Effect of inhaled aromatherapy on sleep quality in critically ill patients: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

AIM: This study aimed to compare the effect of inhaled aromatherapy using various essential oils on the sleep quality of critically ill patients. BACKGROUND: Inhalation of essential oils significantly promotes the physiological and psychological health of patients in intensive care units (ICUs). However, research identifying and ranking the effects of different essential oils on the sleep quality of critically ill patients is lacking. DESIGN: This study followed the PRISMA Extension Statement for Reporting of Systematic Reviews Incorporating Network Meta-Analyses of Health Care Interventions (PRISMA-NMA) guidelines. METHODS: A comprehensive search of five databases (Embase, MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, CINAHL and PsycINFO) was conducted from their inception to March 15, 2023 (with an additional eligible study included dated August 14, 2023). Google Scholar was used as a supplementary method. Frequentist NMA was used to determine the effects of various essential oils. Certainty of evidence (CoE) was assessed using Confidence in Network Meta-Analysis (CINeMA). RESULTS: A total of 11 trials involving 690 critically ill patients were included in the analysis. The NMA of inhaled aromatherapy revealed that the combination of lavender, Matricaria recutita, and neroli essential oils (ratio 6:2:0.5) resulted in the most significant improvement in sleep quality compared to usual care, followed by Rosa damascene, peppermint, Citrus aurantium, pure sunflower oil and lavender oil alone. The overall CoE for the results was rated as low. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that a combination of lavender, Matricaria recutita and neroli essential oils significantly positively affected sleep quality among critically ill patients. Despite the low quality of evidence, inhaled aromatherapy is non-invasive and easy to use. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Inhaled aromatherapy can effectively improve sleep quality among critically ill patients. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No patient or public contribution applies to this work. STUDY REGISTRATION: The study protocol was registered to the PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (protocol number CRD42023433194).

Translation and adaptation of Shared Care Instrument-Revised for the older adults and their caregivers in Taiwan.

BACKGROUND: The aging population in Taiwan has resulted in an increase in the dependent population and the care load on caregivers. Shared care is an interpersonal process in which support is "traded" to "handle" chronic illnesses by home-care patients and family caregivers. The scale of shared care has received little attention in the Taiwanese cultural context. Thus, this study examined the reliability and validity of the Taiwanese versions of Shared Care Instrument-Revised (SCI-R). METHODS: The content validity, construct validity, and discriminant validity were used to test the validity of the translated questionnaires. The Cronbach's α was used to examine reliability. A total of 500 older adults and their caregivers were recruited from three counties in Taiwan. RESULTS: The reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the scale were within the acceptable range. The Cronbach's α was between 0.838 and 0.95. However, the scale's reliability was higher than that of the original version. This might be because of the inclusion of participants with less severe diseases than the participants in the original study, high social expectations in the Chinese traditional culture, and a large number of similar items. Future research should simplify the items and consider adopting diverse participant selection criteria. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study can be used to understand shared care in Taiwan.

Effectiveness of Chewing Gum on Nausea and Vomiting Following Postprocedure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of chewing gum in reducing postprocedure nausea and vomiting. DESIGN: A systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed on MEDLINE Complete, EMBASE, CINAHL, PubMed, Web of Science, Academic Search Complete, and Cochrane Library databases from their inception to October 2, 2022. Methodological quality was assessed using the revised Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool for randomized trials. A meta-analysis was performed using a fixed-effects model to calculate pooled effects with Review Manager 5.4.1. FINDINGS: Twelve randomized trials encompassing 1,458 participants were pooled. The chewing gum intervention was effective in reducing vomiting (P = .007; risk ratio = 0.55; 95% Cl = 0.35-0.85), but not nausea (P = .14; risk ratio = 0.84; 95% Cl = 0.66-1.06). Thirty-minute sessions of gum chewing were significantly more effective in reducing vomiting than 15-minute sessions (P = .04; risk ratio = 0.31; 95% Cl = 0.1-0.93). CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that repeated gum chewing sessions of at least 30 minutes may act as a nonpharmacological intervention for reducing vomiting. However, further studies are necessary to determine the outcomes of chewing gum interventions.

