scholarly journals Survey of entity encounter experiences occasioned by inhaled N,N-dimethyltryptamine: Phenomenology, interpretation, and enduring effects

2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (9) ◽  
pp. 1008-1020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alan K Davis ◽  
John M Clifton ◽  
Eric G Weaver ◽  
Ethan S Hurwitz ◽  
Matthew W Johnson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
The Future ◽  
Alien Abduction

Background: Experiences of having an encounter with seemingly autonomous entities are sometimes reported after inhaling N,N-dimethyltryptamine. Aim: The study characterized the subjective phenomena, interpretation, and persisting changes that people attribute to N,N-dimethyltryptamine-occasioned entity encounter experiences. Methods: Two thousand, five hundred and sixty-one individuals (mean age 32 years; 77% male) completed an online survey about their single most memorable entity encounter after taking N,N-dimethyltryptamine. Results: Respondents reported the primary senses involved in the encounter were visual and extrasensory (e.g. telepathic). The most common descriptive labels for the entity were being, guide, spirit, alien, and helper. Although 41% of respondents reported fear during the encounter, the most prominent emotions both in the respondent and attributed to the entity were love, kindness, and joy. Most respondents endorsed that the entity had the attributes of being conscious, intelligent, and benevolent, existed in some real but different dimension of reality, and continued to exist after the encounter. Respondents endorsed receiving a message (69%) or a prediction about the future (19%) from the experience. More than half of those who identified as atheist before the experience no longer identified as atheist afterwards. The experiences were rated as among the most meaningful, spiritual, and psychologically insightful lifetime experiences, with persisting positive changes in life satisfaction, purpose, and meaning attributed to the experiences. Conclusion: N,N-dimethyltryptamine-occasioned entity encounter experiences have many similarities to non-drug entity encounter experiences such as those described in religious, alien abduction, and near-death contexts. Aspects of the experience and its interpretation produced profound and enduring ontological changes in worldview.

scholarly journals Adolescents’ Social Environment and Executive Functions Predict Long-term Mental Health and Feelings of Future Uncertainty Throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kayla Green ◽  
Andrik Becht ◽  
Suzanne van de Groep ◽  
Renske van der Cruijsen ◽  
Sophie Sweijen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Executive Functions ◽  
Social Environment ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Negative Mood ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
The Future ◽  
Initial Dip

The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted adolescents’ mental health (i.e. mood and life satisfaction). Some adolescents are at risk to be disproportionally hit by the pandemic due to vulnerabilities in their social environment. In the present longitudinal study, we explored adolescents’ mood trajectories throughout the pandemic, and whether vulnerabilities in the social environment (i.e. household and socioeconomic hardship) predicted adolescents’ mental health directly and indirectly through feelings of uncertainty about the future. We also investigated whether executive functions and age buffered these relationships. In total, 177 Dutch-speaking adolescents aged 10 – 18 years (Mage = 15.64, SDage = 1.72, 80% females at T1) participated in all three waves (T1= May 2020, T2 = November 2020, T3 = May 2021) of an online survey. Mood results demonstrated that feelings of vigor stabilized, after an initial dip between T1 and T2, but that feelings of tension and depression continued to increase throughout the pandemic. Higher exposure to household and socioeconomic hardship predicted negative mood and lower life satisfaction and was mediated by feelings of uncertainty about the future. Irrespective of the exposure to household and socioeconomic hardship, adolescents with better executive functions reported better mood in the aftermath of the pandemic, partially due to lower feelings of future uncertainty. However, no associations were observed with life satisfaction. These novel findings imply that adolescents’ mental health issues may outlast the COVID-19 pandemic. Nonetheless, executive functioning is a protective factor operating via feelings of future uncertainty, which makes them promising mechanistic targets for intervention.

