scholarly journals Evaluation of a pedagogical e-tool for promoting students’ well-being: The perspective of future prevention providers

2021 ◽  
Vol 47 (3) ◽  
pp. 324-338
Author(s):  
Karolina Kossakowska ◽  
Magdalena Zadworna

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the digitally supported pedagogical tool for promoting students' well-being, developed during Erasmus+ project. The research includes the data from 59 fourth-year students in a five-year MA degree program in psychology (50 women and 9 men) aged 22–46 (M = 26.51, SD = 5.43). We used a survey questionnaire developed for the purposes of the study to assess the attractiveness and usefulness of the e-tool, the effectiveness of the different forms of communication used in the tool, and its overall strengths and weaknesses. The mean overall satisfaction with the tool was high. Among the factors contributing to the overall satisfaction with the tool, the content of the tool and the attractiveness of its message form was rated the highest. Online videos were considered to be the most effective form of communication used in the tool. The most appreciated features of the tool were the use of multimedia and remote resources and an attractive form; the weakest side of the tool, according to the respondents, turned out to be its appropriateness for the recipients’ developmental stage. Erasmus+ projects can develop valuable outcomes for school practice. They have also the potential for educating future staff working in various areas of psychological practice. Future psychologists and prevention providers should come into contact with the international nature of education, psychoeducation, and modern prophylaxis already during their studies.

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalia Banasik ◽  
Dariusz Jemielniak ◽  
Wojciech P?dzich

BACKGROUND There have been mixed results of the studies checking whether prayers do actually extend the life duration of the people prayed for. Most studies on the topic included a small number of prayers and most of them focused on people already struggling with a medical condition. Intercessory prayer’s influence on health is of scholarly interest, yet it is unclear if its effect may be dependent on the number of prayers for a named individual received per annum. OBJECTIVE We sought to examine if there is a noticeable increased longevity effect of intercessory prayer for a named individual’s well-being, if he receives a very high number of prayers per annum for an extended period. METHODS We retrieved and conducted a statistical analysis of the data about the length of life for 857 Roman Catholic bishops, 500 Catholic priests, and 3038 male academics from the US, France, Italy, Poland, Brazil, and Mexico. We obtained information for these individuals who died between 1988 and 2018 from Wikidata, and conducted an observational cohort study. Bishops were chosen for the study, as they receive millions of individual prayers for well being, according to conservative estimates. RESULTS There was a main effect for occupation F(2, 4391) = 4.07, p = .017, ηp 2 = .002, with pairwise comparisons indicating significant differences between the mean life duration of bishops (M=30489) and of priests (M=29894), but none between the academic teachers (M=30147) and either of the other groups. A comparison analysis between bishops from the largest and the smallest dioceses showed no significant difference t(67.31)=1.61, p = .11. Our main outcome measure is covariance of the mean length of life in each of the categories: bishops, priests, academic teachers, controlled for nationality. CONCLUSIONS The first analysis proved that bishops live longer than priests, but due to a marginal effect size this result should be treated with caution. No difference was found between the mean length of life of bishops from the largest and the smallest dioceses. We found no difference between bishops and male academics. These results show that the impact of intercessory prayers on longevity is not observable.


Author(s):  
Vanajakshamma Velam ◽  
Vyshnavi Kancherla ◽  
Latheef Kasala ◽  
Anusha Kancherla ◽  
Mounica Reddy Pillaram

Abstract Background This study was an attempt to assess and compare the gender-wise lifestyle patterns and well-being status among the employees of a tertiary care teaching hospital. Material and Methods This is a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study conducted at a tertiary care hospital between May and August 2019. A total of 777 employees belonging to both genders (male and female) and working at different professional levels were assessed. All the enrolled employees were subjected to a comprehensive study tool consisting of various dimensions of their health, which included physical, mental, social, spiritual and intellectual health dimensions. Results Among the participants, 327 (42.1%) were male and 450 (57.9%) were female. There was no significant difference in the mean age of male (37.91 ± 7.52) and female (36.85 ± 8.16) employees (p = 0.07). A significantly higher proportion of diabetes and hypertension were seen in male employees (9.8% and 14.4%, respectively) than in female (5.6% and 6.2% respectively). The overall well-being was better in male employees than in females and was statistically significant (p < 0.0001). We found that male employees had statistically significant better well-being in terms of physical, mental and social health whereas female employees had intellectual health. Conclusion The overall well-being in healthcare staff was good at our tertiary care hospital, and the outstanding/good well-being rate was higher in male employees than in female employees. Female employees experienced risks with regard to their physical health.


Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 998
Author(s):  
Lucija Gosak ◽  
Nino Fijačko ◽  
Carolina Chabrera ◽  
Esther Cabrera ◽  
Gregor Štiglic

At the time of the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, several measures were in place to limit the spread of the virus, such as lockdown and restriction of social contacts. Many colleges thus had to shift their education from personal to online form overnight. The educational environment itself has a significant influence on students’ learning outcomes, knowledge, and satisfaction. This study aims to validate the tool for assessing the educational environment in the Slovenian nursing student population. To assess the educational environment, we used the DREEM tool distributed among nursing students using an online platform. First, we translated the survey questionnaire from English into Slovenian using the reverse translation technique. We also validated the DREEM survey questionnaire. We performed psychometric testing and content validation. I-CVI and S-CVI are at an acceptable level. A high degree of internal consistency was present, as Cronbach’s alpha was 0.951. The questionnaire was completed by 174 participants, of whom 30 were men and 143 were women. One person did not define gender. The mean age of students was 21.1 years (SD = 3.96). The mean DREEM score was 122.2. The mean grade of student perception of learning was 58.54%, student perception of teachers was 65.68%, student academic self-perception was 61.88%, student perception of the atmosphere was 60.63%, and social self-perception of students was 58.93%. Although coronavirus has affected the educational process, students still perceive the educational environment as positive. Nevertheless, there is still room for improvement in all assessed areas.


Author(s):  
Ascensión Fumero ◽  
Rosario J. Marrero ◽  
Alicia Pérez-Albéniz ◽  
Eduardo Fonseca-Pedrero

Bipolar disorder is usually accompanied by a high suicide risk. The main aim was to identify the risk and protective factors involved in suicide risk in adolescents with bipolar experiences. Of a total of 1506 adolescents, 467 (31%) were included in the group reporting bipolar experiences or symptoms, 214 males (45.8%) and 253 (54.2%) females. The mean age was 16.22 (SD = 1.36), with the age range between 14 and 19. Suicide risk, behavioral and emotional difficulties, prosocial capacities, well-being, and bipolar experiences were assessed through self-report. Mediation analyses, taking gender as a moderator and controlling age as a covariate, were applied to estimate suicide risk. The results indicated that the effect of bipolar experiences on suicide risk is mediated by behavioral and emotional difficulties rather than by prosocial behavior and subjective well-being. Specifically, emotional problems, problems with peers, behavior problems, and difficulties associated with hyperactivity were the most important variables. This relationship was not modulated by gender. However, the indirect effects of some mediators varied according to gender. These results support the development of suicide risk prevention strategies focused on reducing emotional difficulties, behavioral problems, and difficulties in relationships with others.


2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 1495-1506
Author(s):  
Brent Burbridge ◽  
Hyun Lim ◽  
Lynn Dwernychuk ◽  
Ha Le ◽  
Tehmina Asif ◽  
...  

