Evaluating the Outcomes for Bereaved People Supported by a Community-Based Suicide Bereavement Service

Abstract. Background: Postvention services aim to support people bereaved by suicide and reduce the adverse impacts associated with suicide bereavement. StandBy Support After Suicide is a community-based suicide bereavement service that provides support and a coordinated response for people bereaved by suicide. Aims: We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the StandBy service in reducing suicidality, grief reactions associated with suicide bereavement, and social isolation among clients. Method: A retrospective cross-sectional design using an online survey was used to compare StandBy clients with people bereaved by suicide who did not access the StandBy service. Results: Among people whose most recent loss to suicide was within the past 12 months, people supported by StandBy were significantly less likely to be at risk of suicidality, experience a loss of social support, and experience social loneliness compared with people bereaved by suicide who had not accessed the StandBy service. Limitations: Owing to the use of a cross-sectional design, it was not possible to determine changes over time. Conclusion: Postvention in the form of a community-based crisis intervention, at the time of or close to a suicide, is effective in reducing adverse outcomes associated with suicide bereavement, and an important aspect of suicide prevention.

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Internet Forums for Suicide Bereavement

Crisis ◽

10.1027/0227-5910/a000471 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 38 (6) ◽

pp. 393-402 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Eleanor Bailey ◽

Karolina Krysinska ◽

Bridianne O'Dea ◽

Jo Robinson

Keyword(s):

Social Networking Sites ◽

Help Seeking ◽

Online Survey ◽

Poor Mental Health ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Help Seeking Behaviors ◽

Face To Face ◽

Suicide Bereavement ◽

Internet Forums ◽

Cross Sectional Design

Abstract. Background: Bereavement by suicide is associated with a number of consequences including poor mental health outcomes and increased suicide risk. Despite this, the bereaved by suicide may be reluctant to seek help from friends, family, and professionals. Internet forums and social networking sites are a popular avenue of support for the bereaved, but to date there is a lack of research into their use and efficacy. Aims: To survey users of suicide bereavement Internet forums and Facebook groups regarding their help-seeking behaviors, use of forums, and perceived benefits and limitations of such use. Method: This study employed a cross-sectional design in which users of suicide bereavement Internet forums and Facebook groups completed an anonymous online survey. Results: Participants were 222 users of suicide bereavement Internet forums. Most participants (93.2%) had sought face-to-face help from sources other than Internet forums, but were more likely to seek help in the near future from informal rather than formal sources. Forums were perceived as highly beneficial and there were few limitations. Limitations: The generalizability of these results to other internet forums may be limited. Additionally, we were not able to examine differences between forums in terms of quality or user-reported efficacy. Finally, the data reflects the subjective views of forum users, which may differ from the views of moderators or experts. Conclusion: Internet forums, including Facebook groups, appear to be a useful adjunct to face-to-face help-seeking for supporting those who have been bereaved by suicide.

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Can do and reason to: when are proactive employees willing to share negative information?

International Journal of Organizational Analysis ◽

10.1108/ijoa-02-2021-2616 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽

Author(s):

Laura E. Marler ◽

Susie S. Cox ◽

Marcia J. Simmering ◽

Bryan L. Rogers ◽

Curtis F. Matherne

Keyword(s):

Online Survey ◽

Negative Information ◽

Proactive Personality ◽

Interactive Effects ◽

Personality Factors ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Content Type ◽

Motivational States ◽

Final Sample ◽

Cross Sectional Design

Purpose Information sharing is vital to organizational operations, yet employees are often reluctant to share negative information. This paper aims to gain insight into which employees will be reluctant to share negative information and when by drawing from the proactive motivation literature examining effects of proactive personality and motivational states on individuals’ willingness to share negative information. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional design was used, with data collected from a final sample of 393 individuals via an online survey. Hypotheses were tested using correlation and hierarchical multiple regression analyses. Findings Interactive effects indicate proactive individuals with accompanying high levels of role breadth self-efficacy (“can do”) or high levels of felt responsibility for constructive change (“reason to”) were less likely to be reluctant to share negative information. However, findings also suggest proactive individuals with lower levels of proactive motivation avoid sharing negative information. Originality/value The findings extend what is known about personality factors and employee willingness to share information to highlight which employees may be likely to avoid sharing negative information. The authors also examine the moderating influence of proactive motivational states on the relationships between proactive personality and reluctance to share negative information.

