i-manager's Journal on Nursing (JNUR)


Volume 2 Issue 1 February - April 2012

Article

Antenatal Stress and Depression: A Neglected Area

Kiran Shaikh* , Samin Sulaiman**
* Lecturer, Aga Khan University School of Nursing.
** Instructor, Aga Khan University School of Nursing.
Shaikh, K., and Sulaimani, S. (2012). Antenatal Stress and Depression: A Neglected Area. i-manager’s Journal on Nursing, 2(1), 1-3. https://doi.org/10.26634/jnur.2.1.1815

Abstract

A high rate of antenatal depression (18 % -39.4%) was identified among women in Pakistan (Kazi et al., 2006; Karmaliani et al., 2009).  Pakistan is a developing country and a male dominated society where women’s rights, health needs, and educational opportunities are not given priority. Therefore, the health of women, especially women who are pregnant has never received due importance. Women’s stressors are unique and lead to adverse pregnancy outcome. Early identification of stress and depression will permit the medical and nursing clinicians to implement measures to reduce stress and depression caused by psychological factors.

Article

Ways of Teaching: Striving to Enhance Student’s Understanding in Classroom Setting

Zohra Asif Jetha* , Shaneela Sadruddin Khowaja**, Shamshad Begum***
* Instructor, Aga Khan University School of Nursing, Karachi, Pakistan.
** Senior Instructor, School of Nursing and Community Health Sciences Departments, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.
*** Senior Instructor, Aga Khan University School of Nursing, Karachi, Pakistan.
Jetha, Z.A., Khowaja, S.S., and Begum, S. (2012). Ways of Teaching: Striving to Enhance Student’s Understanding in Classroom Setting. i-manager’s Journal on Nursing, 2(1), 4-7. https://doi.org/10.26634/jnur.2.1.1816

Abstract

Learning is enhanced when instruction is being designed in-relation to students’ learning styles. Attention to learning styles and learner’s diversity has shown an increase students’ motivation towards learning. Effective teaching is defined as maximizing learner educational achievement, and teacher and student subject contentment. The key attributes of effective teaching are teacher’s preparation; knowledge on the subject; attitude; enthusiasm; and content clarity. Moreover, applying various theories of learning such as behaviorism, cognitivism and humanism are the effective ways to enhance students’ learning journey. Therefore, these effective teaching strategies should be promoted and encouraged in the real world of teaching. 

Article

Spirit Possession or a phenomenon of Crying Identity!

Gulnar Akber Ali*
*Senior Instructor, BSc.N Programme, Aga Khan University School of Nursing, Pakistan
Ali, G.A. (2012). Spirit Possession or a phenomenon of Crying Identity!. i-manager’s Journal on Nursing, 2(1), 8-11. https://doi.org/10.26634/jnur.2.1.1817

Abstract

Human nature is very complex and it is constantly influenced by external socio-cultural processes, which not only affect patient’s explanations about somatization but also affect person’s recovery and rehabilitation on an ongoing basis. Hence, by integrating multiple aspects of human life, health care professionals can promote personal wellbeing for their patients as a whole. Such integrated approach will enable patients, to renew their identity, and reconstruct their status in society by participating in the shared and symbolic communal ideologies. Hence, this paper is an attempt to sensitize  nurses with a transcultural psychiatric perspective in order to recognize the ontological and epistemological aspect of human life and suffering. By analyzing varieties of cultural fabrications, medical explanations and underlying socio-political ethos behind the phenomenology of spirit possession in Muslim women, this paper identifies gender disparities and its socio — cultural manifestations, justifying the need of a meaning based and client centered caring discourse.

Article

Pediatric Mental health: The Most Neglected Aspect of our Society

Sharifa Bashir Lalani* , Samin Sulaiman**
* Senior Instructor, The Aga Khan University School of Nursing and Midwifery.
** Instructor, The Aga Khan University School of Nursing and Midwifery.
Lalani, S.B., and Sulaiman, S. (2012). Pediatric Mental health: The Most Neglected Aspect of our Society. i-manager’s Journal on Nursing, 2(1), 12-17. https://doi.org/10.26634/jnur.2.1.1818

Abstract

Pediatric mental health remains the neglected aspect of our society. In Pakistan, the prevalence of mental health problems among school going children is higher than in most developed and developing countries. The number of determinates that affects the mental health of the children areenvironmental, natural, social and biological. The determinants that are addressed in present paper are interdependent and interrelated to each other. A conceptual model of “Optimizing Mental Health for Alberta’s Children and Youth” has been utilized in this paper. The mental health modelwas used to understand the determinants that effect mental health of children. Optimal mental health can be achieved by positive health determinant, accomplishing the basic needs of children, safety and security opportunities for learning, work and play.By utilizing the conceptual model of mental health continuum we can do the capacity building and reduce the risk towards optimal mental health.

