scholarly journals Rehabilitation during intensive treatment of acute leukaemia including allogenic stem cell transplantation: a qualitative study of patient experiences

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. e029470
Author(s):  
Lene Østergaard Jepsen ◽  
Lone Smidstrup Friis ◽  
Mette Terp Hoybye ◽  
Claus Werenberg Marcher ◽  
Dorte Gilså Hansen
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Acute Leukaemia ◽  
Social Activity ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Outpatient Setting ◽  
Curative Intent ◽  
Allogenic Stem Cell Transplantation ◽  
Health Initiatives ◽  
Final Interview

ObjectivesThe diagnosis and treatment of acute leukaemia (AL) affect physical, psychosocial and existential functioning. Long-lasting treatment periods with impaired immune system, hygienic and social restrictions challenge patient well-being and rehabilitation as compared with other individuals with cancer. This study elucidates how AL patients, treated with curative intent in an outpatient setting, assess their physical, psychosocial and existential capability during and following treatment, and furthermore reports on the health initiatives offered to support their rehabilitation.Design, setting, participants and interventionsWe conducted qualitative, semi-structured individual interviews with 16 AL patients, 6 months after end of treatment in the patients’ homes. This was the final interview, in a line of three, carried out as part of a larger qualitative study.ResultsThe data were analysed thematically through an inductive ongoing process consisting of four steps. The final step, selective coding, resulted in the three categories: physical activity, mental well-being and social activity. None of the patients were satisfied with their physical capability at the time of interview and experienced substantial impairment of functional capabilities. All patients struggled with anxiety and expressed a need for continuous progress in treatment and well-being to feel safe. It took an unexpected large effort to regain a meaningful social life, and patients still had to prioritise activities.ConclusionsAL patients suffered physically, psychologically and existentially throughout their illness trajectory. Rehabilitation initiatives deriving from the healthcare system and municipalities held room for improvement. Future programmes should pay attention to the contextual changes of treatment of this patient group and individuals’ changing needs and motivation of physical exercise.

scholarly journals Personal Social Networks of Community-Dwelling Oldest Old During the Covid-19 Pandemic—A Qualitative Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jenni Kulmala ◽  
Elisa Tiilikainen ◽  
Inna Lisko ◽  
Tiia Ngandu ◽  
Miia Kivipelto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Older People ◽  
Oldest Old ◽  
Social Activity ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Personal Networks ◽  
Social Contacts ◽  
Personal Social Networks

The COVID-19 pandemic and its related restrictions have affected the everyday life of older people. Advanced age is a significant predisposing factor for a more severe COVID-19 infection, increasing the risk for hospitalization and mortality. Even though restrictions have been, thus, well-grounded, they may also have had detrimental effects on the social well-being of older people. Personal networks and social activity are known protective factors against the premature decline in health and functioning, and it is widely acknowledged that social isolation increases feelings of loneliness, poor quality of life, and even the risk for diseases and disabilities among older adults. This qualitative study investigated changes in personal networks among community-dwelling oldest-old individuals (persons aged 80 and over) during the first and second waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in Finland. The data is part of the Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Aging, and Dementia (CAIDE85+) study, which is an ongoing large longitudinal population-based study in Finland. In this qualitative sub-study, we analyzed fifteen in-depth telephone interviews using directed content analyses and identified five types of changes in personal social networks during the pandemic. In type 1, all social contacts were significantly reduced due to official recommendations and fear of the virus. Type 2 included modified ways of being socially active i.e., by deploying new technology, and in type 3, social contacts increased during the lockdown. In type 4, personal social networks were changed unexpectedly or dramatically due to a death of a spouse, for example. In type 5, we observed stable social networks, which had not been affected by the pandemic. At an individual level, one person could have had different types of changes during the pandemic. These results highlight the heterogeneity of the oldest olds' personal social networks and changes related to them during the exceptional times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Social activity and personal networks play an important role in the well-being of the oldest old, but individual situations, needs, and preferences toward personal social networks should be taken into account when planning social activities, policies, and interventions.

scholarly journals The impact of social isolation on a selected group of older brazilians within the context of the covid-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 89-94
Author(s):  
Natalia Sperli Geraldes Marin dos Santos Sasaki ◽  
Marília Louvison ◽  
Camila Garcel Pancote ◽  
Maria de Lourdes Sperli Geraldes Santos ◽  
Amena Alcântara Ferraz Cury ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Isolation ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Social Activity ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Health Condition ◽  
Corona Virus ◽  
The Social ◽  
Data Collection Instrument ◽  
The Impact

