International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences最新文献

{"title":"Effect of foot reflexology on anxiety and physiological indices in patients undergoing extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy: A randomized clinical trial study","authors":"Zahra Borzabadi Farahani ,&nbsp;Ali Safdari ,&nbsp;Mohamad Golitaleb ,&nbsp;Sahar Dolatshahi","doi":"10.1016/j.ijans.2025.100944","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijans.2025.100944","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Anxiety is a common concern in patients undergoing extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). Reflexology, as a simple and safe complementary approach, may help reduce anxiety, though evidence in this setting remains limited.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This randomized clinical trial was conducted at Sina Hospital, Arak, Iran, between December 2022 and July 2023. 74 eligible patients undergoing ESWL for the first time were randomized equally to reflexology (n = 37) or control (n = 37). Reflexology consisted of a 20-minute standardized foot massage (10 minutes per foot) administered 30 minutes before lithotripsy. Controls received routine care. The primary outcome was state anxiety measured by the Spielberger State Anxiety Inventory. Secondary outcomes were systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation. Assessments were conducted immediately before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed with paired and independent t-tests.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The two groups were homogeneous with respect to baseline demographic and clinical variables. Reflexology significantly reduced anxiety (52.22 ± 5.18 to 46.62 ± 8.30; p &lt; 0.001), whereas controls showed no meaningful change (53.03 ± 5.01 to 51.76 ± 6.54; p = 0.165). Post-intervention between-group difference was significant (p = 0.004; Cohen’s d =  − 0.68). Systolic and diastolic blood pressures declined more in the intervention group (p = 0.032 and p = 0.045, respectively). Heart rate decreased significantly within the reflexology group (p = 0.001) but not between groups.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Reflexology reduced pre-procedural anxiety and improved some hemodynamic indices in ESWL patients. As a low-cost, non-invasive adjunct, it can be included in routine care.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38091,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article 100944"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145938666","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Correlation between pain self-efficacy and pain management quality among abdominal surgery patients","authors":"Seyedeh Nayereh Falahan ,&nbsp;Zoleykha Rajabi ,&nbsp;Amir Sadeghi ,&nbsp;Naser Kamyari ,&nbsp;Vahid Yousofvand","doi":"10.1016/j.ijans.2026.101003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijans.2026.101003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div> <!-->Pain management is a critical concern for patients undergoing abdominal surgery, as insufficient and ineffective pain control can diminish their quality of life and prolong hospital stays. Enhancing patients’ pain self-efficacy may improve their ability to manage pain effectively. Therefore, investigating the relationship between pain self-efficacy and pain management quality is crucial. This study seeks to determine the correlation between pain self-efficacy and pain management quality among abdominal surgery patients.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div> <!-->This descriptive cross-sectional correlational study investigated 432 patients undergoing abdominal surgery who were admitted to the three general surgery departments of Besat Hospital, affiliated with Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, from March 2022 to May 2023. The data collection instruments included pain self-efficacy and pain management quality questionnaires.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A positive correlation was identified between pain self-efficacy and pain management quality among patients undergoing abdominal surgery (r = 0.448, p &lt; 0.001). Additionally, positive correlations were found between self-efficacy and various dimensions of pain management quality, including trust (r = 0.586, p &lt; 0.001), environment (r = 0.265, p &lt; 0.001), and communication (r = 0.409, p &lt; 0.001). However, pain self-efficacy negatively correlated with activity (r = -0.484, p &lt; 0.001).</div></div><div><h3>Limitations</h3><div>The study’s limitations are the convenience sampling method and self-report questionnaires.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>According to this study’s findings, nurses are recommended to incorporate pain self-efficacy education into their practice to enhance the quality of pain management for these patients within a holistic care framework.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38091,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article 101003"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146090633","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence and risk factors affecting full-term low birth weight among newborns delivered at Debre Markos Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia, 2025","authors":"Yilkal Dagnaw Melesse ,&nbsp;Getahun Deguale Kebede ,&nbsp;Kumlachew Solomon Wondmu ,&nbsp;Habtamu Ayele ,&nbsp;Haile Amha ,&nbsp;Menberu Gete ,&nbsp;Getachew Tilaye Mihiret ,&nbsp;Kassaw Beyene Getahun","doi":"10.1016/j.ijans.2026.100996","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijans.2026.100996","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Low birth weight is defined by the World Health Organization as a weight less than 2500 <!--> <!-->g at birth (5.5 <!--> <!-->lb). It remains a major public health issue worldwide, with a variety of both short- and long-term consequences. Low birth weight is a key indicator of neonatal health and a determinant of infant morbidity and mortality.</div></div><div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>This study estimated the prevalence of low birth weight among full-term newborns and identified associated risk factors at Debre Markos Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia, in 2025.