Test-retest Method Research Articles

Impact of Insurgency on Universities in North East Nigeria

The study was on the impact of Insurgency on Universities in North East Nigeria. Three objectives which were translated to three research questions were answered by the study. The research design for the study was descriptive survey. The total population of the study was 15,502 teaching and non-teaching staff in the 15 universities in the region. The sample for the study was purposively selected with 1,501 respondents having 1011 academic staff and 490 non-academic staff. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire with a rating scale of 4-point. The validation of the instrument was done by three experts. In order to check for the reliability of the instrument, the instrument was pilot tested on fifty-two staff of Federal polytechnic, Mubi using test-retest method. The reliability test was carried out on the instrument using Pearson Moment Correlation Coefficient and a reliability index of 0.69 was obtained. The data obtained from the study was analyzed using mean and standard deviation. Results from the study revealed that brain drain impacted negatively on the universities in the region due to insurgency and also, there was drop in the enrolment rate of students due to insurgency. Recommendations made include: the government at both federal and state levels should make effort in recruiting more staff in the universities in the north east Nigeria.

The Most Important Measures in Reducing Infection Control in the Anesthesia Work Environment: An Evidence-Based Study

Background: Anesthesia providers cross-contaminate their work environment. The hands of anesthesia providers are vectors for the transmission of infection between medical equipment in the anesthesia work environment and patients. The high work density of anesthesia providers around the patient has made it important to monitor infection control in the work environment and anesthesia procedures. This research aimed to find the best evidence for preventing or reducing infection in the anesthesia work environment. Methods: The measures required for the guidelines in the field of infection control in the anesthesia work environment were determined according to the available resources and the use of expert opinions of anesthesiologists and faculty members. Then, the guidelines for infection control in the anesthesia work environment were designed based on the evidence-based method (Stettler model). Also, it has been implemented in a limited way in the operating room. To assess the validity of the approach used in calculating the content validity coefficient (CVR) and the content validity index (CVI), Finally, the Test-Retest method, and Cronbach's alpha coefficient were used to determine reliability. Results: The guidelines for infection control in the anesthesia work environment were designed using evidence-based methods (Stettler's model). The content validity of anesthesia procedures requiring infection control guidelines was reported with a content validity index (CVI) of more than 0.79 and a content validity ratio (CVR) of more than 0.59. The reliability test was measured by Cronbach's alpha coefficient (0.806). Conclusion: Based on this study, the use of global infection control guidelines changes the attitude of anesthesia nurses and reduces the rate of infection in the anesthesia work environment. Also, the use of evidence-based methods facilitates the implementation of guidelines in the target environment.

Bridging the Gap in School Attendance between Riverine and Non-Riverine Areas: The Home-Grown School Feeding

The research is on bridging the gap in school attendance between riverine and non-riverine areas: the home-grown school feeding. This survey-based study used an ex-pose-facto research approach to collect data from primary/elementary school teachers in the Ethiope-West and Warri-South-West senatorial zones of Delta State. The respondents were 489 primary 1–3 teachers spread across two LGAs. A questionnaire titled “School Attendance in Riverine and Non-Riverine (SARNA) was the instrument used to collect data. The instrument’s reliability was tested using the test re-test method on 20 teachers from other local government areas. Pearson r coefficient of .80 was obtained, thereby making the instrument reliable. Descriptive statistics were employed to address the research questions, while a t-test was utilised to test the hypotheses at a 0.5 significant level. The findings showed that school attendance improved with the school feeding programme. Therefore, the study recommended that the programme be continued through government funding, publicised, and improved feeding quality. It is also recommended that parents be encouraged to send their children to public primary schools so that they can benefit from the school feeding programme.

The influence of parent-child relationship on academic performance of Basic Science Students in Biase Local Government Area of Cross River State

