Survey Questions Research Articles

User Experience and Extended Technology Acceptance Model in Commercial Health Care App Usage Among Patients With Cancer: Mixed Methods Study.

The shift in medical care toward prediction and prevention has led to the emergence of digital health care as a valuable tool for managing health issues. Aiding long-term follow-up care for cancer survivors and contributing to improved survival rates. However, potential barriers to mobile health usage, including age-related disparities and challenges in user retention for commercial health apps, highlight the need to assess the impact of patients' abilities and health status on the adoption of these interventions. This study aims to investigate the app adherence and user experience of commercial health care apps among cancer survivors using an extended technology acceptance model (TAM). The study enrolled 264 cancer survivors. We collected survey results from May to August 2022 and app usage records from the app companies. The survey questions were created based on the TAM. We categorized 264 participants into 3 clusters based on their app usage behavior: short use (n=77), medium use (n=101), and long use (n=86). The mean usage days were 9 (SD 11) days, 58 (SD 20) days, and 84 (SD 176) days, respectively. Analysis revealed significant differences in perceived usefulness (P=.01), interface satisfaction (P<.01), equity (P<.01), and utility (P=.01) among the clusters. Structural equation modeling indicated that perceived ease-of-use significantly influenced perceived usefulness (β=0.387, P<.01), and both perceived usefulness and attitude significantly affected behavioral intention and actual usage. This study showed the importance of positive user experience and clinician recommendations in facilitating the effective usage of digital health care tools among cancer survivors and contributing to the evolving landscape of medical care.

Influenza knowledge and barriers to vaccination in immunosuppressed patients in the pediatric rheumatology clinic

BackgroundMost patients with a pediatric rheumatic disease are at increased risk of influenza due to immunosuppressive medication use. Despite initial quality improvement efforts, our influenza vaccination rate plateaued at 72%, which prompted a survey of patients and families to assess provider vaccine recommendations, influenza knowledge, and barriers to influenza vaccination.MethodsPatients on immunosuppressive medication or their parent were eligible to complete a survey between July 2019 and January 2020. Survey questions assessed demographics, rheumatology diagnosis, immunosuppressive medication(s), influenza vaccination recommendation, patient/parent influenza knowledge, and barriers to influenza vaccination. Influenza vaccination rates for immunosuppressed patients were acquired each influenza season from 2015–2020 and tracked on a control chart.ResultsOf the 226 completed surveys, 145 (64.2%) were completed by parents and 81 (35.8%) by patients. The majority (85%) reported the influenza vaccine was recommended. The most common reasons for not receiving the influenza vaccine included: worry about disease flare (25.6%), concern the vaccine will cause influenza (25.6%), and lack of vaccine effectiveness (20.5%). Parents (40.9%) were more worried about disease flare compared to patients (17%; p = 0.024). Most respondents were able to correctly answer fever, cough and/or congestion as the most common symptoms of influenza; however, 23% answered gastrointestinal symptoms and 10.2% joint swelling. Most respondents (95.1%) were aware that immunosuppressive medication increases risk of infection. The average weekly influenza vaccination rate for the 2019–2020 flu season was 85.5%, which increased from 72.0% the previous year. Parents with higher education status were more likely to have their child receive the influenza vaccine compared to parents with less education.ConclusionsThis survey indicates that respondents understand the potential severity of influenza and the increased risk of infection due to immunosuppressive medication use; however, many inaccurately identified the most common symptoms of influenza and also reported misconceptions of influenza vaccine risks. The barriers identified in this survey will help drive future improvement efforts to increase influenza vaccination rates in this high-risk population.

