bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a health habits scale
Authors: Williams Robert L. , Thomas Sandra P. , Young Damaris O. , Jozwiak John J. , Hector Mark A.
Published: April 2007

The present study is based on the assumption that health habits assessment can make a significant contribution to our understanding of physical and psychological well‐being. Thus, the purpose of this study was to develop an easily administered, conceptually sound, and psychometrically adequate health habits scale for use in nursing and health research. A self‐report scale consisting of 5 positive health items and 5 negative items was administered initially to a sample of more than 1500 American adults. Subsamples of this group were used in various psychometric evaluations of the scale. A second sample of more than 700 college and noncollege adults also completed the new health habits scale and a number of additional inventories thought to be related conceptually to the new scale. In general, the health scale showed high content validity, good agreement between self‐ and other‐ratings, strong test—retest reliability, and consistent evidence of concurrent and divergent validity. The strengths of the scale are its inclusion of both disease‐preventive and health‐promoting behaviors, its brevity, and its psychometric development.
Focus on psychometrics. Aspects of item analysis
Authors: Ferketich Sandra
Published: April 2007

During the course of instrument development, investigators are faced with the challenge of developing a psychometrically sound instrument that has a minimal number of items or components. Although instrument developers may encounter specific problems in relation to different types of tests, there are three areas of concern that are frequently encountered. These concerns relate to (a) instrument length, (b) scale homogeneity, and (c) instrument sensitivity. The purpose of this article is to discuss selected aspects of item analysis in relationship to these three commonly encountered and interrelated areas of concern.
Seeking normalcy: The experience of coronary artery bypass surgery
Authors: Keller Colleen
Published: April 2007

The aim of this study was to describe the experience of coronary artery bypass surgery (CAB) from the patient's perspective. A grounded theory method was used to explore the postoperative experiences of eight men and one woman following CAB surgery. The major process individuals engaged in following CAB surgery was seeking normalcy which involved three conceptual stages: surviving, restoring, and being fixed. Some individuals sought other explanations for the symptoms accompanying heart disease. An understanding of patient experiences regarding the nature of cardiovascular disease through the experience of surgery regimens may contribute to the assessment and intervention strategies used by health care providers in the postoperative care of these patients.
Releasing restraints: Providing safe care for the elderly
Authors: Morse Janice M. , McHutchion Edna
Published: April 2007

To examine the behavioral effects of releasing restraints and the feasibility of caring for patients considered at risk if unrestrained, two patients were continuously videotaped using surveillance cameras for 1 week with and 1 week without restraints. The videotapes were coded and analyzed using nonparametric and parametric statistics. In Patient #1, motor behavioral changes with a decrease of restless behaviors, as well as changes in sleeping position, were observed. There were no changes in verbal behavior. For Patient #2, no changes in motor or verbal behavior were observed. Nursing care showed a nonsignificant decrease in nursing care time and an increase in the number of nursing contacts. The implications of the findings and the use of videotapes as a method for collecting observational data in the clinical area are discussed.
Nurse burnout: Work related and demographic factors as culprits
Authors: Robinson Sharon E. , Roth Sari L. , Keim Jeanmarie , Levenson Minita , Flentje Jane R. , Bashor Kathy
Published: April 2007

This study was an examination of the combined ability of perceived work environment, demographic, and work‐related variables to predict burnout among 314 nurses at a large metropolitan hospital. The three dimensions of burnout measured were emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment. High work pressure and low work involvement and supervisor support predicted emotional exhaustion. Task orientation, work pressure, work involvement, and age predicted both depersonalization and personal accomplishment. Burnout among nurses on each of the three work shifts also was examined. Results are discussed from the perspective of how to decrease or to prevent burnout among nurses.
Focus On psychometrics. Estimating construct validity
Authors: Goodwin Laura D. , Goodwin William L.
Published: April 2007

The meaning of construct validity and techniques for its estimation are discussed. Of particular interest is the appropriate role of factor analysis (and related techniques) in construct validation efforts. A comprehensive view of construct validity is encouraged, as well as a cautious interpretation of the construct validity evidence available for many existing instruments.
Comparison of patient‐controlled and nurse‐controlled antiemetic therapy in patients receiving chemotherapy
Authors: Edwards Jody Nerhood , Herman Joanne , Wallace Beth Kraley , Pavy Michael D. , Harrison‐Pavy Joan
Published: April 2007

The purpose of this quasi‐experimental pilot study was to compare the effect of patient‐controlled (PCAE) and nurse administered (NCAE) antiemetic therapy for controlling chemotherapy‐induced nausea and vomiting in patients receiving moderate emetogenic chemotherapy. Twenty subjects were randomly assigned to either the PCAE group who received IV antiemetic medication via a patient‐controlled pump or the NCAE group who received antiemetic medication via nurse administered minibags. Nausea, vomiting, sedation, and drug consumption were measured. There was no difference in nausea scores between the two groups. Subjects in the PCAE group consumed significantly less medication than subjects in the NCAE group.
The relationship between maternal confidence and mother–infant behaviors in premature infants
Authors: Zahr Lina Kurdahi
Published: April 2007

