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Impacts of therapeutic horticulture on happiness and loneliness in institutionalized clients with mental health conditions
- Authors:
- MOURAO Isabel, et al
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 85(2), 2022, pp.111-119.
- Publisher:
- Sage
Introduction: Therapeutic horticulture (TH) can be considered a non-pharmacological approach to support psychiatric treatments for the improvement of physical and mental health, but information is lacking on whether it has advantages as compared to more conventional occupational therapies (OTs). Method: The study focused on institutionalized 25 clients attending TH among other OTs and 15 clients attending OT other than TH. The measures used were the 'Subjective Happiness Scale' (SHS) and the 'Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale for Adults' (SELSA-S), along with sociodemographic and clinical data. The study design was descriptive, observational and cross-sectional. Results: Scores obtained from the SHS and SELSA-S were generally similar for both groups, although 40% of clients in the TH group perceived relaxation. These are in agreement with previous studies performed with chronic schizophrenia clients reporting that TH might effectively decrease depression/anxiety symptoms, but the feeling of hopelessness and quality of life did not change, probably due to long-term institutionalization and required medication that may limit other effects. Within the TH group, clients preferred specific horticultural tasks and more days/week attending activities decreased loneliness and increased happiness. Conclusion: TH interventions as an integrative treatment option merits further study on both process and outcome evaluation, to maximize its effectiveness. (Edited publisher abstract)
“Should WE stand together?”: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effectiveness of family-based interventions for adults with chronic physical diseases
- Authors:
- SOUSA Helena, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Family Process, 60(4), 2021, pp.1098-1116.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Family support has been identified as an important factor for the psychological adjustment of patients with chronic physical conditions. This study aimed to systematically review and conduct a meta-analysis of studies comparing the effectiveness of family-based versus patient-oriented interventions for chronic physical conditions. The search was performed between April 12 and April 29, 2021, on Web of Science (all databases included), Scopus, PsycINFO, and CENTRAL. Thirteen RCTs were included. The results favored family-based interventions for various patient outcomes related to pain, distress, self-efficacy, social and emotional function, coping, the welfare of the domestic environment, capacity to mobilize social support, and sexual relationships with medium to large effect sizes (Cohen's d range: 0.45–0.90). This type of intervention also decreased family members’ anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and distress, improving search and presence of meaning in life, social support, the support provided to the patient, and sexual relationships with medium to very large effect sizes (Cohen's d range: 0.58–2.76). The meta-analytical findings suggested that the patients’ (k = 12, d = 0.34; 95% CI = 0.13–0.55, I2 = 74%, p < 0.01) and family members’ (k = 4, d = 0.68; 95% CI = 0.08–1.27, I2 = 88%, p < 0.01) psychosocial outcomes significantly improved with family-based interventions compared with patient-oriented interventions. The meta-analysis of patients’ self-efficacy showed a medium-size effect (d = 0.64; k = 3; I2 = 19%). The results suggest a trend toward the beneficial effects of family-based interventions, but more research is needed with higher quality RCTs to confirm this hypothesis. (Edited publisher abstract)
Music-based interventions for people living with dementia, targeting behavioral and psychological symptoms: a scoping review
- Authors:
- SOUSA Lidia, et al
- Journal article citation:
- International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 36(11), 2021, pp.1664-1690.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Introduction: Dementia care is a major public health issue worldwide. The management of behavioral and psychological symptoms (BPSD) is one of the hardest challenges in this context. Non-pharmacological strategies, like music-based interventions (Mbi), seem promising options, being considered low-risk, widely available and inclusive. This scoping review aimed at mapping all Mbi used in dementia care, targeting BPSD, and debriefing its components, structure and rationale. Music therapy and other therapeutic music activities were included. Methods: The Arksey and O'Malley framework, Cochrane recommendations and PRISMA checklist were followed. Embase, PubMed, PsycINFO, ASSIA and Humanities Index were searched from first records until the 31st of March 2020. Snowballing process and screening of relevant journals were also undertaken. A panel of experts critically guided the evidence synthesis. Results: Overall, 103 studies (34 RCT; 12 NRT; 40 Before/After studies and 17 Case Studies) met inclusion criteria. Basic elements of the Mbi, the rationale supporting its development and hypothesis tested were mostly underreported, thus hampering cross-study comparisons and generalizations. Despite this, available evidence indicates that: it is feasible to deliver Mbi to PwD at very different stages and in different settings - from community to the acute setting - even for non-music therapists; positive or neutral effects in BPSD are often reported but not without exception; individualization seems a critical factor mediating Mbi effects. Conclusions: Detailed intervention and research reporting are essential to interpretation, replication and translation into practice. Ten years after the publication of specific reporting guidelines, this goal is not yet fully achieved in music in dementia care. (Edited publisher abstract)
Parents’ perceived social support and children’s psychological adjustment
- Authors:
- NUNES Cristina, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Social Work, 21(3), 2021, pp.497-512.
