BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Due to disasters and calamities, the number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the country is steadily increasing. With their disadvantaged situation, this population is prone to experiencing powerlessness and poor health outcomes. However, there is limited information on how these communities can gain control over their health and well-being. While community empowerment is a crucial process in the health sciences, this concept remains understudied. Hence, this study aimed to explore the process of community empowerment in health and develop a theory grounded on the experiences of displaced communities.

This study utilized the classic grounded theory (CGT), primarily aimed at discovering a conceptual theory anchored on the experiences of internally displaced persons. Particularly, this GT variant sought to explicate a social process of community empowerment in health through the participants’ lenses. A total of 45 individuals from six towns of Bulacan province, Philippines were purposively recruited to participate in focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Data analysis employed the constant comparison method, which involved concept development, reduction, and refinement to derive the emerging theory from the gathered information.

he 5 C's Grounded Theory of Community Empowerment in Health depicts marginalization as the main context of internal displacement, where participants’ experiences of resource deprivation and social neglect made them vulnerable to poor health outcomes. The theory further explicates five processes involved in the empowerment of IDPs, namely: consciousness-raising, collaborating, capacity building, carrying out responsibilities, and continuing work. Particularly, the key steps involve (1) raising the community’s awareness on the importance of gaining control over their health and well-being; (2) establishing collaborative relationships within and outside communities; (3) developing competencies on various health-related domains; (4) assuming multiple roles and implementing programs; and (5) continuing efforts to train more people, sustain partnerships, and expand community involvement. These steps lead to the study’s core variable of self-sufficiency, where communities are anchored on the philosophy of communal unity (bayanihan) in managing their own health needs, promoting healthcare access, and addressing other social determinants of health. Moreover, study findings highlight the unique contribution of women, spirituality, and multisectoral engagement in facilitating the process of community empowerment.

This is one of the first few studies to explore the process of community empowerment in health, which guided the development of a theory based on the experiences of internally displaced communities. The theory emphasizes that community empowerment is an iterative and continuous process that involves interactions among community members and other stakeholders. Holistic social preparation and capacity building, together with the integration of local culture and philosophy, could support the successful transition of IDPs into their new lives. Hence, multisectoral collaboration involving government agencies, private offices, higher education institutions, healthcare facilities, and faith-based organizations is crucial in promoting the movement of IDPs from marginalization towards gaining control over their health.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the sports industry, resulting in the postponement of events worldwide. This posed a significant burden in the mental and emotional well-being of athletes due to uncertainties and diminished training levels. As an adaptation, bubble camps emerged as a new approach to resuming training and tournaments under stringent regulations of the COVID-19 protocols. In the national context, the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) has adapted the bubble set-up by implementing antigen testing, RTPCR, and other health protocols as a prerequisite to bubble training. However, uncertainties in the future of sports continue to present as a psychological toll to the well-being of student-athletes despite the sense of normalcy instilled by bubble training. Existing literature on bubble training is grounded heavily on the quantitative assessments of an athlete's well-being in a bubble set-up and its effectiveness in mitigating COVID-19 transmission, thereby lacking insights that may be obtained from qualitative data. This study explored the experiences of UAAP Season 84 studentathletes in a bubble set-up by examining personal and contextual factors that impacted their well-being.

The study employed a qualitative descriptive phenomenological approach based on Seligman's WellBeing Theory. A purposeful sampling technique was used to recruit UAAP student-athletes through online dissemination of Google Forms for recruitment. Only three student-athletes from UAAP fit the eligibility criteria. Data were collected through on-site and online interviews using a semi-structured interview guide to reveal a narrative of the student-athletes' bubble training experiences, common themes, and patterns. The NVivo software program was used for data analysis, utilizing a deductive thematic approach.

