The Malaysian Journal of Nursing (MJN)

Message from the Editor in Chief

Prof. Datuk Dr. Hjh. Bibi Florina Abdullah — 2024-05-30

Nursing encompasses both independent and collaborative care across diverse populations, from individuals to families, groups, and communities, in various healthcare settings. It involves not only promoting health and preventing illness but also providing compassionate care to those who are sick, disabled, or nearing the end of life. Nurses also play crucial roles in advocacy, creating safe environments, conducting research, shaping health policies, managing healthcare systems, and educating others.

Nursing Leaders to Address Workplace Bullying

Yusrita Zolkefli — 2024-04-20

The letter centers around a recent study published in the Malaysian Journal of Nursing, titled "Workplace bullying among nurses in Singapore: A quantitative survey,” which sheds light on nurses' experiences regarding workplace bullying. The study deserves praise for its insightful look at nurse workplace bullying. This study calls for serious reflection because it undermines our caring professionals. This study also shows that nursing leaders can improve the workplace. What can nurse leaders do to help? This commentary will focus on two salient strategies that could assist nurse leaders in mitigating bullying: having the knowledge, skills, and confidence to identify bullying and prioritizing targeted support.

Nurses' Attitudes, Knowledge, and Practices Concerning Evidence-Based Practice: A Cross-Sectional Study

Mohanned Khaleel Abdullah — 2024-04-20

Background: The objective of this study is to analyze the impact of individual variables among staff nurses on their knowledge, attitudes, and implementation of evidence-based practice in the City of Mosul, Iraq. Additionally, the study aims to identify the characteristics that either facilitate or hinder the implementation of evidence-based practice. Methods: A cross-sectional, correlational design was used. The principles outlined in the STROBE Checklist is followed while sharing this study. A sample of 250 staff nurses was conveniently picked from five hospitals in Mosul, Iraq. The survey consisted of the Evidence-Based Practice Questionnaire and individual variables as questions. The data were analyzed using multiple linear regression models. Results: The average age of the participants was 31.0 years, with a standard deviation of 5.5 years. The majority of participants indicated a lack of knowledge, abilities, and experience in evidence-based practice (EBP), while expressing moderate views towards EBP. The area of study revealed distinct disparities in average scores for knowledge or skills, attitudes, and practice. Nurses had significantly greater knowledge, abilities, and practice of evidence-based practice (EBP) compared to midwives (p<0.001). Nurses and midwives who had master's degrees demonstrated superior knowledge, abilities, and implementation of evidence-based practice (EBP), as well as more favorable attitudes compared to nurses with bachelor's degrees (p<0.001). Conclusion: Nurses in the city of Mosul are eager to participate in the evidence-based practice approach. Nevertheless, nurses have recognized the need to enhance their knowledge and abilities to actively engage in the process.

A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study on Quality of Life and Work Productivity among Women with Skin Disease

Siti Amalina Mazlan — 2024-04-20

Background: The most visible organ of a human being is considered to be the skin. The effects of visible skin disorders on quality of life (QoL) and productivity at work go far beyond their clinical manifestations, especially among women. The objective of this research is to evaluate the quality of life and work productivity of women with skin conditions who attend public hospitals. Methods: A Cross-sectional study was carried out from March 2023 to May 2023 at the dermatology clinics of Kuala Lumpur Hospital and Selayang Hospital. With 404 respondents, the researcher used a proportionate and random sampling technique. The Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and Work Productivity and Activity Impairment - General Health (WPAI- GH) scales were included in the self-administered questionnaire. The data in this study were analyzed using Statistical Packages for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 28. Results: Eczema was frequently diagnosed in the respondents (42.1%) aged 18– 30 (53.7%) followed by acne vulgaris (30.9%) and psoriasis (27%). Patients with eczema had the most significant effect on the DLQI score (35.9%). The outcome for WPAI-GH observed psoriasis patients showed the highest absenteeism (M=8.6, SD=15.4). There was no significant difference between types of skin diseases with WPAI-GH subscales (p>0.05). Activity impairment was significantly associated with the DLQI score (p<0.05). Conclusion: These results demonstrated the need for dermatologists and nurses to develop comprehensive care approaches that address the multidimensional impact of skin diseases on patients to improve their quality of life and productivity at work by putting into practice strategies to overcome the issues. Since the nurses are at the forefront of patient care, they possess the expertise to recognize how skin diseases may influence patients' daily functioning and professional productivity; thus, specific strategies can be planned, which will improve the patient's overall health outcomes.