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February to May 2025. Using systematic sampling of deliveries, we enrolled 352 mother–term newborn pairs; after exclusion of preterm births, the analysis of term newborns included 335 pairs. Data were collected by trained bachelor midwives using a structured, pretested interviewer questionnaire (translated to Amharic) and by reviewing delivery records. Data were collected on the Kobo Toolbox (digital data entry), exported to SPSS v25 for cleaning and analysis. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify independent predictors; adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals are reported; p &lt; 0.05 was considered significant.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Of 352 term newborns, 27 (8.1%) were low birth weight. Independent predictors of term LBW were, maternal age &lt; 20 years (AOR 2.7; 95% CI 1.2–5.7), maternal age &gt; 35 years (AOR 1.2; 95% CI 1.01–3.4), history of abortion (AOR 3.4; 95% CI 2.1–5.7), alcohol use during pregnancy (AOR 4.5; 95% CI 3.5–5.9), presence of comorbidities in pregnancy (AOR 3.1; 95% CI 2.8–4.2), iron supplementation, AOR 4.4 (95% CI 2.4–3.8), P &lt; 0.001, lack of dietary counselling (AOR 3.8; 95% CI 1.8–6.4).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The prevalence of full-term low birth weight was relatively low but remains a public health concern. Maternal age, alcohol use, comorbidities, previous abortion, lack of iron supplementation and inadequate nutritional counselling were significant predictors. Strengthening antenatal care services, including maternal education, counselling, early identification, and management of comorbidities, is essential to reduce low birth weight.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38091,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article 100996"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146090377","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Oxygen therapy: Knowledge, attitude, practices, and barriers among nurses and midwives at Tamale Teaching Hospital","authors":"Iddrisu Mohammed Sisala ,&nbsp;Mudasir Mohammed Ibrahim ,&nbsp;Abdul Latif Abdul Rahaman ,&nbsp;Firdaus Ayariga Mustapha ,&nbsp;Ayisha Mohammed ,&nbsp;Abubakari Wuni","doi":"10.1016/j.ijans.2026.100998","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijans.2026.100998","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Oxygen therapy is a long-standing, life-saving intervention, but its administration requires careful management to maximize benefits and reduce potential harm.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, practices, and barriers related to oxygen therapy among nurses and midwives at Tamale Teaching Hospital.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted using a structured, pretested questionnaire administered to 318 nurses and midwives selected through simple random sampling. Data were analyzed using SAS JMP Professional.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Overall, 78.3% of participants had good knowledge of oxygen therapy. Knowledge was significantly associated with age, religion, years of experience, rank, educational level, and prior training (p &lt; 0.05). Positive attitudes were observed in 52.8% of respondents and were significantly associated with gender, marital status, cadre, work experience, and education (p &lt; 0.05). Half of the respondents (50.0%) demonstrated good practices. The main barrier to effective oxygen therapy was poor maintenance and functionality of equipment (65.1%).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Strengthening nurses’ and midwives’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices, alongside improving oxygen therapy equipment and maintenance, is essential for better patient care.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38091,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article 100998"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146090536","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Developing a followership innovation implementation strategy for nurses: An applied implementation research study","authors":"Welile M. Mamba ,&nbsp;Willem Fourie ,&nbsp;Yvonne Botma ,&nbsp;Tanya Heyns","doi":"10.1016/j.ijans.2026.101029","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijans.2026.101029","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Followership training for nurses is critical because it improves the nurse leader–follower dyad, healthcare team functioning, and patient outcomes. However, leadership training has traditionally received priority in healthcare, and the follower role has been neglected. The reason is that followership is classified as passive role that requires no development.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>The aim of the research was to develop a followership innovation implementation strategy for nurses working in a hospital.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We adopted implementation research using an explorative descriptive qualitative design. Data were collected through a stakeholder analysis workshop from ten purposively selected stakeholders. The workshop was audio-recorded and data were analysed using deductive thematic analysis. Insights from stakeholders were incorporated into thematic areas adapted from the domains of the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research and Implementation Research Logic Model.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The innovation was a followership training programme for nurses, and the inner context was the selected hospital where training would be implemented. The external setting comprised the university, higher education council, and nursing council that would partner with the hospital during implementation. Individuals included the research team, hospital in-service department, and nurses who would receive training. The implementation process incorporated a pre-implementation plan.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Implementation research frameworks are instrumental in developing evidence-based implementation strategies in the nursing discipline. Successful implementation of the followership innovation can promote collaboration between nurse leaders and followers. Future research needs to implement and investigate the impact of the followership innovation among nurses.