Improving computer usage for students with physical disabilities through a collaborative approach: A pilot study

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of an assistive technology (AT) intervention to improve the use of available computers as assistive technology in educational tasks for students with physical disabilities during an ongoing school year. Methods: Fifteen students (aged 12–18) with physical disabilities, included in mainstream classrooms in Sweden, and their teachers took part in the intervention. Pre-, post-, and follow-up data were collected with Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS), a computer usage diary, and with the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale (PIADS). Teachers' opinions of goal setting were collected at follow-up. Results: The intervention improved the goal-related computer usage in educational tasks and teachers reported they would use goal setting again when appropriate. At baseline, students reported a positive impact from computer usage with no differences over time regarding the PIADS subscales independence, adaptability, or self-esteem. Discussion: The AT intervention showed a positive effect on computer usage as AT in mainstream schools. Some additional support to teachers is recommended as not all students improved in all goal-related computer usage. A clinical implication is that students' computer usage can be improved and collaboratively established computer-based strategies can be carried out by teachers in mainstream schools.     

Benefits of the use of ICT in school activities by students with motor,speech, visual,and hearing impairment: A literature review

Abstract

Objective: Information and communication technology (ICT) has the potential to enhance participation in educational activities for students with physical disabilities. Even though incorporating ICTs into teaching and learning in education has become an important issue, it is unclear what evidence research has provided. The aim of this study was to investigate types of ICT items and how ICT is being used by students with physical disabilities, and describe the benefits of ICT use in school activities. Methods: A systematic literature search, covering the period 2000–May 2012, was performed in the databases AMED, CINAHL, Eric, OTseeker, Psych Info, PubMed, and Scopus. Data analysis entailed extracting, editing, grouping, and abstracting findings. Results: A total of 32 articles were included, 16 of which were intervention studies. More than half of the studies concerned students with motor impairments. Type of ICT used differed among impairment groups, and ICT seemed to be especially beneficial for writing, spelling, and communication. Conclusions: Even though the review found heterogeneity across the studies students seemed to benefit from ICT use regardless of the type. For future research it is important to highlight intervention studies, especially for students with visual, hearing, and communication impairments.     

Cigarette smoking among college students with disabilities: National College Health Assessment II,Fall 2008–Spring 2009

BackgroundPeople with disabilities are 1.5 times more likely to smoke than their peers without disabilities, intensifying risk of health related disparities and further loss of function. When compared with the general population, college students also have a higher smoking prevalence. This study explores smoking rates among college students with disabilities.Objective/hypothesisCollege students with disabilities have an increased likelihood of smoking, as compared with students without disabilities. Type of disability also influences smoking rates.MethodsThis study explores the association between smoking and disability using multiple regression analyses and data from the National College Health Assessment II (NCHA II), Fall 2008–Spring 2009 (N = 79,915). People with disabilities comprised 15.6% of the total sample: 3.4% reported a physical disability, 8.3% reported a mental disability, 2.5% reported a sensory disability, and 3.7% reported a learning disability.ResultsSmoking prevalence among those reporting disabilities was 23.1% versus 15% in those without disabilities. Those reporting mental disabilities had the highest rates (29.9%), followed by those with learning disabilities (23.7%), sensory disabilities (19.8%), and physical disabilities (16.4%). Students with disabilities were 1.23 times more likely to report current smoking than those without any disabilities, controlling for other factors (OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.16–1.30).DiscussionResults are consistent with previous research regarding the general adult population. Epidemiologic data demonstrating differences in risk behaviors for young adults with disabilities are important in allocation of resources. Findings of this study highlight the need for tailored smoking cessation programs for college students with disabilities.     

