Self-care Scale Research Articles

Abstract 10331: Caring for Heart Failure with Confidence: Better Preparation and Training Determine Home Health Aide Self-Efficacy

Background: Over 3 million home health and personal care aides (HHA) provide essential support for adults with chronic illness, including the complex self-care needs of adults with HF. Self-efficacy has been shown to mediate HHAs’ preparedness for caregiving and contribution to HF self-care. The determinants of HHA self-efficacy are unknown. Aim: Identify the determinants of HHAs’ self-efficacy in contributing to HF self-care. Methods: Secondary analysis of a cross-sectional survey (n=328) that examined the influence of HHA characteristics on contributions to HF self-care. Self-efficacy in contributing to patient HF self-care was assessed using the 10-item Caregiver Self-Efficacy in Contributing to Self-Care Scale. Standardized scores range 0-100; scores ≥ 70 pts indicate adequate self-efficacy. Preparedness was assessed with the 8-item Caregiver Preparedness scale. Additional predictors included job satisfaction, HHA experience, prior HF training, and agency size. Participants were divided into two groups based on a self-efficacy cutoff score of 70 points: low self-efficacy (< 70 pts) vs adequate self-efficacy (≥ 70 pts). Poisson regression with robust standard errors, adjusted for sociodemographic variables, was used to estimate prevalence ratios with 95% confidence intervals (PR [95% CI]) to identify determinants of adequate self-efficacy. Results: HHAs with adequate self-efficacy came from smaller and medium sized agencies (92% vs 84%, p =.049), and cared for either fewer than 6 (78% vs 68%, p=.002 ) or > 10 HF patients (11% vs 8%, p=.002 ). They had at least some prior HF training (55% vs 17%, p <.001), felt better prepared for caregiving (4.55±0.50 vs 3.39±0.85, p <.001), and were more satisfied with their jobs (90% vs 77%, p =.003). In a fully adjusted model, significant determinants for adequate self-efficacy were length of employment (1.02 [1.00-1.03], p =.027), better preparation for caregiving (3.10 [2.42-3.96], p <.001), and more HF training (1.48 [1.20-1.84], p <.001). Conclusion: Preparation for caregiving and HF training were the strongest determinants of HHAs’ caregiving self-efficacy. Home care agencies and policy-makers can target these modifiable determinants to improve this workforces’ ability to care for HF patients.

Diabetes Health Promotion Self-Care Scale: Reliability and Validity of the Turkish Version

This study was carried out to put the Diabetes Health Promotion Self-Care Scale for patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) into use for nursing and medical literature. The sample of this methodological design research consisted of 620 patients diagnosed with type 2 DM. The data were collected with Personal Information Form and the Diabetes Health Promotion Self-Care Scale. In the validity and reliability stage of the scale, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyzes, and structural equation modeling was used for the item analyzes, internal consistency, and structural validity. The statistical analysis showed that the reliability coefficient of the scale was Cronbach α=0.922. The sub-factors of the Diabetes Health Promotion Self-Care Scale consisting of 27 items and 7 sub-factors were determined as "Interpersonal Relationships", "Blood glucose self-monitoring", "Personal Health Responsibility", "Exercise", "Diet", "Adherence to the Recommended Regime", and "Foot Care". As a result of the analysis, the Diabetes Health Promotion Self-Care Scale was found as a valid and reliable scale to be applied to Turkish society.

Cognitive Impairment and Related Factors Among Middle-Aged and Elderly Patients with Type 2 Diabetes from a Bio-Psycho-Social Perspective.

