Mosul Journal of Nursing

On this World Patient Safety Day, 17 September 2024, we come together to emphasize a critical aspect of healthcare delivery under this year’s theme: "Improving Diagnosis for Patient Safety." As the foundation of effective treatment, accurate and timely diagnosis is essential to ensuring patient safety and optimal care outcomes.
Nurses play a pivotal role in the diagnostic process. From initial patient assessment to ongoing monitoring, your keen observation, clinical judgement, and patient-centered care contribute directly to safer diagnoses. However, we must acknowledge that diagnostic errors remain a significant challenge in healthcare globally, including in our own settings. Misdiagnoses, delayed diagnoses, or even failure to diagnose can lead to severe complications, impacting both patient outcomes and trust in the healthcare system.
At the Mosul Journal of Nursing, we are committed to highlighting the role of nurses in enhancing diagnostic accuracy and patient safety. This World Patient Safety Day is an opportunity for all healthcare professionals to advocate for better communication, education, and system improvements that support safer and more accurate diagnostic practices. Together, we can reduce the risk of errors, improve the safety of our patients, and promote a culture of continuous learning and collaboration within healthcare teams.
Let us unite to take concrete steps towards improving the diagnostic process and ensuring that every patient receives the right care at the right time.
We encourage all of you to actively participate in the initiatives and conversations surrounding this day. Patient safety is everyone’s responsibility, and together we can make a difference.
Warm regards,
Prof.Dr.Radhwan Hussein Ibrahim,PhD,CHN
Editor-in-chief
Mosul Journal of Nursing
prof.dr.radhwan@uomosul.edu.iq

Background: The role of the nurse manager is to ensure adequate management of resources and quality patient care especially in dire emergencies such as COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding the nurse managers’ experiences is crucial to better inform nursing management on how to surpass this kind of critical situation in future.Aim: This review aims to synthesize existing qualitative studies exploring experiences of nurse managers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design: Systematic literature review of qualitative studiesMethods: The systematic literature review was conducted from October 2022 to April 2023. The study population included nurse managers responsible for managing the health facilities. The study included qualitative studies conducted in English and in published between 2019 and 2023. A systematic search using CINAHL, EBSCO Host databases, Google scholar, MEDLINE, Scopus are used in the study. The PRISMA guidelines used to illustrate the process of selection of the included articles has been incorporated as part of the review. The final set of data included original papers meeting the eligibility criteria.Result: Results were presented under three major themes: time-consuming, lack of recognition and need extra support. Further research is required in the mental health clinical setting to effectively explore the impact of relationships between preceptors and the preceptees.Conclusion: Preceptors reported supervising students in the clinical area has many benefits. However, some challenges they raised were increase in workload, requiring some guidance and acknowledgement from the organization.

Background: Mothers of infants admitted to neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) frequently experience significant emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress. Nurse-led listening visits (NLVs) have emerged as a potential intervention to address this distress and improve maternal well-being.Methods: This scoping review followed a five-stage methodological framework, encompassing research question formulation, literature retrieval, study selection, data charting, and results reporting. Databases including Embase, Science Direct, PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for studies published from 2010 to 2024, examining the implementation and impact of NLVs on mothers in the NICU.Results: The review identified thirty-eight (38) studies of diverse designs, including randomized controlled trials, qualitative studies, and systematic reviews. The evidence consistently demonstrates that NLVs are effective in reducing maternal emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress symptoms. Additionally, NLVs enhance mother-infant bonding, improve maternal self-efficacy, and may contribute to positive long-term outcomes.Conclusion: Nurse-led listening visits are a promising intervention for supporting the emotional well-being of mothers with infants in the NICU. This review highlights the need for further research to optimize implementation strategies, explore cultural adaptations, and investigate long-term effects. Integrating NLVs into standard NICU care could significantly improve maternal mental health outcomes and overall family well-being.

Background: This article aims to provide a comprehensive narrative review of hemodialysis patients' spiritual well-being and quality of life, addressing the research question of whether spiritual well-being influences quality of life and health outcomes.Methods: A rigorous narrative review study and comprehensive electronic database search on spiritual well-being in hemodialysis patients were meticulously conducted. The review included a wide range of patients undergoing hemodialysis, and articles published in English from January 2013 to January 2024 were meticulously searched using specific keywords. Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct, PubMed, Scientific Information Database (SID), and Google Scholar were exhaustively utilized. The researchers conducted thorough article extraction and review, and the final related articles were selected and evaluated using a meticulously prepared checklist.Results: The database search yielded 33 published articles, out of which 12 were selected for final evaluation. The spiritual well-being of patients undergoing hemodialysis was categorized into religious and existential well-being. Religious well-being encompasses aspects related to faith, belief, and religious practices. In contrast, existential well-being includes aspects related to the meaning and purpose of life, personal growth, and self-actualization. These categories further encompass socio-cultural, psychological, individualistic, and material world-oriented aspects.Conclusions: The literature highlights that spiritual well-being positively influences health and quality of life. Incorporating spiritual well-being assessments and spiritual care into clinical practice can enhance treatment quality and health outcomes, particularly for hemodialysis patients, significantly improving their lives.

