Provision Of Adequate Information Research Articles

Exploring barriers and solutions to consumer involvement in health service research using a nominal group technique

BackgroundConsumer involvement in health research is when patients, their families and caregivers work with researchers on research projects. Despite the growing expectation for health services to facilitate the involvement of consumers in research, the practical integration of this approach is an ongoing process, with limited research conducted into how Australian health services can support this practice. This study explored consumer perspectives on the barriers and solutions to enabling consumer involvement in research within an Australian tertiary hospital and health service, and staff perspectives on the solutions to facilitating consumer involvement. A prior survey had identified barriers to consumer involvement from the staff perspective. The broad aim was to inform the development of a framework to help promote consumer involvement in research within the health service.MethodsA Nominal Group Technique (NGT) was utilised with groups comprised of health service consumers and staff. Three health consumers were co-researchers in the full life-cycle of this study and are included as authors.ResultsTen consumers and 14 staff participated across three sessions ranging from one to three hours. For consumers, barriers to their involvement were grouped into seven domains: (1) lack of connection with researchers/research projects, (2) low research literacy, (3) structural barriers, (4) lack of acknowledgement, (5) implementation challenges, (6) inadequate information provision, and (7) representation concerns. Solutions to enabling involvement were grouped into five domains: (1) support to connect with researchers/research projects, (2) adequate information provision, (3) incentive for involvement, (4) acknowledgement, and (5) balanced representation. Staff ideas for solutions were grouped into five domains: (1) support to connect with consumers, (2) support to involve consumers, (3) access to funds to remunerate consumers, (4) more time to involve consumers, and (5) staff training.ConclusionThrough an NGT methodology, this study delivered a nuanced comprehension of perspectives on involving consumers in research from both health service consumers and staff. These findings serve as a foundation for identifying strategies that foster enhanced and refined relationships between consumers and researchers, advancing the collaborative landscape in health research. The findings from this project offer valuable strategies for researchers to better engage consumers in research and for consumer groups to enhance their involvement. Additionally, these insights could be used by other health services to advocate for essential resources.

Utilization of nutrition information on food labels by diabetic mellitus and hypertensive patients attending clinic at Kakamega County Teaching and Referral Hospital, Kenya

The aim of food labels is to inform consumers on the food content. The information conveyed on food labels has evolved over time thus the objectives of food labelling have become numerous. Despite the recognized association of food labels utilization and disease management, the current global mortality rate from diabetes mellitus and hypertension remains high. In order for the prevalence rate of diabetes mellitus and hypertension to reduce, population-wide interventions including the promotion of healthy diets through the provision of adequate information on food labels should be done. This study aimed at assessing utilization of nutrition information on food labels by diabetic mellitus and hypertensive patients. This was a cross-sectional study conducted in March and April 2022 at Kakamega County Teaching and Referral hospital, Kenya. Data was collected from respondents using a structured questionnaire administered to 125 randomly selected respondents and the response rate was 80%. Socio- demographic characteristics of the study participants were determined using descriptive statistics for distribution. Association between the study variables was determined using Chi-square test. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. The analyzed data was presented by use of frequency tables, graphs and pie charts. About 46% of the respondents were aged >60years. About 73% were married and about 40% reported to have completed primary education level. About 39 % were self-employed earning less than Ksh. 5,000 (50 USD) per month. Prevalence of diabetes and hypertension in Kakamega were at 4.6% and 29.4% respectively. Age (p= 0.028), Education (p= 0.001), Job/employment (p=0.0010), Monthly income (p=0.001) and Monthly household food expenditure (p=0.007) significantly influenced utilization of food labels. About 64% (n=64) reported to be knowing what food labels are and about 34% (n=34) reported not knowing what they are. About 46.8% (n=30) of those who reported they read the labels participants reported that they read nutrition information every time they purchased the product, 37.5% (n=24) read the information the first time they purchased the product and 15.7% (n=10) read nutrition information on food labels at other different times. Food prices, nutrition information on the food label, health and nutrition status and fat/sodium/sugar content were among the factors that had a high influence on utilization of food labels. This study recommends nutrition education to the general population on benefits of reading nutrition information on food labels in order to make healthful food choices in order to reduce the prevalence of these chronic diseases. Key words: Food labels, Utilization, Nutrition, Diabetes mellitus, Hypertension, Kakamega

