scholarly journals ‘As long as I have a restroom somewhere […], I am fine’: a qualitative study on the perspectives of peri- and postmenopausal women on the impact of the urinary component of the genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM)

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michaela Gabes ◽  
Gesina Kann ◽  
Julia von Sommoggy ◽  
Petra Stute ◽  
Christian J. Apfelbacher
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Functioning ◽  
Interpersonal Relations ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Concept ◽  
Genitourinary Syndrome Of Menopause ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Healthcare Needs ◽  
Unmet Healthcare Needs ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Genitourinary Syndrome

Abstract Background Our aim was to gain insight into the experiences of women suffering from the urinary component of the Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) and to understand the impact of urinary complaints as part of GSM on the lives of affected women. Design Qualitative study. Setting Online, primary care. Participants and methods Postmenopausal women aged from 46 to 85 years reporting vaginal and urinary complaints were recruited to participate in either online or face-to-face focus groups to share their experiences with urinary complaints as part of GSM. Transcripts of sessions were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Results One online focus group, one face-to-face focus group and one online-interview were conducted, involving 11 women. Five a priori assumed main themes related to the impact of urogenital symptoms were identified: daily life, emotional well-being, sexual functioning, self-concept and body image, and interpersonal relations and communication. Additionally, two further themes associated with GMS as a clinical condition were inductively found: unmet healthcare needs, including expectations of affected women regarding menopausal symptoms and a lack of adequate health education, and aspects on the personal dealing with the complaints, including personal coping strategies and medical treatment. Conclusions This study showed that urinary complaints as part of GSM have, similar to vaginal complaints, negative impacts on the daily life, the emotional well-being, the sexual functioning, the self-concept and body impact as well as interpersonal relations and communication of affected women. We further identified several unmet healthcare needs that should trigger improvements in healthcare.

Optimizing the Impact of Pragmatic Clinical Trials for Veteran and Military Populations: Lessons From the Pain Management Collaboratory

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph Ali ◽  
Margaret Antonelli ◽  
Lori Bastian ◽  
William Becker ◽  
Cynthia A Brandt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Pain Management ◽  
Pragmatic Trial ◽  
Dissemination And Implementation ◽  
Large Network ◽  
Military Health ◽  
Healthcare Needs ◽  
Unmet Healthcare Needs ◽  
Pragmatic Clinical Trials ◽  
The Impact

ABSTRACT Pragmatic clinical trials (PCTs) are well-suited to address unmet healthcare needs, such as those arising from the dual public health crises of chronic pain and opioid misuse, recently exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. These overlapping epidemics have complex, multifactorial etiologies, and PCTs can be used to investigate the effectiveness of integrated therapies that are currently available but underused. Yet individual pragmatic studies can be limited in their reach because of existing structural and cultural barriers to dissemination and implementation. The National Institutes of Health, Department of Defense, and Department of Veterans Affairs formed an interagency research partnership, the Pain Management Collaboratory. The partnership combines pragmatic trial design with collaborative tools and relationship building within a large network to advance the science and impact of nonpharmacological approaches and integrated models of care for the management of pain and common co-occurring conditions. The Pain Management Collaboratory team supports 11 large-scale, multisite PCTs in veteran and military health systems with a focus on team science with the shared aim that the “whole is greater than the sum of the parts.” Herein, we describe this integrated approach and lessons learned, including incentivizing all parties; proactively offering frequent opportunities for problem-solving; engaging stakeholders during all stages of research; and navigating competing research priorities. We also articulate several specific strategies and their practical implications for advancing pain management in active clinical, “real-world,” settings.

Everyday Experience of Front-Line Professionals and In/Formal Carers

2012 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 27-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henglien Lisa Chen
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Needs Assessment ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Care Needs ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Care Systems ◽  
Informal Carers ◽  
The Impact

To address the risks to families of the availability of care for their older family members, this paper explores the impact of different care systems on the way that relevant care actors contribute to the long-term care of older people. It is based on an empirical study of the care needs assessment and care provision in England, the Netherlands and Taiwan. The participants in the study include 143 care actors at national, regional and local levels across the countries. It found that the objective of providing care needs is similar in each of the countries studied. However, the everyday life of professionals and in/formal carers differs based on the care culture and care policy in each country. Overall, care professionals and formal carers experience satisfaction in their caring role when sufficient time is available for them to work with individuals. Face-to-face contact with older people is important to care professionals if adequate needs assessment could be performed. Helping informal carers extend their ability to carry out their role may improve their well-being as carers and reduce the demand for formal care services.

scholarly journals PS1 - 127 A Mixed Method Study of a Peer Support Intervention for Newly Diagnosed Primary Brain Tumour Patients

