Empathy, self-compassion, and depression correlations among health professionals in Northern Greece.

OBJECTIVE: Aim: To study and record the level of empathy and self-compassion of the medical and nursing staff of a general hospital in North Greece, and to investigate their connection to depression levels.. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and Methods: The study sample consists of 88 people (66 women and 22 men), medical and nursing staff of the General Hospital of Kavala (northern Greece) who filled out a questionnaire. The questionnaire consists of 4 parts: 1) socio-demographic data; 2) the Toronto Empathy Questionnaire (TEQ); 3) Self- Compassion Scale (SCS), and 4) the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). For the statistical processing of the data, SPSS v.25 software was used. RESULTS: Results: The mean total value for TEQ indicates moderate high level of empathy (M = 40.5). For self-compassion the mean total value for SCS was moderate (M = 82.6) and the BDI shows a low level of depression (M = 28.7). A high level of empathy corresponds to a high level of self-compassion (ρ(88) = 0.263, p = 0013). Older ages correspond to a lower level of depression (ρ(88) = -0.218, p = .042). CONCLUSION: Conclusions: Empathy is a key factor for the creation of the therapeutic relationship between the patient and the healthcare provider, while increasing the level of the health provider's self-compassion. Increased levels of self-compassion and older age among providers may correspond to lower levels of depression.

Factors underlying denial of and disbelief in COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate factors that influence or promote disbelief and negative attitudes toward COVID-19. METHODS: This was cross-sectional study involving 544 males and females ≥ 18 years of age in Greece between December of 2020 and January of 2021. All participants were informed about the purpose of the study, protection of anonymity, and volunteer participation. Participants completed an online anonymous 40-item questionnaire. Analysis of data included the identification of correlations and use of t-tests and ANOVA. RESULTS: The level of knowledge regarding COVID-19 transmission routes, manifestations, and prevention was high in our sample. Women appeared to have a more positive attitude toward COVID-19 prevention and management than did men (p = 0.032 and p = 0.018, respectively). Younger people (18-30 years of age) seemed to deny the validity of scientific data and mass media reports about ways to deal with the pandemic more commonly than did those > 30 years of age (p = 0.003 and p = 0.001, respectively). People who resided in cities more commonly believed in scientific announcements than did those living in villages (p = 0.029). CONCLUSIONS: In order to minimize cases of denial of and disbelief in COVID-19 and to promote vaccination, a series of actions are required. Governments should implement a series of measures to contain the disease, taking into consideration the psychological and social aspects of those policies.

Investigation of Healthcare Satisfaction of Roma Living in Camps or Urban Complex of Central Greece.

Background: Roma in Greece face multiple discrimination, particularly in the areas of housing, education, employment and health. Objective: The aim of this study is to explore the perceptions and beliefs of Greek Roma living both in camps and in urban neighborhoods for public health structures as well as to assess their satisfaction with health care services. Methods: The study sample consisted of 185 subjects (94 females and 91 males) with a mean age of 39.8 years (SD = 15.7). Of the people involved in the study, 80 come from the settlement of Larissa and 105 from the camp of Tyrnavos. A special survey questionnaire, "The scale of attitudes, feelings and satisfaction of Roma health services", was used for collecting the data. The statistical analysis was carried out using the SPSS statistical program. Results: The statistical indicators of the sample, taken together, indicate a moderate trend towards a negative escalation of attitudes, feelings and satisfaction of health services. Based on the t-test results for independent samples, the average score on the Roma satisfaction scale of the Larissa settlement (M = -0,41, SD = 0,74) was not found to differ, statistically significantly, from the Roma population of the Tyrnavos camp (M = -0,61, SD = 0,94), t (182) = 1,680 (p = 0,095). Conclusion: The results of this study, despite its reasonable limitations, lead to a redefinition of some views regarding the attitude of the Roma towards the public health and care system, as well as the needs created.

