Search

The aim of this article is to present the findings of a qualitative study aiming at understanding women’s perceptions with regard to a) gender equality at workplace; b) experiences at workplace with regard to gender; c) gender wage gap; d) use of technology for addressing issues of inequality and e) suggestions for the development of an e-mentoring community platform. This study sketches the current situation of gender equality in the fields of academia, business, technology and health care, and provides deep understanding of the difficulties that women with different levels of experience and expertise encounter in their workplace as well as how technology could help them overcome these issues. Data collected demonstrate a variety of challenges faced by women in workplace as well as the need for role models that will allow young women to overcome the stereotypical woman profile as excluded from economic, political and professional life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Maintaining dignity is important for successful aging, but there is lack of validated research instruments in the nursing literature to investigate dignity as perceived by the old people. Objective: This is a methodological study aiming to investigate the psychometric properties of the Greek version of Jacelon Attributed Dignity Scale as translated in the Greek language. Research design: A methodological approach consisting of translation, adaptation, and cross-cultural validation. A sample of 188 Greek-speaking old Cypriot persons drawn from the Hospital outpatient departments was asked to complete the Greek versions of Jacelon Attributed Dignity Scale and the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living. Data analyses included internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's alpha coefficient), item analysis, and exploratory factor analysis using principal component method with orthogonal varimax rotation. Ethical considerations: The study protocol was approved by the National Bioethics committee according to the national legislation. Permission to use the research instrument was granted from the author. Information about the aim and the benefits of the study was included in the information letter. Findings: Cronbach's alpha for Greek version of Jacelon Attributed Dignity Scale was 0.90. Four factors emerged explaining 65.28% of the total variance, and item to total correlation values ranged from 0.25 to 0.74 indicating high internal consistency and homogeneity. Mean item score in Instrumental Activities of Daily Living was 5.6 (standard deviation = 1.7) for men and 6.7 (standard deviation = 1.7) for women, and the correlations between demographics, Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, and the four factors of the Greek version of Jacelon Attributed Dignity Scale were low; also in multiple linear regression, the values of R2 are presented low. Discussion: Demographic characteristics and degree of functionality seem to be associated with some of the dimensions of dignity but with low correlations; therefore, they cannot predict attributed dignity. Conclusion: The Greek version of Jacelon Attributed Dignity Scale is a valid and reliable tool to measure attributed dignity in Greek-speaking older adults, but further testing of the psychometric properties and other potential factors that may affect the attributed dignity is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In recent years, there has been much focus on compassion in nursing care, and concern has been raised in a number of reports and media stories regarding decreased compassion. The aim of this study was to explore similarities and differences in the understanding and demonstration of compassion in nursing practice across 15 countries. Design: A total of 1,323 nurses from 15 countries responded to questions in relation to compassion, via an international online survey. Results: The data revealed the impact of sociopolitical influences on perceptions of compassion, and the conscious and intentional nature of compassion. Discussion and Conclusion: The study demonstrated shared understandings of the importance of compassion as well as some common perceptions of the attributes of compassionate care. The differences reported were not as significant as had been expected. Implications for Practice: Further research is needed to explore the country and culture differences in the enactment of compassion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Emerging evidence suggests that vitamin D might be implicated in asthma pathophysiology. This study aims to compare Vitamin D mean serum levels and status between asthmatic and non-asthmatic adolescents and investigate the association of vitamin D with asthma severity. Methods: In a cohort of adolescents aged 16-17 years, those reporting wheezing in the past 12 months and Ever asthma on the ISAAC questionnaire were invited to participate and formed the Active Asthmatics group. Controls were selected amongst Never Wheezers/Never Asthmatics (NWNA). Differences in mean 25(OH)D serum levels and vitamin D status between AA and NWNA were examined in multivariate linear and logistic regression models respectively, adjusting for potential confounders. Within AA, differences in vitamin D levels were assessed across asthma severity indicators. Results: A total of 69 AA and 671 NWNA participated in the study. Unadjusted mean 25(OH)D serum levels were 22.90 (SD 6.41), and 21.15 (SD 5.59) ng/mL in NWNA and AA respectively (p = 0.03). In adjusted models, mean 25(OH)D levels remained significantly lower amongst AA compared to NWNA (adjusted beta coefficient -1.68, 95% CI -3.24, -0.13). Severe (<12 ng/mL), moderate (<25 ng/mL) or insufficient (<30 ng/mL) vitamin D status was more prevalent among AA who were 1.6 times (95% CI 1.01, 2.53) more likely to belong to a lower vitamin D category compared to NWNA. Within AA, there was a negative trend between vitamin D levels and the number of reported asthma severity indicators. Conclusions: Levels of vitamin D tend to be lower among asthmatic compared to non-asthmatic children and in those with severe asthma independent of important confounders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectiveTo assess vitamin D status among Cypriot adolescents and investigate potential determinants including BMI and body fat percentage (BF%).DesignParticipants had cross-sectional