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Aim: The aim of the research was to find significant factors that influence women's satisfaction with childbirth. Design: A cross-sectional study design was chosen. Methods: The Czech version of the Birth Satisfaction Scale - Revised, supplemented with demographic questions and questions related to the process of childbirth, was used for data collection. The online questionnaire was completed by 870 women who met the inclusion criteria for the study. Results: Several statistically significant results were found: women's satisfaction with childbirth increases with increasing age (p < 0.05), secondary / multipara women are more satisfied with the experience of childbirth than primipara women (p < 0.05), and the experience of spontaneous vaginal birth leads to higher satisfaction than operative birth (p < 0.05). The term of delivery, place, and perception of pain during delivery also influence women's satisfaction with birth (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The midwife's duty in caring for the woman is not only to ensure safety but also to promote the emergence of a positive and satisfying experience. Situations such as acute operative delivery or preterm birth are unavoidable in obstetrics. However, respectful care and emotional support provided during labor can develop women's ability to perceive control over the situation, cope with labor pain and prevent negative experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Stress negatively affects students' health, self-esteem, and clinical performance. Although stress has been analyzed on a long-term basis and many clinical stressors are known, some of the factors potentially triggering stress have not been adequately studied, and the results are not consistent. Our research focused on an assessment of the stress intensity that nursing and midwifery students experience and the impact of ward type, difficulty in providing nursing care, and previous experience on perceptions of stress. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: The study sample (n = 258) consisted of 65.5% nursing and 34.5% midwifery students who had completed their clinical training in basal pediatric (36.5%), surgical (27.5%), and medical (36.0%) wards. We analyzed stress intensity (0-10), perception of the difficulty in providing nursing care from the student's perspective (0-10), and their previous experience. Results: Across the entire group of students, the stress intensity was 3.84 (SD = 2.71). Students providing care in pediatric wards (M = 4.72) experienced the highest stress intensity, especially when compared to students in medical wards (M = 2.69), (p < 0.001). The provision of care is most demanding in pediatric wards (M = 4.91) compared to surgical (M = 2.97) and medical wards (M = 3.08), (p < 0.001). Difficulty in providing care is significantly associated with stress intensity (r = 0.548). Previous clinical experience reduces the perception of stress. However, we found a significant decrease only in surgical and medical wards. Conclusion: To reduce the perception of stress in pediatric wards, attention needs to be paid to the quality of pre-clinical training focused on pediatric patient care. At the same time, it is important to increase the effectiveness of clinical education in pediatric wards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To investigate the knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding obstetric danger signs among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Jordan. Design: A descriptive cross-sectional. Methods: A convenience sample of 352 pregnant women who attended five antenatal clinics at Al-Karak Governorate in southeast Jordan was recruited. Data were collected using self-reported questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. Results: The study findings revealed that (59.1%) of the participants had an inadequate knowledge of obstetric danger signs during pregnancy. In addition, the findings showed that the participants had a positive attitude towards obstetric danger signs. Furthermore, the findings showed that (45.7%) of the participants sought medical care when they experienced obstetric danger signs during pregnancy. The most significant factors affecting the level of knowledge were: age, participant's occupation and the history of stillbirth. Conclusion: The study findings demonstrated that the participants had inadequate knowledge and positive attitudes toward obstetric danger signs during pregnancy. Effective educational programs and other awareness interventions are needed to enhance awareness of obstetric danger signs during pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To explore associations between expectations regarding birth (including mode of delivery) and experience of the previous birth among multiparous women. Design: A cross-sectional study. Methods: A specially designed questionnaire was used to explore subjective perceptions of previous births. We also used the standardized questionnaire of birth-related fear (W-DEQ). Descriptive statistics and the ANOVA test, chi-square test, and Student t-test were used. The research group consisted of 111 pregnant women with a mean age of 31 (± 3.58) years. Results: Most women preferred cesarean section as a mode of delivery (63.1%). Women who preferred cesarean section less frequently