Surveying the Ashes: Experience from the 2007 Peloponnese Wildfires Six Months after the Disaster

2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 79-89 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vasiliki Papanikolaou ◽  
Gloria R Leon ◽  
John Kyriopoulos ◽  
Jeffrey Levett ◽  
Eleftherios Pallis

AbstractIntroduction: Major disasters disrupt the infrastructure of communities and have lasting psychological, economic, and environmental effects on the affected areas. The psychological status and community effects of the devastating 2007 wildfires on the Peloponnese Peninsula of Greece were assessed six months following the disaster.Methods:Adult inhabitants, 18–65 years of age, living in villages affected by the wildfires were selected randomly and compared with a demographically similar group living in neighboring villages that were unaffected by the fires. Regions were chosen based on the extent of fire damage in that area. There were 409 participants in the fire group, and 391 in the control group. Participants completed a questionnaire that included the SCL-90-R symptom checklist, a subjective perception of health status, and a series of items assessing views about current problems, personal values, and trust in different institutions.Results:The fire group scored significantly higher on psychological distress compared to the control group. Both groups viewed their health status in the previous year as better than at the present time. There were few significant differences between groups in the designation of regional problems, attitudes, and values. In the total sample, 41.6% listed unemployment, and 15.0% listed poverty as the most important problem in their region. The Church was indicated as the most trusted institution by 36.7% of the group and the Government by 13.3%. A total of 30.2% did not have a trusted institution.Conclusions:The hardiness and resilience of the fire-impacted group was evident. However, an improvement in economic conditions is needed to maintain the health and enhance the quality of life of the population living in the Peloponnese region. This improvement likely would have a positive effect on the attitude of trust in government institutions.

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 153-167
Author(s):  
Drina Podobnik ◽  
◽  
Josip Podobnik ◽  

The goal of this study was to investigate whether spiritual life influences the subjective feeling of health in individuals and whether this influence was significant. Methods: We used the SF-36 questionnaire to investigate the opinions of a religious prayer group on their personal health in comparison with participants who were not members. The questionnaire was completed by 51 members of the prayer group and as many participants in the control group. Results: The analysis showed that the prayer group had higher ratings in all scales on subjective health perception in comparison with the control group and the general population in Croatia. There were statistically significant differences in the prayer group in comparison with the control group on the scales for general health, vitality, emotional limitations, mental health, and mental component summary. In comparison with the Croatian population, the prayer group had statistically significant differences in all scores except social functioning. Conclusion: The study indicates that the quality of religious life is an important factor in a person’s perception of their own mental and physical health.


2021 ◽  
pp. 000313482110385
Author(s):  
Gratiana O. Alqadi ◽  
Amulya K. Saxena

Aim This study aimed to review the literature with regard to the psychological aspects in patients with pectus excavatum (PE) and pectus carinatum (PC). Methods The literature was reviewed by analyzing articles on PubMed using the search terms “psychology” and “pectus.” Results The literature search revealed 22 articles that offered a total of 2214 patients for analysis. Regarding chest wall deformities (CWD), there were 15 articles referring to PE, 4 articles on PC, and 3 pertaining to both PE and PC. Authors used various types of questionnaires and 14 studies which also included a parent questionnaire. There are 14 reports which analyzed both the preoperative and postoperative psychological status and 4 reports in which a control group was used. Treatment of CWD was shown to have consistently positive results. There is no consensus regarding the correlation between severity of CWD and psychological issues. Only 2 studies found no statistically significant results after treatment. Conclusions The literature reveals a great concern for psychosocial issues in CWD patients. Most articles describe improvement in overall quality of life (QOL) after surgery. An increase in social and physical function, body image, and self-esteem was observed in CWD patients, which is supported by parent responses.


