Iraqi National Journal of Nursing Specialties
The Iraqi National Journal of Nursing Specialties (INJNS), formerly known as “Scientific journal of nursing”, is a peer reviewed scientific publication that publishes original research articles in variety of nursing Specialties. Such publication contributes to the extension of nursing specialties body of knowledge relative to theses specialties. The Iraqi National Journal of Nursing Specialties also features qualitative research, systematic review articles, selected case reports and other original articles of special nature. The Iraqi National Journal of Nursing Specialties (INJNS) published a half yearly open access publication with one special issue since 2008 and two supplements since 2023. The Iraqi National Journal of Nursing Specialties editorial mission is to focus on improving nursing practice, knowledge, and clients’ outcomes through scientific research. Therefore, we are pleased to welcome and encourage you to both submit your original research articles and read the published articles and share them with your fellow nurses. Online ISSN: 2958-5759 Print ISSN: 2958-5740 ISSN Portal
Effect of Play-Based Occupational Therapy on Hand Function of Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Quasi-Experimental Study
Objective(s): This study aims to improve hand function in children with cerebral palsy through using of play therapy methods: clay, beads, and sand, and find most effect method. Methods: A quasi- experimental study employed pre-test and posttest design with control group. It was conducted at the Centre of Medical Rehabilitation and Arthritis in Baghdad city, at the period November 25th, 2024, to February 13th, 2025. A non-probable sample of 64 children with cerebral palsy was selected by non-random sampling method, they were distributed into one control group and three intervention groups. Both groups continue with their routine care in the center, and only the intervention group expose to play therapy intervention. The Box and Block Test was used to assess children`s hand function before and after play intervention. The data was analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistics by SPSS program. Results: The result showed no significant differences in the means score of hand function in the both groups before play intervention. However, after the intervention a significant difference was clear in sand and clay intervention groups. The statistics showed clay therapy was most effective at, P value ≤ 0.05. Conclusion: Nursing interventions incorporating play therapy methods are effective in improving hand function in children with CP. These methods consider child-friendly and engaging valuable methods. Recommendations: A cohort study is recommended to assess the long-term effects of play interventions. Pediatric nurses need to integrate these play-based therapies and family’s participation to enhance motor skills of hand function in children with CP.
Copyright (c) 2025 Zainab Abd al Ameer Hussein, Adraa Hussein Shawq https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Association between Alarm Fatigue, and Burnout among Nurses in Critical Care Units
Objective(s): To examine the association between alarm fatigue and burnout among nurses working in adult critical care units. Methods: A descriptive-correlational study design was used targeting 377 nurses practicing in critical care units within 13 hospitals in Iraq. Data gathering extended for the period from January 6th, 2024 to March 7th 2024, by investigating sociodemographic, professional characteristics of nurses, and alarm fatigue questionnaire, and the Burnout Assessment Tool. Results: Overall, 240 out of 377 nurses in critical care units showed a moderate degree of alarm fatigue, with a percentage of 63.7%. Of equal importance, the majority of nurses suffered from high levels of burnout, with a mean score of 2.53. The Pearson correlation (r =.441 at p = 0.01) also showed a positive association between alarm fatigue and burnout among nurses in critical care units. Conclusion: This study illuminated the statistically significant positive correlations between nurse’s alarm fatigue and each dimension of burnout (exhaustion, mental distance, cognitive impairment, emotional impairment, psychological complaints, psychosomatic complaints, secondary symptoms, and overall burnout). Recommendations: The provision of training sessions on stress management, building resilience strategies, and coping techniques provide nurses with the necessary tools to more effectively navigate the challenges of their profession. Furthermore, it is crucial to replicate this study in critical care units in other governorates of Iraq to compare and improve the generalization of the findings.
Alarm fatigue, Burnout, Nurses, Critical care units, Nursing
Copyright (c) 2025 Sahar Yaqoob Yousif, Dr.Sadeq AL-Fayyadh, Richard Mottershead https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Perception of Patients with Heart Attacks Toward the Warning Signs: A Qualitative Study
Objective(s): To explore patients’ perceptions regarding warning signs of heart attacks. Methods: A descriptive phenomenological design explored 10 perceptions of patients with ischemic heart disease toward warning signs of heart attack by non-probability (purposive) sampling at cardiac care units at Baquba Teaching Hospital and AlKhalis General Hospital For the period from 21st of December, 2023 to 24th of February, 2024. A 7-item semi-structured interview guide was developed. Qualitative analysis (thematic analysis) was used in the data analysis. This process involved transcribing and translating quotes from Arabic to English for better comprehension. The data analysis procedure consisted of several steps, including first-cycle coding, second-cycle, and analytical notes Results: Six themes and sub-themes emerged. These themes include suspicious recognition, imagination, fear, family roles, experience (experience with heart attack and psychological experience), religious aspects, and repercussions. The themes that emerged included all aspects of the condition that the patient went through during the heart attack from a physical, psychological, and spiritual perspective, which expressed the depths of his sense and cognition. Conclusion: The level of participants' perception is closely linked to their personal experience with heart attack (Whether the sample had heart attack in the present or past). Knowledge alone cannot form perception unless it reaches the individual's psychological aspects, which are shaped through experience. Recommendations: Conducting qualitative research is recommended at a national level and to the whole community to increase the generalizability of the results.
perception; warning signs; heart attack, qualitative study, Nursing.
