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Abbas H, Aida J, Kondo K, Osaka K. Association among the number of teeth, dental prosthesis use, and subjective happiness: A cross-sectional study from the Japan Gerontological Evaluation study (JAGES). J Prosthet Dent 2024; 131:871-877. [PMID: 35459542 DOI: 10.1016/j.prosdent.2022.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
STATEMENT OF PROBLEM Little is known about the association between the number of teeth and self-rated happiness or the association between dental prosthesis use and self-rated happiness in an older population. PURPOSE The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine the association between the number remaining of teeth with and without dental prosthesis use and self-rated happiness in an older population. MATERIAL AND METHODS The survey data from the 2016 Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study (JAGES) on independent participants aged 65 years or older were assessed. The Poisson regression and multiple imputation methods were used for analyses. Covariates were age, sex, marital status, educational attainment, self-rated health, self-rated economic situation, and symptoms of depression. RESULTS The data from 178 090 participants, 81 489 men (45.8%) and 96 601 women (54.2%), were analyzed, with a mean ±standard deviation age of 73.6 ±6.1 years. Overall, 66.4% of the participants were happy, declining to 45.7% in those who had 0 to 9 teeth and no dental prosthesis (n=3102). It was 61.5% in those who had 0 to 9 teeth and used a dental prosthesis (n=41 424), 56.8% in those who had 10 to 19 teeth and no dental prosthesis (n=6719), 65% in those who had 10 to 19 teeth and used a dental prosthesis (n=31 592), 70.5% in those who had ≥20 teeth and no dental prosthesis (n=52 525), and 70.1% in those who had ≥20 teeth and used a dental prosthesis (n=42 728). The interaction analysis showed that the reduction in the probability of being happy among those with fewer teeth was smaller among those who used a dental prosthesis. CONCLUSIONS Having a higher number of teeth and using a dental prosthesis were independently associated with being happy. A significant interaction suggested that dental prosthesis use improves happiness among those with moderate to severe tooth loss (<20 remaining teeth).
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Affiliation(s)
- Hazem Abbas
- PhD student, Department of International and Community Oral Health, Graduate School of Dentistry, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.
| | - Jun Aida
- Professor and Chair, Department of Oral Health Promotion, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Katsunori Kondo
- Professor and Chair, Department of Social Preventive Medical Sciences, Center for Preventive Medical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan; Professor and Director, Department of Gerontological Evaluation, Center for Gerontology and Social Science, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Obu City, Aichi, Japan
| | - Ken Osaka
- Professor and Chair, Department of International and Community Oral Health, Graduate School of Dentistry, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
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Rizzato M, Antonelli M, Sam C, Di Dio C, Lazzeroni D, Donelli D. Happiness and Socio-Demographic Factors in an Italian Sample: A Propensity-Matched Study. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11111557. [PMID: 37297697 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11111557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Happiness is receiving more and more interest both as a determinant of health and a measure of outcome in biomedical and psychological sciences. The main objective of this study was to assess how the levels of happiness vary in a large sample of Italian adults and to identify the socio-demographic conditions which impair happiness domains the most. The participants of this survey consisted of 1695 Italian adults (85.9% women; 14.1% men) who completed the Measure of Happiness (MH) questionnaire online. In this study, the differences between groups in total and single domain (life perspective, psychophysical status, socio-relational sphere, relational private sphere, and financial status) happiness levels were examined through a propensity score matching analysis with respect to socio-demographic conditions, including gender, age, annual income, relationship status, having children, and education level. The results show that low income has a negative impact on happiness levels, whereas being in a relationship has a positive effect. Having children appears to have a negative impact on male happiness. Males appear to be happier than females, especially with regard to the psychophysics status. This evidence emphasizes the urgency for Italian policymakers to take actions on removing obstacles to people's happiness, especially with regard to financial distress, parenthood, and gender gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michele Antonelli
- Department of Public Health, AUSL-IRCCS of Reggio Emilia, 42100 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | | | - Cinzia Di Dio
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 20100 Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Lazzeroni
- Prevention and Rehabilitation Unit, IRCCS Fondazione Don Gnocchi, 43100 Parma, Italy
| | - Davide Donelli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43100 Parma, Italy
- Division of Cardiology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, 43100 Parma, Italy
