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2. Research on Mobile Learning Activities Applying Tablets
- Author
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Kurilovas, Eugenijus, Juskeviciene, Anita, and Bireniene, Virginija
- Abstract
The paper aims to present current research on mobile learning activities in Lithuania while implementing flagship EU-funded CCL project on application of tablet computers in education. In the paper, the quality of modern mobile learning activities based on learning personalisation, problem solving, collaboration, and flipped class methods is compared against the quality of traditional, mostly face-to-face learning activities based mainly on knowledge transmission. Research was twofold--on the one hand, the results of online questionnaire of teachers and students participated in the first cycle of CCL pilots in Lithuania were analysed, and on the other--expert evaluation method was used. A special attention is paid to suitability of learning activities to particular students learning styles. Presented approach on learning activities quality evaluation and optimisation problems could help educational institutions to select suitable mobile activities for particular learning styles. [For the full proceedings, see ED562096.]
- Published
- 2015
3. The Challenges Faced by Eastern European Students within a 16-19 Education Setting in the United Kingdom
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Babalola, Shade
- Abstract
To examine the challenges encountered by Eastern European students within a sixth form college in the United Kingdom. This paper aims to consider the difficulties encountered by this particular ethnic group examining the impact the challenges may have on their performance, success and achievement. This paper will also highlight equality and diversity implications and examine the social mobility of this particular group. [For the complete Volume 13, Number 1 proceedings, see ED568595.]
- Published
- 2015
4. Publishers' Responses to the E-Book Phenomenon: Survey Results from Three 'Small Language' Markets
- Author
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Wilson, T. D. and Maceviciute, Elena
- Abstract
Introduction: This paper reports on a study of publishers' attitudes towards e-books in the context of the global situation of e-book publishing. Comparative data are drawn from a replication of a survey carried out in Sweden, in Lithuania and in Croatia. Method: A self-completed questionnaire survey was undertaken, offering respondents the choice of a printed questionnaire or a response through an online SurveyMonkey alternative. Analysis: Quantitative analysis was performed using the descriptive statistics capability of SurveyMonkey. Results: The three country survey reveals a number of similar responses from publishers on several key issues, i.e., self-publishing, the future role of bookshops, and relationships with public libraries. The results also reveal that publishers have a certain ambivalence on these issues. Conclusion: In "small language" markets, the take-up of e-books represents a much smaller proportion of total sales than in the English language market. Responses to questions on publishers' relationships with authors, booksellers and libraries show a high degree of unanimity of opinion. [Paper presented at the Information Seeking in Context (ISIC): The Information Behaviour Conference, Part 1 (11th, Zadar, Croatia, September 20-23, 2016).]
- Published
- 2016
5. Knowledge of ICT of Secondary School Graduates
- Author
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Valavicius, Eugenijus and Babravicius, Kestutis
- Abstract
The paper analyses the results of the computer literacy survey conducted among the 11th and 12th form students in gymnasiums and secondary schools in Lithuania. The basis for the questionnaire was taken from previous surveys carried out in Vilnius Pedagogical University. The questionnaire is divided into five topics, such as computer hardware and software, information handling, text and hypertext, the Internet, spreadsheets and presentations. The following article discusses only the first three topics. The data was collected from April to September 2010 through an online survey internet site www.apklausa.lt. The sample of the survey includes 1596 students from Lithuania. The aims of the paper are to record students' knowledge about information technologies, explore the main topics and recommend improvements for the discipline of information technologies.
- Published
- 2012
6. Improving the Evaluation Model for the Lithuanian Informatics Olympiads
- Author
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Skupiene, Jurate
- Abstract
The Lithuanian Informatics Olympiads (LitIO) is a problem solving programming contest for students in secondary education. The work of the student to be evaluated is an algorithm designed by the student and implemented as a working program. The current evaluation process involves both automated (for correctness and performance of programs with the given input data) and manual (for programming style, written motivation of an algorithm) grading. However, it is based on tradition and has not been scientifically discussed and motivated. To create an improved and motivated evaluation model, we put together a questionnaire and asked a group of foreign and Lithuanian experts having experience in various informatics contests to respond. We identified two basic directions in the suggested evaluation models and made a choice based on the goals of LitIO. While designing the model in the paper, we reflected on the suggestions and opinions of the experts as much as possible, even if they were not included into the proposed model. The paper presents the final outcome of this work, the proposed evaluation model for the Lithuanian Informatics Olympiads.
- Published
- 2010
7. Condition of Safe Environment Creation in Preschool Educational Institutions and Its Development Prospects
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Braslauskiene, Rasa, Vismantiene, Reda, and Thorsteinsson, Gisli
- Abstract
Educators should attempt to create a common and solid strategy in preschool educational institutions in order to sufficiently ensure a safe social environment of children. A research examining health and safety issues in Lithuanian preschools was carried out in Klaipeda. The aim of this paper was to analyse the conditions of safe environment creation for children in preschool educational institution and its development prospects. The following research questions were asked: (1) What are the factors that influence the safety of preschool educational institution environment and could these factors be developed? (2) What difficulties arise in the process of safe environment creation for children? (3) How could the creation of safe environment be developed in contemporary preschool educational institutions? A theoretical and empirical analysis of a safe environment creation allowed determining the following development perspectives: a) Possibilities of safe environment creation in a preschool educational institution depending on analysis of the activity condition in the institution; b) Formation of organisation mission and targets, strategy formation; c) Implementation and control of organisation; and d) Collaboration of directors. The paper first defines the research problems and the relevance of the topic. Subsequently the research design and methodology are described. Finally findings are reported and discussed in the light of the literature and conclusions drawn.
- Published
- 2010
8. Combination of Qualitative and Quantitative Methods in Educational Management Diagnostics
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Gediminas, Merkys and Gintaras, Saparnis
- Abstract
One of the most significant factors, determining effectiveness of any organization is an optimal management of the system, which is perceived as a social organization. Otherwise strategy errors in management potentially undermine the whole system of the organization. Assuming that management based on authoritarian relations may illusionary create an image of swift and effective management however, as it has been proved by definite studies, it actually stiffens the management however as it has been proved by definite studies, it actually stiffens the organization and drives it towards management and functional crisis (Staehle, 1994). On the other hand, management based on humanistic-democratic relations liberates human resources, fosters social self-expression in an individual and a group, awakens creative and inner motivated potential of an individual. Management of educational institutions, being in between management and education/pedagogy, is a specific for scientific research. It should be noted, that a definite input in research work on management of educational institutions on the background of definite organizations does exist. In spite of some positive input in the research on educational management (e.g. Lenz, 1991, Merkys, 2000; Wissinger, 1996; Hopkins, 1998; Zelvys, 1994, 1999) it has to be stated that one sphere of such research management diagnostics (including educational management diagnostics as well) has been neglected. Research problem: The following questions are the background of the research problem--Which theory, tradition should be prioritized in a concrete research of educational management? Which theory is optimal from the standpoint of educational management practice that helps to emancipate the management as a sphere of social practice? IS it possible to find the optimal theoretical priority by empirical way, using non-standardized questioning? Which management theory that is proven in the other cultural environment could be applied without limits in Lithuania? Aim: To test triangulation procedures of the methods and to assess explorative-heuristic effectiveness of these methods in the conditions of a definite diagnostics in educational management research. The background of the research, which is presented in a paper, illustrates one methodological standpoint point. While studying social attitudes and social behaviour of people (here of school heads) the deeper cognition is possible when there are attempts to combine the quantitative and qualitative methods. (Contains 4 tables.) [Abstract modified to meet ERIC guidelines.]
- Published
- 2004
9. Scientific Research Activity of Students Pre-Service Teachers of Sciences at University: The Aspects of Understanding, Situation and Improvement
- Author
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Lamanauskas, Vincentas and Augiene, Dalia
- Abstract
The development of student abilities of scientific research activity (SRA) in the process of studies appears as a highly important area. In the course of studies, students not only increase their general competencies, acquire professional abilities and skills but also learn to conduct research. This does not mean that all students will build their careers in the field of scientific research in the future. The present life, labour market, the complexity of technology, etc. require at least minimum competencies in carrying out investigation. SRA should be universally stimulated and developed. Scientific research activity is not an entertainment but responsible, thorough work requiring a lot of self-independence. Such activity promotes student analytical thinking, the abilities of searching and using information are formed, they learn how to analyse the collected material, prepare reports, make research presentations, etc. The conducted qualitative research involved graduated students--pre-service teachers of sciences studying at Lithuanian universities. The research was conducted in January-February 2016 and based on the constructivist paradigm, suggesting that knowledge was not the final or uniform product. Teaching is an effective tool when students gain information thus stimulating active cognitive processes. The performed research has demonstrated that SRA questions remain crucial, the organization of such activity has specific weaknesses and improvement is not always carried out deliberately and purposefully, because the context, environment, conditions and requirements for education in general may differ. Improvement on SRA is not possible without empirical data based on the status. The research has revealed student understanding of SRA, its key strengths and weaknesses as well as allowed assessing the significance of such activity on the professional training of the pre-service teacher and on improving guidelines. [This paper was presented at the XVIIth IOSTE International Symposium "Science and Technology Education for a Peaceful and Equitable World," 11-16 July 2016, Braga, Potugal. It was approved by the Symposium scientific committee and recommended for publication.]
- Published
- 2017
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10. E-Books in Academic Libraries: Results of a Survey Carried out in Sweden and Lithuania
- Author
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Maceviciute, Elena, Wilson, T. D., Gudinavicius, Arunas, and Šuminas, Andrius
- Abstract
Introduction: This paper reports on a study of e-books issues in academic libraries in two European countries representative of small language markets--Sweden and Lithuania. Method: Questionnaire surveys, using the same instrument, were carried out in Swedish and Lithuanian academic libraries. Analysis: Quantitative analysis was performed using the descriptive statistics capability of SurveyMonkey. Results: The survey's results reveal some interesting similarities and differences in the two countries. Business models for e-book acquisition in both countries show similarities--the most popular additional model is purchase for perpetual ownership. One significant difference is that some of the Lithuanian academic librarians appear to have less direct knowledge of e-book acquisition, relying upon the Lithuanian Research Library Consortium to effect licence agreements with publishers and aggregators. Another significant difference is that academic libraries in Lithuania have a higher degree of access to e-books in the national language than is the case in Sweden. Conclusion: The findings show that the factors driving adoption of e-books, is composed of somewhat different elements in the two countries. Swedish librarians regard the need to keep up with technology and access and availability as the two main forces driving adoption of e-books in academic libraries. Lithuanian librarians see economics as the main factor, together with technology and demand from students.
