AIMTo investigate the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients suffering with idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).METHODSThe Greek validated version of the Short Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionna...AIMTo investigate the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients suffering with idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).METHODSThe Greek validated version of the Short Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire was used for evaluating the quality of life of IBD patients. The questionnaire was distributed to 100 consecutive patients suffering from IBD and presenting for a clinic appointment at the endoscopy unit of Larnaca General Hospital during the period from October to November 2012. The criteria for participating in this study were constituted by the documented diagnosis of either ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn’s disease (CD) after endoscopy and histologic examination at least 6 months before the study, adult patients (18 years old or older), the capability of verbal communication and the patient’s written consent for attending this study. The majority of the questionnaires were completed by a nurse practitioner who specializes in IBD patient care.RESULTSRegarding the physical dimension in patients with UC, males scored significantly higher than females (4.2 vs 3.4, P = 0.023). Higher scores were also observed in UC patients younger than 35 or older than 50 years (4.0 and 4.2 vs 3.2, respectively, P = 0.021). The psychological dimension revealed similar results in patients with UC, with males, and older ages scoring higher (5.0 vs 3.0, P = 0.01 and 4.7 vs 2.7, P < 0.5, respectively), whereas regarding CD higher scores were observed in married compared to unmarried (3.83 vs 2.33, P = 0.042). No statistical differences in any parameters in the social dimension were observed. Regarding the treatment of, patients with CD, overall higher scores were observed when treated with biological factors compared to standard therapy in all dimensions but with statistical significant difference in the social dimension (5.00 vs 3.25, P = 0.045).CONCLUSIONThe study reveals a negative impact of IBD on HRQoL. Increased risks are age and gender in patients with UC and family status in patients with CD.展开更多
The growing number of people suffering from depression has become a social problem in Japan. The problems associated with depression in Japan have been influenced by the pharmaceuticalization of mental health. Since s...The growing number of people suffering from depression has become a social problem in Japan. The problems associated with depression in Japan have been influenced by the pharmaceuticalization of mental health. Since selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors were introduced to Japan＇s pharmaceutical market in 1999, demand for anti-depressant medications has rapidly expanded. It seems likely then that the efforts of pharmaceutical companies, as part of their marketing strategies, to increase people＇s awareness of mental illness have led people who are not actually depressed to have medical consultations and drug treatments for it. This phenomenon is known as ＂disease mongering＂ and has been reported on. Problems exist from the medical perspective also and include the following： expansion of the diagnostic criteria for depression as formulated in the American Psychiatric Association＇s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; treatments that rely heavily on drugs; and biomedicalization. Another reason for the increase in medical consultations is the declining function of communal bodies. This has resulted in individuals struggling psychologically, for example, with anxiety, worry, and depression. In summary, this sociological research analyzed the problems of depression in ｜apan and revealed how the pharmaceuticalization of mental health accelerates the individualization of social problem.展开更多
in Japan, the number of depression patients has markedly increased over the last 10 years, and depression is now a major social concern. Moreover, there are concerns that patients with depression are not always seekin...in Japan, the number of depression patients has markedly increased over the last 10 years, and depression is now a major social concern. Moreover, there are concerns that patients with depression are not always seeking the treatment they need, in part due to the stigma associated with the illness. Despite of increasing public awareness of depression, the stigma has not lessened, but has changed in form. Previous studies report that depression which was once viewed as a special psychiatric illness is now viewed as a ＂common＂ mental illness. The author, too, believes that the nature of the stigmatization has changed in recent years to become more complex and ultimately continues to present a barrier to treatment for people with depression. This study aims to explore how the stigmatization has changed by examining one specific aspect in society that may have contributed to this change, namely, the media＇s portrayal of depression. The author presents and discusses clear examples of how the Japanese media＇s portrayals of depression have changed, particularly over the last 20 to 30 years, and discusses how media influence could have contributed to the shifts in stigmatization, with reference to labeling theory and growing social isolation.展开更多
