Nursing Journal

สารจากบรรณาธิการ

2022-10-03T09:06:55+07:00

The Development of a Bachelor of Nursing Science Outcome-Based Education Program: Faculty of Nursing, Chiang Rai College

2022-04-29T16:57:40+07:00

The changes in social, economic and health problems require a change in strategies in order to obtain graduates with appropriate competencies. Outcome-based education is a teaching method that focuses on the outcomes of graduated nurses based on curriculum objectives. In addition, it is responsive to stakeholders and social needs. This article’s objective is to develop a Bachelor of Nursing Science outcome-based education program at the Faculty of Nursing, Chiang Rai College. Outcome-based education involves a key step: identification of graduates' characteristics or qualifications, which are informed by analysis of stakeholder preferences and needs, as well as the vision, mission, and philosophy of the College and Faculty of Nursing, which define course objectives, learning outcomes, and expected learning outcomes. Another important step considers the management of teaching and learning activities that will enable students to achieve the desired outcomes in addition to the measurement of achievement in which each process must have a corresponding connection in order to obtain graduates with competencies that meet the requirements of the institution.

Enhancing Motivational Protection for COVID-19 Among Children with Chronic Illness: Nurses’ Roles

2022-04-18T11:08:53+07:00

The spread of COVID-19 is a worldwide problem that greatly affects the lives and well-being of people in Thailand, having a wide impact both in terms of economy, society and well-being. Coronavirus is easily spread through inhalation of large droplets and is more severe for people with chronic illness. In children with chronic illnesses, especially those with respiratory disease, obesity, diabetes, or heart disease, as well as immunocompromised children or those receiving immunosuppressants, there is a high risk of infection. With children who are sick from COVID-19 infection, it is more severe than for children with normal health conditions due to the pathology of the disease. Not only will a child be affected but they can also be a burden on family and society. The effect depends on the control of symptoms and the severity of the disease at that time. Therefore, preventing COVID-19 among children with chronic illness is the very important. Nurses play an important role in health care for children with chronic illness. This article presents COVID-19 prevention guidelines by using the Protection Motivation Theory which consist of perceived severity, perceived vulnerability, response efficacy and self-efficacy and which need to be appropriately applied to children with chronic illnesses of each age range, including caregivers to raise awareness and lead to effective actions to prevent COVID-19 infection.

Effects of a Walking Enhancing Program on Self-Efficacy for Walking, Fatigue, and Physical Ability Among Acute Stroke Patients: A Preliminary Analysis

2022-07-07T09:32:16+07:00

Stroke is a common cause of disabilities that require ongoing care. Proper rehabilitation will allow patients to return to help themselves more. The literature review shows that post-stroke fatigue (PSF) is a key factor in post-stroke recovery. This quasi-experimental research used a pretest-posttest with a control group, and aimed to examine the effect of a walking enhancing program (WEP) on self-efficacy for walking, fatigue, and physical abilities among acute stroke patients. The program was developed based on the self-efficacy theory and the brain plasticity theory. Thirty persons with acute stroke admitted to a university hospital in Pathum Thani Province were recruited. The participants were randomly assigned to either an experimental group or a control group by the week of admission. The experimental group received the walking enhancing program in combination with usual care, while the control group received usual care. The research outcomes were measured before starting the program at baseline and at 3 weeks after the experiment. The instruments included the Demographic Questionnaire, the Self-Efficacy for Walking Exercise Scale (SEFWS), the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), and the 6-minute walk test (6MWT). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and t-test.

The findings demonstrated that the experimental group had significantly higher mean SEFWS and 6MWT scores at 3 weeks comparing to the control group (t=9.613, p<.05; t=3.062, p<.05) and compared within the group at baseline (t=15.094, p<.05; t=7.539, p<.05). Moreover, the experimental group had significantly lower mean FSS scores than the control group (t=-8.090, p<.05; t=-8.353, p<.05) at 3 weeks.

The results show that the WEP may increase self-efficacy for walking exercise, reduce fatigue, and improve physical abilities in acute stroke patients. Nurses and multidisciplinary teams can apply this program in order to reduce fatigue, resulting in effective rehabilitation.

Factors Predicting Work-Related Sense of Coherence of Nurses in Affiliated Hospitals of Kunming Medical University, China

2022-07-18T10:03:19+07:00

Work-related sense of coherence (Work-SoC) is an important factor for promoting nurses’ health and well-being. This predictive study aims to describe the level of Work-SoC and determine the predictability of Work-SoC can be explained by age, income, education, social support, resilience, and work engagement. The sample included 270 nurses, randomly selected from two affiliated hospitals of Kunming Medical University in China. The research instruments included the demographic data form, the Work-related Sense of Coherence Scale (Work-SoC Scale), the Personal Resources Questionnaire (PRQ2000), the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RIS), and the 9-item Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES-9). Cronbach’s alpha coefficients for the Work-SoC Scale, PRQ2000, CD-RIS and UWES-9 were .87, .93, .98, and .94, respectively. Descriptive statistics and multinomial logistic regression were used to analyze the data.

