Descriptive Phenomenological Study Research Articles

Nursing Care Experiences of People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA): A Phenomenological Study from the West of Iran

IntroductionNursing care for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) can be challenging and is dependent on the context. However, there is a lack of information about nurses’ experiences in caring for PLWHA in the western region of Iran. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the experiences of nurses in caring for PLWHA in Kermanshah, Iran. MethodsIn this qualitative descriptive phenomenological study, data were gathered via semi-structured, in-depth interviews. The sample comprised 15 nurses employed at hospitals affiliated with Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, selected through purposive sampling. Colaizzi's seven-step method was employed to analyze the data, and MAXQDA 10 software was used for data management. ResultsIn this study, we obtained 579 codes and four main themes of "caring with fear", "Care ethics", "protective precautions" and "duality of feeling ". ConclusionAccording to the results, nurses confront numerous difficulties, challenges, fears, and stress when dealing with PLWHA. Participants’ perceptions and practical experiences of AIDS patients enable patients to receive appropriate and high-quality care and provide valuable insights for nursing managers to enhance the preparedness of HIV ward nurses. To gain a comprehensive understanding of HIV nursing care, nurses require further education and awareness on this subject.

Experiences With mHealth Use Among Patient-Caregiver Dyads With Chronic Heart Failure: Qualitative Study.

Chronic heart failure has become a serious threat to the health of the global population, and self-management is key to treating chronic heart failure. The emergence of mobile health (mHealth) provides new ideas for the self-management of chronic heart failure in which the informal caregiver plays an important role. Current research has mainly studied the experiences with using mHealth among patients with chronic heart failure from the perspective of individual patients, and there is a lack of research from the dichotomous perspective. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences with mHealth use among patients with chronic heart failure and their informal caregivers from a dichotomous perspective. This descriptive phenomenological study from a post-positivist perspective used a dyadic interview method, and face-to-face semistructured interviews were conducted with patients with chronic heart failure and their informal caregivers. Data were collected and managed using NVivo 12 software, and data analysis used thematic analysis to identify and interpret participants' experiences and perspectives. The thematic analysis included familiarizing ourselves with the data, generating initial codes, searching for themes, reviewing themes, defining and naming themes, and producing the report. A total of 14 dyads of patients with chronic heart failure and their informal caregivers (13 men and 15 women) participated in this study, including 3 couples and 11 parent-child pairs. We constructed 4 key themes and their subthemes related to the experiences with mHealth use: (1) opposing experiences with mHealth as human interaction or trauma (great experience with mHealth use; trauma), (2) supplement instead of replacement (it is useful but better as a reference; offline is unavoidable sometimes), (3) both agreement and disagreement over who should be the adopter of mHealth (achieving consensus regarding who should adopt mHealth; conflict occurs when considering patients as the adopter of mHealth), (4) for better mHealth (applying mHealth with caution; suggestions for improved mHealth). This study reported that the experiences with mHealth use among patients with chronic heart failure and their informal caregivers were mixed, and it highlighted the human touch of mHealth and the importance of network security. These results featured mHealth as a complement to offline hospitals rather than a replacement. In the context of modern or changing Chinese culture, we encourage patients to use mHealth by themselves and their informal caregivers to provide help when necessary. In addition, we need to use mHealth carefully, and future mHealth designs should focus more on ease of use and be oriented more toward older adults.

The Experiences of Women and Other Minoritized Engineering Students at HBCUs: A Descriptive Phenomenological Study

This article explores the unique experiences and challenges faced by women, African Americans, Hispanic/Latino, Native Americans/Alaskan Natives (AHN) AHN students pursuing an engineering degree program. Drawing from existing research and literature, the article examines issues such as underrepresentation, biases, and stereotypes that can impact the academic and professional experiences of these students. It also highlights strategies and resources that women and AHN students utilize to navigate these challenges and succeed in the field of engineering. The purpose of this phenomenological descriptive qualitative study is to explore AHN engineering students' experiences as they pursued their engineering programs, and to contribute to efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in the engineering profession.