This research was aimed at investigating the influence of Parent-child relationship on academic performance of Basic Science students in Biase Local Government Area of Cross River State. Three research questions and three hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The study adopted the export facto research design. The population of the study was made up of all JSS 11 basic science Students of 2022/2023 academic session in Biase L.G.A, totally about 1500 Students. All the schools in the stratum were used since there were few public schools. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 230 JSS11 Students from the public schools in the area of study. The instruments for data collection were Achievement test tagged Basic Science Achievement Test (BSAT) and a Questionnaire tagged Parent-Child Relationship Questionnaire (PCRQ). The achievement test contained 25 questions drawn from the topics: Nature of Matter and Motion from the Basic Science curriculum. Face and content validity were used to validate the instruments. The achievement test and questionnaire were utilized as the main sources of data collection. The questionnaire consisted of 15 questions. Seven of which appraised the demographic information of the students while 15 questions (5 for each hypothesis) measured the variables of the study, while the reliability was determined using the test-retest method. The responses were correlated using Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC). The coefficient obtained was 0.67 for cordial relationship between children and parents, 0.74 for meeting basic needs of children by parents and 0.69 for monitoring learners' progress. Acquired data was analysed using descriptive statistics consisting of frequency tables and percentages for the demographic information while the variables were correlated using independent t-test. The findings of the study revealed that basic science students who have cordial relationship with their parents have positive significant in their academic performance than their counterparts who do not have cordial relationship with their parents. Significant difference was found in the academic performance of basic science students whose basic needs were satisfied by their parents and those whose needs were not satisfied by their parents in favour of those whose needs were supplied. There is significant difference in the academic performance of basic science students whose academic progresses were monitored by their parents and those whose academic progresses were not monitored in schools in Biase Local Government Area of Cross River State. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that parents should strengthen their mutual relationships with their children to provide the home environment and the psychological disposition needed to enhance academic performances in schools.

Arabic Version of the Leahy Emotional Schemas Scale-II

Objective: This study aimed to translate the Leahy Emotional Schemas Scale-II (LESS-II) into Arabic and validate its psychometric properties among Iraqi university students. The hypothesis was that the Arabic version would retain the original factor structure and demonstrate robustness and validity. Method: The process involved translation, cultural adaptation, backward translation, and the bilingual method to ensure linguistic and cultural relevance. The sample consisted of 280 Iraqi university students (64% female, 36% male). Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) were conducted to assess the factor structure. Reliability was tested using Cronbach’s alpha and test-retest methods. Results: EFA identified a 14-factor structure aligned with Leahy’s model, accounting for 91.83% of the total variance. CFA confirmed a good model fit (RMSEA = 0.08, CFI = 0.93, TLI = 0.90). The total scale’s reliability (Cronbach’s alpha) was 0.82, with test-retest reliability at 0.87. Pearson correlations indicated significant relationships between LESS-II factors, anxiety, and depression, supporting construct validity. Conclusion: The Arabic LESS-II was established as a valid and reliable tool for assessing emotional schemas. However, the study's reliance on a nonclinical sample limits generalizability. Future research should validate the scale in diverse and clinical populations, highlighting its potential utility in Arabic-speaking contexts for both research and clinical practice.

Exploring gender-based stress disparities among radiography students: A comparative analysis across Egypt, UAE, and Jordan.

Radiography students experience high levels of stress due to demanding academic studies and clinical training. Expanding this study to different settings could provide insights for customized interventions. This study aims to investigate the prevalence and causes of stress experienced by radiography students across university settings in Egypt, the UAE, and Jordan, with particular attention to gender-based differences. By analyzing stress levels across these diverse academic environments, the study seeks to identify key stressors specific to each region, as well as any differences in stress impact related to gender, academic demands, and cultural contexts. This cross-sectional study involved 608 radiography students from accredited programs in Egypt, UAE, and Jordan, selected through convenience and snowball sampling. A 96-question online survey, developed following CHERRIES guidelines, was distributed via university channels and social media. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS. The questionnaire's reliability was confirmed through a test-retest method, yielding a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.82. Out of 608 radiography students surveyed, stress levels differed by gender. Specifically, 11.7% of students reported extremely high stress, with 5% of males and 14.4% of females. Gender disparities were evident that females experienced significantly higher stress than males in areas such as quality of education, exams, GPA, fear of mistakes, clinical factors, patient care, lack of relaxation time, and health problems (p<0.001). In the UAE, 41.8% of students believe a lack of time with family and friends significantly affects their stress, followed closely by 41.7% in Egypt and 30.5% in Jordan (p=0.001). The study identifies gender-specific discrepancies in stress among university students, demonstrating that female students experience higher stress levels, influenced by factors such as academic standards, examinations, GPA, and work-life balance. Furthermore, students in Jordan and the UAE are facing academic workload stress, while Egyptian students deal with career uncertainty and family-related stress. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding diverse stressors among radiography students to provide insights that can inform tailored support strategies to enhance the well-being and academic performance of radiography students in these regions.