Is medical school culture conducive to women’s academic success? a survey on faculty perceptions and experiences of gender equity

BackgroundIn academic medicine, the lack of gender equity hinders the career progression of women academics. This can often affect scientific productivity and widen the gender gap that exists in this field. As such, this study aimed to understand how full-time faculty members in academic medicine perceive the climate for women academics and identify target areas for interventions supporting gender equity.MethodsThis study adopted an embedded mixed-methods design. Data collection was done from November 2022 to January 2023, at the National University of Singapore (NUS) School of Medicine. The participants comprised academic clinicians and non-clinician faculty members who were either currently employed full-time at the NUS School of Medicine or had recently resigned. They completed an adapted version of the Culture Conducive to Women’s Academic Success (CCWAS) questionnaire, which assessed their perceptions of the faculty climate across four domains: equal access, work-life balance, freedom from gender bias, and supportive leadership. Quantitative findings were complemented by qualitative data gathered through open-ended survey questions. ANOVA and t-test were used to analyse the quantitative data, and content analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data.ResultsCompared to female participants (M = 140.0, SD = 57.9), male participants perceived greater gender equity (M = 158.7, SD = 62.9). Personal experiences of gender inequity were described by some female participants. Participants also raised various suggestions to improve work-life balance for both male and female faculty members, mitigate structural gender bias and increasing support for women faculty.ConclusionsFemale faculty members tend to have a less favourable view of the working climate for women in academic medicine, compared to their male counterparts. This might be attributed to differences in awareness of gender inequity and understanding of gender bias. Findings of this study provided further insight into the perceptions of faculty members regarding workplace gender equity and interventions that can be implemented to support them in their career.Trial registrationEthical approval was obtained from the National University of Singapore Institutional Review Board (NUS-IRB-2022-325).

Vnímanie versus dôvera poistenia hypotekárneho úveru

The aim of the paper is to examine, based on the results of a questionnaire survey, the perception compared to trust in mortgage insurance by respondents, classifying possible deviations depending on selected demographic factors such as age, gender, education and permanent residence. We assume that the perception and trust of respondents in mortgage insurance are influenced by their level of financial literacy, which we determined through theoretical questions in the questionnaire survey. We also analyzed selected aspects of insurance, such as the price of insurance, the scope of coverage, the reputation of the insurance company and the financial situation of the respondents, which influence the decision-making of respondents when choosing mortgage insurance

Pilot Survey Assessing Lactation and Breastfeeding Experiences, Attitudes, and Knowledge Among Transfeminine Individuals.

Background: Transfeminine individuals are capable of developing breast tissue that is indistinguishable from cis-females, allowing them to breastfeed effectively. Breastfeeding affords known health benefits for both members of a lactating individual-infant dyad and supporting this experience for transfeminine individuals fosters reproductive equity. Objective: This study assessed experiences, attitudes, and knowledge regarding breastfeeding and lactation among a group of transfeminine individuals receiving hormone therapy within a specialized gender care clinic. Methods: Transfeminine individuals on estrogen therapy who were part of the Duke Research for Equitable Access to Medicine (DREAM) Registry were invited to complete a 15-question online survey about experiences, goals, attitudes, and knowledge regarding lactation and breastfeeding. Results: A total of 71 out of 130 eligible DREAM individuals completed the survey (54.6%). No survey participants had breastfed and three (4.2%) had experienced lactation. One in four participants designated lactation a health care goal. Four out of five participants reported it was important, most commonly to affirm their gender identity (n = 41, 57.7%) and/or to bring their breasts to full maturity (n = 36, 50.7%). One in eight participants designated breastfeeding as a health care goal. Four out of five participants reported it was important, most commonly for parent-child bonding (n = 34, 47.9%) and/or health/nutritional benefits to the newborn (n = 34, 47.9%). Conclusion: Transfeminine individuals may be interested in experiencing lactation for multifaceted reasons, including goals for parent-infant feeding (breastfeeding-dyad bonding and breast milk health benefits) and for their gender transition (affirming gender and breast maturity). Future community-engaged research is warranted to inform both clinical practice and lactation protocols for transfeminine individuals hoping to breastfeed.

"Learning from those who know the system inside and out": Experiences of physician mothers who are informal caregivers.

