Descriptive Phenomenological Research Research Articles

Factors Impacting ART Adherence among HIV-Positive Older Adolescents and Younger Adults in Namibia: A Qualitative Analysis

Background Namibia, like many sub-Saharan African countries, faces the challenges of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) affecting diverse age groups. However, the demographic group of older adolescents and younger adults, specifically those aged 15-24, faces distinct challenges in terms of psychological, sociocultural, and healthcare-related factors that impact their adherence to Antiretroviral Treatment (ART). It is important to conduct further research to investigate these specific challenges and address them effectively. Aim This paper aimed to investigate factors impacting adherence to ART medication among Older Adolescents (OA) and Younger Adults Living with HIV (YALHIV) in the seven high-burden regions in Namibia. Objective The objective of this study was to explore and describe the factors that influence adherence to ART medication among older adolescents and younger adults living with HIV to provide valuable insights to inform the development of evidence-based HIV programs that can effectively address the adherence challenges in this particular population. Methods A qualitative descriptive phenomenology research design was followed, utilising an in-depth interview to capture the experiences of older adolescents and younger adults living with HIV. Participants were recruited from healthcare facilities across Namibia, ensuring a diverse sample in terms of gender, socio-economic status, and urban-rural representation. A purposive sampling technique was employed to select 29 participants who were willing to take part in the study and data saturation was achieved with this sample size. The interviews were telephonically recorded with the permission of the participants. The researcher used Colaizzi's six steps for phenomenological study to analyze the data. Results The study reveals four main themes that contribute to adherence issues in OALHIV and YALHIV and include patients-related factors, family-related factors, facility and healthcare providers-related factors, and community and socio-cultural characteristics-related factors. Conclusion The study sheds light on factors affecting adherence to ART among OALHIV and YALHIV. It emphasizes the necessity of comprehensive interventions addressing personal, sociocultural, economic, and healthcare challenges for their well-being. Future research and policies should focus on tailored interventions based on these diverse findings.

Ethnographic Study on Marriage Practices of Selected Groups in Socorro Surigao Del Norte, Philippines

This study aimed to determine and explore the marriage practices of the selected groups in Socorro, Surigao del Norte. The researcher believed that incorporating these ethnographic marriage practices on values education and ethics would help to understand the sociological, anthropological, and cultural concept of marriage and thus improve the family and society. This study used the Descriptive Phenomenological Research Approach using the Husserl method, as illustrated by Groenewald (2004), with transcribed semi-structured in-depth one-on-one interviews to explore the marriage practices of the selected group in Socorro, Surigao del Norte. A purposive sampling technique was used to find the eight (8) selected identified participants who are leaders, elders, and core members of the tribal group of Iglesia sa Socorro. Thematic analysis was used to determine the themes of the study. Based on the emerging themes, tribal migration and fanatic ideology were the primary historical background of the group's marriage practices. Findings revealed that the marriage practices of the selected groups of Socorro are based upon six emerging themes: customs, beliefs, bylaws, prohibitions, abuses, and trends.Marriage practices and customs are the ceremonial observance and procedures of the group. Beliefs are the faith and convictions of the tribes. Marriage practices, according to bylaws, are the rules and regulations. Prohibitions on marriage practices are the forbidden actions and rules on marriage practices. Abuses of marriage practices are the misuse, exploitation, and perversion of the customs. At the same time, the trending practices on marriage pertain to the new craze or mania observed or confirmed from outside the tribal norms in these current times. Marriage practices based on customs, beliefs, bylaws, and prohibitions are indigenous in traditions. In contrast, abuses of marriage practices and trending marriage practices are products of extremist viewpoints and conformation to outside traditions. They may result in dire consequences, including the destruction of marriage and, thus, the family.

