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Unmet needs of culturally and linguistically diverse cancer survivors in Australia: A systematic review
No full textPurpose
This systematic review aimed to identify the unmet needs of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) cancer survivors in Australia, defined as individuals from non-English-speaking countries and/or those who do not speak English at home. It also examined the factors associated with the identified unmet needs, along with suggestions and recommendations to address them.
Methods
Seven databases were systematically searched from their inception to November 2024. Studies focused on the unmet needs of CALD cancer survivors in Australia, regardless of the study design, were included. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool was used to assess the methodological quality of the included studies, and content analysis and descriptive analysis were adopted for data analysis.
Results
Six studies were included, comprising two quantitative and four qualitative studies. The quality of the included studies was moderate to high, with four included studies meeting 100 % of the criteria. The most reported unmet needs among CALD cancer survivors were related to the health system and information, followed by psychological well-being, and patient care and support. Language barriers and cultural beliefs were the main factors associated with their unmet needs. Translated written material with culturally tailored information was the most recommended approach to address their unmet needs.
Conclusion
CALD cancer survivors in Australia experienced unmet needs, especially culturally specific information related to cancer rehabilitation. Providing culturally tailored health resources and information in their languages or establishing multilingual platforms would effectively enhance health information provision and address unmet needs. Policymakers should consider transcultural training for healthcare providers
Bimetallic copper-bismuth microtubular electrodes with tunable interfaces for efficient electrochemical reduction of CO2 to formate
No full textElectrochemical reduction of CO2 (CO2RR) offers a sustainable route for CO2 utilization, with emerging carbon-free gas-diffusion electrodes (GDEs) mitigating the flooding issues that limit its performance. Metal-based microtubular (hollow fiber) GDEs (HFGDEs) are particularly promising due to enhanced mass transfer by gas flow-through feed, superior charge transfer and mechanical strength. Copper-based GDEs are efficient for CO2RR but often lack selectivity. Introducing bimetallic interfaces on GDE surfaces is an effective strategy to modulate CO2RR pathways. Herein, CuBi bimetallic HFGDEs were fabricated for CO2RR through a facile premixing approach. The CuBi HFGDE with 10 wt% Bi incorporation (CuBi-10) created abundant Cu/Bi interfaces at the triple-phase boundaries, while preserving the CO2 accessibility of the HFGDEs. Operating CuBi HFGDE in flow-through GDE mode ensured sufficient CO2 supply, effectively suppressing HER and enhancing formate selectivity. CuBi-10 achieved over 90 % Faradaic efficiency (FE) for formate across a low potential window (−0.9 to −1.1 V vs. RHE), significantly outperforming monometallic Cu HFGDE (formate FE < 20 % at all applied potentials). The superior formate partial current density of CuBi-10 over Cu HFGDE (more than 5 times higher at −1.1 V vs. RHE) was due to the increased active sites and lower charge transfer resistance. In-situ Raman analysis revealed that the Cu/Bi interface effectively suppresses HER and promotes the ⁎OCHO pathway during CO2-to-formate conversion. This work presents the promise toward designing metal-based HFGDEs with bimetallic interfaces at triple-phase boundaries for selective CO2RR to formate
Experiences of Adult Informal Caregivers in Palliative Care Provision for Persons with Advanced Cancer: A Meta-synthesis
No full textContext
Cancer diagnoses are increasing in Sub-Saharan Africa. Diagnoses often occur at a late stage in the disease, hampering the timely initiation of palliative care. The lack of formalized palliative care provision in the region results in informal caregivers assuming most of the caregiving roles for patients. This has considerable implications for informal caregivers.
Objectives
This meta-synthesis seeks to explore how informal caregivers of persons living with advanced cancer have experienced palliative care provision in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Methods
This study was guided by Hannes’ framework of meta-synthesis. A systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycInfo, Global Health, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Africa Index Medicus databases was conducted. Two authors independently performed the screening and extraction processes. Thematic synthesis guided the analysis and synthesis.
Results
Fifteen studies were retained in the study. The synthesis yielded eight analytical themes: motivations for caregiving, roles of informal caregivers, challenges and barriers of informal caregiving, quality of informal caregiving, burden and price of informal caregiving, coping strategies of informal caregivers, recommendations for improving caregiving, and the paradox of end-of-life preparation and advanced planning.
Conclusion
In Sub-Saharan Africa, informal caregivers provide the backbone of palliative care, often without preparation, resources, or formal support. Their roles are shaped by cultural expectations of family duty but constrained by poverty and limited health infrastructure. Strengthening caregiver training and integrating their contributions into developing formal palliative care systems are essential to improve outcomes for patients and families
Supporting Mental Health and Physical Wellbeing Among Nursing Students Through Yoga: A Mixed-Methods Study
Get PDFBackground/Objectives: The mental health and engagement of nursing students are critical for academic success and professional readiness. This study explored the impact of an 8-week Hatha yoga programme on undergraduate nursing students’ engagement, depression, anxiety, stress, procrastination, sense of belonging, and intention to drop out. Methods: A mixed-methods design was employed, collecting data pre- and post-intervention between July 2023 and November 2024. Fifty-nine students initially enrolled in the study, with fourteen completing the full yoga programme and post-intervention assessments. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and non-parametric statistical tests, while qualitative data from semi-structured interviews were analysed thematically to capture students’ lived experiences. The study has been guided by the STROBE guidelines. Results: Statistically significant reductions in depression, anxiety, and stress were observed among students who completed the yoga programme. Improvements in behavioural and emotional engagement were also noted. Qualitative findings revealed that yoga fostered a renewed sense of wellbeing, self-care, and resilience, particularly among students balancing academic, work, and family responsibilities. Conclusions: Participation in an 8-week yoga programme was associated with reduced psychological distress and enhanced engagement among nursing students. These findings support the integration of holistic self-care practices into nursing curricula to promote student wellbeing and academic persistence
Patients' and caregivers' experiences of familial and social support in resource-poor settings: A systematically constructed review and meta-synthesis
Get PDFBackground:
Familial and social support for patients with life-limiting conditions is crucial, especially in resource-poor settings. However, limited knowledge exists about patients’ and caregivers’ experiences within these informal networks in such contexts.
