https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/41962 Sun, 12 Apr 2026 10:09:47 GMT 2026-04-12T10:09:47Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/65462 Title: Awareness and perceptions of young adults on sexually transmitted infections Abstract: The aim of this descriptive study is to investigate the level of awareness and perceptions of young adults on Sexually Transmitted infections (STis). Quantitative and qualitative data was collected using a questionnaire administered to a convenience sample of 32 first-year students following a Bacheior in Nursing Studies (Honours) degree. The sample used in the study showed a satisfactory level of awareness on the modes of transmission and non-transmission of STI's. The students were knowledgeable of the types of STIs and which are curable. However, there appeared to be a knowledge deficit among students on how substance abuse relates to STls. The students identified the condom as one of the most commonly used modes of protection against STIs. The awareness and perceptions of these young adults were compared to those abroad through the various research studies. it could be observed that young adults worldwide are very alike. They follow similar trends in their knowledge of and protection against STIs. Supporting other research held abroad, the females were more knowledgeable than the males. Description: B.SC.(HONS)NURSING Mon, 01 Jan 2001 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/65462 2001-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/65272 Title: Nurses' perception towards homosexual patients Abstract: Literature regarding homosexuality and homophobia is abundant but recent studies on exploring the nurses' views towards homosexual patients are lacking. The studies available were carried out in the late 80's and beginning of the 90's when the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome . epidemic was still recent. Somehow this epidemic may have contributed to the negative attitudes that existed in those times. The aim of this study was to explore the nurses' views towards homosexual patients. A descriptive survey approach was used with a convenience sample in two medical and one surgical ward. The sample consisted of fifteen nurses working full-time on these wards. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Findings suggest that strong negative attitudes towards homosexual patients are not evident in the participants. However there may still be some problems when establishing a therapeutic relationship with these clients. Several recommendations were made including organisation of a support group for nurses. It was recommended that the concept of sexuality is incorporated in nursing education and also in nursing to provide a holistic approach to clients. Recommendation for a further study involving a larger sample with an observational approach was also made. Description: B.SC.(HONS)NURSING Mon, 01 Jan 2001 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/65272 2001-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/64860 Title: Nutritional knowledge and dietary intake of adolescents Abstract: The purpose of this descriptive, exploratory research was to explore nutritional knowledge and dietary intake of adolescents. Self- report questionnaires were delivered to 29 students from 2 classes in a post- secondary school. Data was analysed quantitatively and presented as raw data. The findings showed that the respondents, particularly females, were quite knowledgeable about certain nutritional aspects and the need for a healthy diet. Findings also showed that students' main sources of information on nutrition were mainly from Biology lessons and television. These respondents, especially males, seemed to snack quite frequently in spite of the fact that breakfast consumption was frequent. Although most students took a packed lunch to school, fast food outlets, especially the school canteen, were still commonly frequented, mostly by males. Students, especially females, seemed to consume sweet items as snacks quite often. However, even though few in number, females consumed more healthy food such as fruit. The need for a higher intake of fruit, vegetables and pulses in all students is recommended. Several suggestions have been made for future research, including the need for a longitudinal study to document trends in eating habits of adolescents over a 10- year period. Description: B.SC.(HONS)NURSING Mon, 01 Jan 2001 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/64860 2001-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/57452 Title: Factors influencing the drinking habits of adolescents Abstract: The aim of this descriptive exploratory study was to obtain information about alcohol consumption by 16 and 17-year-old adolescents. During adolescence, young people go through a lot of biological, psychological, emotional and social changes. These changes are influenced by the individual genetic make-up and by several social settings such as the family, friends, religion, the social economic status, ethnicity, the media and the world of entertainment. Consequently, this study attempts to understand whether and how intrapersonal factors and these social settings affect alcohol use in Maltese adolescents. Quantitative data was collected through questionnaires, which were administered to a stratified random sample of 55 subjects attending post-secondary school. The results indicated that 93% of this sample had drunk alcohol at least once in their lifetime. It seemed that there was no major gender difference in alcohol consumption. Nevertheless, the present findings revealed a significant number of males who binge drink more than females over a period of 30 days. There also seemed to be a relationship between the pattern of adolescents' alcohol consumption, their friends, the evenings, the weekends and places of entertainment These include discos, bars and pubs, drinking alcohol for enjoyment, and drinking alcohol to feel good. From this study it emerged that the parents, and even more, the peers play a significant role in influencing the drinking habits of adolescents. This study has indicated the need for health education programmes to emphasise the harmful effects of alcohol and to try to find solutions to reduce this problem. This was very important since most of the adolescents, even though they knew that alcohol is bad for health, seemed to underestimate it and still continued to drink it in large quantities. Description: B.SC.(HONS)NURSING Mon, 01 Jan 2001 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/57452 2001-01-01T00:00:00Z