- Published
- 2017
11. Assessment of a Multinational Online Faculty Development Program on Online Teaching: Reflections of Candidate E-Tutors
- Author
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Adnan, Muge, Kalelioglu, Filiz, and Gulbahar, Yasemin
- Abstract
Teaching online requires different skills, roles and competencies for online instructors compared to teaching in traditional learning environments. Universities should offer ongoing support in various forms to help academic staff through their online journey. This paper provides insights into a multinational faculty development program for teaching online, elaborating on results of expectancy and satisfaction surveys. From a local program to a subproject within the Swiss National Science Foundation Project Scopes, e-Tutor aimed at expanding competencies in online lecturing and providing OER material for training colleagues. Designed in the form of a descriptive case study, this research was conducted with 34 attendees of e-Tutor. Data was collected using an e-learning readiness and expectancy questionnaire, and open-ended questions after the program to measure satisfaction. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the survey data and content analysis for open-ended data. Participants considered e-Tutor a well-planned and targeted program with good theoretical and practical balance. Duration of such courses, opportunities for adaptation to real-life situations, and localization of the content are areas to be explored further. For future studies, it would also be interesting to see whether participants can apply their newly acquired knowledge and skills to create efficient online learning environments.
- Published
- 2017
12. Usability Testing and Expert Inspections Complemented by Educational Evaluation: A Case Study of an e-Learning Platform
- Author
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Granic, Andrina and Cukusic, Maja
- Abstract
This paper presents a comprehensive usability study conducted within the context of a Europe-wide project. The design of the evaluated e-learning platform is based on an innovative approach to the education of young Europeans by integrating into the curricula of a Europe-wide network of 14 schools different state-of-the-art technologies in e-learning. The evaluation methodology brings together end-user assessments and expert inspections, thus providing a detailed students', teachers' and experts' feedback. User testing integrates six empirical methods into a laboratory-based test. Usability inspection ascertains usability problems by means of recognized heuristics and enables an "educational evaluation" of the platform by means of three sets of criteria. The paper aims to present the effectiveness of the engaged evaluation methods as applied to e-learning platforms. It offers implications from the empirical findings of the user-based methods together with a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the employed inspection methods. Special attention is given to the aspect of educational evaluation. The conducted critical usability examination of a large-scale e-learning system across several countries in Europe revealed which of the chosen assessment methods should be combined to provide constructive and valuable improvement suggestions. A more significant contribution of this research is that the used evaluation approach proved successful, providing some general findings and know-how from the experience and could be reused by other researches because of its thorough structure. As there are relatively few existing accounts of usability assessment in the e-learning context, this paper adds to the body of knowledge. (Contains 15 figures.)
- Published
- 2011
13. Reflections of Design-Oriented Pedagogy for Sustainable Learning: An International Perspective
- Author
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Vartiainen, Henriikka and Enkenberg, Jorma
- Abstract
This paper focuses on the expansion of design-oriented pedagogy that encourages approaching global phenomena such as sustainable development from the perspective of local environments, cultures and associated ways of doing things. It aims to determine how project members and teachers from eight different European countries (n = 221) who had participated in the project "Case Forest--pedagogy towards sustainable development" experienced the pedagogical model and evaluated its usability from the perspectives of their own educational cultures. The main sources of both theory and data-driven qualitative content analysis are the reports obtained from each country and transcripts of the oral presentations and collaborative discussions. The results indicate that the teachers find current school practices, belief systems and traditional teaching models problematic and see the model as one way to change their schools' practices towards sustainable learning.
- Published
- 2013
14. Russian as a Commodity: Medical Tourism and the Healthcare Industry in Post-Soviet Lithuania
- Author
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Muth, Sebastian
- Abstract
The focus of this paper is on Lithuania, where government policies continue to limit the use of Russian in education, the public space and the media, while the local economy has recognized proficiency in Russian as a commodity. This is particularly salient in the healthcare industry that grew significantly in the past years with patients from post-Soviet countries seeking treatment at local hospitals and private clinics. Marketed for their "European" standards and competitive prices, promotional discourses refer to proficiency in Russian and familiarity with Russian culture and customs among medical staff. This commodification of Russian challenges perceptions on the value of language in the formation of political and cultural identities, pointing towards a paradigmatic shift and renegotiation of language attitudes in countries of the former USSR.
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- 2017
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15. Leadership Style and Job Satisfaction in Higher Education Institutions
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Alonderiene, Raimonda and Majauskaite, Modesta
- Abstract
Purpose: Although leadership is found to have impact on the followers' attitudes and performance there is a gap in leadership studies in HEIs, especially having Lithuania in mind. The purpose of this paper is to study the impact of leadership style on job satisfaction of faculty in higher education institutions (HEI). Design/methodology/approach: In order to investigate before mentioned problem, the representative quantitative empirical research was conducted in 2013. It includes 72 faculty members and ten supervisors from Lithuanian public and private universities. The survey was conducted to check how leadership styles of supervisors influence faculty job satisfaction and compare the opinion of supervisors and subordinates. Findings: The empirical research revealed significant positive impact of leadership style on job satisfaction of faculty where servant leadership style has been found to have the highest positive significant impact on job satisfaction of faculty while controlling autocrat leadership style has the lowest impact. Research limitations/implications: There are several implications for further research. It can be expanded whether geographically (e.g. comparative analysis in different countries) or institutionally (e.g. in other educational institutions, such as schools or pre-schools). Practical implications: Practical implications reveal that supervisors have the power to increase the levels of job satisfaction of their faculty members, by defining their role as a leader, demonstrating certain leadership behaviors. Originality/value: This survey covers the area which lacks academic research, namely, the impact of leadership on HEI faculty. Previous leadership studies in HEI focus on particular leadership style demonstrated (van Ameijde, 2009), the impact of leadership on culture (Asmawi et al., 2013), organizational effectiveness (Siddique et al., 2011) and other factors. However, very few of them (one of the examples is the study of Webb, 2009 in USA) investigate the direct managers' leadership style and faculty job satisfaction. Besides, the previous surveys have not covered as many leadership styles as this one does.
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- 2016
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16. Becoming aware of the grand social challenges: how an international and interdisciplinary educational context may broaden students’ perspectives on human rights and public health.
- Author
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Kjørstad, Monica and Wolmesjö, Maria
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CONTENT analysis ,DISCUSSION ,CURRICULUM ,HEALTH occupations students ,HUMAN rights ,INTERDISCIPLINARY education ,INTERPROFESSIONAL relations ,RESEARCH methodology ,MOTIVATION (Psychology) ,PUBLIC health ,PUBLIC welfare ,QUESTIONNAIRES ,SOCIAL problems ,SOCIAL work education ,UNIVERSITIES & colleges ,EDUCATIONAL outcomes ,EVALUATION of human services programs ,MEDICAL coding - Abstract
Copyright of European Journal of Social Work is the property of Routledge and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
- Published
- 2017
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17. VISUOMENĖS VERTYBINIŲ PRIORITETŲ RAIŠKA LIETUVOS RESPUBLIKINIUOSE DIENRAŠČIUOSE.
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Sirtautas, Vytautas V. and Sirtautienė, Daiva
- Subjects
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NEWSPAPERS & society , *SOCIAL values , *NEGATIVISM , *QUESTIONNAIRES , *CONTENT analysis - Abstract
The article discusses the results of different periods' (2007-2008 and 2012) research on values significant to people and their expression in the publications of Lithuanian daily papers ("Lietuvos rytas", "Respublika", "Lietuvos Žinios"). After establishing priority values by the questionnaire method and values' expression in daily papers by content analysis method, the interrelations between particular values and between their expression in publications are analysed, and the phenomenon of value negativism is revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2013
18. Practical Communication Approach in Maritime English.
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Acar, U. and Varsami, C.
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MARINE communication ,ON-board communications ,COMMUNICATION barriers ,ONLINE education ,QUESTIONNAIRES - Abstract
This paper is based on the PraC-MARENG project research and it aims to present the research outputs during the project implementation. The paper focuses on the results of the questionnaire analysis targeting to identify the causes of common communication problems on board in order to identify the best practices in using Maritime English. It contains a set of questions addressed to the seafarers in various ranks. In parallel, accidents caused by communication failures were selected and studied in each partner country (France, Turkey, Romania, Lithuania, and Slovenia). The partnership within PraC-MARENG will develop an online course for seafarers at various levels in order to provide practical and communication based learning and assessment materials taking into account the real conversations and accidents contributed by communication failures. The project will design a practical learning and assessment tool that provides the user with a genuine certificate for the newly acquired skills. This will be presented in a programme having a tailor made course. The learning will be organized on different phases (elementary to intermediate) to train seafarers working on different levels of command. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
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19. Distance Learning in Lithuania and Turkey: A Comparative Study.
- Author
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LEPKOVA, Natalija, ARSLAN, Vasfiye, RIMKUVIENE, Silva, SELÇUKCAN EROL, Çiğdem, and GÜLSEÇEN, Sevinç
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DISTANCE education ,QUESTIONNAIRES ,MOBILE learning - Abstract
This paper presents the questionnaire-based analysis of the results of distance learning studies at Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (Lithuania) and Istanbul University (Turkey). Eleven years of practical experience of distance learning under two study programs at the Department of Construction Economics and Property Management at Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (VGTU) is presented. The analysis of social and economical aspects, moral issues of studies was made on the basis of questionnaire results. The survey was fulfilled in 2011 year, the number of respondents took part in a survey was 73. The questionnaire--based results were received by using Moodle and additional scripts, programmed and applied to the Moodle learning space. The same research have been fulfilled at Istanbul University (Turkey). The survey was based on a questionnaire. Practical experience of distance learning at the Master of Science, Undergraduate, Preundergraduate (2 years) at Istanbul University (IU) is presented. The analysis of social and economical aspects, moral issues of studies was made on the basis of questionnaire results. The survey was fulfilled in 2011 year, the number of respondents took part in a survey was 1127. Departments are Law106, Turkish Language and Literature 125, Banking and Insurance 65, Computer and Instructional Technologies Education 54, Labour Economics and Industrial Relations 60, Foreign Trade 75, Econometrics 18, Journalism 64, Public Relations 93, Cinema-Radio-TV 91, Economics 88, Business Administration 63, Finance 46 and 179 person did not notice department. The questionnaire--based results were received by using Moodle and additional scripts, programmed and applied to the Moodle learning space. The respondents were asked to answer the questionnaire which contained the following three main parts: information about the respondent, information about the studies, social and economic aspects of studies. After completion of the research, the following conclusions have been made: 1. The number of students enrolled in e-learning courses as in Lithuania as well in Turkey have been increasing;2. These are the main advantages of distance learning: convenient form of studies; an opportunity to get acquainted with new information technologies; saving of time; fast communication; flexible choice of academic subjects; good professional training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2012
