Prevalence of Anxiety, Depression, and Sleep Disturbance Among Emergency Nurses in Oman.

INTRODUCTION: Anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances among accident and emergency nurses not only harm their well-being but also affect patient care and organizational outcomes. This study examines anxiety, depression, and sleep prevalence and associations among accident and emergency nurses. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional correlational survey with 331 accident and emergency nurses in 12 Omani governmental hospitals. RESULTS: Results showed that 28.7% of accident and emergency nurses reported symptoms indicative of anxiety, with 13.6% experiencing symptoms of depression, 16.6% reporting mild sleep disturbances, and 1.5% experiencing moderate disturbance. Those with symptoms of anxiety (r = 0.183, P = .001) or depression (r = 0.152, P = .005) were more likely to experience sleep disturbances. Being single (t [170.7] = 2.5, P = .015), childless (t [169.7] = -2.807, P = .008), Omani (t [215] = 7.201, P < .001), younger (r = -0.375, P < .001) and having less clinical experience (t [329] = 4.6, P < .001) were associated with a higher anxiety score. For depression, being of Omani nationality (t [215] = 7.201, P < .001), having less than 10 years of experience (t [329] = 3.2, P =.002), and being of younger age (r = -0.285, P < .001) were associated with a higher score. DISCUSSION: Accident and emergency nurses commonly experience anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances. Implementing interventions to promote their mental well-being or manage these issues is crucial. Organizational support is vital for ensuring their mental health, and individual-level interventions may also prove beneficial.

Stress Factors, Stress Levels, and Coping Mechanisms among University Students.

Aims: To explore university students' levels of stress, stressors, and their coping style. Methods: A cross-sectional correlational design with a convenience sample (n = 676) of university students who completed the Student-Life Stress Inventory (SSI) and Coping Strategies Indicator (CSI) was used. Findings. Overall, two-thirds of the participant reported moderate levels of stress. Students with chronic illness, living alone, low CGPA, and having exams today experienced a statistically higher mean level of stress. Students who are living alone used the "avoidance" method more significantly and the "social support" method significantly less compared with students who are living with their families and friends. Conclusion: This study concurs with others that university students are prone to distress. To our knowledge, this is the first study in the region to explore the students' coping skills. Some of the employed coping and associated factors could be used to lay the groundwork for evidence-based prevention and mitigation.

Symptom prevalence, severity, distress and management among patients with chronic diseases.

BACKGROUND: Advanced knowledge, technology, and treatment approaches resulted in longer survival rates for patients suffering from chronic diseases. However, symptoms of these diseases persist and affect the individual's entire life and normal functioning. AIM: To assess symptoms prevalence, severity, distress, and management among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD), chronic heart failure (CHF), and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in Oman. DESIGN: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used. SAMPLE AND SETTINGS: The study sample comprised 340 participants who were recruited between May and December 2021 from two referral hospitals and one large dialysis unit in the Sultanate of Oman, Muscat Governate using a convenience sampling technique. RESULTS: The highly prevalent symptoms among patients with selected chronic diseases were lack of energy (60.9%), pain (57.4%), numbness (53.2%), difficulty sleeping (49.4%), and shortness of breath (45.9%). The most severe symptoms were shortness of breath (53.2%), problems with urination (51.9%), constipation (50.8%), difficulty sleeping (49.7%), and pain (46.2%). The symptom "problems with sexual interests or activity" was found to be the most frequently occurring and highly distressing symptom out of all reported symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: The current study's findings showed that symptoms were prevalent and that some symptoms were frequent, severe, and highly distressing. In addition, patients perceived symptom treatment as inadequate. Psychological symptoms received less treatment attention compared with physical symptoms. One of the mainstays for managing symptoms can be the introduction of palliative care. Providing palliative care to these patients can alleviate their suffering and improve their quality of life. In addition, designing chronic disease self-management programmes can make a difference in patients' life.

Childbirth-related episiotomy and tear in relation to risk of postpartum depression: a retrospective cohort study on Omani mothers.

