Nurses’ perceptions of the obstacles and supportive behaviors of end-of-life care in intensive care units / Percepciones de los enfermeros sobre los obstáculos y comportamientos de apoyo de la atención al final de la vida en unidades de cuidados intensivos

Purpose This study examined the Jordanian registered nurses’ perceptions of the obstacles and supportive behaviors of End-of-Life Care in Intensive Care Units and examined the differences in the concepts based on the samples’ demographics. Methods A cross-sectional and comparative study was conducted using a convenience sample of 230 Intensive Care Unit registered nurses in Jordan. Data were analyzed descriptively, and differences were measured using the independent sample t-test, the one-way Analysis of Variance, and Scheffe’s post hoc test. Results The registered nurses’ scored moderately on obstacles (74.98 ± 14.54) and supportive behaviors (69.22 ± 4.84). The commonly perceived obstacle and supportive behaviors to End-of-Life Care in Intensive Care Units s were reported. The perceived obstacles differ based on the registered nurses’ certification as an Intensive Care Units nurse (3.04 ± 0.58 vs. 2.74 ± 0.49, p = 0.008), type of Intensive Care Unit (3.28 ± 0.34 vs. 2.86 ± 0.62, p < 0.001), type of facility (3.16 ± 0.59 vs. 2.77 ± 0.61, p < 0.001), number of beds in the unit (3.07 ± 0.48 vs. 2.69 ± 0.48, p = 0.020), and the number of hours worked per week (3.06 ± 0.56 vs. 2.81 ± 0.60, p = 0.005). In contrast, supportive behaviors only differ based on the registered nurses’ age (3.22 ± 0.69 vs. 2.90 ± 0.64, p = 0.019). Conclusions The common End-of-Life Care perceived obstacle in Intensive Care Units was the lack of nursing education and training regarding the studies concept, which warrants immediate intervention such as on-job training. The common End-of-Life Care perceived supportive behavior in Intensive Care Units was when family members accepted that the patient was dying when nurses offered support to family members; motivational interventions are needed to sustain such behavior. Differences in the perceived obstacles and supportive behaviors should be leveraged for the benefit of patients, nurses, and hospitals. (AU)

Propósito Este estudio examinó las percepciones de las enfermeras registradas jordanas sobre los obstáculos y comportamientos de apoyo de la atención al final de la vida en las Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos y examinó las diferencias en los conceptos basados en la demografía de las muestras. Métodos Se realizó un estudio transversal y comparativo utilizando una muestra de conveniencia de 230 enfermeras registradas en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos en Jordania. Los datos se analizaron descriptivamente y las diferencias se midieron mediante la prueba t de muestra independiente, el análisis unidireccional de varianza y la prueba post hoc de Scheffe. Resultados Las enfermeras registradas obtuvieron una puntuación moderada en obstáculos (74,98 ± 14,54) y comportamientos de apoyo (69,22 ± 4,84). Se informaron los obstáculos comúnmente percibidos y los comportamientos de apoyo a la atención al final de la vida en las Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos. Los obstáculos percibidos difieren según la certificación del enfermero registrado como enfermero de las Unidades de Terapia Intensiva (3,04 ± 0,58 vs. 2,74 ± 0,49, p < 0.001), tipo de Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (3,28 ± 0,34 vs. 2,86 ± 0,62, p < 0.001), tipo de instalación (3,16 ± 0,59 vs. 2,77 ± 0,61, p < 0.001), número de camas en la unidad (3,07 ± 0,48 vs. 2,69 ± 0,48, p = 0,020), y número de horas trabajadas por semana (3,06 ± 0,56 vs. 2,81 ± 0,60, p = 0,005). En contraste, los comportamientos de apoyo solo difieren según la edad de las enfermeras registradas (3,22 ± 0,69 vs. 2,90 ± 0,64, p = 0,019). Conclusiones El obstáculo común percibido en la Atención al Final de la Vida en las Unidades de Terapia Intensiva fue la falta de educación y capacitación de enfermería sobre el concepto de estudios, lo que justifica una intervención inmediata, como la capacitación en el trabajo... (AU)