The results of this study were:

The overall score of Work-SoC was at a moderate level.
Social support and income were significant predictors of Work-SoC for nurses who perceived moderate levels of Work-SoC when compared to nurses who perceived low levels of Work-SoC (OR = 1.72, 95% CI = 1.15 to 2.58, p < .01 and OR = .19, 95% CI = .05 to .71, p < .05). In addition, social support and work engagement were significant predictors of Work-SoC for nurses who perceived high levels of Work-SoC when compared to nurses who perceived low levels of Work-SoC (OR = 4.02, 95% CI = 1.86 to 8.70, p < .01 and OR = 2.01, 95% CI = 1.24 to 3.23, p < .01).

The results of this study provide basic information for hospitals and nurse administrators to develop strategies or interventions to improve social support and work engagement which will enhance Work-SoC among Chinese nurses in affiliated hospitals of Kunming Medical University.

Time Management and Quality of Working Life for Nurses in General Hospitals in the Republic of the Union of Myanmar

2019-07-21T21:02:47+07:00

Effective time management has an effect on nursing performance, helping the nurses to produce better quality nursing care and has opportunity to develop themselves. This descriptive correlational study aimed to explore the level of time management and quality of working life of nurses and to examine their relationships. The sample included 252 nurses working in four general hospitals in Yangon Region, the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. Research instruments consisted of the Time Management Behavior Scale (TMBS) developed by Macan (1994) and Work Related Quality of Life scale (WRQoL) developed by Van Laar, Edwards, and Easton (2007). The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of TMBS was .85, while those of the overall and of each dimension of WRQoL; general wellbeing, home-work interface, job and career satisfaction, control at work, working conditions, and stress at work, were .95, .89, .72,.89, .87, .87, and .84 respectively. Descriptive statistics and Spearman rank correlation coefficient were used to analyze data.

Results were as follows:

1. Nurses perceived that their time management was at a moderate level ( = 99.98, SD = 14.45) and that their work life quality was at a low level ( = 71.06, SD = 12.20).

2. There was a positive correlation between time management and overall quality of work life (rs = 0.213, p < 0.01). There was a positive correlation between time management and the four dimensions of quality of working life; namely, general well-being (rs = 0.201, p < 0.01), job and career satisfaction (rs = 0.178, p < 0.01), control at work (rs = 0.168, p < 0.01) and working conditions (rs = 0.166, p < 0.01). However, there was no association between time management and two dimensions of quality of working life: home-work interface and stress at work.

The results suggest that nurse administrators should provide training for nurses to increase time management skills. This will help them prioritize and manage tasks efficiently. If nurses enhance time management, they will be able to produce quality work and develop themselves.

Health Literacy and Self-Management Among Older Monks with Multimorbidity

2022-06-27T10:21:43+07:00

Health literacy is a factor that helps people with multiple chronic diseases to manage themselves more effectively. This correlational descriptive research aimed to investigate health literacy, self-management, and the association between health literacy and self-management among older monks with multimorbidity. The study participants were older monks with multimorbidity attending the outpatient department of priest hospitals in Bangkok province. The 88 participants were selected using purposive sampling. The research instruments used in this study consisted of a demographic and illness data recording form, and interview questionnaires for health literacy and self-management of older monks with multimorbidity. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson’s product-moment correlation.

The results showed that older monks with multimorbidity had a high level of health literacy and self-management. Health literacy was statistically correlated with
self-management at a high level (r = .76, p < .01).

The results of this study can be used as database information for health care professionals who look after older monks with multimorbidity to support their
self-management through enhancing health literacy.

Health Literacy and Self-Management Among Elderly Ischemic Stroke Survivors

2022-05-19T15:04:55+07:00

Elderly ischemic stroke survivors with good self-management can reduce disability and complications, and prevent recurrent stroke. This correlational descriptive research investigated health literacy, self-management, and the correlation between health literacy and self-management in elderly ischemic stroke survivors. The participants were 88 older persons, diagnosed with ischemic stroke for 6 months or longer, who received treatment at a sub-district Health Promoting Hospital. Research instruments for data collection included the Personal and Illness Information Questionnaire, the Health Literacy for Elderly Ischemic Stroke Survivors Questionnaire, and the Self-Management for Elderly Ischemic Stroke Survivors Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson’s product-moment correlation.

The results showed that health literacy among elderly ischemic stroke survivors was moderate ( = 39.56, S.D. = 7.89). Self-management among elderly ischemic stroke survivors was high ( = 93.60, S.D. = 9.81). Health literacy was positively and statistically correlated with self-management at a moderate level (r = .386, p = .001).

The results of this study provide basic information for health professionals to support self-management through promoting health literacy among elderly ischemic stroke survivors for enhancing health literacy.

Effect of PITS-Based Education on Health Literacy Among Older Persons with Type-2 Diabetes

2022-05-11T16:53:14+07:00

For good disease control in older persons with diabetes, they need enhanced health literacy. This experimental research aims to examine the effect of a PITS-based education program on health literacy in older persons with type-2 diabetes. The 54 participants were selected by simple random sampling from older persons with type-2 diabetes attending the Health Promoting Hospital, Hang Dong District, Chiang Mai Province, and 27 participants were randomly assigned into either the control or experimental groups. The experimental group received the PITS-based education program, consisting of group and individual education, with 5 sessions for a duration of 3 weeks, while the control group received usual care. The experimental tool included the PITS-based education program for older persons with type-2 diabetes and data collection tools which consisted of a personal and illness data record form and the health literacy questionnaire for older persons with type-2 diabetes. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Wilcoxon Signed Rank test.

