Healthy Mind Healthy You: An Online Study Comparing Standard Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy with a Brief Mindfulness Program to Improve Well-Being (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Louisa G Sylvia ◽  
Mitchell R Lunn ◽  
Juno Obedin-Maliver ◽  
Robert N McBurney ◽  
W Benjamin Nowell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Therapy ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mindfulness Training ◽  
Mindfulness Practice ◽  
World Health ◽  
Present Moment ◽  
Intervention Period ◽  
Model Based ◽  
Health Organization

BACKGROUND Mindfulness can improve overall well-being by training individuals to focus on the present moment without judging their thoughts. However, it is unknown how much mindfulness practice and training are necessary to improve well-being. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to compare standard with brief mindfulness training to improve overall well-being. METHODS Participants were recruited from 17 Patient-Powered Research Networks, online communities of stakeholders interested in a common area of research. Participants were randomized to either a standard 8-session mindfulness based cognitive therapy (MBCT) or a brief 3-session mindfulness training intervention accessed online. Participants were followed for 12 weeks. The primary outcome of the study was well-being as measured by the World Health Organization (WHO)-5 Index. We hypothesized that MBCT would be superior to brief mindfulness training. RESULTS We randomized 4,411 participants, 88% of whom were white and 80% female sex assigned at birth. Baseline WHO-5 score mean was 50.3 (SD = 20.7). Average self-reported well-being in each group increased over the intervention period (baseline to 8 weeks) (model-based slope [95% CI] for MBCT group: 0.78 [0.63, 0.93]; brief mindfulness group: 0.76 [0.60, 0.91]) as well as the full study period (i.e., intervention plus follow-up; baseline to 20 weeks) (model-based slope [95% CI] for MBCT group: 0.41 [0.34, 0.48]; brief mindfulness group: 0.33 [0.26, 0.40]). Change in self-reported well-being was not statistically significantly different between MBCT and brief mindfulness during the intervention period (model-based difference in slopes [95% CI]: -0.02 [-0.24, 0.19], P = .80) or during the intervention period plus 12-week follow-up (-0.08 [-0.18, 0.02], P = .10). During the intervention period, younger participants (P = .05) and participants who completed a higher percentage of intervention sessions (P = .005) experienced greater improvements in well-being across both interventions, effects that were stronger for participants in the MBCT condition. CONCLUSIONS Standard MBCT improved well-being but was not superior to a brief mindfulness intervention. Younger patients and those able to complete more training sessions improved the most. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03844321, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03844321

scholarly journals Higher Hemoglobin Levels Are Associated With Better Physical Performance Among Older Adults Without Anemia: A Longitudinal Analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ligiana Pires Corona ◽  
Flavia Cristina Drummond Andrade ◽  
Tiago Silva Alexandre ◽  
Tábatta Renata Pereira Brito ◽  
Daniella Pires Nunes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Performance ◽  
Well Being ◽  
World Health ◽  
Aging Study ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Anemia is the most common hematological abnormality among older adults, and it is associated with decreased physical performance. But the role of hemoglobin in the absence of anemia remains unclear. Thus, this study aimed to assess the impact of hemoglobin levels on physical performance in Brazilian older adults without anemia. Methods The study is longitudinal in that it relies on two waves of the Saúde, Bem-Estar e Envelhecimento (SABE; Health, Well-being, and Aging) study: 2010 and 2015–2016. Mixed-effects linear regression was used to determine the effects of the hemoglobin concentrations on the Short Physical Performance Battery-SPPB over time among the 1,020 who had complete data and did not have anemia in 2010. In the follow-up, there were 562 without anemia. Analyses were stratified by sex. Results In analyses adjusted for age, education, grip strength, comorbidities, and body mass index, hemoglobin levels were positively associated with physical performance scores among older women (β = 0.15, p < 0.05) and men (β = 0.18, p < 0.05) without anemia. Conclusion Our study demonstrates that higher hemoglobin levels were associated with better physical performance among older men and women without anemia. This finding is important because, in clinical practice, most health professionals focus on the World Health Organization definition of anemia. Our study suggests the importance of hemoglobin levels among older adults, even those without anemia.

