NU Journal of Nursing and Health Sciences

Analysis of the Linkage Between Concepts, Theory, and Research

2024-07-18T09:17:43+07:00

Nursing research is a systematic process of inquiry based on empirical research methodologies to develop nursing knowledge, encompassing nursing practice, education, and administration. Theory-linked research involves utilizing existing nursing theories as frameworks for conducting research. The goal is to test these theories or generate new ones that contribute useful, generalizable knowledge to nursing. However, theories are composed of relatively abstract concepts and propositions. Researchers must analyze and deduce these abstract statements into concrete terms to design effective and credible research. This article illustrates methods for analyzing the relationships between concepts, theories, and research. These methods include Gibbs’s model of substruction, Hinshaw’s theoretical substruction, and Fawcett’s conceptual-theoretical-empirical structure. These methods can help researchers gain insight into the relationships between concepts, theories, and the determination of research variables and instruments. Consequently, the researchers can develop effective empirical research methodologies that align with theories and are practical for their research projects.

Guidelines for the Management of Women with Overactive Bladder

2025-01-06T09:19:45+07:00

Overactive bladder is a common condition in women, and is characterized by urgency, frequency urination, and nocturnal urination, with or without urine leakage. The condition has a significant impact on quality of life, leading to physical, emotional, and social problems. Effective management requires a comprehensive approach that includes behavior modification, medication, and, in some cases, surgery. Behavior modification, such as bladder training, fluid control, and pelvic floor muscle exercises, and medications, such as anticholinergics and beta-3 agonists, may be used. For women with overactive bladder who have not received these treatments, Botox injections, nerve stimulation devices, or bladder muscle strengthening surgery may be used. In addition, psychosocial support and education are important for care, helping patients manage their emotions and adhere to treatment plans, resulting in improved quality of life for women with overactive bladder.

The Effects of Empowerment Program on Health Care Behaviors, A1C Level and Glomerular Filtration Rate among Type 2 Diabetic Older Adults with Chronic Kidney Disease

2024-03-13T09:23:57+07:00

This quasi-experimental research, two groups with pretest-posttest design, aimed to examine the effects of empowerment program on health care behaviors, A1C levels, and glomerular filtration rates among older adults with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Sixty type 2 diabetes older adults with stage 3 CKD were the samples. 30 experimental samples were selected by random sampling while 30 control samples were selected by matching with experimental samples. The experimental group received an empowerment program consisting of 4 steps; discovering reality, critical reflection, taking charge, and holding on for a period of 12 weeks while the control group received regular care. The research collecting instruments were a health care behavior questionnaire and a clinical data recording form. The data were analyzed by percentage, mean, standard deviation, paired t-test and independent t-test. The results found that average scores of health care behaviors and glomerular filtration rate after the intervention program of the experimental group were significantly higher than that before the intervention (p<.001). An average score of A1C level after the intervention program of the experimental group was significantly lower than that before the intervention (p<.001). In addition, average score of health care behaviors and glomerular filtration rate after intervention program of the experimental group were significantly higher than that control group (p<.001). An average score of A1C level after intervention program of the experimental group was significantly lower than that control group (p<.001). This result showed that the empowerment program can improve health care behaviors, A1C level and glomerular filtration rate among type 2 diabetes older adults with chronic kidney disease.

Effects of Dietary Promotion Program Guideline of the DASH on Food Consumption Behaviors and Blood Pressure in Patients with Hypertension