Current Postvention Research and Priorities for the Future

Crisis ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 202-206 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karl Andriessen ◽  
Dolores Angela Castelli Dransart ◽  
Julie Cerel ◽  
Myfanwy Maple
Keyword(s):  
Social Life ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Research Priorities ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Intercultural Collaboration ◽  
The Social ◽  
The Future ◽  
Suicide Bereavement ◽  
Ethical Approval

Abstract. Background: Suicide can have a lasting impact on the social life as well as the physical and mental health of the bereaved. Targeted research is needed to better understand the nature of suicide bereavement and the effectiveness of support. Aims: To take stock of ongoing studies, and to inquire about future research priorities regarding suicide bereavement and postvention. Method: In March 2015, an online survey was widely disseminated in the suicidology community. Results: The questionnaire was accessed 77 times, and 22 records were included in the analysis. The respondents provided valuable information regarding current research projects and recommendations for the future. Limitations: Bearing in mind the modest number of replies, all from respondents in Westernized countries, it is not known how representative the findings are. Conclusion: The survey generated three strategies for future postvention research: increase intercultural collaboration, increase theory-driven research, and build bonds between research and practice. Future surveys should include experiences with obtaining research grants and ethical approval for postvention studies.

scholarly journals Functions of Career Resilience Against Changes During Working Life in Japan: Focus on Health Condition Changes and Task or Job Changes

SAGE Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 215824402110021
Author(s):  
Makiko Kodama
Keyword(s):  
Social Skills ◽  
Career Development ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Psychological Symptoms ◽  
Working Life ◽  
Negative Influence ◽  
Health Condition ◽  
The Future ◽  
Simple Slope ◽  
Career Resilience

This study aimed to clarify the role that career resilience plays in preventing inhibition of career development when individuals confront changes during their working life, such as changes in work tasks or health condition. Career resilience consists of five factors: ability to cope with problems, social skills, interest in novelty, optimism about the future, and willingness to help others. In all, 1,000 Japanese company employees completed an online survey. The results showed that optimism about the future and ability to cope with problems exhibited a negative correlation with NPC when confronting changes. The results of simple slope analysis suggested that social skills and ability to cope with problems decreased the negative influence that psychological symptoms caused by changes had on job satisfaction, which was one index of career development. This study underlines the necessity of developing the ability to cope with problems and social skills.

scholarly journals Individual differences and changes in lifestyle behaviours predict decreased subjective well-being during COVID-19 restrictions in an Australian sample

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily Brindal ◽  
Jillian C Ryan ◽  
Naomi Kakoschke ◽  
Sinead Golley ◽  
Ian T Zajac ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Individual Differences ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Health Behaviours ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Australian Sample

Abstract Background Due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, social distancing practices were introduced to curb infection rates in many countries. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of these restrictions on behaviours and well-being and whether individual differences predict changes in well-being. Methods Australian adults participated in a cross-sectional, online survey during May 2020. The survey captured demographic information; health behaviours; personality traits; life satisfaction and COVID-19-related attitudes, financial concerns, perceived risks and impacts. Results In total, 3745 (86.8% of 4313) participants completed all items. Participants were mostly female (85.7%) and 56.4 years (standard deviation [SD] = 12.6) on average. Over 95.0% of the sample indicated they had been social distancing or isolating. Health behaviours and well-being had generally worsened, with social connections being the most negatively affected. Life satisfaction was significantly lower since restrictions. For changes in life satisfaction, extroversion was a risk factor and openness to experience was a protective factor. Conclusions Overall, well-being was negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and associated social distancing particularly in this sample containing mainly older women. In future, it will be crucial to understand why and who may be differentially affected, to encourage behaviours that are protective of well-being.

scholarly journals Self-Perceived Life Satisfaction during the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Sweden: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (12) ◽  
pp. 6234
Author(s):  
Christina Brogårdh ◽  
Catharina Sjödahl Hammarlund ◽  
Frida Eek ◽  
Kjerstin Stigmar ◽  
Ingrid Lindgren ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Satisfaction With Life ◽  
Sociodemographic Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sexual Life ◽  
Life Domains ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Perceived Life Satisfaction

Currently, there is limited knowledge on how the Swedish strategy with more lenient public health restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced people’s life satisfaction. Here, we investigated self-reported life satisfaction during the first wave of the pandemic in Sweden, and perceived changes in life satisfaction in relation to various sociodemographic factors. A total of 1082 people (mean age 48 (SD 12.2); 82% women) responded to an online survey during autumn 2020 including the “Life Satisfaction Questionnaire-11”. A majority (69%) were satisfied with life as a whole, and with other important life domains, with the exception of contact with friends and sexual life. An equal share reported that life as a whole had either deteriorated (28%) or improved (29%). Of those that perceived a deterioration, 95% considered it to be due to the pandemic. Regarding deteriorated satisfaction with life as a whole, higher odds were found in the following groups: having no children living at home; being middle aged; having other sources of income than being employed; and having a chronic disease. The Swedish strategy might have contributed to the high proportion of satisfied people. Those who perceived a deterioration in life satisfaction may, however, need attention from Swedish Welfare Authorities.

