Post-stroke Anxiety Among Patients in Jordan: A Multihospital Study.

This study aimed to assess the prevalence, correlates, and significant associated factors of anxiety among patients with stroke. A cross-sectional, correlation design was utilized. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale was used to detect and assess the severity of anxiety and depression among mentally well patients at general hospital settings. Among the 226 patients with stroke, 45.6% had clinically significant levels of anxiety to be considered as a definite case. Having a short duration since the stroke onset, being a definite case of depression, being unable to perform self-care activities, having an insufficient monthly income, and having visual problems due to stroke were the significantly associated factors. The high prevalence of anxiety among patients with stroke highlights the need for interventions of early detection and management to enhance recovery. Patients who have any of the significant traits predicted post-stroke anxiety required special attention.

The nurses' perceptions of spiritual care competency in intensive care units.

The health-care system around the world has recognized the importance and usefulness of spirituality in the delivery of care. The goal of this study was to describe nurses' self-perceived ability in providing spiritual care to patients in Intensive Care Units, as well as to look into the relationship between demographic variables and their competencies. The researchers used a descriptive correlation design. There were 106 surveys distributed in total. Two large hospitals in Jouf, Saudi Arabia, had an 83.01% response rate. The self-reported questionnaire was completed by 88 nurses. The majority of nurses said they were capable of providing spiritual care to patients of the Islamic faith. Religions had statistically significant mean Spiritual Care Competency scores. It is critical to have a unified health strategy based on multidisciplinary collaborations to control spiritual care delivery, particularly in Intensive Care Units.

Health-Related Quality of Life Among Patients With Stroke: A Cross-Sectional Study.

PURPOSE: To assess levels and predictive factors of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among stroke patients. METHODS: The study employed a cross-sectional predictive correlational design. Levels of HRQOL were assessed using the Stroke-Specific Quality of Life (SS-QOL) scale, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was employed to assess psychological aspects among 209 Saudi stroke patients. The analysis included demographic and medical variables to comprehensively explore influencing factors. RESULTS: A two-step hierarchical multiple regression analysis was performed. The overall SS-QOL summary score (49 items) showed a mean score of 94.4 (SD = 8.1), indicating poor functioning. Nine predictor variables were found to significantly predict HRQOL levels, including age (ß = -0.212, p ≤ .001), female (ß = -5.33, p ≤ .001), unmarried (ß = 2.48, p ≤ .001), low gross monthly income (GMI) (ß = -9.02, p ≤ .001), medium GMI (ß = -8.36, p ≤ .001), having a medical history of hypertension (ß = 2.7, p ≤ .01), time since stroke (ß = 3.26 p ≤ .001), and being a probable case of anxiety (ß = -4.29, p ≤ .001) and/or depression (ß = -2.75, p ≤ .001). These variables collectively explained ~76% of the variance in HRQOL scores (adjusted R2 = .762, F (16,192) = 42.6, p ≤ .001). CONCLUSIONS: Stroke patients exhibited poor HRQOL levels influenced by various factors. Clinicians should consider these predictors and intervene early to enhance HRQOL among patients at risk, emphasizing the importance of optimizing patient outcomes.

Student nurses' knowledge of and attitudes toward palliative care in the Middle East: an integrative review.

BACKGROUND: Palliative care is one of the most important areas of practice because it includes caring for vulnerable people who are mostly in their last stage of life. Palliative care is a relatively new specialty in the Middle East and little is known about student nurses' knowledge of and attitudes towards it. AIM: The aim of this study was to explore students' knowledge of and attitudes towards palliative care in the Middle East, and to use the findings to make recommendations to higher education institutions about its importance. DESIGN: An integrative review following an established framework was used. Hawker's Assessment Tool was employed to evaluate the quality of the research articles. RESULTS: The search found seven quantitative studies from four countries in the Middle East. Their focus was on students' knowledge (n=5) and attitudes (n=2). The number of participants ranged from 110 to 452, with knowledge scores ranging from 5.23 to 8.0 out of 20 on all or part of the Palliative Care Quiz for Nursing. Students' attitudes were marginally positive toward palliative care and dying patients. CONCLUSION: There are few studies in the Middle East investigating student nurses' knowledge of and attitude toward palliative care; consequently, more attention needs to be given to this area of practice.

