Ed. D.

The number of children from single-parent families has risen significantly since the 1970s. The stress associated with single-parent status not only places the parent in a precarious state, but also has the tendency to adversely affect the child's academic performance. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship among stress, coping resources, and academic success in a group of children from single-parent families. The study also was designed to access what family factors including race, gender, income level, education level, employment status, and family composition contribute to the academic success of the child. Sixty-seven single-parent families and their oldest elementary school-age child participated in this study. The families' stress level was measured by using the Family Inventory of Life Changes and Events (FILE), while the Family Crisis Orientation Personal Evaluation Scales (F-COPES) were used to measure the families internal and external coping resources. A child's Resource Questionnaire was used to measure the child's coping resources. Academic success was measured using Grade Point Average (GPA) and Criterion Referenced Tests (CRTs) scores. The results indicated no significant relationship between stress and academic success as measured by GPAs when controlling for gender, race, and resources. However, the education level of the parent, child's gender, and the number of children in the family were family factors found to contribute to academic success when measured by GPAs. When measured by the CRTs, several factors contributed to academic success. In language arts, higher numbers of children in the family were associated with lower language arts scores. tended to score higher than boys. In addition, girls In math, only the child's gender was found to contribute to academic success, with girls tending to score higher than boys. In science, higher numbers of children in the family were linked with lower science CRT scores, while higher family coping resources were associated with higher science CRT scores. In social studies, single mothers were linked with higher CRT scores than single fathers. In addition, higher family stress was associated with lower social studies CRT scores, and white children tended to score higher than minorities. / Ed. D.

A convenience sample of 184 first-time childbearing women was recruited from two public hospitals with one hospital randomly selected as the experimental group. The experimental group (n = 92) received the childbirth psychoeducation programme and routine childbirth education. The comparison group (n = 92) received the routine childbirth education only. / Outcomes on learned resourcefulness, maternal role competence and perinatal depression were measured by C-SCS, C-PSOC (Efficacy Subscale) and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), respectively, at baseline, immediately post-intervention, six weeks and six months postpartum. Maternal role satisfaction was assessed at six weeks and six months postpartum using C-PSOC (Satisfaction Subscale). Doubly multivariate analysis of covariance was performed to compare the effects of childbirth psychoeducation programme between the experimental and comparison groups. In addition, 16 participants in the experimental group were interviewed at six weeks postpartum to explore their perceived impacts of childbirth psychoeducation programme in helping them cope with the experience of new motherhood. Content analysis was used to analyze the interview data. / Results of the phase I study indicated good psychometric properties of C-SCS and C-PSOC in Chinese childbearing women. Results in the phase II study revealed significant improvement in learned resourcefulness at six weeks postpartum (p = 0.004), and overall reduction in depressive symptoms (p = 0.01) for women receiving the childbirth psychoeducation programme compared with the routine childbirth education group after adjusting for baseline group differences on age and social support. No significant change was detected on maternal role competence. However, women receiving the childbirth psychoeducation programl1'l;e had significantly higher level of satisfaction in the maternal role at six weeks postpartum (p = 0.01). / The crisis nature of early motherhood, the frequent feeling of incompetence in the maternal role, the increasing evidence of postpartum depression in the Chinese population, coupled with the changing nature of socio-cultural environment challenge midwives to make continued refinement of childbirth education to enhance women's adjustment during the transition to motherhood. Learned resourcefulness has been identified as an important coping repertoire that promotes healthy adjustment in the perinatal period. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a childbirth psychoeducation programme based on the concept of learned resourcefulness. / The qualitative interviews revealed that the experimental group perceived the childbirth psychoeducation programme to be helpful in increasing their confidence in the maternal role, improving their emotional well-being and fostering the development of learned resourcefulness skills. The findings of this study support the effectiveness of childbirth psychoeducation programme based on the concept of learned resourcefulness for reducing depressive symptoms in first-time Chinese childbearing women, and highlight the contributions midwives can make to continue improving the quality of childbirth education in Chinese society. / The study had two phases. The first phase aimed at establishing the psychometric properties of the Chinese versions of Self-Control Schedule (C-SCS) and Parenting Sense of Competence Scale (C-PSOC), which were used as outcome measures in the second phase. The second phase adopted a pretest-posttest, control group quasi-experimental design to examine the effects of a childbirth psychoeducation programme on learned resourcefulness, maternal role competence and satisfaction, and perinatal depression. / Ngai Fei Wan. / Adviser: W. Y. Ip. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 72-11, Section: B, page: . / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2009. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 259-300). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Electronic reproduction. [Ann Arbor, MI] : ProQuest Information and Learning, [201-] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstract also in Chinese; some appendices in Chinese.

