The impact of COVID-19 on stress and resilience in undergraduate nursing students : a scoping review
- Authors: Smith, Graeme , Lam, Louisa , Poon, Sara , Griffiths, Semra , Cross, Wendy , Rahman, Muhammad Aziz , Watson, Roger
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Nurse Education in Practice Vol. 72, no. (2023), p.
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Being a nursing student can be a stressful experience, faced with considerable academic and clinical demands. It has been suggested that the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) may have further exacerbated the pressure nursing students face. It has been posited that resilience, a complex psychological concept, may help nursing students overcome stressful situations. Aims: The aim of this scoping review was to examine the relationship between resilience and stress in nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Relevant publications were identified by a comprehensive search of the literature from January 2019 to September 2022 to capture relevant publications during the COVID-19 global pandemic period from the following databases: CINAHL, Medline Complete, APA PsycInfo, Ovid EmCare and Web of Science. Fifteen studies met our inclusion criteria and were included in the review using Arskey & O'Malley’s (2005) methodological framework for scoping reviews. Results: Our findings suggest that nursing students from all around the world have experienced high levels of stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Almost unanimously, resilience was identified as a key protective factor against stress and the development of psychological morbidity. Those nursing students with higher levels of resilience were deemed more likely to stay on track with their studies, despite COVID-related challenges. Conclusion: In conclusion, this scoping review adds to the well-established argument to incorporate resilience-building activities in undergraduate nursing curricula. Developing levels of resilience has the potential to empower nursing students for academic and clinical success, whilst facing the challenges of an ever-changing world. © 2023 Elsevier Ltd
DNA barcoding and integrative taxonomy of the heterolepisma sclerophylla species complex (Zygentoma: Lepismatidae: Heterolepismatinae) and the description of two new species
- Authors: Smith, Graeme , Mitchell, Andrew , Lee, Timothy , Espinasa, Luis
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Records of the Australian Museum Vol. 71, no. 1 (2019), p. 1-32
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: We present one of the first studies of DNA barcodes (COI sequences) in the basal insect order Zygentoma, and compare the data with nuclear (28S) and mitochondrial (16S) rDNA sequences and morphology for an integrative taxonomic study of the Heterolepisma sclerophylla Smith species group. DNA sequence analyses identified deep divisions between Queensland and New South Wales populations, and among populations in each state. Detailed morphological and morphometric evaluation of the specimens failed, in most cases, to identify unambiguous morphological characters of diagnostic value for each population, possibly due to the interaction of morphological conservatism with high levels of variability resulting from their continued moulting after reaching sexual maturity. Several strong consistent characters were identified to support the description of a southern Queensland population as a new species (Heterolepisma cooloola sp. nov.). The combined molecular and morphological data support the view that the presence of lanceolate scales and the absence of macrochaetae from the anterior margin of the frons are more significant to phylogeny than the arrangement of styli and the shape of the thoracic sternites in Heterolepisma. Specimens from Glen Davis, NSW, while indistinguishable from H. sclerophylla in all other characters examined, were found to possess one fewer pair of abdominal styli in both sexes and are also described as a new species (Heterolepisma coorongooba sp. nov.). Five lineages are recognized within the remaining NSW material but as reliable (non-overlapping) morphological and morphometric differences could not be identified, they are not described here as new species. Heterolepisma sclerophylla sensu stricto is considered to be a complex of morphologically ill-defined species or perhaps subspecies.