- Publisher:
- Sage
Summary: Perceived social support has often been investigated due to its direct and indirect effects in reducing the impact of several risk factors on physical and psychological well-being. Moreover, many studies have revealed a link between social support and positive parenting, which in turn has an impact on children’s well-being. In Portugal, there is a significant lack of studies in this area. The aim of the present study was to analyze the relationship between parents’ perceived social support and children’s psychological adjustment. The sample consisted of 409 parents (83.13% mothers) living in the region of Algarve (South of Portugal). The Duke-UNC Functional Social Support and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaires were used. Findings: The results showed that, on average, families had a social support network of nine people, with a balanced presence of family (M = 4.25, SD = 3.54) and friends (M = 4.36, SD = 3.17). Parents reported medium-high levels of confidant and affective support, but instrumental support was lower. However, single-parent families, immigrant families, and divorced parents were found to be more socially isolated and received less support than they needed. Affective social support showed predictive value for child psychological adjustment. Applications: These findings suggest that developing universal and selective parental education and support programs that focus on strengthening informal social support networks is needed, especially for vulnerable families. Implications for social workers who intervene with families are discussed. (Edited publisher abstract)
The role of social support in suicidal ideation: a comparison of employed vs. unemployed people
- Authors:
- FARIAS Miguel, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Mental Health, 29(1), 2020, pp.52-59.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- London
Background: With the financial crisis, the number of unemployed has grown up, and so has suicidal ideation in these individuals. Although extensive research has been done about the factors associated with it, studies about protective factors are also necessary. Aims: To examine the relationship between unemployment and suicidal ideation, and the protective effect of social support. Methods: Participants were 149 people in full-time employment (age M = 41.63, SD = 10.37), 55 unemployed (M = 42.25, SD = 10.23 years), and 32.72 months average unemployment time (SD = 26.13). Instruments were a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Suicide Ideation Questionnaire (SIQ) and the Social Support Appraisal (SSA). Results: Suicidal ideation was significantly higher in the unemployed group, and positively associated with duration of unemployment. Social support, both from family and friends, was found to be a protective factor in suicidal ideation, particularly in long-term unemployment. Limitations: Cross-sectional study, convenience sample. Conclusions: Suicidal ideation is markedly present in unemployed individuals, particularly those unemployed for a year or more, and social support from family and friends may act as a significant protective factor. (Publisher abstract)
Emotional and behavioral problems and psychosocial skills in adolescents in residential care
- Authors:
- CAMPOS Joana, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal, 36(3), 2019, pp.237-246.
- Publisher:
- Springer
Research suggests that mental health problems in adolescents in residential care (RC) are more prevalent than for youth in the community, and that psychosocial competencies are protective factors of mental health. This study compared adolescents in RC in Portugal, with a Portuguese community sample on the incidence of mental health problems and psychosocial skills, explored gender differences and the relationships between mental health problems and psychosocial competencies. Four hundred and forty-three adolescents in RC participated. Results showed that the RC adolescents had higher levels of mental health problems lower academic achievement, a poorer social support network, but were more involved in sports and hobbies, household chores than the adolescents in the normative sample. Gender differences were observed. Psychosocial skills were negatively correlated with mental health problems. These findings indicate an urgent need in Portugal for early screening of mental health problems and socio-cognitive interventions for youth in RC. (Edited publisher abstract)
Children's right to participate in early childhood education settings: a systematic review
- Authors:
- CORREIA Nadine, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Children and Youth Services Review, 100, 2019, pp.76-88.
