Medical Sciences

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://repository.aab-edu.net/handle/123456789/59

The Medical Sciences community showcases scholarly publications and research outputs authored by faculty and researchers in the Faculty of Medical Sciences. This collection includes journal articles, working papers, conference proceedings, and other academic works that contribute to the understanding of theory, policy, and practice. It aims to promote open access to high-quality economic research conducted within the institution.

News

Latest update: New research articles and working papers from the Medical Sciences department have been added.

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 88

Assessment of COVID-19 Fear in Five European Countries before Mass Vaccination and Key Predictors among Nurses and Nursing Students
(AAB College, 2025-07-15) Pulomemoj, Velide; Sopjani, Idriz
Background: Levels of fear have increased since the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. The absence of a safe and effective vaccine for mass-vaccination deteriorates this situation, which has a significant impact on mental health. This study aimed to assess the feelings of fear among nurses and nursing students in five European countries. Methods: A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted in five European countries (Greece, Albania, Cyprus, Spain, and Kosovo) before the start of mass vaccination in Europe. Data collection was conducted in December 2020–January 2021 using an online questionnaire for nursing students and professional nurses. Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) was used for measuring levels of fear. IBM SPSS version 21.0 was used for statistical analysis. Results: The study population included 1135 nurses and 1920 nursing students from Kosovo (n = 1085), Spain (n = 663), Greece (n = 534), Albania (n = 529), and Cyprus (n = 244). According to multivariable analysis, females (OR = 2.53, 95% CI = 1.89–3.15), married (OR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.24–1.48), nurses (OR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.28–1.45) and those with a chronic disease (OR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.11–1.62) were more fearful of COVID-19. Conclusions: It is important to decrease fear in the population of nurses who are at the frontlines of the pandemic. The provision of appropriate education and training activities for nurses and students to manage their stress levels is of high importance. Future studies should focus on levels of fear after the administration of several safe and effective vaccines worldwide.
Determinants of Job Sastisfaction Among the Nurses of the University Clinical Center of Kosovo
(AAB College, 2025-07-15) Sopi, Vlora
The aim of this study was to assess the job satisfaction of the nurses working at the Pediatric Clinic of the University Clinical Center of Kosovo (UCCK) based on the modified McCloskey/Mueller questionnaire. The study involved 50 nurses with different backgrounds. Intrinsic factors that dominated the survey were carrier opportunities, positive interpersonal relations, participation in decision making, perception of the work as important, and sense of personal achievement. Results have shown that the satisfaction was higher among the nurses aged older than 50, nurses with the secondary school education, nurses with more than 20 years of work experience, and nurses with less than 500 Euros monthly income in their families. At the overall job satisfaction of nurses, intrinsic factors have been shown more important than extrinsic ones.
Seroprevalence of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies among Municipal Staff in the Municipality of Prishtina
(AAB College, 2025-07-15) Gashi, Bujar
Background: Some studies have assessed the seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in different populations. Very few studies have explored seroprevalence in municipal workers, an important and potentially high-risk population. This study aims to determine the prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in municipal workers, with the additional examination of the association of prevalence with various demographic, health-related, and epidemiological factors. Methods: We surveyed and tested for seroprevalence 418 public servants from the municipality of Prishtina, the capital of Kosovo. The primary prespecified outcome was the seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, IgG, and IgM. Additional outcomes were crude and adjusted odds ratios of seroprevalence by different factors. Results: 21.1% of municipal workers tested positive for either IgM or IgG. Of these, 9.6% were positive for IgM and 19.4% for IgG. Data showed high levels of adherence to protective measures, e.g., social distancing in the office, but calculation of ORs did not show a significant difference between those reporting adherence to such measures and those reporting nonadherence. Of other examined factors, significantly lower odds were observed for smokers (0.52, 95% CI 0.28, 0.97), while municipal workers with infected family members had elevated odds of seropositivity according to both crude (2.19, 95% CI 1.34, 3.59) and adjusted (2.00, 95% CI 1.17, 3.41) ORs. Conclusions: Most answers from public servants demonstrated compliance to social-distancing policies in the workplace, but analysis of crude and adjusted odds ratios did not suggest a significant effect between municipal workers who followed these guidelines and those who did not. Results from this study help Kosovo policy makers in understanding the level of prevalence of COVID-19 in municipal workers and the effect of different factors on such prevalence. Results from the study could inform future decisions on the design and application of protective measures for municipal workers. Our findings should encourage further research to assess the extent of the spread of COVID-19 to other essential workers in Kosovo, including retail workers.
