Water insecurity among seasonal agriculture workers: perspectives from Spanish professionals

BACKGROUND

Migrant seasonal agricultural workers face conditions of material vulnerability such as inadequate housing difficulties prevent access to running water supplies. The purpose of this study is to explore the perceptions of professionals involved in the care and support of seasonal migrant agricultural workers, as it relates to water access and water consumption and their impact on these workers' health, in a context of COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

A qualitative exploratory and descriptive study was conducted in 2021 as part of a larger research project, based on 63 personal semi-structured interviews with professionals who provided support to seasonal migrant agricultural workers in three Spanish autonomous regions. COREQ checklist was used for reporting. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and imported into ATLAS.ti-9 for an inductive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

The results have been structured into two main themes: (1) Accessing and obtaining water; and (2) Health problems related to water consumption. Seasonal migrant agricultural workers experience barriers to obtaining safe water for hygiene, cleaning, food preparation and drinking. The implementation of regulations to reduce COVID-19 transmission resulted in improved hygiene levels in the migrants' quarters, including access to safe drinking water.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that water insecurity experienced by migrant seasonal agricultural workers in Spain results from their poor living conditions and causes health problems related to a lack of hygiene and the use of unsafe water. Sustainable solutions are needed beyond the pandemic in order to provide migrant workers with adequate living conditions and ensure their water needs are fulfilled.

Assessment of high fidelity simulation with actors in palliative care in nursing students: a mixed methods study

OBJECTIVE

The most effective training methods are experiential, including those focused on experiences and emotions. Clinical simulation, especially high-fidelity simulation, is one of the most effective methodologies for the acquisition of competencies in care like palliative care. The simulation with actors can train future healthcare science professionals: in technical, intellectual, or interpersonal skills. The objective is to evaluate high-fidelity simulation with actors as a tool in palliative care training for nursing students.

METHOD

Over three years, the study was conducted in a Faculty of Nursing of the south of Spain with nursing students. A mixed methods study with sequential explanatory design in three moments was conducted: (1) Quasi-experimental study in a single group (n = 12) before and after attending the palliative care course with Clinical Simulation with actors to assess the communication skills (CICAA scale), (2) Qualitative study with phenomenological perspective after Clinical Simulation (174 reflective students' narratives), (3) Cross-sectional observational study, one year later, to assess the transfer of knowledge and skills to the clinical practice (71 students).

RESULTS

Students who interacted with actors in Clinical Simulation improved their communication skills and the ability to establish an effective helping relationship with both end-of-life patients and their families. The students perceived the Clinical Simulation as an innovative learning methodology that is useful to encourage reflection and transfer of learning during their clinical internship.

CONCLUSIONS

Standardization of the use of active learning methodologies is recommended for a better acquisition of transversal skills such as communication skills in palliative care.

From students to nurses under pressure: Nursing students' entry into employment during the first COVID-19 wave

AIMS AND OBJECTIVE

To describe the experiences of nursing students and their mental health as they entered employment during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic (May-June 2020).

BACKGROUND

As other healthcare professionals, nursing students who worked during the first COVID-19 wave suffered from dysfunctional mental health symptoms.

DESIGN

Sequential, mixed-method, multicentre study.

METHODS

The study population comprised 92 students in the third and fourth year of the Nursing degree at three Spanish universities, who entered employment during the pandemic. Data were collected between May and June 2020. In the quantitative phase, data were collected using an online questionnaire containing both validated anxiety and stress scales. In the qualitative phase, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 participants. A descriptive analysis of the quantitative data and a reflexive thematic analysis of the qualitative data were carried out, and analyses were combined. COREQ checklist was used for reporting.

RESULTS

The combined quantitative and qualitative results were organised into five thematic areas: (1) Interruption of clinical placements, (2) Entering employment on a healthcare assistant contract, (3) Preventing contagion, (4) Adapting to the situation and managing emotions, and (5) Lessons learned.

CONCLUSION

The students had a positive overall experience of entering employment, as they were able to develop their nursing skills. However, they had an emotional impact in form of stress caused by excessive responsibility, academic uncertainty, lack of personal protective equipment and training in its use, and the possibility of spreading disease to their family members.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

In the current context, changes must be made in study programmes to instruct nursing students to be able to cope with extreme clinical situations, such as pandemics. The programmes should include a more extensive coverage of epidemics and pandemics and management of emotional aspects such as resilience.

