Home About us Contact
|
Home About us Contact | ||
|
|
||
Face-to-face Interviews (face-to-face + interview)
Selected AbstractsPain Symptom Profiles in Persons with Spinal Cord InjuryPAIN MEDICINE, Issue 7 2009Yenisel Cruz-Almeida MSPH ABSTRACT Objective., Persistent pain is a common consequence of spinal cord injury. A patient-specific assessment that combines both the identification of pain symptoms and psychosocial factors is needed for a tailored treatment approach. The aim of the study was to define pain symptom profiles and to determine their relationship with psychosocial factors in persons with spinal cord injury. Design., Face-to-face interview and examination. Setting., VA Medical Center and Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Miami, Florida. Patients., Persons with spinal cord injury (135 men and 21 women) provided detailed descriptions of 330 neuropathic pains. Outcome Measures., The American Spinal Injury Impairment Scale, pain history and measures of pain interference, life satisfaction, locus of control, social support and depression. Results., The exploratory factor analyses and regression analyses revealed three distinct symptom profiles: 1) aching, throbbing pain, aggravated by cold weather and constipation predicted by a combination of chance locus of control and lower levels of life satisfaction; 2) stabbing, penetrating, and constant pain of high intensity predicted by a combination of pain interference, localized pain, powerful others locus of control and depressed mood; and 3) burning, electric, and stinging pain aggravated by touch and muscle spasms predicted by pain interference. Conclusions., Although these results need to be replicated in other spinal cord injury samples, our findings suggest that pain symptom profiles may be a useful way to further characterize pain in a comprehensive assessment strategy. [source] Reporting of adverse drug reactions: predictors of under-reporting in Malaysia,PHARMACOEPIDEMIOLOGY AND DRUG SAFETY, Issue 2 2007Zoriah Aziz PhD Abstract Background Malaysia like many other countries worldwide uses spontaneous reporting systems as a mean of collecting data on suspected adverse drug reaction (ADR). However, compared to other countries, which use the system, the reporting rate in Malaysia is very low. Why some physicians do not report ADRs is not well understood. Objective To identify factors, which would predict physicians' failure to send ADR reports. Design and Setting Face-to-face interview using a structured questionnaire involving physicians working at the University of Malaya Medical Centre, Malaysia. Results About a third of the physicians in the Centre participated. Sixty-five of the 415 approached refused to participate. A high proportion of the respondents (81.4%) indicated that they had suspected an ADR but did not report it, while about 40% of the respondents were not aware of the existence of the national reporting system in Malaysia. Logistic regression modelling identified the variable ,ADR considered to be too trivial or too well known to report' as the strongest predictor of not reporting, followed by physicians' category and uncertainty that the reaction had been definitely caused by a drug. Conclusion Important predictor variables, which limit physicians from reporting ADR in Malaysia, were related to uncertainty of types of reaction to report, lack of awareness about the existence, function and purpose of national ADR reporting. The findings could be useful for planning strategies to improve the reporting rate. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] The relationship between anxiety disorders and suicide attempts: findings from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related ConditionsDEPRESSION AND ANXIETY, Issue 9 2010Josh Nepon M.D. Abstract Background: Previous work has suggested that anxiety disorders are associated with suicide attempts. However, many studies have been limited by lack of accounting for factors that could influence this relationship, notably personality disorders. This study aims to examine the relationship between anxiety disorders and suicide attempts, accounting for important comorbidities, in a large nationally representative sample. Methods: Data came from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions Wave 2. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 34,653 adults between 2004 and 2005 in the United States. The relationship between suicide attempts and anxiety disorders (panic disorder, agoraphobia, social phobia, specific phobia, generalized anxiety disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)) was explored using multivariate regression models controlling for sociodemographics, Axis I and Axis II disorders. Results: Among individuals reporting a lifetime history of suicide attempt, over 70% had an anxiety disorder. Even after adjusting for sociodemographic factors, Axis I and Axis II disorders, the presence of an anxiety disorder was significantly associated with having made a suicide attempt (AOR=1.70, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.40,2.08). Panic disorder (AOR=1.31, 95% CI: 1.06,1.61) and PTSD (AOR=1.81, 95% CI: 1.45,2.26) were independently associated with suicide attempts in multivariate models. Comorbidity of personality disorders with panic disorder (AOR=5.76, 95% CI: 4.58,7.25) and with PTSD (AOR=6.90, 95% CI: 5.41,8.79) demonstrated much stronger associations with suicide attempts over either disorder alone. Conclusion: Anxiety disorders, especially panic disorder and PTSD, are independently associated with suicide attempts. Clinicians need to assess suicidal behavior among patients presenting with anxiety problems. Depression and Anxiety, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Drinking patterns, dependency and life-time drinking history in alcohol-related liver diseaseADDICTION, Issue 4 2009Jennifer Hatton ABSTRACT Aims To examine the hypothesis that increases in UK liver deaths are a result of episodic or binge drinking as opposed to regular harmful drinking. Design A prospective survey of consecutive in-patients and out-patients. Setting The liver unit of a teaching hospital in the South of England. Participants A total of 234 consecutive in-patients and out-patients between October 2007 and March 2008. Measurements Face-to-face interviews, Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, 7-day drinking diary, Severity of Alcohol Dependence Questionnaire, Lifetime