Overlooked Ventricular Septal Defect Post-Myocardial Infarction and Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
(AAB College, 2025-07-15) Rexha, Nderim; Dervishaj Rexha, Agnesa
Ventricular septal defect (VSD) represents a severe complication that may manifest after a myocardial infarction (MI), typically occurring between 2 and 7 days later. Due to advancements in reperfusion management, the incidence of VSDs after MI has become very rare, occurring in approximately 0.2% of MIs. The current guidelines recommend urgent post-infarction VSD (PI-VSD) closure. We report a case of a patient with a VSD, which was diagnosed 2.5 years after MI. At the time of acute inferior MI, the patient was managed with primary percutaneous intervention in the culprit artery, and 1 month later coronary artery by-pass grafting (CABG) was completed. Twenty and thirty months after AMI patient presented with ventricular tachycardia (VT). Following the second VT episode patient was hospitalized for further examination. Echocardiography revealed the presence of VSD at the site of inferioseptal wall aneurysm. An ICD was implanted owing to recurrent malignant rhythm disorders. In conclusion, although the PI-VSD might have been overlooked and the patient missed the chance of concomitant CABG and VSD repair, this case has reached a 3-year survival, which appears to be the longest survival recorded in a medically treated patient with PI-VSD.
Presenting Colorectal Carcinoma Cases in Our Department
(AAB College, 2025-07-16) Zatriqi, Skender
Colorectal carcinoma is second commonest cancer causing death in Kosova. Methodology: In our study we present diagnostic methods, treatment, localization and laboratory findings in 155 patients, during 4 year period in patients with colorectal carcinomas treated in our clinic. Results: Ninety four 94 (61.4%) of patients were male gender and 59 (38.6%) were female. Eritrosedimentation was elevated in 103 (67.3%) of patients, number of white blood cells was increased in 21 (7.2%) of patients and high level of glycemia is present in 11 (7.2%) of patients. The most involved age is from 41-50 years. The most common site of involvement was the rectum in 79 (51.6%), localization in sigma was in 37 (23.5 %), the transverse colon in 21 (13.7 %) of cases and the ascendant colon in 18 (11.1%) patients. Adenocarcinoma (98%) was the most common histiotype. Conclusion: We concluded, that all patients, especially with positive familial history must begin screening in age 40, during which colorectal carcinoma can be diagnosed in an early stage.
Paradoxi i kontrollit të cilësisë në kujdesin kirurgjik: Strategjitë për të kapërcyer variabilitetin dhe përmirësuar rezultatet e pacientëve.
(AAB College, 2025-07-16) Zatriqi, Skender; Beqiri, Lirije; Zatriqi, Violeta
Introduction: The quality control paradox in surgical care arises from the tension between the need for standardized practices and the inherent variability in surgical procedures and patient outcomes. This study explores potential strategies to address this paradox, including quality improvement initiatives, clinical audits, and the integration of palliative care into surgical practices.Results and Review of Presence in Practice Across Countries: In the United States, initiatives such as the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) and the Surgical Care Improvement Project (SCIP) have been central in improving quality and reducing variability in surgical care. In Australia, regular audits like the Victorian Audit of Surgical Mortality have led to significant improvements in surgical practices. Several countries are also beginning to integrate palliative care into surgical settings to better address the needs of seriously ill patients, which improves patient satisfaction and overall care. Discussion: Quality improvement programs and clinical audits have proven effective in reducing surgical errors and variability. However, challenges remain in terms of resource availability and training, especially in low-resource settings. Additionally, integrating palliative care into surgical practices can be difficult due to limited resources and lack of standardization across different countries. Conclusion: Addressing the quality control paradox in surgical care requires a coordinated, international effort that includes the implementation of structured quality improvement initiatives, regular clinical audits, and the integration of palliative care. These strategies collectively contribute to improving patient outcomes and providing high-quality care. Adoption of these initiatives globally is crucial for reducing variability and improving the overall patient experience in surgical care.
