The Impact of Counseling on the Self-Esteem of Women in Thailand Who Have Experienced Intimate Partner Violence

Background: Intimate partner violence is a significant and serious public health problem. It adversely affects the health and self esteem of abused women.Objective: To investigate and compare self-esteem, coping methods and general health in women who have experienced partner violence living in the Northeast region of Thailand.Methodology: The study was carried out at two sites: a primary care unit, and a drug treatment center. Women who showed abuse indicators based on the abuse indicator screening questionnaire received counseling from a nurse who was trained on the assessment of and care for women who had experienced intimate partner violence. Evaluations of abused women’s self-esteem, coping, and general health were carried out before and after counseling.Results: Seventeen women reported having experienced partner violence and had displayed at one time or another indicator symptoms such as headaches, stomach pain, weakness, anxiety and depression. After receiving counseling, abused women showed better self-esteem (t = -4.80, p<0.001) and improved health status according to the General Health Questionnaire (z = -3.09, p<0.01). In addition, they felt the need to use less avoidance coping strategies (z = 9.19, p<0.01) with a better approach to coping styles (z = -2.59, p<0.01).Conclusions: Nurses trained in counseling can help improve the health of abused women, raise their self-esteem and encourage them to use the proper coping strategies

Association between dietary patterns and sociodemographics: A cross‐sectional study of Australian nursing students

Khalesi Taharoom, SS ORCiD: 0000-0002-8208-2518; Vandelanotte, CL ORCiD: 0000-0002-4445-8094; Williams, SL ORCiD: 0000-0003-4289-9248Lack of time, financial issues, and stressful clinical and educational environments in nursing studies promote higher intakes of convenience and fast foods loaded with fat and sugar, which are linked to reduced mental and physical health. In this study, we examined the dietary patterns of nursing students and their associated sociodemographic factors to inform the development of future health‐promotion interventions. A total of 548 Bachelor of Nursing students were invited to complete a survey. Associations were explored using χ2 and logistic regression. Three dietary patterns were identified: healthy (fruit, vegetables, and legumes), Western (loaded with fat, sugar, and salt), and unbalanced. Only 21% of participants were classified as following a healthy dietary pattern, and more likely to be older (>35 years old) and have a personal annual income between $AUD20 000–$59 999 and $60 000–$99 999. Students with one to two and three or more children were more likely to follow a Western dietary pattern. There is a need to develop interventions to improve the dietary behaviors of nursing students by health‐promoting activities and the provision of online health resources