bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Sustainability Reporting Practices on Financial Performance from Power and Energy Sector Organisations in Sri Lanka
Authors: Tilakasiri K.K. , Wanninayake H.M.K.B.
Published: May 2024

Sustainability reporting integrates the organisation's economic, environmental and social performance towards achieving better financial performance and has become a contemporary issue due to the absence of a precise model or a rigid regulatory framework in this arena. The main objective of this study is to examine the impact of sustainability reporting practices on the financial performance of power and energy sector organisations in Sri Lanka. Another objective of this study was to determine the level of sustainability reporting practices in power and energy sector organisations. Sustainability disclosures were measured using social, economic, and environmental sustainability initiatives, and the company performance was measured through Return on Assets (ROA) and Sales Growth (SG). This study was based on ten power and energy companies listed in CSE in Sri Lanka and Government corporations in the power and utility sectors. The sustainability disclosures in the annual reports of the selected companies for the past nine years (2012-2020) were analysed. Accordingly, the author derived a disclosure index from the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) guidelines, which consist of 91 parameters to evaluate the content of the reports of organisations in the power and energy sector. The analysis of the study's data has been done by employing the panel data analysis research technique. Descriptive statistics have been used to assess the level of sustainability reporting, and correlation matrix and panel data analyses were used to determine the impact of sustainability reporting on financial performance in power and energy sector organisations in Sri Lanka. Based on the research findings of the study, it was concluded that there is a negative association between the level of sustainability reporting and Return on Assets (ROA) as well as Sales Growth (SG). Finally, sustainability reporting disclosure does not affect a firm’s financial performance (ROA and Sales Growth) in power and energy sector organisations in Sri Lanka. It is recommended that future research can be further improved by using mixed research methods.
Contemporary India – Sri Lanka Relations in Post-COVID Pandemic Period
Authors: Thalpawila Osantha Nayanapriya
Published: May 2024

India’s foreign policy under the Narendra Modi government has been focused on rebuilding cooperation in South Asia. The Indian foreign policy has been restructured as ‘Neighborhood First,’ which primarily plans to strengthen relations with its South Asian neighbours. In this context, India -Sri Lanka relations have been considered by scholars in South Asian politics in recent times. Relations between both countries during the immediate post-civil war period deteriorated with some better experiences. However, relations have been progressing since 2015 in the context of changing new governments in both countries. This paper examines the contemporary relations between India and Sri Lanka in the post-COVID pandemic era. The research paper is based on secondary data from books and journal articles in the relevant disciplines.
Further, recent data was collected from printed and electronic media reports. The collected data were analyzed using a descriptive-analytical method. The economic crisis in Sri Lanka faced many adversities in the country. In this context, India offered her cooperation to rebuild the collapsed economy in Sri Lanka. India extended her financial and humanitarian assistance to the government of Sri Lanka. In addition, India signed some bilateral cooperation pacts in investment projects on energy, economic, development, and cultural relations by enhancing the relations between the two countries and the people-to-people of both countries. In addition, official visits of the two premiers during times of crisis in Sri Lanka initiated mutual relations again. It was proved that India was keen to initiate her policy of ‘Neighborhood First” towards her immediate maritime neighbour.
Use of semiochemical-baited traps to monitor the range expansion of the invasive Sitona lineatus (Curculionidae: Coleoptera) and the presence of associated ground beetles
Authors: MacDonald Maggie B. , Sjolie Dylan , Gries Regine , Cárcamo Hector A. , Mori Boyd A. , Evenden Maya L.
Published: May 2024

The invasive pea leaf weevil, Sitona lineatus (Linnaeus) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), damages field peas, Pisum sativum Linnaeus (Fabaceae), and faba beans, Vicia faba Linnaeus (Fabaceae), on the Canadian prairies. We used semiochemical-baited pitfall traps to monitor and detect S. lineatus range expansion and capture associated predaceous ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) in pulse-growing regions across Alberta. Traps captured male and female S. lineatus in all pulse-growing regions in the spring and fall, including a first record of S. lineatus in the Peace River region of northwestern Alberta. Pheromone-baited traps captured more weevils than unbaited traps did, and the addition of host plant volatiles did not increase the catch. More weevils were captured in traps in pea fields compared to in faba bean fields. Rubber septa lures released more pheromones and attracted a similar number or more weevils to traps than microcentrifuge tube lures did. Ground beetle capture was not affected by semiochemical baits targeting S. lineatus. Ground beetle diversity varied by region and collection period, but the most frequently collected species was Pterostichus melanarius, a potential predator of S. lineatus. This study shows that pitfall traps baited with rubber septa pheromone lures can be used to monitor new and expanding S. lineatus populations, as well as potential natural enemy communities.
Clinical Features Post Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Associated with Structural Alterations in Corticospinal Tract
Authors: Yu Le , Jin Zhengbiao , Xue Xiao’ao , Tao Weichu , Xu Xiaoyun , Xia Tian , Zhang Yuwen , Yu Wenwen , Wang Ru , Wang He , Hua Yinghui
Published: May 2024

Context

Structural evidence for corticospinal tract (CST) abnormality between patients with ACLR and healthy controls, and the relationships between CST structure and clinical features of the patients (e.g., objective sensorimotor outcomes, postoperative duration) are lacking.

