Research in Nursing and Health via MedWorm.com

Math anxiety, self‐efficacy, and ability in British undergraduate nursing students

Research in Nursing and Health — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 02:21:26 +0100

In this study, involving 229 second year British nursing students, we explored the influence of mathematics anxiety, self‐efficacy, and numerical ability on drug calculation ability and determined which factors would best predict this skill. Strong significant relationships (p < .001) existed between anxiety, self‐efficacy, and ability. Students who failed the numerical and/or drug calculation ability tests were more anxious (p < .001) and less confident (p ≤ .002) in performing calculations than those who passed. Numerical ability made the strongest unique contribution in predicting drug calculation ability (beta = 0.50, p < .001) followed by drug calculation self‐efficacy (beta = 0.16, p = .04). Early testing is recommended for basic numerical...

The influence of maternal–fetal attachment and health practices on neonatal outcomes in low‐income, Urban women

Research in Nursing and Health — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractMaternal–fetal attachment (MFA) has been associated with health practices during pregnancy, but less is known about this relationship in low‐income women, and no identified studies have examined this relationship to neonatal outcomes. This longitudinal descriptive study was conducted to examine the relationships among MFA, health practices during pregnancy, and neonatal outcomes in a sample of low‐income, predominantly African‐American women and their neonates. MFA was associated with health practices during pregnancy and adverse neonatal outcomes. Health practices during pregnancy mediated the relationships of MFA and adverse neonatal outcomes. The results support the importance of examining MFA in our efforts to better understand the etiology of health disparities in neon...

The importance of supervision in retention of CNAs

Research in Nursing and Health — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In this study, the investigators examined the relationships of work‐related and personal factors to CNA job satisfaction and intent to leave. Linked data from the 2004 National Nursing Home Survey and the 2004 National Nursing Assistant Survey were analyzed using multilevel logistic regression. Personal factors such as age, education, and job history, were related to intent to leave but not to job satisfaction. Supportive supervision was a significant predictor of both job satisfaction and intent to leave. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health (Source: Research in Nursing and Health)

Predicting physical activity and fruit and vegetable intake in adolescents: A test of the information, motivation, behavioral skills model

Research in Nursing and Health — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractMost adolescents do not meet national recommendations regarding physical activity and/or the intake of fruits and vegetables. The purpose of this study was to explore whether variables in the information, motivation, behavioral skills (IMB) model of health promotion predicted physical activity and fruit and vegetable intake in 404 adolescents from 2 high schools in the Southwest United States using structural equation modeling (SEM). The SEM models included theoretical constructs, contextual variables, and moderators. The theoretical relationships in the IMB model were confirmed and were moderated by gender and race. Interventions that incorporate cognitive‐behavioral skills building may be a key factor for promoting physical activity as well as fruit and vegetable intake in adol...

Biomarkers and boundaries to break

Research in Nursing and Health — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 03:22:12 +0100

(Source: Research in Nursing and Health)

Caregiving and positioning effects on preterm infant states over 24 hours in a neonatal unit in Taiwan

Research in Nursing and Health — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractIn this prospective, descriptive study, we used a repeated‐measures design to explore the 24‐hour effects of caregiving and positioning on preterm infants' states and the factors associated with state changes. Thirty preterm infants (gestational age 27.6–36.1 weeks) were observed for 3 days in the neonatal intensive care unit to record six states: quiet sleep (QS), active sleep, transition, active awake, quiet awake, and fussy or crying. The occurrences of QS increased when infants received no caregiving, social interaction, non‐nutritive sucking (NNS), and were laterally positioned. However, QS significantly decreased and fussy or crying state increased when infants received routine and intrusive caregiving. These results suggest that caregiving, NNS, and positioning shoul...

Developmental status and home environment among children born to immigrant women married to taiwanese men

Research in Nursing and Health — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractThe aims of this cross‐sectional study were to examine (a) the developmental status and home environments of children (6–24 months) of immigrant women married to Taiwanese men, and (b) the association of child developmental status with parental socio‐demographics, maternal language abilities, and home environment qualities. Participants were 61 children and their mothers from China and Vietnam. Data were collected with interviews, home observations, and developmental testing. The children had lower cognitive and language but higher motor and social development scores compared with native norms. Home environment and maternal perceived language ability were positively associated with child development. The association of home environment and maternal language ability with early...

Couple functioning and post‐traumatic stress symptoms in US army couples: The role of resilience

Research in Nursing and Health — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. Res Nurs Health. (Source: Research in Nursing and Health)

A longitudinal study of families with technology‐dependent children

Research in Nursing and Health — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractFew researchers have longitudinally examined families caring for technology‐dependent children at home. We tested a theoretically and empirically based conceptual model by examining family functioning and normalization in 82 mothers (female primary caregivers) twice over 12 months. Time 1 and Time 2 cross‐sectional findings were consistent; the only predictor of family functioning was mothers' depressive symptoms. Contrary to the proposed model, normalization, caregiving duration, and home nursing hours were not directly related to family functioning. Baseline family functioning significantly predicted future family functioning. Also, mothers whose children were no longer technology‐dependent at Time 2 reported significant improvements in family functioning and normalization....

Give and take: Integrating the skills of critique into doctoral nursing curricula

Research in Nursing and Health — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(Source: Research in Nursing and Health)

Young women's representations of sexually transmitted diseases (RoSTD): A psychometric study

Research in Nursing and Health — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 14:53:50 +0100

AbstractMeasurement of beliefs about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is important to understanding sexual health behaviors. The purpose of this study was to develop and test the psychometric properties of the Representations of STDs (RoSTD) Scale. The RoSTD was developed to measure young women's representations of STDs, and it is intended to be used to measure beliefs about any of the seven most common STDs. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated a four‐factor structure for the 40‐item RoSTD: Future Perspective, Cause, Psychosocial Consequence, and Identity. Internal consistency for the subscales (measured for each of seven different STDs) ranged from .67 to .93 and 2‐week test–retest correlations ranged from .69 to .90. The RoSTD shows evidence of reliability and validity in ...

Strain and satisfaction in caregivers of veterans with chronic illness

Research in Nursing and Health — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. Res Nurs Health. (Source: Research in Nursing and Health)

Predictors of post‐release research retention and subsequent reenrollment for women recruited while incarcerated

Research in Nursing and Health — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractCorrectional facilities are prime targets for nursing interventions to decrease health disparities, but challenges to post‐release follow‐up limit use of the longitudinal research designs needed to fully examine intervention effects. Using an adapted version of the Behavioral Model for Vulnerable Populations, we determined predictors of 1‐year post‐release study retention and subsequent reenrollment an average of 3 years later in 88 mother and child dyads recruited from a state prison nursery. Predisposing characteristics and enabling factors emerged as strong predictors of loss to follow‐up. Female research participants can be successfully retained years after release from a correctional facility. Understanding the barriers and facilitators to post‐release follow‐up ...

Statistical process control in nursing research

Research in Nursing and Health — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 15:09:11 +0100

AbstractIn intervention studies in which randomization to groups is not possible, researchers typically use quasi‐experimental designs. Time series designs are strong quasi‐experimental designs but are seldom used, perhaps because of technical and analytic hurdles. Statistical process control (SPC) is an alternative analytic approach to testing hypotheses about intervention effects using data collected over time. SPC, like traditional statistical methods, is a tool for understanding variation and involves the construction of control charts that distinguish between normal, random fluctuations (common cause variation), and statistically significant special cause variation that can result from an innovation. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of SPC and to illustrate it...

Recruitment and enrollment of caregivers for a lifestyle physical activity clinical trial

Research in Nursing and Health — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 05:44:22 +0100

This article presents the efficacy of the recruitment framework used for a clinical trial with sedentary family caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's disease. An integrated social marketing approach with principles of community‐based participatory research provided the theoretical framework for organizing recruitment activities. This multi‐pronged approach meant that caregivers were identified from a range of geographic locations and numerous sources including a federally funded Alzheimer's disease center, health care providers, community based and senior organizations, and broad‐based media. Study enrollment projections were exceeded by 11% and resulted in enrolling n = 211 caregivers into this clinical trial. We conclude that social marketing and community‐based approaches p...

Research in nursing & health is pleased to announce the winners of the 2010 best paper awards:

Research in Nursing and Health — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 00:35:18 +0100

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The moderating effect of sexual pressure on young Urban women's condom use

Research in Nursing and Health — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 00:35:00 +0100

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to examine whether women's experiences of sexual pressure moderated the relationship between sexual empowerment determinants and condom use in a sample of 100 high‐risk women, ages 19–25. Five sexual empowerment determinants of condom use were identified from the literature: HIV knowledge, self‐esteem, condom self‐efficacy, positive attitudes toward condom use, and condom negotiation skills. Linear and logistic regression analyses revealed that positive attitudes toward condom use and condom negotiation skills were significant predictors of condom use. These relationships, however, were moderated by sexual pressure. Findings indicate that women's experiences with sexual pressure have the potential to decrease the likelihood of condom use, even ...

Stress, maternal role competence, and satisfaction among Chinese women in the perinatal period

Research in Nursing and Health — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 02:31:42 +0100

AbstractThe changes in and relationships among stress, maternal role competence, and satisfaction in the perinatal period were examined using a longitudinal design. A convenience sample of 78 first‐time Chinese mothers completed assessments of stress and maternal role competence during pregnancy and at 6 weeks and 6 months postpartum. Maternal stress increased and role competence declined during early motherhood, which highlighted the potential influence of stress on maternal role competence and satisfaction in the perinatal period. Culturally competent health care interventions should be developed to promote maternal competence and satisfaction, in particular during early motherhood, and to equip women with effective coping skills to deal with the stress of maternal role transition. © ...

