Students In Lithuania Research Articles

Vocational Education Practices for Empowerment of Vulnerable Students in Lithuania and Latvia: The Pedagogical and Institutional Factors

This article aims to describe the institutional and pedagogical factorsof vocational education and training (VET)provider practices targeted to empower vulnerable students to learn and be employed in Lithuania and Latvia. The research methodology and design are based onthecomparative study approach involving desk research, case studies and by applying focus group interviews with representatives of the VET institutions’ teaching, support and administrative staff. The research revealed the central role of VET teachers and other teaching staff members in empowering at-risk VET students, as well as the issue of staffing levels and building capacity needs when empowering an increasing volume of at-risk students in VET schools. These schools seek to empower students by abandoning standardization and the narrow specialization of skills and increasingthe use of the individual approach in pedagogical practices. Emphasis is placed on expanding the scope and individualization of the applied pedagogical practices for at-risk students. Increased attention is being paid to the living conditions of at-risk students outside school; addressing students’ social problems, the development of key skills and attitudes, coaching and methods of individual co-operation.

Molecular characteristics of Neisseria meningitidis carriage strains in university students in Lithuania

BackgroundNeisseria meningitidis can be carried asymptomatically in the human oropharynx without causing symptoms. Meningococcal carriage is relevant to the epidemiology of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD). No carriage studies have been performed among the general population in Lithuania, whereas the incidence of IMD in Lithuania was among the highest in European countries from 2009 to 2019.ResultsWe analyzed a total of 401 oropharyngeal samples collected from university students from December 2021 to February 2023 for N. meningitidis carriage using direct swab PCR assays and culture. The overall carriage prevalence based on both or either swab PCR or culture was 4.99%. PCR-based assays were used to characterize 15 carriage isolates, including detection of genogroup, multilocus sequence typing profile, and typing of antigens PorA and FetA. The most common carriage isolates were capsule null locus (cnl), accounting for 46.7%, followed by genogroups B (26.7%) and Y (13.3%). We also performed a molecular characterization of invasive N. meningitidis isolates collected during the COVID-19 pandemic and post-pandemic period to understand better the meningococcal carriage in the context of prevailing invasive strains. Despite the substantial decrease in the incidence of IMD during the 2020–2022 period, clonal complex 32 (CC32) of serogroup B continued to be the most prevalent IMD-causing CC in Lithuania. However, CC32 was not detected among carriage isolates. The most common CCs were CC269, CC198, and CC1136. The antigen peptide variants found in most carried isolates were classified as ‘insufficient data’ according to the MenDeVAR Index to evaluate the potential coverage by the 4CMenB vaccine. Nearly half of the isolates were potentially covered by the Men-Fhbp vaccine. Resistance to ciprofloxacin was detected only for one cnl isolate. All isolates were susceptible to penicillin and ceftriaxone. Our analysis identified frequent partying (≥ 4 times/month) as a risk factor for meningococcal carriage, whereas smoking, living in a dormitory, and previous COVID-19 illness were not associated with the carriage.ConclusionsOur study revealed a low prevalence of meningococcal carriage among university students in Lithuania. The carriage isolates showed genetic diversity, although almost half of them were identified as having a null capsule locus.

Current and long-term trends in tobacco product use among 13-15 year old students in Lithuania: GYTS country report and the control policy context

Current and long-term trends in tobacco product use among 13-15 year old students in Lithuania: GYTS country report and the control policy context

Perception of neurology among undergraduate medical students – what can be done to counter neurophobia during clinical studies?

