Educational Intervention for the Management of Nonspecific Lower Back Pain in Nonprofessional Caregivers (TRANSFE Program): A Quasi-Experimental Study.

Nonspecific lower back pain is one of the main health issues experienced by nonprofessional caregivers of dependent individuals. The repetitive movements and efforts made by caregivers to assist dependent individuals are associated with the onset of this lower back pain. The main objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of an educational intervention for the management of nonspecific lower back pain in nonprofessional caregivers of dependent individuals (TRANSFE program). The secondary objectives were to (i) evaluate the effectiveness of the TRANSFE program on other variables (caregiver burden, perceived social support, and health-related quality of life), (ii) obtain the sociodemographic profile of the sample, and (iii) determine the baseline of the study variables. A quasi-experimental study with post-intervention measurements at 3 months was conducted. Thirty-six nonprofessional caregivers of dependent individuals participated in this study. The presence of lower back pain (back pain index), low back pain (visual analogue scale), disability due to low back pain (Oswestry disability index), perceived social support (Duke-UNK scale), caregiver burden (Zarit burden scale), and health-related quality of life (EuroQol-5D) were assessed. The intervention significantly improved all the studied variables related to lower back pain (p < 0.001). The intervention was effective on other variables related to nonprofessional caregiving such as caregiver burden, perceived social support, and health-related quality of life, albeit with moderate results. An educational intervention for lower back pain experienced by caregivers of dependent individuals was effective in reducing lower back pain and addressing caregiver burden, perceived social support, and health-related quality of life. This study was registered retrospectively on the Open Science Framework platform on 20 June 2024, with the registration number 10.17605/OSF.IO/K7WTE.

Development and Evaluation of a Software Designed by a Nursing and Technology Team to Assess the Health Status of Adults over 65 Years of Age.

Objective: This work sought to develop the Actuasalud platform as a useful tool for nursing that permits assessing health, in term of frailty, in population over 65 years of age. Methods: For the design and development of Actuasalud, two working groups were formed: one from nursing with different profiles, to identify the scientific content and a computer science group responsible for the software programming and development. Both teams adapted the scientific content to the technology so that the tool would allow for population screening with detection of health problems and frailty states. Results: The software was developed in three large blocks that include all the dimensions of frailty: a: sociodemographic variables, b: comorbidities, and c: assessment tools of autonomy-related needs that evaluate the dimensions of frailty. At the end of the evaluation, a detailed report is displayed through bar diagram with the diagnosis of each of the dimensions assessed. The assessment in the participating elderly showed that 44.7% (n = 38) of the population was considered not frail, and 55.3%; (n = 47) as frail. Regarding associated pathologies, high blood pressure (67.1%; n = 57), osteoarthritis and/or arthritis (55.3%; n = 47), diabetes (48.2%; n = 41) and falls during the last year (35.3%; n = 30) were highlighted. Conclusion: Actuasalud is an application that allows nursing professionals to evaluate frailty and issue a quick diagnosis with ordered sequence, which helps to provide individualized care to elderly individuals according to the problems detected during the evaluation.

Development and validation of meta-measurement instruments: A methodological approach.

A valid and reliable nursing assessment is essential for identifying required care and ensuring patient safety. The convenience of conducting a comprehensive assessment of the patient has led to a significant increase in assessment tools that may slow down the process. Nevertheless, the possibility of consolidating various instruments that measure common or similar constructs into a meta-instrument is considered an alternative that could enhance assessment efficiency. A meta-instrument can be defined as a measurement tool that consolidates other instruments based on measuring related constructs and sharing dimensions or items, aiming to achieve a more parsimonious measurement. Literature on such assessment tools is scarce, and there are numerous options for their construction and initial validation. Additionally, it is advisable to confirm their psychometric properties and ensure that they maintain, at the very least, the same diagnostic capacity as the original instruments. This article presents a proposal for the phases to follow in constructing meta-instruments, along with various methodological alternatives that can be employed based on the characteristics of the original instruments and the purpose of creating the meta-instrument. Furthermore, special attention is given to the checklists that should be used to study the psychometric properties and diagnostic capacity of the meta-instruments. Finally, future lines of research and challenges in the development of nursing assessment meta-instruments are discussed.

