https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/63532 Thu, 09 Apr 2026 05:17:07 GMT 2026-04-09T05:17:07Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/99146 Title: Exploring the impact of a short targeted health promotion programme for children at a local sports club : a participatory action research study Abstract: Background: Numerous studies confirm the factors responsible for the alarming obesity rates in the European Union. The Maltese islands are no exception with high rates of obesity among adults and children which are causing major concern for the nation’s public health. Therefore, serious measures that target the obesity epidemic and promote physical activity and healthy lifestyles must be implemented in every possible setting. Aim and Research Questions: The aim of the study is to explore the participants’ experiences during the implementation of a brief health promotion programme in conjunction with their routine sports training sessions at a youth sports club. The research questions that guide this study are: What is the impact of a brief health promotion programme at a local sports club on the various stakeholders? and How do the stakeholders experience this health promotion programme as part and parcel of the technical training and skill development? Design: Community based participatory action research (CBPAR) is the methodology utilised in this study that involved one purposefully chosen sports club and its administrator, coaches, youth members and their parents. This was a three-phase study carried out prior, during and after the intervention which involved a total of 24 participants. Face-to-face interviews were carried out with the administration and coaches prior to and after the intervention, whilst focus group discussions were conducted separately with children and parents. The health promotion intervention consisted of six 45-minute sessions covering a range of health topics, delivered by the researcher, administrator, and coaches. Findings: The thematic analysis techniques utilised in both phases resulted in four emergent themes: (i) Youth nurseries as health promotion hubs; (ii) Inspiring figures for the children; (iii) Cultural issues hindering a healthy lifestyle; (iv) Determinant environment to deliver health promotion. Conclusion and Recommendations: A health promotion programme as part and parcel of the children’s training programme was deemed critical for one’s health and improved sports performance. The findings of this study reveal the stakeholders’ enthusiasm and motivation to deliver such programmes to youths in a sports club environment. It was acknowledged that health promotion can be integrated in the club’s mission statement to guide members into healthier lifestyle patterns. Although the recommendations of this dissertation apply specifically to the sports club under study, they can also be applied to other clubs and sports facilities. There is scope for further research on this topic and it was deemed imperative to implement policies that address the true needs of the Maltese population and protect and promote healthier lifestyles. Local sports clubs were identified as ideal environments to stimulate such a paradigm shift and effectively disseminate health promotion messages that encourage healthier lifestyles. Description: M.Sc.(Melit.) Fri, 01 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/99146 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/87351 Title: Oncology nurses’ attitudes, beliefs and perceived barriers towards nutritional management and promotion of physical activity in oncology patients Abstract: Background: No previously conducted studies have investigated factors related to oncology nurses’ attitudes, beliefs and perceived barriers towards nutritional management and the promotion of physical activity in oncology patients. This thesis aimed to explore the local oncology nurses’ attitudes, beliefs and perceived barriers towards conducting these behaviours to determine which socio-demographic variables affect the nurses’ conduction of the target behaviour in order to increase their willingness to learn regarding nutritional management and promotion of physical activity. Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional design was utilised. All 91 oncology nurses working at Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre at the time of conduction of this study were invited to participate, 11 of which were asked to participate in a pilot study. The research tool consisted of an online survey formulated by the researcher herself based upon the Theory of Planned Behaviour, the link to which was sent via email by an intermediary. Findings: Nurses encompass a positive attitude towards nutritional management, are mostly well informed regarding nutritional care, but require enhancements in their confidence to perform this behaviour. They possess a positive attitude towards physical activity promotion and are quite knowledgeable on the effect of physical activity on oncology patients. Nonetheless, they lack the confidence that they require to promote physical activity effectively. The nurses identified a lack of training in their undergraduate program and a lack of guidelines and protocols in their workplace pertaining to both target behaviours as the main barriers to the conduction of physical activity. Conclusion: Staff nurses who are older than 51 years of age, or those with either fewer years of experience in the oncology setting, as well as those who are only in contact with patients while the latter are receiving their treatment should be prioritised for undergoing educational intervention through online lectures. Description: M.Sc.(Melit.) Fri, 01 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/87351 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/87341 Title: The lived experiences of primary caregivers of adults receiving chemotherapy for colorectal cancer : interpretative phenomenological analysis Abstract: Background: Primary caregivers of adults receiving chemotherapy for colorectal cancer (CRC), undergo a challenging experience. While the treatment for CRC requires hospitalisation, the treatment itself can result in severe side effects even after discharge home. Thus, primary caregivers may struggle with caring for their loved ones and coping especially when considering the side effects and other responsibilities. Objective: The aim of this dissertation is to explore the lived experiences of primary caregivers of adults receiving Folfox chemotherapy for CRC in Malta while evaluating how the experience impacted them physically, emotionally, socially, psychologically, and financially. Furthermore, this study considers the strategies that primary caregivers utilise in an attempt to cope with their situation and the degree to which they perceive these strategies to be successful. Additionally, this study intends to establish an effective structure for HCPs to help them identify the psychological demands of primary caregivers. Design: A qualitative design guided by interpretative phenomenology analysis Setting: This research study was held in the local oncology hospital Participants: Five Maltese primary caregivers caring for patients receiving Folfox chemotherapy as a first treatment. Methodology: The data collection took place between October and January 2020, and the participants were chosen through purposeful sampling. These participants took part in semistructured interviews, and their responses were transcribed verbatim and analysed utilising the interpretative phenomenology analysis approach. Results: Three superordinate themes emerged from the participants’ lived experiences, namely (1) a windstorm, (2) buffeted by the wind, and (3) the windbreakers. Conclusion: The period during which the primary caregivers’ loved ones were undergoing Folfox chemotherapy was seen as a major disruption in their life and involved diverse challenges. The journey that they found themselves on was totally unexpected, and they found themselves being confronted by a storm for which they had received no warning. The participants mentioned various physical, psychological, and social disruptions; however, they also defined hope, religious beliefs, and support from others as crucial elements that helped them face the storm. Description: M.Sc.(Melit.) Fri, 01 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/87341 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/87331 Title: Nurses’ attitudes and barriers to incident reporting in Malta’s acute general hospital : a survey Abstract: Background: The science of patient safety has been developed and implemented widely. However, there is still a large gap in understanding the particular chain of events, the weaknesses and faults that lead to incidents, as well as their cost to patients, healthcare staff and the organisations as a whole. In addition, several studies reported that underreporting of incident reports still persists and organisational and personal barriers contribute to a healthcare culture of silence which is the antithesis of a safety culture. Objectives: To evaluate nurses’ knowledge and awareness of the local incident reporting system at Malta’s acute general hospital. Design: A quantitative, descriptive cross-sectional design. Data was collected through an online survey. A total of 323 questionnaires were received with a response rate of 23%. Participants: All qualified full-time nurses who routinely provide direct care to patients in the local acute general hospital in Malta. Results: The study findings revealed that most of the local nurses had used incident reporting at least once throughout their career. Charge nurses and deputy charge nurses had a more positive attitude to incident reporting than more junior nurses. The most perceived barrier to incident reporting was lack of feedback. A positive correlation was found between the participants’ use of incident reporting and their nursing grade and years of experience. Conclusion and Implications: This study indicates various shortages identified within the local setting including lack of feedback and awareness of the system. Therefore, it is suggested that incident reporting should be given a higher profile on the organisation’s agenda in the local acute general hospital and incorporate employed members rather than volunteers. Description: M.Sc.(Melit.) Fri, 01 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/87331 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z