Convenience Sampling (convenience + sampling)

Distribution by Scientific Domains
Distribution within Medical Sciences


Selected Abstracts


Evaluation of NOC Measures in Home Care Nursing Practice

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NURSING TERMINOLOGIES AND CLASSIFICATION, Issue 2003
Gail M. Keenan
PURPOSE To evaluate the reliability, validity, usefulness, and sensitivity of 89 NOC outcomes in two Visiting Nurse Associations in Michigan. METHODS Of a total 190 NOC outcomes 89 were assigned for testing. Interrater reliability and criterion validity were assessed a total of 50 times per outcome (on 50 different patients) across the study units. The total number of times the reliability and validity were assessed for each of the 89 measures studied ranged from 5,45. Three RN research assistants (RNRAs) oversaw and participated in data collection with the help of 15 clinicians. Convenience sampling was used to identify subjects. A roster of outcomes to be studied was maintained and matched with patient conditions whenever possible until the quota of outcomes assigned had been evaluated. Clinicians and RNRAs independently rated the outcomes and indicators applicable to the patient. NANDA diagnoses, NIC interventions, and medical diagnoses were recorded. FINDINGS A total of 258 patients (mean age 62) enrolled; 60% were women, 23% were from minority groups, and 78% had no college degree. Thirty-six of the 89 NOC measures were designated "clinically useful." The 10 outcomes with the highest interrater reliability were Caregiver Home Care Readiness; Caregiver Stressors; Caregiving Endurance Potential; Infection Status; Mobility Level; Safety Status: Physical Injury; Self-Care: Activities of Daily Living; Self-Care: Bathing; Self-Care: Hygiene; and Wound Healing: Secondary Intention. Criterion measurement and repeated ratings provided evidence to support the validity and sensitivity of the NOC outcomes. Evidence also suggested that NOC label level ratings could be a feasible, reliable, and valid method of evaluating nursing outcomes under actual use. For some measures, adjustments in the scales and anchors are needed to enhance reliability. For others, it may be unrealistic to reliably score in one encounter, thus scoring should be deferred until the clinician has adequate knowledge of the patient. CONCLUSIONS Continued study and refinement that are coordinated and integrated systematically strongly recommended. Comprehensive study in an automated system with a controlled format will increase the efficiency of future studies. [source]


Breast Cancer Knowledge and Preventive Behaviors An Urban Emergency Department-based Survey

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 12 2000
Kevin M. Takakuwa MA
Abstract. Objective: To assess general knowledge and preventive behaviors regarding breast cancer among women who present to an urban emergency department. Methods: During a six-month study period, a convenience sampling of women aged 21 years and older who were in treatment and waiting areas was surveyed. The anonymous written survey asked about demographic variables, knowledge, and preventive behaviors regarding breast cancer. Knowledge was assessed with questions about the recommended frequency of breast self-examination and the recommended age for first mammography. Performance was assessed by questions about breast self-exam and mammography. Subgroup analysis was done by age (above and below 40 years old), race, income (above and below the median), insurance type, history of breast lump, and family history (FH) of breast cancer. Results: Four hundred women completed surveys. Two hundred twelve (53%) correctly knew the answers to the two knowledge questions. Knowledge was greater in women with private insurance. Knowledge of the frequency of breast self-exam was significantly greater among whites and Native Americans than among African Americans, Asians, or Hispanics. Stated performance of preventive behaviors was 72% (288) for breast self-exam and for mammography. Preventive behaviors were significantly more likely to be performed by higher-income and privately-insured women. Breast self-exam was more likely to be done in older women, those with a history of a breast lump, and those with a FH of breast cancer. Conclusions: Women with lower income and without private insurance were less likely to be knowledgeable and practice preventive measures for detecting breast disease. [source]


Oral health status in relation to ethnicity of children in the Municipality of Copenhagen, Denmark

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PAEDIATRIC DENTISTRY, Issue 3 2003
A. Sundby
Summary. Approximately 25% of children under the age of 18 in the Municipality of Copenhagen have a non-Danish ethnic background, and it is suspected that there may be major inequalities in oral health as a result. Objectives. The objectives of this study were to describe the occurrence of dental caries in different ethnic minorities, and to analyse whether the dental caries experience of the children may be affected by cultural and behavioural differences. Materials and methods. The study was conducted in Copenhagen as a cross-sectional investigation of 794 children, aged 3 and 5 years old (preschool), 7 years old (Grade 1) and 15 years old (Grade 9). Children of Danish, Turkish, Pakistani, Albanian, Somali and Arabian backgrounds were selected by convenience sampling. Epidemiological data were retrieved from the Danish Recording System for the Public Dental Health Services (SCOR) and sociological data were collected by postal questionnaires. Results. Marked differences in dental caries prevalence were observed when different ethnic minorities were compared to Danish children. These were most prominent for the primary dentition. At age 7, 53% of the Danish and 84% of the Albanian children were affected by dental caries, the mean caries experience was 3·5 dmfs (decayed, missed and filled surfaces) and 13·8 dmfs, respectively. Caries in incisors and/or smooth surfaces was observed in 10% of the Danish children and 48% of the Albanian children. There were cultural differences in dental attendance and self-care practices of children and parents. These socio-behavioural factors may help to explain the differences in dental caries prevalence and severity. Conclusions. Development of appropriate oral health promotion strategies is urgently needed to improve oral health behaviour and attitudes of parents and children of ethnic minorities. Preventive programs should be organized at local community level in close collaboration with key persons of ethnic minority societies. [source]


Determinants of perceived barriers to condom use among HIV-infected middle-aged and older African-American men

JOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING, Issue 4 2007
Christopher Lance Coleman
Abstract Title.,Determinants of perceived barriers to condom use among HIV-infected middle-aged and older African-American men Aim., This paper is a report of a study to describe which determinants best predict perceived barriers to condom use during sexual encounters among human immunodeficiency virus human immunodeficiency virus-infected African-American men, middle-aged and older, living in the United States of America. Background., While the global epidemic of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome infection is a well-documented phenomenon with national and international implications, prevalence statistics indicate that middle-aged and older African-American (non-Hispanic) men have not benefited from the prevention efforts implemented during the past two decades. Method., A cross-sectional design using a survey and convenience sampling was adopted between September 2003 and July 2004 to recruit n = 130 middle-aged human immunodeficiency virus-infected African-American men from infectious disease clinics from the Mid-Atlantic region in the United States of America. The survey covered demographics, perceived health beliefs, spiritual well-being and symptoms related to human immunodeficiency virus. Findings., Stepwise multiple regression showed having fewer human immunodeficiency virus-related symptoms associated with the human immunodeficiency virus (P = 0·004) and being single (P = 0·05) were perceived as barriers to condom use during sexual encounters (R2 = 0·029, P = 0·046). Conclusion., Tailored interventions are needed for African-American men, middle-aged and older, infected with human immunodeficiency virus nationally and worldwide that are designed to decrease perceived barriers in order to increase condom use. [source]


Programme-related stressors among part-time undergraduate nursing students

JOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING, Issue 1 2005
Honor Nicholl BSc MEd RN RSCN RM RCT RNT PGDipG&C AdDip Teaching Studies
Aim., The aim of this paper is to report a study exploring the perceived stressors identified by a group of 70 students who undertook a part-time degree at one Irish university. Background., In the literature on stress, part-time nursing students who are undertaking continuing education programmes appear to have received little attention. Stress amongst nurses is evident within the nursing literature but little information is available on the specific stressors that affect Registered Nurses who undertake further academic study. Anecdotally, students attending part-time programmes while working full-time report high levels of stress. Method., Quantitative methods were used. While many instruments exist to measure overall stress, this study aimed to explore student's perceptions of specific stressors associated with academic study. We used a questionnaire developed from the literature on the topic. Results., Factors related to writing assignments at degree level, fulfilling personal needs and academic demands, were perceived as major stressors by these students. Factors of little concern were financial issues and attendance on the programme. Individual items receiving highest mean scores were: trying to balance work commitments and the required study (mean 3·89, sd = 1) and the prospect of the final examination (mean 3·86, sd = 1). This study was limited by the use of convenience sampling and self-report methods. Larger studies are required to support the findings. In addition, student stress was not observed or measured. Conclusion., Those involved in the delivery of nurse education programmes to part-time students need to consider the impact of the workload on student welfare, and to prepare students for demands of the programme. [source]


Stage 2 Pressure Ulcer Healing in Nursing Homes

JOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 7 2008
Nancy Bergstrom PhD
OBJECTIVES: To identify resident and wound characteristics associated with Stage 2 pressure ulcer (PrU) healing time in nursing home residents. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study with convenience sampling. SETTING: One hundred two nursing homes participating in the National Pressure Ulcer Long-Term Care Study (NPULS) in the United States. PARTICIPANTS: Seven hundred seventy-four residents aged 21 and older with length of stay of 14 days or longer who had at least one initial Stage 2 (hereafter Stage 2) PrU. MEASUREMENTS: Data collected for each resident over a 12-week period included resident characteristics and PrU characteristics, including area when first reached Stage 2. Data were obtained from medical records and logbooks. RESULTS: There were 1,241 initial Stage 2 PrUs on 774 residents; 563 (45.4%) healed. Median time to heal was 46 days. Initial area was significantly associated with days to heal. Using Kaplan-Meier survival analyses, median days to heal was 33 for small (,1 cm2), 53 days for medium (>1 to ,4 cm2), and 73 days for large (>4 cm2) ulcers. Using Cox proportional hazard regression models to examine effects of multiple variables simultaneously, small and medium ulcers and ulcers on residents with agitation and those who had oral eating problem healed more quickly, whereas ulcers on residents who required extensive assistance with seven to eight activities of daily living (ADLs), who temporarily left the facility for the emergency department (ED) or hospital, or whose PrU was on an extremity healed more slowly. CONCLUSION: PrUs on residents with agitation or with oral eating problems were associated with faster healing time. PrUs located on extremities, on residents who went temporarily to the ED or hospital, and on residents with high ADL disabilities were associated with slower healing time. Interaction between PrU size and place of onset was also associated with healing time. For PrU onset before or after admission to the facility, smaller size was associated with faster healing time. [source]


Self-care behaviour and related factors in older people with Type 2 diabetes

JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 23 2009
Yu-Ling Bai
Aim., The present study examined the factors related to self-care behaviour in type 2 diabetic patients aged ,65 years. In addition, this study tested the effect of the important explanatory factors on self-care behaviour. Background., Along with the development of an ageing society, diabetes occurs frequently among older people. Diabetes requires continual medical treatment, with patients responsible for self-care. Although the relationships among social support, depression and self-care have been widely studied, little is know about older diabetic patients, especially in Taiwan. Design., A correlational design was adopted. In total, 165 patients recruited using convenience sampling were diabetic outpatients at three hospitals in southern Taiwan from January,March 2005. Methods., The participants were interviewed using the Personal Resource Questionnaire 2000 (PRQ 2000), Diabetes Self-Care Scale and Taiwan Geriatric Depression Scale (TGDS). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. Result., Self-care behaviour scores were significantly influenced by different gender, education level, economic status and religious beliefs of older diabetic patients. Depression and self-care behaviour were negatively correlated. Social support, education and duration of diabetes significantly affected self-care behaviour, accounting for 35·6% of total variance. Conclusions., Social support plays a vital factor in contributing to the facilitation of self-care behaviour. These analytical findings demonstrate the importance of social support, education and duration of diabetes in determining self-care behaviour for diabetic older diabetic patients and serve as references for future studies of self-care behaviour in type 2 older diabetic patients. Relevance to clinical practice., Implication for nurses highlights the significance of providing patients with social support that will enable them to have good support systems during their disease treatment to enhance self-care abilities and improve quality of life. [source]


Patient-centred care in acute psychiatric admission units: reality or rhetoric?

JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRIC & MENTAL HEALTH NURSING, Issue 6 2007
A. O'DONOVAN rpn bns(hons) msc
It has been suggested that patient-centred care be adopted as the primary method of mental health service delivery. This approach has been widely described in the literature and various frameworks for its delivery have been developed; however, many lack evaluation at present. The primary aim of this study was to gain an understanding of psychiatric nursing practice with people who self-harm using a qualitative descriptive approach. One of its objectives was to explore psychiatric nurses' approach and philosophical underpinnings to care. A sample of eight psychiatric nurses from two acute psychiatric admission units in Ireland was gained through convenience sampling. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews and analysed using a combination of content and theme analysis. Barker's Tidal Model was being utilized as the basis of nursing practice in both units. This paper presents one of the themes that emerged from the findings on the concept of patient-centred care, and how this translated in the use of the Tidal Model. [source]


Levels of empathy in undergraduate occupational therapy students

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY INTERNATIONAL, Issue 3 2010
Ted Brown
Abstract Empathy is an important attribute for occupational therapists in establishing rapport and in better understanding their clients. However, empathy can be compromised by high workloads, personal stressors and pressures to demonstrate efficacy. Occupational therapists also work with patients from a variety of diagnostic groups. The objective of this study was to determine the extent of empathy and attitudes towards clients amongst undergraduate occupational therapy students at one Australian University. A cross-sectional study was undertaken using a written survey of the Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy (JSPE) and the Medical Condition Regard Scale. Overall, a strong level of empathy was reported amongst students. Four medical conditions that occupational therapists work with (stroke, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury and depression) were held in high regard. Substance abuse, however, was held in comparatively low regard. Overall, the year of study appeared to have no significant impact on the students' empathy. Despite having a lower reported empathy level than found in health professions from other studies using the JSPE, occupational therapy students were found to have a good level of empathy. Of concern, however, was the bias reported against the medical condition of substance abuse, highlighting that the there may be a need to reinforce that patients from this diagnostic group are equally deserving of quality care irrespective of their clinical condition. Recommendations for future research include completing a longitudinal study of occupational therapy students' empathy levels and investigating the empathy levels of occupational therapists working with different client groups. Limitations of the study include the convenience sampling of occupational therapy students enrolled at one university which limits the generalizability of the results to groups of participants with similar characteristics. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Increasing herbal product consumption in Thailand,

PHARMACOEPIDEMIOLOGY AND DRUG SAFETY, Issue 9 2006
Arthorn Riewpaiboon PhD
Abstract Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate expenditures and categories of herbal product consumption in drugstores in Thailand. Methods The study was designed as a cross-sectional descriptive research. Study population was drugs and foods produced from herbs sold in all registered drugstores in Thailand. Regarding sampling, one province was selected from each of 13 regions by convenience sampling. Drugstores in each province were included at a proportion of 1% of the population by a convenience sampling method. Purchasing documents of the drugstores were collected for two consecutive months in 2001 and 2003. The medians of prices were used to estimate value of the whole country. Results The sample included 129 and 121 drugstores in 2001 and 2003, respectively. Total consumption was 27 and 32 million US$ (1 US$,=,40 Thai baht) in the year 2001 and 2003, respectively. At constant prices, this represented an increase of 11%. The five top-ranked categories of products used in 2003 were haematonics, post-delivery drugs, anti-constipation, anti-cough, and cardiotonics. Conclusions Herbal product consumption increased by 11% from 2001 to 2003. To cover the full range of consumption of herbal products, further studies should include other outlets, for example hospital and direct sales. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Identification of Fall Risk Factors in Older Adult Emergency Department Patients