Nurses’ perceptions of the obstacles and supportive behaviors of end-of-life care in intensive care units / Percepciones de los enfermeros sobre los obstáculos y comportamientos de apoyo de la atención al final de la vida en unidades de cuidados intensivos

Purpose This study examined the Jordanian registered nurses’ perceptions of the obstacles and supportive behaviors of End-of-Life Care in Intensive Care Units and examined the differences in the concepts based on the samples’ demographics. Methods A cross-sectional and comparative study was conducted using a convenience sample of 230 Intensive Care Unit registered nurses in Jordan. Data were analyzed descriptively, and differences were measured using the independent sample t-test, the one-way Analysis of Variance, and Scheffe’s post hoc test. Results The registered nurses’ scored moderately on obstacles (74.98 ± 14.54) and supportive behaviors (69.22 ± 4.84). The commonly perceived obstacle and supportive behaviors to End-of-Life Care in Intensive Care Units s were reported. The perceived obstacles differ based on the registered nurses’ certification as an Intensive Care Units nurse (3.04 ± 0.58 vs. 2.74 ± 0.49, p = 0.008), type of Intensive Care Unit (3.28 ± 0.34 vs. 2.86 ± 0.62, p < 0.001), type of facility (3.16 ± 0.59 vs. 2.77 ± 0.61, p < 0.001), number of beds in the unit (3.07 ± 0.48 vs. 2.69 ± 0.48, p = 0.020), and the number of hours worked per week (3.06 ± 0.56 vs. 2.81 ± 0.60, p = 0.005). In contrast, supportive behaviors only differ based on the registered nurses’ age (3.22 ± 0.69 vs. 2.90 ± 0.64, p = 0.019). Conclusions The common End-of-Life Care perceived obstacle in Intensive Care Units was the lack of nursing education and training regarding the studies concept, which warrants immediate intervention such as on-job training. The common End-of-Life Care perceived supportive behavior in Intensive Care Units was when family members accepted that the patient was dying when nurses offered support to family members; motivational interventions are needed to sustain such behavior. Differences in the perceived obstacles and supportive behaviors should be leveraged for the benefit of patients, nurses, and hospitals. (AU)

Propósito Este estudio examinó las percepciones de las enfermeras registradas jordanas sobre los obstáculos y comportamientos de apoyo de la atención al final de la vida en las Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos y examinó las diferencias en los conceptos basados en la demografía de las muestras. Métodos Se realizó un estudio transversal y comparativo utilizando una muestra de conveniencia de 230 enfermeras registradas en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos en Jordania. Los datos se analizaron descriptivamente y las diferencias se midieron mediante la prueba t de muestra independiente, el análisis unidireccional de varianza y la prueba post hoc de Scheffe. Resultados Las enfermeras registradas obtuvieron una puntuación moderada en obstáculos (74,98 ± 14,54) y comportamientos de apoyo (69,22 ± 4,84). Se informaron los obstáculos comúnmente percibidos y los comportamientos de apoyo a la atención al final de la vida en las Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos. Los obstáculos percibidos difieren según la certificación del enfermero registrado como enfermero de las Unidades de Terapia Intensiva (3,04 ± 0,58 vs. 2,74 ± 0,49, p < 0.001), tipo de Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (3,28 ± 0,34 vs. 2,86 ± 0,62, p < 0.001), tipo de instalación (3,16 ± 0,59 vs. 2,77 ± 0,61, p < 0.001), número de camas en la unidad (3,07 ± 0,48 vs. 2,69 ± 0,48, p = 0,020), y número de horas trabajadas por semana (3,06 ± 0,56 vs. 2,81 ± 0,60, p = 0,005). En contraste, los comportamientos de apoyo solo difieren según la edad de las enfermeras registradas (3,22 ± 0,69 vs. 2,90 ± 0,64, p = 0,019). Conclusiones El obstáculo común percibido en la Atención al Final de la Vida en las Unidades de Terapia Intensiva fue la falta de educación y capacitación de enfermería sobre el concepto de estudios, lo que justifica una intervención inmediata, como la capacitación en el trabajo... (AU)

Nurses' perceptions of the obstacles and supportive behaviors of end-of-life care in intensive care units.

