The effect of peer-led education on the life quality of mastectomy patients referred to breast cancer-clinics in Shiraz, Iran 2009

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Breast cancer among women is a relatively common with a more favorable expected survival rates than other forms of cancers. This study aimed to determine the improved quality of life for post-mastectomy women through peer education.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Using pre and post test follow up and control design approach, 99 women with stage I and II of breast cancer diagnosis were followed one year after modified radical mastectomy. To measure the quality of life an instrument designed by the European organization for research and treatment of cancer, known as the Quality of Life Question (QLQ-30) and it's breast cancer supplementary measure (QLQ-BR23) at three points in time (before, immediately and two months after intervention) for both groups were used. The participant selection was a convenient sampling method and women were randomly assigned into two experimental and control groups. The experimental group was randomly assigned to five groups and peer educators conducted weekly educational programs for one month. Tabulated data were analyzed using chi square, t test, and repeated measurement multivariate to compare the quality of life differences over time.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>For the experimental group, the results showed statistically significant improvement in all performance aspects of life quality and symptom reduction (P < 0.001), while the control group had no significant differences in all aspects of life quality.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The findings of this study suggest that peer led education is a useful intervention for post-mastectomy women to improves their quality of life.</p

The mediating role of ethical leadership on professional commitment and moral sensitivity in the control of blood pressure by intensive care unit (ICU) nurses

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Introduction &amp; Background:&lt;/strong&gt;&nbsp;Correct decision-making regarding nursing requires sufficient sensitivity to ethical issues, and failure to address ethical issues in care may lead to ignoring the principles and ethical values of nursing in providing proper care to patients. The present study investigates the relationship between moral sensitivity and professional commitment of nurses working in ICU departments in controlling patients' blood pressure, emphasizing the mediating role of ethical leadership of nursing managers in hospitals affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; The current research is of a descriptive-correlation type. Data collection tools included demographic information form, Brown, Trevino and Harrison ethical leadership questionnaire, Allen Mayer professional commitment questionnaire and Lutzen moral sensitivity questionnaire. Mean (standard deviation) and interval scale were used to describe quantitative data. Pearson's correlation coefficient and structural equation model and AMOS software were used for data analysis.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; There is a positive and significant relationship between professional commitment and ethical leadership in controlling patients' risk factors such as blood pressure. Also, there is a positive and significant relationship between moral leadership and moral sensitivity. According to the structural equation model, the relationship between professional commitment and moral sensitivity is confirmed with the mediating role of moral leadership in blood pressure control.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion:&nbsp;&lt;/strong&gt;Based on the results of the research, it can be said that there is a relationship between professional commitment and moral sensitivity of nurses working in ICU departments in blood pressure control, and the ethical leadership of managers plays a mediating role.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Keywords:&lt;/strong&gt; Professional commitment, ethical sensitivity, ethical leadership.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&nbsp;&lt;/p&gt