https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/57347 Sun, 26 Apr 2026 14:22:35 GMT 2026-04-26T14:22:35Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/111320 Title: The dynamics of the sexual assault team in Malta Abstract: Sexual assault teams are interdisciplinary teams composed of various professionals with different professional training and experience, who care and support rape victims in a forensically secure environment. Understanding the dynamics of such a team is necessary for the team to interact if a good service is to be provided. No studies on the dynamics of sexual assault teams were retrieved, however the literature reviewed regarded team working in different backgrounds, as this provided insight into the nature of teams. Literature regarding sexual assault teams was restricted to the roles of team members, and the nature and effectiveness of such teams. The aim of this study is to understand the dynamics of the sexual assault team in Malta as perceived by various professionals, including nurses, hospital management, gynaecologists, police officers, social workers, as well as a psychologist. A single qualitative case study was the method chosen to obtain information on the dynamics of such a team locally. The case being studied is the group of professionals who are currently involved as well as others who should be involved in the handling of female rape victims in Malta. In-depth, semi structured interviews using open-ended questions were used with these different professional groups. Content analysis was then used to analyse the data collected. The results indicated that there is a great amount of confusion of roles amongst the various professionals and this led to certain conflicts amongst them. These issues of confusion and thus conflicts may be explained due to the issue of power that revolves around these roles that the professionals hold. Also the organisation from where the various professionals come: from inflicts this power upon its professionals. Thus, from these results recommendations for management regarding role clarity were discussed, together with recommendations for future research so greater knowledge may be obtained regarding this subject. Description: M.SC.NURSING Sun, 01 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/111320 2006-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/68223 Title: Nurses' awareness of the importance of safeguarding themselves from occupational back injury Abstract: The aim of this current descriptive, non-experimental study was designed to establish and explore nurses' awareness of the importance of safeguarding themselves from occupational back injury. Both qualitative and quantitative data was collected by means of a self administered questionnaire. Questions were based on the literature review to fulfil the aim of the study. A sample of twenty-five nurses working at Zammit Clapp Hospital was selected by means of a random technique. Twenty-two questioners' two of which pilot studies were returned rendering a response rate of eighty-seven percent. An overall view of this study demonstrated that patient handling tasks; lifting, transferring, and repositioning patients seemed to be the primary cause of back injuries among nurses. Results indicated that most of the participants eighty-four percent suffered back pain due to work stress. Tasks, which were typically performed manually without the use of assistive devices, appeared to have become part of a routine that nurses' hardly think about. This study revealed that nurses seem quite informed regarding the lifting and handling factors and characteristics. Findings proved that nurses are not careful enough when handling patients. Many respondents specified that they were competent in manual handling and lifting techniques though, the majority of respondents still used manual techniques regularly. In fact several highlighted the need for more regular education and hands-on lifting and handling sessions. Moreover, the study revealed that not every nurse was aware of all the lifting and handling equipment available on the wards. Most nurses were aware of the predisposing factors which cause back injuries since those were clearly identified by the respondents. A desirable outcome is improvement in work conditions and an increase in the number of nurses. Consistent and valid assessment of patient handling requirements is a prerequisite for identifying hazards and reducing risks associated with patient handling. Description: B.SC.(HONS)NURSING Sun, 01 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/68223 2006-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/68218 Title: Adolescents' awareness and views on alcohol consumption and its health hazards Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine the knowledge of fifteen year old adolescents on alcohol consumption and their views on alcohol and its health hazards. This study has evaluated how much alcohol these adolescents consume and what are their views on alcohol. Even more, it has assessed the knowledge of these adolescents on the health hazards that alcohol may cause. Data from this study was collected from forty-one fifteen year old adolescents studying for their ordinary level exams. A self-made semi-structured questionnaire with fifteen questions was distributed to the students in class, with the supervision of the teacher present. The questionnaire was given in both Maltese and English language so that the participants could choose whichever language they preferred. The questionnaire was distributed only once and it did not take more than ten minutes to complete. Findings from the study suggest that most of the adolescents (92.7°/o) consume alcohol under the legal drinking age. Males consume more alcohol than females while differences in the choice of alcoholic beverages were seen among the participants. Drunkenness was reported from four respondents. Various reasons were given for alcohol consumption. The most reported reasons were due to good taste (34.1%) and to have a good time (34.1%). Most respondents (58.5%) reported feeling happy when drinking. Thirty-five adolescents reported that they buy their own alcohol out of which twenty-four where under the legal drinking age. Only one respondent was challenged when trying to buy alcohol. Most of the adolescents know what the legal drinking age in Malta is. However, most (82.9%) do not know the normal daily values of alcohol intake for men and women. Regarding knowledge about alcohol's health hazards, most gave the physical negative effects while few mentioned the psychological and social problems that alcohol can cause. From this study it was concluded that most of the adolescents are consuming alcohol at an early age and on regular basis. Awareness about alcohol consumption and its negative health effects seem to be lacking among adolescents. More effective health promotion programs need to be set up and the drinking law needs to be reinforced. Description: B.SC.(HONS)NURSING Sun, 01 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/68218 2006-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/67909 Title: Basic life support training : nurses' perceptions Abstract: The aim of this exploratory study was to find out perceptions of nurses about basic life support training. The sample consisted of 30 nurses working at the A&E department who did a basic life support course. From this sample a response rate of 76% was achieved. Data was collected by means of a self-administered questionnaire, which was designed for this study and piloted on a sample of three nurses. Seven major factors emerged from the findings: rating of basic life support skills and confidence, refreshing of basic life support skills and knowledge, compulsory basic life support training, formal and informal courses, training affecting performance, factors that hinder nurses from attending basic life support training and further training supportive to basic life support as well as training to a higher level of life support. Findings revealed that most participants rated their basic life support skills as being very good and the majority stated that they feel confident during a cardiac arrest situation. Moreover, most participants have maintained refreshing their basic life support skills as it was found to be useful for retention of skills they have learnt in their initial basic life support course. All nurses highlighted the importance of compulsory basic life support training to all nursing staff, where few respondents also stated that it should be compulsory to all staff working in hospital. Moreover a high number of respondents argued that basic life support training should be formal and supported by informal sessions. Another important factor identified in the study was that in a way or another, training might affect or influence performance during an actual cardiac arrest situation. However, several factors which hinder nurses from attending to such training were highlighted. Most nurses argued that further training in skills supportive to basic life support could be useful for nurses as it will help in improving success rates, while a relatively high number of respondents also argued that a higher level of life support than basic life support (such as intermediate or advanced life support) is necessary. Description: B.SC.(HONS)NURSING Sun, 01 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/67909 2006-01-01T00:00:00Z