ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Emergency department (ED) nurses are exposed to the risk of secondary traumatic stress (STS), which poses a threat not only to nurses' health and psychological well-being but also adversely affects the execution of their professional duties. The quality and outcome of their nursing services are negatively affected by STS. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to comprehensively investigate the prevalence and intensity of Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS) among Emergency Department (ED) nurses. It aims to identify and analyze the socio-demographic, occupational, and psychological factors that influence the severity and variation of STS experienced by these nurses. METHODS: The study utilized a sequential explanatory mixed methods approach, including two phases. Phase 1 employed a cross-sectional study design, utilizing a convenience sample of 181 nurses to explore the levels of STS and the factors associated with it. Following this, Phase 2 was structured as a qualitative descriptive study, which involved conducting semi-structured interviews with a purposefully selected group of ten ED nurses. Data collection took place at three major hospitals in Saudi Arabia during the period from January to June 2022. RESULTS: A total of 181 participants were included in the study. The mean STSS score reported by the nurses was 51 (SD = 13.23) out of the maximum possible score of 85, indicating severe STS among ED nurses. Factors associated with an increase in the levels of STS among ED nurses included being female, older in age, married, possessing higher education and experience, having a positive relationship with colleagues, receiving organisational support, and dealing with a higher number of trauma cases. Several themes emerged from the qualitative interviews including: ED Characteristics: Dual Impact on STS, Emotional Resonance and Vulnerability, Personal Life Stressors, The Ability to Cope, and Social Support. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Future strategies and interventions targeting STS should be prioritized to effectively manage its impact on ED nurses. It is crucial to develop targeted interventions that address the specific factors contributing to STS, as identified in this study. Additionally, these findings aim to enhance awareness among nursing administrators, managers, and supervisors about the critical factors associated with STS. This awareness is essential for accurately assessing and developing interventions that mitigate STS among nursing staff.
ABSTRACT
Fatigue has been reported to be the most common symptom experienced by patients receiving hemodialysis (HD) therapy. Fatigue can lead to a reduction in their ability to engage in both routine and self-care activities, which can negatively affect their self-confidence and quality of life. This study aimed to determine the level of fatigue and the factors that affecting its level among patients receiving uHD. METHODS: A cross-sectional design was utilized to explore the level of fatigue among patients receiving maintenance HD using the Mul-tidimensional Assessment of Fatigue (MAF) scale. Data were collected from four dialysis centers in two Saudi Arabia cities, Hail and Al-Qassim, between January 2022 and October 2022. RESULTS: The questionnaire was completed by 236 patients. Older patients, male patients, and retired pa-tients reported significantly higher levels of fatigue (p < 0.001). In contrast, marital status, educational level, and financial status did not significantly affect the level of fatigue among patients (p = 0.193, 0.285, and 0.126, respectively). Patients who had seven or more dependents reported more fatigue than those who had lower levels of fatigue or who did not have dependents (p = 0.004). In addition, patients who had a regular exercise regimen reported significantly lower fatigue than those who did not have an exercise regimen (p = 0.011). Multiple linear regression demonstrated that employment status (student), comorbidity condition (one chronic disease), dialysis duration, satisfaction with dialysis time, and dialysis time were found to affect the fatigue scores (R2 = 0.302, p Ë 0.001). CONCLUSION: The findings of this study gives a broader understanding of factors influencing fatigue among patients with HD that will help to develop strategies of more focused interventions to reduce fatigue among patients with HD.