scholarly journals 52 KneuroKnits: Evaluating social participation and anxiety response associated with participation in a knitting group for youth with neurological conditions (pilot study)

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. e21-e22
Author(s):  
Alisha Kapur ◽  
Melanie Penner ◽  
Jenny Nguyen ◽  
Justine Wiegelmann ◽  
Laura Hartman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Analysis ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorders ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Social Skill ◽  
Brain Injuries ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Final Session ◽  
Neurological Conditions ◽  
Anxiety Levels ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Knitting as a creative practice has a reputation for being therapeutic. There are many programs that use crafts as a method of creating social community and reducing anxiety for youth; however, there is no existing research that demonstrates these benefits. We designed a novel study to explore the benefits of a social skills knitting group on engagement and anxiety for youth with neurodevelopmental disorders. Objectives 1. To evaluate the social engagement experience of youth with neurological conditions participating in the KneuroKnits program. 2. Evaluate the impact of KneuroKnits intervention on anxiety levels of participants. Design/Methods We designed a 4-week knitting group for youth with neurodevelopmental disorders and acquired brain injuries. Each session included a lesson involving a knitting skill and a social skill. To evaluate social engagement, we used the Self-reported Experience of Activity Settings (SEAS) questionnaire at the first and final sessions. The five subcategories of the SEAS (Personal Growth, Psychological Engagement, Social Belonging, Meaningful Interactions and Choice & Control) were analyzed following the first and the last session. Qualitative interviews were conducted with participants, parents, and facilitators in the month following the final session and were analyzed using an interpretive phenomenological approach to outline commonly occurring themes in social engagement. To evaluate anxiety levels, participants completed the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) at the beginning and end of the first and final sessions, respectively, and the Symptom Checklist-90-R (SCL-90) anxiety subscale; qualitative analysis included themes involving levels of anxiety from the interviews. Results There were 14 total participants with a mean age of 17.4 ± 2.2 years. Participants had primary diagnoses of ASD (n=9), acquired brain injury/concussion (n=4), and developmental coordination disorder (n=1). Social engagement results for the SEAS questionnaire showed a general increase in mean scores of all subcategories with a significant increase in the category of “Meaningful Interactions (p=0.02). This quantitatively demonstrated that the group had an impact on creating meaningful social connection. Qualitative analysis of the interviews revealed three commonly occurring themes: The balance of organic and facilitated social interaction, a sense of community from shared experience and direct benefits of knitting (pride, productivity, relaxation, a choice to be social). For the evaluation of anxiety levels, the STAI demonstrated a significant decrease in anxiety following both Session 1 (p=0.02) and Session 4 (p=0.006). The SCL-90-R Anxiety subsection scores significantly decreased between the first and final session (p=0.01). Participants voiced that the sessions made them feel calmer. Conclusion This knitting group merged a creative skill and social skill, and was novel in its approach to studying social engagement and anxiety within this population. Our study found that participants, their families and facilitators found KneuroKnits to be a valuable and rewarding program. Further study is needed in a larger sample to confirm our findings.

The Impact of Peer Mentoring on Loneliness, Depression, and Social Engagement in Long-Term Care

2020 ◽  
pp. 073346482091093 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristine A. Theurer ◽  
Robyn I. Stone ◽  
Melinda J. Suto ◽  
Virpi Timonen ◽  
Susan G. Brown ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Engagement ◽  
Peer Mentoring ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Medium Effect ◽  
Mentoring Program ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
The Impact

Loneliness, depression, and social isolation are common among people living in long-term care homes, despite the activities provided. We examined the impact of a new peer mentoring program called Java Mentorship on mentees’ loneliness, depression, and social engagement, and described their perceptions of the visits. We conducted a mixed-methods approach in 10 homes in Ontario, Canada, and enrolled residents as mentees ( n = 74). We used quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to understand their experience. After 6 months, mentees ( n = 43) showed a 30% reduction in depression ( p = .02, d = .76), a 12% reduction in loneliness ( p = .02, d = .76), and a 60% increase in the number of monthly programs attended ( p = .01, d = .37), with small-to-medium effect sizes. The analysis of mentee’s interviews revealed positive perceptions. This program offers an innovative, nonpharmacological alternative to the treatment of loneliness and depression.

