Correlational Study Research Articles

Are Speech Sound Difficulties Risk Factors for Difficulties in Language and Reading Skills? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Children with speech sound difficulties often require educational psychology services, yet systematic reviews examining the association between these difficulties and language or reading problems are lacking. This meta-analysis examines whether these children are at higher risk of language and reading difficulties compared to their peers. The study analyzed 290 effect sizes from cross-sectional and longitudinal studies that compared language and reading skills between children with speech sound difficulties and controls. Additionally, we evaluated 37 effect sizes from correlational studies in general populations to examine the relationship between speech sound skills and language or reading skills. Children with speech sound difficulties showed significant concurrent language (Hedges' g = -0.60) and reading (Hedges' g = -0.58) problems. Correlational studies also demonstrated a relationship between speech sound skills and language (r = .23) and reading (r = .23) skills. Phonological awareness and study quality were significant moderators. Longitudinal studies showed persistent or increasing group differences over time in language (Hedges' g = -0.85) and reading (Hedges' g = -0.50). These findings were consistent regardless of the severity or types of speech sound difficulties, nonverbal IQ, country, age, and publication year. However, a precision-effect test and the precision-effect estimate with standard errors analysis suggested a potential decrease in effect size due to publication bias from small sample sizes in primary studies. Children with speech sound difficulties are at an increased risk of language and reading difficulties, emphasizing the need for broader language assessments and early interventions to mitigate future academic difficulties. https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.27849828.

Loneliness and Health Status Among Omani Older Adults

Purpose Despite advances in health care and increased life expectancy, many older adults are at high risk for poor health and loneliness. The current study examined loneliness and its association with health among Omani older adults (aged ≥60 years). Method This descriptive, correlational study used structured questionnaires to collect data from 113 Omani older adults. Results More than one half (67.3%) of participants felt moderate to severe loneliness. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that being female, older age (≥85 years), living with non-family members, and being unemployed were significant predictors of loneliness. Loneliness was a significant predictor of poor mental health status when sociodemographic and environmental factors were controlled. Conclusion Findings indicate a significant number of Omani older adults are experiencing loneliness. We suggest that RNs specialize or practice in the care of older adults, and that researchers and policy makers take prompt action to address this urgent health issue before the occurrence of severe adverse health outcomes among this population. [ Journal of Gerontological Nursing, xx (xx), xx–xx.]

Neural correlates of children with avoidant restrictive food intake disorder symptoms: large-scale neuroanatomical analysis of a paediatric population.

Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is a recently recognised feeding and eating disorder and is characterised by a lack of interest and motivation to eat. Despite burgeoning research, few studies to date have explored the underlying neurobiology of ARFID. Research examining the neural underpinnings of ARFID can greatly assist in understanding different mechanisms that play disorder-specific roles. We studied a total of 1,977 10-year-old participants from the Generation R Study, a population-based Dutch cohort, to cross-sectionally examine neuroanatomical differences between those with versus without ARFID-like symptoms. Children were classified with versus without ARFID symptoms using the ARFID Index, a validated evaluative tool comprised of parent-reported and researcher-assessed measurements of picky eating, energy intake, diet quality, growth and psychosocial impact to characterise ARFID symptoms in the paediatric population. Global and regional values of surface area, cortical thickness, and volume from T1-weighted structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans in those with ARFID symptoms were compared with children not exhibiting symptoms. We identified 121 (6.1%) individuals with ARFID symptoms relative to 1,865 (93.9%) individuals without ARFID symptoms. Neuroanatomical findings identified significantly greater frontal (p = .00743; d = 0.21) and superior frontal (p = 6.56E-04; d = 0.28) cortical thickness among children with ARFID symptoms. This first large-scale study of the neural correlates of ARFID identified greater thickness of frontal cortical regions in children with ARFID symptoms, suggesting a role for executive function in the aetiology of the condition.

