Practice and clinical decision-making autonomy among Hellenic critical care nurses

BACKGROUND

Nursing autonomy has been associated with better patient-outcomes; therefore, it is a priority for critical care nursing management. Low authority has been a persistent complaint of Hellenic intensive care unit nurses; however, issues of nursing autonomy have not been previously addressed empirically in Hellas.

PURPOSE

To investigate: (1) the perceived contribution to clinical decision-making, (2) the degree of autonomy in technical tasks, and (3) factors related to practice autonomy in critical care nurses in Hellas. Additionally, because of the lack of sufficient tools, this study also aimed to construct and to validate a new tool for assessing practice and clinical decision-making autonomy among Hellenic intensive care unit nurses.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A Hellenic intensive care nursing autonomy scale, focused on technical aspects of care, was developed through literature review, a panel of experts and a pilot study in a random sample of 120 respondents. Items were refined by factor analysis, which revealed three major conceptual categories of autonomy: (1) basic technical, (2) advanced technical, and (3) clinical decision. Hellenic intensive care nursing autonomy (Likert 4, range: 38-152), was distributed to all nurses employed in intensive care units in Hellas (n = 807; attrition: 27%). Comparisons, correlation and multivariate regression were employed.

RESULTS

The Hellenic intensive care nursing autonomy scale exhibited appropriate reliability (Cronbach's alpha = 0.86) and validity properties. Autonomy scores were moderate (mean: 105.24 +/- 9.58). Highest autonomy was attributed to basic technical tasks, followed by advanced technical tasks and decision-making. Male gender and higher education were predictors of higher overall, advanced technical and decision-making autonomy (P = 0.01). Bachelor degree graduates scored higher in decisional autonomy (P = 0.03). Intensive care unit experience and type of intensive care unit were also important determinants of decisional autonomy (P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

The results revealed moderate autonomy in technical tasks and low decisional autonomy among Hellenic intensive care unit nurses. Factors related to the educational preparation of nurses, gender issues and institutional characteristics might hinder intensive care unit nurses' autonomy in Hellas.

Assessment of Fatigue in End Stage Renal Disease Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis: Prevalence and Associated Factors

Background:

Fatigue is a common symptom referred by many patients undergoing hemodialysis. Fatigue is associated with poor health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and is an important predictor for survival of hemodialysis patients.

Aim:

To assess the levels of fatigue and demographic factors affecting it among patients with End Stage Renal Disease undergoing hemodialysis.

Methods:

This quantitative study was carried out in two Dialysis Units of Hospitals in Athens Region. Between January 2015 and June 2015, 129 hemodialysis patients completed the Greek Version of the Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS). Demographic data of patients was recorded. For the statistical analysis IBM SPSS Statistics version 20 was used.

Results:

The mean FAS score was 24.99. 49 patients (38.0%) were non fatigued, 61 patients (47.3%) were fatigued, and 19 patients (13.7%) were extremely fatigued. Higher levels of fatigue were reported among hemodialysis patients residing in urban areas, in those with low educational level and unemployed.

Conclusion:

The findings of this study can be used in the assessment of fatigue and early identification of high-risk patients (especially of the unemployed, those who occupy with domestic works, those with low educational level and of urban citizens). Use of this knowledge by hemodialysis nurses may lead to a better understanding of the factors of fatigue in ESRD, which in turn may lead to a more effective treatment.

Prevalence, Wellbeing, and Symptoms of Dysmenorrhea among University Nursing Students in Greece

Dysmenorrhea (pain during menstruation) is one of the most common medical conditions among women of reproductive age. Dysmenorrhea has been studied around the world but not yet in Greece. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence, characteristics, and impact of dysmenorrhea on the wellbeing (exercising, and social and academic functioning) among nursing students in Greece. A cross-sectional study of 637 nursing students was conducted by administering a questionnaire at a university in Athens. The prevalence of dysmenorrhea was 89.2% and the rate of severe intensity was 52.5%. Factors that were associated with severe dysmenorrhea were family history (p = 0.02), early menarche (p = 0.05) and menstruation duration (p = 0.05). Women with moderate and severe pain reported using pain relievers (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), paracetamol etc., p < 0.0005). Finally, activities affected by severe pain were class attendance (p = 0.01), personal studying (p < 0.0005), exercising (p < 0.0005), and socializing (p < 0.0005). Exam attendance (p = 0.27) and clinical placement attendance (p = 0.48) were not affected by severe dysmenorrhea. Dysmenorrhea has a high prevalence among nursing students and seems to affect important aspects of wellbeing and academic performance when the pain intensity is severe. The present findings lay the foundation for further investigation of dysmenorrhea both in the Greek population and cross-culturally.