Prevalence and Determination of Hypertension among Diabetes Mellitus Patients Attending Primary Health Care Centres

Radhwan Ibrahim — 2024-04-20

Background: The primary objective of this investigation was to identify the root causes of hypertension in individuals with diabetes, as it represents a significant modifiable risk factor for various cardiovascular diseases and poses a major global public health challenge. Aim: To identify the prevalence and determination of hypertension among diabetes mellitus patients in Mosul City. Methods: This study is a data analysis that was obtained from primary health care centers based on a cross-sectional study. The study period was from the 1st of January to the 1st of July 2022. The study examined the prevalence of hypertension among diabetes mellitus patients attending primary health care centers: 303 patients with diabetes mellitus and 300 patients’s hypertensions with diabetes mellitus. Patients' ages ranged from 40 to over 70 years, divided as follows: 40-49, 50- 59, 60-69, and over 70 years old. As well as their genders, males, and females, who visited the primary health care centers in the right and left sectors and the Al-Wafaa Centre for Diabetes and Endocrinology in the city of Mosul, Iraq. Results: The study shows 15 determinants of hypertension among diabetes mellitus patients who are age (the highest rate is among patients 50- 59years with 37.1%), gender (the highest rate among females with 64.3%), marital status (the highest rate among married with 45.2%), employment (the highest rate is among unemployed with 77%), duration of diabetes (the highest rate is among patients with diabetes and hypertension less than 5 years with 46.8%),smoking (the highest rate is among never smoking), BMI (the highest rate is among obese patient with 54.3%), family history with hypertension (96.7% of patients have family history), sedentary activity (52.2% of patients set less than 4 hours ), sleep duration (66.6% of patients sleep more than 7 hours), stress (63.2% of patients have moderate to high stress), salt consumption after diabetes (33.4% of patients stopped salt consumption at all), physical activity (62.7% of patients do moderate physical activity ), level of education (52.7% of patients educated with primary school ),and residency (52.6% of patients live in the left side of Mosul city). Conclusion: This study concluded that the factors most affected by high blood pressure that affected patients were age, especially 50-59, BMI (obesity), occupation (for non-workers), family history, high stress, and little physical activity.

Effects of Psychosocial Intervention on the Level of Stress: A Pre- Experimental Research on School Children Who Experienced Displacement in Marawi City, Philippines

Tashmera P. Datukali — 2024-04-20

Background: Armed conflicts have a profound impact on the psychosocial well-being of children, particularly those belonging to the most vulnerable displaced groups. Understanding and addressing the psychosocial needs of these children is of paramount importance. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a psychosocial intervention in mitigating stress levels among school- aged children displaced from their homes within the conflict zone of Marawi City. Methods: Employing a pre-experimental design with a single group and utilizing a pre-post-test approach, 38 displaced children aged 7-12 were selected based on specified criteria. The participants underwent a 13-session psychosocial intervention guided by predetermined criteria. Data were collected using three questionnaires encompassing personal and socio-demographic details (part 1), an adapted children's stress symptom scale (part 2), and an assessment of children's emotions before and after the psychosocial interventions (part 3). Results: The results demonstrated a statistically significant difference between pre-test and post-test stress levels among the displaced children who participated in the psychosocial intervention. Conclusion: Participation in various psychosocial interventions was associated with a significant decrease in displacement-related stress levels among the children. This underscores the potential effectiveness of targeted psychosocial interventions in ameliorating the stress experienced by displaced children. Recommendation: Future research endeavors should focus on further enhancing therapeutic approaches tailored to the unique needs of displaced children, particularly those susceptible to the adverse effects of stress. A concerted effort is needed to develop and implement interventions that can comprehensively address the psychosocial well- being of children affected by armed conflicts and displacement.