The contribution of silverfish (insecta: zygentoma) to Australian invertebrate biodiversity and endemism
- Authors: Smith, Graeme
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: Silverfish (Order Zygentoma) are quite abundant in Australia but have been largely overlooked. This thesis examines the biodiversity of the Australian fauna at the level of genus, describing at least one representative species from each named genus and some new genera. The endemism of the fauna is evaluated and likely zoogeographic origins proposed. Over 4000 specimens were examined, either collected by the author, borrowed from or examined within museum collections or supplied by organisations and individuals conducting fauna surveys. Twenty- seven new native species are described and two redescribed, bringing the number of named species recorded in Australia to 74. Five new genera are described and four additional genera recorded in Australia for the first time including autochthonous representatives of three subfamilies previously unrecognised as native to Australia (Acrotelsatinae, Lepismatinae and Coletiniinae). No representatives of the families Maindroniidae, Tricholepidiidae and Protrinemuridae were found. The subfamily Acrotelsatinae was redefined following a revision of the enigmatic genus Anisolepisma Paclt, 1967 with the unique structure of the thoracic sterna identified as diagnostic for the subfamily. Contrary to existing opinion, it is suggested that this is a fundamentally different and plesiomorphic character, rather than an apomorphic reduction of the free thoracic sterna. A monograph of the Australian Zygentoma is presented, including a summary of the biology of the order, a key to and diagnoses of the genera, as well as information on the known habitat and distribution of each genus and a discussion of their zoogeography. At the suprageneric level the fauna is less diverse than seen in other zoogeographic regions but appears to be rich in the number of species. The fauna displays a high degree of endemism with 91% of described species and 52% of the genera known only from Australia. Some genera appear to be ancient and probably represent a Pangean element in the Australian fauna. Others appear to have emerged in the late Jurassic when Africa was still joined to Gondwana, while some may have appeared in the Cretaceous or Palaeocene when Australia and South America were connected to Gondwana. More recent links with the Asian fauna are limited and there appears to be no widespread highly mobile global species other than the six introduced anthropophilic species. Maps of the worldwide distribution records extracted from the taxonomic literature are used to discuss the zoogeography of the subfamilies and tribes present in Australia. Molecular data using two mitochondrial genes (16S and COI) as well as a nuclear gene (28S) were compared with detailed morphological and morphometric analysis to examine populations initially determined as Heterolepisma sclerophylla or close to it. Distances of 0.9– 1.8% or greater in 28S, and 7.2–14% in COI were associated with morphologically distinct species. A southern Queensland population was found to be genetically, morphometrically and morphologically very distinct from those collected in NSW and was described as new (Heterolepisma sp. B). Six well-defined barcode clusters (“lineages”) were identified within the NSW populations, each with >4% divergence in COI sequences and each geographically restricted. Intracluster divergences are also large, and despite the well-supported phylogeny no clear “barcode gap” (distinction between intracluster and intercluster distances) was found for three of the six NSW populations. The 28S data distinguished only four of the six COI clusters from NSW with essentially no variation within each cluster. The 28S data generally aligned well with morphological evidence, clearly identifying Heterolepisma sp. B as a distinct species, and supporting also the description of Heterolepisma sp. A even though it only appears to differ from H. sclerophylla in the number of styli. Similar genetic distances are observed in 28S data for H. sclerophylla populations from North Nowra, Glenbrook/Burralow/Nattai and Megalong, however the Broulee and Wellington populations have identical 28S sequences. The low levels of variation in 28S sequences between NSW populations accord with the lack of unambiguous morphological differences.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
On some Silverfish Taxa from Tasmania (Zygentoma: Lepismatidae and Nicoletiidae)
- Authors: Smith, Graeme
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Records of the Australian Museum Vol. 68, no. 2 (2016), p. 45-80
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: The silverfish fauna of Tasmania is reviewed. Seven species are now recorded, including the introduced anthropophilic Ctenolepisma longicaudata Escherich. Within the Ctenolepismatinae Hemitelsella clarksonorum n.gen., n.sp. and Acrotelsella parlevar n.sp. are described. The Heterolepismatinae are represented by an unconfirmed record of Heterolepisma kraepelini Silvestri and Heterolepisma buntonorum n.sp. is described. The inquiline Atelurinae are represented by Australiatelura tasmanica Silvestri, which is redescribed, and a further sympatric species, Australiatelura eugenanae n.sp., is described.
New Silverfish Taxa from Queensland (Zygentoma: Lepismatidae)
- Authors: Smith, Graeme
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Records of the Australian Museum Vol. 67, no. 3 (2015), p. 67-81
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: A new genus and species of the silverfish subfamily Ctenolepismatinae and the first endemic species of the Lepismatinae are described from Queensland. A single male specimen of Qantelsella louisae n.gen., n.sp., was collected from dry leaf litter in Bladensburg National Park near Winton. Xenolepisma monteithi n.sp. is known from one adult female and two juvenile specimens collected with ants (Crematogaster sp.) from the bark of a tree on the Cape York Peninsula. This genus is also known from southern Africa, India and Malaysia and the diagnosis of the genus is emended to include the morphological differences exhibited by the Australian species.
