scholarly journals Feasibility and Barriers of an Olfactory Training Intervention

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 843-844
Author(s):  
Natalia López-Bago Cid ◽  
Tomiko Yoneda ◽  
Nathan Lewis ◽  
Michael Willden ◽  
Anna Nelson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Technology Use ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Olfactory Dysfunction ◽  
Intervention Programs ◽  
Training Intervention ◽  
Group Data ◽  
Demographic Questionnaire ◽  
Genetic And Environmental Factors ◽  
Older Populations ◽  
Olfactory Training

Abstract Olfactory dysfunction is a common issue in late-life and can be an early indicator for neurodegenerative diseases. Further, olfactory interventions not only improve olfaction but have shown promise for the delay and treatment of dementia. This study aimed to better understand the feasibility and barriers of implementing an olfactory intervention. Participants (N=23) between the ages of 52-86 (mean=71) years were recruited from the community. A demographic questionnaire showed participants were all non-smokers and identified as women (70%), men (26%), and transgender (4%). The majority were married (61%), while some were separated or divorced (17%), widowed (13%), or single (9%). Four focus groups, guided by both structured and open-ended questions, were conducted and audio-recorded with 3-7 unique participants per group. Data were transcribed, thematically analyzed, and independently coded, which resulted in three overarching themes: (1) cognitive, genetic, and environmental factors of smell, (2) methods to reduce barriers and increase the feasibility of an intervention, and (3) flexibility with technology use. Findings suggest that implementing an olfactory intervention is feasible and of interest to older populations especially when provided with detailed training protocols that have flexibility in the amount of technology used within the study. Barriers included sensitivity to smells, allergies, and dexterity issues. Reducing these barriers will facilitate implementation and decrease the likelihood of attrition. Consulting the target population provides insights into barriers, participant interest, and can assist with the development of training and intervention programs.

scholarly journals Postinfectious Olfactory Dysfunction: Oral Steroids and Olfactory Training versus Olfactory Training Alone: Is There any Benefit from Steroids?

ORL ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Sotiria Genetzaki ◽  
Evangelia Tsakiropoulou ◽  
Vasilios Nikolaidis ◽  
Konstantinos Markou ◽  
Iordanis Konstantinidis
Keyword(s):  
Olfactory Dysfunction ◽  
Olfactory Function ◽  
Line Treatment ◽  
First Line ◽  
Olfactory Testing ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Oral Steroids ◽  
Group A ◽  
Olfactory Training ◽  
First Line Treatment

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> There are limited treatment options for postinfectious olfactory dysfunction (PIOD). Olfactory training has recently been used in clinical practice, but no medical treatment is widely accepted. Although there is weak evidence for their value, some physicians use oral corticosteroids as first-line treatment. The aim of this study was to compare combined oral methylprednisolone and olfactory training with olfactory training alone in the management of PIOD. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> This prospective cohort study included 131 patients with PIOD over a 2-year period before the COVID-19 pandemic. Seventy-eight patients who were treated with oral methylprednisolone and olfactory training (group A) were compared with 53 patients who were treated with olfactory training only (group B). Olfactory function was evaluated with “Sniffin’ Sticks” at baseline and 2, 8, and 16 weeks after initial assessment. Patients who improved after steroid treatment underwent magnetic resonance imaging of the paranasal sinuses, skin prick tests, lung spirometry, and sputum eosinophil assessment. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Oral steroids improved 19.23% of patients (<i>n</i> = 15) of group A. History, clinical evaluation, imaging, and laboratory tests identified an inflammatory background in half of them (<i>n</i> = 8). The remaining 7 had no findings of nasal inflammation, and all had a short history of olfactory dysfunction. Both groups significantly improved in olfactory testing results at the end of the olfactory training scheme without significant difference between them. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> The percentage of improved patients after oral methylprednisolone was relatively low to suggest it as first-line treatment. Half of the improved patients had an underlying upper airway inflammatory condition not related to the infection that caused the acute loss of olfactory function.

Olfactory Training Using Heavy and Light Weight Molecule Odors

Perception ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 46 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 343-351 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophia C. Poletti ◽  
Elisabeth Michel ◽  
Thomas Hummel
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Weight ◽  
Olfactory Dysfunction ◽  
Light Weight ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Olfactory Loss ◽  
Short Term Exposure ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Phenyl Ethyl Alcohol ◽  
A Prospective Study ◽  
Olfactory Training

Background Repeated short-term exposure to odors is known to improve olfaction in patients with acquired olfactory dysfunction. The aim was to find out whether differences in molecular weight of odors used for olfactory training influences olfaction. We hypothesized a greater improvement following training with light weight molecule (LWM) odors. Methods A prospective study was performed in patients with posttraumatic (PTOL) and postviral olfactory loss (PVOL). Olfactory training was performed over a period of 5 months. One group ( n = 48) used four odors containing heavy weight molecules (HWM; >150 g/mol) and another ( n = 48) containing LWM (<150 g/mol). Olfaction was tested before and after the training using the Sniffin’ Sticks test. Results Olfactory training was associated with olfactory improvement, with the improvement in PVOL patients being three times greater than that seen in the PTOL group. Compared with LWM training, HWM training was associated with a significantly greater improvement in Phenyl Ethyl Alcohol (PEA) threshold scores in PVOL patients; however, no such improvement could be shown for other subtests or in PTOL patients. Conclusion Overall, training was associated with olfactory improvement. With the exception of threshold scores in PVOL, there were no significant differences between LWM and HWM groups.