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Doctors’ perception of support and the processes involved in complaints investigations and how these relate to welfare and defensive practice: a cross-sectional survey of the UK physicians

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2017-017856 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 7 (11) ◽

pp. e017856 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Tom Bourne ◽

Bavo De Cock ◽

Laure Wynants ◽

Mike Peters ◽

Chantal Van Audenhove ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Online Survey ◽

Well Being ◽

Adverse Outcomes ◽

Perceived Support ◽

Survey Study ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Final Sample ◽

Perception Of Support ◽

The Uk

ObjectiveHow adverse outcomes and complaints are managed may significantly impact on physician well-being and practice. We aimed to investigate how depression, anxiety and defensive medical practice are associated with doctors actual and perceived support, behaviour of colleagues and process issues regarding how complaints investigations are carried out.DesignA survey study. Respondents were classified into three groups: no complaint, recent/current complaint (within 6 months) or past complaint. Each group completed specific surveys.SettingBritish Medical Association (BMA) members were invited to complete an online survey.Participants95 636 members of the BMA were asked to participate. 7926 (8.3%) completed the survey, of whom 1780 (22.5%) had no complaint, 3889 (49.1%) had a past complaint and 2257 (28.5%) had a recent/current complaint. We excluded those with no complaints leaving 6144 in the final sample.Primary outcomes measuresWe measured anxiety and depression using the Generalised Anxiety Disorder Scale 7 and Physical Health Questionnaire 9. Defensive practice was assessed using a new measure for avoidance and hedging.ResultsMost felt supported by colleagues (61%), only 31% felt supported by management. Not following process (56%), protracted timescales (78%), vexatious complaints (49%), feeling bullied (39%) or victimised for whistleblowing (20%), and using complaints to undermine (31%) were reported. Perceived support by management (relative risk (RR) depression: 0.77, 95% CI 0.71 to 0.83; RR anxiety: 0.80, 95% CI 0.74 to 0.87), speaking to colleagues (RR depression: 0.64, 95% CI 0.48 to 0.84 and RR anxiety: 0.69, 95% CI 0.51 to 0.94, respectively), fair/accurate documentation (RR depression: 0.80, 95% CI 0.75 to 0.86; RR anxiety: 0.81, 95% CI 0.75 to 0.87), and being informed about rights (RR depression 0.96 (0.89 to 1.03) and anxiety 0.94 (0.87 to 1.02), correlated positively with well-being and reduced defensive practice. Doctors worried most about professional humiliation following a complaint investigation (80%).ConclusionPoor process, prolonged timescales and vexatious use of complaints systems are associated with decreased psychological welfare and increased defensive practice. In contrast, perceived support from colleagues and management is associated with a reduction in these effects.

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Evaluating Specimen Quality and Results from a Community-Wide, Home-Based Respiratory Surveillance Study

10.1101/2020.12.07.415653 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Ashley E. Kim ◽

Elisabeth Brandstetter ◽

Naomi Wilcox ◽

Jessica Heimonen ◽

Chelsey Graham ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Online Survey ◽

Respiratory Infections ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Respiratory Pathogen ◽

Respiratory Pathogens ◽

Sample Collection ◽

Community Based ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Home Based ◽

