The 2023 iteration of the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) estimated prevalence, incidence, and health burden for 375 diseases and injuries, including 12 mental disorders. We assess past, current, and emerging trends in the prevalence and burden of mental disorders across sexes and age groups, for 21 regions, 204 countries and territories, and by Socio-demographic Index (SDI) quintile, from 1990 to 2023. Mental disorders included in GBD 2023 were anxiety disorders, major depressive disorder, dysthymia, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorders, conduct disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, idiopathic developmental intellectual disability, and a residual category of other mental disorders. A literature review identified epidemiological data for each disorder. These were analysed via a Bayesian meta-regression to estimate prevalence by disorder, sex, age, location, and year. Disorder-specific prevalence was multiplied by disability weights representing the severity of health loss associated with each disorder to estimate years lived with disability (YLDs). Deaths due to anorexia nervosa were assessed with a Cause of Death Ensemble modelling strategy to estimate deaths by sex, age, location, and year, and then multiplied by the standard life expectancy at age of death to estimate years of life lost (YLLs). YLDs equalled disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) for all mental disorders except anorexia nervosa (the only mental disorder considered as an underlying cause of death in GBD), for which DALYs represented the sum of YLDs and YLLs. We presented prevalence, deaths, YLDs, YLLs, and DALYs as counts, age-specific rates per 100 000 population, and age-standardised rates per 100 000 population. We estimated 1·17 billion (95% uncertainty interval 1·06-1·31) prevalent cases of mental disorders globally in 2023, equivalent to an age-standardised prevalence rate of 14 210·7 cases (12 849·5-15 940·1) per 100 000 population. These estimates represented a 95·5% (75·0-121·2) increase in prevalent cases and 24·2% (11·4-41·4) increase in age-standardised prevalence rate between 1990 and 2023. All mental disorders showed increases in prevalent cases between 1990 and 2023, while notable increases were seen in age-standardised prevalence rates for anxiety disorders, major depressive disorder, dysthymia, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, schizophrenia, and conduct disorder. There were an estimated 171 million (127-228) DALYs due to mental disorders globally across sex and age in 2023, equivalent to an age-standardised DALY rate of 2070·5 DALYs (1519·1-2750·5) per 100 000 population. Mental disorders contributed to 6·1% (4·8-7·6) of all-cause DALYs in 2023, making them the fifth leading cause of global DALYs (up from 12th in 1990). DALYs were almost entirely composed of YLDs. Mental disorders were the leading cause of YLDs in 2023 (up from second in 1990), explaining 17·3% (14·8-20·6) of all-cause global YLDs. Leading causes of mental disorder DALYs were anxiety disorders (ranked 11th among the 304 diseases and injuries at Level 4 of the GBD cause hierarchy), major depressive disorder (15th), and schizophrenia (41st). Globally in 2023, mental disorder age-standardised DALY rates were higher among females (2239·6 [1643·7-3014·1] per 100 000) than among males (1900·2 [1399·8-2510·8] per 100 000), and peaked in the 15-19 years age group (2617·3 [1850·6-3696·8] per 100 000). All locations showed increased mental disorder DALY rates in 2023 compared with 1990, ranging across countries and territories from 1302·4 (952·7-1683·7) per 100 000 in Viet Nam to 3555·8 (2661·9-4715·0) per 100 000 in the Netherlands. Across SDI quintiles, DALY rates ranged from 1853·0 (1352·1-2469·3) per 100 000 for middle SDI to 2184·1 (1606·1-2890·3) per 100 000 for high SDI. A significant health burden was imposed by mental disorders in all countries and territories in 2023, irrespective of the health resources available. In some instances, this burden has increased over time and is unevenly distributed across populations. Stronger surveillance systems, particularly in low-income and middle-income countries, are required. Additionally, we need more coordinated and inclusive policies to reduce the burden through early treatment and prevention, tailored to sex and age differences across locations. Responding to the mental health needs of our global population, especially those most vulnerable, is an obligation, not a choice. Gates Foundation, Queensland Health, and University of Queensland.
