Increasing chemistry students’ knowledge, confidence, and conceptual understanding of pH using a collaborative computer pH simulation

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 528-535 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandy White Watson ◽  
Anton V. Dubrovskiy ◽  
Michelle L. Peters

The purpose of this quasi-experimental non-equivalent pretest posttest control group research was to determine whether or not the use of a collaborative pH computer simulation has an impact on the knowledge, confidence, and conceptual understanding of fundamental pH concepts for undergraduate Chemistry II students. A purposeful sample of 59 Chemistry II undergraduate students were administered pre/post assessments and surveys. Results indicated higher pH knowledge, pH confidence, and pH conceptual understanding among those students who had completed the collaborative computer simulation modules (23 students/intervention group) instead of the alternative traditional classroom assignments (36 students/control group).

Crisis ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (6) ◽  
pp. 415-426 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yik-Wa Law ◽  
Paul S. F. Yip ◽  
Carmen C. S. Lai ◽  
Chi Leung Kwok ◽  
Paul W. C. Wong ◽  
...  

Abstract. Background: Studies have shown that postdischarge care for self-harm patients is effective in reducing repeated suicidal behaviors. Little is known about whether volunteer support can help reduce self-harm repetition and improve psychosocial well-being. Aim: This study investigated the efficacy of volunteer support in preventing repetition of self-harm. Method: This study used a quasi-experimental design by assigning self-harm patients admitted to the emergency departments to an intervention group with volunteer support and treatment as usual (TAU) for 9 months and to a control group of TAU. Outcome measures include repetition of self-harm, suicidal ideation, hopelessness, and level of depressive and anxiety symptoms. Results: A total of 74 cases were recruited (38 participants; 36 controls). There were no significant differences in age, gender, and clinical condition between the two groups at the baseline. The intervention group showed significant improvements in hopelessness and depressive symptoms. However, the number of cases of suicide ideation and of repetition of self-harm episodes was similar for both groups at the postintervention period. Conclusion: Postdischarge care provided by volunteers showed significant improvement in hopelessness and depression. Volunteers have been commonly involved in suicide prevention services. Further research using rigorous methods is recommended for improving service quality in the long term.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wawan Kurniawan

ABSTRAK  Latar belakang: Demam Berdarah Dengue (DBD) disebabkan oleh virus Dengue dapat menyebabkan kematian. Pencegahan DBD yang dianggap paling tepat adalah Pemberantasan Sarang Nyamuk (PSN). Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh pelatihan pengendalian vektor Demam Berdarah pada siswa sekolah dasar terhadap Maya Index di Majalengka. Metode: Penelitian ini menggunakan desain quasi experiment (pretest-posttest control group design). Sebanyak 4 sekolah terpilih sebagai kelompok intervensi dan 4 sekolah lainnya sebagai kontrol. Subyek penelitian adalah siswa kelas IV-VI yang terdiri dari 171 siswa pada kelompok intervensi dan 163 pada kelompok kontrol. Instrumen yang digunakan adalah formulir pemantauan jentik berkala. Hasil: Jumlah rumah dengan kategori Maya Index tinggi berkurang dari 27,5% menjadi 9,4%. Terjadi penurunan angka BRI kategori tinggi pada kelompok intervensi dari 20,5% menjadi 1,8%. Pada kelompok kontrol tidak terjadi penurunan angka BRI kategori tinggi (22,1%), sebaliknya terjadi penurunan kategori rendah dari 34,4% menjadi 3,7%. Tidak terjadi penurunan angka HRI pada kelompok intervensi maupun kontrol. Kesimpulan: Pelatihan pengendalian vektor Demam Berdarah dapat menurunkan nilai BRI dan Maya Index, tetapi tidak berpengaruh terhadap nilai HRI. Tidak adanya perubahan nilai HRI menunjukkan bahwa kebersihan dan sanitasi lingkungan merupakan faktor yang berpengaruh terhadap probabilitas kejadian demam berdarah. Kata Kunci : Demam Berdarah, Maya Index, pelatihan, pengendalian vektor   ABSTRACT Background: Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) caused by Dengue virus could cause death. The most appropriate prevention of Dengue is eradication of mosquito nests (PSN). This study aims to determine the effect of Dengue vector control training on elementary students towards Maya Index in Majalengka. Method: This study used quasi-experimental design (pretest-posttest control group design). A total of 4 schools were selected as intervention groups and 4 other schools as controls. The subjects were students in grades IV-VI consisting of 171 students in the intervention group and 163 in the control group. The instrument used was periodic larva monitoring form. Results: The number of houses with a high Maya Index category in the intervention group decreased from 27.5% to 9.4%. There was a decrease in the high BRI category in the intervention group from 20.5% to 1.8%. In the control group, there was no decrease in the high BRI category (22.1%), on the contrary, there was a decrease in the low category from 34.4% to 3.7%. There was no decrease in HRI rates both of intervention or control groups. Conclusion: Dengue Fever vector control training could decrease the value of BRI and Maya Index, but does not affect the value of HRI. The absence of changes in HRI  indicate that environmental hygiene and sanitation are factors that influence the probability of dengue fever occurrence. Keywords: Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever, Maya Index, training, vector control