assessments of serum vitamin D, physical activity, dietary vitamin D intake and sun exposure. Linear and logistic regression models were used to explore the associations of vitamin D with potential predictors.SettingHospitals, Cyprus, November 2007–May 2008.SubjectsAdolescents (n 671) aged 16–18 years.ResultsMean serum vitamin D was 22·90 (sd 6·41) ng/ml. Only one in ten children had sufficient levels of vitamin D (≥30 ng/ml), while the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (12–20 ng/ml) and severe deficiency (<12 ng/ml) was 31·7 % and 4·0 %, respectively. Lower vitamin D was associated with winter and spring season, female gender, reduced sun exposure in winter and darker skin. Participants with highest BMI and BF% when compared with a middle reference group had increased adjusted odds of vitamin D insufficiency (OR = 3·00; 95 % CI 1·21, 7·45 and OR = 5·02; 95 % CI 1·80, 13·97, respectively). A similar pattern, although not as strong, was shown for vitamin D deficiency with BF% (OR = 1·81; 95 % CI 1·04, 3·16) and BMI (OR = 1·51; 95 % CI 0·85, 2·67). Participants in the lowest BMI and BF% groups also displayed compromised vitamin D status, suggesting a U-shaped association.ConclusionsVitamin D deficiency in adolescence is very prevalent in sunny Cyprus, particularly among females, those with darker skin and those with reduced sun exposure in winter. Furthermore, vitamin D status appears to have a U-shaped association with adiposity measures. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Purpose |!|#8211; This paper seeks to discuss the rationale of the newly reformed health education curriculum in Cyprus, which aspires to enable not only teachers, but also all the school personnel, to work from the perspective of health promotion. It is a curriculum which moves from the traditional approach of health education focusing on individual lifestyle/behaviour modification into approaches that recognise and tackle the determinants of health. Design/methodology/approach |!|#8211; The paper critically discusses the structure and the content of the learning objectives of this curriculum that encourages teachers to work in a health promoting way. Findings |!|#8211; The central goal of this curriculum is to enable students and schools to act as health agents, addressing the structural determinants of health and promoting environmental changes. The optimum level for all topics of the curriculum is achieved through learning objectives, which concern three interconnected levels. These are: |!|#34;investigating determinants of health|!|#34;, |!|#34;practising action competency skills for health|!|#34; and |!|#34;achieving changes in favour of health|!|#34;. All levels are means as well as end products in terms of the curriculum objectives. Practical implications |!|#8211; The outcome of the development of the health education curriculum acts as a guide for school interventions, through a methodological framework, which encourages participants to identify and promote environmental changes that facilitate healthy choices. This is of significance to those working in the field of health promotion and who seek to establish a new language of health promotion that goes beyond the pervasive discourse of individual lifestyles. Social implications |!|#8211; The implementation of the particular health education curriculum will promote not only health in the school community but also in the local community. This is because a key principle which underlies the curriculum is the involvement of the students, school staff, family and community in everyday health promotion practice. It also promotes the development of partnerships among them. Originality/value |!|#8211; This is an innovative curriculum for Cyprus, based on health promotion and health education principles, but at the same time taking in account the local socio-cultural and political perspective. This curriculum may be applicable to other European countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Nosileftiki is the property of Hellenic Nurses' 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.)

This article aims to examine gender stereotypes in relation to men in nursing, discuss gender discrimination cases in nursing, and explore methods used for promoting equal educational opportunities during nursing studies. The literature review was based on related databases, such as CINAHL, Science Direct, MEDLINE, and EBSCO. Legal case studies are included in order to provide a more practical example of those barriers existing for men pursuing nursing, as well as statistical data concerning gender discrimination and male attrition to nursing schools in relation to those barriers. These strengthen the validity of the manuscript. Literature review showed that gender discrimination is still prevalent within nursing profession. Nursing faculty should prepare male nursing students to interact effectively with female clients as well. Role modeling the therapeutic relationship with clients is one strategy that may help male students. In general, the faculty should provide equal learning opportunities to nursing students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of Greek-Cypriot adolescents regarding sexuality, sexual and reproductive health in Cyprus. This is the first study in Cyprus that focuses on these issues. During the study, a survey was administered to a random sample of third grade students (N = 697, Mean age = 14 ± 1 years, 48% males). Descriptive and comparative statistics were primarily used for the data analysis. The results indicated that young Greek-Cypriots have limited knowledge on sexual health issues and that there are gender differences regarding role expectations of sexuality. Thus, in the promotion of healthy sexuality and sexual behaviours among youth, practitioners should include gender and cultural perspectives. Qualitative research is needed to explore in depth how young Greek-Cypriots feel about sexuality and sexual and reproductive health. (Promot Educ, 2008; 15 (4): pp. 24-31) [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: The "Place Standard Tool" (PST) offers a practical framework for structuring conversations about physical and social dimensions of Place which impact on health and well-being. The aim of this study was to survey citizens' perceptions of Place across diverse settings in Cyprus. While the PST has been extensively used