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Possible side effects of using web job boards in the e-recruitment context, such as candidates dropping out from the hiring process, may emerge if these tools are not transparent about data usage, collection, and processing. In response, we developed a novel web job board designed to enhance transparency, simulating a job-matching recommender system. A qualitative study with 20 Italian participants, combining direct observation of the job board use with the Thinking Aloud protocol and interviews, examines participants’ privacy behaviours in terms of data disclosure and seclusion. Findings indicate a general willingness among participants to share personal data, except for information related to their identity. We found that both the design of the job board and the meanings ascribed by participants to data shaped their privacy behaviours. Features enhancing user understanding of data usage and control of privacy settings were positively received, underscoring the importance of design in fostering thoughtful engagement with job board technologies. We contribute to research on privacy behaviours in the context of job search and we draw suggestions from the study findings on how to design platforms that support data protection and allow safe and purposeful disclosure of personal data, sustaining job seekers throughout the recruitment process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Sexual dysfunction is often experienced by lymphoma patients during the disease trajectory and even during survivorship. However, lymphoma patients' perceptions about sexual challenges and dysfunction experienced during cancer treatment are not well known. The purpose of the study was to explore lymphoma patients' lived experiences with sexual dysfunction and related sexual distress during cancer treatment. Methods: A narrative qualitative approach of inquiry was used, with individual semi-structured interviews. Twenty lymphoma patients were recruited to participate in semi-structured interviews about their experiences with sexual dysfunction and related sexual distress during cancer treatment. We followed a systematic, inductive approach to the qualitative data that moved analysis from concrete description to thematic interpretation. Results: Eight themes emerged: (1) sexual functioning before lymphoma diagnosis and treatment; (2) sexual functioning after lymphoma diagnosis and during treatment; (3) emotional responses to sexual changes; (4) psychological effects; (5) emotional and social support from loved ones; (6) attitudes toward discussing sexual changes with healthcare professionals; (7) coping mechanisms; and (8) participants' expectations of sexual health after lymphoma treatment. Conclusions: Cancer treatment such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy can have a negative impact on sexual health. Therefore, further research is recommended to continue exploring the lived experiences of lymphoma patients. Implications for cancer survivors: Healthcare professionals should routinely assess sexual functioning in lymphoma patients as sexual health is a component of quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Aim Materials and Methods Results Conclusion The aim of this study is to examine the disaster management experiences and psychosocial problems of individuals who survived the earthquake in Turkey during the earthquake of the century.A qualitative research design, phenomenological research, was applied in this study. This qualitative study included 33 volunteer earthquake survivors. The interviews were conducted using WhatsApp. Colaizzi's phenomenological analysis method was used to analyze the data.In the analysis of the data, five themes (perception of the earthquake concept, things to do during an earthquake, actions taken to survive under the rubble, meeting everyday chores and dealing with post‐earthquake challenges, perceptions of disaster management), and fifteensubthemes (features of the earthquake, emotions, thoughts, correct actions, incorrect actions, actions for the body, situation‐oriented actions, housing, nutrition, hygiene, sleep, security, preparation, coping, and intervention) were identified.The study showed that the earthquake negatively affected individuals psychosocially, but the effective spiritual coping mechanisms utilized to cope with the catastrophic event under the rubble supported the survival process. In addition, it was determined that the participants believed that religion and spirituality were important in coping with the earthquake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We aimed to describe the facilitators and barriers of physical activity for patients with coronary heart disease. Methods: A qualitative descriptive study using semi-structured interviews was conducted with 15 participants with coronary heart disease. The interview guide was developed based on a multi-theory model. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using a thematic analysis. Results: Two main themes were identified: facilitators of initiation and maintenance of physical activity (behavioral motivation, perceived benefits, behavioral confidence, supportive physical environment, positive emotional experience, self-regulation, supportive social environment, illness perception, and excellent self-control), barriers of initiation and maintenance of physical activity (perceived barriers, restricted physical environment, psychological distress, insufficient social support, and poor self-control). Conclusions: This study presents an in-depth theory-based exploration of facilitators and barriers to initiating and maintaining physical activity among people with coronary heart disease. Relevant factors should be taken into account to increase their effectiveness when designing the target interventions to encourage a physically active lifestyle in this population. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: Before commencing cardiac rehabilitation, it is imperative to assess patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) to ascertain whether they have limited activity capacity, psychological distress, insufficient social support, and poor self-control. A customized cardiac rehabilitation plan should be meticulously devised for each patient with CHD. For patients in the early stage of initiating physical activity (PA), rehabilitation professionals should assist them in recognizing the severity of their condition and the advantages of engaging in PA. Rehabilitation professionals should also promote active utilization of social networks, stimulate CHD patients' motivation, and enhance their behavioral confidence. When guiding patients during the maintenance stage of PA, it is essential to regularly evaluate their psychological well-being, assist them in self-regulation based on their physical condition, and foster the development of self-control. Rehabilitation professionals should consistently provide social support to reinforce the patients' motivation to maintain their PA behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Background Aim Design Methods Results Conclusion Patient or Public Contribution Hospice care for patients with advanced cancer mainly takes the family members and healthcare professionals as the main body and the patients as the object. There is a lack of relevant research on reflexive hospice care that considers patients as subjects.To explore the experience of reflexive hospice care for patients with advanced cancer.An empirical phenomenological approach to research was conducted.Data were collected using face‐to‐face semi‐structured interviews between April 3, 2024 and May 27, 2024 in the oncology wards of two comprehensive hospitals. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 18 patients with advanced cancer receiving hospice care. Colaizzi's phenomenological analysis method was used to analyse the data. We followed the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ).Four themes were identified as being relevant to the experience of reflexive hospice care for patients with advanced cancer: the absence of prior awareness, reconciling with self and others, care and concern for others, and pursuing the meaning of life.This study provides new insights into hospice care for patients with advanced cancer. It emphasises the importance of patients' participation as subjects in hospice care. In reflexive hospice care, patients can actively participate and express their care for others and their understanding of life, thus gaining more respect and care in the end‐of‐life stage. Therefore, placing patients as the subjects of hospice care and fully respecting and listening to their wishes and needs is one of the most important ways to promote the development of hospice care quality.No patient or public contribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractVideo games are designed for enjoyment and can benefit players, but in competitive settings such as esports they may lead to stress, a significant concern for players and coaches in competitive play due to potential negative psychological, social, and physical impacts. Since esports players are mostly adolescents and young adults, the vulnerability of their age underscores the need to investigate their stress experience. To this aim, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 16 First-Person Shooter (FPS) players and coaches (mean age 22.2) across A- to C-tiers. We examined players’ subjective stress experiences, team dynamics, and the broader esports organizational context. Findings reveal the players’ ability to recognize their stress signals and to make sense of stressful events, along with a stronger reliance on individual coping strategies over team-based or organizational resources, which remain largely inaccessible. Finally, we propose design strategies to strengthen esports players’ resilience and coping capacity in stressful environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:​ Empathy is a fundamental component of the therapeutic relationship between healthcare providers and patients and has the potential to yield significant benefits, including heightened care satisfaction, enhanced care quality, and improved mental well‐being for patients. As nursing assistants (NAs) are primary direct care providers in long‐term care facilities (LTCFs), it is necessary to understand NAs' views on empathy in their care provision for residents, but a gap exists in the literature regarding NAs' perspectives on empathy in this context. Aim: In this study, we aimed to explore perceptions of empathy among NAs in LTCFs. Research Design: A qualitative approach was applied in this study. Participants and Research Context: Through purposive and snowball sampling, 18 NAs who provided care for residents in six LTCFs in Taiwan were recruited. Face‐to‐face in‐depth interviews were conducted using a semistructured interview guide, and data were analyzed using a content analysis. Ethical Considerations: Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Board. All participants signed a written informed consent form prior to the interview. Results: Four themes encompassing 11 categories were generated including "being fundamental to caregiving to establish trust and enhance quality care," "practicing altruistic behavior in the pursuit of ethical caregiving," "cycling empathic flow in care," and "facing challenges in delivering empathetic care." Conclusions: NAs in LTCFs viewed empathy as an essential element of the caregiving process. They saw empathy as selfless care, assistance to others, and alleviation of residents' suffering. Understanding residents' emotions, thoughts, and needs, active listening and compassionate engagement were vital to expressing empathy. However, NAs faced challenges in expressing empathy due to demanding tasks, time limitations, and insufficient knowledge and communication skills. In addition, emotional desensitization further complicated the provision of empathic care. The findings of this study can provide information for nurse