A review of the literature: evaluating dietary intake of Filipino Americans at risk for type 2 diabetes.

The purpose of this literature review is to investigate the research on the dietary intake of Filipino Americans. Evaluating the dietary practices of Filipino Americans may have an effect on the development of type 2 diabetes. Data collection was obtained, and four databases were included: Pub Medical, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Journals at OVID, and Medline. The key words used in the search were "diet,""type 2 diabetes," and "Filipinos." A total of nine articles were relevant and met the inclusion criteria. The following articles were excluded: studies in a foreign language, letters to the editor, and program descriptions.

Genetics and genomics in nursing: evaluating Essentials implementation.

The goal of the present study was to determine how well selected essential knowledge elements and practice indicators from the Essential Nursing Competencies and Curricula Guidelines in Genetics and Genomics (Essentials) were being achieved. A cross-sectional survey design was used. Eligible participants were recruited from a convenience sample of attendees at a national nursing conference in October 2008. Of the 200 surveys distributed, 47 usable surveys (24%) were returned. The majority of respondents were current nursing faculty (45.7%). Only 36% of all respondents had read the Essentials document. Less than 30% of respondents had attended any recent genetic/genomic content continuing education. There were significant associations between having read the Essentials document and obtaining both recent genomic continuing education and conducting genetic research (p<0.01). The results from this survey indicate that the Essentials have not been well disseminated outside of those primarily interested in the subject matter. They further indicate that respondents were not well prepared to respond to patient queries about genetic testing. Nurse educators must be adequately educated to address genomics as it will eventually become commonplace, with global applications in health promotion, disease prevention, and diagnostic and treatment strategies.

Evaluation and management of joint pain.

The purpose of this article was to provide a review for orthopaedic nurses and nurse practitioners who evaluate, manage, and care for patients with joint pain. Joint pain is a common complaint evaluated by primary care providers. The causation of joint pain is complicated to identify because of an extensive range of differential diagnosis. The history and physical examination are crucial components in evaluating and managing joint pain. The primary care provider uses clinical factors such as patient demographics, presence of inflammation, acute/chronic duration, extra-articular manifestations, pattern of joint involvement, and disease chronology. Many rheumatologic laboratory tests are nonspecific, but aspiration of the joint with synovial fluid analysis may provide diagnostic clues, especially to differentiate infection versus inflammation. Primary care providers utilize both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic regimens to manage acute and chronic joint pain.

Health-related hardiness in individuals with chronic illnesses.

The aims of this study were to (a) describe health stressors, health-related hardiness, perception of illness impact, self-perception of health status, and psychosocial adjustment to illness in individuals living with an inherited bleeding disorder; (b) determine relationships between health stressors, health-related hardiness, perception of illness impact, self-perception of health status, and psychosocial adjustment to illness; and (c) determine if perception of illness impact had a direct and/or mediating effect on the relationship between health stressors, health-related hardiness, and self-perception of health status and psychosocial adjustment to illness. A cross-sectional survey design was used. Sixty participants composed the sample. Participants completed five questionnaires. Higher health stressors were associated with higher perception of illness impact, lower perception of health status, and poorer psychosocial adjustment to illness. Individuals with higher perception of illness impact were associated with lower self-perception of health status and poorer psychosocial adjustment to illness.

Health-related hardiness and chronic illness: a synthesis of current research.

TOPIC: A critical analysis of the relationship between health-related hardiness and chronic illnesses based on a review of the literature. PURPOSE: To synthesize the current literature in order to provide an understanding of the state of knowledge and the implications for nursing regarding health-related hardiness and chronic illness. SOURCES: Three computerized databases, which yielded 125 articles published from 1966 to 2002. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of the health-related hardiness characteristic was significantly related to psychological, psychosocial, and physiologic adaptation. Higher levels of hardiness had positive outcomes in patients with chronic illness. The implications are that the current knowledge base regarding health-related hardiness and chronic illness could be used to assist patients who have to manage not only one but also multiple chronic illnesses.