Taif University Research Articles

The Effectiveness of a programme-based Vocabulary Learning Strategies for Developing English Vocabulary for EFL Female Students at Taif University

The study of vocabulary can be considered a chief issue which the second language students encounter within the learning of another language especially, for non-English major students. This study aims at assessing the influence of a suggested program for enhancing EFL students` vocabulary and vocabulary learning strategies use. The sample of this study consists of (123) females, it is parted into two sections; the experimental group consists of 55 female students and the control group consists of 68 female students. During the course of the study, learners were randomly chosen and randomly were divided into the experimental and control groups. The aim of the study is twofold: (a) to assess if there exist notable discrepancies between these two groups on the English Language Vocabulary post-test and vocabulary language learning strategies. The study also aims to analyze if there exist important discrepancies in the mean grades of pre and post-test of the English Language Vocabulary test and vocabulary language learning strategies. The research applied will continue for 12 weeks throughout the second semester which includes the proposed program. Students` vocabulary learning strategies were measured by Schmitt’s (1997) questionnaire. This questionnaire contains 58 items covering five main strategies that are determination plans, social plans, memory tactics, cognitive plans and meta-cognitive programs. While the Students` English Language Vocabulary size was measured by English Language vocabulary test that was designed by the researchers. The research accomplished lasted for three months that encompasses the suggested plan. The gathered data demonstrated that there existed statistically important discrepancies between the experimental group and the control group on the post-test, in which the experimental one was more bolded. It also uncovred that there existed statistically important discrepancies among the pre-test and post-test outcomes for the experimental group on the diction examination. Moreover, the grades depicted that there existed statistically notable discrepancies among the experimental group and its counterpart. The data of the present research have notable insinuations for the learners and make an enhanced case for the study of diction and vocabulary.

The availability of Dimensions of Learning Organizations Questionnaire (DLOQ) in Educational College at Taif University from the Perspective of Employees

The availability of Dimensions of Learning Organizations Questionnaire (DLOQ) in Educational College at Taif University from the Perspective of Employees

University Students' knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards the National Premarital Screening Program of Saudi Arabia.

There is an elevated rate of hereditary hemoglobinopathies in Arab populations. To address this, the Saudi government has implemented a mandatory premarital screening (PMS) program. Nevertheless, reports have shown that 48% of genetically incompatible partners have decided to marry. To address this, more information is needed on people's beliefs on these issues. To investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Taif University students towards the national PMS program. Using a questionnaire, a cross-sectional study was conducted during April-May 2016 on a random sample of university students in Taif City. It was administered electronically and primarily distributed through social media. Most participants (97.4%) were aware that genes may transmit hereditary diseases and had heard about the PMS program. Most participants who partook in the PMS justified it based on preventing disease transmission to their offspring and ensuring their partner's health. A fair number (82.9%) were willing to change their decision to marry in the case of receiving incompatible results. Moreover, the majority of the participants (91.8%) demanded the implementation of a law that prohibits incompatible marriages. Most Taif University students have a generally positive attitude and good intended practices toward PMS. However, targeted educational programs about the importance of PMS are strongly recommended to eliminate all factors that may affect the success of the PMS program.

ASSESSMENT OF ORAL HYGIENE HABITS AND KNOWLEDGE OF CARIES AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN TAIF CITY.

18Feb 2017 ASSESSMENT OF ORAL HYGIENE HABITS AND KNOWLEDGE OF CARIES AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN TAIF CITY. Mohamed Wael Bassuoni , Hesham Mohamed Elsharkawy , Abdulrahman Hani Sabbagh and Mutaz Fahad Felemban. Associate Professor of Community and Preventive Dentistry , Faculty of Dentistry , Taif University , Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Associate Professor of Oral Medicine and Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry , Taif University , Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Faculty of Dentistry , Taif University , Taif , Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

THE EFFECT OF ALKALOIDS, SAPONINSAND THYMOQUINONE OF NIGELLA SATIVA SEEDS ON BIOFILM PRODUCTION, MOTILITY, OUTER MEMBRANE PROTEINS AND LIPOPOLYSACCHARIDE OF SOME BACTERIA.

