Background. Avoiding seeking professional help for psychological problems may have a devastating ... more Background. Avoiding seeking professional help for psychological problems may have a devastating impact on the life of university students. Data about stigma toward mental illness and attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help (ATSPPH) in Arab university students are rare. This study aims to examine the correlates of ATSPPH in Jordanian university students. Method. A cross-sectional correlational design was used for this study. Using an online survey, a sample of 519 Jordanian university students completed measures of demographic and clinical variables, stigma toward mental illness and ATSPPH. Stigma toward mental illness was tested as a correlate of ATSPPH using a series of hierarchical multiple regression analyses, controlling for demographic and clinical variables. Results. The results showed that Jordanian students have relatively less favorable ATSPPH than other study groups. Female gender, medically-related specialities, students with a previous history of receiving mental health counseling services and students who reported low scores on measures of stigma toward mental illness were more likely to have favorable ATSPPH. The stigma toward mental illness was the strongest correlate of ATSPPH in students and accounted for 13% additional variance above and beyond the 3% accounted for by all other independent variables. Conclusions. Combating stigma toward mental illness in Arab students is an important step toward promoting their ATSPPH. There is a crucial need to provide professional and culturally competent psychological care for this population in particular.
Background: Despite the increasing rates of patients diagnosed with major depression in Jordan, t... more Background: Despite the increasing rates of patients diagnosed with major depression in Jordan, there is little knowledge available about the factors associated with quality of life (QOL) among this population in particular. This knowledge is needed to implement relevant supporting programs to improve their quality of life. Purpose: This study aims to assess the level of quality of life among Jordanian patients with major depressive disorder, and to examine the possible relationship between quality of life and other factors (demographic variables, stigma of mental illness, and severity of depressive symptoms) in this population. Methodology of the Study: A descriptive correlational design was used. A convenience sample of 161 Jordanian outpatients suffering from Major Depression Disorder (MDD) completed the study. Participants completed the demographic questionnaire, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), Percieved Devaluation-Discrimination Scale, and Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short Form (SF-36). Results: Participants reported poor QOL in all domains. Age, income, stigma toward mental illness, and severity of depressive symptoms were significantly correlated with QOL among the study sample. Multiple hierarchical regression analysis revealed that the severity of depressive symptoms is the strongest correlate of QOL, which accounted for 24% additional variance above and beyond the 18% variance accounted for by all other variables. Conclusion: This is the first study to assess QOL in an Arab population with major depression. Replication of the current study in other Arab samples is emphasized. Psychotherapy and other interventions are still needed even after the acute symptoms of the clinical depression are remitted.
AIM: This study examines the role of mindfulness in predicting psychological distress in Arab par... more AIM: This study examines the role of mindfulness in predicting psychological distress in Arab parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). METHOD: In this descriptive study, parents of 104 children with ASD completed measures of psychological distress and mindfulness. The severity of autism in children was measured using the DSM-V criteria. RESULTS: After controlling for parental age and gender and the severity level of ASD, mindfulness was significantly associated with the levels of anxiety, stress, and depression in parents (anxiety: β = 0.49, p < .001; stress: β = 0.55, p < .001; depression: β = 0.53, p < .001). CONCLUSION: Mindfulness-based intervention may help to reduce psychological distress in Arab parents of children with ASD.
Drug abuse should be a concern for all health care professionals. Nurses are frequently providing... more Drug abuse should be a concern for all health care professionals. Nurses are frequently providing care for patients with substance abuse, but their role in assessment and management of patients with drug abuse has yet to be established. This paper provides a brief description regarding the role of nurses in providing care for these patients.
AIM: This study examines the role of mindfulness in predicting psychological distress in Arab par... more AIM: This study examines the role of mindfulness in predicting psychological distress in Arab parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). METHOD: In this descriptive study, parents of 104 children with ASD completed measures of psychological distress and mindfulness. The severity of autism in children was measured using the DSM-V criteria. RESULTS: After controlling for parental age and gender and the severity level of ASD, mindfulness was significantly associated with the levels of anxiety, stress, and depression in parents (anxiety: β = 0.49, p < .001; stress: β = 0.55, p < .001; depression: β = 0.53, p < .001). CONCLUSION: Mindfulness-based intervention may help to reduce psychological distress in Arab parents of children with ASD.
