Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

What Aspect Of Dependence Does The Fagerström Test For Nicotine Dependence Measure?, Joseph R. Difranza, Robert J. Wellman, Judith A. Savageau, Ariel Beccia, W. W. Sanouri A. Ursprung, Robert Mcmillen

Judith A. Savageau

Although the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) and the Heaviness of Smoking Index (HSI) are widely used, there is a uncertainty regarding what is measured by these scales. We examined associations between these instruments and items assessing different aspects of dependence. Adult current smokers ( , mean age 33.3 years, 61.9% female) completed a web-based survey comprised of items related to demographics and smoking behavior plus (1) the FTND and HSI; (2) the Autonomy over Tobacco Scale (AUTOS) with subscales measuring Withdrawal, Psychological Dependence, and Cue-Induced Cravings; (3) 6 questions tapping smokers’ wanting, craving, or needing experiences in response …

Using A Healing Wheel In The Healing Journey, Rebecca L. Tadlock-Marlo

Rebecca L Tadlock-Marlo

Mindfulness can be most comprehensively defined as a multifaceted, present-moment awareness intervention that capitalizes on self-perceptions (Gehart & McCollum, 2007; Nanda, 2009). Native American practices can be easily translated into counseling mindfulness techniques to aide in the healing journey of multicultural clients (Burks & Robbins, 2011; Durtschi,Rybak & Decker-Fitts, 2009; Garrett et al., 2011; Turner & Pope, 2009). A Medicine Wheel, or Sacred Hoop, is just one of the many ways to help individuals heal through mindfulness practices. Through the use of creating and discussing a healing wheel with clients, counselors can promote a context for understanding, respecting, and valuing …

Si Edna, Si Pakoy At Si Rosanna By Ramon Cf Cuervo Iii, Emmanuel Mario B. Santos Aka Marc Guerrero, Ramon Cf Cuervo Iii

Emmanuel Mario B Santos aka Marc Guerrero

Socalled normal ‘zombie’ life of non-PWDs in our own neighborhoods will pale in comparison to these abilities of our (Marco Sison, may we borrow the title of your monster hit song of yesteryears?) Si Aida, Si Lorna at Si Fe PWDs – put to proactive work and living

Seeing Recovery Through The Eyes Of Ethnic And Cultural Minorities, Linda M. Cabral, Kathy Muhr, Judith A. Savageau

Judith A. Savageau

Describes a study that sought to better understand how persons with mental health conditions from two cultural groups, Latino and Deaf/Heard of Hearing (D/HH), access recovery-oriented and peer support services. Results from this study helped to inform the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health regarding system improvements that could be made to better serve these populations.

Screening Mammograms In Alzheimer’S Disease Patients, George M. Yousef, Piyush Sovani, Sirisha Devabhaktuni, Lynne J. Goebel

Lynne J. Goebel

Very little guidance exists to help clinicians and families decide whether mammograms are useful in elderly women with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). We present a case of a patient with moderate AD who had a positive mammogram and discuss the dilemma faced by the family and clinician in deciding what was best to do for the patient. In this case, the family opted for breast conserving surgery (BCS) followed by palliative care which brought up the question of whether screening was appropriate with this treatment goal in mind. We reviewed the literature on AD and breast cancer screening and summarize these …

Path Tortuosity In Everyday Movements Of Elderly Persons Increases Fall Prediction Beyond Knowledge Of Fall History, Medication Use, And Standardized Gait And Balance Assessments., William D. Kearns Phd, James L. Fozard Phd, Marion Becker Rn/Phd, Jan M. Jasiewicz Phd, Jeffrey D. Craighead Phd, Lori Holtsclaw Ba, Charles Dion Ma

William D. Kearns, PhD

Abstract Objectives: We hypothesized that variability in voluntary movement paths of assisted living facility (ALF) residents would be greater in the week preceding a fall compared with residents who did not fall. Design: Prospective, observational study using telesurveillance technology. Setting: Two ALFs. Participants: The sample consisted of 69 older ALF residents (53 female) aged 76.9 (SD=11.9 years). Measurement: Daytime movement in ALF common use areas was automatically tracked using a commercially available ultra-wideband radio real-time location sensor network with a spatial resolution of approximately 20 cm. Movement path variability (tortuosity) was gauged using fractal dimension (fractal D). A logistic regressionwas …

Medicare's "Value-Based" Purchasing, Kip Klingman

Kip Klingman

No abstract provided.

