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Aims This paper tests the mediating effect of institutional peer support on the relationship between physical declines and depressive symptoms among nursing home residents. Background As the number of older adults living in nursing homes increases, peer support received from other residents in the institutions is critical to the psychological well-being of residents who face physical declines and reduction in family support. This study tested whether institutional peer support would account for the detrimental effect of physical declines on depressive symptoms of Chinese older people residing in nursing homes. Design A cross-sectional design was used. Method The study was conducted between January-March 2009 by convenience sampling. The sample consisted of 187 nursing home residents, with 54 men and 133 women. Interviews were conducted by an experienced research assistant, and responses on physical abilities and institutional peer support were collected. Geriatric Depression Scale was used to assess depressive symptoms of each participant. Results Participants with poor physical abilities reported more depressive symptoms. Institutional peer support was negatively correlated with physical declines and depressive symptoms. Results of the regression analysis showed that the effect of physical declines on depressive symptoms was no longer significant when the influence of institutional peer support was statistically controlled, indicating a full mediation of institutional peer support on depression of older people. Conclusion Findings of this study reveal that institutional peer support positively contributes to the psychological well-being of nursing home residents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

scott k., white k., johnson c. & roydhouse j.k. (2011) Knowledge and skills of cancer clinical trials nurses in Australia. Journal of Advanced Nursing 68(5), 1111-1121. Abstract Aims. This paper is a report of the development and testing of a questionnaire measuring knowledge and skills of cancer clinical trials nurse in Australia. Background. The role of cancer clinical trials nurse, widely acknowledged as an integral member of the clinical research team, has evolved in recent years. Elements of the clinical trials nurse role in cancer have previously been described. To evaluate specific cancer clinical trials nurse educational and training needs, the development of a valid and reliable tool is required. Methods. In 2009, a study was conducted in three stages. Stage I: questionnaire development and pilot testing; stage II: focus group; stage III: national survey. Internal consistency reliability testing and multi-trait analysis of item convergent/divergent validity were employed. Regression analysis was used to identify predictors of clinical trials nurse knowledge and skills. Results. The national survey was a 48-item questionnaire, measuring six clinical trial knowledge and seven skills sub-scales. Of 61 respondents, 90% were women, with mean age 43 years, 19 years as a Registered Nurse and 5 years as a cancer clinical trials nurse. Self-reported knowledge and skills were satisfactory to good. Internal consistency reliability was high (Cronbach's alpha: knowledge = 0·98; skills = 0·90). Criteria for item convergent/divergent validity were met. Number of years as cancer clinical trials nurse was positively related to self-reported knowledge and skills. Conclusion. Preliminary data suggest that the national survey is reliable and valid. Data have contributed to better understanding the knowledge and skills of cancer clinical trials nurse in Australia and development of a postgraduate course in clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

van de mortel t.f., kermode s., progano t. & sansoni j. (2012) A comparison of the hand hygiene knowledge, beliefs and practices of Italian nursing and medical students. Journal of Advanced Nursing 68(3), 569-579. Abstract Aim. This paper reports a study examining the hand hygiene knowledge, beliefs and practices of Italian nursing and medical students with the aim of informing undergraduate curricula. Background. In comparison with registered nurses, physician status is a risk factor for non-compliance with hand hygiene guidelines. Little research has been conducted to determine if differences between the professions in relation to hand hygiene are apparent at the undergraduate level. Cross-disciplinary studies that may provide an insight into this topic are lacking. Methods. A questionnaire was administered to a convenience sample of 117 nursing and 119 medical students in a large university in Rome, Italy, to determine their hand hygiene knowledge, beliefs and practices. The data were collected in 2007-2008. Results. Nursing students' hand hygiene knowledge ( F = 9·03(1,230); P = 0·003), percentage compliance ( Z = 6·197; P < 0·001) and self-reported hand hygiene practices ( F = 34·54(1,230); P < 0·001) were significantly higher than that of medical students. There were no statistically significant differences between hand hygiene beliefs. Mean scores on the knowledge questions were low for both groups, reflecting primarily a knowledge deficit in relation to the use of alcohol-based hand rubs to decontaminate hands in the healthcare setting. Conclusion. Statistically significant disciplinary differences in hand hygiene knowledge and self-reported practices were apparent among undergraduate Italian healthcare students. Further research is needed to determine the causative factors. The overall low scores on the knowledge items indicate that these students require further education on hand hygiene, particularly in relation to the use of alcohol-based hand rubs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