Drinking History and liver assessment. Findings Of the 234 subjects, 106 had alcohol as a major contributing factor (alcoholic liver disease: ALD), 80 of whom had evidence of cirrhosis or progressive fibrosis. Of these subjects, 57 (71%) drank on a daily basis; only 10 subjects (13%) drank on fewer than 4 days of the week,of these, five had stopped drinking recently and four had cut down. In ALD patients two life-time drinking patterns accounted for 82% of subjects, increasing from youth (51%), and a variable drinking pattern (31%). ALD patients had significantly more drinking days and units/drinking day than non-ALD patients from the age of 20 years onwards. Conclusions Increases in UK liver deaths are a result of daily or near-daily heavy drinking, not episodic or binge drinking, and this regular drinking pattern is often discernable at an early age. [source] Dimensions of Ambiguous Loss in Couples Coping With Mild Cognitive Impairment,FAMILY RELATIONS, Issue 2 2007Rosemary Blieszner Abstract: We applied the theory of ambiguous loss to couples with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), an age-related decline in memory and other cognitive processes assumed not to interfere with daily activities or the maintenance of personal relationships. Face-to-face interviews with 67 older married couples revealed that lack of understanding about the behavioral manifestations of MCI resulted in much ambiguity in their lives. Fluctuations in the elders' functioning required spouses to alter their daily activities and responsibilities. As a result, couples often experienced distress that affected their emotional involvement with one another. Findings advance theoretical implications of ambiguous loss and provide educators and practitioners with suggestions for working with couples experiencing mild memory loss. [source] Safer sex decision-making among men with haemophilia and HIV and their female partnersHAEMOPHILIA, Issue 1 2001K. L. Parish An exploratory qualitative study of adult heterosexual men with haemophilia and HIV and women who were their sexual partners was conducted as formative research to better understand cognitive factors involved in behavioural intentions and practices which comprise HIV risk-reduction for sexual transmission. The study sought to generate hypotheses, uncover themes, and develop a broad perspective on possible determinants of behaviours related to HIV transmission risk reduction. Qualitative analysis of these data served as a basis for developing a subsequent quantitative, hypothesis-testing survey and an intervention. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 23 single men and 28 married men with haemophilia and HIV infection, and 28 married women partners selected through stratified, purposeful sampling. The interviews identified beliefs, attitudes, and values underlying decisions regarding target behaviours related to preventing sexual transmission of HIV, including (1) using condoms consistently during vaginal intercourse and (2) talking to partners about risk reduction. The interviews elicited information about perceived advantages and disadvantages of performing each of the targeted behaviours, and factors that facilitate or prevent performing them. Qualitative analysis of coded responses yielded important themes regarding how choices are made about sexual activity and safer sex. Most notably, communication between partners (1) plays a direct, key role in facilitating condom use and (2) forms the basis for maintaining emotional intimacy in these relationships. The link between condom use and communicating about safer sex was viewed as pivotal in achieving HIV prevention for individuals in serodiscordant couples. Recommendations for risk reduction intervention development are discussed. [source] The education and training needs of health librarians,the generalist versus specialist dilemmaHEALTH INFORMATION & LIBRARIES JOURNAL, Issue 3 2007Tatjana Petrinic Aims and objectives:, The aims of the study were to examine whether and how librarians with a generalist background can transfer to roles demanding more expert knowledge in the health sector. The objectives were (i) to compare the education and training needs of health librarians with science degrees with the education and training needs of health librarians with arts and humanities degrees; (ii) to compare the education and training needs of librarians working in the National Health Service (NHS) sector with the education and training needs of librarians working for the health sector but within higher education. Methods:, Face-to-face interviews with 16 librarians, a convenience sample of librarians working in the Thames Valley NHS region. Results:, The main findings confirmed that structured continuing professional development (CPD) is required to meet the rapidly changing needs in the health sector. The emphasis ought to be on teaching skills, outreach work, marketing and promotion, research skills and methods, subject knowledge and terminology, and management skills. Library school curricula do not appear to meet the demands of medical library posts. A first degree in scientific subjects is advantageous in the early stages of a career but diminishes with continuing training and experience. There is no evidence of a significant difference in training needs and provision between the librarians in NHS posts as opposed to those in higher education (HE) posts. Conclusions:, The conclusions suggest that library schools need to update their programmes to include teaching skills, advanced search skills, project management skills, research methods, with more practical exercises. Particular attention should be given to librarians with a first degree in non-scientific subjects in terms of time allocated for CPD, quality of training and access to reliable mentorship. [source] Mainstream In-Patient Mental Health Care for People with Intellectual Disabilities: Service User, Carer and Provider ExperiencesJOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES, Issue 3 2010Ben Donner Background, Government guidelines promote the use of mainstream mental health services for people with intellectual disabilities whenever possible. However, little is known about the experiences of people with intellectual disabilities who use such services. Materials and Methods, Face-to-face interviews with service users, carers and community nurses were completed and analysed on a case by case basis using