Do Antipsychotic Dose Reduction Trials Result In Worsening Behavior Among Nursing Home Residents With Dementia: A Systematic Review Of The Literature, Jennifer Tjia, Abir O. Kanaan, Jennifer L. Donovan

Jennifer Tjia

Background: While federal regulations require gradual dose reduction trials of antipsychotics prescribed for behavior management in nursing home (NH) residents with dementia, widespread concern about precipitating behavioral disturbances limits implementation. We conducted a systematic review of clinical trials reducing antipsychotic drug use in NH residents to determine best dose reduction practices and risk of behavior escalation.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts between January 1970 and October 2011 using the terms “antipsychotic agent or neuroleptic agent,” “dementia,” “nursing homes,” and “withdrawal.” One investigator reviewed abstracts for inclusion based on: English-language, …

Knowledge Of And Perceived Need For Evidence-Based Educational Materials About Antipsychotic Medication Safety By Nursing Home Staff, Celeste A. Lemay, Sarah Foy, Kathleen M. Mazor, Leslie R. Harrold, Jennifer L. Donovan, Abir O. Kanaan, Becky A. Briesacher, Jerry H. Gurwitz, Jennifer Tjia

Jennifer Tjia

Background: Given the widespread overuse of antipsychotic medications among US nursing home (NH) residents, we sought to identify knowledge of and perceived need for the AHRQ Comparative Effectiveness Research Summary Guide (CERSG) “Off-Label Use of Atypical Antipsychotic Drugs”.

Methods: We conducted a baseline needs assessment with 12 NHs participating in a randomized controlled trail evaluating evidence dissemination strategies. Using a mixed method approach, we conducted in-depth assessments of knowledge, attitudes, and practice behavior using telephone interviews with NH leadership (administrators, directors of nursing [DON], and medical directors), and questionnaires with NH leadership, consultant pharmacists and direct care staff. …

Timing And Risk Factors Associated With Relapse Among Smokers Attempting To Quit In Malaysia, Retneswari Masilamani

Retneswari Masilamani

BACKGROUND: Many smokers attempt to quit smoking, but very few succeed. OBJECTIVE: To identify the timing and risk factors involved in smoking relapse. METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study among staff in two public universities in Malaysia. Behavioural therapy with free nicotine replacement therapy was given as treatment. Participants were followed up for 6 months. Relapse was defined as returning to smoking after having quit for at least 24 h. RESULTS: Of 185 smokers who volunteered to participate, 120 achieved at least 24-h abstinence, and 80% of these relapsed within 2 months. Compared to participants who attended a single …

Help-Negation For Suicidal Thoughts In Sub-Clinical Samples Of Young People, Coralie Joy Wilson

Coralie J Wilson

Across the popular and academic literature, it is widely recognised that young people with persistent suicidal thoughts are at high risk for suicide completion. It is also accepted that seeking and receiving appropriate help offers protection against the development of acute forms of suicidality, along with suicide completion. Yet, as promising as appropriate help-seeking appears for suicide prevention, a growing number of studies suggest that suicidal ideation itself may impede the help-seeking process. There is evidence that acutely suicidal samples will negate or avoid available help, and there are indications that the help-negation process may occur in samples before levels …

La Comercialización De Cigarrillos En Colombia Y El “Problema Del Autocontrol”: La Restricción De Venta Al Menudeo, Daniel Monroy

Daniel A Monroy C

La “Teoría de la Adicción Racional” y el denominado “Modelo de Inconsistencia Temporal de la Adicción” son los enfoques teóricos dominantes en la economía que tratan de explicar la dinámica del consumo de cigarrillo entendido este como un producto que genera adicción. Aunque la estructura de estos dos enfoques son ciertamente similares, las implicaciones de utilizar uno u otro modelo son bien diferentes, particularmente en lo relativo al criterio normativo relativo a la intervención del Estado respecto de la conducta individual en el mercado. El artículo se concentra en el segundo enfoque indicado, particularmente en el denominado “problema de autocontrol” …