Structural barriers and facilitators to accessing HIV services for marginalized working populations: Insights from farm workers in South Africa.

Farm workers are a vulnerable working population that face significant inequalities in accessing health services, including those for HIV prevention, treatment, and care. This descriptive phenomenological study aimed to explore farm workers' experiences when accessing HIV services, and was conducted in Limpopo province, South Africa. Eighteen in-depth interviews (IDIs) were conducted in four health facilities from two districts, and two focus group discussions (FDGs) were conducted in one of the farms within the province. Purposive and systematic random sampling were used to select study participants. A deductive thematic approach was used to analyze data, informed by the social-ecological model of health. The results reveal that farm workers perceive multiple interdependent factors that inhibit or enable their access to HIV healthcare services. Key barriers to HIV healthcare were transport affordability, health worker attitudes, stigma and discrimination, models of HIV healthcare delivery, geographic location of health facilities, and difficult working conditions. Key facilitators to HIV healthcare included the availability of mobile health services, the presence of community health workers, and a supportive work environment. The findings suggest disparities in farm workers' access to HIV services, with work being the main determinant of access. We, therefore, recommend a review of HIV policies and programs for the agricultural sector, and models of HIV healthcare delivery that address the unique needs of farm workers.

Exploring experiences of mothers of children with thalassemia major in Indonesia: A descriptive phenomenological study.

Thalassemia is a hereditary blood disorder that poses significant challenges for affected children and their families. Caregivers, particularly mothers, often experience difficulties in managing their child's condition. Understanding their current experience is crucial for improving care and support. This study aimed to explore the experiences of mothers caring for children with thalassemia in Banten, Indonesia. A qualitative descriptive approach was employed, involving semi-structured in-depth interviews with eleven mothers of children diagnosed with thalassemia. Data were collected from April to May 2023. The interviews were audio recorded, and the data were analyzed verbatim using Colaizzi's method to identify key themes related to the experiences. Three themes were developed: 1) Perception of thalassemia as a genetic condition, 2) Emotional, logistical, and practical caregiving challenges, and 3) Support received by mothers in caring for children with thalassemia. The findings highlight the multifaceted challenges faced by mothers of children with thalassemia and emphasize the need for improved communication, emotional support, and care coordination from nurses and healthcare providers. Future research should focus on expanding support systems and exploring effective interventions to enhance the quality of life for families navigating the complexities of chronic illness.

Parents’ perception of challenges of caring of children with Epidermolysis bullosa: a qualitative study

ObjectiveThe present study was investigate parents’ experiences of children with Epidermolysis bullosa. So, this descriptive phenomenological qualitative study was conducted on 17 parents of children with EB from five hospitals affiliated with the University of Medical Sciences, west of Iran. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews. COLAIZZI’s method was also used to analyze the data.ResultsThree main themes were extracted in this study: invasion of psychological crisis, alive but no living, and comprehensive support, including 10 categories. The parents of these children are the target of psychological crises that severely reduce their quality of life. In this regard, they need extensive support to improve their living conditions. Therefore, it is suggested to provide cultural and institutional contexts in which all components of the children’s dignity are emphasized.

Implication of Parental Engagement to the Students in Home-School Learning

Parental involvement in home-school learning also helps to strengthen the relationship, fosters greater autonomy and responsibility in children, and flexible learning experiences. This study used a descriptive-phenomenological study that divulged the context of home-school learning during the health crisis brought by COVID-19 among elementary pupils. Ten (10) Grade 4 pupils, currently enrolled in S.Y. 2021-2022 and who had been studying both before and during the pandemic, participated in the interview. Colaizzi's data analysis approach was later used to analyze the interview data. Findings indicated that elementary pupils have a variety of experiences in home-school learning and are also experiencing challenges in home-school learning. The study's findings also revealed the role of their parents during home-school learning by giving them a lot of time teaching the reading and constant follow-ups with their children. The different challenges and experiences in home-school learning were evident in the pupil's responses. Hence, the result of the study also revealed that the pupils had difficulty in reading and writing during home-school learning. Students can benefit from parental support and guidance, which can improve their motivation, attitudes, and communication skills.

