Determinants of Negative and Positive Consequences of Indirect Exposure to Trauma in Polish Nuns Caring for Disabled People: The Role of Spirituality and Optimistic Life Attitude.

Professionals working with people after traumatic experiences are indirectly exposed to the consequences of trauma. The aim of the study was to establish the role of spirituality and optimism in the occurrence of secondary traumatic stress and growth among 104 Polish Catholic nuns caring for people with a disability. The study used 4 standard measurement tools. A multidimensional analysis identified four types of consequences. Nuns caring for people with disabilities are as vulnerable to secondary traumatization as other professionals working with traumatized people, but they are more likely to experience positive consequences of care, and this is thanks to their spirituality.

Sense of Coherence (SOC) in Christian Orthodox Monks and Nuns in Greece.

This paper aims to investigate the stress management skills of Christian Orthodox monks and nuns, as measured by Antonovsky's scale sense of coherence (SOC). A case-control study was designed to test the hypotheses whether monks and nuns have higher SOC than secular people. The study population consisted of 193 individuals, 96 monks and nuns (study group) and 97 secular men and women (control group). SOC score was higher in monks and nuns as compared to the secular population (p = 0.002), men as compared to women (p = 0.012) and persons of older age (p = 0.004) as compared to younger individuals.

Evaluation of Breast Health Promotion Intervention Among Catholic Nuns in Lake Zone 'Tanzania.

Objective: Despite facing unique barriers, Catholic nuns in Tanzania require accessible breast health promotion. This study explores interventions to empower nuns through knowledge, improved attitudes, and positive practices, ultimately promoting well-being and early detection for better breast cancer outcomes. Materials and Methods: A quasi-experimental design study guided by the Health Belief Model was conducted to monitor the implementation of a breast health intervention program aimed at increasing breast cancer screening knowledge among 385 Catholic nuns aged 20 to over 60 years old within Lake Zone, Tanzania. Data were collected at two-time points: pre-intervention (baseline) and implementation phase intervention (after three months). The intervention consisted of a 2-hour educational session. Participants had opportunities to ask questions and provide feedback. Results: The breast health promotion intervention was well-received by Catholic nuns, with 339 (88%) expressing strong motivation to learn and promote awareness. The training effectively increased knowledge and positive attitudes towards breast cancer screening. Researcher assistants successfully delivered the program, and 354 (92%) of participants expressed interest in continued education and support. The intervention addressed cultural barriers and empowered nuns to take charge of their health, though some challenges remain meanwhile 158 (41%) had limited prior knowledge, 81 (21%) hesitated to discuss breast health due to religious beliefs, and some faced difficulty applying the learnings. Conclusion: Overall, the breast health promotion intervention had a positive outcome on the Catholic nuns' awareness and knowledge of breast health. However, addressing the identified barriers and challenges is crucial to further enhance the intervention's effectiveness and sustainability.

Prevalence and associated factors of breast cancer screening among nuns in the Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi.

Introduction: breast cancer is a significant global challenge. The risk of breast cancer among nuns is high mainly due to the basis of nulliparity. Among the effective approaches to addressing breast cancer is early screening. However, there are concerns over the uptake of screening across all populations, including nuns. The objective of the study is to determine the prevalence and the associated factors of breast cancer screening among nuns in the Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi. Methods: this research used the analytical cross-sectional design. A total of 384 nuns in the Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi were recruited using a stratified sampling. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data. Chi-square and binary logistic regression were used to determine association between social-demographic factors and breast cancer screening. Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS version 26) was used for analysis. The level of significance was investigated at p<0.05. Results: our findings revealed that the prevalence of breast cancer screening among nuns was 30.7%. The findings established that those who had knowledge on breast cancer screening (AOR=25.52, 95%CI: 8.87 - 73.45, p<0.001) and those who had congregational financial support (AOR=1.97, 95%CI: 1.68 - 5.74, p=0.021) were more likely to undergo breast cancer screening. Those who had hospital check-up for in more than six months prior to the study (AOR=0.001, 95%CI: 0.000 - 0.008, p<0.001) and those who never had a hospital check-up, (AOR=0.001, 95%CI: 0.000 - 0.006, p<0.001) were less likely to undergo breast cancer screening. Conclusion: the findings have shown low uptake of breast cancer screening amongst nuns in the Catholic Archdiocese in Nairobi. Knowledge on breast cancer screening access to congregational support and hospital check-up have been identified as key factors associated with breast cancer screening. Therefore, there is a need to create adequate awareness be created and the Catholic reverend sisters educated through aggressive education campaign programs so as to eliminate misconceptions relating to the topic. Also, to integrate free access to screening services in the government health institutions for nuns.