8. Child Witnesses And The Confrontation Clause., Thomas D. Lyon, Julia A. Dente

Thomas D. Lyon

Trial Of The University Assistance Program For Alcohol Use Among Mandated Students, Hortensia Amaro (1950-), Marilyn Ahl, Atsushi Matsumoto, Guillermo Prado, Christina Mulé, Amaura Kemmerer, Mary E. Larimer, Dale A. Masi, Philomena Mantella

Philomena Mantella

Objective:The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a brief intervention for mandated students in the context of the University Assistance Program, a Student Assistance Program developed and modeled after workplace Employee Assistance Programs. Method:Participants were 265 (196 males and 69 females) judicially mandated college students enrolled in a large, urban university in the northeast United States. All participants were sanctioned by the university's judicial office for an alcohol- or drug-related violation. Participants were randomized to one of two intervention conditions (the University Assistance Program or services as usual) and were assessed at baseline and 3 and …

Brief Screening For Co-Occurring Disorders Among Women Entering Substance Abuse Treatment, Alisa K. Lincoln, Jane M. Liebschutz, Miriam Chernoff, Dana Nguyen, Hortensia Amaro (1950-)

Alisa Lincoln

BackgroundDespite the importance of identifying co-occurring psychiatric disorders in substance abuse treatment programs, there are few appropriate and validated instruments available to substance abuse treatment staff to conduct brief screen for these conditions. This paper describes the development, implementation and validation of a brief screening instrument for mental health diagnoses and trauma among a diverse sample of Black, Hispanic and White women in substance abuse treatment. With input from clinicians and consumers, we adapted longer existing validated instruments into a 14 question screen covering demographics, mental health symptoms and physical and sexual violence exposure. All women entering treatment (methadone, residential …

Trial Of The University Assistance Program For Alcohol Use Among Mandated Students, Hortensia Amaro (1950-), Marilyn Ahl, Atsushi Matsumoto, Guillermo Prado, Christina Mulé, Amaura Kemmerer, Mary E. Larimer, Dale A. Masi, Philomena Mantella

Amaura Kemmerer

Objective:The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a brief intervention for mandated students in the context of the University Assistance Program, a Student Assistance Program developed and modeled after workplace Employee Assistance Programs. Method:Participants were 265 (196 males and 69 females) judicially mandated college students enrolled in a large, urban university in the northeast United States. All participants were sanctioned by the university's judicial office for an alcohol- or drug-related violation. Participants were randomized to one of two intervention conditions (the University Assistance Program or services as usual) and were assessed at baseline and 3 and …

27. Does Valence Matter? Effects Of Negativity On Children's Early Understanding Of Truths And Lies., Lindsay Wandrey, Jodi A. Quas, Thomas D. Lyon

Thomas D. Lyon

Using The Fcb Grid To Evaluate A Failed Mental Health Levy: The Marketing Implications Of Stigma, Oscar T. Mcknight, Ronald Paugh, Steffi Liotta, Wenhui Jin

Oscar T McKnight Ph.D.

This research found that using the FCB Grid to develop and evaluate a mental health levy campaign has merit. Likewise, stigma has both positive and negative impact on a mental health levy. Introduced is the ‘STIGMA’ planning model to help mental health professionals pass a public mental health levy.

Alliance And Termination Status In Couple Therapy: A Comparison Of Methods For Assessing Discrepancies, Suzanne Bartle-Haring, Tatiana Glebova, Rashmi Gangamma, Erika Grafsky, Robin Delaney

Rashmi Gangamma

Much of the empirical data available about therapeutic alliance and its relationship to termination status come from individual psychotherapies. We know less about therapeutic alliance in couple therapy. A unique characteristic of alliance in couple or family therapy is the possibility of discrepancies in alliance between system members. In this study we sought to demonstrate three statistical techniques: standard deviations, the intraclass correlation to assess discrepancies in alliance over time during the initial stage of couple therapy, and the use of these various measures to predict termination status using a sample of 72 couples from a university-based training clinic. Differences …

Drug Treatment Program Ownership, Medicaid Acceptance, And Service Provision., Duane C. Mcbride, J. Chriqui, Y. Terry-Mcelrath, M Mulatu

