Association Between Internet Addiction and Dietary Habits Among Omani Junior College Students.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the association between internet addiction and dietary habits among Omani junior college students. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman, among junior college students surveyed in November 2020. The Compulsive Internet Use Scale and a dietary habits questionnaire were used. Chi-square cross-tabulation analyses were used to explore the relationship between internet addiction and dietary habits. Results: A total of 377 students were included in this study. Overall, 59.9% of the junior college students were identified as having an internet addiction. Within this group, 62.8% reported reduced meal sizes and 54.4% reported a decrease in appetite. There was a statistically significant difference in both meal size (X2 = 30.528; P <0.001) and appetite changes (X2 = 28.731; P <0.001) among students with different levels of internet addiction. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest a possible link between internet addiction and altered dietary habits among this population. This study highlights the need for strategies that encourage healthy living behaviours and raise awareness about the adverse effects of internet addiction.

Wellbeing, quality of life and satisfaction of patients with hard-to-heal wounds: a descriptive study.

OBJECTIVE: A hard-to-heal wound is defined as a wound that failed to proceed through the normal phases of wound healing in an orderly and timely manner. The purpose of this article is to describe the impact of hard-to-heal wounds on the wellbeing, quality of life (QoL) and satisfaction with QoL of patients in Oman with hard-to-heal wounds. METHOD: A descriptive cross-sectional study of patients with hard-to-heal wounds attending three tertiary care hospitals using a self-reported questionnaire was conducted. RESULTS: A total of 275 patients took part in the study. Patients reported a low wellbeing score (67.06±19.72), moderate QoL score (52.18±25.07) and moderate satisfaction scores (68.91±23.88). Significant mean differences were reported with age, sex, educational level, monthly income and type of wound all at p<0.05. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study demonstrated that hard-to-heal wounds could influence the wellbeing, QoL and overall satisfaction with QoL of patients. DECLARATION OF INTEREST: Funding was received through an internal grant of the Sultan Qaboos University to conduct the research conducting the research (IG/CON/FACN/20/01). The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

A domain specific health-related quality of life of omani patients living with chronic wounds.

AIM: Chronic wounds, defined as wounds that do not heal in a logical set of stages, impact patients' quality of life by disrupting their self-esteem, sleep, social interaction, work capacity, and psychological well-being. Chronic wounds are a prevalent problem in Oman due to the high number of patients with diabetes, sickle cell disease, road traffic accidents, and decubitus ulcer. Therefore, it is paramount to analyse the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of these patients with chronic wounds. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An observational, cross-sectional, descriptive study with a quantitative approach was conducted among 275 adult patients with chronic wounds in three tertiary hospitals of Muscat from June to December 2021 using a self-reported Cardiff life wound impact questionnaire and the Bates-Jensen wound assessment tool. Data were analysed with IBM SPSS version 23 using inferential statistics and chi-square test. RESULTS: We found that the majority of participants were men (178; 64.7 %), aged between 41 and 60 years (107; 38.9 %), predominantly with diabetic wounds (80; 29.1 %). Respondents reported poor HRQOL across all domains: well-being (63.24 ± 18.092), physical (53.24 ± 18.387), and social (59.54 ± 19.025). Statistically significant poorer HRQOL was observed among the elderly above 60 years, illiterates, those with traumatic wounds, and those receiving medication and dressing as treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that Omani patients with chronic wounds experience low HRQOL. It is imperative for healthcare providers to offer comprehensive care to these patients. To enhance their quality of life and alleviate suffering, evaluating both the wounds and HRQOL is essential. Such assessments will enable the optimisation of treatment and coping strategies for patients.

Effects of Twitter use on academic performance and satisfaction in a pathophysiology course among Omani nursing students: a quasi-experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Nursing students often find bioscience courses, such as pathophysiology, challenging. Utilizing Twitter to provide concise course content and answer students' questions before exams may be beneficial. The objective of this study was to determine if using Twitter can improve nursing students' academic performance and satisfaction with pathophysiology courses. METHODS: A post-test, two-group quasi-experimental research design was employed in this study. It involved second-year Bachelor of Nursing students participating in a pathophysiology course at the College of Nursing, Sultan Qaboos University, in Muscat, Oman. Seventy-three second-year Bachelor of Nursing students participated in the pathophysiology course; 50 students opted to use Twitter, forming the experimental group, while the remaining 23, who chose not to use Twitter, formed the control group. We used Twitter to provide concise course content for the pathophysiology course and conduct one-hour question-and-answer sessions the night before exams. Academic performance was assessed through examination scores, and student satisfaction levels with Twitter was measured using five-point Likert scale questionnaires. Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney and t-tests. RESULTS: Although there was no significant difference in final exam scores between the experimental and control groups, survey results showed that students were generally satisfied with the incorporation of Twitter in the pathophysiology course, including the question-and-answer sessions. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that Twitter can serve as a valuable tool for enhancing nursing student satisfaction with the pathophysiology course.

