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Introduction: Self-efficacy is considered one of the key components of breastfeeding success and thus is important to explore. However, this requires reliable measuring tools. Goal: The aim of the study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the BSES-SF as a measure of confidence in breastfeeding among Slovak mothers, and to determine the self-efficacy of mothers in breastfeeding and its related factors. Methods: The research was designed as a quantitative cross-sectional study. The sample consisted of 678 women who were on the 3rd-4th day after delivery. A Slovak version of the 14-item Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale - Short Form (BSES-SF) was used to assess breastfeeding self-efficacy. Results: Cronbach's alpha of the Slovak version of the BSES-SF was 0.812. CFA has shown that the four-factor model of the BSES-SF offered the best fit for Slovak data. Education (p < 0.001), previous breastfeeding experience (p = 0.015), and skin-to-skin contact (p < 0.001) were shown to be statistically significant factors related to breastfeeding self-efficacy of mothers. Conclusion: The Slovak version of the BSES-SF has shown good psychometric properties and it can be recommended to assess the breastfeeding self-efficacy of mothers in Slovakia. The proven factors related to self-efficacy show the need for individual help, especially for women with higher education, women with a previous negative experience with breastfeeding, and the importance of skin-to-skin contact support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To find the level of support and assistance provided to mothers shortly after birth, and the amount of information on breastfeeding provided to them by health professionals. Design: A quantitative study with a cross-sectional design. Methods: The data were collected in two maternity hospitals in central Slovakia between June 2019 and the end of January 2020. The sample consisted of 200 women after childbirth. The standardised Questionnaire for Breastfeeding Mother was used. Results: During hospital stay, 54% of mothers reported exclusive breastfeeding, and 14% stated no forms of breast milk substitute were provided. The first contact with the newborn lasted an hour or more for 11% of the mothers, and 48% were allowed some degree of bonding through skin-to-skin contact. Only 37.5% of the mothers were given breastfeeding assistance within six hours of the birth. There was a significant difference (p < 0.001) between type of delivery and the time when mothers were first allowed contact and skin-to-skin contact with newborns. Conclusion: The results indicate insufficient adherence to breastfeeding interventions, particularly in connection with surgical delivery. It is essential to pay more attention to assistance with breastfeeding, and to follow the Baby-friendly Hospital Initiative recommendations (BFHI). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim of this study was to examine the association between Type D personality and burnout syndrome among students of healthcare professions. In this context, Type D personality is considered as negative factor with regard to burnout syndrome due to negative affectivity and problematic social interactions typical for this type of personality. The research sample included 97 university students of psychology, nursing and midwifery (95.9 % females; age 20.2±1.49). Type D Personality Subscale (NS 14), and School Burnout Inventory (SBI) were used. Linear regression models and Student's t-test were employed as statistical methods. Negative affectivity subscale of Type D questionnaire significantly predicted the burnout syndrome in our sample (β = 0,53; 95 % CI: 0,41;0,92), however, social inhibition subscale was not found to be significant burnout predictor. Total explained variance in the linear regression model was 26.9 %. Students who were identified as Type D personality scored significantly higher in burnout syndrome questionnaire (t= -2.58 p<0,01). A study results indicate that individuals with the Type D personality are at elevated risk for burnout syndrome. Type D personality is characterized by using maladaptive coping strategies in stress situations, thus specialized intervention programs targeted on increasing the social skills including positive coping strategies should be included in burnout prevention programs, especially for those who are at higher risk of burnout development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study is to analyze the available research evidence on the effectiveness of training methods used in communication and interpersonal skills enhancement in midwifery practice and study. Design: Review. Methods: A systematic search in SCOPUS and PubMed databases was performed, with the following selection criteria for studies: quantitative studies in English between the years 2006–2016, using the key words: communication enhancement, communication training, and midwifery in their abstract or title. Theoretical analyses of the problem and review articles were excluded. The search process resulted in the discovery of nine studies focusing on communication skills enhancement in midwifery. Results: All of the available studies confirmed positive effects on