Problem based learning in comparison with traditional learning on nursing students achievements at postpartum units

Aim: To compare between problem based learning and traditional learning on nursing students achievements at postpartum units

Study Question: Which is the best for nursing student achievements in postpartum units problem based learning or traditional learning 7

Justification: Nursing is a practice-based profession. There is a consensus that new educational models are required for nurses to develop their knowledge, skills, and abilities to be critical thinkers, independent decision makers, lifelong learners, effective team members and competent users of new information technologies. Therefore, researchers suggested the present study aiming for discovering the most effective learning modle for adequately preparing nursing students to face real hospital challenges, put their knowledge into action to enable their patients to move to health and enable the profession to grow and mature. A comparative, quasi-experimental study had been done at faculty of Nursing, Ain Shams University and postpartum units of Ain Shams University Maternity Hospital. After obtaining the official approval of both departmental and faculty counsel, A Convenient sampling technique was used as all third year nursing students [240] during year 2004-2005 were included in the study. Students were equally divided into two groups to be enrolled in obstetrics and gynecological nursing course then pediatrics nursing course exchangeable. The group enrolled in the obstetrics and gynecological nursing course first was subjected to traditional learning [control group], while the second group was subjected to problem based learning [study group]. Variables that might affect results of any of the used methods were controlled through unifying teaching staff for both groups and unifying time allowed for teach theoretical and practical aspects of the unit also by random selection of one theoretical assessment tool out of three developed and evaluated by external evaluator for being equally objective in assessing student's knowledge. The following tools were used for data collection: Structured Interviewing Questionnaire sheet, written exams to assess student theoretical achievements, unified observation check list to assess students practical achievements, opinionnaire sheet and three level Likert scale. Tools and data collection plan were modified based on pilot study findings Students included in the pilot study were included in the sample. Results indicated that both methods were effective in teaching post partum unit, however problem-based learning led to statistically significant improvement in students' achievements than traditional method In contrast students were more satisfied with traditional method than problem based learning this was so clear in their classifications to the method. Students recommendations was different in the two groups as students subjected to traditional learning recommended balance distribution of content and time with more clinical training to improve their practical achievements. While, students subjected to problem based learning recommended more smaller student number in group activity and more extra time for analyses of the given teaching scenario. Limitations of the study included inability to exclude students included in the pilot study that led to some contamination of the sample, as well limited places for small group activity and the available places were not designed to fit exchange of student ideas a case required more staff number for better guidance and control over the process

Use of alternative therapies for relief of dysmenorrheal pain: a clinical trial

Dysmenorrheal pain is the most common gynecological problem for menstruating women. Fifty percent of menstruating women are affected by dysmenorrheal pain and 10% have severe dysmenorrheal cycles, which greatly limit their activities for one to three days each month. Many consumers are currently seeking alternative therapies, which play an important role in treatment of menstrual disorders. The aim of this study was to measure the effect of alternative therapies for relieving pain with primary dysmenorrhea among students in the Faculty of Nursing, El Menia. The research hypothesis was that students who will follow the practice of alternative therapies, which include exercise, herbal therapy [peppermint and chamomile], and Trans-cutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation [TENS] will experience an alleviation of dysmenorrheal pain. This quasi-experimental study was conducted in the Faculty of Nursing at El-Menia University at beginning of October 2003. A stratified random sample technique was used on 300 student nurses from grades II, III, and IV. Their age ranged from 17 to 21 years. They were equally divided into three groups for each type of alternative therapies for relief of primary dysmenorrheal pain, namely, Trans-Cutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation [TENS], herbal, and exercise. The following tools were used for data collection self-administered questionnaire, and a modified pain intensity scale. A self-learning booklet was designed by the researchers and distributed as a guide to students for alternative therapies. The effect of alternative therapies on the characteristics of menstruation was assessed by comparing pre-trial and three-month follow-up data. A pilot study was done on 10% of the pre stated sample and according to its results tools were modified those students were excluded from the sample

Results: showed lower back and lower abdominal pain were the most common sites of pain. The compliance of students in the three groups was mostly satisfactory throughout the follow-up period of three months. There were statistically significant improvements in most characteristics of menstruation as well as pain and daily activities in all three groups

Conclusion: using alternative therapies has led to minimization of dysmenorrheal pain intensity, with improvement of its effect on daily activities and absenteeism. It is recommended that alternative therapies be more widely used and recommended by health care providers

Sexuality during menstruation and puerperium

The study aimed at: 1. Identification of common patterns of sexual practice during menstruation and pureperium. 2. Finding out various couples responses in relation to the patterns of sexual practice. 3. Identification of family problems directly related to patterns of sexual practice. The study was conducted at Ain Shams Maternity hospital, in the out-patient clinic. Three hundred Moslem women were interviewed using a structured interviewing questionnaire. The study revealed that, the patterns of sexual relation during menstruation and pureperium were; 46.3 percent stopped practicing, 25 percent practiced externally, 28.7 percent practiced internally [vaginal and anal.]. Regarding the couples responses, it was found that all husbands practiced internally felt satisfied, while 25 percent of their wives were not accepting, feeling dirty and guilty. 5 percent of women left home, 5 percent asked for divorce. The study recommended that, religious instructions should be given in the mosques concerning forbidden sexual patterns as well as accepted one, and circumstances surrounding it. In addition to premarital and marriage counseling services to be provided for newly married couples

effect of pregnancy on marital relation

The study was conducted in the maternity Ain Shams Hospital, out patient clinic. The aim is to study the effect of pregnancy on marital relation. The sample was a total of 200 women, 100 premigravidae and 100 multigravidae in different fertility age. Tool of data collection was a structured interview sheet developed particularly for this purpose and covers the physiological, psychological and sexual changes due to pregnancy during first, second and third trimester. It was found that, multiple factors appear to be implicated influencing a woman's sexual behavior during the pregnancy experience and the marital role is usually altered in some way by pregnancy

Health education programs for adolescent girls about menstruation

The aim of the study was to plan, implement and evaluate the effect of health education program about menstruation for adolescent girls. The program was carried out at Om El Abtal preparatory school for girls, on 300 girls [100 from each grade, 1[st], 2[nd] and 3[rd]]. The study revealed that the educational program effected significantly in improving adolescent knowledge as regards menstruation. The study recommended that mothers should receive health education regarding how to guide their daughters about menstruation

Premarital preparation program for university girls

The aim of the study was to plan, implement and evaluate the effect of the premarital preparation program on University Girls. The study was conducted at the High Institutes of Nursing: Ain-shams, Zagazig and Assiut Universities. The sample entails all first and fourth year students. The study revealed that; the students knowledge as regards premarital preparation of marriage was improved significantly after implementation of the program. There is a culture influence on students attitudes toward sex education. The study recommended that, sex education should be introduced in the curricula of different levels of education