Pre-operative Hair Removal: A Literature Review

In pre-operative preparation, has traditionally included the routine removal of body hair from the surgical site. However, there are many studies suggesting not to shaving the incision site. The objective of this review was to determine if shaving compared to non-shaving the surgical site will result in reduced level of infection. Fifteen studies were included in this review; three of them are systematic review. There is inconclusive evidence that hair removal has effects on surgical site infection (SSI). However, there was some evidence that hair removal by clipper and depilation cream was superior to shaving

Sleep disturbance among frontline nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic

The main objective of this study is to assess the prevalence of sleep disturbance and related psychological factors (stress, anxiety and depression) among frontline nurses in Oman during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional and descriptive correlational design using Qualtrics® software was used in this research. Data were collected using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with poor sleep quality. Of the 987 frontline nurses who participated, 58.8% (n = 580) reported poor sleep quality. In an examination of PSQI components the mean sleep duration was 7.04 (SD = 1.59) hours per night, and the sleep latency mean was 38.18 min (SD = 31.81). Poor sleep (p < .05) was significantly associated with age, marital status, years of experience, comorbidity, and whether family members or relatives were suspected or confirmed with having COVID-19. Logistic regression showed that poor quality of sleep was significantly associated with stress, anxiety and depression symptoms. Sleep disturbance is a significant problem for frontline nurses working in Oman during the COVID-19 pandemic. Appropriate interventions to maintain the health conditions and reduce sleep disturbance among frontline nurses are needed in order to help support nurses’ work during contagious disease outbreaks. These can be implemented through online workshops and training to enhance nurses’ responses to the pandemic or to any further disease outbreaks

Sleep disturbance in patients with cancer

Patients diagnosed with cancer often experience sleep disturbance in the form of poor sleep patterns or insomnia that can start on diagnosis and continue until the end of the individual's life. The aim of this review is to discuss current definitions and theories of sleep disturbance, its prevalence, the underlying physiological and psychological correlates, measurement scales, and possible intervention and management strateg?ies. Equally important, regular assessment is worthwhile for sleep disturbance and quality of life among cancer patients. Therefore, it is advisable for health-care professionals to conduct regular assessment of sleep disturbance for cancer patients and provide appropriate management

Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Psychometric Properties of Quality of Life Scales for Arabic-Speaking Adults:A Systematic Review

This review aimed to explore the psychometric properties of quality of life (QOL) scales to identify appropriate tools for research and clinical practice in Arabic-speaking adults. A systematic search of the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature® (EBSCO Information Services, Ipswich, Massachusetts, USA), MEDLINE® (National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland, USA), EMBASE (Elsevier, Amsterdam, Netherlands) and PsycINFO (American Psychological Association, Washington, District of Columbia, USA) databases was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items Systematic Reviews and Meta- Analysis guidelines. Quality assessment criteria were then utilised to evaluate the psychometric properties of identified QOL scales. A total of 27 studies relating to seven QOL scales were found. While these studies provided sufficient information regarding the scales’ validity and reliability, not all reported translation and cross-cultural adaptation processes. Researchers and clinicians should consider whether the psychometric properties, subscales and characteristics of their chosen QOL scale are suitable for use in their population of interest

Fatigue and Sleep Disturbance in Arabic Cancer Patients after Completion of Therapy:Prevalence, Correlates, and Association with Quality of Life

Background Fatigue and sleep disturbance are 2 of the most common and distressing cancer symptoms that negatively affect quality of life. Objective The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of, and factors contributing to, fatigue and sleep disturbance in Arabic-speaking cancer patients in Oman after completion of their cancer treatment. Methods A cross-sectional and descriptive correlational design was used. Data were collected using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index where a score of >5 indicated as poorer sleep, the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Fatigue a score of ≤34 indicating clinically significant fatigue, and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–General. Results Of the 369 patients who participated, 77.5% (n = 286) reported clinically significant fatigue, and 78% (n = 288) reported poor sleep. Fatigue (P < .05) was significantly associated with age, cancer site, months since diagnosis, type of treatment received, and comorbidity. Those experiencing fatigue and poor sleep had the lowest quality of life among the cancer patients studied. Conclusion Fatigue and sleep disturbance are significant problems for the Arabic patients diagnosed with cancer. Both fatigue and sleep disturbance should be routinely assessed in the case of such patients. Implications for Practice Routine assessments of fatigue and sleep disturbance are recommended so that appropriate interventions and treatment management plans can be introduced to reduce fatigue and improve sleep quality among patients with cancer

Prevalence of Sleep Disturbance in Patients with Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Sleep disturbance is one of the most common and troubling symptoms that harm the quality of life throughout all phases of treatment and stages of the illness among patients with cancer. The aim of this meta-analysis is to examine the present status of sleep disturbance prevalence in patients with cancer. The following databases were searched: PubMed, CINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, from inception to April 2021. Prevalence rates were pooled with meta-analysis using a random-effects model. A total of one hundred and sixty studies (N=46,279) published between 1998 and 2021 met the inclusion criteria. The overall prevalence of sleep disturbance was 60.7 (26,448/46,279 participants, 95 CI 58.1 to 63.3) with significant heterogeneity between studies (p< 0.000, τ2 = 0.0000, I2 = 96.4). This meta-analysis highlights the importance of developing optimal monitoring strategies to reduce sleep disturbance and improve the quality of life of cancer patients