The lived experiences of three UAAP studentathletes were classified into six major themes: (1) Availability and Accessibility of Services; (2) Restrictions; (3) Mental Health; (4) Fostering Relationships; (5) Support Systems; and (6) Individual Growth. Accounts of both positive and negative training perceptions and outcomes regarding the bubble set-up were noted from all student-athletes. The set-up provided studentathletes with easy access to training facilities and services, eventual development of mental fortitude and  perseverance, improved interpersonal relationships, and opportunities for individual growth. However, the restrictions, isolation, internal and external pressures, and routinary nature of the set-up contributed to the elevated levels of stress and anxiety, eventually leading to fatigue and burnout.

The study elucidates on the multi-faceted experiences of UAAP student-athletes in bubble training, underpinning the essence of the adequacy of training services and facilities, enhanced support systems, and prompt policy development that caters to improving the holistic well-being of student-athletes amidst adverse changes in the trajectory of sports.

OBJECTIVES: Most dermatological conditions fall under visible skin diseases (VSDs), where lesions are exposed and readily seen, increasing patients' risk of experiencing external stigma from the public and specific professional groups (e.g., service providers). This stigma imposes psychological and social burdens that far exceed the psychological symptoms of the disease. To date, no systematic research has been conducted in China specifically on the external stigma associated with VSDs. Taking psoriasis, vitiligo, and acne as representative conditions, this study aims to explore the external stigma experienced by VSD patients across various social settings and to provide a scientific foundation for the development of measurement tools, quantitative research, and targeted interventions. METHODS: A purposive sample of 23 outpatients diagnosed with psoriasis, acne, or vitiligo was recruited from the Xiangya Hospital Dermatology Clinic of Central South University between December 2023 and July 2024. In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted. Data were analyzed using Mayring's qualitative content analysis and thematic analysis. Reporting followed the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research guidelines. The interviews focused on the experience of external stigma across different social settings. RESULTS: Patients with VSDs reported experiencing external stigma in various contexts including family, community, recreational service venues, healthcare institutions, and others. The main motivation behind stigmatizing behaviors was disease avoidance (e.g., fear of contagion, aversion, social distancing). Stigmatization in school settings was also reported by patients with all 3 types of VSDs. Psoriasis patients reported stigma across all examined scenarios, while vitiligo and acne patients reported stigma in only some contexts. CONCLUSIONS Patients with VSDs experience significant external stigma, with psoriasis patients facing a higher burden compared to those with vitiligo or acne. The predominant stigma-driving factor is the public's desire to avoid disease, which underscores the need for public education to correct misconceptions about VSDs. External stigma from family, school, social networks, healthcare providers, and structural stigma should be the focus of policy and intervention efforts aimed at protecting the rights and well-being of patients with VSDs.
Humans ; Social Stigma ; Female ; Male ; Qualitative Research ; Acne Vulgaris/psychology* ; Skin Diseases/psychology* ; Adult ; Psoriasis/psychology* ; Vitiligo/psychology* ; Middle Aged ; China ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVES: End stage renal disease (ESRD) is a major disease that seriously threatens the health of young people, and kidney transplantation is an effective treatment method to improve its prognosis.Young ESRD patients at a critical stage of life development often face significant physical and psychological challenges while waiting for kidney transplantation. Their psychological state directly affects treatment compliance and transplantation outcomes.This study aims to explore the psychological experiences of young patients with end stage renal disease during the waiting period for kidney transplantation, and provide a reference for formulating relevant psychological intervention measures. METHODS: A descriptive qualitative research design was adopted. Using purposive sampling, 20 young ESRD patients awaiting for kidney transplantation at the Transplantation Center of Xiangya Third Hospital, Central South University, from June to August 2024, were recruited. Based on the socio-ecological systems theory, a semi-structured interview outline was developed, and directed content analysis was applied to analyze the interview data. RESULTS: According to the results of qualitative interviews, 3 themes and 9 sub-themes were summarized as follows: Microsystem (disease pain experience, anxiety during transplantation waiting period, cognitive differentiation and coping differences), mesosystem (imbalance of family roles and dependent guilt, physician-patient trust dynamics, ambivalence toward peer support), and macrosystem (decision-making powerlessness caused by information asymmetry, sociocultural stigma and public bias, institutional dependence and passive behavior). CONCLUSIONS Young ESRD patients experience complex psychological experiences during the waiting period for kidney transplantation. Healthcare providers should explore corresponding intervention measures based on patients' psychological status to improve their waiting period experience and promote both physical and mental health.
Humans ; Kidney Transplantation/psychology* ; Kidney Failure, Chronic/surgery* ; Qualitative Research ; Female ; Male ; Adult ; Adaptation, Psychological ; Waiting Lists ; Young Adult ; Adolescent ; Anxiety/psychology*