18Feb 2017 THE EFFECT OF ALKALOIDS, SAPONINSAND THYMOQUINONE OF NIGELLA SATIVA SEEDS ON BIOFILM PRODUCTION, MOTILITY, OUTER MEMBRANE PROTEINS AND LIPOPOLYSACCHARIDE OF SOME BACTERIA. Mohamed Shohayeb and Eman Halawani. Taif University, Faculty of pharmacy, Department of microbiology, Taif, Saudi Arabia. Taif University, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology , Taif, Saudi Arabia.

ASSESSMENT OF RADIOLOGY HEALTH WORKERS'KNOWLEDGE,ATTITUDES AND PRACTICES OF RADIATION PROTECTION PRECAUTIONS IN MAKKAH CITY, SAUDI ARABIA.

27Feb 2017 ASSESSMENT OF RADIOLOGY HEALTH WORKERS\'KNOWLEDGE,ATTITUDES AND PRACTICES OF RADIATION PROTECTION PRECAUTIONS IN MAKKAH CITY, SAUDI ARABIA. Mervat E. A. El Dahshan , Nagwan El hussein , Haneen S. Sahrah , Mohammed A. Almehmadi , Abdul rahman K. Alzahrani , Ahmad M. Baqasi and Meshari T. Al hazmi. Taif University, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Nursing Department, Assistant Professor of Nursing Management and Leadership Taif, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Taif University, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Radiology Sciences Department, Taif, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. King Faisal Hospital , Technologist of Radiology Department, Taif, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Umm Al-Qura University, College of Medicine, Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. King Faisal Hospital, Physician in Emergency Department,Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Peer review improves psychometric characteristics of multiple choice questions

Purpose: For new and emerging medical schools, developing a system to peer-review and evaluate the assessment processes through faculty development programs can be a challenge. This study evaluates the impact of peer-review practices on item analysis, reliability, and the standard error of measurement of multiple-choice questions for summative final examinations.Methods: This study used a retrospective cohort design of two consecutive academic years in 2012 and in 2013. Psychometric analyses of multiple-choice questions of three summative final examinations in Medicine, Pediatrics, and Surgery for sixth year medical students at the College of Medicine Taif University were used. Formal peer review of multiple-choice questions began in 2013, using guidelines from the National Board of Medical Examiners. Psychometric analyses of multiple-choice questions included item analysis (item difficulty and item discrimination) and calculation of internal-consistency reliability and the standard error of measurement. Data analyses were conducted using Stata.Results: Results showed significant improvement in psychometric indices, particularly item discrimination and reliability by .14 and .12 points, respectively, following the implementation of the peer review process across the three exams. Item difficulty remained unchanged for Pediatrics and Surgery.Conclusion: Peer-review practices of multiple-choice questions using guidelines can lead to improved psychometric characteristics of items; these findings have implications for faculty development programs in improving item quality, particularly for medical schools in early stages of transforming assessment practices.

Taif University Female Golf Transportation Cars Application: Analysis, Design, and Implementation

Taif University Female Golf Transportation Cars Application: Analysis, Design, and Implementation

The association of eating habits and lifestyle with overweight and obesity among health sciences students in TaifUniversity, KSA.

