Experiences of Early and Enhanced Clinical Exposure for Postgraduate Neonatal Nursing Students at the University of Zambia, School of Nursing Sciences: Lessons and Implications for the Future

Background and Objectives: Early and Enhanced Clinical Exposure immediately places postgraduate students in a clinical setting and incorporates continual hands-on instruction throughout their studies. It aims to motivate students by strengthening their academics, improving clinical and communication skills, and increasing their confidence. The underlying principles are to provide a clinical context and to ensure that the patient remains the centre of learning. The School of Nursing Sciences implemented this model in 2021 to produce hands-on Masters-level neonatal practitioners who can work in multidisciplinary clinical contexts. Therefore, this study explored the experiences of postgraduate nursing students on the Early and Enhanced Clinical Exposure model and draw implications for the future. Methods: A phenomenological study design was utilized at the University of Zambia, School of Nursing Sciences and comprised of eight Master of Science Neonatal Nursing students in their second year. Convenience sampling was used to select the study site and participants. Data was collected between 15th January 2023 and 31st January 2023 using an in-depth interview guide. Audio recording and notes were transcribed immediately after data collection. Data analysis was conducted using thematic analysis and codes and themes were constructed from the coded data. Ethical clearance and permission were sought before conducting the study. Results: Four major themes emerged from the study: identity and role confusion, challenging and hectic experiences, positive educational experiences, and personal and professional growth. These themes contributed to the promotion of evidence-based practice by helping students to assess, diagnose, and treat various conditions, as well as gain interest, experience, knowledge, and exposure. Conclusion: The model has a significant impact on motivation to learn, as evidenced by reported increased skill level with potential for use in clinical practice. It is recommended that it be implemented in all postgraduate programs for full-time students.

Clinical Supervision of Midwifery Students at the University Teaching Hospital School of Nursing and Midwifery in Lusaka, Zambia

Introduction: Clinical supervision plays a significant role in the acquisition of psychomotor skills by student midwives during training leading to the provision of high quality midwifery care. However, the acquisition of the psychomotor skills required for successful practice and learning can only be acquired if student midwives are supported and guided by clinical supervisors in their learning environments. Main Objective: The main objective of the study was to determine factors influencing clinical supervision of Student Midwives in Lusaka Urban District. Methodology: A cross-sectional study design that employed both quantitative and qualitative methods was used. The study population comprised 124 Nurses and Midwives working in Lusaka urban District. Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect data from the Nurses and midwives and a focus group discussion guide was used to guide discussions with the student midwives at Lusaka College of Nursing and Midwifery and a total of three focus group discussions were conducted. Quantitative data were entered into by Statistical Package Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22 for windows. Chi-square test was used to test associations among variables. The confidence interval was set at 95% with a significance level of 0.05. Qualitative data were analysed using content analysis to classify words into themes and categories by looking for repeated ideas or patterns of thoughts. Results: The findings showed that a high percentage of the clinical supervisors (89.5%) had not been trained in clinical supervision and most respondents had moderate knowledge on clinical supervision of students. Majority of the respondents (63%) exhibited inadequate supervision skills. The attitudes of all the supervisors towards supervision were positive. A large percentage of respondents (73%) were competent in clinical supervision. However the learning environment considered to be poor by most respondents (61%). The study revealed a significant association between clinical supervision and the respondents’ knowledge on clinical supervision (p-value of 0.00). Conclusion: The current study showed that clinical supervision was untrained and had inadequate supervision skills and the learning environment was poor. There is need therefore to train clinical supervisors and improve the students’ learning environment in order to enhance teaching and learning. The study offers a valuable insight into the factors influencing students’ midwives learning in clinical learning environment.

