Exploring the experiences of female undergraduate nursing students in providing home healthcare to older adults.

BACKGROUND: In light of the growing ageing population in Saudi Arabia and Saudi nurses' hesitation to work with the older population, it is important to understand the experiences of nursing students on their clinical placement in home healthcare. METHODS: This study is a descriptive qualitative study based on five focus groups of 3-5 students each. Data were collected from female senior baccalaureate nursing students at a female governmental university in Saudi Arabia, and during their placement in home healthcare. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Five main themes emerged : struggling with their own family; struggling with cultural and social beliefs; struggling during clinical training; struggling with domestic caregivers; and reflections for the future were considered important impressions in clinical experience. CONCLUSION: The culture of Saudi Arabian society is an important factor in shaping the training experience of female nursing students either positively or negatively, specifically in the context of home healthcare nursing for older patients. The results of this study show how important it is for students to be prepared for the clinical environment, the nature of the work, and the role of the home healthcare nurse in order to improve their clinical learning.

Translation and Validation of Digital Competence Indicators in Greek for Health Professionals: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: it is widely accepted that living in the digital transformation era, the need to develop and update new professional skills and tools in health sectors is crucially important. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the reliability and validity of the Digital Competence Indicators tool in assessing the digital skills of Greek health professionals. METHODS: in this cross-sectional study, 494 health professionals, including doctors (175) and registered nurses (319) working in four Greek hospitals were recruited and willingly participated using a convenience-sampling method. The original framework of Digital Competence Indicators was translated from English to Greek based on guidelines for cross-cultural adaptation of questionnaires. The validity of the tool was explored using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to verify the fit of the model using inductive techniques. The instrument reliability was confirmed using Cronbach's alpha (α) and McDonald's Omega coefficients. RESULTS: the reliability was estimated at 0.826 (Cronbach's-α) and 0.850 (McDonald's Omega-ω). The indicators of CFA were all calculated within an ideal range of acceptance. Specifically, the CFA comparative fit index produced the following adjustment indices: x2/df = 1.152 (p = 0.037), CFI = 0.997, Lewis index (TLI) = 0.966, and root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.018. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated that the Digital Competence Indicator instrument has high reliability, internal consistency, and construct validity and, therefore, it is suitable for measuring digital skills of health professionals.

Validity and Reliability of the Greek Version of Adult Vaccine Hesitancy Scale in Terms of Dispositional Optimism in a Community-Dwelling Population: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Vaccine hesitancy is an important public health issue referring to concerns about the safety and efficacy of vaccination. Within a framework, this study aimed to assess the cultural adaptation, validity, and reliability of the Greek version of the adult Vaccine Hesitancy Scale (aVHS) as well as to identify the determinants of vaccine hesitancy among a large regional population in central Greece. A cross-sectional study was conducted enrolling 300 adults who had received primary healthcare services in the Health Centers and Local Health Units of the Magnesia Region from October to December 2022. The aVHS and the Life Orientation Test-Revised (LOT-R) were used to identify vaccine hesitancy and the dispositional level of optimism, respectively. For survey translation, the procedure of forward and backward translation was followed. Also, the aVHS was tested in a pilot study with a sample of 18 responders. Construct validity and internal consistency reliability were investigated via exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis and Cronbach's alpha coefficients, respectively. Simple and multiple linear regression analysis were used to determine predictors for vaccine hesitancy. Factor analyses indicated that the aVHS comprises two constructs ("lack of confidence" and "risk perception") explaining 68.9% of the total variance. The Cronbach's alpha of the total scale was 0.884, indicating its high internal consistency. Participants who lived in rural areas, had a lower annual income, and reported a lower level of optimism showed a higher lack of confidence in vaccination. On the other hand, people aged above 45 years old who had graduated from high school or elementary school and were unemployed showed greater aversion to the risks of side effects. Finally, certain socio-demographic characteristics were associated with vaccine hesitancy. Our data suggest that the aVHS is a valid and reliable instrument for measuring vaccine-related attitudes and perceptions in Greek society, providing meaningful insight into designing vaccination-related preventive interventions in the community.

