| 1 |
Author(s):
Lawrence Sao Babawo (Ph.D.), Rashid Bundu Kpaka, Stella Fortune.
Page No : 1-19
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The Impact of Nurse Educators’ Attitude on Nursing Students’ Academic Performance and Ethical Growth at the Department of Nursing, Eastern Technical University of Sierra Leone
Abstract
Introduction: Sierra Leone faces significant healthcare challenges, including a shortage of healthcare professionals and concerns over the competence and ethical behaviour of nurses. Understanding the role of nurse educators in shaping the next generation of nurses is essential for addressing these challenges and improving healthcare delivery. Aim: To examine the impact of Nurse Educators’ attitudes on Nursing Students' academic performance and Ethical Growth at the Department of Nursing, Eastern Technical University of Sierra Leone. Methods: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional mixed-methods design, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative approaches, and utilised a stratified random sampling method to survey students between August and October 2023. The sample size was determined using an online Raosoft sample size calculator and the WallStreetMojo formula, ensuring a 5% margin of error at a 95% confidence interval. Data collection involved a self-designed 5-point Likert scale questionnaire, assessed for reliability and internal consistency using Cronbach's alpha, with analysis conducted through descriptive statistics, factor analysis, and the chi-square test of independence, maintaining a significance level of p ≤ 0.05. Result: Findings that emerged include the positive influence of educators' attitudes, commitment, and effective teaching methods, underscoring their crucial role in cultivating a conducive learning environment. Similarly, negative findings reveal apprehensions regarding clinical preparation, student participation, and the perceived influence of educators' behaviour on academic progress and motivation. Statistical analyses, including chi-square tests, reveal the statistical significance of the relationships between nurse educators' attitudes and students’ academic performance and ethical growth. Qualitative themes, including respect, fairness, and equality emerged, highlighting the intricate nature of professional relationships between educators and students. Conclusion: The study sheds light on nurse educators' influence on students' academic performance and ethical growth, emphasising the importance of addressing both positive aspects and areas of concern for a holistic learning environment. The qualitative responses emphasised a collective desire for a supportive and respectful atmosphere and implementing the study's recommendations is seen as vital for enhancing professional relationships in nursing education.
| 2 |
Author(s):
Lawrence Sao Babawo (Ph.D.), Allieu F. B. Saccoh, Rashid Bundu Kpaka.
Page No : 20-46
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Understanding Vision Impairment: A Comprehensive Study of Uncorrected Refractive Errors among Primary School Teachers and Pupils in Nongowa Chiefdom, Kenema District, Sierra Leone.
Abstract
Introduction: Uncorrected Refractive Error (URE) is a major concern globally, particularly in developing nations like Sierra Leone, where limited access to eye care services poses challenges. Aim: This study, conducted in Nongowa Chiefdom, Kenema District, Sierra Leone, aimed to investigate the prevalence of URE and associated knowledge, attitudes, and practices among primary school pupils and teachers. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional designs, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative methods were used. A structured survey questionnaire and visual acuity screening tools were used to assess uncorrected refractive errors among 692 randomly selected participants, data analysis involved descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis. Results: The study involved 374 pupils and 318 teachers from 145 public and 14 private schools, uncorrected refractive error prevalence was 66%, with hypermetropia most prevalent and blindness at 0.13%. Girls contributed 29% of cases compared to boys' 25%. Ages 5-17 were most affected. Public schools accounted for 91% of cases, with peri-urban areas contributing 24% and urban areas 76%. Economic status and education influenced prevalence. Teachers played a crucial role in promoting eye health education. Economic factors may have influenced observed differences in refractive errors. Conclusion: The study highlighted the multifaceted nature of URE, involving demographic, economic, and educational factors. Addressing these complexities through targeted interventions is crucial for mitigating the burden of visual impairment in the region.
| 3 |
Author(s):
Ibrahim Sahr Momoh, Mimi K. K. Rogers, Mariama Lilei Kassay, Elizabeth M. J. Faley.
Page No : 47-63
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Innovative Management of Non-Communicable Disease in a Low-Income Country: Supporting Nurses and Midwives to Set Up and Manage a Nurse-Led Diabetes Clinic at Bo Government Hospital in Sierra Leone
Abstract
Recognising the increasing prevalence of diabetes globally and the challenges faced by communities with limited resources, the Organisation of Sierra Leonean Healthcare Professionals Abroad (TOSHPA) proposed the establishment of a nurse/midwife-led clinic for patients with Type 2 and gestational diabetes to be established in Bo Government Hospital (BGH) Southern Sierra Leone. The nurse/midwife-led approach can prove to be an effective and sustainable solution and is done in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MOH) and BGH Management Team in Sierra Leone. The project is funded by The Burdett Trust for Nursing, UK. BGH will allow second-motivated registered nurses and midwives who have a passion for community health to be trained/upskilled and capacitated to work in an extended role. The training will focus on patient assessment, investigations, diagnosis, treatment, health promotion, education, cultural competency, effective communication and active follow-up.
| 4 |
Author(s):
Ogechi Helen Abazie, Linda Chihurumnanya Odikpo.
Page No : 64-81
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Nursing Students’ Perception and Attitude towards Online Learning during COVID-19 Pandemic in Nigeria
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic affected nursing students dramatically when the clinical sites and the onsite classrooms closed to physical participation. The study is on nursing students’ perception, attitude and perceived benefits of online learning during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional online survey of nursing students. A multistage sampling technique was used for the study. Data were collected using Google Forms from 429 nursing students. Descriptive data of respondents were presented in tables, charts, percentages, means, and standard deviation, while the inferential data were tested with Chi-square at a significance level of P< 0.05.
Results: Mean age is 23.15± 3.10 years, 396(92.3%) had positive perception and 396(92.3%) had a good attitude towards online learning. There is a relationship between the perception of online learning and attitudes toward online learning as all the variables showed a statistically significant relationship of p<0.001.
Conclusion: Nursing students had a positive view of online learning in nursing education. To be successful, online learning must be reliable, accessible, and user‐friendly with tech support available 24 hours a day.
| 5 |
Author(s):
Ojilere Ezinne Jane, Ilo Clementine Ifeyinwa.
Page No : 82-92
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Knowledge and Uptake of Community-Based Healthcare Financing in Management of Non-Communicable Diseases among Community Members in Anambra State, Nigeria
Abstract
Background: Catastrophic health expenditure is one of the challenges people living with non-communicable disease face, especially in Nigeria. This has led to the emergence of community-based health insurance as a means to achieve universal health coverage and reduce out-of-pocket payments. However, lack of knowledge about the insurance scheme and how it helps to manage non-communicable diseases seems to affect utilization. Aim: The study assessed the knowledge and uptake of community based healthcare financing in the management of non-communicable diseases among community members in Anambra State. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted for the study, sample size was 444 and a multistage sampling technique was used. The instrument for data collection was a self structured questionnaire and data obtained were analyzed using Microsoft excel, descriptive statistics, inferential statistics for hypothesis testing and IBM statistical package for social Sciences (SPSS) version 29. Results: 64.1% had a good knowledge of community based healthcare financing; 51.4% managed their health condition through hospital visits under CBHI. There was a significant relationship between the level of education of respondents and their level of knowledge of community based health insurance (p-value 0.001 < 0.05). Conclusion: Majority had a good knowledge; those suffering pregnancy related non-communicable diseases used the insurance more although half of the respondents still pay through their pocket. The following recommendations were made: increase access to community-based healthcare financing information, encourage those in the informal sector to enroll and plan benefit packages to have wide illness coverage.
