OAR@UM Collection:

Auditory and visual processing skills in Maltese children

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Auditory and visual processing skills in Maltese children Abstract: Auditory processing (AP) and visual processing (VP) abilities are important for language development, learning, and classroom participation; however, evidence from Malta remains limited. This study investigated AP and VP performance in 8-year-old Maltese children according to gender, primary language, and neurodevelopmental profile. Participants included 83 children: 71 neurotypical (NT) and 12 neurodiverse (ND). AP skills were assessed using a computer-based battery administered via TestFlight, while VP skills were measured using the Motor-Free Visual Perception Test–Fourth Edition (MVPT-4). Language processing was evaluated through a Sentence Imitation Test derived from the Language Assessment for Maltese Children (LAMC). A researcher-developed questionnaire collected demographic and language background data. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics within an exploratory quantitative framework. Neurodevelopmental status emerged as the strongest determinant of performance, with ND children demonstrating consistently weaker AP and VP outcomes than NT peers. Gender and primary language showed minimal influence. Sentence imitation performance differed according to neurodevelopmental profile but not gender. Findings highlight interactions between perceptual, cognitive, and linguistic processes. Clinically, results support including AP and VP measures in assessment protocols, while educational implications include reducing perceptual load and implementing structured multisensory teaching approaches. This study contributes novel local evidence on perceptual processing in Maltese children within a bilingual context. Description: M.Sc.(Melit.)

The process of informed consent and decision-making in invasive aesthetic procedures

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Title: The process of informed consent and decision-making in invasive aesthetic procedures Abstract: Background: Informed consent is a key component of ethical, patient-centred healthcare delivery, ensuring individuals are thoroughly informed about the risks, benefits and alternatives of procedures. Given the increasing number of aesthetic procedures being carried out and the limited research on individuals’ understanding of the risks, benefits and alternatives of informed consent in aesthetic procedures, this research study sought to explore the process of informed consent and the decision-making process of individuals undergoing invasive aesthetic procedures. To address this aim, this research study was guided by three objectives; To explore and examine the informed consent process in invasive aesthetic procedures, to explore the decision-making process in invasive aesthetic procedures and to examine how demographic factors influence patients’ understanding of informed consent in aesthetic procedures. Methodology: A parallel convergent mixed-methods design was adopted. Data was collected using a self-developed structured questionnaire, which underwent face and content validation (n=270) and semi-structured interviews (n=8), from individuals who underwent invasive aesthetic procedures. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative data was analysed thematically. Data was converged to identify congruencies and discrepancies. Findings: Participants perceived themselves as being less informed about risks and potential complications compared to the benefits of the procedure. However, individuals were overall satisfied with the consent process, suggesting that insufficient risk information did not influence their final decision to undergo the procedure. Furthermore, participants mentioned dissatisfaction with their self-image and low self-esteem as the main factors influencing their decision to undergo an aesthetic procedure, often outweighing concerns about potential risks or complications. Conclusion: The findings suggest that informed consent in invasive aesthetic procedures serves as a useful but not decisive component of decision-making, as choices were also strongly influenced by personal motivations. This highlights the need to improve ethical, patient-centred consent practices that better address risk understanding and underlying patient motivations. Description: M.Sc.(Melit.)

Women's lived experience of enduring domestic violence and substance abuse

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Women's lived experience of enduring domestic violence and substance abuse Abstract: Background: Domestic violence and substance abuse are interconnected issues that have serious effects on women’s physical, emotional, and social wellbeing. These intersecting experiences often trap women in cycles of trauma, dependency, and marginalisation. Understanding how women experience and cope with these challenges is essential not only for developing effective, trauma-informed responses but also for providing appropriate support and intervention. Design: A qualitative phenomenological design was employed to explore the lived experiences of women exposed to both domestic violence and substance abuse, conducted in accordance with the principles and framework of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Setting: Semi-structured, audio-recorded interviews were conducted with participants in rehabilitation settings. Four interviews took place within the rehabilitation centre during participants’ treatment programmes, while one interview was conducted outside the centre with a participant in the reintegration phase. Participants: Five adult female participants who have been exposed to domestic violence and substance abuse at any point in their lives. Method: Purposive sampling was used to recruit participants. Interview data were transcribed verbatim and analysed following the principles of IPA. Results: Seven Group Experiential Themes (GETs) emerged from the analysis, each with corresponding subthemes. The first GET, Substance Use, captures the journey from curiosity to dependency and the use of substances as a coping mechanism. The second, Domestic Violence and Abuse, reveals ongoing cycles of control and the emotional and interpersonal violence experienced. The third, Emotions, reflects the trauma, psychological impact, and resilience demonstrated by participants. The fourth, Relationships, explores patterns of broken connections, power, and manipulation. The fifth, Family and Social Support, highlights fractured family bonds and system failures in providing adequate support. The sixth GET, Experiences with Support Services, and lastly Sharing Advice and Future Aspirations, illustrates barriers to seeking help, perceptions of available services, and participants’ reflections on growth, recovery, and advice for others. Conclusion: The study highlights the complex interplay between domestic violence and substance abuse in shaping women’s lived experiences. Participants’ narratives reveal cycles of trauma, resilience, and recovery, underscoring the need for integrated, trauma-informed approaches that address both issues simultaneously. Enhanced awareness, coordinated services, and empathetic support are essential to promote healing and empowerment among affected women. Description: M.Sc.(Melit.)

A comparison between the 12-lead electrocardiogram and hand-held spectral waveform doppler ultrasound in the detection of atrial fibrillation (Master's dissertation).

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Title: A comparison between the 12-lead electrocardiogram and hand-held spectral waveform doppler ultrasound in the detection of atrial fibrillation (Master's dissertation). Abstract: Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent sustained cardiac arrhythmia and a leading cause of thromboembolic stroke. Early detection is essential to initiate timely intervention and reduce associated morbidity and mortality. While electrocardiography (ECG) remains the gold standard for AF diagnosis, its routine use in community settings is limited. Pedal Doppler ultrasound (US) is already widely utilised in podiatric practice for vascular assessments, offering a potential opportunity for opportunistic AF screening during routine foot care. However, evidence quantifying the accuracy of pedal Doppler US for arrhythmia detection is limited. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of pedal Doppler US in identifying atrial fibrillation when compared with ECG findings, to determine its potential role as an opportunistic screening tool within podiatric practice. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 112 participants aged 65 years and older. Pedal Doppler US was used to classify peripheral pulse patterns as regular, partially regular, or irregular. ECG served as the reference standard to confirm the presence or absence of arrhythmias. Chi-square analysis was employed to assess the association between Doppler findings and ECG results, and Cramér’s V was calculated to estimate effect size. Results: A strong, statistically significant association was found between Doppler-detected irregular pulses and ECG-confirmed arrhythmias (χ²(1, N=112)=52.42, p<0.001, Cramér’s V=0.68). Doppler US reliably identified all cases of irregularly irregular rhythms indicative of AF but failed to detect regular arrhythmias such as first-degree atrioventricular block and sinus bradycardia. Conclusion: Pedal Doppler US shows considerable promise as a rapid, non-invasive, and accessible preliminary screening tool for irregular arrhythmias in podiatric settings. With appropriate training to standardize interpretation, podiatrists could play a pivotal role in opportunistic AF detection, facilitating timely ECG referral and potentially reducing stroke incidence in at-risk populations. Larger-scale, multi-center studies are recommended to validate these findings and inform future clinical guidelines. Description: M.Sc.(Melit.)