The Psychological Pressures of Breast Cancer Patients During the COVID-19 Outbreak in China-A Comparison With Frontline Female Nurses

Objective: During the outbreak of the COVID-19 epidemic in China, breast cancer (BC) patients and healthcare workers faced several challenges, resulting in great psychological stress. We measured the psychological status of BC patients and female nurses and compared the severity within the two groups at the peak time-point of the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods: A total of 207 BC patients and 684 female nurses were recruited from Wuhan. They completed an anonymous questionnaire online using the most popular social media software in China, WeChat. The psychological status of BC patients and of female nurses was measured using the Chinese versions of the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7), the 7-item Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and the 22-item Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) for evaluation of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The differences between the two groups were analyzed. Results: The scores of BC patients and frontline female nurses for the four scales were significantly higher than those of non-frontline female nurses (P < 0.001). There were similar scores between BC patients and frontline female nurses for PHQ-9, GAD-7, and IES-R (P = 0.789, P = 0.101, P = 0.158, respectively). Notably, the scores of BC patients for ISI were significantly higher than those of the frontline female nurses (P = 0.016). A considerable proportion of BC patients reported symptoms of depression (106/207, 51.2%), anxiety (130/207, 62.8%), insomnia (106/207, 51.2%), and PTSD (73/207, 35.5%), which was more severe than that of female nurses. Conclusions: BC patients experienced great psychological pressure during the COVID-19 outbreak. The incidents of symptomatic anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and PTSD were significantly comparable to that of frontline female nurses, and episodes of insomnia among BC participants were more serious than for frontline female nurses.

Personality traits and its correlation to burnout in female nurses

BACKGROUND

Few Indian studies have deliberated on the role of personality traits in perceived stress and burnout among female nurses employed in the government sector.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was conducted among 600 female nurses employed in 30 government hospitals of India. Two hundred and ninety-eight valid questionnaires received with demographic data, NEO Five-Factor Inventory scores, Perceived Stress Scale-10, and Copenhagen Burnout Inventory scores were analyzed using linear regression analysis.

RESULTS

Trait neuroticism scores had modest positive correlation for personal burnout (R ²: 0.32, F: 138.68), work-related burnout (R ²: 0.22, F: 84.09), and overall burnout scores (R ²: 0.30, F: 128.09). Extraversion scores had low negative correlation with personal burnout (R ²: 0.08, F: 27.22, P < 0.00), work-related burnout (R ²: 0.09, F: 28.81), and overall burnout scores (R ²: 0.10, F: 31.68). Scores on agreeableness trait had weak negative correlation with personal burnout (R ²: 0.09, F: 32.98), workrelated burnout (R ²: 0.06, F: 20.96), patientrelated burnout (R ²: 0.06, F: 21.27), and overall burnout scores (R ²: 0.10, F: 33.43). Openness to experience had no significant correlation to personal, work-related, patient-related, or overall burnout scores. Conscientiousness scores had low negative correlation with the scores on personal burnout (R ²: 0.12, F: 41.96), work-related burnout (R ²: 0.09, F: 27.88), and overall burnout scores (R ²: 0.10, F: 31.80). Neuroticism had modest positive correlation with perceived stress scores (R ^2: 0.33, F: 145.61). Extraversion, agreeableness, and conscientiousness were weakly negatively correlated with perceived stress scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Trait neuroticism increased the vulnerability to perceived stress and burnout, whereas traits of extraversion, conscientiousness, and agreeableness were protective against perceived stress and burnout in the sample of female nurses surveyed.

Night Shift Work, DNA Methylation and Telomere Length: An Investigation on Hospital Female Nurses

