Improved Self-Acceptance, Quality of Life, and Stress Level from Participation in a Worksite Yoga Foundations Program: A Pilot Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lori J. Casey ◽  
Kimberly M. Van Rooy ◽  
Stephanie J. Sutherland ◽  
Sarah M. Jenkins ◽  
Jordan K. Rosedahl ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Worksite Wellness ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Self Acceptance ◽  
Wellness Center

Abstract Yoga is increasing in popularity in the United States and across the globe. However, most yoga programs are provided outside the worksite; although many companies offer worksite wellness programs, at present there is limited documentation regarding the potential benefits of participating in a worksite yoga program. Therefore, the purpose of this project was to examine the potential effect of a worksite yoga program on self-acceptance, quality of life, and perceived stress. A prospective cohort pilot study that examined a structured worksite yoga program was designed and tailored to individuals new to yoga. The 8-week Yoga Foundations program was conducted at an academic medical center's worksite wellness center with 86 subjects. Outcome measures were the 36-item Self-Acceptance Scale; a six-item quality-of-life measure that assesses overall, social, mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being; and the ten-item Perceived Stress Scale. Participants demonstrated significant improvement in their overall self-acceptance (p < 0.001), quality of life (p < 0.001), and perceived stress (p < 0.001) levels. They also highly rated the yoga instructors and the weekly format of the program. Participation in a Yoga Foundations program was associated with improvements in self-acceptance, quality of life and stress levels in worksite wellness center members. Future studies should use randomized designs and examine other wellness domains to learn more about the potential benefits of worksite yoga programs.

scholarly journals Effects of Music Therapy on Well-Being of People with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lingzi Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Music Therapy ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Increasing Demand ◽  
Mental And Physical Health

The number of people in the United States diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is projected to increase, posing an urgent need for more effective treatments. Music therapy (MT), a clinical treatment that primarily uses music and involves no medication, is known to evoke memory of music-related experiences among patients with AD and dementia. To better understand the effects of MT on patients with AD and related dementia, I conducted a literature review. The findings suggest that MT is effective in promoting well-being as well as the mental and physical health of patients with AD and related dementia, although no significant effect on patients’ cognitive functions was found. Considering the increasing demand for care and treatment for patients with AD and related dementia, MT should be employed in conjunction with other forms of treatment, in order to improve the patients’ quality of life and relieve the burden on families. More detailed research is needed to help achieve a better understanding of the potential benefits of MT on patients with AD and related dementia.

scholarly journals Preliminary Feasibility Study of a Community-Based Wellness Coaching for Cancer Survivors Program

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole J Berzins ◽  
Michael Mackenzie ◽  
Mary Lou Galantino ◽  
Nicole Pickles ◽  
Sean Hebbel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Cancer Survivorship ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Health Coaching ◽  
Community Based

Abstract Purpose: In the United States, there are almost 17 million cancer survivors who often have poorer health outcomes and an increased risk for developing a second cancer and other chronic illnesses. Evidence suggests substantial cancer burden may be prevented through lifestyle modifications. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of health coaching for the improvement of health, fitness, and overall well-being of cancer survivors in a community setting. Methods: Participants were recruited from community-based cancer agency locations. Health coaching was provided to people diagnosed with cancer anywhere along the cancer survivorship continuum. Coaches provided six individual sessions to each participant. Surveys were sent pre- and post-intervention on topics including fitness, eating habits, perceived stress, anxiety, depression, and quality of life. Results were analyzed using repeated measures multilevel modeling. Results: 48 participants completed an average of 85% of health coaching sessions. Coaching participants noted significant improvements in weekly physical activity, including moderate-vigorous physical activity. Small significant increases were found in healthy eating behavior. Participants reported moderate change in the quality of their sleep and smaller significant changes in sleep duration and sleep efficiency. Moderate significant reductions were found in perceived stress and anxiety, with small but significant decreases in depression. Importantly, participants reported improved quality of life, particularly in areas of physical and emotional well-being. Smaller increases were found in functional and total well-being. Conclusion: Preliminary findings indicate real behavior change in the measured outcomes and suggests health coaching may be an important tool for cancer survivorship.

