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Why you should read this article: • To enhance your understanding of the relationships between workplace stressors and job performance • To familiarise yourself with validated scales that can be used to measure stress, resilience and job performance • To consider measures that could be implemented to mitigate stressors, increase resilience and foster effective coping mechanisms among nurses. Background: Nurses are a crucial part of healthcare organisations, constituting around half of the global healthcare workforce. Therefore, it is important to examine the factors that may affect their job performance, which is central to the delivery of effective healthcare services. Aim: To examine the relationships between stress, resilience and job performance within the nursing context in Jordan. Method: A cross-sectional descriptive correlational design was used. A self-administered questionnaire comprising stress, resilience and job performance scales was completed by a convenience sample of 207 nurses working in five hospitals in the northern and middle regions of Jordan. Results: Overall, respondents self-reported moderate stress levels, normal resilience levels and moderate job performance. The study identified: a moderate positive correlation between stress and resilience; a weak negative correlation between stress and job performance; and a weak positive correlation between resilience and job performance. Conclusion: It is essential that nurse managers, leaders and policymakers implement measures to mitigate the stressors encountered by nurses, increase resilience and foster effective coping mechanisms. Such measures could enhance nurses’ resilience and job performance, ultimately improving patient care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why you should read this article: • To increase your knowledge of the McCloskey/Mueller Satisfaction Scale, used to measure job satisfaction • To find out about the job satisfaction of migrant nurses working in critical care in Saudi Arabia • To consider strategies for enhancing nurses' job satisfaction and increasing nurse retention Background: Nurses' job satisfaction is a crucial component of a safe and efficient healthcare environment. Aim: To understand the level of job satisfaction among migrant nurses working in intensive and critical care in Saudi Arabia. Method: This study used a quantitative descriptive design. A total of 421 migrant nurses working in intensive and critical care units in two teaching hospitals in Saudi Arabia completed a questionnaire based on the McCloskey/Mueller Satisfaction Scale. Findings: Participating migrant nurses had moderate levels of job satisfaction overall, except for salary, holiday allowance and maternity leave, which attracted low satisfaction scores, and nursing peers, which attracted a high satisfaction score. There were no statistically significant differences in job satisfaction scores according to demographic variables except marital status, with a significantly higher job satisfaction among married respondents. Conclusion: Promoting job satisfaction among nurses could improve the efficiency and quality of nursing care. There is a range of strategies that can be used to enhance nurses' job satisfaction, including improving working conditions and promoting career development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why you should read this article: • To consider the effect of caring for patients with COVID-19 on front-line nurses' professional quality of life • To learn about sociodemographic and work-related factors that influence front-line nurses' professional quality of life when caring for patients with COVID-19 • To recognise the importance of providing appropriate training and health and well-being interventions for front-line nurses during a pandemic Background: Front-line nurses caring for patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) experience stressful and traumatic working conditions, which may affect their professional quality of life. Aim: To identify the effect of COVID-19 on front-line nurses' professional quality of life, specifically on their levels of compassion satisfaction, burnout and secondary traumatic stress. Method: A descriptive, cross-sectional comparative design was adopted. Data collection tools included self-reported sociodemographic and work-related characteristics and the self-report Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQOL). Questionnaires (n=200) were distributed by email to two groups of nurses working in a government hospital in Saudi Arabia: front-line nurses who cared for patients with COVID-19 in isolation units; and front-line nurses who cared for patients without COVID-19 in inpatient units. Results: Completed questionnaires were received from 167 respondents, a response rate of 84%. Moderate levels of compassion satisfaction, burnout and secondary traumatic stress were found regardless of respondents' involvement in caring for patients with COVID-19. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of compassion satisfaction, burnout and secondary traumatic stress. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic presents a new challenge for front-line nurses, necessitating appropriate interventions to avoid burnout and secondary traumatic stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

-Why you should read this article: • To refresh your knowledge about routes of infection and risk factors in toxoplasmosis • To learn about toxoplasmosis knowledge and practices among pregnant women in Jordan • To understand the preventive practices required from pregnant women to avoid toxoplasmosis Background: Toxoplasmosis is a common zoonotic infection which, in pregnant women, can result in miscarriage, stillbirth or child disability. Prevention and education play a crucial role in reducing the risks of infection and complications. Aim: To assess the knowledge and practices of pregnant women in Jordan in relation to toxoplasmosis and its prevention. Method: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in a convenience sample of 583 pregnant women visiting a health centre, hospital or private gynaecology clinic in the Jordanian governorate of Mafraq. The governorate has the second-largest population of Syrian refugees in Jordan. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on participants' knowledge and practices. Results: Of the 583 participants, 75% had never heard of toxoplasmosis. Participants demonstrated, to varying degrees, some adequate knowledge of toxoplasmosis prevention and some adequate use of preventive practices. None of the sociodemographic characteristics of participants was predictive of their level of knowledge of toxoplasmosis, except nationality: Syrian women had a statistically significant lower level of knowledge than Jordanian women. Conclusion: There are gaps in knowledge and practices among pregnant women in Jordan in relation to toxoplasmosis and its prevention. Improved health education, particularly for female Syrian refugees living in Jordan, could enhance knowledge and practices, thereby reducing the risks of infection and complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Predicting nurse turnover is important to prevent expensive and avoidable staff loss. One factor that may influence nurse turnover is nurse managers' leadership styles. Three main leadership styles have been identified: transactional, in which leaders give contingent rewards; transformational, in which leaders inspire and motivate; and passive-avoidant, in which leaders are absent. Aim: To assess the effect of nurse managers' leadership styles on predicted nurse turnover in Jordanian hospitals. Method: A descriptive, cross-sectional, and correlational study design was used. The Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ-5X) was used to assess nurses' perceptions of their nurse managers' leadership styles, while the Anticipated Turnover Scale was used to assess nurses' intention to leave the job. The questionnaires were distributed to 280 nurses in three public sector hospitals and one university-affiliated (teaching) hospital in the north of Jordan. Results: Responses were received from 250 nurses working in a variety of clinical areas, yielding a response rate of 89%. The respondents perceived that the transactional leadership style was the most common among their nurse managers, followed by the transformational style and passive-avoidant style. It was also identified that, on average, respondents had a slight intention to leave their jobs. The transformational leadership style was found to reduce predicted nurse turnover, while the passive-avoidant and transactional leadership styles had no significant effect on this. Conclusion: Understanding the effect of nurse managers' leadership styles on predicted nurse turnover may improve retention. Therefore, nurse managers should undertake training programmes on effective leadership to improve nurses' job satisfaction and reduce turnover. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Asthma is a chronic illness of the airways that can cause a persistent cough. The illness affects a significant population of young people worldwide and can affect their ongoing quality of life. Aim To explore Jordanian adolescents' knowledge and attitudes to asthma. Method A cross-sectional research design was used with a convenience sample of 302 adolescents from six schools in northern Jordan, who completed a self-reported knowledge and attitude survey. Results Although the adolescents had an adequate knowledge level about asthma, several areas of knowledge deficit were identified and some negative attitudes were demonstrated. No significant association was found between adolescents' level of knowledge and their attitudes to adolescents with asthma. Conclusion Jordanian adolescents need more educational programmes about living with life-changing chronic illnesses such as asthma, and about how the knowledge and positive attitudes of peer groups can normalise the illness for the affected person, enhancing their quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Older adults are at a higher risk of being diagnosed with long-term conditions than those in other age groups. The aim of this study was to examine long-term conditions associated with, and predictive of, primary health care (PHC) service use among older adults living in the Irbid Governorate of Jordan over the previous one, six and 12 months. Cross-sectional data were collected from 190 adults aged 60 years and above. Face-to-face interviews were conducted within the catchment areas associated with three comprehensive healthcare centres. Results show that rates of PHC service use among older adults with long-term conditions are high, with heart conditions, diabetes and hypertension the most consistent predictors of service use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To determine what secondary schoolchildren in Jordan want from overweight and obesity intervention strategies and prevention programmes. Method A school-based, cross-sectional study using a quantitative design was carried out during October 2014. The participants were secondary schoolchildren in grades 11 and 12. Data were analysed using SPSS program version 17. Percentages, standard deviations and means were computed. Findings The main suggestions were for programmes at school, during school hours (n=962, 85.4%), followed by one that involved family and friends (n = 951, 84.5%), and a programme at a convenient time free of charge (n=919, 81.6%). The students also suggested many strategies to tackle overweight and obesity, such as: taking more physical exercise (n = 925, 82.1%), increasing consumption of more fruit and vegetables (n = 712, 63.2%) eating less fast food (n = 689, 61.2%). Conclusion Schools, families, health providers and community organisations should encourage students to adopt healthy lifestyles, and facilitate their selection and participation in health programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Being overweight and obese in adolescence are significant global public health issues which threaten the viability of basic healthcare delivery in many countries. The number of affected adolescents is growing at an alarming rate. Behavioural treatment, which refers to a set of principles and techniques designed to help people reverse maladaptive eating and activity habits, has become a crucial part of most programmes designed to address overweight and obesity. This article outlines three steps involved in the behavioural treatment of overweight and obesity in adolescents: antecedents, eating behaviour and the consequences of eating behaviour. Regular and consistent daily recording of food intake and the individual's activities are foundations of behavioural management, and should form part of the nursing care plan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Breakfast is considered to be the most important meal of the day. It provides the essential nutrients needed for the day's activities. Aims To determine the prevalence of breakfast consumption and to assess the nutritional status of students aged 12-18 years. Methods A school-based study carried out