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Frontiers in Public Health 2024There is a paucity of studies that compare older adults' attitudes toward Euthanasia in two different terminal illnesses. Moreover, these studies did not relate to...
BACKGROUND
There is a paucity of studies that compare older adults' attitudes toward Euthanasia in two different terminal illnesses. Moreover, these studies did not relate to potentially influencing psycho-social factors. The current study aimed to examine the impact of a diverse range of variables on attitudes among older adults toward Euthanasia in two medical conditions: cancer and Parkinson's disease.
METHODS
A total of 501 individuals aged 75 and above participated in the study. Attitudes toward Euthanasia were measured using vignettes which described two conditions: an 80-year-old man with metastatic cancer and another man in an advanced stage of Parkinson's disease. The questionnaire included measures of relevant experience (with a close family member or a friend dying from a terminal illness), self-efficacy, will to live, satisfaction with life, will to prolong life, fear of death and dying, social support, and psycho-social characteristics. The data were analyzed using hierarchical linear regression models.
RESULTS
A more positive attitude toward Euthanasia was found in the case of cancer compared to Parkinson's disease. Being a woman, having more years of education, lower level of religiosity, greater fear of death and dying and higher self-efficacy contributes to more favorable attitudes toward Euthanasia in both end-of life conditions.
CONCLUSIONS
The finding that attitudes toward Euthanasia are statistically significantly more positive in the case of cancer compared to Parkinson's disease can be attributed to the greater prevalence of cancer in the population, and to the public's awareness of the suffering associated with each of these medical conditions. Beyond the important role of the socio-demographic characteristics of gender, education, and religiosity, it appears that fear of death and dying and self-efficacy are important psychological factors in explaining attitudes toward Euthanasia in both illnesses among older people. These findings shed light on older adults' attitudes toward Euthanasia in debilitating illnesses.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Parkinson Disease; Aged, 80 and over; Aged; Attitude to Death; Neoplasms; Euthanasia; Surveys and Questionnaires; Self Efficacy; Terminal Care
PubMed: 38947343
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1393535 -
Belitung Nursing Journal 2024Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the most common microvascular complication of diabetes, leading to visual impairment and eventual blindness. Promoting self-care behaviors...
Effect of a self-care promoting program on engagement in self-care behaviors and health-related outcomes among persons with type 2 diabetes and diabetic retinopathy: A single-blind randomized controlled trial.
BACKGROUND
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the most common microvascular complication of diabetes, leading to visual impairment and eventual blindness. Promoting self-care behaviors is crucial in controlling DR progression and preventing blindness.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to investigate the effects of a Self-Care Promoting Program (SCPP) on engagement in self-care behaviors, HbA1c levels, visual acuity (VA), severity of DR, and vision-related quality of life (VRQoL) among individuals with type 2 diabetes and DR.
METHODS
This study employed a single-blind randomized controlled trial design to compare SCPP with conventional diabetic care interventions (standard care). The SCPP was based on the Self-Care of Chronic Illness Theory, Self-efficacy theory, and the Association of Diabetic Care and Education Specialist (ADCES) guidelines incorporating health education, self-care maintenance, monitoring, and management skills training over 12 weeks. Ninety-eight participants were randomly allocated to the experimental or control group ( = 49 per group). While the experimental group received SCPP alongside standard care, the control group received standard care alone. Data collection occurred between May 2022 and March 2023 and included demographic information, the Self-Care of Diabetes Index questionnaire (SCODI), the self-care for diabetes eye care questionnaire (SCFDE), the impact of visual impairment questionnaire (IVI-Thai version), and retinal images for DR severity grading. Data analysis utilized descriptive statistics, Chi-Square tests, -tests, and MANOVA.
RESULTS
Following 8 and 16 weeks of SCPP, the experimental group had significantly higher mean scores in engagement with self-care and eye-care behaviors compared to the control group ( <0.001). The highest scores were observed in self-care and eye-care confidence behaviors, followed by maintenance, monitoring, and management. Furthermore, HbA1c levels and VRQoL significantly decreased and were lower than those of the control group at week 16 ( <0.001 and <0.05, respectively). However, there were no significant differences in VA, and DR severity increased in both groups by week 16.
