Nurses under fire: Insights from testimonies of community nurses and midwives in nonhospital settings in the southern Israel conflict zone.

Nurses-with or without prehospital care training-may find themselves delivering immediate care to injured individuals outside a healthcare facility, sometimes even in situations where their own life is at risk. This study explores the experiences of community nurses and midwives who provided immediate care during the Hamas militant movement's attack in southern Israel. The researchers collected and analyzed eight nurse and midwife survivors' testimonies published in digital media to gain a deeper understanding of their perspectives. Through qualitative content analysis, common themes, patterns, and insights were identified. The study aimed to contribute valuable knowledge in this field and followed the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) checklist for methodological rigor. Two themes emerged from the testimonies, focusing on the nurses' swift realization of necessary action under fire and resilience and ingenuity in practice. Despite lacking training and resources, the nurses professionally assessed the situation and improvised creative solutions to care for the wounded. Although they had no prehospital emergency care background, community nurses and midwives were able to respond effectively, providing lifesaving care. The findings highlight the nurses' resilience, adaptability, and dedication in unprecedented situations. However, the study also emphasizes the importance of providing all nurses with baseline prehospital care training and structured planning of this care to empower them to deliver optimal patient care in uncertain and dangerous conditions, especially in and around conflict and disaster zones.

Perceived Health Risks, Health Behaviors, and BMI Among Diverse Adults in Israel.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity is associated with an increased relative risk of COVID-19-related mortality. The interplay of culture and religion in the overweight/obesity context has been minimally examined. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between preventive health behaviors, sociodemographic factors, and obesity among religiously diverse adults in Israel. METHODS: Using a quantitative cross-sectional design, an online survey was distributed to diverse adults in Israel during the pandemic using social media, email, and snowball methods. RESULTS: Participants included 635 adults: 69.1% Jewish, 26.5% Muslim, and 4.4% "other." Jewish adults scored lower than others on perceived personal risk (p < .001), infection spread risk (p < .001), and preventive behaviors engagement (p < .005). Higher body mass index (BMI) predicted higher personal risk and higher likelihood of preventive behaviors engagement (p < .001). DISCUSSION: Results demonstrate the association between religion, health risk perceptions, and COVID-19-related health behaviors. Nurses should consider the influence of culture and religion on health practices and recommend relevant lifestyle modifications to reduce COVID-19 risks.