Qualitative study of challenges facing emergency departments nurses in Jordan.

Worldwide, nurses employed in the Emergency Department (ED) face many challenges that negatively influence their well-being and ability to provide high-quality patient care. Previous researchers have investigated these challenges regarding their causes, consequences, and how to deal with them. However, most of the previous research addressed these challenges using quantitative research. The current study is the first qualitative study that examined these challenges in the Jordanian context. A descriptive naturalistic qualitative design was used to explore the most critical challenges facing nurses employed in the ED and described the suggested solutions for these challenges from nurses' perspectives. Ten registered nurses employed in the most prominent ED in Jordan were selected through purposive sampling. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. Thematic analysis technique was used to analyze data. Six main themes emerged: the definition of challenge, challenges facing registered nurses in the emergency department (five sub-themes), preventive measurements, possible solutions (five sub-themes), effects of the challenges (two sub-themes), and future challenges. The outcomes of this study could be integrated into the educational curricula to prepare new nurses to deal with these challenges in the future after graduation and contribute to finding solutions and solving some significant problems facing registered nurses in the ED. The hospital administrators and the policymakers should develop effective interventions to overcome the challenges facing nurses in the ED to ensure a better work environment and high-quality patient care.

The effect of burdensome symptoms and functional status on quality of life among older patients with cancer: A correlational study.

PURPOSE: The current study aimed to assess the effect of burdensome symptoms and functional status on QoL among Jordanian older patients with cancer presenting to outpatient clinics. METHODS: A correlational design was implemented to collect data from 165 older patients with cancer visiting outpatient oncology clinics. RESULTS: Generally, the participants have a relatively low quality of life (M = 52.22 ± 24.57). The highest needs according to their functional status were difficulty walking a long distance (M = 3.06 ± 1.004; physical functional status), feeling limited in pursuing hobbies or leisure time activities (M = 2.32 ± 1.05; role functional status), feeling nervous (M = 2.36 ± 1.01; emotional functional status), having difficulty concentrating (M = 2.15 ± 1.04; cognitive functional status), and that physical condition or medical treatment interfered with their social activities (M = 2.36 ± 1.10; social functional status). Further, the most common distressing symptom was insomnia (n = 90, 54%), followed by fatigue (n = 79, 47.9%). Lastly, quality of life improved with better functional status (the strongest correlation was with the role functional status: r = 0.503, p < .001) and declined with higher symptom severity (the strongest correlation was with fatigue: r = -0.566, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: To conclude, the current study sheds light on older patients with cancer burdensome symptoms and functional status and their effect on quality of life. The findings suggest that patients suffer from several functional limitations and distressing symptoms that affect their quality of life, necessitating screening and corrective actions from healthcare providers.

Prevalence of depression and its associated factors among stroke survivors in Saudi Arabia.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of poststroke depression (PSD) in Saudi Arabia and its association with socio-demographic and clinical factors. DESIGN: A predictive correlational cross-sectional study. METHODS: The study adopted a non-probability convenience sampling method to recruit 211 stroke survivors between April and October 2021 from the neurology outpatient departments of two main governmental hospitals in Saudi Arabia. PSD was measured using a self-assessment reliable and valid scale (The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS]). RESULTS: More than two-thirds (70.6%) of the study sample (Mean age = 53 years, SD = 8.5, 51.2% were males) experienced some degree of depression (Score ≥8); of these, approximately half (48.8%) were in severe depression. The final prediction model was statistically significant (χ2 [15] = 31.39, p Ë‚ .01). PSD is a statistically significant health issue and requires immediate attention by healthcare providers to improve the health outcomes of stroke survivors.

The impact of bullying on the mental health and academic achievement of nursing students.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of bullying and identify the perpetrators of bullying among nursing students. Further, the impact of bullying on their mental health and academic achievement was also examined. DESIGN AND METHODS: A cross-sectional correlational design was adopted. A total of 180 undergraduate nursing students completed an electronic questionnaire. RESULTS: Approximately half of the participants had experienced at least one or more bullying behaviors on a daily or weekly basis during nursing education. Classmates were the most frequently reported perpetrators of bullying behaviors. Bullying experience was associated with poor psychological health and perceived stress. A lower grade point average emerged as a significant predictor of exposure to bullying behaviors. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: There is a need to create policies that delineate the legal implications of bullying to protect students. Faculty members and clinical service providers should work together to reduce the prevalence and impact of negative acts against students.