Objectives

To investigate whether the structural features of CST 1) differ between patients with ACLR and healthy controls, and 2) were associated with clinical features in patients following ACLR.

Design

Cross-sectional study

Setting

Sports medicine laboratory

Patients or Other Participants

Twenty-six patients who had undergone ACLR and twenty-six healthy controls were enrolled in this cross-sectional investigation.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Using the CST as the region of interest, we performed diffusion tensor imaging to measure the microstructure of white matter tracts. Between-group comparisons and correlation analyses with clinical features in patients with ACLR were performed.

Results

The patients with ACLR showed significant, moderate lower fractional anisotropy (FA, Cohen’s d = -0.666, 95% CIs -1.221 to -0.104), lower axial diffusivity (AD, Cohen’s d = -0.526, 95% CIs -1.077 to 0.030), and higher radial diffusivity (RD, Cohen’s d = 0.514, 95% CIs -0.042 to 1.064) when compared to that of healthy controls, with the RD values being significantly correlated with the postoperative duration (r = 0.623, p < 0.001) after controlling the age, sex, and BMI in patients with ACLR.

Conclusions

This study revealed that patients with ACLR have impaired integrity (lower FA values and higher RD values) in the CST contralateral to the ACLR injured limb in comparison with healthy controls. Decreased integrity (higher RD) of the CST in patients was significantly associated with longer postoperative duration, which hinted that impaired structural integrity of the CST may be a maladaptive process of neuroplasticity in ACLR.
Fournier's Gangrene
Authors: Oyelowo Nasir , Ahmed Muhammed , Lawal Ahmad Tijani , Sudi Abdullahi , Adetola Tolani Awaisu Mudi Musliu , Fidelis Lovely , Bello Ahmad , Maitama Husseini Yusuf
Published: May 2024

Background:

Fournier's gangrene is an infectious urological emergency with associated morbidity and varying rates of mortality in the world. Various predictors of mortality such as advancing age, Fournier's Gangrene Severity Index (FGSI), anatomical extent of the disease, or presence of risk factors have been studied in the literature, though with conflicting results.

Aim:

The aim of the study was to determine the presentation and predictors of mortality in our environment, Nigeria.

Patients and Methods:

A review of medical records of all the patients managed from April 2012 to December 2018 at a tertiary referral center in Nigeria was conducted. Data on clinical presentation, FGSI, management, and outcome were retrieved and analyzed.

Statistical Analysis:

Descriptive studies using mean and standard deviation were used for continuous variables, Fischer's exact test was used to compare categorical variables among survivors and nonsurvivors, and logistic regression analysis was used to describe the relationships of these variables with mortality.

Results:

The mean age of the 31 patients was 60 ± 12 years. All were men, with 9 (29.0%) patients without clinical evidence of immunosuppression or predisposing factor (idiopathic). Fourteen (45%) had documented evidence of immunosuppression. All the patients had a polymicrobial infection; however, Escherichia coli was the most common organism cultured seen in 26 (83.9%) patients. The initial empirical antibiotic regimen of choice was a combination of intravenous ceftriaxone and metronidazole in 26 (83.8%) patients and intravenous ciprofloxacin and metronidazole in 5 (16.1%) patients. Mortality was recorded in three patients representing a rate of 9.6%. Anatomical extent of the disease, anemia requiring blood transfusion, severity of infection, and FGSI were all found to be the statistically significant variable of mortality in these patients using the Fischer exact test. Furthermore, on regression analysis only the FGSI and blood transfusion were significant with P < 0.05.

Conclusion:

Fournier's gangrene is a disease of the older men with a higher mortality rate when the FGSI is >9 or anemia requiring blood transfusion is present.
Recurrent episodes of isolated periorbital angioedema associated with separate courses of ibuprofen: A diagnostic dilemma
Authors: Sareen Kunal , Singh Abhishek , Aehmad Vaseem , Raman Nishant
Published: May 2024

