Examining the influence of anxiety and depression on medication adherence among patients diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Effective medication adherence is vital for managing acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and enhancing patient well-being. This study aimed to evaluate medication adherence levels and associated factors among AMI patients using standardized assessment tools. METHODS: Employing a cross-sectional descriptive design, the study involved 210 patients diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction. Participants completed the General Medication Adherence Scale (GMAS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and provided socio-demographic details. RESULTS: The study revealed partial adherence to medications among AMI patients, with mean scores of 24.89 (± 3.64) out of 33. Notably, good adherence was observed in non-adherence due to patient behavior (mean ± SD = 11.8 ± 2.3 out of 15) and additional disease burden (mean ± SD = 8.65 ± 2.21 out of 12), while partial adherence was noted in non-adherence due to financial constraints (mean ± SD = 4.44 ± 1.34 out of 6). Patients reported mild anxiety (mean ± SD = 8.38 ± 2.81) and no depressive symptoms (mean ± SD = 7.43 ± 2.42). Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that employed status, younger age, shorter duration of MI, lower anxiety, and depression levels were associated with higher medication adherence. However, factors such as monthly income, gender, educational level, and marital status did not predict medication adherence. CONCLUSION: The study highlights the significance of addressing anxiety and depression levels and considering socio-demographic factors when designing interventions to enhance medication adherence among AMI patients. Further research is needed to explore additional determinants of medication adherence and develop tailored interventions to improve patient outcomes post-AMI.

The mediation role of social support in the relationship between bullying and depressive symptoms among Jordanian adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Bullying in school is a universal psychosocial issue that raises concerns about adolescents' safety and mental health and is positively associated with depressive symptoms. Social support could be a preventive factor that eases bullying and its psychological distress. PURPOSE: The primary purpose of this study was to examine the mediating effect of social support in the relationship between bullying and depressive symptoms among adolescents in Jordan. Another aim was to investigate predictors of depression based on adolescents' sociodemographic factors. METHODS: In this cross-sectional, non-experimental mediational study, a stratified and systematic sampling method was used to recruit 270 Jordanian adolescents. RESULTS: Sociodemographic variables of being female, having divorced parents, having illiterate fathers, and being older in adolescence explained 12.2% of the variance in depressive symptoms. Family social support partially mediated the relationship between bullying and depressive symptoms. CONCLUSION: Our findings showed that a notable proportion of adolescents experienced bullying victimization and depressive symptoms, and a positive relationship exists between these two variables. These results further highlight the role of family social support in buffering the negative impact of bullying on depressive symptoms. IMPLICATIONS TO PRACTICE: The study's results emphasize the significance of developing and implementing family-centered social support initiatives by nurses to lessen adolescents' bullying experiences and depressive symptomatology.

The Association Between Proneness to Smartphone Addiction and Social Anxiety Among School Students and the Mediating Role of Social Support: A Call to Advance Jordanian Adolescents' Mental Health.

BACKGROUND: Social anxiety is an emerging public health issue associated with significant impairment of social functioning during adolescence. Among many determinants of social anxiety, proneness to smartphone addiction may significantly contribute to the development of social anxiety. To cope with the consequential development of social anxiety, adolescent school students may rely on various forms of social support. Particularly in the Middle East, including Jordan, the relationship between proneness to smartphone addiction and adolescent social anxiety is understudied. AIM: To examine the mediating role of social support in the relationship between proneness to smartphone addiction and social anxiety in a sample of adolescent school students. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 432 adolescents were recruited via a random cluster sample from public schools across three provinces in Jordan. The data were collected face-to-face using the Social Anxiety Scale for Adolescents, the Smartphone Addiction Proneness Scale, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. RESULTS: Significantly higher levels of social anxiety were associated with females of lower economic status who reported more gaming hours and higher levels of proneness to smartphone addiction. Familial social support significantly mediated the relationship between proneness to smartphone addiction and social anxiety, controlling for the other covariates in the social anxiety model. CONCLUSIONS: Familial social support reduced the impact of proneness to smartphone addiction on social anxiety. Nurses may supplement treatment for reducing social anxiety in adolescents suffering from proneness to smartphone addiction by fostering sources of familial social support.

Perceived Stress and Resilience Among Psychiatric Nurses Working in Inpatients Units.

