Thai Red Cross Nursing Journal

Needs of Family Caregivers of Patients during Emergency Unit Visits

Inchat Rungpiputtanapudol, Thantawan Prananitlert — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Providing health services from health care providers in the emergency department, If they know the needs of caregivers who wait for patients while receiving services, Information received and understood can lead to the development of service quality to meet the needs of both patients and relatives. This descriptive research aimed to investigate the needs of family caregivers of patients during critical illness in the Emergency Department of a university hospital and tertiary care service in Bangkok. The sample was 437 primary caregivers and were purposively selected based on the inclusion criteria. Data were collected using a questionnaire consisting of 2 parts: personal information and a needs assessment form for the primary caregiver. The instrument was validated by three experts, with a content validity index (CVI) of 1. Cronbach's alpha coefficient reliability was .92 and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

The results revealed that most primary caregivers of the patients visiting the emergency department were female (72.3%), The relationship between the caregivers and the patients was their children. (51.9%), aged between 21-40 years (44.9%). It was found that the average scores for the total needs of primary caregivers were at a moderate level (Mean = 3.43, SD = 0.64). Analysis of needs in each aspect found that needs for confidence and anxiety reduction have the highest mean score and are at a high level (Mean = 3.83, SD = 0.41). The following, the need for information was at a high level (Mean = 3.57, SD = 0.55), and for being close to patients, comfort aspect, support had the average score at the moderate level (Mean = 3.43, SD = 0.64; Mean = 3.25, SD = 0.78; Mean = 3.08, SD = 0.83).

The study results indicate that the 2P safety policy which focuses on patients and health care providers may require expansion to cover family needs. Specifically, a family-centered approach involving closer interaction with primary caregivers is highly recommended. Increasing the duration of visits based on specific criteria and improving communication are key strategies to fulfill greater confidence in health services, prevent emotional impacts, and enhance cooperation with medical treatment and care for patients.

Factors Related to Negative Emotions among the Destitute at a Public Protection Center

Fareeda Kotcharit, Pichamon Intaput, Duangjai Vatanasin — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This correlational descriptive research aimed to examine the level of negative emotions, along with factors related to negative emotions, among the destitute at a public protection center. A sample of 100 participants was selected using simple random sampling from a group of destitute men and women at a public protection center. The research instruments involved a personal information form, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales - 21 scale (DASS-21), the WHO quality of life - brief Thai version (WHOQOL-BREF-THAI) scale, an optimism scale, a resilience scale, and a social support scale. The data were collected from October to December, 2021. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson’s product moment correlation coefficient.

The results revealed that 57 percent of participants were men and 43 percent were women. The participants had an average age of 51.43 years (SD = 14.69). 52.50 percentage of the participants entered the public protection center due to family problems. The sample experienced a mild level of negative emotions (Mean = 13.78, SD = 8.66). Furthermore, the results indicated that social support, quality of life, optimism (r = -.209, -.219, -.225, p < 0.5 respectively), and resilience (r =-.282, p < .01) were significantly negatively correlated with negative emotion.

This research findings suggest that nurses, mental health care providers, and staff at public protection centers should be aware of the continuous negative emotions participants face in order to observe emotional changes that may affect those at the center. Additionally, they should provide early intervention to care and provide social support to this group.

Predictive Factors of Facebook Addiction among High School Students

Juthamas Thongpradab, Amporn Nueangjaknak — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Facebook addiction among high school students has been identified as a significant problem that needs to be solved and prevented. The purpose of this predictive correlational study was to examine the predictive factors of Facebook addiction among high school students. The sample included 200 high school students in schools under the Bangkok Metropolitan Area’s Secondary Educational Service Area Office. The sample were selected using multi-stage cluster sampling, and data were collected from July to September, 2023. The research instruments consisted of the following self-reported questionnaires: 1) socio-demographics and Facebook use, 2) fear of missing out scale, 3) satisfaction with life scale, and 4) a Thai version of the Bergen Facebook Addiction Scale. Reliability was tested using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, and reliability scores were 0.87, 0.80, and 0.86, respectively. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and stepwise linear regression analysis.

The results revealed that fear of missing out and gender significantly predicted Facebook addiction among high school students, accounting for 33.2% (R² = 0.332, F = 48.940, p < 0.01). Thus, fear of missing out ( = 0.517, p < 0.01) and gender ( = - 0.236, p < 0.01) could together significantly predict Facebook addiction among high school students. Meanwhile, age and life-satisfaction were not predictive of Facebook addiction among high school students.

In conclusion, fear of missing out and gender should be developed for a program to prevent Facebook addiction.

A Comparative Study of Urine Protein Analysis Using Urine Dipstick Testing and Laboratory Results in School-Age Children with Nephrotic Syndrome

Kamonwan Pliansee, Suwimon Rojnawee — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The objective of this study was to compare the differences in urine protein when testing with a urine dipstick with results obtained in a hospital laboratory. The sample group consisted of school-age children diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome for at least 3 months at the outpatient department of a university hospital, the Thai Red Cross. A total of 65 willing and cooperative participants, including parents and school-age patients, were involved in the investigation. The research tools included a demographic data questionnaire and urine dipstick testing. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square test. The research findings indicated no statistically significant difference between the results of urine protein testing with the dipstick and those from the hospital laboratory (X²=188.28, p-value<0.01).