E021 Patient initiated follow-up long term condition pathway audit

Abstract Background/Aims In October 2022 we created a PIFU Long Term Condition (PIFU-LTC) pathway for our department in line with guidance issued by GIRFT for rheumatological patient initiated follow-up. Entry and exclusion criteria for the pathway were agreed by clinicians. Entry criteria included presence of a relevant diagnosis and established disease (≥ 12-month duration). Exclusion criteria included significant cognitive impairment and/or communication difficulties. Guidance regarding documentation standards, follow- intervals and responses to patient contacts were formalised in the standard operating procedure. We undertook an audit of the pathway to evaluate successes and identify areas for improvement. Methods Between 3/10/22 and 30/3/2023 520 patients had been added to the pathway. A random sample of 10% (n = 52) were audited. Data was extracted onto a bespoke data collection proforma. Data collected included: entry and exclusion criteria for the pathway, current medications, subsequent flares and time to review. Results 33 female and 19 male patients were audited. 86% (n = 45) were of White ethnicity. Mean age was 61 (range 20-83). 81% (n = 42) of patient diagnoses met entry criteria for the pathway. Other diagnoses included osteoarthritis, gout and undifferentiated arthralgia. 92% (n = 48) joined ≥12 months since initial diagnosis. 1 patient had significant cognitive difficulties. Documentation regarding information provision was poor. 40% (n = 21) of patients had no record of being provided a PIFU-LTC information leaflet. 33% (n = 17) had no documentation regarding action to take in case of a flare. 15% (n = 8) of patients had contacted the department since entering the pathway (range 21 to 288 days after joining). 6 of these patients reported a disease flare. Duration between patient contact and telephone review by a clinician ranged between 1- 3 days. 4 patients were also offered a face-to-face clinic appointment, with a range of 2-22 days from first contact until this review. As of October 2023, only 3 patients had been taken off the PIFU pathway. Conclusion This audit had highlighted successes, included the numbers of patients moved onto the pathway and limited inclusion of patients meeting exclusion criteria. Key areas for improvement include improving documentation standards in clinic letters, ensuring adequate information provision to patients and reducing delays to face-face clinic follow up. Further development of the pathway may include expansion of the pathway to other diagnostic groups. Disclosure J. Ellis: None. C. King: None. A. Loganathan: None. R. Sengupta: None.

Concept analysis of end-of-life care competency of long-term-care-hospital nurses: Using a hybrid model

Purpose: This study identified the attributes and indicators of end-of-life nursing competency in long-term-care-hospital nurses and clarified the definition of the concept. Methods: The Competency Outcomes Performance Assessment model was used as a conceptual framework, and conceptual analysis was performed using the hybrid model presented by Schwartz-Barcott and Kim. In the theoretical phase, the attributes of end-of-life care competencies were explored through a literature review. In the fieldwork phase, focus group interview data were analyzed to derive the attributes of nursing competency at the end of life. In the final analysis phase, the attributes and indicators of end-of-life care competency were compared, analyzed, and integrated. Results: The attributes of end-of-life care competency among nurses in long-term care hospitals included comprehensive symptom management, effective communication, situational response, patient-centered care, information provision and education, resource management, demonstrating leadership, and professional development. Conclusion: End-of-life care competency in long-term-care-hospital nurses can be defined as a comprehensive set of competencies that includes symptom management, situational adaptation, effective communication, resource utilization, leadership, patient-centered care, meeting the needs of patients’ families through adequate information provision and education, and enhancing individual nursing capabilities through professional development. These results can serve as a foundation for developing tools to measure end-of-life care competencies among nurses in long-term care hospitals.