The aim of this study is to assess the levels, relationships, and predictors of resilience and perceived stress among psychiatric nurses working in inpatient units. A descriptive, cross-sectional, predictive design was employed to collect data from 140 psychiatric nurses through a self-reported questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of sociodemographic and work-related variables, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-25), and perceived stress scale (PSS-10). The total mean score of the perceived stress was 22.73 (SD = 3.54) indicating a moderate level. The total mean score of the resilience was 49.49 (SD = 15.31) indicating a low level. Resilience correlated positively with educational level and job satisfaction; and negatively with intention to leave psychiatric settings. Significant differences were found in resilience with educational level, intention to leave psychiatric settings, and job satisfaction. Three independent variables predicted resilience: educational level, ward/unit, and job satisfaction; and only one variable (intention to leave psychiatric settings) predicted the perceived stress.

Using primary healthcare facilities and patients' expectations about triage system: Patients' perspective from multisite Jordanian hospitals.

BACKGROUND: Using primary healthcare facilities can decrease the tension and workload in emergency departments (EDs). This study aim to examine the patient's use of primary healthcare facilities before EDs visits and their expectations about the triage. METHODS: A cross-sectional design was utilized in at various EDs in different hospitals. A convenience sample of 726 patients were enrolled and completed a self-administrated questionnaire. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 38.1 (SD = 12.9). Most participants (68.2 %) did not have primary care physicians and did not want to know how long other patients waited (61.4 %). There are significant relationships between participants' desired to know how long other patients have been waiting and their age (X2 = 4.02, P < .05), education level (X2 = 13.5, P < .001), and current job (X2 = 9.90, p < .05). Also, periodic updates from EDs staff about the delays were significantly related to participants' age (X2 = 3.29), current job (X2 = 28.4), marital status (X2 = 8.93), and residency place (X2 = 9.94). CONCLUSION: Educating patients about the triage system and the importance of using primary healthcare facilities is recommended to reduce ED waiting times and overload.

The Association Between Coping Strategies and Psychological and Emotional Distress Among Health Care Providers Caring for Autistic Children in Jordan.

BACKGROUND: Health care providers (HCPs) caring for autistic children report more perceived psychological and emotional distress related to their job. However, not much is known about what can be done to mitigate such distress, especially in countries with limited mental health resources, such as Jordan. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the association between coping strategies (problem-focused, emotion-focused, and avoidant) and perceived emotional and psychological distress among HCPs of autistic children in Jordan. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, a convenience sample of 180 HCPs working with autistic children in Jordan were recruited through autism centers and social media using an online self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: The multiple linear regression analysis revealed that 31% of the variability in perceived emotional distress was explained by its significant association with problem-focused coping, emotion-focused coping, and avoidant coping. Likewise, 39% of the variability in perceived psychological distress was explained by its significant association with gender, having an immediate family, area of specialty, problem-focused coping, emotion-focused coping, and avoidant coping. CONCLUSIONS: The study shows that problem-focused coping significantly decreases perceived emotional distress, whereas emotion-focused and avoidant coping significantly increase perceived emotional distress. Avoidant coping significantly increases perceived psychological distress. Understanding the association between coping strategies and perceived emotional and psychological distress among HCPs can assist mental health nurses in identifying at-risk providers and providing timely emotional and psychological support.

Levels and predictors of empathy, self-awareness, and perceived stress among nursing students: a cross sectional study.

BACKGROUND: High levels of empathy and self-awareness and low level of stress among nursing students are the core elements of improving patients' care and outcomes. The purpose of this study is to assess the levels, relationships, and predictors of empathy, self-awareness, and perceived stress in a sample of undergraduate Jordanian nursing students. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed to collect data from 330 students using a web-based survey. RESULTS: The total mean scores of empathy, self-awareness, and perceived stress were 75.75, 40.17, and 55.65, respectively. Students who are studying in public universities, with higher GPA, who have no intention to leave nursing, and who are satisfied with nursing; reported higher level of empathy. Students with lower income level, who have no intention to leave nursing, and who are satisfied with nursing; reported higher level of self-awareness. Female students, those who sleeping 6 h and less, did not get a balanced diet or perform exercise, studying in public universities, lower GPA, have intention to leave nursing, and did not satisfy with nursing; reported higher level of perceived stress. CONCLUSIONS: Nursing students reported adequate empathy level, low self-awareness level, and moderate perceived stress level. Students who are satisfied and have no intention to leave nursing reported higher level of empathy, self-awareness, and perceived stress. It is necessary to conduct interventional programs that enhance students' well-being especially empathy and self-awareness, and reduce the level of their stress.

