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Cohn-Schwartz E, Mannheim I, Meiry L. Assessment of a digital intervention program with Holocaust survivors. Aging Ment Health 2024; 28:587-594. [PMID: 37545419 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2023.2240263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study evaluated a digital intervention program with aging Holocaust survivors. Participants received a tablet device and were coupled with a volunteer who assisted them to use the tablet. The study aimed to assess which characteristics of the Holocaust survivors are linked with more frequent use of digital communication at the end of the program. METHODS Information was collected by telephone interviews with 91 survivors before and 54 after participating in the program. We combined this data with digital usage data from the tablets. Regression models examined the characteristics of Holocaust survivors that were related to higher frequency of using digital communication technologies during the intervention. RESULTS The Holocaust survivors expressed high satisfaction with the program. They increased their frequency of using digital communication technologies-text correspondence and video chats with friends and family. Regressions showed that Holocaust survivors who reported increased digital communication were characterized at the start of the intervention by having fewer post-traumatic stress symptoms, higher levels of flourishing (reflecting a more meaningful life and higher well-being), being lonelier, and were also more satisfied with the program at follow-up. CONCLUSION The pilot program benefited the aging Holocaust survivors. Further programs should be developed to increase the digital communication of vulnerable older populations, such as trauma survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ella Cohn-Schwartz
- Gerontology Program, Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Community Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University, Be'er Sheva, Israel
| | - Ittay Mannheim
- Gerontology Program, Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Community Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University, Be'er Sheva, Israel
- Department of Communication Studies, Ben-Gurion University, Be'er Sheva, Israel
- Tranzo, Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - Lian Meiry
- Gerontology Program, Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Community Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University, Be'er Sheva, Israel
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University, Be'er Sheva, Israel
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Schippert ACSP, Dahl-Michelsen T, Grov EK, Sparboe-Nilsen B, Silvola J, Bjørnnes AK. Torture survivors' experiences of receiving surgical treatment indicating re- traumatization. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0287994. [PMID: 37847719 PMCID: PMC10581467 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to the invasive nature of surgical procedures and the involvement of medical personnel, torture survivors may experience re-traumatization during surgical treatment. This study aimed to explore torture survivors' experiences of re-traumatization during surgical treatment as well as the process by which trauma-related emotions and responses are evoked during surgical treatment for torture survivors. Eight men, aged 45 to 72, from four different countries, who have lived in Norway for 6-40 years, were recruited. We assessed torture and surgical care experiences through in-depth interviews, and the data were analyzed using thematic analysis, resulting in five themes: (1) Interactions with healthcare providers, (2) Reactions during treatment, (3) Triggers causing re-experiences, (4) Avoidance, and (5) Suggestions to healthcare providers. In this study, survivors reported challenges receiving surgical treatment, indicating re-traumatization and difficulty returning to daily life following treatment. Participants reported little collaboration in care-related decision-making processes, lack of recognition of torture by healthcare providers involved in surgical care and experiencing healthcare professionals' attitudes as a source of perplexity, frustration, and despair. Exacerbation of torture memories throughout treatment and re-experiencing of trauma symptoms aggravated these difficulties. Our findings suggest that surgical treatment can remind torture survivors of the traumatic aspects of torture, eliciting strong reactions and feelings like those experienced during torture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Carla S. P. Schippert
- Institute of Nursing and Health Promotion, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
- Akershus University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Ellen Karine Grov
- Institute of Nursing and Health Promotion, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Bente Sparboe-Nilsen
- Institute of Nursing and Health Promotion, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Juha Silvola
- Akershus University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical medicine, Campus Ahus, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Gjøvik, Norway
| | - Ann Kristin Bjørnnes
- Institute of Nursing and Health Promotion, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
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Kim MD, Jung YE. Factors Associated With Health-Related Quality of Life Among Older People Exposed to the Jeju 4·3 Incident. Psychiatry Investig 2021; 18:809-817. [PMID: 34500510 PMCID: PMC8473863 DOI: 10.30773/pi.2021.0027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We explored factors associated with health-related quality of life (HRQOL), including socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, in among older people exposed to the Jeju 4·3 incident, and aimed to determine the effects of depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and perceived social support on HRQOL. METHODS We obtained data from 110 survivors and 1,011 immediate family members of the victims of the Jeju April 3 incident (mean age, 75.1 years), and evaluated the relationships of HRQOL with sociodemographic and clinical characteristics including posttraumatic and depressive symptoms, and perceived social support. RESULTS Poorer physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and environment HRQOL domain scores were strongly associated with older age, being a woman, poor socioeconomic status, and symptoms of depression and PTSD. The regression analyses indicated that, when relevant factors were controlled for, perceived social support moderated the negative association between HRQOL and psychiatric symptoms. CONCLUSION Our results suggest the importance of sociodemographic characteristics, in addition to psychiatric symptoms, for understanding HRQOL in older people exposed to the Jeju 4·3 incident. These results have important implications for interventions aiming to improve the HRQOL of the victims of the Jeju 4·3 incident.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moon-Doo Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Jeju National University, Jeju, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Eun Jung
