Psychology, Community & Health (E-Journal - PsychOpen)
Not a member yet
138 research outputs found
Sort by
Estudo Experimental: Impacto de Grupos de Canto no Bem-estar Subjetivo de Seniores
Full text linkObjective: To evaluate the impact of the participation in a singing program in the subjective well-being (SWB) of seniors. Method: This study, with experimental methodology, used structured measures on the affective and cognitive dimensions of SWB (Positive Affect and Negative Affect – PANAS - and Satisfaction with Life - SWLS) to test the impact of a short singing program (10 sessions, during four weeks), on seniors attending a day care facility. Thirty seniors (aged between 61 and 92 years old) accepted to participate in the singing program and were randomly assigned into two groups (experimental and control): 26 completed the intervention (four men, 15.3%; 22 women, 84.6%, M = 75 years of age). Results: There was a significant decrease in negative affect in the experimental group after the intervention, which was significantly lower compared to the control group. However, this effect was not sustained at follow-up measurement, eight weeks after intervention. A qualitative analysis of the perception of individuals about their participation in the program showed gains in social support and interaction between participants, in the expression of positive emotions and in knowledge acquisition. Conclusion: The results suggest that singing groups programs may promote SWB variables.Objetivo: Avaliar o impacto da participação num programa de canto no bem-estar subjetivo (BES) de seniores. Método: O presente estudo, com metodologia experimental, utilizou medidas estruturadas das dimensões afetiva e cognitiva do BES (Afeto Positivo e Negativo – PANAS – e Satisfação com a Vida - SWLS) e entrevistas semiestruturadas para testar o impacto de um programa de canto de curta duração (10 sessões, durante cinco semanas), no BES de um grupo de seniores, com idades entre 61 e 92 anos, num centro de dia. Trinta seniores aceitaram participar no programa de canto e foram divididos aleatoriamente em dois grupos (experimental e de controlo), sendo que 26 participantes no total terminaram a intervenção nos dois grupos (quatro homens, 15.3%; 22 mulheres, 84.6%; M = 75 anos de idade). Resultados: Observou-se um decréscimo significativo do nível de afeto negativo no grupo experimental, após a intervenção, que foi significativamente inferior ao do grupo de controlo. No entanto, este efeito não se manteve na medida de follow-up, oito semanas após a intervenção. Numa análise qualitativa à perceção dos indivíduos sobre a sua participação no programa indicou benefícios na interação e apoio social entre os seniores, na expressão de emoções positivas e em novas aprendizagens. Conclusão: Os resultados sugerem que programas de grupos de canto podem promover variáveis de BES
Qualidade de Vida em Pacientes Externos com Cancro Colorretal
Full text linkAim: This study aimed to longitudinally analyze Quality of Life and its association with physical and psychosocial factors of patients with colorectal cancer. Methods: Fifty-one outpatients undergoing treatment for colorectal cancer were elected for convenience and were evaluated twice during their treatment. Evaluations were performed for Quality of Life, as well as socio-demographic, diagnostic and therapeutic variables. Afterwards, descriptive and inferential statistical analysis were performed, establishing the appropriate comparisons. Results: The results identified a characteristic profile with a relatively homogeneous distribution: 51% were men with an average age of 60.1 years old (SD = 9.3 years) at the baseline. In general, concerning psychosocial aspects, there was a higher Quality of Life than other studies with the same population, in addition to a significant improvement over time in all subscales of performance and symptoms. Furthermore, it was evidenced that the physical aspects considerably influenced the self-report of the Quality of Life. Conclusion: The recognition of the interferences that physical aspects pose to Quality of Life, should permeate the practices of teams involved in the care of these patients.Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar longitudinalmente a qualidade de vida e sua associação com fatores físicos e psicossociais, de pacientes com cancro colorretal. Métodos: Cinquenta e um pacientes externos submetidos a tratamento para cancro colorretal foram selecionados por conveniência e avaliados duas vezes durante o tratamento. As avaliações foram realizadas para Qualidade de Vida, bem como variáveis sociodemográficas, diagnósticas e terapêuticas. Posteriormente, foram realizadas análises estatísticas descritivas e inferenciais, estabelecendo as comparações apropriadas. Resultados: Os resultados identificaram um perfil característico com uma distribuição relativamente homogénea: 51% eram homens com idade média de 60.1 anos (DP = 9,3 anos) na amostra de base. Em geral, quanto aos aspetos psicossociais, foi apresentada maior Qualidade de Vida do que noutros estudos com a mesma população, para além de uma melhoria significativa ao longo do tempo em todas as subescalas de desempenho e sintomas. Além disso, constatou-se que os aspetos físicos influenciaram consideravelmente o autorrelato da Qualidade de Vida. Conclusão: O reconhecimento das interferências que aspetos físicos colocam sobre a Qualidade de Vida, deve permear as práticas das equipas envolvidas no cuidado desses pacientes
Crenças e Atitudes de Jovens Mexicanos Face à Doação de Órgãos
Full text linkAim: The objective of this work was to demonstrate the relationship between beliefs and attitudes towards organ donation in Sonoran university students, which required the adaptation and validation of the scales of beliefs and attitudes towards organ donation proposed by León (2015) for the Mexican Sonoran state population. Method: From a non-probabilistic sample of 225 college students of both sexes, between 17 and 25 years of age, each scale was analyzed using the Rasch model, where relevant values of unidimensionality were found for almost all items. Subsequently, an exploratory factor analysis with varimax rotation showed theoretically interpretable factors, as well as a total explained variance greater than 50% in both scales. Results: Using structural equations, a model of beliefs and attitudes towards organ donation was confirmed, identifying considerable correlations between negative beliefs on donation and positive attitude (r = -.73) and prosocial attitudes towards donation (r = -.44), showing relevant adjustment criteria (SRMR = .053; RMSEA = .056; CFI = .926). Conclusion: The findings corroborate the importance of beliefs as a cognitive component of attitudes, as well future studies with sample extension are suggested to confirm the results obtained.Objetivo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi demonstrar a relação entre crenças e atitudes face à doação de órgãos em estudantes da Universidade de Sonora, o que exigiu a adaptação e validação das escalas de crenças e atitudes face à doação de órgãos propostas por León (2015) para a população Sonora. Método: Recorrendo a uma amostra não probabilística de 225 universitários de ambos os sexos, com idades entre 17 e 25 anos, cada escala foi analisada usando o modelo de Rasch, onde valores relevantes de unidimensionalidade foram encontrados para quase todos os itens. Posteriormente, uma análise fatorial exploratória com rotação varimax revelou fatores teoricamente interpretáveis, bem como uma variância explicada total superior a 50% em ambas as escalas. Resultados: Usando equações estruturais, um modelo de crenças e atitudes face à doação de órgãos foi confirmado, identificando correlações elevadas entre crenças negativas face à doação e atitude positiva (r = -.73) e atitudes pró-sociais face à doação (r = -.44), apresentando critérios de ajustamento relevantes (SRMR = .053; RMSEA = .056; CFI = .926). Conclusão: Os resultados corroboram a importância das crenças como uma componente cognitiva das atitudes, sendo que estudos futuros com amostras superiores são sugeridos para confirmar os resultados obtidos
Food and Diet According to People With Diabetes Mellitus: Contribution of Social Representations
Full text linkObjetivo: Identificar as representações sociais sobre a alimentação de pessoas com Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2 - DM2. Método: Os usuários com DM2 de uma Unidade Básica de Saúde (n = 34) de Belo Horizonte, Brasil, sugeriram 5 palavras, com justificativa da mais importante, após a questão indutora: Quando se fala em alimentação do diabético, o que vem à sua mente? Os discursos foram gravados, transcritos, categorizados e interpretados pela análise do conteúdo e teoria da representação social. Resultados: Alguns entrevistados indicaram que a pessoa com DM2 deve comer de forma saudável. Outros se apoiaram na qualidade da alimentação, representando-a como “comer legumes e frutas”, e “evitar os doces”. Há ainda aqueles cujo discurso se pautou no comer pouco, preocupando-se com as quantidades de alimentos ingeridas. Existem aqueles que representaram a alimentação como não comer muito, focando na frequencia da alimentação, pois consideram que fracionar a alimentação em muitas refeições não é adequado. Outros focaram o seu discurso na ingestão seletiva de alimentos, especificamente aqueles que não fazem mal ao organismo. Por fim, outros, consideraram que a alimentação não implica seguir uma dieta específica. Conclusão: Diferentes discursos abordando normas dietéticas podem ser encontrados na sociedade, deixando a pessoa com DM2 diante de dúvida dos alimentos que pode ou não comer.Aim: To identify social representations of the diet of people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2). Methods: Users with DM2, from a basic health centre (n = 34) in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, were requested to indicate 5 words and a corresponding justification after being asked the following question: when we are talking about the diet of someone diabetic what comes to your mind? The answers were recorded, transcribed, categorised and interpreted using content analysis and social representation theory. Results: Some of the interviewed stated that someone with type 2 diabetes should eat healthily. Others focused on food quality, such as eating vegetables and fruits while avoiding sweets. There were also those who emphasised eating small amounts of food, that is, the quantity of food they consumed. There were those who represented eating as not eating too much, focusing on the frequency of intake, as they considered that breaking down the diet in many meals is not appropriate. Others focused their speech on selective food intake, specifically those that do not harm the body. Lastly, others, considered that food intake does not imply following a specific specific diet. Conclusion: There is a variety of discourse regarding dietary norms in society, leaving people with DM2 in great doubt about what they can or cannot eat