Developing a Clinical Learning Model to Improve Nursing Students'Learning Outcomes

Mariza Elvira — 2024-04-20

Introduction: The utilization rate of the clinical learning model in Indonesia comprises the following: conferences (54.5%), bedside teaching (54.5%), clinic-tutorials (45.4%), journal percentage (45.4%), and case presentations (45.5%). As a result, this study aimed to improve nursing students' clinical learning outcomes in their ability to effectively address and resolve problems, make informed decisions pertaining to patient cases, and interact with patients and their families. Methods: This study employed an explanatory methodology with a quantitative approach as it elucidated the cause-and-effect relationship between variables. The study sample consisted of 45 nursing students who met the research criteria and conducted clinical practice at the Padang Pariaman Regional Hospital. The study employed total sampling as its sampling technique. Results: After the clinical learning model was implemented, the mean student clinical competency score increased from 24.51 to 26.33, according to the research findings. Similarly, the average student knowledge score also improved from 74.69 to 77.42 following the implementation of the clinical learning model. The study found a significant difference between the level of clinical proficiency students attained before and after the implementation of the clinical learning model (p = 0.001). Additionally, there was a substantial disparity in students' knowledge scores before and after the application of the clinical learning model (p = 0.000). Conclusion: The clinical learning models can improve student learning outcomes and the quality of education.

Assessment of Relationship between Lifestyle Behaviors and Severity of Perimenopausal Symptoms among Women

Hasnaa Gamal Abd Elmoneem Abd Allah Allah — 2024-04-20

Background: Menopause is a stage of transition from a reproductive to a non-reproductive state in the life of a woman. The perimenopause transition is defined as the period immediately before the menopause. The most common symptoms of menopause can be broken down into vasomotor, physical, emotional, or sexual complaints. Lifestyle behaviors play a significant role in women’s experiencing menopausal symptoms during the perimenopause. Aims: It aims to assess the relationship between women’s lifestyle behaviors and the severity of perimenopausal symptoms. Methods: A descriptive correlational study of 120 perimenopausal women using a purposive sample was conducted at gynecology outpatient clinics and general medicine outpatient clinics at Assuit University hospitals from the first of January to the end of June 2023. Three tools were used for this study: a structured interview questionnaire, a modified menopausal rating scale, and a health promotion lifestyle profile. Results: This study reveals that 85.8% of perimenopausal women’s lifestyle was poor. Also, 31.6% of perimenopausal women reported moderate perimenopausal symptoms. Somatic symptoms were the most prevalent symptoms on the menopausal rating scale, followed by psychological symptoms and, lastly, urogenital symptoms. There has been a highly statistically significant difference as regards the relationship between the severity of perimenopausal symptoms and women’s lifestyle behaviors (p > 0.001). Conclusion: There has been an intense negative correlation between women’s lifestyle behaviors and the severity of perimenopausal symptoms. So, women need to get health education from the nurse specialists during perimenopause and nurses should plan and implement educational programs for the perimenopausal women about the healthy life style behaviors to reduce and manage their menopausal symptoms. Recommendation: Plan and implement a necessary educational program for perimenopausal women about healthy lifestyle behaviors to manage menopausal symptoms.

Effectiveness of Acupoint Therapy on Swallowing Ability among Patients with Post-Stroke Dysphagia