Effectiveness of pain management among trauma patients in the emergency department, a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the available data and scientific literature and to compile all evidence-related studies of the effectiveness of pain management for traumatic patients in the emergency department. METHODS: The present study was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. RESULTS: A total of 777 articles were retrieved, and eighteen were selected according to the inclusion criteria in this systemic review. These studies were published from 2004 to 2020 and reported from all around the world. Seventeen studies were based on pharmacological intervention, and one study was based on nonpharmacological intervention. Analgesics and methoxyflurane administration were the most adapted interventions for pain management in traumatic patients among the selected studies. Other reported interventions were fixed nitrous oxide/oxygen mixture, sufentanil, and professional practice assessment. CONCLUSION: This systemic review provides an overview of the effectiveness of pharmacological and nonpharmacological pain management in trauma patients in the emergency department. Analgesic treatment is an effective and ancient management strategy with drawbacks of associated side effects and intravenous administration. New strategies reported and applied by oral or nasal route administration with similar and better efficacies. However, large-scale studies are crucial for better implementation and outcome. Nonpharmacological interventions may also contribute to pain relief.

Medications adherence and associated factors among patients with stroke in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Background: Stroke is one of the most significant neurological problems around the world, and is considered a leading cause of death. Due to polypharmacy and multimorbidity, stroke patients are susceptible to have lower levels of adherence to their medications and self-care activities. Methods: Patients who have suffered a stroke and had recently been admitted to public hospital were approached for recruitment. Patients' adherence to their medications was examined using a validated questionnaire during an interview between the principal investigator and the patients, where patients' adherence to their self-care activities was assessed using a developed, validated and previously published questionnaire as well. Reasons for lack of adherence was explored from the patients. Verification of patient's details and medications was done via the patient's hospital file. Results: The mean age of the participants (n=173) was 53.21 (SD= 8.61) years. Assessing patients' adherence to medications showed that more than half of them stated that they sometimes/often forgot to take their medication/s, while 41.0% sometimes/often stopped their medication/s from time to time. The mean adherence to medications score (out of 28) was 18.39 (SD=2.1), with 83.8% having a low adherence level. It is found that patients who did not take their medications were due to forgetfulness (46.8%) and complications from taking the medications (20.2%). Better adherence was associated with higher educational level, higher number of medical conditions, and higher frequency of glucose monitoring. Adherence to self-care activities showed that majority of patients performed correct self-care activities three times a week. Conclusion: Post-stroke patients in Saudi Arabia have indicated low levels of medication adherence, while reporting good adherence to their self-care activities. Better adherence was associated with certain patient characteristics such as higher educational level. These findings can help in focusing the efforts to improve adherence and health outcomes for stroke patients in the future.

Workplace violence towards emergency nurses: A cross-sectional multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Workplace violence (WPV) against nurses continues to be a challenge within healthcare systems worldwide. Quantifying the burden of WPV in emergency departments will inform the design of appropriate interventions. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, pattern and factors associated with WPV among emergency nurses working in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A multicenter descriptive online survey was conducted using a standardized self-administered questionnaire. Emergency nurses working in public hospitals in the country were invited to participate. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: The study recruited 849 emergency nurses, most (73.7%) had experienced WPV in the past two years; 47.4% experienced physical violence and 94.3% experienced non-physical violence. Most exposures to WPV occurred during the afternoon shifts (70.8%), and mainly perpetrated by family members or relatives of the patients (88.3%). CONCLUSION: WPV encountered by emergency nurses in Saudi Arabia is alarmingly high, and underreported by the affected nurses. Increased workload, inadequate staffing levels, poorly enforced visitor policy, unmet expectations, and a lack of clarity in reporting were the most frequent causes of WPV. There is a need to reassess the current occupational safety measures in the emergency departments in the country.

Psychological factors associated with the spread of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among nurses working in health sectors in Saudi Arabia.

