scholarly journals Disaster First Responder Training: A Train-the-Trainer Veterans Program to Combat PTSD

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (s1) ◽  
pp. s10-s10
Author(s):  
Jenevieve Kincaid ◽  
Elaine Reno ◽  
Jay Lemery ◽  
Todd Miner

Introduction:There are many health challenges faced by those returning from military service. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a serious problem in veterans. PTSD is a risk factor for suicide in veterans. Standard treatments include medication and talk therapy. Non-traditional treatments include civil service and leadership training.Aim:Assess the effectiveness of Veteran Focused Train-the-Trainer (TTT) Community Disaster Response and First Aid (DRAFA) Programs in promoting health, wellness, reintegration, and decreasing PTSD symptoms of veterans.Methods:A longitudinal cohort study was conducted using a convenience sample of veterans living in Denver, Colorado or Reno, Nevada. The sample size was over 50 (N=50+), with 25+ case-matched veterans at each location. This is an ongoing project lasting through the end of 2020. Inclusion criteria selected veterans interested in DRAFA training and education. Exclusion criteria disqualified those who are not a veteran or those unable to perform physical tasks required by curriculum. The null hypothesis was that there is no relationship between the DRAFA TTT program and the health, well-being, and reintegration of veterans back into their communities. Statistical tools used were SPSS Statistics (Version 25) and NVivo 12-12.2.0.3262. Research activities were conducted under the auspices of the University of Colorado and guided by the principles of the Institutional Review Board (IRB).Results:Results are being evaluated using a mixed methods impact model. The main outcomes measured health, wellness, and reintegration using Veterans RAND-12 Health Quality of Life Survey, the Military to Civilian Reintegration Survey, and a satisfaction survey. Preliminary analysis may indicate a correlation between participation in the DRAFA TTT program and improved health/wellness outcomes, better reintegration into society, and decreased PTSD.Discussion:There is growing evidence that expedited structured reintegration programs in community preparedness and disaster leadership roles for veterans alleviate PTSD symptoms and improves quality of life.

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 66-73
Author(s):  
A. S. Dybin ◽  
L. I. Menshikova ◽  
M. V. Tsizhma ◽  
P. Yu. Shapovalov ◽  
A. V. Khlopov

Introduction. The paper presents the results of a research of quality of life of the military serving under the contract in the Kola Polar region. The research was conducted using the World Health Organization Quality of Life brief version questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF). The purpose of this work was to assess the quality of life and identify the factors adversely affecting the quality of life. The sociological questionnaire study in a group of 209 servicemen serving under the contract in the Kola Polar region was made. Results of the study showed lack of dependence of the general assessment of quality of life on a military rank, income level, age, education, marital status and the number of children in family, and at the same time, statistically significant correlation in the presence of diseases or under any treatment in the last two weeks prior to the survey in a respondent. The analysis of the general assessment of quality of life revealed the highest level in the sphere of micro-social support — 12,2 points (81,3% of the maximum level), and the lowest level in the sphere of social well-being — 26,0 points (65% of the maximum level). Answers to questions concerning existence of an opportunity for rest and entertainments and about availability of medical care are scored the lowest — 2,1 and 3,1 points, respectively. Answers to questions concerning state of environment, satisfaction with monetary pay and conditions in the place of residence were also scored low — 3,3 points. Assessment of quality of life using the WHOQOL-BREF can be used in order to identify and neutralize negative factors of military service and conditions of life and also for improvement of measures for maintaining health, high performance of military work, and motivation in servicemen under the contract in the Arctic zone.


Cephalalgia ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 21 (8) ◽  
pp. 823-829 ◽  
Author(s):  
J Passchier ◽  
JC Mourik ◽  
SP McKenna ◽  
M van den Berg ◽  
RAM Erdman

The Dutch version of the MSQOL was evaluated psychometrically and applied in a convenience sample of 90 migraine patients from the Dutch Society of Headache Patients. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability of the Dutch MSQOL were good (>0.90) and comparable with those of the original English version. The measure also had good validity, with its scores associated as expected with headache intensity, psychological well-being and level of patient functioning. Respondents who employ more passive methods of coping with their headaches, such as ‘worrying’, ‘retreating’ and ‘resting’, had worse quality of life. ‘Worrying’ was particularly associated with diminished quality of life, suggesting that cognitive interventions might be of benefit to migraineurs who use this method of coping.


