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Relational Factors (relational + factor)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Medical Sciences	60%

Selected Abstracts

Relational Factors and Family Treatment Engagement among Low-Income, HIV-Positive African American Mothers

FAMILY PROCESS, Issue 1 2003
Victoria B. Mitrani Ph.D.
Clinically derived hypotheses regarding treatment engagement of families of low-income, HIV-positive, African American mothers are tested using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models. Predictors are baseline family relational factors (family support, mother's desire for involvement with family, and family hassles) and mother's history of substance dependence. The study examines a subsample of 49 mothers enrolled in a clinical trial testing the efficacy of Structural Ecosystems Therapy (SET). SET is a family-based intervention intended to relieve and prevent psychosocial distress associated with HIV/AIDS. Participants in the subsample were randomly assigned to SET and attended at least two therapy sessions. Findings reveal that family relational factors predicted family treatment engagement (family support, p < 004; mother's desire for involvement with family, p < 008; family hassles, p < 027). Family support predicted family treatment engagement beyond the prediction provided by the other relational factors and the mother's own treatment engagement (p < 016). History of substance dependence was neither associated with family treatment engagement nor family support. Post hoc analyses revealed that family hassles (p < 003) and mother's desire for involvement with family (p < 018) were differentially related to family treatment engagement in low-versus high-support families. Implications for clinical practice and future research are discussed. [source]

Clinical and metabolic evaluation of subjects with erectile dysfunction: a review with a proposal flowchart

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANDROLOGY, Issue 3 2009
C. Foresta
Summary Erectile function is a haemodynamic phenomenon depending on the integrity of neurological, vascular, endocrinological, tissue (corpora cavernosa), psychological and relational factors; changes in any one of these components may lead to erectile dysfunction (ED). ED and its comorbid conditions share common risk factors such as endothelial dysfunction, atherosclerosis and metabolic and hormonal abnormalities. Furthermore, although cross-sectional studies have shown a clear age-dependent association between ED, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, metabolic syndrome (MetS) and cardiovascular diseases, longitudinal evidence has recently emphasized that ED could be an early marker of these conditions. Recently, the European Association of Urology and American Urology Association provided consensus guidelines for the management of ED patients. However, the metabolic aspect of ED is rather neglected or not sufficiently treated. In this study, more emphasis will be placed on the presence of ED comorbid metabolic factors. The primary and secondary goals of therapy, according to current guidelines and to prevent their clinical evolution, will also be provided. We review the concepts of metabolic diseases related to ED and their treatment. Criteria for the diagnosis and treatment of hypogonadism, metabolic and vascular disease related to ED were analysed. ED can mark the starting point for the evaluation and prevention of significant severe diseases (such as diabetes, MetS, dyslipidaemia, arteriosclerosis, hypertension, ischaemic cardiopathy, neuropathy, etc.) hitherto unknown by the patients. Most widely used criteria for the diagnosis and treatment of these diseases were reported. We suggest a clinical approach which allows the identification of metabolic and others systemic pathologies contributing to the development of ED. This approach may constitute an improvement in disease prognosis and either induce a spontaneous reduction of ED or facilitate its specific therapy. [source]

The impotent couple: low desire

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANDROLOGY, Issue 2005
G. CORONA
Summary Hypoactive sexual desire (HSD) is the deficiency of sexual fantasies and desire that should be considered as a disorder if it causes distress to the couple. In the general population, it is the most widespread sexuality-related problem. It is generally accepted that testosterone and prolactin regulate sexual desire. We recently reported that other psychobiological factors associate with HSD in a sample of almost 500 male patients attending our Outpatient Clinic for sexual dysfunction, by using SIEDY structured interview. We now originally extend investigation to a threefold broader patient sample. Considering marital parameters, perceived partner's libido and climax, patient's partner diseases, conflictual or even prolonged couple relationship were all significantly associated with an impairment of patients' sexual desire. Moreover, other lifestyle factors as satisfaction at work and/or domestic inhabitant relationship were significantly correlated to hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). Among hormonal parameters, severe hyperprolactinaemia (>700 mU/L), although rarely diagnosed (<2.0%), seems to play a greater role than the more common (23%) endocrine disease hypogonadism (testosterone < 12 nm) to the pathogenesis of HSD (RR = 7.5 [2.5,22.4] vs. 1.5 [1.1,1.9], respectively). Both mental disorders and use of medication interfering with sexual function were also significantly associated with HSDD, as well as depressive and anxiety symptoms. Finally, HSD was inversely correlated to sexual and masturbation frequency attempts. In conclusion, HSD is associated with several biological, psychological, and relational factors that can be simultaneously identified and quantified using the SIEDY structured interview. [source]

Female Sexual Dysfunction: Knowledge Development and Practice Implications

PERSPECTIVES IN PSYCHIATRIC CARE, Issue 3 2009
Janet Ambrogne Sobczak PhD, PMHCNS
PURPOSE., Sexual dysfunctions are thought to be common in the population. However, the majority of research on sexual dysfunctions has focused on male problems. Consequently, women's sexual function is poorly understood. This article aimed to (a) provide a historical overview of the knowledge development of female sexual function, (b) describe the current state of knowledge pertaining to sexual problems in women, and (c) discuss implications for the assessment of sexual problems in women. CONCLUSIONS., A women's sexual response may differ from current conceptualizations. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS., A sexual history should be included in routine health assessments. Information specific to contextual and relational factors is particularly important for women. [source]