PURPOSE: This study examined the Jordanian registered nurses' perceptions of the obstacles and supportive behaviors of End-of-Life Care in Intensive Care Units and examined the differences in the concepts based on the samples' demographics. METHODS: A cross-sectional and comparative study was conducted using a convenience sample of 230 Intensive Care Unit registered nurses in Jordan. Data were analyzed descriptively, and differences were measured using the independent sample t-test, the one-way Analysis of Variance, and Scheffe's post hoc test. RESULTS: The registered nurses' scored moderately on obstacles (74.98 ± 14.54) and supportive behaviors (69.22 ± 4.84). The commonly perceived obstacle and supportive behaviors to End-of-Life Care in Intensive Care Units s were reported. The perceived obstacles differ based on the registered nurses' certification as an Intensive Care Units nurse (3.04 ± 0.58 vs. 2.74 ± 0.49, p = 0.008), type of Intensive Care Unit (3.28 ± 0.34 vs. 2.86 ± 0.62, p < 0.001), type of facility (3.16 ± 0.59 vs. 2.77 ± 0.61, p < 0.001), number of beds in the unit (3.07 ± 0.48 vs. 2.69 ± 0.48, p = 0.020), and the number of hours worked per week (3.06 ± 0.56 vs. 2.81 ± 0.60, p = 0.005). In contrast, supportive behaviors only differ based on the registered nurses' age (3.22 ± 0.69 vs. 2.90 ± 0.64, p = 0.019). CONCLUSIONS: The common End-of-Life Care perceived obstacle in Intensive Care Units was the lack of nursing education and training regarding the studies concept, which warrants immediate intervention such as on-job training. The common End-of-Life Care perceived supportive behavior in Intensive Care Units was when family members accepted that the patient was dying when nurses offered support to family members; motivational interventions are needed to sustain such behavior. Differences in the perceived obstacles and supportive behaviors should be leveraged for the benefit of patients, nurses, and hospitals.

Changes in the Anxiety Levels of Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

BACKGROUND: Anxiety is a predictor of a bad prognosis in patients with coronary heart disease. Patients with coronary heart disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) reported high levels of anxiety, yet little is known about changes in anxiety levels after this procedure. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine changes in anxiety levels of patients undergoing PCI and identify differences in anxiety levels based on patients' demographics and clinical details. METHODS: A convenience sample of patients undergoing first-time elective PCI (N = 165) completed the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale at baseline (discharge time) and 6 months later. Paired samples t test was used to assess the changes in anxiety levels. The χ2 test was used to examine the pattern of changes between the 2 time points. Patients did not have access to cardiac rehabilitation. RESULTS: Six months after PCI, the anxiety level scores decreased significantly; mean scores for the baseline versus follow-up were 10.84 ± 5.98 versus 4.29 ± 6.02, respectively (P = .001). Only 18.2% of the patients had normal levels of anxiety at the baseline compared with 71.5% 6 months later. History of hospitalization after PCI, being a smoker, younger age, and low level of education were associated with higher levels of anxiety at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Although anxiety levels were reduced 6 months after PCI, assessing patients' anxiety levels and implementing psychoeducational interventions at follow-up should be incorporated to optimize the care of PCI patients, particularly for those who are younger, who are smokers, or with a low educational level.