Background and purposeWith a global increase in the burden of neurological diseases, the aversion towards neurology (neurophobia) may challenge the sufficient provision of new specialists in this field. We investigated the possible determinants of neurophobia among medical students and its influence on the intent to pursue neurology residency.MethodsFrom September 2021 to March 2022, an online questionnaire was distributed to medical students in Lithuania. It included questions about knowledge, confidence, interest, and teaching quality of various medical specialties (including neurology), as well as the willingness to choose neurology for residency.ResultsEight hundred fifty-two students responded to the survey (77.2% female) – they rated neurology as significantly more difficult than other medical areas and lacked confidence in assessing patients with neurological problems (p < 0.001). However, neurology was selected as one of the most interesting subjects and was reportedly well-taught. The prevalence of neurophobia among respondents was 58.9%. Most of them (207, 87.7%) indicated that neurology professors positively affected their outlook towards this medical specialty – such experience was associated with lower odds of neurophobia (odds ratio (OR) = 0.383, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.223 to 0.658). Being less neurophobic (OR = 1.785, 95% CI = 1.152 to 2.767) and having conducted neurology research (OR = 2.072, 95% CI = 1.145 to 3.747) increased the odds of a student being willing to pursue a career in neurology.ConclusionNeurophobia was frequent among students in Lithuania and was inversely related to the positive influence by neurology professors. Together with previous research experience in the field, low levels of neurophobia were associated with the inclination to enter neurology residency.

Editor message

Dear Readers,&#x0D; &#x0D; It is the great honor for us to publish seventh volume, second issue of Contemporary Educational Researches Journal.&#x0D; &#x0D; Contemporary Educational Researches Journal welcomes original empirical investigations and comprehensive literature review articles focusing on educational issues. The journal is an international peer-refereed journal that promotes the researches in the field of contemporary teaching and learning approaches and theories. The scope of the journal includes, but is not limited to; the following major topics as they relate to: Active Learning, Administration of Education, Adult Education, Affective Learning, Classroom Assessment, Classroom Management, Classroom Teacher Education, Collaborative Learning, College and Higher Education, College and Higher Education, Constructivist Learning, Instructional Design, Learning and Teaching Research Methods, Learning Assessment and Evaluation, Learning Assessment and Evaluation, Learning Psychology, Lifelong Learning Strategies, Learning Skills, Vocational Education, Measurement and Evaluation in Education, New Learning Environments, Portfolio Assessment, Professional Development and School Administration.&#x0D; &#x0D; The comparison of elementary teacher training policies in the United Kingdom and Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, teacher candidates’ views on the use of concept cartoon in science and technology teaching courses, learner differences and language learning strategies, national values of students in Lithuania and development of the idea of an innovative school in Latvia topics have been included into this issue. The topics of the next issue will be different. You can make sure that we will be trying to serve you with our journal with a rich knowledge in which different kinds of topics are discussed in 2017 Volume.&#x0D; &#x0D; A total number of fifteen (15) manuscripts were submitted for this issue and each paper has been subjected to double-blind peer review process by the reviewers specialized in the related field. At the end of the review process, a total number of five (5) high quality research papers were selected and accepted for publication. We present many thanks to all the contributors who helped us to publish this issue.&#x0D; &#x0D; Best regards,&#x0D; &#x0D; Prof. Dr. Gulsun Atanur Baskan&#x0D; &#x0D; Editor – in Chief

Mental Health among Higher Education Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Survey from Lithuania.

Mental health issues—anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation and behavior—are prevalent among students of higher education. The COVID-19 pandemic further affected students’ daily life through academic and socioeconomic disturbances. We set out to investigate students’ mental health amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and conducted a cross-sectional online survey at higher education institutions in Lithuania in 2021. The questionnaire consisted of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale (HADS) and the Sense of Coherence scale (SOC-3) questionnaires, evaluation of suicidal risk, experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic and self-rated health status (SRHS). Among 1001 students who completed the survey, the prevalence of clinically relevant anxiety was high (46.6%) and contrasted with the lower prevalence of depression (11.1%). 37.5% of all students admitted that they had thought about suicide at least once during their lifetime and a similar number of students thought about suicide during the previous year. High levels of anxiety and depression were statistically significant predictors of suicidal ideation and planning during the past year in binary regression models. High SRHS (higher score refers to more positive health status) was the only significant independent variable associated with less frequent suicidal attempts in the past year (p < 0.01, OR = 0.29, 95% CI = 0.12 to 0.66). Our study highlights anxiety and suicidality to be burdensome mental health issues among higher education students in Lithuania during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Influence of Values and the Social Environment on the Environmental Attitudes of Students: The Case of Lithuania

