Smart-thing design by children at a distance: How to engage them and make them learn

In recent years, research in Child-Computer Interaction has shifted the focus from design with children, giving them a voice in the design process, to design by children to bring child participants different benefits, such as engagement and learning. However, design workshops, encompassing different stages, are challenging in terms of engagement and learning, e.g., they require prolonged commitment and concentration. They are potentially more challenging when held at a distance, as in recent years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper explores at-a-distance smart-thing design by children, how it can engage different children and support their learning in programming. The paper reports a series of design workshops with 20 children, aged from 8 to 16 years old, all held at a distance. They were all organised with the DigiSNaP design framework and toolkit. The first workshop enabled children to explore what smart things are, to start ideating their own smart things and to scaffold their programming. The other workshops enabled children to evolve their own smart-thing ideas and programs. Data were gathered in relation to children's engagement and learning from different sources. Results are promising for future editions of smart-thing design at a distance or in a hybrid modality. They are discussed along with guidelines for smart-thing design by children at a distance. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

Differences in traumatic stress among youth with and without chronic medical conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic

Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic is the deadliest pandemic in American history. This study aims to assess the differences in youth reported traumatic stress among those with and without chronic illness, and how those reports are impacted by parental level of concern regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Using convenience sampling, parents and their children completed a series of questionnaires focused on demographic information including questions about medical conditions, parental level of concern about COVID-19, and youth-report of posttraumatic stress symptoms. Results: Results of the anonymous survey (n = 164) found that parental reported level of concern of COVID-19 significantly predicted youth report of posttraumatic stress symptoms (F(4, 159) = 2.607, p = .038). There was no significant difference in youth-report of posttraumatic stress symptoms between youth with and without chronic medical conditions (F(1, 162) = .438, p = .509). Conclusions: Children often look to their parents for guidance during stressful life events, as confirmed by our findings. Parental emotional and behavioral responses may influence how youth make sense of highly stressful events and should be considered when determining intervention strategies in the COVID-19 era. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved) Impact Statement This study found that youth with and without chronic health conditions did not differ in their report of posttraumatic stress 6 months after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, youth report of traumatic stress symptoms was predicted by their parents' level of concern regarding the impact of COVID-19 on their families, suggesting the need for targeted parent-based intervention. Clinical interventions to prevent chronic posttraumatic stress responses in youth regardless of medical comorbidity are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

Effect of COVID-19 lockdown on sleep behavior and screen exposure time: An observational study among Indian school children

Lockdown is an important measure that has been globally adopted to reduce the spread of the contagious disease caused by SARS CoV-2. The imposed schedule and confinement led to extensive use of digital media and rise in sedentary activity drastically. The escalated duration of screen exposure causes disruption in sleep behavior. An online survey was conducted to comprehend the effect of lockdown on sleep behavior and screen exposure time on school children. Screen exposure time involved with various electronic gadgets was also analyzed. It was observed that the social jet lag and sleep debt were significantly less during lockdown than before it. Inertia during lockdown significantly increased. The difference between screen exposure time on weekdays before lockdown and weekends during lockdown was identified to be the highest. Three clusters based on sleep behavior and duration of screen time were identified of which Cluster 2 revealed simultaneous existence of high sleep duration and screen time. These baseline data on sleep parameters and duration of exposure to the screen will help us in devising approaches to mitigate the evident disruption this unprecedented phase has brought about. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

The effect of a global pandemic on students' social emotional competencies

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of COVID-19 on youth's social emotional competencies. Specifically, this study examined whether there was a significant difference in social emotional competency proficiency levels of self-management, social awareness, and emotion regulation as measured by the Panorama SEL Survey from October 2019 to October 2021 in fifth through twelfth grade students who attended a large, diverse suburban school district in Illinois. This study showed statistically significant differences in students' proficiency levels, which increased for self-management and decreased for social awareness and emotion regulation. Based on these results, school district leaders should consider investing funds to increase interventions and strategies for students regarding social awareness and emotion regulation. Future research should consider analyzing mindfulness interventions implemented as well as the different demographic subgroups with pre-pandemic and during-pandemic data. An extension study with additional years from the same cohort may also provide meaningful insights to school district leaders. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

