Conventional Qualitative Content Analysis Research Articles

Spontaneous social media: An exploratory study of young adults’ BeReal uses and gratifications

ABSTRACT Spontaneous social media like BeReal encourage users to post quickly after receiving notifications, leaving little time for planning. However, there has been limited research on why people choose to adopt or avoid spontaneous social media. The current Uses and Gratifications (U&G) framed qualitative study sought to understand why college attending young adults (n = 143) in the United States used or did not use BeReal. Participants completed an online survey with open-ended items, and some (n = 8) additionally completed in-depth interviews. Three themes were constructed through conventional qualitative content analysis: (a) the pursuit of authenticity, (b) audience captivation, and (c) social connection. Participants reported that their coolness, novel, realism, community, authentic gatekeeping, community building, and play/fun needs were gratified using BeReal. Some nonusers were unaware of BeReal. Nonusers and past users reported that the app did not meet their community building, play/fun, activity, or choice needs.

Investigating Students' Clinical Experiences of Learning the Nursing Process Using an Integrated Teaching-Learning Method at Shahid Qazi Tabatabaei Hospital: A Qualitative Content Analysis

Introduction: Integrated teaching-learning methods have demonstrated potential in enhancing students' cognitive skills and, subsequently, the quality of patient care. This qualitative study aimed to explore the learning experiences of nursing students engaged in an integrated teaching-learning method during their clinical education in oncology nursing. Method: : Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 nursing students who had completed a clinical training program in oncology nursing using an integrated teaching-learning method. Conventional qualitative content analysis was employed to analyze the data, identifying sub-categories and categories related to students' experiences. Results: The analysis revealed four main categories: (1) sustained cognitive learning, (2) non-cognitive learning, (3) application of learned concepts in real-world situations, and (4) students' suggestions for improving the learning of the nursing process. Conclusion: The findings suggest that an integrated teaching-learning method, implemented as a creative and student-centered approach at the bedside, effectively enhances both cognitive and non-cognitive skills, facilitating the practical application of learned concepts. To fully leverage the benefits of this method, its implementation should be expanded across clinical education units, starting in lower semesters. Simultaneously, optimizing real-world clinical education environments will further accelerate positive educational outcomes, enhancing students' cognitive and non-cognitive skills and creating a foundation for applying learned concepts in clinical practice.

An exploratory study on college student pandemic recovery

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic (2020–2023) disrupted typical college experiences and was related to declines in enrollment and student persistence. The current mixed-methods study focused on understanding college student’s experiences recovering from the pandemic. In March 2023, students (n = 143) at one university completed online surveys, and some (n = 8) completed in-depth interviews. Students self-reported that they were recovered (63.64%), nearly recovered (23.78%), or still recovering (12.59%) from the COVID-19 pandemic. Recovery status was associated with loneliness (p = .009), pandemic concern (p < .001 March 2020, reported retrospectively; p = .019 March 2023), and perceived negative pandemic impact on well-being (p < .001). To understand experiences with recovery, four themes were constructed through conventional qualitative content analysis: (1) journeying between isolation and connection, (2) individual wellness, (3) time and recovery, and (4) touchpoints with university and recovery. College student pandemic recovery was conceptualized as a multidimensional process.

Exploring the human-bearded dragon animal bond: A qualitative content analysis of Reddit posts

Abstract The impact of companion animals on humans has been extensively investigated. Previous and current literature has overwhelmingly focused on traditional companion animals, such as cats and dogs. Despite many individuals living with non-traditional companion animals, the research surrounding the impact they have on our lives remains understudied in comparison to traditional companion animals. Bearded dragons are currently the most popular type of reptiles as non-traditional companion animals, yet the perceived biopsychosocial impacts they may have on individuals remain relatively unexplored. The present study aimed to answer the following research questions: (1) What topics do people post to a subreddit forum dedicated to bearded dragon guardians? and (2) What do posts to the bearded dragon subreddit forum suggest about the human-bearded dragon bond? The website Reddit was systematically searched for relevant online subreddit communities targeted toward people with bearded dragons. Posts made by individuals to the chosen subreddit were collected. A conventional qualitative content analysis was performed on 2903 posts, producing five overarching categories: (1) The human-animal bond between bearded dragons and humans; (2) Use of bearded dragon Reddit forum; (3) Health and medical concerns; (4) Psychological effects; and (5) Social effects. Findings provide insight into how individuals with bearded dragons used and engaged with the online Reddit forum as well as how they reported the human-bearded dragon animal bond. The novel findings reported in this study warrant further research to explore the unique bonds formed between humans and non-traditional companion animals, including further investigation regarding bearded dragons and the various effects they may have on human life.