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.

Nurses' knowledge, attitudes and practices towards palliative care provided to patients diagnosed with cancer.

AIM AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to explore the levels of knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward palliative care (PC) among nurses working with patients diagnosed with cancer in Jordan. BACKGROUND: PC is a growing specialty in healthcare and nursing in Jordan with an increased need to expand its scope, develop policies to govern it, and increase the awareness of its importance especially for patients diagnosed with cancer. DESIGN: Cross sectional design was used in the current study. METHODS: Using an online self-report questionnaire data was collected from 228 nurses working at four hospitals in Amman. The four hospitals were from three different healthcare sectors: one public, one educational, and two private hospitals. A convenience sampling method was employed. RESULTS: Results showed a low level of PC knowledge (M = 8.8), a moderate level of attitudes (M = 80.9) toward dying patients, and a moderate level of PC practices (M = 52.7). Differences in PC knowledge, attitudes, and practices were found in regard to nurses' gender, level of education, PC training, years of experience, and working sector. Significant correlations were found between PC practices with both PC knowledge and attitudes toward dying patients. No significant relationship between PC knowledge and attitudes toward dying patients. CONCLUSION: Low level of PC knowledge and moderate level of attitudes toward dying patients. Differences in PC knowledge, attitudes, and practices were found in regard to some participants' demographics.

Jordanian Community People's Knowledge of and Attitudes Toward Dementia.

Introduction: Limited research exists on the knowledge and attitudes of Jordanian community residents toward people with dementia (PwD). As the prevalence of dementia is anticipated to increase, there is a critical need for informed knowledge and positive attitudes toward dementia in the Jordanian community. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate people's knowledge of and attitudes toward PwD and identify the predictors of dementia knowledge and attitudes. Methods: The study employed a cross-sectional research design and utilized a self-administered questionnaire as the primary data collection method. The study employed the Alzheimer's Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS) to evaluate the knowledge of the participants, and the Dementia Attitudes Scale (DAS) was utilized to assess their attitudes in the Jordanian community. Multiple regression analysis was performed to find relevant factors influencing knowledge of and attitude toward dementia. Results: The study's 346 participants revealed limited knowledge about dementia, with an average ADKS score of 17.21 out of 30. However, participants showed a positive attitude toward dementia, as evidenced by a mean DAS score of 88 out of 140. Statistical analysis demonstrated significantly higher knowledge scores among employed individuals (P < .05), while females exhibited significantly higher attitude scores (P < .05). Participants with experience in geriatric clinical practice, dementia education or training, informal caregiving experience, and a desire to learn more about dementia also exhibited significantly higher knowledge and attitude scores (P < .05). Conclusion: The study offers preliminary insights into the knowledge and attitudes toward dementia in the Jordanian population. The findings underscore the importance of continuing education and training to increase knowledge and understanding of dementia. Improving dementia care and support in Jordan requires enhancing knowledge and attitudes toward dementia. The study findings were presented to policymakers, with recommendations for strategic planning and the development of awareness programs. Future research can build upon these findings and promote evidence-based practices in dementia care and community awareness programs.

A Moderated Mediation Model of Social Support on the Association between Coping Strategies and Psycho-Emotional Distress of Healthcare Professionals Caring for Children with Autism.

Healthcare professionals caring for children with autism spectrum disorder are more likely to be emotionally and psychologically distressed because of the children's challenging behaviors. This study aimed to investigate whether social support mediates the association between coping strategies and perceived emotional and psychological distress among professionals working with children with autism spectrum disorder. Additionally, this study explored the moderating effect of autism severity on this mediation. The study's design is cross-sectional, correlational, and predictive. An online, self-administered questionnaire was used to recruit a convenience sample of 180 healthcare professionals working with children with autism spectrum disorder. The results revealed a significant mediation effect of family social support on the relationship between problem-focused coping and psychological distress for those dealing with moderate or severe autism. Likewise, there was also a significant mediation effect of family social support on the relationship between avoidant coping and psychological distress for those dealing with moderate autism. Familial social support can serve as a protective factor for healthcare professionals caring for children with autism against accumulated psychological distress. The direct effect of avoidant coping strategies on emotional distress changes depending on autism severity. The study's findings are informative to mental health nurses to create more effective coping strategies as problem-solving interventions or develop new coping strategies based on familial social support for those working with children with autism.

