The purpose of the study was to examine the effect of different stressors on various domains of quality of life (QOL) in cancer patients. The study focused on testing a model describing interrelations between two kinds of stress antecedents, two mediating variables--perceived stress and self-efficacy--and QOL. The participants were 60 cancer patients of both genders and various diagnoses. They were administered questionnaires of background information, QOL, perceived stress and general self-efficacy. Two stress indices were defined empirically: health stress (based on advanced disease stage, long disease duration, and undergoing treatment) and social stress (based on unemployment, recent immigration, and older age). Confirmatory factor analysis enabled defining five factors of QOL. Hierarchical regression analyses showed that the index of social stress was related to more QOL scales than the index of health stress and very few interactions with the mediating variables. Structural equation modeling provided a more comprehensive and accurate view. It showed that the index of health stress affected QOL mainly through perceived stress, and that self-efficacy affected QOL by reducing perceived stress and increasing QOL. The major conclusions are that QOL is affected negatively by both health stresses and social stresses, but the former are mediated primarily by the experience of perceived stress.

Particular attention is needed when sexual harassment occurs to male students and nurses because they may be subjected to the more offensive sexual conducts and at the same time may lack the ability to respond assertively.

The subject of sexuality among elderly patients with dementia was examined, focusing on two main aspects: the sexual behaviour of institutionalized elderly people with dementia; and the reactions of other patients, staff and family members to this behaviour. The behaviour was found to be mostly heterosexual and ranged from love and caring to romance and outright eroticism. Reactions varied, being accepting of love and care but often objecting to erotic behaviour. Understanding of the sexual needs of elderly people should become an integral part of the training and continued education of health care staff, thus helping to resolve conflicts and clarify common misconceptions.

No abstract

The subject of sexuality among elderly patients with dementia was examined, focusing on two main aspects: the sexual behaviour of institutionalized elderly people with dementia; and the reactions of other patients, staff and family members to this behaviour. The behaviour was found to be mostly heterosexual and ranged from love and caring to romance and outright eroticism. Reactions varied, being accepting of love and care but often objecting to erotic behaviour. Understanding of the sexual needs of elderly people should become an integral part of the training and continued education of health care staff, thus helping to resolve conflicts and clarify common misconceptions.

Any country that has a high rate or increasing rate of childhood obesity must acknowledge core factors that contribute to this serious health problem. Furthermore, public policy and community partnerships that include all health professionals have a responsibility in the prevention of childhood obesity. This can be implemented through education, research and advocacy of all nurses involved with children and families.

This study endeavoured to clarify the ethical dilemmas concerning sexuality encountered by nurses caring for elderly patients suffering from dementia, and to assist the decision-making process of the nurses and staff who handle dilemmas of this nature. Many of the staff in geriatric institutions report difficulties, confusion, embarrassment and helplessness as well as negative responses and rejection when encountering sexual situations between patients of the same or different sex, patients and staff members or between patients and visitors. Embarrassment over sexuality is felt by staff members, visitors and family. This embarrassment may result in elderly patients being treated like children, and being separated from their partners. A response of this nature can provoke anger in the patients, sometimes leading to violence. The central dilemma on the subject of sexuality in a geriatric institution is the fact that staff are in conflict between the desire to protect the elderly patients and maintain their dignity and the patients' desire to fulfil their sexual needs. Since no single, definitive prescription can be provided for conduct acceptable to the staff, the patients and their families, it was decided to work with the staff on the basis of case studies to help them in selecting ways of coping.

Listening to favorite music immediately before a cesarean section may be a cost-effective, emotion-focused coping strategy. (BIRTH 39:2 June 2012).