20. Piloting a generic cancer consumer quality index in six European countries.
- Author
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Wind, Anke, Roeling, Mark Patrick, Heerink, Jana, Sixma, Herman, Presti, Pietro, Lombardo, Claudio, and van Harten, Wim
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CANCER patient care ,PATIENT satisfaction ,MEDICAL quality control ,ACQUISITION of data ,INTERNET surveys ,TUMORS & psychology ,CLINICAL medicine ,COMPARATIVE studies ,RESEARCH methodology ,MEDICAL cooperation ,PSYCHOMETRICS ,QUESTIONNAIRES ,RESEARCH ,PILOT projects ,EVALUATION research ,KEY performance indicators (Management) - Abstract
Background: Accounting for patients' perspective has become increasingly important. Based on the Consumer Quality Index method (founded on Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems) a questionnaire was recently developed for Dutch cancer patients. As a next step, this study aimed to adapt and pilot this questionnaire for international comparison of cancer patients experience and satisfaction with care in six European countries.Method: The Consumer Quality Index was translated into the local language at the participating pilot sites using cross-translation. A minimum of 100 patients per site were surveyed through convenience sampling. Data from seven pilot sites in six countries was collected through an online and paper-based survey. Internal consistency was tested by calculating Cronbach's alpha and validity by means of cognitive interviews. Demographic factors were compared as possible influencing factors.Results: A total of 698 patients from six European countries filled the questionnaire. Cronbach's alpha was good or satisfactory in 8 out of 10 categories. Patient satisfaction significantly differed between the countries. We observed no difference in patient satisfaction for age, gender, education, and tumor type, but satisfaction was significantly higher in patients with a higher level of activation.Conclusion: This European Cancer Consumer Quality Index(ECCQI) showed promising scores on internal consistency (reliability) and a good internal validity. The ECCQI is to our knowledge the first to measure and compare experiences and satisfaction of cancer patients on an international level, it may enable healthcare providers to improve the quality of cancer care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2016
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21. Diversity of ethnomycological knowledge and mushroom foraging culture in a small nation: case of Lithuania.
- Author
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Motiejūnaitė, Jurga, Džekčioriūtė, Vita, Kutorga, Ernestas, Kasparavičius, Jonas, and Iršėnaitė, Reda
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HEALTH literacy ,EDIBLE mushrooms ,TRADITIONAL medicine ,RESEARCH funding ,CLUSTER analysis (Statistics) ,TERMS & phrases ,QUESTIONNAIRES ,INTERVIEWING ,FOOD handling ,ETHNOLOGY ,POPULATION geography ,SOUND recordings ,MYCOLOGY ,FOOD preferences ,MUSHROOMS ,CULTURAL pluralism - Abstract
Background: Even in mycophilic nations, mushroom foraging and use traditions may vary from region to region, making it part of cultural diversity and a source of traditional knowledge even in modern and changing societies. The main objective of our study was to investigate mushroom foraging and use traditions in major ethno-regions of Lithuania, to record and analyse whether and how biogeographical and ethno-cultural features influence these traditions, what is their biocultural significance, and whether they persist in the face of societal and environmental change. Methods: The study conducted a survey among 106 respondents from eleven administrative units of Lithuania, representing four ethno-regions (Žemaitija, Suvalkija, Dzūkija and Aukštaitija, the latter divided into North and East). The age of the respondents ranged from 32 to 97 years (mean 70 years, median 68 years). Each respondent was asked six questions about mushroom species and mushroom foraging. The interviews were accompanied by 50 photographs of different mushroom species. The similarity between mushroom foragers' preferences in ethno-regions and the sets of mushroom species used for food and medicine was tested using cluster analysis. Clustering was carried out using Sørensen distances and the method of cluster mean linkage method. Results: The number of mushroom species recognised per respondent was quite similar, with the lowest number of mushroom species recognised in Žemaitija and the highest in Eastern Aukštaitija. Species of no economic or other importance were not well recognised in any of the regions. The number of names applied to mushroom species varied from region to region and did not coincide with the popularity of mushrooms among mushroom pickers. The number of mushroom species used for food was also similar between regions, except for Dzūkija, which had the lowest number of species collected. Nine mushroom species were identified by respondents as medicinal mushrooms, the most popular being Amanita muscaria and Inonotus obliquus. When analysing the similarity of mushroom species collected for food and medicine, it was found that ethno-regions clustered into three distinct groups. Two groups depended on the prevailing forest types, while Žemaitija formed a separate cluster defined only by local traditions. Conclusions: The work represents the largest study of ethnomycological tradition in Lithuania, covering major ethno-regions. We have found that ethnomycological knowledge and tradition are not influenced by any long-term historical events, ethnicity or religion, but rather by the prevailing forest types and regional ethno-culture. Knowledge of edible mushrooms is considered to be inherited from the older generation and is conservative regarding the changes in the set of species consumed and mushroom-related gastronomy. This is also reflected in the safety of mushroom consumption, as mushroom poisoning was very rare among the respondents. Economically insignificant mushrooms are not distinguished and overlooked by traditional mushroom pickers who are not a good source of information on rare or otherwise noteworthy species. However, from a biocultural point of view, mushrooms and mushroom-related traditions remain important for linguistic diversity, traditional knowledge systems and their transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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22. Possibilities for implementation of professional competencies of physical therapists working in teams of rehabilitation specialists of education and health protection systems.
- Author
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KARALEVIČIENĖ, INGA ŠIMKUTĖ, MOCKEVIČIENĖ, DAIVA, and KREIVINIENĖ, BRIGITA
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ACADEMIC medical centers ,CLINICAL competence ,COMMUNICATION ,HEALTH care teams ,INTERDISCIPLINARY education ,INTERPROFESSIONAL relations ,MEDICAL specialties & specialists ,PHYSICAL education ,PROFESSIONAL employee training ,QUESTIONNAIRES ,REHABILITATION ,SURVEYS ,HUMAN services programs - Abstract
Background. The paper deals with the possibilities for implementation of professional competences of physical therapists working in different systems of education and health protection with regard to the holistic health concept, psychophysical education and interdisciplinary collaboration inside rehabilitation teams. Objectives. The main objective of the study was to compare the possibilities for implementation of professional competences of physical therapists working in rehabilitation teams of education and health protection systems. Material and methods. The survey encompassed 200 physical therapists working in the education (n = 98) and health protection (n = 102) systems of Lithuania. A questionnaire-based method employing closed-type questions was used, which was aimed at revealing whether implementation of professional competences of physical therapists working in different systems differed. Results. The competences of communication and collaboration, i.e. interdisciplinary activities inside rehabilitation teams, were more developed by physical therapists working in the education system (t = 23.483, df = 2, p = 0.001). In the process of physical diagnosis, physical therapists of the health system make a diagnosis of physical therapy independently. The same statistically significant difference was also noticed in the aspect of communication of groups of these specialists when psychosocial problems occur, specifically: t = 14.768, df = 3, p = 0.002. Physical therapists of the education system more actively participate in qualification development, delivery of talks at conferences and organising health promotion programmes, even though no statistically significant difference was found (t = 4.830, df = 3, p = 0.185). Conclusions. The competences of interdisciplinary collaboration are more developed by physical therapists working in the education system; whereas physical therapists working in the health system are more concerned with the making of a physical therapy diagnosis, design of a programme and application of more diverse methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2019
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23. Family socioeconomic status and nutrition habits of 7-8 year old children: cross-sectional Lithuanian COSI study.
- Author
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Petrauskienė, Aušra, Žaltauskė, Vilma, and Albavičiūtė, Edita
- Subjects
FOOD habits ,AGE distribution ,CHI-squared test ,CONFIDENCE intervals ,FATHERS ,QUESTIONNAIRES ,SCHOOL children ,SOCIOECONOMIC factors ,CROSS-sectional method ,DATA analysis software ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,ODDS ratio ,CHILDREN - Abstract
Background: Nutritional habits are a useful way to characterize whole diets and they are also known to be influenced by a wide range of social and economic factors. The above factors in each country may have different effect on children's eating habits. In Lithuania the data of children nutrition in association with socio-economic status of family is poor. There are few studies done, where links between nutrition habits of children and socio-economic status of family was evaluated. The aim of this paper is to evaluate association among nutrition habits of first-formers and family socio-economic status in Lithuania. Methods: Data were obtained participating in the international study, which was performed in all ten districts of Lithuania. A cross-sectional study was carried out in 2010, using the protocol and methodology prepared by the experts from the WHO and countries participating in the Initiative. The data were collected by means of COSI standardized questionnaire, which was filled out by parents of selected first-formers'. In this paper a part of questions regarding children nutrition habits and parents' socio-economic status is presented. Statistical analysis was performed by using SPSS 20.0 software for Windows. Correlation among variables was evaluated by χ². Links among nutrition habits of first-formers and family socioeconomic status were determined using binary logistic regression to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). For all tests p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: It was established that the majority (76%) of Lithuanian first-formers eat breakfast every day or 4-6 times a week. Significant differences were found between breakfast consumption and gender - girls eat breakfast less frequently than boys. Odds ratio of children daily breakfast consumption were 1.3 times higher in families where fathers' were older than 30 years comparing with younger fathers. Meanwhile mothers' age had significant influence just on children daily soft drinks with sugar consumption. Conclusions: Results from the national survey of primary school age children of Lithuania reveals that family socio-economic position plays one of the major role in breakfast, fresh fruit and soft drinks with sugar consumption among younger school age children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2015
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- View/download PDF
24. Physical Education Teachers' Health Literacy: First Evidence from Lithuania.
- Author
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Sukys, Saulius, Trinkuniene, Laima, and Tilindiene, Ilona
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HEALTH literacy ,LIFESTYLES ,CROSS-sectional method ,CRONBACH'S alpha ,RESEARCH methodology evaluation ,RESEARCH evaluation ,QUESTIONNAIRES ,PHYSICAL education ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,CHI-squared test ,TEACHERS ,HEALTH behavior ,SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC factors ,CONFIDENCE intervals ,RELIABILITY (Personality trait) ,REGRESSION analysis - Abstract
Background: Promotion of health literacy is an important goal in the context of promoting whole school health. Physical education teachers are of particular importance in achieving this goal. However, very limited empirical studies have addressed the health literacy of physical education teachers. This research aimed to test the structural validity and reliability of the HLS
19 -Q12, to measure health literacy among physical education teachers, and to evaluate associations of health literacy with health- and lifestyle-related indicators. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of Lithuanian physical education teachers. The participants completed a self-administered online survey that collected information on socio-demographics and health literacy (HLS19 -Q12 for general health literacy and the optional package HLS19 -DIGI to measure digital health literacy) as well as health behavior. Results: A total of 332 participants completed the survey. The HLS19 -Q12 demonstrated acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach's α of 0.73 and McDonald's ω of 0.75) and satisfactory structural validity (CFI = 0.924, TLI = 0.917, RMSEA = 0.081). Participants had an average score of 85.09 (SD = 17.23) when using the HLS19 -Q12, with 19.3% and 48.8% displaying excellent and sufficient levels of health literacy, respectively. Regression analyses revealed that a higher level of health literacy was significantly associated with better health evaluation (β = 0.15, p < 0.01), but no significant association was found with other health behavior and lifestyle indicators. Conclusions: Overall, the results suggest that teachers' general health literacy is relatively high. Our findings highlight the importance of conducting more in-depth studies to pursue the understanding of the whole school teachers' health literacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2024
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25. Aesthetic Evaluation of Facial Scars in Patients Undergoing Surgery for Basal Cell Carcinoma: A Prospective Longitudinal Pilot Study and Validation of POSAS 2.0 in the Lithuanian Language.