Background: Previous research has supported mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) to enhance qua... more Background: Previous research has supported mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) to enhance quality of life (QOL) in different populations, but no studies have been found to examine the effectiveness of MBIs on QOL among parents of children with ASD. Aim: The purpose of the current study was to examine the effectiveness of brief MBI on perceived QOL and positive stress reappraisal (PSR) among parents of children with ASD. Methods: A quasi-experimental, with nonequivalent control group design was used. One hundred and four parents of children with ASD were equally assigned to the intervention and control groups. The study groups were matched on measures of their gender and age, and level of severity of ASD in children. The intervention group participated in MBI program for 5 weeks, while the control group had not attended the program. Results: After the intervention program, results of paired samples t-test indicated that parents in the intervention group demonstrated significant improvements in measures of psychological health domain of QOL, social health domain of QOL, mindfulness, and positive stress reappraisal with medium to large effect size (P < 0.01). The control group demonstrated improvement in measures of the dependent variables with small effect size. Conclusion: MBI is culturally adaptable, acceptable, and effective method to improve QOL and PSR in parents of children with ASD.
Background: Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) frequently report poor psycho... more Background: Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) frequently report poor psychological well-being. Positive reappraisal coping (PRC) is a coping strategy which offers a protective effect from anxiety and depression. However, the association between PRC and the psychological distress in parents of children with ASD has yet to be established. Aim: This study examines the association between PRC and the psychological distress in parents of children with ASD. Method: In this descriptive correlational study, 104 parents of children with ASD completed measures of psychological distress and PRC. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was used to examine the association between PRC and the psychological distress in parents after controlling the influence of parental age and gender. Results: The PRC was associated with the psychological distress in parents above and beyond the variance accounted for by parental age and gender. After controlling for parental age and gender, PRC had significant negative correlation with the levels of anxiety, stress, and depression in parents (Anxiety: β = −0.36, p b 0.001; Stress: β = −0.21, p = 0.03; Depression: β = − 0.37, p b 0.001). Conclusion: Using positive reappraisal coping strategy may help to reduce psychological distress in parents of children with ASD.
Background: Nursing has long been considered one of the most stressful professions. Stress at the... more Background: Nursing has long been considered one of the most stressful professions. Stress at the workplace may have negative consequences on nursing performance. Consequences of stress on nursing performance may become more crucial in pediatric and neonatal intensive care units where the safety of patient and quality of pediatric care are important outcomes of nursing care. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between occupational stressors amongst nurses working in pediatric care units and their performance. Design: In this descriptive study, a total of 200 nurses working in the pediatric departments from three major hospitals in Khartoum completed the study. Two tools were used to collect data including nursing stress scale and the modified Schwirn Six Dimensions Scale for Nursing Performance. Student t-test, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and stepwise multiple regression analysis were used to analyze the data. Results: Overall, most of the nurses suffered from job stressors level above average. The lack of aids, resources and atmosphere in the intensive care units were rated as " high " job stressors amongst nurses. The hospital characteristics were rated " low " job stressors. Among all stressors, the lack of directors' support was negatively correlated with the nurses' performance (P= 0.003, r= 0.21). Conclusion: Policy makers should consider development of specific programs targeting stress in pediatric and neonatal intensive care units to enhance nursing performance in pediatric units.
Background: Nursing is considered one of the most stressful health care professions. Literature r... more Background: Nursing is considered one of the most stressful health care professions. Literature revealed that stress could be diminished by organizational support, but the actual relationship between nurse's job's stress and organizational support has yet to be established. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between nurse's job's stress and organizational support controlling for the nurses' characteristics. Methods: A descriptive correlational design using self-administered questionnaire was used. A convenience sample of 150 nurses completed the Perceived Stress Scale and the Survey of Perceived Organizational Support. Multiple hierarchical regression analyses were used to assess the relationship between nurse's job's stress and organizational support controlling for the nurses' characteristics. Results: The current study revealed that there was a negative relationship between nurses' job stress and organizational support. Although sample characteristics were associated with the levels of perceived stress, organizational support was the strongest correlate of perceived stress. Conclusion: Health care organizations must consider the development of organizational support policy for nurses. Close unit nurses in particular, should be subjected to stress management programs to help them cope with stress.