Reader identity in the shadow of COVID

Reader identity has long been associated with reading success and is based on social interactions happening in conjunction with reading tasks. Social feedback, observational comparison, and progress are three of the sources of self-perceptions that inform reader identity. During the COVID pandemic, schools employed various safety protocols, including learning online or in a hybrid format, and social distancing and wearing masks when in school. These safety measures inhibited social interaction and communication (both verbal and non-verbal). Since reader identity is informed by social interactions, this descriptive research explored the state of reader identity among middle school students in the wake of safety protocols that limited social interactions. Eighty-nine students completed a modified version of the Reader Self-Perception Scale-2 (Henk, Marinak, & Melnick, 2012) to identify how students view their own reader identities. Contrary to what was expected, reader identity has not altered much throughout the pandemic. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

Parents' lived experiences with the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected people across the globe. We explored 11 parents' experiences with the pandemic and identified eight themes: (a) educational experience, (b) navigating roles and responsibilities, (c) recognizing privilege, (d) routine, (e) monitoring and communication about COVID, (f) vacillating emotions, (g) connection, and (h) meaningful experiences. We discuss the themes and implications for counseling. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on physical activity and anxiety levels of young mental health patients and their parents

Introduction: One restriction measure during the COVID-19 pandemic period was the closure of sport-related facilities, generating substantial anxiety. This study analyzed longitudinal changes in anxiety and physical activity (PA) levels in young people (YP) attending a community child and adolescent mental health service, and their parents/caregivers from 2020 to 2022. Method: This quantitatively driven convergent mixed-methods cohort study utilized validated scoring tools (GAD-7/GLTEQ) as the core quantitative component, and open-ended questions as the supplementary qualitative component. The quantitative and qualitative data were statistically analyzed, and both results were integrated. Questionnaires were distributed in August-October 2020 (Phase 1: At the peak of restriction period), August-October 2021 (Phase 2: During gradual removal of restrictions) and August-October 2022 (Phase 3: When all restrictions were removed). Results: Parent/caregiver's anxiety levels significantly reduced from Phase 1 to Phase 3. Results revealed non-significant improvements in YP's PA levels from Phase 1 to Phase 3. PA levels in YP were significantly higher than those of parents/caregivers throughout all Phases. A significant negative correlation was revealed between PA and anxiety levels in parents/caregivers throughout all Phases. The fear of getting infected, lifting of restrictive measures, vaccination benefits, and pandemic-induced social/financial struggles were common themes generated from the qualitative comments. Conclusion: The authors recommend PA promotional campaigns and incentives during such restrictive periods, helping the population's mental well-being. The high attrition rates in this study may decrease its generalizability. However, the results generated from this innovative study may serve as a platform for future research carried out during traumatic periods. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the hospitalization trends in a third level Child Neuropsychiatry Unit