ObjectiveThis study investigated the biomedical, psychological, and social behavior risk factors for cognitive impairment in middle-aged and elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 240 patients with T2DM. A questionnaire was used to collect demographic and disease-related data on patients, and the Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS), Diabetes Self-care Scale (DSCS), and Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS) were used to assess patients’ depression status, self-management behavior, and social support, respectively. The Chinese version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) was used to evaluate cognitive function, with a score <26 set as the threshold for cognitive impairment.ResultsThe prevalence of cognitive dysfunction in middle-aged and elderly patients with T2DM was 52.5%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that older age, a history of hypoglycemia within 1 month, and depression were independent risk factors for cognitive impairment. Education for >12 years, urban living, and a higher total score on the DSCS were independent protective factors against cognitive impairment.ConclusionT2DM patients with high risk of cognitive impairment can be identified early from the bio-psycho-social perspective. Patients with T2DM who are older, less educated, living in rural areas, have hypoglycemia history, and have poor self-management of diabetes are at increased risk of cognitive impairment. Closer monitoring of patients with hypoglycemia, early detection of depression, and improving patients’ self-management capacity can prevent cognitive impairment in middle-aged and elderly patients with T2DM.

Study on Nursing Effect of Individualized Health Education Combined with Cognitive Training in Elderly Stroke Patients

Objective To study the nursing effect of individualized health education combined with cognitive training in elderly stroke patients. Methods 112 elderly stroke patients treated in the Department of Neurology of our hospital from January to June 2017 were randomly divided into experimental group and control group. In the control group, routine treatment, nursing and rehabilitation exercises were carried out, and regular health education was carried out. The experimental group, on the basis of routine treatment, nursing and rehabilitation exercise, carried out individualized health education and cognitive training combining the content of individualized health education. The effect of intervention was evaluated by Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA), health education questionnaire, daily life self-care scale (ADL) and nurse job satisfaction questionnaire before intervention, at the end of intervention for 4 weeks and at the end of intervention for 12 weeks. Results At the end of 4th and 12th week after intervention, the scores o MoCA, the awareness rate of health education, ADL and job satisfaction of nurses were higher than those before intervention, and the observation group was higher than that of the control group (P&lt;0.05), with statistical difference (P&lt;0.05). Conclusion Individualized health education combined with cognitive training can effectively improve the patients’ cognitive function, improve the patients’ awareness of stroke disease and the compliance of health education, improve the patients’ self-care ability in daily life and the satisfaction of nursing work, so as to improve the patients’ quality of life and quality of living.

Observation of Efficacy of Internet-Based Chronic Disease Management Model Combined with Modified Therapy of Bushenyiliu Decoction in Treating Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Prostate Cancer and Its Effect on Disease Control Rate.

Objective To explore the efficacy of Internet-based chronic disease management model combined with the modified therapy of Bushenyiliu decoction in treating patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and prostate cancer and its effect on disease control rate (DCR). Methods 120 patients with T2DM and prostate cancer admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou First People's Hospital, from February 2019 to February 2020, were retrospectively analyzed and equally divided into the experimental group and the control group according to their admission order. Conventional treatment combined with the modified therapy of Bushenyiliu decoction was performed on all patients for 3 months, and the Internet-based chronic disease management model was adopted for patients in the experimental group additionally, so as to compare their short-term effect, survival time, disease progression, blood glucose indicators, immune function indicators, and type 2 Diabetes Self-Care Scale (2-DSCS) scores. Results Compared with the control group, the experimental group obtained significantly higher DCR and objective remission rate (ORR) (P < 0.05), higher survival time and disease progression (P < 0.001), better blood glucose indicators and immune function indicators (P < 0.001), and higher 2-DSCS scores (P < 0.001) after treatment. Conclusion Combining the Internet-based chronic disease management model with the modified therapy of Bushenyiliu decoction can effectively enhance the self-care ability of patients with T2DM and prostate cancer, improve their blood glucose level, promote their body immunity, and comprehensively optimize the cancer control effect, which should be promoted in practice.

The Level of Self-Care among Patients with Chronic Heart Failure.

