scholarly journals Engineering students’ attitudinal beliefs by gender and student division: a methodological comparison of changes over time

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Madison E. Andrews ◽  
Anita D. Patrick ◽  
Maura Borrego
Keyword(s):  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Engineering Students ◽  
Focal Point ◽  
Value Engineering ◽  
Longitudinal Analyses ◽  
Utility Value ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Targeted Interventions ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Over Time

Abstract Background Students’ attitudinal beliefs related to how they see themselves in STEM have been a focal point of recent research, given their well-documented links to retention and persistence. These beliefs are most often assessed cross-sectionally, and as such, we lack a thorough understanding of how they may fluctuate over time. Using matched survey responses from undergraduate engineering students (n = 278), we evaluate if, and to what extent, students’ engineering attitudinal beliefs (attainment value, utility value, self-efficacy, interest, and identity) change over a 1-year period. Further, we examine whether there are differences based on gender and student division, and then compare results between cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses to illustrate weaknesses in our current understanding of these constructs. Results Our study revealed inconsistencies between cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses of the same dataset. Cross-sectional analyses indicated a significant difference by student division for engineering utility value and engineering interest, but no significant differences by gender for any variable. However, longitudinal analyses revealed statistically significant decreases in engineering utility value, engineering self-efficacy, and engineering interest for lower division students and significant decreases in engineering attainment value for upper division students over a one-year period. Further, longitudinal analyses revealed a gender gap in engineering self-efficacy for upper division students, where men reported higher means than women. Conclusions Our analyses make several contributions. First, we explore attitudinal differences by student division not previously documented. Second, by comparing across methodologies, we illustrate that different conclusions can be drawn from the same data. Since the literature around these variables is largely cross-sectional, our understanding of students’ engineering attitudes is limited. Our longitudinal analyses show variation in engineering attitudinal beliefs that are obscured when data is only examined cross-sectionally. These analyses revealed an overall downward trend within students for all beliefs that changed significantly—losses which may foreshadow attrition out of engineering. These findings provide an opportunity to introduce targeted interventions to build engineering utility value, engineering self-efficacy, and engineering interest for student groups whose means were lower than average.

Are neighborhood restaurants related to frequency of restaurant meals and dietary quality?: Prevalence and changes over time in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-29
Author(s):  
Amy H. Auchincloss ◽  
Jingjing Li ◽  
Kari A. B. Moore ◽  
Manuel Franco ◽  
Mahasin S. Mujahid ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthy Eating Index ◽  
Dietary Quality ◽  
Longitudinal Analyses ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Cross Sectional Analysis ◽  
Eating Out ◽  
Restaurant Meals ◽  
Sectional Analysis ◽  
Over Time

Abstract Objective: To examine whether the density of neighbourhood restaurants affected the frequency of eating restaurant meals and subsequently affected diet quality. Design: Cross-sectional and longitudinal designs. Structural equation models assessed the indirect relationship between restaurant density (≤3 miles (4.8 km) of participant addresses) and dietary quality (Healthy Eating Index 2010 (HEI)) via the frequency of eating restaurant meals, after adjustment for sociodemographics, select health conditions, region, residence duration and area-level income. Setting: Urbanised areas in multiple regions of the USA, years 2000–2002 and 2010–2012. Participants: Participants aged 45–84 years were followed for 10 years (n 3567). Results: Median HEI (out of 100) was 59 at baseline and 62 at follow-up. Cross-sectional analysis found residing in areas with a high density of restaurants (highest ranked quartile) was associated with 52% higher odds of frequently eating restaurant meals (≥3 times/week, odds ratio [OR]:1.52, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.18-1.98) and 3% higher odds of having lower dietary quality (HEI lowest quartile<54, OR:1.03,CI:1.01-1.06); associations were not sustained in longitudinal analyses. Cross-sectional analysis found 34% higher odds of having lower dietary quality for those who frequently ate at restaurants (OR:1.34,CI:1.12-1.61); and more restaurant meals (over time increase ≥1 times/week) was associated with higher odds of having worse dietary quality at follow-up (OR:1.21,CI:1.00-1.46). Conclusions: Restaurant density was associated with frequently eating out in cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses but was associated with the lower dietary quality only in cross-sectional analyses. Frequent restaurant meals were negatively related to dietary quality. Interventions that encourage less frequent eating out may improve population dietary quality.

scholarly journals Factors associated with physical inactivity among female and male rural adolescents in Borneo – a cross-sectional study

