NURSEARCHER (Journal of Nursing & Midwifery Sciences)

Perceived Level of Knowledge and Hand Hygiene Practices among Primary School Children in Shakari Mangalore, Swat, Pakistan

Zahoor Ahmad — 2025-09-30

Hand washing is particularly vital among children, as improper hand hygiene can lead to increased mortality rates from diseases like diarrhea and pneumonia, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Objective: To evaluate the level of knowledge and hand hygiene practices among primary school children aged 8–14 years in Shakari Mangalore, Swat, Pakistan. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 50 students from a government primary school. A structured questionnaire, adapted from previous studies, was used to gather demographic data and hand hygiene-related responses. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0 to calculate frequencies and percentages. Results: The findings showed that 88% of participants recognized the importance of hand washing during school, and 100% acknowledged the significance of washing hands to remove germs and dirt. However, the use of soap and hand washing in school settings was notably lower, with only 10% using soap regularly. Conclusions: While awareness of hand hygiene was high, adherence to proper hand-washing practices was inconsistent. The study highlights the need for better education, particularly regarding soap usage and consistent hand-washing behaviors, to improve hygiene practices in schools and prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

Emotional Intelligence and Academic Success among Undergraduate Nursing Students in Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Study

Sumayya Bibi — 2025-09-30

Emotional intelligence (EI) is recognized as a key factor in academic achievement, especially in professions like nursing. Pakistan is a country where students of nursing have unique problems that may affect academic achievement and well-being. Objectives: To examine how emotional intelligence is related to academic success amongst undergraduate nursing students in Pakistan. Methods: The cross-sectional study consisted of 400 undergraduate nursing students admitted to twin cities in Pakistan in nursing institutes. This was done by gathering data through the Schutte Emotional Intelligence Scale, and the academic performance of the students was gauged through CGPA. The statistical data analysis was conducted through descriptive statistics and inferential statistics (Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression). Results: The high individual correlation (r=0.74, p<0.001) between EI and the CGPA supports the need to consider EI as an important factor in attaining academic success. The multiple linear regression model revealed that EI had a relationship, which accounted for 25% of the variability in the CGPA, based on the R2 value of 0.25. Furthermore, the statistical significance of all the subscales as predictors was found to be statistically significant, indicating a positive relationship between greater EI and greater GPAs. Conclusions: In this study, EI is mentioned as an important variable in predicting academic success in nursing students in Pakistan. With the support of the specific training which encourages EI, the performance of the students can be improved, and they can be better prepared to meet the needs of the healthcare worker.

Examining Clinical Instructors' Understanding, Perspectives, and Implementation of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP): A Multi-Institutional Study

Tahira Yasmin — 2025-09-30

The adoption of evidence-based practice in healthcare has gathered significant appreciation across disciplines, aiming to improve patient care outcomes. In nursing, the primary objective is to deliver safe and standardized care by integrating evidence-based practice into clinical decision-making. Consequently, nursing educators must equip future nurses with the skills to decrease mortality rates and enhance patients' quality of life through the utilization of the best available evidence. Objectives: To assess the understanding, perspectives, and implementation of evidence-based practice among clinical instructors across five nursing educational institutes. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed for this study. A total of 110 clinical instructors from both public and private sector educational institutes were recruited using convenience sampling. Participants completed a structured self-administered questionnaire, and data were measured using descriptive and inferential statistics in SPSS (Version 23.0). Results: Clinical instructors possessing master's degrees demonstrated a good understanding of evidence-based practice steps and their application. On the other hand, no significant differences (p-value>0.05) were received in overall perspectives towards evidence-based practice based on gender, qualification, and experience. Conclusions: It was concluded that clinical instructors with master's degrees demonstrated favourable perspectives and practices towards evidence-based practice. Female showed higher knowledge scores, while male excelled in perspectives and implementation.

Assessment of Levels of Knowledge of Mosquitoes as Vectors of Viral Diseases among Pregnant Women in Semi-Urban Areas of Abuja, Nigeria

Favour Osazuwa — 2025-09-30

Mosquitoes transmit not only Malaria but also a host of viruses that affect and cause disease in humans. Objectives: To assess the level of knowledge pregnant women have about mosquitoes as vectors of viral disease in semi-urban areas of Abuja, Nigeria. Methods: Respondents for this study were apparently healthy pregnant women attending three primary health care centers in Abaji, Federal Capital City, Nigeria. Demographic data and necessary information on knowledge levels were collected with the aid of an interviewer-delivered questionnaire. Result: The level of Knowledge of mosquitoes as a vector of Malaria and Viruses was 99.2% vs 12.9%. Age (p<0.001) and Educational status (p<0.001) were significant determining factors of knowledge levels. Parity status (p=0.1717) and Gravidity (p=0.3120) were not significant confounders. Conclusions: The inclusion of detailed knowledge about the capacity of infectious disease transmission by mosquitoes should be incorporated into regular talks during antenatal clinic visits.