in the context of community engagement, its properties as a measurement tool haven't been explored. Methods: An open call was addressed to citizens to rate their neighbourhood environment across the 14 PST items (1: large to 7: little room for improvement). Exploratory factor, cluster and regression analyses were used to explore the dimensionality of the scale, depict neighbourhood profiles and explore differences in ratings according to socio-demographic characteristics, area-level census indicators and residents' assessment of neighbourhood social position (10-step ladder). Results: With the exception of safety (M = 4.4, SD = 1.7), 492 participants (mean age 42, 50% residents for > 10 years) from 254 postcodes (21.7% islandwide) did not rate other features favourably, with lowest scores for "influence and sense of control" and "public transport". A stepwise pattern of dissatisfaction was observed along the social position continuum both for features rated less as well as more favourably (e.g. social contact). For instance, among participants who placed their neighbourhood at the three top steps of the ladder, 48.8% gave a low rating for "influence and sense of control", while the equivalent figure was 81.0% at the bottom three steps (OR = 4.5, 95% CI 2.3, 8.6). A clear dimensionality of Built (6 items, Cronbach's α = 0.798), Physical (3 items, α = 0.765), Social (2 items, α = 0.749) and Service (3 items, α = 0.58) environment was identified. A social gradient was evident according to census measures of socio-economic disadvantage (e.g. pre-1980 housing, single-parent households) with larger differences in terms of the built than the social environment. Conclusions: The study profiled the variability and documented the inequity in the health-related neighbourhood environment across Cypriot communities. The readily interpretable dimensionality of the scale supports its construct validity, allowing calculation of composite scores. The PST can be used as measurement tool in research as well as public health practice to advocate for neighbourhood initiatives which support and enhance citizens' participation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Acute confusion / delirium (AC/D) is the most common emergency problem for elderly hospitalized patients that needs urgent treatment, otherwise it and can have serious consequences. Low knowledge level and the negative attitudes of nurses about (AC/D), is a risk that patients will not be early recognized and treated properly, especially those who experience it silently. Purpose: The review aimed to investigate the level of knowledge and attitudes of nurses about AC/D, through a review of the scientific literature. Method: The literature review was conducted in the period 2016-2021, based on predefined criteria in the Medline, PubMed, Google Scholar and ProQuest databases, using the keywords in combinations (nurses) AND (knowledge) AND (attitudes OR perceptions) AND (delirium OR acute confusion). Results: Exploration resulted in 18 studies. The review found a deficiency in the level of nurses' knowledge of nurses about AC/D, as well as the existence of negative attitudes. From the thematic analysis of the results of the review, the factors that influence the knowledge and attitudes of the nurses were revealed. Conclusions: The review indexes the dimensions of the problem and gaps in the literature, which should also be considered by future researchers for further investigation of the issue and by hospital policy makers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this article is to discuss a pilot study on femicide in Greek-Cypriot and Turkish-Cypriot communities in Cyprus. A quantitative methodology was used to gather data from the police between 2010 and 2016 for the Greek-Cypriot community on women and girls who have been killed and where the perpetrator charged, alleged or convicted is a man. Also, qualitative methodology was used, gathering media reports for both communities between 2010 and 2017. Twenty-eight and twelve femicide cases were identified in the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities respectively. Most of the victims were killed by their husbands or boyfriends often at their home. It seems that masculine viewpoint was dominant in the media representations of these cases. Femicide prevention is in its early stages in Cyprus. It seems that a preventative and interventional strategy is needed to reduce the number of women killed by men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Social capital can been described as an individual or a collective attribute, with structural and cognitive components, and a bonding, bridging and linking typology. While extensively studied in the community, studies in occupational settings are sparse by comparison. Furthermore, there is no uniformity in its measurement. This study investigated the construct validity of a Workplace Social Capital questionnaire (WSC), originally developed in the Finnish Public Sector occupational cohort, in a different socio-cultural setting (Cyprus), language (Greek) and occupational group (Registered Nurses). It also explored its criterion concurrent validity according to observed association with self-rated health and psychological distress.Methods: Participants were 10% of all registered nurses (N = 362) who responded to the 8-item WSC scale during a nationwide educational programme. A unidimensional model was compared with the postulated two-factor (structural vs cognitive) and three-factor model (bonding, bridging, linking) in Confirmatory Factor Analyses. The association with self-rated health (0-100 Visual Analogue Scale) and mental distress (GHQ-12 ≥ 4) was assessed in linear and logistic regression models.Results: A bonding (Cronbach's a = 0.76), bridging (a = 0.78) and linking (a = 0.89) structure explained 77.6% of the variance and was a better fit as indicated by goodness of fit indices. Elevated odds of mental distress and poorer self-rated health were observed among participants with the lowest levels of perceived workplace social capital. In adjusted models, associations appeared stronger with bonding social capital (adjOR of mental distress = 2.71 95% CI = 1.08, 6.79) while those with the highest scores rated their health higher by 8.0 points on average (95% CI = 2.1, 13.8). Low linking social capital was also associated with poorer health but no consistent