| 1. |
- Eklund, Caroline, 1983-, et al.
(författare)
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At two step evaluation procedure of the web-application My Stress Control: feasibility and effect
- 2019
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Konferensbidrag (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Context: Stress preventive interventions should support behaviour change. Web-based programs are less resource demanding than face-to-face solutions. For the purpose of supporting behaviour change in persons with work related stress, the web-based program My Stress Control (MSC) was developed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and effect of MSC.Methods: MSC’s feasibility was tested with 14 end-users before evaluating its effect in a two-armed RCT with 95 persons. The same procedure as for the RCT was used in the feasibility study. Questionnaires were used as data collection method. The primary outcome was perceived stress.Intervention: MSC was built on evidence regarding theoretical frame, content and informational design. MSC is tailored to each individual by Stages of Change and with a functional behaviour analysis (FBA) conducted by the users in interactive assignments, steering the user to stress-management strategies. Techniques supporting behavioural change are integrated throughout the program.Results: The feasibility of MSC reached above the pre-set cut-off score. The results of the RCT revealed no significant differences between groups in the primary outcome, but a small effect size was shown between intervention and wait-list group. Adherence was low with 25% of the participants in the intervention group responding to post assessment. Conclusions: It is still uncertain if MSC is an effective method for supporting behaviour change in persons with work related stress. Further development must be conducted regarding adherence before next evaluation study. Nevertheless, the small effect size encourages further development and evaluation of MSC.
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| 2. |
- Eklund, Caroline, 1983-
(författare)
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Development and evaluation of a web application for stress management : Supporting behaviour change in persons with work related stress
- 2018
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Stress is the most common reason for sick leave in Sweden. Stress can lead to health-related problems such as burnout syndrome, depression, sleep disorders, cardiovascular disease and pain. It is important to handle stress at an early stage before it could lead to health-related problems. The web enables to reach many persons at a low cost. Web-applications have proven to be effective regarding several health-related problems. However, adherence is often low and many of the available stress management-programs have not been based on evidence. The overall aim of the thesis was to develop and evaluate a fully automated, evidence-based web-application for stress management for persons experiencing work related stress. The thesis compiles of four studies. Study I contained the systematic development of the program in three phases. Phase one included the development of the program's theoretical framework and content, and phase two consisted of structuring the content and developing the platform to deliver the content from. The third phase consisted of coding the behaviour change supporting content, validation of the program among experts and testing it with one possible end-user. The result was an interactive web-application tailored to the individual's need for stress management supporting behaviour change in several ways; My Stress Control (MSC). In study I, MSC was also tested regarding how to proceed through the program. The results showed that the participants had trouble to reach the program’s end. In study II the feasibility of the coming RCT study procedure was investigated as well as how feasible MSC, the web-application, was to be applied in a larger study. 14 persons participated in study II. The findings proved the scientific study procedure feasible with minor changes, but some changes were required for the web-application to increase the chance for success in a larger, more costly study. In study III nine of the 14 persons that participated in study II were interviewed. The interviews aimed for a better understanding of how the participants experienced the program to further develop it. One theme was identified: Struggling with what I need when stress management is about me. It described an understanding for that stress management takes time and is complex but that it was difficult to find the time for working with it. In study IV, a randomized controlled trial, MSC was evaluated regarding its effect on stress. One group with access to MSC was compared to a wait-list group. 92 persons participated in study IV. The results showed that there were no significant between- or within group differences on perceived stress. A small effect size of MSC on perceived stress was shown between intervention- and wait-list groups, but adherence to the program was low.These studies support that a web-application based on the evidence within multiple fields may have effect on perceived stress. However, to handle stress on one’s own is complex and the paradox in having one more thing to do when already stressed contribute to a conflict on how to handle the task. How to facilitate adherence to the fully automated program should be further investigated in future studies.
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| 3. |
- Eklund, Caroline, 1983-, et al.
(författare)
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Evaluation of a Web-Based Stress Management Application : A Feasibility Study
- 2018
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Ingår i: Journal of Technology in Behavioral Science. - : Springer. - 2366-5963. ; 3:3, s. 150-160
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The aim of the current study was to investigate the feasibility of a Web-based program that promotes behavior change for stress-related problems in terms of the program’s acceptability, practicability, and any possible effects. In addition, the aim was also to study how appropriate and realistic the study’s process and resource management would be for conducting a randomized controlled trial. A convenience sample consisting of 14 individuals was recruited from a university in Sweden. The participants had access to the program for a duration of 9 weeks. Questionnaires were answered before accessing, during use of, and after completing the program. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected and analyzed. The program was considered acceptable and practically feasible, though small adjustments have to be made. The program was considered time-consuming, extensive, and in need of some clarifications. Regarding process and resource management, the study participants required minimum support. It was difficult to identify the time point when to send out the process measures because the participants worked at their own pace. Also, one of the process measurements, the motivation to change, remained stable. With some adjustments to the instructions to the study participants and minor changes in the program, the intervention and study’s procedure were considered as feasible and can be carried out in a randomized controlled trial.
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| 4. |
- Eklund, Caroline, 1983-, et al.
(författare)
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Evaluation of the web application My Stress Control, a stress management program for persons experiencing work related stress : A randomized controlled trial
- 2020
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Ingår i: JMIR Mental Health. - : JMIR Publications Inc.. - 2368-7959. ; 8:12
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Stress is one of the most common reasons for sick leave. Web-based interventions have the potential to reach an unlimited number of users at a low cost and have been shown to be effective in addressing several health-related problems. Handling stress on an individual level is related to behavior change. To support behavioral changes in stress management, My Stress Control (MSC) was developed. The development of MSC was based on several health psychology theories and models; however, central in the development were Social Cognitive Theory, Theory of Reasoned Action, Theory of Planned Behavior, Transactional Theory of Stress and Coping, and the Transtheoretical Model and Stages of Change. MSC is a fully automated program. The program is tailored to the user’s specific needs for stress management and behavior change.Objective: In this study, we aim to conduct a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the extent to which MSC affects perceived stress in persons experiencing work-related stress.Methods: This was a randomized controlled trial with 2 arms. Study participants were recruited by visiting the worksites and workplace meetings. Participants were assigned to the intervention or wait-list group. Web-based questionnaires were used before and after the intervention to collect data. Perceived stress measured using the Perceived Stress Scale-14 was the primary outcome measurement. Analyses were conducted for both between-group and within-group changes.Results: A total of 92 participants were included in this study: 48 (52%) in the intervention group and 44 (48%) in the wait-list group. Overall, 25% (12/48) of participants in the intervention group and 43% (19/44) of participants in the wait-list group completed the postintervention assessment. There were no significant effects on perceived stress between the intervention and wait-list groups or within the groups. A small effect size (Cohen d=0.25) was found when comparing mean change over time on the primary outcome measure between the intervention and wait-list groups. In addition, a small effect size was found between pre- and postintervention assessments within the intervention group (Cohen d=0.38) as well as within the wait-list group (Cohen d=0.25).Conclusions: The effect of MSC on perceived stress remains uncertain. As adherence was low in the intervention group, elements or features that facilitate adherence and engagement must be further developed before firmer conclusions regarding the effect of MSC can be made.
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| 5. |
- Eklund, Caroline, 1983-, et al.
(författare)
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The Meaning of Sedentary Behavior as Experienced by People in the Transition From Working Life to Retirement : An Empirical Phenomenological Study
- 2021
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Ingår i: Physical Therapy. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0031-9023 .- 1538-6724. ; 101:8
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- ObjectiveSedentary behavior (SB) is defined as a mean of >6 hours of daytime sitting or lying down. SB has been shown to increase with older age and is a risk factor for disease. During the transition from working life to retirement, changes in daily life activities occur, risking increased SB. The aim of the present study was to gain a deeper understanding of SB in relation to the transition from working life to retirement as experienced by persons in retirement.MethodsThe study was grounded in a phenomenological life-world perspective. Fourteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants aged 64–75. Data were analyzed using the empirical phenomenological psychological method.ResultsThe participants described that voluntary sedentary time was positively related to general health and well-being, while involuntary sedentary time was negatively related to health. Increased sedentary time was described as natural when aging. Retirement was expressed as a time for rest after hard work and the ability to choose a slower pace in life. Internal and external demands and daily routines interrupted SB, whereas loneliness was perceived to increase SB. Participants strived to find a balance between physical activity and sedentary time. The variations in the participants’ descriptions formed three typologies: in light of meaningful sedentary behavior, in the shadow of involuntary sedentary behavior, and a dual process – postponing sedentary behavior with physical activity.ConclusionsIncreased SB was perceived as natural when aging, but something that may be postponed by conscious choices. SB was perceived as associated with health, rest and recovery but also with the risk of deteriorating health.ImpactThis knowledge of the experienced meaning of SB could guide the design of health promotion interventions and may be helpful in targeting those in need of support and individualizing interventions to decrease SB in retirement.Lay SummaryThis study reveals how persons in retirement describe sedentary behavior as something healthy but also as unhealthy and that sedentary behavior is natural in aging and can be postponed by physical activity.