lobchuk m.m., mcpherson c.j., mcclement s.e. & cheang m. (2011) A comparison of patient and family caregiver prospective control over lung cancer. Journal of Advanced Nursing 68(5), 1122-1133. Abstract Aim. This paper is a report of our secondary analysis of patient and family caregiver prospective control in lung cancer. Background. Control beliefs underlie self-care in sickness and health. Self-care often involves 'shared' activities between the afflicted individual and caregiving family and friends. However, depending on how control is perceived, conflicts can occur in decision-making thus jeopardizing optimal self-care. We need to comprehend how control beliefs compare between patients and caregivers and how their control beliefs are linked with dealing with serious illness. Methods. Based on questionnaire data collected in our larger study between September 2005 and February 2009, we conducted exploratory comparative analyses of 304 patients' and caregivers' control beliefs in managing lung cancer. Eight 5-point response items captured prospective control. Exploratory factor analysis with promax rotation was conducted to compare dyadic perceptions on the dimensionality of prospective control. We also conducted exploratory correlations between control beliefs and smoking cessation, attributional reactions, caregiver helping and symptom reports. Results. Principal component analysis identified the same factors for patients and caregivers: factor 1, Fate control and factor 2, Team control. Patient and caregiver 'Fate' and 'Team' control sub-scales were respectively associated with hope, caregiver helping and patient smoking cessation. Conclusion. Clinicians need to support, adapt or develop a philosophy of cancer care that is inclusive of partnerships, drawing on beliefs of patients and caregivers that controlling lung cancer is a team effort which in turn is tentatively linked to patient smoking cessation, positive emotions and caregiver helping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

gallart a., cruz f. & zabalegui a. (2013) Factors influencing burden among non-professional immigrant caregivers: a case-control study. Journal of Advanced Nursing 69(3), 642-654. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2648.2012.06049.x Abstract Aim. To identify factors related to the burden that is experienced by untrained immigrant caregivers. Background. There is growing concern about how to provide the care required by an ageing population. Although elder care has usually been provided by family members, this role is increasingly being fulfilled by immigrant caregivers with no formal training. Design. Case-control study (burdened/non-burdened according to the Zarit Burden Interview). Methods. The study took place between May 2005-October 2009. Anonymous questionnaires were distributed to 110 immigrant caregivers and their corresponding older care recipients ( n = 110), who were receiving care in their homes in Barcelona (Spain). The questionnaires included measures of burden, social support, quality of life and social integration, and items about the physical/psychological status of the care recipient and the nature of the care tasks. Two groups of immigrant caregivers were defined according to their scores on the Zarit Burden Interview: burdened ( n = 55) and non-burdened ( n = 55). Results. Burdened caregivers reported less social support, a poorer quality of life, and problems with social integration. Furthermore, 48% said that they lacked knowledge about the care task, while 44% had difficulty performing certain care tasks, which constitutes a risk situation. Conclusion. Burden among untrained immigrant caregivers may be reduced by improving their social support systems and quality of life, thereby helping to ensure the availability of the caregiver services, which society increasingly needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

higgins a., sharek d., nolan m., sheerin b., flanagan p., slaicuinaite s., mc donnell s. & walsh h. (2012) Mixed methods evaluation of an interdisciplinary sexuality education programme for staff working with people who have an acquired physical disability. Journal of Advanced Nursing 68(11), 2559-2569. Abstract Aim. To report a study evaluating the effectiveness of a 1-day interdisciplinary sexuality education programme for staff working with people with acquired physical disability. Background. Changes associated with an acquired physical disability can diminish a person's self-esteem, sense of attractiveness, relationships, and sexual functioning. Research suggests that people are dissatisfied with the quality of information and support around sexuality during their rehabilitation. Design. A mixed methods design was used, involving pretest and posttest questionnaires and interviews. Methods. Questionnaire data were analysed using descriptive statistics and paired samples t-tests to evaluate the effects of the programme on knowledge, skills, and comfort. Interview data were analyzed thematically, with particular emphasis on participants' opinions about the application of the course within practice. Participants were working in the area of acquired disability and rehabilitation, and were drawn from a number of disciplines. Data were collected between 2008-2009. Results. Comparison of the pre- and postmeasures, based on paired samples t-tests, showed that the programme statistically significantly increased participants' knowledge, skills, and comfort. Participants felt positive and enthusiastic about the programme and reported numerous incidents where they were more willing to raise issues for discussion and create a supportive listening space for patients to talk about their concerns around sexuality. Conclusion. Providing healthcare practitioners with a 1-day programme leads to positive changes in knowledge, skills, and comfort towards sexuality. Sexuality education may be an ideal topic for bringing practitioners together within an interdisciplinary education context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