Objective: This paper is an examination of the experiences of a selected group of older Brazilians people which aims to analyse how they have been impacted by COVID-19 and, particularly, how they have been affected by protective social isolation measures. Methodology: 42 older residents of Sao Jose do Rio Preto were interviewed by phone. The applied script question was developed by International Longevity Centre the Netherlands, based at the Leyden Academy on Vitality and Aging. The data collection instrument consisted of five categories of analysis: social activities, social contacts and connectivity, well-being, vitality and health, and COVID-19 news and reports. Results: All in-person social activity ceased with the implementation of the isolation measures. Most of the interviewees pointed out to be suffering do to absence of their children, grand-children, other relatives and close friends from whom they have being apart since the beginning of the Corona virus pandemic. A large number of the interviewees recognized a worsening of their health condition and attributed it to the suspension of the physical activities and the social life that they had before isolation. Conclusion: The interviewed showed some insight about the experiences of older Brazilian adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. They all revealed a strong awareness of their physical vulnerability regarding corona virus. Most accepted the need to protect themselves through isolation or any other measures. However, there are barriers that difficulty the elderly people isolation as they live with of member of the family with different ages and in poor financial situations.

scholarly journals Qualitative study exploring patients experiences of being diagnosed and living with primary bone cancer in the UK

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. e028693 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Martins ◽  
Jeremy S Whelan ◽  
Lindsey Bennister ◽  
Lorna A Fern ◽  
Craig Gerrand ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Bone Cancer ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Limb Amputation ◽  
Primary Bone ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to explore the experiences of patients with primary bone cancer.DesignQualitative study design using semistructured interviews and focus groups.SettingHospitals across the UK and recruitment through UK sarcoma charities and support groups.MethodsSemistructured telephone/face-to-face interviews and focus groups with a purposive sample of 26 participants. Data were analysed using Framework Analysis.ParticipantsPatients (n=26) with primary bone cancer aged 13–77 years. The majority were male (69%), white (85%); diagnosed within 4 years (54%); and had lower limb sarcoma (65%). Ten participants had undergone an upper/lower limb amputation (39%).ResultsThe health-related quality-of-life domains of physical, emotional and social well-being and healthcare professionals’ role were the overarching themes of analysis. The physical domain anchored patient experiences. The intensity and length of treatment, the severity of side-effects, the level of disability after surgery and the uncertainty of their prognosis had an impact on patient’s self-image, confidence, mood and identity, and caused disruption to various aspects of the patients’ social life, including their relationships (emotional and sexual) and participation in work/school and leisure activities. Adaptation was influenced by the way patients dealt with stress and adversity, with some finding a new outlook in life, and others struggling with finding their ‘new normal’. Family and friends were the main source of support. Healthcare professional’s expertise and support was critical. Rehabilitation services had a considerable role in patient’s physical and emotional well-being, but inequitable access to these services was apparent.ConclusionsThis study described the impact of primary bone cancer on patients’ well-being and adjustment over time with the identification of influencing factors of better/worse experiences. It showed that impact was felt after end of treatment and affected patients at different life stages. Holistic models of survivorship care are needed.

scholarly journals Sociology of Students: A Theoretical Perspective and Research Practice

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (6) ◽  
pp. 40-51
Author(s):  
A. R. Tuzikov ◽  
R. I. Zinurova
Keyword(s):  
Social Life ◽  
Theoretical Perspective ◽  
Social Activity ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social Institution ◽  
First Year ◽  
Electronic Resource ◽  
First Year Students ◽  
Academic Level ◽  
Applied Knowledge

Higher school as a social institution aims at the formation of the most valuable resource of the XXI century that human capital is. Students are now an influential group of young people, and taking into consideration students’ “advanced” status, its social activity (including network) and socio-political and socio-economic potential, we can assume that it is the student youth, which de- termines the youth “agenda”. This makes constant research of students relevant and important, both at the theoretical and academic level of sociological science and at the level of applied knowledge focused on the constant monitoring of social well-being, lifestyle, values, opinions and activity of students in specific universities and in a whole country. Students are active participants of economic and social life; they have a significant political potential. The authors present the results of the monitoring of social well-being of first-year students at Kazan national research technological University. The method applied was a questionnaire study with the use of electronic resource. The article also dwells on the current state and trends of student studies, as well as the processes of their institutionalization. The authors emphasize the importance of sociological surveys of student life conducted with the help of student sociological labs.

scholarly journals Quality-of-life issues and symptoms reported by patients living with haematological malignancy: a qualitative study

