Theses and dissertations (Health Sciences)
Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://ir-dev.dut.ac.za/handle/10321/12
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Item A model for managing psychological distress in undergraduate nursing students in South Africa(2018) Radana, Nolundi (Jevu); Basson, Petro MagdalenaThis study has its origins in the researcher’s own observations and experiences as a lecturer in mental health nursing. Specifically, it concerns the challenges associated with providing support and enabling environment for students presenting with psychological distress whilst on training. There is a dearth of literature in the Sub-Saharan Africa region regarding the prevalence of psychological distress amongst undergraduate nursing students, and there are no clear measures in place regarding how to deal with the situation, due to the lack of empirical evidence, leading to delayed referrals of students presenting with psychological distress, further compounds the psychiatric morbidity and ultimately the burden of disease in the country including institutions of higher education, which led to the formulation of the research rationale. The aim of this research study was to develop a model for management of psychological distress in undergraduate nursing students. A quantitative, descriptive, contextual and theory-generating research design was used. A 120-item questionnaire, consisting of four scales, was utilised to collect data from 848 undergraduate nursing students in the sampled universities in three provinces. SPSS-23 was employed in data analysis and descriptive, inferential statistics were generated using regression analysis, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis-tests, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Pearson’s correlation tests. Results showed significant evidence of psychological distress mainly related to social dysfunction and anxiety. Some of the identified factors contributing to more stress whilst on training were financial and time constraints (M=3.2432, SD= .97390); and level of education (M=3.2230, SD=.82644). Female students seemed to be experiencing more stress (M= 2.8199, SD=.99374) related to interpersonal conflict than do males (M=2.6131, SD=.90309), t (833) =2.617, p=.009). Analysis showed that older age is associated with more stress due to interpersonal conflict (r=.096, p=.005), while younger students experienced more stress from education (r=-.104, p=.003). Results showed a significant positive relationship based on personality traits, with neurotic personality traits contributing to all four areas of psychological distress, as well as an emotion- based coping styles. An intervention guideline in the form of a model for Managing Psychological Distress was developed.Item The impact of moral distress on the provision of nursing care amongst critical care nurses in the eThekwini District(2016) Ragavadu, Rita; Sibiya, Maureen Nokuthula; Pillay, PadminiIntroduction Moral distress is a widely recorded phenomenon in the nursing profession. It can be described as a form of distress that occurs when one knows the ethically correct thing to do, but is prevented from acting on that perceived obligation. Moral distress impacts patients, nurses and the organization. If the nurse is unable to advocate for her or his patient and avoidance behaviour occurs, increased patient suffering result. Moral distress results in high staff turnover, decreased quality patient care and low patient satisfaction. Unrelieved moral distress jeopardizes nurse’s sense of self-worth and threatens their integrity. Aim of the study The aim of the study was to determine the impact of moral distress on the provision of nursing care amongst critical care nurses. Methodology A quantitative descriptive design was used to determine the intensity and frequency of moral distress amongst critical care nurses, to assess the impact of moral distress on the provision of nursing care to the patient as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of organisational strategies implemented to reduce moral distress. Critical care nurses from both private and public hospitals were selected to participate in the study. Data was collected by means of a survey using the moral distress scale which was revised to meet the objectives of the study. A non-probability purposive sampling technique was utilised to gather data from a sample size of 100 critical care nurses currently working in the critical care environment. Results The study indicates that the frequency and intensity of moral distress is related to specific clinical situations in the critical care environment. The study also specifies that moral distress continues to have a negative effect on the provision of nursing care. Critical care nurses feel that some strategies are effective whereas others are not at all effective. Impact of the research study This study reveals that there is a significant negative effect of moral distress on the provision of nursing care. Nurses experience challenges in the clinical environment that result in them experiencing moral distress. Nurses more attuned to the ethical dimensions of care may be more at risk for moral distress since these nurses see the moral dimensions of nursing being neglected. Nurses may find themselves distancing themselves from patient care, resulting in a perceived lack of care and concern for the patient.