2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 8-12
Author(s):  
Amelia Kurniati

AbstrakLuka tekan (luka akibat penekanan yang terus menerus) adalah masalah yang umum terjadi pada kelompok klien tertentu seperti klien usia lanjut, klien kritis, dan klien yang menderita kelumpuhan. Luka tekan ini menimbulkan banyak masalah: tingginya biaya yang dikeluarkan untuk mengobati luka, menurunnya kualitas hidup klien, lamanya dirawat di rumah sakit, dan meningkatnya angka kematian klien. Penelitian dilakukan untuk membandingkan efektivitas pemakaian balutan modern (hydrocolloid) dan gula povidine-iodine 1% di 4 rumah sakit di Jakarta selama 2 bulan dengan menggunakan desain non-equivalent control group pre dan posttest. Didapat total sampel sebanyak 25 klien, dibagi secara random ke dalam 2 kelompok; kelompok hydrocolloid dan kelompok gula povidine-iodine 1%. Setiap sampel dilakukan pretest, kemudian dirawat selama 3 minggu, dan setiap minggu perawatan dilakukan posttest oleh peneliti. Hasil yang didapat adalah tidak ada perbedaan yang bermakna untuk pengecilan area luka tekan - walaupun ketika membandingkan kecepatan penghancuran jaringan mati dan kecepatan pertumbuhan granulasi, terlihat bahwa kedua keadaan ini lebih cepat terjadi di kelompok gula povidine-iodinee 1%-. Untuk biaya perawatan lebih tinggi di kelompok hydrocolloid, sedangkan untuk lamanya waktu perawatan luka lebih cepat. AbstractPressure ulcers (ulcers which caused by body pressure) are common problems in some sub-specific patients, such as, elderly patients, critical-ill and para paraplegia patients. Pressure ulcers induces problems: the costs involved, patients’ quality of life and mortality rate. Research purposed to compare the efectivity hydrocolloid dressing and sugar Povidine-iodine (1%) dressing. Research has been conducted within the 4 selected hospitals in 2 months period of time using non equivalen control group; pre and post test. Total sample was 25 patients, which divided onto 2 groups: hydrocolloid group and sugar povidineiodinee group. Pre-test was also done to obtain initial data to be used for further treatments with hydrocolloid dressing and sugar Povidine-iodine (1%) dressing. Each patient was treating for 3 weeks, and in each week was conducted a post-test. Results from processing the data obtained, indicating that there was no significant difference on wound size reduction. The cost involved was higher in the hydrocolloid group while the nursing time consumption was lower.


2021 ◽  
Vol 32 ◽  
pp. 04009
Author(s):  
Irina Chervonova

The article presents the results of studying the impact of the spore-forming probiotic “Olin” and the prebiotic “Eсofiltrum” on the meat quality of broiler chicken carcasses of the Ross-308 cross. In the course of the research, it has been found that the inclusion of these preparations in the broiler diet has a positive effect on the studied indicators: the pre-slaughter weight increased by 4.3-5.7%, the weight of the gutted carcass by 4.6-6.2%, the muscle weight 4.8-6.5%, the weight of the loin muscles by 5.7-8.2%. The ratio of edible parts to inedible parts is 4.14 in the third experimental group, 4.08-in the second, and 4.04-in the control. Based on the results of the anatomical cutting of broiler carcasses and according to the fatness indicators the poultry carcasses of the third and second experimental groups, 87.5% and 87.2%, respectively, belong to the first grade, and the yield of the first grade carcasses is 86.2% in the control group. Meat products obtained from both the control poultry and the poultry of both experimental groups has no off-aroma odor and taste, the meat is juicy, tender and aromatic. The products obtained from broiler chickens, whose ration includes the probiotic “Olin” and the prebiotic “Ecofiltrum”, do not have any deviations from the established standards and norms. During the research, it has been found that the use of the studied drugs has a positive effect on the meat quality of poultry carcasses. However, broiler chickens receiving the probiotic “Olin” has more pronounced meat qualities.