Increased breast cancer risk has been reported in some night shift (NS) workers but underlying biological mechanisms are still unclear. We assessed the association between NS work and DNA methylation of tumor suppressor (TP53, CDKN2A, BRCA1, BRCA2) and estrogen receptor (ESR1, ESR2) genes, methylation of repetitive elements (LINE-1, Alu), and telomere length (TL). Forty six female nurses employed in NS for at least two years were matched by age (30–45 years) and length of service (≥1 year) with 51 female colleagues not working in NS. Each subject underwent a semi-structured interview and gave a blood sample. We applied linear regression and spline models adjusted for age, BMI, smoking habit, oral contraceptive use, parity and marital status/age at marriage. Currently working in NS was associated with ESR1 hypomethylation (β: −1.85 (95%CI: −3.03; −0.67), p = 0.003). In current and former NS workers we observed TP53 (−0.93 (−1.73; −0.12), p = 0.03) and BRCA1 (−1.14 (−1.71; −0.58), p <0.001) hypomethylation. We found an increase between TL and number of years in NS in subjects employed in NS <12 years (0.06 (0.03; 0.09), p <0.001), while a decrease if employed in NS ≥12 years (−0.07 −0.10; −0.04), p <0.001). Our findings show NS-associated markers potentially involved in cellular aging, genomic instability, and cancer development.

Predictors of actual turnover among nurses working in Korean hospitals: A nationwide longitudinal survey study

AIM

To examine the factors affecting actual turnover among nurses working in hospitals using the Brewer-Kovner synthesis model.

BACKGROUND

To increase retention of nurses, it is important to understand factors contributing to actual turnover among nurses.

METHODS

A longitudinal study design was utilized with 2,633 of 20,613 eligible female hospital nurses who participated in Korea Nurses' Health Study. We created two age groups: a younger group (20-35 years) and an older group (36-49 years). Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify the factors influencing turnover by age group.

RESULTS

Pregnancy and childbirth increased young nurses' turnover. When we excluded intent to leave, depression and burnout were significant factors affecting young nurses' turnover. Salary and hospital size were factors predicting nurse turnover among nurses older than 36 years.

CONCLUSIONS

It is essential to develop prevention strategies of female nurse turnover based on the age group in Korea.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT

Nurse managers and health care institutes need to develop new managerial and policy strategies to reduce nurse turnover in each age group.

Recovery Experience as the Mediating Factor in the Relationship Between Sleep Disturbance and Depressive Symptoms Among Female Nurses in Chinese Public Hospitals: A Structural Equation Modeling Analysis

Purpose

Nurses are suffering from considerable work-related stress, which can result in disturbed sleep and depressive symptoms. Whereas, recovery experience can alleviate sleep disturbance and help maintain well-being in the working environment. The aim of this study was to examine whether recovery experiences play a mediating role in the relationship between sleep disturbance and depressive symptoms of female nurses in Chinese public hospitals.

Methods

From December 2017 to May 2018, the study with proportional sampling of cross-sectional design was carried out in the public tertiary hospitals from Shenyang of Liaoning Province in China. A total of 1500 female nurses who had been working for one or more years participated in this study. A structural equation model (SEM) was applied to test the assumption that recovery experiences might function as a mediator in the relationship between sleep disturbance and symptoms of depression.

Results

Sleep disturbance contributed most to the variance (32.9%) of depressive symptoms and had a significantly positive correlation with depressive symptoms (P<0.01) among nurses. Psychological detachment in recovery experience had a significantly positive correlation with sleep disturbance (P<0.01) and depressive symptoms (P<0.01). Whereas, relaxation, mastery experience, and control in recovery experience were significantly and negatively correlated with sleep disturbance (P<0.01) and depressive symptoms (P<0.01). Recovery experience served as a mediator between sleep disturbance and depressive symptoms (a * b = 0.066, BCa 95% CI: 0.045, 0.095).

Conclusion

Sleep disturbance was the predictor of depressive symptoms for female nurses. Moreover, recovery experience could combat the detrimental impacts of sleep disturbances on symptoms of depression. This study suggested that nurses might benefit from interventions on improving sleep quality to relieve depressive symptoms through mediating path of recovery experience.

