First steps in the physician-scientist pipeline: a longitudinal study to examine the effects of an undergraduate extracurricular research programme

ObjectivesMedicine is facing a physician-scientist shortage. By offering extracurricular research programmes (ERPs), the physician-scientist training pipeline could already start in undergraduate phases of medical training. However, previous studies into the effects of ERPs are mainly retrospective and lack baseline measurements and control groups. Therefore, the current study mimics a randomised controlled trial to examine the effects of an ERP.DesignProspective cohort study with baseline measurement and comparable control group.SettingOne cohort of 315 medical undergraduates in one Dutch University Medical Center are surveyed yearly. To examine the effects of the ERP on academic achievement and motivational factors, regression analyses were used to compare ERP students to students showing ERP-interest only, adjusted for relevant baseline scores.ParticipantsOut of the 315 students of the whole cohort, 56 participated within the ERP and are thus included. These ERP students are compared with 38 students showing ERP-interest only (ie, control group).Primary outcome measureAcademic achievement after 2 years (ie, in-time bachelor completion, bachelor grade point average (GPA)) and motivational factors after 18 months (ie, intrinsic motivation for research, research self-efficacy, perceptions of research, curiosity).ResultsERP participation is related to a higher odds of obtaining a bachelor degree in the appointed amount of time (adjusted OR=2.95, 95% CI 0.83 to 10.52). Furthermore, starting the ERP resulted in higher levels of intrinsic motivation for research, also after adjusting for gender, age, first-year GPA and motivational baseline scores (β=0.33, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.63). No effect was found on research self-efficacy beliefs, perceptions of research and curiosity.ConclusionsPrevious research suggested that intrinsic motivation is related to short-term and long-term research engagement. As our findings indicate that starting the ERP is related to increased levels of intrinsic motivation for research, ERPs for undergraduates could be seen as an important first step in the physician-scientist pipeline.

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Effect combined learning on oral health self-efficacy and self-care behaviors of students: a randomized controlled trial

10.21203/rs.3.rs-21071/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Zahra Sadat Hashemi ◽

Mahboobeh khorsandi ◽

Mohsen Shamsi ◽

Rahmatollah Moradzadeh

Keyword(s):

Oral Health ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Self Care ◽

Control Group ◽

Case Group ◽

Oral Diseases ◽

Positive Effects ◽

Education Data ◽

The Mean

Abstract Background: In order to prevent oral diseases, the use of appropriate educational methods at childhood is one of the most important determinants of the public health. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of training through animations and games on oral health self-efficacy and self-care behaviors in students aged 6-12 years old. Methods: In this interventional study, 82 students were selected using cluster random sampling (38 subjects in the case group and 44 in the control group). The case group received 4 sessions of blended learning per week including animations and games while the control group received routine school education. Data were collected in six domains, including demographics, self-care, knowledge, attitude, behavior and self-efficacy before and 5 months after the intervention using a questionnaire. SPSS version 20 was used for data analysis. Results: Five months after the intervention, the mean score of self-care increased from 3.8 to 4.8 of 5, the mean score of self-efficacy increased from 36.8 to 48.9 of 70, and the mean score of behavior increased from 17.07 to 18.29 of 32, indicating significant changes (p < 0.05). There were no significant changes in these variables in the control group (p >0.05) Conclusion: Use of combined methods for oral health self-care education has positive effects on the students' performance and self-efficacy. IRCT registration number: This trial has been registered at IRCT. IRCT2017042133565N1 Registration date: 2017-05-17 https://en.irct.ir/trial/25851

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Healthy Eating and Active Living for Diabetes-Glycemic Index (HEALD-GI): A Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial

Current Developments in Nutrition ◽

10.1093/cdn/nzaa059_006 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. 1289-1289

Author(s):

Hayford Avedzi ◽

Allison Soprovich ◽

Stephanie Ramage ◽

Abdulrhman Alghamdi ◽

Kate Storey ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Nutrition Education ◽

Glycemic Index ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

Text Messaging ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Control Group ◽