Communication Skills and Timely Delivery of NGO Projects in Lagos State: A Study of Female Project Managers

The timely delivery of projects is a critical factor in the success of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), particularly in dynamic environments like Lagos State, Nigeria. However, many NGOs face challenges in meeting project deadlines because of ineffective communication among project managers. This study specifically focuses on female project managers because they have been shown to bring unique perspectives to project management, yet their role in the timely delivery of NGO projects has been underexplored. This study examined the influence of female project managers’ communication skills on the timely delivery of NGO projects in the Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State. Adopting a survey research design, the study targeted female project managers at NGOs, with a sample size of 57, of which 49 valid responses were used for analysis. The study employed a questionnaire as the primary research instrument, and the reliability of the instrument was assessed using a test-retest method, while content and face validity were used to measure its validity. A simple linear regression analysis was used to test the hypothesis. The results revealed a significant positive relationship between female project managers’ communication skills and timely delivery of NGO projects (R² = .590, p-value = .000). The findings highlight the critical role of communication skills in ensuring the success of NGO projects. Based on these results, it is recommended that NGOs in Lagos State prioritize the development and enhancement of communication skills in female project managers through targeted training programs, enabling them to navigate project complexities, foster collaboration, and ultimately achieve more timely and impactful project outcomes that contribute to sustainable social change within their communities.

Coronary Artery Disease Empowerment Scale (CADES): Persian translation and psychometric properties

IntroductionCoronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of global mortality and a prevalent health issue in Iran. Assessing the empowerment of CAD patients during treatment and care is essential. However, no scale is available to measure empowerment in CAD patients in Iran. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Persian version of the "Coronary Artery Disease Empowerment Scale" (CADES).MethodThis methodological and cross-sectional study was conducted on patients with CAD from June 2022 to April 2023 in Kermanshah City, Iran. The scale was translated using the forward–backward translation method. Construct validity was examined using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) with 190 samples and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) with 344 samples, both selected through convenience sampling. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient, and reliability was evaluated using the test–retest method. SPSS version 27 and LISREL version 8 software were utilized for data analysis.ResultsThe EFA and CFA results confirmed the instrument with three factors and 25 items. The model's main indicators in factor analysis were all above 0.9, indicating a good fit for the model. The Pearson correlation coefficient between the items and subscales with the main scale showed a direct and significant relationship. Additionally, Cronbach's alpha coefficient (0.813) and test–retest reliability (0.763) confirmed the reliability of the Persian version of the CADES.DiscussionThe study's results suggest that the Persian version of CADES is both practical and acceptable for evaluating the empowerment of CAD patients. This tool can be relied upon as a valid and reliable method for assessing these patients' empowerment.

GUIDANCE COUNSELLOR’S STRATEGIC ROLES AND SCHOLASTIC ADJUSTMENT OF SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN RIVERS-EAST SENATORIAL DISTRICT, RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA

This study investigated guidance counsellor’s strategic roles and scholastic adjustment of senior secondary school students in Rivers-East Senatorial District, Rivers State, Nigeria. The study adopted correlational research design. The study was guided by three research questions and three null hypotheses. The population of the study consisted of 82,649 public senior secondary school students in the area. The sample size was 400 senior secondary school students which was adopted through the use of simple random sampling technique. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire, titled: “Guidance Counsellor’s Strategic Roles Questionnaire’’ (GCSRQ) and Scholastic Adjustment Scale (SAS)”. The instruments were validated by experts in department of Educational Psychology, Guidance and Counselling. The reliability of the instrument was determined through test re-test reliability method which a reliability index of r=0.73 for (GCSRQ) and r=0.72 for (SAS). Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) was used to answer the research questions and test the null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The study revealed that there was a positively strong correlation between guidance counsellors assessment role, guidance counsellors career-guidance role, guidance counsellors emotional support role and scholastic adjustment of senior secondary school students in Rivers-East Senatorial District, Rivers State. It further revealed that there was significant relationship between guidance counsellors assessment role, guidance counsellors career-guidance role, guidance counsellors emotional support role and scholastic adjustment of senior secondary school students in Rivers-East Senatorial District, Rivers State. It was recommended among others that the; Government in collaboration with the Counselling Association of Nigeria (CASSON) should set-up counselling centres at all secondary schools in Rivers-East Senatorial District to help combat adjustment challenges of students.