Mindfulness-based Online Training Increases Well-being and Decreases Stress After Covid-19 Lockdown (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesco Bossi ◽  
Francesca Zaninotto ◽  
Sonia D’Arcangelo ◽  
Nicola Lattanzi ◽  
Andrea Patricelli Malizia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Negative Affect ◽  
Positive Affect ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Training Group ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mindfulness Training ◽  
Mindfulness Practice ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Present Moment ◽  
Expressive Suppression

BACKGROUND Mindfulness practice consists of “paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally to the unfolding of experience moment by moment”. Mindfulness training was shown to be effective in improving well-being and reducing perceived stress in several conditions. These effects were also found in online mindfulness-based training, especially on employees in organizational environments. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to test the effectiveness of online mindfulness training on healthy employees especially after the first Italian Covid-19 lockdown, when the measures to prevent contagion were loosened, but the second wave was starting again to emerge. METHODS Participants in the training group underwent an 8-week mindfulness training based on the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) protocol compared to a control (no-intervention) group. A new practice was presented each week by two trainers, who were also available for Q&A on a weekly basis. All participants filled in weekly surveys for the whole training duration via online questionnaires to measure their habits, mindfulness (FFMQ-15), emotion regulation (ERQ), positive and negative affect (PANAS), depression, anxiety and stress (DASS-21), resilience (RSA) and insomnia (ISI). 46 participants in the training group and 54 in the control group completed at least half of the weekly questionnaires and were considered in the longitudinal analyses. RESULTS We found significant differences between the training and control groups over time in the measures of mindfulness (in particular the nonreactivity subscale), positive affect, depression, and insomnia. Moreover, we found that the frequency of practice and ease perceived in practicing were positively correlated to several indices of well-being (mindfulness, positive affect, cognitive reappraisal) and negatively correlated to several indices of stress (negative affect, depression, anxiety, stress, insomnia, expressive suppression). CONCLUSIONS These results show the importance and effectiveness of online mindfulness training to cope with stress among employees, especially after the Covid-19 lockdown, a period of great uncertainties and psychological tension.

scholarly journals Consensus on the principles of physical development monitoring in children, possible or not?

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 268-274
Author(s):  
Anna Świąder-Leśniak ◽  
◽  
Anna Majcher ◽  
Beata Pyrżak ◽  
Piotr Dziechciarz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Anthropometric Measurements ◽  
World Health ◽  
Health Organization

Regular, long-term anthropometric follow-up is one of the fundamental methods of assessing the child’s health and well-being. However, there is still a lot of inconsistency in anthropometric practices and standards that may have a negative impact on clinical practice (e.g. delay in diagnosing children with growth or feeding disorders, genetic and metabolic syndromes). The paper discusses the principles of basic measurements: length/height, body weight, circumferences: head, chest and arm. Attention was also paid to the use of professional anthropometric equipment. Appropriately performed measurements allow the calculation of weight-height indices, which define nutrition disturbances (overweight, obesity and malnutrition), and also constitute the basis for conducting specialised diagnostics. In 2011, a group of experts recommended standards of body length/height, body weight, head circumference and body mass index developed by the World Health Organization for children up to 5 years of age. In 2013, nationwide reference values for weight, height and body mass index for children aged from 3 to 6 years were published and accepted as valid (OLA project). They complemented previously developed percentile charts for children aged 7–18 years (OLAF project). The paper proposes to adopt uniform standards of anthropometric measurements and to initiate a discussion in the paediatric community on the acceptance of common growth charts for the basic anthropometric measurements.

scholarly journals Mindfulness training and employee well-being

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 126-145 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadine Joelle Mellor ◽  
Leanne Ingram ◽  
Marc Van Huizen ◽  
John Arnold ◽  
Anne-Helen Harding
Keyword(s):  
Satisfaction With Life ◽  
Psychological Intervention ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mindfulness Training ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Present Moment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mindfulness Skills

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to assess the effects of mindfulness training (MT) on employee well-being. Mindfulness is the awareness of one’s thoughts, emotions, sensations, actions and surroundings in the present moment. Design/methodology/approach – The authors used pre-post training measures and a four-week follow-up on a sample of 23 employees from a UK-based organization. The MT group (n=12) received a weekly two-hour training over eight weeks whilst the control group (n=11) received no training. Qualitative interviews (n=36) were conducted with the MT group at three time points to further assess the subjective experiences of training participants. Findings – Compared to the control group, the MT group significantly increased their mindfulness skills including observing and acting with awareness. Scores on well-being, i.e. satisfaction with life, hope and anxiety also improved and were generally maintained at follow-up. Some improvements were seen in the control group too but there was a larger difference in change scores in the MT group on most variables. Qualitative data show additional benefits of MT such as improved concentration at work and better interpersonal relationships. More practice at home led to greater benefits suggesting a dose-response relationship between the amount of practice and substantial benefits. Research limitations/implications – Inviting participants to have a greater amount of practice between sessions may further increase the benefits of mindfulness. Future research should consider a longer follow-up period to further explore the sustainability of the training benefits. Originality/value – Employing a mixed-method approach, this study showed that MT is a viable psychological intervention for enhancing employee well-being.

Study the Anatomy and Physiology of Body's Urinary System and Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) for the Design an Intelligent Alarm System for Monitoring of FMS

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 72-81
Author(s):  
Hamidreza Shirzadfar ◽  
Narsis Gordoghli
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Pain ◽  
International Association ◽  
Continuous Process ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Chronic Illnesses ◽  
World Health ◽  
Definitive Treatment ◽  
Psychological Consequences ◽  
Medical Problems ◽  
Health Organization

In recent years, chronic medical problems have become increasingly prevalent. Chronic ‎illnesses challenge the view of life as a regular and continuous process, a challenge that has ‎important psychological consequences. The long duration of people suffering from these ‎diseases, the long process of treatment and the fact that there is no proper and definitive ‎treatment for most of these diseases and their associated complications have made chronic ‎diseases a detrimental factor in public health. According to the World Health Organization ‎‎(2006), the prevalence of chronic and non-communicable diseases is increasing in all countries, ‎especially developing countries, so that the major challenge for the health system in the present ‎century, is not living people, but better adapted to chronic illnesses and maintaining their ‎mental and social health and well-being Ed's life-threatening chronic physical illness.‎ Chronic pain is a pain that lasts longer than usual, and according to the criteria of the ‎International Association of Pain, this time is defined as at least 3 months to 6 months. Chronic ‎pain is such that not only faced the sick person whit the pressure of the pain but also with many ‎other pressure that affect different parts of her life. Fibromyalgia is one of the most rheumatologic disorders and one of the most resistant chronic ‎pain syndromes. Fibromyalgia is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders in adults ‎and chronic pain is one of the most common complaints in this group of patients.

scholarly journals Programme for Harmonization to the International Scale in Latin America for BCR-ABL1 quantification in CML patients: findings and recommendations

2020 ◽  
Vol 58 (12) ◽  
pp. 2025-2035
Author(s):  
María Sol Ruiz ◽  
María Belén Sánchez ◽  
Yuly Masiel Vera Contreras ◽  
Evangelina Agrielo ◽  
Marta Alonso ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Latin America ◽  
Myeloid Leukemia ◽  
World Health ◽  
Molecular Response ◽  
Limit Of Quantification ◽  
International Scale ◽  
Deep Molecular Response ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
First Time

