Evaluation of nursing students' communication abilities in clinical courses in hospitals

Background:

Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) has established, improving communication as a priority for improving patient safety since 2006. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate nursing students’ communication abilities to recognize their strengths and weaknesses in communication skills.

Method:

This cross-sectional study was carried out in 2014. The study participants included all the nursing students who passed two semesters in Fatemeh School of Nursing and Midwifery in Shiraz, Iran. The students’ communication skills were assessed using a self-administered questionnaire. Then, the data were entered into the SPSS statistical software (v. 16) and analyzed using both descriptive (mean and percentage) and inferential statistics (Pearson correlation and ANOVA).

Results:

Among the 200 students who completed the questionnaires, 58% were female and 42% were male with the mean age of 21.79 years (SD=2.14). The results of Pearson correlation analysis demonstrated a significant correlation between the nursing students’ clinical communication behavior scores and treatment communication ability scores (P<0.001). The findings demonstrated that most nursing students required improvement in their communication skills in both clinical communication behavior and treatment communication ability. Besides, a significant difference was observed among the students of different terms regarding clinical communication behaviors (P≤0.05), but not concerning communication abilities. Nursing students in higher semesters had better communication skills.

Conclusions:

The results showed that nursing students in this university had a moderate ability in clinical and treatment communication. Thus, paying attention to standard education, curriculum revision, and adding some specific theoretical lessons for improving communication skills are mandatory during the bachelor’s degree.

Cancer patients’ perspectives on dignity in care

Background:

Since “dignity” is one of the fundamental rights of every patient, consideration for patients’ dignity is essential. Unfortunately, in many cases, especially in cancer patients, dignity is not fully respected. Dignity is an abstract concept, and there are only a few comprehensive studies on the dignity of cancer patients in Iran.

Research objective:

This study aimed to evaluate the perception of Iranian cancer patients on human dignity.

Research design:

A qualitative research approach was used as the study design. The data were collected through individual semi-structured interviews and analyzed using the qualitative content analysis method.

Participants and research context:

 This study was conducted on cancer patients in internal medicine wards in Iran. The data were gathered through semi-structured interviews from May 2017 to February 2018.

Ethical considerations:

The study protocol was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of medical universities located in Southwest of Iran. The ethical principles were carefully followed throughout the study.

Findings:

Based on the results of the interviews, 3 main themes and 11 categories were determined. The main themes were identified as the “personal space and privacy,” “respect for human values,” and “moral support.”

Discussion:

The results of the present study showed the necessity of care for cancer patients in a respectful manner. The key elements in such care were the preservation of their personal space and privacy, respect for their values, and the provision of adequate moral support. These measures will have a positive effect on the perception of such patients on human dignity.

Conclusion:

Considering the special care required by cancer patients, the Iranian healthcare and hygiene managers should design and implement a care plan that includes the ethical principles related to human dignity.

Hospitalized elder abuse in Iran: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Elder abuse is a serious violation of human rights and a worldwide issue. Upon hospital admission, elderly patients become vulnerable and susceptible to abuse. Understanding the issues perceived as abuse by the elderly patients and their family members allows us to identify, manage, and prevent elder abuse; especially in hospital settings. The present study aimed to identify and describe the abuse of hospitalized elders from the perspective of patients and their family members.

METHODS

The present exploratory qualitative study was conducted from October 2017 to September 2018 at six different teaching hospitals affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. The target population was elderly patients in different wards across various hospitals and their family members. Based on the purposive sampling method, 16 hospitalized elderly patients and 11 family members were recruited and interviewed. The data were analyzed using the inductive content analysis method in accordance with the process described by Elo and Kyngas (J Adv Nurs 62:107-15, 2008).

RESULTS

Based on the analysis of the interview data, four main categories were extracted and classified as Micro-level, Meso-level, Exo-level, and Macro-level issues.

