Exploring Healthcare Providers' and Women's Perspectives of Labor Companionship during Childbirth: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Study.

A labor companion of choice during childbirth is crucial for improving women's birth experience and confidence to give birth. Labor companions provide various benefits, including enhanced communication, emotional support, non-pharmacological pain relief, and better healthcare. However, little is known about the supportive actions of labor companions with respect to women's needs during labor and birth, as well as healthcare providers' perceptions of labor companions. Therefore, this study was conducted to explore the perceptions of healthcare providers and women regarding labor companions. The study utilized an interpretative phenomenology research design. Data collection involved conducting semi-structured interviews with 14 participants. The sample consisted of mothers, physicians, and nurses, ensuring a diverse range of perspectives. An interpretative phenomenological analysis was conducted for data analysis. Five themes were identified: (a) impact of companionship, (b) benefits for healthcare providers, (c) companion roles, (d) loneliness and alienation of mothers, and (e) challenges of implementation. The findings indicated that the presence of a companion reduces the need for unnecessary medical interventions and eases the workload of healthcare providers. Without a companion, mothers often feel lonely and disconnected during the birthing process. The presence of companions is often hindered by space limitations in delivery rooms, the absence of clear policies, and lack of childbirth education programs for companions. Clear policies, education programs, and adequate space are essential for implementing and promoting labor companionship during childbirth.

Assessing the professional quality of life in the context of pediatric care.

Background: This study examines the professional quality of life (ProQOL), including compassion satisfaction (CS) and compassion fatigue (CF), burnout (BO) and secondary traumatic stress (STS) among registered nurses in the context of pediatric care in Riyadh city in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This study utilised a random multistage sampling method and a survey to collect data from 250 participants on personal characteristics, work-related aspects, lifestyle, and professional quality of life. Results: The study participants were all female. Only 2.0% were under 25, with 27.2% aged between 25 and 30 years, 24.0% aged between 31 and 35, and 26.4% over 40 years old. The majority, 74%, were non-Saudis. The participants reported low compassion satisfaction (CS) and compassion fatigue (CF) levels. The CS, burnout (BO), and secondary traumatic stress (STS) scores were 3.23 ± 0.764, 2.75 ± 0.68, and 2.69 ± 0.54, respectively. The study found a significant difference in ProQOL level based on factors such as age, nationality, previous experience, department, shift length, overtime work, state of overtime (mandatory versus optional), and salary. Conclusions: Working with vulnerable groups poses unique challenges for pediatric nurses. The nationality, salary, and state of overtime were found to be significantly different when compared to CS scores. Additionally, age, department, previous experience, shift length, and overtime work were very different compared to CF scores. However, lifestyle factors did not affect CS and CF scores significantly. Implications: To improve their well-being and interest in activities, pediatric nurses should practice self-compassion and utilise available educational resources such as workshops. They should also strive to achieve a work-life balance and adopt healthy habits to reduce CF.

Parental Perceptions of Physical Activity and Risk of Disease Associated with Sedentary Behaviours in Infants and Toddlers.

OBJECTIVES: The current study intends to measure parents' perceptions of newborn and toddler physical activity. METHODS: A Cross-sectional study was conducted at the pediatric clinic at a University Hospital in Riyadh. The parents or guardians of children 0 to 3 years of age, healthy infants, and toddlers who visited the vaccination and pediatric clinic at a University Hospital in Riyadh, were recruited. The Parental Perceptions of Physical Activity Scale (PPPAS) was translated into the Arabic language. The Chi-square test was applied to observe the association between categorical variables. P value < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 383 parents were recruited. There was a significant association observed between physical activity and income, employment, and education. A significant association was observed between the following perceptions; the child enjoys physical activity, it increases the child's fitness level, the strength of the muscles, flexibility, and life span, improves happiness, keeps the child active, and provides a sense of achievement, and decrease future weight problems. CONCLUSION FOR PRACTICE: The study determined that parental inclination towards engaging in a physical activity intervention for their infants, as well as identifying any concerns that may impact their children's adherence to physical activity was satisfied.

What is already known on this subject? Youth health is crucial since cardiovascular disease and obesity are linked to sedentary behaviors in children and will persist into adulthood.What this study adds? The study addresses the concerns of parents regarding physical activities which is an emerging concern for children's health. It investigates the viewpoint of parents about physical activities and the risk of diseases that may develop due to sedentary behaviors among infants and toddlers.

Investigating the beliefs of Saudi females regarding physical activity: a qualitative exploration.

PURPOSE: Saudi women have been deprived of equal access to and opportunities for an active lifestyle due to sociocultural restrictions. Using the theory of planned behaviour, this elicitation study aimed to explore the salient beliefs of young Saudi women aged 18-35 regarding physical activity (PA). METHODS: A descriptive qualitative methodology was utilized using a semi-structured interview. A total of 25 transcribed interviews were coded. Content analysis was used to identify the salient beliefs and to rank-order the beliefs using an adaptation of Burnard's model. FINDINGS: Thirty-five salient beliefs were identified as dominant factors in the decision to engage in PA. The salient beliefs about PA are classified as positive (related to advantages, social approval, and enabling) and negative (related to disadvantages, social disapproval, and barriers). These included behavioural beliefs (concerning physical/psychological well-being and social opportunities), normative beliefs (concerning family, community, international and local media influencers' expectations), and control beliefs (concerning personal, social, natural, and built environment enablers as well as constraints). CONCLUSIONS: Due to the elicited beliefs, young women may be able to adopt more active lifestyles and change their inactive behaviour. Addressing negative beliefs can help change their inactive behaviour. Strengthening positive beliefs and facilitators is also beneficial.

Validation of the Arabic Version of the Patient Activation Measure (PAM-13) for Application within the Primary Healthcare Context in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Empowering patients with behavioral issues or chronic conditions to actively participate in their healthcare can help improve health outcomes. However, in the Saudi Arabian context, evaluation tools for achieving this goal are lacking, considering cultural and healthcare system factors. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the psychometric properties of the Arabic version of the Patient Activation Measure. METHODS: This cross-sectional validation study was conducted on a sample of 225 patients receiving treatment from primary healthcare centers located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Item analyses and reliability and construct validity testing of the tool were conducted. RESULTS: The item-total correlation coefficients ranged from 0.31 (item 2) to 0.57 (item 11). The item-total correlation coefficients for all 13 items were above 0.30. The reliability was 0.80. A two-factor model ("knowledge and beliefs" and "confidence and skills") reflecting the instrument was constructed. The raw model did not sufficiently fit the data (χ2 = 170.98, degree of freedom (df) = 64, p < 0.001; Tucker-Lewis index (TLI) = 0.79; comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.83; root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.86 [90% confidence interval {CI} = 0.07-0.10]). After all significant correlations between the items' error terms were modeled, an adequate fit was achieved (χ2 = 76.76, df = 51, p < 0.01; TLI = 0.94; CFI = 0.96; RMSEA = 0.04 [90% CI = 0.02-0.07]). CONCLUSIONS: the Arabic version of the Patient Activation Measure can be utilized by healthcare providers to assess the activation levels and unique needs and preferences of Arabic-speaking individuals and tailor interventions accordingly to provide necessary support.

Work engagement status of registered nurses in pediatric units in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the work engagement status of registered pediatric nurses and its relationship with personal- and work-related variables in selected hospitals. Personal- and work-related factors generally influence work engagement. However, data on work engagement in pediatric clinical practice are limited. METHODS: This study employed a cross-sectional design, including 230 registered nurses working in pediatric units in Madinah, Saudi Arabia. A non-probability approach (convenience sampling) was adopted in recruiting the sample. Eight personal- and work-related variables were examined using the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale shortened 9-item version. RESULTS: The overall mean scale score was 4.54 (standard deviation = 0.95). The dedication subscale showed the highest mean score (4.84), followed by the absorption (4.48) and vigor subscales (4.29). A higher work engagement score was associated with an older age (H = 17.892; p < 0.001), a non-Saudi nationality (Z = 5.724; p < 0.001), a higher educational level (Z = 3.178; p = 0.001), and a long duration of experience (>10 years) (H = 18.435; p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed between the total scale score according to marital status (p = 0.077), current working unit (p = 0.063), and current working hours (p = 0.067). CONCLUSIONS: Among registered pediatric nurses, work engagement is relatively high but is average in terms of the vigor component. To our knowledge, this research is the first to explore how work environment affects work engagement among pediatric nurses in Madinah, Saudi Arabia.

