Conventional Content Analysis Approach Research Articles

Preferences and expectations of end-users from a mental health educational portal: A qualitative study

Background: Digital technologies play an essential role in health systems by providing new solutions to reduce the burden of mental illnesses and disorders. However, in many cases, user preferences and expectations are not considered in the design of portals. This study aims to explore the preferences and expectations of end-users from the features and capabilities of mental health educational portals. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted from January 2022 to January 2023 using the conventional content analysis approach. The participants were 20 individuals, selected through purposive sampling, ranging in age from 18 to 61, all of whom had prior experience using an educational portal. Data were collected via individual semi-structured interviews. Qualitative analysis was performed using MAXQDA 10 software. Results: After analyzing the data, the preferences and expectations of end-users were categorized into five main themes: to be reliable, mutual interaction capability, to be accessible, creating a stylish and attractive design, and attention to the quality and structure of the content. Conclusion: Considering the expectations and needs of users will enhance their acceptance and satisfaction with the portals. From the end-users’ perspectives, the content, appearance, and structural or technical features a mental health educational portal are crucial for its effectiveness.

A Seat at the Table: Family Conferences for Infants with Neurological Conditions.

Objective: We aimed to characterize parents' perspectives on the value of and opportunities to improve conferences between parents of critically ill infants and the health care team. Background: The parent perspective on the value of family conferences in the intensive care unit is not well characterized. Methods: In this descriptive qualitative study, parents of infants with neurological conditions in the intensive care unit at a U.S. academic medical center completed longitudinal semi-structured interviews about their experiences making decisions and communicating with clinicians. Parents were included if they had an upcoming family conference to discuss goals of care or neurological prognosis. This secondary data analysis targets interview content about family conferences. Parent responses were characterized using a conventional content analysis approach. Results: Fifty-two parents of 37 infants completed 123 interviews. Parents described valuing when clinicians (1) provided space to process emotions, (2) prioritized "big picture" discussions about serious decisions, (3) dedicated time to parent questions, and (4) responded to parent concerns and made an effort to foster consensus. Parent-identified opportunities for improvement included: (1) having the team assume responsibility for calling regular meetings, (2) prioritizing attendance of consistent and supportive team members, and (3) summarizing meeting content for parents and documenting discussions for clinicians. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that parents of infants with neurological conditions value family conferences as an important venue for communicating with the health care team. Future studies should explore the feasibility and impact of regularly scheduled family conferences, attendees dedicated to parent support, and accessible meeting summaries on therapeutic alliance, parent well-being, and communication quality.

Context and Underlying Factors Influencing the Adaptation Process of Older Adults Facing Spousal Deaths: A Qualitative Study.

The death of a spouse, as the most stressful event in old age, can put the older adult at risk of death if they do not adapt again. Since the process of adapting to bereavement occurs in the context of social interactions and is experienced in different ways in different societies, this research was conducted with the aim of explaining the background and factors affecting the adaptation of the older adult to the death of their spouse. The experiences of 21 participants were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed with Lundman and Granheim's conventional content analysis approach, which led to the creation of three main categories1: how one perceives loss; 2:quality of life after the deceased; and 3: the quality of marital life. The findings indicate the importance and impact of background factors in how the adaptation process occurs. Identifying these factors can provide practical solutions to experts, caregivers and bereaved older adult.

Caregivers' Perceptions of COVID-19 Educational Disruptions on Children With Developmental Language Disorder and Typically Developing Peers.

Understanding the experiences of families of children with developmental language disorder (DLD) during COVID-19 educational disruptions is essential for designing responsive supports during pandemic recovery efforts and beyond. This qualitative study describes the experiences of families of first- and second-grade children with DLD during the pandemic as compared to the experiences of families of typically developing (TD) peers. A conventional content analysis approach was used to analyze caregivers' written responses to open-ended questions regarding their perceptions of COVID-19 educational disruptions. Responses were analyzed separately by group: caregivers of children with DLD (n = 23) and caregivers of TD children (n = 22). Four categories of caregiver responses were generated for each group: impacts on children, remote learning challenges, impacts on caregivers, and protective factors. For both groups, concerns about the child's well-being and literacy learning were most prevalent and prevailed over concerns about oral language. Most caregivers in each group described negative impacts of educational disruptions on their cdhildren. As compared to caregivers of TD children, caregivers of children with DLD reported higher rates of remote learning challenges and more negative impacts on literacy learning, speech and/or language, and education in general. DLD caregivers also shared fewer positive comments and remarks related to protective factors. Results indicate that families of children with DLD may have experienced more challenges during COVID-19 educational disruptions as compared to families of TD peers. Thus, responsive research and supports for these families is essential.