Pengaruh Metode Sima’ah Terhadap Prestasi Hafalan Al-Qur’an pada Siswa Program Tah’fidz Sekolah Menengah Pertama Muhammadiyah 1 Surakarta Tahun Ajaran 2023/2024

This study aims to determine whether there is an influence between the Sima'ah Method on the Achievement of Memorizing the Qur'an in Students of the Tah'fidz Program at Muhammadiyah 1 Surakarta Junior High School. The sima'i method is a method of teaching verses that have not been memorized and repeating memorization to strengthen and facilitate. The achievement of memorizing the Qur'an is the result obtained by individuals in collecting many words, sentences or verses of the Qur'an in their minds. This type of research is quantitative and includes correlation studies. The population studied was students of the tahfidz program at Muhammadiyah 1 Surakarta Junior High School, totaling 66 people. The researcher used a questionnaire to collect data. The researcher used a descriptive statistical method. The results of the study showed that (1) The sima'ah method, obtained the majority results of 36 respondents with a percentage of 54.5% whose value was in the moderate category (2) Memorization achievement, obtained the majority results of 38 respondents with a percentage of 57.6% who were in the moderate category, (3) There is an influence of the sima'ah method on the memorization achievement of the Al-Qur'an of students in the tahfidz program at SMP Muhammadiyah 1 Surakarta. This is known from the results of the hypothesis test analysis using the product moment technique, the calculated r value was 0.388, while the r table value was 0.244. At a significance level of 5%, namely 0.388 > 0.244.

Assessing the relationship between teaching quality and satisfaction with clinical teachers among medical students: a correlational cross-sectional study

ObjectivesThis study aimed to determine the relationship between teaching quality and satisfaction with clinical teachers among medical students at Ardabil University of Medical Sciences.DesignA correlational cross-sectional study was conducted in...

Correlation Study on the Autonomic Nervous System Balance Using HRV According to Preference for Spicy Taste

Objectives: People generally seek out spicy taste when stressed. Eating spicy food activates the autonomic nervous system, causing the body to sweat and the heart to beat faster. The objective of the study is to investigate the correlation with the autonomic nervous system balance according to the preference for spicy taste using HRV.Method: This study measured the changes in heart rate using SA-3000P in patients who visited the local clinic between January and May 2023. To minimize any fluctuations in the autonomic nervous system before measurement due to external factors, subjects were asked to sit in a chair or lie down to rest for approximately 10 minutes before the test and any jewelry were asked to be removed. The test involved attaching ECG electrodes on both wrists and left ankle to measure the autonomic nervous system indicators by measuring, detecting and recording data for 5 minutes. For HRV measurements, SDNN (standard deviation of all normal R-R intervals) was obtained using time domain analysis, and TP (total power), VLF (very low frequency, 0.003∼0.04 Hz), LF (low frequency, 0.04∼0.15 Hz), HF (high frequency, 0.15∼0.4 Hz), and LF/HF ratio were calculated using frequency domain analysis. Additionally, using the measurements, indicators such as RMSSD (root mean square of the successive difference), autonomic nerve activation, and fatigue were produced.Results: The group that preferred spicy taste showed significantly lower TP, LF, HF, RMSSD, and autonomic nerve activation compared to the control group; VLF was lower but there was no statistically significant difference. Fatigue was higher in the group that preferred spicy taste compared to the control group with statistical significance; LF/HF Ratio was higher but with no statistically significant difference.Conclusion: The preference for spicy taste may cause autonomic nervous system abnormality; thus, it may be advisable to avoid the intake of spicy foods.

Relationship Between Body Mass Index, Selective Voluntary Motor Control and Functional Independence in Children With Cerebral Palsy

Objectives: This study detects the relationship between body mass index (BMI), selective voluntary motor control (SVMC) and functional independence in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy (CP). Methods: A total of 84 children with spastic diplegic CP (levels II and III of gross motor function classification system [GMFCS]), aged 6-9 years with a mean age of 7.09±0.68 participated in this correlational study. BMI, selective control assessment of the lower extremity and pediatric functional independence measure (WEE FIM) were used to assess BMI, SVMC and functional independence, respectively. Results: The data demonstrated the presence of a positive strong significant correlation between selective control assessment of the lower extremity and WEE FIM. On the other hand, there was a negative, significant correlation between WEE FIM and BMI. In addition, a negative moderate considerable correlation between BMI and selective control assessment of the lower extremity was detected Discussion: Functional independence is significantly correlated with BMI and SVMC in children with spastic diplegic CP. BMI and SVMC are major factors that influence functional independence in these children. So, they are highly recommended to be part of the evaluation of the functional independence of children with spastic diplegia in clinical settings and research.

