Gender Differences in the Extended Theory of Planned Behaviour on Smoking Cessation Intention in Young Soldiers

Background: The theory of planned behaviour (TPB) explanation of smoking cessation intentions consists of gender differences. The purpose of this study is to adopt the extended TPB to discuss factors influencing the smoking cessation intentions of young adult volunteer soldiers and to further compare the respective factors for both genders. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. Data were collected from 139 and 165 male and female volunteer soldiers who smoked, respectively. Research participants completed a self-administered questionnaire that comprised items pertaining to the participants’ demographic characteristics, smoking behaviours, smoking cessation experiences, social environments, and TPB variables. Results: Subjective norms (friends) are a positive key factor for young adult male (β = 0.033, p = 0.012) and female (β = 0.076, p < 0.001) volunteer soldiers’ smoking cessation intentions, and perceived behavioural control is a key factor for male young (β = 0.226, p = 0.040) adult volunteer soldiers’ smoking cessation intention. The extended TPB accounted for 27.9% and 53.2% of the variance in the intention to quit smoking in the male and female volunteer soldiers, respectively. Conclusions: We suggest that smoking cessation strategies can reinforce gender-specific intervention strategies to assist young adult volunteer soldiers in smoking cessation.

The optimal level of serum vitamin D in apparently healthy Bangladeshi adult volunteer

Introduction: Vitamin D level has profound clinical implications but there is a dilemma of optimal vitamin D cut off level among the Bangladeshi population as well in many parts of the world. This study aimed to determine the optimal level of vitamin D in relation to intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) and serum calcium in apparently healthy adult volunteer. Methods: This observational cross-sectional study was carried out in 130 apparently healthy adult participants of BSMMU. All the subjects were taken their demographic profile and investigated for vitamin D level, iPTH, corrected calcium and phosphate. Serum 25(OH)D was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) whereas iPTH, corrected serum calcium and serum phosphate were measured by chemiluminescent method. Results: The mean 25(OH)D level was found to be 16.78(SD8.47) ng/ml and extensively distinct by age distribution and adequacy of sun exposure. There was substantially inverse correlation between serum iPTH and serum 25(OH)D (r = - 0.22, p = 0.01). Serum 25(OH)D levels < 27.5ng/ml were associated with a steep increase in serum iPTH levels. Serum iPTH was stabilized at level 54.5pg/ml by using the quadratic fit with plateau model. Conclusions: From this study the optimal level of 25(OH)D for the apparently healthy adult in Bangladesh is 27.5 ng/ml.

Expressed Values of 4-H Adult Volunteer Leaders

Historically, the collaborative efforts between rural teachers and 4-H have provided enhanced opportunities for youth that would not have been otherwise possible. As resources continue to diminish in rural communities, this collaboration is valuable to both schools and the 4-H organization. Currently rural schools are concentrating on the increased demand for academic accountability through performance testing and other evaluation instruments. This trend has resulted in less time for the elective outlets that have traditionally been an important part of school. At a time when 4-H could help fill an important gap in rural communities, changes within the organization have left some volunteers feeling overwhelmed. This article offers a theoretical framework for understanding the feelings and values of rural 4-H volunteers during a period of dramatic organizational change.

Development and Validity of Western University’s On-Road Assessment

Although used across North America, many on-road studies do not explicitly document the content and metrics of on-road courses and accompanying assessments. This article discusses the development of the University of Western Ontario’s on-road course, and elucidates the validity of its accompanying on-road assessment. We identified main components for developing an on-road course and used measurement theory to establish face, content, and initial construct validity. Five adult volunteer drivers and 30 drivers with multiple sclerosis participated in the study. The road course had face and content validity, representing 100% of roadway components determined through a content validity matrix and index. The known-groups method showed that debilitated drivers (vs. not debilitated), made more driving errors ( W = 463.50, p = .03), and failed the on-road course, indicating preliminary construct validity of the on-road assessment. This research guides and empirically supports a process for developing a road course and its assessment.