Background: Despite the increasing rates of patients diagnosed with major depression in Jordan, t... more Background: Despite the increasing rates of patients diagnosed with major depression in Jordan, there is little knowledge available about the factors associated with quality of life (QOL) among this population in particular. This knowledge is needed to implement relevant supporting programs to improve their quality of life. Purpose: This study aims to assess the level of quality of life among Jordanian patients with major depressive disorder, and to examine the possible relationship between quality of life and other factors (demographic variables, stigma of mental illness, and severity of depressive symptoms) in this population. Methodology of the Study: A descriptive correlational design was used. A convenience sample of 161 Jordanian outpatients suffering from Major Depression Disorder (MDD) completed the study. Participants completed the demographic questionnaire, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), Percieved Devaluation-Discrimination Scale, and Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short Form (SF-36). Results: Participants reported poor QOL in all domains. Age, income, stigma toward mental illness, and severity of depressive symptoms were significantly correlated with QOL among the study sample. Multiple hierarchical regression analysis revealed that the severity of depressive symptoms is the strongest correlate of QOL, which accounted for 24% additional variance above and beyond the 18% variance accounted for by all other variables. Conclusion: This is the first study to assess QOL in an Arab population with major depression. Replication of the current study in other Arab samples is emphasized. Psychotherapy and other interventions are still needed even after the acute symptoms of the clinical depression are remitted.
Euthanasia is ethically, religiously, and legally charged topic. Health care professionals should... more Euthanasia is ethically, religiously, and legally charged topic. Health care professionals should integrate spiritual aspects in their decision making regarding euthanasia while dealing with muslim patients. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Islami view for the concept of euthanasia and its permissiblility in Islam, while discussing different ethical and legal aspects that may affect the perspectives of muslims regarding euthanasia. Active euthanasia is prohibited in Islam. This view is strongly supported by laws and ethical princiles in Islamic communites. However, administering analgesic agents that might shorten the patient's life, with the purpose of relieving the physical pain is accepted, because it is not aimed at killing. On the other hand, negative euthanasia is never accepted. However, withdrawing a futile treatment and allowing death to take its natural course for persons who are already died is acceptable. In this situation, the patient is already dead, and there is no use of keeping life supporting instruments. It is highly recommended for all health care professionals who are providing care for muslim patients to carefully consider the Islamic perspective regarding euthanasia.
Violence at workplace toward health care professionals including nurses is gaining a thoughtful c... more Violence at workplace toward health care professionals including nurses is gaining a thoughtful concern worldwide. The prevalence of workplace violence in the Middle East including Jordan is considerably high although governmental policies and legislations exist. Tackling and preventing such issue of workplace violence necessitates reinforcing and reviving existing policies. The researchers in the current study adopted a plan of action using a systematic method to establish and implement specific strategies and policies to prevent workplace violence against health care professionals in Jordan. A detailed description for developing the policy was provided in this study based on the following steps: describing context of the problem, identifying policy goals and options, weighing policy alternatives, highlighting the recommended solutions, and providing a strategy for implementation and evaluation [28].
Background. Avoiding seeking professional help for psychological problems may have a devastating ... more Background. Avoiding seeking professional help for psychological problems may have a devastating impact on the life of university students. Data about stigma toward mental illness and attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help (ATSPPH) in Arab university students are rare. This study aims to examine the correlates of ATSPPH in Jordanian university students. Method. A cross-sectional correlational design was used for this study. Using an online survey, a sample of 519 Jordanian university students completed measures of demographic and clinical variables, stigma toward mental illness and ATSPPH. Stigma toward mental illness was tested as a predictor of ATSPPH using a series of hierarchical multiple regression analyses, controlling for demographic and clinical variables. Results. The results showed that Jordanian students have relatively less favorable ATSPPH than other study groups. Female gender, medically-related specialities, students with a previous history of receiving mental health counseling services and students who reported low scores on measures of stigma toward mental illness were more likely to have favorable ATSPPH. The stigma toward mental illness was the strongest correlate of ATSPPH in students and accounted for 13% additional variance above and beyond the 3% accounted for by all other independent variables. Conclusions. Combating stigma toward mental illness in Arab students is an important step toward promoting their ATSPPH. There is a crucial need to provide professional and culturally competent psychological care for this population in particular.
