In Qatar, cardiovascular diseases are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. Cardiovascular diseases can be prevented and controlled by modifying lifestyle risk behaviors. In this qualitative study, we investigate ways to increase participation in physical activity, and to promote a healthy diet, and nonsmoking behavior in Qatari women. Individual in-depth interviews were conducted with 50 Arabic women. Participation in physical activity, observing a healthy diet, and abstinence from smoking are desirable lifestyle practices among Qatari women. Social support networks, cultural values, religion, changing sociodemographic and economic conditions, heart disease, and a harsh climate affect the ability of these women to pursue a healthy lifestyle.

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally. Similar to other Western and Gulf countries, the incidence of cardiovascular disease and coronary artery diseases such as acute myocardial infarction is rising rapidly in Qatar. Diabetes mellitus, smoking, and hypertension are the most common risk factors causing acute myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, and stroke. Additionally, obesity resulting from physical inactivity and unhealthy diet can lead to metabolic changes and raise the risk of heart diseases. Studies show that these health problems can be prevented and/or controlled by modifying lifestyle risk behaviours related to physical activity, diet, and smoking habits. The ultimate goal of this study was to find ways to effectively promote cardiovascular/coronary artery disease prevention and management activities among Qatari women by exploring factors affecting the ways in which Qatari women (citizen and resident Arabic women) participate in physical activities, healthy diet and smoking. An exploratory qualitative research approach using a semi-structured questionnaire consisting of open-ended questions was used in this study. Study participants included 50 Qatari women, 30 years of age and over, having a confirmed diagnosis of coronary vascular disease /coronary artery diseases. Results showed that socio-cultural factors play a key role in Qatari women's decisions to participate in healthy lifestyles. Counselling and guidance for patients by health care providers, especially physicians, regarding smoking cessation, weight loss, and exercise should be key interventions to modify lifestyle behaviors among cardiac patients.

Background:The COVID-19 pandemic has been a source of significant confusion and fear for healthcare workers as they try to maintain some sense of normalcy within their daily practices. One of the many areas affected by this pandemic has been palliative care. Palliative care nurses were thrust into a world of chaos as they faced increasing numbers of patients who were in the process of dying.Purpose: The aim of this research was to explore the caring experiences of palliative care nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: A qualitative interpretive description design was used to explore the experience of nurses caring for dying patients in a palliative care unit during the COVID-19 pandemic. Twenty-two nurses working in a palliative care unit participated in this study. Data were collected during 1.5-to 2-hour focus group sessions that were guided by open-ended questions.Results: The collected data were analyzed and coded into themes, including (a) transitioning to the new normal, (b) ethical dilemmas, and (c) collaboration and support for fellow colleagues.Conclusions: Although the COVID-19 pandemic has not yet ended, this study provides relevant implications for practice. These implications include (a) holding continuing education sessions to help nurses better understand the meaning of pandemic conditions and how best to respond and (b) supporting nurses to better cope with the additional burdens faced because of increased patient loads. Overall, the nurses in this study were shown to have demonstrated reliance and resilience in the face of COVID-19.

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