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Lau SSS, Leung SSK, Wong JWC, Lee TCP, Cartwright SR, Wong JTC, Man J, Cheung E, Choi RPW. Brief repeated virtual nature contact for three weeks boosts university students' nature connectedness and psychological and physiological health during the COVID-19 pandemic: A pilot study. Front Public Health 2023; 10:1057020. [PMID: 36711407 PMCID: PMC9878182 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1057020] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic and its associated uncertainties and restrictions have adverse impacts on university students' mental wellbeing. Evidence shows that virtual nature contact has mental health benefits. However, little is known about the potential beneficial health impacts of virtual nature contact during times of social distancing, when access to the natural environment is restricted. This pilot study aimed to examine the effectiveness of a 3-week virtual nature contact in improving nature connectedness and reducing psychophysiological stress. A sample of 56 university students in Hong Kong was randomly assigned to control and nature interventions using 2-D video played for 15 min three times a week for 3 weeks. Nature connectedness, perceived restorativeness and psycho-physiological wellbeing were measured. Our findings show significant changes in psychological stress levels after nature interventions compared with the baseline, including increased happiness and stronger emotions of comfort and relaxation. When compared with the control group, the results show the nature intervention group has significantly higher levels of nature connectedness, happiness, and positive affect, but no significant effects on other psychological and physiological variables (e.g., cardiovascular responses). Our preliminary findings highlight the potential use of virtual nature contacts in bolstering university students' wellbeing at times of pandemic or when in-person visit to the natural environment is not feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam S. S. Lau
- Research Centre for Environment and Human Health, School of Continuing Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China,College of International Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China,Multidisciplinary Research Centre, School of Continuing Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China,Institute of Bioresources and Agriculture, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China,*Correspondence: Sam S. S. Lau ✉
| | - Sharron S. K. Leung
- Research Centre for Environment and Human Health, School of Continuing Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China,Division of Nursing Education, School of Continuing Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jonathan W. C. Wong
- Institute of Bioresources and Agriculture, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China,Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Terence C. P. Lee
- Research Centre for Environment and Human Health, School of Continuing Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China,College of International Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Stephen R. Cartwright
- Research Centre for Environment and Human Health, School of Continuing Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China,College of International Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Janet T. C. Wong
- Research Centre for Environment and Human Health, School of Continuing Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jackie Man
- Research Centre for Environment and Human Health, School of Continuing Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China,Multidisciplinary Research Centre, School of Continuing Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ethan Cheung
- Research Centre for Environment and Human Health, School of Continuing Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China,Multidisciplinary Research Centre, School of Continuing Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Regene P. W. Choi
- Research Centre for Environment and Human Health, School of Continuing Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Leung SSK, Lee AM, Wong DFK, Wong CM, Leung KY, Chiang VCL, Yung WK, Chan SWC, Chung KF. A brief group intervention using a cognitive-behavioural approach to reduce postnatal depressive symptoms: a randomised controlled trial. Hong Kong Med J 2016; 22 Suppl 2:S4-S8. [PMID: 26908335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- S S K Leung
- Institute of Professional Education, Hong Kong Baptist Hospital
| | - A M Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Hong Kong
| | - D F K Wong
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The City University of Hong Kong
| | - C M Wong
- Department of Community Medicine, The University of Hong Kong
| | - K Y Leung
- Department of Obstetric & Gynaecology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong
| | - V C L Chiang
- School of Nursing, Hong Kong Polytechnic University
| | - W K Yung
- Department of Obstetric & Gynaecology, Kwong Wah Hospital, Hong Kong
| | - S W C Chan
- Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, National University of Singapore
| | - K F Chung
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Hong Kong