Can Virtual Reality Help Improve Motor and Cognitive Function in Active Aging in Older Adults? A Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND: Active aging is considered one of the most effective methods for a healthy aging process. There are numerous clinical practice guidelines that address this model and propose multiple strategies for its achievement through the improvement of motor and cognitive function. Virtual reality is emerging as a potential tool, with various modalities focused on promoting good health maintenance in older adults. The objectives of this review were to map the potential benefits of virtual reality for active aging and delve into adaptability and adherence in older individuals. METHODS: A scoping review was conducted on studies published between 2013 and 2023 in English, Spanish, or Catalan, examining virtual reality interventions in older adults. The search was performed using the Medline, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. The methodological quality was assessed using CASPe and FLC 3.0 critical appraisal guidelines. The graphical data were reported narratively, grouping results based on the study characteristics and the impact of virtual reality. RESULTS: The review process resulted in the inclusion of 22 articles out of the initial 459 following the application of the selection criteria. Most articles were randomized controlled trials (45.4%; n = 10), systematic reviews (40.9%; n = 9), observational studies (9%; n = 2), and pilot studies (4.5%; n = 1). The information was organized based on the virtual reality modality (immersive, non-immersive, and 360) and application area (motor, cognitive, and mental health). CONCLUSIONS: Virtual reality (both immersive and non-immersive) is a valuable tool for promoting physical exercise in older adults, helping to prevent recurrent accidental falls. It also yields positive results for cognitive stimulation in healthy older individuals, improving memory, depression, and mental health in those with cognitive impairment. Virtual reality is generally well-received by older adults, achieving high adherence rates.

Nomophobia and Its Relationship with Social Anxiety and Procrastination in Nursing Students: An Observational Study.

Nomophobia is a phenomenon that describes the fear of not having one's mobile phone accessible. This study aimed to evaluate the presence of nomophobia among nursing students as well as its relationship with procrastination and social anxiety. METHODS: An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in a sample of 308 nursing students. Data were collected using the Nomophobia Questionnaire, Academic Procrastination Scale-Short Form, and Social Anxiety Questionnaire for Adults. Additionally, sociodemographic variables related to academic performance and smartphone use were collected. We performed a descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analysis of the Nomophobia Questionnaire score. RESULTS: 19.5% (n = 60) of the students presented with or were at high risk of nomophobic behaviour. Moreover, nomophobic behaviour was positively correlated with high levels of social anxiety (p < 0.001), longer daily smartphone usage time (p < 0.001), and a high frequency of smartphone checking in class (p < 0.001). The predictive variables for nomophobic behaviour included age, variables related to smartphone use, social anxiety levels, work, procrastination tendency, sex, and self-reported average grade. CONCLUSION: One out of five students in the sample studied presented with or were at high risk of nomophobic behaviour. Additionally, nomophobic behaviour was associated with social anxiety and variables related to smartphone use. This study was not registered.

Improving Nursing Assessment in Adult Hospitalization Units: A Secondary Analysis.

The main objective of this study was to analyze the impact of a multifaceted strategy to improve the assessment of functional capacity, risk of pressure injuries, and risk of falls at the time of admission of patients in adult hospitalization units. This was a secondary analysis of the VALENF project databases during two periods (October-December 2020, before the strategy, and October-December 2021, after the strategy). The quantity and quality of nursing assessments performed on patients admitted to adult hospitalization units were evaluated using the Barthel index, Braden index, and Downton scale. The number of assessments completed before the implementation of the new strategy was n = 686 (28.01%), versus n = 1445 (58.73%) in 2021 (p < 0.001). The strategy improved the completion of the evaluations of the three instruments from 63.4% (n = 435) to 71.8% (n = 1038) (p < 0.001). There were significant differences depending on the hospitalization unit and the assessment instrument (p < 0.05). The strategy employed was, therefore, successful. The nursing assessments show a substantial improvement in both quantity and quality, representing a noticeable improvement in nursing practice. This study was not registered.