Relationship between Behavioural Intention for Using Food Mobile Applications and Obesity and Overweight among Adolescent Girls.

Changes in the body mass index (BMI) of children and adolescents have been linked to mobile usage, particularly food applications. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between food application usage and obesity and overweight among adolescent girls. This cross-sectional study was conducted among adolescent girls aged 16-18 years. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire from female high schools in five different regional offices across Riyadh City. The questionnaire included questions regarding demographic data (age and academic level), BMI and behavioural intention (BI) scale comprising three constructs: attitude towards behaviour, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control. Of the included 385 adolescent girls, 36.1% were 17 years old, and 71.4% had normal BMI. The overall mean BI scale score was 65.4 (SD 9.95). No significant differences were observed between overweight or obesity in relation to the overall BI score and its constructs. A high BI score was more associated with participants studying in the east educational office than those who were enrolled in the central educational office. Behavioural intention to use food applications greatly influenced the adolescent age group. Further investigations are necessary to determine the influence of food application services among individuals with high BMI.

The Relationship Between Workplace Incivility and Patient Safety in Pediatric Nurses.

BACKGROUND: Workplace incivility may directly influence nurses' involvement in patient safety; however, research on this topic in the pediatric setting has yet to be established. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to address the prevalence of workplace incivility in pediatric settings in Saudi Arabia (SA) and examine its impact on patient safety culture. METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was used. Surveys, including the Nursing Incivility Scale and Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture, were sent to nurses across 6 pediatric units in Taif, SA. RESULTS: A total of 300 nurses completed the surveys. A significant negative modest correlation was found between incivility and patient safety domains ( P < .05). A higher stress score was associated with older age (>35 years), Saudi nationality, and subdegree education. CONCLUSION: This study found that pediatric nurses experience high rates of incivility, mostly originating from patients and their families.

Psychological Empowerment of Nurses Working in Pediatric Units in Saudi Arabia.

Background: This study investigated the psychological empowerment (PE) of nurses in pediatric units and examined the significant difference between the level of PE and the personal work profiles of nurses working in pediatric units in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A quantitative descriptive study design was employed between May and July 2020 using a self-administered electronic survey that collected personal work profile data and applied the Psychological Empowerment Scale. The data were analyzed using SPSS 22.0 software for descriptive statistics, t-tests, and ANOVA. Results: Most of the study participants (69.6%) were non-Saudi nurses, and 71.9% worked in specialized areas. The mean PE score of the four dimensions across the 12 items was high. The mean score for the dimension meaning was the highest, whereas the lowest mean score was for the dimension self-determination. Nurses from different nationalities had significantly different PE levels. Conclusions: Expatriate nurses were more psychologically empowered. The findings will be of interest to all who wish to attract and retain local nurses by fostering PE in the work environment and involving nurses in decision-making processes, thus enabling them to act as leaders for increased work motivation.

Nursing Students' Satisfaction and Self-Confidence Levels After Their Simulation Experience.