Research Paper

Screening for High-Risk Alcohol Use on Campus—A Translational Research Project

Janette S. Neuman*
*Clinical Assistant Professor and Family Nurse Practitioner, Indiana University-Purdue University, Fort Wayne.
Neuman, J.S. (2012). Screening for High-Risk Alcohol Use on Campus—A Translational Research Project. i-manager’s Journal on Nursing, 2(1), 18-25. https://doi.org/10.26634/jnur.2.1.1819

Abstract

High-risk alcohol use occurs on college campuses across the United States.  A 2008 Core Alcohol and Drug Survey performed on the campus of Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW) in northeast Indiana, found an annual prevalence rate of alcohol consumption by students of 82.3%.  A commitment to reduce high-risk alcohol use by IPFW students is supported by IPFW leadership in congruence with Healthy Campus objectives.  A translational research project using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) was implemented at IPFW’s nurse-managed health and wellness clinic in order to increase student awareness of high-risk drinking behaviors, administer risk-reducing interventions, and to reduce negative consequences associated with high-risk drinking.  This project met recommendations suggested by the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) of screening for alcohol use in adult populations in primary care settings.

Research Paper

A Perimenopause/Menopause Support Research Program: A Pilot Study

Carol Caico*
*Professor of Nursing, New York Institute of Technology.
Caico, C. (2012). A Perimenopause/Menopause Support Research Program: A Pilot Study. i-manager’s Journal on Nursing, 2(1), 26-31. https://doi.org/10.26634/jnur.2.1.1820

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to determine if symptomatic Perimenopause and Menopause women who attend a 10 week educational and support program will better cope with symptoms and gain knowledge to empower them to make informed decisions. IRB approval was obtained and participants signed consents. Symptomatic perimenopause and menopause aged women were recruited by posters place in many locations. 8 participants agreed to attend atleast 7 weekly sessions. 2 questionnaires were completed pre-group and participants assigned numbers so anonymity was maintained. The weekly group was started with an educational component utilizing powerpoints from the North American Menopause Society and presented by the PI who is a Board Certified NP, Menopause Clinician and Certified as an Adult Psychiatric and Mental Health Specialist. The group led the discussion. At the last session the same 2 questionnaires were completed to be analyzed for changes from start of program to end. Also comment forms were completed. Qualitative method was used by information from sessions and comment forms and qualitative was used to evaluate the 2 pre and post questionnaires. The results shows that statistically the 2 questionnaires did not show significance from the pre and post results. The themes, discussion and comment form clearly proved that the support program provided education, empowered the women with knowledge to help them make informed choices regarding their health and symptoms and the support make them feel they were not alone in their feelings. The conclusion indicates that support groups should be widespread and nurses who are educated in the physical and emotional changes of this period in women's lives are the best to educated and support these women through this chapter in their lives.

Research Paper

Effectiveness of Honey Versus Betadine on Episiotomy Wound Healing

Manjula* , Anitha C.Rao**, Ranjani. P***
* Student, Canara College of Nursing, Kundapur.
** Associate Professor, Canara College of Nursing, Kundapur.
*** Assistant Professor, Manipal College of Nursing, Mangalore, Manipal University.
Manjula, P., Rao, A.C., Ranjani, P. (2012). Effectiveness of Honey Versus Betadine on Episiotomy Wound Healing. i-manager’s Journal on Nursing, 2(1), 32-37. https://doi.org/10.26634/jnur.2.1.1821

Abstract

An experimental study was conducted to compare the effect of honey versus betadine on episiotomy wound healing among 60 postnatal women (30 - honey group, 30 - betadine group) in Government Taluk Hospital, Kundapura between rd rd 23 October 2011 and 23 November 2011. Data was collected using episiotomy wound assessment scale. Findings revealed that in the honey group on day 1 the episiotomy wound assessment score mean is 8.03, on day 5 mean score reduced to 0.27. In betadine group day 1 mean is 8.23 and on day 5 mean score reduced to 1.4. There was a mean difference of 7.8 in the honey group and 6.83 in the betadine group. The obtained 't' value on day 2 (3.818), day 3 (2.967), day 4 (4.2), day 5 (4.02) found to be significant (p< 0.05) at 0.01 and 0.05 level of significance. This reveals that as the day progresses episiotomy wound healing was good in both the groups but it was faster in honey group than in betadine group. Study results denoted that application of honey has significant influence on episiotomy wound healing.

Case Study

‘Die before exist'

Shaneela Sadruddin Khowaja* , Shamshad Begum**, Mehr-Un-Nisa Mustafa***
* Senior Instructor, The Aga Khan University School of Nursing, Karachi, Pakistan.
** Senior Instructor, The Aga Khan University School of Nursing, Karachi, Pakistan.
*** Tutor, Postgraduate College of Nursing, Hyatabad, Peshawar.
Khowaja, S.S., Begum, S., and Mustafa, M. (2012). Die before Exist. i-manager’s Journal on Nursing, 2(1), 38-42. https://doi.org/10.26634/jnur.2.1.1822

Abstract

Abortion is a complex, obsessive and sensitive argument that are interconnection with culture, religion, legal and moral grounds. Being a health care provider, the concept of life and death are the central to it and the issue of mother's and fetus's responsibility is come under the saving the life of a human being. Religion, medical science, and ethical principles have given the grounds to argue as well as counter argue the issue. At a final conclusion of such a sensitive and vital issue of abortion, this paper has argued against abortion as abortion is not just save the life of the fetus but it also prevents the life of the mother from danger. Moreover, various practical strategies have been proposed to go against abortion. Being nurses, addressing such an important dilemma has made us to think and realize that what are the possible issues and how to resolve them. There is no right or wrong answer but to resolve the dilemma in greatest good of all such as patients or the family members.