Violence at workplace toward health care professionals including nurses is gaining a thoughtful c... more Violence at workplace toward health care professionals including nurses is gaining a thoughtful concern worldwide. The prevalence of workplace violence in the Middle East including Jordan is considerably high although governmental policies and legislations exist. Tackling and preventing such issue of workplace violence necessitates reinforcing and reviving existing policies. The researchers in the current study adopted a plan of action using a systematic method to establish and implement specific strategies and policies to prevent workplace violence against health care professionals in Jordan. A detailed description for developing the policy was provided in this study based on the following steps: describing context of the problem, identifying policy goals and options, weighing policy alternatives, highlighting the recommended solutions, and providing a strategy for implementation and evaluation [28].
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the key discrepancies in the qualitative resea... more Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the key discrepancies in the qualitative research approach and its effect on research outcomes using Delphi web technique. Methods: An electronic questionnaire was used to collect experts’ opinions over two rounds. A panel of 24 experts filled questionnaire in the first round and 17 of them continued in the second round. Answers to open-ended questions were tabulated, summarized and analyzed thematically generating 44 items. Participants then were asked to rate their level of agreement with these item statements in the second round. Results: Scholars used and viewed the same qualitative approaches differently with a percentage of 76.5%. The paradigm for qualitative research is not well defined with a percentage of 70.6%. Every book and every published research article seems to describe qualitative methods differently. Furthermore, schools of qualitative research defined assumptions and their purposes differently. Conclusion: Recently there is an increase in using qualitative research methods in nursing. For novice researchers, a qualitative approach is not always clear. The experts were from different countries with diverse experiences and reached the consensus on some topics. This survey implies that the qualitative textbooks need to be more consistent with more simplification of the ambiguous terms.
ABSTRACT Background: Individuals&#39; emotions are challenged when encountering serious confl... more ABSTRACT Background: Individuals&#39; emotions are challenged when encountering serious conflicts originating from having a relative admitted to the cardiac intensive care unit (CICU). Objectives: To assess the prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress, and to identify factors associated with these emotions among relatives of Jordanian patients admitted to CICU. Methods: This descriptive study recruited 164 participants through a convenience-sampling technique. Lazarus and Folkman&#39;s (1984) theory constituted the theoretical structure for the study, and psychological burdens were measured through the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS) (Lovibond and Lovibond, 1995). Results: 33.6%, 48.2%, and 39% of participants had moderate-to-extremely severe levels of depression, anxiety, and stress respectively. Psychological burdens were associated with family members&#39; gender and educational level, and the patient&#39;s condition. Among family members, spouses reported the highest level of psychological burden. Conclusions: Relatives&#39; ability to live balanced psychological lives was significantly influenced by having a family member residing in CICU. Nurses should address relatives&#39; psychological status in their care plans. Keywords: Anxiety, Cardiac intensive care unit, Depression, Family members, Psychological burden, Stress
Background. Avoiding seeking professional help for psychological problems may have a devastating ... more Background. Avoiding seeking professional help for psychological problems may have a devastating impact on the life of university students. Data about stigma toward mental illness and attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help (ATSPPH) in Arab university students are rare. This study aims to examine the correlates of ATSPPH in Jordanian university students. Method. A cross-sectional correlational design was used for this study. Using an online survey, a sample of 519 Jordanian university students completed measures of demographic and clinical variables, stigma toward mental illness and ATSPPH. Stigma toward mental illness was tested as a correlate of ATSPPH using a series of hierarchical multiple regression analyses, controlling for demographic and clinical variables. Results. The results showed that Jordanian students have relatively less favorable ATSPPH than other study groups. Female gender, medically-related specialities, students with a previous history of receiving mental health counseling services and students who reported low scores on measures of stigma toward mental illness were more likely to have favorable ATSPPH. The stigma toward mental illness was the strongest correlate of ATSPPH in students and accounted for 13% additional variance above and beyond the 3% accounted for by all other independent variables. Conclusions. Combating stigma toward mental illness in Arab students is an important step toward promoting their ATSPPH. There is a crucial need to provide professional and culturally competent psychological care for this population in particular.