scholarly journals Living With the Burden of Pseudobulbar Affect: A Qualitative Analysis of the Effects of Education on Patient Experience

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (6) ◽  
pp. 1324-1330 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wendy Turell ◽  
Anne Roc ◽  
Erik Pioro ◽  
Alexandra Howson
Keyword(s):  
Neurological Diseases ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Virtual Education ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Effective Mechanism ◽  
Pseudobulbar Affect ◽  
Neurological Conditions ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Education Symposium ◽  
Insight Into

Pseudobulbar affect (PBA) is associated with several neurological diseases and is underrecognized in clinical practice; however, PBA symptoms are often attributed to psychiatric or mood disorders rather than to neurological etiology. Until recently, there were no US Food and Drug Administration therapies approved for treating this condition, and there are currently few resources to support patients in the recognition and self-management of PBA symptoms. We evaluated the impact of a virtual education symposium on patient knowledge and self-efficacy via qualitative interviews. This evaluation of education impact provides unique insight into the experience of managing PBA symptoms; suggests that there is extensive need for educational resources to support patients with PBA and enable them to engage effectively with their providers; and affirms that online learning is an effective mechanism for delivering education to patients that enables them to more effectively self-manage symptoms in the context of chronic neurological conditions such as PBA.

scholarly journals EFFECTS OF SOCIAL SUPPORT ON PERSONS’ NEUROLOGICAL WELL-BEING:IMPLICATIONS FROM CROSS-CULTURAL STUDIES

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S817-S817
Author(s):  
Nan Jiang ◽  
Jing Wang
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Potential Effect ◽  
Health Improvement ◽  
Neuropsychological Disorders ◽  
Neurological Conditions ◽  
New Perspective ◽  
The Impact

Abstract The impact of social determinants on health is well documented. Among them, social support has emerged as one of the most important old ideas being revisited from a new perspective. Social support refers to perceived supportive resources from an individual’s social engagement or social network. Recently, the concept of social support has become the subject of intense discussion, as it represents a mechanism by which interventions lead to health improvement. Neuropsychological disorders, on the other hand, represent a large burden on worldwide health. Research has shown that older adults with neurological conditions are embedded in social structures that may affect their outcomes, but not enough attention has been paid to the potential effect of social support on many neurological conditions. Using data collected from studies across cultures that have sought to understand neurological well-being worldwide, this symposium will present evidence of the relationship between social support and neurological conditions among older adults and explore how these mechanisms of social support extend the understanding of health disparities in old-age neurological wellbeing. A discussant will draw out common themes from these papers and connect them with the broader literature on the effect of social support on neurological well-being. We propose that social support constitutes an integral part of medical care for older adults with neurological conditions. This symposium will generate insights to help clinical practitioners more effectively design their social support interventions.

Contact precautions for colonisation with multidrug-resistant organisms and haemodialysis patient quality of life and mood: a pilot case-control study

2019 ◽  
pp. 19-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rathika Krishnasamy
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Social Function ◽  
Multidrug Resistant ◽  
Contact Precautions ◽  
Dialysis Vintage ◽  
Multidrug Resistant Organisms ◽  
And Gender ◽  
The Impact