scholarly journals Effects of olfactory training on resting-state effective connectivity in patients with posttraumatic olfactory dysfunction

2020 ◽  
Vol 80 (4) ◽  
pp. 381-388
Author(s):  
Kianoosh Hosseini ◽  
Arash Zare-Sadeghi ◽  
Saeed Sadigh-Eteghad ◽  
Marjan Mirsalehi ◽  
Davood Khezerloo
Keyword(s):  
Resting State ◽  
Effective Connectivity ◽  
Olfactory Dysfunction ◽  
Olfactory Training

scholarly journals Clinical effects of two combinations of olfactory agents on olfactory dysfunction after upper respiratory tract infection during olfactory training

2020 ◽  
Vol 66 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiao-Feng Qiao ◽  
Yin-Huan Bai ◽  
Guo-Ping Wang ◽  
Xin Li ◽  
Wei Zheng
Keyword(s):  
Tract Infection ◽  
Respiratory Tract ◽  
Respiratory Tract Infection ◽  
Therapeutic Effect ◽  
Odor Discrimination ◽  
Olfactory Dysfunction ◽  
Clinical Effects ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Upper Respiratory ◽  
Olfactory Training

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE To compare two combinations of olfactory agents for olfactory training therapy of olfactory dysfunction after upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) and investigate the influencing factors on clinical effects. METHODS 125 patients with olfactory dysfunction were randomly divided into two groups: test and control. During the olfactory training, four odors were used in both groups. The olfactory training lasted for 24 weeks. Then, participants were tested using Sniffin’ Sticks and threshold-discrimination-identification (TDI) composite scoring before treatment and at 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment. The TDI scores were compared at different time points between the groups and within them, and influence factors were analyzed. RESULTS There was no significant difference in TDI scores between both groups. Furthermore, TDI scores did not significantly change after one month of treatment in either of the groups. After 3 and 6 months of treatment, TDI scores both significantly increased, and the odor discrimination and identification abilities significantly strengthened in both groups; however, the odor thresholds did not improve. The course of the disease was a significant influencing factor on the therapeutic effect of olfactory training for both groups. CONCLUSION The combination of essential balm, vinegar, alcohol, and rose perfume for olfactory training, which are scents commonly found in daily life, can effectively cure URTI-induced olfactory dysfunction, and significantly improve the odor discrimination and identification abilities. Furthermore, prolonging the treatment time can help with the recovery of olfactory functions, and earlier olfactory training can improve the therapeutic effect.

Use of olfactory training in post-traumatic and postinfectious olfactory dysfunction

2013 ◽  
Vol 123 (12) ◽  
pp. E85-E90 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iordanis Konstantinidis ◽  
Evangelia Tsakiropoulou ◽  
Paschalia Bekiaridou ◽  
Chrysa Kazantzidou ◽  
Jannis Constantinidis
Keyword(s):  
Olfactory Dysfunction ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
Olfactory Training

scholarly journals Native American Diabetes Prevention Intervention Programs

2016 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 26-36
Author(s):  
Yue Dong ◽  
Maria Collado ◽  
Paul Branscum
Keyword(s):  
Native American ◽  
American Indian ◽  
American Indians ◽  
Alaska Native ◽  
Diabetes Prevention ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Intervention Programs ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Female Population

Background and Purpose: Diabetes is one of the biggest health problems for the American Indian and Alaska Native communities. The purpose of this study was to review lifestyle based diabetes interventions from January 1995 to January 2015. Methods: The target population within this systematic review was adult American Indians and Alaska Natives. Four databases (Medline, Google Scholar, PsychINFO, and JSTOR) were used to find articles, of which nine articles met the inclusion criteria of being either an intervention or prevention program that reported at least one physiological or biological indicator of diabetes. Results: Among the nine articles reviewed, six articles showed significant changes of physiological indicators. Three of the studies only targeted the female population. Most of the programs lasted between 6 to 12 months. A major limitation among intervention or prevention programs was an inadequate use of a theoretical behavior change model. Conclusion: Overall, it was found that physical activities and diet -based methods have the potential for diabetes prevention and intervention programs among American Indian and Alaska Native populations. Recommendations for future research include using randomized controlled trial research design, and using theory to guide program development.

scholarly journals PENINGKATAN KOMPETENSI KERJA MELALUI INTERVENSI PELATIHAN

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 71
Author(s):  
Masduki Masduki
Keyword(s):  
Target Population ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Training Intervention ◽  
Business Unit ◽  
Entire Sample ◽  
Simple Regression Model ◽  
Data Collection Instrument ◽  
Advance Information ◽  
Independent Variable