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT AND CAREER ASPIRATIONS OF SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN OBIO/AKPOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF RIVERS STATE

This study investigated parental involvement and career aspirations of senior secondary school students in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. The study adopted correlational research design. The study was guided by three research questions and three null hypotheses. The population of the study comprised of 35,555 public senior secondary school students in the area. The sample size was 395 senior secondary school students which was determined using Taro Yamane Scientific Method. The study adopted the use of simple random sampling technique for the study. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire, titled: “Parental Involvement and Career Aspiration Questionnaire’’ (PICAQ). The instrument was validated by experts in the Department of Educational Psychology, Guidance and Counselling. The reliability of the instrument was determined through test re-test reliability method which a reliability index of r=0.77. Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) was used to answer the research questions and test the null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The study revealed that there was high positive relationship between parental expectation, parental support, parent-child relationship and career aspirations of senior secondary school students in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State. It further revealed that there was significant relationship between parental expectation, parental support, parent-child relationship and career aspirations of senior secondary school students in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State. It was recommended among others that; career guidance interactions should start in the early years of schooling in order to avert negative parental influences and build proper career aspirations among students.

HUMAN RELATIONS SKILLS AND JOB PERFORMANCE OF NON-ACADEMIC STAFF AT IGNATIUS AJURU UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION

The study investigated human relations skills and job performance of non-academic staff at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education. Correlational research design was used for the study. Four research questions and four null hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The population of the study consisted of 390 non-academic staff at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education. Convenience sampling technique was used for the study. A self-designed questionnaire titled: ‘Human Relations Skills and Employees Job Performance Questionnaire (HRSJPQ) was used for data collection. Face and content validation were done by other experts in Measurement and Evaluation. The reliability coefficient of (HRSJPQ) was established using test-retest reliability method which yielded r=0.76. Mean and standard deviation was used to answer the research questions while Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) was used to test the null hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance. The study revealed that there was positive relationship between anger management, empathy and effectiveness, quality service delivery of non-academic staff at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education. That there was significant relationship between anger management, empathy and effectiveness, quality service delivery of non-academic staff at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education. It was recommended among others that; management of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education should have a mandatory annual conference for non-academic staff to teach them various human relations skills such as empathy and anger management in order to boost their job performance.

Influence of Risk Acceptance on Implementation of KeRRA Road Construction Projects in Migori County, Kenya

Implementation of Government of Kenya (KeRRA) road construction projects face high levels of risks, but often these risks are not dealt with adequately, which is reflected in low quality of work as well as cost and time overruns. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of risk acceptance on implementation of KeRRA road construction projects in Migori County. Implementation was measured as a function of project completion within the set time frame and being within budget. This study was anchored on Risk Management theory which offer a foundation for interrogating the influence of the variables under study. The research philosophy was based on pragmatism. Concurrent triangulation research design was used as it factors in the qualitative and quantitative aspects of research study. The target population for the study consisted of 92 contractors, 459 constituency roads committee members (CRCs) and 2 Consultant Engineers. Through a sampling size formula, a total of 39 contractors and 193 CRC members were selected using simple random sampling technique. Primary data was obtained through self-administered questionnaires to contractors and CRC members. Validity of research instruments was obtained through piloting and expert evaluation while reliability was tested using test retest method. Inferential statistics of Multiple Linear Regression was applied to determine the influence of risk management strategies on implementation of KeRRA road construction projects by testing the hypotheses for the study. Statistical significance was assessed at p&lt;0.05. Qualitative data obtained from the interview schedules was analysed using content analysis. The study found out that risk acceptance accounted for 70.0% of change in implementation of KeRRA road construction projects. The study concluded that risk acceptance influenced implementation of KeRRA road construction projects significantly (p&lt;0.05). The study recommends that there is need for effective system for risk based identification, analysis and management needs to be activated and KeRRA should ensure that all manpower and machinery used in road constructions are insured and properly certified in accordance with occupational health and safety standards policies.