Copyright (c) 2024 Montadhar R Al-zuhairy, Mohammed Baqer Al- Jubouri https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Efficacy of Shot-Blocker in Alleviating Peripheral Intravenous Cannulation Associated Pain among Hospitalized School-Aged Children
Objective(s): Examining the effect of Shot-Blocker in reducing Peripheral Intravenous Cannulation (PIV) associated pain among school age children’s patients. Methods: This study used a prospective, comparative, randomized controlled trial design. The study involved 153 school aged children (6-12 years) who received intravenous cannulation at Emergency Departments in Wasit: Al-Azizia and Al-Numaniyah General Hospital between January 22nd, and February 21st, 2024. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: the Shot-Blocker group (n=79), and control group (n=74). The Peripheral Intravenous Cannulation process was followed by a request for the patients to rate their level of pain using the Wong–Baker Faces Pain Scale. The primary outcome was to reduce pain related to intravenous cannulation for school age children. A descriptive and inferential statistical measures were employed in the analysis of the data through the using IBM-SPSS. The group’s differences in levels of pain were measured using an independent sample t-test. Result: There are statistically significant differences in pain intensity between the Shot-Blocker, and control group (P-value=0.001*). When compared to the control group, Shot-Blocker group showed a markedly reduced pain intensity (mean difference 1.74684). In addition, there were higher pain levels noted in the control group (mean difference 8.757) compared to the Shot-Blocker group. Conclusions: The Shot-Blocker technique was efficient to reduce pain-related intravenous-cannulation. Most children using Shot-Blocker experienced less pain compared to those who did not. This suggests that innovative non-pharmacological approaches like Shot-Blocker are advantageous for pain reduction.
Copyright (c) 2025 Salsabeel A. Naser, Dr. Sadeq AL-Fayyadh https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Effect of Vibration Maneuver on Pain Relief during Cannulation Insertion for Cancer Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Objective(s): To measure the effect of using vibration maneuver on the level of pain during intravenous cannulation. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was carried out in the oncology unit of AL- Al-Haboubi Teaching Hospital in Thi-Qar governorate from November 22nd, 2023 to June 5th, 2024. After the sample was selected among patients, 105 patients were divided into two groups, 50 in the control group and 55 in the experimental. In the experimental group, a vibrating device was used, and the pain was assessed using a visual analogue scale of a 10-cm line. The researcher used two white envelopes inside which there was a colored card to facilitate the random selection and a self-report method was used for data collection. Results: The results of the statistical analysis showed highly significant differences between the two groups in pain intensity during cannulation in the post-test. The control group recorded a high average pain intensity of (M+SD 76.54+20.427), While the experimental group showed a significant decrease in pain intensity with an average (M+SD 27.25+22.788). These results indicate that the intervention based on applying vibration technology contributed effectively to reducing the level of pain, as the difference between the two groups was highly statistically significant (p=0.001). Conclusion: The study concluded that vibration maneuver had a positive relationship and highly effective in reducing pain for intravenous cannulation. Recommendations: The study recommended that the vibration experience be applied to patients during cannulation insertion in adult segments.
Copyright (c) 2025 Alaa Kareem Azeez; Alaa Jawad Kadhim, Hadi Ahmadi Chenari https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Effect of Cooling Face Therapy on Recovery from Pain for Patients after Rhinoplasty: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Objective(s): The present study aimed to test the effect of cooling face therapy on recovery from pain for patients after rhinoplasty. Methods: a randomized clinical trial was conducted in AL-Kindi teaching hospital and AL-Wasiti teaching hospital from 22 November ,2023 to 5 June, 2024. After the sample was selected, 53 patients were divided into two groups, an experimental group with 26 patients, and a control group with 27 patients. To achieve the purpose of study in the experimental group, a cold gel mask. pain was assessed using a Numerical Pain Scale, the interview method was chosen for data collection. Results: The data analysis showed all patients had pain in the pre-test, while the results showed that the average pain scale post-test for the intervention group with the cold gel mask was 50% with no pain, while in the traditional care group the pain intensity was 37% with moderate pain. so, there was a highly significant difference in pain levels between the experimental and control groups at p-value < .001). Conclusion: It is concluded from the results of the study that applying a cold gel mask is effective in reducing pain after rhinoplasty compared to traditional ice compresses. Recommendations: The study recommends the use of a cold gel mask after rhinoplasty to reduce pain after rhinoplasty.
Rhinoplasty, Cooling face therapy, Pain, Nursing.
Copyright (c) 2024 Maisam Saadoun Hamidi, Alaa Jawad Kadhim, Aghaie Bahman https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Knowledge and Attitudes of Seniors about Diabetes Mellitus
Objective(s): To evaluate the knowledge and attitude towards diabetes and their association with age, marital status, education level, and monthly income among seniors with diabetes mellitus. Methods: A cross- sectional descriptive study was carried out among 69 seniors with diabetes mellitus who were attending the Center for Endocrinology and Diabetes in AL-Muthanna Governorate. Data were collected using two scales; one for knowledge (DKN) and the other for attitudes through self-reporting. Data were analysed using IBM-SPSS. Results: The study indicated that the knowledge of senior patients was very poor in all items of the DKN scale and, only 6 (8.7%) had acceptable knowledge, while 63 (91.3%) of them lack information about diabetes mellitus type2. As well as, their attitude was negative in most items of attitude scale, with a mean total of 2.43 ± 0.584. In addition, there is a statistically significant association between patients’ knowledge and monthly income at the level of 0.05. Conclusion: The seniors had a poor knowledge with negative attitudes toward diabetes. Recommendations: Significant efforts are required to enhance seniors' understanding and attitudes toward effectively managing their health and illnesses
Knowledge, Attitudes, Self-care, Seniors, Diabetes Mellitus, Nursing.
