from their crafts. The researchers gathered data from various literature and randomly surveyed over 400 college students, used a systematic review approach, Chi-squared test, and descriptive statistics to review the evidence, and analyzed the survey data using the Statistic Package for Social Science (SPSS). In addition, the study explores the opportunity for compensating student-athletes and investigates the salaries of “celebrity” coaches and the minimal financial compensation or stipend student-athletes receive while playing for these coaches. The current study found that college and university sports leaders should not view student-athletes as mere athletes but as valuable assets that create organic growth for their college athletics and the NCAA benefits from endorsement and advertising deals. The result indicated that athletes should be able to earn extra money that raises their living standards above the poverty line, while college sports generate billions of dollars for universities, broadcasters, and sponsors. University coaches are signing multi-million-dollar contracts while their players are forced to live off $12,000 on average, and most of the money goes toward their tuition, room, books, board, and class needs. The study supports that the Supreme Court recently allowed colleges to provide “education-related” payments to student-athletes. The decision permits student-athletes to pursue endorsement deals based on their name, image, and likeness.

Cultural and Socio-Economic Factors Contributing to Upsurge in Teenage Pregnancies in Kabuchai Constituency, Bungoma County Western Kenya

Cultural and Socio-Economic Factors Contributing to Upsurge in Teenage Pregnancies in Kabuchai Constituency, Bungoma County Western Kenya

Institutional pressures and risk governance: testing the mediation role of collectivist orientation among financial institutions in Uganda

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is twofold: to examine the relationship between institutional pressures and risk governance in financial institutions (FIs) in Uganda and to establish mediational role of collectivist orientation in the relationship between institutional pressures and risk governance in financial institutions in Uganda.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopts a cross-sectional and quantitative research design. The authors employed Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling (SmartPLS 3.3.0 for professionals) to test hypotheses.FindingsThe results indicate that institutional pressures is significantly associated with risk governance in FIs. The study also finds collectivist orientation partially mediates the relationship between institutional pressures and risk governance in FIs in Uganda.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study provides initial empirical evidence on the relationship between institutional pressures, collectivist orientation and risk governance using evidence from a developing African country – Uganda. Additionally, this study provides an initial evidence of the mediating role of collectivist orientation in the relationship between institutional pressures and risk governance in FIs.

Evaluating Effectiveness of Group Intervention Working on Executive Function for Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study

Introduction: The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of Simon says program (SSP), a strategy-based group intervention program working on executive function (EF) for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Methods: A prospective observational cohort study was conducted from December 2021 to July 2022 recruiting 21 SSP participants, either they were on stimulant or not on stimulants, and 12 other ADHD patients who are on stimulant medication only without prior participation in SSP, using convenience sampling method, from Child Development Clinic Hospital Sultan Ismail. NICHQ Vanderbilt Assessment Follow Up Scales (VAS) were used to measure its effectiveness and the significance of score differences before and after SSP were assessed using paired sample t-test of Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 28.0 software. Results: Total of 33 children participated in the study. From our study, only those participants on behavioural therapy alone showed statistically significant reduction in inattentive score, hyperactivity score and total symptoms score at the third month and sixth month after joining SSP from parents-rated VAS. There were no statistically significant differences in the average VAS performance score for both groups. Conclusion: SSP could be an effective behavioral intervention for children with ADHD children. Limitations included lacking clear generalizability due to the convenience sampling method and potential inter-rater variability.

Exploring the Causes of Low Literacy Rate: A Case Study of District Lasbela, Balochistan

The aim of this study is to examine the basic causes and consequences of the low literacy rate in the district of Lasbela Balochistan, Pakistan. Education plays a predominant role and has a cross cutting influence on all features of human life. It is an energetic speculation for economic and human improvement. The most fundamental and important need for each individual and for society at large is education. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the literacy rate in district Lasbela using descriptive research methodology. A sample of 200 respondents was selected to collect data form nine tehsils of Lasbela district with help of self-administered close ended questionnaire. Mixed methodology was adopted to scrutinize research problems. The study made use of univariate and bivariate statistical analysis methods, data visualization, and the chi-square test of independence. Software called SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) is also utilized for statistical applications and data analysis. The result of the study indicates that low earnings of family (poverty), poor management in education and dropout of students have a moderate and statistically significant effect on the illiteracy rate respectively. For policy recommendations some constructive measures have been suggested such as induction of qualified and skills teachers, best management system in educational sector, opportunities for local people in jobs and free and feasible education for the students at all levels. Keywords: , , ,

Effectiveness of the Integrated Dengue Education and Learning (iDEAL) module in improving the knowledge, attitude, practice, environmental cleanliness index, and dengue index among schoolchildren: A randomised controlled trial protocol.

