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Aim: Individual experiences shape perceptions of illness. Post-Soviet migrants have different expectations of chronic disease treatment than German patients. This study aimed to delve into perceptions of diabetes mellitus, a topic of increasing importance in global migration. Design: Qualitative, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 26 post-Soviet migrants with diabetes and three Russian-speaking diabetes counselors, mainly recruited through a snowball system. Methods: The research data were analyzed using a hermeneutic approach. The categories of the common-sense self-regulation model and developed subcategories were scrutinized by means of content analysis, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the data. Results: The perception of diabetes mellitus varied depending on the country where the diagnosis was made. This included the individual recording of symptoms, the expected time course, and the allocation of different competencies. Opportunities for access to the local healthcare system in the former Soviet Union influenced these expectations. Conclusion: The study's findings underscore the importance of healthcare access in the country of origin and the patient’s knowledge of diabetes mellitus in shaping their perception and treatment. These factors, influenced by the social environment and the patient’s level of education, continue to play a role even after immigration to Germany.

Aim: The study aimed to evaluate the self-reported competencies of healthcare students in patient safety within academic and clinical settings and to identify factors influencing these competencies. Design: A cross-sectional study. Methods: The study was conducted between February and June 2024 among 282 healthcare students (nursing, midwifery, and paramedicine) from two faculties in the Slovak Republic. The Health Professional Education in Patient Safety Survey (H-PEPSS) was used to measure six key dimensions of patient safety competencies. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, with correlations explored between competencies and sociodemographic or personality factors. Results: Students reported higher patient safety competencies in academic settings compared to clinical environments, with Managing Safety Risks receiving the highest ratings and Effective Communication the lowest. Significant differences were observed across disciplines, with nursing students generally reporting stronger competencies. Factors such as year of study, clinical placement type, previous healthcare experience, and personality factors influenced competency evaluations (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: The findings highlight the need to enhance training in communication and teamwork, and to foster a safety culture, particularly in clinical settings. Expanding patient safety education to a broader range of healthcare disciplines and standardizing training across curricula are vital steps to ensuring comprehensive preparation for future healthcare providers.

Aim: This study aimed to explore preceptors’ perceptions and experiences of clinical birth education. Design: A qualitative descriptive design was employed. Methods: The study involved 22 preceptors engaged in clinical birth education. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using conventional content analysis. Results: Analysis revealed four overarching themes: (1) causes of fear, (2) sources of motivation, (3) deficiencies in clinical midwifery education, and (4) characteristics of high-quality education. Conclusion: Optimizing clinical learning in birth wards requires effective management of students’ emotions and the enhancement of their motivation. Addressing deficiencies, improving the clinical learning environment, and selecting qualified preceptors – supported by targeted preceptorship training are critical to advancing the quality of birth education.

Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between Hungarian nursing students’ career choices and nursing professionalism in the context of sex and gender roles. Design: A cross-sectional study. Methods: The study, conducted between March 2023 and June 2023, employed a combination of a self-developed questionnaire and validated measurement instruments (Bem Sex Role Inventory 12 – BSRI-12; Nurse Professional Competence Scale – NPC Scale; 10-item Gender Role Beliefs Scale – GRBS). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software. The sample consisted of 252 BSc nursing students in Hungary (53 males, 199 females). Results: It was found that most students surveyed exhibited feminine traits (n = 84) and adhered to traditional gender roles (n = 132). Statistical analysis demonstrated significant associations between nursing students’ gender roles (p = 0.004), adherence to traditional gender roles (p < 0.000), and levels of nursing professionalism. Notably, an androgynous gender role correlated with heightened nursing professionalism (p < 0.001). Additionally, career choice motivations were influenced by sex, gender role, and individual perceptions of gender roles. Conclusion: A diversity of gender roles which influence individuals’ future careers in nursing was identified. Different motivating factors play a role in male and female nursing students’ career choices, knowledge of which would be useful in student recruitment in order to reduce nursing staff shortages.

Aim: This study aimed to: (1) explore post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms in relation to sociodemographic, obstetric, and childbirth trauma factors; (2) assess the association between perceived stress levels and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms; and (3) analyze how the duration of perceived stress affects post-traumatic stress disorder. Design: A cross-sectional study. Methods: Data were collected via an online survey, including demographic and obstetric information, traumatic childbirth events, post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, and perceived stress levels and duration in the postpartum period. The study was conducted with 202 women who self-identified as having experienced a traumatic childbirth. Results: Post-traumatic stress disorder scores did not differ significantly by most sociodemographic or obstetric factors, but cesarean delivery was linked to higher post-traumatic stress disorder scores compared to vaginal delivery with forceps or vacuum extraction, mediated by increased perceived stress. Perceived stress levels showed a significant positive association with all post-traumatic stress disorder dimensions. Stress duration significantly was related to total post-traumatic stress disorder scores, with longer stress being associated with greater severity of symptoms. Conclusion: Cesarean delivery and prolonged, elevated stress during childbirth are key risk factors for post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, highlighting the need for targeted postpartum mental health interventions.

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the perception of the work environment among intensive care unit (ICU) nurses in Slovakia and identify factors that influence their evaluation. Design: A cross-sectional descriptive study. Methods: The study was conducted between July and October 2023 using the Practice Environment Scale-Nursing Work Index (PES-NWI). Data were collected from 153 ICU nurses across four hospitals. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and nonparametric tests were used for data analysis. Results: The work environment received a generally positive evaluation, with collegial nurse-physician relations receiving the highest ratings, whereas staffing and resource adequacy scored the lowest. Significant correlations were found between job satisfaction, satisfaction with material resources, and perception of patient safety and positive evaluations of the work environment (p ≤ 0.05). Multiple regression analysis identified job satisfaction, satisfaction with material resources, and patient safety evaluation as key predictors of a positive work environment (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: These findings underscore the importance of addressing staffing adequacy, resource availability, and leadership support to improve the work environment for ICU nurses, with implications for both nurse retention and patient outcomes.

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of hydrocolloid dressing in preventing stage two or higher facial pressure injuries associated with the use of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) devices among critically ill patients. Design: A randomized control trial. Methods: The study included 56 adult patients in intensive care units. The study participants were categorized into two groups consisting of 28 patients in each group. The control group received skincare using a fine mist of water and repositioning of the device every two to four hours, while the intervention group received a hydrocolloid dressing and repositioning of the device every two to four hours. Results: A total of 33.9% of all participants in the study had facial pressure injury. None of the patients in the intervention group who received hydrocolloid dressing developed stage two or higher facial pressure injuries. A total of 32.2% of the control group developed stage two or higher facial pressure injuries. Results indicated that the use of hydrocolloid dressing can significantly prevent the formation of stage two or higher facial pressure injuries (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The study’s findings support the use of hydrocolloid dressing as a preventative measure for facial pressure injuries related to NIPPV devices.

Aim: Advances in intensive care have reduced mortality rates but increased the number of survivors who face medium to long-term physical, cognitive, and psychological deficits. Nurses play a crucial role in aiding these individuals during their health transition process. The aim of this study was to examine the health consequences and nursing care needs of patients post-ICU. Design: Retrospective observational study. Methods: Data were collected between December 2017 and October 2020 through a retrospective analysis of 215 clinical processes. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed using SPSS, version 24. Results: While physical sequelae, such as respiratory and digestive issues, decrease over time, mental health issues persist. Quality of life, especially regarding mobility and daily activities, remains affected. Survivors face various self-care needs, including compromised ventilation, impaired swallowing, hallucinations, depressive mood, and anxiety, but also have potential for improving self-efficacy and daily task performance. Nursing interventions should focus on neuromuscular, gastrointestinal, psychological, and cardiorespiratory health. Conclusion: Survivors of critical illness experience significant changes that impact on their quality of life. Identifying their needs allows for more personalized nursing care and the development of a follow-up model that effectively addresses these challenges and highlights the benefits of nursing interventions on health outcomes.

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess medication administration safety from the perspective of nurses working in standard inpatient care units at a large regional teaching hospital in Slovakia. Design: A cross-sectional study. Methods: For data collection, we used the validated Patient Safety Assessment in Medication Administration (ASPAM) tool to detect risk-generating conditions for the occurrence of adverse drug events in nursing practice. The sample consisted of 211 nurses from a selected teaching hospital in the Slovak Republic. For data analysis, we used descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Results: The mean ASPAM score was 4.30 ± 0.39, indicating generally high adherence to medication safety practices. However, the overall Positivity Index (52.29%) suggested a low quality of safe medication practices. The lowest adherence was detected in the domains “Right patient” and “Right time”. Nurses with ≥ 20 years of experience reported significantly lower adherence, while nurses in surgical units demonstrated significantly higher adherence in several domains. Nurses’ age was a statistically significant negative predictor of adherence to safe medication practices across multiple domains. Conclusion: This study revealed gaps in nurses’ adherence to safe medication administration practices which may compromise patient safety and the quality of nursing care.

Aim: Patients living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are challenged with managing the medical, social, and emotional consequences of the disease. Self-management of the disease plays a major role in actively preventing a deterioration such as an acute exacerbation (AECOPD). The aim of this study was to explore patients’ perspectives on self-management, for both participants who received a complex multicomponent behavior-focused intervention (e.g., physical activity) after hospitalization (intervention group) and participants who did not (control group). 
Design: A qualitative descriptive study design was used. 
Methods: Semi-structured one-to-one interviews were conducted (n = 10). A newly implemented counselling program conducted by an Advanced Nursing Practice (ANP) care team was introduced as part of the study. Participants in the control group received standard treatment for hospitalized AECOPD, while the intervention group received counselling focused on patient self-management from the ANP care team over a 13-week period. Control and intervention group narratives were compared using framework analysis. 
Results: The predominant four topics in both groups were deducted from Lorig’s conceptualization of self-management. These were: the management of burdensome emotions, the management of life roles, the management of medical regimen and recommendations, and the perception of self-management needs. The participants in the intervention group reported that counselling by the ANP team helped motivate them to sustain physical activity. They also found it reassuring to have a contact person they could easily reach out to in case of any queries or uncertainties, which provided them with a sense of security. 
Conclusion: There is a need for support in several areas of self-management after hospitalization for AECOPD. The newly introduced nurse-led self-management support was immediately well-received. Indeed, all participants appreciated the contact with their respective health professionals.

Aim: The aim of the research was to find significant factors that influence womenʼs satisfaction with childbirth. Design: A cross-sectional study design was chosen. Methods: The Czech version of the Birth Satisfaction Scale – Revised, supplemented with demographic questions and questions related to the process of childbirth, was used for data collection. The online questionnaire was completed by 870 women who met the inclusion criteria for the study. Results: Several statistically significant results were found: womenʼs satisfaction with childbirth increases with increasing age (p < 0.05), secondary / multipara women are more satisfied with the experience of childbirth than primipara women (p < 0.05), and the experience of spontaneous vaginal birth leads to higher satisfaction than operative birth (p < 0.05). The term of delivery, place, and perception of pain during delivery also influence womenʼs satisfaction with birth (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The midwifeʼs duty in caring for the woman is not only to ensure safety but also to promote the emergence of a positive and satisfying experience. Situations such as acute operative delivery or preterm birth are unavoidable in obstetrics. However, respectful care and emotional support provided during labor can develop womenʼs ability to perceive control over the situation, cope with labor pain and prevent negative experiences.

Aim: To measure the level of emotional intelligence in medical-surgical nursing specialist nurses. Design: A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study. Methods: Data were collected through a digital form comprising a questionnaire divided into two sections: first – sociodemographic and professional characterization; second – a Portuguese version of the Schutte Emotional Intelligence Scale. The internal consistency of the instrument, measured by Cronbach’s alpha (unidimensional), was 0.878. Data were collected between 27 January and 16 March 2023. A non-probability convenience sampling technique was used to enroll the participants. Results: The final sample consisted of 168 medical-surgical nursing specialist nurses. Their mean emotional intelligence score was 105.28 points, with a standard deviation of 10.56 points. The variables academic degree (p = 0.002) and gender (p = 0.035) showed a statistically significant association with the total emotional intelligence score. Conclusion: This study allowed to measure the level of emotional intelligence in medical-surgical nursing specialist nurses, yielding high mean scores. Nevertheless, it is essential to invest in strategies for the acquisition of emotional intelligence skills by professionals with low mean scores.

