ABSTRACT
Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), also known as nosocomial or healthcare-associated infections are a common global challenge. Novice nursing students, as part of the healthcare team, play a critical role in infection control, but often face a theory-practice gap during their transition to clinical practice. This gap can affect patient care, reduce their clinical performance, and contribute to increased HAI rates. Objectives: The study aimed to assess novice nursing students' knowledge and practice of HAI, examine the relationship between knowledge and practice, and explore associations with socio-demographic variables. Method: A descriptive study involving 100 novice nursing students (with less than one year of study) at a tertiary care hospital was conducted. Self-structured questionnaires assessed their knowledge and practice related to HAI. Results: The majority (72%) had moderately adequate knowledge, 26% had inadequate knowledge, and only 2% had adequate knowledge. Regarding practice, 52% had poor practice, 42% had fair practice, and 6% had good practice. A moderate positive correlation was found between knowledge and practice (r=0.425, p<0.00001). Practice was associated with age (p=0.027) and gender (p=0.012), but no association was found between knowledge and socio-demographic variables. Conclusion: Most novice nursing students demonstrated moderately adequate knowledge but insufficient practice in HAI control, potentially leading to higher infection rates. These findings highlight the need for clear policies, guidelines, and training to address knowledge and practice gaps.

ABSTRACT
Purpose: This study explored nursing students' knowledge and beliefs variables (attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavior control) as determinants of intention in volunteering to care for COVID-19 patients across multiple demographic groups (gender, academic level, and volunteering experience). Methods: This mediation Path analysis and multiple-groups Path analysis is part of a larger exploratory cross-sectional study that we conducted in July 2020. We developed and administered an online Likert-scale questionnaire to 437 nursing students. Results: Knowledge negatively predicted students' intentions to care for COVID-19 patients (r= −.258, p≤ .01), with perceived behavioral control as a mediator. Subjective norms positively predicted intention among males, seniors, and students with previous volunteer experience. Despite a significant relationship between knowledge and the belief variables, subjective norms had insignificant effect on the intentions of females, juniors, and those without volunteer experience. Conclusion: Building confidence and self-efficacy are essential in preparing nursing students for crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Revising healthcare policies to create opportunities for students to volunteer may help support the healthcare system and reduce the burden on nurses in crisis. Additionally, updating curriculums to build skills, confidence and promote opportunities for volunteering may help prepare nursing students to effectively assist in disasters.

ABSTRACT
Background: Diabetes mellitus is a rising global health problem which requires continuous self-management practice to prevent acute and chronic complications. However, studies show that few diabetic patients practice the recommended self-management practices. This study aimed at assessing self-management practices among diabetic patients at Chilenje, Chawama and Kanyama First Level Hospitals in Lusaka, Zambia. Methodology: A hospital based cross-sectional analytical design was used for this study. The study population included all adult patients with diabetes mellitus who receive care at Chilenje, Chawama and Kanyama First Level Hospitals in Lusaka District. Fish bowl sampling without replacement was used to select participants and sample size calculated was 167. Data were collected using a structured interview guide adapted from the Summary of Diabetes Self-care Activities. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences v26.0 at 5% level of significance. Ethical clearance and permission to collect research data were sought and granted accordingly. Results: This study had a total 167 participants. Overall, the study observed that 122 (73%) patients reported poor self-management practices while only 45 (27%) reported good self-management. Unacceptable fasting glucose level ranges vs. acceptable fasting glucose level ranges (AOR: 0.38; 95% CI: 0.15, 0.99) p- value = 0.049 and 5 – 9 years with diabetes vs. less than 5 years and more than 9 years with diabetes (AOR: 0.36; 95% CI: 0.14, 0.95) p- value 0.039 were statistically significant predictors of poor self-management practices among diabetic patients. Conclusion: This study showed that majority of diabetic patients had poor self -management practices. The study further observed that patients with unacceptable fasting blood glucose level ranges and those with diabetes for 5 – 9 years were more likely to have poor self-management practices. ...