The developments in the field of Information and Communication Technology （ICT） in the country has rapidly happen after year 2009 .Government has developed many programs and initiations to develop ICT in the country...The developments in the field of Information and Communication Technology （ICT） in the country has rapidly happen after year 2009 .Government has developed many programs and initiations to develop ICT in the country after three decades of war was ended up. As a result disabled community can make many opportunities to use the ICT and at the same time create a gap, which is commonly referred to as Disability Digital Divide. The purpose of this study was to examine empirically the current status of adoption of ICT and in turn the digital divide resulting from which in the disability community in Sri Lanka and the factors affecting this behavior. A questionnaire and Interviewed based survey （n = 107） was carried out to collect the data from the disabled people who used ICT in the Colombo, Gampaha, and Kaluthara district. An empirical model was developed to show the relationship between the level of adoption of 10 basic, intermediate, and advanced ICT facilities and a number of factors to reflect the WWW, Smart phones, and Computer usage aspects of disabled community. Based on the Innovatiotr---Diffusion Theory, the status of Digital Divide of a disabled community was specified by means of an Index. The results show that this community did not become innovators or early-adopters of ICT by adopting WWW or computer related technologies but was mostly confined to the smart phone related facilities. The results from this study highlight that the income of a disabled person, awareness about the information and technology, interest of new technology usage, social and cultural background of a person, use of English language in day-to-day life give a significant impact on the adoption oflCT by the disabled community.展开更多
A scoping review was conducted to report on the nature and extent of the literature addressing the transition through peri and post retirement for people living with chronic disorder（s）. The secondary purpose was to...A scoping review was conducted to report on the nature and extent of the literature addressing the transition through peri and post retirement for people living with chronic disorder（s）. The secondary purpose was to determine the extent that gender issues and the transition age （50-65） are specifically addressed. Of 3,256 titles identified, 111 articles meet the inclusion criteria. Information was often indirect but addressed varying health domains that significantly influence transitional stages toward retirement and illustrating the burden of chronic comorbid health problems, unequal gender positions with differences in labour force participation, retirement pensions, and changing social dynamics. Few studies directly addressed the complex interaction of chronic health outcomes, psychological well-being, social and financial health as a significant paradigm in determining a successful transition into retirement. Needed are prospective longitudinal studies that measure predictors and outcomes of retirement transitioning along with qualitative studies that define the decision-making process. Given the substantial differential impact in respect to retirement risk factors and opportunities, there must be consideration in design and analysis for future high quality research.展开更多
Adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease face daily and long-term challenges that may be difficult for teenagers to manage. The developmental and psychosocial changes unique to this age group include becoming more ...Adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease face daily and long-term challenges that may be difficult for teenagers to manage. The developmental and psychosocial changes unique to this age group include becoming more autonomous and being more vulnerable to peer influence. These changes may lead to problems in medical management such as poor medication adherence and risky behavior. Being aware of these issues will help the medical team provide anticipatory guidance to address these concerns.展开更多
The Republic of Uzbekistan differs amongst other countries of the Central Asia by its peculiar medical-geographical conditions. Uzbekistan has dry, roast summer and cool winter which is uncharacteristic to subtropical...The Republic of Uzbekistan differs amongst other countries of the Central Asia by its peculiar medical-geographical conditions. Uzbekistan has dry, roast summer and cool winter which is uncharacteristic to subtropical climate. These factors have certain influence on health of the population. The meteorological conditions of each season promote the activations or decrease of various diseases in the Republic. The growth of the diseases of digestive organs, respiratory apparatus and cardiovascular diseases cause the special anxiety in the country. The analysis shows that from 1999 to 2009 nosogeographical situation is mostly worsened in Navaiy region. On the contrary, in the regions of Dzhizak, Samarkand and Khorezm common sickness rate of the population is decreased slightly.展开更多