interpretative phenomenological analysis. The results were followed up in focus groups with service providers. Results, Positive aspects included the provision of respite, particularly for carers, and good basic care. These were outweighed by a perception of the admission as disempowering and lacking in flexible treatment provision. Accessing help emerged as a major problem, as well as the prospect of staff neglecting the specific needs of people with intellectual disabilities. Conclusions, While there were some indications of improvements in line with recent policies and guidance, mainstream services seem a long way off realizing aims of easy accessibility, person-centred practices and active partnership with intellectual disability services. [source] Patterns of partners' abusive behaviors as reported by Latina and non-Latina survivorsJOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 2 2009Nancy Glass This study builds on the existing knowledge of risk factors for lethal intimate partner violence (IPV) and typologies of IPV abusers by exploring patterns of abusive partners' behaviors among known risk factors for intimate partner femicide (i.e., murder of women) and determines if groups of survivors with similar patterns of abusive behaviors exist. The common patterns are then examined for differences among Latina and non-Latina survivors. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with adult English- and Spanish-speaking survivors of past-year physical and/or sexual IPV using a validated risk assessment instrument, the Danger Assessment (DA) Questionnaire. Two-hundred nine IPV survivors participated, 55% Latina. Unique patterns of abusive behaviors perpetrated by an intimate partner or ex-partner across known risk factors for lethal violence were reported. The patterns clustered into five distinct groups: extreme abuser, physical and sexual violence/controlling abuser, forced sex/controlling abuser, threat/controlling abuser, and low-level tactics abuser. Latina and non-Latina survivors reported mean DA scores (13.0 vs. 18.5, respectively) that place them within the "increased danger" and "extreme danger" level, respectively, for lethal violence by an abusive partner. Although both groups were in extreme danger on average, the patterns of abusive behaviors differed. Latina women were more likely to characterize their partner as using forced sex to control the relationship, whereas non-Latina women were more likely to characterize the use of all types of abusive behaviors (i.e., extreme abuser) or threats to kill them (i.e., threat/controlling abuser) to control the relationship. The findings of this study can be used to develop effective individualized safety plans that include culturally and linguistically competent strategies to reduce violence-related morbidity and mortality. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] The relationship between self-reported health status and the increasing likelihood of South Australians seeking Internet health informationAUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH, Issue 4 2010Nova Reinfeld-Kirkman Abstract Objective: To determine the proportion of South Australians seeking health information on the Internet and the relationship between searches for health information and self-reported health status. Methods: Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 3,034 South Australians in 2008 using a clustered, multi-stage, self-weighting area sample. Results: Compared to 2001, rates of Internet usage were 48% higher and Internet health seeking increased by 57%. All participant categories, except those in school or younger than 25, showed an increase in use of the Internet and online health information seeking. In multiple logistic regression, poorer self-reported physical and mental health were associated with greater likelihood of Internet health information searches but also less use of the Internet. Conclusions: South Australians' use of the Internet as a source of health information has risen between 2001 and 2008, even among groups that historically made little use of the Internet to search for health information. In Australia, health information on the Internet may be appropriately targeted towards groups who have previously been under-serviced in this medium. [source] Perceived Discrimination and Depressive Symptoms, Smoking, and Recent Alcohol Use in PregnancyBIRTH, Issue 2 2010Ian M. Bennett MD Abstract:, Background:, Perceived discrimination is associated with poor mental health and health-compromising behaviors in a range of vulnerable populations, but this link has not been assessed among pregnant women. We aimed to determine whether perceived discrimination was associated with these important targets of maternal health care among low-income pregnant women. Methods:, Face-to-face interviews were conducted in English or Spanish with 4,454 multiethnic, low-income, inner-city women at their first prenatal visit at public health centers in Philadelphia, Penn, USA, from 1999 to 2004. Perceived chronic everyday discrimination (moderate and high levels) in addition to experiences of major discrimination, depressive symptomatology (CES-D , 23), smoking in pregnancy (current), and recent alcohol use (12 months before pregnancy) were assessed by patients' self-report. Results:, Moderate everyday discrimination was reported by 873 (20%) women, high everyday discrimination by 238 (5%) women, and an experience of major discrimination by 789 (18%) women. Everyday discrimination was independently associated with depressive symptomatology (moderate = prevalence ratio [PR] of 1.58, 95% CI: 1.38,1.79; high = PR of 1.82, 95% CI: 1.49,2.21); smoking (moderate = PR of 1.19, 95% CI: 1.05,1.36; high = PR of 1.41, 95% CI: 1.15,1.74); and recent alcohol use (moderate = PR of 1.23, 95% CI: 1.12,1.36). However, major discrimination was not independently associated with these outcomes. Conclusions:, This study demonstrated that perceived chronic everyday discrimination, but not major discrimination, was associated with depressive symptoms and health-compromising behaviors independent of potential confounders, including race and ethnicity, among pregnant low-income women. (BIRTH 37:2 June 2010) [source] Assessing the attitudes to prostate cancer treatment among European male patientsBJU INTERNATIONAL, Issue 2007Claude Schulman OBJECTIVES, To understand the attitudes of patients with prostate cancer toward the disease in general