between September and October 2014 involved 1,303 school students from grades 7 to 12, aged 12 to 18 years, who completed a questionnaire on breakfast consumption. The chi-square test was used. An odds ratio and 95% confidence interval determined the predictive factors for skipping breakfast. Results The prevalence of breakfast consumption was 52.3%, statistically decreasing with age. Adjusted logistic regression analysis reflected a statistically high consumption among 12-15 year olds, those with highly educated mothers and those with low family income. Conclusion For the target groups at risk, a community and school-based health education programme, conducted by school nurses and other healthcare providers, would be beneficial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nurses are a crucial part of healthcare organisations, constituting around half of the global healthcare workforce. Therefore, it is important to examine the factors that may affect their job performance, which is central to the delivery of effective healthcare services., Aim: To examine the relationships between stress, resilience and job performance within the nursing context in Jordan., Method: A cross-sectional descriptive correlational design was used. A self-administered questionnaire comprising stress, resilience and job performance scales was completed by a convenience sample of 207 nurses working in five hospitals in the northern and middle regions of Jordan., Results: Overall, respondents self-reported moderate stress levels, normal resilience levels and moderate job performance. The study identified: a moderate positive correlation between stress and resilience; a weak negative correlation between stress and job performance; and a weak positive correlation between resilience and job performance., Conclusion: It is essential that nurse managers, leaders and policymakers implement measures to mitigate the stressors encountered by nurses, increase resilience and foster effective coping mechanisms. Such measures could enhance nurses' resilience and job performance, ultimately improving patient care., Competing Interests: None declared, (© 2023 RCN Publishing Company Ltd. All rights reserved. Not to be copied, transmitted or recorded in any way, in whole or part, without prior permission of the publishers.)

Background: Nurses' job satisfaction is a crucial component of a safe and efficient healthcare environment., Aim: To understand the level of job satisfaction among migrant nurses working in intensive and critical care in Saudi Arabia., Method: This study used a quantitative descriptive design. A total of 421 migrant nurses working in intensive and critical care units in two teaching hospitals in Saudi Arabia completed a questionnaire based on the McCloskey/Mueller Satisfaction Scale., Findings: Participating migrant nurses had moderate levels of job satisfaction overall, except for salary, holiday allowance and maternity leave, which attracted low satisfaction scores, and nursing peers, which attracted a high satisfaction score. There were no statistically significant differences in job satisfaction scores according to demographic variables except marital status, with a significantly higher job satisfaction among married respondents., Conclusion: Promoting job satisfaction among nurses could improve the efficiency and quality of nursing care. There is a range of strategies that can be used to enhance nurses' job satisfaction, including improving working conditions and promoting career development., Competing Interests: None declared, (©2023 RCN Publishing Company Ltd. All rights reserved. Not to be copied, transmitted or recorded in any way, in whole or part, without prior permission of the publishers.)

Background: Front-line nurses caring for patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) experience stressful and traumatic working conditions, which may affect their professional quality of life., Aim: To identify the effect of COVID-19 on front-line nurses' professional quality of life, specifically on their levels of compassion satisfaction, burnout and secondary traumatic stress., Method: A descriptive, cross-sectional comparative design was adopted. Data collection tools included self-reported sociodemographic and work-related characteristics and the self-report Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQOL). Questionnaires (n=200) were distributed by email to two groups of nurses working in a government hospital in Saudi Arabia: front-line nurses who cared for patients with COVID-19 in isolation units; and front-line nurses who cared for patients without COVID-19 in inpatient units., Results: Completed questionnaires were received from 167 respondents, a response rate of 84%. Moderate levels of compassion satisfaction, burnout and secondary traumatic stress were found regardless of respondents' involvement in caring for patients with COVID-19. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of compassion satisfaction, burnout and secondary traumatic stress., Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic presents a new challenge for front-line nurses, necessitating appropriate interventions to avoid burnout and secondary traumatic stress., Competing Interests: None declared, (© 2023 RCN Publishing Company Ltd. All rights reserved. Not to be copied, transmitted or recorded in any way, in whole or part, without prior permission of the publishers.)

Background: Childhood obesity has a worldwide association with serious health problems and complications that increase the risk of illness and death., Aim: To identify and assess the factors contributing to overweight and obesity among school students in north Jordan., Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study involving 1,554 students was conducted between October 2014 and February 2015., Results: More than two thirds (70%) of participants were normal weight (5th percentile-<85th percentile), while 12% were overweight and 13% were obese. The prevalence of obesity was high (20%) among those eating snacks three times per day. The prevalence of overweight was high (12%) among those who followed no regular physical activity programme., Conclusion: Collaboration is required between policymakers, healthcare professionals, business and community leaders, schools and local organisations to create suitable environments that support healthy lifestyles for children and young people., Competing Interests: None declared, (© 2018 RCN Publishing Company Ltd. All rights reserved. Not to be copied, transmitted or recorded in any way, in whole or part, without prior permission of the publishers.)