For physicians, the added responsibility of being an informal caregiver (IC, providing regular care for seriously ill loved ones) can create challenges such as increased rates of burnout that have received little attention. In this study, we explored physician mothers' informal caregiving experiences and probed their perspectives on how health systems can better support their needs. From September 14, 2021, to October 31, 2021, we distributed an online survey to a national sample of physician mothers who self-identified as ICs; survey questions examined their caregiving responsibilities and perspectives on workplace changes needed to support them. Of 23 respondents, 48% were caregivers for a child, and 74% coresided with their care recipient; 26% spent on average 40 hr per week caregiving and 44% were ICs for 5 years or more. Main caregiving responsibilities included communicating with health care providers (91%) and managing and/or attending medical appointments (70%). Three central themes emerged from open-ended questions: (a) "It's an exhausting and unrecognized burden"; (b) "Our health care system is difficult to navigate, even for physicians"; and (c) "Flexible work schedules, no penalties." Within these themes, respondents described feeling unrecognized and unsupported as ICs in their workplaces. Physician mothers who are ICs fill critical, demanding roles as health care leaders and caregivers at home. Balancing these dual roles presents significant challenges that can have adverse effects, leaving physician-mother ICs vulnerable to burnout and attrition. Targeted support strategies including flexible staffing models, expanded telehealth, and paid informal caregiving leave may improve experiences for physician ICs more generally. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Sleep profiles and their associations with adiposity and cardiorespiratory fitness among adolescents.

This study aimed to identify sleep profiles in a representative sample of Slovak adolescents and investigate their associations with adiposity indicators and cardiorespiratory fitness. Data from the 2022 Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study conducted in Slovakia were analysed. Survey questions on sleep duration and problems from the entire HBSC sample (n = 8906) were used to identify sleep profiles. Associations with adiposity indicators and cardiorespiratory fitness were investigated in a subsample of 924 adolescents (average age 13.3 ± 1.48; 56.2% boys) who completed the HBSC survey, bioimpedance analysis, and 20-metre shuttle run test. Three sleep profiles were identified-optimal sleepers, optimal sleepers with sporadic sleep problems and poor sleepers. Crude models showed that poor sleepers had significantly higher body fat percentage and fat mass index, along with lower cardiorespiratory fitness, compared to optimal sleepers. After adjustment, only the association between sleep profiles and cardiorespiratory fitness remained significant. The observed associations between sleep profiles and cardiorespiratory fitness may help better target future intervention resources towards adolescents with low cardiorespiratory fitness levels.

Teaching Reading Skills in the Indian Engineering Context: Challenges and Experiences

ABSTRACT This study focuses on teaching Engineering students reading skills in the English classroom. The methodology comprised conducting surveys—with the aid of three questionnaires—to gather the views of Engineering students, English faculty, and Engineering faculty on how reading skills could be taught and learned effectively. In addition, the researchers conducted semi-structured interviews to clarify some doubts that arose after the survey. The survey questions gathered the survey participants’ background, their reading purposes, their preferences regarding reading and reading activities, reading expectations and challenges, suggestions for interesting reading materials, and ways to improve reading skills. The data interpretation of the three surveys and the subsequent interviews highlights the steps to be taken to enhance the Engineering learners’ English reading skills.

‘Is There Anything Else You’d Like to Tell Us About Your Experience?’ Orientations Towards Listening to Open-Ended Survey Responses

While survey research design tends to prioritise closed questions with predetermined responses, many surveys conclude with an open-ended ‘anything else you would like to tell us?’ question. This question, designed to elicit feedback or create opportunities for respondents to share additional information, offers significant potential for insight into respondents’ experiences. Yet, the extent to which these open-ended data are listened to remains opaque. In this article, we outline and reflect on our approach to a reflexive thematic analysis of responses to an open-ended survey question, to foreground listening. Drawing on responses ( n = 1746) from a national survey of informal carers in Australia, we explore how the final ‘anything else?’ style question of a survey offers scope for fostering ongoing engagement (via survey feedback and context), recognising less visible experiences (through detailed personal accounts), and attending to respondents’ needs (via calls for attention and action). We discuss our approach to sociological listening, and the practicalities therein, including experiences of discomfort, and the challenges of responding to responses. In doing so, we argue that engagement with the data derived from open-ended survey responses is not only fruitful for generating feedback and contextualisation within self-administered survey design, but that such data also hold considerable opportunities for meaningful listening, particularly in contexts where respondents lack recognition and visibility.