- Author
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Kučinskaitė, Alvija, Stundys, Domantas, Gervickaitė, Simona, Tarutytė, Gabrielė, Grigaitienė, Jūratė, Tutkuvienė, Janina, and Jančorienė, Ligita
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MAXILLOFACIAL surgery ,AESTHETICS ,RESEARCH methodology evaluation ,QUESTIONNAIRES ,SEX distribution ,PILOT projects ,RESEARCH evaluation ,SCARS ,AGE distribution ,CANCER patients ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,SURGICAL complications ,EXPERIMENTAL design ,LONGITUDINAL method ,RESEARCH methodology ,QUALITY of life ,PSYCHOMETRICS ,BASAL cell carcinoma ,PATIENT satisfaction ,PATIENTS' attitudes - Abstract
Simple Summary: The quality of life of patients with facial basal cell carcinoma significantly improves after surgery. Nevertheless, it remains inferior to those without the disease. Facial scarring has been identified as a contributing factor to adverse psychosocial changes. In this study, we explore the aesthetic assessment of facial scars within this specific patient group, aiming to uncover potential correlations between the severity of scars and the quality of life. This study comprises two phases as follows: scale validation and pilot with a sample size of 100 patients. The Lithuanian version of the POSAS 2.0 was established after a thorough psychometric evaluation, surpassing acceptable validity thresholds. The pilot phase findings show a notable improvement in scars during the later stages of postoperative recovery, with the initial identification of specific groups that perceive their scars more negatively. Given the observed correlations between the scar assessment and the quality of life, this study highlights the crucial role of addressing the aesthetic satisfaction of patients with surgically treated basal cell carcinoma. Facial basal cell carcinoma (BCC) surgery enhances the quality of life (QoL) but leaves patients with inferior QoL, presumably caused by scarring, emphasizing the need to understand post-surgery aesthetic satisfaction. This study aimed to validate the Lithuanian version of the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) 2.0 and utilise it to identify scar evaluation differences and correlations among POSAS scores and specific aesthetic facial regions, age, gender, surgery types, and short- and long-term QoL. Employing a prospective longitudinal design, 100 patients with facial scars after surgical BCC removal were enrolled. The validation phase confirmed the translated POSAS 2.0 psychometric properties, while the pilot phase used statistical analyses to compare scores among demographic and clinical groups and evaluate correlations between scar assessment and QoL. The findings indicate that the translated Lithuanian version of POSAS 2.0 exhibits good psychometric properties, revealing insights into aesthetic satisfaction with post-surgical facial scars and their impact on QoL. The Lithuanian version of the POSAS 2.0 was established as a valid instrument for measuring post-surgical linear scars. QoL with scar assessment statistically significantly correlates, 6 months after surgery, with worse scores, particularly notable among women, younger patients, and those with tumours in the cheek region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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- View/download PDF
26. Lifestyle Habits Related to Internet Use in Adolescents: Relationships between Wellness, Happiness, and Mental Health.
- Author
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Lesinskienė, Sigita, Šambaras, Rokas, Butvilaitė, Agnė, Andruškevič, Justina, Kubilevičiūtė, Margarita, Stanelytė, Urtė, Skabeikaitė, Severija, Jūraitytė, Izabelė, Ridzvanavičiūtė, Ieva, Pociūtė, Kamilė, and Istomina, Natalja
- Subjects
COMPETENCY assessment (Law) ,INTERNET addiction ,LIFESTYLES ,PEARSON correlation (Statistics) ,DATA analysis ,HEALTH ,ABDOMINAL pain ,HEADACHE ,QUESTIONNAIRES ,FISHER exact test ,INTERNALIZING behavior ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,CHI-squared test ,TEENAGERS' conduct of life ,HAPPINESS ,ANALYSIS of variance ,STATISTICS ,EXTERNALIZING behavior ,DATA analysis software ,SLEEP disorders ,REGRESSION analysis ,PSYCHOSOCIAL factors ,ADOLESCENCE - Abstract
Background: Studies in recent years have shown a significant increase in problematic internet use. Prolonged internet usage negatively impacts various aspects of adolescents' lifestyles. Methods: The survey was conducted in three Lithuanian cities—Vilnius, Klaipėda, and Molėtai—between October and December of 2023. The survey involved students between the ages of 12 and 16. The participants completed a questionnaire that included questions about wellness and happiness, the Internet Addiction Test (IAT), and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Our study aimed to investigate problematic internet use among Lithuanian adolescents and its relationships with wellness, happiness, and mental health. Results: This study included 1412 adolescents, with a mean age of 14.41 ± 1.20, with the sample composed of 52.3% boys. Boys indicated that they felt healthier and happier than girls (69.4% vs. 47.4%; 51.4% vs. 29.6%), p < 0.001. A total of 20.8% of students had IAT scores that reflect a normal level of internet usage. For IAT, the average score of girls was statistically significantly higher than that of boys (41.87 ± 12.24 vs. 39.96 ± 12.37), p < 0.001. The IAT score was higher in the group of students who felt less happy and healthy, had more frequent headaches or abdominal pain, and had problems with sleep, p < 0.001. A statistically significant, positive weak correlation was found between students' IAT scores and SDQ internalizing and SDQ externalizing scores (r = 0.366; r = 0.385, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Prolonged internet use is arising as a serious problem among adolescents. Negative feelings, unhappiness, and poor emotion regulation have an association with internet addiction. Also, the female gender may be more associated with possible internet addiction. The results of this study can serve as initial steps toward developing preventive interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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27. Trust-Based Relational Intervention ® (TBRI ®) Impact for Traumatized Children—Meaningful Change on Attachment Security and Mental Health after One Year.
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Misevičė, Monika, Gervinskaitė-Paulaitienė, Lina, Lesinskienė, Sigita, and Grauslienė, Izabelė
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TREATMENT of emotional trauma ,PSYCHOTHERAPY ,COMMUNICATIVE competence ,PARENTS ,MENTAL health ,BEHAVIOR modification ,SELF-efficacy ,DATA analysis ,ATTACHMENT behavior in children ,INTERVIEWING ,QUESTIONNAIRES ,PAIRED comparisons (Mathematics) ,SELF-control ,EMOTIONS ,ANXIETY ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,LEISURE ,TRUST ,HEALTH behavior ,RESEARCH methodology ,INTRACLASS correlation ,STATISTICS ,CHILD care ,HEALTH outcome assessment ,CASE studies ,MEDICAL needs assessment ,DATA analysis software ,ADVERSE childhood experiences ,MENTAL depression ,CHILDREN - Abstract
Children from vulnerable backgrounds often have insecure attachment or disorganized attachment, which are related to psychological troubles, and such children need interventions to help them heal. The attachment system reorganizes in middle childhood, and other important adults play a considerable role in children's lives. Thus, it is essential to weigh the impact of psychosocial interventions, while the main focus of the intervention is the staff member's direct work with the child through a trusting relationship. The primary purpose of this study is to investigate whether children's attachment security and mental health outcomes change after participating in a trauma-informed, attachment-based, Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) provided in a daycare center. It was a case-series study involving twelve children aged 8–11 years. The child attachment interview (CAI), CBCL/6-18, TRF/6-18, and clinical interviews for parents and children were used, measuring the change between the TBRI implementation in the daycare center and after one year. For ten participants, we noticed an improvement in mental health; for seven participants, security scales improved; for two participants, their disorganized attachment changed into insecure–dismissing. We have preliminary evidence that vulnerable children may benefit in terms of attachment security and mental health from the trusting relationship that staff build using the TBRI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
28. Emotional and behavioural problems of left behind children in Lithuania: a comparative analysis of youth self-reports and parent/caregiver reports using ASEBA.
- Author
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Račaitė, Justina, Antia, Khatia, Winkler, Volker, Lesinskienė, Sigita, Sketerskienė, Rita, Maceinaitė, Rūta, Tracevskytė, Ingrida, Dambrauskaitė, Elena, and Šurkienė, Genė
- Subjects
SELF-evaluation ,EMIGRATION & immigration ,CROSS-sectional method ,QUESTIONNAIRES ,PSYCHOLOGY of abandoned children ,AFFECTIVE disorders in children ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,BEHAVIOR disorders in children ,PSYCHOLOGY of parents ,PSYCHOLOGY of caregivers ,COMPARATIVE studies - Abstract
Background: Children being left behind (LBC) in their home countries due to parental emigration is a global issue. Research shows that parents' emigration negatively affects children's mental health and well-being. Despite a high number of LBC, there is a dearth of data from Eastern European countries. The present study aims to collect and analyse self-reported data on LBC emotional and behavioural problems and compare children's reports with those of parents/caregivers. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 24 Lithuanian schools, involving parents/caregivers and their children aged 12 to 17. We employed self-reported measures, including the Achenbach System of Empirically Based Assessment (ASEBA) tools – Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL 6/18) and Youth Self Report (YSR 11/18), to evaluate the emotional and behavioural problems of the children. These instruments had been translated, standardised, and validated for the Lithuanian population. Data collection took place between January 2022 and April 2023. In addition to descriptive analysis, multivariate regression was used to adjust for various sociodemographic factors. Results: A total of 760 parents/caregivers and 728 of their children participated in the study. LBC exhibited higher total problem scores (57.7; 95% CI 52.0-63.4) compared to non-LBC (47.1; 95% CI 44.7-49.4). These differences were consistent across all YSR 11/18 problem scales. However, no significant differences were observed in CBCL 6/18 scores. Furthermore, LBC self-reported a higher total problem score (57.7; 95% CI 52.0-63.4) compared to their parents/caregivers (24.9; 95% CI 18.9-30.9), and this pattern persisted across all scales. Being female, having school-related problems and having LBC status were associated with higher YSR 11/18 scores in the multivariable regression, while female gender, living in rural areas, school-related problems, and having hobbies were associated with higher CBCL 6/18 scores. Conclusion: This study highlights that LBC report more emotional and behavioural challenges than their non-LBC peers, while parent/caregiver assessments show lower problem scores for LBC. Gender, living environment, school-related issues, and engagement in hobbies have influenced these outcomes. These findings underscore the multifaceted nature of the experiences of LBC and the importance of considering various contextual factors in understanding and addressing their emotional and behavioural well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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29. Validation of the Wound‐QoL‐17 and the Wound‐QoL‐14 in a European sample of 305 patients with chronic wounds.