Assessment of Psychological Well-Being among Relatives of Patients Diagnosed with Psychotic Disorders in Neuro-Psychiatric Hospitals in South-West Nigeria

Background: Psychotic disorder contributes to the mental health global burden. Having a family member suffering from the illness may result in a caregiver's psychological well-being depletion, increased burden of care and low quality of life. The study assessed the psychological well-being and the militating stressors against the relatives of patients diagnosed with psychotic disorder psychological well-being in Neuro–a psychiatric hospital in South-west Nigeria.
 Method: The research used a qualitative design to assess the psychological well-being of relatives, militating stressors against their psychological well-being and coping strategies adopted. Samples were obtained by purposive sampling technique to select forty-four (44) participants and one-on-one interviews using semi–structured interviews done. The data were collected by interview and using a recorder and the same was transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically.
 Result: The results generated were categorized into themes and subthemes which included: lack of autonomy, acceptance of the situation, insecure relationships with families and friends, poor environmental mastery, and impact on physical and psychological well-being while the sub-themes included: uneasy decision, maladaptive coping, stigmatization, unsupportive family and friends, financial burden, and reduced quality of life.
 Conclusion: The study suggests that nurses and other health professionals aid relatives in improving their coping skills, sensitization of the populace on mental disorders and provision of adequate information in the form of educational intervention may enhance their psychological well-being.

When Media Campaigns Fail: Explaining the Factors of Civil Disobedience to COVID-19 Protocols in Nigeria

Media campaigns on COVID-19 protocols were launched in Nigeria to reduce the spread of the virus. There was evidence to suggest disobedience to the protocols. Thus, this study investigates factors that facilitated civil disobedience to COVID-19 protocols and the implications for the management of the virus. Awareness, mediatisation and personal, cultural and societal factors constructs were formulated to measure the level of civil disobedience. Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin’s Measure of Sampling Adequacy used for the study revealed that 86.4% out of the sampled size was sufficient for testing and validating variables in the civil disobedience construct, 69.1% and 63.1% for awareness and mediatisation constructs, respectively. The constructs were subjected to inferential statistical analysis, and the variables measured at the continuous and linear relationship levels. The study found economic status and media reports as the determinants of peoples’ awareness of the virus. Provision of adequate information and exposure to COVID-related contents were dominant factors under mediatisation; social distancing and use of face masks were dominant factors of civil disobedience. This study concluded that media campaigns on COVID-19 protocols failed to achieve needed behavioural changes due to economic issues, language barriers, insensitivity of government and inadequate provision of essential amenities.

Informed Consent in Paediatric Telemedicine: Challenge or Opportunity? A Scoping Review.

The fundamental importance of informed consent as a prerequisite for the lawfulness of the medical act is an indisputable cornerstone of clinical practice. However, the provision of effective information and the collection of informed consent presents important critical issues in the underage patient, even considering that in general terms he or she does not have the power to directly express consent, which must be provided by parents or legal guardians. These critical issues are amplified in the context of telemedicine. The present study aims, through a scoping review of the literature of the past 10 years, to outline the operational practices adopted in the collection of informed consent from children in the context of telemedicine and to identify solutions devised to address the critical issues related to the provision of adequate information to the child in this particular care setting. The results of the research show that the activity of delivering adequate information to the child, itself complex, is made even more complex by the particular setting of telemedicine, which, however, could be effectively exploited to facilitate communication with the child patient.

