"We Were Absolutely in the Dark": Manifest Content Analysis of Developmental Disability Nurses' Experiences During the Early COVID-19 Pandemic

Impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) disease pandemic on healthy lifestyle behaviors in persons with and without disabilities in Qatar

Purpose

This study aimed to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the lifestyle behaviors which included physical activity, sedentariness, healthy eating habits, sleep habits, and tobacco use in persons with and without disabilities in Qatar.

Methods

This cross-sectional study used a structured, online questionnaire. The collected data included demographics, mental health, physical health, eating habits, body weight, sleep, and nicotine intake. This study was conducted between September 25, 2020, and December 31, 2020.

Results

Seventy respondents from Qatar participated in the study. Pre-pandemic healthy lifestyle behaviors (physical activity, healthy diet, sleep, etc.) showed no significant differences between people with and without disabilities. However, perceived changes in mental and physical health and eating habits during the pandemic lockdown differed between people with and without disabilities. People with disabilities reported worsening mental health (64.7%), physical health (53%), and dietary habits compared to the pre-pandemic levels. Furthermore, the more severe the disability, the more significant is its impact on mental and physical health.

Conclusion

This study indicated that the pandemic has had a significant impact on the mental and physical health of people with and without disabilities in Qatar. These findings reveal how closely individuals with disabilities and their lifestyle choices are related to their mental and physical well-being. This will enable the development of specific interventions for similar situations in the future.

Nursing care for persons with developmental disabilities: Review of literature on barriers and facilitators faced by nurses to provide care

AIMS

To identify barriers and facilitators to nursing care of individuals with developmental disabilities (DDs).

BACKGROUND

Individuals with DDs experience health disparities. Nurses, although well positioned to provide optimal care to this population, face challenges.

DESIGN

Narrative review of extant published peer-reviewed literature.

DATA SOURCES

Electronic databases, ProQuest and EBSCO, were searched for studies published in English between 2000 and 2019.

REVIEW METHODS

Three reviewers reviewed abstracts and completed data extraction. Knowledge synthesis was completed by evaluating the 17 selected studies.

RESULTS

Emerging themes were: (1) barriers and challenges to nursing interventions; (2) facilitators to nursing care; and (3) recommendations for nursing education, policy and practice.

CONCLUSION

Nursing has the potential to be a key partner in supporting the health of people with DDs.

IMPACT

There is a need for specific education and training, so nurses are better equipped to provide care for people with DDs.