| 1. |
- Kristofferzon, Marja-Leena, 1950-, et al.
(författare)
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Evaluation of a Swedish version of the Watts Sexual Function Questionnaire (WSFQ) in persons with heart disease: A pilot study
- 2010
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Ingår i: European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing. - Amsterdam : Elsevier. - 1474-5151 .- 1873-1953. ; 9:3, s. 168-174
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: As part of preparation for a Swedish multicentre study, exploring sexual and married life in patients with myocardial infarction and their partners, a Swedish validated instrument was required. Aims:The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of a Swedish version of the Watts Sexual Function Questionnaire (WSFQ) among persons with a heart disease.Methods:A convenience sample of 79 persons (47 men and 32 women) living with a heart disease was recruited from the members of the National Association of Heart and Lung Patients. They completed a Swedish version of the WSFQ on two occasions. Results:Two separate factor analyses each revealed a two-factor structure on both occasions: “Sexual appetite” and “Sexual expectations ”with gender-neutral questions and “Sexual sensitiveness” and “Sexual ability” with gender-specific questions. Cronbach's alpha coefficients ranged from 0.48 to 0.86 and test – retest values for all but one question exceeded 0.70.Conclusions:The Swedish version of the WSFQ showed good validity and stability and acceptable internal homogeneity. Extended evaluations of the questionnaire are recommended.
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| 2. |
- Arenhall, Eva, 1974-, et al.
(författare)
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The male partners' experiences of the intimate relationships after a first myocardial infarction
- 2011
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Ingår i: European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1474-5151 .- 1873-1953. ; 10:2, s. 108-114
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Stress in the intimate relationship is found to worsen the prognosis in women suffering from myocardial infarction (MI). Little is known about how male spouses experience the intimate relationship.Aim: This study aimed to explore and describe the experience of men's intimate relationships in connection to and after their female partner's first MI.Methods: An explorative and qualitative design was used. Interviews were conducted with 16 men having a partner who the year before had suffered a first MI. The data were analysed with qualitative content analysis. Results: Three themes emerged: masculine image challenged; life takes another direction; and life remains unchanged. The men were forced to deal with an altered image of themselves as men, and as sexual beings. They were hesitant to approach their spouse in the same way as before the MI because they viewed her to be more fragile. The event also caused them to consider their own lifestyle, changing towards healthier dietary and exercise habits.Conclusions: After their spouse's MI, men experienced a challenge to their masculine image. They viewed their spouse as being more fragile, which led the men to be gentler in sexual intimacy and more hesitant to invite sexual activity. This knowledge about how male spouses experience the intimate relationship could be helpful for health personnel in hospitals and primary care when they interact with couples where the woman suffers from cardiac disease or other chronic disorders. (C) 2010 European Society of Cardiology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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| 3. |
- Elcadi, Guilherme H., 1966-, et al.
(författare)
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Shoulder and forearm oxygenation and myoelectric activity in patients with work related muscle pain and healthy subjects
- 2013
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Ingår i: European Journal of Applied Physiology. - New York : Springer. - 1439-6319 .- 1439-6327. ; 113:5, s. 1103-1115
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We tested hypotheses of (i) reduced oxygen usage, oxygen recovery, blood flow and oxygen consumption; and (ii) increased muscle activity for patients diagnosed with work related muscle pain in comparison to healthy controls. Oxygenation was measured with near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), and muscle activity with EMG for the extensor carpi radialis (ECR) and trapezius descendens (TD) muscles. Eighteen patients with diffuse neck-shoulder-arm pain and seventeen controls (matched in age and sex) were equipped with NIRS and EMG probes. After determining an individual’s maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) force, short term (20 sec) isometric contractions for the ECR and TD of 10%, 30%, 50% and 70% MVC generated ∆StO2% and StO2% recovery (Rslope) from NIRS, and RMS%max from EMG signals. In addition, upper arm venous (VO) and arterial (AO) occlusions generated slopes of total hemoglobin (HbTslope) and deoxyhemoglobin (HHbslope) for the resting ECR as surrogates of blood flow and oxygen consumption, respectively. Mixed Model analyses, t-tests, and Mann-Whitney test were used to assess differences between groups. There was no significant difference in MVC between groups for either muscle. Also, ∆StO2%, Rslope for either muscle, and ECR-HbTslope were not different between groups, thus our hypotheses of reduced oxygen use, recovery, and blood flow for patients were not confirmed. However, patients had a significantly lower ECR-HHbslope confirming our hypothesis of reduced consumption. Further, there was no difference in RMS%max during contractions meaning that the hypothesis of increased activity for patients was not confirmed. When taking into account the number of NIRS variables studied, differences we found between our patient group and healthy controls (i.e. in forearm oxygen consumption and shoulder oxygen saturation level) may be considered modest. Overall our findings may have been impacted by the fact that our patients and controls were similar in muscle strength, which is in contrast to previous studies.