moyle w., murfield j.e., griffiths s.g. & venturato l. (2012) Assessing quality of life of older people with dementia: a comparison of quantitative self-report and proxy accounts. Journal of Advanced Nursing 68(10), 2237-2246. Abstract Aims. This article reports on a study of quality of life of older people with dementia, as assessed by the person with dementia, family carer and care staff. Background. People with dementia can give meaningful assessments of their quality of life, but these often differ from proxy ratings. In understanding this discrepancy, the influence of age, extent of cognitive impairment and activity limitation has been investigated. A lack of conclusive associations between quality of life ratings and these variables indicates a need for further research. Methods. Fifty-eight triads comprising the person with dementia, family carer and member of care staff from four long-term care facilities were surveyed on the Quality of Life-Alzheimer's Disease questionnaire between August and December 2007. Results. There was an important difference in the Quality of Life-Alzheimer's Disease questionnaire total mean scores between groups, with the person with dementia providing the highest ratings. Level of impairment in Activities of Daily Living had an important effect on quality of life ratings, with proxies, particularly care staff, providing lower ratings when there was greater activity limitation. This was not replicated for assessments made by the person with dementia. Age or level of cognitive impairment did not influence any ratings. Conclusion. People with dementia can give assessments of their quality of life. However, discrepancy in ratings, with greater activity limitation affecting proxy ratings but not those made by the person with dementia, indicates the importance of including both self-report and proxy measures in research and care planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

heilemann m.v., choudhury s.m., kury f.s. & lee k.a. (2012) Factors associated with sleep disturbance in women of Mexican descent. Journal of Advanced Nursing 68(10), 2256-2266. Abstract Aims. The aims were to identify the most useful parameters of acculturation in relation to self-reported sleep disturbance and describe risk factors for sleep disturbance in women of Mexican descent. Background. Little is known about acculturation as a factor for poor sleep in the context of other personal factors such as income or sense of resilience or mastery for Latinas in the United States. Design. This study was a secondary analysis of cross sectional survey data. Methods. Personal factors were incorporated into a modification of the Conceptual Framework of Impaired Sleep to guide our secondary analysis of self-reported sleep disturbance. Data were collected from a convenience sample of 312 women of Mexican descent of childbearing age (21-40 years) located in an urban California community were collected and previously analysed in relation to depressive symptoms and post-traumatic stress disorder. The General Sleep Disturbance Scale (in English and Spanish) was used to assess sleep disturbance. Data was collected in 1998 from September through December. Results. Early socialization to the United States during childhood was the most useful acculturation parameter for understanding self-reported sleep disturbance in this sample. In a multivariate regression analysis, three factors (higher acculturation, lower income and higher depressive symptoms) were statistically significant in accounting for 40% of the variance in sleep disturbance. Conclusion. When low income Latinas of Mexican descent report sleep problems, clinicians should probe for environmental sleep factors associated with low income, such as noise, over-crowding and exposure to trauma and violence, and refer the woman to psychotherapy and counselling rather than merely prescribing a sleep medication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