Exploring the construct validity of the Barthel index in a sample of Spanish hospitalised patients.

OBJECTIVE: Examine the construct validity of the Barthel Index in adult inpatient units. METHOD: A secondary analysis was performed on a sample of 1342 adult patients admitted to inpatient units. A confirmatory factor analysis of the Barthel Index did not confirm its unidimensional structure (CFA-1). Therefore, two methods were explored to find a solution with a better fit. The sequence of the classical exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis methods was carried out (CFA-2). In contrast, a Gaussian graphical model and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA-3) were performed. Three models were compared on the basis of several goodness-of-fit indicators. RESULTS: CFA-1 results (χ2 = 161,616; P < .001; RMSEA = .183) indicated a poor fit between the model and the data. Exploratory factor analysis provided a model with two dimensions that explained 86% of the variance and improved the goodness-of-fit in CFA-2 (χ2 = 846; P < .001; RMSEA = .133). The Gaussian graphical model, by removing the item 'Bladder', offered a solution with three dimensions that improved the goodness-of-fit compared to the previous models (χ2 = 492; P < .001; RMSEA = .09). CONCLUSION: The Barthel Index is not a unidimensional measure of functional capacity when applied to adult inpatient units. The best-fitting model has a three-dimensional structure (Hygiene; Feeding and disposal; Mobility) that relates to the domains of care needs.

Development and Validation of the Breastfeeding Literacy Assessment Instrument (BLAI) for Obstetric Women.

BACKGROUND: Despite international efforts to protect and promote exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for infants up to six months of age, global rates of EBF continue to fall short of the targets proposed by the WHO for 2025. Previous studies have shown a relationship between the level of health literacy and the duration of EBF, although this relationship was not determinant, probably due to the use of a generic health literacy questionnaire. Therefore, this study aims to design and validate the first specific breastfeeding literacy instrument. METHODS: A Breastfeeding Literacy instrument was developed. Content validation was carried out by a group of 10 experts in health literacy, breastfeeding or instrument validation, obtaining a Content Validity index in Scale (S-CVI/Ave) of 0.912. A multicentre cross-sectional study was carried out in three Spanish hospitals to determine the psychometric properties (construct validity and internal consistency). The questionnaire was administered to 204 women during the clinical puerperium. RESULTS: The Kaiser-Meier-Oklin Test (KMO = 0.924) and Bartlett's Test of Sphericity (X2 = 3119.861; p ≤ 0.001) confirmed the feasibility of the Exploratory Factor Analysis, which explained 60.54% of the variance with four factors. CONCLUSIONS: The Breastfeeding Literacy Assessment Instrument (BLAI) consisting of 26 items was validated.

Development and Validation of a Meta-Instrument for the Assessment of Functional Capacity, the Risk of Falls and Pressure Injuries in Adult Hospitalization Units (VALENF Instrument) (Part II).

The nursing assessment is the first step of the nursing process and fundamental to detecting patients' care needs and at-risk situations. This article presents the psychometric properties of the VALENF Instrument, a recently developed meta-instrument with only seven items that integrates the assessment of functional capacity, risk of pressure injuries and risk of falls with a more parsimonious approach to nursing assessment in adult hospitalization units. A cross-sectional study based on recorded data in a sample of 1352 nursing assessments was conducted. Sociodemographic variables and assessments of the Barthel, Braden and Downton instruments were included at the time of admission through the electronic health history. Thus, the VALENF Instrument obtained high content validity (S-CVI = 0.961), construct validity (RMSEA = 0.072; TLI = 0.968) and internal consistency (Ω = 0.864). However, the inter-observer reliability results were not conclusive, with Kappa values ranging between 0.213 and 0.902 points. The VALENF Instrument has adequate psychometric properties (content validity, construct validity, internal consistency and inter-observer reliability) for assessing the level of functional capacity, risk of pressure injuries and risk of falls. Future studies are necessary to establish its diagnostic accuracy.

Developing and validating an integrated instrument for nursing assessments in adult hospitalization units: Study protocol.