AbstractObjectivesThe quantitation of BCR-ABL1 mRNA is mandatory for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients, and RT-qPCR is the most extensively used method in testing laboratories worldwide. Nevertheless, substantial variation in RT-qPCR results makes inter-laboratory comparability hard. To facilitate inter-laboratory comparative assessment, an international scale (IS) for BCR-ABL1 was proposed.MethodsThe laboratory-specific conversion factor (CF) to the IS can be derived from the World Health Organization (WHO) genetic reference panel; however, this material is limited to the manufacturers to produce and calibrate secondary reference reagents. Therefore, we developed secondary reference calibrators, as lyophilized cellular material, aligned to the IS. Our purpose was both to re-evaluate the CF in 18 previously harmonized laboratories and to propagate the IS to new laboratories.ResultsOur field trial including 30 laboratories across Latin America showed that, after correction of raw BCR-ABL1/ABL1 ratios using CF, the relative mean bias was significantly reduced. We also performed a follow-up of participating laboratories by annually revalidating the process; our results support the need for continuous revalidation of CFs. All participating laboratories also received a calibrator to determine the limit of quantification (LOQ); 90% of them could reproducibly detect BCR-ABL1, indicating that these laboratories can report a consistent deep molecular response. In addition, aiming to investigate the variability of BCR-ABL1 measurements across different RNA inputs, we calculated PCR efficiency for each individual assay by using different amounts of RNA.ConclusionsIn conclusion, for the first time in Latin America, we have successfully organized a harmonization platform for BCR-ABL1 measurement that could be of immediate clinical benefit for monitoring the molecular response of patients in low-resource regions.

scholarly journals How Loud and Clear Rung the Alarm Bell: The Communication Efforts of WHO on the Beginning of COVID-19 Outbreak

2021 ◽  
pp. 002073142110249
Author(s):  
Huriye Toker
Keyword(s):  
Risk Communication ◽  
International Development ◽  
International Health ◽  
Well Being ◽  
World Health ◽  
The Public ◽  
News Releases ◽  
The Media ◽  
Credible Information ◽  
Health Organization

As seen clearly from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, health is an important foreign policy and diplomatic issue connected with security, economic well-being, and international development. According to risk communication researchers, effective, transparent, and timely information sharing is the most important tool after vaccines for responding to pandemics. This study aims to start a scholarly discussion on the risk communication efforts of the World Health Organization (WHO) during the COVID-19 outbreak. We analyzed WHO’s communication efforts during the first 3 months of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the leading international health organization, WHO was responsible for providing rapid, up-to-date, and credible information for the public and the media. The selected research items were 42 news releases and statements provided by WHO between December 31, 2019, and March 30, 2020. These were subjected to qualitative and quantitative content analyses using the NVivo 12 qualitative analysis software program for coding. The data were coded under 6 variables (date of publication, topics, frequency, wording of the COVID-19 outbreak, sourcing, and themes of the releases). While 54.7% of WHO's communications were devoted to the COVID-19 outbreak, more than half were not issued until March. That is, instead of early risk communication and clear warnings about the outbreak, WHO acted overcautiously, preferring messages related to solidarity and cooperation during the most devastating pandemic of the 21st century.

scholarly journals Trials and Tribulations: mHealth Clinical Trials in the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Praveen Indraratna ◽  
Uzzal Biswas ◽  
Jennifer Yu ◽  
Guenter Schreier ◽  
Sze-Yuan Ooi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Decompensated Heart Failure ◽  
Hospital Staff ◽  
Outpatient Setting ◽  
World Health ◽  
Randomised Control Trial ◽  
Contact Method ◽  
Model Of Care ◽  
Coronary Syndrome ◽  
Health Organization