Awareness and Practices Regarding Oral Hygiene Among School-Going Children in Swat

Hassan Khan — 2025-09-30

Oral health greatly affects the overall health and well-being of children. Dental problems are not the only diseases associated with poor oral hygiene because it is also associated with systemic diseases, including diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Objectives: To determine the level of awareness and oral hygiene behaviors among school-going children in Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2025 to August 2025 in Government Primary School Shakaro Manglawar. Fifty students were selected via convenience sampling. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0 using descriptive statistics. Results: The study results show that 66% of participants were male, and 60% were above 11 years. 66% brushed once daily, while 34% used a toothbrush and toothpaste. 26% visited the dentist, often only in pain. Half of the participants were unaware of tongue hygiene. Conclusions: Limited awareness and inconsistent hygiene practices were observed. School-based interventions are crucial to promote oral hygiene in rural children.

Procrastination in Nursing and Education: A Concept Analysis

Iram Nisar — 2025-09-30

Procrastination is widely observed in academic and professional settings, yet its meaning and implications are not always clearly understood. In nursing and education, procrastination can hinder learning, affect time management, and negatively influence professional development. The purpose of this concept analysis was to clarify the meaning of procrastination, identify its attributes, antecedents, and consequences, and highlight its relevance for nursing students and educators. Published literature was reviewed to examine how procrastination is defined and applied in academic and professional contexts. Walker and Avant’s approach to concept analysis guided the identification of defining attributes, antecedents, and outcomes. Procrastination was identified as a voluntary delay in planned tasks despite potential negative outcomes. Key attributes include avoidance, indecision, and task delay. Antecedents involve lack of motivation, ineffective time management, fear of failure, and emotional stressors. Consequences include decreased academic performance, higher stress levels, poor self-esteem, and limited professional growth. The following sections were structured to move logically from definitions to nursing, teaching, and student contexts, followed by attributes, antecedents, consequences, and illustrative cases, ensuring smoother transitions across topics. This analysis provides clarity on procrastination by distinguishing its essential features and practical implications. Understanding the concept can support the development of strategies to reduce procrastination among nursing students, enhance their learning experiences, and strengthen their professional identity.

Role of Nurses in Coordinating, Educating, and Supporting Breast Cancer Patients

Sajid Hameed — 2025-10-01

Breast cancer continues to be a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, demanding timely diagnosis, comprehensive treatment, and coordinated care. Nurses play a critical role in bridging the gap between patients, healthcare teams, and the wider healthcare system. Their contributions span clinical management, psychosocial support, patient education, and public health initiatives, making them indispensable to high-quality breast cancer care [1, 2].

Specialist nurses provide targeted support throughout the cancer journey, addressing both physical and emotional needs. Patients consistently report that nurses offer clear communication, practical guidance, reassurance, and continuous availability, which reduces anxiety and improves overall well-being [3,4]. Beyond patient interaction, nurses contribute significantly to multi-disciplinary teams, coordinating planning, facilitating communication, and guiding the management of complex cases. They often introduce innovative solutions to navigate bureaucratic barriers and respond to patients’ and families’ immediate needs, demonstrating leadership and expertise within the clinical team.

Primary care nurses further enhance breast cancer control by promoting early detection and health education at the community level. Evidence from Brazil shows that nurses in primary health care programs conduct clinical breast examinations, recommend mammography, and provide educational activities, though gaps exist in alignment with official guidelines due to high workloads and limited training [5]. Ensuring nurses receive continuous professional development and structured guidance enables them to perform effective screening, follow-up, and patient counselling, thereby reducing delays in diagnosis and treatment.

Integrating specialist and primary care nursing roles is essential for delivering patient-centered breast cancer care. Nurses act as clinicians, educators, advocates, and coordinators, improving both individual patient outcomes and the efficiency of healthcare delivery. Studies consistently show that nurse-led interventions positively impact patient quality of life, promote early detection, and enhance team functioning [1,4].

Healthcare systems must recognize the value of nurses by providing structured protocols, ongoing training, and supportive working conditions. Positioning nurses at the core of breast cancer care enables the delivery of holistic, effective, and equitable services, ultimately improving survival rates and patient experiences. Investing in nursing roles not only strengthens clinical practice but also reinforces public health strategies, making nurses pivotal to advancing breast cancer care globally.