https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/41678 2026-04-14T05:12:26Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/65476 Title: Female nurses' perceptions of physical exercise and fitness Abstract: The study was conducted to explore female nurses' perceptions of physical exercise and fitness. Worldwide, different studies were conducted to investigate the benefits of participating in regular exercise and achieving a good level of physical fitness. These studies evidenced that the exhilaration and emotional release of participating in sports and physical exercise is a boost to mental and physical health, thus highlighting the importance of incorporating physical exercise and fitness to the nursing field. A descriptive, non-experimental approach was used for this study. This was achieved by means of the nominal group technique (NGT) which consisted of using ten female nurses (n=l 0) to generate ideas and discuss issues on the topics 'physical exercise' and 'fitness'. Random sampling was used. The discussion was transcribed and qualitative analyses of the data were undertaken. This study dealt with the female nurses' understanding of physical exercise and fitness, their own participation in physical exercise, their role as physical exercise and fitness promoters, and factors which impeded them from participating in regular physical exercise or sports activities. A number of recommendations based on the findings of the study were listed, such as inviting exercise and fitness professionals to give teaching sessions to nurses in order to make them competent in discussing and promoting the subject to patients, relatives and the community in general. Description: B.SC.(HONS)NURSING 2007-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/65465 Title: Physical activity amongst school children Abstract: Physical activity is a fundamental means of improving physical and mental health. Nevertheless physical activity has been noted to be reducing in children and adolescents worldwide. This study was aimed at examining physical activity amongst school children as well as identifying perceived barriers to being physically active. Children's perceptions on the importance of physical activity were also looked at. Questionnaires were distributed to 45 male and female students attending two public schools in Gozo. Data was collected by self-administered questionnaires. It was seen that a large number of the participants walked or cycled to common destinations such as private lessons or shopping. Most of the participants reported that they carried out physical activity sometimes or :frequently during leisure time. This was mostly in the form of unorganised physical activity. Although most participants were aware of the importance of physical activity it was noted that the amount of physical activity performed by most of the participants was less than is recommended. This was noted mostly amongst the female participants. The study concludes by providing some recommendations for practice and further research. Description: B.SC.(HONS)NURSING 2007-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/65459 Title: The effect of occupational stress on daignostic imaging radiographers in rendering quality service Abstract: Radiography is acknowledged to be a stressful occupation. In Malta evidence to support this claim is limited due to the lack of valid and reliable research done in this area. Research also suggests that high levels of stress are not healthy for individuals. The environment in which diagnostic radiographers work consists of various situations that radiographers perceive as stressful. This led the student researcher to carry out a small-scale study to explore the sources of occupational stress among diagnostic radiographers working at St. Luke's hospital. A descriptive, cross-sectional design was carried out using quantitative data obtained through self-administered questionnaires. A convenience sample of 53 radiographers participated in the study. The sources, which the radiographers perceived more stressful, were identified along with the levels of stress. The findings indicate that workload was found to be the most highly perceived source of stress followed by patient complaints. Some perceived sources of stress were found to be related to gender and years of employment. On the whole the majority of radiographers were found to have a normal level of occupational stress. The project includes a discussion of findings which were then used to draw up recommendations in order to reduce occupational stress among diagnostic radiographers. Description: B.SC.(HONS)RADIOGRAPHY 2007-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/65455 Title: Patients' views of the ward environment in a mental hospital Abstract: The aim of this study was to explore the patients' views regarding their ward environment at Mount Carmel Hospital. This study was conducted by applying a qualitative research design. The data was collected by conducting a semi-structured interview with nine patients who were or had been hospitalised for a minimum period of two weeks at the Mixed Admission Ward of Mount Carmel Hospital. After, a thorough literature understanding, the researcher himself with the help of his dissertation supervisor designed the interview schedule. A Maltese and English version of the interview schedule was prepared to address both the English and Maltese speaking patients. To transcribe the data, the researcher listened for several times to the audio taped interviews. While reading the interview transcriptions, an in depth analysis was made and consequently three emergent themes were identified. The main findings of this study were that there are several factors that affect the patients' general perception of their ward environment. Amongst these factors surfaced the influences of the other patients present in the ward, the ward's physical environment and the nurses and their care. All the participants showed their concern about their ward environment and hence such findings suggested the importance of a positive ward environment to facilitate their healing experience. These research findings also helped to create awareness about the importance of providing the psychiatric patients the adequate dignity and opportunities to voice their feelings. Finally, this research study enhances the insight into psychiatric patients' lives. It also recommends ways of how the psychiatric ward environment could be improved in the future. Description: B.SC.(HONS)NURSING 2007-01-01T00:00:00Z