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Horne J, Donald L, Gracia R, Kentzer N, Pappas Y, Trott M, Vseteckova J. Supporting adult unpaid carers via an online dancing intervention: A feasibility/acceptability study. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0002798. [PMID: 38241209 PMCID: PMC10798499 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Unpaid carers often experience poor mental and physical health linked to their caring role. Engagement in physical activity has been shown to alleviate these negative health outcomes, but it is harder for carers to find the time, energy and space to exercise. This qualitative study, based in the UK, explored the feasibility of an online, dance-based physical activity intervention with six female unpaid carers. Five themes resulted from the thematic analysis of the pre- and post-intervention interviews: Perceived physical health benefits of the intervention; Perceived mental health benefits of the intervention; Satisfactoriness of the dance classes; Impact of caring responsibilities on participation; and Suggestions for future classes. Further research is required to measure the effectiveness of the dance intervention in improving mental and physical wellbeing with larger samples including a wider mix of carers in terms of gender, age and health conditions of the care recipients, as well as international samples. Future research should also consider the barriers that some carers may face when accessing an online intervention, and alternative forms of exercise that may appeal to other groups of carers (e.g., male carers, older adult carers).
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Horne
- School of Psychology and Counselling, The Open University, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom
| | - Louisa Donald
- School of Psychology, University of Bedfordshire, Luton, Bedfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Rosaria Gracia
- School of Social Sciences and Global Studies, The Open University, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom
| | - Nichola Kentzer
- School of Education, Childhood, Youth and Sport, The Open University, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom
| | - Yannis Pappas
- Institute for Health Research, University of Bedfordshire, Luton, Bedfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Mike Trott
- Centre for Public Health, Queens University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Jitka Vseteckova
- School of Health, Wellbeing and Social Care, The Open University, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom
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Lehmann J, Pilz MJ, Holzner B, Kemmler G, Giesinger JM. General population normative data from seven European countries for the K10 and K6 scales for psychological distress. Sci Rep 2023; 13:18389. [PMID: 37884547 PMCID: PMC10603032 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45124-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The 10-item Kessler Psychological Distress scale (K10) and its 6-item short-form version (K6) measure psychological distress, particularly anxiety or depressive symptoms. While these questionnaire scales are widely used in various settings and populations, general population normative data are rarely available. To facilitate the interpretation of K10 and K6 scores, we provide normative general population data from seven European countries. We used an online survey to collect K10 data from general population samples in Austria, Italy, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Poland and Spain. We calculated the age- and sex-specific normative values separately for each country. For more specific estimates of K10 and K6 scores for individuals or groups, we also established a multivariable regression model based on socio-demographic and health data. In total, N = 7,087 adults participated in our study (51.6% women; mean age, 49.6 years). The mean K10 score in the total sample was 8.5 points (standard deviation, 7.3) on 0-40 points metric, with mean scores in individual countries ranging from 6.9 (the Netherlands) to 9.9 (Spain). Women showed higher scores than men and younger participants scored higher than older participants. Our study is the first to present normative K10 and K6 data from several European countries using a consistent sampling approach. These reference values will facilitate the interpretation of K10 and K6 scores in clinical research and practice and also highlight the variation in psychological distress levels across countries and groups according to their socio-demographic and health characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Lehmann
- Health Outcomes Research Unit, University Hospital of Psychiatry II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innrain 43, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - M J Pilz
- Health Outcomes Research Unit, University Hospital of Psychiatry II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innrain 43, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - B Holzner
- University Hospital of Psychiatry I, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - G Kemmler
- University Hospital of Psychiatry I, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - J M Giesinger
- Health Outcomes Research Unit, University Hospital of Psychiatry II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innrain 43, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria.