Drug hypersensitivity reactions (DHRs) to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) presenting as isolated periorbital angioedema (PE), especially that caused by Ibuprofen have not been extensively reported in the persons of Indian ethnicity. A 58-year-old Indian male was prescribed tablet Ibuprofen for lower backache. Shortly after intake of the tablet, the patient developed severe itching, redness, and watering in both eyes followed by bilateral progressive PE, without involvement of skin elsewhere, or the respiratory system, and in the absence of features suggestive of severe anaphylaxis. The episode was successfully managed with parenteral hydrocortisone and pheniramine. The patient disclosed two similar episodes previously on intake of ibuprofen which were also treated conservatively. Based on a score of 10 on the Naranjo Adverse Drug Reaction Probability Scale and oral Ibuprofen challenge test (OCT) that resulted in recurrence of a similar reaction, a definitive diagnosis of drug reaction to Ibuprofen was concluded. Raised serum immunoglobulin-E levels and eosinophilia on peripheral blood smear were other significant findings. Skin-prick test (SPT) with commonly used NSAIDs was inconclusive. A negative Aspirin/5-Acetyl Salicylic-Acid (ASA) OCT strongly supported the possibility of single-NSAID induced urticaria/angioedema or anaphylaxis reaction to Ibuprofen. This case report highlights the challenges in identifying and characterizing an NSAID-DHRs, especially in the background of varied clinical presentations and discordant test results, as well as due to the lack of well-established standards for SPT, absence of validated in vitro tests, nonavailability of test reagents, and risks associated with OCT.
A Major Error in Insulin Injection Site
Authors: Naina M Junaid , Gupta Sunil , Jothydev Krishnadev , Sreelakshmi R. , Ashik Asha , Chandran Gopika Beena , Shankar Arun , Kesavadev Jothydev
Published: May 2024

Insulin therapy is frequently essential for people with type 2 diabetes to attain glycemic control. Nonetheless, it is becoming more apparent that individuals with diabetes at times disregard correct insulin injection techniques and commit errors that usually result in uncontrolled glycemia. Here, we report the case of an 81-year-old male presented with uncontrolled glycemia. A detailed examination revealed that he was administering insulin at the incorrect injection site, which in turn resulted in inaccuracy in the dosage of insulin delivered subcutaneously. The case highlights an array of factors such as age, patient’s ability to self-manage insulin administration, nonexistence of a caregiver, and the extended period between in-person visits that contributed to insulin injection errors and eventually uncontrolled glycemia.
Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms and Related Factors in Iranian Female Nurses
Authors: Nasiri Maryam , Sigaroudi Abdolhosein Emami , Moghadamnia Mohammad Taghi , Leili Ehsan Kazemnezhad
Published: May 2024

Background:

Lower Urinary Tract Symptom (LUTS) are common among female nurses. High levels of job stress in nurses may be associated with the prevalence of these symptoms. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of LUTS and factors related to these symptoms in female nurses.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional study in which 460 nurses and nursing assistants participated was conducted. A questionnaire consisting of socio-demographic data, International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire – Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms, and Toileting Behavior – Women's Elimination Behavior Scale was used. Data analysis was performed by descriptive and inferential statistical tests at a significant level of p < 0.05.

Results:

The highest and lowest scores of LUTS were related to the urgency and nocturnal enuresis with a mean (SD) score of 1.85 (1.03) and 0.05 (0.26), respectively. Concerning toileting behaviors, the highest score was for the place preference for voiding with a mean (SD) score of 4.13 (0.66), which correlated with LUTS. Among controllable variables, years of practice, urinary tract infections, use of perineal pads for urinary leakage, lifting heavy objects at work, and medical history were identified as predictors of LUTS (p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

LUTS was highly prevalent in the female nurses. The results revealed that unhealthy toileting behaviors may contribute to the prevalence of LUTS. Early identification of these symptoms and the development of an educational intervention program to enhance the knowledge of healthy toileting behaviors may prevent the occurrence of urinary symptoms.
The Effect of Sex Counseling Based on (Permission, Limited Information, Specific Suggestions, Intensive Therapy) Model on Sexual Satisfaction in Women with Cyclic Mastalgia
Authors: Ghodsi Fatemeh , Bahrami Nasim , Mafi Maryam , Olfati Forouzan
Published: May 2024

Background:

More than half of the population of women suffer from cyclic mastalgia which can interfere with women's sexual function and affect their sexual satisfaction. The current study was conducted to determine the effect of sexual counseling on sexual satisfaction in women with cyclic mastalgia.

Materials and Methods:

This randomized controlled trial study was performed on 81 women with cyclic mastalgia. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups of intervention (n = 40) and control (n = 41). Intervention was performed as Permission, Limited information, Specific suggestions, Intensive therapy (PLISSIT) sex counseling in four sessions for a maximum of 90 min in the intervention group. The demographic checklist and Index of Sexual Satisfaction (ISS) were used for data collection. Follow-up was performed 1 and 3 months after the intervention. The obtained data were analyzed using repeated-measures test.

Results:

The intervention and control groups were in good balance in terms of demographic characteristics and sexual satisfaction scores prior to the intervention and no statistically significant differences were observed. There was a statistically significant increase in the mean (SD) score of female sexual satisfaction in the intervention group: 93 (12.52), 101.15 (7.70),101.37 (5.31), (F
(1,39) = 27.4, p < 0.001). We also observed a decrease in the mean (SD) score of sexual satisfaction in the control group: 93.39 (13.12), 90.68 (8.41), 90.85 (6.57), (F
(1,40) = 11.9, p < 0.001) 1 and 3 months following the intervention.

