scholarly journals Effects of structured small-group student talk as collaborative prewriting discussions on Chinese university EFL students’ individual writing: A quasi-experimental study

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. e0251569
Author(s):  
Hui Helen Li ◽  
Lawrence Jun Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Study ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Small Group ◽  
Comparison Group ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Efl Writing ◽  
Student Talk ◽  
Content Organization ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Group Student

Prior studies have reported inconsistent findings with regard to the effects of small-group student talk on developing individual students’ English-as-a-foreign-language (EFL) writing ability. To further explore the question under discussion, we designed a quasi-experimental study that included a pretest, a posttest, and a delayed posttest, and implemented it in two English-major groups at a university in China. We randomly assigned the students to an intervention group and a comparison group to investigate whether employing structured small-group student talk as collaborative prewriting discussions would effectively facilitate individual students’ EFL writing development and whether such effects could be retained. The immediate and sustained effects after the quasi-experimental study was completed were measured by the analytic scores on five components of the writing task (content, organization, vocabulary, language, and mechanics) and the holistic writing scores cumulated of all these components. Statistical analyses revealed that the two groups were significantly distinguished by their analytic and holistic scores, indicating that students in the intervention group outperformed their comparison group peers in writing performance. The effects of collaborative prewriting discussions in the form of structured small-group student talk were found statistically significant in facilitating students’ writing improvement in the content, organization, vocabulary, and language use, but not mechanics. The effects on content, organization, and vocabulary were retained as seen from the delayed posttest, while those on language use were not. The comparison group showed little improvement in their writing performance across the three tests. We concluded this study with a discussion on the implications for English-as-a-second/foreign-language (L2) writing instruction.

scholarly journals A Nursery-Based Cooking Skills Programme with Parents and Children Reduced Food Fussiness and Increased Willingness to Try Vegetables: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 2623
Author(s):  
Ada L. Garcia ◽  
Emma Brown ◽  
Tom Goodale ◽  
Mairi McLachlan ◽  
Alison Parrett
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Study ◽  
Comparison Group ◽  
Vegetable Intake ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Average Score ◽  
Cooking Skills ◽  
Parents And Children ◽  
Sensory Learning ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Food Fussiness

Children’s fussy eating is associated with a reduced vegetable intake. This quasi-experimental study evaluated “Big Chef Little Chef” (BCLC), a nursery-based cooking skills programme aimed at reducing food fussiness and increasing willingness to try green vegetables by incorporating repeated exposure and sensory learning. Parent and child (3–5 years) dyads attended BCLC for four/1.5 h weekly sessions. A comparison group was recruited after BCLC completion and attended a single education session at week 1. A questionnaire measured food fussiness at week 1 and week 4. At week 4, all children were offered six green vegetables (raw and cooked) and an average score (1 = did not try; 2 = tried it/ate some; 3 = ate it all) was calculated for willingness to try vegetables. In total, 121 dyads (intervention: n = 64; comparison: n = 57) participated. The food fussiness score (1 min–5 max) in the intervention group decreased significantly from 3.0 to 2.6 (p < 0.01) between time points, while there was no change in the comparison group (3.1 (week 1) and 3.0 (week 4)). The intervention group was more willing to try green vegetables with significantly higher (p < 0.001) median scores for raw and cooked vegetables (2.5 for both) compared with the comparison group (2.0 and 1.7, respectively). The BCLC reduced food fussiness and increased willingness to try green vegetables.

scholarly journals Potential effectiveness of Community Health Strategy to promote exclusive breastfeeding in urban poor settings in Nairobi, Kenya: a quasi-experimental study

2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 172-184 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. W. Kimani-Murage ◽  
S. A. Norris ◽  
M. K. Mutua ◽  
F. Wekesah ◽  
M. Wanjohi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Study ◽  
Community Health ◽  
Exclusive Breastfeeding ◽  
Urban Poor ◽  
Standard Care ◽  
Comparison Group ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Potential Effectiveness ◽  
Health Strategy ◽  
Quasi Experimental