Pacientes com fibrose cística (FC) apresentam infecções respiratórias recorrentes e crônicas por patógenos peculiares e realizam inalações diariamente como parte de seu tratamento. É reconhecido que patógenos específicos são comumente isolados nestes nebulizadores e existe uma preocupação de que estes equipamentos possam contribuir como fonte de infecção bacteriana para as vias aéreas inferiores. Objetivo: Descrever os patógenos encontrados nos nebulizadores de uso domiciliar e nas amostras de trato respiratório de pacientes com FC e verificar a eficácia de uma técnica padronizada de higiene e desinfecção destes nebulizadores na redução da contaminação dos mesmos. Método: Quarenta pacientes com FC (22M:18F) com mediana de idade de 11,2 ± 3,74 anos e que utilizavam o nebulizador PRONEB/sistema PARI foram incluídos no estudo. Amostras dos nebulizadores foram coletadas do bocal e do copo reservatório utilizando-se um swab estéril umedecido em solução salina estéril. As amostras de trato respiratório dos pacientes foram colhidas por expectoração em coletor estéril ou com swab de orofaringe após estímulo de tosse. As culturas foram realizadas em meios seletivos e a identificação bacteriana feita através de provas bioquímicas clássicas. Instruções verbais e escritas de higiene e desinfecção dos nebulizadores foram ministradas. Resultados: A contaminação de alguma parte dos nebulizadores foi observada em 23/40 casos (57,5%). A contaminação do bocal e do copo foi similar, observada em 16 e 19 casos, respectivamente. Os patógenos mais comumente identificados foram Bacilos Gram negativos não fermentadores (sem identificação) (14), Staphylococcus coagulase negativo (13), Leveduras (12), Enterobacter sp. (5), Pseudomonas putida (7) e complexo Burkholderia cepacia (3). Nas amostras de trato respiratório houve um predomínio de Staphylococcus aureus (29), seguido de Pseudomonas aeruginosa (20) e complexo Burkholderia cepacia (3). Em 4 casos observou-se a identificação de um mesmo patógeno em amostras do nebulizador e do trato respiratório. Uma redução significativa da contaminação (43,5%) foi encontrada após instrução de técnica padronizada de higiene e desinfecção dos nebulizadores, num prazo médio de reavaliação de dois meses. Conclusões: A prevalência de contaminação dos nebulizadores é alta, o que indica a necessidade de melhoria nas práticas de higiene e desinfecção dos nebulizadores de pacientes com FC. Uma única intervenção educacional pode ter impacto significativo / Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) have chronic and recurrent respiratory infections by peculiar pathogens and perform inhalations daily as part of their treatment. It is recognized that specific pathogens are commonly isolated in these nebulizers and there is concern that these devices can contribute as a source of bacterial infection to the lower airways. Objective: To describe the pathogens found in home use of nebulizers and in respiratory samples of CF patients and evaluate the effectiveness of a standardized hygiene and disinfection in reducing the contamination. Methods: Forty patients with CF (22M: 18F) with a median age of 11.2 ± 3.74 years and who used the nebulizer Proneb / PARI system were included in the study. Samples were collected from the nebulizer mouthpiece and cup container using a sterile swab moistened with sterile saline. The respiratory samples of patients were collected by expectoration into a sterile swab or oropharyngeal after stimulation of cough. The cultures were performed on selective media and bacterial identification made by classical biochemical tests. Written and oral instructions regarding cleaning and disinfection of nebulizers were provided. Results: The contamination of any part of the nebulizer was observed in 23/40 cases (57.5%). Contamination of the mouthpiece and the cup container was similarly observed on 16 and 19 cases, respectively. The pathogens most commonly identified were Gram negative fermenters (unmarked) (14), coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (13), yeast (12), Enterobacter sp. (5) Pseudomonas putida (7) and Burkholderia cepacia (3). In respiratory samples there was a predominance of Staphylococcus aureus (29), followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (20) and Burkholderia cepacia (3). In four cases we observed the same identifying a pathogen in samples of the nebulizer and the respiratory tract. A significant reduction of contamination (43,5%) was found after instruction of standard procedures of hygiene and disinfection of nebulizers, within an average of two months revaluation. Conclusions: The prevalence of contamination of nebulizers is high, which indicates the need for improvement in hygiene practices and disinfection of nebulizers for patients with CF. A single educational intervention may have significant impact