The extent of drug therapy for attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder among children in public schools.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine the extent of medication use for attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in southeastern Virginia. METHODS: Students enrolled in grades 2 through 5 in school districts in city A (n = 5767 students) and city B (n = 23,967 students) were included. Nurses recorded students who received ADHD medication in school. RESULTS: The proportion of students receiving ADHD medication was similar in both cities (8% and 10%) and was 2 to 3 times as high as the expected rate of ADHD. Receipt of drug therapy was associated with social and educational characteristics. Medication was used by 3 times as many boys as girls and by twice as many Whites as Blacks. Medication use increased with years in school, and by fifth grade 18% to 20% of White boys were receiving ADHD medication. Being young for one's grade was positively associated with medication use (P < .01). The prevalence of ADHD was 12% in district A, 63% in district B. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that criteria for diagnosis of ADHD vary substantially across US populations, with potential overdiagnosis and overtreatment of ADHD in some groups of children.     

Relationship between physical disabilities or long-term health problems and health risk behaviors or conditions among US high school students

BACKGROUND: This study explores the relationship between self-reported physical disabilities or long-term health problems and health risk behaviors or adverse health conditions (self-reported engagement in violent behaviors, attempted suicide, cigarette smoking, alcohol and other drug use, sexual activity, physical activity, dietary behaviors, self-reported overweight [based on height and weight], physical health, and mental health) among US high school students. METHODS: Data were from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's 2005 national Youth Risk Behavior Survey, a cross-sectional paper-and-pencil survey collected from a representative sample of public and private high school students (grades 9 through 12) in the United States. RESULTS: Significantly more students with physical disabilities or long-term health problems than without described their health as fair or poor and reported being in a physical fight, being forced to have sexual intercourse, feeling sad or hopeless, seriously considering and attempting suicide, cigarette smoking, using alcohol and marijuana, engaging in sexual activity, using computers 3 or more hours per day, and being overweight (for all, p < or = .05). For none of the health risk behaviors analyzed were the rates significantly lower among students with physical disabilities or long-term health problems than among other students. CONCLUSIONS: Young people who live with physical disabilities or long-term health problems may be at greater risk for poor health outcomes. Public health and school health programs, with guidance from health care providers, need to work with these adolescents and their families to develop and implement appropriate interventions, with particular emphasis on promoting mental health.     

Physical activity differences for college students with disabilities

Background

Previous literature suggests that individuals with disabilities have increased rates of obesity and decreased participation in physical activity contributing to overall higher incidence of secondary health conditions compared to the general population without disabilities.

The influence of ICT on the activity patterns of children with physical disabilities outside school

Aim To investigate the outside school activity patterns of children with physical disabilities, and specifically their information and communication technology (ICT) usage compared with that of non‐disabled children. In addition, the aim was to investigate the children's opinions on computer use and the associations between their use of the Internet and their interaction with peers. Methods Questionnaire on activities outside school, answered by 215 children and youths with physical disabilities, mean age 12 years 10 months, attending mainstream schools. For group comparisons with non‐disabled children, data from the survey ‘Kids and Media’ were used. Results In the analysis, two sets of activity patterns were identified, depending on whether the child was disabled or not and on the gender of the child. A higher proportion of children with physical disabilities were engaged in ICT activities, while non‐disabled children tended to be engaged in a broader range of activities outside school. The activity pattern was more uniform for boys and girls with disabilities than for their non‐disabled peers. Use of the Internet was positively associated with peer interaction. Conclusion Outside school, the activity patterns of children and youths with physical disabilities seem to be characterized by a focus on ICT activities, which enable children to compensate for their impairment because it suits all. In addition, digital skills developed outside school engage children with physical disabilities, giving them increased access to society and for educational purposes.     

Evaluation of a pilot project to use computers in a rural general practice term

ABSTRACT: In 1998, the Department of General Practice (Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Australia) ran a pilot project to use computers in a sixth year rural general practice term. Students were provided with a laptop computer to take into rural and remote areas throughout Western Australia during their 4-week clinical attachment. An email mailing list was set up for course participants to share experiences and complete set learning activities specifically related to rural general practice. An evaluation of this pilot project found that students felt less isolated on rural attachments, course outcomes were improved and rural preceptors were more involved in the programme. The development of a teaching and learning programme that involves the use of computers in rural general practice for undergraduate students has the potential to improve the quality of their medical education.     

