Quality of Life after Radical Prostatectomy: A Longitudinal Study.

BACKGROUND: Men with prostate cancer who undergo radical prostatectomy experience a decrease in quality of life, often related to sexual disfunction and urinary incontinence. Knowing and measuring the impact of radical prostatectomy on the individual's social, emotional, and family quality of life could help to plan and develop an appropriate, patient-centred therapeutic approach. AIM: In this study, we aimed to evaluate changes in quality of life of patients with prostate cancer before and after radical prostatectomy. METHODS: A longitudinal, observational study of 114 participants was conducted using the method of test-retest. Quality of life before and after radical prostatectomy was measured through the following self-administered questionnaires: (1) The EORTC QLQ-C30 in its Spanish version was used to assess the generic quality of life the participants; (2) the EORTC QLQ-PR25 in its Spanish version was used to assess the specific, health-related quality of life of prostate cancer patients. RESULTS: A total of 114 men took part in this study. The results from the QLQ-C30 questionnaire indicated an improvement in the dimensions of emotional role and cognitive function, as well as in the symptoms of fatigue, pain, nausea and vomiting, insomnia, and loss of appetite, after surgery. Patients scored lower in the dimensions of role functioning, social function, and economic impact after radical prostatectomy. According to the results from the QLQ-PR25 questionnaire, 61.40% of the participants experienced sexual impotence and 26.31% suffered urinary incontinence after surgery. There were significant differences in some postsurgical outcomes between patients who had neurovascular bundles preserved and those who had not. CONCLUSIONS: In-depth knowledge of, and measurement of changes in, quality of life after radical prostatectomy should allow for comprehensive, multidisciplinary, patient-centred care planning. Psychosocial assessment, both before and after surgery, is crucial in patients with prostate cancer. This study was prospectively registered with the CEIC-A on 2012-06-27, with registration number C.P.-C.I. PI12/0088.

Ageism and nursing students, past or reality?: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aimed to summarise and update existing knowledge about ageism among nursing students through the following research question: what is the perception and attitudes of ageism among student nurses? DESIGN: A systematic review of longitudinal and cross-sectional studies of ageism in nursing students was carried out. DATA SOURCES: The literature search was conducted in the scientific databases Pubmed and Scopus in February 2021. REVIEW METHODS: After the screening process, 22 studies meeting the selection criteria were selected; 8 more were identified after manually searching the selected paper' reference lists. A total of 30 studies were included in the review. The JBI Critical Appraisal Checklists for Analytical Cross-Sectional studies and for Cohort Studies were used to appraise the articles' quality. RESULTS: There was large variability in the manifestation of ageism among student nurses, as well as in the instruments used for assessment. Most of the articles analysed attitudes towards old age, the majority of which were positive. Being a female student, being on the final year of study and having regular contact or cohabitation with an older adult were three of the main determinants in the expression of positive attitudes towards the elderly. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that student nurses generally have positive attitudes towards old age, although ageist beliefs and discriminatory behaviours were identified and should be studied in greater depth. Training programs for future care professionals have a responsibility to educate from a non-stereotypical perspective based on current societal needs.

Translation, Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Nurses Self-Concept Instrument (NSCI) to Spanish.

Professional self-concept in nurses is understood as the way nurses think and feel about themselves in their nursing role and is both a predictor of quality of care and a protective factor against burnout. The aim of this study was to translate, culturally adapt and validate the Spanish version of the Nurses Self-Concept Instrument in a sample of 483 Spanish registered nurses. In addition, we analyzed gender differences in its dimensions in the same sample. Internal reliability was evaluated using Cronbach's Alpha, while construct validity was assessed using both exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. The differences between groups were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test. Factor distribution was different from the original model. A gender gap was observed in the Nurse Thinking and Perception of Capabilities dimensions with higher values in the women group, while in the Leadership dimension, higher values were observed in the men group. While the Spanish version of the Nurses Self-Concept Instrument is a valid and reliable tool to measure this construct, the differences in its dimensions lead to a deeper understanding of the cultural differences in the construction of professional self-concept.

