Search results for ‘Subject term:"mental health problems"’ Sort:
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The quality of life, mental health, and perceived stigma of leprosy patients in Bangladesh
- Authors:
- TSUTSUMI Atsuro, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Social Science and Medicine, 64(12), June 2007, pp.2443-2453.
- Publisher:
- Elsevier
The present study aims to determine the quality of life (QOL) and general mental health of leprosy patients compared with the general population, and evaluate contributing factors such as socio-economic characteristics and perceived stigma. A total of 189 patients (160 outpatients, 29 inpatients) and 200 controls without leprosy or other chronic diseases were selected from Dhaka district, Bangladesh, using stratified random sampling. A Bangladeshi version of a structured questionnaire including socio-demographic characteristics—the Bangla version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment BREF (WHOQOL-BREF)—was used to assess QOL; a Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ) was used to evaluate general mental health; the Barthel Index to control activities of daily living (ADL); and the authors’ Perceived Stigma Questionnaire was used to assess perceived stigma of patients with leprosy. Medical records were examined to evaluate disability grades and impairment. QOL and general mental health scores of leprosy patients were worse than those of the general population. Multiple regression analysis revealed that factors potentially contributing to the deteriorated QOL of leprosy patients were the presence of perceived stigma, fewer years of education, the presence of deformities, and a lower annual income. Perceived stigma showed the greatest association with adverse QOL. The authors conclude that there is an urgent need for interventions sensitive to the effects of perceived stigma, gender, and medical conditions to improve the QOL and mental health of Bangladeshi leprosy patients.
Effectiveness of befriending interventions: a systematic review and meta-analysis
- Authors:
- SIETTE Joyce, CASSIDY Megan, PRIEBE Stefan
- Journal article citation:
- BMJ Open, 7(4), 2017, Online only
- Publisher:
- BMJ Publishing Group
Objective: Befriending is an emotional supportive relationship in which one-to-one companionship is provided on a regular basis by a volunteer. It is commonly and increasingly offered by the voluntary sector for individuals with distressing physical and mental conditions. However, the effectiveness of this intervention on health outcomes is largely unknown. This systematic review examines the benefits of befriending. Design: Systematic review Methods: A systematic search of electronic databases was conducted to identify randomised controlled trials and quasi-experimental trials of befriending for a range of physical and mental health indications including depression, anxiety, mental illness, cancer, physical illness and dementia. Main outcomes included patient-relevant and disease-specific outcomes, such as depression, loneliness, quality of life, self-esteem, social support and well-being. Results: A total of 14 trials (2411 participants) were included; 7 were judged at low risk of bias. Most trials showed improvement in symptoms associated with befriending but these associations did not reach statistical significance in all trials. Befriending was significantly associated with better patient-reported outcomes across primary measures. However, there was no significant benefit on single outcomes, including depression, quality of life, loneliness ratings, self-esteem measures, social support structures and well-being. Conclusions: There was moderate quality evidence to support the use of befriending for the treatment of individuals with different physical and mental health conditions. This evidence refers to an overall improvement benefit in patient-reported primary outcomes, although with a rather small effect size. The current evidence base does not allow for firm conclusions on more specific outcomes. Future trials should hypothesise a model for the precise effects of befriending and use specified inclusion and outcome criteria. (Edited publisher abstract)
Effectiveness of a supportive housing program for homeless adults with mental illness and substance use: a two-group controlled trial
- Authors:
- GUTMAN Sharon A., RAPHAEL-GREENFIELD Emily I.
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 80(5), 2017, p.286–293.
