scholarly journals Mind Full or Mindful? A cohort student of Equine-Facilitated Therapy for Women Veterans

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aviva Vincent ◽  
Isabel Ballard ◽  
Kathleen Farkas

Abstract Background: The purpose of the evaluation was to understand, through participant self-report, the assets and challenges of partnering with equines for female Veterans seeking to increase skills in their mindfulness practice. Methods: Surveys were administered to participants to gain insight into self-identified mindfulness pre- and post-equine intervention. All measures were anonymous with only the date included to indicate the cohort. The study included three measures post-consent: The Toronto Mindfulness Scale, the Mindfulness Scale, and the Program Evaluation. Results: The Mindfulness Survey responses were averaged for pre- intervention, then for post- intervention. The pre- intervention survey responses ranged from 2.3 to 6.5 with a response range of 0 to 10 (M=4.59, SD=1.29). The post- intervention survey responses ranged from 6.7 to 9.2 (M=8.2, SD=0.69). A paired sample t-test found a significant difference in the scores from pre- intervention to post- intervention conditions (t=-9.43, df=13, p<.001). In the evaluations, participants shared that their favorite moments were (Q3): grooming and Breathe With (an activity to match breathing to the horse’s breathing). In the question asking what the participants will take away from the program (Q9) one participant shared, “The horses have taught me a lot about myself”; a common theme across respondents. Conclusion: The current study demonstrates that Veterans’ interactions with equines impacts the participants’ mindfulness throughout their experiences at Fieldstone Farm. The Veterans established a significant increase in their mindfulness scores post-equine intervention.

2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 300-308
Author(s):  
Do Young Lee ◽  
Jin Kyoung Park ◽  
Mi Young Choi

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the factors that influence the clinical practice of nursing students and to identify the mediating effects of spiritual well-being in the relation between stress of clinical practice and burnout caused by clinical practice. Methods: Data were collected by self-report questionnaires targeting 420 nursing students in three nursing colleges located in Gyeonggi and Chungnam province. Results: Burnout of clinical practice according to general characteristics of the study subjects showed significant difference in religion (t=1.895, p=.049). Stress of clinical practice and burnout of clinical practice showed positive correlation (r=.42, p<.001), existential spiritual well-being showed negative correlation between stress of clinical practice (r=-.17, p<.001) and burnout of clinical practice (r=-.47, p<.001). In addition, religious spiritual well-being in spiritual well-being showed no mediating effects and existential spiritual well-being showed mediating effects between burnout in clinical practice stress. Conclusion: In order to alleviate the stress of clinical practice for burnout of clinical practice prevention of nursing students, solutions to improve the existential spiritual well-being will be required in the future.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph Smith ◽  
Heather Kempton ◽  
Matt Williams ◽  
Clifford van Ommen

ObjectiveBy committing to latent variable models, mindfulness research has aimed to transform observable practices into an identifiable real ‘mindfulness’ experience which is claimed to exist beyond what is directly observed. Recently, an alternative methodology has been developed which allows mindfulness to be modelled as a complex system or network at the level of self-report. This study hypothesised that a more densely connected network of observable practices is indicative of a greater level of development of mindfulness. MethodsMindfulness networks were estimated for practitioners and non-practitioners using the Friedberg Mindfulness Inventory (FMI). A total of 371 regular mindfulness practitioners, 224 non-practitioners and 59 irregular practitioners were recruited online from the Amazon Mechanical Turk database. ResultsComparisons of practitioners’ and non-practitioners’ networks indicated that network density did not significantly differ, whereas evidence was found in support of a significant difference in network structure. An exploratory analysis revealed that the FMI item representing the mindfulness practice of Acceptance was substantially more central in the Practitioners FMI network, relative to its position in the Non-practitioners FMI network. FMI items representing the mindfulness practices of Self-kindness and Returning to the Present were substantially more peripheral to the practitioners FMI network relative to their position in the non-practitioners FMI network. Conclusions.The study provides proof-of-principle support for investigating mindfulness as a complex network at the level of self-report. However, the lack of difference in network density indicates that future research is needed to examine network dynamics in the context of regular mindfulness practice.