Effect of a family-based lifestyle intervention on weight reduction among Jordanian children with obesity aged 6-9 years.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a family-based lifestyle intervention on reducing body weight among Jordanian children with obesity aged 6-9 years old. The pretest-posttest control group design was conducted among 162 children (75 in the intervention group and 87 in the control group) with obesity aged 6-9 years old at four primary schools in Jordan during the period from March 2021 to July 2021. The results found that, after the intervention, there was a statistically significant change in the F scores in the control group vs. in the intervention group (M = 37.07, SD = 2.77; M = 33.48, SD = 2.73; t (160) = 8.29, P < 0.001), where the mean BMI percentile was reduced by 2.05 in the intervention group. A significant difference was demonstrated in the median BMI percentile in the intervention and control groups post-intervention (P < 0.001). A significant difference was also noticed between the average weekly reported dietary habits and the physical activities of both the control group and the intervention group post-intervention. The findings support the effect of family-based lifestyle interventions. Healthcare providers should adopt such interventions for children living with obesity. Future study is required to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of this intervention on weight reduction.

Female Saudi nursing student perspectives on pursuing a career in home healthcare: a qualitative study.

Despite the fact that the number of patients seeking home healthcare in Saudi Arabia is rising, this speciality confronts significant obstacles. This qualitative, descriptive phenomenological study investigates views, feelings and attitudes of nursing students practicing in home healthcare and how they perceive it as a future career. Data were gathered during five face-to-face focus group interviews of five students each (a total of 25 students) and analysed using thematic analysis. It was found that the majority of students did not perceive home healthcare as a viable career option compared to working in a hospital. They vacillated due to the nature of the work, safety concerns, working demands, the invariability of health cases, and a lack of opportunities for professional development. Nevertheless, some nursing students were amenable to pursuing a career in home healthcare due to the less working hours, sense of autonomy, and ability to provide holistic care and educate patients and their families. Population awareness programs are needed to overcome cultural barriers, increase student motivation, and ultimately bolster the number of certified nurses working in home healthcare.

The Effects of Physical Activity on Health-Related Quality of Life Among Working Mothers Living in Amman: A Correlational Study.

Background: Jordan has a high prevalence of physical inactivity, a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases. Working mothers are a high-risk group who face significant barriers to physical activity and experience a decline in their quality of life. Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the potential impact of physical activity adherence on health-related quality of life and physical fitness among a sample of working mothers. Patients and Methods: A Correlational, retrospective analytical design, was employed among a sample of working mothers (n=120), from Amman and was divided into two comparison groups. Data collection included a self-reported questionnaire using a demographic questionnaire, a health perception scale, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire short form, the International Fitness Scale, and the Quality of Life Brief questionnaire. The statistical analysis was independent t-test analysis, analysis of variance (One-way ANOVA), Pearson r correlation and regression used to estimate the prediction of dependent variables based on independent variables. Results: The results found a significant positive relationship between physical activity and overall quality of life and its domains (physical, psychological, and environmental); however, there was no statistically significant difference in the social domain. Adherence to physical activity was a significant positive predictor of quality of life. Moreover, the health perception level was a significant positive predictor. A t-test revealed a statistically significant difference between the physically active group and a sedentary group of working mothers regarding changes in Health-Related Quality of Life; physically active mothers are more likely to have better physical (p < 0.024), psychological (p < 0.001), and overall quality of life (p < 0.011). Furthermore, Physical fitness significantly predicted physical activity in the study results. Conclusion: This study confirms the existence of positive correlations between physical activity and working women's quality of life and physical fitness. Mothers with higher levels of physical activity are more likely to have better physical, psychological, and environmental domains of quality of life and better physical fitness.

Intention, Motivation, and Empowerment: Factors Associated with Seasonal Influenza Vaccination among Healthcare Workers (HCWs).

BACKGROUND: Vaccination against seasonal influenza has proven effective in preventing nosocomial influenza outbreaks among hospital patients and healthcare workers (HCWs). This study aims to explore the intention, motivation, and empowerment toward vaccination and vaccination advocacy as contributing factors for seasonal influenza vaccination in HCWs. METHODS: A cross-sectional study in eight secondary hospitals in Greece was conducted from March to May 2022. An anonymous questionnaire was enclosed in an envelope and distributed to all participants, including questions on vaccine behavior and the MoVac-flu and MoVad scales. RESULTS: A total of 296 participants completed the questionnaire. In multivariate logistic regression models adjusted for potential confounders, increased age, intention score, MoVac-flu scale score, and the presence of chronic diseases were significant predictors of influenza vaccination this year, while increased age, intention score, and presence of chronic diseases were predictors of vaccination every year. CONCLUSION: Vaccination uptake is simultaneously affected by logical cognitive processes (intention), together with factors related to motivation and empowerment in distinct self-regulatory domains such as value, impact, knowledge, and autonomy. Interventions focused on these identified predictors may be used as a guide to increase HCWs' vaccination rates.

Psychological Distress and Concerns of In-Home Older People Living with Cancer and Their Impact on Supportive Care Needs: An Observational Survey.

