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Barbosa Ladino MC, Jiménez Betancourth C, Vásquez Acevedo L, Haag M, Zirkel J, Schwienhorst-Stich EM, Navarro M, Kasang C, Gágyor I, Parisi S. Body map stories from Colombia: experiences of people affected by leprosy and the influence of peers during diagnosis and treatment. Int J Equity Health 2024; 23:98. [PMID: 38741119 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-024-02152-0] [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: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Almost one third of people affected by leprosy in Colombia suffer from disability, which often results from delayed diagnosis and treatment. We aimed to explore the experience of people affected by leprosy during the process of diagnosis and treatment and if and how this experience was influenced by peers. METHODS A qualitative study using body map stories was conducted from October 2019 to February 2020 in Colombia. Adult people affected by leprosy were recruited through patient associations in different cities. We conducted three sessions with an average duration of 2-3 h per participant, during which the participants created a painted map of their body and chose symbols to represent their experience, while being engaged in an informal interview. The sessions were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically by an interdisciplinary team, consisting of physicians, social workers and a person affected by leprosy. RESULTS The 17 study participants (11 female) were aged 20 to 70 years. Leprosy-related manifestations ranged from no to advanced disability. Some participants were active members of associations for people affected by leprosy. Three main themes were identified during analysis: (1) A long pathway to diagnosis, (2) Therapy as a double-edged sword and (3) The influence of other people affected by leprosy. The participants described an often years-long process until being diagnosed, which was marked by insecurities, repeated misdiagnosis, and worsening mental and physical health. Delayed diagnosis was related to late health care seeking, but also to inadequate health communication, lack of leprosy-related knowledge and negligence among health care workers. A high desire to cure motivated the participants to take their medication rigorously, despite the high treatment burden. Support from peers, either within the own social environment or provided from associations, contributed to a faster diagnosis and increased therapy adherence. Peers helped to recognize the symptoms, urged patients to seek care, recommended physicians with leprosy-related knowledge and provided a realistic example of both disease severity and curability. CONCLUSION People affected by leprosy experience a significant burden during the process of diagnosis and treatment. Involving well-trained peers could foster early diagnosis, treatment compliance and prevention of disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha Cecilia Barbosa Ladino
- DAHW Latin America, GLRA German Leprosy and Tuberculosis Relief Association, Bogotá, Colombia
- FELEHANSEN National federation of people affected by Hansen`s disease in Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Camila Jiménez Betancourth
- DAHW Latin America, GLRA German Leprosy and Tuberculosis Relief Association, Bogotá, Colombia
- FELEHANSEN National federation of people affected by Hansen`s disease in Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Lucrecia Vásquez Acevedo
- FELEHANSEN National federation of people affected by Hansen`s disease in Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Melanie Haag
- Department of General Practice, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Janina Zirkel
- Department of General Practice, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Internal Medicine, Unit of Infectious Disease, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Miriam Navarro
- Epidemiology Unit, Public Health Centre of Elche - FISABIO, Alicante, Spain
- Department of Public Health, Science History and Gynaecology, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Alicante, Spain
| | - Christa Kasang
- DAHW HQ, GLRA German Leprosy and Tuberculosis Relief Association, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ildikó Gágyor
- Department of General Practice, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sandra Parisi
- Department of General Practice, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
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Öztürk G, Timarcioğlu K, Dikeç G, Karali E, Nacaroğlu H, Çakir H, Harmanci Seren AK. Syrian refugees' experiences while receiving mental health services and psychiatric nursing care: A qualitative study. J Adv Nurs 2024; 80:1511-1522. [PMID: 37849232 DOI: 10.1111/jan.15894] [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: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
AIM This study examined the experiences of Syrian refugees in a community centre in Turkiye as they access mental health services and receive psychiatric nursing care. DESIGN A qualitative design was adopted in the study. METHODS Data were collected from southern Turkiye between November and December 2021. The researchers conducted three semi-structured focus group interviews. Colaizzi's phenomenological method was followed to analyse the qualitative data. A total of 19 Syrian refugees participated in the focus group interviews. RESULTS Three key themes related to immigrants' experiences of receiving mental health services and nursing care were identified: barriers to receiving mental health services, coping with negative experiences in Turkiye and satisfaction with mental health services. The participants identified the barriers they experienced while receiving health services as those pertaining to language, discrimination and stigmatization. They also mentioned the methods of coping with these negative experiences in Turkiye. Despite their negative experiences, they expressed satisfaction with the mental health services they received, especially psychiatric nursing care. CONCLUSIONS This study determined that Syrian refugees face barriers in accessing and receiving mental health services. They stated that mental health professionals in Turkiye approach them with empathy, particularly those in psychiatric nursing. Healthcare professionals may be trained in culturally sensitive care to increase awareness. IMPACT Studies have frequently examined the experiences of nurses providing care to refugees, but few have focused on evaluating nursing care from the perspective of refugees. Syrian refugees have reported various obstacles in accessing and receiving mental healthcare services. Health professionals, especially psychiatric nurses in mental health psychosocial support centres, must facilitate the processes to eliminate these obstacles. REPORTING METHOD The consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) were used. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION No patient or public involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gizem Öztürk
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Fenerbahce University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Gül Dikeç
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Fenerbahce University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ece Karali
- The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, New Cross Hospital, Wolverhampton, UK
| | | | - Hanife Çakir
- University of Health Sciences Istanbul Prof. Dr. Mazhar Osman Mental Health and Neurological Diseases Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
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Murray A, Steffen M, Keiller E, Turri MG, Lau JYF. Body mapping for arts-based inquiry in mental health research: a scoping review. Lancet Psychiatry 2023; 10:896-908. [PMID: 37611618 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(23)00224-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Traditional research methods have not yet yielded highly effective long-term mental health treatments and might not reflect diverse lived experiences. Body mapping, which is an arts-based research method, could complement the verbal data of existing approaches through its focus on visual and symbolic processes to understand subjective, embodied experiences related to mental health. We did a scoping review on the use of body mapping in research on mental health experiences and outcomes. We searched Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, Embase, Ovid Medline, and Google Scholar to retrieve peer-reviewed articles in English. In 19 articles representing 17 studies, participant numbers for body mapping ranged from three to 48, and some studies exclusively recruited women or children and young people. Study domains included primary mental health experiences and mental health in relation to physical health or social experiences. The benefits of body mapping included its exploration of difficult-to-access emotions and experiences, its focus on strength and resilience, the therapeutic effect, its participatory and collaborative nature, its empowerment and dissemination of participants' voices, and the engagement of children and young people. Body mapping holds promise for research with marginalised groups typically excluded from mental health research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aisling Murray
- Youth Resilience Unit, Academic Unit, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.