considered experiencing every stage of the birth to be an advantage of vaginal delivery. They more often perceived pelvic floor damage as a disadvantage of vaginal delivery (p = 0.000), and shorter delivery time as an advantage of cesarean section (p = 0.048). Significant fear of childbirth was confirmed in 25.2% of respondents. We found statistical significance between cesarean section preference and increased fear of childbirth (p = 0.05). Conclusion: Focusing on the impact of childbirth on the psychological state of a woman, should be one of the priorities of midwives to reduce fear of subsequent labor and prevent serious mental health issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of the study was to find out whether there was a correlation between satisfaction with supervision and job satisfaction among healthcare workers, and, in addition, whether there is a correlation between satisfaction with supervision and selected demographic data. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: The research sample consisted of staff in healthcare facilities who took care of patients / clients, and underwent supervision (n = 234). The McCloskey / Mueller Satisfaction Scale and Manchester Clinical Supervision Scale questionnaires were used. Results: In the case of job satisfaction, a statistically significant correlation was demonstrated between the effectiveness of the provided supervision and level of job satisfaction. When comparing selected demographic characteristics, a significant difference was demonstrated between satisfaction with supervision of psychiatric staff and hospice care staff. No statistically significant difference between the groups of respondents was demonstrated in satisfaction with supervision according to level of education. Conclusion: Our research demonstrated a correlation between satisfaction with supervision and job satisfaction. Satisfaction with supervision, in turn, depends on the workplace of the respondents. It is important to further educate staff in this area and promote the benefits of supervision in nursing practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Research utilization is at the core of evidence-based practice. The aim of the study was to describe Slovenian nursing students’ competence in research utilization (attitudes, knowledge, and skills) on graduation, and the support they received in learning research utilization during clinical practice. Design: A descriptive, cross-sectional study design. Methods: The participants were graduating Slovenian bachelor-level nursing students (n = 220). Data were collected using the Competence in Research Utilization instrument, and analyzed statistically. Results: Students’ attitudes to research utilization were positive, but their knowledge was rather limited. Skills were self-assessed as above moderate. The majority of the students had received support in learning research utilization during their most recent clinical practice period. The support received was related to students’ attitudes and skills. Conclusion: Educational institutions should pay attention to improving nursing students’ competence in research utilization, especially regarding their knowledge. Further research is needed to explore the most effective pedagogical strategies, including clinical practice, to improve students’ competence in research utilization and to gain a better understanding of multidimensional research utilization competence assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of the current study was to determine the effectiveness of discharge training on self-efficacy and post-discharge problems after cardiac surgery. Design: A randomized controlled trial. Methods: Patients undergoing cardiac surgery (n = 66) were randomly assigned to either control or discharge training groups. Patients received training from the first day they hospitalized until discharge. The self-efficacy scores and post-discharge problems were assessed, at 10 days and 30 days postdischarge. Results: Concerning self-efficacy scores, no statistically significant difference was noted between the two groups (group: F = 1.856; p = 0.178). A statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of kinetophobia, fatigue, and edema in the legs at 10 days and 30 days of post-discharge (p < 0.05). Conclusion: These study findings have shown that both groups experience at least one post-discharge problem and these problems gradually decrease at 30 days of post-discharge. It is recommended to set up units in hospitals that can systematically give discharge training and home care services to patients and their families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aimed to determine nurses' attitudes toward job satisfaction and to describe the variables that affect their job satisfaction. Design: A non-experimental, cross-sectional study. Methods: A total of 1,850 nurses working in clinical hospital centres in Croatia, Slovenia and Serbia were approached. Of those, 475 participated in the study, making a total response rate of 25.6%. Data were collected through the Survey of Nursing Satisfaction. The questionnaire is owned by the Croatian Agency for Quality and Accreditation in Health Care and Social Welfare. Results: The overall results for all three countries show that men and women differed in their perception of exposure to discrimination at work (t = 2.62; df = 469; p < 