itzhaki m., bar-tal y. & barnoy s. (2012) Reactions of staff members and lay people to family presence during resuscitation: the effect of visible bleeding, resuscitation outcome and gender. Journal of Advanced Nursing 68(9), 1967-1977. Abstract Aim. This article is a report on a study conducted to examine the views of healthcare professionals and lay people regarding the effect of family presence during resuscitation on both the staff performing the resuscitation and the relatives who witness it. Background. Family presence during resuscitation is controversial. Although many professional groups in different countries have recently issued position statements about the practice and have recommended new policy moves, the Israel Ministry of Health has not issued guidelines on the matter. Methods. Study design is factorial within-between subjects. Data were collected in Israel in 2008 from a convenience sample of 220 lay people and 201 healthcare staff (52 physicians and 149 nurses) using a questionnaire based on eight different resuscitation scenarios and manipulating blood involvement and resuscitations outcome. Data were analysed using one-way analysis of variance. Findings. Overall, both staff and lay people perceived family presence during resuscitation negatively. Visible bleeding and an unsuccessful outcome significantly influenced both staff's and lay people's perceptions. Female physicians and nurses reacted more negatively to family presence than did male physicians and nurses; lay men responded more negatively than lay women. Conclusions. Changing the current negative perceptions of family presence at resuscitation requires (a) establishing a new national policy, (b) educating healthcare staff to the benefits of the presence of close relatives and (c) training staff to support relatives who want to be present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ma c., chen s., you l., luo z. & xing c. (2012) Development and psychometric evaluation of the Treatment Adherence Questionnaire for Patients with Hypertension. Journal of Advanced Nursing 68(6), 1402-1413. Abstract Aim. This article is a report of the development and psychometric testing of the Treatment Adherence Questionnaire for Patients with Hypertension. Background Hypertension is the most prevalent health problem among adult patients affecting approximately 200 million people in China and about 1 billion persons worldwide. Adherence to medication and lifestyle for hypertensive patients result in blood pressure control and reduce adverse outcomes. At present, few specific adherence instruments are available to completely evaluate medication and lifestyle for hypertensive patients. Methods. A multi-phase psychometric questionnaire development method was used to develop the instrument. The item pool was generated using literature review and focus group. Content validity was evaluated by expert panel. Then, the field testing was conducted by a convenience sampling of 278 hypertensive patients from December 2009 to May 2010 in Guangdong Province of China. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used to test construct validity. Finally, internal consistency and test-retest reliability were assessed. Results. The new measure consisted of six dimensions with 28 items, explaining 62·54% of the total variance in the data. Confirmative factor analysis supported a good overall fit of the six-factor model. Cronbach's α of the overall questionnaire was 0·86 and 0·82 for test-retest reliability. Conclusions. The questionnaire was a brief and psychometrically sound instrument to evaluate hypertensive patients' treatment adherence and to be applied in the research and clinical fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

yi m. & park e.y. (2011) Effects of breast health education conducted by trained breast cancer survivors. Journal of Advanced Nursing 68(5), 1100-1110. Abstract Aims. This article is a report on a study of the effectiveness of breast health education provided by trained breast cancer survivors on knowledge, skills, performance and self-efficacy. Background. Numerous studies have been performed to assess the effects of breast health education provided by health professionals, but few studies have examined the effects of education provided by lay persons, such as breast cancer survivors. This study focused on the role of breast cancer survivors as breast health educators. Methods. A pretest and post-test quasi-experimental design was used. Trained breast cancer survivors conducted a 60-minute breast health class that was guided by self-efficacy theory to young healthy women. The data were collected in 2008 from 22 young healthy women who participated in the class. Self-report questionnaires were used to measure the breast cancer and breast self-examinations knowledge, skills, performance and self-efficacy at pre-education, and at 1 month and 3 months post-education. Results. The scores on knowledge, skills, performance and self-efficacy before breast health education were significantly increased after 1 month and 3 months post-education. Conclusion. The results of this study demonstrate that a one-time breast health class provided by trained breast cancer survivors can be useful in motivating young women to adopt behaviours that help to prevent breast cancer morbidity and mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