CONCLUSION

Hospitalized elder abuse is a multi-dimensional phenomenon caused by personal and professional factors as well as issues related to the inadequate physical environment and organizational structure. To prevent the occurrence of elderly abuse, it is recommended to train hospital staff, rearrange the physical environment, reform the organizational structure, and better plan and manage the financial, physical, and human resources.

The effect of micro-learning on learning and self-efficacy of nursing students: an interventional study

BACKGROUND

In the present age, e-learning has been playing a good role in educational and clinical settings along with face-to-face training. This study aimed to determine the effect of distance class using micro-learning contents on learning outcomes and self-efficacy in the clinical education of nursing students in 2021.

METHODS

This research is a quasi-experimental pre-test-post-test study conducted at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. The study population consisted of 46 nursing students who were recruited by the full census method. Students were randomly divided into two groups of intervention and control. Before and after educational interventions in both groups, students' learning and self-efficacy were evaluated using a questionnaire. Data Analysis was done using descriptive and analytical statistical methods and with SPSS software version 23.

RESULTS

The results revealed a statistically significant difference in the mean score of clinical learning level of nursing students between the control and experimental groups after the intervention (p = 0.041). Also, the difference between the mean score of self-efficacy in the intervention group before and after the training was statistically significant (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Micro-learning is an effective training method for raising learning outcomes and self-efficacy among nursing students, especially in internship units. This method is recommended since multimedia pays attention to all learning styles of learners and affects the learning outcomes and self-efficacy of learners.

The Women'S Perceptions About Unwanted Pregnancy: A Qualitative Study in Iran

Background:

Unwanted pregnancy has affected different aspects of our life. Researchers point out if a child’s birth is unwanted, an increase in maternal issues can be observed. The aim of this study was to describe the women’s viewpoints regarding unwanted pregnancy.

Method:

This qualitative study using content analysis was employed in Shiraz University in 2013-2014. 20 women with unwanted pregnancy were chosen using purposeful sampling. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews and trustworthiness of them was evaluated.

Results:

Findings of this study, according to the participants’ experience, revealed maternal emotions like embarrassment for getting pregnant, mother’s own negative affection, concerns about missing family and other children, and terminating the pregnancy through illegal abortion, the husband’s disagreement about the termination, blaming themselves for thinking about abortion or illegal abortion, and concern about their guilt feeling. Another finding was family problems like husband’s behavior and his negative outlook towards his child and fetus. The next category belonged to anxiety about the future of their child, including economic, social and relational problems, and suppression of the children’s logical expectations. The last finding was the lack of maternal emotional support.

Conclusions:

Unwanted pregnancy’s effects on the mothers and infants’ health are considerable. A closer observation by family and health care providers for unwanted pregnancies and its results is recommended; therefore, they should be taken care of as high risk pregnancies, requiring family support.

Anger management in substance abuse based on cognitive behavioral therapy: an interventional study

BACKGROUND

Anger and aggression have been developing notably in societies, especially among patients depending on substance abuse. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of anger management based on group education among patients depending on substances according to Patrick Reilly's cognitive behavioral approach.

METHODS

In a quasi- experimental study, all patients who met the inclusion criteria were evaluated regarding their aggression level. The participants were assigned to 12 educational sessions based on group therapy and Patrick-Reilly's anger management by focusing on using a combination of cognitive intervention, relaxation, and communication skills. The data were analyzed using the SPSS statistical software, version 16.

RESULTS

The findings showed a significant difference between the two groups regarding aggression level after the intervention (p = 0.001). No significant relationship was observed between aggression level and demographic variables (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The intervention of this study can be used for establishing self-management and decreasing anger among patients depending on substances. They can also be used as a therapeutic program in addition to pharmacotherapy.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

IRCT2016102030398N1 .