ABSTRACT
Neonatal sepsis remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality particularly in Zambia accounting for 45% of all the deaths in under-five period (MoH Action Plan, 2022-2026). Zambia face a lifetime risk of 1 in 37 infants die in their first months of life with the neonatal mortality rate of 27 per 1000 live births (Zambia Statistical agency, 2019). The aim of this article is to determine risk factors associated with neonatal sepsis in Zambia. Appreciating these factors is critical for implementing effective measures in the prevention and improving neonatal health outcomes in Zambia. The risk factors of neonatal sepsis are classified into maternal, perinatal and neonatal factors drawing insights from recent studies conducted within the Zambian context.

ABSTRACT
Background: Physical and psychological impact of traumatic childbirth is often de-emphasized and under-reported, which may have profound implications on the mother’s general well-being. This systematic review examines the psychological and physical impacts of birth trauma on mothers, aiming to integrate existing research and identify gaps. Method: The study conducted a comprehensive search across PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library, selecting studies based on relevance and methodological quality. Meta-analyses were performed to pool data where possible. The review included ten studies highlighting that birth trauma is linked to significant psychological outcomes like PTSD, anxiety, and depression, and physical issues such as pelvic floor dysfunction and chronic pain. Results: The review found that there is lack of diversity in study populations, insufficient integration of physical and psychological impacts, and the coping mechanisms and interventions. The findings noted the necessity for a holistic approach to maternal care that addresses both psychological and physical aspects of birth trauma. Conclusion: This review highlighted the insufficient integration of psychological and physical impact of birth trauma to mothers. It calls for future research to adopt a more comprehensive approach, recognizing the interplay between mental and physical health outcomes. Furthermore, maternal healthcare systems should incorporate integrated interventions and support systems to address these multi-faceted impacts. Improved awareness and care models could significantly enhance maternal well-being and recovery after traumatic childbirth.

ABSTRACT
An experimental study assessed the effectiveness of music therapy in reducing hypertension among 70 antenatal mothers in a selected community in Bengaluru, Karnataka. Participants were selected through non-probability purposive sampling and underwent baseline assessments for blood pressure, demographic characteristics, and stress levels using a structured questionnaire. Over a specified period, the mothers engaged in structured music therapy sessions. Results indicated a significant reduction in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure following the intervention, demonstrating the efficacy of music therapy as a non-invasive strategy for managing hypertension in pregnant women. The study found that the predominant age group was 30-34 years (42.86%), with most participants being married (95.71%) and homemakers (57.14%). Socio-economically, 50% of the sample belonged to the middle class, and 54.29% were in their second trimester. The pre-pregnancy BMI distribution was balanced between underweight (35.7%) and normal weight (35.7%) women, supporting the integration of holistic methods like music therapy into routine prenatal care.

ABSTRACT
Adolescence is a phase of transition from childhood to adulthood. During this period that the adolescents acquire sexual and reproductive maturity. Health education given to adolescent girls helps build their knowledge, motivates them to improve and maintain their health, prevent diseases and reduce risky behaviours among them hence the study was done to assess the effectiveness of health education among rural adolescent girls. This study evaluated the efficacy of a reproductive health awareness program for adolescent girls in Bangalore, addressing critical topics like menstrual health, hygiene, and reproductive wellness. Using a pre-experimental one-group pre-test post-test design, the research involved 100 college-going girls selected through non-probability convenient sampling. Pre- and post-test assessments were conducted using a validated knowledge questionnaire. Results showed a significant improvement in knowledge scores, with mean scores increasing by 23.1 (t = 33, p < 0.001), indicating a shift from inadequate to adequate understanding. Demographic factors, such as class, religion, and menstrual regularity, were correlated with knowledge levels. The study concluded that the awareness program effectively enhanced the knowledge of adolescent girls, underscoring the need for continued health education initiatives. These findings suggest that such programs are vital for empowering young women and improving their reproductive health awareness, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes in this demographic.