CONCLUSION
SCPP benefits individuals with DR, enhancing their confidence and ability to perform, monitor, and manage self-care behaviors. These strategies contribute to improved diabetes management, enhanced quality of life, and reduced DR-related blindness. Integrating SCPP into routine DR management is recommended, with nurses playing a pivotal role in overseeing and driving this integration, highlighting the critical role of nurses in managing this widespread global disease.
TRIAL REGISTRY NUMBER
Thai Clinical Trials Registration (TCTR20230302002).
PubMed: 38947309
DOI: 10.33546/bnj.3360 -
Belitung Nursing Journal 2024Patients with lupus nephritis experience disease symptoms and side effects from treatment. Although self-management behaviors are important in patients with this...
BACKGROUND
Patients with lupus nephritis experience disease symptoms and side effects from treatment. Although self-management behaviors are important in patients with this disease, there is limited research on the factors influencing these behaviors.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to examine the factors influencing self-management behaviors in patients with lupus nephritis.
METHODS
This cross-sectional study was conducted in 240 patients with lupus nephritis at a university hospital in Thailand between August 2019 and December 2020 using a random sampling method. Data were collected using a demographic and clinical characteristic questionnaire, Self-Management Behavior Questionnaire, Self-efficacy for Managing Chronic Disease: A 6-item Scale, Knowledge about Lupus Nephritis Questionnaire, Family Support Scale, Social Networks in Adult Life Questionnaire, and Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale for Lupus Nephritis. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression analyses were employed.
RESULTS
The participants reported a moderate level of self-management behaviors. Multiple regression analyses revealed that disease duration, income, symptoms, self-efficacy, knowledge, family support, social networks, and classes of lupus nephritis significantly explained 21% of the variance in self-management behaviors (R = 0.21; F = 7.73; <0.001). Family support (β = 0.32, <0.001) and symptoms (β = -0.23, <0.001) were significant determinants of self-management behaviors in patients with lupus nephritis.
CONCLUSION
The findings provide valuable insight for nurses to better understand the factors influencing self-management behaviors in patients with lupus nephritis. Patients with low family support and high symptom severity may face difficulty in performing self-management behaviors. Nurses should pay more attention to these patients and provide family-based interventions to optimize self-management behaviors in this population.
PubMed: 38947300
DOI: 10.33546/bnj.3257 -
MedRxiv : the Preprint Server For... Jun 2024Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) enhance the immune system's ability to target and destroy cancer cells by blocking inhibitory pathways. Despite their efficacy, these...
BACKGROUND
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) enhance the immune system's ability to target and destroy cancer cells by blocking inhibitory pathways. Despite their efficacy, these treatments can trigger immune-related adverse events (irAEs), such as acute kidney injury (ICI-AKI), complicating patient management. The genetic predispositions to ICI-AKI are not well understood, necessitating comprehensive genomic studies to identify risk factors and improve therapeutic strategies.
OBJECTIVE
To identify genetic predispositions for ICI-AKI using large-scale real-world data.
METHODS
A systematic literature search led to 14 candidate variants related to irAEs. We performed a candidate variant association study with these 14 variants using the All of Us cohort (AoU, v7, cutoff date: 7/1/2022). A cohort for cancer patients receiving ICI and a general cohort were established to evaluate ICI-AKI risk. Logistic regression, adjusted for sex, was used to evaluate the impact of each candidate genotype, separately for self-reported and ancestry-estimated race. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis assessed the genetic effects on AKI-free survival.
RESULTS
The ICI cohort (n=414) showed a one-year AKI incidence rate of 23.2%, significantly higher than the general cohort (6.5%, n=213,282). The rs16957301 variant (chr13:100324308, T>C) in the PCCA gene was a significant risk genotype for ICI-AKI among self-reported Caucasians (Beta=0.93, Bonferroni-corrected P-value=0.047) and ancestry estimated Caucasians (Beta = 0.94, Bonferroni-corrected P-value=0.044). Self-reported Caucasians with the rs16957301 risk genotypes (TC/CC) developed AKI significantly earlier (3.6 months) compared to the reference genotype (TT, 7.0 months, log-rank P=0.04). Consistent results were found in ancestry-estimated Caucasians. This variant did not present significant AKI risks in the general cohort (Beta: -0.008-0.035, FDR: 0.75-0.99).