0.01). Men, on average, were more satisfied at work (M = 3.47; SD = 0.68; p < 0.05) than women (M = 3.29; SD = 0.63; p < 0.05). Nurses in the Croatian hospital were the most satisfied with the amount of education they were exposed to (F2.470 = 18.09; p < 0.001) but felt more discriminated against at work than their counterparts from Slovenia and Serbia (F2.471 = 136.04; p < 0.001). Respondents rated their job satisfaction as good. Conclusion: In line with the findings, nurses should be able to move forward, improve communication and interpersonal relationships to be even more comfortable in the workplace. Each institution has quality indicators and it is very important to continuously conduct employee satisfaction surveys as these are beneficial for the staff, patients and healthcare quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The objective of the study was to determine the satisfaction of women with their control and participation in decisionmaking during childbirth. Design: A quantitative cross-sectional study. Methods: The KLI-P questionnaire measuring psychosocial climate in maternity hospitals by evaluating six factors was used to collect the relevant data. This article presents the results of assessing the satisfaction of women with the factor woman's control and participation in decision-making during childbirth. The study sample consisted of 360 women within one year after natural birth (the mean time from childbirth: 6.22 ± 3.64 months). The obtained data were analyzed using univariate descriptive statistics, ANOVA and Student's t-test. Results: The satisfaction with the factor woman's control and participation in decision-making during childbirth was 61.50%. The lowest satisfaction (20.28%) was associated with the women's possibility of choosing the position for giving birth. Statistically significant differences were found with respect to the age group (p = 0.009), subjective perception of the course of childbirth (p = 0.001) and skin-to-skin contact support after childbirth (p = 0.001). Conclusion: The results indicate the necessity to respect the principles of women's autonomy during childbirth, with the emphasis on providing care focused on the needs of mothers, their rights as well as their active participation during childbirth, constituting an important complement to the current evidence-based approach to obstetrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of the study was to assess bonding between a mother and her child with an emphasis on its predictors as well as to identify the women who are at risk of mother-infant bonding disorders. Design: A quantitative cross-sectional study. Methods: To collect the relevant data, the Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire (PBQ) was used to assess the following four factors: quality of mother-infant bond (F1); rejection and pathological anger (F2); infant-focused anxiety (F3); incipient abuse of infant (F4). The research sample consisted of 200 women who were 0-6 weeks after childbirth. The received data were analysed using descriptive statistics, the Robust ANOVA and the Wilcoxon two-sample test. Results: We identified 9.5% at-risk women in the F1; 1.5% at-risk women in the F2; 3.5% at-risk women in the F3; and 5% at-risk women in the F4. The following statistically significant predictors were shown in relation to the F1: child planning; the F3: parity; skin-to-skin contact support after birth. Conclusion: Possible predictors and the mothers who are at risk in relation to a secure attachment connection were identified, which is important in terms of preventive interventions on the part of midwives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To identify coping strategies nurses working in clinical practice use to manage workload, and, subsequently, to determine whether the choice of coping strategies is related to self-esteem. Design: Quantitative cross-sectional study. Methods: The sample consisted of 509 nurses. Two coping strategies questionnaires - Brief COPE and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale - RSES were used to collect data. The data were evaluated by descriptive statistical methods and analysed via ANOVA. Results: Nurses prefer to adopt a range of adaptive coping strategies rather than maladaptive coping strategies. The most frequently chosen adaptive coping strategies used by nurses in clinical practice are acceptance, planning, and active coping. We found that selection of coping strategies is closely related to self-esteem. We registered a significant difference in preferences for adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies as follows: nurses with high self-esteem scores (RSES) preferred adaptive coping strategies: active coping (p = 0.017), positive reframing (p = 0.001), planning (p = 0.020), and acceptance (p = 0.045). We identified selection of maladaptive coping strategies in nurses with average and low self-esteem scale results, i.e.: denial (p = 0.000), disengaged behaviour (p = 0.001), and self-blaming (p = 0.000). Conclusion: The results of the study suggest that it is important to support nurses' self-esteem since this influences choice of adaptive coping strategies. These are an effective means of coping with the burden on nurses, which directly affects the quality of nursing care provided to patients in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Satisfaction with medical care is an important element of birth experience. The aim of this study was to attempt to assess the effect of location (birth centre and delivery room) on the experiences and opinions of labouring women concerning childbirth. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Two hundred women after childbirth participated in surveys, which were conducted one-four days after childbirth. The research tools used were the authors' own survey questionnaire and a standardised tool: the Inventory to Measure Coping Strategies with Stress - Mini-Cope. Results: Women who gave birth at the birth centre more often considered that the delivery had met their expectations. Both the women who gave birth to children at the birth centre and those who gave birth in the delivery room wanted to have their next childbirth in the same place. Women who underwent childbirth at a birth centre rated the experience more highly than women who experienced childbirth in a delivery room, and also managed stress better during childbirth. Conclusion: Women who chose to have their birth at a birth centre and, thus, to experience it more fully, more often stated that the childbirth had met their expectations. They managed stress better during childbirth and gave significantly better assessments of the experience of childbirth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate differences in the barriers to good cancer pain management between physicians, nurses, and pharmacists in Jordan. Design: A descriptive correlational design was used to answer the research questions of this study. Methods: A group of 473 participants completed the study questionnaires (Barriers Questionnaire -- II and Nurses' Knowledge and Attitudes Survey). Results: Fears related to analgesic use, fears related to opioid side effects, communication, cultural beliefs, and lack of knowledge were the most clearly identified barriers to cancer pain management. Cancer pain management has not previously been an area of interest for the Jordanian health authorities. Conclusion: The information that emerged from this study helps to identify the current barriers and misconceptions among health professionals that prevent effective pain management for cancer patients. To maximize the role of health professionals in this area, health administrators need to provide them with more specialized training and empowerment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aims of the pilot study were a) to compare the amount, type, and reasons for missed nursing care in the Czech Republic and Slovakia; and b) to investigate the psychometric properties of the Slovak and Czech versions of the MISSCARE Survey. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: For measurement of missed nursing care The Missed Nursing Care (MISSCARE) Survey was used. The sample consisted of 226 hospital nurses in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Results: The internal consistency of Part A measured by Cronbach alpha was 0.939 for the Czech version and 0.945 for the Slovak version of the MISSCARE Survey. The average score for missed nursing care was 1.64 ± 0.51 for the Czech Republic, and 1.99 ± 0.83 for Slovakia. Shortfalls in labor resources were cited as the chief reason for missed nursing care in the countries surveyed. Conclusion: Psychometric testing showed that the Czech and Slovak versions of the MISSCARE Survey are reliable and valid tools, and can be used for measuring missed nursing care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Breastfeeding and consumption of breast milk positively affect the health of children and mothers. The goal of this research was an analysis of intention to breastfeed in pregnant women and the impact of selected factors on intention to breastfeed. Design: Cross - sectional study. Methods: Research was conducted involving 176 women in the 5th- 9th month of pregnancy. We analyzed their intention to breastfeed using the Infant Feeding Intentions Scale (IFI). Among the analyzed factors we included: socio-demographic variables, smoking during pregnancy, women's attitudes to breastfeeding, and the body image of pregnant women (the Body Image States Scale - BISS). Results: The intention to breastfeed in pregnant women was very high (M = 13.15; SD = 2.6). In the 1st month after birth, 85.2% of women plan to breastfeed to the fullest extent, falling to 77.2% in the 3rd month, and 62.5% in the 6th month. Variables included in linear regression explain 30% of the variation in intention to breastfeed. By hierarchic linear regression, we identified the attitude of husband/partner towards breastfeeding (ß = 1.236; p = 0.001), and impact of breastfeeding on women's health (ß = 0,354; p = 0,035) and body image (ß = 0,497; p = 0,000) as significant independent variables determining the intention to breastfeed. Women's satisfaction with their pregnant body explains 11% of the variation in all analyzed variables. Conclusion: Promoting the health of mothers and their children requires midwives and nurses to perform a range of activities that will engage the husbands/partners of the women, and which will also take account of the body perceptions of pregnant women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Medical Device-Related Pressure Ulcers are skin breakdowns related to certain medical devices that increase morbidity, lengthen hospital stays, and increase the cost of