2024-03-13T09:23:41+07:00

This quasi-experimental research, two-groups pretest-posttest design. The objective aimed to study the effects of the dietary promotion program based on the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension Diet (DASH) on food consumption behaviors and blood pressure levels in patients with hypertension. A total of 60 participants were randomly selected and assigned to the experimental group and control group, consisting of 30 participants in each group. The experimental group received the Dietary Promotion Program Guideline of the DASH developed from Bandura’s self-efficacy theory (Bandura, 1997), while the control group received regular nursing care. This research data collection tools included personal information questionnaire and DASH food consumption behavior questionnaire, which had content validity index (CVI) with validity indices of 0.85 and 0.88, respectively. The food consumption behavior’s reliability, tested using Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.84. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics and t-test. Research findings revealed significant changes following the program implementation: 1) The average score for food consumption behavior of the experimental group showed a statistically significant difference compared to both before the program implementation and the control group (p < .001); 2) The blood pressure levels of the experimental group was statistically significantly lower compared to before the program implementation (p < .001) and lower than the control group. (p <0.05). This study demonstrates that healthcare professionals can effectively use DASH-based dietary promotion program, and utilizing self-efficacy theory, to promote food consumption behavior changes and reduce blood pressure levels of patients with hypertension. However, it is important to note that this study used available food menus in this study area; therefore, adjustments may be needed when implementing the program in different contexts to align with the lifestyle of patients with hypertension residing in other areas.

Adaptation Experiences on the Head Nurse’s Position, Buddhachinaraj Phitsanulok Hospital.

2024-04-07T14:23:18+07:00

This qualitative research aimed to study the adaptation experiences in the position of head nurses, as well as the facilitating and hindering factors that affected these experiences at Buddhachinaraj Phitsanulok Hospital. Key informants were thirteen head nurses who were selected by purposive sampling. Data collection methods included in-depth interview, non-participatory observation, and field notes. Content analysis by Leonard method was employed in data analysis. The results of this study revealed six main themes regarding adaptation experiences in the position of head nurses: 1) Mindset adjustment, which involved striving to do one's best, inspiring others through positive thinking, and being more accepting and receptive to others' opinions. 2) Additional knowledge acquisition, by seeking management, academic, and technological knowledge. 3) Managing stressors by engaging in relaxation activities, seeking counseling, and participating in religious rituals. 4) Creating a beneficial self-image by projecting an external image of personality and good conduct sach as generosity, maturity. 5) Time management by planning work tasks and allocating time for personal life. and 6) Taking care of one's health by nurturing both body and mind. The facilitating factors were organizational support and family support, while obstacles included responding to the needs of a multidisciplinary care team and disruptive technologies. The results of this research nursing administrators with a guideline for preparing new head nurses, focusing on the six identified themes, and promoting facilitating factors while addressing obstacles to enhance adaptation experiences for those entering the position of head nurse.

Factors Influencing Quality of Life in Elderly Stroke in Next Normal

2024-03-14T14:17:31+07:00

The purpose of this cross-sectional research was to study factors predicting the quality of life of elderly people with stroke in the next normal era. The 120 elderlies with stroke diagnosed within six months, obtained from systematic random sampling was the study sample. Data were collected from profile files and structured interviews. The research tools were a demographic data and illness history form. The questionnaires consisting of 1) depression 2) perception of self-efficacy 3) social support and 4) quality of life of stroke patients. All four questionnaires have been previously completely standard content validity and reliability. The researcher asked permission to use it without modifying but re-test the reliability. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the questionnaire was obtained as 0.71, 0.94, 0.92, and 0.95, respectively. Data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics and analyze the binary logistic regression using the Forward stepwise method.

The research results found that the elderly with stroke had an overall quality of life at a good level (70.8%). Factors which predict good quality of life include the severity of the disease, type of stroke, and perception of self-efficacy. The three factors together able to predict 61.9% with statistical significance at the .05 level and had a correct prediction efficiency of 87.5%. The results of this study can utilize to provide information for effective continuously care in order to promote good quality of life for elderly people with stroke.

Factors Predicting Fall Prevention Behaviors among Older Persons with Non – Communicable Disease

2024-09-02T11:21:31+07:00

The purpose of this predictive research was to study the fall prevention behaviors among older persons, the relationship factors and factors predicting among health literacy about falls, fear of falls and history of falls to fall prevention behaviors of older persons with non - communicable diseases. Multistage random sampling was performed to recruit 130 older persons who were diagnosed non-communicable disease. Research instruments consisted of 1) demographic data 2) health literacy about falls 3) fear of falling, and 4) fall prevention behavior questionnaire. The content validity of the questionnaires were 0.82, 0.93 and 1.0, respectively. The Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficients of the questionnaires were 0.93, 0.92 and 0.82 respectively. Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s product moment correlation, and Stepwise multiple regression were used for data analysis.