Epidemiology of pediatric burn injuries in Kosovo
(AAB College, 2025-07-16) Zatriqi, Violeta
Background Burns are the third most common cause of mortality in children and adolescents. Many burns that occur in the first two decades of life are accidental and preventable. The objective of this study was to describe the epidemiology of burn-related injuries in children up to 15 years old in Kosovo. Methods This was a retrospective study that included 628 patients with burns, younger than 15 years old who were admitted to the Clinic of Plastic Surgery, University Clinical Center of Kosovo, between 1 January 2006 and 31 December 2015. The patients were categorized into three age groups: 0–3, 4–7, and 8–15 years old. Data on the gender, age, cause, burn size and depth, duration of hospitalization, and treatment were collected and analyzed. Results During the study period, in our population, burns in children were predominantly in boys with 374 cases (59.6 %), while 254 patients were girls (40.4 %). Scalding was the most common type of burn with 566 cases or 90.2%.The median TBSA burned was 18.8% with a range of 1–70%. Duration of treatment ranged from 0 to 81 days. The mean hospitalization was 32.2 days. Conclusions A high rate of childhood burns in Kosovo requires hospital admissions and prolonged hospital stays. To reduce pediatric burns in Kosovo, a burn-prevention strategy and program should be developed. Level of Evidence: Level IV, risk / prognostic study
PEDIATRIC BURNS IN UNIVERSITY CLINICAL CENTRE OF KOSOVO FROM 2011-2015
(AAB College, 2025-07-16) Zatriqi, Violeta
The objective of this study was to describe the epidemiology of burn-related injuries in children <15 years in Kosovo, and compare incidence and cause of burns with our previous study conducted over the period 2005-2010 on children with burn injuries of the same age group. This was a retrospective study of pediatric patients (n=277) admitted to the University Clinical Centre of Kosovo between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2015. We analyzed data on gender, age, cause, location, burn size (TBSA), depth of injury, seasonality, duration of hospitalization and treatment of burn-related injuries, collected from the medical records available in the archives of the University Clinical Centre of Pristina. The patients were categorized into three age groups: infants and toddlers (0-2 years), early childhood (3-6 years) and late childhood (7-15 years). Data were analyzed applying descriptive statistics, Chi-square. P-values less than 0.05 were considered significant. During the study period 2011-2015, in our population, burns in children were predominant in boys, with 166 cases (59.9%), while 111 patients were girls (40.1%). The incidence of extensive burns in childhood remains high, although we have seen a slight decrease compared to the previous 5-year study period.
EPIDEMIOLOGY OF BURN INJURIES IN KOSOVO: A 10-YEAR REVIEW
(AAB College, 2025-07-16) Zatriqi, Violeta
Burns are the most devastating form of trauma. They are among the most devastating injuries a child can sustain, and coupled with prolonged aggressive and non-aggressive medical and nursing therapies, can result in long-term physical and psychological concerns. Data were obtained from medical records of burned patients treated in our clinic from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2015. Subsequent details are examined, such as age, gender, etiologic factor, surface of the affected area, depth of burn, localization of injury by region, season when they happened the most, methods of treatment and duration of hospitalization. A total of 1268 patients with burns were admitted to the Clinic of Plastic Surgery Kosovo for treatment between 1 January 2006 and 31 December 2015. During the period of our research, male patients were predominant, accounting for 835 cases (65.85%) of burns while 433 (34.14%) patients were female. The average age in this study was 23 years. Our findings, even with the caveats known to this study, suggest that there is still a high number of patients with burn injury requiring hospital admission.
