Influence of Age on Perception of Midwives and Their Performance in Objective Structured Clincial Examination (Osce) in Nigeria

Objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) is a means of assessing clinical competence based on objective testing through direct observation. OSCE, as a method of evaluation, was introduced in 1990 by the Nursing & Midwifery council of Nigeria (N&MCN). The aim of this quantitative study is to ascertain if age has any influence on midwives’ perception of OSCE and their performance in the examination. Ex-post facto design was adopted for this study. That is because the independent variable was studied in retrospect in order to establish possible relationship with the dependent variables. We were concerned with ascertaining and establishing the status quo and facts at the time of the research and used such facts to analyze data, interpret and extrapolate and also draw inferences. Eight institutions of midwifery education in Akwa Ibom and Cross River states of Nigeria were used for this study. 502 out of 532 midwives who graduated from the institutions between 2004 to 2006 participated in the study. Two validated instruments were used for data collection namely: OSCE stake holder’s questionnaire and achievement test on OSCE. The reliability index for perception stood at (r) 0.60 while the index performance stood at (r) 0.66.Data were analyzed using linear regression analysis and one way analysis of variance. Findings show that older midwives had significant higher perception of OSCE than the younger midwives. Conclusion: age has significant influence on midwives’ perception of OSCE but perception has no influence on their performance in OSCE

Influence of Marital Status on Attitude of Midwives towards OSCE and Their Performance in the Examination in Akwa Ibom and Cross River States, Nigeria

This quantitative study investigated the influence of marital status on the midwives’ attitude towards OSCE and how this affects their performance in the examination. Two hypotheses guided the study. HO 1 sort to find out if there exist a significant influence of marital status of midwives on their attitude towards OSCE as well as performance in the examination and HO 11 states: there is no significant joint influence of midwives’ attitude and marital status on their performance in OSCE. Ex-post facto design was used to carry out the study. 502 midwives from 8 institutes of midwifery education in Akwa Ibom & Cross River states were engaged in the study. Two validated instruments, OSCE stake holders’ questionnaire (OSCEQ) and Achievement test on OSCE were used to collect data for the study. Data were analyzed using linear regression analysis of variance (ANOVA). The findings show that marital status significantly influences midwives’ perception of OSCE. However, there is no significant influence of marital status on midwives’ attitude towards OSCE.  The implication of these findings is, it will be useful and helpful to midwife educators in counseling of new midwifery students on OSCE

Psychologically and emotionally, it affects me \u27til this day : exploration of childhood sexual abuse perspectives among older adults living with HIV in South Carolina

OBJECTIVES: The influence of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) may be seen immediately or across the life course. CSA is also associated with increased HIV-risk behavior, and greater likelihood of an HIV/STI diagnosis. The aim of this study was to explore the perspectives of CSA among older adults living with HIV. METHODS: Twenty-four adults living with HIV aged 50 to 67 years (mean age = 58.5 years), with a history of CSA, receiving care from an HIV clinic in South Carolina, participated in the study. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted, audio recorded and analyzed using a thematic analytic approach. The iterative analytic process included a three-step approach: discussion of initial thoughts and key concepts, identification and reconciliation of codes, and naming of emergent themes. RESULTS: Four themes emerged: Psychological issues due to CSA, relationship challenges due to CSA, self-blame, and reliving childhood trauma (subtheme: lack of influence of CSA today). Some participants reported feeling the influence of CSA several years after the event while others noted that that there was a lack of influence of CSA at present. CONCLUSIONS: Trauma-informed intervention programs are needed for older adults living with HIV who still experience the influence of their CSA experience. Future research should delve into the design and feasibility of implementing these programs