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Lindenmann J, Porubsky C, Okresa L, Klemen H, Mykoliuk I, Roj A, Koutp A, Kink E, Iberer F, Kovacs G, Krause R, Smolle J, Smolle-Juettner FM. Immediate and Long-Term Effects of Hyperbaric Oxygenation in Patients with Long COVID-19 Syndrome Using SF-36 Survey and VAS Score: A Clinical Pilot Study. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6253. [PMID: 37834897 PMCID: PMC10573231 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12196253] [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: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Long COVID syndrome (LCS) is a heterogeneous long-standing condition following COVID-19 infection. Treatment options are limited to symptomatic measures, and no specific medication has been established. Hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO) has been found to have a positive impact on the treatment of COVID-19 infection. This study evaluates both the feasibility and outcome of supportive HBO in patients with LCS. (2) Methods: Within 17 months, 70 patients with proven LCS were prospectively included. Each patient underwent a cycle of 10 subsequent HBO treatment sessions administered for 75 min at 2.2 atmospheres. Evaluation of the patients was performed before the first and after the last HBO session and 3 months afterwards. Statistical evaluation was based on an intention-to-treat analysis using Fisher's exact test and Student's t-test for paired samples. (3) Results: In total, 59 patients (33 females, 26 males; mean age: 43.9 years; range: 23-74 years; median: 45.0) were evaluable. After HBO, a statistically significant improvement of physical functioning (p < 0.001), physical role (p = 0.01), energy (p < 0.001), emotional well-being (p < 0.001), social functioning (p < 0.001), pain (p = 0.01) and reduced limitation of activities (p < 0.001) was confirmed. (4) Conclusions: Physical functioning and both the physical and emotional role improved significantly and sustainably, suggesting HBO as a promising supportive therapeutic tool for the treatment of LCS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joerg Lindenmann
- Division of Thoracic Surgery and Hyperbaric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria (F.M.S.-J.)
| | - Christian Porubsky
- Division of Thoracic Surgery and Hyperbaric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria (F.M.S.-J.)
| | - Lucija Okresa
- Division of Thoracic Surgery and Hyperbaric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria (F.M.S.-J.)
| | - Huberta Klemen
- Division of Thoracic Surgery and Hyperbaric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria (F.M.S.-J.)
| | - Iurii Mykoliuk
- Division of Thoracic Surgery and Hyperbaric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria (F.M.S.-J.)
| | - Andrej Roj
- Division of Thoracic Surgery and Hyperbaric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria (F.M.S.-J.)
| | - Amir Koutp
- Division of Thoracic Surgery and Hyperbaric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria (F.M.S.-J.)
| | - Eveline Kink
- Department of Internal and Respiratory Medicine, Hospital Graz II, Academic Teaching Hospital of the Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Florian Iberer
- Department of Internal and Respiratory Medicine, Hospital Graz II, Academic Teaching Hospital of the Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Gabor Kovacs
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Lung Vascular Research, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Robert Krause
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Josef Smolle
- Institute of Medical Informatics, Statistics and Documentation, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Freyja Maria Smolle-Juettner
- Division of Thoracic Surgery and Hyperbaric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria (F.M.S.-J.)
