Psychology, Community & Health (E-Journal - PsychOpen)
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Considerações em Relação à Qualidade de Vida de Pacientes Psiquiátricos em Residência Terapêutica
Get PDFQuality of Life, a widely used term in the literature, spanning multiple meanings, with its appearance specified in healthcare. Aim: To evaluate the quality of life of patients at Therapeutic Residences (RT) due to the process of reduction of beds in psychiatric hospitals and the creation of the Psychosocial Care Center for Health and Hospitals. Method: A total 38 hospitalized individuals from the city of São Paulo, of both sexes (78,9% men) aged 32-76 years (M = 30 years, SD = 3.24) were evaluated. The instruments used were a sociodemographic questionnaire and the WHOQOL-BREF to evaluate quality of life. Results: The results pointed out that the Social and Environmental Relationships domains tended to be better perceived by patients who are partnered as compared to those who are not, and this is a possibility in relation to the outpatient group, in which the social relations of RT patients were lower. Also the patients who had RT friends tended to perceive their relational quality of life better than those who did not. Conclusion: In this sense, a social skills training to facilitate these patients making new friends and building new relationships can be an interesting investment in interventions in this group.Qualidade de Vida, um termo bastante usado na literatura abrangendo vários significados, com seu surgimento especificado na área da saúde. Objetivo: Avaliar a qualidade de vida de pacientes em Residência Terapêutica (RT) devido ao processo de redução de leitos em hospitais psiquiátricos e a criação de Centro de Atenção Psicossocial de Saúde e Hospitais Dia. Método: Foram avaliados 38 internos de um município do interior de São Paulo, de ambos os sexos (78,9% homens), com idades entre os 32 e os 76 anos (M = 30 anos, DP = 3.24). Os instrumentos incluíram um questionário sociodemográfico e o WHOQOL-BREF a fim de avaliar a qualidade de vida. Resultados: Os domínios Relações Sociais e Relações Ambientais tenderam a ser melhor percebidos por pacientes que têm namorados em comparação aos que não têm, sendo essa uma possibilidade em relação ao grupo de pacientes ambulatoriais em que as relações sociais de pacientes de RT foram menores. Também os pacientes de RT que tinham amigos tenderam a perceber sua qualidade de vida relacional melhor que os que não tem. Conclusão: Neste sentido, um treinamento de habilidades sociais que facilite à esses pacientes fazer novas amizades e construir novos relacionamentos pode ser um investimento interessante nas intervenções neste grupo
Body Mass Index and Quality of Life in Patients Waiting for Coronary Angiography
Get PDFAim: There is evidence that the body mass index (BMI) is related, to some extent, to the quality of life (QoL) in different populations. The purpose of our study was to investigate the differences in QoL in relation to the BMI in patients awaiting coronary angiography. Method: The sample consisted of 100 patients (68 males and 32 females) with symptoms indicating coronary angiography. For all of them BMI was calculated. The participants completed the Duke Health profile questionnaire (DUKE) which measures adult self-reported functional health status. Results: After splitting the group in two according to the BMI median cut-off point, the findings reveal differences in the following aspects of QoL secondary to BMI: mental health (p = .006), general health (p = .038), perceived health (p = .008), anxiety (p = .022), depression (p = .008), anxiety-depression (p = .004), but not related to: physical health (p = .384), social health (p = .267), self-esteem (p = .172), pain (p = .797), disability (p = .710). Conclusion: Considering the findings, health counselling directed at regulating body weight is recommended as part of the positive health behaviour. It can benefit and improve some domains of the QoL of individuals having health problems
The Additive Pathology and Family Repetition: Transgenerational Problematic Nodes