Depressed mothers as informants on child behavior: Methodological issues

Research in Nursing and Health — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

AbstractMothers with depressive symptoms more frequently report behavioral problems among their children than non‐depressed mothers leading to a debate regarding the accuracy of depressed mothers as informants of children's behavior. The purpose of this integrative review was to identify methodological challenges in research related to the debate. Data were extracted from 43 articles (6 theoretical, 36 research reports, and 1 instrument scoring manual). The analysis focused on the methodologies considered when using depressed mothers as informants. Nine key themes were identified and I concluded that researchers should incorporate multiple informants, identify the characteristics of maternal depression, and incorporate advanced statistical methodology. The use of a conceptual framework t...

Work productivity and health of informal caregivers of persons with advanced cancer

Research in Nursing and Health — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 02:43:08 +0100

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to describe health promotion behaviors and work productivity loss in informal caregivers of individuals with advanced stage cancer. Using a cross‐sectional, correlational design, 70 caregivers completed measures of health behaviors, mood, social support, and burden. Absenteeism and presenteeism were evaluated in employed caregivers (n = 40). Caregivers reported low levels of physical activity. The mean percentage of work productivity loss due to caregiving was 22.9%. Greater work productivity loss was associated with greater number of caregiving hours, higher cancer stage, married status, and greater anxiety, depression, and burden related to financial problems, disrupted schedule, and health. Nurses should assess caregivers and provide health pr...

Response to letter to the editor: A modified hermeneutic phenomenological approach with individuals who have autism

Research in Nursing and Health — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 06:11:09 +0100

(Source: Research in Nursing and Health)

Effect of African‐ and European‐American maternal attitudes and limit‐setting strategies on children's self‐regulation

Research in Nursing and Health — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

AbstractThe effect of maternal attitudes and limit‐setting strategies on children's self‐regulation (measured as committed compliance) was compared in 151 African‐American (AA) and 108 European‐American (EA) mothers and their 3‐year‐old children. There were no ethnic differences in children's compliance, however ethnicity moderated the relationship between maternal authoritarian attitudes and children's compliance. Higher authoritarian attitudes predicted less children's compliance in the EA sample, but greater compliance in the AA sample. Observational limit‐setting data revealed that in both ethnic groups, maternal authoritarian attitudes influenced children's self‐regulation through maternal use of lower‐power (gentle) verbal strategies, fewer physical strategies, and ...

Effect of the response tree format on the utility and psychometric properties of scales measuring symptoms in adults undergoing inpatient rehabilitation

Research in Nursing and Health — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

AbstractImbedding a response tree into self‐report scales is a strategy recommended to improve item comprehension and reduce burden in older adults. However, researchers have posed potential utility, validity, and reliability limitations to this strategy that have not been examined in the clinical setting. We evaluated the effect of the response tree format (RTF) on the psychometric properties and utility of three scales measuring symptoms in 86 rehabilitation inpatients. The RTF had little effect on the scales' psychometric properties or utility. Time to complete the scales differed for one scale only. The two formats manifested comparable levels of utility, reliability, and validity in the study sample, and may be used with older adults who experience difficulty responding to the origi...

More than military sexual trauma: Interpersonal violence, PTSD, and mental health in women veterans

Research in Nursing and Health — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 23:00:00 +0100

AbstractMilitary sexual trauma (MST) is reported by 20–40% of female veterans. The purpose of this study of female veterans referred for MST treatment was to examine the relationships between lifetime trauma (physical, sexual, and psychological) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, physical health, and quality of life using retrospective cross‐sectional data from medical records. Of the 135 participants, 95.4% reported at least one trauma in addition to MST, most notably sexual abuse as adult civilians (77.0%) and as children (52.6%). PTSD, depression, and sleep difficulty rates were clinically significant. Chronic pain (66.4%) was associated with childhood abuse, physical health, sleep difficulties, and coping. Integrating mental and physical health treatment is neces...

Modified hermeneutic phenomenological approach toward individuals who have autism: A response to newman, cashin and waters

Research in Nursing and Health — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 23:00:00 +0100

(Source: Research in Nursing and Health)

Parallelism in constant comparison analysis

Research in Nursing and Health — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

(Source: Research in Nursing and Health)

Correlates of stages of change for physical activity in adults with multiple sclerosis

Research in Nursing and Health — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

We examined the relative importance of health (symptoms and mobility impairments) and TTM constructs (behavioral and cognitive processes of change) in influencing stages of change placement for PA in a sample of 303 persons with MS using discriminant function analysis. The overall accuracy of predicting stages of change was 58.75%. Behavioral (r2 = .35) and cognitive processes (r2 = .17) accounted for the most variance, followed by mobility (r2 = .11) and self‐efficacy (r2 = .05). Results provide support for evaluating whether TTM‐based interventions can promote PA in adults with MS. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health (Source: Research in Nursing and Health)

Factors Associated With Parental Perception of Child Vulnerability 12 Months After Abnormal Newborn Screening Results

Research in Nursing and Health — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

AbstractWe identified factors associated with elevated parental perceptions of child vulnerability (PPCV) 12 months after newborn screening (NBS) of 136 children: healthy, normal results (H, n = 37), cystic fibrosis carriers (CF‐C, n = 40), congenital hypothyroidism (CH, n = 36), and cystic fibrosis (CF, n = 23). Controlling for infant and parent characteristics, mixed logit structural equation modeling showed direct paths to elevated PPCV included parent female sex, CF diagnosis, and high documented illness frequency. PPCV was positively associated with maternal parenting stress. Infants with CF and CF carriers had significantly more documented illness frequency than H group infants. The CH group did not differ significantly from the H group and had no paths to PPCV. Une...

Depressive symptoms and occupational stress among Chinese female nurses: The mediating effects of social support and rational coping

Research in Nursing and Health — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

AbstractThe study reported here was designed to investigate the relationship between depressive symptoms and occupational stress in female nurses in China during the period June–July 2008. The hypothesis tested was that social support and rational coping would mediate the effects of occupational stress on depressive symptoms. Our structural equation modeling revealed that social support and rational coping were negatively correlated with depressive symptoms. Social support and rational coping mediated the effects of occupational stress on depressive symptoms. Role overload, role insufficiency, and role boundary were predictive of depressive symptoms. These results indicated that lessening occupational stress and strengthening social support and rational coping could decrease depressive s...

Patients' experiences of seeking health care for lower urinary tract symptoms

Research in Nursing and Health — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

AbstractA gap between experiencing symptoms and receiving effective treatment persists for people with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), even for those who seek health care. In order to better understand how patients experience treatment seeking for LUTS, we interviewed a racially diverse sample of 90 men and women with a range of LUTS about their experiences seeking care. Thematic analysis revealed that patients often disclosed urinary symptoms first to primary care providers during a general examination or a visit for another health problem. Patients seek provider assistance typically when symptoms have intensified or are causing worry, and a desire for treatment trumps potential embarrassment; among women patients, feeling comfortable with a provider also is important for disclosing ...

Modeling the effects of past relationship and obligation on changes in the health and health promotion of women caregivers of family members with dementia

Research in Nursing and Health — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

AbstractWuest's (1998, 2001) caregiving theory was tested with 282 women self‐identified as caregivers of family members with dementia to examine how quality of past relationship within caregiving dyads and sense of obligation to care affected their health outcomes and health promotion over 9 months, using latent growth curve analysis. The model explained 62% of the variance in women's health (Time 4). Health was affected positively by past relationship and negatively by obligation. Health promotion was positively affected by health (Time 1) and by obligation. Change observed in health promotion was nonlinear and positively affected health (Time 4). Findings suggest past relationship and obligation to care predict health outcomes for caregivers and that interventions to increase caregive...

Publishing on the Web

Research in Nursing and Health — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

(Source: Research in Nursing and Health)

Multiple instrument translation for use with South Asian Indian immigrants

Research in Nursing and Health — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to describe translation of five measures (physical activity, acculturation, discrimination, self‐efficacy, and depression) from English into Hindi using the committee translation method, focus group, and think‐aloud interviews. Two South Asian Indian (SAI) immigrant bilingual translators and a moderator reached consensus on 93 of 102 items, using the committee method. Discrepancy in nine items was resolved with a focus group conducted with five bilingual SAI immigrants. Ten other bilingual SAI immigrants participated in think‐aloud interviews to assess understanding and interpretation of the questions. More than 10 additional changes were made following the think‐aloud interviews. Sequential use of multiple translation techniques improved trans...

Collection and storage of human blood and adipose for genomic analysis of clinical samples

Research in Nursing and Health — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

AbstractIn this methods article, we describe collection and storage of clinically acquired blood and adipose samples for transcript analysis in an ongoing study exploring obesity in renal transplant recipients. Total ribonucleic acid (RNA) was isolated from whole blood using the LeukoLOCK™ Total RNA Isolation System (n = 4), and comparisons between fresh and frozen samples were made. Abdominal subcutaneous adipose samples (n = 4) were obtained during kidney transplantation, flash frozen, and stored at −80°C. Adipose RNA was extracted using either the STAT‐60 method modified for lipids or Trizol plus RNeasy extraction. Affymetrix HG‐U133 plus 2.0 arrays and Affymetrix Human Gene 1.0 ST arrays were used for both blood and adipose transcriptome analysis. Purity, quality, and ...

