Perceptions of academic staff toward the objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) in clinical nursing: Assessment method.

BACKGROUND: Clinical competence is critical to evaluating nursing students' capacity to undertake professional nursing practice in a safe and professional environment without any bias of examiners. Objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) is used as an assessment method of students' clinical practice skills. AIMS: The aim of this study is to assess the nursing faculty members' perception toward OSCE to be used as an assessment method of nursing students in their performing of nursing procedures, as well as explore the advantages and disadvantages of OSCE as perceived by study participants. METHOD: A descriptive cross-sectional study was used among nursing faculty members (N = 73) who participated on a workshop that were conducted by Jordanian Nursing Council (JNC) between January 2022 and March 2023. RESULT: The mean perception toward OSCE was 105.87 ± 22.02 (p value = 0.001). The majority of faculty members reported a positive perception toward the OSCE (82.2%). The negative perception was significant in gender, age group, level of education, and academic experience (p < 0.05). The majority of faculty members were agree on the advantages of OSCE. CONCLUSION: OSCE is a vital assessment and an objective method in assessing the student's clinical competence. More studies exploring the differences of OSCE perceptions and participant's characteristics are required.

Critical Care Nurses' Knowledge of Tracheostomy Care.

Background: Tracheostomy care is a standard procedure that nurses perform in Critical Care Units (CCUs) to reduce complications from tracheostomy. The literature indicates a clear variety of care and practice in managing tracheostomy patients within the healthcare system. This study was conducted to assess the knowledge level of tracheostomy care among nurses in CCUs in Jordanian hospitals. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive design was used for this study. A convenience sample of 260 nurses working in the CCUs of four government hospitals completed a self-reported structured questionnaire. Data were collected from January 2021 to March 2021. A t-test and one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were used to assess the differences among socio-demographic variables in terms of knowledge score. Results: The result revealed that the level of knowledge was suboptimal. There was a statistically significant difference in the mean level of knowledge regarding tracheostomy care (in all dimensions) by age (F = 22.595, p < 0.001), educational level (F = 355.30, p < 0.001), and work experience (F = 13.63, p < 0.001). For gender, there was a statistically significant difference in knowledge of the tracheostomy suctioning dimension (p = 0.001). Conclusions: The level of knowledge among nurses regarding tracheostomy care was moderate, indicating an urgent need for education.

The Role of Religion in Suicidal Behavior, Attitudes and Psychological Distress Among University Students: A Multinational Study.

The purpose of this study was to determine the associations between religion, suicidal behavior, attitudes and psychological distress in 5572 students from 12 countries by means of a self-report questionnaire. Our results showed that an affiliation with Islam was associated with reduced risk for suicide ideation, however affiliating with Orthodox Christianity and no religion was related to increased risk for suicide ideation. While affiliating with Buddhism, Catholic religion and no religion was associated with lowered risk for attempting suicide, affiliation with Islam was related to heightened risk for attempting suicide. Affiliation with Hinduism, Orthodox Christianity, Catholicism, other religions and with no religion was associated with decreased risk for psychological distress but those reported affiliating with Islam evinced greater risk for psychological distress. The associations of the strength of religious belief to suicidal ideation and attempts were in the expected direction for most but had a positive relation in respondents affiliating with Catholicism and other religions. Students reporting affiliation with Islam, the Christian Orthodox religion and Buddhism were the least accepting of suicide but they displayed a more confronting interpersonal style to an imagined peer with a suicidal decision. It was concluded that the protective function of religion in educated segments of populations (university students) and in university students residing in Muslim countries where freedom from religion is restricted or religion is normative and/or compulsory is likely to be limited. Our findings suggest that public policies supporting religious freedom may augment the protective function of religion against suicide and psychological distress.

Measuring the psychometric properties of the Arabic version of the spirituality questionnaire among university students in South Jordan.

Spirituality has been recently recognized in many areas around the world as a factor influencing the general health and wellbeing on individuals. There is a scarcity addressing this issue in the Middle East, like many other regions. Perhaps one reason for this is related to the absence of instruments measuring spirituality. The goal of this study was to investigate the psychometric properties of the spiritual questionnaire in university students in South Jordan. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed on data coming from a sample of university students (n=1269). The questionnaire demonstrated validity and reliability. While the confirmatory factor analysis resulted in 29-item model, the exploratory factor analysis resulted in a 21-item model. The main factors in the model were self-awareness, importance of spiritual belief, spiritual practices, and spiritual needs. Spirituality questionnaire demonstrated good validity and reliability levels when used to measure spirituality among university students in Jordan. The 21-item model requires further testing to ensure stability over use. It is crucial in the future to test the impact of spirituality on the general health and wellbeing of adult individuals using the spirituality questionnaire and other research instruments.

