scholarly journals Complementary Medicine and Self-Care Strategies in Women with (Recurrent) Urinary Tract and Vaginal Infections: A Cross-Sectional Study on Use and Perceived Effectiveness in The Netherlands

Antibiotics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 250
Author(s):  
Louise Witteman ◽  
Herman A. van Wietmarschen ◽  
Esther T. van der Werf
Keyword(s):  
Urinary Tract ◽  
The Netherlands ◽  
Complementary Medicine ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Perceived Effectiveness ◽  
Vaginal Infections ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Treatment Implementation ◽  
Specific Symptoms

Due to the excessive use of antibiotic and antimycotic treatments, the risk of resistant microbes and fungi is rapidly emerging. Previous studies have demonstrated that many women with (recurrent) urinary tract infection (UTI) and/or vaginal infections (VIs) welcome alternative management approaches to reduce the use of antibiotics and antifungals and avoid short- and long-term adverse effects. This study aims to determine which complementary medicine (CM) and self-care strategies are being used by women suffering from (recurrent) UTI and VI in The Netherlands and how they perceive their effectiveness in order to define directions for future research on safety, cost-effectiveness, and implementation of best practices. A cross-sectional online survey was performed among women, ≥18 years old, with a history of UTIs; 162 respondents were included in the data analysis, with most participants aged between 50 and 64 years (36.4%). The women reported having consulted a CM practitioner for UTI-specific symptoms (23.5%) and VI-specific symptoms (13.6%). Consultations of homeopaths, acupuncturists, and herbal physicians are most often reported. Overall, 81.7% of the women suffering from UTI used complementary or self-care strategies besides regular treatment, and 68.7% reported using CM/self-care strategies to treat vaginal symptoms. UTI- related use of cranberries (51.9%), vitamin C (43.8%), and D-mannose (32.7%) were most reported. Perceived effectiveness was mostly reported for homeopathic remedies and D-mannose. The results showed a substantial burden of UTI and VI on daily and sexual activities. Besides the frequency of use, the indication of perceived effectiveness seems to be an important parameter for further and rigorously designed research to encourage nonantibiotic/antifungal treatment implementation into daily clinical practice.

Translation, cultural adaptation, and validation of the mindful self-care scale among Brazilian palliative care providers

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Ana Cláudia Mesquita Garcia ◽  
Laura Soares Rodrigues Silva ◽  
Ana Cristina Gonçalves Ferreira ◽  
Vander Monteiro da Conceição ◽  
Everson Meireles ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Cultural Adaptation ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Reliability Indices ◽  
Self Compassion ◽  
Hospice And Palliative Care

Abstract Objective This study aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and validate the Mindful Self-Care Scale (MSCS, 33-item) in a Brazilian hospice and palliative care context. Method This was a cross-sectional study with a sample of 336 Brazilian hospice and palliative care providers. The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer — Quality of Life Group Translation Procedure protocol was used for the translation and the cultural adaptation process. Psychometric properties supporting the use of the MSCS were examined through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and correlation analysis with other instruments to assess congruence to related constructs (resilience and self-compassion). The reliability of the Brazilian-Portuguese version of the MSCS was assessed using Cronbach's α and composite reliability coefficients. Results The six-factor (33-item) model showed a good fit to the data, with satisfactory reliability indices and adequate representation of the scale's internal structure. Further validity is evidenced in the significant, positive correlations found between the MSCS, and similar well-being constructs, namely the Self-Compassion and Resilience scales. Significance of results The findings reveal that the MSCS (33-item) is a valid, reliable, and culturally appropriate instrument to examine the practice of mindful self-care by hospice and palliative care providers in Brazil. More broadly, it represents a promising instrument for future research into self-care practices and well-being among Brazilian healthcare providers.

scholarly journals Energy density, energy costs and income – how are they related?