Pacientes com fibrose cística (FC) apresentam infecções respiratórias recorrentes e crônicas por patógenos peculiares e realizam inalações diariamente como parte de seu tratamento. É reconhecido que patógenos específicos são comumente isolados nestes nebulizadores e existe uma preocupação de que estes equipamentos possam contribuir como fonte de infecção bacteriana para as vias aéreas inferiores. Objetivo: Descrever os patógenos encontrados nos nebulizadores de uso domiciliar e nas amostras de trato respiratório de pacientes com FC e verificar a eficácia de uma técnica padronizada de higiene e desinfecção destes nebulizadores na redução da contaminação dos mesmos. Método: Quarenta pacientes com FC (22M:18F) com mediana de idade de 11,2 ± 3,74 anos e que utilizavam o nebulizador PRONEB/sistema PARI foram incluídos no estudo. Amostras dos nebulizadores foram coletadas do bocal e do copo reservatório utilizando-se um swab estéril umedecido em solução salina estéril. As amostras de trato respiratório dos pacientes foram colhidas por expectoração em coletor estéril ou com swab de orofaringe após estímulo de tosse. As culturas foram realizadas em meios seletivos e a identificação bacteriana feita através de provas bioquímicas clássicas. Instruções verbais e escritas de higiene e desinfecção dos nebulizadores foram ministradas. Resultados: A contaminação de alguma parte dos nebulizadores foi observada em 23/40 casos (57,5%). A contaminação do bocal e do copo foi similar, observada em 16 e 19 casos, respectivamente. Os patógenos mais comumente identificados foram Bacilos Gram negativos não fermentadores (sem identificação) (14), Staphylococcus coagulase negativo (13), Leveduras (12), Enterobacter sp. (5), Pseudomonas putida (7) e complexo Burkholderia cepacia (3). Nas amostras de trato respiratório houve um predomínio de Staphylococcus aureus (29), seguido de Pseudomonas aeruginosa (20) e complexo Burkholderia cepacia (3). Em 4 casos observou-se a identificação de um mesmo patógeno em amostras do nebulizador e do trato respiratório. Uma redução significativa da contaminação (43,5%) foi encontrada após instrução de técnica padronizada de higiene e desinfecção dos nebulizadores, num prazo médio de reavaliação de dois meses. Conclusões: A prevalência de contaminação dos nebulizadores é alta, o que indica a necessidade de melhoria nas práticas de higiene e desinfecção dos nebulizadores de pacientes com FC. Uma única intervenção educacional pode ter impacto significativo / Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) have chronic and recurrent respiratory infections by peculiar pathogens and perform inhalations daily as part of their treatment. It is recognized that specific pathogens are commonly isolated in these nebulizers and there is concern that these devices can contribute as a source of bacterial infection to the lower airways. Objective: To describe the pathogens found in home use of nebulizers and in respiratory samples of CF patients and evaluate the effectiveness of a standardized hygiene and disinfection in reducing the contamination. Methods: Forty patients with CF (22M: 18F) with a median age of 11.2 ± 3.74 years and who used the nebulizer Proneb / PARI system were included in the study. Samples were collected from the nebulizer mouthpiece and cup container using a sterile swab moistened with sterile saline. The respiratory samples of patients were collected by expectoration into a sterile swab or oropharyngeal after stimulation of cough. The cultures were performed on selective media and bacterial identification made by classical biochemical tests. Written and oral instructions regarding cleaning and disinfection of nebulizers were provided. Results: The contamination of any part of the nebulizer was observed in 23/40 cases (57.5%). Contamination of the mouthpiece and the cup container was similarly observed on 16 and 19 cases, respectively. The pathogens most commonly identified were Gram negative fermenters (unmarked) (14), coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (13), yeast (12), Enterobacter sp. (5) Pseudomonas putida (7) and Burkholderia cepacia (3). In respiratory samples there was a predominance of Staphylococcus aureus (29), followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (20) and Burkholderia cepacia (3). In four cases we observed the same identifying a pathogen in samples of the nebulizer and the respiratory tract. A significant reduction of contamination (43,5%) was found after instruction of standard procedures of hygiene and disinfection of nebulizers, within an average of two months revaluation. Conclusions: The prevalence of contamination of nebulizers is high, which indicates the need for improvement in hygiene practices and disinfection of nebulizers for patients with CF. A single educational intervention may have significant impact