The results showed that the mean health literacy scores of older persons with type-2 diabetes who received the PITS-based education program were significantly higher than those who received usual care (p < .001). After receiving education, participants had signifi- cantly higher mean health literacy scores than before (p < .01).

The results showed that education based on the PITS model can enhance health literacy. Therefore, the education program could be useful for health personnel to use as a guideline for enhancing older persons with type-2 diabetes to have better health literacy.

Health Literacy and Health Promoting Behaviors Among Muslim Older Adults

2022-09-19T16:16:19+07:00

Health promoting behaviors in the elderly result in well-being. This research aimed to describe health literacy, health promoting behaviors and the relationship between health literacy and health promoting behaviors of Muslim older adults. The sample consisted of 197 Muslim older adults living in Muang District, Pattani Province. The participants were recruited by multi-stage random sampling. Data were collected using the Health Literacy and the Health Promoting Behaviors questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient.

The research revealed that:

1.Most Muslim older persons (98.98%) had functional health literacy.

2.Muslim older persons had health promoting behaviors at a moderate level. Considering each behavior, spiritual growth, interpersonal relationship, stress management and nutrition were at a good level. Health responsibility was at a moderate level, and physical activity was at a fair level.

3.Health literacy showed a positively significant relationship with health promoting behaviors at a high-level (r = .56, p < .05).

The results of this study could serve as information for health care teams to plan for modifying health promoting behaviors for Muslim older persons by improving health literacy, especially communicative/interactive and critical health literacy.

Illness Representation and Coping with Dying Among Patients with End-stage Renal Disease

2021-12-24T09:12:26+07:00

The number of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is increasing. This disease affects a patient’s illness representation as well as results in a life-threatening confrontation. The purposes of this descriptive study were to determine the levels of illness representation and coping with dying, as well as to explore the relationship between illness representation and coping with dying in patients with ESRD. The 306 participants were purposively selected after consideration of the inclusion criteria. The data collection instruments consisted of a demographic data form, the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (Brief IPQ), and the Coping with Dying Questionnaire. The validity and reliability of the instruments were examined. Five experts assessed the content's quality. When the confidence test was performed in end-stage renal failure patients with similar characteristics to the group, the content conformance index was 1.0. The Kuder-Richardson-20 method was used to determine the internal homogeneity of the 16 samples. A confidence value of .92 was obtained.

The results of the study showed that the participants had a moderate level of overall illness representation ( = 38.72, SD = 10.84). The mean scores of coping with dying were at a high level ( = 58.36, SD = 16.62).Regarding the relationship, the results showed that the illness representations subscale of personal control (rs = -.130, p < 0.05) and coherence (rs = -.154, p < 0.01) had a significantly negative correlation with coping with dying.

The results from this study provide basic information about illness representation and coping with dying, as well as the relationships between both variables. These results will benefit nurses in their provision of appropriate care for patients with ESRD and will benefit further research.

Monitoring in the Peri-Cardiopulmonary Arrest Period and During Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation at an Emergency Department

2022-09-20T15:40:09+07:00

Accurate and appropriate monitoring of patients in the emergency department is crucial for nurses’ timely detection of a patient’s changing condition so they can receive prompt treatment. This descriptive retrospective study aimed to explore nurses’ monitoring in the peri-cardiopulmonary arrest period and during cardiopulmonary resuscitation at an emergency department. Samples included 92 medical records of resuscitation patients who received cardiopulmonary resuscitation at an emergency department. The research instrument was the Nurses’ Monitoring in the Peri-Cardiopulmonary Arrest Period and During Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation at an Emergency Department Data Record Form, which was developed by the researcher based on Pothitakis and others’ framework (Pothitakis et al., 2011) and the literature review. The record form was checked for its content validity by five experts. The inter-rater reliability between the researcher and experts was conducted and yielded a reliability of 1.00.

Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

The results of this study revealed that only 17.4% of monitoring in the peri-cardiopulmonary arrest period met the monitoring criteria. None of the samples received monitoring during cardiopulmonary resuscitation which was consistent with the monitoring criteria.

The findings of this study demonstrate the need to improve the monitoring of patients done by nurses in the emergency department. Accurate and appropriate monitoring of patients will allow nurses to deliver quality nursing care.

Carbohydrate Intake and Hemoglobin A1c in Older Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

2022-09-26T13:46:10+07:00

Older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus require a controlled diet to prevent subsequent complications. This research aimed to describe carbohydrate intake, hemoglobin A1c and the relationship between carbohydrate intake and hemoglobin A1c in older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The sample consisted of 88 older adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus attending the health promotion hospital in Ban Tom and Mae Ka Sub-District, Muang District, Phayao Province. The sample was purposively selected based on the eligibility criteria. Data were collected using: 1) A 7-day Food Diary Record which was used to determine carbohydrate intake using the Nutrifacts Program software, and 2) a hemoglobin A1c analyzer. The validity and reliability of these instruments were approved prior to data collection. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and Pearson’s product-moment correlation.

The study results revealed that:

Older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus had an average carbohydrate intake of 405.04 grams/day, representing average carbohydrate energy of 1278.72 kilocalories/day which accounted for 65.59% of total energy (1949.57 kilocalories).
Older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus had average hemoglobin A1c of 7.60%. About two-thirds (65.91%) of the sample had hemoglobin A1c above the control level (≥ 7%); and
Carbohydrate intake showed a positively significant relationship with hemoglobin A1c at a moderate level (r = .49, p < .05).

