Perceived challenges in open and distance learning among nursing students of Open University Malaysia: A descriptive analysis

Open and distance learning (ODL), a structured learning whereby the students and instructors are separated by time and place, is currently the popular trend among working adults across the nation. From higher nursing education perspective, it must be made accessible, affordable and flexible to allow the nurses to cope with the demands and pressure of busy work and family commitments that give rise to several challenges. Hence, the main objective of this study is to examine perceived challenges in ODL among undergraduate nursing students of Open University Malaysia (OUM). The study employed quantitative approach by using close-ended questionnaires. A convenience samples of registered nurses (RNs) undertaking Bachelor of Nursing Sciences (BNS) programme (n = 81) completed the face-to-face questionnaires. Data analysis using descriptive statistics collected from 81 respondents from five OUM learning centres. The perceived areas of challenges were grouped into: perceptions of ODL for continuing education; perceived challenges facing ODL students; instructional related challenges; and institutional related challenges. Surprisingly, the findings indicate that BNS students are facing only some extent of challenges in their learning particularly within their own circles with perceived challenge highest on financial constraints (54.3%). However, they demonstrate positive perception of ODL for continuing education with the majority (70.4%) agreeing that it is relevant with current teaching-learning strategy. There is no obvious indication of perceived challenges instigates from instructional and institutional factors as the majority disagree (51.9%) that they are facing unhelpful course information and lack of direction; and (46.9%) disagree lack / delayed of important information, respectively. Above all, the findings address students’ concerns in improving student experiences, and enhanced instructional and institutional contributions that marked the achievement of ODL outcomes. In essence, this study has shed some light into challenges faced by ODL nursing students and the strategies to further ameliorate the implementation of ODL. (Abstract by authors

Impact of open distance learning professionalism & empowerment courses on clinical nurse practice

Clinical nurse professionalism includes empowerment which is associated with increased nurse satisfaction and improved patient outcomes, both being elements of a healthy work environment. This study aims to compare the academic results of learners in open distance learning (ODL) professionalism course with the purported display of professional behaviour in clinical practice. In addition to demographic data, the survey included in quantifying information on nurses discerning qualities in displaying professionalism and empowerment in their daily nursing practice from their superiors and compared with the learner's academic results upon completion of the course. Data analysis using descriptive statistics involving 73 respondents (63%) from nurse supervisors who rated their nurses. Nurses moral principle is rated highest on acting honestly (65.8%), followed by acting justly (58.9%). On personal integrity, nurses can look after their own wellbeing (56.2%) and act under pressure (58.9%). Their expertise skills showed ability in working and acting independently and being autonomous (50.7%). Their power of making decisions is 52.1% in the clinical area. Nurses who are future-oriented can promote new ideas at the workplace (52.1%), and their sociability level is 50.7% in solving problems responsibly. The above professionalism and empowerment qualities showed a positive trend and relevancy with their academic performance. In conclusion, this study professed to show academic performance of nurses from the course is internalised and visible in their professional behaviour in the clinical area

Knowledge and Awareness Regarding Osteoporosis Among A Selected Community of Miri, Sarawak

Osteoporosis is one of the diseases concerned and has been identified as having a significant increase in the progression of aging in the world. The incidence of total hip fracture cases associated with osteoporosis is expected to increase because of the rise in the prevalence of the elderly as an effect on high life expectancy and good health services quality. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to investigate level of knowledge and awareness of osteoporosis among public in Sarawak, Malaysia. This cross-sectional study was conducted to 224 public respondents. We used questionnaire on knowledge, attitude and practices by Tripathi and colleagues. Result of this study indicated that demographic variables gender and educational level had significant association with level of knowledge among public but not for the age, races, marital status, occupational and household income variables. In conclusion, this study revealed that most respondents presented with high knowledge with high level of awareness regarding osteoporosis disease. It is recommended that to be continued the effort by local authority regarding health promotion on issues surrounding osteoporosis.

Employability Competencies: Employer Expectations and Employer Satisfaction of Open University Malaysia's Graduates

Objectives of the Study The objectives of the study were to: (1) Find out the level of importance attributed by employers to the various employability competencies; (2) Find out the extent to which the employers are satisfied with OUM graduates' competencies; (3) Examine the extent to which the level of employer satisfaction differs from the level of importance attributed to the competencies; and (4) Examine the strengths and opportunities for improvement of OUM graduates with regard to employability competencies

Knowledge and Awareness Regarding Osteoporosis Among A Selected Community of Miri, Sarawak

Osteoporosis is one of the diseases concerned and has been identified as having a significant increase in the progression of aging in the world. The incidence of total hip fracture cases associated with osteoporosis is expected to increase because of the rise in the prevalence of the elderly as an effect on high life expectancy and good health services quality. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to investigate level of knowledge and awareness of osteoporosis among public in Sarawak, Malaysia. This cross-sectional study was conducted to 224 public respondents. We used questionnaire on knowledge, attitude and practices by Tripathi and colleagues. Result of this study indicated that demographic variables gender and educational level had significant association with level of knowledge among public but not for the age, races, marital status, occupational and household income variables. In conclusion, this study revealed that most respondents presented with high knowledge with high level of awareness regarding osteoporosis disease. It is recommended that to be continued the effort by local authority regarding health promotion on issues surrounding osteoporosis. (Abstract by authors