Sickle Cell Virtual Support Group Program for Adults: An Implementation Evaluation.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is associated with medical and psychosocial challenges. SCD in adulthood is characterized by increased morbidity and mortality, vulnerability, inadequate self-management preparation, and limited social support. This study evaluated the implementation of a virtual support group during the COVID-19 pandemic using an intervention parameters framework evaluation. Participants included six adults living with SCD. Content analysis was conducted for each of the six intervention parameters, and satisfaction scores were summarized. Participants positively evaluated all intervention parameters of the virtual support group. Findings confirmed that a community-engaged intervention supports self-management and establishes key social networks for adult participants.

Effect of educational intervention on improving nurse's general health in military hospitals of Iran: a quasi-experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Nursing in military hospitals affects their general health. Educational interventions can help to maintain the general health of nurses. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of an educational intervention to improve the general health of nurses in military hospitals. METHODS: In this quasi-experimental study, 146 nurses working in military hospitals in Tehran, Iran in 2021 were included in the study. The one-month educational intervention included videos, pamphlets, and motivational messages about promoting general health. General health questionnaire with 28 items (GHQ28) was study tool. The allocation of nurses to groups was not random, it was based on personal interest. Frequency (percentage), and mean (standard deviation) were used to describe, and the chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, independent and paired t-test were used for data analysis. All analyzes were performed in SPSS 24 software with a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: A total of 146 nurses participated in the study, most of them were in the age group of 30 to 40 years (64 people, 43.8%), and 76.7% (112 people) of them were women. The results of the independent sample t-test showed after the intervention, general health scores in the intervention group had a significant decrease compared to the control (p < 0.001) (change in intervention group = -31.1, V.S change in control = 0.55). The results of paired t-test showed that only in the intervention group, the value of the general health score and its dimensions were significantly different (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The educational intervention performed well and decreased the score of the general health of military nurses. Given that these positive effects may be temporary, it is necessary to design and perform educational interventions over a longer period.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine Mind-Body Approaches Used Among Racially and Ethnically Diverse Adolescents.

PURPOSE: The aim of this paper is to examine complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use among racially and ethnically diverse adolescents. Greater understanding of CAM use among this group is warranted to better inform health care providers in delivering a culturally relevant health promotion approach. DESIGN AND METHODS: A secondary data analysis was conducted using the 2012 Child Complementary and Alternative Medicine Supplement of the National Health Interview Survey (CAM-NHIS) data, which was collected from a national sample of adolescents aged 12-17 years. A logistic regression test was employed to investigate the predictors associated with CAM use among racially and ethnically diverse adolescents. RESULTS: While Black and Hispanic adolescents were the least likely to use CAM compared to their White counterparts, families with higher incomes, higher education attainment, and adolescents who experienced pain were more likely to use CAM. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest the need for future research to gain a greater understanding of CAM use among racially and ethnically diverse adolescents, and insights into how health disparities impact CAM use. Greater understanding of how CAM use intersects with health beliefs and outcomes is also warranted. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Based on the CAM-NHIS survey, few racially and ethnically diverse adolescents have reported use of CAM. Development of culturally appropriate instruments and methods to assess CAM use among racially and ethnically diverse adolescents may yield specific data for this population. Informed health care providers can advocate for improved access to CAM for minority adolescents and alter disparate use.

Pediatric oncology nurses' perceptions of prognosis-related communication.

BACKGROUND: Disclosure of prognosis-related information is an essential aspect of communication with pediatric patients with cancer and their families. The nurse is believed to play an important role in this process, but nurse perceptions and experiences have not been well-described. PURPOSE: Provide an exploration of pediatric oncology nurses' experiences with prognosis-related communication (PRC). METHOD: Mixed-methods, multiphase design. This paper highlights the qualitative portion of the study. FINDINGS: Three themes were identified: Importance of collaboration, impact of PRC, and delivery of prognostic information. DISCUSSION: Collaboration is a critical element of PRC. Nurses are often not included in the disclosure process, which limits the ability of nurses to fully function in their roles, compromising patient, family, and nurse outcomes. A paradigm shift is required to empower nurses to be more active participants. More education of physicians and nurses is necessary to consistently engage nurses in PRC and prepare nurses for critical conversations.