Experiences and preferences of truth-telling in families of children with cancer: A phenomenological study

ObjectiveThe delivery of bad news is an unpleasant but necessary medical procedure. However, few studies have addressed the experiences and preferences of the families of school-aged children with cancer when they are informed of the children's condition. This study aimed to explore families of school-age children with cancer for their preferences and experiences of truth-telling. MethodsThis descriptive phenomenological qualitative research was conducted using focus group interviews ​and semistructured interview guidelines were adopted for in-depth interviews. Fifteen families participated in the study. The data were analyzed using Colaizzi's analysis. Data were collected from August 2019 to May 2020. ResultsThe study identified two major themes: “caught in a dilemma” and “kind and comprehensive team support.” The first major theme focused on families' experiences with cancer truth-telling. Three sub-themes emerged: (1) cultural aspects of cancer disclosure, (2) decision-making regarding informing pediatric patients about their illness, and (3) content of disclosure after weighing the pros and cons. The second major theme, which revealed families’ preferences for delivering bad news, was classified into three sub-themes: (1) have integrity, (2) be realistic, and (3) be supportive. ConclusionsThis study underscores the dilemma encountered by the families of children with cancer after disclosure and their inclination toward receiving comprehensive information and continuous support. Health care personnel must improve their truth-telling ability in order to better address the needs of such families and to provide continuous support throughout the truth-telling process.

Emergency nurses' experience in caring for unidentified patients: A qualitative study

ObjectiveTo describe and analyse emergency nurses' experiences of caring for unidentified patients, and to provide a basis for constructing processes and standards of care for unidentified patients in the emergency department. MethodsThis study is a descriptive phenomenological research that utilized purposive sampling. Sixteen emergency department nurses, who cared for unidentified patients between June and September 2023, were selected for semi-structured face-to-face interviews. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi's 7-step method to identify and refine themes. ResultsThree themes were distilled: (1) increased workload, (2) increased mental stress at work, and (3) material needs and external environmental support. ConclusionEmergency nurses have more complex negative emotional experiences when dealing with unidentified patients and want more external support to cope with such patients. Hospital administrators should pay full attention to nurses' caregiving experiences and provide positive interventions.

비수도권 대학생들의 진로 불안 극복과 진로결정 자기효능감 형성에 관한 현상학적 연구

This research is a phenomenological study on career anxiety, coping mechanisms, and career decision-making Self-Efficacy self-efficacy among university Students in the PK Area. This study analyzed the content of the career anxiety experienced by the study participants, as well as analyzing the overcoming of it and the development of career self-efficacy. Participants consisted of 11 students attending a non-metropolitan university. Using Colaizzi’s (1978) descriptive phenomenological research methods, the researcher conducted 1:1 in-depth interviews with the participants to construct the data. Because of the data analysis, 33 sub-components were selected. The researchers presented these as 11 components. Lastly, these components were reorganized into four categories namely “successful job experience in a non-metropolitan area,” “job role modeling,” “motivation in a harsh environment,” and “physical and emotional arousal.” According to the results, the category of successful job experience, as a component of overcoming career anxiety, led to a sense of challenge and enthusiasm. In terms of job role modeling, the participants set their role models and made a continuous effort to successfully perform their roles. As for motivation, most participants relieved their anxiety on their own by actively and positively strengthening their motivation. Finally, the participants positively utilized stress through physical and emotional arousal, maintained a healthy state of body and mind, and developed a sense of career self-efficacy. Based on the research results, we discussed recalling success experiences, cultivating strength to overcome career anxiety, role modeling, motivation, and physical and emotional awakening. Based on this, suggestions were made for a program to connect with graduating seniors in college career guidance, a counseling system that can connect motivation enhancement to behavioral strategies, and an approach to maintain a state of physical calm to relieve anxiety.

A Phenomenological Exploration on Three Skill Area for Employment: Industry Practitioners’ Insights

Career readiness among graduates has become an intense focus for higher learning institutions. With the increasing reliance on technology, digital literacy cannot be the only skill that matters in the workplace. Employers and industry leaders became more vocal in highlighting the inability of graduates to confront the skill mismatch and imbalance between the university and fundamental work skills. Along with declining labour markets and the devaluation of degree qualifications as among the impacts of the COVID-19 slump and digitalization, universities are pressured to enhance their graduates’ employability. The study aims to explore the debatable work skills through the lived experiences of industry practitioners. The exploration provides a possible framework for work-demand-driven education. A descriptive phenomenological research design was employed to gain an in-depth understanding of the practical skills at work as demanded by the practitioners. A two-tiered method of interviews was employed to establish the context, relay specific details of the participants’ experiences, and contemplate the meaning of their experiences. Results show that a mainstream discourse describes human skills (communication), technical skills, and conceptual skills that help employees thrive in their careers in the brittle, anxious, nonlinear, and incomprehensible (BANI-world) new age of work. Finally, a suggested framework to promote future work skills-related learning is provided for higher staff and learners of higher education.

