ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: With the emergence of many novel therapies, the treatment decisions for multiple myeloma (MM) are increasingly guided by concerns of quality of life, achievement of cancer-free remission, living a longer overall survival, and a relentless search for a cure; however, the impact of various decision-making factors on patients' actual therapy choices and the patients' desire for cure and survival is mainly unknown. The lack of a valid and reliable measure for uncovering patients' preferences for cure and survival makes it more challenging to put this factor into the actual treatment decision equation. PURPOSE: This study examined the psychometric properties of the Values and Preferences Elicitation Questionnaire-Cure and Survival Preference Scale (VPEQ-CSPS) instrument. METHODS: The VPEQ-CSPS instrument was deployed using an anonymous Qualtrics online survey to patients diagnosed with MM within the network of International Myeloma Foundation online patient support groups across the United States. One hundred seventy-four (N = 174) valid responses were obtained and used to examine the validity and reliability of the VPEQ-CSPS. RESULTS: Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) revealed a Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin value of 0.72 indicating excellent sample adequacy. A statistically significant Bartlett's test of sphericity (P < .001) indicated significant correlations among the variables of the dataset to conduct the EFA. The internal consistency coefficients indicated adequate reliability of the instrument with Cronbach's alpha value at 0.80. The EFA and parallel analysis revealed the 5-item VPEQ-CSPS as a valid and reliable unidimensional scale that can be used by oncology clinicians to elicit their patient's preferences for cure and survival. This new instrument has the potential to contribute to the achievement of shared decision-making for myeloma treatment decisions.
Subject(s)
Multiple Myeloma , Humans , Multiple Myeloma/diagnosis , Multiple Myeloma/therapy , Quality of Life , Reproducibility of Results , Surveys and Questionnaires , Factor Analysis, StatisticalABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Being aware of elevated levels of student psychological distress by nursing faculty, and subsequently responding to it, may diminish nursing students' experience of negative mental health well-being. PURPOSE: Relationships between perceived faculty support, resiliency, and the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among undergraduate nursing students were explored. METHODS: An exploratory mixed-methods design was used for this descriptive, cross-sectional study. The Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21, Brief Resilience Scale, Perceived Faculty Support Scale, a demographic questionnaire, and open-ended questions were used to collect data. A convenience sample of 989 undergraduate baccalaureate nursing students from across the United States completed the surveys. RESULTS: Study results revealed resilience strategies and psychological and functional supportive faculty behaviors and actions are substantial predictors of lower depression, anxiety, and stress in undergraduate baccalaureate nursing students. CONCLUSIONS: Investments in faculty development to support nursing student resilience may reduce the degree of negative mental health well-being that students exhibit related to nursing education and promote their successful transition to nursing practice.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Fluid overload is a major complication in patients with heart failure (HF) and the main reason for hospitalization. The purpose of the study was to explore the associations of fluid overload with sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle behaviors, and symptoms among non-hospitalized and community-dwelling older adults with HF using large population data. METHODS: Descriptive and multivariate analyses were conducted on the Health and Retirement Study 2016. RESULTS: Fluid overload was prevalent in almost half of the sample. Female older adults with HF were more likely to have fluid overload (OR:1.43, p = 0.037) as well as being Black (OR:1.40, p = 0.041). Higher physical activity scores were associated with less likelihood of having fluid overload (OR:0.99, p = 0.025). Symptoms of shortness of breath (OR=2.18, p = 0.001), pain (OR=1.82, p < 0.001), and fatigue (OR=1.45, p = 0.025) were significantly associated with fluid overload. CONCLUSION: Female and Black community-dwelling older adults with HF are at higher risk of fluid overload. Symptoms of shortness of breath, pain, and fatigue are significant manifestations of fluid overload. Effective patient-centered interventions to promote fluid flow via physical activity may help older adults with HF manage fluid overload and alleviate associated symptoms.
Subject(s)
Heart Failure , Independent Living , Aged , Female , Humans , Dyspnea , Fatigue/epidemiology , Life Style , Pain/epidemiology , MaleABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Not all students who enter nursing programs are prepared at the same level of educational equity, and some may have other obstacles that prevent their success once admitted. This may be especially true for underrepresented minority students. Early assessment of all students is essential to identify potential problems sooner versus later. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify at-risk nursing students early to ensure student success through appropriate referrals on campus. METHODS: This was a secondary analysis of a student success program based on Jeffreys' Nursing Universal Retention and Success (NURS) model. RESULTS: Four factors were identified that were used to tag and identify at-risk students within our student success management software program. CONCLUSIONS: The program was successful in identifying students based on 4 factors (low personal/college support, financial challenges, excessive work hours, and substantial family obligations) that could place them at risk, so students could be referred to appropriate resources available on campus early in the process.
