International journal of nursing studies
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The purpose was to introduce the Rasch model by showing an application in nursing research. ⋯ The Rasch model is useful for rigorous examination and development of measurement instruments in nursing research. The Rasch model facilitates disclosure of lack of invariance and other measurement problems that may not be easily detected by traditional analyses. Hence, the NSE-scale would probably have performed much better if the developmental work had been guided by Rasch analyses. In future work on the scale, priority should be given to improving the targeting and the categorisation of the items.
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The purpose of this study was to explore healthcare perspectives of Somali Bantu refugees in relation to their status as women who have been circumcised and recently resettled in the United States. These women and their families were already uprooted from Somalia to Kenya for over 10 years, increasing their vulnerability and marginal status beyond that of women who have been circumcised. ⋯ Circumcision is considered a normal part of everyday life for the Somali Bantu refugee woman. Communication skills are fundamental to providing culturally competent care for these women. Finally, healthcare providers must take responsibility for acquiring knowledge of the Somali women's challenges as refugees living with circumcision and as immigrants in need of healthcare services.
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Significant improvements have occurred in the survival rates of small preterm infants. As more infants survive their preterm birth, the number of parents associated with this experience has also increased. Clearly, the birth of very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) preterm infants poses considerable challenges for all mothers. These challenges are further compounded in Taiwan, where women are traditionally required to practise the cultural ritual (Zuo Yue Zi) which includes confinement to the house with a special balanced diet for the first month postnatally. Moreover, there is a deficit of information on mothers' experiences when their preterm infants are in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). ⋯ The theoretical model developed in this study is the first of its kind to contribute to the field of neonatal nursing in Taiwan. This would help Taiwanese women come to terms with becoming mothers of VLBW infants and subsequently enhance their parenting role.