Dietary Intakes ◽

Web Based ◽

Phone Calls

Abstract Objectives Rigorous evidence is needed to support uptake of recommendations to include low glycemic index (GI) foods in daily meal planning as an effective dietary self-care strategy for people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). We evaluated the effectiveness of a 12-week web-based GI-targeted nutrition education intervention on dietary intakes and GI-related knowledge among adults with T2D. Methods Participants were randomized to a control group (n = 34) that received standard printed copies of Canada's Food Guide and Diabetes Canada's GI resources or an intervention group (n = 33) that received those same materials, plus an online platform with six self-directed learning modules and supplementary print material. Each module consisted of a customized video, links to reliable websites, chat rooms, and quizzes. Evidence-based GI concept information included GI values of foods and advice for low-GI shopping, recipes, and cooking tips by a Registered Dietitian. Preferred supports through email, text messaging, phone calls, or postal mail to reinforce participants’ learning were also provided. The primary outcome, average daily dietary GI intake, was assessed using 3-day food records. Additional measures including GI knowledge and self-efficacy, glycated hemoglobin A1c, lipids, systolic blood pressure, body mass index, waist circumference, and computer proficiency, were assessed at baseline and at three months post-intervention. Results Participants (N = 67) were 64% men; mean (standard deviation [SD]) age 69.5 (9.3) years, with mean diabetes duration of 19.0 (13.7) years, BMI 30.1 (5.7) kg/m2 and A1c 7.1 (1.2)% at baseline. Mean daily GI intake decreased in the intervention group by 2.79 (7.77) compared to a 0.76 (6.48) increase in the control group (adjusted mean difference [95% CI]; −3.77 [−6.95, −0.58]). Mean GI knowledge 2.14 [0.59, 3.69], understanding of GI concept 1.65 [0.85, 2.44] and self-efficacy for consuming low-GI foods 1.29 [0.51, 2.07] increased among the intervention group (P < 0.01) compared with the control group. Conclusions Web-based GI-targeted education program improved the quality of carbohydrate consumption among adults with T2D and may have been mediated through increases in knowledge and self-efficacy. Web-based nutrition education may be an effective alternative in this population. Funding Sources Canadian Foundation for Dietetic Research.

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Effects of the Rango Cards game intervention on food consumption, nutritional knowledge and self-efficacy in the adoption of healthy eating practices of high school students: a cluster randomised controlled trial

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980020000531 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 23 (13) ◽

pp. 2424-2433 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Carolina Martins dos Santos Chagas ◽

Giselle Rhai-Sa Melo ◽

Raquel Braz Assunção Botelho ◽

Natacha Toral

Keyword(s):

High School Students ◽

Healthy Eating ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial ◽

Control Group ◽

Nutritional Knowledge ◽

School Students ◽

Eating Practices

AbstractObjective:The study aimed to assess the impact of a game-based nutritional intervention on food consumption, nutritional knowledge and self-efficacy in the adoption of healthy eating practices.Design:This cluster randomised controlled trial included both male and female high school students from private schools in the Federal District, Brazil. Four schools were randomly selected for each group. Investigated variables were age, sex, monthly family income, maternal education level, dietary perceptions and practices, nutritional knowledge and self-efficacy in the adoption of healthy eating practices.Setting:Intervention group participants were instructed to play Rango Cards, a digital game developed for the study, on their own, for a period of 7–17 d, while the control group was not provided with any game or material during the study.Participants:The study included 319 adolescents (mean age = 15·8 (sd 0·7) years).Results:Significant reductions were observed in the intervention group compared with the control group for the following variables: habit of eating while watching TV or studying and having meals at fast food restaurants. The intervention group showed increased knowledge of the effects of fruit and vegetable consumption as well as improved self-efficacy in the adoption of healthy eating practices such as reducing Na intake and preparing healthy meals.Conclusions:The design of Rango Cards is potentially capable of effecting positive changes. Therefore, the digital game promotes autonomy and self-care among adolescents with regard to healthy eating.

