Abstract:

The study aimed at predicting marital satisfaction through self-esteem and Sexual satisfaction in a Ghanaian orthodox church. The objectives were to determine the correlation between sexual satisfaction and marital satisfaction, to ascertain the correlation between self-esteem and marital satisfaction, and to ascertain the gender difference in marital satisfaction. The descriptive survey research design was adopted. The target group was married couples. Simple random sampling was used to select one hundred and sixty married persons with tenure of marriage between two years and fifty years. Questionnaires on Larson’s sexual satisfaction and Rosenberg’s self-esteem was used for data collection. The cronbach reliability coefficient for the instrument was 0.68 and 0.72, respectively. Results indicate that there was a negative correlation between sexual satisfaction and marital satisfaction. There was a positive correlation between self-esteem and marital satisfaction. There was no statistically significant difference in gender and marital satisfaction. Based on the discussion of literature review, recommendations were made.

References:

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[2] Shackelford, K. (2001). Marital satisfaction, parental agreement on child-rearing and parental perception of child’s adjustment. Unpublished Master’s thesis, Middle East Technical University.

[3] Gonzalez, L. & Viitanen, E. (2003). Convergent and discriminant validation by the multitrait-multimethod matrix’, Psychological Bulletin, 56, 81-104.

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[7] Rubel, Q. (2004). Healthy family functioning: What family therapists, priests, and ministers say. International Journal of Family Therapy, 5(3), 190-202.

[8] Tayebi, D. (2011). Effective social support: Antecedents and consequences of partner support during pregnancy. Personal Relationships, 13(2), 207-229.

[9] Movahedi, V. & Azizi, Q. (2011). Enriching Marriages: The Foundation Stone of Family Strength. In N. Stinnett, B. Chesser, J. DeFrain & P. Knaub (Eds.), Family Strengths: Positive Models for Family Life. Lincoln and London: University of Nebraska Press.

[10] Takyi, K. & Oheneba-Sakyi, W. (2017). Coping with post-traumatic stress symptoms following relationship dissolution. Stress and Health,19, 27-36.

[11] Ahene, K. (2011). What does sexual orientation orient? A biobehavioral model distinguishing romantic love and sexual desire. Psychological Review, 110, 173-192.

[12] Abra, W. (2001). Truth and consequences: Using the bogus pipeline to examine sex differences in self-reported sexuality. The Journal of Sex Research, 40, 27-35.

[13] Adonu, P. (2005). Application of hierarchical linear models to assessing psychological change Bulletin, 101, 147-158.

[14] Yadalijamaloye, I. Z., Naseri, Q., Shoshtari, S., Khaledian, C. & Ahrami, (2013). Gender differences in the link between marital support and satisfaction in older couples. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 67(4), 688-698.

[15] Afolabi, L. (2014). Relationship satisfaction and sexual satisfaction: A longitudinal study of individuals in long-term relationships. The Journal of Sex Research, 42, 113-118.

[16] Rahmani, A., Khoei, E. M., & Gholi, L. A. (2009). Sexual satisfaction and its relation to marital happiness in Iranians. Iranian Journal of Public Health, 77-82.

[17] Trudel, G., Turgeon, L., & Piché, L. (2010). Marital and sexual aspects of old age. Sexual and Relationship Therapy, 25(3), 316-341.

[18] Fileborn, B., Thorpe, R., Hawkes, G., Minichiello, V., Pitts, M., & Dune, T. (2015). Sex, desire, and pleasure: Considering the experiences of older Australian women. Sexual and relationship therapy, 30(1), 117-130.

[19] Tavakol, Z., Nikbakht Nasrabadi, A., Behboodi Moghadam, Z., Salehiniya, H., & Rezaei, E. (2017). A review of the factors associated with marital satisfaction. Galen Medical Journal, 6(3).

[20] Shackelford, J., Goetz, H. & Buss, O. (2005). Psychological treatment of sexual problems. International Review of Psychiatry, 6, 163-174.

[21] Murray, E., Bellavia, Q., Feeney, S., Holmes, K. & Rose, P. (2014). It takes a village to save a marriage. Journal of Psychology and Theology, 31, 188-196.