Use of the Spiritual Development Framework in Conducting Spirituality and Health Research with Adolescents.

Spirituality is considered a universal phenomenon, but research addressing the spiritual needs of adolescents in the context of health and illness is limited. The aim of this article is to provide a description of how the spiritual development framework (SDF) was used in conducting research with adolescents. An exemplar of a qualitative descriptive study is provided to demonstrate applicability of the SDF. The SDF was used as a guiding theoretical framework in conducting research with adolescents living with sickle cell disease. The SDF is culturally applicable and methodologically appropriate. Additional research applying the SDF is warranted.

Photovoice: A Research Method and Intervention to Engage Older Adults.

The purpose of the current article is to describe the use of photovoice with individuals from vulnerable population groups. Ten African American men and women ages 66 to 72 with heart failure from three different low income public housing facilities were recruited for participation in a qualitative photovoice project. Participants were given 5 weeks to take photographs of images that represented facilitators of and barriers to engaging in self-care behaviors. Each week, participants met as a group to discuss the photographs and their meanings to other participants. The photovoice method was empowering to participants, easy to use, and shown to be appropriate within African American older adults with heart failure. The photovoice method assisted in providing the opportunity for this vulnerable population to share their personal beliefs and perspectives. Use of this method assisted in identification of themes that represented facilitators of and barriers to engaging in self-care and was effective in meeting the specific aims of the research project. Findings from the current study support photovoice as a valuable method to use with vulnerable individuals with chronic conditions. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 44(7), 43-49.].

Pediatric Nurses' Perspectives on Medication Teaching in a Children's Hospital.

PURPOSE: To explore inpatient pediatric nurses' current experiences and perspectives on medication teaching. DESIGN AND METHODS: A descriptive qualitative study was conducted at a Midwest pediatric hospital. Using convenience sampling, 26 nurses participated in six focus groups. Data were analyzed in an iterative group coding process. RESULTS: Three themes emerged. 1) Medication teaching is an opportunity. 2) Medication teaching is challenging. Nurses experienced structural and process challenges to deliver medication teaching. Structural challenges included the physical hospital environment, electronic health record, and institutional discharge workflow while process challenges included knowledge, relationships and interactions with caregivers, and available resources. 3) Medication teaching is amenable to improvement. CONCLUSION: Effective medication teaching with caregivers is critical to ensure safe, quality care for children after discharge. Nursing teaching practices have not changed, despite advances in technology and major changes in hospital care. Nurses face many challenges to conduct effective medication teaching. Improving current teaching practices is imperative in order to provide the best and safest care. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: This study generated knowledge regarding pediatric nurses' teaching practices, values and beliefs that influence teaching, barriers, and ideas for how to improve medication teaching. Results will guide the development of targeted interventions to promote successful medication teaching practices.

Debrief in Emergency Departments to Improve Compassion Fatigue and Promote Resiliency.

The purpose of this case study was to describe compassion fatigue using one nurse's experience as an example and to present the process of Personal Reflective Debrief as an intervention to prevent compassion fatigue in emergency department (ED) nurses. Debriefing after adverse outcomes using a structured model has been used in health care as a nonthreatening and relatively low-cost way to discuss unanticipated outcomes, identify opportunities for improvement, and heal as a group. There are many methods of debrief tailored to specific timing around events, specific populations of health care workers, and amount of time for debriefing. Debrief with personal and group reflection will help develop insights that nurses may need to understand their own emotions and experiences, as well as to develop knowledge that can be used in subsequent situations. Regular engagement in a proactive scheduled Personal Reflective Debrief has been identified as a method of promoting resiliency in an environment where the realities of emergency nursing make compassion fatigue an imminent concern. Nurses working in the ED normally experience some level of stress because of high acuity patients and high patient volume; yet, repeated exposure puts them at risk for developing compassion fatigue. The Personal Reflective Debrief is one way emergency nurses can alleviate some of this caring-related stress and thereby become more resilient. Increasing nurses' resilience to workplace stress can counter compassion fatigue. The key is to provide planned, proactive resources to positively improve resiliency.