and to the use of hormone therapy as treatment; to assess unmet needs in the management of prostate cancer; and to gauge patient receptivity to a potential 6-month formulation of a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist. PATIENTS AND METHODS, Face-to-face interviews, lasting 50 min on average, were conducted during January and February 2007 with 200 European men who had been diagnosed with prostate cancer. RESULTS, Most patients were very satisfied with their physician, particularly with specialists, with 94% of men being satisfied with their expertise and 67% fully trusting the recommended treatment. Therapeutic efficacy was considered the most crucial aspect of treatment, although maintaining their lifestyle during treatment was also considered important (83% of patients). In all, 67% of patients believed that consideration should be given to lifestyle needs when selecting treatment; however, over half (55%) had never raised lifestyle issues with their physicians. Most patients would prefer fewer injections, with 68% (135/200) preferring 6-monthly injections over 3- or 1-monthly depots. Perceived advantages of 6-monthly injections include less discomfort/pain, more quality of life, fewer reminders of the disease and more ability to undertake activities without restriction. CONCLUSIONS, Patients with prostate cancer are generally very satisfied with their physicians and the information they receive, yet find it difficult to communicate their lifestyle needs. Most patients would prefer 6-monthly LHRH agonist therapy due to the many advantages associated with fewer injections, including its efficacy in reducing testosterone levels. Improving patients' willingness to raise lifestyle issues with their physicians, providing more effective patient-physician communication and less frequent injections might assist in achieving both optimal control of testosterone and optimal management of prostate cancer. [source] The prevalence and predictors of erectile dysfunction in men with newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitusBJU INTERNATIONAL, Issue 1 2007Adel Al-Hunayan OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence of and risk factors for erectile dysfunction (ED) in men newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). PATIENTS AND METHODS All consecutive samples of men newly diagnosed with type 2 DM attending the diabetes centre in the capital of Kuwait were included in the study. Face-to-face interviews with the men were conducted using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)-5 questionnaire. A threshold IIEF-5 score of <21 was used to identify men with ED. Pertinent clinical and laboratory characteristics were collected. RESULTS Of 323 men with newly diagnosed type 2 DM, 31% had ED; comparing potent men and men with ED, there were statistically significant differences for smoking, duration of smoking, hypertension, education level, body mass index and serum glycosylated haemoglobin level. Among these, age was the most important risk factor identified by multivariate logistic regression. CONCLUSION About a third of men with newly diagnosed type 2 DM had ED; this was associated with many variables, but most notably with age at presentation. [source] Antithrombotic management of ischaemic stroke and transient ischaemic attack in China: A consecutive cross-sectional surveyCLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PHARMACOLOGY AND PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 8 2010Yi-Long Wang Summary 1.,Little is known about the prevention of secondary stroke in China. In the present study, we assessed the status of antithrombotic management of stroke patients in clinics across China. 2.,A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 19 urban neurological clinics. All subjects diagnosed with ischaemic stroke (IS) or transient ischaemic attack (TIA) were enrolled consecutively in the study. Face-to-face interviews were conducted by research assistants using questionnaires on the day of enrolment. The data recorded included demographic and clinical characteristics, medication and reasons for not using medication. Independent predictors for the prescription of antiplatelet drugs were determined using multivariate logistic regression models. 3.,Of the 2283 patients with IS or TIA enrolled in the study (34.7% women; mean ( ± SD) age 65.8 ± 11.6 years), 1719 (75.3%) had a prescription for antiplatelet therapy. Of the 108 patients with atrial fibrillation, only 14 (13.0%) were receiving warfarin therapy. The main independent factors significantly associated with being on antiplatelet therapy were having basic health insurance (odds ratio (OR) 1.47; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.09,1.99), government insurance and labour insurance (OR 1.63; 95% CI 1.03,2.59) and a monthly income of > 500 yuan (US$66.70; OR 2.14; 95% CI 1.51,3.03). Being older (OR 0.70; 95% CI 0.50,0.99) and having a severe disability (OR 0.68; 95% CI 0.49,0.97) were associated with lower odds of receiving antiplatelet therapy. 4.,Based on the survey results, adherence to guidelines for antithrombotic management in neurological clinics in China is poor. The main reasons contributing to the less than optimal management of stroke patients include negative attitudes among neurologists, a lack of medical insurance, a lower income and being elderly and/or severely disabled. [source] The mental health of female sex workersACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 2 2010W. Rössler Rössler W, Koch U, Lauber C, Hass A-K, Altwegg M, Ajdacic-Gross V, Landolt K. The mental health of female sex workers. Objective:, There is limited information available about the mental health of female sex workers. Therefore, we aimed to make a comprehensive assessment of the mental status of female sex workers over different outdoors and indoors work settings and nationalities. Method:, As the prerequisites of a probability sampling were not given, a quota-sampling strategy was the best possible alternative. Sex workers were contacted at different locations in the city of Zurich. They were interviewed with a computerized version of the World Health Organization Composite International Diagnostic Interview. Additional information was assessed in a structured face-to-face interview. Results:, The 193 interviewed female sex workers displayed high rates of mental disorders. These mental disorders were related to violence and the subjectively