Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often experience challenges in social competence, affecting their ability to initiate, maintain, and interpret social interactions. Theatre-based interventions have emerged as a promising avenue for addressing these challenges by creating structured, creative environments where children can safely explore social experiences. This paper proposes a theoretical model that describes how theatre-based interventions may enhance social competence in children with ASD. Drawing on Social Learning Theory, Emotional Intelligence frameworks, socio-cultural theory, social skills training theory, and the Neurodiversity perspective, supported by relevant neuroscience, the model identifies core mechanisms—dramatic play, social scripting, and emotional expression—that foster improvements in social cognition, emotional regulation, and communication. Building upon this foundation, the paper introduces the "Srijan Ujjwal" framework, a culturally-adapted implementation model that operationalizes these theoretical mechanisms within specific socio-cultural contexts. The model's comparative advantages, implications for generalization, and practical applications are discussed, along with considerations for future research and the design of interventions.
Introduction: Cyberbullying is a growing digital threat among late adolescents, often leading to emotional distress, academic decline, and social withdrawal. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a Cyberbullying Awareness Programme (CAP) based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour. Methodology: A true experimental pre-test–post-test control group design was used. 200 late adolescents aged 18–22 years were selected by using simple random sampling. Late adolescents were randomly allocated into experimental (n=100) and control (n=100) groups. Validated tools measured knowledge (r=0.86), attitude (α=0.94), and assertiveness (r=0.86). The experimental group underwent a four-week CAP intervention including psychoeducation, interactive discussions, creative expression, and documentary film. Results: Significant improvements were observed in knowledge (11.54 to 21.29), attitude (41.76 to 67.54), and assertiveness (3.45 to 8.59). Strong correlation was found between knowledge and attitude (r=0.758), knowledge and assertiveness (r=0.812), and attitude and assertiveness (r=0.728). There is a significant association between knowledge and socio-demographic variables such as year of study and mother’s education. There is a significant association between attitude and socio-demographic variables, including gender, type of family, and father’s education. There is a significant association between assertiveness and socio-demographic variables such as age, year of study, type of family, and mother’s occupation. There is a significant association between knowledge and internet-usage variables, such as the device used to access the internet and the most visited social media platforms. There is a significant association between attitude and internet-usage variables, such as the device used and the purpose of internet use. However, no significant association is found between internet-usage variables and assertiveness. Conclusion: CAP is an effective intervention for improving cyberbullying-related knowledge, attitudes, and assertiveness.
Background of the Study: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is one of the most common complications of diabetes mellitus, often leading to pain, disability, and a higher risk of foot ulcers and amputations. Despite its serious consequences, many patients have limited knowledge about preventive measures. Patient education is therefore essential to reduce risks and improve quality of life. Structured teaching programs can play a vital role in bridging this gap by enhancing awareness and encouraging preventive practices. Objective: The study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured teaching program on the knowledge of diabetic peripheral neuropathy and its prevention among diabetic patients. The specific objectives were to assess baseline knowledge, implement the teaching program, measure its impact on knowledge scores, and examine associations between knowledge improvement and selected demographic variables. Methodology: A pre-experimental one-group pre-test and post-test design was adopted, guided by the General System Theory of Ludwig von Bertalanffy (1968). The study was carried out at Capital Hospital, Bhubaneswar, and SCB MCH Hospital, Cuttack. Diabetic patients above 30 years of age were selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected through a structured self-administered questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using paired comparisons and chi-square tests to evaluate knowledge improvement and associations with demographic factors. Results: The findings revealed a significant increase in knowledge scores after the intervention. Post-test scores were markedly higher than pre-test scores, confirming the effectiveness of the structured teaching program. Associations were observed between post-test knowledge and demographic variables such as age (χ²=14.22), education (χ²=31.98), family history of diabetes mellitus (χ²=7.92), and marital status (χ²=4.71), all significant at p<0.05. Conclusion: The structured teaching program proved effective in improving patients’ knowledge about diabetic peripheral neuropathy and its prevention. Integrating such educational interventions into routine diabetic care can empower patients, promote preventive practices, and reduce complications.
Background: Pregnancy is a natural physiological state influenced by significant anatomical, metabolic, hormonal, and psychological changes in a woman's body. These changes affect women's sleep quality and mental health during pregnancy. Poor sleep quality is among the most common problems of antenatal women, with high prevalence in the third trimester. It is essential for pregnant women to get proper sleep as it influences maternal and fetal outcomes. Additionally, mental health is also considered a predictor of sleep quality in pregnant women. Aims: To explore the bidirectional relationship between sleep quality and mental health during pregnancy. Methods: A broad search of computerised databases focusing on articles published in English during 2015-2026 was conducted. A screening was conducted to identify current literature addressing the relationship between sleep quality and mental health during pregnancy. Results: 25 articles were included in this review. Three themes were identified: 1) Sleep Quality and Mental Health Outcomes, 2) Influence of Mental Health on Sleep Quality, and 3) Bidirectional relationship between sleep quality and mental health. Conclusion: Sleep quality and mental health in pregnant women are closely interconnected, with conditions such as depression, anxiety, stress, and post-traumatic stress disorder influencing sleep, while poor sleep further exacerbates these conditions. This reflects a bidirectional and cyclical relationship. However, more robust research is needed to strengthen the existing evidence.
Fire incidents remain a significant public safety concern in urban communities, leading to injury, loss of life, and property damage. Awareness of the fire triangle — heat, fuel, and oxygen — is essential for fire prevention and control. This study aimed to assess the level of awareness regarding the fire triangle among urban residents of Mysore, evaluate their perception toward fire safety, determine the correlation between awareness and perception, and identify associations with selected demographic variables. A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted, involving 60 urban residents selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire including demographic details, awareness questions, and a Likert scale for perception assessment. Reliability was established using Karl Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and validity was confirmed through expert evaluation. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and chi-square tests. Results showed that 60% of participants had adequate awareness, 26.7% moderate awareness, and 13.3% poor awareness. The mean awareness score was 57.40% (SD±4.21), indicating moderate knowledge levels. Perception scores averaged 55.4% (SD±7.51), reflecting a positive attitude toward fire safety. A strong positive correlation (r = 0.80) was observed between awareness and perception. Significant associations were found between awareness and demographic variables such as age, gender, education, and income. The study concludes that improving community-based educational programmes and awareness campaigns is necessary to enhance fire-safety knowledge and preventive behaviour among urban residents.