Factors influencing quality of life among syrian refugees pregnant women in Jordan: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Pregnancy is a critical period of transition incorporating important normal physical, emotional, hormonal, and physiological status changes. These changes might affect the quality of life (QOL) of pregnant woman. This study aimed to examine the levels of quality of life and perceived social support of Syrian refugees' pregnant women in Al-Zaatari Refugee Camp in Jordan. Methods: A cross-sectional survey design was used. A sample of 319 pregnant women was recruited from two maternal health clinics at Al-Zaatari Refugee Camp. Data were collected from June to August 2020 using the Arabic version of World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF), the Multidimensional Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) questionnaires, and two sheets were used to assess sociodemographic and obstetric variables. Results: The study reveals that Syrian refugees' pregnant women had good satisfaction with their overall QOL and health status and social support. A significant relationship was found between the socioeconomic index and QOL. Also, age, being in the third trimester, and parity correlated negatively with QOL. In contrast, those who stayed in Jordan as a refugee for a longer period reported better QOL. Conclusion: Syrian women in Jordan, in general, have a good QOL and high level of social support. However, women were least satisfied with their physical health domain. Several factors affected QOL including income, employment status, age, number of children, and pregnancy trimester. Social support is an important factor in improving the QOL among Syrian refugees' pregnant women.

The Effect of Health Education on Dietary Knowledge and Practices of Pregnant Women in Jordan: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

BACKGROUND: Evidence reported inadequate dietary practices among pregnant women and recommended educating pregnant women about their diet to improve pregnancy outcomes. However, studies examining the effect of health education about dietary practices during pregnancy are lacking in Jordan. OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of health education on the levels of dietary knowledge and practices among pregnant women in Jordan. METHODS: A quasi-experimental design (pretest-posttest control group) was used. A consecutive sample of 195 pregnant women was recruited from four public health centers in Jordan; two health centers formed the intervention group (n=95) and two formed the control group (n=100). A structured questionnaire was used to assess dietary knowledge and practices before and after the intervention. The intervention group received health education for one month, while the control group received routine antenatal care. Data were collected from September to November 2019. RESULTS: After health education, the intervention group recorded significantly higher dietary knowledge score (mean= 19.30, SD= 0.88) compared to the control group score (mean= 14.36, SD= 2.11), p < 0.001. In addition, the intervention group reported significantly higher dietary practices score (mean= 8.70, SD= 1.16) compared to the control group score (mean= 7.02, SD= 1.66), p < 0.001. In particular, the intervention group recorded a significant increase in dietary knowledge score from the pretest (mean= 14.60, SD= 2.53) to posttest (mean= 19.30, SD= 0.88), as well as practices score from the pretest (mean= 6.69, SD= 1.97) to posttest (mean= 8.70, SD= 1.16), p < 0.001. CONCLUSION: Providing health education concerning dietary knowledge and practices in the care of pregnant women may improve their knowledge and practices. Nurses and midwives in primary care centers have an essential role in assessing this knowledge and providing health education for pregnant women.

Quality of Life and Self-Care Ability Among Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury.

This study aimed to identify self-care ability, quality of life (QOL), and their related factors in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). A cross-sectional design and a convenience sample of 152 individuals with SCI from four SCI units and clinics in Jordan were used. Modified Barthel Index of Activities of Daily Living and the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF instruments were used. About 55.3% of participants reported moderate dependence on others to support their self-care ability, 48.0% reported good QOL, 65.8% were satisfied with their health after SCI, and physical and environmental domains received the highest scores. Having incomplete injury or paraplegia significantly predicted higher self-care ability. Being male, having a higher level of education, incomplete injury, paraplegia, and no pressure injury significantly predicted higher QOL (p < .000). Collaboration is needed among health institutions, families, and communities to improve self-care ability and QOL after SCI.