Effectiveness of sound and darkness interventions for critically ill patients' sleep quality: A systematic review and component network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Noise and lighting are prime factors of poor sleep quality in critically ill patients, which impair recovery and increase the risk of delirium or complications. AIM: To identify and rank the effectiveness of sound and darkness interventions on the sleep quality of critically ill patients. STUDY DESIGN: This systematic review and component network meta-analysis was based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews incorporating the Network Meta-Analyses (PRISMA-NMA) Statement. The Embase, MEDLINE, Cochrane CENTRAL, CINAHL, Airiti Library, and Google Scholar databases were searched from inception to August 10, 2021, for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on sound and darkness interventions targeting critically ill patients' sleep quality. We applied standard and component NMA to determine the effects of interventions. The certainty of evidence was evaluated using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool (V.2.0) and the online Confidence in Network Meta-Analysis (CINeMA) application. RESULTS: Twenty-four RCTs with 1507 participants who used combined interventions constituting seven competing interventions were included in the standard NMA. The combination of earplugs, eye masks, and music; eye masks alone; earplugs combined with eye masks; and music alone had beneficial intervention effects. The combination of earplugs, eye masks, and music was the best intervention, and these components had no interaction effect. An eye mask had the best relative effect, followed by music, quiet time, and earplugs. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides clinical evidence of the effectiveness of using eye masks, music, and earplugs to improve sleep quality in critically ill patients. We also recommend future research using bedtime music, nocturnal eye masks, and quiet time, which had the best relative effects on sleep quality. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: This study provides recommendations for interventions that nurses can use to improve critically ill patients' sleep quality.

A meta-analysis of mindfulness-based interventions for improving mental health and burden among caregivers of persons living with dementia.

BACKGROUND: Mindfulness-based interventions are becoming increasingly popular and are effective in lowering depressive symptoms and caregiver burden. However, the overall efficacy of therapies in stress and anxiety management is unreported, and no study to date has performed a subgroup analysis to investigate the intervention dose response of outcomes. AIMS: To quantitatively identify the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions for caregivers of persons living with dementia. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search of six databases was undertaken from the date of inception to June 18, 2023. The DerSimonian-Laird model with random effects was used to examine the overall effect and its heterogeneity in the studies. Version 2 of the risk of bias (RoB 2) tool was employed to analyze the publication bias of each randomized study. Funnel and forest plots were created to represent the findings. RESULTS: Thirteen randomized trials were included in the meta-analysis. Mindfulness-based interventions significantly reduced stress and anxiety of caregivers of persons living with dementia. In addition, interventions provided for ≥8 weeks were beneficial in reducing depression in caregivers. However, mindfulness-based interventions did not offer significant benefits in reducing depression or caregiver burden immediately after the intervention. CONCLUSION: Mindfulness-based interventions have the potential to help caregivers of people living with dementia. This study could be used as a model for future research into and implementation of mindfulness-based therapies for caregivers. LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION: Mindfulness-based therapies appear to alleviate stress and anxiety but are ineffective in reducing depression and burden in caregivers of persons living with dementia. Well-designed RCTs with more rigorous methodology and a larger sample size should be conducted to firm the conclusion of the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions for caregivers of persons living with dementia.

A meta-analysis of studies of the effects of case management intervention for stroke survivors across three countries.

PURPOSE: A stroke survivor who is discharged to home care faces many challenges during the transition from the hospital to home, including managing their care at home and engaging in rehabilitation and recovery. Case management was developed to ease the transition from hospital to home and help people with stroke cope with their care management challenges. However, the effects of case management intervention remain inconclusive. Case management was designed to direct care and may represent a novel method for reducing the burden of care. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of case management interventions on mental health outcomes, activities of daily living capacity, physical function, and social function among stroke survivors. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: This study included studies examining the impacts of case management interventions for stroke survivors that were published in English and identified by searching eight databases, from database inception to February 20, 2022. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to pool effect sizes using a random-effects model (in Stata 16.0). The revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB-2) was used to assess the methodological quality of each study. FINDINGS: The inclusion criteria were satisfied by eight studies (including a total of 1119 stroke survivors). Case management had positive effects on mental health (SMD: 0.26; 95% CI: 0.07 to 0.45, p = 0.001) and activities of daily living (SMD: 0.68; 95% CI: 00.37 to 0.99, p < 0.001). However, no significant effects were observed for either physical function or social function. CONCLUSION: Case management appears to enhance the mental health and activities of daily living among stroke survivors. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Case management interventions hold promise as efficient, cost-effective, and accessible strategies to positively influence care for stroke survivors. This intervention strategy could be applied to the hospital-to-home transition to guide care among this population.