2016 ◽  
Vol 43 (S4) ◽  
pp. S8-S9
Author(s):  
R. Cashman
Keyword(s):  
Brain Tumour ◽  
Peer Support ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Newly Diagnosed ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Primary Brain Tumour ◽  
Single Face ◽  
The Impact

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of an intervention designed to support newly diagnosed primary brain tumour patients. The intervention involved a structured, one time meeting between newly diagnosed patients and trained volunteer “veteran” primary brain tumour patients. Methods Two trained volunteers met for a single, face to face meeting on an individual basis with a total of 10 newly diagnosed patients. A combination of questionnaires and interviews were used to investigate the impact of the intervention for the new patients and the volunteers. Results: The intervention appeared to be of substantial value for both groups of participants. Analysis revealed that the newly diagnosed patients experienced a range of benefits, including those related to the themes of: increased hope; valued guidance; hearing what it’s really like; overcoming aloneness; and realignment of priorities. Veteran patients experienced a sense accomplishment and decreased anxiety as a result of the intervention. Only minor adverse effects and challenges were reported. Conclusions The findings provide initial evidence that the experimental intervention has the potential to be a safe, effective means of promoting psycho-social well-being in newly diagnosed patients and may also have positive effects for veteran patients. Further investigation into the use of one to one, peer support for brain tumour patients is an important research priority.

scholarly journals Cancer-Related Concerns Among Women With a New Diagnosis of Gynecological Cancer: An Exploration of Age Group Differences

2014 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 165-171 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shannon Myers Virtue ◽  
Sharon L. Manne ◽  
Melissa Ozga ◽  
David W. Kissane ◽  
Stephen Rubin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Women ◽  
Sexual Functioning ◽  
Emotional Functioning ◽  
Gynecological Cancer ◽  
Life Stage ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
New Diagnosis ◽  
The Impact

ObjectiveThe study aimed to characterize cancer-related concerns among women with a new diagnosis of gynecological cancer from a developmental life stage perspective. The study compared the degree of cancer-related concern between young women (45 years or younger), middle age women (46–64 years), and older women (65 years or older).Materials/MethodsData from women (N = 243) with a condition diagnosed as primary gynecological cancer who were participating in a randomized control trial were analyzed. Women completed a measure that assessed the degree of concern in 12 cancer-related domains (physical functioning, cancer treatment, emotional functioning, sexual functioning, disease progression/death, own well-being, partner well-being, relationship with spouse/partner, body image, relationship with others, employment, and finances). Multivariate comparisons were made between the 3 age groups on the cancer-related concerns.ResultsThere were age group differences in overall cancer-related concern and specific cancer-related domains. Young women reported the greatest cancer-related concern (P < 0.001). They reported greater concern over emotional functioning (P < 0.001) and sexual functioning (P < 0.001) compared to the middle- and older-age groups. Older women reported less concern over the impact of cancer on finances (P = 007). There were no differences between age groups in concern over physical impairment, cancer treatment, disease progression/death, own well-being, partner well-being, relationship with spouse/partner, body image, and relationship with others.ConclusionsAge may play an important role in the impact of a gynecological cancer diagnosis in domains of functioning, specifically emotional functioning, sexual functioning, and finances. Other cancer-related areas may represent more universal degree of impact. Professionals may benefit from considering the impact of cancer from a developmental life stage perspective.

Quality of life difficulties in partners of young breast cancer survivors.

2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (3_suppl) ◽  
pp. 188-188
Author(s):  
Victoria Champion ◽  
Andrea A Cohee ◽  
Patrick Monahan ◽  
Timothy E. Stump ◽  
Kathy Miller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Marital Satisfaction ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Sexual Functioning ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Dyadic Relationship ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Young Survivors ◽  
The Impact

188 Background: Although breast cancer is more commonly diagnosed in post-menopausal women, there are a significant number of survivors diagnosed at age 45 or younger. Compared to older survivors, younger survivors have significantly more problems with depression sexual functioning, marital satisfaction, and overall well-being, but there is little research on the partners of these younger survivors. The purpose of this study is to determine if the partners of young survivors experience more problems with depression, sexual functioning, marital satisfaction, and overall well-being than partners of age-matched controls. Methods: Survivors and partners (n=227) were enrolled in a large cross-sectional study, executed through the ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group. Eligibility for survivors included being 45 or under at diagnosis, 3 to 8 years from treatment without a breast cancer recurrence, and with similar chemotherapy treatment regimens. Survivors identified age-matched acquaintance controls without breast cancer. These age matched controls and their partners (n=170) were also included. All groups completed a survey assessing demographic characteristics, depression, sexual functioning (enjoyment and difficulty), marital satisfaction, and overall well-being. The partners of both young survivors and acquaintance controls were compared on all study variables adjusting for demographic variables. Results: Partners of young survivors reported significantly more depression (effect size [ES] = -0.23, p=.0199), worse sexual functioning as indicated by lower enjoyment (ES= 0.32, p=.0019) and more sexual difficulty (ES= -0.24, p=.0164), lower marital satisfaction (ES=0.24, p=.0189), and lower overall well-being (ES= 0.40, p=.0001). Conclusions: Partners of breast cancer survivors suffer from problems similar to breast cancer survivors. Further research is needed to fully understand the impact of a breast cancer diagnosis on both the partner as well as the survivor, especially when problems exist that are related to the dyadic relationship.

