Testing of Journal Writing for Symptom Concordance in Adults with Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract Background: Adults with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience many complex symptoms. However, research is lacking on the best method to record their symptom experience. The primary goal of this study was to test the feasibility of journal writing to capture the description of core symptoms experienced by adults with MS. A secondary goal was to collect self-report symptom data to assess concordance between the journal entries and MS-Related Symptom Checklist (MS-RS) scores. Methods: A pre-selected group of participants (n = 5) from the total sample of 16 participants with MS were asked to complete the revised MS-RS and Web-based journal writing for 20 minutes per day for 4 consecutive days over a 4-week period. Feasibility was evaluated by journal completion rates. Results: Most participants found journal writing acceptable as a method for writing about symptoms. Participants were able to write about symptoms that formed clusters: unpredictable physical alterations and unpredictable sensory and emotional changes. Likewise, participants reported frequent fatigue, difficulty sleeping, heat intolerance, and difficulty concentrating/cognitive problems from the revised MS-RS. Disconcordance between revised MS-RS data and journal entries included lack of disclosure of difficulty sleeping and “pins and needles” in the journals. Conclusions: Preliminary findings from this study provide the personal perspectives of core symptoms experienced by adults with MS. These results provide preliminary evidence of the feasibility of journal writing, along with self-report survey, to describe symptoms in adults with MS.

Download Full-text

Too Much to Bear

Crisis ◽

10.1027/0227-5910/a000355 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 37 (1) ◽

pp. 59-67 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Nicole J. Peak ◽

James C. Overholser ◽

Josephine Ridley ◽

Abby Braden ◽

Lauren Fisher ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Suicidal Ideation ◽

Concurrent Validity ◽

Medical Center ◽

Psychiatric Patients ◽

Preliminary Evidence ◽

Diagnostic Interview ◽

Veterans Affairs ◽

Self Report ◽

Perceived Burdensomeness ◽

Scale Method

Abstract. Background: People who feel they have become a burden on others may become susceptible to suicidal ideation. When people no longer feel capable or productive, they may assume that friends and family members would be better off without them. Aim: The present study was designed to assess preliminary psychometric properties of a new measure, the Perceived Burdensomeness (PBS) Scale. Method: Depressed psychiatric patients (N = 173) were recruited from a veterans affairs medical center. Patients were assessed with a structured diagnostic interview and self-report measures assessing perceived burdensomeness, depression severity, hopelessness, and suicidal ideation. Results: The present study supported preliminary evidence of reliability and concurrent validity of the PBS. Additionally, perceived burdensomeness was significantly associated with higher levels of hopelessness and suicidal ideation. Conclusion: It is hoped that with the aid of the PBS clinicians may be able to intervene more specifically in the treatment of suicidality.

Download Full-text

The Symptom Structure of Postdisaster Major Depression: Convergence of Evidence from 11 Disaster Studies Using Consistent Methods

Behavioral Sciences ◽

10.3390/bs11010008 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. 8

Author(s):

Carol S. North ◽

David Baron

Keyword(s):

Major Depressive Disorder ◽

Major Depression ◽

Depressive Disorder ◽

Diagnostic Assessment ◽

Self Report ◽

Depression Symptoms ◽

Symptom Scale ◽

Major Depressive ◽

Report Symptom ◽

Symptom Patterns

Agreement has not been achieved across symptom factor studies of major depressive disorder, and no studies have identified characteristic postdisaster depressive symptom structures. This study examined the symptom structure of major depression across two databases of 1181 survivors of 11 disasters studied using consistent research methods and full diagnostic assessment, addressing limitations of prior self-report symptom-scale studies. The sample included 808 directly-exposed survivors of 10 disasters assessed 1–6 months post disaster and 373 employees of 8 organizations affected by the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks assessed nearly 3 years after the attacks. Consistent symptom patterns identifying postdisaster major depression were not found across the 2 databases, and database factor analyses suggested a cohesive grouping of depression symptoms. In conclusion, this study did not find symptom clusters identifying postdisaster major depression to guide the construction and validation of screeners for this disorder. A full diagnostic assessment for identification of postdisaster major depressive disorder remains necessary.