The association between hope and quality of life in haemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: Hope is important for patients with end-stage renal disease receiving haemodialysis (HD) and hope is associated with quality of life (QoL). Studies examining hope among the HD population are limited and, as far as the authors know, have not been undertaken in Jordan. AIMS: To examine levels of hope and QoL and to examine the association between hope and QoL in HD patients in Jordan. METHODS: A cross-sectional design was used. A convenience sample of 202 patients from six different dialysis centres was recruited. The World Health Organization QOL-BREF and the Herth Hope Index were used. FINDINGS: Moderate levels of hope (M=32.3±4.1) were reported. Respondents reported low mean scores for the physical domain of QoL (M=48.3±21.1) but not for the psychological and social relationship domains. Higher hope scores were associated with better QoL. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest a positive relationship between the level of hope and QoL in people receiving HD. Encouraging hope while caring for HD patients in clinical settings may improve their QoL. Understanding the relationship between hope and QoL may help healthcare providers to improve the quality of care for patients and their families.

Changes in illness perception among patients' undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about changes in illness perception (IP) among patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). OBJECTIVES: To examine changes in IP among patients undergoing PCI and examine the effects of demographics and clinical details on IP. METHODS: A descriptive repeated measures design was used. IP was evaluated at pre discharge time and six months' later. RESULTS: Six months' post PCI, patients perceived their illness as chronic, had more control over their condition, and better understanding of it. They experienced less symptoms, lower perceptions of consequences on their life and less emotional representation indicating positive changes. Receiving health education at follow-up time had a significant interaction effects on increased personal and treatment control. Having a family history of coronary heart disease associated with better understanding of illness. CONCLUSION: Assessing patient' IP and providing health education at follow-up time should be incorporated in optimizing the care of PCI patients.

Experiences on Providing Home Care for A Relative with Heart Failure: A Qualitative Study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to explore and describe the lived experiences of persons providing home care for community-dwelling relative with heart failure (HF) in Jordan. Design: It was a phenomenological study. Methods: Data were collected through interviews with 29 participants and analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. Findings: Four core themes have emerged: caregiving as a mandatory responsibility, positive experiences, negative experiences, and factors influencing the quality of the experiences. Conclusion: Although the hallmark of the participants' experience was negative, they showed a strong commitment to caring for their ill relatives. Clinical Evidence: The findings underscore the need for frequent assessment and support of family caregivers.

Social support predicted quality of life in people receiving haemodialysis treatment: A cross-sectional survey.

Aims: To examine levels of social support and quality of life (QOL) and to examine the association between social support and QOL in patients receiving haemodialysis (HD) treatment. Design: A cross-sectional study. Method: social support and QOL were measured using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived social Support (MSPSS) and the World Health Organization QOL-BREF questionnaires, respectively. A convenience sample of 195 patients receiving HD from different dialysis units across Jordan completed the questionnaires. Results: Respondents scored highest on the social relationships domain of QOL (55.5 SD 21.4) compared with the lowest mean scores of the physical and environmental domains (48.6 SD 20.4; 46.2 SD 17.3, respectively). social support had a positive significant association with quality of life. Multiple linear regression identified age and social support as influencing factors, explaining 24.6% of the total variance in the social domain of quality of life.Understanding the relationship between social support and QOL in patients receiving HD may provide guidance to the healthcare providers, family members and social services about the importance of social support to this group of patients.

Do Illness Perception Predict Perceived Learning Needs Among Patients Treated With Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

BACKGROUND: The number of coronary heart disease (CHD) patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has increased. The illness perception (IP) of PCI recipients needs to be evaluated. Yet, little is known whether patients' IP predicts perceived learning needs among patients treated with PCI. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess patients' IP and to examine its influence on perceived learning needs post PCI. METHODS: A cross-sectional design was used. A convenience sample of 208 patients who had undergone first-time PCI participated in the study. Data were collected before patients were discharged from the hospital using the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire and the Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Learning Need Scale. RESULTS: Patients were highly concerned about their illness and perceived high consequences and symptoms related to CHD. They perceived low levels of personal and treatment control over their illness. Patients reported high learning needs. Multiple linear regression showed that low perception of personal control (P < .037), treatment control (P < .041), and high perception of disease symptoms (P < .018) significantly predicted high perceived learning needs. CONCLUSION: Hence, the patients' IP influences perceived learning needs, which may be included in routine clinical assessments. Tailored health education programs are needed for patients treated with PCI; such a program should target patients who perceived low levels of personal and treatment control over illness and have a high perception of symptoms.