Use of student-centred, computer-mediated communication to enhance the medical school curriculum

OBJECTIVES: While it is clear that computers will play an important role in the study and practice of medicine their introduction into the curriculum remains controversial. Computer purchase has been made compulsory for incoming students. DESIGN: Members of the incoming class were allowed to purchase any computer and modem capable of using the communication program chosen by the school. No formal computer training was given. Students were encouraged to call for assistance or bring in their computers for configuration. The primary object of the system was for communication between the students and between students and faculty. SETTING: The School of Medicine of the University of New Mexico. SUBJECTS: First-year medical students. RESULTS: The vast majority of students set up their computers and connected to the system with little assistance. At the end of the first week of studies all the students were connected. Most of the students used the system on a daily basis. The greatest interest was in discussions concerning examinations with 93% of students reading these postings. The least-used aspect of the system was the exchange of learning issues from small group case discussions. Students also downloaded the curricular material provided but were discriminating in accessing this content. CONCLUSIONS: The student use of the computer as a communication tool has been a success. Students used the system in a variety of ways and by so doing also learned the basics of computer use and maintenance. The area of faculty training is often ignored but is considered crucial to the success of such a project.     

The association between information and communication technology exposure and physical activity, musculoskeletal and visual symptoms and socio-economic status in 5-year-olds

BACKGROUND: Increasing use of computers by children has raised concerns over the potential impact on their cognitive, social, educational, visual and physical development. Despite this concern, there are no large-scale studies relating the use of computers to specific health indicators in children as they reach school age. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis of 1600 5-year-old Western Australian children participating in a longitudinal cohort study was conducted to ascertain their computer use, other activities (watching television and videos, playing electronic games, reading and looking at books, drawing on paper and moderate to vigorous physical activity), and specific health indicators. RESULTS: More than half (56%) of the children used computers each week. Computer use was significantly related to TV viewing (OR 1.97 weekday) and electronic game use (console games OR 2.48 weekday, 1.81 weekend; hand-held games OR 1.88 weekend) and negatively associated with vigorous physical activity on weekends (OR 0.72). Computer use was also significantly related to socio-economic indicators such as the mother being older (40+ years, OR 1.70 weekend, 1.73 weekday), tertiary educated (OR 1.63 weekend) and studying (OR 1.52 weekend, 1.41 weekday). Almost 1% children were reported to have complained of tired or sore muscles, and 2.2% had complained of tired or sore eyes, after watching television or using a computer. CONCLUSION: A substantial proportion of 5-year-old Western Australian children are using computers. Computer use was related to other sedentary activities and less vigorous activity. While musculoskeletal and vision problems are not widespread, their presence and the sedentary nature of computer use is of public health concern.     

An exploration of healthy eating and physical activity habits of Hmong high-school students by disability status: A pilot study

BackgroundImmigrants are at risk of being obese from obesogenic environments and face factors which limit physical activity and healthy eating. While Hmong immigrants acknowledge the importance of healthy eating and physical activity, to our knowledge no studies have looked at health promoting behaviors among Hmong adolescents with and without disabilities.ObjectiveIn this paper, we seek to provide baseline data about physical activity and healthy eating among Hmong high school students with disabilities in Minnesota.MethodsWe used data from the 2016 Minnesota Student Survey. The study included responses from 1,824 Hmong high school students. We compared physical activity and healthy eating of Hmong high school students by disability status.ResultsApproximately 13% of Hmong had a disability (n = 239). A greater percentage of Hmong high school students with disabilities reported zero days of 60 min of physical activity (20.5% vs 14.8%, p < 0.10) and zero days participation in sports teams outside of school (69.0% vs. 64.3%, p < 0.10). Compared to Hmong students without disabilities, a significantly lower percentage of Hmong students with disabilities reported not receiving free/reduced lunch (66.5% vs 73.1%, p < 0.05) and significantly more likely to skip meals because their family did not have enough money (14.2% vs 9.7%, p < 0.05).ConclusionAdolescent Hmong with disabilities encounter both cultural and disability specific factors which could contribute to poorer health promoting behaviors. This study shines light on the need for social policy that promotes disability inclusive, culturally specific health promotion information and advocacy for immigrant youth with disabilities and their families in schools and communities.     

