#1
I will be appraising the article titled COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness of booster doses against delta and omicron variants over follow-up times using longitudinal meta-analysis. The study design is a longitudinal meta-analysis as it follows and analyzes data over a period of time. Introduction to quantitative research states, “Longitudinal designs gather data about subjects at more than one point in time” ( Galen College of Nursing, 2024). Researchers extracted data from eighty studies from multiple reliable databases. Analysis was performed on unvaccinated and vaccinated groups that had completed the two doses of the vaccine for delta and omicron. Eighty studies provide a large amount of data and an appropriate sampling size for a meaningful study. The Independent variable is the COVID-19 vaccine booster dose, and the dependent variable is vaccine effectiveness. The data that was surveyed came from reliable databases, and an analysis was performed by two independent researchers, with a third researcher who could be consulted if needed. The main result of the study showed a decreased effectiveness over time, as stated in COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness of booster doses against delta and omicron variants over follow-up times using longitudinal meta-analysis, “Our findings showed a tendency to decrease effectiveness over time based on outcomes and variants” (Mostafavi et al., 2024). After 20 weeks, effectiveness dropped to 93.3 percent for the delta variant. Omicron peak effectiveness was 90.8 percent by week four and dropped to 73.4 percent by week 25. I would use this study to educate patients, specifically immunocompromised patients, on the importance of yearly vaccine booster shots for protection against covid 19(Mostafavi et al., 2024).
#2
A quantitative analysis of fidgeting in ADHD and its relation to performance and sustained attention on a cognitive task
The study employed a quantitative research design to investigate the relationship between fidgeting and cognitive performance in adults diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The sample size was adequate but not ideal for the research question. It allowed for a meaningful exploration of the relationship between fidgeting and cognitive performance in adults with ADHD. However, a larger sample would strengthen the study’s external validity. The study analyzed how the independent variable “fidgeting” related to task performance, attentional consistency, and ADHD symptom severity, which were the dependent variables. The study employed valid and reliable instruments to measure the outcomes. Actigraphy devices provide objective and reliable data on fidgeting. Structured interviews and ADHD rating scales are widely validated tools for assessing ADHD symptoms, though self-reports might introduce some bias. The study provides evidence supporting the hypothesis that physical movement during cognitive tasks may serve a functional role in helping individuals with ADHD maintain focus and cognitive control. The study reported statistical significance for its major findings, lending credibility to the relationships between fidgeting, attention regulation, cognitive performance, and ADHD symptom severity. Using the results of this study, I would apply the findings in nursing practice to improve outcomes for patients with ADHD by recognizing the potential benefits of fidgeting as a self-regulation mechanism.