A phenomenological study of Jordanian women's experience of sexual intercourse after giving birth.

AIM: to explore the sexual experiences of Jordanian women on the first occasion after giving birth. METHODS: phenomenological qualitative research. Twenty-five Jordanian women were purposively recruited from two maternal health centres and interviewed. FINDINGS: four themes emerged: "culture and religion v/s health professionals in resumption of sexual intercourse"; "enduring physical and psychological discomforts"; "husbands' role in resumption of sexual intercourse"; and "newborn babies' role in the experience of sexual intercourse". CONCLUSION: health professionals need to adopt appropriate maternal clinical guidelines to meet women's needs. There is a need to give greater emphasis on sexual health care provided to women during pregnancy and after giving birth.

"Resumption of Sexuality and Health Education in Postpartum Period: From Jordanian Health Care Professionals' Perspectives".

Objective: to explore Jordanian health care professionals' perspectives about sexual education after giving birth. Methods: a descriptive qualitative approach was used to address the study aim. A purposive sampling method was used to recruit seven midwives, 13 nurses and two obstetricians from three Primary Health Centres. The inclusion criteria were: midwives, nurses or obstetricians with at least two years' experience and currently working at a maternity health centre. Focus group discussions were used to collect data. A manual Thematic Content Analysis Tool was used to analyse the data. Results: five major themes emerged. Silence; resumption of sexuality after giving birth/area of conflict; men's authority in resumption of sexuality; the importance of sexual education (what, when and whom) and suggestions for sexual education approaches. Conclusions: Healthcare professionals were hesitant to open sexuality topic with the women during antenatal and postnatal visits due to cultural limitations and lack of knowledge. Therefore, in a time of global migration, the healthcare professionals have the need to understand cultural differences in attitude towards health care issues involving sexuality.

Perceived Learning Needs of Patients With Heart Failure in Jordan: Perspectives of Patients, Caregivers, and Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

BACKGROUND: Identifying learning needs is an important component of care among patients with heart failure (HF). There is a discrepancy in the level of importance of information as perceived by patients, caregivers, and nurses. No studies have been conducted to identify learning needs among patients with HF in Jordan. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify the learning needs of patients with HF in Jordan from the perspective of patients, family caregivers, and their nurses. METHODS: A descriptive comparative design using a convenience sample of 67 patients with HF, 67 family caregivers, and 67 nurses was used. The Heart Failure Learning Needs Inventory was used to identify the learning needs. The mean scores were compared among the 3 groups and ranked by importance for each item to determine the most important areas of perceived needs for each group. RESULTS: All groups had high total Heart Failure Learning Needs mean scores: patients, 4.12 ± 0.92; caregivers, 4.14 ± 0.65; and nurses, 4.08 ± 0.54. The top priority learning need for both patients and caregivers was "the recommended daily salt intake," whereas for nurses, it was "why I am taking each medication and its side effects"; nurses significantly perceived it as more important to learn than patients and caregivers did. Younger and employed patients requested more information than other patients. CONCLUSIONS: Although some similarities exist, there are important differences among the 3 groups on perceived importance of information. Understanding these differences may be critical in developing a tailored educational program for patients and caregivers and improving nursing practice.

