scholarly journals “Putting your own oxygen mask on first”: a qualitative study of siblings of adults with anorexia or bulimia

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jannike Karlstad ◽  
Cathrine F. Moe ◽  
Mari Wattum ◽  
Ragni Adelsten Stokland ◽  
Berit S. Brinchmann

Abstract Background In families where one of the siblings has an eating disorder (ED), research indicates that the siblings without eating disorders (EDs) experience insufficient care and negative changes in family life. The illness then takes up a great deal of space within the family. Support from the siblings without EDs is considered to be important for the recovery of the sibling with ED. A key issue is how to involve siblings without EDs in treatment and establish what kind of support they themselves need. A majority of the research on EDs and family has focused on children and adolescents with EDs. The aim of this study is to expand knowledge about the experiences and coping strategies of sisters and brothers of adult women with anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa. Methods This qualitative study used a constructivist grounded theory approach. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 sisters and brothers (aged 20–31 years). They were recruited from eating disorders and general psychiatrics units and from user organisations for patients with eating disorders within Norway. An iterative process of data collection, coding and analysis was employed in order to generate a theory about these participants’ experiences and strategies. Results The core category is “put your own oxygen mask on first”. It indicates that the siblings realize that they need to take care of themselves first, in order to be able to stay involved with their sister with the ED. The three subcategories; “taking a new role”, “distancing” and “adapted care” describe how the siblings handle their situation as the relatives of adult sisters with an ED. The siblings without ED became more responsible and independent and assumed a caregiving role. They downplayed their own needs to reduce their parents’ burden. This new role became difficult to fulfil and the siblings experienced that over time they needed more distance. Eventually, they developed a more manageable way of caring for their sister. Conclusions The findings suggest that the ED challenged the boundaries within the family. The siblings without ED assumed a caregiver role, gradually leading to exhaustion and the need to distance from the sister with the ED, to take care of themselves.

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jannike Karlstad ◽  
Cathrine Fredriksen Moe ◽  
Mari Wattum ◽  
Berit Støre Brinchmann

Abstract Background Caring for an individual with an eating disorder involves guilt, distress and many extra burdens and unmet needs. This qualitative study explored the experiences of parents with adult daughters suffering from anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa and the strategies they adopted. A subsidiary aim of the study was to explore the relationship between the caregivers’ perceived need for professional support and the support they reported receiving in practice from the health services. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 mothers and fathers from across Norway. Data collection, coding and analysis was conducted using the principles of constructivist grounded theory in an iterative process. The main concern shared by participants was identified by this process and their “solution” to the main concern then formed the content of the core category. Results ″Wearing all the hats″ emerged as the core category, indicating that the parents have to fulfil several roles to compensate the lack of help from health services. The three subcategories: “adapting to the illness”, “struggling for understanding and help” and “continuing to stay strong” described how the participants handled their situation as parents of adult daughters with eating disorders. Conclusions In daily life, the parents of adults with eating disorders have to attend to a wide range of caregiver tasks to help their ill daughters. This study suggests that the health services that treat adults with eating disorders should be coordinated, with a professional carer in charge. The parents need easy access to information about the illness and its treatment. They also need professional support for themselves in a demanding situation.


2022 ◽  
pp. 095646242110608
Author(s):  
Janice Y. C. Lau ◽  
Ngai-Sze Wong ◽  
Krystal C. K. Lee ◽  
Tsz-Ho Kwan ◽  
Grace C. Y. Lui ◽  
...  

Background Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective means of HIV prevention for men who have sex with men (MSM), a key population whose engagement is crucial for achieving effective public health outcomes. An optimal service model would be important in planning the implementation of PrEP in places where such service has not been established. Methods A qualitative study was conducted to delineate the attributes of an optimal PrEP service model for MSM in Hong Kong, a city where no formal PrEP programs existed. Twenty purposively sampled MSM who were enrollees of two pilot PrEP projects participated in the semi-structured interviews promoting story-telling. The coded data were thematically analyzed following Grounded Theory approach, focusing on uncovering a typology of the essential attributes of an optimal PrEP service model, and the reasons for such preferences. Results Participating MSM were all ethnic Chinese and aged 26 to 52 years. All had received PrEP from pilot projects in conjunction with periodic screening of sexually transmitted infections (STI), HIV antibody, and plasma creatinine. Four major themes emerged as regards the attributes of a preferred PrEP service: (i) comprehensiveness of HIV/STI and safety monitoring; (ii) convenient unitary service; (iii) stigma-free PrEP access and protecting confidentiality; and (iv) affordable price. Whereas regular provision of PrEP was acceptable to MSM, unaffordability and related stigma were the anticipated challenges for potential service providers. Conclusions The qualitative assessment of MSM’s preference for PrEP service delivery has yielded important information on the many facets of a desirable service model.