perceived burden of sex work. Conclusion:, Sex work is a major public health problem. It has many faces, but ill mental health of sex workers is primarily related to different forms of violence. [source] Use of supervised injection facilities and injection risk behaviours among young drug injectorsADDICTION, Issue 4 2009María J. Bravo ABSTRACT Aims To study the use of supervised injection facilities (SIFs) as a predictor of safer injecting practices. Design Cross-sectional study conducted with face-to-face interview using a structured questionnaire with computer-assisted personal interviewing. Dried blood spot samples were collected for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody testing. Setting All participants were street-recruited by chain referral methods in Madrid and Barcelona. Participants A total of 249 young heroin drug injectors recruited by the ITINERE cohort study in two Spanish cities with SIFs. Measurements The main outcome measures were self-reported injecting behaviours and SIFs attendance. Results SIF users were more marginalized socially than non-users. They were also more often regular injectors (weekly or more versus sporadic) [odds ratio (OR) = 4.9, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.7,8.8], speedball users (OR = 2.5, 95% CI: 1.5,4.3) and anti-HCV-positive (OR = 3.1, 95% CI: 1.4,7.1). In the logistic regression analysis, using SIFs was associated independently with not borrowing used syringes (OR = 3.3, 95% CI: 1.4,7.7). However, no significant association was found between SIF use and not sharing injection equipment indirectly (OR = 1.1, 95% CI: 0.5,2.2). Conclusions SIFs attract highly disadvantaged drug injectors who engage none the less in less borrowing of used syringes than non-users of these facilities. The risks of indirect sharing should be emphasized when counselling SIF attendees. [source] Alcohol abuse in a metropolitan city in China: a study of the prevalence and risk factorsADDICTION, Issue 9 2004Zhang Jiafang ABSTRACT Aims To investigate the prevalence of alcohol abuse in modern China and to explore the risk factors that may be associated with alcohol abuse. Design A face-to-face interview was carried out in a random sample with 2327 respondents. Setting Respondents were selected randomly from Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, between May and June 2002. Participants Fifteen,65-year-old urban Chinese adults. Measurements Scores for alcohol abuse and related risk factors were the main measures. Findings (1) Nearly 15% of urban Chinese adults aged 15,65 were alcohol abusers. (2) Deviant drinking habits of mother, schoolmates, colleagues or friends all had a negative impact on the respondent's alcohol drinking behaviours, and higher economic status, current smokers, being male and being older were identified as risk factors related to alcohol abuse. In particular, if a drinker's mother used alcohol frequently then this drinker was more likely to become an alcohol abuser than those drinkers whose mothers did not use alcohol frequently (P = 0.0001). Fathers' drinking behaviours do not have a significant impact on the alcohol abusers. Conclusions In addition to common risk factors such as economic status, deviant peers' and fellows' drinking behaviours and negative attitudes to alcohol drinking, maternal alcohol drinking habit influenced significantly the offspring's drinking habits. Therefore, efficient intervention and education of healthy drinking habits in early motherhood is necessary for Chinese women. [source] Early diagnosis of dementia in primary care: a representative eight-year follow-up study in Lower Saxony, GermanyINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY, Issue 1 2007Lienhard Maeck Abstract Objective To investigate whether primary care competency in early diagnosis of dementia might have changed during 1993 and 2001. Method By means of a representative follow-up survey 122 out of 170 (71.8%) family physicians (FPs) in Lower Saxony, Germany, were randomly assigned to two written case samples presenting a patient with mild cognitive impairment (case 1a vs. 1b: female vs. male patient) and moderate dementia (case 2a vs 2b: vascular type (VD) vs Alzheimer's disease (DAT)), respectively. By means of a structured face-to-face interview, they were asked for their diagnostic considerations. Results In comparison to 1993, dementia was significantly more frequently considered. However, there was a striking tendency in overestimating vascular aetiology and under-diagnosing probable DAT (case 1a/1b: DAT: 11.0% in 1993 vs 26.2% in 2001; VD: 2.1% in 1993 vs 17.2% in 2001). As a possible contributor to a dementia syndrome, concomitant medication was considered only exceptionally (case 2a/2b: 4.4% in 1993 vs 2.5% in 2001). Physicians above 50 years of age showed a significantly lower early diagnostic awareness. At follow-up, the presumed interest in geriatric (psychiatric) topics dramatically faded from 66.9% to 35.2%. Conclusions Our results demonstrate a persistent need of training efforts aiming at the early recognition of dementia, especially of DAT, in primary care. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] The National Survey of American Life: a study of racial, ethnic and cultural influences on mental disorders and mental healthINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF METHODS IN PSYCHIATRIC RESEARCH, Issue 4 2004James S. Jackson Abstract The objectives of the National Survey of American Life (NSAL) are to investigate the nature, severity, and impairment of mental disorders among national samples of the black and non-Hispanic white (n = 1,006) populations in the US. Special emphasis in the study is given to the nature of race and ethnicity within the black population by selecting and interviewing national samples of African-American (N = 3,570), and Afro-Caribbean (N = 1,623) immigrant and second and older generation populations. National multi-stage probability methods were used in generating the samples and race/ethnic matching of interviewers and respondents were used in the largely face-to-face interview, which lasted on average 2 hours and 20 minutes. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) IV World Mental Health Composite Interview (WHO-CIDI) was used to assess a wide range of serious mental disorders, potential risk and resilience factors, and help seeking and service use patterns. This paper provides an overview of the design of the NSAL, sample selection procedures, recruitment and training of the national interviewing team, and some of the special problems faced in interviewing ethnically and racially diverse national samples. Unique features of sample design, including special screening and listing procedures, interviewer training and supervision, and response rate outcomes are described. Copyright © 2004 Whurr Publishers Ltd. [source] A Cross-Modal Comparison of Telephone and Face-to-Face Selection Interviews in Graduate RecruitmentINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SELECTION AND ASSESSMENT, Issue 1 2000Joanne Silvester Although there has been an increase in the use of telephone interviews for graduate recruitment by companies in the UK, there is little evidence attesting to their equivalence with traditional face-to-face selection interviews. A total of 70 candidates applying to a multinational oil corporation received both face-to-face and telephone interviews as the first stage of the 1996 graduate recruitment milkround. Group A (N = 41) received an initial face-to-face interview followed by a telephone interview and group B (N = 29) a telephone interview followed by a face-to-face interview. Findings indicate that candidates received significantly lower ratings when interviewed by telephone than when interviewed face-to-face (p , 0.001). A significant interaction was also found (p , 0.05) with candidates who received face-to-face interviews following telephone interviews demonstrating improved performance in their face-to-face interviews. The practical implications of these findings for companies wishing to use telephone interviews are discussed. [source] Factors associated with lower quality of life among patients receiving palliative careJOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING, Issue 9 2009Ying Yu Chui Abstract Title.,Factors associated with lower quality of life among patients receiving palliative care. Aim., This paper is a report of a study conducted to (1) assess the quality of life (QoL) and physical functioning status of patients diagnosed with advanced cancer and receiving palliative care; (2) determine if there was a statistically significant relationship between their physical functioning and QoL and (3) identify the demographic and disease-related variables related to their QoL. Background., Achieving the best possible QoL is a major goal in palliative care. However, research findings about the relationship between QoL and demographic variables have been inconsistent. Method., Three hundred patients with advanced cancer were recruited from four district hospitals in Hong Kong between February 2005 and July 2006. Their QoL and physical functioning status were assessed by face-to-face interview, using the McGill Quality of Life Questionnaire (Hong Kong version) and the Palliative Performance Scale respectively. Results., Participants reported reduced ambulation, inability to perform hobbies or housework, and the need for occasional assistance in self-care (mean: 64·6 out of 100, sd: 19·3, range: 20,100). QoL was fair (mean: 6·2 out of 10, sd: 1·5, range: 0·9,10). There was a weak positive association between physical functioning and QoL scores. Multiple regression analysis showed that patients who were older, female, had ever been married, or had higher physical functioning tended to have better QoL. Conclusion., More could be done in symptom and psychosocial management to improve patients' QoL, in particular for those who are younger, male or single, or who have lower physical functioning. [source] Older Women and HIV: How Much Do They Know and Where Are They Getting Their Information?JOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 9 2004Susan J. Henderson MD Objectives: To assess older urban women's knowledge about sexual transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and to evaluate the relationship between their HIV/AIDS knowledge level and sources of information. Design: Cross-sectional survey conducted between June 2001 and July 2002. Trained research assistants administered a questionnaire in a face-to-face interview. Setting: General medicine clinic in a large public hospital in a high HIV/AIDS incidence area. Participants: Five hundred fourteen women aged 50 and older. Measurements: Nine questions assessing knowledge of risk of HIV sexual transmission with potential scores ranging from 0 to 9 correct answers. Participants identified all sources of HIV information. Results: The mean knowledge score was 3.7 out of a possible 9 correct responses (range 0 (3%) to 8 (1%)). Younger age, employment, and higher educational level were associated with higher knowledge scores, whereas marital status was unrelated. No respondent correctly answered all of the nine questions. The most commonly identified sources of HIV/AIDS information were television (85%), friends (54%), and newspapers (51%). Only 38% of respondents identified health professionals as a source of information about HIV/AIDS. Health professionals, newspapers, and family members were each independently associated with higher knowledge scores (P<.05). Conclusion: Older women in a general medicine clinic had limited knowledge of sexual transmission of HIV. HIV/AIDS education specifically targeted to this subpopulation is warranted, and health professionals may have an important role in disseminating such messages. [source] Evaluation of negative emotional care experiences in burn careJOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 14 2008Björn Wikehult MSc Aim and objective., To assess recollection of negative emotional experiences during burn care. Background., Patients in intensive care frequently report negative emotional experiences. Patients with severe burns who are treated in intensive care units undergo painful care procedures, but there have been no recent evaluations of their care experiences. Design., Former burn patients (n = 42) were randomly assigned to three groups: postal questionnaire, telephone interview and face-to-face interview. Methods., Assessments included negative care experiences (feelings of uncertainty, powerlessness, being afraid, insecure, being a nuisance, or neglected), severity of injury, patient satisfaction, personality traits and psychological symptoms. Results., Overall, the degree of recalled negative experiences was low and associated with greater severity of injury, more symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and lower