Early nutrition is critical for later health and sustainable development. We determined potential effectiveness of the Kenyan Community Health Strategy in promoting exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) in urban poor settings in Nairobi, Kenya. We used a quasi-experimental study design, based on three studies [Pre-intervention (2007–2011; n=5824), Intervention (2012–2015; n=1110) and Comparison (2012–2014; n=487)], which followed mother–child pairs longitudinally to establish EBF rates from 0 to 6 months. The Maternal, Infant and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN) study was a cluster randomized trial; the control arm (MIYCN-Control) received standard care involving community health workers (CHWs) visits for counselling on antenatal and postnatal care. The intervention arm (MIYCN-Intervention) received standard care and regular MIYCN counselling by trained CHWs. Both groups received MIYCN information materials. We tested differences in EBF rates from 0 to 6 months among four study groups (Pre-intervention, MIYCN-Intervention, MIYCN-Control and Comparison) using a χ2 test and logistic regression. At 6 months, the prevalence of EBF was 2% in the Pre-intervention group compared with 55% in the MIYCN-Intervention group, 55% in the MIYCN-Control group and 3% in the Comparison group (P<0.05). After adjusting for baseline characteristics, the odds ratio for EBF from birth to 6 months was 66.9 (95% CI 45.4–96.4), 84.3 (95% CI 40.7–174.6) and 3.9 (95% CI 1.8–8.4) for the MIYCN-Intervention, MIYCN-Control and Comparison group, respectively, compared with the Pre-intervention group. There is potential effectiveness of the Kenya national Community Health Strategy in promoting EBF in urban poor settings where health care access is limited.

scholarly journals The effect of an educational intervention to improve tuberculosis infection control among nurses in Ibadan, South-West Nigeria: a quasi-experimental study

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick Aboh Akande
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Study ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Educational Intervention ◽  
Comparison Group ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
South West ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Mixed Approach

Abstract Background: Nurses are particularly vulnerable to acquiring TB because they are in the frontline of patient care. There is inadequate implementation of cost-effective TB infection control (TBIC) measures at most health facilities. Training has been shown to be effective in improving the knowledge and work practices of nurses. This study sought to utilize a mixed-approach educational intervention to improve the TBIC-related knowledge and practices of nurses in two secondary health facilities in Ibadan, South-West Nigeria. Methods: This quasi-experimental study involved 200 (100 each in the intervention and comparison groups). Baseline data was collected in May 2014. This was followed by training of the nurses in the intervention group. After 6 months, the second wave of data was collected and the nurses in the comparison group also received the training after this. The final wave of data collection took place 12 months after the commencement of the study. Mean scores of the nurses were determined and comparison made between both groups at different time points using independent t -test. Results: The nurses in both groups were statistically comparable in their socio-demographic characteristics and baseline mean knowledge (68.6% and 67.7%) and practice scores (79.1% and 80.6%) respectively. After the intervention group received the training, there were appreciable improvements in the post-intervention scores of the group at 6 months (knowledge-85.9%; practice-98.5%), which were significantly different from those of the comparison group (knowledge-69.5%, practice-78.8%). A large effect size was demonstrated in the improvement in knowledge score in the intervention group at 6 months compared with the other group (Cohen’s d = 1.7). Similarly, there were improvements in the scores of the nurses in the comparison group at 12 months after the group had also received the training (knowledge-88.2%, practice-93.5%). At this point, the mean scores between both groups were no longer significantly different. Conclusions: The improvement in post-intervention scores implies that the mixed-approach educational intervention adopted in this study was effective in improving TBIC among the nurses. It also underscores the importance of continuous training/retraining of nurses and other healthcare workers in improving and sustaining TBIC at health facilities.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of an insurance enrollment support tool on insurance rates and cancer prevention in community health centers: a quasi-experimental study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Huguet Nathalie ◽  
Valenzuela Steele ◽  
Marino Miguel ◽  
Moreno Laura ◽  
Hatch Brigit ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Study ◽  
Health Insurance ◽  
Community Health ◽  
Tool Use ◽  
Comparison Group ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Support Tool ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Insurance Enrollment ◽  
Secondary Outcomes