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Özer Ö, Özkan O, Özmen S, Çirakli Ü. Investigation of the Perception of Occupational Safety, Work Stress and Happiness in Healthcare Workers. JOURNAL OF HEALTH MANAGEMENT 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/09720634221078413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study aims to examine the relationships between occupational safety, work stress and happiness perceptions of nurses and other healthcare workers working in a university hospital. No sample was selected in the study, the data collection tool was distributed to all employees who agreed to participate in the study and 195 usable questionnaires have been obtained. According to the correlation analysis results, there are negative and weak relationships between occupational safety and work stress, positive and weak relationships between occupational safety and happiness, and negative and weak relationships between work stress and happiness. According to the regression analysis results, it has been determined that perceived occupational safety explains 4.1% of the total variance on work stress, 8.4% of the total variance on happiness and perceived work stress explains 12.4% of the total variance on happiness. The study also found that the variable affecting perceived happiness the most is work stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Özlem Özer
- Faculty of Gulhane Health Sciences, Department of Healthcare Management, University of Health Sciences Turkey, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Okan Özkan
- Faculty of Gulhane Health Sciences, Department of Healthcare Management, University of Health Sciences Turkey, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Sümeyye Özmen
- Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, Department of Healthcare Management, Burdur, Turkey
| | - Ümit Çirakli
- Yozgat Bozok University, Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, Department of Healthcare Management, Yozgat, Turkey
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A Conceptual Review of Loneliness in Adults: Qualitative Evidence Synthesis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182111522. [PMID: 34770035 PMCID: PMC8582800 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The paper reports an evidence synthesis of how loneliness is conceptualised in qualitative studies in adults. Using PRISMA guidelines, our review evaluated exposure to or experiences of loneliness by adults (aged 16+) in any setting as outcomes, processes, or both. Our initial review included any qualitative or mixed-methods study, published or unpublished, in English, from 1945 to 2018, if it employed an identified theory or concept for understanding loneliness. The review was updated to include publications up to November 2020. We used a PEEST (Participants, Exposure, Evaluation, Study Design, Theory) inclusion criteria. Data extraction and quality assessment (CASP) were completed and cross-checked by a second reviewer. The Evidence of Reviews of Qualitative Research (CERQual) was used to evaluate confidence in the findings. We undertook a thematic synthesis using inductive methods for peer-reviewed papers. The evidence identified three types of distinct but overlapping conceptualisations of loneliness: social, emotional, and existential. We have high confidence in the evidence conceptualising social loneliness and moderate confidence in the evidence on emotional and existential loneliness. Our findings provide a more nuanced understanding of these diverse conceptualisations to inform more effective decision-making and intervention development to address the negative wellbeing impacts of loneliness.
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The effect of exchanging drawings with peers on the happiness of children with cancer, aged 7-11 years: A clinical trial. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0257867. [PMID: 34653193 PMCID: PMC8519419 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0257867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Improving the mental status of children with cancer is part of nurses’ duties in planning nursing care and is achieved in different ways. This study attempts to combine drawing with peer interaction to improve the mental status of sick children and investigate the effect of exchanging drawings with peers on these children’s happiness. Method This clinical trial was conducted on a sample of 66 children with cancer, ages 7–11 years, who were randomly assigned to two groups. The intervention was carried out over five weeks by the exchange of drawings between healthy children at school and children with cancer. Both groups of children drew one drawing each week. The children’s happiness was measured by the researcher before and after the intervention (i.e., week five) using a questionnaire. Results The results showed no significant differences between the two groups in terms of happiness after the intervention. The happiness score was 3.15 ±0.34 in the control group and 3.02 ±0.3 in the intervention group before the intervention; afterwards, this score was 3.022± 0.22 among the controls and 3.11± 0.25 among the patients. The comparison of the two groups using the t-test showed P = 0.075 before the intervention and P = 0.11 after the intervention. Conclusion Given the results obtained, future studies are recommended to administer lengthier interventions and enable the physical presence of healthy peers along sick children or to use the exchange of drawings with peers in combination with other psychological interventions so as to promote happiness in children with cancer.
