Quality of Life of Children and Adolescents with Multiple Sclerosis-A Literature Review of the Quantitative Evidence.

BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease of the central nervous system that also develops in patients under 18 years of age. The disease negatively affects the quality of life (QoL) of children and adolescents. We conducted a literature review. The aim of the review was to identify the QoL of pediatric patients with MS and assess the factors determining their QoL. METHODS: We analyzed studies published between 2000 and 2020 in PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science, and EBSCO databases. RESULTS: In all, 17 studies were included in the review. The most common tool in assessing QoL was the generic module PedsQL. The range of mean/median global score of QoL was 53.8-81.7. The worst QoL was dominantly reported in the school and emotional spheres, on the contrary, the disease's least determined area of QoL was the social and physical dimension. In particular, disability and fatigue were important predictors of QoL. CONCLUSIONS: MS negatively affects the school and emotional spheres in particular, so it is important to pay greater attention to these spheres of life of MS patients. As the review studies pay insufficient attention to the analysis of positive factors and their impact on the QoL of MS patients, research should integrate these phenomena. The use of MS-targeted tools in future research in the pediatric MS population is also appropriate.

Quality of Life of Patients with Glaucoma in Slovakia.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to identify and analyse the quality of life of patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) based on their visus and peripheral vision. Methods: Our study was observational in nature; it was a cross-sectional study. In total, 119 patients with POAG were included in a causal-comparative character, ex post facto research design. The authors collected data using the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25 (NEI VFQ-25) and World Health Organization Quality of Life abbreviated version questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF) tools. Results: Only patients with POAG that were over 18 years of age and had no other ocular or chronic illnesses were included. The mean duration of glaucoma was 8.77 (SD ± 5.63) years. Binocular disability was observed in 68.0% of patients. Using WHOQOL-BREF, there were significant differences found in the better-eye-vision group in psychological (p < 0.001) and environment (p < 0.001) domains. In the worse-eye-vision group, significant differences were found in physical health (p < 0.001), environment (p < 0.001), and quality related to health (p < 0.001) domains. Using NEI VFQ-25, there were significant differences found (p = 0.000) in all domains except subscale driving. Conclusion: Quality of life of patients with visual impairment is significantly lower in comparison to that of patients without a visual impairment.

Developing the advanced practice nursing role in Slovakia: Perception, education, and practice.

BACKGROUND: Advanced practice nursing (APN) is a modern and effective nursing role that has a positive impact on health care systems around the world. Guiding principles are advanced education, expanded scope of practice, and policies supportive of the role. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to find out the perception of APNs of their own practice in the context of the current legislative conditions in Slovakia and to identify related factors. METHODS: A quantitative exploratory design was selected. From 5,067 APN, 584 were conveniently selected. The adapted and modified SCAPE study questionnaire was used for data collection. Data were processed using SPSS 25. RESULTS: There were differences between newly introduced competencies for the APN role in Slovakia and the general concept of the role that could influence practice. The level of APNs' perception of their own practice is low. Years of practice was significantly and positively related to the perception. The results in each region were significantly different. Community nurses/outpatient nurses assessed their practice at a significantly higher level. The educational curriculum lacks the subject of APN. Competencies, remuneration, and satisfaction with the status are insufficient. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: To understand, implement, and practice the concept of APN, it is essential to change policies related to competencies, education, remuneration, and status. Creation of an educational model that includes the subject area of advanced practice nursing in the postgraduate curriculum is essential. Education and practice conditions for advanced practice nurses should be uniform in all regions of the country.

Imported tropical neuroinfections: practice skills and knowledge among nurses and nursing students.

OBJECTIVE: Tropical neuroinfections are still cause of substantial mortality in travelers. Therefore, good knowledge of early symptoms is very important for nurses acting as first contact persons. METHODS: Nurse's practical skills and knowledge of signs and early recognition of tropical neuroinfections, providing first aid and quick action has been studied among graduates of two Tropical Nursing PhD programs (in EU-Countries vs. tropical country) using a standardized questionnaire. Statistical package EPI info was used to determine potential differences between both groups of graduates. RESULTS: Acceptable knowledge on early symptoms and signs of cerebral malaria and meningococcal meningitis in returning travelers was found among 121 graduates of two PhD programs who were included in the study. Of these, 99 questionnaires were filled in Slovakia, Czech Republic and Germany and another 22 were filled in Malaysia, as a part of the Tropical Nursing PhD Study Programs. CONCLUSION: Nursing students and recent graduates in two PhD programs demonstrated acceptable, although not large-scaled, knowledge of early signs and symptoms of tropical neuroinfections.