Abstract Background Following the ACA, millions of people gained Medicaid insurance. Most electronic health record (EHR) tools to date provide clinical-decision support and tracking of clinical biomarkers, we developed an EHR tool to support community health center (CHC) staff in assisting patients with health insurance enrollment documents and tracking insurance application steps. The objective of this study was to test the effectiveness of the health insurance support tool in (1) assisting uninsured patients gaining insurance coverage, (2) ensuring insurance continuity for patients with Medicaid insurance (preventing coverage gaps between visits); and (3) improving receipt of cancer preventive care. Methods In this quasi-experimental study, twenty-three clinics received the intervention (EHR-based insurance support tool) and were matched to 23 comparison clinics. CHCs were recruited from the OCHIN network. EHR data were linked to Medicaid enrollment data. The primary outcomes were rates of uninsured and Medicaid visits. The secondary outcomes were receipt of recommended breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screenings. A comparative interrupted time-series using Poisson generalized estimated equation (GEE) modeling was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of the EHR-based tool on the primary and secondary outcomes. Results Immediately following implementation of the enrollment tool, the uninsured visit rate decreased by 21.0% (Adjusted Rate Ratio [RR] = 0.790, 95% CI = 0.621–1.005, p = .055) while Medicaid-insured visits increased by 4.5% (ARR = 1.045, 95% CI = 1.013–1.079) in the intervention group relative to comparison group. Cervical cancer preventive ratio increased 5.0% (ARR = 1.050, 95% CI = 1.009–1.093) immediately following implementation of the enrollment tool in the intervention group relative to comparison group. Among patients with a tool use, 81% were enrolled in Medicaid 12 months after tool use. For the 19% who were never enrolled in Medicaid following tool use, most were uninsured (44%) at the time of tool use. Conclusions A health insurance support tool embedded within the EHR can effectively support clinic staff in assisting patients in maintaining their Medicaid coverage. Such tools may also have an indirect impact on evidence-based practice interventions, such as cancer screening. Trial registration This study was retrospectively registered on February 4th, 2015 with Clinicaltrials.gov (#NCT02355262). The registry record can be found at https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02355262.

scholarly journals The effect of an educational intervention to improve tuberculosis infection control among nurses in Ibadan, South-West Nigeria: a quasi-experimental study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick Aboh Akande
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Study ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Educational Intervention ◽  
Comparison Group ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
Continuous Training ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
South West ◽  
Quasi Experimental

Abstract Background: Nurses are particularly vulnerable to acquiring tuberculosis (TB) because they are in the frontline of patient care. There is inadequate implementation of cost-effective TB infection control (TBIC) measures in most health facilities. Training has been shown to be effective in improving the knowledge and work practices of nurses. This study sought to utilize a multi-method educational intervention to improve the TBIC-related knowledge and practices of nurses in two secondary health facilities in Ibadan, South-West Nigeria. Methods: This quasi-experimental study involved 200 nurses (100 each in the intervention and comparison groups). Baseline data was collected in May 2014. This was followed by training of the nurses in the intervention group. After 6 months, the second wave of data was collected and the nurses in the comparison group also received the training thereafter. The final wave of data collection took place 12 months after the commencement of the study. Mean scores of the nurses were determined and comparison made between both groups at different time points using independent t-test. Results: The nurses in both groups were statistically comparable in their socio-demographic characteristics, and baseline mean knowledge (68.6% and 67.7%) and practice scores (79.1% and 80.6%) respectively. After the intervention group received the intervention, there were appreciable improvements in the scores at 6 months (knowledge-85.9%; practice-98.5%), which were significantly different from those of the comparison group (knowledge-69.5%, practice-78.8%). A large effect size was demonstrated in the improvement in knowledge score in the intervention group at 6 months compared with the other group (Cohen’s d = 1.7). Similarly, there were improvements in the scores of the nurses in the comparison group at 12 months after the group had also received the intervention (knowledge-88.2%, practice-93.5%). At this point, the mean scores between both groups were no longer significantly different. Conclusions: The improvement in post-intervention scores implies that the educational intervention adopted for this study was effective in improving TBIC among the nurses. It also underscores the importance of continuous training/retraining of nurses and other healthcare workers in improving and sustaining TBIC at health facilities.

scholarly journals The effect of an educational intervention to improve tuberculosis infection control among nurses in Ibadan, south-west Nigeria: a quasi-experimental study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick Aboh Akande
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Study ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Educational Intervention ◽  
Comparison Group ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
Continuous Training ◽  
South West ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
The Mean