2010 ◽  
Vol 13 (10) ◽  
pp. 1599-1608 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wilma E Waterlander ◽  
Wendy E de Haas ◽  
Inge van Amstel ◽  
Albertine J Schuit ◽  
Jos WR Twisk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Density ◽  
The Netherlands ◽  
Vegetable Intake ◽  
Food Prices ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Energy Costs ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Income Levels ◽  
Food Items

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the association between energy density and energy costs in single food items and composed diets, and to explore differences in energy density and energy cost between income levels.DesignA cross-sectional study using data from two Dutch cohort studies and recent national food prices. Food prices were retrieved from two market leader supermarkets. Data on dietary intake were measured using a computerized face-to-face interview (cohort 1) and 24 h recalls (cohort 2).SettingThe Netherlands.SubjectsA sample of 373 young adults from the Amsterdam Growth and Health Longitudinal Study (AGHLS, measured in 2000) and a sample of 200 community-dwelling elderly from the Longitudinal Ageing Study Amsterdam (LASA, measured in 2007).ResultsWe found significant inverse associations between energy density and energy costs in single food items (r = −0·436, P < 0·01) and composed diets (AGHLS men r = −0·505, women r = −0·413, P < 0·001; LASA men r = −0·559, women r = −0·562, P < 0·001). Furthermore, we found that people stratified into higher energy density quartiles consumed significantly more energy per day, less fruits and vegetables, and had significantly lower diet costs. Explorative analyses on income did not reveal significant differences regarding energy density, costs, or fruit and vegetable intake.ConclusionsIn the Netherlands also, energy density was inversely related with energy costs, implying that healthier diets cost more. However, we could not find differences in energy density or costs between income levels. Future research, using precise food expenditures, is of main importance in studying the economics of obesity and in the aim of making the healthier choice easier.

Vascular access and clinical competency: Which elements matter? The development of three bottom-up and evidence-grounded self-assessment tools

2021 ◽  
pp. 112972982110264
Author(s):  
Carla Rigo ◽  
Marco Grazioli ◽  
Giuseppe Caravella ◽  
Francesco Ursino ◽  
Pietro Zerla ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Vascular Access ◽  
Principal Components ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Face Validity ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Assessment Procedure ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Central Catheters

Background: Assessing competency in the speciality of vascular access is still limited, and few valid and reliable tools are available. Therefore, this study aimed to develop and validate three different tools for assessing competency in managing the care of short peripheral cannulas (SPCs), midlines, peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs), centrally inserted central catheters (CICCs), and arterial catheters (ACs) (tool one), placing SPCs (tool two), placing PICCs and midlines (tool three). Methods: A two-phase and multi-method design was adopted. Phase one was implemented to develop the initial pool of items for each tool, starting from a literature overview. Panel discussions were adopted for developing the items. In phase two, the developed items were tested for content and face validity, involving a panel of 10 experts. Once obtained adequate content validity, a cross-sectional data collection was implemented to enroll three samples of healthcare workers who had to assess their competency through the developed tools. Dimensionality was assessed by performing a principal component analysis (PCA) and assessing internal consistency (Cronbach’s α). Results: Tool one had 26 items, and the dimensionality was given by placement, risk assessment, procedure conformity and traceability, and patient education to self-care. Tool two had 35 items; its principal components were: risk evaluation, identification, clinical assessment and orientation to self-care, placement, and procedure registration shaped the competency of placing SPCs. Tool three had 31 items; its principal components were: risk assessment, placement, conformity to standards and procedure traceability, education, and orientation to self-care were the essential elements for adequately placing midlines and PICCs. Cronbach’s α values ranged between 0.806 and 0.959. Conclusions: The three developed tools reflected the core elements of competency in each application area, representing an initial framework that could be useful in future research and educational projects. Cross-national investigations are required to corroborate the described results.

scholarly journals Sexual and reproductive health self-care interventions in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: findings from a cross-sectional values and preferences survey to inform WHO normative guidance on self-care interventions

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (S1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Carmen H. Logie ◽  
Heather Abela ◽  
Tarek Turk ◽  
Samantha Parker ◽  
Karima Gholbzouri
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Sexual And Reproductive Health ◽  
Eastern Mediterranean ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Eastern Mediterranean Region ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Exposure Prophylaxis

