Submit to IJERPH Review for IJERPH Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

2nd Edition of Community Empowerment: The Potential for Community Health Nursing Development

Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Published Papers

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Health Care Sciences & Services".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2023) | Viewed by 15315

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Pedro Melo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Centre for Interdisiplinary Research in Health, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, 4169-005 Porto, Portugal
Interests: community health nursing; public health nursing; community empowerment; nursing diagnosis; epidemiology; health planning
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. José Ramón Riera

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Departamento Enfermeria Comunitaria, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Publica e Historia de la Ciencia, Universidad de Alicante, E-03080 Alicante, Spain
Interests: community health nursing; continuity care; caregivers; healthy environments interrelation; community participation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Tam Nguyen

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

William F. Connell School of Nursing, Boston College, Newton, MA 02467, USA
Interests: health promotion; disease prevention; chronic disease management; vulnerable/hard to reach populations; community-based participatory research; psychometrics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This is the second release of a Special Issue of the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (IJERPH) on community empowerment, as a process and as the outcome of the community health nursing approach. This Issue provides a forum to promote the development of this specific area of science and the nursing profession. The reason for this opportunity is the fact that community empowerment, according to studies developed over the past 40 years, enhances the return on resources and investment in community intervention, so often led by community health nurses.

It is therefore important to present scientific evidence of the potential of community health nursing in different domains: in the conceptual domain (such as nursing theories and models); in the professional domain (for example, with case studies related to diagnosis, interventions and health gains sensitive to community health nursing care); but also in the economic and social domains (such as contributing to good health cost management or even increasing community empowerment).

In this Special Issue, the aim is to identify the evidence on community health nursing approaches, related to the community as a client of nurses and community empowerment, with relevance to contributions to community health nursing development. Articles addressing these topics are invited for this Special Issue, especially those combining a high academic standard with a practical focus on community health nursing related to community empowerment.

Prof. Dr. Pedro Melo
Prof. Dr. José Ramón Riera
Dr. Tam Nguyen
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

community empowerment
community leadership
community participation
community health nursing
nursing decision making
nursing diagnosis
health policy

Published Papers (6 papers)

Download All Papers

Order results

Result details

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

13 pages, 1195 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Inequalities and Inequities in Maternal Mortality in Chocó, Colombia

by Jorge Martín Rodríguez Hernández, Liany Katerine Ariza Ruiz, Daniella Castro Barbudo, Paula Vivas Sánchez, María Alexandra Matallana Gómez, Leidy Johanna Gómez Hernández, Lilibeth Romero Mendoza and Pablo Enrique Chaparro Narváez

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(12), 6095; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20126095 - 09 Jun 2023

Viewed by 1345

Abstract

We used a mixed design study to analyze the inequalities and inequities in Maternal Mortality (MM) for Chocó (Colombia) between 2010–2018. The quantitative component consisted of an analytical ecological design, where proportions, ratios, measures of central tendency and rates ratios, rate difference, Gini and concentration indices were calculated to measure inequalities. The qualitative component had a phenomenological and interpretive approach. One hundred thirty-one women died in Choco between 2010–2018. The Maternal Mortality Ratio was 224/100.000 live births. The Gini coefficient was 0.35, indicating inequality in the distribution of the number of MM with respect to live births. The health service offers have been concentrated in the private sector in urban areas (77%). The exercise of midwifery has played an important role in maternal and perinatal care processes, especially in territories where the State has been absent. Nevertheless, it occurs in complex circumstances such as the armed conflict, lack of transportation routes, and income deficits, affecting the timelines and care quality for these vulnerable groups. MM in Chocó has been a consequence of deficiencies in the health system and weaknesses in its infrastructure (absence of a high level of maternal-perinatal care). This is in addition to the territory’s geographical characteristics, which increase vulnerability and health risks for women and their newborns. In Colombia, as well as in other countries, many maternal and newborn deaths are preventable because their causes are due to social injustices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Community Empowerment: The Potential for Community Health Nursing Development)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

9 pages, 1067 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Public Perceptions and Attitudes on the Image of Nursing in the Wake of COVID-19

by Ayala Blau, Yael Sela and Keren Grinberg

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(6), 4717; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20064717 - 07 Mar 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3547

