https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/64286 Thu, 23 Apr 2026 22:27:25 GMT 2026-04-23T22:27:25Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/67990 Title: The perceptions of institutionalised older persons on the helpfulness of prayer Abstract: Literature defines prayer as communication with a Supreme Being (Dossey 1997, Finney & Malony 1985b, Ulanov & Ulanov 1985). The aim of the study was to explore the perceptions of a sample of 10 well elderly on the helpfulness of prayer during their stay in a State institution. Data were collected through a semi-structured interview, which was tape-recorded. The interviews were later transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Data analysis revealed several themes. Furthermore the findings showed that the practice of different types of prayer by the older persons were means of support, peace, consolation and security which may reduce negative feelings. The findings suggest that prayer may be helpful in coping with their stress in life. Thus, recommendations were proposed to nursing practice and education. Finally, research suggests there should be a continuation in exploring the helpfulness of prayer on larger random samples of elderly. Description: B.SC.(HONS)NURSING Tue, 01 Jan 2002 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/67990 2002-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/65449 Title: Compliance among diabetic adolescents Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate compliance among diabetic adolescents. A convenience sample of 28 insulin-dependent diabetic adolescents attending the outpatients Diabetes Clinic and the Maltese Diabetes Association was selected. A descriptive survey design was utilised. A questionnaire was used to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. Content analysis was employed to evaluate the qualitative component of the data. The findings demonstrate that various factors could influence compliance with diabetes treatment regimen. The study showed that the impact of diabetes on the adolescents influences the management of diabetes, which has an effect on their compliance with health regimens. A very significant finding was the way positive parental involvement is conducive to a high degree of compliance among these diabetic adolescents. As a result of this study recommendations for practice and suggestions for further research are given. Description: B.SC.(HONS)NURSING Tue, 01 Jan 2002 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/65449 2002-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/65416 Title: Nurses' perceptions of their autonomy in wound management Abstract: Although there is a plethora of nursing literature on nurse autonomy and wound management as separate issues, very few studies concerning nurse autonomy in wound management are available. The aim of this exploratory, descriptive study was to examine nurses' perceptions of their autonomy in wound management in a Maltese state-owned general hospital. A self-administered questionnaire designed by the researcher was delivered to twenty female nurses in a general medical and a surgical ward. The findings suggest that approximately half of the respondents perceive nurses in Malta as autonomous in wound care and half do not. However, the majority of respondents agreed that nurses in Malta are not leaders in wound management and are not allowed to choose wound care products since they are dominated by the medical profession. The respondents also appeared to be eager to achieve more autonomy in wound care, however at the same time do not want to lead in wound management. A number of factors were identified as affecting nurse autonomy in wound care including knowledge, working relationships, work overload, assertiveness, confidence, experience and research. Recommendations based on the findings include promoting a collaborative approach to wound care and encouraging research based practice. Moreover, suggestions for further research include the use of participant observational and larger scale studies to examine actual nurse autonomy as opposed to perceived nurse autonomy and to increase generalisability of the findings. Description: B.SC.(HONS)NURSING Tue, 01 Jan 2002 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/65416 2002-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/65410 Title: The perceptions of Maltese postnatal women towards male-midwives Abstract: The aim of this small-scale study is to describe the perceptions of postnatal women towards male-midwives. Quantitative data was collected through self administered questionnaires, distributed to a convenience sample of 25 eligible, postnatal women. The sample was taken from the Postnatal Ward of the General Hospital of Malta. The :findings of this study seem to indicate that postnatal women do not give top priority to the gender of their midwife. More importance was given to the psychological aspect of midwifery care. The composite scale of the questionnaire revealed that the more intimate the midwifery care, the higher the degree of discomfort reported by the women, which was particularly great if care had to be provided by a male-midwife. A similar increase in discomfort but to a lesser extent was observed when a female-midwife provided such intimate care. Results of this study seem to indicate that about three out of every four women would not object to their midwife being a male. The reasons given by those who claimed that they would object to their midwife being a male were directly related to the intimate nature of midwifery care. However, this issue of intimacy appeared not to be a major concern, or at least not a determining factor to the majority (three fourths) of the subjects. Description: B.SC.(HONS)NURSING Tue, 01 Jan 2002 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/65410 2002-01-01T00:00:00Z