Quality of life in cancer patients – A systematic review
(AAB College, 2025-07-16) Gori, Nexhmije
Background. Cancer is a significant health problem worldwide. Globally, cancer is one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality and this is predicted to increase by at least 70% by 2030. The aim of this systematic review was to identify the state of the scientific evidence regarding the quality of life in patients. with cancer. Methods. The literature was searched in the Scopus, Web of Science and Pub Med databases, the literature related to the quality of life in cancer patients. Keywords are combined with Boolean operators (AND/OR). There are sixty studies were included in the current review. Results. The social and physical domains were the most endangered, while the environment was the most preserved. Comparison between scores showed a significant difference only in terms of self-rated health. The highest scores were found in the group with the best assessment of their health. The results suggest that self-rated health can be a reliable predictor of quality of life in these patients, being important for further studies on this topic. Discussion. The findings of this review indicate low QoL among cancer patients on anticancer therapy. Functional well-being was most affected among cancer patients, followed by emotional well-being among cancer patients on cancer therapy. From our study, it was found that the overall quality of life of the patients was influenced by the education and professional status of the patient. Unemployed and illiterate patients have worse QoL than employed and educated patients.
TREATMENT OF KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS WITH MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLS ARTHROSCOPY AND PHYSIOTHERAPY: EVALUATION WITH SF-36
(AAB College, 2025-07-16) Ahmetaj, Donjetë
Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA), a chronic degenerative joint disease, significantly impacts quality of life (QoL) and poses economic burdens, especially as aging populations grow. While no therapy fully regenerates cartilage, mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) offer a promising treatment for the condition. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate effects of arthroscopically administered MSC therapy in conjunction with an 8-week standard physiotherapy regimen for patients with knee OA. Material and methods: This monocentric clinical study involved 35 patients with knee OA (aged 45-65 years, of both genders), who treated with arthroscopy and MSC. Health status was assessed pre- and post-treatment using the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Additionally, the influence of age and gender on treatment efficacy was analyzed to understand demographic impacts on therapeutic response. Results: The average SF-36 score after treatment among male patients demonstrated better condition compared to female patients across individual concepts or domains, and overall SF-36 score. The best condition of 100% according to the SF-36 score after treatment was found among males for the role limitations due to physical health and role limitations due to emotional problems. Among females, these domains also represented best post-treatment condition, with half of them achieving SF-36 scores of 100%. Younger age was significantly associated with better outcomes across all SF-36 concepts. Conclusion: The results of the study highlight the potential of MSC arthroscopy in combination with physiotherapy, in managing knee OA in this group of subjects. To better understand long-term effects and optimize treatment, larger-scale randomized controlled trials are necessary.
Hepato - Cephalic Index as a Predictor of Intrauterine Growth Restriction
(AAB College, 2025-07-16) Gjocaj, Curr
Aim: The aims of this study were to compare ultrasound fetoplacental parameters and to calculate Hepato-Cephalic Index (HCI) as a new predictor of IUGR. Methods and material: A clinical prospective study was conducted and included 120 pregnant women divided in two groups: non IUGR group included healthy pregnant women (n=60) and IUGR group included pregnant women with preeclampsia and IUGR (n=60). Outcome measures were following ultrasound fetoplacental parameters in fetuses with IUGR and non IUGR: Fetal Liver Length (FLL), Femur Length (FL), Biparietal Diameter (BPD), Placental Maturation by Grannum, Amniotic Fluid Index (AFI) and Hepato-Cephalic Index (HCI). Sonography was carried out by probe 3.5 Mhz type MINDRAY DC 7. Results: The mean of maternal age was 30.0±6.1 years in women with preeclampsia and IUGR and 28.1±5.1 years in healthy pregnant women, p > 0.05. There was a statistically significant difference in values of: FLL (p < 0.001), FL (p = 0.004), BPD (p < 0.001), AFI (p < 0.001), HCI (p < 0.001) between IUGR and non IUGR groups. The most of women with preeclampsia and IUGR had grade III of placental maturation (48.3%). There is a significant association between the placental maturation and the diagnosis, p < 0.001. There was a statistically significant difference in body mass of newborns between IUGR and non IUGR groups, p < 0.001. Conclusion: In a fetus with IUGR in preeclampsia there is a reduction in FLL, FL, BPD, AFI and HCI and there is a early maturation of the placenta. By measurement of fetoplacental ultrasonic parameters of liver, pregnant women will experience prediction of risk pregnancy (preeclampsia with IUGR) due to hypoxia.