satisfaction with care. The feeling of powerlessness was the most common, as 67% of participants had such feelings to some extent. Conclusions., Overall, negative care experiences were uncommon and most prevalent among the severely injured. Such experiences were also associated with psychological symptoms and lower patient satisfaction. Relevance to clinical practice., Although relatively uncommon, negative emotional care experiences should be monitored more closely during care. [source] Radical prostatectomy: men's experiences and postoperative needsJOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 7 2005Jean Burt MN Aims and objectives., This study sought to explore men's experiences after radical prostatectomy and whether they perceived their preoperative teaching adequately prepared them for postoperative recovery. Tape-recorded telephone and face-to-face interviews were conducted at days 2, 7 and 21, and 3 and 12 months postdischarge. Background., Although verbal and written instruction about postoperative expectations and care are provided routinely before radical prostatectomy, patients express concern about a lack of preparation in managing urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction. Design., This qualitative descriptive study explored in-depth men's experiences during the year following their surgery. Methods., Multiple, tape-recorded, semistructured telephone interviews were conducted with 17 participants and a single, in-depth, face-to-face interview was conducted 12 months postoperatively with a subset of five men selected for their reflective and descriptive abilities. Results., Although participants received comprehensive written and verbal information preoperatively, it was not sufficient to foster their management of all postoperative sequelae. Telephone follow-up, used as a data collection strategy, was helpful in fostering adjustment after surgery and relieved anxiety caused by side effects of surgery and unanswered questions. Conclusions., Pre- and postoperative teaching needs to make allowances for the impact of stress on the recall and processing of information. Written information in itself is not adequate to answer necessary questions and provide reassurance. Follow-up telephone support is recommended as a way of fostering adjustment after surgery. Relevance to clinical practice., This study shows that: (i) Written information in itself is not adequate to answer necessary questions and provide reassurance, (ii) Nurses need to be prepared, both educationally and psychologically, to observe non-verbal cues and to address questions and concerns that are rarely voiced in ways that indicate their significance to the person and (iii) Men may not speak about sexuality issues in ways that accurately reflect the extent of their worry and/or distress about erectile dysfunction. [source] The devil may be in the details: How the characteristics of SCHIP programs affect take-upJOURNAL OF POLICY ANALYSIS AND MANAGEMENT, Issue 3 2005Barbara Wolfe In this paper, we explore whether the specific design of a state's program has contributed to its success in meeting two objectives of the Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP): increasing the health insurance coverage of children in lowerincome families and doing so with a minimum reduction in their private health insurance coverage (crowd-out). In our analysis, we use two years of Current Population Survey data, 2000 and 2001, matched with detailed data on state programs. We focus on two populations: the eligible population of children, broadly defined,those living in families with incomes below 300 percent of the federal poverty line (FPL),and a narrower group of children, those who we estimate are eligible for Medicaid or SCHIP. Unique state program characteristics in the analysis include whether the state plan covers families; whether the state uses presumptive eligibility; the number of months without private coverage that are required for eligibility; whether there is an asset test; whether a face-to-face interview is required; and specific outreach activities. Our results provide evidence that state program characteristics are significant determinants of program success. © 2005 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management [source] Extreme College Drinking and Alcohol-Related Injury RiskALCOHOLISM, Issue 9 2009Marlon P. Mundt Background:, Despite the enormous burden of alcohol-related injuries, the direct connection between college drinking and physical injury has not been well understood. The goal of this study was to assess the connection between alcohol consumption levels and college alcohol-related injury risk. Methods:, A total of 12,900 college students seeking routine care in 5 college health clinics completed a general Health Screening Survey. Of these, 2,090 students exceeded at-risk alcohol use levels and participated in a face-to-face interview to determine eligibility for a brief alcohol intervention trial. The eligibility interview assessed past 28-day alcohol use and alcohol-related injuries in the past 6 months. Risk of alcohol-related injury was compared across daily drinking quantities and frequencies. Logistic regression analysis and the Bayesian Information Criterion were applied to compute the odds of alcohol-related injury based on daily drinking totals after adjusting for age, race, site, body weight, and sensation seeking. Results:, Male college students in the study were 19% more likely (95% CI: 1.12,1.26) to suffer an alcohol-related injury with each additional day of consuming 8 or more drinks. Injury risks among males increased marginally with each day of consuming 5 to 7 drinks (odds ratio = 1.03, 95% CI: 0.94,1.13). Female participants were 10% more likely (95% CI: 1.04,1.16) to suffer an alcohol-related injury with each additional day of drinking 5 or more drinks. Males (OR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.14,2.50) and females (OR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.27,2.57) with higher sensation-seeking scores were more likely to suffer alcohol-related injuries. Conclusions:, College health clinics may want to focus limited alcohol injury prevention resources on students who frequently engage in extreme drinking, defined in this study as 8+M/5+F drinks per day, and score high on sensation-seeking disposition. [source] Associations Among GABRG1, Level of Response to Alcohol, and Drinking BehaviorsALCOHOLISM, Issue 