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| 4. |
- Elcadi, Guilherme H., 1966-, et al.
(författare)
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The relationship between oxygenation and myoelectric activity in the forearm and shoulder muscles of males and females
- 2011
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Ingår i: European Journal of Applied Physiology. - : Springer. - 1439-6319 .- 1439-6327. ; 111, s. 647-658
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The aim was to investigate the relationship between oxygen saturation (StO(2)%) measured with near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and myoelectric activity (root mean square, RMS) for the extensor carpi radialis (ECR) and trapezius muscles. In addition, gender differences were examined for submaximal (10-70% MVC) and sustained (10% MVC for 5 min) isometric contractions. Thirteen males and 15 females participated. Changes in StO(2)% (a dagger StO(2)%) and RMS, expressed as percentages of maximum, were calculated for each submaximal contraction. A good correlation between a dagger StO(2)% and RMS was seen for the ECR (r = -0.53) and a moderate correlation seen for the trapezius muscle (r = -0.44). The ANOVA showed a significant decrease in ECR-a dagger StO(2)% over force with females demonstrating a tendency for larger changes than males. ECR-RMS increased over force with no impact of gender. For the trapezius, a dagger StO(2)% decreased over force but was not gender dependent. Trapezius-RMS increased over force with females demonstrating a tendency for greater change than males. For the sustained contraction, ECR-StO(2)% changed over time but was not gender dependent. ECR-RMS increased over time with females showing a greater response than males. Trapezius-StO(2)% changed over time and differed between genders, i.e., males increased while females decreased. RMS increased over time similarly for both genders. In conclusion, our data show that the ECR and trapezius aerobic demands during isometric contractions are negatively correlated to electromyography (EMG) RMS. The present study also suggests some gender specificity for forearm and shoulder myoelectric activity and oxygenation for submaximal and sustained contractions.
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| 5. |
- Olsson, Annakarin, et al.
(författare)
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A passive positioning alarm used by persons with dementia and their spouses : a qualitative intervention study
- 2013
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Ingår i: BMC Geriatrics. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1471-2318 .- 1471-2318. ; 13:11, s. 1-9
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BackgroundIncreasingly, information and communication technology is being used to support persons with dementia living at home and their relatives. The aim of the present intervention study was to describe and explore the use and experiences of using a passive positioning alarm, over time, in daily life among persons with dementia and their spouses.MethodsUsing an ethnographically inspired approach, five couples, each including a person with Alzheimer's disease and his/her spouse living in their own home, were repeatedly observed and interviewed regarding their experiences of using a passive positioning alarm. Interview text transcripts and field notes were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.ResultsThe main findings show changes over time, where testing and checking the passive positioning alarm successively led to trust in the alarm and in one own's ability to use it. These components were a prerequisite for the couples to perceive the value of the alarm.ConclusionsA passive positioning alarm for persons with dementia and their spouses needs to be packaged as a "service" with flexibility for each user and based on user needs, abilities, knowledge and skills. Using a passive positioning alarm can be a valuable support that allows persons with dementia to be alone outdoors and can increase safety and security for them and their spouses. The present study contributes to our understanding of what prerequisites need to be in place and what barriers need to be dealt with before successful implementation can occur.