The findings can be used as information for health personnel to promote carbohydrate consumption control in older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Food Consumption Behavior and Nutritional Status Among Persons with Head and Neck Cancer

2022-09-26T14:26:42+07:00

Proper food consumption behaviors and nutritional status are essential for persons with head and neck cancer. Their bodies require adequate nutrients and energy in order to endure a continued regimen course to respond to treatment effectively. This descriptive study aimed to explore food consumption behaviors and nutritional status among persons with head and neck cancer who visited the division of therapeutic radiology and oncology outpatient department, Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital. The purposively selected subjects were 126 persons with head and neck cancer. Of these numbers, 63 of them received only radiotherapy and another 63 received chemotherapy in combination with radiotherapy. Research instruments included the Food Consumption Behavior among Persons with Head and Neck Cancer Questionnaire, and the Nutritional Status Data Record Form. The research instruments were approved for their quality prior to data collection. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

The results showed that:

The overall food consumption behaviors among persons with head and neck cancer receiving only radiotherapy and chemotherapy in combination with radiotherapy were at a high level (80.16%). In determination by dimensions, it was found that food consumption behaviors regarding eating habits and food that should be taken, and taboo food were at a high level, at 68.25% and 85.71%, respectively.
The overall nutritional status of the subjects receiving only radiotherapy and chemotherapy in combination with radiotherapy were at a normal level (46.83%), at a lower than normal level (33.33%), at a higher than normal level (9.52%), and at risk of a higher than normal level (10.32%). In regards to protein, it was revealed that the subjects were at a normal level (7.14%), and had protein deficiency (92.86%) which was categorized into mild, moderate, and severe protein deficiency (11.11%, 21.43%, and 60.32%, respectively).

The results of this study show preliminary data of overall food consumption behaviors and nutritional status among persons with head and neck cancer receiving only radiotherapy and chemotherapy in combination with radiotherapy at a high level. Overall nutritional status is at a normal level, but protein deficiency is severe. Thus, a care model for promotion of nutritional status in protein among persons with head and neck cancer should be developed.

Factors Related to Medication Adherence Among Older Persons with Heart Failure

2022-07-08T16:34:45+07:00

Older persons with heart failure are a group of people with complex problems who are often affected by multiple medications, so medication adherence is needed to reduce potential problems and complications. This research is a descriptive study of the relationship of factors associated with medication adherence among older adults with heart failure. The sample was elderly people who attended cardiovascular clinics in tertiary hospitals, with a specific sample of 84 people. Four questionnaires were used for data collection: a personal information form, the Functional Communication and Critical Health Literacy Scale, social support questionnaires, and the Medication Adherence Scale in Thai. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the demographic data. The correlation between variables was tested with Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient.

The results showed that most older adults with heart failure recruited from tertiary hospitals had high health literacy, with an average of 41.31 (SD = 9.49), and received a high level of social support at 73.80% with an average of 52.65 (SD = 6.98). The majority of those had adequate medication adherence, at 96.40 % with an average of 37.86 (SD = 3.50). Moreover, emotional social support had a significantly positive relationship with medication adherence in older adults with heart failure (r_s = .296 p < .01).

The results of this study can serve as a basis for nurses to plan the promotion of medication adherence in older adults with heart failure.

Good Death: Perspective of Nurses in Critical Care Unit

2021-12-24T09:11:22+07:00

Technological advancements in medical treatment can lead to complicated and unnatural deaths in critical care units. Critical care nurses are responsible for providing a good death for dying patients in critical care units. Thus, nurses’ perspectives of what constitutes a good death influences the ways they provide care for these patients. This descriptive research aimed to describe nurses’ perspectives on attributes of good death. The research sample was 305 critical care nurses randomized from 10 government hospitals in upper Northern Thailand, including secondary and tertiary levels. The research instruments consisted of a demographic data recording form and the Thai version of the Good Death Inventory (GDI) which had a reliability of .97. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results revealed the respondents perceived attributes of good death. These attributes were classified as the core domains of good death and were ranked from highest to lowest as follows: 1) being respected as an individual, 2) good relationship with family, 3) preparation for death, 4) religious and spiritual comfort, 5) maintaining hope and pleasure, 6) good relationship with medical staff, 7) receiving enough treatment, 8) natural death, 9) feeling that one’s life is worth living, and 10) physical and psychological comfort. In addition, some relatively less important characteristics were classified as optional domains of good death and were ranked from highest to lowest as follows: 1) life completion, 2) dying in a favorite place, 3) environmental comfort, 4) control over the future, 5) awareness of death, 6) independence, 7) not being a burden to others, and 8) pride and beauty.

The results of this study can contribute to knowledge regarding good death of critically ill patients as perceived by critical care nurses in Thailand. These findings also provide information for further improving critical care nurses’ competency in end-of-life care. Factors associated with good death as well as nursing interventions of promoting good death among critical care nurses are recommended for further studies

Effects of a Self-management Program Among Patients with Ischemic Stroke

2022-06-23T10:53:10+07:00

This study used a quasi-experimental research design with pretest-posttest control groups. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of a self-management program among ischemic stroke patients. The study was undertaken at a university hospital. Sixty acute stroke patients were recruited for the study, and they were then assigned to an experimental group (n = 30) or a control group (n = 30). The experimental group received the self-management program, designed based on the concept of self-management by Creer (2000), from the researcher, whereas the control group received usual care by the nursing staff. The outcomes were evaluated at baseline and 8 weeks. The instruments used in the study were the demographic questionnaire; the clinical outcomes, including blood pressure, blood glucose, and lipid profile; and the self-management behaviors test. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the independent t-test.

The findings showed that the mean score of clinical outcomes in the experimental group increased with statistical significance and was greater than the mean score of clinical outcomes in the control group and greater than at baseline (p <.001). The mean score of self-management behaviors in experimental group increased with statistical significance, and was greater than the mean score self-management behaviors in the control group and greater than at baseline (p <.001).

The results demonstrated that the self-management program can increase clinical outcomes and self-management behaviors in ischemic stroke patients. Nurses and healthcare team can apply this program to improve quality of care among stroke patients.

Pain Management and Outcomes Among Patients After Thoracic or Abdominal Surgery

2022-05-02T11:29:50+07:00

This descriptive and correlational study aimed to examine nurses’ management using clinical nursing practice guidelines (CNPG) for pain management among patients within 72 hours after thoracic or abdominal surgery. The sample was comprised of 150 patients who underwent thoracic or abdominal surgery, and 90 nurses working in one tertiary care hospital in Southern Thailand. The research instruments consisted of the CNPG questionnaire (which collected data on pain management); the Short Form of the Thai version of the Pain Intensity Questionnaire (which collected data on pain outcomes), the Pain Interference Questionnaire, and the Mobility Record. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Spearman’s rank correlation.

The results showed that:

Nurses’ application of CNPG for pain management was at a good level, overall, and for each dimension.
Pain intensity at 24 hours after surgery was at a moderate level and had decreased to a mild level by 72 hours after surgery. Pain interference 24 hours to 72 hours after surgery was at a mild level, whereas patients’ mobility increased from 24 hours after surgery through 72 hours later.
Pain intensity showed a positive correlation with pain interference at 48 hours after surgery (p < .001) and had a negative association with mobility at 72 hours after surgery (p < .001).

This study indicates that application of CNPG leads to good pain outcomes among patients after thoracic or abdominal surgery.

Effects of Experiential Learning on Knowledge, Screening, and Advice Regarding Opisthorchiasis Among Village Health Volunteers

2022-06-08T15:58:27+07:00

This quasi-experimental research study aimed to investigate the effects of experiential learning on knowledge, screening practices, and advice regarding opisthorchiasis among village health volunteers. The sample consisted of 23 village health volunteers at Thawangtan Health Promoting Hospital, Saraphi district, Chiang Mai province, and random sampling was used. The research instruments consisted of: 1) the experiential learning package of knowledge, screening practices, and advice regarding opisthorchiasis; 2) a personal information questionnaire; 3) a questionnaire on knowledge, screening and advice regarding opisthorchiasis; 4) a screening practice observation form; and 5) an observation form for advice regarding practice related to opisthorchiasis. The research instruments were tested for content validity and reliability. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and Fisher’s exact probability test.

The results showed that, following participation in the experiential learning program,
the levels of knowledge among village health volunteers were statistically significantly higher than before participation (p = .027), and the levels of screening and advice practices for opisthorchiasis were statistically significantly higher than before participation in the program (p < .001).

This study showed that the experiential learning program can improve knowledge, screening practices, and advice regarding opisthorchiasis among village health volunteers. Therefore, it should be used to enhance the capacity development of village health volunteers.

Effects of a Self-management Program on Medication Adherence and Blood Pressure Level Among Persons with Hypertension in a Community

2022-02-24T12:54:14+07:00

This study examined the effects of a self-management program on medication adherence scores and blood pressure levels among people with hypertension in a community. It was a two-group quasi-experimental study with a pretest-posttest design. The objectives of the study were to compare medication adherence scores and blood pressure levels of people in a community. The sample group consisted of 48 people with hypertension, aged 35 to 59 years, who were equally divided with 24 people each in the experimental group and control group. The study was conducted in Sri Bua Ban Subdistrict, Muang District, Lamphun Province. The experimental group received the self-management program for 8 weeks. The program was developed by the researcher by applying the self-management concept (Kanfer & Gaelick-Buys, 1991), and included 3 steps: 1) self-monitoring, 2) self-evaluation, and 3) self-reinforcement. The control group received standard care. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and a medication adherence scale (in Thai) with a CVI of .96 and a reliability coefficient value of .98. Data on medication adherence scores were analyzed using the paired sample t-test and t-test for the independent sample. Blood pressure levels were analyzed by the Wilcoxon Matched Pairs Signed-Ranks Test and the Mann-Whitney U Test.

The results revealed that the experimental group who received the self-management program for 8 weeks had average medication adherence scores which were higher than before receiving the self-management program with statistical significance (p < 0.05) and higher than the control group who received regular nursing care with statistical significance (p < 0.05). It was found that the experimental group had lower mean blood pressure levels than before receiving the self-management program with statistical significance (p < 0.05) and less than those of the control group, but there was no statistical significance (p > 0.05). After receiving the self-management program, the experimental group had a difference in mean change of blood pressure levels which was lower than the control group with statistical significance (p < 0.05).

The results of this research will be beneficial to community nurse practitioners and health care teams who can use them as guidelines for promoting self-management of people with hypertension in the community. Together with telephone follow-up and home visits, they can educate people to build an understanding of hypertension and how to take the right type of antihypertensive medications at the right dose and the right time, continuously and regularly, and be able to properly manage adverse drug reactions to effectively reduce blood pressure levels.

Effects of Maneevej Exercise on Low Back Pain and Functional Status Among Cleaning Workers

2022-04-18T14:17:34+07:00

Low back pain is one of the most common health problems of cleaning workers affecting their work and daily-life function. Maneevej exercise is an effective measure to reduce low back pain and improve functional status. This quasi-experimental research aimed to examine the effects of Maneevej exercise on low back pain and the functional status of hospital cleaning workers, who were specifically chosen using designated criteria. The subjects consisted of 52 participants, selected by purposive sampling based on inclusion criteria, who were assigned into an experimental group (26) or a control group (26). Data gathering tools included the Numeric Rating Scale and the Modified Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire (Modified ODQ). These instruments were validated using test-retest reliability which obtained Pearson correlation coefficient and yielded a value of .84. Data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics, the Mann-Whitney U test, and the Friedman test.

The findings revealed that the experimental group had lower mean scores regarding low back pain symptoms and higher mean scores regarding functional status at week 4 and 8, with statistical significance (p < .01). When comparing with in the group, the study showed that the experimental group had lower mean scores regarding low back pain symptoms and higher mean scores regarding functional status at week 4 and 8 with statistical significance (p < .01).

The results suggested that the Maneevej exercise is effective for diminishing low back pain symptoms and enhancing the functional status of cleaning workers. Therefore, Maneevej exercise should be promoted regularly among cleaning workers.

Effects of a Capacity Building Program for Village Health Volunteers on Knowledge and Sodium Consumption Behaviors Among Persons with Uncontrolled Hypertension

2022-04-08T15:36:42+07:00

Sodium consumption behavior in people with hypertension is an important factor in controlling blood pressure levels. This quasi-experimental research investigated the effects of a capacity building program for village health volunteers on knowledge and behaviors related to sodium consumption among persons with uncontrolled hypertension. The sample consisted of persons with uncontrolled hypertension, consisting of one group which received knowledge from the village health volunteers who participated in the capacity building program and one group which received standard nursing care. Purposive sampling was used with 54 persons who were divided equally into the two groups (27 persons per group). The instruments utilized in the study included the capacity building program for village health volunteers based on the competency concept (McClelland, 1993), a lesson plan for village health volunteers, a book on eating less salt to control blood pressure, a successful model for village health volunteers, and a salt meter. The data collecting instruments consisted of two questionnaires: one on knowledge related to sodium consumption and one on sodium consumption behavior. The instruments were validated for quality and validity (IOC = .80, CVI = .80 respectively), and reliability (.87, .78 respectively) was acceptable. The data was then analyzed using Wilcoxon and the Mann Whitney U test.

The results showed that after the program, the group which received knowledge from the village health volunteers who participated in capacity development had significantly higher average scores for sodium consumption knowledge than before participating in the program, and more than those of the group which received standard nursing care (p < .001, p < .001 respectively). In addition, the mean score of sodium consumption behaviors for the group which received knowledge from the village health volunteers was significantly higher than before participating in the program and more than that of the group which received nursing care (p < .001, p < .001 respectively).

The results of this research point to the effect of the village health volunteers capacity development program and the use of the mentoring process to transfer knowledge. The group of people with uncontrolled hypertension had the knowledge and the ability to effectively modify sodium consumption behavior.

The Development of Family and Community Health Leaders for Elderly Care

2022-08-03T11:45:41+07:00

Family and community health leaders are individuals who are capable of solving family health problems and participating in community work. This participatory action research aimed to develop family and community health leaders for elderly care. The research was conducted in Jomthong subdistrict, Maunge district, Phitsanulok, and was composed of 2 phases. Phase 1 involved designing lessons by a knowledge management process according to a health promotion pattern comprised of health responsibility, physical activities, nutrition, interpersonal relation, spiritual development, and stress management from 40 community practitioners divided into 5 groups, with 8 people in each group. Phase 2 was comprised of 6 lessons, delivered to 38 participants selected by purposive sampling related to the inclusion criteria, to develop and evaluate the learning outcomes and learning process. Research instruments included the Community Health Leader for Elderly Care lessons, a learning outcomes test, and an assessment of satisfaction with the lesson and knowledge management forms. The data were analyzed using content analysis, inductive analysis, descriptive analysis and paired sample t-test.

The results showed that the 6 lessons designed by the community practitioners consisted of exercise for elderly, food for elderly, interaction to promote health for elderly, mental management for elderly, and stress management for elderly. The outcomes after the lessons found overall average scores were significantly higher (p < .01). The average scores before and after learning were 13.61 and 23.16, respectively. Satisfaction with the learning process was at a high level ( = 4.59, SD = 0.58).

The study findings suggest that family and community health leaders developed by the knowledge management process from family and community organizations by a participatory process can be a tool for creating responsibility to promote or solve holistic health problems of the elderly.

Effects of Breastfeeding on Pain in Full-term Neonates during Immunization Injections

2022-01-28T22:29:13+07:00

Vaccination can induce pain in newborn infants and stress or anxiety in parents. This study used a two-group, quasi-experimental design. The objective was to compare pain levels during injectable immunization between breastfeeding and routine-care full-term neonates. The two hundred and twelve subjects were recruited from a group of term infants who had delivery without complications at HRH Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Medical Center in Nakhon Nayok province. The subjects were divided in two groups by purposive sampling; there were 106 cases in each group. The experimental group received injectable immunizations while breastfeeding, and the control group received immunization during routine care. The instruments used in this study were divided into 2 types: 1) brochures on breastfeeding position and the BCG vaccine; and 2) assessment of infant’s pain during injectable immunization by the Infant Pain Scale-NIPS (Lawrence et al., 1993). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Mann - Whitney U test.

