Search Results (1,072)

Background/Objectives: Pulmonary rehabilitation is recognised as one of the most cost-effective interventions. However, patients’ adherence to these programmes remains a challenge. This systematic literature review aimed to describe pulmonary rehabilitation interventions carried out by nurses that promote self-care in elderly people with COPD (at home). Methods: The exploratory literature search was conducted to support the development of the research question and the PICO strategy. The criteria for eligibility were determined for participants, interventions, comparators, and outcomes. Research was conducted in the CINAHL, SCOPUS, and MEDLINE databases and that covered publications up to 31 December 2024 with no temporal limit identified, eight articles that included cohort studies, randomised controlled trials (RCTs), and quasi-experimental studies that met the quality standards established by JBI. Results: The identified interventions include health education, breathing training and physical exercise, the development of tailor-made plans with monitoring and follow-up, psychological support, and oxygen therapy management. Conclusions: The results highlight the importance of tailor-made interventions that can enhance self-care in elderly people with COPD in a home setting, as well as key components of respiratory rehabilitation. Full article

Introduction: Understanding adolescent maturational development and its impact on physical and psychological well-being is essential for supporting the academic and professional growth of undergraduate students in Health Sciences programs (Psychology, Medicine, and Nursing). This study aimed to assess and compare self-concept, self-perception, physical activity, and lifestyle among first-year Health Sciences students. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with first-year students at the University of La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain. Data were collected using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (PAQ-A), and Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC). Variables included sex, age, study program, and body mass index (BMI). Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, reliability assessment (Cronbach’s alpha), distribution tests, and chi-squared tests. Results: Among 190 participants, the RSES showed generally positive self-esteem, although 75% of students reported low self-confidence. Male Psychology students all scored in the fair range on self-perception. Physical activity was low, particularly among female students, with 20% classified as sedentary. HBSC results indicated the need for lifestyle improvements. SOC-13 scores showed that 80.5% of students had fair levels of sense of coherence. Conclusions: Health Sciences students exhibited low self-concept, emotional distress, sedentary habits, and inadequate lifestyle behaviors. Male Nursing students and female Psychology students had the poorest self-concept scores. The findings emphasize the need for interventions promoting healthy habits and emotional well-being among students entering health-related academic programs. Full article

Background/Objectives: E-cigarette use has increased substantially among university students in recent years, coinciding with a broader shift in nicotine consumption patterns globally. Despite initial perceptions of e-cigarettes as harm-reduction tools, growing evidence indicates significant health risks, misinformation, and limited awareness—especially within higher education environments. This structured literature review aims to synthesize peer-reviewed evidence on the health impacts, behavioral determinants, and the role of nursing in addressing e-cigarette use among university students. Methods: A literature search was conducted across five databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Embase, Dialnet) between February and March 2025. Eligible studies were published between January 2020 and January 2025 in English or Spanish. A total of 43 studies were included. Data were synthesized narratively, and methodological quality was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute checklists and The Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Reviews Articles. Results: E-cigarette use among university students showed wide variability in prevalence, with higher rates among males, students in non-health disciplines, and users of disposable devices. Key behavioral and social determinants included peer influence, curiosity, stress management, and social media exposure. Despite documented health risks—such as nicotine dependence, respiratory and cardiovascular impairment, and mental health concerns—misconceptions about safety and cessation efficacy were common, even among health science students. Nursing-led interventions hold great potential for prevention but remain underdeveloped within university settings. Conclusions: The findings underscore the urgent need for evidence-based prevention strategies—particularly those led by nurses—to reduce e-cigarette use, bridge knowledge gaps, and mitigate associated health risks in higher education. Future efforts should prioritize institutional policy reinforcement, improved health communication, and the integration of vaping-related education into nursing curricula and public health campaigns targeting emerging adults. Full article

Background: The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act requires access to free drinking water in public school cafeterias during meal times. Previous studies suggest that increasing access to water in schools can increase its consumption among students, potentially reducing their intake of sugar-sweetened beverages. The current study provides a descriptive assessment of water availability, delivery methods, and quality in 96 public schools across four New Jersey school districts. Methods: As part of the New Jersey Child Health Study, we administered an online and paper survey to school nurses at 96 schools to evaluate the availability, delivery, and quality of water in the school cafeteria during lunchtime. Univariate and bivariate statistics were used to analyze the data. Results: In school year 2019–20, 83 (86.5%) schools reported providing free drinking water in the cafeteria during lunch. The most common source of water was water fountains, available in 64 schools (66.7%). Issues related to water quality, specifically cleanliness, temperature, pressure, and taste, were present in 20–30% of schools. Conclusions: While most schools surveyed provide access to clean, free drinking water, students in some schools still lack free access to drinking water during school meals, which may affect overall water consumption among students. Full article

