Characterization of Antioxidant Potential of Seaweed Extracts for Enrichment of Convenience Food

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in natural antioxidants as replacements of synthetic compounds because of increased safety concerns and worldwide trend toward the usage of natural additives in foods. One of the richest sources of natural antioxidants, nowadays largely studied for their potential to decrease the risk of diseases and to improve oxidative stability of food products, are edible brown seaweeds. Nevertheless, their antioxidant mechanisms are slightly evaluated and discussed. The aims of this study were to suggest possible mechanism(s) of Fucus vesiculosus antioxidant action and to assess its bioactivity during the production of enriched rye snacks. Chemical and cell-based assays indicate that the efficient preventive antioxidant action of Fucus vesiculosus extracts is likely due to not only the high polyphenol content, but also their good Fe2+-chelating ability. Moreover, the data collected during the production of Fucus vesiculosus-enriched rye snacks show that this seaweed can increase, in appreciable measure, the antioxidant potential of enriched convenience cereals. This information can be used to design functional foods enriched in natural antioxidant ingredients in order to improve the health of targeted consumers

Skills and practices of European orthopedic nurses in empowering patient education

Purpose: This study provides an overview of the self-defined skills and practices of European orthopedic nurses in empowering patient education. Nurses themselves have highlighted the necessity to enhance their own skills, but possibilities for further education have been limited. Methods: The data (n = 317 nurses) from a structured survey were collected during the years 2009–2012 in seven European countries with an EPNURSE—questionnaire (Empowering Patient Education from the point of view of Nurses). Results: Nurses considered patient education as an important part of their work and evaluated their own skills as good. However, their patient education practices were based more on practices on their ward and their own experience than on further education or evidence-based knowledge. On the other hand, lack of time for patient education and experienced overload were the major barriers experienced by nurses. Implications for Practice: Further education of orthopedic nurses in empowering evidence-based patient education is highly needed. Nurse leaders need to acknowledge the strong need for supporting nurses within clinical practice, improve their evidence-based knowledge and support practices that prioritize patient education within the hospital environment. Further international collaboration in nursing research and health-care organizations is desirable to reach these patient educational goals in clinical nursing practice.</p

Patients' independence of a nurse for the administration of subcutaneous anti-TNF therapy: A phenomenographic study

Rheumatology nursing supports patients to manage their lives and live as independently as possible without pain, stiffness and functional restrictions. When conventional drugs fail to delay the development of the rheumatic disease, the patient may require biological treatment such as self-administered subcutaneous anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) therapy. It is therefore important that the patient perspective focuses on the life-changing situation caused by the administration of regular subcutaneous injections. The aim of this study was to describe variations in how patients with rheumatic diseases experience their independence of a nurse for administration of subcutaneous anti-TNF therapy. The study had a descriptive, qualitative design with a phenomenographic approach and was carried out by means of 20 interviews. Four ways of understanding the patients' experience of their subcutaneous anti-TNF therapy and independence of a nurse emerged: the struggling patient; the learning patient; the participating patient; the independent patient. Achieving independence of a nurse for subcutaneous anti-TNF injections can be understood by the patients in different ways. In their strive for independence, patients progress by learning about and participating in drug treatment, after which they experience that the injections make them independent

Realizing autonomy in responsive relationships

The goal of this article is to augment the ethical discussion among nurses with the findings from empirical research on autonomy of older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. There are many factors influencing autonomy. These include: health conditions, treatment, knowledge, experience and skills, personal approach as well as familial patterns, type of relationship, life history and social context. Fifteen older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus were interviewed in a nurse-led diabetes clinic. These participants perceive three processes which support autonomy in responsive relationships: preserving patterns of concern and interaction, nurturing collaborative responsibilities and being closely engaged in trustful and helpful family relations. People with diabetes realize autonomy in various responsive relationships in their unique life context. Next, we performed a literature review of care ethics and caring in nursing with regard to relational autonomy. We classified the literature in five strands of care: attitude-oriented, dialogue-oriented, activity-oriented, relationship-oriented and life-oriented. According to our respondents, autonomy in responsive relationships is fostered when patient, nurses, professionals of the health team and family members carry out care activities supported by a relational attitude of care. They can best realize autonomy in relationships with others when several essential aspects of care and caring are present in their lives. Therefore, we advocate a comprehensive approach to care and caring

Health related quality of life of Icelandic patients six months after coronary heart disease incidence

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Regional Development Institute, Landspitali, Akureyri Hospital; University of Akureyri, Icelandic Nursing Association, KEA, Akureyri Heart Association OnBehalf KRANS-Study research group Background Patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) are likely to have impaired health-related quality of life (HRQoL) due to functional and emotional effects of the disease. Research suggests that HRQoL is an indicator of CHD patient’s health and it has been associated with self-care and risk factor management. Purpose The aim of this study was to assess HRQoL of Icelandic patients with CHD, six months after coronary heart disease incidence and to identify associated factors. Methods Cross-sectional study design was used. Participants were admitted to two main hospitals in Iceland. Data was collected with questionnaires and from patient records in the years 2018 to 2019. HRQoL was assessed with The HeartQoL questionnaire, which comprises 14-items with 10-item physical and 4-item emotional subscales which are scored from 0 (poor) to 3 (better) HRQoL and a global score. Data was analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics. Results Data from 366 patients with CHD will be presented. Preliminary data analysis shows that patients, (mean age 64 years (SD 8.8), 81% male), had mean global HRQoL score of 2.3 (SD = 0.6). The physical score measured 2.2 (SD = 0.7) and the emotional score 2.4 (SD = 0.7). The mean global HRQoL score were lower in women (t(364) =3.7, p &amp;lt; 0.001) and so were the physical score (t(364) =3.8, p &amp;lt; 0.001). However, the emotional score did not differ between the genders (t(363) =1.9, p = 0.061). Low income patients had lower HRQoL (p &amp;lt; 0.001). While physical HRQoL decreased with age (β= -0.12, p = 0.006), emotional HRQoL increased (β=0.14, p = 0.001). Better HRQoL was associated with more physical activity on global (β=0.28, p &amp;lt; 0.001), emotional (β=0.16, p = 0.001) and physical (β=0.36, p &amp;lt; 0.001) scales. Association between HRQoL and other risk factor profiles will be presented. Conclusion Our findings suggest that among patients with CHD physical activity is associated with better HRQoL. This emphasizes the importance of cardiac rehabilitation and physical activity after discharge from hospital. Special attention should be given to follow up of women and low-income groups. </jats:sec

Developing a new course guided by students’ perceived motivational climate. Insights from higher education in Iceland

This mixed methods study aimed to employ students’ perceptions of motivational factors and attained learning goals in developing and improving a nursing course in communication in health care and patient education. Data was collected from two consecutive cohorts of students (N = 144) using the MUSIC® Model of Motivation Inventory, which measures factors, namely eMpowerment, Usefulness, Success, Interest, and Caring, that, when present, motivate students to engage in their studies. The survey also included five items regarding students’ belief in their possibilities of developing problem-solving and critical thinking skills in the course. A focus group that was conducted after the first cohort responded to the survey provided a deeper understanding of the results. This information aided in further course development. In the subsequent survey, the second cohort had a statistically higher score for three of the five motivation factors (U, S, and I, p < 0.01) than the first cohort, as well as a higher interest score for appreciation of teaching methods (p < 0.05). Students’ belief in attaining learning goals, such as problem-solving skills, was also statistically higher for the second cohort (p < 0.05). We recommend using the MUSIC Inventory to gain students’ feedback to develop or improve courses

Health literacy of Icelandic patients with coronary heart disease

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Icelandic Nurses" Assoc., Landspitali Univ Hosp., Icelandic Reg Dev Instit, Univ of Akureyri, Akureyri Hosp, OnBehalf KRANS Background  Sufficient health literacy (HL) is vital for patients to effectively manage their chronic disease. There are indications that around 50% of the public have limited HL, which can lead to difficulties in self-care, such as medication adherence and lifestyle management. In order to develop effective patient education for patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and support their self-care, more knowledge is needed on their HL. This is one of the first studies on HL in Iceland and the first on HL in the cardiac patient population. Purpose  To describe HL and related factors in patients, 6 months after hospital admission for their CHD. Methods  Data was collected from patients with questionnaires (in 2018-2019), six months following an acute or elective treatment for their CHD. Patients answered the European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire- short version (HLS-EU-Q16), a 16 items instruments with scores ranges from zero (low/no HL) to 16 (high HL). A score of 0 to 8 is considered an indicator of "insufficient" HL, a score from 9 to 12 as "limited" health literacy, and a score of 13 or more as "sufficient" HL. Data on educational needs (on 19 CHD related topics), disease-related knowledge (CADE-Q SV), general (mental and physical) health (SF-12V2) and self-care (SC-CHDI) were collected from patients as background data. Results  Preliminary data analysis shows that patients (N = 376, mean age 65 (SD 8.9), 80% male, 30% with basic education only) had a mean HL score of 13.7 (SD 2.5). Sufficient HL was observed in 71.7% of patients, limited HL in 24.5% and 3.8% had insufficient HL.  Health literacy was inversely associated with educational needs (odds ratio (OR) 0.58 (0.35;0.98). An increase in HL level was associated with an increase in knowledge (OR 1.13 (0.01; 1.26), self-care maintenance (OR 1.03 (1.01; 1.06), self-care confidence (OR 1.03 (1.01; 1.04) and mental health (OR 1.02 (1.01;1.04). Conclusions  The health literacy of patients in this study is satisfactory. Their HL is associated with their disease-related knowledge, educational needs, confidence, mental health and self-care maintenance.  HL should be assessed when planning patient education for patients with CHD and the education tailored to individual needs. </jats:sec

Coronary artery disease patients experience of patient education, follow up and self care support in rural areas of Iceland

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Icelandic regional development institute, The Icelandic Nurse´s Association, RHA-University of Akureyri, HSA, The Health Directorate of East-Iceland. OnBehalf KRANS People living in rural Iceland have higher rate of cardiovascular risk factors, healthcare utilization and death and worse self-reported health than people in urban areas. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the experience of people with coronary heart disease, living in rural Iceland, of patient education, surveillance, and self-care support. The participants (N = 14, age 52-79 years, 8 male, 6 female) were interviewed 6-12 months after hospital discharge following a cardiac event (in 2018-2019). Systematic text-condensation was used for analysis. The findings were categorized into three main themes: 1) Education and support describes inadequate patient education and support from health professionals after discharge from hospital and how the internet was the main information source supplemented with spouse’s and family support. 2) Local health care services describe the lack of and importance of access to health professionals, stable services and underutilization of primary health care in the local area. 3) Self-care behavior describes the lack of professional support with lifestyle changes and how the participants manage self-care in their local area as well as their attitude towards the disease. In conclusion, the results indicate that access to continuous health services and person-centered support focusing on prevention strategies is widely impaired in rural areas in Iceland. </jats:sec