Spirituality, Anxiety and Depression Among People Receiving Hemodialysis Treatment in Jordan: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Spirituality is an important factor that may mediate the detrimental impacts of hemodialysis on mental health. Lack of research examining spirituality and mental health in the Arab world in general and Jordan in particular encouraged this research. The study examined levels of spirituality, depression and anxiety and explored the association between them among patients receiving hemodialysis treatment in Jordan. A cross-sectional design was used to recruit 202 patients receiving hemodialysis treatment. Self-administered questionnaires including spiritual well-being scale, depression and anxiety and a demographic data sheet were used. The data were analyzed using SPSS and descriptive, inferential statistics and linear multivariate regression. The majority of respondents reported moderate mean levels of spirituality well-being (62.4%), while 60.9% and 80.2% scored low-to-moderate levels of depression, respectively. Only 22.3% reported moderate-to-severe anxiety levels. Increasing anxiety and number of co-morbid conditions were predictors of depression. No significant correlations were found between spirituality neither with the sample characteristics nor with depression and anxiety. It was found that depression and anxiety are common among respondents. Spirituality was of medium importance to them, yet it was not significantly associated with depression and anxiety. The implications of this study for holistic clinical practice are explored.

Barriers to Effective Pain Management in Cancer Patients From the Perspective of Patients and Family Caregivers: A Qualitative Study.

BACKGROUND: Pain is one of the most common and undesired symptoms in cancer patients, affecting patients' physical and psychological well-being. Barriers to effective pain management in cancer patients need to be identified and addressed by clinicians. AIMS: The purpose of this study was to explore the barriers to effective cancer pain management from the perspective of cancer patients and their family members. METHODS: A qualitative research design was employed. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 10 patients and 10 family caregivers to elucidate their perspectives regarding the barriers to effective cancer pain management in Jordan. RESULTS: Regulatory factors, knowledge deficit, and the use of religious and cultural strategies to cope with pain were major barriers to effective cancer pain management. Although effective cancer pain management is highly recommended, the participants' cultural beliefs deeply appreciated pain tolerance and discouraged effective treatment of cancer pain. CONCLUSION: Tailoring culturally appropriate educational programs regarding effective cancer pain management could facilitate pain management among patients with cancer.

Hope predicted quality of life in dyads of community-dwelling patients receiving hemodialysis and their family caregivers.

PURPOSE: End-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on hemodialysis (HD) and their family caregivers (FCGs) reported poor quality of life (QoL). Hope has shown association with QoL at the individual level. However, the association between hope and QoL in dyads has never been examined in particular in dyads of patients and FCGs. The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between hope and QoL in dyads of ESRD patients on HD and their family caregivers (FCGs). METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study in which data were collected from 123 community-dwelling patient-FCG dyads. Hope was measured using the Herth Hope Index and QoL was measured using the World Health Organization Quality of Life BREF. The Actor-Partner Interdependence Model multilevel modeling dyadic analysis approach was used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Each individual's hope scores predicted their own better QoL scores. Patients' hope scores predicted better Environmental domain QoL in FCGs. CONCLUSION: All domains of QoL of patients and their FCGs are related to their own level of hope. Better FCGs' environment domain of QoL was linked to high patients' levels of hope. Improving QoL may be achieved by targeting and improving hope in both members of the dyad.

Traditional neonatal care practices in Jordan: A qualitative study.

Traditional practices during the first months of neonatal life are common in developing countries, such as Jordan. Many international studies and reports have highlighted the fact that traditional neonatal practices are the cause of high neonatal mortality and morbidity rates in some countries. The aim of the present study was to identify neonatal care practices in Jordan. A descriptive, qualitative research design was used across four Jordanian cities across diverse regions. Forty mothers of neonates were interviewed over a period of 6 months (from January to June 2016). Thematic and content analysis was undertaken following Braun and Clarke's six step analysis. The results indicated that in Jordan, home-based neonatal care comprises non-biomedical practices. Rubbing the neonate's skin with salt, swaddling, prelacteal feeding, and other treatment modalities are common. Further studies are necessary to determine and report on the pros and cons of these practices in regard to neonatal health.