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Copyright of Nursing Care & Research / Nosileia kai Ereuna is the property of Greek Nursing Studies Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

AIM: To investigate the impact of environmental crisis on hospital and outpatient health expenditures and more specifically to estimate the effect of climate change, air pollution, water pollution, soil pollution and noise pollution in hospital health expenditures and outpatient health expenditures. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A systematic literature review was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, Cinahl and Science Direct and included papers that have published until to June 2015 in English. We used the following key-words: climate change, air pollution, water pollution, ground pollution, noise pollution, health care expenditures, hospital health expenditures and outpatient health expenditures. RESULTS: Only 30 of the published scientific papers met the criteria for inclusion in this review. Twenty-one studies assessed the impact of the environmental crisis on hospital health expenditures and 9 assessed the impact on outpatient health expenditures. We found that components of the environmental crisis affect people's demand for primary and secondary health care services. CONCLUSIONS: The environmental crisis affects greatly in a direct way the health care expenditures globally, since it is responsible for a great number of hospital admissions, visits in hospitals' emergency departments and outpatient visits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To investigate and present the effects of environmental crisis on health indicators and by extension to quality of life. More specifically, we searched the effects of climate change, air pollution, water pollution, soil pollution and noise pollution in health indicators, such as morbidity, mortality, infant mortality, life expectancy, years of life lost and years of life weighted for disability. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A systematic review of papers that were published until January 2015 was conducted. Search was performed on PubMed, Scopus, Cinahl and ScienceDirect with the following key-words: climate change, air pollution, water pollution, ground pollution, noise pollution, morbidity, mortality, infant mortality, life expectancy, years of life lost and years of life weighted for disability. The criteria for inclusion in this review was the existence of correlation between environmental crisis and morbidity, mortality, infant mortality, life expectancy, years of life lost and years of life weighted for disability. RESULTS: Only 24 of the published scientific papers met the criteria for inclusion in this review. Most of these studies assessed the impact of the environmental crisis on mortality, morbidity, life expectancy and infant mortality, while fewer were the studies investigating the environmental impact on years of life weighted for disability and lost years of life. We found that the environmental crisis affects negatively the configuration of health indicators on global reference frame. CONCLUSIONS: The environmental crisis affects greatly in a direct way morbidity, mortality, infant mortality, life expectancy, years of life lost and years of life weighted for disability. As a consequence of this fact there is loss of quality of human life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Nursing Care & Research / Nosileia kai Ereuna is the property of Greek Nursing Studies Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Nursing Care & Research / Nosileia kai Ereuna is the property of Greek Nursing Studies Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

INTRODUCTION: Children's knowledge about first aid is extremely important to decrease the negative consequences of accidents. PURPOSE: To evaluate the knowledge of high school pupils about first aid and the effectiveness of an educational program. METHODS: A quasi-experimental study was conducted between October 2014 to April 2015 with voluntarily participation of high school pupils of Piraeus. Pupils' knowledge was assessed with 22 questions with multiple answers. Pupils completed the knowledge questionnaire in two times, one before and one a week after the educational program. Data analysis was performed with the statistical package IBM SPSS 21.0. RESULTS: The mean first aid knowledge score before the educational program was 9.2, while after that was 21.6 (p<0.001). Increased grade in school was associated with increased first aid knowledge score after the educational program (p<0.001). Also, increased grade in school (p<0.001), increased information about first aids (p=0.014) and increased visiting of web pages with healthcare material (p=0.03) were associated with increased first aid knowledge score before the educational program. Finally, first aid knowledge score was higher for pupils in public schools than those in private schools (p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: The educational program increased considerably the limited knowledge of pupils about first aid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: Major crises and disasters have a wide range of effects on the physical and mental health of the general population and of