Dengue is a mosquito-borne disease caused by four distinct, closely related dengue viruses (DENV). Global dengue incidence has markedly increased in the past decades. The World Health Organization reported that cases increased from 505,430 in 2000 to 5.2 million in 2019. Similarly, the total dengue cases in Malaysia increased from 7,103 in 2000 to a peak of 130,101 in 2019. Knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) remain the most effective dengue prevention and control tools. Furthermore, school-based health education is key to enhancing knowledge and raising awareness of the seriousness of dengue among schoolchildren and transferring knowledge and practice from classrooms to homes. Thus, it is necessary to plan an integrated module for the primary prevention of dengue infection, specifically among schoolchildren. The present study intends to develop, implement, and evaluate the effectiveness of a theory-based integrated dengue education and learning (iDEAL) module in improving the KAP, environmental cleanliness index, and dengue index among schoolchildren in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur. This study is a single-blinded, cluster randomised controlled trial to be conducted from 1 September 2023 to 31 August 2025. The study will involve 20 primary and 20 secondary schools in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur. The 1600 participants will be randomly allocated to intervention and control groups based on selected clusters to avoid contamination. A cluster is a comparable school that fulfils the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The intervention group will receive the iDEAL module, while the control group will receive standard education. The iDEAL module will be developed following a systematic procedure and delivered in-person by trained researchers to the participants. The outcome will be measured using validated, self-administered questionnaires at baseline (T0), immediately (T1), one month (T2), and three months (T3) post-intervention to measure the intervention module effectiveness. The data will be analysed using IBM Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 28 and descriptive and inferential statistics. Within-group changes over time will be compared using one-way repeated measure analysis of variance for continuous and normally distributed variables. Within-group analysis of categorical data will use Cochran's Q test. The main effect and interaction between and within the intervention and control groups at T0, T1, T2, and T3 will be tested using the generalised linear mixed model (GLMM). Hypothetically, the KAP, environmental cleanliness index, and dengue index among the intervention group will be significantly improved compared to the control group. The hypothesis will be tested using a significance level with a p-value of 0.05 and a confidence interval of 95%. The study protocol outlines developing and testing an iDEAL module for schoolchildren in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, with no socio-demographic differences expected. The intervention aims to improve KAP, environmental cleanliness index, and dengue index, potentially reducing dengue risk. Results could inform public health policies, emphasizing school-based interventions' importance in combating diseases like dengue.

Investigating the Smartphone Addiction among Undergraduate Nursing Students

In today's digital era, smartphones have become an essential part of our society. However, excessive use of smartphones can have a wide range of consequences and it affects students' physical and mental health. Nursing students should know the appropriate use of smartphones to prevent health complications. Objective: To investigate the prevalence of smartphone addiction among nursing students. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was utilized in a total of 98 nursing students of Saifee Burhani School of Nursing in Karachi, Pakistan. A convenience sampling technique was used to collect data and a Smartphone Addiction Scale short version (SAS-SV) questionnaire was utilized to collect data related to smartphone usage patterns and addiction levels among nursing students. Results: The study findings revealed that 68 nursing students (69.39%) were addicted to smartphones. Descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and independent t-independent -test were applied by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 25.0 for data analysis. Conclusions: The present study revealed that Smartphone addiction was found higher among nursing students.