Aims:
This systematic review aimed to (i) synthesise the experiences of patients and caregivers regarding familial and social support in resource-poor settings, and (ii) understand the challenges they face in order to provide evidence for more compassionate, culturally congruent palliative care.
Design:
Systematic review and meta-synthesis registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023486219).
Methods:
We searched CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Scopus using keywords such as “familial and social support” and “chronic debilitating conditions” in low- and middle-income countries. Only English-language qualitative studies exploring familial and social support were included. Thomas and Harden’s approach was used for data synthesis, and the Joanna Briggs Institute’s critical appraisal checklist was used to assess the studies’ quality.
Results:
We report our findings using the Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research (ENTREQ) guidelines. Following screening, 39 studies were retained from 9157 search results. Five key themes emerged: (1) Bearing the weight of financial strain; (2) Psychosocial support as a “lifeline” for care; (3) Hands-on help and guidance; (4) Cultural and social obligations; and (5) Developing a “thick skin” and having faith as a coping mechanism. The findings show that caregiving in the context of life-limiting illnesses is influenced by financial burdens, emotional challenges, and cultural obligations, with caregivers depending on spiritual and social networks. However, resource availability is inconsistent, underscoring the need for tailored interventions.
Conclusion:
Culturally specific palliative care strategies are necessary to ease caregiver burdens, improve resource distribution, and support the well-being of patients and caregivers in resource-poor settings
A scoping review of literature: What has been studied about mental health problems among individuals with ankylosing spondylitis?
No full textBackground
Research on mental health problems in individuals with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) has rapidly expanded since 2013. However, the evidence in this field can appear fragmented due to the limited number of existing reviews that synthesize research findings.
Aim
To map the evidence regarding the prevalence, correlated factors, and interventions for mental health problems in the AS population.
Methods
This review followed Arksey and O’Malley's framework and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews. Six electronic databases were searched for studies published in English since January 2013. Study quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool, and data were narratively summarized and reported.
Results
Seventy articles were included in this review. The prevalence rates of depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders ranged from 3.1 % to 66.0 %, 2.7 % to 78.0 %, and 1.7 % to 71.7 %, respectively. Correlated factors included sociodemographic variables, disease-related aspects, physical symptoms and function, and psycho-behavioral factors. Interventions were categorized into physical exercise, therapeutic, and psychosocial approaches.
Conclusions
Mental health problems are prevalent among individuals with AS, and the correlated factors are multidimensional. Interventions aimed at physical function, disease activity, and cognitive functions have been identified as critical strategies for addressing mental health problems. Further research is needed to design and develop effective interventions targeting these correlated factors, particularly psycho-social interventions, to prevent future deterioration
Response to letter to the editor: "Effect of a transitional tele-rehabilitation programme on quality of life of adult burn survivors: A randomised controlled trial"
No full textDyadic and Triadic Interviewing Techniques in Qualitative Research: Theoretical Underpinnings and Methodical Considerations
No full textAim
To discuss the dyadic and triadic interviewing techniques as distinct approaches to data collection in qualitative research.
Design
Methodological/methodical discussion.
Findings
Underpinned by a layered theoretical basis involving interpretivism, social constructivism and symbolic interactionism, dyadic and triadic interviewing approaches represent a tapestry that seeks to illuminate not only what participants think at the individual level, but also how they think together to generate shared, nuanced meanings. Key methodical considerations include participant recruitment and selection to form the dyads or triads, ethical issues, navigating power dynamics, determining saturation at the dyad or triad level and shifting the unit of analysis from the individual level to the dyad or triad level. Notable challenges to using these approaches include logistical complexity, ethical risks and the great need for skilled moderation.
Conclusion
Dyadic and triadic interviewing techniques occupy a vital methodological niche in qualitative studies, particularly within the contexts of health and social care research where relational dynamics and collaborative decision-making are central. By foregrounding co-constructed narratives and real-time interactions, dyadic and triadic interviewing techniques illuminate the interplay of individual agency, power asymmetries and cultural norms, offering insights that transcend the limitations of individual interviews or focus groups.
Implication for the Profession and Patient Care
The increasing complexity of care, treatment pathways, recovery and family-centered decision making warrants engagement beyond individual interviews. Dyadic and triadic interview techniques facilitate this by combining the in-depth benefit of individual interviews and shared interpretations of focus group discussions to capture meanings and experiences.
Impact
This methodological/methodical discussion offers clarity to employing dyadic or triadic interviewing approaches to improve their uptake in health and social care research.
Reporting Method
Not applicable.
Patient and Public Contribution
No patient or public contribution