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The period of a child's growth and development that is most notable is from 0 to 8 years old. These are the years when all that is learned is laid down. Putting strong foundations in place today will yield big dividends later. Greater learning in the classroom and better educational results have a positive social and economic impact on society. Children who get early childhood education (ECE) have a strong foundation, which increases the effectiveness and productivity of every subsequent educational stage. The goal of the current study was to determine the pre-primary teachers' level of awareness regarding early childhood education, given their critical position in the field. To determine the level of knowledge of early childhood education (ECE) among teachers employed in pre-primary institutions in Bengaluru city, the study used a survey approach and a custom application. A sample of 106 teachers were drawn through cluster sampling. The study found out that the demographic variables like locality, marital status and teaching experience have no influence on the awareness of ECE among pre-primary teachers. The study found that 10% of teachers have average awareness, 31% have good awareness, 37% have very good awareness and 22% have excellent awareness of ECE. Thus, close to 90% of them are found to have better awareness of ECE. This means that preprimary teachers are well aware of the nature, learning needs etc. of children and also methodology of teaching and evaluation. In spite of better awareness of ECE found in teachers, the study comes out with few of educational implications in order to regulate and sustain the awareness of ECE among them and also in proper handling of children.

In this article, we report the development and psychometric validation of the Teachers' Receptivity to Change Scale (TRCS). The sample included secondary school teachers of Kerala, India. In India, the teachers' receptivity to change becomes important in the context of the newly drafted National Education Policy, (2020) which places teachers' at the center of the reforms. The present study proceeded through five phases namely item analysis, exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, validation of the scale, and test-retest reliability. The development of the tool started with the generation of a pool of items followed by item analysis. The exploratory factor analysis extracted four factors and the confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the four-factors namely individual, organizational, educational, and bridging factors. The structural equation modelling established the four-correlated factor construct of teachers' receptivity to change and an additive model indexing teachers' receptivity to change as the sum of the four factors. Both the model fit indices indicated an excellent fit. The validity of the TRCS established by correlating the teachers' receptivity to change and its factors with multidimensional work motivation scale and engaged teachers' scale indicated a moderate correlation. The final 28 item TRCS showed adequate internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.897) and discriminant validity. The test re-test reliability analysis (Cronbach's alpha = 0.884) confirmed the temporal stability of the scale. The findings recommend a psychometric reliable and valid scale for assessing teachers' receptivity to change with implications for teachers, researchers, and policy makers.

The Affordances for Motor Behavior of Schoolchildren (AMBS) is a standardized self-reporting tool comprising 73 questions, organized into seven sections aiming to assess affordances in children's regular contexts. This investigation aims to establish the reliability and validity of the results obtained from the AMBS in South Indian children. The AMBS reliability and construct validity were evaluated in 393 Indian families whose children were aged between 6 and 10 years old. The internal consistency of the AMBS was evaluated by retesting the tool in a subsample of 30 families following a 14-day interval between assessments (intraclass correlation coefficient), showing a reliability level of 0.933. The validity of the scale was evaluated using the confirmatory factor analysis. The model that was tested indicated a very good fit, and the structural model presented significant loading coefficients from the identified variables to the theoretically specified latent factors. Positively significant correlation values were found between factors: home and materials (r =0.78), home and school (r=0.55), and materials and school (r =0.77). Our findings suggest that AMBS is a reliable assessment tool and can evaluate the affordances provided to South Indian children. This information can be used to develop interventions to improve the physical activity levels of these children.

Purpose: The study was aimed at measuring farmers' helpline services quality in India using a standardized multi-factor scale (HELPQUAL) developed as part of this study. Design/methodology/approach: The present study is based on 360 farmers' and 45 experts' responses gathered using telephonic interviews and mailed questionnaires during the year 2021-22. The principal axis exploratory factor analysis, parallel analysis and Likert scaling were utilized to assess the scalability of items and identify underlying factors. Findings: The 19 item HELPQUAL consisting of four factors, namely dependability, accessibility, understandability and communication effectiveness, was developed. The reliability of the overall scale was excellent ([alpha] = 0.908), whereas the factor-wise reliability was excellent to acceptable (i.e. [alpha] = 0.918 to 0.72). The convergent validity of the scale was also excellent (0.819). Practical implications: The HELPQUAL scale developed is the first to measure the quality of agricultural helpline services. There are several farmers' helpline services across the globe, however, no standardized scale has been developed to date for measuring their quality. Moreover, HELPQUAL is highly sector-specific, and factors like accessibility and understandability are different from the dimensions of generic SERVQUAL and SERVPERF scales. Therefore, it is advantageous and appropriate in the quality evaluation of agricultural extension services. Originality/value: This study provides the first standardized scale for measuring the quality of farmers' helpline services. Theoretical implications This study supports the argument that widely used SERVEQUAL and SERVPERF scales and their dimensions lack universal applicability in service quality measurement.

Background: Vitamin B12 deficiency is widely prevalent in all age groups which is of major concern. However, there is no valid Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) for dietary vitamin B12 estimation. Hence, we aimed to develop and validate an FFQ for the estimation of dietary intake of Vitamin B12. Materials and Methods: Commonly consumed B12-rich food items were selected from literature and filtered using a market survey. For concordant and discriminant validation, B12 and homocysteine levels were estimated. To establish convergent validity, the Cobalamin Intake in North Indians by Food Frequency Questionnaire (COIN-FFQ) and 72-hour dietary recall (72HrDR) were both administered to the same subjects. The COIN-FFQ was readministered after initial administration for test-retest reliability. Internal consistency of the FFQ was then tested using Cronbach's alpha. Results: We enrolled 115 adults with a mean age and weight of 31.9 ± 8.7 years and 66.0 ± 11.8 kg, respectively. In total, 19.1% were vegetarian. The dietary B12 using COIN-FFQ (n = 60; mean = 4.3 ± 1.8 µg/d) was significantly correlated (r = 0.255; P = 0.049) with serum levels (mean = 120.1 ± 62.6 pmol/L) establishing concordant validity. A significant difference was noted between the dietary, serum B12, and homocysteine levels of vegetarians versus nonvegetarians establishing discriminant validity (mean diff 1.4 (0.5-2.4), P = 0.004; Z-statistic -2.182, P value 0.029, and Z-statistic -2.438; P value 0.015), respectively. FFQ was strongly correlated with 72HrDR and test--retest FFQ (n = 27; r = 0.814, P < 0.001 and r = 0.869, P < 0.001, respectively) establishing convergent validity and test--retest reliability. The internal consistency with Cronbach's alpha was in the acceptable range, 0.631 (n = 115). Conclusion: The newly developed COIN-FFQ is valid and reliable in estimating dietary B12 intake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Digital content may increase parental access to training as well as the diversity of the training programs. YouTube videos may provide a platform from which professionals may adopt content for such programs. This study provides data regarding the clinical utility of YouTube videos about shared book reading (SBR) found on the United States (USA) and India channels. Method: A cross-sectional analysis of videos about SBR was conducted to examine metadata, evidence-based content, understandability, and actionability. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse metadata and content. Health literacy concepts of understandability and actionability were measured, and descriptive statistics are reported. Result: Of 800 videos identified, 10 included information related to storybook selection, dialogic reading, extra-textual strategies, and print-referencing strategies. These met adequate levels of understandability and actionability. Conclusion: Results provide some direction and recommendations for parent-training programs in the USA and India. The study highlights the use of YouTube videos and suggests its utility as a supplement source within parent-training programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: In the present studies, we examine the construct validity and criterionrelated validity of a previously unpublished, eight-item measure of relational wellbeing. Methods: First, in two pre-COVID-Era pilot studies within the UK (n's = 207 and 146, respectively), results of exploratory factor analyses revealed that--with the possible exception of one item regarding close relationships--the items assessed individual differences along a single dimension (i.e., relational wellbeing), rather than two distinct dimensions (i.e., social connections and close relationships). Second, in an initial pre-COVID-Era main study within the UK (n = 192), results of confirmatory factor analyses provided support for the hypothesized onedimensional factor pattern, although the same problematic item from the pilot studies continued to under-perform relative to the other seven items. Findings: In a subsequent COVID-Lockdown-Era main study across India (n = 205), Greece (n = 354), and the UK (n = 390), results of confirmatory factor analyses established that--after omitting the same problematic item that had surfaced in the preceding studies--a one-dimensional factor pattern provided equally satisfactory fit for the three samples. Original value: Although we had not set out to test a priori hypotheses regarding mean similarities or differences in relational wellbeing among our COVIDLockdown-Era studies, results of an analysis of variance revealed that persons within the UK scored significantly lower in relational wellbeing than did persons in India or Greece. Limitations: As noted above, one particular item repeatedly performed poorly in factor analyses; this item ideally should be dropped from the relational wellbeing scale in future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Statement of the Problem: It is essential to address caries risk at an early stage for the prevention of dental caries. Mobile application CaRisk is designed in a particular way to self-assess the dental caries risk by the individual’s themselves. Purpose: The current study aimed to assess the dental caries risk among age groups 5-6 and 35-44 using self-assessment caries risk mobile application CaRisk and compare it with the deft and DMFT values. Materials and Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Chennai, India; to evaluate the risk of dental caries in children aged 