Enhancing Theory of Mind Skills: Intervention Strategies for Individuals with Autism | Chapter 4 | Current Progress in Arts and Social Studies Research Vol. 4

 

Theory of Mind (ToM) is the ability to understand another’s perspective. It has two components- cognitive and affective. The cognitive component means understanding others’ beliefs, intentions, perspectives, etc. and the affective component indicates knowledge regarding emotions. Impairment in ToM is one of the major features of Autism. Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired communication and Socialization. Individuals with Autism experience difficulties in understanding the intentions, beliefs, and perspectives of other individuals because of their limited ToM skills, and they also find it difficult to predict the emotions of another individual. Therefore, structured interventions are required to improve ToM skills in individuals with Autism. The present study focuses on different ToM intervention methods and the effectiveness of those methods. However, the present review observes that most of the interventions are suitable for individuals with high-functioning Autism. Besides these interventions are heavily loaded with language and therefore these interventions are not suitable for the nonverbal group. Thus, most of the individuals with Autism are out of the scope of these interventions. Therefore, ToM interventions suitable for nonverbal and low-functioning groups of Autism are required.

 

Author(s) Details

 

Payel Dey Ghosh

Amity University, Kolkata, India.

Mallika Banerjee

Techno India University, Kolkata, India and University of Calcutta, India.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/cpassr/v4/1691

Evaluating the Role of Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance: A Successful Intervention: Evidence from Hamad Medical Corporation–Qatar | Chapter 6 | Microbiology and Biotechnology Research: An Overview Vol. 4

 

Antibiotic resistance is an increasing global problem. Excessive and inappropriate antimicrobial use results in strong selective pressure that facilitates the emergence of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens. The intensive care units are epicentres for the emergence of antibiotic-resistant gram-negative bacteria because of the high use of antibiotics, prolonged hospital stay, reduced patient immunity, use of medical devices, and the frequent contact between healthcare workers and patients. Surveillance of bacterial resistance is the key element to understand the size of the problem, drive interventions, and measure the effect of these measures. Several reports have linked the use of third-generation cephalosporins with β-lactam resistance in gram-negative bacteria. Several strategies were introduced by the Antibiotic Stewardship Programs to reduce antibiotic resistance, but the efficacy of these interventions is not well studied. The Microbiology Laboratory of Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) monitors antimicrobial resistance by continuous surveillance using the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS) - currently Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute Interpretive Criteria (CLSI). Surveillance data were released annually and shared with clinicians and policymakers for review of the antibiotic policy and the antibiotic formulary. Several measures were taken, including antibiotic cycling, antibiotic rotation and restriction.

 

Surveillance data in 2001 showed high-level β-lactam antibiotic resistance and high-level production of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL) among gram-negative bacteria. As a result, the Hospital Antibiotic Policy Committee decided to withdraw ceftazidime, a third–generation cephalosporin known to be a strong inducer of ESBL, from the hospital formulary. Subsequent resistance surveillance over the following three years in the Medical Intensive Care unit (MICU) demonstrated a gradual drop in the resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli; the commonest isolated gram-negative bacteria from MICU, not only to third and fourth generation cephalosporins, but also to Piperacillin–Tazobactam in spite of the increased use of the latter drug in the MICU.

 

The study concludes that the selection of resistance is an inevitable consequence of antibiotic usage. Regular surveillance of antimicrobial resistance is essential not only for detecting and monitoring resistance development but also for ensuring that the information gathered is effectively used to guide empirical therapy and inform strategic interventions to prevent the emergence and spread of resistance.

 

Author(s) Details

Elshafie Sittana Shamseldin
Aspetar, Qatar Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Doha, Qatar.

Al-Khal A/Latif
Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.

 

A Maslamani Muna
Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.

Al Janahi Mohammed
Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.

 

Alamri Zainab
Medical Military Specialized Center, Qatar.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/mbrao/v4/5627

The Influence of Pharmacist-Led Initiatives on Hypertension Care | Chapter 1 | Medicine and Medical Research: New Perspectives Vol. 3

 

Background: In India, the incidence of hypertension is increasing hastily, especially in urban areas. Change in lifestyle and diet along with poor awareness and control is regarded as the main factors influencing the emergence of the condition at a high rate.

 

Objective: The study aimed to analyze the effect of pharmacist interventions in improving blood pressure control.

 

Methods: The prospective interventional study was conducted on a known hypertensive population for more than 2 years. They were randomly categorized into two groups, the interventional group and the usual care group. Pharmaceutical care, involving telephonic follow-up, adherence analysis, and patient education was given in the former group in a time interval of 2 months for about 12 months while the latter was on regular therapeutical care only. In every follow-up period, the pharmacist recorded blood pressure for the usual care group while the interventional group was on constant observation. The difference in blood pressure control was measured in terms of mm/Hg unit. The improvement in the measure from the start and end of the study was analyzed within the group and between the groups. The statistical difference in blood pressure within the group at the start and end of the study and the significance between the two groups was analyzed using SAS Software.