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 3 2009
Christopher R. Carpenter MD
Abstract Objectives:, Falls represent an increasingly frequent source of injury among older adults. Identification of fall risk factors in geriatric patients may permit the effective utilization of scarce preventative resources. The objective of this study was to identify independent risk factors associated with an increased 6-month fall risk in community-dwelling older adults discharged from the emergency department (ED). Methods:, This was a prospective observational study with a convenience sampling of noninstitutionalized elders presenting to an urban teaching hospital ED who did not require hospital admission. Interviews were conducted to determine the presence of fall risk factors previously described in non-ED populations. Subjects were followed monthly for 6 months through postcard or telephone contact to identify subsequent falls. Univariate and Cox regression analysis were used to determine the association of risk factors with 6-month fall incidence. Results:, A total of 263 patients completed the survey, and 161 (61%) completed the entire 6 months of follow-up. Among the 263 enrolled, 39% reported a fall in the preceding year, including 15% with more than one fall and 22% with injurious falls. Among those completing the 6 months of follow-up, 14% reported at least one fall. Cox regression analysis identified four factors associated with falls during the 6-month follow-up: nonhealing foot sores (hazard ratio [HR] = 3.71, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.73 to 7.95), a prior fall history (HR = 2.62, 95% CI = 1.32 to 5.18), inability to cut one's own toenails (HR = 2.04, 95% CI = 1.04 to 4.01), and self-reported depression (HR = 1.72, 95% CI = 0.83 to 3.55). Conclusions:, Falls, recurrent falls, and injurious falls in community-dwelling elder ED patients being evaluated for non,fall-related complaints occur at least as frequently as in previously described outpatient cohorts. Nonhealing foot sores, self-reported depression, not clipping one's own toenails, and previous falls are all associated with falls after ED discharge. [source]


Children's participation in home, school and community life after acquired brain injury

AUSTRALIAN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY JOURNAL, Issue 2 2010
Jane Galvin
Aims:,This study aimed to describe participation at home, school and in the community of Australian children who had sustained an acquired brain injury (ABI). Parent ratings regarding the impact of cognitive, motor and behavioural impairments on participation were obtained. In addition, the influence of environmental factors on participation was investigated. Methodology:,This study used a cross-sectional design with convenience sampling to recruit 20 children who attended a rehabilitation review clinic between September 2006 and September 2007. Participants completed the Child and Family Follow-up Survey (Bedell, 2004) to describe the participation of their children in home, school and community settings. The CFFS was developed based on the International Classification of Function, and uses parent report to measure the impact of impairments and environmental factors on children's participation in home, school and community life. Results:,The children were reported to have the greatest participation restrictions for structured events in the community, and social, play or leisure activities with peers either at school or in the community. Children were least restricted moving about in and around their own homes. Conclusions:,This research describes difficulties encountered by Australian children with ABI in participating in community-based activities with their same aged peers. This study adds to the current literature describing patterns of participation of United States children who have sustained brain injuries, and provides useful information for Australian therapists to consider when addressing children's return to school and engagement with their peers following brain injury. [source]


Assessment of Teacher Interruptions on Learners during Oral Case Presentations

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 6 2007
Glen Yang BA
Background:Studies have only recently begun to investigate the effects of interruptions on physicians in the emergency department (ED). Objectives:To determine the frequency and nature of interruptions by the training physician that occur when medical trainees do oral case presentations (OCPs) in the ED. Methods:This was an observational study. Learner OCPs to attending emergency physicians were observed in the ED of an urban Level 1 trauma center at a major teaching hospital. A single investigator followed attending physicians blinded to the study objective in a nonrandomized convenience sampling of all ED shifts, recording information regarding teacher interruptions during new patient presentations. Learners completed a brief questionnaire after each OCP. Results:A total of 196 OCPs were observed. The mean (±SD) duration of OCPs was 3.30 (±1.85) minutes, and the mean (±SD) number of interruptions was 0.75 (±0.60) per minute and 2.49 (±1.95) per OCP. The number of interruptions (per OCP) and duration of OCP varied by learner level of training, with more experienced learners giving shorter presentations and being interrupted less often. Frequency (per minute) of interruptions did not vary by learner level. In 40.3% of OCPs, attending physicians interrupted to give an assessment and/or a plan before the learner had done so, but 8.3% of interrupted learners believed that teacher interruptions were "disruptive" to their OCP. Conclusions:Attending emergency physicians frequently interrupt learners during new patient OCPs, with the number of interruptions varying by learner level of training. Teacher interruptions appear to have minimal, if any, detrimental effect on the perceived effectiveness of OCPs as a learning experience. [source]