Agus Purnama — 2024-04-20

Background: Stroke is the disease that causes the greatest death and disability every year, and the sequelae of stroke often include swallowing disorders or dysphagia. Conventional interventions remain the primary choice in the rehabilitation process for post-stroke patients. However, incorporating acupoint therapy interventions as an alternative within the nursing context is anticipated to maximize the recovery process of dysphagia patients. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of acupoint therapy and modality therapy on the restoration of swallowing ability in post-stroke dysphagia patients. Methods: The research design in this study was to use a quasy experiment. Patients were given intervention for two months or eight treatment sessions to measure swallowing ability using the GUSS (Gugging Swallowing Screen). The criteria for respondents in this study are patients with strokes experiencing swallowing disorders. Results: After eight sessions of treatment, respondents showed a very significant increase in swallowing ability; the average value before treatment was 4.2 and after treatment in session 8 was 19.07. The results of the influence test give a p-value of <0.001. Acupoint therapy interventions are effective in improving the swallowing ability of post-stroke dysphagia patients. Conclusion: The application of Acupoint Therapy interventions in post-stroke dysphagia patients has significantly improved swallowing ability; we recommend that this intervention be a supporting option in addition to conventional interventions obtained by post-stroke dysphagia patients.

Enhancing Cultural Awareness: A Qualitative Exploration of Nurses' Perspectives on Application of Cultural Competence in Elder Care

Christina Binti Mojini — 2024-04-20

Introduction: Cultural competence and awareness are indispensable in contemporary healthcare, particularly in our diverse and multicultural society. Understanding the influence of culture on individuals' values, beliefs, preferences, and behaviours is crucial for providing culturally sensitive care. Objective: This qualitative study aims to explore the significance of enhanced intercultural communication skills in healthcare professions, particularly those involving interactions across diverse cultural backgrounds, with a specific focus on aged care. Methods: Thirteen narrative interviews were conducted with newly graduated nurses employed in private healthcare settings, using semi-structured interview techniques. Qualitative thematic analysis was employed to analyse the collected data. Results: The overarching themes highlight the crucial role of cultural competence and awareness in translating theoretical knowledge into practical application. Key factors such as effective communication, building rapport, and respecting language preferences are emphasized. Consistent interactions are essential for establishing trust and delivering individualized care to diverse cultural backgrounds. Understanding the cultural influences on health beliefs and behaviours is paramount for tailoring care plans effectively. The study also addresses challenges faced by newly graduated nurses, especially in caring for older adults and engaging with culturally diverse family caregivers, with a focus on language and communication barriers. Despite these obstacles, nurses exhibit adaptability by leveraging skills and tools such as smartphone apps, while embracing a person-centered approach that involves family members. Conclusion: This study highlights the crucial role of cultural awareness in healthcare to enhance nurses' cultural competence and elevate patient care standards. It advocates for the integration of cultural considerations into nursing education, specifically addressing the needs of indigenous communities.

Nurses' Challenges Regarding Adolescent Behavior in Preventing Early Pregnancy

Suwarsi Suwarsi — 2024-04-20

Background: Early adolescent pregnancy remains a persistent and unresolved phenomenon worldwide. The World Health Organization reports that 16 million girls aged 15-19 give birth annually. Indonesia continues to grapple with high rates of young pregnancy. The consequences of early pregnancy are extensive, ranging from abortion, school dropout, early marriage, and divorce to psychological distress such as stress and depression. Aim: This research contributes to understanding adolescent behaviors aimed at preventing early pregnancy. Methods: Employing a quantitative research design with a descriptive approach, the study sampled 225 female students through simple random sampling. A validated questionnaire was utilized for data collection, and analysis was conducted using SPSS 21 software. Results: The findings reveal that most respondents demonstrated commendable behaviors in preventing early pregnancy, with 193 individuals (85.8%) exhibiting good prevention practices. Nevertheless, some respondents displayed moderately positive behaviors, while others exhibited unsatisfactory practices. Conclusion: To address the behavior of adolescent females and its impact, community health nurses should intervene promptly. This intervention should focus on educating and coaching adolescents to raise awareness and promote effective prevention strategies, with the goal of reducing the prevalence of early pregnancy.