Experience of adherence to treatment among patients with coronary artery disease during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused patients with chronic diseases to face various challenges. The present qualitative study aimed to explore adherence to treatment in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This qualitative content analysis was conducted from September 2020 to February 2021. Online in-depth interviews were conducted with 15 patients with CAD after discharge from Nemazi and Al-Zahra heart hospitals, Shiraz, Iran. Data management was done via MAXQDA 12 software using conventional content analysis based on the method proposed by Graneheim and Lundman. Results: The results revealed three main categories, nine subcategories, and 431 primary codes. The first category was 'improved self-care in the shadow of COVID-19' (Improving self-care due to fear of COVID-19, 'utilization of alternative strategies, and reinforcement of self-care beliefs). The second category was 'redefinition of support systems' (need for a support system, seeking for alternative support systems, and changes in social interactions). The last category was 'barriers to treatment adherence' (shortage of financial resources, need to adjust with working conditions, and mental conflicts). Conclusion: The results indicated that the COVID-19 threats encouraged the patients with CAD to adhere to their care principles. Nonetheless, the restrictions resulting from the pandemic caused problems in adherence to treatment. Thus, redefinition of the support systems in accordance with the present conditions are recommended.

Self-Perception of Iranian Patients during their life with Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Qualitative Study

Background

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), as a chronic digestive disorder, impacts extensively on the quality of life, emotional well-being and self-identity. Chronic illness disrupts taken-for-granted notions about self. No qualitative study was found regarding patients’ experience of life with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in Iran.

Objective

To explore the self-perception of lived experience of IBS patients.

Methods

A qualitative study with hermeneutic phenomenological approach was conducted on 12 IBS patients who had been referred to three central clinics (2 governmental and 1 private) affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. The data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews from July 2015 to September 2016 by purposeful sampling. Thematic analysis was carried out using Van Manen’s six-step methodological framework as a guide. In addition, MAXQDA software was used for data management.

Results

In this study, two main themes “the threatened self” and “deep self-knowledge”, emerged during the life of patients with IBS, indicating the meaning of self-perception of such patients. The theme of “the threatened self” consisted of two subthemes of “fear from stigmatization” and “bad sense of self”. The subthemes of “body knowledge”, “self-acceptance” and “personal growth” were related to deep self-knowledge.

Conclusion

The results of the present study could be applied in designing and implementation effective and holistic care of IBS patients.

Self-handicapping among nursing students: an interventional study

BACKGROUND

Self-handicapping is an effective defense strategy in an individual's behavior that leads to weak performance in different situations like education. This study aimed to investigate how training problem solving skills affected the rate of self-handicapping among nursing students.

METHODS

This interventional study was done in Jahrom, Fars province, Iran during 2016-2017. Totally, 90 nursing students were selected among those admitted from 2013 to 2016 using stratified sampling. Then, the students were randomly divided into a control and an intervention group each including 45 participants. Teaching problem solving skills to the intervention group was completed over six sessions each lasting for two hours. The students' rate of self-handicapping was evaluated based on the scores obtained in Jones and Rodwalt's self-management questionnaire before and after the intervention (immediately and one month later). The data were entered into the SPSS statistical software, version 16 and were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including t-test, chi-square, and repeated measures ANOVA. The significance level was set at 0.05.

RESULTS

The findings revealed a significant difference in the intervention group's self-handicapping scores before and after the intervention (p < 0.001). However, no significant change was observed in this regard in the control group (p = 0.575). The results indicated no significant differences between the intervention and control groups concerning the mean score of self-handicapping immediately after the intervention (p = 0.761). However, a significant difference was detected between the two groups in this regard one month after the intervention (p = 0.014).

CONCLUSION

Teaching problem solving skills influenced the students' beliefs and performances positively and led to a decrease in their self-handicapping. Thus, teaching cognitive-behavioral approaches is recommended to be considered among the ten life skills used in curricular design for medical students, including nurses.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

IRCT 2017011231895  N.Data registered: October 30, 2016.

The Effect of an Education Program Based on Illness Perception on the Lifestyle of Patients with Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Background:

This study aimed to examine the effects of an education program based on illness perceptions on the lifestyle of patients with metabolic syndrome.