Copyright (c) 2024 Mohammed K. Mezher ‎, Ala’a Hassan Mirza Hussain https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Enhancing Nurses' Knowledge-related Prevention of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
Objective(s): to enhance nurses' knowledge-related preventing sudden infant death syndrome by applying a nursing program based on updated recommendations of American Academy of Pediatric for a Safe Infant Sleeping Environment (2022). Methods: A quasi-experimental study with two study groups (pre-test, post-test I, and post-test II) carried out at Children's Welfare Teaching Hospitals and The Central Teaching Hospital of Pediatrics in Baghdad City from September 14th, 2023 to February 21th, 2024. The study recruited fifty nurses, divided into two groups equally. The study used the validated Knowledge test instrument with (10) items (multiple choices). An Educational program is built according to American Academy of Pediatric update guidelines for sudden infant death syndrome. Version 26.0 of the Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyze the research's data. Results: The study results indicate that the majority of nurses had a poor level of knowledge (M=0.38) prior to the application of the program, while the post-test showed a good level of knowledge during posttest 1 (M=0.80) and posttest 2 (M=0.69) among nurses in the study group. Compared with the control group, nurses showed fair knowledge during the pretest (M = 0.45), posttest I (M = 0.37), and posttest II (M = 0.38), regarding the prevention of sudden infant death syndrome. Conclusion: This study suggest that the nursing educational program yields tangible positive outcomes on improving nurses' knowledge-related prevention of sudden infant death syndrome. Recommendations: The Iraqi Ministry of Health might benefit from adapting this guide on the prevention of sudden infant death syndrome as a training program for nurses to improve their knowledge of the prevention of sudden infant death syndrome and to conduct further studies on a large sample of nurses in order to disseminate better and apply evidence-based practice.
Nurses, Knowledge, Prevention, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
Copyright (c) 2024 Safa A. Mohammed, Afifa R. Aziz https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Factors Influencing Caring Ability of Family Caregivers of Children with Cancer
Objective(s): This study aimed to investigate factors influencing the caring ability of family caregivers of children with cancer based on caregiver sex, level of education, kinship to the child, and the child's sex. Methods: A descriptive study was conducted on 200 family caregivers of children with cancer, selected through non-probability (purposive) sampling technique in the Hematology and Oncology Center at Welfare Teaching Hospital from January 2nd, 2024, to March 27th, 2024. Data were collected using “the Caring Ability of Family Caregivers of Patients with Cancer Scale (CAFCPCS). Through a self-report method. Data were analysis using SPSS (version 24), employing descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The study showed that there are several factors that affected the caring ability of family caregivers to their children with cancer, including the child’s kinship (p = .037), education level (p = .000), and monthly income (p = .003). Additionally, a significant correlation between the sex of caregivers and effective role play (p = .022), negative correlation between the education level of caregivers and the total score of caregiving abilities (p = .006). Conclusion: The study concludes that familial relationship, education level, and income significantly affect caregivers' abilities in caring for children with cancer. The sex of caregivers plays a role in their interactions with children with cancer, with mothers having greater knowledge and broader experience in caregiving. Recommendations: This study recommends that the Ministry of Health should encourage continuous family support, provide educational programs, and financial assistance to improve the abilities of family caregivers in dealing with their children with cancer. Mothers should be supported through women's workshops, and fathers' participation should be encouraged through specialized training programs.
Copyright (c) 2025 Hanan Hafedh Owed, Widad K. Mohammed https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Effect of Aromatherapy on Nausea and Vomiting of Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Objective(s): The aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness of aromatherapy in reducing nausea and vomiting in adult patients receiving chemotherapy. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted on 66 patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy at the Oncology Centre in Al-Kut City, Iraq, from November 7th, 2023, to June 13th, 2024. Patients were selected conveniently and randomly based on the inclusion criteria, and they were randomly assigned into two groups: the inhalation aromatherapy group and the control group. The first group inhaled peppermint oil for 20 minutes, while the control group did not receive any intervention and underwent only routine treatment. The Rhodes Index Scale was used to assess nausea and vomiting. Used SPSS version 26 to analyze the data, applying both descriptive and inferential analysis, and a one-way ANOVA test was used to determine the statistically significant difference between the two trial groups. Results: The findings revealed that there was a significant difference in the severity of nausea and vomiting in the aromatherapy groups compared to the control group, according to the mean of the aromatherapy group, which was 12.63, with a P value of 0.001. Conclusion: The Aromatherapy was found to be effective in reducing nausea and vomiting levels when compared to the control group. Therefore, inhalation of aromatherapy is recommended as an effective non pharmacological intervention to reduce nausea and vomiting related to chemotherapy. Recommendations: The study recommends healthcare professionals, particularly nurses to utilize nonpharmacological techniques such as aromatherapy that have been validated as effective more often for alleviating nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy.
Aromatherapy; Nausea and vomiting; Cancer patient, Chemotherapy, RTC, Nursing.