Cryptosporidium is a protozoan parasite and a major cause of diarrhea, especially in children and immunocompromised individuals. Despite evidence of its presence in Thailand, comprehensive national data remain limited. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in Thailand and assess its association with diarrhea, especially among vulnerable populations, to support targeted public health strategies. This systematic review followed the PRISMA guidelines and was registered with PROSPERO (CRD420251015538). A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Journals@Ovid, Nursing & Allied Health Premium, Google Scholar, and the Thai-Journal Citation Index (TCI) to identify studies on Cryptosporidium infections in humans in Thailand. Quality assessment was independently performed using Joanna Briggs Institute tools. Pooled prevalence and odds ratios (ORs) were estimated using random-effects meta-analyses. Heterogeneity was explored via meta-regression and subgroup analyses, and publication bias was assessed using funnel plots and Egger’s test. A total of 38 studies with 24,759 participants were included, mostly conducted in Central Thailand. The pooled prevalence of Cryptosporidium infections was 4.70% (95% CI: 2.68–8.13%), with the highest prevalence observed in Northern Thailand (11.14%) and among HIV-infected individuals (16.33%). Significant predictors of higher prevalence included region, age group, participant type, and diarrheal status. Infection was associated with a non-significant two-fold increased odds of diarrhea (p: 0.39; OR: 2.00; 95% CI: 0.67–5.99), but significantly higher odds of diarrhea among patients with Cryptosporidium infections were seen in the Central region (OR: 3.71; 95% CI: 1.17–11.8). HIV-seropositive individuals had a significantly higher risk of infection (p: 0.006; OR: 8.15; 95% CI: 1.82–36.50). This systematic review and meta-analysis estimated a pooled prevalence of Cryptosporidium infections in Thailand of 4.70%, with the highest rates in Northern Thailand (11.14%) and among HIV-infected individuals (16.33%). Although infection was associated with a two-fold increase in the risk of diarrhea, the association was not statistically significant. Notably, HIV-seropositive individuals had an eight-fold higher risk compared to HIV-seronegative individuals. Future research should expand surveillance in under-represented regions to better understand the epidemiological burden and guide public health interventions. Full article

(1) Background: Violence against healthcare professionals is becoming a growing concern for healthcare systems and a public health issue, and in Portugal it remains undocumented at a national level, leaving a critical knowledge gap. This scenario compromises the development of effective public policies and evidence-based institutional strategies, which are essential for guiding policymakers in the implementation of preventive measures and appropriate safety protocols to assess the nature, frequency, and key factors contributing to violence against healthcare professionals (doctors and nurses) in clinical settings. (2) Methods: This is a quantitative, descriptive, and cross-sectional study. The sample size was 440 professionals (n = 440). Between January and May 2024, healthcare professionals (physicians and nurses) working in four local health units located in the south of Portugal were invited to participate in this study via institutional e-mail. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire on the healthcare professional’s sociodemographic and work-related characteristics and aspects related to violence towards healthcare professionals in the workplace. Unconditional logistic regression models were fitted to compute crude odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) for the association between sociodemographic and work-related characteristics and violence at work. (3) Results: Nearly 40% of the healthcare professionals sampled reported having been victims of violence in the workplace, and, among these, the majority reported experiencing psychological violence (94.2%), followed by physical violence (46.2%), another type of violence (39.1%), and sexual violence (4.1%). Incidents were mostly occasional (65.5%), occurring during the daytime (51.5%) and on weekdays (84.8%). Healthcare professionals aged between 34 and 55 years old were approximately twice as likely to experience violence compared to those who were 56 years old or older (OR = 2.28; 95%CI 1.33–3.90). Also, those who had been with the organization for more than 4 years (5–7 years: OR = 2.37; 95%CI 1.05–5.37. ≥8 years: OR = 1.87; 95%CI 1.00–3.50), as well as those who worked shifts (OR = 1.84; 95%CI 1.25–2.72), reported incidents of violence more frequently. (4) Conclusions: The low response rate (12.5%) and cross-sectional design limit the generalizability of the results, which should be interpreted considering these methodological limitations. Workplace violence in Portugal is a reality, and it requires solutions. Information related to violent incidents must be comprehensively gathered to understand the full extent of the problem and develop prevention strategies based on potentially changeable risk factors to minimize the negative effects of workplace violence. Full article