Objective To analyze the caregiver presence needs and their influencing factors among hospitalized elderly non-surgical patients and provide a basis for formulating relevant policies.Methods A descriptive qualitative study method was adopted.Through purposive sampling,semi-structured interviews were conducted on elderly non-surgical patients and their families and medical staff in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from September to October 2023.MAXQDA 2020 and the 7-step phenomenological analysis method of Colaizzi were used to classify and code the interview contents and identify themes.Results The categories of caregiver presence needs of elderly non-surgical patients included basic living assistance needs,disease monitoring needs,psychological support needs,as well as the needs for family members to provide economic support and participate in treatment decision-making.The influencing factors included advanced age,frailty,the lack of self-care ability in patients with comorbidities,the susceptibility of patients to sudden situations during the disease exacerbation period,the increased risk of unexpected events in patients with psychological distress,and patients' concerns about social support and medical decision-making.Conclusion The caregiver presence needs of elderly non-surgical patients during hospitalization are high and influenced by multiple factors.
Humans ; Caregivers/psychology* ; Aged ; Hospitalization ; Social Support ; Male ; Qualitative Research ; Female

Generally, this study explores the transformation of body image among former collegiate athletes in Metro Manila. Through qualitative hermeneutic phenomenology, the study found out diverse experiences of former female athletes with their body image. A salient theme that was elicited from the study was how changes in daily routines significantly impacted their perceptions. External factors like comments from family, peers, and society also played a major role. The cultural norms of both athletics and Philippine society influenced how these women internalized their body image. Many still associate ideal bodies with athletic terms like "muscular" or "visible abs." Coping mechanisms varied, but most leaned towards positive strategies like seeking support to counter the negative influences.

INTRODUCTION

For female nursing students in Vietnam, juggling work, school, and personal obligations can be especially difficult. Research on how these students develop resilience while juggling their multiple roles is still lacking, despite the fact that their numbers in nursing school are increasing. This study explores how the work-life-study balance (WLSB) of female students pursuing an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is shaped by their real-life experiences and sociocultural influences.

A qualitative research design informed by interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was used in this study. In September 2024, ten carefully selected female nursing students participated in semi-structured interviews at a private university in Ho Chi Minh City. From October 2024 to February 2025, each 45–60 minute interview was subjected to a thematic analysis using Delve software.

The challenges faced by the participants, along with their support systems, coping strategies, and aspirations, were captured in four key themes, each with its own set of sub-themes. The first theme, Navigating Life's Crossroads: The Struggle for Balance, highlighted the students' struggles to manage competing demands, featuring subthemes, Pulled in All Directions, Time as a Scarce Commodity, and Compromises and Sacrifices. The second theme, Anchors in the Storm: Finding Strength in Support, emphasized the vital role of relational support, showcasing subthemes, Peer Solidarity and Shared Struggles, and Family as a Pillar of Strength. The third theme, Pathways to Resilience: Strategies for Survival, focused on coping strategies and adaptive techniques, incorporating subtheme, Faith and Inner Strength, Embracing the Role of a Working Learner, and Prioritizing and Organizing. Finally, the last theme, Purpose, Aspiration, and Future Orientation, brought attention to the participants' sources of motivation and their optimistic outlook, with subthemes, Motivation Rooted in Family and Self and Hope and Optimism as Sustaining Forces. These findings, grounded in the Transformative Resilience Model, illustrate how students harness their inner drive, familial and social responsibilities, and cultural values to adapt and thrive in the face of challenges. To maintain their dedication to education and uplift their families, participants leaned on hope, spiritual insights, and a sense of agency, viewing their struggles as meaningful experiences.

