| 1. |
- Jong, Miek C., 1968-, et al.
(författare)
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Protocol of a mixed-method randomised controlled pilot study evaluating a wilderness programme for adolescent and young adult cancer survivors : the WAYA study
- 2022
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Ingår i: BMJ Open. - : BMJ. - 2044-6055. ; 12
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Introduction The majority of childhood, adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors suffer from long-term and late effects such as fatigue, psychological distress or comorbid diseases. Effective health promotion strategies are needed to support the health of this vulnerable group. This protocol provides a methodological description of a study that aims to examine the feasibility and safety of performing a randomised clinical trial (RCT) on a wilderness programme that is developed to support the health of AYA cancer survivors.Methods and analysis The pilot RCT study has a mixedmethod design, including quantitative and qualitative evaluations. Participants are AYAs, aged 16–39 years, that have been diagnosed with cancer during childhood, adolescence or young adulthood. A total of 40 participants will be randomly assigned to a wilderness programme (n=20) or a holiday programme (n=20). Both arms include participation in an 8-day summer programme, followed by a 4-day programme 3 months later. Primary outcomes are feasibility and safety parameters such as time to recruitment, willingness to be randomised, programme adherence and adverse effects. Secondary outcomes include self-reported health such as self-esteem, quality of life, self-efficacy and lived experiences. Descriptive statistics will be used to analyse outcomes and explore indications of differences between the programmes. Interviews are analysed by directed content analysis and hermeneutic phenomenology. A convergent parallel mixed-method analysis design will be applied to integrate quantitative and qualitative data. Results of this feasibility study will inform the preparation for a larger RCT with AYA cancer survivors.
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| 2. |
- Jong, Miek C., 1968-, et al.
(författare)
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The Development and Acceptability of a Wilderness Programme to Support the Health and Well-Being of Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors : The WAYA Programme
- 2022
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Ingår i: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. - : MDPI AG. - 1661-7827 .- 1660-4601. ; 19:19
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Detailed descriptions of theory, structure, and activities with causal links to specified outcomes of wilderness programs are lacking. Addressing this gap, the present qualitative study gives a thorough description of the development of the Wilderness programme for Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) cancer survivors (WAYA). WAYA is adapted to the individual needs of AYA cancer survivors. It was conceived around Næss’s ecosophy and the Positive Health Model, and refined based on findings from a scoping review and patient/public involvement. Programme aims were to increase physical activity, self-confidence, personal growth, joy, safety within nature, meaningful relationships, and self-efficacy. The programme was an eight-day expedition followed three months later by a four-day base-camp. Activities included hiking, backpacking, kayaking, rock climbing, mindfulness and bushcrafting. Evaluation of the programme through focus group and individual interviews with 15 facilitators and 17 participants demonstrated that a diverse group of participants, challenging activities, and mindfulness-based practices were found to positively influence group bonding and the learning process. Furthermore, including an expedition and base-camp component was found to be beneficial in supporting the development of participants’ own personal outdoor practices. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that the WAYA programme is safe and well accepted by AYA cancer survivors.
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| 3. |
- Jong, Mats, 1968-, et al.
(författare)
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Supporting Personal Growth in Childhood, Adolescent and Young-Adult Cancer Survivors Through Challenges in Nature — A Qualitative Study of WAYA Wilderness Programme Participation
- 2024
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Ingår i: Global Advances in Integrative Medicine and Health. - : SAGE Publications. - 2753-6130. ; 13
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Childhood, adolescent and young-adult (AYA) cancer survivors often experience health problems due to late or long-term effects of their cancer or the treatment thereof. The general population gains health benefits from immersion in nature, and nature-based programmes seem to be an intervention that can promote health among childhood and AYA cancer survivors. Objective: To explore the impact of the WAYA wilderness programme on the health of childhood and AYA cancer survivors. Methods: The study had a qualitative approach, with data from individual interviews (n = 18) 3 months after completion of the WAYA programme. In addition, case report data was collected during follow-up talks (1, 2 and 12 months after the programme) (n = 19). The WAYA programme consisted of an 8-day expedition, followed 3 months later by a 4-day base camp. The programme included activities such as hiking, backpacking, kayaking, rock climbing, bushcraft and mindfulness. Data was analysed according to a qualitative content analysis. The consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) were followed. Results: An overarching theme was identified: “Personal growth from challenges in nature supported by deep connections with others”. In 4 additional themes, participants’ experiences describe how deep personal connections arose, as they developed a feeling of being able and competent in nature. Nature provided a space that supported relaxation and respite from everyday challenges and stimuli, which also led to an experience of being more connected to nature. Conclusion: The WAYA programme was experienced as being of support to childhood and AYA cancer survivors. The programme provided them with skills and tools to be safe in nature. When connected to nature, the participants developed trust and self-confidence, personal growth, relaxation and recovery from stress. Their engagement in outdoor activities continued after completion of the programme, when they returned to everyday life at home.