Supportive-expressive group therapy for women with metastatic breast cancer : Survival and psychosocial outcome from a randomized controlled trial
- Authors: Kissane, David , Grabsch, Brenda , Clarke, David , Smith, Graeme , Love, Anthony , Bloch, Sidney , Snyder, Raymond , Li, Yuellin
- Date: 2007
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Psycho-Oncology Vol. 16, no. 4 (2007), p. 277-286
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Mixed reports exist about the impact of supportive-expressive group therapy (SEGT) on survival. Methods: From 485 women with advanced breast cancer recruited between 1996-2002, 227 (47%) consented and were randomized within an average 10 months of cancer recurrence in a 2:1 ratio to intervention with 1 year or more of weekly SEGT plus three classes of relaxation therapy (147 women) or to control receiving three classes of relaxation therapy (80 women). The primary outcome was survival; psychosocial well-being was appraised secondarily. Analysis was by intention-to-treat. Results: SEGT did not prolong survival (median survival 24.0 months in SEGT and 18.3 in controls; univariate hazard ratio for death 0.92 [95% CI, 0.69-1.26]; multivariate hazard ratio, 1.06 [95% CI, 0.74-1.51]). Significant predictors of survival were treatment with chemotherapy and hormone therapy (p<0.001), visceral metastases (p<0.001) and advanced disease at first diagnosis (p<0.05). SEGT ameliorated and prevented new DSM-IV depressive disorders (p = 0.002), reduced hopeless-helplessness (p = 0.004), trauma symptoms (p = 0.04) and improved social functioning (p = 0.03). Conclusions: SEGT did not prolong survival. It improved quality of life, including treatment of and protection against depression. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
- Description: C1
- Description: 2003007261
Psychological morbidity and quality of life in women with advanced breast cancer : A cross-sectional survey
- Authors: Grabsch, Brenda , Clarke, David , Love, Anthony , McKenzie, Dean , Snyder, Raymond , Bloch, Sidney , Smith, Graeme , Kissane, David
- Date: 2006
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Palliative & Supportive Care Vol. 4, no. 1 (2006), p. 47-56
- Full Text: false
- Description: Objective: Our purpose was to determine the frequency of psychiatric morbidity and to assess the quality of life of women with advanced breast cancer. Methods: The 227 women in the sample were recruited in Melbourne, Australia, and were interviewed (prior to intervention) for a randomized controlled trial of supportive-expressive group therapy. The main outcome measures were DSM-IV psychiatric diagnoses plus quality of life data based on the EORTC QLQ-C30 (core) and QLQ-BR23 (breast module) instruments. Results: Forty-two percent of the women (97/227) had a psychiatric disorder; 35.7% (81) of these had depression or anxiety or both. Specific diagnoses were minor depression in 58 women (25.6%), major depression in 16 (7%), anxiety disorder in 14 (6.2%), and phobic disorder in 9 (4%). Seventeen (7.5%) women had more than one disorder. In terms of quality of life, one-third felt less attractive, one-quarter were dissatisfied with their body image, and, in most, sexual interest had waned. Menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes affected less than one-third, whereas symptoms of lymphedema were experienced by 26 (11.5%). Significance: Women with advanced breast cancer have high rates of psychiatric and psychological disturbance. Quality of life is substantially affected. Clinicians need to be vigilant in monitoring psychological adjustment as part of a comprehensive biopsychosocial approach.
- Description: 2003007264
Effect of cognitive-existential group therapy on survival in early-stage breast cancer
- Authors: Kissane, David , Love, Anthony , Hatton, Allison , Bloch, Sidney , Smith, Graeme , Clarke, David , Miach, Patricia , Ikin, Jill , Ranieri, Nadia , Snyder, Raymond
- Date: 2004
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Clinical Oncology Vol. 22, no. 21 (2004), p. 4255-4260
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: PURPOSE: Cognitive-existential group therapy (CEGT) was developed to improve mood and mental attitude toward cancer in women with early-stage breast cancer receiving adjuvant chemotherapy. Given the debate about group therapy's association with increased survival in women with metastatic breast cancer, we were curious to check its effect at a much earlier stage in the cancer journey. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We randomly assigned 303 women with early-stage breast cancer who were receiving adjuvant chemotherapy to either 20 sessions of weekly group therapy plus three relaxation classes (n = 154) or to a control condition of three relaxation classes alone (n = 149). The primary outcome was survival. RESULTS: CEGT did not extend survival; the median survival time was 81.9 months (95% CI, 64.8 to 99.0 months) in the group-therapy women and 85.5 months (95% CI, 67.5 to 103.6 months) in the control arm. The hazard ratio for death was 1.35 (95% CI, 0.76 to 2.39; P = .31). In contrast, histology and axillary lymph node status were significant predictors of survival. Low-grade histology yielded a hazard ratio of 0.342 (95% CI, 0.17 to 0.69), and axillary lymph node-negative status yielded a hazard ratio of 0.397 (95% CI, 0.20 to 0.78). CONCLUSION: CEGT does not prolong survival in women with early-stage breast cancer.
- Description: 2003007270