Duane McBride

The Institute of Medicine noted that effective substance abuse treatment (SAT) programs integrate individual therapeutic approaches with transitional/ancillary services. In addition, research suggests that type of ownership impacts SAT services offered and that Medicaid plays a key role in SAT access. Data from the National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services for the years 2000 and 2002–2006 were used to examine relationships among SAT program Medicaid acceptance, program ownership, and transitional/ancillary service accessibility. Multivariate logistic regression models controlling for state- and program-level contextual factors were used to analyze the data. Nonprofit SAT programs were significantly more likely to offer transitional/ancillary …

11. Twenty-Five Years Of Interviewing Research And Practice: Dolls, Diagrams, And The Dynamics Of Abuse Disclosure., Thomas D. Lyon

Thomas D. Lyon

Once More With Feeling: The History Of Neuro Emotional Technique., Dennis M. Richards

Dennis M Richards

Neuro Emotional Technique (NET) was developed by Drs Scott and Deborah Walker. This paper records the histories of these two individuals, focusing on what events and influences in their lives led them to create this chiropractic technique. It also documents the history of the generation of the technique and the seminars that have been presented to teach it to practitioners.

Fear And Worry, Helen Nunberg

Helen Nunberg

No abstract provided.

Our Mood Orchestra, Helen Nunberg

Helen Nunberg

No abstract provided.

Your Mental Health Garden, Helen Nunberg

Helen Nunberg

No abstract provided.

Design Of A Fuzzy-Based Decision Support System For Coronary Heart Disease Diagnosis, Awang Bulgiba

Awang Bulgiba Awang Mahmud

In the present paper, a fuzzy rule-based system (FRBS) is designed to serve as a decision support system for Coronary heart disease (CHD) diagnosis that not only considers the decision accuracy of the rules but also their transparency at the same time. To achieve the two above mentioned objectives, we apply a multi-objective genetic algorithm to optimize both the accuracy and transparency of the FRBS. In addition and to help assess the certainty and the importance of each rule by the physician, an extended format of fuzzy rules that incorporates the degree of decision certainty and importance or support of …

The Paradox In Madness: Vulnerability Confronts The Law, Marie Failinger

Marie A. Failinger

Using personal narrative, this article engages the durable power of attorney and the abuses that can occur when the maker of a power is mentally ill. It proposes some basic safeguards necessary to protect the dignity and autonomy of the maker.

Personality, Sexual Attitudes, And Unrestricted Sociosexual Behavior In College Women, Marussia Role

Marussia Role

Evolutionary psychology relies heavily on sex-based, biological differences to explain disparities in unrestricted attitudes and casual sex behavior. The present study explores the relations among personality (in particular, Maslow’s construct of “dominance-feeling”), sexual attitudes, and women’s sexual behavior as an alternative explanation. Eighty-nine Wellesley College women reported their attitudes concerning casual sex, completed personality measures, and reported their past and expected number of sexual partners to investigate 1) whether or not Maslow’s 1942 theory and measure of dominance-feeling apply to present-day women and 2) which personality traits are correlated with measures of attitudes toward casual sex and of previous sexual …

The Clinical Gaze In The Practice Of Migrant Health: Indigenous Mexican Migrants In The United States, Seth M. Holmes Phd, Md

Seth M. Holmes PhD, MD

This paper utilizes eighteen months of ethnographic and interview research undertaken in 2003 and 2004 as well as follow-up fieldwork from 2005 to 2007 to explore the sociocultural factors affecting the interactions and barriers between U.S. biomedical professionals and their unauthorized Mexican migrant patients. The participants include unauthorized indigenous Triqui migrants along a transnational circuit from the mountains of Oaxaca, Mexico, to central California, to northwest Washington State and the physicians and nurses staffing the clinics serving Triqui people in these locations. The data show that social and economic structures in health care and subtle cultural factors in biomedicine keep …

Explaining And Improving Breast Cancer Information Acquisition Among African-American Women In The Deep South, Charkarra Anderson-Lewis, Levi Ross, Jarrett Johnson, Janice Hastrup, Lee Green, Connie L. Kohler

Levi Ross

Objectives: A major challenge facing contemporary cancer educators is how to optimize the dissemination of breast cancer prevention and control information to African American women in the Deep South who are believed to be cancer free. The purpose of this research was to provide insight into the breast cancer information-acquisition experiences of African American women in Alabama and Mississippi and to make recommendations on ways to better reach members of this high-risk, underserved population.

Methods: Focus group methodology was used in a repeated, cross-sectional research design with 64 African American women, 35 years old or older who lived …