2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (3_suppl) ◽  
pp. e288-e288
Author(s):  
Judy Angela Tjoe ◽  
Linda B. Piacentine ◽  
Karen M. Robinson ◽  
Alexander V. Ng ◽  
Leslie J. Waltke ◽  
...  

e288 Background: Advancements in early detection and new treatment options have improved outcomes for breast cancer survivors (BCS). With increased survivorship, improving quality of life (QOL) may be a challenge for some women. Exercise improves QOL for BCS and decreases recurrence, but, despite this many women do not routinely exercise. Underserved areas are at particular risk. Few studies have examined factors influencing exercise initiation and maintenance in underserved areas among minority overweight women. The purpose of this mixed methods study was to examine physiological outcomes and motivational factors in a community-based goal oriented walking program for BCS. Methods: A convenience sample of female BCS was recruited from an inner-city community center 12-week walking program. Women participated in physiological testing and focus groups before and after the program. Data was collected regarding strength, fitness, quality of life, and motivation of the women. Quantitative data was analyzed with paired t-tests. Two researchers independently analyzed focus groups’ transcriptions and like statements and phrases were coded. Themes emerged after discussions between the researchers. Results: The 13 participants [overweight BMI (n = 2), and obese BMI (n = 11)] had a mean survivorship of 5.4 years (range .25-14.5) years. Only 7 participants completed both pre and post physiological testing. Functional endurance significantly improved as indicated by the 6 Minute Walk Test (pre = 503(56), post = 570 (63) meters, mean(sd)), p = 0.02). While overall QOL did not improve, functional well-being showed significant improvement. Two focus group sessions were held at the beginning (n = 13) and end (n = 11) of the program. Themes emerged identifying 1) Treatment Weight Gain, 2) Familial Support, 3) Not Wanting to Go it Alone, 4) The Team Made the Difference Conclusions: Female BCS spoke of interpersonal and environmental factors involved in the decision to engage and maintain exercise with the walking program. Further research is needed to examine exercise motivation in underserved, overweight and obese breast cancer survivors.


2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-21
Author(s):  
EMILLY GALVÍNCIO MONTENEGRO ◽  
RAYNE BORGES TORRES SETTE ◽  
ANDRÉ LUIZ DANTAS BEZERRA ◽  
MILENA NUNES ALVES DE SOUSA

ABSTRACT Objective To assess the level of quality of life (QOL) and the most affected dimensions in patients with scoliosis. Methods Original article about a descriptive, quantitative study of 20 individuals diagnosed with scoliosis and undergoing conservative treatment. Data were collected during consultations using two questionnaires, one containing social and demographic data and the Revised Scoliosis Research Society-22 (Brazilian version). The analysis was carried out in the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (version 25), using descriptive statistics and the nonparametric Mann-Whitney test. The research was submitted to and approved by the Institutional Review Board of the Faculdades Integradas de Patos. Results The sample was composed mostly of female patients (70%), aged between 12 and 16 years (55%), whose most affected QOL domains were activity (10%) and mental health(55%). In addition, patients with moderate scoliosis had a lower quality of life when compared to those with mild scoliosis. Conclusion Scoliosis is an alteration of the spine that affects more female adolescents, negatively impacting their quality of life, and mainly affecting the domains of activity, mental health and appearance. Given this reality, a closer look is needed, seeking to create and encourage strategies that can improve the overall well-being of these patients. Level of Evidence II - Retrospective Study.


2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. s501-s501 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Pompili ◽  
V. Corigliano ◽  
E. Denise ◽  
M. Migliorati ◽  
P. Martelletti ◽  
...  

IntroductionChronic migraine is commonly regarded as one of the most disabling headache conditions. Although there has been some research indicating the severe impact of this chronic headache, there is little comprehensive evidence of its impact on quality of life, disability and cognitive function.ObjectivesThe aims of this cross-sectional study were to investigate cognition, disability and quality of life in patients with chronic migraine compared to healthy control subjects.MethodsParticipants were a convenience sample of 58 adult outpatients admitted to Headache Centre of the Sant’Andrea Hospital in Rome (Italy). Inclusion criteria were a diagnosis of chronic migraine (illness duration >5 years). Fifty-eight age-matched healthy subjects were recruited as controls. Participants were administered the Mini Mental State Examination, the Italian Perceived Disability Scale (IPDQ), the 12-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) to assess physical and mental health, and the neurocognitive task Visual Perspective Taking (VPT), as a measure of social cognition.ResultsPatients with chronic migraine showed higher perceived disability and poorer well-being compared with healthy controls. No differences were found in global cognitive function and in the performance of the neurocognitive task.ConclusionsAddressing the burden associated with subjective state of disability and well-being in migraineurs is important because of its association with a worse prognosis and a worse response to treatment. Findings did not confirm the hypothesis that migraneurs are more impaired in social cognition. Further studies are needed to assess different cognitive dimensions in migraneurs, including various measures of social cognition, to better understand neurocognitive profile of this patients’ population.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.


