A Study on the Level of Awareness of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWS) At Tripoli, Libya on the Myths & Facts on Corona Virus (Covid – 19): Basis for Program Planning

The study aimed to determine the level of awareness of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) of Tripoli, Libya on the myths & facts on corona virus (COVID – 19). Specifically, this study answered the following questions:1) What are the Demographic Profile of the respondents in terms of Gender, Educational Background and Occupational Background?? 2) What are the Overseas Filipino Workers level of awareness on the myths & facts on corona virus (COVID-19)? 3) Based on the results of the study, what measures can be formulated to increase the level of awareness of the Overseas Filipino Workers on corona virus (COVID-19)? The findings that the researcher was able to extract from the study were: 1) the frequency and percentage of the Overseas Filipino Workers demographic profile in terms of Gender, shows that female are mostly dominant which is 29 or 66.25% while male is 17 or 36.91%. In terms of Educational Background, results reveals that mostly are on the College level which accounts to 29 or 63.04%, Bachelor degree holder, 11 or 23.91%, Masters 3 or 6.52%, Doctorate 1 or 2.2% and College Undergraduate 2 or 4.3%. Occupational Background of the respondents reveals that Predominantly, 26 or 56.5% belongs to the Health sector, Oil & Gas 7 or 15.2%, Education, 1 or 2.2%, Others like those of the Embassies 8 or 17.4%, Not applicable 4 or 8.7%. There was a “Not Applicable” response as there were participants on the symposium who are dependents of the Overseas Filipino Workers and are not currently employed in Tripoli, Libya. 2) Detailed analysis of Table 3 reflecting the results of the frequency and percentage of the Overseas Filipino Workers level of awareness on the Facts and Myths of COVID-19 reveals that mostly 91.31% are aware of the facts on COVID-19, 5.70% unaware and 2.98% undecided. Predominantly, 53.07% of the Overseas Filipino Workers are aware on Myths on COVID-19 as reflected on the “NO” responses on questions on MYTHS, however the 40.75% results on the “YES” responses showed only a difference of 12.32% which is quite alarming and 2.98% are undecided.3) The measures that could be formulated to increase the level of awareness of the Overseas Filipino Workers are to conduct information dissemination campaign through symposiums, research forums and the use of Information Education Campaign (IEC) materials. Based on these findings, the researcher was able to conclude that the Overseas Filipino Workers in Tripoli, Libya are aware of both the FACTS & MYTHS on COVID-19, however, it is worthwhile to note that there is small difference in the figures reflected on the MYTHS aspect, thus there is still a need to correct these misconceptions so as to contribute on measures to end this pandemic.

The Impact of Grit on Health Outcomes in College Students

Objectives The objective was to examine the relationship between grit and health outcomes in college undergraduate students. Methods A cross-sectional convenience sample of college undergraduate students completed an online survey assessing Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL), the National Cancer Institute Fruit and Vegetable Screener, and the 2-item Hager Food Insecurity Screener. Grit was assessed by generating a mean score using the 8-item short grit scale. Independent t-tests were used to compare health outcomes between students who reported above/below the average grit score of the sample. Chi-square tests were used to examine group differences between grit level and prevalence of food insecurity. Results Participants (N = 655) were 19.8 ± 1.5 years old, mostly female (63%), and white (84%). The average grit score was 3.27 ± 0.54 out of 5. Results indicated that students who were grittier than average (n = 372) reported fewer days/months (d/m) with poor mental health (8.1 ± 8.5 vs. 11.6 ± 9.6, P < 0.001), fewer d/m feeling sad/depressed (6.2 ± 7.7 vs. 9.9 ± 9.3, P < 0.001), more d/m with restful sleep (12.9 ± 9.8 vs. 10.3 ± 8.6, P < 0.001), more d/m feeling very healthy and full of energy (12.6 ± 8.8 vs. 8.4 ± 7.5, P < 0.001), and ate more servings of fruits and vegetables per day (2.4 ± 1.3 vs. 2.1 ± 1.32, P < 0.01). Grittier participants were also less likely to report being food insecure (16.0%) vs. less grittier participants (23.3%), P < 0.05. Conclusions This data indicates that students who were grittier than average reported better HRQOL, consumed a more healthful diet, and were more likely to be food secure. This provides justification for future research to explore grit as a mediating factor that may contribute to better health outcomes, especially in populations particularly susceptible to experiencing poor HRQOL and food insecurity. Funding Sources This project was supported by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Hatch project number #ME0022104 through the Maine Agricultural & Forest Experiment Station. NJ Agriculture Experiment Station.