This research aimed at testing and analyzing the influence of training intervention on the improvement of employees’ work competence in globalization era. This research used correlation survey method between independent variable of training intervention (X) and dependent variable of working competence (Y). Regression analysis was used to determine the correlation model between independent variable Y (work competence) and dependent variable, training intervention (X), whereas correlation analysis was used to determine the strength or weakness between Y variable (working competence) and X (training competence). The target population in this research is the employees of Kimia Farma Apotek in Depok City business unit, the level of employees in this research are assistant manager, supervisor, and clerks. The total number of population is 96 employees; the entire population is also the entire sample. The data collection instrument is Likert scale questionnaire.             The result of the  research are: a) in this advance information and technological era, training still gives positive and strong influence to improve the working competence of the employees, especially related to improvement of motivation to achieve organizational targets and objectives; b) improvement of employees’ working competence through training can be predicted by using the simple regression model of Y= 0,878 + 0,777 X; c) training gives 45.5% influence toward the improvement of employees’ working competence and the rest 55.5% is predicted by other factors such as, working environment, leaders’ support, reward system, facilities and infrastructure support, etc.  

Caring for people who take care: What is already done?

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Carolina Oliveira ◽  
Gabriela Fonseca ◽  
Neide P. Areia ◽  
Luciana Sotero ◽  
Ana Paula Relvas
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Intervention Programs ◽  
The Family ◽  
Psychological Symptomatology ◽  
Care Approach

Abstract Objective The growing prevalence and impact of cancer on the family system calls for a palliative care approach with the family as the unit of care. This study aimed at providing an overview of the intervention programs that have been developed to offer support to the family caregivers of oncologic patients receiving palliative care. Method Sixteen articles were included in the final review, encompassing (i) studies focused on intervention programs with family caregivers of cancer patients in palliative care, (ii) studies including a pre- and post-test evaluation of the intervention program, (iii) and studies whose cancer patients were at least 18 years old. Results A great heterogeneity was verified with respect to care settings, number of sessions, outcome measures, or timing of assessment within the reviewed programs. These findings mirrored the complexity of the palliative care approach, which is difficult to standardize. Nonetheless, some interventions with different features accomplished good and sometimes similar results. The studies’ main outcomes were clustered in five categories: psychological symptomatology, general quality of life, caregiving role, family relational variables, and bereavement/grief. Moreover, 44% of the main outcomes were psychological symptomatology of family caregivers, with an emphasis toward anxiety and depression. Also shown was a growing emergence of technology use among these interventions. Significance of results Results revealed a scarcity of family-oriented programs and lack of certified mental health professionals as interventionists. Future studies and interventions should focus on the positive outcomes of the caregiving experience and must acknowledge the cultural differences when trying to replicate programs. Considering that there is no precise formula for dealing with terminal illness and grief, we submit that family-centered and systemic lenses are excellent approaches for support during this adjustment process. In conclusion, the present study advocates for increased investment in the field, underscoring the importance of family caregivers’ mental health.

scholarly journals Information Communication Technology Use Related Challenges and their Coping Strategies in Monastic Religious Life

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 23-39
Author(s):  
Catherine A. Muthoki Mutuku ◽  
◽  
Chrispine Ouma Nyandiwa ◽  
Bibiana Ngundo ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Communication Technology ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Information Communication Technology ◽  
Religious Life ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Information Communication

The study attempted to investigate the challenges that the monastic religious encounter in the use of information communication technologies with reference to internet, mobile phones, computers/laptops and digital televisions; and their coping strategies, a case of the Missionary Benedictine Sisters of Tutzing (MBST) in Nairobi Priory, Kenya. The world today is witnessing tremendous changes and development in the information and communication technologies. However, there is scanty literature that addresses the challenges and the strategies that can be used by religious consecrated men and women, to cope up with the modern communication technologies effectively. The study employed sequential explanatory mixed methods. The target population included the perpetually professed sisters, junior sisters in the leadership team (superiors, formators and administrators) of the monastic religious congregation of the MBST Nairobi Priory, Kenya. Questionnaires, interviews and focus group discussion (FGD) were the instruments used to collect data. The findings of the study in which both the challenges and the strategies were presented in a 4-point Likert scale and respondents were asked to indicate their choices from; 4=Strongly agree, 3=Agree, 2=Disagree, 1=Strongly disagree revealed that: With the challenges the use of ICTs pose to the monastic lifestyle (community life and the evangelical counsels); majority of them in all the 14 challenges presented, agreed and strongly agreed to them. Likewise the interviews and FGD had similar experiences with the same challenges. The strategies for coping up with the challenges too showed similar responses to a greater extent in agreement. From the study it is clear that, as monastic religious, the MBST cannot not afford to be alien to the modern means of communication as they are the chief means of information and education, of guidance and inspiration. Since they are unavoidably embedded in daily life, the religious consecrated should use them conscientiously and responsibly to become a factor of humanization, which calls for a proper formation of conscience. Keywords: Information Communication Technology, Challenges, Coping Strategies, Monastic Religious Life, Missionary Benedictine Sisters of Tutzing, Kenya

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document