- Publisher:
- Sage
Introduction: The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a housing transition programme for homeless shelter residents with chronic mental illness and substance use. Method: A two-group controlled study design was used to assess the programme, with 10 participants in an intervention group and 10 in a control group. Goal attainment scaling and quality of life ratings were used pre- and post-intervention to determine if a statistically significant difference existed between groups at post-intervention. Results: A statistically significant difference existed between intervention and control group goal attainment scaling scores (U = 9.50, p < .03, d = 1.34), and on quality of life scores (U = 10.50, p < .04, d = 1.30) at post-intervention. At a 6-month follow-up, 57.14% of intervention group participants had transitioned into supportive housing, while only 25% of control group participants had transitioned. Conclusion: Findings suggest that intervention participants made greater progress toward desired housing goals and reported higher quality of life ratings than controls at post-intervention. This study provides support for the effectiveness of a housing programme for homeless adults with chronic mental illness and substance use histories to achieve housing goals and higher quality of life ratings. (Edited publisher abstract)
Long-term outcomes of obsessive-compulsive disorder: follow-up of 142 children and adolescents
- Authors:
- MICALI N., et al
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Psychiatry, 197(2), August 2010, pp.128-134.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) often starts in childhood and adolescence and can be a chronic disorder with high persistence rates. This study aimed to follow up young people with OCD to clarify persistence rates and relevant predictors, presence of other psychiatric disorders, functional impairment, service utilisation and perceived treatment needs. The study participants were young people with OCD assessed between July 1996 and June 2005 at the National and Specialist Paediatric OCD clinic, Maudsley Hospital, London. One hundred and forty two of the 222 contactable young people and parents completed computerised diagnostic interviews and questionnaires. The results found a persistence rate of OCD of 41%. Forty percentage of participants had a psychiatric diagnosis other than OCD at follow-up. The main predictor for persistent OCD was duration of illness at assessment. High levels of baseline psychopathology predicted other psychiatric disorders at follow-up. Functional impairment and quality of life were mildly to moderately affected. Approximately 50% of participants were still receiving treatment and about 50% felt a need for further treatment. This study confirms that paediatric OCD can be a chronic condition that persists into adulthood and has a substantial amount of unmet need. Important challenges for services are ensuring adequate treatment and a smooth transition from child to adult services.
Predictors and course of vocational status, income, and quality of life in people with severe mental illness: a naturalistic study
- Authors:
- NORDT Carlos, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Social Science and Medicine, 65(7), October 2007, pp.1420-1429.
- Publisher:
- Elsevier
Due to high unemployment rates, people with mental illness are at risk of poverty and are deprived of the social and psychological functions of work, such as the provision of social support, structuring of time, and self-esteem, with a negative effect on their perceived quality of life (QoL). Two distinct processes are held responsible for the low work force participation of people with mental illness: ‘Social underachievement’ and ‘social decline’. Social underachievement signifies that, due to early illness onset, the educational attainment of people with mental illness is low and entry to the labour market fails. Social decline, on the other hand, describes the loss of competitive employment after illness onset, followed by prolonged periods of unemployment and difficulties to re-enter the labour market. This study examines how social underachievement and decline are reflected in the course of vocational status, income, and QoL of people with severe mental illness in the years after a psychiatric admission in a naturalistic longitudinal design. A total of 176 participants diagnosed with schizophrenia or affective disorders were interviewed during an index hospitalization in two large psychiatric hospitals in Zurich. Follow-up interviews were conducted 12 and 30 months after. Random coefficient models (multilevel models) were used to examine simultaneously the predictors and course of the variables of interest. A low number of psychiatric hospitalizations, a higher educational degree, a diagnosis of schizophrenia, and years of work experience predicted a higher vocational status. Vocational status decreased in first-admission participants with prolonged hospitalizations during the follow-up period. Income did not change over time and was positively influenced by a higher age of illness onset, competitive employment, higher education, and not having had a longer hospitalization recently. Subjective QoL significantly improved and was rated higher by people with any kind of employment than by participants without a job. Participants with an affective disorder, those with few hospitalizations but a recent inpatient stay of longer duration, showed lower QoL. Including employment issues early in treatment is especially important for people with an early illness onset and those with more severe forms of psychiatric disorder. A life course perspective enhances the understanding of patients’ vocational potential and needs for support.