The results revealed that participants with non-communicable diseases had a high level of fall prevention behavior. The health literacy about falls had a positively significant correlation with fall prevention behaviors among older persons with non-communicable diseases. Whereas fall history and fear of falling had a negatively significant correlation (r = 0.473, r = -0.506, r = -0.371, p = < .001). Fall history and health literacy could predict fall prevention behavior among older persons with non - communicable diseases by 37.80 % (R² = .378, p< .001). However, fear of falling could not predict fall prevention behavior. Therefore, healthcare professionals should focus on fall history assessment including health literacy enhancement about fall prevention to reduce fall among older persons.

The Effects of Symptom Management Program on Insomnia and Pain in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 3

2024-04-10T14:03:41+07:00

The objective of this quasi-experimental research was to study the effects of symptom management program on insomnia and pain in patients with chronic kidney disease stage 3. The sample consisted of 62 patients admitted in Naresuan University Hospital, Phitsanulok. Selected by purposive sampling technique. They were divided into the control group and the experimental group, 31 patients were experimental group who received symptom management program, which applied the symptom management concept of Dodd et al. (2001), consisting of three steps: 1) insomnia and pain experience 2) insomnia and pain management strategies and 3) insomnia and pain outcome. In contrast, the other 31 patients were control group who received routine nursing care. The data was collected from November 2023 to January 2024. The research collection tools were 1) the personal data recording and clinical data recording form 2) the insomnia experience questionnaire and 3) the pain experience questionnaire. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, paired t–test, and independent samples t–test

The result of the study showed that after the experiment, the experimental group who received the symptom management program, had mean scores for insomnia and pain severity that were significantly lower than before receiving the program (p<.001) and lower than those in the control group (p<.001). Therefore, nurses should implement the insomnia and pain symptom management program for chronic kidney disease stage 3 patients to alleviate their insomnia and pain symptoms.

A Causal Relationship Model Between Characteristics, Knowledge, and Infection Prevention Behaviors for Coronavirus among Caregivers with End-Stage Renal Disease Patients Treated by Community Hospitals

2024-10-18T15:21:44+07:00

This quantitative research aim investigated the relationship model between caregivers’ characteristics (ages and durations for care), knowledge, and infection prevention behaviors for Coronavirus among caregivers of end-stage renal disease patients treated at community hospitals. The sample consisted of 150 caregivers for caregivers of end-stage renal disease patients selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected using a questionnaire with a content validity index of 0.94, a reliability coefficient for knowledge of 0.71 obtained through the Kuder-Richardson method, and a reliability coefficient for infection prevention behaviors for Coronavirus of 0.93 via Cronbach’s alpha. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and path analysis.

The results of this study were presented that the causal relationship between characteristics (ages and durations for care), knowledge, and infection prevention behaviors for Coronavirus among caregivers with end-stage renal disease patients was relevant with the empirical data (Chi-square = 1.00, GFI = 0.92, CFI = 0.94, NFI = 0.94, RMSEA = 0.00, RMR = 0.02). Caregivers’ characteristics (ages and durations for care) and their knowledge directly and indirectly affected to infection prevention behavior for Coronavirus, and 50% predictive power were presented. This study indicates that caregivers for end-stage renal disease patients is an important factor to infection prevention behaviors for Coronavirus. health services should support their understanding; therefore, caregivers can provide their care for End-Stage Renal Disease patients encountering with emerging infectious diseases in the future.

Relationship Between Anxiety of COVID-19 and Sleep Quality of Older Persons

2024-08-23T08:52:27+07:00

This correlational descriptive research aimed to investigate 1) COVID-19 anxiety and sleep quality of older persons and 2) the relationship between COVID-19 anxiety and sleep quality among older adults. Participants were older persons who had been infected with COVID-19, living in Kamphangphet province, Thailand. The 84 participants were selected using the multi-stage random and snowball sampling methods from August to September 2023. The research instruments used in this study were a demographic data recording form, the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale-5, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, which had reliability values 0.83 and 0.85, respectively. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Spearman’s rank correlation. Results demonstrated that all participants had no anxiety toward COVID-19 ( = 0.57, SD = 1.30), and 77.23% had poor sleep quality. Anxiety related to COVID-19 was moderately and positively correlated with sleep quality (r = 0.48), achieving statistical significance with a p-value of less than .01.

Factors Predicting Preterm Labor Preventive Behaviors among Pregnant Women Working in Factories

2024-10-22T15:57:53+07:00

The purpose of this study was to analyze preterm labor preventive behavior and investigate the factors predicting preterm labor preventive behavior among pregnant women working in factories. Participants were of 260 pregnant women working in factories with a gestational age of 26 weeks or more who attended obstetric private clinics. Data were collected by self-report questionnaires including demographic data, preterm labor preventive behaviors, risky work conditions, perceived benefits of action, perceived barriers to action, perceived self-efficacy, social support, and prenatal care of factories. The content validity indices (CVI) and Cronbach's alpha coefficients of all questionnaires ranged from .92 to 1.00 and from .71 to .90. Descriptive statistics and backward multiple regression were used to analyze the data.

The study results found that the mean score for participants preterm labor preventive behaviors moderate level was 50.77 (SD = 5.29). The perceived benefits of action, perceived barriers to action, perceived self-efficacy, and social support were significant factors in predicting preterm labor preventive behaviors. They accounted for 49.7% (R² = .497) of the variance in preterm labor preventive behaviors. The findings imply that healthcare centers or providers should increase perceived self-efficacy, social support, and preterm labor preventive behaviors among pregnant women working in factories to reduce the risk of preterm birth.

The Effects of a Charge Nurse Preparatory Program on the Perception of Managerial Roles of the Team Leaders in the Intensive Care Unit of a Tertiary Hospital

2024-09-09T08:49:18+07:00

This research study is a quasi-experimental study with two groups taking the pre-test and the post-test. The purpose is to compare the managerial role perceptions of the nurses joining the program. The samples were selcted with the purposive sampling method. The size of the samples was 60 (including the experimental group with 30 samples abd the control group with 30 samples). There were two parts of the research instruments. The 1^st part was the preparation program for Charge Nurse in the Intensive Care Unit. Personnel development and training concepts were used by the researcher(s) and consisted of the following processes: ) needs assessment, 2) design , 3) implementation, and 4) evaluations. The Charge Nurse were followed up by integrating the perception concepts of the eight role: 1) mentor role, 2) facilitator role, 3) innovator role, 4) Broker Role, 5) director role, 6) Producer Role, 7) coordinator role, and 8) Monitor Role. The 2^nd part included the data collection tools: the general information questionnaires and the managerial role perception questionnaires. The qualities of the tools were checked by analyzing the content validity of 0.86 and Cronbach’s alpha of 0.93. The data were analyzed with the descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation_ and the inferential statistics (independent t-test and dependent t-test).

The findings showed that the managerial role perception scores of the nurses in the experimental group were high ( = 4.88 SD = 0.11), while the scores of the control group were moderate (= 3.15 SD = 0.14). By comparing the average scores, it was found that the managerial role perception scores of the experimental group’s nurses as the Charge Nurse were significantly and statistically higher than the scores of the control group p < .05). The findings indicated that the managerial role perceptions of the team leader in the experimental group after joining the program were significantly and statistically higher than the perceptions before joing the program (p < .05). By studying the implementation of the preparation program for the for the team leader in the Charge Nurse, there were the good effects towards the preparations of the Charge Nurse. As a a result, the Charge Nurse the confidences in becoming first line nurse manager . The nursing managers should apply these findings to developing strategies for improving the performances of the Charge Nurse according to the performance standards of the Charge Nurse in other nursing organizations.

The Effect of an Application Online Scheduling Program on Work-life Balance of Nursing Personnel a Tertiary Hospital

2024-07-30T12:33:45+07:00

This two-group quasi-experimental research aimed to compare the mean scores of professional nurses’ perception of work-life balance in the work dimension between regular and online work scheduling. the sample consisted of 25 nursing personnel from the surgical-orthopedic ward (experimental group) and 25 nursing personnel from the medical ward (control group). The research employed a two-part instrument: Part 1: An online work scheduling program. Part 2: A questionnaire about work-life balance in the work dimension. The content validity index of the instrument was 0.96 and the reliability, Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was 0.93. Data analysis utilized descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation), and inferential statistics (independent t-test and dependent t-test).

