Stress, stress responses and coping strategies among bachelor nursing students

Introductions: Inability to use effective coping strategies to minimize stress due to high academic and clinical expectations may affect nursing students’ health, academic and clinical performance. The aim of this study was to assess the level of stress, stress responses and use of coping strategies among bachelor nursing students. Methods: This-cross-sectional study included bachelor nursing program students selected by stratified random sampling technique from four nursing colleges affiliated to Tribhuvan University in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, during August 18th to September 15th 2017. Data were collected using structured self-administered questionnaire. Perceived stress scale, physio-psycho-social responses scale and coping check lists were used to assess stress, stress responses and coping strategies of bachelor nursing students.               Results: There were total 284 participating nursing students, 240 (84.5%) had moderate level of stress and 20 (7%) high level of stress. The common source of stress were assignments and workload (2.37±0.63), and clinical environment (2.16±0.74). Students’ physio-psycho-social responses during stress, 109 (38.4%) reported best emotional health, 125 (44%) best social behavioral and 189 (66.7%) best physical health. Coping strategies were, problem focused 175 (61.6%), social support coping 173 (60.9%), and avoidance coping 165 (58.1%). There was a positive correlation between stress and coping (r=0.138).Conclusions: More than 3/4th of bachelor nursing students reported moderate level of stress, problem focused coping strategies was commonly used and half of the students maintained good level of physio-psychosocial health during stress. Keywords: coping strategies, nursing students, stress, stress responses

Evidence-based practice at Patan Academy of Health Sciences, Nepal: knowledge, attitude, behavior and barriers

Introduction: Evidence based practice (EBP) is the use of current best evidence in making decisions about the care of individual patients. The aim of this study was to explore the practices, attitudes, knowledge and perceived barriers in relation to EBP among faculty members at Patan Academy of Health Sciences (PAHS), Nepal. Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey study. Participants were faculty members (both clinical and non-clinical) at PAHS. The main outcomes were attitude towards the usefulness of EBP, the frequency of use of EBP in practice, and the barriers to carrying out EBP. Results: One hundred and seventy-two faculty members participated in this survey. Ninety five percent knew it was used for clinical decision making and the majority used it for teaching. Senior faculty spent more time on searching for evidence and reading compared to junior faculty. There was no difference between clinical and non-clinical departments. The main barriers to EBP were inadequate teaching learning support by 49% (85/172) followed by inadequate time 30% (52/172). Conclusions: The study showed that faculty at PAHS had a generally positive attitude towards EBP. EBP could be better facilitated by proper teaching and allocation of dedicated time. Keywords: evidence-based practice, faculties, health sciences, attitude- knowledge-behavio

Intestinal Worm Infestation and Anaemia in Pregnant Women

Introduction: Severe Anaemia during pregnancy is an important contributor to maternal mortality, as well as to the low birth weight which is in turn an important risk factor for infant mortality. We aim to determine the prevalence of anaemia in the region amongst pregnant women and identify their problems and to easily provide them with the clinical services. Methods: A community based cross sectional study done in PHCRC Chapagaun, Lalitpur from July 17, 2011 to Sep.17, 2011. Date from pregnant women presenting at PHCRC, , were filled and analysed using standard guidelines from WHO and Indian council of Medical research.. Results: Out of 192 pregnant women, the average age of pregnancy was 21-25 years (46.55), mean haemoglobin (Hb) in pregnancy was 11g/dl. Majority pregnant women are Newar (35.4%) ethnicity, 67.7% of them housewives and 31.5% have primary level education. Only 24% was found to have their haemoglobin level in anaemic range. Among the pregnant women (n) =192; 48 (25%) had worm infestation, 119 (62%) had negative stool report and 25 (13%) had other than worms were found. Only about one third of the sample has actually taken albendazole. Conclusions: Aanaemia is prevalent in pregnant women of PHCRC, chapagaun and there was a significant correlation between anaemia and worm infestation. However, the relation among the haemoglobin level, iron, folic acid and albendazole was not significant. Keywords: anaemia; infestation; pregnant women; worm. | PubMe