Nurses' contribution during pandemic conditions: A synthesis of qualitative literature.

OBJECTIVE: To synthesise the evidence relating to the contribution nurses make during respiratory infectious disease pandemics. BACKGROUND: Pandemics are known for their abrupt and contagious nature, as well as their impact on individuals and society. Nurses are more likely to work closely with patients experiencing illness and disease during pandemics, and studies on the role of the profession have mainly focused on the challenges, barriers and shortfalls in nursing care provision. The nursing role in service delivery and their contribution in improving patient well-being has received far less attention. METHODS: In May 2020, three review registers, grey literature and the following databases were searched: Medline via Ovid, Web of Science, CINAHL via EBSCO and Cochrane Library. The specific focus was on qualitative literature that considered the experiences and perceptions of nurses providing care during several respiratory pandemics. Selected papers were appraised using CASP checklist. ENTREQ checklist was used to inform stages associated with the synthesis of selected papers. RESULTS: From 5553 retrieved citations, the analysis of 24 eligible papers resulted in three key themes: the implications of working during pandemics on nurses' personal and family life, nursing contribution in challenging conditions, and working above and beyond. Considering nurses' role in healthcare system, research on their contribution found to have received little appreciation in peer-reviewed journals. CONCLUSIONS: This review pertains to nurses' work in global context and highlights the huge contribution made by the profession in the context of respiratory pandemics. It confirms that nurses' experiences outweighed economic, social and psychological implications of providing care during the pandemic crisis. Acknowledging nurses' resilience and professional motivations, we also argue that the nurse contribution during pandemics can be enhanced when resources, support and training are provided. Further research on contexts and conditions which mitigate nurses the potential for sustained contribution is needed.

Awareness and attitude towards sex health education and sexual health services among youngsters in rural and urban settings of Sindh, Pakistan.

OBJECTIVES: To assess attitudes and awareness regarding sexual health education and services among young individuals in Pakistan. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in urban and semi-urban districts of Sindh, Pakistan, in 2010. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed in-hand among 200 young people aged 16-25 years; who were selected on the basis of convenience sampling. Of the questionnaires distributed, 165 (82%) were returned. After checking for quality and consistency, 150 (75%) forms were found good enough to be used for categorical analysis, using PASW Statistics 18 for Mac 2008 version. RESULTS: Of the 150 participants, 94 (63%) were males and 56 (37%) were females. A quarter of them (n = 38; 25.3%) said sexual health services were available too far away from their area. Besides, they also found the staff to be 'not competent.' Almost one-third (n = 49; 32.7%) reported of not having matching gender choice (male or female) of professionals with whom they could feel comfortable sharing their sexual health concerns. Majority of the participants (n = 101; 67.3%) considered trained health professionals as the primary source of sexual health education, whereas, 90 (60%), 75 (50%), and 59 (39.3%) also reported to have secondary sources, including internet, parents and telephone helpline respectively. CONCLUSION: Sexual health education and services for the young are barely enough or satisfactory in terms of quantity and quality in Pakistan, suggesting a case for having curriculum-based sex education implemented in academic institutions.