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic in recent years has given nursing teams a unique place in this war, and an opportunity to change public opinion. The perceptions have the power to affect the users of health services, the nurses’ performance, health policy, and even the choice to become a nurse. Aim: To examine the relationship between the public’s perceptions and attitudes to the nursing profession compared with other healthcare professions, and to examine the relationship with the image of nursing in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Design and methods: This study is a cross-sectional study, with a descriptive correlational design. Specifically, 80 respondents, men and women aged 18–75, joined a survey consisting of an anonymous questionnaire. Results: A positive relationship was found between the public’s perceptions and attitudes to nursing compared with other professions and the image of nursing in the wake of COVID-19, so the more positive public opinion was, the more positive the image of nursing would be. Conclusion: In the wake of COVID-19, the public’s opinion and perception of the nursing profession compared to other professions and their attitudes to nurses are more positive. It is important to continue to explore which factors most affected and changed the image of nursing during the pandemic, and to design strategies to preserve the improved image of nursing among the public on an ongoing basis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Community Empowerment: The Potential for Community Health Nursing Development)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 1518 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Taking a Pulse on Community Participation in Maternal Health through Community Clinics in Bangladesh

by Goutom Banik, Tapas Mazumder, Abu Bakkar Siddique, A.F.M Azim Uddin, Shams El Arifeen, Janet Perkins and Ahmed Ehsanur Rahman

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(3), 2271; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20032271 - 27 Jan 2023

Viewed by 2045

Abstract

Bangladesh started institutionalising community participation by setting-up community clinics (CCs) during the mid-90 s. This paper presents the genealogy of CCs, the community participation mechanism embedded within CCs, and the case of 54 CCs in Brahmanbaria, through the lens of maternal health. We undertook a desk review to understand the journey of CCs. In 2018, we assessed the accessibility, readiness and functionality of CCs, and a household survey to know recently delivered women’s perceptions of CC’s community groups (CGs) and community support groups (CSGs). We performed multiple logistic regression to determine the association between the functionality of these groups and women’s perception regarding these groups’ activities on maternal health. The integration of community participation involving CCs started to roll out through the operationalisation of the Health and Population Sector Programme 1998–2003. In 2019, 13,907 CCs were operational. However, per our CC assessment, their accessibility and readiness were moderate but there were gaps in the functionality of the CCs. The perception of women regarding these groups’ functionality was significantly better when the group members met regularly. The gaps in CCs are primarily induced by the shortcomings of its community participation model. Proper understanding is needed to address this problem which has many facets and layers, including political priorities, expectations, and provisions at a local level. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Community Empowerment: The Potential for Community Health Nursing Development)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 364 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Patient Involvement in Shared Decision-Making: Do Patients Rate Physicians and Nurses Differently?

by Maura Galletta, Maria Francesca Piazza, Stefania Luisa Meloni, Elsa Chessa, Ilenia Piras, Judith E. Arnetz and Ernesto D’Aloja

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(21), 14229; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192114229 - 31 Oct 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2827