Methods:

This is a randomized controlled clinical trial on 80 patients with metabolic syndrome referred to diabetic clinic affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences from August to November 2016. The patients were assigned to two control and intervention groups using a simple randomization method. The intervention group received education based on illness perceptions, using face-to-face and telephone follow up sessions in five weeks. The lifestyle questionnaire, brief illness perception questionnaire and demographic information questionnaire were used for data collection. The patients’ lifestyle was examined before and at the end of the eighth week from the beginning of the intervention. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis.

Results:

After the intervention, the total lifestyle score in the intervention group significantly increased, as compared to the control group (14.60±6.85 vs 6.15±5.80) (P<0.001). Of all the lifestyle dimensions, only stress management after the intervention showed no significant changes (P>0.001).

Conclusion:

Education based on illness perceptions affected the lifestyle of patients with metabolic syndrome. Therefore, nurses and healthcare providers can use this program for improving the lifestyle of patients with metabolic syndrome.

Trial Registration Number: IRCT2016020826437N1

Health Needs in Patients Suffering from Chronic Back Pain: A Qualitative Study

Background

Chronic back pain is a disease many people suffer from it and they have different problems and needs.

Objectives

Due to the vague nature of these needs and lack of information in this regard, the present research was aimed to identify the needs of the patients suffering from chronic back pain.

Methods

This qualitative study was conducted using content analysis method. Here, 29 participants entered the study using a purposive sampling; they were interviewed one by one, face to face, and in a semi-structural mode. Gathering the data, transcribing the interviews, and analyzing them were performed simultaneously using Graneheim and Lundman method. First, codification and meaning similarities were revised and the subthemes were identified; then, in the second revision, the related subthemes were put in one category. The data were analyzed using the max Q software version 2007.

Results

Analyzing the results led to deriving four main themes and nine categories. The main themes were related to the needs of the patients suffering from chronic back pain, including teaching and informing, religious-spiritual dimension, socio-economic dimension, and physical-psychological dimension.

Conclusions

This study provided a comprehensive understanding of the health-related needs of the patients suffering from chronic back pain in Iran. According to the obtained criteria from this study, identifying the needs, planning for them, and evaluating the measures taken for the patients suffering from chronic back pain will become possible.

The Effect of Applying the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills Model on Treatment Adherence in Patients with Cardiovascular Disease: A Quasi-Experimental Study

BACKGROUND

Non-adherence complicates the management of patients with cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to determine the effect of applying the information-motivation-behavioral skills (IMB) model on the treatment adherence among these patients.

METHODS

This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 112 patients with cardiovascular disease in Nemazee and Al-zahra hospitals in Shiraz, Iran, from October 2019 to July 2020. Eligible patients were selected and divided into intervention and control groups. The intervention was based on an integration of IMB model constructs and included 10 motivational-educational sessions for three months, followed by telephone consultations for six months. Data were collected before, and three and six months after the end of the motivational-educational sessions using adherence questionnaire in patients with chronic diseases, and adherence in chronic disease scale for medication adherence. Data were analyzed using SPSS 22, and descriptive statistics, chi-square, independent t-test, and repeated measure ANOVA were performed. P<0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

The intervention and control groups were homogenous based on demographic characteristics. Repeated measure ANOVA findings revealed an increasing trend in the mean scores of the intervention group in treatment adherence from 51.10±3.20 at baseline to 66.40±5.50 three months and 73.80±6.80 six months after the end of the intervention (P<0.001). Furthermore, based on repeated measure ANOVA findings, the mean score of the intervention group in medication adherence significantly increased from 20.10+3 at baseline to 24.10+2.40 three months and 24.50+3.20 six months after the end of the intervention (P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Applying the IMB model promoted adherence to treatment and medication among patients with cardiovascular disease. Therefore, such interventions are recommended for these patients.