Background: Nursing students should be well prepared before going to clinical setting as they provide direct care to patient. Simulation gives the learners the opportunity to be active learners who practice, train, and give a reflection on a specific experience. Objective: To obtain an understanding of the human patient simulation experience and nursing students' perceptions of satisfaction and self-confidence. Method: Cross-sectional, descriptive design was undertaken. Using purposive sampling, 273 nursing students were enrolled in basic adult nursing courses at levels four and five at female nursing college at King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A questionnaire was used to measure the demographic characteristics, simulation design characteristics, and simulation educational practice context. Student Satisfaction and Self-confidence in Learning Scale was used to measure students' satisfaction and self-confidence. Bivariate analyses were utilized where needed and multiple linear regression analysis was performed to find the relationship between variables. Results: The current study revealed overall, nursing students were satisfied and self-confident after their human patient simulation experience. A relationship was observed between demographic characteristics, simulation design characteristics, and simulation educational practice context with students' satisfaction and self-confidence. Conclusion: Simulation is an effective teaching strategy that prepares nursing students for real clinical practice. Findings provided policymakers with information on nursing students' current levels of satisfaction and self-confidence that can lead to developing future policies.

Quality of nursing work life and level of stress across different regions in Saudi Arabia- a cross sectional study.

AIM: This study investigates the quality of nursing work life and level of stress at hospitals located in different regions in Saudi Arabia. BACKGROUND: Nursing staff are at increased risk of distress and are exposed to a variety of wear-generating elements that may influence the professional quality of work life. METHODS: A quantitative, cross-sectional and snowball sampling was used to collect data (n = 303) among nurses across different regions in Saudi Arabia using an electronic survey. RESULTS: Most respondents were 26-35 years of age (67.7%), women (90.8%) and staff nurses (61.4%). The total mean Quality of Nurse Work-Life (QNWL) score was 147.9 (SD = 30.0), and the total mean stress score was 14.8 (SD = 6.08). A significant correlation was found between stress score and total quality of nursing work life score and its domains (p < 0.001). A higher stress score was associated with older age (>35 years), Saudi nationality and sub-degree education. Better quality of nursing work life scores for nurses working (<30 h) while poor score was associated with working experience in the current unit (<5 years). CONCLUSION: Stress negatively affects the quality of nursing work life of nurses. More working experience with shorter working hours improves the quality of nursing work life. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Collaboration with open communication to support nurses through promotion of working condition and psychological well-being for adequate quality of nursing work life is crucial by all management levels.

Cultural Competency Among Pediatric Registered Nurses in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Design.

INTRODUCTION: Saudi Arabia's culturally diverse population is growing rapidly. The need for cultural competence is greatest in pediatric units where nurses provide care to children in collaboration with their parents. METHOD: Nonprobability sampling of 394 nurses and cross-sectional descriptive design was used to investigate nurses' cultural competence, and to examine the relationships between the variables and participants' demographic data in pediatric units across five hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, by asking nurses to complete a self-report questionnaire. RESULTS: The results suggest a high degree of cultural competency. Participants' scores indicated high levels of perceived cultural awareness, sensitivity, and cultural competence behavior for performance. DISCUSSION: This study supports the 3-D Puzzle Model of culturally congruent care for cultural competence, which assumes that cultural competence is deeply influenced by one's experiences. The findings revealed a high level of cultural competence despite a lack of information with respect to patient views.

Quality of nursing work life among hospital nurses in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study.

AIM: This study measures the levels of QNWL and determines the relationship between QNWL and nurses' personal, family and work shift factors. BACKGROUND: The nursing profession in Saudi Arabia (SA) is diverse, with many challenges during nursing practice. Therefore, examining QNWL is important for managers because it has become an essential subject in current nursing practice. METHODS: A quantitative approach utilizing a cross-sectional design with 400 nurses recruited randomly through a multistage cluster sampling plan. RESULTS: The overall level of quality of nursing working life among nurses was moderate (mean = 165; SD = 26.8). Bivariate analysis showed that non-Saudi nationality, higher age, more work experience, married status, full-time employment, rotating shift and specialty units were the significant factors contributing to higher QNWL scores (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The study provides initial understanding of the quality of work life among nurses working in the Madinah region. It reveals a moderate level of QNWL and a significant association between personal, family, and work shift variables and QNWL. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: The findings will be of interest to all management levels to support nurses through adequate staffing with defined criteria that dictate the nurse-patient ratio for adequate QNWL.