Author(s):  
Oluwatoyin Modupeore Babarimisa

Background: Dysmenorrhoea is very common among female adolescents and the associated pain could be severe and significantly impact their daily and academic lives. Dysmenorrhea can be effectively managed if properly understood and given proper management, hence, this study determined the outcome of educational intervention on pharmacological knowledge and management of dysmenorrhea among undergraduates in Lagos State University.Methods: The study utilized a one-group pre-post-test quasi experimental design. Total enumeration of 126 respondents female accounting students were selected. Two instruments of Self-Report Questionnaire (SQR) and Test Paper on Knowledge and Management of dysmenorrhea (TRKM) were used to collect data. Descriptive statistics of frequencies, percentages, mean scores and standard deviation were used to analyze the research questions.Results: Findings showed that majority of the participants 91 (72.2%) were between the ages of 20-24 years, 97 (77.0%) started menstruation between 10-15 years of age, and 76 (59.9%) only menstruated for 3 days. The pre and post intervention mean scores on knowledge of pharmacological management of dysmenorrhea were (2.981±1.176) and (8.115±0.997) with a mean gain of 6.670. Also, there is significant difference between pre and post intervention of knowledge on dysmenorrhea with knowledge gained 16.130, t=47.806 at p=0.00).Conclusions: The organized education programs on knowledge and management of dysmenorrhea benefited the participants, therefore, resulting in an increase in knowledge and management of dysmenorrhea. It was recommended that Community health practitioners, public health educators and social workers should plan appropriate technique to modify the attitude and beliefs of females on management of dysmenorrhea.


2017 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 117863371771645 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nancy Ames ◽  
Rebecca Shuford ◽  
Li Yang ◽  
Brad Moriyama ◽  
Meredith Frey ◽  
...  

Background: Music listening may reduce the physiological, emotional, and mental effects of distress and anxiety. It is unclear whether music listening may reduce the amount of opioids used for pain management in critical care, postoperative patients or whether music may improve patient experience in the intensive care unit (ICU). Methods: A total of 41 surgical patients were randomized to either music listening or controlled non-music listening groups on ICU admission. Approximately 50-minute music listening interventions were offered 4 times per day (every 4-6 hours) during the 48 hours of patients’ ICU stays. Pain, distress, and anxiety scores were measured immediately before and after music listening or controlled resting periods. Total opioid intake was recorded every 24 hours and during each intervention. Results: There was no significant difference in pain, opioid intake, distress, or anxiety scores between the control and music listening groups during the first 4 time points of the study. However, a mixed modeling analysis examining the pre- and post-intervention scores at the first time point revealed a significant interaction in the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) for pain between the music and the control groups ( P = .037). The Numeric Rating Score decreased in the music group but remained stable in the control group. Following discharge from the ICU, the music group’s interviews were analyzed for themes. Conclusions: Despite the limited sample size, this study identified music listening as an appropriate intervention that improved patients’ post-intervention experience, according to patients’ self-report. Future mixed methods studies are needed to examine both qualitative patient perspectives and methodology to improve music listening in critical care units.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 487-487
Author(s):  
Theresa Chrisman

Abstract Depression and lack of meaning in life (MIL) are common among residents of nursing homes (NHs) and contribute to a reduction in overall health and well-being. Life Story Book (LSB), a reminiscence intervention, is designed to provide a person with the opportunity to review their past and capture their life stories and photographs into a book. LSB has demonstrated positive outcomes for residents of NHs with dementia, yet little is known for residents without dementia. A switching replication design was used to examine the effects of LSB among 21 mentally alert residents from two NHs (NH-A and NH-B) in Houston, Texas. Participants in NH-A received three weeks of the LSB intervention, while NH-B received three weeks of care-as-usual; the intervention was then switched. The GDS-12R and the MIL questionnaire (MLQ) were used to measure depressive symptoms and MIL respectively. Participants from NH-A (n =11) and NH-B (n = 10) had a mean age of 75 years (SD =11.34); 81% female; 52% non-Hispanic white and 33% African American. Results from a one-way MANCOVA found no statistically significant difference on the GDS-12R and MLQ (F(3, 14) = 2.50, p = .102; Wilks’ Lambda = .652; η2 = .35). Further analyses comparing the pre-intervention and post-intervention scores for the entire sample (N =21) found a significant reduction in depressive symptoms (M = 2.67; SD = 2.52) and (M =1.67, SD = 2.29); (t (20) = 2.21, p = 0.039). The potential benefits of LSB for mentally alert residents of NHs warrants further research.