Demographic Factors and Job Characteristics Associated With Burnout in Chinese Female Nurses During Controlled COVID-19 Period: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: To investigate the prevalence of burnout syndrome among Chinese female nurses during the controlled coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) period and explore its associated socio-demographic factors and job characteristics. Methods: With the multistage, stratified sampling method, a cross-sectional online survey was conducted from September to October 2020 in China. The survey tool included revised Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) with 15 items, socio-demographic and job characteristics. Univariate logistic regression analysis and multivariate factor logistic regression analysis were used to identify the risk factors for burnout of female nurses. Results: During controlled COVID-19 period in China, the overall prevalence of burnout symptoms among Chinese female nurses was 60.2% with a breakdown in severity as follows: 451 (39.8 %) mild, 163 (14.4%) moderate, and 68 (6.0%) severe burnout. Little variance was reported for burnout symptoms according to job tenure (Waldχ ² = 14.828, P < 0.05,odds ratio [OR] <1), monthly salary income (Waldχ ² = 12.460, P < 0.05, OR <1), and night shift (Waldχ ² = 3.821, P < 0.05, OR > 1). Conclusion: Burnout symptoms among Chinese female nurses were prevalent and associated with job tenure, monthly salary income, and night shift. Female nurses who were with shorter job tenure, worked at night shifts, and had lower monthly salaries tended to exhibit increasing high-level burnout than their counterparts. This study serves as an implication for administrators and policy-makers to improve the work conditions of nurses for promoting overall healthcare service quality.

Factors influencing hospital anxiety and depression among emergency department nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic: A multi-center cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION

The emergency department (ED) is a highly stressful environment, which exposes nurses to infection. ED nurses handle life-threatening conditions, endure long working hours, and deal with anxious patients and their families.

AIM

This study aimed to examine factors, which may influence anxiety and depression levels among ED nurses during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

METHODS

A cross-sectional design was used with 251 participants from six hospitals in Saudi Arabia (mean age = 32.7 ± 6.59, range = 21-54 years, 70.5% females). Data were collected using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the analysis was conducted using structural equation modeling (SEM).

RESULTS

Based on the HADS scores, 29.1 and 25.5% of ED nurses were identified as doubtful cases for depression and anxiety, respectively. Additionally, 34.7 and 43.3% of ED nurses were identified as definite cases for depression and anxiety, respectively. Higher anxiety levels were observed among female nurses, nurses with lower physical activity levels, and nurses who worked in urban areas. Low physical activity levels and more than 6 years of work experience correlated with a higher level of depression. None of the hypothesized paths in the anxiety and depression models were significant, except for two observed variables-namely, work location and physical exercise in the anxiety model and physical exercise in the depression model.

CONCLUSION

Emergency department nurses expressed high levels of anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic, which may negatively affect their performance and reduce care quality. Therefore, health care leaders should implement specialized mental health education programs focused on nursing occupational safety and support to improve ED nurses' psychological well-being. Specific attention should be paid to ED female nurses who work in urban areas, especially those with more than 6 years of experience.

Gender Bias and the Lack of Equity in Pandemic Nursing in China: A Qualitative Study

There has long been a gender bias in medicine. This qualitative study aims to identify the experience of sexism among frontline female nurses and further explore their expectations and possible strategies to get rid of gender bias. This is a descriptive phenomenological study of 23 female nurses with 11 ± 3.98 years of experience who spent 36 ± 6.50 days at the frontline during the initial COVID-19 outbreak. We employed Colaizzi’s phenomenological analysis method to understand the subjective experiences, revealing the following themes: (a) materialization of gender identity; (b) incoordinate relationships; (c) future voice of female nurses. The gender bias experienced by female frontline nurses further challenges their emotional identity and self-identity. Therefore, it is important to require extensive consciousness-raising and policy support to defend female nurses’ rights.

Gender and Publishing in Nursing: a secondary analysis of h-index ranking tables

AIMS

To analyse published ranking tables on academics' h-index scores to establish whether male nursing academics are disproportionately represented in these tables compared with their representation across the whole profession.

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have identified a disproportionate representation of UK male nursing academics in publishing in comparison to their US counterparts.

DESIGN

Secondary statistical analysis, which involved comparative correlation of proportions.

METHODS

Four papers from the UK, Canada and Australia containing h-index ranking tables and published between 2010-2017, were re-analysed in June 2017 to identify authors' sex. Pearson's chi-squared test was applied to ascertain whether the number of men included in the tables was statistically proportionate to the number of men on the pertinent national professional register.

FINDINGS

There was a disproportionate number of men with high h-index scores in the UK and Canadian data sets, compared with the proportion of men on the pertinent national registers. The number of men in the Australian data set was proportionate with the number of men on the nursing register. There was a disproportionate number of male professors in UK universities.

