International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences最新文献

{"title":"Nursing partnerships in paediatric oncology palliative care: An umbrella review of nurses' experiences and family-centered outcomes","authors":"Donia Elsaid Fathi Zaghamir","doi":"10.1016/j.ijans.2026.101119","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijans.2026.101119","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Partnership nursing in paediatric oncology, palliative, and supportive care is essential for optimising both patient and family outcomes. Nurses play a key role in symptom management, emotional support, and care coordination, while families require guidance, effective communication, and psychosocial support. Although important, evidence on nurses' experiences and the impact on family outcomes is still scattered.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This systematic review aims to synthesize current evidence on nurses' experiences and family outcomes in paediatric oncology palliative and supportive care.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>An umbrella review was performed to summarise evidence from previously published systematic reviews, qualitative systematic reviews, integrative reviews, scoping reviews, meta-syntheses, and qualitative evidence syntheses. A wide-ranging literature search was conducted on multiple databases, such as PubMed, PMC, and CareSearch, for reviews from 2016 to 2026. The total number of included studies was 18 and covered nurses' experiences, family perspectives, and supportive care interventions in paediatric oncology palliative settings. Data were extracted on study design, population, and key findings related to nursing roles, family outcomes, communication, and care models.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The data reveal the significant emotional and professional challenges faced by nurses, including the provision of end of life care, the management of symptom burden, and assisting families with decision making processes. Families report mixed experiences with care coordination, psychosocial support and communication, with unmet needs for guidance, education and emotional support. Home-based and community palliative care models, including eHealth interventions, lead to improved family satisfaction, symptom control and quality of life outcomes. Integrative and qualitative syntheses suggest that effective nurse-family partnerships improve child comfort, family coping, and perceived quality of care.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Nurses' experiences in paediatric oncology palliative care are strongly associated with outcomes for families. Supporting nurses with education, structured interventions, and communication training is key to optimising family-centered care. Future research should focus on standardized partnership models that strengthen nurse–family collaboration and measure both psychosocial and clinical outcomes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38091,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences","volume":"26 ","pages":"Article 101119"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148452332","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence of poor sleep quality among nurses: a systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Rostam Menati,&nbsp;Mohammad Reza Omidi","doi":"10.1016/j.ijans.2026.101125","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijans.2026.101125","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Aims</h3><div>This study aimed to determine the prevalence of poor sleep quality among nurses in African countries and to identify associated individual, occupational, and lifestyle-related factors through a systematic review and meta-analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we conducted a comprehensive literature search in PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, and PsycINFO from inception to March 2025, supplemented by grey literature sources. Eligible studies were observational designs assessing poor sleep quality among nurses in African countries using validated tools such as the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) or the International Classification of Sleep Disorders (ICSD-3). Data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by two reviewers, using standardized forms and the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Pooled prevalence was estimated using a DerSimonian–Laird random-effects model, with subgroup and sensitivity analyses conducted, and publication bias assessed via Egger's and Begg's tests.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>Five cross-sectional studies conducted between 2017 and 2024 in Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Somalia met the inclusion criteria, encompassing a total of approximately 1741 nurses. Reported prevalence of poor sleep quality ranged from 25.6% to 75.5%, with a high pooled prevalence and substantial heterogeneity (I² &gt; 75%, Q-test <em>p</em> &lt; 0.001). Consistently reported occupational factors included night shifts and rotating work schedules, while individual and psychological factors such as female gender, depression, anxiety, and stress were strongly associated with poor sleep quality. Lifestyle-related factors, including obesity and substance use, were also frequently reported. Sensitivity analyses demonstrated robust results, and no significant publication bias was detected.