 

Results: The systolic pressures reduced from 141 mmHg to 126 mm Hg in the intervention group and from 142 mm Hg to 134 mm Hg in the usual care group. Similarly, the diastolic pressure decreased from 91 mmHg to 82 mmHg and from 91 mmHg to 86 mmHg in the interventional and usual care group, respectively. Low blood pressure was observed in both groups at the end of the study. However, a statistically significant difference was seen in the interventional group compared to the other. The involvement of pharmacist-led initiatives in hypertensive care helped in the achievement of the AHA (American Heart Association) goal.

 

Conclusions: Including clinical pharmacists in a healthcare team can provide an unerring therapeutic regimen to patients, and lead to overall improvement of patient health.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Anju Sarah Mathews
Institute of Pharmacy, PES University, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.

Sreshi Kumari
Krupanidhi College of Pharmacy, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/mmrnp/v3/1276

Exploring the Relationship between Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Campus Bullying: Prevalence, Impact, and Intervention Strategies in Primary and Secondary Schools| Chapter 1 | Disease and Health Research: New Insights Vol. 8

Background: Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and campus bullying are common mental and behavioral problems among children and adolescents, which have significant negative impacts on their physical and mental health as well as the normal functioning of primary and secondary schools.

Objective: The objective of the study is to understand the prevalence of ADHD and campus bullying in primary and secondary schools, explore their relationship, and analyze intervention approaches for campus bullying related to ADHD.

Methods: Literature retrieval was used to review 50 papers in the past 20 years, and the clinical characteristics and prevalence of the two, as well as influencing factors of campus bullying related to students with ADHD in primary and secondary schools, were represented. And then, the impact of ADHD on-campus bullying was analyzed. On this basis, ways were proposed to address the phenomenon of campus bullying related to children and adolescents with ADHD.

Results: The incidence of ADHD in foreign countries is 3% to 7%, while in China it is 2.4% to 13%. Forty-six-point nine percent of ADHD children abroad and 50.7% of ADHD children in China are involved in school bullying incidents, Compared to peers with normal development, adolescents with ADHD are more likely to become victims and bullies, influenced by personal traits and risk factors in the environment. Possible intervention approaches include family upbringing, school education, and social intervention.

Conclusion: ADHD is closely related to campus bullying in primary and secondary school students. Multi-level comprehensive interventions are needed from family, school, and society to reduce the involvement of children and adolescents with ADHD in school bullying incidents.

 

Author (s) Details

Hou Yongmei
Department of Psychology, School of Humanities and Management, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong Province, China.

 

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/dhrni/v8/2190

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Understanding Beyond Labels | Chapter 10 | Disease and Health: Research Developments Vol. 9

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is increasingly acknowledged as a varied neurodevelopmental condition, with its global prevalence, including in India, demonstrating a notable upward trend. It is imperative to transcend reductive labels and misconceptions that frame ASD as a disease. Instead, ASD should be understood as a spectrum of neurological differences that influence individuals’ perception, information processing, communication, and interaction with their environment.

Recent advances in scientific research, both globally and within India, have significantly enhanced the understanding of ASD. Emerging evidence highlights a multifactorial etiology involving genetic, environmental, and neurobiological components. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the core characteristics of ASD, addresses prevalent myths, examines etiological and diagnostic frameworks, and reviews contemporary, evidence-based strategies aimed at promoting autonomy, psychosocial well-being, and inclusive participation for children on the spectrum.

 

Author (s) Details

 

Agarwal M
Independent Researcher, Additional Commissioner of Income Tax (Addl. CIT), Jaipur, India.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/dhrd/v9/5197

Play Therapy for Children's Behavioural Issues: Pre-post Intervention Analysis | Chapter 5 | Disease and Health: Research Developments Vol. 1

This chapter examines the effectiveness of play therapy in reducing behavioral problems among children aged 3 to 7 years enrolled in pre-primary education at an unaided school. Behavioral issues were identified through assessments by qualified educational counselors. A total of 42 students participated in structured play therapy sessions. To evaluate the therapy's impact, a pre-test and post-test design was employed, with assessments conducted before and after the intervention. The findings reveal a significant reduction in behavioral problems following play therapy, highlighting its potential as an effective intervention for early childhood behavioral issues.

 

Author (s) Details

 

Rekha K S
Brahma Psychological Service (Pynadath House), Angamaly, India.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/dhrd/v1/2841

Applying the Technology Acceptance Model to Understand Student Adoption of Digital Technologies at Sunyani Technical University | Chapter 1 | Science and Technology: Developments and Applications Vol. 4

In several developing nations, Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) are provided to instructors and learners without considering their attitudes and perceptions toward these technologies. Students’ attitudes have been identified as a predictor of the adoption of new technologies. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) has been extensively used to determine the extent of adoption and use of digital technologies in research. The model addresses the technical shortfalls of users by confronting some undesirable behavioural and perceptual traits that discourage the acceptance and usage of digital technologies. This study, therefore, sought students’ acceptance and use of digital technologies for the purpose of enhancing their learning. Inquiring from students how they use their digital devices and further rating their level of digital competencies (skills and knowledge) spurred the researcher to adopt an instructional delivery system through the application of the TAM to enable students to adopt, accept and incorporate these technologies into their learning in order to make learning flexible and self-paced. The quantitative method was used to answer the research questions that guided this study. This study aimed to apply the TAM to provide a descriptive analysis of how students adopt and use digital technologies in their remote locations. A survey questionnaire with 13 perceived ease of use, 13 perceived usefulness and 26 attitudes toward use items was designed in Google Forms and analysed using International Business Machines (IBM) Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 23. The study also sought to use the model to address students’ perceptions and attitudes toward the use of digital technologies. The results of the Technology Acceptance Model indicated that students have developed the appropriate attitudes and perceptions to adopt and use digital technologies due to the fact that overall, students find digital technologies easy to use and very useful during learning. The study revealed that respondents developed positive attitudes and right perceptions toward the use of digital technologies during lessons because they gained more understanding and insight through the lively course content they offered. Respondents now have the belief that the intervention has helped them to develop the zeal to adopt and use digital technologies to enhance their learning.

 

Author (s) Details

Ernest Ofori

Department of Educational Innovations in Science and Technology, Faculty of Art, College of Art and Built Environment, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Ghana.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/stda/v4/3464

Intervention of Clinical Pharmacist in the Diabetes Mellitus (Type 2) Management in Outpatients | Chapter 5 | Advanced Concepts in Pharmaceutical Research Vol. 1

 The objective concerning this study was to judge the impact of clinical druggist intervention on glycemic administration using abstaining blood glucose and glycosylated level of glucose in blood levels.  Diabetes Mellitus is one of the world's fastest arising chronic metabolic afflictions which results in considerably raised melancholy, mortality, and healthcare expenses. The International Diabetes Foundation estimates diabetes in one in ten persons and about 47 % are under-diagnosed. Studies have proved that the risk factor for stroke and heart failure in diabetes patients is 2 to 3 periods in contrast to subjects having no hyperglycemia. A randomized potential interventional study was conducted in the outpatient area of a tertiary care nursing home. Patients suffering from diabetes for not completely 2 years were picked for the study based on the addition and exclusion tests. The control group was not given some special druggist care, while the interventional group had a face-to-face interview, confabing, and telephonic follow-up all along the study period. Based on the measure values and endpoint parametric values, the result of the study was resolved. The study was analyzed established the difference in the glycemic index, utilizing HbA1c and FBS values. The basic values of HbA1c were identical for both groups (8.5%), but a obvious reduction to 7.2% was noticed in the interventional group. FBS values discounted from 208 mg/dl to 186 mg/dl in the intervention group, while in the common care group, the reduction was from 211 mg/dl to 198 mg/dl.  HbA1c and abstaining blood sugar considerably decreased as a result of the dispassionate pharmacist's attack. For the purpose of maximizing pharmacotherapy, the clinical druggist participated in patient enjoining and education during the whole of the trial. Through one-on-one intersections, material distribution, and phone follow-up, it was gifted. The patient now has a better understanding of in what way or manner to change their lifestyle apart from using their drugs as prescribed. Through their interactions accompanying the members of the invasion group, the usual care group too felt the belongings of the research. Because of this, the standard care group also proverb superior clinical results.

Author(s) Details:

Anju Sarah Mathews,
Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pes University, Bengaluru, India.

Please see the link here: https://stm.bookpi.org/ACPR-V1/article/view/12076

Role of Vitamins and Nutrition in Old Age as Immune Modulator with Future Prospective | Chapter 6 | Research Highlights in Disease and Health Research Vol. 4

 Old age is best outlined as age of retirement namely 60 years and above. Nutrition for old age is famous as Geriatric Nutrition. Aging brings physical, psychological and immunological changes which influence the digestive status. Use of healthful food and Anti oxidant like Vitamin D, C and E can help the body immune answer against Virus.Present Dementia and CVD may share risk determinants like high intake of able to be consumed total fat. Emphasis should be situated on reducing the intake of type of fatty acid and choosing mono soggy or poly saturated fat sources. Sufficient consumption of ?-3 fatty acids helps in keen sight, hair loss, tissue swelling, improper digesting, poor sort function and mental depression. Study explain the role of these source of nourishment to for Host immune against aging. Due to decrease lust and poor digesting, old people devour less protein which grant permission lead to edema, anemia, and depressed resistance to contaminations. According to data from acute treatment studies of older women, up to 71% are nutritionally vulnerable or undernourished, that’s increased their humanness risk.