A trial of an emotional intelligence intervention in an Iranian residential institution for adolescents

AIMS

As a vulnerable group in society, orphaned and abandoned adolescents are faced with various social issues as well as lack of healthy social skills that can lead to high-risk behaviors. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of emotional intelligence skills training on the social skills of orphaned and abandoned adolescents.

METHODS

The present study was an interventional research with a pretest-posttest design. The sample included 30 orphaned and abandoned male teen-agers, residing in a care center, who were randomly selected and divided into intervention and control groups. The intervention group had four emotional intelligence-based training sessions. In this study, the Matson Evaluation of Social Skills with Youngsters (MESSY) was used to evaluate the variables. The results were analyzed, using SPSS Statistics 22.

RESULTS

The results showed significant difference between the mean MESSY scores in the intervention group before and after the intervention (p < .05). There was also a significant difference between the mean scores of the intervention and control group, following the intervention.

CONCLUSION

An emotional intelligence-based training program can be effective in improving the social skill levels amongst orphaned and abandoned adolescents as a vulnerable social group.

Experience Lived by Iranian Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Transitory Crisis and Liberation

OBJECTIVES

Research on the nature of living with Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

METHODS

Qualitative study of the hermeneutical phenomenology, which conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews with people trained on the irritable bowel syndrome. The sampling was intentional type and open questions were used to collect data. The Thematic Analysis Method by Van Manen was used.

RESULTS

Two principal themes and five subthemes emerged in this research to determine the meaning of living with the irritable bowel syndrome: Storm in corporality (body with pain and affliction, tension and sequence of symptoms, and: distress during moments of life) and Relief (sense of liberation of the body symptoms, and moments with pleasure).

CONCLUSIONS

The experience lived by patients with irritable bowel syndrome is of a transitory crisis and liberation.

Study skills and habits in Shiraz dental students; strengths and weaknesses

INTRODUCTION

The dental students, the same as other students, during their academic courses are required to learn a wide range of scientific subjects. Obviously, choosing the inappropriate method of study leads to confuse and disenchantment of students and it causes wasting of their energy. The purpose of this study was to assess the existing strengths and weaknesses of the skills and study habits in Dental Students of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in 2009-10.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, all of the dental students (n = 274), who studied at the time of study at all levels in the academic year of 2009-10, were selected by the census. Data were collected by using the Huston University questionnaire consisted of two parts of demographic questions and 64 specific areas of study skills in eight domains of time management, concentration/memory, study aids/note taking, test strategies, information processing, motivation, self-assessment/reading, and writing skills. Following the retranslation of the questionnaire, the validity was confirmed by using the content validity method. The reliability was obtained by using the Cronbach's Alpha of 0.92. The data were analyzed with SPSS software version 17 and using analytical statistic tests.

RESULTS

Students who have previously participated in the study skills workshops had stronger skills in comparison with the students who had not participated in these workshops. Time management skills (P = 0.04), motivation (P = 0.0001) and information processing (P = 0.03) in students with professional status were in a more favorable position and showed significant differences in terms of educational levels. The study skills mean score of the students living in student housings in comparison with the other students were significantly higher (P = 0.04). Marital status showed no significant differences in reading skills.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The review of study skills in the undergraduate and post-graduate dental students indicated that the residents had higher reading skills. By recognizing the existing strengths and weaknesses and holding programs through counseling centers can develop the study skills in the students.

Compassion Competence and Patient Safety Competency in psychiatric nurses

BACKGROUND

Compassion Competence and the ability to strive to understand the suffering of patients in psychiatric ward is essential for nurses to establish effective therapeutic communication in the process of their recovery. Patient Safety Competency is of great importance for nurses to prevent adverse events and minimize errors. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between Compassion Competence and Patient Safety Competency in nurses working in psychiatric wards of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences affiliated hospitals in 2024.