Challenges Experienced by Nurse Educators in Promoting Acquisition of Clinical Reasoning Skills by the Undergraduate Nursing Students: A Qualitative Exploratory Study

Background: Clinical reasoning is an essential skill for nursing students since it is required to solve difficulties that arise in complex clinical settings. However, teaching and learning clinical reasoning skills is difficult because of its complexity. This study, therefore aimed at exploring the challenges experienced by nurse educators in promoting acquisition of clinical reasoning skills by undergraduate nursing students. Methods: A qualitative exploratory research design was used in this study. The participants were purposively sampled and recruited into the study. Data were collected using semi-structured interview guides. Thematic analysis method was used to analyze the collected data The principles of beneficence, respect of human dignity and justice were observed. Results: The findings have shown that clinical learning environment, lacked material and human resources. The students had no interest to learn the skill. There was also knowledge gap between nurse educators and clinical nurses. Lack of role model was also an issue and limited time exposure. Conclusion: The study revealed that nurse educators encounter various challenges in promoting the acquisition of clinical reasoning skills among undergraduate nursing students. Training institutions and hospitals should periodically revise the curriculum and provide sufficient resources to facilitate effective teaching and learning of clinical reasoning. Nurse educators must also update their knowledge and skills through continuous professional development if they are to transfer the skill effectively.

The level of patients’ satisfaction and perception on quality of nursing services in the Renal unit, Kenyatta National Hospital Nairobi, Kenya

Introduction: Renal failure is on the increase and patients have to identify with renal services and centres where services for renal replacement therapies are rendered. This calls for health care workers to offer services that are perceived as quality and satisfying in order to meet the biophysical and psychological needs of the patients. Study design: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study undertaken at the Renal unit of Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH). Purpose: The study aimed at determining the level of satisfaction and perception of the quality of nursing services in the Renal unit. Methodology: The study population included all patients who were seeking dialysis services during one month period of data collection. The sample size was 151 following data collection. Data collection tools consisted of semi-structured questionnaires which were administered with the aid of research assistants as well as checklists which were self administered. Data analysis and results: Analysis of data was performed using the statistical package of social sciences (SPSS) version 16. Results of data analysis were presented in form of descriptive statistics which included mean, standard deviation and percentages. Regression analysis, t-test and ANOVA were conducted to determine demographic predictors of patient satisfaction with the nursing services. The results of the study revealed that patients in the Renal unit were generally satisfied with the nursing services. The aggregate mean score for all patients on Likert scale was 71.2 out of 105, with a standard deviation of 16.8. Level of satisfaction was 67.8%. The findings also showed that there was no association between demographic characteristics with the levels of satisfaction with the nursing services. Recommendation: The hospital should keep the patients’ level of satisfaction high and maintain it through the provision of more dialysis machines and hiring more nurses.

Enhancing Evidence-Based Practice and Critical Thinking Skills of Nursing Students: Lessons from the Review of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Curriculum of the University of Zambia

Background: Making changes in the existing curriculum aims, objectives, course contents learning outcomes and assessment strategies have become a fact of life for nurse educators. Purpose: To enhance the existing Bachelor of Science (BSc) in nursing curriculum through integration of evidence-based practice (EBP) and teaching of critical thinking skills. Materials and Methods: A needs analysis was conducted using a five-phased approach to review the BSc in nursing Curriculum. Kern’s six-step model was adapted and introduced through a series of workshop exercises that highlighted the application of each step: 1) Desk review of the BSc curriculum offered globally;2) Administration of the needs assessment questionnaire to key informants;3) Strengths, weakness, opportunities and threat analysis;4) Consultative meeting with major stakeholders;5) Curriculum review. Results: The five-phased approach established some gaps in existing curricula, and identified critical core competences and best practices in integrating EPB and critical thinking in the BSc undergraduate curriculum and some “A” level content that was not in tandem with the practice of nurses. New courses were developed to support students in academic writing and enhance professionalism and duration of training was reduced from 5 to 4 years. Conclusion: The process demonstrated that BSc curriculum review, in fact, should be thoroughly scrutinized to encourage positive changes to the curriculum, provide opportunities for team building and the development of leadership skills and a whole-of course perspective on the curriculum.