Author(s):  
Leticia Borfe ◽  
Caroline Brand ◽  
Letícia Schneiders ◽  
Jorge Mota ◽  
Claudia Cavaglieri ◽  
...  

Physical exercise reduces the biochemical markers of obesity, but the effects of multicomponent interventions on these markers should be explored. The present study aimed to elucidate how overweight/obese adolescents respond to a multicomponent program approach on body composition, physical fitness, and inflammatory markers, using a quasi-experimental study with 33 overweight/obesity adolescents (control group (CG) = 16; intervention group (IG) = 17). The intervention consisted of 24 weeks with physical exercises and nutritional and psychological guidance. Both groups were evaluated at the pre/post-intervention moments on body mass index (BMI); body fat (%Fat); waist circumference (WC); waist/hip ratio (WHR); waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF); abdominal strength, flexibility; leptin; interleukin 6; interleukin 10; and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Mixed-analysis of variance and generalized estimation equations were used for statistical analysis. There was an interaction effect between groups and time on %Fat (p = 0.002), WC (p = 0.023), WHR (p < 0.001), WHtR (p = 0.035), CRF (p = 0.050), and leptin (p = 0.026). Adolescents were classified as 82.4% responders for %Fat, 70.6% for WC, 88.2% for WHR, and 70.6% for CRF. Further, there was an association between changes in %Fat (p = 0.033), WC (p = 0.032), and WHR (p = 0.033) between responders and non-responders with CRF in the IG. There was a positive effect on body composition, physical fitness, and leptin. In addition, reductions in body composition parameters were explained by CRF improvements.


2021 ◽  
pp. 014303432110250
Author(s):  
Celeste Simões ◽  
Anabela C. Santos ◽  
Paula Lebre ◽  
João R. Daniel ◽  
Cátia Branquinho ◽  
...  

Resilience is an individual’s ability to adapt successfully to and persevere during and after significant challenges. Resilience programmes based on a socioemotional learning approach have been associated with an increase in protextive factors (e.g., prosocial competencies), improvements in physical and mental health, and a decrease in internalised and externalised symptoms. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of the RESCUR curriculum implemented in Portuguese schools on students’ academic, behavioural, and socioemotional outcomes, based on child and teacher reports. Participants included 1,084 children (53.2% male) aged 3-15 ( M = 7.24, SD = 2.31). A quasi-experimental study compared outcomes for an experimental intervention group (AIG) with a waiting list control group (WG). The results showed the RESCUR programme decreased mental health difficulties while increasing both prosocial behaviours and well-being. In addition, academic performance increased for those in preschool after implementation. Both teachers and children consistently reported positive behavioural changes in resilience-related competencies after implementing RESCUR. Our findings contribute to the recent research on the potential of RESCUR to address key socioemotional competencies and improve relevant protextive factors. Study limitations and future recommendations are addressed.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Uta Roentgen ◽  
Loek van der Heide ◽  
Ingrid E.H. Kremer ◽  
Huub Creemers ◽  
Merel A. Brehm ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND: Impaired upper extremity function due to muscle paresis or paralysis has a major impact on independent living and quality of life (QoL). Assistive technology (AT) for upper extremity function (i.e. dynamic arm supports and robotic arms) can increase a client’s independence. Previous studies revealed that clients often use AT not to their full potential, due to suboptimal provision of these devices in usual care. OBJECTIVE: To optimize the process of providing AT for impaired upper extremity function and to evaluate its (cost-) effectiveness compared with care as usual. METHODS: Development of a protocol to guide the AT provision process in an optimized way according to generic Dutch guidelines; a quasi-experimental study with non-randomized, consecutive inclusion of a control group (n= 48) receiving care as usual and of an intervention group (optimized provision process) (n= 48); and a cost-effectiveness and cost-utility analysis from societal perspective will be performed. The primary outcome is clients’ satisfaction with the AT and related services, measured with the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with AT (Dutch version; D-QUEST). Secondary outcomes comprise complaints of the upper extremity, restrictions in activities, QoL, medical consumption and societal cost. Measurements are taken at baseline and at 3, 6 and 9 months follow-up.