Get PDFObjetivo: O objetivo principal do estudo foi operacionalizar e validar o conceito operativo “Nós-Problemáticos”, encontrar perfis e, se possível tipologias familiares, para implementar abordagens de intervenção. Método: Participaram na investigação de caráter misto 30 pares de irmãos (tóxico-dependentes/não toxicodependentes), com uma média de idade de 37,12 anos, aos quais foi aplicada a “Hope Scale”, uma pergunta de resposta aberta e uma entrevista semi-estruturada que estuda em profundidade as trajetórias de vida. Resultados: O “Nó-Problemático Familiar” é o mais preponderante no grupo dos tóxico-dependentes, e o “Nó-Problemático” Social no dos irmãos não toxicodependentes. Sugere-se a existência de seis perfis diferentes. Conclusão: O conceito operativo “Nós-Problemáticos” tornou-se operacional e deu-nos a possibilidade de o denominar como transgeracional, porque permitiu uma análise intergeracional e transgeracional das narrativas e das trajetórias de vida dos participantes. Revelou-se como sendo um complexo emocional que filtra e analisa os acontecimentos de vida e as subjetivações sobre as dinâmicas familiares e sociais, actuais e passadas, e também nos dá uma perspetiva das expetativas face ao futuro.Aim: The main objective of this study was to operationalize and validate the operative concept of “Problematic-Nodes”, find profiles and, when possible, family typologies to implement intervention approaches. Method: Thirty sibling pairs (substance users/non-users), with a mean of age 37.12 years, participated in this mixed design study. The participants were given the Hope Scale, an open answer question, and a semi-structured interview that analyses life trajectories in-depth. Results: The Family “Problematic-Node” is the most prominent in the group of drug users, and Social “Problematic-Node” is the most common in non-users. It is suggested the existence of six different profiles. Conclusion: The operative concept of “Problematic-Nodes” became operational and gave us the possibility to call it “transgenerational”, because it allowed us to analyse intergenerational and transgenerational narratives and trajectories of participants' lives. This proved to be an emotional complex that filters and analyses the life events, and the subjectivities about present and past family and social dynamics, and also gives us a perspective of the expectations regarding the future
Validation of a Brief Questionnaire Measuring Positive Mindset in Patients With Uveitis
Get PDFAim: Illness may impact the positivity of a person’s mindset. However, patients with visual impairment, such as uveitis, may struggle to complete questionnaires. The aim of this study was to validate a brief and simple measure of positive mindset in people with uveitis. Method: This study was a cross-sectional survey of 200 people with uveitis. The Positive Mindset Index (PMI) questionnaire uses six items to measure a patient’s happiness, confidence, sense of being in control, stability, motivation, and optimism. Results: Exploratory factor analysis revealed a well-fitting unidimensional factor structure (KMO = .898), with strong factor loadings (from .616 to .721) and excellent internal reliability (Cronbach’s α = .926). The PMI showed strong concurrent validity with the mental health subscale of the SF-36 (r = .789) and good construct validity relative to the physical health subscale of the SF-36 (r = .468). Excellent test-retest reliability was seen (r = .806). Patients taking 10 mg or more corticosteroid daily had significantly lower PMI scores than those on a lower dose or no dose (t (170) = 2.298, p < .023). Conclusion: The PMI has good face validity and sound psychometric properties. It is a very brief and simple measure, thus user-friendly for patients with visual impairment, as well as researchers and others using the scale
Estudo Exploratório Sobre as Motivações Percebidas no uso Excessivo da Internet em Adolescentes e Jovens Adultos
Get PDFObjective: It is not clear in the literature whether people who engage in excessive Internet use spend most of their time just surfing in general, or if the excessive behaviour is associated with other specific online functions or applications. In the present study, the possible outcomes in the perceived online behaviours using hypothetical scenarios where participants' favourite applications would not be accessible online were investigated. Method: The sample comprised 144 Portuguese (age: M = 21; SD = 11.94) speakers Internet users recruited from online forums and communities. Preference for specific online content and its unavailability and time spent online were analysed along with perceived quality of life in relation to Internet addiction when self-diagnosed. Results: A trend for preferring mobile Internet access was found while the unavailability of favourite applications seemed to significantly decrease time spent online. Moreover, nearly one third of the sample would