Components of safe nursing care in the intensive care units: a qualitative study

BackgroundPatient safety is a global health issue that affects patients worldwide. Providing safe care in the intensive care units (ICUs) is one of the most crucial tasks for nurses. Numerous factors can impact the capacity of nurses to deliver safe care within ICUs. Consequently, this study was undertaken with the aim of identifying the components of safe nursing care in ICUs.MethodsThe current research constitutes a qualitative conventional content analysis study conducted from January 2022 to June 2022. The study participants comprised nurses, intensivists, nurse responsible for patient safety, paramedic, patients, and patients’ family member, totaling 21 individuals selected through purposive sampling. Data collection involved individual, in-depth, and semi-structured interviews. Subsequently, data analysis was performed utilizing the approach outlined by Graneheim and Lundman (Nurse Educ Today 24(2):105–12, 2004), leading to the identification of participants’ perspectives.ResultsThree themes were identified as components of safe nursing care in ICUs. These themes include professional behavior (with categories: Implementation of policies, organizing communication, professional ethics), holistic care (with categories: systematic care, comprehensive care of all systems), and safety-oriented organization (with categories: human resource management and safe environment).ConclusionsThe findings of this study underscore the significance of advocating for safe nursing practices in ICUs by emphasizing professional conduct, holistic care, and safety-focused organizational structures. These results align with existing research, suggesting that by introducing tailored interventions and tactics informed by these elements, a safer environment for nursing care can be established for ICUs patients.

The Interweaving of Pain and Perfection: A Qualitative Inquiry about the Experiences of Pregnant Women during Pregnancy and Childbirth in the COVID-19 Pandemic in Iran

Background: The prevalence of the COVID-19 pandemic has made the pleasant experiences of pregnancy and childbirth for women a source of fear and anxiety. Objective: To explore the experiences of pregnant women during pregnancy and childbirth in the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This qualitative conventional content analysis was conducted in Tehran, Iran, in May and June 2020. The 15 participants were selected via purposeful sampling including: 12 pregnant women, 2 relatives, and one nurse. Data were collected using in-depth and semi-structured interviews and the analysis adopted by Graneheim and Lundman (2004). MAXQDA version 12 was used for data organization. Results: According to the findings, 12 sub-categories, 6 categories, and one theme were extracted. The main theme that was derived from the analysis of the data was " the interweaving of pain and perfection". The categories include "emotional disorders", "obsessive disorders", "psychological disorders", "strengthening the dimension of spirituality" "the need for more support resources", and "inadequacy in presenting the role of motherhood. Conclusion: According to the experiences of pregnant women during pregnancy and childbirth during the outbreak of COVID-19, social, psychological, and emotional support through family and healthcare providers is recommended, as is the formation of virtual counseling groups to answer the questions of pregnant women. Health policymakers and decision-makers can use the results of this research to plan for providing services for pregnant women during future pandemics.

Exploring factors affecting psychological resilience of farmers living in drought-affected regions in Iran: a qualitative study.

Drought, a prevalent consequence of climate change, significantly impacts mental health among farmers. Enhancing psychological resilience is crucial to mitigating these effects. This study aims to explore the concept and factors affecting the psychological resilience of farmers living in drought-affected regions in Iran. This study utilized a conventional qualitative content analysis method. Twenty-six participants, divided into two groups of experts and farmers, were selected through purposive sampling. Data collection was conducted via in-depth semi-structured interviews. The study adhered to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) checklist and was carried out between June 2023 and February 2024. The factors affecting the psychological resilience of farmers living in drought-affected regions were categorized into two main categories with nine subcategories. The first category, environmental factors, included economic factors, socio-cultural factors, drought adaptation methods, government policies, and infrastructural factors. The second category, intra-individual factors, comprised personal characteristics, health factors, psychological factors, and perception and knowledge. The study revealed that both environmental and intra-individual factors influence the psychological resilience of farmers during droughts. It is recommended to implement intervention strategies, such as providing training and education on drought adaptation methods and managing agricultural and healthcare expenses. Further research is needed to expand this concept to various disasters and occupational groups in future studies.