- Author
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Janke, Toni Maria, Kozon, Vlastimil, Valiukeviciene, Skaidra, Rackauskaite, Laura, Reich, Adam, Stępień, Katarzyna, Chernyshov, Pavel, Jankechová, Monika, van Montfrans, Catherine, Amesz, Stella, Barysch, Marjam, Montero, Elena Conde, Augustin, Matthias, and Blome, Christine
- Subjects
RISK assessment ,ODORS ,RESEARCH funding ,CRONBACH'S alpha ,QUESTIONNAIRES ,RESEARCH evaluation ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,TRAUMATOLOGY diagnosis ,QUALITY of life ,PSYCHOMETRICS ,STATISTICAL reliability ,INTRACLASS correlation ,CHRONIC wounds & injuries ,MEDICAL practice - Abstract
The Wound‐QoL assesses the impact of chronic wounds on patients' health‐related quality of life (HRQoL). A 17‐item and a shortened 14‐item version are available. The Wound‐QoL‐17 has been validated for multiple languages. For the Wound‐QoL‐14, psychometric properties beyond internal consistency were lacking. We aimed to validate both Wound‐QoL versions for international samples representing a broad range of European countries, including countries for which validation data had yet been pending. Patients with chronic wounds of any aetiology or location were recruited in Austria, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland and Ukraine. Psychometric properties were determined for both Wound‐QoL versions for the overall sample and, if feasible, country‐wise. We included 305 patients (age 68.5 years; 52.8% males). Internal consistency was high in both Wound‐QoL‐17 (Cronbach's α: 0.820–0.933) and Wound‐QoL‐14 (0.779–0.925). Test–retest reliability was moderate to good (intraclass correlation coefficient: 0.618–0.808). For Wound‐QoL‐17 and Wound‐QoL‐14, convergent validity analyses showed highest correlations with global HRQoL rating (r = 0.765; r = 0.751) and DLQI total score (r = 0.684; r = 0.681). Regarding clinical data, correlations were largest with odour (r = −0.371; r = −0.388) and wound size (r = 0.381; r = 0.383). Country‐wise results were similar. Both Wound‐QoL versions are valid to assess HRQoL of patients with chronic wounds. Due to its psychometric properties and brevity, the Wound‐QoL‐14 might be preferrable in clinical practice where time is rare. The availability of various language versions allows for the use of this questionnaire in international studies and in clinical practice when foreign language patients are being treated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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- View/download PDF
30. Prescribing style and variation in antibiotic prescriptions for sore throat: cross-sectional study across six countries.
- Author
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Cordoba, Gloria, Siersma, Volkert, Lopez-Valcarcel, Beatriz, Bjerrum, Lars, Llor, Carl, Aabenhus, Rune, and Makela, Marjukka
- Subjects
STREPTOCOCCAL disease diagnosis ,AGE distribution ,ANTIBIOTICS ,CONFIDENCE intervals ,DRUG prescribing ,RESEARCH methodology ,MEDICAL records ,PHARYNGITIS ,POPULATION geography ,QUESTIONNAIRES ,STATISTICAL sampling ,SEX distribution ,PHYSICIAN practice patterns ,MULTIPLE regression analysis ,CROSS-sectional method ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,ODDS ratio - Abstract
Background: Variation in prescription of antibiotics in primary care can indicate poor clinical practice that contributes to the increase of resistant strains. General Practitioners (GPs), as a professional group, are expected to have a fairly homogeneous prescribing style. In this paper, we describe variation in prescribing style within and across groups of GPs from six countries. Methods: Cross-sectional study with the inclusion of 457 GPs and 6394 sore throat patients. We describe variation in prescribing antibiotics for sore throat patients across six countries and assess whether variation in “prescribing style” - understood as a subjective tendency to prescribe - has an important effect on variation in prescription of antibiotics by using the concept of prescribing style as a latent variable in a multivariable model. We report variation as a Median Odds Ratio (MOR) which is the transformation of the random effect variance onto an odds ratio; Thus, MOR = 1 means similar odds or strict homogeneity between GPs' prescribing style, while a MOR higher than 1 denotes heterogeneity in prescribing style. Results: In all countries some GPs always prescribed antibiotics to all their patients, while other GPs never did. After adjusting for patient and GP characteristics, prescribing style in the group of GPs from Russia was about three times more heterogeneous than the prescribing style in the group of GPs from Denmark - Median Odds Ratio (6.8, 95% CI 3.1;8.8) and (2.6, 95% CI 2.2;4.4) respectively. Conclusion: Prescribing style is an important source of variation in prescription of antibiotics within and across countries, even after adjusting for patient and GP characteristics. Interventions aimed at influencing the prescribing style of GPs must encompass context-specific actions at the policy-making level alongside GP-targeted interventions to enable GPs to react more objectively to the external demands that are in place when making the decision of prescribing antibiotics or not. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2015
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31. Exploring the Prevalence and Predictors of Anxiety among Lithuanian Adolescents during Times of Crisis: A Cross-Sectional Study.
- Author
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Šalčiūnaitė-Nikonovė, Laura, Žemaitaitytė, Monika, and Šmigelskas, Kastytis
- Subjects
COVID-19 ,CONFIDENCE intervals ,WAR ,CROSS-sectional method ,MENTAL health ,REGRESSION analysis ,SURVEYS ,CRONBACH'S alpha ,PEARSON correlation (Statistics) ,DISEASE prevalence ,QUESTIONNAIRES ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,CHI-squared test ,SOCIAL classes ,RESEARCH funding ,ANXIETY ,ODDS ratio ,DATA analysis software ,LITHUANIANS ,ADOLESCENCE - Abstract
Recent events in Europe, like the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2022 Russo–Ukrainian War (RUW), might have sparked anxiety among adolescents. This study aimed to compare anxiety levels in Lithuanian adolescents post-COVID-19 peak (Study 1, October 2021) and during the onset of the RUW (Study 2, April–June 2022). Data from 459 participants in Study 1 and 6637 in Study 2, aged 11–17, were collected through HBSC pilot and national surveys in Lithuania. Self-reported questionnaires assessed anxiety, social media use, stress, loneliness, self-efficacy, and peer support factors. Analysis was conducted using multivariable logistic regressions. Notably, anxiety prevalence in Lithuanian adolescents showed no significant difference between Study 1 and Study 2, stabilizing around 24%. In 2021, stress (OR = 5.89, 95% CI 3.11–11.17), problematic social media use (OR = 4.58, 95% CI 1.89–10.58), and female gender (OR = 2.87, 95% CI 1.58–5.22) significantly predicted anxiety. By 2022, stress (OR = 3.68, 95% CI 3.14–4.30), loneliness (OR = 2.85, 95% CI 2.43–3.35), and lower self-efficacy (OR = 1.40, 95% CI 1.20–1.60) emerged as important predictors. This study enhances our understanding of adolescent anxiety during crises, emphasizing the urgency of addressing multiple factors to manage and support vulnerable youth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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32. The Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived and social citizenship: Case study research in Belgium, Lithuania and Portugal.
- Author
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Greiss, Johanna and Schoneville, Holger
- Subjects
CHARITABLE uses, trusts, & foundations ,SOCIAL participation ,FOOD relief ,HUMAN rights ,CHARITY ,INTERNATIONAL relations ,RESEARCH methodology ,CROSS-sectional method ,GOVERNMENT regulation ,SOCIAL isolation ,GOVERNMENT programs ,SURVEYS ,AT-risk people ,SOCIOECONOMIC disparities in health ,GOVERNMENT policy ,QUESTIONNAIRES ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,RESEARCH funding ,POVERTY ,SOCIAL integration - Abstract
Persisting high poverty and social exclusion rates remain a key challenge of European welfare states. The socio-economic consequences following the COVID-19 crisis are challenging the protection of social citizenship and social rights of the most vulnerable. We examine the role of the European Union (EU) in supporting the most vulnerable citizens by focusing on the Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived (FEAD). Our key question is, if and in which ways the EU strengthens social citizenship and social rights through FEAD. We base our analysis on a document analysis of the Regulation, Member States' operational programmes and results of a survey with food aid organizations in Belgium, Lithuania and Portugal. Our findings suggest that FEAD represents a contradictory case of European action in the field of social citizenship and social rights. On the one hand, FEAD is a highly targeted social policy instrument. On the other hand, food aid, as the main provided instrument, is based on charity and not on social rights. Accompanying social inclusion measures could support beneficiaries in the take-up of social rights, but these measures lack clear rules for implementation and monitoring. We conclude that FEAD seems to contribute to the institutionalization of charitable food aid within national welfare systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
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33. The Significance of Selecting an Appropriate Patient-Reported Outcome Measure (PROM): A Cross-Cultural Adaptation of the Specific Paediatric International Documentation Committee Subjective (Pedi-IKDC) Knee Form.