Effects of scar massage on burn scars: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study explored the physical and psychological effects of scar massage on burn patients. BACKGROUND: Hypertrophic scar development is highly prevalent following burn injuries. Scar massage may have physical and psychological effects, although evidence of its effectiveness for burn scar improvement remains inconsistent. DESIGN: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials and quasi-experimental trials. METHODS: This study was conducted following the Centre of Reviews and Dissemination guidelines and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PubMed, EMBASE, and Chinese Electronic Periodical Services were searched for studies published between January 1990 and February 2022. Quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Appraisal Checklist. The final recommendation strength was assessed according to the JBI recommendation rating. A meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager Version 5.4 software with a random-effect model. RESULTS: Seven studies (420 participants) investigating scar massage for burn patients were included. The scar massage sessions lasted 5-30 min and were delivered by massage therapists 1-3 times a week for 12 weeks. Overall, scar massage decreased pain levels (standardised mean difference [SMD]: -2.39; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -3.96 to -0.83), improved scar thickness (mean difference: -0.05; 95% CI: -0.1 to -0.0), reduced pruritus (SMD: -1.89; 95% CI: -2.95 to -0.82) and reduced anxiety (SMD: -1.52; 95% CI: -2.73 to -0.32), but no significant effect on depression(SMD: -0.92; 95% CI:-2.28 to 0.44). CONCLUSIONS: The meta-effects of scar massage among burn patients are significantly improved scar formation and reduced pruritus and anxiety. Providing scar massage is feasible and effective for burn patients. Future research should evaluate its long-term effects. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Scar massage is relatively convenient and effective in preventing and alleviating hypertrophic burn scarring. Further research can provide detailed suggestions for effective scar massage implementation.

Effect of massage therapy on sleep quality in critically ill patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIM: The aim of the study was to compare the effects of massage interventions on sleep quality among patients in the adult critical care unit. BACKGROUND: Massage interventions have positive effects when applied to manage sleep quality in critical care units. However, research identifying the effect of massage intervention is limited. DESIGN: This study adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. METHODS: Five databases were searched from their inception to 15 April 2022 (the last search was conducted on 15 November 2022, but it yielded no additional eligible studies). The literature search was conducted using Embase, MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, CINAHL, PsycINFO and additional sources such as Google Scholar. The Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomised trials (RoB 2.0) was used to assess the risk of bias. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system assessed the certainty of evidence and recommendations. RESULTS: In total, ten randomised controlled trials comprising 569 participants were used in the systematic review, and eight trials were included in the meta-analysis. Subgroup analysis revealed significant effects of foot reflexology massage on subjective sleep quality. Massage therapy for a two-night duration in cardiac care unit patients exhibited a significant effect on subjective sleep quality. The overall GRADE certainty of evidence was low. CONCLUSION: Massage intervention, particularly foot reflexology massage, with a two-night duration showed improvement in subjective sleep quality among critically ill patients. Although evidence quality was low, the results suggest that massage interventions provide a non-invasive, low-cost and effective way to promote sleep quality in critically ill adult patients. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Massage interventions can enable nurses to recommend and implement strategies promoting and improving sleep quality among critically ill patients. STUDY REGISTRATION: The review protocol was registered a priori and published online in the PROSPERO database of systematic reviews (www.crd.York.ac.uk/Prospero with the registration number # CRD42022332371). PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No patient or public contribution if such details are not necessary or do not apply to your work and state why.

Effectiveness of integrated care for elderly patients with hip fractures: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Hip fractures in the elderly often cause many complications after surgery. Although ample evidence shows that integrated care can effectively improve postoperative conditions, the effectiveness of specific interventions remains inconsistent across studies. This study was conducted following the Preferred Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The database was from November 1998 to July 2022. Twelve studies (3,010 participants) implemented integrated care for elderly patients with hip fractures. Overall, integrated care improved Activities of Daily Living (ADL) levels within 6 months, at 12 months, Quality of Life (QoL) at 6 months, and decreased Length of Stay (LOS) and mortality rate at 3 months. At least 3 months of integrated care intervention for hip fractures in the elderly to reduce patient complications and medical costs, can be used as a reference for future policies and clinical care.

Demoralization level fluctuated at various time frame of radiotherapy for patients with different cancers: a longitudinal observational study.