Author(s) Details:

Tahani Nasser Almofeed Altamimi,
Family Medicine and Geriatric Medicine, Family Medicine Department, College of Medicine, University of Hail, KSA.

Fahmida Khatoon Zahid Balouch,
Biochemistry Department, College of Medicine, University of Hail, KSA and United Medical College, Jinnah University, Pakistan.

Ruba Mustafa Elsaid Ahmed,
Pathology Department, College of Medicine, University of Ha’il, Saudi Arabia.

Please see the link here: https://stm.bookpi.org/RHDHR-V4/article/view/9938

Global Health Resilience Building: A Population Health Equity Approach to the Agro-Pastoralist Community in Drought Affected Ethiopia | Chapter 5 | Current Overview on Disease and Health Research Vol. 1

Africa has been plagued by devastating droughts for many years. Ethiopia is the worst-hit nation since livestock and rain-fed agriculture make up the majority of its GDP. Nearly 85% of the nation's income comes from the agricultural sector. Over 15 million agro-pastoralists, who manage the bulk of Africa's cattle, have had their health and agricultural economies jeopardised by the drought. Foreign help may provide a short-term respite, but the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction places a higher priority on proactive action to build resilience in those who are impacted. By investigating the factors, their effects on the varied health outcomes for the population sub-groups, and tackling health disparity, a population health equity approach can serve the goal of enhancing the general health of the population. The disadvantaged agro-pastoralist population in Ethiopia needed effective policies and interventions to increase health resilience, therefore our goal was to identify the key population health outcomes, underlying causes, and actionable lever points. We used the PRISMA and Hamilton tools, respectively, to compile the data and judge its quality. To assemble the data, we used the WHO's frameworks for socioeconomic determinants of health and health equity as well as disaster vulnerability. Our results demonstrated that researchers looked at socioeconomic, political, and cultural backgrounds to identify policy and leverage areas for efficient population health interventions. The primary determinants of health, such as access to the market economy, dependency on livestock, household productivity or income, infrastructure, health systems, disaster preparedness, and food security, affect a wide range of health concerns. These characteristics are influenced by the social, political, and cultural settings. Even in the face of significant vulnerability and health disparities, current public health field methods have produced some policy solution possibilities. The suggested interventions may be influenced by an interdisciplinary community health strategy to have the maximum impact on health resilience. Evidence from the worst drought niche in Africa can assist in addressing similar drought-related health issues in other regions of the continent.

Author (s) Details:

Selim M. Khan,
Interdisciplinary Population Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, 25 University Private, Ottawa, Canada.

James Gomes,
Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, 25 University Private, Ottawa, Canada Correspondence: Selim Khan, Interdisciplinary Population Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, 25 University Private, Ottawa, K1N 7K4, ON, Canada.

Please see the link here: https://stm.bookpi.org/CODHR-V1/article/view/7425

Physical Bullying in Guyanese Schools: Prevalence and Intervention Strategies – Head Teachers’ and Teachers’ Perspectives | Chapter 6 | New Horizons in Education and Social Studies Vol. 1

The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine how head teachers and teachers viewed the prevalence of physical bullying in their schools. Additionally, the study sought to investigate head teachers and teachers’ perspectives on the effectiveness of adult supervision, speaking with the bully and the victim, and communicating with the parents of the bully and victim in decreasing physical bullying in four government schools within the Central Corentyne area of Guyana. The study comprised sixteen teachers from both primary and secondary schools. The data indicated that participants felt that physical bullying was prevalent in the four schools regardless of the extent of prevalence. The data also indicated that participants were of the view that all three strategies had a positive effective in combating physical bullying in the four schools. The most effective strategies were adult supervision and speaking with the bully and the victim. The least effective strategy was communicating with the parents of the bully and victim about the bullying incidents. The findings of this research are very significant to Guyana. It is significant to Guyana because it provides landmark data on physical bullying prevalence and intervention strategies that have been used by Guyanese teachers and head teachers to combat physical bullying. This information can be used by educators to make informed decisions relating to bullying prevention

 Author(s)  Details

 Ms. Maureen Ann Bynoe
University of Guyana, Tain, Corentyne, Berbice, Guyana

View Book :-  http://bp.bookpi.org/index.php/bpi/catalog/book/204