The results show that pain levels in breastfed infants were significantly lower than the pain levels in routine-care infants with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001).
Therefore, breastfeeding could decrease an infant’s pain during immunization injections.

Factors Related to Caring of Pediatric Nurses in Tertiary Hospitals

2019-09-16T22:25:13+07:00

Caring by pediatric nurses involves cooperation among nurses, pediatric patients, and families of pediatric patients receiving holistic care. The objective of this correlational descriptive research study was to examine caring of pediatric nurses and the relationship of emotional stability and organizational climate to caring of pediatric nurses. Watson’s concept of caring (1988) and a literature review were used as the conceptual framework in this study. The samples, selected by purposive sampling, comprised 98 registered nurses in pediatric wards of two tertiary hospitals in northern Thailand. The research instruments included the Emotional Stability Questionnaire, the Organizational Climate Questionnaire, and the Caring Behavior of Pediatric Nurses Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient.

The results were as follows:

The total mean scores of caring of pediatric nurses were at a high level (= 102.36, SD = 12.09). In terms of each individual dimension, it was found that the mean scores of 9 out of 10 dimensions were at a high level with the highest being the 8th dimension: provision for a supportive, protective, and corrective mental, physical, sociocultural, and spiritual environment (= 17.41, SD = 2.37). Mean scores in the tenth dimension, allowance for existential-phenomenological forces, were at a moderate level (= 1.91, SD = 0.70).
Emotional stability showed a statistically significant positive correlation at a high level with the caring of pediatric nurses (r_s= .694, p < .05). Organizational climate had a statistically significant positive correlation at a high level with the caring of pediatric nurses (r_s= .673, p < .05).

The results of this study provide preliminary information about factors related to caring of pediatric nurses. Emotional stability and a positive organizational climate should be promoted among pediatric nurses to increase caring in holistically serving the needs of pediatric patients and families.

The Effects of a Group Teaching Program on Parents’ Knowledge and Behavior in Preventing Asthmatic Attacks in Children

2022-09-30T16:27:37+07:00

An asthma attack includes difficulty with breathing and wheezing due to bronchoconstriction caused by a hyperreactive response. It is most common in children aged 1-5 years. Repeated asthma attacks affect the physical, psychological, emotional, and sociological aspects for children and their parents. This quasi-experimental study aimed to examine the effects of a group teaching program on parents’ knowledge and behavior in preventing asthmatic attacks in children. A purposive sample of 30 parents of 1 to 5-year-old children with asthma or asthma-like symptoms were recruited from the emergency room and pediatric outpatient department at Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital. Subjects were divided into control and experimental groups with 15 in each. The research instruments consisted of 1) a group teaching program; 2) a video compact disc; 3) a knowledge of asthma test; and 4) the parents’ behavior toward asthma prevention in children scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the paired t-test, and the Mann Whitney U Test.

The results of the study showed that:

Parents’ knowledge and behavior scores toward asthma prevention in children for the experimental group were statistically significantly higher than for the control group (p < 0.01).
Parents’ knowledge and behavior scores toward asthma prevention in children for the experimental group after the group teaching program were statistically significantly higher than before (p < 0.01).

The results of the study suggest that the group teaching program can be used to teach and promote asthma prevention among parents of children between 1-5 years old.

The Development of an Intravenous Injection Arm Model

2021-12-23T14:04:22+07:00

Intravenous injection is one of the nursing activities that nursing students must practice on the unit. Therefore, the development of an intravenous injection arm model for practicing in the laboratory is important for helping enhance students’ confidence and develop more skills to practice nursing activities. This was a research and development study which aimed to develop an intravenous injection arm model and to evaluate its quality. The study sample consisted of 133, 3^rd year nursing students in the Bachelor of Nursing Program, along with 5 nursing instructors. The tools were an interview form for the opinions of nursing instructors and nursing students, and the quality assessment questionnaire. The content validity (CVI) of the tools was 0.95 and the Cronbach’ s alpha coefficient was 0.97. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

The results of the study revealed that the information that could be used to develop the model included the circulatory system, the size of the arm, and the blood system. Some problems and obstacles were that wooden materials were too hard, and wrapped rubber gloves were too lightweight and easily torn when moving. Therefore, the researchers developed the new intravenous injection arm model which was tried out and tested for quality. Overall, the quality of the new model was at a high level, and it was able to represent the external structure of a real arm ( = 4.35, SD = 0.66), with the proper proportions and colors ( = 4.25, SD = 0.51), and was easy to move ( = 4.12, SD = 0.67).

This results of the study suggested that this innovation can be used in nursing practice for enhancing the intravenous injection skills of nursing students.

