Cardiac Rehabilitation Program Effect on Health-Related Quality of Life Among Patients With Coronary Artery Bypass Grafts

Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) necessitates modification in patients' lifestyle after discharge, which leads to a decrease in their health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Hence, cardiac rehabilitation programs (CRPs) are needed. This study aimed to explore the effect of a CRP on HRQOL and physiological factors on CABG patients after discharge. The study used a quasiexperimental pre-/posttest design. Two experimental and control groups tested with 30 patients with CABG surgery participated in a rehabilitation center after discharge. The Arabic version of the Nottingham Health Profile for measuring HRQOL was used. In addition to several sociodemographic and physiological variables, findings indicated a significant improvement in HRQOL and its domains for the experimental group after CRP (mean = 2.06, SD = 1.7) when compared with the control group (mean = 19.9, SD = 3.1; P = .01), as well as some physiological variables 3 months after surgery. The CRP is an important intervention that administrators and cardiologists should take into consideration for CABG patients. It improves not just their HRQOL but also many physiological indicators.

Evaluation of compassion fatigue and compassion satisfaction among emergency nurses in Jordan: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Nurses working in emergency departments are overworked and exposed to frequent stressors over time, leading to compassion fatigue, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress.

AIMS

This study aimed to assess the levels of compassion fatigue and compassion satisfaction, and examine the relationship of these two variables with specific demographic, health-related, and work-related factors among emergency nurses in Jordan.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study. The Professional Quality of Life Scale Version 5 was used to collect data.

RESULTS

A convenience sampling method was used to recruit 203 registered nurses from emergency departments in Jordan. The mean compassion fatigue and satisfaction scores were moderate. There was a significant but negligible correlation between compassion satisfaction and educational levels (r = 0.15, p < 0.05) and between secondary traumatic stress and comorbid diseases (r = -0.16, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Although the levels of compassion fatigue and satisfaction were moderate, both may negatively affect nurses' care and patient outcomes. Conversely, compassion satisfaction should be improved in order to overcome the negative effects of compassion fatigue.

Knowledge of Critical Care Nurses about End-of-Life Care towards Terminal Illnesses: Levels and Correlating Factors

Introduction

The preparedness of nurses in relation to providing palliative care is not always adequate, indeed, it is sometimes unsatisfactory; this may be caused by lack of knowledge and limited experience in end-of-life care (EOLC). Thus, this study purposed to assess the levels of registered nurses' knowledge about EOLC, examine the relationships between EOLC knowledge and some demographic variables, and explore predictors of EOLC knowledge.

Methods

A cross-sectional design survey was conducted with Jordanian registered nurses in critical care units (N = 175) in different heath sectors in Jordan. The End-of Life Professional Caregiver Survey (EPCS) was used.

Results

Findings showed that nurses had moderate/quite a lot of knowledge (M (SD) = 2.58 (.48)) about EOLC. The cultural and ethical values was the highest subscale of knowledge about EOLC (M (SD) = 2.74 (.52)), while effective care delivery subscale was the lowest one ((M (SD) = 2.33 (.66). Knowledge about EOLC was correlated with age (r = .145, P < .05), work experience (r = .173, P < .05), and training course in palliative or EOLC (r = .217, P < .01). The main predictor of EPCS was training courses in palliative or EOLC (B = .190, P < .05).

Conclusion

The nurses need to enhance their knowledge about EOLC and correlating factors should be taken into consideration when developing any intervention program. Nurses need palliative care training courses; also more attention is required in palliative care education particularly in clinical skills in effective care delivery.

Predictors of Chemotherapy Safe-Handling Precautions and Knowledge Among a Sample of Jordanian Oncology Nurses: A Model-Building Approach

BACKGROUND

There are adverse side effects associated with handling chemotherapy; however, using safe-handling precautions can minimize or prevent these potential effects. Despite availability of international guidelines for chemotherapy handling, adherence to precautions is below expectations. This study examined knowledge of safe-handling precautions among a sample of oncology nurses in Jordon.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was employed that included a convenience sample of 153 oncology nurses. Oncology nurses from two hospitals completed the Chemotherapy Handling Questionnaire. Descriptive analysis, Spearman rank correlation coefficients, and regression analyses were performed to determine the predictors of precaution use when handling hazardous drugs among participants.

FINDINGS

We observed that age, number of patients for whom the worker administered chemotherapy per day, the number of patients receiving chemotherapy per day in the participant's work unit, nurses' knowledge about safe-handling precautions, perceived risk, perceived barriers, self-efficacy, organization influence/workplace safety climate, conflict of interest, and interpersonal influences were predictors of use of safe-handling precautions (adjusted R² = .66, p < .001).

CONCLUSION/APPLICATION FOR PRACTICE

Several predictors for using safe-handling precautions were identified. Clinically, chemotherapy handling procedures should be evaluated frequently to identify barriers to safe practices and to improve worker safety.