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| 6. |
- Eklund, Caroline, 1983-, et al.
(författare)
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User experiences from a web-based, self-management programme : struggling with what I need when stress management is about me
- 2019
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Ingår i: European Journal of Physiotherapy. - : Taylor & Francis Group. - 2167-9169 .- 2167-9177. ; , s. 39-48
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives: To explore users’ experiences of a tailored, interactive web application that supports behaviour change in stress management and to identify if and in that case what in the web-based programme that needed further development or adjustment to be feasible in a randomised controlled trial.Method: The design of this study was explorative with a qualitative approach. Nine individuals were recruited among the staff at a university. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted and analysed using qualitative content analysis, after the participants had completed the web-based stress management programme.Results: One theme was identified, Struggling with what I need when stress management is about me, describing the paradox in having a programme that is perceived as supporting stress management while also being perceived as extensive and time consuming. The theme was divided in two categories: Defining the needs, where the users expressed what they needed from the programme and their everyday environment, to be able to use the programme, and It is about me, where the programme was described as helping the users understand their own stress.Conclusion: The participants expressed acceptance of using a web-based programme for stress related problems. The perceived extensiveness of the programme must be considered in further development.
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| 7. |
- Fritz, Johanna, et al.
(författare)
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Determinants of Implementing an Information and Communication Technology Tool for Social Interaction Among Older People : Qualitative Content Analysis of Social Services Personnel Perspectives
- 2024
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Ingår i: JMIR Aging. - : JMIR Publications Inc.. - 2561-7605. ; 7:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Older people are particularly vulnerable to social isolation and loneliness, which can lead to ill-health, both mentally and physically. Information and communication technology (ICT) can supplement health and social care and improve health among the vulnerable, older adult population. When ICT is used specifically for communication with others, it is associated with reduced loneliness in older populations. Research is sparse on how the implementation of ICT, used specifically for communication among older people in social services, can be performed. It is recommended to consider the determinants of implementation, that is, barriers to and facilitators of implementation. Determinants related to older people using ICT tools are reported in several studies. To the best of our knowledge, studies investigating the determinants related to the social services perspective are lacking. Objective: This study aims to explore the determinants of implementing the Fik@ room, a new, co-designed, and research-based ICT tool for social interaction among older people, from a social services personnel perspective. Methods: This study used an exploratory, qualitative design. An ICT tool called the Fik@ room was tested in an intervention study conducted in 2021 in 2 medium-sized municipalities in Sweden. Informants in this study were municipal social services personnel with experience of implementing this specific ICT tool in social services. We conducted a participatory workshop consisting of 2 parts, with 9 informants divided into 2 groups. We analyzed the data using qualitative content analysis with an inductive approach. Results: The results included 7 categories of determinants for implementing the ICT tool. Being able to introduce the ICT tool in an appropriate manner concerns the personnel’s options for introducing and supporting the ICT tool, including their competencies in using digital equipment. Organizational structure concerns a structure for communication within the organization. Leadership concerns engagement and enthusiasm as driving forces for implementation. The digital maturity of the social services personnel concerns the personnel’s skills and attitudes toward using digital equipment. Resources concern time and money. IT support concerns accessibility, and legal liability concerns possibilities to fulfill legal responsibilities. Conclusions: The results show that implementation involves an entire organization at varying degrees. Regardless of how much each level within the organization comes into direct contact with the ICT tool, all levels need to be involved to create the necessary conditions for successful implementation. The prerequisites for the implementation of an ICT tool will probably change depending on the digital maturity of future generations. As this study only included 9 informants, the results should be handled with care. The study was performed during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has probably affected the results.