Validation of the multidimensional health locus of control scales for labor and delivery

Research in Nursing and Health — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

AbstractNo current instrument assesses women's health locus of control beliefs in relation to childbirth. Form C of the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scales was used to develop items for a new instrument specific to labor and delivery (MHLC‐LD). Psychometric analyses conducted with two independent samples of pregnant women supported a three‐factor model of the new instrument, consisting of Internal, Powerful Others, and Chance subscales. Results revealed modest coefficient alphas (>.70) for the subscales and demonstrated construct validity in known group analyses. Future validation research will focus on improving the internal consistency reliability of the MHLC‐LD, testing factorial invariance across demographic groups, and examining the relationships between obstetric...

Testing a multi‐group model of culturally competent behaviors among underrepresented nurse practitioners

Research in Nursing and Health — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

AbstractDiversifying the health professional workforce and enhancing cultural competence are recommended for decreasing health disparities. We tested a structural equation model of the predictors of culturally competent behaviors in a mailed survey of three groups of underrepresented nurse practitioners (n = 474). Our model had good fit and accounted for 29% of the variance in culturally competent behaviors. Life experiences with diversity had direct effects on awareness/sensitivity and behaviors, and diversity training had a direct effect on behaviors. Cultural awareness/sensitivity mediated the relationship between life experiences with diversity and culturally competent behaviors; all paths remained after controlling for covariates. For unique experiences that contribute to workplac...

Writing: there's no “App” for that

Research in Nursing and Health — Tue, 31 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

(Source: Research in Nursing and Health)

Always, never, or sometimes: Examining variation in condom‐use decision making among black adolescent mothers

Research in Nursing and Health — Tue, 31 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

AbstractOur purpose in this study was to describe Black adolescent mothers' decisions regarding condom use and non‐use with their male sex partners, including their children's fathers. Research on partner type and condom use has been insufficiently focused on understanding the specific influence that the biological father of the baby has on condom use among adolescent mothers. We conducted five focus groups and three interviews with 31 predominantly African‐American mothers. We found that their decisions to use condoms always, never, or sometimes were based on partner type and on emotional and relationship factors. The “baby daddy” was the only partner with whom they never used condoms. HIV/STI prevention interventions for adolescent mothers must address risk taking with their chil...

Research using blogs for data: Public documents or private musings?

Research in Nursing and Health — Sat, 28 May 2011 21:51:57 +0100

AbstractNursing and other health sciences researchers increasingly find blogs to be valuable sources of information for investigating illness and other human health experiences. When researchers use blogs as their exclusive data source, they must discern the public/private aspects inherent in the nature of blogs in order to plan for appropriate protection of the bloggers' identities. Approaches to the protection of human subjects are poorly addressed when the human subject is a blogger and the blog is used as an exclusive source of data. Researchers may be assisted to protect human subjects via a decisional framework for assessing a blog author's intended position on the public/private continuum. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health (Source: Research in Nursing and Health)

Clarifying and measuring filial concepts across five cultural groups

Research in Nursing and Health — Fri, 27 May 2011 15:39:07 +0100

We examined filial concepts across five cultural groups: African‐, Asian‐, Euro‐, Latino‐, and Native Americans. Data were randomly divided for scale development (n = 285) and cross‐validation (n = 284). Exploratory factor analysis on 59 items identified three filial concepts: Responsibility, Respect, and Care. Confirmatory factor analysis on a 12‐item final scale showed data fit the three‐factor model better than a single factor solution despite substantial correlations between the factors (.82, .82 for Care with Responsibility and Respect, and .74 for Responsibility with Respect). The scale can be used in cross‐cultural research to test hypotheses that predict associations among filial values, filial caregiving, and caregiver health outcomes. © 2011 Wiley Periodi...

Principles and strategies for monitoring data collection integrity in a multi‐site randomized clinical trial of a behavioral intervention

Research in Nursing and Health — Thu, 12 May 2011 22:39:22 +0100

This article describes the principles and strategies developed to monitor data collection integrity of the “Stories and Music for Adolescent/Young Adult Resilience During Transplant” study (R01NR008583, U10CA098543, and U10CA095861)—a multi‐site Children's Oncology Group randomized clinical trial of a music therapy intervention for adolescents and young adults undergoing stem cell transplant. The principles and strategies outlined in this article provide one model for development and evaluation of a data collection integrity monitoring plan for behavioral interventions that may be adapted by investigators and may be useful to funding agencies and grant application reviewers in evaluating proposals. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health (Source: Research in Nursing and Hea...

Best reviewers for Research in Nursing & Health: 2010

Research in Nursing and Health — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100

(Source: Research in Nursing and Health)

IOM report, The future of nursing: Leading change, advancing health: Milestones and challenges in expanding nursing science

Research in Nursing and Health — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100

(Source: Research in Nursing and Health)

Psychometric properties of the interpersonal relationship inventory‐short form for active duty female service members

Research in Nursing and Health — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100

AbstractThe Interpersonal Relationship Inventory‐Short Form (IPRI‐SF) has demonstrated psychometric consistency across several demographic and clinical populations; however, it has not been psychometrically tested in a military population. The purpose of this study was to psychometrically evaluate the reliability and component structure of the IPRI‐SF in active duty United States Army female service members (FSMs). The reliability estimates were .93 for the social support subscale and .91 for the conflict subscale. Principal component analysis demonstrated an obliquely rotated three‐component solution that accounted for 58.9% of the variance. The results of this study support the reliability and validity of the IPRI‐SF for use in FSMs; however, a three‐factor structure emerged ...

Practical strategies for promoting full inclusion of individuals with disabilities in community‐based participatory intervention research

Research in Nursing and Health — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100

AbstractCommunity‐based participatory research (CBPR) with disability communities is directed toward facilitating full inclusion of individuals with disabilities and disability community organizations in all aspects of the research process. Within the CBPR framework, academic‐disability community partners may value and wish to use experimental designs to test interventions. Being aware of and proactively addressing barriers and challenges to inclusion in the areas of human resources, training, productivity, accommodation, and inadequate funding for disability community organizations are critical for success. Some of the strategies discussed in this article for addressing these challenges include creating redundant systems, providing benefits counseling and individualized payment option...

Maternal concern, social support, and health‐related quality of life across childhood

Research in Nursing and Health — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 23:00:00 +0100

AbstractMothers play a critical role in child and family health yet little is known about the concerns and health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) of mothers beyond early childhood. The purpose of this study of 234 mothers of children up to 18 years of age was to examine relationships among maternal concern, social support, and HRQOL. Mothers reported a low level of concern, but concern was a significant predictor of HRQOL. The health burden for mothers was demonstrated primarily in the mental health components of HRQOL. The effect of social support was minimal and limited to the mental health domain of HRQOL. Results suggest regular assessment of maternal concerns and mental health coupled with education regarding coping strategies to support HRQOL for all mothers. © 2011 Wiley Period...

Creating a pipeline for tomorrow's nurse researchers

Research in Nursing and Health — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 23:00:00 +0100

(Source: Research in Nursing and Health)

When a cigar is not just a cigar: Alternative takes on data and data analysis

Research in Nursing and Health — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 23:00:00 +0100

AbstractA commonplace in the qualitative research literature is that data can be interpreted in more than one way. Less commonly considered are how much the interpretive flexibility of data depends on the adequacy of researchers' interpretive repertoires and how it troubles the lines conventionally drawn between methods, primary and secondary analysis, and between valid and invalid interpretation. What largely differentiates inquiry is not whether it is qualitative or quantitative but rather the attitude taken toward the data generated in a study. The more varied the interpretive repertoire of researchers, the greater will be their capacity to be tuned in to and credibly account for the varied ways in which data can be seen and treated. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health (Sour...

Non‐verbal cues to osteoarthritic knee and/or hip pain in elders

Research in Nursing and Health — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 20:17:31 +0100

AbstractBehavioral cues are believed to be useful to identify pain among elders who may be experiencing pain but unable to express it. To examine this assumption, we recruited 192 elders who could verbally express pain to determine whether regression models combining behavioral cues (motor and gait patterns) predicted verbal pain reports. In the best model, age (p < .01) and subscales that measured guarding (p < .001) and joint flexion (p < .01) motor patterns were significant predictors of verbal pain reports. The receiver operating characteristic curve indicated that the best cutoff for predictive probability was 40–44%, with a fair to good C statistic of .78 (SD = .04). With a 40% cutoff, sensitivity and specificity were 71.6% and 71.0%, respectively. The inve...

Knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of nursing professionals and students in Beijing toward cardiovascular disease risk reduction

Research in Nursing and Health — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 16:49:00 +0100

AbstractThe rising incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in China intensifies the need for effective health education for CVD risk reduction. The purpose of this study was to develop a description of nurses' knowledge about, attitudes toward, practice behaviors, and personal lifestyle behaviors related to CVD risk reduction. We surveyed 273 staff nurses, 35 nursing faculty, and 139 nursing students in Beijing. Most nurses could identify common risk factors for CVD and had positive attitudes toward CVD risk reduction. However, less than 58% of the respondents could correctly answer questions about evidence‐based recommendations for CVD risk reduction. This sample of Chinese nursing professionals and students lacked knowledge critical to providing guidance to individuals with or at ris...

Supporting mothering: Service providers' perspectives of mothers and young children affected by intimate partner violence

Research in Nursing and Health — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 19:34:22 +0100

AbstractAlthough negative outcomes from intimate partner violence (IPV) are not inevitable, IPV is recognized to have profound negative effects on child development. We conducted a qualitative descriptive study of service providers' understandings of the impact of IPV on mothers, young children (birth to 36 months), and mother–infant/child relationships, and of the support needs of these mothers and young children. Service providers suggested that IPV negatively influenced caregiving and identified a pressing need for information and strategies to help mothers promote and protect their young children's development. Although service providers struggled to articulate ideal forms of assistance to promote maternal–infant/child relationships, they agreed that mothers and young children expe...

Trajectories of depressive symptoms from adolescence to young adulthood: Chinese Americans versus non‐hispanic whites

Research in Nursing and Health — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100

We examined age, sex, and race/ethnicity differences in trajectories of depressive symptom from adolescence to early adulthood; we also tested whether socioeconomic status and acculturation were associated with the differences. The findings suggest that adolescents over age 15 had a higher level and faster decline in depressive symptoms than their younger counterparts; females had higher level and a faster decline in depressive symptoms than males. Chinese American females had the highest depressive symptoms sustained across 7 years; Chinese American males over age 15 had higher depressive symptoms than their White male counterparts. Neither socioeconomic status nor acculturation was significantly associated with the differences in the trajectories. Our findings suggest a need for greater ...

Linking home care interventions and hospitalization outcomes for frail and non‐frail elderly patients

Research in Nursing and Health — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100

AbstractStructured clinical data generated using standardized terminologies such as the Omaha System are available for evaluating healthcare quality and patient outcomes. New intervention management grouping approaches are needed to deal with large, complex clinical intervention data sets. We evaluated 56 intervention groups derived using four data management approaches with a data set of 165,700 interventions from 14 home care agencies to determine which approaches and interventions predicted hospitalizations among frail (n = 386) and non‐frail (n = 1,364) elders. Hospitalization predictors differed for frail and non‐frail elders. Low frequencies in some intervention groups were positively associated with hospitalization outcomes, suggesting that there may be a mismatch betwee...

Family caregivers of hospitalized adults in Israel: A point‐prevalence survey and exploration of tasks and motives

Research in Nursing and Health — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100

AbstractThe prevalence of family inpatient caregiving in Israel, its extent, content, and related caregiver and patient variables were examined. Of 1,076 patients surveyed, 744 (69%) had family caregivers, and 513 caregivers were interviewed. Caregivers averaged 8 hours a day at the hospital and most frequently carried out monitoring tasks. Their main motivation was the desire to help the patient. Variables that explained overall caregiving tasks were the desire to help the patient (β = .38), to ensure quality of care (β = .19) and external pressure (β = .19). Variables that explained number of hours spent in caregiving were patient's age (β = −.28) and caregiver motivation related to benefits (β = −.19) and separation concerns (β = .18). Staff should id...

The dissertation manuscript option, internet posting, and publication

Research in Nursing and Health — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100

(Source: Research in Nursing and Health)

Demographic, psychosocial, and contextual correlates of tobacco use in sexual minority women

Research in Nursing and Health — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100

AbstractDemographic, psychosocial, and contextual correlates of tobacco use among sexual minority women (SMW) were assessed using data from a larger lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) study. Of the 171 participants, 42% (n = 71) were smokers. However, 61% of smokers reported a recent quit attempt, and 39% were taking action toward or planning to quit. In multivariable logistic regression, lack of insurance, frequent attendance at LGBT bars, greater awareness of anti‐smoking messages, and fewer perceived deterrents to smoking were associated with greater odds of smoking. Our findings provide additional support for elevated smoking rates among SMW and help to identify factors associated with smoking in this population. Awareness of prevention campaigns, recent quit attempts...

The influence of adult behaviors on child coping during venipuncture: A sequential analysis

Research in Nursing and Health — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 18:29:41 +0100

AbstractThe aim of this exploratory study was to investigate the influences of adult behaviors on child coping behaviors during venipunctures (VPs) in an emergency department. Observations of children and adults from 66 VPs were coded using a modified version of the Child–Adult Medical Procedure Interaction Scale and analyzed using sequential analysis. Results showed adult reassurance behavior promoted child distress behaviors, such as crying, as well as nondistress behaviors, such as information seeking; adult distraction behaviors promoted children's distraction, control, and coping behaviors; and children frequently ignored adult behaviors. Findings suggest further exploration of children's internal strategies for coping, such as appraisal, and clarifying the role of adult reassurance...

Spirituality and psychological well‐being: Testing a theory of family interdependence among family caregivers and their elders

Research in Nursing and Health — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 18:20:44 +0100

AbstractThe family spirituality‐psychological well‐being model was developed and tested to explore how spirituality influences psychological well‐being among elders and caregivers in the context of Korean family caregiving. The sample consisted of 157 Korean elder‐family caregiver dyads in Seoul, Korea. The intraclass correlation coefficient and the actor–partner interdependence statistical model were used to analyze the data. There were significant correlations between elders' and caregivers' spirituality and between elders' and caregivers' psychological well‐being. Elders' and caregivers' spirituality significantly influenced their own psychological well‐being. The caregiver's spirituality significantly influenced the elder's psychological well‐being, but the elder's spir...

Manuscript Referees for Research in Nursing & Health: 2010

Research in Nursing and Health — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 15:53:02 +0100

(Source: Research in Nursing and Health)

Maternal role attainment with medically fragile infants: Part 1. measurement and correlates during the first year of life

Research in Nursing and Health — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 15:53:00 +0100

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to extend scholarship on maternal role attainment (MRA). We used a triangulation of behavioral and self‐report variables to measure MRA—identity, presence, and competence—with mothers of medically fragile infants (n = 81), and explored characteristics that influenced MRA longitudinally. Competence and presence were best measured using both self‐report and observational methods, whereas identity was best measured with a questionnaire. Mothers with less worry reported higher levels of identity. Presence was higher with less alert infants, whereas competence was higher with more alert infants, lower parental role stress, higher education, and being married. Mothers with more illness‐related distress and less alert infants, and unmarried and ...

A new, four‐item instrument to measure workplace bullying

Research in Nursing and Health — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100

AbstractStudies on workplace bullying either in the U.S. or internationally rarely include nurses. We tested the concurrent validity of the Negative Acts Questionnaire—Revised (22 items) with a sample of nurses. Five hundred eleven registered nurses (RNs) responded to a mailed survey. Factor, reliability, and regression analyses tested dimensionality, reliability, and construct and criterion validity. Workplace bullying is best seen as a one‐dimensional construct. A subset of four items was found to be both valid and reliable in measuring bullying in this sample. Findings support the use of a one‐dimensional, four‐item questionnaire to measure perceived bullying in nursing populations. Using a four‐item questionnaire decreases participant and researcher burden and makes available...

The relationship between acculturation and oral contraceptive use among Korean immigrant women

Research in Nursing and Health — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100

AbstractWe explored the relationship between acculturation and beliefs, attitudes, norms, and intention regarding oral contraceptive use among Korean immigrant women using acculturation and the theory of reasoned action (TRA) as the frameworks. A total of 1,494 Korean surname‐based telephone numbers were sampled in New York City. One hundred forty‐five Korean immigrant women completed a telephone survey. The findings support the assumption that acculturation affects intention to use oral contraceptives indirectly only through one or more of the TRA components. Acculturation could function as an antecedent to changes in beliefs, attitudes, norms, and intention in this population. Acculturation assessment tools could provide health professionals insight into how to better approach this p...

“Casing” the research case study

Research in Nursing and Health — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100

AbstractThe wide variation in definitions of the research case study can make it difficult for health sciences researchers to see all of the possibilities for this form of inquiry. Case studies are defined here as singular combinations of diverse arrays of methodological approaches directed toward maintaining “empirical intimacy” with the one or more temporally and spatially defined objects researchers construct and target for study. The cases selected for study are made as opposed to found through an iterative and theory‐laden process called “casing.” Case‐ as opposed to variable‐oriented analysis helps researchers maintain “empirical intimacy” with the cases in their case studies. Case studies may be useful in enhancing programs of research in instrument and interventio...

Development of the fogg intent‐to‐screen for HIV (ITS HIV) questionnaire

Research in Nursing and Health — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100

AbstractIn this paper, we describe the development and psychometric properties of the Fogg Intent‐to‐Screen for HIV questionnaire (ITS HIV), which measures peoples' beliefs and intentions toward HIV screening. The ITS HIV was developed using the Theory of Planned Behavior as the framework for a developmental process that included qualitative interviews, a validation phase, two pilot tests, and a field test of the final 55‐item questionnaire. The field test involved 312 homeless persons from five New England states. Cronbach alphas of the direct measures scales ranged from .72 to .90. Findings from a path analysis verified the construct validity. The psychometric estimates from these analyses suggest the ITS HIV questionnaire is appropriate for use in clinical practice or to evaluate ...

Maternal role attainment with medically fragile infants: Part 2. relationship to the quality of parenting

Research in Nursing and Health — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100

We examined which components of maternal role attainment (identity, presence, competence) influenced quality of parenting for 72 medically fragile infants, controlling for maternal education and infant illness severity. Maternal competence was related to responsiveness. Maternal presence and technology dependence were inversely related to participation. Greater competence and maternal education were associated with better normal caregiving. Presence was negatively related although competence was positively related to illness‐related caregiving. Mothers with lower competence and more technology dependent children perceived their children as more vulnerable and child cues as more difficult to read. Maternal role attainment influenced parenting quality for these infants more than did child ...

Erratum: When R & R is not rest & recovery but revise & resubmit

Research in Nursing and Health — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100

(Source: Research in Nursing and Health)

Development and psychometric testing of the register – connectedness scale for older adults

Research in Nursing and Health — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 15:02:38 +0100

AbstractConnectedness, maintaining active engagement with life, is crucial to successful aging. Yet, no instruments were found to measure connectedness. The purpose of this study was to develop and test a connectedness scale for older adults. A 72‐item instrument was administered to 428 community‐dwelling older adults. The sample was largely female, White widows/widowers, with a mean age of 76 (SD 6.95) years. The instrument was reduced to 45 items representing five factors with loadings ranging from .40 to .86. The factor labels and their reliability estimates were: (a) self‐regulating (.86), (b) facing aging (.85), (c) being part of a family (.87), (d) having friends (.87), and (e) being spiritual (.88). This promising instrument may advance the science of successful aging. © 2010...