One-third of American children under the age of 18 years and one in ten Canadian children aged 0-11 years are exposed to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) predisposing them to multiple health problems. Although several intervention strategies to reduce ETS exposure among children have been tested, to date there is not enough evidence to recommend one strategy over another. The objectives of this study were: (a) to test if parents' participation in an intervention based on an empowerment ideology and participatory experiences decreases the number of cigarettes smoked in homes; and (b) to identify barriers to making homes and vehicles smoke-free, as well as facilitators used by parents to manage these barriers. To enable informed decision-making on how to measure empowerment, a systematic review was conducted to identify questionnaires that best measure health-related empowerment among adults and in families. / In a randomized controlled trial, 36 families were allocated to the intervention (n=17) or control group (n=19). The six week intervention included three, two hour group sessions, followed by three follow-up telephone calls, all at weekly intervals. Data were collected in interviewer-administered questionnaires at baseline and at six months follow-up. / No significant difference was detected between the intervention and control groups in the number of cigarettes smoked in the home daily at six months follow-up. However empowerment increased and the number of cigarettes smoked in the home decreased in both the intervention and control groups from baseline (median=17) to six-month follow-up (median=5). / Parents identified multiple barriers to smoke-free homes and vehicles including personal factors, factors involving others, and factors related to the physical environment. The most commonly identified barriers to smoke-free homes were personal factors, with tobacco addiction cited most often. In describing how to overcome barriers, parents identified facilitators involving other people as most effective, yet they most often relied on themselves. None ofthe parents identified a health provider as a facilitator. The multiple and complex barriers identified in this study suggest that interventions and practice guidelines should incorporate multiple strategies and individualized approaches to assist parents to make their homes and vehicles smoke-free.

No description available.

Educational Foundations / M. Ed. (Socio Education)

Educational Foundations / M. Ed. (Socio Education)

With the quality of our South African public education system internationally in question we need to look into supplemental ways to improve the education of our country’s children. Numerous studies have shown that parental involvement has a positive effect on student academic achievement. This study aimed to quantitatively determine the current extent and types of parental involvement in the education of their school-going children, in single-parent/guardian and two-parent/guardian households in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. This included General Education and Training (GET) and Further Education and Training (FET) levels. The method of time-space sampling was used to administer a researcher-created questionnaire ‒ based on Epstein’s (2009) framework of six types of involvement ‒ pertaining to parents/guardians in the Durban CBD. The findings of the study resulted in recommendations pertaining to: the aspects of parental involvement that elicited low levels of involvement such as significant numbers of parents from single-parent households indicating that they would attend parent days at school if they were given a choice of possible attendance days; the need to identify and support parents that are unable to participate as much as they would like to by offering transportation for school meetings or activities, including school governing body and budget meetings; and the requests from parents/guardians regarding the use of technology in the form of sms communication in helping them to stay more informed regarding the progress etc. of their child at school. / ABET and Youth Development / M. Ed. (Adult Education)