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- Algilani, Samal, 1981-
(författare)
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To be at one's best : The evolution of Optimal Functionality and its possible implementation in an ICT-platform
- 2016
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- At the Nutrition and Physical Activity Research Centre for Optimal Health and Functionality through Life (NUPARC), a research gap was uncovered regarding the concept optimal functionality based on the older adult’s own perspective. The overall aim was to explore the concept of optimal functionality among older adults and the possibility of creating and developing an ICT-platform to measure it. Method: An existing cohort from NUPARC was used for recruitment in studies I-III and to some extent study IV. A scoping study design and framework was adopted for the inclusion of the articles in Study I. Study II had a descriptive design. Six focus group discussions were conducted and analysed using qualitative deductive content analysis to extend the qualitative understanding. Study III used a phenomenological approach describing the experience of mental health and its impact on the ability to function as optimally as possible. Six interviews were analysed using Giorgi’s phenomenological approach. Study IV was a feasibility study and included 8 older adults using an ICTplatform for a period of four weeks. Results: Optimal Functionality comprises three major corner stones: Body-related factors, Self-related factors and External factors (I) accompanied by nine aspects, and according to older adults it is a matter of functioning as optimally as possible (II). The three major cornerstones are intricately linked and all but the mental aspects were included in the discussions (II). Life situations affecting mental health, consequences of mental health and strategies for maintaining good mental health were described by older adults as having an impact on mental health and affecting their ability to function as optimally as possible (III). The older adults managed the usage of an ICT-tool well and it was perceived as meaningful (IV). Conclusion: Optimal functionality is holistic, subjective, dynamic and applicable to all older adults. Identification of the factors involved can help the older adults on their path to health. An ICT-platform can facilitate the identification of the factors for optimal functionality and the eventual measurement of it.
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| 2. |
- Arvidsson Lindvall, Mialinn, 1977-
(författare)
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Physiotherapeutic perspectives on balance control after stroke : exercises, experiences and measures
- 2018
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- The overall aim of this thesis was to investigate physiotherapeutic perspectives on balance after stroke, in terms of exercises, experiences and measurements. Study I was a pilot randomized controlled trial with 46 persons who had had a stroke, 24 of whom were included in the intervention group and 22 who were included in the control group. The intervention consisted of 8 weeks of body awareness therapy (BAT). There were no significant differences over time between the groups in the outcome measures of balance, walking, self-reported balance confidence and quality of life. Study II had a qualitative design using content analysis. Participants in the intervention group from Study I and the four physiotherapists who had been in charge of the BAT were interviewed. One overall theme emerged: "Simple yet challenging", which was based on six categories. Study III investigated the validity and test-retest reliability of the Six-Spot Step test (SSST), an instrument used to assess the ability to take load on each leg. A cross-sectional design with 81 persons who had had stroke was performed. The convergent validity was strong to moderate, and the test-retest reliability was good. In Study IV a mixed method design including both qualitative and quantitative data collection was used. The participants’ experiences of balance and its influence in everyday life were presented in two themes: "Feeling dizzy and unstable is a continuous challenge" and "Feeling trust and confidence despite dizziness and unsteadiness". Taken together, the different data sets provided complementary and confirmatory information about balance. All participants experienced the balance limitations as a continuous challenge in everyday life, yet they also felt trust and confidence.In summary, BAT can be a complement in physiotherapeutic stroke rehabilitation and the SSST can be used as a measuring instrument of walking balance in persons with stroke. Living with balance limitations was experienced as a challenge but the participants were still able to manage their everyday life and activities.
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| 3. |
- Barzangi, Jir, 1978-
(författare)
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Infant Dental Enucleation in Sweden : Perspectives on a Practice among Residents of Eastern African Origin
- 2017
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Infant dental enucleation (IDE) is a practice consisting of the removal of deciduous canine tooth buds in infants. Practiced mainly in Eastern Africa, the purpose is to treat or to prevent bodily symptoms and diseases. IDE can cause both general and oral complications. The occurrence of IDE among Eastern African immigrants in a few European countries has been reported. However, knowledge surrounding the practice in Sweden was poor. The overall aim of this work was to explore IDE in the Swedish context. Four studies were conducted. Paper I presents a review of scientific publications. An overview of IDE was gained, and some knowledge gaps were identified. Paper II describes a cross-sectional study to determine the prevalence of IDE in small children. Dental records of 1133 children (mean age 4.6 years, SD 1.4) from a multi-ethnic area were studied. Missing deciduous canines without any registered reason were documented. One or more deciduous canines were missing in 21% of the children with known Eastern African origin (n=101), compared to only three children in the rest of the population (n=1032). Six adults of Somali origin were interviewed to explore their experiences and perceptions of IDE (paper III). These experiences and perceptions were categorised in four essentially different ways: an effective and necessary treatment, a disputed tradition, an option to failure and a desperate measure. Their experiences and perceptions were found to be highly influenced by contexts. In the final study (paper IV), the knowledge, experiences and attitudes among dental and health care personnel were examined. Questionnaires were sent to licensed personnel working in emergency departments, midwifery and child health centres, school health services and public dental health services in ten municipalities. Less than 20% had any knowledge of IDE, while 12.5% of the respondents encountering children had seen at least one patient subjected to IDE. Different attitudes were reported between clinical settings regarding responsibilities and possibilities concerning the management and prevention of IDE. From the findings presented in this thesis, it was concluded that there is a need for initiatives to increase awareness of and knowledge on IDE among dental and health care professionals. Legally obligated responsibilities in these professions regarding IDE need to be clarified, and initiatives should include guidelines regarding both the management of IDE and its prevention in Sweden. Educational programmes should also be produced for residents of Eastern African origin to change their perceptions of IDE, and a culturally sensitive approach should be adopted to ensure that such programmes are effective.