AIMS/BACKGROUND: Studies on the association between perineal trauma (episiotomy and tear) and the risk of postpartum depression in Omani mothers are scarce. This study aimed to screen women for the risk of postpartum depression and associated maternal adverse outcomes (episiotomy and tear) in newly delivered Omani mothers. DESIGN/METHODS: Mothers were screened for postpartum depression using only the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), with cut-offs of 1-12 indicating low risk and 13-30 indicating high risk. Data on birth outcomes were collected retrospectively from the medical records. Descriptive analyses, group comparisons, and linear regression analyses were conducted. RESULTS: Of the 262 participating mothers (total sample, i.e. mothers with and without depression), 19.0% had an episiotomy, 29.0% had tears, and 52.0% had an intact perineum after their childbirth. The total EPDS score was significantly higher among mothers with episiotomy (10.4, SD = 5.4) compared to those with tears (8.1, SD = 4.8) and those with intact perineum (9.4, SD = 4.9) (p-value <0.05). Lower levels of depression (-2.23 points on average) were significantly (p-value <0.05) associated with higher levels of perineum status (coded as 1 = episiotomy, 2 = other). Mothers who had a tear or episiotomy had on average 1.24 points higher EPDS scores compared to mothers with an intact perineum, although not significant (p-value >0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Policymakers and clinicians are recommended to consider following up mothers with adverse birth outcomes to outline the risk of developing postpartum depression, at the same time as they routinely screen all mothers for risk of postpartum depression during their postpartum visits.

Prevalence and Predictors of Loneliness Among Youth During the Time of COVID-19: A Multinational Study.

BACKGROUND: Given the restrictions associated with COVID-19, feelings of loneliness among youth may increase. AIMS: The aims of the current study were to assess the prevalence of loneliness among young people at the time of COVID-19 and to identify whether selected variables related to the pandemic predicted the level of loneliness. METHOD: A cross-sectional study using WhatsApp and Facebook social media platforms was conducted to survey 1,057 young people aged 15 to 24 years from six Middle Eastern countries. Participants completed survey items including demographic and COVID-19-related questions; the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS); the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS); and the UCLA Loneliness Scale. RESULTS: The prevalence of experienced loneliness was 1 (0.1%), 625 (59.1%), 429 (40.6%), and 2 (0.2%), reflecting low, moderate, moderately high, and high experiences for loneliness, respectively. History of depression or anxiety, being dissatisfied with life, and having depression at the time of COVID-19 were significant predictors of loneliness among youth. The model was significant (F = 44.95, p < .05) and accounted for 29.8% of the variance in UCLA Loneliness Scale scores. CONCLUSIONS: We found that the high prevalence rate of loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic was correlated with depression and impaired life satisfaction among Middle Eastern youth. Thus, special attention and interventional action plans need to be developed taking into consideration the youths' special situation during COVID-19.

Undergraduate nursing students' knowledge of and attitudes toward people with alzheimer's disease.

As the population ages, the number of people living with Alzheimer's disease is expected to grow; consequently, nursing students are expected to care for more people with Alzheimer's disease in their future careers. Exploring nursing students' level of knowledge and attitudes is essential here to fill any knowledge gap and enhance attitudes. For this reason, the current study aimed to measure the knowledge of and attitudes toward people living with Alzheimer's disease among undergraduate Jordanian nursing students. A descriptive cross-sectional design was utilized. Data were collected through an online questionnaire consisting of the Alzheimer's Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS) and Dementia Attitudes Scale (DAS). A third part contained questions about previous formal education about Alzheimer's disease, reading Alzheimer's research, and the need for formal education about Alzheimer's disease. The study targeted all undergraduate Jordanian nursing students. A total of 275 students agreed to participate and completed the questionnaire. Jordanian nursing students had low knowledge regarding people living with Alzheimer's disease, with a mean ADKS score of 18.3 out of 30; however, their attitudes were positive, with a mean DAS score of 91 out of 140. There was no statistical difference in attitude or knowledge between different academic levels. The majority of students (90.5%) expressed their desire to have a formal education regarding Alzheimer's disease. Knowledge regarding people with Alzheimer's disease could be improved through training and education. Positive attitudes reported by students could augment the learning process.

Facilitators and barriers of mental health help-seeking behaviours among adolescents in Oman: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to explore and identify facilitators and barriers to help-seeking behaviours among adolescents in Oman, by exploring the relationship between knowledge, attitude, and behaviour towards mental health help-seeking. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study was used and 424 adolescents were recruited to participate in the study. Participants were asked to complete five self-reported questionnaires, including two open-ended questions about the main motivations and barriers to seeking professional help for mental problems. RESULTS: It was found that those with positive help-seeking attitudes towards mental health were more knowledgeable about mental health, had more positive attitudes towards mental illness, and had higher intention to help seeking. On the contrary, those with higher help-seeker stereotypes had more negative attitudes towards mental illness. Having an adequate support system, being positive and knowledgeable about mental illness, and the reputation of mental health are the main factors facilitating seeking professional help. However, fear, lack of family support, and the time-consuming procedures were the main barriers emerging from the open-ended questions. CONCLUSIONS: This study contributes by identifying facilitating factors as well as barriers in an Arabic context (Oman) to fill the exiting knowledge gap; both need to be considered when planning interventions targeting the younger individuals in this society.

