Optimal health and well-being for women: definitions and strategies derived from focus groups of women

2002 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 178-190 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shelley Kasle ◽  
Mari S Wilhelm ◽  
Kathryn L Reed
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Optimal Health ◽  
Health And Well Being

Impact of Engaging Students in Health Survey Data Analysis and as Full Partners in School Change: Results From a Mixed Methods Study

2021 ◽  
pp. 152483992110484
Author(s):  
Helen M. Beattie ◽  
Courtney A. FitzGerald ◽  
Sharon N. Koller ◽  
Karen S. Scott ◽  
Bernice Raveche Garnett ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Risk Behavior ◽  
Youth Development ◽  
School Change ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Youth Risk Behavior Survey ◽  
Youth Risk Behavior ◽  
Health And Well Being

Young people demand and deserve participation in shaping the health and well-being of their community. Getting to Y: Youth Bring Meaning to the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (GTY) is a positive youth development initiative, whereby students analyze local youth health data and create change. This article adds definitive evidence to support the theoretical foundations of GTY expounded by Garnett et al. (2019). A mixed methods convergent study design, collecting quantitative data from pre- and postintervention surveys and qualitative data from focus groups, was enacted during the 2018–2019 school year. Survey participants were 256 students attending 20 Vermont middle/high schools. Surveys measured self-efficacy, health literacy, civic engagement, resiliency, and knowledge. Focus groups with 50 students solicited open-ended feedback. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests determined student-level change over time. Focus group transcripts were coded using grounded theory and a priori codes from the survey. Statistically significant improvements were seen in average scores from pre- to postintervention surveys in all five domains and differences in effect by gender. Results from the focus group complement the quantitative findings. Participation in GTY positively affected youth participant’s understanding of their own health and well-being and increased agency to take action on behalf of themselves and their community. As the Youth Risk Behavior Survey is available nationwide, GTY is poised for replication to critically engage youth with relevant data to inform social change.

“We will make you feel safe”: Female medical staff's experiences of meeting with raped women in Sweden

2021 ◽  
pp. 095935352110499
Author(s):  
Lisa Rudolfsson ◽  
Elisabeth Punzi
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Medical Care ◽  
Violence Against Women ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Medical Personnel ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Structural Barriers ◽  
Need For Support ◽  
Health And Well Being ◽  
Inductive Thematic Analysis

The focus of this study was on female emergency medical personnel's experiences of treating women who have been raped and on their own experiences of being women themselves working in this situation. We interviewed 12 female medical personnel in four focus groups of two to five participants each. The material was analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Participants’ experiences were structured under two main themes: Prerequisites for care and Effects on oneself. As women, the participants emphasized their understanding of other women and stressed the importance of offering flexible care and taking time with each patient. They described how their work affected them personally, making them increasingly aware of men's violence against women and their need for support from their colleagues. They also discussed structural barriers to both patient care and self-care. If unaddressed, such shortcomings risk negatively affecting raped women seeking medical care and may also be detrimental to the health and well-being of the professional offering care.

scholarly journals The Transformative Potential of Strategic Partnerships to Form a Health Equity Network of the Americas

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 153-158
Author(s):  
Michael A. Rodríguez ◽  
Michael G. Marmot ◽  
V. Nelly Salgado de Snyder ◽  
Luis A.C. Galvão ◽  
Ximena Avellaneda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Equity ◽  
Health Inequities ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Strategic Partnerships ◽  
Transformative Potential ◽  
Optimal Health ◽  
At Risk Populations ◽  
Policies And Programs ◽  
Health And Well Being

Health inequities across the Americas are avoidable and unjust yet continue to persist. Systemic social determinants of health, which could be addressed at the policy level, are root causes of many inequities and prevent marginalized individuals and at-risk populations from reaching optimal health and well-being. In this article, we describe our approach to promote health equity through the intersectoral partner­ships that were forged, and strategies that were shared, during the convening entitled “Summit 2017: Health Equity in the Americas” and the resulting emergence of the Health Equity Network of the Americas (HENA). We illustrate how this international network will raise awareness of policies and programs to inform decision makers about actions they can take to put an end to the unjust, persistent and mostly avoid­able health inequities facing the Americas today.Ethn Dis. 2019;29(Suppl 1):153-158; doi:10.18865/ed.29.S1.153.

scholarly journals Rank Prize Lecture Global nutrition challenges for optimal health and well-being