treatment. Approximately one third of reported pressure ulcers are associated with medical devices. The aim of this study is to examine the impact of a suggested nursing intervention protocol on the occurrence of medical device-related pressure ulcers in critically ill patients. Design: A prospective, quasi-experimental research design was used in this study. Methods: 100 patients participated in our study, divided into study and control groups. The researchers selected Endo-tracheal and Nasogastric tubes to examine their association with the development of pressure ulcers. The researchers observed the prevalence of pressure ulcers caused by the selected devices through daily clinical observation. Patients receiving routine care were used as a control group, while the suggested nursing intervention protocol was implemented to the study group of patients. The results of the given protocol on the study subjects were compared to the collected base line data for the control group. Results: The study revealed a highly statistically and clinically significant difference between the study and control groups in relation to incidence of endo-tracheal and nasogastric tube pressure ulcers. The results indicate that the incidence of endo-tracheal tube pressure ulcers decreased from 90% to 32.1% after implementation of the suggested nursing intervention protocol (p = 0.031), whereas the incidence of nasogastric tubes pressure ulcers fell from 77.8% to 13.1% (p = 0.012). Conclusion: the examined evidence based suggested nursing intervention protocol proved highly effective in reducing the occurrence of selected Medical Device-Related Pressure Ulcers in critically ill patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Aim of the study was to examine the intensity of childbirth-related fear, its components and relationship with selected variables (age, parity, and delivery history) among pregnant women in Slovakia. Design: The study was designed as a descriptive cross-sectional study. Methods: A cross-sectional study, 156 pregnant women participated in the research (age 29.7 ± 4.73). The Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire (W-DEQ, version A) was used to assess the intensity of childbirth-related fear. A short questionnaire of our own design was used to measure the components of child-related fear. Correlation analysis, ANOVA, and linear regression were employed. Results: The average intensity of child-related fear in the research sample was 68.8 (± 11.6), extreme fear was identified among 9.6% of pregnant women. Child-related fear and age were significantly negatively correlated (R = -0.16; p = 0.05). Results of ANOVA showed significant differences in intensity of fear according to delivery history (F = 4.58; p = 0.005). In the linear regression model, parity and delivery history were shown to be significant predictors of fear of childbirth. The most prevalent components of childbirth-related fear were pain (21.2%), prolonged labor (19.2%), and use of forceps or vacuum extraction (17.6%). Conclusion: Being a primipara, or perceiving a previous labor as complicated were significant factors influencing the fear of childbirth in our sample. The identification of the components and related factors of childbirth-related fear is important in planning effective intervention strategies aimed at anxiety prevention during pregnancy, and contributes to improvement in the quality of life of pregnant women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Educational assessment involving epistemological, axiological, and technical conditions was demonstrated to be an important part of the educational process of improving the knowledge and behavior of diabetics requiring vascular surgery. Design: A quantitative interventional prospective study. Methods: The theoretical model of Practical Reasoning of Humanistic Interpretation Method was used to construct the educational assessment. The assessment was followed up by a quantitative interventional prospective study to determine conditions of behavior before and after education. The research sample comprised of diabetics with diabetic foot syndrome (DFS) (n = 52), and with Low Extremities Arterial Disease (LEAD) (n = 48) from the University Hospital in Martin, Slovakia. Results: We found no differences in epistemological, axiological, and technical conditions of diabetics with DFS versus LEAD before education. Six months after education, we found significantly better knowledge in patients with DFS. Group education methods, family status, and membership of a diabetics’ club were some of the educational assessment factors confirmed as significant following education of both groups. Conclusion: Educational assessment based on a theoretical model of practical reasoning and behavior revealed a number of differences and conditions which determined learning and behavior in the case of vascular surgery patients, and, we may assume, others besides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of study was to evaluate the effectiveness of non-pharmacological nursing intervention programs on female patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Design: A quasi-experimental design was used in this study. Methods: Pre-post follow-up assessment of outcome was used in this study. The study was conducted in the inpatient and outpatient clinics of rheumatology and rehabilitation at Zagazig