Engaging in Culturally Informed Nursing Care With Hmong Children and Their Families.

The Hmong are an ethnic hill tribe group originally from Southern China with concentrated populations throughout Southeast Asia, especially the mountains of northern Laos. Following the Vietnam War, the Hmong started immigrating to the United States in waves to escape prosecution for fighting communism alongside the United States. Today, the Hmong population in the United States is growing rapidly, with a median age of 20.4 years. As the Hmong move and redistribute themselves across the country to be with family or pursue new opportunities, it is more and more likely that nurses everywhere will interact with Hmong children and their families. Historically medically underserved, the Hmong community continues to face barriers to healthcare as a result of culture, language, and lack of access. Nurses who are informed about cultural values and norms of the Hmong and their family and social structures, as well as their spiritual and traditional practices, will be able to establish trust with their pediatric patients and their caregivers. Utilizing strategies including interpretive services, asking detailed social and physical histories, providing extra appointment time, asking open ended questions, and employing teach back methods can help improve communication as well as provide higher quality care that addresses the specific needs of this population.

Self-Care Behaviors of African Americans Living with Heart Failure.

African Americans have a higher risk of developing heart failure (HF) than persons from other ethnic groups. Once diagnosed, they have lower rates of HF self-care and poorer health outcomes. Promoting engagement in HF self-care is amenable to change and represents an important way to improve the health of African Americans with HF. This study used a community-based participatory action research methodology called photovoice to explore the practice of HF self-care among low-income, urban, community dwelling African Americans. Using the photovoice methodology, themes emerged regarding self-care management and self-care maintenance.

Grounded Theory Approach to Understand Self-Management of Opioid Recovery Through Pregnancy and Early Parenting.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a theory to explain the processes women use to self-manage recovery from opioid use disorder during pregnancy, the postpartum period, and early parenting. DESIGN: Constructivist grounded theory approach. PARTICIPANTS: Women (N = 16) who gave birth during the past 12 months and used medication for opioid use disorder for recovery through pregnancy and the postpartum period. METHODS: We recruited participants through seven medication-assisted treatment clinics in a mid-size Midwestern city and the surrounding suburbs and through online parenting and recovery community groups with national-based memberships. We conducted semistructured, individual audio interviews from November 2020 to July 2021. Interviews continued until we reached theoretical and meaning saturation. We used constant comparative methods during initial and intermediate coding. RESULTS: Participants described a central process, Growing as a Healthy Dyad, that included six processes they used to self-manage recovery: Maintaining Vigilance, Performing Self-Care, Putting in the Work of Recovery, Advocating, Navigating Social Support, and Acquiring Skills and Knowledge. These processes were affected by personal and social contextual factors. CONCLUSIONS: The grounded theory, Self-Management of Opioid Recovery Through Pregnancy and Early Parenting, can be used to explain the unique processes of self-management by women in opioid recovery and highlights the need for a strengths-based approach to caring for the maternal-infant dyad.

Learning a Healthy Rhythm: An Intervention to Increase Children's Resources for Stress Management.

This article describes a pilot test of a community engaged, culturally relevant, arts-based intervention. The purpose was to increase children's personal protective buffering resources. Protective buffering resources help children cope with stressful stimuli, reduce activation of their systemic stress response, mitigate allostatic load, and promote optimal health. The "Learning a Healthy Rhythm" intervention included a stress management component and an ongoing Afro-Latino percussion program for 18 children ages 9-11. The stress management component included educational content about stress, self-assessment of stress symptoms, and stress management techniques. A mixed-method intervention evaluation design was used. Qualitative data, quantitative data, and biometrics including hair cortisol were collected. Six intervention parameters were evaluated: effectiveness, fidelity, feasibility, acceptability, necessity, and safety. Positive results were obtained for all parameters. Reduction in physiological and subjective measures of stress was evident. This stress management intervention was well-received and supported by participants.

