Nursing Students' Computer Anxiety and Attitudes Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Purpose of this research was to investigate how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the level of computer anxiety of nursing students and also their attitude related to computer use. A cross-sectional study was conducted in two periods, one before the COVID-19 pandemic (1st period) and the second during the COVID-19 pandemic (2nd period). The research instrument consisted of three parts, a questionnaire with questions about demographic and educational characteristics such as gender and semester of study, the Computer Anxiety Rating Scale (CARS), that used to assess the nursing students' levels of computer anxiety and the Computer Attitude Scale (CAS) that used to measure nursing students' positive and negative attitudes towards computers. Data from 957 undergraduate nursing students were obtained. Specifically, in the 1st period, 370 nursing students participated (38.66%), while in the 2nd period 587 (61.34%) undergraduates participated. The anxiety of participants during COVID-19 pandemic period was reduced compared to that of participants before the COVID-19 period. Respondents during the COVID-19 pandemic have fewer negative feelings towards computers, based on their answers in contrast to the participants in the study before the COVID-19 pandemic. Computer anxiety and attitudes have change among nursing students among COVID-19 pandemic. Nursing students after the implementation of online training are reporting positive feeling towards computer use and are more confident for their ICT skills.

Care of Patients with Alzheimer's Disease.

INTRODUCTION: Alzheimer's disease is one of the irreversible dementias and leads to death. About 10% of people over 60 years and 20% of people over 80 will have Alzheimer's sometime in their lives. In the case of Alzheimer's disease, care can turn into an extremely large and unevenly distributed burden. The burden that caregivers are called upon to lift is particularly high at the physical, psychological, and social levels. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to describe the characteristics and needs of caregivers and even informal ones, that is, patients in the patient's family or friendly environment who voluntarily or unintentionally offer unpaid care to patients with Alzheimer's disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The present study was conducted using the Carer Well-Being and Support Questionnaire (CWSv2) at Thessaloniki Psychiatric Hospital between October and December 2019. For the statistical analysis, the SPSS package 23 was used. RESULTS: Alzheimer-type dementia is a condition with gradual, inevitable, and uncontrollable deterioration. So, it was expected that those involved in the care of these patients would be afraid of what their patient future care would be. Consequently, there is a high correlation coefficient between the two relevant variables (Fisher's Exact Test: 31,426; Sig: 0.007). Caregivers need to be alert at all times in order to fulfill their role and care for their loved one. There is a strong correlation index between the two variables (Fisher's Exact Test: 32,761; Sig: 0.003). The situation of a lack or distorted form of communication between patients and caregivers may also create or exacerbate caregivers' anxiety, causing them feelings of depression and deadlock that is also reflected in the relevant correlation index (Fisher's Exact Test: 30,053; Sig: 0.001). Women were more in need for additional help, with the two variables being marginally statistically significant (Fisher's Exact Test: 5.373; Sig: 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Taking into account the results, as reflected through the elaboration of the closed and open questions of this tool, new structures and services should be created in order to facilitate caregivers' job.

Anxiety and Depression in Staff of Mental Units: The Role of Burnout.

One of the most investigated areas is the study of job stress and anxiety and its effects on the professionals' mental health status. The purpose of this study was to research the levels of anxiety and depression in staff that works in mental units and if burnout is related with these mental health parameters. The sample consisted of 217 mental health care professionals from mental health care units of all over Greece. The Greek version of the Symptoms Rating Scale for Depression and Anxiety (SRSDA) questionnaire was used to evaluate the levels of anxiety and depression and the Greek version of Maslach's Burnout Inventory (MBI) were used. Descriptive statistics were initially generated for sample characteristics. General linear models with MBI dimensions as independent variables and the anxiety and depression subscales of SRSDA as dependent variables were used to determine the relation between burnout and mental health parameters. Statistics were processed with SPSS v. 19.0. Statistical significance was set at p = 0.05. The average age of the sample was 39.00 ± 8.19 years. Regarding gender the percentage of men was 24.88% (N = 54) and of women 75.11% (N = 163). The means for the subscales of SRSDA were 4.91 ± 4.87 for Anxiety, 6.21 ± 5.92 for Depression Beck-21 and 2.83 ± 3.41 for Depression Beck-13. The results of general linear models are shown that Emotional Exhaustion and Depersonalization are statistically correlated with Anxiety and Depression Subscales of SRSDA. Burnout plays an important role in anxiety and depression levels of the staff that works in mental health units all over Greece.