Prevalence of Life Stressors and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Among Women in Iceland

Comprehensive data on the prevalence of various life stressors and their role in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among women are lacking. To determine the prevalence of a broad range of life stressors and their association with PTSD in a large nationally representative cohort of women. This cross-sectional analysis used data from the population-based Stress-And-Gene-Analysis, which invited women in Iceland to complete an online survey from March 1, 2018, to July 1, 2019. Participants were a nationally representative sample of women 18 to 69 years of age. This analysis was conducted from January 21, 2022, to September 13, 2024. History of 23 life stressors assessed with the Life Events Checklist for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fifth Edition) (DSM-5) and additional survey questions. The main outcome was probable PTSD during the past month assessed for the worst life stressor experienced as evaluated with the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5. Modified Poisson log-linear models were used to assess prevalence ratios (PRs) of PTSD by type of life stressor, adjusting for multiple covariates, including number of life stressors and time since the worst life stressor. Overall, 28 199 women participated in the study (mean [SD] age, 43.8 [13.7] years). The prevalence of life stressors varied substantially, ranging from 3.3% for war or armed conflict-related events to 66.4% for unwanted sexual experiences. The overall prevalence of probable PTSD was 15.9% and varied substantially across life stressor types. The highest prevalence of probable PTSD was for sexual assault (1427 of 3872 [36.9%]) and lowest for natural disasters (15 of 456 [3.3%]). Interpersonal trauma, specifically sexual assault (adjusted PR [APR], 6.66 [95% CI, 4.01-11.04]), other unwanted sexual experience (APR, 4.33 [95% CI, 2.53-7.42]), and physical assault (APR, 4.44 [95% CI, 2.63-7.49]) were associated with the highest prevalence increase of probable PTSD compared with natural disasters as the reference category. This cross-sectional study of 28 199 women in Iceland, which ranks highest globally in gender equality, found that sexual and physical assaults were among the most common life stressors reported and were associated with the highest prevalence of probable PTSD. The propensity of such trauma to result in PTSD calls for widespread societal efforts to prevent sexual and physical violence and reduce gender-based disparities in mental health.

Transforming community-based primary health care delivery through comprehensive performance measurement and reporting: examining the influence of context

BackgroundCommunity-based primary health care represents various community-based health care (CBPHC) models that incorporate health promotion and community development to deliver first-contact health services. Learning health systems (LHSs) are essential for improving CBPHC in which feedback from relevant stakeholders is used to continuously improve health systems with the goal of achieving population health and health equity. Performance reporting is one way to present data to clinicians and decision makers to facilitate a process of reflection, participation, and collaboration among partners to improve CBPHC.MethodsOur objective was to obtain feedback on a regional CBPHC performance portrait through key informant interviews. We used purposive convenience sampling to recruit participants who were clinicians in primary care and/or decision-makers in primary care at a regional level. The performance portrait summarized results of survey questions asked of patients, providers, and primary care organizations. The portrait was organized by the 10 pillars of the Patient’s Medical Home (PMH) model. Interview questions specifically asked about portrait content, formatting, interpretability, utility, and dissemination strategies. Content analysis was used to analyze interview data.ResultsWe completed 19 interviews with key informants from the Canadian provinces of Nova Scotia (n = 8), Ontario (n = 6) and British Columbia (n = 5). We coded transcripts into four content areas: (1) Usability as influenced by content and interpretability, (2) Formatting, (3) Utility, and (4) Dissemination. Using data and reporting back to clinicians and decision-makers about how their practices and jurisdictions are performing in primary care in meaningful ways is important. Our results suggest having available methodology notes, including the analysis used to develop any scoring, sampling and sample sizes, and interpretation of the statistics is necessary.ConclusionsThis research was the first to create a comprehensive performance portrait using data driven by factors that are important to primary care partners. We obtained important feedback on the portrait in the context of usability, formatting, utility, and dissemination. This data needs to be used to provide feedback in continuous cycles to evaluate and improve CBPHC models as part of a LHS.