2014 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 447-453 ◽  
Author(s):  
Whye Lian Cheah ◽  
Hazmi Helmy ◽  
Ching Thon Chang
Keyword(s):  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Physical Inactivity ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Perceived Barriers ◽  
Anthropometric Measurement ◽  
Rural Adolescents ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract Rural communities have shown marked increase in metabolic syndrome among young people, with physical inactivity as one of the main contributing factors. This study aimed to determine factors associated with physical inactivity among male and female rural adolescents in a sample of schools in Malaysia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 145 students aged 13–15 years. Data on socio-demographic, health-related, and psychosocial factors (perceived barriers, self-efficacy, social influences) were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Anthropometric measurement was taken to generate body mass index (BMI)-for-age, while physical activity (PA) level was assessed using pedometers. The mean steps per day was 6251.37 (SD=3085.31) with males reported as being more active. About 27% of the respondents were either overweight or obese, with more females in this group. There was no significant difference in steps among males and females (p=0.212), and nutritional status (BMI-for-age) (p=0.439). Females consistently scored higher in most items under perceived barriers, but had significantly lower scores in self-efficacy’s items. Males were more influenced by peers in terms of PA (p<0.001) and were more satisfied with their body parts (p=0.047). A significantly higher body size discrepancy score was found among females (p=0.034, CI –0.639, –0.026). PA level was low and almost one-third of the respondents were overweight and obese. Female students faced more barriers and had lower self-efficacy with regards PA. Based on the findings, it is recommended that interventions focus on reducing barriers while increasing support for PA. This is particularly important in improving the health status of the youth, especially among the females.

scholarly journals Self-Efficacy Levels Regarding Interprofessional Learning Skills Among Undergraduate Healthcare Students in Malaysia

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. e374-379
Author(s):  
Mohd S. Nurumal ◽  
Nurul Q.H. Diyono ◽  
Muhammad K. Che Hasan
Keyword(s):  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Allied Health ◽  
Professional Competence ◽  
Interprofessional Collaboration ◽  
The Self ◽  
Intersectoral Collaboration ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Interprofessional Learning ◽  
Healthcare Students ◽  
Significant Difference

Objectives: Self-efficacy is an important factor in determining the ability of students to execute tasks or skills needed in the implementation of interprofessional learning (IPL). This study aimed to identify levels of self-efficacy with regards to IPL skills among undergraduate healthcare students and to investigate differences according to gender, programme of study and year of study. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between January and March 2018 at the International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Malaysia. The Self-Efficacy for Interprofessional Experiential Learning scale was used to evaluate the self-efficacy of 336 students from five faculties including nursing, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and allied health sciences. Results: Significant differences in self-efficacy scores for the interprofessional interaction subscale were identified according to programme of study, with pharmacy students scoring significantly lower than allied health students (mean score: 54.1 ± 10.4 versus 57.4 ± 10.1; P = 0.014). In addition, there was a significant difference in self-efficacy scores for the interprofessional interaction subscale according to year of study, with first-year students scoring significantly lower compared to fifth-year students (mean score: 52.8 ± 10.4 versus 59.9 ± 11.9; P = 0.018). No statistically significant differences in self-efficacy scores were identified with regards to gender or for the interprofessional team evaluation and feedback subscale. Conclusion: These findings may contribute to the effective implementation of IPL education in healthcare faculties. Acknowledging the influence of self-efficacy on the execution of IPL skills is crucial to ensure healthcare students are able to adequately prepare for future interprofessional collaboration in real clinical settings. Keywords: Self Efficacy; Intersectoral Collaboration; Interdisciplinary Research; Professional Competence; Learning; Undergraduate Medical Education; Malaysia.

scholarly journals Caregiver Status and Diet Quality in Community Dwelling Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 205-205
Author(s):  
Sharmin Hossain ◽  
May A Beydoun ◽  
Michele K Evans ◽  
Alan B Zonderman ◽  
Marie Fanelli Kuczmarski
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Diet Quality ◽  
Research Program ◽  
Healthy Eating Index ◽  
Longitudinal Analyses ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Cross Sectional Analysis ◽  
Intramural Research Program ◽  
Sectional Analysis ◽  
Over Time