Introduction: In a long-term approach to the treatment of heart failure, importance is given to the process of self-care management and behaviors. The number of rehospitalizations and unscheduled medical visits can be reduced by actively engaging patients in the self-care process. Methods: The study included 403 patients with chronic heart failure (mean LVEF 40.53%), hospitalized in the Cardiology Department. Medical record analysis and a self-report questionnaire were used to obtain basic sociodemographic and clinical data. The European Heart Failure Self-care Behavior Scale, revised into a nine-item scale (EHFScBS-9), was used to evaluate self-care behavior. Results: Analysis of the EHFSc-9 self-care behavior scale showed that the mean score was 49.55 out of 100 possible points (SD = 22.07). Univariate analysis revealed that significant (p < 0.05) negative predictors of the EHFScB-9 self-care scale included: male sex (b = −5146), hospitalizations in the last year (b = −5488), NYHA class II (b = −11,797) and NYHA IV class (b = −15,196). The multivariate linear regression model showed that a significant (p ˂ 0.05) negative predictor of the EHFScB-9 self-care scale was male sex (b = −5.575). Conclusions: Patients with chronic HF achieve near optimal self-care behavior outcomes. A patient prepared to engage with self-care will have fewer rehospitalizations and a better quality of life.

Self-Care Strategies and Job Satisfaction in Pediatricians: What We Can Do to Prevent Burnout-Results of a Nationwide Survey.

Introduction: Working in the clinical field can be a demanding experience. While reports indicate escalating burnout rates among physicians, further investigation about what physicians can do to prevent burnout is necessary. Our objective was to assess self-care levels among pediatricians and the correlation with job satisfaction in order to subsequently identify protective factors.Methods: In this nationwide, cross-sectional study, a web-based survey was distributed to all Austrian pediatricians via a mailing list of the Austrian Society of Pediatrics. Self-care was measured with a modified Professional Self-Care Scale (PSCS), which consisted of nine items on a four-point Likert scale (from 1, “totally disagree,” to 4, “totally agree”). Additional items addressed job satisfaction, peer support, and access to professional coaching.Results: The survey was distributed to 1,450 mailing list contacts, a total of 309 Austrian pediatricians completed the survey (21%). “Family” (M = 3.3) and “Friends” (M = 3.1) were the most highly rated self-care strategies. We found significant differences between pediatricians under 35 years and those aged 50 years and above (z = −4.21, p < 0.001). Peer support appeared to impact job satisfaction substantially. We found differences between pediatricians who frequently talk to colleagues about difficult situations, those who sometimes do so, and those who never do (p < 0.001), with a linear trend indicating increased job satisfaction with more frequent peer support (p < 0.001).Conclusions: Among all self-care strategies, a stable network of family and friends was highest rated, followed by balanced nutrition. Younger, male pediatricians working in hospital showed to be a vulnerable group with regard to overall self-care. Moreover, higher self-care values were found among those pediatricians who reported to receive peer support on a regular basis. We suggest combined organizational and individual interventions to promote pediatricians' well-being. Organizations should provide the possibility to select a well-balanced diet as well as space and time to consume food and cultivate a work environment that enables communication among peers and facilitates professional coaching. On the personal level, we want to encourage pediatricians to talk to trusted colleagues in challenging clinical situations and to consider working with a professional coach.

Self-care in spinal cord injuries inventory (SC-SCII) and self-care self-efficacy scale in spinal cord injuries (SCSES-SCI): development and psychometric properties.

Validation cross-sectional study. To develop and assess the psychometric properties of two instruments based on the middle-range theory of self-care in chronic illness: the Self-Care in Spinal Cord Injuries Inventory (SC-SCII) and the Self-Care Self-Efficacy Scale in Spinal Cord Injuries (SCSES-SCI). Multicenter study in five spinal units across Italy and Ireland. Instrument development was based on self-care behaviours identified in the scientific literature. Behaviours were grouped into four dimensions during a consensus conference: self-care maintenance, self-care monitoring, self-care management and self-care self-efficacy. Sixty-seven items were subsequently generated based on these dimensions. A multidisciplinary group of 40 experts evaluated content validity. Dimensionality of the final items was tested by confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) with a sample of 318 participants. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were evaluated for each dimension. Construct validity was assessed using correlations between items and scoring differences amongst participants with more severe conditions and secondary complications. Content validity of the SC-SCII and SCSES-SCI was satisfactory for thirty-five of the previously generated items, which were further refined. CFA showed comparative fit indexes ranging from 0.94 to 0.97 and root mean square errors of approximation from 0.03 to 0.07. Internal consistency ranged from 0.71 to 0.85, and intraclass correlation coefficients were higher than 0.70. Correlations among dimensions were moderate, and the theoretical hypotheses formulated when designing the instruments were largely confirmed. The SC-SCII and the SCSES-SCI represent valid and reliable theoretically-grounded instruments to assess self-care in people with spinal cord injury.

