Attitudes of Polish Medical and Health Sciences Students towards Persons with Physical Disabilities Using the MAS-PL Scale

Discovering the role of negative attitudes in the social functioning of people with disabilities, tools were developed to measure these attitudes, of which the Multidimensional Attitude Scale of People with Disabilities (MAS) is a good one. It is particularly important to study the attitudes of people who are professionally involved in meeting the needs of people with disabilities. The aim of this study was to determine the attitudes towards people with physical disabilities among medical and health sciences students regarding gender, year of study, field of study, and place of residence. The study was conducted among 625 students in Poland with the use of the MAS-PL scale. The results obtained indicate that women display more positive attitudes towards people with disabilities than men in the cognition and behavioural domains. In the emotional domain, these attitudes were more negative than in the other domains and almost identical for both genders. The year of study, field of study, and place of residence did not differentiate students in terms of their MAS score. Since the sociodemographic variables studied do not determine a positive attitude, educational interventions to increase contact with people with disabilities should be undertaken in future research, and this factor should be investigated as an element of attitude modulation.

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A mixed methods approach to determine the climate of interprofessional education among medical and health sciences students

BMC Medical Education ◽

10.1186/s12909-021-02645-4 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Nabil Sulaiman ◽

Youssef Rishmawy ◽

Amal Hussein ◽

Maha Saber-Ayad ◽

Hamzah Alzubaidi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mixed Methods ◽

Focus Group ◽

Patient Care ◽

Interprofessional Education ◽

Health Sciences ◽

Study Cohort ◽

Focus Group Discussions ◽

Group Discussions ◽

Positive Attitudes ◽

Health Sciences Students

Abstract Background High-quality patient care is a complex phenomenon that requires collaboration among healthcare professionals. Research has shown that Interprofessional Education (IPE) carries promise to improve collaborative work and patient care. So far, collaboration among various health professionals remains a challenge. Very few focus group discussions to determine the medical students’ readiness and positive attitudes towards IPE have been reported from the Arabian context. Methods A two-staged sequential mixed methods study was conducted among medical, dental, pharmacy, and health sciences students of the University of Sharjah United Arab Emirates. The perspectives of students toward IPE and collaborative practice were first gathered by administering a validated instrument, Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS). This was followed by focused group discussions. A quantitative as well as a qualitative data analysis was performed. Results This study cohort included 282 students. All respondents showed readiness to adopt IPE as all statements of the RIPLS inventory scored high median scores. All participants showed positive attitudes and readiness towards IPE. Three main domains of themes were generated from focus group discussions; prior knowledge, need for IPE framework and its implementation. Information workload, lack of clarity and less focused teaching pedagogies of IPE were considered as perceived barriers. Conclusion This study demonstrated a substantial agreement of medical and health sciences students towards readiness and perceived effectiveness of IPE. Educators are urged to embed new IPE programs into existing curricular frameworks, which can potentially enhance collaborative learning and improve quality of patient care.

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PARTICIPATION IN ECOTOURISM EDUCATION, GENDER AND PLACE OF RESIDENCE AS DETERMINANTS OF ATTITUDES TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

GeoJournal of Tourism and Geosites ◽

10.30892/gtg.35219-665 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 35 (2) ◽

pp. 406-410

Author(s):

Marcin PASEK ◽

◽

Wojciech RATKOWSKI ◽

Keyword(s):

Environmental Sustainability ◽

Environmental Attitudes ◽

Sustainable Tourism ◽

Attitude Scale ◽

Place Of Residence ◽

Positive Attitudes ◽

Place Of Origin

The aim of the research was examination of pro-environmental attitudes of the students participating in optional classes of Sustainable Tourism on the background of students who did not participate in such classes. In the research participated 126 students of tourism and recreation. From among 7 factors creating Sustainable Tourism Attitude Scale (SUS-TAS), 9 statements forming the first component of the scale of Environmental Sustainability – were used. The results do not confirm more positive attitudes of students realizing Sustainable Tourism. No differences were found either, in pro-environmental attitudes between respondents from a town or from a village. According to the expectations, women are characterized by more positive ecological attitudes than men. Educational contact with sustainable tourism and place of origin had no effect on environmental attitudes.