Introduction: The COVID-19 outbreak and related confinement measures have disturbed the psychological well-being of young children and adolescents, especially in at-risk groups. Aim of the study was to evaluate the trend and severity of children' and adolescents' neuropsychiatric diseases in the context of a prolonged state of confinement measures. Materials and Methods: Data were retrospectively collected from all subjects aged between 4 and 16 years +/- 6 months, admitted to the Child Neuropsychiatry ward of the Gaslini Children Hospital between 01/01/20 and 30/05/21. Demographic and clinical characteristics were noted for each subject. Subjects were then divided in admitted before or after COVID outbreak, considered as the 9th Match 2020. Data of psychiatric patients about subjects' functioning (Children Global Assessment Scale, C-GAS) and disease severity (Global Impression- Severity, CGI-S) were collected. Results: Of 561 inpatients, 105 were admitted before the COVID-19 outbreak and 456 after, with an absolute increment of 30% for psychiatric diseases compared to neurological ones (33/105, 31.43% before vs. 187/456, 41.0% after;p = .013). For psychiatric diseases, there was an increase in the hospitalization duration (3.91 +/- 4.07 vs. 13.02 +/- 4.25;p = .04), an increase of subjects with previous neuropsychiatric disorders (27.7%, 9/33 vs. 47.7%, 89/187;p = .034), a decrease of CGAS scores (56,24 +/- 13,87 vs. 51,63 +/- 17,797;p = .050) and an increase disease severity worsening (CGI-S 3.76 +/- 1.12 vs. 4. 48 +/- 1.36;p = .006). In the female gender and in the ethnic minorities' subgroup, number of hospitalizations have statistically increased, with CGI-S and CGAS scores more impaired after the COVID-19 outbreak. On multivariate analysis, being female, having a previous psychiatric diagnosis, and belonging to an ethnic minority appeared to influence patients' overall impairment index (p < .005). Conclusions: The COVID-19 outbreak and the measures adopted to contain the virus spread had an impact on the severity of the course of psychiatric admissions, with greater influence on subjects who were already psychologically vulnerable, female, and who belonged to ethnic minorities. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved) (Italian) Introduzione: Lo scoppio della pandemia da COVID-19 e le relative misure di confinamento hanno minato il benessere psicologico della popolazione in eta evolutiva, soprattutto nelle categorie a rischio. Scopo dello studio e stato quello di valutare andamento e gravita dei soggetti accolti per patologia neuropsichiatrica nel contesto di uno stato prolungato di prosecuzione di misure di contenimento del contagio. Materiali e metodi: Sono state retrospettivamente raccolti i dati di tutti i soggetti di eta compresa fra 4 e 16 anni +/- 6 mesi ricoverati presso la UO di Neuropsichiatria Infantile dell'Ospedale Gaslini tra lo 01/01/20 e il 30/05/21. Per ciascun caso sono state annotate le caratteristiche demografiche e cliniche. I soggetti sono stati divisi tra ricoverati prima e dopo l'inizio della pandemia, considerato come data il 9 marzo 2020. Per i casi psichiatrici sono state applicate scale di funzionamento Children Global Assessment Scale (C-GAS) e di gravita Global Imression-Severity (CGI-S). Risultati: Di 561 accessi, 105 sono avvenuti preCOVID e 456 postCOVID, con un incremento assoluto del 30% degli accessi per patologia psichiatrica rispetto a quella neurologica (33/105, 31,4% preCOVID vs 187/456, 41,0% postCOVID;p = ,013). Per la patologia psichiatrica, si e assistito ad un aumento dei giorni di ospedalizzazione (3,91 +/- 4,07 vs 13,02 +/- 4,25;p = ,04), un aumento dei soggetti con precedente diagnosi neuropsichiatrica (27,7%, 9/33 vs 47,7%, 89/187;p = ,034), una diminuzione dei punteggi CGAS (56,24 +/- 13,87 vs 51,63 +/- 17,797;p = ,050) ed un aumento della gravita di patologia (CGI-S 3,76 +/- 1,12 vs 4,48 +/- 1,36;p = ,006). Nel sottogruppo di soggetti di genere femminile e delle minoranze etniche, i ricoveri per patologia psichiatrica sono risultati significativamente aumentati con punteggi CGI-S e CGAS maggiormente compromessi dopo lo scoppio del COVID-19. All'analisi multivariata, il sesso femminile, una pregressa diagnosi psichiatrica e l'appartenenza a minoranze etniche appaiono avere un effetto sull'indice di compromissione globale dei pazienti (p < ,005). Conclusioni: La pandemia da COVID-19 e le misure adottate per contenere il contagio hanno impattato la gravita del decorso dei ricoveri neuropsichiatrici, con maggiore effetto su soggetti gia fragili, di genere femminile ed appartenenti a minoranze etniche. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

Parental perception of the relationship between stress responses and the changes in lifestyle habits of elementary school students during a temporary leave of absence for COVID-19