The Effectiveness of an Elderly Health Promotion Competency Enhancement Program on Elderly Health Promotion Competency Levels Among Undergraduate Nursing Students

2022-02-21T12:08:23+07:00

The number of elderly people has continued to increase, and nursing students must be ready to enhance their health. This quasi-experimental research involved just one group. All results were measured twice (before and after). The objective was to study the effectiveness of the elderly health enhancement competency program on elderly health enhancement competency levels, which is the work of undergraduate nursing students. The sample group consisted of 102 second-year nursing students. The research tools were divided into 3 parts: 1) an evaluation form for elderly health enhancement competency levels, which covered four competencies: aging’s holistic wellness promotion, empowerment of the elderly, applying evidence-based practice for the elderly, and ethical care for the elderly; 2) an elderly health enhancement competency program on elderly health enhancement competency levels by case study learning method and according to actual conditions; and 3) a focus group questionnaire. Data analysis was done using mean, standard deviation, paired t-tests, and content analysis.
The results showed that the sample group had the highest elderly health enhancement competency in terms of empowerment and quality of care (Mean = 2.41, SD = 0.35), and they performed statistically significantly better in health promotion for the elderly after participating in the program (t = 8.78, p < .01). In addition, the results from the qualitative data supports two issues, quantitatively, as follows: the ability to have elderly health enhancement competency and knowledge, and a good attitude towards the elderly.
The results of this research can be used as a guideline for nursing teachers who train undergraduate nursing students in elderly health enhancement competency.

Development of Nursing Project Evaluation Tools based on the Thai Qualification Framework for Higher Education and 21st Century Skills for Nursing Students

2022-04-18T19:37:06+07:00

The objectives of this developmental research were to develop and examine the quality of learning outcomes evaluation tools for nursing students based on the Thai Qualification Framework for Higher Education and 21^stcentury skills. The participants consisted of 101 and 136 nursing students in the 2018 and 2019 academic years, respectively. Instruments included a 12-item, 4-level evaluation tool. The data were analyzed for the quality of the developed evaluation tools using Content Validity Analysis, Reliability and Factor Analysis.

The nursing project evaluation tools were developed with 12 items. The content validity of the tools was derived from IOC 0.93. The internal consistency reliability (α) of the tools was 0.691. A confirmatory factor analysis revealed a chi-square corresponding value of 48.209, at an independent degree of 51, p=0.5852, CFI=1.000, TLI=1.033, RMSEA=0.000 and SRMR=0.057, between the developed model and the empirical data.

The outcome of this study may lead to further research. The tools were suitable to be used. Policies regarding the continuous learning outcomes evaluation tools implementation should be established.

Ethical Leadership of Head Nurses and Organizational Citizenship Behaviors as Perceived by Nurses in Regional Hospitals

2022-06-08T12:51:31+07:00

Ethical leadership refers to leaders’ behaviors in their job resulting in the common good and inspiring followers to behave ethically. The purpose of this cross-sectional correlation study was to examine the ethical leadership of head nurses as perceived by nurses and the organizational citizenship behaviors of nurses, as well as the relationships between them. The study sample was comprised of 460 nurses working in southern regional hospitals. The research instruments included: 1) a demographic data form; 2) a Ethical Leadership questionnaire (5-point rating scale); and 3) an Organizational Citizenship Behaviors questionnaire (7-point rating scale). The reliability of the second and third instruments was .98 and .87, respectively. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Spearman’s rank correlation analysis.

The results revealed that the overall ethical leadership of head nurses as perceived by nurses was at a high level. The overall organizational citizenship behaviors of nurses were at a high level. The findings also showed that the ethical leadership of head nurses was moderately positively and statistically correlated with the organizational citizenship behaviors of nurses (r = .526, p = .001).

Based on the findings of this study, head nurses who demonstrate a commitment to ethical leadership will inspire nurses to display organizational citizenship behaviors. Therefore, it is necessary to develop programs and strategies for helping head nurses to better understand ethical leadership and foster ethical climates in their units.

Maternal Attitude, Fatigue and Functional Status Among Adolescent Mothers

2022-09-30T18:53:36+07:00

Becoming an adolescent mother is a significant life event. During postpartum, adolescent mothers are confronted with both the physical and psychological changes that may affect the functional status of the adolescent mother. The purpose of this descriptive correlational study was to describe the relationship between maternal attitude, fatigue and functional status among adolescent mothers. The sample were selected following the inclusion criteria and consisted of 85 adolescent mothers aged 13-19 years old who had a postpartum check-up at Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital, Health Promotion Hospital, First Regional Health Promoting Center, Chiang Mai and Lamphun Hospital. The research instruments were the Attitudes Toward Motherhood Scale by Sockol, Epperson, and Barber (2014), Thai version by Pukdeesamai, Sriarporn, and Xuto (2015); the Modified Fatigue Symptoms Checklist by Pugh, Milligan, Park, Lenze, and Kitzman (1999), Thai version by Theerakulchai (2004); and the Inventory of Functional Status After Childbirth for Adolescents by Logsdon (2009), modified by Moortito, Sriarporn, and Baosoung (2015). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson's product moment correlation.

Results of the study revealed that:

The majority of adolescent mothers had a negative maternal attitude (67.06%, SD = 9.81), and had a low level of fatigue, accounting for 78.82% (SD = 16.66). Regarding the functional status of adolescent mothers, the score was at a moderate level (SD = .25).
Fatigue had a significant and low negative correlation with functional status after childbirth (r = -.214, p < .05), and maternal attitude had no significant correlation with the functional status of adolescent mothers.

The results of this study can be used as baseline data for planning effective nursing care to promote postpartum functional status among adolescent mothers.