bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Socioeconomic and Psychological Factors Predicting Health-Related Quality of Life among Primary Caregivers of Cancer Patients in Kakamega County
Authors: Odeny Hellen A. , Arudo John O. , Psusma Tecla S. 
Published: April 2024

Context: Primary caregivers of cancer patients often suffer from impaired Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) due to stress arising from the responsibility of caregiving. Most studies conducted in Western populations have shown that increased caregiving burden was related to decreased mental and physical health and premature mortality among family caregivers. Therefore, the findings of those studies may not be directly applicable to the Kenyan population, especially Western Kenya, which has a different socio-cultural and ethnic background.
Aim: This study sought to determine socioeconomic and psychological factors predicting the health-related quality of life among primary caregivers of cancer patients in Kakamega County.
Methods: This was an institutional-based cross-sectional analytical study design. Kakamega County Referral Hospital was purposively sampled as it has a hospital with a western region cancer center. The sampling unit was caregivers of cancer patients seen in the hospital. The caregivers were systematically and randomly sampled from a list drawn from the Cancer Centre register of cancer patients, where the caregivers are captured as their treatment supporters, and each cancer patient is expected to have a caregiver. The sample size was 422 primary caregivers after calculation. The data collection tool was contracted from a QOL questionnaire, such as WHOQoL-BREF, developed to measure both objective and subjective dimensions of QOL, Personal Wellbeing scale, Herth Hope Index, and PHQ9/GAD-7 to assess psychological-related factors, which are more sensitive and have wider applicability.
Results: Socioeconomic factors such as gender (p=0.007), type of area of residence (p=0.004), income in KSh (p=0.01), and number of rooms (p=0.0005) are significantly associated with perceived quality of life. Psychological-related factors like depression (p=0.001) and anxiety (p=0.002) are significantly associated with perceived quality of life.
Conclusion: The study concluded that socioeconomic and psychological factors of primary caregivers of cancer patients can predict the health-related quality of life of those caregivers. The study recommends that financial charges for cancer management be subsided as this could relieve caregivers' financial burden. Other family members should support primary caregivers financially and psychologically to ease the burden of the primary caregiver. Psychosocial support group networks should be established for caregivers through multiple communication channels, thereby reducing the mental and psychological burden experienced by caregivers.
Explore the Performance and Attitude of Newly Registered Nurses Regarding Breast Cancer Screening in Al-Jouf Hospitals, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Quantitative Study
Authors: Alruwaili Samiyah O. M. , Ali Laila A. H. 
Published: April 2024

Context: Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer worldwide, but survival rates are still poor in poorer nations. Early diagnosis and screening are key tactics for early detection. Still, the timeframes for screening may not apply to nations like Saudi Arabia, where awareness is low and patients arrive with metastatic breast cancer.
Aim: To evaluate the performance and attitudes regarding breast cancer screening among newly registered nurses at different hospitals in AlـJouf, Saudi Arabia.
Methods: The study used a cross-sectional design on a convenient sample of 169 newly registered nurses working at Medical-Surgical Departments at Al-Jouf Hospitals in Saudi Arabia. A structured interview questionnaire collects data regarding nurses' performance and attitudes toward breast cancer screening.
Results: The participants' total knowledge of breast cancer reveals that 62.1% of the nurses had a fair knowledge level. The participants’ attitude shows a negative attitude towards breast cancer screening and self-examination among 76.92% of nurses. On the one hand, the newly registered nurses' performance of breast self-examination reveals that 84.7% answered incorrectly about the correct frequency of breast self-examination, 83.9% answered incorrectly about the best time for breast self-examination, and 82.2% answered they had not taught breast self-examination. On the other hand, 87.7% correctly answered the practice of breast self-examination, and 85.8% correctly identified the benefits of breast self-examination. The study also reveals a statistically significant positive correlation between participants' knowledge and attitude toward breast cancer screening and self-examination (p=0.028). Years of experience (p=0.003) and working hospital (p=0.027) were identified as statistically significantly positively correlated with nurses' attitudes toward breast cancer screening and breast self-examination.
Conclusion: The study concluded that the highest percentage of the newly registered nurses exhibit fair knowledge and negative attitudes towards breast cancer, breast cancer screening, and breast self-examination. Also, more than three-quarters of the studied nurses answered incorrect questions about the frequency and timing of breast self-examination. The study's result emphasizes the necessity of providing newly registered nurses with further training and education regarding breast cancer screening. It is crucial to raise their understanding of the risk factors, symptoms, and suitable screening techniques for breast cancer, such as mammography, clinical breast examination (CBE), and breast self-examination (BSE). Assisting in the early detection of breast cancer will enable patients to have a better prognosis and survival rate.
Outcomes of COVID-19 on Patients with Cancer: A Scoping Review
Authors: Alrehaili Amjad A. , Sofar Samah M. , Wazqar Duha Y. 
Published: April 2024