Exploring the barriers and facilitators of palliative care in the adult intensive care unit from nurses' perspectives in China: A qualitative study.

Intensive care units (ICUs) in China primarily focus on active rescue efforts, and it is not common to provide palliative care services within the ICU. As nurses play a primary role as caregivers for end-of-life patients in the ICU, it is necessary to explore the factors that impede or facilitate palliative care from their perspective. To explore the barriers and facilitators associated with implementing palliative care in Chinese adult ICUs from nurses' perspectives. This study utilized a descriptive phenomenological research approach and purposive sampling to conduct face-to-face semi-structured interviews with nurses working in adult ICUs from three comprehensive hospitals in China during the period between February and May 2023. A total of 17 nurses were interviewed, and the collected data were transcribed, coded, and synthesized thematically. Two themes of barriers and facilitators of palliative care in the Chinese adult ICU were extracted. The three sub-themes of hindering factors are as follows: (1) The influence of Chinese traditional culture. (2) The specificity of the ICU context. (3) Lacking sufficient attention in the ICU. The three sub-themes of the promoting factors are as follows: (1) Government and society value palliative care. (2) Patients and their families have palliative care needs. (3) Nurses view palliative care positively. Currently, integrating palliative care into the ICU may face challenges such as cultural factors, the specificity of the ICU context, and insufficient attention. However, it is worth noting that as the government and society place more emphasis on palliative care, more and more people are gradually paying attention to the palliative care needs of critically ill patients and their families. This study serves as a reference for exploring an ICU palliative care service model that is suitable for China's national conditions, such as education and training, resource allocation, service processes, and the palliative care environment, among others.

The Psychosocial Benefits of Biblioguidance Book Clubs.

Pedagogical approaches that support young people's well-being and maximize their potential are among the Journal of School Health research priorities. A unique form of observational learning called biblioguidance could be a pedagogical approach. We, a team of researchers and teachers, implemented biblioguidance book clubs with 10th-grade health education students. While the initial focus was health literacy skills, we also aimed to generate psychosocial benefits. Those benefits are the focus of the current descriptive phenomenological research. A final book club reflection captured the benefits students received and documented their transformation. We randomly selected 42 reflections from the sample pool (n = 168) and coded them via descriptive document analysis. The results indicate that the book clubs provided psychosocial benefits. Students identified with the stories and characters, gained insight into others' perspectives, lived experiences, and "ways of the world," and were, in many ways, transformed. Some students even experienced catharsis, citing hope, validation, and feeling less alone. Biblioguidance book clubs could offer an innovative pedagogical approach to advance students' psychosocial well-being and engage them as active participants in their own learning and health.

Investigating the Impacts of Compulsive Sexual Behaviours on Women Using Descriptive Phenomenology: A Research Agenda