Rehabilitation Specialty Hospital Conversion to Support a COVID-19 Pandemic Surge: Nurses' Perceptions.

The purpose of this study was to understand the novel experience of a rehabilitation specialty hospital conversion to acute medical/COVID-19 patient care from the perspective of rehabilitation nurses. A descriptive qualitative study was conducted. Thirty-six nurses employed by the rehabilitation specialty hospital were invited to participate. Narrative data were collected via an online survey and were analyzed using a conventional content analysis approach. Fifteen (42%) of those eligible participated. The overarching descriptor of the rehabilitation nurses' experiences was "we did what we had to do." Three primary descriptors emerged: challenged, conflicted, and compromised. Communication from leadership prominently informed the conversion experience. Expecting rehabilitation specialty nurses to care for a different patient population is an important consideration and requires leadership to understand the distinctive characteristics of the specialty and its approach to care. Addressing the impact on nursing staff in any disaster requires listening and communicating to provide needed support. Recognizing the characteristics of nursing specialties, the need for self-care among nursing staff and the salience of effective communication are essential during specialty hospital conversions.

Living With Multiple Sclerosis: The Rainbow of Inspiring Experiences and Resilience in the Face of the Disease.

Multiple sclerosis (MS), a leading cause of disability in young adults worldwide, including in Iran, affects their whole life so common care is no longer effective. In this regard, context-based approaches should be considered for a holistic care delivery that accords with the patients' inputs. We aimed to explore patients' understanding of MS and their personal experiences of living with this disease. A qualitative descriptive study was conducted. The data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 17 patients. These patients were selected using a purposive sampling method, and the data were analyzed using a conventional content analysis approach. Three main categories and nine subcategories were identified: Thunder and Lightning strike in the form of Displeasure, Social wrong beliefs, Experiences of Constraints, Interference with Life Stages and Dark Spots on the Horizon of the Future; Subtle Beam consisting of Extrinsic Light Radiation, Reflection of Individual Effort and Formation of a Rainbow by Resilience and Hope for a Bright Future. By offering multidimensional support, patients reported a shift from fear to a vibrant life. Although research often focuses on the negative aspects of MS, this study recognizes both positive and negative aspects. These findings can contribute to future interventional research. During the explanation of research goals and consent acquisition, participants were reminded that sharing their experiences could provide valuable insights benefiting others coping with or at risk of the same disease. Additionally, during data analysis, codes extracted were reviewed and improved with active participant involvement.

Unveiling nurses' perspectives on decent work: A qualitative exploration.

This study explores nurses' perspectives on the concept of "decent work" and the factors influencing their viewpoints. This qualitative study employed a conventional content analysis approach using face-to-face interviews. In-depth interviews were conducted with 20 registered nurses at two tertiary hospitals in Hangzhou, China, from October to November 2023. Decent work for nurses refers to their engagement in a profession within a secure, fair, and friendly practice environment where they could receive respect, support, reasonable compensation, social security, and opportunities for career development, all of which could enable nurses to recognize their intrinsic values and achieve a state of professional and personal fulfillment. Key factors that influence decent work for nurses include the work environment, societal perceptions, and individual characteristics. The concept of decent work holds paramount importance for nurses, necessitating collaborative efforts at the individual, family, institutional, and societal levels to promote the professional dignity of nurses and enhance the quality of nursing care. Policymakers should establish regional minimum wage standards for nurses, promote flexible scheduling, and support professional development through subsidized training programs. Additionally, national media campaigns and comprehensive mental health support can enhance the public image and resilience of nurses, respectively, improving their decent work perception.

"Doing Housework with a Walker? No Way!": Exploring the Perceptions of Community-Dwelling Frail Older Adults and Their Informal Caregivers on "Informal Caregiver-Induced Forced Immobility".