2021 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Younes Lotfi ◽  
Mahdieh Hasanalifard ◽  
Abdollah Moossavi ◽  
Enayatollah Bakhshi ◽  
Mohammad Ajalloueyan

Abstract Background The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of “Spatially separated speech in noise” auditory training on the ability of speech perception in noise among bimodal fitting users. The assumption was that the rehabilitation can enhance spatial hearing and hence speech in noise perception. This study was an interventional study, with a pre/post-design. Speech recognition ability was assessed with the specific tests. After performing the rehabilitation stages in the intervention group, the speech tests were again implemented, and by comparing the pre- and post-intervention data, the effect of auditory training on the speech abilities was assessed. Twenty-four children of 8–12 years who had undergone cochlear implantation and continuously used bimodal fitting were investigated in two groups of control and intervention. Results The results showed a significant difference between the groups in different speech tests after the intervention, which indicated that the intervention group have improved more than the control group. Conclusion It can be concluded that “Spatially separated speech in noise” auditory training can improve the speech perception in noise in bimodal fitting users. In general, this rehabilitation method is useful for enhancing the speech in noise perception ability.


Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 1806
Author(s):  
Virginia Chan ◽  
Alyse Davies ◽  
Lyndal Wellard-Cole ◽  
Silvia Lu ◽  
Hoi Ng ◽  
...  

Technology-enhanced methods of dietary assessment may still face common limitations of self-report. This study aimed to assess foods and beverages omitted when both a 24 h recall and a smartphone app were used to assess dietary intake compared with camera images. For three consecutive days, young adults (18–30 years) wore an Autographer camera that took point-of-view images every 30 seconds. Over the same period, participants reported their diet in the app and completed daily 24 h recalls. Camera images were reviewed for food and beverages, then matched to the items reported in the 24 h recall and app. ANOVA (with post hoc analysis using Tukey Honest Significant Difference) and paired t-test were conducted. Discretionary snacks were frequently omitted by both methods (p < 0.001). Water was omitted more frequently in the app than in the camera images (p < 0.001) and 24 h recall (p < 0.001). Dairy and alternatives (p = 0.001), sugar-based products (p = 0.007), savoury sauces and condiments (p < 0.001), fats and oils (p < 0.001) and alcohol (p = 0.002) were more frequently omitted in the app than in the 24 h recall. The use of traditional self-report methods of assessing diet remains problematic even with the addition of technology and finding new objective methods that are not intrusive and are of low burden to participants remains a challenge.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily R. Bemmer ◽  
Kelsie A. Boulton ◽  
Emma E. Thomas ◽  
Ben Larke ◽  
Suncica Lah ◽  
...  