2018 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 200-208 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmad E. Aboshaiqah ◽  
Jonas Preposi Cruz

Purpose: This study investigated the quality of life (QOL) and its predictors among nursing students in a university in Saudi Arabia. Design: A descriptive, cross-sectional design. Method: A convenience sample of 175 baccalaureate nursing students from a university in Saudi Arabia was surveyed in this study. Using the WHOQOL-BREF and a sociodemographic sheet, the QOL and its predictors among Saudi nursing students were investigated. Findings: The respondents reported a mean score of 4.09 ( SD = 0.71) and 4.02 ( SD = 0.87) for their overall perceptions of QOL and health, respectively. The psychological and physical health of these students had the highest and poorest QOL perception, respectively. Gender, academic year level, community type, and monthly family income exerted a multivariate effect on the four domains of QOL. Conclusion: The study underscores the need to ensure the highest level of health and well-being among nursing students while they are undergoing training for their professional roles as nurses. The findings should be utilized by policymakers in nursing institutions in Saudi Arabia in creating policies centered on the holistic development of nursing students in the country.


PeerJ ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. e10611
Author(s):  
Anna Lardone ◽  
Pierpaolo Sorrentino ◽  
Francesco Giancamilli ◽  
Tommaso Palombi ◽  
Trevor Simper ◽  
...  

Background In 2020, to limit the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19), many countries, including Italy, have issued a lengthy quarantine period for the entire population. For this reason lifestyle has changed, bringing inevitable repercussions to the Quality of Life (QoL). The present study aims to identify which psychosocial variables predict behaviors capable of affecting the QoL during the lockdown period, potentially highlighting factors that might promote well-being and health in the Italian population during the epidemic. Methods Between 27 April 2020 and 11 May 2020, we administered a web-survey to a sample of young Italian people (age M = 21.2; SD = 3.5; female = 57.7% of the sample). Employing variance-based structural equation modeling, we attempted to identify whether social connectedness, social support, and loneliness were variables predictive of the QoL of young Italians. We also sought to identify specific psychological factors, such as symbolic threat, realistic threat, and the threat from potentially contaminated objects, was correlated to COVID-19 fear and whether engaging in particular behaviors was likely to improve the QoL. Results Our results suggest that social connectedness and loneliness are significant predictors of QoL, while social support did not have a significant effect on QoL. Furthermore, we observed that symbolic and realistic threats and the threat from potentially contaminated objects are significant and positive predictors of COVID-19 fear. Moreover, COVID-19 fear had significant and positive relationships with the carrying out of specific behaviors, such as creative activities during the isolation period and that this related to affirming individuals’ country-specific identity. Finally, COVID-19 fear is a significant predictor of behavioral factors related to the adherence to public health advice in line with national guidance regarding the containment of COVID-19; this factor, however, did not correlate with QoL. Conclusion Our results suggest the importance of social context and psychological factors to help devise intervention strategies to improve the QoL during lockdown from epidemic events and, in particular, support the importance of promoting social communication and accurate information about the transmission of the virus.


Blood ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 136 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 38-38
Author(s):  
Dvora Bauman ◽  
Adir Sommer ◽  
Dar Noy ◽  
Tal Hammer ◽  
Shoshana Revel-Vilk

Background: Menorrhagia can have a significant impact on a woman's life. It can lead to anemia, fatigue, difficulty with physical activities, absence from work, and avoidance of social activities and may be the first sign of a bleeding disorder. We presumed that many young women with menorrhagia do not seek medical advice or are under-treated. This study aimed to document the prevalence of menorrhagia, by questionnaire, visual scores and self-assessment; its association with bleeding disorders, and the effect of menorrhagia on activity and quality of life (QoL) in young adults engaged in compulsory military service. The military service in Israel is obligatory for women as for men, making this cohort similar to the general population. Method: In this cross-sectional study we gave a short oral lecture presenting the study objective and plan to female soldiers in combat and non-combat roles. Participants were asked to consent to complete a one page coded, unidentified, initial questionnaire. After providing an additional informed consent, study participants were asked to complete additional study questionnaires, including personal and family bleeding history, pictorial bleeding assessment chart (PBAC), dysmenorrhea questionnaire, and age-appropriate PedsQL™. All forms were coded with the same number as the initial questionnaire. PBAC scores above 100 were diagnostic for menorrhagia and above 200 signified severe menorrhagia. Results: Of 422 women soldiers completing the initial questionnaire, 365 (86.5%) completed all study questionnaires. Characteristics of women not completing all study questionnaires were similar to those with complete study data except there were more soldiers in a combat role in the former (P=0.02). The median (range, 25th-75th interval) of the PBAC score was 100 (4-590, 55-189). PBAC scores > 100 and 200 were reported by 181 (50%) and 81 (22%), respectively. Most participants correctly self-assessed menorrhagia; still, a high PBAC score was also recorded in some who answered "no" or "unknown" in the initial questionnaire (Figure 1). Diagnosis of menorrhagia was associated with a history of bleeding, specifically cutaneous and bleeding from the oral cavity (Figure 2), yet none of the participants reported a diagnosis of a known bleeding disorder. The use of NSAIDs during menstruation was associated with a higher rate of menorrhagia (Table 1). No association was found with the current army role. However, the diagnosis of menorrhagia was related to the pre-enrolment fitness ranking [a score reflecting the overall per-recruitment health status] (Table 1). Those with menorrhagia suffered from higher pain levels and moderate to severe negative effects on activity during the days of menstruation compared to those without menorrhagia (Table 1, Figure 3). A trend for lower QoL was found in those with menorrhagia (Table 1). Discussion: Menorrhagia in young adults is a significant clinical problem effecting activity and quality of life. It is under-recognized and under-treated. The association with other bleeding manifestations may suggest an under diagnosis of bleeding disorders. In a world of women empowerment, any treatable cause, leading to suboptimal performance should be addressed. Thus, assessment for menorrhagia and dysmenorrhea should be part of well-being visit also in young adults to provide appropriate management to reduce the undesired effects of menorrhagia. Disclosures Revel-Vilk: Takeda: Honoraria; sanofi-Genzyme: Honoraria; Pfizer: Honoraria.


