Search

Objective: The purpose was to prospectively assess if the theory of planned behaviour guided physical activity (PA) beliefs and behaviours for pregnant compared to nonpregnant women. Background: Theoretically based prospective studies can advance our understanding and promotion of PA during each trimester of pregnancy. Methods: Participants (N = 81) completed self-report assessments of their PA beliefs and behaviours at Time 1 (first trimester/baseline), Time 2 (second trimester/3 months), and Time 3 (third trimester/6 months). Results: The elicited PA beliefs and behaviours varied by assessment time and group. For the PA beliefs, the nonpregnant women’s (n = 43) salient beliefs were consistent across time. For the pregnant women (n = 38) the beliefs varied across time, with pregnant-specific beliefs that differed by trimester. For example, nausea was a common PA disadvantage reported in the first trimester, compared to increased weight/size in the third trimester; whereas the nonpregnant women reported time as the main disadvantage across all three assessments. For PA behaviour, the nonpregnant women reported more moderate PA than the pregnant women across all three assessments; with the pregnant women’s moderate PA decreasing from the first, to the second, to the third trimester. Conclusion: Trimester-specific PA interventions are encouraged to increase and maintain PA during pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Right-to-die societies represent a new social movement driven by societal change. They reflect concerns about the impact of advances in medicine, about the quality of care available for people at the end of life and the consequences of demographic changes that lead to the prolongation of dying with high degrees of disability and distress. More generally, the growth of individualism and the obligation towards exercising personal autonomy leads to desires to control events near the end of life. This paper reports a survey of the membership of a UK right-to-die society Friends at the End (FATE). A questionnaire answered by 41% (162) of the members of this society provided insight into motives and experiences that had led to a decision to join. Members were more likely to be female, older and of higher social standing than the general population. A high proportion were religious and found no conflict between this and their membership, and a high proportion had backgrounds in health and social care. Motives for membership included the desire for practical assistance with dying, past involvement with deaths that involved high levels of dependency and distress, and commitment to ‘right’ to die ideology. The concerns of members about the distress of dying mirror what is known about the reasons why people approaching death request an assisted death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Health care providers have adopted a family-centered care (FCC) approach. Parent satisfaction is an indicator of the effectiveness of FCC. The purpose of this project was to describe parent perceptions of the extent to which FCC behaviors occurred in an outpatient pediatric rehabilitation facility. The Measure of Processes of Care (MPOC)-20, a quantitative measure of parent perceptions related to FCC, was completed by 246 families with children receiving outpatient rehabilitation services. Eleven parents were randomly selected to participate in individual interviews. Four themes emerged, which are as follows: (a) parents were satisfied; (b) parents valued personal and sustained connections with professionals; (c) parents expressed a desire to interact with other parents; and (d) some parents may benefit from additional written information. Sustained connections with professionals and opportunities to interact with other parents were important aspects of care provision. Provision of written information was ranked lower than other domains on the MPOC-20. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to determine what participation issues are important to adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP). Two hundred and three adolescents with CP (mean age 16.0 ± 1.8 years) were assessed using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). This was done through semistructured interviews by trained physical and occupational therapists. Adolescents responded either directly ( n == 144) or through a parent or a caregiver ( n == 59) if they were unable to communicate. Issues were extracted from completed questionnaires and coded under three COPM categories (self-care, productivity, and leisure) and 16 subcategories. There was no association between the total number of issues identified and gender ( p == .99), age ( p == .88), type of respondent (adolescents versus parent) ( p == .27), Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level ( p == .93), or 66-item Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-66) score ( p == .45). The issues identified most frequently were related to active leisure (identified by 57%% of participants), mobility (55%%), school (48%%), and socialization (44%%). Interventions aimed at improving participation among adolescents with physical disabilities, such as CP, should be directed towards these four key areas. Health care professionals should also recognize and consider the interaction of person and environment when addressing issues related to participation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study measures the effectiveness of a goal-orientated group intervention using concentrated practice schedules for children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD). The study design is repeated measures. The sample comprises eight children with DCD, aged 7-11 years. Outcome measures are the Movement Assessment Battery for Children (MABC), the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), Harter's Scale of Perceived Competence/Harter and Pike's Pictorial Scale of Perceived Competence, and clinical observations. The children set goals with the perceived efficacy and goal setting system with parents/caregivers input. The intervention used a goal-oriented approach combining motor learning and cognitive strategies consisting of eight 50-min sessions over 2 weeks. The results show significant improvements in the COPM and MABC scores following intervention but no changes in Harter's scores. Fifty-six goals were identified with 34 met totally, 12 met partially, and 10 remained unmet. A goal-oriented group intervention shows potential as an effective intervention method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many newly arrived international adoptees (IA) have difficulties with eating, sleeping, and self-soothing/self-stimulating (SS) behaviors. However, to date the prevalence of these problems and associated risk factors have not been clearly identified. Therefore, we proposed to evaluate 387 IA for the presence of these self-regulation and behavioral difficulties, and examined the relationships between these behaviors and pre-adoptive risk factors including growth measures, orphanage care, age at arrival and presence of medical complications. Data on participants were collected in a retrospective chart review and entered into a standardized data collection sheet by a trained research assistant. This exploratory study included 133 M and 254 F with an average age (M == 16) months at the time of the study. Children in the study represented adoptees from seventeen countries. Forty-nine per cent (49%) of the retrospective sample exhibited SS behaviors, 48% had sleep disturbances, and 34%% had eating issues. Many had difficulties in more than one area. Country of origin, pre-adoption residence, and arrival nutritional status all related to the presence of these problems. Hence, self-regulation difficulties are common but both the course and influence of those behaviors on family functioning remains unknown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated sexual function in women with a history of severe