Copyright (c) 2024 karrar Hassan Abd Al-Sada, Rajaa Ibrahim Abed https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Nurses’ Practices in Ensuring Child Safety in Hemodialysis Centers
Objective(s): This study’s objective is to evaluate nurses’ practice of patients' safety in pediatric hemodialysis centers and find which sociodemographic data are affecting on their practices. Methods: A descriptive study has been applied to 48 nurses working at the hemodialysis centers at two Teaching Hospital in Salah Al-Din Governorate. The study was conducted on September 1st, 2023, to March 5th, 2024, utilizing non-probable sampling technique.A valid observational checklist by CDC used, consists of eight nursing responsibilities to evaluate nurses-based practice for patients` safety. The checklist was filled using a trichotomous scale with three evaluations: never (1 – 1.66), sometimes (1.67–2.33), and always (2.34–3). Data was entered and analyzed by SPSS program version 24. Results: Most participants nurses were female, the majority of them were between the ages of 25 and 30 years with 70.8%. Their work experience was about 1-3 years in nursing and the hemodialysis department with 45 % of total nurses. The findings of the current study revealed that nurses had a moderate practice of children safety with an overall mean score of (1.8762). The study showed that there was a statistical relationship between the nurses' practicesand their nursing qualification. Conclusion: The study concluded nurses` practices for keeping children safety were inadequate. This inadequate level may lead to medical errors, complication, and financial burden for the family and health institutes. Recommendation: It is recommended that the hospitals implement specialized training programs relevant to patients' safety to enhance nurses’ awareness of children safety and improve quality of nursing care for pediatric patients.
Pediatric hemodialysis, Nurses' practice, Children safety, Quality improvement
Copyright (c) 2024 Ammar A. Fadhil, Zaid W. Ajil https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Barriers of Delivering Nursing Care to Children at Intensive Care Units: A Mixed Method Study
Objective(s): To determine barriers for delivering nursing care for children at Intensive Care Units. Methods: A mixed method research, employing (convergent parallel design) was used in this study. A non-probability (purposive) sampling of 60 nurses were employed, 15 of them were included in the qualitative part of the study. The data were collected from three different intensive care units from January 3rd to February 20th, 2024, using the performance obstacles assessment questionnaire for the quantitative part of the study. An official permission to use the study questionnaire was obtained from the corresponding author. A semi-structured interview technique was used to collect the data. It took about 45-60 minutes for each participant to complete interview and record their responses. Quantitative data analysis has been established by using SPSS version 23, and the qualitative data analysis have been established based on thematic analysis. Results: Quantitative results presented barriers including all domains (environmental barriers, organization barriers, technological barriers, task barriers, and family barriers) in which the mean of all domains was 2.61 and higher. In addition, qualitative results showed that nurses who work at children intensive care unit were faced by several barriers during care delivery for children such as environmental barrier, technological barrier, task barrier, organizational barrier, and family barrier. Conclusions: Pediatric nurses were confronting barriers during delivering care to children due to lack of family awareness about care, lack of appropriate resources and devices, nursing shortage, and absence of clear protocol. Recommendations: Efforts should be prioritized toward finding solutions for all the barriers faced by pediatric nurses to ensure better quality of healthcare services.
barriers, pediatric nurses, children, intensive care unit, mixed method study، Nursing.
Copyright (c) 2024 Sura Saleem Dhamin, Serwan Jafar Bakey https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Effectiveness of an Educational Program on Collegians’ Perception of Healthy Dietary Patterns
Objective(s): To determine the effectiveness of the educational program on university collegians’ perceptions of healthy dietary patterns, and to determine the relationship between these perceptions and students’ socio-demographic characteristics such as age, sex, marital status, monthly family income, place of residence, and level of education. Methods: A quasi-experimental investigation was performed on students in the University of Mosul to assess the dietary pattern from November 9th of 2022 up to January 2nd of 2023. Non-probability sampling for a sample of (60) students divided into two groups, (study and control groups). Determine the validity of the questionnaire content by presenting it to the experts and using the half-division technique and calculating the Pearson correlation coefficient to determine its validity. A questionnaire has been constructed through extensive review of related literatures to accomplish the study's aims and objectives. Results: The results of data showed that all (60) students in the study sample did not have an adequate level of perception of healthy dietary pattern in pre-test, 12.53 (±3.72). while the results of the post-test after implementing the program results showed that there is an improvement in their perceptions of the healthy dietary pattern in the study group only, 19.43 (±3.98). Conclusion: The study showed that there was an improvement in perceptions of a healthy lifestyle related to dietary pattern in study group compared to those in the control group. Recommendations: The study recommended the need to develop educational programs, lectures, courses and seminars on the benefits of a healthy dietary pattern that university students must follow to increase their perceptions that lead to changing their lifestyle and getting rid of wrong behaviors and habits.
Effectiveness, educational program, dietary pattern, university students، Nursing.
Copyright (c) 2024 Ayed A. Mustafa, Hala S. Abdel Wahed https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Assessment of Challenges Encountering Nurses in Delivering Care to Patients with Cerebrovascular Accident
Objective(s): The aim of the study is to assess the challenges encountered by nurses in delivering care for patients with cerebrovascular accidents in the neurological departments. Methods: A descriptive study conducted purposely on 80 nurses working in the neurological departments in Baquba Teaching Hospital from January 9th to February 20th, 2023. Data analysis encompassed the application of both descriptive and inferential statistics. Result: Nuero-specialized nurses faced many challenges namely: workload and role conflict, psychological load, inadequate resources, and feeling of increased responsibilities. The study also found a significant relationship between challenging workloads and nurse’s workplaces, and their level of education. Conclusions: Nurses encounter challenges psychological load, inadequate resources, and increased responsibilities that hinder the delivery of nursing care for cerebrovascular accidents patients. Recommendations: This study recommends that healthcare organizations prioritize workload management strategies, supply the important resources, provide psychological support for nurses, offer education and training programs, and conduct further research about nursing challenges in different healthcare settings.