Author(s):  
С. А. Карпищенко ◽  
Я. Л. Щербакова

Цель исследования - оценка негативного влияния приобретенной односторонней глухоты на качество жизни пожилых пациентов. Выполнен проспективный анализ амбулаторных карт на предмет выявления пожилых пациентов с односторонней глухотой с последующим анкетированием при помощи опросников PSQ, HHIE, THI. Основными критериями включения являлись возраст старше 60 лет, одностороннее снижение слуха с порогами восприятия, соответствующими глухоте (>90 дБ), внезапное начало заболевания и продолжительность глухоты не более 5 лет. У пациентов с односторонней глухотой, которые составили основную группу исследования (n=25), по сравнению с пациентами контрольной группы (n=25) были выявлены повышенный уровень стресса и ухудшение качества жизни, о чем свидетельствуют данные опроса. Пациенты предъявляли жалобы на неудовлетворительную разборчивость речи, выраженный шум в пораженном ухе, невозможность определить источник звука и необходимость адаптироваться к определённым акустическим ситуациям, что требовало повышенной концентрации внимания, приводило к переутомлению, повышенной раздражительности, нервозности и когнитивным нарушениям. The study aimed to assess a negative impact of an acquired single-sided deafness on quality of life of the elderly. Prospective analysis of outpatient records was carried out to identify elderly patients with single-sided deafness using pure tone audiometry. The main inclusion criteria were age over 60, ≥90 dB threshold of an affected ear, ≤30 dB threshold of an intact ear, an acquired single-sided hearing loss with sudden onset and deafness duration less than 5 years. Taking inclusion criteria into account two groups were formed: the main group with single-sided deaf patients (n=25) and the control group of normal hearing patients (n=25). All participants were surveyed with PSQ, HHIE, THI questionnaires. There were revealed some changes in psychological status in the group of patients with single-sided deafness in comparison with the group of normal hearing participants. The scores of the questionnaires showed increased stress and anxiety levels and deterioration in quality of life. Patients with single-sided deafness complained about severe tinnitus in an affected ear, worse speech intelligibility in noisy environment and a constant need to adapt to the different acoustic situations that in turn badly affected psychoemotional homeostasis, intensifying stress severity, and quality of life.


2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (8) ◽  
pp. 587-597
Author(s):  
Charmaine A. McKie ◽  
Adeyinka O. Laiyemo

A cross-section correlational study was conducted to evaluate the overall quality of life in young adults (AYAs) diagnosed with cancer, and the impact of health-related and non-health-related factors on their quality of life. Fifty-six AYA cancer survivors were recruited to elicit the impact of biological function (cancer type and comorbidity), symptoms, functional status, general perception of health status, gender, and characteristics of the environment on quality of life. Participants experienced higher than average quality of life. Symptoms, functional status, and general perception of health status were significant predictors of quality of life in this group of AYAs diagnosed with cancer. In delivering quality cancer care, nurses must be able to thoroughly assess symptom status, AYA cancer survivors’ perception of their health status, and functioning in order to implement supportive measures to help improve their quality of life.


2014 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-19
Author(s):  
Retno Wahyuningsih ◽  
Darmono SS ◽  
Ani Margawati

Background: Infectious disease remains a health problem for the elderly. The elderly are susceptible to infection,because the body's ability to fight infection decreases immunity. The immune status can be improved through the effortsof immunization, and nutrition. However the elderly are not sufficient to meet the nutritional needs of food, so probioticcould support nutritional adequacy.Objective: Analyze the effect of probiotic Lactobacillus helveticus Rosell-52 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus Rosell-11 onlevels of lymphocytes in the elderly in Tresna Elderly Social Institution Puspakarma Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara.Methods: This was quasi-experimental study, randomized pre-post control group design. The population is elderly aged60-75 years, involving 45 subjects were divided randomly into two groups, namely the treatment groups givenprobiotics and the control group was given a placebo. Probiotics were given for 4 weeks, with the provision of onecapsule a day. Immunity status in this study was lymphocytes. Data examined included the intake of nutrients (protein,vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, Fe, Zn), health status, quality of sleep, and levels of lymphocytes in the elderly. Datawere analyzed using bivariate with different test Independent sample t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, Spearman, Pearson,and Paired t-test.Results: Increasing number of lymphocytes were significantly in the treatment group (χ ± SD: 1.84 ± 1.85) and in thecontrol group (0.95 ± 5.0). There is no relationship between intake (protein, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, Fe, Zink),physical health status, and quality of sleep with levels of lymphocytes.Conclusion: Probiotics in 4 weeks is proven to increase the number of lymphocytes in the elderly.


2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (5) ◽  
pp. e100184
Author(s):  
Zhihang Zhang ◽  
Xiang Gao ◽  
Ying Zhou ◽  
Chao Yu ◽  
Jittikorn Pimolsettapun ◽  
...  