The Impact of the 2021 Cyclone Shaheen on the Mental Health of Affected Omanis.

Objectives: Nine strong cyclones have been recorded in Oman in the last 50 years, the last being tropical cyclone Shaheen in October 2021, in the northern Oman area. The aim of our study was to determine the relationship between property loss and the mental health of residents after cyclone Shaheen. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study among Omani citizens living in areas affected by cyclone Shaheen three to six months post-cyclone. In an online, self-reported questionnaire, we assessed the loss of participants' properties due to the cyclone and the impact on their perceived mental health. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and associations between demographics, loss of properties, and mental health were performed. Results: Of 440 participants, 79.3% had their houses directly damaged by the cyclone and 90.7% had their outside properties damaged. Most of the respondents reported that they suffered from mental health symptoms in the months following the cyclone. Women, people with a lower socioeconomic status, the unemployed, and those without a university degree were associated with poorer mental health outcomes. Mental health was significantly lower for respondents whose properties were mostly affected by the cyclone. Conclusions: With scant knowledge about how cyclones directly affect Omanis' mental health, the results of this study are paramount for the planning of psychological care services to improve the country's response to extreme weather events.

Effectiveness of an Interactive Educational Video on Knowledge, Skill and Satisfaction of Nursing Students.

Objectives: This study aimed to compare the interactive educational video-based strategy with traditional general demonstration in regard to teaching a basic nursing skill. Nursing education requires innovative teaching strategies for teaching fundamental nursing skills to ensure proficient nurses for the future. However, nursing educators face challenges in teaching and retaining the skill competency and knowledge of the nursing students, given shortages of nursing faculty and scarcity of opportunities for clinical practice. Methods: This cross-sectional comparative study followed 55 nursing students enrolled in the Fundamentals of Nursing Laboratory course, College of Nursing, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman, during the Spring 2020 semester. The control group was taught using traditional general demonstration-based teaching of the oral medication procedure, while the experimental group learned the same skill through an interactive educational video. The knowledge, skill competency and satisfaction levels of both groups were assessed post-intervention using standardised questionnaires. Results: There was no statistical difference between the two groups in knowledge level and skill competency scores. Regarding satisfaction, 92% of the students were satisfied with video learning and 87% with the traditional approach. Conclusion: The interactive video learning strategy for learning fundamental nursing skills is as effective as the traditional face-to-face general demonstration-based approach.

Student Perceptions of and Attitudes towards Academic Integrity Policies at an Omani University: Do healthcare students differ from others?

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate Omani university students' perceptions of and attitudes towards academic integrity policies through a comparison between healthcare (nursing and medicine) and non-healthcare students. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was conducted during the 2018-2019 academic year wherein students were asked to complete an anonymous questionnaire. Data were collected from nine colleges at Sultan Qaboos University and analysed. Results: A total of 579 students completed the questionnaire (response rate: 90%). The results revealed that healthcare students have a significantly higher perception of and better attitudes towards academic integrity policies compared to their non-healthcare counterparts. Conclusion: The results of this study should motivate faculty to foster better understanding and implementation of the honour code to encourage an environment of academic integrity for students.

A comparison of students' satisfaction, performance, and preferences regarding PowerPoint and PechaKucha presentations: A quasi-experimental study.

BACKGROUND: A deep understanding of pathophysiology is required to provide high-quality nursing care; however, many undergraduate nursing students have difficulty understanding concepts in this field. New pedagogical approaches are required to engage undergraduate nursing students in better methods to understanding pathophysiological concepts. Therefore, we incorporated oral presentation assignments into a bioscience course in which students were instructed to create PechaKucha and PowerPoint presentations to promote learning of diseases. OBJECTIVES: To assess and compare the satisfaction, academic performance, and preference of nursing students regarding the use of PechaKucha and PowerPoint in a pathophysiology course. DESIGN: A quasi-experimental design was used. The setting was a College of Nursing at a public university in Oman. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 109 second-year undergraduate nursing students in a convenience sample participated in this study. METHODS: As part of a graded individual assignment, students had to create two presentations about sickle cell disease and thalassemia, with one using PechaKucha and the other PowerPoint presentation formats. Students' satisfaction level with both methods was assessed using a Visual Analogue Scale, and their academic performance was evaluated using post-quizzes. A self-reported questionnaire was utilized to investigate students' preference for PowerPoint versus PechaKucha. RESULTS: The satisfaction level of the students was higher for PowerPoint than for PechaKucha (t(108) = 2.076, p = 0.040). However, students' performance was similar regardless of whether they had used PowerPoint or PechaKucha to prepare their presentations (t(108) = -0.323, p = 0.748). Finally, students who preferred PechaKucha indicated that it helps them to organize content and present concise information, while those who preferred PowerPoint expressed that it helps them apply their creativity. CONCLUSIONS: The PechaKucha presentation format might be engaging and pleasurable for the audience. However, nursing students were more satisfied with the traditional PowerPoint format when preparing their presentations. Therefore, nursing educators should be cautious when using PechaKucha for students' assignments.