Lived experiences of American adults who survive COVID-19: Implications for physical activity and interpersonal stress.

INTRODUCTION: The cumulative number of COVID-19 cases has surpassed 579 million globally. Symptoms during and after COVID-19 infection vary from mild cold symptoms to severe multisystem illness. Given the wide range of symptom presentations and complications post-COVID-19, the purpose of this study was to describe the lived experience of American adults surviving COVID-19. METHOD: This study employed an exploratory qualitative description design. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a sample of 35 individuals (White [94%], female [71%], Mage = 43.7 years), with proximity to a university in an urban Midwest American city. Interviews occurred between May and August 2021, 3 or more months after participants tested positive for COVID-19. RESULTS: Forty percent of the 35 participants experienced prolonged COVID-19 symptoms impacting their lifestyle. Four themes characterized the impacts of the post-COVID-19 condition on the lives of the participants within the context of a global pandemic: (a) disruptions in health and well-being, (b) persistent uncertainty, (c) disruptions in interpersonal relationships, (d) beneficent outcomes and adaptation. DISCUSSION: This study of COVID-19 has identified important implications for physical activity and interpersonal stress. Prolonged COVID-19 symptoms led to disruptions in the health, well-being, and interpersonal relationships of participants. Health care professionals need to attend to symptoms post-COVID-19, assess interpersonal functioning, and provide guidance on physical activity. Future studies are recommended to track consequences of COVID-19's impact on long-term health and well-being. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Mexican American female adolescents' perceptions of relationships and dating violence.

PURPOSE: This study fills a gap regarding the perspectives of Mexican American female adolescents on dating relationships and dating violence (DV). METHODS: This was a qualitative descriptive study. Focus groups included 20 Mexican American young women, primarily first and second generation, mean age 14.5 years (SD= 2.5). Data were analyzed with categorical analysis. FINDINGS: Participants described key components of DV and identified cultural aspects that may serve to promote healthy dating relationships. CONCLUSIONS: Family-based interventions to promote exploration of gender roles and parent-child communication may foster biculturalism as well as promote healthy dating relationships and prevent violence within this cultural group. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In the United States, 10% to 40% of teens experience DV. Hispanic females experience more physical DV than their White peers.

Emollients to Prevent Eczema in High-Risk Infants: Integrative Review.

METHODS: Searches were conducted in September 2021 in PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science using key word search terms dermatitis, atopic, emollients, petrolatum, and infant, newborn. Inclusion criteria were articles written in English published between 2010 and 2021 that tested emollients in high-risk infants and measured the development of AD. RESULTS: Eight primary research articles were included. Six studies were limited by small sample sizes, short-term application of emollients, and short-term follow-up. These studies generated inconclusive results. Two large randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with a combined sample of 3,791 infants found no evidence that early, regular use of emollients prevents AD among high-risk infants. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Findings from two high-quality RCTs indicate that clinicians should not recommend use of emollients to prevent AD. Clinicians may provide evidence-based recommendations for infant skin care, including bathe with water or a combination of water and liquid cleanser formulated for infants, and avoid soaps. Products applied to skin should be free of scent and contact allergens. Petroleum jelly or mineral oil is appropriate to moisturize infants' skin as needed.

Probiotics for the Management of Infantile Colic: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Colic is defined as periods of inconsolable crying, fussing, or irritability that have no apparent cause and present in healthy infants under 5 months of age. Although colic is a benign and self-limiting condition, it can be distressing to parents and there are few robust treatment interventions. This systematic review explored the evidence for administration of probiotics to prevent or decrease symptoms of colic. METHODS: Literature searches were conducted in PubMed, CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. SAMPLE: Twenty articles were included: 15 randomized controlled trials and 5 meta-analyses. RESULTS: Based on the evidence in this systematic review, the oral administration of probiotics to breastfed infants with colic resulted in at least a 50% reduction in crying time compared with placebo. Efficacy of probiotics to reduce colic symptoms in formula-fed infants needs further study. In this review, we did not find evidence to support or refute efficacy of probiotics to prevent infantile colic. Clinical Implication: Probiotics (especially the strain Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938) can safely be recommended if parents desire a treatment option for their infants with colic.