Effects of Probiotics on Diabetic Nephropathy: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Diabetic Nephropathy is a frequent complication of diabetes mellitus due to functional and structural modifications in multiple kidney compartments. Probiotics have risen lately as a forthcoming therapeutic intervention but they have not been systematically evaluated in diabetic nephropathy so far. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate randomized controlled trials and experimental studies assessing the effect of probiotic supplements on diabetic nephropathy.

METHODS

An extensive literature search was conducted through electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Cinahl and Medline) with the Medical Subject Headings and entry terms of "diabetic nephropathy", "diabetic renal disease" and "probiotics". The search yielded 116 results, 9 of which met the inclusion criteria for this systematic review.

RESULTS

Most of the microorganisms used in the studies belonged to the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium genus. The dosage ranged from 2×107 to 6×1010 CFU/ g. The form of the probiotics varied across the studies (capsules, sachets, soy milk, kefir and honey). The majority of the studies demonstrated the benefits of probiotic supplementation on the reduction of inflammation, oxidative stress and on the amelioration of renal function biomarkers in subjects with diabetic nephropathy. No major gastrointestinal adverse events were observed during the intervention time with probiotics.

CONCLUSION

Findings of this systematic review demonstrate the positive impact of probiotics on Diabetic Nephropathy without any major adverse events. Moreover, future larger randomized controlled trials with bigger samples and longer follow-up time are deemed necessary for further valid results on the effectiveness of probiotic supplementation on Diabetic Nephropathy.

Fathers' Feelings and Experience Related to their Wife/Partner's Delivery in Northern Greece

OBJECTIVES

The study aims at exploring the feelings and the experience of fathers about their wife/partner's delivery.

BACKGROUND

During the last decades birth attendance by fathers is a common phenomenon across many countries. Fathers' birth attendance may evoke both positive and negative feelings.

METHODOLOGY

The study was conducted in a city of Northern Greece. The sample consisted of 417 fathers whose wife/partner had given birth during the previous one week to one year. Data were collected using the Kuopio Instrument for Fathers (KIF).

RESULTS

Father's feelings about their wife or partner were very positive as nearly all (82.1%) of the participants were proud to become fathers and agree that they felt love and were grateful to their wife/partner. However, half of the fathers felt anxious and nervous. 40.7% quite agree that the staff was very professional, that they trusted the staff (45%) and that they were grateful to the staff (38.8%). There is correlation between the "feelings related to the wife/partner" and education (r=0.156, p=0.0047), "being afraid during the preparatory visit at the obstetric hospital" (r=-0.238, p=0.009), and "anxiety during the preparatory visit" (r=0.295 p=0.005). The subscale "feelings related to the environment and staff" correlates with "usefulness of preparatory visit" (r=-0.223, p=0.004) and the subscale of "experiences related to delivery" correlates with "usefulness of preparatory visit" (r=-0.357, p=0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results support the findings of previous studies, which indicated that birth attendance by fathers has evoked positive feelings about their wife/partner, the delivery, the staff and the hospital environment.

Factors Influencing Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Patients Six Months after the Completion of Chemotherapy

Purpose: To assess breast cancer patients’ quality of life six months after the completion of adjuvant chemotherapy, and to investigate factors affecting this. Methods: The study was conducted in one large hospital located in a major Greek city. A convenience sample of 61 breast cancer outpatients was recruited. A questionnaire, including the SF-36 scale and questions regarding demographic and clinical information, was used to collect data. Results: The mean age of the patients was 51.52 ± 12.10. The effect of age on the physical role was significant (p = 0.003). Τhe effect of menopausal status on physical role was also found to be significant (p = 0.003); this might be explained by age. Regarding the treatment type, patients who received hormone therapy in addition to surgery and chemotherapy reported a significantly higher quality of life in terms of bodily pain (p = 0.04) and vitality (p = 0.04) than patients who underwent only surgery and chemotherapy. Conclusions: Quality of life is affected by factors such as age, menopausal status, and previous therapy. Health care professionals should be more aware of the factors that influence the quality of life domains (physical role, bodily pain, vitality) within this group of cancer patients in order to meet their needs following acute treatment.

