bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Attentional fatigue following breast cancer surgery
Authors: Cimprich Bernadine 
Published: April 2007

AbstractAttentional fatigue usually follows intense use of mental effort and is manifested as a decreased capacity to concentrate, that is, to direct attention. The purpose of this study was to examine the capacity to direct attention in persons with cancer during the initial phase of illness. The sample consisted of 32 women without cognitive or affective disorders who underwent surgery for localized (Stage I or II) breast cancer. Subjects manifested attentional deficits of varying intensity on a battery of tests of directed attention on the day before discharge from the hospital, which was a mean of 3 days following mastectomy or breast conservation surgery. Unexpectedly, the two surgical groups did not differ significantly in attentional capacity and functioning. Attentional test scores were not significantly correlated with narcotic pain medication interval, mood state, or self‐ratings of attentional functioning. However, as number of days postsurgery increased, attentional performance decreased. The theoretical basis for further examination of attentional fatigue in people with cancer or other life‐threatening illnesses is discussed.
Parental and family well‐being in families of children with down syndrome: A comparative study
Authors: Van Riper Marcia , Ryff Carol , Pridham Karen 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a child with Down syndrome on the individual functioning of both parents, marital functioning, and family functioning. Thirtyfour families of children with Down syndrome were compared to 41 families with nondisabled children. Mothers and fathers in both groups completed a series of self‐report measures. No significant differences were obtained between the two groups of families on any of the measures of individual, marital, or family functioning. The results of this study support a competence model in which parents may respond to the challenges associated with parenting a child with Down syndrome with resilience and adaptive functioning.
The stress response of mothers and fathers of preterm infants
Authors: Miles Margaret Shandor , Funk Sandra G. , Kasper Mary Ann 
Published: April 2007

AbstractDifferences in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) environmental stress, uncertainty, and anxiety of 23 mothers and fathers (couples) whose premature infants were hospitalized in an NICU were explored. Alterations in the parental role were found to be stressful for both mothers and fathers, with mothers reporting significantly greater stress in this area than did fathers. Stress and uncertainty decreased significantly over time. Mothers and fathers did not differ in level of anxiety. Findings suggest that both mothers and fathers are distressed by the admission of a premature to an NICU; however, mothers may be more distressed by certain aspects of the experience.
The organizational environments and services of VNAs and hospital‐based home health care agencies
Authors: Burman Mary E. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractVisiting Nurse Associations (VNAs) and hospital‐based home health care agencies (HBHHAs) were used to explore the impact of organizational environments on agency services. Disproportionate stratified random sampling, based on type and region of agency, was used to select the agencies. Seventy‐three percent (120 HBHHAs and 156 VNAs) responded to the mail survey. Differences were found in the environments of the two types of agencies in funding and referral sources, amount of competition, accreditation by external bodies, and involvement in professional organizations. In terms of services, HBHHAs provided more types of high‐tech services and were more likely to use external arrangements to provide services than VNAs. The organizational environment did have an impact on agency services. Medicare funding and referral sources, as environmental factors, had an impact on agency services.
Patient perceptions of quality of life after coronary artery surgery: Was it worth it?
Authors: King Kathleen B. , Porter Laura A. , Norsen Lisa H. , Reis Harry T. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractQuality of life and perceptions of the consequences of surgery were examined in 155 individuals having coronary bypass surgery. One year after surgery, subjects believing surgery was worth it because of functional improvement (n = 64) had more positive scores on subjective indicators of life satisfaction and mood than those believing surgery was worth it because it saved them from death (n = 62) or those who were not sure surgery was worth it (n = 23). Differences in perceptions of quality of life between the two groups who believed surgery was worth it are discussed in terms of focus of attention. Individuals who perceive improved functional ability may focus on concrete outcomes of surgery, whereas those who interpret the benefit of surgery in light of the alternative of death may focus their attention on affective aspects of recovery. Findings emphasize the need for using a multidimensional approach to studying quality of life.
Self‐report of indifference and anxiety among persons with right hemisphere stroke
Authors: Williams Anne M. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractA sample of persons with a single ischemic cerebral stroke was used to elucidate and quantify the indifference associated with right hemisphere stroke. Seven persons with right hemisphere stroke were compared with 10 persons with left hemisphere stroke on two aspects of indifference (social indifference and lack of anxiety). Persons with right hemisphere stroke reported themselves as being substantially less anxious (p = 0.025) and somewhat more socially indifferent (p = 0.081) than did those with left hemisphere stroke. Lack of appropriate anxiety may contribute to the clinical descriptions of indifference, failure to make expected recovery, and difficulty in relationships with others.
An emerging paradigm for the investigation of spirituality in nursing
Authors: Reed Pamela G. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractA paradigm is presented as a perspective for the investigation of spirituality in nursing. Elements in the paradigm include assumptions about the self‐transcendent nature of human beings as derived from the developmental‐contextual worldview, a description of spirituality in terms of various forms of connectedness integral to human development and health, and assumptions about the empirical and multidimensional nature of spirituality. Extant sources of conceptual, empirical, and clinical knowledge are utilized to support the ideas put forth in the emerging paradigm. It is concluded that the study of spirituality from the perspective of the paradigm would entail examination of the multiple expressions of connectedness intrapersonally, interpersonally, and transpersonally as related to human health and well‐being.
Assessment of discomfort in advanced Alzheimer patients
Authors: Hurley Ann C. , Volicer Beverly J. , Hanrahan Patricia A. , Houde Susan , Volicer Ladislav 
Published: April 2007