The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of values and social environmental factors on the pro-environmental attitudes of students. A representative survey of 1161 Lithuanian schoolchildren was conducted between October and November 2020. Health was the most important value for students, and for girls, while healthcare was more important for boys. Among the ecological values, unpolluted food, clean air, and fresh water were the most important. For Lithuanian students, school does not play a decisive role in outdoor behavior compared to family, which plays a more important role in outdoor behavior, and friends are the most important influencers of outdoor behavior. Students in Lithuania have a pro-ecological outlook, which is shaped by their interest in and practice of ecology. Students of ECO schools are more responsible than students of regular schools, although they have less pro-environmental attitudes compared to students of regular schools.

Suicidal ideation in university students in Lithuania amid the COVID-19 pandemic: A prospective study with pre-pandemic measures

We aimed to identify patterns of changes in suicidal ideation among university students six months after the COVID-19 outbreak, in comparison to the pre-pandemic suicidal ideation. Furthermore, we explored the links among these patterns and mental health indicators. 474 university students participated in the study in October–December 2019 and October–December 2020. The latent class change analysis revealed four groups: no-ideation (68.1%), stable low ideation (16.2%), increased ideation (8.9%), and decreased ideation (6.8%). Increased, in comparison to decreased ideation, was positively linked to changes in depression, stress, and anxiety. More loneliness during the pandemic was related to higher suicidal ideation.

Impulsivity Mediates Associations Between Problematic Internet Use, Anxiety, and Depressive Symptoms in Students: A Cross-Sectional COVID-19 Study.

Background: Problematic internet use (PIU) is a serious global mental health issue that especially manifested during the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Engagement in PIU as an impulsive coping with mental distress may pose a long-lasting threat to develop anxiety and depressive disorders. The first aim of our study was to investigate the prevalence of PIU and mental distress symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic among university students in Lithuania. The second aim was to test the hypothesis that PIU affects anxiety and depressive symptoms through the mediating role of impulsivity.Methods: The cross-sectional study was comprised of 619 university students (92.9% females and 7.1% males) with a mean age of 22 ± 3 years who participated in an online survey from May to November, 2020. Participants completed the following scales: the Problematic Internet Use Questionnaire-9, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire-7, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11. K-means cluster analysis and one-way multivariate analysis of variance were used for group comparison in terms of internet use time and habit change during COVID-19 pandemic. Structural equation modeling was applied to examine the mediating effect of impulsivity in association between PIU and mental distress, while controlling for age.Results: In sum, 45.1% of the participants reported PIU and 38.1% had markedly expressed symptoms of anxiety while 43.6% of the students reported moderate to severe depressive symptoms. During the COVID-19 pandemic 76% of the students reported at least moderate increase in their internet use time. Anxiety and depressive symptoms were significantly higher in the group of frequent internet users. The results of the structural equational modeling analysis showed a statistically significant effect of PIU on subjective anxiety symptoms and the statistically significant effect of PIU on subjective depression symptoms, both mediated via impulsivity.Conclusions: During COVID-19 pandemic, PIU, anxiety and depression symptoms are highly prevalent among students. Findings also suggest that relationships between PIU, anxiety and depressive symptoms are mediated via impulsivity. These results underscore the importance of the inclusion of impulsivity factor in the studies analyzing longitudinal effects of PIU on mental distress during COVID-19 pandemic.