Abstract Background: Nurses are particularly vulnerable to acquiring tuberculosis (TB) because they are in the frontline of patient care. There is inadequate implementation of cost-effective TB infection control (TBIC) measures in most health facilities. Training has been shown to be effective in improving the knowledge and work practices of nurses. This study sought to utilize a multi-method educational intervention to improve the TBIC-related knowledge and practices of nurses in two secondary health facilities in Ibadan, South-West Nigeria.Methods: This quasi-experimental study involved 200 nurses (100 each in the intervention and comparison groups). Baseline data were collected in May 2014. This was followed by training of the nurses in the intervention group. After 6 months, the second wave of data was collected and the nurses in the comparison group also received the training thereafter. The final wave of data collection took place 12 months after the commencement of the study. The mean scores of the nurses were determined and comparison was made between both groups at different time points using independent t-test.Results: The nurses in both groups were statistically comparable in their socio-demographic characteristics, and baseline mean knowledge (68.6 and 67.7%) and practice scores (79.1 and 80.6%) respectively. After the intervention group received the intervention, there were appreciable improvements in the scores at 6 months (knowledge – 85.9%, practice – 98.5%), which were significantly different from those of the comparison group (knowledge – 69.5%, practice – 78.8%). A large effect size was demonstrated in the improvement in knowledge score in the intervention group at 6 months compared with the other group (Cohen’s d η 2 {\displaystyle \eta ^{2}} = 1.7). Similarly, there were improvements in the scores of the nurses in the comparison group at 12 months after the group had also received the intervention (knowledge – 88.2%, practice – 93.5%). At this point, the mean scores between both groups were no longer significantly different. Conclusions: The improvement in post-intervention scores implies that the educational intervention adopted for this study was effective in improving TBIC among the nurses. It also underscores the importance of continuous training/retraining of nurses and other healthcare workers in improving and sustaining TBIC at health facilities.

scholarly journals The effect of an educational intervention to improve tuberculosis infection control among nurses in Ibadan, South-West Nigeria: a quasi-experimental study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick Aboh Akande
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Study ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Educational Intervention ◽  
Comparison Group ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
Continuous Training ◽  
South West ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
The Mean

Abstract Background: Nurses are particularly vulnerable to acquiring tuberculosis (TB) because they are in the frontline of patient care. There is inadequate implementation of cost-effective TB infection control (TBIC) measures in most health facilities. Training has been shown to be effective in improving the knowledge and work practices of nurses. This study sought to utilize a multi-method educational intervention to improve the TBIC-related knowledge and practices of nurses in two secondary health facilities in Ibadan, South-West Nigeria. Methods: This quasi-experimental study involved 200 nurses (100 each in the intervention and comparison groups). Baseline data were collected in May 2014. This was followed by training of the nurses in the intervention group. After 6 months, the second wave of data was collected and the nurses in the comparison group also received the training thereafter. The final wave of data collection took place 12 months after the commencement of the study. The mean scores of the nurses were determined and comparison was made between both groups at different time points using independent t -test. Results: The nurses in both groups were statistically comparable in their socio-demographic characteristics, and baseline mean knowledge (68.6% and 67.7%) and practice scores (79.1% and 80.6%) respectively. After the intervention group received the intervention, there were appreciable improvements in the scores at 6 months (knowledge-85.9%; practice-98.5%), which were significantly different from those of the comparison group (knowledge-69.5%, practice-78.8%). A large effect size was demonstrated in the improvement in knowledge score in the intervention group at 6 months compared with the other group (Cohen’s d = 1.7). Similarly, there were improvements in the scores of the nurses in the comparison group at 12 months after the group had also received the intervention (knowledge-88.2%, practice-93.5%). At this point, the mean scores between both groups were no longer significantly different. Conclusions: The improvement in post-intervention scores implies that the educational intervention adopted for this study was effective in improving TBIC among the nurses. It also underscores the importance of continuous training/retraining of nurses and other healthcare workers in improving and sustaining TBIC at health facilities.

scholarly journals Impact of a community contraceptive counselling intervention on adolescent fertility rates: a quasi-experimental study

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elia Diez ◽  
Maria J. Lopez ◽  
Gloria Perez ◽  
Irene Garcia-Subirats ◽  
Laia Nebot ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Study ◽  
Household Income ◽  
Comparison Group ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Fertility Rate ◽  
Rate Change ◽  
Fertility Rates ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Adolescent Fertility ◽  
Counselling Intervention

Abstract Background From 2000 to 2008, in urban areas in Spain, adolescent fertility and abortion rates underwent unprecedented increases, consecutive to intensive immigration from developing countries. To address unmet needs for contraception information and services, a community-based, gender-sensitive and culturally adapted brief counselling intervention (SIRIAN program) was launched in some deprived neighbourhoods with a high proportion of immigrants in Barcelona. Once a randomized controlled trial demonstrated its effectiveness in increasing the use of contraceptives, we aim to examine its population impact on adolescent fertility rates. Methods Quasi-experimental study with comparison group, using population data from 2005 to 2016. Five neighbourhoods in the lowest tercile of Disposable Household Income were intervened in 2011–13. The comparison group included the three neighbourhoods which were in the same municipal district and in the lowest Disposable Household Income tercile, and displayed the highest adolescent fertility rates. Generalized linear models were fitted to assess absolute adolescent fertility rates and adjusted by immigrant population between pre-intervention (2005–10) and post-intervention periods (2011–16); Difference in Differences and relative pre-post changes analysis were performed. Results In 2005–10 the intervention group adolescent fertility rate was 27.90 (per 1000 women 15–19) and 21.84 in the comparison group. In 2011–16 intervention areas experienced great declines (adolescent fertility rate change: − 12.30 (− 12.45 to − 12.21); p < 0.001), while comparison neighbourhoods remained unchanged (adolescent fertility rate change: 1.91 (− 2.25 to 6.07); p = 0.368). A reduction of − 10.97 points (− 13.91 to − 8.03); p < 0.001) is associated to the intervention. Conclusion Adolescent fertility rate significantly declined in the intervention group but remained stable in the comparison group. This quasi-experimental study provide evidence that, in a country with universal health coverage, a community counselling intervention that increases access to contraception, knowledge and sexual health care in hard-to-reach segments of the population can contribute to substantially reduce adolescent fertility rates. Reducing adolescent fertility rates could become a feasible goal in cities with similar conditions.