Can modifications to the bedroom environment improve the sleep of new parents? Two randomized controlled trials

Research in Nursing and Health — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 10:17:05 +0100

AbstractPostpartum sleep disruption is common among new parents. In this randomized controlled trial we evaluated a modified sleep hygiene intervention for new parents (infant proximity, noise masking, and dim lighting) in anticipation of night‐time infant care. Two samples of new mothers (n = 118 and 122) were randomized to the experimental intervention or attention control, and sleep was assessed in late pregnancy and first 3 months postpartum using actigraphy and the General Sleep Disturbance Scale. The sleep hygiene strategies evaluated did not benefit the more socioeconomically advantaged women or their partners in Sample 1, but did improve postpartum sleep among the less advantaged women of Sample 2. Simple changes to the bedroom environment can improve sleep for new mothers wi...

Format, style, and precision

Research in Nursing and Health — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100

(Source: Research in Nursing and Health)

Research in nursing & health is pleased to announce the winners of the 2009 best paper awards:

Research in Nursing and Health — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 23:14:34 +0100

(Source: Research in Nursing and Health)

Biobehavioral and psychological differences between overweight adults with and without waist circumference risk

Research in Nursing and Health — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Abstract (Source: Research in Nursing and Health)

The development and psychometric analysis of the short‐form pulmonary functional status scale (PFSS‐11©)

Research in Nursing and Health — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Abstract (Source: Research in Nursing and Health)

Taking note of trends in age groupings

Research in Nursing and Health — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100

(Source: Research in Nursing and Health)

Validation of the short form of the chinese childbirth self‐efficacy inventory in Mainland China

Research in Nursing and Health — Sat, 25 Sep 2010 11:12:44 +0100

Abstract (Source: Research in Nursing and Health)

Erratum: Blinded review revisited

Research in Nursing and Health — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100

(Source: Research in Nursing and Health)

When R & R is not rest & recovery but revise & resubmit

Research in Nursing and Health — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100

(Source: Research in Nursing and Health)

Patient falls: Association with hospital Magnet status and nursing unit staffing

Research in Nursing and Health — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Abstract (Source: Research in Nursing and Health)

Patients with chronic hepatitis C undergoing watchful waiting: Exploring trajectories of illness uncertainty and fatigue

Research in Nursing and Health — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100

(Source: Research in Nursing and Health)

Symptom cluster and physical activity in relapsing‐remitting multiple sclerosis

Research in Nursing and Health — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100

(Source: Research in Nursing and Health)

Intention‐to‐treat in randomized controlled trials: Recommendations for a total trial strategy

Research in Nursing and Health — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Abstract (Source: Research in Nursing and Health)

Nurse burnout and quality of care: Cross‐national investigation in six countries

Research in Nursing and Health — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Abstract (Source: Research in Nursing and Health)

The impact of vascular leg disorders on physical activity in methadone‐maintained adults

Research in Nursing and Health — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100

(Source: Research in Nursing and Health)

Physical activity and sedentary behavior in adolescents with type 1 diabetes

Research in Nursing and Health — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100

The purpose of this study was to describe the associations between levels of physical activity measured by accelerometry and changes in fitness, body composition, lipids, and glucose control (i.e., glycosolated hemoglobin [A1C]) in a sample of 16 adolescents with type 1 diabetes participating in a personalized exercise program. More sedentary activity was associated with lower fitness and fat free mass and increased total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL-c), and triglycerides (p < .05). Greater amounts of moderate to vigorous activity were associated with higher fitness and fat free mass, and decreased total cholesterol, LDL-c, triglycerides, and A1C (p < .05). Findings support the beneficial effects of increased moderate activity and decreased sedentary behavior to reduce cardiov...

The impact of vascular leg disorders on physical activity in methadone-maintained adults

Research in Nursing and Health — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Chronic venous disorders (CVD) and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) may affect diverse physical activity domains. How CVD and PAD and other relevant variables affect physical activity was examined in 569 opioid-addicted adults. Both CVD and PAD were significantly inversely related to daily walking, sports, and active living. Effects remained significant in the latent variable regression after controlling covariates. Overall activity was very low; most participants walked less than a half mile daily and rarely engaged in sports. Motivation for physical activity was the strongest predictor ([beta] = .55) of daily physical activity. Health-care professionals promoting physical activity for injection users should consider the vascular health of their legs and motivational variables in additio...

Classifying subgroups of patients with symptoms of acute coronary syndromes: A cluster analysis

Research in Nursing and Health — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100

The purpose of the study was to identify subgroups of patients presenting with acute coronary syndromes based on symptom clusters. Two hundred fifty-six patients completed a symptom assessment in their hospital rooms. Latent class cluster analysis and analysis of variance were used to classify subgroups of patients according to selected clinical characteristics. Four subgroups were identified and labeled as Heavy Symptom Burden, Chest Pain Only, Sweating and Weak, and Short of Breath and Weak (model fit [chi]2 [130,891, n = 256] = 867.5, p = 1.00). The largest group of patients experienced classic symptoms of chest pain and shortness of breath but not sweating. Younger patients were more likely to cluster in the Heavy Symptom Burden group (F = 5.08, p = .002). Interpretation of the clinica...

Psychological distress in different social network members of breast and prostate cancer survivors

Research in Nursing and Health — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100

The purposes of this investigation were to compare psychological distress among cancer survivors' social network members with different relationships with the survivors and to compare their reported levels of distress with population norms. Participants in this investigation included spouses/significant others (n = 153), siblings (n = 11), adult children (n = 25), parents (n = 10), cousins (n = 6), and friends/others (n = 10) of English or Spanish speaking women with breast cancer and English speaking men with prostate cancer. Network members reported on their symptoms of depression, positive and negative affect, anxiety, and relationship satisfaction. The psychological distress among all relationship types was similar. Spouses, and to a lesser extent, adult children were the only groups w...

Strengthening data quality in studies of migrants not fluent in host languages: A canadian example with reproductive health questionnaires

Research in Nursing and Health — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100

The need to collect health data from refugees and asylum seekers often requires that questionnaires be translated. Verifying the clarity, meaning, and acceptability of translated questionnaires with monolingual persons, individuals from the target population who primarily speak and understand only the test language, is one important step in the translation process. Reproductive health questionnaires were tested with persons monolingual in Hindi, Tamil, Urdu, Spanish, and French. Testing revealed problematic questions and how culture, education, and migration experience can affect perceptions of questions. Bilingual liaisons from the communities of interest facilitated recruitment of participants, but liaisons' vulnerable status and lack of familiarity with research posed challenges to the ...

Maternal satisfaction with postpartum nursing centers

Research in Nursing and Health — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100

We explored predictors of women's satisfaction with postpartum nursing centers, which have become popular in Taiwan in recent years. After completing a consent form and demographic questionnaire, 401 women from different centers identified by proportional stratified quota sampling completed four questionnaires over the telephone after their fourth week postpartum. A high level of social support and low level of postpartum stress significantly predicted their satisfaction with the postpartum nursing centers. Future studies will be needed to determine whether, compared to traditional care at home, the postpartum nursing centers can help ease mothers' transition to parenthood and improve their childcare competence. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health (Source: Research in Nursing a...

Quality nursing care for hospitalized patients with advanced illness: Concept development

Research in Nursing and Health — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100

The quality of nursing care as perceived by hospitalized patients with advanced illness has not been examined. A concept of quality nursing care for this population was developed by integrating the literature on constructs defining quality nursing care with empirical findings from interviews of 16 patients with advanced illness. Quality nursing care was characterized as competence and personal caring supported by professionalism and delivered with an appropriate demeanor. Although the attributes of competence, caring, professionalism, and demeanor were identified as common components of quality care across various patient populations, the caring domain increased in importance when patients with advanced illness perceived themselves as vulnerable. Assessment of quality nursing care for pati...

The impact of miscarriage and parity on patterns of maternal distress in pregnancy

Research in Nursing and Health — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100

The purpose of the current study was to examine patterns of state anxiety and pregnancy-specific distress across pregnancy in a diverse sample of women with (n = 113) and without (n = 250) prior miscarriage. For both groups, state anxiety and pregnancy-specific distress were highest in the first trimester and decreased significantly over the course of pregnancy. Compared to women without prior miscarriage, women with prior miscarriage experienced greater state anxiety in the second and third trimesters. Having a living child did not buffer state anxiety in women with a prior miscarriage. Attention to patterns of distress can contribute to delivery of appropriate support resources to women experiencing pregnancy after miscarriage and may help reduce risk for stress-related outcomes. © 2010...

The beginning breastfeeding survey: Measuring mothers' perceptions of breastfeeding effectiveness during the postpartum hospitalization

Research in Nursing and Health — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100

No current breastfeeding assessment tool assesses the mother's perception of breastfeeding effectiveness during the early postpartum. Psychometric analysis of a new tool, the Beginning Breastfeeding Survey (BBS), in a multi-racial sample of 131 women revealed a coefficient alpha of .90. Factor analysis yielded three factors, (a) Maternal Breastfeeding Competence and Emotional Satisfaction, (b) Maternal Discomfort and Anxiety, and (c) Infant Breastfeeding Skill and Emotional Satisfaction. The BBS demonstrated discriminant validity in known group analyses and convergent validity with breastfeeding self-efficacy and postpartum fatigue. Future research will focus on improving the internal consistency reliability of the BBS and examining its ability to identify women at risk for breastfeeding p...

