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A Molassiotis

Publications and source records attributed to A Molassiotis.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2001

Traveling through the cancer trajectory: social support perceived by women with gynecologic cancer in Hong Kong.

A qualitative research design was selected to gather data on the experiences of social support for Chinese women with gynecologic cancer. Eighteen women were recruited and interviewed at an oncology unit of a teaching hospital in Hong Kong. Content analysis of the interview data showed Chinese women with gynecologic cancer placed enormous emphasis on their human relationships. Family members were especially significant to them although not all identified their family relations as satisfactory or helpful. Their social network comprised 4 major sources, including family and friends, work and colleagues, health professionals, and religion and spiritual beliefs. Each network offered significant reciprocal relations, authoritative relations, or entrusting relations. The positive appraisal of the support function was linked to the Chinese value of food, work ethics, the Confucian and religious philosophy, whereas negative aspects of support, such as the stress of maintaining relationships and inadequate information, conjoined with the Chinese suppression of emotion and the busyness of health professionals. Future studies, including social relations as a determinant, should ensure a broad and multifunctional view of social support and acknowledge the cultural influences on the perspective of support.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed2001

Filipino domestic workers in Hong Kong: health related behaviors, health locus of control and social support.

A total of 290 female Filipino domestic helpers residing in Hong Kong completed a concurrent cross sectional survey designed to provide an initial report of basic data which measured mental health symptoms, health-related behaviors, health locus of control and social support. The four top ranking symptoms of mental distress reported included waking in the early hours, loneliness, worry and taking a long time to get to sleep. In general, the level of health related behaviors was high, with a satisfactory diet and low rates of alcohol, nicotine and coffee consumption. However, few women surveyed had previously had a Pap smear. There were also low scores for other preventive health practices. Reinforcement for health behaviors was seen as either a matter of chance or being influenced by powerful others for two thirds of the women. The conclusion highlights the intersection between gender, immigration and social class by drawing attention to issues of acceptance and accessibility of healthcare services for immigrant within host countries. In addition, cultural directions for immigrant health education are outlined.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Quality of life in Chinese women with gynaecological cancers.

Sixty-two Hong Kong Chinese women with gynaecological cancers participated in this cross-sectional study to assess their quality of life (QOL). Chinese versions of the World Health Organisation Quality of Life Measure--abbreviated version, the Profile of Mood States, and the Sexual Relationships subscale of the Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness Scale were used. Qualitative data were collected about the meaning of QOL and the areas of life most affected by the cancer and its treatments. The overall QOL was found to be moderate (mean 92.4, SD 16.34), with the domains of psychological health and social relationships most affected. The distressed facets of life were related to pain, dependency, finances, sexuality, psychological health and spirituality. Mobility, accepting one's outlook, social support and "eating" were areas considered by these women to contribute to a better QOL. The meaning of QOL was described in terms of happiness and material resources. The overall mood score was found to be impaired (mean 43.84, SD 32.31), with relatively high scores for depression, anger and tension. Depression could explain 45% of the variance in the QOL. Despite some missing data, sexual relationships among the respondents were moderately affected, with reduced sexual desire and activity. However, the patients' relationships with their husbands were minimally affected, suggesting the men's understanding and support in the cancer trajectory of their wives. Areas of life that may need further support, such as sexual functioning and psychosocial adjustment, could be improved by the use of sex therapy or group support interventions. Limitations of the present study and suggestions for future research are discussed.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed2000

Hong Kong Chinese perceptions of the experience of unrelated bone marrow donation.

