Introduction
The article entitled Attitudes towards suicidal behavior and associated factors among nursing professionals: A quantitative study written by Ciacchero Vedana, Magrini, Zanetti, Miasso, Borges, and dos Santos (2017) represents a cross-sectional observational study related to healthcare. The authors consider the factors that determine nursing professionals’ attitudes towards suicidal behavior. They conclude that training and practicing in mental health can improve the nursing staff’s professional competencies to assist patients with suicidal behavior.
Background and Significance
The article’s background makes it clear why this study was conducted as it states that nurses’ attitudes towards patients’ suicidal behavior probably affect the accommodated care.
Research Question and Hypothesis
The authors state the hypothesis that nurses’ attitudes toward suicidal behavior are related to their personal qualities and experience. The hypothesis is appropriate as the research shows that negative attitudes towards suicidal patients are associated with insufficient nursing experience. The study is supported by citing the work of other authors, as well as by the results of the investigation among healthcare professionals.
Review of the Literature
This article contains a substantive reference list, which indicates reliable works of both theoretical and experimental literature. Directly related to the article’s topic, the cited works also fill the gap regarding the importance of this article. They contain data on the number of suicides and argue that the correct attitude of the medical staff can prevent re-attempting and completing suicide.
Methods Internal and External Validity
The study was conducted among eligible participants using validated instruments. Step by step, the article describes each stage of the research, the questionnaires used, and the methods of interpreting the results.
Research Design
This work uses a non-experimental research design, namely the cross-sectional observational study. The required information was collected using the sociodemographic questionnaire and the Suicide Behavior Attitude Questionnaire. These instruments are appropriate for the article issue and seem to flow from the hypothesis.
Sampling
The sample includes 146 health professionals, including 118 nursing assistants and 28 nurses from two health services. Members are aged 25 to 63 years, with healthcare employment experience from 3 months to 36 years, and experience providing care for people with suicidal behavior. The sample is relatively small, and further research should include more participants.
Legal-Ethical Issues
The collection of information was carried out after obtaining permission from the Research Ethics Committee. The article is protected by copyright, and all rights are reserved.
Data Collection Methods and Procedures
For the data collection, two questionnaires were used, one of which contained basic social questions (such as gender, age, and professional category), and the second was more specialized, determining the participant’s attitude to suicidal behavior. The second questionnaire contained statements and a scale of responses from “strongly agree” to “strongly disagree”. Such a system allows determining the participant’s attitude without forcing him to formulate answers on his own. Confidentiality and privacy were provided, the questionnaires were printed on paper, and the participants underwent the study at a convenient time, not harming the workflow.
Reliability and Validity
The authors mention that this research had several limitations that could affect the results of the study. The researchers were limited in the number of eligible respondents and believed that further research should include more participants. The authors consider several factors that should also be included in the study, such as religious beliefs. The article noted that the instruments used were the only ones validated according to the topic.
Data Analysis
This article provides an accessible description of the investigation conducted, its analysis, and its results. Also attached to the article are tables and figures showing the results of the study. The text is well structured, has headings, and does not have repetitions and inconsistencies.
Conclusions, Implications, and Recommendations
This paper objectively presents the investigation results; the authors provide a discussion of how the theoretical framework was supported, as well as mention the limitations of this research and possible research solutions in future studies. The authors explain that the formation of suicidal-related training for nurses will help stabilize the mental health of medical staff as well as can reduce suicide rates according to more tolerant and empathic healthcare.
Applicability to Nursing Practice
In terms of feasibility, the study findings apply to the healthcare system. But despite the relevance of the topic and its positive aspects, broader research is required.
References
Giacchero Vedana, K. G., Magrini, D. F., Zanetti, A. C. G., Miasso, A. I., Borges, T. L., & dos Santos, M. A. (2017). Attitudes towards suicidal behaviour and associated factors among nursing professionals: A quantitative study. Journal of psychiatric and mental health nursing, 24(9-10), 651-659. Web.