Prospective Assessment of Fatigue and Health Status in Greek Patients With Breast Cancer Undergoing Adjuvant Radiotherapy

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES

To describe fatigue in women with breast cancer undergoing radiotherapy and to explore the impact of fatigue on their health status.

DESIGN

Prospective, descriptive, repeated measures.

SETTING

A major oncology center, Saint Savvas Cancer Hospital, in Athens, Greece.

SAMPLE

Consecutive sample of 106 women (mean age = 55 + 12), with histologically confirmed diagnosis for stage I or II breast cancer who were receiving adjuvant radiotherapy for approximately six weeks.

METHODS

Data were collected with the Revised Piper Fatigue Scale (PFS) and the Short Form-36 (SF-36) Health Survey Scale in the first two days of radiotherapy (T0), during the third week (T1), and during the last week of treatment (T2).

MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES

Fatigue, health status.

FINDINGS

Across-subjects analysis revealed that fatigue increased during radiotherapy in patients with breast cancer regardless of stage, type of surgery, or whether they received chemotherapy (p 0.05). Between-subject analysis revealed that no differences existed in the PFS between different groups (chemotherapy versus no chemotherapy, breast conservation versus mastectomy, stage I versus stage II) at each measurement point. A negative correlation was found between the subscales of the PFS and all of the subscales of the SF-36.

CONCLUSIONS

Fatigue intensity increased significantly during the course of radiotherapy, and patients experienced a significant deterioration in their overall health status.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING

Findings contribute to the growing body of evidence regarding fatigue and its impact on health status in Greek patients with breast cancer and provide insights for effective nursing assessment, patient education, and symptom management.

Greek renal nurses' attitudes towards death

This study aims to assess how Greek renal nurses feel about death and examine any relationships between their attitudes and demographic factors.

DESIGN

Descriptive quantitative study. The sample comprised of 49 nurses.

METHODOLOGY

Voluntary and anonymous completion of the Death Attitude Profile-Revised and a demographic questionnaire.

RESULTS

44 respondents were female and 5 were male with a mean age of 25.80 years. The mean nursing experience was 10.9 years. Nursing experience and age were the variables most likely to predict nurses' attitudes towards death. Nurses with specific education on palliative care had less difficulty talking about death and dying and did not have a fear of death. The Hospital-based teams (known as palliative care teams, supportive care teams or symptom assessment teams) had statistically significant different relationships with fear of death and neutral acceptance scores.

CONCLUSIONS

It is recommended to include education on death and care of the dying in the nursing degree course in order for nurses who are giving terminal phase patient care to be better able deal with issues that death evolves.

ADHERENCE AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE II DIABETES MELLITUS IN NORTHERN GREECE

INTRODUCTION

Adherence as a concept includes various types of health-related behavior. Better medical adherence leads to improved disease control and fewer diabetes-related complications. Quality of life and medication adherence are interrelated. Patients with diabetes who adhere to their treatment can experience an improvement in quality of life and vice versa.

AIM

To assess treatment adherence in patients with type II diabetes, as well as the connection between adherence and quality of life.

METHODOLOGY

A descriptive non-experimental study was conducted in a provincial hospital in Northern Greece. The sample examined was a convenience sample consisting of 108 patients with type II diabetes mellitus. They completed the "Diabetes Self-Care Activities Questionnaire" and SF-36 "Quality of Life Questionnaire".

RESULTS

Participants demonstrated good adherence to diet and blood test / blood glucose test routines, but did not experience high levels of quality of life. The type of treatment affected the adherence to blood tests with a statistically significant difference (p=0,000). Also, marital status affected mental health with a statistically significant difference (p=0,032). The adherence sub scales are correlated with the all domains of quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

According to our findings, it is important to plan interventions to enhance adherence to other types of treatment and to help patients to further improve their quality of life.

In-hospital informal caregivers' needs as perceived by themselves and by the nursing staff in Northern Greece: A descriptive study

Background

Informal care is common in many countries, especially in Greece, where families provide care in hospitals. Health education and informational needs are important factors for family members which are often underestimated by nursing staff. The aim of this study was to compare the perceptions of the nurses and the in-hospital informal caregivers about the in-hospital informal caregivers' knowledge and informational needs, as well as the factors that influence these perceptions.

