"We cannot stop smoking": Female university students' experiences and perceptions.

BACKGROUND: While findings are available about smoking in young females, there is a dearth of research reporting this problem among Jordanian females, particularly university students. Also, there is lack of studies that describe the daily experience and the causative factors for smoking among female university students. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to describe the experience of smoking as perceived by female Jordanian university students. In addition, this study aimed to describe the predisposing factors for initiating smoking and feelings toward that experience. METHOD: A descriptive qualitative study was employed. A purposive sample of 12 female Jordanian university students who smoke cigarettes were asked to participate in this study. A semi-structured, face-to-face interviews were conducted. RESULTS: Five themes of the study included: (1) living and enjoying smoking with other females, (2) hazardous effect of smoking, (3) our culture stigmatizing female smoking, (4) why we don't stop smoking, and (5) strategies to combat smoking among females. CONCLUSION: Female university students disclosed peer pressure and stress as intensifying factors for smoking. Also they were unable to quit smoking because they were attached and addicted to smoking cigarettes. STUDY IMPLICATIONS: The findings of our study have several implications for nursing education, policymaking, and practice. An important target would be to motivate university students who are smokers to attempt smoking cessation leveraging cultural leaders as role models. Policy makers also should revise policies related to importing and taxation of cigarettes is essential. In addition, policy makers should enforce legislation for smoking fee areas and prevention of smoking in closed areas.

Students' perceptions and experiences in a health promotion course using interactive learning.

There is lack of studies that describe the experience of studying a health promotion course using an interactive approach and students' perceptions about this method of teaching. The purpose of this study is to describe students' experiences and perceptions about health promotion course using an interactive learning approach. A descriptive qualitative design was used among 16 undergraduate university students at a governmental university. Four main themes emerged from the data analysis including: (1) fruitfulness and satisfying experience of interactive learning, (2) interactive learning versus traditional learning, (3) barriers to interactive learning, and (4) suggestions to enhance interactive learning. Students reflected positive attitudes toward interactive learning. Interactive learning helped students to be engaged in learning process physically and cognitively. Students mentioned several advantages of learning health promotion course using interactive learning, including, enhancing understanding, sharing ideas and opinions, promoting self-esteem and self-confidence, keeping their minds active and attentive, and improving interpersonal communication. Updated and contemporary learning strategies and methods should be introduced for enhancing interactive learning courses.

Verbal abuse among newly hired registered Jordanian nurses and its correlate with self-esteem and job outcomes.

PURPOSES: 1) identify the verbal abuse prevalence among newly hired registered nurses in Jordan; 2) examine the mean score of self-esteem, intent to stay, and job commitment 3) examine the relationships between the exposure to and the effects of verbal abuse, self-esteem, job commitment, and intent to stay in newly hired Jordanian registered nurses. BACKGROUND: Studies shows that verbal abuse in health care settings is a health-risk factor for both nurses and patients. DESIGN: A cross-sectional descriptive correlational study was conducted jn 2019. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A convenient sample of 200 registered nurses were recruited from two large cities in the North of Jordan. Self-reported questionnaires were used to collect data. RESULTS: Verbal abuse is highly prevalent among newly hired registered nurses in Jordan 100%, the mean score of exposure to verbal abuse was M = 6.76, and the effect of verbal abuse scale was M = 28.35. The result of person r indicated that there is a significant negative correlation between verbal abuse affect/reactions and registered nurses' intention to stay p = ˂0.01, job commitment p = ˂0.01 and self-esteem p = ˂0.01. Also, the exposure to verbal abuse is negatively correlated with nurse's job commitment, (r = -.203, p = .004). CONCLUSION: Verbal abuse is negatively correlated with nurses' self-esteem, intent to stay and job commitment. IMPLICATIONS: Administrators and nurse managers should establish educational training programs and workplace safety protocols to protect nurses and to create a safe positive work environment with no tolerance to verbal abuse.