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Jeju National University, Jeju, Republic of Korea.,4·3 Trauma Center, Jeju, Republic of Korea
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Frenkel Rutenberg T, Vitenberg M, Daglan E, Haviv B, Velkes S, Shemesh S. Impact of the Holocaust on the outcomes of elderly patients sustaining a fragility hip fracture. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 2021; 141:39-44. [PMID: 32361954 DOI: 10.1007/s00402-020-03459-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Holocaust survivors (HS) were under an immense continues physical and mental stressors in their younger years, putting them at increased risk for both fragility hip fractures and worse medical and functional outcomes. We aimed to evaluate whether being a HS could affect the functional outcomes of fragility hip fractures in patients 80 years of age and older following surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective study comparing consecutive patients, 80 years and older, who were operated for fragility hip fractures between 2011 and 2016. HS survival status was self-defined by survivors who were born in European and northern African countries that were later occupied by the Nazi regime during World War II and experienced incarceration in concentration camps, forced labor camps and mass transport. Primary outcomes were mortality either within hospital or in the post-operative year. Secondary outcomes were in-hospital complications, recurrent hospitalizations and orthopedic complications within the post-operative year. RESULTS Two hundred thirty-one HS and 339 controls, ages 86.4 ± 4.4 years who were operated for fragility hip fracture between January 2011 to June of 2016 were included in the study. Patients from both groups were of similar age, Carlson's co-morbidity index score, leaving arrangement and pre-fracture mobility. Among HS there were more women (p = 0.029). HS did not have lower survival rates either within hospital or in the post- operative year. Both length of stay and in-hospital complication rates were similar between groups. In the post-operative year, HS were less likely to be hospitalized than controls (p = 0.021). The rate of orthopedic complications was also similar. CONCLUSIONS Holocaust survivors patients do not achieve worse outcome following fragility hip fracture surgery and present distinctive resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tal Frenkel Rutenberg
- Orthopedic Department, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Affiliated to the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 39 Jabotinsky St., 49100, Petah Tikva, Israel.
| | - Maria Vitenberg
- Orthopedic Department, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Affiliated to the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 39 Jabotinsky St., 49100, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Efrat Daglan
- Orthopedic Department, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Affiliated to the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 39 Jabotinsky St., 49100, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Barak Haviv
- Orthopedic Department, Rabin Medical Center, Hasharon Hospital, Affiliated to the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 7 Kakal St., 49327, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Steven Velkes
- Orthopedic Department, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Affiliated to the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 39 Jabotinsky St., 49100, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Shai Shemesh
- Orthopedic Department, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Affiliated to the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 39 Jabotinsky St., 49100, Petah Tikva, Israel
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Depression, anxiety, and cardiac morbidity outcomes after coronary artery bypass surgery: a contemporary and practical review. J Geriatr Cardiol 2012; 9:197-208. [PMID: 22916068 PMCID: PMC3418911 DOI: 10.3724/sp.j.1263.2011.12221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 176] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2011] [Revised: 03/06/2012] [Accepted: 03/13/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Research to date indicates that the number of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery patients affected by depression (i.e., major, minor, dysthymia) approximates between 30% and 40% of all cases. A longstanding empirical interest on psychosocial factors in CABG surgery patients highlights an association with increased risk of morbidity in the short and longer term. Recent evidence suggests that both depression and anxiety increase the risk for mortality and morbidity after CABG surgery independent of medical factors, although the behavioral and biological mechanisms are poorly understood. Though neither depression nor anxiety seem to markedly affect neuropsychological dysfunction, depression confers a risk for incident delirium. Following a comprehensive overview of recent literature, practical advice is described for clinicians taking into consideration possible screening aids to improve recognition of anxiety and depression among CABG surgery patients. An overview of contemporary interventions and randomized, controlled trials are described, along with suggestions for future CABG surgery research.