Self-Care and Its Predictive Factors in Hemodialysis Patients.

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease is a serious problem and patients need active self-care. This study focuses on the relationship between self-care and its predictive factors in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Methods: This multicenter correlational study was conducted on 201 HD patients referring to HD centers in the west of Tehran, Iran. A multi-stage sampling method was used to select the samples. Data were collected using self-care Scale, Paloutzian-Ellison Spiritual Well-Being Scale, and Connor Davidson Resilience Questionnaires. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 13 and descriptive statistics and linear regression with stepwise method. Results: The mean (SD) scores of self-care, resilience, and spiritual well-being were 35.5 (5.69), 53.4 (12.94), and 97.4 (17.9), respectively. Univariate analysis showed that self-care had a statistically significant relationship with gender, occupation, education, being diabetic, and hyperlipidemia. Self-care positively correlated with the resilience and negatively correlated with age. Multivariate regression indicated that the resilience (β = 0.78, P = 0.001), being diabetic (β = -0.09, P = 0.01), and age (β = -0.11, P = 0.005) could be predictors of self-care. These variables accounted for 78% of variance in self-care in HD patients. Conclusion: Our results showed that resilience was positively correlated with self–care, but being diabetic and age were negatively correlated with self-care in HD patients. Therefore, the health care providers should pay more attention to HD patients who are diabetic and older, as they are at a higher risk of having impaired self-care.

Development and Psychometric Testing of the Caregiver Self-Efficacy in Contributing to Patient Self-Care Scale

ObjectivesCaregiver self-efficacy—a caregiver’s belief in his/her ability to contribute to patient self-care—is associated with better patient and caregiver outcomes in single chronic conditions. It is, however, unknown if caregiver self-efficacy improves patient and caregiver outcomes in multiple chronic conditions (MCCs) because there is no instrument to measure this variable. We developed the 10-item Caregiver Self-Efficacy in Contributing to patient Self-Care (CSE-CSC) scale for that purpose, and we tested its psychometric characteristics in caregivers of patients with MCCs. MethodsIn this cross-sectional multisite study, we tested the structural validity of the CSE-CSC scale with exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, and we tested construct validity by correlating CSE-CSC scores with those of the Caregiver Contributions to Self-Care of Chronic Illness Inventory. We also tested reliability, and precision of the CSE-CSC scale. ResultsThe 358 enrolled caregivers (mean age 54.6 years; 71.5% female) cared for patients with an average of 3.2 chronic conditions. Structural validity was good, and it showed 2 factors within the scale. Construct validity showed significant correlations between scores of the CSE-CSC scale and the Caregiver Contributions to Self-Care of Chronic Illness Inventory. Reliability coefficients were between 0.90 and 0.97. Measurement error yielded satisfactory results. ConclusionsThe CSE-CSC scale is valid, reliable, and precise in measuring caregiver self-efficacy in contributing to patient self-care in MCCs. Because caregiver self-efficacy is a modifiable variable, the CSE-CSC scale can be used in clinical practice and research to improve patient and caregiver outcomes.