Cross-cultural adaptation of the Turkish version of the dentin hypersensitivity experience questionnaire short form (DHEQ-15)

BackgroundThe short form of the Dentin Hypersensitivity Experience Questionnaire (DHEQ-15) is a valid and reliable tool for Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) studies. The aim of this study was cross-culturally adapt and validate the English version of DHEQ-15 for the Turkish language.MethodsThe Turkish version of the DHEQ-15 was developed using the forward-backward translation method. Two independent translators translated it from English to Turkish, followed by back-translation into English. A pilot study was conducted with 30 patients with dentin hypersensitivity (DH). The sample consisted of 150 individuals with DH and 150 without. DH was assessed using the Schiff Sensitivity Scale by applying air to the cervical area of the tooth for 1 s from a distance of 1 cm. A total of 300 individuals completed the Turkish DHEQ-15 in the waiting room. Subsequently, 30 randomly selected individuals with DH completed the questionnaire again after 7–10 days to assess test-retest reliability. Participants provided an overall oral health rating assessment on a 6-point scale. The reliability of the DHEQ-15 was assessed using internal consistency and test-retest methods. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) identified its domains, while construct validity was evaluated through cross-cultural (Confirmatory Factor Analysis- CFA), discriminative (Mann-Whitney test) and convergent (Spearman correlation) validity.ResultsThe demographic characteristics of the sample included 137 men and 163 women, with an average age of 36. The Turkish DHEQ-15 demonstrated excellent internal consistency (α = 0.970) and outstanding test-retest reliability (r = 0.920, p < 0.001), indicating an excellent correlation. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the unidimensional scale structure of the Turkish DHEQ-15 (p = 0.000). A statistically significant negative correlation was found between the DHEQ-15 score and the overall oral health rating assessment (p < 0.05). Participants with DH had a significantly higher DHEQ-15 score compared to those without DH (p < 0.001).ConclusionsThis study provides evidence supporting the cross-cultural validity and reliability of the Turkish DHEQ-15.

The Albanian version of the Oswestry Disability Index: translation, cross-cultural adaptation, validity, and reliability

Purpose The aim of this study was to assess the translation, validation, and reliability of the Albanian ODI (ODI-A) version 2.1b. Methods Standardized guidelines for evaluation of psychometric properties were followed. Participants were recruited from a national center with orthopedic-traumatological specialty of an Albanian region. The construct validity, internal consistency, and the reliability of ODI-A measured by seven days test–retest method across two repeated measures were considered. Results In total, 200 patients completed the ODI-A 2.1b version: 43% had low back pain, 36% had rheumatoid arthritis as principal diagnosis and the other participants had trauma, luxation, discal hernia, and fractures as diagnosis accompanied by back pain. There were no missing items. The Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin was 0.613 and Bartlett’s test of sphericity was found to be significant (p < 0.001). ODI-A showed excellent test–retest reliability of each item (ICC = 0.707–0.959). Cronbach’s α for the first completion was 0.684, ICC for ODI-A was 0.629, the SEM was 1.701, and MDC95% was 4.71. Conclusions ODI-A, adapted from a linguistic and cultural perspective, meets validity and reliability requirements necessary for its use in the Albanian population with back pain.

Competences of Basic Science and Technology Teachers in Junior Secondary Schools for Effective Service Delivery in Bassa Area Directorate of Education, Plateau State, Nigeria.

This study investigated the competences of Basic Science and Technology teachers in Junior Secondary Schools for effective service delivery in Bassa Area Directorate of Education, Plateau State. The study adopted a survey design and employed closed ended structured questionnaire, Teacher Competence on Students Academic Achievement in Basic Science and Technology Questionnaire (TCSABSTQ) for data collection from respondents. The population of the study comprised 51 Basic Science and Technology teachers in 39 Junior Secondary Schools in Bassa Local Government Area while a sample of 20 respondents was selected using simple random sampling technique. The instrument was determined using test-retest reliability method with a reliability coefficient r=0.93. Mean scores were used in answering research questions. The study found out that most Basic Science and teachers in secondary schools in Bassa Local Government Area were qualified and competent to teach the subject as they mostly held B.Ed. or NCE in Integrated Science or a Bachelor of Science with a corresponding qualification in education such as Post Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE). Results showed that Teachers’ competences affected students’ performance as the quality of education students receive depends on the qualification of teachers. The study identified inadequate workshop and training, inconsistency in Integrated Science curriculum, lack of adequate instructional materials and inadequate funding as the challenges faced by teachers in teaching Basic Science and Technology in Junior Secondary Schools in Bassa Local Government Area. The study recommended among others that teachers should be encouraged to also register with professional science bodies such as the Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAN,) and new teachers should constantly go through in-service training, workshops and seminars to improve their pedagogical skills and subject matter competence. Accepted: 17/10/2024

The Development of a Food Frequency Questionnaire for the Assessment of Ultra-Processed Food Consumption in the Italian Adult Population: Protocol for a Validity and Reproducibility Study.