BACKGROUND: Demoralization is a psychological response that is frequently observed in patients with cancer or advanced diseases. It is affected by national characteristics, culture, disease characteristics and general conditions of the patient such as individual cultural features, nature of stress, personal expression preferences and social behavior. Compared with the results of previous studies on demoralization syndrome, patients with cancer in Taiwan exhibit a higher prevalence of demoralization. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of high demoralization and the changes in the level of demoralization in cancer patients during radiotherapy to explore the associated factors and the contributing factors to the high level of demoralization. METHODS: We used the Demoralization Scale-Mandarin Version to evaluate the demoralization level at six-time points in patients admitted for radiotherapy in a 3-month observational period. 101 patients allocated to three groups by cancer region completed the study. We applied the generalized estimating equation (GEE) to analyze the changes in the demoralization level among the three groups. The variables associated with the changes in the demoralization level were also investigated. RESULTS: In the analysis using univariate GEE, only patients in the chest and breast group exhibited significant changes at two different time points. The results obtained using multivariate GEE revealed that sociodemographic variables, stage of disease and use of surgery or chemotherapy had no impact on the changes in demoralization across three months. CONCLUSION: The demoralization level certainly fluctuated in an extremely high range. The higher prevalence of demoralized patients may indicate that if medical staff neglect the importance of demoralization, demoralized patients with cancer may not receive appropriate care.

Outcomes of nurse-led telecoaching intervention for patients with heart failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Studies have identified that nurse-led telephone health coaching benefited the continuity of care in patients with heart failure. However, the effect of nurse-led telephone health coaching remains inconclusive among the previous studies. AIM: This review aimed to determine the effects of nurse-led telecoaching among patients with heart failure. DESIGN: This study was a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. This study was reported in accordance with the PRISMA guideline. METHODS: Seven databases (PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, MEDLINE, Cochrane library and Ovid) were electronically searched up to 20 October 2020. The eligibility criteria were a randomised controlled trial study on heart failure patients, with the intervention led by a nurse through telephone coaching. Two authors independently evaluated the methodological quality using the modified Jadad scale. The Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software version 3.0 with a random effect model was used to conduct a meta-analysis, and Begg's and Egger's tests were performed to assess publication bias. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis was carried out. RESULTS: A total of 12 randomised controlled trials were met eligibility criteria and representing 1938 heart failure patients. The results showed that the nurse-led telecoaching significantly enhanced patients' self-care behaviour (SMD = .84, 95%CI [0.45-1.24], p < .001) and improved quality of life (SMD = .23, 95%CI [0.06-0.39], p = .007). CONCLUSION: Nurse-led telecoaching appears to enhance self-care behaviour and improve quality of life in patients with heart failure. Further research needs to build the evidence for nurse-led telecoaching intervention, including understanding its mechanisms of action (e.g. frequency, components) and identifying its moderating factors. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Implementation of nurse-led telecoaching is deemed helpful in promoting continuity of care because it was an accessible and sustainable intervention to improve patients' self-care and quality of life.

The effects of exercise on chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy symptoms in cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of current studies to determine whether exercise affects chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) symptoms in cancer patients. DESIGN: The Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, PubMed, and National Central Library databases, and the reference lists of the included studies were surveyed. The Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) extension checklist for non-pharmacologic treatment was used to evaluate the literature. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Exercise interventions offered in hospitals or at home. A total of 178 participants from 5 studies were assessed in the meta-analysis, with their mean age ranging from 48.56 to 71.82 years. METHODS: The randomized control trials were summarized in a systematic review. The effects of the exercise interventions were compiled for meta-analysis. A forest plot was constructed using a fixed effect model to obtain a pooled mean difference. RESULTS: The pooled results indicated that exercise interventions significantly improved the CIPN symptoms of the participants (mean difference: 0.5319; 95% confidence interval: 0.2295 to 0.8344; Z = 3.45; P = 0.0006). A combination of exercise protocols including a nerve gliding exercise intervention was found to have improved CIPN symptoms. In addition, a sensorimotor-based exercise intervention was found to have reduced CIPN-induced loss of postural stability. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: The findings indicated that the effects of exercise could improve CIPN symptoms in cancer patients. Nevertheless, further investigations of different exercise protocols and intensity of intervention utilizing larger sample sizes and more specific outcome measures will further inform the best practices for cancer patients.