Understanding of Sexuality and Reproductive Health Among Women With and Without Physical Disabilities

This study compares differences in how women with disabilities and women without disabilities learned about their sexuality and reproductive functioning. A written questionnaire was sent to a national sample of women with disabilities and their non-disabled woman friends recruited through independent living centers and announcements in the media. Responses were received from 504 women with disabilities and 442 women without disabilities. Participants were asked how old they were when they first learned about the physical aspects of sexual intercourse. Women with disabilities learned about the physical aspects of sexual intercourse at about the same age (M = 13.16) as women without disabilities (M = 12.93). The most commonly reported sources for learning about sexuality and sexual functioning for both groups were books and other printed material, having sex, partners, friends, and teachers in primary school. More women with disabilities received information from a woman with a disability and a rehabilitation counselor. Women in both groups indicated that sex was never or seldom the subject of general family conversation. On average the women with physical disabilities had their first date at age 16.6, which is later than women without physical disabilities (M = 14.91). Women with physical disabilities who reported having acquired sexuality information at a later age reported having sexual intercourse at an older age (M = 20.37) than women without physical disabilities (M = 17.75). Age at acquiring sexuality information was neither associated with frequency of intimate touch nor frequency of sexual intercourse. The results of this study can be used to generate recommendations for health care professionals concerning ways to respond more effectively to the special needs for sexuality information of physically disabled women.     

Computer usage and its relationship with adolescent lifestyle in Hong Kong.

PURPOSE: To determine the patterns of computer usage among adolescents in Hong Kong and to examine whether computer usage is associated with less physical activity and social support among adolescents. METHODS: A total of 2110 secondary school students (52% boys and 48% girls) in Hong Kong completed a set of questionnaires to measure their computer usage and lifestyle. Mean age of the respondents was 14.16 years (SD = 1.81 years). Computer usage was taped by asking the students to indicate how much time (in minutes) they spent on the computer each day for doing homework assignments; playing computer games; "surfing" the Internet; and communicating with others. The students also provided information on their social-physical lifestyle. Student's t-tests and analysis of variance were used to examine group differences. Pearson product moment correlations were used to explore relationships between computer usage and lifestyle. RESULTS: Boys who use computers for doing homework, "surfing" the Internet, and communicating with others engage in more social-physical activities than others. Boys who use computers to play games tend to be more social-behaviorally inactive. For girls, patterns of computer usage are not related to lifestyle. CONCLUSIONS: Computer users tended to engage in social-physical activities more frequently and had higher social support than nonusers. But among computer users, the amount of time spent daily on the computer was not associated with lifestyle. Instead, patterns of computer usage are more related to lifestyle and the relationship is moderated by gender.     

An epidemiological study of sleep quality in adolescents in South China: a school-based study

Background This study explored the prevalence of disturbed sleep and investigated its distribution characteristics and associated factors in adolescents in South China. Methods Junior middle school and senior high school students (n= 1221) were recruited from schools in Shanghai, China. Students completed a questionnaire using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and factors associated with disturbed sleep. Results The prevalence of a tendency towards poor sleep was 34.32% [95% confidence interval (CI): 31.66–36.98] with no significant difference between genders. This tendency increased with age, yielding a significant group effect (P < 0.01). In middle school and high school, the propensity towards poor sleep was 31.34% (95% CI: 28.29–34.39) and 42.22% (95% CI: 36.92–47.52) respectively. The factors associated with poor sleep were more television viewing during weekdays [odds ratio (OR): 1.56, CI: 1.36–1.71], more frequent computer/Internet use (OR: 1.25, CI: 1.08–1.39), earlier school starting time (OR: 1.12, CI: 1.07–1.28), and more time on homework during weekdays (OR: 1.78, CI: 1.51–1.98) and weekends (OR: 1.35, CI: 1.21–1.52) Conclusions A tendency towards poor sleep is common in adolescents in South China and its incidence increases with age. The factors associated with this phenomenon indicate that poor sleep in adolescents could be improved, at least partly, by reducing the use of visual technologies and by changing school timetables.     