An evaluation of undergraduate student nurses' gameful experience whilst playing a digital escape room as part of a FIRST year module: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The circumstances arising from the COVID-19 pandemic have accelerated the use of digital teaching and learning in health professions education. Digital gamification-based teaching and learning activities are innovative and versatile tools for the acquisition of professional competencies in higher education, which can be used on a range of topics and can be supplemental to other teaching methods. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate nursing students' gameful experience whilst playing a digital escape room. In addition, we aimed to analyze the students' motivation, learning experience and outcome of the activity, and the students' perception of the degree of achievement of the intended learning outcomes. DESIGN: Cross-sectional descriptive study. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 136 undergraduate first year student nurses enrolled in a "Fundamentals of Nursing" course. METHOD: The digital escape room game took place online during the academic year 2020-2021. The measures included the GAMEX scale in its Spanish version and a self-reported questionnaire to evaluate the outcome of the scape room game and the degree of achievement of the intended learning outcomes. RESULTS: More than 80 % of the participants were moderately to very motivated to play the game. Three GAMEX dimensions achieved a mean score of 3 or above 3, namely Enjoyment, Creative Thinking and Absence of Negative effects. The mean score for each of the outcome variables was over 3. However, the degree of achievement of the learning outcomes after exiting the digital escape room was uneven. CONCLUSION: Gamification-based teaching and learning activities, such as digital escape rooms, can be effective in fostering specific skills, including teamwork, communication and critical thinking. However, they should be designed carefully, and used as a complement, rather than a substitute, of other educational activities.

Clinical and Epidemiological Approach to Delirium in an Acute Care Unit: A Cross-Sectional Study.

During hospital admissions, the union of various factors, those related to acute pathology, dependency conditions, cognitive impairment, change of habitual environment, and others, can cause delirium. Acute delirium in the elderly (ADE) occurs in around a third of patients over 70 years of age. The syndrome generates serious complications that increase hospital morbidity and mortality and a high cost for the health administration. This study aimed to determine the clinical and epidemiological profile of ADE in an internal medicine unit. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out using a convenience test. A total of 356 patients participated between September and November 2021. Sociodemographic variables, predisposing and precipitating factors of ADE, methods of action against ADE, and the impact on functional and cognitive deterioration were analyzed. A total of 35.1% of the patients developed ADE, mostly of the hyperactive type and of nocturnal appearance. ADE was mainly treated with psychoactive drugs and 22% required mechanical restraint, with non-pharmacological preventive strategies, support, and caregiver training being the main tools for controlling ADE during hospital admission.

Psychological distress and fear of Covid-19 in student nurses before clinical placement: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the degree of psychological distress and fear of COVID-19 experienced by undergraduate student nurses who were about to begin their clinical placements. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was carried out with 100 second- and third-year undergraduate student nurses of the University of Zaragoza (Spain). Measures included the Fear of COVID-19 Scale and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales. RESULTS: Regularly, student nurses did not think of themselves as vulnerable to COVID-19. However, a significant association was observed between the student nurses' level of psychological distress and cohabiting with relatives or people who were considered vulnerable to the infection (p = 0.035). The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale results revealed a low level of psychological distress in general; the Fear of COVID-19 Scale indicated moderate fear (2.94). CONCLUSION: Student nurses who lived with their relatives experienced higher levels of stress due to the perceived risk of transmission, but were less fearful of loss of work and income. Anxiety in our sample was associated principally with not knowing their upcoming placement location.

