scholarly journals Exposure Worry: The Psychological Impact of Perceived Ionizing Radiation Exposure in British Nuclear Test Veterans

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (22) ◽  
pp. 12188
Author(s):  
George Collett ◽  
William R. Young ◽  
Wendy Martin ◽  
Rhona M. Anderson
Keyword(s):  
Short Form ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Family Health ◽  
Nuclear Test ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Psychological Issues ◽  
Nuclear Weapons Testing ◽  
The Life Course ◽  
Ionizing Radiation Exposure

Potential psychological issues faced by British nuclear test veterans have been under-researched. This study assessed the prevalence of clinically relevant anxiety in British nuclear test veterans and aimed to explore experiences of worry and the broader psychological impact of the British nuclear weapons testing programme. The Geriatric Anxiety Inventory (Short-Form) was completed by 89 British nuclear test veterans (33.7% met the criteria for clinically relevant anxiety). Nineteen veterans then participated in semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis of the data generated three themes. The first theme highlighted how worry was relevant only in a few cases (four) generally regarding their grandchildren’s health, but the guilt in those who perceive responsibility for family health conditions also appeared to be a pertinent issue. The second theme highlighted the anger towards authorities resulting from perceived negligence and deception. The third theme highlighted the relevance of how certain life events across the life course influence the potential psychological impact. This study suggests that guilt must be considered in (potentially) exposed individuals whose family members experience health conditions, which may exacerbate distress. It also suggests the importance that authorities ensure transparency when dealing with any radiological exposure scenario to reduce the potential for anger.

Identifying Communities’ Perspectives on their Health Needs in Impoverished Villages to Guide Non-government Organizations’ Health Promotion Efforts in Guatemala

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (5) ◽  
pp. 9-20
Author(s):  
Claudia Bale
Keyword(s):  
Health Promotion ◽  
Community Health ◽  
Health Care Access ◽  
Family Health ◽  
Community Based Participatory Research ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Personal Health ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Non Profit

Objective: The aim of this mixed-methods study is to capture and understand impoverished Guatemalan community members’ perspectives of their own health needs on a community level in order to guide Hope of Life (HOL) Non-Profit organization’s health promotion interventions in the villages they serve. Methods: A modified health needs assessment survey was conducted with 96 participants from four impoverished villages in the department of Zacapa, Guatemala. Survey responses were analyzed for significant differences in 4-item individual, family, and community health scores across demographic variables and significant correlations with reported personal health conditions and children’s health conditions. Five semi-structured interviews were also conducted with community leaders from three of the villages surveyed. Interviews were audio recorded and responses were transcribed verbatim and translated from Spanish to English. Thematic analysis using HyperRESEARCH qualitative analysis software version 4.5.0. was conducted to identify major themes. Results: The mean age of the 96 participants surveyed was 40.4 years and the majority were women, married or in Union, and have children. Women reported a significantly lower individual and family health score than men. The most rural village included in the study had significantly lower family health scores than the three sub-urban villages in the study. Among the personal health problems reported by participants, alcohol consumption, dental problems, and malnutrition were significant predictors of lower individual health scores. Themes that emerged from the interview analysis included the greatest community health needs, perceived negative community health behaviors, barriers to health care access, HOL’s impact, and suggestions for community health promotion.   Conclusion: The results of this study reveal many unmet health needs and barriers to healthcare that Guatemalan village communities face. Community-based participatory research using a mixed approach voices communities’ perspective on their perceived needs and is an important tool to guide non-profit aid and intervention serving impoverished communities.

scholarly journals Protecting the psychological wellbeing of staff exposed to disaster or emergency at work: a qualitative study

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Samantha K. Brooks ◽  
Rebecca Dunn ◽  
Richard Amlôt ◽  
G. James Rubin ◽  
Neil Greenberg
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Interpersonal Relationships ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Team Building ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Listening Skills ◽  
Workplace Relationships ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Psychological Issues ◽  
Sources Of Support

Abstract Background Disasters are becoming more prevalent across the world and people are frequently exposed to them as part of their occupational groups. It is important for organisations to understand how best to support employees who have experienced a trauma such as a disaster. The purpose of this study was to explore employees’ perceptions of workplace support and help-seeking in the context of a disaster. Methods Forty employees in England took part in semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis was used to extract recurring themes from the data. Results Participants reported both positive and negative psychological outcomes of experiencing a disaster or emergency at work. Most had little training in how to prepare for, and cope with, the psychological impact. They perceived stigma around mental health and treatment for psychological issues which often made them reluctant to seek help. Many reported that the psychological support available in the workplace was insufficient and tended to be reactive rather than proactive. Interpersonal relationships at work were viewed as being important sources of support, particularly support from managers. Participants suggested that psychosocial training in the workplace could be beneficial in providing education about mental health, encouraging supportive workplace relationships, and developing listening skills and empathy. Conclusions Organisations can take steps to reduce the psychological impact of disasters on employees. This could be done through provision of training workshops incorporating mental health education to reduce stigma, and team-building exercises to encourage supportive workplace relationships.

scholarly journals Psychological interventions for managing postpartum psychosis: a qualitative analysis of women’s and family members’ experiences and preferences

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Forde ◽  
S. Peters ◽  
A. Wittkowski
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Intervention ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Psychological Needs ◽  
Postpartum Psychosis ◽  
Psychological Interventions ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Seeking Safety ◽  
The Future ◽  
Severe Disorder

Abstract Background Postpartum psychosis is a rare, yet severe disorder, in which early identification and immediate intervention are crucial. Despite recommendations for psychological input, little is known about the types of psychological intervention reported to be helpful. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences, needs and preferences for psychological intervention from the perspective of women with postpartum psychosis and from the perspective of family members. Methods Thirteen women and eight family members, including partners were interviewed. The data from these semi-structured interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and inductively analysed using thematic analysis. Results Twelve subthemes were identified and then organised around three main themes: 1) Seeking safety and containment, 2) Recognising and responding to the psychological impact and 3) Planning for the future. These themes highlight the temporal element of recovery from postpartum psychosis, because women’s psychological needs and preferences changed over time. Emphasis was initially placed on ensuring safety, followed by a need to connect, process and adjust to their experiences. Additional needs were reported by women and family when planning for the future, including managing the fear of relapse and help to reach a decision about future pregnancies. Conclusion The results illustrate a range of areas in which psychological intervention could be delivered to facilitate and enhance recovery. Further research is needed to develop meaningful and effective psychological interventions and to investigate the most appropriate timing for this to be offered.

Patients’ Perspective on the Psychological Impact of Multiple Sclerosis on Their Life

2021 ◽  
pp. 105413732110068
Author(s):  
Chrysoula Baka ◽  
Kalliopi Chatira ◽  
Evangelos C. Karademas ◽  
Konstantinos G. Kafetsios
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Grounded Theory ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Autoimmune Disorder ◽  
Positive Outcomes ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Psychosocial Wellbeing ◽  
Positive Meaning ◽  
Patients Perspective ◽  
The Way

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that greatly impacts on patients’ physical and psychosocial wellbeing. The purpose of this study is to investigate the experiences of people diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in Greece (N = 30), with regard to the way they coped with the diagnosis and the symptoms, the psychological implications of the disorder and the meaning they attributed to it. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and they were analyzed using grounded theory. The findings showed that despite the negative implications of the disorder and the difficulty in managing the diagnosis and the symptoms, half of the patients attributed positive meaning to the disorder. Taking care of oneself, re-evaluation of life and a sense of liberation were described as the positive outcomes of experiencing multiple sclerosis.

scholarly journals Sex difference in travel is concentrated in adolescence and tracks reproductive interests

2014 ◽  
Vol 281 (1796) ◽  
pp. 20141476 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily J. Miner ◽  
Michael Gurven ◽  
Hillard Kaplan ◽  
Steven J. C. Gaulin
Keyword(s):  
Life Course ◽  
Travel Behaviour ◽  
Reproductive Rate ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Sexual Competition ◽  
Terrestrial Vertebrates ◽  
Market Town ◽  
Sexual Selection Theory ◽  
Women's Travel ◽  
The Life Course