intrafamilial childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and the correlation between sexual problems and the severity of CSA, adult support during childhood and current psychiatric symptoms. The sample consisted of 158 women who subsequently began specialized group psychotherapy for CSA sequellae. Clinical interview and questionnaires (Present Sexual Function, Sexual and Body Satisfaction, Symptom Check List 90-R) were used for data collection in a cross sectional study design. Non-parametric analysis, linear and logistic regression analysis were applied. Of the women, 63% were unsatisfied with their current sexual life, 39% felt uncomfortable with physical endearments and 71% were unsatisfied with their body. Only 82% had an active sexual life and, of these, 73% reported at least one sexual problem, 48% orgasmic problems and 45% dyspareunia. The occurrence of sexual problems was significantly correlated to childhood physical violence, current psychological distress, flashbacks in sexual situations and discomfort with physical endearment. The prevalence of sexual pain disorders were also positively correlated to “no adult support” in childhood. The present study finds that psychiatric patients in terms of women with a history of intrafamilial CSA have wide-ranging sexual problems. It is crucial to screen for sexual problems and address them during treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In South Africa, new HIV infections are concentrated among persons aged 15–24 years. The university population falls within this age group and are prone to higher-risk behaviours that place them at risk of acquiring HIV. In a study to assess this risk among sexually active students, we classified higher-risk sexual behaviours as not using condoms at every instance of sex, having had more than one sexual partner during the preceding 12 months, a relatively young age at first sexual intercourse (7–16 years), and experience of sexual violence and/or transactional sex. In total, 796 first-year students at the University of the Western Cape in Cape Town, South Africa, completed a self-administered questionnaire in 2006. The sample included 263 sexually active, unmarried students, aged 16 to 24 years. The responses showed that 62% did not use a condom for every instance of sex, 39% had two or more sexual partners in the previous 12 months, 53% had initiated sexual intercourse at a younger age (7–16 years), and 2% had ever exchanged money or gifts for sexual intercourse. Eight percent of the respondents said they did not give their consent or permission at initiation of first sexual intercourse. One in every 10 respondents claimed that they had ever been forced to have sexual intercourse, and 4% said that they had ever forced someone to have sexual intercourse. The sexually active students who reported an earlier age of initiation of sexual intercourse and having only one sexual partner during the last year were more likely to not use a condom every time, whereas the sexually active students that had experienced initiation of sexual intercourse while in an older age group (17–24 years) and who had two or more sexual partners in the last year were more likely to use a condom every time. Sexually active university students are in need of particular HIV-prevention interventions given their tendencies for poor condom usage and having multiple sexual partners. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study examined the efficacy of structured, psychoeducational group counselling on multicultural awareness and respecting diversity among Buddhist and Muslim students in Thailand. Elements of intimacy sharing, self-awareness, ethnic identity, self-esteem, complex cognition, empathic understanding and cooperation were structured in group sessions. The design was a controlled trial with 39 participants (22 Thai-Buddhists; 17 Thai-Muslims). The control group also attended 16 group sessions. Diversity respect and cultural awareness were measured by author-developed scales with 0.70 and 0.80 reliabilities. One-way multivariate of variance (MANOVA) and covariance (MANCOVA) were used for data analysis. Results supported the hypothesis. Results are discussed and limitations are noted. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objectives To test the feasibility of a clinical trial comparing the effects of transverse friction massage (TFM) and a home exercise programme (HEP) and a HEP alone in the treatment of plantar fasciitis. Design Prospective, non-blinded, different subject design experimental pilot study. Setting Physiotherapy clinic within a community health centre clinic. Participants Twenty-four participants (14 females) aged 43-77 years (X = 58), with plantar fasciitis of greater than 4 weeks duration. Interventions Six treatment sessions of TFM in the first 4 weeks for the experimental group together with a HEP for 6 weeks. The control group was given a HEP only for 6 weeks. Main outcome measures Visual Analogue Pain Scale (VAPS) and a Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) measured on assessment and every 2 weeks for 6 weeks. Results Subjects demonstrated a reduction in both outcome measures for pain at the end of the 6-week treatment (P < 0.05), but there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. The outcome measures were found to be suitable for subjects with plantar fasciitis and the methodology appropriate for the research design chosen. Conclusion This study has demonstrated the feasibility of a clinical trial for the treatment of plantar fasciitis with TFM and a HEP. A retrospective power calculation suggests that recruitment of more than 274 patients would be required to achieve an 80% chance of a clinically significant difference being detected between these two groups (α = 0.05). It is recommended that another pilot study with a longer follow-up is carried out first prior to any full-scale studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lifestyle modifications, including diet, are important in the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, limited information is available on the effects of single doses of meal replacements, particularly with regard to their effect on postprandial glucose. Therefore, a study was performed comparing the effects of a single meal replacement in T2DM patients on postprandial serum glucose, insulin, and glucagon. This randomized, double-blind, partial cross-over study was performed in 36 T2DM patients who continued their oral anti-diabetic medication. Each patient received three out of four treatments separated by 7 days. The treatments were a proprietary casein hydrolysate (insuVida™) alone or with additional leucine, unhydrolyzed casein, or placebo. Blood sampling was done for 4 hr. Treatments were compared using repeated measures ANOVA. Results are given as an estimate of the difference (%%) for the 4-hr epoch. Glucose concentrations were lowered by −4.7%% by insuVida and insuVida plus added leucine compared to placebo (95%% CI: −1.6 to −7.7%%), while the effect of unhydrolyzed casein was −1.7%% (−4.8 to 1.5%%). Addition of leucine to insuVida induced the greatest increase in insulin (i.e., 51.8%%; 41.1 to 63.4%%). All three treatments increased glucagon concentrations by 14%% (8 to 20%%) compared to placebo. A single dose of insuVida™ with or without addition of leucine significantly lowered plasma glucose compared to placebo and intact casein in T2DM patients. This is most likely due to an insulinotropic effect of insuVida. The data suggest that this type of intervention may be a viable treatment strategy in T2DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to investigate the role of roasting conditions in antioxidant formation, methanol and hot water extracts from Robusta coffee beans roasted for various lengths of time and at various temperatures were analyzed for total phenolic acid, chlorogenic acid, and caffeine content, as well as for their antioxidant activities