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between maternal confidence in mothers of premature infants, maternal behaviors and skills, and infant temperament. The relationship between certain prenatal and background variables and maternal confidence also was assessed. The sample consisted of 49 mother‐infant pairs from low socioeconomic backgrounds who were followed for 8 months. Maternal behaviors were assessed in the neonatal intensive care unit and during 4‐ and 8‐month follow‐up visits at home. Infant temperament was assessed using the Bates Infant Characteristics Questionnaire. The results revealed that maternal confidence was related to education, income, and parity as well as the presence and severity of intraventricular bleed. There was no relationship between observed maternal behaviors and skills and perceived confidence by mothers. Maternal confidence was related to infant temperament ratings.
Patient intensity for nursing index: The measurement model
Authors: Soeken Karen L. , Prescott Patricia A.
Published: April 2007

One part of the psychometric evaluation of the Patient Intensity for Nursing Index (PINI), a new measure of nursing intensity, is reported. The PINI has four interrelated components: (a) severity of illness, (b) dependency, (c) complexity of care, and (d) time. Taken together, the 10 items that make up these four components comprise the multidimensional construct of nursing intensity. Using the factor analytic approach and a model specification search, the measurement model for the Patient Intensity for Nursing Index was identified. The structure consists of Dependency, Severity, and Complexity with time (hours of nursing care) loading on each factor. When results were cross‐validated using data from four other hospitals, support emerged for a consistent pattern of factor loadings. The loadings themselves, however, are only partially invariant. Further examination of the relationship between severity and time is suggested and areas for future research are identified.
Effects of psychological well‐being, physical status, and social support on oxygen‐dependent copd patients' level of functioning
Authors: Lee Ruth N. F. , Graydon Jane E. , Ross Eleanor
Published: April 2007

Thirty oxygen‐dependent patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) participated in a descriptive correlational study in which investigators examined the relationship between oxygen‐dependent COPD patients' psychological well‐being, physical status, social support, and level of functioning. Lazarus and Folkman's (1984) theory of psychological stress and coping was used to guide the study. Using multiple regression analysis, physical symptoms had the most predictive power in relation to the level of functioning, accounting for 44.3% of the variance. Among the symptoms, dyspnea had the greatest influence on functioning.
Cognitive–perceptual factors associated with antiepileptic medication compliance
Authors: Diiorio Colleen , Faherty Barbara , Manteuffel Brigitte
Published: April 2007

The purpose of this study was to determine if selected cognitive–perceptual variables discriminated between individuals who complied with antiepileptic medication therapy and those who did not. Individuals attending an epilepsy clinic and meeting specified criteria were asked to participate. Data from 64 individuals—39 who were classified as compliant and 25 noncompliant—were analyzed using discriminant analysis. The findings revealed that intimacy/assistance, social integration/affirmation of worth, unpredictability, and ambiguity were helpful in discriminating compliant from noncompliant individuals.
The use of botanicals for health purposes by members of a prepaid health plan
Authors: Brown Julia S. , Marcy Shirley A.
Published: April 2007

Interviews were conducted with 100 adults (27 men, 73 women) enrolled in a prepaid medical health plan to investigate their use of botanical remedies. They were asked which of 50 listed herbs they or members of their families had used for health purposes and with what effect; which of 60 listed health problems they had treated with home remedies; and what additional home remedies or alternative health care resources they had used. Over 100 different home remedies were identified, with most considered effective. Individual respondents used from 0 to 33 herbal and plant remedies (Md = 7), some of which have toxic properties. A remedy was reported for almost every health problem listed. Substances most frequently used were aloe vera, honey, peppermint, garlic, eucalyptus, and rose hips; health problems most frequently treated were burns, colds, indigestion, insect bites, insomnia, rashes. Persons who were married, from larger households, of higher socioeconomic status, who had consulted alternative healers, or who had patronized health food stores tended to use home remedies more than their counterparts. Implications for further evaluation of self‐care practices are discussed.
Relationship of hardiness and current life events to perceived health in rural adults
Authors: Lee Helen J.
Published: April 2007

The purpose of this descriptive study was to examine the relationship of hardiness and current life events to perceived health in rural adults. Instruments used included Kobasa's (1982) Hardiness Scale, SRLE (Holmes & Rahe, 1967), and Engel's (1984) Perceived Health Status. Study results were based on 162 participants responding to a mailed questionnaire. The typical respondent was a 55‐year‐old married male who lived on a farm or ranch. Participants with higher levels of hardiness demonstrated a better perception of their mental and social health but not physical health. The study findings did not support the buffering effects of hardiness in the presence of greater amounts of stress.
The word‐graphic rating scale as a measure of children's and adolescents' pain intensity
Authors: Tesler Mary D. , Savedra Marilyn C. , Holzemer William L. , Wilkie Diana J. , Ward Judith Ann , Paul Steven M.
Published: April 2007