Exploring Learners' Experiences with Neonatal Resuscitation Training Using the Multimedia Method: A Qualitative Study

Background: Resuscitation training should be based on facts, skills, and attitudes, using appropriate teaching methods and aids. Training through multimedia is one of the student-oriented methods. This method encourages learners to actively engage in training and take responsibility for their own learning. Objectives: The present research aimed to assess the learning experiences of medical interns regarding neonatal resuscitation training using the multimedia method. Methods: This study was a qualitative conventional content analysis conducted on 17 interns in the last semester of general medicine at the Department of Pediatrics, Alborz University of Medical Sciences. The multimedia method in this study involved a camera connected to a television, recording the interns' activities during resuscitation procedure education. After completing each procedure, the TV showed the recorded activity films to the participants using the on-and-off method. Data were collected through focus group meetings, where students discussed their experiences of participating in this intervention. Their words were converted to written meaning codes and categorized based on similarities and differences. Results: A total of 17 general medicine interns from the last semester, admitted in 2015, participated in this study. Two themes and five subthemes were extracted from the results of conventional content analysis. The results were categorized into two themes: Strengths, which included the subthemes of educational pedagogy and feedback, and weaknesses, which included the subthemes of time, stakeholders, and facilities. Overall, this multimedia method is considered useful for learning. It had some advantages, such as providing detailed feedback, but also had weaknesses, such as the expense of use. Conclusions: It seems that the multimedia method is influential in enhancing interns' learning by providing feedback after conducting neonatal resuscitation. Encompassing different learning aspects and various strengths, this combined method encourages learners' participation in training. Additionally, it can help reduce medical errors and maintain patient safety by developing the necessary skills among interns.

All Good Without Anything Good. Beyond Survival: Understanding the Psychosocial Experiences of Individuals With Chronic Kidney Disease and Their Caregivers in Sri Lanka.

This study aims to explore the experiences of individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) undergoing haemodialysis and their caregivers, focusing on the disease's impact and the treatment process. In Sri Lanka, CKD is a growing health concern, particularly affecting farming communities and contributing to the strain on the biomedical healthcare system. Despite increasing awareness of CKD's physical implications, its psychosocial impact remains underexplored. This study seeks to fill this gap, aiming to inform culturally sensitive interventions and improve the healthcare system's responsiveness to the unique needs of Sinhala Buddhist individuals with CKD and their caregivers. An exploratory qualitative study. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 10 individuals undergoing haemodialysis and 5 caregivers at a dialysis unit. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed using conventional qualitative content analysis. The analysis revealed three interrelated main themes: (1) impact on standard of living (quality of life), (2) coping strategies and (3) medical experience, with a notable influence of traditional beliefs and practices. The findings highlight the need for a holistic approach to CKD management that integrates physical, emotional, psychological and social aspects, considering the significant role of traditional influences. Further research is essential to develop effective interventions that can enhance the quality of life for CKD. The lived experiences of Sinhala Buddhist individuals with CKD and their caregivers served as a cornerstone, providing profound insights into the impact of the condition on their lives. Throughout the study, these participants played an instrumental role in refining the research's cultural sensitivity and relevance. Their engagement extended beyond the data collection phase to encompass feedback sessions, where they actively shared their perspectives. This ongoing collaboration ensured the study's depth and applicability to real-world experiences. By actively involving those directly affected by CKD, this collaborative approach safeguards that the study remains rooted in their voices and addresses their unique needs. This study adhered to relevant EQUATOR guidelines (the COREQ checklist). This study is not a clinical trial, and thus, registration is not applicable.

Investigating the Possibility of Nurse Prescribing Training Development in Nursing Education System in Iran

PurposeEnough medical knowledge and skills are fundamentals for nurse prescribing authority development. This study will explore the potential for developing nurse prescribing training in Iran, where nurses currently lack prescribing authority despite their strong academic nursing education. MethodsThis is a study with two phases. At first, in a conventional qualitative content analysis method, with purposive and snowball sampling, from June 2021 to March 2023, 20 participants, including 16 nurses in different clinical, managerial, educational, and policy-making settings, three physicians, and one clinical pharmacist were interviewed. Unstructured interviews were conducted face-to-face or virtually due to COVID-19. Qualitative content analysis Elo and Kyngäs 2008 was used for data analysis. In the second comparative analysis phase, four masters of science and one doctor of nursing curricula were analyzed in the existence of the nurse prescribing prerequisite courses and these five curricula and two potential masters of science in community health and critical care nursing curricula were compared with John Hopkins University curricula. ResultsIn the qualitative phase, two themes emerged: nursing education challenges and the potential for nurse prescribing training development. These were further broken down into four subthemes: inadequate nurses' knowledge in prerequisite nurse prescribing courses, unprepared educational infrastructure, treatment sector potentials, and educational potentials, with a total of 12 concepts identified. During the comparative phase, it was found that none of the nursing curricula had adequate prerequisite courses for nurse prescribing. However, the Community Health and Critical Care nursing curricula showed potential for developing nurse prescribing training. ConclusionsIn the nursing education system, there are some challenges and potentials for prescribing training, and the community health and critical care nursing curricula have the potential capacity to prepare the graduated nurses to prescribe. It needs educational and managerial policies. More developmental research and pilot studies are recommended.

Patients' experiences of a digital group education targeting kinesiophobia after myocardial infarction or atrial fibrillation - a qualitative pilot study

Abstract Background Fear of movement (kinesiophobia) is common among patients after a myocardial infarction or atrial fibrillation. The kinesiophobia is developed due to the patients’ beliefs that physical activity may cause re-injury. This negatively affects their ability to perform physical activity which is stated as the first line treatment in present guidelines. Purpose To explore how patients with myocardial infarction and/or atrial fibrillation experience participation in a digital group education targeting kinesiophobia and physical activity. Methods Seven women (55-81 years) with myocardial infarction and/or atrial fibrillation that had occurred at least 6 months earlier, and kinesiophobia, i.e., score of ≥ 37 on the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia Swedish Version for the Heart, were included. They took part in a digital program that was based on problem-based learning and cognitive behavioural therapy and delivered via a video conferencing platform over 8 weeks and supervised by a nurse or physiotherapist. The program covered topics such as myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation, kinesiophobia, physical activity, and exposure. A digital platform with two-factor authentication for login was developed to provide educational materials, including tutorial group scenarios, streamed lectures, factual texts, and homework assignments. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with the women via a video conferencing platform after the 8-week program and transcripts were analysed using conventional qualitative content analysis. Preliminary results The women felt empowered after the digital encounters and joyful discussions with the group members. The educational materials and their own search for information, which was discussed in the group made them feel enlightened. The kinesiophobia was relieved or gone according to their experiences. This promoted the women to be physically active based on their own preferences. Initially, experiences of stress due to technical problems were felt. The tutor was attentive and enabling in guiding the women during the meetings on the video conferencing platform. Conclusions A digital group education targeting kinesiophobia after myocardial infarction and/or atrial fibrillation was experienced as feasible, enlightening, and empowering in a small group of women. The kinesiophobia was relieved or gone. This promoted them to perform physical activity as they preferred, and which is important for their recovery. More and larger studies are needed to show if a digital group educational program via a video conferencing platform can reduce kinesiophobia and promote physical activity after myocardial infarction or atrial fibrillation.

Perceived vulnerability related to health in cancer post-treated adolescent in Iran: a content analysis

BackgroundThe prevalence of cancer is increasing, which significantly impacts the health and various aspects of the lives of cancer-post-treated adolescents. Adolescents with cancer have many negative consequences, including increased vulnerability. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the perceived vulnerability of cancer-post-treated adolescents using a deep examination of experiences and perceptions of participants.MethodsThis study was conducted on 18 participants, who were selected based on purposive sampling in 2023 using a qualitative method through a content analysis approach in Iran. A face-to-face and semi-structured individual interview was used to collect data. Inclusion criteria were children aged 11–19 years, with no history of diseases except cancer, at least one year passed since their last treatment and were aware of their disease. Inclusion criteria for other participants were Parents of childhood cancer survivors whose child is under 19 years old. Health care providers that had at least one year of experience working with and caring for pediatric cancer survivors. The research objective, participation principle, and interview recording were explained to the participants before the interview started. The criteria of credibility, dependability, confirmability and transferability were included to support the trustworthiness of data. The data was analyzed using the conventional qualitative content analysis method and MAXQDA10 software was used for data management.ResultsThe participants included 12 cancer-post-treated adolescents, two parents, two nurses, one doctor, and one cancer charity representative. The data analysis identified three categories: “Confusion in early adolescence”, “Psychological turmoil of disease”, and “Physical burden of the disease”. Finally, the latent content was formulated in to a “Perceived vulnerability” overarching theme.ConclusionIdentifying the patient’s perceptions and beliefs is one of the current health problems to improve the quality of life and facilitate the optimal transition from adolescence to adulthood and adult care. Health professionals have an opportunity to address factors that increase survivors’ sense of vulnerability to health problems by correcting knowledge gaps.