using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryhydrazyl (DPPH), thiobarbituric acid (TBA), and malonaldehyde/gas chromatography (MA/GC) assays. The amount of total phenolics in methanol extracts decreased linearly over the roasting temperature from 63.51 ± 0.77 mg chlorogenic acid equivalent (CAE)/g coffee beans (roasted at 200°C) to 42.56 ± 0.33 mg CAE/g coffee beans (roasted at 240°C). The total chlorogenic acid content decreased when the roasting time was increased from 78.33 ± 1.41 mg/g (green coffee beans) to 4.31 ± 0.23 mg/g (roasted for 16 min at 250°C). All methanol extracts from roasted coffee beans possessed over 90%% antioxidant activities in the DPPH assay. The antioxidant activity of methanol extracts ranged from 41.38 ± 1.77%% (roasted at 250°C for 10 min) to 98.20 ± 1.49%% (roasted at 230°C for 16 min) as tested by the TBA assay. The antioxidant activity of methanol extracts of green coffee beans and roasted coffee beans ranged from 93.01%% (green coffee beans) to 98.62 ± 1.32%% (roasted at 250°C for 14 min) in the MA/GC assays. All hot water extracts exhibited moderate pro-oxidant activities in TBA and MA/GC assays. The results indicated that roasting conditions of coffee beans play an important role in the formation of antioxidants in brewed coffee, which can be dietary supplements having beneficial effect to human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An evidence-based systematic review of gymnema ( Gymnema sylvestre R. Br.), including written and statistical analysis of scientific literature, expert opinion, folkloric precedent, history, pharmacology, kinetics/dynamics, interactions, adverse effects, toxicology, and dosing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because noise-induced hearing impairment is the result not only of occupational noise exposure but also of total daily noise exposure, it is important to take the non-occupational exposure of individuals (during commuting to and from their jobs, at home, and during recreational activities) into account. Mass transit is one of the main contributors to non-occupational noise exposure. We developed a new methodology to estimate a representative commuting noise exposure. The methodology was put into practice for the Madrid subway because of all Spanish subway systems it covers the highest percentage of worker journeys (22.6%). The results of the application highlight that, for Madrid subway passengers, noise exposure level normalized to a nominal 8 hr (LEx,8h-cj) depends strongly on the type of train, the presence of squealing noise, and the public address audio system, ranging from 68.6 dBA to 72.8 dBA. These values play an important role in a more complete evaluation of a relationship between noise dose and worker health response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reports a librarian's collection development efforts to support her institution's first independent doctoral degree (Ed.D., Educational Leadership) via a citation analysis comparing information usage by education doctorate dissertation authors from six peer institutions nationally. This analysis is part of a long-term examination of library collection use among California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) doctoral students. Key findings include the relative young age among the information resources in educational leadership, which resource formats were cited, what serial titles were cited the most, and where they are available electronically. The ultimate aim is the creation of an essential collection in the subject discipline. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Sixty-four physician parents of infants cared for in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) were mailed a survey inquiring about privacy, emotional state, and communication. Fifty-seven (89%) physician parents responded. Forty-six (81%) infants were preterm. Responses were not associated with illness severity or hospital length of stay. Most respondents believed their infant received good care and achieved a good outcome, but suggestions to enhance communication were common, and their consideration may improve NICU care. Most physician parents believed their experience made them more empathetic and compassionate. Further investigation into the reasons for this may help to enhance future medical education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The concept of social support and its relationship to physical health and psychological well-being has been well documented. The Social Support Questionnaire [Sarason, Sarason, Shearin, & Pierce (1987) A brief measure of social support: Practical and theoretical implications. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 4, 497-510] is a self-administered questionnaire used to measure the availability and satisfaction with perceived social support an individual has. Aim: The purpose of this study was to assess the psychometric properties of a Russian version of the SSQ6 in a sample of Russian-speaking immigrants residing in Portugal. Methods: The SSQ6 was administered to 555 subjects -- Russian-speaking immigrants residing in several regions of Portugal. The questionnaire was administered on a group basis along with a number of other self-report tests as part of a larger mental health status immigrants' study. Results: The Russian version of the SSQ6 has an internally consistent measure Cronbach's α 0.885 for the total scale. For the subscale SSQ6N (number of supporters) Cronbach's a was 0.907; for the subscale SSQ6S (satisfaction of support) Cronbach's α was 0.921. Two factors were extracted using factor analysis -- Number of supporters and Satisfaction with social support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This paper examine nurses' levels of satisfaction with their supervisor-subordinate communication relationships on their level of role ambiguity (in relation to their supervisors) and their resultant perceptions of autonomy and in turn, affective commitment. Methods: A survey of 900 nurses working in private sector hospitals in Australia was used to collect data. Results: The combined effects of supervisor-nurse communication relationships, nurses' role ambiguity in relation to their supervisors plus nurses' resultant perceptions of autonomy, definitely influenced nurses' level of affective commitment. Also, nurses were somewhat dissatisfied with their communication relationships with their supervisors, experienced role ambiguity, reported being only a little autonomous, and were subsequently only somewhat committed to their hospitals. Contribution: The findings contribute to addressing nurse retention challenges by identifying factors affecting nurses' organisational commitment. Not only will nurses be more productive (with less supervisor ambiguity), but high quality Nurse Unit Manager-nurse communication relationships are also likely to enhance perceptions of autonomy and thereby, encourage nurses' commitment to their organisation and intention to remain. Implications: These results raise the question as to whether the present management practices are ideal for retaining nurses who are in short supply in many Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the narrative effects of familiarity, transportation, whether a story is factual or fiction, and perceived realism on the stigmatizing behavior of social distancing behavior. A sample of N = 137 participants watched a commercial movie about mental illness. Genre was manipulated to determine whether fiction or nonfiction impacted social distancing behavior. Although there was no effect of the genre manipulation, transportation was found to have a relationship with social distancing, with the more relevant the participants found the story, the lower they demonstrated social distancing behavior. How much participants identified with the main character was found to have a partial mediating effect between perceived story relevance and social distancing behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