This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between stress responses and the lifestyle habit changes of elementary school students during a temporary leave of absence from school during measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 infections. We surveyed 637 parents of elementary school students about their lifestyle habit changes and stress responses during their temporary leave and finally analyzed 510 subjects. Variance analysis, showed that there were significant differences in "irregular sleep," "disordered eating habits," and "increased use of games and smartphones," but the effect size was small. When the correlation was calculated, "disordered eating habits" was associated with all stress responses, and six lifestyle-related changes were associated with lethargy. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

The impact of COVID-19 on the family and working life of fathers with young children

This study examined the impact of COVID-19 on the working style of fathers raising young children and its influence on their family and working life. Fathers with full-time jobs (N = 606) participated in this study in August 2020. The results indicated the following conclusions, (a) Only fathers in certain conditions (desk work, college graduate, high income, etc.) increased the number of days working from home, (b) The fathers who worked from home because of COVID-19 reported "doing family" (active, responsive, and generative involvement in the family) more than others, (c) The fathers who worked from home and had working spouses negotiated more with their spouses and work colleagues, (d) Changes in working style increased "doing family," and improved satisfaction with family and work, and the satisfaction with their lives. Actualizing fathers' life careers through the societal change of work environments was discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

Anxiety in early adolescents during the Covid-19 pandemic: The role of intolerance of uncertainty and cognitive emotion regulation

Introduction: Anxiety is one of the most common psychological problems in children, with an increasing trend during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study examines the mediating role of intolerance of uncertainty and cognitive emotion-regulation strategies in the relationship between stress and anxiety symptoms of children and early adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We conducted the study with 234 elementary school students (128 females) aged 11 to 15 years. The students completed the COVID-19 Stress Scale, Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale, Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale for Children, and the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire. To determine whether stress affects anxiety symptoms both directly and indirectly through intolerance of uncertainty and cognitive emotion-regulation strategies, we performed a mediation analysis with gender as a covariate. Results: Our results confirmed cognitive emotion regulation and intolerance of uncertainty as important cognitive vulnerability factors for anxiety in children and adolescents. A stressful experience contributes directly to anxiety and indirectly through higher intolerance of uncertainty and less adaptive strategies. The results serve to further improve prevention and intervention programs for children and adolescents which focus on correcting maladaptive cognitive emotion-regulation strategies and increasing tolerance of uncertainty. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

SARS-COVID-19 pandemia: Neuropsychological and educational consequences in developmental age

The tension caused by the SARS-COVID pandemia has led to severe emotional stress in children, especially in pre-adolescent age. The study investigates whether there are emotional-behavioral repercussions due to the pandemia in the sample of 11-year-old children analyzed and it assesses how these have affected their mental health. Our study showed that the pupils, both male and female, had quite significant levels of anxiety on the internalizing scale, while on the externalizing scale it was the male sample who obtained a higher score. These elements were globally perceived by the teachers in the class group, but hardly identified in the individual pupils. It would therefore be useful to start psychological activities and paths capable of enhancing the experience of each subject involved in the world of education and schools, in particular for teachers and their pupils. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved) (Italian) La tensione causata dalla pandemia da SARS-COVID ha portato nei bambini, soprattutto in eta preadolescenziale, un forte stress emotivo. Lo studio indaga se nel campione di bambini di 11 anni analizzato sono presenti ripercussioni emotivo-comportamentali dovute alla pandemia e valuta come queste abbiano inciso sulla loro salute mentale. Dal nostro studio e emerso che gli alunni, sia maschi che femmine, presentavano livelli d'ansia nella scala internalizzante alquanto significativi, mentre nella scala esternalizzante era il campione maschile a ottenere un punteggio maggiore. Tali elementi sono stati globalmente percepiti dagli insegnanti nel gruppo classe, ma difficilmente identificati nei singoli alunni. Sarebbe utile, percio, avviare attivita e percorsi psicologici in grado di valorizzare l'esperienza di ogni soggetto coinvolto nel mondo educativo e scolastico, in particolare per gli insegnanti e i loro alunni. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

A pilot study of gender minority stress, allostatic load, and sleep in transgender and gender expansive adolescents and young adults

Transgender and gender expansive adolescents and young adults (AYA) experience a high burden of mental and physical health sequelae, which is linked to gender minority stress. Few reports have examined gender minority AYA sleep health, which may lie at a unique intersection of developmental and social risk. Little is known about the role of gender minority stress or protective factors on sleep health. A sample of 40 transgender and gender expansive AYA, ages 12-24 years old, engaged in gender-affirming medical care at an urban medical center completed study surveys, which captured information on multiple dimensions of sleep health and behaviors, gender minority stress, parental support, and other demographic information. Health data was also extracted from participant's EMR. Gender minority stress (gender victimization and nonaffirmation), parental support, and allostatic load (AL), as measures by retrospective EMR-reported biomarkers, were examined as predictors of sleep health domains. Exploratory analyses testing the relationship between sleep, AL, and gender minority stress were also performed. Contrary to extant literature, the majority of participants reported good sleep quality. Results showed that other areas of participants' sleep health were comparable to population rates reported in the literature. Findings should be considered within the context of national changes in sleep patterns and behaviors that occurred during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, which overlapped with study enrollment. Parental support and gender victimization was not associated with sleep health. Gender nonaffirmation was found to be associated with sleep quality, however this relationship was attenuated when controlling for depressive symptoms and age. Weekday sleep latency was also associated with AL. Exploratory analyses examining the contribution of gender minority stress and AL yielded mixed results. Despite mixed findings, this report extends the current body of knowledge on sleep health among gender minority AYA. This is the first investigation of gender minority stress and protective factors as well as AL in relation to sleep health among gender minority AYA. Findings contribute to biocultural research efforts aimed at promoting health equity among transgender and gender expansive youth as well as highlight areas of future investigation. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

Competence of the distance-learning portal 'Darsak' with Jordan's K-12 curriculum/university education

Curriculum development is the fundamental component of high-quality education, particularly in primary and secondary school education during Covid-19, which requires modern researchers' attention. Thus, the current research explores the impact of distance learning, student interest, and teachers' abilities on curriculum creation in Jordanian elementary and secondary schools. Additionally, the present study examines the moderating effect of institutional support on the relationship between remote learning, student interest, teacher abilities, and curriculum development in Jordanian K-12 schools. The researchers gathered primary data via surveys and evaluated it with smart-PLS. The findings established a positive correlation between distance learning, student interest, teachers' abilities, and curriculum development. The results also reveal that institutional support considerably modifies the relationship between distance learning, student interest, teacher abilities, and curriculum development in Jordanian K-12 schools. This research serves as a guide for legislators as they draught regulations governing curricular development. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

The impact of COVID-19 on emotional, social, and behavioral health in adolescents with preexisting mental health concerns: A qualitative study

Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a decline in well-being for many adolescents. However, the impact of COVID-19 on mental health outcomes among adolescents remains understudied. The current study qualitatively examined the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on adolescents with mental health concerns prior to the pandemic. Methods: We enrolled 20 adolescents who were engaged in care through an Adolescent Health Specialty Clinic prior to COVID-19. Participants were 12- to 19 years old who experienced mental health concerns prior to COVID-19 and experienced declining mental health (e.g., new mental health diagnosis or increased severity of previous mental health diagnosis reported during clinical visit or documented in medical chart) during the pandemic. In-depth interviews were conducted, and inductive coding was applied to transcripts to identify emergent themes. Results: Five key themes were identified: manifestations of declining mental health, loss of motivation, changes to social relationships, use of social media, and coping mechanisms. Adverse mental health outcomes were provoked by experiences of loneliness and social isolation, especially due to school closures which disrupted routines, access to educational and social support, and key cultural milestones. The increased uses of social media and illicit substances were notable coping strategies. Conclusions: Findings from this study strengthen our understanding of the key factors influencing the psychosocial well-being of adolescents during the pandemic. Our results may help inform researchers, clinicians, and policymakers to develop guidelines and community-based strategies for mitigating the potentially negative effects of future pandemic-related disruptions to mental health among adolescents. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved) Impact Statement The current study examined the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on adolescents with mental health concerns prior to the pandemic. Results emphasize the importance of obtaining first-hand perspectives from adolescents to optimize their care. Providers should prioritize mental health and substance use screening given the impact of the pandemic. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

Families' perception of children's academic performance during the COVID-19 lockdown

The COVID-19 pandemic forced many countries to impose a strict lockdown policy on citizens during a prolonged period of time, which led to changes in lifestyle habits. This unprecedented situation has given rise to numerous studies aimed at determining the effects of the changes brought about by this widespread lockdown. One of the important changes was the digitisation of education and, therefore, teaching, which caused a forced and abrupt immersion in distance learning. In this study, a quantitative methodology based on an ex post facto research design was used with the aim of analysing the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on the academic performance of schoolchildren (aged 3-12 years). A total of 529 parents completed an ad hoc questionnaire on the impact of COVID-19 on their children's education in Spain. The results produced a robust model based on structural equations that explain 39.7% of the variance in academic performance at home. The family-school relationship was the variable with the greatest explanatory weight ( beta = .505;p < .05). In conclusion, the benefits derived from a strong relationship between families and schools, evidenced by the creation of cooperation and communication links, facilitate the management of shared educational challenges such as on-line education in times of crises. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved) (Spanish) La situacion generada por el obligado confinamiento a la sociedad por la COVID-19 ha llevado, en muchos paises, a cambios en los habitos de vida que han generado numerosos estudios para conocer los efectos de esta nueva situacion social. Un importante cambio fue la digitalizacion del trabajo y, por ende, de la ensenanza, provocando la inmersion forzada en una educacion escolar a distancia de una manera abrupta. Se realizo un estudio empleando metodologia cuantitativa y basado en un diseno ex post facto, con el objetivo de analizar el impacto que ha tenido el confinamiento por COVID-19 en el desempeno de los escolares (de 3 a 12 anos de edad). Un total de 529 participantes completaron el cuestionario CIEN (Cuestionario sobre el Impacto Educativo en la Infancia) sobre impacto educativo de la COVID-19 en sus hijas e hijos escolarizados en Espana. Los resultados arrojaron un modelo robusto basado en ecuaciones estructurales que explico el 39,7% de la varianza en el desempeno escolar en casa, siendo la relacion familia-escuela, la variable que revelo mayor peso explicativo ( beta = .505;p < .05). En conclusion, los beneficios derivados de una relacion entre la familia y la escuela, patente en el establecimiento de lazos de comunicacion y cooperacion, facilitan el afrontamiento de retos educativos compartidos tales como la educacion a distancia en tiempos de COVID-19. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

Vaccinator communication interventions to address HPV vaccine hesitancy

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is an effective public health tool to decrease the rates of HPV-related cancers in our communities. Vaccine hesitancy can undermine this effort, and interventions are needed to inform and assist individuals/parents in decision-making to receive vaccines. The COVID-19 pandemic and newly developed vaccines have increased attention and made families hesitant about vaccines. Receiving a provider's strong recommendation for the vaccine is one of the strongest predictors of HPV vaccine uptake. However, not all providers have the knowledge and skills to provide the best approach for families and patients. The primary communication method has been the presumptive approach. However, this may not work well with vaccine-hesitant individuals. Would another evidence-based approach, such as motivational interviewing (MI), improve vaccine uptake? A study analysis showed that the presumptive strategy remains proven;however, the MI communication strategy was less proven. However, an evidence-based intervention, DOSE HPV, endorsed by the National Cancer Institute showed promise. This DNP project implemented a quality improvement project in a public immunization clinic using the DOSE HPV model as a framework. The project purpose aimed to improve HPV vaccination rates in individuals aged 11-24 years. Staff participants received education on HPV 101 and two communication strategies, presumptive and MI approaches. The project data demonstrated a 5% increase in vaccine uptake for those aged 11-12 years and staff participants rated the educational presentation favorably. This DNP project potentially may be duplicated to include other vaccines, especially the COVID vaccine or other applications changing health behavior. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