Role of entrepreneurial resilience in SMEs to promote marketing and entrepreneurship amid Covid19 challenges

PurposeResilient firms are more likely to survive crisis. This paper aims to investigate the resilient behavior displayed by small and medium enterprise (SME) owners in the pandemic context and the sequence of antecedents leading to resilient behavior.Design/methodology/approachSeven SME owners, from different business sectors, were interviewed twice in 8 months, to assess their actions and underlying entrepreneurial resilience. A model was developed depicting the sequence of activities leading to entrepreneurial resiliency behavior. The study was conducted in the capital city of Odisha, an eastern Indian state.FindingsThe results indicate that entrepreneurial resiliency is manifested in various forms where the SME owners engage in bricolage. Resiliency has an inevitable time dimension, where SME owners estimate the period for which adversity is likely to persist. They focus on alternative action to demonstrate resiliency. It was also learnt that revenue management during a crisis requires entrepreneurial marketing with innovativeness, opportunity seeking and value creation to improve resiliency.Research limitations/implicationsThis research is important for policymakers who can strengthen resiliency through the support and provision of adequate information to SME owners. Educators can use the model for discussion and pedagogy. Finally, SME owners can evaluate their response behaviors to a crisis and draw insights.Originality/valueThe approach of the study was longitudinal and qualitative. This study contributes to the literature gap on resiliency in the context of emerging markets and SMEs.

ACCOUNTING AND REPORTING IN INFORMATION SECURITY OF AGRARIAN POLICY: OPPORTUNITIES FROM CIVIL SOCIETY

The article aims to substantiate and highlight the theoretical provisions and methodical approaches to forming accounting and reporting following the modern informational requirements of the social, economic, and political systems. In the research process, modern general scientific methods and research techniques were used: in particular, analysis, synthesis, abstraction, systemic approach, dialectical, inductive, deductive, and abstract-logical. The research is based on the fundamental provisions regarding the development of accounting and reporting of the agricultural sector of the economy, the theory of management of the farming sector and the principles of sustainable development in current economic conditions, the need to improve the legislative and regulatory framework of reporting the activities of agro-industrial complex enterprises is substantiated. The theoretical provisions and methodical approaches are summarized, significant shortcomings are identified, and suggestions are provided for developing and improving the information system of accounting and reporting of agricultural enterprises based on sustainable development, which meets the growing needs of society - elements of scientific novelty. The scientific and applied justification of the development of accounting and reporting for adequate information provision of rural policy in the context of implementing the principles of civil society the mechanism that stabilizes relations between the state, which provides guarantees of rights and freedoms, creates conditions for the development of civil society, has gained further development. The results of the study can be used by all agricultural enterprises that are faced with the need to rethink and search for high-quality and transparent communication interaction between representatives of society, business, and the state interested in the country's sustainable development. The correct collection, generation, and analysis of statistical data as components of achieving modern management goals in conditions of increased risks determine the dynamism of forming the information system for public management decisions. Keywords: reporting, statistics, agrarian policy, agriculture, management of information flows, civil society.

Adherence to Good Pharmacy Practices by Community Pharmacies in Lebanon and Opportunities for Quality Improvement: It is Time to Act.

Good pharmacy practice is an important standard that highlight the quality of services in community pharmacies. In 2018, The Order of Pharmacists in Lebanon (OPL) published their own good pharmacy practices (GPP) guidelines. The need exists for investigational studies to assess GPP implementation status and the professional conduct of on-site staff towards these standards. Data collection was carried out between February and August 2020 using a questionnaire covering: Socio-demographic variables; Indicator A (Attitude of the Community Pharmacists); Indicator B (Services and Facilities); Indicator C (Dispensing); Indicator D (Storage). Data analysis were performed on SPSS version 25, T-Test and ANOVA were used. A significant p value of <0.001, 95% confidence interval and variables with missing data counting less than 10% were considered. A total of 211 staffers from pharmacies were enrolled in the study, each representing one community pharmacy. The mean percent of adherence to GPP standards by community pharmacies in the South of Lebanon was below the recommended threshold of 75%. Only 65.09% adhered to all tested indicators (27% to Indicator A, 56.91% to Indicator B, 68.61% to Indicator C, 66.31% to Indicator D). Higher indicators were seen among providers who were aware of OPL standards (OR = 4.021), female (OR= 2.011) and being a licensed pharmacist (OR=3.506). Cronbach alpha of the overall score was 0.615. Further steps shall be taken to improve the compliance to GPP standards. Steps shall include, identification of the core standards, such as dispensing, provision of adequate information, monitoring of storage conditions, and ensuring the presence of a licensed pharmacist. It is highly recommended that the OPL and the Ministry of Public Health develop a "Self-assessment tool" and an efficient training program to increase community Pharmacists' awareness status. Regular assessment shall be carried to monitor the progress overtime.