Download Full-text

Do Migrants Receive Tuberculosis Education in China? Evidence From the China Migrants Dynamic Survey

Health Education & Behavior ◽

10.1177/10901981211000309 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 109019812110003

Author(s):

Zheng Zhu ◽

Mengdi Guo ◽

Tingyue Dong ◽

Beibei Gong ◽

Xia Zhao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Low Socioeconomic Status ◽

Age Groups ◽

Secondary Data ◽

Total Sample ◽

Self Report ◽

Primary Methods ◽

Logistic Regression Models ◽

Key Population ◽

Bulletin Boards ◽

Nationally Representative

Background Migrants are the key population for tuberculosis (TB) transmission in China. However, it remains unknown how many migrants have received TB education and through what means. Objectives To identify the rate and methods of TB education among migrants in China by using nationally representative data. Method This study used secondary data analysis. The data were derived from the China Migrants Dynamic Survey 2014–2017. A total sample of 745,926 migrants was included in the following analysis. Information on TB education was collected through a self-report questionnaire. We used hierarchical logistic regression models to explore the relationship between the independent variables and the receipt of TB education. Results Only 30.4% ( n = 226,458) received TB education. Among all age-groups, participants between 65 and 69 years old had the highest TB education rate (33.4%). Bulletin boards (86.5%–91%), media (73% to 86.7%), and books/magazines (59.2%–67.4%) were the most common ways for migrants to receive TB education. Conclusions Our study showed the rates of TB education in each region of China and indicated the significant disparity among the seven regions. Traditional media, off-line medical consultation, community advocacy, and bulletin boards should be the primary methods of delivering TB education. TB education campaigns targeting migrants with a low socioeconomic status should be actively promoted.

Download Full-text

How Plausible Is the Implausible? Students’ Plausibility and Prevalence Ratings of the Self-Report Symptom Inventory

Psychological Injury and Law ◽

10.1007/s12207-021-09409-x ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Irena Boskovic ◽

Thomas Merten ◽

Harald Merckelbach

Keyword(s):

Psychology Students ◽

Prima Facie ◽

The Self ◽

Self Report ◽

Psychological Assessments ◽

Symptom Validity Tests ◽

Symptom Inventory ◽

Validity Measures ◽

Report Symptom ◽

Validity Tests

AbstractSome self-report symptom validity tests, such as the Self-Report Symptom Inventory (SRSI), rely on a detection strategy that uses bizarre, extreme, or very rare symptoms. Thus, items are constructed to invite respondents with an invalid response style to affirm pseudosymptoms that are usually not experienced by genuine patients. However, these pseudosymptoms should not be easily recognizable, because otherwise sophisticated over-reporters could strategically avoid them and go undetected. Therefore, we tested how well future psychology professionals were able to differentiate between genuine complaints and pseudosymptoms in terms of their plausibility and prevalence.Psychology students (N = 87) received the items of the SRSI online and were given the task to rate each item as to its plausibility and prevalence in the community.Students evaluated genuine symptoms as significantly more plausible and more prevalent than pseudosymptoms. However, 56% of students rated pseudosymptoms as moderately plausible, whereas 17% rated them as moderately prevalent in the general public.Overall, it appears that psychology students are successful in distinguishing bizarre, unusual, or rare symptoms from genuine complaints. Yet, the majority of students still attributed relatively high prima facie plausibility to pseudosymptoms. We contend that if such a trusting attitude is true for psychology students, it may also be the case for young psychology practitioners, which, consequently, may diminish the probability of employing self-report validity measures in psychological assessments.

Download Full-text

Effect of Self - Care Program on the Self- Esteem of Multiple Sclerosis Patients

European Psychiatry ◽

10.1016/s0924-9338(09)71173-3 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 24 (S1) ◽

pp. 1-1

Author(s):

H. Madani ◽

H. Navipoor ◽

P. Roozbayani

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Self Care ◽

Care Program ◽

Self Esteem ◽

The Self ◽

Self Report ◽

The Mean ◽

Muscular Spasm ◽

Multiple Sclerosis Patients ◽

Paired T Test

Aims:According to decreased self- esteem in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, it is necessary to utilize appropriate methods in order to improve self- esteem in MS patients. So this study was conducted on patients with MS supported by the Iranian MS society for determining the effect of self - care program on their self- esteem.Method:In this semi - experimental study 34 patients with MS who were not in the acute phase of disease were selected. The data were collected via personal questionnaires, problem list, Cooper and smith standard questionnaire for self- esteem and self report check lists. Self - care program(self - care for muscular spasm, fatigue, constipation and amnesia and …) was educated, then it was performed for one month period and the data were analyzed using paired t- test, wilcoxon, croscal - wallis and manwithney tests.Results:Application of self - care program improve the self- esteem and reduced some symptoms such as muscular spasm, fatigue, constipation and amnesia in MS patients. The mean valve of self- esteem increased from 54 before performing the program to 68 after the program ( p < 0.05).Conclusion:Using self-care program can be an effective method for improving self- esteem of MS patients.