- Author
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Martinkėnienė, Viktorija Brogaitė, Austys, Donatas, Šaikus, Andrius, Brazaitis, Andrius, Bernotavičius, Giedrius, Makulavičius, Aleksas, and Verkauskas, Gilvydas
- Subjects
RESEARCH evaluation ,RESEARCH methodology evaluation ,RESEARCH methodology ,EFFECT sizes (Statistics) ,HEALTH outcome assessment ,PEDIATRICS ,INTERVIEWING ,PSYCHOMETRICS ,CRONBACH'S alpha ,PEARSON correlation (Statistics) ,QUESTIONNAIRES ,INTRACLASS correlation ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics - Abstract
Introduction: The selection of an appropriate PROM is a crucial aspect in assessing outcomes. Questionnaires that have not been designed or validated for a paediatric population are routinely used. Using a questionnaire requires translation, cultural adaptation, and testing the psychometric properties of the translated questionnaire. There is no applicable questionnaire in our country for children with knee-specific conditions in sports orthopaedics. Therefore, this study aims to translate, culturally adapt, and assess the psychometric properties of the Paediatric IKDC (Pedi-IKDC) questionnaire within the Lithuanian paediatric population. Methods: The translation was conducted in accordance with international standards. Patients aged 11–17 years with various knee disorders participated in three surveys and completed the Pedi-IKDC, Lysholm, and PedsQL questionnaires. Interviews with patients following the translation process, in addition to floor and ceiling effects, were used to assess content validity. Cronbach alpha (α) statistics and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were applied to measure internal consistency and reproducibility, respectively. The standard error of measurement (SEM) and smallest detectable change (SDC) were calculated to assess reliability. Pearson correlations were calculated between Pedi-IKDC and Lysholm PedsQL scores to determine criteria validity. The effect size (ES) and standardised response mean (SRM) were calculated to assess the responsiveness to change. Results: Cronbach's alpha (α) was 0.91 for the total score, 0.75 for symptoms, and 0.92 for the sport/function component. The ICC for overall scores was 0.98, with each question ranging from 0.87 to 0.98. The SEM was 2.97, and the SDC was 8.23. Lysholm and PedsQL physical functioning domain scores had moderate correlations (0.8 > r > 0.5), and the overall PedsQL score had a weak correlation (0.5 > r > 0.2) to the Pedi-IKDC score. The floor and ceiling effects were 3.3% and 1.6%, respectively. The SRM was 1.72 and the ES was 1.98. Conclusions: The Lithuanian Pedi-IKDC version is an appropriate evaluation instrument for assessing outcomes in children with knee disorders. All of the psychometric features produced acceptable results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
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- View/download PDF
34. INTERSTATE SOCIETY AND INTERPRETATIONS OF BELONGING: SOME EVIDENCES FROM AN INTERNATIONAL STUDY ON SITUATION IN LITHUANIA.
- Author
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Zuzevičiūtė, Vaiva, Ruibytė, Laima, Pranevičienė, Birutė, Viduolienė, Evelina, Krzywosz-Rynkiewizc, Beata, and Zalewska, Anna
- Subjects
CITIZENSHIP ,DISCOURSE ,GLOBALIZATION ,YOUNG adults ,QUANTITATIVE research ,QUESTIONNAIRES - Abstract
Copyright of Public Security & Public Order / Visuomenes Saugumas ir Viesoji Tvarka is the property of Mykolas Romeris University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
- Published
- 2014
35. Facing conflict: patterns of relationships amongst Lithuanian social workers in the workplace and the role of supervision.
- Author
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Ruškus, Jonas and Kiaunytė, Asta
- Subjects
CONFLICT management ,ANALYSIS of variance ,ATTITUDE (Psychology) ,CHI-squared test ,CLUSTER analysis (Statistics) ,DEFENSE mechanisms (Psychology) ,GROUP identity ,INTERPROFESSIONAL relations ,JOB stress ,PERSONAL space ,QUESTIONNAIRES ,ROLE conflict ,SOCIAL workers ,SUPERVISION of employees ,AFFINITY groups ,JUDGMENT sampling ,PEER relations ,CLIENT relations ,PROFESSIONALISM ,METHODOLOGY - Abstract
The complexity of the Lithuanian social work profession is analysed in this paper. The aim of the research presented is to identify the patterns of relationships that Lithuanian social workers develop in the workplace when facing conflict. The research findings suggest that social work presupposes instability, mobility, fluidity, risks and consequently conflict and multiple emotional reactions from those involved. The complexity of social work, evoking various professional risks and conflicts, anticipates emotional reactions from social workers, such as anger and avoidance. Professional conflict and change can become a resource of positive emotional reactions and a stimulus for the development of the organisation. Professional relationships that are based on equality, openness and participation, even in situation of change or conflict can cultivate energy, creativity and enthusiasm. For conflict within an organisation to be resolved, external support that is methodologically grounded and professional is needed. Supervision can help to recognise the interrelation of patterns of relationships in the workplace when facing conflict, through reflection on one's professional functioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2013
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36. LIETUVOS INVESTUOTOJŲ ELGSENA: IRACIONALUMO APRAIŠKOS.
- Author
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Macijauskas, Lukas
- Subjects
INVESTORS ,DELUSIONS ,INVESTMENTS ,ECONOMICS ,QUESTIONNAIRES - Abstract
Copyright of Monetary Studies (Bank of Lithuania) is the property of Bank of Lithuania and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
- Published
- 2012
37. Retrospective assessment of occupational asbestos exposure among 220 patients with respiratory cancer hospitalized at Vilnius University Institute of Oncology.
- Author
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Petrauskaitë Everatt, Rûta, Tossavainen, Antti, Cicënas, Saulius, Jankauskas, Remigijus, and Smolianskienë, Graþina
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LUNG cancer ,MESOTHELIOMA ,ASBESTOS ,CANCER patients ,QUESTIONNAIRES - Abstract
Copyright of Acta Medica Lituanica is the property of Vilnius University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
- Published
- 2005
38. A successful nursing education promotes newly graduated nurses' job satisfaction one year after graduation: a cross-sectional multi-country study.
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Koskinen, Sanna, Brugnolli, Anna, Fuster-Linares, Pilar, Hourican, Susan, Istomina, Natalja, Leino-Kilpi, Helena, Löyttyniemi, Eliisa, Nemcová, Jana, Meyer, Gabriele, De Oliveira, Célia Simão, Palese, Alvisa, Rua, Marília, Salminen, Leena, Sveinsdóttir, Herdís, Visiers-Jiménez, Laura, Zeleníková, Renáta, and Kajander-Unkuri, Satu
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WORK environment ,MEDICAL quality control ,NURSING ,CROSS-sectional method ,ACHIEVEMENT ,AGE distribution ,TRANSITIONAL programs (Education) ,NURSING education ,GRADUATES ,NURSING career counseling ,JOB satisfaction ,QUESTIONNAIRES ,RESEARCH funding ,LOGISTIC regression analysis ,INTENTION - Abstract
Background: Job satisfaction is a key factor for the successful transition of newly graduated nurses (NGNs) and for retaining NGNs in their workplaces. However, there is limited evidence of the relationship between satisfaction regarding the nursing education program and NGNs' job satisfaction in the first year after graduation. Therefore, this study aims to examine the association of the nursing education related factors and NGNs' job satisfaction. Methods: A cross-sectional study design with the utilization of data collected from the same respondents one year earlier as educational factors was applied. The data were collected from NGNs (n = 557) in 10 European countries using an electronic survey between February 2019 and September 2020, and analyzed in detail for four countries (n = 417). Job satisfaction was measured with three questions: satisfaction with current job, quality of care in the workplace, and nursing profession. Nursing education related factors were satisfaction with nursing education program, level of study achievements, nursing as the 1st study choice, intention to stay in nursing, and generic nursing competence. The data were analyzed statistically using logistic regression. Results: Most of the NGNs in the 10 countries were satisfied with their current job (88.3%), the quality of care (86.4%) and nursing profession (83.8%). Finnish, German, Lithuanian and Spanish NGNs' satisfaction with the nursing education program at graduation was statistically significantly associated with their job satisfaction, i.e., satisfaction with their current job, the quality of care, and the nursing profession. Moreover, NGNs who had fairly often or very often intention to stay in nursing at graduation were more satisfied with their current job, with the quality of care, and with the nursing profession compared with NGNs who had never or fairly seldom intention to stay in nursing at graduation. Conclusions: Nursing education plays a significant role in NGNs' job satisfaction one year after graduation, indicating the importance to start career planning already during nursing education. Both nursing education providers and healthcare organizations could plan in close collaboration a transition program for NGNs to ease the transition phase and thus increase the NGNs' job satisfaction and ultimately the high-quality care of the patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2023
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39. 'To be Informed and Involved': Women's insights on optimising childbirth care in Lithuania.
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Širvinskienė, Giedrė, Grincevičienė, Švitrigailė, Pranskevičiūtė‐Amoson, Rasa, Kukulskienė, Milda, and Downe, Soo
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CHILDBIRTH ,WELL-being ,PREGNANCY ,PATIENT-centered care ,SURVEYS ,CONCEPTUAL structures ,QUALITATIVE research ,SELF-efficacy ,PSYCHOLOGY of women ,QUESTIONNAIRES ,AUTONOMY (Psychology) ,CONTENT analysis - Abstract
Introduction: The user expectations and experiences of healthcare services are acknowledged as components of the quality of healthcare evaluations. The aim of the study is to analyse women's experiences and views on childbirth care in Lithuania. Methods: The study used the Babies Born Better (B3) online survey as the data collection instrument. The B3 is an ongoing longitudinal international project, examining the experiences of intrapartum care and developed as part of EU‐funded COST Actions (IS0907 and IS1405). Responses to open‐ended questions about (1) the best things about the care and (2) things in childbirth care worth changing are included in the current analysis. The participants are 373 women who had given birth within 5 years in Lithuania. A deductive coding framework established by the literature review was used to analyse the qualitative data. The framework involves three main categories: (1) the service, (2) the emotional experience and (3) the individually experienced care, each further divided into subcategories. Results: Reflecting the experience and views regarding the service at birthplace women wished empowerment, support for their autonomy and to be actively involved in decisions, the need for privacy, information and counselling, especially about breastfeeding. In terms of emotional experience, women highlighted the importance of comprehensibility/feeling of safety, positive manageability of various situations and possibilities for bonding with the newborn. Individually experienced care was described by feedback on specific characteristics of care providers, such as competence, personality traits, time/availability and encouragement of esteem in women in childbirth. The possibilities of homebirth were also discussed. The findings reflected salutogenic principles. Key Conclusions: The findings suggest that the Lithuanian healthcare system is in a transition from paternalistic attitude‐based practices to a shift towards patient‐oriented care. Implementation of the improvements suggested for women in childbirth care in Lithuania would require some additional services, improved emotional and intrapersonal aspects of care and a more active role for women. Patient/Public Contribution: Patients and the public contributed to this study by spreading information about surveys and research findings through their involvement in service user groups that have an interest in maternity care. Members of the patients' groups and the public were involved in the discussion of the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2023
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40. Cultural competencies in Polish and Lithuanian nurses: A cross‐sectional comparative study.