A program of studies was designed to select and test a pain intensity scale for inclusion in a multidimensional pain assessment tool for children and adolescents. The focus was on determining each scale's validity, reliability, ease of use, preference, and the lack of age, gender, and ethnic biases. Five pain scales were evaluated in four separate studies: a word‐graphic rating scale, a visual analogue scale, a graded‐graphic rating scale, a magnitude estimation scale (0 to 10), and a color scale. Subjects (N = 1,223) were 8 to 17 years of age and, in three of the studies, were hospitalized and judged to be in pain. In Study 1, well children used the scales to assess pain in an analogue situation selecting the color scale easiest to use and best liked. Convergent validity for the five scales was supported. In Study 2, hospitalized children, who were experiencing pain, overwhelmingly selected the word‐graphic rating scale as their choice. A pilot version of a multidimensional pain assessment tool incorporating the word‐graphic rating scale was tested in Study 3 using a repeated measures design. The scale demonstrated sensitivity to changes in postoperative pain intensity over time. In Study 4, convergent validity of the five scales and test—retest reliability of the word‐graphic rating scale were supported. The series of four studies provides strong evidence to support use of the word‐graphic rating scale to measure pain intensity in pediatric populations.
Gender stereotyping and nursing care
Authors: McDonald Deborah Dillon , Gary Bridge R.
Published: April 2007

The effect of gender stereotyping on nursing care was examined. Eight conditions were created in a posttest‐only experiment by completely crossing patient gender (male/female) by memory load (low/high) by patient health status (stable/unstable). One hundred sixty nurses read the same patient vignette. The vignette differed in patient gender, memory load, and patient health status. The nurses then estimated the minutes needed for specific nursing interventions with the patient. Nurses planned significantly more ambulation, analgesic administration, and emotional support time for the male patient, despite the presence of individuating information. More accurate, effective nursing care is possible when nurses are aware of the effect of gender stereotyping on nursing care.
Focus on psychometrics. More on mtmm: The role of confirmatory factor analysis
Authors: Figueredo Aurelio J. , Ferketich Sandra L. , Knapp Thomas R.
Published: April 2007

This article is the second of two on the use of confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) as a method to assess construct validity. The construct validation criteria required by the conventional MTMM approach are satisfied only by certain ideal data sets, such as those in which the method variance of measures is very low. The CFA approach to multitrait‐multimethod (MTMM) data is more general, in that violations of those stringent criteria can be managed. Another limitation of the conventional MTMM approach is that only a relatively small number of indicators can be examined by bivariate analysis. The economy of the CFA approach permits the analysis of a much larger number of indicators. In this article, a data set is analyzed using the CFA approach. Results are presented that illustrate the application of this statistical method.
Risk factors for urinary incontinence one year after nursing home admission
Authors: Palmer Mary H. , German Pearl S. , Ouslander Joseph G.
Published: April 2007

Secondary data analysis was conducted from a longitudinal nursing home study to identify nonurologic risk factors for continence outcomes at 1 year after admission. Of 434 nursing home admissions, 196 subjects (45%) remained. At 1 year prevalence of incontinence was 43.8%. Age was not associated with prevalence or incidence. Risk factors identified were male gender, urinary incontinence and poor behavioral adjustment at 2 weeks, presence of dementia and impaired mobility at 2 months. Once established, incontinence tended to persist. The data suggest types of residents who might be targeted for early preventive intervention.
Perceived stressors and coping responses in persons with recurrent genital herpes
Authors: Keller Mary L. , Jadack Rosemary A. , Fern Mims L.
Published: April 2007

This descriptive study was designed to examine the disease experience of persons who have genital herpes by identifying the nature and frequency of disease‐related stressors and coping responses associated with these stressors. Participants were 34 women and 26 men who were on average 5.3 years postdiagnosis, and experienced a mean of 6.4 recurrences per year.

Respondents reported a wide range of disease‐related stressors (M = 7). The category of stressors identified most often was related to disease consequences (73.9%), and included difficulty with intimate relationships, difficulty with relationships involving family and friends, fear of transmission through both sexual activity and casual contact, and concern about negative effects on health. Respondents tended to use active coping, planning, and acceptance more often than passive strategies such as denial. Implications for clinical assessment and intervention are discussed.
Beliefs about aids, health, and illness among low‐income latina women
Authors: Flaskerud Jacquelyn H. , Calvillo Evelyn Ruiz
Published: April 2007

