Submit to IJERPH Review for IJERPH Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Challenges and Advances in Nursing Practice in Latin America

Print Special Issue Flyer
Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
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".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 July 2025) | Viewed by 11043

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Rejane C. Marques

E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor

1. Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais e Conservação, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, CEP 27930-560, RJ, Brazil
2. Programa de Pós-Graduação em Enfermagem, Universidade Federal do Piauí, Teresina 64049-550, PI, Brazil
Interests: maternal and children’s health; child growth and nutrition; neurodevelopment; maternal and child exposure to environmental pollutants
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Elaine Maria Leite Rangel

E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor

Programa de Pós-Graduação em Enfermagem, Universidade Federal do Piauí, Picos 64607-670, Brazil
Interests: educational technologies; health education; virtual simulation; noncommunicable diseases (NCDs)

Dr. Márcia Teles de Oliveira Gouveia

E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor

Programa de Pós-Graduação em Enfermagem, Universidade Federal do Piauí, Picos 64607-670, Brazil
Interests: neonatology nursing; health professional; stress; validation studies

Dr. José Wicto Pereira Borges

E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor

1. Programa de Pós-Graduação em Enfermagem, Universidade Federal do Piauí, Teresina 64049-550, PI, Brazil
2. Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde e Comunidade, Universidade Federal do Piauí, Teresina 64049-550, PI, Brazil
Interests: epidemiology of noncommunicable diseases; methodological studies; development and validation of survey instruments

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Nursing professionals are essential for health systems, although their economic and social importance is undervalued. Nursing is a profession that operates across various health fields, such as prevention and health promotion, hospital care, public health, continuing education, and direct patient care, among others, and nurses are present in all phases of the human lifecycle. The broad training this requires, which is characteristic of the nursing discipline, has enabled the expansion of the areas of activity of its professionals.

Global environmental changes, such as changing population structures and disease patterns, the emergence of infectious diseases, and new lifestyles, are challenges that can impact nurses’ performance and practice in complex and globalized scenarios, calling for the nursing discipline to be framed in a global perspective to facilitate the discussion of new topics and the deepening of already acquired knowledge.

This Special Issue seeks to delve deeper into the panorama of challenges and advances in nursing in Latin America, as well as to discuss the scenario of nursing social practice. Topics of interest include: nursing work environments; the global nursing staff shortage; the increasing spread of zoonoses and pandemic threats; responses to growing social pressures, particularly those facing vulnerable populations; the training and management of professional nursing education and the diversification of study programs; innovation in nursing and health; control of chronic non-communicable diseases; the social role of nursing professionals; and the problems of precariousness, excessive workload, fatigue, stress, and illness.

Prof. Dr. Rejane C. Marques
Dr. Elaine Maria Leite Rangel
Dr. Márcia Teles de Oliveira Gouveia
Dr. José Wicto Pereira Borges
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

nursing
health system
nursing work environments
nursing practice
nursing education
vulnerabilities
global nursing
sustainable development

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (7 papers)

Download All Papers

Order results

Result details

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

17 pages, 540 KB

Open AccessArticle

Meanings and Practices of Preceptorship in Pediatric Nursing and Their Implications for Public Health: A Grounded Theory Study

by Thiago Privado da Silva, Flávia Souza Soares, Italo Rodolfo Silva, Sabrina da Costa Machado Duarte, Laura Johanson da Silva and Jessica Renata Bastos Depianti

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(8), 1255; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22081255 - 11 Aug 2025