CONCLUSION

The influence of men over nursing publishing in the UK and Canada outweighs their representation across the whole profession. Similarly, in the UK, men's representation in the professoriate is disproportionately great. However, the Australian results suggest that gender inequality is not inevitable and that it is possible to create more egalitarian nursing cultures. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

[Stressors and the Sense of Coherence Related to the Mental Health of Nurses Assuming the Roles of Wives and/or Mothers - Investigation into the Effects of Leaving Jobs Because of Marriage, Childbirth, and Childrearing]

Many female nurses leave their jobs because of major life events. However, the mental health status and related factors among nurses who assume the roles of wives and/or mothers have been insufficiently examined. Therefore we examined the mental health levels and related factors among such nurse. We conducted a questionnaire survey on 763 female nurses working at general hospitals with over 200 beds in Fukuoka Prefecture. Of 402 responses, 108 were divided into two groups: nurses who had left because of marriage, childbirth, or childrearing (leaving group), and those who had not (non-leaving group). The following were assessed: work satisfaction level, the Brief Job Stress Questionnaire, The General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) 28, and the Sense of Coherence (SOC) scale. Results showed that nurses who had assumed the roles of wives and/or mothers had lower mental health status than general women, and nurses who retained their jobs had higher mental health status and sense of comprehensibility on the SOC scale than those who left. Multiple regression analyses using the total GHQ score as an objective variable showed that only the sense of comprehensibility on the SOC scale correlated with mental health status in the non-leaving group. For the leaving group, having support, high work and life satisfaction levels, and several work stressors were correlated. These findings strongly suggest that to maintain and improve the mental health of nurses who assume the role of wives and/or mothers, greater support, higher satisfaction, reduced stressors, and maintenance and improvement of the sense of comprehensibility are required.

Nativity status and workplace discrimination in registered nurses: Testing the mediating role of psychosocial work characteristics

AIM

To examine: (a) whether nativity status was associated with workplace discrimination, and (b) whether this association was mediated through psychosocial work characteristics (job strain, job demands, and job control) among registered female nurses.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional survey with a self-report questionnaire was conducted.

METHODS

A random sample of 610 native Registered Nurses and a total sample of 188 foreign-born Registered Nurses working in Finland were used. Data were collected between September-November of 2017 and analysed using a counterfactual approach in the causal mediation framework.

RESULTS

After adjusting for several potential confounders, foreign-born nurses scored higher on workplace discrimination than native nurses. Approximately 20% of the association between nativity status and workplace discrimination was mediated through job control. Job demands and job strain were unlikely to mediate this association.

CONCLUSION

The study provides further evidence that migrant status is associated with a higher risk of workplace discrimination among nurses. Lower levels of control over one's own job may partly contribute to the higher risk of workplace discrimination in foreign-born women nurses.

IMPACT

Our study addresses the relationship between nativity status and workplace discrimination among female nurses and its mediating factors. The findings suggest that healthcare organization leaders need to be aware of the increased risk of workplace discrimination among migrant nurses. Moreover, healthcare organizations need to consider psychosocial work characteristics, including job control, in the efforts aimed to prevent and reduce discrimination against their foreign-born employees.

The influence of workplace incivility on the fatigue of female nurses:the mediating effect of engagement

AIMS

To identify the associations of workplace incivility, engagement and fatigue among Chinese female nurses, and further explore whether engagement can play a mediating role.

BACKGROUND

Nurses are at a high risk of fatigue. However, no research has been done to examine the associations among nurses' workplace incivility, engagement and fatigue.

METHODS

The cross-sectional study was conducted in Jiangsu Province, China. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed to 1,200 female nurses, including The Fatigue Scale, Workplace Incivility Scale, Gallup Workplace Questionnaire and demographic variables. Valid responses were obtained from 1,035 (86.3%) of participants. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was performed to examine the associations among workplace incivility, engagement and fatigue.

RESULTS

The mean fatigue score was 6.54±3.07. Workplace incivility and engagement were related to fatigue (P<0.01). Engagement partly mediated the association between workplace incivility and fatigue (a*b =0.086, bias-corrected 95% CI: 0.059, 0.116; P<0.01), and the proportion of the mediating effect accounted for by engagement was 33.0%.