Methods

This was a non-experimental descriptive study conducted in three general hospitals in Greece. The sample consisted of 320 nurses and 370 in-hospital informal caregivers who completed questionnaires. Descriptive statistics were analyzed using t-tests; group comparisons were conducted using ANOVA.

Results

The score of the questionnaire for health education and informational needs was significantly greater for informal caregivers (57.1 ± 6.9 and 26.6 ± 2.8) than for nurses (53.4 ± 5.7 and 22.4 ± 3.1) (p < 0.001). For the nursing staff, the factors that influence the informational needs of patients' caregivers were level of education and working experience, while for the caregivers the level of education was independently associated with the score for the health education needs. Finally, age, marital status, and level of education of informal caregivers' were independently associated with informational needs.

Conclusions

The in-hospital informal caregivers perceived that they have more educational and informational needs than the nurses did. The findings of this study also show that the nursing staff has to identify the needs of in-hospital informal caregivers in order to be able to meet these needs.

Assessment of Symptoms in Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy in Northern Greece

INTRODUCTION

Cancer patients experience a variety of symptoms that can be physical or psychological. These symptoms may vary in terms of occurrence, severity and distress and can be the result of the illness or the treatment.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to investigate the frequency, severity and distress of symptoms that chemotherapy induces in cancer patients.

MATERIAL-METHOD

This study included 200 cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy in a major city of Northern Greece. Data was collected using the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale and Questionnaire, with demographic and clinical characteristics.

RESULTS

The vast majority of those included in the sample were male participants (n=127, 63.5%). Their mean age was 58.95 (SD=9.95, range 29-79). The most prevalent physical symptoms were numbness/tingling in the hands/feet (54%), followed by lack of energy (46%). Feeling nervous (52%) and having trouble sleeping (41%) were the two most common psychological symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study demonstrate that cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy experience various symptoms in high prevalence, and that they are quite severe. Therefore nurses should take into account these findings and plan appropriate, suitable care plans and interventions in order to alleviate them and improve patients' quality of life.

Assessment of Quality of Life in Patients With Cardiovascular Disease Using the SF-36, MacNew, and EQ-5D-5L Questionnaires

Background Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is responsible for 18 million annual deaths worldwide. CVD affects patients' Quality of Life (QoL) mainly in physical, emotional and social dimension. Aim To assess the QoL of patients with CVD in Northern Greece, using three different instruments. Methods The study was conducted in one large hospital located in a major Greek city. A convenience sample of 80 patients participated. A questionnaire including Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36), EuroQoL 5-dimensions 5-levels (EQ-5D-5L), MacNew, demographic, and clinical characteristics was used to collect data. Results The mean age of the patients was 63.31±14.07. Analysis revealed statistically significant main effects of age on the physical limitations, emotional limitations, social functioning, and pain. Also, the analysis showed significant main effects of education on the MacNew Physical, MacNew Social, and the EQ-5D-5L index (p< 0.05). Participants who had graduated primary school had significantly lower quality of life scores than higher education graduates in the MacNew physical (p< 0.02). Furthermore, in the SF-36 pain subscale, the heart failure group had a significantly lower quality of life than the other heart diseases (p= 0.03). Conclusion Quality of life is affected by factors such as age, type of heart disease, therapy, and comorbidities. Health care providers should be knowledgeable of the factors that affect the quality of life sectors (physical, emotional, and social life) of patients with CVD in order to meet their needs and have the most suitable treatment.

Factors affecting the decision to quit smoking of the participants of a hospital-based smoking cessation program in Greece

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors that affect people who are in the process of quitting smoking.

METHODS

A randomly selected sample of 110 participants in a smoking cessation program (SCP) of a hospital in Thessaloniki Greece. Instruments of data collection were: i) the Demographic Data Lifestyle Questionnaire and ii) the Fragerstrom Tolerance Questionnaire. ANOVA tests between the Demographic Data Lifestyle Questionnaire and the Fagerstrom Tolerance Questionnaire relating to the smokers' determination to quit smoking applied.

RESULTS

Work satisfaction was related to whether the participants had difficulty to smoke in places that prohibited smoking and to how many cigarettes they smoked per day. If a non-smoker partner was urging the participant to quit smoking, it affected the hours of the day when the respondents smoked more cigarettes. Pressure from a non-smoking spouse was a deterrent from smoking many cigarettes during morning hours. Those participants who consumed alcohol smoked cigarettes containing higher levels of nicotine.