The study reflects the efficiency of a urine dipstick in analyzing urine protein among school-age children with nephrotic syndrome. Nurses and parents can employ this technique for monitoring urine protein and observing recurrent symptoms in this patient group. This method is rapid, convenient, economical, and can contribute to decreasing the waiting time for laboratory results, thereby contributing to the advancement of pediatric patient care through telemedicine.

The Development of a Pain Management and Discharge Planning Program for Caregivers of Terminally Ill Cancer Patients

Prapaisri Saengchalin, Pichet Noihoon, Nattanan Worasuk — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This study aimed to develop a pain management and discharge planning program for caregivers of terminally ill cancer patients and to study the results of implementing this program. The study included two phases: 1) identifying and analyzing problems in order to develop a pain management program for family caregivers of terminally ill cancer patients upon being discharged to the home; this phase included focus group discussions with 12 persons, including doctors, pharmacists, nurses, nutritionists, and occupational therapists; and 2) evaluating both the effect of the program on the knowledge, attitudes, and pain management skills of caregivers as well as the pain levels of terminally ill cancer patients. The study involved the following four steps: 1. Participating in defining the problem and evaluating the situation, 2. Participating in reflection and thinking critically, 3. Choosing the right pain management approach, and 4 Evaluating and maintaining practices. The sample was composed of 35 family caregivers and 35 terminally ill cancer patients, selected via purposive sampling, conducted between July and December, 2023. The measurements of data collection were knowledge, attitude, and pain management skills questionnaires, and a numeric pain scale with a reliability of 0.73, 0.80, 0.76, and 0.87. Data were analyzed using percentages, mean, standard deviation, and paired t-tests. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis.

The results showed that:

1^st phase: After discussion with the multidisciplinary team, a pain management and discharge planning program for caregivers of terminally ill cancer patients was developed.

2^nd phase: 1) After entering the program, the family caregivers had significantly higher mean scores regarding their knowledge, attitudes, and pain management skills than before entering the program (p < 0.01), and 2) terminally ill cancer patients had significantly lower mean pain scores, as both the minimum pain scores and maximum pain scores 24 hours post-training were significantly lower than before training (p < 0.01).

Conclusions: The program developed through this study can be used to increase the capacity of caregivers to manage pain in terminally ill cancer patients upon discharge.

Selected Factors Related to Caregivers’ Ability to Provide Care for the Safety of Preschool Children

Wassana Rungchutiphopan, Wansiri Nilnate, Ansuree Sirisophon, Lamai Niramittawin — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This research aimed to investigate the relationship between health literacy, social support, and caregivers’ ability to provide care and ensure safety for preschool children. The sample consisted of 189 caregivers of preschool children recruited through purposive sampling. Data were collected using questionnaires that assessed health literacy, social support, and caregivers’ ability to provide care and safety for preschool children. The instruments were validated using three experts, and the content validity index was 1. The reliability of the questionnaires was tested, yielding values of 0.88, 0.90, and 0.91, respectively. Pearson's Product Moment Correlation was used to measure the relationship between these variables.

The research findings revealed that: 1) caregivers’ ability to provide care and safety was at a high level (M = 4.32, S.D. = 0.75) and 2) health literacy and social support, were related to caregivers’ ability to provide care and safety for preschool children with statistical significance at the .01 level (r = .87 and .76, respectively).

In summary, caregivers of preschool children should be encouraged to develop health literacy and social support, enabling them to provide care and ensure safety for preschool children.

Pitfalls in Writing an Introduction for Research Manuscript Preparation for Publication

Nongluck Suwisith — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Issues related to the preparation of manuscripts for research publication are well-addressed elsewhere. The introduction of the research report is the first part, allowing authors to present their problem of interest along with a set of existing knowledge and gaps identified, as well as the purpose of the study. An introduction of the report can capture the attention of both readers and reviewers, and provide an overview of the entire report. However, less attention has been given to the writing of introduction sections, resulting in common pitfalls in this initial part. This article aims to provide an essential guide for writing an introduction in research manuscript preparation. It addresses common problems and offers suggestions on how to revise these pitfalls, supported by examples. The content of this paper is expected to be helpful and support authors in producing effective manuscript preparations for their research reports for publication.

Neuroprotection for Intraventricular Hemorrhage Prevention in Preterm Infants

Chollada Chankhao — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Preterm infants, or babies born before 37 weeks of gestation, are at risk of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), particularly in those with less than 32 weeks of gestation. IVH is a major cause of mortality, cerebral palsy, and cognitive impairment among preterm infants. Factors associated with IVH include 1) the fragility of cerebral blood vessels, 2) a rapid change in cerebral blood flow due to an immature cerebral autoregulation system, and 3) lack of stabilization of blood pressure. At present, neuroprotective strategies have been applied to prevent IVH in order to decrease rapid cerebral blood flow fluctuations and cerebral ischemia. This article aims to inform and guide nurses about the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and affecting factors of IVH in preterm infants, as well as information on providing neuroprotective nursing care, including stress reduction and the prevention of hypoxia, hypothermia, and hypoglycemia, to prevent IVH in preterm infants after birth. These neuroprotective approaches could be used to improve nursing care and the quality of life of preterm infants and their families.