Barriers to Pain Management as Perceived by Cancer and Noncancer Patients With Chronic Disease.

BACKGROUND: Pain is the most common symptom experienced by both cancer and non-cancer patients. A wide variety of barriers may hinder the optimal treatment of cancer and noncancer pain that are related to the health care system, health care providers, and patients. PURPOSE: To explore the barriers to pain management as perceived by patients with cancer and noncancer chronic diseases. METHOD: A descriptive, cross-sectional correlational design was employed to recruit a sample of 200 patients (n = 100 patients with cancer, n= 100 patients with noncancer) from two hospitals in Jordan. Patients filled out an Arabic version of Barriers Questionnaire II (ABQ-II). RESULTS: Harmful effects of medications were the greatest barrier to effective pain management, while fatalism had the lowest mean scores. Age was negatively correlated with physiological effects (r = -0.287, p < .01), communication (r = -0.263, p < .01), harmful effects (r = -0.284, p < .01), and the overall barrier score (r = -0.326, p < .01) among noncancer patients with chronic disease and (p > .05) for patients with cancer. Patients with cancer had higher mean scores (M = 2.12, SD = 0.78) in the fatalism subscale than those with noncancer chronic disease (M = 1.91, SD = 0.68), while patients with noncancer chronic disease had significantly higher mean scores (M = 2.78, SD = 0.78) in the communication subscale than patients with cancer (M = 2.49, SD = 0.65), (t = -2.899, p = .005). CONCLUSION: To improve the quality of care for patients who are in pain, it is recommended to address pain management barriers as they arise.

The Effect of Benson's Relaxation Technique on Fatigue and Quality of Life of Patients Diagnosed With Heart Failure.

Patients with heart failure (HF) reported poor quality of life (QOL) due to different reasons among which fatigue is the most important. Improving QOL is a crucial objective for patients with HF and their primary health care providers. Managing fatigue with medication is not enough. Benson's relaxation technique (BRT) is a complementary therapy used to manage fatigue among different populations with limited studies checking its effect among patients diagnosed with HF. The purpose of this quasi-experimental study was to check the effect of BRT on fatigue and QOL among 140 (68 intervention and 72 control) patients diagnosed with HF. Intervention group performed BRT for 20 minutes twice a day for 2 months. Control group received regular care from their health care providers. At baseline, there were no differences between intervention and control groups regarding fatigue, physical component summary, and mental component summary. At follow-up, intervention group had higher scores in physical and mental component summaries than control group (45.48 ± 10.52 vs 37.97 ± 14.78) and (46.22 ± 8.39 vs 41.01 ± 10.36), respectively. Also, intervention group had lower levels of fatigue than control group (2.54 ± 0.87 vs 6.33 ± 0.61). In conclusion, the use of BRT as a complementary therapy for patients with HF might decrease fatigue level and improve QOL.

Prevalence and Triggering Factors of Headache among Jordanian Adolescents in Al-Mafraq Region.

Aims: This study evaluates the epidemiology of headache and migraine among adolescents aged 12 to 15. Methods: A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted to collect and analyze data from students in grades 7-10 over the course of one month, using a simple random sampling method. The overall number of participants in this study was 692, with an average age of 13.9 years (SD = 1.3). Descriptive measures and Fisher's exact test were computed. Multivariate regression was calculated to assess the predictors of headache and migraine. Findings. Approximately one-half of the students reported having headaches: tension-type headaches (10.3%), migraines (4.8%), and other headache types (31.5%). Moreover, girl students in the age group of 14-15 reported more headaches and migraines. Conclusion: The prevalence of headache and migraine in Jordan is high and increasing as students grow older. Health education programs led by school nurses and other healthcare practitioners are urgently needed.

Mindfulness and psychological distress among hemodialysis patients.

The current study identifies the unique role of trait mindfulness in improving the psychological health of patients under hemodialysis. A correlational research design was employed with a sample of 221 patients under hemodialysis. Participants completed a survey about the basic demographics, psychological distress, and mindfulness. The mean age of the study participants was 51.87 years (SD = 14.00). Participants had a moderate level of psychological distress. Psychological distress was associated with various demographic and clinical variables. Mindfulness accounted for 2.6% additional variance above and beyond the 18% accounted by demographic and clinical variables. This study suggests that mindfulness may enhance the psychological health of patients under hemodialysis. Future research may want to develop an intervention that employs a mindfulness-based approach and assess its effectiveness in supporting patients under hemodialysis.