Due to high educational and clinical stress, nursing students face mental issues. Suicide literacy is defined as a set of knowledge and skills to recognize, assess, and appropriately respond to suicidal thoughts. However, there is ongoing debate regarding nursing students' attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help and the extent to which they actually utilize these mental health services. The objective of this study was to examine suicide literacy and its association with attitude towards seeking professional psychological help among nursing students. A descriptive design conducted on 500 nursing students in Tabriz faculty of nursing and midwifery, Iran in 2025. A stratified sampling approach selected the participants. Tools for data gathering comprised a demographic-social questionnaire and the literacy of suicide scale (LOSS), and attitude towards seeking professional psychological help (ATSPPH-SF). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression to assess relationships and identify predictors of help‑seeking attitudes. The findings of the research indicated that the student`s the mean Literacy of Suicide and ATSPPH scores was12.61 ± 4.51 (range: 0-26) and 16.31 ± 3.75 (range: 0-30), respectively. Suicide literacy was significantly and positively correlated with attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help (r = 0.185, p ≤ 0.001), indicating that higher levels of knowledge were associated with more favorable attitudes. In the multiple linear regression model, suicide literacy and gender remained a significant predictor of help‑seeking attitudes), explaining a modest proportion of variance in attitudes (adjusted R² = 0.119). Although nursing students' suicide literacy and help‑seeking attitudes were generally low, greater suicide literacy was associated with more positive attitudes toward professional help‑seeking. These findings suggest that educational interventions targeting suicide knowledge may support improved readiness to seek psychological support. Future studies using longitudinal designs are recommended to clarify causal pathways and examine additional predictors such as stigma and perceived social support.
Breast cancer is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity among females worldwide. As part of the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2023, we provided an updated comprehensive assessment of the epidemiological trends, disease burden, and risk factors associated with breast cancer globally, regionally, and nationally from 1990 to 2023. Breast cancer incidence, mortality, prevalence, years lived with disability (YLDs), years of life lost (YLLs), and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) were estimated by age and sex for 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2023. Mortality estimates were generated using GBD Cause of Death Ensemble models, leveraging data from population-based cancer registration systems, vital registration systems, and verbal autopsies. Mortality-to-incidence ratios were calculated to derive both mortality and incidence estimates. Prevalence was calculated by combining incidence and modelled survival estimates. YLLs were established by multiplying age-specific deaths with the GBD standard life expectancy at the age of death. YLDs were estimated by applying disability weights to prevalence estimates. The sum of YLLs and YLDs equalled the number of DALYs. Breast cancer burden attributable to seven risk factors was examined through the comparative risk assessment framework. The GBD forecasting framework was used to forecast breast cancer incidence and mortality from 2024 to 2050. Age-standardised rates were calculated for each metric using the GBD 2023 world standard population. In 2023, there were an estimated 2·30 million (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 2·01 to 2·61) breast cancer incident cases, 764 000 deaths (672 000 to 854 000), and 24·1 million (21·3 to 27·5) DALYs among females globally. In the World Bank low-income group, where a low age-standardised incidence rate (ASIR) was estimated (44·2 per 100 000 person-years [31·2 to 58·4]), the age-standardised mortality rate (ASMR) was the highest (24·1 per 100 000 [16·8 to 31·9]). The highest ASIR was in the high-income group (75·7 per 100 000 [67·1 to 84·0]), and the lowest ASMR was in the upper-middle-income group (11·2 per 100 000 [10·2 to 12·3]). Between 1990 and 2023, the ASIR in the low-income group increased by 147·2% (38·1 to 271·7), compared with a 1·2% (-11·5 to 17·2) change in the high-income group. The ASMR decreased in the high-income group, changing by -29·9% (-33·6 to -25·9), but increased by 99·3% (12·5 to 202·9) in the low-income group. The increase in age-standardised DALY rates followed that of ASMRs. Risk factors such as dietary risks, tobacco use, and high fasting plasma glucose contributed to 28·3% (16·6 to 38·9) of breast cancer DALYs in 2023. The risk factors with a decrease in attributable DALYs between 1990 and 2023 were high alcohol use and tobacco. By 2050, the global incident cases of breast cancer among females were forecast to reach 3·56 million (2·29 to 4·83), with 1·37 million (0·841 to 2·02) deaths. The stable incidence and declining mortality rates of female breast cancer in high-income nations reflect success in screening, diagnosis, and treatment. In contrast, the concurrent rise in incidence and mortality in other regions signals health system deficits. Without effective interventions, many countries will fall short of the WHO Global Breast Cancer Initiative's ambitious target of achieving an annual