Effect of earplugs and eye masks on the sleep quality of intensive care unit patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIMS: To evaluate the effect of earplugs and eye masks on the sleep quality of patients in intensive care unit (ICU). DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES: Randomized controlled trial studies conducted before May 5, 2020 were searched for in Embase, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, CINAHL and Index to Taiwan Periodical Literature System databases. REVIEW METHODS: Analyses in this study were according to the PRISMA statement. The heterogeneity of the data was investigated through sub-group analysis while a meta-analysis was performed using the Review Manager 5.3 software. RESULTS: A total of 797 patients from 13 studies were included in this study. Without considering alone or combined use of earplugs and eye masks, the meta-analysis supported that there was a significant effect on self-reported sleep quality. The overall standardized mean difference of the effect size was 1.44 (95% confidence interval [CI]: [0.80, 2.09]). Sub-group analysis indicated that the use of earplugs alone had no significant effect on sleep quality (effect size: 0.07, 95% [CI]: [-0.50, 0.64]). The use of eye masks alone had a significant effect on sleep quality (effect size: 1.56, 95% [CI]: [1.08, 2.05]). The use of both earplugs and eye masks proved to have the largest effect size on sleep quality (effect size: 2.08, 95% [CI]: [0.95, 3.21]). CONCLUSION: The combined use of earplugs and eye masks or the standalone use of eye masks is a non-invasive, economical and effective way to promote sleep quality in adult ICU patients. IMPACT: Clinical nurses could use this meta-analysis as it recommends that nurses provide adult ICU patients with either one or both earplugs and eye masks to improve the patients' sleep quality. STUDY REGISTRATION: The review protocol was registered a priori and published online in the PROSPERO database of systematic reviews (www.crd.York.ac.uk/Prospero with the registration number # CRD42021221185).

Tumor origin and symptom distress of radiotherapy affected fluctuation of purpose in life for cancer patients.

This study was to explore the change in purpose in life (PIL) and symptom distress among cancer patients with radiotherapy and associated risk factors. This was a longitudinal study.160 patients were recruited from a medical center in Southern Taiwan. Surveys were conducted one week before and one week after the patients had radiotherapy by questionnaire. Multivariate regression analysis were performed to analyze the data. The patients had significant changes in PIL after radiotherapy compared to before. They had low PIL scores when they were at stage IV, were unable to receive surgery, had tumors in sites other than the abdominal cavity and pelvic, or had high scores in symptom distress scale. Our findings empirically demonstrated that the sense of meaning is integrally associated with the physical and psychosocial effects of illness. Given that cancer patients who are at an advanced stage, unable to receive surgery and have tumors at sites that are not the abdominal cavity and pelvis are at a high risk for having low PIL after RT, care services should be directed to the patients under these conditions.

Acceptance of Pertussis Vaccination among Pregnant Women in Taiwan.

This cross-sectional study assessed prenatal pertussis vaccination acceptance in Taiwan. A sample of pregnant women from five private clinics in Taiwan was recruited. Demographics, experience of prenatal vaccinations, key considerations, knowledge, and attitude about pertussis and its vaccination were measured. Among 505 participants, the vaccination rate, including planned vaccination, was 29.7%. Factors associated with acceptance included clinic location, primary caregiver of the newborn, newborns with siblings, previous influenza vaccination history, knowledge and attitude toward pertussis and its vaccination. Public health agencies should provide free vaccinations, clarify misinformation, and publicize prevention information, to improve prenatal pertussis vaccination acceptance.

Safe sexual behaviors intention among female youth: The construction on extended theory of planned behavior.

AIM: To examine female youth's intentions for safe sex with the relationship partners based on the extended theory of planned behaviour (TPB) model and explore the direct and indirect impact of parent-child communication about sex, peer interaction related to sexual issues, and exposure to sexually explicit materials on female youth's safe sexual behaviour intentions. DESIGN: A non-experimental, cross-sectional research design. METHODS: A convenience sampling was employed for data collection and 731 female youth aged 15-24 years old were recruited in 2013-2014. An anonymous, self-report structured questionnaire was used as a research instrument to collect participants' basic information and measure the internal and additional variables in the extended TPB model. RESULTS: The extended TPB model explained 42-45% of the total variance. Perceived behavioural control (PBC) and subjective norms had a positive effect on female youth's intentions for contraceptive use, condom use, and dual use with relationship partner; PBC was found to have the greatest influence. Among the additional variables in the extended TPB model, more parent-child communication about sex was found to lead to more positive dual use intentions. More peer interaction related to sexual issues was found to lead to less dual use intentions. CONCLUSIONS: To improve female youth's sexual health, the priorities are to reinforce their PBC and subjective norms and enhance parent-child communication about sex. Future efforts should strengthen sex education in families and schools and shape a social environment that facilitates safe sex. IMPACT: The extended TPB model can successfully predict female youth's safe sexual behaviour intentions. Empowering female youth to establish a sense of subjectivity and awareness of being a mature individual with physical autonomy, is importance for their sexual health.