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Hammoudi Halat D, Soltani A, Dalli R, Alsarraj L, Malki A. Understanding and Fostering Mental Health and Well-Being among University Faculty: A Narrative Review. J Clin Med 2023; 12:4425. [PMID: 37445459 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12134425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, there has been increasing recognition of mental health concerns in academia, with stress, burnout, anxiety, and depression being reported among faculty members. The demanding work environment, the need to balance personal and professional duties, and the constant pressure of productivity while navigating multiple tasks of teaching, research, mentorship, professional development, and service all impact the mental health and overall well-being of faculty. Higher education institutions have structurally changed as has the research landscape. These changes as well as faculty-specific and student-specific factors coupled to the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic have led to profound effects on the mental health of academics. This paper is a narrative review of the pertinent literature describing faculty mental health and well-being. It summarizes the available evidence on factors influencing faculty mental health and shows the prevalence of anxiety, depression, stress, and burnout among faculty from various academic fields and along the whole academic ladder. Using a suggested framework that collates the efforts of leaders and faculty, the paper concludes by exploring strategies that promote work-life balance among academics and suggesting effective interventions to improve their mental health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalal Hammoudi Halat
- Academic Quality Department, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar
| | - Abderrezzaq Soltani
- Academic Quality Department, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar
| | - Roua Dalli
- Academic Quality Department, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar
| | - Lama Alsarraj
- Academic Quality Department, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar
| | - Ahmed Malki
- Academic Quality Department, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar
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Scholes-Robertson N, Gutman T, Dominello A, Howell M, Craig JC, Wong G, Jaure A. Australian Rural Caregivers' Experiences in Supporting Patients With Kidney Failure to Access Dialysis and Kidney Transplantation: A Qualitative Study. Am J Kidney Dis 2022; 80:773-782.e1. [PMID: 35868538 DOI: 10.1053/j.ajkd.2022.05.015] [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: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE & OBJECTIVE Caregivers of patients with chronic kidney disease from rural communities play a crucial role in access to dialysis and transplantation, but they face many challenges including geographical distance, financial hardship, and limited support. This study aimed to inform strategies to overcome these challenges by describing the experiences of caregivers of patients with kidney failure from rural Australian communities in accessing kidney replacement therapy. STUDY DESIGN Qualitative study. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS 18 adult caregivers of Australian rural patients with kidney failure treated with dialysis or kidney transplantation. ANALYTICAL APPROACH Semistructured interviews were conducted. Interview transcripts were thematically analyzed. RESULTS The 18 participants were aged 20 to 78 years; 13 (72%) were female, and 13 (72%) were the spouse/partner of the patient. We identified 5 themes: devastating social isolation (difficult periods of separation, exclusion from peers, forced relocation); financial dependency and sacrifice (burgeoning out-of-pocket costs, disruption to work life, foregoing autonomy); ongoing psychological trauma (concern for neglect and stress on children, long-term emotional distress); overwhelmed by multifaceted roles and expectations (patient advocacy, uncertainty in navigating multiple health systems); and persistent burden of responsibility (loss of self-identity, ongoing travel requirements, scarcity of psychosocial support, unpreparedness for treatment regime). LIMITATIONS The study was conducted in a high-income, English-speaking country with universal health insurance, which may limit the transferability of the findings. CONCLUSIONS Australian rural caregivers of people with kidney failure treated by maintenance dialysis or transplantation experience an exhausting physical, financial, and psychological burden. Strategies to address these profound challenges are needed. PLAIN-LANGUAGE SUMMARY This interview-based study elicited the challenges faced by people and family members who care for patients from rural towns who are receiving dialysis or kidney transplantation. The barriers and difficulties reported included traveling long distances, needing to move to larger towns and leaving their homes, feeling concerned for the long-term effects on their children, physical exhaustion, and financial issues. Additional efforts are needed to identify the means by which caregivers and their families in rural towns can obtain support to care for those with kidney failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Scholes-Robertson
- Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Centre for Kidney Research, Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, Australia.