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38091,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article 101029"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147419763","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Experiences of professional nurses in paediatric wards during COVID-19 pandemic, North West province","authors":"Tshepiso Y. Kgongwane ,&nbsp;Jeanette M. Sebaeng ,&nbsp;Seepaneng S. Moloko-Phiri","doi":"10.1016/j.ijans.2026.100976","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijans.2026.100976","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>COVID-19 itself is a mild disease in children, although its indirect effects lead to disruptions in the provision of paediatric health care services. Measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 infection resulted in restrictions to routine healthcare access. The lockdown restrictions that were implemented led to a decline in childhood immunisations and admissions that later increased professional nurses’ workload in paediatric wards.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>The study aimed to develop a deeper understanding of the experiences of professional nurses in paediatric wards of North West province during the COVID-19 pandemic.</div></div><div><h3>Design</h3><div>Descriptive, exploratory and contextual design was used in the study.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A qualitative method was used. A total of 11 professional nurses working in the paediatric wards of the North West province were purposively selected to participate in the study. In-depth individual interviews were conducted. Ethical considerations were considered.</div></div><div><h3>Data analysis</h3><div>Data was analysed using the Colaizzi method.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Three themes emerged from the findings of the study namely, COVID-19 pandemic challenges in paediatric wards, professional nurses developed resilience during COVID-19 pandemic and professional nurses encountered a lack of human and material resources.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The findings show that professional nurses worked in difficult situations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these challenges, they developed resilience and other coping strategies.</div></div><div><h3>Recommendations</h3><div>This article recommends contingency plans for future pandemics and support for professional nurses working in paediatric wards to prevent burnout.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38091,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article 100976"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145977122","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Quality of life of women with breast cancer receiving chemotherapy at a tertiary Hospital in Ghana","authors":"Amos Azure ,&nbsp;Wahab Osman ,&nbsp;Dzigbordi Kpikpitse","doi":"10.1016/j.ijans.2026.101016","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijans.2026.101016","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The most important treatment outcome for breast cancer patients is quality of life. It aids in assessing nursing and medical interventions, providing useful information about patients’ preferences, prognosis, and the adverse effects of cancer treatment. In countries with a high human development index, chemotherapy has been shown to negatively affect the quality of life (QoL) of women. There is limited data on the QoL of women with breast cancer receiving chemotherapy in Tamale Teaching Hospital in Ghana, and therefore, this study was undertaken.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>An institution-based, cross-sectional quantitative survey was conducted. After obtaining ethics approval, a survey involving 85 women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy was completed between April and July 2022. Data were collected using adapted versions of the EORTC-QLQ C30 and EORTC-QLQ-BR45 questionnaires. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies, means, and standard deviations (SD), were calculated using SPSS version 25.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The women’s quality of life was poor, with a score of 55 (SD ± 25), and they experienced varying levels of impairment in their physical functioning, 67 (SD ± 32), role functioning, 68 (SD ± 33), emotional functioning, 69 (SD ± 31), and social functioning, 45 (SD ± 37). All women faced financial difficulties (100%), and 83.5% reported that this was a significant burden.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Integrating QoL screening and tackling financial toxicity can transform breast cancer care and outcomes in Ghana and similar LMICs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38091,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article 101016"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147385288","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Nurses’ care attitudes toward inmate patients at selected hospitals in the Sunyani municipality of Ghana: A qualitative study","authors":"Ba-Etilayoo Atinga ,&nbsp;Christiana Asospae Ayamga ,&nbsp;Vincentia Sarfo-Brobbey ,&nbsp;Albert Henyo ,&nbsp;Rosemary Braimah ,&nbsp;Tulukuu Perekuu ,&nbsp;Godfrey Konnyebal","doi":"10.1016/j.ijans.2026.101019","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijans.2026.101019","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>In Ghana, nurses working in public healthcare settings occasionally provide care for inmates referred from correctional institutions. However, little is known about how professional ethics, institutional constraints, emotional demands, and cultural values influence nurses’ experiences in delivering care to this marginalized population within a low-resource context.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study aimed to explore and describe the lived experiences of nurses in Ghana who provide healthcare to inmate patients, focusing on the ethical, emotional, institutional, and cultural dimensions of their work.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A qualitative research design with a phenomenological approach was employed. Seventeen nurses from selected public hospitals in Ghana were purposively sampled. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews and analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis method.