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Poor sleep quality among nurses in African countries is highly prevalent and is influenced by a combination of occupational, psychological, and behavioral risk factors. Context-specific interventions targeting shift work organization, mental health support, and lifestyle modification are urgently needed to improve nurses' well-being, patient safety, and healthcare service quality.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38091,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences","volume":"26 ","pages":"Article 101125"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148452428","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence, attitude, and knowledge of urinary tract infection among female adolescents in senior high school: A cross-sectional study in upper east region, Ghana","authors":"Prospera Asakitogum,&nbsp;Comfort Dede,&nbsp;Korkor Sandycious,&nbsp;Acheampong Osborn,&nbsp;David Ayangba Asakitogum,&nbsp;Felix Apiribu","doi":"10.1016/j.ijans.2026.101115","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijans.2026.101115","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Urinary Tract Infection is a public health concern which affects women the most. Female adolescents are particularly vulnerable to this infection due to several factors. This study explored the prevalence, knowledge and attitudes towards the prevention of urinary tract infection among female adolescents.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Using a descriptive cross-sectional design, data were collected from 200 participants through a structured questionnaire. A convenience sampling technique was used to select eligible participants. Ordinal logistic regression was done to establish factors associated with knowledge of the infection.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The findings revealed that a majority (53%) were 16–18 years old with Median age 17.7 (IQR: 16.3–20.7) years. Self-reported lifetime prevalence of urinary tract infection was 45% and total knowledge was an average mean score of (10.79(3.23) range 3–17). Boyfriend/girlfriend relationships and sexual intercourse were associated with knowledge of the infection.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Considering that there is high perceived prevalence of and inadequate knowledge of urinary tract infection in this population, we recommend regular health education on sexual health, urinary tract infection, and sexually transmitted infections in all Senior High Schools in Ghana.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38091,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences","volume":"26 ","pages":"Article 101115"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148452512","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Companionship during labor: desire and associated factors among pregnant women receiving antenatal care in public hospitals of the south gondar zone: a multi-center cross-sectional study","authors":"Begizew Yimenu Mekuriaw (BYM),&nbsp;Agernesh Dereje Misker (ADM),&nbsp;Temesgen Birlie Asmare (TBA),&nbsp;Negesse Zurbachew Gobezie (NZG),&nbsp;Habtie Bantider Wubet (HBW),&nbsp;Getachew Mekete Deress (GMD),&nbsp;Abere Gebru Abuhay (AGA),&nbsp;Amanu Addis Melesew (AAM),&nbsp;Walelign Asmie Afework (WAA),&nbsp;Molla Amsalu Tadesse (MAT),&nbsp;Asnake Tadesse Abate (ATA),&nbsp;Tsehayu Melak Siyoum (TMS),&nbsp;Gezahagn Demsu Gedefaw (GDG),&nbsp;Biruk Demissie (BD)","doi":"10.1016/j.ijans.2026.101123","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijans.2026.101123","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Labor companionship, the presence of a family member, friend, or doula during labor and delivery, is a vital component of care for women. Developing effective interventions to support labor companionship requires understanding pregnant women's preferences and the factors influencing their decisions. However, data on labor companionship in Ethiopia are limited. This study aimed to assess the desire for labor companionship and its determinants among pregnant women attending antenatal care at public hospitals in the south Gondar zone.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A multi-center, institutional cross-sectional survey was conducted among 404 pregnant women between March 1 and April 30, 2025. Participants were selected using systematic random sampling, and data were collected via face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with the desire for labor companionship. Statistical significance was set at <em>p</em> &lt; 0.05 with a 95% confidence interval.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The study found that 65% (95% CI: 57.09, 68.91) of pregnant women desired labor companionship. Urban residence (AOR = 2.87, 95%CI: 1.90–4.34), age ≤ 24 years (AOR = 1.64, 95%CI: 1.1–2.45), higher educational level (AOR = 3.21, 95%CI: 2.33–4.42), and good knowledge of labor companionship (AOR = 2.31, 95%CI: 1.81–2.95) were significantly associated with a desire for labor companionship.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>A high proportion of pregnant women desired labor companionship. Residence, age, educational level, and knowledge of labor companionship were significantly associated with this desire.