Gender differences? Factors related to quality of life among patients with Heart failure.

Heart failure (HF) is a chronic, progressive disease that substantially decreases patients' quality of life. Few studies have compared quality of life and its related factors across genders in patients with HF. To explore gender differences in quality of life and related factors among adult patients with HF. A comparative study was conducted with 245 HF patients recruited from a medical center and a regional teaching hospital in Taiwan from February 2009 to February 2011. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used, including stepwise multiple regressions. The mean quality of life scores of males were significantly higher than those of females (87.78 ± 13.99 vs. 84.49 ± 11.85). The factors significantly related to quality of life for the male HF patients, in descending order of strength of association were depressive symptoms, physical symptoms, and monthly family income-less than USD 1,000; for the females, the significantly related factors were physical symptoms, depressive symptoms, and monthly family income-less than USD 1,000. The amount variance for which quality of life accounted for male and female HF patients was similar (60% vs. 64%). The results could be used for health professionals to provide more appropriate assessments and care according to gender in the future.

Willingness to receive influenza vaccination during pregnancy and associated factors among pregnant women in Taiwan.

OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed to assess the willingness to receive prenatal influenza vaccine and explore its associated factors among pregnant women in Taiwan. DESIGN AND SAMPLE: The study population included pregnant women who received prenatal care from five private hospitals/clinics during 2017-2018 influenza season. MEASUREMENTS: Collected data, including demographics, health-relevant factors, as well as knowledge and attitudes regarding influenza and its vaccine, were analyzed using chi-square tests, Fisher's exact test, and multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 498 pregnant women completed the questionnaires, 321 (64.5%) intended to receive prenatal influenza vaccine. Among those who were unwilling to be vaccinated, most (88%) had concerns about the adverse events of the vaccine. Four factors were independently associated with willingness, including hospital/clinic (aOR=6.57, 95% CI=1.96-22.04), previous influenza vaccination history (aOR=9.44, 95% CI=5.63-15.83), knowledge (aOR=2.64, 95% CI=1.25-5.55) about, and attitude (aOR=5.99, 95% CI=2.40-14.92) toward influenza vaccination. CONCLUSIONS: Pregnant women with insufficient knowledge, negative attitudes, or no experience of influenza vaccination, and in remote areas were less willing to receive maternal influenza vaccine. The adverse events and uncertainty regarding the safety of vaccines were the most important factors. The health-care providers should promote or explain risks and benefits of maternal influenza vaccination during prenatal care or outpatient consultation.

The longitudinal learning outcomes of using different teaching sequences in a nursing administration project.

AIM: To examine the effects of using different teaching sequences on knowledge acquisition, knowledge retention, self-directed learning and teamwork in a nursing administration project. BACKGROUND: Compared to other professional courses, nursing administration is relatively difficult, and it is important for nursing administration students to spend long hours working in hospitals. As such, better teaching strategies utilizing proper sequencing may yield better learning outcomes for students. METHODS: A longitudinal quasi-experimental design was used. A total of 129 students were assigned to two groups with which different teaching sequences were used. The investigated learning outcomes were knowledge acquisition, knowledge retention, self-directed learning and teamwork. Generalized estimating equations were used to measure the learning outcomes. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the two teaching sequences in terms of learning effects. One teaching strategy, problem-based learning (PBL), yielded effective student learning outcomes. CONCLUSION: PBL increased the students' self-directed learning and teamwork. This strategy can be applied to side-by-side co-teaching and post-graduate year training programmes. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: The results from this study may help hospitals retain nurses and find potential nursing leaders. Instructors and nurse managers should discuss learning goals with students in advance to enhance the students' learning outcomes.