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Search Results (886)

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Keywords = open-ended questions

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10 pages, 216 KiB  
Article
Integrating Advance Care Planning into End-of-Life Education: Nursing Students’ Reflections on Advance Health Care Directive and Five Wishes Assignments
by Therese Doan and Sumiyo Brennan
Nurs. Rep. 2025, 15(8), 270; https://doi.org/10.3390/nursrep15080270 - 28 Jul 2025
Abstract
Background/Objectives: End-of-life care is a vital part of nursing education that has been overlooked until recent years. Advance care planning should be incorporated into the prelicensure nursing curriculum to build student nurses’ confidence in aiding patients and families with their preferred future [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: End-of-life care is a vital part of nursing education that has been overlooked until recent years. Advance care planning should be incorporated into the prelicensure nursing curriculum to build student nurses’ confidence in aiding patients and families with their preferred future care plans. Advance care planning tools, such as the Advance Health Care Directive (AHCD) and Five Wishes, provide experiential learning opportunities that bridge theoretical knowledge with real-world patient advocacy. In this study, students were asked to complete either the AHCD or Five Wishes document as though planning for their own end-of-life care, encouraging personal reflection and professional insight. Embedding these assignments into nursing education strengthens students’ confidence in facilitating end-of-life discussions. This study applied Kolb’s experiential learning theory, including concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization, and active experimentation, to explore student nurses’ perspectives on the Advance Health Care Directive and Five Wishes assignments, as well as their understanding of end-of-life care. Methods: This study used an exploratory–descriptive qualitative design featuring one open-ended question to collect students’ views on the assignments. Results: The final sample comprised 67 prelicensure student nurses from Bachelor of Science and Entry-Level Master’s programs. The Advance Health Care Directive and/or Five Wishes assignment enhanced students’ understanding of end-of-life decision-making. Conclusions: It is essential to complete the assignment and immerse oneself in an end-of-life situation to grasp patients’ perspectives and concerns regarding when to engage in difficult conversations with their patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nursing Education and Leadership)
26 pages, 338 KiB  
Article
ChatGPT as a Stable and Fair Tool for Automated Essay Scoring
by Francisco García-Varela, Miguel Nussbaum, Marcelo Mendoza, Carolina Martínez-Troncoso and Zvi Bekerman
Educ. Sci. 2025, 15(8), 946; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15080946 - 23 Jul 2025
Viewed by 163
Abstract
The evaluation of open-ended questions is typically performed by human instructors using predefined criteria to uphold academic standards. However, manual grading presents challenges, including high costs, rater fatigue, and potential bias, prompting interest in automated essay scoring systems. While automated essay scoring tools [...] Read more.
The evaluation of open-ended questions is typically performed by human instructors using predefined criteria to uphold academic standards. However, manual grading presents challenges, including high costs, rater fatigue, and potential bias, prompting interest in automated essay scoring systems. While automated essay scoring tools can assess content, coherence, and grammar, discrepancies between human and automated scoring have raised concerns about their reliability as standalone evaluators. Large language models like ChatGPT offer new possibilities, but their consistency and fairness in feedback remain underexplored. This study investigates whether ChatGPT can provide stable and fair essay scoring—specifically, whether identical student responses receive consistent evaluations across multiple AI interactions using the same criteria. The study was conducted in two marketing courses at an engineering school in Chile, involving 40 students. Results showed that ChatGPT, when unprompted or using minimal guidance, produced volatile grades and shifting criteria. Incorporating the instructor’s rubric reduced this variability but did not eliminate it. Only after providing an example-rich rubric, a standardized output format, low temperature settings, and a normalization process based on decision tables did ChatGPT-4o demonstrate consistent and fair grading. Based on these findings, we developed a scalable algorithm that automatically generates effective grading rubrics and decision tables with minimal human input. The added value of this work lies in the development of a scalable algorithm capable of automatically generating normalized rubrics and decision tables for new questions, thereby extending the accessibility and reliability of automated assessment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Technology Enhanced Education)
12 pages, 238 KiB  
Article
To Self-Treat or Not to Self-Treat: Evaluating the Diagnostic, Advisory and Referral Effectiveness of ChatGPT Responses to the Most Common Musculoskeletal Disorders
by Ufuk Arzu and Batuhan Gencer