Clinical, Social and Demographics Factors Associated with Spiritual Wellbeing in End Stage Renal Disease.

Spiritual health is one of the important aspects of health status that is often neglected. AIM: the present study aims to evaluate spiritual wellbeing in end stage renal disease patients undergoing hemodialysis and its relation to sociodemographic and clinical variables. METHODS: A convenience sample of 183 individuals undergoing hemodialysis was recruited. Measurements were conducted with the following instruments: (a) a sheet containing demographic data and clinical information such as duration of dialysis e.t.c (b) Facit Spiritual Wellbeing Scale (Facit-Sp12). Statistical analysis was contacted with SPSS v.22. Descriptive statistics were initially generated for sample characteristics. Parametric and no-parametric statistics were used for searching the relations between the variables. P values <0.05 were defined as reflecting the acceptable level of statistical significance. RESULTS: From the total of the 183 participants of the study the 69.9% were male and 30.1% female. The age range was from 26 to 88 years old, with mean 61.39 ± 14.11. The subscale "peace" is associated to gender (t = 2.150, p = 0.033), educational level (F = 2.698, p = 0.047) and duration of dialysis (F = 2.969, p = 0.033) and religious beliefs (t = -2.059, p = 0.041). The subscale "faith" is associated to gender (t = -3.428, p = 0.001), age (p = 0.006), number of children (F = 4.347, p = 0.014). Moreover, the subscale "meaning" is associated to age (p = 0.001). Finally its worth to be mentioned that comorbidity is associated to subscales "meaning" (t = -2.071, p = 0.040), "peace" (t = -2.377, p = 0.018) and the overall spiritual wellbeing (t = -1.988, p = 0.048). CONCLUSIONS: Social, demographic factors as well as clinical variables such duration of dialysis and comorbidities are affecting spiritual wellbeing in end stage renal disease.

Translation and Validation of the Greek Version of the Questionnaire for Assessing Fear of Radiotherapy in Oncology Patients.

This study aims to validate the Greek translation of the Questionnaire for Assessing Fear of Radiotherapy in Oncology Patients (QAFRT). Conducted as a cross-sectional pilot study, it involved 149 cancer patients from two radiotherapy departments in Thessaloniki, Greece. The sample included patients with various cancer types and stages, all of whom were undergoing radiation treatment. The QAFRT, originally containing 15 items measured on a Likert scale, was translated into Greek using the back-translation method. Exploratory factor analysis was performed on the translated version, resulting in a refined 13-item questionnaire encompassing four factors: fear of radiotherapy effectiveness, fear of illness during radiotherapy, fear of radiotherapy's impact on daily life, and fear of side effects and relationships. The reliability of the QAFRT was confirmed with Cronbach's α of 0.82 and intraclass correlation coefficient coefficients ranging from 0.92 to 0.98. The study concludes that the Greek version of the QAFRT is a reliable and valid tool for assessing the fear of radiotherapy in cancer patients, highlighting the need for adequate psychological support for those with high levels of fear.

Evaluation of Changes in Cardiac Troponin I Levels After Direct Current Cardioversion in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation.