Pathogen Screening

AbstractIntroductionWhile influenza and other respiratory pathogens cause significant morbidity and mortality, the community-based burden of these infections remains incompletely understood. The development of novel methods to detect respiratory infections is essential for mitigating epidemics and developing pandemic-preparedness infrastructure.MethodsFrom October 2019 to March 2020, we conducted a home-based cross-sectional study in the greater Seattle area, utilizing electronic consent and data collection instruments. Participants received nasal swab collection kits via rapid delivery within 24 hours of self-reporting respiratory symptoms. Samples were returned to the laboratory and were screened for 26 respiratory pathogens and a human marker. Participant data were recorded via online survey at the time of sample collection and one week later.ResultsOf the 4,572 consented participants, 4,359 (95.3%) received a home swab kit, and 3,648 (83.7%) returned a nasal specimen for respiratory pathogen screening. The 3,638 testable samples had a mean RNase P CRT value of 19.0 (SD: 3.4) and 1,232 (33.9%) samples had positive results for one or more pathogens, including 645 (17.7%) influenza-positive specimens. Among the testable samples, the median time between shipment of the home swab kit and completion of laboratory testing was 8 days [IQR: 7.0-14.0].DiscussionHome-based surveillance using online participant enrollment and specimen self-collection is a feasible method for community-level monitoring of influenza and other respiratory pathogens, which can readily be adapted for use during pandemics.

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Drug Use Changes at the Individual Level: Results from a Longitudinal, Multisite Survey in Young Europeans Frequenting the Nightlife Scene

European Addiction Research ◽

10.1159/000520118 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-6

Author(s):

Meryem Grabski ◽

Jon Waldron ◽

Tom P. Freeman ◽

Claire Mokrysz ◽

Ruben J.J. van Beek ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Drug Use ◽

Online Survey ◽

Prescription Opioids ◽

Alkyl Nitrates ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Individual Level ◽

The Past ◽

Frequency Of Use ◽

The Individual

Background: Monitoring emerging trends in the increasingly dynamic European drug market is vital; however, information on change at the individual level is scarce. In the current study, we investigated changes in drug use over 12 months in European nightlife attendees. Method: In this longitudinal online survey, changes in substances used, use frequency in continued users, and relative initiation of use at follow-up were assessed for 20 different substances. To take part, participants had to be aged 18–34 years; be from Belgium, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden, or the UK; and have attended at least 6 electronic music events in the past 12 months at baseline. Of 8,045 volunteers at baseline, 2,897 completed the survey at both time points (36% follow-up rate), in 2017 and 2018. Results: The number of people using ketamine increased by 21% (p < 0.001), and logarithmized frequency of use in those continuing use increased by 15% (p < 0.001; 95% CI: 0.07–0.23). 4-Fluoroamphetamine use decreased by 27% (p < 0.001), and logarithmized frequency of use in continuing users decreased by 15% (p < 0.001, 95% CI: −0.48 to −0.23). The drugs with the greatest proportion of relative initiation at follow-up were synthetic cannabinoids (73%, N = 30), mephedrone (44%, N = 18), alkyl nitrites (42%, N = 147), synthetic dissociatives (41%, N = 15), and prescription opioids (40%, N = 48). Conclusions: In this European nightlife sample, ketamine was found to have the biggest increase in the past 12 months, which occurred alongside an increase in frequency of use in continuing users. The patterns of uptake and discontinuation of alkyl nitrates, novel psychoactive substances, and prescription opioids provide new information that has not been captured by existing cross-sectional surveys. These findings demonstrate the importance of longitudinal assessments of drug use and highlight the dynamic nature of the European drug landscape.

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Dietary Changes Among Breastfeeding Mothers

Journal of Human Lactation ◽

10.1177/0890334420959283 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 089033442095928

Author(s):

Marina Iacovou ◽

Peter R. Gibson ◽

Jane G. Muir

Keyword(s):

Online Survey ◽

Mixed Methods Design ◽

Milk Chocolate ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Dietary Changes ◽