The Relationship Between Sleep Pattern Habits with Severity of Disruptive Behaviors Among Elementary School Children

Objectives: Sleep patterns significantly influence the physical, psychological, and social health of children, with irregularities correlating with behavioral issues like aggression. Studies highlight the association between disrupted sleep pattern and increased aggression in elementary school children, emphasizing the need for interventions promoting healthy sleep habits. This study aims to detect the relationship between sleep pattern habits and disruptive behaviors among children of elementary schools. Methods: A correlational study was conducted in Al-Najaf elementary schools, focusing on disruptive behaviors among 198 children. The study data were collected through a refined Arabic questionnaire and sleep habits scale, revealing severity of disruptive behaviors and personal information variables. Tools’ validity was confirmed by experts, showing high reliability (Cronbach α=0.91). Results: The study examined elementary school children diagnosed with disruptive behaviors in Al-Najaf Province, Iraq. Most participants were male (60.6%), aged 8-10 years (43.9%), and primarily in the first education grade (24.2%). Sleep patterns during weekends and holidays exceeded the normal range (47%), with disruptions reported by over half of the samples (56.1%). No significant correlation was found between disruptive behavior and personal traits, except with variable age, which had a significant correlation (P=0.003). Sleep patterns did not significantly correlate with disruptive behavior, although a weak negative correlation was found between age and education grade. Discussion: Disruptive behaviors are prevalent among elementary school children in Al-Najaf Province, albeit mildly impactful and diminishing with increasing age. According to the current result, these behaviors are not primarily linked to personal traits and show no or little significant correlation with sleep patterns.

Critical Thinking and L2 Learning in the Persian Context: A Meta-analysis

Correlational studies are one of the rich literatures in Iranian English as a Foreign Language (EFL) studies. In the present study, an attempt is made to provide a systematic review of the correlational studies of Critical Thinking (CT) and Second Language (L2) conducted in Iran. The studies were retrieved from both English and Persian indexing sources such as Google Scholar, Noormags, Civilica, and the Scientific Information Database (SID). Thus, the gray literature was not included. The risk of bias in this systematic review was considered and computed. This review followed the fixed stages of the statistical systematic review, and 77 effect sizes out of 53 published studies were identified. After eliminating seven outliers, 70 studies were included in the meta-analysis (N=9,120). The findings uncovered that CT and EFL learning had a remarkable relationship in Iran. The results covered that language proficiency is complex and requires further investigation and distinct L2 learning-related skills were moderators among the included studies. Based on the findings, EFL learners of Master of Arts (M.A.) levels showed higher associations with CT. Since this meta-analysis can be considered one of the pioneers in internationalizing CT in EFL education, this study might be a cornerstone for subsequent steps in the teaching and research of CT in Iranian EFL educational fields. However, the high heterogeneity and potential publication bias underscore the need for cautious interpretation and further research.

Effect of Anti-VEGF drugs on diabetic Retinopathy-Microaneurysms: A correlation study.

To investigate the efficacy of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) drugs in diabetic retinopathy (DR)-retinal microaneurysms, and its prognosis. This was a retrospectively study in which total of 120 patients with DR in Baoding No.1 Central Hospital from June 2020 to June 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. According to different treatment methods based on macular edema, they were divided into an injection group and a control group. The control group was treated routinely, while the injection group was additionally intravitreally injected with an anti-VEGF drug. The patients were followed up for one year, and the changes in the number of retinal microaneurysms, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central retinal thickness (CRT) were compared between the two groups. The effect on retinal microaneurysms was analyzed. After treatment for 12 months, the total efficacy of the injection group was 95.00%, which was higher than 80.00% of the control group (p< 0.05). After one, three, six and twelve months of treatment, both CRT and the number of retinal microaneurysms reduced in the injection group compared with those before treatment. After treatment for one, three, six and twelve months, BCVA showed increases in the injection group, but no obvious changes in the control group compared with that before treatment. For patients with DR complicated with macular edema, early use of anti-VEGF drugs can significantly improve the fundus lesions, reduce the CRT and number of retinal microaneurysms, and improve the BCVA of the patients, with high clinical efficacy.

