Introduction to the Special Issue on Pediatric Pain: Contextual Issues in Children's Pain Management

In this preliminary investigation we examined the relative contribution of various diabetes-related factors including age at disease onset, duration of disease, and metabolic control to the cognitive functioning in pediatric patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). Although the overall intellectual functioning of the sample was well within the normal range, chronological age accounted for much of the variance, with older youth performing less well than their younger counterparts. There also was a significant association between children having the disease for a longer period of time and their decreased efficiency on a cognitive task related to attention and speed of processing. Within the limitations of this investigation, findings were interpreted to support the ongoing monitoring of the cognitive functioning of children and adolescents with IDDM, particularly those who are older and have sustained longer duration of the disease, and the implementation of intervention programs aimed at remediating learning problems in these youth.     

Acceptance of a New Technology for Management of Obstetric Hemorrhage: A Qualitative Study From Rural Mexico

We conducted a qualitative study to explore responses to a low-technology first-aid device for management of life-threatening obstetric hemorrhage in rural health facilities in Mexico. This entailed in-depth, semistructured interviews with clinical and administrative staff (n = 70) involved in pilot studies of the nonpneumatic antishock garment (NASG) at primary health care facilities and rural hospitals. We found that staffs’ response fell into four categories: owning, doubting, resisting, and rejecting. Overall, there were positive reactions to the garment as a relevant technology for saving women's lives. Findings will be used for future implementation of the garment and other new technologies.     

BECOMING BICULTURAL: CHINESE AMERICAN WOMEN AND THEIR DEVELOPMENT

Ethnic and racial diversity in the United States has led to increasing interest in research on biculturalism, yet the meaning and underlying processes of biculturalism in the context of development in young adults are not well understood. Fifteen interviews were conducted with second-generation Chinese American women to explore how being bicultural fit into their lives. Data analysis yielded a developmental map that reflected their experiences throughout life as minority women. Findings suggest that biculturalism is more than being functionally competent in two cultures, it is both a behavioral and psychological orientation in life. From the findings of this study, we have increased our knowledge of Asian American women's development and provided a foundation for nursing research with minority women.