Voices of Women Public Healthcare Workers amidst the Armed Conflict in Southern Philippines

Rambe Jr. Ramel — 2024-04-20

Background: Healthcare workers face hazards and risks that are inherent in their job. However, the most tragic and perilous encounter for these professionals in the Southern Philippines occurred when Maute-ISIS insurgents took over the Islamic City of Marawi in the Province of Lanao del Sur. Methods: This study delves into the experiences of women public healthcare workers at the time of human-induced conflict using a qualitative phenomenological research design. Results: Data revealed that they experienced fear, anxiety, flashbacks, and trauma, though they were accustomed to hearing gunshots, as claimed. Furthermore, they have exhausted all means to survive, helped one another, and served their constituents despite being in a terrible situation. Conclusion: Disturbances can be seen on the physical, emotional, and mental levels as typical reactions to an unwelcome and terrifying situation. Camaraderie among Muslims and Christians became evident in times of trouble, such as the armed conflict. In addition, the respondents demonstrated their zeal to serve, notwithstanding the perilous situation. Setting up institutional policies on disaster preparedness for human-induced crises is beneficial for sound crisis management.

Enhancing Teamwork Through Effective Handover Practices Among Nurses in Elder Care Setting

Sili Gaing @ Angelen Shirley — 2024-04-20

Introduction: This study aims to investigate how effective handover practices among nurses contribute to enhancing teamwork within elder care settings. It will explore the impact of clear communication, structured handover processes, and collaboration among nursing teams during handovers on various aspects of teamwork, including coordination, information sharing, and mutual support. Methods: A qualitative, descriptive study employed semi-structured interviews with nurses and other healthcare professionals involved in handover processes. Participants included nurses and various healthcare professionals. Thematic analysis, guided framework, was utilized to examine handover practices and their impact on patient care. Responses were meticulously coded manually to identify recurring themes and subthemes. Results: The study identified three key themes in healthcare handover practices: the importance of objective and clear documentation, including essential information for continuity of care, and the role of effective documentation in promoting understanding and accountability among healthcare professionals. These practices enhance communication, teamwork, and accountability, leading to improved patient outcomes. Effective communication involves aspects such as frequency, timeliness, accuracy, problem-solving, shared knowledge, goals, and mutual respect among team members, fostering a culture of teamwork and accountability that benefits both staff and patients. Conclusion: Achieving optimal teamwork in professional hierarchies requires insights and experiences on handover implementation from an interprofessional perspective. This collaborative approach involves professionals working together to provide comprehensive patient care. Interprofessional collaboration encourages effective communication, mutual respect, and shared decision-making among team members, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes.

The Influence of Sleep Hygiene on the Sleep Disorders of Elderly at Integrated Long Term Care

Amzal Mortin Andas — 2024-04-20

Background: Sleep hygiene is the most effective non-pharmacological therapy as a simple behavior of several individual environmental factors and as a healthy sleep aid. Sleep hygiene is a very easy, inexpensive, and comprehensive therapy that can be used to improve sleep disorders in the elderly. Methods: The design of this study used a quantitative method. Quasi Experiment: Pre- test and Post-test with a control group. Results: Showed that the average value of the control group before was 3.42 and the average value afterward was 3.76, which means there's no significant relationship between sleep hygiene and sleep disorders, but in the intervention group, the average value before the sleep hygiene intervention was carried out was 3.88 and the average value after the sleep hygiene intervention was carried out was 8.48, which means that there was an increase in the average value before and after the sleep hygiene intervention was given. Based on statistical calculations using the Wilcoxon test, a P-value of 0.000 <0.05 was obtained, so there was a relationship between sleep hygiene and sleep disorders. Conclusion: Regular application of sleep hygiene is effective in promoting good sleep and can overcome sleep disturbances in various populations of the elderly age group.

The Influence of Anxiety, Self-Efficacy, and Quality of Life in Coronary Heart Disease Patients

Yeni Koto — 2024-04-20

Background: Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a serious public health problem and requires an in-depth understanding of the factors that influence it, including anxiety and self-efficacy. The aim of the research was to determine the effect of anxiety and self-efficacy on the quality of life of coronary heart disease patients. Methods: The type of research used is correlation analysis with a cross-sectional approach. The population in the study was 70 patients with coronary heart disease at a heart hospital in Indonesia. The collection technique used total sampling, so the total sample consisted of 70 respondents. The research instrument used was the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS)21, General Self-Efficacy Scale, and Medical Outcomes. Study Short Form 36. Results: The results of statistical tests for each independent variable have a partial effect on the dependent variable. The significance value for the anxiety variable is 0.034, and self-efficacy is 0.001. Simultaneous test results obtained a sig value of 0.002, meaning that anxiety and self-efficacy influence the quality of life of patients with coronary heart disease. Conclusion: Patients with lower levels of anxiety tend to have a better quality of life. A high level of self-efficacy is positively correlated with a better quality of life in coronary heart disease patients. The results of this study can provide a basis for designing more effective clinical interventions, such as stress management programs or self-empowerment programs, to improve the quality of life of coronary heart disease patients.