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38091,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences","volume":"26 ","pages":"Article 101123"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148452518","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Woman, companion and midwife interpersonal dynamics during childbirth: A phenomenological study in South African midwife-led birth units","authors":"N.M. Rala ,&nbsp;C.S. Minnie ,&nbsp;A. Matthews ,&nbsp;K.D. Shopo","doi":"10.1016/j.ijans.2026.101105","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijans.2026.101105","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Supportive interpersonal relationships during childbirth are essential to the delivery of quality midwifery care, particularly in a midwife-led setting. However, little is known about how midwives, birthing women, and companions co-experience and interpret their supportive interpersonal relationships in resource-limited, midwife-led settings.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>To explore how midwives, birthing women, and companions experience and make meaning of their interpersonal relationships during childbirth in selected Midwife-led Birth Units (MLBUs) in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>An interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) approach was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 purposively sampled participants (four midwives, four birthing women, and four companions). Data were analysed using a systematic, idiographic process to develop experiential themes at the personal and group levels.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>Four key themes were identified: A. The Role of the Companion in Childbirth Support; B. Midwives' Attributes and Behaviours; C. Trust, Safety, and Collaboration in Childbirth; and D. Antenatal Care as a Foundation for Building Relationships. Participants emphasised how positive interpersonal relationships promoted calmness, cooperation, and emotional safety, while negative interactions led to anxiety, silence, and feelings of abandonment.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The study highlights the importance of interpersonal relationships in shaping women's childbirth experiences. Supportive companions and positive midwives' behaviours fostered calmness, trust, and cooperation during labour. In contrast, negative interactions and poor communication led to anxiety, silence, and feelings of abandonment among women. Antenatal care was identified as an important opportunity to build trust and establish supportive relationships between women and healthcare providers. Strengthening respectful, compassionate, and collaborative maternity care practices is essential for improving women's childbirth experiences and the quality of care.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38091,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences","volume":"26 ","pages":"Article 101105"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148190715","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":"Effectiveness of an integrated approach to prevention of Anemia and stunting based on community as partner: Randomized controlled trial","authors":"Darmawati Darmawati ,&nbsp;Herlina Dimiati ,&nbsp;Mira Rizkia ,&nbsp;Nova Fajri ,&nbsp;Aida Fitri ,&nbsp;Nosi Delianti ,&nbsp;Dara Ardhia ,&nbsp;Mariatul Kiftia ,&nbsp;Elka Halifah ,&nbsp;Zulkarnaini Zulkarnaini","doi":"10.1016/j.ijans.2026.101103","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijans.2026.101103","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Maternal knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding plays a critical role in shaping optimal infant feeding practices during the postpartum period. Sociodemographic characteristics may influence maternal knowledge, yet evidence from specific regional contexts such as Aceh, Indonesia, remains limited. This study aimed to examine the association between maternal sociodemographic characteristics and knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding and to identify independent predictors among postpartum mothers.</div><div>Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 75 postpartum mothers in a tertiary hospital in Aceh, Indonesia. Data were collected using a validated structured questionnaire assessing maternal knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding and sociodemographic characteristics. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize participant characteristics. Bivariate analysis using Chi-square tests was performed to assess associations, and variables with <em>p</em> &lt; 0.25 were included in a multivariate logistic regression model. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported, with statistical significance set at <em>p</em> &lt; 0.05.</div><div>Results: Overall, 68.0% of mothers demonstrated good knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding. Bivariate analysis showed that maternal education was significantly associated with knowledge level (<em>p</em> = 0.012). In the multivariate analysis, maternal education and prior breastfeeding experience emerged as significant independent predictors. Mothers with secondary education were more likely to have good knowledge compared to those with primary education (AOR = 2.90; 95% CI: 1.02–8.25; <em>p</em> = 0.045). Similarly, mothers with prior breastfeeding experience had higher odds of good knowledge (AOR = 3.10; 95% CI: 1.05–9.20; <em>p</em> = 0.041). Other variables were not significantly associated with maternal knowledge.</div><div>Conclusions: Maternal education and prior breastfeeding experience are important determinants of knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding among postpartum mothers. Strengthening maternal education and providing targeted breastfeeding support during antenatal and postnatal care may enhance maternal knowledge and support optimal infant feeding practices.