associations were observed with bridging.Conclusion: While associations appeared stronger with bonding and linking, this may reflect a weakness of the measure to fully capture bridging social capital. Even though, this aspect might need strengthening, the WSC showed good metric properties in a different setting, language and occupational group. Cross-national and cognitive validation studies are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The IENE projects (2008–2022) aim to promote a model for developing intercultural dialogue and enhance the ability to provide culturally competent and compassionate care for the health and social care professionals at national and European levels. The IENE 9 project, named "Developing a culturally competent and compassionate LGBT + curriculum in health and social care education," builds on the work developed in the previous IENE projects and emphasizes the importance of addressing LGBT + issues in health and social care education. Through an innovative Massive Open Online Course (MOOC), professionals will learn the skills to work toward building an LGBT + inclusive health and social care system. Notwithstanding the progress made in recent years on LGBT + issues, research indicates that too little attention has been given to LGBT + needs in health and social care settings, and these remain substantial issues that are often ignored. This letter to the editor aims to present the IENE 9 project given that greater efforts are needed to improve professionals' skills regarding sexual and gender minority population. We strive to continue our efforts in promoting the well-being and mental health of LGBT + people in health and social care education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study explored the views of an international sample of registered nurses and midwives working in health and social care concerning socially assistive robots (SARs), and the relationship between dimensions of culture and rejection of the idea that SARs had benefits in these settings. Methods: An online survey was used to obtain rankings of (among other topics) the extent to which SARs have benefits for health and social care. It also asked for free text responses regarding any concerns about SARs. Results: Most respondents were overwhelmingly positive about SARs' benefits. A small minority strongly rejected this idea, and qualitative analysis of the objections raised by them revealed three major themes: things might go wrong, depersonalization, and patient‐related concerns. However, many participants who were highly accepting of the benefits of SARs expressed similar objections. Cultural dimensions of long‐term orientation and uncertainty avoidance feature prominently in technology acceptance research. Therefore, the relationship between the proportion of respondents from each country who felt that SARs had no benefits and each country's ratings on long‐term orientation and uncertainty avoidance were also examined. A significant positive correlation was found for long‐term orientation, but not for uncertainty avoidance. Conclusion: Most respondents were positive about the benefits of SARs, and similar concerns about their use were expressed both by those who strongly accepted the idea that they had benefits and those who did not. Some evidence was found to suggest that cultural factors were related to rejecting the idea that SARs had benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Τhe Baby Buddy Cyprus webapp was co-created with parents and health professionals within a Participatory Action Research framework. While using Baby Buddy in routine consultations can support the educational role of mother-child healthcare providers (HP), antenatal education (AE) may be currently perceived as a formal activity within the physical space of the antenatal class. We aimed to gain an understanding of influences on midwives engaging in an educational role during routine appointments and identify potential interventions using the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) framework.Methods: This is a formative mixed-methods research study, with a convergent parallel design, guided by the COM-B model and related Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). Complimentary methods were used to collect information from in-training and registered midwives: focus group (N = 11), questionnaire survey (N = 24) and Nominal Group Technique during workshops (N = 40). Deductive content analysis of qualitative data and quantitative survey analysis shaped the behaviour diagnosis along the 6 COM-B and 14 TDF domains, and informed the selection of relevant intervention functions and related Behaviour Change Techniques from the BCW taxonomy.Results: AE is viewed as a core function of the professional role, yet neither supported nor prioritized by current practices. Problematic areas relate to organizational context, such as weak interprofessional collaboration and lack of policy, protocols and resources. In addition, medicalization of birth and related socio-cultural norms, pertaining to users and providers, are sustaining alienation of the midwife and conditions of power dynamics. AE was perceived as a means to enhance the autonomy of the profession but there might be issues with procedural knowledge and the need for skill development was identified. Several intervention functions were identified as promising, however cognitive re-framing through strategic communication and modelling may also be needed both in terms of providing "credible models" for the role itself as well as re-framing AE through the concept of "making every contact count".Conclusions: AE is currently perceived to be a 'bad fit' with routine practice. The study identified several barriers to the educational role of midwives, influencing Capacity, Opportunity and Motivation. While digital tools, such as Baby Buddy, can facilitate aspects of the process, a much wider behaviour and system change intervention is needed to enhance midwives' educational role and professional identity. In addition to proposing a theory-driven research-informed intervention, the process functioned as a participatory learning experience through collective reflection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Despite the importance of compassionate leadership in health care, many of the existing publications do not account for the effect of culture. The aim of this study is to explore the views of nursing and midwifery managers from different countries in relation to the definition, advantages, and importance of compassion. Methodology: A cross-sectional, descriptive, exploratory online survey was conducted across 17 countries, containing both closed and open-ended questions. Data from N = 1,217 respondents were analyzed using a directed hybrid approach focusing only on qualitative questions related to compassion-giving. Results: Four overarching themes capture the study's results: (1) definition of compassion, (2) advantages and importance of compassion for managers, (3) advantages and importance of compassion for staff and the workplace, and (4) culturally competent and compassionate leadership. Discussion: Innovative research agendas should pursue further local qualitative empirical research to inform models of culturally competent and compassionate leadership helping mangers navigate multiple pressures and be able to transculturally resonate with their staff and patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexual harassment against female migrant domestic workers is a public health problem, which remains hidden and largely underreported. The current paper presents the results of a qualitative research study on sexually victimized migrant domestic workers in four European countries (Austria, Cyprus, Greece, and Sweden). The study aimed at exploring the profile and experiences of victimised individuals. Data were gathered via 66 semi-structured interviews with victimised female migrant domestic workers. Key findings of the current study indicate that the victims: (a) were usually undocumented and had low local language skills; (b) identified domestic work as the only way into the labour market; (c) suffered primarily psychological, economic, and social consequences; (d) had poor social support networks; (e) were poorly connected to governmental support services. This is the first study to explore this hidden problem via direct contact with victims. Addressing barriers of migrants' social integration seems important. Better regulation and monitoring of this low-skilled occupation could minimise risks for vulnerable employees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: While breastfeeding self-efficacy (BSES) is an important modifiable determinant of breastfeeding, a structured assessment is not standard practice in Cyprus. We assessed the Greek version of the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale (BSES-SF), including its predictive validity in terms of Breastfeeding (BF) and Exclusive Breastfeeding (EBF) up to the sixth month.Methods: A methodological study with longitudinal design among 586 mother-infant dyads, as part of the "BrEaST Start in Life" project. BSES was assessed 24-48 h after birth and at the first month. Breastfeeding status was assessed at the clinic, the 1st, 4th and 6th month. The association between BSES and breastfeeding was estimated in logistic regression models and its diagnostic ability in ROC analysis.Results: With Mean = 3.55 (SD = 0.85), BSES was moderate, and lower among Cypriot women, primiparas and those who delivered by Cesarean Section (C/S). There was good internal consistency across the 14 items (Cronbach's α = 0.94) while factor analysis revealed a two-factor structure. BSES scores were higher among mothers who initiated exclusive breastfeeding (M = 3.92, SD = 0.80) compared to breastfeeding not exclusively (M = 3.29, SD = 0.84) and not breastfeeding (M = 3.04, SD = 1.09; p-value < 0.001). There was a stepwise association with exclusivity (40.5% in the highest vs 7.9% lowest quartile of self-efficacy). The association between in-hospital BSES and long-term EBF persisted in multivariable models. Women in the upper quartile of BSES at 48 h were more likely to breastfeed exclusively by adjOR = 5.3 (95% CI 1.7-17.1) at the 1st and adjOR = 13.7 (95% CI 2.7-68.6) at the 4th month. Similar associations were observed between self-efficacy at the 1st month and BF at subsequent time-points. High first month BSES (> 3.96 as per ROC) had 58.9% positive and 79.6% negative predictive value for breastfeeding at 6 months which reflects higher sensitivity but lower specificity.Conclusions: The Greek version of BSES-SF showed good metric properties (construct, know-group, concurrent and predictive validity). In the absence of community support structures or programmes in Cyprus, prevalence of breastfeeding remains low. This suggests a need for policy, educational and community support interventions, including the systematic use of BSES scale as a screening tool to identify those at higher risk for premature BF discontinuation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examining equivalence in the interpretation of survey items on sexual assault by participants from different cultures is an important step toward building a valid international knowledge base about the prevalence of sexual aggression among young adults. Referring to the theoretical framework of contextualism, this study presents qualitative data from semi-structured interviews with 128 young adults from nine EU countries on their understanding of survey items from the Sexual Aggression and Victimization Scale (SAV-S). The measure had previously been used to collect quantitative data on the prevalence of sexual aggression perpetration and victimization in the same countries that had yielded substantial differences in the rates of victimization and perpetration between countries. Based on the methodological approach of a mixed research design, the current study was conducted as a follow-up to the quantitative study with a new sample to explore whether systematic differences in the interpretation of the survey items in the different countries might explain part of the variation in prevalence rates. The interviews showed that participants from the nine countries interpreted the items of the SAV-S in a similar way and as intended by the authors of the scale. Systematic differences between men and women in interpreting the survey items were revealed. Implications of the findings for conducting survey research on sexual aggression across cultures are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data are presented on young people's sexual victimisation and perpetration from 10 European countries (Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Greece, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia and Spain) using a shared measurement tool (N = 3480 participants, aged between 18 and 27 years). Between 19.7 and 52.2% of female and between 10.1 and 55.8% of male respondents reported having experienced at least one incident of sexual victimisation since the age of consent. In two countries, victimisation rates were significantly higher for men than for women. Between 5.5 and 48.7% of male and 2.6 and 14.8% of female participants reported having engaged in a least one act of sexual aggression perpetration, with higher rates for men than for women in all countries. Victimisation rates correlated negatively with sexual assertiveness and positively with alcohol use in sexual encounters. Perpetration rates correlated positively with attitudes condoning physical dating violence and with alcohol use in men, and negatively with sexual assertiveness in women. At the country level, lower gender equality in economic power and in the work domain was related to higher male perpetration rates. Lower gender equality in political power and higher sexual assertiveness in women relative to men were linked to higher male victimisation rates. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background Census data, GIS, surveys and audits are used to profile "place", each with shortcomings. There are several "neighbourhood environment" tools, including the "Place Standard" a policy and advocacy tool developed in Scotland. "Place" is not a strong feature in the public health agenda in Cyprus. Methods In an internet survey, participants rated 14 features of their neighborhood environment. Exploratory factor, cluster and regression analysis were used to explore the dimensionality of the concept, neighborhood profiles and differences according to individual and area-level characteristics. Results With the exception of safety (M = 4.4, SD = 1.7 on a 1: large to 7: little improvement), 492 participants (mean age 42, 50% residents for >10 years) from 266 postcodes (33% islandwide) did not rate other features favourably. A clear dimensionality of Built, Physical, Social and Service environment supports the construct validity of the tool. People who rated their neighbourhood lower on a social position ladder were consistently more likely to rate all contextual neighrbourhood features less favourably. The social gradient was evident according to individual and area measures of socio-economic disadvantage and appeared stronger in terms of the built than the social environment. Conclusions The "place standard" shows good metric properties and captures the variability ad inequity in the neighbourhood environment. Key messages The "Place Standard" can be used to profile the context of health inequalities. Evidence of a social gradient across all features with larger differences in terms of the built environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The extent and magnitude of socio-geographical inequalities in health in Cyprus is not clear as neither "place" nor "health inequalities" feature on the public health agenda. Methods In the context of a wider Neighbourhood Environment and Health programme, the magnitude of inequality in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among Limassol citizens was explored in a door-to-door SF-36 survey of residents aged 45-64 (N = 450, 50:50 gender quota) across 45 randomly selected neighbourhoods stratified by socio-economic disadvantage and profiled using a culturally-adapted Systematic Social Observation neighbourhood audit tool. Results The social gradient was steeper for physical than mental component scores of HRQoL irrespective of the indicator of social position. Education and income captured the gradient better in women, and occupational-based social class in men, with large effect (0.7-1 SD) on the SF-36 scale at opposite ends of the continuum. Lower HRQoL and more adverse health behaviours observed in disadvantaged neighborhoods according to census area-level measures and neighbourhood audit profiles, with generally larger differences in women. Conclusions This study profiled the variability in the urban neighbourhood environment,and documented the magnitude of social gradient in health and health-related quality of life in a representative sample of late working-life population in Cyprus. Key messages Social gradient in health behaviours and quality of life in late working-life Cypriot population. Gradient apparent in both men and women across individual and neighborhood measures of social position. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Several generic or feature-specific neighborhood audit tools have been developed. While inter/intra-observer reliability if commonly assessed, validity is not always considered. Methods A two-phase mixed-methods process was used to develop the Cyprus Neighborhood Observational Tool for urban environments (CyNOTes). Phase I: draft based on literature review, culturally adapted and content validated in focus groups with community professionals and social media ethnographic study of citizens' experience and feasibility tested across 15 neighbourhoods. Phase II: variability in features across 45 neighbourhoods along the social disadvantage continuum and associations with census area indicators, citizens' perceptions and health-related quality of life were assessed. Results Content validity was supported by residents' and professionals' descriptions of neighbourhood problems, giving rise to a 17-domain, 151-item inventory, 126 from the literature and 25 arising via Nominal Group Technique consensus and content analysis of social media posts. With good inter- and intra-observer agreement, neighborhoods with lower educational attainment scored lower in over half domains. Social gradient and clustering of adverse features observed while in neighbourhoods with adverse features residents reported lower physical and mental health-related quality of life. The social gradient was not always reflected in the perception survey. With the exception of social aspects, residents did not rate the built and physical environment favorably. "Influence and sense of control" was rated lowest while "Citizens' voice" emerged in the inductive content analysis of residents' lived experience. Conclusions A culturally relevant audit tool of the health-related neighborhood microenvironment was developed by assessing its content, concurrent, criterion and predictive validity. Key messages There is need for valid audit tools, independent of residents' perceptions, for supplementary profiling of the health-related neighbourhood microenvironment Neighborhoods audits can trigger and widen conversation among local research community and policy-makers about health and place. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background While the transition to parenthood is critical for mother-child health, traditional antenatal education has been questioned. Digital resources provide opportunities for reducing social disparities and enhancing health literacy, particularly important in a medicalized and decentralized birth environment with high caesarean and low breastfeed rates. Methods Within a Participatory Action Research (PAR) framework, formative qualitative and quantitative methods were employed to assess the cross-national transferability of Baby Buddy (UK), and deliver a locally relevant resource to inform, enhance user-provider communications and support shared decision-making. Results Using consensus-building and priority-setting techniques, we engaged with the local health professional community and parents-to-be to assess available resources, identify gaps and priorities in an eDelphi survey (N = 275 mums, 193 professionals) and gain an in-depth understanding on information-seeking behaviours and participation in decision-making in a series of focus groups with antenatal educators (N = 20) and new mums/ mums-to-be (N = 62). New material was co-created with participants and an intervention for embedding the tool in clinical practice was proposed within the COM-B behavioural change framework. Conclusions The project is a "proof of concept" for exchange of innovation and a "complimentary" model of maternal healthcare delivery. Beyond a learning experience for the participants, the use of PAR provided ground for building transdisciplinary alliances. Key messages Other than enhancing health literacy, digital resources can support the educational role of health professionals PAR provides a framework to engage with the community, building a sense of common purpose [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Educational strategies for preventive screening and effective interventions in midwives are needed to improve clinical practice and outcomes for abused women and their families. This scoping review aimed to describe available educational training programs on intimate partner violence (IPV) in pregnancy for midwives/student midwives., Methods: A scoping review of the literature, which was published in English from January 2010 to March 2023, in PUBMED, EBSCO, and CINAHAL databases, was applied. The following keywords were used in the search: 'evaluation', 'educational training', 'course', 'midwives', 'student midwife', 'intimate partner violence', 'pregnancy', combined with AND and OR Boolean operators. The included studies focused on training programs/courses for midwives/student midwives regarding intimate partner violence., Results: A total of 9 studies were eligible for inclusion, describing six programs for midwives and 3 for student midwives. Educational interventions varied in length (e.g. a few hours to weeks) and educational approaches such as multidisciplinary sessions, lectures, theory, role-playing, practice in screening, group activities, watching videos, and case reports discussion. The programs had similar content, including raising awareness of violence, defining it, discussing gender roles, the impact of IPV on women's health, referral agencies, and the laws regarding violence in each country., Conclusions: This scoping review highlighted a lack of educational programs on intimate partner violence during pregnancy, suggesting that new programs need to be developed based on contemporary clinical practices and recommendations for midwifery education., Competing Interests: The authors have each completed and submitted an ICMJE form for Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest. The authors declare that they have no competing interests, financial or otherwise, related to the current work. N. Middleton reports that he is an unpaid Member of Board of the Scientific Society of the Cyprus Epidemiology and Public Health Association., (© 2024 Manoli E. et al.)

Introduction: Relevant and accurate information during the transition to parenthood is vital for active participation in decision-making. The aim of the study was to gain an in-depth understanding of informational support and information-seeking practices among women in Cyprus during the transition to parenthood with a focus on the use of the internet and informed decision making., Methods: Qualitative descriptive exploratory design of 12 focus groups with 64 participants representing different language-cultural groups served by the Baby Buddy Cyprus app. A topic guide covering expectations, experiences and practices guided the discussions. Data were analyzed using inductive content analysis., Results: Seven themes and several subthemes emerged. In an 'unsupportive system', 'void' of informational support, pregnant women strive to have a 'confident voice'. They find themselves 'self-navigating in parallel worlds' of formal and informal information, where the internet holds a prominent place. 'Supplementing and filtering', instinctively and selectively, results in a state of 'doubt and faith' towards the trustworthiness of the information but also healthcare providers. Effective communication with providers is needed to break the cycle, but seems dependent on the self-efficacy of the women themselves ('art of communication'). Women 'deconstruct and reimagine' their experiences, often assigning responsibility on themselves for not having been better prepared., Conclusions: Women want control over decisions affecting their pregnancy. While the internet is a prevalent source of information, they value communication with healthcare providers and want direction. A shift is needed from current practices of unguided information-searching. Maternity healthcare professionals need to recognize this phenomenon, offer appropriate guidance, and support active participation in informed decision-making., Competing Interests: The authors have completed and submitted the ICMJE Form for Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest and none was reported., (© 2023 Koliandri I. et al.)