rescuers who are exposed to them. However, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is the mental health condition that is most frequently explored by researchers after a disaster. PURPOSE: Purpose of the current systematic review is to investigate whether professional rescuers (firefighters, police officers, emergency medical service workers), consist a high risk group for PTSD after being exposed to catastrophic events. METHODS: A literature systematic review was conducted the period October-December 2015 regarding the exposure of professional responders to crises and disasters. The search was performed on PubMed and Scopus with the use of keywords: first responders, police, firefighters, stress, PTSD, disasters. RESULTS: Only 37 scientific papers explored the prevalence of PTSD in professional rescuers, and met the inclusion criteria in the present review. The prevalence of PTSD among professional rescuers worldwide is estimated to approximate 10% for studies conducted one month to ten years after the catastrophic event. The highest risk is documented among firefighters, followed by ambulance personnel, and police officers, particularly women police officers. PTSD often coexists with other mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety disorders, and drug or alcohol dependency or abuse. The factors which are related to an increased risk for PTSD include gender, direct exposure to major disasters causing multiple losses, the death of a co-worker and personal injury. CONCLUSIONS: Further qualitative and longitudinal studies are warranted, with samples comprising professional rescuers who, by profession, are trained to cope with the effects of disasters, and are repeatedly exposed to traumatic events which affect their mental health being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: Continuing nursing training is necessary in order to achieve higher health care quality in public hospitals. PURPOSE: To evaluate training needs of nurses in all public hospitals in Cyprus and to investigate relations between demographic and occupational characteristics and training needs. METHODS: A cross-sectional study with 385 nurses was conducted in all public hospitals in Cyprus during October 2014 to January 2015. Nurses completed the "Training Needs Analysis Questionnaire" that includes 30 skills and five scales: research/audit, communication/teamwork, clinical tasks, managerial tasks and management/ supervision. Data analysis was performed with IBM SPSS 21.0. RESULTS: Nurses stated that all 30 skills were important for nursing role. Among them 7 skills were considered as very important, 22 as important and only one as less important. Nurses selfestimated their performance as very high in five skills, as high in 23 skills and as moderate in two skills. Moreover, they stated that after the appropriate training, their performance could be improved in a very important degree in 21 skills and in an important degree in nine skills. Nurses without a MSc/Phd degree had greater training needs in research/audit scale than nurses with a MSc/Phd degree (p<0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Nurses consider their training as an important issue and that will help them to improve their clinical performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: The positive attitude of nurses towards organ transplantations can influence positively the decision of potential organ donors and their families. AIM: To investigate the attitude of Cypriot and British nurses regarding the advocacy and support of potential organ donors and their families. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a convenience sample of 156 nurses in intensive care units in Cyprus and England. Nurses completed anonymously the questionnaire "Attitudes Towards Organ Donor Advocacy Scale" during January-March 2016. Data analysis was performed with the statistical package IBM SPSS 21.0. RESULTS: Mean age of nurses in Cyprus was 34.5 years, while in England was 33.6 years. Nurses in Cyprus have cared more often for patients who suffered from a catastrophic brain injury with circulatory and ventilator support (p=0.005), while nurses in England have participated more often in the family approach for organ donation in collaboration with the Organ Procurement Organization (p=0.02). Nurses in England felt more comfortable in the family approach for organ donation (p=0.01) and they have decided more often to donate their organs after their death (p<0.001). Nurses in England had more positive attitudes toward actions to safeguard the wishes of the potential donor and to support donor's family. CONCLUSION: Nurses in England had more positive attitude than nurses in Cyprus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: Nurses' education in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is essential, but there are considerable deficiencies. AIM: To estimate the knowledge of nurses before a specialized in hospital educational program in CPR, and to investigate the effectiveness of this program immediately after its completeness and six months later. METHODS: Study was conducted in all wards of the Limassol General Hospital and included 294 nurses. Data collection was done using a specially designed questionnaire based on the international literature and guidelines