AIMS: To develop and validate an instrument that integrates functional capacity, risk of pressure ulcers and risk of falling with a more parsimonious approach towards nursing assessments in hospitalization units. DESIGN: Cross-sectional validation multicentre study. METHODS: Socio-demographic variables and assessments of Barthel Index, Braden Index and Downton Scale are included via electronic health records. Instrument's development process will include: (i) conceptual assessments; (ii) content validity; (iii) construct validity; (iv) internal consistency and (v) interobserver reliability. The analysis will consider possible differences in medical and surgical hospitalization units, hospitalization type or being a COVID-19 patient. This study was accepted for funding in November 2020 and approved by the Ethics and Research Committee in January 2021. RESULTS: An integrated instrument that lowers the administrative load of nursing assessments and allows at-risk patients to be detected with at least the same validity and reliability as the original instruments is expected to be obtained.

Prevalencia de las úlceras por presión al egreso hospitalario en chile: tendencia del indicador 2001 al 2019

Objetivo: Analizar la tendencia de la prevalencia de úlceras por presión en Chile y sus regiones de acuerdo con los egresos hospitalarios. Material y Método: Estudio ecológico de series temporales, que analizó la prevalencia de úlceras por presión entre 2001 y 2019. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo, bivariante y lineal de tendencias. Este último con método de autorregresión Prais Winsten, calculando el cambio porcentual anual (APC) y sus intervalos de confianza al 95% (IC-95%). Resultados: La muestra fue de 11.060 casos. El 55,2% (6.103) fueron hombres, la media de edad fue 60 años (± 27.5) y la estancia hospitalaria fue 21,80 (± 35,084) días, siendo significativamente mayor en quienes presentaban lesiones por presión (p< 0,001). Existe una tendencia creciente y significativa en la prevalencia de úlceras por presión en Chile y todas sus regiones, teniendo promedio de un 11,33% de crecimiento interanual (APC= 0,0019; IC:95%= 0,0016-0,0022). Conclusión: Los resultados no son alentadores a pesar del aumento de la notificación de medidas de prevención y estandarización en los cuidados.

Objective: To analyze the trend in the prevalence of pressure ulcers in Chile and its regions according to hospital discharges. Material and Method: Ecological time series study, which analyzed the prevalence of pressure ulcers between 2001 and 2019. A descriptive, bivariate and linear analysis of trends was carried out. The latter with the Prais Winsten auto-regression method, calculating the annual percentage change (APC) and its 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Results: The sample was 11,060 cases. 55.2% (6,103) were men, the average age was 60 years (± 27.5) and the hospital stay was 21.80 (± 35,084) days, being significantly longer in those with pressure injuries (p< 0.001). There is a growing and significant trend in the prevalence of pressure ulcers in Chile and all its regions, with an average of 11.33% interannual growth (APC= 0.0019; 95% CI= 0.0016-0.0022). Conclusion: The results are not encouraging despite the increase in notification of prevention measures and standardization of care.

Objetivo: Analisar a tendência da prevalência de úlceras por pressão no Chile e suas regiões de acordo com as altas hospitalares. Material e Método: Estudo ecológico de série temporal, que analisou a prevalência de úlceras por pressão entre 2001 e 2019. Foi realizada análise descritiva, bivariada e linear de tendências. Este último com o método de autorregressão de Prais Winsten, calculando a variação percentual anual (APC) e seus intervalos de confiança de 95% (IC 95%). Resultados: A amostra foi de 11.060 casos. 55,2% (6.103) eram homens, a idade média foi de 60 anos (± 27,5) e o tempo de internação foi de 21,80 (± 35.084) dias, sendo significativamente maior naqueles com lesão por pressão (p< 0,001). Há uma tendência crescente e significativa na prevalência de úlceras por pressão no Chile e em todas as suas regiões, com uma média de crescimento interanual de 11,33% (APC= 0,0019; IC 95%= 0,0016-0,0022). Conclusão: Os resultados não são animadores apesar do aumento da notificação de medidas de prevenção e da padronização dos cuidados.