Nurse-nurse collaboration and performance among nurses in intensive care units.

BACKGROUND: An essential element for offering high-quality care in the intensive care units (ICUs) is the intraprofessional collaboration among nurses, which facilitates the exchange of knowledge and information and hence improves performance. More research is needed to understand the relationship between the nurse-nurse collaboration and job performance in the ICUs due to the multidimensionality of both concepts, the complexity of the ICU environment, and the lack of studies. AIM: To examine the relationship between nurse-nurse collaboration and self-perceived nurse performance among Jordanian nurses in ICUs. DESIGN: Descriptive, correlational cross-sectional design was used. METHODS: Data were collected through an online survey including the demographic questionnaire, the nurse-nurse collaboration scale, and six-dimensions scale for nursing performance. RESULTS: In total, 155 critical care nurses participated (response rate = 46.97%). Self-perceived job performance was significantly associated with gender (t = -3.189, P = .002), age (r = -0.301, P < .01), workplace (F = 28.20, P = .001), the type of ICU (F = 17.70, P = .001), and the number of assigned patients (r = 0.407, P < .01). Among all nurse-nurse collaboration subscales, only the conflict management subscale was an independent significant predictor of self-perceived nursing performance (t = 3.06, B = 3.066, P = .003). CONCLUSIONS: Effective conflict management is associated with better nurse performance, which could ultimately improve patient care in ICUs. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Conflict resolution is an important dimension of optimal nurse-nurse collaboration and has an important effect on nursing performance. Nurses and nurse managers in ICUs need to attend workshops and training programs in conflict management.

The Relationship Between Workplace Bullying and Positive Mental Health Among Registered Nurses.

BACKGROUND: Workplace bullying is a highly prevalent occupational burden in health care settings. It is associated with various negative consequences in nurses, but its unique relationship with nurses' positive mental health (PMH) has yet to be established. AIM: The purpose of this study was to examine the unique relationship between bullying at the workplace and positive mental health among registered nurses. METHOD: A descriptive, correlational, and cross-sectional design was used. A sample of 231 registered nurses was recruited from two governmental hospitals, two private hospitals, and two teaching hospitals. Self-reported data were obtained about nurses' demographic variables, their experience of bullying at the workplace, and their perceived positive mental health. RESULTS: About 73.6% of the participants were exposed to workplace bullying. Regarding the positive mental health subscales, the spirituality subscale had the highest mean score (M = 4.93, SD = 1.11), while the global affect had the lowest mean score (M = 3.55, SD = 1.17). Factors associated with the total PMH or at least one of its subscales were gender, experience, working shift, type of hospital, and the position of the participant. There was a significant negative relationship between bullying at the workplace and positive mental health (r = -.16, p < .05). After controlling participants' characteristics, workplace bullying accounted for significant variance in PMH. CONCLUSION: Regardless of the nurses' characteristics, bullying at the workplace has a negative impact on nurses' mental health and well-being.

Barriers to Effective Pain Management in Cancer Patients From the Perspective of Patients and Family Caregivers: A Qualitative Study.

BACKGROUND: Pain is one of the most common and undesired symptoms in cancer patients, affecting patients' physical and psychological well-being. Barriers to effective pain management in cancer patients need to be identified and addressed by clinicians. AIMS: The purpose of this study was to explore the barriers to effective cancer pain management from the perspective of cancer patients and their family members. METHODS: A qualitative research design was employed. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 10 patients and 10 family caregivers to elucidate their perspectives regarding the barriers to effective cancer pain management in Jordan. RESULTS: Regulatory factors, knowledge deficit, and the use of religious and cultural strategies to cope with pain were major barriers to effective cancer pain management. Although effective cancer pain management is highly recommended, the participants' cultural beliefs deeply appreciated pain tolerance and discouraged effective treatment of cancer pain. CONCLUSION: Tailoring culturally appropriate educational programs regarding effective cancer pain management could facilitate pain management among patients with cancer.

Emotional intelligence and intent to stay among nurses employed in Jordanian hospitals.