Abstract Background Self-care strategies for sexual and reproductive health (SRH) include practices, tools, and strategies for people to manage their health. Access to SRH services has increased in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) in the past decade. The objective of this manuscript is to provide a preliminary assessment of self-care SRH interventions focusing on access, knowledge, perceived challenges, and recommendations for the future. We aim to contribute to the evidence base on knowledge and uptake of self-care SRH strategies in the EMR. Methods We conducted an online cross-sectional Global Values and Preferences Survey (GVPS) to inform WHO guideline development on self-care interventions for SRH. Recruitment was web-based and included hosting the survey on the WHO Department of Reproductive Health and Research website, and sharing the survey link to diverse SRH websites. Analyses included the subsample of respondents living in EMR countries. We first conducted descriptive statistics of sociodemographic and self-care intervention responses. We then conducted bivariate analyses to examine statistically significant differences in knowledge for each intervention between EMR and non-EMR regions. We extracted open-text responses and applied thematic analysis techniques. Results There were 53 respondents from the EMR spanning 14 countries, including16 health care providers (HCP) and 37 laypersons. Qualitative responses (n = 16) suggest that (a) perceived benefits of self-care SRH strategies include enhanced SRH access, knowledge, and improved SRH outcomes; (b) perceived concerns include misuse and safety; (c) linkage to care following self-care SRH interventions can consider mobile phone apps, hotlines, health care liaisons, and community outreach; (d) HCP want additional training on strengthening therapeutic alliances with patients and practical information on interventions; and (e) future research can focus on reproductive health, condom use, service barriers, and implementation. EMR respondents reported lower knowledge levels than non-EMR respondents on the following strategies: diaphragm/cervical cap, contraceptive patch, web-based SRH information, post-exposure prophylaxis, re-exposure prophylaxis, and HIV treatment. Conclusions Knowledge of self-care SRH strategies varies by intervention type in the EMR. Future research with larger and more representative samples can inform regional self-care SRH implementation. Knowledge dissemination, stigma reduction, accessibility, and training of health care professionals are key domains for advancing access to self-care SRH strategies in the EMR.

Operationalizing the Disablement Process for Research on Older Adults: A Critical Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 39 (4) ◽  
pp. 600-613
Author(s):  
Natasha E. Lane ◽  
Cynthia M. Boyd ◽  
Thérèse A. Stukel ◽  
Walter P. Wodchis
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Daily Living ◽  
Process Model ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Health Data ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Disablement Process ◽  
Routinely Collected Health Data

ABSTRACTSelf-care disability is difficulty with or dependence on others to perform activities of daily living, such as eating and dressing. Disablement is worsening self-care disability measured over time. The disablement process model (DPM) is often used to conceptualize gerontology research on self-care disability and disablement; however, no summary of variables that align with person-level DPM constructs exists. This review summarizes the results of 88 studies to identify the nature and role of variables associated with disability and disablement in older adults according to the person-level constructs (e.g., demographic characteristics, chronic pathologies) in the DPM. It also examines the evidence for cross-sectional applications of the DPM and identifies common limitations in extant literature to address in future research. Researchers can apply these results to guide theory-driven disability and disablement research using routinely collected health data from older adults.

Mindful Self-Care and Secondary Traumatic Stress Mediate a Relationship Between Compassion Satisfaction and Burnout Risk Among Hospice Care Professionals

2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (8) ◽  
pp. 1099-1108 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason T. Hotchkiss
Keyword(s):  
Protective Factors ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Secondary Traumatic Stress ◽  
Hospice Care ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Compassion Satisfaction ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Burnout Risk