Psychological distress and fear of Covid-19 in student nurses before clinical placement: a cross-sectional study / Sofrimento psicológico e medo da Covid-19 em estudantes de enfermagem antes do estágio clínica: um estudo transversal / Distrés psicológico y miedo a la Covid-19 en estudiantes de enfermería antes de la colocación clínica: un estudio transversal

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the degree of psychological distress and fear of COVID-19 experienced by undergraduate student nurses who were about to begin their clinical placements. Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out with 100 second- and third-year undergraduate student nurses of the University of Zaragoza (Spain). Measures included the Fear of COVID-19 Scale and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales. Results: Regularly, student nurses did not think of themselves as vulnerable to COVID-19. However, a significant association was observed between the student nurses' level of psychological distress and cohabiting with relatives or people who were considered vulnerable to the infection (p = 0.035). The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale results revealed a low level of psychological distress in general; the Fear of COVID-19 Scale indicated moderate fear (2.94). Conclusion: Student nurses who lived with their relatives experienced higher levels of stress due to the perceived risk of transmission, but were less fearful of loss of work and income. Anxiety in our sample was associated principally with not knowing their upcoming placement location.

RESUMO Objetivo: Determinar el grado de angustia psicológica y miedo al COVID-19 que experimentan los estudiantes de pregrado de enfermería que estaban a punto de empezar sus prácticas clínicas. Método: Se realizó un estudio transversal en 100 estudiantes de enfermería de segundo y tercer año de la Universidad de Zaragoza (España). Las medidas incluyeron la Escala de Miedo a la COVID-19 y la Escala de Depresión, Ansiedad y Estrés. Resultados: Normalmente, los estudiantes de enfermería no se consideraban vulnerables a la COVID-19. Sin embargo, se observó una asociación significativa entre el nivel de distrés psicológico de los estudiantes de enfermería y la convivencia con familiares o personas percibidas como vulnerables a la infección (p = 0,035). Los resultados del Escala de Depresión, Ansiedad y Estrés revelaron un bajo nivel de distrés psicológico en general; la Escala de Miedo a la COVID-19 indicó un miedo moderado (2,94). Conclusión: Los estudiantes de enfermería que vivían con sus familiares experimentaron mayores niveles de estrés debido al riesgo percibido de transmisión, pero tenían menos miedo a la pérdida de trabajo e ingresos. La ansiedad en nuestra muestra se asoció principalmente con el desconocimiento de su próxima ubicación de colocación.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Determinar o grau de sofrimento psicológico e medo da COVID-19 experimentado por estudantes de enfermagem que estavam prestes a iniciar seus estágios clínicos. Método: Um estudo transversal foi realizado em 100 estudantes de enfermagem do segundo e terceiro anos da Universidade de Zaragoza (Espanha). As medidas incluíram a Escala de Medo da COVID-19 e as escalas de Depressão, Ansiedade e Estresse. Resultados: Regularmente, os estudantes de enfermagem não se consideravam vulneráveis à COVID-19. No entanto, observou-se associação significativa entre o nível de sofrimento psicológico dos estudantes de enfermagem e a convivência com familiares ou pessoas percebidas como vulneráveis à infecção (p = 0,035). Os resultados da Escala de Depressão, Ansiedade e Estresse revelaram um baixo nível de sofrimento psicológico em geral; a Escala de Medo da COVID-19 indicou um medo moderado (2,94). Conclusão: Estudantes de enfermagem que moravam com seus familiares experimentaram níveis mais altos de estresse devido ao risco percebido de transmissão, mas tinham menos medo de perda de trabalho e renda. A ansiedade em nossa amostra foi associada principalmente ao desconhecimento de seu próximo local de estágio.

Impact of Reducing Sitting Time in Women with Fibromyalgia and Obesity: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Sitting time has negative effects on health, increasing the risk of obesity, osteoporosis, diabetes, and cancer. Thus, primary health care education interventions aimed to reduce sitting time and sedentary behavior could have beneficial effects on people's health and wellbeing. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of an intervention based on reducing sitting time to decrease cardiometabolic risk on a sample of women diagnosed with fibromyalgia and moderate obesity. METHODS: Randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention to decrease cardiometabolic risk in 84 participants. Sedentary behavior was monitored using an accelerometer before and at 3-month follow-up. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, body mass index decreased, and the number of steps taken increased, in the intervention group 3 months after the intervention. No significant differences were found in the rest of the variables measured. CONCLUSION: The intervention group decreased sitting time after the intervention. Group activities and support from primary care may be useful to improve treatment adherence. RCT registration: NCT01729936.

An evaluation of undergraduate student nurses' gameful experience while playing an escape room game as part of a community health nursing course.

BACKGROUND: The integration of innovative strategies to teaching and learning in higher education, such as escape room games, can enhance the acquisition of key professional competencies including communication, teamwork and critical thinking. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate undergraduate student nurses' gameful experience while playing an escape room game as part of a nursing course. DESIGN: Cross-sectional descriptive study. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 126 third year student nurses enrolled in the "Community Health Nursing II" course. METHOD: The escape room game took place in a classroom at the Faculty of Health Ciences. The measures included the GAMEX scale in its Spanish version and a self-reported questionnaire to evaluate the student's outcome of scape room game immediately after the end of the activity. RESULTS: The vast majority (99.21%) considered the escape room game to be an appropriate and an innovative teaching and learning strategy. The mean score for each of the GAMEX dimensions was over 3, with the exception of Absence of negative effects. Our results suggest that the students enjoyed playing the game (mean = 4.40; SD = 0.71), that escape room games should be integrated in nursing courses (mean = 4.54; SD = 0.74) and that playing the game increased their motivation for learning (mean = 3.06; SD = 1.09). Gender differences were observed in the GAMEX Dominance dimension (p < 0.005). CONCLUSION: Gamification in general, and escape rooms in particular, have proven to be a valid tool for the acquisition of professional competencies in higher education.

Sense of Coherence and Quality of Life in Patients Treated with Antivitamin K Oral Anticoagulants: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The aim of this study was to analyze the correlation between the participants' self-reported quality of life and their sense of coherence in a sample (n = 85) of patients on treatment with oral antivitamin K anticoagulants. A cross-sectional design was used. The measurement instruments included a questionnaire on sociodemographic variables, the Spanish version of the Abbreviated World Health Organization Quality of Life questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF), an oral-anticoagulant-treatment-specific quality-of-life questionnaire, and the sense-of-coherence (SOC) scale. We analyzed the correlations between the participants' characteristics and the results from the quality-of-life and SOC scales. Age, level of education, employment status, living arrangement, and treatment length were the determinants of the quality of life in people treated with oral anticoagulants. We found a significant association between the four domains of the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire and general treatment satisfaction (p < 0.01); no significant correlations were found between the SOC subscales and the oral-anticoagulant-treatment-specific quality of life in our sample. Women had a worse level of self-management than men. Nursing interventions should be tailored to the needs of the populations on treatment with oral anticoagulants in order to facilitate a higher level of self-management.

Perceptions of nursing students after performing an individual activity designed to develop their critical thinking: The "critical card" tool.

Critical thinking in Health Sciences is among the transversal competences in the Nursing Degree. The critical card is a tool of individual learning, designed to develop critical thinking, and set in the process of environmental health learning. Every student must perform the activity to obtain the highest qualification in Community Health Nursing subject. The aim of this project was to evaluate this learning tool using the students' perceptions after its performance. The evaluation was based on the answers to a questionnaire obtained from the third course students of Nursing Degree at the University of Zaragoza. The questionnaire was made up of 14 Likert-type questions, grouped in four dimensions. The student participation rate was higher than 50%. The analysis of the questionnaire obtained 67,8% positive answers. The variability between dimensions ranged between 49% of positive answers for application in other subjects and 87% of positive answers for the improvements applicable to the instrument. The students coincided in indicating that the critical card is a useful learning tool and could be applicable in other subjects. However, the weight it is given in the global evaluation of the subject is considered to be too low, considering the time used to complete the activity.