Marie Poussepin's Influence on Nursing from Her Vocation of Service and Charity.

Objective: This work sought to describe the influence of Marie Poussepin on Nursing from her vocation of service and charity. Methods: Historical-hermeneutic study with participation by 15 Dominican Sisters of Charity in the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin from the city of Manizales and Bogotá, Colombia, who answered semi-structured interviews. The information was gathered and recontextualized via the open and axial coding system through ATLAS.ti9 software. During the interpretation procedure, copying, intensive reading, note taking, analysis, first epigraph of the report, coding, grouping, and determination of categories was made, conducting information triangulation with existing evidence. Results: Three categories emerged: Responding to the call of Jesus through service to the community; Under the legacy of charity, respect for life and the dignity of human beings, and Caring for life as a foundation of nursing. The second category formulated the description that integrates the course of life and objectives of the institutions where the nuns interviewed work. Conclusion: The legacy by Marie Poussepin to nursing care has been manifested since the foundation of the work, influencing the disciplinary work through the vocational commitment of those who make up the congregation, imprinting a character of service and respect for others, in response to the love of God.

Self-sampling and HPV DNA testing for cervical precancer screening in a cohort of nuns in Ghana: a cross-sectional cohort study.

Background: The need for cervical cancer screening has been emphasised in at-risk cohorts of women to reduce their risk of cervical cancer. Some women with decreased risk of acquiring human papillomavirus (HPV) infections, such as Catholic nuns, receive less attention and on occasion are missed in cervical cancer screening programmes. This study aimed to determine the high-risk HPV (hr-HPV) prevalence in such a cohort to emphasise the need for cervical precancer screening among all women. To improve compliance, we employed self-sampling. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional cohort study involved the data of 105 Catholic nuns subjected to cervical screening using self-samples in the Greater Accra, Volta, and Central regions of Ghana between June 4, 2022 and June 30, 2022. hr-HPV testing was performed on self-samples using the MA-6000 HPV DNA platform. Screen-positive nuns underwent follow-up pap smears and EVA colposcopy. In addition to descriptive analysis, univariate and multivariable nominal logistic regression was used to explore the relationship between hr-HPV positivity and selected continuous and categorical factors. Findings: 105 nuns from three convents were screened with hr-HPV DNA testing (MA-6000). Twenty-five tested positive for hr-HPV (prevalence of 23.8% (95% CI, 15.7-32.0) [HPV 18 only (n = 2, 1.9%), non-HPV 16/18 genotypes (others) (n = 22, 21.0%), and mixed infection with HPV 16 and other genotype(s) (n = 1, 1.0%)]. Pap smears for all 25 hr-HPV-positives came in as negative for intraepithelial lesions or malignancy, whereas EVA mobile colposcopy showed minor abnormal findings in two (8.0%; 95% CI, 1.0-26.0), both of whom were managed conservatively. Interpretation: Our findings suggest that the hr-HPV prevalence in this cohort of nuns is similar to that of the general population. To meet the World Health Organization's target for cervical cancer elimination, it is important that all women are given access to cervical cancer screening and preventative services. Further, increasing 'anonymity' and privacy among nuns through self-sampling may be crucial to expanding choice, coverage, and uptake of screening in support of their health rights. Funding: None.

Regional Brain Volume Changes in Catholic Nuns: A Cross-Sectional Study Using Deep Learning-Based Brain MRI Segmentation.