Assessment, cerebrovascular accidents, nursing care, nursing challenges
Copyright (c) 2023 firas khader https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Risk Factors and Etiology of Neonatal Sepsis at Baghdad Hospitals, Iraq
Objective(s(: To determine risk factors and etiology associated with development of neonatal sepsis at Baghdad hospitals, Iraq. Methods: The descriptive analytical case control study design technique entails was used for conducting research on neonatal care units in Baghdad Governorate in order to identify the causes and risk factors leading to neonatal sepsis. Where it was implemented during the period from November 20th, 2022, to 1st June 2023. The data analyzed by using package SPSS. version 22. Results: Newborns who developed sepsis with their mother's data and control group were 94 neonates per group. Evaluation of risk factors showed that mothers with a first or second child (parity 1-2) were significantly associated with neonatal sepsis (P = 0.016) and mothers were more likely to have neonatal sepsis on their children (2.092) fold high risk than mothers with multiple births (multiparity). On the other hand, women who undergoing caesarean section, high blood pressure, bleeding disorder, urinary tract, premature rupture of membranes, and perinatal fever were (6.4, 2.279, 2.303, 4.119, 3.476, 2.943 times respectively) more likely to have sepsis. In terms of neonatal risk factors, infants born preterm, before 37 weeks gestation, birth weight less than 2500 grams (18.0), neonatal age (7-28 days), preterm score <7, resuscitation, birth asphyxia, the period when a neonate spends in the incubator ≥ 3 days is a significant risk for neonatal sepsis, and they are more likely to develop neonatal sepsis. Conclusion: There are many risk factors for the mother and the child that increase the possibility of developing neonatal sepsis Recommendations: Promoting education and awareness of mothers, especially those who were born prematurely, about hygiene practices and newborn care can help reduce the risk of neonatal sepsis.
Copyright (c) 2025 Salwa Ghazi Turki, Marwa Najy Abed Alkendi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Assessment of Warfarin Therapy Knowledge among Patients with Cardiovascular Disease
Abstract Objective(s): To assess of knowledge about warfarin therapy in patients with cardiovascular disease and to find out the relationship between patients’ knowledge and sociodemographic characteristics. Methods: A descriptive study was carried out in Ibn Al-Bitar Specialized center for Cardiac Surgery for the period between between August 3rd, 2022 to May 28th, 2023. A non-probability sampling was used among (210) patients with cardiovascular disease. The data for study was collected by using a questionnaire was composed of two parts namely: patients sociodemographic characteristics included (7) questions and Warfarin Knowledge scale consists of (24) questions. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 26. Descriptive and inferential data analysis were utilized to summarize the study results. Results: The study indicated that Patients with cardiovascular diseases had knowledge deficits (86.7%) about warfarin Therapy. Conclusions: The study concludes that Patients with cardiovascular diseases had a low level of knowledge regarding warfarin therapy. Recommendation: The study recommend to designing regular and periodic educational programs regarding cardiac medications such as warfarin therapy for increasing patient's knowledge.
Assessment knowledge warfarin therapy Cardiovascular disease
Copyright (c) 2024 Fatima Kamil Salman, Muhammed Waheeb Salman https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Effect of Music Medicine Intervention on Child `s Pain Level During Bone Marrow Aspiration and Lumber Puncture Procedures
Objective(s): To determine the effects of music therapy on the pain level of children who undergoing lumber puncture and bone marrow aspiration, and to find out the relationship between children’s pain and their socio-demographic characteristics during lumber puncture and bone marrow aspiration procedures. Methods: A quasi-experimental design, conducted among 78 school age children of both genders in Nineveh governorate at Ibn-AlAtheer teaching hospital, consisted of music (study) group and the routine treatment (control) group. Objective pain scale and physiological parameters were recorded. The data analyzed by computer programs (SPSS) and using descriptive statistics and independent samples (t-test). Results: The result revealed high significant differences in child pain score and physiological parameters (mean, SD) between the study (1.42, 0.541) and control group (2.37, 0.594). The level of pain for study group was (25) mild, (13) moderate, and (2) sever. On the other hand, the level of pain for control group was (1, 22, 35) as mild, moderate, and sever pain respectively, and the t test significance for pain level was (0.001) at p-value 0.01. Conclusion: The music therapy intervention was effective in reducing the level of pain among children undergoing painful procedures (lumber puncture and bone marrow aspiration). This intervention can be used to decrease pain associated with invasive procedure and promote their compliance. Recommendations: This study recommended music therapy to be as one of the nurse-led non-pharmacological intervention that use recorded music in all medical procedure.
Music therapy pain bone marrow aspiration lumber puncture
Copyright (c) 2024 Myasar Khalel, Adraa Hussein Shawq https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Effectiveness of Non-Pharmacological Interventions on Reducing Intramuscular Injection-related Pain in Adult’s Patients: A Randomized Control Trial
Objective(s): study was conducted in order to investigate the effect of ShotBlocker on reducing intramuscular (IM) injection-related pain in adult patients. Methods: A prospective, Randomized Controlled Trial, was employed in this study. The study was conducted on 128 adult patients, who received Diclofenac Sodium injections in Emergency Departments. The patients were randomized into 2 groups: ShotBlocker group (n=64) and control group (n=64). Immediately after the injection the patients were asked to evaluated their level of pain. The Visual Analog Scale was used to measure pain intensity. Results: There are statistically significant differences in pain scores among two groups (p < .001). The ShotBlocker group had significantly lower pain scores compared to the control group (mean difference of -3.17188, p < .001). The control group had significantly higher pain scores compared to the ShotBlocker group (mean difference of 3.17188, p < .001). Conclusions: The ShotBlocker was found to be effective in reducing pain levels when compared to the control group. Therefore, ShotBlocker is recommend as an effective NPI to reduce intramuscular injection-related pain.