CONCLUSION

Chinese female nurses suffered from high level of fatigue. The improvement of female nurses' engagement may be helpful to alleviate the impact of workplace incivility on fatigue.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT

Managers should reduce workplace incivility of female nurses by promoting engagement to reduce fatigue.

Gender stereotypes and professional experiences of female nurses in Türkiye

Introduction

Gender roles and stereotypes play a significant role in shaping the nursing profession, perpetuating systemic inequities that negatively impact professional experiences and healthcare system efficiency. In Türkiye, patriarchal norms and systemic disparities exacerbate these workplace challenges, particularly for female nurses.

Methods

This qualitative study utilized semi-structured interviews with 13 female nurses working in intensive care units to examine the influence of societal expectations, workplace discrimination, and institutional policies on gender inequities in nursing.

Results

The findings reveal that cultural norms, family influence, and constrained career planning often channel women into nursing, reinforcing perceptions of the profession as an extension of caregiving roles. While participants rejected the notion of nursing as a "women's profession," their narratives highlighted the pervasive impact of gendered expectations. Additionally, political favoritism and nepotism were identified as factors exacerbating workplace challenges, reflecting broader systemic issues in Türkiye's labor market. The normalization of gender norms and their internalization by female nurses further complicate efforts to combat discrimination.

Discussion

The study underscores the necessity for policy interventions to address systemic gender inequities in nursing. Recommendations include implementing mandatory gender equality education within healthcare institutions, stricter enforcement of anti-violence laws, and the establishment of psychological and legal support systems for workplace violence victims. Additional measures, such as childcare support and regulations against marital status-based discrimination, are essential to mitigate inequities. By addressing societal, cultural, and institutional factors, this research provides actionable strategies for healthcare organizations and policymakers to promote equity and improve sector efficiency.

Sexual Harassment and Associated Factors Among Female Nurses: The Case of Addis Ababa Public Hospitals

Background

Sexual harassment of female nurses at work is an issue that is receiving more attention globally and is progressively being acknowledged as a form of gender discrimination in the workplace. Africa’s situation is getting worse every day, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. Determining the prevalence of workplace sexual harassment and associated factors among female nurses working in Addis Ababa public hospitals was the aim of this study.

Methods

A cross-sectional research design was conducted in August 2021 GC and 339 randomly selected female nurses working in an Addis Ababa public hospital were selected. The data were collected using a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire. EPI-Info 7 was used to enter the data, which was then exported to SPSS version 26 for further analysis.

Results

Forty six (46.6) percent of workplaces reported having experienced sexual harassment. One hundred sixty seven (49.3%) of all cases involved physical sexual harassment, while 79 (51.2%) involved verbal sexual harassment. Sexual harassment was 4.64 times more likely to happen to single female nurses than to married people (AOR= 4.64, 95% CI [2.6, 8.4]). Female nurses in the 20–25 age group were roughly 4.7 times more likely to suffer sexual harassment than those in the >40 age group (AOR=4.69, 95% CI [2.44, 9.03]). Alcohol consumers had a 4.5-fold higher chance of experiencing sexual harassment than non-consumers (AOR=4.50, 95% CI [2.40, 8.50]).

Conclusion

Violence among female nurses was demonstrated in this study. It demands a particular focus from the involved bodies. Age, marital status, and alcohol consumption were found to statistically significantly correlate with sexual harassment. Female nurses must get training that emphasizes behavior modification, and healthcare facilities must foster a pleasant atmosphere for nurses, patients, and other staff members.

Work-Related Factors Associated With the Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Among a Sample of Female Nurses in China

BACKGROUND

Female nurses are a high-risk group for pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD). Predictors of female nurses' PFD among work-related factors are not well known. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of PFD and its association with workplace conditions among female nurses in China.

METHODS

An online cross-sectional survey was conducted in May 2021. A sample of 380 registered nurses working in six tertiary hospitals in Nanjing, China participated. Data on individual characteristics, work-related factors, the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 and Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire-7 were used.

FINDINGS

The overall prevalence of PFD among nurses was 83.9%, with 43.9% of participants experiencing pelvic organ prolapse, 66.6% experiencing anorectal dysfunction and 60.5% experiencing lower urinary tract symptoms. In terms of work-related factors, PFD was associated with heavy lifting, pushing, and carrying at work, delayed toileting at work and fluid intake. Female nurses with PFD reported lower quality of life (QoL) relative to nurses without PFD.