Abstract:

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), or simply autism, occupies an extreme position among childhood pathologies due to its severity, duration, and impact on the family. This descriptive study assessed the psychosocial burden of care on 60 mothers of children with childhood autism. The instrument consisted of socio-demographic characteristics, 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), and the Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview (ZCGI). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23. Results indicated a significantly high level of psychological distress (51.8%) among mother of children with autism, and (30%) thirty percent of mothers of children with autism had a low burden. Bivariate analysis revealed factors that were associated with psychological distress in mother of these children were the presence of social type of impairments and a high number of impairment in the child having to cut down or give up work and a high burden score on these women believed to be a spillover from the care burden. Results also showed the number of impairments at various periods: 12 months (51.79%), 6-12 months (30.36%), and less than 6 months are (17.86%). Mothers’ employment rate was cut down to 51.9%, while 25.9% gave up their job completely. These were significantly and independently associated with psychological distress. Conclusively, the study revealed that mothers of children with autism experience significant higher levels of burden. Hence, an urgent need for the implementation of intervention programmes to reduce the burden of care among this group of mothers in Nigeria with social support and governmental assistance and approaches.

References:

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[2] Fornbonne, B. 2006. An Evaluation of Educational Provision of Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders. A Report by the Inspectorate of the Department of Education and Science 2006.

[3] Hastings, R.P., KoushoffH, Ward, J.J., Espinosa FD, Brown T, Belington B. 2005. Systems analysis of stress and positive perceptions in mothers and fathers of pre-school children with autism; 30459-70 [3].

[4] Higgins, D.J., Badey S.R. 2005. Peace factors associated with functioning style and coping strategies of families with a child with an autism spectrum disorder autism. 9:125-27.

[5] Volkmar, F. R., Paul, R., Rogers, S. J., and Pelphrey, K. A. (Eds.). 2014. Handbook of autism and pervasive developmental disorders: Diagnosis, development, and brain mechanisms (Vol. I). Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley and Sons.

[6] Yirmiya, N, Shacked, M. 2005. Psychiatric disorders in parents of children with autism a mental analysis J. child psycho and psychiatry: 46.

[7] Omigbodun, O. 2002. Stress in families. The burden of having a child with autism on a family. A paper presentation of the autism training Programme,, Sheraton Hotel towers, Abuja.

[8] Boyd, B. 2002: Examining the Relationship BetWeen Stress and Lack of Social Support in Mothers of Children with Autism. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/10883576020170040301.

[9] Goodman, G., Williams, G.M. 2002. Interventions for Increasing the Academic Engagement of Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Inclusive Classrooms. https://journals.sagepub.com/action. Vol. 39(6).

[10] Boushey A. 2001: Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, https://journals.sagepub.com/ vol. 16, 1: pp. 27-30.

[11] Howlin P., Goode, S., Hutton, J., Rutter, M. 2004. Adult outcome for children with autism. The Journal of Child Psychiatry and Psychology. Vol 45. Issue 2. Pgs. 212-229.

[12] Tonge B.J., Brereton, A., Kiomail, M. Mackinnon, A.V. & Taffe, D. (2006). Effects on the parental mental health of an education and skills training program for parents of young children with autism. A randomized controlled trail. Journal of the American Academy of child and adolescent psychiatry 45(5)561-569.

[13] Gureje, O., Obikoya, B. 1990: The GHQ-12 as a screening tool in a Primary Health Setting. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol.:276–80.

[14] Zarit S., H., Lauren, R., Bangerter, B., Karen, L. F. 2006. Moderators of Mother’s Problems on Middle-Aged Offspring Depressive Symptoms. The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, Volume 71, Issue 1, Pages 41–48, https://doi.org/10.1093/geronb/gbu081.

[15] Hopkins R.S., Jajosky R.A., Hall P.A., Adams D.A., Connor, F. J., Anderson, W. J., Fagan, R.F., Aponte J.J., Jones G.F. Nitschke D.A. Worsham, C. A. Adekoya, N, Chang M. 2003. In American Organization Center for disease control and prevention https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5254a1.htm.

[16] Boeckers, T. M., Bockmann, J., Kreutz, M. R., and Gundelfinger, E. D. 2002. ProSAP/Shank proteins - a family of higher-order organizing molecules of the postsynaptic density with an emerging role in human neurological disease. J. Neurochem. 81, 903–910. doi: 10.1046/j.1471-4159.2002.00931. x.

[17] Bozkurt, G., Uysal, G., and  Düzkaya, D.S. 2019. Examination of Care Burden and Stress Coping Styles of Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Journal of Pediatric Nursing; 47:142-147. doi: 10.1016/j.pedn.2019.05.005. Epub 2019 May 27.