Understanding medical students' attitudes towards and experiences with persons with disabilities and disability education

BackgroundIn the United States, approximately one quarter of individuals are living with disabilities and receiving healthcare services. The undergraduate medical school curriculum provides an opportunity to improve the attitudes and skills of physicians working with persons with disabilities (PWD).Objective/hypothesisThe purpose of this study was to gain an understanding about fourth-year medical students’ self-reported attitudes towards and experiences with PWD and disability education. We hypothesized that medical students would recall having education about disabilities, would be able to identify a pivotal disability education experience, and would report being less comfortable working with PWD than persons without disabilities.MethodsThis mixed methods observational study was conducted via an online survey distributed to medical students during Winter 2020/2021. It contained an adapted instrument and a few short answer questions.ResultsOur survey had 44 respondents, a 28% response rate. Though 98% of students reported receiving disability education during one or more courses, 80% felt their disability education during medical school has been inadequate. Additionally, 64% reported having an influential learning experience involving PWD. Despite their attitudes, education, and experiences, respondents reported feeling less comfortable obtaining a history, performing a physical exam, and establishing a differential diagnosis when working with PWD.ConclusionsThis study highlights the need for continued development of disability curricula, which likely extends beyond the studied institution. Additional educational elements could be added to humanities sessions, as well as other courses and clerkships.     

The Prevalence of Chronic Health Conditions Impacting on Daily Functioning and the Association With Emotional Well-Being Among a National Sample of High School Students

PurposeThis study aims to describe the prevalence of self-reported chronic health conditions among high school students in New Zealand, the extent to which the condition impacts on their activities and socialization, and to explore the association between the level of impact of the illness or disability and the emotional well-being of students with chronic health conditions.MethodsA two-stage cluster sample of 9,107 students (Years 9–13) from 96 New Zealand high schools participated in a 2007 health survey using internet tablets. Students were asked about any chronic illness or disabilities lasting more than 6 months, the impact of the illness or disabilities on their daily activities and socialization, and their depressive symptoms (RADS-SF) and emotional well-being (WHO-5).ResultsAlmost one in five students (18%) reported a chronic health condition. Among them, 28% reported an impact of their illness or disability on their activities, and 8% reported an impact on their ability to socialize. High levels of depressive symptoms were found among students with chronic health conditions reporting that their illness or disability impacts their activities (18%) or their ability to socialize (40%), and this was significantly higher than among students without chronic health conditions (10%).ConclusionsOur findings suggest that there is a large group of adolescents with chronic health conditions for whom their illness or disability has an impact on their daily activities and ability to socialize with their peers. These students are more likely to experience emotional distress and require support and opportunities for healthy youth development.     

Alcohol and adolescents: Knowledge,attitudes, and behavior

Students (n = 3017) from the 6th, 8th, 10th, and 12th grades in six school districts throughout Georgia and South Carolina completed a questionnaire to determine their knowledge, attitudes, and behavior regarding alcohol use. Results suggest that knowledge, attitudes, and behavior are significantly correlated. Two distinct attitudes were discovered: acceptable use of alcohol and unacceptable uses of alochol, and these interacted with knowledge and behavior in different ways. Students who reported school as their major source of information about alcohol were more knowledgeable and had the most conservative attitudes toward unacceptable use of alcohol (p < 0.001). White students scored higher on the knowledge test and had more liberal attitudes than minority students (p < 0.001). Females were more conservative than males (p < 0.001), and older students had more liberal attitudes (p < 0.001). Our results suggest that efforts to educate youth about alcohol should incorporate acceptable uses as well as the negative aspects of drinking.     