OBJECTIVE： This study was designed to develop a disease-specific health-related quality of life （HR-QOL） measure for patients with post-stroke spasticity. METHODS; Based on responses from 20 patients with post-stro...OBJECTIVE： This study was designed to develop a disease-specific health-related quality of life （HR-QOL） measure for patients with post-stroke spasticity. METHODS; Based on responses from 20 patients with post-stroke spasticity and an extensive literature search, items potentially used to measure these patients＇ recovery status were identified and the Apoplexy Spastic-Paralysis Questionnaire （ASPQ） was formed. A sample of 106 patients was then tested twice using the ASPQ, the Self-rating Depression Scale （SDS） and the Stroke-specific Quality of Life （SS-QOL）. Clinicians also examined all the patients using the Ashworth Scale （AS）. Inter- nal reliability was assessed using Cronbach＇s coeffi- cient a, while construct validity was determined us- ing principal component analysis （PCA）. Empirical validity was evaluated between patients with de- pression and those without depression by single factor analysis. Sensitivity was examined by calcu- lating the Spearman correlation coefficient be- tween the changes in scores of the ASPQ, the AS and the SS-QOL. RESULTS： The ASPQ had adequate internal consis- tency reliability （a=0.874） and sensitivity, with sig- nificant correlations between the changes in scores of the AS, the SS-QOL and the ASPQ, with three do- mains. In a construct validity test, six factors were extracted; the overall variance explained by all fac- tors was 72.6%. For empirical validity, mean values of 19 items and 3 domains were all higher in the de- pressive patients than in the non-depressive pa- tients. CONCLUSION： The ASPQ is a reliable and valid self-rating scale for measuring the HR-QOL in pa- tients with post-stroke spasticity.展开更多
Hwabyung is an indigenous psychiatric illness commonly found among Korean women. Using hwabyung, this article describes the psychological ramifications of immigration experiences among Korean immigrant women in the Un...Hwabyung is an indigenous psychiatric illness commonly found among Korean women. Using hwabyung, this article describes the psychological ramifications of immigration experiences among Korean immigrant women in the United States. Data collected from an anonymous survey of adult Korean immigrant women （n = 143） were used for a statistical analysis. The findings highlight the significant effects of self-esteem, social support, financial hardship, and family cohesion on the changes in the hwabyung symptoms among Korean immigrant women. Based on the findings, the implications for practice and future study are discussed. Also discussed are the global significance of migrant women and their mental health issues.展开更多
This paper has focused on applying mathematical techniques to address fundamental question in therapy planning when to switch, and how to sequence therapies. We consider switching and sequencing available therapies so...This paper has focused on applying mathematical techniques to address fundamental question in therapy planning when to switch, and how to sequence therapies. We consider switching and sequencing available therapies so as to maximize a patient＇s expected total lifetime. We assume knowledge only about the lifetime distributions induced by the therapies. We discuss a specialization of this model that is tailored to a frequently reoccurring type of management problem, where our goal is to determine the best timing for testing and treatment decisions for patients with ischemic heart disease. Typically, decisions are made with an overall, goal of maximizing the patient＇s expected lifetime or quality-adjusted lifetime.展开更多
文摘AIMTo investigate the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients suffering with idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).METHODSThe Greek validated version of the Short Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire was used for evaluating the quality of life of IBD patients. The questionnaire was distributed to 100 consecutive patients suffering from IBD and presenting for a clinic appointment at the endoscopy unit of Larnaca General Hospital during the period from October to November 2012. The criteria for participating in this study were constituted by the documented diagnosis of either ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn’s disease (CD) after endoscopy and histologic examination at least 6 months before the study, adult patients (18 years old or older), the capability of verbal communication and the patient’s written consent for attending this study. The majority of the questionnaires were completed by a nurse practitioner who specializes in IBD patient care.RESULTSRegarding the physical dimension in patients with UC, males scored significantly higher than females (4.2 vs 3.4, P = 0.023). Higher scores were also observed in UC patients younger than 35 or older than 50 years (4.0 and 4.2 vs 3.2, respectively, P = 0.021). The psychological dimension revealed similar results in patients with UC, with males, and older ages scoring higher (5.0 vs 3.0, P = 0.01 and 4.7 vs 2.7, P < 0.5, respectively), whereas regarding CD higher scores were observed in married compared to unmarried (3.83 vs 2.33, P = 0.042). No statistical differences in any parameters in the social dimension were observed. Regarding the treatment of, patients with CD, overall higher scores were observed when treated with biological factors compared to standard therapy in all dimensions but with statistical significant difference in the social dimension (5.00 vs 3.25, P = 0.045).CONCLUSIONThe study reveals a negative impact of IBD on HRQoL. Increased risks are age and gender in patients with UC and family status in patients with CD.