managers and directors to understand NAs' perspectives on empathy and difficulties when providing empathic care in the long‐term care context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vaginal Birth after Cesarean Birth (VBAC) is a birth mode recommended for reducing repeat cesarean which potentially contributes to adverse outcomes. However, VBAC is not normally practiced in some countries. Providers are an important part of the decision-making process on modes of birth among pregnant individuals. Providers' perspective on VBAC can influence whether they support or avoid conducting VBAC. This review aimed to explore providers' perspective on VBAC. Methods: The comprehensive search was conducted from six databases including PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Google scholar. The studies published in English between 2013 and 2023 were review. The Medical Subject Heading terms for VBAC and perspective were used to search. The eligible studies were selected by the PRISMA flow chart. The initial search yielded 558 articles. After excluding duplicates, articles not retrieved for full-text, and not meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria, eight articles were recruited. Quality appraisal of the studies was performed by the tool of the Joanna Briggs Institute. The meta-aggregation approach was applied to synthesize the findings. Results: Eight qualitative articles were included in this review, and six themes were developed including (1) different recognition of VBAC, (2) differences of willingness level of conducting Trial of Labor after Cesarean (TOLAC) (the approach attempting to have VBAC), (3) skills and resources needed when performing TOLAC, (4) protocol for recruiting candidacy and TOLAC management, (5) final decision making on VBAC, and (6) onset and duration of providing TOLAC information. Conclusion: Providers play an important role in influencing individuals' decision on modes of birth. Providers' positive recognition and willingness of conducting TOLAC potentially impact successful VBAC rate. However, the lawsuit caused by adverse outcomes from TOLAC/VBAC is a main reason for choosing repeat cesarean. Trial registration: PROSPERO registration number of this systematic review: CRD42023427662. Plain english summary: Repeat cesarean is a primary contributor to high cesarean rates globally. Vaginal Birth after Cesarean Birth (VBAC) is a vaginal birth of individuals with previous cesarean. While some countries have high successful VBAC rates, many countries have very low VBAC rates and do not support a vaginal birth in subsequent pregnancy among individuals with previous cesarean. Healthcare providers especially obstetricians and nurse-midwives play an important role in individuals' decision on mode of birth, so do individuals with previous cesarean. Healthcare providers' perspective on modes of birth among individuals with previous cesarean is very essential to support or not support individuals to have VBAC. In high VBAC rate countries, healthcare providers think VBAC is an optimal option for individuals with previous cesarean and have high confidence to do VBAC. On the other hand, healthcare providers in low VBAC rate countries think VBAC can cause a catastrophic birth outcome as uterine dehiscence and they are scared of being sued from the adverse outcome. One approach to support VBAC, most healthcare providers suggest that individuals with previous cesarean should be educated about VBAC right after the first cesarean or first antenatal visit because VBAC is not a common mode of birth for individuals in some countries and they need time to make a decision on mode of birth for their subsequent pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Shared decision-making is recommended for stroke rehabilitation. However, the complexity of the rehabilitation modalities exposes patients to decision-making conflicts, exacerbates their disabilities, and diminishes their quality of life. This study aimed to explore the experiences and needs of older patients with stroke in China during rehabilitation decision-making, providing a reference for developing decision-support strategies. Methods: A qualitative phenomenological design was used to explore the experiences and needs of older patients with stroke in China. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 31 older Chinese patients with stroke. The participants participated in face-to-face, semi-structured, and in-depth interviews. Data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Results: The key themes identified include (1) mixed feelings in shared decision-making, (2) multiple barriers hinder the possibility of participating in shared decision-making, (3) Delegating rehabilitation decisions to surrogates, (4) gaps between reality and expectation, and (5) decision fatigue from lack of continuity in the rehabilitation health care system. Conclusions: Older patients with stroke in China have complex rehabilitation decision-making experiences and needs and face multiple obstacles when participating in shared decision-making. They lack an effective shared decision-making support system to assist them. Providing patients with comprehensive support (such as emotional and informational), strengthening the construction of a continuous rehabilitation system, alleviating economic pressure, and promoting patient participation in rehabilitation decision-making are necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Understanding the motivations driving family members to continue caring for individuals with Alzheimer's disease is crucial for enhancing social support programs within community health systems. This study specifically explores the factors influencing Iranian family caregivers' ability to persist in their caregiving roles. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted using conventional content analysis with 22 participants in 2022 in Babol (a city in northern Iran). The inclusion criteria for the study included caregivers of Alzheimer's patients who had been the primary caregivers for at least one year for patients with a confirmed diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. The sampling method was purposive, ensuring maximum variation in social position, demographic status, and stages of Alzheimer's disease after the onset of symptoms. In this research, data were collected from caregivers of Alzheimer's patients through semi-structured interviews and in-depth individual interviews. The data were analyzed using MAXQDA software. Results: One category and four subcategories were identified to explain the continuity of the caring role in family caregivers of Alzheimer's patients. The category was "on the Fence of the Caring Role." The subcategories included Commitment to Care (Being Determined, Being Indebted, Feeling Dutiful), Coercion to Care (Giving in to the Caring Role Due to Family Requirements, Patient Care Due to Financial Problems), Socio-Cultural Beliefs and Concerns (Spiritual and Religious Tendencies, Social Stigma and Social Fears), and Attachment and Love for the Patient (Feeling Pity, Feeling Nostalgia for Kinship). Conclusion: Family caregivers are deeply engaged in their roles, often feeling trapped by various pressures. Recognizing these dimensions can inform policymakers and health practitioners in developing targeted interventions, such as respite care programs, financial support, and community resources, aimed at alleviating caregiver burden and enhancing the quality of care for patients. By addressing the complexities of the caregiver experience, effective strategies can be implemented to support both patients and their caregivers, ultimately improving health outcomes within the community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Many palliative cancer patients require inpatient hospital treatment for medical reasons, which contrasts their frequent desire to be at home. Virtual reality (VR) could be a way of bringing the home environment closer to them. First observations have shown benefits from VR for inpatients in palliative care. The aim of this qualitative, descriptive study was to explore the expectations of in-patients suffering from incurable cancer and their relatives about VR, in particular individualized VR images of the patients' own home. Methods: Semi-structured interviews with inpatients suffering from incurable cancers and their relatives in three medical settings (palliative care, hematology, radiotherapy) of a German university hospital. Qualitative content analysis about expected benefits and concerns regarding VR-videos showing their private home; defining the main topics deductively and the subcategories inductively. We also assessed the patients' subjective perspective on their remaining time to live to estimate the impact of double awareness on the results. The Patient Advisory Board informed the study protocol and conduct. Results: We interviewed 15 patients (8 men; age M = 63.4, SD = 11.34; range 39–82) under palliative care, and four relatives. We organized the interview content in 6 themes (general interest, desired content, non-desired content, expected benefits, concerns, and irregularities) and 26 sub-themes. Most patients and relatives were interested in using VR during hospital treatment. They often preferred viewing nature or tourist sites over seeing their home or family. Reasons could be linked to privacy concerns and the general desire for distraction from the current situation that they specified with their expectation of well-being, a break from the patient-experience, the pursue of curiosity, and the VR evoking fond memories. Conclusion: VR seems to be of interest for palliative cancer patients, especially as distraction and relief from their illness. The desired content can be very different, so a choice from a selection of VR-content should be made available. If patients want to see videos of their own home, recordings by relatives instead of study or hospital staff seem to meet the need for privacy. Trial registration: Registered at Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien; registration number: DRKS00032172; registration date: 11/07/2023. https://drks.de/search/de/trial/DRKS00032172. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mpox continues to spread in China, and stakeholders' experiences may help inform prevention and control strategies. Qualitative study. A qualitative study across 14 Chinese cities recruited stakeholders from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCs), community-based organizations (CBOs), and hospitals involved in curbing mpox. Semi-structured interviews were conducted by telephone and analyzed using Colaizzi's phenomenological method. 