CONCLUSION
Real-world evidence from the All of Us cohort suggests that, in Caucasians, PCCA variant rs16957301 is a novel AKI risk genotype specific to ICI treatment. Additional studies are warranted to validate rs16957301 as risk marker for AKI in Caucasian patients treated with ICIs and to assess its risk in other ancestral populations.
PubMed: 38946978
DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.20.24309197 -
Advanced Science (Weinheim,... Jul 2024The rational construction of efficient hypoxia-tolerant nanocatalysts capable of generating singlet oxygen (O) without external stimuli is of great importance for tumor...
The rational construction of efficient hypoxia-tolerant nanocatalysts capable of generating singlet oxygen (O) without external stimuli is of great importance for tumor therapy. Herein, uniformly dispersed and favorable biosafety profile graphitic carbon nitride quantum dots immobilized with Fe-N moieties modulated by axial O atom (denoted as O-Fe-N) are developed for converting HO into O via Russell reaction, without introducing external energy. Notably, O-Fe-N performs two interconnected catalytic properties: glutathione oxidase-mimic activity to provide substrate for subsequent O generation, avoiding the blunting anticancer efficacy by glutathione. The O-Fe-N catalyst demonstrates a specific activity of 79.58 U mg at pH 6.2, outperforming the most reported Fe-N catalysts. Density functional theory calculations demonstrate that the axial O atom can effectively modulate the relative position and electron affinity between Fe and N, lowering the activation energy, strengthening the selectivity, and thus facilitating the Russell-type reaction. The gratifying enzymatic activity stemming from the well-defined Fe-N/O structure can inhibit tumor proliferation by efficiently downregulating glutathione peroxidase 4 activity and inducing lipid peroxidation. Altogether, the O-Fe-N catalyst not only represents an efficient platform for self-cascaded catalysis to address the limitations of O-involved cancer treatment but also provides a paradigm to enhance the performance of the Fe-N catalyst.
PubMed: 38946659
DOI: 10.1002/advs.202307254 -
American Journal of Community Psychology Jul 2024Political engagement (PE) is associated with a sense of empowerment. PE by parents affects children's lives. This study explored parents' attitudes about inclusion of...
Political engagement (PE) is associated with a sense of empowerment. PE by parents affects children's lives. This study explored parents' attitudes about inclusion of political engagement discussion in well-child care. Because voting is an expression of empowerment, we hypothesized that voting would be related to higher parenting self-efficacy. We administered a brief questionnaire to a convenience sample of parents/guardians at well-child visits at an urban hospital. The questionnaire included 10 Likert scale questions touching on parenting efficacy; beliefs about political engagement; voting behaviors; and demographics. Analysis included descriptive statistics, correlations, and factor analysis. Among the 70 respondents 84% were mothers; 55% self-identified as low income; 62% self-identified as a "person of color." Voting in the 2020 national election was reported by 37%. Most parents (54%) said they would feel comfortable discussing voting with a doctor. Factor analysis identified two main factors: self-efficacy and engagement. Engagement, but not self-efficacy, was related to voting behavior. Contrary to our hypothesis, PE did not appear related to parenting self-efficacy. Notably, more than half of parents felt comfortable discussing PE with their child's doctor. Given the critical role of parents in shaping the world their children inhabit, further exploration could prove to be of value.
PubMed: 38946535
DOI: 10.1002/ajcp.12761 -
Physiotherapy Theory and Practice Jul 2024The relationship between psychosocial factors and bodily pain in people with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is unclear.
INTRODUCTION
The relationship between psychosocial factors and bodily pain in people with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is unclear.
PURPOSE
To examine whether widespread pain was associated with poorer self-efficacy, more anxiety, depression, and kinesiophobia in people with KOA.
METHODS
This was a cross-sectional study based on data from Good Life with osteoArthritis in Denmark (GLA:D®). The association between widespread pain (multiple pain sites) and self-efficacy (Arthritis Self-Efficacy Scale), anxiety and depression (item from the EQ-5D-5 L), and kinesiophobia (yes/no) was examined using multiple linear tobit or logistic regression models.