Gaps in Informed Consent Process Among Women Who Have Undergone Elective Caesarean Section at AIC Kijabe Hospital, Kiambu County Bramwel Simiyu

Informed consent for elective C-sections is both a legal and ethical requirement. It includes the patient’s decision-making capacity, provision of adequate information, and voluntary consent. The aim of the study was to examine the informed consent process for elective C-sections at Kijabe Hospital with a focus on identifying gaps. The study design was cross-sectional and a structured questionnaire assessing 15 recommended elements of the informed consent process was administered to 137 women post-surgery. Descriptive statistics were used for sociodemographic data. The 15 elements of informed consent were aggregated and expressed in frequencies. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and STATA. The results demonstrated excellent compliance with 100% of files having a signed consent form. However, documentation of the informed consent discussion(s) was not done in all cases. Infrequently addressed elements were; the benefits of surgery, post-surgery briefing and implications on future pregnancy at 59.1%, 57.7% and 67.9% of participants respectively. The average time spent obtaining consent was ten minutes. Of note is that patients’ questions and concerns were addressed in 97.1% of participants. In conclusion, all other elements of the informed consent process were frequently addressed except, documentation of the process, benefits of surgery, post-operative briefing, and implications of the surgery on future pregnancy.

Influence of service assurance on customer satisfaction across Kenyan insurance companies

This study sought to determine the influence of service assurance on customer satisfaction in the insurance industry in Kenya. The latent variable assurance was measured using four manifest variables namely, Employees instill customer confidence; Customers feel safe to transact with the company; Employee Politeness and Provision of adequate information on service requested. A descriptive research design was adopted and a multi-stage sampling technique was used to sample 400 policyholders from 19 composite insurance companies in Kenya. Primary data was collected using a structured questionnaire. A pilot test was conducted to check the reliability and validity of the questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using inferential statistics. R-Gui was the leading statistical software. The study applied linear mixed-effect models of structural equation modeling (SEM) considering the multi-level structure of the data collected. Multi-level analysis was adopted to determine whether service assurance contributed to the variation in levels of customer satisfaction across insurance companies. A significant fixed effect coefficient estimate of 0.696 was established, implying that increasing the levels of Service Assurance as perceived by a customer by one unit would increase the level of Customer Satisfaction by 0.696. The study concluded that a client who perceives Service Assurance from their insurer is bound to have higher satisfaction than a customer who does not perceive it. Employee Assurance, however, was found not to significantly affect the variations in customer satisfaction across the insurance companies. The study recommended that insurance firms invest in service assurance to achieve maximum customer satisfaction.

Satisfaction toward Quality of Care and Associated Factors among Patients Admitted to Gambella General Hospital, Gambella Region, Southwest Ethiopia