Health-Related Quality of Life in Sexual Minority College Undergraduate Students

Objectives The objective was to examine differences in Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) in sexual minority (SM) college undergraduate students compared to their heterosexual peers. Methods A cross sectional convenience sample of college undergraduate students completed an online survey that assessed HRQOL, demographics, and height/weight. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated using self-reported height and weight. A one-way MANCOVA was used to determine differences in HRQOL variables between SM and heterosexual participants while controlling for BMI and gender. Results Participants (N = 690) were 19.9 ± 1.8 years old, mostly female (63%), and white (83%). Twenty-four % (n = 165) of students identified as SM. There were statistically significant differences in HRQOL between SM and heterosexual students, (F (6, 584) = 8.89, P < 0.001; Wilk's Λ = 0.916, partial η2 = 0.084). Compared to their heterosexual peers, SM students experienced more days per month (d/m) having poor mental health (14.5 ± 9.8 vs. 8.5 ± 8.7 days, P < 0.001); more d/m feeling sad/blue/depressed (12.0 ± 9.7 vs. 6.3 ± 7.8 days, P < 0.001); more d/m feeling worried/tense/anxious (18.1 ± 10.2 vs. 10.9 ± 9.8 days, P < 0.001); more d/m feeling they did not get enough sleep (13.8 ± 9.6 vs. 11.1 ± 9.0 days, P < 0.01); and fewer d/m feeling very healthy and full of energy (6.8 ± 6.5 vs. 11.4 ± 8.7 days, P < 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in physical health. Conclusions This data confirms that SM college students experience similar health disparities observed in SM adolescent and adult populations. There is an apparent need for increased awareness of these disparities among healthcare professionals so that the appropriate interventions can be developed and implemented. This research provides justification for college aimed wellness interventions that advocate for health education and access to mental health resources to improve overall HRQOL, specifically for the LGBTQ + community. Funding Sources This project was supported by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Hatch project number #ME0022104 through the Maine Agricultural & Forest Experiment Station. NJ Agriculture Experiment Station.

Summit Recommendations Provide Guidance to Expand Undergraduate Research Experiences at Community Colleges

The Community College Undergraduate Research Experience Summit was a rare opportunity for educators from various STEM disciplines and a cross section of institutions to share their perspectives on efforts by two-year colleges to build, implement, and sustain undergraduate research experiences.

Mobile Phones in Classrooms and in Professor-Student Communication: Ukrainian, Omani, and U.S. American College Students’ Perceptions and Practices

<p>The unprecedented expansion of wireless technologies and the global pandemic of 2020-2021, which forced many educational establishments out of traditional face-to-face and into online instructional environments, have created an urgency for achieving a better understanding of the various education-related uses of mobile phones, and students’ attitudes toward them, worldwide. We conducted a questionnaire-based study to explore college undergraduate students’ perceptions and uses of mobile phones, with a focus on instructor-student communication and classroom use, across three diverse cultural contexts: Ukraine, Oman, and the United States. Based on our findings, we suggest that conceptualizing mobile phones as cultural tools and situating their use within cultural discourses illuminates how – and explains why – mobile phones are not “the same” tools for all students. The findings offer insights into students’ (developing) perspectives on uses of mobile phones, and provide grounds from which to formulate productive, and culturally appropriate, means of using them for educational purposes.</p><p> </p>

Awareness and Stigma of Autism Spectrum Disorders in Undergraduate Students

Background Social stigma is a barrier for students with autism on college campuses. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between autism knowledge and autism stigma endorsement. Method 144 college undergraduate students were asked to complete the Autism Stigma and Knowledge Questionnaire as well as a brief demographic questionnaire. The relationship between stigma endorsement and ASD knowledge in the areas of diagnosis and symptoms, etiology, and treatment were evaluated using a multiple linear regression. Two independent-sample t-tests were conducted to investigate group differences between participants who know someone with autism and those who do not as well as between male and female participants. Results A significant regression equation was found ( F(3,140) = 51.35, p = .000), with an R2 of .52. While Treatment and Etiology subscale scores significantly predicted Stigma subscale scores, Diagnosis/Symptom subscale score was not. In terms of knowing someone with an autism diagnosis, there was a significant difference in ASD diagnosis and symptom knowledge ( t(142) = 4.16, p = .000), etiology knowledge ( t(142) = 3.51, p = .001), treatment knowledge ( t(62.99) = 3.54, p = .001), and stigma endorsement ( t(142) = 3.03, p = .003). No significant differences were found between male and female participants. Conclusions Contrary to past studies, gender was not associated with ASD knowledge or stigma endorsement. This study suggests that an intervention designed to increase ASD knowledge, particularly in the areas of etiology and treatment, and to increase contact with students diagnosed with autism would be effective in reducing ASD stigma.

Anxieties and Fears: A Sociological Study of Mental Health of Students in COVID-19 Pandemic

This paper aims to explore the impact of COVID-19 and the implications of pandemic induced changes on the mental health of students. The study was conducted amongst currently enrolled college (undergraduate) and 12th-grade students in Delhi-NCR. Apart from this, parents and professionals were also consulted. This paper approaches the issue of mental health from a sociological perspective to create a comprehensive understanding of the factors which create anxieties and fears amongst students in times of COVID-19 induced pandemic. The study began with the assumption that mental health is not only a biological and psychological issue but needs to be contextualized in societal structures and societyindividual relationship. Students as a social group are primarily affected by institutions of education and family, the study thus explores how the three are intertwined. The paper ends with the contention that social integration and regulation are primary concepts through which individual resilience can be studied, understood and theorised. It also highlights that despite the commonsensical belief that the current times are different from the societal normal, a study like this offers a window to understand the structural continuities of the pre-pandemic period into the pandemic period.