METHOD

This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 184 nurses working in the psychiatric wards of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences affiliated hospitals from January 2024 to April 2024 as a census. Data were collected using the Compassion Competence, Patient Safety Competency and Demographic Survey questionnaires and were then analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistics. The analyses were performed using SPSS 22 statistical software.

RESULTS

The results showed that the compassion competence score of psychiatric nurses was 3.98 ± 0.46, with subscales of sensitivity (4.05 ± 0.56), insight (3.79 ± 0.62), and communication (4.04 ± 0.48). Additionally, the patient safety competency score of psychiatric nurses was 3.56 ± 0.44, with subscales of attitude (3.67 ± 0.34), knowledge (3.06 ± 0.77), and skill (3.63 ± 0.58). A statistically significant correlation was also found between Compassion Competence and Patient Safety Competency (r = 0.458, p < 0.001). Regression results showed that the sensitivity (p = 0.012) and insight (p = 0.026) dimensions predict Patient Safety Competency. Among the demographic variables, only the completion of a communication skills course was significantly associated with both Compassion Competence (p = 0.04) and Patient Safety Competency (p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study revealed a statistically significant correlation between Compassion Competence and Patient Safety Competency among psychiatric nurses. It is recommended that educational programs be designed to consider these two components and their dimensions to help enhance the competencies of nurses.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER

Not applicable.

The Effect of Collaborative Care Model-Based Intervention on Hope in Caregivers and Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

Multiple Sclerosis can affect the patients' and their families' life. In this regard, the collaborative care model could be useful. This study aimed to investigate the effect of the collaborative care model on hope in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and their family caregivers.

METHODS

This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted in May to September 2015 on 60 patients with MS referring to the MS Society of Khuzestan province and 60 family caregivers. After block randomization, the intervention groups (patients and caregivers) received 8 intervention sessions based on collaborative care model over 12 weeks. The data were collected using Snyder's adult hope scale and a demographic questionnaire at baseline and 12 weeks after the beginning of the intervention. Data analysis was conducted through SPSS, version 19, using frequency, mean, Chi-square, independent, paired t-tests and Fisher's exact test (P˂0.05).

RESULTS

The results of independent t-test before the intervention showed no significant differences between the patients in the intervention (42.76±8.75) and control groups (43.13±7.20) (P=0.86) and caregivers in the intervention (50.26±5.79) and control groups (49.23±6.71) (P=0.52), regarding the score of hope. However, a significant difference was found in this regard 12 weeks after the beginning of the intervention, between the patients in the control (43.63±6.97) and intervention groups (47.96±8.72) (P=0.03), and caregivers in the control (50.66±5.79) and intervention groups (53.80±4.71) (P=0.02).

CONCLUSION

The collaborative care model promoted hope in patients with MS and their family caregivers. Hence, this model can be used by healthcare personnel for promoting hope among patients and caregivers. Trial Registration Number: IRCT2015051121474N2.

Compassionate care of nurses for the elderly admitted to the COVID-19 wards in teaching hospitals of southern Iran

BACKGROUND

Compassionate care is the main indicator of the quality regarding nursing care. The importance of this care in the recovery process for the elderly hospitalized for COVID-19 has been under-researched in studies. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the compassionate care level of nurses to the elderly hospitalized in the COVID-19 wards of teaching hospitals in the south of Iran.

METHODS

This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 212 nurses working in the COVID-19 wards of teaching hospitals in the south of Iran, who were selected through census in a cross-sectional study. The data were collected using the Tehranineshat et al. nurses' compassionate care questionnaire and then the data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistics along with SPSS software version 22.

RESULTS

The mean score of nurses' compassionate care was 130.18 ± 9.42, which was at a high level. The highest and lowest scores were related to professional performance (43.17 ± 2.799) and empathic communication dimension (27.76 ± 2.970). No significant relationship was found between variables such as gender, marital status, education, work experience, and job position with the compassionate care score (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Nurses providing care for hospitalized elderly are recommended to consider all aspects of compassionate care, especially empathic communication, in their educational planning.