INTRODUCTION: Direct current cardioversion (DCCV) of atrial fibrillation (AF) is a procedure used to restore normal heart rhythm. Cardiac biomarkers, such as cardiac troponin I (cTnI), are elevated in situations where injury-myocardial cell necrosis is induced. AIM: The aim of the present study was to investigate the change in cTnI levels, i.e., whether a myocardial injury is present, in patients with AF whose elective treatment was synchronized DCCV via a biphasic defibrillator. METHODS: The study sample included 59 patients who underwent synchronized DCCV for AF reversion. Measurement of cTnI before and after DCCV (one, three, and six hours) was performed by blood sampling and subsequent assay. RESULTS: It was observed that the value of cTnI did not change (<0.1 ng/mL) after DCCV at the measurement time points (one, three, and six hours). In addition, the value of cTnI remained constant (<0.1 ng/mL) in relation to the energy delivered, before DCCV and after DCCV (one, three, and six hours). However, it was found that there was a correlation between the outcome (AF reversion or not) and the energy used (joules). CONCLUSIONS: Synchronized DCCV with a biphasic defibrillator did not cause myocardial injury in any of the patients, as there was no change in cTnI values before and after DCCV.

Pregnancy and Childbirth Fear of Women from Poland, Greece, Turkey, Belarus, and Russia.

Background/Objectives: Pregnancy and childbirth in many women cause various situations, from physical to emotional. The analysis of selected factors affecting pregnancy and childbirth in a group of women from Poland, Greece, Turkey, Belarus, and Russia and self-assessment of their impact on fear of pregnancy and childbirth. Material and Methods: A total of 2017 women were surveyed, including 584 pregnant women, 528 postpartum women, and 906 non-pregnant and never-pregnant women. The study used an original questionnaire, including questions on socio-demographics and the history of pregnancy and childbirth. The material status of the respondents was assessed using the Family Affluence Scale. Results: The age range of respondents was 19-50. The surveyed women most often reported (p < 0.001) fear (n = 928) and excitement (n = 901). A positive correlation was found between anemia, infections, and fear in women from Belarus. No correlation was found between low, average, or high material status and the perception of pregnancy in women from the studied countries. Significantly (p < 0.001), women from Turkey had more children (p < 0.001) than women from other countries. With the exception of Russia, statistical correlations were shown between the feeling of fear of pregnancy and childbirth and the way the previous/current pregnancy was delivered and the experience of an artificial/natural miscarriage in the past. In general, 630 women had given birth vaginally, and 283 women had given birth by cesarean section. In the group of currently pregnant women, 22 women had had natural miscarriages in Belarus, 37 in Poland, 27 in Greece, 29 in Turkey, and 9 in Russia. Conclusions: When thinking about pregnancy, respondents in all groups most often felt joy and excitement, as well as fear and excitement, about childbirth. Natural miscarriage was experienced most frequently by women in Poland and Greece and induced in Belarus. The largest number of women who had cesarean section were from Poland and Belarus.

Impact of Pregnancy on Self-Efficacy and Personal Competence in the Context of Risk of Depression, Mental Health Status, and Satisfaction with Life.

For many women, pregnancy and childbirth are often accompanied by strong emotions related to fear, stress, and anxiety about the health of the woman and her child. This study aimed to assess the effect of pregnancy on the risk of depression, mental health status, and satisfaction with life in women in Poland, Greece, Turkey, Belarus, and Russia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted among 2017 women surveyed, including 584 pregnant women, 528 postpartum women, and 906 women who had never been pregnant (the comparative group) from Poland, Greece, Turkey, Belarus, and Russia. The sample selection was purposive. Surveys were collected between November 2021 and December 2022. The study used the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) Scale, the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS), the GHQ-28 (General Health Questionnaire), the Schwarzer Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), and the KompOs Personal Competence Scale. RESULTS: A significantly lower risk of depression was observed in postpartum women in Poland and amongst pregnant women in Turkey. Pregnant women in Turkey (28.9 points) presented the highest satisfaction with life, while the lowest satisfaction was found amongst pregnant women in Poland and Greece (25.2 and 25.1 points, respectively). In Poland and Belarus, a higher risk of depression was noticed in women who had undergone an artificial abortion. In Turkey, a positive correlation was found in pregnant women concerning the number of children they had with a measure of depression and a negative correlation with life satisfaction. In Greece, non-pregnant women showed no correlation between mental status and scores on the GSES. Scores on satisfaction with SWLS were positively correlated with a sense of power, and the strength of the correlation was similar to results on the BDI and GHQ measures. Postpartum depression, according to the EPDS, was also the most severe in Turkish women. CONCLUSIONS: The highest risk of depression was shown in the control group and amongst pregnant and postpartum women in Turkey and Greece, and the lowest such risk was in Poland. Pregnant and postpartum women showed by far the highest satisfaction with life in Turkey and the lowest in women from Greece. The risk of depression, the level of satisfaction with life, and the mental health of pregnant women were not influenced by the type of last delivery. However, the duration of the last delivery influenced the group from Belarus, and having children affected the mental health of women in the group from Turkey.