Download Full-text

Quality of life in multiple sclerosis patients in Spain

Multiple Sclerosis Journal ◽

10.1191/1352458502ms851oa ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 8 (6) ◽

pp. 527-531 ◽

Cited By ~ 20

Author(s):

C-H Chang ◽

D Cella ◽

O Fernández ◽

G Luque ◽

P de Castro ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Well Being ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Self Report ◽

Regression Analyses ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Scale Scores ◽

Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Objective: The cross-sectional study evaluated the psychometric properties of the Functional Assessment of Multiple Sclerosis (FAMS) Spanish version and its use in measuring quality of life (QOL) of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients in Spain. Methods: The FAMS is a factorially derived self-report scale designed to assess six primary aspects of QOL of patients with MS: Mobility, Symptoms, Emotional Well-Being, General Contentment, Thinking and Fatigue, and Family/Social Well-Being. Its Spanish translated version was used to assess QOL of 625 MS patients recruited in an outpatient clinic setting from 58 hospitals in Spain. Internal consistency of the Spanish FAMS was evaluated. Multiple regression analyses were performed to identify significant predictors from demographic, clinical and treatment characteristics, and Kurtzke Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores in predicting FAMS scale scores. Results: Most of the patients are females (66%), and 74% were of the relapsing-remitting (RR) clinical subtype. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients were high (range=0.78-0.96), indicating subscale homogeneity comparable to that of the original English version. Linear multivariate regression analyses revealed that the EDSS is a dominant variable in predicting all the FAMS subscales, especially mobility (R2=0.51) and the total scores. Conclusions: The Spanish FAMS is a psychometrically valid instrument that allows clinicians and clinical researchers the ability to measure the QOL concerns of MS patients in Spain.

Download Full-text

Feasibility and Acceptability of Self-Report and Biologically Measured Energy Intake in Adults With Multiple Sclerosis

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation ◽

10.1016/j.apmr.2021.01.035 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 102 (4) ◽

pp. e11

Author(s):

Stephanie Silveira ◽

Barbara Gower ◽

Tapan Mehta ◽

Brenda Jeng ◽

Robert Motl

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Energy Intake ◽

Self Report ◽

Measured Energy

Download Full-text

The Parent Version of the Sensitivity to Pain Traumatization Scale (SPTS-P): A Preliminary Validation

Children ◽

10.3390/children8070537 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (7) ◽

pp. 537

Author(s):

Jaimie K. Beveridge ◽

Maria Pavlova ◽

Joel Katz ◽

Melanie Noel

Keyword(s):

Chronic Pain ◽

Psychometric Properties ◽

Preliminary Evidence ◽

Self Report ◽

Good Reliability ◽

Stress Symptoms ◽

Preliminary Validation ◽

Sensitivity To Pain ◽

Report Measure ◽

Parent Version

Sensitivity to pain traumatization (SPT) is defined as the propensity to develop responses to pain that resemble a traumatic stress reaction. To date, SPT has been assessed in adults with a self-report measure (Sensitivity to Pain Traumatization Scale (SPTS-12)). SPT may also be relevant in the context of parenting a child with chronic pain, as many of these parents report clinically elevated posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). This study aimed to develop and validate a measure of parent SPT by adapting the SPTS-12 and evaluating its psychometric properties in a sample of parents whose children have chronic pain. In total, 170 parents (90.6% female) and children (aged 10–18 years, 71.2% female) were recruited from a tertiary chronic pain program. Parents completed the parent version of the SPTS-12 (SPTS-P) and measures of PTSS, depression, and parenting behaviors. Youth completed measures of pain. Consistent with the SPTS-12, the SPTS-P demonstrated a one-factor structure that accounted for 45% of the variance, adequate to good reliability and moderate construct validity. Parent SPT was positively related to their protective and monitoring behaviors but was unrelated to youth pain intensity, unpleasantness, and interference. These results provide preliminary evidence for the psychometric properties of the SPTS-P and highlight the interaction between parent distress about child pain and parent responses to child pain.