文摘The growing number of people suffering from depression has become a social problem in Japan. The problems associated with depression in Japan have been influenced by the pharmaceuticalization of mental health. Since selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors were introduced to Japan＇s pharmaceutical market in 1999, demand for anti-depressant medications has rapidly expanded. It seems likely then that the efforts of pharmaceutical companies, as part of their marketing strategies, to increase people＇s awareness of mental illness have led people who are not actually depressed to have medical consultations and drug treatments for it. This phenomenon is known as ＂disease mongering＂ and has been reported on. Problems exist from the medical perspective also and include the following： expansion of the diagnostic criteria for depression as formulated in the American Psychiatric Association＇s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; treatments that rely heavily on drugs; and biomedicalization. Another reason for the increase in medical consultations is the declining function of communal bodies. This has resulted in individuals struggling psychologically, for example, with anxiety, worry, and depression. In summary, this sociological research analyzed the problems of depression in ｜apan and revealed how the pharmaceuticalization of mental health accelerates the individualization of social problem.
文摘in Japan, the number of depression patients has markedly increased over the last 10 years, and depression is now a major social concern. Moreover, there are concerns that patients with depression are not always seeking the treatment they need, in part due to the stigma associated with the illness. Despite of increasing public awareness of depression, the stigma has not lessened, but has changed in form. Previous studies report that depression which was once viewed as a special psychiatric illness is now viewed as a ＂common＂ mental illness. The author, too, believes that the nature of the stigmatization has changed in recent years to become more complex and ultimately continues to present a barrier to treatment for people with depression. This study aims to explore how the stigmatization has changed by examining one specific aspect in society that may have contributed to this change, namely, the media＇s portrayal of depression. The author presents and discusses clear examples of how the Japanese media＇s portrayals of depression have changed, particularly over the last 20 to 30 years, and discusses how media influence could have contributed to the shifts in stigmatization, with reference to labeling theory and growing social isolation.
文摘The developments in the field of Information and Communication Technology （ICT） in the country has rapidly happen after year 2009 .Government has developed many programs and initiations to develop ICT in the country after three decades of war was ended up. As a result disabled community can make many opportunities to use the ICT and at the same time create a gap, which is commonly referred to as Disability Digital Divide. The purpose of this study was to examine empirically the current status of adoption of ICT and in turn the digital divide resulting from which in the disability community in Sri Lanka and the factors affecting this behavior. A questionnaire and Interviewed based survey （n = 107） was carried out to collect the data from the disabled people who used ICT in the Colombo, Gampaha, and Kaluthara district. An empirical model was developed to show the relationship between the level of adoption of 10 basic, intermediate, and advanced ICT facilities and a number of factors to reflect the WWW, Smart phones, and Computer usage aspects of disabled community. Based on the Innovatiotr---Diffusion Theory, the status of Digital Divide of a disabled community was specified by means of an Index. The results show that this community did not become innovators or early-adopters of ICT by adopting WWW or computer related technologies but was mostly confined to the smart phone related facilities. The results from this study highlight that the income of a disabled person, awareness about the information and technology, interest of new technology usage, social and cultural background of a person, use of English language in day-to-day life give a significant impact on the adoption oflCT by the disabled community.
文摘A scoping review was conducted to report on the nature and extent of the literature addressing the transition through peri and post retirement for people living with chronic disorder（s）. The secondary purpose was to determine the extent that gender issues and the transition age （50-65） are specifically addressed. Of 3,256 titles identified, 111 articles meet the inclusion criteria. Information was often indirect but addressed varying health domains that significantly influence transitional stages toward retirement and illustrating the burden of chronic comorbid health problems, unequal gender positions with differences in labour force participation, retirement pensions, and changing social dynamics. Few studies directly addressed the complex interaction of chronic health outcomes, psychological well-being, social and financial health as a significant paradigm in determining a successful transition into retirement. Needed are prospective longitudinal studies that measure predictors and outcomes of retirement transitioning along with qualitative studies that define the decision-making process. Given the substantial differential impact in respect to retirement risk factors and opportunities, there must be consideration in design and analysis for future high quality research.