Background: The rate of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO) colonisation in dialysis populations has increased over time. This study aimed to assess the effect of contact precautions and isolation on quality of life and mood for haemodialysis (HD) patients colonised with MDRO. Methods: Patients undergoing facility HD completed the Kidney Disease Quality of Life (KDQOL–SFTM), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Personal Wellbeing-Index Adult (PWI-A). Patients colonised with MDRO were case-matched by age and gender with patients not colonised. Results: A total of 16 MDRO-colonised patients were matched with 16 controls. Groups were well matched for demographics and co-morbidities, other than a trend for older dialysis vintage in the MDRO group [7.2 years (interquartile range 4.6–10.0) compared to 3.2 (1.4–7.6) years, p=0.05]. Comparing MDRO-positive with negative patients, physical (30.5±10.7 vs. 34.6±7.3; p=0.2) and mental (46.5±11.2 vs. 48.5±12.5; p = 0.6) composite scores were not different between groups. The MDRO group reported poorer sleep quality (p=0.01) and sleep patterns (p=0.05), and lower social function (p=0.02). BDI scores were similar (MDRO-positive 10(3.5–21.0) vs. MDRO-negative 12(6.5–16.0), p=0.6). PWI-A scores were also similar in both groups; however, MDRO patients reported lower scores for “feeling safe”, p=0.03. Conclusion: While overall scores of quality of life and depression were similar between groups, the MDRO group reported poorer outcomes in sleep and social function. A larger cohort and qualitative interviews may give more detail of the impact of contact precautions and isolation on HD patients. The necessity for contact precautions for different MDRO needs consideration.

The Oxford Handbook of Adult Cognitive Disorders

2019 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorders ◽  
Brain Aging ◽  
Cognitive Disorders ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
Medical Specialties ◽  
Psychiatric Illnesses ◽  
Medical Disorders ◽  
The Impact

The prevalence of cognitive impairment caused by neurodegenerative diseases and other neurologic disorders associated with aging is expected to rise dramatically between now and year 2050, when the population of Americans aged 65 or older will nearly double. Cognitive impairment also commonly occurs in other neurologic conditions, as well as in non-neurologic medical disorders (and their treatments), idiopathic psychiatric illnesses, and adult neurodevelopmental disorders. Cognitive impairment can thus infiltrate all aspects of healthcare, making it necessary for clinicians and clinical researchers to have an integrated knowledge of the spectrum of adult cognitive disorders. The Oxford Handbook of Adult Cognitive Disorders is meant to serve as an up-to-date, scholarly, and comprehensive volume covering most diseases, conditions, and injuries resulting in impairments in cognitive function in adults. Topics covered include normal cognitive and brain aging, the impact of medical disorders (e.g., cardiovascular, liver, pulmonary) and psychiatric illnesses (e.g., depression and bipolar disorder) on cognitive function, adult neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., Down Syndrome, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), as well as the various neurological conditions (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, concussion). A section of the Handbook is also dedicated to unique perspectives and special considerations for the clinicians and clinical researchers, covering topics such as cognitive reserve, genetics, diversity, and neuroethics. The target audience of this Handbook includes: (1) clinicians, particularly psychologists, neuropsychologists, neurologists (including behavioral and cognitive neurologists), geriatricians, and psychiatrists (including neuropsychiatrists), who provide clinical care and management for adults with a diverse range of cognitive disorders; (2) clinical researchers who investigate cognitive outcomes and functioning in adult populations; and (3) graduate level students and post-doctoral trainees studying psychology, clinical neuroscience, and various medical specialties.

scholarly journals Vision-related quality of life in adults with severe peripheral vision loss: a qualitative interview study