A randomized, controlled, single-blind trial of teaching provided by a computer-based multimedia package versus lecture

BACKGROUND: Computer-based teaching may allow effective teaching of important psychiatric knowledge and skills. AIMS: To investigate the effectiveness and acceptability of computer-based teaching. METHOD: A single-blind, randomized, controlled study of 166 undergraduate medical students at the University of Leeds, involving an educational intervention of either a structured lecture or a computer-based teaching package (both of equal duration). RESULTS: There was no difference in knowledge between the groups at baseline or immediately after teaching. Both groups made significant gains in knowledge after teaching. Students who attended the lecture rated their subjective knowledge and skills at a statistically significantly higher level than students who had used the computers. Students who had used the computer package scored higher on an objective measure of assessment skills. Students did not perceive the computer package to be as useful as the traditional lecture format, despite finding it easy to use and recommending its use to other students. CONCLUSIONS: Medical students rate themselves subjectively as learning less from computer-based as compared with lecture-based teaching. Objective measures suggest equivalence in knowledge acquisition and significantly greater skills acquisition for computer-based teaching.     

Health‐related quality of life of medical students

Medical Education 2010: 44 : 227–235 Objectives Mental problems such as stress, anxiety and depression have been described among medical students and are associated with poor academic and professional performance. It has been speculated that these problems impair students’ quality of life (QoL). The authors aimed to assess the health‐related QoL (HRQL) of medical students throughout their 6 years of training at a school with a traditional curriculum. Methods Of a total of 490 students attending our institution’s medical school, 38 were surveyed in February 2006 (incoming Year 1 group, surveyed when students were in the second week of Year 1 classes) and 352 were surveyed in February 2007 (students in Years 1–6). Students self‐reported their HRQL and depressive symptoms using the Short‐Form Health Survey (SF‐36) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Comparisons were performed according to year in training, presence of depressive symptoms, gender, living arrangements and correlations with family income. Results The students’ ages ranged from 18 to 31 years (median 22.3 years). Students in Years 2, 3, 4 and 6 had lower scores for mental and physical dimensions of HRQL compared with the incoming Year 1 group (P < 0.01), with the largest difference observed for Year 3 students. Students with depressive symptoms had lower scores in all domains of the SF‐36 (P < 0.01). Female students had lower HRQL scores than males (P < 0.01). No differences were observed for students living with versus without family and no correlation with family income was found. Conclusions Major impairments in HRQL were observed among Year 3 students, students with depressive symptoms and women. Medical schools should institute efforts to ensure that students’ HRQL and emotional support are maintained, particularly during critical phases of medical training.     

Daily participation in sports and students' sexual activity

CONTEXT: Previous studies suggest that student athletes may be less likely than nonathletes to engage in sexual behavior. However, few have explored sexual risk behavior among athletes in early adolescence. METHODS: In 2005, a sample of 10,487 students in 26 Los Angeles public middle and high schools completed a self‐administered survey that asked about their demographic characteristics, sports participation, sexual behaviors and expectations, and parental relationships. Chi‐square analyses compared reported levels of daily participation in sports, experience with intercourse, experience with oral sex and condom use at last intercourse by selected characteristics. Predictors of sexual experience and condom use were assessed in multivariate logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: One‐third of students reported daily participation in sports. This group had higher odds of ever having had intercourse and ever having had oral sex than their peers who did not play a sport daily (odds ratios, 1.2 and 1.1, respectively). The increases in risk were greater for middle school sports participants than for their high school counterparts (1.5 and 1.6, respectively). Among sexually experienced students, daily sports participants also had elevated odds of reporting condom use at last intercourse (1.4). CONCLUSIONS: Students as young as middle school age who participate in sports daily may have an elevated risk for STDs and pregnancy. Health professionals should counsel middle school athletes about sexual risk reduction, given that young students may find it particularly difficult to obtain contraceptives, STD testing and prevention counseling.