Aim: The idiographic case study aimed to explore the trust of a person with chronic pancreatitis in healthcare professionals.
Design: An interpretive phenomenological idiographic case study.
Methods: Data collection was carried out through a semi-structured in-depth interview with a 29-year-old man with chronic pancreatitis. The purposive sampling of the participant was carried out according to feasibility criteria. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used with the assistance of Atlas.ti 9 for data analysis.
Results: Five interconnected personal experiential themes reflecting the trust of the participant in healthcare professionals were identified: Trust in healthcare professionals as an inner feeling; Active and partnership approach of healthcare professionals; Paternalistic approach and lack of interest of healthcare professionals in the patient; Expertise of healthcare professionals; and Linking trust in health professionals with the hospital ward environment, with 22 experiential statements.
Conclusion: The participant considered trust to be an internal feeling of expectation that healthcare professionals would help him actively solve his health problems. The findings promote the implementation of patient-centered care and the partnership approach in the care of patients with chronic pancreatitis. The personal experience themes identified provide information for further qualitative research aimed at a deeper understanding of the lived experience of trust for patients with chronic pancreatitis.

Aim: Pre- and postnatal depressive symptoms may have a negative impact on maternal mental health and on mother-child bonding and interactions. The aim of the study was to assess the role of various factors on women’s mental health during pregnancy and to evaluate the role of selected health care strategies in preventing mental health issues before and after delivery, with an emphasis on the development of fear of childbirth and postnatal depression. Design: A quantitative study. 
Methods: A non-standardized 125-item questionnaire was developed with questions about pregnancy, delivery, and puerperium, including questions about mental health, physical health, and different forms of care received before, during and after delivery, as well as personal satisfaction with these forms of care was developed. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was used to assess depressive symptoms after delivery. Enrollment was purposive, and 361 women between six weeks and nine months postpartum were addressed. Statistical analysis was performed using SASD 1.5.8. Results: Fear of childbirth was found to be positively correlated with mental health issues during pregnancy and with the decision to have a cesarean delivery. No correlation was found between fear of childbirth and antenatal class attendance or trust in health professionals. Postnatal depression was positively correlated with mental health issues during pregnancy and with receiving information from the midwife about psychological changes during pregnancy, but negatively correlated with satisfaction with mother-infant bonding after delivery and with having a birth plan. No correlation was found between postnatal depression and sociodemographic characteristics or physical complications during pregnancy. Conclusion: Mental health issues during pregnancy and postpartum can negatively affect the quality of mother-child interactions and family interactions. It is crucial to pay attention to preventive measures, to educate both midwives and gynecologists about the importance of mental health during pregnancy, and to include mental health interventions during pregnancy in antenatal classes. It is important to pay attention to mother-infant bonding straight in the delivery ward as it is strongly associated with postnatal depression in the mother and well-being of the child.

Aim: To examine the level of social support of cancer patients and those undergoing surgery, and to investigate whether there are differences in social support of cancer patients according to the type of cancer. Design: A cross-sectional study. Methods: The study included 81 participants with colon, breast and lung cancer, of whom 49 (60%) were women and 32 (40%) were men, divided into three groups according to the type of cancer, one month after surgery and oncological treatment. The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support and data from medical records were used. Results: Lung cancer patients rated their health as moderate or poor, whereas those with breast cancer reported their health as very good or good (χ2 test, p = 0.003). Participants with colon cancer rated social support from family (Kruskal–Wallis test, p = 0.02) and social support from friends (Kruskal–Wallis test, p = 0.005) significantly better than patients with lung or breast cancer. Conclusion: Overall social support was rated significantly better by colon cancer patients compared to those with lung or breast cancer. Social support plays an important role in the treatment of cancer patients, and the study findings could help to develop personalized interventions and support programs for these individuals.

Aim: This study aimed to test an existing theory of the Anxiety about Aging Scale and determine the relationship between ageism and anxiety about aging in nurses in the Republic of Croatia. Design: A cross-sectional study. Methods: The sample consisted of 798 nurses from Republic of Croatia. Participants filled Anxiety about Aging Scale and Kogan’s Attitude toward Old People Scale. Results: Regarding the factor structure of the 20 items, chi-square test revealed a statistically significant finding (χ² = 2131.090, df = 164, p > 0.05). Analyses confirmed the four-factor structure (fear of older adults, psychological concern, fear of loss, and physical appearance) and the indicators of adequate reliability and validity. Furthermore, Kogan’s Attitude toward Old People Scale significantly correlated with fear of older adults (r = 0.409; p < 0.01); attitudes changed with fear of older adults. Factors such as age, work experience duration (in years), and education individually affected aging anxiety, but not sex, living with older adults, and work department. Conclusion: The Anxiety about Aging Scale Croatian version is a valid and reliable measuring instrument for nurses. Nurses who have expressed greater anxiety about aging have a more negative attitude toward older adults.

Aim: The supply of medical aids and training in their use are essential for home mechanically ventilated (HMV) children and their parents. Design: A qualitative interview study was performed to gain deeper insights into parents’ views and to derive sound recommendations for designing this form of care with the most common need for multiple medical aids (devices and accessories). Methods: Twelve problem-centred interviews were conducted with parents of children receiving HMV and subjected to qualitative content analysis. Results: Parents found ventilation-specific medical devices and accessories to be generally reliable, but not always well designed for children or well selected. Parents also identified challenges and problems regarding structural, procedural and personal aspects of the supply of medical aids. In particular, deficits in task performance and cooperation between stakeholders and involved healthcare institutions became apparent. When parents or home care nurses lacked competence in using the technology, unsafe situations easily arose. Conclusion: The study highlighted the need for further developments in the supply of ventilation-associated medical aids. Furthermore, the need for qualified professionals and for educational strategies to promote safety amongst parents as users of medical aids in home care became clear.

Aim: To explore the link between nurse professional competence and various educational components within nursing education based on empirical evidence. Design: A scoping review. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted from 1999 to 2024 using the Academic Search Premier, Business Source Complete, CINAHL, Education Research Complete, ERIC, and PubMed databases. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Thirty relevant studies met the inclusion criteria. The identified competencies were grouped into three main categories: management, nursing intervention, and societal and social competencies. Educational components were divided into two main categories: directive-regulated curricula and optional educational components. Most nurse competencies were linked to one or more educational components. Conclusion: This review found that competencies such as patient care initiation, interprofessional teamwork and nurse leadership received more research attention than others. The most frequently studied educational components were study modules / training in nursing curricula and clinical placements. However, no clear link was found between nurse competence and educational components for graduate nurses.

Aim: The aim of this study was to analyze the factor structure and psychometric properties of the Croatian version of the Register – Connectedness Scale for Older Adults (R-CSOA). Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: The study included 698 older adults; the median age of respondents was 73 years (range 65–94). The Register – Connectedness Scale for older adults (R-CSOA) was used. Results: The results indicated satisfactory psychometric characteristics, high overall reliability of the scale (α > 0.959), and high reliability across subscales (from α = 0.885 to α = 0.935) with a clear five-factor structure. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used and results of the final model of the R-CSOA show adequate (CFI and TLI) to good (RMSEA and SRMS) model fit. All subscales are significantly intercorrelated and have moderate to high statistically significant correlations with the overall scale. All subscales of the R-CSOA are statistically significantly correlated to external variables (self-esteem, loneliness, and successful aging). Conclusion: The Croatian version of the R-CSOA is a valid and reliable tool, suitable for measuring dimensions and level of connectedness in older adults in a Croatian context. Good reliability, construct validity, and sensitivity of the scale were confirmed.

