Total Population Survey Research Articles

Standard-Setting Methods for Assessment in a Post-Graduate Medical College.

Standard-setting procedures assess candidates' competence in an examination. Different standard-setting methods produce different pass scores, and no gold standard exists currently. The quality of the standard-setting process is critical in medical examinations where true competency needs to be determined for safe medical practice. This study assessed the standard-setting methods the college uses to determine the pass scores in the various parts of the fellowship examinations and compared these methods with the arbitrary 50% previously used. A cross-sectional comparative study to assess the standard-setting methods adopted, which was applied to the September/October/November 2023 fellowship examinations. This was a total population survey involving the 16 faculties of the College. Secondary data from a compilation of approved results was used. Descriptive and analytical statistics in Microsoft Excel program. The methods for standard-setting adopted by the college were assessed, and their mean pass scores were analysed. The mean pass score for the primary multiple choice questions examinations was 46.7%, lower than the previously used arbitrary 50% mark, and this difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The mean pass scores for the other examinations were higher than the previously used arbitrary 50% mark, but these differences were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Implementation of the approved standard-setting methods can be improved with more training and retraining of faculties and examiners so that results that are consistent with their purpose, and that align well with other measures of competency can be produced.

THE MEDIATING EFFECT OF PASSION FOR TEACHING ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE AND EMPOWERING LEADERSHIP OF SCHOOL HEADS

The purpose of this study was to determine the mediating effect of passion for teaching on the relationship between organizational culture and empowering leadership of school heads. Utilizing quantitative, non-experimental design via correlational technique, data were obtained from 331 elementary public school teachers who belong to the 2 districts, Bansalan East and Bansalan West under the Division of Davao Del Sur. The researcher utilized the total population technique and survey mode of data collection. The researcher also utilized the statistical tools mean, Pearson r, and Path Analysis. From the results of the study, it was found out that there is a high level of mean scores for all variables of organizational culture and empowering leadership of school heads and very high mean scores for passion for teaching. Also, results revealed that there are significant relationships between organizational culture and between passion for teaching and empowering leadership of school heads. Further, it was revealed that there was a partial mediation effect of passion for teaching on the relationship between organizational culture and empowering leadership of school heads. This implies that the passion for teaching conveys organizational culture.&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Article visualizations:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="/-counters-/soc/0019/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Anxiety Levels of Hypertensive Patients Against the Implementation of Covid-19 Vaccination in the Work Area of the Kawatuna Health Center

This study aims to identify the level of anxiety of hypertensive patients regarding the implementation of the Covid-19 vaccination in the work area of the Kawatuna Public Health Center. The research design used was descriptive, with a total population survey design of 30 respondents. The study was conducted on 6 – 12 June 2022. The results of this study were the level of anxiety of hypertensive patients towards the implementation of the Covid-19 vaccination; most of the categories were moderate anxiety (46.6%), mild anxiety (13.3%), severe anxiety (30%), no anxiety (3.3%), and panic (6.6%). The study concluded that most hypertensive patients have moderate anxiety about implementing the Covid-19 vaccination, which was indicated by a positive attitude that controls anxiety. It is recommended that health workers improve their control of anxiety levels to be more effective such as teaching relaxation techniques, doing regular physical activity, and providing health counseling

Intersectional inequalities in loneliness among older adults before and during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic: A total population survey in the Swedish eldercare setting

Loneliness among older adults is a public health problem that has received particular attention since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic. Studies to date have however found a rather modest psychosocial impact of the pandemic on older adults, and scarce research has analyzed this impact using a comprehensive equity lens. The present study used an intersectional approach to examine social inequalities in loneliness before and during the early phase of the pandemic among older adults receiving eldercare in Sweden. The study population (analytical N = 205,529) came from two waves (2019 and 2020) of a total population survey to all older adult (>65 years of age) home care recipients and nursing home residents in Sweden. Loneliness was self-reported by a single-item measure, and survey data were linked to population register data on age, gender, residential setting, income, and country of birth. Additive binomial regression models were used to estimate prevalence differences and discriminatory accuracy according to an analysis of individual heterogeneity and discriminatory accuracy (AIHDA) approach. Results showed inequalities in loneliness arising particularly in the intersection of country of birth, income, and residential setting. The inequalities widened slightly but ubiquitously following the emergence of the pandemic in 2020, with particularly nursing home residents emerging as a risk group. The discriminatory accuracy of inequalities was consistently low to moderate throughout the analyses but increased marginally during the pandemic in 2020. The study illustrates how social inequalities engenders heterogeneity in the psychosocial risk of older adults before and during the pandemic. These findings should stimulate more nuanced and equity-oriented depictions, research and policies about loneliness among older adults in the peri-pandemic era.