Perspectives of physicians on medical acupuncture in Lebanon: a preliminary study

2020 ◽  
pp. 096452842096883
Author(s):  
Fadila Bassem Naji ◽  
Kamal Wahab ◽  
Ghassan Hamadeh ◽  
Sani Hlais
Keyword(s):  
Integrative Medicine ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Mechanisms Of Action ◽  
Medical Curricula ◽  
Chinese Acupuncture ◽  
The Future ◽  
Preliminary Study ◽  
Medical Acupuncture ◽  
The Difference

Objectives: There are no regulations governing the practice of acupuncture in Lebanon as it is not yet registered as a profession. To our knowledge, no studies have ever been conducted in Lebanon regarding the practice of acupuncture. The purpose of this preliminary study was to explore the knowledge of Lebanese physicians about acupuncture, with the intent of conducting larger scale studies and developing strategies aimed at refining this knowledge in the future, and the ultimate goal of setting guidelines for acupuncture practice in Lebanon. Methods: An online survey looking into physicians’ knowledge of acupuncture, its mechanisms of action, effectiveness, indications and safety, and physicians’ understanding of its concepts, was circulated to 4651 physicians registered in the Lebanese orders of physicians. Results: One hundred forty-nine physicians (3.2%) completed the survey. Most study respondents stated that they were unaware of the difference between traditional Chinese acupuncture (TCA) and Western medical acupuncture (WMA). Overall, 30% of respondents had personally used and/or referred patients for acupuncture. Physicians who had personally tried acupuncture were more likely to refer patients for acupuncture (p < 0.001). Those who know the difference between WMA and TCA were more likely to have tried or referred for acupuncture (p = 0.004). 72% believed that acupuncture and other integrative medicine modules should be introduced in medical curricula in Lebanon. Conclusion: Interest in acupuncture among physicians in Lebanon appears to be limited, based on the low response rate. Among respondents, physicians who had tried or referred patients for acupuncture appeared to be more well informed about different acupuncture styles.

scholarly journals The UPTAKE study: implications for the future of COVID-19 vaccination trial recruitment in UK and beyond

Trials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonika Sethi ◽  
Aditi Kumar ◽  
Anandadeep Mandal ◽  
Mohammed Shaikh ◽  
Claire A. Hall ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Small Towns ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
Effective Vaccine ◽  
Trial Recruitment ◽  
Trial Management ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Study Results ◽  
The Future

Abstract Background Developing a safe and effective vaccine will be the principal way of controlling the COVID-19 pandemic. However, current COVID-19 vaccination trials are not adequately representing a diverse participant population in terms of age, ethnicity and comorbidities. Achieving the representative recruitment targets that are adequately powered to the study remains one of the greatest challenges in clinical trial management. To ensure accuracy and generalisability of the safety and efficacy conclusions generated by clinical trials, it is crucial to recruit patient cohorts as representative as possible of the future target population. Missing these targets can lead to reduced validity of the study results and can often slow down drug development leading to costly delays. Objective This study explores the key factors related to perceptions and participation in vaccination trials. Methods This study involved an anonymous cross-sectional online survey circulated across the UK. Statistical analysis was done in six phases. Multi-nominal logistic models examined demographic and geographic factors that may impact vaccine uptake. Results The survey had 4884 participants of which 9.44% were Black Asian Minority Ethnic (BAME). Overall, 2020 (41.4%) respondents were interested in participating in vaccine trials; 27.6% of the respondents were not interested and 31.1% were unsure. The most interested groups were male (OR = 1.29), graduates (OR = 1.28), the 40–49 and 50–59 age groups (OR = 1.88 and OR = 1.46 respectively) and those with no health issues (OR = 1.06). The least interested groups were BAME (OR = 0.43), those from villages and small towns (OR = 0.66 and 0.54 respectively) and those aged 70 and above (OR = 1.11). Conclusions In order to have a vaccination that is generalisable to the entire population, greater work needs to be done in engaging a diverse cohort of participants. Public health campaigns need to be targeted in improving trial recruitment rates for the elderly, BAME community and the less educated rural population.