AbstractAn objective scale for measuring discomfort in noncommunicative patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease was empirically generated from the perspectives of nursing staff practicing on special care Alzheimer units and was judged to have content validity. On the basis of a pilot test, the discomfort scale was reduced to nine items. Quantifiable scoring procedures and a rater training program were developed. The scale (DS‐DAT) was tested longitudinally for 6 months with 82 subjects at two sites. Psychometric properties, measurement issues, and recommendations for use in practice and research are discussed.
Focus on psychometrics confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) as a method to assess measurement equivalence
Authors: Stommel Manfred , Wang Sping , Given Charles W. , Given Barbara 
Published: April 2007

AbstractEmploying the example of a multidimensional caregiver reaction scale, the use of confirmatory factor analysis techniques to establish measurement equivalence across comparison groups is discussed. The discussion is organized around the key concept of factorial invariance which provides the yardstick for assessing measurement equivalence.
Meta‐analysis of diabetes patient education research: Variations in intervention effects across studies
Authors: Brown Sharon A. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractData from a previously reported meta‐analysis of diabetes patient education literature were reanalyzed to determine the influence of study /subject characteristics, such as study quality and age of subjects, on patient outcomes. Patient knowledge and self‐management skills, weight loss, glycosylated hemoglobin levels, and psychological outcomes were analyzed as outcome variables. Seventy‐three relevant published and unpublished studies were located. Patient education appeared to be more effective in younger patients, particularly for the knowledge outcome. For all patients, glycosylated hemoglobin levels improved between 1 and 6 months postintervention, but decreased to 1‐month levels after 6 months. Length of the educational intervention did not appear to influence outcomes. More rigorous, experimental research designs tended to produce more conservative effect size estimates. Implications for diabetes patient education are discussed.
Women's perceptions of cesarean and vaginal delivery: Another look
Authors: Fawcett Jacqueline , Pollio Norma , Tully Ann 
Published: April 2007

AbstractPerception of the birth experience was examined in a sample of 106 women who had unplanned cesarean deliveries, 113 who had planned cesarean deliveries, and 254 who had vaginal deliveries. Vaginally delivered women had more positive perceptions than their unplanned cesarean counterparts (p < 0.001). There were no differences in perceptions between the unplanned and planned cesarean groups, or between the planned cesarean and vaginal groups. General anesthesia for cesarean delivery was associated with more negative perceptions than regional anesthesia, and regional anesthesia for vaginal delivery was associated with more negative perceptions than no or local anesthesia. Pain intensity and physical distress were negatively correlated with perceptions.
Developing the construct of role integration: A narrative analysis of women clerical workers' daily lives
Authors: Hall Joanne M. , Stevens Patricia E. , Meleis Afaf Ibrahim 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThere is a gap in nurses' knowledge about how women integrate their multiple roles on a daily basis amidst the economic, social, political, and cultural contingencies of their environments. Quantitative results from a triangulated study of work, maternal, and spousal role experiences of 87 women clerical workers from five ethnic/racial groups indicated that role integration was important in predicting health outcomes. This prior work is extended in this article with an in‐depth secondary analysis of the qualitative interview data from the same study to develop a theoretical understanding of the construct of role integration. Using techniques of narrative analysis, a theoretical framework was derived to identify and relate aspects, processes, and patterns of role integration as they are experienced in women's everyday lives. Concepts are identified, defined, and visually represented, propositions are elaborated, and implications for further research and practice are suggested.
Integration of biological and nursing sciences: A 10‐year plan to enhance research and training
Authors: Cowan Marie J. , Heinrich Janet , Lucas Mary , Sigmon Hilary , Hinshaw Ada Sue 
Published: April 2007