文摘Adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease face daily and long-term challenges that may be difficult for teenagers to manage. The developmental and psychosocial changes unique to this age group include becoming more autonomous and being more vulnerable to peer influence. These changes may lead to problems in medical management such as poor medication adherence and risky behavior. Being aware of these issues will help the medical team provide anticipatory guidance to address these concerns.
文摘The Republic of Uzbekistan differs amongst other countries of the Central Asia by its peculiar medical-geographical conditions. Uzbekistan has dry, roast summer and cool winter which is uncharacteristic to subtropical climate. These factors have certain influence on health of the population. The meteorological conditions of each season promote the activations or decrease of various diseases in the Republic. The growth of the diseases of digestive organs, respiratory apparatus and cardiovascular diseases cause the special anxiety in the country. The analysis shows that from 1999 to 2009 nosogeographical situation is mostly worsened in Navaiy region. On the contrary, in the regions of Dzhizak, Samarkand and Khorezm common sickness rate of the population is decreased slightly.
基金Supported by China National Funds for Young Scientists (81001583)the National Fundamental Research and Development Grant(973 program,2006CB504601)the National Science and Technology Infrastructure Program (2004DEA71040)
文摘OBJECTIVE： This study was designed to develop a disease-specific health-related quality of life （HR-QOL） measure for patients with post-stroke spasticity. METHODS; Based on responses from 20 patients with post-stroke spasticity and an extensive literature search, items potentially used to measure these patients＇ recovery status were identified and the Apoplexy Spastic-Paralysis Questionnaire （ASPQ） was formed. A sample of 106 patients was then tested twice using the ASPQ, the Self-rating Depression Scale （SDS） and the Stroke-specific Quality of Life （SS-QOL）. Clinicians also examined all the patients using the Ashworth Scale （AS）. Inter- nal reliability was assessed using Cronbach＇s coeffi- cient a, while construct validity was determined us- ing principal component analysis （PCA）. Empirical validity was evaluated between patients with de- pression and those without depression by single factor analysis. Sensitivity was examined by calcu- lating the Spearman correlation coefficient be- tween the changes in scores of the ASPQ, the AS and the SS-QOL. RESULTS： The ASPQ had adequate internal consis- tency reliability （a=0.874） and sensitivity, with sig- nificant correlations between the changes in scores of the AS, the SS-QOL and the ASPQ, with three do- mains. In a construct validity test, six factors were extracted; the overall variance explained by all fac- tors was 72.6%. For empirical validity, mean values of 19 items and 3 domains were all higher in the de- pressive patients than in the non-depressive pa- tients. CONCLUSION： The ASPQ is a reliable and valid self-rating scale for measuring the HR-QOL in pa- tients with post-stroke spasticity.
文摘Hwabyung is an indigenous psychiatric illness commonly found among Korean women. Using hwabyung, this article describes the psychological ramifications of immigration experiences among Korean immigrant women in the United States. Data collected from an anonymous survey of adult Korean immigrant women （n = 143） were used for a statistical analysis. The findings highlight the significant effects of self-esteem, social support, financial hardship, and family cohesion on the changes in the hwabyung symptoms among Korean immigrant women. Based on the findings, the implications for practice and future study are discussed. Also discussed are the global significance of migrant women and their mental health issues.
文摘This paper has focused on applying mathematical techniques to address fundamental question in therapy planning when to switch, and how to sequence therapies. We consider switching and sequencing available therapies so as to maximize a patient＇s expected total lifetime. We assume knowledge only about the lifetime distributions induced by the therapies. We discuss a specialization of this model that is tailored to a frequently reoccurring type of management problem, where our goal is to determine the best timing for testing and treatment decisions for patients with ischemic heart disease. Typically, decisions are made with an overall, goal of maximizing the patient＇s expected lifetime or quality-adjusted lifetime.