| | - Talia Gutman
- Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Centre for Kidney Research, Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, Australia
| | - Amanda Dominello
- Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Centre for Kidney Research, Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, Australia
| | - Martin Howell
- Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Centre for Kidney Research, Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, Australia
| | - Jonathan C Craig
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Germaine Wong
- Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Centre for Kidney Research, Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, Australia
| | - Allison Jaure
- Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Centre for Kidney Research, Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, Australia
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Gunn KM, Weeks M, Spronk KJJ, Fletcher C, Wilson C. Caring for someone with cancer in rural Australia. Support Care Cancer 2022; 30:4857-4865. [PMID: 35165761 PMCID: PMC9046138 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-022-06857-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To explore the experiences of people caring for someone with cancer, while living in rural Australia, and the impact of the cancer-caring role on their well-being. METHOD Eighteen adults in regional or remote ('rural') Australia who cared for a person with cancer took part in semi-structured telephone interviews. Participants were aged 32-77 years and mainly female (66%). Data were analysed using thematic analysis and an essentialist approach. RESULTS Eight themes were identified: (1) travel is hard, but supports are available; (2) frustration with systems that do not demonstrate understanding of the rural context; (3) the importance of lay and peer support; (4) the impact of access to trusted, local health care services; (5) the importance of access to rurally relevant information (particularly on relevant services and what to expect); (6) living with uncertainty and balancing loss with hope; (7) reluctance to seek or accept psychological support; and (8) the gendered nature of care. CONCLUSION Rural cancer carers' roles can be made easier by improving health systems and coordination to ease the burden of travel, providing information about available support and what to expect throughout cancer treatment that is relevant to the rural context, and increasing access to quality health, community, and support services, including palliative care, in rural areas. More training on the specific needs of rural patients and their carers is needed for urban health care professionals. Peer support groups may have particular value for cancer carers in rural settings, where there are known to be multiple barriers to accessing professional sources of psychosocial support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate M. Gunn
- grid.1026.50000 0000 8994 5086Department of Rural Health, Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia Australia ,grid.1014.40000 0004 0367 2697Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia Australia ,grid.492269.20000 0001 2233 2629Cancer Council SA, Adelaide, South Australia Australia ,grid.1010.00000 0004 1936 7304Freemasons Centre for Male Health and Wellbeing, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia Australia
| | - Melanie Weeks
- grid.1010.00000 0004 1936 7304School of Psychology, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia Australia
| | - Kristiaan J. J. Spronk
- grid.1026.50000 0000 8994 5086Department of Rural Health, Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia Australia
| | - Chloe Fletcher
- grid.1026.50000 0000 8994 5086Department of Rural Health, Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia Australia
| | - Carlene Wilson
- grid.1014.40000 0004 0367 2697Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia Australia ,grid.492269.20000 0001 2233 2629Cancer Council SA, Adelaide, South Australia Australia ,grid.1018.80000 0001 2342 0938La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria Australia
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Cejalvo E, Martí-Vilar M, Merino-Soto C, Aguirre-Morales MT. Caregiving Role and Psychosocial and Individual Factors: A Systematic Review. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:1690. [PMID: 34946416 PMCID: PMC8700856 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9121690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Taking care of a person with a physical disability can become a challenge for caregivers as they must combine the task of caring with their personal and daily needs. The aim of this study was to assess the impact that taking care of a person who needs support has on caregivers and to analyze certain characteristics they present, such as self-esteem and resilience. To that end, a bibliographic review was carried out from 1985, when the first article of taking care of a person who needs support was published, to 2020 (inclusive), in the databases of Web of Science (WoS), Scopus, Pubmed, Eric, Psycinfo, and Embase. The search yielded a total of (n = 37) articles subject to review, following the guidelines established in the PRISMA declaration. The results show that caregiving was highly overburdening and negatively affected the physical condition and the psychological and mental states of caregivers. In addition, certain psychological characteristics present in caregivers such as having high self-esteem and being resilient were found to act as protective factors against the caregiving burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Cejalvo