Correlation between quality of life of cardiac patients and caregiver burden

Background

Caregivers experience high strain related to care giving. There is increasing interest in examining the caregiver burden of cardiac patients and studying the characteristics of caregivers.

Purpose

To explore the correlation between quality of life cardiac patients and caregiver’s burden.

Methods

A cross-sectional design using a convenience sample of caregivers and patients with cardiac conditions. Sociodemographic sheet, Dutch Objective Burden Inventory (DOBI), and Quality of Life (QLI-Cardiac 4). Linear regression was used to explore the predictors.

Results

200 caregivers and 200 patients with cardiac diseases completed the study. The overall mean scores of both DOBI and QLI-4 indicated moderate results 1.51(SD 0.4), 19.8 (SD 4.7) respectively. Predictors of caregiver burden were young, less educated caregivers and high QoL of cardiac patients.

Conclusion

Caregivers should receive more support and training from healthcare providers to develop their coping and resilience skills in a way that decreases their care burden and improves their quality of care and self-confidence.

Quality of life, care needs, and information needs among patients diagnosed with cancer during their treatment phase

Proper assessment of patients' needs might enhance patients' outcomes, ability to cope with new challenges, identify required resources, prioritize service needs, determine patients with higher need levels, and improve patients' quality of life. A cross-sectional descriptive design was used. Total of 113 patients from different settings completed the study surveys including demographic sheet, Short-form cancer needs questionnaire (CNQ-SF), Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G), and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-INFO 25). Regression analysis indicated that care needs and information needs were predictors of QOL (R² = 0.688, adjusted R² = 0.61, F (1.17, p < 0.001)). A significant correlation exists between QOL, care needs and information needs. Daily nursing practices should include assessing patients; care needs, information needs, and QOL through using valid and reliable scales.

Accuracy of Body Weight Estimation Among Palestinian Refugee Adolescents Living in Jordan: A Cross-Sectional Study

PURPOSE

We aimed to examine the prevalence of obesity among adolescents living in a refugee camp in Jordan and analyze the factors influencing their weight perceptions.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional survey.

METHODS

We examined the body weight perception, and the influence of psychological, cultural, and social factors, among Palestinian refugee adolescents living in Jordan using a cross-sectional survey. Univariate, bivariate, and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to investigate the relationships between body weight status, weight perception, satisfaction with weight, screen time, and depression status of these adolescents.

RESULTS

A total of 620 adolescents participated in the study, of which 24% were either overweight or obese. Overweight or obese adolescents were more likely to underestimate their weight (p < .001), while those with depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire for Adolescents score > 14), were more likely to overestimate their body weight (p = .021). Having symptoms indicative of depression (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.70; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.16-2.50) and having a body mass index in the overweight/obese range (AOR = 4.16; 95% CI = 2.73-6.35) were predictors of discordant weight perception.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that excess body weight is a significant issue among Palestinian refugee adolescents living in a refugee camp in Jordan. Underlying depression is an important factor in excess weight and distorted weight perceptions especially among this vulnerable group.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The study highlights the importance of addressing discordant body weight perception and depression in weight management in nursing interventions for vulnerable adolescent groups.

Using Mixed-Methods Research to Study Coping Strategies among Colorectal Cancer Patients

Objective:

The objective was to identify and understand the coping strategies of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients.

Methods:

A mixed-methods approach including quantitative and qualitative methods was used to collect data from Jordanian patients. In the quantitative phase, we aimed to determine the coping strategies employed in a representative sample (n = 200) of Jordanian adult patients with CRC using the Jalowiec Coping Scale. In the qualitative phase, we aimed to understand these coping strategies through an in-depth and detailed exploration. A sample of ten participants was chosen purposefully based on their coping score in the quantitative phase, and interviews were conducted. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS software version 23. Qualitative data were analyzed using directed content analysis.

Results:

Results from the quantitative phase indicated that evasive coping strategies were used predominantly, followed by confrontive coping strategies and optimistic coping strategies. In contrast, fatalistic and emotive coping strategies had the lowest scores. In addition, the results indicated that the total scores for the effectiveness of coping strategies ranged from 42 to 143, with a mean of 93.45 (standard deviation 13.67); higher scores reflected greater effectiveness. Content analysis in the qualitative phase identified three themes, and subcategories emerged, including perceived collaborative support, increased awareness of treatment, and internal power.

Conclusions:

CRC patients used different coping strategies to face the new challenge. Oncology nurses can play a pivotal role in enhancing these coping strategies through implementing multidisciplinary programs.

Coping strategies as moderating factors to compassion fatigue among critical care nurses

PURPOSE

This study measured levels of compassion fatigue, burnout and satisfaction among critical care and emergency nurses. It investigated coping strategies as moderating factors and as predictors to levels of compassion fatigue.

METHODS

Using a cross-sectional design, this study was conducted on 228 (84.4%) out of 270 from four Jordanian hospitals. Nurses worked in different types of critical care units and emergency departments. Nurses completed a demographic questionnaire on the professional quality of life and coping strategies indicator scales.