Health-related Quality of Life and Domain-specific Associated Factors among Patients with Type2 Diabetes Mellitus in South India.

OBJECTIVE: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder that has a major impact on health-related quality of life (HRQOL). The economic burden of the disease, along with its complications, negatively impact the individual, family, and society of Indian diabetic patients. This study explored the perception of the diabetic HRQOL of South Indian type2diabetic patients. METHODS: This study was a cross-sectional descriptive quantitative study conducted in a tertiary care hospital in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, South India. Using the simple random sampling technique, we collected data from 352 T2DM patients aged ≥ 30 years of age who were diagnosed for a minimum of one year. Data collection occurred from June to August 2017. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS, Version 22. RESULTS: Overall, 90% of patients with T2DM perceived poor HRQOL. The total and the domainspecific mean scores of HRQOL were high indicating poor HRQOL in energy mobility, diabetes control, anxiety and worry, social burden, and sexual functioning domains. Being female, increasing age, lower education levels, lower family income, and uncontrolled fasting blood glucose levels predicted poor HRQOL of patients with T2DM. CONCLUSIONS: T2DM impacted the HRQOL in all measured domains of participants. A patient-centred approach to diabetes management can be incorporated to improve or enhance the health-related quality of patients' lives. Improved HRQOL also may lead to fewer hospitalizations, and hence, reduce healthcare costs.

Predictors of health-related quality of life in patients with non-communicable diseases: A national cross-section study.

BACKGROUND: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are responsible for 74% of global deaths and contributed to significant disabilities, worsening health-related quality of life (HRQoL). In NCDs, poor medication adherence, social support, patient-physician relationship, and health literacy decrease HRQoL. Unfortunately, there is a shortage of literature examining the predictors of HRQoL among patients with different types of NCDs. AIMS: This study aimed to examine the predictors of Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL), including health literacy, social support, patient-physician relationship, and medication adherence, among patients with NCDs. METHODS: This national cross-sectional study used a correlational design and included 800 Omani participants with six NCDs. Self-reported questionnaires were used to measure HRQoL, health literacy, patient-physician relationship, social support, and medication adherence. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to examine predictors of HRQoL. RESULTS: Participants' mean age was 56 years (SD = 15.60). The results revealed that more medication adherence was linked to better physical and role functioning (ß = 0.08, p = .017, ß = 0.07, p = .021, respectively) and mental health (ß = 0.19, p = .000). Social support was independent predictor of physical (ß = 0.19, p = .000), social (ß = 0.09, p = .009), role (ß = 0.07, p = .029) and mental (ß = 0.30, p = .000) functioning. Patients with good health literacy had better social (ß = 0.51, p = .001) and role (ß = 0.10, p = .011) functioning. CONCLUSION: This study holds implications for future efforts to implement interventions improving HRQoL. The study suggested that health literacy, social support and medication adherence are significant predictors, positively influencing physical functioning, social functioning, role functioning, and mental health dimensions of HRQoL among patients with NCDs.

Impact of emergency remote teaching on nursing students' engagement, social presence, and satisfaction during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic interrupted face-to-face education and forced universities into an emergency remote teaching curriculum. Studies show that students' engagement, social presence, and satisfaction are critical factors for optimal online teaching. PURPOSE: Therefore, in this study, we sought to understand how the sudden transition to emergency remote teaching impacted nursing students' engagement and social presence, as well as how it affected their satisfaction with online courses in a middle-eastern public university. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive correlative research design was adopted in this study. Data were collected through three questionnaires measuring students' engagement, social presence, and satisfaction with emergency remote teaching compared to the traditional approach from a sample of 177 nursing students. RESULTS: Results indicate that students had a high level of engagement but low social presence and low satisfaction level with emergency remote teaching. Additionally, both engagement and social presence were positively associated with satisfaction. CONCLUSION: Our findings support the importance of engaging students and integrating social presence strategies into online courses to enhance nursing students' satisfaction.

Health-related Quality of Life of People with Multiple Sclerosis in Oman.

OBJECTIVES: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disabling neurological disorder with significant adverse effects on patients' quality of life (QoL). Despite the increased prevalence of MS in Arabian Gulf countries in recent years, no study has assessed the impact of MS on the health-related QoL (HRQoL) of Omani patients. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the impact of MS on HRQoL of Omani patients using the validated disease-specific self-administered MS International QoL (MusiQoL) instrument. METHODS: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional survey between April and December 2019 on 177 Omani patients with MS attending Sultan Qaboos University Hospital and Khoula Hospital in Oman using the MusiQoL instrument. RESULTS: The majority (51.4%) of patients had poor HRQoL, and 48.6% had moderate HRQoL. We found that being > 30 years, female, married, separated, widowed, or divorced, and having visual and sleep problems resulted in poorer HRQoL scores. Among the different HRQoL components, relationships with the healthcare system and relationships with family and friends were the most affected by the disease process. Our results also showed that psychological wellbeing and coping domains of MusiQoL questionnaires are significantly reduced in females compared to males. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding the HRQoL of Omanis with MS provides valuable knowledge that could help optimize the management of this disease.

Using digital badges to enhance nursing students' attendance and motivation.

Absenteeism is an emerging issue in nursing education. Most nursing schools adopt a punitive rather than a motivational approach to its mitigation. Digital badges have recently been used to increase motivation in the classroom. This study reports on the effectiveness of digital badges in increasing attendance and motivation among Omani undergraduate nursing students. A descriptive comparative design was used to compare two groups during two consecutive semesters. The control group was subjected to the standard university penalties for unsatisfactory attendance, and the experimental group was rewarded with digital badges for satisfactory attendance. Findings demonstrated that the use of digital badges as a reward system improves undergraduate nursing students' attendance (X2 (1, N = 191) = 6.481, p = 0.011) and increases their motivation and satisfaction. Awarding digital badges is a simple and positive way to combat nursing student absenteeism, increase attendance-related motivation, and showcase regular class attendance.

Flipped classroom improves Omani nursing students performance and satisfaction in anatomy and physiology.

BACKGROUND: Nursing students struggle with anatomy and physiology course because of the complicated terminology and the difficulty in handling large amounts of information. New, innovative instructional strategies must be integrated into nursing education to improve nursing students' performance in this challenging bioscience course. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of an innovative teaching strategy, the flipped classroom, on the performance and satisfaction of Omani nursing students in an anatomy and physiology course. METHODS: A quasi-experimental design was used with two classes of 112 first-year nursing students at the College of Nursing, Sultan Qaboos University, Oman. Online videos and active-learning activities about the respiratory system were developed and implemented in an anatomy and physiology course with 53 first-semester nursing students. The control group consisted of a previous cohort of 59 students enrolled in the same course but taught with a traditional lecture approach. The impact of the flipped classroom strategy was measured by students' performance on the final examination and students' self-reported satisfaction. Wilcoxon signed-rank and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare students' academic performance. RESULTS: Our results showed that the performance of the flipped classroom group was better than that of the traditional lecture group. The mean scores of students instructed with the flipped classroom method on the respiratory system items in the final examination were significantly higher than those of the control group, U = 1089.00, z = - 2.789, p < .005. Moreover, the results of a survey showed that nursing students were satisfied with the flipped classroom method. Overall, 68 to 78% of students agreed or strongly agreed that the flipped classroom method improved their learning and increased their interest in the course. CONCLUSION: Compared with the didactic lecture format, flipped classroom strategy improved Omani nursing students' performance in and satisfaction with an anatomy and physiology course. These results show that the flipped classroom is an important teaching strategy in nursing education.

The Carpal and Tarsal Bones of the Human Body: Arabic mnemonics.

Memorising human anatomy structures remains a challenge for nursing students. Educators endeavour to make human anatomy interesting and easy to memorise. Various instructional approaches can be used to help students enhance their memory. Mnemonics, for example, are well-established educational strategies that have proven useful in the encoding, retention and retrieval of anatomical terms. The carpal and tarsal bones are some of the anatomical structures that prove challenging to nursing students' study of anatomy. Although available online to students, most of the accessible mnemonics are in English and non-native English-speaking students (students who are native Arabic-speakers) might find them difficult to understand. Therefore, we have created two simple Arabic mnemonics that can simplify the memorisation of the carpal and tarsal bones. We believe that Arabic mnemonics effectively enhance memorisation by linking the new learning material to familiar information.