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Tuchtenhagen S, Ortiz FR, Ardenghi TM, Antunes JLF. Oral health and happiness in adolescents: A cohort study. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2020; 49:176-185. [PMID: 33135221 DOI: 10.1111/cdoe.12589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the influence of oral health conditions, socioeconomic status and dental care utilization on subjective happiness and identify the factors associated with changes in happiness among adolescents. METHODS Data were collected in 2012 and 2014. Oral health conditions were evaluated by performing clinical examinations; socioeconomic status and dental care utilization were assessed by using a questionnaire. The participants answered the Child Perceptions Questionnaire 11-14 for the evaluation of the impact of these variables on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). Happiness was assessed using the Brazilian version of the Subjective Happiness Scale. For longitudinal data analysis, a mixed-effect model of linear regression was used to assess the factors related to happiness and multinomial logistic regression to appraise prospective changes in happiness. RESULTS A total of 1134 12-year-old adolescents were examined at baseline (response rate: 93%), and 770 were reevaluated after 2 years (retention rate: 68%). The adolescents who lived in households with lower equivalized income and greater overcrowding, had not visited the dentist in the later 6 months, had a higher number of cavitated carious lesions, and reported a higher impact on OHRQoL in 2012 presented lower happiness levels. Additionally, the adolescents with a higher number of decayed, missing or filled teeth and who reported a higher impact on OHRQoL were more likely to belong to the most unfavourable happiness trajectory categories. CONCLUSIONS The presence of dental caries, socioeconomic conditions, dental care utilization and OHRQoL influence happiness in adolescents. Having more teeth affected by dental caries and worse self-perception in early adolescence can lead to a decrease in happiness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - José L F Antunes
- Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil
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Elliot M, Cullen M, Calitz AP. Happiness among South African private sector physiotherapists. SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOTHERAPY 2018; 74:421. [PMID: 30135918 PMCID: PMC6093114 DOI: 10.4102/sajp.v74i1.421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Happiness of people can affect their daily functioning and work performance. There is limited research assessing the happiness levels of various disciplines within the health care industry. This article is the first attempt to evaluate the happiness levels of private sector physiotherapists in South Africa. OBJECTIVES Research in happiness and physiotherapy studies are two research areas that are not associated with one another in a global perspective. The objective of this study was to assess the happiness levels of private sector physiotherapists in South Africa. METHODS A hypothesised model was statistically tested using a quantitative questionnaire, which was completed online. The target population of this study were all private sector physiotherapists who are members of the South African Society of Physiotherapy. A total of 395 respondents participated in the study. RESULTS This study confirmed that factors such as influence, social relations, life balance, optimism, work and leisure are all positively associated with the happiness levels of private sector physiotherapists in South Africa. These variables are recommended as key focus areas for physiotherapy practice owners to address, in order to positively affect the happiness levels of all people in their workplace. CONCLUSION The study concludes the following: if happiness becomes a priority, then owners of physiotherapy practices need to generate a workforce who are more productive, demonstrate greater collaboration with colleagues and patients, are more positively energised, are less absent and are more loyal to the practice. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS The contribution of this study is that it highlights the importance of managing staff in private physiotherapy practices in a holistic manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Elliot
- Business School, Nelson Mandela University, South Africa
| | | | - Andre P Calitz
- Department of Computing Sciences, Nelson Mandela University, South Africa
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Amirian ME, Fazilat-Pour M. Simple and Multivariate Relationships Between Spiritual Intelligence with General Health and Happiness. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2016; 55:1275-1288. [PMID: 25616864 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-015-0004-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The present study examined simple and multivariate relationships of spiritual intelligence with general health and happiness. The employed method was descriptive and correlational. King's Spiritual Quotient scales, GHQ-28 and Oxford Happiness Inventory, are filled out by a sample consisted of 384 students, which were selected using stratified random sampling from the students of Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman. Data are subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics including correlations and multivariate regressions. Bivariate correlations support positive and significant predictive value of spiritual intelligence toward general health and happiness. Further analysis showed that among the Spiritual Intelligence' subscales, Existential Critical Thinking Predicted General Health and Happiness, reversely. In addition, happiness was positively predicted by generation of personal meaning and transcendental awareness. The findings are discussed in line with the previous studies and the relevant theoretical background.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Masoud Fazilat-Pour
- Department of Psychology, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, 76169-1411, Kerman, Iran.