Diagnostics 2025, 15(14), 1834; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15141834 - 21 Jul 2025
Viewed by 286
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The increased accessibility of information has resulted in a rise in patients trying to self-diagnose and opting for self-medication, either as a primary treatment or as a supplement to medical care. Our objective was to evaluate the reliability, comprehensibility, and readability [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The increased accessibility of information has resulted in a rise in patients trying to self-diagnose and opting for self-medication, either as a primary treatment or as a supplement to medical care. Our objective was to evaluate the reliability, comprehensibility, and readability of the responses provided by ChatGPT 4.0 when queried about the most prevalent orthopaedic problems, thus ascertaining the occurrence of misguidance and the necessity for an audit of the disseminated information. Methods: ChatGPT 4.0 was presented with 26 open-ended questions. The responses were evaluated by two observers using a Likert scale in the categories of diagnosis, recommendation, and referral. The scores from the responses were subjected to subgroup analysis according to the area of interest (AoI) and anatomical region. The readability and comprehensibility of the chatbot’s responses were analyzed using the Flesch–Kincaid Reading Ease Score (FRES) and Flesch–Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL). Results: The majority of the responses were rated as either ‘adequate’ or ‘excellent’. However, in the diagnosis category, a significant difference was found in the evaluation made according to the AoI (p = 0.007), which is attributed to trauma-related questions. No significant difference was identified in any other category. The mean FKGL score was 7.8 ± 1.267, and the mean FRES was 52.68 ± 8.6. The average estimated reading level required to understand the text was considered as “high school”. Conclusions: ChatGPT 4.0 facilitates the self-diagnosis and self-treatment tendencies of patients with musculoskeletal disorders. However, it is imperative for patients to have a robust understanding of the limitations of chatbot-generated advice, particularly in trauma-related conditions. Full article
16 pages, 364 KiB  
Article
Out-of-Field Teaching in Craft Education as a Part of Early STEM: The Situation at German Elementary Schools
by Johanna Beutin, Mona Arndt and Stefan Blumenthal
Educ. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 926; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15070926 - 21 Jul 2025
Viewed by 206
Abstract
The shortage of skilled professionals in technical fields is further compounded by a lack of qualified teachers in STEM subjects, particularly in craft education, which is vital for developing technical competencies at the elementary level. The present study investigates the professionalisation of teachers [...] Read more.
The shortage of skilled professionals in technical fields is further compounded by a lack of qualified teachers in STEM subjects, particularly in craft education, which is vital for developing technical competencies at the elementary level. The present study investigates the professionalisation of teachers in craft education and explores the prevalence and reasons for out-of-field teaching across three German federal states. The data presented herein were collected through an online survey administered in 2023 among teaching professionals in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Sachsen, and Thüringen. The questionnaire was disseminated via head teachers to 1467 elementary schools, yielding a self-selection sample of 284 craft education teachers. The survey incorporated both closed- and open-ended questions, encompassing inquiries into teacher qualifications, subject-specific competence, and lesson planning. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively. The evaluation of open-ended responses employed a content-structuring content analysis approach, utilising categories that were inductively developed. The findings indicate that a considerable proportion of craft education is taught by educators who lack formal qualifications, thereby giving rise to concerns regarding the quality of instruction. The underlying factors contributing to this phenomenon include teacher shortages, personal interests, prior experience, and limited professional development opportunities. The findings emphasise the pressing necessity for enhanced teacher education and targeted training programmes to bolster instructional quality in technically oriented subjects. Full article
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21 pages, 842 KiB  
Article
A Fresh Perspective on Freshwater Data Management and Sharing: Exploring Insights from the Technology Sector
by Jess Kidd, Nathanael T. Bergbusch, Graham Epstein, Geoffrey Gunn, Heidi Swanson and Simon C. Courtenay
Water 2025, 17(14), 2153; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17142153 - 19 Jul 2025
Viewed by 224
Abstract
It is well established that effective management and restoration of freshwater ecosystems is often limited by the availability of reusable data. Although numerous public, private, and nonprofit organizations collect data from freshwater ecosystems, much of what is collected remains inaccessible or unusable by [...] Read more.