Aim: To examine the impact of the complexity of regulations and restrictive policies on the accessibility of healthcare services for immigrants, particularly maternal and child healthcare. Public health nurses can facilitate management of healthcare services for immigrants in the community by preventing mortality and morbidity among the immigrant population. This literature review was used to identify the challenges faced by public health nurses in providing maternal-child immigrant healthcare. Design: A literature review. Methods: Relevant healthcare databases including PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched using the following combination of search terms: public health nurses, maternal care, child care, and immigrants. Results: Six articles were included in the review. Immigrants (undocumented immigrant families in particular) have limited access to public healthcare services, due to factors such as: socio-demographics; language barriers; cultural differences; the status of unregistered families; psychological distress; and problems with health insurance. Public health nurses deliver health education, maternal and postnatal check-ups, and vaccination through community and/or home-based service programs. The role of immigrant health volunteers is facilitated by the partnership between public health nurses and the immigrant population in providing comprehensive maternal and child healthcare in the community. Conclusion: There are barriers that currently impact on the development of public health nurses' provision of maternal and child healthcare services to immigrants. Strategies that can be implemented to improve public health nurse competencies in maternal and child healthcare of immigrants include bicultural or bilingual training, and cultural competencies in visit programs.

Aim: Complications associated with obesity may negatively affect the physiological growth and development of the fetus and the health of the child. The aim of the research was to determine the effect of pregnancy and the postpartum period on the body composition of first-time pregnant women using standardized anthropometric methods with the use of the Matiegka method for fractionation of body composition. Design: A longitudinal cohort study. Methods: The study was conducted in gynecological outpatient clinics on a population of 40 nulligravidas aged 18–40 years. The women were assessed in three stages corresponding to the trimesters of pregnancy and Stage IV, the postpartum period of six weeks. The parameters obtained were used to determine body composition according to the Matiegka method. The women were divided into two groups according to BMI, normal weight and overweight and obesity. Results: Significant changes in body composition were found during the measurements in Stages I–IV, with a decrease in skeletal muscle mass and an increase in fat component. There were significant changes in body composition between the categories of women with BMI normal weight and BMI overweight and obese in the ratio of skeletal muscle to body fat. Conclusion: The results indicate that monitoring body composition in pregnant women is important not only for preventing maternal obesity, but also for preventing fetal macrosomia and possible maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality associated with childbirth and the postpartum period.

Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate the attitude of nursing students towards online teaching during the pandemic Covid-19. Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted. Methods: The sample included full-time and part-time undergraduate and graduate students of nursing in the Republic of Croatia. The research was conducted using an online method with a questionnaire to measure studentsʼ attitudes towards the learning process through online teaching. Results: The largest number of participants (58.66%) expressed a moderate attitude towards online teaching; two participants (0.96 %) expressed a negative attitude towards online teaching; while 84 (40.38%) had a highly positive attitude towards online teaching. The findings indicated a significant difference in attitude towards online teaching with regard to student status (full-time / part-time) (p = 0.003), students’ conditions for monitoring online teaching (p = 0.003), and their beliefs and expectations (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Nursing students tended to express a moderate attitude towards online teaching. Most students would prefer combined classes and believe that conducting online classes only during the Covid-19 pandemic would reduce the amount of specific knowledge they would acquire during their studies.

Aim: Stress negatively affects studentsʼ health, self-esteem, and clinical performance. Although stress has been analyzed on a long-term basis and many clinical stressors are known, some of the factors potentially triggering stress have not been adequately studied, and the results are not consistent. Our research focused on an assessment of the stress intensity that nursing and midwifery students experience and the impact of ward type, difficulty in providing nursing care, and previous experience on perceptions of stress. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: The study sample (n = 258) consisted of 65.5% nursing and 34.5% midwifery students who had completed their clinical training in basal pediatric (36.5%), surgical (27.5%), and medical (36.0%) wards. We analyzed stress intensity (0–10), perception of the difficulty in providing nursing care from the studentʼs perspective (0–10), and their previous experience. Results: Across the entire group of students, the stress intensity was 3.84 (SD = 2.71). Students providing care in pediatric wards (M = 4.72) experienced the highest stress intensity, especially when compared to students in medical wards (M = 2.69), (p < 0.001). The provision of care is most demanding in pediatric wards (M = 4.91) compared to surgical (M = 2.97) and medical wards (M = 3.08), (p < 0.001). Difficulty in providing care is significantly associated with stress intensity (r = 0.548). Previous clinical experience reduces the perception of stress. However, we found a significant decrease only in surgical and medical wards. Conclusion: To reduce the perception of stress in pediatric wards, attention needs to be paid to the quality of pre-clinical training focused on pediatric patient care. At the same time, it is important to increase the effectiveness of clinical education in pediatric wards.