of the European Resuscitation Council 2010. Total knowledge score was between 0-9 with higher values indicate higher knowledge. RESULTS: Mean knowledge score before the educational program was 4.3, while after the program increased considerably to 8.6, reaching the maximum value of 9. Mean knowledge score six months after the educational program decreased to 6.4, but still remained higher than the knowledge score before the program. We found a statistically significant increase in knowledge score immediately after the end of the program and also six months later (p<0.001 in both cases). Decreased years of work experience was associated with increased knowledge score (p=0.047). CONCLUSIONS: Continuous education of nurses in CPR is essential in order to increase and maintain the knowledge. In that case, nurses could apply CPR in an appropriate and effective way every time there is a need for that. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Nursing Care & Research / Nosileia kai Ereuna is the property of Greek Nursing Studies Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Nursing Care & Research / Nosileia kai Ereuna is the property of Greek Nursing Studies Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Nursing Care & Research / Nosileia kai Ereuna is the property of Greek Nursing Studies Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Nursing Care & Research / Nosileia kai Ereuna is the property of Greek Nursing Studies Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Nursing Care & Research / Nosileia kai Ereuna is the property of Greek Nursing Studies Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Nursing Care & Research / Nosileia kai Ereuna is the property of Greek Nursing Studies Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Nursing Care & Research / Nosileia kai Ereuna is the property of Greek Nursing Studies Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

AIM: The aim of this study was the analysis of occupational accidents that were reported by the employees in the occupational health service in one University Hospital between 2013-2017. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Data collection in this retrospective descriptive study, was performed by an anonymous questionnaire developed for this study, which was completed with information from the occupational accident forms of the years 2013-2017. Data included the activity during which the accident, the way and place of injury, the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), the virology check and the instructions given after the accident. Data were entered in an Excel spreadsheet, while statistical analysis was performed by SPSS-v.21. RESULTS: There were found505 completed occupational accident forms. Of those 73.5% happened to women, while 64.6% in the 19-35 age group. Injuries were more frequent in nursing staff (31.5%), with sharp objects (77.2%), in upper extremities (82.3%). The 76.7% of the employees used the appropriate PPE during the time the accident occurred, while 85.1% had been immunized against HBV and there was no absenteeism in 93.7%. In all staff, except nursing, there was a reduction in the proportion of accidents in 2015-2017 compared to 2013-2014, that is following the implementation of the P.D.6/2013. A statistically significant increase in injuries from misplaced movements between the two time periods was found (from 63.2% to 73.7%, p-value=0.012), while the proportion of non-vaccinated employees against HBV was reduced (p-value=0.025). CONCLUSION: Sharp injuries have a high incidence in health care employees. It is therefore essential to take all necessary protection and prevention measures by the responsible authorities in collaboration with employees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Nursing Care & Research / Nosileia kai Ereuna is the property of Greek Nursing Studies Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Nursing Care & Research / Nosileia kai Ereuna is the property of Greek Nursing Studies Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Nursing Care & Research / Nosileia kai Ereuna is the property of Greek Nursing Studies Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Nursing Care & Research / Nosileia kai Ereuna is the property of Greek Nursing Studies Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Nursing Care & Research / Nosileia kai Ereuna is the property of Greek Nursing Studies Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Nursing Care & Research / Nosileia kai Ereuna is the property of Greek Nursing Studies Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Nursing Care & Research / Nosileia kai Ereuna is the property of Greek Nursing Studies Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Nursing Care & Research / Nosileia kai Ereuna is the property of Greek Nursing Studies Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Nursing Care & Research / Nosileia kai Ereuna is the property of Greek Nursing Studies Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Nursing Care & Research / Nosileia kai Ereuna is the property of Greek Nursing Studies Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