Background. Patient satisfaction, the concept continues to become a crucial and commonly used indicator in the sector of health care delivery for determining the quality of health care services. Satisfaction is a highly desirable outcome of clinical care and may even be an element of health status itself. Therefore, a patient’s expression of satisfaction or dissatisfaction can be considered as a judgement on the quality of care in all of its aspects, whatever its strengths and weakness. Objective. The aim of the study is to determine patient satisfaction on the quality of care and associated factors among patients admitted in Gambella General Hospital, Gambella region, southwest Ethiopia, 2020. Methods. A facility-based cross-sectional study design was conducted, and a consecutive sampling technique was used to recruit 271 study subjects among patients admitted to Gambella General Hospital. All patients who stayed at least for five days and were discharged from inpatient wards were considered for this study. A semistructured questionnaire was used for data collection. Data were entered to Epi-data version 4.6 and exported to SPSS V21 for analysis. Binary logistic regression models were fitted to determine statistically significant associations between dependent and independent variables, and multivariable logistic regression with an AOR with a 95% confidence interval was fitted for candidate variables in binary logistic regression, and statistical significance was declared at p value &lt; 0.05. Result. The proportion of net patient satisfaction among the total of 271 respondents was 40.2% (95% CI: 34.36–46.04%). Being government employees (AOR = 0.06, 95% CI: 0.02–0.27), availability signs and direction indicators (AOR = 2.6, 95% CI: 1.18–5.54), provision of adequate information on the treatments (AOR = 2.5, 95% CI: 1.18–5.44), getting provider’s attention (AOR = 3.5, 95% CI: 1.65–7.24), and understanding of specific patient needs and concerns (AOR = 6.04, 95% CI: 2.8–12.88) were found to be significant predicators of patient satisfaction on the quality of care. Conclusion. Less than half of the patients were satisfied with the quality of service delivered in the wards of the hospital. Occupation, signs and directions to follow, getting adequate information about treatment, providers’ attention, and understanding of specific needs and concerns of the patients were the significant factors. Thus, we would recommend that the hospital management should closely work together with health professionals, supportive staff, patients, and other concerned stakeholders to improve admitted patients’ satisfaction with the quality of care. Policymakers advised to develop and institutionalize better interpersonal relations in the health system.

Key factors underlying the willingness of patients with cancer to participate in medication redispensing.

Redispensing medication unused by patients to other patients could reduce the environmental burden of medication waste. Simultaneously, associated financial loss could be reduced, particularly for expensive medication such as oral anticancer drugs. An important determinant for successful medication redispensing is patient participation. To identify key factors underlying the willingness of patients with cancer to participate in the redispensing of unused oral anticancer drugs. Semi-structured interviews via telephone or video call were conducted with adult patients diagnosed with cancer from two Dutch hospitals. The interview guide was framed using the COM-B model for behavioural change, to elicit patients' capability, opportunity and motivation to participate in medication redispensing. Questions were related to patients' willingness to accept redispensed medication, reasons thereof, perceived concerns and needs. Inductive thematic analysis was applied. Seventeen patients (aged 38-82 years, 71% female), with nine different types of cancer participated. The majority of participants supported medication redispensing. Four categories of key factors underlying the willingness of patients with cancer to participate in medication redispensing were identified. First, the driver for participation was having positive societal impact, relating to affordability and sustainability of healthcare. Second, having trust in product quality was a requirement, influenced by preconceived beliefs, quality assurance and patients' knowledge of this process. Third, a facilitator for participating in medication redispensing was adequate provision of information. This concerned awareness of medication waste, information about medication redispensing, support from healthcare providers and other patients, and insight into medication dispensing history. Last, a convenient process for returning unused medication to pharmacies would facilitate participation in medication redispensing. The willingness of patients with cancer to participate in medication redispensing relates to a drive for achieving positive societal impact, provided that medication is of high quality, there is adequate information provision and a convenient process.

Масштаби та наслідки вимушеної міграції населення України внаслідок збройної агресії Російської Федерації