2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shakiba Zahed ◽  
Maryam Emami ◽  
Shahrzad Bazargan-Hejazi ◽  
Ahmad Ali Eslami ◽  
Majid Barekatain ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The burden of caring for People with Dementia (PWD) is heavy; identifying incentives that motivate them in providing care is essential in facilitating and optimizing care. This study aims to explore and describe these motivating factors. Methods We conducted this qualitative study between January 2016 and January 2017 in Isfahan, Iran. Data were extracted through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 19 caregivers of PWD. These data were then examined through thematic content analysis. Results We identified four categories of psychological motives based on the caregivers’ feedback and experience. These include 1) Moral-based motives, 2) Religious, and spiritual motives; 3) Financial motives, and 4) Wicked motives. Conclusions Our results revealed several aspects of caregivers’ motives. They include moral, religious, and spiritual aspects; sharing housing accommodations, and the likelihood of inheriting a portion of the patient’s assets based on unspoken rules and informal arrangements in the family, and wicked and immoral aspects. These findings can inform future efforts in enhancing the experiences of caregivers of PWD, and subsequently, the quality of care these patients receive. It further suggests that family members, members of a religious and spiritual organization, as well as social media, could play important roles in setting the stage.


Author(s):  
Louis Lefèvre ◽  
Maud Jourdain ◽  
Jean-Pascal Fournier

Abstract Aim: Our objective was to explore the processes and determinants leading physicians to integrate estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in their drug prescriptions Background: Access to patients’ eGFR would allow primary care pharmacists to optimise their role in the procedure of safe prescribing. Some rare physicians actively integrate eGFR in their prescriptions, in a sporadically and uncoordinated manner. Methods: Qualitative study using semi-directed interviews conducted among 12 French physicians who integrated eGFR in their drug prescriptions, (February 2016–April 2017). These voluntary participants were recruited through different means: Twitter®, forums, direct contact and snowball sampling. Data analysis was based on the grounded theory approach, underpinned by a comprehensive perspective of interactionist orientation. Findings: Residency and training, professional experience – including experiences of adverse drug reactions – and the membership in various communities of professionals were key drivers for the integration of eGFR in prescriptions. The theoretical aim was above all safe prescribing in order to reduce adverse drug reactions, with the control by a dispensing pharmacist and/or other healthcare professionals. Nevertheless, none of the physicians had received any feedback from any healthcare professionals. Despite their disappointment, the physicians remained convinced of the interest of integrating eGFR in their prescriptions and would continue to do so. Characteristics associated with integration of eGFR in drug prescriptions belong partly to Roger’s theory of innovations. If a widespread diffusion of this habit takes place, it will be necessary to evaluate its adoption by both physicians and pharmacists.


2019 ◽  
Vol 60 (4) ◽  
pp. 735-744 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liesbeth Van Humbeeck ◽  
Let Dillen ◽  
Ruth Piers ◽  
Nele Van Den Noortgate

Abstract Background and Objectives With worldwide aging it is imperative to understand nurses’ perceptions of tiredness of life (ToL) and their ways of dealing with an increasingly common phenomenon. Most research on ToL relates to older individuals’ experiences. This study aimed to gain insight into nurses’ (a) perceptions of, (b) attitude(s) toward, and (c) ways of dealing with ToL in older patients. Research Design and Methods Qualitative study with elements of constructivist grounded theory. Data were collected by means of semi-structured interviews between February 2016 and June 2017 with a purposive sample of 25 nurses working in home care and nursing homes. Results A careful consideration indicative of an oscillation between 3 levels (e.g., behavioral, cognitive, and affective) is present. The confrontation with persons having ToL instigates a cognitive process of searching to understand the state a person is in, which on its turn ensues in an emotional balancing between courage and powerlessness and a behavioral approach of action or dialogue. Discussion and Implications Our findings indicate that nurses aim to provide good care, sensitive to the older person’s needs, but this process is not without ambiguity. This study provides nurse managers with valuable guidance to (a) support nursing staff in dealing with ToL, and (b) advance opportunities for emotionally sensitive care and (individual- and team-based) reflection. Finally, this study offers suggestions for education programs to incorporate ToL in curricula.


2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 1149-1159 ◽  
Author(s):  
Berit Støre Brinchmann ◽  
Cathrine Moe ◽  
Mildrid Elisabeth Valvik ◽  
Steven Balmbra ◽  
Siri Lyngmo ◽  
...  