- Publisher:
- Elsevier
Children's right to participate is considered pivotal for establishing a culture of democracy and citizenship. Although this is not a new concept, its application remains a challenge. This review aims to map peer-reviewed empirical research conducted on children's right to participate, in center-based early childhood education settings, from 1980 on. A systematic literature search was performed and 36 studies met the inclusion criteria. Findings suggest a limited number of publications, conducted mostly in northern Europe countries, in the education field. Regarding definitions and theoretical backgrounds, sociological, legal, democratic, and educational discourses converge. There is a prominence of qualitative studies, a greater focus of research on ideas about participation, and, to a lesser extent, a focus on practices to promote participation. There is more emphasis on teacher's perspectives and practices, with few studies relying on children as informants, and limited sound measures to assess children's participation. Future research should rely on multiple informants, and investigate associations between this right and children's individual outcomes. (Edited publisher abstract)
The relationship between frailty, functional dependence, and healthcare needs among community‐dwelling people with moderate to severe dementia
- Authors:
- ABREU Wilson, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Health and Social Care in the Community, 27(3), 2019, pp.642-653.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
This paper examines the healthcare needs of community‐dwelling older people living in Porto, Portugal, diagnosed with moderate or severe dementia, linked to functional dependency, cognitive decline, limitations in the activities of daily life, and frailty levels. A sample of 83 participants was recruited. Data were collected between 2013 and 2017. A sociodemographic questionnaire, the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR), the Barthel Index (BI), the Lawton and Brody Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) Scale, and the Edmonton Frail Scale (EFS) were used. A set of 26 healthcare needs was defined to support the assessment. The Pearson chi‐square or Fisher's exact test (as appropriate) was used to examine the association of the needs (unmet and met) with the levels of dementia and frailty. Participants were diagnosed previously with moderate or severe dementia and benefited from a structured home‐care program. There was a high number rated as “severe dementia,” “fully dependent,” “severely or fully dependent in the activities of daily living (ADL),” and “severe frailty.” There were statistically significant differences among needs identified in people with moderate or severe dementia and moderate or severe frailty. The most prevalent healthcare needs in the sample were food preparation, medication/taking pills, looking after their home, toilet use, sensory problems, communication/interaction, bladder, bowels, eating and drinking, memory, sleeping, and falls prevention. In particular, the study identifies a set of needs that are present simultaneously in both frailty and dementia stages. This study underlines that despite well‐structured home‐care programs for people with dementia, unmet health needs remain. Timely healthcare needs assessment may help professionals to avoid fragmented care and to tailor quality‐integrated interventions, including the emotional and psychological balance of the caregiver. (Edited publisher abstract)
Effects of a community intervention program for dementia on mental health: the importance of secondary caregivers in promoting positive aspects and reducing strain
- Authors:
- PAUL Constanca, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Community Mental Health Journal, 55(2), 2019, pp.296-303.
- Publisher:
- Springer
The study presents a community intervention program targeted at caregivers of individuals with dementia, and assesses its main outcomes in terms of caregiver strain, positive aspects of care, and physical and mental health. A total of 187 caregivers completed a 10-week psychoeducational program and were assessed at baseline, post intervention and at 6-month follow-up. The evaluation of the program was performed using multivariable linear mixed effect models. Results showed an improvement in mental health, an increasing of satisfaction with care, and a lessening of caregiving strain. Nevertheless, such effects were distinctively associated with important objective circumstances of care, namely the existence of a secondary caregiver, the number of hours of care, the dependency level of the care-recipient, and the age of the caregiver. To foster wellbeing of the caregivers, intervention should particularly focus on the share of caregiving with others, and on uncovering positive aspects of care. (Edited publisher abstract)
A process to evaluate an iTV platform to enhance seniors’ access to information about public and social services
- Authors:
- SILVA Telmo, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Working with Older People, 22(4), 2018, pp.224-233.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to present a process to evaluate the usability and usefulness of a high-fidelity prototype of the +TV4E platform (removed for blind review), an iTV service which aims to promote the info-inclusion and quality of life of Portuguese seniors by delivering informative contents about public and social services. Design/methodology/approach: The research presented in this study is qualitative and uses an inclusive and participatory co-design process involving seniors to evaluate usability of an iTV service with support of the Post-Study System Usability Questionnaire (PSSUQ) tool and a questionnaire survey. The participants were 11 individuals, over 65 years enrolled in an adult day care center in Aveiro city, Portugal (removed for blind review). Findings: Findings from this study allowed to assess some key aspects in the +TV4E platform implementation that should be addressed in its final version. Using the PSSUQ tool as well as a questionnaire survey confirmed the relevance of this platform to meet seniors’ informational needs. Originality/value: This original research offers insights on how valuable is including potential users in the development and test phases of an innovative technology which intends to offer more adequate tools to improve seniors’ info-inclusion and quality of life. Also, it is possible to understand what should be considered when evaluating a prototype intended to be used by seniors. (Publisher abstract)