reduction of 2·5% in age-standardised mortality rates by 2040. The mounting breast cancer burden, disproportionately affecting some of the world's most vulnerable populations, will further exacerbate health inequalities across the globe without decisive immediate action. Gates Foundation, St Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Medical infrastructures, application of control strategies, and proper implementation of logistic policies are vital for successful management of an epidemic in a country, but all of them are under the influence of the health and management policies of countries. Thus, this study aimed to compare the strategies used by Iranian and Chinese nurses for management of patients with COVID-19. This study was conducted based on the conventional content analysis method of Graneheim and Lundman approach. Participants were recruited by purposeful sampling among the nurses working in the COVID-19 wards of Shariati Hospital in Tehran, Iran, and Haikou Hospital in Hainan, China. Data were collected by conducting semistructured interviews from August 2020 to February 2021. Then, the differences in used strategies by the nurses in the two countries were investigated using the data were analyzed using MAXQDA-10, qualitative data analysis software, and descriptive analysis technique. In-depth interviews were carried out with nine Chinese and ten Iranian nurses. With "Managers as the key element to overcome the crisis" as the main category, six categories and 22 subcategories were excluded from the Iranian interviews. With "Action to control crisis" as the main category, eight categories and 19 subcategories were excluded from the Chinese interviews. Nursing managers in China focused on the process of training nurses to take care of patients with COVID-19 and reducing the transmission of infection among health care workers. However, nursing managers in Iran focused on compensating the shortage of nurses, shortening the duration of patients' hospitalization, daily monitoring of nurses' performance, and ventilator settings of patients.
Nurses play a critical role in healthcare delivery and public health advancement, yet they face numerous challenges such as work pressure, financial constraints, job-related stress, and burnout. This research aims to identify the factors that influence enhancing nurses' performance in Iranian hospitals, as perceived by experts and stakeholders. This qualitative study, conducted in 2024, employed conventional content analysis. Participants included nurses, hospital administrators, human resources specialists, and healthcare policymakers, selected through targeted sampling from university hospitals with varied performance metrics. Data were collected via semistructured interviews and analyzed in three stages: identifying themes, comparing concepts, and categorizing subthemes to extract core concepts. The analysis revealed seven primary themes, 21 subthemes, and 70 specific issues. Key themes included skill and occupational knowledge, job satisfaction, organizational structure and managerial support, nurse involvement and roles, professional growth, standards and service excellence, and professional proficiency in nursing. For instance, the theme of Job Knowledge and Skills encompassed subthemes such as the necessity of domain-specific knowledge, the development of learning opportunities, and the importance of continuing education. The findings indicate that improving nurses' performance requires a multifaceted approach, focusing on skill and knowledge enhancement, increased job satisfaction, stronger managerial and organizational support, and pathways for professional growth. Continuous educational improving working conditions and robust professional networks are essential to elevate nursing quality and job satisfaction. These insights can inform the development of effective policies to enhance nurses' performance and improve the overall quality of healthcare services.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most prevalent endocrinopathies in women of reproductive age. This condition can increase the risk of physical and mental diseases. Improvement in medicine has led to increased Quality of Life (QOL), which can change patients' perception regarding their chronic condition. Therefore, this study was carried out to understand the impact of scientific progress on the view of women with PCOS toward their disease. This qualitative study was based on the conventional content analysis approach. It was carried out using purposive sampling on 18 women with PCOS between April 2021 and January 2022, in Kerman, Iran. Semi-structured, face-to-face, in-depth interviews were conducted. After transcribing the recorded interviews, the texts were reviewed several times. The data were analyzed using conventional content analysis. The codes, subthemes, and main themes were extracted according to the opinions of experts in qualitative sciences. As a result of the content analysis of codes, two themes (hope and fear), six main categories (infertility treatment, outward appearance, support, presence in the community, decreased relationship and intimacy with spouse, and complications of the disease and the need for complementary treatments), and 30 subcategories were obtained. According to the findings, it is better to develop programs to improve the QOL and the treatment process of these patients in terms of spiritual, psychological, financial, and informational support, which can be implemented by health and medical personnel and managers of various categories of medical sciences, associations, and charities.