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Kimron L, Cohen M. Coping and emotional distress during acute hospitalization in older persons with earlier trauma: the case of Holocaust survivors. Qual Life Res 2011; 21:783-94. [PMID: 21826461 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-011-9984-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/19/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Older persons with earlier trauma are often more vulnerable to stresses of old age. AIMS To examine the levels of emotional distress in relation to cognitive appraisal of acute hospitalization and coping strategies in Holocaust survivors compared with an age- and education-matched group of elderly persons without Holocaust experience. METHODS This is a cross-sectional study of 63 Holocaust survivors, 65 years and older, hospitalized for an acute illness, and 57 age-, education- and hospital unit-matched people without Holocaust experience. Participants completed appraisal and coping strategies (COPE) questionnaires, and the brief symptoms inventory (BSI-18). RESULTS Holocaust survivors reported higher levels of emotional distress, appraised the hospitalization higher as a threat and lower as a challenge, and used more emotion-focused and less problem-focused or support-seeking coping strategies than the comparison group. Study variables explained 65% of the variance of emotional distress; significant predictors of emotional distress in the final regression model were not having a partner and more use of emotion-focused coping. The latter mediated the relation of group variable and challenge appraisal to emotional distress. CONCLUSIONS Health professionals must be aware of the potential impact of the hospital environment on the survivors of Holocaust as well as survivors of other trauma. Being sensitive to their specific needs may reduce the negative impact of hospitalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee Kimron
- School of Social Work, University of Haifa, Haifa 31905, Israel
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Paratz ED, Katz B. Ageing Holocaust survivors in Australia. Med J Aust 2011; 194:194-7. [PMID: 21401461 DOI: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2011.tb03771.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2010] [Accepted: 11/24/2010] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, a phenomenon of "late effects of the Holocaust" has emerged, with impacts on the psychological and physical health of ageing Holocaust survivors. As Holocaust survivors age, they may experience heightened anxiety around normal processes of ageing, worsened post-traumatic stress disorder with cognitive decline, and fear of the medical system. Holocaust survivors are at increased risk of osteoporosis, cardiometabolic disease due to hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysfunction, cancer, and sequelae of Nazi medical experiments. From existing medical literature on this topic, practical principles of management are derived to create a framework for sensitive medical management of Holocaust survivors in Australia. The issues discussed are also relevant to the wider geriatric refugee or prisoner-of-war experience.
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A Meta-Analysis of Coefficient Alpha for the Impact of Event Scales: A Reliability Generalization Study. SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2011. [DOI: 10.1177/008124631104100102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
We conducted a score reliability meta-analysis across studies using the Impact of Event Scales. Five hundred and ninety-four studies using the measure were located through electronic database searches and then separated to identify studies that had calculated and reported reliability coefficients from their own data. The 66 articles that remained were then coded to identify potential study characteristics that might influence the variation in reliability estimates. Results indicate adequate internal consistency estimates for all subscales across both scale versions. Furthermore, coefficient alpha was positively correlated with studies involving war and abuse victims for the IES Avoidance subscale. The alpha coefficient was also positively correlated with the percentage of female participants for the Intrusion subscale and negatively correlated to journal type for the composite reliability estimate. Results from this study provide useful information, in terms of scale performance, for researchers interested in using the scale for future academic pursuits and for school psychologists. In particular, implications for school psychologists are considered.
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Robley L, Ballard N, Holtzman D, Cooper W. The experience of stress for open heart surgery patients and their caregivers. West J Nurs Res 2010; 32:794-813. [PMID: 20696847 DOI: 10.1177/0193945910361469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this research was to understand the modern experience of stress among adult coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) patients who are hospitalized less than 10 days and among their significant caregivers. The naming of stressors and the nature and triggers for the stress response that either contributed to or ameliorated stress were examined. A qualitative research method using hermeneutic phenomenology was used to interpret and understand the experience of stress. The stressors identified by both patient and family participants in this study were shock and disbelief leading to a feeling of being overwhelmed. Among patients, mortality was foremost. Among family caregivers, anger was expressed. The importance of providing information, honesty, and trust were pivotal to alleviating stress. A more thorough knowledge of history and complementary therapies are needed to reduce stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lois Robley
- Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA 30144, USA.
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Somer E, Maguen S, Moin V, Boehm A, Metzler TJ, Litz BT. The Effects of Perceived Community Cohesion on Stress Symptoms Following a Terrorist Attack. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008. [DOI: 10.1080/19322880802231759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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