Acidentes de comboio: Desenvolvimento da perturbação de stress pós-traumático nos maquinistas
Full text linkAim: The objective of this study is to verify whether there is a correlation between PTSD, Depression, Life Events and Experiences of Dissociation Peritraumatic, and what is the effect of these variables on PTSD. Railway accidents are considered potentially traumatic events and one of the consequences is the development of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). There are few studies that focus on the association between train accidents and the development of PTSD on train drivers. Method: In total, 216 male train drivers with a mean age of 44.85 (SD = 5.70), completed the Portuguese versions of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), the List of Life Events – Clinician Administered (CAPS), the PTSD Checklist Civilian Version (PCL-C) and the Peritraumatic Dissociative Experiences Questionnaire (PDEQ). Results: A prevalence of PTSD symptoms in train drivers (8.3%) was revealed, as well as the existence of a significant correlation between PTSD and the main variables: Depression (r = .70, p < .001), Life Events (r = .25, p < .001) and Peritraumatic Dissociative Experiences (r = .63, p < .001), and also that variables BDI-II (β = .51, t = 9.60, p < .001) and PDEQ (β = .34, t = 6.24, p < .001) have a significant impact at the PCL-C (R² = .58). Conclusion: According to the results obtained and taking into account that 8.3% of train drivers present symptoms of PTSD, we consider important the existence of a reparative and preventive psychological support after the railway accident, in order to minimize the psychological impact on train drivers.Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi o de verificar se existe uma correlação entre a PTSD, Depressão, Eventos de Vida e Experiências de Dissociação Peri-traumática, e qual o efeito dessas variáveis na PSPT. Os acidentes ferroviários são considerados eventos potencialmente traumáticos e uma das consequências é o desenvolvimento de Perturbação de Stress Pós-Traumático (PTSD). Há poucos estudos que focam a associação entre acidentes de comboio e o desenvolvimento de PTSD em maquinistas. Método: No total, 216 maquinistas do sexo masculino com média de idade de 44,85 (DP = 5,70) completaram as versões em português do Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), a Lista de Eventos de Vida - Administração Clinica (CAPS), o PTSD Checklist Civilian Version (PCL-C) e o Questionário de Experiências Dissociativas Peri-traumáticas (PDEQ). Resultados: A prevalência de sintomas de PSPT em maquinistas (8,3%) foi revelada, bem como a existência de uma correlação significativa entre PSPT e as principais variáveis: Depressão (r = .70, p < .001), Eventos de Vida (r = .25, p < .001) e Experiências Dissociativas Peri-traumáticas (r = .63, p < .001), e também aquelas variáveis BDI-II (β = .51, t = 9,60, p < .001) e PDEQ (β = .34, t = 6.24, p < .001) têm um impacto significativo no PCL-C (R2 = .58). Conclusão: De acordo com os resultados obtidos e tendo em conta que 8.3% dos maquinistas apresentam sintomas de PTSD, consideramos importante a existência de um suporte psicológico reparador e preventivo após o acidente ferroviário, a fim de minimizar o impacto psicológico nos maquinistas
As Queixas Subjetivas de Memória num Cuidado de Saúde Primário: Um Estudo Follow up
Full text linkObjective: The subjective memory complaints (QSM) are an important clinical factor and a frequent problem in primary health care in adult and older people (Eichler et al., 2015). This study, carried out in a primary health care of the Central Region of Portugal, aimed to characterize the QSM according to sociodemographic, clinical, cognitive, emotional and quality of life variables. Methods: This longitudinal study at two time points aims to explore the process of the QSM for 18 months and which factors are associated with. It was conducted with a sample of 19 adults and older adults aged between 55 to 81 years (79.2% female). The data was collected by semi-structured interviews and whenever possible the medical records were consulted. It was used as measuring instruments the Portuguese version of the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), the Memory Complaint Scale (EQM), the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), the Anxiety Inventory Geriatrics (GAI) or the World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment (WHOQOL-Bref) and a sociodemographic clinical questionnaire developed for this purpose. Results: In the second assessment moment all participants had QSM, which are significantly more influenced by age. It was also observed an increase in depressive symptoms and anxiety, the amounts of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and the number of medications, with particular emphasis on anti-hypertensives. Conclusion: The QSM should be a matter of concern and vigilance from the family doctor, as this may be an important symptom for the early identification of individuals at higher risk for developing a dementing process.Objetivo: As queixas subjetivas de memória (QSM) são um fator clínico relevante e uma das principais queixas feitas aos médicos de família por adultos e adultos idosos. Este estudo, realizado numa Unidade de Saúde Familiar da Região Centro de Portugal, teve como objetivo caracterizar as QSM em função de variáveis sociodemográficas, clínicas, cognitivas, emocionais e de