not access the Internet anymore without their favourite applications. Perceived quality of life was found to vary significantly in relation to the amount of years online and Internet addiction self-diagnosis. Moreover, the internet addiction self-diagnosis was influenced by participants' sex. Conclusion: Online behaviour appears to be more specific in nature rather than generalised. Limitations and implications of the present findings are further discussed.Objetivo: Não está claro na literatura se as pessoas que usam a internet excessivamente estão a maior parte do tempo envolvidas de uma forma generalizada ou se, de facto, o uso excessivo se encontra associado a atividades online específicas. O presente estudo teve como objetivo geral a avaliação das mudanças percebidas no comportamento online face a cenários hipotéticos no contexto virtual. Método: A amostra foi constituída por 144 (idades: M = 21; DP = 11.94) utilizadores de internet. As atividades preferidas na internet, a sua indisponibilidade e as horas online foram avaliadas em concomitância com a perceção da qualidade de vida geral, face à perceção subjetiva de dependência da internet através de uma metodologia exploratória. Resultados: Verificou-se uma tendência para a preferência de acesso móvel à internet e maior popularidade das atividades online de natureza social. Adicionalmente, a ausência das aplicações favoritas reduziriam significativamente o tempo despendido online e cerca de um terço dos utilizadores optariam por não acederem mais à internet sem as aplicações e funções preferidas. Por fim, a perceção de qualidade de vida geral variou significativamente em função do número de anos de utilização da internet e da perceção subjectiva de dependência da internet, que não obstante, variou em função dos sexos. Conclusão: O comportamento online parece ser de natureza específica e não generalizado tal como expresso pelas preferências dos participantes. Limitações e implicações são discutidas
The Impact of Childbirth on Sexual Functioning in Women With Episiotomy
Get PDFObjective: To compare the pregnancy period with the postpartum period, and infer if the presence of episiotomy interferes with the experience of female sexuality after childbirth. Method: This is an exploratory and descriptive, quantitative study. A non-probability, convenience sample of 108 women in the first stage (during pregnancy), and of 93 women in the second stage (after birth), was gathered in the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Service of a Portuguese hospital. The Female Sexual Function Index and a socio-demographic/clinical questionnaire were used for data collection. Results: Women that had an episiotomy/episiorrhaphy presented higher mean levels of sexual satisfaction after birth, lower mean levels of sexual desire, sexual arousal, and vaginal lubrication after delivery. Regarding the orgasm, they presented higher mean levels in the postpartum period. Statistical significant differences were found regarding the pain levels, as women with episiotomy presented a significantly higher intensity of pain during sexual intercourse after childbirth than during the pregnancy. Conclusion: The overall sexual function after childbirth did not present significant differences when compared to the pregnancy period. However, there was an exception regarding the pain, which was significantly higher in the postpartum period
Psychometric Properties of the Finnish Version of the Resilience Scale and its Short Version
Get PDFAim: To investigate the psychometric properties of the Finnish version of the Resilience Scale (RS) and its short version (RS-14), as well as the relationship of resilience with demographic variables and self-perceived health. Method: A standard procedure was used for translation of the scale, and 243 participants (75% women, mean age = 41.0; SD = 17.8) were evaluated with the RS, the RS-14, and the EuroQol 5D. Results: The mean level of resilience was found to be moderate. Both the RS and the RS-14 showed good internal consistency reliability, .90 and .87, respectively. No clear factor structure was found. Both assessments correlated with age but there was no statistically significant association with education or gender. However, a relatively weak but statistically significant correlation between the RS and the RS-14 with self-reported health was found in women. Conclusion: The Finnish versions of the RS and RS-14 can be recommended to be used in clinical and scientific settings. Gender is suggested to be taken into account in further research of resilience