| | - Mariana Steffen
- Youth Resilience Unit, Academic Unit, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Eleanor Keiller
- Youth Resilience Unit, Academic Unit, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Maria Grazia Turri
- Centre for Psychiatry and Mental Health, Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Jennifer Y F Lau
- Youth Resilience Unit, Academic Unit, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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Brigden NK. Understanding Body Resistance in El Salvador: A Qualitative Discussion of a Pilot Program for Embodied Empowerment. Violence Against Women 2023; 29:2393-2417. [PMID: 37487225 DOI: 10.1177/10778012231186815] [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] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
This article evaluates a Body Resistance Program in an urban area of El Salvador. The goal of this program is to facilitate women's reclamation of bodily autonomy and recognition of their shared struggle, thereby laying a foundation for solidarity and structural change around gendered body norms. As a pilot project with limited scope, a key objective is to identify meaningful concepts that address the goals, motivations, and worldviews of Salvadoran participants. This article provides insights into their understandings and experiences of trauma, resistance, and embodied empowerment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noelle K Brigden
- Department of Political Science, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, USA
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Mani C. "Unplug to recharge": accessing respite through song in a culturally and linguistically diverse perinatal context. Arts Health 2023; 15:338-355. [PMID: 36512470 DOI: 10.1080/17533015.2022.2140684] [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: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This original, qualitative study examines the ways in which the concept of respite is expressed and experienced through the activity of singing in refugee mothers, new and expectant, in a perinatal healthcare setting in Logan, Queensland. METHODS Data were collected using a multi-method approach using field notes, yarning circles, and semi-structured interviews. Reflexive Thematic Analysis (TA) yielded themes influenced also by literature on singing, wellbeing, health inequities, and the conceptual lens of respite. RESULTS The research found that singing afforded respite for mothers across four dimensions, allowing for safe spaces, me time, new direction, and immersion. Respite and singing are identified here as strength-based and cultural solutions to wellbeing. No negative effects were reported. CONCLUSIONS The article discusses implications for socially-mediated healthcare in culturally diverse contexts. The idea of "song" enables access to a space of sanctuary wherein health inequities can be tackled in meaningful and decolonising ways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charulatha Mani
- School of Creative Arts and Media, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania , Australia
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Vaughan P, Dew A, Ngo A, Blayney A, Boydell K. Exploring Embodied Experience via Videoconferencing: A Method for Body Mapping Online. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF QUALITATIVE METHODS 2022; 21:16094069221145848. [PMID: 36536935 PMCID: PMC9749065 DOI: 10.1177/16094069221145848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Faced with a series of COVID-19 related lockdowns in Australia across 2020 and 2021, and anxious about the safety of our research participants, we developed a novel approach to body mapping, an arts-based research method typically undertaken in-person. We produced a facilitated body mapping workshop hosted via an online videoconferencing platform. Workshops brought together 29 participants with disability, mental distress and/or refugee background who used body mapping to represent their embodied experiences of stigma and discrimination. These workshops generated rich data, and participants reported a high level of satisfaction with the process. In this paper we describe our novel approach to body mapping, and share practical tips for others who wish to undertake body mapping remotely. We outline strengths associated with this method: increased accessibility, enhanced connection between participants, the formation of a space to explore challenging subject matter, the production of rich data, and the creation of diverse body maps. We also discuss shortcomings and challenges which those considering the method should be aware of: increased logistical burden, demands related to space, IT difficulties, the danger of over-sharing, and diminished cohort sizes. To our knowledge, this is the first paper to report on body mapping facilitated via web-based workshops. Here, we seek to provide practical advice and useful insights for others hoping to utilise body mapping online.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Angela Dew
- School of Health and Social Development, Faculty of Health, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia
| | - Akii Ngo
- Black Dog Institute, Randwick, NSW, Australia
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