Assessment of Self-care Among Elderly Residents at Nursing Homes in Middle Euphrates Cities in Iraq

Self-care is known to be a health resource in later life because it enables the elderly to improve theirhealth and live at home as long as possible(1). It is therefore essential to resolve the question of self-care inthe elderly(2). The aim of the current study was to assess the level of self-care among elderly residents atnursing homes and to find out the difference between level of self-care with regard to socio-demographicand clinical characteristics. Descriptive study design carried out among 60 elderly persons at nursing homesin middle Euphrates, they are selected by using non probability sampling. The study instrument composed of2 parts. 1st Elderly’s Demographic Characteristics, 2nd self-care scale. The results of study reveal the overallassessment of self-care domains was moderate. In addition, there is a high significant in difference in selfcarelevel of the elderly with regard to their age and their marital status.

Adherence of people with type 1 diabetes to self-care activities / Adesão das pessoas com diabetes tipo 1 às atividades de autocuidado

Objective: to assess the adherence of people with type 1 diabetes to self-care activities. Method: quantitative study with 60 diabetics, from Porto, Portugal. The Self-Care Scale for Diabetes in its version translated and adapted to Portuguese was applied in January to February 2019. Results: respondents are mostly young (36.7%), employed (63.4%), female (73.3%), married (36.7%), high educated (60.0%) and diagnosed with recent diabetes (50.0%). Most have good mean adherence to self-care behaviors related to food (5.0), blood glucose monitoring (6.8), foot care (5.6) and medication (6.4). Regarding physical activity (2.6) and smoking, 73.3% of respondents say they smoked a cigarette in the last seven days lower adherence was identified. Conclusions: there is a need to develop educational programs to ensure a higher adherence to healthy lifestyles.

Psychometric Properties of the Chinese Version of the Brief-Mindful Self-Care Scale: A Translation and Validation Study.

Objective: This study aimed to translate the Brief-Mindful Self-Care Scale (B-MSCS) into Chinese and validate its reliability and validity among hospice nurses.Methods: A total of 510 hospice nurses were recruited from three provinces in China. The reliability of the translated scale was measured by internal consistency, split-half reliability, and test-retest reliability. The validity of the translated scale was evaluated by expert consultation, exploratory factor analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis.Results: The Cronbach's α value of the Chinese version of B-MSCS was 0.920, and the Cronbach's α value of the dimensions ranged from 0.850 to 0.933. The split-half reliability and test-retest reliability were 0.770 and 0.723, respectively. Furthermore, the content validity index of the scale (S-CVI) was 0.946. The 6-factor structure, supported by the eigenvalues, total variance explained, and scree plot were obtained by using exploratory factor analysis. Moreover, as a result of the confirmatory factor analysis, the model fitting indexes were all in the acceptable range.Conclusion: The Chinese version of B-MSCS had suitable reliability and validity among hospice nurses. The developed scale will evaluate the level of mindful self-care of Chinese hospice nurses, providing an opportunity for development of targeted educational plans. Each item is a direct guide for hospice nurses to develop their mindful self-care practice.

A Concordance Table to Convert FIM Basic Mobility and Self-Care Scale Scores to SCI-FI/AT Scores

ObjectiveTo estimate Spinal Cord Injury Functional Index Assistive Technology (SCI-FI/AT) scores from FIM motor items. DesignSecondary data analysis. SettingFourteen Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems (SCIMS) programs. ParticipantsPersons with traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) discharged from inpatient rehabilitation at 14 SCIMS programs (N=1237). InterventionsNot applicable. Main Outcome MeasuresFIM motor items were matched to SCI-FI/AT domains and summary scores for each measure were developed. The kernel-based method was employed to develop a concordance table to estimate SCI-FI/AT domain summary scores from content-matched FIM motor item summary scores. We conducted analyses to compare agreement between actual SCI-FI/AT summary scores (actual SCI-FI/AT_S) and estimated SCI-FI/AT summary scores (est-SCI-FI/AT_S) for the total sample and for participants with different SCI injury categories. ResultsNine FIM items matched SCI-FI/AT basic mobility and self-care domain content. Pearson correlations for actual and est-SCI-FI/AT_S scores (0.79) were adequate for using concordance linking methods. Intraclass correlation coefficient values (0.79; 95% confidence interval, 0.77-0.81) indicated moderate reliability. t tests revealed no significant differences between actual and est-SCI-FI/AT_S scores in the total sample. For almost 60% of the sample, actual and est-SCI-FI/AT_S score differences were <5 points (half of a SD). Greater differences between actual and est-SCI-FI/AT_S scores were noted for persons with tetraplegia American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scales (AISs) A, B, and C. ConclusionsDespite differences between the FIM and SCI-FI/AT assessments, we developed a concordance table to estimate self-care and basic mobility SCI-FI/AT scores from content-matched FIM motor item scores. This concordance table allows researchers to merge FIM data with SCI-FI/AT data to analyze SCI functional outcomes at the group level. However, owing to greater differences between actual and estimated scores, the concordance table should be used with caution to interpret scores for those with cervical-level injuries AISs A, B, C.