CONCLUSION

Smoking cessation is a difficult process which is influenced by many factors such as educational level, work satisfaction and the presence of a partner.

Quality of Life in Elderly Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

INTRODUCTION

As life expectancy increases, it is expected that 60% of all cases of cancer will be detected in elderly patients in the next two decades. Cancer treatment for older persons is complicated by a number of factors, thus negatively affecting patients' quality of life.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to investigate quality of life in elderly cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

This study was descriptive and non-experimental. It was conducted in one large hospital in a major city of Northern Greece. The sample was convenience comprising 53 elderly cancer patients undergoing cycle 3 chemotherapy. The data was collected using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy scale and included questions related to demographic and clinical characteristics.

RESULTS

The majority of participants were men (n = 27, 50.9%) who were married (n = 32, 79.5%). Their mean age was 70.07 ± 3.60. Almost half of the sample (n = 30, 56.6%) had colon cancer. There was a statistical significant difference between men and women pertaining to physical wellbeing (p = 0.004) and overall quality of life (p < 0.001). When comparing each subscale with the patients' marital status it was found that there was a statistical difference with respect to social/family wellbeing (p = 0.029), functional wellbeing (p = 0.09) and overall quality of life (p < 0.001). Moreover, the type of cancer affected overall quality of life (p < 0.001) and social/family wellbeing (p = 0.029).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings call attention to quality of life and its related factors in elderly cancer patients. It is highly recommended to envisage measures for improving quality of life in this group of cancer patients.

Perceptions and health beliefs of Greek nursing students about breast self-examination: A descriptive study

Breast self-examination is a screening option for young women. Among students, knowledge about breast self-examination ranges from insufficient to average. This descriptive study was planned in order to determine the health beliefs and perceptions of nursing students regarding breast self-examinations. We recruited 538 nursing students in a single Higher Technological Educational Institute in Greece. Data were collected using the Champion's Health Belief Model Scale. Parametric tests were used in the data analysis. We found significant differences in the results of the subscales of Champion's Health Belief Model Scale on comparing people with respect to nationality, previous education about breast self-examination, smoking status and semester in which they were studying. The 'confidence' subscale was positively associated with the frequency of breast self-examination. The results of the present study demonstrated that nursing students have knowledge about breast-self examination but inadequate practice.

Symptoms in Advanced Cancer Patients in a Greek Hospital: a Descriptive Study

Background:

Advanced cancer patients experience several physical or psychological symptoms which require palliative care for alleviation.

Purpose:

To assess the prevalence and intensity of symptoms among cancer patients receiving palliative care in a Greek hospital and to examine the association between reported symptoms and social clinical and demographic characteristics.

Material-methods:

This descriptive research was conducted during a six-month period using a convenient sample of 123 advanced cancer patients. All participants were assessed for their symptoms using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) with a questionnaire covering demographic and clinical characteristics.

Results:

The mean age was 63.8± 10.8 years, with lung and breast (58.5% and 11.4%, respectively) as the most common primary cancer types. The most severe symptoms were fatigue, sleep disturbance, dyspnea, depression and anxiety. Negative correlations were revealed between age and the following symptoms: pain (r = -0.354, p = 0.001), fatigue (r = -0.280, p = 0.002), nausea (r = -0.178, p = 0.049), anorexia (r = -0.188, p = 0.038), dyspnea (r = -0.251, p = 0.005), and depression (r = -0.223, p = 0.013). Advanced breast cancer patients scored higher in pain, fatigue and dyspnea compared to those with other cancers.

Conclusions:

Hospitalized cancer patients in Greece experience several symptoms during the last months of their life. These are influenced by demographic characteristics. Appropriate interventions are strongly advised with appropriate recognition and evaluation of symptoms by health professionals.

Investigation of Nausea and Vomiting in Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

Nausea and vomiting are the most important problems in patients undergoing chemotherapy, despite the recent improvements in the administration of antiemetic drugs. Through a review of the literature, we found that there are several nursing researches focusing on the effectiveness of interventions for the treatment of nausea and vomiting in cancer patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate the symptom of nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing chemotherapy. The study also investigated the impact of nausea and vomiting on patients' ability to respond to daily activities. The study is descriptive; the sample included patients with different types of cancer and receiving chemotherapy. The inclusion criteria were: the histological diagnosis of cancer, the administration of chemotherapy and the knowledge of the Greek language. The questionnaires used were: the MASCC (vomiting questionnaire), the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale and the scale of functional assessment of cancer therapy. Data collection took place in oncological hospitals of Thessaloniki and Athens in Greece. For statistical analysis we used the statistical package SPSS 15.0.