- Department of Basic Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Speech Therapy, Universitat de València, 46010 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Manuel Martí-Vilar
- Department of Basic Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Speech Therapy, Universitat de València, 46010 Valencia, Spain;
| | - César Merino-Soto
- Psychology Research Institute, Universidad de San Martín de Porres, Lima 34, Peru
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Veisani Y, Jalilian Z, Mohamadian F. Relationship between internet addiction and mental health in adolescents. JOURNAL OF EDUCATION AND HEALTH PROMOTION 2020; 9:303. [PMID: 33426107 PMCID: PMC7774632 DOI: 10.4103/jehp.jehp_362_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Internet addiction (IA) currently is the major public health concern, especially in adolescents, although the results of previous reports are not generally uniform. This study was conducted to determine IA in adolescents and to examine the correlation of IA with mental health in adolescents. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2019 in Ilam city. In this study, 362 persons were included using stratified cluster sampling; clusters were geographical area and schools. The valid questionnaires including Internet Addiction Test and 28-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) were used to interview. The correlation statistical technique was used to determine the association between the two variables. The significance level was considered <0.05. RESULTS The mean ± standard deviation age of the responders was 16.40 ± 2.47 years; the total score of IA and mental health was 43.02 ± 16.50 and 19.27 ± 9.72, respectively. We found that 5.5% of the adolescents had a severe level of IA. The lack of control with anxiety, neglect work and social dysfunction, and neglect social life and severe depression in internet users were found to be statistically significant: r (365) = 0.151, P < 0.033; r (365) = 0.126, P < 0.021; and r (365) = 0.125, P < 0.033, two-tailed, respectively. CONCLUSION According to the results, the excessive use of internet, lack of control, and neglect social life are significantly correlated with mental health in adolescents; these results could be contribute to improve the theoretical models for IA in adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yousef Veisani
- Psychosocial Injuries Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam Province, Ilam, Iran
| | - Zahra Jalilian
- Psychosocial Injuries Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam Province, Ilam, Iran
| | - Fathola Mohamadian
- Department of Psychology, Psychosocial Injuries Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam Province, Ilam, Iran
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Mohanty I, Niyonsenga T, Cochrane T, Rickwood D. A multilevel mixed effects analysis of informal carers health in Australia: the role of community participation, social support and trust at small area level. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:1801. [PMID: 33243189 PMCID: PMC7690182 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-09874-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Informal carers suffer from worse health outcomes than non-carers due to their caregiving role. Yet, in a society carers health is as important as that of their care recipients. This study investigated the self-assessed mental and general health outcomes of informal carers in Australia. It evaluated the influence of carers' personal social capital- a logically linked sequence of their social behaviour such as community participation, social support and trust in others- on their health outcomes. The study estimated the magnitude of small area level variation at Statistical Area Level 1 (SA1) along with individual level variation in carers' health outcomes. METHODS The study used a multilevel mixed effects cross-sectional design using data from the Household Income and Labour Dynamics of Australia survey, wave 14. It included Australians aged 15 years and older that were surveyed in the year 2014. The sample consisted of 12,767 individuals and 5004 SA1s. The outcome measures included- mental health, general health and physical functioning, domains of the Short Form 36 Questionnaire, a widely used multi-dimensional measure of health-related quality of life. RESULTS Informal carers suffered from poor mental (Beta = - 0.587, p = 0.003) and general health (Beta = - 0.670, p = 0.001) outcomes compared to non-carers in Australia. These health outcomes exhibited significant variation acrossSA1s in Australia, with 12-13% variation in general and mental health. However, within small local areas, differences at the individual level, accounted for most of the variation in outcomes. Moreover, levels of community participation, personal social connection and trust, as perceived by individuals in the communities, had a positive influence on both mental and general health of carers and non-carers, and were more beneficial for carers compared to non-carers. CONCLUSION It seems that the positive influence of social capital for carers helps them in coping with the negative impact of their caregiving duty on health outcomes. Findings suggested that some targeted community support programs for carers to build on their personal social cohesion and trust in their community could help in improving their poor health profiles. Moreover, improved informal carers' health may help the health system in better managing their resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Itismita Mohanty
- Health Research Institute, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2617 Australia
| | - Theo Niyonsenga
- Health Research Institute, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2617 Australia
| | - Tom Cochrane