To reduce the 15% HIV prevalence rate in Namibia, public health officials have advised people to: (1) adopt the ABCs (Abstain, Be faithful, use a Condom); (2) use information-seeking strategies to determine their partner's sexual history. Whether Namibians understand the ABC campaign or know how to determine a safe partner is largely unknown. To address this concern, data were collected from young adults (16-25 years, n = 400) via open- and closed-question formats. The main reason reported for not using a condom was 'I trust my partner.' The majority: (1) did not believe observational tactics were a good means to assess a safe partner; (2) believed they talked sufficiently with their partners about AIDS; (3) did not believe that partners were completely honest about their sexual history, although most (82%) wore condoms. The majority (51.8%) of participants did not understand the concepts of monogamy (51.8%) or 'being faithful' (68%). Assessment of the target population's understanding of public health terminology should precede implementation of HIV prevention programs using the ABCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ferula assafoetida L. (resin), Zingiber officinale (rhizome), and Glycyrrhiza glabra (root) are used together in traditional medicine as “Chitrakadivati” for the treatment of flatulence, gut microflora, and indigestion. Scientific studies validating therapeutic properties for this indigenous medicine are lacking. This study focused on determining the antimicrobial efficacies of methanolic extracts of these plant parts independently and in combination by measuring the zone of inhibition and minimum inhibitory concentration. Antimicrobial activity was tested against bacteria: Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, Styphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Proteus vulgaris; fungi: Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Pencillium Sp, Candida albicans, and an, Beauveria bassiana. The zones of inhibition of individual extracts are lower (0–15 mm) against microbes than in combination (9–23mm). Preliminary phytochemical analysis showed the presence of reducing sugars, cardiac glycosides, terpenoids, carbonyls, flavonoids, tannins, and phenolics. This investigation provides evidence of synergism among the phytochemcials when used in combination. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A reverse phase- high-performance liquid chromatography method was developed and validated for the estimation of negundoside in Vitex negundoside leaves. Factors influencing negundoside concentration include leaf age, size, drying methods, solvent composition, method of extraction, extraction time, and temperature, all of which were evaluated. Microwave drying caused the least degradation of negundoside during drying. Larger leaves contain a higher amount of negundoside than the smaller ones. Leaves that were 5 weeks old contained the highest concentration of negundoside. Optimized solvent composition of methanol:water (1:1) with microwave drying produced the highest negundoside concentration in the dried leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The effect of the aqueous extract (SPE) and powder (SPP) of S. potatorum seeds at the dose of 200 mg.kg−1 p.o. were studied in developing and developed stages of Freunds adjuvant (0.1mL) induced arthritic rats for 14 and 28 days respectively. On day 29, the animals were sacrificed and serum and tissue samples were collected for estimation of lysosomal enzymes, glycoproteins and angular cartilage for collagen formation. In both stages of arthritis, the serum and tissue levels showed increased lysosomal enzymes and glycoproteins whereas decreased collagen content in the synovial tissues. SPP and SPE treatment to the arthritic rats normalized the lysosomal enzymes and glycoproteins and increased the collagen content, which may be due to its membrane-stabilizing action and suppression of the collagenases that destroys collagen and bone. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Current inadequate and inefficient market drugs used for the control and management of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection with hepatitis viruses (HBV) poses serious threats to public health. The medicinal plant Cardiospermum halicacabum, having known anticancer and immunostimulatory activity was explored for their control in this study. The plant active principles extracted using five solvents were identified, and tested for antiHIV, antiHBV and phytochemical constituents. Methanol extract inhibited both HIV-RT (91%) and HBsAg (79%) and has 11 compounds. Among the compounds, Benzene dicarboxylic acid yielded a dock score −4.85 against HIV receptor and −4.71 against HBV receptor. The obtained results indicated C. halicacabum bioactive principles potentiality as HIV and HBV co-infection controlling novel therapeutics lead compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Low resolution electromagnetic tomography (LORETA) electroencephalogram (EEG) was recorded from 63 nonclinical adults (34 female and 29 male) while they completed inventories on self-perception (Self-Perception and Experiential Schemata) and psychological well-being (The Brief Symptom Inventory–18). In addition, salivary samples were collected before and after the self-assessment tasks for cortisol analyses. The statistical analyses revealed a significant decrease in cortisol levels from pretest to posttest self-examination. This decline in salivary cortisol was inversely correlated with greater left-sided than right-sided hemisphere activation. Self-perception and self-in-relation to others predicted resting salivary cortisol levels. These data provide further evidence for the use of LORETA EEG, in particular, as a biological marker for emotional self-regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The Math and Me Survey was designed to measure elementary students' attitudes toward mathematics. The authors conducted content validation, exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, item response theory, reliability, and external validity analyses to improve it and to test its psychometric properties. The final Math and Me Survey consists of two scales: Mathematical Self-Perceptions and Enjoyment of Mathematics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective . This study investigated associations among different types of parental psychopathology and several specific parenting practices. Design . Mothers (n = 182) and fathers (n = 126) of preschool-aged children with behavior problems completed questionnaires assessing parental psychopathology and parenting practices and participated in observed parent–child interactions. Results . Maternal depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and several different personality disorder traits were related to maternal negativity, laxness, and lack of warmth. Paranoid, schizoid, schizotypal, and borderline personality disorder symptoms predicted mothers' parenting practices, even when statistically controlling for other types of psychopathology. For fathers, those same symptoms, dependent and avoidant symptoms, and substance abuse symptoms were associated with self-reported lax parenting. Some evidence emerged that psychopathology in one parent was associated with less overreactivity in the other. Conclusions . Many aspects of parents' psychological functioning play a role in determining specific parenting practices, including personality disorder symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article presents a study which explores the impact of enhanced appraisals and the requirements for the revalidation of the general practitioners (GP) appraisers in Scotland. The study used a qualitative approach in which a group of experienced appraisers were invited to participate in one or three focus groups. Results show that the group of appraisers perceived the need to become more prescriptive on the standard of evidence that is submitted by an appraisee.