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
pp. 204062072095500
Author(s):  
Pushpendra Goswami ◽  
Esther N. Oliva ◽  
Tatyana Ionova ◽  
Roger Else ◽  
Jonathan Kell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Drinking Habits ◽  
Prevalent Disease ◽  
Life Issues ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related

Background: Our aim was to identify health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) issues and symptoms in patients with haematological malignancies (HMs) and develop a conceptual framework to reflect the inter-relation between them. Methods: A total of 129 patients with HMs were interviewed in a UK multicentre qualitative study. All interviews were audio recorded, transcribed and analysed using NVivo-11. Results: Overall, 34 issues were reported by patients and were grouped into two parts: quality of life (QoL) and symptoms. The most prevalent HRQoL issues were: eating and drinking habits; social life; physical activity; sleep; and psychological well-being. Furthermore, most prevalent disease-related symptoms were: tiredness; feeling unwell; breathlessness; lack of energy; and back pain. The most prevalent treatment side effects were: tiredness; feeling sick; disturbance in sense of taste; and breathlessness. Conclusions: Both HMs and their treatments have a significant impact on patients’ HRQoL, in particular on issues such as job-role change, body image and impact on finances.

scholarly journals How Did The First COVID-19 Lockdown Affect Persons With Concurrent Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders in Norway? A Qualitative Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marja Leonhardt ◽  
Morten Brodahl ◽  
Nicola Cogan ◽  
Lars Lien
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Everyday Life ◽  
Substance Use Disorders ◽  
Substance Use Disorder ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
The Everyday

Abstract Background: The outbreak of COVID-19 with its severe social restrictions touched the daily life of most people. While everyday social life becomes difficult for citizens with economic and cultural capital, it becomes even worse for vulnerable groups such as persons with mental health and substance use disorders, who are particularly vulnerable to social exclusion. The aim of this study is to investigate how the first COVID-19 lockdown affected the everyday life and health of persons with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.Methods: This qualitative study reports data from 17 individual interviews and one focus group of five participants, all with a self-reported mental health and substance use disorder. Interviews were conducted based on a semi-structured interview guide in September and October 2020 in a medium-sized local authority in Norway. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. A reference group of people with varied knowledge and experiences of the phenomenon were involved in study design, recruitment, data generation and analysis.Results: The analysis identified four interrelated main themes, describing how the first lockdown affected the everyday life and health of persons suffering from a mental health and substance use disorder: 1) The COVID-19 outbreak as a perceived challenge, 2) A decline in mental health and well-being, 3) Increased substance use challenges, and 4) Diverse experiences with health and social services. The results show that people with a co-occurring disorder have challenges with digital tools and/or do not have the appropriate equipment. Further, participants were not concerned about becoming infected themselves, but infecting others.Conclusion:Persons with a mental health and substance use disorder face major challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. There is a need to maintain continuous low-threshold services especially directed towards persons with co-occurring disorders during the pandemic. Furthermore, it is important to improve the digital skills of every service user or offer alternatives to digital consultations and meetings.

Experiences of Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Qualitative Study

2016 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 373-393 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Wen Poh ◽  
Hong-Gu He ◽  
Wai Chi Sally Chan ◽  
Ching Siang Cindy Lee ◽  
Manjari Lahiri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Support Needs ◽  
Emotional Challenges ◽  
Psychosocial Challenges ◽  
Inflammatory Autoimmune Disease ◽  
Chronic Inflammatory Autoimmune Disease

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that greatly impacts one’s physical and psychosocial well-being. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences and support needs of adult patients living with RA. A descriptive qualitative study was conducted, and 16 adults with RA were interviewed from October 2013 to January 2014. The transcribed data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Five themes were identified: altered physical capacity and well-being, psychological and emotional challenges, changes in social life, coping strategies, and support received and further support needs. This study provided insights into the experiences and support needs of patients with RA in Singapore. Physical and psychosocial challenges experienced by patients affected their daily and social activities. Patients’ needs for variety of support should be addressed.

scholarly journals Gerotranscendence as a Factor of Active Aging: Predictors and Outcomes

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 470-471
Author(s):  
Olga Strizhitskaya
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Participation ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Social Activity ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Acceptance Test ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Self Actualization ◽  
Self Acceptance