Assessment of Fire Safety Management for Special Needs Schools in South Africa

The safety and well-being of learners with special educational needs in South Africa remain a paramount concern, significantly impacting their constitutional rights and dignity. Despite legislative commitments aimed at fostering inclusive education, a pervasive absence of adequate fire safety measures in special needs schools (SNSs) in South Africa has persisted, leading to the vulnerability of these learners. Tragic incidents, such as fatal fires in these schools, as reported in the literature, underscore the urgent need for immediate intervention to ensure the safety and security of these learners, especially with regards to fire hazards. This study, conducted within the Northwest Province of South Africa, assessed the state of fire safety management in SNSs by applying a series of chi-squared (χ2) tests of independence for categorical variables, descriptive statistics, and regression analysis using the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS), Version 20 and found that limited access to power is the potential root cause of fires in these schools; also, the limited amount of fire safety initiatives was a problem. In addition, the ordinal regression showed a statistically significant relationship when the question of to what extent the learners in the sampled schools are involved in fire safety programs was regressed with the questions of whether management and stakeholders were involved in fire safety programs and also on taking part in the physical fire safety programs (χ2 = 47.412; df = 2; p < 0.001; R2 = 70.5%). Furthermore, fire safety management was not sufficiently implemented in the sampled schools and the safety legislations of the country were not implemented accordingly when it came to fire safety. This study identified root causes of fire risks, gauged stakeholders’ awareness and involvement in fire safety management, and advocated for more stringent safety policies and practices within the SNS based on the above findings.

Analysis of craniofacial indices of dry crania in Southeast and Southsouth Nigeria

Objective: To determine the cranial index, upper facial index and frontal index of dry human crania in Nigeria. Methods: A total of 150 dry adult male crania were studied in two geopolitical zones (Southeast and Southsouth) in Nigeria. Measurements were taken with spreading caliper and Vernier caliper. The following variables were measured: Maximum cranial length (MCL, g-op), Maximum cranial breadth (MCB, eu-eu), Minimum frontal breadth (MFB, ft–ft), Upper facial height (UFH, n-pr) and Bizygomatic breadth (BZB, zy-zy). From these variables, cranial index (CI), frontal index (FI) and upper facial index (UFI) were calculated. Data analysis was done with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 25). Result: In the Southeast group, the values of MCL, MCB, BZB, UFH and MFB (in mm) were 181.4 (±10.3), 135.3 (±6.7), 135.3 (±6.0), 68.0 (±4.1) and 97.9 (±7.4) respectively. In the Southsouth group, the values of MCL, MCB, BZB, UFH and MFB (in mm) were 180.0 (±7.8), 133.9 (±6.7), 135.0 (±7.2), 67.5 (±6.6), and 98.1 (±4.9) respectively. There was no significant difference in these means between the Southeast and Southsouth groups. In the Southeast group, the mean values of CI, FI and UFI (in %) were 75.1 (±5.9), 72.7 (±5.9), and 50.5 (±3.4) respectively. In the Southsouth group the mean values of CI, FI and UFI (in %) were 74.5 (±4.0), 73.3 (±3.6) and 50.0 (±4.4) respectively. There was no significant difference in the means of the cranial indices among the two groups. Conclusion: The crania in the southern part of Nigeria are dolichocephalic, eurymetopia and mesene type.

Implementation of Generic Skills in Life Skills Subjects For Teachers of Postgraduate Diploma Programme in Education (PDPP) IPTHO Batu Pahat

Generic skills play an important role in the context of the teaching and learning process in the school environment. Involving aspects such as communication, teaming, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills, generic proficiency comprehensively covers various aspects of learning. The successful application of these generic skills can make a significant contribution to learner development in many areas of life. This research specifically focuses on the effectiveness of the application of generic skills in the context of teaching and learning skills. A total of 30 'Contract Of Service' (CoS) teachers in the Postgraduate Diploma Programme in Education (PDPP) at Institut Perguruan Tun Hussein Onn Batu Pahat (IPTHO) were respondents in this study. They are skills (RBT) teachers, providing a strong foundation for the understanding and development of generic skills. In data collection, the study used a questionnaire instrument containing 45 question items specifically designed to answer three main problems. The reliability of the instrument was tested with an Alpha value of 0.896, indicating good reliability. The data analysis process uses SPSS 14.0 (Statistical Package for Social Science, SPSS for Windows) to obtain percentage, frequency, and minimum values. The results showed that the application of various types of generic skills and the way they were applied by teachers received a high level of assessment. Responses to support factors also received high ratings, indicating significant support for the application of generic skills in the learning process. Based on these findings, the researchers proposed a number of proposals to improve the application of generic skills in Integrated Life Skills subjects in schools, in the hope of providing a stronger and more supportive foundation for the development of generic skills at that educational level.

