ABSTRACT
The diagnosis of pediatric cancer is a traumatic event and a major source of psychological stress for parents. Objective: The aim of our study was to determine the impact of sociodemographic, psychological & financial factors among parents of children diagnosed with cancer. Methods: This study was a quantitative, randomized, cross-sectional study (30) participants were randomly selected from the population of parents whose children have cancer and treated in the department of medical oncology at the child's Hospital in Basrah governorate. The study began on September 2023. Participants were given a questionnaire form to complete at the hospital. Results: showed that mothers, brothers, or relatives were the most likely person to accompany the sick child, while fathers were less likely due to their work and living concerns. 90% of families had to adapt psychologically to the presence of the disease in their child, and this did not affect relations with society or between members of the same family. Financial factor was probably extremely harmful causing stress in families, especially those with low incomes, followed by long periods of hospitalization and the confining of treatments to painkiller. This led to the loss of most sick children to chances of completing their studies. Conclusions: Families of children with childhood cancer face substantial challenges. The present study explored the financial of the family and the impact of childhood cancer on these families. In addition, the domains of both tools were significantly associated with some demographic characteristics of the child and his parents. Recommendation: Based on these findings, increased psychosocial and emotional resources for patients and their families have to be facilitated and improved. Further research studies in this topic to investigate barriers and facilitators for family care.

ABSTRACT
Background: Globally, maternal mortality rate (MMR) fell by nearly 44% from 385 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in 1990 to an estimated 216 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2015 (Wang, 2021).Most of the maternal deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, with sub-Saharan Africa accounting for 66 per cent of the maternal deaths (Onambele et al., 2022). Kenya saw a significant drop in MMR from of 605 in 2010 to 510 in 2015 while the deliveries by skilled birth attendants increased from 44% in 2008-09 to 62% in 2014. Besides, health facility deliveries increased from 43% to 61% (KDHS 2014). The improved maternal health indicators have been attributed to trainings of healthcare workers on maternal and newborn healthcare, improved in-service training, continuous supply of obstetric basic and emergency equipment and supplies, improved referral systems and periodic monitoring and evaluation among other interventions. However, MMR remains very high and there exists in-country disparities in the rate of maternal deaths. Kisumu and Vihiga counties are at 597 and 531 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, respectively. Objective: To explore the contextual factors influencing the retention of BEmONC knowledge and skills among skilled birth attendants in Western Kenya. Methods: The study employed a descriptive phenomenological approach to explore the contextual factors influencing the retention of BEmONC knowledge and skills among skilled birth attendants in Western Kenya. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 30 participants for two focused group discussion (FGDs) conducted between October and November 2021.The data were analyzed via inductive thematic analysis. Results: The thematic areas fell into six categories: The perspective of individual SBA, structural level perspective; sub-theme; infrastructure and facilities, human resource, logistic and supplies: Transportation and accessibility, financial barriers, information and awareness; cultural ...

ABSTRACT
This is a prospective study on perceptions of actual and preferred hospital clinical learning environment of student nurses and midwives in Imo state university, Owerri. The study was guided by four objectives and four research questions. This research specifically assessed the student nurses view of their actual and preferred hospital CLE, determine if differences exist in student nurses view of their actual and preferred hospital CLE, establish the association between the actual and preferred hospital CLE and identify factors that influence student nurses opinion of their hospital CLE. The researcher reviewed and summarized related literatures in the study. The research design adopted was descriptive research design. The target population was 254 nursing and midwifery students in fourth and fifth year in the department of nursing science, Orlu campus. The sample size of 152 nursing students was purposively chosen for the study. Questionnaire was used as instrument of data collection. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentages and mean were presented using tables for easy interpretation. The findings revealed that there is significant difference in the student nurses and midwives’ views of their actual and preferred hospital clinical learning environments (>2.50) in all the groups except personalization (<2.50). This implies that the student nurses’ view of the preferred hospital clinical learning environment is always higher than their view of the actual hospital clinical learning environment. They were agree to be the factors that influence student nurses’ opinion of their actual and preferred hospital clinical hospital environment (mean scores >2.50); except age of student (mean scores <2.50) and gender of student (mean scores >2.50). The importance of helping students feel valued and interpersonal relationships in the clinical area need to be highlighted in the preceptor preparation programmes. Recommendations ...

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.