Prevalence and correlates of substance use among psychiatric inpatients.

PURPOSE: This study aimed at examining correlates of substance use among patients diagnosed with psychiatric disorders in Jordan. METHODS: This study used a nonexperimental descriptive survey design. Data were collected through using DUSI-R scale obtained through a self-designed questionnaire. A total of (203) subjects satisfied the inclusion criteria. RESULTS: Most used substances prior to admission were caffeine (78.2%), cigarette (60.9%), and alcohol (22.2%), while the least were heroin (1.2%) and inhalants (0.08%). Patients diagnosed with schizophrenia had higher percentages among all other disorders (n = 16, 21.9%), although there was no statistical difference among patients related to their psychiatric disorders. CONCLUSION: We recommend that mental health professionals be equipped with necessary skills to manage substance use among patients with psychiatric disorders.

Understanding Jordanian Women's Values and Beliefs Related to Breast Cancer: A Focused Ethnography.

PURPOSE: To understand Jordanian women's beliefs and values related to breast health and how these beliefs influence their decisions to receive breast cancer screening. DESIGN: A focused ethnography method was used; 31 key informants were recruited from Ma'an city located in the southern part of Jordan. Data were collected using semistructured interviews. DATA ANALYSIS: Leininger's four phases of qualitative data analysis. FINDINGS: Three major themes were identified: (a) Feeling of embarrassment, fear, denial, and lack of knowledge are common experience among women regarding breast cancer screening; (b) Hesitancy on the part of health care professionals to offer education about breast health and screening; and (c) Willingness to learn about breast health and cancer screening. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the findings, it is recommended that nurses be trained about breast assessment and additional resources mobilized for mammography and health promotion programs targeting rural Jordan.

Cross-national comparisons of attitudes towards suicide and suicidal persons in university students from 12 countries.

This paper reports the results of a comparative investigation of attitudes to suicide and suicidal persons in 5,572 university students from 12 countries. Participants filled out two scales measuring attitudes towards suicide and suicidal persons, a measure of psychological distress together with the questions about suicidal behavior. Results showed that the highest suicide acceptance scores were observed in Austrian, UK, Japanese and Saudi Arabian samples and the lowest scores were noted in Tunisian, Turkish, Iranian and Palestinian samples. While the highest social acceptance scores for a suicidal friend were noted in Turkish, US, Italian and Tunisian samples, the lowest scores were seen in Japanese, Saudi Arabian, Palestinian and Jordanian samples. Compared to participants with a suicidal past, those who were never suicidal displayed more internal barriers against suicidal behavior. Men were more accepting of suicide than women but women were more willing to help an imagined suicidal peer. Participants with accepting attitudes towards suicide but rejecting attitudes towards suicidal persons reported more suicidal behavior and psychological distress, and were more often from high suicide rate countries and samples than their counterparts. They are considered to be caught in a fatal trap in which most predominant feelings of suicidality such as hopelessness or helplessness are likely to occur. We conclude that in some societies such as Japan and Saudi Arabia it might be difficult for suicidal individuals to activate and make use of social support systems.

Suicidal Behavior and Psychological Distress in University Students: A 12-nation Study.

This study investigated the prevalence of suicidal behavior and psychological distress in university students across 12 nations. A total of 5,572 university students from 12 countries were surveyed about suicide ideation, suicide attempts, and psychological distress by means of a self-administered questionnaire. Almost 29% of the samples reported having contemplated suicide and 7% reported attempting suicide. Of the total sample, 51.1% scored above the General Health Questionnaire-12 ≥ 3 cut-off points, 41.6% above the GHQ-12 ≥ 4 cut-off points, and 33.8% scored above the GHQ-12 ≥ 5 cut-off points. While odds of suicide ideation were elevated in Austria and the UK, reduced ORs were detected for China, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, and Turkey. Similarly, while odds of suicide attempt were high in Jordan, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, and to some extent in Turkey, reduced ORs were observed for Austria, China, Italy, Japan and the United States. Elevated ORs for psychological distress were seen in Japan, Jordan, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, and Turkey but reduced ORs were noted in Austria, China, Iran, Italy, and the United States. Psychological distress was strongly associated with reports of suicide ideation and attempts. Suicide ideation, suicide attempt, and psychological distress are common in university students but their rates vary depending on the sociocultural context. Due attention should be devoted to the mental health needs of young adults enrolled in higher educational institutions and more cross-cultural research is warranted to better understand the etiology of the observed intersocietal variations in suicidal behavior and psychological distress.