Satisfaction from the 'Help at Home' programme in a prefecture of central Greece

Greece is facing the issue of increasing elderly population and therefore local municipalities started the 'Help at Home' programme. The aim of this study is to investigate the elderly's satisfaction from the 'Help at Home' programme in a prefecture of central Greece. The sample consisted of 300 elderly people who receive services from the 'Help at Home' programme. Data were collected using a questionnaire. The majority of the participants were satisfied with the programme's services and reported high satisfaction from the interpersonal relations with the personnel, from the personnel's professional abilities and from the system's sufficiency in covering the elderly's perceived needs for care, but the satisfaction from the range of services is relatively low. The participants were overall satisfied; however, further research is needed at a national level in order to draw safer conclusion regarding the application of the programme in Greece.

Evaluating female nursing students' knowledge and attitudes regarding breast self-examination

The purpose of this study was to evaluate female nursing students' knowledge and attitudes regarding breast self-examination (BSE). The sample consisted of 175 nursing students from a university in Cyprus. We collected data via a questionnaire that included the Greek version of the Champion Health Belief Model scale and questions regarding the participants' demographic characteristics. More than half of the participants (58.3%) said that they were knowledgeable about BSE and 29.1% of them had been taught about it during their studies. Nevertheless, 59.9% reported never having performed BSE, while 40.1% had performed it at least once. Only 10.9% of the students performed BSE every month for more than a year. Self-confidence had a positive and significant correlation (0.86) with BSE frequency. Also, we found quite a low level of BSE knowledge and practice levels, and this highlights the need for establishing breast cancer prevention programs.

Are Burnout Syndrome and Depression Predictors for Aggressive Behavior Among Mental Health Care Professionals?

AIM

This study aims to examine the possible relation between depression and burnout as predictors to aggressive behaviors among mental healthcare professionals.

METHODS

For the purposes of this study 72 mental health care professionals were recruited and were evaluated in three questionnaires which were provided to them online. Firstly regarding depression, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) was administered, secondly, concerning burnout, Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) was applied and finally, regarding aggression, the Aggression Questionnaire (GAQ) was employed. Statistical data analysis was performed using the IBM SPSS Statistics Version 19. The level of statistical significance was set at up at 0.05.

RESULTS

The results showed that depression is considered to be a statistically significant predictor of aggressive behaviors. However, burnout was not found to be a statistically significant predictor of aggression. In addition, a statistically significant relationship was found between burnout and depression.

CONCLUSIONS

It seems to be of essential importance for mental healthcare professionals to be provided with support and assistance in order to diminish the potential high-stress levels and in that way to overcome depression and burnout of those who work in mental health settings.

The Impact of Comorbid Diabetes Type 2 on Quality of Life in Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Cancer and diabetes are two highly prevalent diseases worldwide and greatly influence quality of life of those suffering from it. The study aimed to compare quality of life in patients diagnosed with cancer and diabetes with those without diabetes both undergoing chemotherapy and to investigate the factors responsible for the difference between the two groups.

METHODS

A convenience sample of 101 participants who had cancer and type 2 diabetes and 99 who had cancer without diabetes were used.

RESULTS

Patients with comorbid diabetes were divided based on their diabetes duration and whether they had glycaemic control or not. Diabetic cancer patients without glycaemic control had lower scores in global health status and in physical and emotional functioning compared to diabetic cancer patients with glycaemic control and patients without diabetes (p < .05). After adjusting for demographic characteristics, the differences between the group with diabetes and without glycaemic control and the other two groups regarding global health status were statistically significant (p < .05). Patients with more than a 7-year history of diabetes had a significantly lower emotional functioning than the no diabetes group and lower global health status score than both of the other groups (p < .05). After adjusting for clinical and demographic characteristics, only the difference between the ≥ 7 years diabetes duration group and the no diabetes groups remained significant.

CONCLUSION

The presence of diabetes in cancer patients who underwent chemotherapy seems to negatively influence certain domains of quality of life and this may be affected by the duration of diabetes and whether glycaemic control has been achieved or not.