INTRODUCTION: In the majority of voluntary life circle models, motivations, restrictions and outcomes, are playing a significant role, which defines the degree and the duration of commitment. In literature is reported that, Greek voluntary sector has been influenced by crisis and after all the voluntary life circle factors. OBJECTIVE: To explore the changes of the volunteer life circle main variables in health sector due to Greek crisis and specially the motivations, the obstructions, the outcomes and the commitment. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted during May-June 2016 in the Municipalities of Komotini and Alexandroupoli. Study population consisted of 213 volunteers (response rate 62.65%) who trade in health sector. Data collection was performed with questionnaires. Data analysis was performed with IBM SPSS version 21.0. RESULTS: Greek crisis caused a subtle increase of motivations and outcomes, a bigger to the commitment and to the temper of volunteering and also left obstructions constant. Correlations were found between changes of volunteering circle main variations with demographic and socio-economic factors, with characteristics of volunteering and voluntary organizations and also with changes of all above due crisis. According to multivariate linear regression analyses, the 17% of variability of motivation score was due to the increment of volunteering time, and the number of wider family that burden household. Also, the 9% of variability of obstruction score was due to the lack of income and the number of wider family that burden household. Moreover, the 17% of variability of outcomes score was due to the decrease of volunteering years and the number of wider family that burden household. CONCLUSIONS: The Greek crisis cause a subtle increase of motivations, outcomes, need for volunteering and a greater increase of commitment and will of mobility. Greater reasons of changes were the urge to satisfy personal and social needs that crises caused and also the changes of attitude towards volunteers own giving and voluntary organizations. The obstructions that caused by the lack of proper policies and the malaise of voluntary sector, do not allow the positive attitude towards volunteer restructure to become a reality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: In nursing, work engagement is the dedicated, absorbing, vigorous nursing practice that emerges from settings of autonomy and trust and results in safer, cost effective patient outcomes. PURPOSE: The present study investigates the impact of Emotional Intelligence and Stress on Work engagement of nurses in the General Hospitals of the Region of Peloponnese. METHODOLOGY: The study population consisted of 220 nurses of Peloponnese, who completed the Wong & Law Emotional Intelligence Scale, Schaufeli & Bakker's Work Engagement Scale and Cohen, Kamarck, & Mermelstein's Perceive Stress Scale. The research was conducted from September to December 2016. RESULTS: All the correlations between the dimensions of Emotional Intelligence and the dimensions of Work Engagement were positive and statistically significant. In addition, there was a positive statistically significant correlation between perceived stress and absorption as a dimension of Work Engagement. CONCLUSIONS: Emotional intelligence has a direct impact on nurse's Work Engagement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Although the majority of Mental Health Services nowadays is provided in community settings worldwide, there is only scant data regarding the lived experience of Community Mental Health Nurses (CMHNs) of their role, and the particular stressors faced by them within work context. AIM: Investigation of the perceptions and feelings of CMHNs of their professional role, with special focus on satisfying and dissatisfying factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A phenomenological design based on Munhall's approach was applied. Following purposeful sampling, along with informed consent, 5 CMHNs participated in the study. The rule of thematic saturation was also achieved. RESULTS: The emotions described by the participants were mainly grouped in two categories: a) feelings of distress and subsequent professional dissatisfaction and b) feelings of job satisfaction deriving from joy and enthusiasm. Overall a) effectiveness and quality of provided care, b) quality of therapeutic relationships between CMHNs and the patients and their family, and c) quality of relationships among colleagues were the main topics described by the participants, related to their work-related emotions. Moreover, the participants described limited autonomy, primarily stemming from administrative and institutional factors, as one of the main factors associated with adverse feelings related to their work environment. CONCLUSIONS: Positive feedback from patients and their families, as well as nursing managers and administrators, in relation to clinical outcomes, may be of immense importance for the development of constructive interventions aiming to empower MHNs, i.e. enhancement of clinical autonomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Most of the clinical situations that health professionals called to manage require moral judgments. The nurses, as they have more contact with patients and their family than the other health professionals, often find themselves in front of moral and vague challenges, which could lead them to moral distress. OBJECTIVES: Aim of the present study is the investigation of the levels of moral distress and its relation to job satisfaction in nurses of a general hospital. METHODS: Using survey methods approach, it was asked throughout nursing hospital staff completing questionnaires about demographic factors, moral distress and job satisfaction Advanced statistical analysis was completed to look at relationships between the variables. RESULTS: In the study were participated 268 of nurses, midwives and assistant's nurses. Data analysis did show low levels of moral distress (M=61.3, SD= 37.4). There was no significant correlation between moral distress, job satisfaction, and demographic characteristics. CONCLUSION: Although this survey reported low levels of moral distress and no correlation with job satisfaction, further investigation is needed in the future about nurses' moral distress in hospitals and institutions cross country, as the present study was the first that was attempting in Greek nurses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: Quality of life and stress among patients with chronic renal disease affect decisively clinical outcomes and clinical course of these patients. AIM: To evaluate quality of life and stress among patients with chronic renal disease and to find their determinants. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study was conducted during January to March 2016. Study population consisted of 130 patients with chronic renal disease and 49 healthy people without this disease as the control group. Quality of life short form (SF-12) and State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were used in order to assess quality of life and stress respectively. RESULTS: According to multivariate linear regression analyses, patients had worse quality of life versus healthy in the following domains of SF-12: physical functioning, physical role, physical pain, general health and physical health. Also, decreased age was associated with better quality of life in all domains of SF-12 except mental health, while decreased stress was associated with better quality of life in all domains of SF-12. Patients had higher stress from a specific situation than healthy people, while patients and residents in rural areas had higher permanent stress. CONCLUSION: Patients with chronic renal disease had worse quality of life and more stress than healthy and so appropriate interventions are need in order to improve quality of life, decrease stress and improve clinical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to provide an analysis of the current and future trends of CT and MRI activity in Cyprus. Cyprus is leading in numbers of CT and MRI scanners per 100,000 inhabitants (3.4 CT and 2.1 MRI scanners vs. 2.2 and 1.2 the EU mean respectively). It can easily be argued that this market is fully saturated; however no data exists to support this claim. The only existing involves only public sector activity showing disproportionately low usage. METHODS: Literature research, international databases and field research were used. Fifteen interviews with key stakeholders were conducted. This approach enhanced extraction of as much as possible information which was cross-checked with two or more interviewees. RESULTS: Annual activity of MRI was estimated around 50,000 examinations (89% private sector and 11% public) while the corresponding activity of CT was approximately 123,000 examinations (23% private and 77% public). The MRI market is dominated by the private sector as the public sector possesses only one MRI scanner (leading to long waiting lists), whereas for CT examinations the demand is met mostly by the public sector. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnostic imaging sector is unregulated, working without monitoring and control mechanisms, referral protocols and guidelines, leading among others to clinically unjustified examinations. It is driven mostly by prices and by referrals made by cooperating doctors, who in some cases receive a fee for this purpose. There are indications of an overuse caused mainly by provider's induced demand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The effectiveness of health education depends on the chosen method. The written health education material is a complementary method that aims to maximize the effectiveness of health education. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the health education material, designed and disseminated by the Hellenic Ministry of Health. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included and evaluated the health education material, designed and disseminated by Hellenic Ministry of Health. The material was obtained by the responsible department following written permission and by collection of Prevention laboratory in faculty of Nursing of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. The evaluation criteria are derived from the literature review. Data were entered and analyzed by Excel. The analysis was qualitative and in order to ensure the validity of it a second postgraduate student blindly reviewed the material in terms of the theoretical approach. RESULTS: Sixty four printed health education materials were assessed, the majority of which addresses infectious diseases such as AIDS, H1N1 and Meningitis. Sixty-three (98,2%) of these materials were evaluated as linguistically appropriate and 48 (75%) use suitable illustrations. Fifty-four (84,3%) of printed health education materials aimed at primary prevention while the majority of them (23,4%) use the medical approach. CONCLUSION: The study showed that the health education materials, designed and disseminated by Hellenic Ministry of Health, meet several of the criteria laid down, have linguistic appropriateness, use illustrations and explanatory captions, and focus in primary prevention. Regarding the theoretical approach many of them need improvement, as the basic purpose is the behavioral change. Moreover, cultural sensitivity should be an essential criterion in the designing of such printed materials, as immigration in Greece is increasing. Guidelines for designing health educational materials should also be formulated in order to improve the effectiveness of it. The effectiveness of this material should also be evaluated by appropriate studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: Quality of life and stress among patients with chronic renal disease affect decisively clinical outcomes and clinical course of these patients. AIM: To evaluate quality of life and stress among patients with chronic renal disease and to find their determinants. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study was conducted during January to March 2016. Study population consisted of 130 patients with chronic renal disease and 49 healthy people without this disease as the control group. Quality of life short form (SF-12) and State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were used in order to assess quality of life and stress respectively. RESULTS: According to multivariate linear regression analyses, patients had worse quality of life versus healthy in the following domains of SF-12: physical functioning, physical role, physical pain, general health and physical health. Also, decreased age was associated with better quality of life in all domains of SF-12 except mental health, while decreased stress was associated with better quality of life in all domains of SF-12. Patients had higher stress from a specific situation than healthy people, while patients and residents in rural areas had higher permanent stress. CONCLUSION: Patients with chronic renal disease had worse quality of life and more stress than healthy and so appropriate interventions are need in order to improve quality of life, decrease stress and improve clinical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: Osteoporosis is characterized by decreased bone mass. The absence of symptoms is characteristic for osteoporosis as it appears after a fracture. AIM: To investigate quality of life in women with osteoporosis and the associated determinants. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study was conducted and a convenience sampling method was used. Study population included 49 women with osteoporosis, 57 women with osteopenia and 45 women with normal bone mass according to bone quality as it was measured with bone densitometry (DXA) method for hip. SF-36v2 was used to measure quality of life and FRAX questionnaire to predict the ten-years risk for fracture. RESULTS: According to multivariate analysis, increased age of women was associated with increased risk for the occurrence of major osteoporotic fracture (p<0.001) and hip fracture (p<0.001). Moreover, patients with osteoporosis had higher risk to be in high level risk group for the occurrence of major osteoporotic fracture (p=0.018) and hip fracture (p=0.023) compared to women with normal bone mass. Decreased age of women was associated with increased physical component score (p<0.001). Also, women with normal bone mass, patients with osteopenia and women without comorbidity had higher physical component score (p<0.001 and p=0.005 respectively) and mental component score (p<0.001 in both cases). CONCLUSION: Appropriate diagnosis and therapy of osteoporosis could promote in a great way the quality of life of patients with osteoporosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND : The care is the core concept and key element of nursing. Over time in oncology, nursing approach varies considerably in the different settings providing care. AIM: To explore the Greek nurses' perceptions for the care provided in the specialist oncology hospital. METHOD: The study enrolled 18 nurses (17 females and 1 male) who were selected based on purposeful sampling and they were working in the pathological wards in three oncological hospitals in Attica. To collect data, three focus groups were held lasting 120 minutes each. The data were analyzed according to the direct content analysis, based on Watson's theory. RESULTS: The results of content analysis supported the categorization according to Watson's theory, while was resulting the new categories of the multi-faceted concept of care in oncology, empathy, communication and information and fear of cancer. Moreover, it was found that in all categories, the factors of time and personal view of their role influenced the expression of care provided. CONCLUSIONS: Nurses perceive care as a complex, unique and multi-faceted concept that their expression is influenced primarily by professional perceptions of their role and the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: Within the framework of the "Healthy Cities" program in 2013-2014 data was collected regarding the health status of the citizens of Nicosia. In addition to other information, the present survey included data from mammography screening in females. PURPOSE: Investigation of breast cancer screening program for women aged ≥40 years old and association with potential determinants. METHODOLOGY: Based on the 2011 census, a representative stratified sample of women living in Nicosia was chosen. In the sample, 297 women (≥40 years old) answered face-to-face interviews concerning the screening of breast cancer. Statistical analysis was performed with the use of IBM SPSS 22. RESULTS: A total of 231 (77.8%) women undertook mammography. 