SURGICAL ORTHOPEDIC PATIENTS’ PERCEPTION OF ANTIBIOTIC USE AND ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE
(AAB College, 2025-07-16) Ahmetaj, Donjetë
Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate orthopedic patients' knowledge of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance. Material and Method: Patients admitted to the hospital for orthopedic surgery were given a questionnaire containing a total of 26 questions, 7 multiple choices, nine true and false questions and ten likert scale questions adapted from a survey which has been published by World Health Organization and translated to Albanian to assess their knowledge and attitude toward antibiotics and antibiotic resistance. Result and Discussion: Sixty-two percent of the patients misunderstood the definition of antibiotic resistance and answered yes to the question "Antibiotic resistance occurs when your body becomes resistant to antibiotics and the antibiotic is no longer effective." 62.4% of the patient strongly agreed that ‘antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest problems facing the world”. Although participants are aware of antibiotic resistance and the potential threats it may pose, their knowledge of the causes of antibiotic resistance and how to prevent it is limited. In conclusion, attempts need to be made to raise antibiotic resistance awareness and knowledge among the Kosovo population.
Presentation of the Diverticulum of the Caecum, Cause of the Acute Abdomen
(AAB College, 2025-07-16) Gjocaj, Curr
Solitary caecal diverticulum is an uncommon entity and therefore it is difficult to diagnose except during surgery exploration. It is extremely difficult to differentiate it preoperatively from acute appendicitis. We report a case of an enlarged colon segment, presenting macroscopically as tumor diverticulum in a 27-year-old female patient, presenting with a 2 day history of a severe abdominal right lower quadrant pain with accompanying anorexia, nausea, vomiting and high body temperature. After clinical assessment, laboratory examination, X-ray, and CT are performed, the indication for surgical treatment is set.
The Assessment of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of University’s Students Towards Covid-19
(AAB College, 2025-07-16) Haxhija, Edona
Introduction: The COVID - 19 has been a global public health concern from day one till now. The Aim is to assess students’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards COVID-19. Material and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. A validated, structured, anonymous, self-administered online questionnaire was used. The inclusion criteria were voluntary students from each Luigj Gurakuqi University faculty member. Two hundred fifty-seven students completed the questionnaire, which was created with the Microsoft Forms Office program and distributed via WhatsApp. Data were calculated through the SPSS program. Pearson correlation, ANOVA test, and simple independent test –T were applied to elaborate on the data collected. The study period is April-May 2022. Results: In this study, 257 students participated. Most of the participants were female (N=223; 87%). More than 86% of students responded positively regarding their knowledge about the symptoms of COVID-19. Regarding attitude and practice, 90% of students agreed that hand washing is necessary to prevent infection, while 98% believed wearing a mask would prevent disease. Conclusions: In general, they show positive attitudes and practices regarding COVID-19. Many say they would not hide it as information; they would seek medical help.