Sociodemographic and Clinical Profile, Adherence to Treatment, and Perceived Social Support among Hemodialysis Patients

Baby Danica B. Nuñez — 2024-04-20

Background: The presence of social support and medication adherence have a significant impact on the management of chronic renal disease. Aim: The objective of this study was to assess the correlation between sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, perceived social support, and treatment adherence in hemodialysis patients at a provincial hospital in Biliran during the last quarter of 2022. Methods: The present study employed a quantitative research approach utilizing a descriptive-correlational design. Data collection was conducted through the administration of a three-part survey questionnaire. Results: The study's findings indicate a moderate correlation between the job position's sociodemographic profile and the perceived social support from significant others. Similarly, a moderate correlation was observed between the clinical profile of the kind of vascular utilized and the perceived social support from significant others. A strong and statistically significant association was seen between marital status and compliance with therapy. There was a lack of statistically significant correlation seen between the perceived level of social support and adherence to medication, attendance at hemodialysis sessions, and adherence to food and fluid restrictions in the context of therapy. In general, the findings indicate a lack of statistically meaningful association between perceived social support and treatment adherence. Conclusion: The perceived social support of a significant other is influenced by both employment level and the type of vascular used. When an individual secures employment and develops an arteriovenous fistula, it leads to a heightened perception of social support from their significant other. Consequently, an adherence improvement strategy was established.

Parental Stress among Family Caregivers of Children with Autism in a Teaching Hospital

Nur Ashida Hamidon — 2024-04-20

Background: Parenting is a journey that may bring joy, happiness, challenges, and frustration. However, raising children with autism with unpredictable behavior may elevate parental stress among parents and family caregivers. Objective: The study aims to assess parental stress among family caregivers of children with autism in a teaching hospital. Methods: This quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted at Hospital Al-Sultan Abdullah (HASA), University Technology Mara (UiTM), using a convenient sampling technique with a total sample size of 110 parents and family caregivers of children with autism (N = 110). An online questionnaire consisting of the Parental Stress Scale (PSS) and the Childhood Autism Spectrum Test (CAST) was used in this study to assess the level of parental stress and identify the severity of probable autistic behavior. Results: The finding shows that 75.5% of the participants were female and 94.5% were Malay. Most autistic children were male (63.6%), and most children (n = 81, 73.6%) had severe autistic behavior. However, 82.7% of participants reported low parental stress (mean = 34.41±13.06). Caregivers were found to have higher stress levels (t (108) = -2.16, p=0.033). Besides, there was no significant association between the level of parental stress and the severity of autism (r=0.035, p=0.715). Conclusion: Special intervention is needed for the caregiver to improve stress management strategies by involving health care professionals for counseling and assistance to address the effects of stress. A larger sample size is recommended for future research to enhance external validity.

Utilization of Health Services by Stunting Families in Tasikmalaya

Sinta Fitriani — 2024-04-20

Background: Stunting is a national issue that attracts a lot of attention. Several factors are the cause of stunting in Indonesia, namely: bad parenting, including deficit knowledge about health and nutrition before and during pregnancy and after the mother gives birth; limited health services, including ANC-Ante Natal Care services (health services for mothers during pregnancy); Post Natal Care and quality early learning: deficit nutrition; and difficulty accessing clean water and sanitation. Aim: The research aims to describe the utilization of health services by families with stunting and the factors that influence it. Methods: This research design is quantitative with descriptive methods. The population was families with stunting in the Sukamulya Village area, namely 18 people. The sampling technique is total sampling. Data collection is done directly using the univariate data analysis technique. Results: The results showed that 44.4% of families with stunting did not use health services for treatment, and 22.2% of families with stunted toddlers rarely used posyandu services. Predisposing characteristic factors that influence visits to health services in this study are age > 35 years and junior high school graduates. Conclusion: In this study, the characteristic factor that influences the ability to visit health services is that the majority of family income is <UMR (unit market reference), and 38.9% do not have health insurance. The factor that influenced visits to health services in this study showed that 61.2% of families with stunting had a negative perception of stunting, such as the perception that stunting was not a serious problem that did not require immediate action.