- Health Research Institute, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2617 Australia
| | - Debra Rickwood
- Psychology, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2617 Australia
- Headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation National Office, Melbourne, VIC Australia
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Hutchinson M, Hurley J. The impact of caregiving on the health status of regional carers in Australia: Findings from a mixed-method study. Aust J Rural Health 2020; 28:376-384. [PMID: 32744383 DOI: 10.1111/ajr.12651] [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: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
While it is known that informal carers provide the majority of caregiving in Australia, there remains limited understanding of the challenges that regional carers face in their caring role and the impact of the caregiving role on carer well-being. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to better understand the health status of caregivers as the person they care for was entering the National Disability Support Scheme. DESIGN This is a mixed-methods study. SETTING The study was undertaken in regional New South Wales, Australia. PARTICIPANTS Seventy-five carers were enrolled into the study. All lived in regional New South Wales. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE The World Health Organization Well-being Index was used for quantitative data collection, and semi-structured interviews were undertaken for the collection of qualitative data. RESULT Quantitative data indicated that carers from Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander backgrounds and those from low socio-economic status had significantly lower scores on the well-being index. Two key qualitative categories were evident describing carer's journey to resilience by (a) adjusting to reality predominantly through cognitive reframing strategies and (b) carers accessing external supports. CONCLUSION The health status of regional carers who are predominantly women is experiencing low levels of well-being. While many of these carers have initiated successful coping responses to the challenges of caring, there is an urgent need to increase the supports available to this population. As the recent National Disability Support Scheme is embedded, it is of importance to monitor if there are improvements in the health status of carers over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Hutchinson
- School of Health and Human Sciences, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour, NSW, Australia
| | - John Hurley
- School of Health and Human Sciences, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour, NSW, Australia
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11
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Quinlan E, Deane FP, Crowe T. Types and severity of interpersonal problems in Australian mental health carers. COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGY QUARTERLY 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/09515070.2020.1722611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Elly Quinlan
- Illawarra Institute for Mental Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Frank P. Deane
- Illawarra Institute for Mental Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Trevor Crowe
- Illawarra Institute for Mental Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
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12
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Grant JS, Graven LJ, Abbott L, Schluck G. Predictors of Depressive Symptoms in Heart Failure Caregivers. Home Healthc Now 2020; 38:40-47. [PMID: 31895896 DOI: 10.1097/nhh.0000000000000838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Heart failure is a serious and complex chronic illness and family caregivers often assist these individuals in performing self-care. Unsurprisingly, caregivers often are overwhelmed by daily activities associated with heart failure management and frequently have depressive symptoms. This study examined predictors (i.e., sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, social support, social problem-solving, family functioning, and objective and subjective burden) of depressive symptoms in 530 informal caregivers of individuals with heart failure in a large cross-sectional, descriptive study in the community. Younger caregivers who provided care for longer periods of time, lived in rural areas, and had less social support and lower problem-solving skills were more likely to have depressive symptoms. These findings emphasize the need for further studies to develop dynamic and innovative approaches that incorporate multiple components to lessen caregiving challenges. Social support and problem-solving skills training may be useful components to lessen depressive symptoms in these younger, rural caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan S Grant
- Joan S. Grant, PhD, RN, is a Professor, School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama. Lucinda J. Graven, PhD, MSN, ARNP, is an Assistant Professor, College of Nursing, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida. Laurie Abbott, PhD, RN, PHNA-BC, is an Assistant Professor, College of Nursing, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida. Glenna Schluck, PhD, is an Assistant in Research/Statistical Consultant, College of Nursing, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida
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Song HJ, Dennis S, Levesque JF, Harris MF. What matters to people with chronic conditions when accessing care in Australian general practice? A qualitative study of patient, carer, and provider perspectives. BMC FAMILY PRACTICE 2019; 20:79. [PMID: 31182041 PMCID: PMC6558875 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-019-0973-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research underpinning the patient experience of people with chronic conditions in Australian general practice is not well developed. We aimed to ascertain the perspectives of key stakeholders on aspects of patient experience, more specifically with regards to accessing general practice in Australia. METHODS Using a qualitative design, semi-structured interviews were conducted by telephone and face-to-face with people living with one or more chronic conditions, informal carers, and primary care providers between October 2016 and October 2017. Participants were recruited and selected from three demographically representative primary health networks across Sydney, Australia. Interview transcripts and researcher's reflective fieldnotes were coded and analyzed for key themes of access. Analysis and interpretation of data were guided by Levesque's model of access, a conceptual framework to evaluate access broadly and from corresponding patient- and provider-side dimensions. RESULTS A total of 40 interviews were included in the analysis. Most participants had attended their general practices for 10 years or more and had regular primary care providers. People with chronic conditions reported access barriers predominantly in their ability to reach services, which were related to illness-related disabilities (limited mobility, chronic pain, fatigue, frailty) and limitations in the availability and accommodation of health services to address patient preferences (unavailability of after-hours services, lack of alternative modes of service delivery). While cost was not a major barrier, we found a lack of clarity in the factors that determined providers' decisions to waive or reduce costs for some patients and not others. CONCLUSIONS People managing chronic conditions with a long-term primary care provider experienced access barriers in general practice, particularly in their ability to physically reach care and to do so on a timely basis. This study has important policy and practice implications, as it highlights patients' experiences of accessing care and possible areas for improvement to appropriately respond to these experiences. Themes identified may be useful in the design of a patient experience survey tool specific to this population. While it incorporates perspectives from patients, carers and providers, this study could be further strengthened by including perspectives from culturally and linguistically underrepresented patient groups and more carers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Jung Song
- Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sarah Dennis
- Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, Australia
| | - Jean-Frédéric Levesque
- Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Agency for Clinical Innovation, Chatswood, New South Wales Australia
| | - Mark Fort Harris
- Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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Luckett T, Agar M, DiGiacomo M, Ferguson C, Lam L, Phillips J. Health status of people who have provided informal care or support to an adult with chronic disease in the last 5 years: results from a population-based cross-sectional survey in South Australia. AUST HEALTH REV 2019; 43:408-414. [DOI: 10.1071/ah17289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 03/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Objective
The aim of the present study was to compare the health status of South Australians with recent experience of caring for an adult with chronic disease with non-carers drawn from the same population.
Methods
Data were collected via the South Australian Health Omnibus, an annual population-based, cross-sectional survey. Respondents were asked whether they had provided care or support in the last 5 years to someone with cancer, heart disease, respiratory disease, mental illness, neurological disease or dementia. Health status was measured using the Short Form-12 version 1 (SF-12) physical and mental component scale summary scores (PCS and MCS respectively), with poor health status defined as ≥0.5 standard deviation below the normative mean. Logistic regression explored characteristics associated with poor health status.
Results
Of 3033 respondents analysed, 987 (32.5%) reported caring experience. Poor PCS and MCS were associated with carer status, lower-than-degree-level education, employment status other than employed and annual household income less than A$60000. Being Australian born was a protective factor for PCS, whereas factors protective for MCS were being married or in a de facto relationship and age ≥65 years.
Conclusions
Providing care or support in the last 5 years is independently associated with poorer health status, but not with the magnitude found in studies of current carers. Future research should explore health status recovery after completion of the caring role, and investigate whether relationships between health and socioeconomic status differ for carers versus non-carers.
What is known about the topic?
Population-based survey studies in Australia and overseas have consistently found that informal carers have worse health status than non-carers.
What does this paper add?
Including recent as well as current carers in a population-based sample was associated with less effect on health status compared with studies focused on current carers only. This finding is consistent with the possibility that health status recovers during the 5 years after caring.
What are the implications for practitioners?
Support for Australian carers is warranted to ensure their continuing contributions to society and return to productivity after their caring role is completed.