[18] Dhafer, A.J. Al-Mossawy, Arafat H. Al-Dujaili. 2017. Psychosocial Burden among Caregivers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Najaf Province. International Journal of Current Research and Academic Review 5(4), 122-134. doi: https://doi.org/10.20546/ijcrar.2017.504.018.

[19] Lawal, H., Anyebe, E.E., Isa, A., Abdulkareem, H.M. and Salami, R.A. 2021. The Psychological and Physical Burden of Family Care Givers of Patient With End-Stage Renal Disease in A Tertiary Hospital in North West, Nigeria, IFE PsychologIA: An International Journal; 29(2); available at https://hdl.handle.net/10520/ejc-ifepsyc_v29_n2_a4.

[20] Lawal H., Anyebe E.E., Obiako O.R. 2014. A pattern of Neurological Dysfunctions in Children attending Outpatient Clinics in ABUTH Zaria, and Psychological Challenges faced by their Parents. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences; Vol.04; No.08: pp.679-684; ISSN NO- 2230 – 7885; available online at www.jpbms.info.

[21] Lawal, H. Anyebe, E.E. and Obiako, O.R. 2014. Domestic and Activities of Daily Living Challenges on Parents of Children with Neurologic Deficit in Zaria, Northern Nigeria: A Hospital-based study; Asian Journal of Medical Sciences, Vol.6, No.4: pp.40-44, 2014 ISSN: 2040-8765; e-ISSN: 2040-8773 © Maxwell Scientific Organization, 2014 (August). Available online at http://www.maxwellsci.com/print/ajms/v6-40-44.pdf.

[22] Picardi, A,, Gigantesco, A,.,Tarolla, E.,Stoppioni, V., Cerbo, R.,⁴ Cremonte, M., Alessandri, G^., Lega, I., and Nardocci, F. 2018. Parental Burden and its Correlates in Families of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Multicentre Study with Two Comparison Groups, Clin Pract Epidemiol Ment Health. 14: 143–176. doi: 10.2174/1745017901814010143.

Abstract:

The study seeks to unearth parental anxiety of perceived disorder and application of concoctions on infant pulsating anterior fontanelle in the Tamale metropolis, Ghana. Pulsation of the anterior fontanelle though a physiological reality of all infants, causes anxiety on the part of parents for fear of the infant suffering some form of harm as a result. A qualitative study which employed the narrative realities of mothers, delving into mothers’ beliefs on the physiologic functionality of the anterior fontanelle and perceived treatment mode commonly employed by mothers. The study revealed that mothers do not have any scientific reason behind the belief system for the application of concoctions on the pulsating anterior fontanelles of their infants. Consequently, the author recommends that the Ghana Health Service, the Teaching Hospitals, and the Municipal and District Health authorities should embark on serious health education on the essence of the fontanelle and demystify some cultural or traditional belief systems around pulsation of the anterior fontanelle. The application of concoctions on infant pulsating fontanelles is just not based on scientific principles known to the people, but it is perceptively done out of fear of the unknown.

References:

[1] Lipsett, B.J., Reddy, V. & Steanson, K. 2021. Anatomy, Head and Neck, Fontanelles. In: Stat Pearls: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542197/.

[2] Acheson, R. M., & Jefferson, E., 1954. Some observations on the closure of the anterior fontanelle. Archives of disease in childhood, 29(145), 196–198. https://doi.org/10.1136/adc.29.145.196.

[3] Lyall, H., Ogston, S., & Paterson, C., 1991. Anterior Fontanelle Size in Scottish Infants. Scottish Medical Journal, 36, 20 - 22.

[4] The Free Dictionary. 2020. “Fontanelle”. https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&q=The+Free+Dictionary.+%282020%29.+%22Fontanelle [Retrieved 24 May 2020].

[5] Kinsman S.L. & Johnston M.V., 2020. Congenital anomalies of the central nervous system. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020: chap 609.

[6] Beasley, M., 2013. “Age of Closure of Fontanelles/ Sutures”. The Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny (CARTA). Accessed: 24 April 2020.

[7] D’Alessandro, D.M., & D’Alessandro, M.P., 2006. “When Should the Anterior Fontanelle Close?” Pediatric Digital Library and Learning Collaboratory intended to serve as a source of continuing pediatric education, Pediatric Education.org™ https://pediatriceducation.org [Accessed 22 June 2021].