Prevalence of aggressive behaviours among inpatients with psychiatric disorders: A case study analysis from Jordan.

In this study, we investigated the correlates of aggression among consumers with mental illness within two psychiatric hospitals in Jordan. This was a descriptive, cross sectional study carried out by auditing consumers' medical records in regards to incidents of aggression before and during admission. Approval was gained from 203 next of kins to review the consumers' medical records. Results from this case analysis, found the prevalence of aggressive behaviours among psychiatric inpatient's in Jordan to be 23.6%, the most common form of aggression was consumer to consumer and that the aggressive act was more likely to be perpetrated by younger consumers. Such findings contribute to the discourse about aggression and understanding who and what causes aggression can go toward identify strategies for early intervention and management. After all, mental health units should be places of safety, that is, an asylum, and everyone who enters that environment deserves to be safe.

The nursing profession in Southern Jordan - Challenges and recommendations for improvement.

Abstract This paper aims to elucidate the current status of nursing in Southern Jordan, and to identify strategies that would enable improvement in nursing within that region. A qualitative study using key informant focussed interviews was conducted in the south of Jordan during the first half of 2010. Purposeful sampling was used until saturation of the data occurred. This required involvement of eight informants in the study, drawn from various health institutions in the southern region. Major issues that affect the nursing profession in the region were identified through thematic analysis. Themes emerging included cultural issues, geographic isolation, sustainability and turnover of professional nurses, continuing professional development, and strategies for improvement. Future action to improve the status and position of the nursing profession is warranted in this region. Enhancing general conditions of employment may serve to attract and retain nursing staff. Incentives for them to live and practice in southern Jordan are needed. Nurses from the local community should be encouraged to pursue postgraduate study.

The Nursing Profession in Southern Jordan - Challenges & Recommendations for Improvement.

Abstract This paper aims to elucidate the current status of nursing in Southern Jordan, and to identify strategies that would enable improvement in nursing within that region. A qualitative study using key informant focused interviews was conducted in the south of Jordan during the first half of 2010. Purposeful sampling was used until saturation of the data occurred. This required involvement of eight informants in the study, drawn from various health institutions in the southern region. Major issues that affect the nursing profession in the region were identified through thematic analysis. Themes emerging included cultural issues, geographic isolation, sustainability and turnover of professional nurses, continuing professional development, and strategies for improvement. Future action to improve the status and position of the nursing profession is warranted in this region. Enhancing general conditions of employment may serve to attract and retain nursing staff. Incentives for them to live and practice in southern Jordan are needed. Nurses from the local community should be encouraged to pursue postgraduate study.

The impact of nursing leadership and management on the control of HIV/AIDS: an ethnographic study.

This paper reports on an aspect of a larger ethnographic study that sought to investigate the impact of HIV/AIDS on the practice of primary care nurses in Jordan. Nursing leadership and the style of management adopted by senior nursing and medical administrators at the Ministry of Heath were identified as factors impacting on the practice of the nurses and their capacity to raise community awareness and contribute to the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS. The study was undertaken in three rural and three urban primary health care centres (PHCC). Data collection included participant observation, key informant interviews, and document analysis. These data informed the development of descriptive ethnographic accounts that allowed for the subsequent identification of common and divergent themes reflective of factors recognized as influencing the practice of the nurse participants.