AbstractA proposed multiyear plan of funding mechanisms by the National Center for Nursing Research (NCNR) to increase the use of biological theory and measurements in nursing research has been developed for both research training and research programs. The objectives of the research training programs are (a) to develop a cadre of nurse scientists with solid research training in the biological sciences, (b) to upgrade to state‐of‐the‐art biological research for midcareer nurse scientists, and (c) to ensure adequate highly trained biological‐nurse manpower will be available to accomplish the nation's nursing research agenda. The objectives of the research programs are (a) to stimulate nurse scientists to undertake novel, innovative research using state‐of‐the‐art biological technology, (b) to link the behavioral and biological underpinnings of nursing science in specified areas of biomedical clinical research, and (c) to ensure that, in the coming decade, nursing science and behavioral research will be inextricably interwoven with biological research. The research training programs include: targeted predoctoral‐postdoctoral transitional training, targeted predoctoral or postdoctoral fellowships, training awards for existing institutional training grants in other disciplines, mid‐career awards, the Nurse Scientist award, and institutional training grants for biological nursing. The research programs include: small grants programs, augmentation of existing projects in other Institutes, Requests For Applications (RFA) in biobehavioral nursing, cluster studies, and clinical trials. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Health consequences of loneliness in adolescents
Authors: Mahon Noreen E. , Yarcheski Adela , Yarcheski Thomas J. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to test a causal model developed from a theoretical formulation of the health consequences of loneliness in adolescents. The sample consisted of 325 adolescents, ages 12 to 21. Data were obtained in classroom settings on the variables of age, gender, and loneliness on one testing date; and on the variables of introspectiveness, symptom patterns, and perceived health status on another testing date 1 week later. The causal model was tested via the LISREL 7 program. By all indicators used in this study, there was a very good fit of the overidentified model with the data, the causal relationships predicted in the model were correctly specified, and modification of the model was not indicated. The results indicated that loneliness contributed to introspectiveness, that both loneliness and introspectiveness contributed to the reporting of symptom patterns, and that all of the aforementioned variables contributed directly and/or indirectly to a less positive perception of health status among adolescents. A vast majority of the direct and indirect effects of age and gender predicted on other variables in the model were supported. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Predictors of partner relationships during pregnancy and infancy
Authors: Mercer Ramona T. , Ferketich Sandra L. , Dejoseph Jeanne F. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe partner relationship of 153 women hospitalized for a high‐risk pregnancy, 75 of their partners, 218 women who experienced a low‐risk pregnancy and 147 of their partners was studied to determine risk‐status or gender differences at pregnancy, the postpartal hospitalization, 1, 4, and 8 months following birth. A theoretical causal model predicting partner relationships was tested, followed by model respecification to derive the best explanatory model for each group. No differences were observed between low‐ and high‐risk mothers' partner relationship; however, high‐risk fathers scored lower than low‐risk fathers. Partner relationships for all groups were significantly higher during pregnancy and at birth than at 4 and 8 months after birth. Respecified models explained from 26% to 63% of the variance in partner relationship during pregnancy, and from 31% to 52% at 8 months after birth. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Cerebral palsy: Evaluation of a model of risk
Authors: Polivka Barbara J. , Nickel Jennie T. , Wilkins J. R. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to assess a model of risk for cerebral palsy (CP) in preschool children. The research was structured as a retrospective case‐control study in which cases (n ‐ 112) were children with CP while controls (n = 153) were either friend referrals or populationbased. Data were collected via structured telephone interviews. While significant associations with CP were found on univariate analyses for a number of variables, only four variables–birth weight/gestational age, 5‐min APGAR, medication for miscarriage, and urinary tract infection during pregnancy–were found predictive in multivariate analysis. These variables accounted for 36% of the log‐likelihood explained by the model. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The relationship between physical health and psychological well‐being in elderly women: A developmental perspective
Authors: Heidrich Susan M. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractLittle is known about the physical health and psychological well‐being of very old women, although they are one of the fastest growing segments of the population. The relationships among physical health, psychological well‐being, and age were investigated using a developmental perspective and a multidimensional approach to the assessment of psychological wellbeing. Two hundred and forty‐three elderly women completed multiple self‐report measures of physical health status and psychological well‐being. Multiple regression analyses indicated that older age was related to lower levels of purpose in life, personal growth, and positive relationships. Poor health, regardless of age, was associated with more depression and anxiety and lower levels of positive relationships and autonomy. Implications for the nursing care of elderly women are discussed. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Relationships among selected antecedent variables and coping effectiveness in postmyocardial infarction patients
Authors: Bennett Susan J. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractSelected theoretical relationships from Lazarus' (1966) model of stress were tested in a convenience sample of 81 postmyocardial infarction clients. Two hypothesized causal models were analyzed. Results from regression analyses indicated 63% of the variance in coping effectiveness was explained by marital status, length of time since hospitalization, perceived availability of social support, uncertainty, degree of threat, coping strategies, and emotions. A revised model that fit the data was proposed. Findings indicated that emotions were an outcome of threat, not coping; threat did not directly affect coping strategies; and coping strategies did not directly influence coping effectiveness. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Guidelines for using psychometric consultants in nursing studies
Authors: Davis Linda Lindsey , Grant Joan S. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractConsultation for measurement issues is an increasingly common expectation for many studies, yet there are few published guidelines on the use of psychometric consultants. The role of the psychometrician as research consultant is discussed and questions commonly asked of these measurement experts are identified. Consultation when selecting, revising, and developing data collection instruments is explored. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Effects of a procedural/belief intervention on breast self‐examination performance
Authors: Champion Victoria , Scott Catherine 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to test the effect of a theoretically based nurse‐delivered intervention on BSE behavior. A 2 × 2 prospective, randomized, factorial design yielded four groups: control, belief intervention, procedural intervention, and procedural/belief intervention. A total of 301 women were randomly selected from a target population. One year following intervention, significant differences in self‐reported proficiency, observer‐rated proficiency, and sensitivity (lump detection) were found between the Procedural and Control Group and the Procedural/Belief and Control Group. Significant increases were found on observer‐rated proficiency and sensitivity for the Procedural/Belief Group when compared to the Belief Group. In addition, a significant increase was found in the Procedural/Belief Group on nodule detection, when compared to the Procedural Group alone. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Effect of warm and cold applications on the resolution of IV infiltrations
Authors: Hastings‐Tolsma Marie T. , Yucha Carolyn B. , Tompkins Joy , Robson Linda , Szeverenyi Nikolaus 
Published: April 2007

AbstractDifferences in pain intensity, surface area measurements of induration and erythema, and interstitial fluid volume when warm versus cold applications were randomly made to an intentional intravenous infiltrate of 5 mL of a designated solution were examined. Three solutions were used: 0.5 saline (154 mOsm), normal saline (308 mOsm), and 3% saline (1027 mOsm). Differences in volume were determined by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at three intervals postinfiltration. The sample was 18 healthy adults between 20 and 45 years. There was no difference in remaining infiltrate when 0.5 saline or normal saline were used, but a significant (p < 0.001) difference was found with 3% saline. For all solutions there was a significant (p < 0.001) difference in the volume of infiltrate remaining when warmth was applied and this effect held across MRI readings and solutions. Pain intensity did not differ by treatment but a significant (p < 0.005) difference was found by solution, with 3% saline producing the greatest difference. Erythema was absent with all solutions. Surface induration was affected by solution and decreased over time (p = 0.001). There was no effect of warmth or cold on surface area induration. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Themes of loss and dying in caring for a family member with AIDS
Authors: Brown Marie Annette , Powell‐Cope Gail 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe study purpose was to provide an in‐depth description of experiences associated with loss and dying among AIDS family caregivers. Grounded theory provided the methodological framework for data collection and analysis. In‐depth interviews were conducted with 53 family caregivers of persons with AIDS and included individuals from family of origin and family of choice. Living with loss and dying was identified as a major substantive category and was further explicated in two subcategories: facing loss and transformed time. Common strategies of caregivers included taking one day at a time, living fully in the present, and actualizing future dreams. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Variables related to caregiver behaviors with cognitively impaired elders in institutional settings
Authors: Burgener Sandy C. , Shimer Rosemary 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to identify variables that might influence the behaviors of institutional caregivers when they interact with institutionalized, cognitively impaired elders. Independent variables included type of care situation, type of institution and nursing unit, and selected characteristics of both the caregiver and elder. The care situation was found to have a significant effect on caregiver behaviors. Caregiver characteristics of knowledge of dementia, experience in working with demented elders, and total years of education were significantly related to several caregiver behaviors. Elder characteristics of years of education, number of diagnoses, time on the nursing unit, age, self‐care ability, and extent of dementia were related to several caregiver behaviors. Caregiver behaviors did not vary by the elder's gender. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.