It is well established that effective management and restoration of freshwater ecosystems is often limited by the availability of reusable data. Although numerous public, private, and nonprofit organizations collect data from freshwater ecosystems, much of what is collected remains inaccessible or unusable by Rights holders and end users (including researchers, practitioners, community members, and decision-makers). In Canada, the federal government plans to improve freshwater data sharing practices through the newly formed Canada Water Agency, which is currently drafting a National Freshwater Data Strategy. Our study aimed to support these efforts by synthesizing insights from the technology sector, where data management and sharing practices are more mature. We interviewed 12 experts from the technology sector, asking them for advice on how to improve data sharing practices in the freshwater science sector. Using a Reflexive Thematic Analysis of participants’ responses to semi-structured interview questions, we identified nine broad recommendations. Recommendations centred on motivating open data sharing, promoting data reuse through data licences, training and skill building, and developing standards and digital solutions that enable data discovery, accessibility, interoperability, and reuse. These recommendations can support the numerous initiatives that are working to improve access to high-quality freshwater data and help address the pressing crisis of global freshwater ecosystem degradation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biodiversity and Functionality of Aquatic Ecosystems)
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27 pages, 3562 KiB  
Article
Automated Test Generation and Marking Using LLMs
by Ioannis Papachristou, Grigoris Dimitroulakos and Costas Vassilakis
Electronics 2025, 14(14), 2835; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics14142835 - 15 Jul 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 401
Abstract
This paper presents an innovative exam-creation and grading system powered by advanced natural language processing and local large language models. The system automatically generates clear, grammatically accurate questions from both short passages and longer documents across different languages, supports multiple formats and difficulty [...] Read more.
This paper presents an innovative exam-creation and grading system powered by advanced natural language processing and local large language models. The system automatically generates clear, grammatically accurate questions from both short passages and longer documents across different languages, supports multiple formats and difficulty levels, and ensures semantic diversity while minimizing redundancy, thus maximizing the percentage of the material that is covered in the generated exam paper. For grading, it employs a semantic-similarity model to evaluate essays and open-ended responses, awards partial credit, and mitigates bias from phrasing or syntax via named entity recognition. A major advantage of the proposed approach is its ability to run entirely on standard personal computers, without specialized artificial intelligence hardware, promoting privacy and exam security while maintaining low operational and maintenance costs. Moreover, its modular architecture allows the seamless swapping of models with minimal intervention, ensuring adaptability and the easy integration of future improvements. A requirements–compliance evaluation, combined with established performance metrics, was used to review and compare two popular multilingual LLMs and monolingual alternatives, demonstrating the system’s effectiveness and flexibility. The experimental results show that the system achieves a grading accuracy within a 17% normalized error margin compared to that of human experts, with generated questions reaching up to 89.5% semantic similarity to source content. The full exam generation and grading pipeline runs efficiently on consumer-grade hardware, with average inference times under 30 s. Full article
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25 pages, 2005 KiB  
Article
Performance of Advanced Artificial Intelligence Models in Traumatic Dental Injuries in Primary Dentition: A Comparative Evaluation of ChatGPT-4 Omni, DeepSeek, Gemini Advanced, and Claude 3.7 in Terms of Accuracy, Completeness, Response Time, and Readability
by Berkant Sezer and Tuğba Aydoğdu
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(14), 7778; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15147778 - 11 Jul 2025
Viewed by 394
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate and compare the performance of four advanced artificial intelligence-powered chatbots—ChatGPT-4 Omni (ChatGPT-4o), DeepSeek, Gemini Advanced, and Claude 3.7 Sonnet—in responding to questions related to traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) in the primary dentition. The assessment focused on accuracy, completeness, [...] Read more.
This study aimed to evaluate and compare the performance of four advanced artificial intelligence-powered chatbots—ChatGPT-4 Omni (ChatGPT-4o), DeepSeek, Gemini Advanced, and Claude 3.7 Sonnet—in responding to questions related to traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) in the primary dentition. The assessment focused on accuracy, completeness, readability, and response time, aligning with the 2020 International Association of Dental Traumatology guidelines. Twenty-five open-ended TDI questions were submitted to each model in two separate sessions. Responses were anonymized and evaluated by four pediatric dentists. Accuracy and completeness were rated using Likert scales; readability was assessed using five standard indices; and response times were recorded in seconds. ChatGPT-4o demonstrated significantly higher accuracy than Gemini Advanced (p = 0.005), while DeepSeek outperformed Gemini Advanced in completeness (p = 0.010). Response times differed significantly (p < 0.001), with DeepSeek being the slowest and ChatGPT-4o and Gemini Advanced being the fastest. DeepSeek produced the most readable outputs relatively, though none met public readability standards. Claude 3.7 generated the most complex texts (p < 0.001). A strong correlation existed between accuracy and completeness (ρ = 0.701, p < 0.001). These findings emphasize the cautious integration of artificial intelligence chatbots into pediatric dental care due to varied performance. Clinical accuracy, completeness, and readability are critical when offering information aligned with guidelines to support decisions in dental trauma management. Full article
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12 pages, 645 KiB  
Article
Participant Experiences of Cognitive Remediation Therapy for Obesity (CRT-O): A Qualitative Thematic Analysis
by Jayanthi Raman, Priyanka Thapliyal, Evelyn Smith, Aparna Anoop and Phillipa Hay
Obesities 2025, 5(3), 53; https://doi.org/10.3390/obesities5030053 - 9 Jul 2025
Viewed by 237
Abstract
Objective: The present study is a qualitative analysis of participant experiences and perspectives from people who received cognitive remediation therapy for adult obesity (CRT-O). Method: Post-intervention data were generated from an open-ended question requesting the participants to write, in the form of a [...] Read more.
Objective: The present study is a qualitative analysis of participant experiences and perspectives from people who received cognitive remediation therapy for adult obesity (CRT-O). Method: Post-intervention data were generated from an open-ended question requesting the participants to write, in the form of a letter to their therapist, about their experiences and reflections upon taking part in cognitive remediation therapy for adult obesity. Participants’ letters were thematically analyzed. Results: Four themes and nested subthemes emerged from participant responses, including (1) motivation and initial response to CRT-O for the adult obesity study eligibility process with the nested subthemes of initial apprehension pre-intervention and awareness and acknowledgement of one’s problematic eating behaviors; (2) perceived benefits from cognitive remediation therapy for adult obesity with the nested subthemes of the strategies and techniques that were found beneficial and the role of the cognitive remediation therapy for adult obesity therapists in facilitating positive change; (3) perceived outcomes post-intervention with the nested subthemes of changed relationship with food, self-acceptance and gaining control to effect positive lifestyle change; and (4) expectations and beliefs about the longer-term impact of cognitive remediation therapy for adult obesity with the nested subthemes of using the cognitive remediation therapy for adult obesity strategies as a lifestyle routine, apprehension about not having follow-up therapist support, and concern about potential relapse. Conclusion: Our analysis found helpful insights into the consumer perception of this novel intervention and highlighted the clinical utility of implementing cognitive remediation therapy in those living with a higher body weight. Full article
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7 pages, 404 KiB  
Brief Report
A Signal for Voice and Speech Abnormalities in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
by Stephanie L. Grach, Jaime Seltzer and Diana M. Orbelo
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(14), 4847; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14144847 - 8 Jul 2025
Viewed by 1888
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) may report abnormalities in voice and speech; however, no formal research has been conducted in this area. Methods: An online mixed-methods survey was completed by 685 people with ME/CFS. A total of 302 [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) may report abnormalities in voice and speech; however, no formal research has been conducted in this area. Methods: An online mixed-methods survey was completed by 685 people with ME/CFS. A total of 302 respondents completed the qualitative component (44.09%). Questions assessed disease experience with ME/CFS and post-exertional malaise without prompting on specific symptoms. Within the qualitative results, a search of the terms “speech, voice,” “words,” and “speak” was conducted. Results: Excluding neurocognitive associations, colloquial phrases, and “speech therapy,” there were 38 mentions of the terms in the context of voice or speech changes across 28 unique qualitative survey responses (9.27%). Conclusions: A notable portion of respondents reported voice or speech changes when responding to open-ended qualitative questions about their disease experience. More research is needed regarding the implications of voice and speech anomalies in ME/CFS pathology and disease monitoring. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue POTS, ME/CFS and Long COVID: Recent Advances and Future Direction)
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13 pages, 210 KiB  
Article
Rating One’s Diet Quality: Qualitative Study Results
by Tameka I. Walls, Alicia S. Landry, Nichole A. Espineli and Jessica L. Thomson
Dietetics 2025, 4(3), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/dietetics4030028 - 7 Jul 2025
Viewed by 228
Abstract
American adults struggle with accurately assessing the quality of their diet, with the majority overrating their diet quality. Thus, the objective of the study was to explore what individuals think about when asked to rate their diet quality. Virtual focus groups were conducted [...] Read more.
American adults struggle with accurately assessing the quality of their diet, with the majority overrating their diet quality. Thus, the objective of the study was to explore what individuals think about when asked to rate their diet quality. Virtual focus groups were conducted from October 2023 to April 2024, using a semi-structured interview with open-ended questions. Convenience samples of small-scale farmers, school food service directors, health clinic patients, and university students and staff in Mississippi and Arkansas participated (N = 27). Themes and subthemes from NVivo-transcribed discussions were identified and coded inductively. Four subthemes emerged for description of diet: balance, consideration for others, convenience, and location. Four subthemes emerged for quality of diet: availability/access, culture/tradition, health considerations, and making better choices. Three subthemes emerged for healthy food: composition/preparation, nourishing benefits, and taste/flavor. Three subthemes emerged for unhealthy food: addicting/overconsumption, composition/preparation, and undesirable effects. Three subthemes emerged for nutrition knowledge: audience specific, general knowledge, and ambivalence. Three subthemes emerged for food shopping: food types, family influence/preference, and planning. Factors shaping how individuals perceive their diet quality are complex with intertwining components. Understanding the complexity involved in self-perceptions of diet quality will help us better quantify perceptions and link them to measurable outcomes. Full article
18 pages, 228 KiB  
Article
An Examination of Health Care Transition Experiences Through Parents’ Reflections About Their Sons or Daughters Who Have Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
by Christine B. Mirzaian, Rowan Smith and Cecily L. Betz
Children 2025, 12(7), 886; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12070886 - 4 Jul 2025
Viewed by 463
Abstract
Background: As national and international reports reveal, significant health care transition (HCT) service disparities exist for youth and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (YYAs with IDD). The development of the HCT model necessitates informed perspectives from a broad constituency, including consumers [...] Read more.
Background: As national and international reports reveal, significant health care transition (HCT) service disparities exist for youth and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (YYAs with IDD). The development of the HCT model necessitates informed perspectives from a broad constituency, including consumers and families. Parents’ retrospective perspectives of their sons’ or daughters’ HCT experiences are presented to enlarge the understanding of the service need. Methodology: Eleven parents were recruited virtually from parent support/disability advocate groups via an email distribution list of the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities. Parents who consented to participate were interviewed by phone using an interview guide with 11 open-ended items. Three questions focused on the barriers and facilitators associated with the HCT experience are reported. Findings: Four major themes were generated from the analysis of data gathered from parents pertaining to their sons’ or daughters’ health care transition experiences, focusing on the transfer of care. Two major themes were related to HCT barriers—Pediatric Care Contrasted with Adult-Focused Care and Transfer of Care Barriers—and two were related to HCT facilitators—Transfer of Care Facilitators and Transfer of Care Recommendations. Each of the major themes included subthemes. Conclusions: Parents openly shared their sons’ or daughters’ HCT experiences, which illuminated the scope of their challenges and the assistance received. These insights provide rich descriptions of the barriers they and their adult children faced as they proceeded with navigating new systems of health care. The reported data find support in other previously conducted studies. Full article
11 pages, 207 KiB  
Article
High User Satisfaction Rates with DEXCOM Continuous Glucose Monitoring Device in People with Type 1 Diabetes—A Pilot Cross-Sectional Study
by Benái Paponette, Laura Keaver, Peter Lynch, Elias Eltoum, Liam Clarke, Jordan Carty, Siobhan Bacon and Catherine McHugh
Diabetology 2025, 6(7), 64; https://doi.org/10.3390/diabetology6070064 - 2 Jul 2025
Viewed by 292
Abstract
Background/Objectives: DEXCOM™ continuous glucose monitoring devices (DCGMs) have been shown to improve glycaemic control and complication rates in people with Type 1 diabetes (T1DM). However, little qualitative data exists regarding user satisfaction, useful features and the overall lived experience of using a [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: DEXCOM™ continuous glucose monitoring devices (DCGMs) have been shown to improve glycaemic control and complication rates in people with Type 1 diabetes (T1DM). However, little qualitative data exists regarding user satisfaction, useful features and the overall lived experience of using a DCGM which will strongly impact one’s quality of life (QOL), compliance and the self-management of diabetes. This study aimed to assess DCGM users’ satisfaction rates and experiences with device features in patients with T1DM in Ireland. Methods: A questionnaire consisting of open- and closed-ended questions together with a glucose monitoring satisfaction survey (GMSS) was offered to all patients attending Sligo University Hospital (SUH) diabetes clinic who used a DCGM for at least six months. Results: Data was analysed for 73 participants. Self-reported QOL improved in 88% of participants and 52% of participants reported fewer hypoglycaemic events. The features most liked by participants were alerts given when the glycaemic target was not in range, improved quality of life, improved hypoglycaemia awareness and the need for reduced finger pricking. However, concerns were also identified about redundant alarms and sensor failures, phone incompatibility and skin reactions. DCGM was associated with good levels of glucose monitoring satisfaction with an overall satisfaction score of 3.67 ± 1.24 out of 5. Participants reported high openness (4.01 ± 0.91), increased trust (3.77 ± 1.16) and low emotional (1.70 ± 0.97) and behavioural burden (2.38 ± 1.10) with DCGM usage. Male participants who had diabetes for a mean duration of 20.06 ± 0.89 years and used DEXCOMTM for approximately 2 years demonstrated significantly higher levels of satisfaction (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The findings of this study provide a first exploration of patients’ perspectives on DCGM devices in an Irish setting. Results suggest that DCGM users are highly satisfied with the device with an increase in self-reported QOL. Adaptations to features based on patient feedback should be considered to further enhance user satisfaction and maximise QOL benefits. Full article
19 pages, 418 KiB  
Article
Through Their Eyes: Children’s Perspectives on Quality in Early Childhood Education
by Maryanne Theobald, Chrystal Whiteford and Amanda McFadden
Educ. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 836; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15070836 - 1 Jul 2025
Viewed by 442
Abstract
The quality of children’s early childhood education (ECE) experiences significantly impacts their long-term outcomes and wellbeing. While extensive research has explored quality from the perspectives of adult stakeholders, including educators and authorities, there remains a paucity of studies prioritizing the viewpoint of children, [...] Read more.