Conclusions:

This study revealed that individual counseling by PLISSIT sex counseling could lead to improvement in sexual satisfaction index in women with cyclic breast pain.
Effect of the Parenting Preparation Program on Maternal Role Competence: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Talebi Forough , Javadifar Nahid , Simbar Masoumeh , Dastoorpoor Maryam , Shahbazian Nahid , Abbaspoor Zahra
Published: May 2024

Background:

The maternal sense of competence refers to the mother’s sense of ability to care for the baby. Maternal competence can affect the mother’s parenting capacities. Maternal preparation programs are aimed to increase mothers’ knowledge and improve their maternal competence. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the effect of a maternal preparation program on maternal role competence.

Materials and Methods:

A systematic search was conducted using the following MeSH terms: “education”, “program”, and “parenting sense of competence” in databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Central, and Scopus, from inception till July 2022. All Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) published in any language were extracted. Articles were screened based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The quality of the included articles was assessed by two qualified reviewers based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA).

Results:

Of the 170 published works that were retrieved in the initial stage, five articles including 647 first-time mothers were analyzed. A meta-analysis showed that parenting preparation program interventions increased maternal role competence in first-time mothers as opposed to those who received routine care Mean Difference (MD) = 3.31, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) [2.07, 4.55].

Conclusions:

The results of this study encourage health policymakers to develop maternal preparation programs for first-time mothers and their children.
The Effect of the Web-Based Psychosocial Health Promotion Program on the Burden of Care in Family Caregivers of Patients with Chronic Mental Disorders
Authors: Lohrasebi Fatemeh , Maghsoudi Jahangir , Alavi Mousa , Akbari Mohammad
Published: May 2024

Background:

Family members of Chronic Mental Disorders (CMD), who are responsible for patient care, face many physical, psychological, and social problems which make them face the burden of care. This study aimed to investigate the effect of a psychosocial health promotion program on the care burden of family caregivers of patients with CMD.

Materials and Methods:

This is a quasi-experimental study that was conducted in two intervention and control groups in the form of pretest and posttest. This study was performed on 67 family caregivers of patients with CMD in Farabi and Noor centers in Isfahan, Iran. Participants in this study were randomly divided into two intervention and control groups. Data from the intervention and control groups were collected in two stages, before and after the intervention by demographic information form and Zarit burden questionnaire. The intervention group received a web-based psychosocial health promotion program in eight sessions in 4 weeks. At the end of the intervention, the Zarit questionnaire was completed by the intervention and control groups.

Results:

The mean score of care burden between the intervention and control groups was not statistically significantly different before the implementation of the program (p = 0.534). But after the intervention, the mean score of care burden was significantly different between the two groups (t
65 = 3.43, p = 0.001).

Conclusions:

This study provides evidence for the benefits of web-based psychosocial health promotion program in reducing the perceived care burden of the caregiver of CMD.
Competency assessment of the operating room staff and some related factors
Authors: Cheraqpur Mandana , Aarabi Akram , Bahrami Masoud , Akbari Leila
Published: May 2024

Background:

Operating Rooms (ORs) are complicated environments that necessitate the improvement of OR staff's knowledge and skills to remain clinically competent and secure patient safety. The aim of this study was to assess clinical competence of OR staff in accordance with some related factors.

Materials and Methods:

This descriptive analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on 227 OR staff in nine academic hospitals. Sampling was performed from the beginning to the end of May 2019 and the samples were selected by quota sampling. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire encompassing six dimensions of competency including general knowledge, specialized knowledge, general practical skills, specific practical skills, personality, and motivation. Data analysis was performed using descriptive and interpretive statistics.

Results:

The mean (SD) total score of competence was 80.99, which was optimal (11.28). The lowest score was related to the dimension of general practical skills with the mean (SD) score of 53.32 (10.26). The mean score of specialized practical skills was significantly higher in single-specialty ORs (F = 21.53, p < 0.001). Based on multiple linear regression test, it was possible to predict clinical competency through the age and work experience (R-squared = 0.96, beta = 0.31, p = 0.022).

Conclusions:

Specialized training has overshadowed the general practical skills that are related to the observation of basic principles of patient safety apart from surgical specialization. Strengthening of competence in general practical skills need to be prioritized in empowerment programs. We need a fixed and permanent space for the continuation of educational programs designed to promote perioperative general practical skills.
Female or Male Fertility Motivation? Which One Determines the Number of Children? (A Comparative Study)
Authors: Rajati Reihane , Khadivzade Talat , Esmaeili Habibollah , Danesh Fereshte
Published: May 2024

Background:

In the last three decades, childbearing in Iran has decreased more than many countries in the world. The aim of this study was to explore the fertility motivation of Working women and their husbands and discover which one determines the number of children.

