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This paper aims at describing the eating experience of people diagnosed with and treated for laryngeal cancer. Going beyond the mere conceptualization of "after-effect" or the quantification of the disease's impact on the basis of standardized questionnaires, we present a qualitative analysis of the narratives of such experiences. Ethnographic study. Data is obtained from conversations, semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and written documents. A discourse analysis of the narrative information was conducted, with process coding and using the constant comparative method, inductive content analysis, category analysis, units of meaning associated with each other, and triangulation. The impact of cancer on eating processes is not limited to nutrition, but also affects the social and cultural value of food, which is put into question. The symbolic and social values which accompany the traditional way of eating are modified, which is connected with impaired quality of life. The impact on the eating process and its relationship with quality-of-life impairment are clear and connect with the importance of eating ways in culture and social organization. Greater attention should be paid to these contexts in clinical practice, which can affect even more than the impact on communicative processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atherosclerosis screening with ultrasound is non-invasive and can be used as part of risk communication. The potential of personalised and pictorial-based risk communication is assessed in VIPVIZA, a population-based randomised controlled trial that aims at optimising cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention by investigating the impact of visualisation of subclinical atherosclerosis. The present aim was to explore cognitive and emotional reactions evoked by the intervention as well as attitudes to any implemented life style changes in VIPVIZA participants in the intervention group with improved health status and furthermore to study possible interactions between these factors. Understanding mechanisms of action was central since non-adherence to preventive guidelines are often faced in clinical practice. In-depth interviews with 14 individuals were analysed with qualitative content analysis. Cognitive and emotional processes were highly interlinked and described by the main theme Cognitive and emotional reactions in strong interplay for orchestration of health oriented behavioural change. The informants' descriptions revealed two distinctly different psychological processes which constituted the two subthemes, Problem-focused coping and Encouragement-driven process. The results highlight that an interaction between emotional reactions and efficacy beliefs is important in facilitating behavioural change. Furthermore, the results underscore the importance of the risk message being perceived as clear, accurate, reliable and also emotionally engaging and thereby show why atherosclerosis screening and pictorial-based risk communication have the potential to contribute to effective CVD prevention strategies and shared decision making in primary care. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01849575, registration 8 May 2013. Atherosclerosis screening and pictorial-based risk communication have the potential to contribute to more effective CVD prevention strategies. Risk messages on atherosclerosis status were perceived as clear, accurate, reliable and emotionally engaging. An interplay between efficacy beliefs and emotional reactions facilitated behavioural change. Patients' understanding of CVD risk is important for shared decision-making and of relevance for non-adherence to preventive guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Purpose: An organized population-based mammographic screening programme aims for an early detection of potential breast abnormalities so that treatment can commence. Continuous participation and a high attendance rate are vital for an effective programme. It is important to understand the underlying reasons for participation in mammographic screening, should there be factors that are amendable within reason and could be adjusted. Therefore, the invited women are valuable sources of information. This study aimed at describing the experiences and perceptions about mammographic screening of women from three municipalities in a Swedish county. Method: Six semi-structured focus-group discussions, each with four to five participants, were held. Content analysis was then conducted. Results: The screening procedure, such as staff professionalism, was covered. Other people's opinions and the woman's own understanding affected the women's decisions on whether or not to undergo the procedure. Structural conditions, such as travel time and financial issues, were sources of concern. However, the offer to perform mammographic screening was perceived with gratitude. Conclusions: Structural conditions, risk and time perceptions, the screening procedure, attitudes towards undergoing it and appreciation of its benefit may influence the women's continuous willingness to be screened, which in turn may affect public and individual health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]