The article is devoted to the assessment of the scale and consequences of forced external and internal migration due to the active phase of the Russia-Ukraine war. The urgency of the work is due to the need for scientific understanding of migration trends formed after February 24, 2022 and the lack of analytical research on migration in this period. The purpose of the article is to assess the scale of forced migration of the population of Ukraine both within the country and abroad. The novelty of the study is to identify the consequences of large-scale migratory movements, which began on February 24, 2022, and develop recommendations for their regulation. The research methodology is based on the use of rather eclectic information from open sources, expert opinions and assessments, etc., in conditions when the production of official statistics is stopped, conducting sample surveys, at least “face to face”, is extremely difficult. The trends of forced migration within Ukraine and abroad have been assessed. It was established that the active departure of the population from Ukraine was observed in the first weeks of the open war phase, after that the flow of refugees slowed down. According to Ptoukha Institute for Demography and Social Studies of the NAS of Ukraine, based on data from the State Border Guard Service, the number of war refugees from Ukraine is 3.1-3.2 million people, but there is a risk of significant increase. Possible amounts of irreversible migration losses, depending on the impact of military and economic factors, will range from 600-700 thousand people to 5.0-5.5 million. The number of those who were forced to change their place of residence within Ukraine is estimated at 5.0-5.5 million. The factors of return of forced migrants to Ukraine are identified, the consequences of large-scale forced migrations are assessed, and recommendations for their regulation are proposed. It is concluded that a more accurate estimate of the number of both IDPs and forced external migrants requires the development of comprehensive methodology that will take into account data from various sources and adequate information provision (in particular, the introduction of sample surveys in Ukraine and abroad on a regular basis). Validation of performed assessments data is possible after the census.

Caregivers' satisfaction with cervical cancer care in Ethiopia.

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among African women, following breast cancer. Palliative care is among the standards of care in cancer management. While caregivers play key roles in palliative care, their satisfaction with the care influences treatment outcomes and patients' quality of life. This study evaluated caregivers' satisfaction with the care provided to patients with advanced cervical cancer. A cross-sectional evaluation of caregivers' satisfaction with patient care was conducted at a tertiary hospital in Ethiopia. The study tool included the 20-item family satisfaction with advanced cancer care (FAMCARE) and caregiver stress index (CSI). Using binary logistic regression, we identified factors associated with caregivers' satisfaction. A total of 360 caregivers were interviewed. Most of the caregivers were male (58.1%), below the age of 35years (60.8%), and educated to the high school level or less (64.4%). The average FAMCARE score was 77.7 out of the maximum 100. High satisfaction was observed among subscales "availability of treatment and care" and "psychosocial care," while low satisfaction was observed with "physical patient care" and "provision of information." Caregivers' stress and time dedicated to thecaregiving were associated with caregivers' satisfaction. Overall, high satisfaction with advanced care at the tertiary hospital was documented. However, the caregivers also bore high burden of strain. Management of caregivers' strain, prompt treatment of patients' symptoms, and provision of adequate information to the caregivers could further improve caregivers' satisfaction.

Effect of Career Counselling on Employee Performance in Murang’a Water and Sanitation Company Limited

Career counseling is a career development initiative in which career education is provided to workers by career counselors to help them appreciate their motivations, explain their objectives, commit to action, navigate career transitions, and learn how they can contribute to the organization's overall effectiveness. The fundamental aims of counseling are to foster behavioral improvement, support decision-making, facilitate the capacity of clients, develop coping skills and improve relationships. Employee performance is a major challenge in organizational management and the key goal of any business enterprise is to take steps to inspire workers to deliver and achieve organizational competitiveness. This study sought to establish the effects of career counselling practices on employee performance in Murang’a Water and Sanitation Company Limited (MUWASCO) in Murang’a County in Kenya. Specifically the study sought to establish the extent to which career coaching, career guidance and counseling programs have influenced employee performance in MUWASCO. The study was guided by trait and factor theory. Descriptive survey research design was adopted in the study. The target population was 150 employees and the researcher employed census sampling technique. The data collection instrument was self-administered questionnaires. Absolute forms of mean, standard deviation and percentages were employed in descriptive analysis. Regression analysis was used to establish the relationship between dependent and the independent variables of the study. The response rate was 85% hence reliability and validity of the study. From the analysis it was observed that the organization has implemented career counseling and this positively contributed to employee performance. A positive and significant relationship between the variables under investigation was demonstrated. The researcher recommends that the organization under study should formulate a clear policy on career coaching to help workers define their personal goals, prepare their career plans and address their needs. The study also suggests provision of adequate information on career guidance and a career guidance policy directed towards enhancing the competencies of workers.