43.1% performed their first mammogram between 40-49 years and 21.9% between 50-59 years. Women aged 70 years and older are 10 times less likely to take a mammography compared with women of 50-69 years old (0R=0.10, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.03 0.37, p=0.001). The mammography screening rates of women aged 40-49 years do not differ significantly with those of the target population, i.e. women 50-69 years (0R=1.00, 95% CI:0.44-2.27, p=0.994). Higher mammography screening rate was observed in married/partnered women compared to singles (0R=7.49, 95% CI:2.84-19.77, p<0.001), as well as in widowed/divorced/ separated compared to singles (0R=3.34, 95% CI: 1.21-9.25, p=0.020). Cypriot women are 4.78 times more likely to take a mammography compared with other nationalities (0R=0.21, 95% CI: 0.09-0.51, p=0.001). Finally, unemployed women are 5.45 times more likely to take a mammography compared to retired women (0R=5.45, 95% CI: 1.03-28.99, p=0.047). CONCLUSIONS: Mammography screening rates for women aged ≥40 years in the municipality of Nicosia are high and are associated with age, marital status, occupational status and nationality. Women aged 70 years and older as well as unemployed women show lower screening rates, while in married/partnered and Cypriot women higher screening rates are revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: Patients' satisfaction is one of the most critical factors in order for the responsiveness of the healthcare systems to be assessed; thus, its contribution is of great significance to the process of the evaluation of the quality of healthcare services. Measuring patient satisfaction could help improve the relationship between patients and health care providers involved in their treatment and constitutes a valuable tool to ensure the healthcare system's responsiveness to the patients' needs. AIM: The pilot study of a patients' satisfaction measurement tool in public and private inpatient settings in Cyprus. METHODOLOGY: The sample of the pilot study included 50 patients hospitalized in public and private hospitals in Nicosia and Larnaca, in pathological, surgical and orthopedic clinics of the respective hospitals. In order for the reliability of this tool to be measured, the test-retest reliability method was held. Spearman's correlation coefficient and Cronbach's alpha internal consistency coefficient were calculated. RESULTS: The Cronbach's alpha internal consistency coefficient for the subscale "medical personnel" was 0.86 and for the subscale "nursing staff" 0.82, which indicates excellent reliability. With regard to the subscale "hospital's accommodation features", the Cronbach's alpha internal consistency coefficient was 0.60, which indicates acceptable reliability. Spearman's correlation coefficient was >0.6 in all questions, indicating great reliability. Patients reported high levels of satisfaction both on the characteristics of their interaction with the medical and nursing staff and the hospital's accommodation features. CONCLUSIONS: The tool tested in this pilot study was found to be highly reliable for use in inpatient settings. Though any generalization of the use in different populations should proceed with caution, the final version of the questionnaire is a powerful tool to measure inpatient satisfaction levels in public and private hospitals and in the future its use could be extended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Nursing Care & Research / Nosileia kai Ereuna is the property of Greek Nursing Studies Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Nursing Care & Research / Nosileia kai Ereuna is the property of Greek Nursing Studies Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Nursing Care & Research / Nosileia kai Ereuna is the property of Greek Nursing Studies Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Nursing Care & Research / Nosileia kai Ereuna is the property of Greek Nursing Studies Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Nursing Care & Research / Nosileia kai Ereuna is the property of Greek Nursing Studies Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Nursing Care & Research / Nosileia kai Ereuna is the property of Greek Nursing Studies Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Nursing Care & Research / Nosileia kai Ereuna is the property of Greek Nursing Studies Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Nursing Care & Research / Nosileia kai Ereuna is the property of Greek Nursing Studies Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)