communication skills in general, particularly on self-confidence, selfawareness, subjective feelings of competency, and communication within the team. Roleplay with patient-actors proved to be more effective than patient simulators. Conclusion: Although positive effects of the communication training programs were reported in the articles reviewed, there was a high level of heterogeneity in the intervention methods, length and outcome measures used within the training programs. Research studies comparing the effectiveness of the different training methods, using objective outcome measures, and with good quality methodological background, are needed in this area in order to formulate clear recommendations for practice regarding effective interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Helping professions are at a higher risk of burnout which has a negative impact not only on their professional performance but also on the overall quality of their life. In this research study we examined the effect of psychosocial training on the level of the burnout syndrome and the levels of personality factors that are supposed to have a protective function with regard to burnout (self-esteem, sense of coherence) in students of helping professions. A quasi-experimental pre-test post-test design was used in this study. A total of 111 university students divided into an experimental and a control group were included in the research (age 20.7, ±2.8; 86.1 % females). The experimental group participated in a six-month psychosocial training program. Standardized questionnaires were used as measuring instruments, SBI (School Burnout Inventory) to assess the level of burnout, SOC questionnaire (Sense of Coherence) for measuring the sense of integrity and Rosenberg selfesteem scale. Linear regression and analysis of variance were applied to the statistical analysis of data. The results show that psychosocial training had a positive impact on the level of burnout, as well as on personality predictors of burnout. After completing the training, the level of burnout in the experimental group decreased significantly (95 % confidence interval: 0.93, 9.25), while in the control group no significant change was observed. On the other hand, sense of coherence in the research group has increased (95 % confidence interval: -9.11, 2.64). No significant changes were found in the self-esteem levels in either group. Psychosocial training proved to be an effective supportive method positively influencing burnout in students of helping professions. Since coping strategies used during the study tend to be associated significantly with the strategies applied later in professional practice, this method can be considered to be an effective supportive tool in the prevention of burnout in helping professions [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to emphasize the importance of an integrative bio-behavioral approach to coronary heart disease. We explored relationships between psychological characteristics and traditional biomedical risk factors of coronary heart disease, by using specific methods not commonly used in Slovakia (VCE interview, RIA serotonin levels assessment). A structured interview was conducted with 89 patients, who were divided into 4 diagnostic groups: 1) cardiac patients after myocardial infarction (MI), 2) patients suffering from metabolic syndrome, 3) patients with depression, and 4) participants with growth hormone insufficiency. The VCE interview (Friedman, Ghandour, 1993) was used to assess the levels of free-floating hostility and time urgency. Beck's questionnaires (BDI, BAI) and Zung's inventory were employed in order to explore depression and anxiety. The B.P.A.I. questionnaire was used as the measure of anger and hostility. Medical and biochemical examinations were also performed (e.g., BMI, blood pressure, Doppler, EKG, cholesterol, serotonin). ANOVA, Pearson's coefficients and factor analysis were used as the statistical methods. Cardiac patients after MI scored significantly higher in free-floating hostility, time urgency and total score of the VCE interview compared to all other groups. It has been shown that results of the VCE structured interview are efficient in distinguishing patients with coronary heart disease from patients without this disorder. Cardiac patients also had higher levels of anxiety and depression, which were significantly associated with the lowest serotonin levels in this group. The group of patients with metabolic syndrome had higher levels of the above-mentioned variables compared to the group with depression and growth hormone insufficiency, which illustrates on the psychological level that metabolic syndrome might be perceived as an antecedent of future coronary heart disease. The trend of higher cardiac risk in patients suffering from depression was also partially confirmed. The results of the present study showed that psychosocial factors, especially free-floating hostility and time urgency, are strongly connected to the somatic risk factors which play an important role in the origin and development of coronary heart disease. More attention should be paid to psychosocial factors when considering the treatment and prevention of coronary heart disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]