AIMS: This study aimed to examine the relationship between Emotional intelligence (EI) and intent to stay and to identify their correlates among nurses. BACKGROUND: EI plays a significant role in nurses' practice, relationships, behaviours and decisions. METHODS: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 280 registered nurses working in a public, a private and a university hospital in Jordan. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from the participants. RESULTS: EI was significantly correlated with nurses' intent to stay (r = .427, p < .01). Some of the nurses' socio-demographic and work-related characteristics were found to predict EI and intent to stay. CONCLUSION: The findings of the study came with a supportive knowledge about the positive impacts of EI on nurses' intent to stay. Improving both EI and intent to stay among nurses is important because it could have positive effects on organisations' decisions, policymaking process, quality of care, employee commitment and satisfaction. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Nurse managers should pay attention to the EI of nurses during recruitment considering various determinants of EI identified in the current study. Additionally, nurse managers might want to strengthen factors associated with more stay intent among their staff.

Psychological distress and quality of life among Jordanian women diagnosed with breast cancer: The role of trait mindfulness.

BACKGROUND: Patients diagnosed with breast cancer were reported to have high levels of psychosocial distress and poor quality of life (QOL). Mindfulness is believed to improve QOL and reduce psychological distress in various populations, but its unique association with QOL and psychological distress in women with breast cancer has yet to be established. OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to examine the relationship of mindfulness with depression, anxiety and QOL of women diagnosed with breast cancer. METHODS: A descriptive, correlation design was used. RESULTS: A sample of 234 Jordanian women completed the study. 24% of the participants scored above the cut-off for clinical depression, 36.3% scored above the cut-off for clinical anxiety, and 35.5% scored above the cut-off for poor QOL. Mindfulness accounted for significant unique variance in depression, anxiety and QOL above and beyond the variance accounted for by the demographic variables, clinical variables and social support. CONCLUSION: The current study provided preliminary evidence for the relationship of social support and mindfulness with the psychological well-being and QOL among Jordanian women with breast cancer. Future research may want to tailor an intervention that combines social support and mindfulness-based interventions and identify their benefits to support Jordanian women with breast cancer.

Health Related Quality of Life Among Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: The Role of Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness.

BACKGROUND: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is associated with poor quality of life (QOL). Individuals suffering from MS must make multiple adjustments as their condition changes. To date, little is known about the role of psychosocial adjustment in improving QOL of patients with MS. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to identify the relationship between psychosocial adjustment and HRQOL controlling for demographic variables among patients with MS. METHODS: This study used a descriptive-correlational design. A sample of 160 patients from two hospitals participated in the study. Self-reported data were collected using the demographic survey, Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life (MSQoL-54) tool and Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness Scale-Self Report (PAIS-SR). RESULTS: Participants reported poor QOL and difficulty with psychosocial adjustment. The QOL and psychosocial adjustment were correlated with various demographic variables. After controlling for demographic variables, psychosocial adjustment explained a large variance in the mental health composite of QOL (r square change = 44%) and the physical health composite of QOL = (r square change = 38%). CONCLUSION: Psychosocial care could play a vital role in improving quality of life among MS patients.

The impact of emotional intelligence on conflict management styles used by jordanian nurse managers.

BACKGROUND: Emotional intelligence can help managers to effectively deal with conflicts in the workplace. However, the correlation between conflict management styles and emotional intelligence has not been fully conceptualized. AIM: To examine the impact of demographic variables and emotional intelligence on conflict management styles among nurse managers from Jordan. METHOD: A descriptive correlational design was used. A sample of 248 nurse managers completed the study. RESULTS: The integrating style was the most commonly used style among Jordanian nursing managers, while the least frequently used style was the dominating style. Conflict management styles significantly differed according to hospital type and years of experience. There were significant relationships between emotional intelligence and conflict management styles, but the direction of this relationship is not fully consistent with previous literature. CONCLUSION: Educating nursing managers about emotional intelligence may improve their abilities to manage conflicts in the workplace. However, cultural factors might have a role in determining the conflict management style used by managers. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: An analysis of the relationship between emotional intelligence and conflict management styles can assist management in initiating a tailor-training program to improve abilities to manage conflict.

Mindfulness, Self-Efficacy, and Stress Among Final-Year Nursing Students.

Stress is an inevitable part of nursing students' lives. To implement appropriate interventions to manage stress in nursing students, the roles of various factors associated with stress among these individuals must be identified. The purpose of the current study was to examine the relationship between stress, self-efficacy, and mindfulness among final-year nursing students, controlling for students' demographics. A descriptive correlational research design was used. A sample of 200 university students was recruited from four randomly selected universities in Jordan. Students provided information regarding their demographic characteristics and completed questionnaires regarding stress, self-efficacy, and mindfulness. Women and married participants had higher stress levels than other participants. Stress was negatively associated with self-efficacy and mindfulness. Mindfulness accounted for 13% of variance, demographics accounted for 10%, and self-efficacy accounted for 24%. Students who demonstrate high levels of stress may benefit from psychosocial interventions to increase mindfulness and self-efficacy. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 57(4), 49-55.].