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9
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Cottrell L. Joy and happiness: a simultaneous and evolutionary concept analysis. J Adv Nurs 2016; 72:1506-17. [DOI: 10.1111/jan.12980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Cottrell
- Faculty of Nursing Level 3; Edmonton Clinic Health Academy; University of Alberta; Alberta Canada
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10
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Chiang HH, Lin L, Lee TSH. Psychometric integrity of the Chinese Happiness Inventory among retired older people in Taiwan. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 16:865-72. [PMID: 26272541 DOI: 10.1111/ggi.12568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM Happiness is an important indicator of mental and physical health. It has been emphasized as one kind of well-being, and its definition varies from culture to culture. The main objective of the present study was to examine the psychometric integrity and dimensions of the Chinese Happiness Inventory (CHI) in relation to scores on Ryff's Psychological Well-Being Scale among retired older people in Taiwan. METHODS A cross-sectional study was carried out at social service centers in Taipei, Taiwan. Retired adults gave informed consent from September to November 2010, and completed a package of structured questionnaires measuring happiness and psychological well-being. Internal consistency, the factor structure of the CHI and criterion validity were assessed. RESULTS Results from an exploratory factor analysis showed a three-factor solution for the CHI. These factors were named Positive Affect, Life Satisfaction and Interpersonal Relationships. Internal consistency coefficients were 0.95 (Positive Affect), 0.91 (Life Satisfaction), 0.85 (Interpersonal Relationships) and 0.97 (total scale). The results of a canonical correlation analysis showed the presence of a strong relationship between CHI and Ryff's Psychological Well-Being Scale (r = 0.69), and that two canonical variates could be derived from the relationship between them. CONCLUSIONS The results show that the CHI is a three-dimensional scale with high reliability and validity. The construct of happiness emphasizes relationships in relation to others and environment rather than autonomy in this sample. Although the components of happiness might be similar for Positive Affect and Life Satisfaction, their weights for Interpersonal Relationships should be considered when measuring happiness in different cultures. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 865-872.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Hsun Chiang
- Department of Nursing, Triservice General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Lin Lin
- Department of Family Health Care Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Tony Szu-Hsien Lee
- Department of Health Promotion and Health Education, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Choi JH, Yu M, Kim KE. Suicidal ideation in adolescents: A structural equation modeling approach. Nurs Health Sci 2014; 17:119-125. [PMID: 24943997 DOI: 10.1111/nhs.12142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2013] [Revised: 02/15/2014] [Accepted: 03/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to test a model linking adolescents' experience of violence and peer support to their happiness and suicidal ideation. The participants were high school students in Seoul, and in Kyungi, and Chungnam Provinces in Korea. The Conflict Tactics Scale, School Violence Scale, Oxford Happiness Inventory, and Suicidal Ideation Questionnaire were administered to just over 1000 adolescents. The model was tested using a path analysis technique within structural equation modeling. The model fit indices suggest that the revised model is a better fit for the data than the original hypothesized model. The experience of violence had a significant negative direct effect and peer support had a significant positive direct effect on their happiness. Happiness had a significant negative effect and the experience of violence had a significant positive effect on suicidal ideation. These findings demonstrate the fundamental importance of reducing exposure of violence to adolescents, and that increasing peer support and their happiness may be the key to adolescent suicidal ideation prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Hyun Choi
- Department of Nursing, Namseoul University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi Yu
- Department of Nursing, Namseoul University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoung-Eun Kim
- Department of Child Welfare, Namseoul University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
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Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this analysis is to examine and clarify the concept of nurses' happiness (NH), understand the different uses of the concept, explore the conditions that foster it, and consider the consequences of NH, including the phenomena that emerge as a result of NH occurrence. ORGANIZING FRAMEWORK The author utilizes Walker and Avant's eight-stage concept analysis. METHODS Computer and manual searches were conducted of articles in the English language addressing NH from 1990 to present. EBSCO and PubMed are the electronic databases used to access literature for this paper. For both databases, the researcher has examined this new term by splitting the term nurses' happiness into its two root words, namely nurses and happiness. An inductive analysis of articles produced descriptive themes. RESULTS Definitions of happiness and NH are analyzed. Antecedents, attributes, and consequences of NH are described. Model, borderline, contrary, and related cases for NH are also identified. CONCLUSIONS This concept analysis helps in the understanding of the definition of NH, the attributes that contribute to the occurrence of NH in clinical practice, as well as the consequences of NH, and how it should be measured from a nursing perspective. Ozkara San.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eda Ozkara San
- NYU College of Nursing; Hunter Bellevue School of Nursing; City University of New York-Graduate Center, New York, NY