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38091,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences","volume":"26 ","pages":"Article 101103"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148243141","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":"Determinants of knowledge, attitude, and practice towards risk factors and prevention of chronic kidney disease among adults in Dodoma, Tanzania: A cross-sectional study","authors":"Shakary K. Visent ,&nbsp;Emmanuel M. Sindato ,&nbsp;James J. Yahaya","doi":"10.1016/j.ijans.2026.101113","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijans.2026.101113","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Improving knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) towards risk factors and prevention of chronic kidney disease (CKD) helps early detection, and reduces mortality.</div></div><div><h3>Aim of the study</h3><div>This study aimed to assess the levels of KAP and their determinants towards risk factors and prevention of CKD.</div></div><div><h3>Methodology</h3><div>A cross-sectional analytical community-based study was conducted among 217 adults in Dodoma region, Tanzania from June to November 2022. Data collection was done using a questionnaire which consisted of 35 questions for assessing the KAP domains. Modified Bloom's cut-off level of &gt;75% was used to categorize participant's KAP into good or positive and poor. The determinants of knowledge, attitude, and practice were assessed using binary logistic regression analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The overall levels of good knowledge, attitude, and practices was 54.8% (98/217), 69.1% (150/217), and 35.9% (78/217), respectively. Being a male (aOR = 2.01, 95% CI = 1.059–3.795, <em>p</em> = 0.033), having secondary school education (aOR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.436–3.048, <em>p</em> = 0.023, and residing in urban areas (aOR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.275–2.968, <em>p</em> = 0.041) were the determinants of good knowledge. Also, having secondary school (aOR = 1.96, 95% CI = 1.956–5.498, <em>p</em> = 0.001), having tertiary education (aOR = 1.76, 95% CI = 1.62–10.948, <em>p</em> = 0.046), and having good knowledge (aOR = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.370–7.515, <em>p</em> &lt; 0.001) were the determinants of positive attitude. Being employed (aOR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.237–5.407, <em>p</em> = 0.046) and having good knowledge (aOR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.580–9.289, <em>p</em> = 0.002) were the determinants of good practice towards risk factors and prevention of CKD.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study has shown high level of good attitude, moderate level of good knowledge, and low level of good practice towards risk factors and prevention of CKD. These findings indicate that there is a need of improving good practices of individuals in Tanzanian communities towards prevention of CKD.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38091,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences","volume":"26 ","pages":"Article 101113"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148243142","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’ experiences of barriers and strategies to the management of Patients’ postoperative pain in hospitals in Northern Ghana","authors":"Emmanuel Ajudiok Anaapeesa ,&nbsp;Bernard Atinyagrika Adugbire ,&nbsp;Millicent Aarah-Bapuah","doi":"10.1016/j.ijans.2026.101044","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijans.2026.101044","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>The paper describes nurses’ experiences of barriers and strategies to the management of patients’ postoperative pain in a hospital in Northern Ghana.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>The study employed an exploratory, descriptive qualitative approach to provide a thorough experience of nurses concerning barriers and strategies to effectively manage postoperative pain. The study included registered nurses and midwives with the requisite experience of managing postoperative patient pain. A purposive sampling technique was employed to recruit the participants, with a sample size of fourteen based on data saturation. The data was collected using a semi-structured interview guide and analysed using an inductive thematic analysis approach.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The study identified two main themes 1. Barriers to postoperative pain management with corresponding subthemes being nurses’ related barriers to postoperative pain management, patients’ related barriers to postoperative pain management, and Institutional related barriers to postoperative pain management. 2. Strategies to effective postoperative pain management, with the subthemes being increased capacity and motivation of nurses and midwives, pharmacological and nonpharmacological nursing management of postoperative pain.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The study concludes that though there are barriers to effective patients’ postoperative pain management, nurses and midwives have an understanding of postoperative pain and employ both pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies for its management. However, nurses and midwives need to be motivated to increase their capacity in managing patient postoperative pain.