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Academic Achievement in Individuals with Cleft: A Population-Based Register Study

The Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Journal ◽

10.1597/09-047 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 49 (2) ◽

pp. 153-159 ◽

Cited By ~ 47

Author(s):

Martin Persson ◽

Magnus Becker ◽

Henry Svensson

Keyword(s):

Academic Achievement ◽

General Population ◽

Cleft Lip ◽

Cleft Lip And Palate ◽

Population Based ◽

Study Data ◽

Control Group ◽

High Grade ◽

Compulsory School ◽

Grade Point

Objective The focus of this study was to determine whether there were any significant differences in academic achievement between students with a cleft and the general population of Swedish students at the typical time of graduation from compulsory school (usually 16 years of age). Design A retrospective population-based study. Data were obtained from the Swedish Medical Birth Register for the years 1973 through 1986 and were linked to the Swedish School–Grade Register. Participants A total of 511 individuals with cleft palate (CP), 651 individuals with cleft lip (CL), and 830 individuals with cleft lip and palate (CLP) were compared with a control group consisting of 1,249,404 individuals. Main Outcome Measures (1) Not receiving school leaving certificate; (2) odds of receiving lowest grade and reduced odds of receiving a high grade in the following subjects: (a) Mathematics, (b) English, (c) Swedish, (d) Physical Education, and (e) grade point average (GPA). Results The group with cleft had higher odds of not receiving leaving certificates in comparison with the general population. They also had higher odds of receiving the lowest grade and/or reduced odds of receiving a high grade in the subjects analyzed together, with strong evidence of lower GPA in comparison with the general population. Individuals with CP were affected the most, followed by individuals with CLP; least affected were individuals with CL. Conclusion This study clearly indicates that adolescents with cleft lip and/or palate in Sweden experience significant deficits in their educational achievements in compulsory school.

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RelAte: pilot study of the effects of a mealtime intervention on social cognitive factors and energy intake among older adults living alone

British Journal Of Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s000711451600369x ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 116 (9) ◽

pp. 1573-1581 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Joanna E. McHugh Power ◽

Olga Lee ◽

Niamh Aspell ◽

Emma McCormack ◽

Michelle Loftus ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Treatment Group ◽

Energy Intake ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Complex Interventions ◽

Living Alone ◽

Control Group ◽

Nutritional Interventions ◽

Randomised Controlled

AbstractMealtime interventions typically focus on institutionalised older adults, but we wanted to investigate whether they may also be effective among those living independently. Using a randomised controlled trial design, we assessed the effects of a novel mealtime intervention on self-efficacy, food enjoyment and energy intake. A total of 100 adults living alone aged over 60 years were randomised to the treatment or control conditions: all received a guidebook on nutrition and culinary skills. Treatment group participants received a weekly visit from a trained volunteer who prepared and shared a meal with them. Participants in the treatment group showed improvements relative to those in the control group at borderline significance (P=0·054) for self-efficacy and at significance for food enjoyment. Significant improvements were observed in female participants in the treatment but not in the control group in energy intake (although following corrections for multiple comparisons, only the effect on food enjoyment remained significant). These findings will inform the design of future complex interventions. For this type of intervention to be successful, more focus has to be placed on making interventions more personalised, potentially according to sex. Findings are important for nutritional sciences as they indicate that, in order to improve energy intake and food enjoyment among older adults, multimodal nutritional interventions including social components may be successful.

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Tai Chi Enhances Self-Efficacy and Exercise Behavior in Older Adults

Journal of Aging and Physical Activity ◽

10.1123/japa.9.2.161 ◽

2001 ◽

Vol 9 (2) ◽

pp. 161-171 ◽

Cited By ~ 40

Author(s):

Fuzhong Li ◽

Edward McAuley ◽

Peter Harmer ◽

Terry E. Duncan ◽

Nigel R. Chaumeton

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

Repeated Measures ◽

Intervention Program ◽

Tai Chi ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Exercise Adherence ◽

Exercise Behavior ◽

Control Group ◽

Random Effects Models

The article describes a randomized, controlled trial conducted to examine the effects of a Tai Chi intervention program on perceptions of personal efficacy and exercise behavior in older adults. The sample comprised 94 low-active, healthy participants (mean age = 72.8 years. SD = 5.1) randomly assigned to either an experimental (Tai Chi) group or a wait-list control group. The study length was 6 months, with self-efficacy responses (barrier, performance efficacies) assessed at baseline, at Week 12, and at termination (Week 24) of the study. Exercise attendance was recorded as an outcome measure of exercise behavior. Random-effects models revealed that participants in the experimental group experienced significant improvements in self-efficacy over the course of the intervention. Subsequent repeated-measures ANOVA revealed that participants’ changes in efficacy were associated with higher levels of program attendance. The findings suggest that self-efficacy can be enhanced through Tai Chi and that the changes in self-efficacy are likely to improve exercise adherence.