Assessment of the validity and reliability of the nurses' professional values scale-revised in Persian version among nursing students

BACKGROUND

Evaluating professional values is crucial to developing effective strategies for integrating them into professional performance and clinical education. A standard questionnaire is an instrument that can be used to evaluate professional values. This study aimed to assess the validity and reliability of the Nurses Professional Values Scale-Revised (NPVS-R) among nursing students in the Persian language.

METHODS

This methodological and cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Persian version of the NPVS-R among nursing students. Following a back-translation process, the Persian version was subjected to face, content, and construct validity assessments. Construct validity was examined using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) on a sample of 439 nursing students during their internships at 16 public universities of medical sciences in Iran between April and July 2019. Additionally, convergent and divergent validity were assessed on a separate sample of 105 nursing students. The reliability of the instrument was assessed using both internal consistency measures and the test-retest method. Furthermore, the psychometric properties of the questionnaire were analyzed using Samejima's Gradual Response Model. Data analysis was performed using SPSS (version 19) and MPLUS (version 5.1).

RESULTS

All components had a content validity ratio greater than 0.6 and a content validity index of 1, indicating excellent content validity. Exploratory factor analysis reduced the items to 25, with five factors explaining 52.26% of the variance. The scale exhibited strong convergent validity (r = 0.73, p < 0.001) and satisfactory divergent validity (r = 0.12, p = 0.21; r = 0.07, p = 0.47). Test-retest reliability was excellent, with an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.92. Cronbach's alpha coefficients ranged from 0.53 to 0.83 for the factors and 0.91 for the entire scale, showing good internal consistency. IRT analysis confirmed that alpha parameters for all items were statistically significant and at an acceptable level. Thus, the Persian NPVS-R, with 25 items and 5 factors, is a valid and reliable tool for nursing students.

CONCLUSIONS

The Persian NPVS-R, comprising 25 items and 5 factors, demonstrated excellent validity and reliability. This scale serves as a standardized tool for evaluating the professional values of nursing students, suitable for application in educational and clinical settings to enhance nursing practice and education.

Interactive Multimedia Training in Osteoporosis Prevention of Female High School Students: An Interventional Study

Given the limitations of traditional teaching methods in the learning process of adolescents, this study was designed to investigate the effects of osteoporosis prevention training through interactive multimedia method on the degree of knowledge and self-efficacy of female high school students. In this interventional study which was conducted in 2016 in Fars province, Iran, 120 high school students were selected through proportional stratified sampling from schools and different classes at first, second, third, and pre-university grades. The participants were randomly divided into two groups, each containing 60 students. Educational interventions for the test group included an interactive multimedia CD, and for the control group was an educational booklet. Before and one month after the intervention the students' level of knowledge and self-efficacy was measured. The spss 19 statistical software was used, and descriptive and analytical tests were performed to analyze the data. Results showed a significant difference in self-efficacy scores after the intervention (P=0.012) with the test group obtained a higher self-efficacy score than the control group. Also, a significant increase was observed in the knowledge score of both groups after the training (P<0.001), but the knowledge score between the two groups was not statistically significant (P=0.38) after the intervention. The use of new training methods like interactive multimedia CD for public education, particular adolescents about health and hygiene is recommended.

Impact of Watson's human caring-based health promotion program on caregivers of individuals with schizophrenia

BACKGROUND

Caring for people with schizophrenia is accompanied by challenges that impact caregiver health. We conducted this study to explore the effect of a Caring Science-Based health promotion program on the sense of coherence and well-being among caregivers of persons with schizophrenia.