In recent years, the migration of Iranian nurses has significantly increased. They are faced with various professional and social challenges during their transition. This study explored these challenges faced by Iranian migrant nurses in three primary destination countries: Germany, Denmark, and Australia. This study employed a descriptive phenomenological approach to explore the lived experiences of 20 Iranian migrant nurses (8 in Australia, 8 in Denmark, and 4 in Germany). Data were collected via semi-structured, audio-recorded online interviews conducted between April and August 2024. Each interview lasted approximately 45 minutes. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi's method, supported by MAXQDA software. Analysis revealed four main themes reflecting complex challenges faced by Iranian migrant nurses: Professional Transition Challenges, Economic Vulnerability, and Cultural and Social Dislocation. Professional Transition Challenges included unrecognized prior qualifications, diminished professional competencies, limited opportunities for advancement, and language-related difficulties in professional and clinical communication. Economic Vulnerability involved financial strain due to high living costs and economic instability, substantial expenses related to visas and exams, and negative impact of currency fluctuations. Cultural and Social Dislocation was marked by difficulties in cultural adaptation, value conflicts, experiences of discrimination, and strained interactions. Psychological and Emotional Strain included persistent loneliness, homesickness, anxiety, and identity disruption. The findings highlight the complex challenges faced by Iranian migrant nurses and emphasize the need for targeted support policies in host countries. Addressing issues like ethical recruitment, financial support, and language training can facilitate their integration and improve healthcare outcomes in host countries.
Vitality, as a key component of mental wellbeing, is considered essential within research systems and academic institutions. This study aims to identify the factors associated with the research vitality of faculty members at medical universities. This scoping review was conducted in 2024 following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Between April and August 2024, a comprehensive search was performed across databases including PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and ProQuest (based on MeSH), as well as the Persian databases such as Magiran, Noormags, and the Scientific Information Database. A total of 1998 studies were initially retrieved. After removing duplicates and screening the records, 27 studies were ultimately selected for inclusion. The extracted data were summarized, synthesized, and categorized based on the study objectives. The findings were organized into four main categories, ten subcategories, and 66 codes. The main categories included individual factors (e.g., personality traits and professional characteristics), organizational factors (e.g., management style, regulations, and facilities), professional factors (e.g., nature and importance of research), and environmental factors (e.g., interaction and collaboration, rewards and recognition, and institutional values). Policymakers and academic administrators should prioritize enhancing the key factors that influence research vitality across individual, organizational, professional, and environmental domains. Addressing these dimensions can foster greater motivation, creativity, and productivity, among faculty members, ultimately contributing to the improvement of research quality in medical universities.
