Promoting Farmer Appreciation in Kentucky through a Farmer Cultural Awareness Project.

OBJECTIVES: To address the perception among farmers of lack of appreciation and being devalued by the non-farming public. METHODS: Oral history interviews were conducted to gather farmers' viewpoints of what the non-farming public needs to know about their occupation. RESULTS: The creation of a public awareness campaign utilizing interview data, including canvas bags, information cards, and a website. CONCLUSION: The public awareness campaign provides the non-farming public with opportunities to learn about the lives of farmers and their contributions to society.

Mental Health in Farming Communities.

Occupational stressors are causing unprecedented levels of stress, depression, and suicide among our nation's farmers, and little is known about how farmers view their personal stress and potential stress-relieving strategies. The current study used a descriptive qualitative approach to conduct focus groups comprising farmers and farm family members (N = 26). Participants were recruited using a snowball approach based on the investigators' connections to farming communities. Preliminary analysis indicates that primary stressors are: lack of control over many aspects of farming and the public's lack of understanding/appreciation for farming. In addition, two communities identified high levels of anticipatory stressors. Despite these stressors, they continue to farm because of their love for farm life and their generational connection with the land. To decrease farmer stress, participants suggested educating the public about farm life and the impact farming has on the general public, creating social groups for farmers to talk to each other, and sharing the farmer story. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 61(10), 39-43.].

Voluntary consensus based geospatial data standards for the global illegal trade in wild fauna and flora.

We have more data about wildlife trafficking than ever before, but it remains underutilized for decision-making. Central to effective wildlife trafficking interventions is collection, aggregation, and analysis of data across a range of source, transit, and destination geographies. Many data are geospatial, but these data cannot be effectively accessed or aggregated without appropriate geospatial data standards. Our goal was to create geospatial data standards to help advance efforts to combat wildlife trafficking. We achieved our goal using voluntary, participatory, and engagement-based workshops with diverse and multisectoral stakeholders, online portals, and electronic communication with more than 100 participants on three continents. The standards support data-to-decision efforts in the field, for example indictments of key figures within wildlife trafficking, and disruption of their networks. Geospatial data standards help enable broader utilization of wildlife trafficking data across disciplines and sectors, accelerate aggregation and analysis of data across space and time, advance evidence-based decision making, and reduce wildlife trafficking.

Mental Health Issues Among Farmers: An Online Continuing Education Program for Nurses.

BACKGROUND: An asynchronous online continuing education (CE) program was created to increase nurses' awareness and knowledge of occupationally related mental health issues among farmers. METHOD: The ADDIE (analysis, design, development, implementation, evaluation) model was followed to create the CE program. Articulate Storyline 3 (Articulate 360), a software tool, was used to build an interactive, e-learning, and virtual training module. RESULTS: The course was completed by 113 nurses. Eighty-two (72.5%) of these nurses completed the course evaluation. Of these, 69 (84.1%) reported that the course met their expectations. The majority of respondents indicated that the material was presented in a clear, organized manner (80.0%, n = 80) and that all course objectives were met, including being able to identify sources of stress among farmers (86.3%, n = 80), recognize manifestations of stress among farmers (86.4%, n = 81), understand farmers' mental health status (86.3%, n = 80), and identify mental health nursing practices (87.3%, n = 79). CONCLUSION: Nurses can provide more salient care to the farming population when they are equipped with an understanding of the culture and stress associated with farming. This online educational program has the potential to improve mental health care for farmers and their families. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2021;52(10):482-488.].

Beyond Biometrics: Including Mental Health Screenings in Annual Wellness Programs.

Mental health is an important component of overall wellness and is a growing concern in occupational settings. Approximately one half of Americans will experience a mental health disorder at some time in their life. The current descriptive correlational study used a convenience sample of manufacturing employees (N = 236) to examine the association of mental and physical health risks collected during an annual wellness program. A researcher-developed questionnaire was used to holistically screen for health risks. Pearson's r and chi-square tests were performed to determine the relationship among variables. Younger workers and individuals with higher body mass index had increased anxiety and depression scores (p = 0.005). Results suggest younger workers may have increased risk for mental health and biometabolic disorders. Due to the connections between mental and physical health, screening for anxiety and depression should be included in annual worker wellness programs to potentially improve overall health and wellness outcomes. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 59(10), 19-25.].

Interactive Poverty Simulation: Nursing Students' Perceptions of Poverty.

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of a poverty simulation on the attitudes of baccalaureate nursing students toward those living in poverty. A single-group pretest-posttest design was used. Participants' attitudes were measured using the Attitude Toward Poverty Scale-Short Form. Results indicated significant improvement in 11 out of 21 items, along with the subscales for stigma and structural perspectives. However, four items, along with the overall personal deficiency domain score, indicated a significant worsening of attitudes. Results of this study are mixed and suggest that valid concerns exist regarding the administration of the simulation.