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Caregiving, Employment and Social Isolation: Challenges for Rural Carers in Australia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15102267. [PMID: 30332790 PMCID: PMC6210659 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15102267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Revised: 10/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Australia has one of the world’s highest life expectancy rates, and there is a rapidly growing need for informal caregivers to support individuals who are ageing, have chronic illness or a lifelong disability. These informal carers themselves face numerous physical and psychological stressors in attempting to balance the provision of care with their personal life, their work commitments and family responsibilities. However, little is known about the specific challenges facing rural carers and the barriers that limit their capacity to provide ongoing support. A cross-sectional survey composed of open-ended responses and demographic/socioeconomic measures used routinely by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and the Australian Institute of Health & Welfare (AIHW) was used with a cohort of 225 rurally-based carers within New South Wales, Australia. Demographic questions specified the respondents’ age, gender, employment, caregiving status, condition of and relationship to the care recipient, postcode, residency status, and distance and frequency travelled to provide care. Open-ended comments sections were provided to allow participants to describe any issues and problems associated with caregiving including employment, travel, residency, carer support groups and any other general information. The results show that most rural carers were middle-aged women supporting a spouse or a child. Unpredictability associated with providing care exacerbated demands on carers’ time, with many reporting significant employment consequences associated with inflexibility and limited job options in rural locations. Specific issues associated with travel requirements to assist with care were reported, as were the impacts of care provision on the respondents’ own personal health. The majority of carers were aware of the social supports available in their local rural community, but did not access them, leaving the carers vulnerable to marginalisation. Problems associated with employment were noted as resulting in financial pressures and associated personal stress and anxiety for the caregivers. While this issue is not necessarily limited to rural areas, it would appear that the lack of opportunity and flexibility evident in rural areas would exacerbate this problem for non-metropolitan residents. The participants also identified specific barriers to the provision of care in rural areas, including the significant impact of travel. Access to support services, such as carer groups, were rarely accessed due to a mix of factors including inaccessibility, poor timing and a lack of anonymity. Financially, there was considerable evidence of hardship, and there is an urgent need for a comprehensive review of government and community-based support to better meet the needs of rural carers.
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Stacey AF, Gill TK, Price K, Taylor AW. Differences in risk factors and chronic conditions between informal (family) carers and non-carers using a population-based cross-sectional survey in South Australia. BMJ Open 2018; 8:e020173. [PMID: 30037861 PMCID: PMC6059288 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-020173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is growing discussion on the impact of informal caregiving on the health status and morbidity of family carers. Evidence suggests a proportion of carers may be at risk of poor health outcomes. However, there are limited population-based studies that provide representative data on specific risk factors among carers (eg, blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking status, activity and body mass index) and major chronic conditions (eg, asthma, diabetes and arthritis). This study aimed to redress that imbalance. METHOD Self-reported data were from the South Australian Monitoring and Surveillance System (SAMSS), a representative cross-sectional state-wide population-based survey of 600 randomly selected persons per month. SAMSS uses computer-assisted telephone interviewing (CATI) to monitor chronic health-related problems and risk factors and to assess health outcomes. In total, 2247 family carers were identified from 35 195 participants aged 16 years and older for the 5-year period from 2010 to 2015. Logistic regression analyses examined associations of being a carer with self-reported chronic diseases and health risk factors. In addition, the population attributable risk (PAR) of being a carer was examined for selected chronic conditions. RESULTS The prevalence of carers was 6.4%, and peak age group for carers was 50-59 years. Adjusted ORs for chronic conditions in carers were significant for all chronic conditions examined. Although there is a high prevalence of self-reported risk factors and chronic conditions among carers compared with non-carers at the population level, PAR findings suggest that caregiving is associated with a small to moderate increased risk of having these chronic conditions. CONCLUSIONS Monitoring of carer health and morbidity particularly 'at risk' individuals such as female carers with asthma or diabetes remains important and provides an ongoing baseline for future surveys. To achieve this, caregiver-based studies need to become part of mainstream biomedical research at both epidemiological and clinical levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne F Stacey
- Population Research & Outcome Studies, Discipline of Medicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Tiffany K Gill
- Population Research & Outcome Studies, Discipline of Medicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Kay Price
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Anne W Taylor
- Population Research & Outcome Studies, Discipline of Medicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Quinlan E, Deane FP, Crowe T, Caputi P. Do attachment anxiety and hostility mediate the relationship between experiential avoidance and interpersonal problems in mental health carers? JOURNAL OF CONTEXTUAL BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcbs.2018.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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