Satisfaction of Patients with HIV/AIDS Infection from the Care Provided in the Special Infection Unit of University General Hospital of Alexandroupoli.

Background: C HIV/AIDS infection is characterized by a very low number of T lymphocytes (CD4), which makes sufferers vulnerable to various infections, and so they seek continuous care in Special Infections Units. Objective: The purpose of the survey is to investigate the factors that contribute to the satisfaction derived from the health services provided to people living with the human immunodeficiency virus; and they are monitored at the Special Infections Unit of the University General Hospital of Alexandroupoli. Methods: All patients who came to the Special Infections Unit of the University General Hospital of Alexandroupoli during the period June - July 2021 were asked to complete an anonymous questionnaire on satisfaction derived from the health services provided (E - PQ - SPCSS) and satisfaction derived from their work and quality of life (Occupational Stress Questionnaire, JCQ). The statistical package SPSS 19.0 was used for the statistical analysis of the data. With the help of the ANOVA statistical test, the differences between the variables were checked. P-Value in all audits was set at 0.05. Values showing equal to or less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: They were 85 patients who participated. Amongst them, they were mainly men (75.3%), the mean age was 35-50 years (50.6%), residents of Thrace (62.3%). 37.7% of the participants said they had some difficulty accessing SIU. Quality of life was positively correlated with education (p<0.001) where the higher reported level of education was, the higher satisfaction rates were. A positive correlation (p<0.001) was also observed amongst income rates where the higher incomes reported, the higher the satisfaction rates were. Lower incomes were significantly associated (p = 0.029) with mental disorders (anxiety, depression). Quality of life was positively associated with both satisfaction with medical as well as nursing care (p <0.008). The adequacy and clarity of the information the patients receive from SIU physicians during their visit shows a significant positive correlation (p<0.001). In addition, there is a significant correlation regarding the problems patients may have experienced in the last 6 months in terms of access to treatment (p<0.021). Conclusion: Participants showed high satisfaction rates from the medical and nursing care provided at the SIU of the PGNA. The opportunity of expression given to users - patients through satisfaction studies promotes and creates a climate of trust between them and the decision-making teams of health units.

Impact of pregnancy/childbirth on dispositional optimism in the context of risk of depression, mental health status and satisfaction with life.