Surviving Through Solitude: A Prospective National Study of the Impact of the Early COVID-19 Pandemic and a Visiting Ban on Loneliness Among Nursing Home Residents in Sweden.

ObjectivesTargeted social distancing measures were widely implemented for nursing home residents when the extremely high COVID-19 mortality in this setting became apparent. Still, there is still scarce rigorous research examining how the pandemic and accompanying social distancing measures impacted loneliness in this group. This prospective nation-wide Swedish study of nursing home residents aimed to examine the impact on loneliness of the early phase of the pandemic and of a national visiting ban at nursing homes.MethodsA panel was selected from a total population survey of all nursing home residents in Sweden March-May 2019 and 2020 (N=11,782; age range 70-110 years; mean age 88.2 years; 71% women). Prospective pretest-posttest and controlled interrupted time series designs were employed, with time trends estimated by date of returned questionnaire. Generalized linear models were used for estimation of effects, adjusting for demographic, survey-, and health-related covariates.ResultsLoneliness prevalence increased from 17 to 19% from 2019 to 2020 (Risk Ratio, RR (95% confidence interval, CI)=1.104 (1.060; 1.150)), but which was explained by self-reported health (RR(95%CI)=1.023 (0.982; 1.066)). No additional impact of the visiting ban on loneliness trends was found in the interrupted time series analyses (RR(95%CI)=0.984 (0.961; 1.008)).DiscussionThe moderate but health-dependent increased risk of loneliness, and the lack of impact of the nation-wide visiting ban at nursing homes, suggest that this ostensibly vulnerable group of nursing home residents also show signs of resilience, at least during the early phase of the pandemic.

Venerable vulnerability or remarkable resilience? A prospective study of the impact of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and quarantine measures on loneliness in Swedish older adults with home care

ObjectivesTo examine the early impact of the pandemic and of quarantine measures targeting older adults introduced in March 2020 on loneliness among older adults in Sweden.Design Prospective pretest–posttest and controlled...

THE INFLUENCE OF SCHOOL CULTURAL ELEMENTS AND ATTITUDE ON SELF-EFFICACY OF TEACHERS IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION

The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of school cultural activities and teacher attitude and self-efficacy of teachers in Physical Education. Utilizing quantitative, non-experimental design via correlational technique, data were obtained from 300 respondents of the study who are teachers in public secondary schools in Digos City division and Davao del Sur division. The researcher utilized the total population technique and survey mode of data collection. The researcher also utilized the statistical tools mean, Pearson r, and multiple regression. From the results of the study, it was found out that there is a very high level of mean scores for all variables of school cultural elements, teacher attitude and self-efficacy of teachers in Physical Education. Also, results revealed that there are significant relationships between school cultural elements and self-efficacy, between teacher attitude and self-efficacy of public school teachers. Further, it was revealed there is a significant influence on the domains of school cultural elements and teacher attitude on the self-efficacy of teachers in Physical Education, and that the domains professional values, collaboration, leadership, and classroom management best influence the teaching efficacy of teachers in Physical Education.&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Article visualizations:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0910/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

MEDIATING EFFECT OF TEACHER ATTITUDE ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LEARNING ENVIRONMENT AND PERCEIVED WELLBEING OF PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS

The aim of this study was to determine the mediating effect of teacher attitude towards a physical education learning environment and the perceived well-being of public school teachers. Utilizing quantitative, non-experimental design via correlational technique, data were obtained from 340 respondents of the study who are teachers in Physical Education in public schools (elementary and secondary) in Matanao, Bansalan and Magsaysay (MABAMA), Davao del Sur. The researcher utilized the total population technique and survey mode of data collection. The researcher also utilized the statistical tools mean, Pearson r, and for the mediation approach Medgraph using Sobel z-test. From the results of the study, it was found out that there is a high level of mean scores for all variables of learning environment, teacher attitude, and perceived well-being of public school teachers. Also, results revealed that there are significant relationships between learning environment and perceived well-being, between learning environment and teacher attitude, and between teacher attitude and perceived well-being of public school teachers. Further, it was revealed that there was a partial mediation on the effect of teacher attitude on the relationship between learning environment and perceived well-being of public school teachers. This implies that the learning environment conveys a good teacher attitude.&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Article visualizations:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0906/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Total population survey of people with severe behavioral disorders in Tottori prefecture of Japan

Total population survey of people with severe behavioral disorders in Tottori prefecture of Japan

Anatomy Education in Nigeria: An Empirical Study of Students' Knowledge and Perceptions on Training and Prospects Towards Meeting the Country's Need.