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| 4. |
- Biswas, Animesh, 1978-
(författare)
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Maternal and Neonatal Death Review System to Improve Maternal and Neonatal Health Care Services in Bangladesh
- 2015
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Bangladesh has made encouraging progress in reducing maternal and neonatal mortality over the past two decades. However, deaths are much higher than in many other countries. The death reporting system to address maternal, neonatal deaths and stillbirths is still poor. Moreover, cause identification for each of the community and facility deaths is not functional. The overall objective of this thesis is to develop, implement and evaluate the Maternal and Neonatal Death Review (MNDR) system in Bangladesh. The study has been conducted in two districts of Bangladesh. A mixed method is used in studies I and II, whereas a qualitative method is used in studies III-V, and cost of MNDR is calculated in study VI. In-depth interviews, focus group discussions, group discussions, participant observations and document reviews are used as data collection techniques. Quantitative data are collected from the MNDR database. In study I, community death notification in the MNDR system was found to be achievable and acceptable at district level in the existing government health system. A simple death notification process is used to capture community-level maternal and neonatal deaths and stillbirths. It was useful for local-level planning by health managers. In study II, death-notification findings explored dense pocket areas in the district. The health system took local initiatives based on the findings. This resulted in visible and tangible changes in care-seeking and client satisfaction. Death numbers in 2012 were reduced in comparison with 2010 in the specific area. In study III, verbal autopsies at community level enabled the identification of medical and social causes of death, including community delays. Deceased family members cordially provided information on deaths to field-level government health workers. The health managers used the findings for a remedial action plan, which was implemented as per causal findings. In study IV, social autopsy highlights social errors in the community, and promotes discussion based on a maternal or neonatal death, or stillbirth. This was aneffective means to deliver some important messages and to sensitize the community. Importantly, the community itself plans and decides on what should be done in future to avert such deaths. In study V, facility death review of maternal and neonatal deaths was found to be possible and useful in upazila and district facilities. It not only identified medical causes of death, but also explored gaps and challenges in facilities that can be resolved. The findings of facility death reviews were helpful to local health mangers and planners in order to develop appropriate action plans and improve quality of care at facility level. Finally, in study VI, the initial piloting costs required for MNDR implementation were estimated, including large capacity development and other developmental costs. However, in the following year, costs were reduced. Unit cost per activity was 3070 BDT in 2010, but, in the following years, 1887 BDT and 2207 BDT, in 2011 and 2012 respectively.
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| 6. |
- Ewertsson, Mona, 1958-
(författare)
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Lärande av praktiska färdigheter inom sjuksköterskeprofessionen : studier av lärande i olika arenor
- 2017
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- A central part of the nursing profession is the performance of practical skills. In order to provide adequate care, maintain patient-safety, and feel comfortable in the profession, registered nurses (RNs) need to be equipped with requisite skills. Overall aim: To explore and describe how learning and development of practical skills occurs during the preparatory phases and within the nursing profession. Method: Qualitative (I, III, IV) and quantitative methods (II) were used. Data were collected through individual interviews (I, IV), questionnaires (II) and participant observations, including informal talks (III, IV). Results: Both students and new RNs expressed a need to learn and develop practical skills (I, II, III, IV). Less than half of the new RNs had access to a clinical skill laboratory (CSL), where they could learn and practice practical skills (II). The students described that learning at a CSL had been meaning for their clinical practice. They also expressed a great need for continuing learning in real patient situations (I, III, IV). During clinical practice, preceptors and students took different approaches which affected student’s learning processesö (I, III, IV). There was a tension between learning at a CSL and learning in clinical practice sites because students perceived differences in the performance of skills. Students described that they understood that performance of skills could be done in different ways without injuring patients. However, the data also showed deviations in performances that could jeopardize patientsafety. In these situations, student’s behavior differed (I, IV). One third of new RNs deviated from evidence based guidelines when they performed practical skills which they were unfamiliar with (II). Both students and new RNs reported that reflection in connection with the performance of practical skills was not common (I, II III, IV). Conclusions: Cooperation between university CSLs and clinical settings must be intensified in order to enhance the understanding of learning processes regarding practical skills. A consensus regarding academic approaches should be reached. Universities need to support preceptors in educational issues where the importance of reflection is clarified and exemplified. Increasing patient-safety requires that new RNs receive opportunities for training in artificial environments, and that a culture that reinforces the use of guidelines and a reflective stance is cultivated.