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A Mobile App to Promote Adapted Exercise and Social Networking for People With Physical Disabilities: Usability Study (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.11689 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Byron Lai ◽

Jereme Wilroy ◽

Hui-Ju Young ◽

Jennifer Howell ◽

James H. Rimmer ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Cognitive Theory ◽

Physical Disabilities ◽

People With Disabilities ◽

Structured Interview ◽

Mobile App ◽

Lower Limbs ◽

Future Research ◽

Operation Speed ◽

People With Physical Disabilities

BACKGROUND People with physical disabilities (PWD) experience several unique challenges that prevent them from participating in onsite exercise programs. Although mobile apps can provide a ubiquitous channel for delivering convenient exercise services within the community, no exercise apps have been designed for people with disabilities who experience certain functional limitations. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to examine the usability of a mobile exercise app in PWD. METHODS A sequential explanatory mixed-method design was used to holistically test usability in 4 core areas: effectiveness (ie, ease of use), efficiency (ie, operation speed), perceived satisfaction, and usefulness. Participants completed 7 face-to-face usability tasks and 1 structured interview. Equipment included a computer tablet that came preinstalled with the exercise app. The app included exercise videos that focused on several components of fitness: aerobic capacity, muscular strength, functional strength or balance, and range of motion. The app contained 3 different versions of the exercise program: (1) a program for people with the ability to use the upper and lower limbs, (2) a seated program for people with the ability to use only upper limbs, and (3) a program designed for people with hemiparesis. The app also included educational resources in the form of infographics aimed at addressing key social cognitive theory constructs included social support, outcome expectancies, self-efficacy, and barriers or facilitators to exercising. Participant characteristics and quantitative usability data were descriptively reported. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS A total of 12 PWD tested the usability of the exercise app and completed 96% (69/72) of the usability tasks on the first attempt. Operation speed varied among users, which prompted the development team to make minor revisions to the app. Qualitative results demonstrated 3 overarching themes: facilitates exercise adoption, positive experiences of videos, and easy to learn. Participants noted that the app circumvented several barriers to exercise associated with leaving the home (eg, inclement weather conditions, exacerbations of health conditions or disability symptoms, difficulties with transportation, and social support). CONCLUSIONS The mobile exercise app provided a simple platform that was effective, useful, and appreciated by PWD. Participants also perceived the app as easy to use and felt it was a valuable tool for assisting PWD to obtain regular exercise. Study findings also offered insight into the participants’ preferences for mobile exercise apps that can aid future research and development projects. Future exercise trials are needed to determine the true impact of mobile app technology on lifestyle physical activity in people with disabilities. CLINICALTRIAL Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03024320; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03024320 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/75hNLgRFH).

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Gender Differences in the Relationship Between Coping Style and Attitudes Towards Palliative Care

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igab046.3224 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 895-895

Author(s):

Ilana Engel ◽

Amber Watts ◽

Tamara Baker ◽

Christian Sinclair

Keyword(s):

Palliative Care ◽

Coping Styles ◽

Community Sample ◽

Educational Interventions ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Future Research ◽

Negative Attitudes ◽

Self Blame ◽

Positive Attitudes ◽

Tailored Approach

Abstract Palliative care (PC) is becoming more widely available and its benefits, including improved quality of life for patients, have been demonstrated. Studies on patient-level barriers to PC access focus on knowledge and misperceptions. This study aimed to explore, among a community sample, whether more approach-focused coping styles may be associated with more positive attitudes towards PC and whether more avoidant coping styles are associated with more negative attitudes towards PC. Two linear regression analyses (an approach model and an avoidance model) were conducted to determine predictors of attitudes towards PC, controlling for potential confounds. The sample consisted of 87 community-dwelling adults ages 65+ (mean age=72.72 (5.88); 56.32% = women; 86.21% = White). In both models, more knowledge of PC was associated with more positive attitudes towards PC (β = .71, p<.01). Coping by engaging more social support was significantly associated with more positive attitudes towards PC (β = .54, p<.05). Results demonstrated a significant interaction (β = -1.24, p<.01) such that women who endorsed high levels of disengaged coping reported more favorable attitudes towards PC than men who endorsed high levels of disengaged coping. Results indicate the need for a tailored approach to PC education for patients and families. Men who often cope with a stressor via distraction, self-blame, denial, or giving up may be less receptive to acceptance of PC. Future research on educational interventions tailored for individuals with distinct coping styles may be beneficial, particularly for men who frequently rely on disengaged coping styles.

