The Journal of Palembang Nursing Studies

Psychosocial approach using storytelling therapy to reduce hospitalization-related anxiety in preschool children

2025-10-03T03:42:21+07:00

Background: Anxiety is one of the most common problems experienced by preschool children during hospitalization. This condition is concerning because it may negatively affect the healing process. Play therapy is recognized as an effective strategy to reduce anxiety, yet limited research has examined the use of storytelling therapy, particularly through fables, which provide strong stimulation to alleviate fear and anxiety.

Objective: This study aimed to analyze the effect of storytelling play therapy on the anxiety levels of preschool-aged children during hospitalization.

Methods: A quasi-experimental design with a one-group pre-test–post-test approach was employed. A purposive sampling technique was used, resulting in a total of 31 preschool participants. Anxiety was measured using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS) observation sheet. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon test with IBM SPSS version 26.

Results: The mean age of participants was 3.97 years. The average pre-test anxiety score was 25.23, while the average post-test score was 14.61, with a mean reduction of 10.62 points. Hypothesis testing revealed a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Storytelling play therapy effectively reduced anxiety among hospitalized preschool children. This intervention may be recommended as a non-pharmacological approach in pediatric nursing practice. Nurses are encouraged to integrate storytelling therapy into hospital services as part of holistic care that addresses both physical and psychological needs.

Dual role conflict, family support, and stress levels among nursing students in a recognition of prior learning program

2025-08-28T11:33:59+07:00

Background: Stress occurs when external demands exceed an individual’s coping resources. Nursing students enrolled in the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program, who balance employment and academic responsibilities, are particularly vulnerable to dual role conflict, which may result in fatigue, pressure, and time management difficulties. Conversely, family support is a critical protective factor that helps individuals cope during challenging periods.

Objective: This study examined the relationship between dual role conflict, family support, and stress levels among RPL nursing students.

Methods: A quantitative, correlational, cross-sectional design was employed. The study included all 94 RPL nursing students through total sampling. Data were collected using the Dual Role Conflict Scale, the Perceived Social Support–Family (PSS-FA), and the Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10). Data analysis included frequency distribution, Somers’ d test, and ordinal logistic regression.

Results: Of the 94 participants, most were female (75.5%), aged 26–53 years (58.5%), employed in hospitals (92.6%), and had 10–12 years of work experience (26.6%). Nearly half experienced low dual role conflict (44%), most reported good family support (93.6%), and the majority experienced moderate stress (62.8%). Multivariate analysis showed a significant relationship between dual role conflict and family support with stress levels (p < 0.001). The strength of the association, as indicated by Nagelkerke’s pseudo R², was 26.6%.

Conclusions: Dual role conflict and family support were significantly associated with stress levels among RPL nursing students. Educational institutions should provide counseling services, stress management programs, and academic support tailored to the needs of working students. Further studies are recommended to explore additional factors influencing stress, such as peer support and individual coping strategies.

Understanding sexuality and social support among post-mastectomy breast cancer patients: A qualitative study in Indonesia

2025-10-03T03:41:59+07:00

Background: Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women worldwide. Mastectomy, a standard treatment, often leads to profound physical and psychological changes that can affect women's sexuality and their need for social support.

Objective: This study explored how post-mastectomy breast cancer patients in Indonesia perceive their sexuality and the social support they receive during recovery.

Methods: A qualitative phenomenological design was employed. Fifteen women who had undergone mastectomy were recruited through purposive sampling. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and analyzed using Van Manen's phenomenological approach, with NVivo 12 Plus used for data management.

Results: Six major themes emerged: (1) sex and gender perceptions remained stable despite physical changes; (2) sexual identity and femininity were preserved; (3) participants consistently identified as heterosexual, in line with their premorbid orientation; (4) intimacy was shaped by partner support and body acceptance; (5) reproductive limitations were acknowledged, particularly among older women; and (6) social support from family, peers, and healthcare providers was critical for emotional adjustment and sexual well-being.

Conclusion: Despite altered body image, most participants maintained a strong sense of femininity and sexual identity. Emotional, instrumental, and informational support from spouses, children, communities, and healthcare professionals facilitated positive adaptation. Integrating sexuality-focused counseling and involving families in post-mastectomy care are recommended to promote holistic recovery.

Association between smoking habits and lung function among adult smokers: A cross-sectional study in public health

2025-08-25T22:14:57+07:00

Background: Smoking is a major risk factor for impaired lung function. Continuous exposure to cigarette smoke in adulthood contributes to a progressive decline in lung capacity, which may lead to chronic respiratory diseases and other serious health complications. While previous studies have used indirect tools such as smokelyzers, limited research has applied spirometry to directly evaluate lung function among smokers in community health settings.