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.

Clinical nurses' experiences about "breaking bad news" during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study.

Nurses have the most contact with COVID-19 patients and their families, while it is unclear how nurses react when they give bad news during pandemic disaster, particularly in the cultural and social context of Iran. So, our main purpose was to explore the experiences of clinical nurses about breaking bad news (BBN) in the context of the COVID-19 epidemic era. The study was a qualitative content analysis approach. Data were collected by the purposive sampling method through in-depth interviews with 13 nurses in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. The method of data analysis was conventional qualitative content analysis. The participants of this study were 13 nurses. The work experience range was from 2 to 18 years, and in terms of education, one of them was Ph.D., eight had a bachelor's degree education, and four had a master's degree in nursing. Qualitative data of content analysis were obtained in four main categories such as nurses' avoidance of BBN, considering the patient's and family's beliefs in BBN, nurses' unpreparedness to deliver bad news during the pandemic crisis, and surrender of the patient and family members in the face of the COVID-19 bad news. The results of the research showed that due to probability of occurrence of pandemic in the futureand also the nature of the nursing profession, so nurses should be familiar with the correct ways of BBN and existing protocols on crisis conditions and cultural and religious context of the society to provide a high quality of care for patients and their families.

To play or not to play, that is the question: an interview study with amateur football coaches on perceptions of pain during sports participation

Amateur football coaches play a key role in preventing, assessing and treating pain among their players, as they are often the first point of contact and may be the main...

Intimate partner violence after childbirth: an explanatory sequential mixed-methods study protocol

BackgroundIntimate partner violence (IPV) is the most common form of violence against women. Postpartum IPV refers to any type of IPV that occurs up to one year after childbirth and has many adverse impacts on mothers and their children. Considering the lack of sufficient information on the prevalence and factors related to IPV after childbirth in Iran, this study aimed to evaluate the frequency and severity of IPV, its different forms, and psychosocial factors related to IPV, as well as to explore how IPV is perceived among mothers one year after childbirth.MethodsAn explanatory sequential mixed-methods design was used to conduct this study in two phases. The first phase is a cross-sectional study that will be performed on postpartum mothers who have a one-year-old child referred to health care centers in the southern region of Tehran, Iran, with the aim of determining the prevalence of IPV and its related factors. The second phase is a qualitative conventional content analysis study with the purpose of exploring women’s experiences and perceptions of IPV and its preventive or protective factors. Purposive sampling will be used. Based on the results of the quantitative phase, mothers who are at the two ends of the IPV spectrum (based on their total Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS-2) scores) will be selected, and in-depth and semistructured interviews will be conducted with them. Finally, the researchers will provide an interpretation of the quantitative results using qualitative data.DiscussionThis is the first study that uses a mixed methods approach to explain different dimensions of IPV, its related factors, and mothers' perceptions of it. By providing a better understanding of this phenomenon, it is hoped that the results of this research will be used by policymakers and officials of educational and cultural systems to plan and provide effective interventions, enact laws, and present educational and cultural programs to prevent IPV after childbirth.Ethical codeIR.TUMS.FNM.REC1400.200.