The Relationship between Subtypes of Health Literacy and Self-Care Behavior in Chronic Kidney Disease.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global public health issue that is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Self-care behavior has been associated with clinical outcomes in chronic diseases, and adequate self-care behavior may mitigate adverse outcomes. Health literacy may be an important factor associated with self-care. The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between different domains of self-care behavior and health literacy in patients with CKD. This study enrolled 208 patients with CKD stages 1–5 who were not undergoing renal replacement therapy at Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital from April 2019 to January 2020. Health literacy was measured using a multidimensional health literacy questionnaire covering the following five dimensions: accessing, understanding, appraising, and applying health information, and communication/interaction. The CKD Self-Care scale, which is a 16-item questionnaire with five domains including medication adherence, diet control, exercise, smoking behavior, and home blood pressure monitoring was used to assess self-care behavior. Among the 208 patients, 97 had sufficient or excellent health literacy, and 111 had inadequate or limited/problematic health literacy. A higher health literacy score was significantly correlated with greater self-care behavior. Among the five domains of self-care behavior, the patients who had sufficient or excellent health literacy had higher diet, exercise, and home blood pressure monitoring scores than those who had inadequate or limited/problematic health literacy. This study demonstrated that health literacy was significantly and positively correlated with self-care behavior in patients with CKD.

Mindful Self-Care Practice of Nurses in Acute Care: A Multisite Cross-Sectional Survey

Consistent mindful self-care practices mitigate professional burnout and improve resilience to enable nurses provide safe and effective patient care. This study determined the levels and the influencing factors of mindful self-care of nurses in acute care settings. Data were collected from a convenience sample of 258 nurses from seven acute care hospitals using the 36-item Mindful Self-Care Scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive and correlation analyses. Nurses' mindful self-care scores were low, and female nurses had higher levels of mindful self-care than male nurses. Statistically significant negative correlations were found between nurses' mindful self-care levels and their age and clinical experience. Nurses' engagement in mindful self-care is low which may negatively affect their interactions with and care of patients and their families. Therefore, a need exists to develop and evaluate more clinical-based personal and organizational strategies to enhance the mindful self-care practices of nurses.

Psychological Responses According to Gender during the Early Stage of COVID-19 in Spain

Background: Current research has pointed out an increased risk of mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic in women compared to men, however the reason for this difference remains unclear. The aim of this research is to study early psychological responses to the pandemic in the Spanish general population, focusing on gender differences. Methods: Nine to 14 days after the declaration of a state of emergency an online survey was conducted assessing sociodemographic, health, behavioral and COVID-19-related variables. Mental health status was evaluated by the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), and the Self-Care Scale (SCS). Results: The study included 3520 respondents: 2611 women and 909 men. Women scored significantly higher in DASS-21 and IES-R (p < 0.05) and were more likely to somatize, suffer from hypochondriasis, sleeping disturbances and claustrophobia (p < 0.05). Being a woman can be considered a risk factor for intrusive thoughts, avoidance mechanisms, stress and anxiety (Odd Ratio = 2.7/2.3/2.3/1.6). The risk of presenting posttraumatic symptoms and emotional distress was greater in women (Odd Ratio = 6.77/4.59). General linear models to predict IES-R and DASS-21 scores clarified which variables were gender specific, such as main concerns. Conclusions: This study provides evidence that at early stages of the pandemic, women mental health was more impacted and that both genders show different concerns. Gender perspective in secondary and tertiary prevention strategies must be taken into account when facing the distress associated with the pandemic.