University Hospitals, Egypt. Results: There was a significant improvement in knowledge and practice of patients with RA in the post and follow-up phase of the program in the intervention group. In addition, the patients showed a high level of independence regarding ability to perform ADL. There was a statistically significant decrease in disability for patients in the intervention group. Conclusion: It is recommended that non-pharmacological intervention programs be implemented for patients with RA in different settings to help reduce the number of patients complaining of pain and disability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The survey aimed at determining the associations between the quality of life of children with chronic diseases, the quality of life of their parents and coping strategies used in the family. Design: A cross-sectional study. Methods: The study was performed as quantitative research using a questionnaire survey in chronically ill children (n = 288) aged 2–12 years and their parents. The following instruments were used: Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory Family Impact Module and Family Crisis Oriented Personal Evaluation Scales. Results: The association between the quality of life of diabetic children and their parents’ quality of life, family functioning and the impact of the illness on the family was weak. Children with diabetes had the highest quality of life but the quality of life of their parents was lowest among all disease groups in the study. The lowest overall quality of life of children was noted among those with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. The strongest positive associations between internal coping strategies (i.e. reframing and passive appraisal) and children’s and parents’ quality of life was observed in the families of children with asthma. Conclusions: The weak association between children’s and parents’ quality of life and coping strategies pointed to their low effectiveness. The results suggest that relevant interventions should be used that promote selection of new coping strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The purpose of the cross-sectional descriptive study was to investigate how nursing students evaluate particular factors of clinical learning environment during their professional placement in hospitals. We explored which factors of clinical environment contribute significantly to students’ evaluation of it. Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study. Methods: The sample included 503 nursing students in their second or third year of study at six Slovak universities. A valid and reliable questionnaire, the Clinical Learning Environment, Supervision and Nurse Teacher evaluation scale (CLES+T), was used to evaluate the student nurses’ experiences and clinical placement. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s chi-square test, multifactorial ANOVA procedure and Pearsons’ correlations, and p-value < 0.05 was taken to indicate statistical significance for all comparisons. Results: A significant proportion of students experienced a traditional model of group supervision. Supervision method, supervisory session frequency, and duration of clinical placement had a significant impact on their evaluation of clinical environments. Conclusion: Supervision methods are a significant factor influencing student evaluation of their clinical placement environment. Compared to other European studies, we found a less frequent application of individual supervision and that the Slovak university setting is dominated by a traditional group model of supervision. The study offers a valuable insight into the analysis of factors contributing to improvements in clinical learning environment and models of clinical or workplace training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The main aim of the study was to measure preoperative anxiety in patients in the Czech Republic before elective surgery, using the Visual Analogue Scale for Anxiety (VAS-A). Design: A cross-sectional descriptive study. Methods: The sample consisted of 344 patients undergoing elective surgery. The day before surgery patients completed a questionnaire consisting of demographic data, the Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale (APAIS) and the VAS-A. Spearman correlation was used to test correlation between the VAS-A and the subscales of the APAIS. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and the Kruskal-Walis test were used for group comparison. A p-value < 0.05 was considered to be significant. Results: Female patients and patients without previous experience of surgery had a significantly higher VAS-A score. The anxiety score measured by the VAS-A positively correlated with APAIS-Anxiety (r = 0.71) and its subscales. The results also showed that the most common anxieties resulted from postoperative pain, anaesthesiological complications, postoperative nausea and vomiting, concerns about regaining consciousness after anaesthesia, surgical errors, and postponement of surgery. Conclusion: The findings of this study support the utility of the VAS-A as a measure of preoperative anxiety. The VAS-A quickly and simply assesses anxiety and may be useful for research as well as clinical purposes when researchers or clinicians have very limited time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of psychosocial