Moral development has become an integral part in military training and the importance of moral judgment and behavior in military operations can hardly be overestimated. Many armed forces have integrated military ethics and moral decision-making interventions in their training programs. However, little is known about the effectiveness of these interventions. This study examined the effectiveness of a 1-week training program in moral decision making in the Swiss Armed Forces. The program was based on a strategy-based interactional moral dilemma approach. Results of this quasi-experimental intervention study showed significant improvements in content-related (moral and instrumental awareness, quality of moral information processing, development of compensatory actions) as well as process-related (situational analysis, development and evaluation of alternative solutions, justification of decision) aspects in moral decision making. Results of a follow-up test indicated positive long-term effects with regard to moral and instrumental awareness and process-related aspects. Findings are discussed, and consequences for leadership development programs and further research are explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted to investigate the perceptions of academic dishonesty in fifth-grade students. Two methods were used to gather data: a sorting task, which was used to indirectly assess the students' perceptions, and a rating scale task, which was used to externally validate the results of the sorting task. Results of the multidimensional scaling analysis yielded two dimensions, the first being tests/homework and papers, and the second, more ambiguous appearing to differentiate based on seriousness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study examined nonprofessionals' perceptions of culturally based and noncultural ethical violations. One hundred seventy-four undergraduates students read 12 vignettes depicting situations in which a clinician committed either a culturally based violation (e.g., sexist or ageist behavior) or a noncultural violation (e.g., breeching confidentiality or multiple relationship). Results indicated that participants were more likely to have unfavorable views of clinicians who had committed culturally based violations. In addition, results suggested that participants would be more likely to report a clinician who had committed a culturally based violation to a supervisor or ethics board. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reports on the Boundaries in Practice (BIP) Scale developed to measure knowledge, comfort, ethical decision making, and experience. Few instruments used in studies conducted on professional/ client boundaries have been validated. The BIP demonstrated sound face, content and construct validity, and adequate internal consistency reliability. The BIP Scale provides the first reliable and valid means of investigating multiple boundary domains across health disciplines and teams. The sensitivity and complexity of boundary issues and the serious consequences of breaches highlight the importance of a valid and reliable measure in building empirical knowledge in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper provides insight into the influences of dietary behaviour and physical activity on the experiences of Black families of African Caribbean descent. It draws on data from a community-based qualitative study based in the north of England. Ten African Caribbean families participated in the study. There were several social cultural factors that influenced their decisions about food choices and participation in physical activity. The socio-economic status, values and belief systems of the participants determined their attempts and desires to eat healthily and to participate in physical activities. The findings highlighted the dynamic and interactive nature of the interplay between the structural and cultural factors of the context in which participants formed their attitudes towards experiences of healthy diet and participation in physical activity. It is recommended that to develop effective intervention strategies, it is vital that health promotion practitioners take cognisance of the multidimensional and contextual factors that influence decisions people make about their diet and what physical activity they participate in. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was designed to explore the efficacy of the use of wipe sampling to determine methamphetamine contamination associated with the clandestine manufacture of methamphetamine. Three laboratories were utilized to analyze wipe samples to investigate variability in reported methamphetamine concentration among samples spiked with known amounts of methamphetamine. Different sampling media, surfaces, and solvents were also utilized to determine potential differences in measured methamphetamine concentration due to different wipes, wipe solvents, and wipe contaminants. This study examined rate of false positive detection among blank samples and whether interference with common household substances would create a false positive detection of methamphetamine. Variability between the three labs—using liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry or gas chromatography with mass spectrometry for detection of a known concentration of methamphetamine—resulted in percent differences of 3–30%. Results from wipe sample analysis for methamphetamine, using methanol or isopropanol, showed no significant difference in methamphetamine contamination recovery. Dust and paint contamination on methamphetamine wipe samples with known methamphetamine spike amounts did not affect methamphetamine wipe sample recovery. This study confirmed that either methanol or isopropanol is an appropriate solvent for use in methamphetamine wipe sampling. Dust and paint contamination on wipe samples will not interfere with the wipe sample analysis for methamphetamine. False positive detection for methamphetamine was not observed in any of the blank wipe samples submitted for the study. Finally, this study determined that methamphetamine will not be detected in structures that are truly methamphetamine free at current laboratory limits of quantification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In France, the MétroPol 009 method used to measure workplace exposure to inorganic acids, such as HF, HCl, and HNO3, consists of a closed-face cassette fitted with a prefilter to collect particles, and two sodium carbonate-impregnated filters to collect acid vapor. This method was compared with other European methods during the development of a three-part standard (ISO 21438) on the determination of inorganic acids in workplace air by ion chromatography. Results of this work, presented in a companion paper, led to a need to go deeper into the performance of the MétroPol 009 method regarding evaluation of the breakthrough of the acids, both alone and in mixtures, interference from particulate salts, the amount of sodium carbonate required to impregnate the sampling filter, the influence of sampler components, and so on. Results enabled improvements to be made to the sampling device with respect to the required amount of sodium carbonate to sample high HCl or HNO3 concentrations (500 μL of 5% Na2CO3 on each of two impregnated filters). In addition, a PVC-A filter used as a prefilter in a sampling device showed a propensity to retain HNO3 vapor so a PTFE filter was considered more suitable for use as a prefilter. Neither the material of the sampling cassette (polystyrene or polypropylene) nor the sampling flowrate (1 L/min or 2 L/min) influenced the performance of the sampling device, as a recovery of about 100% was achieved in all experiments for HNO3, HCl, and