Download Full-text

Consensus Recommendations From the Children’s Oncology Group Nursing Discipline’s State of the Science Symposium: Symptom Assessment During Childhood Cancer Treatment

Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing ◽

10.1177/1043454219854983 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 36 (4) ◽

pp. 294-299

Author(s):

Janice S. Withycombe ◽

Maureen Haugen ◽

Sue Zupanec ◽

Catherine F. Macpherson ◽

Wendy Landier

Keyword(s):

Clinical Practice ◽

Cancer Treatment ◽

Childhood Cancer ◽

Symptom Assessment ◽

Self Report ◽

Oncology Group ◽

Symptom Trajectories ◽

Science Symposium ◽

State Of The Science ◽

Core Symptoms

Background: Recognizing and addressing illness-related distress has long been a priority for pediatric oncology nurses and the Children’s Oncology Group. Although symptoms are known to be highly prevalent during treatment for childhood cancer, there is currently no guidance for how often symptoms should be assessed, which symptoms should be prioritized for assessment, and how the data should be collected. Methods: The Nursing Discipline, within Children’s Oncology Group, hosted a one-day Interprofessional seminar titled “Symptom Assessment During Childhood Cancer Treatment: State of the Science Symposium.” Following the symposium, an expert panel was assembled to review all available evidence, including information presented and collected during the symposium. Consensus-building discussions were held to identify common themes and to produce recommendations for clinical practice. Results: Four recommendations emerged including (1) the identification of priority “core” symptoms for assessment; (2) inclusion of the child’s voice through self-report, when possible; (3) consistent documentation and communication of symptom assessment results; and (4) implementation of patient/family education related to symptoms. Discussion: Symptom recognition, through appropriate assessment, is the first step in symptom management. The goal for developing and sharing these recommendations is to promote consistent and comparable clinical practice across institutions in regard to symptom assessment during childhood cancer therapy. Integration of these recommendations will set the stage for future studies related to the frequency of symptoms across disease groups, projection of anticipated symptom trajectories, development of evidence-based teaching tools for common symptoms, and evaluation of patient outcomes with enhanced symptom assessment and management.

Download Full-text

Validation of the NARCOMS Registry: pain assessment

Multiple Sclerosis Journal ◽

10.1191/1352458505ms1167oa ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 11 (3) ◽

pp. 338-342 ◽

Cited By ~ 28

Author(s):

Ruth Ann Marrie ◽

Gary Cutter ◽

Tuula Tyry ◽

Olympia Hadjimichael ◽

Timothy Vollmer

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Convergent Validity ◽

Disease Duration ◽

Self Report ◽

Research Committee ◽

Retest Reliability ◽

The North ◽

Disability Status ◽

Pain Question ◽

Test Retest Reliability

The North American Research Committee on Multiple Sclerosis (NARCOMS) Registry is a multiple sclerosis (MS) self-report registry with more than 24 000 participants. Participants report disability status upon enrolment, and semi-annually using Performance Scales (PS), Patient Determined Disease Steps (PDDS) and a pain question. In November 2000 and 2001, we also collected the Pain Effects Scale (PES). Our aim was to validate the NARCOMS pain question using the PES as our criterion measure. We measured correlations between the pain question and age, disease duration, various PS subscales and PDDS to assess construct validity. We correlated pain question responses in participants who reported no change in PDSS or the PS subscales between questionnaires to determine test—retest reliability. We measured responsiveness in participants who reported a substantial change in the sensory, spasticity PS subscales. The correlation between the pain question and PES was r=0.61 in November 2000, and r=0.64 in November 2001 (both P<0.0001). Correlations between the pain question and age, and disease duration were low, indicating divergent validity. Correlations between the pain question and spasticity, sensory PS subscales and PDSS were moderate, indicating convergent validity. Test—retest reliability was r=0.84 (P<0.0001). Responsiveness was 70.7%. The pain question is a valid self-report measure of pain in MS.

Download Full-text