training, with a focus on increasing social and coping skills, on the levels of burnout and engagement in students in various healthcare professions. Design: A quasiexperimental design was used in the present study. Methods: 97 students (20.2 ± 1.49; 95.9% female) of psychology, nursing and midwifery participated in the research (50 students in an experimental group receiving psychosocial training, and 47 students in a control group). To measure burnout, the School Burnout Inventory (SBI), Antonovski Sense of Coherence Scale (SOC), Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES) and Baruth Protective Factors Inventory (BPFI) were employed. Data were statistically analyzed using correlation analysis, Student´s t-test, and the ANOVA with LSD post hoc tests. Results: A statistically significant decrease in burnout syndrome (95 % CI: 5.26; 11.94), and an increased sense of coherence (95 % CI: - 11.48; -3.37) and resilience (95 % CI: -7.92; -1.70) were found in the experimental group of students after psychosocial training, while no significant changes were observed in the control group. Research assumptions regarding engagement were not confirmed. Conclusion: The research study has shown that psychosocial training as a method has a positive effect on burnout syndrome and related personality characteristics among students of the healthcare professions, and is thus a relevant and appropriate method of burnout prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To investigate the relationship between asthma control, health related quality of life and subjective well-being in Czech adult patients with asthma. Design: A prospective observational cohort study. Methods: The sample included 316 people with asthma. In this 12-month observational study, patients were tested three times – at the baseline and after six and 12 months. Asthma control, health related quality of life and subjective well-being were assessed at the initial time point and followed up at six and 12 months by using the Asthma Control Test, the Mini Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire and the Personal Wellbeing Index. Results: Level of asthma control and health related quality of life improved during the 12-month period, although spirometric parameters and subjective well-being were without significant change. Asthma control remained a significant predictor of health-related quality of life and general subjective well-being in linear regression models. Conclusions: Healthrelated quality of life is a construct based on a larger set of clinical variables when compared to subjective well-being. The regular monitoring of asthma control is associated with increased awareness and therapeutic expectations in patients, and better asthma control and health-related quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To report a trial protocol to determine if a self-care program enhances quality of life and sense of coherence in community-dwellers aged 65 years or over. Design: A randomized controlled trial with a two-group pretest and posttest will be conducted in a community activity center involving a sample of 64 community-dwellers who are 65 years or over. Methods: The intervention group will receive Resource Enhancement and Activation Program, a structured 12-week self-care program comprising 24 activities based on a salutogenic framework. The control group will receive the routine service. Both outcome and process evaluations will be used. Outcomes will be measured using standardized tools and these include quality of life, sense of coherence, satisfaction with life, activation measure, well-being, depression, loneliness and resilience. Focus group interviews will be conducted to explore participants’ views on the program. Conclusion: This study will provide evidence on the feasibility and effectiveness of a self-care program that is based on a salutogenic framework to promote quality of life and sense of coherence among older community-dwellers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The study aimed to explore the professional self-concept of senior nursing students and evaluate its relationship with sex, age, clinical work experience, motivation for choosing nursing and average grade. Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study based on the census method, professional self-concept of 70 senior nursing students of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences was investigated. The data were collected using Cowin’s 36-item questionnaire of professional self-concept which measures nursing self-concept in six subscales. The data was analyzed using statistical indices such as frequency, mean, standard deviation, and independent t-tests and ANOVA statistical tests. A significant p-value was set at 0.05. Results: The mean of professional self-concept of students was 192.71±44.85. There was a significant association between sex and interest in the nursing profession and professional self-concept, but the relationship between age, average grades and student clinical work experience and professional self-concept was not significant. Conclusion: The attitude of nursing students is greatly influenced by the image of nursing in the society, which makes them have low self-concept. Therefore, occupational and social support and counselling to the students can pave the way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]