Factors underlying denial of and disbelief in COVID-19 / Fatores subjacentes à negação e descrença em relação à COVID-19

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate factors that influence or promote disbelief and negative attitudes toward COVID-19. Methods: This was cross-sectional study involving 544 males and females ≥ 18 years of age in Greece between December of 2020 and January of 2021. All participants were informed about the purpose of the study, protection of anonymity, and volunteer participation. Participants completed an online anonymous 40-item questionnaire. Analysis of data included the identification of correlations and use of t-tests and ANOVA. Results: The level of knowledge regarding COVID-19 transmission routes, manifestations, and prevention was high in our sample. Women appeared to have a more positive attitude toward COVID-19 prevention and management than did men (p = 0.032 and p = 0.018, respectively). Younger people (18-30 years of age) seemed to deny the validity of scientific data and mass media reports about ways to deal with the pandemic more commonly than did those > 30 years of age (p = 0.003 and p = 0.001, respectively). People who resided in cities more commonly believed in scientific announcements than did those living in villages (p = 0.029). Conclusions: In order to minimize cases of denial of and disbelief in COVID-19 and to promote vaccination, a series of actions are required. Governments should implement a series of measures to contain the disease, taking into consideration the psychological and social aspects of those policies.

RESUMO Objetivo: Investigar fatores que influenciam ou promovem a descrença e atitudes negativas em relação à COVID-19. Métodos: Estudo transversal envolvendo 544 homens e mulheres com ≥ 18 anos de idade na Grécia entre dezembro de 2020 e janeiro de 2021. Todos os participantes foram informados sobre o objetivo do estudo, proteção do anonimato e participação voluntária. Os participantes responderam a um questionário on-line anônimo com 40 itens. A análise dos dados incluiu a identificação de correlações e o uso de testes t e ANOVA. Resultados: O nível de conhecimento sobre as vias de transmissão, manifestações e prevenção da COVID-19 foi alto em nossa amostra. As mulheres pareceram ter uma atitude mais positiva em relação à prevenção e manejo da COVID-19 do que os homens (p = 0,032 e p = 0,018, respectivamente). As pessoas mais jovens (18-30 anos de idade) pareceram negar mais a validade dos dados científicos e reportagens da mídia sobre as formas de lidar com a pandemia do que aquelas com > 30 anos de idade (p = 0,003 e p = 0,001, respectivamente). As pessoas que residiam em cidades grandes acreditavam mais nos pronunciamentos científicos do que as que residiam em vilas (p = 0,029). Conclusões: Para minimizar o número de casos de negação e descrença em relação à COVID-19 e promover a vacinação, é necessária uma série de ações. Os governos devem implementar uma série de medidas para conter a doença, levando em consideração os aspectos psicológicos e sociais dessas políticas.

Professional Mental Rehearsal: the Power of "Imagination" in Nursing Skills Training.

BACKGROUND: Mental rehearsal is a form of training used by nurse educators to enhance the performance of clinical skills. The use of imagination may facilitate cognitive and affective modification and subsequently may even reduce extraneous cognitive load. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate the efficacy of mental rehearsal in cardiopulmonary resuscitation training of nursing students. METHODS: This is a comparative study with a random sample of 52 Nurse-Assistant students who were randomly divided into two groups. A 10-minute educational video on CPR and defibrillation was shown to both groups with the experimental group having additional time to be coached on mental rehearsal. Student performance was subsequently timed and errors/overall performance recorded. Descriptive statistics and Mann-Whitney test was used for group comparisons analysis. RESULTS: Students in the control group needed 8.5 minutes on average as compared to 6.2 minutes for the experimental group to complete cardiopulmonary resuscitation training. This equals to a difference of 2.5 minutes faster time for the experimental group (p<0.001). For overall mistakes the mental rehearsal group had 1.3 fewer mistakes on average (p=0.003). In terms of mistakes when executing cardiopulmonary resuscitation training there were 0.9 fewer mistakes in the experimental group (p=0.021). CONCLUSION: The use of mental rehearsal might be the first step in improving the teaching of nursing skills. Differences in skill acquisition in favor of mental rehearsal are important, especially when this technique is used in the teaching of life-saving skills such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of defibrillate.