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Chiang VCL, Leung SSK, Chui CYY, Leung AYM, Mak YW. Building life-long learning capacity in undergraduate nursing freshmen within an integrative and small group learning context. Nurse Educ Today 2013; 33:1184-1191. [PMID: 22673158 DOI: 10.1016/j.nedt.2012.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2011] [Revised: 04/26/2012] [Accepted: 05/07/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Life-long learning involves the development of skills in critical thinking (CT), effective group process (GP), and self-directedness (SDL). Recent studies have shown that small group learning with active interactions is effective in enabling students to develop themselves as independent learners beyond graduation. With a view to integrative learning, the purpose of this study was to evaluate life-long learning outcomes through the work of small group teaching and learning for a class of undergraduate nursing freshmen during one academic year. METHODS A mixed-methods approach was used to evaluate the CT, GP and SDL of 99 freshmen with a self-assessment questionnaire before and after their learning activities in three nursing courses, and to identify themes from a total of six focus group interviews with the students and teachers. RESULTS The CT, GP and SDL results obtained from self-assessment did not indicate significant differences. Four themes emerged from the qualitative analysis. DISCUSSION Many factors contributed to the results on life-long learning skill development of students in this study. The qualitative analysis provided good insights for future teaching and learning development. CONCLUSIONS With a developmental perspective, life-long learning may be better developed and evaluated over a longer period of time in the nursing program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vico C L Chiang
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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Leung AYM, Chan SSC, Kwan CW, Cheung MKT, Leung SSK, Fong DYT. Service learning in medical and nursing training: a randomized controlled trial. Adv Health Sci Educ Theory Pract 2012; 17:529-545. [PMID: 21964953 PMCID: PMC3433662 DOI: 10.1007/s10459-011-9329-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2011] [Accepted: 09/20/2011] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore the long term effect of a service learning project on medical and nursing students' knowledge in aging and their attitudes toward older adults. A total of 124 students were recruited and then randomized to intervention group (IG) and control group (CG). A pre-and-post-intervention design measured students' knowledge in aging (using modified Palmore's Fact on Aging Quiz) and attitudes toward older adults (using Kogan's Old People Scale). A total of 103 students completed all the activities and questionnaires. After the intervention, there were significant differences between the IG and CG on Palmore's mental health (MH) (P = .04), Palmore's total score (P = .02) and Kogan's negative attitudes toward older adults (P = .001). All students increased their positive attitude toward older adults after the intervention. However, both the IG and CG showed a decrease in positive attitudes 1 month after the interventon, and such decrease varied, depending on the programme which students attended. The current study showed that the 10-week service learning activities significantly increased medical and nursing students' overall knowledge of aging and their understanding of mental health needs in old age, and reduced their negative attitudes toward older adults. However, the effect is not long-lasting. On the other hand, its effect on positive attitudes toward older adults cannot be concluded. Periodic contacts with older adults via service learning activities may be needed to sustain attitude change toward older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Y M Leung
- School of Nursing, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 4th Floor, William Mong Block, Faculty of Medicine Building, 21 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, SAR, China.
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Fong DYT, Ho JWC, Hui BPH, Lee AM, Macfarlane DJ, Leung SSK, Cerin E, Chan WYY, Leung IPF, Lam SHS, Taylor AJ, Cheng KK. Physical activity for cancer survivors: meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. BMJ 2012; 344:e70. [PMID: 22294757 PMCID: PMC3269661 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.e70] [Citation(s) in RCA: 510] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To systematically evaluate the effects of physical activity in adult patients after completion of main treatment related to cancer. DESIGN Meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials with data extraction and quality assessment performed independently by two researchers. DATA SOURCES Pubmed, CINAHL, and Google Scholar from the earliest possible year to September 2011. References from meta-analyses and reviews. STUDY SELECTION Randomised controlled trials that assessed the effects of physical activity in adults who had completed their main cancer treatment, except hormonal treatment. RESULTS There were 34 randomised controlled trials, of which 22 (65%) focused on patients with breast cancer, and 48 outcomes in our meta-analysis. Twenty two studies assessed aerobic exercise, and four also included resistance or strength training. The median duration of physical activity was 13 weeks (range 3-60 weeks). Most control groups were considered sedentary or were assigned no exercise. Based on studies on patients with breast cancer, physical activity was associated with improvements