Learning during internship: Patient educator interns' experience of transition to workplace

New graduates’ transition into the workplace is a critical period and workplace learning during this period is under- researched, particularly for people coming into newly emerging professions such as Patient Educators. The aim of this thesis was to explore Patient Educator Interns’ (PEIs) experience of learning during internship. In this case study from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 PEIs. Following a narrative analysis, case summaries were developed, compared and interpreted. The study’s findings showed that being from a newly emerging profession can exacerbate the transition shock experienced by new graduates, as PEIs experienced additional challenges resulting from being new as a profession in the work force. The sociocultural element of transition shock was significant among those study participants who found it hard to settle in a workplace when they did not feel that they were formally recognised. The intellectual element of transition shock was evident in the rigid understanding which PEIs held about the role of patient educators. Finally, the concept of epistemological transition shock was introduced in this thesis to describe the challenge which PEIs experienced as a result of the shift from the formal learning given in educational institutions to learning which takes place in a working environment through engaging and participating in practice. This new understanding has implications for new graduates’ making the transition to practice in a range of professions. PEIs learning experiences were seen to be influenced by three factors; PEIs’ understanding of their role, PEIs’ relationships to others, and PEIs’ understandings of learning. These factors were distilled into two issues; professional identity and personal epistemologies. These issues should be taken into account when developing educational policy, particularly,when introducing a new professional discipline, and when enhancing learning in the workplace

Stigmatisation of Obesity and its Relation to the Perception of Controllability in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study

Objectives: This study assessed the stigmatisation of obesity among a sample of the general population in Riyadh and its association with the perception of controllability. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was carried out in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, during January–February 2021 and included 384 participants who were recruited through a convenience sampling method. The data were collected using a self-administrated online questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using John’s Macintosh Project Version 16.0.0. Results: Most of the participants had a low level of stigma towards obesity (72.8%), and gender and BMI were significantly associated with the level of stigma at (p = .0023) and (p = .0360) respectively. The association between the perception of controllable factors and the level of stigma was also significant (p = 0.0001). Conclusions: The data supported the hypothesis that there would be a significant association between stigmatisation on obesity and perception of controllability among the general population in Riyadh City. Regarding recommendations, the authors suggest that they should be based on joint international consensus statements for ending the stigma of obesity in different settings and categories, and should include the education of healthcare service providers and obese patients on the relationships shown in the findings. Keywords: Obesity, stigmatisation, perceptio

They Treated us Like Employees Not Trainees: Patient Educator Interns’ Experiences of Epistemological Shock

Aim: To explore Patient Educator Interns’ (PEIs’) experiences of learning when entering the working environment. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 PEIs. Following a narrative type of analysis, case summaries were prepared, compared and interpreted. Results: At the beginning of their internship, PEIs held specific desires and expectations concerning the type of training and work they would experience. These included the expectation of explicit educational activities and specific types of work activities. PEIs’ expectations were frequently not met in reality. Discussion: The findings of the study suggest that new graduates face epistemological shock, which is the challenge of understanding the change from receiving formal instruction at university to learning through participation and engagement in the workplace. Conclusions: Universities could do more to explain to students the differences in learning between university and the workplace, so students better understand the value of participation for learning

A higher education snapshot of nutrition degree programs in Iraq: implications for public health and nutrition practice

Purpose Burdened by undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies and overweight and obesity as a consequence of both internal conflict and the global nutrition transition, Iraq is in need of adequate public health nutrition education to mitigate nutrition-related outcomes and risks. To address nutrition-related health outcomes, trained nutrition professionals are warranted. This paper examines current nutrition-affiliated programs offered across post-secondary institutions in Iraq. Design/methodology/approach An electronic review of universities and colleges’ websites, department webpages and academic programs’ homepages and resources of all the private and public universities in Iraq was conducted to find programs related to nutrition, nutrition sciences and dietetics. Findings All identified programs belonged to the governmental sector, were administered and financed by the Iraqi Government and were under the purview of the Iraqi Ministry of Higher Education. The review highlighted a predominant focus on food sciences in agricultural departments rather than public health or clinical nutrition. Advanced education in topics such as human metabolism, medical nutrition therapy and public health nutrition are required to adequately address over- and undernutrition in Iraq. Originality/value The current state of public health and nutrition-related postsecondary education in Iraq warrants an increased emphasis on clinical and public health nutrition education. Despite a commendable focus on food science studies, the country’s ongoing challenges with obesity, nutrition-related noncommunicable diseases and conflict-associated food insecurity signal an urgent need for balancing this focus with grounding in postsecondary training in public health nutrition

Entering a new profession: Patient educator interns' struggles for recognition

Objective: To ascertain patient educator interns' (PEIs) views on the internship experience and to explore how the transition to the workplace is experienced by new graduates from emergent professions. Methods: In this case study from Saudi Arabia, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 PEIs. Following a narrative type of analysis, case summaries were created, compared and interpreted. Results: Interns held preconceptions regarding the patient educator's role, and these preconceptions were frequently not mirrored by actual practice. The clash of preconceptions and actual experiences led participants to encounter shock. Conclusion: Transition shock for PEIs seemed to be exacerbated due to their position within a new profession. This study adds to a growing literature about the challenges experienced by workers in new and emerging healthcare roles