METHODS

This randomized clinical trial with the Solomon four-group design was conducted on 72 caregivers randomly allocated into two intervention and two control groups. A health promotion program based on Watson's theory was performed individually through five face-to-face sessions and a four-week follow-up. Settings were the psychiatric centers of the three educational, specialty, and subspecialty Ibn-e-Sina, Moharary, and Hafez hospitals affiliated with Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (SUMS), south of Iran. The data were collected using a demographic information form, the Sense of Coherence Scale, and the Caregiver Well-Being Scale. One-way ANOVA, chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis, and independent t-test were used to determine the homogeneity at baseline. In the post-test, multiple between-groups and pairwise comparisons were assessed by One-way ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc. Within-group comparisons were evaluated using paired t-tests. All tests were two-tailed, and the statistical level was considered 0.05.

RESULTS

Data analysis showed that the mean scores of caregiver sense of coherence and well-being from pre-intervention to post-intervention were significantly increased in the intervention groups (p < 0.001). At the same time, there were no significant differences in the control groups.

CONCLUSION

The health promotion program based on Watson's human caring theory facilitated ongoing intrapersonal, and holistic caring and improved the sense of coherence and well-being in caregivers of persons with schizophrenia. Hence, this intervention is recommended for developing healing care programs.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

https://www.irct.ir/trial/55040 : IRCT20111105008011N2 (11/04/2021).

Assessing the psychometric properties of persian version of Zarit Burden interview among family caregivers of patients with multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND

Caring for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) imposes a great burden on caregivers and affects their lives in various aspects. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of Persian version of 22-item Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI-22) among family caregivers of patients with MS.

METHODS

This methodological study was conducted in Fars province, southern of Iran. For this purpose, 120 family caregivers were recruited to participate in the study from January to March 2022. Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) was translated into Persian through forward-backward method. Face and content validity were assessed. Construct validity was assessed using exploratory factor analyses (EFA), and its reliability was assessed by measuring internal consistency and testretest stability.

RESULTS

According to face validity, the impact scores of all items were more than 1.5. Content validity ratio and content validity index values of all 22 items were 0.64-1 and 0.82-1, respectively. The scalelevel CVI/Ave was 0.97. Based on the results of factor analysis, five factors with eigenvalues more than 1 were extracted, which altogether explained 62.62% of the total variance of ZBI score. Among 22 items, one item was deleted during EFA validity assessment. Factor loading values ranged from 0.40 to 0.88. The reliability of the scale was confirmed (total Cronbach's alpha of the ZBI = 0.88). Moreover, testretest stability assessment revealed no significant difference between test and retest scores (P > 0.05). The intraclass correlation (ICC) for the ZBI and ICCs among its factors were 0.88 and 0.6-0.86, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The Persian version of five-factor structure ZBI can be a valid and reliable scale, and it can be used to assess caregiver burden among family caregivers of patients with MS in Iran.

Novice nurses' professional competence: A qualitative content analysis

BACKGROUND

Novice nurses comprise a significant number of health personnel who are working in health systems. The significance of acquiring professional competence by nurses entering the hospital will ensure results such as professionalizing and giving quality services. This study aimed to explain the needs, facilitating and inhibiting factors of novice nurses' professional competence.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This qualitative study was done using a conventional content analysis method at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran, in 2021-2022. The study participants included 15 novice nurses, supervisors, head nurses, and nurses in the departments where novice nurses operate. Participants were selected purposefully. Data were collected through 17 sessions of deep and semistructured interviews and 16 sessions of semistructured field observations until data saturation was reached.

RESULTS

Following data analysis, 2570 initial codes were extracted forming four subcategories, two categories, and one theme. The theme of the present study entitled "on the path to becoming a professional" included two categories "strengthening professional skills" and "committed adherence to the profession."

CONCLUSION

The concept of professional competence in novice nurses occurred through on the path to becoming a professional. This concept included strengthening professional skills and committed adherence to the profession. Policymakers and educational planners of nursing education can use the results of this study to get acquainted with this concept and develop policies and guidelines to develop professional competence. By getting familiar with the concept of novice nurses' professional competence, facilitating and inhibiting factors can educate competent nurses.