Adolescent Dating Violence: Results of a Mixed Study in Quito, Ecuador

Dating violence is a public health problem affecting people worldwide. This study evaluated the occurrence of different types of adolescent dating violence using a mixed analysis of each data source. The present study addresses the following research questions: does the occurrence of the types of violence analyzed in the quantitative phase match with the narratives obtained in the qualitative phase? and does the additional information obtained in the qualitative phase improve the understanding of the analyzed phenomenon?In the quantitative phase, 410 participants (aged 13 to 19 years) answered a questionnaire based on the Modified Conflict Tactics Scale, while in the qualitative phase, 26 participated in two focus groups. Data were collected from May to June 2019. Written informed consent was obtained from the parents or legal guardians of those who had agreed to participate. The present research was approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of the Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador. The results were divided on: prevalence of dating violence based on age groups and gender, management and resolution of dating conflicts, victimization and perpetration of intimate partner violence, factors favoring intimate partner violence and acceptance of abuse. The results were analyzed via triangulation and indicated that adolescents were involved in the perpetration and victimization of psychological as well as mild and severe physical violence. An analysis of the contributing factors revealed a strong tendency toward the acceptance of the traditional gender model. Challenging these models is crucial to deconstruct hierarchical models, develop conflict resolution skills, and promptly identify abusive behaviors that affect emotional development. The combination of different methodological approaches improved the understanding of the phenomenon studied.

Factors contributing to the perpetuation and eradication of female genital mutilation/cutting in sub-Saharan women living in Spain

OBJECTIVE

Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) is one of the most widespread traditional practices harmful to the health of women and girls in the world. Its spread to the West highlights the need to establish preventive actions in European countries taking into account the affected population. That is why this study is aimed at finding out the elements that support the continuation of FGM/C and those that promote the change of attitudes and fight against FGM / C from the perspective of the sub-Saharan women themselves who reside in Spain.

DESIGN

Qualitative exploratory research that uses the method of life stories through an open interview.

PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING

The participants were 24 women living in the Region of Murcia (Spain) who come from sub-Saharan countries where FGM/C is commonly practised.

FINDINGS

Arguments supporting FGM/C, the lack of knowledge and family pressure are identified as factors that perpetuate the practice, whereas the motivating factors for the change in attitudes that make most of the interviewees oppose FGM/C are the awareness of the consequences on health and close negative experiences, growing awareness of their rights, supportive legislation and breaking the taboo related to this practice to question justifications for FGM / C and share experiences.

KEY CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Being aware of the arguments of both sides, women who defend FGM/C and those who oppose it, is a valuable source of information that obstetrics, midwifery and nursing professionals can use. The study provides the core elements that any healthcare education program should incorporate to prevent female genital mutilation/circumcision.

[Agricultural work and migration in Spain: socio-labour precariousness and health (AGROMISALUD project)]

OBJECTIVE

To assess the influence of job insecurity and social exclusion on the health of migrant men and women working in the agricultural sector in Spain.

METHOD

Qualitative and quantitative data will be collected in four Spanish autonomous regions (Catalonia, La Rioja, Murcia, and Andalusia) between 2021 and 2022. First, semi-structured personal interviews with at least 40 professional key informants or experts (from NGOs, associations, health, social services, trade unions, agricultural cooperatives, politics, and cultural mediators). Second, semi-structured personal interviews combined with participatory techniques (body mapping and photovoice) will be conducted with 40 migrant men and women working in agriculture. Thirdly, a cross-sectional study with an estimated sample of 400-500 migrants working in agriculture, based on the National Health Survey and the Living Conditions Survey.

Burnout and job satisfaction among nurses in three Spanish regions

AIMS

To determine the levels of job satisfaction and burnout syndrome and related factors among nurses in three Spanish regions.

BACKGROUND

The nursing profession involves high work stress due to emotional involvement, workload and available resources.

METHODS

Descriptive multicentric cross-sectional study. Sociodemographic and migration data were collected and participants completed the Job Satisfaction Questionnaire S20/23 and Maslach Burnout Inventory. The data were analysed using descriptive statistical methods using the program SPSS.

RESULTS

The sample included 228 nurses (187 women and 41 men), with a mean age of 37.11 ± 10.87. Reported job satisfaction was medium to high. Overall, values were low in emotional fatigue and medium in depersonalization and personal fulfilment. In terms of migration, 21.59% of the participants had already moved to other Spanish regions or another country, while 18.58% had the intention of doing so.

CONCLUSION

Nurses with a temporary contract showed a high burnout rate, and high levels of emotional fatigue, depersonalization and lack of personal fulfilment.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT

Strategies are needed to improve working and contractual conditions such as enhancing teamwork, management and leadership skills in nurses; achieving internal promotion; and having higher participation in decision-making and a better balance of power between health institution managers and health professionals.

[Sexist relationships in Generation X and Millennials]

OBJECTIVE

To identify sexist violence features on different technological generations (Millennials and Generation X).