2008 ◽  
Vol 68 (1) ◽  
pp. 34-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ricardo Uauy ◽  
Camila Corvalan ◽  
Alan D. Dangour
Keyword(s):  
Life Course ◽  
Premature Death ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Life Course Perspective ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Full Spectrum ◽  
Effective Prevention ◽  
Optimal Health ◽  
Health And Well Being ◽  
Global Nutrition

Optimal health and well-being are now considered the true measures of human development. Integrated strategies for infant, child and adult nutrition are required that take a life-course perspective to achieve life-long health. The major nutrition challenges faced today include: (a) addressing the pending burden of undernutrition (low birth weight, severe wasting, stunting and Zn, retinol, Fe, iodine and folic acid deficits) affecting those individuals living in conditions of poverty and deprivation; (b) preventing nutrition-related chronic diseases (obesity, diabetes, CVD, some forms of cancer and osteoporosis) that, except in sub-Saharan Africa, are the main causes of death and disability globally. This challenge requires a life-course perspective as effective prevention starts before conception and continues at each stage of life. While death is unavoidable, premature death and disability can be postponed by providing the right amount and quality of food and by maintaining an active life; (c) delaying or avoiding, via appropriate nutrition and physical activity interventions, the functional declines associated with advancing age. To help tackle these challenges, it is proposed that the term ‘malnutrition in all its forms’, which encompasses the full spectrum of nutritional disorders, should be used to engender a broader understanding of global nutrition problems. This term may prove particularly helpful when interacting with policy makers and the public. Finally, a greater effort by the UN agencies and private and public development partners is called for to strengthen local, regional and international capacity to support the much needed change in policy and programme activities focusing on all forms of malnutrition with a unified agenda.

scholarly journals The Transformative Potential of Strategic Partnerships to Form a Health Equity Network of the Americas

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 153-158 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael A. Rodríguez ◽  
Michael G. Marmot ◽  
V. Nelly Salgado de Snyder ◽  
Luis A.C. Galvão ◽  
Ximena Avellaneda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Equity ◽  
Health Inequities ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Strategic Partnerships ◽  
Transformative Potential ◽  
Optimal Health ◽  
At Risk Populations ◽  
Policies And Programs ◽  
Health And Well Being

Health inequities across the Americas are avoidable and unjust yet continue to persist. Systemic social determinants of health, which could be addressed at the policy level, are root causes of many inequities and prevent marginalized individuals and at-risk populations from reaching optimal health and well-being. In this article, we describe our approach to promote health equity through the intersectoral partner­ships that were forged, and strategies that were shared, during the convening entitled “Summit 2017: Health Equity in the Americas” and the resulting emergence of the Health Equity Network of the Americas (HENA). We illustrate how this international network will raise awareness of policies and programs to inform decision makers about actions they can take to put an end to the unjust, persistent and mostly avoid­able health inequities facing the Americas today.Ethn Dis. 2019;29(Suppl 1):153-158; doi:10.18865/ed.29.S1.153.

scholarly journals Are Avoidance Goals the Right Prescription For a Pandemic? A COVID-19 Case Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 355-359
Author(s):  
Geoffrey V. Henderson ◽  
Andrew J. Elliot
Keyword(s):  
Physical Health ◽  
Full Text ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social Connection ◽  
Optimal Health ◽  
The Right ◽  
Avoidance Goals ◽  
Mental And Physical Health ◽  
Health And Well Being

Background: Motivation scientists study goals, self-regulatory tools that are used to help people approach or avoid objects of desire or disdain. Purpose: Using these tools, motivation science can offer insights to guide behaviour and help individuals maintain optimal health and well-being during pandemics, including COVID-19. Results: Avoidance goals help guide behaviour away from negative objects like COVID-19, and are necessary in situations where survival is at stake. Formulating the goal of avoiding COVID-19 is therefore recommended during the pandemic. However, avoidance goals have inherent limitations, in that they tax one’s energy and well-being. To minimize these costs, the pursuit of approach sub-goals may be recommended, such as increasing social connection online or exercising outdoors (particularly prior to widespread vaccination). Conclusion: Adhering to the goal of avoiding COVID-19 prevents infection and saves lives when safe and effective vaccines and treatments are lacking. But avoidance goals have known costs that must be acknowledged and addressed. One solution is to pair avoidance goals with approach sub-goals to bolster mental and physical health while adhering to the ultimate goal of avoiding COVID-19, viral variants, and future contagions. Doi: 10.28991/SciMedJ-2021-0304-7 Full Text: PDF

scholarly journals Assessing the impact of artistic and cultural activities on the health and well-being of forcibly displaced people using participatory action research

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. e025465 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clelia Clini ◽  
Linda J M Thomson ◽  
Helen J Chatterjee
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Participatory Action Research ◽  
Asylum Seekers ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Participatory Action ◽  
Cultural Activities ◽  
Displaced People ◽  
Refugees And Asylum Seekers ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Health And Well Being

ObjectiveDrawing on a growing body of research suggesting that taking part in artistic and cultural activities benefits health and well-being, the objective was to develop a participatory action research (PAR) method for assessing the impact of arts interventions on forcibly displaced people, and identify themes concerning perceived benefits of such programmes.DesignA collaborative study following PAR principles of observation, focus groups and in-depth semistructured interviews.SettingLondon-based charity working with asylum seekers and refugees.ParticipantsAn opportunity sample (n=31; 6 males) participated in focus groups comprising refugees/asylum seekers (n=12; 2 males), volunteers (n=4; 1 males) and charity staff (n=15; 3 males). A subset of these (n=17; 3 males) participated in interviews comprising refugees/asylum seekers (n=7; 1 males), volunteers (n=7; 1 males) and charity staff (n=3; 1 males).ResultsFocus group findings showed that participants articulated the impact of creative activities around three main themes: skills, social engagement and personal emotions that were explored during in-depth interviews. Thematic analysis of interviews was conducted in NVivo 11 and findings showed that artistic and cultural activities impacted positively by helping participants find a voice, create support networks and learn practical skills useful in the labour market.ConclusionsThe study expanded on arts and well-being research by exploring effects of cultural and creative activities on the psychosocial well-being of refugees and asylum seekers. By focusing on the relationship between arts, well-being and forced displacement, the study was instrumental in actively trying to change the narrative surrounding refugees and asylum seekers, often depicted in negative terms in the public sphere.

The motherhood choice: Themes arising in the decision-making process for women with multiple sclerosis

2008 ◽  
Vol 14 (5) ◽  
pp. 701-704 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Prunty ◽  
L Sharpe ◽  
P Butow ◽  
G Fulcher
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Child Rearing ◽  
Decision Making Process ◽  
Valuable Resource ◽  
Health And Well Being

Objective This study aimed to determine the main themes and concerns for women with Multiple Sclerosis when considering motherhood. Method Twenty women with multiple sclerosis from various stages in the decision-making process participated in focus-groups where information was gathered regarding their experiences of making this decision. Results The themes emerging most frequently during the decision-making process were: a) concerns about the mother's own health and well-being; b) well-being of the child; c) coping with parenting; d) societal attitudes; e) experiencing parenting and f) timing and pressure of the decision. Conclusion The results indicate that information regarding the effect of MS on pregnancy and child-rearing and the effect of pregnancy on MS and its progression need to be made more accessible to women. Information would be a valuable resource for women going through this decision-making process.

scholarly journals FORGIVENESS: The Way to Holistic Well-Being

2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Suryalee Athwaria ◽  
A. K. Srivastava
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Heart Attack ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Positive Approach ◽  
Cholesterol Levels ◽  
Whole Person ◽  
Optimal Health ◽  
Downward Spiral ◽  
Anxiety Depression ◽  
Health And Well Being

In an era of globalization where generations believe in lawsuits, it can sometimes seem like forgiveness is a concept from TretaYug (Era of Ramayan, the Hindu mythology) or Biblical times. However starting from last two decades of 20th century, developmental, social and clinical psychologists have begun to study the concept of forgiveness more intensively and scientifically(McCullough,2000).A wealth of research suggests that Forgiveness is a form of healing that considers the whole person- body, mind, spirit, and emotions- to achieve optimal health and well-being. Studies have found that the act of forgiveness can reap huge rewards for our health, lowering the risk of heart attack; improving cholesterol levels & sleep; reducing pain, blood pressure, and levels of anxiety, depression and stress. Research points to an increase in the forgiveness-health connection as we age. Thus, field of psychology needs a proactive, positive approach emphasizing strengths, rather than continuing in the downward spiral of negativity trying to fix weaknesses.

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