Postpartum Depression and the Role of Midwives in Its Early Detection
(AAB College, 2025-07-16) Tahiri, Shqipe; Sopjani, Idriz; Beqiri, Lirije
Transition to being a parent is a stress-producing process that involves adapting both parents and their families even in the most favorable circumstances. Information on the level of psychological adaptation of women and family before and during pregnancy is very important as anxiety and the effects of accumulated life stress can directly affect individual and family well-being in the postnatal period. Especially for women or families facing multiple stresses and limited resources, ensuring security, understanding, compassion and direction may have a significant positive effect during this phase. A sample of 91 women immediately after birth at the Obstetrics- Gynecology Clinic (KOGJ) at the University Clinical Center of Kosovo (UCCK) completed two self-administered questionnaires. Initially, literature on postpartum depression was investigated. Two instruments for this paper have been selected from the range of instruments available for postnatal depression research literature: Patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Postpartum Depression Screening Scale (PDSS). The introduction and analysis of data is done with the Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS), Version 21 (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences—SPSS). Failure or frustration and sleep problems are the highest mean postnatal depression indicators 1.8. Then there is fatigue or lack of energy, increased appetite or anorexia and suicidal thoughts and self-esteem with a mean attendance of 1.7 in the post-depression indicator group. Depression or loss of hope and dissatisfaction or interest in activities are in the group of indicators with an average of 1.6. Movement or speech problems and concentration problems are the least affected indicators in the post-depression indicator group, with only 1.5. Our statistics show a relatively high level of postpartum depression, which includes women of all categories without taking into account the economic situation, the level of education or the number of births, the results derived from the correlation analysis which is non-aligning during the comparison of these categories. Involvement of nurses/midwives at a time setting of this phenomenon is a necessity for which to invest?
Administration of Chemotherapy in University Clinical Center of Kosova by Nurses
(AAB College, 2025-07-16) Tahiri, Shqipe; Sopjani, Idriz
Policy development on chemotherapy management has increased the demand for deeper knowledge in this field. In this way, there was a need to identify, recognize the consumption trends of chemotherapeutic and prioritize the interest of regulatory bodies, as well as to design programs for health education. In 1978 for the first time in Kosovo, a Hematology Department was established within the Internal Diseases Clinic by Dr. Shaban Geci. In 2013 it became a Clinic of Hematology. The Department of Clinical Hematology deals with the diagnosis of hematologic and hematopoietic diseases including erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets as well as malignant diseases. Within the department is also the location for puncture and biopsy of the bone marrow as well as for ultrasonography. Methods: The study was prospective and was conducted at University Clinical Center of Kosova (UCCK) and is based on an anonymous survey designed specifically for this purpose. The subject of the analysis was the available space for hospitalization and administration of chemotherapeutic at UCCK, the existence or not of written protocols, and available technical equipment. Results: Respondents were asked how many nurses handle the administration of cytostatic at the clinic where they work. 48% of respondents state that 1 - 5 nurses deal with cytostatic administration, 52% of respondents say 1 - 15 nurses deal with cytostatic administration, while alternatives 6 - 10 nurses and 16 and more nurses were not selected by no respondents.
Attitude of “AAB College” Nursing Students Towards Scientific Research
(AAB College, 2025-07-16) Haxhija, Edona
Aims: AAB College is a non-public institution that dates back to 2017, and during its internal evaluation, the involvement of nursing students in scientific research has appeared problematic, so the purpose of this study is to first identify the attitude of nursing students towards scientific research only in this college later in the near future we will compare with a public institution. Background: Since higher education institutions are subject to accreditation, and one of the key points is scientific research and the involvement of students in this process, we thought of investigating this issue. It is necessary for nursing students to have a culture of scientific research because this affects the increase of their performance in school, at work and also in the improvement of the quality of service to patients. Nursing students should be initiated into the research culture and adopt positive attitudes toward scientific research during their undergraduate education to improve the nursing profession, contribute to the professionalization of this profession, and maintain quality of care, nurse autonomy, and power. This research should transmit, promote, and protect knowledge in the improvement of teaching, scientific research, and community services. Objective: Cross-sectional descriptive statistics were used to summarize the importance of research to nursing students, the time students spend on research, student attitudes toward science, how collaborative research professors were with students, and the motivation provided to students by faculty or professors. Methodology: Data collection was carried out during January - June 2022. The sample was randomly selected. In this study, 300 students of “AAB College” were included. Students were given a questionnaire administered by us. To perform the statistical analysis, we used the SPSS program 19 version and Microsoft Office 2010. Results: The minimum age of the students who were interviewed is 18 years. 64% of these students are female (n=192), and 36% are male (n=108). Conclusions: The largest percentage of students state that scientific research is “Very important” for them. The lectures related to research in nursing have “a lot of influence” on their formation. Students spend “Enough” time or energy on scientific research. The faculty/college where they study does not offer them support for studies or scientific activities. The majority of students have not participated in any scientific activity, but students who have been active or passive participants in scientific activities are referred to being provided with training certificates. Students feel “enough” motivated to carry out scientific work in the nursing field.