Aim: The aim of this study was to search for and describe current scientific knowledge about preventive measures and programs used to prevent mobbing in the workplace. Design: A scoping review. Methods: In February 2022, searches were performed in selected licensed and free databases (EBSCOhost, Ovid Nursing, Scopus, and Taylor & Francis) based on keywords according to a PCC question using Boolean operators. Results: A total of 573 sources were found, of which 23 were subjected to critical analysis. Nine sources were included in the final review. The majority of studies confirmed the effectiveness of prevention programs aimed at teaching assertive communication and promoting teamwork and a positive work climate. Also highlighted was the need to increase nurses’ awareness and knowledge of mobbing issues. Conclusion: Mobbing is a society-wide phenomenon that significantly affects individuals and organizations. Preventive measures have an indispensable role in the effort to reduce the incidence of mobbing in nurses. Prevention programs, a positive organizational climate, and minimal tolerance of mobbing by the employer have been identified as highly effective measures. Increased awareness, assertive communication training and knowledge of procedures for reporting mobbing reduce the incidence of mobbing at the individual level.

Aim: The aim of the review was to identify, analyse and synthesise the results of qualitative studies focusing on patients’ experiences of self-management after stroke. The research question according to the Participants, Phenomenon of Interest, Context format was as follows: What are patients’ experiences of self-management after stroke? Design: A literature review aimed at synthesising the findings of qualitative studies was conducted in accordance with the Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research statement. Methods: Qualitative studies were searched in the EBSCO, PubMed and Web of Science databases in November 2023. Searching and sorting followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guideline. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme. According to these criteria, 1072 studies were retrieved. Eight studies were included in the review. Results: The analysis of the eight qualitative studies revealed four themes: understanding the meaning of self-management; individual capacity and readiness; needs; and resources and supports in this area. The fourth theme includes five subthemes: family, healthcare professionals, peers, environment, and technology. Conclusion: Findings can inform routine practice to develop self-management support after stroke. Self-management support can enable stroke survivors and their families to take control of their long-term condition, from diagnosis to living with the disease.

Aim: The study aimed to investigate the level of postpartum anxiety in the research sample of women after childbirth and factors related to increased level of postpartum anxiety. The goal was also to establish the basic psychometric properties of the Postpartum Specific Anxiety Scale (PSAS-SK) in the Slovak language, and explore selected sociodemographic, perinatal, and anamnestic factors related to increased level of postpartum anxiety in a Slovak research sample. Design: Quantitative cross-sectional research study. Methods: The study involved 122 postpartum women (four-eight weeks postpartum, age 29.5; ± 4.8; 19–42). Data were collected using the standardized PSAS-SK questionnaire alongside sociodemographic and anamnestic data. Statistical analyses included nonparametric tests (Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney U test) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to assess the results. Results: Clinically significant levels of postpartum anxiety occurred in 25% of research participants. We found a significant relationship between perception of childbirth as traumatic and increased levels of postpartum anxiety. However, no significant relationship was confirmed between level of postpartum anxiety and education parity, type of childbirth, complications during pregnancy, perinatal loss, skin-to-skin contact, or health complications in the child. The PSAS-SK had high internal consistency in a Slovak research sample (Cronbach’s alpha 0.96). Results of the CFA focusing on confirmation of the four-factor structure of the PSAS-SK indicated the following results: χ2(df = 405) = 2188.0, p < 0.001, CFI = 0.07, RMSEA = 0.008. Conclusion: The Postpartum Specific Anxiety Scale is a valuable tool for the early detection of postpartum anxiety symptoms and for supporting interventions to manage heightened anxiety during the postpartum period, including recommendation of specialized mental health care when appropriate.