Association between perceived stress, fear and anxiety of COVID 19 with self-care in pregnant women: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Pandemic COVID-19 has negative effects on the mental health of all people, especially pregnant women. This study aimed to determine the psychological effects of COVID-19 on self-care in pregnant women. The Cross-sectional study using the Multistage sampling technique was conducted among 215 pregnant women selected randomly from the Iranian Integrated Health System in 2020. Data were collected using demographic and obstetrics questionnaires, Pregnancy Self-Care Scale, Fear of COVID-19, COVID-19 Anxiety Scale(CDAS), and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) by the self-report method. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software version 21 with Pearson correlation test and multivariable linear regression.The Mean (Standard Deviation (SD)) of Fear, anxiety, perceived stress, and self-care was 20.85(6.45), 18.20(10.45), 31.16 (7.65) and 40.84(4.11), respectively. The correlational analyses showed small positive significant associations between Fear (r=0.20; P=0.004) and anxiety of COVID-19 (r=0.14; P=0.03)with self-car but the association between perceived stress and self-care was small negative significant (r= -0.14; P=0.04). Based on regression analysis, 11% of the self-care changes could be explained by three independent variables (β= 0.130, SE= 0.043, P=0.002). Based on the findings, pregnant women may benefit from psychoeducation that focuses on the effect of mental health problems on pregnant women.

Eating behaviors of American adults during the COVID-19 pandemic

The objective was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on eating behaviors of a cross section of the US adult population. Participants (N=844) completed a survey via Amazon Mechanical Turk which evaluated frequency of consumption of five food categories - mixed dishes, salty, sweet, creamy foods and beverages during perceived stress. Physical, emotional and psychological self-care and demographics were also collected. Males eating behaviors especially mixed dishes, sweet foods, and creamy foods decreased when stressed. However, in females there was an increase in the consumption of sweet and creamy foods. When compared to their counterpart, there was a reduction in food choices among minorities and Hispanics. Participants with higher BMI had increased eating behaviors of mixed dishes, salty, and sweet foods. The physical self-care scale revealed there was limited consumption of sweet foods but the psychological self-care demonstrated that there was an increase in creamy food intake

Self-care as a mediator between symptom-management self-efficacy and quality of life in women with breast cancer.

BackgroundThe important role of self-efficacy in facilitating health behavior and, in turn, promoting health outcomes has been widely presumed in the theoretical literature. However, little research has focused on the mechanism by which self-care mediates the relationship between symptom-management self-efficacy and quality of life (QOL) in breast cancer patients.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between symptom-management self-efficacy and quality of life in Taiwanese oncology outpatients with breast cancer and then proposes self-care as a mediator between these two factors.MethodsThis cross-sectional study enrolled 201 oncology outpatients at one teaching hospital in metropolitan Taipei City, Taiwan. The research instruments included the Symptom-Management Self-Efficacy Scale—Cancer (SMSES-Breast Ca.), the Self-Care Scale, and the European Organization for Research & Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Group Questionnaire (EORTC-QLQ-C30).ResultsSymptom-management self-efficacy (SMSE) was directly associated with the QOL of the participants (β = 5.94, p < .001). Moreover, SMSE was indirectly associated with QOL through self-care. Self-care was found to mediate the relationship between symptom-management self-efficacy and global QOL (indirect effect = 0.54, 95% CI 0.12 to 1.18). The level of 95% CI was significant.ConclusionsThe present study supports that self-efficacy beliefs and self-care both significantly and positively influence the quality of life of patients.