Flipped classroom model versus conventional teaching method: effects on nursing students' self-directed learning readiness in a research methodology course.

Introduction: the effectiveness of the flipped classroom model (FCM) method for building self-directed learning readiness (SDLR) in a research methodology course has not yet been scientifically researched. This study aims to assess the effect of FCM on SDLR among Nigerian nursing students enrolled in a research methodology course. Methods: sixty-four 400-level nursing students from two government-owned universities in Southeast Nigeria were recruited for this quasi-experimental study. They were randomly divided into two groups, the experimental group, and the control group, and exposed to FCM and conventional teaching methods (CTM) throughout the months of April and July 2021. Before and after the intervention, the validated self-directed learning readiness scale (SDLRS) was used to gather data, and a structured questionnaire was used to collect demographic data. Results: the SDLR was high if the SDLRS mean score was ≥3.75. Pre-test results from SDLR showed overall scores of 3.99 ± 0.39 and 3.95 ± 0.35 for CTM and FCM, respectively, while post-test results showed overall scores of 3.84 ± 0.77 for CTM and 4.01 ± 0.81 for FCM. The mean scores between the pre-and post-tests were statistically different (p=0.030). Conclusion: the FCM had a positive effect on Nigerian nursing undergraduates' SDLR and should be encouraged as it provides a viable alternative to the traditional teaching method.

Self-directed learning readiness and learning achievements of a flipped classroom model approach in research methods class: A quasi-experimental study.

AIM: This study sought to assess how the flipped classroom model of instruction affected self-directed learning readiness and learning outcomes among Nigerian nursing students enrolled in a research method class. BACKGROUND: Although the effectiveness of the flipped classroom model of instruction has been thoroughly and scientifically investigated in several fields, its potential to promote self-directed learning readiness and learning outcomes in a research method class has not yet been investigated. DESIGN: A quasi-experimental design was employed. To achieve the study's objectives, two experiments were conducted: a pre-test and a post-test. METHODS: Participants were 64 400-level nursing undergraduates purposively recruited from two government-owned universities in Southeast Nigeria. The experimental group received a flipped classroom model of teaching methods, while the control group received traditional teaching methods (TTM) from April - July 2021. A validated self-directed learning readiness scale and multiple-choice questions derived from a research method course were used to gather data. A structured questionnaire was used to collect demographic data. Descriptive statistics of frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations were applied to the collected data. A one-factor independent measure analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and an independent sample t-test was employed to compare the pre-and post-test results of FCM and TTM students. RESULTS: Pre-test results from self-directed learning readiness showed overall scores of 3.99 ± 0.39 and 3.95 ± 0.35 for the traditional teaching method and flipped classroom model, respectively, while post-test results showed overall scores of 3.84 ± 077 for the traditional teaching method and 4.01 ± 0.81 for flipped classroom model. The difference in mean scores between the pre-and post-tests was statistically significant (p=0.030). Pre- (p=.001) and post- (p =.025) learning outcomes for the flipped classroom model were significantly higher than those for the traditional teaching method. CONCLUSION: The flipped classroom model of instruction had a positive impact on nursing students' readiness for self-directed learning and learning outcomes in the research course. Since the method demonstrated statistically significant benefits in both the development of self-learning abilities and learning achievements, the need to improve learning experiences through the flipped learning method should be promoted.

Knowledge and use of chorhexidine gel in umbilical cord care among postpartum women at Poly General Hospital, Enugu, Southeast Nigeria: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Sepsis in the first week or two of life is a major cause of newborn deaths. People from diverse cultural backgrounds use different substances for umbilical cord care. Evidence-based umbilical cord care practices have a large potential to lower infant morbidity and mortality linked to infection. This study investigated the knowledge and use of chlorhexidine gel for umbilical cord care. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive survey was employed among 191 postpartum women at the Poly General Hospital Asata, Enugu, selected through simple random sampling. A researcher-developed questionnaire was used for data collection. RESULTS: More than one-half (n=101; 52.1%) had poor knowledge of chlorhexidine gel use in umbilical cord care. There was no significant association between educational status and knowledge of chlorhexidine gel use in umbilical cord care among the participants (p=0.072). Only 89 (46.6%) had ever used chlorhexidine gel for umbilical cord care, while 49 (25.7%) used chlorhexidine gel for their last child. Parity was not significantly associated with the use of chlorhexidine gel (p=0.736). Both educational status (p=0.019) and knowledge of chlorhexidine use for umbilical cord care (p<0.001) were found to be significantly associated with its use. CONCLUSIONS: There was poor knowledge of chlorhexidine gel use for umbilical cord care among the participants. Use of chlorhexidine gel in this population is still suboptimal. Healthcare providers should continue to provide information on chlorhexidine gel use in umbilical cord care in order to optimise its knowledge and use. Other factors associated with the use of chlorhexidine gel for umbilical cord care should be explored.

Awareness, perceived efficacy, and utilization of assisted reproductive technologies among women attending fertility clinic in a Nigerian tertiary health institution: a cross-sectional study.

Introduction: infertility is a source of distress for couples considering the high accolade placed on having children in family settings in Nigeria. Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) offer a chance for parenthood to couples. However, studies on knowledge of ARTs abound in Nigeria but no previous studies exist on the extent of utilization of assisted reproductive technologies. This study thus explored the level of awareness, perceived efficacy, and utilization of ARTs among women attending fertility clinics in a Nigerian Tertiary Health Institution. Methods: this cross-sectional study which utilized a self-administered questionnaire was adopted for this study. The questionnaire contains five sections with sections A to E bordering on demographics, awareness, perceived efficacy, utilization, and factors influencing utilization respectively. Results: one hundred and seven women with infertility problems, aged between 26 and 35 years with a mean age of 31.46 ±5.72 participated in the study. Sixty-two patients (57.9%) were aware of ARTs while 97 (90.7%) believed that ART cannot address male infertility. Only 27 (25.2%) admitted to having used ART procedures before while 82 patients (76.6%) stated that the cost of the procedure was the major hindrance to use. Conclusion: awareness of ARTs is average while there is low utilization and perceived efficacy of ART. The high cost of the procedure remains the major setback to its utilization.

Exclusive Breastfeeding Knowledge, Intention to Practice and Predictors among Primiparous Women in Enugu South-East, Nigeria.

Breastfeeding is considered as the most complete nutritional source for infants because breast milk contains the essential carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and immunological factors needed for infants to thrive and resist infection in the formative first year of life. Knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) among women is essential when promoting optimal breastfeeding practices. This cross-sectional descriptive survey assessed knowledge and intention to practice EBF and its associated factors during pregnancy among primiparous women in selected communities in Enugu State, Nigeria. A total population study that applied inclusion criteria was used to recruit 201 primiparous mothers attending their third trimester antenatal care from selected health facilities in rural and urban communities in Enugu State. A researcher-developed questionnaire was used to collect data on participants' knowledge and intention to practice EBF. Descriptive statistics of frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation were used to summarize categorical and continuous variables while Chi-square and Wald statistic tests predicted demographic data associated with knowledge status and intention to practice EBF of the participants. More than half (58.7%) of primiparous mothers had inadequate knowledge of EBF and only 62.7% had intention to exclusively breastfeed for 4-6 months. The Chi-square test result showed significant difference in the participants' place of residence (p = 0.024), EBF knowledge sources (p = 0.001), and EBF knowledge. The Wald statistic in Logistic regression model indicated the coefficient of age (p = 0.026), educational attainment (p = 0.046), EBF knowledge (p = 0.016), and sources of information about EBF (p = 0.027) to be significant predictors of good intention to practise EBF. Poor EBF knowledge and intention to practice in this population may be improved by combining facility-based and in-house methods of breastfeeding counseling, education, and support especially to intending and expectant mothers. Further studies are needed to be done using the multiparous women as well as assessing the effects of in-house EBF supportive-educative intervention to improve breastfeeding outcomes.

Differentials in health-related quality of life of employed and unemployed women with normal vaginal delivery.

BACKGROUND: The combination of child care and domestic work demands on both housewives and the employed (hired) women may impact their health-related quality-of-life. There is paucity of studies to ascertain this. This study investigated the differences in health-related quality of life of employed and unemployed women with normal vaginal delivery and associated socio-demographic variables. METHODS: This longitudinal study was done from March, 2012 to June, 2013. Modified SF-36v2™ health-related quality of life questionnaire was administered to 234 newly delivered women drawn from six selected hospitals in Enugu, Southeast Nigeria at 6, 12 and 18 weeks postpartum. Respondents were reached for data collection through personal contacts initially at the hospitals of delivery, and subsequently by visits to their homes/workplaces or cell-phone calls. Women were asked to indicate how each of 36 items applied to them at each of the three times. Data collection lasted for six calendar months and 17 days (from September 3rd 2012 to 20th March, 2013). RESULTS: All the women had their best HrQoL at 12 weeks postpartum. Employed women reported lower health-related quality-of-life than the unemployed at the three time-points, the lowest mean score being at 18 weeks postpartum (Mean = 73.9). Multiple comparison of scores of the two groups using Tukey HSD Repeated Mean showed significant variation on the eight subscales of the health-related quality-of-life. Physical functioning (p = 0.045), Physical role limitation (p = 0.000), bodily pain (p = 0.000), social functioning (p = 0.000) and general health (p = 0.000) were unequal guaranteeing type 1 error. Women with higher education and personal income reported higher health-related quality-of-life (p < 0.05). Employed women have more problems with physical health components and are more negatively affected by increasing age except those with higher education and personal income. CONCLUSIONS: Increased responsibilities combined with increasing age and low socio-economic status reduce women's health-related quality-of-life post-partum. The traditionally accepted paid 3 months maternity leave should be elongated by extra months to help women balance their daily work with baby care. Gender sensitive employment opportunities in favour of women are necessary to empower more women economically.