Evaluation of the Nursing Management for Patients on Underwater Chest Drainage at Kenyatta National Hospital

Aim: To evaluate the nursing management for patients undergoing underwater chest drainage (UWCD) management at Kenyatta National hospital (KNH). Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted at the medical and surgical wards of KNH. Data were obtained from 101 consenting nurses selected through simple random sampling using a researcher administered questionnaire. Ten participant observations were made among nurses who were systematically sampled. Ten key informant interviews were conducted among nurse managers of these departments who were purposively sampled. Data were analysed using SPSS version 21. Findings: Most participants (46.5%) had average knowledge while 6.9% were poor. This means that 46.5% of the participants either had to refer to guidelines on UWCD management or assisted by a more competent nurse while 6.9% were unable to manage UWCD patients. Factors affecting the levels of knowledge and competence included level of nursing education (p = 0.043), length of working experience (p = 0.022) and the attitude of the participants towards UWCD nursing management (p = 0.022). There was low adherence to the Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK) guidelines (17%). Most nurses used “shortcuts” in provision of care. Majority (62.6%) faced challenges in provision of care. The challenges include inadequate knowledge (37.1%), heavy workload (27.4%) and lack of guidelines (16.9%). Conclusions: There is a knowledge and competence gap in the nursing management of UWCD patients at KNH. Majority used “shortcuts” in nursing care with low adherence to NCK guidelines. There is a need to improve the knowledge and competence in order to ensure patients safety and reduce complications.

Midwifery Students’ Confidence in New-Born Care at Completion of Training in Selected Midwifery Schools in Zambia. A Multicentric Study: A Case of Zambia

Background: Quality education is one of the important factors in empowering midwives to provide quality health care services to mothers and newborns irrespective of their practice settings. Due to lack of standardization of the duration, content, and structure of midwifery education and different pathways to midwifery across the world, midwives may lack the confidence to deliver quality health care services in the main domain of the ICM competences. Aim: To assess the confidence of final year midwifery students in the domain of new-born care based on the ICM midwifery competencies. Methods: The first phase consisted of a quick situation analysis of midwifery education and regulation in Zambia, followed by a cross-sectional survey through a self-administered questionnaire to assess the confidence of final year midwifery students. Results: Most (51.9%) of the respondents were aged between 18 and 28 years, and majority of them were placed in Levels 1, 2 and 3 Hospitals and also clinics for their clinical practice, with between one hundred to ten thousand annual births, followed by 16.9% who were placed in Level 3 hospitals only. Most students (38.3%) reported receiving classroom instruction by both Lecture and Demonstration. Few students (22.7%) responded that they were not satisfied with their clinical supervision, while 77.3% were satisfied. There was significant association between confidence to perform skills independently and having enough time to practice on models in the labs (p value = 0.024), confidence when practiced for the first time on mothers (p value = 0.007) and satisfaction with supervision during clinical practice (p value = 0.000). Binary logistic regression of characteristics associated with confidence to perform new-born skills independently revealed significant association between satisfaction with clinical supervision and confidence to perform skills independently, 95% CI [1.83, 15.37]. Conclusion: Midwifery students need quality training both theoretically and practically in order for them to gain confidence in newborn care upon completion of their training. They need adequate time to practice on models in the skills laboratory, and need adequate clinical supervision for them to gain confidence in performing new born skills independently.

Contextualisation of Early and Enhanced Clinical Exposure Model through Development of Curricula for Advanced Practice Nursing and Midwifery