The Needs of Critical Care Unit Patient's Family Members in East Cost Malaysia : A Cross-Sectional Study

Nor Ayliwati Ali — 2024-04-20

Introduction: Involving family members is integral to the healing process and the patient's well-being in the Critical Care Unit (CCU). However, having a patient hospitalised in the CCU is quite challenging for the patient's family members and has become a traumatic experience for them. Therefore, the study objectives are to identify the important needs of CCU patients' family members and determine the relationship between their needs and sociodemographic characteristics. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among family members of patients who were admitted to the CCU in one government hospital in East Malaysia. About 96 participants were identified using convenience sampling and answered 42 questions in the Malay Critical Care Family Needs Inventory (CCFNI-M). The data were analysed using IBM-SPSS Statistics Version 25. Results: Most of the family members who cared for the patient in the ICU were female, 76% (n = 73). The findings demonstrated that family members ranked assurance (3.69 ± 0.26) and information (3.59±0.34) as the most important needs compared to proximity (3.18±0.46), support (3.04±0.50), and comfort (2.53±0.46). There was no association between family members' age, gender, and experience with assurance, support, comfort, proximity, and information needs when the p-value > 0.05. Conclusions: In conclusion, recognising and addressing the needs of the ICU patient's family members is crucial for the strategy of CCU patient-family-centered care. The result of the study informs the importance of the involvement of family members in supporting CCU patients. By prioritising their needs and offering tailored support, healthcare providers can contribute to better patient outcomes and improved family well-being.

Incidence of Violence and Sexual Dysfunction among Infertile Women Attending Women's Health Hospital, Assiut University

Aisha Abdelnaser Fawzy — 2024-04-20

Background: In the present day, people view infertility as a social issue that can result in psychological instability, relationship problems, and divorce. Consequences of infertility, such as low self-esteem, anxiety, and sexual relationship disturbances associated with failure in reproduction, have a major impact on sexual satisfaction. Aim: This study aims to assess the incidence of violence and sexual dysfunction among infertile women. Methods: A purposive sample of 60 infertile women was enrolled; a cohort design was used. The outpatient gynecological clinic and ART unit at Women's Health Hospital, Assiut University served as the study's sites. Data collection tools include a structured interview questionnaire, the Arabic version of the female sexual dysfunction index, and the WHO women domestic violence scale. Results: The study findings illustrate that the majority (85%) of infertile women experience violence, and a vast majority (93.3%) of them have sexual dysfunction. a highly statistically significant relationship between exposure to violence and occupation (p= 0.004) as well as type of family (p=0.001). Another highly statistically significant relationship exists between sexual dysfunction and occupation (p=0.004), in addition to educational level (p=0.009). Conclusion: Various forms of intimate partner violence and sexual dysfunction afflict infertile women. So, nurses should consider routine screening for domestic violence victims in infertility clinics. Recommendations: providing marital counseling as a general course in higher institutions of learning to prepare couples to have positive sexual behaviour.