Background: Eating disorders are serious conditions which also impact the families of adult patients. There are few qualitative studies of multifamily therapy with adults with severe eating disorders and none concerning the practice of therapists in multifamily therapy. Objectives: The aim of the study is to explore therapists’ practice in multifamily therapy. Research design and participants: A grounded theory approach was chosen. Data were collected through participant observation in two multifamily therapy groups and qualitative interviews with the therapists in those groups. Ethical considerations: The study conforms to the principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki. All participants in the multifamily therapy groups received information about the research project and signed consent forms. The data are treated confidentially and anonymised. Findings: The core category was identified as ‘having many strings to one’s bow’, consisting of three subcategories: ‘planning and readjusting’, ‘developing as therapist and team’ and ‘regulating the temperature of the group’. This article discusses the empirical findings in the frame of Aristotelian virtue ethics.


Sexual Abuse ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (8) ◽  
pp. 908-929
Author(s):  
Miriam Ryan ◽  
Mathew McCauley ◽  
Davina Walsh

Sexual offenses evoke strong emotional responses and frequently elicit demands from society that offenders be indefinitely incarcerated or treated until they are deemed safe, which may impact the provision of therapeutic treatment for offenders. However, in recent years, there has been a proposal to move toward a positive, strengths-based treatment approach, namely the Good Lives Model (GLM). The present study used semi-structured interviews and a constructivist grounded theory approach to examine the experience of 13 men who were voluntarily engaging in or had completed a GLM community-based treatment program. A conceptual model emerged which outlines the process the men underwent, the factors they identified as crucial for change, and the perceived gains. The model extends previous work by exploring the process from the clients’ perspective. Implications for future research, prevention, and treatment are discussed.


2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (13-14) ◽  
pp. 2464-2474 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marthe R Egberts ◽  
Rinie Geenen ◽  
Alette EE de Jong ◽  
Helma WC Hofland ◽  
Nancy EE Van Loey

A burn injury event and subsequent hospitalization are potentially distressing for children. To elucidate the child’s experience of pediatric burn injury, children’s reflections on the burn event and its aftermath were examined. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight children (12–17 years old). Using thematic analysis, interview transcripts were coded and codes were combined into overarching categories. Three categories were identified: vivid memories; the importance of parental support; psychosocial impact and coping. Implications for care are discussed in terms of assessing children’s appraisals, paying attention to the parent’s role, and preparing families for potential psychological barriers after discharge.


2020 ◽  
pp. 084456212095412
Author(s):  
Lyndsay MacKay ◽  
Karen Benzies ◽  
Chantelle Barnard ◽  
Shelley Raffin Bouchal

Background Advances in care have increased survival and improved outcomes of infants with complex and chronic diseases. These medically fragile infants require long-term hospitalization and depend on technology for survival. Parents of these infants experience stress and difficulties adapting to their parental role. Purpose To present an account of parental experiences as they provided care for their hospitalized medically fragile infant. Methods This study was part of a larger constructivist grounded theory study to provide a holistic understanding of the processes of care for medically fragile infants. For this sub-study, 21 parents of hospitalized medically fragile infants were recruited from a pediatric hospital in Western Canada. Parents participated in face-to-face, semi-structured interviews, which were transcribed and analyzed using initial and focused coding. Results Parents of hospitalized medically fragile infants grieved the loss of parenting a healthy infant, and they experienced multiple stressors. Parents utilized various coping strategies to manage their grief and stressors. Some parents were unable to cope, which exacted a heavy toll on their physical and mental health. Parents recommended psychological support, access to physical activity, primary nursing, and health system navigators. Conclusions Parental recommendations can inform the design of interventions for parents of hospitalized medically fragile infants.


2001 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dorothy Bruck ◽  
Roger Broughton

Using unstructured interviews, and informed by a grounded theory approach, this qualitative study sought to conceptualise adaptive processes that people with narcolepsy use in coping with their daytime sleepiness. From the interview data of 20 informants, two conceptual frameworks were developed. The core category that emerged was control. One conceptual framework considered factors that affect success in controlling sleep-wake behaviour in narcolepsy, while another focused on behavioural strategies. A descriptive narrative illustrated these frameworks and included quotes indicative of features relevant to coping with sleepiness. This article provides a more positive, person-orientated dimension than may be found in quantitative studies of the implications of this disorder. The findings are potentially an important resource from which professionals can draw in providing therapy to people with a disorder of daytime sleepiness.


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