Background: An Advanced Practice Nurse is a generalist or specialized nurse who has acquired thorough graduate education a minimum of a master’s degree. The need for Advanced Practice Nurses is increasingly recognized globally. This paper describes the process, which was undertaken by School of Nursing Sciences, University of Zambia in reviewing and developing advanced practice nursing and midwifery curricula which will be implemented using the Early and Enhanced Clinical Exposure model (EECE). Materials and Methods: The curricula development/review process utilized a modified Taba’s Model which followed a step-by-step approach including: 1) desk review, 2) diagnosis of needs (needs assessment), 3) stakeholder consultations, 4) content development, 5) validations and approval from which several lessons were learnt and recommendations made. Findings and recommendations from different stages were used as a basis for reviewing and developing advanced practice nursing and midwifery curricula. Results: Desk review needs assessment and stakeholder consultations identified both strengths and weaknesses in the existing curricula. Major strengths were duration and core courses which met the minimum requirement for postgraduate nursing and midwifery training. Major weaknesses/gaps included some content that was too basic for the master’s level and the delayed exposure to practicum sites which limited the development of advanced practice skills. Others were inadequate competence for advanced practice, inadequate research methodology course, lack of content to foster development of personal soft skills and predominant use of traditional teaching methods. Stakeholders recommended implementing advanced, clinical and hands-on Masters of Nursing and Midwifery programmes which resulted in the review of four existing and development of five demand-driven curricula. Conclusion: The reviewed and developed curricula were strengthened to close the identified gaps. Both the reviewed and developed curricula have been implemented using the Early and Enhanced Clinical Exposure Model with a view to producing Advanced Practice Nurses and Midwives who are competent to meet diverse health care needs and contribute to improving patient outcomes.

Efficacy of 25% dextrose versus breast milk on pain and duration of cry during heel prick in neonates: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Neonates,especially admitted to neonatal intensive care unit,frequently need various medical interventions in their early days.A common procedure is the heel prick for blood sampling.Although necessary for diagnosis,this procedure can be stressful for neonates,causing pain,extended crying,and discomfort.Reducing distress in neonates during such procedures is important for the well‐being of neonates and the satisfaction of caregivers and healthcare providers.Therefore,this review aims to identify and compare the efficacy of 25%dextrose and breast milk on pain and duration of cry among neonates during heel-lance.As part of its review process,the article examined widely used databases,including PubMed,EMBASE,Cochrane,Academia,and Google Scholar.For the meta-analysis,the authors utilized RevMan 5.4.All eligible trials were analyzed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool to assess the quality of the included studies and evaluate the risk of bias.Out of 131 studies reviewed,seven studies were included in meta-analysis of pain,and four studies were included in duration of cry.The results show that 25%dextrose is more effective to reduce pain among neonates during minor invasive procedure like heel prick(P<0.00001),whereas both interventions are effective in the reduction of crying duration.This review highlights that dextrose is more effective in reducing pain in comparison to breast milk.However,additional well-designed studies with larger sample sizes and extended follow-up periods are needed to validate and build upon the current findings.Hence,this review underscores the importance of utilizing effective pain management strategies,such as 25%dextrose,to enhance neonatal care and improve the overall well-being of newborns during invasive procedures.

Acceptability of Caesarean Section among Pregnant Women Seeking Antenatal Care at Women and Newborn Hospital-University Teaching Hospitals, Lusaka Zambia

Caesarean section remains one of the most common obstetric and major operations performed on women during pregnancy and has contributed to improving maternal and foetal health. Consequently, significant mortality and morbidity from pregnancy and labour-related causes can be eliminated by a timely caesarean section. The acceptance of the life-saving procedure remains unsatisfactory in most sub-Saharan nations. The study aimed to assess the acceptability of caesarean section and associated factors among pregnant women seeking antenatal care at Women and Newborn Hospital-University Teaching Hospitals in Lusaka Zambia. The study utilised a quantitative cross-sectional analytical study design involving 420 pregnant women selected using systematic random sampling at Women and Newborn Hospital-University Teaching Hospitals Lusaka Zambia. Data was obtained using an Interview schedule and analysed using R software version 4.3.2. Chi-square, Fisher’s exact test, Wilcoxon rank sum test and binary logistic regression for statistical analysis at a 5% level of significance. The study found that the acceptability of Caesarean section as a mode of delivery was low (29%) among respondents at Women and Newborn Hospital-University Teaching Hospitals. This was influenced by marital status (P = 0.002), socioeconomic status (P = 0.050), parity (P = 0.004), gestation age (P = 0.008), previous history of caesarean section (P = 0.003), knowledge (P < 0.001), attitude (P < 0.001), and sociocultural beliefs (P = 0.045). Low acceptability of Caesarean section delivery is common among women at Women and Newborn Hospital-University Teaching Hospitals, despite its potential benefits for maternal and neonatal health. Socio-demographic and maternal characteristics, knowledge, attitude, perception, and socio-cultural beliefs play a major role in determining acceptability. Therefore, efforts to enhance acceptability should focus on improving knowledge, enhancing positive perceptions and attitudes, and allaying negative socio-cultural beliefs towards caesarean section.

Experiences of Mothers on the Utilization of Elimination of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV Services at Mtendere Clinic, Lusaka

Introduction: Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is one of the leading causes of mortality among women of reproductive age and Mother to Child Transmission of Human immunodeficiency virus is still a challenge affecting many countries. Globally, an estimation of 180,000 children under 15 years acquire the Human immunodeficiency virus every day, and more than 90% of those infections are due to Mother to Child Transmission. The study sought to explore the experiences of mothers on the Elimination of Mother to Child Transmission-HIV services at Mtendere Clinic, Lusaka. Materials and Methods: Qualitative interpretive phenomenology study design was employed using in-depth interviews to collect data from a sample that was selected using purposive sampling technique. Thirteen participants were recruited, and these were HIV-positive mothers at least between the ages of 15 and 49 years and enrolled in the Elimination of Mother To Child Transmission-HIV program. The in-depth interviews were audiotape recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data was analyzed using thematic method. Findings: Three main themes that emerged are;living with HIV, support system and barriers to utilization of Elimination of Mother To Child Transmission-HIV services. Most of the participants expressed having acquired knowledge from the program, and received counselling and support from spouses, family as well as health personnel at Mtendere health facility which culminated into a positive experience and enhanced their uptake of the Elimination of Mother to Child Transmission-HIV services. However, barriers to service utilization were identified and these included fear of stigma, negative attitudes from health workers, long waiting times, lack of support and lack of transport to the health facility. Conclusion: Interventions such as community awareness campaigns on Elimination of Mother To Child Transmission-HIV, male involvement and implementing mother-to-mother peer support strategies in Elimination of Mother To Child Transmission-HIV service utilization should be prioritized so as to alleviate stigma and enhancing a positive experience for these mothers thus reducing on the Mother to Child HIV Transmission burden and mortality rates.

Awareness of the Termination of Pregnancy Act of the Laws of Zambia among Women of Reproductive Age at Kanyama First Level Hospital in Lusaka District Zambia

Background: Termination of pregnancy (TOP) in Zambia is guided by the Termination of Pregnancy (TOP) Act of 1972 and as amended in 1994 of the laws of Zambia. However, despite provision of Comprehensive abortion care services with the liberal law, statistics at Kanyama First Level Hospital in relation to unsafe illegal abortions are alarming. This study sought to understand the Awareness on the TOP Act of the laws of Zambia among women of reproductive age 15 - 49 years at Kanyama First Level Hospital in Lusaka District. Purpose of the Study: To assess awareness on the TOP Act among women of reproductive age at Kanyama First Level Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia. Methodology: A convergent parallel mixed method design was conducted using both survey and in-depth interviews among women of reproductive age at Kanyama First Level Hospital in Lusaka District. The study surveyed 370 randomly sampled women aged 15 to 49 years old while the in-depth interviews included eight women purposively sampled from the survey population. Survey data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics while qualitative data thematic analysis was used. Results: The study found that 37% of the participants were aware of the TOP Act while 63.8% viewed legalization of abortion for any reason as wrong. The study results also showed that widowed women were 8 times more likely to be aware of the TOP Act compared to single women (AOR: 8.262;95% CI: 1.105, 61.778). Women in business were significantly more likely to be aware of the TOP Act compared to those who reported having no occupation. (AOR: 2.61;95% CI: 1.246, 5.499). Limited access to information, the social stigma attached to abortion, health care providers’ attitudes, cultural norms, values and religious beliefs, restrictive legal requirements, and absence of a supportive network were some of the barriers affecting awareness and utilization of available safe abortion care services. Conclusions: The research findings concluded that a significant lack of awareness among women of reproductive age regarding the Termination of Pregnancy (TOP) Act. The majority of respondents held the view that abortion should only be legalized for medical reasons. Furthermore, there was a notable gap in knowledge concerning the penal code’s provisions on abortion.