The purposes of this study were to describe (a) the health beliefs of Latina women about acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS); and (b) the relationship of these beliefs to the subjects' traditional beliefs about illness and its treatment. The sample consisted of 59 low‐income Latina women attending nutrition programs in Los Angeles. A qualitative approach was used to gather the data in semi‐structured focus group interviews. Content analysis was used to classify data according to causes of AIDS and prevention and treatment of AIDS. Causes of AIDS included all of the current biomedical and public health explanations of transmission, current popular beliefs and misconceptions about transmission, and longstanding traditional beliefs about the causes of illness. Prevention and treatment of AIDS reflected these same three perspectives. The women's beliefs consisted of accurate, inaccurate, and incomplete information about AIDS. Implications were drawn from the findings for AIDS education and prevention programs which are congruent with the participants' cultural beliefs, values, attitudes, and expectations.
Psychometric assessment of the quality of life index
Authors: Ferrans Carol Estwing , Powers Marjorie J.
Published: April 2007

The purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Quality of Life Index (QLI) (Ferrans & Powers, 1985). The sample consisted of 349 patients selected randomly from the adult, in‐unit hemodialysis patient population of Illinois. Factor analysis was used to examine the underlying factor structure. A four‐factor solution best fit the data, indicating that there were four dimensions underlying the QLI: health and functioning, socioeconomic, psychological/spiritual, and family. Factor analysis of the four primary factors revealed one higher order factor, representing quality of life. Construct validity also was supported by the contrasted groups approach. As predicted, it was found that those who had higher incomes had significantly higher quality of life scores on the social and economic subscale. Support for convergent validity was provided by a strong correlation (r = 0.77) between scores from the QLI and an assessment of life satisfaction. Findings supported the internal consistency reliability of the entire QLI (alpha = 0.93) and the four subscales (alphas = 0.87, 0.82, 0.90, 0.77).
Recognizing staff nurse job performance and achievements
Authors: Blegen Mary A. , Goode Colleen J. , Johnson Marion , Maas Meridean L. , McCloskey Joanne C. , Moorhead Sue A.
Published: April 2007

While recognition for work has been positively related to nurses' job satisfaction in the research literature, specific types of recognition that would be most meaningful have not been identified. In this descriptive survey, 341 randomly selected staff nurses rated the extent of meaningfulness of 38 head nurse recognition behaviors. The most meaningful, in order of importance, were monetary rewards commensurate with performance, private verbal feedback, and written acknowledgment. Three other categories of recognition were identified as moderately meaningful: public acknowledgment, schedule adjustment, and opportunities for growth and development.
Focus on psychometrics scaling stimuli with magnitude estimation
Authors: Meek Paula M. , Sennott‐Miller Lee , Ferketich Sandra L.
Published: April 2007

Magnitude estimation has been shown to be a useful model for scaling physical and social stimuli. This scaling method holds promise for researchers who are interested in scaling the individual's perceptions of physiological states such as breathlessness as well as social phenomena such as intrusiveness or difficulty in performing a task. The purpose of this article is to provide information about magnitude estimation as a scaling method in general and about the use of magnitude estimation to scale the individual's subjective responses to stimuli.
A community‐based inventory of current concerns of impoverished homeless and drug‐addicted minority women
Authors: Nyamathi Adeline M. , Flaskerud Jacquelyn
Published: April 2007

The purpose of this series of studies was to refine and evaluate the psychometric properties of a measure of the concerns of impoverished minority women who were homeless and/ or drug addicted. A comprehensive review of the literature and qualitative focus groups conducted with homeless and drug‐addicted minority women were used to refine the Inventory of Current Concerns (ICC) (Weisman, Worden, & Sobel, 1980). A 31‐item revised Community‐Based Inventory of Current Concerns (CICC) was critiqued by measurement and content experts, and content validity was established. The CICC was administered to 978 black and Hispanic women who were residents of drug recovery programs or were homeless and residing in shelters, single room occupancy hotels, or with family or friends. Principal components factor analysis with varimax rotation resulted in a five‐factor solution explaining 53% of the variance. These factors were labeled Competency, Personal Instability/Despondency, Survival, Drug‐Related, and Parenting Concerns. Alpha reliability coefficient was 0.90 for the total scale and 0.79 to 0.93 for the subscales. Construct validity was demonstrated by moderate correlations (r = 0.54) between the total CICC and the CES‐D. The revised CICC can be used for clinical and research purposes to aid in assessing the concerns of minority impoverished women.
Holistic health patterning in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Gulick Elsie E. , Bugg Annette
Published: April 2007

Multidimensional health patterning of three groups of persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) was examined. Changing patterns over a 5‐year period for each group also were examined. Serial self‐assessments of the subjects' prevalence of MS‐related symptoms (motor, brainstem, sensory, elimination, mental‐emotional) and level of ADL functioning (fine and gross motor activities, sensory/communication, socializing/recreation, intimacy) were obtained by mail. The number of subjects grouped by years since diagnosis was: 69 (0–5), 49 (>5‐10), and 93 (>10). Study findings indicated significantly higher levels of functioning in areas of fine and gross motor activities and intimacy among the more recently diagnosed group but no difference among the groups for sensory/communication, recreation/socializing, and symptoms. Significant increases in motor and brainstem symptoms and decline in fine and gross motor activities and intimacy occurred over the 5‐year period particularly for the 0 to 5 year postdiagnosis group. Knowledge of symptom and ADL patterning is essential for nurses and other health care providers in anticipating the concerns and needed services of persons with MS and their families.
Interactions of parents and nurses with high‐risk preterm infants
Authors: Miller Debra B. , Holditch‐Davis Diane
Published: April 2007