[8] Piña-Garza J.E, & James K.C. 2019. Disorders of cranial volume and shape. In: Piña-Garza J.E. & James K.C, eds. Fenichel’s Clinical Pediatric Neurology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier: chap 18.

[9] Chinelo, O., 2016. Expectant Mum baby shopping guide. https://lagosmums.com/5-things-to-know-about-babys-throbbing-soft-spot-on-the-head/ [Accessed: 22 April 2020].

[10] O’Connell, K. 2019. What You Need to Know About Bulging Fontanel, Healthline, https://www.healthline.com/health/fontanels-bulging.

[11] Zubovic, E., Woo, A. S., Skolnick, G. B., Naidoo, S. D., Smyth, M. D., & Patel, K. B. 2015. Cranial Base and Posterior Cranial Vault Asymmetry After Open and Endoscopic Repair of Isolated Lambdoid Craniosynostosis. The Journal of craniofacial surgery, 26(5), 1568–1573. https://doi.org/10.1097/SCS.0000000000001891.

[12] World Health Organization, 2015. Adolescent development. Available at: http://www.who.int/maternal_child_adolescent/topics/adolescence/dev/en/ [Accessed 8 July 2021].

[13] Merriam-Webster., n.d, Herbal medicine. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/herbal%20medicine [Retrieved January 27, 2022].

[14] Amorha, K.C., Nwabunike, I.A., Okwumuo, B.M., Ayogu, E.E., Nduka, S.O. & Okonta, M.J., 2018. Use of herbal medicines in a Nigerian community and their reported adverse effects: A pilot study. Trop J Pharm Res, 17(10):2067-2072. http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/tjpr.v17i10.25.

[15] Oreagba, I. A., Oshikoya, K. A., & Amachree, M., 2011. Herbal medicine use among urban residents
in Lagos, Nigeria. BMC complementary and alternative medicine, 11, 117. https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6882-11-117.

[16] Ghana-net.com. 2021.Tamale, capital of Northern region, Ghana. [Retrieved: 14 April 2021].

[17] Mongabay.com. (2013). “The largest cities in Ghana, ranked by population”. [Retrieved 14 April 2021].

[18] Centrum voor Leven en Intuïtie (CLI), 2021. Report on the north of Ghana. https://www.cli.nl Accessed 24 April 2020.

[19] McLeish, J., Harvey, M., Redshaw, M. & Alderdice, F., 2021. A qualitative study of first-time mothers’ experiences of postnatal social support from health professionals in England, Women and Birth, Volume 34, Issue 5, 2021, e451-e460, ISSN 1871-5192, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wombi.2020.10.012. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1871519220303693).

[20] DeJonckheere M, Vaughn LM. 2018. Semi-structured interviewing in primary care research: a balance of relationship and rigour. Fam Med Com Health 2019; 7: e000057. Doi: 10.1136/fmch-2018-000057.

[21] DiCicco-Bloom, B. & Crabtree, B.F. 2006. The qualitative research interview. Medical Education 2006; 40: 314–321 doi:10.1111/j.1365-2929.2006.02418. x.

[22] Ngum Chi Watts, M.C., Liamputtong, P. & Mcmichael, C., 2015. Early motherhood: a qualitative study exploring the experiences of African Australian teenage mothers in greater Melbourne, Australia. BMC Public Health 15, 873, https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-015-2215-2.

Abstract:

Raising the professional knowledge and skill of nurses through acquiring a baccalaureate degree has shown evidence of an increase in the provision of quality care, a reduction in mortality rates in hospitals, and increase in patient safety. Institutions of higher education have adopted online learning for degree-completion nursing programs in Uganda to advance more nurses to the baccalaureate level. This paper presents the findings from the qualitative phase of a mixed-method study that explored factors that contribute to students’ self-efficacy to learn online. In the quantitative phase of the study, 226 nursing students were surveyed about their personal attributes, technical competences, and institutional supports that contributed to their self-efficacy to learn online. The surveys revealed that a majority of the students (58%) reported moderate to high levels of readiness to learn online. The qualitative phase was designed to elicit the students’ perception of those factors that influenced self-efficacy to learn online. It was also conducted during the COVID pandemic and captured the students’ perceptions during the online study. Two focus group discussions were held with a representative sample from the students (n-14) who participated in the survey portion of the study. The findings provided an understanding of students’ perceptions of online learning readiness, the challenges they faced, and insights into how educators, employers, and families can support students’ online learning. The findings can be generalized to students such as those in degree-completion programs, who are employed, and who study from rural or low resource areas globally.