The cerebral microvasculature: Basic and clinical perspectives on stroke and glioma.

Microvascular networks are vital components of the cardiovascular system, performing many key roles in maintaining the health and homeostasis of the tissues and organs in which they develop. As discussed in this review, the molecular and cellular components within the microcirculation orchestrate critical processes to establish functional capillary beds, including organization of endothelial cell (EC) polarity, guiding investment of vascular pericytes (PCs), and building the specialized extracellular matrix (ECM) that comprises the vascular basement membrane (vBM). Herein, we further discuss the unique features of the microvasculature in the central nervous system (CNS), focusing on the cells contributing to the neurovascular unit (NVU) that form and maintain the blood-brain barrier (BBB). With a focus on vascular PCs, we offer basic and clinical perspectives on neurovascular-related pathologies that involve defects within the cerebral microvasculature. Specifically, we present microvascular anomalies associated with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) including defects in vascular-immune cell interactions and associated clinical therapies targeting microvessels (ie, vascular-disrupting/anti-angiogenic agents and focused ultrasound). We also discuss the involvement of the microcirculation in stroke responses and potential therapeutic approaches. Our goal was to compare the cellular and molecular changes that occur in the microvasculature and NVU, and to provide a commentary on factors driving disease progression in GBM and stroke. We conclude with a forward-looking perspective on the importance of microcirculation research in developing clinical treatments for these devastating conditions.

The Burden of Farmer Suicide on Surviving Family Members: A Qualitative Study.

The purpose of this descriptive qualitative study was to better understand the burden of farmer suicide on surviving family members. Themes included: (1) family members expressed guilt; (2) family members experienced symptoms of psychological distress; (3) family members felt attached to the land and chose to remain on the farm; (4) short-term coping mechanisms included family, friends and faith; (5) long-term coping mechanisms included acts of honoring their loved one; (6) there was a lack of awareness of community support resources following the suicide.

Adverse Childhood Experiences: Missed Opportunities by Nurse Practitioners to Screen Adult Clients.

Adverse childhood experiences (ACE) occur as a result of abuse/neglect during childhood and household dysfunction. More than one half of adults have experienced at least one ACE, and this can lead to impaired coping and risky health behaviors. The purpose of the current study was to determine the relationship between nurse practitioner (NP) knowledge of ACE and screening practice for childhood trauma in a mid-southern state. Forty-four NPs participated in the survey. Of NP participants, 15% reported routinely screening for a history of childhood abuse. Psychiatric-mental health NPs were more knowledgeable about ACE screening and more confident in screening practices. All providers reported lack of time as the most frequent barrier to screening for ACE. NPs who regularly screen patients are more knowledgeable about the nine knowledge questions regarding ACE. Insufficient time to evaluate or counsel clients was a universal barrier across the sample. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 58(3), 20-27.].

A Survey of School Nurses' Perceptions of Complementary, Alternative, and Integrative Therapies.

Complementary, alternative, and integrative therapies (CAIs) involve the use of practices outside of mainstream, conventional medicine. Few studies have been conducted on nurses' perception and knowledge of CAI therapies. There is limited information on the protocols school nurses must follow in their practice on CAI use. The purpose of this study is to assess school nurses' perception and knowledge of CAI therapies. A cross-sectional, nonexperimental survey study design was used, and participants were sampled with a cross-sectional convenience method. Members of four state School Nurses Associations were invited to participate in the study. Of the 290 participants, 100% of certified school nurses and 63% of non-certified school nurses believed CAI therapies have a place in their current practice (χ2 = 1.83, df = 1, p < .05). The study found that school nurses believe CAI therapies have a role in the school setting; however, the participants were not comfortable with assessing and administering these therapies.

Using a Poverty Simulation Exercise in Mental Health Nursing.

Simulation exercises can be used to provide poverty-related content that might be lacking in traditional clinical settings. A descriptive qualitative study design was used to examine the use of a poverty simulation in mental health nursing. Thematic analysis of reflective journals indicated students viewed the poverty simulation as a positive, realistic, and informative learning experience; had a better understanding of how poverty impacts health; and expressed changes in attitudes toward providing care. Results from this study suggest poverty simulations can be used to illustrate key concepts taught in mental health nursing, including empathy, advocacy, and refrainment from judging patients.

A descriptive study of bathing practices in acute care facilities in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Patient bathing basins are a potential source of health care-acquired infections. This descriptive study was designed to describe current patient bathing procedures and the cleaning and storage of disposable bath basins after use. METHODS: After instrument validation, a 20-item questionnaire designed by the researchers was delivered electronically to infection prevention professionals working in acute care facilities in the United States. Descriptive statistics including frequencies and percentages were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: A total of 344 participants completed the survey. Of those responding, most were employed in facilities with ≤300 beds and accredited by the Joint Commission. Many of the facility staff assisting patients with bathing were nursing aides. Participants reported varying bathing procedures in their facilities. CONCLUSIONS: A collaborative approach is needed to ensure standard and efficient procedures that focus on quality, safety, and patient satisfaction. A mechanism to continually evaluate patient bathing practices should also be developed to address evolving changes in the health care system.