BackgroundErectile dysfunction (ED) has gradually become an important issue that seriously affects the quality of life of Chinese men. In addition to classic oral medications, psychotherapeutic interventions are increasingly being used in the treatment of ED.AimThis study aims to investigate the clinical efficacy of brief psychodynamic psychotherapy (BPP) plus Viagra in the treatment of non-organic ED.MethodsWe initiated this study via a controlled, prospective experimental design with initial optimal efficiency standard greater than 10%. On the standard, 63 patients were enrolled who were assigned to control or treatment group. The control group (including 33 cases) received Viagra treatment for 2 months, and the treatment group (including 30 cases) was cured with BPP plus Viagra. After the treatments, the clinical efficacy was assessed using the International Erectile Function Index (IIEF-5) score, the Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Sexual Satisfaction (SS) score and Erection Hardness Score (EHS).ResultsIn the comparison of efficacy, pretreatment and post-treatment within each group, the two groups showed improvements in IIEF, SAS scores, SS, and EHS (treatment group: PIIEF<0.001, PSAS<0.001, PSS<0.001, PEHS<0.001; control group: PIIEF<0.001, PSAS<0.001, PSS<0.001, PEHS<0.001). Furthermore, the treatment group presented better performances in IIEF (p=0.040), SAS (p=0.006), SS scores (p=0.045) and EHS (p=0.041) than the control group.ConclusionThe combination of BPP with Viagra has positive effect on the treatment of non-organic ED.


2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 149
Author(s):  
Nining Prastiwi ◽  
Zahroh Shaluhiyah ◽  
Farid Agushybana

Background: Cleanliness of tourist area is managers and visitors responsibilities to maintain the beauty of tourist destinations. Disposing of trash in its place becomes very important in maintaining the cleanliness of tourist sites. The role of health promotion media to improve awareness and behavior of tourist in maintaining cleanliness is necessary to be conducted. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of providing garbage disposal posters towards the utilising trash bin in tourist sites.Method: This study employs a quantitative method with a quasy experimental approach, non randomized control group pretest posttest design. It was carried out in four tourist sites which consist of two tourist sites as intervention area and the others as control. Sample of this study was consisted of 15 bins/each site which met the criteria of sanitation standards and selected purposively so that the total sample was 30 bins in the intervention and 30 bins in the control areas. The variables included the volume of waste in each trash bin, the quality of trash bin distributed and the number of visitors before and after intervention. Measurements were conducted for 14 days.Results: The volume of waste was increased significantly after providing posters in the intervention sites compared to controls’. Likewise, the quality of trash bin distributed at tourist sites was also increased significantly in the intervention areas compared to controls. The number of visitors at four destinations was increased significantly after intervention because post-test was conducted at long vacation period. That would directly effect to waste volume in the trash bin at 4 tourist destinations. This study recommends to managers to put interesting poster or other instagramable media to promote healthy behaviour related to the cleanliness and beauty at tourist areas.


2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (10) ◽  
pp. 030006052096167
Author(s):  
Xiaoli Li ◽  
Liangliang Liu ◽  
Yanfei Zhang ◽  
Li Li

Objective The study aim was to examine the effect of a psychological intervention on patients with psoriasis vulgaris. Methods Participants in this prospective study were 205 patients with psoriasis vulgaris, 104 who received a psychological intervention (study group) and 101 who received routine nursing care (control group). An additional 291 healthy subjects formed a non-psoriasis group. The Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90), Generic Quality of Life Inventory (GQOLI), Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) and Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) were used to evaluate psychological status and quality of life. Results There were significant differences in SCL-90 and GQOLI scores between the study and non-psoriasis groups. After treatment, the study group showed significantly improved scores on the SCL-90 and GQOLI compared with the control group. Scores on the SDS (mean ± standard deviation: 31.99 ± 4.54 vs. 44.08 ± 4.52) and SAS (28.36 ± 4.52 vs. 40.14 ± 6.33) were improved in the study group. In addition, patients in the study group showed higher satisfaction rate and compliance rate than those in the control group. Conclusion Psychological intervention may be beneficial for improving quality of life and the therapeutic efficacy of drugs in patients with psoriasis.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document