This paper presents a qualitative perspective of the Chinese experience of unrelated bone marrow donation. A total population of 37 Chinese men and women, residing in Hong Kong who had donated bone marrow to an unrelated recipient were interviewed and asked their retrospective perceptions and experiences during the process of unrelated bone marrow donation. The majority was female (60%) and single (59.3%). The median age was 30.9 years. The main themes drawn from thematic content analysis included: association with bad and good fortune, religious concerns associated with complete bodies, barriers posed by the extended family, fulfilling personal identities linked to perceptions of altruism, reciprocity and generosity and the differences between the expectations and reality of the experience of bone marrow donation. These accounts indicate how, for Chinese populations, the act of body fluid donation cannot be isolated from the experiences of life-long immersion in the dominant social and cultural processes of the time. In addition, Confucian notions of the body, the power of body fluids to pollute, the importance of blood and bones as sources of vital energy and the process of bodily transference into the after life are highlighted. Furthermore, what is also identifiably Chinese is that donation is more of a self-fulfilling act than a social act with very little familial or social recognition being accorded in the public world. The conclusion highlights how donors entered into the decision to donate with little awareness of the long-term consequences. The process, however, was seen by the donors to be beneficial. A compelling argument is made for more educational and emotional support regarding the experience of bone marrow donation from Hong Kong's formal service providers.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

A pilot study of the use of progressive muscle relaxation training in the management of post-chemotherapy nausea and vomiting.

The aim of this pilot study was to assess the effectiveness of using progressive muscle relaxation training (PMRT) in the management of chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting in Chinese breast cancer patients receiving doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide as well as feasibility issues for a larger study. Eight patients were randomly assigned to receive either oral anti-emetics as per hospital protocol (maxolon) or adjuvant PMRT. Both groups, however, received intravenous anti-emetics half an hour before the chemotherapy administration. PMRT was given by a trained nurse once a day for 5 days. A repeated measures design was used. Nausea and vomiting were assessed with the Morrow Nausea and Vomiting Scale. Results indicated that the duration and intensity of nausea were lower in the experimental group, although the former was at a borderline level of significance. The duration and intensity of vomiting were also lower in the experimental group. Delayed nausea and vomiting was observed in both groups. Despite the small sample size, the study showed that PMRT is an effective adjuvant method to decrease nausea and vomiting in chemotherapy patients. This has implications for nursing practice, as it is a low-cost and easy-to-leam technique that can be incorporated in the care planning of patients receiving chemotherapy.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

The effects of hydrocolloid dressing and gentian violet on radiation-induced moist desquamation wound healing.

The aim of the study was to compare the effect of a gentian violet topical application with that of a moist dressing (hydrocolloid) on the rate and efficacy of radiotherapy-induced moist desquamation wound healing and the patients' satisfaction level with each method. This prospective randomized clinical trial used a stratified sampling design. A sample of 39 patients with 60 wounds had their wounds assessed on alternate days in terms of several wound-healing parameters including wound size, wound pain, incidence of infection, and time required for healing. Patient satisfaction with each treatment was evaluated at the completion of the study. Gentian violet significantly decreased wound size and reduced wound pain. However, this treatment received significantly lower ratings for dressing comfort and dressing aesthetic acceptance. Nevertheless, the time required for healing was not statistically different in the two groups. These findings suggest that the lower score of dressing satisfaction level in the gentian violet group may result from the skin discoloration and drying effects of the treatment, which renders patients unable to move or stretch their skin. Although the aim is to have complete wound healing, this may not be realistic for many lesions such as radiotherapy-induced moist desquamation wounds. The best evidence on which to make decisions about individual care can now be based on patients' own perception of quality.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed1999

Quality of life, coping and concerns in Chinese patients after renal transplantation.

This study aims to identify the coping methods used by patients to deal with stress after renal transplantation and to assess patients' perceived quality of life at two different time intervals after the transplant. The study conducted in one transplant centre in Hong Kong and 101 survivors participated. The Chinese Coping Scale (CCS) and the Hong Kong Chinese version of the WHOQOL scale were used together with an open question inquiring about stressors or concerns experienced by patients posttransplant. The results revealed that the main stressors identified were fear of rejection, compliance with medication and side-effects of medication, uncertainty about the future, fear of infection and the cost factor. Not statistically significant differences were found in all the CCS subscales measuring internal coping or external coping between patients within one year posttransplant (n = 23) and patients more than one year posttransplant (n = 78). Overall, patients used more internal locus of coping to deal with stress. Not statistically significant differences were also found in all the quality of life subscales between the two groups of patients. The results showed that quality of life was moderate in the Chinese renal transplant patients in Hong Kong. The findings of this study would enable renal nurses to design interventions to help transplant recipients to cope with the demands of life with a renal graft.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1999

Assessment of psychosocial adjustment in Chinese unrelated bone marrow donors.