Newborn resuscitation involves reviving a newborn soon after birth to ensure normal breathing and circulation. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and skills of nursing officers in the Neonatal Resuscitation Program. A quasi-experimental study was conducted on 60 nursing officers, with 30 in the experimental group and 30 in the control group. They were working in Maternal and Child Health wards from March to April 2022. The participants were selected through simple random sampling from SGT Medical College Hospital and Research Institute and Kalawati Hospital in Gurugram, Haryana, India. The experimental group received a full day of hands-on Neonatal Resuscitation training on a rotating basis. Data were collected using a structured knowledge questionnaire and checklist to assess the knowledge and skills of both groups. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS for calculating frequency, percentage, Chi-square, and paired t-test. In the experimental group, the mean (standard deviation (SD)) knowledge score increased from 12.46 (1.85) to 17.80 (2.07). However, there was no improvement in the control group 12.1 (2.84) to 11.70 (2.76). The mean (SD) skill level also increased in the experimental group from 9.43 (2.48) to 12.60 (2.71) as compared with the control group, from 9.73 (1.74) to 9.73 (1.50). A paired t-test was used, showing a significant difference between pre- and postknowledge (t60 = 7.55, p = 0.05) and skills scores (t60 = 32.97, p = 0.05) among the experimental group, with no significant difference in the control group. The study concluded that participation in a skill training program significantly improved the knowledge and abilities of nursing officers in neonatal resuscitation.
Professional identity, encompassing nurses' perception of the meaning of nursing and their role as nurses, significantly influences their performance. This study aimed to elucidate the professional identity formation among Iranian male nursing students. This qualitative research employing a grounded theory approach was conducted from October 2019 to February 2021 in the Nursing School and affiliated clinical settings of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Data collection used semi-structured interviews and observations. Purposive sampling of fourth-year nursing students was initially employed, followed by theoretical sampling. Data analysis followed the adapted version of Strauss and Corbin's 1990 model. Analysis of research data generated 700 primary codes, refined through continuous comparative analysis into 13 subcategories and further condensed into five main categories: "underlying factors before and after entering the field," "self-esteem," "self-confidence," "professional performance," and "professional commitment." The core variable, "self-esteem," emerged as the central concept underpinning professional identity. Acquiring professional identity in male nurses is a complex, dynamic, and multidimensional process. Self-esteem is identified as the central variable in this process, emphasizing the need for educational and clinical environments conducive to fostering professional identity.
Despite the existence of ethical codes in the clinical environment, the rate of unethical behaviors in practice is alarmingly high today. An exploration of the experiences from multiple perspectives (patients, patients' companions, and different groups of care providers) can result in a more comprehensive and holistic understanding of the concept of ethical behaviors toward patients. The present study was conducted to investigate the experiences of patients, patient companions, and care providers with ethical and unethical behaviors toward patients using a qualitative study. This was a qualitative study with a conventional content analysis design. The setting of the study was different departments of teaching hospitals in Shiraz, Iran. The participants consisted of 25 individuals: nine patients, three patient companions, and 13 healthcare providers. The subjects were selected via the purposeful sampling method until data saturation was reached. Data were collected through face-to-face, in-depth, and semi-structured interviews and observation from March 2022 to April 2023. Data analysis was performed using MAXQDA. Analysis of the data resulted in three main categories: respect for human dignity (seven subcategories), professional duty of care (five subcategories), and effective interaction (four subcategories). The findings of the present study stress the need for on-the-job training programs for healthcare providers to raise their awareness of the role of ethical behaviors in caregiving. Establishment of clinical ethics committees and arrangement of ethical rounds with doctors and nurses can promote ethical behaviors in clinical environments.
Cardiovascular diseases are among the leading causes of death and disability worldwide, including in Iran. Identifying their risk factors is essential for implementing cost-effective preventive interventions. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of behavioral risk factors for non-communicable diseases and their relationship with of cardiovascular diseases risk level in Urmia City, Iran. This cross-sectional study involved 10,000 individuals aged 30 years and older who underwent risk assessment in 2023. Participants were selected through multi-stage cluster sampling. Data were collected using a researcher-designed checklist within the Integrated Health System and analyzed using, employing independent t-tests and Chi-square tests. The prevalence of risk factors was: history of diabetes (12.22%), hypertension (17.24%), high cholesterol (14.93%), family history of diabetes (4.25%), pre-diabetes (7.19%), and pre-hypertension (29.33%). The distribution of risk levels was as follows: 91.15% of participants was classified as having a risk level below 10%, 8.24% between 10 and 20%, 0.33% between 20 and 30%, and 0.28% above 30%. There was a significant positive correlation between risk level and fasting blood sugar, cholesterol, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, age, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference. The implementation of the risk assessment program and the identification of risk factors at early stages will help in the regular follow-up of high-risk individuals, provide them with necessary health care, and lead to the prevention or early diagnosis of disease.