Background: Apple cider vinegar contains polyphenolic compounds that have beneficial health effects. Varicosity has negative effects on the quality of life of patients, and it causes important workforce losses. Conservative treatment in varicosity patients aims to reduce the symptoms of the condition, try to prevent its progress and prevent the development of complications.Aim: This study aimed to determine the effect of topical apple cider vinegar application on the symptoms of varicosities. Methods: A total of 74 patients who have varicosities, 37 patients in the intervention and 37 patients in the control. Two patients from intervention dropped out, three patients from control, and 69 patients were analyzed in this randomized controlled trial, 35 patients in the intervention and 34 patients in the control group. The study outcomes were assessed at the beginning of the study and after one month. The varicosities symptoms were assessed by the Varicosities symptoms questionnaire and visual Analogue Scale.Results: The sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of both groups were found to be similar. The patients were evaluated concerning cramps, pain, leg fatigue perception, edema, itching, pigmentation, and weight feelings in the leg, and VAS, in the second evaluation; the decrease in the intervention group was higher and statistically meaningful (???? < 0.05).Conclusion. We determined that the external application of apple vinegar on varicosity patients, which is a very easy application, increased the positive effects of conservative treatment

Background: High-risk behaviors are one of the most apparent social problems that have irreversible consequences for the individual and society.This study was to compare the high-risk behaviors among health and non-health science university students in southeastern Iran.Methods:This was a cross-sectional study. 626 students of University of Sciences and University of Health Sciences in Kerman, Between 2017-18 were selected by quota sampling method. The demographic questionnaire, and the Iranian adolescent riskiness scale were used to collect the data. Results: There was no significant difference between non-health (74.94 ± 23.0) and health science students (72.43 ± 22.33) regarding high-risk behaviors score (P>0.05). The non-health science students were significantly more inclined towards the components of smoking, sexual relations and sexual orientation towards the opposite sex, than the health science students (P < 0.05).Conclusion: It is essential to design and implement different interventions in each of the universities to reduce high-risk behaviors.

Backgrounds and objectives: Hemodialysis is a crucial therapy for patients with end-stage renal disease, with arteriovenous (AV) fistulas being commonly utilized due to their durability and lower infection risk. Proper care and maintenance of AV fistulas are essential for their long-term functionality and efficacy in facilitating hemodialysis. This study assessed the knowledge and self-care practices related to AV fistula among hemodialysis patients.Methods: A quantitative, descriptive study design was adopted in Hawler Teaching Hospitals, Erbil City, Iraq. There were 112 patients interviewed from September 2023 to January 2024 by using a semi-structured questionnaire multiple-choice and three-point Likert scale to collect clinical and demographical data of patients to assess knowledge and practice, respectively.Results: The results of the study showed that the majority (48.2%) of the patients had inadequate knowledge, 31.3% had moderately adequate knowledge, and 20.5% had adequate knowledge regarding self-care of AV fistula. The majority (85.7%) of the patients had moderate self-reported practice, 14.3 % had poor self-reported self-care regarding AV fistula self-care, and none had good self-reported practice. A significant relationship was found between knowledge and practice of self-care of AV fistula with level of education, which was statistically significant at (p< .05).Conclusion: The study findings highlight inadequate knowledge and suboptimal self-care practices among hemodialysis patients, particularly those undergoing dialysis for one to two years. This underscores the critical need for patient education and support improvements to enhance AV fistula care and optimize patient outcomes.

