1
|
Correia de Barros A, Bergmans M, Hasanaj K, Krasniqi D, Nóbrega C, Carvalho Carneiro B, Vasconcelos PA, Quinta-Gomes AL, Nobre PJ, Couto da Silva J, Mendes-Santos C. Evaluating the User Experience of a Smartphone-Delivered Sexual Health Promotion Program for Older Adults in the Netherlands: Single-Arm Pilot Study. JMIR Hum Factors 2024; 11:e56206. [PMID: 38568726 PMCID: PMC11024746 DOI: 10.2196/56206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual health is an important component of quality of life in older adults. However, older adults often face barriers to attaining a fulfilling sexual life because of issues such as stigma, lack of information, or difficult access to adequate support. OBJECTIVE We aimed to evaluate the user experience of a self-guided, smartphone-delivered program to promote sexual health among older adults. METHODS The mobile app was made available to community-dwelling older adults in the Netherlands, who freely used the app for 8 weeks. User experience and its respective components were assessed using self-developed questionnaires, the System Usability Scale, and semistructured interviews. Quantitative and qualitative data were descriptively and thematically analyzed, respectively. RESULTS In total, 15 participants (mean age 71.7, SD 9.5 years) completed the trial. Participants showed a neutral to positive stance regarding the mobile app's usefulness and ease of use. Usability was assessed as "Ok/Fair." The participants felt confident about using the mobile app. To increase user experience, participants offered suggestions to improve content and interaction, including access to specialized sexual health services. CONCLUSIONS The sexual health promotion program delivered through a smartphone in a self-guided mode was usable. Participants' perception is that improvements to user experience, namely in content and interaction, as well as connection to external services, will likely improve usefulness and acceptance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Catarina Nóbrega
- Center for Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Bruna Carvalho Carneiro
- Center for Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Priscila A Vasconcelos
- Center for Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Luísa Quinta-Gomes
- Center for Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro J Nobre
- Center for Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mendes-Santos C, Nóbrega C, Quinta-Gomes AL, Weiderpass E, Santana R, Andersson G. Validation of the Portuguese version of the supportive care needs survey short-form questionnaire (SCNS-SF34-Pt) and the breast cancer supplementary module (SCNS-BR8-Pt). J Psychosoc Oncol 2023:1-20. [PMID: 37975563 DOI: 10.1080/07347332.2023.2282015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to test the psychometric properties of the Portuguese Supportive Care Needs Survey-Short Form-34 (SCNS-SF34-Pt) and its breast cancer-specific complementary module (SCNS-BR8-Pt). A further aim was to characterize Portuguese Breast Cancer Survivors' (BCS) unmet supportive care needs, using these measures. METHODS A convenient sample of BCS was recruited from five hospitals in Portugal and invited to complete SCNS-SF34-Pt and SCNS-BR8-Pt, EORTCQLQC30 and QLQBR23, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and the Patient Health-Questionnaire. The validity (i.e. convergent, discriminant and convergent validity) and reliability of SCNS-SF34-Pt and SCNS-BR8-Pt were statistically evaluated. BCS' unmet supportive care needs were descriptively assessed. FINDINGS 336 BCS participated in the study. A four-factor solution was produced for SCNS-SF34-Pt. This solution included the Physical and daily living needs, Psychological needs, Sexuality needs, and Health system, information, and patient support needs dimensions (73% of the total variance; Cronbach's alpha=.82 to .97). SCNS-SF34-Pt demonstrated good convergent validity. It could also discriminate between known-groups regarding age, disease staging, treatment performed, and ECOG performance status. SCNS-BR8-Pt revealed a single-factor structure (62% of the total variance; Cronbach's alpha=.91).Portuguese BCS' most prevalent unmet supportive care needs were associated with the Psychological, and Physical and daily living domains. Fear of cancer spreading, the inability to do things as usual, and lack of energy/tiredness were perceived as issues requiring further supportive care. CONCLUSIONS SCNS-SF34-Pt and the SCNS-BR8-Pt are valid and reliable tools to assess Portuguese BCS' unmet supportive care needs. Fear of cancer spreading and lack of energy/tiredness concerns should be a target of supportive care services.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Catarina Nóbrega
- Center for Psychology at the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | | | | | - Rui Santana
- NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Gerhard Andersson
- Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Psychiatry Section, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Brito DVC, Esteves F, Rajado AT, Silva N, Araújo I, Bragança J, Castelo-Branco P, Nóbrega C. Assessing cognitive decline in the aging brain: lessons from rodent and human studies. NPJ Aging 2023; 9:23. [PMID: 37857723 PMCID: PMC10587123 DOI: 10.1038/s41514-023-00120-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