scholarly journals Inquiry Based Stress Reduction (IBSR) Improves Overall Stuttering Experience among Adults Who Stutter: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 2187
Author(s):  
Omrit Feldman ◽  
Eran Goldstien ◽  
Benjamin Rolnik ◽  
Ariel B. Ganz ◽  
Shahar Lev-Ari
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Satisfaction With Life ◽  
Psychological Flexibility ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Adults Who Stutter

Stuttering is a speech disorder that can cause disturbances in the timing and flow of speech. In addition to being a communication disorder, stuttering is often accompanied by a reduction in the quality of life and has impacts on social status, mental well-being, self-acceptance, and the chances of integration into the labor market. The Inquiry Based Stress Reduction (IBSR) program, developed in the United States by Byron Katie in 1986, is the clinical application of “The Work” method (Thework.com) and represents an emerging mindfulness and cognitive-reframing method. IBSR has been demonstrated to improve mental health and well-being in adults and may alleviate psychological and psychosocial symptoms of stuttering. The purpose of this trial was to examine the effect of a 12-week IBSR intervention on the overall stuttering experience and indicators of anxiety, psychological flexibility, and well-being among adults who stutter (AWS). This study was a randomized controlled clinical trial. Participants were randomized to IBSR (n = 28) and control (n = 28) groups. Validated questionnaires of overall stuttering experience (OASES-A), anxiety (STAI), psychological flexibility (PFQ), and satisfaction with life (SWLS) were completed before, after, and one month after the intervention. An intention-to-treat approach was implemented for analysis. Our results show that participants in the IBSR intervention group exhibited a greater improvement in their overall stuttering experience as compared to the control group, as well as in general information on stuttering awareness and perception, reactions to stuttering, communication in daily situations, and quality of life. In addition, we found a greater reduction in anxiety levels and an increase in satisfaction-with-life scores in the IBSR group. These results indicate that IBSR can improve the overall stuttering experience.

scholarly journals Understanding the Link between Family Caregiver Quality of Life and the Care Provided to Older People With Dementia

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 153-154
Author(s):  
Afeez Hazzan
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Quality Of Care ◽  
Older People ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Family Caregiver ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Dementia is one of the most rapidly growing diseases in the United States. In 2018, the direct costs to American society of caring for older people with dementia was approximately $277 billion. Primary informal caregivers are mainly responsible for the care of older people with dementia including Alzheimer’s disease. Caregivers perform a myriad of duties ranging from shopping for their loved ones’ groceries, helping with medications, and managing finances. The caregiving role becomes more demanding as the disease progresses over time, and studies have shown that the quality-of-life (QoL) experienced by caregivers of older adults who have dementia is lower than the QoL of caregivers for older people who do not have dementia. To the best of our knowledge, there has been no research conducted to investigate whether lower caregiver QoL affects the level or quality of care that caregivers provide to persons with dementia. In the current study, we interviewed family caregivers living in Rochester, New York to inquire about their quality of life and the care provided to older people living with dementia. Further, caregivers completed the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) as well as a draft questionnaire for measuring the quality of care provided to older people living with dementia. Both quantitative and qualitative findings from this study reveals important relationships between family caregiver QoL and the care provided, including the impact of social support and financial well-being. The study findings could have significant impact, particularly for the provision of much needed support for family caregivers.