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a public health problem that affects individuals' psychosocial quality of life (QOL). However, affected women are often hesitant to seek care and treatment. Access to treatment and self-management for this condition can be supported through self-care applications. This study aimed to determine the effect of a self-care application on the quality of life of women with pelvic organ prolapse. This RCT was conducted at Imam Reza Hospital and private women's clinics in Mashhad, Iran, from February 2024 to August 2024. 64 women were randomly assigned to either the application group or the control group via block randomization, and 56 women completed the study. The control group received pamphlets and face-to-face education, whereas the intervention group used self-care applications alongside routine education. The participants completed a demographic questionnaire and the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quality of Life questionnaire (P-QOL) before and immediately after two months of intervention. A lower score reflects a higher quality of life. For the secondary outcome, participants' knowledge was assessed before and after the intervention using the Prolapse and Incontinence Knowledge Questionnaire (PIKQ). In addition, the prolapse stage was assessed by the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q). The data were analyzed via SPSS Version 16. Before the intervention, the median quality-of-life score in the intervention group and in the control group was not statistically significant (P = 0.501). However, the median change in quality of life scores from pre- to post-intervention was - 14.58 (IQR:-20.73 to -11.14) in the intervention group and - 7.49 (IQR:-11.10 to -3.34) in the control group (P < 0.001). After intervention, the proportion of participants with an improvement of one or more POP-Q stages showed no difference between the groups (P = 0.880). After the intervention, the median knowledge score in the intervention group was significantly higher than the control group (P < 0.001). The application was effective in improving the quality of life of women with symptomatic stage I-II pelvic organ prolapse. In situations where self-care is appropriate, a self-care application can be a suitable alternative to other treatments or other conservative management approaches. This trial was registered in the Iranian clinical trials database (irct.behdasht.gov.ir) under the code IRCT20230923059497N1. Date of first registration was: 02/12/2023.
Collegiality in nursing is crucial for fostering a positive work environment, promoting teamwork, and improving patient care outcomes. The aim of this study was to clarify the concept of collegiality in the nursing profession using the concept analysis method developed by Walker and Avant. We intended to generate knowledge that enhances the understanding of collegiality and its application in nursing research and clinical practice. The concept analysis of collegiality in nursing was guided by the eight stages of the Walker and Avant approach. A comprehensive review of the literature on Collegiality in nursing was conducted using the electronic databases Web of Science, Scopus, Ovid, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and PubMed without a time limit until 2023. Through the analysis conducted, collegiality in nursing is identified as a collaborative process, whether within the nursing profession or across different healthcare disciplines. It involves nurses working together as a team to address patient care or healthcare system issues. This entails respectful sharing of knowledge and resources among team members. Collegiality in nursing is vital for creating a supportive work environment, where nurses can freely seek assistance and guidance for their colleagues. This can lead to better decision-making and ultimately improves patient care outcomes. It also promotes teamwork and collaboration, which are essential for providing high-quality care. Additionally, collegiality plays a role in reducing workplace stress and burnout, benefiting both nurses and patients.