in insulin-like growth factor-I, bench press, leg press, fatigue, depression, and quality of life. When we combined studies on different types of cancer, we found significant improvements in body mass index (BMI), body weight, peak oxygen consumption, peak power output, distance walked in six minutes, right handgrip strength, and quality of life. Sources of study heterogeneity included age, study quality, study size, and type and duration of physical activity. Publication bias did not alter our conclusions. CONCLUSIONS Physical activity has positive effects on physiology, body composition, physical functions, psychological outcomes, and quality of life in patients after treatment for breast cancer. When patients with cancer other than breast cancer were also included, physical activity was associated with reduced BMI and body weight, increased peak oxygen consumption and peak power output, and improved quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Y T Fong
- School of Nursing, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, China
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Lee ACK, Leung SSK, Mak YW. The application of family-nursing assessment skills: from classroom to hospital ward among final-year nursing undergraduates in Hong Kong. Nurse Educ Today 2012; 32:78-84. [PMID: 21345549 DOI: 10.1016/j.nedt.2011.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2009] [Revised: 01/15/2011] [Accepted: 01/19/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is little research on nursing students' application of family health assessment in clinical practice. OBJECTIVE To examine the effect of an elective course, Family in Health and Illness (FHI), on year 4 nursing students' family health assessment and practice. METHODS A quasi-experimental design was used. One hundred and twenty students completed pre- and post-course questionnaires, after taking FHI (n=49) or a course in Women's Health (WH; n=71) in a baccalaureate nursing program in Hong Kong. Students rated their interest in family assessment and appraised their own confidence and competence in practicing family nursing before the courses commenced, immediately after, and three months post course completion. In addition, their perceived ease of applying family assessment in practice was measured. RESULTS Students who had taken FHI reported significantly higher interest than those who had not immediately after the course and three months later. The perceived ease of functional assessment immediate after the course was the only predictor of confidence and competence in practicing family nursing (B=0.76, 95% CI=1.37-8.23, p=0.011) at the 3-month follow-up after controlling for age and baseline measures. Level of interest (B=0.44, 95% CI=4.55-0.13, p=0.040) was an additional predictor of nurse-patient relationship at the 3-month follow-up. CONCLUSION Educational input to nursing students may foster their interest and confidence in working with families in clinical settings. Further studies are needed to examine the factors impeding actual application of family nursing assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel C K Lee
- College of Life Science and Technology, Hong Kong University School of Professional And Continuing Education, Hong Kong, China
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Leung SSK, Chiang VCL, Chui YY, Mak YW, Wong DFK. A brief cognitive-behavioral stress management program for secondary school teachers. J Occup Health 2010; 53:23-35. [PMID: 21079374 DOI: 10.1539/joh.l10037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a brief cognitive-behavioral program that was designed to reduce the work-related stress levels of secondary school teachers. METHODS A quasi-experimental design was used to compare the intervention groups with the wait-list control groups. Seventy teachers from the intervention groups and 54 from the control groups completed a set of validated scales at the baseline and 3-4 wk later. The scales included the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, the Dysfunctional Attitude Scale-Form A, the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II, and the Occupational Stress Inventory Revised Edition. RESULTS After controlling for the baseline measures, the intervention groups had significantly lower role stress, personal strain and overall work-related stress 3-4 wk after the baseline measurements. The intervention groups also had significantly higher stress management behaviors, and less general stress and dysfunctional thoughts than the control groups (all p≤0.05). The levels of dysfunctional thoughts and stress management behaviors significantly predicted general stress after intervention and personal resource deficits. The level of dysfunctional thoughts also predicted the personal strain of work-related stresses (all p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS The brief program reported in this study was efficacious in reducing the work-related stress of secondary teachers. Teachers experienced less work-related stress after the program, and they reported reduced dysfunctional thoughts and enhanced stress management behaviors. This program may be considered as an initial strategy for teachers to develop skills to cope with their work-related stress in the short term and could be incorporated with other strategies to achieve longer-term effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharron S K Leung
- School of Nursing, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, PRC.