The results revealed that after participating in the program, the experimental group’s perception of work-life balance in the work dimension reached a high level (= 4.20, S.D. = 0.45), while the control group’s perception remained at a moderate level (= 2.97, S.D. = 0.40). A comparison of mean scores indicated that the perception of work-life balance in the work dimension among the experimental group, after participating in the online work scheduling program, was significantly higher than that of the control group (p < .05). The research results indicate that the online application work scheduling program where all nursing personnel in the unit can enter to arrange their work schedule and choose their own holidays has a positive effect on the balance of life in all aspects. Therefore, the administrators should use the online application work scheduling program as a guideline for staffing the unit and nursing personnel in the organization.

Selected Factors Related to Weight Loss in Post-operative Colorectal Cancer Patients

2024-03-14T13:28:20+07:00

This study is a retrospective study research. To study the correlation factors for weight loss in patients post-operation colorectal cancer from the selected variables are as follows: age, American Society of Anesthesiologist Physical Status classification, Preoperative albumin serum values, stage of Colorectal cancer, Neoadjuvant Therapy, Length of time to Start oral feeding after surgery, and complications post-operation colorectal cancer. The sample group used in the study medical records of colorectal cancer patients who received treatment after surgery at the surgical inpatient department of a university hospital in the lower northern region during the period from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2023. In all, 200 case individuals were purposively sampled as the sample, using the recording form the information on patients who have undergone surgery for colorectal cancer. Which is divided into 3 parts: 1) Personal information record form 2) Medical history record form and 3) Recording nutritional status data. The data that were analyzed using descriptive statistics: number, percentage, mean and standard deviation. To find the correlation between selected factors and weight loss after colorectal cancer surgery by using Spearman’s rank and point biserial correlation coefficient.

The results found that a correlation between the time starting postoperative oral feeding and complications post-operation colorectal cancer with weight loss after colorectal cancer surgery was statistically significant (r_s = 0.191,
p = 0.007 and r_pb = 0.200, p = 0.004, respectively). The relationships found were low and in the same direction. On the contrary, in other selected factors no relationship was found with weight loss after colorectal cancer surgery. The results of this research are used as basic information for nursing planning. To prevent weight loss in patients after colorectal cancer surgery.

Health Needs and Health-related Quality of Life among Older Adult Patients with Chronic Heart Failure

2024-09-02T08:39:46+07:00

This mixed method research aimed to study and analyzed relationship between health needs, disease severity, and health-related quality of life perception among 100 older patients with chronic heart failure, in post-discharge phase in Ratchaburi province. Phase 1: Survey study was applied to described problem situation, and also the relationship between studied variables. Data collection were 3 sets of interviewing instruments, those consisted of health needs, disease severity, and quality of life perception. Their reliability coefficient, Cronbach’s alpha at 0.79, 0.80, 0.88. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and Pearson's Correlation Coefficient. Phase 2: Qualitative study was applied to explore needs of healthcare service and health information. The structured open-ended questions were applied for 32 informants interviewing. The collected data were analyzed by content analysis method. The results revealed that (overall) quality of life perception was in good level (M= 3.93, SD= 0.44). Disease severity was in NYHA FC-II (82.00%) and NYHA FC-I (18.00%). Healthcare service needs were in low level (M= 1.48, SD= 0.39), and health information needs were in moderate level (M= 1.99, SD= 0.28). Disease severity was negative correlated with the (overall) quality of life significantly (r= -.407, p-value < .01). Findings from qualitative approach showed that most of them were trust and faith for health personnel, and also satisfied of healthcare service manner. However, they still needed some important information for self-care. They had significant problems both queuing and inconvenient place for doctor’s visit. Therefore, they wished the specialized services those response to their needs. The suggestions for nurses are concerning about health need assessment, so that service system developing that appropriate for clients. The essential health information such as; disease prognosis, investigation report, abnormal clinical signs, restrict diet and oral fluid intake.