Laura Scurlock-Evans

Development of the Student Evidence-based Practice Questionnaire (S-EBPQ)

BACKGROUND The assessment of learning and teaching of Evidence-based Practice (EBP) in nursing is an important issue, yet few tools have been developed specifically for use with student nurses. Therefore, the Evidence-based Practice Questionnaire (EBPQ), which has been successfully used to measure EBP in nurses and nurse educators, was revised to develop a Student version (S-EBPQ). OBJECTIVE The purpose of the study was to develop a student version of the Evidence-based Practice Questionnaire (EBPQ) and test its psychometric properties with a UK undergraduate student population. DESIGN Instrument development study. PARTICIPANTS AND METHOD Two hundred and forty-four undergraduate nursing students from an English University were recruited over a three year period to complete the EBPQ. This data was submitted to reliability analysis based on Item Response Theory and Exploratory Factor Analysis to explore construct validity. RESULTS Principal Component Analysis demonstrated evidence for the S-EBPQs construct validity, and analyses comparing the subscale scores of students in their first and second years of studies identified evidence for the tools convergent validity. Descriptive statistics, correlation coefficients and reliability estimates demonstrated evidence for the S-EBPQs internal reliability, and item facility and discrimination. CONCLUSION The S-EBPQ appears to be a psychometrically robust measure of EBP use, attitudes, and knowledge and skills (regarding the retrieval and evaluation of evidence, and the application and sharing of EBP). It may therefore provide an effective means of evaluating learning of EBP with undergraduate nursing students.

Victimization Among Female and Male Sexual Minority Status Groups: Evidence From the British Crime Survey 2007–2010

International surveys of victims show crime rates in England and Wales, including hate crimes, are among the highest in Europe. Nevertheless, sexual minority status is a less considered risk factor in general victimization research. This study used sexual minority status and sex to predict victimization across British Crime Surveys from 2007–2010. Logistic regression analyses showed sexual minority status groups were more likely than heterosexuals to be victimized from any and some specific crimes. However, bisexuals rather than lesbians or gay men were more consistently victimized, notably by sexual attacks and within the household. Implications for understanding victimization among these groups are discussed.

“Because It Kind of Falls in Between, Doesn’t It? Like an Acute Thing and a Chronic”: the Psychological Experience of Anaphylaxis in Adulthood

Anaphylaxis is a serious, rare condition increasing in prevalence. This study explored the psychological experience of adult-onset anaphylaxis from patient, family and staff perspectives. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 participants. Two global themes emerged from thematic analysis: ‘controllability’ (‘an unknown and distressing experience’, ‘the importance of control over triggers’ and ‘responsibility but no control: the impact on others’) and ‘conflict’ (‘rejecting illness identity’, ‘minimisation of risk’, ‘accessing specialist care: running in slow motion’ and ‘patient-centred versus service-centred care’). Findings highlight the importance of perceived control and emphasise the presence of conflict in the experience of this complex, episodic condition.

Road Life Perspectives and Experiences Among Iranian Truck Drivers: a Qualitative Study

Summary Truck drivers are one of the largest occupational groups in Iran. Evidence from previous studies suggests that working and living conditions on the road engender many concerns for truck drivers, and their families and communities. This research aimed to explore the experiences of Iranian truck drivers regarding life on the road. This qualitative study was conducted among Iranian truck drivers working in the inter-state transportation sector. A purposeful sample of 20 truck drivers took part in this research. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed based on qualitative content analysis. After analysis of the data, three main themes emerged: “Individual impacts related to the hardships of life on the road life”, “Family impacts related to the hardships of road life”, and “Having positive attitude towards work and road”. These findings represent the dimensions of perspectives in the road-life of truck drivers. Although truck drivers possess positive beliefs about their occupation and life on the road, they and their families face many hardships which should be well understood. They also need support to be better able to solve the road-life concerns they face. This studys findings are useful for occupational programming and in the promotion of health for truck drivers.

Truck drivers' experiences and perspectives regarding factors influencing traffic accidents: a qualitative study

Traffic accidents are a major public health problem, leading to death and disability. Although pertinent studies have been conducted, little data are available in Iran. This study explored the experiences of truck drivers and their perspectives regarding factors contributing to traffic accidents. Eighteen truck drivers, purposively sampled, participated in semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. A main theme, lack of ability to control stress, emerged as a factor influencing the incidence of traffic accidents. This main theme was found to have three subthemes: poor organization of the job, lack of workplace facilities and proper equipment, and unsupportive environment. Although several factors were found to contribute to traffic accidents, their effects were not independent, and all were considered significant. Identifying factors that contribute to traffic accidents requires a systematic and holistic approach. Findings could be used by the transportation industry and community health centers to prevent traffic accidents.