Introduction: Life optimism is an inseparable element accompanying every human being. It takes different values depending on the life situation. The present study aimed to measure the level of dispositional optimism in postpartum and pregnant women, compared to women who are not pregnant and have never given birth in Poland, Greece, Turkey, Belarus, and Russia, depending on the level of life satisfaction, risk of depression and mental health. Materials and methods: A case-control study was carried out among 2017 women, including 584 pregnant women, 528 postpartum women, and 906 women who had never been pregnant and had never given birth (control group) from Poland, Greece, Turkey, Belarus, and Russia.The study used the LOT-R Life Orientation Test, the Beck Depression Scale (BDI), the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS), the GHQ- 28, and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) - only in the postpartum group. Results: Women from the control group showed an average level of optimism, obtaining an average of 16 points in Belarus, 13.4 points in Poland, 13.3 points in Greece, 13.5 points in Turkey, and Russia - 16.3 points. Pregnant women from Belarus had a high level of optimism (17 points), and in other countries, an average level of optimism was in Poland - 14.5 points, Greece - 14.0 points, Turkey - 14.3 points, and Russia - 16.5 points. Women after childbirth had a high level of optimism in Belarus (17.4 points) and Russia (17.2 points), and in other countries had the average level of optimism. In these countries, the lowest level of optimism was found in non-pregnant women. No significant correlation between age and life optimism was found in any group. In Poland, life optimism increased with age in women who had never been pregnant, and in Turkey, in women who were pregnant and after childbirth. Conclusion: Pregnant women from Belarus had a higher level of optimism than other countries. Non-pregnant women had an average level of optimism. Future studies should include larger groups of women and consider other factors that may additionally contribute to dispositional optimism.

The Quality of Health Services Provided to Patients Undergoing Myocardial Perfusion Imaging by a Nuclear Medicine Department.

Background: Nuclear medicine procedures can be delivered in different healthcare settings, such as outpatient centers, medical clinics, mobile units, and hospitals. The process of providing care to the patient can be modified according to the provision arrangement; however, the basic level of quality of service should be maintained, and continuous improvement should be pursued. Objective: The objective of this research study is to investigate the quality of health services provided to patients undergoing myocardial perfusion imaging by a nuclear medicine department. Methods: The data collected through the questionnaires were saved in an Excel sheet, and then, they were analyzed by using the SPSS 24 statistical software platform. Firstly, the demographic data of the sample are presented by using a frequency table. In terms of the main questions, for those of them that were not answered in the Likert scale, frequency charts were used to present their results. Results: From the analysis, it emerged that 75% (n=75) of the sample was composed of male patients, and 25% (n=25) was composed of female patients. Regarding the age distribution of the patients of the survey, it was observed that 39% (n=39) were between 45 and 64 years old, 35% (n=35) were over 65 years old, and 26% (n=26) were between 18 and 44 years old. Moreover, it was observed that 17% (n=17) of the sample were Secondary School graduates, 17% (n=17) were Technological Education graduates, 16% (n=16) were Primary School graduates, 16% (n=16) were High School graduates, and 14% (n=14) were University graduates. Conclusion: The levels of satisfaction ranged were moderate regarding access to the clinics, and were lower regarding the time required between the date of making the appointment and the date of performing the examination.

Mothers' experiences of pregnancy, labour and childbirth: a qualitative study in Northern Greece.

This qualitative study aims at describing the mothers' most positive and negative experiences during pregnancy, labour and childbirth, and at identifying the aspects of pregnancy monitoring and obstetric care that should be developed most urgently in the future. The sample consisted of 607 mothers. The data were analyzed using content analysis. Mothers who preferred vaginal delivery believe that they do not interfere with nature and, consequently, their convalescence is easier and faster. Those who selected Caesarean section stress that they feel much safer because the whole process is well organized and controlled. The mothers' experiences are closely related with their interaction with the health-care professionals. Psychological support, good education and delivery preparation courses are some of the factors that could contribute to the improvement of maternal services. The basis of prenatal, intrapartum and postnatal care should be influenced by the women's experiences of pregnancy, labour and childbirth.

Simulation in Clinical Nursing Education.

BACKGROUND: Simulation constitutes a teaching method and a strategy for learning and understanding theoretical knowledge and skills in the nursing and medical field. OBJECTIVE: To review and present modern data related to this issue. METHODS: Literature review of data related to the issue derived from Medline, Cinhal, and Scopus databases, in English, using the following keywords: nursing, simulation, simulator, nursing laboratory. RESULTS: The implementation of simulation enables students to practice their clinical and decision-making skills for some significant issues they may face in their daily work. The protected environment and the sense of security enhance students' self-esteem and confidence, thus promoting learning. In this way, the gap between theory and practice is substantially reduced. CONCLUSION: The further development of simulation, along with other instructional techniques, can significantly help the efforts made by the students to become integrated and successful healthcare professionals.