Anxiety and depression among patients admitted to intensive care.

BACKGROUND: Critically ill patients in intensive care units frequently experience high levels of anxiety and depression. These symptoms affect the patient's treatment plan and response to treatment. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To identify the prevalence of anxiety and depression among patients admitted to intensive care units in Jordan and their correlation with quality of life. DESIGN: A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was used. METHODS: The sample for this study consisted of 108 patients admitted to intensive care units in seven governmental hospitals in Jordan. Three instruments were used to collect the data: the demographic data sheet, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life tool. RESULTS: More than half of the participants were female (56.5%), and the mean age was 44.6 years (SD 18.2); 84.3% had anxiety with a mean total score of 12.1 (SD 4.3), and 79.6% of the patients had depression with a mean total score of 11.5 (SD 4.5). A significant negative correlation was found between the mean total anxiety score (r = -0.541, P < .001), depression (r = -0.616, P < .001), and the mean total quality of life score. CONCLUSIONS: Management programmes for anxiety and depression are highly recommended for intensive care units patients. Such programmes should focus on teaching health care providers correct assessment and management techniques. In addition, developing and implementing a psychiatric consultation support system for these patients might contribute to better management of anxiety and depression. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: This study reveals high prevalence of anxiety and depression among critically ill patient in ICUs. So, regular assessment of anxiety and depression should be conducted by healthcare provider. This requires using a valid and reliable assessment tool. Early correct assessment would result in optimal management for anxiety and depression through patient referral to psychiatric care and the use of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. Guidelines to assess and manage anxiety and depression should be adapted and implemented into clinical practice within the intensive care units. Regular psychiatric consultation for patients admitted to ICU might be helpful in detecting and managing anxiety and depression symptoms.

Nurses' and physicians' knowledge of guidelines for preventing catheter-related blood stream infections.

BACKGROUND: Catheter-related blood stream infection (CRBSI) is considered a major challenge for health care providers working in intensive care units. AIM: This study aimed to evaluate and compare the knowledge of evidence-based guidelines for preventing catheter-related blood Stream infections among physicians and nurses working in critical care units in Jordan. DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey design was utilized. METHODS: The study was conducted in five intensive care units; 181 nurses and 68 physicians were recruited from four governmental hospitals and one university-affiliated hospital. RESULTS: The mean total knowledge score for physicians' knowledge was low at 2.6, SD 1.5 (out of 10). While the mean total score for nurses' knowledge was low at 3.3, SD 1.8 (out of 10). The independent t test shows that nurses had a significantly higher mean total knowledge score than physicians (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The current study demonstrates that Jordanian nurses and physicians working in intensive care units have a low level of knowledge of the guidelines for preventing CRBSI. This problem should be addressed through routine assessment and evaluation and adoption and policies that make nurses and physicians comply with the evidence-based guidelines. Finally, conducting regular educational programmes on CRBSI prevention, and evaluation of compliance with the guidelines in daily clinical practice, are strongly recommended. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The results of the current study suggest the need for regular assessment of physicians' and nurses' knowledge and skills with regard to central venous catheter insertion and maintenance care. Based on this assessment and using the best available evidence, training programmes on the prevention of CRBSI should be developed. Courses might be online, face to face, or using high fidelity simulation. Finally, regular observation and evaluation of compliance with the CRBSI guidelines in daily clinical practice is needed.

Public information needs and attitudes regarding cancer and cancer patients in Oman: a cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND: Exploring public information needs and attitudes towards cancer patients might be the first step in developing an intervention that encourages public engagement in early detection and cancer prevention programmes. AIM: To explore Omani public information needs and attitudes towards cancer in Oman. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey design was used. FINDINGS: Of the 569 participants, 369 (64.9%) were female; the mean age was 30.9 (SD=9.5) years. Of the participants, 94.4% wanted to be informed if they were found to have cancer in the future. The mean total attitudes score was 40.2 (SD=4.7) out of a maximum 48. Further, being employed, preferring to be informed about cancer diagnosis and having positive attitudes towards cancer and cancer patients predicted higher information needs. CONCLUSIONS: The current paternalistic approach seems to be no longer appropriate for cancer patients in Oman, and more active patient involvement in decision-making is needed.