Background: Despite the increasing rates of patients diagnosed with major depression in Jordan, t... more Background: Despite the increasing rates of patients diagnosed with major depression in Jordan, there is little knowledge available about the factors associated with quality of life (QOL) among this population in particular. This knowledge is needed to implement relevant supporting programs to improve their quality of life. Purpose: This study aims to assess the level of quality of life among Jordanian patients with major depressive disorder, and to examine the possible relationship between quality of life and other factors (demographic variables, stigma of mental illness, and severity of depressive symptoms) in this population. Methodology of the Study: A descriptive correlational design was used. A convenience sample of 161 Jordanian outpatients suffering from Major Depression Disorder (MDD) completed the study. Participants completed the demographic questionnaire, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), Percieved Devaluation-Discrimination Scale, and Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short Form (SF-36). Results: Participants reported poor QOL in all domains. Age, income, stigma toward mental illness, and severity of depressive symptoms were significantly correlated with QOL among the study sample. Multiple hierarchical regression analysis revealed that the severity of depressive symptoms is the strongest correlate of QOL, which accounted for 24% additional variance above and beyond the 18% variance accounted for by all other variables. Conclusion: This is the first study to assess QOL in an Arab population with major depression. Replication of the current study in other Arab samples is emphasized. Psychotherapy and other interventions are still needed even after the acute symptoms of the clinical depression are remitted.
AIM: This study examines the role of mindfulness in predicting psychological distress in Arab par... more AIM: This study examines the role of mindfulness in predicting psychological distress in Arab parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). METHOD: In this descriptive study, parents of 104 children with ASD completed measures of psychological distress and mindfulness. The severity of autism in children was measured using the DSM-V criteria. RESULTS: After controlling for parental age and gender and the severity level of ASD, mindfulness was significantly associated with the levels of anxiety, stress, and depression in parents (anxiety: β = 0.49, p < .001; stress: β = 0.55, p < .001; depression: β = 0.53, p < .001). CONCLUSION: Mindfulness-based intervention may help to reduce psychological distress in Arab parents of children with ASD.
Drug abuse should be a concern for all health care professionals. Nurses are frequently providing... more Drug abuse should be a concern for all health care professionals. Nurses are frequently providing care for patients with substance abuse, but their role in assessment and management of patients with drug abuse has yet to be established. This paper provides a brief description regarding the role of nurses in providing care for these patients.
AIM: This study examines the role of mindfulness in predicting psychological distress in Arab par... more AIM: This study examines the role of mindfulness in predicting psychological distress in Arab parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). METHOD: In this descriptive study, parents of 104 children with ASD completed measures of psychological distress and mindfulness. The severity of autism in children was measured using the DSM-V criteria. RESULTS: After controlling for parental age and gender and the severity level of ASD, mindfulness was significantly associated with the levels of anxiety, stress, and depression in parents (anxiety: β = 0.49, p < .001; stress: β = 0.55, p < .001; depression: β = 0.53, p < .001). CONCLUSION: Mindfulness-based intervention may help to reduce psychological distress in Arab parents of children with ASD.
Background: Previous research has supported mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) to enhance qua... more Background: Previous research has supported mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) to enhance quality of life (QOL) in different populations, but no studies have been found to examine the effectiveness of MBIs on QOL among parents of children with ASD. Aim: The purpose of the current study was to examine the effectiveness of brief MBI on perceived QOL and positive stress reappraisal (PSR) among parents of children with ASD. Methods: A quasi-experimental, with nonequivalent control group design was used. One hundred and four parents of children with ASD were equally assigned to the intervention and control groups. The study groups were matched on measures of their gender and age, and level of severity of ASD in children. The intervention group participated in MBI program for 5 weeks, while the control group had not attended the program. Results: After the intervention program, results of paired samples t-test indicated that parents in the intervention group demonstrated significant improvements in measures of psychological health domain of QOL, social health domain of QOL, mindfulness, and positive stress reappraisal with medium to large effect size (P < 0.01). The control group demonstrated improvement in measures of the dependent variables with small effect size. Conclusion: MBI is culturally adaptable, acceptable, and effective method to improve QOL and PSR in parents of children with ASD.