Neuroimaging Changes and Treatment Outcome of Tubercular Meningitis- Experiences 22 Cases in a Tertiary Care Center

Background: Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) and is the most common form of central nervous system (CNS) tuberculosis (TB).The prevalence of TB meningitis remains largely underestimated because clinical manifestations are nonspecific in early stages of the disease. Prompt diagnosis is critical for initiating appropriate therapy, facilitating measures to prevent dissemination of this highly contagious disease and to combat fatal complication in children Aims: To evaluate the role of neuroimaging changes and treatment outcome of tubercular meningitis. Methods: This prospective hospital-based cohort study was conducted in Department of Paediatric Neurology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, during January 2022 to December 2022. Children age belonged to 1 month to 10 year diagnosed as TBM during study period were enrolled in this study. Detailed history, clinical examination, CSF analysis and other relevant investigations were done. Data were recorded in standard questionnaire. Statistical analyses of the results were obtained by using window-based computer software devised with Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS-22). Results: Total 22 diagnosed case of TBM was enrolled and evaluated. Among them two third (63.63%) children were in 5-10 year age group. Male (59%) were outnumbered than female (36.36 %).Male female ratio was 1.6:1. More than half (59%) of patients came from urban area. All of the patients were vaccinated. Cent percent (100%) patients were presented with fever followed by headache (77.27%), sign of meningeal irritation (54.54%), vomiting (54.54%) and seizures (50%). Most common complication was hemiparesis (45.45%) followed by cranial nerve palsy (40.90%), visual problem (9.09%) and hydrocephalus (4.54%). Abnormal neuroimaging changes were found in 100% cases. Common findings were hydrocephalus (40.90%), tubercloma (36.36%), basilar enhancement (18.18%), Benign enlargement of subdural space & cerebellar hyperintensity (9%) and thalamic infract was present in 4.54% cases. Anti TB and steroid treatment were given in 100% cases and among them18.18% cases were required shunt procedure. More than one-third cases (40.90%) were completely normal without any no sequelae. Among abnormal sequelae found in two third (59%) cases. Speech impairment (36.36%) was most common followed by GDD (18.18%), hemiparesis (13.63%), quadriparesis (9.09%) and epilepsy in 9.09% cases. Conclusion: In our study all children of TBM were presented with fever followed by other predominant clinical features headache, vomiting, seizures and sign of meningeal irritation. Abnormal neuroimaging changes were found in all cases. Common findings were basilar enhancement, hydrocephalus, tubercloma, benign enlargement of subdural space & cerebellar hyper intensity and thalamic infract. After treatment more than one-third cases were completely normal without any no sequelae. J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2024; 42: 214-218

Resistance Rates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex Isolates to Primary Anti-tuberculosis Drugs: A 5-Year Retrospective Study

Background/Aim: Tuberculosis remains a major global health problem with a high morbidity and mortality rate, approximately a quarter of the population is infected with tuberculosis. Drug susceptibility testing is an essential tool for identifying and managing drug-resistant tuberculosis. This study was conducted to evaluate the drug susceptibility pattern of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex strains isolated from a university hospital. Methods: A total of 10900 samples sent to the microbiology laboratory with the suspicion of tuberculosis clinically between January 2018 and January 2022 were analyzed retrospectively. The automated BACTEC MGIT 960 (Becton Dickinson, USA) was used for sample culture and susceptibility testing. The obtained data were statistically analyzed with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 20). Results: Out of the 154 isolated positive samples, males and females constituted equal parts of the study population (50%). The majority of tuberculosis cases were in the age group 56–75 years (42.2%), Pulmonary TB was detected in (90.3%) of the patients, while extrapulmonary TB cases were observed in (9.7%). As a result of susceptibility studies on positive samples, isoniazid resistance was 5.2%; streptomycin resistance 1.3%; ethambutol resistance was detected at a rate of 0.6%, while no rifampicin resistant sample was found. Both streptomycin and isoniazid resistance were seen together in 1.3% of the samples. Conclusion: A similar resistance pattern of the first-line antituberculosis drugs was observed in other studies conducted in different provinces of Turkey. The absence of multi-drug resistant and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis in our study indicates that the tuberculosis surveillance program implemented in our region was successful.