PURPOSE: To assess psychological symptoms in terms of depression, anxiety, and impact of an event associated with the spread of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among nurses working in health sectors in Saudi Arabia and to investigate the relationship between the demographic variables of nurses and psychological symptoms. DESIGN AND METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive correlation design using an electronic questionnaire. FINDING: Of the 1,265 nurses who completed the study, nearly three-quarters (74%) reported minimal or mild depression. The majority of participants reported minimal or mild symptoms of anxiety and impact of an event. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Provides an introductory and evidence-based study for governments, policymakers, other stakeholders, and nurse educators of the current situation, and suggests possible enhancements and strategies to improve psychological health.

Relationship between sleep quality, using social media platforms, and academic performance among university students.

PURPOSE: Explore the quality of sleep and investigate the relationship between sleep quality, using social media platforms, and academic performance among university students. DESIGN AND METHODS: A cross-sectional correlation design was used, 412 students completed an electronic questionnaire. FINDINGS: The majority of university students suffer from poor quality of sleep. The most frequently used social media platforms were WhatsApp, Snapchat, and YouTube. The strongest predictor of having very poor sleep quality was addiction on twitter. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: An educational program about the importance of adequate sleep should be supported university students.

Registered Nurse's Competency To Screen Dysphagia Among Stroke Patients: Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: An increased number of elderly people in the world may lead to an increase in the incidence of stroke, which creates a burden on the country's healthcare system. Dysphagia is the most common post stroke. Screening of dysphagia in stroke patients is serious to prevent complication linked to aspiration and inadequate hydration/nutrition. OBJECTIVE: This literature review aimed to discuss registered nurses' competency to screen dysphagia among stroke patients. METHODS: The keywords used were nurse's competency; dysphagia; dysphagia screening; and stroke. These keywords were entered into multiple electronic databases including CINAHL, Medline, Science Direct, Pro Quest, Pub Med, and Wiley Online Library. Aliterature search was conducted for the period2005 to 2016.Results:Seventeen studies were identified by a systematic search ofthe literature.Two parts created the body of this literature review. The first part covers the literature on the training nurses in screening dysphagia among stroke patients and benefits of screening. The second part covers nurse's competency in terms of knowledge and skills of screening dysphagia among stroke patients. CONCLUSION: Because the nurses have more contact with the patient, they are most likely to observe dysphagia. It is important that formal dysphagia screening protocols are routine nursing care that requires special training to practice. Trained nurses should assess their competency in terms of knowledge and skills via well-developed tool.

Maturity Level of the Stigma Concept Associated with Cancer Diagnosis in the Nursing Literature

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the maturity level of stigma as a concept in nursing and its relationship to care provided for patients with cancer. Methods: The four principles of Morse and his colleagues were used to evaluate the maturity level of the stigma concept: epistemological, logical, pragmaticl, and linguistic. Analysis was conducted with the literature published between 2006 and 2016. Results: The findings of this study suggest that the concept of stigma in nursing is immature, defined inconsistently, and measured with different instruments. How stigma is defined can influence nurses in their assessment of patients with cancer and identification of their needs. Conclusion: Although extensive studies have been conducted in the field of mental illness, it is only recently that the effect of stigma on treatment of cancer patients has attracted attention. Thus, substantial work yet needs to be done to understand the breadth and scope of stigma impacting on individuals with cancer.

Nurses' Experiences of Grief Following Patient Death: A Qualitative Approach.

PURPOSE: To explore the lived experiences of nurses' feelings, emotions, grief reactions, and coping mechanisms following their patients' death. BACKGROUND: On a daily basis, nurses are experiencing patients' death, which exposes them to grief. Nurses' grief has not been sufficiently addressed in practice settings, although it has been a well-known threat to health and work performance. DESIGN: A qualitative design guided by a phenomenological approach was adopted. METHOD: Data were collected from a purposive sample of 21 Jordanian nurses by conducting three focus groups and analyzed using Colaizzi's framework. FINDINGS: Four themes were generated in which participants reported feelings of grief following their patients' death. Their grief emotions were reported as sadness, crying, anger, shock, denial, faith, fear, guilt, fear of the family's reaction, and powerlessness. CONCLUSIONS: The study provided evidence that nurses respond emotionally to patients' death and experience grief. Nurses are burdened by recurrent patients' deaths and try to cope and overcome their grief. This study emphasizes the importance of developing strategies to help nurses positively cope with their grief from a holistic perspective. This will reflect positively on the nurses' performance.