Context: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an unprecedented global health crisis. Among the most vulnerable populations during this pandemic are patients with cancer, who face a double burden of navigating their underlying malignancy and the added risks posed by COVID-19. Understanding the unique challenges and consequences of COVID-19 in cancer patients has become a critical area of investigation.
Aim: The current scoping review aims to summarize the impact of COVID-19 infection on the outcomes in patients with cancer.
Methods: The literature search was conducted in the following electronic databases: PubMed, MEDLINE, and EBSCOhost. In addition, a Google Scholar search was conducted to explore gray literature. The reference lists of the selected studies were manually checked to find any further related articles. Ten studies were retrieved to assess the outcomes of COVID-19 in patients with cancer.
Results: The current scoping review categorized the retrieved studies into three main themes. The first theme is the COVID-19-associated complications in patients with cancer; the second theme is the COVID-19-associated severity in patients with cancer; and the third theme is the COVID-19-associated clinical outcomes among patients with cancer. The initial search identified a total of 1650 articles. After eliminating duplicates, 1023 articles remained. Following stringent inclusion and exclusion criteria, 849 articles were excluded, leaving 174 articles for further examination. The researcher conducted a thorough manual screening of titles, abstracts, and full texts to retrieve only the relevant articles. Consequently, 164 articles were excluded, and 10 Full-text articles were included to explore the impact of COVID-19 infection on the outcomes of patients with cancer.
Conclusion: Patients with cancer are a high-risk group for COVID-19 infection. They are more prone to having a severe form of COVID-19 infection. Moreover, ARDS is the most frequent complication of COVID-19 among patients with cancer. In addition, hospitalization, intensive care unit admission, oxygen support, and mechanical ventilation are all increased in patients with cancer infected with COVID-19.
Authentic Leadership and its Influence on Job Embeddedness among Staff Nurses
Authors: El Sayed Samah M. , Khaled Azza El. M. 
Published: April 2024

Context: A novel style of leadership known as "authentic leadership" involves leaders presenting how effectively a person is socially integrated inside their organization, fostering sincere relationships, and operating from an ethical base. Additionally affect the employee’s embeddings at work. Job embeddedness is the joint force that keeps an individual from leaving.
Aim: The study aimed to assess authentic leadership and its influence on job embeddedness among staff nurses.
Methods: A correlational descriptive design was employed to carry out this study at Ain Shams University Hospital on a random sample of 185 staff nurses out of 310 eligible to participate in this study. Two tools were utilized in this study: The Authentic Leadership Inventory and the Job Embeddedness Scale.
Results: reveal that 61% of studied nurses had a low total perception level of authentic leadership, and 50% had a high total level of job embeddedness.
Conclusion: A highly statistically significant negative correlation was shown between total staff nurses’ perception level of authentic leadership and job embeddedness. Managers should provide flexibility to staff nurses to keep them motivated and more productive. Nurse managers should meet with nurses frequently to hear about and address their concerns and to communicate their feelings.
The Influence of HIV/AIDS Care and Support Services Accessibility on Utilization among HIV Infected Adults in Baringo County, Kenya
Authors: Otara Danvas N. , Chebor Alex K. , Raballah Evans 
Published: April 2024

Context: Globally, efforts are being made to end the HIV/AIDS pandemic and improve the general health of people living with HIV/AIDS through continuous access to care and support services. However, the incidence of dropouts from utilization of HIV care and support services is rising among the HIV-positive clients enrolled in comprehensive care clinics in Baringo County for unidentified reasons. As a result, recognizing the opportunities and challenges in low-resourced communities that must be overcome to promote greater access to care and treatment will influence higher utilization.
Aim: This study evaluates the influence of accessibility of HIV/AIDS care and support services on the utilization of HIV-infected adults in Baringo County.
Methods: The study was conducted in Baringo County HIV comprehensive care centers. An analytical cross-sectional study design was used with 580 participants recruited. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain data.
Results: Support from social services (p<0.0001), less frequent visits to clinics less than one month (p<0.0001), access to treatment interventions (p<0.0001), and easily accessible information (p <0.0001) were among the factors associated with good accessibility to HIV services, according to bivariate analysis. Conversely, being an atheist (p<0.006), residing in rural areas (p ≤0.0006), difficulty accessing services (p≤0.0001), and getting to another town (p < 0.03) or getting to another county (p ≤0.0004) were linked to inadequate access to HIV/AIDS care and support services.
Conclusion: The findings show that the efforts to support clients' access to HIV/AIDS care and support services should be made in response to their individual needs and consideration of geographical location. Besides, individualized HIV/AIDS services access depends on the support provided, where they are located, easily accessible information about the services, and how frequently they are provided. In contrast, living in rural areas, seeking services in a different town, feeling ashamed to visit clinics, and having a lower CD4 count were all associated with poor accessibility and utilization of HIV/AIDS care and support services. Consequently, it is necessary to establish support initiatives to address any of these access issues that particular clients might have.
Institutional Factors Influencing Self-Directed Learning Readiness among Nursing Students in Medical Training Colleges in Siaya County, Kenya
Authors: Abiri Moses J. , Ochanda Damaris A. , Kaniaru David K. 
Published: April 2024

Context: Self-directed learning (SDL) is a prominent pedagogical approach in nursing education. The success of self-directed learning hinges upon an individual's readiness, which is influenced by the complexity of factors. Self-directed learning readiness represents an individual's capacity and willingness to take charge of their learning journey. Evaluating factors influencing self-directed learning readiness is pivotal for educational planning, aiding in selecting appropriate instructional methods tailored to students' academic strengths and weaknesses.
Aim: The study aimed to investigate institutional factors influencing self-directed learning readiness among nursing students in Medical Training Colleges in Siaya County
Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study design was adopted. The study was conducted among 404 nursing students in the Bondo and Siaya campuses of Kenya Medical Training College. Data on socio-demographics and institutional factors were collected using a self-administered questionnaire, and individuals' readiness was measured using Fisher's self-directed learning readiness scale.
Results: The majority of the students were female (67.1% n=271) compared to males (32.9% n=133), and overall, the self-directed learning readiness level among both of them was high among 73.5% of the studied students, with a mean score of 157.2. Notably, institutional factors that significantly influenced self-directed learning readiness were access to the institution's internet connectivity (OR=0.635; 95% CI=0.407-0.991; p=0.046) and self-directed learning mentorship (OR=0.402; 95% CI=0.213-0.76; p=0.005).
Conclusion: Access to internet connectivity and self-directed learning mentorship are crucial institutional factors significantly influencing self-directed learning readiness among nursing students. This study recommends strengthening mentorship strategies for self-directed learning and providing reliable internet connectivity to students at all times to enhance their readiness to learn.
Factors Influencing Nurse Interns’ Competence in Physical Assessment for Adult Patients
Authors: Kiplagat Nelly J. , Ochanda Damaris , Kipmerewo Mary 
Published: April 2024

Context: Physical assessment is essential to the overall health assessment, constituting the nursing process's first phase. The physical assessment competence of nurse interns has been observed as insufficient in evaluating and solving patients' health problems in the clinical environment. This insufficiency has negatively influenced their ability to make better clinical decisions for patients, thus contributing to poor quality of patient care.
Aim: To investigate factors influencing nurse interns' competence in physical assessment for adult patients.
Methods: Cross-sectional analytical research design guided the conduct of the study. The sample comprised 117 nurse interns in health facilities in the Western region of Kenya. Data collection was done using a self-administered questionnaire and health assessment observation checklist. The study was done in level 5 and 6 referral hospitals in the Western region of Kenya, covering the former Western, Nyanza, and Rift-valley provinces. These comprised Kericho, Nakuru, Kitale, Kakamega, Bungoma, and Kisii County Referral hospitals; Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospitals.
Results: The overall assessment showed that 35% (n=41) of nurse interns were competent in physical assessment with a score of 90% and above in physical assessment skills, while 65% (n=76) were not competent. Factors that were statistically associated with higher competence scores (≥ 90%) included the year of completion between 2016 – 2019 (OR: 3.1; 95% CI [1.1-8.5]; p=0.02), longer internship period between 9–12 months (OR: 0.2; 95% CI [0.1-0.5]; p=0.0002), more than seven months previous clinical experience before internship (OR: 0.4; 95% CI [0.2-1.0]; p=0.05), self-confidence in performing physical assessment accurately (OR: 4.5; 95% CI [1.9-10.5]; p=0.003) and motivation to learn more and perform physical assessment (OR: 0.4; 95% CI [0.2-1.0]; p= 0.042).
Conclusion: Nurse interns' competence in physical assessment skills is low, as shown by around one-third of study participants achieving a 90% and above score. Key factors that influence physical assessment competence are the year of completion, a longer period of internship, previous clinical experience before internship, self-confidence in performing physical assessment accurately, and motivation of nurse interns to learn more and perform physical assessment. The study recommends that nurse training institutions emphasize theoretical and practical sessions of physical assessment skills to enhance the competence and confidence of student nurses in physical assessment before the internship.
The Effect of Environmental Factors on Depression
Authors: Kantipudi Viraj 
Published: April 2024