Jordanian Men's and Women's Attitudes Toward Intimate Partner Violence and Its Correlates With Family Functioning and Demographics.

Jordan is a developing country in the Middle East and, much like other countries in the world, has high rates of intimate partner violence (IPV). Little information is available on Jordanian men's and women's attitudes toward IPV. The purpose of this study is to examine men's and women's attitudes toward IPV in Jordan and its relationship with some demographics and family functioning. A descriptive cross-sectional correlational design with a sample of 401 men and women was used. Descriptive statistics (M, SD), Pearson r, t test, and ANOVA were used. The results indicated that Jordanian men and women have a lower score of IPVAS, 40.06 (SD = 8.20), indicating lower acceptance of IPV compared with the literature. Family functioning was 3.12 (SD = 0.46), indicating more healthy families. Family functioning was negatively correlated with IPVAS scores (r = -.22, p = .00). All demographic variables showed small to moderate correlations with IPVAS. Education for both study participants and their spouses had a negative correlation with IPVAS (r = -.27, p = .00) and (r = -.20, p = .00), respectively. Male participants, individuals who were living with extended family, and those living in rural areas had significantly high IPVAS scores, indicating more accepting attitudes toward IPV. Practitioners should provide families with education on the methods of conflict resolution, effective communication within the family, problem-solving approaches, equal role distribution, and appropriate styles of establishing a family.

Resettled Syrian refugees in Jordan: Survival or health promotion.

Aim: To assess the health promotion practices of Syrian refugees in the north of Jordan and to determine their correlation with some socio-demographic variables. Design: Cross-sectional descriptive correlational. Methods: Health-Promotion Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP-II) was used to measure health promotion practices of Syrian refugees. Data were collected from a convenient sample of 250 Syrian refugees who lived in the North of Jordan. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse data. Results: The results showed that Syrian refugees in Jordan had low scores of total health promotion scale (mean = 2.28) with a cut score of 2.5, which indicated that they minimally adopted health promotion practices in general. The higher score was found on the interpersonal relation domain (mean = 2.89, SD 0.52). While the stress management domain (mean = 2.48, SD 0.43), spiritual growth domain (mean = 2.38, SD 0.39) and nutrition domain (mean = 2.34, SD 0.37) were lower than 2.5, the scores on responsibility and physical activity domains (mean = 2.20, SD 0.62), (mean = 1.35, SD 0.18) respectively, were the lowest. Women, married and unemployed, have more healthy behaviours than their counterparts.

Effects of a health education intervention on knowledge and attitudes towards chronic non-communicable diseases among undergraduate students in Jordan.

Aim: To assess the effect of a health promotion course on knowledge and attitudes towards chronic non-communicable diseases (CNCDs) among undergraduate students in a Jordanian university. Design: A one-group pre-test-post-test study design was used. Methods: A convenience sample of 178 undergraduate students registered in a 3-credit health promotion course was enrolled in the study and completed both pre- and post-tests. This course is offered as an elective course for undergraduate students by the Faculty of Nursing at a large public university in Jordan. Twelve, one-hour interactive sessions regarding CNCDs topics were delivered over 3 weeks as part of the health promotion course. A computer-based questionnaire was used to evaluate students' knowledge and attitudes towards CNCDs including diabetes, hypertension and cancer, before and after undertaking the course. Results: There was a significant improvement in the overall knowledge (Cohen's d effect size (d) = 1.08) and attitudes (d = 0.62) among all the students, regardless of gender. The overall knowledge and attitudes scores were significantly higher among females in the pre-test, but the differences in their overall scores became insignificant in the post-test. Education on specific topics was effective in improving university students' knowledge and attitudes about health-promoting behaviours, thereby preventing CNCDs. It is important to incorporate health promotion education regarding CNCDs into university curricula using innovative approaches to enhance healthy behaviours in young adults.