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Ślusarska, Barbara, Marcinowicz, Ludmiła, and Blaževičienė, Aurelija
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NURSING audit ,NURSES' attitudes ,ACADEMIC medical centers ,CONFIDENCE intervals ,RESEARCH evaluation ,CROSS-sectional method ,CULTURAL pluralism ,PSYCHOMETRICS ,COMPARATIVE studies ,CRONBACH'S alpha ,PEARSON correlation (Statistics) ,HOSPITAL nursing staff ,CULTURAL competence ,QUESTIONNAIRES ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,INTELLECT ,SCALE analysis (Psychology) ,DATA analysis software ,LITHUANIANS ,CULTURAL awareness ,PROBABILITY theory - Abstract
Background: Cultural competencies are known as a multidimensionalconstruct; however, they usually refer to an individual's sensitivity orcultural attitudes, cultural awareness, knowledge, and skills. Aim: The aim of the study was to compare the cultural competences of nurses in Poland and Lithuania based on an adaptation of the Nurse Cultural Competence Scale (NCCS). Design: The design was a comparative cross‐sectional study. Methods: A total of 383 Polish nurses and 184 Lithuanian nurses took part in the study. The questionnaires of the NCCS—Polish version (NCCS‐v.PL) and the NCCS—Lithuanian version (NCCS‐v.L) were used after linguistic adaptation and an evaluation of psychometric properties. Results: As a result of the comparative analysis, a higher general level of cultural competences (based on the NCCS) was found in the Lithuanian group M‐148.09 (SD = 22.85). The results show statistically significant differences among the respondents in the subscale of Nurse Cultural Competence Scale‐Cultural Knowledge (NCCS‐CK; p ˂ 0.001); higher competences of the nurses were found in the Group LT (M = 31.05; SD = 6.75) than in the Group PL (M = 28.82; SD = 7.82). In the group of Polish nurses (Group PL), the intensity of cultural competences was found to increase along with age (NCCS‐v.P r = 0.157, p < 0.05); this, however, was not observed in the Group LT (NCCS‐v.LT, p > 0.05). Conclusions: Both the nurses in Poland and in Lithuania are characterised by an average level of cultural competences. Diversity in the level of cultural competences was found in both groups depending on age, education and work experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2023
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41. The risk of self‐harm and suicide attempts in maltreated and poly‐victimised adolescents from Lithuanian vocational schools.
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Šalčiūnaitė‐Nikonovė, Laura, Šmigelskas, Kastytis, Žemaitaitytė, Monika, Sukovienė, Greta, Šiaulienė, Ieva, Vaišvilė, Agnė, and Žemaitienė, Nida
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CHILD abuse & psychology ,SUICIDE risk factors ,PSYCHOLOGICAL abuse ,CONFIDENCE intervals ,VOCATIONAL education ,MULTIVARIATE analysis ,MULTIPLE regression analysis ,RISK assessment ,SURVEYS ,SELF-mutilation in adolescence ,STUDENTS ,QUESTIONNAIRES ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,SEX crimes ,ODDS ratio ,DATA analysis software ,LITHUANIANS - Abstract
Background: Worldwide statistics highlight that many adolescents suffer from various types of maltreatment, which often tend to co‐occur in the form of poly‐victimisation. The experience of maltreatment at a young age causes physical and mental health problems, and can also lead to self‐harm and suicide. The aim: To explore the possible impact of maltreatment and poly‐victimisation on adolescent self‐harm and suicide attempts. Participants and settings: In total, 1898 students (15–18 years old) from Lithuanian vocational schools completed the survey (65.5% male). Method: The impact of maltreatment and poly‐victimisation on self‐harm and suicide attempts was tested using multivariable binary logistic regressions. Results: Different maltreatment types were significantly associated to self‐harm (odds ratio from 2.47 to 3.80, p < 0.001) and suicide attempts (odds ratio from 3.15 to 7.58, p < 0.001). The odds ratios for self‐harm and suicide attempt increased as the number of different types of maltreatment experienced increased. A history of experiencing four types of poly‐victimisation increased adolescent risk for self‐harm (OR = 18.57, p < 0.001, 95% CI: 5.77–59.72) and suicide attempts (OR = 45.54, p < 0.001, 95% CI: 14.37–144.28) the most. Conclusion: Adolescents with experience of maltreatment, particularly if poly‐victimised, are at greater risk of engaging in self‐harming and suicidal behaviours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2022
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42. Clinical education and training of student nurses in four moderately new European Union countries: Assessment of students' satisfaction with the learning environment.
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Antohe, Ileana, Riklikiene, Olga, Tichelaar, Erna, and Saarikoski, Mikko
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CLINICAL medicine ,RESEARCH methodology ,NURSING education ,QUESTIONNAIRES ,SATISFACTION ,SCHOOL environment ,STUDENTS ,SUPERVISION of employees ,WORLD Wide Web ,CLINICAL competence ,QUANTITATIVE research ,CROSS-sectional method ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,EDUCATION - Abstract
Nurses underwent different models of education during various historical periods. The recent decade in Europe has been marked with educational transitions for the nursing profession related to Bologna Declaration and enlargement of the European Union. This paper aims to explore the situation of clinical placements for student nurses and assess students' satisfaction with the learning environment in four relatively new member states of European Union: the Czech Republic, Hungary, Lithuania and Romania. The data for cross-sectional quantitative study were collected during the exploratory phase of EmpNURS Project via a web based questionnaire which utilized a part of Clinical Learning Environment scale (CLES + T). The students evaluated their clinical learning environment mainly positively. The students' utter satisfaction with their clinical placements reached a high level and strongly correlated with the supervisory model. Although the commonest model for supervision was traditional group supervision, the most satisfied students had the experience of individualised supervision. The study gives a picture of the satisfaction of students with the learning environment and, moreover, with clinical placement education of student nurses in four EU countries. The results highlight the individualized supervision model as a crucial factor of students' total satisfaction during their clinical training periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2016
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43. The prevalence of manifestations of gerontological ageism among university students in five European countries.
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SHPAKOU, ANDREI, KLIMATCKAIA, LUDMILA, SKOBLINA, NATALIA, PAK, JOANNA BAJ-KOR, ALIENĖ, AELITA SKARB, FEDORCIV, OLGA, LOGINOVICH, YELENA, RASKI LIENĖ, ASTA, PIATROU, SIARHEI, KLESZCZEWSKA, EWA, and KUZNIATSOU, ALEH
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KRUSKAL-Wallis Test ,STATISTICS ,AGEISM ,PSYCHOLOGY of college students ,CONFIDENCE intervals ,ATTITUDES toward aging ,MANN Whitney U Test ,STEREOTYPES ,DISEASE prevalence ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,QUESTIONNAIRES ,SCALE analysis (Psychology) ,CHI-squared test ,FACTOR analysis ,RESEARCH funding ,EMOTIONS ,DATA analysis software ,DATA analysis ,OLD age - Abstract
Background. The problem of the ageing population has resulted in attitudes towards aging in different age groups becoming a subject of increased academic interest. Objectives. To provide comparative characteristics of the prevalence of manifestations of gerontological ageism among university students in five European countries. Material and methods. The sample consisted of university students (n = 2493) aged 18–25 from Belarus (n = 827), Russia (n = 528), Poland (n = 798), Lithuania (n = 223) and Ukraine (n = 117). The prevalence of gerontological ageism among respondents was evaluated according to the Fraboni Ageism Scale. Results. The prevalence and manifestations of gerontological ageism vary depending on the country. The maximum total indicator, displaying the highest overall level of ageism, was noted among Belarusian students, the minimum – in Lithuania (p < 0.05). The final indicators of gerontological ageism were found to be the following: the level of age discrimination and negative emotional attitude towards the elderly was increased in one fifth of the respondents in all five groups. The observation found the level of ageism averaging at 60%, evenly distributed in all groups. The predominant attitudes towards older people were found to be neutral or positive (84.6%). Conclusions. The manifestations of ageism are international in nature and can explain 20% of the total variety of answers characterising the differences in ranked attributes and degree of ageism. The total indicator showed the highest degree of gerontological ageism among students in Belarus, the lowest – among those in Lithuania, with levels of gerontological ageism among students in Russia, Poland and Ukraine distributed in between. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
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44. Prehospital Stroke Care, Paramedic Training Needs, and Hospital-Directed Feedback in Lithuania.
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Melaika, Kazimieras, Sveikata, Lukas, Vilionskis, Aleksandras, Wiśniewski, Adam, Jurjans, Kristaps, Klimašauskas, Andrius, Jatužis, Dalius, and Masiliūnas, Rytis
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STROKE treatment ,MEDICAL quality control ,PROFESSIONS ,CONFIDENCE intervals ,SELF-evaluation ,COMPARATIVE studies ,CLINICAL competence ,EMERGENCY medical services ,GOVERNMENT agencies ,QUESTIONNAIRES ,RESEARCH funding ,QUALITY assurance ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,NEEDS assessment ,SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC factors ,EMERGENCY medicine ,PERSONNEL management - Abstract
Background: Emergency medical services (EMS) are the first health care contact for the majority of stroke patients. However, there is a lack of data on the current paramedics' hospital-directed feedback and training needs across different health care settings. We aimed to evaluate paramedics' prehospital stroke care knowledge, training needs, and current status of feedback on suspected stroke patients. Methods: We surveyed paramedics from the Vilnius region from September to November 2019 and compared the answers between the city and the district agencies. The questionnaire content included questions on paramedics' demographic characteristics, prehospital stroke care self-assessment, knowledge on stroke mimics, stroke training needs, and the importance of hospital-directed feedback on suspected stroke patients. Results: A total number of 161 paramedics (or 49.4% of all paramedics from our stroke care network) were surveyed, with more district paramedics rating their prehospital stroke care knowledge as inadequate (44.8% (95% confidence interval (CI) 32.8–57.6) vs. 28.1% (95% CI 20.1–27.8), p = 0.028). In addition, more district paramedics indicated a need for additional stroke training (83.1% (95% CI 71.5–90.5) vs. 69.8% (60.0–78.1), p = 0.043). However, respondents reported being the most confident while dealing with stroke (71.3%, 95% CI 63.8–77.7) compared to other time-critical conditions (p < 0.001). Vertigo (60.8%, 95% CI 53.0–68.0), brain tumors (56.3%, 95% CI 48.5–63.8), and seizures (54.4%, 95% CI 46.7–62.0) were indicated as the most common stroke mimics. Only 6.2% (95% CI 3.4–11.1) of respondents received formal feedback on the outcome of suspected stroke patients brought to the emergency department. Conclusions: A high proportion of paramedics self-perceive having inadequate stroke knowledge and an urgent need for further stroke training. The EMS staff indicate receiving insufficient feedback on suspected stroke patients, even though its usefulness is perceived as paramount. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
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45. Social engagement for mental health: An international survey of older populations.