RESULTS
Among 19,323 participants, 10% had no widespread pain, 37% had 2 pain sites, 26% had 3-4 pain sites, and 27% had ≥5 pain sites. Widespread pain was associated with poorer self-efficacy (-0.9 to -8.3 points), and the association was stronger with increasing number of pain sites (p-value <.001). Significant increasing odds ratios (ORs) were observed for having anxiety or depression with 3-4 pain sites (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.12; 1.49) and ≥5 pain sites (OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.56; 2.07). Having 2 and 3-4 pain sites were associated with lower odds of kinesiophobia compared to having no widespread pain.
CONCLUSION
Widespread pain was associated with lower self-efficacy and more anxiety and depression but also lower kinesiophobia in people with KOA.
PubMed: 38946473
DOI: 10.1080/09593985.2024.2372381 -
International Journal of Occupational... Jun 2024. The COVID-19 pandemic, remote work and new technologies have heightened workplace pressures. Effective response and essential organizational changes require business...
. The COVID-19 pandemic, remote work and new technologies have heightened workplace pressures. Effective response and essential organizational changes require business leaders to be more adaptable, with managers' presence playing a pivotal role in successful implementation. The study assesses a brief mindfulness-based emotional regulation for managers (MBERM) intervention, to reduce workplace stress and enhance managerial well-being. . An 8-week non-randomized controlled trial was conducted with a waiting list control group and an intervention group. Pre-post differences were measured by Student's test or Wilcoxon test, and effect size calculated using the Hedge's formula. The sample included 23 managers (17 men and six women) with average age 50 years. The study assessed anxiety and depressive symptoms, psychological flexibility, perceived self-efficacy, general work-related well-being, perceived stress and mindfulness. . Statistically significant changes were observed in the intervention group in depression, anxiety, work-related acceptance and action, general self-efficacy, exhaustion, alienation, stress and non-reactivity. The control group showed no statistically significant changes in any of the variables. . The MBERM intervention could improve the emotional and work-related well-being of managers and reduce stress levels and burnout. Further study of this intervention is needed to promote adherence and ensure a long-term improvement.
PubMed: 38946201
DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2024.2358676 -
The Journal of Social Psychology Jun 2024Although there have been studies in the past that have highlighted the important role of leader traits in motivating employee innovation behavior, leader perfectionism...
Although there have been studies in the past that have highlighted the important role of leader traits in motivating employee innovation behavior, leader perfectionism has been scarcely investigated in this context. This study attempts to explore whether leader perfectionism directed toward employees can facilitate or hinder employee innovation behavior. Based on the transactional model of stress, we propose and test a moderated mediation model using data from a multi-wave, multi-source survey of 334 leader-employee questionnaires. The results show that, for employees with high self-efficacy, leader perfectionism has a positive effect on their challenge stress, which in turn promotes employee innovation behavior; Meanwhile, for employees with low self-efficacy, leader perfectionism has a positive effect on their hindrance stress, thereby discouraging employee innovation behavior. This study has significant theoretical and practical implications as it highlights the underlying relationship between leader perfectionism and employee innovation behavior.
PubMed: 38944847
DOI: 10.1080/00224545.2024.2368018 -
Acta Psychologica Jun 2024In a context marked by teachers' shortage, prioritizing teachers' well-being emerges as one of the factors that can encourage them to stay in the profession. Well-being...
In a context marked by teachers' shortage, prioritizing teachers' well-being emerges as one of the factors that can encourage them to stay in the profession. Well-being is a multidimensional concept and difficult to define and measure. Moreover, its link with Psychological Capital (PsyCap), a concept that includes personal psychological resources (hope, self-efficacy, resilience, and optimism) (Luthans & Youssef, 2004), has received little attention in the educational sciences. The main objective of this paper is therefore to investigate the links between these two concepts from a theoretical point of view in psychology and educational sciences. For this purpose, the scoping review methodology (Tricco et al., 2018) is mobilized to identify research issues, methodological questions, and the various links between well-being and PsyCap. Based on a systematic review of 376 bibliographic references conducted in the main databases in psychology and educational sciences, 32 articles were selected analysed. The data extracted indicate that these concepts particularly affect teachers (42.11 % of subjects concerned, N = 42,750). In addition, all the sources selected report significant and positive statistical links between well-being and PsyCap. These results suggest possible avenues for research on teachers' well-being.
PubMed: 38943874
DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2024.104370