The psychometric properties of the mindful attention awareness scale among Arab parents of children with autism spectrum disorder.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties and the theoretical structure of the mindful attention awareness scale (MAAS) with parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Jordan. METHOD: A sample of 104 parents of children with ASD in Jordan completed the study. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to assess the factor structure of MAAS. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha. The convergent validity was assessed using Pearson's product-moment correlations between the MAAS and measures of psychological distress and Quality of life. RESULTS: A confirmatory factor analysis showed that the modified 13-item MAAS fits the data significantly better than the original 15-item model. However, both the 13-item and the 15-item models showed a single factor structure, with excellent internal consistency and convergent validity. CONCLUSION: This preliminary study supports using the MAAS in Arab parents of children with ASD.

Psychological Distress in Jordanian Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: The Role of Positive Reappraisal Coping.

BACKGROUND: Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) frequently report poor psychological well-being. Positive reappraisal coping (PRC) is a coping strategy which offers a protective effect from anxiety and depression. However, the association between PRC and the psychological distress in parents of children with ASD has yet to be established. AIM: This study examines the association between PRC and the psychological distress in parents of children with ASD. METHOD: In this descriptive correlational study, 104 parents of children with ASD completed measures of psychological distress and PRC. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was used to examine the association between PRC and the psychological distress in parents after controlling the influence of parental age and gender. RESULTS: The PRC was associated with the psychological distress in parents above and beyond the variance accounted for by parental age and gender. After controlling for parental age and gender, PRC had significant negative correlation with the levels of anxiety, stress, and depression in parents (Anxiety: ß=-0.36, p<0.001; Stress: ß=-0.21, p=0.03; Depression: ß=- 0.37, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Using positive reappraisal coping strategy may help to reduce psychological distress in parents of children with ASD.

Mindfulness, Quality of Life, and Severity of Depressive Symptoms Among Patients With Schizophrenia and Patients With Major Depressive Disorder.

The current study used a descriptive correlational design to examine the relationship between mindfulness and quality of life (QOL) among patients with schizophrenia (n = 160) and patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) (n = 161), controlling for demographic and clinical variables. Participants completed self-reported questionnaires regarding demographic variables, severity of depression, QOL, and mindfulness. Patients diagnosed with MDD had higher mindfulness scores than patients diagnosed with schizophrenia. Mindfulness scores were significantly associated with the severity of depression among participants. After controlling for the demographic variables and severity of depressive symptoms, mindfulness had a unique variance in QOL among patients with schizophrenia, but not among patients with MDD. The current study provides preliminary evidence regarding the role of mindfulness in improving depressive symptoms and the overall QOL among patients diagnosed with mental illness. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 55(5), 40-50.].

The Correlates of Quality of Life Among Jordanian Patients With Schizophrenia.

BACKGROUND: Addressing the quality of life (QOL) of patients with schizophrenia is of special importance in the Arab world, where little knowledge is available about their well-being, and most of them experience stigma and living in poverty. AIMS: The purpose of this study was to examine the association of sociodemographic characteristics, severity of depressive symptoms, and various aspects of public stigma against mental illness, with QOL among Jordanian patients with schizophrenia. METHOD: In this descriptive correlational study, 160 Jordanian outpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia completed measures of demographic characteristics, perceived public stigma against mental illness, severity of depression, and QOL. RESULTS: Participants had poor QOL. Age, marital status, relapse, education level, stigma against mental illness, and severity of depression were significantly associated with QOL among Jordanian patients with schizophrenia. Data analysis revealed that the severity of depression accounted for an additional 27% of the variance above and beyond the 36.7% accounted for by age of the participants and perceived public stigma against mental illness. CONCLUSIONS: Health care professionals should develop culturally competent nursing practice considering the specific factors associated with QOL among Arab patients with schizophrenia.