IntroductionAnatomy is currently a basic medical science bachelor program in Nigerian universities. The roles of anatomists in the Nigeria health, education and other relevant sectors are vaguely defined. Career prospects have been perceived to be very limited.Materials and MethodsThis study was a total population survey of all Nigerian private university students that were enrolled in the Anatomy programs. Structured questionnaires were distributed to the students after securing their written informed consent. Data were obtained about the structure of their training and the program, knowledge of career prospects, motivation, potential career paths and employment prospects, as well as general opinions of the program. The target population was estimated at 1000 [N=1000].ResultsA total of 902 [n=902] properly completed and returned questionnaires were considered suitable for analysis. The results showed that 55% of the respondents were female. Half of the respondents (50.8%) had a moderate interest in Anatomy as a career while others had an interest in alternative careers. Training was found to include intensive classroom teaching and laboratory work mainly in the Gross Anatomy and Histology. Hands-on training in forms of clinical, field and industrial experiences was limited. Furthermore, slightly more than half of the respondents (51.7%) had poor attitudes towards the bachelor’s degree in Anatomy. They also perceived their job or career prospects in Anatomy as poor, citing perceived unfavorable governmental policies and very limited professional opportunities in relevant sectors including health, research, education and the public as the major influencing factors.ConclusionThese results showed that the students had a moderate interest in pursuing a career in Anatomy. Their training was however limited in the aspects of practical and experiential learning. Their attitude was also negatively influenced by their perception of limited career prospects. Training was therefore robust in the cognitive domain but limited in psychomotor and affective. Curricular review and strategic restructuring of training methods in line with the competencies that are expected of the Anatomy program graduates would help.

Usability of Eye-Gaze Controlled Computers in Sweden: A Total Population Survey.

Eye-gaze technology allows individuals with severe physical disabilities and complex communication needs to control a computer or other devices with eye-gaze, thereby enabling them to communicate and participate in society. To date, most research on eye-gaze controlled devices related to persons with disabilities has focused on a single diagnosis in either adults or children and has included only a few participants. This current study utilized a total population survey to identify the prevalence and perceived usability of eye-gaze technology among adults and children in Sweden. Participants were 171 eye-gaze technology users with severe physical and communication impairments, ranging between 4 and 81 years. Cerebral palsy was the most common diagnosis. Daily usage was found in 63%, while 33% had weekly, and 4% had less frequent usage. Adults, compared with children, reported using their computers more frequently (65%/38%; p < 0.01), and for the activities they needed to perform (59%/31%; p < 0.01) and were more satisfied with services, indicating that service providers should prioritize and develop more effective services for children and their parents.

Gambling and gambling problem among elite athletes and their professional coaches: findings from a Swedish total population survey of participants in four sports

ABSTRACT This study assessed the following among elite athletes and their coaches in Sweden: (i) prevalence of gambling and ‘at risk for gambling problems’ (PGSI 3+); and (ii) relations between ‘at risk for gambling problems’ and attitudes towards gambling, experiences of gambling, and individual and demographic factors. A total of 1438 athletes and 401 coaches, in four sports, completed an online survey. Overall, 2% of female athletes and 13% of male athletes were classified as being ‘at risk for gambling problems’. Using an ordinal logistic regression, the results showed associations between ‘at risk for gambling problems’ and eight of the investigated variables: ‘talk about gambling during training’, ‘coaches positive attitude towards gambling’, ‘gambling companies encourage gambling’, ‘I have gambled on own game’, ‘someone I know has gambled on their own game’, ‘gambling is important in the family’, ‘someone in my acquaintance have/had a gambling problem’, ‘alcohol consumption’ among the athletes. Coaches of men’s teams had a higher prevalence (7%) than did coaches of women’s teams (3%). The findings suggest that the sports clubs should have greater knowledge about gambling problems as well as a communication strategy of their acquired knowledge to their athletes and coaches.

Causes of distraction leading to supervision lapses in cases of fatal drowning of children 0–4 years in Australia: A 15‐year review