Quality of life among patients with supraventricular tachycardia post radiofrequency cardiac ablation in Jordan.

BACKGROUND: Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is a common arrhythmia with associated symptoms such as palpitation, dizziness, and fatigue. It significantly affects patients' quality of life (QoL). Radiofrequency cardiac ablation (RFCA) is a highly effective treatment to eliminate arrhythmia and improve patients' QoL. The purpose of this study was to assess the level of QoL among patients with SVT and examine the difference in QoL before and after RFCA. METHODS: One group pre-posttest design with a convenience sample of 112 patients was used. QoL was assessed by 36-Item Short Form (SF-36). Data were collected at admission through face-to-face interviews and 1-month post-discharge through phone interviews. RESULTS: There was a significant difference between QoL before (33.7±17.0) and 1 month after (62.5±18.5) the RFCA. Post-RFCA patients diagnosed with atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia had higher QoL than other types of SVT. Moreover, there were significant negative relationships between QoL and the number and duration of episodes pre- and post-RFCA. There were no significant differences in QoL based on: age, sex, working status, marital status, smoking, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: After RFCA, the QoL of patients with ST improved for both physical and mental component subscales.

Authentic Leadership and Its Role in Registered Nurses' Mental Health and Experiences of Workplace Bullying.

Introduction: Bullying is a widespread problem in healthcare organizations, resulting in nurses' poor mental health. Effective leadership, such as authentic leadership, may help to overcome this problem. Objective: To examine the relationship between authentic leadership, workplace bullying, and nurses' mental health, controlling for demographic characteristics. Methods: A descriptive correlational design was utilized with a sample of 170 nurses. Nurses were recruited from four private hospitals in Jordan and completed a survey about their perception of managers' authentic leadership, their experience of workplace bullying, and their mental health. Results: About 48.8%, 25.9%, and 25.3% were categorized as "not bullied," "occasionally bullied," and "severely bullied," respectively. Participant nurses had mild depression (m = 12.11) and moderate anxiety (m = 10.92). Workplace bullying was higher among nurses who earn less than 600 Jordanian dinars and nurses working in the smallest hospital, with 130 beds. Authentic leadership explains 6% of the variance of workplace bullying, 3% of anxiety, 7% of stress, and 7% of depression above and beyond the variance explained by other variables. Conclusions: Healthcare organizations are facing a challenge in providing a healthy work environment. Employing authentic leadership in the workplace could be one of the factors that could help in addressing this issue.

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among women planning for pregnancy, pregnant or breastfeeding mothers in Jordan: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Women planning to become pregnant, who are pregnant, and who are breastfeeding are more hesitant to take COVID-19 vaccines compared to other women globally. AIM: This study investigates COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among women, who are planning for pregnancy, currently pregnant, and breastfeeding women in Jordan. METHODS: An online cross-sectional study was conducted in the biggest three cities in Jordan, including 874 women. RESULTS: Women who were planning for pregnancy, pregnant, or breastfeeding reported statistically significant lower levels of perception of the seriousness of COVID-19 (7.12 ± 0.72, 7.53 ± 1.80, 7.2439 ± 7296, respectively), significant lower levels of perceived benefits of the vaccine (8.92 ± 2.15, 8.73 ± 1.93, 9.09 ± 2.10, respectively), significant lower levels of motivation and causes of action (7.15 ± 1.71, 6.7524 ± 1.40, 7.27 ± 1.68, respectively), and significantly higher levels of COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy (31.32 ± 6.40, 30.11 ± 4.49, 30.27 ± 6.29, respectively) than other women. Married women, those whoe were previously infected with COVID-19, and those who had chronic diseases reported statistically significant lower levels of perception of COVID-19 seriousness, perceived benefits of COVID-19 vaccine, motivation to take COVID-19 vaccine, and causes of action, and significantly higher levels of hesitancy to take COVID-19 vaccine than unmarried women, those who have not been infected with COVID-19, and those who were medically healthy (p<0.001). There were statistically significant positive correlations between perception, perceived benefits, motivation, and cause of action with years of education; and statistically significant negative correlations between perception, perceived benefits, motivation, and cause of action with age (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Women who were planning for pregnancy, pregnant, or breastfeeding in Jordan showed miderate scores in COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy despite the current international recommendations for its safety for women and their foetuses or neonates.

Exploring Mental Health and Psychosocial Well-Being in Recovered Jordanian Individuals With COVID-19: A Phenomenological Study.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19-related healthcare services focus primarily on medical and physical treatments. Related treatments for psychosocial and mental health needs have not been a priority for healthcare professionals. Understanding the process by which individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 adapt psychologically will allow better planning for mental healthcare and healthcare outcomes. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore how recovered individuals with COVID-19 adapted to related psychological and social stressors during the infection period. METHODS: A descriptive phenomenological approach was used to investigate a purposive sample of 13 individuals in Jordan who had recovered from COVID-19. Data were collected using semistructured interviews. RESULTS: Perceptions related to being diagnosed with COVID-19 were distinguished into four major themes: conscious awareness (acceptance, victimization, and normalizing), uncertainty (apprehension and poor communication), sources of psychosocial support (caring family, healthcare professionals' support, and self-grieving), and resilience (optimism, positive thinking, and spirituality). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study indicate the need to integrate psychosocial and mental healthcare services into healthcare plans provided to individuals with COVID-19 and similar pandemic infections.

Self-Transcendence as a Mediator of the Relationship Between Reminiscence Functions and Death Anxiety: Implications for Psychiatric Nurses.

BACKGROUND: Jordan's population of older adults is growing due to improved health care and lifestyle, but the country has limited mental health care resources, causing challenges for the health care system. Reminiscence is a point of nursing intervention and a way for psychiatric nurses to help people improve their mental health by expanding their personal boundaries (self-transcendence). AIMS: The study aimed to examine the mediating effects of self-transcendence on the relationship between reminiscence functions and death anxiety in a sample of Jordanian older adults. Psychiatric nurses can refine reminiscence therapy by targeting aspects of self-transcendence to reduce death anxiety. METHODS: An online cross-sectional survey was employed to collect the data. A total of 319 older adults participated in the study. The sample was recruited using convenience and snowball sampling strategies through social media and personal contacts. RESULTS: The reminiscence function of "Bitterness Revival," gender, the presence of a life-threatening disease, a history of psychiatric disorder, and the work sector were statistically significant predictors of death anxiety. This model accounts for 24% of the death anxiety score (F = 7.789, p < .001). Reminiscence functions 1, 2, and 5 predicted self-transcendence. This model explained 25% of the variance in the self-transcendence score (F = 6.548, p < .001). Self-transcendence exerts a positive, partial mediating effect between "Bitterness Revival" and death anxiety, controlling for other covariates in the death anxiety model (p = .016). CONCLUSIONS: The study is informative for understanding the role of self-transcendence in buffering death anxiety, notwithstanding "Bitterness Revival" reminiscences. This knowledge reveals practical implications for psychiatric nurses about the importance of developing reminiscence interventions to promote self-transcendence and ease death anxiety.

Factors affecting the levels of anxiety and depression among patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing hemodialysis.

BACK GROUND: Hemodialysis (HD) is a lifesaving procedure required for many patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) who are not able to undergo a kidney transplant. However, HD could cause anxiety and depression for those patients. This study aimed to assess the levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms and find out the predictors affecting them. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional, descriptive correlational design was adopted on a sample of 230 patients who received HD. Patients answered the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale along with demographic and clinical variables. RESULTS: The study found that patients with ESRD undergoing HD had a high level of anxiety (mean = 10.59 SD = 2.78) and depression (mean = 10.86 SD = 2.49). There were significant differences in anxiety and depressive symptoms in regard to comorbidity, vascular access type, fatigue, fear, and financial status. Predictors of anxiety and depressive symptoms were: creatinine level, fatigue level, HD duration, number of dialysis sessions, blood urea nitrogen level, and age. CONCLUSIONS: Anxiety and depression are under-diagnosed in patients with ESRD undergoing HD in Jordan. Screening and referral to psychological health specialists are needed.

The effect of COVID-19 vaccine tele-educational program on vaccine hesitancy and receiving the vaccine among women planning for pregnancy, pregnant or breast-feeding mothers.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 hesitancy among women planning to become pregnant, who are pregnant, and who are breast-feeding is still a global phenomenon. Unfortunately, there is a lack of national educational programs that provide those groups of people with the information they need about the vaccine. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effect of the COVID-19 vaccine tele-educational program on vaccine hesitancy and receiving the vaccine among women planning for pregnancy, pregnant and breast-feeding mothers. METHODS: This study implemented a quasi-experimental pre-post design and was conducted in Jordan. It was a two-time study and had two groups of women; 220 women participated in the control group, and 205 women participated in the intervention group (those received the tele-educational program). All participating women answered the demographic characteristics sheet and the Arabic version of Hesitancy About COVID-19 Vaccination Questionnaire twice. RESULTS: Results showed that after conducting the program the interventional group reported significantly higher vaccination rate and lower mean score of hesitancy than the control group (M = 24.67, SD = 5.11; M = 27.45, SD = 4.92; respectively) t (423) = -4.116, p-value < 0.001. Moreover, before the program, women in the intervention group reported significantly higher levels of hesitancy compared to those in the same group after the program (M = 28.35, SD = 4.91; M = 24.66, SD = 5.11; respectively) t (204) = 17.83, p-value < 0.001. CONCLUSIONS: The study concluded that awareness of pregnant women after being given the tele-education program about COVID-19 vaccination decreased their hesitancy and improved their willingness to participate in the COVID-19 vaccination. Therefore, health workers should focus on providing scientific-based information about the vaccine to reduce the doubts of pregnant women about participating in the COVID-19.

Perception of Nurses' Knowledge about Palliative Care in West Bank/ Palestine: Levels and Influencing Factors.

Objective: Healthcare professionals particularly nurses should be professionally prepared with knowledge about the standards of palliative care and their roles in providing palliative care. Nurses' knowledge about palliative care and influencing factors has not been examined adequately in Arab countries including Palestine. Thus, this study aimed to assess the adequacy of knowledge level and influencing factors (socio-demographic) about palliative care among nurses in West Bank/ Palestine. Methods: A descriptive-correlational design was utilized. A cluster random sampling method was applied to select 12 hospitals from the three regions in West Bank. Then, four hospitals were selected from each region using a simple random method. All registered nurses working in critical care units and medical and surgical wards in the selected hospitals were recruited. The sample consists of 424 registered nurses and data were collected using Palliative Care Quiz for Nursing (PCQN). Results: The Findings revealed that nurses' level of knowledge about palliative care was low/inadequate (M = 7.75, SD = 2.96). Knowledge about palliative care was influenced by age (B = -.106; p < 0.05), gender (B = -.223; p < 0.001), and hospital ward (B = -.597; p < 0.001), in which younger nurses, females, and those who work in critical care units reported higher levels of knowledge about palliative care. Conclusions: Findings of this study emphasized the need for developing educational and training courses, seminars, and workshops on palliative care to increase nurses' knowledge in order to enhance the quality of patient care. Also, policymakers should develop national strategic plans and policies regarding palliative care and apply these plans in all hospitals in West Bank/ Palestine.

Self-awareness, empathy, and patient-centered care among critical care nurses in Jordan.

Self-awareness, empathy, and patient-centered care are essential components for nurses for improving nurse-patient relationship and providing high-quality care for the patients. There is limited research regarding these components among critical care nurses in Arab countries, including Jordan. Thus, this study purposed to evaluate the self-awareness, empathy, and patient-centered care among critical care nurses in Jordan. A cross-sectional, descriptive correlational design was applied. Data were collected from 140 registered nurses from six hospitals in different health sectors. Findings showed that the mean scores for self-awareness, empathy and patient-centered care were as follows: 1.92 (SD = 0.27), 4.87 (SD = 0.88), and 3.71 (SD = 0.80), respectively. These results indicate that nurses had a high level of self-awareness and empathy and a low level of patient-centered care. There was no relationship between self-awareness and socio-demographic variables, perceived stress, and social support. Also, there was a positive relationship between empathy and social support (r = 0.310, p < 0.001). Patient-centered care had a positive relationship with social support (r = 0.202, p < 0.05) and perceived stress (r = 0.175, p < 0.05), also, male nurses had higher patient-centered care than female encounters. Social support was a predictor of empathy, while social support and perceived stress were the main predictors for patient-centered care. The results of the study reflect the need for educational programs to promote self-awareness and empathy to enhance patient-centered care and achieve high-quality patient care. Additionally, correlating factors with PCC (social support and perceived stress) should be taken into consideration upon implementing any interventional programs.