The association between hope and quality of life in haemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: Hope is important for patients with end-stage renal disease receiving haemodialysis (HD) and hope is associated with quality of life (QoL). Studies examining hope among the HD population are limited and, as far as the authors know, have not been undertaken in Jordan. AIMS: To examine levels of hope and QoL and to examine the association between hope and QoL in HD patients in Jordan. METHODS: A cross-sectional design was used. A convenience sample of 202 patients from six different dialysis centres was recruited. The World Health Organization QOL-BREF and the Herth Hope Index were used. FINDINGS: Moderate levels of hope (M=32.3±4.1) were reported. Respondents reported low mean scores for the physical domain of QoL (M=48.3±21.1) but not for the psychological and social relationship domains. Higher hope scores were associated with better QoL. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest a positive relationship between the level of hope and QoL in people receiving HD. Encouraging hope while caring for HD patients in clinical settings may improve their QoL. Understanding the relationship between hope and QoL may help healthcare providers to improve the quality of care for patients and their families.

Social support predicted quality of life in people receiving haemodialysis treatment: A cross-sectional survey.

Aims: To examine levels of social support and quality of life (QOL) and to examine the association between social support and QOL in patients receiving haemodialysis (HD) treatment. Design: A cross-sectional study. Method: social support and QOL were measured using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived social Support (MSPSS) and the World Health Organization QOL-BREF questionnaires, respectively. A convenience sample of 195 patients receiving HD from different dialysis units across Jordan completed the questionnaires. Results: Respondents scored highest on the social relationships domain of QOL (55.5 SD 21.4) compared with the lowest mean scores of the physical and environmental domains (48.6 SD 20.4; 46.2 SD 17.3, respectively). social support had a positive significant association with quality of life. Multiple linear regression identified age and social support as influencing factors, explaining 24.6% of the total variance in the social domain of quality of life.Understanding the relationship between social support and QOL in patients receiving HD may provide guidance to the healthcare providers, family members and social services about the importance of social support to this group of patients.

Marital Violence affecting female nurses and its physical and mental health consequences.

THE AIM: To investigate the relationship between marital violence and Jordanian nurses' physical and mental health. BACKGROUND: Despite the negative impact of marital violence on female nurses' health, few studies have investigated its physical and mental aspects. METHOD: A descriptive correlational design was used to investigate the relationship between marital violence and the physical and mental health of female Jordanian nurses. One hundred ninety-eight female Jordanian nurses from five governmental hospitals were recruited. The Women Abuse Screening Test was used to measure forms of violence, and the SF-36 V2 instrument was used to examine physical and mental health. The prevalence of violence was calculated, and the linear relationship between violence and physical and mental health was measured using Pearson correlation. RESULTS: Female nurses reported a high percentage of different forms of violence. The study results revealed a negative relationship between violence and mental health and physical health. CONCLUSION: Jordanian female nurses suffered hazardous physical and mental health consequences of violence that adversely affect their entire life. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING POLICY AND EDUCATION: Nursing educators should establish clear guidelines and training policies on marital violence for nurses through creation of an effective and cooperative networking and resources. Also, nursing/health policymakers should create responsive healthcare environment through raising the awareness on marital violence against nurses and providing counselling services for emergency and concurrent cases.

Predictors of breakfast skipping among 14 to 16 years old adolescents in Jordan: The influential role of mothers.

AIM: To assess the prevalence and identify the predictors of breakfast skipping among 14- to 16-year-old adolescents in Jordan, focusing on mother-related variables. BACKGROUND: Breakfast is an essential meal across one's entire lifespan and especially important during the adolescent years. The practice of skipping breakfast has become so prevalent among adolescents that it is now a well-documented nutritional problem. DESIGN: A descriptive cross-sectional correlational design. METHODS: A proportional cluster stratified sampling protocol was used to select 1896 adolescents and their mothers (1013) during the period of March to June 2016. A self-reported questionnaire was used to collect data on breakfast-skipping rates, the perceived reasons for this behavior, the perceived importance of consuming breakfast, and maternal encouragement of breakfast consumption. RESULTS: The prevalence of breakfast skipping was 34.3% among adolescents and 21.5% among their mothers. A significant association was found between breakfast skipping among adolescents and their mothers (χ2 [1, n = 998] = 37.90, P = .001). Maternal encouragement of breakfast consumption, gender, and adolescent perception of the importance of this meal were found to be significant predictors of adolescent breakfast skipping. CONCLUSION: The findings highlight the importance of involving mothers in developing nutritional health plans aimed at promoting regular breakfast consumption among adolescents.