Exploring the Transformative Intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Educational Research: K-12 Principals Supporting English Learners

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into educational research marks a significant paradigm shift where AI intersects with educational research from diverse perspectives, emphasizing its transformative potential. By leveraging AI technologies, researchers can transcend traditional limitations, thereby enhancing their capabilities to pose more incisive questions, analyze vast datasets, and refine research methodologies, ultimately leading to more impactful outcomes. Within the context of a research endeavor focused on K-12 principals supporting classroom teachers serving English Learners in the United States, we explore how AI algorithms can refine research questions and augment research methodologies, leading to deeper insights and more informed decisions in educational studies. Innovative techniques for optimizing survey questions and methodologies are discussed, showcasing AI's analytical prowess in unlocking new avenues of understanding and leading to deeper insights and more informed decisions in educational research studies. Through advanced data processing techniques, AI unveils patterns, correlations, and insights that may elude traditional analysis methods. This analytical prowess not only facilitates deeper understanding but also empowers researchers to make more informed decisions. Moreover, AI augments research methodologies by offering innovative techniques for optimizing research questions and methodologies. By harnessing AI's analytical capabilities, researchers unlock new avenues of understanding, leading to more comprehensive and nuanced studies. The realm of AI-driven skill enhancement for researchers is addressed by illustrating the process in the context of a study that seeks to gain a deeper understanding of the strategies principals employ to develop teachers working with English learners. This collaborative approach enriches individual research endeavors and contributes to the collective advancement of research methodologies within the educational landscape. We highlight the transformative potential of AI in revolutionizing educational research practices and enhancing outcomes for English learners in the K-12 education system. By leveraging AI, researchers can improve their interviewing techniques, refine performance, and foster a culture of continuous improvement. AI-powered tools provide real-time feedback and facilitate iterative refinement of practices. This collaborative approach can enrich individual research endeavors and contribute to the collective advancement of research methodologies within the educational landscape.

Enhancing Paediatric and Strabismus Ophthalmology Departments in Spain Through the Inclusion of Orthoptists: Insights from a Nationwide Survey.

The absence of the orthoptic profession in Spain contrasts with its value and recognition in other countries. This study aimed to gauge Spanish ophthalmologists' interest in including and promoting orthoptists in paediatric and strabismus departments. Secondary objectives included assessing interest in requesting orthoptists, involvement in their training, and aligning their competencies with European standards. Participants were recruited via WhatsApp and flyers during the 30th SEEOP Congress in May 2023 and invited to review a report on orthoptists' significance followed by completing a 12-question online survey. Profile questions were asked via multiple-choice options. Opinions on integrating orthoptists to enhance care quality, training involvement, and alignment with European standards were rated using a Likert scale. Open-ended questions captured themes, and comments. Forty-two paediatric and strabismologists in Spain participated, mostly hospital-employed with advanced degrees, 90% supported integrating orthoptists into their teams, with 83% interested in having them in their workplace. Nearly 90% believed that collaboration between ophthalmologists and orthoptists would improve care quality and reduce waiting lists, and 83% supported promoting this within national medical organisations. Additionally, 90% advocated level 4 advanced European-standard training for orthoptists and 25% were neutral about participating in training orthoptists. Participants emphasised the importance of qualified orthoptists for treating eye movement abnormalities, distinguishing them from other eye healthcare professionals and advocating for collaboration rather than replacement. This initial survey of paediatric ophthalmologists and strabismologists in Spain highlights support for orthoptists as allied health professionals, though garnering support for their training could be challenging. These conclusions should be considered in light of methodological, sample size, and resource limitations. The survey serves as a pilot for the future, suggesting improvements to explore the feasibility of introducing orthoptists in Spain.