Abstract

Background. Shared decision-making implies that patients and healthcare professionals make decisions together about clinical exams, available treatments, choice of options, and the benefit or downside of every choice. Patients involved in the shared decision-making process are more compliant with treatments and have a reduced risk of complications related to the pathology. In Italy, patient involvement in caring processes is still barely investigated. Aim. To investigate patients’ perceptions about shared decision-making with physicians and nurses, respectively, and to examine the relationship between shared decision-making and patient satisfaction and perceived quality of care/treatment. Methods. The study was performed between March and June 2019 in two wards of one Italian hospital. A questionnaire was administered to inpatients at the time of admission and again at discharge, including demographic information and measurement scales regarding patient involvement in shared decision-making, patient satisfaction, and perceived quality of treatment/care. Results. A total of 151 out of 301 patients completed questionnaires at both admission and discharge. Patients’ scores for shared decision-making (information, patient needs, treatment planning) were significantly different for physicians and nurses. At both admission and discharge, patients rated shared decision-making significantly higher for physicians compared to nurses, while there were no differences in their satisfaction ratings. Patient ratings of physicians did not change from admission (information: mean (M) = 3.50, standard deviation (SD) = 0.81; patient need: M = 3.05, SD = 1.05; treatment planning: M = 2.75, SD = 1.23) to discharge (information: M = 3.50, SD = 0.79; patient need: M = 3.17, SD = 1.02; treatment planning: M = 2.66, SD = 1.23) (p = 0.924, p = 0.098, p = 0.293, respectively), but patients’ ratings of nurses’ behavior increased significantly from admission (information: M = 2.44, SD = 1.23; patient need: M = 2.27, SD = 1.17; treatment planning: M = 2.12, SD = 1.19) to discharge (information: M = 2.62, SD = 1.22; patient need: M = 2.53, SD = 1.24; treatment planning: M = 2.35, SD = 1.21) (p = 0.019, p = 0.001, p = 0.003, respectively). Attention to patients’ needs was the key determinant of both satisfaction with nurses (OR = 3.65, 95% CI = 1.31–10.14, p = 0.013) and perceived quality of care (OR = 3.97, 95% CI = 1.49–10.55, p = 0.006). Providing appropriate information about disease progress and treatments was a key determinant of both satisfaction with physicians (OR = 19.75, 95% CI = 7.29–53.55, p < 0.001) and perceived quality of treatment (OR = 8.03, 95% CI = 3.25–19.81, p < 0.001). Discussion. Nurses should be sensitized to involving patients in the decision-making process, especially upon hospital admission. Specific training about effective communication techniques can be implemented to manage relationships with patients in different caring situations. Practical implications and future directions are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Community Empowerment: The Potential for Community Health Nursing Development)

19 pages, 3299 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Community Assets for Health Model and Assessment Scale: A Delphi-Based Analysis and Expert Validation

by Pablo Sáinz-Ruiz and José Ramón Martínez-Riera

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(21), 13979; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192113979 - 27 Oct 2022

Viewed by 1538

Abstract

The salutogenesis theory of Aaron Antonovsky and the Health Assets Model of Morgan and Ziglio have given rise to a notable interest in defining the resources available to individuals and the community to maintain or improve their health and well-being. The present study began by identifying the universal dimensions of Community Assets for Health, and then analyzed and validated an assessment scale following the Delphi method. A high degree of consensus was achieved among 13 experts from different disciplines. The results of the content analysis and statistical analysis led to a reconfiguring of an instrument that is so far unique in its approach. It is composed of 103 items across 14 dimensions (utility, intention, previous use, affordability, proximity, walkability, connectivity, intelligibility, identity, design, safety, diversity, public dimension, and sustainability). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Community Empowerment: The Potential for Community Health Nursing Development)

► Show Figures

Figure A1

17 pages, 1216 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Barriers to Accessing Eye Health Services in Suburban Communities in Nampula, Mozambique

by Dulnério B. Sengo, Neves A. Marraca, Alcino M. Muaprato, Sofía García-Sanjuan, Pablo Caballero and Inmaculada López-Izquierdo

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(7), 3916; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19073916 - 25 Mar 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2611

Abstract

Globally, an estimated 2.2 billion people are visually impaired (VI) or blind, and a large proportion (90%) of those affected live in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where access to eye health services is limited. This study aimed to identify barriers to accessing eye health services and associated factors in suburban communities of Nampula. A cross-sectional community-based study was carried out on adults ≥18 years old. A total of 338 adults were randomly selected from three communities (Muthita, Piloto, and Nthotta). Individual interviews were carried out and socio-demographic data, eye symptoms, date of last eye examination, and barriers to access to eye health services were extracted. Among participants, 49.4% had eye symptoms and 41.7% did not have their eye examinations up to date. The most cited barriers were crowding in hospitals (40.7%), financial difficulties (30.0%), self-medication (20.5%), traditional treatment (17.8%), and buying eyeglasses on the street (11.6%). Barriers limited the service target to 33%. Lower levels of schooling and monthly family income and farmer occupation were statistically associated with the most barriers as risk factors. The use of eye health services was lower due to barriers to accessing eye services. More specific intervention plans and greater cooperation between sectors are needed to improve these indicators. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Community Empowerment: The Potential for Community Health Nursing Development)

► Show Figures

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

2nd Edition of Community Empowerment: The Potential for Community Health Nursing Development

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Published Papers (6 papers)

Research

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI