Determinants of Healthcare Workers’ Willingness to Receive COVID-19 Vaccination

@#Introduction: The expedited COVID-19 vaccine has challenged people’s belief and perception of its effectiveness. The purpose of this study was to identify whether knowledge related to Covid-19 and perception of effectiveness of Covid-19 vaccine would predict health-care workers’ willingness to take the vaccine. Methods: A cross-sectional design using a convenience sampling technique was used to collect data from 302 HCWs. HCWs targeted included all those working at healthcare settings in Jordan. Data collected regarding knowledge related Covid-19 and perception of effectiveness of Covid-19 vaccine. Data collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Results: HCWs have moderate to high level of knowledge related to vaccines of Covid-19 and its effectiveness. High level of willingness to take the vaccine was also observed among HCWs. Those with higher level of knowledge and positive perception of effectiveness of Covid-19 vaccine are more likely to take the vaccine (p < .05); however, not highly influential (R2 = 27%). Demographic characteristics have not been found to influence HCWs’ decision to take the vaccine. Conclusion: There is a need to enhance positive perception of effectiveness of Covid-19 vaccine among health professionals through appropriate education and procedures.

Loneliness Among in-patients Diagnosed With Schizophrenia: Its Correlates and Relations With Social Support and Satisfaction With Life

@#Introduction: Schizophrenia is one of the most serious and disabling psychiatric disorders which affect the overall patients’ life and predispose them to suffer from loneliness. The purpose of this study was to identify levels and correlates of loneliness among patients with schizophrenia. Methods: A cross-sectional design was applied to collect data about loneliness; social support from friends, family members, and significant others; satisfaction with life; and demographic and illness-related variables. A semi-structured interview with patients was employed to collect data from 230 in-patients with schizophrenia receiving treatment at a large psychiatric hospital. Results: Level of loneliness was 52.6 out of 80. Higher rates of patients (66.5%) were found within the category of moderate to high level of loneliness. Loneliness was found to be highly associated with low satisfaction with life, low social support from friends, and longer duration of treatment. Loneliness was higher in female patients, those living with other people in the house, and those with a history of drug/substance abuse. Conclusion: Loneliness was found to be in a moderate to high level. Therefore, there is a crucial need for interventional programs that aimed to decrease the feeling of loneliness and enhance satisfaction with life and social support from others among patients with schizophrenia.

Prevalence, types and predictors of illicit substance use among the hashemite university students in Jordan

The objectives of this study were to assess the prevalence of illicit substance use among Hashemite University [HU] students, identify the types of substances frequently used, and identify variables that best predict substance use. Data were collected from 835 students studying at HU selected through stratified random sampling using an instrument developed and modified by the researchers. Hundred forty five [17.5%] of the participants indicated that they used at least one of the illicit substances during their entire life. Alcohol was found to be the most widely used substance among students, followed by Central Nervous System [CNS] depressants. The level of education of parents was found to be the best predictor of illicit substance use and explain for 6.2% of the total variance. This study shed light on the importance of health education programs at schools and universities especially for those students who are vulnerable to substance use. Also, parents, teachers and school administrators are responsible for watching the students and encouraging them to use more effective and adaptive ways for coping than using illicit substances

Nurses' autonomy: comparative study between American and Jordanian registered nurses

To compare between the autonomy of American registered nurses and the autonomy of Jordanian registered nurses regarding patient care decision and unit operation decisions. A comparative design using a survey method was used in this study employing a convenience sampling technique. Data were collected from 264 American registered nurses and 250 Iranian registered nurses who were working in a teaching hospital in both countries. The Autonomy Scale of Blegen and her colleagues 23 was used to measure nurses' autonomy. Over all, both American and Jordanian nurses had autonomy over patient care decisions more than that over unit operation decisions [Mean= 3.75 for American nurses versus 3.50 for Jordanian nurses]. The majority of differences in patient care decisions were advantageous for American nurses. However, the majority of differences in unit operation decisions were advantageous for Jordanian nurses [Mean= 3.40 for Jordanian nurses versus 2.54 for American nurses]. Nurses' autonomy is centered on patient decision-making, which reflects client advocacy. Differences in nurses' autonomy are related to differences in healthcare systems. In general, nurses' autonomy is important to enhance the quality of nursing care, patients' outcomes, and the survival of healthcare organizations