Objective: This study aimed to analyze the relationship between smoking habits and lung function, measured using spirometry, among adult smokers.

Methods: A cross-sectional design was conducted in a public health center. Smoking behavior was assessed using the Glover-Nilsson Smoking Behavioral Questionnaire (GN-SBQ), while lung function was measured with spirometry. Data were analyzed using the Spearman rank correlation test.

Results: The study included 50 adult respondents with a mean age of 40.8 ± 11.1 years. Most participants demonstrated strong smoking behavior, with 41 respondents (69.5%) categorized as very strong and 24 respondents (40.7%) categorized as moderate. Spirometry results indicated a significant negative correlation between smoking behavior and lung function (p = 0.010; r = –0.360). These findings suggest that greater smoking intensity is associated with reduced lung capacity, reflecting the harmful cumulative effects of tobacco exposure.

Conclusion: Smoking habits were significantly associated with decreased lung function among adult smokers. This highlights the need for preventive efforts, including health education, routine lung function screening, and smoking cessation programs in public health settings to mitigate long-term respiratory complications.

Effectiveness of mindfulness-based audio-visual interventions on self-efficacy in childbirth readiness among high-risk pregnant women

2025-08-20T19:57:27+07:00

Background: High-risk pregnancies in women under 20 or over 35 years are commonly associated with low self-efficacy, leading to anxiety, poor coping, and inadequate childbirth readiness. Few studies have targeted interventions to directly improve self-efficacy, and mindfulness delivered through audiovisual media represents a promising yet underutilized approach to enhance psychological preparedness in this population.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of an audiovisual mindfulness intervention on self-efficacy in high-risk pregnant women preparing for childbirth.

Methods: A quasi-experimental pre-test–post-test control group design was conducted among 66 third-trimester pregnant women, purposively assigned to experimental (n = 33) and control (n = 33) groups. The intervention was delivered via the MIESRA application, providing audiovisual mindfulness exercises to promote maternal–fetal bonding and psychological well-being. The experimental group received three 15-minute sessions over seven days, while the control group received standard antenatal care. Self-efficacy was measured using a validated scale and analyzed with Wilcoxon, dependent t-test, and independent t-test.

Results: The mean self-efficacy score in the experimental group increased from 63.36 (SD = 5.18) to 67.82 (SD = 3.93), while the control group showed only a slight increase from 64.33 (SD = 6.44) to 64.55 (SD = 6.14). Statistical analysis confirmed a significant improvement in the experimental group compared with controls (p = 0.012). Participants receiving mindfulness reported feeling calmer, more confident, and better prepared for childbirth.

Conclusion: Audiovisual mindfulness intervention effectively improved self-efficacy among high-risk pregnant women. Integrating such tools into antenatal care may empower vulnerable mothers, foster resilience, and enhance psychological readiness for childbirth.

The lived experience of stress among fifteen-year-old adolescents: A qualitative study

2025-08-20T20:09:03+07:00

Background: Adolescence is a critical developmental stage marked by heightened vulnerability to stress across academic, family, and social domains. Fifteen-year-old students often face multiple pressures that influence their emotional well-being and coping capacity. Understanding how adolescents perceive and respond to stress is essential for designing effective support strategies.

Objective: To explore the sources of stress, coping responses, and support needs among 15-year-old adolescents.

Methods: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted in Tarakan City, Indonesia. Twenty junior high school students aged 15 years were recruited using purposive sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured face-to-face interviews lasting 40–60 minutes, supplemented by field notes, and analyzed using Miles and Huberman’s interactive model of data reduction, display, and conclusion drawing. Data saturation was reached at 20 participants.

Results: Four themes emerged: (1) Complex origins of stress—academic demands, family conflict, and peer challenges created multifaceted stress experiences; (2) Stress responses to challenges—stress manifested in anxiety, sadness, disappointment, lethargy, and somatic complaints; (3) Adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies —adolescents used both constructive approaches (e.g., socializing, drawing, listening to music, exercising) and detrimental behaviors (e.g., self-harm, aggression, smoking, yelling); and (4) Adolescents’ wishes during difficult times—participants expressed a strong desire for parental attention, empathy, and supportive peer relationships.

Conclusion: Fifteen-year-old adolescents experience stress from interconnected academic, familial, and social sources that shape diverse emotional and behavioral responses. Their coping strategies range from adaptive to maladaptive, and they consistently seek greater support and understanding from parents and peers. These findings highlight the need for comprehensive, adolescent-centered support systems involving families, schools, and healthcare providers to strengthen resilience and promote mental well-being.