Abstract Objectives Prior studies on caregivers have focused mainly on the diet quality of their recipients, especially children. We investigated both cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of caregiver status and diet quality in older adults (mean 53.0 ± 9.0 years). Methods We studied participants in the Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span (HANDLS) study (57.7% women, 62% African American) between wave 3 (2009–2013) and wave 4 (2013–2018). Caregiving was assessed at both waves, starting at wave 3. Healthy Eating Index-2010 (HEI2010) score, a measure of diet quality, was assessed from two 24-hour recalls at each wave on both occasions (mean 4.1 years follow-up). Baseline caregiving (at wave 3) was examined in relation to change in HEI between waves 3 and 4. Multivariable linear regression was performed for cross-sectional analysis; mixed-effects regression was performed for longitudinal analyses. Results are expressed as β-coefficients ± standard error of means (β±SE). Results After adjusting for age, sex, race and poverty status, more time spent taking care of grandchildren (N = 2033) was associated with poor diet quality (–1.51 ± 0.55, P = 0.006) in cross-sectional analysis (wave 4 caregiving and wave 4 HEI). However, in a separate cross-sectional analysis (wave 4 only) on dual (caring for both grandchildren and an elderly person) vs. single caregivers (either grandchildren or elderly) (N = 73; 24 men & 49 women) we found no difference in diet quality. The longitudinal analyses (N = 1848) demonstrated that diet quality did not change with caregiving over time for either grandchildren (P = 0.16) or others (not children & grandchildren) (P = 0.88). Overall, women tended to have better quality diet (P &lt; 0.001) than men. Conclusions Among relatively older caregivers, cross-sectional analyses revealed an inverse effect of caregiving with diet quality. Longitudinal research is needed to evaluate the temporal associations of dual caregiving with subsequent diet quality changes over time. Funding Sources The first author is supported by a Postdoctoral Fellowship from the Intramural Research Program (IRP) at the National Institute on Aging (NIA). HANDLS is supported by the Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, grant Z01-AG000513.

Application of Self-Efficacy Theory in Adherence to Iron Chelation Therapy: A Single-Center Cross-Sectional Study

Blood ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 118 (21) ◽  
pp. 5284-5284
Author(s):  
Kevin H.M. Kuo ◽  
Richard Ward
Keyword(s):  
Family Support ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Chelation Therapy ◽  
Care Center ◽  
Insurance Coverage ◽  
Iron Chelation ◽  
Comprehensive Care ◽  
Iron Chelation Therapy ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract 5284 Introduction: Poor adherence to iron chelation therapy (ICT) in beta-Thalassemia Major (TM) is associated with increased risk of cardiac complications and endocrinopathies, and lower survival, with substantial cost to the patient and the health care system. Canada is unique in that several predictors of non-adherence (Financial barriers to medical care, cost of medication and inadequate follow-up) are minimized due to the presence of universal health care, governmental subsidies for medications for patients with chronic disease, and the availability of comprehensive care center for most of the thalassemia patients in the country. Also, the availability of Deferiprone (DFP) via compassionate release program since July 2004 provides an alternative to patients intolerant or having suboptimal response to Deferoxamine (DFO) or Deferasirox (DFX). We hypothesize that the absence of these barriers improve adherence in the Canadian thalassemic population. We also explored self-efficacy as a concept of adherence behavior in our patient population, defined as “individuals' personal beliefs regarding their capabilities to carry out a specific task to achieve a desired outcome” (Bandura, 1989). Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in June and July 2011 at a regional comprehensive care center for transfusion-dependent thalassemia patients. We assessed the age, sex, education, employment status, insurance coverage, types and dosage of ICT, self-reported level of adherence, and side effects. We adapted the Medication Adherence Self-Efficacy Scale (MASES) to assess self-efficacy (Ogedegbe, 2003). Results: Survey return rate was 45% (46/103), with each type of ICT proportionally represented (P = 0.6401). Eight surveys were discarded due to incompletion and 38 were analyzed. Thirty-two patients were on single agent ICT (6 on DFO, 23 on DFX, 3 on DFP) and 6 patients were on combination treatment (1 on DFO+DFX; 3 on DFO+DFP; 2 on DFX+DFP). Median duration of iron chelation was more than 10 years. All patients had either government (n = 10) or workplace (n = 28) coverage. Twenty-three patients (61%) were self-described as completely adherent and 15 were not completely adherent. Mean level of adherence is 90% (SD 16%), similar to those reported in the literature (Trachtenberg et al., 2011), with no significant difference between the different types of ICT (P = 0.1085). Half of the non-adherent patients (8/15, 53%) miss 1 prescribed day of medication per week. There was no significant difference between adherent and non-adherent patients in age (P = 0.1484), sex (P = 0.3764), type of insurance coverage (P = 4752), family support (P = 0.7190), type of ICT (P = 0.0611), participation and satisfaction with the Exjade Patient Support Program (P = 1.000 and 0.3012 respectively), duration of chelation (P = 0.3951), rate of side effects (P = 0.4167), or feelings of depression (P = 0.4780). There was a trend towards differences in education level (P = 0.0565) and a higher proportion of professionals in the non-adherent group. The mean self-efficacy score of patients self-described as completely adherent was significantly higher than the non-completely adherent group (2.66 vs 1.93, P<0.0001). Discussion: In this self-reported survey of patients on ICT in a Canadian regional comprehensive care center, age, presence of family support, and feelings of depression were not found to be a significant predictor of poor adherence, unlike previous studies. This could be because previous studies only examined certain types of ICTs whereas the present study examined all forms of chelation. Small sample sizes of patients on DFO and DFP is the main limitation of the study. This is also the first known application of self-efficacy theory in explaining adherence to ICT. Further studies are required to examine the internal consistency and test-retest reliability of MASES in evaluating self-efficacy in adherence to ICT. Disclosures: Kuo: Novartis Canada: Research Funding. Off Label Use: Deferiprone is an unlicensed drug in Canada and USA. It is an oral iron chelator.

