https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/75684 Sun, 12 Apr 2026 07:17:50 GMT 2026-04-12T07:17:50Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/75774 Title: Malta Journal of Health Sciences : volume 8 : issue 1 Authors: Zarb, Francis Abstract: Table of contents:; 1/ Josephine Attard - The ‘spiritual disruption’ caused by the COVID-19 pandemic; 2/ Yasmine Mustafa Treki, Petra Jones - Adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern among University students; 3/ Bernice Mizzi, Marta Sant - Professionals’ experiences of selective mutism in children: An interpretative phenomenological analysis; 4/ Luke Anthony Fiorini, Amanda Griffiths, Jonathan Houdmont - Work engagement among nurses in Malta: Associations with psychosocial working conditions; 5/ Pete Bridge - Simulation-based education: International collaboration and resource sharing in response to COVID-19 Fri, 01 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/75774 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/75773 Title: The ‘spiritual disruption’ caused by the COVID-19 pandemic Authors: Attard, Josephine Abstract: The world is currently in the grip of a pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome novel coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) resulting in COVID-19. The virus was first detected in Wuhan City, China, in December 2019. The virus once reported spread rapidly globally becoming a pandemic, which has had a devastating impact on the normal functioning of everyday life. It has placed tremendous strain on health and social care systems, halted economies, and has had a significant impact on people’s lives, relationships, and activities. [excerpt] Fri, 01 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/75773 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/75772 Title: Adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern among university students Authors: Treki, Yasmine Mustafa; Jones, Petra Abstract: The Mediterranean dietary pattern is one of the healthiest dietary patterns. Despite Malta’s central location in the Mediterranean Sea, the Maltese dietary habits may have become more Westernised. The aims of this cross-sectional pilot study are to assess adherence to the Mediterranean diet in students at the University of Malta and investigate the feasibility of such a study and pilot the measurement tool. A structured interview was conducted with n=50 students who were conveniently recruited outside the University premises. The interview addressed lifestyle information and questions on the participants’ consumption of food items typical of a Mediterranean dietary pattern using a literature-based score. A photographic food atlas was used to aid the quantification of food portion sizes. A maximum of 18 points score indicating adherence was generated for each participant. The majority of students were female, Maltese, aged between 18–20 years old and within the normal BMI range. Students were unlikely to consume alcohol or smoke. The majority had a low-moderate intake of fruits, vegetables and legumes, low intake of fish and high intake of meat. The mean (95% CI) adherence score to the Mediterranean dietary pattern was 8.8 (8.1, 9.5) out of 18, classifying 72% of the students as medium adherers. No significant associations were found between overall adherence and all study parameters (p-value = 0.05). This study was the first to investigate the adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern in a sample of the Maltese population. A larger sample size is required to highlight associations between adherence levels and lifestyle factors. Fri, 01 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/75772 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/75746 Title: Professionals’ experiences of selective mutism in children : an interpretative phenomenological analysis Authors: Mizzi, Bernice; Sant, Marta Abstract: Selective mutism (SM) in children occurs when children experience verbal difficulties in social situations outside their natural environment. Research in the field of SM tends to focus on specific treatmentrelated interventions and their efficacy. In contrast, this qualitative study investigated the lived experiences of professionals who worked directly with children who have SM, in order to understand what it was like for them to engage with these children and the meaning(s) they attached to their experiences. The study’s aim was to consider the professionals’ beliefs regarding this disorder and how it impacted their practice. Six practitioners from various areas of specialisation working in Malta were interviewed, including two speech and language pathologists, one counsellor, one clinical psychologist/ psychotherapist and two educational psychologists. Data was analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) and four superordinate themes were identified. Findings indicated that clinical practice in this area was a complex endeavour. Participants referred to the need to be ‘self-sufficient’ as professionals, by engaging in reflexivity, independent study and supervision related to the disorder. Future research may consider a deeper exploration into the emotional reactions and discomfort experienced by professionals in response to children’s silence. Furthermore, research regarding the aetiology, symptomatology and prevalence rates of SM in Malta is needed, together with related professional development opportunities for professionals who work with children in their practice. Fri, 01 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/75746 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z