The interactions of preterm infants with parents were compared with their interactions with nurses. Twenty‐nine high‐risk preterm infants who were a part of a larger longitudinal study of behavioral development were observed once weekly from 7 p. m. to 11 p. m. A single observation for each infant that contained a minimum of 2 min of parental care and 2 min of nursing care was selected for analysis. Results showed that nurses and parents provided different types of stimulation with nurses more likely to engage in procedural care and parents more likely to hold, talk to, move, and touch the infants affectionately. Infants showed more sleep‐wake transition, large body movements, and jitters when with nurses and more active sleep and more smiles when with parents. Similar differences were found when parents and nurses were just holding or touching the infants, but no differences in infant responses were seen during feeding or changing. Thus, the different infant behavioral responses appeared to result primarily from the different stimulation provided by parents and nurses. Implications of these findings for research and clinical practice are discussed.
Adolescent stress and coping: A longitudinal study
Authors: Grour Maureen W. , Thomas Sandra P. , Shoffner Dava
Published: April 2007

The purpose of this longitudinal panel study was to investigate developmental and gender influences on stress and coping in adolescents attending a suburban high school in Tennessee. Data were collected from the same 167 subjects during the freshman year and again during the senior year. Life events stress was measured through the Adolescent Life Change Event Scale (ALCES) and ways of coping were categorized from data gathered from an open‐ended questionnaire. Girls reported more life events stress at both testings than boys. Life events stress was greater at senior testing for both girls and boys, but girls' scores increased more. The “gender intensification” phenomenon may account for the greater disparity in types of stress reported by boys and girls as seniors. Girls generally reported more life events associated with interpersonal and family relationships. Both girls and boys reported coping with stress mostly through active distraction techniques such as exercise. However, girls' use of active distraction decreased over time, while passive distraction increased. Self‐destructive and aggressive coping behaviors increased for boys. There were no relationships between amounts or types of life events stress and ways of coping for subjects at either time.
Correlates of battering during pregnancy
Authors: Campbell Jacquelyn C. , Poland Marilyn L. , Waller John B. , Ager Joel
Published: April 2007

Battering during pregnancy affects the health of both pregnant women and their unborn children. The purpose of this retrospective study of 488 primarily Medicaid‐eligible postpartum women was to identify the constellation of factors associated with violence. The prevalence of battering during pregnancy was 7%, similar to that found in other studies. Significant correlates of battering included anxiety, depression, housing problems, inadequate prenatal care, and drug and alcohol use. Woman battering by a partner during pregnancy was associated with a greater severity of this constellation of patterns than those experiencing abuse before pregnancy only, or those experiencing physical attack by someone other than their partner. These factors are important to recognize in nursing assessment of pregnant women.
Focus on psychometrics psychometric examination of instruments using aggregated data
Authors: Verran Joyce A. , Mark Barbara A. , Lamb Gerri
Published: April 2007

The techniques used to examine the psychometric properties of instruments that measure concepts where individual responses are aggregated to form an index describing a group level phenomenon are reviewed. This examination includes assessing the content validity of items to determine how well they measure group level concepts as well as analyzing reliability and validity at the aggregated rather than individual level. Additional techniques to test for within and between group variability are presented. The latter approaches are useful in determining the consistency and adequacy of individual responses at the group level.
Effects of position and mattress overlay on sacral and heel pressures in a clinical population
Authors: Sideranko Sharon , Quinn Andrea , Burns Karyl , Froman Robin D.
Published: April 2007

A comparison of pressure reducing properties of alternating air, static air, and water mattress overlays was conducted with 57 patients in a surgical intensive care unit. Sacral and heel pressures in both recumbent and semi‐Fowler's positions were tested for each surface using a repeated measures design. Mean pressures for the alternating air mattress were significantly higher than pressures with other surfaces, regardless of position or site. There were significant main effects for position and site, with higher pressures in the semi‐Fowler's position and at the sacral site. A significant Interaction between surface, site, and position was found. Pressure sores developed in eight patients, but the incidence was not significantly different across groups. A pressure measuring device constructed from available clinical materials proved to be both sensitive and reliable. The findings suggest alternating air overlays should be avoided, and that positioning and periodic position change to reduce sacral pressures for patients requiring prolonged upper body elevation is important.
Preadmission self‐instruction effects on postadmission and postoperative indicators in CABG patients: Partial replication and extension
Authors: Rice Virginia Hill , Mullin Marlene H. , Jarosz Patricia
Published: April 2007