Coping Strategies Used by Syrian Refugees in Jordan.

This study examined the coping strategies used by Syrian refugees in Jordan in relation to their demographics. A cross-sectional correlational study was conducted with a convenient sample of 550 Syrian refugees. Out of all the study participants, 88% reported seeking social support, 64.5% reported using avoidance, and 39.5% reported using problem solving. Participants who were male, single, and younger, and who had a higher education and a higher total income were satisfied with their income, were employed and free of chronic illnesses, and had higher problem-solving scores. Higher social support-seeking scores were associated with being female, older, and widowed; having a lower education and lower total income; being dissatisfied with their income; being nonemployed; and having chronic illnesses. A number of significant predictors were identified for each coping strategy. The results of this study could be used to formulate programs and develop services regarding the stressors encountered by Syrian refugees and their coping strategies.

The Association Between Maternal Factors and Preadolescent Breakfast Skipping: The Mediating Role of Preadolescent Attitudes Toward Breakfast.

BACKGROUND: Although skipping breakfast is common among children and adolescents, daily breakfast consumption is a healthy habit that is particularly important in childhood. There is a link between children's attitudes toward breakfast, breakfast-skipping behaviors, and maternal factors. Evidence demonstrating a clear relationship between maternal factors and preadolescent attitudes and behaviors toward breakfast skipping is scarce. AIMS: This study aims to examine the mediation effect of preadolescent attitudes toward breakfast on the associations between maternal involvement (encouragement and control of breakfast eating) and preadolescent breakfast skipping. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted across Jordan in public and private primary schools in 2015. A sample of 1,915 preadolescent students (10-11 years) and their mothers (N = 1,299) was generated through proportional cluster stratification sampling. The interrelationships were examined among the participants' demographics, the number of preadolescent skipped breakfasts during a given week, self-reported attitudes toward breakfast, and perceived maternal encouragement and control of breakfast-eating variables. RESULTS: Analysis revealed that preadolescent attitudes toward breakfast and mothers' involvement in preadolescent breakfast were negatively correlated with preadolescent breakfast skipping. Linear regressions revealed that maternal involvement (i.e., encouragement and control of breakfast eating, and educational attainment levels) was predictive of preadolescent attitudes toward breakfast consumption. Multiple regressions using bootstrapping analysis showed that preadolescent attitudes partially mediated the effect of mothers' control and encouragement of breakfast consumption over preadolescent breakfast-skipping behavior. LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION: Results suggest that preadolescent attitudes, maternal encouragement, and control of breakfast eating influenced preadolescent breakfast skipping. These findings emphasize the importance of carefully assessing preadolescent attitudes toward breakfast, maternal encouragement, and control of breakfast consumption when developing interventions aimed at reducing breakfast-skipping behavior.

Effects of interactive teaching on university students' knowledge and attitude toward reproductive health: a pilot study in Jordan.

BACKGROUND: Youths in Jordan lack knowledge related to reproductive health (RH). Interactive teaching methods showed positive results in enhancing health awareness and adopting healthy practices among students. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to examine the usefulness of interactive teaching in promoting health awareness of RH among nonmedical university students in Jordan. METHODS: We employed a quasi-experimental one group pretest and posttest design for a purposive sample of 210 students (18-24 years). Knowledge and attitudes regarding RH issues were assessed using a questionnaire developed by the researchers. RESULTS: A significant improvement in students' knowledge and attitudes toward RH was evident. Female students had higher scores on knowledge than male students in the pretest; this difference was smaller in the posttest. Also, female students had significantly more positive attitudes toward RH in pretest than males, although this difference vanished in the posttest. Study results indicated that students benefit from study intervention regardless their gender. CONCLUSION: Integrating RH into university's curriculum coupled with interactive learning approach is a powerful way to promote RH awareness among youths.