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Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity among Health Sciences Students in the Amazonia Region of Peru

Healthcare ◽

10.3390/healthcare8040538 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (4) ◽

pp. 538

Author(s):

Joseba Rabanales-Sotos ◽

Maritza Evangelina Villanueva-Benites ◽

Jesús Jacinto-Magallanes-Castilla ◽

Zoila Esperanza Leitón-Espinoza ◽

Ángel López-González ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Educational Interventions ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Health Sciences ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

Considerable Proportion ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Food Substance ◽

Health Sciences Students ◽

The University

A cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate 199 health sciences students in the city of Iquitos. Their socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle, level of physical activity, type of food, substance abuse, and prevalence of overweight and obesity were ascertained using purpose-validated questionnaires, i.e., the Systematic Alcohol Consumption Interview (Interrogatorio Sistematizado de Consumos Alcohólicos/ISCA), a questionnaire on the frequency of dietary intake (CFCA), the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and anthropometric measurements. The prevalence of overweight (body mass index (BMI) of 25.0–29.9 kg/m2) was 26.5% (95% CI = 19.9–33.0%) and that of obesity (BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m2) was 7.9% (95% CI = 3.8–12.1%). A total of 34.4% of students (95% CI = 27.4–41.4%) presented with a BMI > 25 kg/m2. The frequency of overweight was significantly higher in persons aged over 20 years (OR = 2.5) and smokers (OR = 3.2), and the frequency of obesity was significantly higher in older students (OR = 4.1) and males (OR = 5.5). In conclusion, a considerable proportion of health sciences students in the Amazonia region presented with a high BMI. The proportion of students with overweight was higher among students aged over 20 years and smokers, while that of obesity was also higher among males. In the university setting, the development of more overweight- and obesity-preventive activities and educational interventions would therefore be desirable.

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Attitudes toward people with physical disabilities: An examination of social context, discipline, disability type, and demographics

Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation ◽

10.3233/jvr-201124 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-17

Author(s):

Valentini Kalargyrou ◽

William Pettinico ◽

Po-Ju Chen

Keyword(s):

Social Context ◽

Undergraduate Students ◽

Physical Disabilities ◽

Social Contexts ◽

Future Research ◽

Positive Attitudes ◽

Frequency Of Contact ◽

Service Setting ◽

The Social ◽

People With Physical Disabilities

BACKGROUND: Despite the existence of studies examining attitudes toward people with disabilities (PWDs) in a workplace context, little is known about attitudes in other social contexts such as dating and marriage. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is threefold. First, the study seeks to examine how social context (i.e., work, dating, marriage) influences attitudes toward people with physical disabilities (PWPDs). Second, it examines potential influence of participant characteristics (i.e., gender, major, disability education, and frequency of contact). Third, it explores whether attitudes vary across different disability types. METHODS: To measure the influence of social context on attitudes toward PWPDs, the study used the Disability Social Relationship Scale (DSR), which was completed by 395 undergraduate students in Austria. RESULTS: Participants demonstrate more positive attitudes toward PWPDs in the workplace than in the social contexts of dating and marriage. Participants who had more frequent contact with PWDs (i.e., in a workplace/service setting or in a personal relationship) demonstrate more positive attitudes toward PWPDs. Participants have more positive attitudes toward some disability types (i.e., deafness/hardness of hearing) than others (blindness/visual impairment). CONCLUSION: We offer recommendations for future research and practice aimed at creating awareness of biases toward PWDs while promoting social justice.

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Inclusion of People with Disabilities amid COVID-19: Laws, Interventions, Recommendations

Multidisciplinary Journal of Educational Research ◽

10.17583/remie.2020.5877 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (2) ◽

pp. 158

Author(s):

Cathy Mae Dabi Toquero

Keyword(s):

Students With Disabilities ◽

Digital Media ◽

Emergency Preparedness ◽

People With Disabilities ◽

Educational Interventions ◽

Assistive Technologies ◽

Future Research ◽

Learning Needs ◽

Left Behind ◽

Philippine Government

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented an ongoing challenge especially for those people and children with special needs and disabilities as their voices are unheard in normal times and this unfortunate situation is heightened during this emergency. Government policies during the pandemic necessitate inclusion for people with disabilities who also have their global rights for no one should be left behind in this crisis. This article examines the laws of the Philippine Government on the provision for the inclusive special education and rights of the said learners, highlights the possible educational interventions to supplement their learning amid the pandemic and offers recommendations for the emergency preparedness legislative policies and services to be responsive to the educational, socio-emotional, and mental health needs of the students with disabilities amid the pandemic. Future research should examine the experiences of the children with disabilities in using digital media during the pandemic period and evaluate the effectiveness of assistive technologies to meet the learning needs of people with disabilities.

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Celebrity Worship Among University Students in Malaysia

European Psychologist ◽

10.1027/1016-9040/a000029 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 16 (4) ◽

pp. 334-342 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Viren Swami ◽

Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic ◽

Khairul Mastor ◽

Fatin Hazwani Siran ◽

Mohammad Mohsein Mohammad Said ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Factor Analysis ◽

Structural Equation Modeling ◽

Structural Equation ◽

Attitude Scale ◽

Equation Modeling ◽

Future Research ◽

The West ◽

Factor Solution ◽

Movie Stars ◽

Three Factor

The present study examined conceptual issues surrounding celebrity worship in a Malay-speaking population. In total, 512 Malay and 269 Chinese participants from Malaysia indicated who their favorite celebrity was and completed the Celebrity Attitude Scale (CAS) as well as a range of demographic items. Results showed that the majority of Malay and Chinese participants selected pop stars and movie stars as their favourite celebrities, mirroring findings in Western settings. In addition, exploratory factor analysis revealed a three-factor solution of the CAS that was consistent with previous studies conducted in the West. Structural equation modeling further revealed that participant’s age was negatively associated with celebrity worship and that self-rated attractiveness was positively associated with celebrity worship. Overall, the present results suggest that celebrity worship in Malaysia may be driven by market and media forces, and future research may well be guided by use of the CAS.

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Stress Perceived by University Health Sciences Students, 1 Year after COVID-19 Pandemic

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18105233 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (10) ◽

pp. 5233

Author(s):

Yolanda Marcén-Román ◽

Angel Gasch-Gallen ◽

Irene Isabel Vela Martín de la Mota ◽

Estela Calatayud ◽

Isabel Gómez-Soria ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Nursing Students ◽

University Students ◽

Perceived Stress ◽

Psychological Health ◽

Health Sciences ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Occupational Therapy Students ◽

Health Sciences Students ◽

The Impact

Today’s COVID-19 situation can affect university Health Sciences students’ psychological health. This study aimed to analyze the stress caused by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Health Sciences students from the University of Zaragoza (Spain) almost 1 year after the pandemic began. This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with a sample of 252 university students who completed a self-administered online questionnaire. It evaluated the impact of perceived stress with a modified scale (PSS-10-C), and assessed anxiety and depression on the Goldberg scale. Students presented stress (13.1%), anxiety (71.4%) and depression (81%). Females (81.7%) and the third-year Occupational Therapy students (p = 0.010) reported perceived stress. Nursing students perceived less stress (OR: 0.148; 95% CI: 0.026 to 0.842). University students developed stress and anxiety due to COVID-19 almost 1 year after the pandemic began. Psychological support measures for these groups should be prioritized.

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Health Sciences Students’ Perceptions of the Role of the Supervisor in Clinical Placements

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18094427 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (9) ◽

pp. 4427

Author(s):

Álvaro Borrallo-Riego ◽

Eleonora Magni ◽

Juan Antonio Jiménez-Álvarez ◽

Vicente Fernández-Rodríguez ◽

María Dolores Guerra-Martín

Keyword(s):

Professional Training ◽

Learning Experience ◽

Health Sciences ◽

Data Matrix ◽

Quantitative Methodology ◽

Clinical Placements ◽

Validated Questionnaire ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Health Sciences Students

The supervision of clinical placements is essential to achieving a positive learning experience in the clinical setting and which supports the professional training of those being supervised. The aim of this study was to explore health sciences students’ perceptions of the role of the supervisor in the supervision of clinical placements. A quantitative methodology was used, administering a previously validated questionnaire, by means of an expert panel and a pre-test, to 134 students from the Faculty of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Podiatry at the University of Seville (Spain). The analysis of variables was carried out by means of a data matrix. The results revealed a statistically significant difference in the perception of placement supervision depending on the degree, with Nursing producing the highest degree of affirmation in the variables studied and the greatest satisfaction with placement supervision; in contrast, Physiotherapy produced the greatest dissatisfaction and the lowest degree of affirmation. The study and analysis of these perceptions facilitates the collection of relevant information in order to formulate actions that help to improve the supervision experience during placements. They also allow a greater understanding of what factors most influence the experience of supervision during clinical placements.

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