Breastfeeding and Obstetric Violence during the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic in Spain: Maternal Perceptions.

Catalan legislation, a pioneer in Europe, has defined obstetric violence (OV) as "preventing or hindering access to truthful information, necessary for autonomous and informed decision-making". The definition also states that OV can affect physical and mental health, as well as sexual and reproductive health. Some authors have expressed concern about an increase in OV during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. During the pandemic, recommendations were also openly offered on the non-establishment and/or early abandonment of breastfeeding without scientific evidence to support them. Experiencing a traumatic childbirth can influence breastfeeding outcomes. Here, we conducted a cross-sectional study using a self-administered online questionnaire. The sample consisted of women who gave birth in Spain between March 2020 and April 2021. The mean age was 34.41 (±4.23) years. Of the women, 73% were employed, 78.2% had a university education, and almost all were Caucasian. Among the subjects, 3.3% were diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy and 1% were diagnosed during delivery. Some of the women (1.6%) were advised to stop breastfeeding in order to be vaccinated. Women diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 during delivery (p = 0.048), belonging to a low social class (p = 0.031), with secondary education (p = 0.029), or who suffered obstetric violence (p < 0.001) perceived less support and that the health care providers were less inclined to resolve doubts and difficulties about breastfeeding. Breastfeeding has been significantly challenged during the pandemic. In addition to all the variables to be considered that make breastfeeding support difficult, we now probably need to add SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis and OV.

Development and Validation of a Meta-Instrument for Nursing Assessment in Adult Hospitalization Units (VALENF Instrument) (Part I).

Nursing assessment is the basis for performing interventions that match patient needs, but nurses perceive it as an administrative load. This research aims to develop and validate a meta-instrument that integrates the assessment of functional capacity, risk of pressure ulcers and risk of falling with a more parsimonious approach to nursing assessment in adult hospitalization units. Specifically, this manuscript presents the results of the development of this meta-instrument (VALENF instrument). A cross-sectional study based on recorded data was carried out in a sample of 1352 nursing assessments. Socio-demographic variables and assessments of Barthel, Braden and Downton indices at the time of admission were included. The meta-instrument's development process includes: (i) nominal group; (ii) correlation analysis; (iii) multiple linear regressions models; (iv) reliability analysis. A seven-item solution showed a high predictive capacity with Barthel (R2adj = 0.938), Braden (R2adj = 0.926) and Downton (R2adj = 0.921) indices. Likewise, reliability was significant (p < 0.001) for Barthel (ICC = 0.969; τ-b = 0.850), Braden (ICC = 0.943; τ-b = 0.842) and Downton (ICC = 0.905; κ = 7.17) indices. VALENF instrument has an adequate predictive capacity and reliability to assess the level of functional capacity, risk of pressure injuries and risk of falls.

Characteristics and determinants of the academic goals in nursing education: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Academic goals guide the learning mode of nursing students, focus their objectives and influence the acquisition of skills. However, research on academic goals and related variables is scarce. OBJECTIVE: To study the relationship between different sociodemographic and academic variables with the type of academic goal in nursing students at the Universitat Jaume I (Spain). DESIGN: Cross-sectional study conducted between September 2020 and June 2021. SETTINGS AND PARTICIPANTS: Undergraduate nursing students at Universitat Jaume I (n = 263). METHODS: The Academic Goal Orientation questionnaire was administered. In addition, the variables age, gender, route to university, previous health studies, previous training in critical thinking, degree year and average grade on academic record were collected. A descriptive analysis of the sample and an analysis of the association between variables were performed. In addition, exploratory multinomial logistic regression was performed. RESULTS: The nursing students preferred the Learning Goal (95.8%; n = 263), and this increased among the students as their average grade increased. The results of the multivariate analysis indicated that students with a lower average grade, those from advanced years and those without previous training in critical thinking preferred the Work Avoidance and Self-defeating Ego Goals. CONCLUSION: The preferred goal among the students was learning. The variables that influenced the type of goal were year, average grade and previous training in critical thinking.

Influence of Health Literacy on Maintenance of Exclusive Breastfeeding at 6 Months Postpartum: A Multicentre Study.