Food Avoidance ◽

Infant Crying ◽

The Past ◽

Period 2 ◽

Food And Beverage

Background Breastfeeding mothers have been avoiding foods in their diet based on ancient beliefs that it can prevent/reduce unsettled infant crying–fussing behavior. Research aims This study aimed to explore (1) the prevalence of maternal dietary changes during the postpartum period; (2) the demographic and infant feeding differences between women who made dietary changes and those who did not; (3) the reasons for dietary change; and (4) what specific foods were avoided. Methods A prospective, cross-sectional 2-group comparison using an online survey mixed-methods design was advertised via social media and Australian websites. Anonymous volunteers who were presently breastfeeding or had breastfed for any length of time in the past were eligible. Results Of 1,262 participants, 966 (77%) avoided foods/beverages in their diet. The most commonly avoided beverages were alcohol (79%) and coffee (44%), and the most commonly avoided foods were chili (22%), milk-chocolate (22%), cabbage (20%), onion (20%), and garlic (16%). Reasons for dietary avoidance related to baby being unsettled (31%), baby having wind/gas (29%), colic (11%), and crying (10%). Of 245 participants who removed dairy, 80 (33%) did not substitute with calcium-rich alternatives. Food and beverage avoidance commenced as early as 1 week postpartum and continued until mean ( SD) infant age of 9 (5) months. Conclusions It is commonplace for breastfeeding mothers to avoid foods and beverages for reasons associated with infantile colic. Of major concern is the duration of food avoidance during a time of increased nutritional requirements. This information may assist in improving the nutritional support given to breastfeeding mothers.

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Associations between the number of children, age at childbirths and prevalence of chronic low back pain: the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-020-09480-0 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Ingrid Heuch ◽

Ivar Heuch ◽

Knut Hagen ◽

Kjersti Storheim ◽

John-Anker Zwart

Keyword(s):

Low Back Pain ◽

Back Pain ◽

Prevalence Ratio ◽

Health Study ◽

Low Back ◽

Community Based ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Number Of Children ◽

Cross Sectional Design ◽

Generalised Linear Modelling

Abstract Background Associations between childbirths and subsequent risk of low back pain (LBP) have not been clarified. Changes in sex hormone levels or lumbar posture during pregnancy may have an impact on LBP later in life. The purpose of this study was to explore associations between the number of childbirths, age at childbirths and prevalence of chronic LBP in a general population of women. Methods Data were obtained from the Norwegian community-based Nord-Trøndelag Health Study, HUNT2 (1995–1997). Women aged 20–69 years indicated whether they suffered from chronic LBP, defined as LBP persisting at least 3 months continuously during last year. Information about LBP was collected from 3936 women who had experienced no childbirths, 3143 women who had delivered one child only and 20,584 women who had delivered 2 or more children. Of these, 7339 women reported chronic LBP. The 595 women who were pregnant when information was collected were considered separately, regardless of previous births, with 80 women reporting chronic LBP. Associations with prevalence of chronic LBP were examined by generalised linear modelling with adjustment for potential confounders in a cross-sectional design. Results Women who had delivered one child only showed a higher prevalence of chronic LBP than women with no childbirths (prevalence ratio (PR) 1.11; 95% CI: 1.01–1.22). Among women with one or more childbirths, no overall change in prevalence could be demonstrated with an increasing number of children in analyses adjusted for age at first delivery. In women with at least two childbirths, an age less than 20 years at first childbirth was associated with an increased prevalence of chronic LBP (PR 1.36; 95% CI: 1.25–1.49; compared with age 25–29 years). No association was observed between age at last delivery and chronic LBP. The lowest prevalence of chronic LBP was found among women who were currently pregnant (PR 0.80; 95% CI: 0.63–1.00; compared with women with no childbirths). Conclusions Having experienced at least one childbirth seems to be associated with a higher prevalence of chronic LBP later in life. A young age at first childbirth is also associated with a long-lasting increased prevalence.