Supervision is a strategy for preventing drowning among children. However, supervision lapses continue to be a contributory factor in child drowning. This study aims to identify, describe and analyse the causes of distraction leading to lapses in supervision in child drowning. A total population survey of all fatal unintentional drownings among children aged 0-4 years between 1 July 2002 and 30 June 2017 was undertaken using data from the Australian National Coronial Information System. Among closed coronial cases, causes of distraction leading to lapses in supervision were collected as free text from closed case documentation and subsequently thematically grouped into categories. Univariate and χ2 analysis was undertaken (P < 0.01). A total of 447 children drowned during the study period (62.0% male; 66.9% aged 1-2 years; 53.3% swimming pools; 79.4% falls into water). Of the 426 (95.3%) closed cases, common supervision lapses were due to indoor household duties (27.6%), outdoor household duties (12.6%) and talking/socialising (11.9%). This study has identified common scenarios for distractions leading to supervision lapses including the link between indoor household duties and bathtub drowning deaths and talking/socialising for deaths in swimming pools and at rivers. Challenges include medical issues impacting sole carers. The 7% of cases where a supervision lapse occurred due to miscommunication are opportunities to further reinforce the need for a designated supervisor, particularly with two or more adults present. Study findings on distraction causes, and strategies to minimise them, should be incorporated into national public awareness campaigns aimed at parents and care givers of this at-risk group.

REAL WORLD EXPERIENCE WITH EDS-FLU FROM THE PATIENT'S PERSPECTIVE: A FOLLOW-UP PATIENT SURVEY

Introduction Patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with or without nasal polyps (CRSw/sNP) report suboptimal symptom control and frustration with current treatments. EDS-FLU is a novel approach to intranasal delivery of a topical steroid. In clinical trials, it improved multiple symptoms, eliminated nasal polyps in some patients, and decreased surgical eligibility. The product recently became available and early treatment satisfaction and preference for EDS-FLU were assessed. Methods Participants in a special access program (Xperience) who received EDS-FLU were offered the opportunity to complete a phone survey to receive their first prescription refill at no-cost to them. Assessment questions included adherence, previous intranasal steroid (INS) use, symptoms change, ease of use, satisfaction, preference vs. INS and whether they would recommend EDS-FLU. Results are for responders during the first two months of the program. Results At cutoff, 1635 patients completed the survey; 67% had used conventional INS and 7% used budesonide irrigations (within 6 months). Among responders, 78% reported symptom improvement, 89% treatment satisfaction, 78% preferred EDS-FLU to prior INS, and 90% stated they would recommend EDS-FLU. Recent fluticasone users (N=442) reported symptom improvement/satisfaction/preference/recommend levels with EDS-FLU of 83%/90%/83%/90%, while recent budesonide irrigation users (N=122) reported 70%/91%/84%/89%. Spontaneously-reported adverse events were consistent with those reported in clinical trials. Limitations include generalizability of early adopters and responder bias. Conclusions In this real-world experience survey among patients recently starting EDS-FLU, most patients reported improved symptoms, treatment satisfaction, and EDS-FLU preference for EDS-FLU compared to previous nasal steroids. EDS-FLU may be an important new option for patients who receive INS. Total Population Survey Results

A Retrospective, Cross-Sectional Cohort Study Examining the Risk of Unintentional Fatal Drowning during Public Holidays in Australia

Australia’s celebration of its public holidays often involves aquatic recreation, frequently mixed with consumption of alcohol, both of which are risk factors for drowning. This study examines how the demographics and circumstances of public holiday drownings compare to the average day drownings. A total population survey (1 July 2002 to 30 June 2017) of unintentional fatal drownings in Australia were extracted from the Royal Life Saving National Fatal Drowning Database. Date of drowning and state/territory of residence were used to determine if the drowning occurred on a public holiday in the person’s place of residence. 4175 persons drowned during the study period. There was a statistically significant difference between the incidence of fatal drowning on public holidays and the other days, with fatal drowning 1.73 times more likely to occur on public holidays (CI: 1.57–1.89). The increased risk of drowning on public holidays should inform the timing and the content of drowning prevention campaigns and strategies.

Perimeters of, and challenges to, the jurisdiction of Swedish special educators: an exploration of free text responses

Special needs educators (SNEs) have important roles in many education systems. However, their roles are often poorly defined, and differ greatly both between and within education systems. Studies show that SNEs have diverse tasks, have problems defining their jurisdiction, and approach special support with different perspectives than other professions. Here, the aim is to explore what Swedish SNEs express regarding their occupational role and jurisdiction, utilising 676 free text responses to an open question in a total population survey. The results illustrate that SNEs often have to take on tasks they do not view as appropriate and that they often experience misunderstanding from head teachers and colleagues about their roles and tasks, and that they risk being replaced by other professions. Some explanations can be found in vague legal definitions of their jurisdiction and the necessity of adaption to the local school context. The results are interpreted using Abbott’s theory of jurisdiction and Evetts’ distinctions of professionalisation and professionalism. The study confirms results from prior research to a high degree but adds further nuance and dimensions to them with formulations from active professionals.

Firefighters, posttraumatic stress disorder, and barriers to treatment: Results from a nationwide total population survey.

