https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/57167 Thu, 09 Apr 2026 10:36:27 GMT 2026-04-09T10:36:27Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/67992 Title: Nurses' knowledge about elder abuse Abstract: Elder abuse is a universal phenomenon that is nowadays being taken more seriously (Anetzberger 1987). Since the seventies when it became an issue (Ajomale 2007), a lot has been done to focus upon rights, equality and pursuit of quality life for the elderly (especially in Europe). Hence, the role of the nurse towards caring for the abused elderly is significantly important. The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge of nurses working in a local long term care facility for the elderly regarding the issue of abuse of older people. The objective of this study was achieved by collecting a combination of qualitative and quantitative data through a convenience sample of twenty (n=20) nurses that agreed to voluntary participate in this small-scale study. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire. As can be seen from the responses, the findings contain the raw data gathered through the questionnaires, which despite limitations, houses vital information indispensable for these nurses to fulfil their role in the care of abused elderly people. The findings also indicated that participants were knowledgeable in certain fields of elder abuse such as the characteristics that pre-dispose the elderly to abuse. Training and seminars for the nurses must be provided especially on how to identify instances of abuse, if this problem of older people is to be solved. Policies and laws should be formulated and resources allocated to provide for the well being of older persons. Description: B.SC.(HONS)NURSING Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/67992 2010-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/67804 Title: Using maggot therapy in the debridement of chronic wounds in Malta : pre- and post-intervention analyses Abstract: The study evaluated the effectiveness of maggot therapy in the debridement of chronic wounds. The objective was to measure the reduction of slough or necrosis from leg wounds as well as evaluate the patient's incidents of pain and other adverse effects as a result of maggot therapy. Additionally, the efficacy of maggot therapy in promoting wound healing was also monitored. A prospective exploratory research design was conducted in Malta at Mater Dei Hospital and in the community setting. This was carried out on seven participants with eight chronic wounds being cared for by the Tissue Viability Unit (TVU) of Malta between September 2009 and January 2010. These participants consented to be involved in the study, where treatment with maggots was to be paid for by the participants themselves. Application of maggots was done either through the use of free range maggots or else through the use of Containment- Bag Maggot Dressing System (Biobag). The research tool for this study was adapted from a pre-tested tool by 'Zoobiotic Limited (Ltd.).' As part of this research tool, a numerical wound measurement guide was used to measure wound dimensions. Besides, a Likert Scale was utilised to measure pain while structured interviews were employed to inquire into the patient's general experience. Each subject was reviewed on the day the maggots were applied, on the day the maggots were removed and three weeks after. The study showed effectiveness in the application of maggot therapy on chronic wounds. Although a small sample was used for this study, indications of where maggot therapy is most beneficial were identified. Hence, it was concluded that maggot therapy was clearly designated in debriding chronic wounds and eliminating infections. Moreover, this study established that maggot therapy is highly effective and due to the lack of research on this medical field, demonstrated that further research is required to prove the cost effectiveness of such therapy. Description: B.SC.(HONS)NURSING Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/67804 2010-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/67568 Title: An exploration of student nurses' views towards mentally ill patients Abstract: Mental health problems are becoming one of the most common problems throughout the world. Nursing students would become the new generation, future nurses. Mental health literacy would help nourishing, developing and moulding nursing students views and attitudes towards people suffering from mental health problems. The literacy level of student nurses, according to Crisp, Gelder, Goddaed & Meltzer (2005), reflects the views on stigma of the general public of people with mental health problems. The aim of the study was to explore student nurses views towards mentally ill patients, at a Maltese nursing institution; this was the first time that such a study was carried out in Malta. By using a descriptive cross-sectional research design, a self-administered questionnaire was administered. A convenience sample of 33 nursing students who were still undergoing the mental health study unit and 19 nursing students who completed the entire mental health study unit was chosen for this study. Giving a 100% response rate, quantitative and qualitative methods were used. When analysing the 5-point Likert scale every question was analysed and results were interpreted according to the participants' responses. On the other hand for the open ended questions (qualitative method) thematic analysis was used for data interpretation. Results showed that education and experience for both groups were the factors affecting a change in views and attitudes. Both group respondents argue that the mental health study unit helped them to understand better how to deal with patients with mental health problems. This was also strengthening because of direct contact with mentally ill patients; this was supported by other studies. Results showed that student nurses changed their stereotyped views as a result of the mental health study unit. Findings indicated that student nurses were against social restrictions, possibly due to limitations in psychiatric community care. A scheme of mental health education together with exposure, targeted to specific groups should be developed. Such education and exposure should be explored to make sure v effective change in views within the specific groups occurs. More mentors in the clinical mental health area should be an asset to nursing students. In addition it is also recommended to have continuous professional development courses for nurses with the existent professional development nurse involved in such programmes. The Maltese University institution together with the mental health hospital should liaise more to improve quality and service. The inability to generalise results of this study indicates the need for other research to be carried out on this subject. The researcher recommends an improved research tool with validity and reliability of the tool. Also a longitudinal study of student nurses through the entire nursing course, comparing the process that students go throughout should be carried out. In addition, noticing the change in views towards people with mental health problems, students should be followed through after graduation. This would identify the nature and stability of attitude change. Description: B.SC.(HONS)NURSING Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/67568 2010-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/67307 Title: Spirituality and coping of informal carers of clients with dementia living in the community Abstract: The aim of the study was to explore spirituality and coping of informal carers of clients with dementia living in the community. The objectives of the study were to determine a definition of spirituality and what helps or hinders informal carers coping while caring for a person suffering from dementia. In the small scale descriptive study a convenient sample of 10 informal carers were recruited to take part in the focus group which was carried out in the Maltese language to facilitate discussion. The focus group consisted of demographic data followed by open-ended questions taken from the WHO SRPB QOL questionnaire. The interview was audio taped and lasted approximately 90 minutes which was then transcribed verbatim and translated in English. The mean age of the participants was between 60 and 70 and they were all females. The transcribed interview was analysed using thematic analysis and six themes emerged which were further divided into categories. The six themes reinforced previous research that showed that religion and spirituality is an important dimension in human experience. The main findings of the study were the importance of problem solving and social support. Furthermore, spiritual beliefs like praying and accepting the truth were identified as strong coping mechanisms in difficult life situations. Most of the participants used the term spirituality interchangeably with religiosity while other participants (n - 4) viewed spirituality as being love, inner strength and reliance on conscience. This small qualitative scale study offered an in depth information about spirituality and coping for the informal carers of clients suffering from dementia. However a larger scale study is recommended using a random sample technique to reach a better representation of the whole population which includes different age groups and male participants. An increase in awareness is needed for professional health care workers so that they can provide or enhance spiritual coping mechanisms of the informal carers taking care of their family members suffering from dementia. Description: B.SC.(HONS)NURSING Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/67307 2010-01-01T00:00:00Z