Investigating Nurses Stress Response Strategies During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Stress response strategies are a conscious effort to solve personal and interpersonal problems, aiming to minimize stress. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to investigate the stress response strategies of nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: The sample consisted of 550 Greek nurses working in Greece and other European countries (460 women and 90 men). Ways of Coping was used as the data collection tool. Participants were invited to complete the questionnaire via online GOOGLE FORMS. The statistical processing was carried out using a descriptive and inferential analysis via the statistical package for Social Science (SPSS v.21). RESULTS: Analysis of the results shows a statistically significant difference between the two genders in the questionnaire's subscales "Search for social support" (Women=1.88, Men=1.57, p<0.001) and "Wishful Thinking" (Women=1.76, Men=1.51, p <0. Also, there was a statistically significant difference in terms of country of work regarding the following subscales: 'Search for social support' (Greece=1.85, Outside Greece=1.67, p=0.019), 'Wishful Thinking' (Greece=1.74, Outside Greece=1.51, p=0.005) and 'Problem Solving Assertion' (Greece=1.39, Outside Greece=1.13, p=0.001). CONCLUSION: Stress response strategies for nurses are fundamental in addressing the difficult situations and conditions they face due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Physical and Mental Health Level of the Elderly Living in Central Greece.

INTRODUCTION: Elderly population is growing fast in the western world due to a reduction in birth rates and a marked increase in life expectancy with multiple co-morbidity that warrants greater attention by health care workers. AIM: The purpose of the study is to investigate the levels of physical and mental health of elderly people living in Central Greece. METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was adopted with self completed questionnaires. Data collected, included socio-demographic and general health information using the Greek version of General Health Questionnaire 28. Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and regularity diagrams were employed. RESULTS: The sample included 230 elderly people with an average age of 73.1 years, women (53.5%), married (75.7%), with children (100%), primary school graduates (47.8%), residing in a city (72.2%), retired (90.9%), living with a spouse (68.3%), worked previously (96%) and 37.4% with a present monthly income of 301-600€. In the General Health Questionnaire, the internal consistency factor Cronbach's alpha for 'physical depressive symptoms' was 0.85, for 'anxiety and insomnia' 0.86, for 'social dysfunction' 0.86 and for 'depressive sentiment' 0.89, which indicates an excellent reliability of the questionnaire. The 'social malfunction' sub-scale showed the highest score (8.9) then 'anxiety and insomnia' (6.9) followed by 'physical symptoms of depression' (6.2) and 'depressive sentiment' (3.4). For the 'anxiety and insomnia' sub-scale, marital status shows another important correlation: unmarried elderly people had higher levels of stress. A lower educational level was associated with higher levels of anxiety and insomnia. Marital status appears to affect the manifestation of depressive symptoms as widows, singles and divorced showed a higher mean rate of depression than married people. [Table: see text] [Table: see text]. CONCLUSIONS: Various demographic as well as bio-psycho-social factors affecting health and particularly mental health are distributed unevenly between older men and women and between older people living in urban and rural areas. Therefore as our findings show, special care and priority should be granted to those who are single or widowed or divorced as they seem to be at greatest risk for overall declining mental health.

Preterm Parents' Stress and Coping Strategies in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in a University Hospital of Central Greece.

BACKGROUND: The early birth of a newborn and the hospital care in the intensive care causes stress to parents. OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this study was to investigate preterm parents' level of stress and which coping strategies do they use in a Neonatal Intensive care Unit in a University Hospital of Central Greece. METHODS: This cross-sectional study used a group of 82 preterm parents in the Neonatal Intensive care unit in a University Hospital of Central Greece. They were asked to answer a questionnaire with the Parental Stressor Scale: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (PSS: NICU), Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (BRIEF/COPE), Daily Spiritual Experience Scale (DSES). The McNemar test was used to compare fathers 'and mothers' views on psychological support. The paired t-test or the Wilcoxon-signed rank test was used to compare scores between fathers and mothers. The levels of importance are bilateral and the statistical importance was defined as 0.5. For the analysis SPSS 22.0 was used. RESULTS: The most common cause of admission to NICU was low birth weight. The severity of the preterm's condition was found to be independently correlated with PSS-NICU score due to "sights and sounds" and due to "Infant Appearance and behaviour" in the NICU. The severity of the child's condition and the parents' DSES score were found to be independently correlated to the stress score due to their "parent-infant relationship". Mothers 'and fathers' scores on the dimensions of the Brief-COPE Questionnaire were similar, suggesting a similar way of managing stress. Substance use, religion, humor were found to correlate with total score of PSS-NICU. More specifically PSS-NICU correlated negatively with substance use (r=-0.30 p=0.009) and humor (r=-0.28 p=0.016) while it correlated positively with religion (r=0.29 p=0.011). CONCLUSION: Mothers and fathers of preterm need support. Spirituality and religion, helps then face the challenges of having their baby hospitalized in a NICU.