CONCLUSIONS/APPLICATION TO PRACTICE

Our findings provide initial insights into workplace conditions that promote PFD among female nurses. Occupational health nurses should consider providing educational information for female workers who are potentially at risk for PFD and consider integrating screening of PFD into practice.

Related Factors of Health-Related Quality of Life in Female Nurses with In-Service Training Program

Aim

This study aimed to investigate the related factors of the health-related quality of life among female nurses in in-service training programs.

Method

In this cross-sectional study, purpose and snowball sampling methods were employed. Three-hundres thirty eligible individuals enrolled to participate in this study at the four universities in Taiwan. Data were collected from March 2019 to February 2020, and the instruments were the Chinese health questionnaire-12 for measuring self-perceive general health, the Resilience Scale for measuring resilience, the Chinese version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Service Survey for measuring burnout, and the World Health Organization Quality of Lfe Questionnaire for measuring health-related quality of life.

Results

Three hundred nineteen female nurses participated in this study. Participants self-perceived a moderate level of general health, burnout, and health-related quality of life, but good resilience. The scores of health-related quality of life were significantly different on chronic disease status and regular exercise (t=2.813, p = .005) as well as the significant correlation between health-related quality of life and age (r = -0.160, p =.004), years working as a nurse (r = -.204, p < .001), self-perceived general health (r = -.544, p < .001), burnout (r = -.649, p < .001), and resilience (r = .325, p < .001). However, only years of working as nurse, self-perceived general health, resilience, and burnout were shown to predict healthrelated quality of life, explaining 53.5% of the total variance (adjusted R2=.438, p < .001), with burnout having the highest β value (β=-.453, p=<.001).

Conclusion

The related factors of quality of life in female nurses with in-service training program were work year, self-perceived general health, resilience, and burnout. Managers and educators should cooperate to implement strategies that support female nurses, improve resilience, alleviate burnout, and ultimately increase the health-related quality of life of female nurses those in Registered Nurses-Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs.

Exploring the mediating role of flexible working hours in the relationship of supervisor support, job and life satisfaction: A study of female nurses in China

Aims

To examine the mediating role of flexible working hours on the relationship between supervisor support, job and life satisfaction among female nurses in China.

Design

A cross‐sectional, quantitative study was conducted with online survey questionnaires.

Methods

Convenience sampling was implemented with 171 female nurses from two tertiary public hospitals in 2019.

Results

The mediation analysis demonstrates that flexible working hours significantly and positively mediate the relationship between supervisor support to job (β = 0.775, p < .001) and life satisfaction (β = 0.745, p < .001). In addition, supervisor support and flexible working hours significantly and positively influence job (r = 0.520, p < .01; r = 0.520, p < .01) and life satisfaction (r = 0.487, p < .01; r = 0.487, p < .01). The study suggested that flexible working hours iarean indicator of what supervisor support (r = 0.656, p < .01) is to improve nurses’ job and life satisfaction. The study revealed that flexible working hours and supervisor support are crucial to female nurses who face high demands at both work and home.

Effect of depressive symptoms on quality of work life in female nurses: a cross-sectional study using propensity score matching

Background

Female nurses have been considered as a vulnerable population in the context of mental health, due to the nature of their work, which can be stressful and emotionally taxing. Understanding the relationship between depressive symptoms and quality of work life (QWL) can contribute to improving mental health and job performance. However, limited studies have focused on the effect of depressive symptoms on QWL in female nurses.

Objectives

The present study aimed to assess the effect of depressive symptoms on female nurses' QWL using propensity score matching (PSM).

Methods

A cross-sectional, online study using convenience sampling was conducted among 1,401 female nurses in China. PSM was used to minimize the impact of potential confounders between no depressive symptoms and depressive symptoms. Stepwise multiple linear regression analyses were performed on the PSM samples to explore the effects of depressive symptoms on the QWL.