Viewed by 750

Abstract

Strengthening the education of health professionals is imperative to effectively address contemporary public health challenges. Preceptorship, by integrating teaching and care within service settings, stands out as a relevant strategy for developing clinical, ethical, and relational competencies. This study aimed to construct a theoretical model based on the meanings attributed by nurse preceptors to preceptorship in pediatric nursing within the context of hospital-based training at a referral institute specializing in rare and complex diseases in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The study used Grounded Theory and Symbolic Interactionism as its methodological and theoretical frameworks, respectively, and involved interviews with 14 preceptors. The resulting model characterizes preceptorship as an interactive process materialized in pedagogical practices that integrate technical skill, empathy, responsibility, and creativity into the daily routine of care. The findings offer valuable insights for strengthening professional training programs in health and contribute to public policies that recognize preceptorship as a component of interprofessional education and of workforce development, with a focus on humanization, safety, and contextualized care. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Advances in Nursing Practice in Latin America)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 679 KB

Open AccessArticle

Systematic Intervention with Formal Caregivers to Promote Nutritional Health of Older People with Dementia: An Impact Evaluation Study

by Paola Sarmiento-González, María Elisa Moreno-Fergusson, Alejandra Rojas-Rivera, Juan Alcides Cuadros-Mojica, Bibiana Ramírez-Pulido and Beatriz Sánchez-Herrera

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(6), 849; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22060849 - 29 May 2025

Viewed by 998

Abstract

Nutritional health is essential for older people with dementia. Their feeding is a challenge for which caregivers are not always ready, and an intervention that supports them may have a significant social impact. The aim of this project is to design and evaluate the impact of systematic nursing intervention with formal caregivers to promote nutritional health for older people with dementia. This is a “Nursing Methodology Research” study conducted with formal caregivers of older people with dementia in four Colombian nursing homes. It includes three consecutive phases: (1) systematic intervention design under Whittemore and Grey’s parameters, (2) intervention validation with seven international experts, and (3) measurement of intervention impact, which included a quasi-experimental pre-test–post-test design. The “Nurturing Neurons—Formal Caregivers” intervention met the criteria of systematic health interventions. In response to the work and personal requirements of formal caregivers, the intervention used a tele-support modality. Its content validity ratio (CVR) ranged from 0.88 to 0.92; its content validity index (CVI) was 0.90. The experience was positive for the participant caregivers (94.9%) and professional providers (92.5%). The overall caregivers’ caring competence changed from the medium, 78.1, to the high category, 91.5 (p < 0.001). Their perceived burden of care changed from 70.4 to 63.6 (p < 0.001). In conclusion, “Nurturing Neurons—Formal Caregivers” achieved a positive impact, with changes in the structure, processes, and outputs to promote the nutritional health of older people with dementia. It led to a significant improvement in formal caregivers’ caring competence and decreased their perceived care burden. Its cost–benefit was favorable; it generated health equity for a vulnerable population and achieved unexpected benefits in the context. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Advances in Nursing Practice in Latin America)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

8 pages, 287 KB

Open AccessArticle

Population Behavior Regarding the Use of Face Masks to Prevent the Transmission of Respiratory Infections: Lessons to Be Learned from the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Lucia Ingridy Thorpe, Jefferson Renato Silverio da Silva, Simone Maria Muniz da Silva Bezerra, Marilia Perrelli Valença, Danielle Christine Moura dos Santos, Regina Celia de Oliveira, Fábia Maria de Lima, Claudia Santos Martiniano Sousa, Aurelio Molina da Costa, Rosilane de Lima Brito Magalhães and Isabel Cristina Ramos Vieira Santos

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(2), 147; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22020147 - 22 Jan 2025