OBJECTIVE: Religious behaviors are considered as complex brain-based phenomena that may be associated with structural brain change. To identify the pattern of regional brain volume change in nuns, we investigated structural alterations in the brains of nuns using a fast processing automated segmentation method based on deep learning algorithms. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of the catholic sisters between the ages of 31 and 80 who are members of the charity of St. Vincent de Paul of Korea. A total of 193 asymptomatic subjects (86 nuns and 107 control subjects) received comprehensive health screening and underwent brain MRI scans. We compared cortical and sub-cortical volume between groups across multiple locations using our in-house U-Net++ deep learning-based automatic segmentation tool. RESULTS: Compared to the control group, the nun group displayed increased gray matter volume in the right lingual cortex, left isthmus-cingulate, posterior-cingulate, rostral-middle-frontal, superior-frontal, supramarginal, temporal-pole cortices, and bilateral pars-triangularis cortices after correction for multiple comparisons. On the other hand, the nun group showed reduced gray matter volume in the temporal and parietal regions relative to healthy controls. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that spiritual practice may affect brain structure, especially in several frontal regions involved in a higher level of insight function.

Work Engagement and Flourishing at Work Among Nuns: The Moderating Role of Human Values.

Faith-based organizations are a key player in major sectors of activity for maintaining the welfare state, including health, education, and social services. This paper uses a multivariate regression model in an attempt to identify the factors that affect the relationship between work engagement and flourishing. The paper also discusses the empirical research gap that has been identified in the literature about the moderated effect of human values on this relationship. This study is based on a sample of 142 nuns of a congregation belonging to a religious organization with an international scope and a Catholic inspiration. The case of religious women who have chosen to live a life consistent with the charism of the congregation constitutes a paradigmatic and unique environment to investigate the potential alignment of personal values with professional activity. This work unveils two main findings. First, the more engaged nuns are in their work (social action to serve the poorest and most disadvantaged people), the more they flourish in their working environment and in their personal lives. Second, Schwartz's values reinforce the relationship between the professional role (work engagement) and the personal role (flourishing at work). In conclusion, flourishing at work could be improved through work engagement and this relationship is moderated by human values. These results add insights to better know the relationship among life and work domains.

Marie Poussepin's Influence on Nursing from Her Vocation of Service and Charity / Influencia de Marie Poussepin a la enfermería desde su vocación de servicio y caridad / Influência de Marie Poussepin na enfermagem a partir de sua vocação de serviço e caridade

Objective. This work sought to describe the influence of Marie Poussepin on Nursing from her vocation of service and charity. Method. Historical-hermeneutic study with participation by 15 Dominican Sisters of Charity in the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin from the city of Manizales and Bogotá, Colombia, who answered semi-structured interviews. The information was gathered and recontextualized via the open and axial coding system through ATLAS.ti9 software. During the interpretation procedure, copying, intensive reading, note taking, analysis, first epigraph of the report, coding, grouping, and determination of categories was made, conducting information triangulation with existing evidence. Results.Three categories emerged: Responding to the call of Jesus through service to the community; Under the legacy of charity, respect for life and the dignity of human beings, and Caring for life as a foundation of nursing. The second category formulated the description that integrates the course of life and objectives of the institutions where the nuns interviewed work. Conclusion.The legacy byMarie Poussepin to nursing care has been manifested since the foundation of the work, influencing the disciplinary work through the vocational commitment of those who make up the congregation, imprinting a character of service and respect for others, in response to the love of God.

Objetivo. Describir la influencia de Marie Poussepin para la enfermería, desde su vocación de servicio y caridad. Método. Estudio histórico-hermenéutico. Participaron quince Hermanas de la Caridad Dominicas de la Presentación de la Santísima Virgen de la ciudad de Manizales y Bogotá, Colombia, quienes respondieron a entrevistas semiestructuradas. Se recogió y recontextualizó la información mediante el sistema de codificación abierta y axial del software ATLAS.ti9. Durante el procedimiento de interpretación se hizo copia, lectura intensiva, toma de notas, análisis, primer epígrafe del informe, codificación, agrupación y determinación de categorías, y se llevó a cabo la triangulación de la información con la evidencia existente. Resultados. Emergieron tres categorías: Dando respuesta al llamado de Jesús mediante el servicio a la comunidad; Bajo el legado de caridad, respeto por la vida y la dignidad del ser humano y Cuidado de la vida como fundamento de enfermería. En la segunda categoría se realizó la descripción que integra el curso de vida y objetivo de las instituciones donde laboran las religiosas entrevistadas. Conclusión.El legado de Marie Poussepin, al cuidado enfermero, se ha manifestado desde la fundación de la obra y ha influido en la labor disciplinar mediante el compromiso vocacional de quienes integran la congregación, e imprime un carácter de servicio y respeto por el otro en respuesta al amor a Dios.