Background: Effective self-care in hospice is anecdotally proclaimed to reduce burnout risk. Yet, the topic has received little empirical attention. Purpose: This study developed a model for predicting burnout risk from compassion satisfaction (CS), secondary traumatic stress (STS), and mindful self-care. Participants: Hospice care professionals (n = 324). Design: Cross-sectional self-report survey. Results: Mindful self-care was correlated with CS ( r = 0.497, p < .01), Burnout ( r = −0.726, p < .01), and STS ( r = −0.276, p < .01). A multiple regression model indicated that the combined effect of CS, STS, and mindful self-care explained 73.7% of the variance in Burnout. Mindful self-care and STS mediated a relationship between CS and Burnout. Each self-care category was statistically significant protective factors against burnout risk ( p < .01). Associations with Burnout in order of strength were self-compassion and purpose (SC; r = −0.673), supportive structure (SS; r = −0.650), mindful self-awareness (MS; r = −0.642), mindful relaxation (MR; r = −0.531), supportive relationships (SR; r = −0.503), and physical care (PC; r = −0.435). However, for STS, only SS ( r = −0.407, p < .01) and MR ( r = −0.285, p < .05) were statistically significant protective factors. Conclusion: Hospice care professional had higher self-care, CS, lower STS, and Burnout compared to published norms. Those who engaged in multiple and frequent self-care strategies experienced higher professional quality of life. Implications for hospice providers and suggestions for future research are discussed.

scholarly journals Acceptable health and ageing: results of a cross-sectional study from Hungary

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Márta Péntek ◽  
Job van Exel ◽  
László Gulácsi ◽  
Valentin Brodszky ◽  
Zsombor Zrubka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
The Netherlands ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Health States ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Descriptive System

Abstract Background We aimed to investigate the acceptability of imperfect health states in relation to age in Hungary and analyse its determinants. Results are contrasted to age-matched actual population health scores and to findings from a previous study in The Netherlands. Methods A cross-sectional online survey was performed. The same survey questions were applied as in a previous study in The Netherlands in order to enable inter-country comparisons. The descriptive system of the EQ-5D-3L health status questionnaire was used to assess the acceptability of moderate and severe health problems at ages from 30 to 80 by 10-year age-groups. Descriptive statistics were performed and linear regression analysis was used to investigate the determinants of acceptability. Results Altogether 9281 (female 32.8%) were involved with mean age 36.0 years and EQ-5D-3L index score of 0.852 (SD 0.177). Acceptability of health problems increased with age, differed per health domain and with severity of the problems. Except for ‘Self-care’, moderate health problems were acceptable by the majority from age 70 and acceptability scores were lower than EQ-5D-3L population norms from that age. The lowest average acceptability age was found in the ‘Anxiety/depression’ and dimension the highest in the ‘Self-care’ dimension. Respondents’ age, current health, and lifestyle were significant determinants (R2: 0.041–0.130). With a few minor exceptions in some health dimensions, acceptability levels and patterns were strikingly similar to the Dutch findings. Conclusion In Hungary, acceptability of health problems increases with age and the majority found severe problems never acceptable. Views on acceptability of health problems seem to be fairly generalizable across European countries with different health and economic indicators.

scholarly journals Perceived effectiveness of complementary medicine by mothers of infants with colic in Gauteng

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalie C. Di Gaspero ◽  
Radmila Razlog ◽  
Reshma Patel ◽  
Janice Pellow
Keyword(s):  
Complementary Medicine ◽  
Therapeutic Option ◽  
Herbal Medicines ◽  
Infantile Colic ◽  
Perceived Effectiveness ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Complementary Medicines ◽  
Quantitative Descriptive ◽  
Limiting Condition ◽  
Homeopathic Remedies