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a prevalent condition that significantly impacts individuals' quality of life and daily activities. Radiated low back pain, particularly in acute or sub-acute stages, poses a challenge for effective management. The McKenzie Method, particularly McKenzie extension exercises (MEE), has been suggested as a beneficial intervention for alleviating radiated pain. This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of MEE on radiated low back pain among patients in Iraq.Aim: This study aimed to assess the impact of McKenzie exercises on radiated low back pain in patients with acute or sub-acute low back pain.Methods:The study was conducted at the physiotherapy department of Rzgary Teaching Hospital in Iraq from October 20th, 2021, to March 1st, 2022. A total of 51 patients (26 males and 25 females) with acute or sub-acute radiated low back pain were conveniently sampled. Participants received McKenzie extension exercises as part of their treatment program. Assessments were conducted at 1 week, 3 weeks, and 3 months using a numerical rating scale (NRS) for pain and the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) for disability resulting from low back pain.Results: The study demonstrated significant improvement in radiated pain over the three-month period. The mean radiated pain score decreased from 1.863 at the pretest to 0.235 at three months, indicating substantial improvement. Significant improvements in radiated pain were observed at each assessment point, with p-values less than 0.001. Most participants reported intermittent pain, with bending as the most aggravating factor and lying down as a relieving factor. The sample included participants from various residential areas, predominantly married individuals with a lower educational background. The duration of low back pain among participants varied, indicating a mix of acute and sub-acute cases.Conclusion: The findings suggest that McKenzie extension exercises effectively reduce radiated low back pain in patients with acute or sub-acute conditions. The intervention led to significant improvements in pain and disability over a three-month period. Further research is warranted to explore the long-term effects and potential benefits of McKenzie exercises in centralizing pain.

Background: In Kurdish society, men entering nursing have yet to be studied from various perspectives. In addition, males generally do not consider nursing a professional choice due to masculine gender characteristics and the prevailing public image. Therefore, nursing must consider alternate solutions to address the demands of the nursing shortage in practice and education.Aim: The study aims to examine the difficulties of male student nurses in a profession in Kurdish society and investigate the causes behind the constant conditions, particularly sociocultural constructs that influence community perceptions of nursing.Method: This study adopted a non-probability (convenience sampling) design. The experiences of 276 undergraduate male nursing students of the Nursing College of (the University of Sulaimani, Komar University of Science and Technology, and Sulaimani Polytechnic University) were explored. The questionnaires were constructed according to the study's objectives, consisting of four parts (socio-demographic data, experienced difficulties on campus and clinical setting, social and cultural difficulties, and attraction and remaining in the profession).Result: (%73.9) of the participants revealed that general perception by society and mass media played a significant role in dissuading men from choosing to nurse. Another revelation was that (%68.5) of the students were discriminated against compared to females; therefore (%59.1) refused to encourage a male family member. (%77.2) of the students believed in the ultimate inferiority of nursing regarding medicine. Many reasons contributed to the decision to leave nursing, but most students (%59.8) had to accept nursing because of the 12th-graduate point average. (%76.8) of the students who said the nursing program was not meeting their favorable expectations.Conclusion: The findings of this study revealed that sociocultural difficulties were the most significant obstacle faced by male students that caused them not to choose nursing as a first-choice career, as well as the concept that nursing as a profession is recognized as an inferior career choice relative to other health-related professions, such as medicine. However, the reasons for the lack of males in the profession were inherent belief in the naturalism of women as Nurses, poor working conditions and the low pay, and the inability of males to shake off the low reputation men in Nursing had acquired.

Background: Osteoporosis is a skeletal disease characterized by reduced bone mineral density and increased bone fragility, leading to a higher risk of fractures. It is a prevalent condition, especially among the elderly, with common fracture sites including the hip, spine, and wrist.Aim: This study aimed to assess the knowledge of osteoporosis among nursing students at the College of Nursing, University of Sulaimani.Methods: Ninety-one nursing students from the College of Nursing, University of Sulaimani, participated in this study using a non-probability convenience sampling technique. The Facts on Osteoporosis Quiz (FOOQ) questionnaire was utilized to gather data, which was then analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS, version 23).Results: The mean age of the students was 20.83 ± 2.73 years. Of the participants, 53.8% had fair knowledge about osteoporosis, and an equal percentage (53.8%) were female. Additionally, 50.5% of the students lived with their families, and 64.8% had a preparatory school background. Students were knowledgeable about certain aspects: 83.5% knew multiple prevention methods, 78% recognized the need for increased calcium during growth, 74.7% understood the risk posed by high caffeine and low calcium intake, and 73.6% were aware of the fracture risk in women over 50 without preventive measures. However, there were significant knowledge gaps: only 28.6% knew that walking does not benefit osteoporosis, 22% identified low-weight females as higher risk, and 28.6% knew the calcium content in a glass of milk.Conclusions: The study reveals that nursing students at the University of Sulaimani have inadequate knowledge of osteoporosis, particularly in areas related to prevention and treatment, highlighting the need for enhanced educational interventions.