Prenatal and Postnatal Opinions and Experiences of Women With Multiple Sclerosis: A Phenomenological Study.

Multiple sclerosis is an irreversible autoimmune disease with significant physical, psychological, and social impacts. Understanding the lived experiences of pregnant women with multiple sclerosis is vital for healthcare professionals to provide better care to these women. This study was designed to explore the lived experiences of pregnant women with multiple sclerosis. A descriptive phenomenological study was conducted at the University of Jaén and included 17 women from different Spanish provinces who were recruited using intentional and snowball sampling methods via national patient associations and social networks. In-depth interviews were conducted, audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using Martins' three steps. The ATLAS.ti 7.0 program was used for data analysis. Two themes and seven subthemes were identified that highlighted the experiences of women in pregnancy with multiple sclerosis: (a) the influence of the disease on the decision to be a mother, with subthemes "The disease determines when to be a mother" and "Considering alternatives to spontaneous pregnancy," and (b) the vision of motherhood with multiple sclerosis, with subthemes "Worry about how the disease can affect the pregnancy," "Worry about how the pregnancy can affect the disease," "Concerns about childbirth," "Difficulty with breastfeeding," and "Worry about the transmission of the disease." Women with multiple sclerosis often face a difficult decision regarding whether to become pregnant. The period of pregnancy and puerperium can be fraught with anxiety, especially in terms of concerns about their ability to raise children. In light of the limited scientific evidence regarding the relationship between multiple sclerosis and pregnancy and the conflicting advice often given to these women, the findings of this study may be used to help improve the quality of the care provided to this population.

Elite track and field athletes’ perspective and experiences of osteopathic treatments: A descriptive phenomenological study

Background and objectivesDespite widespread osteopathic intervention, elite athletes' preferences for osteopathic care remain unclear, with limited evidence on musculoskeletal management. This study aimed to investigate elite track and field athletes’ perspectives on their experiences of osteopathic treatment to inform the development of integrated models of care. MethodsPurposive sampling was used during the enrolment phase. Semi-structured interviews were utilised to obtain data, and they were first piloted on two participants. A descriptive phenomenological method was used to undertake an inductive analysis of the interviews. Three following interviews were carried out to confirm data saturation. ResultsData saturation was reached with 13 participants (female = 6; male = 7). Participants’ ages ranged from 20 to 36 years old. The analysis showed 1 overarching theme, “Elite athletes look for a trusted specialised osteopath in their team to enhance their awareness and pursuit of specific goals,” 3 themes, and 17 categories. Themes were: “Elite athletes perceive the need to build a helping relationship with the osteopath based on trust”, “Elite athletes expect that the increase in body awareness influences the outcome of the osteopathic treatment leading to performance enhancement, injury prevention and biomechanical adjustments” and “Elite athletes are satisfied and feel more self-confident when they have consistent access to a specifically trained osteopath who works in an interdisciplinary team”. ConclusionResults from the present study can lead to quantitative experimental designs for efficacy studies and integrated models of care that take into account, not just organisational and social factors but also technical factors.

A qualitative study to explore the experiences faced by primary caregivers of children with mental illness during the COVID-19 pandemic at the child and adolescent psychiatry OPD

Aim: To explore the lived-in experiences of primary caregivers of children with mental illness while taking care during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methodology: This study is a descriptive phenomenological study. Convenience sampling was used. Data were collected by in-depth interviews of 30 primary caregivers of children with mental illness, during the COVID-19 pandemic. All interviews were audio-recorded and analyzed using a thematic approach. Results: The overall aura of fear and panic brought by the pandemic found its way into the psyche of patients and the development of their illnesses during the pandemic. The entirety of the work brought out three themes and 11 subthemes as categorized for the aim of this study. Conclusion: Primary caregivers of children with mental illness during the COVID-19 pandemic reveal that lifestyle changes, such as online education, confinement, overuse of electronic gadgets, and increased laziness and lethargy in children after prolonged lockdown, were drastic changes which caregivers had to deal with.

