Depressive symptoms and perceived chronic stress predict test anxiety in nursing students

Connecting chronic stress and anxiety: a multi-dimensional perspective

Studies show a connection between anxiety and stress, but with little differentiation between different domains of stress. In this article, we utilize a multi-dimensional approach to better understand the relationship between different chronic stress domains and anxiety. This will allow researchers to identify and address those areas of stress that are most relevant with regard to anxiety. We used data from a sub sample of the LIFE-Adult-Study (n = 1085) to analyze the association between nine different areas of chronic stress (Trier Inventory for Chronic Stress, TICS) and anxiety (General Anxiety Disorder 7, GAD-7), controlling for sociodemographic variables, personality, and social support. There was a significant and positive association between Work Overload, Pressure to Perform, Social Tensions, Social Isolation, Chronic Worrying, and anxiety. After including the control variables, only Work Overload and Chronic Worrying remained significant. By focusing on Work Overload and Chronic Worrying researchers, practitioners, and policy makers can help to mitigate anxiety and related health problems in the population in an efficient way.

Systematic review of noncognitive factors influence on health professions students' academic performance

Increased importance has been placed on noncognitive skills in professional development and by accrediting bodies of health professions programs in recent years. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to conduct a comprehensive systematic review of evidence examining effects of academic resilience, grit, perceived stress, locus of control, and Big Five Personality Traits on academic performance of health professions students. A literature search of peer-reviewed, English-language articles describing select noncognitive factors was performed using seven databases. Searches were performed from the earliest index date through May 2020. The following data from included studies were extracted and summarized: research design hierarchy, hierarchy of study outcomes (modified from Kirkpatrick), association between noncognitive factors and academic outcomes, and quality assessment criteria. 149 articles met inclusion criteria. Almost 80% of studies were Level III (observational). Medical students were the most frequently studied population (n = 73 articles). The most studied academic outcome was grade point average (n = 61). Perceived stress and Big Five Personality Traits accounted for greater than 50% of studies. Most studies were rated as fair to good quality. Associations between noncognitive factors and academic outcomes were largely inconsistent, although greater perceived stress was generally associated with poorer academic performance outcomes, while higher conscientiousness, academic resilience, and grit were generally associated with better outcomes. This systematic review represents a large body of evidence concerning select noncognitive factors and their association with academic performance of health professions students. Support services addressing noncognitive factors should be deliberated and tailored for specific health professions education programs and student populations.

Medication math dosage assessment anxiety in undergraduate nursing students: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Medication calculation assessment is commonplace in undergraduate nursing programs. A test is routinely used to assist in the determination of safe medication administration practice in a clinical setting. Multiple factors negatively impact student performance.

AIM

The aim of this article is to analyze current literature related to medication calculation assessment and undergraduate nursing student anxiety.

METHOD

A systematic review was performed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Articles included were peer-reviewed publications focused on undergraduate nursing student anxiety related to medication dosage calculation.

FINDINGS

Anxiety related to medication calculation assessments can stem from students' personal lives and previous math experiences. Interventions related to increasing self-efficacy can impact student performance on assessments.

CONCLUSION

A variety of interventions to assist undergraduate nursing students increase performance on assessments were indicated in the literature. Advances in educational technologies allow for more assessment options to facilitate safe medication practices.

Psychometric properties of the Five-item World Health Organization Well-being Index used in mental health services: Protocol for a systematic review

AIMS

To synthesize evidence of the psychometric properties of the Five-item World Health Organization Well-being Index in mental health settings and critically appraise the methodologies of the included studies.

DESIGN

Protocol for a systematic psychometric review.

METHODS

The review protocol has been registered in the International Prospective Register for Systematic Reviews. The bibliographic databases MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science will be searched for relevant studies. The psychometric properties of each study will be evaluated according to the Consensus-based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurements Instruments.

DISCUSSION

The results of our psychometric review will synthesize the psychometric properties of the Five-item World Health Organization Well-being Index in mental health settings and identify possible gaps in the literature regarding methodological quality and its reliability, validity, and responsiveness to change.

IMPACT

The evaluation of patient well-being is important, and the Five-item World Health Organization Well-being Index is an increasingly used patient-reported outcome measure. It is simple to collect, free to use, and consists of five questions using positive health statements. Although the number of studies assessing the validity, reliability, and responsiveness of the questionnaire is increasing worldwide, there is a need to summarize the existing evidence of the psychometric properties of this questionnaire. The proposed study's findings will contribute to future research recommendations and help midwives and nurses in different settings pick an effective, appropriate questionnaire to evaluate patient well-being.

Reliability and validity of the coping strategy inventory-short form applied to hemodialysis patients in 13 countries: Results from the Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (DOPPS)

OBJECTIVES

The Coping Strategies Inventory-Short Form (CSI-SF) measures four coping strategies based on 16 items: 4 items each indicating problem- vs. emotion-focused engagement or disengagement. Here we provide the first assessment of reliability and construct validity of the CSI-SF among hemodialysis patients across 13 countries.

METHODS

The CSI-SF was completed by patients in 9 languages in phase 4 of the Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (2009-11). Cronbach's alpha was used to assess internal consistency. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were applied to assess the factor structure of the CSI-SF by country and language. CSI-SF data were analyzed from 7201 patients (60% male; median age 62.5 [range 18-96] years).

RESULTS

Good internal consistency (α=0.56-0.80) was seen for three scales in English (US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand), German, and Swedish versions. The fourth scale was internally consistent if two items were dropped. In these countries, both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses indicated a factor structure consistent with the four CSI-SF scales. Other language versions showed a factor structure inconsistent with these four scales.

CONCLUSION

The slightly modified English, German, and Swedish versions of the CSI-SF are reliable and valid instruments for measuring coping strategies in hemodialysis patients.