Introduction: Delirium is the most common emergency for older hospitalized patients that demands urgent treatment, otherwise it can lead to more severe health conditions. Nurses play a crucial part in diagnosing delirium and their competencies facilitate the appropriate treatment and management of the condition., Aim: This study aims to enhance the understanding of delirium care by exploring both knowledge and attitudes of nurses toward patients in acute care hospital wards and the possible association between these two variables., Method: The Nurses Knowledge of Delirium Questionnaire (NKD) and the Attitude Tool of Delirium (ATOD) that were created for the said inquiry, were disseminated to 835 nurses in the four largest Public Hospitals of the Republic. These tools focused particularly on departments with increased frequency of delirium (response rate = 67%)., Results: Overall nurses have limited knowledge of acute confusion/delirium. The average of correct answers was 42.2%. Only 38% of the participants reported a correct definition of delirium, 41.6 correctly reported the tools to identify delirium and 42.5 answered correctly on the factors leading to delirium development. The results of the attitudes' questionnaire confirmed that attitudes towards patients with delirium may not be supportive enough. A correlation between the level of nurses' knowledge and their attitude was also found. The main factors influencing the level of knowledge and attitudes were gender, education, and workplace., Conclusion: The findings of this study are useful for the international audience since they can be used to develop and modify educational programmes in order to rectify the knowledge deficits and uninformed attitudes towards patients with delirium. The development of a valid and reliable instrument for the evaluation of attitudes will help to further assess nurses' attitudes. Furthermore, the results are even more important and useful on a national level since there is no prior data on the subject area, making this study the first of its kind., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Aim: To explore the views of an international sample of nursing and midwifery managers concerning attributes that they associate with compassionate management., Method: A cross-sectional online survey. Using a snowballing sampling method, 1217 responses were collected from nursing and midwifery managers in 17 countries. A total of complete 933 responses to a question related to which actions and behaviours indicated that a manager was exercising compassionate leadership were analysed for this paper. First, content analysis of the responses was conducted, and second, a relative distribution of the identified themes for the overall sample and for each participating country was calculated., Results: Six main themes were identified describing the attributes of a compassionate leader: (1) Virtuous support, (2) Communication, (3) Personal virtues of the manager, (4) Participatory communication, (5) Growth/flourishing/ nurturing and (6) Team cohesion. The first three themes mentioned above collectively accounted for 63% of the responses, and can therefore be considered to be the most important characteristics of compassionate management behaviour., Conclusion: The key indicators of compassionate management in nursing and midwifery which were identified emphasise approachability, active and sensitive listening, sympathetic responses to staff members' difficulties (especially concerning child and other caring responsibilities), active support of and advocacy for the staff team and active problem solving and conflict resolution. While there were differences between the countries' views on compassionate healthcare management, some themes were widely represented among different countries' responses, which suggest key indicators of compassionate management that apply across cultures., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2022. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Background: Refugee parents who fled conflicts suffered violence and traumas and face huge challenges in supporting the health and welfare of their children while in transit., Aims: To describe the development of a culturally competent and compassionate training and support package (TSP) for nurses, social and health care workers and volunteers, with a focus on parenting needs among unsettled refugees fleeing conflict., Methods: The multi-method approach included: a scoping review covering parenting needs of refugees fleeing conflict zones; collection of stories from refugee parents, healthcare workers and volunteers via a mobile application; discussions between team members; a piloted and evaluated curriculum., Results: High levels of family distress and deterioration of parental identity were identified. Informed by these results, the curriculum is articulated along 20 bite-sized learning units, covering four age stages of childhood as well as targeting adults' well-being. Pilot training was evaluated positively, confirming feasibility and usefulness of the TSP., Conclusions: Unsettled refugee parents fleeing conflicts face psycho-social and practical difficulties negatively affecting their parenting skills. The care workforce should be trained in order to provide culturally competent and compassionate support to help these families. Open access digital platforms are promising as autodidactic and self-help tools among hard-to-reach populations., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interests: The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship and/or publication of this article., (© The Author(s) 2021.)

Introduction: Breathlessness is the most common and refractory symptom in lung cancer patients. Even though various educational programmes have been developed, only a few were intended for implementation in the home setting for its management. Aim: Feasibility of a study for implementing a nurse-led educational programme for breathlessness management of lung cancer patients at home. Method: A randomized feasibility study was undertaken between February 2017 and October 2018. Patients were recruited through referral from oncologists from two oncology centers in Cyprus under certain inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients were randomized in the intervention or control group via a computer programme, and their named family caregivers (f.c.) were allocated in the same group. Participants were not blinded to group assignment. The intervention consisted of a PowerPoint presentation and implementation of three non-pharmacological interventions. The control group received usual care. Patients were assessed for breathlessness, anxiety, and depression levels, whereas f.c. were assessed for anxiety, depression, and burden levels. F.c. also assessed patients' dyspnea level. The duration of the study process for both the intervention and control group was over a period of 4 weeks. Results: Twenty-four patients and their f.c. ( n = 24) were allocated equally in the intervention and control group. Five patients withdrew, and the final sample entered analysis was 19 patients and 19 family caregivers. In the intervention group n = 11 + 11, and in the control group n = 8 + 8. In the intervention group patients' breathlessness and anxiety levels showed improvement and their f.c.s in the anxiety and burden levels. Major consideration was the sample size and the recruitment of the patients by the referring oncologists. Attrition was minor during the study process. No harm was recorded by the participants of the study. Conclusions: The study provided evidence of the feasibility of the implementation of the educational programme. For the future definitive study major consideration should be patients' recruitment method in order to achieve adequate sample size. Moreover, qualitative data should be collected in relation to the intervention and the involvement of f.c. The feasibility study was registered to the Cyprus Bioethics Committee with the registration number 2016/16. There was no funding of the study., (Copyright © 2020 Choratas, Papastavrou, Charalambous and Kouta.)