Repeated exposure to traumatic experiences may put professional firefighters at increased risk of developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To date, however, the rate of PTSD symptoms, unmet need for mental health treatment, and barriers to treatment have only been investigated in subsamples rather than the total population of firefighters. We conducted a nationwide, total population-based survey of all currently employed South Korean firefighters (n = 39,562). The overall response rate was 93.8% (n = 37,093), with 68.0% (n = 26,887) complete responses for all variables. The rate of current probable PTSD was estimated as 5.4%. Among those with current probable PTSD (n = 1,995), only a small proportion (9.7%) had received mental health treatment during the past month. For those who had not received treatment, perceived barriers of accessibility to treatment (29.3%) and concerns about potential stigma (33.8%) were reasons for not receiving treatment. Although those with higher PTSD symptom severity and functional impairment were more likely to seek treatment, greater symptom severity and functional impairment were most strongly associated with increased concerns about potential stigma. This nationwide study points to the need for new approaches to promote access to mental health treatment in professional firefighters.

Prevalence of musculoskeletal diseases in a semi-urban Nigerian community: results of a cross-sectional survey using COPCORD methodology

The International League of Associations for Rheumatology (ILAR) in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) initiated the Community Oriented Program for the Control of Rheumatic diseases (COPCORD) to promote the growth of rheumatology in developing countries. This is the first COPCORD-type survey carried out in a West African community. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal diseases in a semi-urban Nigerian community, using the COPCORD methodology. This is a cross-sectional total population survey, carried out in Katon Rikkos, Jos, Nigeria, from June 2015 to November 2016. All inhabitants of the community who are 15years and older were included in the study, except those who were not available or refused to participate. Trained health workers from the community carried out a house-to-house survey, to administer the COPCORD questionnaire. People reporting musculoskeletal symptoms were examined and investigated at the teaching hospital, to determine the specific type of musculoskeletal diseases. Data was analyzed using Epi-info version 7.1.5 and P values of <0.05 were considered statistically significant. The median age of the study population was 33 (IQR 24-46) years, with a male to female ratio of 1:1.1. The prevalence of musculoskeletal disease was 33%. Females (57.0%) were more affected than males (43.0%); the most common form of musculoskeletal diseases diagnosed was osteoarthritis (22.0%). Male sex and a family history of musculoskeletal diseases were independent predictors of musculoskeletal diseases. A Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI) ≥1 was recorded in 14% of subjects with musculoskeletal diseases. The prevalence of musculoskeletal diseases in this community is high with significant disability; therefore, there is urgent need for increased access to rheumatology care in the community.

The extent of ability grouping in Swedish upper secondary schools: a national survey

Differentiation among students according to ability has been a topic of interest in educational systems all over the world for a long period of time. This study focuses on the extent of ability grouping in Swedish upper secondary schools, using a total population survey that covers all upper secondary schools. Previous research on the effects of ability grouping on students and groups of students gives a quite clear picture and the relation between ability grouping and issues of inequity and undemocratic values is an often-raised issue, where low-achieving students are especially adversely affected. Results from this study show that many (43%) upper secondary schools use ability grouping as a way to differentiate students in educational settings. It is found that it is more frequently used within the foundation subjects and especially in mathematics. No particular group of schools reports using ability grouping at a significantly higher rate, but the schools that reported using it to a very large extent differ on many school-level variables. These schools are focused on specifically. The extent of ability grouping is discussed in relation to previous research and issues of equity.

Joint physical custody, turning to parents for emotional support, and subjective health: A study of adolescents in Stockholm, Sweden

Among children with separated parents, the arrangement of joint physical custody, i.e. children living equally much in both parents' homes, has increased substantially during the last decades in Sweden. To date, empirical research on the living conditions of this group is limited. This study analyses family type differences in turning to parents for emotional support and in subjective health among adolescents. The focus of the study is adolescents in joint physical custody, who are compared with those living with two original parents in the same household; those living (only) in a single-parent household; and those living (only) in a reconstituted family. The data come from the Stockholm School Survey of 2004, a total population survey of students in grade 9 (15-16 years) in Stockholm (n=8,840). Ordinary least squares (OLS) regressions were conducted. Turning to both parents about problems is most commonly reported by adolescents in intact families, followed by those in joint physical custody. Adolescents in non-traditional family types report worse subjective health than adolescents in intact families, but the difference is smaller for those in joint physical custody than for those living with a single parent. The slightly poorer health of adolescents in joint physical custody than those in intact families is not explained by their lower use of parents as a source of emotional support. The study suggests that joint physical custody is associated with a higher inclination to use parents as a source of emotional support and better subjective health than other post-divorce family types.