Background and Objectives: The living environment can manifest physiological responses in humans, with cohabiting couples often having similar health statuses. The aim of this study was to (1) examine the prevalence of the overactive bladder (OAB) with or without incontinence and (2) identify associated factors for OAB with and without incontinence (including environmental factors, such as living with a partner who has OAB) in middle-aged women. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Overactive Bladder (ICIQ-OBA) was administered to 970 couples. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square analyses, and multivariate logistic regression. Results: Responses to the ICIQ-OBA among middle-aged women generated a higher prevalence of OAB with incontinence (OABwet; 41%) than OAB without incontinence (OABdry; 26%; p < 0.001). The factors associated with OABwet were as follows: being age ≥ 55 years (odds ratio [OR], 1.41; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02–1.95), having a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 27 kg/m2 (OR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.03–2.17), having vaginitis (OR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.28–2.80), and having partners with OABwet (OR, 2.35; 95% CI, 1.74–3.19). Having partners with OABdry (OR, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.34–2.44) was an associated factor for OABdry. Conclusions: This study identified the associated factors for OAB subtypes (OABwet and OABdry) in middle-aged women. These findings can support treatment and preventive strategies for health providers who care for patients with OAB. As part of the treatment and preventative strategies, the risk that partners may introduce to the development of OAB in women should also be considered.
Background and Objectives: Overactive bladder (OAB) is a serious urination-related symptom of unknown pathogenesis that affects one’s everyday activities. The objective of this study was to examine how OAB prevalence, symptom severity, and degree of distress caused by OAB symptoms evolved throughout the course of pregnancy. Materials and Methods: A total of 659 pregnant women were recruited from 2015 to 2020, and were evaluated through the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Overactive Bladder (ICIQ-OAB) on OAB symptoms, administered in the early, middle, and late stages of pregnancy. Results: Generalized estimating equation analysis revealed that the odds of OAB occurring in the middle and late stages of pregnancy were 1.90 and 2.33 times higher, respectively, than in early pregnancy. The corresponding odds for OAB-wet were 1.63 and 2.07 higher, respectively, and the odds of OAB-dry occurring during late pregnancy were 0.80 higher than during early pregnancy. Symptoms were more severe by 0.07 and 0.21 points (on a 4-point scale) in the middle and late stages of pregnancy, respectively, than in early pregnancy; distress was greater by 0.13 and 0.27 points (on a 10-point scale) in the middle and late stages of pregnancy, respectively, than in early pregnancy. The prevalence of OAB, OAB-dry, and OAB-wet was significantly higher in early pregnancy than pre-pregnancy. Conclusions: The prevalence of OAB and OAB-wet increased over the course of pregnancy, but the prevalence of OAB-dry decreased. Furthermore, symptom severity and degree of distress increased over time.
Background: Patients with cancer and their families anticipate that innovative treatment options such as immunotherapy may improve survival and quality of life. Qualitative interviews have rarely been used to examine the immunotherapy-related decision-making experiences of cancer patients and their family caregivers. Purpose: This study was developed to explore the factors and reasons influencing the decisions of patients with cancer and their family caregivers to accept immunotherapy. Methods: Between October 2019 and January 2021, data were collected using in-depth interviews that were conducted face-to-face in a semistructured format and audio-recorded. Content analysis was performed, and the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist was applied. Results: Fifteen patients with cancer in Taiwan who had received immunotherapy and 17 family caregivers were enrolled as participants. Three main themes were common among the considerations of patients and caregivers with regard to their decision-making to undergo immunotherapy. These included (a) putting decisions in the hands of health professionals, (b) the value of life surpasses all other considerations, and (c) practical considerations such as treatment side effects, financial burden, and the effects of immunotherapy. Conclusions/Implications for Practice: The immunotherapy decision-making experiences of patients with cancer and their family caregivers in Taiwan were explored in this study. The generally low level of medical expertise identified among the participants emphasizes the importance of fostering a shared approach to immunotherapy decision-making. Also, oncology nurses should prioritize the inherent worth of patients and the emotions of their family caregivers to bolster their confidence and sense of self-worth. Notably, experiencing severe side effects with previous treatments was found to be a strong predictor of immunotherapy choice, highlighting the critical importance of regular assessment of patients’ immunotherapy experiences in clinical practice. Also, financial concerns were confirmed as an important factor affecting patient-centered care. Thus, when needed, additional financial support should be provided.
Aim: This study aimed to examine how the number and combination of clinical educators influence second‐degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing students' learning outcomes and clinical placement experiences. Design: A sequential explanatory mixed‐methods design was used to integrate quantitative survey data with qualitative focus group interviews. Methods: Between March and December 2021, 48 s‐degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing students who responded to the survey after having had teaching experience with more than one clinical educator completed 93 post‐placement surveys. The survey assessed the students' self‐reported core competencies and satisfaction with placement courses in relation to the number and type of clinical educators encountered. In the second phase, 13 students volunteered through online registration to participate in two focus groups conducted between January and May 2022. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and analysis of variance followed by multivariable linear regression to examine factors associated with the overall core competency score and course satisfaction. Qualitative data were analysed thematically, and the findings were integrated during interpretation. Results: Students supervised by both clinical instructors and preceptors reported significantly higher communication competency than those supervised by a single educator type. Course satisfaction and the combination of educator roles were key predictors of overall competency. Thematic analysis revealed three core themes: clinical educator profiles enhanced the participants' learning experiences, clinical educators' attributes influenced the participants' clinical learning, and student‐to‐educator ratio should be tailored to the subject and teaching load. Students described how exposure to various teaching styles deepened their clinical reasoning, improved adaptability, and fostered reflective learning. Conclusions: The number and combination of clinical educators significantly influence the students' learning experiences and perceived competency by providing varied feedback, broader clinical insights, and stronger professional support. Implications for the Profession: These findings underscore the importance of educator diversity in shaping an effective clinical education for second‐degree nursing students.