The Impact of “Girls on the Run” on Self-Concept and Fat Attitudes

2009 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 127-138 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey J. Martin ◽  
Jennifer J. Waldron ◽  
Andria McCabe ◽  
Yun Seok Choi
Keyword(s):  
Well Being ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Self Concept ◽  
Girls On The Run ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Within Subjects ◽  
Fear Of Fat ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Mental Well Being

The purpose of our quasi-experimental study was to examine the impact of the Girls on the Run (GOTR) program on multidimensional self-concept and attitudes toward fat. Young girls (N= 21) participated in a 12-week running program designed to increase their running ability, self-esteem, and, in general, their emotional, social, and mental well-being. It was hypothesized that girls would experience favorable changes in their global self-esteem, appearance, peer, physical, and running self-concepts and their attitudes toward fat. The overall RM-ANOVA examining for pre to post differences was significant, F(13, 8) = 26.46, p < .001, η2 = .977, and follow-up within subjects contrasts revealed three significant differences: Physical, F(1, 20) = 6.24, p < .02, η2 = .24, and running self-concept, F(1, 20) = 11.18, p< .003, η2 = .36, as well as fear of fat, F(1, 20) = 4.37, p < .049, η2 = .18, were all significant with meaningful effect sizes. These findings provided preliminary support for the major goal of the GOTR program, enhancing physical and running self-concept with some support for secondary gains in nonphysical ability areas (i.e., reductions in fear of fat).

scholarly journals Safety and efficacy of a new vaginal gel, Feminilove, for the treatment of symptoms associated with vaginal dryness and vulvovaginal atrophy in women: an in vitro and in vivo study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Albert Gonzalez ◽  
Robert Lee ◽  
Larry Booshehri ◽  
David Grady ◽  
Victoria Vaddi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vaginal Mucosa ◽  
Minimal Cell ◽  
Genitourinary Syndrome Of Menopause ◽  
Vaginal Dryness ◽  
Vulvovaginal Atrophy ◽  
Vaginal Gel ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Genitourinary Syndrome

Vaginal dryness is a common condition that is particularly prevalent during and after the menopause and it is one of the most important symptoms associated with vulvovaginal atrophy/genitourinary syndrome of menopause. The impact of vaginal dryness on interpersonal relationships, quality of life, daily activities, and sexual function can be significant, but is frequently underreported and undertreated. Personal lubricants and moisturizers are effective at relieving discomfort and pain during sexual intercourse for women with mild to moderate vaginal dryness, particularly those who have a genuine contraindication to estrogen, or who choose not to use estrogen. We evaluated the safety and beneficial effects of a new type of estrogen-free vaginal gel, Feminilove BIO-FRESH moisturizing vaginal gel, using in vitro and in vivo experimental tools. Our results suggest that; 1) Feminilove vaginal gel exhibits minimal cell cytotoxicity on various human vaginal cells; 2) Feminilove vaginal gel exhibits minimal side-effects on the structure of vaginal mucosa stratum of experimental animals; 3) Feminiove vaginal gel inhibits the growth of pathogenic vaginal bacteria (E. coli) while promotes the growth of beneficial vaginal bacteria (Lactobacillus spp); 4) Feminilove vaginal gel elicits an anti-inflammatory response on vaginal epithelial cells; and 5) Feminilove vaginal gel promotes the production of tropoelastin and collagen on cultural vaginal smooth muscle and may restore loose vaginal wall (i.e., tightening effects). In summary, our results indicate that Feminilove BIO-FRESH moisturizing vaginal gel is a safe and effective remedy for the treatment of symptoms associated with vaginal dryness and vulvovaginal atrophy in women. Keyword: vaginal dryness, vulvovaginal atrophy, genitourinary syndrome of menopause, sexual dysfunction, vaginal lubrication, vaginal moisturizer

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