Viewed by 1381

Abstract

Historically, the use of a face mask has been associated with personal protection during epidemics. However, the type of mask used and the way it is used can affect the level of protection it provides. To analyze the practices of using face masks in the population in the Northeast of Brazil, a cross-sectional study was carried out, from December 2021 to February 2022, through interviews with 308 people at bus stops (simple random sample). Pearson’s Chi-square test was calculated to verify the association between exposure and outcome variables. The prevalence of clinical manifestations of COVID-19 was 21.4%. The most used type of mask was made of one- and two-layer fabric when compared to N-95 and a three-layer surgical mask and its use were associated with people in the age group of 18–39 years, an income less than four minimum wage and education level equivalent to elementary/secondary school. An association was found between the infrequent use of a mask in a public environment, removing or lowering the mask when coughing and not washing hands before removing the mask and the occurrence of clinical manifestations suggestive of COVID-19. This study showed that socioeconomic factors are associated with the type of face mask used by the population and that the hygiene behavior of face-mask users was also associated with the occurrence of clinical manifestations of COVID-19. This highlights the need for guidelines and educational strategies that address these aspects to better protect the population against possible respiratory epidemics, especially in countries with important risk factors related to the use of face masks, and highlights the need for clear and objective guidelines and educational strategies to better protect the population against possible epidemics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Advances in Nursing Practice in Latin America)

17 pages, 5416 KB

Open AccessArticle

Strategies for Confronting the COVID-19 Pandemic in the State of Piauí—Brazil: Contributions to Nursing

by Thais Alexandre de Oliveira, Flor Marlene Luna Victoria Mori, Aracely Diaz Oviedo, Telma Maria Evangelista de Araújo, Daniela Reis Joaquim de Freitas, Andréia Rodrigues Moura da Costa Valle, Odinéa Maria Amorim Batista, Maria Zelia de Araujo Madeira, Neris Violeta González Pérez and Maria Eliete Batista Moura

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(10), 1384; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21101384 - 19 Oct 2024

Viewed by 1715

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the adoption of rapid, complex, and changeable measures. These measures allowed effective care planning and implementation of emergency management strategies to meet the needs of the population. Objective: To analyze the influence of the strategies to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic, implemented by the Public Health Network of the State of Piauí, Brazil, as contributions to nursing, on the outcome of cases and deaths. Method: This is a descriptive and documentary study with a qualitative approach, carried out in the state of Piauí—Brazil, whose data were processed at IRAMUTEC and analyzed by the Descending Hierarchical Classification (DHC). Results: Ninety-two normative acts were instituted as coping strategies, distributed in three classes: technical-operational protocols for preventing and combating COVID-19 in Piauí; Piauí strategic bases for social distancing against COVID-19; and management of services and economic activities in Piauí in the fight against COVID-19. Conclusions: The actions determined by and implemented in the normative acts were conducted according to the behavior of the epidemiological curve regarding the number of cases and deaths. The normative acts, which defined the technical-operational protocols for the prevention and control of COVID-19, were directly related to social distancing strategies and the use of protective equipment in the quality of life of the population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Advances in Nursing Practice in Latin America)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 383 KB

Open AccessArticle

Qualineo Strategy Indicators Associated with Neonatal Death: A Cross-Sectional Study

by Camila Evangelista de Sousa Campelo, Cynthia Roberta Dias Torres Silva, Rejane Corrêa Marques, Ana Maria Ribeiro dos Santos, Nathaly Marques Santos Machado and Márcia Teles de Oliveira Gouveia

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(8), 1096; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21081096 - 19 Aug 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1635

Abstract

Context: The Qualineo Strategy is an effective measure for reducing neonatal mortality in regions with the highest death rates. In addition, it is a relevant Brazilian tool for strengthening teamwork and neonatal assistance. This study aims to analyze the predictors of neonatal death in the indicators of care provided by the Qualineo Strategy at a reference maternity hospital in Piauí, in the years 2021 to 2022. Methods: This is a retrospective study of 1856 newborn records. Pearson’s chi-squared test was used to assess the association between the variables; a predictive regression model was used to identify the variables that predict neonatal mortality. Results: There was a significant association between all neonatal variables and the outcome of death (p < 0.05). The predictor variables for death in term newborns were the use of drugs by the mother and admission to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. For premature newborns, the predictor variables were, as follows: the use of cannula ventilation, an Apgar score in the 1st minute <7; and admission to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Conclusions: The results will make it possible to visualize better strategies for the reality analyzed and reinforce the importance of prenatal care. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Advances in Nursing Practice in Latin America)