Materials and Methods:

This correlational study was conducted on 540 employed, married women and their husbands (270 couples) living in Mashhad, Iran, during 2017–2018. The participants were selected through multistage cluster sampling. Then, a random number table was used. Subsequently, questionnaires were distributed and completed at home, and collected after 24 h. Data were collected using a demographic characteristics form and the Childbearing Questionnaire (CBQ).

Results:

The mean(SD) positive motivation scores of men and women differed significantly [92.77 (13.04) Vs. 92.22 (13.51) df = 4; p = 0.001;]. The mean (SD) negative motivation scores of men and women also differed significantly 55.42 (10.94) Vs. 56.78 (10.57) df = 4; p = 0.001;].

Conclusions:

According to the scores obtained for the positive and negative fertility motivations of working women and their husbands, women were more in favor of having children and had an ambivalent motivation to bear children. Moreover, the working women’s spouses were more indifferent to fertility. The results of this study can help reproductive health policymakers in childbearing.
Development and Psychometric Properties of the Caring Behaviors of Operating Room Nurses Questionnaire during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mixed-Method Study
Authors: Hozesorkhi Reza Mohebbi , Vafsi Saeed Babajani , Mohammadimehr Mojgan , Kazemi-Galougahi Mohammad Hassan , Ebadi Abbas , Afzal Mahboobeh
Published: May 2024

Background:

Considering the threats in the operating room during the COVID-19 pandemic, the optimal care and safety of the operating room nurses should be maintained when performing surgery on an acute respiratory patient. It seems necessary to design a tool to measure the caring behaviors of operating room nurses. Therefore, the present study was conducted with the aim to design a valid and reliable tool for measuring the caring behavior of operating room nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and

Methods:

In this sequential, exploratory, mixed-method study, the designing and psychometric evaluation of the caring behaviors of operating room nurses questionnaire during the COVID-19 pandemic were performed in qualitative and quantitative phases from August 2021 to July 2022 in Aja University of Medical Sciences, Iran. In the qualitative phase, the concept of caring behaviors of operating room nurses was explored through interviews and a literature review based on online searches. In the quantitative phase, validity (face, content, and construct), and reliability of the questionnaire were evaluated.

Results:

The findings supported 21 items in the 5 factors of caring behaviors related to attitude toward patients, knowledge of surgical care, virus prevention principles, self-care knowledge, and self-care performance, which explained 35.92 of the total variance. Scale-Content Validity Index/Average and Cronbach’s alpha were calculated to be 0.93 and 0.89, respectively.

Conclusions:

Given its desirable reliability and validity, simple scoring, and ease of use by operating room nurses, the Caring Behaviors of Operating Room Nurses Questionnaire is applicable and its use is recommended.
The Roles of the Nurses in Family Physician Team: A Qualitative Systematic Review
Authors: Heidarzadeh Abtin , Alvandi Mehdi , Hedayati Bita , Rezaei Mostafa , Abedi Farshid , Madani Zahra Hamidi , Hekmat Somayeh Noori , Dadgaran Ideh , Mirkazemi Roksana
Published: May 2024

Background:

There are various approaches in primary health care regarding the key role of nurses. This systematic review investigates the roles of nurses, as part of the family medicine team.

Materials and Methods:

All published articles related to the role of nurses in the family medicine team from January 2000 to March 2022 were the subjects of this study. The eligibility criteria included original articles published in English or Persian in the last two decades. International credible scholarly databases (PubMed, Scopus, Magiran, IranMedex, and SID) were searched using keywords and syntax. Some of the keywords included “Family Health Nurse,” “Nurses in Primary Care,” “Family Medicine,” “Family Physician Care Program,” “General Physician Program,” “Role,” and “Nurse.” Data were extracted based on Sample, Phenomenon of Interest, Design, Evaluation, Research type (SPIDER) technique and reported based on the structure of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA).

Results:

Of 147 identified publications by the search strategy, eight eligible empirical studies were included. The results showed that besides providing nursing care, nurses play vital roles in communication and teamwork, assessment, securing health services relevant to communities’ needs, education, empowerment, clinical practice, health promotion, prevention, reflective research practice, and counseling.

Conclusions:

This study identified different roles nurses could play in providing primary health care. These findings are helpful for the replanning or reform of primary health care in countries, which aimed to expand the Family Physician Program (FPP) in their countries, including Iran.
What are the Factors that Enhance Metacognitive Skills in Nursing Students? A Systematic Review
Authors: Asadzandi Shadi , Mojtahedzadeh Rita , Mohammadi Aeen
Published: May 2024

Background:

Metacognitive skills have an important role in training efficient learners and competent clinicians in health professions education. The aim of this systematized review was to determine the factors enhancing metacognitive skills in nursing students.

Materials and Methods:

For data collection, we searched the databases of PubMed, Ovid, Cochrane, Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest, Springer, EMBASE, Science Direct, PsycInfo, Nursing and Allied Health, and ERIC up to the end of March 2019, using the study key words. We used PRISMA flowchart diagram for reporting the results of the study. Peer-reviewed articles in English, addressing factors enhancing metacognition in nursing students, were included in our review. The Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) checklist was used for assessing the quality of the included studies.

Results:

Out of 2355 studies, 16 were included for the review. Several factors, namely “specific curricular activities,” “self-regulated e-learning modules,” “e-portfolio,” “cognitive apprenticeship,” “specific teaching techniques for classroom and experiential settings,” “metacognitive wrappers,” “problem-based learning,” “blended learning,” “grit,” and “clinical log,” enhancing metacognition in nursing students, were extracted.

Conclusions:

The findings of our study can contribute to planning for improvement of learners' metacognitive skills. However, there is a need for future research on determining further factors influencing nursing students' metacognitive skills.
Iranian Women and Health Care Providers’ Perception of Oral Health in Pregnancy: A Qualitative Research
Authors: Ahmadi-Motamayel Fatemeh , Safabakhsh Deniz , Refaei Mansoureh
Published: May 2024

Background:

Periodontal diseases during pregnancy are associated with adverse outcomes. This study aimed to explain the perception of healthcare providers and pregnant women about oral health during pregnancy.

Materials and Methods:

This qualitative study was conducted with the approach of conventional content analysis in health centers of Hamadan, Iran, in 2020. To collect the data, semi-structured in-depth interviews with sixteen pregnant women and eight healthcare providers (gynecologist, midwife, and dentist) were used. Pregnant women with a singleton fetus, lack of chronic diseases and complications of pregnancy, willingness to participate in the study, and the ability to communicate properly were included in the study. Sampling was done purposefully with maximum variety. Data analysis accomplished according to the proposed steps by Graneheim and Lundman using MAXQDA 10 software.

Results:

“Belief in the importance of oral health in pregnancy,” “Lack of a coherent structure for oral care,” “Accepting the negative effect of pregnancy on oral health,” and “The dilemma of treatment and non-treatment in pregnancy” were four categories extracted from the data. The theme of “Ignoring the mother for the fetus” was obtained as the main theme of the present study.

Conclusions:

The findings suggest that although mothers and healthcare providers have recognized the importance of oral health in pregnancy, underlying factors in society have led them to understand the mother’s oral health should be neglected because of the fetus. This perception can have a negative impact on their behavior, performance, and the oral health of mothers.
The Sexual Function, Desire, and Satisfaction of Couples during the Outbreak of COVID-19 in Qazvin
Authors: Yekefallah Leili , Mohammadi Saeide Dost , Namdar Peyman , Moghadam Somaye Minaei , Yekefallah Fereshteh , Mafi Mohamad Hossein
Published: May 2024

Background:

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected the lives of the community. The resulting social constraints and the physical and psychological consequences are also expected to affect sexual health. The present study aims to determine the status of sexual function, desire, and satisfaction of couples during the outbreak of COVID-19.

Materials and Methods:

This is a descriptive online cross-sectional study on 400 married individuals living in Qazvin, Iran, from October 15 to November 12, 2020. The multi-stage random cluster method is used for sampling. The following questionnaires have been used for data collection: Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Rosen male sexual function, Larson’s sexual satisfaction, and Hurlbert Index of Sexual Desire (HISD). The questionnaires were sent to participants through online messengers. The obtained data were analyzed by SPSS software (v25).

Results:

The findings show that only 19.20% of study participants had sex three or more times a week. Most of the participating women (56.90%) had sexual dysfunction, while most men (64.30%) had proper sexual function. Also, the majority of participants had moderate sexual desire (46%) and high sexual satisfaction. The primary predictors of sexual dysfunction in men and women during the outbreak of COVID-19 were “employment in health centers” (B = -9.34, p = 0.007) and “spouse working in health centers” (B = -6.16, p = 0.007), respectively.

Conclusions:

The psychological burdens of the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting measures, such as prevention protocols, affect couples’ sexual relations. Therefore, interventions are necessary to improve the quality and health of the sexual life of couples.
Support Received and Provided by Older Adults who Lost a Child
Authors: Safa Azade , Adib-Hajbaghery Mohsen , Rezaei Mahboubeh
Published: May 2024

Background:

Despite the vulnerability of older adults and the importance of social support following the death of a child, little research has been conducted on the Iranian older population. This study aimed to explore perceived support among older adults after the death of a child.

Materials and Methods:

This study was carried out in Iran in 2020-2021 using a qualitative content analysis method. Semi-structured interviews with older adults who had experienced child death were used to collect data. To ensure the data's trustworthiness, Guba and Lincoln's criteria were applied. The Graneheim and Lundman method was used to analyze the data.

Results:

The participants' mean age was 70.41 years. The findings were organized into one theme, two main categories, and five subcategories based on 352 initial codes. Two main categories emerged from the participants' experiences: “supporting networks” and “giving support to others” with the theme of “healing emotional pain.” Following the death of a child, the older parents perceived support as recuperation from their hurt feelings.