Intramuscular Injection; Pain; ShotBlocker; Non-Pharmacological Interventions (NPI)
Copyright (c) 2024 Safaa Ezzat AL-Shammary, Sadeq AL-Fayyadh https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Efficacy of a Pre-Radiotherapy, Nurse-Led Instructional Program to Enhance the Level of Awareness of Patients Receiving Radiotherapy for First Time
Objective(s): To evaluate the effectiveness of instructional program on increase awareness level among cancer patients receiving radiation therapy for the first time. Methods: A quasi--experimental design, with a non-probability (purposive) sample of 128 patients with cancer were randomly assigned to either study group (n=64) who received a pre-radiation therapy instructional program and a control group (n=64), who only receive the routine instructions. Study instruments consist of three parts: Part I: Socio-Demographic Characteristics, Part II: Clinical Data, and Part III: Awareness Questionnaire consists of 13 items, scored by rating (2) for the correct answer and (Wilding) for the incorrect answer. Statistical package SPSS ver. (24) was used in order to analyze of the collected data. Results: This study found that the level of awareness in the study group was low (89.1%) in the pre-test phase and raised to (100%) in the post-test phase. Conclusions: There is a positive effect of the instructional program on enhancing the level of awareness about radiation therapy for cancer patients receiving radiation therapy for the first time. Recommendation: This study suggest conducting an in-person education sessions that focus on patients’ awareness about radiotherapy.
Efficacy, Radiation Therapy; Patients with Cancer; Nurse-Led instruction, Awareness
Copyright (c) 2023 Suha Al-zaidy https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Assessment of Nebulizer Therapy Knowledge among Mothers of Children with Asthma
Objective(s): To assess of mothers' knowledge of using nebulizer therapy for their children with asthma, and to find out the relationship between the mother knowledge and their socio-demographic characteristics. Methods: Descriptive study design was conducted at Ibn- Albaladi Hospital for Maternity and Child. Data were collected from October 10th, 2022 to January 10th, 2023. Purposive non-probability sample consisting of 50 mothers of children with asthma was admitted to the hospital. Data were collected through the interview technique using questionnaire consisting of: 11 items regarding mothers sociodemographic characteristics; and 19 items related to the use of nebulizer therapy for their asthmatic children. Data was analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistical. Result: The results showed that most mothers had moderate level knowledge toward using of nebulizer therapy for their children with asthma with (58%) of them, with arithmetic mean of (M±SD= 2.19±0.305). There was no significant correlation between mothers’ age, marital status, family income, and their level of knowledge at (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The study concludes that mothers’ level of knowledge regarding the using of nebulizer therapy was at moderate level. Recommendations: This study emphases applying and distributing of instructional pamphlets among mother of children with asthma regarding using nebulizer therapy and enhancing their knowledge through social media to improve their practice.
Knowledge, Mothers Nebulizer Therapy, Children with Asthma.
Copyright (c) 2024 Samar Hussein Kareem , Afifa Radha Aziz https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Nurses Finding the Voice: Nursing Advocacy Roles and Lessons from the Pandemic
Modern healthcare is built on nursing advocacy, and nurses perform crucial roles as advocates in many different contexts. This brief communication paper examines the varied nature of nursing advocacy and its importance in the provision of healthcare. Nurses are primary caregivers and in a unique position to uphold patients' rights and needs while promoting patient-centered care. To ensure that patients' voices are heard and appreciated, they act as communicators, bridging gaps between patients and healthcare teams. To sum up, nurses play an advocacy role that is revolutionary for the healthcare system as well as vital. Not only have nurses found their voices, but they have also used them to advocate for changes in the healthcare system and to fight for the rights and welfare of patients.
Nursing advocacy, pandemic, nursing, health policy, patient advocacy
Copyright (c) 2023 Glenn Ford Valdez, Gian Carlo https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
General Social Function for Elderly in Geriatric Homes in Jordan
Objectives: To assess general social factors for elderly in geriatric homes in Jordan. Methodology: The study was conducted for clients residing in elderly homes. A purposive sample of (155) residents were selected. Social resource scale by (Duck University Center) called (OARA) older adult resources and services was used as tool for data collection. The questions extract data about family structure, patterns of friends and visiting, availability of a confident, satisfaction with the degree of social interaction and availability of a helper in the event of illness or disability and the program of trips in the houses. Results: The findings revealed that the life expectancy for women is greater than for men. In respect to marital status, the majority of the residents were widows who represented (38.I). Only ( 15.5%) of them were visited by their family more than (5) tines in the year. The study shows that (61.3%) of them have trust to the home's staff and (25.1%) to their friends in the home. In regard to loneliness, (66.5%) of them feels loneliness and they need outside assistance, In regard to clients' help, (42%) of them could not know or answer this question. While, (51.6%) of them need help from inside on bathing, eating or taking medication. In relation to clients trips outside home, (54.8%) of them have the chance to go outside the home for trip; mainly for visiting family, friends or for religious purposes. Recommendation: The study recommended that the leaders of the homes must focus on increasing the facilities of social relation through more communication, increase visiting times between the elderly and their families through the social worker of the house, get out of the house and meet other people, invite people home, an.ange regular tines for getting together with fiiends and family members, and find activities that involve doing things.