Assessing knowledge of nosocomial infection among Omani student nurses: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The total cost and negative health associated with nosocomial infection are high and early interventions are required. Assessing students' knowledge about nosocomial infection may contribute to solving this issue. AIMS: The present study aimed to assess the level of knowledge of nosocomial infection among student nurses and to identify their main sources of information on the topic. METHODS: A total of 330 student nurses at Sultan Qaboos University completed the online survey, which included participants' demographics and the Infection Control Standardized Questionnaire (ICSQ). FINDINGS: The results of the study reveal the average total corrected score of the participants was 51.53 (SD=0.89) out of 100, with a minimum score of 16 and a maximum score of 96. Female students had a higher average score (13.9, SD=4.34) than male students (11.6, SD=3.2); t(328)=5.35. CONCLUSION: The student nurses did not have a sufficient level of knowledge about nosocomial infection. This calls for a review of nursing curricula to pave the way for more pragmatic teaching of infection control.

Jordanian Student Nurses' Attitudes towards the Care of Dying Patients.

The purpose of the current inquiry is to measure Jordanian student nurses' attitudes towards the care of dying patients using a cross-sectional survey. The sample of this study comprises 300 nursing students. Data was collected using the Frommelt's Attitude Toward Care of the Dying Form B (FATCOD-B). Most of the students were female (72%) in their second year (40.3%). The mean total score of all FATCD-B items was 95.8 out of 150 (SD 8.7). Student nurses had low mean scores for their attitude towards care of the dying. Two approaches could be taken to improve this situation. First, research is needed to fully understand and explain students' attitudes towards the care of dying patients. It might be more appropriate to utilize mixed research methods. The second is to integrate end-of-life care courses within the curricula of nursing programmes, currently the mainstay in improving students' knowledge and attitudes toward care of the dying.

Knowledge, Attitudes, Prevalence and Associated Factors of Cigarette Smoking Among University Students: A Cross Sectional Study.

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of smoking and associated sociodemographic and economic factors as well as students' knowledge about and attitudes towards smoking among university students in Oman. A proportionate random sampling technique recruited 401 students from three universities in a cross-sectional study. The prevalence of smoking was 9.0%. Significant differences in gender, place of residence, if participants had received medical advice, years spent at the university, student income/day, family members who smoked, knowledge and attitude scores were identified. Universities in collaboration with health care providers should be leading the development of strategies to reduce the prevalence of smoking and to sustain the current knowledge and attitude towards smoking. Gender-specific approaches to smoking interventions need to be developed.

Attitudes of Jordanian Oncology Nurses Toward Computerization.

The implementation of electronic health records is viewed as an effective method to increase safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of nursing care. Nurses are crucial to the successful adoption of electronic health records. The purpose of this study is to assess oncology nurses' attitude toward electronic health records in Jordan. A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was used, in which 271 nurses completed the Nurses' Attitudes Towards Computerization questionnaire. The majority of participants were female (62.4%), with average age of 27.6 (SD = 5.2) years. The mean attitude score was 63.4 (SD = 13.3). Nurses' managers and nurses who received training on the adopted electronic healthcare systems were found to have a more positive attitude toward computer use in clinical practice than other nurses. The findings of this study demonstrated that oncology nurses had a positive attitude toward computerization. Training programs and facilities within an institution should be available to improve nurses' attitudes and enable them to adopt electronic healthcare systems.

Prevalence, student nurses' knowledge and practices of needle stick injuries during clinical training: a cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of needle stick injuries is higher among nurses with a low level of knowledge on the prevention of needle stick injury, and who have not received the relevant training during their undergraduate study. The aim of this study was to determine the level of knowledge of the prevention guidelines and the prevalence of needle stick injury among students in Oman. METHODS: An online cross-sectional survey using a questionnaire and involving 167 students from a governmental university was conducted. The questionnaire consists of 30 questions; eight general questions, knowledge related questions, and questions about risk factors, prevention measures, and actions in a case of needle stick injury. Ethical approval was obtained and the link to the survey was shared with students using their university email portal. RESULTS: Of the participants, 81.2% were females; mean age was 23.3 (SD = 4.5) years. The mean total knowledge score was 6.6 out of 10 (SD = 2.1). In addition, 18.2% (n = 32) of the students experienced needle stick injury. Most of the injuries 71.9% (n = 24) occurred during medication preparation and administration. The main cause of NSI as reported by students was recapping the needles (59%, n = 19). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that student nurses have a moderate level of knowledge about needle stick injury prevention measures and lack many facets of safe infection control practice. These findings require the collaborative effort of nursing administrators from both academic and clinical areas, to develop effective strategies to reduce or eliminate the occurrence of needle stick injury.

Differences in critical thinking skills between nursing students on a fast-track versus traditional 4-year programme.

BACKGROUND: The authors were unable to find studies comparing the critical thinking skills of nursing students on advanced standing programmes (ASP) and on traditional 4-year BN programmes in Canada. The ASP is a condensed Bachelor of Nursing (BN) programme, designed for students who already have a university degree or similar qualification. AIM: To measure and compare the critical thinking skills of ASP students and traditional 4-year BN students. METHOD: A cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire used to collect data from 100 nursing students at a university in Canada. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. All research ethics were taken into consideration. FINDINGS: All participants scored highly in their critical thinking skills. However, ASP students scored significantly higher than their counterparts on the 4-year programme (M=21.6 vs M=18.9, F=4.75, P=0.035). CONCLUSION: Higher critical thinking skills among ASP nursing students is a promising sign to expand and support this type of programme as a fast and effective method to cover the shortage in nurses.

Prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder and its predictors following coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac surgery can be traumatic and stressful, and as a result many people experience psychological difficulties following treatment. AIM: To assess the level of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 1 month after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery among Jordanian patients, and to examine the predictors of PTSD after 1 month. METHOD: A descriptive survey design was used. FINDINGS: 149 patients participated in the study. Their mean age was 59 years (SD=10.2) and most were male (87%) and married (93%). Some 44% of patients had PTSD. Length of stay in hospital (c² (1)=6.598, P<0.05), and age (c² (1)=4.920, P<0.05), predicted the occurrence of PTSD after 1 month. CONCLUSIONS: Nurses, who are usually in the frontline with patients, should consider using a robust tool and clinical interview to assess and evaluate the presence and the risks of PTSD to promote early detection and optimal management. Follow-up studies after 6 and 12 months would be beneficial.

Pain Management Knowledge and Attitudes of Healthcare Professionals in Primary Medical Centers.

BACKGROUND/AIM: To investigate the level of knowledge and attitudes related to pain management among nurses and physicians working in primary medical centres in Jordan. DESIGN: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used. SETTINGS: Study was conducted in seven medical centres affiliated to the Royal Military Medical Services. PARTICIPANTS/SUBJECTS: A sample of 56 physicians and 81 nurses were recruited. METHODS: The Knowledge and Attitudes Survey Regarding Pain questionnaire was used to assess participants knowledge and attitudes regarding pain management. RESULTS: Total knowledge scores were calculated and converted to a percentage for each participant, resulting in scores for nurses ranging from 9.51% to 90.24% (mean 45.26%, SD 9.9), and for physicians of 31.7% to 97.56%, (mean 50.6%, SD 13.6). The difference in the total mean scores between nurses and physicians was significant (t = -2.63, df = 135, P = .009), physicians having more knowledge of pain management than nurses. CONCLUSIONS: The result of this study indicated that Jordanian healthcare professionals have a low level of knowledge and negative attitudes toward pain management, so educational programmes related to the topic are strongly recommended. The findings also revealed a discrepancy between knowledge and practice. Therefore, guidelines and protocols related to pain assessment and management should be designed and implemented to bridge the gap between knowledge and practice.

Assessment of cancer-related fatigue among Jordanian patients: a cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND: Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is considered to be one of the most common symptoms reported by cancer patients. However, little information is available regarding the variables associated with CRF among Jordanian patients. AIMS: To assess the prevalence of CRF and explore its predictors among Jordanian patients. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey design was used. FINDINGS: Of the 240 patients surveyed, 210 (87.5%) had fatigue at the time of the survey. The total mean fatigue score was 6.2 (SD=1.7) out of a maximum possible score of 10. The results also showed that being unemployed, with longer hospitalisation, low haemoglobin, and having lung cancer seem to predict higher levels of CRF. CONCLUSION: Several variables and factors associated with CRF were identified. In response to these results, healthcare providers should pay more attention to CRF, which needs to be assessed on a regular basis and to be managed with the available pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions.

Cancer Awareness and Barriers to Seeking Medical Help Among Syrian Refugees in Jordan: a Baseline Study.

Refugees in Jordan have an increased burden of cancer due to hard conditions and low income. An increase in awareness of the early signs of cancer could prompt early diagnosis. The current study aims to explore the level of cancer knowledge and barriers to seeking care among Syrian refugees in Jordan. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was used. Two hundred and forty-one Syrian refugees living in the north of Jordan completed the Cancer Awareness Measure. The mean age was 27.9 (SD 9.1) years, ranging from 18 to 47 years. More than half (56%) of the participants were female. Participants were able to recognize a low number of symptoms (mean 4.4, SD 2.3) and risk factors (4.7 (out of 11), SD 1.9). The most commonly reported barrier was having no medical insurance (83.4%). Refugees' knowledge of symptoms and risk factors was generally unsatisfactory. Barriers to seeking medical care were prevalent. Much work is needed to overcome barriers and enhance knowledge that can hinder early diagnosis and treatment.