The quality of children’s early childhood education (ECE) experiences significantly impacts their long-term outcomes and wellbeing. While extensive research has explored quality from the perspectives of adult stakeholders, including educators and authorities, there remains a paucity of studies prioritizing the viewpoint of children, the main beneficiaries of ECE. This study sought to address this gap by investigating children’s preschool experiences at an Australian inner-city preschool center. Using child-friendly interview techniques, researchers engaged 32 children aged 3–4 years in discussions about their likes, dislikes, and desired changes in their preschool settings. Open-ended questions such as “What do you love about preschool?” and “What do you think makes a good preschool?” were used to encourage reflection and storytelling. To complement verbal responses, children were invited to illustrate their thoughts through drawings, offering a visual dimension to their perspectives. Deductive thematic analysis identified eight themes within the dimensions of structural and process quality. The findings highlight the unique and insightful ways young children interpret their experiences, shedding light on aspects of preschool life they value most. By amplifying children’s voices, this study highlights the importance of integrating their perspectives into the design and evaluation of ECE environments, promoting practices that better align with their needs and support their wellbeing. Full article
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16 pages, 230 KiB  
Article
Undergraduate Student Perceptions on Career in the Wake of a Pandemic
by Emily L. Winter, Sierra M. Trudel, Aarti P. Bellara, Claire Metcalf and Melissa A. Bray
COVID 2025, 5(7), 101; https://doi.org/10.3390/covid5070101 - 1 Jul 2025
Viewed by 277
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic sparked changes globally, as leaders scrambled to protect wellbeing and safety. With many U.S. students sent away from their campuses, undergraduate students still grappled with the time-old question: “what will I do after college,” except during an unprecedented time in [...] Read more.
The COVID-19 pandemic sparked changes globally, as leaders scrambled to protect wellbeing and safety. With many U.S. students sent away from their campuses, undergraduate students still grappled with the time-old question: “what will I do after college,” except during an unprecedented time in history rife with heightened career uncertainty. This qualitative study presents the results of a survey administered as part of a mind–body health project conducted in the wake of the pandemic, speaking directly to undergraduate college students’ health-related career aspirations. Two open-ended survey questions—(1) what is your intended career, and (2) how (if at all) has the COVID-19 pandemic changed your perspective about your future career—were administered with thematic analysis conducted. Qualitative analysis using hybrid data and theory-driven approaches revealed several themes around an increased desire to work within health-related fields, decreased desire to work in healthcare, non-medical to medical career shift, and additional undecidedness. Connecting theory to practice, Super’s Life-Space, Life-Span Career Theory and Krumboltz’s Social Learning Theory of Career Decision-Making guide practical implications and grander discussion around career development during periods of crisis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section COVID Public Health and Epidemiology)
17 pages, 1234 KiB  
Article
A Community-Engaged Approach to Community Health Needs and Assets Assessment for Public Health Research
by Rosanna H. Barrett, Emma Joyce Bicego, Thomas C. Cotton, Supriya Kegley, Kent Key, Charity Starr Mitchell, Kourtnii Farley, Zahra Shahin, LaShawn Hoffman, Dubem Okoye, Kayla Washington, Shawn Walton, Ruben Burney, America Gruner, Terry Ross, Howard W. Grant, Mark V. Mooney, Lawrence A. Sanford and Tabia Henry Akintobi
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(7), 1030; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22071030 - 27 Jun 2025
Viewed by 344
Abstract
The Morehouse School of Medicine Prevention Research Center (MSM-PRC) conducted a Community Health Needs and Assets Assessment (CHNAA) survey using a Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) approach. In this article, we will demonstrate the application of CBPR in informing research agenda and implementation strategies. [...] Read more.
The Morehouse School of Medicine Prevention Research Center (MSM-PRC) conducted a Community Health Needs and Assets Assessment (CHNAA) survey using a Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) approach. In this article, we will demonstrate the application of CBPR in informing research agenda and implementation strategies. We will discuss the practical considerations and potential benefits of engaging the community in data collection, interpretation, and utilization to address community health challenges. Emphasizing collaboration, co-learning, and respect, and guided by the CBPR principles, CHNAA ensured that community voices led to the identification and integration of the research priorities. Overseen by the Community Coalition Board (CCB) and its Data Monitoring and Evaluation (DME) Committee, the survey featured closed- and open-ended questions addressing social determinants of health. Out of 1000 targeted participants, 754 provided valid responses, with a 75% response rate. Most respondents were female and represented a racially diverse group. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis revealed that key health concerns were diabetes, COVID-19, mental health, and high blood pressure. Barriers to care included lack of food access, affordable housing, and limited mental health services. The findings led to five public health initiatives launched between 2023 and 2024 demonstrating the CBPR model’s effectiveness in aligning community needs with actionable solutions. Full article
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