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Learned Helplessness and Depressive Symptoms Following Myocardial Infarction

Clinical Nursing Research ◽

10.1177/1054773816689752 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 27 (5) ◽

pp. 597-616 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Benjamin A. Smallheer ◽

Michael Vollman ◽

Mary S. Dietrich

Keyword(s):

Myocardial Infarction ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Learned Helplessness ◽

Care Staff ◽

Health Care Staff ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Past ◽

Treatment Plans ◽

Cross Sectional Design ◽

The Relationship

Psychosocial factors are known to impact depressive symptoms across clinical populations. Learned helplessness has the potential of affecting depressive symptoms following acute myocardial infarction (AMI), though little is known about this relationship. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between learned helplessness and depressive symptoms in patients following an AMI. Using a descriptive cross-sectional design, participants with a diagnosed AMI within the past 12 months were recruited. Standardized instruments and measures were used to evaluate learned helplessness and depressive symptoms. A statistically significant direct relationship was found between learned helplessness and depressive symptoms, suggesting that individuals with higher self-reported levels of learned helplessness also reported more depressive symptoms. These results indicate learned helplessness is associated with depressive symptoms in individuals following an AMI. In developing post-AMI treatment plans, health care staff should focus on psychologic points of intervention to the same extent as physiologic interventions.

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Antecedents for user intention to adopt another auction site

Internet Research ◽

10.1108/intr-07-2012-0144 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 24 (2) ◽

pp. 205-222 ◽

Cited By ~ 20

Author(s):

Fan-Chen Tseng ◽

Ching-I. Teng

Keyword(s):

Design Methodology ◽

Online Survey ◽

Network Externality ◽

Online Auction ◽

Novelty Seeking ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

User Intention ◽

Content Type ◽

Intention To Adopt ◽

Cross Sectional Design

Purpose – Multiple adoption (the adoption of another auction site in addition to the present one) enables startup or non-leading firms to survive and grow by eroding the customer bases of market leaders. Thus understanding multiple adoption is important. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to propose and examines antecedents of user intention to adopt another online auction site. Design/methodology/approach – This study utilized a cross-sectional design and an online survey, obtaining 495 valid responses. Findings – Analytical results indicate that self-efficacy and inherent novelty seeking contribute to the intention to adopt another auction site. Moreover, transaction opportunities enhance the intention. Perceived network externality also increases the intention. However, perceived relational switching costs reduce such intention. Originality/value – This study is new in investigating why users intend to use another auction site and identifying the antecedents.

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Preferred rehabilitation setting among stroke survivors in Nigeria and associated personal factors

African Journal of Disability ◽

10.4102/ajod.v7i0.352 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 7 ◽

Author(s):

Grace Vincent-Onabajo ◽

Zulaiha Mohammed

Keyword(s):

Inpatient Rehabilitation ◽

Outpatient Setting ◽

Outpatient Rehabilitation ◽

Personal Factors ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Community Based ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Home Based ◽

Community Based Rehabilitation ◽

Cross Sectional Design

Background: Incorporating patients’ preferences in the care they receive is an important component of evidence-based practice and patient-centred care.Objective: This study assessed stroke patients’ preferences regarding rehabilitation settings.Methods: A cross-sectional design was used to examine preferences of stroke patients receiving physiotherapy at three hospitals in Northern Nigeria. Personal factors and preferred rehabilitation setting data were obtained using the Modified Rankin Scale (to assess global disability) and a researcher-developed questionnaire. Associations between preferences and personal factors were explored using bivariate statistics.Results: Sixty stroke patients whose mean age was 53.6 ± 14.8 years participated in the study. Most of the participants (38.3%) preferred an outpatient setting, 19 (31.7%) preferred rehabilitation in their homes, 14 chose inpatient rehabilitation (23.3%), while 4 (6.7%) preferred the community. Age and source of finance were significantly associated with preferences. The majority (66.7%) of those aged ≥ 65 years expressed a preference for rehabilitation in the home or community (X2 = 6.80; p = 0.03). Similarly, most of the participants (53.3%) who depended on family finances preferred home- or community-based rehabilitation, while most of those who depended on employment income for finances preferred an outpatient rehabilitation setting (X2 = 16.80; p = 0.01).Conclusion: A preference for rehabilitation in outpatient facilities predominated followed by home-based rehabilitation, and preferences varied based on age and source of finance. These variations in preferences have implications for making rehabilitation decisions.

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