Effect of a Suicide Prevention Centre for young people with suicidal behaviour in Copenhagen

2005 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 121-128 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Nordentoft ◽  
J. Branner ◽  
K. Drejer ◽  
B. Mejsholm ◽  
H. Hansen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Study ◽  
Suicide Prevention ◽  
Comparison Group ◽  
Psychological Treatment ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
The World ◽  
Comparison Groups ◽  
Quasi Experimental

AbstractBackgroundIn the 1980s, suicide rates in Denmark were among the highest in the world. In 1992, a Suicide Prevention Centre was opened in Copenhagen with a 2-week programme of social and psychological treatment. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of the Suicide Prevention Centre.MethodsIn a quasi-experimental study, 362 patients in the Suicide Prevention Centre and a parallel comparison group of 39 patients were interviewed with European Parasuicide Study Interviewer Schedule I (EPSIS I), which is a comprehensive interview including several validated scales. All patients were invited to follow-up interviews with EPSIS II and followed in the National Patients Register and the Cause of Death Register.ResultsAt the 1-year follow-up, 59% of patients in the intervention group and 53% of patients in the comparison groups were interviewed with EPSIS II. The intervention group obtained a significantly greater improvement in Beck’s Depression Inventory, Hopelessness Scale, Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale and CAGE-score and a significantly lower repetition rate.DiscussionsAlthough the design cannot exclude selection bias, it seems likely that the improvement in the intervention group was facilitated by the treatment.

scholarly journals The effect of an educational intervention to improve tuberculosis infection control among nurses in Ibadan, South-West Nigeria: a quasi-experimental study

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick Aboh Akande
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Study ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Educational Intervention ◽  
Comparison Group ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
Continuous Training ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
South West ◽  
Quasi Experimental

Abstract Background: Nurses are particularly vulnerable to acquiring tuberculosis (TB) because they are in the frontline of patient care. There is inadequate implementation of cost-effective TB infection control (TBIC) measures at most health facilities. Training has been shown to be effective in improving the knowledge and work practices of nurses. This study sought to utilize a multi-method educational intervention to improve the TBIC-related knowledge and practices of nurses in two secondary health facilities in Ibadan, South-West Nigeria. Methods: This quasi-experimental study involved 200 nurses (100 each in the intervention and comparison groups). Baseline data was collected in May 2014. This was followed by training of the nurses in the intervention group. After 6 months, the second wave of data was collected and the nurses in the comparison group also received the training thereafter. The final wave of data collection took place 12 months after the commencement of the study. Mean scores of the nurses were determined and comparison made between both groups at different time points using independent t-test. Results: The nurses in both groups were statistically comparable in their socio-demographic characteristics and baseline mean knowledge (68.6% and 67.7%) and practice scores (79.1% and 80.6%) respectively. After the intervention group received the training, there were appreciable improvements in the post-intervention scores of the group at 6 months (knowledge-85.9%; practice-98.5%), which were significantly different from those of the comparison group (knowledge-69.5%, practice-78.8%). A large effect size was demonstrated in the improvement in knowledge score in the intervention group at 6 months compared with the other group (Cohen’s d = 1.7). Similarly, there were improvements in the scores of the nurses in the comparison group at 12 months after the group had also received the training (knowledge-88.2%, practice-93.5%). At this point, the mean scores between both groups were no longer significantly different. Conclusions: The improvement in post-intervention scores implies that the educational intervention adopted for this study was effective in improving TBIC among the nurses. It also underscores the importance of continuous training/retraining of nurses and other healthcare workers in improving and sustaining TBIC at health facilities.

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