Psychological Distress Among Women With Breast Cancer in Saudi Arabia: A Phenomenological Study.

Breast cancer has a negative impact on the psychological status of women.. In Saudi Arabia, there is limited research exploring the experience of women with breast cancer regarding the psychological influence of breast cancer. To explore the experience of women with breast cancer regarding the psychological distress of breast cancer in Saudi Arabia. A descriptive phenomenological study was used. Semi-structured interviews were utilized to gather information from a purposive sample of 11 patients with breast cancer who were receiving treatment at the Princess Noorah Oncology Center (PNOC) at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The study employed thematic analysis to discern significant themes concerning psychological stress. Results: The study revealed that patients' psychological distress was a significant factor influencing their daily lives. This study also revealed four themes: psychological distress from the diagnosis and treatment side effects of breast cancer, daily and work-related activities reduction, the importance of social support, and the coping strategies employed by women with cancer. Breast cancer leads to significant psychological distress. Interventional programs are needed to address the psychological distress that women with cancer experience and provide the necessary support for them to employ positive coping strategies.

Virtual Reality Technology in Nursing Education: A Qualitative Study

ABSTRACTVirtual reality (VR) technology plays a significant role in nursing education by enhancing the quality of training by applying knowledge, decision‐making, intervention completion and feedback. This study aims to examine nursing students' experiences and perceptions regarding the ventrogluteal injection training provided through VR technology. Conducted between May and June 2022, this qualitative descriptive phenomenology study took place at a state university in Turkey, involving 70 students who participated in Ventrogluteal Drug Administration training using VR glasses. The sample included 12 students selected via the Criterion Sampling Method. Data collection tools comprised the ‘Descriptive Information Form’ and a ‘Semi‐Structured Questionnaire’. Qualitative data were analysed using the Content Analysis Method, while quantitative data were assessed through descriptive statistical methods (frequency, percentage, mean). The study identified 13 codes, four sub‐themes and two main themes from the students' evaluations. The first main theme, ‘Weaknesses of Virtual Simulation’, included two sub‐themes: ‘Due to its Nature’ and ‘Due to its Technique’, resulting in five codes. The second main theme, ‘Strengths of Virtual Simulation’, was divided into two sub‐themes: ‘Permanence, Integrity, and Applicability’ and ‘Emotions towards Virtual Simulation’, with eight codes identified. The findings indicate that students view VR technology positively in their education. However, they also highlighted specific issues related to the simulation's technique and inherent nature.

Experiences of Faculty in Nursing Colleges: A Descriptive Phenomenology Study

The future of patient care is being paved by nurse educators, who mentor, teach, and inspire the next generation of novice nurses. Without them, aspiring nurses wouldn't be prepared to handle the constantly shifting needs of the modern, dynamic healthcare system. Nursing faculty needs to be knowledgeable and competent in evidence-based practice, informatics, quality improvement, inter-professional teamwork, and patient-centred care that are delivered with a focus on a culture of safety. As nursing faculties perform multidimensional work with balancing their home environment can create chaos in their life. Hence this aspect lit a spark within us to conduct a qualitative study on Nursing facultiesof southern region of Tamilnadu to analyse their work experiences. Further the study was led by in-depth face to face interview by using semi structured questionnaires. The data saturation was attained with sixteen participants. Colaizzi’s method was incorporated to analyse the data from the nursing faculty. This qualitative study lead a hand for us to showcase various themes like daily routine, job satisfaction, work life balance, interpersonal relationship and difficulties and challenges. There were also various subthemes which gave us insight on work atmosphere of the staff. Hence this study gave us an in-depth knowledge and understanding of individual nursing faculty and improvement so that the work balance could be maintained.

Exploration of Mental Health Elements in Chemsex Behavior: Interventions, Influencing Factors, and Attitudes towards Risk and Harm Reduction in Spain.