This study aims to explore the effectiveness of a problem-solving method, grounded in Pólya’s methodological proposal and complemented by a STEM electronic educational kit, in strengthening the research competences of newly admitted nursing students at a public university in Peru. The research followed a quantitative approach using a quasi-experimental design with pre- and post-test measurements applied to a group of students who addressed real community health issues in their local context. The intervention was structured into four phases: understanding the problem, planning activities, execution, and reviewing the solution. The results showed significant improvements across all phases, particularly in problem analysis, autonomous planning, technological application, and critical thinking. The Wilcoxon test yielded p-values < 0.05 in all evaluated dimensions, allowing the rejection of the null hypothesis and confirming the effectiveness of the intervention. It is concluded that the problem-solving method, when integrated with relevant technological tools, is an effective strategy to promote formative research in vulnerable educational contexts. Moreover, it aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals—specifically SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities)—by fostering inclusive, equitable, and contextually relevant education through socially and technologically meaningful innovation. Full article

Sexual dysfunction affects an estimated 50–70% of cancer survivors but remains underrecognized and undertreated, impacting quality of life and emotional well-being. This narrative review involves a comprehensive search of PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect for English-language publications (January 2010–May 2025), using combined MeSH and free-text terms for ‘sexual health’, ‘cancer’, ‘nursing’, ‘roles of nurses’, ‘immunotherapy’, ‘targeted therapy’, ‘sexual health’, ‘sexual dysfunction’, ‘vaginal dryness’, ‘genitourinary syndrome of menopause’, ‘sexual desire’, ‘body image’, ‘erectile dysfunction’, ‘climacturia’, ‘ejaculatory disorders’, ‘dyspareunia’, and ‘oncology’. We used the IMRAD (Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion) approach to identify 1245 records and screen titles and abstracts. Fifty studies ultimately met the inclusion criteria (original research, reviews, and clinical guidelines on oncology nursing and sexual health). Results: All the treatments contributed to reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, dyspareunia, and body image concerns, with a prevalence of 57.5% across genders. Oncology nurses can provide sex education and counseling. Barriers (limited training, cultural stigma, and the absence of protocols) hinder effective intervention. Addressing these issues through sexual health curricula, formal referral systems, and policy reforms can enhance nursing care. Future research should assess the impact of targeted nurse education and the institutional integration of sexual health into cancer care. Full article

Paediatric Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a leading cause of steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome and progressive kidney failure in children. Early subclassification into primary, secondary, genetic, or undetermined forms is crucial for guiding appropriate management. Primary FSGS typically necessitates immunosuppressive therapy, whereas secondary FSGS benefits from supportive measures and treatment of the underlying cause. Emerging treatments—including SGLT2 inhibitors, endothelin receptor antagonists, and APOL1-targeted agents—show promise in reducing proteinuria and preserving kidney function. Insights into podocyte biology, including TRPC channel dysregulation and fibrotic signalling pathways, are opening new therapeutic avenues. As research continues to evolve, the future of paediatric FSGS management lies in individualised, pathophysiology-driven therapies that may significantly improve clinical outcomes. Full article

Strengthening the education of health professionals is imperative to effectively address contemporary public health challenges. Preceptorship, by integrating teaching and care within service settings, stands out as a relevant strategy for developing clinical, ethical, and relational competencies. This study aimed to construct a theoretical model based on the meanings attributed by nurse preceptors to preceptorship in pediatric nursing within the context of hospital-based training at a referral institute specializing in rare and complex diseases in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The study used Grounded Theory and Symbolic Interactionism as its methodological and theoretical frameworks, respectively, and involved interviews with 14 preceptors. The resulting model characterizes preceptorship as an interactive process materialized in pedagogical practices that integrate technical skill, empathy, responsibility, and creativity into the daily routine of care. The findings offer valuable insights for strengthening professional training programs in health and contribute to public policies that recognize preceptorship as a component of interprofessional education and of workforce development, with a focus on humanization, safety, and contextualized care. Full article

Background/Objectives: The World Health Organization’s Surgical Safety Checklist (WHO SSC) is known to reduce surgical complications and mortality, yet its implementation remains inconsistent across institutions. This study evaluated compliance with a modified SSC and assessed the impact of structured interventions to improve adherence at the University Hospital of Split, Croatia. Methods: A before-and-after study analyzed a sample of 1437 completed SSCs over four time points between April 2024 and May 2025: the baseline and after three successive interventions (an official letter from the hospital director emphasizing mandatory SSC use, individual meetings with department heads and head nurses reinforcing its importance, and a quality audit review of SSC completeness with leadership). Checklist completeness was assessed across five SSC sections: General Information, Sign In, Time Out, Sign Out, and Staff Info. Results: Overall checklist completeness increased from 78.3 ± 8.5% at baseline to 86.3 ± 2.5%, 92.0 ± 3.8%, and 94.7 ± 4.8% after the first, second, and third interventions, respectively (p < 0.001). All checklist sections improved significantly: General Info rose from 91.1 ± 6.0% to 98.6 ± 2.6% (p < 0.001); Sign In from 85.0 ± 11.4% to 97.0 ± 3.5% (p = 0.002); Time Out from 79.0 ± 14.6% to 96.4 ± 6.5% (p < 0.001); Sign Out from 70.2 ± 11.2% to 87.7 ± 11.0% (p = 0.003); and Staff Info from 70.7 ± 12.9% to 100.0 ± 0.0% (p < 0.001). Post hoc testing confirmed significant gains versus baseline for all three interventions (Dunnett’s test), with a further significant improvement between the first and third interventions (Tukey’s HSD, p = 0.011). Conclusions: Structured, low-cost interventions emphasizing administrative support, education, and communication significantly improved SSC adherence across a large tertiary hospital. This initiative represents a pioneering effort in Croatia and offers a scalable model for similar public healthcare systems aiming to enhance patient safety. Full article