An Overview of Play Therapy.

BACKGROUND: Play is an essential parameter of children's growth and expression and this is the reason of why the use of play therapy is considered as fundamental means of preventing and dealing with problems and difficulties presented to children. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper is to review the parameters related to this issue, emphasizing the efficacy of this therapeutic approach to various problems of children. METHODS: A review of the recent literature on the issue, searching through Greek and international databases (Medline, Heal-link), in English and Greek language. RESULTS: The review shows that play therapy as a form of prevention and treatment is suitable mainly for preschool and school age children. It is addressed to children who are in a transition period of their lives (after a divorce, a loss), with difficulties in managing feelings, in socializing or children who have behavioral problems. It is also addressed to children who have been witnesses of domestic violence, who have suffered some form of abuse, children who are to undergo a major surgery or those who have speech disorders. Furthermore, it is suitable for children who have some kind of developmental disorder (autism or attention deficit / hyperactivity disorder). Its efficiency is demonstrated by numerous research papers reporting a significant decrease of negative emotions and behaviors by its use. CONCLUSION: Play therapy is an alternative proposal of intervention on important issues related to children. Its implementation and value is widely known and is constantly expanding. The only condition for its implementation is the correct theoretical training of the professionals and the proper diagnosis.

THE IMPORTANCE OF PLAY DURING HOSPITALIZATION OF CHILDREN.

INTRODUCTION: Play constitutes an essential parameter of the normal psychosomatic development of children, as well as their statutory right. It is also an important means of communication in childhood. OBJECTIVE: To review, detect and highlight all data cited regarding the role of play during the hospitalization of children. METHODOLOGY: Literature review was achieved by searching the databases Scopus, PubMed, Cinhal in English, using the following key words: therapeutic play, play therapy, hospitalized child, therapist. RESULTS: During hospitalization, play either in the form of therapeutic play, or as in the form of play therapy, is proven to be of high therapeutic value for ill children, thus contributing to both their physical and emotional well-being and to their recovery. It helps to investigate issues related to the child's experiences in the hospital and reduce the intensity of negative feelings accompanying a child's admission to hospital and hospitalization. Play is widely used in pre-operative preparation and invasive procedures, while its use among children hospitalized for cancer is beneficial. CONCLUSION: The use of play in hospital may become a tool in the hands of healthcare professionals, in order to provide substantial assistance to hospitalized children, as long as they have appropriate training, patience, and will to apply it during hospitalization.

Muscle atrophy in intensive care unit patients.

INTRODUCTION: The muscle atrophy is one of the most important and frequent problems observed in patients in Intensive Care Units. The term describes the disorder in the structure and in the function of the muscle while incidence rates range from 25-90 % in patients with prolonged hospitalization. PURPOSE: This is a review containing all data related to the issue of muscle atrophy and is especially referred to its causes and risk factors. The importance of early diagnosis and early mobilization are also highlighted in the study. MATERIAL AND METHODS: a literature review was performed on valid databases such as Scopus, PubMed, Cinhal for the period 2000-2013 in English language. The following keywords were used: loss of muscle mass, ICU patients, immobilization, bed rest. RESULTS: From the review is concluded that bed rest and immobilization in order to reduce total energy costs, are the main causes for the appearance of the problem. The results of the reduction of the muscle mass mainly affect the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and respiratory system. The administration of the cortisone, the immobility, the sepsis and hyperglycemia are included in the risk factors. The prevention is the primary therapeutic agent and this is achieved due to the early mobilization of the patients, the use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation and the avoidance of exposure to risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: The prevention of muscle atrophy is a primary goal of treatment for the patients in the ICU, because it reduces the incidence of the disease, reduces the time spent in ICU and finally improves the quality of patients' life.