The Prevalence of Loneliness among University Students from Five European Countries during the COVID-19 Pandemic

At universities for students, the COVID-19 pandemic and the introduced anti-pandemic measures turned out to be psycho-traumatic factors that increased the experience of loneliness. The purpose of the study was to investigate the prevalence of the phenomenon of loneliness among university students in five European countries, taking into account the variety of anti-COVID measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using the UCLA Loneliness Scale, questionnaires of 2316 students. In Russia, Poland and Ukraine a hard lockdown was introduced during the pandemic. Lithuania (in the first months) did not undertake severe restrictions, and for a long time the danger of the SARS-CoV-2 virus was not recognized in Belarus. The students in Lithuania and Belarus, 33 and 35 points. Students from Poland, Russia and Ukraine: 38, 37, 37 points, respectively. All respondents were classified according to three levels of loneliness experience. A low level (&lt;40) was noted in 1,510 cases (65.2%), medium (40‒60) — 740 people (32.0%), high (&gt;60) experience of loneliness — 66 respondents (2.8%). Among the representatives of Lithuania and Belarus, a low level of subjective feeling of loneliness prevailed (about 70% of respondents), while in Ukraine, Russia and Poland the share of low indicators was significantly less, respectively, 65.2%, 59.8% and 57.8%. University students from five countries who participated in the study do not experience high levels of loneliness. Gradation of the prevalence of feelings of loneliness from minimum to maximum in comparison is as follows: LT — BY — RU—UA—PL. The severity of loneliness is associated with the levels of restrictions in the countries during the pandemic.

Burnout Syndrome Amongst Medicine Students in Lithuania and Germany.

Summary. Background.The research provides comparative analysis of the burnout syndrome among medical students in Lithuania and Germany and determines relations between burnout and lifestyle, health complaints and seeking for psychological help. Materials and methods.The research was conducted in April 2019 using an anonymous self-administered e-based questionnaire. The sample size was 261 medical students (age mean 20,5 ± 1,8, 46 males, 215 females): 131 from Vilnius University (VU), 67 from Lithuanian University of Health Science (LSMU) and 63 from Heidelberg University (HU), Germany. The 15 items MBI-SS scale was used to identify burnout syndrome among students (Cronbach α =0,74). Emotional exhaustion (>14), cynicism (>6), and professional efficacy (<23) scores were calculated for academic burnout. The participants were also asked additional questions related to lifestyle and well-being. Descriptive statistics were analysed using MS Office Excel, SPSS and R Commander, results were statistically significant when p<0,05.Results.51 (38,9%) VU, 25 (37,3%) LSMU and 10 (15,9%) HU students were ascertained as burnt-out (p=0,004). 76 (90,6%) respondents complained of feeling study induced mental stress (p=0,0002). Furthermore, 67 (77,9%) respondents indicated having a bad mood (p=0,043), 54 (62,7%) general weakness (p=0,024), 44 (51,1%) digestive problems (p=0,003). Sleep duration was strongly associated with burnout (p=0,002) with over half (n=51, 59,3%) of the burnout respondents sleeping <7 hours a day. 87 (33,3%) students considered consulting a psychologist, but only 24 (9,2%) reached out for help.Conclusions.More than 1/3 of medical students in the research group had signs of burnout. The highest prevalence of burnout was among VU and lowest among HU students. Burnt-out respondents complained of mental stress, weakness, bad mood, digestive problems. The university studies and the duration of sleep can impact the occurrence of burnout syndrome. Only every forth student, willing to consult a psychologist, sought assistance.

Effective communication in the healthcare settings

Social competences, and particularly good communication skills, are becoming increasingly important in contemporary professional environment. Although studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of different training strategies, many Lithuanian higher education institutions have not yet incorporated the training of communication skills in their curriculum. The aim of this paper is to assess the communication skills of healthcare students in Lithuania and indicate the benefits of their development. Students graduating from a variety of health sciences study programs (N=118) self-assessed their communication skills. The results show that participants their communication skills as average with some potential strengths, i.e. ability to talk about things of interest to every person in conversation, recognizing how others are reacting to what is being said, not interrupting others in the conversation, understanding other people’s feelings, ability to praise the person, etc. On the other hand, some skills and abilities need to be improved, i.e. expressing opinion in a non-aggressive manner, as well as thinking and speaking clearly, while being emotional.