15 CBOs workers, 14 CDCs staff, and 13 healthcare workers were recruited. Three theme categories were identified: "Efforts to curb mpox epidemic", including CDCs' epidemic management and health education, hospitals' diagnosis, treatment, and care, CBOs' counseling, publicity, and referrals. "Challenges to curb mpox epidemic", including negative impacts of hospital-based quarantine, lack of specific antiviral drugs, gay identity disclosure concerns, psychological problems, contact tracing difficulties, and inadequate communication and collaboration. "Recommendations for curbing mpox epidemic", including prioritizing supervised home-based quarantine, incorporating HIV-related indicators into hospital quarantine criteria, reducing the cost of hospital quarantine, accelerating the development of vaccines and drugs, enhancing patient privacy protection, psychological training for stakeholders, establishing a task force that comprises personnel who are experienced in contact tracing and strengthening communication and collaboration. Effective control of mpox spread requires strengthening collaboration with CBOs and community healthcare centers (CHCs) and working out a flexible and contextualized mechanism. It also needs to reinforce patient privacy protection and integrate stigma reduction into strategies. Additionally, it is important to include HIV-related indicators in the quarantine evaluation and provide psychological training for stakeholders to help them manage their mental health and improve counseling skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The elderly population faces reduced levels of health and performance, which necessitates the use of rehabilitation assistive technologies to maximize functional independence in daily activities. This study aimed to explain the experiences of the elderly regarding the use of rehabilitation assistive technologies based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology. Methods: The present study was a qualitative study of the type of content analysis that was conducted in the city of Hamadan in 2022. Participants included 20 elderly aged 60 years or above who were selected as a purposive sample and subjected to individual semi-structured in-depth interviews. Data were analyzed using directed qualitative content analysis based on Hsieh and Shannon's approach. Data were coded using MAXQDA software (MAXQDA Analytics Pro 2020, VERBI GmbH Berlin). Results: According to the results, 260 primary codes were extracted, and they were classified into five predetermined categories of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology, including performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, and behavioral intention, as well as two new categories of technology anxiety and perceived need for technology. After extracting 260 primary codes based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology, 75 sub-categories were identified in 14 main categories. Conclusion: The themes obtained from the study indicate the necessity of providing the required conditions to maintain the complete independence and health of the elderly and strengthen their morale. The results can be helpful in the development of support strategies for family members, healthcare providers, and policymakers. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: Assistive rehabilitation technologies include low-tech assistive technologies. The use of assistive rehabilitation technologies is a potential solution to improve balance, quality of life, and increase activity and functional independence in the elderly. Since peers play a very important role as technology advocates in the intention to accept and use assistive technologies, the expression of the experiences and views of the elderly can encourage and support the use of assistive rehabilitation technologies by other elderly. This study found that the use of assistive rehabilitation technologies by the elderly is a relatively complex issue with various personal, social, economic, cultural and physical aspects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Mood assessment is challenging when people have cognitive and receptive communication impairments after severe brain injury. This study explored how UK-based medical and psychology professionals working with people with severe cognitive and communication impairments after brain injury assess mood in this population. Design: Following their participation in an online survey, professionals were invited to participate in individual semi-structured interviews. Interviews were analysed using thematic analysis to label explicit data (semantic themes) and implicit data (latent themes). Participants: Twenty-three clinical psychologists and nine medical professionals participated in online or in-person interviews. Results: Both groups explicitly reported using a combination of collateral information, history, observations, and patient interviews when assessing mood in this population. Medical professionals did not routinely use standardised measures and clinical psychologists often adjusted them when they used them. The respondents discussed difficulties conceptualising depression after brain injury, the experience needed by the assessor, and the need for an individualised approach for this population. Clinical psychologists discussed the pressures of working in healthcare systems and medical professionals discussed how symptoms may influence prescription choices. Seven latent themes were labelled which highlighted additional challenges and complexities experienced by those assessing mood, beyond the actual assessment process itself. Conclusions: No 'gold standard' approach to assessing mood in those with cognitive and communication difficulties after severe brain injury was identified. There was overlap in assessment approaches but no clear consensus. Interviewees felt that mood assessment must be approached differently in this population and that self-report measures are not useful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study was conducted to address the experiences of diabetic patients from a psychosocial perspective, examine the burden of disease, and determine their practices for symptom management. Materials and Methods: In this study, a phenomenological research design, a qualitative research design, was used. The study included 20 diabetic patients. Individual and face‐to‐face interviews were performed, and Colaizzi's phenomenological analysis method was used to analyze the data. Results: As a result of the data analysis, four categories (challenges with care and treatment, coping with the disease, effects, and healthy life behaviors) and eleven main themes (knowledge, application, symptoms, support resources, spiritual coping methods, physical coping methods, physical effects, spiritual effects, social effects, physical practices, and psychological practices) emerged. Conclusion: It was concluded that the disease burden of diabetic patients is intense and that the participants of the study were not effective in coping with the disease through symptom management and found spirituality important in coping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To understand rural older farmers' perspectives and attitudes toward skin cancer risk and prevention. Design and sample: This study used a grounded theory approach and semi‐structured interviews with 12 rural older farmers (farm owners, farmworkers ages 50 years or older) in Washington. Participants' perspectives were explored relative to Health Belief Model constructs. Inductive and deductive analyses were used to generate relevant themes. COREQ guidelines were followed. Results: The findings fit well and extended the Health Belief Model, which was used to arrange key themes identified in relation to skin cancer risk and prevention, specifically participants' perceived barriers to accessing primary care and protection when outdoors, perceived benefits of sun‐protective behaviors, perceived hereditary susceptibility to skin cancer, perceived severity of the increased skin cancer risk, and cues to action for skin checks. A new construct of hope was identified to emphasize the importance of establishing emotional, instrumental, and informational support systems for promoting skin cancer prevention. Participants also indicated their hope of raising awareness of skin cancer prevention among all ages. Conclusions: Findings highlighted the importance of integrating skin cancer prevention services for rural older farmers and across the lifespan. Public health approaches are needed to enhance the awareness of and access to preventive care in these underserved populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indigenous leaders in higher education are restive, disaffected, and dissatisfied with the slow gyrations of change. Using Interest Convergence Theory, this paper will unravel the constraints inherent in institutional reform that delimit the influence of Indigenous senior leaders in the sector. Positioned amidst the burgeoning impact of neoliberalism, an architecture of colonial governance models, and systemic resistance to change, Indigenous leaders are affecting reform. By providing examples of reform-driven agential actions shouldered by senior Indigenous leaders across Canada, Aotearoa, America and Australia, this paper, underpinned by relationality, details how Indigenous leaders are engaging with Indigenous Institutional work and Entrepreneurship, speaking back to interest-driven institutional policies and practices in the sector with a pronounced focus on nation building. Drawn from an international, comprehensive qualitative study, we investigate how Indigenous leaders in higher education are disrupting systemic racism to promote equity and justice within higher education amid macro-level resistance to change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Methods Results Conclusion This qualitative study explored the lived experiences of the patients with microphthalmia and anophthalmia and their parents, focusing on the healthcare, school settings and daily life challenges to improve patient management.In‐depth interviews were conducted in Stockholm, Sweden, from October 2022 to June 2023. Participants were recruited through the St Erik Eye Hospital database (2008–2022), and the data was analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.The study included 15 patients (9 female and 6 male), with a median age of 21 years (range 15–31), and 1 parent per patient. Five key themes were identified from the parental interviews and three from the patient interviews. Both groups emphasised the need for improvements in healthcare, including better physician continuity, emotional support, information provision and prosthesis functionality. Families of those with severe bilateral visual impairment highlighted the need for additional school and daily life support. While some parents had future concerns, most patients viewed their condition as a natural part of life.Patients and parents shared insights on the psychosocial impact and suggested improvements in the healthcare and school settings, providing valuable guidance for enhancing care and management for this patient group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper works towards a social geography of eating disorders through the lens of the coronavirus pandemic in the UK. Through an empirical engagement with experience-centred knowledge, I couple nine in-depth interviews with autoethnographic material, drawing out the spatial (real and virtual) and temporal (habit, routine, anticipation, non-linearity) dimensions of eating disorder experience, management and recovery; highlighting principally how pandemic lockdown conditions intensified space-time, mind/body and social relations across various micro-domestic and macro-governmental scales. I engage 'lightly' with Foucauldian concepts of disciplinary and biopolitical power to draw out broad-brush themes around matters of containment, control and surveillance; taking feminist inspiration to think through Foucault critically as I explore a nexus of gendered pandemic power relations. In doing so, I contribute towards new feminist understandings of the disciplinary gaze, emphasizing the ongoingness of surveillance through both physical body-checking and what I term psychological 'guising'. Through such (in)voluntary disordered bodily practices, and an engagement with the feminist mind/body dualism, I emphasize the complexity of EDs as embodied mental illnesses, further complicating feminist understandings of control. I close by discussing the ethical-methodological importance of 'empathy' while emphasizing the overall imperative of critical qualitative inquiry for socio-cultural geographies and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Research suggests that people with intellectual disabilities have a higher risk for cardiovascular disease than the general population. The aim of this study was to identify barriers for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cardiovascular disease for people with intellectual disabilities. Method: We conducted individual interviews with relatives and general practitioners and focus group interviews with staff working at an assisted home facility, a cardiac ward, an obesity clinic and two rehabilitation centres (n = 33) in Norway. Inductive approach and thematic analysis were used to analyse the data. Results: We identified