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| 6. |
- Olsson, Annakarin, 1960-, et al.
(författare)
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My, your and our needs for safety and security : relatives' reflections on using information and communication technology in dementia care
- 2012
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Ingår i: Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences. - Malden, USA : Wiley-Blackwell. - 0283-9318 .- 1471-6712. ; 26:1, s. 104-112
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Aim: The present paper reports on a study aimed at describing relatives' reflections on different kinds of information and communication technology (ICT) devices that are used or can be used in the daily care of persons with dementia.Background: Many persons with dementia continue living in their own homes, which requires the support of their relatives. One way to meet the needs of relatives and persons with dementia is to use ICT.Methods: An interview study was conducted in Sweden (2007-2008) with a purposive sample of 14 spouses of a person with dementia. Qualitative content analysis was used to identify categories and themes in the data.Findings: Relatives' reflections on the use of ICT were described as ICT - a support in daily life, ICT - internal and external conditions and ICT - the decision to use or not use. Based on these categories, a theme was revealed: shifting between different perspectives: my, your and our needs for safety and security.Conclusion: Relatives struggle to create a situation of safety and security in daily life for themselves and the persons with dementia. ICT devices with the right functionality and used at the right time are regarded as useful in solving everyday problems. In the decision to use or not use ICT, the opportunity to create a safe and secure environment overshadows potential ethical problems. Providing early information about ICT to persons with dementia and their relatives could facilitate joint decision-making regarding use of ICT.
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| 7. |
- Olsson, Annakarin, et al.
(författare)
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Persons with early-stage dementia reflect on being outdoors : a repeated interview study
- 2013
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Ingår i: Aging & Mental Health. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1360-7863 .- 1364-6915. ; 17:7, s. 793-800
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives: The aim of this study was to describe how persons with early-stage dementia reflect on being outdoors. Method: Data were collected through repeated interviews with a purposive sample of 11 persons with early-stage dementia in Sweden during the period 2009-2010 and were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Results: Informants described being outdoors as a confirmation of the self. Confirmation of their ability to maintain desired activities, despite the dementia disease, was important to the informants. However, some confirmations were not positive; the realisation that one could no longer perform certain activities could be devastating. Two sub-themes emerged: shifting between still being part of it all' and a sense of grief and loss and striving to keep on despite perceived barriers. Past, but no longer possible, outdoor activities were greatly missed and the informants longed to be able to perform these activities once again. To resolve possible difficulties associated with being outdoors, the informants used various adaptation strategies. Despite the described barriers, being outdoors was of great value to them. Conclusion: Independent outdoor activities seem to contribute to the well-being and feelings of self-worth among persons with early-stage dementia who want to be and are able to be outdoors. If a person with dementia, despite cognitive limitations, wants and is able to engage in outdoor activities, it is important for relatives and health-care staff to encourage and facilitate this, for example, by discussing adaptation strategies to deal with orientation problems.
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| 8. |
- Arenhall, Eva, et al.
(författare)
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The female partners' experiences of intimate relationship after a first myocardial infarction
- 2011
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Ingår i: Journal of Clinical Nursing. - : Wiley. - 0962-1067 .- 1365-2702. ; 20:11-12, s. 1677-1684
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Aim.This study aimed to explore and describe women’s experience of intimate relationships in connection to and after their partner’s first myocardial infarction. Background.Support from partners is important for recovery, but little is known about partners’ experience of intimate relationships after myocardial infarction. Design. The study used an explorative, qualitative design. Methods. The first author interviewed 20 women having a partner who had suffered a first myocardial infarction during the preceding year. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyse the data. Findings. Three themes emerged: ‘limited life space’, ‘sense of life lost’ and ‘another dimension of life’. The women described how their self-assumed responsibility led to a more stifling and limited life. Their sense of life lost was described in terms of deficits and feeling the loss. The women also described experiencing another dimension of life characterised by three subthemes: ‘uncertainty of life’, ‘certain of relationship’ and ‘share life more’. Conclusions.The partners’ myocardial infarction had an impact on the interviewees’ intimate relationships; they suffered a major loss and missed their ‘former’ partner, both emotionally and sexually. They struggled with the new asymmetry in their intimate relationship and felt compelled to adapt to their partners’ lack of sexual desire or function. Also, their partner controlled them, which lead towards a stifling, more limited life space. Relevance to clinical practice. Caregivers in hospital and primary care settings could apply the findings in their efforts to help couples recover or maintain intimate relationships following myocardial infarction.