“Trying to write a story together”: general practitioners’ perspectives on culturally sensitive care

BackgroundCulturally sensitive care is integral to effective and equitable healthcare delivery, necessitating an understanding and acknowledgment of patients’ cultural needs, preferences, and expectations. This study investigates the perceptions of cultural sensitivity among general practitioners (GPs), focusing on their intentions, willingness and perceived responsibilities in providing care tailored to cultural needs.MethodsIn-depth interviews were conducted with 21 Flemish GPs to explore their perspectives on culturally sensitive care. Data analysis followed a conventional qualitative content analysis approach within a constructivist framework. A coding scheme was developed to identify recurring themes and patterns in the GPs’ responses.ResultsFindings reveal that culturally sensitive care provision is perceived as a multifaceted process, initiated by an exploration phase where GPs inquire about patients’ cultural needs and preferences. Two pivotal factors shaping culturally sensitive care emerged: patients’ specific cultural expectations and GPs’ perceived responsibilities. These factors guided the process of culturally sensitive care towards three distinct outcomes, ranging from complete adaptation to patients’ cultural requirements driven by a high sense of responsibility, through negotiation and compromise, to a paternalistic approach where GPs expect patients to conform to GPs’ values and expectations. Three typologies of GPs in providing culturally sensitive care were identified: genuinely culturally sensitive, surface-level culturally sensitive, and those perceiving diversity as a threat. Stereotyping and othering persist in healthcare, underscoring the importance of critical consciousness and cultural reflexivity in providing patient-centered and equitable care.ConclusionsThis study emphasizes the significance of empathy and underscores the necessity for GPs to embrace the exploration and acknowledgement of patients’ preferences and cultural needs as integral aspects of their professional role. It highlights the importance of shared decision-making, critical consciousness, cultural desire and empathy. Understanding these nuances is essential for enhancing culturally sensitive care and mitigating healthcare disparities.

Comps: Content analysis of doctoral comprehensive exam policies and procedures

AbstractThe doctoral comprehensive exam is a common benchmark in counselor education doctoral programs. The current study examined policies and procedures for comprehensive exams in CACREP‐accredited counselor education doctoral programs. Using conventional qualitative content analysis, researchers analyzed CACREP‐accredited doctoral program student handbooks to determine common practices for conducting comprehensive exams.

Qualitative exploration of sexual dysfunction and associated coping strategies among Iranian prostate cancer survivors.

Our understanding of the experiences of prostate cancer survivors regarding their sexual life and related issues remains limited. Therefore, this study aimed to explore sexual dysfunction and associated coping strategies among Iranian prostate cancer survivors. A qualitative study was undertaken. Participants were 15 Iranian prostate cancer survivors chosen using purposeful sampling. Data collection involved conducting in-depth semi-structured interviews, followed by the utilization of the conventional qualitative content analysis method for data analysis. Three themes were developed: (a) suspension of sexual life-treatment for prostate cancer significantly impacted participants' sexual lives; (b) emotional resilience and psychological coping strategies-various psychological strategies were used to tackle sexual dysfunction; (c) efforts to regain sexual function-several strategies were applied to enhance sexual performance. Our study findings provide insights into the experiences of prostate cancer survivors and subsequent shifts in their sexual dynamics and coping with the disease. Healthcare providers should actively identify patients' concerns and develop culturally tailored care strategies to address sexual challenges and improve coping among prostate cancer survivors.

Exploring factors affecting the unsafe behavior of health care workers’ in using respiratory masks during COVID-19 pandemic in Iran: a qualitative study

BackgroundThe use of respiratory masks has been one of the most important measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, correct and safe use of breathing masks is vital. The purpose of this study was to exploring factors affecting the unsafe behavior of health care workers’ in using respiratory masks during the COVID-19 pandemic in Iran.MethodsThis study was carried out using the conventional qualitative content analysis. Participants were the number of 26 health care workers selected by purposive sampling method. Data collection was conducted through in-depth semi-structured interviews. Data analysis was done using the content analysis approach of Graneheim and Lundman. This study aligns with the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) checklist and was conducted between December 2021 and April 2022.ResultsThe factors affecting the unsafe behavior of health care workers while using respiratory masks were divided into 3 main categories and 8 sub-categories. Categories included discomfort and pain (four sub-categories of headache and dizziness, skin discomfort, respiratory discomfort, feeling hot and thirsty), negative effect on performance (four sub-categories of effect on physical function, effect on cognitive function, system function vision, and hearing), and a negative effect on the mental state (two subcategories of anxiety and depression).ConclusionThe findings can help identify and analyze possible scenarios to reduce unsafe behaviors at the time of using breathing masks. The necessary therapeutic and preventive interventions regarding the complications of using masks, as well as planning to train personnel for the correct use of masks with minimal health effects are suggested.