Social Functioning of the elderly, Geriatric Homes
Copyright (c) 2009 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Assessment of the Pediatric Nurses' Knowledge about the Nosocomial Infection in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Baghdad Pediatric Teaching Hospitals
Objectives: To assess the pediatric nurses' knowledge about the nosocomial infection owl), and to fud out the relatiouships between their knowledge about the nosocomial infection and demographic data. Methodology: A descriptive study was carried out at neonatal intensive care units OVICUs) of Baghdad Pediatric Teaching Hospitals. It was started from the end of April to the end of October, 2008. A purposive sample of (28) pediatric nurses were selected. The data were collected by self-administered questiormaire. The validity of the questionnaire was detemined through a panel of experts, while its reliability was detemined through the pilot study. The data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics through the package SPSS version (10.0). Results: The findings indicated that the pediatric nurses who work at neonatal intensive care units have an inadequate level of knowledge about all aspects of the NI. Nurses' age, educational level, and their years of employment in the general hospitals, pediatric hospitals, and NICU have a significant association with their knowledge. However, nurses' educational courses and updating knowledge about the NI have no association with their knowledge. Recommendation: The study recommends that all the pediatnc nurses should be exposed to educational courses to raise their awareness about the NI. Encourage transmission barriers use (hand hygiene, personal protective equipment), especially the most important and simple procedures to reduce the NI "hand hygiene". Further studies should include other nurses in all hospitals, especially in the ICUs.
Assessment the Relation between Breast Cancer and Blood Group
Objectives: To assess the relation between breast cancer & blood groups, identify the importance of women age group and the relation of age with breast cancer. Methodology: The study was performed on (115) women who were diagnosed with breast cancer in different stages of disease and different ages. Blood samples were taken from them to demonstrate their blood groups and (20) fresh tumor tissue samples were obtained; the tumor tissue used as a source of lectin for hemagglutinate with erythrocyte of different blood groups. The study conducted at Baghdad Teaching Hospital and Radiation & Nuclear Medicine Hospital from January, 2007 through June 2007. Results: The study shows that the highest percentage of women having breast cancer were at age (40-59) years and women with (AB) blood group with significance differences from other blood groups. Recommendation: Early breast exanination for women with age group (40-59) years &with blood group (AB) for early detection for breast cancer, and early treatment.
Assessment of Quality of life for Patients with Myocardial Infarction
Objectives: To identify quality of life (QOL) in Myocardial Infarction (MI) patients, and to find out the relationship between QOL in MI patients and demographic characteristics. Methodology: A descriptive colTelation study which utilized an assessment approach. The study was carried out from March 2007 through November 2007 in order to assess the quality of life for patients with myocardial infarction. A purposive "non-probability" sample of (75) patients with myocardial infarction who were attending to Baquba General Hospita`l through their visits to that hospital. A questionnaire was adapted and developed from the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale (1998). The questionnaire was designed and consisted of (2) parts, the fust part includes demographic characteristics of Myocardial Infarction patients, clinical characteristics of these patients and medical sheet information. The second one consists of six domains of quality of life. Reliability was determined by using test and retest technique through a Pilot study. Data were analyzed through descriptive data analysis approach (Frequency and percentage) and the inferential data analysis approach (Pearson con.elation coefficient and chi-square). Results: The results of the study indicated that (53.3%) of the sample was male and (41.7%), age between (61- 70) years, (68.0%) was married and more than two third of sample were unable to read and write, (44%) of the sample was housewife (do not work). The findings of the study present that the demographic characteristics of MI patients such as gender, level of education had a significant relationship with their quality of life. The socioeconomjc characteristics of patients such as marital status hnd no significant relationship with the patients' quality of life. The finding also shows disease had moderate, low and no effect on quality of life through the relative sufficiency from the spiritual domain (RS=83.8), the independence (RS=76.9), psychological domain (RS=76.7), physical domain (RS=74.6), social domain a`S=69.9), and environment domain (RS=62.3). Recommendations: The study recommended that an educational program for MI patients to help them have a better QOL and advice them how to cope with their problems for a good QOL.
Effect of Iodine Overdose on Thyroid Hyperplasia
Objectives: study the relation between the effect of time (long time duration) with high concentration of iodine and study its effect on the activity of the thyroid gland (homonal and histological changes). Methodology: An experimental study was done on (30) albino rats (8 weeks of age) to know the effect of high concentration of iodine on the activity of the thyroid gland aiormonal and histological changes) related with time. The study last for six months for the period of I/2/2007 to 31/7/2007, the experiment was carried out in the research lab. of pathology deparment, College of Medicine, University of Baghdad. Results: The study shows changes in homonal levels of thyroid hormones (T3 & T4) and also histological changes in the diameter and numbers of thyroid follicles and increase in the numbers of active hot follicles and decrease in the numbers of inactive cold follicles. The hot follicles takes faint blue colour after using the toluiden blue dye to stain the thyroid tissue while the cold follicles takes deep dark blue colour in the thyroid gland section when using the same dye. Recommendations: Canying out such a study for long time duration (lyear or more), and to study the correlation between the experimental results and the behavior of the human, and study the effect of iodine in different concentrations in mixture with thyroxin hormone
hyroid gland, Hyperplasia, High concentration of iodine
Assessment of Nurses' Knowledge toward Infection Control Measures for Hepatitis 8 Virus in Hemodialysis Units
Objectives: to assess nurses' knowledge toward infection control measures for hepatitis a virus in hemodialysis units and to detemine the relationship between nurses' knowledge and their demographical characteristics. %eihs:::°mg:rA5th:e;:#tt£:eoscTodbyerw9¥,C22;5];e.d°utathem°dialysisunitsofBaghdadTeachingHospha|sstated A non-probability `tturposive" sample of (51) nurses, who were working in hemodialysis units were selected from Baghdad teaching hosphals. The data were collected through the use of constructed questionnaire, which consists of two parts (I) Demographic data fom that consists of 10 items and (2) Nurses' knowledge form that consists of 6 sections contain 79 items, by means of direct interview technique with the nurses. The validity of #eo:u£Stla°#]:Tes#:t:)¥mwe:T:¥dp:::e#::gtitoth(e];)e:Poedc]:I:Sieipper¥La,n4dth:ts2:eo):abufi]t¥%aasyd:tthe,¥omoe8d Descriptive statistical analysis procedures (frequency, percentage, mean of score) and inferential statistical analysis procedures (person correlation coefficient, contingency coefficient) were used for the data analysis. Results: The findings of the study indicated that there is a knowledge deficit of nurses in some aspects relative to infection control measures. No sigrificant relationship was found between nurses' knowledge and their gender, marital status and years of experience in hospital, while a significant relationship was found between nurses' knowledge and their age, level of education, years of experience in hemodialysis unit, sharing in training sessions and duration of training session that the nurses were engaged in it.