A Longitudinal Analysis of Efficacy Expectations and Exercise in Older Adults

2004 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 331-344 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Resnick
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Outcome Expectations ◽  
Analysis Of Covariance ◽  
Regular Exercise ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Efficacy Expectations ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Over Time

The purpose of this study was to consider the longitudinal changes in self-efficacy and outcome expectations for exercise and the impact of these variables on maintaining regular exercise over a 4-year period in a group of older adults living in a continuing care retirement community. There were 78 individuals who completed all four surveys. The participants had at least a high school education, and the majority were Caucasian (99%), female (83%) and either widowed or never married (80%). The mean age of the participants was 84.4 ± 5.1 years. Based on repeated measure analysis of covariance, controlling for mental and physical health, there was not a statistically significant difference in self-efficacy expectations (F = 2.0, p > .05) or outcome expectations (F = 2.2, p > .05) over time. There was a statistically significant decrease in exercise over time (F = 9.9, p < .05). Using path analysis it was demonstrated that self-efficacy expectations, outcome expectations, and physical health directly and indirectly influenced maintenance of regular exercise. Age, gender, and mental health had a limited and inconsistent influence on maintenance of exercise. Future research and clinical work should focus on developing and testing interventions that strengthen both self-efficacy and positive outcome expectations in older adults to facilitate maintenance of exercise behavior over time.

scholarly journals Pediatric Asthma Action Plans: National Cross-Sectional Online Survey of Parents' Perceptions

10.2196/21863 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. e21863
Author(s):  
Karen H Pletta ◽  
Bradley R Kerr ◽  
Jens C Eickhoff ◽  
Gail S Allen ◽  
Sanjeev R Jain ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Daily Living ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Asthma Management ◽  
Parent Perceptions ◽  
Analysis Of Covariance ◽  
Action Plans ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Asthma Action Plans

Background Asthma Action Plans (AAPs) are recommended for pediatric patients to help improve asthma control. Studies have shown variable results for unscheduled doctor and emergency room visits. AAPs may have an impact on parental self-efficacy for asthma management as well as on other daily living factors that are valuable for patients and families, such as the number of missed school days and parental workdays, and on school and caregiver management. Objective The purpose of this study is to understand parent perceptions of AAPs. The goals of this analysis were threefold, including examining (1) the association between pediatric AAPs and parental self-efficacy, (2) parent perceptions of the helpfulness of an AAP for daily living factors, and (3) associations with the type of provider who gave the AAP (a primary care provider or an asthma specialist). Methods A national cross-sectional online survey was completed in October 2018 by parents of children with asthma aged 0-17 years. Survey questions included the presence or absence of a pediatric AAP, the Bursch Parental Self-efficacy for Asthma scale, parental perceptions of the AAP's helpfulness with regard to daily living factors ranked on a 5-point Likert scale, and the provider type who gave the AAP. Survey responses were summarized in terms of percentages or means and standard deviations. A 2-sample t test and analysis of covariance were used to compare self-efficacy for asthma and parental-perception-of-helpfulness scores between subjects with an AAP versus subjects without an AAP. All reported P values were 2-sided. Results A total of 704 parents with a child with asthma completed the survey. The parents had a mean age of 37.5 years (SD 10.9), and 82% (577/704) were women and 18% (127/704) were men. Most (564/704, 80%) parents had an AAP for their child; 65% (367/564) were written, 51% (286/564) were online, and 84% (474/564) were available at school. The Bursch Self-efficacy scale was significantly higher for parents with an AAP (mean 57.7, SD 8.6) versus no AAP (mean 55.1, SD 9.9; P<.001). Parents reported that they agreed/strongly agreed that an AAP was helpful for daily living factors, including managing asthma (446/544, 82%), decreased parental missed workdays (367/544, 68%), decreased child missed-school days (396/542, 73%), and for when a child is at school (422/541 78%), with other caregivers (434/543, 80%), doing normal activities (421/540 78%), and leading a normal life (437/540 81%). Parents agreed/strongly agreed that an AAP was helpful from all provider types: a pediatric provider (583/704, 82.8%), a family practice provider (556/704, 79%), and an asthma specialist (594/704, 84.4%). There was no significant difference (P=.53) between the type of provider who gave the AAP. Conclusions Parents who had pediatric AAPs for their children reported increased parental self-efficacy compared to those who did not have AAPs. Parents found AAPs helpful for decreasing missed time from work and school, and for asthma management when at home, school, and with other caregivers. Significant AAP helpfulness was seen regardless of the provider who gave the AAP, the parent's education, and income level. Findings support the usefulness of pediatric AAPs for families and the development of easily sharable electronic AAPs for children.