Nurse burnout and quality of care: Cross-national investigation in six countries

Research in Nursing and Health — Mon, 31 May 2010 23:00:00 +0100

We explored the relationship between nurse burnout and ratings of quality of care in 53,846 nurses from six countries. In this secondary analysis, we used data from the International Hospital Outcomes Study; data were collected from 1998 to 2005. The Maslach Burnout Inventory and a single-item reflecting nurse-rated quality of care were used in multiple logistic regression modeling to investigate the association between nurse burnout and nurse-rated quality of care. Across countries, higher levels of burnout were associated with lower ratings of the quality of care independent of nurses' ratings of practice environments. These findings suggest that reducing nurse burnout may be an effective strategy for improving nurse-rated quality of care in hospitals. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res...

Understanding clinical expertise: Nurse education, experience, and the hospital context

Research in Nursing and Health — Mon, 31 May 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Clinical nursing expertise is central to quality patient care. Research on factors that contribute to expertise has focused largely on individual nurse characteristics to the exclusion of contextual factors. To address this, we examined effects of hospital contextual factors and individual nurse education and experience on clinical nursing expertise in a cross-sectional analysis of data from 8,611 registered nurses. In a generalized ordered logistic regression analysis, the composition of the hospital staff, particularly the proportion of nurses with at least a bachelor of science in nursing degree, was associated with significantly greater odds of a nurse reporting a more advanced expertise level. Our findings suggest that, controlling for individual characteristics, the hospital context ...

Intention-to-treat in randomized controlled trials: Recommendations for a total trial strategy

Research in Nursing and Health — Mon, 31 May 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Intention-to-treat (ITT) in randomized controlled trials involves keeping participants in the treatment groups to which they were randomized regardless of whether they withdraw following randomization. Intention-to-treat is a strategy for maintaining the integrity of randomization and strengthening the trial's internal validity. Although ITT is advocated by the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) guidelines, there is confusion about what ITT means and little specific advice on how to achieve it. The purpose of this article is to present definitions of ITT and to suggest strategies for implementing ITT as a total design strategy in nursing clinical trials. Recommendations are offered regarding study planning, study design, subject retention, sampling, data collection, data ...

Blinded review revisited

Research in Nursing and Health — Mon, 31 May 2010 23:00:00 +0100

No Abstract. (Source: Research in Nursing and Health)

A modified hermeneutic phenomenological approach toward individuals who have autism

Research in Nursing and Health — Fri, 07 May 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Individuals with autism have a unique cognitive processing style characterized by impaired abstraction, impaired theory of mind, and visual as opposed to linguistic processing of information. A consequence of this unique cognitive processing style is that traditional ways of hermeneutical phenomenological examination may be inadequate to achieve the kind of understanding of experience toward which this method is directed. In order to stay true to Heidegger's hermeneutic phenomenology, we needed to develop modifications to this research methodology, which include the use of visual aids to promote participant engagement and access the eidetic memory of a participant with autism, so as to elicit concrete descriptors of an experience. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health (Source: Re...

Psychosocial adjustment during the transition to parenthood of Portuguese couples who conceived spontaneously or through assisted reproductive technologies

Research in Nursing and Health — Thu, 06 May 2010 23:00:00 +0100

We examined the psychosocial adjustment of 35 Portuguese couples who conceived through Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) and 31 couples with a spontaneous conception during their transition to parenthood (pregnancy and 4 months postpartum). Couples completed self-report questionnaires regarding their perceptions of pregnancy and parenthood, psychological distress, quality of life, marital relationship, and parenting stress. Compared with parents who conceived spontaneously, parents who conceived through ART perceived pregnancy as being more risky and demanding, reported a decrease in their psychological quality of life, and ART fathers only perceived themselves as being more competent than fathers who conceived spontaneously. Healthcare professionals should be aware of need of coupl...

Construct validity of four exercise stage of change measures in adults

Research in Nursing and Health — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Measuring readiness to exercise, or exercise stage of change (ESOC), is an important first step when counseling adults about exercise. However, minimal construct validity testing of ESOC measures has been reported. With a sample of 95 adults, we estimated the construct validity of four ESOC measures with commonly used response formats (true/false, ladder, 5 choice, interview). Participants completed all four ESOC measures in random order as well as six validation measures: physical activity performed, exercise self-efficacy, decisional balance pros and cons, and behavioral and experiential processes of change. Few participants were in the earliest stage of change. The true/false measure demonstrated the strongest validity. Further studies are needed in diverse samples with more representat...

Feasibility of a daily electronic survey to study prevention behavior with HIV-infected individuals

Research in Nursing and Health — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100

The daily experiences of persons living with HIV (PLWH) are important but under-studied as predictors of HIV prevention behavior. Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) is an intensive within-subjects data collection method that can be used to examine daily experiences. To determine whether PLWH would participate in EMA, we conducted a feasibility study with 21 PLWH. The method was acceptable to men and women from diverse backgrounds, with 81% (17/21) completing 2 months of daily surveys, and 67% (14/21) completing 6 months. Measures were completed on 72% of study days. Only 6% of records had missing data. Daily survey completion decreased over time. Participants reported that EMA was easy and did not influence their behaviors. Results suggest EMA is feasible with PLWH. © 2010 Wiley Period...

The relationship of community-based nurse care coordination to costs in the medicare and medicaid programs

Research in Nursing and Health — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100

The purpose of this evaluation was to study the relationship of nurse care coordination (NCC) to the costs of Medicare and Medicaid in a community-based care program called Missouri Care Options (MCO). A retrospective cohort design was used comparing 57 MCO clients with NCC to 80 MCO clients without NCC. Total cost was measured using Medicare and Medicaid claims databases. Fixed effects analysis was used to estimate the relationship of the NCC intervention to costs. Controlling for high resource use on admission, monthly Medicare costs were lower ($686) in the 12 months of NCC intervention (p = .04) while Medicaid costs were higher ($203; p = .03) for the NCC group when compared to the costs of MCO group. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health (Source: Research in Nursing and Heal...

Do fall predictors in middle aged and older adults predict fall status in persons 50+ with fibromyalgia? An exploratory study

Research in Nursing and Health — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100

We explored potential predictors of fall status in 70 community-dwelling persons [ge]50 years of age with fibromyalgia (FM). Over 40% of the sample reported one or more falls in the year prior to the study. A logistic regression model using 10 variables known to predict falls in middle aged and older persons predicted 45% of the variance in fall status. Three variables offered significant independent contributions to the overall model predicting fall status: perception of postural instability, balance performance, and executive function processing speed. The results support prior work in both nonclinical and clinical populations of middle aged and older adults indicating that falls are associated with multiple risk factors. Prospective designs with larger samples are needed to (a) validate...

Editorial

Research in Nursing and Health — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100

No Abstract. (Source: Research in Nursing and Health)

Randomizing research participants: Promoting balance and concealment in small samples

Research in Nursing and Health — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Randomization is central to rigorous scientific trials. An effective but underutilized approach is urn randomization. To test the ability of urn randomization versus simple randomization to produce balanced groups with small sample sizes, we conducted simulated randomizations: 10 times under sample size scenarios of 20, 40, 60 (group sizes of 10, 20, and 30, respectively), for 30 trials in total. For groups of 20-30, urn surpassed simple randomization in the equal distribution of confounding variables between groups, leading to effects of these variables that were both smaller on average and more consistently close to zero over multiple trials. The urn method is easy to implement and has the advantages of unpredictability of assignment and decreased susceptibility to investigator bias. © ...

Test of a conceptual model of uncertainty in children and adolescents with cancer

Research in Nursing and Health — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Despite recognition as a significant stressor in childhood cancer, illness-related uncertainty from the perspective of children remains under-studied. We tested a conceptual model of uncertainty, derived from Mishel's uncertainty in illness theory, in 68 school-aged children and adolescents with cancer. As hypothesized, uncertainty was significantly related to psychological distress, but only one hypothesized antecedent (parental uncertainty) significantly predicted children's uncertainty. An alternative model incorporating antecedent developmental factors (age and illness-specific expertise) explained 21% of the variance in child uncertainty; controlling for stage of treatment, uncertainty was higher in children with shorter time since diagnosis, older age, lower cancer knowledge, and hig...

Implementation fidelity in community-based interventions

Research in Nursing and Health — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Implementation fidelity is the degree to which an intervention is delivered as intended and is critical to successful translation of evidence-based interventions into practice. Diminished fidelity may be why interventions that work well in highly controlled trials may fail to yield the same outcomes when applied in real life contexts. The purpose of this paper is to define implementation fidelity and describe its importance for the larger science of implementation, discuss data collection methods and current efforts in measuring implementation fidelity in community-based prevention interventions, and present future research directions for measuring implementation fidelity that will advance implementation science.© 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health (Source: Research in Nursing a...

Strategies to recruit and retain college smokers in cessation trials

Research in Nursing and Health — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Techniques to recruit and retain college fraternity and sorority members who reported past 30-day smoking into a cessation trial are described. Recruitment efforts included relationship-building, raffles, and screening survey administration during existing meetings. Surveys were administered to 76% (n = 3,276) of members in 30 chapters, 79% of eligible members agreed to participate, and 76% of those completed assessments and were enrolled in the trial (n = 452). The retention rate was 73%. Retention efforts included cash incentives, flexible scheduling, multiple reminders, chapter incentives, and use of chapter members as study personnel. Retention was not related to demographic, behavioral, or group characteristics. The strategies of partnership, convenience, and flexibility appear effect...