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Nurses expressed a strong ethical commitment to treating inmate patients with dignity and equity. This commitment was often strained by emotional conflict, fear, and awareness of inmates’ criminal backgrounds. Institutional shortcomings and the absence of clear protocols compromised the quality of care, while the presence of security personnel disrupted communication and heightened tension during nurse–patient interactions. Despite stigma and cultural taboos, many nurses upheld their professional values and sense of shared humanity.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Nurses’ experiences of caring for inmate patients in Ghana are shaped by complex ethical, emotional, institutional, and cultural dynamics. Addressing these challenges requires the development of correctional healthcare protocols, provision of psychosocial and debriefing support for nurses, and the integration of bias-awareness training. Furthermore, policies must actively confront societal stigma and safeguard the rights of inmates to ensure humane and equitable healthcare for all.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38091,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article 101019"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147419744","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The efficacy of Mindfulness-based intervention in reducing emotional inertia in patients with depression: An empirical study","authors":"Li Huafang ,&nbsp;Lu Min ,&nbsp;Wang Mingqi ,&nbsp;Peng Yan ,&nbsp;Wang xueqing ,&nbsp;Chen diancai","doi":"10.1016/j.ijans.2026.100986","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijans.2026.100986","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Background:Mindfulness is a trait that everyone is inherent, and it is a interdisciplinary practice that can treat diseases and adjust the mind, which is derived from the Buddhist dharma. Emotional inertiarefers to the degree to which emotional states are resistant to change. And it is a degree to which an individual’s current mood is influenced by previous emotions to the extent that they are predictable. High emotionalinertia is an important characteristic of the emotion dynamics in depressed disorders. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of Mindfulness-based intervention on improving emotional inertia in depressed patients.</div><div>Methods: A general questionnaire and The Chinese version of the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale were employed to administer the intervention to 153 depressed inpatients (72 in the mindfulness training group and 81 in the waiting-list group).</div><div>Results: Following the mindfulness training intervention, the mood scores of the intervention group were found to be significantly higher than those of the waiting list group (72.09 + 3.60﹥70.65 + 3.30; P = 0.011). The results demonstrated that Mindfulness-based intervention can significantly improve emotional inertia in depressed patients (P = 0.004). However, the interaction between group and mindfulnesstrait was not significant (P = 0.067), suggesting that there is no moderating role of mindfulness trait in the effect of Mindfulness-based intervention on improving emotional inertia.</div><div>Discussion: Mindfulness-based intervention has been demonstrated to be an effective method for improving emotional inertia in depressed patients.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38091,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article 100986"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147419745","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring undergraduate nursing students’ experiences of evidence searching skills during nursing training: A focus group study in Tshwane, South Africa","authors":"Fatima Isa Abdullahi ,&nbsp;Tintswalo Victoria Nesengani ,&nbsp;Carin Maree","doi":"10.1016/j.ijans.2026.101027","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijans.2026.101027","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Information literacy is essential in undergraduate nursing education and clinical practice to ensure the appropriate use of advanced technological resources that promote informed clinical decision-making and safer, high-quality patient care. However, challenges include identifying high-quality evidence, evaluating reliability, assessing resources, and a lack of specific guidelines for embedded training in nursing curricula to support the implementation of evidence-based practice.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>To explore undergraduate nursing students’ experiences of evidence searching skills during nursing training at a South African university.</div></div><div><h3>Design</h3><div>A qualitative descriptive design using focus group discussions.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Data were collected using a semi-structured interview guide. Seven focus group discussions were conducted with 46 undergraduate nursing students from all year groups. The participants were purposively selected. Discussions were audio-recorded and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>Four themes emerged: (1) awareness of the need for evidence-searching skills, (2) obtaining knowledge and skills related to evidence-searching skills, (3) training opportunities, and (4) students’ recommendations for strengthening evidence-searching skills.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Undergraduate nursing students recognized the theoretical importance of evidence searching but lacked the ability to navigate scholarly databases due to limited exposure to context-specific training, leading to the adoption of ineffective habits, including reliance on AI tools. The current first-year training is inadequate to ensure nursing proficiency. To ensure patient safety and promote evidence-based practice, the study recommends a scaffolded, progressive training program that includes practical workshops to help students access, critically evaluate, and ethically apply scientific evidence in academic and clinical settings, thereby supporting lifelong learning, academic integrity, and professional practice. This aligns with global efforts to deliver safer, higher-quality care.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38091,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article 101027"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147419748","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}