The etemic model of Gypsy Roma Traveller community vulnerability: is it time to rethink our understanding of vulnerability?

Coping strategies and stressors of nursing students in the care of sex trafficking victims

During their clinical practice, nursing students face a number of complex clinical situations, which may include treating victims of sex trafficking. These clinical experiences can lead to stress for the nursing students, which may hinder their learning process. Nonetheless, there is very little educational training provided in nursing programmes on this topic. The objective of this study was to identify the coping strategies and stressors perceived by nursing students in the care of sex trafficking victims. A pre-post study of a single group was carried out. The TREND guidelines were followed. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Coping Behavior Inventory (CBI) were used for data collection. On the PSS, the average scores were lower after the intervention in all dimensions, except related to teachers and nursing staff and peers and daily life. Statistically significant differences were found when comparing the results of the total average score of the PSS and the time of measurement (pre/post-intervention) (t(106) = 38.811; P < 0.001). Regarding the Coping Behavior Inventory, the average scores in each dimension increased after the intervention, except transference behaviours. Statistically significant differences were found when comparing the total average score of the questionnaire and the time of measurement (Z = -13.357; P < 0.001). The total stress levels and coping strategies of nursing students in caring for victims of sex trafficking improved significantly after the intervention. Nursing educators should promote the training of future nursing professionals as a potential effective strategy for the rapid identification and adequate care of sex trafficking victims.

Psychosocial vulnerability among carers of persons living with a chronic illness: A scoping review

AIMS

To outline and examine evidence related to the meaning of 'psychosocial vulnerability' among caregivers of persons with chronic illnesses.

BACKGROUND

The number of informal caregivers continues to rise globally. Their risk of psychosocial vulnerability is frequently overlooked, but understanding their psychosocial vulnerability may offer insights into meeting their needs.

DESIGN

Scoping review following the PRISMA 2020 extension guidelines.

DATA SOURCES

The databases CINAHL, Embase, Medline/Pubmed, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Lenus and ProQuest were systematically searched to identify original research. No date limit was set, and 23 studies were included.

REVIEW METHODS

A five-step approach using the Arksey and O'Malley framework. Thematic analysis guided data analysis.

RESULTS

Carers' psychosocial vulnerability occurs when they experience barriers to resources while access and use of supports reduce risk. Antecedents of psychosocial vulnerability include a carer's age and sex, socioeconomic status and their health and wellbeing. Psychosocial vulnerability affects carers' relationships and causes personal losses.

CONCLUSIONS

The concept of carers' psychosocial vulnerability is complex. Recognition of carers at risk for psychosocial vulnerability would help nurses direct relevant support and information to carers who need it most.

OUP accepted manuscript

This article explores the impact of online Irish traditional singing sessions on health and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. Singing sessions are unique facets of Ireland’s music tradition that saw dramatic closure, interruption and digital transition in response to COVID-19 social distancing measures. This study highlights a gap in health promotion literature with regard to traditional singing sessions as a group singing activity and examines the potential for online group singing activities to have positive impacts on the health and well-being of participants. While traditional singing sessions foreground solo performances, they are quintessentially group activities, and include community engagement and active participation from singers and listeners alike. Through an online survey (n = 108), and ethnographic interviews (n = 3), this study explores potential health and well-being implications of online traditional singing sessions, and reveals four main areas of impact: social connection, enjoyment, cognitive motivation and timekeeping. The study suggests that online traditional singing sessions can promote health and well-being in participants, particularly during times of isolation.

This article explores the impact of online Irish traditional singing sessions on health and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. Singing sessions are unique facets of Ireland’s music tradition which were forced to move online due to COVID-19 restrictions. This study used an online survey (n = 108), and interviews (n = 3), to explore the impact of these online sessions on the well-being of their participants. Findings showed the impacts to be overwhelmingly positive, particularly in four main areas: social connection, enjoyment, cognitive motivation, and timekeeping. This study highlights the value of traditional singing sessions as group singing activities for the purposes of health and well-being promotion, and suggests that online group singing activities can be beneficial, particularly during times of isolation.

A rapid review of Irish Traveller mental health and suicide: a psychosocial and anthropological perspective

INTRODUCTION

Irish Travellers are an indigenous ethnic minority (IEM) with poor health outcomes. Whilst they constitute less than 1% of the Irish population, they account for 10% of national young adult male suicide statistics.

METHODS

A rapid review of scientific publications related to mental health and suicide in Irish Travellers was undertaken following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Searches of PubMed, PsycINFO and Google Scholar were performed. Eligibility criteria included: (i) Irish Travellers/Gypsy Travellers; (ii) information on mental health/suicide/self-harm; (iii) psychosocial anthropological perspectives of mental health; (iv) publications in english. Data on studies including design, methods, participants and key findings were extracted using a spreadsheet template.

RESULTS

From 5160 scientific references over the past 20 years, 19 papers made reference to Traveller mental health, and only 5 papers made specific data-based reference to suicide in Travellers. It was only when we qualified Travellers as being 'Irish Travellers' in our scientific review did we detect meaningful references to their existence as an IEM, and their health and well-being. Due to sample sizes and heterogeneity in design, results were synthesised narratively.

DISCUSSION

This paper draws together strands from the disciplines of psycho/socio/anthropological perspectives to gain deeper insights into mental health and suicide in Irish Travellers. In a knowledge vacuum, it behoves the scientific community to explain the value of scientific research and rigour to both policymakers as well as Travellers, shifting the existing discourse towards new knowledge and understanding around mental health and suicide in Travellers.

The symbiotic relationship of vulnerability and resilience in nursing

Background: Whilst the terms vulnerability and resilience are commonly used within professional nursing discourses, they are often poorly understood. Vulnerability is often framed negatively and linked to being at risk of harm, whilst resilience is often perceived as the ability to withstand challenges. Aim: The aim of this paper is to explore resilience and vulnerability; re-positioning them within the context of contemporary professional nursing practice. Design: Discussion paper. Method: Drawing upon historical and contemporary international literature, both concepts are de-constructed and then re-constructed, examining them from the position of patient care as well as from the perspective of nurses and the nursing profession. Conclusion: Resilience and vulnerability have an interdependent relationship as resilience comes into play in situations of vulnerability. Yet, contrary to the popular discourse they are multi-faceted, complex phenomena based on factors such as individual circumstances, supports, and resources.

Patients' Experiences With Illness, Treatment, and Decision-Making for Esophageal Cancer: A Qualitative Study in a Danish Hospital Setting

Patients with curable esophageal cancer or cancer in the esophageal junction face several challenges during the course of their treatment because of the burden of uncertainty in their prognoses and complexity and side effects of the treatment. The aim of this study is to explore patient experiences with illness, treatment, and decision-making in the context of esophageal cancer. A qualitative approach using phenomenological–hermeneutical methodology was used. Data consisted of participant observations and interviews. We analyzed the data based on Ricoeur’s theory of interpretation. The results show that patients with esophageal cancer are putting their ordinary lives on hold and experiencing the meal as a battleground during treatment. Patients strive to maintain autonomy, gain control, and take ownership. The results emphasize the need for a systematic approach to establish an ongoing dialogue with patients throughout the course of treatment.