ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Palliative care schemes, which include pain management, symptom control, psychosocial support and rehabilitation, aim to boost patients' quality of life, ease the burden and anxiety of informal caregivers, and ultimately provide a comprehensive approach to enhance well-being during this challenging and sensitive period. This study aims to evaluate the impact of a comprehensive rehabilitation palliative care program on the quality of life of patients with terminal cancer and their informal caregivers. METHODS: This quasi-experimental study, conducted from August 2023 to January 2024 at outpatient clinics affiliated with the Oncology Center at Mansoura University, Egypt, focused on cancer patients and their caregivers in the palliative care department. Employing pre- and post-test phases, data were gathered using a questionnaire, EORTC QLQ C30, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Short Form Health Survey, Caregiver Burden Inventory, and Beck Anxiety Inventory. The investigation evaluated a 16-week rehabilitation program comprising exercise, psychoeducation, individual counselling, and spiritual support. Exercises, led by a physiotherapist, targeted fatigue and stress through tailored aerobic and resistance training. Psychoeducation sessions aimed to bolster coping abilities, covering fatigue management and nutrition. Trained counsellors addressed spiritual and existential concerns. Personal advisory sessions were available for individual support. Caregivers received education on rehabilitation and palliative care protocols, ensuring comprehensive patient care. RESULTS: The mean age for cancer patients was 65.79 ± 13.85. In contrast, the mean age for primary carers was 42.05 ± 11.15. The QOL for cancer patients during the pre-test phase was 77.8 ± 7.16 and rose to 87.34 ± 14.56 during the post-test phase. Additionally, the total anxiety level of patients before the rehabilitation palliative care program was conducted was 15.45 ± 3.05 compared to 6.12 ± 3.21 after the post test phase. Furthermore, the total depression levels of the patients during the pre-test phase were 20.89 ± 9.21. However, after implementing the rehabilitation palliative care program, it decreased to 15.5 ± 6.86. In regards to the total quality of life of informal caregivers, it was measured at 67.28 ± 32.09 before conducting the program. Nevertheless, it increased to 25.95 ± 40.29 after conducting it. Additionally, the total Caregiver Burden Inventory before implementing the program was 37.45 ± 25.7, and it decreased to 29.36 ± 16.4 after conducting it. Additionally, the total score on the Beck Anxiety Inventory decreased from 45.7 ± 4.3 during the initial testing phase to 17.35 ± 23.67. CONCLUSION: The program for rehabilitation palliative care successfully achieved its goals by enhancing the overall quality of life for cancer patients and their caregivers. Additionally, it reduced the anxiety and depression levels among the patients, as well as the anxiety and caregiver burden among the caregivers. Continue research into the effectiveness of rehabilitation palliative care programs to identify best practices, improve existing programs, and expand access to these services.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: The widespread availability of Internet access and increasing rate of electronic device usage has helped enlighten the world community through copious applications, information resources, and other benefits. However, both the lack of controlled behavior and excessive Internet usage have resulted in a variety of difficulties that can hinder user achievement in many areas. OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the prevalence of Internet and electronic device addiction among Egyptian and Saudi nursing students, with the aim of identifying any effects on sleep and academic performance. METHODS: A cross-sectional comparative research design was employed among a systematic random sample comprised of 920 Egyptian and Saudi female nursing students. All participants completed the Young-Internet Addiction Test (IAT), Mobile Phone Involvement Questionnaire (MPIQ), and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). RESULTS: Severe Internet Addiction (IA) detected in 42.69% and 10.31% of Saudi and Egyptian participants, respectively. However, Saudi participants were more likely to report high rates of mobile phone usage (P < 0.001), while Egyptian participants tended to score higher on the ESS (17.47 ± 3.99 vs. 16.8 ± 3.83; P = 0.024). For all participants, IAT and MPIQ scores were correlated with ESS results, while IA was specifically associated with poor academic performance. Finally, MPIQ scores were inversely correlated with academic performance for Saudi participants. CONCLUSION: Smartphone and Internet addiction were notable problems for the Egyptian and Saudi nursing students investigated in this study. Importantly, these conditions adversely affect academic performance and other activity engagement in addition to inducing excessive daytime sleepiness.