Abstract Background There is a strong research imperative to investigate effective treatment options for adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Elevated social anxiety, difficulties with social functioning and poor mental health have all been identified as core treatment targets for this group. While theoretical models posit a strong bidirectionality between social anxiety and ASD social functioning deficits, few interventions have targeted both domains concurrently. Of the two group interventions previously conducted with adolescents and adults with ASD, significant results have only been observed in either social anxiety or social functioning, and have not generalised to changes in overall mood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential benefit, tolerability and acceptability of a group cognitive-behaviour therapy (CBT) intervention in young adults with ASD. Primary treatment outcomes were social anxiety symptoms and social functioning difficulties; secondary outcomes were self-reported mood and overall distress. Method Ten groups of participants completed an eight-week, modified group CBT intervention targeting both social anxiety and social functioning, that included social skills training, exposure tasks and behavioural experiment components. Seventy-eight adolescents and young adults with ASD, without intellectual impairment, aged between 16 and 38 (M = 22.77; SD = 5.31), were recruited from the community, Headspace centres and the Autism Clinic for Translational Research at the Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney. Outcomes (social anxiety, social functioning and mood) were measured pre- and post-intervention via self-report questionnaires (administered either online or through the return of hard-copy booklets), and participants were invited to provide anonymous feedback on the intervention (at the mid-point and end of the intervention). Results Participants demonstrated statistically significant improvements on all outcome measures in response to the intervention. Specifically, social anxiety symptoms decreased (p < .001), and specific subdomains of social functioning improved post-intervention, particularly in social motivation (p = .032) and restricted interests and repetitive behaviours (p = .025). Self-reported symptom improvements also generalised to mood (depression, anxiety and stress; p < .05). All improvements demonstrated small effect sizes. Participant feedback was positive and indicated strong satisfaction with the program. Limitations The absence of a control group and follow-up measures, reliance on self-report instruments as outcome measures and the exclusion of those with intellectual disability represent significant limitations to this study. Conclusions These findings indicate that a group CBT intervention appears to be a beneficial intervention for self-reported social anxiety, social functioning and overall mental health in adolescents and young adults with ASD. The stand-alone nature of the intervention combined with positive participant feedback indicates it was well tolerated, has potential clinical utility and warrants further study in a randomised-controlled, follow-up design.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Santa Maria ◽  
C. Markham ◽  
S. M. Misra ◽  
D. C. Coleman ◽  
M. Lyons ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Parents play a pivotal role in adolescent sexual health and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination. Nurses are on the frontlines of healthcare and play a critical role in promoting HPV vaccination and parent-child sexual health communication. We enhanced the Families Talking Together (FTT) parent-based sexual health curriculum to include adolescent vaccinations herein, FTT + HPV, and trained student nurses to provide a strong HPV vaccination and parent-child sexual health communication endorsement. Methods Using a randomized attention-controlled trial design, we examined the efficacy of FTT + HPV among 519 parents and their 11–14 year old youth recruited from medically underserved communities between 2015 and 2018. Participants were recruited from 22 after-school programs (e.g., Boys and Girls Clubs) and 19 charter schools. For parents, we examined protective factors including parent-child sexual health communication and parental involvement. For youth, we examined sexual health knowledge, parent-child sexual health communication, and parent-child connectedness. To assess HPV vaccination initiation and completion, we searched IMMTRAC immunization registry records for 85% of youth and used parental report for youth without registry records. Group differences were calculated using the estimated mean difference at one- and six months post-intervention with significance set at the p < 0.05 level. Results Baseline rates of HPV vaccination were low at 55.7%. No significant difference between the groups was seen in vaccination initiation or completion rates by one-month post-intervention. However, by six-months post intervention, there was a significant difference between the groups with 70.3% of the intervention group initiating the HPV vaccination series vs. 60.6% for the control group (p = 0.02). No difference between the groups was found for HPV series completion at six-months. There were significant differences in condom knowledge (p = 0.04), parent-child connectedness (p = 0.04), and communication frequency (p = 0.001) with greater improvement in the intervention vs. the control group. Rates of sexual activity remained low in both groups throughout the six-month follow-up period. Conclusion A brief parent-based adolescent sexual health and HPV vaccination intervention delivered by student nurses can improve sexual health outcomes including protective parental factors, adolescent sexual health knowledge, and HPV vaccination initiation rates. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02600884. Prospectively registered September 1, 2015.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S52-S52
Author(s):  
Pegah Shakeraneh ◽  
Jeffrey Steele ◽  
Robert Seabury ◽  
Stephen J Thomas ◽  
Kristopher M Paolino ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Ceftriaxone and azithromycin are common empiric antibiotics for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Despite low suspicion for atypical infection, azithromycin is often continued for a full course. Negative laboratory data for atypical bacteria may assist with azithromycin de-escalation. Thus, a pharmacist-driven azithromycin de-escalation protocol was implemented for immunocompetent, non-intensive care unit (ICU) patients treated for CAP. The primary outcome was to compare azithromycin duration before and after protocol implementation. Secondary outcomes included hospital length of stay (LOS) and all-cause 30-day readmission. Methods This was a single-center, quasi-experimental study of hospitalized, non-ICU patients treated with azithromycin and a beta-lactam for CAP. The pre- and post-intervention cohorts were from 07/01/2018–04/30/2019 and 07/01/2019–04/30/2020, respectively. Patients were included if they were ≥18 years old, diagnosed with CAP, and had a negative Legionella pneumophila urinary antigen and negative nasopharyngeal swab PCR for Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydia pneumoniae. Patients were excluded if they were immunocompromised, admitted to an ICU, prescribed azithromycin for an alternative indication, or had evidence of atypical bacteria. Results After exclusion criteria were applied, 90 and 100 patients were included in the pre- and post-intervention cohorts, respectively. Demographic and clinical characteristics were mostly similar between cohorts. This initiative was associated with a statistically significant decrease in azithromycin duration (2 days (IQR 1–2.75) vs. 5 days (IQR 3–6), p &lt; 0.001) and hospital LOS (3 days (IQR 2–5) vs. 5 days (IQR 3–8.25), p &lt; 0.001). No statistically significant difference was observed for all-cause 30-day readmission (14 days (15.6%) vs 13 days (13.0%), p=0.614). Conclusion Implementation of a pharmacist-driven azithromycin de-escalation protocol for CAP was associated with reduced azithromycin duration and hospital LOS, but not all-cause 30-day readmission. Disclosures Jeffrey Steele, PharMD, Paratek Pharmaceuticals (Advisor or Review Panel member) Wesley D. Kufel, PharmD, Melinta (Research Grant or Support)Merck (Research Grant or Support)Theratechnologies, Inc. (Advisor or Review Panel member)


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