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Effects of App-based Transitional Care on Self-efficacy and Quality of Life of Patients with Spinal Cord Injury in China: Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.22960 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Ting Liu ◽

Sumei Xie ◽

Yingmin Wang ◽

Jie Tang ◽

Xiaokuo He ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Self Efficacy ◽

Transitional Care ◽

Short Form ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Control Group ◽

Effect Analysis ◽

Simple Effect ◽

Cord Injury ◽

Short Form Health

BACKGROUND Spinal cord injury (SCI) severely impairs the physical and mental health of patients, decreasing their self-efficacy in coping with daily life and quality of life (QOL). In China, a large gap remains between the complex long-term health needs of patients with SCI and the current community care system. With the prevalence of mobile terminals, the usage of mobile health applications (apps) has the potential to fill this gap by extending the qualified medical resources to the families of patients with SCI. Our team developed an app, named Together, for the transitional care of home-dwelling patients with SCI at home in China. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the app-based transitional care on self-efficacy and QOL of patients with SCI in China. METHODS A multicenter and assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted. Participants (n=98) who lived at home following discharge were recruited and randomly assigned to the study group (n=49) and control group (n=49) using the randomized number list in four research centers. Patients in both groups received systematic discharge education prior to discharge. The study group received five follow-ups conducted by trained nurses through the app which had four core functions, namely remote assessment, health education, interdisciplinary referral, and patient interaction at weeks 2, 4, 6, 8, and 12 following discharge. The control group received a routine telephone follow-up conducted by nurses at week 12 following discharge. The outcome measures were the Moorong Self-efficacy Scale and the 36-item Short Form Health Survey. Data collection was implemented prior to discharge, and at weeks 12 and 24 following discharge. Differences between the two groups were tested by repeated-measure analysis of variance and simple effect analysis. RESULTS The Moorong Self-efficacy Scale scores did not reveal differences between the two groups in time and group effects (all P>.05). However, differences in the interaction effects were statistically significant (all P<.001). After the simple effect analysis, the total scores and three-factor structure scores at 24 weeks following discharge were significantly higher than those of the control group (all P≤.010). Based on the 36-item Short Form Health Survey scores, differences in the time effects of total scores and physical component summary scores were statistically significant (both P<.05). However, there was no difference between the two groups in the time effects in the mental component summary, interaction effects, and group effects (all P>.05). CONCLUSIONS This study confirmed that app-based transitional care improves the self-efficacy of patients with SCI; nevertheless, improvement in QOL is not yet evident. Future investigations with larger sample sizes and longer observation periods are warranted to further verify the effects of app-based transitional care. CLINICALTRIAL Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR-IPR-17012317; www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx

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Effectiveness of a Postpartum Text Message Program (Essential Coaching for Every Mother) on Maternal Psychosocial Outcomes: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.27138 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Justine Dol ◽

Megan Aston ◽

Douglas McMillan ◽

Gail Tomblin Murphy ◽

Marsha Campbell-Yeo

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Postpartum Depression ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Text Message ◽

Psychosocial Outcomes ◽

Control Group ◽

Depression And Anxiety ◽

Randomized Controlled

BACKGROUND Women experience changes both physically and psychologically during their transition to motherhood. The postnatal period is a critical time for women to develop maternal self-efficacy. Mobile health interventions may offer a way to reach women during this critical period to offer support and information. Essential Coaching for Every Mother is a text message program that seeks to educate and support women during the first 6 weeks postpartum. OBJECTIVE The primary effectiveness objective is to compare the effectiveness of the Essential Coaching for Every Mother program on maternal psychosocial outcomes (self-efficacy, social support, postpartum depression, and postpartum anxiety) immediately after the intervention and 6 months postpartum, collectively as well as stratified by parity. The primary implementation objective is to evaluate the implementation extent and quality of the Essential Coaching for Every Mother program. METHODS This will be a hybrid type 1 effectiveness-implementation randomized controlled trial. A total of 140 mothers-to-be or new mothers from Nova Scotia will be recruited and randomized to the intervention or control arm, stratified by parity. The intervention arm will receive the Essential Coaching for Every Mother program, which consists of 53 messages sent twice a day for the first 2 weeks and daily for weeks 3 through 6. The control group will receive usual care. Messages are personalized based on the infant’s age and the woman’s self-selected preference for breastfeeding or formula feeding and tailored with the infant’s name and gender. Women can enroll in the program if they are ≥37 weeks pregnant or within 10 days postpartum, with the first message designed to be sent on the second evening after birth. The actual number of messages received will vary based on the timing of enrollment and the infant’s date of birth. Participants will complete questionnaires assessing self-efficacy, social support, and postpartum depression and anxiety at baseline (enrollment after birth) and 6 weeks (postintervention) and 6 months postpartum. Implementation data will be collected throughout the trial, and evaluation feedback will be collected at 6 weeks from women who received the intervention. RESULTS Recruitment for this study started on January 5, 2021, and is currently ongoing, with an anticipated date of recruitment completion of January 2022. CONCLUSIONS This study will assess the effectiveness of a postpartum text message program to improve maternal self-efficacy and social support while decreasing postpartum depression and anxiety. It will also shed light on the implementation effectiveness of the program. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04730570; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04730570 INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT DERR1-10.2196/27138