Family caregivers should focus on maintaining independence when assisting older adults with mobility. This may, however, bring about a counterproductive effect, namely Informal Caregiver-induced Forced Immobility (ICFI). This study explored the perceptions and experiences of older adults and their informal caregivers regarding ICFI. This qualitative study used a conventional content analysis approach and was conducted from January to September 2023 in Tabriz, Iran. Twenty older adults (aged 60 years and above) who had used a mobility aid, such as a cane or walker, and 14 informal caregivers were purposefully (purposive sampling) selected to participate in the study. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted until data saturation was achieved. MAXQDA ver. 20.0 software (VERBI Software, Germany) was used to manage and analyze the data. Based on the participants' perceptions, ICFI means that for an older adult, "social interaction/social participation is limited," "performing activities of daily living is disallowed," and "engaging in physical activities and exercising is prohibited." Our findings revealed the concept of ICFI from various perspectives in Iranian families with older adults, leading to a clearer understanding of this phenomenon. This aspect should be considered when developing intervention strategies for the care of older adults in home and residential care settings by, health practitioners, gerontologists, and policymakers. This research can serve as a foundation for future studies to develop pertinent indicators and tools for measuring ICFI in the hope of providing sufficient evidence to support interventions that aim to prevent or stop ICFI.

Dignity: the cornerstone of psychological health among victims of child labor, a qualitative study

BackgroundRespecting the dignity of child labor is one of their most urgent needs. In many cases, the dignity of child labor is not maintained in countries with unfavorable economic conditions. The aim of the present study was understand adolescents’ perceptions of their dignity in child labor.MethodsThis study is a qualitative research with conventional content analysis approach. Twenty teenagers who having work experience as child labor were selected from one welfare center and three charity centers in using purposeful sampling method in 2022–2023. Data was generated through individual, deep, and semi-structured interviews. In order to analyze the data was used Granheim and Lundman’s method.ResultsThree main themes were presented in this study including, “preservation of privacy and security”, “honoring individual identity to develop dignity” and “comprehensive support”, and 9 categories.Conclusionunderstand adolescents’ perceptions as child labor of their dignity, privacy and security of child labor victims and respect for their identity and all-round support are defined. And in this supportive environment, the dignity of working children is preserved and appropriate behavioral consequences are created. Therefore, it is suggested that a cultural and institutional background be provided in which all components of the child labor’s dignity are emphasized.

Exploring sexual life enrichment: a journey into strengthening well-being for women post- menopause through qualitative study

Backgroundwomen post-menopause, are faced with various physical, emotional, and relational challenges. One such aspect that tends to be overlooked is the impact of menopause on sexual well-being. This study aimed to elucidate the concept of enriching the sexual life of women post-menopause.MethodsA qualitative research strategy was adopted using a conventional content analysis approach. Data collection was conducted through semi-structured interviews with 24 participants (17 women post-menopause and 7 experts), using purposive sampling.ResultsThe data analysis resulted in the extraction of 341 codes, 24 subcategories, and 8 categories. Ultimately, the following three themes emerged: “maintaining and enhancing the position of sexual relationships,” “deepening sexual relationships and expanding intimacy,” and “improving communication skills with the spouse “.ConclusionEnriching the sexual life of women post-menopause, as suggested by the themes, involves nurturing their relationships, keeping these connections strong and valued, deepening intimacy, and promoting effective communication to ensure a fulfilling and enjoyable experience during this phase of life. This leads to a sense of security, health, and tranquility, ultimately manifesting positive repercussions on the couple’s and family’s health.

Life After Neonatal Seizures: Characterizing the Longitudinal Parent Experience

BackgroundParents of neonates with seizures report persistent symptoms of depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress. We aimed to characterize the parent experience of caring for children impacted by neonatal seizures, including longitudinal assessment across childhood. MethodsThis prospective, observational, multicenter study was conducted at Neonatal Seizure Registry (NSR) sites in partnership with the NSR Parent Advisory Panel. Parents completed surveys at discharge; 12, 18, and 24 months; and 3, 4, 5, 7, and 8 years. Surveys included demographic information and open-ended questions targeting parent experience. A conventional content analysis approach was used. ResultsA total of 320 caregivers completed at least one open-ended question, with the majority of respondents at discharge (n = 142), 12 months (n = 169), 18 months (n = 208), and 24 months (n = 245). We identified the following three primary themes. (1) Personal Burden of Care: Parents experienced emotional distress, financial strain, physical demands, and fears for their child's unknown outcome; (2) Managing Day-to-Day Life: Parents described difficulties navigating their parenting role, including managing their child's challenging behaviors and understanding their child's needs amid neurodevelopmental impairment; (3) My Joys as a Parent: Parents valued bonding with their child, being a caregiver, and watching their child's personality grow. ConclusionsParents of children impacted by neonatal seizures face persistent challenges, which are interwoven with the joys of being a parent. Our findings suggest that future interventions should promote resiliency, address caregivers’ psychosocial needs longitudinally, and provide enhanced support for parents caring for children with medical complexity.

