https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/50352 Sun, 12 Apr 2026 08:02:27 GMT 2026-04-12T08:02:27Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/50842 Title: Male informal carers’ experiences regarding duty, needs and burden of care Abstract: This study utilised a descriptive research design where the experiences of male informal carers in Malta were explored. Specific features considered were their experiences regarding duty felt by these carers, their perceived needs, and burden of care which these carers feel they are carrying. Data was collected from a convenient sample of 14 participants referred by from the dementia intervention unit. This data was collected by means of an interview schedule formulated by the researcher where thematic analysis was later used to scrutinise the information collected. Findings revealed that male informal carers responded to the caregiving role in a different manner than their female counterparts. It was also discovered that males assumed the role of caregiving for various reasons with different caregiving styles and relationships adopted to deliver the care. The study also revealed that caregiving impacted negatively on various aspects of the caregivers’ lives. Nonetheless, despite the negative impacts there were also positive aspects of caregiving that many times coexisted with the undesirable effects. Together with these aspects the caregivers expressed feelings regarding the perceived burden of care felt, and the difficulties encountered during the care. The caregivers revealed information regarding support services utilized to aid their caregiving. They also highlighted what they thought would be relevant improvements or additional services to help in their caregiving. The results highlighted several policy implications and a number of recommendations were identified. Population trends show that the number of older persons will increase dramatically in the coming decades. Consequently, it is being recommended that this invaluable source of caring will continue to be boosted and nurtured in order to be able maintain sustainability in both long term and acute care as well as be able to cultivate a culture of ageing in place with an eventual higher quality of life for older persons and their caregivers. Description: M.GER. Tue, 01 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/50842 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/50841 Title: Nurses’ knowledge and prevalence of malnutrition risk in older persons within a Maltese rehabilitation hospital Abstract: Background Malnutrition in the older persons admitted into rehabilitation hospitals, has been associated with poor health outcomes for the older persons (Dionyssiotis, Chhetri, Piotrowicz, Gueye & Sánchez, 2017). Therefore, routine malnutrition screening, to identify older persons at risk of malnutrition is recommended (American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN), 2011). Nurses with the right knowledge base on malnutrition in older persons, will help to identify older persons at risk of malnutrition (Bauer, Halfens, & Lohrmann, 2015). Nurses are required to refer the older person found to be at risk of malnutrition appropriately for an assessment by a dietitian, where a care plan is devised and acted upon. Aims The aims of this study were to determine the knowledge on malnutrition in older persons of nurses, working at Karin Grech Rehabilitation Hospital (KGRH). Together with, establishing the prevalence of risk of malnutrition in older persons, upon admission to KGRH. As well as, determining the referral rate of older persons, found at risk of malnutrition, to the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics (DND) at the same hospital. Design A cross-sectional, quantitative research design was employed in this study. Nurses’ knowledge on malnutrition in older persons was assessed using the Knowledge of Malnutrition–Geriatric (KoM-G) questionnaire. The KoM-G was self-administered by 105 nurses working within the wards at KGRH. Content analysis of 150 medical files, of older persons aged 65 years or over, admitted to KGRH over a two-month period was undertaken. This served to collect data on variables of interest regarding the older persons including, whether referred or otherwise to the DND at KGRH and the Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF) score. A score of 0-11 on the MNA-SF was used to determine the prevalence of risk of malnutrition in older persons. Results The mean percentage knowledge score of nurses working at KGRH, on malnutrition in older persons was 51.3%. There was no association between the mean percentage knowledge score of nurses and their age, gender, years of nursing experience or highest academic qualification. The prevalence of risk of malnutrition in older persons, upon admission to KGRH stood at 80.7%. There was no association between the older persons’ age or gender and their nutritional status. From those identified as at risk of malnutrition, 50.4% were referred to the DND for malnutrition assessment and management. The age, gender or MNA-SF score, of the older persons identified as at risk of malnutrition, were not associated with referral to the DND for malnutrition assessment and management. Conclusion A deficit in the knowledge of nurses working at KGRH, on malnutrition in older persons was identified. Moreover, this study recognised that the majority of older persons were at risk of malnutrition upon admission to KGRH. Just over half of those at risk of malnutrition were referred for malnutrition assessment and management. The findings suggest that, changes in clinical practice, updating of polices, education for health care professionals, older persons and their relatives, as well as further research on malnutrition in older persons are warranted. Description: M.GER. Tue, 01 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/50841 