Abstract Introduction Sexual addiction (SA) and compulsive sexual behaviour (CSB) are concepts used to characterise a nascent field of research and phenomena that can have major personal, relational, and psychological effects on individuals, their intimate relationships, and society. Impacts are manifold and may include emotional, relational, physical, sexual, and/or spiritual consequences. Literary analysis suggests that there is a wide knowledge gap in systematic in-depth qualitative studies that examine the lived experiences of impacted women. Methods This conceptual paper presents a blueprint for qualitative research into female partner well-being following the discovery or disclosure of SA/CSBs by their male partners. After three years of collecting data (2021–2023), the prototype has been refined to the point where the descriptive phenomenology research design merits in-depth coverage of its constituent elements. Results and Contribution The qualitative methodologies of this paper were developed to give voice to and better comprehend this understudied demographic. This methodological article advances qualitative knowledge creation in an emergent field of investigation, offering prospects for healing and recovery for individuals and relationships. Conclusions This paper presents a comprehensive research design rather than any data or findings. This focus is intended and offers new prospects to build a nascent field of investigation. More specifically, other research may benefit from either adopting and/or adapting similar methodological approaches that examine the essences of human lived experiences. This paper lays the foundation for an important future research agenda. Policy Implications The research methodological design presented in this paper is suited to facilitate social policy development through targeted strategies that may better validate and deliver more appropriate care to women in need. More specifically, by applying the approaches presented in this paper to the in-depth study of SA/CSB-impacted intimate partners, there is an opportunity to promote social consciousness, enhance empathy, and advance this field of investigation.

Implications of Ecofeminism in Efforts to Preserve the Environment of Coastal Settlements

Coastal ecofeminism is women's concern for the environmental conditions of coastal settlements which are synonymous with slum settlements. The aim of this research is to analyze the implications of ecofeminism in efforts to preserve the coastal settlement environment in terms of ecological, psychological, economic, social, cultural and disaster mitigation aspects. The research object is the coastal settlements of Kendal Regency which stretches from Tawang to Kaliwungu. The research subjects are the coastal communities of Kendal Regency, communities and related agencies. This research uses descriptive qualitative phenomenological research methods to present the results of observations, interviews and field documentation. The results obtained in this research are that coastal ecofeminism needs to be supported by all parties so that there is sustainability. In the ecological, cultural and disaster mitigation aspects, ecofeminism needs to be supported so that the sustainability of coastal settlements is maintained. In the economic aspect, society needs strengthening and policies for business and MSME development. In the psychological aspect, women are given psychological protection and counseling, especially those who have experienced trauma healing from domestic violence or broken homes.

Dynamics of the Emergence of Solidarity among Farmers in Trisik Galur Kulonprogo Hamlet

Solidarity in an area that is left behind is very important because individuals are in an area that is an area that is left behind from several other areas around it. Farmers previously had to face a life that could be said to be very deprived, difficult challenges and obstacles in living their lives, such as insults from outside and sometimes rejection, lack of resources, and living a life of deprivation. This research focuses on the depiction of teacher persistence in the coastal areas of Berareh Island. This research uses snowball sampling with three recommended subjects. This research uses qualitative methods with descriptive phenomenological research (PFD). The data collection technique used was observation and semi-structured interviews. The data analysis technique used is phenomenological analysis with Giorgi's six stages. Based on the findings of the synthesis themes through descriptive phenomenological analysis (DPA), three essential themes were found from the three participants, namely Solidarity, Unity, and Helping.
 Keywords : solidarity, farmer, Trisik

New Normal Era: Blended Learning Experience from the Lens of the Student Nurses

Purpose of the Study: This research aims to explore student nurses' experience with blended learning since it is new to the nursing school system in the Philippines. Furthermore, its goal is to discover students' voices dealing with blended learning. Research Method: The study utilized a qualitative descriptive phenomenological research design. It aims to understand and interpret emotionally laden topics. The investigation uncovers what a lived experience means to the individual through in-depth interviews. The researcher conducted this study according to ethical principles to avoid potential participant harm. The School's Research Ethics Committee reviewed the manuscript and granted authorization approval. The research team ensured the participants' privacy throughout the study by maintaining confidentiality for all collected data. Each participant was assigned a code to uphold confidentiality. In this study, ten (10) participants were interviewed via zoom and the transcripts were analyzed using the Giorgi method of thematic analysis. Findings: The ten (10) transcripts yielded four hundred forty-seven (447) significant statements, four hundred ninety-five (495) final codes, fourteen (14) subthemes, and finally, two (2) emergent themes, namely: 1) The future of Nursing Education through adaptation, innovation, and revolutionary learning and 2) Blended learning empowers diversity of learners. Implications: Based on the findings, teaching strategies heavily affect students' interaction, engagement, and attentiveness. Safe learning environments, rest or comfort at home, affordability, and reduced travel time are the advantages of using blended learning strategies for online learning, while simulations, schedules, reduced travel time, actual clinical exposures, and improved knowledge retention are the benefits of using blended learning strategies for face-to-face learning while fragile internet access, meeting deadlines for requirements, increased costs, teachers' differing approaches to handling requirements, schedule conflicts, and getting up early in the morning are challenges for student nurses using blended learning methodologies. Hence, creating a more equitable and effective system that benefits everyone is by transforming education and care through innovation and inclusion.