This descriptive study assessed the experiences of unrelated bone marrow donation in 27 Chinese donors and compared their mood states with a random sample of 78 Chinese adult non-donors using four scales. The donors demonstrated better mood states in terms of anger- hostility and fatigue compared to non-donors. However, their self-esteem was low (similarly to the non-donors), they did not see themselves as a better person as a result of the donation and they thought they did an act somewhat more generously than usual. This is possibly attributed to the cultural influences of normative obligation. The majority (57.9%) believed that they were not prepared well for the donation, and 40% found the experience emotionally less positive than they expected. Some found the experience physically stressful (10.5%) and some others were worried that their future health may be affected as a result of the donation (15.8%). Although a quarter of the donors was unsure whether they would donate again or whether they would encourage others to donate, the majority would donate again. Such results demonstrate that donors need careful and individualised attention in order to gain a more positive overall experience of the donation. Furthermore, services should be more vigilant in assessing donor needs and intervening when donors experience difficulties due to the donation process.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1999

A correlational evaluation of tiredness and lack of energy in survivors of haematological malignancies.

Data about tiredness and lack of energy from 91 bone marrow transplant (BMT) survivors and 73 patients receiving maintenance chemotherapy were collected. A correlational evaluation revealed that these two distressing symptoms were associated with physical, psychological, cognitive and social dimensions of quality of life (QOL). A stepwise regression model for BMT survivors showed that both tiredness and lack of energy could be predicted by the combined effect of difficulty concentrating and overall psycho-social adjustment. In addition, dizziness was also influencing tiredness. Lack of energy was predicted in the chemotherapy patients with the combined effects of adjustment to social environment, shortness of breath and psychological symptom distress (R2 = 0.80). In the same group of patients, tiredness was explained by a model consisting mainly of physical symptoms and cognitive symptoms, associated probably with the chemotherapy they were receiving, together with social adjustment (R2 = 0.86). The identification of the reasons behind tiredness and lack of energy in cancer patients, broadly defining fatigue and commonly experienced by them, will have implications for both patient education and the design of appropriate interventions to combat fatigue.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1999

Further evaluation of a scale to screen for risk of emotional difficulties in bone marrow transplant recipients.

A study was designed to evaluate a scale screening for risk of emotional difficulties in bone marrow transplant (BMT) patients. Forty subjects were assessed before the transplant by an experienced BMT nurse familiar with the patients and immediately after hospitalization for BMT by two raters: a psycho-social BMT nurse and an independent researcher generating record-review ratings. The pre-transplant ratings were compared with emotional difficulties of patients during their isolation for BMT. A predictive value of emotional problems during BMT based on the pre-BMT assessment was found (rs = 0.57, P < 0.001). Main pre-BMT psycho-social characteristics showing a significant correlation with emotional difficulties during BMT included quality of affect, mental status and proneness to anticipatory anxiety. Such a scale can be valuable in anticipating patients' emotional difficulties at an early stage, where more time is allowed for careful planning of care and the patients can be involved in the management of their care.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

The relationship between diabetes knowledge and compliance among Chinese with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus in Hong Kong.