Background: International organizations recommend initiating breastfeeding within the first hour of life and maintaining exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months. However, worldwide rates of exclusive breastfeeding for 6-month-old infants is far from meeting the goal proposed by the World Health Organization, which is to reach a minimum of 50% of infants. Education is one of the factors affecting the initiation and continuation of breastfeeding, and incidentally, it is also related to lower health literacy. This study explored the influence of health literacy on maintenance of exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months postpartum. Methods: A longitudinal multicenter study with 343 women were recruited between January 2019 and January 2020. The first questionnaire was held during the puerperium (24−48 h) with mothers practicing exclusive breastfeeding, with whom 6-month postpartum breastfeeding follow-up was performed. Socio-demographic, clinical and obstetric variables were collected. Breastfeeding efficiency was assessed using the LATCH breastfeeding assessment tool. The health literacy level was evaluated by the Newest Vital Sign screening tool. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to detect protective factors for early exclusive breastfeeding cessation. Results: One third of the women continued exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months postpartum. Approximately half the participants had a low or inadequate health literacy level. An adequate health literacy level, a high LATCH breastfeeding assessment tool score (>9 points) and being married were the protective factors against exclusive breastfeeding cessation at 6 months postpartum. Conclusion: Health literacy levels are closely related to maintaining exclusive breastfeeding and act as a protective factor against early cessation. A specific instrument is needed to measure the lack of "literacy in breastfeeding", in order to verify the relationship between health literacy and maintenance of exclusive breastfeeding.

Perception of obstetric violence in a sample of Spanish health sciences students: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Obstetric violence is a problem that has grown worldwide, and a particularly worrying one in Spain. Such violence has repercussions for women, and for the professionals who cause them. Preventing this problem seems fundamental. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated how health sciences students perceived obstetric violence. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study conducted between October 2019 and November 2020. PARTICIPANTS: A sample of Spanish health sciences students studying degrees of nursing, medicine, midwifery, and psychology. METHODS: A validated questionnaire was used: Perception of Obstetric Violence in Students (PercOV-S). Socio-demographic and control variables were included. A descriptive and comparative multivariate analysis was performed with the obtained data. RESULTS: 540 questionnaires were completed with an overall mean score of 3.83 points (SD ± 0.63), with 2.83 points (SD ± 0.91) on the protocolised-visible dimension and 4.15 points (SD ± 0.67) on the non-protocolised-invisible obstetric violence dimension. Statistically significant differences were obtained for degree studied (p < 0.001), gender (p < 0.001), experience (p < 0.001), ethnic group (p < 0.001), the obstetric violence concept (p < 0.001) and academic year (p < 0.005). There were three significant multivariate models for the questionnaire's overall score and dimensions. CONCLUSIONS: Health sciences students perceived obstetric violence mainly as non-protocolised aspects while attending women. Degree studied and academic year might be related to perceived obstetric violence.

Student satisfaction level, clinical learning environment, and tutor participation in primary care clinical placements: An observational study.

BACKGROUND: Competence evaluations in the clinical setting represent approximately 50% of the nurse training process. Factors, such as perceived learning environment and clinical nurse participation, may influence nursing student satisfaction during clinical placements. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between the levels of nursing student satisfaction with clinical placements, the clinical learning environment, and the level of nurse tutor participation. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: We included 61 nursing students and 45 clinical nurses from 35 primary care centres assigned to the Universitat Jaume I. VARIABLES AND DATA COLLECTION: We assessed the overall level of student satisfaction with clinical placements, students' perception of the learning environment, tutors' level of participation, and socio-demographic variables. DATA ANALYSIS: We performed a descriptive analysis of the study sample, as well as correlation and simple linear regression analyses. Questionnaire results were analysed depending on the nature of the variables. RESULTS: The students' perception of the learning environment was 4.39 ± 0.48 points out of 5. The overall satisfaction level was 8.89 ± 1.22 points out of 10. Tutor participation level in students learning was 3.91 ± 0.58 points out of 5. CONCLUSIONS: Both student perception of the learning environment in the clinical setting and their overall level of satisfaction with clinical placements in the primary care centres were considered high. Tutors were participative, but poorly satisfied.