To identify, describe, and compare existing gray literature and scientific evidence concerning delivery models of respite care for adults with cancer using the Donabedian Structure-Process-Outcome (SPO) framework. Following Joanna Briggs Institute methodology, we systematically searched MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and gray literature. The search cutoff date was February 2025. Rayyan facilitated efficient screening. Data were coded and organized by SPO components. Sixty-one studies met inclusion criteria. Respite care in cancer and palliative contexts emerged as a primary concept with four subcategories: delivery models, definitions, needs, and goals. Delivery models identified included in-home, day-care, inpatient, informal, family-centered, bereavement, virtual reality-based, and caregiver café models. Using the SPO framework, model elements were organized into three categories. Structure encompassed financing, human resources, service scheduling, barriers, and facilitators. Process covered admission criteria, admission procedures, and services provided. Outcome comprised experiences and related consequences. Despite diversity among models, common features appeared frequently. Innovative models emphasize psychosocial needs alongside common general and specialized services for patients and caregivers. However, evidence on their effectiveness and comparative outcomes remains limited, with most studies conducted in high-income countries. Despite variations, the similarities among delivery models suggest potential for general development. Given the predominance of studies from developed contexts, further research is necessary to evaluate the effectiveness and generalizability across cultures and to expand the measurement of clinical, organizational, and economic outcomes. These outcomes can inform development and standardization of respite care protocols within the SPO framework. Nurses can establish guidelines and clinical pathways across care settings, such as in-home, day-care, inpatient, bereavement, and virtual models. Addressing barriers and facilitators will improve accessibility and use by patients and caregivers. Preparing nurses for diverse respite care roles may enhance caregiver trust and engagement.
In the clinical environment, clinical education is one of the components of nursing education that transforms a student from a novice to a competent student. This professional transition can be taught in a variety of methods. One of these ways is training students through internships. The purpose of this study is to examine the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) of internships for undergraduate surgical technology students. In this qualitative content analysis based on SWOT theory, ten faculty trainers, non-faculty trainers, operating room supervisors, and undergraduate intern students in the operating room field were selected based on the entry criteria. Then, based on the mentioned theory, face-to-face interviews were conducted with the participants, the questions were asked, and after extracting the codes, classification was performed based on the SWOT theory. Based on the findings, four subcategories of strengths, weaknesses, problems, and opportunities were identified in the management and implementation domain. The most often used code for its qualities was enhancing the student's communication with the surgical team and lowering his nervousness. The most repeated code in its weak points were using the student as a tool and staying away from working scientifically. Based on the results of the present study, an internship in the operating room can solve the problem of lack of human resources to a large extent, however, it can lead to the improvement of the professional skills of students during the internship period, provided that the work of students, and staff is based on scientific principles.
The complex process of caring for cancer survivors can affect various aspects of caregivers' needs and health. The present study was conducted to determine the unmet needs of family caregivers of cancer survivors and their related factors. This descriptive cross-sectional study included 314 family caregivers of cancer survivors. The required data were collected using a demographic characteristic form and the Comprehensive Needs Assessment Tool using the simple random sampling method. The main inclusion criteria for family caregivers were being 18-70 years old, lacking other chronic physical or mental illnesses, being willing to participate in the research, and not being a member of a treatment team. The collected data were analyzed in SPSS V.18. Most of the participants were female, married, and urban citizens. The mean (SD) total score of unmet needs was obtained at 74.97) 19.67(, which indicated a medium-to-high level of the unmet needs of caregivers. It was found that the mean score of unmet needs in caregivers had a significant relationship with gender, marital status, education level, occupation, relationship with the patient, living with the patient in the same place, and the income status of caregivers, as well as with patients' gender, education level, occupation, income status, travel for treatment, type of insurance, type of treatment, and place of treatment (p < 0.005). It seems necessary to pay attention to the unmet needs, consider interventional programs to satisfy these needs, and take into account the factors related to these needs.