A qualitative descriptive phenomenological study was conducted in the community of Madrid, Spain to explore the depth of the chemsex phenomenon through a thematic analysis. Between April and June 2024, interviews were conducted with 15 MSM (gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men) who participate in these practices, using purposive and snowball sampling. three main themes were identified, namely, (T1) contextualization of the practice, (T2) factors associated with chemsex, and (T3) strategies and interventions for risk and harm reduction. Chemsex is a phenomenon that combines sexual practices with substance use in complex social environments, presenting significant risks to physical, mental, and sexual health. It is necessary to implement public health interventions to mitigate these risks.

Navigating Life With Parkinson's Disease: A Focus Group Study on Coping Strategies and Considerations for Self-Management Support.

To investigate the experiences of people with Parkinson's disease in coping with and adapting to their disease and to identify considerations for a tailored self-management support program. A descriptive phenomenological focus group study. Five semi-structured focus groups were conducted between April 2023 and June 2023 in the Netherlands, with 12 people with Parkinson's disease. Two researchers independently performed an inductive content analysis. Three principal categories emerged: (1) Rational realisation versus emotional experience: the coping strategy transition. This category includes three main coping strategies: denial or avoidance coping, acknowledging with less active coping and proactive and task-oriented coping. (2) Factors that influence coping, including mindset and skills, social circles and communication and access to support and care. (3) Considerations for successful self-management of Parkinson's disease, highlighting key areas such as psycho-emotional guidance, nutrition and lifestyle, peer support and maintaining autonomy and sense of identity. Coping and adaptation strategies are individual and dynamic processes, with multiple key or turning points during the transition between strategies. Tailored self-management support can enhance coping abilities during these transitions, fostering adaptation to a life with Parkinson's disease. A patient-focused version of an existing blended self-management support program for family caregivers will be developed, which will be delivered by healthcare professionals. This study can help healthcare professionals tailor support for people with Parkinson's disease, emphasising their role in facilitating coping and adaptation. Enhancing self-management can improve self-efficacy, quality of life and potentially reduce healthcare utilisation in people with Parkinson's disease. Findings are reported according to the COREQ guidelines. Patients and Parkinson's disease experts participated in the preparation and implications of the findings. All participants could contribute to the self-management support program, either through video interviews or content feedback.

Psychosocial experiences of mothers of preterm babies admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of the Upper East Regional Hospital, Bolgatanga: a descriptive phenomenological study

IntroductionThe postnatal period often presents significant psychological and social distress for mothers, a burden that is potentially heightened by having a preterm baby. Mothers of preterm babies face various psychosocial...

Post-Treatment Experiences of Reproductive Concerns Among Young Breast Cancer Survivors: A Descriptive Phenomenological Study

PurposeThe long-term fertility impact of cancer treatments is a significant concern for young breast cancer survivors. These reproductive concerns often become a persistent source of stress, negatively affecting their quality of life. This study aims to explore the reproductive concerns experienced by young breast cancer survivors post-treatment and the factors influencing their perceptions. MethodsThis phenomenological study utilized semi-structured interviews to collect data. Eighteen participants were recruited from a tertiary hospital in Mainland China. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using Colaizzi's method. ResultsData analysis revealed five themes and fourteen subthemes: (1) multiple emotional burdens interwoven with concerns about fertility; (2) concerns about risks associated with reproduction; (3) dilemma of childrearing; (4) the significance of reproduction; (5) support needs from family, peers, and professionals. ConclusionsYoung breast cancer survivors in China face significant challenges related to reproductive issues. Reproductive health is a crucial aspect of breast cancer survivorship care. Healthcare providers must be attentive to the reproductive concerns of survivors, recognize the importance of multidimensional support for positive adaptation, and offer tailored and ongoing interventions to manage reproductive health in young breast cancer survivors.