Personalized Smartphone-Enabled Assessment of Blood Pressure and Its Treatment During the SARS-CoV-2 COVID-19 Pandemic in Patients From the CURE-19 Study: Longitudinal Observational Study.

The use of digital interventions by patients for remote monitoring and management of health and disease is increasing. This observational study examined the feasibility, use, and safety of a digital smartphone app for routine monitoring of blood pressure (BP), medication, and symptoms of COVID-19 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The objective of this study was to deploy and test electronic data recording using a smartphone app developed for routine monitoring of BP in patients with primary hypertension. We tested the app for ease of data entry in BP management and tracking symptoms of new-onset COVID-19 to determine if participants found this app approach useful and sustainable. This remote, decentralized, 12-week, prospective, observational study was conducted in a community setting within the United States. Participants were approached and recruited from affiliated sites where they were enrolled in an ongoing remote decentralized study (CURE-19) of participants experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic. Potential participants were asked to complete a digital screener to determine eligibility and given informed consent forms to read and consent to using the Curebase digital platform. Following enrollment, participants downloaded the digital app to their smartphones for all data collection. Participants recorded daily BP, associated medication use, and emergent symptoms associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. In addition, usability (adherence, acceptability, and user experience) was assessed using standard survey questions. Adverse events were collected based on participant self-report. Compliance and engagement were determined from user data entry rates. Feasibility and participant feedback were assessed upon study completion using the User Experience Questionnaire. Of the 389 participants who enrolled in and completed the study, 380 (98%) participants downloaded and entered BP routines in week 1. App engagement remained high; 239 (62.9%) of the 380 participants remained in the study for the full 12-week observation period, and 201 (84.1%) of the 239 participants entered full BP routines into the digital app 80% or more of the time. The smartphone app scored an overall positive evaluation as assessed by the User Experience Questionnaire and was benchmarked as "excellent" for domains of perspicuity, efficiency, and dependability and "above average" for domains of attractiveness and stimulation. Highly adherent participants with hypertension demonstrated well-controlled BP, with no significant changes in average systolic or diastolic BP between week 1 and week 12 (all P>.05). Participants were able to record BP medications and symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection. No adverse events attributable to the use of the smartphone app were reported during the observational period. The high retention, engagement and acceptability and positive feedback in this study demonstrates that routine monitoring of BP and medications using a smartphone app is feasible for patients with hypertension in a community setting. Remote monitoring of BP and data collection could be coupled with hypertensive medication in a combination product (drug+digital) for precision management of hypertension.

(In)stability in American public attitudes toward Jews: a panel analysis

Abstract Polls for the past several decades indicate high regard for Jews in democracies in Western Europe and North American. We however have a limited understanding of the properties underlying those poll responses, for instance whether response bias or nonattitudes account for those results. The nonattitudes perspective suggests that respondents’ survey answers to questions about Jews are not true attitudes. Nonattitudes are weakly held responses to survey questions, and tend to be unstable over time, reflecting random as opposed to systematic change. This paper uses panel data from Voter Study Group surveys to test for individual-level stability in attitudes toward Jews by non-Jews in the United States in the 2010s to assess whether such attitudes are true or nonattitudes. Results suggest considerable instability especially when compared to attitudes toward Muslims, Democrats, and Republicans, suggesting a high degree of nonattitudes in non-Jews attitudes toward Jews. The conclusion offers reasons that might account for this instability in attitudes toward Jews and implications for the continuation of positive regard for Jews in western democracies.