barriers on an individual and a structural level. The underlying reason for these barriers is that health problems, such as cardiovascular disease, are regularly overlooked as the condition of intellectual disability overshadows other possible diagnoses. Conclusion: This focus on intellectual disability rather than other explanations leads to shortcomings in the prevention, diagnoses, and treatment of cardiovascular disease in this group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the needs of patients with SLE in terms of discharge planning, to outline the practical perspectives of clinical healthcare professionals regarding the enablers and impediments to SLE patients' discharge planning, and to establish a basis for the creation of SLE discharge plans for subsequently diagnosed patients. Methods: Descriptive qualitative research methodology was used in this study, with the researcher herself as the research instrument. Healthcare professionals formally employed in the rheumatology and immunology department, as well as SLE patients admitted to a tertiary-level hospital in Anhui Province between August and December 2023, were chosen for the study using a purposeful sample technique. In-person, semi-structured in-depth interviews were carried out, and used thematic analysis to analyze the interview data and distil themes. Result: A total of 17 patients and 13 healthcare professionals were interviewed. Five themes and sixteen sub-themes in all were extracted: ①the needs of SLE patients for discharge planning; ②the present state of discharge planning implementation; ③factors conducive to the implementation of discharge planning; ④factors hindering the implementation of discharge planning; ⑤recommendations for implementing of discharge planning. Conclusion: Planning for the discharge of SLE patients is essential, and in order to support patients' successful discharge, management should strengthen training, thoroughly evaluate the needs of SLE patients, and create customized discharge plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Maintaining patients' dignity is a key ethical requirement in healthcare and is emphasized in nursing standards. This issue is particularly significant for patients with schizophrenia because they face unique challenges such as physical and psychological difficulties, dependence on others, and social isolation, making them more vulnerable. Organizational factors can either threaten or preserve their dignity. However, there is little knowledge in this domain within the sociocultural context of Iran. Research Objective: This study aimed to explore the role of the healthcare organization in the dignity of patients with schizophrenia, based on the opinions of patients, healthcare personnel, and family caregivers. Research Design: This qualitative study was conducted with 26 participants (16 patients, 4 family caregivers, 2 nurses, 3 psychologists, and 1 service worker) who were selected using a purposeful sampling method. The data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth face-to-face interviews until data saturation was reached. The data were analyzed via Graneheim and Lundman's method. Ethical Considerations: The study protocol was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Urmia University of Medical Sciences (IR.UMSU.REC.1401.099). Findings: Based on data analysis, participants reported the three following challenges as organizational hidden threats to patients' dignity: "Lack of facilities," "premature management," and "ineffective communication." Conclusion: The study findings indicated that the healthcare organization does not support the dignity of patients. Management inefficiency and lack of facilities are evident in psychiatric hospitals, and healthcare centers are not monitored based on standard criteria. Limited interactions between healthcare personnel and patients were identified as the main reasons for the neglect of patients with schizophrenia and the violation of their dignity. The results of this study can help healthcare policymakers in designing and implementing effective programs to preserve the dignity of patients with schizophrenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study identifies the stigma experienced by 12 bereaved parents 2 and 5 years after losing a child in the Sewol ferry disaster in South Korea. Using thematic analysis, we categorized the experience of stigma into two components based on Corrigan and Kosyluk's social cognitive model of stigma: public stigma and self-stigma, and each was analyzed into three types of stigma: stereotype, prejudice, and discrimination. We identified four additional factors related to stigma mitigation. The potential implications for characterizing the experiences of bereaved parents, particularly those facing stigma, are discussed in light of these findings in the longitudinal perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Newly graduated registered nurses face more challenges than their experienced counterparts, as they not only confront the high pressures of an increasingly complex medical environment but also need to quickly adapt to their jobs and role transitions. The emotional burden arising at this stage is referred to as transitional shock. Self‐depletion, as proposed by Baumeister, refers to the process by which individuals exhaust their internal psychological control resources when facing challenges, subsequently affecting cognition and emotion. The occurrence of transitional shock and the process of individual self‐depletion appear to be closely related. However, to our knowledge, there has been limited research exploring the occurrence of transitional shock from the perspective of self‐depletion theory. Aim: Investigating the emergence process of transition shock through the lens of self‐depletion theory entails an examination of the mechanisms by which individuals engage in self‐regulation when confronted with challenges and how transition shock manifests throughout this process. Designs: A descriptive qualitative study. Methods: Between August and November 2023, using maximum variation sampling and purposive sampling methods, 16 nurses were selected for semistructured interviews at a tertiary hospital in Suzhou, China. Results: Employing thematic analysis, three interconnected themes were identified, encompassing the entry‐level workforce challenges, the subsequent effects of energy depletion, and the sources and replenishment of energy. Conclusion: As new nurses adapt to their roles and environments, they encounter numerous pressures that markedly drain their psychological energy. This ongoing depletion of self‐regulation energy can lead to transitional shock, impulsive decision‐making, and missed nursing care. Implications for Nursing Management: Managers should implement comprehensive support strategies, including optimized work environments, enhanced training, and personal development, to help newly graduated nurses successfully transition and improve care quality and retention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic has become an endemic disease of global public health importance. Mass COVID-19 vaccination has been an essential global control strategy amidst challenges of limited acceptance. Because of globalization, COVID-19/similar diseases vaccination acceptance and the determinants in any particular setting are important global public health issues. Using a novel and pragmatic framework, this study explored determinants of COVID-19 vaccination acceptance among community members during the pandemic in Ebonyi state, Nigeria, and made policy-relevant recommendations on how to increase vaccination acceptance in subsequent outbreaks/pandemics. Methods: This qualitative study was based on the novel and pragmatic Individual Experiences and Perceptions and Complacency, Confidence, Convenience, and Compulsion (Four 'Cis') Determinants of Vaccination Acceptance Conceptual Framework – Omale INDEPT FORCIS Framework. On April 26 and 27, 2022, 20 semi-structured face-to-face focus group discussions were conducted in local language and pidgin English with 100 purposively selected consenting/assenting community members aged 15 years and above who had resided in the community for at least one year. Data was analysed using deductive (with some inductive) thematic analytic approach. Results: The many, diverse, and significant determinants of COVID-19 vaccination acceptance found were factors that were individual-related (individual experiences and perceptions and knowledge about COVID-19, COVID-19 vaccine/vaccination, and the vaccination process/system, sociodemographic, individual's condition (e.g. pregnancy)); COVID-19-related (factuality, transmissibility, frequency, severity, fatality); COVID-19 vaccine/vaccination-related (safety/side-effects, effectiveness, speedy production); COVID-19 vaccination process/system-related (real availability/accessibility); family, group, and other individual-related (experiences and perceptions and actions); and broader local, national, international, and global (LONING) context-related (socio-political, economic, historic, health system factors). The broader LONING contextual factors included the unprecedented disinformation/conspiracy theories, non-sustained COVID-19 risk/behaviour change communication, enforcement and non-enforcement or termination of peculiar control policies/measures (lockdowns, social/physical distancing, use of face mask etc.), mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policies, provision of incentives, past experiences regarding the Ebola viral disease outbreak, (un)trustworthiness of the Nigerian health system and her international/global partners, and the (un)trustworthiness of the governments in Nigeria and bad/good governance, inclusive of the failure of the Ebonyi state government to distribute the COVID-19 palliatives to the people during the lockdowns. Conclusion: The evidence illuminates complex and interrelated, specific underlying, and peculiar policy-relevant LONING determinants of COVID-19 vaccination acceptance and emphasizes the need for concerted and comprehensive LONING strategies (involving all the relevant LONING stakeholders/policy makers) in addressing these determinants to increase vaccination acceptance among community members in subsequent outbreaks/pandemics in Ebonyi state/Nigeria and similar settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractPurposeMaterials and MethodsResultsConclusions\nIMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONDespite the substantial impact of pain in Parkinson’s, little attention has been given to understanding how individuals, especially those diagnosed at a younger age, perceive and manage their pain. This research aims to fill this gap by exploring the subjective experiences of pain in this population which is at a higher risk of experiencing pain.Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used as a methodological framework. Non-directive, in-depth interviews were conducted with four French-speaking participants with Parkinson’s (diagnosed before 50 years old, with various pain profiles), and analyzed using IPA.Four major themes emerged: (1) the history of the disease, (2) adaptation to the disease, (3) losses related to pain and (4) strategies deployed to regain control over pain. Results highlight the participants’ processes of adaptation, despite the major identity disruption caused by the disease and pain. They also shed light on how the experience of pain is influenced by its relational dimension.Our results offer an understanding of the complexity and diversity of the experience of pain in this population. This complexity contributes to challenges in patients’ ability to articulate and represent their pain accurately, advocating personalized, multidisciplinary pain management approaches within this population.Individuals diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s disease face unique challenges, such as increased susceptibility to pain.However, current pain management often overlooks the specific needs of this population.Our findings highlight the complex connection between pain and the disease in early-onset individuals and how participants’ pain representations shape their adaptation to pain.This study outlines ways for health professionals to adopt a more targeted and individualized approach to managing pain in individuals diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s disease [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To describe the essential competencies required for patient engagement in their own safety. Method: We adopted a phenomenological approach in qualitative research to conduct semi-structured interviews with nurses (n = 14) and adult patients (n = 13) from different departments. By deeply exploring their experiences and feelings about patient engagement in patient safety, we sought to understand their views on the qualities that patients need to possess in order to participate in their own safety. Results: From the interviews, we identified six major themes, including competence of information sharing, competence of taking patient engagement as responsibility and right, competence of making equal communication, competence of maintaining trust relationship with health personnels, competence of accepting non-punitive safety culture, need of resource support, five of them showed essential competences for patients and one of them showed patients' need for promoting their engagement. Conclusion: The findings of this study show necessary competence and needs in patient engagement process of patient, offer a foundational reference for constructing a measurement tool for patient engagement in patient safety competence in the future, so that medical staff and patients can provide reference for the future targeted construction of patient competence improvement programs. At the same time, improving patient competence and engagement to better achieve safety goals requires the joint efforts of patients, medical staff, medical institutions, the government, and society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractObjectivesMetchodsResultsConclusion\nIMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONMaintenance hemodialysis patients’ psychology and physiology will have negative effects. Adherence to exercise can effectively enhance the physical function of maintenance hemodialysis patients and reduce the negative psychological emotions. In recent years, virtual reality technology has been gradually applied to the hemodialysis group, providing a new way for the rehabilitation training and healthy life of maintenance hemodialysis patients.To understand the real experience of maintenance hemodialysis patients participating in virtual reality rehabilitation training, and to make reference for the future clinical development of a more perfect virtual reality rehabilitation training program.Phenomenological research method was used to conduct semi-structured interviews with 10 maintenance hemodialysis patients, and the interview data were compiled and analyzed using Colaizzi’s seven-step analysis.Four themes were distilled: (1) Maintenance hemodialysis patients’ overall perceptual experience of the virtual reality rehabilitation system; (2) Physical and psychological improvement of maintenance hemodialysis patients with virtual reality rehabilitation system; (3) Individualized needs of maintenance hemodialysis patients during virtual reality rehabilitation training; (4) Future improvements and recommendations for the virtual reality rehabilitation system.The results of the study suggest that virtual reality improves patients’ motivation to recover and shows positive results and potential benefits in improving physical functioning and negative emotions in maintenance hemodialysis patients.Regular and continuous rehabilitation training is a very effective non-pharmacological treatment to improve the physical functioning and mental health of maintenance hemodialysis patients.Virtual reality technology can stimulate the underlying motivation of maintenance hemodialysis patients to undergo rehabilitation, thus, they are guided to adopt a healthy lifestyle.Virtual reality technology can be an effective aid in the rehabilitation of maintenance hemodialysis patients, thus reducing the workload of rehabilitation clinicians.Regular and continuous rehabilitation training is a very effective non-pharmacological treatment to improve the physical functioning and mental health of maintenance hemodialysis patients.Virtual reality technology can stimulate the underlying motivation of maintenance hemodialysis patients to undergo rehabilitation, thus, they are guided to adopt a healthy lifestyle.Virtual reality technology can be an effective aid in the rehabilitation of maintenance hemodialysis patients, thus reducing the workload of rehabilitation clinicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients with Fabry disease (FD) consider their quality of life to be significantly affected. The majority of studies evaluate the quality of life using quantitative measures and standardised scales that offer relevant information about experience with the disease in multiple aspects. The main objective of the research was to examine in depth the quality of life and unmet needs of patients diagnosed with FD in relation to their disease and treatment. A qualitative and transversal study was carried out in two stages: (a) nine semi-structured qualitative interviews with patients and one representative of the patient association, conducted individually by phone; (b) a focus group was set up with three patients diagnosed with FD and one relative. A deductive, thematic analysis approach was used for data coding and analysis. Results: The analysis of the interviews revealed various relevant themes: experience with the disease, impact on daily activities, experience of the family and work environment, experience related to treatment and healthcare professionals, and unmet support needs. Diagnosis has a significant impact on both those suffering from the disease and on the family environment. The symptoms and evolution of the disease are highly variable among the patients interviewed and depend on the years diagnosed as well as the time taken to receive the diagnosis. The families of the interviewees have to go through an adjustment process in light of the significant psychological impact brought about by the disease. Patients show various unmet needs. The need mentioned most is to have more information, support, and understanding from people around them and society, improving empathy and raising awareness about the difficulties faced by people with FD while giving the disease visibility. A lack of social understanding is highlighted as one of the main challenges, as this does not only affect the emotional management of the disease but also has repercussions on working life and social relationships. Conclusions: It seems necessary to define possible strategies that help to improve the quality of life of patients and their experience with the disease. Some recommendations obtained from the study include: facilitate access to mental health professionals for patients and their families; improve training for specialists and coordination among them; and carry out actions to raise awareness of the disease that are aimed at the general public, the patients themselves, and the people around them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The single-child issue is a significant contributor to population decline, which adversely affects both parents and children. Despite government-approved incentives, the single-child problem remains a major population challenge. This study was conducted to explore the perceptions and experiences of single-child couples regarding childbearing incentives. Methods: This qualitative study used conventional content analysis and was performed on 21 single-child couples in Mashhad, North East Iran, selected through purposive sampling from urban health centers. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews until saturation was reached. The data were analyzed using the Elo and Kyngas (J Adv Nurs 62(1):107-15, 2008. 10.1111/j.1365-2648.2007.04569.x) method with MaxQDA10 software. Results: Two generic categories emerged from the data analysis including (1) "Advertising and providing information as an influencing factor to encourage childbearing", which included two subcategories of "Attention to the key lever of advertising" and "Necessity of adopting advertising policies and creating a culture of respecting maternal role", and (2) "Focusing on effective incentive policies", which consisted of three subcategories of "Adopting incentive policies to reduce people's financial problems", "Avoiding punitive policies" and "Need to adopt incentive policies for working women and elites". Conclusions: Incentive policies should focus on the culture building of the general public, implementing effective incentive policies, and addressing economic challenges, particularly for specific groups such as working women and higher education students. In addition, a public mobilization effort is needed to effectively implement population laws. Plain English summary: Single-child issue is a challenge, being a cause of population decline, and poses adverse effects on both parents and children. Various childbearing incentive policies exist, but single-child couples' perceptions regarding these incentives have been less explored. To encourage childbearing, it is crucial to implement effective advertising and information release among the target groups, based on respecting the maternal role and addressing conflicting attitudes towards the influence of employment and education on maternal role. Avoiding punitive policies, using financial incentive policies to reduce people's financial burdens and being ensured of their implementation, and adopting incentives to support working women and elites (female students in higher education), would be among the effective fertility incentives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To explore the experiences of patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) plus comorbid depressive symptoms who received a remote synchronous videoconference group form of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) or Behavioral Activation Treatment for Depression (BATD). Methods: A qualitative study (IMPACT-Q) was nested within a randomized controlled trial (RCT) designed to assess the efficacy and the cost-utility/cost-effectiveness of two therapies in the management of CLBP and depression. Fifty-five patients with CLBP plus depression were selected from the RCT. Twelve focus group sessions, each approximately 60–90 min long, were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed by six coders through a thematic analysis (deductive and inductive) based on a descriptive phenomenological approach. Results: Patients perceived behavioral, affective, and cognitive improvements after completing group sessions. Overall, psychotherapy was perceived as a safe and non-judgmental place to express emotions and feel understood. The main barriers reported were lack of human contact and loss of social interaction. In contrast, ease of access, flexibility in the ability to connect from anywhere, avoidance of the need to travel, and savings in time and money were key facilitators to increase attendance and adherence to therapy. Conclusion: This study provided support for the acceptability of videoconference-delivered ACT or BATD in patients with CLBP plus comorbid depressive symptoms. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: Overall, patients reported behavioral, affective, and cognitive improvements after Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Behavioral Activation Treatment for Depression group sessions. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Behavioral Activation Treatment for Depression delivered via videoconference platform were perceived as a facilitator for therapy attendance rather than a barrier. The findings indicate that group therapy on videoconferencing is perceived favorably as an alternative for managing patients with chronic pain and comorbid depression. Technical and social aspects of implementing videoconferencing therapies should be improved, as well as guidelines for adequate support for patients and therapists should also be provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To describe the experiences of parents of children treated for corrosive esophageal ingestion. Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted with 17 parents (nine mothers and eight fathers) of children who had suffered a corrosive esophageal ingestion requiring hospitalization. Online interviews were also conducted with parents of children who were still undergoing treatment for corrosive esophageal ingestion. The interview guide explored the parents' overall experiences and included research questions that explored the participants' perceptions, thoughts, feelings and problems. The interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. Inductive reflective thematic analysis was performed using MAXQDA. Results: Analysis of the interview transcripts generated three themes and nine sub-themes describing parents' experiences: emotional consequences, social consequences and facilitators. The results reveal that caregivers experienced anxiety and difficulties, prompting them to seek support from their family and social environment. Conclusion: These findings highlight the importance of identifying and understanding parental experiences. This understanding will also enable healthcare professionals to optimize the parental experience in caring for children with corrosive esophageal ingestion within a holistic clinical service. Understanding the experiences of children with corrosive esophageal ingestion from the parents' perspective identifies opportunities for systematic treatment and care. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: Corrosive esophageal ingestion in children is an injury that restricts and damages the quality of life for both children and their families. Due to the negative experiences of parents resulting from the gaps in treatment and care of corrosive esophageal ingestion, health professionals require training to deliver a holistic clinical service. The implementation of support group interventions is needed to address changes in the social and emotional consequences experienced by parents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Aim Study Design Results Conclusion Relevance to Clinical Practice Surrogate decision–makers (SDMs) who make decisions for critically ill patients often face great challenges. Although shared decision‐making has been advocated, its implementation has been less than satisfactory.To explore the experience of the surrogate decision‐making process and determine how SDMs understand the values and preferences of critically ill patients.A constructivist qualitative study was used. The data were collected using semistructured interviews with four questions conducted between January and February 2023. The audio recordings were transcribed verbatim and analysed via thematic analysis. Fourteen SDMs (all family members) of 10 critically ill patients were recruited according to the inclusion criteria.We identified eight sub‐themes that were classified into three themes: (a) the unbalanced act: no respite for the surrogates, conflict between rationality and emotion, and sacrifice in surrogate decision‐making; (b) unclear values and preferences: ignored values, intentional silence and substituted values; and (c) unsatisfying surrogate decisions: decision regret and decreased surrogate decision‐making self‐efficacy.These findings underscore the urgent need for enhanced communication strategies and support systems to better assist SDMs in navigating their roles. Effective interventions could help clarify patients' values and preferences, thereby improving the decision‐making process and outcomes for both SDMs and patients.Misalignment between patient values and those of SDMs can potentially degrade the quality of decision‐making. Clinicians should be skilled in stimulating SDMs to think about patient values and preferences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite mandated insurance coverage since 2006 and robust health infrastructure in urban settings with high concentrations of minority patients, race‐based disparities in prostate cancer (PCa) treatment persist in Massachusetts. In this qualitative study, the authors sought to identify factors driving inequities in PCa treatment in Massachusetts. Methods: Four hospitals offering PCa treatment in Massachusetts were selected using a case‐mix approach. Purposive sampling was used to conduct semistructured interviews with hospital stakeholders. Additional interviews were conducted with representatives from grassroots organizations providing PCa education. Two study staff coded the interviews to identify major themes and recurrent patterns. Results: Of the 35 informants invited, 25 participated in the study. Although national disparities in PCa outcomes were readily discussed, one half of the informants were unaware that PCa disparities existed in Massachusetts. Informants and grassroots organization representatives acknowledged that patients with PCa are willing to face transportation barriers to receive treatment from trusted and accommodating institutions. Except for chief equity officers, most health care providers lacked knowledge on accessing or using metrics regarding racial disparities in cancer outcomes. Although community outreach was recognized as a potential strategy to reduce treatment disparities and engender trust, informants were often unable to provide a clear implementation plan. Conclusions: This statewide qualitative study builds on existing quantitative data on the nature and extent of disparities. It highlights knowledge gaps in recognizing and addressing racial disparities in PCa treatment in Massachusetts. Improved provider awareness, the use of disparity metrics, and strategic community engagement may ensure equitable access to PCa treatment. Plain Language Summary: Despite mandated insurance and urban health care access, racial disparities in prostate cancer treatment persist in Massachusetts.This qualitative study revealed that, although national disparities were acknowledged, awareness about local disparities are lacking.Stakeholders highlighted the importance of ancillary services, including translators, rideshares, and navigators, in the delivery of care.In addition, whereas hospital stakeholders were aware of collected equity outcomes, they were unsure whether and who is monitoring equity metrics.Furthermore, stakeholders agreed that community outreach showed promise in ensuring equitable access to prostate cancer treatment.Nevertheless, most interviewed stakeholders lacked clear implementation plans. To understand the drivers of racial disparities in prostate cancer treatment in Massachusetts, this statewide qualitative study was conducted through interviews with stakeholders at treating hospitals. Abstracted themes highlight the significance of provider awareness, the importance of overcoming transportation barriers, the accommodation of care through translators and navigators, and strategic community engagement for ensuring equitable access to care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Forgiveness, a process of relinquishment of resentment, hostility, and anger toward an offender or self, is understudied among people living with HIV. This study examined the experience and process of forgiving the person who allegedly transmitted HIV, among people living with HIV. In-depth interviews were conducted with 14 people living with HIV aged 25 or older, diagnosed at least three years before the study. Three main themes emerged: “Anger is a poison”: between forgiveness and unforgiveness; “I gave up the drive to suffer”: the meaning of forgiveness; and “Forgiving is like building a building”: phases of the forgiveness process between forgiveness and unforgiveness. This study revealed cognitive and emotional processes and phases of forgiveness. Forgiveness-focused interventions for people living with HIV are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Unintended teenage pregnancies are associated with greater health and socio-economic risks for teenage mothers and newborns. In Kenya, the government has declared a target for ending teenage pregnancy by 2030. However, the prevalence of teenage pregnancy has only decreased slightly, demonstrating the need for further efforts. Understanding teenage mothers' own experiences and perspectives is necessary to design appropriate interventions. Methods: A community-based qualitative study was conducted from March to May 2023. Two focus group discussions were conducted with community health volunteers and the mothers of teenage girls. Semi-structured interviews were conducted on the case histories of 19 teenage mothers and 18 key informants. Thematic analysis was subsequently performed using MAXQDA 2022. Findings: Four major reasons emerged for unintended teenage pregnancies: (1) lack of knowledge or awareness about the human reproductive system, (2) lack of knowledge about family planning (FP), (3) financial challenges, and (4) low access to FP. At the study site, cultural norms and stereotypes, such as "infertility caused by FP," "freedom of sex by promoting FP," and "cultural taboos on having sex before marriage and talking about sexuality," were observed as barriers in promoting FP to teenagers. In addition, teenagers from low socio-economic backgrounds were found to be more vulnerable because they can be easily exploited by men who can afford to provide for some of their basic needs. Regarding the influences of unintended teenage pregnancy on teenage mothers' lives, the 19 cases were classified into four categories: (1) dropping out of school, (2) financial challenges, (3) changing relationships with parents, and (4) no major influence. Crucially, unintended teenage pregnancies negatively influenced most study participants. Continuing education, supportive parental attitudes, positive perceptions of the relationship with the child's father, and having future perspectives were identified as factors mitigating the negative influences. Conclusions: Strengthening culturally appropriate comprehensive sexuality education and the school re-entry policy with a supportive environment may prevent unintended teenage pregnancy and mitigate its negative influences. As financial challenges can be both a reason for and a negative influence of unintended teenage pregnancy, economic empowerment interventions are necessary. Plain English summary: Teenage girls becoming pregnant unexpectedly face higher health and socio-economic risks, which can affect both the lives of teenage mothers and newborns. In Kenya, the government has targeted ending teenage pregnancies by 2030, but the decrease has been limited. Although understanding teenage mothers' experiences and perspectives is important for designing appropriate interventions, only a few studies have been conducted. This study focused on 19 teenage mothers and other key participants to gain a deeper understanding of their backgrounds. Four major reasons were identified for unintended teenage pregnancies: (1) lack of knowledge or awareness about the human reproductive system, (2) lack of knowledge about birth control methods, (3) financial challenges, and (4) low access to birth control methods. At the study site, cultural norms and stereotypes were observed as barriers in promoting the use of birth control methods to teenagers. In addition, teenagers from poor backgrounds were found to be more vulnerable because they can be easily taken advantage of by men who can afford to provide for some of their basic needs. Regarding the influences of unintended teenage pregnancy on teenage mothers' lives, the 19 cases were classified into four categories: (1) dropping out of school, (2) financial challenges, (3) changing relationships with parents, and (4) no major influence. In this study, unintended teenage pregnancies negatively influenced most participants. Continuing education, supportive parental attitudes, positive perceptions of the relationship with the child's father, and having future perspectives were identified as factors mitigating the negative influences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The global migration of health professionals in general and nurses in particular, has led to nursing shortages and socioeconomic impacts on health systems in both source and destination countries. Adding to the complexity of the situation is the fact that the nursing profession itself is evolving from a vocational to an academic one. Although nursing migration and academization have been studied from either an institutional or an individual perspective, there is a gap in the literature regarding how nursing teams experience these transitions. This study aims to explore how nursing teams navigate through the transitions of academization and internationalization of the current dynamic nursing landscape in Germany. Methods: Based on social constructivism epistemology this qualitative study involved face-to-face focus group discussions conducted at several hospital sites in Germany from September 2021 to May 2023. The focus group discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed using content analysis; the four dimensions of transition theory according to Schlossberg's Four S (4 S) framework (self, situation, support, and strategy) were used as a priori items to construct the coding framework. Results: Nine focus group discussions were conducted with a total of 40 nurses from different educational and migrant backgrounds. The analysis showed that the transition experiences of the nursing teams were heterogeneous, with educational and national backgrounds playing an important role in how realistic their expectations of their professional roles and identities were. The dynamic situation characterized by a shortage of qualified nursing staff, increases the pressure on nursing teams and underscores the importance of employer-provided and peer support. Onboarding and communication are key strategies used depending on the duration of the employee turnover. Conclusion: This study provides insights into the challenges and coping strategies of nursing teams in the current dynamic scene of migration, academicization and professional socialisation in Germany. Extending the Schlossberg 4 S framework from the individual to the team perspective provides a comprehensive view of the transitional experiences of nursing teams. Within each domain of the framework, the experiences of nursing teams are remarkably diverse. Educational background (vocational or academic) and origin (German or foreign trained) play an important role in shaping the transitional experiences of nursing teams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The enhancement of nurses' disaster literacy is crucial for effective disaster emergency management, especially for clinical nurses with no prior experience in disaster rescue. This study aims to explore the perspectives of nurses who have been involved in disaster rescue operations on strategies to advance nurses' disaster literacy. Methods: A qualitative descriptive study, which follows unified qualitative study reporting guidelines. Thirty disaster rescue nurses were recruited to participate in this study, who came from 30 third-class hospitals in China. From October to December 2021, information was acquired by conducting semi-structured telephone interviews with participants. Qualitative content analysis was used to examine the data. Results: Six categories and eleven subcategories were created. Strengthening disaster education and training was the main focus, and its subcategories included continuing education, nursing curriculum development, and disaster rescue experience guide. The second focus, which included scene simulation, actual combat/military simulation, and virtual reality simulation, was strengthening disaster simulation and drill. The third focus was on providing psychosocial support, which included improving self-psychological adjustment, developing resilience, and engaging in active coping. The fourth category was to strengthen nurse/hospital managers roles and leadership, which included enhancing professional identity and policies/leadership support. The fifth category was disaster preparedness, and the sixth was enhancing knowledge transformation. Conclusions: Government agencies or healthcare organizations should actively promote the formation of nurses' disaster literacy from multiple viewpoints. Disaster education and training, simulation exercises, and psychosocial support should be prioritized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The demand for nursing professionals with advanced education and specialized knowledge is growing, which encourages nursing undergraduates to pursue postgraduate studies. Therefore, an in-depth investigation into the barriers and facilitators affecting the motivation of nursing undergraduates to take postgraduate entrance exams was necessary. This may provide more targeted recommendations for the formulation of relevant policies and the provision of student support. The purpose of this study is to explore the barriers and facilitators affecting the motivation of nursing undergraduates for postgraduate entrance examination. Methods: Data for this study were collected from in-depth semi-structured interviews with 15 nursing undergraduates from Nantong University between October and December 2023. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze the data. Results: Four barriers were identified, including study pressure and internship fatigue, self-doubt and fear of failure, employment pressure, and lack of information and resources. Four facilitators were also identified, including the desire to upgrade academic qualifications and professional skills, career development and transition, escaping clinical work and delaying employment, as well as the power of role models, and social support. Conclusions: The findings may help nursing undergraduates navigate the path to postgraduate entrance exams more effectively and ultimately succeed in their studies and future careers. The study underscores the importance of addressing these barriers and leveraging these facilitators to support the holistic development of nursing students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Implementing an electronic system of service categorization and a referral system in healthcare is a strategic approach to improving overall health outcomes and optimizing resource use. This study aimed to investigate challenges experienced with the electronic patient referral system in Mashhad University of Medical Sciences (MUMS). Methods: In this qualitative research, data were collected using semi-structured interviews. Participants included physicians, experts, and stakeholders working in the Family Physician Program and the referral system, selected through purposive sampling. The data were analyzed using a thematic analysis framework, in which a thematic framework was developed, and key themes were identified. Data analysis was performed using Atlas.ti8 software. Results: According to the interviewees, the challenges of digitizing the referral system can be categorized into three main themes: structure, process, and outcomes. These themes include ten sub-themes, such as challenges related to Internet Infrastructure and the Sina System, Patients' Choice of Desired Specialists, Receiving Payment for Services, Appointment Scheduling, Interdepartmental Coordination, Recording Definitive Diagnosis Codes Before Referral, False Referrals, Dissatisfaction, Feedbacks, and Health Indicators. Conclusion: To improve the e-referral in Iran's health system, several strategies can be implemented. These include sustainable resource allocation, designing consequence mechanisms within the referral system to motivate collaboration and improving appointment scheduling systems. Furthermore, addressing these challenges requires a collaborative approach involving healthcare providers, IT professionals, and patient representatives to ensure that the system is efficient, user-friendly, and effectively meets the needs of all parties involved. Not paying enough attention to these issues cause reform failure while solving them requires multi-dimensional, systematic and coordinated interventions with a deep understanding of the obstacles and challenges. Disregarding these factors may result in apathy over time, ultimately impacting both the quantity and, more importantly, the quality of services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The main objective of the study was to explore the perspectives of healthcare professionals (HCPs) regarding artificial intelligence (AI) and to identify challenges in its incorporation in the healthcare sector of Pakistan. Methods: A qualitative exploratory study design was adopted. The study was conducted from January 15th to February 29th, 2024, and HCPs (doctors, pharmacists and nurses) from two tertiary care teaching hospitals in southern Punjab, Pakistan were taken as the study population. The interviews were conducted with the help of a semi structured interview schema. A thematic approach was adopted to analyse the data. Results: Out of 40 HCPs approached, 25 participated in the study with a response rate of 62%. The participants included in the study were doctors (14), pharmacists (6) and nurses (5). The participants had limited knowledge regarding AI and its basics. However, they showed positive perceptions about its incorporation. They believed that many of the problems faced by the healthcare sector of Pakistan can be minimized by AI incorporation. They believed that AI can boost up the efficiency of healthcare providers, reduce their workload, save time and minimize medical errors. Four main themes with multiple subthemes were identified: (1) Cognizance of AI, (2) Acceptability of AI among HCPs and training requirements for effective incorporation, (3) Merits and Demerits of AI, and (4) Challenges in incorporation of AI with proposed solutions. Conclusion: HCPs showed a willingness to embrace AI incorporation and believed that it may bring numerous benefits to the health system. Policymakers should take necessary steps to ensure AI incorporation in our healthcare sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Transgender individuals often face stigma, discrimination, and various forms of abuse, which negatively impact their mental and physical health. They face a significantly greater risk of HIV, with a higher prevalence than the general population. Despite these challenges, transgender people have limited access to healthcare due to violence, legal barriers, and societal stigma, further exacerbated in countries like Uganda, where transgender identities are criminalized. Therefore, this study explored the lived experiences of HIV researchers working with gender minority populations in criminalizing contexts. Methods: This was an interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) qualitative study. Twelve (12) research team members at all levels were involved in the study. Participants had less than five years of involvement in HIV research among gender minority populations. Data were collected using field notes, reflective journals, documentation from daily team debriefing sessions, and semi-structured interviews. The analysis used NVivo software. Results: Positive experiences, barriers, and challenges were captured. The positive experiences were 'respecting cultural diversity', 'expanding networks', 'addressing misconceptions' and 'finding allies'. The barriers included 'experiencing stigma', 'lengthy research processes', 'feeling isolated', 'fearing for personal safety', 'unexpected logistical costs', and 'criminalization of sexual and gender minorities'. The key themes that emerged from the lessons learned were: 'dealing with gatekeepers', 'diversity and sensitivity training', 'leveraging networks', 'meaningful community engagement', 'reflexivity', 'ensuring safety', 'equal partnership', 'giving feedback' and 'awareness of legal implications'. Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of cultural sensitivity, community engagement, and reflexivity in research design and implementation. The findings emphasize the need for innovative strategies to navigate legal, social, and logistical barriers that researchers and participants face. Despite these challenges, the study demonstrates that meaningful collaboration with community members and building trust can significantly enhance the research process and outcomes. Future research should continue to explore these strategies while addressing ethical and safety concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Methods Results Conclusion To investigate the perspectives of people accessing a general medical practitioner (GP)‐optometry model of collaborative care that was established to increase access to diabetes eye care.Qualitative study of patient barriers and facilitators to accessing primary diabetes eye care located in a metropolitan area in Australia. One‐on‐one interviews were recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed using a determinant framework on patient‐centred access to health care.Twenty‐four people with type 2 diabetes, including 15 males and 9 females, who accessed the service between September 2021 and June 2022 agreed to participate. Mean (SD) age of the participants was 52 (12) years and 50% had been diagnosed with diabetes for <2 years. Facilitators to accessing diabetes eye care included a referral from a GP or GP nurse, fee‐free consultations, availability of after‐hours appointments and short waiting times. Barriers to access included perceived out‐of‐pocket costs, competing responsibilities and lack of awareness of diabetic retinopathy screening recommendations.Considering diabetic retinopathy may present asymptomatically, primary health practitioners (optometrists and GPs) are well positioned to raise patient awareness of the importance of routine eye examinations. In Australia, access to routine screening could be facilitated by fee‐free eye checks and personalised text message reminders implemented at a health system level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The COVID‐19 pandemic significantly impacted students' education, mental health, and social well‐being. Our research explores the experiences and perceptions of teachers and counselors of the psychological impact of COVID‐19 school closures on secondary school students after returning to school. Methods: In this qualitative study, 21 teachers and counselors in Iran were purposefully involved and interviewed in‐depth using a semi‐structured format. The data was analyzed using Van Manen's 6‐step phenomenological method, and Lincoln and Guba's criteria were implemented to maintain accuracy and trustworthiness. Results: We have identified 15 categories and 6 themes. These themes encompass issues such as low self‐esteem due to emotional or psychological damage, instability within schools, challenges faced by students with family problems, lack of motivation and patience among students, frustration experienced by students, and emotional detachment. Implications for School Health Policy, Practice, and Equity: To effectively guide and educate students, teachers and counselors must prioritize the psychological well‐being of students absent from school due to illness or pandemics. They must also take adequate measures to address any arising psychological complications. Conclusion: Teachers and counselors must recognize and consider the psychological consequences of students absent; this will help develop effective measures to address and alleviate psychological complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Sexual health is an essential part of overall health and well-being. Breast cancer affects the marital relationships and sexual activity of patients and their sexual partners. The present qualitative study was conducted to discover the experiences of women undergoing breast cancer treatment and their husbands regarding marital relationships after breast cancer. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the 37 women undergoing breast cancer, their husbands, and healthcare providers. Recorded interviews were transcribed and analyzed using a qualitative content analysis approach. Results: Four categories of 'Utilization of couple-based approach,' 'Consequences of relationship breakdown,' and 'A need for the spouse's support and compassion' were revealed. Conclusion: The present study showed that the husbands of women undergoing breast cancer treatment played a dual role in marital relationships. It seems that using couple-based approaches, such as mental and sexual health counseling, should be considered by healthcare providers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Rates of congenital syphilis (CS) in the United States have risen sharply in recent years. There has been sparse research centering the voices and experiences of birthing parents who have delivered infants with CS and prenatal providers in Chicago or the surrounding Midwestern United States to date. Additionally, there has been little research on the role of extrinsic factors, such as stigma and attitudes surrounding CS in an individual's community, in their entry into and retention in the CS prevention cascade. Methods Semistructured interviews seeking to gather perspectives and factors related to the rise of CS were conducted with birthing parents who delivered infants with CS at a major academic medical institution (AMI) and the prenatal providers who served them. This was supplemented by retrospective data of birthing parent outcomes. Results Barriers elicited during the interviews included insufficient penicillin uptake, limited transportation, poor communication between providers and patients, gaps in patient understanding or knowledge around CS contraction and treatment, missed appointments, appointment burden for patients, life stressors of patients, housing instability, childcare difficulties, and stigma related to the CS diagnosis. The quantitative data revealed differing proportions of CS outcomes and care between those with care within the AMI, those with care outside the AMI, and those who had no prenatal care. Conclusions This study found numerous perspectives and factors that may explain the rise of CS along various stages of the syphilis care continuum through in-depth interviews of prenatal providers and birthing parents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nurses play a vital role in providing high-quality primary healthcare and health promotion services. The state of research highlights their often complex operational realities and shows the need for an evidence-based understanding of nurses' perspectives on health promotion practices, especially in low-resource settings. This study focuses on how community health nurses in rural primary healthcare centers in Nigeria perceive their health promotion role and the opportunities and challenges of, and potential entry points for strengthening, their practice. A sample of 10 nurses from eight rural primary healthcare centers in eight local government areas of Anambra state, Nigeria, was purposively selected. Data were collected via semistructured telephone and written interviews and analyzed by qualitative content analysis using a deductive–inductive approach. Nurses emphasized their commitment to supporting patients and communities to develop skills and take control of their own lives. Nurses described their role as facilitators of behavioral and environmental change, individual and community empowerment facilitators as well as social activists. Factors that enhance the health promotion practice of nurses include adequate skills, sufficient human and material resources and community support and participation. Inhibiting factors included insufficient funding, poor working conditions, staff shortages, high workload, lack of training opportunities and low participation of community members. Overcoming challenges and facilitating health promotion activities in rural communities require bolstering nurses by providing further training opportunities for enhancing their health promotion competencies and creating supportive environments. Future research should focus on how to strengthen nurses' health promotion efforts through interprofessional and intersectoral collaboration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the role of family interpersonal relationships in coping with the effects of COVID-19 and examines factors that place Latinx adolescents at risk for adverse effects of COVID-19 and promote resilience. We used a qualitative inquiry to explore the impact of COVID-19 on Latinx New York City adolescents, using sensitizing concepts from the family stress and coping theory as a data organization and analysis strategy. Five focus groups with 26 students aged 13 to 17 years old were conducted, and emergent themes were identified from the data. Latinx student participants reported disruptions in their family structure and interaction patterns. Families of these adolescents faced income loss, death, and illness from COVID-19, which impacted parent-child relationships. The absence of needed community resources undermined family resilience. Yet, students used internal resources found in their families and within themselves to cope with the COVID-19 stressors. Participants reported challenges within the family, school, and youth's daily experiences. To lessen the pandemic's impact on Latinx students in the midst of the ever-changing COVID-19 pandemic requires an ecological approach in which family, school, community, and policy factors are considered, and partnerships at each of these levels are established. Efforts to enhance family-school collaboration, equitable access to mental health services, youth outreach, and strengthen existing internal and external resources in the lives of Latinx students are key to promoting their well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parental well-being has implications for child outcomes and child well-being. The COVID-19 pandemic has placed substantial psychological distress on parents especially those from under-resourced backgrounds who also have young children. Most of the available studies have used surveys to understand the impact of COVID-19 on parents' well-being with only a few of those studies looking at parents with children below five years from under-resourced backgrounds. We explored the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the well-being of 118 parents from under-resourced communities using qualitative methods. Through thematic analysis, we identified eight themes related to the impact of COVID-19: (1) Losing child care and taking teaching/care responsibility, (2) new rules and routines, (3) loss of basic needs, (4) fear of the virus, (5) loss of social support, (6) loss of jobs, (7) deeper connections, and (8) enhanced hygiene. We also identified four themes related to how parents coped with the impacts of the pandemic: (i) engaging in hobbies; (ii) making plans; (iii) accepting, and (iv) avoiding arguments. Implications include supporting parents' autonomy and providing flexibility at work, developing and tailoring mindfulness and stress reduction interventions to support parents' self-compassion and psychological flexibility skills, preparing lesson samples and helping parents role play to support their self-efficacy in teaching children, and prioritizing keeping child care settings open. Highlights: Loss of child care significantly contributed to parents' psychological distress. Parents experienced low self-efficacy in teaching their children. Parents lost jobs and their partners took more hours to compensate for the lost income which affected their relationships with children. Parents coped by participating in hobbies, accepting, engaging in proactive coping mechanism, and avoiding arguments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]