Prevalence and associated factors of perceived stress among adolescent girls in Nawabshah city, Pakistan

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated factors of perceived stress among female adolescent in Nawabshah City, Pakistan. This study was a sub-analysis of a parent research. Analytical cross-sectional design was used to achieve the study objectives. The study population comprised of school-going female adolescents aged 10-16 years resident of Nawabshah City. Perceived Stress Scale [PSS] and structured questionnaire were employed to measure the prevalence and associated factors of stress respectively. Multiple linear regressions were done to determine the predictors contributing to stress among female adolescents by using SPSS-17. The mean [ +/- SD] of perceived stress score of the respondents was 27.84 +/- 2.84 with median 28 and the values were ranging from 19-37 scores for female participants. The final model indicated that among adolescents whose fathers are unemployed, the estimated mean score of stress was 0.734 +/- 0.493 higher than adolescents whose fathers are employed. As the number of rooms in the house increased by one, the estimated mean stress score decreases by 0.213 +/- 0.082. Among adolescents whose parents quarrelled, the estimated mean score of stress was 0.158 +/- 0.051 higher than adolescents whom parents did not quarrel. Almost every second female adolescent [58%] reported stress symptoms. The father's unemployment, number of rooms and parental quarrel is associated with risk of stress among female adolescents

Nurses' knowledge of evidence-based guidelines for prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia in critical care areas: a pre and post test design

Ventilator associated pneumonia [VAP] is a common hospital acquired pneumonia in ventilated patients. VAP is associated with increased morbidity, mortality duration of hospitalization and cost of treatment. Critical care nurses are usually unaware of evidence based preventive guidelines for VAP, resulting in negative impact on all aspects of patient care. This study investigated the impact of a 5-hour teaching module on nurses' knowledge to practice evidence based guidelines for the prevention of VAP. This study was conducted at a private tertiary care teaching hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. Single group pre-test post-test design was used. Forty nurses were included in the study. The knowledge of nurses was assessed before, immediately after and 4 weeks after the intervention. The final sample [n=40] was selected on the basis of the set inclusion criteria. The demographic data sheet was used to collect relevant information about the participants. Knowledge was assessed through a self-developed validated tool, consisting of multiple choice questions. The difference in knowledge was analysed through repeated measures of analysis of variance. The mean scores at 3 time points were compared using the Tukey's multiple comparison procedure. Knowledge scores of participants increased significantly after the educational intervention in the first post-test; however, there was a decline in the score in post-test 2. The 5-hour teaching module significantly enhanced nurses' knowledge towards evidence based guidelines for the prevention of VAP. Further research is needed to assess the impact of training on nursing practice and to explore factors affecting attitudinal change

Critical illness myopathy

Critical illness myopathy [CIM] is a syndrome of widespread muscle weakness and neurological dysfunction which can develop in critically ill patients receiving intensive care. CIM are often distinguished largely on the basis of specialized electrophysiologic testing or muscle and nerve biopsy and its causes are unknown, though they are thought to be a possible neurological manifestation of systemic inflammatory response syndrome usually developing in patients after a brief period of stay in the Intensive Care Unit [ICU]. This case report aims to analyze the Clinical feature, diagnosis and treatment of CIM of 60 years old male case with Chronic Obstructive Lung disease [COPD] admitted to the intensive care. Health professionals working at critical care unit should be aware that any ICU patient may develop CIM

Sexually abused children suffer in silence

Child abuse is a global issue, and its incidences are increasing alarmingly in Pakistan. It severely impacts the physical mental and social well being of an individual. It does not only damage individual's life but also affect the society and nation at large. Therefore, there is a dreadful need to direct our attention towards identification and rehabilitation of child abuse cases. Health care providers need to be equipped with formal training to deal with this significant problem in a broader perspective. This paper reviews the current literature and identifies the causes and impact of child sexual abuse in Pakistan by incorporating a case study. Furthermore, it predominantly highlights the role of health care providers to curb the menace of child abuse. It is recommended that the issue of child abuse should be addressed at different levels by integrating in the academic and health curriculum. In addition, health care providers should empower parents and communities to combat this widespread issue

Role of self-efficacy in promoting healthy behavior: smoking cessation as an example

Self-efficacy is defined as an individual's perceived capability to perform a behavior for accomplishment of a desirable goal. Enhanced personal self-efficacy is associated with a positive self-concept and self-appraisal of personal control which develops through experiences of mastery and the anticipation of competent performance. This paper aims to analyze the role of self-efficacy in promoting healthy behavior. A case scenario has been discussed to support the concept of self-efficacy in promoting healthy behavior taking smoking cessation as a case

How important is patient privacy? a reflection

Privacy is a basic human right; however, a patient's right to privacy is often violated because health care providers do not fulfill their ethical and professional responsibilities. There is an immediate need to preserve patients' privacy by health care professionals; a standardized policy on patients' privacy is important. This paper aims to analyze the significance of patients' privacy in health care. A case scenario of a pregnant woman from an antenatal setting has been integrated to support the concept of privacy in promoting and advocating patients' right