mitchell m. (2011) Influence of gender and anaesthesia type on day surgery anxiety. Journal of Advanced Nursing 68(5), 1014-1025. Abstract Aim. To investigate the possible influence of gender and anaesthesia type on anxiety prior to day surgery. Background. Elective surgery undertaken on a day, short stay or 'day of surgery' basis is growing and much emphasis also placed on 'enhanced recovery' for in-patient surgery. During such brief episodes preoperative apprehension can be considerable but the opportunity to help reduce anxiety is minimal and formal plans uncommon. Method. As part of a larger study, a questionnaire was distributed to 1606 patients undergoing day surgery, with anaesthesia (2005-2007). Participants were requested to return the questionnaire by mail 24-48 hours following surgery, with 674 returned. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and multivariate analysis of variance. Results. Of the total patients 82·4% experienced anxiety on the day of surgery with the wait, anaesthesia and possible pain being common anxiety-provoking aspects. The majority preferred to receive information between 1-4 weeks in advance and participants experiencing general anaesthesia required information at a statistically significantly earlier stage. General anaesthesia patients were statistically significantly more anxious than local anaesthesia patients and desired more information. Female patients were statistically significantly more anxious, anxiety commenced earlier and they preferred to wait with a relative/friend or talk with other patients. Conclusions. Anxiety was experienced by the majority of participants but was more prevalent amongst general anaesthesia and female patients. For general anaesthesia patients, a comprehensive level of information may be required a number of weeks prior to surgery and gender differences associated with the preoperative wait may require greater consideration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wang L, Tao H, Ellenbecker CH & Liu X (2012) Job satisfaction, occupational commitment and intent to stay among Chinese nurses: a cross-sectional questionnaire survey. Journal of Advanced Nursing 68(3), 539-549. Abstract Aim. This study was designed to identify the level of nurses' job satisfaction, occupational commitment and intent to stay among mainland Chinese nurses, to explore the relationship among them. Background. Little is known about the magnitude of Chinese nurses' intent to stay. Understanding the association among demographic characteristics and job satisfaction, occupational commitment and intent to stay among Chinese nurses is most important in a time of nurse shortages. Methods. A descriptive correlation design was used to examine the relationship among variables related to intent to stay. Data were collected by a self-administered survey questionnaire from 560 nurses working in four large hospital facilities in Shanghai in 2009. Results. The mean scores for nurses' job satisfaction, occupational commitment and intent to stay were 3·25(0·48), 3·11(0·40) and 3·56(0·65), respectively. Job satisfaction and occupational commitment were significantly related to intent to stay. A statistically significant positive correlation was found between occupational commitment and job satisfaction. Age and job position were significantly related to job satisfaction, occupational commitment and intent to stay. Conclusion. Levels of job satisfaction, occupational commitment and intent to stay reported by nurses in this study can be improved. Suggested strategies for improvement are: increasing salaries, decreasing workloads, modifying task structure, cultivating work passion and creating more professional opportunity for nurses' personal growth development and promotion. Enhancing nurses' job satisfaction and occupational commitment are vital to improve nurses' intent to stay and for strategies to address the nursing shortage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ganz f.d., raanan o., khalaila r., bennaroch k., scherman s., bruttin m., sastiel z., fink n.f. & benbenishty j. (2012) Moral distress and structural empowerment among a national sample of Israeli intensive care nurses. Journal of Advanced Nursing 69(2), 415-424. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2648.2012.06020.x Abstract Aim. The aim of this study was to determine levels of structural empowerment, moral distress, and the association between them among intensive care nurses. Background. Structural empowerment is the ability to access sources of power. Moral distress is the painful feelings experienced when a person knows the right thing to do but cannot do so due to external constraints. Several studies suggest a theoretical relationship between these concepts. Design. Cross-sectional, descriptive correlational study. Methods. Members of the Evidence Based Nursing Practice Committee of the Israeli Society for Cardiology and Critical Care Nurses recruited a convenience sample of intensive care nurses from their respective institutions and units. Nurses were asked to complete three questionnaires (demographic and work characteristics, Moral Distress Scale, and the Conditions of Work Effectiveness Questionnaire-II). Data were collected between May-September 2009. Results. Intensive Care nurses had moderate levels of structural empowerment, low levels of moral distress frequency, and moderately high moral distress intensity. A weak correlation was found between moral distress frequency and structural empowerment. No other structural empowerment component was associated with moral distress. Work characteristics as opposed to demographic characteristics were more associated with the study variables. Conclusions. This study weakly supports the association between structural empowerment and moral distress. It also provides further evidence to the theory of structural empowerment as characterized in the critical care environment. Further studies are indicated to determine what other factors might be associated with moral distress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]