2019 ◽  
Vol 74 (10) ◽  
pp. 1664-1670 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yaniv Cohen ◽  
Anna Zisberg ◽  
Yehudit Chayat ◽  
Nurit Gur-Yaish ◽  
Efrat Gil ◽  
...  

Abstract Background In-hospital immobility of older adults is associated with hospital-associated functional decline (HAFD). This study examined the WALK-FOR program’s effects on HAFD prevention. Methods A quasi-experimental pre-post two-group (intervention group [IG] n = 188, control group [CG] n = 189) design was applied in two hospital internal medical units. On admission, patients reported pre-hospitalization functional status, which was assessed again at discharge and 1-month follow-up. Primary outcome was decline in basic activities of daily living (BADL), using the Modified Barthel Index. Secondary outcomes were decline in instrumental ADL (Lawton’s IADL scale) and community mobility (Yale Physical Activity Survey). All participants (75.1 ± 7 years old) were cognitively intact and ambulatory at admission. The WALK-FOR included a unit-tailored mobility program utilizing patient-and-staff education with a specific mobility goal (900 steps per day), measured by accelerometer. Results Decline in BADL occurred among 33% of the CG versus 23% of the IG (p = .02) at discharge, and among 43% of the CG versus 30% in the IG (p = .01) at 1-month follow-up. Similarly, 26% of the CG versus 15% of the IG declined in community mobility at 1-month follow-up (p = .01). Adjusted for major covariates, the intervention reduced the odds of decline in BADL by 41% (p = .05) at discharge and by 49% at 1-month follow-up (p = .01), and in community mobility by 63% (p = .02). There was no significant effect of the intervention on IADL decline (p = .19). Conclusions The WALK-FOR intervention is effective in reducing HAFD.


Author(s):  
Lorna Kwai Ping Suen ◽  
Janet Pui Lee Cheung

Early childhood is a formative period during which healthy habits are developed, including proper hand hygiene practices. The aim of this quasi-experimental study was to determine the effectiveness of a 4-week series of educational sessions that consider the cognitive developmental stage of children on increasing their knowledge and promoting hand hygiene practices. The intervention group (n = 33) observed the hand hygiene program, whereas another group served as the waitlist control (n = 20). Creative activities were planned for the illustration of hand hygiene concepts in terms of “right moments”, “right steps”, and “right duration”. Hand sanitizer coverage was evaluated using a hand scanner. After the intervention, the experimental group had higher knowledge level toward hand hygiene than the control group (p < 0.001). Significant improvements in hand hygiene performance at the left palm and dorsum (p < 0.05), right palm (p < 0.05), and overall hand coverage (p < 0.05) were observed in the experimental group. The study demonstrated that the knowledge and proper hand hygiene (HH) practice of children can be positively influenced by the use of an age-appropriate education program. The results of this study have implications for school health educators and parents for promoting HH practices among children at home and at the school level.