The Prevalence and Risk Factors of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus among Adults in Itahari Sub-Metropolitan City of Eastern Nepal

Background & Objectives: Diabetes Mellitus presents a substantial health challenge worldwide. Its prevalence has been increasing more rapidly in low and middle-income countries such as Nepal. Globally, the number of individuals affected by diabetes rose from 108 million in 1980 to 422 million in 2014. The study was aimed to assess the prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and explore the associated risk factors with Type 2 DM. Materials and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was designed to investigate the adult population of Itahari sub-metropolitan city in Sunsari district, Nepal. The study included individuals aged ≥ 18 years of both genders residing in Itahari sub-metropolitan city, an urban area of Sunsari District. Data collection was conducted through face-to-face interviews using a semi-structured, pre-tested WHO STEPS survey questionnaire. Collected data were entered into Microsoft Excel and then imported into the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) for statistical analysis. Bivariate analysis was performed using the chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test. Results: Out of 322 participants, 64 (19.9%) individuals were diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, either with or without hypertension. Among the diabetic participants, 39 (60%) had comorbid hypertension, while the remaining 25 (39.06%) did not exhibit hypertension. Conclusion: Anxiety and depression are common among elderly people living in community in urban Kathmandu. More than one third have both disorders.

Moderating Effect of Empowerment on Servant Leadership and Church Spiritual Growth

Purpose: This study entailed assessing moderating effect of empowerment on servant leadership and church spiritual growth. The general objective of the study was to establish how empowerment moderates the relationship between servant leadership and church spiritual growth in Pentecostal Churches in Kenya within the Nairobi metropolitan counties. The study delved on Pentecostal Evangelical Fellowship of Africa (PEFA); Kenya Assemblies of God (KAG), and Full Gospel Churches of Kenya (FGCK), all under the umbrella of National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK). The study was guided by servant leadership, empowerment and spiritual leadership theories which all indicate that servant leaders play a crucial role in empowerment of church members and consequently causing effect on church growth. Materials and Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional survey design was used for the study and pragmatism was employed as a philosophical framework for the research. The study employed a mixed method approach with both quantitative and qualitative research methods in use and data collection undertaken through, questionnaires and interview guides. The target population constituted 2000 church pastors, elders as well as members from which a sample of 333 was obtained through purposive and stratified random sampling techniques in selected Pentecostal churches within Nairobi, Machakos, Muranga, Kiambu and Kajiado counties. The total response rate was 304 (91%). Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation and regression analysis, where Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 29 was used. On qualitative data, thematic analysis was carried out on two focus discussions groups to determine views of participants. Findings: Church members’ empowerment has no significant moderating effect in the relationship between servant leadership and church spiritual growth of Pentecostal Churches within Nairobi metropolitan counties of Kenya. The linearity test results for the relationship between spiritual growth and empowerment suggest a significant linear association, as indicated by the low p-values (all p-values are less than 0.05). The high F-value (197.904) and low p-value (0.000) suggest a highly significant linear relationship between Spiritual Growth and Empowerment. The Pearson's correlation coefficient (R) of 0.609 signifies a moderately strong positive relationship between spiritual growth and empowerment, indicating that as one variable increases, the other tends to increase as well. There is therefore a significant moderating effect of empowerment on servant leadership and church spiritual growth. On the research question that stated: “To what extent does Church members’ empowerment moderate the relationship between servant leadership and church spiritual growth of Pentecostal Churches within Nairobi metropolitan counties in Kenya?” Majority of participants agreed that church members’ empowerment moderated relationship between servant leadership and church spiritual growth pointing that training, involvement and sharing of responsibilities with church members by their leaders positively affected church growth both spiritually and numerically. Implications to theory, practice and Policy: The study supported servant leadership, empowerment and spiritual leadership theories. In addition, the study bridged a number of research gaps in area of servant leadership, empowerment and church spiritual growth indicated in the statement of the problem. The most noticeable gap is the contextual gap where many studies on church growth only delved on numerical growth and leaving out spiritual growth of which this study addressed. The study recommended that the church should put more emphasis on active participation of church members in decision making processes especially on provision of suggestion boxes within the church premises for this triggers church spiritual growth. The church was recommended to adopt servant leadership style and endeavor to empower the membership so as to realize church spiritual growth.