HF, as well as HNO3+HF and HNO3+HCl mixtures, over a wide range of concentrations. However, this work points to the possibility of interference between an acid and salts of other acids. For instance, interference can occur through interaction of HNO3 with chloride salts: the stronger the acid, the greater the interference. Methods based on impregnated filters are reliable for quantitative recovery of inorganic volatile acids in workplace atmosphere but are valuable only in the absence of interferents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) reduces maternal–infant interaction quality, stresses infants and mothers, and is linked to adverse child social–emotional and cognitive developmental outcomes. Objectives: A hypothesised mechanism for these observed relationships is the stress-related over-activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and resultant altered cortisol patterns. While cortisol levels of mothers and infants are strongly correlated, environmental, maternal, infant and maternal–infant interactive factors may also contribute to altered cortisol patterns. Thus, the objective of this study is to use Barnard’s Child Health Assessment Model to explore the influences on maternal and infant diurnal cortisol patterns for matched pairs of mothers and infants affected by postpartum depression. Method: Secondary analyses were conducted on data collected from mothers and their infants affected by symptoms of PPD (n = 53). Multiple regression models were undertaken to study mothers’ and infants’ diurnal cortisol patterns using area under the curve analysis. Results: Having a preterm child predicted both an increase in overall cortisol levels (p = .01) and a reduction in the daily decline (p = .02) in cortisol patterns for mothers. Difficult life circumstances (p = .04) also predicted a reduction in mothers’ expected daily decline in cortisol. For infants, maternal–infant interaction qualities including cognitive growth-fostering (p = .03) and socioemotional growth fostering (p = .02) reduced overall cortisol levels and increased the daily decline in cortisol, respectively. Conclusion: For mothers, preterm birth was the most robust predictor of elevated cortisol levels. For infants, more optimal maternal–infant interactions predicted lower levels of infant cortisol. Future research should examine interactions among infant temperament, maternal responsiveness and infant cortisol patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Aim: Infant sleep behaviours, particularly night wakings, have been identified as one of the most common concerns of parents. Despite this, few empirical studies have examined how mothers distinguish between normative and problematic infant sleep behaviours. Methods: In this study, we examined infant and maternal factors associated with maternal perceptions of infant sleep problems in an internet sample of Canadian mothers with 6- to 12-month-old infants whose infants wake at least one night a week. Results: While infant sleep behaviours accounted for 24% of the variance in maternal perceptions of infant sleep problems, including additional infant and maternal factors in the model accounted for 43%. Factors significantly associated with maternal perceptions of infant sleep problems were infant sleep behaviours (i.e. frequent night wakings, difficulties initiating sleep), difficult infant temperament, poor maternal daytime functioning and poor maternal sleep quality. Contrary to expectations, infant daytime functioning was not predictive of maternal perceptions of infant sleep problems. Conclusions: Our findings support a focus on the family, rather than the infant, when assessing and treating infant sleep problems [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Late preterm birth is an increasing phenomenon presently accounting for 70% of all preterm infants. It can be hypothesised that mothers of late preterm infants find it difficult to accept preterm birth and have feelings of guilt about the premature delivery and its possible consequences. Methods: Mothers of late preterm infants (n = 42) and women who gave birth to full term infants in the same maternity ward and matched for parity and delivery route (n = 42) completed the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory questionnaire (STAI-Y), and the Psychological Stress Measure (PSM) and provided information about their medical history three days after delivery. Results: According to the data gathered, mothers of late preterm infants experience more stress, anxiety, and depression than mothers of full-term infants (Anxiety–trait (T), 45.8 ± 10.1 vs. 39 ± 6.1, p < 0.0004; Anxiety–state (T), 49.5 ± 9 vs. 42.6 ± 5.3, p < 0.0001; EPDS, 9.5 ± 4.5 vs. 6.3 ± 3.9, p < 0.0007; PSM, 46.5 ± 5.9 vs. 38.9, p < 0.006, respectively), even adjusting for mother’s age and mother‘s educational level. Conclusions: These data clearly indicate that mothers of late preterm infants are at increased psychological risk at a critical time during which the mother infant relationship is being established. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Orgasm is assumed to be the height of sexual pleasure, reinforcing the recurrence of sexual behaviors. Surprisingly, data supporting the role of orgasm as a reward in women appear lacking. The most likely psychological function of orgasm in women, consistent with the very limited empirical information, is as a secondary reinforcer. In other words, sexual arousal is the primary reward for sexual behavior in women and orgasm associates sexual arousal with the partner. Data from a small (n = 38 women) pilot are presented to highlight the challenges of studying female orgasm. Challenges include differentiating vaginally- or clitorally-generated orgasms by self-report and the large proportion of women who are unsure if they experience orgasms. Finally, the recent spate of publications purporting to show differences in penile-vaginal intercourse induced orgasms is critiqued in light of the information reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Cognitive task analysis (CTA) captures unobservable cognitive processes, decisions and judgments of expert performance. Over 100 different CTA methods are identified in prior literature. However, existing classifications typically sort techniques by process rather than outcome, application or causal mechanism. Therefore, techniques can be misapplied and comparative analysis of methods made difficult. Based on the frequency distribution of CTA methods in 1065 studies, a subsample representing 60% of the most frequently published methods was coded based on elicitation and analysis techniques. Consistency of resulting applications was assessed. Inconsistent matching of CTA methods and subsequent applications indicate CTA is currently more craft than technology. Therefore, there is no robust basis for selecting one method over another for research or practice. Specific challenges include comparing the reliability and validity of individual methods and optimising selection of techniques for intended applications. Developing a causal taxonomy may facilitate such advancements. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study investigated the effect of varying levels of illumination, noise and colour combination on blink rate for subjects of different age groups (21–30, 31–40 and 41–50 years) having Internet exposure duration of less than 2 h/day (category 1) and more than 2 h/day (category 2). The pseudo reading task was designed as a software program to investigate the reading task performance. Results showed that the text–background colour combination was significant on the change in spontaneous eye blink rate (SEBR) values on both categories of users for age groups of 21–30 and 41–50 years. The effects of illumination and noise were not significant for subjects of all categories and age levels except for age group of 31–40 years with Internet exposure duration of more than 2 h/day, where illumination was observed to be significant. The results of the study further showed that ambient illumination did not affect significantly the SEBR values for every age group investigated in this research. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article examines the factors associated with HIV status among adolescents aged 15–19 years in 13 African countries: Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Guinea, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Malawi, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The data were derived from demographic and health surveys or AIDS indicator surveys conducted between 2004 and 2009. The levels of HIV prevalence among adolescents varied considerably across the countries. There was significantly higher HIV prevalence among female adolescents as compared with their male counterparts. For male adolescents, circumcision was the only variable significantly associated with HIV status. Nonetheless, the data suggest that the association between male circumcision and HIV status may be exaggerated. Indeed, regional-level random effects became insignificant once male circumcision was introduced into the estimated models, indicating a strong correlation between unmeasured regional-level factors and male circumcision. For female adolescents, multiple sexual partnerships, time elapsed since sexual debut, marital status, household wealth, and the regional prevalence of male circumcision were strongly and positively associated with HIV status. Moreover, for female adolescents there appear to be significant unmeasured variables operating at the regional level which influence the levels of HIV infection. The implications of the findings for HIV-prevention programming, policy and research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

To explore how people living with HIV (PLHIV) and in care encourage others to adopt HIV-protective behaviours, we conducted in-depth interviews with a purposive sample of 40 HIV clinic patients in Kampala, Uganda. Content analysis was used to examine the message content, trigger events, and outcomes of HIV-prevention advocacy events initiated by the HIV clients with members of their social networks. The content themes included encouraging specific behaviours, such as HIV testing and treatment, condom use and non-promiscuity, as well as more general cautionary messages about protecting oneself from HIV infection. Common triggers for bringing up HIV-prevention advocacy information in a discussion or conversation included: wanting to prevent the targeted person from ‘falling into the same problems,’ wanting to benefit oneself with regard to avoiding re-infection, out of concern that the target would engage in higher-risk behaviour, due to observed changes in the target's health, and to convey information after receiving treatment at the clinic. The participants mostly reported positive or neutral responses to these advocacy events; negative responses were rare. Interventions to empower PLHIV to be agents of change could represent a new frontier for HIV prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Informal caregivers worldwide are faced with the dilemma of maintaining their health and meeting the caregiving demands of their loved ones. This study explores the health outcomes of caregiving, caregivers’ health-promoting practices and the challenges to providing care among caregivers to children orphaned by AIDS in southwest Uganda. A descriptive design and interview questionnaires were used to collect data from 204 caregivers. The average age of the caregivers was 41.36 (±10.9) years and most of them (53%) were grandmothers to the orphans. The majority (65%) of the caregivers were caring for at least three orphans, had been in the caregiver role for more than five years (61%), and stated that their health had been negatively impacted by caregiving (61%). According to self-reports, the most common new health problems since taking up the caregiving role were chronic ill health (97%), social isolation (95%) and mental stress (92%). The health-promoting practices most often engaged in were eating a balanced diet (67%), seeking spiritual support (58%), and performing self-care activities (44%). The challenges to caregiving most often reported were poverty (88%) and a lack of time to seek personal medical care (59%). The predictors of self-reported poor health among the caregivers were stress (odds ratio [OR] = 3.43; p ≤ 0.01), caring for three or more orphans (OR = 2.19; p ≤ 0.01), female gender (OR = 1.77; p ≤ 0.01), and having spent more than five years as a caregiver to an orphan (OR = 1.35; p ≤ 0.01). The findings suggest that caregivers commonly experience poor health and their health-promoting practices are inadequate. There is a need for organised and formal health-promotion programmes for caregivers of children orphaned by AIDS, especially in rural areas of developing countries. Interventions for health promotion can be achieved through integrated programmes that provide health education, social services, respite from caregiving and counselling. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: The evolution of jargon aphasia may reflect recovery in the speech production processes. Alternatively or additionally there may be improved self-monitoring, enabling the person to suppress jargon errors. Previous case reports offer evidence for both mechanisms of change, and suggest that they can co-occur. Aims: This longitudinal study aimed to uncover mechanisms of change in an individual with jargon aphasia. Four predictions of production processing recovery were examined against test data. The study also looked for evidence of improved error awareness, in both test and connected speech data, and explored the relationship between this improvement and the production gains. Methods & Procedures: The participant (TK) undertook tests of single word naming, reading and repetition eight times over a 21-month period, with matched sets of nouns and verbs. Analyses of correct responses and errors were conducted, in order to test predictions of processing recovery. Changes in self-monitoring behaviours were also investigated, to uncover evidence of increased error awareness. Finally, longitudinal changes in samples of connected speech were explored. Outcomes & Results: Two predictions of production processing recovery were upheld: there was a significant increase in the number of correct responses over time, and a significant decrease in the proportion of nonword errors. The error analysis also revealed a trend towards increased target-relatedness and decreased perseveration, but neither was significant. There was an increase in self-monitoring behaviours during testing, in that there were more null responses and attempted self-corrections. This increase correlated very strongly with the production gains. Connected speech showed little evidence of improved production, since the range of vocabulary employed by TK reduced as time progressed. However, self-monitoring behaviours were increasingly evident in this context. Conclusions: The origin of the production and monitoring gains experienced by TK are discussed. Implications are drawn out for further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: One of the documented design features of aphasia-friendly written information is the inclusion of graphics. People with aphasia have identified a preference for the inclusion of photographic illustrations in printed education materials (PEMs); however this preference contrasts with