scholarly journals Lower Plasma Total Testosterone Levels Were Associated With Steeper Decline in Brain Glucose Metabolism in Non-demented Older Men

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiwu Wang ◽  
Zhaoting Lv ◽  
Qian Wu ◽  
Huitao Liu ◽  
Yanrou Gu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Glucose Metabolism ◽  
Older People ◽  
Total Testosterone ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Brain Glucose ◽  
Brain Glucose Metabolism ◽  
Testosterone Levels ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Over Time

ObjectiveThere is growing evidence that testosterone may be implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We aimed to examine the relationship between plasma total testosterone levels and change in brain glucose metabolism over time among non-demented older people.MethodsThe association of plasma total testosterone levels with change in brain glucose metabolism among non-demented older people was investigated cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Given a significant difference in levels of plasma total testosterone between gender, we performed our analysis in a sex-stratified way. At baseline, 228 non-demented older people were included: 152 males and 76 females.ResultsIn the cross-sectional analysis, no significant relationship between plasma total testosterone levels and brain glucose metabolism was found in males or females. In the longitudinal analysis, we found a significant association of plasma total testosterone levels with change in brain glucose metabolism over time in males, but not in females. More specifically, in males, higher levels of total testosterone in plasma at baseline were associated with slower decline in brain glucose metabolism.ConclusionWe found that higher levels of total testosterone in plasma at baseline were associated with slower decline in brain glucose metabolism in males without dementia, indicating that testosterone may have beneficial effects on brain function.

Does Television Viewing Increase Obesity and Reduce Physical Activity? Cross-sectional and Longitudinal Analyses Among Adolescent Girls

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1993 ◽  
Vol 91 (2) ◽  
pp. 273-280
Author(s):  
Thomas N. Robinson ◽  
Lawrence D. Hammer ◽  
Darrell M. Wilson ◽  
Joel D. Killen ◽  
Helena C. Kraemer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Adolescent Girls ◽  
Television Viewing ◽  
Skinfold Thickness ◽  
After School ◽  
Longitudinal Analyses ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
School Television ◽  
Triceps Skinfold Thickness ◽  
Over Time

To examine the relationships between hours of television viewing and adiposity and physical activity among female adolescents, a cohort study with follow-up assessments 7, 14, and 24 months after baseline was conducted. All sixth- and seventh-grade girls (N = 971) attending four northern California middle schools were eligible to participate. Six hundred seventy-one students had sufficient data for baseline cross-sectional analyses, and 279 students in a no-intervention cohort had sufficient data for longitudinal analyses. The baseline sample had a mean age of 12.4 years and was 43% white, 22% Asian, 21% Latino, 6% Pacific Islander, 4% black, 2% American Indian, and 2% other. Hours of after-school television viewing, level of physical activity, and stage of sexual maturation were assessed with self-report instruments. Height, weight, and triceps skinfold thickness were measured and body mass index (ratio of weight [in kilograms] to height [in meters] squared) and triceps skinfold thickness were adjusted by level of sexual maturity for the analyses. Baseline hours of after-school television viewing was not significantly associated with either baseline or longitudinal change in body mass index or triceps skinfold thickness. Baseline hours of after-school television viewing was weakly negatively associated with level of physical activity in cross-sectional analyses but not significantly associated with change in level of physical activity over time. All results were essentially unchanged when adjusted for age, race, parent education, and parent fatness. Among adolescent girls, television viewing time appears to have only weak, if any, meaningful associations with adiposity, physical activity, or change in either over time.

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