Objetivo. Descrever a influência de Marie Poussepin para a enfermagem, a partir de sua vocação de serviço e caridade. Método. Estudo histórico-hermenêutico. Participaram quinze irmãs da Caridade Dominicanas da Apresentação da Santíssima Virgem da cidade de Manizales e Bogotá, Colômbia, respondendo a entrevistas semiestruturadas. As informações foram coletadas e recontextualizadas por meio do sistema de codificação aberta e axial por meio do software ATLAS.ti9. Durante o procedimento de interpretação, foram feitas cópia, leitura intensiva, anotações, análise, primeira epígrafe do relato, codificação, agrupamento e determinação de categorias, realizando-se a triangulação das informações com as evidências existentes. Resultados. Emergiram três categorias: Respondendo ao chamado de Jesus através do serviço à comunidade; Sob o legado da caridade, o respeito à vida e à dignidade da pessoa humana e o cuidado à vida como fundamento da enfermagem. Na segunda categoria, foi feita a descrição que integra o percurso de vida e objetivo das instituições onde trabalham as freiras entrevistadas. Conclusão. O legado de Marie Poussepin para o cuidado de enfermagem se manifesta desde a fundação da obra, influenciando o trabalho disciplinar através do compromisso vocacional daqueles que compõem a congregação, imprimindo um caráter de serviço e respeito ao próximo, em resposta ao amor a Deus.

Autocuidado em freiras carmelitas descalças à luz da Teoria de Orem / Autocuidado de las carmelitas descalzas a la luz de la Teoría de Orem / Self-care by discalced carmelite nuns in the light of Orems Theory

RESUMO Objetivo: Compreender a percepção do autocuidado por parte de freiras de vida contemplativa que residem em um Mosteiro da Ordem Carmelita Descalça. Método: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo e exploratório de abordagem qualitativa, realizado em um Mosteiro da Ordem Carmelita Descalça do Estado de Minas Gerais. A coleta de dados foi realizada em janeiro de 2018 junto às freiras por meio de um questionário sobre seu perfil sociodemográfico e um roteiro semi-estruturado para entrevista. As entrevistas foram transcritas e revisadas, sendo submetidas a análise de conteúdo. Resultados: Participaram 20 freiras. Emergiram três categorias: compreensão do autocuidado, como pratica o autocuidado e o que fazer para melhorar o autocuidado. De cada uma das três categorias temáticas, foi selecionada uma subcategoria. Estas foram, respectivamente, o cuidado com o outro, a alimentação e o exercício. Entendeu-se que as freiras compreendem o autocuidado como o cuidado com o outro. Praticam majoritariamente através da alimentação e consideram ainda o exercício como algo a ser melhorado no autocuidado. Conclusão: Constatou-se que as freiras compreendem o que é autocuidado em sua essência e o realizam. Contudo, dão prioridade ao cuidado do outro como forma de cuidado mútuo, que repercute no autocuidado.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Entender la percepción del autocuidado de las monjas de vida contemplativa que residen en un monasterio de la Orden de las Carmelitas Descalzas. Método: Se trata de un estudio descriptivo y exploratorio con un abordaje cualitativo, realizado en un monasterio de la Orden de las Carmelitas Descalzas en el estado de Minas Gerais. La recopilación de datos de las monjas se llevó a cabo en enero del año 2018 mediante un cuestionario sobre su perfil sociodemográfico y un guión semiestructurado para la entrevista. Las entrevistas se transcribieron y revisaron y se sometieron a un análisis de contenido. Resultados: Participaron 20 monjas. Surgieron tres categorías: comprensión del autocuidado, cómo practica el autocuidado y qué pueden hacer para mejorar su autocuidado. De cada una de las tres categorías temáticas, se seleccionó una subcategoría. Estas fueron respectivamente el cuidado del otro, la comida y el ejercicio. Se entendió que las monjas comprenden el autocuidado como el cuidado del otro. Practican el autocuidado principalmente a través de la alimentación y consideran el ejercicio como algo que pueden mejorar en el cuidado de sí mismas. Conclusión: Se constató que las monjas entienden lo que es el autocuidado y lo hacen. Sin embargo, dan prioridad al cuidado del otro como una forma de cuidado mutuo, que tiene un impacto en el autocuidado.