scholarly journals The impact of coronavirus lockdown on oral healthcare and its associated issues of pre-schoolers in China: an online cross-sectional survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chang Liu ◽  
Shuang Zhang ◽  
Chenzheng Zhang ◽  
Baojun Tai ◽  
Han Jiang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Preschool Children ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Oral Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Oral Health Status ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Wuhan City ◽  
The Future ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Children’S Oral Health

Abstract Background The sudden outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) epidemic influenced people’s daily life. During lockdown of Wuhan city, the oral health and its associated issues of preschool children were investigated and guidance for dental clinics when the epidemic were controlled in the future were also provided. Methods A national online survey was conducted among preschool children and completed by their caregivers. The questionnaire related to children’s oral health status and care behaviour, caregivers' attitudes. The information was statistically analyzed between Wuhan residents and others residents. Results 4495 valid questionnaires were collected. In oral health status, during Wuhan lockdown, 60.8%, 35.5% and 18.3% children had self-reported dental caries, toothache and halitosis respectively. In oral health attitudes, respondents who would increase attention to oral health was more than that would decrease. In oral hygiene behaviour, compared to non-Wuhan children, the children in Wuhan became more active in brushing their teeth. In utilization of dental services in the future, less Wuhan residents would choose to have dental visit directly, 28.5% Wuhan residents and 34.7% non-Wuhan residents agreed all of procedures could be done if proper protected. Conclusions Oral health status and associated issues of preschool children in Wuhan were significantly different from that of others during lockdown of Wuhan city and in the future. Effective measures should be taken as early as possible to protect children's oral health.

scholarly journals Telehealth consultations in general practice during a pandemic lockdown: survey and interviews on patient experiences and preferences

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fiona Imlach ◽  
Eileen McKinlay ◽  
Lesley Middleton ◽  
Jonathan Kennedy ◽  
Megan Pledger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
General Practice ◽  
Access To Health Care ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Sudden Change ◽  
High Satisfaction ◽  
The Future ◽  
Clinical Relationship ◽  
General Practices ◽  
Key Aspects

Abstract Background During the first COVID-19 pandemic ‘lockdown’ in Aotearoa/New Zealand (March–May 2020, in which strict ‘stay at home’ measures were introduced), general practices were advised to use telephone and video consultations (telehealth) wherever possible instead of the usual in-person visits. This was a sudden change for most practices and patients. This research aimed to explore how patients accessed general practice during lockdown and evaluate their experiences with telehealth, to inform how telehealth could be most effectively used in the future. Methods Using a mixed-method approach, we undertook an online survey and in-depth interviews with adults (> 18 years) who had contact with practices during lockdown, recruited through social media and email lists. We present descriptive statistics from the survey data (n = 1010) and qualitative analysis of interview data (n = 38) and open-ended survey questions, using a framework of access to health care, from the patient’s perspective. Results In general, patients reported high satisfaction with telehealth in general practice during lockdown. Telehealth was convenient and allowed patients to safely access health care without having to weigh-up the fear of COVID-19 infection against the need to be seen. Telehealth worked best for routine and familiar health issues and when rapport was established between patients and clinicians. This was easier with a pre-existing clinical relationship, but not impossible without one. Telehealth was less suitable when a physical examination was needed, when the diagnosis was unknown or for patients who had a strong preference to be seen in-person. Conclusions Even in this disruptive lockdown period, that prompted an unexpected and rapid implementation of telehealth services in general practices, most patients had positive experiences with telehealth. In the future, patients want the choice of consultation type to match their needs, circumstances, and preferences. Technological issues and funding barriers may need to be addressed, and clear communication for both patients and clinicians is needed about key aspects of telehealth (e.g. cost, appropriateness, privacy). Maintaining telehealth as an option post-lockdown has the potential to increase timely and safe access to primary health care for many patients.

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