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This paper aims to explore the lived experience of people with a chronic non-healing wound and to explore what it means to live with a chronic wound.

A descriptive phenomenological study design was adopted to explore the living experience of person with chronic wound. A sample of 15 individuals of both genders was selected using a purposive sampling technique. To collect data, in-depth interviews were conducted, and all the interviews were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using the seven-step process described by Colaizzi (1978).

The findings were organized into 6 themes clusters and 12 themes. The six themes clusters were limiting mobility; receiving care; explaining causes of wounds; contending with chronic illnesses; adapting and mal-adapting; and economic burden of the wound.

Chronic wound had a profound impact on participants’ lives by affecting their activities of daily living, their mobility, their income and their personal relationships.

Understanding the lived experiences of people with chronic wounds is crucial for health-care providers, including nurses. Investigating the chronic wound experience has become even more pressing given the projected increase in the number of elderly individuals and those with chronic illnesses such as diabetes mellitus. In Jordan, for example, the prevalence of diabetes mellitus is 17.1%, and it is projected to increase by 2050.

This study aims to investigate the impact of an emotional support training program on weight self-stigma and body image among women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 200 women diagnosed with PCOS employing a pretest-posttest design. The experimental group, consisting of 100 women, participated in an emotional support training program and received an informational booklet, while the control group (100 women) received only the booklet. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were conducted using weight self-esteem and body shape questionnaires.

The results demonstrated a statistically significant difference in weight self-stigma and body shape scores between the experimental and control groups following the intervention. For both the immediate post-intervention test [t(198) = 31.1, p = 0.01] [t(198) = 31.1, p = 0.01] [t(198) = 31.1, p = 0.01] and [t(198) = 60.7, p = 0.01] [t(198) = 60.7, p = 0.01] [t(198) = 60.7, p =0.01], as well as the delayed post-intervention test [t(198) = 32.3, p = 0.01] [t(198) = 32.3, p = 0.01] [t(198) = 32.3, p = 0.01] and [t(198) = 70.9, p = 0.01] [t(198) = 70.9, p = 0.01] [t(198) = 70.9, p = 0.01], the experimental group exhibited lower mean scores. Specifically, the experimental group scored 20.3 ± 9.2 for immediate and 20.4 ± 9.3 for delayed assessments on weight self-stigma, and 101.2 ± 7.2 for immediate and 86.5 ± 7.6 for delayed assessments on body shape. In contrast, the control group scored 159.8 ± 6.3 for immediate and 157.6 ± 6.4 for delayed assessments, respectively.

Nurses should be aware of the adverse effects of PCOS and associated obesity on weight self-stigma and body image. They are encouraged to develop targeted emotional support training programs specifically designed to address weight self-stigma and body image concerns in women with PCOS.

This study confirms the effectiveness of an emotional support training program in mitigating the negative effects of weight-related stigma and improving body image perception.

This research aims to create a methodology that integrates optimization techniques into preliminary cost estimates and predicts the impacts of design alternatives of steel pedestrian bridges (SPBs). The cost estimation process uses two main parameters, but the main goal is to create a cost estimation model.

This study explores a flexible model design that uses computing capabilities for decision-making. Using cost optimization techniques, the model can select an optimal pedestrian bridge system based on multiple criteria that may change independently. This research focuses on four types of SPB systems prevalent in Egypt and worldwide. The study also suggests developing a computerized cost and weight optimization model that enables decision-makers to select the optimal system for SPBs in keeping up with the criteria established for that system.

In this paper, the authors developed an optimization model for cost estimates of SPBs. The model considers two main parameters: weight and cost. The main contribution of this study based on a parametric study is to propose an approach that enables structural engineers and designers to select the optimum system for SPBs.

The implications of this research from a practical perspective are that the study outlines a feasible approach to develop a computerized model that utilizes the capabilities of computing for quick cost optimization that enables decision-makers to select the optimal system for four common SPBs based on multiple criteria that may change independently and in concert with cost optimization during the preliminary design stage.

The model can choose an optimal system for SPBs based on multiple criteria that may change independently and in concert with cost optimization. The resulting optimization model can forecast the optimum cost of the SPBs for different structural spans and road spans based on local unit costs of materials cost of steel structures, fabrication, erection and painting works.

The authors developed a computerized model that uses spreadsheet software's capabilities for cost optimization, enabling decision-makers to select the optimal system for SPBs meeting the criteria established for such a system. Based on structural characteristics and material unit costs, this study shows that using the optimization model for estimating the total direct cost of SPB systems, the project cost can be accurately predicted based on the conceptual design status, and positive prediction outcomes are achieved.