Integration of Virtual Laboratories in eLearning: Enhancing Science Education amidst COVID-19 Pandemic

It is evident that education must continue despite the health crisis that the success of virtual laboratories during the new normal education presents a significant challenge for both instructors and students. The study determined the experiences of eight Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Science students of the Bukidnon State University, College of Education, in virtual laboratory activities amid the COVID-19 pandemic during the academic year 2020-2021. Since the focus of this qualitative action research is on learners' experiences in science-related activities, Husserl's descriptive phenomenological research approach was employed. The open-ended questions were taken from Reece's (2015) study and adjusted accordingly. Interviews were conducted using an online platform to gather data. To draw conclusions about the learning experiences that the students had while participating in the virtual laboratory, the researchers used qualitative descriptions that made use of themes and frames to examine the students' responses. Six overarching themes emerged from the data, including learner autonomy, the need for preparation for lab activities, evidence of student learning, presentation, teamwork, and a desire to learn science. Furthermore, a virtual laboratory saves money and time for both teachers and students while also being safe and offering an alternate place. It gives students a ton of opportunities to explore online simulations. To bridge the learning gaps left by the pandemic and create a suitable learning environment for students, virtual laboratory integration is a calculated approach. As a result, it provides a positive and adaptable learning environment that helped students understand the significance of science and technology and how crucial it is to create a safer community.

Women healthcare professionals’ COVID-19 experiences from a gender perspective: A qualitative study

Women make up most of the health sector workers. Women healthcare professionals are adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic because they have to ensure their own safety in hospitals and provide care to their family members at the same time. Therefore, it is vital to address their challenges as they juggle work and family. However, there is a few research on the impact of gender on the challenges of being a women healthcare professional. This paper investigated the experiences and gendered challenges of being a women healthcare professional in the COVID-19 quarantine ward of a hospital. This qualitative study adopted a descriptive phenomenological research design. Data were collected from thirteen women healthcare professionals working in the COVID-19 quarantine ward, through in-depth semi-structured individual interviews. All interviews were transcribed and thematically analyzed using Giorgi's four-step phenomenological method. The data revealed three main themes: (1) individual effects, (2) work life, and (3) gendered challenges. Participants stated that working in a COVID-19 quarantine ward adversely affected their mental and physical health, self-care, housework, and family and social lives. Participants also noted that although working at a COVID-19 quarantine ward was challenging and exhausting, it allowed them to get professional satisfaction and develop professional skills. Gender inequality exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic had an adverse impact on women healthcare professionals. Therefore, the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic should also target gender inequality.

Nursing students' processes of taking role models and being role models: A descriptive phenomenological study

BackgroundRole models are frequently viewed as a means of motivating people to adopt new behaviors and inspiring them to establish ambitious targets. Role models play a significant role in the characters of individuals and can be effective in shaping their career choices, education, and identities. Within the nursing profession, role models are integral to nursing students' journey towards understanding the nursing role and professional responsibility. For this reason, it is very important for nursing students to identify role models that support the development of students growth and development. ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the qualities of nurses who serve as role models for senior undergraduate nursing students in shaping their professional attitudes and behaviors, identify the motivations behind selecting these individuals as role models. DesignA descriptive phenomenological research method was used. SettingsThe research was conducted at a state university nursing school. ParticipantsThe study was conducted with the participation of 16 senior nursing students. MethodsData collected from one-on-one interviews. A thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. ResultsStudent nurses mostly took clinical nurses and lecturers as professional role models. They were most impressed by their role models' knowledge, strong communication skills, and respect for human beings. To imitate their role models, students were willing to work in the clinic to improve their communication and psychomotor abilities and engaged in research and inquiry in areas where they felt insufficient. However, they also reported that most clinical nurses were not positive role models. They avoided taking nurses as role models because they had low communication skills, did not guide the student, and did not value human beings. ConclusionsThe study's findings indicated that student nurses were primarily influenced by clinical nurses and viewed them as both positive and negative role models, and they aspired to emulate the qualities of the nurses they considered positive role models while actively avoiding behaviors and traits associated with those seen as negative role models. Clinical nurses, who are in contact with prospective nurses the most, have an important role in guiding them.