Family caregivers of hemodialysis (HD) patients usually experience high and severe caregiver burden. A factor that may be related to the perceived caregiver burden is family functioning. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between caregiver burden and family functioning among the family caregivers of HD patients. For this descriptive-correlational study, 160 family caregivers of HD patients in the HD units of five educational hospitals in Tehran, Iran, from 2023 to 2024, were selected through a convenience sampling method. The participants completed a demographic questionnaire, the Caregiver Burden Questionnaire for Family Caregivers of HD Patients, and the Family Assessment Device. Data analysis was performed using descriptive and inferential methods. The mean (SD) scores of total caregiver burden and general functioning among family caregivers of HD patients were 3.40 (0.64) and 3.11 (0.58), respectively. The physical and psychological, mental, and total burden dimensions positively correlated with all family functioning dimensions. Mixed effect multiple linear regression analysis indicated that the caregiver's job, the patient's dependency on the family caregiver in daily tasks, and all of the caregiver burden dimensions were related and predictive factors for the general functioning of participants. Most of the caregiver's burden and family functioning dimensions among participants were higher than the average achievable scores, suggesting relatively unfavorable conditions. There was a statistical relationship between most of these dimensions. Implementing caring and educational interventions in order to reduce the caregiver burden and improve family functioning among family caregivers of HD patients is recommended.
Nursing professionals require practical clinical skills to ensure patient-centered and safe care. Traditional teaching methods face challenges, such as limited student engagement and resource intensity, prompting a shift toward integrating technology into clinical nursing education. This scoping review aims to explore and categorize technological innovations used in teaching clinical nursing skills, thereby supporting nursing educators and policymakers. Following Arksey and O'Malley's five-stage scoping review methodology and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, we conducted a systematic literature search across MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, WoS, CINAHL, ERIC, and PsycINFO databases. Inclusion criteria encompassed studies from 1995 to 2023 focusing on technology used to teach clinical nursing skills to students or nurses. The data from 58 studies were charted and synthesized through template analysis to identify key technological features. The review identified seven primary categories of technological features: Content, accessibility, learning environment, usability, pedagogical approach, security, and ethical issues. Mobile applications, virtual simulations, and educational videos were the most frequently employed technologies. Findings highlight how these tools enhance skills acquisition, accessibility, and user engagement while raising ethical considerations, particularly around privacy and data security. Integrating educational technologies into nursing curricula has demonstrated significant potential to enhance clinical skill development. However, successful adoption necessitates addressing ethical issues and balancing technology with traditional teaching methods. Future research should examine the long-term impact of these innovations on clinical competence and explore strategies to mitigate ethical concerns.
Parenting concerns are unique challenges for many breast cancer patients with children. Therefore, assessing these concerns is a critical step in psycho-oncology care. The Parenting Concerns Questionnaire (PCQ) was developed in the USA in 2012. Due to the lack of a validated tool to measure this concept in Iran, the present study was conducted to translate and determine the psychometric properties of the PCQ in Iranian women with breast cancer. The current methodological study was conducted on 346 female Iranian breast cancer patients in 2024. The eligible patients completed a demographic and clinical information questionnaire, translated version of the PCQ, quality of life questionnaire (EORTC QLQ C30), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The psychometric assessment including face validity, content validity were performed. Also, construct validity was done using exploratory factor analysis (n = 176) and confirmatory factor analysis (n = 170). Reliability was examined using internal consistency. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25 and Amos version 24. The content validity of index (CVI) for all of the items was between 0.8 and 1. Exploratory factor analysis identified three factors, which were accompanied by relocating several items in their dimensions. The result of the confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the fitness indicators were appropriate (RMSEA: 0.08; NFI: 0.87; CFI: 0.92; IFI: 0.92; GFI 0.88;TLI: 0.90). The convergent validity assessment demonstrated a positive correlation between parenting concerns and anxiety and depression (r = 0.490, r = 0.627, P < 0.001), and a negative correlation with the quality of life (r=-0.477, P < 0.001). The internal consistency of the questionnaire was α = 0.89. The Persian version of the PCQ is a valid and reliable tool to analyze the parental concerns among women with breast cancer. It is recommended that healthcare workers use this tool for psychological screenings in oncology clinics and take targeted measures to reduce the psychological burden.