Healthcare Management and Quality during the First COVID-19 Wave in a Sample of Spanish Healthcare Professionals.

The aim of this study was to assess how the healthcare professionals in the Castellón Province (Spain) perceive healthcare quality and management during the first COVID-19 wave. A cross-sectional study was carried out. An online survey on healthcare quality and management during the first COVID-19 wave was sent to healthcare professionals. Almost half of the sample believed that healthcare quality worsened during the first COVID-19 wave (45.3%; n = 173). Heavier workload (m = 4.08 ± 1.011) and patients' complexity (m = 3.77 ± 1.086) were the factors that most negatively impacted healthcare quality. Health department 3, primary care center, and other doctors assessed human and material resources management as significantly worse (p < 0.05). Human and material resources management and the healthcare organization negatively affected healthcare quality during the first COVID-19 wave. Significant differences were observed according to departments, services, and professionals.

Validation of the attitudes to patient safety questionnaire for nursing students in the Spanish context.

BACKGROUND: There are different instruments to assess the attitudes of nursing students towards patient safety. However, no questionnaire validated in Spanish with this objective was identified. The objective of this study was to validate the Attitudes to Patient Safety (APS) questionnaire for nursing students in Spain and to study the attitudes towards patient safety of nursing students at the Universitat Jaume I (Spain). DESIGN: Cross-sectional psychometric study developed in a sample of 177 undergraduate nursing students. The study was carried out in the second semester of 2016. METHODS: First, a nominal group was created to perform cross-cultural adaptation and determine content validity of the Attitude to Patient Safety Questionnaire (APQS-III). Second, a cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the psychometric properties of the questionnaire and to study nursing student attitudes towards patient safety. RESULTS: Exploratory factorial analysis explained 53.82 % of the variance, with good internal consistency (α = 0.808), and confirmatory factor analysis indicate an adequate fit between the model and the data (χ2 = 366; p < 0.001; χ2/df = 1.886; RMSEA = 0.07; IC95 %=0.059-0.081; CFI = 0.885). Intra-observer reliability was good (ICC = 0.792, p < 0.001). The mean overall score of the questionnaire was 3.92 (95 % CI = 3.88-4.03). Significant differences were observed regarding whether the students had completed a clinical practicum (p = 0.012) and the academic year (p = 0.25). CONCLUSIONS: The psychometric properties of the APS questionnaire adapted for Spanish nursing students are adequate. Students show an adequate attitude towards patient safety; however, it is necessary to develop a strategy to guarantee the acquisition of competency for patient safety as well as to design and evaluate specific educational interventions.

Breastfeeding knowledge in university nursing students. A multicentre study in Spain.

BACKGROUND: Exclusive breastfeeding is one of the main health and infant survival elements. To start and maintain breastfeeding, health professionals must receive culturally sensitive evidence-based breastfeeding training to offer future mothers the required information and support. While studying the nursing degree, acquiring the necessary knowledge and skills to successfully perform this work is essential. OBJECTIVE: Study the level of nursing students' breastfeeding knowledge at three Spanish public universities; explore which variables are related to acquire this knowledge. DESIGN: An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional multicentre study. METHODS: Participants were the students registered for the 4 nursing degree years at the three participating universities (N = 1540). They were asked about their breastfeeding knowledge with the self-administered AprendeLact Questionnaire; breastfeeding-related socio-demographic variables were included. RESULTS: The overall mean score of the 684 returned questionnaires was 4.659 (±2.377) out of 10. The year-4 students from the Castellón university obtained significantly higher mean scores and had been on practicals in maternity or neonatology units, belonged to breastfeeding associations and were artificially fed as infants. University belonged to, current academic year and placements in maternity or neonatology units were relevant factors for acquiring breastfeeding knowledge. CONCLUSIONS: Syllabi based on progressive transversal learning, and participating in real maternity-related health settings, could be facilitating strategies to acquire a suitable level of breastfeeding knowledge.