Provision of Preconception Care by Midwives, Nurses and Doctors at Ndola Teaching Hospital in Ndola District, Zambia

Background: The goal of preconception care is to improve the outcome of a mother’s pregnancy and childbirth. Nevertheless, in most developing nations;Zambia included, there are still issues with implementation of preconception care. Therefore, the aim of this study was to establish the provision of preconception care by midwives, nurses and doctors at Ndola Teaching Hospital in Zambia. Methods: A concurrent embedded mixed methodology utilising a descriptive explorative study design, where 107 respondents were randomly selected using the lottery technique for quantitative part and two focused group discussions for qualitative part of the study was used. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data and a focus group discussion guide was used for the focus group discussions. Statistical Package of Social Sciences version 26 with significance set at 0.05 and at 95% confidence level and thematic analysis were used for data analysis. Results: 75% of the respondents in this study were not providing preconception care and only 25% of respondents were providing preconception care;however, this was provided randomly because there were no guidelines to follow. Among the respondents, 81.3% had medium knowledge, 70.1% had good practices and 92.5% had positive attitudes towards preconception care. Further analysis showed that the association between preconception care and knowledge, practices and attitudes was not statistically significant (p = values 0.336;0.344;1.000 respectively). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that participants with high knowledge were five times more likely to provide preconception care (OR = 5.00, CI = 0.42 - 59.7, P = 0.203). Generally, all the participants acknowledged that preconception care was an important package that could prevent maternal and child morbidities and mortalities. Conclusions: The study revealed that most of the respondents were not providing preconception care. Provision of preconception was done by a small fraction of the respondents and it was done in an unorderly manner due to lack of set standards and guidelines. Despite medium levels of knowledge and generally good practices and positive attitudes towards preconception care, its random provision indicates a need for established standards to enhance maternal and child health outcomes.

The Impact of Perineal Trauma on Postpartum Women at Ndola Teaching Hospital, Zambia: A Phenomenological Study

Perineal trauma following childbirth affects over two-thirds of women in low and medium-income countries (LMICs) birthing in health facilities. Although it is an unfavourable outcome with the potential to affect many aspects of a woman’s well-being in both the immediate and long-term, it is still a neglected phenomenon of women’s health, particularly in sub-Saharan African countries like Zambia. This study sought to understand the impact of birth perineal trauma on postnatal women at Ndola Teaching Hospital (NTH). This study employed a cross-sectional qualitative design using a descriptive phenomenological approach. Fifteen women who had birthed at NTH and sustained birth perineal trauma were purposively sampled as study participants. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews aided by an interview guide. Four themes, namely, perineal pain, substandard perineal wound management, fear of future reproductive health outcomes and diversion from reality, emerged from the study. Most women experiencing childbirth perineal trauma do not receive adequate care to manage their condition effectively. Therefore, midwives should utilise their professional knowledge and skills when providing postnatal care because morbidity affects women. Thus, it has the potential to negatively affect mother-infant bonding. The study concluded that birth perineal trauma is a distressing phenomenon of childbirth;hence, skillful repair, pain management and sexual counselling can greatly reduce its negative impacts.

Perceptions of Mothers with Preterm Babies towards Donor Breast Milk at Women and Newborn Hospital,Lusaka Zambia

Breast milk offers essential nutrients crucial for the development of the preterm immune system, thus reducing the incidence of infection and mortality often associated with prematurity. In the absence of breast milk, the preferred option is donated breast milk, the best alternative for hospitalized neonates whose mothers have insufficient breast milk or are unavailable. In Zambia, donor breast milk is unavailable. Instead, the protocol recommends the administration of formula milk. However, the use of formula milk in preterm babies is associated with an increased risk of necrotizing enterocolitis and sepsis. Zambia needs to establish a donor milk bank, hence the need to understand the perception of mothers towards donated breast milk. A qualitative descriptive case study utilized 10 focus group discussions with in-depth interviews, purposively selected using a variation strategy. Data was thematically analysed. Participants demonstrated potential acceptance to donor breast milk utilization, as more nutritional compared to formula despite lack of awareness. Concerns related to safety, quality, fear of disease transmission and discomfort feeding from a different bloodline were identified as hinderance to possible utilisation. These perceptions underscore the importance of educational initiatives aimed at dispelling myths and misconceptions surrounding donor breast milk and establishing donor breast milk programs. Therefore, the study recommends educational initiatives tailored to raise awareness to mothers about donor breast milk.

Suicide Ideation and Its Associated Factors among Men in Selected Compounds of Lusaka, Zambia

Background: Globally, it is estimated that more than 800,000 individuals die by suicide each year, making suicide one of the biggest causes of death worldwide. Additionally, suicide kills far more males than women, more so in developing regions that are characterized by economic distress due to low income. Although the number of suicide cases has been seen to increase from 2013 to date, limited studies provide information on the factors influencing the trend. Therefore, this study aimed at investigating the prevalence of suicidal ideation and factors associated with suicide in males in selected compounds of Lusaka. Methods: The study used an analytical quantitative cross- sectional study design that involved 367 men in Mtendere and Kaunda Square townships in Lusaka district, Zambia. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from participants, which was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0. The Chi-square, Fisher’s exact test and Wilcoxon rank sum tests were used to test relationships among variables at a five percent level of significance. Ethical approval and clearance was obtained from the National Health Research Authority. Results: Participants had a median age of 29 years (IQR, 27 - 32 years), 216 (58.9%) were single and 278 (75.8%) attained tertiary education. Under a quarter, 75 (20.4%) reported suicide ideations, and 97 (26.4%) reported low social support. For most participants, 347 (94.7%) experienced at least one stressful life event, and 359 (97.8%) experienced severe levels of stress. Under half, 170 (46.3%) were alcohol dependent, while 54 (14.7%) used alcohol harmfully. Suicide ideation was significantly associated with marital status (p Conclusion: Suicide ideation is relatively high among men in Mtendere and Kaunda Square townships, mainly influenced by marital status, education level, social support, stressful events alcohol abuse. Efforts must be channeled towards suicide awareness campaigns, and establishment of supportive environments in health facilities which can make it easy for men to open up about their struggles.

Understanding Midwives’ Perspective on Care of Post Cesarean Section Women at the University Teaching Hospital—Women and Newborn, Lusaka

Background: A cesarean section is a major obstetric surgical procedure performed for the purpose of delivering a live baby when vaginal delivery would put the mother and the baby at risk due to complications of pregnancy, labour and delivery. Although caesarean section is a life saving procedure, it is associated with a number of risks or problems in the postoperative period. The aim of the study was to understand the Midwives’ perspective on the care of postpartum mothers who had cesarean section at the University Teaching Hospital—Women and Newborn in Lusaka District. Methods: A descriptive cross sectional survey was conducted at the University Teaching Hospital—Women and Newborn in Lusaka. 51 Midwives working in postnatal wards were consecutively selected to participate in the study. Data was collected using a self administered questionnaire with a 4 point Likert scale and also some closed and open ended questions. SPSS version 20 statistical package was used to analyse data, expressed as descriptive summary measures. Results: All the 51 Midwives were female and they scored themselves highly on a 4 point Likert scale as always performing all the immediate post-operative care on the postpartum mothers who had a caesarean section while the score was much lower during the subsequent post-operative period. Staffing levels and medical-surgical materials were found to be low and affect care of Postpartum mothers (P-0.050). The majority (94.2%) of the Midwives also indicated that C-section mothers were not given any form of written materials or standardized instructions to take home as reference material during the Information, Education Communication sessions on discharge (P-0.001) and home/domiciliary visits to postpartum mothers who had C-sections on postpartum were not being undertaken. Conclusion: There was need to improve the care rendered to the postpartum women who had complicated labour and delivery including caesarean sections in order to promote good health and to prevent postpartum complications.