Motivation, responsibilities, and experiences of HIV/AIDS counselors in the Volta Region of Ghana: a descriptive phenomenological study

BackgroundThe provision of professional counseling services for persons living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) is crucial in the prevention and treatment continuum of the disease. However, for counselors of people infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) leading to acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) to give their best, their motivations to become counselors and the challenges they face in their line of duty need to be contextually understood and addressed. We ascertained the roles, motivations, and experiences of HIV/AIDS counselors in the Volta Region of Ghana to inform HIV/AIDS counseling decision-making in the region and the country.MethodsA phenomenological study conducted among sixteen (16) HIV/AIDS counselors from five HIV/AIDS sentinel sites in the Volta region of Ghana, recruited through a purposive sampling approach and interviewed to ascertain their HIV/AIDS counseling-related experiences. The data were thematically analyzed using the Atlas. ti software, and sub-themes supported with verbatim quotes.ResultsFive motives for becoming an HIV/AIDS counselor were found. These include being randomly assigned to the unit, developing interest in the job, because of the status of a relative, witnessing bad attitudes of healthcare providers, and seeing HIV- clients lacking knowledge of the condition. The study found that these counselors performed six core roles: providing nutritional counseling, educating clients on HIV, treatment, and medication provision, conducting testing and comprehensive counseling of clients, providing social support to clients, and offering financial support to clients. The experiences these counselors had were boosting clients’ health status, counseling clients back to a normal mental state, cooperation from clients, participants gaining knowledge on HIV through counseling, counseling clients to accept their status, and when a client delivered an HIV-negative baby. Their negative experiences included clients denying their HIV status, clients defaulting on their treatment, uncooperative clients, death of clients due to fear of breach of confidentiality, self-stigmatization among clients, and the myths some people hold towards HIV/AIDS.ConclusionBy organizing capacity-building training programs for HIV/AIDS counselors in the Volta region and addressing the negative experiences they encounter, they could be empowered to provide effective counseling, curative, and social services to people living with HIV in the region, leading to improved health outcomes.

Lived experiences of women who survived from pre-eclampsia and eclampsia in public hospitals of Shashemene Town, Oromia Region, Ethiopia: a qualitative study.

Objective: The main purpose of this study was to explore experiences of women who survived pre-eclampsia and eclampsia in Shashemene referral hospital and Melka Oda general hospital, 2021. Design: An institution-based exploratory qualitative study with a descriptive phenomenological study design Setting: The present study was conducted in Shashemene referral hospital and Melka Oda general hospital from March 03 to May 18, 2021. Participants: A total of 17 individual in-depth interviews (IDIs) were conducted with women who experienced and survived pre-eclampsia and eclampsia. Data were analyzed through thematic analysis using Atlas-ti software. Result: The present study revealed that women’s level of awareness on raised blood pressure and or convulsion occurring during pregnancy was poor. Barriers that limit pregnant women from getting treatment at the earliest point included misconception, lack of insight, failure to accept counseling from health care providers, low income, and influence from husbands. Discussions with the women in this study showed that these mothers were not counseled on danger signs during antenatal care check-ups. Almost all of the women were very concerned and frustrated due to their diagnosis. Conclusions: Women’s awareness of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia was poor and antenatal care was not offered as per expected quality. Improving awareness of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy and enhancing the quality of antenatal care is essential.

A descriptive study on holistic nursing education: Student perspectives on integrating mindfulness, spirituality, and professionalism

BackgroundMindfulness has gained prominence in education as a method for enhancing student well-being and learning, yet its integration into nursing curricula remains underexplored. Student lived experiences are essential to understanding the potential benefits and challenges of mindful nursing practice. AimTo explore the lived experiences of undergraduate nursing students who practice mindfulness as it relates to nursing education. MethodsThis was a qualitative descriptive phenomenological study. Data was collected using semi-structured Zoom interviews. Recruitment used word of mouth and snowball sampling. Out of 80 applicants, 17 undergraduate nursing students were interviewed until data saturation was achieved. Data were analyzed using Edmund Husserl's approach to descriptive phenomenology, supported by Jean Watson's Theory of Human Caring and Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs. ResultsSeven main themes emerged: Interpersonal and Transpersonal Connections, Spiritual Beliefs and Practices, Faith in the Future, Feelings of Peace, Barriers to Mindfulness in Nursing Education, Integrating Mindfulness Across the Curriculum, and Mindfulness Models in Building Professional Patterns. ConclusionData indicate nursing educators have a significant role in guiding students to mindfulness practices for the well-being of the nursing profession.