ObjectivesThis work investigated the impacts of food habits and lifestyle on the prevalence of overweight (OW) and obesity (OB) among health sciences students (HSS) at Taif University, KSA.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted with 228 HSS in a university setting using a food frequency questionnaire. Body mass index (BMI) was used to assess weight gain, and waist circumference (W_C) was employed for the assessment of abdominal adiposity.ResultsThe prevalences of OW and OB were 25.9% and 10.9%, respectively, with an overall prevalence of 36.8%. All demographic variables had an insignificant (P > 0.05) effect on W_C. There were significant links between gender, academic year and discipline and BMI (P < 0.05). Smoking, stress, duration of TV viewing, daylight and night sleep had an effect on BMI and W_C but were statistically insignificant (P > 0.05). Breakfast, light meals, eating with a family, fast food, and regular and diet soft drinks had insignificant impacts on BMI (P > 0.05). A considerable relationship was observed between consumption of liver and BMI (P < 0.05), while meat, egg, milk, fruit and vegetable, and grain intake had no significant effect on BMI (P > 0.05). All varieties of foods had no significant impact on W_C (P > 0.05).ConclusionsThe prevalence of OW and OB was 36.8%. The participants' gender, academic year, discipline, and liver intake had a significant impact on BMI. All other tested variables showed a nonsignificant relationship with W_C.

Prevalence of Stress among Junior Medical Students, Taif University

Background: Medical students are exposed to diverse varieties of stress. It is reported during undergraduate medical education stress is related to academic, financial and social. Sometime stress arises from compulsion to succeed and also in difficulties of integrating education system. Methodology: The study was conducted from junior medical students, Taif University, KSA during the academic year 2016-2017; Self-administered questionnaire was utilized to know the prevalence, causes, and levels of stress among students. Results: 82% of study group had moderate stress, 12.67% had severe stress and 5.33% had mild stress. Conclusion: The prevalence of stress among junior medical students in Taif University, KSA was high especially in the past 30 days. Type of residence, average family monthly income, between history of sleep disorder, travel duration in minutes and BMI were the dominators for stress in general.

Depression and suicide among medical students: A comparison study between medical and medical sciences students in Taif University, Taif-KSA

Background: Medical school is recognized as a stressful environment that often exerts a negative effect on the academic performance, physical health, and psychological well-being of the student. Objective: To assess the exposure to different stressors and the prevalence of depression and suicide among medical students comparing with medical sciences students at Taif University, Taif City-KSA. The study was conducted at the Taif University, medical students and medical sciences. Participants all registered students in Year 4, were enrolled in the study (n = 181). Materials and Methods: Stress, depression, and suicide act were examined among 81 4th year medical students and 100 4th year medical sciences students in 2015-at the University of Taif. Students were asked to complete a new stress inventory, developed by the researcher himself. Results: The prevalence of depression among medical and medical sciences students was 34%, where 41% among medical students and 28% among medical sciences students. 19% of the whole sample was thought of suicide act, where 23% medical students and 17% medical sciences students. Conclusion: Medical students were have higher depression rates and therefore higher suicide act comparing with medical sciences students.

Assessment of Depression among Applied Medical Science College Students at Taif University: A Questionnaire Survey

Psychological stress associated with depression is common among medical students and considered as an important indicator for mental health. Mental disorders might cause numerous undesirable personal and professional consequences such as; growing cynicism and social isolation. This study aimed to assess the degree of depression among undergraduate students in College of Applied Medical Sciences at Taif University. The presence and severity of depression was measured by using the patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9) scoring. The overall percentage of depression in the study is seen in 75.7% of the students, with major depression (Scores>15) found in 18.7% of students. The result of this study revealed the proportion of male and female students who had depression, to be 62% and 81.4% respectively and this difference showed statistical significance (P value 0.05). Interestingly, the percentage of students decreased sequentially as the depression severity score became higher.

A Strategy for Developing the Leadership Practice through Wise Governance from the VieWpoint of Al Taif University Members

The study aimed at proposing a strategy for developing the leadership practice in Taif University through wise governance. The study population included all faculty members at the Taif University which represented -1358- members. A questionnaire was administered tostudy a randomized sample which consist of -321- faculty members which represented -24%- of the study population. The findings showed that faculty members perceived the degree of practicing good governance generally as moderate. Also, the results showed statistically significant differences between the degree of importance and the degree of leadership practice through good governance. There were no statistically significant differences according to gender, but there were statistically significant differences according to academic rank in favor of the higher academic rank only in the following three dimensions of leadership practice through good governance: transparency, active participation, and accountability. In light of these results, a strategy was proposed which implied a number of recommendations, including: Application of the proposed strategy, spreading the culture of accountability, and providing equal opportunities for participation in decision-making for both men and women's departments.