Balancing Blood Glucose Level by Using Effective Nutrition Strategies and Change of the Lifestyle

The elevation of glucose levels in the blood adversely affects the quality of life. It is a health condition that results in a disturbance or dysfunction of a specific physiological process in the body and may manifest through various symptoms. The purpose of this research is to examine the impact of lifestyle and dietary habits in patients with hyperglycemia and to demonstrate that modifications to these factors can lead to significant improvements and regulation of hyperglycemia levels. To conduct the research, a survey questionnaire was administered to patients in Kosovo who are experiencing issues with elevated blood glucose levels. For this purpose, a total of 200 respondents aged between 27 and 85 were included. The questionnaire comprises 48 survey questions. A statistical analysis of the collected data was conducted using SPSS, Reviews, and MS Excel software applications. The data obtained indicate that the majority of respondents are aged between 51 and 60 years. According to the educational structure, a maximum of 60% has completed secondary education. A total of 23 patients exhibits normal body mass, defined as a Body Mass Index (BMI) ranging from 18.5 to 24.9. In contrast, 38% of patients, equating to 76 individuals, demonstrate excess body mass as determined by BMI criteria. Fifty percent (50%) of patients exhibiting hyperglycemia frequently omit breakfast. Eighty percent (80%) of respondents reported that they do not engage in regular exercise or that their exercise frequency is infrequent. Forty-six (46%) percent of respondents indicated that they occasionally consume fruit in quantities ranging from 250 to 500 grams. More than half of the respondents indicated that they predominantly consume bread and pasta made with whole meal flour, whereas 28% reported not consuming bread and pasta at all. Additionally, 46% of patients occasionally utilize artificial sweeteners, while 57% reported occasional use of natural sweeteners. In conclusion, it can be asserted that enhancing the lifestyle and dietary practices of patients can effectively prevent the progression of the condition and the advancement to type 2 diabetes.

Online recruitment for an online survey study: Our experience of dealing with fraudsters

BackgroundOnline recruitment is cost efficient and can reach large sample size. It helps protect participants' privacy and confidentiality and is commonly used in research studies with sensitive topics and hard-to-reach target participants. However, widespread fraudulent responses along with missing data and multiple entries add complication to the data cleaning and analysis. This clinical-methods-brief described our experience of dealing with fraudsters in the recruitment process of an online study. MethodsBased on our experience in an online cross-sectional survey study, we reported three methods used in the recruitment process, including website recruitment (https://www.chineseinla.com/), Facebook advertisement, and Facebook group recruitment. ResultsThe detected fraudulent rates were 11.11 %, 4.55 %, and 82.69 % for website recruitment, Facebook advertisement, and Facebook group recruitment, respectively. Strategies for us to identify the fake responses mainly included internet protocol checking, conflict answers to different survey questions, participant's name, and time stamp checking. DiscussionFake data mixed in the research data threatens the validity and reliability of the study and may skew the research study results. A robust participant recruitment method and a data screening/cleaning protocol are necessary to ensure online studies' rigorous.

Healthcare students’ knowledge and awareness on ionizing radiation and radiation protection

Nurses and healthcare workers are potentially at risk of exposure to ionizing radiation. Awareness of the use and protection of radiation in everyday clinical practice is important for relevant professional groups. In this study, a descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the level of knowledge of nursing and healthcare students regarding the use of ionizing radiation and protection. The survey questions were asked to 786 students studying at Dicle University between March and April 2024. Chi-square, ANOVA and post-hoc tests were used to evaluate the relationship between students' knowledge level and other parameters. The results of the statistical analysis showed a significant difference for department, grade point average, radiation training, and risk awareness. The correct answer rate for all participants and radiation trainees was found to be 38.6% and 51.6%, respectively. Only 9% of students have good knowledge; it was found that 52% were moderate and 39% were poor. Among all radiological examinations, the proportion of those who thought that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound imaging contained ionizing radiation was determined as 80.3% and 66%, respectively. The results showed that the students had insufficient knowledge of radiology and radiation protection. Formal training in basic radiology and radiation is recommended in nursing and healthcare programs so that they can work safely in clinics.