Organizational determinants of work outcomes and quality care ratings among Army Medical Department registered nurses

Research in Nursing and Health — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This study provides the first system-wide analyses of nursing practice environments in AMEDD hospitals in the U.S. Similar to findings in civilian samples, poor quality work environments are associated with less favorable RN work outcomes and quality of care ratings. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health (Source: Research in Nursing and Health)

Predictors of HAV/HBV vaccination completion among methadone maintenance clients

Research in Nursing and Health — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This randomized, controlled study (N = 256) was conducted to compare three interventions designed to promote hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination completion among clients undergoing methadone maintenance (MM) treatment. Participants were recruited from five MM treatment sites in Southern California and randomized into three groups: Motivational Interviewing-Single (MI-Single), Motivational Interviewing-Group (MI-Group); and Nurse-Led Hepatitis Health Promotion (HHP). All were offered the three-series HAV/HBV vaccine. A total of 148 participants completed the vaccine. Groups did not differ in rate of vaccination completion (73.6%, HHP group, vs. 65% and 69% for the MI-Single and MI-Group, respectively). The equivalence of findings across groups suggests the value ...

Evaluation of the use of audio-enhanced personal digital assistants to survey Latino migrant farmworkers

Research in Nursing and Health — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

We describe the feasibility of audio-enhanced personal digital assistants (ADPAs) for data collection with 60 Latino migrant farmworkers. All participants chose to complete APDA surveys rather than using paper-and-pencil. No one left the study prematurely: two (3%) data cases were lost due to technical difficulties. Across all data .27% missing data were observed: nine missing responses on eight items. Participants took 19 minutes on average to complete the 58-question survey. The factor most influential for completion was education level. APDA methodology enabled both English- and Spanish-speaking Latino migrant farmworkers to become active research participants with minimal loss of data. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health (Source: Research in Nursing and Health)

Psychometric testing of the breastfeeding self-efficacy scale-short form in a sample of Black women in the United States

Research in Nursing and Health — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The benefits of breastfeeding increase with duration and exclusivity, but significant racial disparities exist in breastfeeding rates. Breastfeeding self-efficacy, as measured by the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale Short-Form (BSES-SF), is a significant predictor of breastfeeding outcomes in diverse samples. The purpose of this study was to assess the psychometric properties of the BSES-SF in Black women in the US. The psychometric characteristics were consistent with previous studies, including internal consistency, comparison with contrasted groups, and correlation with the construct of breastfeeding network support. Breastfeeding self-efficacy significantly predicted breastfeeding at 4 and 24 weeks postpartum. The results are consistent with previous research, and they suggest the BSE...

Parental perceptions of the outcome and meaning of normalization

Research in Nursing and Health — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The purpose of this secondary analysis was to identify the meaning of normalization for parents of a child with a chronic genetic condition. The sample was comprised of 28 families (48 parents), selected to reflect two groups: Normalization Present (NP) and Normalization Absent (NA). Constant comparison analysis was used to identify themes characterizing parents' perceptions of the meaning of normalization. The meanings parents attributed to normalization reflected their evaluation of condition management, parenting role, and condition impact, with parents in the NP and NA groups demonstrating distinct patterns of meaning. These meaning patterns are discussed as an outcome of normalization. Providers can play a pivotal role in helping families achieve normalization by providing guidance on...

Cultural adaptation and translation of measures: An integrated method

Research in Nursing and Health — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Differences in the conceptualization and operationalization of health-related concepts may exist across cultures. Such differences underscore the importance of examining conceptual equivalence when adapting and translating instruments. In this article, we describe an integrated method for exploring conceptual equivalence within the process of adapting and translating measures. The integrated method involves five phases including selection of instruments for cultural adaptation and translation; assessment of conceptual equivalence, leading to the generation of a set of items deemed to be culturally and linguistically appropriate to assess the concept of interest in the target community; forward translation; back translation (optional); and pre-testing of the set of items. Strengths and limi...

Through the looking glass: Publishing in a journal in another language or another country

Research in Nursing and Health — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

No Abstract. (Source: Research in Nursing and Health)

Comparing community and specialty provider‐based recruitment in a randomized clinical trial: Clinical trial in fecal incontinence

Research in Nursing and Health — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract (Source: Research in Nursing and Health)

Multi‐system influences on adolescent risky sexual behavior

Research in Nursing and Health — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract (Source: Research in Nursing and Health)

The myths of coping with loss in undergraduate psychiatric nursing books

Research in Nursing and Health — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract (Source: Research in Nursing and Health)

Predictors of use of hearing protection among a representative sample of farmers

Research in Nursing and Health — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract (Source: Research in Nursing and Health)

Response to “Intent‐to‐treat: Further insight”

Research in Nursing and Health — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

(Source: Research in Nursing and Health)

Intent‐to‐treat: further insight

Research in Nursing and Health — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

(Source: Research in Nursing and Health)

Short-term in-home intervention reduces depressive symptoms in early head start Latina mothers of infants and toddlers

Research in Nursing and Health — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Depressive symptoms may compromise the ability of low-income Latina mothers with limited English language proficiency to parent their infants or toddlers. Eighty Early Head Start Latina mothers with limited English language proficiency were randomized to an advanced practice nurse-delivered, culturally tailored, in-home psychotherapy intervention, or to usual care. Repeated measures regression analysis showed a significantly greater decrease in depressive symptoms for intervention mothers compared to the usual care group at 22 and 26 weeks (4 weeks post intervention). Intervention mothers' reports of their child's aggression diminished significantly from T1 to T4 compared to usual care mothers (p = .03). Self-efficacy appeared to only partially mediate the intervention effect, and maternal...

Nurse staffing and post-surgical complications using the present on admission indicator

Research in Nursing and Health — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

We evaluated the relationship between registered nurse (RN) staffing and six post-surgical complications: pneumonia, septicemia, urinary tract infections, thrombophlebitis, fluid overload, and decubitus ulcers, in a dataset that contained the present on admission (POA) indicator. We analyzed a longitudinal panel of 283 acute care hospitals in California from 1996 to 2001. Using an adaptation of the Quality Health Outcomes Model, we found no statistically significant relationships between RN staffing and the complications. In addition, the signs of the relationships were opposite to those expected. That is, as staffing increased, so did some of the complications. We discuss potential reasons for these anomalous results, including the possibility that increases in RN staffing may result in e...

What's in a name? Qualitative description revisited

Research in Nursing and Health — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

"Whatever Happened to Qualitative Description?" (Sandelowski, 2000) was written to critique the prevailing tendency in qualitative health research to claim the use of methods that were not actually used and to clarify a methodological approach rarely identified as a distinctive method. The article has generated several misconceptions, most notably that qualitative description requires no interpretation of data. At the root of these misconceptions is the persistent challenge of defining qualitative research methods. Qualitative description is a "distributed residual category" (Bowker & Star, 2000). Cambridge, MA: The MIT Press) in the classification of these methods. Its value lies not only in the knowledge its use can produce, but also as a vehicle for presenting and treating research meth...

Adding a nursing information technology subscale to the practice environment scale of the Nursing Work Index

Research in Nursing and Health — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

In the past decade, the use of information technology (IT) to support healthcare delivery has greatly expanded. Introducing new clinical information systems and updating existing systems require continued learning and training among registered nurses (RNs) and other clinicians. Consequently, a 5-item measure was designed as a subscale to the Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index. This new subscale, the Nursing Information Technology Subscale (NITS) measures RNs' perception of the extent to which IT in their practice environment supports patient care delivery. A psychometric evaluation of the NITS was conducted at 8 Veterans Affairs hospitals. The findings demonstrated that this brief subscale has acceptable reliability as well as convergent and discriminant validity. © 2009...

Getting it right

Research in Nursing and Health — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

No Abstract. (Source: Research in Nursing and Health)

Additional evidence for the affective dimension of dyspnea in patients with COPD

Research in Nursing and Health — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

The primary purpose of this secondary analysis was to determine whether 103 participants with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease rated the affective dimension of dyspnea (dyspnea-related anxiety and dyspnea-related distress) separately from the sensory dimension (intensity) during baseline exercise testing conducted as part of a randomized clinical trial. A secondary purpose was to determine if dyspnea-related anxiety and distress were rated distinctly different from other measurements of anxiety. At the end of a 6-minute walk and an incremental treadmill test, participant ratings of the magnitude of dyspnea-related anxiety and distress on the Modified Borg Scale were significantly different from their ratings of the intensity of dyspnea. Dyspnea-related anxiety and distress also appear...

Depression in family caregivers of elders: A theoretical model of caregiver burden, sociotropy, and autonomy

Research in Nursing and Health — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

To test the diathesis-stress model for family caregivers, two structural equation models were developed to explain depression measured by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. A cross-sectional convenience sample of 112 caregivers completed questionnaires to measure burden, personality traits, dysfunctional attitudes, and depression. The final model included direct paths from caregiver burden to autonomy and sociotropy, and indirect paths from burden to depression through sociotropy and autonomy. The final model fit adequately ([chi]2 [224, N = 112] = 308.60, p < .00; CFI = .951; RMSEA = .058). Levels of burden influenced caregiver depression scores. One pathway to depression was though the personality traits of sociotropy and autonomy; both had a larger influence on depre...

Understanding systems and rhythms for minority recruitment in intervention research

Research in Nursing and Health — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

We describe one approach for recruitment and retention of minority individuals in intervention research using a systematic environmental perspective based on Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems (BES) model and the construct of temporality. An exemplar in a physical activity intervention study with low-income and primarily African American women is presented. The exemplar illustrates application of BES and temporality to enhance recruitment and retention in research focused on understanding and accommodating environmental influences. Using this theory based approach resulted in successful recruitment and a high level of participant retention. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health (Source: Research in Nursing and Health)

Focus on Research Methods Data management for intervention effectiveness research: Comparing deductive and inductive approaches

Research in Nursing and Health — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Management approaches are needed to prepare intervention data sets for research. We identified four management approaches and applied them to Omaha System intervention data from 15 home care agencies (621,385 interventions provided to 2,862 patients). Classifying intervention data created differing numbers of distinct groups for deductive approaches labeled as action category (four groups), theoretical (5), and clinical expert consensus (23). One inductive, data-driven approach generated 150 groups of interventions, of which 24 were meaningful and unique. Interventions in deductive groups were mutually exclusive, and approaches mapped readily according to intervention action terms. The novel, overlapping, inductive groups consisted of diverse actions for multiple problems. The four managem...