Overwhelming and unjust: A qualitative study of fathers’ experiences of grief following neonatal death

Limited research has examined the grief experiences of fathers following neonatal death. Using a qualitative research design, ten fathers were interviewed, and thematic analysis resulted in three overarching themes: ‘A complicated grief experience: Neonatal death is highly emotional’, ‘Grief is multidimensional’ and ‘Sense of injustice’. Overall, results showed that grief was a multidimensional experience for fathers, with expressions of grief including strong feelings of anger and guilt and the manifestation of grief in physical symptoms. In addition, the findings also indicated a sense of injustice that contributed to the disenfranchisement of grief for fathers. The results of this study contribute to developing a better understanding of the grief that fathers experience following neonatal death, and can inform improvements in healthcare practices after the death of a baby in the neonatal period, including father-specific programs and adequate provision of information.

Psychosocial perception of health-care workers in a COVID-19-designated hospital in eastern India.

BACKGROUND:COVID-19 pandemic has changed the life of people in many facets, economic, social, and psychological. Frontline health-care workers (HCWs) fighting against this pandemic faced some psychological as well as social issues which are of major concern. The objective of the study is to evaluate the magnitude of mental health problems, namely depression, anxiety, and stress among frontline HCWs as well as their perception on ongoing events and surroundings.MATERIALS AND METHODS:It was a prospective, observational study on n = 85 HCWs over a 4-month period. Study participants were sampled purposively in accordance with inclusion and exclusion criteria; data were collected by online survey method. A semi-structured scale was used: Part A of which assessed the demography and perception of HCWs on surrounding along with ongoing social events and Part B consisted of the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 that was used to assess mental health issues. All the associations were tested in percentages and proportions. Statistics was calculated by using SPSS 24th version.RESULTS:Majority of the participants were female doctors and belonged to 21–30 years' age group. Most of them were marginally worried of contacting infection (73%) but were substantially apprehensive of transmitting infection to their family (56.5%) and hoped positive outcome ultimately in the form of recovery from infection. Majority (96.4%) gathered information from authentic sources and were confident of adequacy of their knowledge. Majority (88.3%) were satisfied about their occupational safety and responded on scientific solution of pandemic. However, we got a mixed result about their professional appreciation. Depression symptom score was higher than anxiety and stress symptom score in our participants.CONCLUSIONS:Doctors and nurses both were suffering from mental health issues, and provision of adequate information and occupational safety may lessen these burdens.

Factors influencing the use of modern contraceptives amongst postpartum women in a rural tertiary hospital in South-South Nigeria.

The postpartum period is a critical time to address the high unmet needs of family planning and reduce the risks associated with closely spaced pregnancies. Unintended pregnancies immediately following childbirth are associated with increased maternal mortality, morbidity, and poor pregnancy outcomes. Adoption of postpartum family planning is a cost-effective way that would reduce maternal and child morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to establish the prevalence, the clients' sociodemographic factors, and health care workers' influences on modern contraceptive uptake amongst postpartum women at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH), Irrua. This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out amongst postpartum mothers attending maternal and child health clinics in ISTH, Irrua, Edo State, Nigeria. The selection of participants was by simple random sampling technique. All consented participants selected through simple random sampling were administered questionnaires, and completed ones were coded and analysed while the level of significance was set at 5%. In this study, over 90% of the women were aware of a method of modern contraception. However, this did not translate to increased contraceptive uptake as only 17.8% of the respondents were currently on a method of postpartum contraception. The statistically significant sociodemographic factors influencing the utilization of modern contraceptives by postpartum women, as seen in this study, were: Age (p <0.001), level of education (p <0.001), religion (p=0.048), and parity (p=0.010). The women who have higher educational status, higher parity, and adequate information provided by healthcare providers were more likely to use at least a method of modern contraceptive postpartum. The uptake of modern contraceptives amongst postpartum women was low in this study. Strengthening family planning counseling services during prenatal care and emphasizing the girl child education, provision of adequate information by healthcare providers on the need for postpartum contraception could enhance modern contraceptive use for postpartum women.