Results

The results revealed there were 33.5% of the female nurses reported depressive symptoms before PSM. And female nurses in this study had a moderate level of QWL before PSM (122.11 ± 18.15), which remained steady after PSM (118.33 ± 18.04). After PSM, the final sample contained 864 female nurses. Stepwise multiple linear regression results indicated that depressive symptoms were the most strongly associated with QWL (β = -0.454, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

This study highlights the importance of developing mental health plans and psychological interventions for female nurses to maintain mental health and QWL, which is critical to the nursing workforce's sustainability.

Factors Affecting Participation in Cervical Screening by Female Nurses in Public Health Institutions in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province

In South Africa, the prevalence and death rates as a result of cervical cancer remains high, creating social and economic instability. The main objective of this study was to determine factors affecting participation in cervical screening by female nurses in public health institutions in Vhembe district, Limpopo Province. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential in cervical cancer screening as the prevalence of the disease decreases. The study was carried out at public health institutions in Vhembe district, Limpopo Province. A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional design was used in this study. Structured self-reported questionnaires were used in the collection of data. Descriptive statistics were used when analysing data to identify statistically significant differences in variables using SPSS version 26, and the findings were presented in percentages to generate evidence for the study. According to the study findings, (218, 83%) female nurses had been screened for cervical cancer, while the minority (46, 17%) had not been screened. The reasons cited were that they thought they were healthy (82, 31%), (79, 30%) felt embarrassed, and (15%) feared positive results. The majority (190) of them had last been screened more than three years before, with only a few (27, 10%) screened within the previous three years. A hundred and forty-two (53.8%) displayed negative attitudes and practices towards screening if it is paid for, and a hundred and eighteen (44.6%) perceived themselves as not vulnerable to acquiring cervical carcinoma. Furthermore,(128, 48.5%) strongly disagreed and 17(6.4%) were undecided about being screened by a male practitioner. The study concluded that negative attitudes, poor perception, and embarrassment are factors leading to low uptake by female nurses. Therefore, this study recommends that the Department of Health should build the capacity of nursing staff on matters of national significance to achieve sustainable goals and be a healthy nation. Nurses should be at the forefront of departmental programmes.

Experiences of Female Nurses' Parental Leave in Taiwan: A Qualitative Study

(1) Background: To counteract the recent severe decline in birthrates in Taiwan, a number of child welfare policies are being promoted. Parental leave is among the most discussed policies in recent years. Nurses are healthcare providers, but their own right to healthcare has not been well investigated and should receive more attention. (2) Aim: This study aimed to understand the experience journey of nurses in Taiwan from considering applying for parental leave to returning to work. (3) Methods: Qualitative design with in-depth interviews was conducted with 13 female nurses from three hospitals in northern Taiwan. (4) Results: Content analysis of the interviews revealed five themes, i.e., considerations for taking parental leave, support received from other parties, life experience during parental leave, concerns regarding the return to the workplace, and preparations for the return to the workplace. Participants were motivated to apply for parental leave due to the lack of help with childcare, the desire to care for their own child, or if their financial situation allowed it. They received support and help during the application process. Participants were happy that they could participate in important developmental stages of their child, but were concerned about disconnect from society. Participants were concerned about not being able to resume work. They successfully returned to the workplace through arranging childcare services, self-adapting and learning. (5) Conclusions: This study can serve as a reference for female nurses considering parental leave and provides insights to management teams for building a friendly nursing workplace and creating mutually beneficial situations.

Analysis of turnover intention and influencing factors among female nurses with two children in Grade A tertiary public hospitals in Sichuan province: a cross-sectional study

Objective

This study aims to examine the current status of turnover intention among female nurses with two children and explore the factors influencing their decision to resign, ultimately providing a basis for reducing nurses' turnover intention and stabilizing the nursing workforce.

Methods

A convenience sampling method was used to select 1,370 in-service female nurses with two children from 65 Grade A tertiary public hospitals in Sichuan Province from September to December 2023. Data was collected through a general information questionnaire, work-family behavioral role conflict scale, regulatory emotional self-efficacy, and turnover intention scale.