References:

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[2] Aiken, L. H., Sloane, D. M., Bruyneel, L., Heede, K. Van den, Griffiths, P., Busse, R., … McHugh, M. D. (2014). Nurse staffing and education and hospital mortality in nine European counries: A retrospective observational study. Lancet, 383(9931), 1824–1830. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(13)62631-8.Nurse.

[3] Blegen, M. A., Goode, C. J., Park, S. H., Vaughn, T., & Spetz, J. (2013). Baccalaureate education in nursing and patient outcomes. Journal of Nursing Administration, 43(2), 89–94. https://doi.org/10.1097/NNA.0b013e31827f2028.

[4] Harrison, J. M., Aiken, L. H., Sloane, D. M., Carthon, M. J. B., Merchant, R. M., Berg, R. A., & McHugh, M. D. (2019). In hospitals with more nurses who have baccalaureate degrees, better outcomes for patients after cardiac arrest. Health Affairs, 38(7), 1087–1094. https://doi.org/10.1377/hlthaff.2018.05064.

[5] ACCN. (2019). Academic progression in nursing: Moving together toward a highly educated nursing work force. 1–7. Retrieved from https://www.aacnnursing.org/News-Information/Position-Statements-White-Papers/Academic-Progression-in-Nursing.

[6] Aiken, L. H., Sloane, D., Griffiths, P., Rafferty, A. M., Bruyneel, L., Mchugh, M., … Sermeus, W. (2017). Nursing skill mix in European hospitals: Cross-sectional study of the association with mortality, patient ratings, and quality of care. BMJ Quality Safety, 26(7), 559–568. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjqs-2016-005567.

[7] IOM. (2010). The future of nursing: Focus on education. Retrieved from www.nationalacademies.org/hmd/~/media/Files/Report Files/2010/The-Future-of-Nursing/Nursing Education 2010 Brief.pdf.

[8] Wong, F. K. Y., & Zhao, Y. (2012). Nursing education in China: past, present and future. Journal of Nursing Management, 20(1), 38–44. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2834.2011.01335.x.

[9] National League for Nursing Board of Governors. (2011). Academic progression in nursing education. NLN Vision Series, (January), 1–4. Retrieved from http://www.nln.org/docs/default-source/about/nln-vision-series-%28position-statements%29/nlnvision_1.pdf?sfvrsn=4.

[10] Needleman, J. (2013). Increasing acuity, increasing technology, and the changing demands on nurses. Nursing Economics, 31(4), 200–202. Retrieved from http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84886615512&partnerID=tZOtx3y1.

[11] Skillman, S. M., Kaplan, L., Holly, C. A. A., Ostergard, S., & Patterson, D. G. (2014). Support for rural recruitment and practice among U.S. Nurse Practitioner Education Programs (No. 147). Retrieved from http://depts.washington.edu/uwrhrc/.

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[13] Hung, M., Chou, C., Chen, C., & Own, Z. (2010). Learner readiness for online learning: Scale development and student perceptions. Computers & Education, 55(3), 1080–1090. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2010.05.004.

[14] Hung, ML. (2016). Teacher readiness for online learning: Scale development and teacher perceptions. Computers and Education, 94, 120–133. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2015.11.012.

[15] Park, J.-H., & Choi, H. J. (2009). Factors Influencing Adult Learners´Decision to Drop Out or Persist in Online Learning. Educational Technology & Society, 12(4), 207–217.

[16] Sebuliba, F. R. K., Baird, B. M., & Ekong, E. N. (2021). Degree completion nursing students readiness to learn in the online environment in Uganda. Texila International Journal of Nursing, 7(2), 61–77. https://doi.org/10.21522/tijnr.2015.07.02.art007.

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[20] Polit, D. F., & Beck, C. T. (2017). Nursing research. Generating evidence for nursing practice (10^th ed.). Philadelphia. Wolters Kluwer. Lincoln and Guba.

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[22] Ilonga, A., Ashipala, D. O., & Tomas, N. (2020). Challenges pxperienced by students studying through open and distance learning at a higher education institution in Namibia: Implications for strategic planning. International Journal of Higher Education, 9(4), 116–127. https://doi.org/10.5430/ijhe.v9n4p116.

[23] Mahyoob, M. (2020). Challenges of e-Learning during the COVID-19 pandemic experienced by EFL learners. International Peer Reviewed Jornal, 11(December), 351–362. https://doi.org/10.24093/awej/vol11no4.23.

[24] Dorsah, P. (2021). Pre-service teachers’ readiness for emergency remote learning in the wake of COVID-19. European Journal of STEM Education, 6(1), 01. https://doi.org/10.20897/ejsteme/9557.

[25] Pålsson, Y., Mårtensson, G., Swenne, C. L., Ädel, E., & Engström, M. (2017). A peer learning intervention for nursing students in clinical practice education: A quasi-experimental study. Nurse Education Today, 51, 81–87. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2017.01.011.

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[27] Liu, J. C. (2019). Evaluating online learning orientation design with a Readiness Scale. Online Learning Journal, 23(4), 42–61. https://doi.org/10.24059/olj.v23i4.2078.

[28] Abdous, M. (2019). Well begun is half done: Using online orientation to foster online students’ academic self-efficacy. Online Learning, 23(3), 161–187. https://doi.org/10.24059/olj.v23i3.1437.

[29] Cazan, A., & Schiopca, B.-A. (2014). Self-directed learning, personality traits and academic achievement. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 127, 640–644. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2014.03.327.

[30] Cigdem, H., & Ozturk, M. (2016). Critical components of online learning readiness and their relationships with learner achievement. Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education-TOJDE, 17(2), 98–109.

[31] Dikbas Torun, E. (2020). Online distance learning in higher education: E-learning readiness as a predictor of academic schievement. Open Praxis, 12(2), 191. https://doi.org/10.5944/openpraxis.12.2.1092.

[32] Erduğan, F. (2020). Investigating readiness levels of sports science faculty students towards e-learning. African Educational Research Journal, 8(2), 272–279. https://doi.org/10.30918/aerj.82.20.070.

[33] Kırmızı, Ö. (2015). The influence of learner readiness on student satisfaction and academic achievement in an online program at higher education. Turkish Online Journal of Educational Technology, 14(1), 133–142. Retrieved from https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1057353.pdf.

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Abstract:

This study investigated the relationship among occupational stress, social relationships at the workplace, and psychological well-being among nurses and midwives in the Catholic Health Service of the Western Region of Ghana. A descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted for the study. The study was conducted in four purposely selected Catholic Hospitals in the Western Region of Ghana. A sample of 300 nurses and midwives was used for the analysis. For gathering information from participants, a questionnaire based on the Nurses’ Occupational Stress Scale was adopted to measure the level of occupational stress; Ryff’s Psychological Wellbeing Scale (PWB 18 items) to measure the level of psychological well-being, and the Worker Relationship Scale was developed by Biggs, Swailes, and Baker to measure the level of social relationships at the workplace among nurses and midwives. For statistical analysis, a one-sample t-test and Pearson Moment Correlation Coefficients were employed. The findings revealed a high level of occupational stress among nurses and midwives in the Catholic Health Service of the Western Region of Ghana, a positive social relationship among them, and positive psychological well-being among the nurses and midwives. The study’s findings also revealed occupational stress was moderately and weakly associated with psychological well-being and workplace social relationships. Social relationships at the workplace were positively correlated with psychological well-being. It was recommended that Counselling Psychologists should be employed in all health facilities to take care of the counselling needs of nurses and midwives.

References:

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Abstract:

The aim of the study was to explore the influence of social media and social support on the flourishing homosexual identity in Accra, Ghana. The objectives were to determine the extent to which social support influence’s homosexual identity, the correlation between homosexual identity and flourishing levels among homosexuals, to ascertain the extent to which media, emotional, and social support predicts how homosexuals flourish, and finally to as certain how differences in the level of education predict how homosexuals flourish in Accra, Ghana. A case study design was employed. The population for this study was associates of the homosexual Community in Accra-Ghana. Using a purposive sampling technique, 142 homosexual respondents answered a standard questionnaire. Berlin Social Support scale (BSSS), Diener Flourishing scale Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Identity Scale were used on demographics, social support, flourishing, and lesbian, gay, bisexual identity. Data was analysed using simple linear regression, Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient, and one-way analysis of variance. Results obtained indicated that social support does not predict homosexual identity among homosexuals in Accra. As an individual homosexual identity increases so does the level with which the individual flourishes. Thirdly, social media emotional, and social support was found to be a predictor of flourishing among homosexuals in Accra. Finally, the results also indicated that differences in the level of education do not predict how homosexuals flourish in Accra. The conclusion indicates that study has shown that differences in the level of education among homosexuals do not influence the extent to which homosexuals flourish.