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| 4. |
- Kristoffersen, Agnete E., et al.
(författare)
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Consultations with health care providers and use of self-management strategies for prevention and treatment of COVID-19 related symptoms. A population based cross-sectional study in Norway, Sweden and the Netherlands
- 2022
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Ingår i: Complementary Therapies in Medicine. - : Elsevier. - 0965-2299 .- 1873-6963. ; 64
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives: The present study was initiated to determine consultations with health care providers and use of self-management strategies for prevention or treatment of COVID-19 related symptoms in countries with a full lockdown (Norway), a partial lockdown (the Netherlands) and no lockdown (Sweden) during the first three months of the COVID-19 pandemic, and if such use correlates with worries of being infected by COVID-19 disease.Design: Data were collected in collaboration with Ipsos A/S in April-June 2020. An adapted version of the International Questionnaire to measure use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (I-CAM-Q) was used with the categories “for prevention of COVID-19” and “to treat COVID-19-related symptoms” added. Data were collected among a representative sample in Norway, Sweden and the Netherlands using data assisted telephone interviews (Norway, n=990 and Sweden, n=500), and an online survey (the Netherlands, n=1004). Total response rate was 30%.Results: Very few consulted a health care provider with the intention to treat or prevent COVID-19 (1.2% and 1.0% respectively) with medical doctors mostly visited (1.0% and 0.9% respectively). Similarly, the use of self-management strategies to prevent or treat COVID-19 was low (3.4% and 0.2% respectively); most commonly used for prevention of COVID-19 were vitamins and minerals (2.8%). Consultations with health care providers and use of self-management strategies for prevention of COVID-19 were positively associated with worries of being infected with COVID-19.Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic does not seem to have evoked a large-scale difference in behavior related to consultations with health care providers or the use of self-management strategies in any of the three countries.
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| 5. |
- Kristoffersen, Agnete E., et al.
(författare)
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Gender differences in prevalence and associations for use of CAM in a large population study
- 2014
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Ingår i: BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. - : BioMed Central (BMC). - 1472-6882. ; 14
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Self-reported use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) varies widely from 10% to 75% in the general populations worldwide. When limited to use of a CAM provider 2% to 49% reported use is found. CAM use is believed to be closely associated with socio demographic variables such as gender, age, education, income and health complaints. However, studies have only occasionally differentiated CAM use according to gender. Therefore, the aim of the study presented here is to describe the prevalence of CAM use on the background of gender and to describe the specific characteristics of male and female users in the total Tromso 6 population.Methods: A total of 12,982 men and women aged 30-87 in the municipality of Tromso, Norway went through a health screening program and completed two self-administered questionnaires in 2007/2008. The questionnaires were developed specifically for the Tromso study and included questions about life style and health issues in addition to socio demographic variables.Results: A total of 33% of the participants reported use of any CAM within the last 12 months, women more often than men (42% and 24%, respectively). When limited to visits to a CAM provider, we found 17% use among women and 8% among men. The relationship between the demographic variables and being a CAM user differed significantly between men and women with regard to age, household income, and marital status. We did not find significant differences between men and women concerning education and self-reported health.Conclusions: Findings from this study suggest that the prevalence and associations for use of CAM differ between men and women concerning several socio demographic variables (age, education and household income). Neglect of women's health care needs in public health care may contribute to the fact that women to a higher degree than men turn to CAM and CAM products.
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