Introduction: Venous access is a crucial element in chemotherapy delivery. It remains unclear whether cancer patients prefer a port to a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC). Our study aimed to assess cancer patients’ satisfaction with their venous access device and to compare the quality of life (QoL) of subjects with a PICC to those with a port. Methods: In this prospective cohort study, EORTC QLQ-C30, and a locally developed quality of life survey (QLAVD), designed to assess satisfaction with venous access devices, were administered to breast or colorectal cancer patients over a one-year period following the device insertion. Mixed effects models were used to assess changes on mean scores at different time points. Results: A total of 101 patients were recruited over a three-year period, (PICC group, n = 50; port group, n = 51). Survey response rates for months one and three were 72% and 48%, respectively. Overall, no significant differences were noted between the two groups in relation to EORTC QOL. At three months, the mean pain scores were 3.5 ± 2.3 for the port and 1.3 ± 0.75 for PICC (<0.001). The mean score for a negative effect of the venous access device on psychosocial well-being was 6.0 ± 4.1 for PICC and 3.0 ± 2.7 for the port (p = 0.005). Complications related to PICCs occurred in 38% patients versus 41% with a port (p > 0.24). Conclusions: Although subjects with a port experienced more pain during the device insertion or access for chemotherapy, it had a smaller negative impact on psychosocial scores than the PICC. No significant differences in complications rates were observed between the two devices.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bahareh Honari ◽  
Seyed Mehran Homam ◽  
Maryam Nabipour ◽  
Zahra Mostafavian ◽  
Arezou Farajpour ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders with physical, emotional, and social consequences. Previous studies indicate that epilepsy symptoms can highly affect the epileptic patients’ satisfaction in life. The aim of the present study is to investigate the QOL of People with Epilepsy (PWE) in Khorasan Razavi province, Iran. Methods In this study, 100 patients were randomly selected. After confirmation of the diagnosis of epilepsy by neurologists and fulfilling the entrance criteria, patients completed the Quality of Life in Epilepsy-31 inventory (QOLIE-31) questionnaire. Finally, data was analyzed statistically by SPSS software. Results The study sample comprised 100 PWE, aged 18–74 years (34 ± 13), of whom 58 (58%) were females. Tonic-colonic seizure was the most common (60%) type of seizure. The obtained score of each subscale and the range of the QOLIE-31 total score was 16.40–79.18 with the mean of 50 (SD = 16). The energy-fatigue subscale score was significantly higher in patients younger than 35 (p = 0.018). The data analysis showed that the seizure worry subscale was significantly higher in single patients (p = 0.04). Duration of epilepsy had a positive correlation with QOLIE-31 total score (p = 0.038), and a negative relationship with energy-fatigue subscale (p = 0.018). In contrast with previous studies, which reported the frequency of the epileptic episodes as the most important predictor of QOL, our results showed no significant correlation between the number of the episodes and overall QOL score (p = 0.063). However, the number of episodes was significantly correlated with emotional well-being and cognition subscales. Furthermore, the results indicated that poor QOL score is correlated with depressed mood. Conclusion In fact, the ultimate and preferred outcome of all treatments and care interventions is the patient’s QOL. Thus, improvement of the QOL by means of obtaining more information about its contributing factors, in PWE should be one of the main goals in the patients’ treatment.


Author(s):  
Juan Pablo Pizarro-Ruiz ◽  
Nuria Ordóñez-Camblor ◽  
Mario Del-Líbano ◽  
María-Camino Escolar-LLamazares

Mindfulness-based interventions (MBI) are a recognized effective psychological practice characterized by attention control, awareness, acceptance, non-reactivity, and non-judgmental thinking obtained through the practice of meditation. They have been shown to be useful in reducing stress and enhancing well-being in different contexts. In this research, the effectiveness of an MBI was evaluated on variables that can promote successful job performance such as mindfulness trait, positive and negative affect, forgiveness, personality strengths and satisfaction with life. The intervention was carried out through a smartphone application called “Aire Fresco” (Fresh Air) during 14 days in the middle of the quarantine produced by the Covid-19 pandemic. The study sample was composed of 164 Spanish people who were distributed in two groups: control group and experimental group, which were evaluated before and after the intervention. The MANCOVA performed showed an overall positive effect of the intervention on the variables evaluated. The different ANCOVAs carried out showed that the intervention was beneficial in increasing mindfulness trait, reducing negative affect or increasing life satisfaction, among others. Our study is, as far as we know, the first to demonstrate the effectiveness of a brief intervention in mindfulness conducted using a smartphone application in Spanish.


Author(s):  
Tuyen Dinh Hoang ◽  
Robert Colebunders ◽  
Joseph Nelson Siewe Fodjo ◽  
Nhan Phuc Thanh Nguyen ◽  
Trung Dinh Tran ◽  
...  

The COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictive measures implemented may considerably affect people’s lives. This study aimed to assess the well-being of Vietnamese people after COVID-19 lockdown measures were lifted and life gradually returned to normal. An online survey was organized from 21 to 25 April 2020 among Vietnamese residents aged 18 and over. The survey was launched by the Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy. The WHO-5 Well-Being Index (scored 0–25) was used to score participants’ well-being. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to determine the predictors of well-being. A total of 1922 responses were analyzed (mean age: 31 years; 30.5% male; 88.2% health professionals or students in the health sector). The mean well-being score was 17.35 ± 4.97. Determinants of a high well-being score (≥13) included older age, eating healthy food, practicing physical exercise, working from home, and adhering to the COVID-19 preventive measures. Female participants, persons worried about their relatives’ health, and smokers were more likely to have a low well-being score. In conclusion, after the lockdown measures were lifted, the Vietnamese have people continued to follow COVID-19 preventive measures, and most of them scored high on the well-being scale. Waiting to achieve large-scale COVID-19 vaccine coverage, promoting preventive COVID-19 measures remains important, together with strategies to guarantee the well-being of the Vietnamese people.