As life expectancy continues to increase worldwide, age-related dysfunction will largely impact our societies in the future. Aging is well established to promote the deterioration of cognitive function and is the primary risk factor for the development of prevalent neurological disorders. Even in the absence of dementia, age-related cognitive decline impacts specific types of memories and brain structures in humans and animal models. Despite this, preclinical and clinical studies that investigate age-related changes in brain physiology often use largely different methods, which hinders the translational potential of findings. This review seeks to integrate what is known about age-related changes in the brain with analogue cognitive tests used in humans and rodent studies, ranging from "pen and paper" tests to virtual-reality-based paradigms. Finally, we draw parallels between the behavior paradigms used in research compared to the enrollment into clinical trials that aim to study age-related cognitive decline.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D V C Brito
- Algarve Biomedical Center-Research Institute (ABC-RI), Campus Gambelas, Bld.2, Faro, Portugal
- Algarve Biomedical Center- (ABC), Campus Gambelas, Bld.2, Faro, Portugal
| | - F Esteves
- Algarve Biomedical Center-Research Institute (ABC-RI), Campus Gambelas, Bld.2, Faro, Portugal
- Algarve Biomedical Center- (ABC), Campus Gambelas, Bld.2, Faro, Portugal
| | - A T Rajado
- Algarve Biomedical Center-Research Institute (ABC-RI), Campus Gambelas, Bld.2, Faro, Portugal
- Algarve Biomedical Center- (ABC), Campus Gambelas, Bld.2, Faro, Portugal
| | - N Silva
- Algarve Biomedical Center-Research Institute (ABC-RI), Campus Gambelas, Bld.2, Faro, Portugal
- Algarve Biomedical Center- (ABC), Campus Gambelas, Bld.2, Faro, Portugal
| | - I Araújo
- Algarve Biomedical Center-Research Institute (ABC-RI), Campus Gambelas, Bld.2, Faro, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (FMCB), University of Algarve, Gambelas Campus, Bld.2, Faro, Portugal
- Champalimaud Research Program, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - J Bragança
- Algarve Biomedical Center-Research Institute (ABC-RI), Campus Gambelas, Bld.2, Faro, Portugal
- Algarve Biomedical Center- (ABC), Campus Gambelas, Bld.2, Faro, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (FMCB), University of Algarve, Gambelas Campus, Bld.2, Faro, Portugal
- Champalimaud Research Program, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - P Castelo-Branco
- Algarve Biomedical Center-Research Institute (ABC-RI), Campus Gambelas, Bld.2, Faro, Portugal
- Algarve Biomedical Center- (ABC), Campus Gambelas, Bld.2, Faro, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (FMCB), University of Algarve, Gambelas Campus, Bld.2, Faro, Portugal
- Champalimaud Research Program, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - C Nóbrega
- Algarve Biomedical Center-Research Institute (ABC-RI), Campus Gambelas, Bld.2, Faro, Portugal.
- Algarve Biomedical Center- (ABC), Campus Gambelas, Bld.2, Faro, Portugal.
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (FMCB), University of Algarve, Gambelas Campus, Bld.2, Faro, Portugal.
- Champalimaud Research Program, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Vasconcelos P, Gomez Ponce de Leon R, Serruya SJ, Carneiro B, Nóbrega C, Pereira R, Quinta Gomes A, Paúl MC, Nobre PJ. A Systematic Review on Psychological Interventions for Sexual Health in Older Age. Int J Sex Health 2023; 35:399-413. [PMID: 38595928 PMCID: PMC10903596 DOI: 10.1080/19317611.2023.2215766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Objectives The present review aims to identify the existing evidence on outcome-treatment studies of psychological sexual health interventions in older age. Methods A systematic search was conducted for studies published until October 2022. Data search was conducted on EBSCO, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases. Results From 30,840 screened records, 12 reports were selected. Results were grouped into four categories according to the intervention that was implemented. Conclusions Despite results presenting some bias concerns, this review suggests that educational and cognitive-behavioral approaches seem to be effective for promoting sexual health in older age.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Priscila Vasconcelos
- Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, Center for Psychology at University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rodolfo Gomez Ponce de Leon
- Centro Latinoamericano de Perinatología, Salud de la Mujer y Reproductiva (CLAP-SMR/OPS-OMS), Montevideo,Uruguay
| | - Suzanne J. Serruya
- Centro Latinoamericano de Perinatología, Salud de la Mujer y Reproductiva (CLAP-SMR/OPS-OMS), Montevideo,Uruguay
| | - Bruna Carneiro
- Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, Center for Psychology at University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Catarina Nóbrega
- Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, Center for Psychology at University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Raquel Pereira
- Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, Center for Psychology at University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Quinta Gomes
- Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, Center for Psychology at University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Pedro J. Nobre
- Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, Center for Psychology at University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Oliveira C, Pereira A, Vagos P, Nóbrega C, Gonçalves J, Afonso B. Effectiveness of Mobile App-Based Psychological Interventions for College Students: A Systematic Review of the Literature. Front Psychol 2021; 12:647606. [PMID: 34045994 PMCID: PMC8144454 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.647606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Serious mental health disorders are increasing among college students and university counseling services are often overburdened. Mobile applications for mental health have been growing exponentially in the last decade and they are emerging in university settings as a promising tool to promote and intervene in college students' mental health. Additionally, considering the recent covid-19 pandemic, mHealth interventions, due to its nature and possibilities, may play an important role in these institutions. Our main objectives are to explore mhealth interventions in universities, regarding its conceptual framework, acceptability and efficacy outcomes and understand its impact and contributions to address treatment delivery and psychological difficulties resulting from covid-19 pandemic. The literature search was conducted in scientific databases, namely, Web of Science, Pubmed, and Scopus. A search in app stores was not conducted, thus regarding commercially available apps, only those found in our database search were included in our review. We selected studies with mobile applications addressing psychological interventions for college students. A total of 2,158 participants were included in the 8 selected studies and most interventions were delivered through mobile apps only and based in cognitive behavioral therapy. Results suggested that college students accept and adhere to these interventions and preliminary evidence of efficacy was demonstrated in different disorders, such as stress, anxiety, depression and risky behaviors such as alcohol and tobacco abuse and sexual knowledge. We conclude that universities, particularly college counseling services, may benefit from mhealth interventions, not only to address college students' mental health but to decrease some of its difficulties related to lack of human resources. Specifically in covid-19 pandemic context, these interventions may contribute significantly by promoting and delivering psychological interventions at a safe distance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carla Oliveira
- Department of Education and Psychology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Anabela Pereira
- Department of Education and Psychology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Paula Vagos
- Department of Psychology and Education, Portucalense Institute for Human Development (INPP), Universidade Portucalense, Porto, Portugal
| | - Catarina Nóbrega
- Department of Education and Psychology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - José Gonçalves
- Department of Education and Psychology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Beatriz Afonso
- Department of Education and Psychology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Nogueira A, Vala H, Nóbrega C, Pires C, Colaço B, Oliveira P, Pires M. New Therapeutic Approaches to Chronic Kidney Disease. J Comp Pathol 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2017.10.098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
7
|
Fernandes E, Martins V, Nóbrega C, Carvalho C, Cardoso F, Cardoso S, Dias J, Deng D, Kluskens L, Freitas P, Azeredo J. A bacteriophage detection tool for viability assessment of Salmonella cells. Biosens Bioelectron 2014; 52:239-46. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2013.08.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2013] [Revised: 08/26/2013] [Accepted: 08/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
|
8
|
Cabral M, Ortiz A, Venâncio C, Mesquita J, Nóbrega C, Silva A, Vala H, Ferreira D. Histological Evaluation of the Spleen after Acute Bleeding Followed by Volume Replacement with Two Different Physiological Solutions. J Comp Pathol 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2013.11.182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
9
|
Khadem M, Camacho R, Nóbrega C. Studies of the species barrier between Drosophila subobscura and D. madeirensis V: the importance of sex-linked inversion in preserving species identity. J Evol Biol 2011; 24:1263-73. [PMID: 21443648 DOI: 10.1111/j.1420-9101.2011.02263.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The X chromosome is known to exert a disproportionately large effect on characters related to post-zygotic reproductive isolation. There is also growing evidence about the important role of the chromosomal regions with reduced recombination (such as inversions) in maintaining the identity of closely related species. Using molecular markers, we examine the effect of different regions of the X chromosome on determination of hybrid traits (viability, testes size, sperm motility and morphological anomalies) in hybrid males between Drosophila madeirensis and Drosophila subobscura. The preponderant effect of a region localized inside the A2 inversion in the X chromosome in all hybrid traits is identified. Other marked regions exert a weaker influence or only influence some of the hybrid trait. Our results confirm the crucial role of sex-linked chromosomal inversion in preserving the identity of species with incomplete reproductive isolation. The specific genomic make-up of parental lines used to perform crosses has a great effect on hybrid fitness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Khadem
- Isoplexis-Germoplasma, Universidade da Madeira, Campus da Penteada, Funchal, Portugal.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Nóbrega C. [Nursing care for patients undergoing interferon therapy]. Servir 1989; 37:2-7. [PMID: 2474855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
|