2021 ◽  
Vol 71 (9) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zohra Jabeen ◽  
Nighat Shah ◽  
Zaeema Ahmer ◽  
Sulhera Khan ◽  
Amir Hussain Khan ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of health education as an intervention to promote BSE among intervention and non-intervention group presenting in a low resource setting at North Karachi Methodology: This Quasi-experimental study was conducted from January-August 2018 in a charitable hospital in Karachi after taking ethical approval by the Institutional Review Board of Jinnah Sindh Medical University and relevant approvals from the hospital authorities. This study recruited 172 eligible women by dividing them into intervention (n=86) and control (n=86) groups from a low resource setting in Karachi. Demographic variables were collected through pretested questionnaire by interview. Intervention group then received health education regarding carcinoma of breast, importance of BSE and monthly motivation to perform BSE through cell phone. The questionnaire was again filled after 6 months of intervention. Control group was also given health education sessions upon completion of study. Results: Results revealed that both groups were similar initially. After 6 months females in intervention group showed significant (p=<0.001) improvement in knowledge and performance of BSE from 44.2% to 88.4% but there was no change in control group. Being in intervention group (RR=2.714, 95% CI= 1.760 - 4.186, p=0.001) and education (RR=0.573, 95% CI= 0.361 - 0.910, p=0.018) showed positive association with BSE performance. Upon adjusting with age, marital status, family history and education, intervention group (RR=2.570, 95% CI= 1.654 - 3.992, p= 0.001) remained significant while education (RR=1.466, 95% CI =0.910 - 2.363, p=0.116) became insignificant. Continuous...


Author(s):  
Zahra Moudi ◽  
Behjat Talebi ◽  
Mahnaz Shahraki Pour

Abstract Background Annually, about 16 million adolescent girls give birth, accounting for 11% of all births worldwide. Ninety-five percent of these births occur in low- and middle-income countries, and previous studies have addressed the need for parenting interventions in developing countries with limited health care resources to improve parenting behaviors. Objective To explore the effect of a brief training program for primigravid adolescents on parenting self-efficacy and mother-infant bonding. Subjects We enrolled 116 married pregnant adolescents. Methods This quasi-experimental study was conducted during August 22, 2016–February 3, 2017. The intervention group received three sessions of training on neonatal care, while the control group received the routine care. We evaluated parenting self-efficacy using the Perceived Maternal Parenting Self-Efficacy (PMP S-E) questionnaire, the mother-infant bonding using the Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire (PBQ) and social support by means of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). The participants were followed up for 1 month. Results The mean ages of the intervention and the control groups were 16.37 ± 0.97 and 16.27 ± 1.12 years, respectively. The intervention group obtained higher self-efficacy and bonding scores compared to the control group. The logistic regression model showed that the second (evoking behaviors) and the third (reading behavior or signaling) subscales of the PMP S-E, the route of delivery and women’s educational levels could predict the mother-infant bonding scores. Conclusion Primigravid adolescents can benefit from brief interventions during pregnancy through improving their parenting self-efficacy and mother-infant bonding.


2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dyah Restuning Prihati ◽  
Maulidta Karunianingtyas Wirawati

Diabetic ulcer is caused by damage to the skin nerves due to reduced blood flow. Pain and anxiety when wound care begins when dressing and cleaning the wound. Murottal therapy is a distraction technique in the form of al-quran records, decreases stress hormones and provides a feeling of relaxation. The purpose of this study was to reduce the level of pain and anxiety during wound care in patients with DM ulcers after being given murrotal therapy in RSUD K.M.T. Wongsonegoro Semarang. The research method with quasi experimental pre-posttest control group. a sample of 17 people in the intervention group and 15 in the control group. Sample selection with total sampling. The murrottal listening intervention group played for 3 times for 15 minutes. Respondents were conducted pre and posttest with NRS pain measuring instruments and DASS anxiety. The results of the Wilcoxon test in the intervention group obtained p = 0,000, there were differences in the level of pain between before and after murotal therapy and p = 0.002 there was a difference in the level of anxiety between before and after murotal therapy. In the control group obtained p = 0.02, there were differences in the level of pain between before and after murotal therapy and the value of p = 1.00, there was no difference in the level of anxiety between before and after given murotal therapy. Conclusion: Murrotal therapy can reduce the level of pain and anxiety during wound care for DM ulcer patients.


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