OAR@UM Collection:https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/451032026-04-08T22:28:33Z2026-04-08T22:28:33ZPerceptions of breast awarenesshttps://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/575562020-11-12T09:51:16Z1998-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: Perceptions of breast awareness
Abstract: Perceptions of Breast Awareness The concept of breast-care awareness is a recent term, and differs from breast self-examination. The research-based literature on breast self-examination is abundant, but there seem to be no research studies exploring breast awareness. Therefore, a small-scale study using a descriptive research design was undertaken with the purpose of examining what women know, how they perceive and what they understand about breast-care awareness, and if they would comply with this preventive behaviour. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to twenty-seven females enrolled in their first-year as student nurses. The findings suggest that nursing students have some knowledge both of risk factors, and of what breast-care awareness implies and how it is practiced. Information was mostly sought from the media, friends or relatives and health professionals. Moreover, it appears that there is a knowledge-practice gap, especially between how these students perceived and understood breast-care awareness and the degree to which it was practised. As a result of the findings, recommendation for local practice are suggested.
Description: B.SC.(HONS)NURSING1998-01-01T00:00:00ZNurses' perception of patients' needs after myocardial infarctionhttps://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/574552020-11-15T07:06:16Z1998-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: Nurses' perception of patients' needs after myocardial infarction
Abstract: This small scale explorative study is undertaken to explore nurses' perceptions of patients' needs after myocardial infarction (:MI) and outline the role of the nurse in meeting patients' needs. A convenience sample of 16 registered nurses consisting of 10 males and 6 females with more than 1 year CCU experience from the Main Hospital Coronary Care Unit (CCU) and Regional Hospital CCU in Malta were selected. A self-administered, semi-structured questionnaire was developed and completed by all respondents achieving a 100% response rate. In 1996 314 patients were admitted or transferred to the Maltese CCU with a confirmed MI (Hospital Activity Analysis, Dept. of Health). Many of them do not recover the extent of their full potential because of physiological, psychological, and social complications of coronary heart disease (Boogard 1984). One of the most impressive gains in the management of patients with cardiovascular disease has been the innovative approach to rehabilitation which emphasizes the need to enhance patient function in physiological, psychological, social and educational spheres (Thompson 1996). Thus nurses' ultimate goal is a prompt return of the individual to an independent and normal role in society (Murray 1989). Findings revealed that nurses appeared aware of patients' needs after MI. They identified physical, psychological, social, and educational needs of the patients. In addition they identified organisation of care in terms of liason between the health care team to provide continuity and consistency in care. Moreover, most nurses identified their role of educating and communicating as a means of meeting patients' needs. In addition the psychological needs of patients were considered as an integral part of the role of the nurse. This could be due to the intensive medical care given in the CCU. Finally, a list of recommendations is given to enhance identification of patients' needs post MI and delivery of individualised care to meet patients’s needs.
Description: B.SC.(HONS)NURSING1998-01-01T00:00:00ZChemical fume monitoring : an investigation of sulphur dioxide fumes in an x-ray processing area.https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/526002020-11-10T07:14:33Z1998-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: Chemical fume monitoring : an investigation of sulphur dioxide fumes in an x-ray processing area.
Abstract: Regular fume monitoring of radiological processing facilities aids in giving a clearer idea of
the environmental conditions in which radiographic personnel work. That is, the amount of
hazardous airborne chemicals derived from processing chemistry which may be present in
the workplace. Thus, fume monitoring contributes to ensure a safe working environment
for radiographers and associated staff.
This research study was designed to investigate for the presence of sulphur dioxide fumes
within an X-ray processing area at the Admitting and Emergency Department of St. Luke's
Hospital. The method and research instrument used were the Short-term exposure limit
measured by means of a sulphur dioxide sensitive Draeger-Tube in conjunction with a
Draeger gas detector pump respectively. Also, this research was aimed at making
radiographic personnel aware that, apart from the risks associated with prolonged exposure
to ionizing radiation there are other health hazards present at the workplace.
The results indicated that, during the data collection period, the levels of sulphur dioxide
fumes present in the processing area under investigation were well below the corresponding
British legal limit. However, other hazardous fumes derived from the processing chemistry
may still be present in the workplace with the consequent risk of adverse health effects
among radiographers and associated staff.
Based on the findings, it is recommended that, a number of measures to control/guide
radiological staff in the safe handling and use of processing chemicals should be
implemented in conjunction with a continuous fume monitoring program.
Description: B.SC.(HONS)RADIOGRAPHY1998-01-01T00:00:00ZWaste minimisation : waste producer responsability for management.https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/486552020-11-11T10:15:41Z1998-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: Waste minimisation : waste producer responsability for management.
Abstract: The emergence of environmental considerations in our lives are here to stay.
Environmental issues are playing a role in, the pressures influencing policy -
making in every country.
Malta also considers the issue of wastes as a demanding one. So, even if we
try to approach waste management solutions, there still seems to be a vast creation
of wastes.
The first phases of this project entailed a background history of the nature
of wastes. The fact that wastes are a local challenge, was also considered as
highlights from local newspapers abstracts.
The project then focused on the surveys carried out among consumers and
producers of packaging materials (Chemicals and Allied Products sector). Also
included in the analysis were statistical models.
Waste minimisation was discussed, with packaging considered as a case
study. Such a pro-active approach, should be given a priority in a hierarchy of a
waste management scheme.
The means to the end of implementing waste minimisation is further
research and education. Such tool, should be considered by all sectors of waste
production - being Government institutions to private or residential sectors.
Description: DIP.ENV.HEALTH1998-01-01T00:00:00Z