Social networking behaviour and psychological distress among Malaysian undergraduates during the COVID-19 pandemic

This study investigated the extent of social networking sites usage and its relationship with the undergraduate students’ psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this quantitative correlational study, 212 students completed questionnaires assessing their social networking site use and psychological distress. Descriptive analysis revealed that the students were avid users of social networking sites. On average, almost half of the students used social networking sites more than six times per day while more than onethird of them spent more than three hours each day using social networking sites. Findings also showed that entertainment was the primary purpose of social networking site usage, followed by academic, social, and informational uses. Notably, nearly half of the students reported high levels of anxiety, and approximately one-third experienced significant depression and stress. However, correlational analyses found no significant associations between the length, frequency, and all purposes (social, academic, information, or entertainment) of social networking site usage and the levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. These findings suggest a complex interplay between these variables. Given the ever-increasing use of social networking sites and the alarming prevalence of mental distress among students, further studies are needed to delve deeper into this multifaceted relationship.

Neighborhood Environment Walkability and Functional Health Status in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Descriptive Correlational Study

Neighborhood Environment Walkability and Functional Health Status in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Descriptive Correlational Study

Hubungan Antara Pola Makan dan Aktivitas Fisik Dengan Kejadian Anemia pada Ibu Hamil di Wilayah Kerja UPTD Puskesmas Non Rawat Inap Indraloka Jaya Kecamatan Way Kenanga Kabupaten Tulang Bawang Barat

Anemia is a medical condition that typically arises when there is a significant decrease in the number of red blood cells in the body. During pregnancy, anemia generally occurs in the first and third trimesters with hemoglobin (Hb) levels below 11 g%, and in the second trimester with Hb levels below 10.5 g%. This study aims to examine the relationship between dietary patterns and physical activity with the incidence of anemia among pregnant women in the working area of Puskesmas NoN Rawat Inap Indraloka Jaya, Way Kenanga District, Tulang Bawang Barat Regency. This descriptive correlational study employs a cross-sectional design conducted from July 10 to 16, 2024. The sampling method used is total population sampling, with the sample size equal to the total population of 68 individuals. The statistical test applied is the Chi-Square test. Data collection was performed through interviews and Hb checks using a GcHB digital device. The results show that the majority of pregnant women with inadequate dietary patterns have anemia (23.5%), while those with light physical activity and anemia account for (25.0%). Statistical test findings indicate a significant correlation between dietary patterns and the incidence of anemia with a P-value of 0.000, and a significant relationship between physical activity and the occurrence of anemia with a P-value of 0.000. This suggests that the relationship between dietary patterns, physical activity, and the incidence of anemia is very strong.

Exploring cross-linguistic transfer of phonology, morphology, syntax, and orthography from Arabic (L1) to English (FL): An intervention study

Aim and Objectives: There is ample evidence available in correlational studies for cross-linguistic transfer from the first language (L1) to a second or a foreign language (L2/FL). Less extensive are the interventional studies in this area. The current study sought to determine which linguistic skills transfer from Arabic (L1) to English (EFL) after employing an intervention program in Arabic. Design/ methodology: Participants were sixty-nine Arabic-speaking ninth graders randomly assigned to an experimental group receiving an intervention program in Arabic and a control group not receiving an intervention. Pre-tests and post-tests tapping phonological, orthographic, morphological, and syntactic awareness in English and Arabic were administered to all participants. Data Analysis: A two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for repeated measures compared the pre-test and post-test results in English and Arabic within each group and between the groups. In addition, a linear regression model was used to examine the predictive effect of pre-test scores and the intervention program in Arabic on post-test performance in English. Findings/Conclusion: Findings revealed a within-language improvement in all Arabic skills after the intervention. As for the cross-linguistic transfer, significant differences favoring the intervention group were only demonstrated in phonological and morphological skills. No transfer was evident in orthographic or syntactic transfer. Originality: By employing an intervention program addressing four linguistic skills in Arabic concurrently, the present study revealed a robust transfer of phonological and morphological awareness from Arabic to English, whereas it showed no transfer of orthographic or syntactic awareness. Significance: Findings, on the one hand, lend support to the linguistic Interdependent Hypothesis by suggesting that some linguistic skills can interdependently transfer across distant languages. On the contrary, findings endorse the Script Dependent Hypothesis, by showing that some other linguistic skills are language-specific, thereby, impeding cross-linguistic transfer.