A Qualitative Exploration of Participant Experiences in the Avoiding Diabetes After Pregnancy Trial in Moms (ADAPT-M)

ObjectivesGestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), a temporary condition of pregnancy, identifies women at high risk of developing subsequent type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). Lifestyle interventions have been shown to reduce the risk of developing T2D after GDM. However, they often have low attendance and adherence rates. The Avoiding Diabetes After Pregnancy Trial in Moms (ADAPT-M) is a 24-week home-based postpartum program aimed at bridging the gap from prenatal care to T2D prevention for women with GDM. Our objective was to explore the experiences of participants who completed the ADAPT-M program, to elicit their perceived benefits and opportunities for improvement. MethodsThis was a qualitative descriptive study wherein we conducted semistructured interviews with 21 women with previous GDM who participated in the ADAPT-M program in Ontario, Canada. Transcripts were analyzed using NVivo software using a conventional content analysis approach. ResultsTwo themes describing the experience of women who underwent the ADAPT-M lifestyle-based coaching program emerged: 1) the benefits of a supportive relationship between coaches and participants; and 2) a desire for more from the program, including peer support, more customization, and addressing emotional needs. ConclusionsOur findings support the importance of fostering supportive health-care relationships in T2D prevention programs for postpartum women with a history of GDM. Enhanced customization, emotional support, and opportunities for peer support should be considered in the development of future programming to better meet the needs of participants.

Attributes of Good Faculty as Perceived by Health Professions Students: A Qualitative Study

Background: Diverse perspectives have been documented regarding the attributes of outstanding university faculty members. It is crucial to consider the evolving demands and expectations of students at the University of Medical Sciences, which change with age and educational stages. Extracting students' opinions and expectations can yield valuable insights into the attributes required of faculty members in academic institutions. Objectives: This study aimed to identify health professions students’ perceptions of the attributes of a good faculty member. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted using a conventional content analysis approach. The participants in this study were health professions students (medicine, nursing, midwifery, laboratory sciences, operating room technology, anesthesia, prehospital emergency, pharmacy, dentistry, and health) at Alborz University of Medical Sciences, who were purposefully selected. Study data were gathered by conducting in-depth, face-to-face, and semi-structured personal interviews with 23 students, as well as a group interview with seven students. The data analysis followed the conventional content analysis approach, using the steps proposed by Lundman and Granheim. Results: Study participants’ perceptions of good faculty attributes fell into two main categories: Personality attributes and professional attributes. Personality attributes included appearance and personality traits. Professional attributes encompassed scientific and scholarly qualities, as well as teaching skills. Conclusions: Our findings reveal that study participants placed significant emphasis on both personality and professional attributes when defining good faculty characteristics. Sub-categories such as appearance, personality traits, scientific expertise, and teaching skills emerged as important factors shaping student perceptions of faculty members. This underscores the multifaceted nature of what constitutes an effective faculty member in students' eyes and highlights the importance of cultivating a diverse range of attributes within academia. Future research could delve deeper into each sub-category to refine our understanding of what truly defines effective faculty members.

Ethical Issues in Implementation Science: A Qualitative Interview Study of Participating Clinicians

Background Implementation science presents ethical issues not well addressed by traditional research ethics frameworks. There is little empirical work examining how clinicians whose work is affected by implementation studies view these issues. Accordingly, we interviewed clinicians working at sites participating in an implementation study seeking to improve patient handoffs to the intensive care unit (ICU). Methods We performed semi-structured interviews with 32 clinicians working at sites participating in an implementation study aiming to improve patient handoffs from the operating room to the ICU. We analyzed the interviews using an iterative coding process following a conventional content analysis approach. Results Clinicians’ greatest concern about involvement was possible damage to interpersonal relations with more senior clinicians. They were divided about whether informed consent from clinicians was necessary but were satisfied with the study’s approach of sending out mass communications about the study. They did not think opting out of the implementation portion of the study was feasible but saw this inability to opt out as unproblematic because they equated the study with routine quality improvement. Those clinicians who helped launch the study at their sites recounted several different ways of doing so beyond simply facilitating access. Conclusions The risks that clinicians identified stemmed more from their general status as employees than their specific work as clinicians. Implementation researchers should be attuned to the ethical ramifications of involving employees of varying ranks. Implementation researchers using hybrid designs should also be sensitive to the possibility that practitioners affected by a study will equate it with quality improvement and overlook its research component. Finally, the interactions that go into facilitating an implementation study are more various than the “gatekeeping” typically discussed by research ethicists. More research is needed on the ethics of the myriad interactions that are involved in making implementation studies happen.