Data management for intervention effectiveness research: Comparing deductive and inductive approaches

Research in Nursing and Health — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Preliminary efficacy of a comprehensive HIV prevention intervention for abstinent adolescent girls: Pilot study findings

Research in Nursing and Health — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

We developed and pilot-tested a comprehensive HIV prevention/sexual risk reduction intervention with 54 sexually abstinent girls and estimated the effect of the intervention on three antecedents of sexual risk behavior: information, motivation, and behavioral skills. Girls ages 14-18 were randomized into either (a) an AbsPlus intervention or (b) a structurally equivalent control group. Assessments were obtained at baseline and 3 months follow-up using audio computer assisted self-interview. The intervention resulted in a large effect for information (d = 1.11); small to large effects for the motivational measures (d = .34-.88), and a moderate effect for a measure of behavioral skills (d = .67). The results indicate that antecedents of sexual risk behavior change were improved by a gender-s...

Effects of stress and social support on postpartum health of Chinese mothers in the United States

Research in Nursing and Health — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

We examined relationships among stress, social support, and health in 152 Chinese mothers (Source: Research in Nursing and Health)

Psychometric testing of four transtheoretical model questionnaires for the behavior, completing health care proxies

Research in Nursing and Health — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

The purpose of the study was to develop four questionnaires based on the transtheoretical model (TTM) to assess the behavior, completing a healthcare proxy (HCP). The aims were to (a) operationalize the four TTM constructs for completing a HCP and (b) evaluate the psychometric properties of the questionnaires. The questionnaires were constructed and content validity established using an expert panel. Internal consistency values for each questionnaire and subscales within each questionnaire were >.79. Confirmatory factor analysis provided evidence that decisional balance and the processes of change questionnaires each contained two factors. Our data support validity and reliability of the TTM questionnaires related to HCP completion. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health (Source: ...

Correlates of physical activity in low income college students

Research in Nursing and Health — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

We examined the relationship of social support, self-efficacy, and commitment to a plan of physical activity on physical activity behaviors in a sample of low income college students. Those with higher levels of social support, self-efficacy, and commitment to a plan of physical activity reported more physical activity behaviors. Commitment to a plan of physical activity mediated the relationships of social support and physical activity behavior, and of self-efficacy and physical activity behavior. The results support the importance of exploring the psychosocial correlates of physical activity in explaining the decision process that underlies physical activity behavior. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health (Source: Research in Nursing and Health)

Modeling influences on acute care nurses' engagement in tobacco use reduction

Research in Nursing and Health — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Although nurses are encouraged to address patients' tobacco use, the integration of tobacco reduction into practice has not been consistent. An organizational behavior perspective was used to conceptualize hypothesized relationships among reported influencing factors (individual characteristics, role attitudes, perceived barriers, and workplace climate). Survey data collected at two Western Canadian hospitals (N = 214 nurses; 58% response) were used to test the model. The final model explained nearly 60% of variation in the nurses' tobacco reduction practice. Role attitude, perceived resource availability, co-worker's activities, and ability were the strongest contributors. Nurses' smoking status indirectly influenced practice through shaping role attitudes and perceived ability. Diverse l...

Virtual journals

Research in Nursing and Health — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

No Abstract. (Source: Research in Nursing and Health)

Caregiver characteristics predict stroke survivor quality of life at 4 months and 1 year

Research in Nursing and Health — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Evaluating factors that reduce stroke survivors' (SS) health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is important for developing interventions to improve HRQOL after stroke. The influence of baseline caregiver and family characteristics (physical health, depressive symptoms, family communication) on five domains of SS HRQOL (physical function, memory/thinking, social activities, communication, and mood) was examined. Data were collected on 132 SS-caregiver dyads at baseline, 4 months, and 12 months. Baseline caregiver depressive symptoms predicted lower scores for SS physical function and communication at 4 months and social participation and mood at 12 months. Male caregiver gender was negatively associated with SS HRQOL (communication and mood) at 12 months. Early intervention targeting these fa...

It's b-a-a-a-a-a-a-ck again, or how to live with the new APA manual: Reprise for Edition 6

Research in Nursing and Health — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

No Abstract. (Source: Research in Nursing and Health)

Development and initial psychometric evaluation of the patient perspective of arrhythmia questionnaire

Research in Nursing and Health — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

We report the development and preliminary psychometric testing of the Patient Perception of Arrhythmia Questionnaire (PPAQ). The PPAQ was developed using formative research, exploratory factor analysis, expert review, pilot study, and regression. The PPAQ measures frequency and duration of episodes, symptoms, impact on daily activities, and restricted activity days. After preliminary content validation, the sensitivity of the PPAQ was tested in 103 arrhythmia patients. The measures showed good sensitivity and reliability. Preliminary construct validation was supported by significant differences (p < .001) among groups of arrhythmia patients consistent with clinical patterns. Preliminary evidence from patients with supraventricular arrhythmias suggests that the questionnaire has acceptable ...

The role of children's routines of daily living, supervision, and maternal fatigue in preschool children's injury risk

Research in Nursing and Health — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

The purpose of this study was to (a) explore the relationship between the lack of everyday routines and children's unintentional injuries, (b) examine two mechanisms of effect through which lack of routines might operate, children's sleep and maternal supervision, and (c) explore the influence of maternal fatigue in routines and maternal supervision. The sample comprised 264 mothers and their 3-year-old children. Routines were not directly related to children's injuries, but they moderated the relationship between maternal supervision and injuries. Lack of supervision was positively related to injuries only for children with infrequent everyday routines. Infrequent everyday routines were also related to inadequate children's sleep and maternal fatigue was inversely related to routines and ...

Symptom clusters of heart failure

Research in Nursing and Health — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Patients with heart failure (HF) report multiple symptoms. Change in symptoms is an indicator of HF decompensation. Patients have difficulty differentiating HF symptoms from comorbid illness or aging. The study purpose was to identify the number, type, and combination of symptoms in hospitalized HF patients and test relationships with comorbid illness and age. A secondary analysis from a HF registry (N = 687) was conducted. The sample was 51.7% female, mean age 71 ± 12.5 years. The theory of unpleasant symptoms informed the study regarding the multidimensional nature of symptoms. Factor analysis of nine items from the Minnesota Living with HF Questionnaire resulted in three factors, acute and chronic volume overload and emotional distress. Clusters occurred more frequently in older patien...

African American women's beliefs about mental illness, stigma, and preferred coping behaviors

Research in Nursing and Health — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100

We examined African American women's representations/beliefs about mental illness, preferred coping behaviors if faced with mental illness, whether perceived stigma was associated with treatment-seeking, and if so, whether it was related to beliefs and coping preference, and whether these variables differed by age group. Participants were 185 community-dwelling African American women 25 to 85 years of age. Results indicated the women believed that mental illness is caused by several factors, including family-related stress and social stress due to racism, is cyclical, and has serious consequences but can be controlled by treatment. Participants endorsed low perceptions of stigma. Major preferred coping strategies included praying and seeking medical and mental health care. Age differences ...

Taking grounded theory beyond psychological process

Research in Nursing and Health — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100

No Abstract. (Source: Research in Nursing and Health)

Randomization for clinical research: An easy-to-use spreadsheet method

Research in Nursing and Health — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100

In this article, we illustrate a new method for random selection and random assignment that we developed in a pilot study for a randomized clinical trial. The randomization database is supported by a commonly available spreadsheet. Formulas were written for randomizing participants and for creating a "shadow" system to verify integrity of the randomization. Advantages of this method are that it is easy to use, effective, and portable, allowing it to be shared among multiple investigators at multiple study sites. Clinical researchers may find the method useful for research projects that are pilot studies or conducted with limited funding. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health (Source: Research in Nursing and Health)

Factors associated with cognition in adults: The Seattle Longitudinal Study

Research in Nursing and Health — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100

We examined the association of four modifiable factors (leisure-time physical activity, leisure-time cognitive activity, self-directed work, and hypertension) with changes in two aspects of fluid intelligence (verbal memory and inductive reasoning). Data for 626 adults collected over 14 years (three time points) were analyzed by multi-level modeling. A component of self-directed work, higher work control, was associated with better verbal memory (p < .05) and inductive reasoning (p < .01). There were no significant interactions among these factors. The findings suggest that a strong sense of control at work may be protective for fluid intelligence in adults. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health (Source: Research in Nursing and Health)

Psychometric testing of the perception of pregnancy risk questionnaire

Research in Nursing and Health — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Pregnant women's perception of risk may influence their health behaviors during pregnancy; however, no validated instrument exists to measure those perceptions. The purpose of this study was to refine a new instrument, the Perception of Pregnancy Risk Questionnaire (PPRQ), and conduct psychometric assessment of the final 9-item version. Reliability and validity were assessed using a sample of 199 women in the third trimester of pregnancy. Exploratory factor analysis resulted in a two-factor solution. Evidence of construct validity was demonstrated using the known-groups technique and through convergent validity. Ratings of pregnancy risk correlated with state anxiety level, providing evidence of concurrent validity. The PPRQ had high internal consistency reliability and excellent test-rete...