The experiences of Vietnamese female nursing students reveal a remarkable resilience shaped by both heavy social expectations and personal challenges. Drawing from the Transformative Resilience Model, this study highlights how facing and overcoming adversity can lead to significant identity development and personal growth. Institutional support plays a crucial role in enhancing a student's well-being, which can include flexible academic policies, accessible mental health services, and adaptable work-study options. Financial pressures, job-related stress, and academic demands often contribute to burnout. These findings underscore the urgent need for systemic, collaborative efforts to foster inclusive and sustainable learning environments for nursing students who are balancing work and study.

The philosophical basis of nursing research is simply about increasing our knowledge and addressing everyday challenges through reflective thinking. This article explored the fundamental principles that inform nursing research and stresses nurse researchers' vital role in meeting everyday challenges. By employing classic philosophical concepts and contemporary ways of knowing, this article explained how individual beliefs, conceptions about truth, and reflections on self had contributed to knowledge development. To put it plainly, this article is about the story of a nurse researcher and the illustration of how a nurse's philosophy impacts research and consequently contributes to the development of nursing science. Instead of regarding this process as a quest for the ultimate truth, this article recognized the evolving process of interacting with fluid knowledge to advance nursing practice and do well in society.

Human ; Grounded Theory

INTRODUCTION: As the population ages, patient complexity is increasing, intensifying the demand for well-resourced, coordinated care. A deeper understanding of the factors contributing to this complexity is essential for optimising resource allocation. This study evaluates the prevalence of complex care needs in Singapore's primary care settings and identifies the factors associated with these needs. METHOD: Using a qualitative study design, we developed a patient complexity questionnaire to assess how Singapore family physicians recognise patient complexity. Sixty-nine experienced primary care physicians applied this tool to assess patient encounters, categorising each as "routine care" (RC), "medically challenging" (MC), or "complex care" (CC). We compared the care needs across these categories and used mixed-effects multinomial logistic regression to determine the independent predictors of complexity. RESULTS: Of the 4327 encounters evaluated, 15.0% were classified as CC, 18.5% as MC, and 66.4% as RC. In both CC and MC encounters, the most common medical challenges were polypharmacy (66.2% in CC, 44.9% in MC); poorly controlled chronic conditions (41.3% in CC, 24.5% in MC); and treatment interactions (34.4% in CC, 26.0% in MC). Non-medical issues frequently identified included low health literacy (32.6% in CC, 20.8% in MC); limited motivation for healthy lifestyle behaviours (27.2% in CC, 16.6% in MC); and the need for coordinated care with hospital specialists (24.7% in CC, 17.1% in MC). The top 3 independent predictors of complexity included mobility limitations requiring assistance (odds ratio [OR] for requiring wheelchair/trolley: 7.14 for CC vs RC, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.74-10.74); longer consultation times with physicians (OR for taking >20 minutes for doctor's consultation: 3.96 for CC vs RC, 95% CI 2.86-5.48); and low socioeconomic status (OR for living in 1- or 2-room HDB flats: 2.98 for CC vs RC, 95% CI 1.74-5.13). CONCLUSION High care needs, encompassing both CC and MC encounters, were prevalent in primary care interactions. These findings highlight that relying solely on chronic disease count is insufficient to capture the full spectrum of patient complexity.
Singapore/epidemiology* ; Humans ; Primary Health Care/statistics & numerical data* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Adult ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Prevalence ; Polypharmacy ; Qualitative Research ; Chronic Disease/therapy* ; Logistic Models