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Leung SSK, Stewart SM, Wong JPS, Ho DSY, Fong DYT, Lam TH. The association between adolescents' depressive symptoms, maternal negative affect, and family relationships in Hong Kong: cross-sectional and longitudinal findings. J Fam Psychol 2009; 23:636-645. [PMID: 19803600 DOI: 10.1037/a0016379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the bidirectional relationships of adolescents' and maternal mood, and the moderating effect by gender and perceived family relationships on these relationships. Data were obtained from 626 adolescent-mother dyads and follow-up data were collected one year later from a subset. Adolescents reported their depressive symptoms, and their mothers reported their negative affect. Adolescents described their perception of family relationships. Maternal negative affect and adolescents' depressive symptoms were significantly correlated at baseline. This association was moderated by gender and family relationships. The association was stronger in mother-daughter compared to mother-son dyads. In families where relationships were reported to be poor, adolescent depressive symptoms were uniformly high, regardless of maternal negative affect. However, in families where relationships were good, maternal negative affect was associated with higher adolescents' depressive symptoms. In longitudinal analyses, adolescents' mood at baseline was found to relate to maternal negative affect at follow-up. Family relationships at baseline were also associated with adolescents' depressive symptoms at follow-up. However, there was no prediction from maternal negative affect at baseline to adolescents' depressive symptoms at follow-up. Gender and quality of family relationships did not moderate the longitudinal relationships between adolescents' depressive symptoms and maternal negative affect in either direction.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES Mental health literacy is fundamental to the pursuit of health. Little is known about patients' literacy levels regarding depression even though it is common among elderly stroke survivors. This paper will report the level of mental health literacy and thematic constructs of depression interpreted by a group of stroke survivors. METHOD Qualitative data on patients' understanding of 'depression' in Chinese were translated and analyzed by an academic and a researcher separately to identify emerging constructs using a thematic approach. Out of 214 ischemic stroke older adults, aged 50+, 85 were able to explain the term in their own words after their first stroke attack. RESULTS The majority of stroke patients (60%, 129 out of 214) had never heard of depression and only four referred to it as a medical disease. Only a third would like to learn more about depression. Older Chinese adults depicted depression mainly by using words in the cognitive and affective domains, but the descriptors used were mostly non-specific and might not match the diagnostic criteria for depression or the commonly used screening tools. CONCLUSION Low mental health literacy among older patients indicated that much more work needs to be done in health promotion and education on depression literacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- A C K Lee
- Department of Nursing Studies, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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Chan SSC, Leung GM, Tiwari AFY, Salili F, Leung SSK, Wong DCN, Wong ASF, Lai ASF, Lam TH. The impact of work-related risk on nurses during the SARS outbreak in Hong Kong. Fam Community Health 2005; 28:274-87. [PMID: 15958885 DOI: 10.1097/00003727-200507000-00008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a highly infectious disease, with high potential for transmission to close contacts, particularly among healthcare workers. This is the first systematic study investigating hospital nurses' physical and psychological health status and the kinds of healthcare used-stratified by the level of contact with SARS patients-during the 2003 outbreak in Hong Kong. Nurses in moderate-risk areas appeared to have more stress symptoms than those working in high-risk areas. It is essential to design hospital support systems and occupational health policy to promote the psychological well-being of nurses during future outbreaks of emerging infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia S C Chan
- Department of Nursing Studies, the Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, China.
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Leung SSK, Martinson IM, Arthur D. Postpartum depression and related psychosocial variables in Hong Kong Chinese women: Findings from a prospective study. Res Nurs Health 2004; 28:27-38. [PMID: 15625707 DOI: 10.1002/nur.20053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Research on predictors of postpartum depression (PPD) in Hong Kong (HK) Chinese women is scant. A prospective study with 385 HK Chinese postpartum women was conducted to identify correlations between PPD and demographic variables, and antenatal depression and psychosocial variables, and to determine which of these variables were predictors of PPD. Using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), we classified 19.8% of participants as postnatally depressed. Fifty-six percent of the variance in PPD was explained by social support and stress factors. However, social support factors accounted for only a small percentage of that variance. The major predictors were antenatal depression, postnatal perceived stress, and childcare stress. HK women may benefit from a culturally appropriate intervention focused on reducing stress in the postpartum period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharron S K Leung
- Department of Nursing Studies, The University of Hong Kong, Room 11, 4/F, Academic and Administration Block, Faculty of Medicine Building, 21 Sassoon Road, Hong Kong
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