Background: Infantile colic is a self-limiting condition, characterised by spasmodic, excessive and inconsolable crying without apparent cause. Although common, there is no widely accepted conventional treatment approach for colic. Complementary medicine is often promoted as an alternative therapeutic option for infantile colic; however, there is limited research available on its use, safety and effectiveness.Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the perceived effectiveness of complementary medicine by mothers of infants with colic by means of the Infantile Colic Questionnaire.Setting: Mothers of infants who had colic were recruited from complementary medicine pharmacies, schools, baby clinics and various businesses in Gauteng, South Africa.Methods: A quantitative-descriptive design was used whereby data was collected through a randomised, cross-sectional questionnaire. The research sample consisted of 152 participants (mothers), aged between 18 and 45 years, with one or more children who suffered from symptoms of infantile colic, who had used complementary medicine as a form of treatment.Results: Results indicated that most participants made use of both complementary and conventional medicines for their infant’s colic; the most commonly used complementary medicine products were homeopathic remedies, probiotics and herbal medicines. Some participants were, however, unfamiliar with the term ‘complementary medicine’, indicating a need for further patient education.Conclusions: The participants perceived complementary medicines as safe and effective forms of treatment for infantile colic. However, further, larger scale studies should be conducted to validate this finding.

Development and psychometric testing of the self-care scale for patients with chronic atrial fibrillation (AF-SCS-10)

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (7) ◽  
pp. 619-628
Author(s):  
Youn-Jung Son ◽  
Kyoung Hwa Baek ◽  
Mi Hwa Won ◽  
Hye Chong Hong
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Internal Consistency ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Internal Consistency Reliability ◽  
Parallel Analysis ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Validity And Reliability ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Study Results

Background Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) require continuous self-care due to possible complications and side effects from treatment. However, existing tools do not capture all of the critical factors of AF self-care and have limited evidence of reliability and validity. Aims The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a new Atrial Fibrillation Self-Care Scale-10 (AF-SCS-10) that assesses disease-specific, multidimensional, person-centered self-care for AF patients in South Korea. Methods For this cross-sectional research design, 290 individuals over 20 years of age with a diagnosis of AF for at least three months were recruited. A literature review and in-depth interviews were utilized to identify the scale items. An expert panel evaluated the validity and reliability of a preliminary scale. Exploratory factor analysis and parallel analysis was performed to extract factors; confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed to evaluate fit on the factor structures. Criterion validity was supported by the correlation between AF-SCS-10 and AF quality of life. Results The internal consistency reliability coefficient was 0.87. Three factors, “self-care knowledge,” “self-care behavior,” and “self-care resources” were extracted from the exploratory factory analysis, explaining 79.30% of the total variance in the data. The three-factor model was also confirmed by parallel analysis; CFA met the fitness criteria. Conclusion There is preliminary evidence for internal consistency reliability, as well as content and construct validity, for the AF-SCS-10. Future research is needed to confirm the study results using a larger, more culturally diverse sample.

scholarly journals Felt Needs of Cancer Palliative Care Professionals Working in India: A Qualitative Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Amanpreet Kaur ◽  
Mahendra P. Sharma ◽  
Santosh K. Chaturvedi
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Psychological Needs ◽  
Direct Patient Care ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Spiritual Needs ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Professional Experiences ◽  
Interview Guide

Objectives: Cancer palliative care professionals face a plethora of challenges related to death, dying and suffering apart from limited workforce and other resources in India. However, the grief held by them is underappreciated and psychological needs are under explored. The aim of the present study was to explore felt needs of cancer palliative care professionals working in India. Materials and Methods: The study was cross-sectional, qualitative and in-depth in nature. It was conducted across four cancer palliative care centers in Bengaluru city of India. sample consisted of 15 professionals (mean age = 42 years and standard deviation = 8.41) with at least six months of experience, involved in direct patient care who gave an additional consent for audio-recording. The tools used were sociodemographic and professional datasheet and semi-structured interview guide, which were developed for the present study and validated from five experts. Thematic analysis was used to generate and analyze patterns within the qualitative data. Results: Five themes were identified, namely, death and grief; challenges in practice; strategies for self-care; positive professional experiences; and vision for palliative care. Conclusion: The cancer palliative care professionals need regular support in coping with death and grief, regular trainings and supervision across workplace to deal with occupational challenges, and to address their self-care and spiritual needs. The study highlights need to introduce more specialized training courses in handling pediatric patients, increase palliative care workforce, and hospice units. This can have implications in future research and training with development of innovative interventions to address these needs and challenges.

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