Experiences with the Use of Vaginal Dilator by Cervical Cancer Women Who Received Pelvic Radiotherapy at Cancer Diseases Hospital, Lusaka Zambia

Background: Cancer of the cervix is the commonest cancer in women seen at Cancer Diseases Hospital in Zambia and Pelvic Radiotherapy is the main treatment modality used on cervical cancer patients. Radiotherapy to the pelvis has a potential to causes vaginal stenosis but the stenosis can be prevented by regular sexual intercourse or use of vaginal dilators as recommended by cancer organizations. Despite the well-established benefits of vaginal dilators, there was reluctance by women to adopt this practice as seen by the number of survivors with vaginal stenosis at Cancer Diseases Hospital. The objective of this study was to explore experiences with the use of vaginal dilators by cervical cancer women who received Pelvic Radiotherapy. Methodology: A descriptive phenomenological design was used to explore experiences with the use of vaginal dilators by cervical cancer women. The study was conducted at Cancer Diseases Hospital in Lusaka District of Zambia. Participants were identified and purposefully sampled during the follow up clinics, they were then followed for interviews into their homes in Lusaka and data saturation was attained after interviewing 22 participants. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Five themes from the study emerged on how women with cervical cancer experienced the use of vaginal dilator;such as uncomfortable dilators, pity for the husband, changed lifestyle, embarrassment and fear. Conclusion: It was acknowledged that the use of vaginal dilator was associated with negative experiences such as uncomfortable dilators, pity for the husband, changed lifestyle, fear and embarrassment. Therefore, this study recommends that Health care providers from CDH and other health institutions should give appropriate information to patients concerning the use of vaginal dilators and the Ministry of Health to provide vaginal dilators instead of 50 milliliter syringes currently in use.

Experiences of Occupational Stress among Emergency Nurses at Private Hospitals in Bangkok, Thailand

Introduction: Occupational stress has negative effects on employee’s health and organizational productivity. Nurses in emergency department are more exposed to stress than nurses in other departments. Aim: To explore nurses’ experiences of occupational stress in emergency departments in private hospitals in Bangkok, Thailand. Design: A descriptive qualitative design, with a deductive approach based on the Job Demand-Control-Support model was used. Methods: Fifteen emergency department nurses at two different hospitals were interviewed and the data were analyzed using a manifest content analysis. Results: Three main categories: “work context is an issue”, “consequences of reactions to stress”, and “coping with work stress”, including seven sub-categories emerged from the data analysis. Conclusion: The patients’ and their relatives’ behaviors were experienced as the primary stressor at the private hospital, in addition to excessive work tasks. Other important stressors were misunderstanding and conflicts between emergency department nurses and the other health care professionals, presumably related to hierarchy and power relations between health care professions. Creating a better working environment and a balance between the number of patients and nurses would reduce workload and stress, encourage ED nurses to stay in the profession and ultimately maintain patient safety.

Certified Infertility Nurses’ Perceptions and Practice on Male Infertility Nursing and Related Factors

Purpose: The aims of this study were to clarify the complaints and concerns expressed by couples that included a partner with male infertility, certified infertility nurses’ nursing practice and perceptions of nursing for these couples, and factors related to these perceptions and practices. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted. Prospective participants were sent an anonymous self-administered questionnaire containing items pertaining to the complaints and concerns expressed by couples that included a partner with male infertility, and nursing practice and perceptions of nursing for these couples. Results: In total, 133 questionnaires were distributed, 74 responses were received, and 69 of these responses were valid. Couples’ complaints and concerns consisted of a three-factor structure comprising psychological burden, lack of knowledge and information, and problems with partners. Nurses reported that the complaints and concerns of couples that included a partner with male infertility differed between male and female partners. Factors related to nursing practice and nurses’ perceptions of nursing were identified. Conclusions: Participants felt that psychological burden and problems were more serious for female partners than they were for male partners, and concern regarding the physical health of the partner receiving treatment was greater in male partners than it was in female partners.