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BackgroundThe number of older adults is increasing rapidly worldwide. Older adults face a unique set of challenges and may experience a range of psychological comorbidities. Advances in multimedia technology have allowed for digital storytelling to be utilized as an intervention for health-related outcomes. ObjectiveThe primary aim of the proposed systematic review is to examine the reported health-related outcomes for older adults engaged in digital storytelling. The review also aims to examine the methods associated with digital storytelling, characteristics of digital story products, and implementational considerations. MethodsThis protocol adheres to the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Protocols. We will systematically search selected electronic databases to identify studies that meet our eligibility criteria. From the included studies, data will be extracted and synthesized using a narrative approach and summarized in tables. The methodological quality of the included studies will be assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. ResultsSystematic searches, data extraction and analysis, and writing of the systematic review are expected to be completed by the end of 2019. ConclusionsThe proposed systematic review will summarize the existing studies using digital storytelling to improve health-related outcomes for older adults. Results from this review will provide an evidence base for the development of digital storytelling interventions that are effective and implementable with older adults. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)PRR1-10.2196/15512

A succession of interconnected environmental factors is believed to contribute substantially to the development of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This exploratory study therefore aims to identify potential risk factors for ASD that are associated with pregnancy, birth and infant feeding. Demographic and health-related data on children aged 3-13 years (N = 4306) was collected through an online survey completed by biological mothers. A fitted logistic regression model identified advanced maternal age, prenatal bleeding, pre-eclampsia, perinatal pethidine usage, foetal distress before birth and male sex of child as associated with an increased risk of ASD, whereas longer gestational duration demonstrated a protective effect. These findings highlight potential risk factors and predictor interrelationships which may contribute to overall ASD risk.

Blended learning refers to a method of teaching and learning in which some form of online learning is used in addition to the traditional on-campus/face-to-face learning experience in an integrated manner. Postgraduate Applied Statistics programs at Swinburne University of Technology, Australia adopted the blended learning paradigm almost a decade ago to accommodate an increasingly diverse student population. This paradigm allows for "flexibility in design approaches", and accommodates the range of blended learning capabilities and experience of teachers and learners. The blended learning design adopted in these programs has involved the "thoughtful integration of learning and teaching approaches" in both on-campus, face-to-face and online/virtual learning environments by utilising the benefits of each of these environments. These programs focus on designing learning interactions across formal teaching spaces, informal learning spaces and online learning and teaching spaces. This flexible approach has been well accepted among both online and on-campus students. This paper describes the medium impact blended learning model adopted in these courses and the feedback received from students during recent study periods. The authors make the case that implementation of a successful blended learning model can enhance students' learning experience for a mixed cohort of participants.

The COVID-19 pandemic has created significant disruptions in teaching and learning at universities, predisposing university students to develop mental health issues which may impact their academic experience. This study evaluated the academic experience and mental health status of students enrolled in Health Science courses at Swinburne University of Technology via a mixed-methods crosssectional survey conducted on 36 students (18+ years). Out of these students, nine attended in-depth interviews. Results obtained from both quantitative and qualitative data analyses found high levels of stress, anxiety and depression, with more than 50% experiencing levels above the clinical thresholds. About 39% of the participants reported feeling able to concentrate on their learning when materials were delivered via an online mode. Students' engagement through online learning was significantly disrupted, 97.2% of the respondents found it difficult to perform group work and 75% reported not being able to engage with their peers. Higher levels of stress, anxiety and depression were significantly associated with a compromised learning experience. Spearman's Rank Correlation showed a significant negative association between stress and students' engagement with online learning (Spearman's rho=-0.49, p=0.003). Supporting the learning experiences along with monitoring the mental health of all university students should be of high priority for university authorities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Sri Lankan married women have been reported to experience higher rates of intimate partner violence (IPV). However, research on its impact on mental health and how socio-demographic factors contribute to this association is limited. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the impact of IPV on the mental health of married women in Sri Lanka. Methods In this study, data from 1611 married women who participated in the 2019 Sri Lankan Women's Wellbeing Survey were analyzed. Two binary outcomes were considered: married women's mental health and their suicidal ideation. Binary logistic regression models were used to assess the association between mental health and suicidal thoughts in relation to IPV while controlling for socio-demographic factors. Results The results revealed that married women who experienced any form of violence by their spouse had a higher risk of having poor mental health conditions [AOR = 2.88 (2.20, 3.78)] and suicidal thoughts [AOR = 5.84 (4.10, 8.32)] compared to those who did not experience IPV. Conclusions IPV is a substantial contributor to poor mental health and suicidal thoughts among Sri Lankan married women. There is an urgent need for policy interventions, such as community awareness programs, counseling services and enhanced legal protections for victims. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable Development Goal 3 focuses on reducing HIV/AIDS spread, for which disseminating correct information on the disease is required. This study investigated factors associated with HIV/AIDS knowledge among women in several Asian LMICs. Global Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey-6 (MICS-6) for Bangladesh, Lao, Mongolia and Nepal were assessed. Bivariate analysis and generalised linear regression models were fitted. Overall, 60% of the respondents were aware or heard of the existence of HIV/AIDS, with 63.2% having transmission knowledge and 80.4% misconception knowledge. Results revealed that several demographic factors such as wealth index, education and access to information had a significant association with HIV/AIDS knowledge. Mongolia and Nepal have formal programmes in place that may provide policy and implementation advantages compared to Bangladesh and Lao. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This note presents a brief and partial review of the work of Broom, Cannings and Vickers [1]. It also presents some simple examples of an extension of the their formalism to non-symmetric matrices. (Contains 1 figure.)

Background Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.7 concerns modern contraception use among women of reproductive ages. This study evaluated the progress of indicator 3.7.1 in 11 selected countries in South and South-East Asia and assessed the contribution of women's education to modern contraceptive use. Methods Generalized linear models for complex surveys were fitted to Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data from 40 surveys conducted in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines and Timor Leste between 1990 and 2017, followed by a meta-analysis through forest plots. Results Modern contraceptive coverage in most of the selected countries climbed or remained stationary over the past decades. In four countries, <50% of women used contraception. In no country was contraception used by ≥80% women. Higher education was associated with 13% higher odds of modern contraceptive use (95% confidence interval: 1.07, 1.18) among women compared to primary level or no education. Discussion Completion of primary education is insufficient to broaden the coverage of modern contraceptive use. Greater national level effort from the selected countries is needed to lift the education levels of women to meet SDG 3.7 by 2030. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]