Smoking patterns among Jordanian health professionals: a study about the impediments to tobacco control in Jordan.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about Arab health professionals' smoking practices. AIM: This is the first study to examine smoking practices among Arab health professionals. METHODS: Background: Little is known about Arab nurses and physicians' smoking patterns. AIM: This study aims to examine smoking patterns among Arab nurses and physicians. METHODS: A total of 918 nurses and physicians participated in this study. Data were collected using the Global Professional Health Survey. RESULTS: About 38.8% are current smokers. The smoking percentages for male nurses and male physicians were high (83.8%, 94.6% respectively) compared to female nurses and female physicians (16.2%, 5.4% respectively). Approximately 53.8% wanted to quit and 60.6% had made previous quit attempts that lasted for more than two days. About 64.1% believed that nurses and physicians who smoke were less likely to advise patients to stop smoking. The predictors of smoking were: age when tried first cigarettes OR=6.36, 95% CI=4.48, 9.04; father smokes OR=1.95, 95% CI=1.40, 2.72; mother smokes OR=1.99, 95% CI=1.18, 3.39; shift work OR=1.45, 95% CI=1.04, 2.03; and the interaction (gender and profession) OR=1.82, 95% CI=1.55, 2.14. DISCUSSION: Effective interventions often begin with and/or depend on nurses and physicians being committed to smoking cessation. Given the very high smoking rates among nurses and physicians a key priority must be to provide quit smoking programs and to enable them to become effective champions of smoking cessation nationwide.

Jordanian nurses' and physicians' learning needs for promoting smoking cessation.

Smoking causes many health problems, including myocardial infarction, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease, and has devastating effects on the cardiovascular system. This study was performed to assess: (1) the prevalence of smoking among Jordanian nurses and physicians, (2) the differences in prevalence of smoking by sex, and 3) nurses' and physicians' learning needs for promoting smoking cessation. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used. Five Jordanian hospitals were randomly selected; 164 nurses (65.3%) and 87 physicians (34.7%) participated in the study. Prevalence of smoking among nurses and physicians was 41.5% (n = 66) and 43.6% (n = 38), respectively, and significantly more men than women smoked (odds ratio, 5.45; confidence interval, 2.52-11.74 [P = .00]). Many Jordanian nurses and physicians do not recognize the addictive aspect of smoking, and health professionals receive no formal training in smoking cessation approaches to use with patients. Most nurses and physicians recognize that University curricula must include information about smoking cessation.

Jordan's vulnerability: a population at risk of HIV/AIDS.

This paper describes the findings of an ethnographic study that sought to explore the influence of HIV/AIDS on the practice of primary care nurses in Jordan. The study was undertaken in three (3) rural and three (3) urban comprehensive primary health care centres. Data collection included participant observation, key informant interviews, field notation and document analysis. These data informed the development of descriptive ethnographic accounts that allowed for the subsequent identification of common and divergent themes reflective of factors recognized as influencing the practice of nurses. The findings indicate that the ability of the nurses to raise awareness and therefore reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS is unrealistic. Data shows that the population is at risk because the nurses' knowledge and skill base is inadequate and the health care facilities are crippled by limited human and physical resources. Poor management and the lack of localised leadership are also factors identified as contributing to the vulnerability of Jordanians. Enhanced commitment from the Ministry of Health and the senior nursing administration in Jordan is required if the comprehensive primary health care centres are to meet expectations and improve health outcomes of the population. Funding must be directed to improve the infrastructure of the comprehensive primary health care centres and adequate concurrent funds provided for the purchase of non-capital items. It is crucial that support be made available to up-skill the nursing staff and superior recruitment and retention initiatives implemented to address the current nursing shortages.

The influence of HIV/AIDS on the practice of primary care nurses in Jordan: rhetoric and reality.

The role of nurses in raising community awareness about HIV/AIDS is well-reported. However, little is known about the practice of Jordanian nurses and the role they play in the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS. This interpretive ethnographic study sought to illuminate the role of primary care nurses and examine the influence of HIV/AIDS on their practice. The study was undertaken in Jordan in three rural and three urban primary health-care centres. Data collection included participant observation, key informant interviews and document analysis. These data informed the development of descriptive ethnographic accounts that allowed for the subsequent identification of common and divergent themes reflective of factors recognized as influencing the practice of the nurse participants. The findings indicate that the rhetoric offered by all levels of administration and endorsed in policy is not reflective of the reality of practice. Poor resources and educational preparation, a limited nursing skill mix and access to professional development, lack of nursing leadership and role models, cultural beliefs and geographic isolation are factors that reduced the capacity of the primary care nurses to raise awareness and, therefore, influence the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS.