Physical, emotional, and informational challenges of patients living with neuroendocrine tumors in the United States: Understanding their unmet needs.

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (4_suppl) ◽  
pp. 299-299
Author(s):  
Grace Goldstein ◽  
Abdelali Majdi ◽  
Isabelle Bocher-Pianka ◽  
Rupert Watts ◽  
Mohid Khan
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Information Sources ◽  
Unmet Needs ◽  
The United States ◽  
Discussion Forums ◽  
Primary Tumors ◽  
Non Profit ◽  
Holistic Treatment ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Physical Challenges

299 Background: Surveys of neuroendocrine tumor (NET) burden on daily living rarely explore the impact that patient information sources can have on optimizing care. This subset of a large US survey focused on identifying the unmet needs, and available information sources and support that address the physical, emotional and informational challenges that patients with NETs experience. Methods: The Carcinoid Cancer Foundation is a US, non-profit organization that encourages and supports research and education on carcinoid and related NETs. A Carcinoid Cancer Foundation-approved survey was shared with patients with NETs via the Carcinoid Cancer Foundation website, e-newsletters and social media; some patients were emailed direct links to the online survey. Results: US, online surveys (N=428; 13 questions) were completed over 6 weeks in 2015. Patients had mostly small intestinal (40%), lung (13%) or pancreatic (11%) primary tumors; 66% of patients were diagnosed in the previous 5 years. Patients experienced multiple symptoms, most commonly diarrhea (47%), flushing (45%), changes in bowel/bladder habits (37%) and persistent pain (30%). Common emotions upon diagnosis were fear (58%), anxiety (53%), feeling overwhelmed (50%), confusion (39%) and sadness (34%). Greatest physical challenges were fatigue (66%), diarrhea (48%), pain/discomfort (40%) & sleep disturbance (35%). “Very useful” information sources were (1) NET/carcinoid disease awareness website, (2) carcinoid/NET support group, (3) Google, (4) discussion forums and (5) governmental/health-authority websites. Favored information formats included “patients-like-me” case studies (67%), email (59%), e-newsletters (56%), FAQs (50%), short interactive tutorials (32%) and “top tips” (31%). Information sought, but not found, included simple advice on diet, holistic treatment, complementary therapies, where to find the best treatment, pain management & prognosis. Conclusions: In the US, patients with NETs face negative emotions and multiple physical challenges that require psychological support/coping strategies, and they seek reliable, personally relevant, easily understood information, including that from interaction with other patients.

scholarly journals The Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Health: The Role of Locus on Control and Internet Use

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (19) ◽  
pp. 6985
Author(s):  
Rannveig Sigurvinsdottir ◽  
Ingibjorg E. Thorisdottir ◽  
Haukur Freyr Gylfason
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Locus Of Control ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
The United States ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Symptoms Of Depression ◽  
The Impact

The true extent of the mental health implications of the COVID-19 pandemic are unclear, but early evidence suggests poorer mental health among those exposed to the pandemic. The Internet may have differential effects, by both connecting people with resources, or reinforce the constant checking of negative information. Moreover, locus of control becomes important in an uncontrollable pandemic. The current study aimed to examine whether exposure to COVID-19 would relate to greater symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress, and to examine the role of internet use and locus of control. Adults in the United States and five European countries (N = 1723) answered an online survey through the website Mturk. Results show elevated psychological symptoms among those who have become infected with COVID-19 or perceive themselves to be at high risk if infected. Experience using the Internet relates to fewer symptoms, but information seeking is associated with more symptoms. Internet social capital relates to fewer symptoms of depression. Having an external locus of control relates to greater symptoms. These findings suggest that public health officials need to focus on the mental health effects of the pandemic, and that internet use and locus of control could be targets to improve mental health in the population.

Examining the Effects of Internal Communication and Emotional Culture on Employees’ Organizational Identification

2020 ◽  
pp. 232948842091406 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cen April Yue ◽  
Linjuan Rita Men ◽  
Mary Ann Ferguson
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Identification ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Meaning Making ◽  
The United States ◽  
Internal Communication ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Emotional Culture ◽  
Motivating Language ◽  
Employee Identification ◽  
The Impact

As one of the first empirical attempts investigating the emerging role of positive emotional culture within organizations, the study examined how a symmetrical internal communication system and leaders’ use of motivating language contribute to fostering a positive emotional culture featured by joy, companionate love, pride, and gratitude. Furthermore, the study examined the linkage between a positive emotional culture and employees’ organizational identification. A quantitative online survey was conducted with 482 full-time employees in the United States. Results showed that both symmetrical internal communication and leaders’ use of motivating language, including meaning making, empathetic, and direction-giving languages, induced employees’ perception of a positive emotional culture of joy, companionate love, pride, and gratitude, which in turn enhanced employees’ organizational identification. Positive emotional culture fully mediated the impact of corporate and leadership communications on employee identification with the organization. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.

scholarly journals Share experiences: receiving word of mouth and its effect on relationships with donors

2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 322-333 ◽  
Author(s):  
Larissa M. Sundermann
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Blood Donors ◽  
Word Of Mouth ◽  
Reference Group ◽  
Service Research ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Non Profit ◽  
The Impact

PurposeAlthough antecedents and consequences for the sender of word of mouth (WOM) are well evaluated in many research fields, non-profit service research focusing on consequences for WOM receivers is limited. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to provide evidence for the positive effect that WOM has on commitment, trust, satisfaction and identification (relationship-related factors) and on intentional loyalty of blood donors. Furthermore, the role of the social reference group and the incentive ethics are analysed.Design/methodology/approachBlood donors of the German Red Cross Blood Donor Service were invited to take part in an online survey during May/June 2016. A total of 702 (23.74 per cent) blood donors, who first donated in 2015/2016, participated. The data were analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling.FindingsThe results provide evidence that the mere presence of receiving WOM positively influences commitment, satisfaction and identification as well as intentional loyalty. The negative moderation effect of incentive ethics was partially confirmed.Practical implicationsThis study recommends using WOM approaches to bind donors but first evaluating the exact consequences of provided WOM rewards. WOM is an effective strategy, and non-profit organizations (NPOs) should use this to strengthen their relationship with donors.Originality valueThe paper provides and tests a theoretical framework to evaluate the impact of receiving WOM on relationship-related factors and intentional loyalty. It fills a gap in current discussions about the effectiveness of WOM as a marketing strategy to strengthen donor–NPO relationships.

scholarly journals Autonomy in Vocabulary Learning of Turkish EFL Learners

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 58
Author(s):  
Hakan Korlu ◽  
Enisa Mede
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
English Language ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Vocabulary Learning ◽  
Private University ◽  
Non Profit ◽  
Preparatory Program ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Teaching Learning ◽  
The Impact

<p>The primary aim of this study is to investigate the impact of a mobile flashcards application, Quizlet, on the students’ performance and autonomy in vocabulary learning. The study also attempts to explore the perceptions of students and their teacher about incorporating this application into the teaching, learning and practicing of target vocabulary in English language preparatory classes. To achieve these objectives, a nonrandomized quasi-experimental research design was adopted. The participants were selected from two intact classes of Turkish EFL students enrolled in a language preparatory program at a foundation (non-profit, private) university in Istanbul, Turkey. The data was collected through pre- and post- vocabulary tests, an online survey, student interviews and a teacher’s reflective journal. The findings revealed that Quizlet had a positive impact on students’ performance and their autonomy in vocabulary learning. The overall perceptions of participating students and their teacher about using Quizlet to teach and learn English vocabulary were also positive. Based on these findings, the study provides practical implications and offers suggestions for integrating mobile learning into English language preparatory classes.</p>

scholarly journals International youth exchanges: a sociological analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 82-93
Author(s):  
Anna V. Maltseva ◽  
Dmitrii M. Kasatkin ◽  
Igor I. Temnyi
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Academic Community ◽  
The State ◽  
Public Attention ◽  
Youth Policy ◽  
Non Profit ◽  
Exchange Programs ◽  
Russian State ◽  
Subjective Aspect ◽  
The Impact

International youth exchanges are one of the most relevant forms of international youth cooperation and an important aspect of state youth policy. This article attempts to draw public attention to the subjective aspect of youth exchanges by pointing out specific demands and requirements of modern generation students, who act as the main consumer of international youth programs. The Russian-speaking academic community generally lacks research on international youth exchanges and, specifically, on the youth’s demand for such exchanges. This article aims to characterize the current situation and to determine how the demand for international youth exchanges will develop in the longer term. This study also answers the question of who and why needs youth exchanges, and how to ensure that international programs are in demand. Finally, the study correlates opportunities for exchange development offered by the state with the youth’s demand for such exchanges, and examines the impact that exchanges have on young people. This work focuses on youth exchanges as a part of Russian state youth policy and on its youth cooperation with other countries. The emphasis is placed on students of St. Petersburg, one of the centres of international youth exchanges in Russia. The data was collected in January 2020 via an online survey in the social networks VKontakte and Facebook, as well as WhatsApp and Telegram messengers. It included 424 respondents aged 18 to 25. The study has revealed what students expect from and how prepared they are for international exchanges, as well as what possible risks and motivations are related to such exchanges. The obtained data has been correlated with the opportunities offered by the state. Based on the results of the study, a number of recommendations have been made. They can be useful for legislative and executive authorities, who are responsible for the legislation on exchanges, and for both for- and non-profit organizations, directly involved in organizing certain exchange programs.

scholarly journals Trends and Predictors of COVID-19 Information Sources and Their Relationship With Knowledge and Beliefs Related to the Pandemic: Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shahmir H Ali ◽  
Joshua Foreman ◽  
Yesim Tozan ◽  
Ariadna Capasso ◽  
Abbey M Jones ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Information Sources ◽  
Information Source ◽  
Empirical Literature ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mainstream Media ◽  
Knowledge And Beliefs ◽  
Government Websites ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Source Of Information

BACKGROUND During the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a heightened need to understand health information seeking behaviors to address disparities in knowledge and beliefs about the crisis. OBJECTIVE This study assessed sociodemographic predictors of the use and trust of different COVID-19 information sources, as well as the association between information sources and knowledge and beliefs about the pandemic. METHODS An online survey was conducted among US adults in two rounds during March and April 2020 using advertisement-based recruitment on social media. Participants were asked about their use of 11 different COVID-19 information sources as well as their most trusted source of information. The selection of COVID-related knowledge and belief questions was based on past empirical literature and salient concerns at the time of survey implementation. RESULTS The sample consisted of 11,242 participants. When combined, traditional media sources (television, radio, podcasts, or newspapers) were the largest sources of COVID-19 information (91.2%). Among those using mainstream media sources for COVID-19 information (n=7811, 69.5%), popular outlets included CNN (24.0%), Fox News (19.3%), and other local or national networks (35.2%). The largest individual information source was government websites (87.6%). They were also the most trusted source of information (43.3%), although the odds of trusting government websites were lower among males (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0.58, 95% CI 0.53-0.63) and those aged 40-59 years and ≥60 years compared to those aged 18-39 years (AOR 0.83, 95% CI 0.74-0.92; AOR 0.62, 95% CI 0.54-0.71). Participants used an average of 6.1 sources (SD 2.3). Participants who were male, aged 40-59 years or ≥60 years; not working, unemployed, or retired; or Republican were likely to use fewer sources while those with children and higher educational attainment were likely to use more sources. Participants surveyed in April were markedly less likely to use (AOR 0.41, 95% CI 0.35-0.46) and trust (AOR 0.51, 95% CI 0.47-0.56) government sources. The association between information source and COVID-19 knowledge was mixed, while many COVID-19 beliefs were significantly predicted by information source; similar trends were observed with reliance on different types of mainstream media outlets. CONCLUSIONS COVID-19 information source was significantly determined by participant sociodemographic characteristics and was also associated with both knowledge and beliefs about the pandemic. Study findings can help inform COVID-19 health communication campaigns and highlight the impact of using a variety of different and trusted information sources.

scholarly journals The Impact of Age on Mobile Technology Use During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 1026-1026
Author(s):  
Yi Lin ◽  
Graham Rowles
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Technology ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
User Behavior ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
The United States ◽  
Human Contact ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Use Behavior ◽  
The Impact

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic led to quarantines and mandatory spatial distancing; people of all ages were encouraged to use technologies instead of actual human contact as part of COVID-19 prevention. The promotion of mobile applications (apps) during the pandemic influenced mobile technology use behavior. This study explored age differences in mobile technology use during the COVID-19 pandemic. A pilot-tested survey was distributed using online survey software. Persons surveyed were 35 years of age or older, currently living in the United States of America with experience using mobile technology. Survey questions pertained to mobile technology use frequency and factors influencing the decision to use mobile technology. The nationwide response included 1212 individuals. The average age of participants is 56.12±12.26 years old (female: male = 1.24:1). Responses were categorized participants into three age groups, 35 to 49, 50 to 64, and 65 or older. Daily mobile technology use frequency increased significantly (p&lt;0.01) for all groups during the COVID-19 pandemic, with participants 35 to 49 having a significantly higher (p&lt;0.01) use frequency than other groups. Regarding factors influencing the decision to use mobile technology, 64.1% of respondents aged 50 to 64 identified the necessity of using this technology during the pandemic as a significant factor, and 64.0% of participants in age 65 or older reported that the availability of functions on mobile devices is critical. Overall, the COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant increase in mobile technology use with people in different age groups differentially valuing the factors that affected their user behavior.

The impact of cancer information online on cancer fatalism: education and eHealth literacy as moderators

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (6) ◽  
pp. 543-555 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jae Eun Chung ◽  
Chul-Joo Lee
Keyword(s):  
Information Seeking ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
The United States ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Cancer Information ◽  
Cancer Fatalism ◽  
Ehealth Literacy ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Search For Information ◽  
The Impact

Abstract One critical yet understudied concept associated with cancer information is cancer fatalism, i.e. deterministic thoughts about the cause of cancer, the inability to prevent it and the unavoidability of death upon diagnosis. The aim of this study is to understand how information seeking about cancer online influences cancer fatalism and whether and to what extent education and eHealth literacy moderate the relationship between them. Findings from an online survey of a nationally representative sample in the United States (N = 578) showed differential impacts of using the internet to search for information about cancer among the more and the less educated. For the less educated, more exposure to information about cancer via medical and health websites led to an increased level of cancer fatalism, whereas among the more educated, greater exposure lowered cancer fatalism. These differences were explained by the fact that the more educated were equipped with a higher level of eHealth literacy skills than the less educated. Findings show that only when one has necessary skills to apply digital resources can those resources help mitigate cancer fatalism. We suggest the need to enhance eHealth literacy skills among the less educated to reduce cancer fatalism.

Abstract P033: Impact of Empathetic Touch Therapy on Reducing Feelings of Stress, Anxiety, Pain and Depression

Circulation ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 137 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Donna Arz ◽  
Michael McClain ◽  
Kathy Quach ◽  
Joseph Sky ◽  
David Steinhorn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Integrative Medicine ◽  
The Body ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Non Profit ◽  
Holistic Treatment ◽  
Touch Therapy ◽  
Craniosacral Therapy ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Complementary And Integrative Medicine ◽  
The Impact

Introduction: The association between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and cardiovascular disease has been established. Complementary and integrative medicine (CAM) modalities are commonly underutilized due to their mixed results and need further evaluation. Empathetic Touch therapy is a holistic healing tool, which incorporates integrative medicine techniques such as energy healing, acupressure, craniosacral therapy, shamanic healing, aspects of Chinese medicine and spiritual care to promote wholeness in the body, mind, and spirit. The purpose of this study is to analyze symptoms of stress, anxiety, pain, and depression in a primarily veterans affairs population suffering from PTSD and voluntarily undergoing Empathetic Touch therapy sessions at a non-profit organization called the Forgotten Soldier Program. Hypothesis: We assessed the hypothesis that Empathetic Touch therapy will reduce feelings of anxiety, stress, pain, and depression. Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of 424 participants from the Forgotten Soldier Program who completed surveys before and after an approximately 1-hour session of Empathetic Touch therapy (November 7, 2013 through August 11, 2017). Self-reported scores on a scale of 0 to 10 for feelings of stress, anxiety, pain, and depression were collected before and after every therapy session. The change from baseline was determined and analyzed using a paired t-test. Results: Across a cohort of 424 individual patients, a total of 1,359 individual sessions were included for analysis. Self-reported feelings of stress (n=1267), anxiety (n=1223), pain (n=1275), and depression (n=416) were reduced by 3.27±3.34, 2.98±3.53, 2.44±3.66 and 1.46±3.7 (all p-values <0.001), respectively. No significant adverse events related to Empathetic Touch therapy were reported. Conclusion: Empathetic Touch therapy significantly reduces feelings of stress, anxiety, pain, and depression. Alternative and integrative modalities need to be further incorporated in a holistic treatment of patients. Assessing the impact of Empathetic Touch therapy on cardiovascular endpoints is warranted.

Examining the Impact of Question Construction on Reporting of Sexual Identity: Survey Experiment among Young Adults (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
William J Young ◽  
Michelle Bover Manderski ◽  
Ollie Ganz ◽  
Cristine D Delnevo ◽  
Mary Hrywna
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Sexual Identity ◽  
Sexual Minorities ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
The United States ◽  
Survey Experiment ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Sexual Identities ◽  
And Bisexual ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND Compared to heterosexuals, sexual minorities in the United States experience a higher incidence of negative physical and mental health outcomes. However, a variety of measurement challenges limit researchers’ ability to conduct meaningful survey research to understand these disparities. Many national health surveys only offer respondents three substantive options for reporting their sexual identities (straight/heterosexual, gay or lesbian, and bisexual) despite the prevalence of additional identities, which could lead to measurement error via misreporting and item non-response. OBJECTIVE This study compared the traditional three-option approach to measuring sexual identity with an expanded approach that offered respondents five additional options. METHODS An online survey experiment conducted among New Jersey residents between March and June 2021 randomly assigned 1,258 young adults (ages 18-21) to answer either the three-response measure of sexual identity or the expanded item. Response distributions for each measure were compared as were the odds of item non-response. RESULTS The expanded version of the question appeared to result in more accurate reporting among some subgroups and induced less item non-response. Twelve percent of participants answering the expanded version of the question selected a response that was not available in the shorter version. Females answering the expanded item were less likely to identify as gay or lesbian (2% vs.7%). Females and Non-Hispanic whites were slightly more likely to skip the shorter item (1% vs. 0%). Five percent of respondents answering the longer item were unsure of their sexual identity (a similar option was not available in the shorter version). Compared to respondents answering the longer version of the question, those answering the shorter version had substantially greater odds of skipping the question altogether (Odds Ratio 9.57, 95% CI 1.21-75.73, P=.03). CONCLUSIONS Results favor the use of a longer, more detailed approach to measuring sexual identity in epidemiological research. Such a measure will likely allow researchers to produce more accurate estimates of health behaviors and outcomes among sexual minorities.

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