Fifty adult coronary artery bypass graft surgery patients were randomly assigned to preadmission self‐instruction or posthospital admission instruction of therapeutic exercises (e. g., coughing). Self‐instructed subjects reported higher positive mood scores, performed correctly significantly more exercise behaviors, and required less teaching time following hospital admission. Postoperatively, no group differences were found on mood states, physical activity, analgesic use, or length of hospital stay. Both groups, however, tended to use less pain medication than that reported by other researchers and experience shorter hospital stays than that assigned under the Diagnostic Related Groups prescription.
The caregiver reaction assessment (CRA) for caregivers to persons with chronic physical and mental impairments
Authors: Given Charles W. , Given Barbara , Stommel Manfred , Collins Clare , King Sharon , Franklin Susan
Published: April 2007

The development and testing of a multidimensional instrument to assess the reactions of family members caring for elderly persons with physical impairments, Alzheimer's disease, and cancer is reported. Forty items were administered to a sample of 377 caregivers of persons with physical impairments and Alzheimer's disease. Five dimensions of caregivers' reactions were identified through exploratory factor analysis. Using confirmatory factor analysis on an independent sample (N = 377), these dimensions were tested for factorial invariance across spouse and nonspouse caregivers and between caregivers of persons with cancer and those caring for persons with Alzheimer's disease. The subscales also had a high level of factorial invariance across a three‐wave panel study (N = 185). The subscales appeared consistent with first order tests of construct validity.
Perceived risk of infection and attitudes toward risk groups: Determinants of nurses' behavioral intentions regarding AIDS patients
Authors: Jemmott John B. , Freleicher Judith , Jemmott Loretta Sweet
Published: April 2007

The relationship of perceived occupational risk of AIDS and attitudes toward AIDS risk groups to behavioral intentions regarding the care of AIDS patients was examined among nurses (N = 496) residing in a selected area of New Jersey, a state with a relatively high number of reported AIDS cases. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses on anonymous mail survey responses revealed that, controlling for AIDS knowledge and years of education, nurses who perceived that caring for AIDS patients increased their risk of HIV infection scored higher on an index of intentions to avoid AIDS patient care. In addition, nurses who expressed more negative attitudes toward intravenous drug users or homosexuals were more likely to report similar intentions to avoid AIDS patient care. The implications of these findings for efforts to increase nurses' ability and willingness to provide quality care to persons with AIDS are discussed.
Divergent productive thinking factors and accuracy of nursing diagnoses
Authors: Lunney Margaret
Published: April 2007

Theories of diagnosis in nursing (Carnevali, 1983; Gordon, 1982) and a model of intelligence (Guilford, 1979) were integrated to provide a theoretical basis for this study. In contrast to previous studies, accuracy of nursing diagnoses was measured as a continuous variable. It was hypothesized that three factors of divergent productive thinking, fluency, flexibility, and elaboration, would correlate positively with accuracy of nursing diagnoses. The sample consisted of 86 female nurses, graduates of generic baccalaureate programs with 1 to 5 years experience, who met the criterion of knowledge. Three written case studies (CS1, CS2, CS3) served as the criterion for accuracy. With CS1, none of the hypotheses were supported. With CS2, the three hypotheses were supported (p < 0.05) and 10% of the variance was explained by one factor, fluency (p < 0.01). With CS3, elaboration and accuracy were correlated (p < 0.05). The findings provide beginning support for inclusion of exercises for divergent thinking in nursing education and practice.
Focus on psychometrics aggregating family data
Authors: Ferketich Sandra L. , Mercer Ramona T.
Published: April 2007

Instruments to collect data about families are often administered to all or some individuals within the family. Researchers may wish to use these individual scores to describe the family. The purpose of this article is to describe the special issues with aggregation of data when only a small number of family members are used as respondents. A refinement of the definition of aggregation for family researchers is proposed to assist researchers to focus on specific issues when data are to reflect subgroups within the family. A few examples of changes in findings are reported to illustrate the effects of different aggregation schemes when two members of the family are used as respondents.
Validity and reliability of nonverbal voice measures as indicators of stressor‐provoked anxiety
Authors: Fuller Barbara F. , Horii Yoshiyuki , Conner Douglas A.
Published: April 2007

To determine the validity and reliability of vocal jitter, tenseness, and pitch as measures of stressor‐provoked anxiety, 88 women representing three coping styles (Highly Anxious, Truly Low Anxious, and Repressor) phonated vowels, reported anxiety, and provided measures of muscle tension, heart rate, and sweating 2 weeks before, the day before, and 1 week after stressful exams. Greater self‐reported anxiety, sweating, and heart rate on the day before versus the other occasions confirmed the day before was the most stressful occasion. Results suggest excellent validity and reliability for Jitter as an indicator of stressor‐provoked anxiety.
A coercive interactional style as an antecedent to aggression in psychiatric patients
Authors: Morrison Eileen F.
Published: April 2007