Virtual procedural facilitator training with video modeling: Impact on the opinion writing of elementary school-aged children with autism spectrum disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) impacts one in every 44 children in the United States (CDC, 2022) and is characterized by marked deficits in social communication with the presence of restricted interests and repetitive behaviors. Students with ASD are increasingly being educated in the general education classroom and are expected to meet the curricular demands thereof (Roberts & Webster, 2020). Due to the core features of their disability, these students often experience significant challenges in written expression. Writing, across content areas, is a primary means in which student learning is measured and evaluated. The COVID-19 pandemic forced educators to explore the use of technology, through the application of synchronous and asynchronous instructional models, to meet the needs of all students while also providing access to Evidence Based Practices (EBPs) and rigorous content (Cox et al., 2021). This study examined the effects of an intervention package consisting of video modeling and virtual coaching on the use of a procedural facilitator (PF) as a planning tool on the overall written quality of the opinion writing with elementary school-aged children with ASD. Writing quality was measured by the presence of planned paragraph elements, Correct Word Sequences (CWS), and Total Words Written (TWW). The significance, acceptability, and effectiveness of the intervention package was also explored. Results indicate a functional relationship between the intervention package and the presence of planned paragraph elements. The intervention package did not directly impact CWS or TWW. Participant perceptions of the intervention package were generally positive. Caregiver perceptions of the intervention package were generally positive. Implications of the present study are discussed along with limitations and recommendations for future research. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

Educational participation of young refugees in the context of digitized settings

This article focuses on the educational participation of young refugees in the context of digitalized settings. Education policies often consider digital media beneficial for the educational participation of disadvantaged groups, or vulnerable groups facing many challenges in education and society, such as young people with a forced migration background. Moreover, digital media are highly relevant in the everyday lives of young refugees. Our 3-5-year (02/2019-07/2022) research project focuses on the trans-organizational orientation occurring in different everyday media-permeated life contexts of young refugees, which includes the formal educational setting of school, the non-formal setting of child and youth welfare, and informal contexts in the everyday life of young refugees. Through combining grounded theory, ethnography, and neo-praxeological methodologies, organizational cross-connections and cross-relations were revealed in practices and arrangements, involving digital artifacts as well as human actors. This article presents methodological insights into distributed educational practices concerning understanding information, acquiring knowledge, and developing agency in which digital media are implicated. Emerging dimensions of educational inequalities within digitalized educational contexts, which became apparent during lockdown periods in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

Comparing Canadian fourth graders' print and internet literacy: Contributions of motivation and early home literacy experiences

Recent education-based challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as a growing need to read and understand multiple internet-based sources in both academic and daily life, have highlighted the importance of better understanding how children read and learn both online and in traditional print-based environments. Previous research suggests that there may be some differences in the ways children approach and process internet-based and print-based literacy-focused tasks. Research has also demonstrated a strong link between student motivational factors, early home-based literacy experiences and reading comprehension, but it is unclear if these factors contribute equally to print-based and internet reading comprehension. The current study used data of 4451 students from the Canadian sample of the PIRLS 2016 study, an international literacy study designed to assess fourth grade students' print-based reading comprehension and internet literacy. Students' home and early literacy experiences and motivation were examined in relation to their print-based reading comprehension of informational text (PIRLS) and internet literacy scores (ePIRLS). Results showed a statistically significant positive relation between early home literacy and both print-based reading comprehension and internet literacy as well as between motivation and each reading outcome. Additionally, a mediation model demonstrated that print-based reading comprehension only partially mediates the relation between home literacy and internet literacy as well as the relation between motivation and internet literacy. This study highlights the importance of focusing on factors that influence children's internet literacy, above and beyond print-based reading comprehension. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)