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryan Lange ◽  
Abigail Kumagai ◽  
Sara Weiss ◽  
Katherine B. Zaffke ◽  
Sherry Day ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Contrast Sensitivity ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Vision Impairment ◽  
Qualitative Interview Study ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Existing patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures may not be relevant to the full range of functional and vision-related quality of life (VR-QOL) concerns of individuals with vision impairment due to severe peripheral field loss (PFL). Measurement of VR-QOL in severe PFL is important in order to determine the effectiveness of vision rehabilitation interventions for this population. The purpose of this study was to characterize the impact of severe PFL due to retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and glaucoma on VR-QOL as the initial phase in the development of a novel PRO measure. Methods Individuals with severe PFL due to RP or glaucoma were recruited from the Kellogg Eye Center and the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Participants completed semi-structured qualitative interviews, the Impact of Vision Impairment (IVI) questionnaire and the RAND 36-Item Health Survey. Interviews were analyzed by two coders using thematic analysis. A matrix analysis was conducted to compare VR-QOL by cause of severe PFL. Sample size was determined by thematic saturation. Results The study included 37 participants (19 RP, 18 glaucoma). Median best-corrected visual acuity for those with RP and glaucoma was 20/40 and 20/27.5, while Pelli-Robson contrast sensitivity was 1.2 log contrast sensitivity (logCS) and 1.1 logCS, respectively. Median domain scores on the IVI (reading, mobility, well-being) ranged from a low of − 0.2 to a high of 0.7 logits in those with RP and from 0.5 to 1.2 logits in those with glaucoma. Qualitative interviews identified six VR-QOL themes relevant across participants with both RP and glaucoma, including activity limitations, driving, emotional well-being, reading, mobility, and social function. VR-QOL concerns were largely consistent among those with severe PFL due to RP and glaucoma. These overarching themes contained content relevant to specific challenges related to severe PFL. Conclusions There are commonly occurring VR-QOL concerns among individuals with severe PFL due to RP and glaucoma. The outlined themes will serve as the basis for development of the Low Vision Severely Constricted Peripheral Eyesight (LV-SCOPE) Questionnaire.

Suicide Loss Survivors: Navigating Social Stigma and Threats to Social Bonds

2021 ◽  
pp. 003022282110265
Author(s):  
Dorothy M. Goulah-Pabst
Keyword(s):  
Social Stigma ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Healing Process ◽  
Personal Narratives ◽  
The Body ◽  
Social Solidarity ◽  
Sociological Study ◽  
Social Challenges ◽  
The Social ◽  
The Impact

The complicated grief experienced by suicide loss survivors leads to feelings of abandonment, rejection, intense self-blame, and depression. Stigma surrounding suicide further burdens survivors who can experience rejection by their community and social networks. Research in the field of psychology has delved into the grieving process of suicide loss survivors, however the effects of suicide require more sociological study to fully understand and support the impact of the suicidal bereavement process on the social interactions and relationships of those left behind after death. This study aims to contribute to the body of research exploring the social challenges faced after the suicide of a loved one. Based on the analysis of powerful personal narratives through qualitative interviews shared by 14 suicide loss survivors this study explores the social construction of the grieving and healing process for suicide loss survivors. Recognizing that the most reliable relief is in commiseration with like experienced people, this research points to the support group as a builder of social solidarity. The alienation caused by the shame and stigma of suicide loss can be reversed by the feelings of attachment to the group that listens, understands and accepts. Groups created by and for suicide loss survivors should be considered a necessary tool to be used toward healing those who suffer from loss by suicide.