14 pages, 380 KB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Hospital Safety and Risk of Falls in the Elderly: A Cross-Sectional Study in Brazil

by Leane Macêdo de Carvalho, Letície Batista Lira, Lairton Batista de Oliveira, Annarelly Morais Mendes, Francisco Gilberto Fernandes Pereira, Francisca Tereza de Galiza, Lívia Carvalho Pereira and Ana Larissa Gomes Machado

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(8), 1036; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21081036 - 6 Aug 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2765

Abstract

This study analyzed hospital safety and the risk of falls in elderly people in a university hospital in Brazil. The Morse Falls Scale was used to stratify the risk of falls in 45 hospitalized elderly individuals, and two checklists were used to analyze the hospital environment. The analysis was based on the Chi-square test and multiple regression. The moderate risk of falls was predominant (51.1%). The variable age group (p-value = 0.024) showed statistical evidence of association with the risk of falls. However, the multiple regression analysis showed no difference between the age groups and the risk situation for falls. The hospital wards showed an adequate arrangement of furniture, but some aspects had inadequacies, such as objects in the corridors, non-functional bells in some beds, inadequacy of the toilet bowls in terms of the recommended height, and an absence of non-slip flooring and the support bar in some bathrooms. In conclusion, the moderate risk of falls among the elderly and the adequacy of the hospital environment to technical standards were evident with the exception of failures in the emergency communication system and sanitary installation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Advances in Nursing Practice in Latin America)

Review

Jump to: Research

20 pages, 583 KB

Open AccessReview

Psychological Resilience in Latin America Nursing Students Using the Wagnild and Young Scale: A Scoping Review

by William Donegá Martinez, Marco Antonio Ribeiro Filho, Tiago Casaleiro, Marcos Sanches Rodrigues, Emerson Roberto dos Santos, Daniele Nunes Longhi Aleixo, João Daniel de Souza Menezes, Matheus Querino da Silva, Renato Mendonça Ribeiro, Luiz Vianney Saldanha Cidrão Nunes, Rauer Ferreira Franco, Amanda Oliva Spaziani, Marli de Carvalho Jerico, Alex Bertolazzo Quitério, Weslley dos Santos Borges, Christian Guilherme Capobianco dos Santos, Maysa Alahmar Bianchin, Luís Cesar Fava Spessoto, Maria Helena Pinto, Fernando Nestor Facio Júnior, Ronize Aparecida Domingues de Almeida Prado, Ana Paula Bernardes da Rosa, Marlene da Silva, Sabrina Ramires Sakamoto, Neuza Alves Bonifácio, Suzimar de Fatima Benato Fusco, Rita de Cássia Helú Mendonça Ribeiro, Denise Cristina Mós Vaz Oliani, Antônio Hélio Oliani and Júlio César André Show full author list Hide full author list

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(9), 1425; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22091425 - 12 Sep 2025

Viewed by 420

Abstract

Nursing students frequently experience considerable stress, impacting their mental well-being and preparedness for professional practice. Psychological resilience is paramount in navigating these demands. This scoping review synthesized studies on resilience levels in nursing students, particularly those in their entry year, utilizing the Wagnild and Young Resilience Scale within the Latin American academic context. Following JBI methodology and PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search identified six relevant studies. Findings indicate that newly enrolled nursing students often exhibit low to moderate resilience, which may decline during the first academic year. Importantly, resilience acts as a protective factor against psychoemotional stress, depressive symptoms, and poor sleep quality. Family support, engagement in leisure activities, and course satisfaction positively correlate with higher resilience. These findings underscore the imperative for educational institutions to actively integrate resilience-building strategies, such as curricular adjustments and psychoeducational programs, to bolster student well-being and cultivate competent future professionals. Further longitudinal research is essential to deepen understanding and evaluate intervention efficacy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Advances in Nursing Practice in Latin America)

► Show Figures

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Challenges and Advances in Nursing Practice in Latin America

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (7 papers)

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI