Examining the reliability and validity of a self-regulated learning strategy scale for undergraduate nursing students and effective factors of self-regulated learning strategies.

BACKGROUND: Self-regulated learning in higher education has increasingly attracted attention in recent years. This study involved a survey of nursing students using an originally developed tool called the Self-regulated Learning Strategy Scale for Undergraduate Nursing Students (SRLSS-NS). OBJECTIVES: We aimed to elucidate factors relating to the promotion of self-regulated learning while confirming the reliability and validity of the novel scale. DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey design was adopted. SETTING: School of Health Science, Faculty of Medicine. PARTICIPANTS: Participants included first- to fourth-year undergraduate nursing students. METHODS: Descriptive statistics were used to ascertain participant characteristics. We confirmed the criterion-related validity of the survey through exploratory factor analysis and Pearson's product-moment coefficient with external criteria. Reliability was calculated using Cronbach's α coefficient. To examine stability, we confirmed the correlation between the first and second surveys. Multiple regression analysis was performed using the SRLSS-NS score as the objective variable and basic attributes/individual factors, learning-related factors, and cognitive factors as explanatory variables. The statistical significance level was defined as 5 %. RESULTS: The scale consisted of 12 items related to three factors-construct validity, internal consistency, and stability-which were confirmed. Regarding factors related to the SRLS of undergraduate nursing students, the SRLSS-NS score was greater for items such as, "I feel that university education gives me confidence in learning" (ß = 0.255, p < 0.001), "I like/find interest in things I am learning" (ß = 0.228, p < 0.001), "I feel that university education teaches me how to learn" (ß = 0.198, p = 0.003), and "Self-esteem as a professional" (ß = 0.143, p = 0.023). CONCLUSION: As more efforts are made to improve undergraduate nursing students' SRLS, the importance of education for increasing confidence, promoting intrinsic motivation, teaching learning methods, and fostering occupational identity is emphasized.

Which sleep hygiene factors are important? comprehensive assessment of lifestyle habits and job environment on sleep among office workers.

BACKGROUND: Although several lifestyle habits are associated with sleep, it is unclear which factors are important. Among office workers, the effect of job environment should also be considered. The multivariate analyses on the effects of lifestyle habits and job environment on sleep among office workers was conducted. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of 6,342 employees from 29 companies was conducted in 2017-2019. Complete responses and informed consent were provided by 5,640 participants. The survey examined demographic variables, sleep schedules, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Brief Job Stress Questionnaire (BJSQ), and lifestyle habits. RESULTS: Mean values were as follows: age, 36.9 years (±10.2); PSQI, 6.52 (±2.83); and total sleep time, 6h06m (±1h40m) on work days and 7h39m (±1h58m) on free days. After adjusting for job environment and demographic variables, irregular meal time (1.45-2.86), not eating vegetables every day (1.35), nightcap (2.74-3.55), weight gain (1.20-1.42), lack of sunlight in the morning in the bedroom (1.48-1.60), waking up before dawn (2.18), electronic display use in bed (1.50), and daily caffeine intake (1.27) were significantly associated with sleep disturbance. Irregular meal time (1.51-2.37), lack of morning breakfast (1.74-2.95), having dinner within 2 hours before bed time (0.49-0.64), not eating vegetables every day (1.52), lack of sunlight exposure in the morning (1.43-2.01), and caffeine use every day (1.42) were also associated with eveningness (p<.01). CONCLUSION: Each sleep hygiene factor had a different effect size. Sleep hygiene interventions to promote worker sleep health should prioritize factors in accordance with effect size.

[Association between sleep quality and life function among elderly community residents].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between sleep quality and life function in an elderly Japanese population. METHODS: A total of 563 residents of a village in Kumamoto Prefecture aged ≥65 years were asked to fill out a self-administered questionnaire survey from June to July 2010. Sleep quality and life function were respectively evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Basics Check List, which is used to screen elderly individuals at high risk of needing long-term care in the future. As adjustment factors, age, sex, economic situation, residency status, medical history, depression status, and cognitive function were assessed. We examined the relationship between sleep quality and life function using multiple logistic regression analysis, with life function as a dependent variable. Subjects already receiving care or with psychiatric disorders or severe cognitive disturbance were excluded from analysis. RESULTS: Among the subjects (n=395), a significant relationship was found between poor sleep quality and impaired life function in all models. The odds ratio was 1.82 (95% confidence interval: 1.03-3.23) in the final model controlling for all adjustment factors. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings here suggest a significant relationship between poor sleep quality and impaired life function among elderly community residents. Given these findings, intervention to improve sleep may help delay or prevent the need for long-term care among elderly individuals.