Brief Intervention on Nurses' Knowledge and Behavior Regarding Smoking Cessation.

Nurses receive little training on smoking cessation education delivery in their nursing curricula and practice settings. A brief intervention to assess nurses' knowledge and behavior regarding smoking cessation education found increases in knowledge and intended behavior. In their practice setting, nurses maintained their knowledge long term; however, nurses did not change their behavior to match their intentions of increasing the delivery of smoking cessation education.

Stratifying ocean sampling globally and with depth to account for environmental variability.

With increasing depth, the ocean is less sampled for physical, chemical and biological variables. Using the Global Marine Environmental Datasets (GMED) and Ecological Marine Units (EMUs), we show that spatial variation in environmental variables decreases with depth. This is also the case over temporal scales because seasonal change, surface weather conditions, and biological activity are highest in shallow depths. A stratified sampling approach to ocean sampling is therefore proposed whereby deeper environments, both pelagic and benthic, would be sampled with relatively lower spatial and temporal resolutions. Sampling should combine measurements of physical and chemical parameters with biological species distributions, even though species identification is difficult to automate. Species distribution data are essential to infer ecosystem structure and function from environmental data. We conclude that a globally comprehensive, stratification-based ocean sampling program would be both scientifically justifiable and cost-effective.

Nurses' Perceptions of Competence in Providing Spiritual Care.

PURPOSE: The study examined nurses' perception of competence in providing spiritual care. DESIGN OF STUDY: A descriptive correlational research design with a convenience sample was used. METHOD: Participates completed a demographic questionnaire and the Spiritual Care Competence Scale, which has six domains: assessment and implementation of spiritual care, professionalization and improving the quality of spiritual care, personal support and patient counseling, referral to professionals, attitude toward the patient's spirituality, and communication. FINDINGS: The domain of communication had the most favorable perception among participants and the domain of professionalization and improving the quality of spiritual care had the least favorable perception. CONCLUSIONS: It is important for nurses to have the opportunity to gain knowledge regarding this significant component of holistic care.

Addressing Compassion Fatigue and Stress of Special Education Teachers and Professional Staff Using Mindfulness and Prayer.

Alternative therapies are promising nursing interventions for improvement of compassion fatigue in educators working in special education. A convenience sample of 27 teachers and professional staff working in special education participated in a quasi-experimental pilot study and completed a pre/posttest of demographic questions, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) (10-item) and Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL). All attended a presentation on stress, compassion satisfaction (CS), mindfulness, prayer, and social support. Nearly, one half received weekly electronic text message reminders encouraging use of mindfulness and prayer. All were offered support groups. Use of alternative therapies was self-selected and self-reported. Significant improvement occurred in posttest PSS scores ( p = .0485) of participants with the highest reported levels of use of mindfulness. ProQOL CS scores ( p = .0289) and PSS scores ( p = .0244) significantly improved when evaluating difference in means between groups with the highest levels and lowest levels of prayer and mindfulness. ProQOL burnout scores ( p = <.0001) increased from pretest to posttest. Findings were not significant in regard to reminders and social support.

Sitting Time: An Increasing Heath Risk Among Nurse Educators.

Prolonged sitting time (ST) is a distinct risk factor for early mortality and cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this descriptive correlational study was to examine ST and health of Kentucky nurse educators. The written survey included demographic items, general health items, and ST. Total average ST was 10.8 hours (workdays) and 8 hours (non-workdays). There was no relationship between body mass index and ST; however, the medication used to treat hypertension and hypercholesterolemia was associated with increased ST. Nurse educators are at risk for negative health effects of prolonged ST, and effective interventions are imperative.

Nurse Educators' Occupational and Leisure Sitting Time.

Prolonged sitting time (ST) is a risk factor for all-cause mortality, independent of physical activity. Nurse educators are particularly at risk due to limited physical activity, older age, and the increasing use of computers. This descriptive correlational study was designed to explore the ST of nurse educators in relation to their self-reported health status and general health indicators. A convenience sample of 56 nurse educators was recruited, and participants completed demographic items, general health questions, and the Workforce Sitting Questionnaire (WSQ; Chau, van der Ploeg, Dunn, Kurko, & Bauman, 2011). More than one half of the participants were either overweight or obese based on their body mass index (BMI). Sitting time domains for "watching TV" on a non-working day ( r = 1.00) and during "other leisure activities" on a non-working day ( r = 1.00) were associated with a current diagnosis of diabetes. These findings add to an understanding of the effects of ST on health risks for nurse educators.