(1) Background: Cancer patients are experiencing psychological problems after diagnosis, such as emotional distress and social anxiety, which may increase their demands for emotional and supportive care. This study aimed to assess the influence of both emotional distress and concerns on the supportive care needs of cancer patients receiving home-based healthcare. (2) Methods: In this door-to-door screening program, 97 cancer patients were approached, with a mean age of 73 years old (mean = 73.43; SD = 6.60). (3) Results: As expected, 42.3% of patients highlighted their treatment as their main psychological priority, with 20.6% identifying concerns about the future of their family in this regard. No significant associations with respect to sex were identified in terms of focus, though females reported the need for more frequent psychological support (58.7% vs. 37.3%, respectively, p = 0.035) compared to males. Patients who had experienced an increased number of concerns during the last weeks (IRR = 1.02; 95% CI: 1.00-1.03, p = 0.007) had a significantly greater risk of presenting an increased rate of supportive care needs. Notably, male patients with bone cancer presented a significantly greater number of supportive care needs (mean rank 45.5 vs. 9.0, p = 0.031) respectively, in comparison to those with other types of cancer. (4) Conclusions: Supportive care needs arise from a greater concern and specific type of cancer, highlighting the need for supportive care, such as psychosocial and psychological support. This may have significant implications for treatment and patient outcomes in home care settings.

Indicators of Healthcare Services Utilization among the Syrian Refugee Population in Jordan: An Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: Sufficient healthcare services utilization among the Syrian refugee population is one of the most important human rights. Vulnerable populations, such as refugees, are often deprived of sufficient access to healthcare services. Even when healthcare services are accessible, refugees vary in their level of utilization of these services and their health-seeking behavior. PURPOSE: This study aims to examine the status and indicators of healthcare service access and utilization among adult Syrian refugees with non-communicable diseases residing in two refugee camps. METHODS: The cross-sectional descriptive design was conducted by enrolling 455 adult Syrian refugees residing in the Al-Za'atari and Azraq camps in northern Jordan, using demographical data, perceived health, and the "Access to healthcare services" module, which is a part of the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS). A logistic regression model with binary outcomes was used to explore the accuracy of the variables influencing the utilization of healthcare services. The individual indicators were examined further out of 14 variables, according to the Anderson model. Specifically, the model consisted of healthcare indicators and demographic variables to find out if they have any effect on healthcare services utilization. RESULTS: Descriptive data showed that the mean age of the study participants (n = 455) was 49.45 years (SD = 10.48), and 60.2% (n = 274) were females. In addition, 63.7% (n = 290), of them were married; 50.5% (n = 230) held elementary school-level degrees; and the majority 83.3% (n = 379) were unemployed. As expected, the vast majority have no health insurance. The mean overall food security score was 13 out of 24 (±3.5). Difficulty in accessing healthcare services among Syrian refugees in Jordan's camps was significantly predicted by gender. "Transportation problems, other than fee problems" (mean 4.25, SD = 1.11) and "Unable to afford transportation fees" (mean 4.27, SD = 1.12) were identified as the most important barriers to accessing healthcare services. CONCLUSION: Healthcare services must imply all possible measures to make them more affordable to refugees, particularly older, unemployed refugees with large families. High-quality fresh food and clean drinking water are needed to improve health outcomes in camps.

Lived Experiences of Female Nurses with COVID-19 Deaths on Their Watch.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a tremendous effect on health systems, leading to a spike in stress, anxiety, and depression conditions among healthcare workers worldwide. Considering the mental health status of nurses, a pillar of the health system, is crucial for assuring the quality of the healthcare provided during and after pandemics. This study aimed to explore the experiences of female nurses who witnessed their patients dying of COVID-19. Seven female COVID-19 nurses were interviewed in person. Thematic analysis of the respondents' verbatim answers was implemented. Six main themes were identified. Theme 1 illustrates nurses' experience of emotional and psychological trauma as they witnessed their patients with COVID-19 die under their care. Theme 2 reveals aftershock reactions, including somatization, isolation, and emotional disengagement. Theme 3 highlights the hindrances and difficult situations related to the in-hospital care of COVID-19 patients. Theme 4 demonstrates victorious feelings and celebration of the patient's survival. Theme 5 emphasizes the nurse's ability to be calm and recognize the takeaways or lessons they have learned from this phase for their careers and lives. Theme 6 sheds light on nurses' emerging abilities and competencies. This study will hopefully provide a basis for a debriefing program that might be beneficial to the nurses and the health system. This might affect nurses' ability to work closely with patients, cope emotionally with challenges, and fulfil their professional tasks.

Post-traumatic stress disorder among Syrian refugees in Greece.