8 2009Lara A. Ray Background:, Recent studies of the genetics of alcoholism have focused on a cluster of genes encoding for ,-aminobutyric acid (GABAA) receptor subunits, which is thought to play a role in the expression of addiction phenotypes. This study examined allelic associations between 2 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the GABRG1 gene (rs1391166 and rs1497571) and alcohol phenotypes, namely level of response to alcohol, alcohol use patterns, and alcohol-related problems. Method:, Participants were non-treatment-seeking seeking hazardous drinkers (n = 124) who provided DNA samples, participated in a face-to-face interview for level of response to alcohol, and completed a series of drinking and individual differences measures. Results:, Analyses revealed that a SNP of the GABRG1 gene (rs1497571) was associated with level of response to alcohol and drinking patterns in this subclinical sample. Follow-up mediational analyses were also conducted to examine putative mechanisms underlying these associations. Discussion:, These findings replicate and extend recent research suggesting that genetic variation at the GABRG1 locus may underlie the expression of alcohol phenotypes, including level of response to alcohol. [source] Two-Year Outcome of an Intervention Program for University Students Who Have Parents With Alcohol Problems: A Randomized Controlled TrialALCOHOLISM, Issue 11 2007Helena Hansson Background:, Only a few intervention studies aiming to change high-risk drinking behavior have involved university students with heredity for alcohol problems. This study evaluated the effects after 2 years on drinking patterns and coping behavior of intervention programs for students with parents with alcohol problems. Method:, In total, 82 university students (57 women and 25 men, average age 25 years) with at least 1 parent with alcohol problems were included in the study. The students were randomly assigned to 1 of the 3 programs: (i) alcohol intervention program, (ii) coping intervention program, or (iii) combination program. All the 3 intervention programs were manual based and individually implemented during 2 2-hour sessions, 4 weeks apart. Before the participants were randomly assigned, all were subjected to an individual baseline assessment. This assessment contained both a face-to-face interview and 6 self-completion questionnaires: the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, estimated Blood Alcohol Concentration, Short Index of Problems, the Symptom Checklist-90, Coping with Parents' Abuse Questionnaire, and The Interview Schedule for Social Interaction (ISSI). Follow-up interviews were conducted after 1 and 2 years, respectively. The results after 1 year have previously been reported. Results:, All participants finished the baseline assessment, accepted and completed the intervention. Ninety-five percent of the students completed the 24-month follow-up assessment. Only the group receiving the combination program continued to improve their drinking pattern significantly (p < 0.05) from the 12-month follow-up to the 24-month follow-up. The improvements in this group were significantly better than in the other 2 groups. The group receiving only alcohol intervention remained at the level of improvement achieved at the 12-month follow-up. The improvements in coping behavior achieved at the 12-month follow-up remained at the 24-month follow-up for all the 3 groups, i.e., regardless of intervention program. Conclusion:, Positive effects of alcohol intervention between 1 and 2 years were found only in the combined intervention group, contrary to the 1-year results with effects of alcohol intervention with or without a combination with coping intervention. [source] Experience of Middle- and Old-Aged Women's AgingNURSING & HEALTH SCIENCES, Issue 3 2002Seung Eun Chung Many studies on aging have explored the effects of disease and other problems on the elderly. These studies have resulted in a view of aging that focuses on losses. How aging is perceived may affect the adaptation of the elderly to life changes. Therefore, there needs to be a better understanding of aging from the perspective of the middle-aged and older-aged adults. This qualitative study used a hermeneutic phenomenological approach to discover meaning in the aging experience. The purpose of this study was to explore the experience of middle-aged and older-aged women. Participants consisted of 10 women (five middle-aged women and five older-aged women) aged 40 years or more who lived in Chongiu. Multiple strategies for data collecting were utilized including an in-depth face-to-face interview and an analysis of the literature on aging, based on Van Manen's methodology of phenomenological research. The following themes emerged: (i) middle-aged women: changing of physical shape, the attachment of youth, loss of self-confidence, and preparing for one's own old age; (ii) old-aged women: changing of physical function, being ousted from the younger generation, rhythmical pattern of life and death, and reflection on life. [source] Child abuse as a result of enuresisPEDIATRICS INTERNATIONAL, Issue 1 2004Gamze Can AbstractBackground: Enuresis is a frequent manifestation with important psychological and social consequences. The aim of the present study was to describe the types of child abuse as a result of enuresis, and to investigate the association of child abuse. Methods: A cross-sectional field study was conducted between March 2001 and August 2001 in the 5,17-year-old age group, to identify risk factors and prevalence of enuresis in the province of Trabzon, Turkey. A face-to-face interview with 889 mothers was carried out. In the questionnaire, the existence, frequency, and risks factors of enuresis were questioned in detail and the parental reactions to the child's enuresis were widely investigated. Results: The prevalence of nocturnal enuresis was 17.9% in the 5,17-year-old age group. It was also found out that of 154 mothers, 86.4% (n = 133) were involved in child abuse of different types. It was found that 40.6% of children who were abused as a result of their enuresis were neglected medically, 42.1% were spanked and 12.8% were beaten. Conclusions: The high prevalence of enuresis among Turkish children leads to a high frequency of neglect. The high frequency of other types of child abuse in Turkey can be taken as being punishment. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||