As with society at large, violence in psychiatric settings is a serious clinical problem. Despite a great deal of attention, however, very little is currently known about the underlying theory or interventions to reduce aggression and violence in hospital settings. In this study, some psychiatric patients were viewed as having a general, aggressive, interactional style, motivated by the traits of Intimidation and Interpersonal Control, which when combined were labeledCoercion. A causal model in which violence and aggression were hypothesized to be predicted by a coercive interpersonal style and negatively predicted by an accommodating interpersonal style was tested. These interpersonal styles were proposed to mediate antecedent variables, that is, history of violence, psychiatric diagnoses, and length of hospitalization. Data were collected in two hospitals on psychiatric patients (N= 156) and analyzed using multiple regression techniques. The results of theoretical model testing suggested that 60% of the variance in Aggression was explained by four model variables: (a) Intimidation and Interpersonal Control (Coercion) (β = 0.44), (b) Length of Hospitalization (β = 0.26), (c) History of Violence (β = 0.27), and (d) Bipolar Affective Syndrome (β = 0.21). The implications for clinical care are discussed.
The effect of diet consistency on food intake of anorectic tumor‐bearing rats
Authors: McCarthy Donna O. , Daun Jane M.
Published: April 2007

Delayed gastric emptying has been shown to occur in cancer patients complaining of anorexia and early satiety. Given that liquids are emptied from the stomach faster than solid food, the present study was undertaken to determine if diet consistency would affect food intake of hypophagic rats implanted with the Walker 256 carcinosarcoma. By Day 15 of tumor‐growth, caloric intake of tumor‐bearing animals was 20% less than controls. The caloric intake of tumorbearing animals fed a liquid diet was not significantly different from animals fed a solid diet. Furthermore, a delay in gastric emptying was not seen in this animal model of tumor‐induced anorexia.
Knowledge of, attitudes toward, and barriers to pharmacologic management of cancer pain in a statewide random sample of nurses
Authors: Vortherms Ruth , Ryan Patrick , Ward Sandra
Published: April 2007

The knowledge of, attitudes toward, and perceived barriers to pharmacologic management of cancer pain were examined in a random statewide sample of nurses (N = 790), using an 82‐item questionnaire. Although only 7% of the nurses reported working in oncology settings, 59% of the nurses reported having worked with patients with cancer in the last 6 months. The scores on the knowledge test ranged from 11% to 93% correct, with a mean percent correct of 56. 4% (+/‐ 0. 92). Nurses reported relatively liberal attitudes toward pain management, yet also reported believing that 22% of patients overreport pain. Results are discussed with respect to implications for practice and education.
Meta‐analysis for descriptive research
Authors: Reynolds Nancy R. , Timmerman Gayle , Anderson Judy , Stevenson Joanne Sabol
Published: April 2007

Although nurses have begun to use meta‐analysis, a review of the nursing literature demonstrates that its use has not been maximized. Meta‐analysis can be employed to synthesize descriptive as well as experimental research, yet attention in nursing has focused almost exclusively on meta‐analysis techniques for, and meta‐analytic studies of, experimental research. Furthermore, nursing literature has emphasized use of the effect size index (d) rather than the correlation index (r); the latter may, in some cases, be the more suitable metric, particularly with meta‐analysis of correlational studies. An argument is made for the value of meta‐analysis as a technique for integrating descriptive research, and an overview of different meta‐analytic approaches to data analysis using the correlational index with descriptive research is provided.
Focus on psychometrics nursing intervention studies require outcome measures that are sensitive to change: Part one
Authors: Stewart Barbara J. , Archbold Patricia G.
Published: April 2007

In selecting an outcome measure for a study evaluating a nursing intervention, the criterion of sensitivity to change should predominate. Researchers commonly Justify their choice of outcome measures for experiments based on such psychometric criteria as high internal consistency reliability and patterns of correlations reflecting convergent and discriminant validity. Although such criteria are appropriate for measures to assess individual differences, they are insufficient when the measures will be used for intervention studies. Researchers may need to develop new measures that are tailored for experimental studies if existing measures are valid mainly for the assessment of individual differences. In this first portion of a two‐part article, three of seven factors to consider in selecting an outcome measure for an intervention study are outlined and recommendations for application of principles of reliability and validity in the context of sensitivity to change are given.
Outcomes of specialized and traditional AIDS counseling programs for impoverished women of color
Authors: Nyamathi Adeline M. , Leake Barbara , Flaskerud Jacquelyn , Lewis Charles , Bennett Crystal
Published: April 2007

The efficacy and differential effects of specialized (S) and traditional (T) AIDS education programs on cognitive, behavioral, and psychological outcomes were investigated. The sample consisted of 858 impoverished African‐American and Latina women (S = 448, T = 410). At baseline, women in the traditional group reported significantly higher distress, greater knowledge of AIDS, and less problem‐focused coping. Significant improvements over the 2‐week intervention interval were found for participants of both AIDS education programs for appraisal of threat, concerns, knowledge, and attitudes about AIDS, emotion‐focused coping, number of sexual partners, IV and non‐IV drug use, depression, and distress. However, multivariate analysis indicated that the traditional group had slightly better posttest scores on concerns, emotionfocused coping, knowledge of AIDS, and number of partners than the specialized group. The specialized group reported greater use of problem‐focused coping. These differences do not detract from the substantial improvement found for both groups, but they do reinforce the conclusion that the specialized program was not more effective than its standard counterpart. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Maternal employment, family functioning, and preterm infant development at 9 and 12 months
Authors: Youngblut Joanne M. , Loveland‐Cherry Carol J. , Horan Mary
Published: April 2007