Evaluation of Doncaster Social Prescribing Service: understanding outcomes and impact
- Authors:
- DAYSON Chris, BENNETT Ellen
- Publisher:
- Sheffield Hallam University. Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research
- Publication year:
- 2016
- Pagination:
- 34
- Place of publication:
- Sheffield
An evaluation of the Doncaster Social Prescribing Service, providing an analysis of outcomes for service users and the costs and benefits of the service between August 2015 and July 2016. It uses interviews with staff and key stakeholders from across health and social care, and users of the service; self-evaluation questionnaires from 292 people using the Service; and quality of life surveys completed by 215 users of the Service. The Social Prescribing Service reached more than 1,000 people referred by their GP, Community Nurse or Pharmacist and enabled almost 600 local people to access support within the community during the evaluation period. The main reasons for referral were a long term health or mental health condition. Positive outcomes for clients included improvements in health related quality of life (HRQL), social connectedness, and financial well-being. However, there was little evidence to suggest a reduction in the use of secondary care and inpatient stays. In health terms, the evaluation estimates that for every £1 of the £180,000 funding spent, the Service produced more than £10 of benefits in terms of better health. (Edited publisher abstract)
Screening for geriatric depression in residential care facilities: a systematic narrative review
- Authors:
- AZULAI Anna, WALSH Christine A.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 58(1), 2015, pp.20-45.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
Studies in residential care facilities suggest that routine screening can assist in the early detection of geriatric depression. However, the effectiveness of screening instruments in residential care in the US and Canada has not been adequately evaluated. The authors conducted a systematic narrative review of the English-language literature published between 2000 and 2010 on screening instruments used for depression detection in older adults living in residential care facilities. The review yielded nine scales and their modifications tested in residential care, which were evaluated. The authors provide specific recommendations for the use of effective scales and discuss implications for practice, policy and research. (Edited publisher abstract)
See Psoriasis: look deeper: recognising the life impact of psoriasis
- Author:
- MENTAL HEALTH FOUNDATION
- Publisher:
- Mental Health Foundation
- Publication year:
- 2012
- Pagination:
- 12p.
- Place of publication:
- London
The Psoriasis Association and the Mental Health Foundation, have come together to raise awareness of the need for healthcare professionals to look at psoriasis holistically, to consider both the physical symptoms and psychological wellbeing, and ensure people with psoriasis receive the care and support they need. This short report is part of the See Psoriasis: Look Deeper campaign exploring psoriasis as a complex, progressive condition which has numerous consequences for the individual, their family, and society as a whole. The paper includes the voices of suffers and looks at the impact on self confidence, employment and mental health. The report calls for the full impact of psoriasis to be recognised and treated by multi-disciplinary teams who will look deeper, both literally and metaphorically. To create change there is a need to prioritise political efforts to ensure that the financial levers and incentives for commissioners are aligned to multi-disciplinary working. Opportunities for change are noted at national and local levels and examples of good practice highlighted. At the same time, the campaign is calling on people with psoriasis, and their families and friends, to consider the broader impacts of the condition and be aware of the potential impact on psychological wellbeing and quality of life; and not to suffer in silence.
Impact of a family-oriented rehabilitation programme on behavioural and emotional problems in healthy siblings of chronically ill children
- Authors:
- BESIER T., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Child: Care, Health and Development, 36(5), September 2010, pp.686-695.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Healthy siblings of ill children face multiple challenges, such as exposure to the physical and emotional pain of their sibling’s illness, fear, parental distress, and extended separation from the ill child and the parents because of hospitalisations. This study focuses on emotional and behavioural problems in health siblings of chronically ill children, evaluating the impact of a family-oriented inpatient rehabilitation programme in Germany in reducing the sibling’s psychopathology. The programme was a 4-week family-oriented rehabilitation programme for families of children with cancer, cystic fibrosis and congenital heart disease held at the Rehabilitation Clinic in Tannheim in south-west Germany. A total of 259 healthy children aged 4–16 years with a chronically ill sibling were enrolled in the study. Parents filled in the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, while the children answered a self-report quality of life instrument (LQ-KID) at the time of admission and discharge from the clinic and at a 6-month follow-up. Comparisons were performed with a matched control group of 777 children from the German general population. The results showed significant behavioural or emotional symptoms in 30.5% of the healthy siblings, the relative risk of having elevated scores being 2.2 compared with the control group. During the inpatient rehabilitation, symptoms decreased significantly to a normal level. Similarly, the sibling’s quality of life significantly improved, except in the dimension family relations.
Health and aging-in-place: implications for community practice
- Author:
- BLACK Kathy
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Community Practice, 16(1), 2008, pp.79-95.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philapelphia, USA
Findings from a needs assessment carried out on a naturally occurring retirement community of 114 individuals are presented within the context of the increasing trend towards helping older people remain independently in their own homes. The assessment is based on an holistic perspective that encompasses physical, mental and social well-being, and it uses a specially developed tool to gather self-report measures of eleven chronic health conditions and seven instrumental activities of daily living. Psychological health was measured using the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire, the Geriatric Depression Scale and a Likert scale to cover perceptions of life satisfaction and health. The findings indicate complex and interacting medical and psychosocial problems, and suggest that while all resident can benefit from interventions, these should be targeted at those in greatest need, especially the oldest. (Copies of this article are available from: Haworth Document Delivery Centre, Haworth Press Inc., 10 Alice Street, Binghamton, NY 13904-1580).