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38091,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences","volume":"25 ","pages":"Article 101044"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147547368","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":"Artificial intelligence and nursing shortages: The challenges and opportunities: A narrative review","authors":"Negar Yazdani,&nbsp;Maryam Shaygan","doi":"10.1016/j.ijans.2026.101131","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijans.2026.101131","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Nurses are essential to healthcare, comprising about 56% of hospital staff. A nursing shortage harms healthcare quality and worsens with aging populations, rising demands, and burnout. Artificial intelligence (AI) offers hope to ease these challenges but faces its own limitations. This review examines how AI may help mitigate some drivers of nursing shortages, primarily through improvements in workload efficiency and task automation, while also considering the associated challenges.</div></div><div><h3>Material and methods</h3><div>A structured narrative review was conducted using the PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Science Direct databases, with Google Scholar as a supplementary tool. The search strategy employed predefined keywords, Boolean operators, and journal-specific parameters.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Data were extracted from 70 research articles published between 2020 and 2024 and analyzed using constant comparative analysis. The benefits of AI in addressing nursing shortages include enhanced efficiency and productivity, improved access to accurate information, support for holistic healthcare through AI, and facilitation of clinical and administrative support for nursing professionals. However, as an emerging technology, AI faces challenges such as reduced patient interaction, data privacy concerns, over-reliance on technology, data entry quality issues, and the need for adequate user training.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This review suggests that AI may offer several benefits for nursing practice, including improved efficiency, better access to information, and support for holistic care. However, several challenges remain, such as reduced patient interaction, data privacy concerns, over-reliance on technology, and the need for adequate training. Addressing these barriers appears important for the successful integration of AI into nursing. These findings highlight areas that may require attention if AI is to effectively support nursing professionals and enhance patient care.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38091,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences","volume":"26 ","pages":"Article 101131"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148476906","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"South African student nurses’ experiences of preparedness in delivering ethically competent care","authors":"Zizipho Nomqonde ,&nbsp;Charlene Downing","doi":"10.1016/j.ijans.2025.100939","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijans.2025.100939","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Student nurses must be thoroughly prepared to assume professional responsibilities. By the time they complete their studies, they should possess a solid foundation of knowledge, critical thinking skills, and the personal qualities essential for ethical and professional behaviour. These traits are crucial for delivering competent nursing care in real-world clinical settings. As ethical challenges in clinical practice increase, developing ethical competence in student nurses becomes crucial. This preparation will equip student nurses with the demands of their future roles and help uphold high standards of care in diverse clinical environments.</div></div><div><h3>Research purpose</h3><div>This study aimed to explore South African student nurses’ experiences of being prepared to deliver ethically competent care.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This study employed a descriptive, qualitative design. Purposive sampling was used to recruit second, third and fourth-year student nurses. Data was collected through focus groups, case studies, and field notes. The data was analysed using thematic analysis. Ethical principles were adhered to throughout the study.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The findings revealed several challenges in the delivery of ethically competent care among student nurses. Participants reported that ethically competent care was often neglected in the clinical environment, highlighting a need to return to fundamental nursing principles. They also described the difficulty of navigating ethical dilemmas, particularly when balancing patient rights with practical constraints. Furthermore, discrepancies were noted between the theoretical knowledge gained during training and its practical application in clinical settings, suggesting a gap between learning and practice.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This study explored student nurses’ preparedness to deliver ethically competent care. The findings highlight significant challenges in clinical settings and emphasise the need for strategies to address ethical issues. Recommendations include creating a supportive learning environment, assisting students in speaking up during dilemmas, promoting ethical awareness before clinical exposure, boosting morale, using diverse teaching methods, role-modelling ethical care, fostering collaboration between practice and academia, and encouraging student participation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":38091,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences","volume":"24 ","pages":"Article 100939"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146037238","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}