Maternal Sociodemographic Characteristics and Behaviors as Correlates of Preadolescent's Breakfast Habits.

PURPOSE: To explore factors affecting skipping breakfast rate, and to identify its perceived reasons among preadolescent students and their mothers in Jordan. DESIGN AND METHODS: Using cluster stratified sampling, preadolescent (10-11years) students (N=1915) and their mothers (N=1299) from 26 public and private schools completed a self-reported questionnaire. Breakfast skipping and its related habits were described. Children's and mothers' perceptions of regular breakfast eating and sociodemographic factors were analyzed in relation to breakfast skipping in children. RESULTS: Although the majority of both children and mothers perceived breakfast as very important, 23% of the children and mothers reported skipping breakfast. Male students skipped breakfast more than female students. Students whose mothers had a low level of education and students with a low value of breakfast consumption had a higher likelihood of skipping breakfast. Mothers' high value of breakfast and encouragement of children to eat breakfast were directly related to an increase in children's perceived importance of breakfast consumption. Preadolescents' and mothers' perceptions of the importance of breakfast and mothers' encouragement to eat breakfast were significant predictors of breakfast consumption among students. CONCLUSION: The high prevalence of breakfast skipping among students, and knowledge about association between mothers' perceived importance of breakfast consumption and encouragement highlighted the pivotal role of mothers in preadolescent's breakfast consumption. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The findings suggest that health care providers, including school health practitioners, are recommended to assess children's and mothers' perceived value of breakfast and to include mothers in health promotion interventions on breakfast consumption.

Mothers' knowledge & perception about child sexual abuse in Jordan.

Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a serious problem causing physical, social and psychosocial harm. To understand the Jordanian mothers' efforts to prevent CSA, we assessed the mothers' general knowledge about CSA, their perceptions, knowledge about signs and symptoms of CSA and their knowledge about prevention practices of CSA in relation to their demographics. A cross- sectional descriptive design was used with a convenient sample of 488 mothers. The data was collected using a self-reported questionnaire consisting of 52 items. Descriptive and parametric and non-parametric statistical procedures were employed. Almost all mothers in the study were Muslim and married. Half of the mothers had post-secondary education and only 36% were employed. The study revealed that the majority of mothers were knowledgeable about CSA and its prevention practices. Though only 17% of mothers had started practicing some of the CSA preventive measures when their children were young (1-4 years of age) and less than half (48.8%) had started when their children were 4-6 years of age. Three quarters (74%) of the mothers indicated that educating children about CSA can prevent it. Only 37.7% knew about laws regarding CSA in Jordan and less than half of mothers knew about social organizations that provide services for children who suffered from sexual abuse. Mothers who had a high income or a high level of education or were employed had a higher awareness of CSA and recognized signs and symptoms of CSA more than other mothers.

Predictors of Coping Strategies Employed by Iraqi Refugees in Jordan.

The purpose of this study was to examine coping strategies used by Iraqi refugees in Jordan based on their demographic details. A cross-sectional design was used. A representative sample of 333 refugees living in Jordan participated in the study. The Cope inventory and the demographic details were compiled to produce and collate the relevant data. Being older, female, educated, single, and living with more than three family members was associated with greater use of the problem solving coping strategy. Being female, educated, and unemployed was associated with greater use of the active emotional coping strategy. In addition, being older, male, illiterate, unemployed, and living with less than three family members was associated with greater use of the avoidant emotional coping strategy. This study recommends a multidisciplinary approach intervention as being the best method of addressing and fulfilling the health and socioeconomic needs of older, male, illiterate, unemployed people.