qualidade de vida. Método: Este estudo, de coorte prospetivo em dois momentos, procurou explorar a evolução das QSM durante 18 meses e quais os fatores que se associam. Foi levado a cabo numa amostra de 19 adultos e de adultos idosos com idades compreendidas entre os 55 e os 81 anos (79.2% do sexo feminino). Os dados foram recolhidos por entrevistas semiestruturadas e sempre que possível foram consultados os processos clínicos. Foram utilizados como instrumentos de medida o Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), o Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), a Escala de Queixas de Memória (EQM), a Escala de Depressão Geriátrica (GDS), o Inventário de Ansiedade Geriátrica (GAI), a Avaliação de Qualidade de Vida da Organização Mundial de Saúde (WHOQOL-Bref) e por um questionário sociodemográfico e clínico construído para o efeito. Resultados: No segundo momento avaliativo, todos os participantes evidenciam QSM, sendo estas influenciadas significativamente pela idade. Houve ainda um aumento da sintomatologia depressiva e ansiógena, dos valores da Hemoglobina glicosilada (HbA1c) e do número de medicamentos consumidos, com particular ênfase nos anti hipertensores. Conclusão: As QSM deverão ser objeto de preocupação e vigilância do médico de família, uma vez que podem representar um sintoma relevante para a identificação precoce de um processo demencial
Psychology, Community and Health: Consolidation and Transformation
Full text linkNo abstract available
Increasing Physical Activity in Older Adults: Walking by Prescription in Primary Care
Full text linkAim: The present study (PTDC/SAU-SAP/110799/2009) funded by the Portuguese Government (Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia – FCT) aimed to test the effectiveness of a behaviour based intervention combined with a cognitive based one, designed to increase physical activity levels in older adults at Primary Health Care Centres. Method: A total of 108 participants aged over 65 years participated in the study. Participants were referred by their General Practitioner (GP) and randomized by gender and marital status at the moment they started the program (single vs. couple), and allocated into one of three conditions: goal intention, action planning, action planning and coping planning. All participants received a pedometer and a logbook and were asked to register their daily number of steps for a period of 24 weeks. Study follows a longitudinal design with five assessments over a 6-month after baseline. Results: The test between subjects’ effects revealed an interaction between condition and participating in the study as single vs. couple. Older adults participating as singles walked more steps on average in the condition goal intention plus action planning and coping planning, whereas participants that entered in the study with their spouse, goal intention without any other planning intervention was the most effective intervention. Conclusion: The 24-week physical activity program based on the recent developments of behavioural-cognitive framework, has proven useful increasing older adults daily walking behaviour
How Do Formal Caregivers Experience the Sexuality of Older Adults? Beliefs and Attitudes Towards Older Adults’ Sexuality
Full text linkAim: The way caregivers experience the sexuality of older adults has implications to their identity and sexual manifestations. There are few studies that focus on the meaning of caring of older adults, taking into account their sexuality. This study aims to explore the experiences of formal caregivers (FC) towards sexuality among older adults, and to obtain a description of their experiences. Method: Complete data were available from six caregivers working in a nursing home. We used a sociodemographic questionnaire and topic interview guide. The data was subjected to content analysis. Results: The most prevalent response of the interviewed participants for ‘beliefs about the interest in sexuality’ was ‘health limitations despite the desire’, for ‘observed behaviours related to sexual expression’ was ‘masturbation’, and for ‘reactions/behaviours due to the demonstration of sexual expression was ‘using humour”. Conclusion: Future educational and intervention programs in the institution should take into account our findings to improve their efficacy on discussing these issues and to ultimately promote sexual wellbeing
The Psychometric Properties of the Scale of Body Connection (SBC) in a Portuguese Sample
Full text linkAim: The Scale of Body Connection (SBC) is a measure aimed at examining body awareness (BA), specifically awareness of inner body sensations, and bodily dissociation (BD), or the sense of separation from the body. The aim of this study was to develop a Portuguese version of the SBC. Method: An online survey was completed by 445 women, with an average age of 30.47 (SD = 9.87), and 464 men, with an average age of 37.54 (SD = 12.34). Ages ranged from 18 to 72 years old. Results: Results showed Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of .86 for BA and .73 for BD. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed reasonable goodness-of-fit indices (χ2/df = 9.0; GFI = .84; NFI = .72; CFI = .74; PGFI = .68; PCFI = .66; RMSEA = .09). Conclusion: Positive correlations between the SBC factor scores and the scores of the General Body Dissatisfaction Scale and the Cognitive Distraction Scale confirmed convergent validity. These findings support the reliability and validity of the SBC in a Portuguese sample