Assessment of University Students’ English Grammar Proficiency in terms of CEFR Criterial Achievement Levels: the Case of Lithuanian University of Educational Sciences

Alignment of language teaching and learning with the CEFR is a complicated process. One of the steps in this process is the analysis and evaluation of student performances characteristic of one or another achievement level (Council of Europe, 2018). The current paper focuses on the exploration of university students’ English grammar proficiency in terms of CEFR proficiency levels. However, CEFR levels are underspecified with respect to key properties that are tested and assessed by FL teachers and examiners when they assign a learner a particular proficiency level. Therefore, the Cambridge English Profile Programme is employed for a more detailed analysis, as it outlines criterial features for all CEFR proficiency levels. Hence, the present study aims at investigating to what extent the list of grammatical criterial features proposed by the English Profile Programme (EPP) at the University of Cambridge is applicable to students of English Philology in their final year of BA studies when defining their proficiency level according to the CEFR. The findings of the study suggest that Lithuanian students of English Philology tend to make do with a restricted repertoire of grammatical structures which mainly range from level B1 to B2. The author of the paper does not wish to extend the obtained results to the national scale, yet strongly believes that the findings might shed light on and reveal major tendencies in the development of foreign language proficiency of English Philology students in Lithuania.

Migration intentions of Lithuanian physicians, nurses, residents and medical students

Due to a flow of healthcare professionals and students from emerging to industrialized economies, healthcare systems in source countries are facing increasing threats to a people-centered quality of care. This study investigates the prevalence and underlying reasons for emigration intentions among physicians, nurses, residents, and medical students in Lithuania (total N = 1080). In our sample, 39% of students, 21% of residents, 12% of nurses, and 6% of physicians had decided to emigrate within the next two years. Based on statistical analyses of the survey data, we conclude that emigration decisions are linked to socio-demographic (age, gender, family situation), financial, organizational (teamwork climate in hospital) and social (perceived social worth) factors. Implications for policy-making and retention of healthcare workforce are discussed.

PROFESSIONAL IDENTITY OF NURSING STUDENTS IN LITHUANIA AND POLAND

Nurses' professional identities develop throughout their lifetimes, from before entering nursing education, throughout their years of study and clinical experience, and continue to evolve during their careers. Education is, however, a key period as it is during this time students gain the knowledge and skills that separate nurses as healthcare professionals from people representing their professions. In order to purposefully shape the professional identity of nursing students, there is a need of knowing the level at which students identify themselves with the profession when graduating from a university. The aim of the study is to reveal the professional identity of nursing students in Lithuania and Poland and to make recommendations for improving the study process on the basis of the results of the study. A quantitative survey was conducted in the spring of 2017. The results of the research reveal that the professional identity of nursing students is rather of high level, the decision to work as nurses is strong, but there are some gaps in understanding of roles and responsibilities of nursing.

A survey of some aspects of birthday celebration

Background.The tradition of celebrating the day of birth of an individual is thought to have existed since the ancient times. Depending on the culture, religious beliefs, and the geographic location, occasions for ritual performance differ greatly. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate how students in Lithuania evaluate the importance of their birthday.Materials and methods.An “Invitation to Remember Your Birthday” questionnaire was created by the authors to collect the responses for evaluation. The questionnaire consisted of 15 questions divided into four parts. It assessed how and what the respondents felt on their annual birthday, about the organization of the celebration, gift-receiving, and the value of the ritual.Results.A total of 309 medical students of Vilnius University completed the survey (n = 146 year 4, n = 163 year 5). The results suggested that the birthday is an important individual occasion, which students tend to celebrate annually. The respondents tend to feel better and more loved on the day of their birthday.Conclusions.Birthday is seen as an opportunity to spend time with friends and family, have a break from daily responsibilities, and receive attention from people around them. Birthday celebration of medical students is affected by their social and cultural context. The findings of this study may be relevant for future studies when searching for age- and culture-appropriate ways to use birthday celebration as possible means of improving mental health. The current data can be used for longitudinal and cross-cultural comparisons.