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| 8. |
- Gusdal, Annelie K, 1963-, et al.
(författare)
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Older Adults’ Use of a Research-Based Web Platform for Social Interaction
- 2023
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Ingår i: Healthcare. - : MDPI AG. - 2227-9032. ; 11:3
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Loneliness and social isolation are triggers for unfavorable changes in older adults’ health and well-being. Information and communication technology (ICT) can be used by older adults to mitigate the negative effects of loneliness and social isolation. However, ICT needs to be customized to the specific needs and conditions of older adults. The aim of this study was to explore older adults’ use of a new, co-designed and research-based web platform for social interaction from the perspectives of older adults, researchers, and social services personnel. The study is an intervention study with a multimethod approach in which 20 older adults used the web platform for social interaction “the Fik@ room” for eight weeks. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected pretest, during the test, and posttest. The Fik@ room met the expectations of those older adults who completed the study. It enabled them to expand their social network and develop new friendships, but their experiences of loneliness were not reduced. The involvement of social services personnel in recruitment and support was important in facilitating older adults’ use of the Fik@ room. Our study contributes knowledge about a new, co-designed and research-based web platform, customized specifically for older adults, which is valuable in guiding the design and delivery of future web platforms for social interaction among older adults.
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| 9. |
- Johansson-Pajala, Rose-Marie, et al.
(författare)
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A codesigned web platform for reducing social isolation and loneliness in older people : a feasibility study
- 2024
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Ingår i: Informatics for Health and Social Care. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1753-8157 .- 1753-8165.
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Social isolation and loneliness are associated with negative health outcomes, physical as well as cognitive. Information and communication technology (ICT) can be effective tools for preventing and tackling social isolation and loneliness among older people. Our objective was to evaluate the feasibility of the Fik@ room, a web platform for social interaction designed for older people. A mixed methods design was applied, where both quantitative and qualitative data were collected during a 12-week period (n = 28, Md age 74). Experiences of loneliness were reduced using the Fik@ room. The results highlight the feasibility issues surrounding the recruitment process, adoption, pattern of use, usability, support service, and technical infrastructure. In particular, the importance of offering ICT solutions with few technical issues, and to provide easily accessible and appropriate support. The Fik@ room is a feasible tool for older people to develop new friendships, reduce loneliness, and grow their social networks. However, it is not a communication option that fits all. The results offer a compilation of feasibility issues that can serve as an inspirational guide in the design and implementation of similar technologies.
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| 10. |
- Marmstål Hammar, Lena, 1979-, et al.
(författare)
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Clarity and adaptability of instructions preventing the spread of the COVID-19 virus and its association with individual and organisational factors regarding the psychosocial work environment : a cross-sectional study
- 2023
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Ingår i: BMC Health Services Research. - 1472-6963. ; 23:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: In Sweden, older people in residential care had the highest mortality rates, followed by those who received home care, during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Staff working in the care of older people assumed responsibility for preventing the spread of the virus despite lacking the prerequisites and training. This study aimed to investigate the psychosocial work environment during the COVID-19 pandemic among staff in the care of older people and examine the factors associated with staff's perceptions of the clarity of instructions and the ability to follow them. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed using a web survey. The staff's perceptions of their psychosocial environment were analysed using descriptive statistics. The association between organisational and individual factors, as well as the degree of clarity of the instructions and the staff's ability to follow them, were assessed using multivariate (ordinal) regression analysis. Results: The main findings show that perceptions of the clarity and adaptability of the instructions were primarily correlated with organisational factors, as higher responses (positive) for the subscales focusing on role clarity, support and encouragement in leadership at work were associated with the belief that the instructions were clear. Similarly, those indicating high job demands and high individual learning demands were less likely to report that the instructions were clear. Regarding adaptability, high scores for demands on learning and psychological demands were correlated with lower adaptability, while high scores for role clarity, encouraging leadership and social support, were associated with higher adaptability. Conclusions: High job demands and individual learning demands were demonstrated to decrease the staff's understanding and adoption of instructions. These findings are significant on an organisational level since the work environment must be prepared for potential future pandemics to promote quality improvement and generally increase patient safety and staff health.
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