References:

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Abstract:

Information and communication technology (ICT) is transforming healthcare delivery at a fast rate. Nurses who form most of the health workforce are strategically positioned to champion the transition to digital health care. Ghana is fast adopting eHealth. However, there is little evidence on how well nurses are using these technologies. A descriptive cross-sectional study using a quantitative approach was conducted to examine the availability, utilization, and support systems of eHealth resources in the nursing profession. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed. Data collated from 206 registered nurses in Cape Coast revealed that respondents were predominantly female (61.7%), and 38.3% were males. The result suggests that good resources for eHealth service delivery were available with association wards and resources availability (χ²=19.691, P= .012). Comparatively, the A&E ward had the most resources compared to the medical ward (p=.018), OPD (p=.012), Surgical ward (p=.013), Theatre (p=.003), Children ward (p=.000), Obs/Gynae ward (p=.002), ICU (p=.042) and NICU (p=.011). Also, most nurses have received adequate training, technical support, and internet connectivity towards eHealth resources usage. The study further revealed that most facilities did not have access to eLibraries. Monitoring and evaluation were either erratic or non-existent. Though the study results showed some promise in the digitization of healthcare in Ghana, there is more to be done to bridge the gap between the health needs of the population and the technologies required to meet them.

References:

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[9] Onu, F. U., & Agbo, I. S., 2013, Factors That Affect the Use of Ict in Nursing Profession in Ebonyi State Nigeria. Journal of Information Engineering and Applications, 3(11), 63–70.

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Abstract:

The study on determinants of Competence Acquisition and Application in Nursing Service Delivery by Comprehensive Nurse Graduates was conducted from Regional Referral and District hospitals in Uganda. With objectives to identify factors associated with competence acquisition and competence application and to determine the satisfaction of patients and stakeholders regarding nursing service delivery by the Comprehensive Nurse graduates in Uganda. A descriptive structured cross-sectional design with a sample size of 336. Data collection using a semi- structured questionnaire and interview guide in December 2019 - January 2020. Data analysis by statistical analyses: SPSS 21 statistical software. The overall competence on average, stood at 3.51±0.32, suggesting good competence acquisition. However, 14 of 24 stakeholders in hospitals stated training CNs exposed to was inadequate. Gauging the service delivery in therapeutic interventions, staff described CNs performance as good in-patient care outcomes, incorporation of relevant knowledge to provision of optimal care, and decision making for particular situations. Despite a good rating of performance majority pointed to very poor service delivery. However, the majority of stakeholders expressed dissatisfaction, more so competences in midwifery. In analyses, training and working experience emerged as significant determinants in predicting competence acquisition. Associated factors included the length of service at the health facility. The stakeholder satisfaction was negative, unlike the patients with a positive attitude. Similarly, individual and contextual factors have effects on competence acquisition and application. Organizing In-Service Training/Continuous Professional Developments for CN graduates, attention in areas of skill gaps, sufficient time allocation for courses, and more staff recruitment to be considered.

References:

[1] MoH, (2019), Uganda’s human resources for health: Paradoxes and Dilemmas, Country Report. http://library.health.go.ug/publications/human-resources-health/uganda-health-workforce-study-satisfaction-and-intent-stay-among.

[2] Jo Stephenson (2019), Concerns over nurse role in new system of deprivation of liberty checks. https://www.nursingtimes.net/news/policies-and-guidance/concerns-over-nurse-role-in-new-system-of-deprivation-of-liberty-checks-05-12-2019/.

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[4] MoH, (2006), Government of Uganda human resource for the health policy document. http://library.health.go.ug/publications/human-resources-health/human-resources-health-policy-april-2006.

[5] Muhwezi D. K. (2016), Developing Competencies of Nurses and Midwives during Pre-service education in Uganda: Using evidence-based FP and RH resources and tools. https://www.fptraining.org/blog/developing-competencies-nurses-and-midwives-during-pre-service-education-uganda-using-evidence.

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