Introduction: Mobile phone-based interventions in cardiovascular disease are growing in popularity. A randomised control trial (RCT) for a novel smartphone app-based model of care, named TeleClinical Care - Cardiac (TCC-Cardiac), commenced in February 2019, targeted at patients being discharged after care for an acute coronary syndrome or episode of decompensated heart failure. The app was paired to a digital sphygmomanometer, weighing scale and a wearable fitness band, all loaned to the patient, and allowed clinicians to respond to abnormal readings. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated several modifications to the trial in order to protect participants from potential exposure to infection. The use of TCC-Cardiac during the pandemic inspired the development of a similar model of care (TCC-COVID), targeted at patients being managed at home with a diagnosis of COVID-19. Methods: Recruitment for the TCC-Cardiac trial was terminated shortly after the World Health Organization announced COVID-19 as a global pandemic. Telephone follow-up was commenced, in order to protect patients from unnecessary exposure to hospital staff and patients. Equipment was returned or collected by a ‘no-contact’ method. The TCC-COVID app and model of care had similar functionality to the original TCC-Cardiac app. Participants were enrolled exclusively by remote methods. Oxygen saturation and pulse rate were measured by a pulse oximeter, and symptomatology measured by questionnaire. Measurement results were manually entered into the app and transmitted to an online server for medical staff to review. Results: A total of 164 patients were involved in the TCC-Cardiac trial, with 102 patients involved after the onset of the pandemic. There were no hospitalisations due to COVID-19 in this cohort. The study was successfully completed, with only three participants lost to follow-up. During the pandemic, 5 of 49 (10%) of patients in the intervention arm were readmitted compared to 12 of 53 (23%) in the control arm. Also, in this period, 28 of 29 (97%) of all clinically significant alerts received by the monitoring team were managed successfully in the outpatient setting, avoiding hospitalisation. Patients found the user experience largely positive, with the average rating for the app being 4.56 out of 5. 26 patients have currently been enrolled for TCC-COVID. Recruitment is ongoing. All patients have been safely and effectively monitored, with no major adverse clinical events or technical malfunctions. Patient satisfaction has been high. Conclusion: The TCC-Cardiac RCT was successfully completed despite the challenges posed by COVID-19. Use of the app had an added benefit during the pandemic as participants could be monitored safely from home. The model of care inspired the development of an app with similar functionality designed for use with patients diagnosed with COVID-19.

scholarly journals Online Training in Specific Meditation Practices Improves Gratitude, Well-Being, Self-Compassion, and Confidence in Providing Compassionate Care Among Health Professionals

2016 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 237-241 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nisha Rao ◽  
Kathi J. Kemper
Keyword(s):  
Health Professionals ◽  
Online Training ◽  
Well Being ◽  
World Health ◽  
Compassionate Care ◽  
Clinician Training ◽  
Loving Kindness ◽  
Self Compassion ◽  
Compassion Meditation ◽  
Health Organization

Mind-body practices that intentionally generate positive emotion could improve health professionals’ well-being and compassion. However, the feasibility and impact of clinician training in these practices is unknown. Data were analyzed from 3 online modules offered to health professionals: ( a) Gratitude, ( b) Positive Word, and ( c) Loving-kindness/Compassion meditation. Paired t tests were used to assess pre- to posttraining changes in gratitude (Gratitude Questionnaire), well-being (World Health Organization Well-Being Index), self-compassion (Neff’s Self-Compassion Scale), and confidence in providing compassionate care (Confidence in Providing Calm, Compassionate Care Scale). The 177 enrollees included diverse practitioners (nurses, physicians, social workers, and others). Training was associated with statistically significant improvements in gratitude (38.3 ± 4.6 to 39.5 ± 3.3), well-being (16.4 ± 4.0 to 17.9 ± 4.2), self-compassion (39.5 ± 8.1 to 43.1 ± 7.6), and confidence in providing compassionate care (73.3 ± 16.4 to 80.9 ± 13.8; P < .001 for all comparisons). Brief, online training appeals to diverse health professionals and improves their gratitude, well-being, self-compassion, and confidence in providing compassionate care.

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