Knowledge Families Hold: Co-Production and Co-Research With Mental Health Family Carers in Understanding Experiences During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Through an in-depth exploration of mental health family carers' experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia, this co-produced study identified recommendations for advocacy, practice and policy implications to uphold family carer wellbeing. Government-enforced restrictions, changed service availability and difficulties accessing hospitals, led to additional anxiety, depression and elevated distress, especially for people experiencing mental health challenges before the pandemic. The National Mental Health Consumer and Carer Forum alongside two academic researchers aimed to discern the impact of care provision, levels of distress, unmet needs, challenges and benefits of providing support, across geographic locations and diverse communities. This article reports on the survey component of a co-designed mixed-methods exploratory study of family carer experiences. A project steering group worked with two academic researchers, members of SWITCH Research Group, Monash University, to develop the 71-question online survey across 9-domains. Family carers were relied upon to provide support and care when mental health services changed or closed. Carers support more than one person and typically people with daily and high-level needs. Caring levels increased from 26-h to an average of 40-h a week of support provision, with changed roles and increased complexity. Heightened demands became stress-inducing to the point of mental ill health and suicidality for some family carers. Government policy and pandemic responses failed to address the financial, practical or emotional resources needed to fulfil the role of care provision and support to unwell and extremely distressed people with new or ongoing mental and psychological ill-health. From its inception, this project was co-produced and co-designed with mental health family carers and service users based on their expertise in understanding their experiences and ways to best explore these to the benefit and wellbeing of families in distress. The academic research partners both have active experience of supporting people with mental health challenges. Through each of the identified phases, lived experience expertise (family carers and service users) co-designed and co-facilitated the process. At times leading the process, such as in recruitment strategies, and at other times acting as guides. Guidance was provided by lived experience expertise in reflecting upon the literature review to understand what had been researched internationally and what would be important to understand in Australia. The academic partners advised on the possible processes for data collection, and the lived experience experts decided on the methodology based on that advice. Both the focus group and survey questions were developed and scrutinised from the perspective of the service users and carers in the project team. Difficult conversations were handled with respect, service users within the project team gently addressed areas of enquiry that may suggest stigma or feed into societal stereotypes of people with mental health challenges. Carers were able to consider the wording of questions to still be able to address areas of concern including domestic violence within the family unit and suicide. Dissemination strategies were planned together with the carer and service user representatives being co-presenters at conferences. The report for submission to the National Mental Health Commission (Australia) was written and reviewed with all partners. A committee of service users and carers, alongside the academic partners, planned the launch of the report in August 2023. The co-authorship of peer-reviewed articles has included family carers and service users from the National Mental Health Consumer and Carer Forum.

Assembling a physical model helps students grasp human somatosensory pathways.

Mastering the complexity of the nervous system is essential for education programs in physiology, anatomy, and neuroscience. Students often struggle when learning somatosensory pathways, which convey information from sensory neurons to the somatosensory cortex in the brain. Active learning activities incorporating physical models have been shown to increase content comprehension as well as enjoyment of the learning process. Here, we present a three-dimensional physical model of somatosensory pathways constructed of durable, affordable, and widely available materials. In an upper level human physiology lab, students assembled the model and then used it to complete case study questions connecting damage to the spinal cord to resulting sensory deficits. This model-based activity was highly effective as indicated by significant increases in content knowledge and positive responses to survey questions on the effectiveness of the activity. This activity incorporates many evidence-based teaching practices that have been shown to increase engagement, inclusion, and mastery of content and provides an effective and fun way for students to learn a challenging topic.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This model-building activity for learning somatosensory neural pathways increases students' content knowledge and is an enjoyable way to learn a complex system. This activity adds to an ever-growing collection of evidence-based learning activities for human physiology courses.