“I Would Like to Have a Normal Brother but I’m Happy With the Brother That I Have”: A Pilot Study About Intellectual Disabilities and Family Quality of Life From the Perspective of Siblings

2021 ◽  
pp. 0192513X2110428
Author(s):  
Raquel A. Correia ◽  
Maria João Seabra-Santos
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Family Relationships ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Family Quality Of Life ◽  
Adult Sibling ◽  
The Disabled

The relationships between siblings are the most long-lasting in families. When one of the siblings is a person with intellectual disabilities (ID), this relationship assumes an even more important role since this brother/sister will most likely become the disabled individual’s main caregiver. This pilot study had two aims: to explore the experience as an adolescent or adult sibling of a person with ID and to understand the perceptions of these siblings about quality of life as a sibling and about family quality of life. In-depth interviews were conducted with six siblings. The results showed that the experience of a sibling is positive and the acceptance process is of extreme importance. The domains which, from the sibling perspective, contribute to family quality of life are as follows: Family relationships, Acceptance, Health, Influence of values, Financial well-being, Support from others, and Leisure activities. The implications of these findings for intervention are pointed out.

Quality of Life and the Carbon Footprint: A Zip-Code Level Study Across the United States

2021 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 323-343
Author(s):  
Matthew Thomas Clement ◽  
Chad L. Smith ◽  
Tyler Leverenz
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
United States ◽  
Carbon Footprint ◽  
Ecological Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Alternative Measure ◽  
Level Data ◽  
Zip Code

Much sustainability scholarship has examined the environmental dimensions of subjective and objective well-being. As an alternative measure of human well-being, we consider the notion of quality of life and draw on a framework from the sustainability literature to study its association with ecological impact, specifically the carbon footprint. We conduct a quantitative analysis, combining zip-code level data on quality of life and the carbon footprint per household for the year 2012 across the continental United States ( n=29,953). Findings consistently show a significant, negative association between quality of life and the carbon footprint. Our findings point to the potential advantages of utilizing robust objective measures of quality of life that extends beyond economic well-being and life expectancy alone. Furthermore, our findings question the conventional wisdom that sustainability requires sacrifices, while suggesting opportunities for how increased levels of sustainability may be achieved while retaining high levels of quality of life.

Quality of Life of Family Caregivers of Patients With Cancer in Korçe, Albania

2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 118-125 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathon Judkins ◽  
Irena Laska ◽  
Judith Paice ◽  
Priya Kumthekar
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
The United States ◽  
Primary Objective ◽  
Care Clinic ◽  
Demographic Groups ◽  
Spiritual Well Being ◽  
The Impact

Purpose: The primary objective of this study was to quantify cancer family caregiver (FCG) quality of life (QOL) in a Southern Albanian population and to determine whether differences exist between 4 domains of QOL (physical, psychological, social, and spiritual). This study also sought to compare QOL in our cohort to QOL in historical studies that used the same survey instrument, and to examine correlations between demographic characteristics and QOL to identify any high-risk groups. Methods: A sample of 40 FCGs was recruited at the Mary Potter Palliative Care Clinic in Korçe, Albania. Each participant completed the City of Hope Quality of Life (Family Version), a validated 37-question instrument that measures caregiver well-being in 4 domains: physical, psychological, social, and spiritual well-being. Results: There were no significant differences between the composite scores of the 4 QOL domains in our study. However, there were differences when comparing self-reported QOL between domains (“Rate your overall physical/psychological/social/spiritual well-being”). The QOL measured in our study was significantly lower than in 3 studies from the United States that used the same questionnaire. There were no significant correlations between demographic groups and QOL. Conclusions: This study examines the impact that the paucity of palliative services has on the QOL of Albanian cancer FCGs. Although there were no domains of QOL or demographic groups identified in our study that were faring significantly worse than others, the poor overall QOL provides further evidence to support the continued development of palliative services for both patients and family members in Albania.

scholarly journals Quality of Life Among Black Prostate Cancer Survivors: An Integrative Review

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 1648-1664 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sabrina L. Dickey ◽  
Motolani E. Ogunsanya
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Black Men ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Integrative Review ◽  
Dominant Factor ◽  
The Impact