A Case of Thymoma Masquerading as Hiatus Hernia, Pericardial Effusion: A Diagnostic Dilemma

Dipti Raut — 2024-04-20

Thymoma is a rare neoplasm of the thymus gland, and as an adult, it accounts for 30% of anterior mediastinal tumors. The peak incidence is between 55 and 65 years old. Thymoma is a cancer that is extremely uncommon, accounting for just 0.2-1.5% of all malignancies, with an estimated incidence of between 0.13 and 0.32 per 100,000 people each year. We discuss a rare instance of a 58-year-old female patient who was admitted after complaining of multiple joint pain, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and generalized weakness. She was initially diagnosed with hiatus hernia and pericardial effusion based on imaging studies. However, her symptoms persisted despite treatment, and further evaluation revealed the presence of a thymoma. It was hard to make a diagnosis because the patient had a thymoma, a hiatus hernia, and pericardial effusion all at the same time. The initial diagnosis was complicated by the fact that the patient had unusual and refractory symptoms, which means they needed a thorough evaluation and follow-up. His case highlights the diagnostic complexity associated with thymoma, especially when coexisting with other conditions such as hiatus hernia and pericardial effusion. Despite its rarity, thymoma necessitates considerations in patients presenting with nonspecific symptoms, emphasizing the importance of thorough evaluation and follow-up. This underscores the need for a comprehensive diagnostic approach to ensure timely and accurate management, particularly in cases with an atypical and refractory presentation. In the described case, nurses' initial assessment skills are crucial for identifying the need for critical care intervention. Their role extends beyond the perioperative phase, encompassing patient education on procedures and potential outcomes.

Psychoeducational and Psychological Distress Levels in Women with Breast Cancer : A Systematic Review

Dewi Mustikaningsih — 2024-05-30

Background: Psychoeducation has become a popular intervention for women who have been patients with breast cancer (BC). The effectiveness of psychoeducation on the psychological distress levels of patients with breast cancer was assessed in this systematic review comparison. The aim is a systematic review to assess the effects of psychoeducation on anxiety and depression in women with BC diagnoses. Methods: The Cochrane Library, Ebsco, Embase, and PubMed databases were used for RCT data collection, using various keyword combinations such as "psychoeducation," “breast cancer diagnosis," "anxiety," "depression," "psychological distress," and randomized controlled trial." Only papers focusing on interventions related to psychoeducation and psychological distress in patients with BC diagnoses were collected. Furthermore, the inclusion criteria include breast cancer women over 18 years of age who have had breast cancer diagnosis. The selected articles were all published between 2001 and 2022. Results: A total of 2,181 participants from fifteen RCTs (1,158 psychoeducation and 1,023 controls) were included. The risk of bias (ROB) study used the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) for RCT, with results in the 89.74% good category. Analysis data will describe characteristic studies, ROB, and outcome psychoeducation. Psychoeducation significantly decreased the psychological distress level associated with BC diagnosis when compared to controls. Conclusion: Psychoeducation has the potential to be used as an intervention to assist patients in their pathways of primary breast cancer treatment aftersurgery. It was discovered that psychoeducation lowers psychological distress, which benefits the patients.

Oncology Nurses' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Factors in Cancer Pain – A Systematic Review

Krishna Prasanth Baalann — 2024-04-20

Background: This systematic study thoroughly examines the detailed knowledge, attitudes, and complex aspects influencing oncology nurses' cancer pain treatment. This study aims to investigate the challenges and potential avenues confronted by oncology nurses specializing in cancer pain treatment; a thorough exploration of diverse scholarly resources was undertaken. Methods: The inquiry encompassed an exhaustive literature review from prominent databases, including Web of Science, SCI, Scopus, Science Direct, and ProQuest. Employing an ethical and systematic methodology, a comprehensive examination was conducted into a broad spectrum of studies encompassing the understanding, attitudes, and variables related to addressing pain in cancer patients among oncology nurses. Results: The evaluation focused on improving oncology nurses' knowledge and attitudes towards cancer pain management. Nurses' knowledge levels were assessed, revealing a wide range from 5.13% to 84%. Doctors demonstrated superior knowledge and attitudes compared to nurses. Nurses showed a mean score of 20.08 out of 39 (51.5%) in pain management, while doctors scored 24.3 out of 39 (62.3%). The study emphasizes the need for tailored educational interventions to address knowledge gaps and improve cancer pain management practices among nurses. Conclusion: This systematic analysis underscores the need for accurate cancer pain treatments, highlighting gaps in oncology nurses' knowledge and the need for tailored educational programs.