1998 ◽  
Vol 17 (S3) ◽  
pp. 41-52 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marion Becker

Objective: In the United States, interest in quality of life and social disabilities associated with mental illne intensified in the wake of the deinstitutionalization of the late '60s abd '70s. Although mental health professionals in the United States have begun to recognize the importance of quality of life considerations to patient management and treatment outcomes, review of the literature shows there is minimal research in mental health on this important topic. As a result, little theoretical or methodological progres has been made. Quality of life has not been clearly conceptulized or defined and there are no agreed-upon standards or criteria for measurement. This presentation will; (a) review important conceptual issues in quality of life research, (b) discuss the benefits of and obstacles to incorporating consumer values in judgments of quality of life, and (c) present data from Wisconsin Quality of Life Index (W-QLI; Becker et al., 1993) to illustrate the usefulness of a consumer responsive model of quality of life and the importance of incorporating consumer values in the assessment of quality of life of persons with schizophrenia. Methods: The W-QLI was administered to a convenience sample of psychiatric outpatients with a DSM-IV diagnosis of schizophrenia. The W-QLI is a self-administered individually preference-weighted index that measures nine separted domains encompassing quality of life. The W-QLI scoring method results in spearted scores for each domain and allows for the relationships among separate domains to be studied. The mine separted domains include; (a) satisfaction level for different objective quality of life indicators, (b) occupational activities, (c) psychological well-being,(d) physical health, (c) social relations, (f) economics, (g) activities of daily living, (h) symptoms, and (i) goal attainment. Results: study findings are consistent with previous theory and empirical domains. Results show that while consumers' and clinicians' judgments of outcome corelated, there were important differences. Clincians systematically rated functiion higher and social relations lower that did consumers, and there were significant differences in consumer and provider goals for improvement with treatment. Overall ratings of quality of life and funciton are only weakly correlated with psychopathology. The findings support the importance and feasibility of incorporating consumer values and judgments of quality of life in outcome measurement.


Author(s):  
Julian Koenig ◽  
Elisabeth Kohls ◽  
Markus Moessner ◽  
Sophia Lustig ◽  
Stephanie Bauer ◽  
...  

AbstractThe impact of school-closings on adolescents’ mental health and well-being in the management of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is subject to ongoing public debate. Reliable data to inform a balanced discussion are limited. Drawing on a large ongoing multi-site project in Germany, we assessed differences in self-reported psychopathology in a matched convenience-sample of adolescents assessed pre- (November 26, 2018 to March 13, 2020; n = 324) and post the first lockdown (March 18, 2020 to August 29, 2020; n = 324) early 2020 in Germany. We found no evidence for an increase in emotional and behavioral problems, depression, thoughts of suicide or suicide attempts, eating disorder symptoms, or a decrease in general health-related quality of life. Reported suicide plans significantly decreased from 6.14 to 2.16%. Similarly, conduct problems decreased in the post-lockdown period. Family risk-factors did not moderate these findings. The influence of socioeconomic status on emotional and behavioral problems as well as depression decreased during the lockdown. Based on the present findings, the first school-closing in Germany had no immediate and severe impact on adolescents’ well-being. However, caution is warranted as our data covers a fairly small, affluent sample over a limited time-span and long-term consequences cannot be ruled out.


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