631 Sleep SMART in Adolescents with Neurodevelopmental Disorders

SLEEP ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 44 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. A247-A248
Author(s):  
Alyson Hanish ◽  
Abbey Jo Klein ◽  
Therese Mathews ◽  
Ann Berger ◽  
Kevin Kupzyk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sleep Disturbance ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorders ◽  
Sleep Disturbances ◽  
Immediate Release ◽  
Sleep Time ◽  
Normative Values ◽  
Exogenous Melatonin ◽  
Contingency Contracting ◽  
Sleep Questionnaires ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Introduction: Introduction Sleep disturbances are common in adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). Inclusion of vulnerable populations such as adolescents with NDDs into sleep intervention efforts is essential as they are at high-risk for poor physical/mental health outcomes. The objective of this study is to pilot a sequential, multiple assignment, randomized trial (SMART) design to compare the impact of a sequence of sleep interventions, based on treatment response, to optimize sleep health in adolescents with NDDs. Methods: Methods Recruitment began June 2019 using convenience sampling. The SMART pilot feasibility study includes 1-week of baseline sleep data, and two 4-week periods of a sleep intervention (9-week total study enrollment). Interventions include exogenous melatonin, The Bedtime Bank, and their combination. Exogenous melatonin (liquid, immediate release, 3mg) is administered 30 minutes before bedtime. The Bedtime Bank, a behavioral sleep intervention, is based upon contingency contracting that relies on a credit- or debt-based system to hold adolescents accountable for maintaining a consistent bedtime. At baseline participants completed demographics, PROMIS pediatric sleep questionnaires, the Cleveland Adolescent Sleepiness Questionnaire (CASQ), salivary & urinary endogenous melatonin measurement, and one week of actigraphy. Upon enrollment, participants were randomly assigned to either melatonin or The Bedtime Bank. Participants who respond (nightly increase in total sleep time (TST) ≥18 minutes) remain on the assigned intervention; if non-responsive participants are re-randomized to a different sleep intervention or combination. Results: Results At baseline, participants (n=29, aged 10–18 years) had an average TST of 7 hours 11 minutes. PROMIS Sleep Disturbance (M=64.3, SE=2.5), PROMIS Sleep-Related Impairment scores (M=58.9, SE=2.2), and CASQ scores (M=40.0, SD= 10.5) were higher than reported normative values. Salivary DLMO & urinary 6-sulfatoyxmelatonin analysis is ongoing. For participants who completed the full 9-week trial, nearly 30% (n=7/24) were responsive (increased baseline TST ≥18 minutes) to one of the 4-week interventions. Conclusion: Conclusion Baseline data of the enrolled participants demonstrates poor indicators of TST, sleep disturbance, and sleep related impairment. Preliminary results of this SMART indicate some adolescents are responsive to sleep interventions aimed to improve their TST. Support (if any) Support: This clinical trial is funded by the National Institute of Nursing Research, National Institutes of Health (1K01NR017465-01A1).

scholarly journals A Low-Cost Assistive Robot for Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders to Aid in Daily Living Activities

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (8) ◽  
pp. 3974
Author(s):  
Roberto J. López-Sastre ◽  
Marcos Baptista-Ríos ◽  
Francisco Javier Acevedo-Rodríguez ◽  
Soraya Pacheco-da-Costa ◽  
Saturnino Maldonado-Bascón ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neurodevelopmental Disorders ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Children And Youth ◽  
Proof Of Concept ◽  
Robotic Platform ◽  
Assistive Robot ◽  
Technical Details ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Near Future ◽  
Everyday Living

In this paper, we present a new low-cost robotic platform that has been explicitly developed to increase children with neurodevelopmental disorders’ involvement in the environment during everyday living activities. In order to support the children and youth with both the sequencing and learning of everyday living tasks, our robotic platform incorporates a sophisticated online action detection module that is capable of monitoring the acts performed by users. We explain all the technical details that allow many applications to be introduced to support individuals with functional diversity. We present this work as a proof of concept, which will enable an assessment of the impact that the developed technology may have on the collective of children and youth with neurodevelopmental disorders in the near future.

Using Anticarceral Feminism to Illustrate the Impact of Criminalization on the Lives of Individuals in the Sex Trades

Affilia ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 088610992097856
Author(s):  
Moshoula Capous-Desyllas ◽  
Deana Payne ◽  
Meg Panichelli
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Los Angeles ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Policy Research ◽  
Work Practice ◽  
Social Work Practice ◽  
Economic Security ◽  
Sex Trade ◽  
Intersecting Identities ◽  
The Impact

This research study is informed by anticarceral feminism to understand and highlight the experiences of violence and oppression that individuals in the sex trade experience as a result of police stings, raids, and incarceration. We present findings from 23 in-depth, qualitative interviews with men, women, and trans individuals who were arrested in the Los Angeles sex trade. More specifically, we explore experiences of violence that occurred interpersonally, systemically, and institutionally. Such experiences examine police violence, arrest and incarceration, coercion, and client violence. The findings from this research shed light on the impact the criminalization of sex work has had on research participants in terms of their physical health and mental health, economic security and opportunities for growth and education, and their sense of freedom and autonomy. We also attend to the role that intersecting identities might have played during their encounters with the police. This study explored these aspects while being mindful that the policies and procedures followed by the police are born out of a carceral state. We conclude with antioppressive and antiviolent implications for social work practice, policy, research, and education as we imagine the next decade of social work in relation to sex trade.

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