Opportunities and Challenges of E-learning for Nursing Students at the Beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Iran: A Qualitative Content Analysis.

Background: Given the limited presence of students in universities and the closure of educational centers, including nursing schools, during the COVID-19 outbreak, there has been a significant shift toward e-learning. However, there is a lack of research in this area. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the experiences of undergraduate nursing students with e-learning during the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020. Materials and Methods: This qualitative-descriptive study focused on 12 undergraduate nursing students from the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. The participants were selected using purposive sampling. In-depth and semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect the data. The collected data were analyzed using MAXQDA10 and conventional content analysis. The study was conducted between May and September 2020. Results: Analysis of the findings led to the emergence of 11 subcategories and two main categories: E-Learning opportunities and Challenges of E-Learning, providing a comprehensive description of the experiences reported by the participants. Conclusions: Unforeseen crises, such as the current COVID-19 pandemic, can significantly affect the quality of education by disrupting face-to-face learning. To mitigate such disruptions, it is crucial to plan and establish infrastructure that supports alternative modes of education, such as e-learning. Additionally, providing training to students and educators on effectively utilizing digital platforms and producing electronic content can help ensure a smoother transition during crises.

The relationship between spiritual intelligence and resilience in family caregivers of patients with chronic mental disorders.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between spiritual intelligence and resilience in family caregivers of patients with chronic mental disorders referred to psychiatric clinics in Isfahan (Iran). DESIGN AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 188 family caregivers. Data were collected using demographic characteristics checklist, spiritual intelligence self-report inventory, and Connor-Davidson resilience scale. FINDINGS: There was a significant and positive relationship between resilience and spiritual intelligence, including all its components, among the family caregivers (p < 0.05) PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Healthcare managers are recommended to consider the components of spiritual intelligence and resilience in designing preventive, educational, and personal promotion interventions for patients with mental disorders.

The Effects of a Psychosocial Support Program on Perceived Stress of Family Caregivers of Patients with Mental Disorders.

BACKGROUND: Taking caring of patients with mental disorders is stressful and people who take care of these patients need to receive enough support and training to overcome this challenging situation. The present study was aimed at investigating the effects of a psychosocial support program on perceived stress of family caregivers of patients with mental disorders. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized controlled clinical trial was performed on 64 family caregivers of patients with mental disorders referred to Noor and Hazrat-e-Ali Asghar hospital in Isfahan, Iran, in 2018-19. The participants were randomly assigned to the intervention and control groups using a random number table. In the intervention group, the training program was held in 6 sessions of 90-minute training classes twice a week. Data were collected using a demographic characteristics form and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) before, immediately after, and 1 month after the intervention. Descriptive and inferential statistical tests such as Chi-square, Mann-Whitney, independent t-test, repeated measures ANOVA, and Kolmogorov-Smirnov test were used to analyze the data in SPSS software. RESULTS: The result of the study showed that the total mean score of perceived stress in the intervention group was significantly less than the control group immediately after (F2=66.29, p<0.001) and 1 month after the intervention (F2=66.29, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Delivering a training program on the different dimensions of support family caregivers need will reduce the perceived stress of family caregivers of patients with mental disorders. Therefore, the implementation of this intervention is recommended in this group of caregivers.