Explain the professional identity of nursing during COVID-19 pandemic.

To explore the professional identity of nursing during the COVID-19 pandemic in Iran. Professional identity guides nurses' interaction with patients. In the COVID-19 pandemic, recent developments in society's view of the nursing profession are expected to change the perception of nurses' professional identities. The qualitative study used a conventional content analysis approach. Data were collected using in-depth semi-structured interviews from June 2020 to January 2021. Data analysis was performed using Landman and Granheim's analysis and Lincoln and Guba's criteria to ensure the data's rigour. After analysing the 20 interviews with 17 participants, including 11 nurses with an average age of 32.63 ± 6.71 years and six varius community members with an average age of 38.66 ± 5.85 years, three main categories were formed: (1) The dual role of the media in the two subcategories (the positive role and the negative role of the media), (2) Changes in public view of nursing during the COVID-19 pandemic (respect for avoidance and understanding the value of nursing practice) and (3) Change of professional identity by showing self-sacrifice (dealing with adversity and commitment to professional obligations). The image in the public view of the nursing profession during the COVID-19 pandemic media differs from before and shows self-sacrifice, professional commitment and humanity in nursing. Nurses' experience of caring during the COVID-19 pandemic has positively affected their professional identity; however, they are concerned about the instability of improving the nursing image in society. Nursing leaders and policymakers can utilize media platforms to portray the nursing profession in a positive light and emphasize the scientific capabilities of nurses. This approach goes beyond highlighting sacrifice and compassion, aiming to shift societal perceptions of nursing and bolster the professional identity of nurses. We used the COREQ (COnsolidated criteria for REporting Qualitative research) checklist as a reporting method. No patient or public contribution.

Factors affecting support: experiences of Iranian older spousal caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease and their support resources

Objectives Older spouses are a significant part of family caregivers of patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and need support. Evidence suggests that different factors influence the support of older spousal caregivers. However, there is little evidence about these factors in developing countries like Iran. This study aimed to identify the factors affecting the support of Iranian older spousal caregivers of people with AD. Method This qualitative study used Graneheim and Lundman’s conventional content analysis approach. Through purposive sampling, 10 caregivers, three family members, and three professionals were recruited from various cognitive clinics and centers. In-depth and semi-structured interviews were used to collect data and continued until conceptual saturation was achieved. Results Two themes were derived from the data as factors affecting support, which included (1) caregiver’s support-seeking (complexity of the patient’s condition, caregiver’s geriatric health, the burden of caring for a spouse with AD, marital bond quality, caregiver’s support-phobic beliefs, caregiver’s awareness of care) and (2) capacities of support resources (supportive family, supportiveness of society, formal systems’ capability to provide support services). Conclusion The present study provided practical information about the factors influencing the support of older spousal caregivers. Healthcare providers and policymakers can use these concepts to improve the support process by strengthening caregivers’ support-seeking motivation and enhancing capacities in support resources.

Designing a Midwife-Led Birth Center Program Based on the MAP-IT Model: A Sequential Explanatory Mixed-Methods Study

BackgroundIn recent decades, medical supervision of the labor and delivery process has expanded beyond its boundaries to the extent that in many settings, childbirth has become a medical event. This situation has influenced midwifery care. One of the significant barriers to midwives providing care to pregnant women is the medicalization of childbirth. So far, the policies and programs of the Ministry of Health to reduce medical interventions and cesarean section rates have not been successful. Therefore, the current study aims to be conducted with the purpose of “Designing a Midwife-Led Birth Center Program Based on the MAP-IT Model”.Methods/designThe current study is a mixed-methods sequential explanatory design by using the MAP-IT model includes 5 steps: Mobilize, Assess, Plan, Implement, and Track, providing a framework for planning and evaluating public health interventions in a community. It will be implemented in three stages: The first phase of the research will be a cross-sectional descriptive study to determine the attitudes and preferences towards establishing a midwifery-led birthing center focusing on midwives and women of childbearing age by using two researcher-made questionnaires to assess the participants’ attitudes and preferences toward establishing a midwifery-led birthing center. Subsequently, extreme cases will be selected based on the participants’ average attitude scores toward establishing a midwifery-led birthing center in the quantitative section. In the second stage of the study, qualitative in-depth interviews will be conducted with the identified extreme cases from the first quantitative phase and other stakeholders (the first and second steps of the MAP-IT model, namely identifying and forming a stakeholder coalition, and assessing community resources and real needs). In this stage, the conventional qualitative content analysis approach will be used. Subsequently, based on the quantitative and qualitative data obtained up to this stage, a midwifery-led birthing center program based on the third step of the MAP-IT model, namely Plan, will be developed and validated using the Delphi method.DiscussionThis is the first study that uses a mixed-method approach for designing a midwife-led maternity care program based on the MAP-IT model. This study will fill the research gap in the field of improving midwife-led maternity care and designing a program based on the needs of a large group of pregnant mothers. We hope this program facilitates improved eligibility of midwifery to continue care to manage and improve their health easily and affordably.Ethical codeIR.MUMS.NURSE.REC. 1403. 014.