Clinical Features of COVID-19 Patients in the First Year of Pandemic: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: The new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) carries a high risk of infection and has spread rapidly around the world. However, there are limited data about the clinical symptoms globally. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to identify the prevalence of the clinical symptoms of patient with COVID-19. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were carried out. The following databases were searched: PubMed, CHINAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, MedRxiv and Google Scholar, from December 1st 2019 to January 1st 2021. Prevalence rates were pooled with meta-analysis using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was tested using I-squared (I2) statistics. Results: A total of 215 studies, involving132,647 COVID-19 patients, met the inclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence of the 4 most common symptoms were fever 76.2% (n = 214; 95% CI 73.9-78.5); coughing 60.4% (n = 215; 95% CI 58.6-62.1); fatigue 33.6% (n = 175; 95% CI 31.2-36.1); and dyspnea 26.2% (n = 195; 95% CI 24.1-28.5). Other symptoms from highest to lowest in terms of prevalence include expectorant (22.2%), anorexia (21.6%), myalgias (17.5%), chills (15%), sore throat (14.1%), headache (11.7%), nausea or vomiting (8.7%), rhinorrhea (8.2%), and hemoptysis (3.3%). In subgroup analyses by continent, it was found that 4 symptoms have a slight prevalence variation - fever, coughing, fatigue and diarrhea. Conclusion: This meta-analysis found the most prevalent symptoms of COVID-19 patients were fever, coughing, fatigue and dyspnea. This knowledge might be beneficial for the effective treatment and control of the COVID-19 outbreak. Additional studies are required to distinguish between symptoms during and after, in patients with COVID-19

Psychometric properties of the Insomnia Severity Index Among Arabic Chronic Diseases Patients

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the psychometrics properties of the Arabic language Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) among patients diagnosed with chronic diseases. Design: A cross-sectional, correlational design was used. Methods: A total of 1,005 patients with chronic diseases completed the 7 items of the Arabic ISI. The scale was assessed in terms of internal consistency, and validity. Construct validity was explored with the use of Principal Components Analysis (PCA) and the dimensional structure of the ISI was examined using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Results: The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the Arabic ISI was 0.82, representing good internal consistency. PCA indicated two factors (four items loading on Factor I and three items loading on Factor II). The construct validity of PCA in terms of two factor was explored by CFA which showed an absolute fit for the two-factor model. The results support the two-factor structure of the ISI

Validation of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) with Arabic cancer patients

The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), a self-administrated questionnaire, is a frequently used instrument to assess sleep quality in clinical and non-clinical populations. The aim of the study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Arabic PSQI among patients diagnosed with cancer. A cross-sectional and descriptive correlational design was used with 369 patients with cancer completing the 19-item Arabic version of the PSQI. The scale was assessed in terms of acceptability, internal consistency and validity. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the Arabic PSQI was 0.77, demonstrating acceptable reliability. The global PSQI score did not have floor or ceiling effects. The PSQI Arabic version demonstrated good discriminative validity. Construct validity was explored by confirmatory factor analysis to examine the dimensional structure of the PSQI. The confirmatory factor analysis showed an acceptable fit for refined one-factor model. The results support the original single factor structure of the PSQI. The Arabic version of the PSQI demonstrated adequate reliability and validity for assessing sleep quality in Arabic-speaking patients diagnosed with cancer

Stress, anxiety, depression and sleep disturbance among healthcare professional during the COVID-19 pandemic: An umbrella review of 72 meta-analyses

The outbreak of SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19, has significantly impacted the psychological and physical health of a wide range of individuals, including healthcare professionals (HCPs). This umbrella review aims provide a quantitative summary of meta-analyses that have investigated the prevalence of stress, anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbance among HCPs during the COVID-19 pandemic. An umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses reviews was conducted. The search was performed using the EMBASE, PubMed, CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar databases from 01st January 2020 to 15th January 2024. A random-effects model was then used to estimate prevalence with a 95% confidence interval. Subgroup analysis and sensitivity analyses were then conducted to explore the heterogeneity of the sample. Seventy-two meta-analyses involved 2,308 primary studies were included after a full-text review. The umbrella review revealed that the pooled prevalence of stress, anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbance among HCPs during the COVID-19 pandemic was 37% (95% CI 32.87–41.22), 31.8% (95% CI 29.2–34.61) 29.4% (95% CI 27.13–31.84) 36.9% (95% CI 33.78–40.05) respectively. In subgroup analyses the prevalence of anxiety and depression was higher among nurses than among physicians. Evidence from this umbrella review suggested that a significant proportion of HCPs experienced stress, anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbance during the COVID-19 pandemic. This information will support authorities when implementing specific interventions that address mental health problems among HCPs during future pandemics or any other health crises. Such interventions may include the provision of mental health support services, such as counseling and peer support programs, as well as the implementation of organizational strategies to reduce workplace stressors