Exploring challenges and perceptions in the learning environment: an online qualitative study of medical students

Abstract Background The teaching and learning environment (TLE) in medical schools is critical for shaping the outcomes and competencies of graduates. Research on TLE has highlighted its influence on student learning approaches and outcomes, yet gaps remain, particularly in qualitative insights, especially in Saudi Arabian contexts. This study aims to explore the students’ experiences and perceptions of the TLE in a new medical college. Methods This qualitative study consisted of a total of five focus group discussions (3consequtive sessions for male group and two for female group) conducted virtually using the Zoom videoconferencing application. All the discussion sessions took place during a lockdown because of the COVID-19 pandemic between December 2020 and February 2021. Each session lasted for 45–60 min. Each group was formed of 4–5 students from different academic levels in the Majmaah medical school, which was established 10 years ago and is located in a small city. After “verbatim transcription” of the sessions was made, a framework thematic analysis of the data was performed using the NVivo software. Results The study results revealed that various elements, such as educational content, faculty roles, and personal factors, collectively influenced the students’ educational experiences. The students valued educational relevance and autonomous decision-making. The multifunctional role of faculty as mentors, evaluators, and resource providers was considered essential in enhancing academic experiences. Additionally, there was an evident need to improve the physical learning environment and facilities to adapt to emerging educational needs. These results align with existing literature, emphasizing the integration of theory and practice and the significant impact of faculty roles in academic experiences. Conclusion The findings suggest that medical colleges should involve students more in decision-making related to their education and ensure the practical relevance of the educational content. Establishing open communication channels between students and faculty who act as mentors and evaluators is also essential. Furthermore, enhancing supportive infrastructures, such as mental health and financial services, and promoting extracurricular activities are crucial for fostering a more effective and nurturing learning environment

Stigmatisation of COVID-19 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study

Objectives: Infectious diseases are the most common cause of disease stigmatisation, which can lead to a denial of healthcare, education, housing and employment as well as physical violence. Such stigmatisation is common during pandemics. This study aimed to examine the social stigmatisation of COVID-19 among residents of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in Riyadh in May 2020. Non-probability convenient sampling was used to recruit 847 participants through social media platforms, including WhatsApp. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, the Pearson correlation coefficient and the chi-squared test were used along with a multiple linear regression model. Results: There was a high level of stigma among 21% of the participants and an intermediate level in almost 49% of the participants. Low stigma was indicated among 30% of the study’s sample. A highly significant association existed between stigma, on the one hand, and older age groups, being married and lower levels of education, on the other. Conclusion: Future awareness programmes should educate patients and their families about stigma as well as the consequences of stigmatising COVID-19. Stigma eradication policies and interventions should be implemented to avoid potentially harmful consequences for public health. Keywords: Social stigma; COVID-19; Pandemic; Saudi Arabia

Effectiveness of hand hygiene campaigns and interventions across the League of Arab States: a region-wide scoping review.

Hand hygiene is a standard public health practice for limiting the spread of infectious diseases, yet they are still not routine global health behaviours. This review aimed to examine the effectiveness of various hand hygiene interventions conducted across the League of Arab States, identify gaps in the existing literature, and propose areas for future research and intervention development. A scoping review was conducted across 16 databases for relevant publications published up to and including October 2023. Forty studies met the inclusion criteria; of these, 34 were hospital-based and six community-based. Of the reviewed studies, 24 provided adequate details that would enable replication of their intervention. Eighteen of the studies used some variation of the World Health Organization's Five Moments for intervention content or assessment. More than half (N = 25) reported healthcare worker or student hand hygiene behaviours as an outcome and 15 studies also included some form of patient-centred outcomes. Six studies specified the use of theory or framework for their evaluation design or intervention content, and four studies mentioned use of local government guidelines or recommendations. Future research should focus on bridging the literature gaps by emphasizing community-based studies and integrating cultural nuances into intervention designs. Additionally, applying theoretical frameworks to hand hygiene studies could enhance understanding and effectiveness, ensuring sustainable improvements in hygiene practices across diverse settings in the League of Arab States

Predicting individuals' preventive practices against Radon indoor exposure in Saudi Arabia: a cross sectional study.

Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, poses a significant public health risk. This study aimed to assess indoor radon exposure in Saudi Arabia using the health belief model (HBM) as a framework for understanding and influencing public behaviour regarding the prevention on indoor radon exposure.A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted involving 803 participants from diverse backgrounds recruited through convenience sampling. The online questionnaire assessed sociodemographics, risk factors, and HBM constructs (perceived susceptibility, barriers, benefits, seriousness, and self-efficacy). Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS.Most participants showed neutral perceptions towards susceptibility, severity (82.7% each), benefits (85.2%), and barriers (59.7%) to preventive practices. Only 31.6% had high self-efficacy, with 16.4% practicing good prevention and 44.3% fair. Preventive practices correlated positively with perceived severity, benefits, and self-efficacy, but negatively with risk score and perceived barriers.The study highlights the need for improved radon prevention practices in Saudi Arabia, focusing on educational campaigns, self-efficacy enhancement, policy support for renters, and better risk communication. These measures are crucial for mitigating radon exposure risks across the population