Over the last decade, while studies on the detrimental effects of ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption have increased, methodological limitations on the quality of available evidence have emerged. Starting from a critical reassessment of the NOVA classification, this project will aim to develop and validate a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), which is based on the processing of consumed foods and specifically designed to estimate the UPF consumption and total dietary intake of macro- and micronutrients in the Italian adult population. This study will take place in selected workplaces and include healthy males and females aged ≥18 years, residing in Italy and with Italian citizenship. The FFQ will be online, voluntary, self-administered, semi-quantitative, and designed to assess food intake over the past year and distinguish between industrial, artisanal, and home-made products. This project will consist of two phases. First, a pilot study will be conducted to obtain the final version of the FFQ. The current food consumption of the target population will be investigated, through a 24 h dietary recall, and the face validity of the new tool will be tested. The second phase will involve at least 436 participants. To assess reproducibility, the FFQ will be administered twice (at an interval of 3-10 months), and the test-retest method will be used. A 7-day weighed dietary record (WDR) will also be completed after each FFQ administration. To evaluate criterion validity, data from the two WDRs will be compared against those from the first FFQ administration. The results will provide a new valid tool focused on food processing, potentially useful for future studies.

Effectiveness of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy on Level of Stress and Anxiety among Sober Alcohol Dependents Attending Self Help Groups in Selected Areas

ABSTRACT Introduction: Stress and anxiety are common, especially in challenging situations. Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) helps manage these by addressing irrational thoughts. It is also effective in reducing emotional distress linked to alcohol addiction. Methodology: This study evaluates the levels of stress and anxiety among sober alcohol dependents attending self-help groups and assesses the effectiveness of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) in reducing these levels. A quantitative, quasi-experimental non-randomized control group design was used, with 60 participants (30 in the control group and 30 in the experimental group) selected through convenience sampling. Conducted over 28 days, the research setting included selected self-help groups. Reliability scores for the stress and anxiety assessment tools were high (0.99) based on the test-retest method, ensuring the study's credibility. A pilot study confirmed feasibility for larger-scale research. The findings provide key insights into REBT's role in improving mental health among sober alcohol dependents. Result: The study demonstrated that Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) is significantly effective in reducing both stress and anxiety among sober alcohol dependents attending self-help groups. For stress, pretest results in the experimental group showed 43.3% of participants had moderate stress and 56.7% had high stress. Posttest results revealed substantial improvement, with 33.3% reporting low stress and 66.7% reporting moderate stress. The paired t-test showed a significant reduction in stress scores, with an average decrease from 26.8 to 16.6 (p-value &lt; 0.05). Similarly, anxiety levels improved significantly. In the experimental group, pretest anxiety results showed 56.7% with moderate anxiety, which dropped to 13.3% posttest. The paired t-test revealed a significant decrease in anxiety scores from 26 to 15.3 (p-value &lt; 0.05). Comparison between experimental and control groups also confirmed the significant impact of REBT on reducing both stress and anxiety levels. Conclusion: The findings suggest that REBT is a highly effective intervention for managing stress and anxiety in sober alcohol dependents.

Physical Facility Availability and Students’ Academic Performance in Public Secondary Schools in Trans Nzoia East Sub-County, Kenya