The Relationship Between Patients' Overall ICU Experiences, Psychological Distress, and Sleep Quality Among Jordanian Burn Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Objectives This study aimed to assess patients' experiences, psychological distress, and sleep quality among Jordanian burn patients. Method A cross-sectional, correlational design was used. A sample of 150 patients admitted to the burn-specific intensive care unit completed the study. Demographical data, Intensive Care Experience Questionnaire, and sleep ICU questionnaire were used for data collection. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for analysis. Results Participants were found to have poor sleep quality and severe psychological distress. Sleep quality was negatively associated with awareness of ICU experience (r = -.190, P = .020) and psychological distress (r = -.190, P = .020) and positively associated with the recall of experience in ICU. Female participants had significantly greater ICU experience frightening and recall. Participants who experienced burn complications had significantly higher psychological distress. Discussion There is a need to offer an encouraging environment to burn patients to improve the psychological health and sleep quality in critical care units.

Experiences, barriers and expectations regarding current patient monitoring systems among ICU nurses in a University Hospital in Lebanon: a qualitative study.

Purpose: The aim of the study is to assess the experiences, barriers, and expectations regarding current patient monitoring systems among intensive care unit nurses at one university hospital. Methods: A qualitative exploratory study approach was adopted to test the research questions. Results: Intensive care unit personnel placed a high value on practical criteria such as user friendliness and visualization while assessing the present monitoring system. Poor alarm handling was recognized as possible patient safety hazards. The necessity of high accessibility was highlighted once again for a prospective system; wireless, noninvasive, and interoperability of monitoring devices were requested; and smart phones for distant patient monitoring and alert management improvement were required. Conclusion: Core comments from ICU personnel are included in this qualitative research on patient monitoring. All national healthcare involved parties must focus more on user-derived insights to ensure a speedy and effective introduction of digital health technologies in the ICU. The findings from the alarm control or mobile device studies might be utilized to train ICU personnel to use new technology, minimize alarm fatigue, increase medical device accessibility, and develop interoperability standards in critical care practice.

Mindfulness, Social Support, and Psychological Distress Among Jordanian Burn Patients.

Burn is associated with psychological distress, anxiety, and depression. Social support and mindfulness are considered a strength source for postburn survivors to resume their daily living activities. There is a lack of literature that supported the direct impact of mindfulness on social support and psychological distress among burn survivors. The aim of this study is to examine the impact of mindfulness and social support in enhancing the psychological well-being of burn survivors in Jordan. A cross-sectional descriptive design and convenience sampling technique were utilized to meet the study goal. A self-reported questionnaire was completed by a sample of 212 burn survivors. The questionnaire consists of 3 tools to measure psychological distress, social support, and mindfulness. A significant correlation was found between social support and psychological distress among the Jordanian burn survivors. Mindfulness revealed a distinctive variance in psychological distress among the study participants. In addition, some sociodemographic and clinical data have a relationship with psychological distress. Several factors among burn survivors have influenced their psychological and social support status. Also, mindfulness is important for enhancing psychological well-being and affecting the social support among burn patients.

Prevalence of Cyberbullying Perpetration and Cyberbullying Victimization among Nursing Students in Jordan.

Introduction: Cyberbullying is a form of bullying or harassment carried out online with the intent to harm others mainly using social media sites. Objective: To investigate cyberbullying prevalence and associated factors among nursing students in Jordan. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted. A convenience sample of 428 Jordanian nursing students from three private Jordanian universities was involved in the study. Data were collected in 2022 using the sociodemographic characteristics sheet, cyberbullying perpetration (CBP) scale; and cyberbullying victimization (CBV) scale. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to identify variables associated with the CBP and CBV scores. Results: About 30.1% of the students were not involved in any cyberbullying, while 8.6% were categorized as cyberbullying perpetrators only, 20.4% as victims only, and 40.9% were categorized as cyberbullying perpetrators and victims at the same time. Visual /sexual perpetration and verbal/written victimization were the most prevalent forms of cyberbullying among the studied nursing students. Increasing age was associated with a decreased CBP (P < 0.05) and CBV (P < 0.01), while male gender was associated with increased cyberbullying perpetration (P < 0.01). Conclusions: The prevalence of cyberbullying among nursing students in the current study was alarming. The study showed that age was negatively associated with CBP and CBV while being male was associated with increased CBP. Future research may want to consider using a longitudinal research design with more testing variables and a more comprehensive examination of potential causes and impacts of cyberbullying in nursing students. The development of specific policies to combat cyberbullying among Jordanian nursing students is also recommended.