Exploring the Connection between a Leader's Emotional Intelligence and their Effectiveness in Managing Teams and Organization

This study focuses on leaders in the province of Punjab, Pakistan, aiming to explore the influence of emotional intelligence on various aspects such as leadership effectiveness, communication, conflict management, and the motivation and retention of employees. Questionnaires from a pre-structured set were sent to 150 business managers from a variety of industries as part of a quantitative research study. ANOVA, regression, and correlation analyses were used to develop three hypotheses. It was found that emotional intelligence has a significant impact on leadership effectiveness. One of the most important findings from the correlation study was that emotional intelligence and leadership effectiveness are strongly linked (r = 0.78, p &lt; 0.01). The study demonstrated how emotional intelligence plays a key role in communication, conflict resolution, and group dynamics. Finally, the ANOVA results showed that as a leader's emotional intelligence increases, their motivation, organizational commitment, and employee retention also rise significantly. Then, evidence was presented to add to (Goleman &amp; Intelligence, 1995) study on emotional intelligence and underscores its importance for effective leadership. The findings suggest that emotional intelligence is an essential component of successful leadership, improving team performance, employee satisfaction, and overall organizational success. Data was gathered from self-report questionnaires administered to a broad range of leaders in Punjabi businesses.

A correlation study between cervical cancer and sex hormones

A correlation study between cervical cancer and sex hormones

The Impact of Teacher-Student Relationships on Students' Perceptions of Teachers' Educational Effectiveness

The impact of teacher-student relationship on student perception of the teacher's effectiveness in the delivery of education lies in the limited understanding of how the teacher-student relationship specifically shapes students' perception of the education provided by the teacher. While numerous studies have explored the impact of teacher-student relationships on various educational outcomes, such as academic achievement and student engagement, there is a lack of research specifically examining how this relationship affects students' perceptions of the teacher's educational qualifications. This study aimed to determine whether a positive and strong teacher-student relationship can influence students' perception of their teachers' knowledge and expertise in the subject matter being taught among Bachelor of Technical Vocational Teacher Education (BTVTEd) college students. This descriptive, correlational and causal-comparative quantitative study was conducted to 94 BTVTEd college students of Tagum City College of Science and Technology Foundation, Inc. using an adapted-modified survey questionnaire checklist. In addition, correlation analysis and simple linear regression analysis were used in interpreting the obtained data. Findings showed a high correlation between teacher-student relationship and students' perceptions on teacher's effectiveness in the delivery of education. Thus, teacher-student relationship factor specifically teaching style significantly influences how the BTVTEd college students perceived their teacher's effectiveness in the delivery of education.

Business Formalization to Strengthen the Commercial Negotiation of Independent Waste Recyclers

In Latin America, cities are experiencing serious environmental problems due to rapid growth that exceeds their capacity for governance. At this juncture, the independent informal recycler is the workforce dedicated to the collection of recyclable inorganic solid waste that contributes to the effectiveness of municipal management. Thus, the objective was to determine the influence of business formalization and commercial negotiation from the perspective of these people. It was a basic, non-experimental, quantitative, causal correlational study. Three hundred waste pickers were surveyed using two validated and reliable questionnaires. The data was analyzed by ordinal logistic regression. It was determined that business formalization had a significant influence on commercial negotiation; however, there are aspects related to productivity and the application/compliance with legality that should be analyzed from a governmental management perspective, in order to provide better conditions to guarantee the sustainability of this activity within the communes. The role of municipal managers should be oriented on two main fronts: technical-legal and strategic management with a sustainable vision within the framework of the state modernization plan and the need to maintain the ecological balance that will sustain human survival in the future.

Relation- and task-oriented roles as antecedents of ethical leadership: Examining synergistic effects

A growing body of literature demonstrates that ethical leadership has positive effects on employees’ work outcomes. Ethical leadership upholds the importance of “normatively appropriate conduct through personal actions and interpersonal relationships” (Brown et al., 2005, p. 120; doi:10.1016/j.obhdp.2005.03.002). However, extant empirical research does not answer the question- of how ethical leaders balance their relation maintenance (i.e., relationship-oriented role) and performance maintenance (i.e., task-oriented role) behaviors with their employees to be perceived as ethical leaders. In the present paper, drawing upon the propositions informed by opposing domains theory and related research, I theorize that leaders’ relationship-oriented and task-oriented roles create synergistic effects that predict their employees’ perceptions of ethical leadership. Results across two studies (an experiment and a correlational study involving samples from two different cultures) convergently confirmed the hypothesized relationships. I conclude by discussing several key theoretical and practical implications of these findings.

Correlation and Path Analysis Studies in Local Germplasm of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

Correlation and Path Analysis Studies in Local Germplasm of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)