A Strategy for Developing the Leadership Practice through Wise Governance from the VieWpoint of Al Taif University Members

The study aimed at proposing a strategy for developing the leadership practice in Taif University through wise governance. The study population included all faculty members at the Taif University which represented -1358- members. A questionnaire was administered tostudy a randomized sample which consist of -321- faculty members which represented -24%- of the study population. The findings showed that faculty members perceived the degree of practicing good governance generally as moderate. Also, the results showed statistically significant differences between the degree of importance and the degree of leadership practice through good governance. There were no statistically significant differences according to gender, but there were statistically significant differences according to academic rank in favor of the higher academic rank only in the following three dimensions of leadership practice through good governance: transparency, active participation, and accountability. In light of these results, a strategy was proposed which implied a number of recommendations, including: Application of the proposed strategy, spreading the culture of accountability, and providing equal opportunities for participation in decision-making for both men and women's departments.

An Investigation into the Benefits of the Intercultural Approach to EFL Learning and Teaching: A Case Study of Taif University, KSA

The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential benefits of using the intercultural approach to teaching English as a foreign language in the preparatory –year programme (male branch), Taif University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The intercultural approach is considered a viable means of foreign language education that seeks to address issues of culture in foreign language learning and teaching and how best to address them. Hence, this study intends to explore the attitudes of first year EFL Taif university students to the potential benefits of the intercultural approach to EFL. A sample of 200 EFL students participated in the study. Participants’ views on the topic of the study are collected via a questionnaire the researcher designed and administered to the participants. In addition, the views of 50 EFL instructors teaching in the preparatory programme were gathered by a questionnaire regarding the topic researched. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the collected data.

Factors affecting the future medical specialty and training location selection

Introduction: Medical specialty selection for senior students and interns in Saudi Arabia is the most important issue during their modules and hospital training. Many factors affect this process, so the primary aim of this study is to assess participants' preferred specialty, location, and other factors influencing their choices. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study involved interns and 6th-year students from the medical schools in Saudi Arabia, conducted from October to November 2015. A self-reported questionnaire assessed baseline characteristics, specialties of interest, location, and psychological aspects of their preferences. Results: A response rate of 25.1% (540 participants) out of 2150 surveyed students and interns. About 70.2% were interns, 52.2% were male, with a mean grade point average of 3.75/5.0, and predominantly from Taif University. Nearly 58.3% were interested in local training programs. The National Guard Hospital was the most desired hospital while Riyadh was the preferred city for training. The preferred medical specialties were internal medicine and pediatrics, yet 5.9% were undecided about their future specialty. The most important factor in choosing a specialty is a student's personal interest while a training program's quality is also a compelling reason for a certain training site. Furthermore, 81.8% of those who chose international training programs preferred North America, those were more likely to have the required qualifications (P = 0.039) and more likely to be interested in academic positions (P = 0.007). Conclusion: Almost 70.2% of the participants are interns, 58.3% are interested in the local training programs, and the most desired specialty is internal medicine. The National Guard Hospital was considered as the best training location. Those selecting international residency programs were more likely to be interested in academic careers.