Background: Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) frequently report poor psycho... more Background: Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) frequently report poor psychological well-being. Positive reappraisal coping (PRC) is a coping strategy which offers a protective effect from anxiety and depression. However, the association between PRC and the psychological distress in parents of children with ASD has yet to be established. Aim: This study examines the association between PRC and the psychological distress in parents of children with ASD. Method: In this descriptive correlational study, 104 parents of children with ASD completed measures of psychological distress and PRC. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was used to examine the association between PRC and the psychological distress in parents after controlling the influence of parental age and gender. Results: The PRC was associated with the psychological distress in parents above and beyond the variance accounted for by parental age and gender. After controlling for parental age and gender, PRC had significant negative correlation with the levels of anxiety, stress, and depression in parents (Anxiety: β = −0.36, p b 0.001; Stress: β = −0.21, p = 0.03; Depression: β = − 0.37, p b 0.001). Conclusion: Using positive reappraisal coping strategy may help to reduce psychological distress in parents of children with ASD.
Background: Nursing has long been considered one of the most stressful professions. Stress at the... more Background: Nursing has long been considered one of the most stressful professions. Stress at the workplace may have negative consequences on nursing performance. Consequences of stress on nursing performance may become more crucial in pediatric and neonatal intensive care units where the safety of patient and quality of pediatric care are important outcomes of nursing care. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between occupational stressors amongst nurses working in pediatric care units and their performance. Design: In this descriptive study, a total of 200 nurses working in the pediatric departments from three major hospitals in Khartoum completed the study. Two tools were used to collect data including nursing stress scale and the modified Schwirn Six Dimensions Scale for Nursing Performance. Student t-test, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and stepwise multiple regression analysis were used to analyze the data. Results: Overall, most of the nurses suffered from job stressors level above average. The lack of aids, resources and atmosphere in the intensive care units were rated as " high " job stressors amongst nurses. The hospital characteristics were rated " low " job stressors. Among all stressors, the lack of directors' support was negatively correlated with the nurses' performance (P= 0.003, r= 0.21). Conclusion: Policy makers should consider development of specific programs targeting stress in pediatric and neonatal intensive care units to enhance nursing performance in pediatric units.
Background: Nursing is considered one of the most stressful health care professions. Literature r... more Background: Nursing is considered one of the most stressful health care professions. Literature revealed that stress could be diminished by organizational support, but the actual relationship between nurse's job's stress and organizational support has yet to be established. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between nurse's job's stress and organizational support controlling for the nurses' characteristics. Methods: A descriptive correlational design using self-administered questionnaire was used. A convenience sample of 150 nurses completed the Perceived Stress Scale and the Survey of Perceived Organizational Support. Multiple hierarchical regression analyses were used to assess the relationship between nurse's job's stress and organizational support controlling for the nurses' characteristics. Results: The current study revealed that there was a negative relationship between nurses' job stress and organizational support. Although sample characteristics were associated with the levels of perceived stress, organizational support was the strongest correlate of perceived stress. Conclusion: Health care organizations must consider the development of organizational support policy for nurses. Close unit nurses in particular, should be subjected to stress management programs to help them cope with stress.
Background: Despite the increasing rates of patients diagnosed with major depression in Jordan, t... more Background: Despite the increasing rates of patients diagnosed with major depression in Jordan, there is little knowledge available about the factors associated with quality of life (QOL) among this population in particular. This knowledge is needed to implement relevant supporting programs to improve their quality of life. Purpose: This study aims to assess the level of quality of life among Jordanian patients with major depressive disorder, and to examine the possible relationship between quality of life and other factors (demographic variables, stigma of mental illness, and severity of depressive symptoms) in this population. Methodology of the Study: A descriptive correlational design was used. A convenience sample of 161 Jordanian outpatients suffering from Major Depression Disorder (MDD) completed the study. Participants completed the demographic questionnaire, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), Percieved Devaluation-Discrimination Scale, and Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short Form (SF-36). Results: Participants reported poor QOL in all domains. Age, income, stigma toward mental illness, and severity of depressive symptoms were significantly correlated with QOL among the study sample. Multiple hierarchical regression analysis revealed that the severity of depressive symptoms is the strongest correlate of QOL, which accounted for 24% additional variance above and beyond the 18% variance accounted for by all other variables. Conclusion: This is the first study to assess QOL in an Arab population with major depression. Replication of the current study in other Arab samples is emphasized. Psychotherapy and other interventions are still needed even after the acute symptoms of the clinical depression are remitted.