The Perceptions about Their Profession of Kosovo`s Nursing Students
(AAB College, 2025-07-16) Haxhija, Edona
Background and Aim: Nurses are key to the health of the nation. Nursing can be described as both an art and a science; a heart and a mind. The aim of this study is to evidence the students' perceptions about the profession of nursing. This is a cross-sectional study. Study Design: The research question is: "What are the nursing students’ perceptions about the profession of nursing?" Methodology: The study was realized during the period of January- February 2021. The study was conducted with nursing students in first, second and third year of study, in bachelor degree of University of Pristina "AAB College" Kosovo, Faculty of Nursing, Department of Nursing, Kosovo. In this study were included n=130 students, respectively (n= 29, 22.3% in first year, n=57, 43.8% second year and n= 44, 33.8% in third year of study). The questionnaire “Cockrell-Punter Nursing Perceptions Scale” used consisted of 25 perception statements related to nursing. These scores no longer reflected simply agreement/disagreement, but as positive or negative perceptions of nursing with a scale values ranged from 1=negative perception to 5=positive perception. The survey performed in classroom was anonymous. All data collected were elaborated with SPSS version 19. Results: In this study, 22.3% (n=29) of students were male and 77.7% (n=101) were female. Age ranged from 18 to 47 years old. The average age is 21.9 years old. The distribution of student’s age was: (8.5% were 18 years old, 18.5%, 19 years old, 27.7% 20 years old, 19.2% were 21 years old and 26.1% were over 21 years old) mean 19.8 years old, min 18 years old, maximum 47 year old, Std. Dev ± 4.19. According to the residence, 88 (67.7%) of students were from urban area and 42 (32.3%) from rural area. Conclusion: Nursing students have good perception about the nursing profession. With age the level of perception increases, so the oldest have more positive perception.
LIFE QUALITY OF PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS ACCORDING TO THE LEVEL OF PAIN
(AAB College, 2025-07-16) Haxhija, Edona
This is a transversal (cross-sectional) descriptive study. The aim of the study is to evaluate the quality of life of patients with rheumatoid arthritis Objectives: To identify the level of pain related to daily activities in patients with RA according to gender and age groups. Methodology: The data collection was conducted in January-May 2019. The sample was randomly selected. In this study, there were 70 patients with RA. These patients were provided an internationally standardized questionnaire, administered by us that measures the level of pain experienced by the patient in carrying out daily activities. Questionnaires with patients were conducted at QSUT "Mother Theresa". Before the interview began, patient and family consensus were obtained. To analyze the statistical data, SPSS Version19 and Excel 2010 were used. The Pearson Correlation for IC=99%, p<0.01 was applied. Results: The average age of patients is 55.2 years old, the minimum age is 24 years old, the maximum age is 72 years old. In a distribution by age groups, it turns out that 59% of these patients are aged 50-59 years old. From this study it is seen that the highest percentage of patients with RA is Tirana (45%). We found that women are not only more affected than men by rheumatoid arthritis, specifically 84% of women, but also women have much worse quality of life due to very severe pain from RA. Of our surveyed group, 20.3% of affected females have very poor quality of life but no affected males have very poor quality of life from AR pain. Men in 100% of cases have poor quality of life from RA pain compared to 72.9% of women. The age group experiencing the most severe pain and having a very bad quality of life is 20-49 year olds with 25% of the cases. The age group ≥70 years old has the worst quality of life from AR pain in 100% of the cases studied. Conclusions: 77% of these patients have poor quality of life because of pain associated with RA. The FSI for pain resulted in 0.25, 0.39 for addiction and 0.26 for difficulty.