2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Akanksha Sharma ◽  
Saritha Shamsunder ◽  
Geetika Khanna ◽  
Neeti Khunger ◽  
Vijay Zutshi

Introduction: Chronic vulval symptoms are common complaints in women seeking health care and can significantly interfere with a woman’s sexual function and sense of well being. Many practitioners feel diagnostically challenged, particularly by chronic or recurrent forms of vulval disease. The aim of this study was to assess the role of various diagnostic modalities in evaluation of chronic vulval symptoms. Methods: Between August 2012 and February 2014, 100 women presenting with chronic vulval symptoms (i.e. ≥ 3 months duration) were evaluated. All of them had a thorough clinical history taken including use of vulval washes and creams, a general and gynaecological examination. Patients having chronic vaginal discharge in addition had urethral, vaginal and cervical smear and culture. All women had a careful examination of the vulva with and without magnification. Vulval scrape cytology was taken after moistening the vulva with normal saline and stained by Pap stain. Colposcopy of the vulva was then carried out after applying 5% acetic acid and 1% toluidine blue dye. Vulval biopsy was taken from suspicious areas on colposcopy and further management was based on histopathology report. Results: The mean age of women in our study was 43.57 years (range 22-80 years.), 70% women were pre-menopausal and 30% were post-menopausal. The mean duration of symptoms was 1.625 years (range 6 months - 15 years) and atypical vulval hygiene practices (excessive washing with soaps) was used in 77% of women. The commonest presenting complaint was pruritus in 92% of women; visible lesions on vulva were seen in 20%, pain in 6% and burning sensation in vulva in 5% of women. The histopathology was abnormal in 77 patients; the most common histopathological finding was non-neoplastic epithelial disorders in 64 women {Squamous cell hyperplasia (n=52), Lichen Sclerosus et atrophicus (n=6), other dermatoses including lichen Planus (n=6)}. Vulvar Intra-epithelial Neoplasia (VIN) was seen in 6 patients, 5 were squamous type VIN and 1 was non-squamous type (Paget’s disease). Squamous cell carcinoma was seen in 3 patients; malignant melanoma, benign appendiceal tumor, angiofibroma and neurofibroma in 1 patient. Examination without magnification had sensitivity of 25.97% and with magnification was 29.87% and specificity was 100% for both of them. Cytology had sensitivity and specificity of 75.32% and 86.95% respectively and sensitivity and specificity of colposcopy was 77.92% and 17.39% respectively. Conclusion: Clinical examination with and without magnification had low sensitivity but were highly specific in diagnosing vulvar lesions. A normal vulval smear and colposcopy have a high negative predictive value and are very reassuring. Colposcopy and biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosis, however clinical examination with naked eyes and magnifying glass are invaluable and can diagnose most of the neoplastic lesions.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (6) ◽  
pp. 1634-1640
Author(s):  
Javad Jafari ◽  
Asra Nassehi ◽  
Mohammadali Zareez ◽  
Seydamalek Dadkhah ◽  
Najmeh Saberi ◽  
...  

Background: Among all aspects of nursing care, the spiritual one is the issue that has received little attention. Having spiritual wellbeing (SWB) is a necessity to provide appropriate spiritual care. In addition to, the Emotional intelligence (EI) is one of the most important factors in social and professional success and is essential for effective nursing practice. Therefore, aim of study was evaluating the Relationship between SWB and EI among nursing students. Methods: The sample of this descriptive-analytic study consisted of 136 nursing students studying at Bam University of Medical Sciences selected by convenience sampling method. The Bradberry and Greaves 28-item EI scale, Palutzian and Ellison SWB Scale were used to assess the total score of EI and SWB. Collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation), Pearson correlation coefficient, independent t-test and one-way ANOVA with SPSS v18. Results: The mean score of SWB and EI were 97.1±11.56 and 123.4 + 123.6, respectively. The mean score dimensions of SWB include (religious wellbeing 47.9±6.6, existential wellbeing 49.1±5.7) and dimensions EI: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management were 27.2 3 3.2, 36.2 2 5.4, 25.1 + 3.5 and 35.1 + 4.5, respectively. The majority of students have reported moderate level SWB and high level of emotional intelligence. The factors influencing their level of SWB were academic semester and age (p<0.05). Conclusion: Although the level of students' EI and SWB were at a desirable level in this study, due to the nature of nursing and the interaction between nurses and patients, providing a suitable learning environment for the development of EI is essential. Therefore, it is suggested that nursing policymakers should develop appropriate educational programs for nurses and provide curriculum for students to promote their knowledge and skills. Keywords: spiritual, religious, wellbeing, existential, nursing, emotional intelligence


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