Sexual Behaviors and Intimate Relationships of Sexual Partners of Young Patients with Early-Stage Cervical Cancer: A Qualitative Study.

This study aimed to explore the sexual behaviors and intimate relationships of sexual partners of young patients with cervical cancer. This study employed a descriptive phenomenological research design, which falls within the realm of qualitative research methods. Qualitative research typically utilizes interview techniques for gathering participants' experiences, perceptions, and behaviors. This study conduct face-to-face semi-structured interviews with the sexual partners of 15 young cervical cancer patients receiving cancer treatment to collect their experiences and perspectives on intimate relationships and sexual behavior with cervical cancer patients, and use the Colaizzi method for data analysis. Four themes were identified through the interview analysis: (1) reduction or absence of sexual behavior, (2) unpleasant sexual experiences, (3) adjustment of intimate relationships, and (4) lack of sexual health education. The sexual partners of young cervical cancer patients have experienced significant shifts in their perspectives on sexual behavior and intimate relationships. These changes include reduction or absence of sexual behavior, unpleasant sexual experiences, adjustment of intimate relationships, and lack of sexual health education. Hospitals should pay more attention to the sexual behavior and intimate relationships of patients with cervical cancer and their sexual partners, and social support systems and psychological and emotional counselling services should be established for providing relevant knowledge and guidance.

Exploring Community Participation in Prevention and Care of Tuberculosis from Patients’, Healthcare Providers’ and Community Member’s Perspective, In Wolayta Zone, SNNPR, Ethiopia. A Qualitative Study

Background: In developing countries, tuberculosis (TB) continues to be the major cause of morbidity and mortality. To reduce the loss of lives and economical burden that TB poses up on citizens, early case detection and successful treatment of infected cases are very essential mainly with active community participation in prevention and care of TB. This study was aimed to explore community participation in prevention and care of TB in Wolayta Zone of SNNPR, Ethiopia. Method: Descriptive phenomenological research methodology was employed in the study. A total 24 participants were chosen using purposive sampling technique. Participants in the study were from various sections of society. Of these, 14 were TB patients on TB treatment and former TB patients who were recovered, 8 were health professionals and 2 were Key Informants which were selected from the community to provide key information. Data were gathered through focus groups and in-depth interviews. Using the Open Code and Colaizi 7 steps of descriptive phenomenological method data analysis was used. Interviews were audio recorded, verbatim transcribed, translated, and exhaustive description was written. Results: Community participation in prevention and care of TB in study area was high. Preventive participation and supportive participations were identified and these participations have their own goals in TB prevention and care. Preventive participation has focused on early case finding strategies like referring the suspect cases for TB diagnosis and contact tracing. Supportive participation has focused on treatment success such physical, economical, psychological and social supports which increase the patients adherence to treatment and as result increases treatment success rate. Conclusion. Our study revealed highto moderate community participation in tuberculosis prevention and care in the the study area. The finding is that the TB prevention and care strategy for eliminating TB will be operationally effective. In cumulative effect, the region might be able to meet the WHO's recommendations for the community TB prevention and care plan, which call for case notification of more than 70% and an 85% success rate for treatment and all seek to eliminating TB by 2030. Therefore, the study emphasizes the necessity for effective communication to be established between community and the health institutions. To further raise TB notification and treatment success rates, all feasible methods of utilizing community participation in TB care are advised.

The patients' lived experiences with equitable nursing care.