Euthanasia is ethically, religiously, and legally charged topic. Health care professionals should... more Euthanasia is ethically, religiously, and legally charged topic. Health care professionals should integrate spiritual aspects in their decision making regarding euthanasia while dealing with muslim patients. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Islami view for the concept of euthanasia and its permissiblility in Islam, while discussing different ethical and legal aspects that may affect the perspectives of muslims regarding euthanasia. Active euthanasia is prohibited in Islam. This view is strongly supported by laws and ethical princiles in Islamic communites. However, administering analgesic agents that might shorten the patient's life, with the purpose of relieving the physical pain is accepted, because it is not aimed at killing. On the other hand, negative euthanasia is never accepted. However, withdrawing a futile treatment and allowing death to take its natural course for persons who are already died is acceptable. In this situation, the patient is already dead, and there is no use of keeping life supporting instruments. It is highly recommended for all health care professionals who are providing care for muslim patients to carefully consider the Islamic perspective regarding euthanasia.
Violence at workplace toward health care professionals including nurses is gaining a thoughtful c... more Violence at workplace toward health care professionals including nurses is gaining a thoughtful concern worldwide. The prevalence of workplace violence in the Middle East including Jordan is considerably high although governmental policies and legislations exist. Tackling and preventing such issue of workplace violence necessitates reinforcing and reviving existing policies. The researchers in the current study adopted a plan of action using a systematic method to establish and implement specific strategies and policies to prevent workplace violence against health care professionals in Jordan. A detailed description for developing the policy was provided in this study based on the following steps: describing context of the problem, identifying policy goals and options, weighing policy alternatives, highlighting the recommended solutions, and providing a strategy for implementation and evaluation [28].
Background. Avoiding seeking professional help for psychological problems may have a devastating ... more Background. Avoiding seeking professional help for psychological problems may have a devastating impact on the life of university students. Data about stigma toward mental illness and attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help (ATSPPH) in Arab university students are rare. This study aims to examine the correlates of ATSPPH in Jordanian university students. Method. A cross-sectional correlational design was used for this study. Using an online survey, a sample of 519 Jordanian university students completed measures of demographic and clinical variables, stigma toward mental illness and ATSPPH. Stigma toward mental illness was tested as a predictor of ATSPPH using a series of hierarchical multiple regression analyses, controlling for demographic and clinical variables. Results. The results showed that Jordanian students have relatively less favorable ATSPPH than other study groups. Female gender, medically-related specialities, students with a previous history of receiving mental health counseling services and students who reported low scores on measures of stigma toward mental illness were more likely to have favorable ATSPPH. The stigma toward mental illness was the strongest correlate of ATSPPH in students and accounted for 13% additional variance above and beyond the 3% accounted for by all other independent variables. Conclusions. Combating stigma toward mental illness in Arab students is an important step toward promoting their ATSPPH. There is a crucial need to provide professional and culturally competent psychological care for this population in particular.
Violence at workplace toward health care professionals including nurses is gaining a thoughtful c... more Violence at workplace toward health care professionals including nurses is gaining a thoughtful concern worldwide. The prevalence of workplace violence in the Middle East including Jordan is considerably high although governmental policies and legislations exist. Tackling and preventing such issue of workplace violence necessitates reinforcing and reviving existing policies. The researchers in the current study adopted a plan of action using a systematic method to establish and implement specific strategies and policies to prevent workplace violence against health care professionals in Jordan. A detailed description for developing the policy was provided in this study based on the following steps: describing context of the problem, identifying policy goals and options, weighing policy alternatives, highlighting the recommended solutions, and providing a strategy for implementation and evaluation [28].