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/50840 Title: Understanding the factors that affect nursing home adjustment through the lived experiences of recently admitted older persons Abstract: The world population is ageing. As people get older, their care needs increase. With the number of traditional informal carers decreasing, admission to a Nursing Home (NH) has become a common occurrence among older persons in Malta. International literature has shown that older persons experience a lot of different emotions during their transition from home to a NH, followed by a period of adjustment to their new surroundings. The aim of this study is to discover which factors influence the adjustment of Maltese older persons’ following their recent admission to a NH. This study adopted a qualitative descriptive phenomenological approach. Three NHs from different regions of Malta were selected. A purposive sample of seven participants who were 65 years or older and had resided in a NH for six months or less was obtained with the assistance of NH managers. Data collection was carried out via face to face, audio recorded in-depth interviews, and was later analysed using Colaizzi’s descriptive phenomenological analysis. Phenomenological data analysis revealed four main themes that were related to adjustment: The decision to enter the NH, The NH environment, Activities in the NH and Relationships inside the NH. All of the participants made reference to their deteriorating health as a reason for considering entering the NH. The degree of participation in the decision-making process affected the participants’ satisfaction with the relocation which had an impact on their adjustment. Shared rooms caused privacy concerns, and hindered personalisation due to the limited space available. Amenities such as open spaces and chapels were appreciated by participants as they could continue to practice their hobbies and religious traditions. The quality of NH food also affected some participants’ adjustment especially when comparisons were drawn to homemade cooking. Activities outside the NH were mostly enjoyed, while those organised inside the NH were described as lacking variety and inclined towards the female stereotype. The relationship with roommates and NH staff had a great impact on overall adjustment. Good relationships with roommates were defined as supportive and encouraging, while poor relationships caused anxiety and stress. Good relationships with NH staff were defined as welcoming and helped build trust, while bad relationships caused the participants to feel objectified and neglected. Description: M.GER. Tue, 01 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/50840 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/50839 Title: The use of power mobility aids : the experience of older persons living in the community Abstract: In an aging society, it is increasingly important to understand the extent to which Assistive Technology (AT) can be beneficial. Older persons (OPs) are at an increased risk of experiencing limitations in mobility. As a result they may resort to the use of power mobility aids (PMAs) as a compensatory method. PMAs potentially increase the OP’s ability to be independent whilst facilitating inclusion and community participation through promoting community mobility. Study explored the experiences of community living OPs utilising a PMA, specifically powered wheelchairs and scooters. This study adopted a qualitative approach. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with 7 OPs. Participants were over 60 years, both males and females and made use of PMA within the community. Data was thematically analysed. The study was exploratory in nature. Findings revealed various themes which deserved discussion. Main emerging themes were, (i) the role of the PMA in social and community participation, (ii) linking Independence, Quality of life and Social Policy, (iii) well-being of the OP participant using the PMA, (iv) experiencing the build and outdoor environment linked to the responsibility of authorities involved, (v) the natural environment and frequency of PMA use (vi) experiencing the PMA within a community context linked to the process of PMA acquisition (vii) social attitudes towards PMA use and users. Each theme subdivides into further sub-themes. The OP participants presented the PMA as an instrument of social and community participation. Participants engaged regularly in leisure, religious, and productive activities related to community life using their PMAs. Participants highlighted the fact that using a PMA is not a necessity but rather a need towards remaining independent and active participants in the community. PMA use was linked to independence and aspects related to improved wellbeing and Quality of Life. Despite the reported benefits of PMA, results presented challenges which seemed to hinder the maximal positive impact of PMAs. Challenges revolved around (a) physical barriers related to the human made changes, (b) the natural environment, (c) the PMA and (d) to social barriers related to authorities in charge and the general public. Several implications related to the safe use of PMA within the community environment were also highlighted, (a) local legislation, (b) the role of local councils and policy makers in promoting the inclusion and safe use of PMAs, and (c) the process of PMA acquisition locally. Indeed the findings of this study revealed the complexity of factors related to PMA use amongst OP’s living in the community. Findings from this study provided a platform to further research on the inclusion and safe use of PMAs within the local community, as well as increasing awareness on the role of the AHP in the provision, acquisition and use of PMA amongst OPs living in the community. Description: M.GER. Tue, 01 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/50839 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z