The purpose of this integrative review was to explore the impact of prostate cancer (PCa) on the quality of life (QoL) and factors that contribute to the QoL for Black men with PCa. Prostate is recognized as the prevalent cancer among men in the United States. Compared to other men, Black men are diagnosed more frequently and with more advanced stages of PCa. Black men also experience disproportionately higher morbidity and mortality rates of PCa, among all racial and ethnic groups. The initial diagnosis of PCa is often associated with a barrage of concerns for one’s well-being including one’s QoL. As a result, men must contend with various psychosocial and physiological symptoms of PCa survivorship. Whittemore and Knafl’s integrative review method was utilized to examine empirical articles from the electronic databases of the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), PsycINFO, PubMed, Project Muse, and Google Scholar. The time frame for the literature was January 2005 to December 2016. A synthesis of the literature yielded 18 studies that met the inclusion criteria for the integrative review. A conceptual framework that examined QoL among cancer survivors identified four domains that measured the QoL among Black PCa survivors: (a) physical; (b) psychological; (c) social; and (d) spiritual well-being. Social well-being was the dominant factor among the studies in the review, followed by physical, psychological, and spiritual. Results indicate the need for additional studies that examine the factors impacting the QoL among Black PCa survivors, using a theoretical framework so as to develop culturally appropriate interventions for Black PCa survivors.

Growing Older with an Intellectual Disability

2000 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 57-66
Author(s):  
Lindsay Gething
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Intellectual Disability ◽  
Service Provision ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Family Care ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Aged Care ◽  
Policy And Practice

Both the life expectancy and numbers of older people with intellectual disabilities are growing. Until recently, ageing with a disability had not been a major consideration for Australian policy makers and service providers. The situation was similar in countries such as the United States of America and United Kingdom where, unlike aged care, disability policy and practice had not evolved to meet needs. Ageing with long standing disability has now been specified by the Australian government as a priority area. This paper reports results of consultations held with consumers, their organisations, service providers and government in order to explore quality of life and service provision issues for people with long standing disabilities. It reports these issues and uses themes emerging from consultations to structure previously published information specifically related to ageing with an intellectual disability. Seven broad themes are discussed which relate to: life experiences; attitudes, skills and knowledge of consumers; attitudes skills and knowledge of community and service providers, the nature of service provision; the ageing of family care givers; financial security; and ageing in place. It is concluded that disadvantages and barriers experienced throughout life influence well being and quality of life in old age.

scholarly journals A mixed-methods pilot study of ‘LIFEView’ audiovisual technology: Virtual travel to support well-being and quality of life in palliative and end-of-life care patients

2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (7) ◽  
pp. 954-965
Author(s):  
Monisha Kabir ◽  
Jill L Rice ◽  
Shirley H Bush ◽  
Peter G Lawlor ◽  
Colleen Webber ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Preliminary Data ◽  
Psychological Symptoms ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Assessment System ◽  
Spiritual Well Being

Background: There is evidence that psychosocial and spiritual interventions of short duration, such as reminiscence therapy, provide positive impacts on quality of life and emotional and existential well-being in adults receiving palliative care. Aim: To determine (1) the feasibility of integrating ‘LIFEView’, a video-based software with >1600 videos of world destinations, in palliative care settings, and (2) positive, neutral or harmful effects of using ‘LIFEView’ videos. Design: A mixed-methods pre–post intervention pilot study was conducted to collect feasibility and preliminary data on physical and psychological symptoms, physiological indicators, spiritual well-being and aspects of quality of life. Setting/participants: Adult patients on an inpatient palliative care unit or receiving care from a community palliative care consultation team who were capable of providing consent and completing the outcome measures were eligible participants. Results: Overall, 27/41 (66%) participants took part in the study. Feasibility criteria, including participant acceptability, low participant burden, tool completion rate and retention rate, were fulfilled, though challenges were experienced with recruitment. Modest improvements, though non-significant, were shown on preliminary data collected on physical and psychological symptoms using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System–revised, spiritual well-being assessed by the 12-item Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy – Spiritual Well-Being scale and physiological measurements. Qualitative analysis revealed five themes: motivations for using ‘LIFEView’, perceptions of the technology, reminiscence, ‘LIFEView’ as an adaptable technology and ongoing or future use. Conclusion: A future adequately powered study to investigate the impacts of ‘LIFEView’ on patient well-being and quality of life appears to be feasible.

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