RESULTS

Nurses had low to average compassion satisfaction, burnout and secondary stress syndrome. Problem-solving and avoidance ranged between very low and average levels. Nurses reported having very low to average levels on seeking social support scale. Female nurses had better compassion satisfaction compared with their male colleagues, and the type of unit had a significant impact on the secondary stress syndrome, problem-solving, and seeking social support. Nurses from the surgical cardiovascular ICU scored the highest mean scores on the secondary stress syndrome. Better coping strategies were associated with higher compassion satisfaction and lower levels of secondary stress syndrome. Problem-solving significantly predicted compassion satisfaction, avoidance significantly predicted secondary traumatic syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS

Coping strategies are moderating factors that could improve compassion satisfaction among critical care nurses. Managers could use findings to create healthier and supportive work environments. We recommend focusing on activities that promote better coping strategies, including improving the social support system. We also recommend replicating this study using a qualitative approach to identify further causes of compassion fatigue.

Teaching module for improving oncology nurses' knowledge and self-confidence about central line catheters caring, complications, and application: A pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design

The aim of the present study was to assess the effectiveness of implementing an educational module based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines on the nurses' knowledge and self-confidence regarding central line catheters (CVCs) caring, complications, and application. A pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design was used. A sample of 100 oncology nurses from oncology units participated in two groups, experimental group (N = 50) and control group (N = 50). The participants completed knowledge test and self-confidence scale before and after the educational program. The results showed that there was a significant difference between the experimental and control groups regarding knowledge related to CVC guidelines and management after the interventional sessions (t = -7.85, P = .001). The mean and standard deviation for experimental group were 15.95 (5.45) and 7.35 (2.73) for the control group. Furthermore, the results showed significant difference (t = -22.20, P = .001) between the experimental group (M = 61.50, SD = 14.20) and the control group (M = 35.50, SD = 7.20) regarding self-confidence in managing CVCs. It is concluded that using educational program strengthens nurses' skills, improves safety, and increases opportunity to learn, and thus, it will increase the self-confidence.

Predictors of uncertainty among postdischarge coronary artery bypass graft patients in Jordan

Uncertainty impacts negatively on adaptation and disease outcomes. During recovery, coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) patients experience uncertainty, symptom distress, and learning needs. This study aimed to examine predictors associated with uncertainty among CABG patients. This cross-sectional correlational study recruited CABG patients conveniently from out-patient clinics 1 month after discharge. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire which included: demographic questionnaire, Mishel's Uncertainty of Illness Scale, Cardiac Symptoms Survey, and Cardiac Patients Learning Needs. A total of 161 participants completed the study questionnaires. Participants showed a moderate level of uncertainty, less cardiac symptom distress, and high learning needs. Uncertainty was significantly correlated with learning needs while less correlated with symptom distress. Hierarchal multiple regression revealed that gender, employment status, education level, and learning needs are factors associated with uncertainty among CABG patients. It was concluded that symptom distress does not necessarily induce uncertainty. Intensive care professionals should undertake individual's characteristics to anticipate uncertainty.

Factors influencing compliance to the infection control precautions among nurses and physicians in Jordan: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Adherence to infection control precautions (ICP) is important to reduce the transmission of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).

AIMS

To determine nurses and physician's knowledge, attitude and compliance to ICPs and factors associated with reported compliance.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey of nurses and physicians recruited from three hospitals at three different healthcare sectors in Jordan. Three instruments were used to assess knowledge, attitudes and compliance to ICPs.

FINDINGS

A total of 211 professionals completed the survey: 155 nurses and 56 physicians. Both groups had low knowledge scores for ICP but a high positive attitude. Although both groups had high reported compliance scores, nurses scores were higher (P = 0.04). Participants from the private hospital had higher knowledge and compliance scores. Length of experience, knowledge and attitude were significant predictors of reported compliance to ICPs.

DISCUSSION

Despite poor knowledge, Jordanian healthcare professionals reported high scores for positive attitudes and compliance with IPCs. Clinical training programmes are required to enhance knowledge and understanding of IPCs.

Factors influencing women's attitudes towards midwifery: Tool validation

The purpose of this study was to validate a tool that explores the factors influencing women's opinion of and attitudes towards midwifery. A descriptive, cross-sectional design was used. The sample consisted of 526 Jordanian women. Cluster sampling was used to ensure a representative sample; then, convenience sampling was performed. The instrument asked non-identifying demographic questions and covered factors reported in literature to influence women's attitudes towards and views of the profession. The resulting instrument consisted of five factors explained by 29 items. These factors were women's general view of midwives, midwife duties, professional ethics, media influence and demotivating factors associated with working as a midwife. Although the instrument is valid and reliable, it needs further testing in other studies. Taking the factors reported on by the present study into account in public policy-making could promote better understanding of midwifery and improve its status in the community.