Sexual selection theory suggests that the sex with a higher potential reproductive rate will compete more strongly for access to mates. Stronger intra-sexual competition for mates may explain why males travel more extensively than females in many terrestrial vertebrates. A male-bias in lifetime distance travelled is a purported human universal, although this claim is based primarily on anecdotes. Following sexual maturity, motivation to travel outside the natal territory may vary over the life course for both sexes. Here, we test whether travel behaviour among Tsimane forager–horticulturalists is associated with shifting reproductive priorities across the lifespan. Using structured interviews, we find that sex differences in travel peak during adolescence when men and women are most intensively searching for mates. Among married adults, we find that greater offspring dependency load is associated with reduced travel among women, but not men. Married men are more likely to travel alone than women, but only to the nearest market town and not to other Tsimane villages. We conclude that men's and women's travel behaviour reflects differential gains from mate search and parenting across the life course.

scholarly journals Can Watching Online Videos Be Addictive? A Qualitative Exploration of Online Video Watching among Chinese Young Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (14) ◽  
pp. 7247
Author(s):  
Zeyang Yang ◽  
Mark Griffiths ◽  
Zhihao Yan ◽  
Wenting Xu
Keyword(s):  
Social Interaction ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Leisure Activity ◽  
Online Video ◽  
Video Content ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Online Videos ◽  
Chinese Young Adults ◽  
Qualitative Exploration

Watching online videos (including short-form videos) has become the most popular leisure activity in China. However, a few studies have reported the potential negative effects of online video watching behaviors (including the potential for ‘addiction’) among a minority of individuals. The present study investigated online video watching behaviors, motivational factors for watching online videos, and potentially addictive indicators of watching online videos. Semi-structured interviews were conducted among 20 young Chinese adults. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Eight themes were identified comprising: (i) content is key; (ii) types of online video watching; (iii) platform function hooks; (iv) personal interests; (v) watching becoming habitual; (vi) social interaction needs; (vii) reassurance needs; and (viii) addiction-like symptoms. Specific video content (e.g., mukbang, pornography), platform-driven continuous watching, and short-form videos were perceived by some participants as being potentially addictive. Specific features or content on Chinese online video platforms (e.g., ‘Danmu’ scrolling comments) need further investigation. Future studies should explore users’ addictive-like behaviors in relation to specific types of online video content and their social interaction on these platforms.

scholarly journals Patterns of anxiety and distress over 12 months following participation in HPV primary screening

2021 ◽  
pp. sextrans-2020-054780
Author(s):  
Laura A V Marlow ◽  
Emily McBride ◽  
Deborah Ridout ◽  
Alice S Forster ◽  
Henry Kitchener ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Positive Result ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Cervical Screening ◽  
General Health Questionnaire ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Abnormal Cytology ◽  
Normal Cytology ◽  
Time Specific ◽  
Over Time

ObjectivesMany countries are now using primary human papillomavirus (HPV) testing for cervical screening, testing for high-risk HPV and using cytology as triage. An HPV-positive result can have an adverse psychological impact, at least in the short term. In this paper, we explore the psychological impact of primary HPV screening over 12 months.MethodsWomen were surveyed soon after receiving their results (n=1133) and 6 (n=762) and 12 months (n=537) later. Primary outcomes were anxiety (Short-Form State Anxiety Inventory-6) and distress (General Health Questionnaire-12). Secondary outcomes included concern, worry about cervical cancer and reassurance. Mixed-effects regression models were used to explore differences at each time point and change over time across four groups according to their baseline result: control (HPV negative/HPV cleared/normal cytology and not tested for HPV); HPV positive with normal cytology; HPV positive with abnormal cytology; and HPV persistent (ie, second consecutive HPV-positive result).ResultsWomen who were HPV positive with abnormal cytology had the highest anxiety scores at baseline (mean=42.2, SD: 15.0), but this had declined by 12 months (mean=37.0, SD: 11.7) and was closer to being within the ‘normal’ range (scores between 34 and 36 are considered ‘normal’). This group also had the highest distress at baseline (mean=3.3, SD: 3.8, scores of 3+ indicate case-level distress), but the lowest distress at 12 months (mean=1.9, SD: 3.1). At 6 and 12 months, there were no between-group differences in anxiety or distress for any HPV-positive result group when compared with the control group. The control group were less concerned and more reassured about their result at 6 and 12 months than the HPV-positive with normal cytology group.ConclusionsOur findings suggest the initial adverse impact of an HPV-positive screening result on anxiety and distress diminishes over time. Specific concerns about the result may be longer lasting and efforts should be made to address them.

scholarly journals Measuring capability wellbeing in adults at different stages of life for use in economic evaluation of health and care interventions: a qualitative investigation in people requiring kidney care

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Mark Mitchell ◽  
Samantha Husbands ◽  
Sabina Sanghera ◽  
Fergus John Caskey ◽  
Jemima Scott ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Life Stage ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Economic Evaluations ◽  
Qualitative Investigation ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Younger Adults ◽  
Patient Groups ◽  
The Life Course ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Purpose Capability wellbeing measures, such as the ICECAP measures, have been proposed for use in economic evaluations to capture broader outcomes of health and care interventions. The ICECAP measures have been developed to reflect capabilities at different stages of life. Some patient groups include patients of different ages and at different stages of life, so it is not always apparent which ICECAP measure is most relevant. This study explores the impact of age and life stage on completion, where both ICECAP-A and ICECAP-O were completed by the same patient. Methods A think-aloud study, and an associated semi-structured interview were conducted with people receiving kidney care as a renal outpatient, kidney transplant outpatient, or through receiving facility-based haemodialysis. Qualitative analysis focused on (1) differences in responses across measures by individuals, where attributes had conceptual overlap, (2) key factors in self-reported capability levels, and (3) measure preference. Results Thirty participants were included in the study, with a mix of older and younger adults. Attributes with similar wording across measures produced similar responses compared to attributes where wording differed. Age and health were key factors for self-reported capability levels. ICECAP-A was slightly preferred overall, including by older adults. Conclusion This study suggests use of ICECAP-A in patients with certain chronic health conditions that include a mix of adults across the life course. This study highlights the importance of considering the stage of life when using capability measures and in economic evaluations of health and care interventions more generally.

scholarly journals Older African Americans’ Perspectives on Exposure to Structural Discrimination Across Contexts and the Life Course

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 689-689
Author(s):  
Sarah LaFave ◽  
Sarah Szanton ◽  
Roland Thorpe
Keyword(s):  
African Americans ◽  
Life Course ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Older African Americans ◽  
Environmental Toxin ◽  
Development Of Instrument ◽  
The Life Course ◽  
Interpersonal Level

Abstract This presentation reports on findings from the first phase of a mixed methods study aimed at developing an instrument to assess older African Americans’ exposure to structural racial discrimination. We conducted semi-structured interviews with older African Americans about their perspectives on and exposure to structural discrimination. Participants (n=20) were community-dwelling African Americans aged fifty and older in Baltimore, MD. Participants described exposure to structural discrimination that had accumulated across the life course and across the contexts of education, employment, healthcare services, criminal justice system, neighborhood factors, media and marketing of unhealthy products, environmental toxin exposures, and income, credit and wealth. In the next phase of the study, we will incorporate these findings into the development of instrument items. Developing and testing a tool to assess exposure to discrimination beyond the interpersonal level is an important step in identifying solutions to mitigate the contribute of discrimination to racial health disparities.

scholarly journals In Their Own Words: Parents and Key Informants’ Views on Nutrition Education and Family Health Behaviors

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (15) ◽  
pp. 8155
Author(s):  
Katherine E. McManus ◽  
Adrian Bertrand ◽  
Anastasia M. Snelling ◽  
Elizabeth W. Cotter
Keyword(s):  
African American ◽  
Health Behaviors ◽  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Family Health ◽  
High Body Mass Index ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Poverty Level ◽  
Black African ◽  
Key Informants

Parents, health professionals, and communities are integral in the development of nutrition behaviors that reduce children’s risk for high body mass index (BMI) and chronic disease. The aim of this study was to conduct formative evaluations with key health informants and parents to understand the specific strategies that families use at mealtimes to promote their family’s health, along with the barriers they face in attending current nutrition education programming. Focus groups (in English and Spanish) were conducted with parents (n = 22; 63.64% Black/African American, 13.64% Black but not African American, 18.18% Hispanic/Latinx) whose household was located in a community where 50% of residents’ gross income was ≤185% of the federal poverty level. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six key informants with expertise in family health and nutrition. Inductive thematic analysis was used to identify themes across interviews. Six general themes emerged from the interviews including perceptions of health, relationships, health behaviors, facilitators, barriers, and desired changes. Across the six themes, participants responded with suggestions for community-based health promotion programs such as incorporating a broader definition of health to better address the individual and systemic barriers that perpetuate health inequities and make healthy eating difficult. Participants identified stress reduction, health literacy, and cooking knowledge as areas of interest for future programming.

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