Examining the Burden of Self-Blame Attribution Among Women With Cervical Cancer.

Background:Self-blame for past sexual behaviors or for the personal character may be associated with the development of cervical cancer. Purpose: Aims were to understand the burden of self-blame attribution (SBA) among women with cervical cancer by (1) examining relationships between SBA, psychological distress (PD), and spiritual well-being (SWB); (2) determining differences between behavioral (BSB) and characterological self-blame (CSB) attribution; and (3) describing associations between SBA and unwanted past sexual experiences. Methods: Women attending a cancer center in the southeastern United Stats (N = 106) completed an online survey including a demographic questionnaire and three instruments: (1) SBA for Cancer Scale; (2) Psychological Distress Subscale of the Psychological Adjustment to Cancer Scale-Self Report; and (3) Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Spiritual Well-being. Results: Women with cervical cancer, 26-64 years of age, identified moderate levels of SBA, PD, and SWB. Relationships were found between PD, BSB and CSB, and unwanted sexual experiences. Significant inverse correlations between religious faith, BSB, unwanted sexual experiences, and SWB were noted. Unwanted sexual experiences were a significant predictor of SBA. Conclusion: SBA places women at risk for increased burden. Recognizing SBA in vulnerable cancer survivors is important to providing holistic nursing care.

COVID-19 and Pregnancy: Risks and Outcomes.

The normal physiologic changes of pregnancy are known to increase susceptibility to respiratory illness. Individuals who are pregnant are more likely to acquire a SARS-CoV-2 infection and develop COVID-19 than the general population; they are at increased risk for hospitalization; ventilator-assisted breathing; and other subsequent maternal, fetal, and neonatal health issues. Although the incidence of infection and subsequent morbidity is increased in pregnancy, mortality does not seem to be increased. Individuals who are vaccinated against COVID-19 before childbirth can pass antibodies to their fetuses via the placenta during pregnancy and to their infants during breastfeeding. It is important for health care providers to be cognizant of the potential impacts of COVID-19 on pregnant individuals and their offspring.

A guide to the selection and application of concept analysis.

The purpose of this article is to provide practical guidance in the process of choosing a method to use for concept analysis (CA), a commonly used method for defining and exploring concepts in nursing. Best outcomes are achieved when there is close alignment between the concept, the purpose of the analysis, and the CA method utilized. This process has become complicated by the number of approaches developed in recent decades, with varying purposes and theoretical underpinnings. Other variables include the specific type of concept chosen and the purpose of the analysis, which may vary from clinical care to theory development to research design. The net result is a process that can be confusing for experienced and inexperienced scholars alike. An overview of the most common CA methods used in recent years, including theoretical underpinnings, intended uses, steps involved in the process, and recommended applications, is followed by detailed guidance in selecting a method to use for the specific concept to be analyzed. Also provided is a discussion of the factors to consider in choosing a concept for analysis. The desired outcome is the promotion of high-quality CA that advance the scholarship of nursing.

Advocating for Interventions When Depression Complicates Preeclampsia.

Preeclampsia is a condition of pregnancy that is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Individuals diagnosed with preeclampsia have an increased chance of developing depression during pregnancy and in the postpartum period. This ultimately increases the risk for negative physical and emotional outcomes. A review of the etiology, pathophysiology, symptomatology, and risk factors for preeclampsia and depression, as well as the impact of COVID-19, can improve outcomes by helping nurses provide evidence-based holistic care. This article focuses on providing enhanced knowledge to help nurses identify the psychosocial aspects of preeclampsia and advocate for appropriate mental health assessment and intervention for affected individuals.

Post-COVID-19 Syndrome: Theoretical Basis, Identification, and Management.

As COVID-19 continues to spread, with the United States surpassing 29 million cases, health care workers are beginning to see patients who have been infected with SARS-CoV-2 return seeking treatment for its longer-term physical and mental effects. The term long-haulers is used to identify patients who have not fully recovered from the illness after weeks or months. Although the acute symptoms of COVID-19 have been widely described, the longer-term effects are less well known because of the relatively short history of the pandemic. Symptoms may be due to persistent chronic inflammation (eg, fatigue), sequelae of organ damage (eg, pulmonary fibrosis, chronic kidney disease), and hospitalization and social isolation (eg, muscle wasting, malnutrition). Health care providers are instrumental in developing a comprehensive plan for identifying and managing post-COVID-19 complications. This article addresses the possible etiology of postviral syndromes and describes reported symptoms and suggested management of post-COVID syndrome.

COVID-19: An Immunopathologic Assault.

When caring for patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), clinicians have noticed some unusual clinical presentations not observed before, such as profound hypoxia and severe hypotension. Scientists are probing the evidence to explain these issues and many other unanswered questions. Severe acute respiratory syndrome associated with coronavirus 2 presents an unchartered acute and critical care dilemma. Some of the theories and proposed interventions that will improve outcomes for these critically ill patients are explored in this article. Various testing procedures for COVID-19 are described so valid results can be obtained. Clinical presentations are discussed but continue to evolve as the pandemic ravages our society. The psychological impact of this devastation is also addressed from multiple perspectives. The health care provider is faced with an unprecedented, harrowing situation that has become an internal war that also must be confronted. Professional dedication has provided a formidable response to this destructive virus.

Considering the Contemporary Issues and Unresolved Challenges Facing Therapeutic Communities for Clients with Alcohol and Substance Abuse.

Alcohol and substance abuse remain significant public health problems in many parts of the occidental world. Some facilities that provide treatment for such abuse often refer to themselves as "Therapeutic Communities" (TCs). However, fundamental compositional differences in TCs present unresolved issues and as such, create significant implications for research, practice, education, and substance/alcohol care policy. Accordingly, this paper examines the heterogeneity and efficacy of TCs; the treatment approaches of harm reduction and abstinence; the training of TC staff and workers; and the recommended length of stay for individuals seeking recovery.

A pilot study: retention of adults experiencing homelessness and feasibility of a CDSM diabetes program.

INTRODUCTION: The study purpose was to evaluate the feasibility of a chronic disease self management/case management intervention for adults experiencing homelessness and diabetes and the ability to retain subjects. METHODS: Participants with type 2 diabetes were recruited at a homeless clinic and a subset received the intervention. Analysis included calculating a retention rate and evaluating the intervention implementation process. RESULTS: Of the nine participants, five were retained for 12 weeks and two of three participants completed the full intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Study retention is feasible for adults experiencing homelessness. Further intervention refinement is needed to address relevancy of content and time constraints.