Abstract The image of modern aging had changed. While before ageing was associated with degenerative processes, today more older adults become active and meaningful members of the society. Still more knowledge is needed to help the majority of older adults to age in active and positive way. Solid body of research shows that in ageing the value of subjective factors dramatically increases. Gerotranscendence that suggests important positive personality changes to occur in aging, could be one of such mechanisms. The aim of the present study was to investigate which psychological characteristics were important for development of gerotranscendence and which positive outcomes it might cause. Participants were 200 older adults aged 60-89 (69% females). Methods: Gerotranscendence scale (Strizhitskaya), self-actualization test (Shostrom), Self-acceptance test (Pantileev), Psychological well-being scale (Ryff), Scale of social activity (Strizhitskaya). Our results confirmed in consistence with literature that higher scores on self-acceptance and self-actualization favored development of gerotranscendence. We also found that developed gerotranscendence positively affected psychological well-being. New in our research was that we showed that people who demonstrated higher scores on gerotranscendence were more interested in maintaining social activities; they were interested in participation in social life of their community and were trying to continue active and meaningful social participation. The final model fitted the original data (Chi-square=12,168; df=11; p=0,103; CFI=0,944; GFI=0,973; RMSEA=0,051; PCLOSE=0,503). Thus gerotranscendence had positive effects on older adult’s functioning and social participation.

Principles of a Successful Social Life, In The Light of Islamic Teachings

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 37-50
Author(s):  
Muhammad Suleman Nasir
Keyword(s):  
Social Life ◽  
Code Of Conduct ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Human Interaction ◽  
Way Of Life ◽  
The People ◽  
Analytical Research ◽  
Sound Foundation ◽  
Human Intellect ◽  
Islamic Society

Society means a group of people who are living together. People need society from birth to death. Without a collective life, man's deeds, intentions, and habits have no value. Islamic society is the name of a balanced and moderate life in which human intellect, customs, and social etiquette are determined in the light of divine revelation. This system is so comprehensive and all-encompassing that it covers all aspects and activities of life. Islam is a comprehensive, universal, complete code of conduct, and an ideal way of life It not only recognizes the collectiveness of human interaction. Rather, it helps in the development of the community and gives it natural principles that strengthen the community and provides good foundations for it and eliminates the factors that spoil it or make it limited and useless. The Principles of a successful social life in Islamic society seem to reflect the Islamic code of conduct and human nature. Islam is the only religion that advocates goodness and guarantees well-being. Islam gives us self-sacrifice, generosity, trust and honesty, service to the people, justice and fairness, forgiveness and kindness, good society and economy, good deeds, mutual unity, harmony, and brotherhood. Only by practicing the pure thoughts, beliefs, and unparalleled ideas of the religion of Islam, can a person live a prosperous life and he can feel real peace and lasting contentment in the moments of his life. A descriptive and analytical research methodology will be used in this study. It is concluded that for a prosperous social life it is necessary to abide by the injunction of Islamic principles, which provides a sound foundation for a successful social life here in the world and hereafter.

scholarly journals Sex Difference in Self-Reported Sexual Functioning Among Frail Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 313-313
Author(s):  
Brianne Olivieri-Mui ◽  
Sandra Shi ◽  
Ellen McCarthy ◽  
Dae Kim
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Sex Differences ◽  
Sexual Function ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Sexual Functioning ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
Males And Females

Abstract Frailty may differentially impact how older adult males and females perceive sexual functioning, an important part of well-being. We assessed the level of frailty (robust, pre-frail, frail) for anyone with data on 11 sexual functioning questions asked in wave 2 of the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project, 2010-2011 (n=2060). Questions covered five domains: overall sexual function (OSF), sexual function anxiety (SFA), changes in sexual function (CSF), erectile/vaginal dysfunction (EVD), and masturbation. Logistic regression identified sex differences in frailty and reporting worse sexual functioning. Linear regression predicted the number of domains reported as worse. Among males (n=1057), pre-frailty meant higher odds of reporting SFA (OR 1.8 95%CI 1.2-6.6), CSF (OR 1.7 95%CI 1.1-2.7), and EVD (OR 1.5 95%CI 1.0-2.2). Among females (n=1003), there was no difference in reporting by frailty. Females were more likely to report worse OSF (Robust: OR 7.4, 95%CI 4.8-11.4; Pre-frail: OR 6.2, 95%CI 3.9-9.9; Frail: OR 3.4 95%CI 1.7-6.6), but less likely to report SFA (Robust OR .3, 95%CI .2-.5; Pre-frail OR .2, 95%CI .1-.3; Frail OR .2 95%CI .1-.3). Pre-frail and frail females reported fewer domains as worse (Pre-frail coefficient -0.21 SE 0.09, Frail -0.43 SE 0.14). As frailty worsened, males reported more domains as worse (Pre-frail 0.24 SE 0.07, Frail 0.29 SE 0.08). Self-reported sexual functioning differs by sex at all levels of frailty, and reporting by males, but not females, changes with frailty. Providers should be aware that sexual functioning is of importance to both sexes despite varying degrees of frailty.

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