Research in nursing & health
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The role of inner strength in quality of life (QOL) and self-management, primary variables in the Theory of Inner Strength, were examined with demographic and clinical characteristics in 107 women with cancer. The strongest predictors of QOL were depressive symptoms, inner strength, and time since diagnosis, respectively, accounting for 82% of the variance in QOL. ⋯ The strongest predictors of self-management were depressive symptoms and inner strength, accounting for 17% of the variance. Results contribute to theory development and suggest the value of supporting inner strength to enhance QOL in cancer survivors.
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Validation of a causal model of agitation among institutionalized residents with dementia in Taiwan.
The aim of this study was to test a causal model of the predictors of agitation among 405 nursing home residents in Taiwan with varying degrees of cognitive impairment. Chart review and behavioral observations were used to assess residents' physical and psychosocial condition. ⋯ Additionally, cognitive function and pain influenced functional ability directly, which in turn influenced depression and ultimately influenced agitation. The results suggest that effective management of agitation in demented residents requires identifying the needs underlying the behavior rather than directly treating the behavior itself.