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| 9. |
- Mathiassen, Svend Erik, et al.
(författare)
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Bias and imprecision in posture percentile variables estimated from short exposure samples
- 2012
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Ingår i: BMC Medical Research Methodology. - : BioMed Central. - 1471-2288. ; 12:1, s. 1-14
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BackgroundUpper arm postures are believed to be an important risk determinant for musculoskeletal disorder development in the neck and shoulders. The 10th and 90th percentiles of the angular elevation distribution have been reported in many studies as measures of neutral and extreme postural exposures, and variation has been quantified by the 10th-90th percentile range. Further, the 50th percentile is commonly reported as a measure of "average" exposure. These four variables have been estimated using samples of observed or directly measured postures, typically using sampling durations between 5 and 120 min.MethodsThe present study examined the statistical properties of estimated full-shift values of the 10th, 50th and 90th percentile and the 10th-90th percentile range of right upper arm elevation obtained from samples of seven different durations, ranging from 5 to 240 min. The sampling strategies were realized by simulation, using a parent data set of 73 full-shift, continuous inclinometer recordings among hairdressers. For each shift, sampling duration and exposure variable, the mean, standard deviation and sample dispersion limits (2.5% and 97.5%) of all possible sample estimates obtained at one minute intervals were calculated and compared to the true full-shift exposure value.ResultsEstimates of the 10th percentile proved to be upward biased with limited sampling, and those of the 90th percentile and the percentile range, downward biased. The 50th percentile was also slightly upwards biased. For all variables, bias was more severe with shorter sampling durations, and it correlated significantly with the true full-shift value for the 10th and 90th percentiles and the percentile range. As expected, shorter samples led to decreased precision of the estimate; sample standard deviations correlated strongly with true full-shift exposure values.ConclusionsThe documented risk of pronounced bias and low precision of percentile estimates obtained from short posture samples presents a concern in ergonomics research and practice, and suggests that alternative, unbiased exposure variables should be considered if data collection resources are restricted.
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| 10. |
- Samuelsson, Åsa, et al.
(författare)
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Types of employment and their associations with work characteristics and health in Swedish women and men
- 2012
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Ingår i: Scandinavian Journal of Public Health. - : SAGE Publications. - 1403-4948 .- 1651-1905. ; 40:2, s. 183-190
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Aim: To investigate whether type of employment was related to work characteristics and health status at age 42 adjusted for health status at age 30 and whether gender moderates the associations. Methods: Questionnaire data was used from a 27-year follow-up study of school-leavers carried out in Lulea in the north of Sweden (response rate 94%). The study population consisted of 877 (47.8% women) working respondents. Data were analysed by means of t-tests, ANOVAs, and multiple linear regression analyses. Results: Men were more often self-employed, while more women had temporary types of employment. Moreover, men reported more control over work and less emotional exhaustion than women. Compared to permanently employed, self-employed (men and women) perceived more control over work and better health status (p<0.01). Self-employed men also reported more demands and social support (p<0.05). People in temporary types of employment, however, reported less job control, as well as lower health status (only men) (p<0.01). Poor self-reported health and emotional exhaustion were significantly (p<0.05) associated with poor work characteristics (more demands, lower job control, and lower support). Conclusions: No direct associations between type of employment and health were found for women and men. However we find indications of an influence of type of employment on work and thereupon health, with job control playing an important role.
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