Diabetic patient assessment of chronic illness care using PACIC.

BACKGROUND: The Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care plus is used in order to assess whether provided care is congruent with the Chronic Care Model, according to patients. The purpose of this study was to correlate PACIC+ and the revised 5As "ask, advise, agree, assist and arrange" scoring of a sample of DM patients, with their QoL, depressive symptomatology, demographic and disease characteristics, self-management behaviours of healthy eating and physical activity. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study where data were collected between January and April 2018 by using three questionnaires (PACIC+, SF-36, CES-D) from a sample of 90 DM patients treated at a Public General Hospital of Central Greece. Anonymous self-completed questionnaires were used to collect the data. Data was processed in the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). RESULTS: The mean age of the participants with DM was 52.8 years (SD = 21.2 years), with cardiovascular disease and arterial hypertension scoring as the most frequently reporting chronic comorbidities. The healthcare received by DM patients has been correlated with their QoL. More specifically SF - 36 and PACIC+ scale scores showed a positive and low correlation in several subscales. The total score of PACIC+ scale as well as the Patient activation score were increased in higher scores of vitality (p = 0.034 & p = 0.028 respectively), hence both scores correlate significantly with latter. In addition, Delivery System / Practice Design score was increased in higher scores of mental health (p = 0.01) and MCS (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The shift from hospital care focusing on the disease to a more patient-oriented approach puts forward a dynamic holistic approach to chronic diseases and the reduction of their impact. Finding evidence-based and effective strategies to promote health, prevent and manage chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus is deemed to be crucial and necessary. PACIC+, which is a tool of a patient-level assessment of CCM implementation, can be used by countries which intend to apply changes in the way their health systems provide chronic care and specifically wish to improve the quality of chronic disease care and the QoL of their patients.

Validation of the Greek translation of the Nursing Dimensions Inventory questionnaire (NDI-35).

CONTEXT: The concept of care is a fundamental issue in nursing science. Therefore the development and the use of tools for assessing care is an imperative for the nursing profession. The NDI-35 questionnaire is one such tool for assessing the nursing care. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this paper is to adapt and use the NDI-35 questionnaire in Greek nursing practice. A translation and validation of NDI-35 questionnaire is performed. METHODS: Exploratory factor analyses, as well as internal consistency and test-retest analyses, were conducted. Forward translations from English were produced by three independent Greek translators and then back translations by five independent bilingual translators. The Greek NDI-35 questionnaire that was produced was administered to 200 nurses (144 women and 56 men) from tertiary and secondary health care facilities. Data were analyzed using principal component analysis and Cronbach's alpha. RESULTS: One hundred and eighty four nurses that answered the NDI-35 questionnaire were graduates from the Technological Educational Institute (T.E.I.) and 64% of the respondents had more than 15 years of professional experience. Two subscales arbitrarily called "clinical work" and "patient needs" emerged, with the mean "clinical work" subscale score being at 70.16 ±12.90 (a maximum of 85) and mean "patient needs" subscale at 21.49± 6.16. Considerable differences in scoring among different items were observed when the NDI-35 answers were compared to their Greek counterparts'. Results confirmed that: (a) the translated versions are an accurate translation of the original, (b) factor analyses established similar factor solutions as that of the English versions, (c) reliability coefficients are satisfactory (i.e., Cronbach's ? coefficients and test-retests), and (d) construct validity revealed similarities between English and Greek versions, replications consistent with past research, as well as differences explained through theoretical frameworks. Therefore, both scales were accepted as valid and reliable measures in Greek-speaking populations. CONCLUSION: Alphas and test-retest correlation suggest the Greek translated and validated NDI-35 questionnaire is a reliable tool for assessing nursing care. Factor analysis and focus group input suggest it is a valid tool. Nurses in different settings may perceive nursing care differently. The findings of the current paper are discussed in the context of nurse education and assessment of care.

Smoking in health science students with asthma.

It is expected that asthmatic students in a health science department would avoid the hazards of cigarette smoking due to the knowledge they gain through their studies. Surprisingly, health science students with asthma had a higher prevalence of smoking than their healthy colleagues.