Faculty perception of teaching professionalism in a developing medical college

Objective: The aim of the study is to assess the perception of teaching professionalism (TP) in a developing medical college. We hypothesize there is a correlative perceptual relation between TP and faculty observation of professionalism among medical undergraduates. Methods and Design: Faculty members of the College of Medicine, Taif University, Saudi Arabia, were surveyed to assess the perception of TP. The survey was circulated and collected manually. It was conducted between July and November 2015. Chi-square test was used to analyze the obtained data employing the SSPS 22 program. Results: A total of 65 faculty members (36 males and 29 females) responded to the survey, of whom 40% were involved in TP, 30.8% did not agree to the validity and reliability of assessment tools, and 60% thought their students had a “good” professional conduct and final year students were observed to be more disciplined and showed professionalism. In spite of the discrepancy and inconsistency of TP, there was a good faculty perception of professionalism in undergraduates medical students (χ2 [24] = 21.8, P > 0.6). Conclusion: Faculty teaching and assessing methods of professionalism were variable and inconsistent; nevertheless, there was an acceptable level of perception among faculty members. Student's professionalism assessment is difficult and remains to be a challenge. Continuous and rigorous faculty development program of TP in emerging medical colleges is suggested.

Breaking down the Classroom Walls: Augmented Reality Effect on EFL Reading Comprehension, Self-Efficacy, Autonomy and Attitudes

&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;This study aimed at investigating the effect of Augmented Reality (AR) on college-level EFL students’ reading comprehension, self-efficacy, autonomy and attitudes. It also examined the relationships between self-efficacy, autonomy and attitudes. The sample consisted of (59) male students: an experimental group (n=30) and a control group (n=29), studying English for Academic Purposes at Taif University, Saudi Arabia. The study employed the quasi-experimental approach using a pre-post, nonequivalent control group design. A reading comprehension test, a self-efficacy scale, an autonomy scale and a questionnaire for attitudes were designed to gather the data. The findings indicated that there was a significant difference between the two groups in the reading comprehension post-test in favor of the experimental group. Also, there was a statistically significant difference between the mean score of the pre and post administration of the self-efficacy scale in favor of the post administration. Besides, there was a statistically significant difference between the mean score of the pre and post administration of the autonomy scale in favor of the post administration. The results of one-sample T Test showed that all attitudes items were statistically significant and the grand mean score was statistically significant which indicated that students had positive attitudes towards using Augmented Reality in language learning. Finally, positive significant relationships between students’ self-efficacy, autonomy and attitudes were found.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Dyslipidemia and Related Risk Factors in a Saudi University Community

Background/Objectives: Cardio vascular diseases (CVD) are considered a serious and prompt growing health problem in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, since it is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of dyslipidemia and related risk factors among Health Sciences students in Taif University, KSA. Subjects/Methods: A sample of 80 students aged 17 - 26 years, were selected randomly from the Health Sciences colleges, Taif University. Participants were screened for blood lipid profile, obesity/overweight and related risk factors through filling pretested food frequency questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements and fasting blood samples were taken for determination of blood lipid profile, namely total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-c), triacylglycerol (TAG) and the ratio of TC/ HDL-c. Results: The prevalence of hypercholesterolemia (TC ≥ 200 mg/dl), hypertriglyceridemia (TAG ≥ 150 mg/dl), high LDL-c (≥130 mg/dl), low HDL-c (<40 mg/dl) was 17.7%, 5.0%, 16.8%, and 46.3%, respectively. The overall prevalence of dyslipidemia was 60.0%. Low HDL-c levels were the main prevalent dyslipidemia among participants. Overweight/obese students were more likely to show at least one undesirable lipid concentration. BMI, W_C, and academic level were significantly associated with unacceptable levels of HDL-c. TV viewing or computer/video games had significant effects on hypercholesterolemia, while only liver intake had significant impact on high TAG. Conclusions: Lipid study showed that dyslipidemia is very common and a significant health problem among university students of Taif University.

EFFECT OF EDUCATION AND PARITY ON THE USE OF CONTRACEPTION IN TAIF REGION.

23Nov 2016 EFFECT OF EDUCATION AND PARITY ON THE USE OF CONTRACEPTION IN TAIF REGION. Farzana Rizwan , Nisreen K Aref , Norah Zafer Alasmari and Mashael A Alzahrani. Associate professor / Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine , Taif University , SA. Assistant professor / Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Taif University, SA. 6th Medical Student, College of medicine, Taif University.