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A comparison of patient, intervention, comparison, outcome (PICO) to a new, alternative clinical question framework for search skills, search results, and self-efficacy: a randomized controlled trial

Journal of the Medical Library Association JMLA ◽

10.5195/jmla.2020.739 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 108 (2) ◽

Author(s):

Lorie A. Kloda ◽

Jill T. Boruff ◽

Alexandre Soares Cavalcante

Keyword(s):

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Information Literacy ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Control Group ◽

Clinical Question ◽

Alternative Framework ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Clinical Questions ◽

Experimental Group

Objective: In educating students in the health professions about evidence-based practice, instructors and librarians typically use the patient, intervention, comparison, outcome (PICO) framework for asking clinical questions. A recent study proposed an alternative framework for the rehabilitation professions. The present study investigated the effectiveness of teaching the alternative framework in an educational setting.Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with students in occupational therapy (OT) and physical therapy (PT) to determine if the alternative framework for asking clinical questions was effective for identifying information needs and searching the literature. Participants were randomly allocated to a control or experimental group to receive ninety minutes of information literacy instruction from a librarian about formulating clinical questions and searching the literature using MEDLINE. The control group received instruction that included the PICO question framework, and the experimental group received instruction that included the alternative framework.Results: There were no significant differences in search performance or search skills (strategy and clinical question formulation) between the two groups. Both the control and experimental groups demonstrated a modest but significant increase in information literacy self-efficacy after the instruction; however, there was no difference between the two groups.Conclusion: When taught in an information literacy session, the new, alternative framework is as effective as PICO when assessing OT and PT students’ searching skills. Librarian-led workshops using either question formulation framework led to an increase in information literacy self-efficacy post-instruction.

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INFLUENCE OF PARENTAL INCOME AND ENCOURAGEMENT ON ACADEMIC SELF-EFFICACY AND ACHIEVEMENT AMONG MALAYSIAN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

International Journal of Education, Psychology and Counseling ◽

10.35631/ijepc.644007 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 6 (44) ◽

pp. 81-94

Author(s):

Kee Tan Yee ◽

Mimi Fitriana ◽

Sin Siau Ching ◽

Vimala Govindasamy ◽

Chuan Ho Meng

Keyword(s):

Academic Achievement ◽

University Students ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

Multiple Linear Regression Model ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Grade Point ◽

Parental Encouragement ◽

Working Status ◽

Academic Self Efficacy

Parents play an important role in shaping the academic achievement of their children. This study aimed to investigate the association between parental factors and university students’ academic self-efficacy and academic achievement, and the correlation between academic self-efficacy and the academic achievement of university students within the context of Malaysia. The cross-sectional study recruited participants using an online questionnaire, which included demographic information such as age, current education status, current working status, Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) and parents’ monthly income, the Parental Encouragement Scale (PES), and Academic Self-efficacy (ASE) Scale. A total of 196 participants responded to the survey. The results of the Pearson’s correlation showed that parental encouragement was positively correlated with academic self-efficacy (r (196)=.144, p=.044), whilst academic self-efficacy was positively correlated with CGPA (r (196) = .241, p=.001). The multiple linear regression model showed that part-time working status (β=-.184, p=.008) and academic self-efficacy (β=.252, p<.001) were significantly associated with CGPA. Parents should be encouraged and trained to develop academic self-efficacy in their children.

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