Results

This study revealed that the average score for turnover intention among female nurses with two children was (13.11 ± 3.93). There was a positive correlation between work-family behavioral role conflict and turnover intention (r = 0.485, p < 0.01), while regulatory emotional self-efficacy showed a negative correlation with turnover intention (r = -0.382, p < 0.01). The main influencing factors for resignation among these nurses included age, number of night shifts per month, average monthly income, primary caregiver for children, work-to-family conflict and family-to-work conflict, and the ability to express positive emotions (POS), the capacity to regulate negative emotions such as despondency/distress (DES), and the skill to manage anger/irritation (ANG). Collectively, these factors explained 29.5% of the total variance in turnover intention scores.

Conclusion

Turnover intention among female nurses with two children is relatively high. To address this issue, hospital managers shall implement effective measures through various channels to settle work-family conflict, enhance nurses' regulatory emotional self-efficacy, and reduce turnover intention resulting from work-family conflict. Together, these efforts will reduce nurse turnover and foster a stable nursing workforce.

Premenstrual Syndrome's Impact on Work-Related Quality of Life Among Jordanian Nurses

Introduction Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a regular clinical condition that affects most women during their reproductive years. Its related symptoms may be linked to a decrease in women's quality of life. Female nurses may be more susceptible to PMS due to the demanding nature of their job. The importance of nurses' jobs and how their quality of life will affect patients and themselves in parallel make female nurses a population that is worth investigating. Our objective is to estimate the level of PMS among Jordanian nurses and assess the potential impact of PMS on work-related quality of life among them. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 210 nurses who completed a questionnaire regarding demographic data, menstrual characteristics, the Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool (PSST), and the Work-Related Quality-of-Life Scale (WRQoL). The nurses were classified as having or not having PMS according to the PSST. Results The prevalence of PMS was 60.5%, the results showed a significantly lower mean WRQoL score for nurses with PMS (mean = 65.47, SD = 15.38) compared to nurses without PMS (mean = 70.54, SD = 14.47). The multivariable regression model revealed that the adjusted odds ratios for age, combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP) use, family history, severe dysmenorrhea, job and career satisfaction, and stress at work were 0.90 (95% CI = 0.84, 0.96), 5.18 (95% CI = 1.33, 20.17), 2.52 (95% CI = 1.23, 5.18), 11.78 (95% CI = 2.48, 56.02), 0.92 (95% CI = 0.85, 0.99), and 1.20 (95% CI = 1.01, 1.42), respectively. Conclusion PMS is quite prevalent among Jordanian nurses, with a negative impact on their work-related quality of life. Healthcare managers might implement special regulations for female nurses with PMS to improve their work-related quality of life. This research suggests that PMS is a substantial factor in the low work-related quality of life among Jordanian nurses.

Prevalence and influencing factors of lower urinary tract symptoms in female nurses: a cross-sectional study based on TARGET

Background

Even though occupational women have a high incidence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), which seriously affect their daily work life, few large scale sample studies have provided empirical evidence to support this phenomenon among female nurses in China. Consequently, this article investigated female nurses who was presupposed to have a high prevalence of LUTS, which adversely exposes their health and patient safety to these risks. Additionally, it is considered important to explore the factors associated with LUTS in female nurses for patient care safety and nurse bladder health practice.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to assess the incidence of LUTS and symptoms-related risk factors among female nurses, to provide evidence for the prevention and control of LUTS.

Methods

An online survey recruiting 23,066 participants was carried out in a multicenter cross-sectional study in 42 hospitals from December 2020 to November 2022. Stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis and nomogram were used to identify the factors associated with lower urinary tract symptoms. Besides, SPSS version 26.0, R version 4.2.2, and GraphPad Prism Version 8.3 software packages were used for statistical analysis.

Results

Based on the completion rate of the questionnaire which was 84.1% (n = 19,393), it was found that among 19,393 female nurses, the prevalence of LUTS was 67.71% and this rate was influenced by age, Body Mass Index (BMI), marital status, years of working, menstrual status, mode of delivery, history of breastfeeding, history of miscarriage, history of alcohol and coffee or tea consumption (p < 0.05). Interestingly, we also find that in addition to the above mentioned factors, anxiety, depression, and perceived stress were also related to LUTS in female nurses (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Given the high prevalence of LUTS among female nurses and their potential influencing factors, female nurses should focus on their reproductive health and develop good lifestyle habits. Thus, nursing managers should provide a warm and harmonious work environment and sensitize female nurses to increase their awareness about the importance of drinking clean water and urinating during work in a hygienic environment.