In recent years, Italy has experienced a significant increase in violence against healthcare workers, mirroring a global trend. Manifesting as verbal, physical, psychological, and material aggression, this phenomenon endangers both personnel safety and the foundational principles of the National Health Service (SSN) as outlined in Article 32 of the Italian Constitution. The escalation—most acute in emergency departments, psychiatric units, inpatient wards, and community services—affects a broad spectrum of professionals, compromising care quality and institutional integrity. Data from the FNOMCeO-CENSIS Report 2023–2024 reveal over 18,000 reported incidents in 2024, with verbal assaults disproportionately affecting female nursing staff. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated systemic vulnerabilities, heightening user dissatisfaction and psychological strain among healthcare providers. In response, legislative actions—such as Law No. 113/2020 and Decree-Law No. 137/2024—aim to strengthen prevention, monitoring, and penal measures. This article examines legal, institutional, and organizational responses, including on-the-ground and hospital-based strategies to mitigate violence. Adopting a multidisciplinary perspective, it analyzes recent policy developments, regional dynamics, and victim-perpetrator profiles, arguing that safeguarding healthcare environments is both a public security priority and an ethical imperative essential to preserving the dignity of care work and the resilience of the health system. Full article

Breast milk is the ideal source of nutrition for infant growth and development. However, when nursing mothers consume aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁)-contaminated food, the hydroxylated form aflatoxin M₁ (AFM₁) is transferred to breast milk and urine. AFB₁ and its metabolite AFM₁ are potent carcinogens and can pose significant risks to food safety and public health worldwide. This study determined the prevalence of AFM₁ in the breast milk and urine of nursing mothers in Bangladesh and estimated infant exposure to this toxin. Breast milk and urine samples (72 each), collected from nursing mothers in three different regions of the country, were analyzed for AFM₁ occurrence via a sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). AFM₁ was present in 88.9% of urine samples, with a mean concentration of 109.9 ± 52.8 pg/mL, ranging from 40.0 to 223.8 pg/mL. AFM₁ was also detected in 50% of the breast milk samples, with a mean concentration of 4.6 ± 0.7 pg/mL, ranging from 4.0 to 6.1 pg/mL. A strong correlation (r = 0.72) was observed between milk and urinary AFM₁ levels, indicating these as suitable biomarkers of AFB₁ exposure. Yet, no significant correlations were identified between AFM₁ levels in either milk or urine and the food items typically consumed by nursing mothers. The average estimated daily intake (EDI) for AFM₁ with breast milk was 0.59 ng/kg bw/day, with no significant difference between infants (0.57 ng/kg bw/day) and toddlers (0.65 ng/kg bw/day). A comparison of computed EDI ranges for AFM₁ with a proposed tolerable daily intake value resulted in Hazard Indices below 1 for all exposure scenarios. This indicates that the AFM₁ concentrations in breast milk from three regions of Bangladesh raise no concern. Also, the measured levels were far lower than the maximal levels set in the EU regulations for AFM₁ in dairy milk and infant formula (50 ng/kg and 25 ng/kg, respectively). Full article

This study aims to understand the meaning nursing professionals attribute to their lived experiences of providing humanized care within a public hospital setting. Grounded in Jean Watson’s theory of human caring, the research adopts a qualitative, descriptive phenomenological design to capture the perceptions and emotions of nurses regarding humanized care. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with nine experienced nurses, selected through purposive sampling. The interviews, conducted virtually between July and December 2024, were analyzed using Colaizzi’s method and supported by Atlas.ti software. Four main thematic categories emerged: institutional health policies, professional image and identity, strengths and challenges in care, and essential competencies for humanized care. The findings highlight the critical role of empathy, cultural sensitivity, ethical commitment, and emotional presence in delivering compassionate care. Participants emphasized that, beyond clinical procedures, humanized care requires relational and contextual sensitivity, often hindered by institutional limitations and excessive administrative burdens. The study concludes that nursing professionals are key agents in promoting ethical, empathetic, and culturally respectful practices that humanize health services. These insights offer valuable contributions for designing policies and training strategies aimed at strengthening humanized care as a cornerstone of quality healthcare systems. Full article