INDIVIDUAL WORK PERFORMANCE OF MILLENNIAL EMPLOYEES IN TERMS OF SERVANT LEADERSHIP PERCEPTION

<p>This research investigates how servant leadership impacts the job performance of millennial staff members at UKRIDA Hospital directly. Additionally, it delves into the traits of servant leadership exhibited by leaders and evaluates the job performance of millennial employees at UKRIDA Hospital.<strong> </strong>A sample using purposive sampling technic from 174 millennial employees at UKRIDA Hospital was collected. Established measurement tools, including the Servant Leadership Questionnaire (SLQ) and Individual Work Performance Questionnaire (IWPQ), were employed. The characteristics of the participants were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). Hypotheses were tested using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Servant leadership significantly and positively impacts the individual work performance of millennial employees in the hospital setting. Hospitals should cultivate an environment that embraces all facets of servant leadership to enhance the job performance of millennial employees.</p>

Difficulties and Psychological Experiences of Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD): A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Autism spectrum disorders are brain development disorders with multifactorial etiology, identified by difficulties in communication and social interrelation, like recurrent and stereotyped attitudes, activities, and interests. Families with children with developmental disorders may experience more difficulties than families with children without disorders. Therefore there is a need Finding ways to reduce or manage parental stress for improve the family's quality of life through the evaluation of the causes. This study aims to analyze the difficulties experienced by caregivers and the perceived inclusion and inclusion of parents and children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) within the social fabric, thereby examining the difficulties parents face in daily life. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted online through snowball sampling until data saturation from November 2020 - March 2023, through the administration of an online questionnaire made through a Google form and disseminated through social media. Data analysis using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) Software version 17. Results: 404 parents of children with ASD 94.8% of whom are mothers with an average age of 40.23 years. The prevalence of parents correctly defined autism as "a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties in social interaction and communication, limited interests, and repetitive behaviors". At final diagnosis, the study results reported for 87.9% of parents sadness and grief at diagnosis, followed by fear (83.9%). Conclusions: Research in this area is critical as it can assist health care providers and scholars in understanding the unique issues parents face in raising a child with ASD, as well as support parents themselves in identifying factors that contribute to their stress level in order to take the right steps to reduce it and improve their overall well-being.

Prevalence of Self-Medication with Antibiotics Among Bahri University Medical Students, Sudan 2022

<i>Background</i>: Antibiotics are medications that eliminate life threating infections from the body. It’s one of the most reported medications that used without doctor’s prescription. The prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics is quite high in developing countries as opposed to developed countries. It is linked with negative outcomes on individual and community health. In addition to its central part in increasing the global problem of antibiotic resistance. In Sudan, despite the overall acceptable level of knowledge regarding antibiotic resistance. Few studies have been carried out to assess prevalence of self-medication. <i>Objective</i>: To evaluate the prevalence of self-medication with Antibiotics among fourth- and fifth-year medical students at University of Bahri. <i>Method</i>: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study. Conducted among 226 medical students. Selected from fourth- and fifth-year medical students at university of Bahri using google form questionnaire. Then analyzed by using SPSS (statistical package for social science) version 25. <i>Result</i>: We found in this study approximately 82.7% of 4th and 5th year medical students at University of Bahri are using antibiotics without prescription. Amoxicillin and azithromycin are the most two common utilized antibiotics without prescription. In addition, we found the main sources of information and knowledge about appropriate dose regarding the self-medication with antibiotics are the academic experience more than (26%) and pharmacist recommendation more than (50.4%). And we found the awareness of the adverse effects of antibiotics without prescription demonstrated by 85.4% of the students. <i>Conclusion</i>: The study concludes that prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics among 4th and 5th year medical students at University of Bahri is high, despite of their awareness of adverse effects.

The Internal Work Environment and Job Alienation: The Case of Faculty Members

The objective of this study is to examine the nature of the relationship between the internal work environment including its all-encompassing dimensions (organizational structure, participation in decision-making, incentives) and job alienation in Higher education institutions through focusing on faculty members at Jijel University in Algeria. That being the case, the study aims to fill a research gap by investigating the underexplored relationship between the Internal Work Environment and Job Alienation, hence while there is ample literature on work alienation, studies specifically focusing on work alienation within higher education institutions through the prism of internal work environment are notably scarce. The study utilized a descriptive approach, employing a survey sampling method to collect data from the target population with a specifically designed questionnaire for this purpose. The questionnaire consisting of 60 items was administered to a randomly selected sample of 167 faculty members at Jijel University. The collected data were analyzed through the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 22. The study's findings illustrate that faculty members perceive their work environment as inadequate for carrying out their activities, coupled with a notably high level of job alienation. Additionally, the research underscores a significant correlation between the internal work environment, encompassing its various dimensions, and the prevalence of job alienation among faculty members at Jijel University. Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2024-SIED1-07 Full Text: PDF