Oral Presentations
Get PDFOral presentations from the 1st international conference "LGBT Psychology and Related Fields. Coming-out of LGBT Psychology in the current international scenario", Lisabon, Portugal, 20-22 June 201
Monogamia e Ajustamento Conjugal: Estudo Entre Casais do Mesmo Sexo e Casais de Sexo Diferente
Get PDFObjective: This study aims at identifying differences in sexual exclusivity and marital adjustment among different-sex and same-sex couples. Method: A descriptive and exploratory study was conducted, with 909 individuals aged over 16 years and in a significant relationship for at least 6 months. Using the internet, the participants completed a sociodemographic questionnaire, the English version of the DAS (Dyadic Adjustment Scale) and a questionnaire that aims at assessing the Sexual Exclusivity through a sexuality factor and a self-esteem factor. Results: We observed that approximately 50% of the respondents presented high levels of Sexual Exclusivity and Marital Adjustment. We also found that the level of satisfaction with the relationship is the most common problem reported by the participants. Moreover, we found that marital relations (expression of affection, satisfaction and consensus) among same-sex couples and different-sex couples did not present statistically significant differences (F(2,905) = .339; p > .05). Conclusion: Approximately 50% of the participants presented high levels of sexual exclusivity and marital adjustment. Monogamy in same-sex couples is often perceived as a myth. In fact, the data shows good levels of exclusivity among heterosexual couples compared to homosexual couples. However, the relationship adjustment is not significantly different between the two groups.Objetivo: O presente estudo pretende identificar diferenças de exclusividade sexual e ajustamento conjugal entre casais de sexo diferente e casais do mesmo sexo. Método: Participaram no estudo de caráter descritivo e exploratório, 909 indivíduos com idade igual ou superior a 16 anos e uma relação significativa com o mínimo de 6 meses. Recorrendo à internet, os participantes responderam a um questionário sociodemográfico, à versão portuguesa da DAS (Dyadic Adjustment Scale) e a um questionário que pretende avaliar a Exclusividade Sexual através do fator sexualidade e do fator autoestima. Resultados: Identificou-se que aproximadamente 50% dos inquiridos apresentam elevados níveis de Exclusividade Sexual e Ajustamento Conjugal. Verificou-se também que o grau de satisfação com a relação é o problema de relacionamento mais comum nos participantes inquiridos. Verificaram-se que as relações conjugais (expressão de afeto, satisfação e consenso) entre casais do mesmo sexo e casais de sexo diferente não apresentam diferenças estatisticamente significativas (F(2.905) = .339; p > .05). Conclusão: Aproximadamente 50% dos participantes apresentam elevados níveis de exclusividade sexual e ajustamento conjugal. A monogamia em casais do mesmo sexo é muitas vezes percebida como um mito. De facto, os dados apresentam bons níveis de exclusividade nos casais heterossexuais em comparação com os casais homossexuais. No entanto, o ajustamento conjugal não apresenta diferenças significativas entre estes dois grupos
Psychometric Properties of the Portuguese Version of the Checklist of Individual Strength (CIS20-P)
Get PDFAim: The Checklist of Individual Strength (CIS20) is a well validated measure of fatigue severity, which has been adapted in several languages. As Portuguese is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world it is important to have a Portuguese adaptation of the CIS20. Method: Four hundred and thirty healthy Portuguese adults and 89 patients with chronic fatigue (CF) filled out the Portuguese version of the CIS20 (CIS20-P). The CF patients and a subsample of the healthy adults also filled out the SF-12v2 assessing health-related quality of life. Results: The CIS20 four-factor structure was confirmed (subjective experience of fatigue, concentration, motivation and physical activity scales). In general, internal consistency estimates were satisfactory, with the exception of the motivation scale. Moreover, a higher degree of fatigue severity was significantly associated with lower vitality and physical and psychological health-related quality of life. Conclusion: Our results indicate that the CIS20-P is a reliable and valid measure of fatigue severity. Future studies should establish Portuguese cut-off points for (sub)clinical levels of fatigue