Conclusions:

Receiving support from family, entourages, and society, as well as providing support to the family and parents with the same experience were protective factors against the effects of child death among older parents. To reduce the consequences of child death, older parents' health should be monitored through home care provided by nurses.
Design, Implementation, and Evaluation of Educational Program in Oral Health for Midwives and Other Antenatal Care Providers in Iran
Authors: Faghihian Reyhaneh , Saied-Moallemi Zahra , Zakizade Mehrnaz , Faghihian Elham , George Ajesh , Abbasi Somaye
Published: May 2024

Background:

Maintaining oral health during pregnancy has been considered an essential public health issue worldwide. One of the various preventive strategies is to train antenatal care providers to guide pregnant women. This study aimed to design, implement, and evaluate an educational program’s effect on the oral health-related knowledge, attitudes, and practice of antenatal care providers in Iran.

Materials and Methods:

All of the antenatal care providers working at Isfahan health centers were invited for this study in April 2019. A total of 340 volunteers (120 midwives and 220 others) finally participated in this interventional study with a pre-test–post-test design. A questionnaire was developed to assess the participants’ knowledge, attitudes, and practice before and after the intervention. A lecture-based educational session containing similar issues asked in the questionnaire was held for all the participants. The participant’s total knowledge scores before and after the intervention, and their attitudes and practice were evaluated and compared through paired t-test.

Results:

The participants’ mean total knowledge scores before and after the intervention were 42.87 and 52.25, respectively. The paired t-test revealed a statistically significant difference between pre- and post-intervention scores (p < 0.001). The frequency of participants’ answers to attitude and practice questions was also determined.

Conclusions:

Improving oral health-related knowledge of antenatal care providers can be achieved through a single educational session designed by accurately assessing their needs. The participants’ attitudes revealed barriers to seeking dental care by pregnant women; however, the participants’ oral health-related practice was acceptable.
Maternal Plasma Lipid Profile and Risk of Spontaneous Preterm Labor Study in a Sample of Iranian Women in 2019
Authors: Aghaei Zohreh , Hajian Sepideh , Darvish Soodabeh
Published: May 2024

Background:

Neonatal problems and adverse outcomes may be minimized by up to 90–75% when preterm delivery is diagnosed early and managed properly. This study aimed to determine the association of maternal plasma lipid indices with the occurrence of spontaneous preterm labor.

Material and Methods:

This matched pair case–control study was performed on 80 pregnant women referred to a teaching hospital in Tehran for childbirth in 2019. The lipid profile was assessed in women with spontaneous preterm labor and term birth. According to age, Body Mass Index (BMI), pregnancy number, employment status, and educational level, the women in each group were paired. Data were analyzed using an independent-samples t-test, Mann–Whitney U-test, Chi-square, linear regression, and conditional logistic regression.

Results:

Mean serum levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein were all significantly higher in the case group compared with the control group (p < 0.05). The conditional logistic regression test confirmed that this association remained significant even after adjusting the effect of potentially confounding factors such as maternal age and body mass index. In addition, in linear regression the increased levels of triglyceride, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein were found to be associated with 3.33-fold (1.32.–5.32 95% CI, p < 0.001), 2.94-fold (1.60–3.14 95% CI, p = 0.002), and 2.46-fold (1.31.–2.91 95% CI, p = 0.006) increased risk of preterm labor, respectively.

Conclusions:

High triglyceride, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein serum levels may be linked to an increased chance of spontaneous preterm labor, which might be considered a risk factor for this pregnancy problem.
Health Information Needs of Couples Undergoing Assisted Reproductive Techniques
Authors: Latifi Masoomeh , Allahbakhshian Leili , Eini Fatemeh , Karami Nader Alishan , Al-Suqri Mohammed Nasser
Published: May 2024

Background:

Couples undergoing Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART) come across various information needs. This study aimed to identify the health information needs of couples undergoing ART.

Materials and Methods:

The methodology of the present applied study was qualitative and the research method was conventional qualitative content analysis performed with the participation of 25 infertile couples under ART. The study took nine months (July 2020 to March 2021). The samples were objectively screened based on the criteria from the couples referred to the infertility center affiliated to Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences (Public) and Ome-Leila Specialized infertility clinic (Private) in Bandar Abbas (Iran). Data collection was performed by semi-structured interviews. The typical content analysis method was used in this research. Data analysis was carried out based on coding by the use of MAXQDA a software for qualitative and mixed methods data analysis.

Results:

Information needs of couples under ART were categorized into three main categories and ten subcategories: 1) main cause of infertility [feminine or masculine cause, and etiology (nature and origin)], 2) treatment of infertility [identifying ART, treatment success rate, complications and risks (outcomes) of the treatment method, and treatment duration], and 3) healthcare [advice on medication, healthy nutrition (diet), sexual relations, and daily routine].

Conclusions:

The results of this study emphasize that the country's health officials, especially those in charge of the healthcare of infertile couples under ART, must necessarily pay more attention to meeting the needs of this group of people in society.
The Beneficial Effects of Emotional Intelligence Training for Critical Care Nurses on Job Burnout: A Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors: Fattah Hadya Abboud Abdel , Sallam Gehan Karawan , Hendy Abdelaziz Said , Abozeid Ahmed , Rodenhurst Nigel
Published: May 2024

Background:

Critical care nurses are at especially high risk of burnout. Burnout is a maladaptive response to work-related stress that is associated with negative consequences for patients. Emotional intelligence enables nurses to make better decisions and manage their patients more effectively. It impacts positively on the quality of care. This study aimed to assess the effect of emotional intelligence training on job burnout for nurses at the critical care units.

Materials and Methods:

A quasi-experimental study was conducted at two critical care units: the Cardiac Surgery Academy and El Demerdash Hospital, both of which are affiliated to Ain Shams University. The subjects were 200 critical care nurses. Each group of nurses trained for five sessions, each lasting about two hours, in the form of seminars. Researchers collected data through self-administered questionnaires containing three parts (demographic data of nurses, Wong and Law’s Emotional Intelligence Scale and Maslach burnout inventory).

Results:

For emotional intelligence, the mean (SD) score of studied nurses pre-intervention was 19.95 (6.30), while post intervention it was 36.4 (9.57), a significant difference (t = 14.01 p = <0.01). Regarding burnout, the mean score of studied nurses pre-intervention was 59.61 (19.58), while post intervention it was 89.90 (19.60), (t = 16.05 p = <0.01). The regression model explains 67% of the variation in total emotional intelligence detected through R
2 value 0.67 (F = 12.980 p = <0.001).

Conclusions:

The present study revealed that emotional intelligence training had positive effects on nurses’ experience of burnout at work. Providing educational training programs about emotional intelligence for newly hired nurses is recommended.
Promoting Health Literacy and Perceived Self-Efficacy in People with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Aliakbari Fatemeh , Tavassoli Elahe , Alipour Forouzan Mohammad , Sedehi Morteza
Published: May 2024

Background:

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is an irreversible condition and it is of great importance for the patients to practice self-care. Given the impact of inadequate health literacy on people's self-efficacy in a self-care program, the aim of this study was to improve health literacy and self-efficacy in people with COPD.

Materials and Methods:

The present quasi-experimental study was conducted on 70 patients with COPD admitted to Shahrekord educational hospitals in 2019. Using random allocation software, the samples were randomly divided into intervention and control groups. Data collection tools included three questionnaires including demographic, health literacy, and perceived self-efficacy questionnaires. A training program, with three weekly sessions of theoretical and practical trainings, was conducted for the intervention group in classes in the hospital. The time of each session was 40 min. Data were collected three times i.e., before, immediately after, and three months after the trainings. Data were analyzed by means of SPSS 21 statistical software using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results:

Before the intervention, the mean scores of perceived self-efficacy and health literacy did not differ significantly between the two groups, but after the intervention, the scores of the members in the intervention group increased significantly (f = 62.15, p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

The results of the study indicated an increase in the scores of perceived self-efficacy and health literacy in people with COPD. The use of targeted educational interventions can have a positive effect on the treatment and control of the disease.
Self-evaluation of Conflict Management Skills
Authors: Long Nguyen Hoang , Long Ngo Xuan
Published: May 2024

Background:

Effective conflict management requires various skills. However, evidence suggests that nurses are unprepared to deal with conflicts at work. Accordingly, this study aimed to examine nurses' evaluations of their conflict management skills.

Materials and Methods:

This cross-sectional descriptive study involved 202 nurses who were enrolled in short professional training courses at the Faculty of Nursing, Thai Nguyen University of Medicine and Pharmacy (TUMP). From March to June 2021, they completed self-administered questionnaires which included evaluations of ten common conflict management skills. The four-point rating scale ranged from very bad (0 points) to very good (3 points). Descriptive statistics, Mann–Whitney U, Kruskal–Wallis, and Spearman's rho tests were used for data analysis.

Results:

The nurses ranked their ability to identify their and others' emotions and feelings as the highest [mean (SD): 1.99 (0.42)]. Their ability to self-manage conflict-induced stress was rated as the lowest [1.86 (0.56)], with managing own feelings and emotions [1.88 (0.56)], and negotiation [1.90 (0.53)] rated as second and third lowest, respectively. There were no differences in skills between nurses based on gender (Mann–Whitney U = 2814.50, p = 0.720), department (Kruskal–Wallis = 5.89, df = 3, p = 0.117), job position (Mann–Whitney U = 1502.50, p = 0.522), and education (Mann–Whitney U = 3304.00, p = 0.394). Additionally, nurses who demonstrated better skills reported higher effectiveness in previous conflict management (r = 0.45, p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Conflict management skills varied and seemed suboptimal. Important areas that require proper attention include emotional intelligence and negotiations.