Young adult females' perceptions of high-risk social media behaviors: a focus-group approach.

This study describes young adult female college students' perceptions of risky social media behaviors. A sample of 14 young adult females, aged 18-22 years and residing in an urban university, participated in 1 of 3 focus groups held in campus housing. Data analysis yielded 4 themes surrounding young adults' engagement in risky behaviors associated with social media. Themes described the predominant culture, associated risk, and prevention. Important insights into young adult female college students' thoughts on risky social media behaviors can be used by advanced practice nurses to inform preventive education for young college women.

Oncology rehabilitation outcomes over time: a mixed-methods approach.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To evaluate an oncology rehabilitation program over time. DESIGN: A cross-sectional, retrospective program evaluation using a mixed-methods approach. SETTING: An outpatient oncology rehabilitation program housed in an urban, hospital-based comprehensive cancer center in Alaska. SAMPLE: 102 cancer survivors who had completed a 10-week oncology rehabilitation program (mean time since completion was 2.5 years). METHODS: Participants completed a mailed, 28-item retrospective survey to collect perceived activity level recalled at various points in time as well as program perceptions. Open-ended questions elicited narrative comments about motivators and barriers. The Medical Outcomes Study (MOS) SF-36® was completed before and after the program. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES: Health-related quality of life, perceived health status, activity level, motivators, barriers, and program perceptions. FINDINGS: A small increase in level of activity from precancer to the current time (postrehabilitation) (z = -3.1, p < 0.01) was reported. Most and least helpful motivators emerged from the narrative data, resulting in the shared interpretation of "I have my life back." CONCLUSIONS: Program motivators were effective in helping cancer survivors maintain some increased activity and retain positive perceptions well after the completion of the program. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Survivors who complete a rehabilitation program retain a sense of restoration and caring, and some engage in physical activity over time. Adapting the program based on insights into the survivor perspective may assist oncology rehabilitation clinicians to promote optimum physical activity and sustain healthful change.

Experiences of Alaskan parents with children hospitalized for respiratory syncytial virus treatment.

The purpose of this study was to describe the experiences of Alaskan parents with children hospitalized for the treatment of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Six parents participated in a qualitative descriptive study composed of individual interviews. Using content analysis, three major themes emerged: "RSV is scary," "Lots of stress; little rest" and "At what point does it become a Bingo? He's going to the hospital." Findings provided further insight into the educational needs of the participants. Advanced practice registered nurses can translate insights provided by the participants into crucial knowledge needed for the care of families at heightened risk and currently experiencing RSV.

Women's experience of ageing with a chronic condition.

AIM: This paper is a report of a study to explore the experiences of 'almost old' women as they grow older while living with a chronic condition. BACKGROUND: Little is known about the contextual effects of ageing and how it shapes and is shaped by a woman's chronic illness experience. Nurses' understanding of this phenomenon can have positive effects on how their client accesses and responds to healthcare. METHOD: Seven women aged between 50 and 58 years participated in this interpretive descriptive study that explored the issues of ageing with a chronic condition. Three focus groups were held between March 2003 and March 2004. Transcriptions were analyzed after each focus group. Participants were given the opportunity to respond to the findings as the analysis progressed. FINDINGS: The experience of living with a chronic illness foreshadowed what was to come with ageing and embodied the ageing process: it was just part of their lives. Alongside this, the women now felt less out of place. Their peers were catching up and beginning to experience aspects of participants' everyday reality. The women, however, experienced double jeopardy because ageing amplified the ongoing vulnerabilities of living with a chronic condition. CONCLUSION: Nurses who recognize the resourcefulness and expertise of women who live with a chronic condition can effectively be co-strategists in their helping them to age well.