5 to 6 and adults aged 35 to 44. The scores of the mobile application CaRisk and the decayed- extracted-filled teeth (deft)/ decayed-missing-filled-teeth (DMFT) caries risk assessment were evaluated. Descriptive statistics were performed. The risk category was determined by frequency. Chi-square analysis was done to determine whether the DMFT scores and the CaRisk mobile app were associated. The correlation was performed between the CaRisk mobile application and DMFT scores. Results: Association was found between the caries risk assessment score of the mobile application CaRisk and the DMFT and deft scores of the adults and children for both the age groups 5-6 and 35-44 years respectively and it indicates that it was found to be statistically significant. Pearson’s correlation was performed to assess the strength of association and R-values obtained for the age group 5-6 and 35-44 years respectively, which was statistically significant (0.892 and 0.840). Conclusion: This CaRisk mobile application scores correlate with the deft and DMFT scores and it is an effective self-diagnosis tool for assessing dental caries risk assessment. Further, it is suggested that the mobile application CaRisk should be tested among a huge population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was aimed at measuring farmers' helpline services quality in India using a standardized multi-factor scale (HELPQUAL) developed as part of this study. The present study is based on 360 farmers' and 45 experts' responses gathered using telephonic interviews and mailed questionnaires during the year 2021–22. The principal axis exploratory factor analysis, parallel analysis and Likert scaling were utilized to assess the scalability of items and identify underlying factors. The 19 item HELPQUAL consisting of four factors, namely dependability, accessibility, understandability and communication effectiveness, was developed. The reliability of the overall scale was excellent (α = 0.908), whereas the factor-wise reliability was excellent to acceptable (i.e. α = 0.918 to 0.72). The convergent validity of the scale was also excellent (0.819). The HELPQUAL scale developed is the first to measure the quality of agricultural helpline services. There are several farmers' helpline services across the globe, however, no standardized scale has been developed to date for measuring their quality. Moreover, HELPQUAL is highly sector-specific, and factors like accessibility and understandability are different from the dimensions of generic SERVQUAL and SERVPERF scales. Therefore, it is advantageous and appropriate in the quality evaluation of agricultural extension services. This study provides the first standardized scale for measuring the quality of farmers' helpline services. This study supports the argument that widely used SERVEQUAL and SERVPERF scales and their dimensions lack universal applicability in service quality measurement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite being in temperate zone, India is endemic to nutritional rickets. However, very little has been studied on knowledge, perception and cultural practices of Indian communities, towards calcium and vitamin-D deficiency in children. Aim & Objective: The study aimed to develop and validate a questionnaire in Hindi language for the assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practices of parents towards calcium and vitamin D deficiency among children. Methodology: We searched electronic databases for item generation. The questionnaire was developed in Hindi language by five experts in the field of pediatrics, pediatric orthopaedics and community medicine using Delphi method. After language correction from Hindi language experts, a convenient sample of 30 participants filled the questionnaire and tested for internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Results: The overall Cronbach's alpha value for the finalized 46-item scale indicated an acceptable reliability (alpha = 0.91). The internal consistency reliability for six domains created was acceptable. The results revealed 'high' test-retest reliability, and there was no statistically significant difference noted between any of the first test and re-test corresponding values (p>0.05). Conclusion: The present questionnaire developed in Hindi Language to assess knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) of parents towards Calcium & Vitamin-D deficiency in children, has a good validity and reliability. This newly developed instrument could prove its use to highlight the gaps that may exist among parents. The use of this tool may help clinicians, health educators and policy makers to identify key areas of intervention with regards to Calcium & Vitamin-D deficiency in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Fixed orthodontic treatment has been the standard method to treat malocclusions for decades; however, the number of adults seeking more inconspicuous ways to enhance their smiles has significantly increased. This trend has led to the rising popularity of clear aligners among the general population, hailed as the 'invisible treatment' for correcting misaligned teeth. Aim: To assess the level of awareness among residents of Maharashtra regarding clear aligners. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics, School of Dental Sciences, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth (KVV) Karad, Maharashtra, India with a sample size of 423 participants. An online survey on awareness and perceptions of clear aligners among the general population of Maharashtra was carried out for one month through the dissemination of an online questionnaire. The questionnaire was administered using Google Forms and consisted of 12 closed-ended questions. The online data was collected and analysed while assessing its content validity. Results: The mean age of the study participants was 28.4±5.88 years. According to the survey, 203 (47.99%) participants had visited an orthodontist, with 87 (43.03%) receiving clear aligner recommendations as a treatment option. Notably, 266 (62.88%) were already familiar with clear aligners, and 268 (63.36%) considered them to be an effective treatment. Conclusion: The study findings indicated that 62.88% of participants had prior knowledge of clear aligners, while only 47.99% had visited an orthodontist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The menstrual cycle is a crucial biological rhythm typically lasting 21 to 35 days, averaging 28 days, is vital for female athletes. Increasingly, women in sports are recognising menstrual cycle impact on performance due to hormonal fluctuations. Sensitivity to these changes varies, potentially affecting exercise tolerance and energy levels during training and competition. Recognising these dynamics is crucial in physiotherapy to optimise athletic performance with tailored interventions, considering the menstrual cycle’s impact on the female body. Aim: To develop a questionnaire to examine the influence of the menstrual cycle on physical activity. Materials and Methods: To evaluate the impact of the menstrual cycle on physical activity, a self-administrative questionnaire was formulated in three stages: establishing the questionnaire's scope through reviewing literature, determining questionnaire components by consulting participants and experts feedback, and verifying its content validity with the input of eight experts using Delphi method. These eight physiotherapy experts are serving as assistant and associate professors at various universities in India, contributed to this validation process. Results: Newly developed questionnaire has content validity index of 0.98 for all the items included. Conclusion: This questionnaire is a valid tool for assessing the impact of menstrual cycle phases on physical activity of young adult. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Menstrual care products that are most used in India have historically been sanitary pads for menstrual hygiene and analgesics for period pain. Alternative menstruation care products are, nevertheless, the subject of a growing discourse. Informed decisions about menstrual hygiene and period pain management are being hampered by ignorance about these alternative menstrual care options. Aim: To develop and validate a survey questionnaire to evaluate university female students' awareness of alternative menstrual care devices for menstrual hygiene and pain relief compared to conventionally used products. Materials and Methods: The study describes two phases of questionnaire development and its validation. At first, an extensive literature review was conducted to frame the 23-item survey questionnaire, which was later validated in the later phase. For content validation, a panel of 9 experts, including gynaecologists, physiotherapists who specialise in menstrual rehabilitation, and social activists, was formed. They were prompted to validate the questionnaire produced in Google Forms after providing their consent. Results: The Content Validation Index (CVI) was used to quantitatively assess the questionnaire's content validity. The I-CVI score was calculated to be 0.97, which exceeds 0.83, suggesting an excellent content validity. Conclusion: This study successfully developed and validated a survey questionnaire with strong assessment attributes. The developed questionnaire can be used to carry out surveys among females in the menstrual age and based on the results, modifications can be made to menstrual rehabilitation, its implication policies and awareness programs related to it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Fatigue is commonly characterised as an extreme state of being tired and feeling exhausted. There are two types of fatigue: Mental which leads to reduced concentration and Physical which leads to decrease in performance. One of the major occupational risk factors that lead to fatigue is prolonged standing. Healthcare professionals are also affected by this issue as they have to stand prolong time in their duty hours. Aim: To find the effect of prolong standing on fatigue in the healthcare professionals. Materials and Methods: The Questionnaire was developed in three phases. In first phase we identify the domain of the questionnaire by doing intense literature survey. Then items of the questionnaire were identified from the domain by taking interview from the participants and taking expert opinion. Then we send the questionnaire through Delphi methods to 9 experts for content validation of questionnaire. All the experts are from physiotherapy profession and currently working as an assistant and associate professor in different universities from India. Results: Newly developed questionnaire has content validity index of 1 for all the items included. Conclusion: The developed questionnaire has the significant content validity to check the fatigue among healthcare professionals. The questionnaire was designed to capture the specific type of fatigue that is most relevant to prolonged standing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]