Infectioi) control, IIBV, Hemodialysis, Nur
Impact of Chemotherapy upon Lifestyle for the Patient with BIadder Cancer
Objectives: The study aimed to determine the effect of chemotherapy on the life style of patients who receive chemotherapy. Methodology: A descriptive study was conducted in Specialty Surgery Teaching Hospital, Al-yamok Teaching Hospital, and Radiation and Nuclear Medicine Hospital in Baghdad for the period from May 2007 to October 2008. A purposive "non-probability" sample of (loo) patients with bladder cancer who receive chemotherapy where concerned in this study. A questionnaire fom was constnicted for the purpose of the study and it was comprised of two parts. The questiormaire consists of (125) items. They include (1) demographic information (2) assessment of lifestyle dimension. The content validity of the questionnaire was determined through a panel of (13) experts. Data were collected by the investigator who interviewed those patients and filled out the constructed questionnaire form. The data were analyzed by using descriptive statistical approach (frequency, percentage and mean of scores) and inferential statistical approach (chi-square, standard deviation and correlation coefficient). Results: The findings of the study have revealed that most of patients with bladder cancer who receive chemotherapy were of 60.3) years mean age, mostly males, living in urban area, married and had children, primary school graduate, retired with barely sufficient monthly income taking chemotherapy by Foley's catheter and duration of disease 1-5 years. Recommendations: The study recommended that an education program to be developed and implemented of patients with bladder cancer who were under chemotherapy treatment.
Life-style of Bladder Cancer Patients who Receiving Chemotherapy
Evaluation of Nurses' Practices in Intensive Care Units Following Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Patients in Baghdad City
Objective: To evaluate nurses' practices toward coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) patients in the intensive care units (ICU) and to find out the relationship with some vanables. Methodology: A purposive sample of (50) staff nurses was selected out of three hospitals for cardiac surgery. The study instmment consisted of two major sections was constructed. It is based on the review of literature. First it is concerned with demographic data for nurses; and the second section is observationaL tool (checklist) is composed of six parts in which there mere (78) items. Reliability and validity of the observational checklist were determined through the analysis of a pilot study. Data were collected through the use of the observational tool and analyzed through the use of two statistical approaches; descriptive statistical analysis (frequencies, percentage, Standards Deviation, Range of scores, mean of scores and relative sufficiency; and inferential statistical analysis (correlation coefficient and chi-square test). Results: The findings of the study reveal that most of the nurses' practices has poor scores, in intensive care units toward coronary artery bypass grafting patients, and it was found that, there is a significant relationship between level of education and nurse's practices but no significant relationship between nurses' practices and demographic variables which include age, gender, years of experience in nursing, years of experience in ICU and . training session. Recommendations: Based on the results of the study, the researcher recommends that developing assessment sheet for skill and daily note in the ICU, the education level should be improved, special training programs should be given for the nurses working in ICU and give patients and family education post operation. Nurses' skills should be promoted to reduce or prevent complication post CABG.
Nurses' Practices, Coronary Artery Bypasses Grafting.
A Survey of Diabetes Mellitus in a Sample of Children below 15 Years Attending Child Welfare Hospital
Objectives: Determine the age and gender distribution of children who experience diabetes mellitus (DM) under the age of 15 years and the presence of some associated factors that might be a predisposing factor for the disease including obesity. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted at diabetic clinic in Children Welfare Teaching Hospital in Baghdad City during 2006. The study sample included diabetic children less than 15 years of age. Data were taken from the patients' record and by direct interview with the patients' parents. Information included demographic data, as well as past history of the patient and his/her family relative to diabetes and other immune diseases. Results: Data analysis showed that there was an equal distribution of patients among the three age groups (I-5, 6-10-, and 11-15 years) in a rate of 33% for each. Females had higher incidence rate (660/o) than males. Onset of the disease was mostly at age group I-3 years (32%) followed by age group 4-6 years (30%). IIistory of viral illness was present in 24% of patients and a positive family history of DM was found in 23% of them, and a family history of autoimmune disease was positive in 13% of cases. Body weight at the first visit to the clinic was mainly below the 50th percentile (42% within the 25th percentile) and only 4% of patients had a body weight within the 75th percentile. Recommendations: Health education about the disease and provision of health centers those are easily accessible for early diagnosis and treatment and uninerrupted insulin supply.