Social and Psychological Factors Associated With Health Care Transition for Young Adults Living With Sickle Cell Disease.

Introduction: Due to advances in disease management, mortality rates in children with sickle cell disease (SCD) have decreased. However, mortality rates for young adults (YA) increased, and understanding of social and psychological factors is critical. The aim of this study was to explore factors associated with health care transition experiences for YA with SCD. Method: This was a qualitative descriptive study. A 45-minute semistructured interview was conducted with 13 YA (M = 21.5 years, SD = 1.73). Results: Results suggest that social and psychological factors and self-management experiences influence health care transition. Eight themes emerged: "need for accessible support"; "early assistance with goal setting"; "incongruence among expectations, experiences, and preparation"; "spiritual distress"; "stigma"; "need for collaboration"; "appreciation for caring providers"; and "feeling isolated." Discussion: Consideration of cultural contexts will guide nurses in supporting health care transition. Designing culturally relevant interventions that address unique needs for YA living with SCD is warranted.

The association of religiosity, sexual education, and parental factors with risky sexual behaviors among adolescents and young adults.

This study examined the association of religiosity, sexual education and family structure with risky sexual behaviors among adolescents and young adults. The nationally representative sample, from the 2002 National Survey of Family Growth, included 3,168 women and men ages 15-21 years. Those who viewed religion as very important, had frequent church attendance, and held religious sexual attitudes were 27-54% less likely to have had sex and had significantly fewer sex partners than peers. Participants whose formal and parental sexual education included abstinence and those from two-parent families were 15% less likely to have had sex and had fewer partners.

The Nurse's Role in Prognosis-Related Communication in Pediatric Oncology Nursing Practice.

The experiences of pediatric oncology nurses with prognosis-related communication (PRC) remain largely unknown. The purpose of this article is to report results of focus groups wherein 15 pediatric oncology nurses from three Midwestern pediatric cancer programs provided descriptions of PRC and how they experience PRC within their daily practice. Data from focus groups were analyzed via an interpretive descriptive approach, which resulted in three themes: (1) nurses' operational definition of PRC, (2) nurses' roles in PRC, and (3) nurses' preparation for engagement in PRC. From discussions within the focus groups, nurses recognized that PRC occurs across a continuum. Nurses distinguished that the definition of PRC expands beyond simply reporting life expectancy to describing the consequences of cancer- and treatment-related toxicities and effects. When nurses are not actively invited by their physician partners to participate in PRC, nurses will often develop workarounds to ensure that they understand what was said to patients and families. This allows them to function more effectively as supporters, advocates, and informants. Nurses described little preparation to participate in such challenging conversations. Pediatric oncology nurses need to acknowledge and embrace that they are an integral part of PRC. Interprofessional communication training is necessary to enhance the comfort and confidence of nurses engaging in PRC.

Conversations With Health Care Providers and Parents Before Autism Diagnosis: A Qualitative Study.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to explore communication with health care providers from the perceptions of parents before their child's diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and provide some examples of how communication may contribute to the autism diagnosis. METHOD: This study used a qualitative descriptive design with multiple individual structured in-person interviews. RESULTS: Three themes captured parents' (n = 8) descriptions of the phases of communication during their children's diagnoses including, (1) anguished questioning, (2) urgently seeking help, and (3) expecting a diagnosis. In addition, three themes characterized the communication style that parents needed, although not always received, in each of the periods of diagnosis including (1) compassionate curiosity, (2) acknowledgment and affirmation, and (3) engagement with parents. DISCUSSION: Results point to opportunities for pediatric providers to use a more empathic and engaging communication style during the diagnostic process with better identification of education and support needed by parents and families.