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of maternal employment on child development and family functioning for families with preterm infants. Data were collected in the family's home (N = 67) when the infant was 3,9, and 12 months of age. Maternal employment at 3 months had little effect on 9‐ and 12‐month child mental or psychomotor development or on family cohesion, adaptability, or satisfaction. Maternal employment attitude/behavior consistency was a significant predictor of psychomotor development. Choice in the employment decision at 3 months was positively related to both mental and psychomotor development at 9 and 12 months for nonemployed mothers. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Everyday indicators of impaired cognition: Development of a new screening scale
Authors: Algase Donna L. , Beel‐Bates Cynthia A.
Published: April 2007

Development of the Everyday Indicators of Impaired Cognition (EIIC) Scale to assess nursing home residents for performance errors in four domains of cognitive functioning is reported. The EIIC had strong content validity, with indices ranging from 0.7 to 1.0. Factor analyses of data from two independent samples (N = 198, N = 107) confirmed four factors: abstract thinking, judgment, language, and spatial skills. Cronbach's alpha for subscales ranged from 0.67 to 0.92; testretest reliabilities ranged from 0.49 to 0.80 with higher reliabilities occurring when time of retest matched time of original testing. Overall EIIC scores correlated to the short Memory‐Orientation‐Concentration (MOC) test and the Mini‐Mental Status Examination (MMSE) at values supporting convergent validity (r = 0.67 and −0.74, respectively). Evidence for divergent validity is a small, negative, nonsignificant correlations (r = −0.15, −0.18) of the EIIC at Times 1 and 2 to the Bradburn Affect Balance Scale. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The erosion of nursing resources: Employee withdrawal behaviors
Authors: Wise Lowell C.
Published: April 2007

A 5‐year retrospective cohort study of 404 nurses hired during a 2‐year period in five hospitals was conducted in order to explore withdrawal behavior exhibited by 76% of them. Three with‐drawal behaviors were examined and compared: turnover, absenteeism, and systematic reduction in participation (reduced work schedules). In two separate regressions, systematic reduction in participation (SRP) and turnover were each regressed on absenteeism, after controlling for six organizational and demographic variables. The relationship between absenteeism and each of the other two behaviors was significant, but opposite in effect. Systematic reduction in participation was found to be an important source of nursing resource loss in some, but not all, hospitals. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Nursing intervention studies require outcome measures that are sensitive to change: Part two
Authors: Stewart Barbara J. , Archbold Patricia G.
Published: April 2007

This article is the second and concluding part of a discussion of the importance of sensitivity to change in selecting an outcome measure for a study evaluating a nursing intervention. In Part One of the discussion, (Stewart & Archbold, 1992) the relative lack of attention to measurement sensitivity in the nursing and measurement literature was described. Three factors to consider in selecting an outcome measure for an intervention study were reviewed: the conceptual link between the intervention and the outcome variable, the extent to which the outcome variable is amenable to change, and content validity. In Part Two, four additional factors are discussed: construct validity, distribution of scores on the outcome measure, reliability, and correlational stability over time. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The role of support surfaces and patient attributes in preventing pressure ulcers in elderly patients
Authors: Kemp Mildred G. , Kopanke Daniel , Tordecilla Lydia , Fogg Louis , Shott Susan , Matthiesen Valerie , Johnson Bethsheba
Published: April 2007

Nurses caring for elderly patients often need to select support surfaces that reduce the likelihood of pressure ulcers, but there is little information about the effectiveness of different support surfaces. This randomized trial compared two support surfaces and investigated patient attributes related to the risk of developing a pressure ulcer. Eighty‐four elderly patients were nursed on a convoluted or solid foam overlay and assessed three times a week for pressure ulcers. Stepwise Cox proportional hazards regression revealed a statistically significant relationship between the risk of developing a pressure ulcer and the variables mobility and type of support surface. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Psychosocial predictors of consumption of sweets following smoking cessation
Authors: Winkelstein Marilyn L. , Feldman Robert H. L.
Published: April 2007

The use of a theoretical model to predict consumption of sweet‐tasting high‐calorie foods following smoking cessation was investigated. The model included eight predictors: habit, intention, attitudes, subjective norms, self‐efficacy, perceived barriers, social support, and smoking cessation. One hundred and fourteen individuals completed pre‐ and postquestionnaires and made pre‐ and postsnack choices at smoking cessation programs. Pretest consumption of sweets (habit), pretest intention to avoid eating sweets, and posttest smoking status explained 42% of posttest consumption of sweets. Ex‐smokers reported eating more sweets and chose more sweet snacks than did subjects who continued to smoke. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.