ABSTRACT Objective: To understand the perception of self-care by contemplative nuns residing in a Discalced Carmelite Monastery. Method: Descriptive, exploratory study, with a qualitative approach, conducted in a Discalced Carmelite Monastery in Minas Gerais state. Data collection from nuns was performed in January 2018 through a questionnaire on their sociodemographic profile and a semi-structured interview script. The interviews were transcribed, reviewed, and submitted to content analysis. Results: Twenty nuns took part in this study. Three categories emerged: self-care comprehension, how self-care is practiced and what should be done to improve self-care. One subcategory was selected from each thematic category. Subcategories were, respectively, care of others, nutrition, and exercise. Nuns were seen to understand self-care as care of others, practicing it mostly through nutrition while considering exercise a point to be improved. Conclusion: Nuns were found to understand what self-care is in its essence and to perform it. However, their priority is to provide care of others as a form of mutual care, which impacts on self-care.

Lineage interests and nonreproductive strategies : An evolutionary approach to medieval religious women.

The nonreproductive role of religious women in the European Middle Ages presents the ideal forum for the discussion of elite family strategies within a historical context. I apply the evolutionary concept of kin selection to this group of women in order to explain how a social formation in which religious women failed to reproduce benefited medieval noble lineages. After a brief review of the roles of noble women in the later Middle Ages, I identify two benefits that nonreproductive women provided within a patrilineal inheritance system. First, spatial segregation and Christian ideology together served to curtail the production of offspring who could pose a threat to lineage interests. Second, cloistered noble women served as a strong political and economic bloc that could further lineage interests within a religious context. Finally, I discuss the evolutionary basis for the formation of groups of nonreproductive women. Using the foundation provided by animal behavioral studies, I apply the twin concepts of cooperative breeding and parental manipulation to noble lineages of the medieval period.

Risk for osteoporosis in elderly nuns: need for better recognition and treatment.

BACKGROUND: The risk for osteoporosis in Catholic sisters (nuns) may be even higher than that of the general female population given their longer life expectancy (82.0 to 89.0 years vs 79.6 years for the average white woman) and the use of a traditional habit as a young adult, resulting in limited sun exposure (ie, exposure to vitamin D). OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine, in a group of elderly nuns attending an annual health screening day (Health Forum), how many met National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) treatment criteria using peripheral bone mineral density (BMD) measurements and risk factors; what proportion received adequate vitamin D; whether BMD was related to length of time that nuns wore a habit; and whether BMD measurement led to medical interventions. In addition, we compared the usefulness of calcaneal BMD with that of BMD at central sites for identification of those at risk for osteoporosis. METHODS: This cross-sectional study assessed BMD by calcaneal dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and, for some participants, central DXA. A baseline questionnaire and follow-up mail survey also were included. RESULTS: Of the 230 nuns attending the Health Forum, 146 (63%) (mean age, 70 years; range, 48-90 years) participated in the study. Of these, 14% had calcaneal osteoporosis (T-score <-2.5) and 32% met NOF treatment criteria, indicating risk comparable to that of other postmenopausal American women. Sixty-four percent were receiving less than the recommended amount of vitamin D (≥400 IU/d for those aged <71 years and ≥600 IU/d for those aged ≥71 years). Calcaneal BMD was inversely related to the length of time nuns had worn a habit. Fifty-six women subsequently underwent central DXA. Using a calcaneal T-score of -1.2 to identify those with central osteoporosis, sensitivity and specificity of 78% and 76%, respectively, were obtained. According to the mail survey, 11 of 42 respondents who had met NOF treatment criteria started new medications for osteoporosis. CONCLUSIONS: Elderly nuns are at substantial risk for osteoporosis. Most receive inadequate vitamin D. For nuns and others who may have limited access to central DXA measurement, peripheral measurements may help identify those in need of further intervention. Further efforts, in addition to BMD measurements, are necessary to ensure appropriate therapy for those who meet treatment criteria.