Translation and validation of the Greek version of the hypertension knowledge-level scale.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To translate and validate a Greek version of the Hypertension Knowledge-Level Scale. BACKGROUND: The major barrier in the management of hypertension is the lack of adherence to medications and lifestyle adjustments. Patients' knowledge of the nature of hypertension and cardiovascular risk factors is a significant factor affecting individuals' adherence. However, few instruments have been developed to assess patients' knowledge level and no one has been translated into Greek. DESIGN: This study used a case control study design. METHODS: Data collection for this research occurred between February 7, 2013 and March 10, 2013. The sample included both hypertensives and non-hypertensives. Participants simultaneously completed the version of the Hypertension Knowledge-Level Scale. A total of 68 individuals completed the questionnaire. RESULTS: Coefficient alpha was 0·66 for hypertensives and 0·79 for non-hypertensives. The difference for the mean scores in the entire scale between the two samples was statistically significant. In addition, significant differences were observed in many sub-dimensions and no correlation was found between level, knowledge and age, gender and education level. CONCLUSIONS: Findings provide support for the validity of the Greek version of the Hypertension Knowledge-Level Scale. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The translation and validation of an instrument evaluating the level of knowledge of hypertension contribute to assessing the provided educational intervention. Low knowledge level should lead to the development of new methods of education, therefore nurses will have the opportunity to amplify their role in patients' education and develop relationships based on honesty and respect.

Risk factors for increased in-hospital mortality: a cohort study among cardiac surgery patients.

BACKGROUND: Mortality is an important healthcare index for assessing the quality and the effectiveness of the provided nursing care. AIM: The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors for increased in-hospital mortality among cardiac surgery patients. METHODS: We followed up prospectively 313 consecutive patients who were admitted to the cardiac surgery intensive care unit (ICU) of a general, tertiary hospital in Athens during a 1 year period. Data collection was performed by using a short questionnaire and two instruments, the Nursing Activities Score (NAS) and the logistic EuroSCORE for assessing the nursing workload (NWL) and the perioperative risk for each patient respectively. RESULTS: Patients with a high 1st day NAS had an almost 3.3 times greater probability of death during their hospitalization (OR 3.3, 95%CI 1.4-8). Moreover, patients with increased perioperative risk (OR 4.2, 95%CI 1.50-12) and ICU length of stay (ICU-LOS) (OR 16.8, 95%CI 4.8-58.6) had statistically significant higher in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSION: Increased level of NWL, patient perioperative risk and ICU-LOS are closely associated with increased in-hospital mortality of cardiac surgery patients. The correlation between NWL and mortality represents the strong link of the nursing profession with the improvement of the effectiveness and quality of care.