Student’s Cultural Experience in Higher Education in England, Germany and Lithuania as a Preco

Higher education today faces intensive transformation processes more than ever before. The Bologna Process program has been a big boost for student self-identification as a particular academic member of the community. It is reasonable to assert that young people studying in higher education institutions should be the most active in the changes affecting the higher education system, responding to the general public. The real situation is different, and the lack of student response raises the question of student identity and self-identification as specific members of higher education communities. This leads to the discussion whether in the case of uncontrolled dispersal of higher education one of the negative consequences can be seen as the weakening of students’ academic identity. This determines the problem formulated by the article – the significance of the surrounding socio-cultural environment and the public discourse on the formation of students’ academic identity in different countries (England, Germany and Lithuania). In order to understand behavioural patterns of students in Lithuania the comparative analysis, based on the methodological approach of R. Budd was made. Data of 14 interviews from Lithuanian classical and specialized universities were analysed and statements were made, when summarized giving the overall thinking concept of Lithuanian students that emerged as a result of interaction between particular, specific to Lithuanian social discourse to high education and inner cultural and behavioural models.

National values of students in Lithuania

Abstract&#x0D; The national values from students’ point of view are analysed in the article, aiming to answer the questions: which national values are the priority, what does it mean today to be a true representative of the nation, what factors influence students’ expression of national values. Today’s young people are characterized by high flexibility, mobility, adaptability to changing living conditions, constantly changing rules and norms. Every day new technologies are invented, a variety of new information flows promoting more different ideas. Therefore, youth’s understanding of things and their use, attitude toward traditional relationships in society, family change, national values are viewed differently. In the article it is discussed whether globalized trends influenced the value position of respondents, and based on authors of pedagogy the attempt is made to uncover why in such society it is important to preserve the fundamental national values. The answers to these questions are based on the students’ of Lithuanian University of Educational Sciences survey carried out in 2016 and theoretical insights, which justify the importance of national values in modern society and their expression.&#x0D; Keywords: Values, nationality, national education, Lithuanian folk music.

Smoking and attitudes towards its cessation among native and international dental students in Lithuania

BackgroundDental professionals are uniquely positioned to discourage smoking among their patients. However, little is known about the role of cultural background and attitudes towards smoking in the education of these professionals. Our study aimed to compare native Lithuanian and international dental students’ smoking habits, knowledge about the harmfulness of smoking and attitudes towards smoking cessation.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey of smoking and its cessation among dental students at the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (Kaunas, Lithuania) in 2012. All Lithuanian and international dental students in each year of dental school were invited to participate in the survey during a compulsory practical class or seminar. Altogether 606 students participated in the survey with a response rate of 84.2%. Explanatory factorial analysis (EFA), multivariate Discriminant Analysis (DA) and Binary Logistic Regression (BLR) served for the statistical analyses.ResultsThe percentages of occasional/current regular smokers were 41.1% and 55.7% (p = 0.068) among Lithuanian and international male students, and 22.7% and 22.9% (p = 0.776) among Lithuanian and international female students, respectively. The international dental students had a deeper knowledge of the harmfulness/addictiveness of smoking and held more positive attitudes towards smoking cessation among their patients than did the native Lithuanian dental students.ConclusionsThe findings of the study underscored the need to properly incorporate tobacco cessation training into the curriculum of dental education. However, consideration of the cultural background of dental students in building up their capacity and competence for intervening against smoking is essential.

Illicit drug use among university students in Lithuania: age, gender differences and correlation with lifestyle

The article presents the research aiming at answering a question What is the illegal drug use among university students in Lithuania and what is its correlation with the age, gender and lifestyle? The research data was obtained from 18 Lithuanian universities involved in the research. The questionnaire’s questions were answered by 1087 students: 37 % male and 63 % female students. The average age of the respondents was 21 years; minimal age was 18, maximum was 29. The ESPAD questionnaire was adapted for the research. Some research results proved earlier results of research studies carried out in Lithuania; however, new tendencies significant to practice of prevention of drug use were revealed as well.