This article delves into the complex effect of environmental factors on depression, shining light onto the multifaceted nature of this mental health condition. By knowing the interaction among genetics, race, poverty, schooling, substance abuse, bodily interest, and the extraordinary hazard posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, we benefit from precious insights into how those elements contribute to the improvement and exacerbation of despair.
Genetic predisposition to melancholy is explored, highlighting how genetic variations can boost vulnerability to depression. Racial and ethnic disparities in melancholy occurrence emphasize the effect of cultural and societal factors. The correlation between poverty and depression is examined, showcasing the bidirectional relationship and the role of socioeconomic stressors. The role of education as a defensive aspect in opposition to melancholy. The relationship among substance abuse and depression is dissected and the effect of physical activity on depression is discussed.
Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic's global effect on depression is analyzed, revealing how elements of worry, isolation, disrupted workouts, and economic instability have contributed to a surge in melancholy rates. Despite those situations, there may be growing popularity of the importance of physical fitness, as stigma diminishes knowing how the complicated interplay among environmental factors and depression is crucial for effective mental health guidance. Ongoing research and targeted interventions are necessary to mitigate the dangers of depression and enhance typical well-being. As society strives for better mental health, addressing these environmental elements will become a vital step toward that purpose.
O USO DE HIDROQUINONA PARA TRATAR MELASMA E SUA RELAÇÃO COM A OCRONOSE EXÓGENA
Authors: Paloma de Souza Araújo Yara , De Lima Barbosa Isabela , Soares da Silva Braga Jessica 
Published: April 2024

As hipermelanoses são enfermidades que acometem os tecidos da derme e epiderme e se caracterizam pela capacidade de alteração na pigmentação da pele. Os recorrentes números dessas alterações levaram ao aumento da produção de cosméticos com funções clareadoras. A hidroquinona é um composto fenólico, amplamente utilizado na indústria alimentícia como antioxidante e na indústria cosmética e dermatológica, devido às suas propriedades despigmentantes. No entanto, diversos estudos têm levantado preocupações sobre sua segurança e efeitos adversos, como a ocronose exógena. A ocronose exógena é uma condição dermatológica caracterizada pela hiperpigmentação negro-azulada fuliginosa, localizada na região onde foi aplicado o agente causador, como o uso prolongado e inadequado da hidroquinona. A exposição crônica a altas concentrações dessa substância pode levar ao acúmulo desta nos tecidos, resultando em danos irreversíveis à pele e à cartilagem. Desta forma, ressalta-se a importância do controle referente ao uso sem acompanhamento profissional dessa substância.
Effect of Advertising Strategy on Performance of Construction Material Manufacturing Firms in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya
Authors: Opisa Juma Winnie , Kwendo Evans , Wanjere Dishon 
Published: April 2024

The construction material manufacturing firms plays a major role in the Kenyan economy, and understanding the effectiveness of advertising strategies is crucial for sustaining growth and competitiveness. The purpose of study was to examine the effect of advertising on performance of construction material manufacturing firms. The study was guided by Action interest desire action theory. The study employed both descriptive and causal research design. The study targeted 10 registered construction material manufacturing firms in Uasin Gishu with 124 employees. Simple random technique was used to select 95 employees. Primary data was gathered through structured questionnaires with key industry stakeholders, while secondary data was sourced from relevant literature and industry reports. Data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics incorporated both the mean and standard deviation. Inferential was based on correlation and regression analysis. Advertising strategy had a significant of 0.565, t=6.847 and 0.00 significance level indicating that advertising strategy had a positive and significant relationship therefore leading to rejection of null hypothesis. The research contributed valuable insights to the construction material manufacturing firms in Uasin Gishu County, assisting firms in optimizing their advertising strategies to achieve sustainable growth and improved performance in a competitive market environment. The study underscores the need for firms to adapt to changing market dynamics and consumer preferences through innovative and tailored advertising approaches.