DESIGN

Descriptive cross-sectional study. SITE: Region of Murcia, Spain.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 1269 users of social networks belonging to the Millennials generation (19-38 years) and Generation X (39-54 years) who are in a romantic relationship.

MAIN MEASUREMENTS

The instrument "Questionnaire about new technologies to transmit gender violence", analyzes the use of social networks, suffered and exercised violence on couples. The study variables have been the generational group, age, sex, alcohol and drug consumption, the level of formal education, origin and residence country and sexual orientation.

RESULTS

Millennials show a statistically significant association with the items on risk patterns in networks related to phising, sexting, flaming, false offers, cyberstalking, and webcam hijacking (p<0.05), while regarding violence suffered only has been observed association in items related to flaming (OR: 0.405) (95% CI: 0.226-0.726) and sexual coercion (OR: 0.420) (95% CI: 0.200-0.882). Drugs increase risky activities, as well as violence suffered and practiced (p<0.05). The women sample reports more pressure in sexual activities (OR: 2587) (95% CI: 1702-3931) and fears from their partners (OR: 2598) (95% CI: 1749-3857).

CONCLUSIONS

The study shows higher risk patterns, as well as violence suffered and practiced in the Millennial group compared to Generation X. Also, it shows an increase generated by alcohol and drugs in the violence suffered and practiced by the study subjects. On the other hand, there are differences between the behaviors and violence suffered and practiced according to the different sexes, where the violence suffered by women is related to fear and activities of a sexual nature.

Postmigratory Perceptions of Female Genital Mutilation: Qualitative Life History Research

INTRODUCTION

Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is a practice, in breach of human rights, which currently extends to European countries. Given that migration to a Western country can involve cultural change, the aim of the present study is to explore the experiences and perceptions of sub-Saharan women regarding FGM/C following migration to Spain.

METHOD

A qualitative exploratory research design utilizing life history methodology was applied. Participants (n = 24) were recruited until data saturation was reached.

RESULTS

Sub-Saharan women describe their experience of FGM/C. Once in Spain, they begin to demystify the justifications for which FGM/C is practiced and to break the taboo that surrounds the practice.

DISCUSSION

Migration leads individuals to reflect on the traditional practices from their countries of origin. The nursing profession must accompany migrant women throughout their process of change and provide objective information from a position of cultural understanding, avoiding attitudes that might create a sense of revictimization while their resultant health consequences are being attended to.

Emigration and job security: An analysis of workforce trends for Spanish-trained nurses (2010-2015)

AIM

To analyse the relationship between Spanish nurses' intention to migrate and job security.

BACKGROUND

Nursing emigration from Spain increased dramatically between 2010 and 2013. By 2015, emigration had returned to 2010 levels.

METHODS

Single embedded case study. We examined publicly available statistics to test for a relationship between job security and applications by Spanish nurses to have credentials recognized for emigration purposes.

RESULTS

Between 2010 and 2015, job security worsened, with poor access to the profession for new graduates, increased rate of professional dropout, increased nursing jobseekers and falling numbers of permanent contracts.

CONCLUSIONS

The number of accreditation applications in Spain in 2010 and 2015 was very similar, but job security worsened on a number of fronts. The distribution of work through part-time contracts aided retention.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT

Policymakers and health care administrators can benefit from understanding the relationship between mobility, workforce planning and the availability of full-time, part-time and short-term contract work in order to design nursing retention programmes and ensure the sustainability of the health care system.

Living with mutilation: A qualitative study on the consequences of female genital mutilation in women's health and the healthcare system in Spain

INTRODUCTION

Female genital mutilation is a health and human rights issue which extends to western countries. It is estimated that there are some seventeen thousand women and girls living in Spain who have either been mutilated or are at risk of being so. Healthcare professionals face the challenge of providing adequate care in response to this emerging problem.

AIM

To discover the repercussions of female genital mutilation on the health of sub-Saharan women residing in Spain, as well as the healthcare received.

METHODS

A life-history qualitative research design was utilized. The study population included 14 genitally mutilated women residing in the Region of Murcia who had given birth in Spain and been attended to by the national public healthcare system.

RESULTS

Women suffer physical, psychological, obstetric and sexual health issues as a result of female genital mutilation and despite having a favourable perception of the healthcare received during the pregnancy and the delivery, the provision of health education, detection and treatment of female genital mutilation by healthcare professionals was seen to be lacking.

CONCLUSIONS AND PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

Healthcare policy must address insufficiencies in delivering adequate care to immigrant women who have been the victim of female genital mutilation by implementing the necessary resources and training for professionals to effectively meet the specific healthcare needs of this population and prevent this cruel practice from being perpetuated.