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| 8. |
- Faag, Carina, 1970-
(författare)
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A comprehensive nurse-led intervention for patients with peripheral vestibular disorders : the feasibility and benefits
- 2015
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Licentiatavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Dizziness and balance problems are common symptoms at all ages, the symptoms are more common in women than in men and increases with age. Several studies clearly demonstrate that peripheral vestibular disorders symptoms may lead to the patients reporting functional consequences of a physical, mental and social character. The overall aim of this thesis was to investigate the efficacy and feasibility of an intervention for patients with peripheral vestibular disorders that contains patient education in groups in combination with individual support. The study is a randomized controlled trial (RCT). Thirty-six patients participated in the study: the intervention group (n = 18), who received the intervention and standard care, and patients in a control group (n = 18), who received standard care. The intervention includes a patient education program and individualized nursing support during a six-month period. Outcomes were collected by self-assessment questionnaires about dizziness-related symptoms, well-being, sense of coherence, and self-care measured at baseline before randomization and at six and nine months later. All patients were also instructed to complete a diary where they recorded symptoms that arose during an episode of dizziness. The main results show that the patients who received the intervention rated statistically significant fewer vertigo-related symptoms and a higher sense of coherence than the control group at the ninemonth follow-up. The intervention was feasible and seems to support the patients to manage symptoms. The effects were small and must be considered in relation to the efforts of the intervention. Confirmative studies are warranted.
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| 9. |
- Fredriksson, Ingela, 1967-
(författare)
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Leisure-time youth-center as health-promotion settings
- 2016
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Licentiatavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Leisure time is an important part of young people’s lives. Despite this, leisure-time settings have hitherto had only a minor role in setting-based health-promotion initiatives. Improving adolescents’ quality of leisuretime activities can reduce social differences in health, thus youth-centers can be appropriate settings for promoting health. However, young people with immigrant backgrounds participate less in organized leisure-time activities.The overall aim of this study is to explore young people’s leisure time as their health-promotion setting in two NGO-run youth-centers in multicultural, socially deprived suburbs in Sweden.This study took a practice-based approach using a mixture of methods in close collaboration with the youth-centers. Data collection was done through surveys with young people (n = 207) and interviews with young people and leaders (n = 16). Study I, about who participates in youthcenter activities, used an explanatory mixed method. Study II, about the youth-centers’ strategies, used an explorative qualitative method with an inductive content analysis.This study shows that youth-centers have great potential to be a healthpromotion setting if their strategies include some important factors, both in theory and in daily practice. To be a health-promotion setting, a youthcenter needs to be open and inclusive for its target group, foster supportive relationships, emphasize youth empowerment, and integrate family, school, and community in its strategies.Local knowledge about young people's backgrounds, needs, interests, and motivations to attend youth-center activities – as well as good contact with young people's families – is important because it can increase participation in leisure-time activities for young people in multicultural and socio- economically disadvantaged neighborhoods and can thus help to reduce social inequalities in health.
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| 10. |
- Hugelius, Karin, 1977-
(författare)
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Disaster response for recovery : survivors experiences, and the use of disaster radio to promote health after natural disasters
- 2017
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Disasters occur all over the world, and affect a rising number of people. The health effects of natural disasters depend on several factors present before, during, and after a disaster event. However, there is only limited knowledge of survivors experiences, needs, and health after natural disasters. Disaster radio means a temporary radio station that broadcasts information, music, and support to the affected population. Disaster radio has the potential to function even in a severely affected area, but its effects need to be further evaluated from a health perspective. The context of this thesis was the Haiyan supertyphoon that hit parts of the Philippines in November 2013.The overall aim was to describe survivors’ and health professionals’ experiences during and in the immediate aftermath of a natural disaster, the health effects from such a disaster, and how disaster radio as a disaster response intervention can be used and evaluated from a health perspective. The thesis includes four studies using qualitative research methods, including content analysis and a phenomenological hermeneutic method, and quantitative methods with statistical analysis.The results show that the Haiyan typhoon affected physical, psychological, and social dimensions of health. Disaster radio was used to broadcast health-related information and psychosocial support, and made a positive contribution to recovery from the perspective of the survivors. Being a health professional deployed during the disaster was an experience of being both a helper and a victim. The use of a self-selected internetbased sample recruited via Facebook for a web-based survey mitigated several practical challenges related to disaster research, but also raised questions about the generalizability of the results.Based on the findings, the importance of an integrated physical, psychological, and social health response to natural disasters is emphazized. Also, the health care system should prepare to use disaster radio as disaster response. In addition, the results suggest that disaster training for health professionals should include personal preparation and coping strategies. Internet-based methods in disaster research need to be further evaluated.
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