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Atwal A, Spiliotopoulou G, Coleman C, Harding K, Quirke C, Smith N, Osseiran Z, Plastow N, Wilson L. Polio survivors' perceptions of the meaning of quality of life and strategies used to promote participation in everyday activities. Health Expect 2014; 18:715-26. [PMID: 24438097 PMCID: PMC5060821 DOI: 10.1111/hex.12152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/20/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The term ‘post‐polio syndrome’ (PPS) is used to describe new and late manifestations of poliomyelitis that occur later in life. Research in this area has focused upon health status rather than its effect on quality of life. Aim To gain an in‐depth understanding of the meaning of quality of life for polio survivors and to determine the type of strategies that are used by people with PPS and the support that they consider as important to facilitate participation in everyday life activities that have an impact on their quality of life. Method Six focus groups were conducted with 51 participants from two regions in England. Data were audio‐taped and analysed using thematic analysis. Results Our research found that polio survivors used terms used to describe quality of life which could be associated with that of happiness. Our research has identified resolvable factors that influence quality of life namely inaccessible environments, attitudes of health‐care professionals and societal attitudes. Polio survivors have tried alternative therapies, chiefly acupuncture and massage, and found them to be effective in enhancing their quality of life. Conclusion It is suggested that health‐care professionals should consider factors which influence happiness and implement a person‐centred approach with the views of the polio survivor being listened to. The three factors that influenced quality of life could be resolved by health‐care professionals and by society. With regard to strategies used, we suggest that polio survivors should have access to the treatments that they perceive as important, although further research is required to design optimal interventions for this client group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Atwal
- Division of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Sciences and Social Care, Brunel University, Uxbridge, UK
| | - Georgia Spiliotopoulou
- Division of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Sciences and Social Care, Brunel University, Uxbridge, UK
| | - Caron Coleman
- Division of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Sciences and Social Care, Brunel University, Uxbridge, UK
| | - Kate Harding
- Division of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Sciences and Social Care, Brunel University, Uxbridge, UK
| | - Caroline Quirke
- Division of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Sciences and Social Care, Brunel University, Uxbridge, UK
| | - Nicole Smith
- Division of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Sciences and Social Care, Brunel University, Uxbridge, UK
| | - Zeina Osseiran
- Division of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Sciences and Social Care, Brunel University, Uxbridge, UK
| | - Nicola Plastow
- Division of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Sciences and Social Care, Brunel University, Uxbridge, UK
| | - Lesley Wilson
- Division of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Sciences and Social Care, Brunel University, Uxbridge, UK
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yeonok Suh
- Department of Nursing, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan, Korea
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15
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Einarsdóttir J. Happiness in the neonatal intensive care unit: merits of ethnographic fieldwork. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2012; 7:1-9. [PMID: 23237628 PMCID: PMC3521782 DOI: 10.3402/qhw.v7i0.19699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Research has focused on the destructive effects of distress on professionals who work in ethically complex wards such as neonatal intensive units (NICUs). This article examines the accounts of health professionals, including nurses, pediatricians and assistant nurses, of their work at a NICU in Iceland. The aim is to understand how health professionals, who work under stressful conditions in an ethically sensitive ward, can counteract the negative sides of work too such a degree that they experience happiness. The collection of data was based on the ethnographic fieldwork, and the methods used were participant observation and semi-structured interviews. The professionals evaluated their wellbeing in line with conventional definitions of happiness. Working with children and opportunities to help others, engage in social relations and experience professional pride contributed to their happiness at work. Nonetheless, they did not dismiss the difficult experiences, and when confronted with these the professionals negotiated their meanings and the goals and priorities of work. In contrast to the findings of much quantitative and survey-based research, the professionals attributed constructive meanings to stress and argued that the positive experiences at work buffered the negative ones. Research on happiness would benefit from multifaceted methodological and theoretical perspectives. Thanks to its openness to the unforeseen, controversial, contradictory, and ambiguous aspects of human life, ethnography can contribute to happiness research and research on job satisfaction.
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Tobgay T, Dophu U, Torres CE, Na-Bangchang K. Health and Gross National Happiness: review of current status in Bhutan. J Multidiscip Healthc 2011; 4:293-8. [PMID: 21847351 PMCID: PMC3155859 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s21095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2011] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Worldwide, contemporary measures of the success of health development programs have been mostly in terms of the reduction of mortality and morbidity as well as increasing longevity. While these goals have yielded much-needed health improvements, the subjective outcomes of these improvements, as experienced by individuals and the communities, have not been considered. Bhutan, under the overarching policy of Gross National Happiness, has provided due consideration to these subjective indicators. Here, we report on the current status of health and happiness in Bhutan as revealed by conventional objective indicators and subjective Gross National Happiness indicators. The current literature on health in Bhutan in relation to the Gross National Happiness Survey conducted by the Centre of Bhutan Studies has been reviewed. Bhutan has made great strides within a short period of modernization, as shown by both objective and subjective indicators. Tremendous challenges lie ahead to achieve the ultimate goal of health and happiness, and how Bhutan articulates its path to modernization may be a lesson for the rest of the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tashi Tobgay
- Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Kawajangsa, Bhutan
| | - Ugen Dophu
- Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Kawajangsa, Bhutan
| | - Cristina E Torres
- Forum for Ethical Review Committees in Asian and Western Pacific Region, Clinical Coordination and Training Center
| | - Kesara Na-Bangchang
- Thailand Center of Excellence on Drug Discovery and Development (TCEDDD), Thammasat University, Rangsit Campus, Thailand
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