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the key discrepancies in the qualitative resea... more Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the key discrepancies in the qualitative research approach and its effect on research outcomes using Delphi web technique. Methods: An electronic questionnaire was used to collect experts’ opinions over two rounds. A panel of 24 experts filled questionnaire in the first round and 17 of them continued in the second round. Answers to open-ended questions were tabulated, summarized and analyzed thematically generating 44 items. Participants then were asked to rate their level of agreement with these item statements in the second round. Results: Scholars used and viewed the same qualitative approaches differently with a percentage of 76.5%. The paradigm for qualitative research is not well defined with a percentage of 70.6%. Every book and every published research article seems to describe qualitative methods differently. Furthermore, schools of qualitative research defined assumptions and their purposes differently. Conclusion: Recently there is an increase in using qualitative research methods in nursing. For novice researchers, a qualitative approach is not always clear. The experts were from different countries with diverse experiences and reached the consensus on some topics. This survey implies that the qualitative textbooks need to be more consistent with more simplification of the ambiguous terms.
ABSTRACT Background: Individuals&#39; emotions are challenged when encountering serious confl... more ABSTRACT Background: Individuals&#39; emotions are challenged when encountering serious conflicts originating from having a relative admitted to the cardiac intensive care unit (CICU). Objectives: To assess the prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress, and to identify factors associated with these emotions among relatives of Jordanian patients admitted to CICU. Methods: This descriptive study recruited 164 participants through a convenience-sampling technique. Lazarus and Folkman&#39;s (1984) theory constituted the theoretical structure for the study, and psychological burdens were measured through the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS) (Lovibond and Lovibond, 1995). Results: 33.6%, 48.2%, and 39% of participants had moderate-to-extremely severe levels of depression, anxiety, and stress respectively. Psychological burdens were associated with family members&#39; gender and educational level, and the patient&#39;s condition. Among family members, spouses reported the highest level of psychological burden. Conclusions: Relatives&#39; ability to live balanced psychological lives was significantly influenced by having a family member residing in CICU. Nurses should address relatives&#39; psychological status in their care plans. Keywords: Anxiety, Cardiac intensive care unit, Depression, Family members, Psychological burden, Stress
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Papers by Ahmed Rayan
on research outcomes using Delphi web technique. Methods: An electronic questionnaire was used to collect experts’
opinions over two rounds. A panel of 24 experts filled questionnaire in the first round and 17 of them continued in the
second round. Answers to open-ended questions were tabulated, summarized and analyzed thematically generating 44 items.
Participants then were asked to rate their level of agreement with these item statements in the second round. Results:
Scholars used and viewed the same qualitative approaches differently with a percentage of 76.5%. The paradigm for
qualitative research is not well defined with a percentage of 70.6%. Every book and every published research article seems
to describe qualitative methods differently. Furthermore, schools of qualitative research defined assumptions and their
purposes differently. Conclusion: Recently there is an increase in using qualitative research methods in nursing. For novice
researchers, a qualitative approach is not always clear. The experts were from different countries with diverse experiences
and reached the consensus on some topics. This survey implies that the qualitative textbooks need to be more consistent
with more simplification of the ambiguous terms.
on research outcomes using Delphi web technique. Methods: An electronic questionnaire was used to collect experts’
opinions over two rounds. A panel of 24 experts filled questionnaire in the first round and 17 of them continued in the
second round. Answers to open-ended questions were tabulated, summarized and analyzed thematically generating 44 items.
Participants then were asked to rate their level of agreement with these item statements in the second round. Results:
Scholars used and viewed the same qualitative approaches differently with a percentage of 76.5%. The paradigm for
qualitative research is not well defined with a percentage of 70.6%. Every book and every published research article seems
to describe qualitative methods differently. Furthermore, schools of qualitative research defined assumptions and their
purposes differently. Conclusion: Recently there is an increase in using qualitative research methods in nursing. For novice
researchers, a qualitative approach is not always clear. The experts were from different countries with diverse experiences
and reached the consensus on some topics. This survey implies that the qualitative textbooks need to be more consistent
with more simplification of the ambiguous terms.