Equitable care is a fundamental value in the nursing profession. Healthcare workers have both a moral and professional duty to ensure that they do not discriminate. This study aimed to explore how patients perceive equitable nursing care. This descriptive phenomenological qualitative research study used purposeful sampling to select 17 patients from various departments of a general hospital in southern Iran. The participants were then interviewed using a semi-structured in-depth interview format, which aimed to delve into their experiences with equitable nursing care. The collected data were analyzed using Colaizzi's seven-step method and MAXQDA20 software. Oral and written information about the study was provided before the participants gave their written consent. The transcribed interviews were de-identified. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Jiroft University of Medical Sciences. The data analysis of the study identified three main themes and six subthemes that were related to the experiences of patients with equitable nursing care. The first theme, equitable care, encompassed subthemes such as nurses' dedicated efforts to facilitate patient recovery and adherence to ethical behavior. The second theme, unconscious causes of inequitable nursing care, included subthemes such as unintentional discrimination stemming from organizational constraints and unconscious biases resulting from a lack of knowledge and skills. The third theme, discriminatory care, comprised subthemes such as deliberate discrimination based on personal traits and selective discrimination. The study findings indicate that achieving equitable nursing care requires a multifaceted approach. This includes effective hospital management, organizational reforms, and regulatory enhancements. Additionally, it is crucial to pay close attention to the needs of patients, enhance nurses' theoretical and practical skills in providing equitable care, fostering a culture of equality within healthcare settings, and consider the personality dimensions and moral characteristics of nurses.

Perceived Roles and Barriers in Delivering Community-Based Care: A Qualitative Study of Health and Social Care Professionals.

As healthcare systems increasingly embrace population health management, the integration of health and social care to improve the health and well-being of individuals is crucial. Thus, we conducted a qualitative study in Singapore to understand health and social care professionals' (HCPs and SCPs) perception of the roles they played in delivering community-based care. A descriptive phenomenological research design was adopted. HCPs and SCPs (n = 53) providing services in community settings were recruited purposefully and interviewed through eleven focus group discussions. Each session was recorded and transcribed. Thematic analysis was applied. Our results revealed eight themes in three main categories describing the roles played by HCPs and SCPs, including: (1) delivering needs-based care in community settings; (2) activating and empowering clients in health care, and (3) fostering community-based sustainable support networks. Six barriers encountered while performing these roles were also identified. Our results highlight that the roles of HCPs and SCPs go beyond the provision of direct medical and social care. They were involved in activating and empowering clients to take care of their health, and importantly, fostering community-based sustainable support networks to better empower individuals in coping with health challenges. The identified barriers shed light on areas for potential improvements for integrated community care.

'There is always good fortune in misfortune to encourage us in coping with difficulties'-The lived experiences of family caregivers of people with dementia during the COVID-19 outbreak in China: A phenomenological study.

To describe the lived experiences of family caregivers of individuals with dementia during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in China. This study used a descriptive phenomenological research method. Between May and September 2021, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 family caregivers of people with dementia. Colaizzi's method was used for manual analysis. Qualitative data revealed an overarching experience of finding 'There is always good fortune in misfortune to encourage us in coping with difficulties'. Three themes emerged: family reactions to the COVID-19 outbreak, feeling supported by multiple resources performing respective functions and resilient adaptation to new situations. During the COVID-19 outbreak, family caregivers of people living with dementia in China looked for positive aspects among difficulties and experienced corresponding reactions, social support resources and resilient adapted coping styles. Nurses in China and other countries facing similar pandemic characteristics, cultures or economic development levels, can guide family caregivers to look at family hardships from a positive perspective, develop interventions to rapidly respond to families' reactions after a disaster and help them identify social support resources and form adapted coping styles. We identified the resilience and the positive experiences of Chinese family caregivers of individuals with dementia during the COVID-19 outbreak. The results can inform countries with similar cultures and economic levels, offering measures to support their adaptation to pandemics. This study followed the COREQ guidelines. Family caregivers of people with dementia who met the inclusion criteria and who were interested in sharing their understanding of their experiences, participated in the study.