The story of staying out of normal routine life in adolescent mothers in marginal areas in Urmia through the Lenz of conventional content analysis approach

BackgroundAdolescent pregnancy is a main health concern in relation to adolescent mothers and their neonates especially in deprived areas. AimThis study aimed to explore the experiences of adolescent mothers who live in deprived marginal areas in Urmia in Iran. MethodsThis qualitative study was conducted in 2022–2023 using the conventional content analysis approach. Participants were eighteen adolescent mothers purposefully selected from healthcare centers in marginal areas in Urmia. Data were gathered via semi-structured interviews and were analyzed by the conventional content analysis method proposed by Graneheim and Lundman. Findings‘‘Staying out of the life normal routine’ was the main theme consisted of four categories ‘forced early marriage', 'experience of abuse', 'learned helplessness', and 'impulses of hope under the shadow of motherhood' and five sub-categories role conflict, lifelong regret, attachment, reviving the lost self-value and the delight of family establishment. ConclusionBased on the results of the study health care providers, especially midwives, will be oriented to deal with adolescent mothers to help them to have successful transition to motherhood.

The Lived Experiences of Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Masih Daneshvari Hospital: A Phenomenological Study

Abstract OBJECTIVE: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a profound impact on the lives of people around the world. This study aimed to investigate the lived experiences of COVID-19 patients during their illness, including hospitalization, referrals to treatment centers, and their physical and mental experiences, at the Masih Daneshvari Educational and Research Center in Tehran. METHODS: This was a phenomenological study using a conventional content analysis approach. Data collection and analysis were conducted based on the steps proposed by Graneheim and Lundman. The study population consisted of 52 COVID-19 patients (28 females and 24 males) hospitalized at Masih Daneshvari Hospital. Semi-structured, face-to-face interviews were conducted until data saturation was reached. RESULTS: A total of 957 primary codes were extracted from the data, which were subsequently reduced to 52 codes after reviewing and consolidating similar codes. The findings revealed that the challenges faced by COVID-19 patients could be categorized into 5 main themes and 15 subcategories: Patients’ perceptions of how they were infected (disease characteristics, cultural-religious issues, and vulnerable patients), communication with treatment staff (satisfaction, respect, and empathy), physical and mental health (psychological effects, symptom exacerbation, and disease complications), ambiguity experiences (training, awareness, risk perception, and multiple treatments), and emotional experiences from hospitalization (social stigma, fear of death, and disease suffering). CONCLUSION: This study provides valuable insights into the challenges faced by COVID-19 patients, which can inform future policymaking and planning for managing epidemics and similar public health crises.

Factors Influencing Relationship Disengagement in Married Couples: A Qualitative Study

Background: Relationship disengagement is one of the most common reasons reported by couples when explaining the distress and dissolution of the marriage. The present study aimed to investigate the factors affecting relationship disengagement in Iranian couples. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted using the conventional content analysis approach. The participants were 24 Iranian married couples (in Mashhad) who were selected using non-random and purposive sampling. The data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with the couples and the interviews continued until data saturation. The collected were analyzed using Graneheim and Lundman’s qualitative content analysis method. Results: Data analysis revealed three themes (each with some categories): (1) Interpersonal factors (problems related to the family of origin, conflict in couple interactions, distancing behaviors, and ineffective spouse selection), (2) individual-personality factors (emotional instability and character traits), and (3) socioeconomic factors (financial and vocational issues and perceived fairness and inequality). Conclusion: The findings indicated that marital relationship disengagement leads to emotional apathy and dissolution of marital relationships. Couples therapy approaches should target the causes of relationship disengagement to increase the quality of couples’ relationships and prevent divorce. The insights from this study can be used for formulating treatment and preventive approaches to prevent couple relationship disengagement.