Education is essential for individual growth and national progress, but its success largely depends on the institutions that sustain it. Identifying how these institutional factors contribute to or hinder academic success is vital for overcoming challenges in the education sector and promoting academic achievement. This study seeks to examine how physical facility availability influences academic performance of learners in public secondary schools in Trans Nzoia East Sub-county, Kenya. The study set out to ascertain the following effects: the influence of science laboratories and computer laboratories in the academic performance of students in public secondary schools in Kenya's Trans Nzoia East Sub-County; assess the influence of library resources on the academic performance of students in public secondary schools in Kenya's Trans Nzoia East Sub-County; to evaluate the effects of dormitories on the academic performance of students in public secondary schools in Kenya's Trans Nzoia East Sub-County; and the impact of sanitation facilities and open fields on the academic performance of students in public secondary schools in Kenya's Trans Nzoia East Sub-County. Based on the principle of the Education Production Function, the study was conducted utilized a mixed-methods, descriptive approach. The research targeted a population of 4574 persons consisting of 73 principals, 1,280 serving instructors and 3221 senior students in government secondary institutions. Participants were selected using random sampling to appoint the sample of principals, teachers and students. A sample of 354 individuals were identified using the Krejcie &amp; Morgan table (1970) of choosing the appropriate number of sample. The sample consisted of 6 principals, 99 serving teachers and 249 form four students. To collect data, the study used interviews, questionnaires, document analysis and observation. The instruments were piloted in three public secondary schools in Trans Nzoia West region. Validity testing was done by the researcher being assisted by professionals who expertise in various aspects of validy. In reliability, test-retest method was administered and determined by the Cronbach alpha coefficient of a 0.7 threshold. . The analysis of quantitative data employed descriptive and inferential statistical techniques, with the aid of SPSS version 26 while qualitative data were categorized into themes corresponding to the study’s key objectives. The key findings indicated a statistically significant association between physical facilities and the academic performance of students. A Pearson correlation analysis demonstrated a significant positive relationship(0.968)between the availability of physical facilities and students’ academic performance indicating that students in schools with better facilities achieved higher scores academically. These results confirm that the presence of adequate physical facilities support better learning condition and hence improve students outcomes. It is recommended that educational policymakers invest in enhancing physical facilities to improve academic outcomes for students in public secondary schools.

Development and validation of a questionnaire on radiation protection knowledge, attitudes, and practices among Moroccan dentists.

This study aimed to develop and evaluate the validity and reliability of dentists' radiation protection knowledge, attitudes, and practices (DRP-KAPs) questionnaire. This study was conducted using a stepwise approach. In the first step, items were generated to determine the relevant content and domains after a thorough literature review. In the second step, the content validity of the questionnaire was assessed by seven experts using face and content validity. The content validity index for relevance and clarity (I-CVI, S-CVI/Av, and S-CVI/UA) and the content validity ratio (CVR) were performed. Then, the questionnaire was pre-tested with 10 dentists for face validation. In the third step, reliability was assessed using internal consistency (Kuder-Richardson-20 (KR-20) and Cronbach's alpha) and test-retest (Kappa and intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]) methods by filling out the questionnaire by 100 dentists practicing in the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra region, in Morocco. The finalized DRP-KAPs questionnaire contains 41 items covering knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAPs). The I-CVIs, S-CVI/UA and S-CVI/AV and CVR values of the 41 items were ≥0.86 for each item, ≥0.82, ≥0.97, and ≥0.71, respectively. With regard to internal consistency reliability, the KR-20 coefficients for the knowledge and practice domains were 0.70 and 0.68, respectively, and the Cronbach alpha for the attitude domain was 0.73. The DRP-KAPs questionnaire has good reliability with the ICC coefficients for attitude items ranging from 0.57 to 0.95 and Kappa coefficients for knowledge and practice items ranging from 0.64 to 1 and 0.77 to 1, respectively. The developed DRP-KAPs questionnaire was found to be a noteworthy tool for assessing radiation protection among dentists, with acceptable internal consistency, good ICC and Kappa coefficients, and good content validity indices.

Assessing The Relationship Between Screen Time andMyopia In Children Aged 5-12 Ibadan South-West Local Governmen

This study investigated the relationship between screen time and myopia in children aged 5-12 years in Ibadan South-west Local Government, Nigeria. Guided by three specific purposes and research questions, the study examined how screen exposure, parental behaviors, and socioeconomic status influenced the development of myopia in young children. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. A sample of 300 children aged 5-12 years was selected from primary schools using a multistage sampling method. Two main instruments were used for data collection: a structured questionnaire for parents and an eye examination for children. The questionnaire was reviewed by experts in child health, education, and visual health to ensure content validity. The test-retest method was employed to establish reliability, with a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.70. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency counts, percentages, means, and standard deviations, to summarize demographic data, screen time duration, and the prevalence of myopia among participants. The findings revealed that prolonged screen time was significantly associated with higher rates of myopia among children. Children exposed to more than 2 hours of screen time daily had a higher prevalence of myopia. Passive screen activities, such as watching television, were found to have a stronger association with myopia than active screen use, like educational or interactive activities. Parental behaviors and lower socioeconomic status were also linked to increased screen exposure and higher rates of myopia. The study concluded that excessive screen time poses a significant risk for myopia in children and highlighted the need for public health interventions and parental education to manage screen time effectively and support healthier visual development.