Background: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric entity developed by those who have been through a traumatic experience. The civil wars in Syria and neighboring countries during the past few years might trigger such experiences, and the same could be argued for the difficult journey from the actual war zones to Europe. Purpose: To determine the level of PTSD among Arabic-speaking refugees in a Greek refugee camp, who originate primarily from Syria. Methods: This study involves (N = 73) Syrian refugees, all located in Greek camp. Data were gathered using the civilian version of PTSD CheckList (PCL-C). The Arabic version of the PCL-C was used. Individual scores were evaluated via use of DSM-IV criteria. Results: PTSD was found in 58 participants, afflicting both genders (72% of men and 45% of women). In addition, the severity score was recorded to be significantly elevated for the majority of the participants. Finally, the most vulnerable age group was the same for both genders, featuring those between the ages of 35 and 44 years. Conclusions: The findings of this study demonstrated that the traumatic experiences, suffered by these refugees either before and/or on their journey to Greece, had a severe mental impact. It is imperative that all refugees suffering from this disorder be diagnosed in time and receive appropriate support.

Self-management and self-efficacy of women with gestational diabetes mellitus: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a temporary form of diabetes induced by pregnancy and is potentially harmful to both the mother and fetus The impact of GDM diagnosis on pregnant women needs to be taken into account. This is related to the capacity for self-management of GDM, for which quality evidence is still lacking. OBJECTIVE: to identify several aspects of self-management and self- efficacy for women with GDM. METHOD: Electronic databases were searched for studies related to the self-management, self-efficacy, and glycemic control of women with GDM, from January 2012 to January 2021. The extraction of study features was based on study location, reported research aims, study design, methodology, and the analytical approach, using Endnote Version X7.7.1. The Critical Appraisal Skills Program Qualitative Checklist (CASP) was used to assess quality, as recommended by the Cochrane Qualitative Research Methods Group. RESULTS: Ten out of 70 studies were identified as meeting the established criteria and including a diverse population. The synthesis revealed seven major themes: preliminary psychological impact, communicating the diagnosis, knowledge of GDM, self-efficacy and self-management of GDM, risk perception, the burden of GDM, and gaining control. The benefits of a diagnosis were behavioral and were mostly crystalized if a particular level of self-management and self-efficacy was reached and women were able to have specific control over their diet and body weight. On the other hand, women reported that the diagnosis increased their responsibility, as they had to take extra precautions regarding their dietary regimen. CONCLUSION: Self-management and self-efficacy for GDM management are possible, despite the psychological hurdles that most women confront. There is still potential for improvement in terms of developing a healthy lifestyle that not only manages GDM for the best pregnancy result, but also prevents diabetes after pregnancy.

The Impact of Frailty and Geriatric Syndromes on the Quality of Life of Older Adults Receiving Home-Based Healthcare: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Purpose: To identify the effect of frailty and geriatric syndromes on the quality of life (QoL), of older adults receiving home care, taking into consideration their socioeconomic and homebound status, including multi-comorbidities. Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled elders aged (≥65) years old, registered members of "Help at Home" programs in the Reference Region of Crete, from March to May 2019. Participants were screened using the WHOQOL-BREF for Quality of Life, geriatric syndromes such as frailty using the SHARE-Frailty Index (SHARE-Fi), the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), for cognitive function and the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), for the assessment of depression. Results: The mean age of the 301 participants was 78.45 (±7.87) years old. The prevalence of frailty was 38.5%, severe depression 13.6%, cognitive dysfunction 87.8% and severe comorbidity 70.6%. Intriguingly, none of the participants (0%) was identified as free of comorbidity (CCI = 0−1). The overall QoL (ranging from 4−20) of the study participants was 13.24 (±4.09). The bivariate analysis showed that overall QoL significantly differed among older adults with frailty (15.91 vs. 11.56, p < 0.001), cognitive dysfunction (15.42 vs. 12.90, p < 0.001), depression (14.90 vs. 9.31, p < 0.001), and disability in Activities of Daily Living (13.67 vs. 10.67, p = 0.002), compared to non-frail, normal cognition and depression, and independent elders, respectively. Multiple linear regression models revealed that frail and depressive elders reported significantly lower QoL (ß = −2.65, p < 0.001 and (ß = −5.71, p < 0.001), compared to non-frail and older adults with no depressive symptoms, respectively, despite the fact that this association was not significant for older adults with dementia (ß = −2.25, p = 0.159), even after adjusting for potential confounding effects (age, gender, comorbidity, homebound status, etc.). Conclusion: frailty and geriatric syndromes including comorbidities are important risk factors for "poor" QoL among older adults receiving home-based healthcare.