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Yen, Hsin‐Yen, Chi, Mei‐Ju, and Huang, Hao‐Yun
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SOCIAL participation ,GENDER role ,STATISTICS ,CONFIDENCE ,CROSS-sectional method ,SOCIAL networks ,MENTAL health ,POPULATION geography ,SATISFACTION ,REGRESSION analysis ,SURVEYS ,COMPARATIVE studies ,PHYSICAL activity ,T-test (Statistics) ,LONELINESS ,MENTAL depression ,QUESTIONNAIRES ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,PEOPLE with disabilities ,SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC factors ,DATA analysis ,DATA analysis software ,SECONDARY analysis ,EDUCATIONAL attainment ,OLD age - Abstract
Background and purpose: Social engagement is an important active aging strategy to promote older adults' mental health. The purposes of this study were to compare social engagement in older populations around the world and explore associations with mental health outcomes. Materials and methods: An international cross‐sectional survey was conducted from 2017 to 2019. Data were retrieved from The International Social Survey Programme for a secondary data analysis across 30 countries. This study applied the Taxonomy of Social Activities and its six levels as operational definitions for a consistent concept of social engagement for international comparisons. Results: In total, 9403 older adults with a mean age of 72.85 ± 6.40 years responded. The highest levels of older adults' social engagement were found in Switzerland, Thailand, and New Zealand. Older adults of a higher age, with a lower educational level, who were permanently sick or disabled, who had no partner, who were widowed or whose civil partner had died, who lived alone, and who had lower self‐placement in society had significantly lower social engagement than did their counterparts. In the regression model, older adults' social engagement positively predicted general health, self‐accomplishment, and life satisfaction, but negatively predicted loneliness and depression. Conclusions: In aging societies worldwide, encouraging older adults' social engagement would be beneficial to promote mental health. Implications for nursing practice and health policies: Community professional nurses can develop strategies of social engagement based on the needs and sociodemographic factors of older adults to improve their mental health. Developing efficient strategies and local policies by learning from successful experiences in other countries is important to promote social engagement in aging societies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
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46. SHARING MOBILITY SOLUTIONS IN REMOTE TOURISTIC AREA: CASE STUDY OF LITHUANIA.
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UŠPALYTĖ-VITKŪNIENĖ, Rasa, BUREIKA, Gintautas, BURINSKIENĖ, Marija, VABUOLYTĖ, Vaida, and SKRICKIJ, Viktor
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CAR sharing ,SHARING - Abstract
Sharing mobility solutions changes people's lives in cities; however, such services are not common in remote areas, where the most widespread transport mode is a privately owned car. The main challenge is that the existing transport system fails to meet the population's daily travel needs in such regions. Sharing mobility covers environmental issues, infrastructure development, digitalisation, integration of different transport modes, and people behaviour changes. This study analyses the possibility of expanding the existing urban mobility sharing system in remote tourist areas of Lithuania; for this purpose, a small resort in the central part of Lithuania - Birštonas was selected, and a survey of residents and tourists (visitors) was conducted. Using the survey results of residents and tourists, the needs for Car Sharing (CS) and micro-mobility services are determined. The attitude of municipality, residents, tourists, service providers towards micro mobility and vehicle sharing services is determined. Based on the achieved results, further steps of service development are proposed. The article's main aim is to evaluate the views of various stakeholders on the development of micro mobility and CS systems in remote areas and propose development solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2022
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47. The prevalence of burnout, depression, anxiety and stress in the Lithuanian midwifery workforce and correlation with sociodemographic factors.
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Vaičienė, Vita, Blaževičienė, Aurelija, Macijauskiene, Jurate, and Sidebotham, Mary
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PSYCHOLOGICAL burnout ,STATISTICS ,MIDWIFERY ,RESEARCH methodology ,CROSS-sectional method ,JOB stress ,MULTIVARIATE analysis ,MULTIPLE regression analysis ,LABOR supply ,SURVEYS ,MENTAL depression ,DISEASE prevalence ,QUESTIONNAIRES ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,ANXIETY ,SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC factors ,DATA analysis software ,DATA analysis ,PSYCHOLOGICAL stress ,LITHUANIANS - Abstract
Aim: To investigate the prevalence of burnout, depression, anxiety and stress of Lithuanian midwives. Design: A descriptive, cross‐sectional survey design. Methods: The Work Health and Emotional Wellbeing of Midwives (WHELM) survey instrument developed within the Australian maternity context was adapted and used in this research. The survey collects country‐specific demographic data and incorporates several validated measures including the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI), Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS‐21). Results: Three hundred and thirty‐eight completed surveys were received. Results obtained using a CBI subscale showed that 84.9% experienced personal burnout, 70.1% reported work‐related burnout and 41.1% had client‐related burnout. The results indicate that the midwives reported moderate to extreme levels of depression (16.3%), anxiety (28.4%) and stress (13.9%) symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2022
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48. Effectiveness of additional resistance and balance training and telephone support program in exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation on quality of life and physical activity: Randomized control trial.
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Tamulevičiūtė-Prascienė, Egle, Beigienė, Aurelija, Lukauskaitė, Urtė, Gerulytė, Kamilė, Kubilius, Raimondas, and Bjarnason-Wehrens, Birna
- Subjects
PATIENT aftercare ,THERAPEUTICS ,RESISTANCE training ,CARDIAC surgery ,BLOOD pressure ,SOCIAL support ,ANALYSIS of variance ,POSTURAL balance ,TELEPHONES ,MULTIVARIATE analysis ,HEALTH surveys ,SURGERY ,PATIENTS ,VISUAL analog scale ,ATRIAL fibrillation ,TREATMENT effectiveness ,PHYSICAL activity ,RANDOMIZED controlled trials ,T-test (Statistics) ,HOSPITAL admission & discharge ,CARDIAC rehabilitation ,QUALITY of life ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,QUESTIONNAIRES ,CHI-squared test ,AFFECTIVE disorders ,DATA analysis software ,STATISTICAL sampling ,EVALUATION - Abstract
Objectives: To evaluate 20 days and 3 months follow-up effectiveness of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) enhanced by resistance/balance training and telephone-support program compared to usual CR care in improving quality of life, clinical course and physical activity behavior. Design: Single-centre randomized controlled trial. Setting: Inpatient CR clinic Subjects: 116 (76.1 ± 6.7 years, 50% male) patients 14.5 ± 5.9 days after valve surgery/intervention were randomized to intervention group (IG, n = 60) or control group (CG, n = 56). Intervention: Additional resistance/balance training (3 days/week) during phase-II CR and telephone-support program during 3-month follow-up. CG patients were provided with usual CR care. Main measures: Short Form 36 Health Survey scales, European Quality of Life 5 Dimensions 3 Level Version QoL index, visual analog scale, clinical course, and physical activity behavior assessed with standardized questionnaires. Results: IG reported statistically significant higher mental component score (48.5 ± 6.91 vs. 40.3 ± 11.21 at the baseline, 50.8 ± 9.76 vs. 42.6 ± 9.82 after 20 days, 49.4 ± 8.45 vs. 40.5 ± 8.9 after 12 weeks follow up), general health (48.6 ± 3.17 vs. 45.0 ± 2.95 at the baseline, 53.6 ± 3.02 vs. 43.8 ± 2.55 after 20 days, 53.2 ± 3.11 vs. 44.2 ± 3.07 after 12 weeks) and role limitations due to emotional problems (48.5 ± 15.2 vs. 27.7 ± 11.5 at the baseline, 72.7 ± 12.6 vs. 30.5 ± 11.2 after 20 days, 66.6 ± 14.2 vs. 36.1 ± 11.2 after 12 weeks) in all three assessments (p < 0.05). CG patients had more documented hospital admissions (4 (8%) vs 10 (25%), p = 0.027), atrial fibrillation paroxysms (3 (6.0%) vs. 10 (35.0%), p = 0.011) and blood pressure swings (13 (26%) vs. 20 (50%), p = 0.019). IG patients chose more different physical activities (1.7 ± 0.7 vs. 1.25 ± 0.63, p = 0.002), spent more time being physical active every day (195.6 ± 78.6 vs. 157.29 ± 78.8, p = 0.002) Conclusions: The addition of resistance/balance exercises and telephone-support program 12 weeks after to the CR could linked to higher physical activity levels and fewer clinical complications but did not lead to a significant improvement in quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
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49. impact of pre-existing conditions and perceived health status on mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Buneviciene, Inesa, Bunevicius, Romas, Bagdonas, Sarunas, and Bunevicius, Adomas
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CONFIDENCE intervals ,ALCOHOLISM ,SELF-perception ,MULTIPLE regression analysis ,HEALTH status indicators ,MENTAL health ,FEAR ,POST-traumatic stress disorder ,SURVEYS ,PSYCHOLOGICAL tests ,PSYCHOSOCIAL factors ,QUESTIONNAIRES ,MENTAL depression ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,RESEARCH funding ,ANXIETY ,STATISTICAL sampling ,ODDS ratio ,DATA analysis software ,COVID-19 pandemic ,PSYCHOLOGICAL distress - Abstract
Background Patients with pre-existing conditions and poor health status are vulnerable for adverse health sequalae during the COVID-19 pandemic. We investigated the association of pre-existing medical conditions and self-perceived health status with the risk of mental health complications during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods In October—December, 2020, 1036 respondents completed online survey that included assessment of pre-existing conditions, self-perceived health status, depressive (Patient Health Questionnaire-8 score ≥ 10), anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorders-7 score ≥ 10) and post-traumatic stress (Impact of Events Scale Revised) symptoms, alcohol use (AUDIT), and COVID-19 fear (COVID-19 Fears Questionnaires for Chronic Medical Conditions). Results Study participants were predominantly women (83%), younger than 61 years of age (94%). Thirty-six percent of respondents had a pre-existing condition and 5% considered their health status as bad or very bad. Pre-existing conditions and poor perceived health status were associated with increased risk for moderate to severe depressive and anxiety symptoms, fear of COVID-19 and post-traumatic stress symptoms, independently from respondents' age, gender, living area, smoking status, exercise, alcohol consumption and diet. Conclusions Pre-existing medical conditions and poor perceived health status are associated with increased risk of poor mental health status during the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
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50. ABORTAS KAIP SOCIALINĖ PROBLEMA: PREVENCIJOS POREIKIO ASPEKTAS.
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Gvaldaitė, Lijana and Bordun, Jekaterina
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ABORTION , *PREGNANT women , *PREGNANCY , *SOCIAL problems , *QUESTIONNAIRES - Abstract
The paper analyses the phenomenon of abortion both from the theoretical aspect and empirically analysing the reasons for choosing abortion by a group as well as the need for prevention. The statistical data confirm that the problem of abortion is pertinent to Lithuania therefore it is important to dedicate the appropriate attention. In some EU states the complex assistance (psychological, social, juridical, and material) to pregnant women, who find themselves in a crisis and intend to terminate the pregnancy, is legitimized and it can be an example of good practise for our country. The empirical research has shown that there is a necessity of both primary and secondaiy prevention, i.e. sexual education of both children and adults and overall counsel-educative assistance, as well as the need for complex services to the family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2013
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