research suggesting that line drawings may be a more effective graphic type. Few studies have explored how graphics affect reading comprehension for people with aphasia. Aims: The aims of this research were (1) to determine if black and white line drawings and colour photographs affect the reading comprehension of people with and without aphasia, and (2) to explore perceptions of graphic helpfulness and preferences for including line drawings and photographic illustrations in PEMs. Methods & Procedures: A total of 22 people with aphasia and 15 of their significant others completed a purposefully developed cloze reading comprehension task, with multiple-choice response options. Response options contained (1) no illustrations, (2) black and white line drawings, or (3) colour photographs. The reading comprehension task was timed. The impact of no illustrations, line drawings, and photographs on (a) reading comprehension (measured in number of paragraphs correctly completed), and (b) response times (measured in seconds) was examined. Participants also completed a face-to-face graphic preference survey. Outcomes & Results: There were no significant differences on the reading comprehension task for participants with aphasia and those without, between (a) the number of paragraphs correctly completed in the set with no graphics, line drawings, and photographs, (b) the time taken to complete paragraphs in each of the three sets, and (c) the mean time taken to correctly complete paragraphs in each of the three sets. In contrast, the majority of participants perceived that pictures help understanding and make reading quicker. Significantly more participants with aphasia, compared to participants without, reported that they needed pictures to understand writing, and all participants with aphasia preferred health information to contain graphics. Several participants did not have a preference for line drawings or photographs in PEMs. Of those who did have a preference, more participants preferred written health information to contain photographs. Conclusions: Both participants with and without aphasia perceived that graphics in PEMs were helpful, however significantly more participants with aphasia reported that graphics were needed to understand text. The finding that line drawings and colour photographs did not significantly assist comprehension should not discount other benefits graphics may have in PEMs for people with aphasia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study used an analogue design to investigate post-concussion syndrome and the psychological and psychosocial processes associated with post-concussion symptom (PCSx) reporting. The study examined the role of expectation in reporting of PCSx, the nature of associated psychological and psychosocial difficulties, and the 'good-old-days' phenomenon. Forty-five healthy participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups: (1) a control group or (2) an expectation group who were asked to perform as if they had experienced a mild traumatic brain injury. Fourteen psychiatric patients comprised the clinical group. Self-report questionnaires assessing PCSx and psychological and psychosocial variables were administered. It was hypothesised that PCSx would be non-specific, that the expectation group would report greater dysfunction than controls, and that the 'good-old-days' phenomenon would cause the expectation and clinical groups to underestimate pre-morbid PCSx. All participants reported some degree of dysfunction, and the expectation and clinical groups underestimated past PCSx. The expectation group reported more PCSx and psychological and psychosocial dysfunction than controls, resembling the clinical group. The results demonstrate that expectation can cause otherwise healthy individuals to resemble a clinical group in terms of their level of endorsement of psychological and psychosocial dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecstasy has become one of the most widely used illicit drugs in Australia. This study investigated outcome expectancies as possible motivating and maintaining factors in ecstasy use and sexual risk-taking behaviour. A sample of regular ecstasy users ( N = 220) from Sydney and Canberra, Australia, was recruited for structured face-to-face interviews. They also completed an Ecstasy Expectancy Questionnaire. Seven of eight subscales significantly differentiated regular users from non-users. Interestingly, light and heavier users held similar outcome expectancies, except that light users endorsed items on the sexual enhancement subscale more strongly than heavier users. Further investigation showed that the level of sexual risk taking observed in this sample was high, with the majority of participants reporting multiple partners, 'casual' sexual encounters, sex under the influence of substances, and inconsistent condom use. Using logistic regression analyses, a key finding was that positive sex-related ecstasy outcome expectancies were associated with involvement in disinhibited sexual behaviour under the influence of ecstasy. These effects persisted after statistically controlling for the frequency of ecstasy use. The findings suggest that sexual risk taking is related not only to the disinhibiting properties of ecstasy but also to beliefs that users hold about the effects of the drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assessed the validity of a scale measuring psychologists' attitudes towards complementary and alternative therapies and compared the attitudes of psychologists with a previous sample of psychology students. The scale, derived from existing measures for medical professionals and previously tested on a sample of psychology students, was completed by practising psychologists ( N = 122). The data were factor analysed, and three correlated subscales were identified, assessing the perceived importance of knowledge about available therapies, attitudes towards integration with psychological practice, and concerns about associated risks of use. This structure was similar, but not identical, to that found in a previous sample of psychology students; however, psychologists expressed more concern for risks associated with integration and were less likely to hold a positive attitude towards integration. This scale will be useful in gauging changes in psychologists' attitudes towards integrative practice over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Many women privilege the mothering role over other areas of their lives, and for ill women, it can be difficult to relinquish maternal responsibility. Not being able to mother in their usual way can have consequences for women's wellbeing and view of themselves as 'good' mothers. Method: In this study, 77 mothers of dependent children were interviewed about their experiences of illness, and the social support they received. Results: Despite their illnesses, participants in this study continued to feel they were primarily responsible for the wellbeing and care of their children, and were distressed if they were unable to adequately fulfil the primary carer role. As participants sometimes found it difficult to care for their children, help with childcare emerged as an important element of social support. Seeking assistance with care for children revealed a tension between support that was accessible and support that was acceptable. Conclusion: Mothering while ill is difficult and women facing illness may need encouragement to accept help to continue to meet their maternal responsibilities. Nurses are in an excellent position to encourage women to identify and draw upon sources of support to assist them in maintaining their mothering role while ill. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]