This study examines the relationship between diabetes knowledge and compliance among Chinese with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) in Hong Kong. A cross-sectional design was used to collect data through structured self-report interviews based on validated scales assessing diabetes knowledge, compliance behaviours and demographic data. The Diabetes Knowledge Scale was used to sample knowledge in the major areas of basic physiology of diabetes and general principles of diabetes care. Compliance level was assessed by using the Compliance Behaviour Questionnaire, inspection of patients' feet and the value of HbA1c. A convenience sample of 52 Chinese with NIDDM receiving out-patient diabetes care participated in the study on a voluntary basis. Descriptive and correlational statistical analyses were used to analyse the data. The findings indicated that there was no association between diabetes knowledge and compliance. There was a gap between what the patients were taught and what they were actually doing. Most of the patients gained higher marks on factual knowledge on diabetes but lost marks on the application of knowledge to their real life situations. Strategies are suggested to close the 'knowledge-action gap' and increase patients' motivation and ability to comply with the health regimen.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Quality of life in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia after unrelated donor bone marrow transplantation.

A descriptive study was designed to assess the quality of life and quantify potential long-term physical and psychosocial problems resulting from unrelated donor bone marrow transplantation. A sample of 28 survivors of an average 41.2 months post-bone marrow transplantation showed that quality of life was good to excellent in most subjects, with a small fraction having impaired physical or psychosocial functioning. Psychosocial adjustment was most impaired in domains of life related to sexual relationships, vocational adjustment, social adjustment, and psychological distress. Females and older adults reported significantly higher dysfunction compared with males and younger subjects. Passage of time since bone marrow transplantation was unrelated to psychosocial improvement. Fatigue was the main symptom interfering with daily life in most (78.6%). Regression analysis showed that development of fatigue in our sample was mainly the result of the combined effects of anxiety, presence of pain, and infections (R2 = 0.75, p < .001), with weight loss showing a trend in relation to fatigue. Results indicate that unrelated donor bone marrow transplantation long-term survivors have an acceptable degree of quality of life, but rehabilitative services still need to be used for those who exhibit difficulties with their daily life.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1998

The meaning of quality of life and the effects of unrelated donor bone marrow transplants for chronic myeloid leukemia in adult long-term survivors.

Qualitative data, as part of a larger study, were collected to assess perceptions about quality of life (QOL) after bone marrow transplant (BMT) and its impact on long-term survivors who had undergone an unrelated donor bone marrow transplant. A sample of 28 survivors participated in the study. Quality of life was described in terms of "normality," enjoyment, and fulfillment with life: being psychologically and physically healthy, being independent, having family and relationships, having work, experiencing happiness, and having material support. There were many factors with which survivors found it difficult to cope: symptoms, frustration brought from the inabilities to function in life, family life, returning to work, and infertility. However, about 25% of the survivors reported a positive impact of the BMT on their lives. Main concerns about the future were related to health status, the long-term effects of the transplant, financial concern, infertility, the normalization process, and the family. These data confirmed that unrelated donor BMT patients do not have a different perception about their QOL than other BMT patients receiving autologous or allogeneic marrow transplants. Some of the issues that differed from the previous BMT literature included higher inability to perform daily tasks and dependency on others, adverse memories of the transplant, and concerns about the future. These areas should be the target of pretransplant interventions and the long-term psychosocial services provided to patients. As mentioned by the respondents, health care professionals could further improve their patients' QOL by providing counseling and psychologic support, education about the effects of the various treatments, and improved research in BMT treatment and side effects.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1997

Symptom distress, coping style and biological variables as predictors of survival after bone marrow transplantation.

Psychological assessments made at the time of bone marrow transplantation (BMT) were examined in 31 patients at 1-2 years posttransplantation and factors associated with survival were explored. Psychological assessments were carried out soon after admission to hospital for the BMT and about 3-4 weeks later. Cox regression survival analysis revealed that an interactive biopsychological model could explain survival status. Shorter survival was associated with mismatched marrow grafts (p = 0.04), prior experience with chemoradiotherapy (p-0.02), disease stage (p = 0.04), higher symptom distress during BMT (p = 0.008), less hopefulness (p = 0.005), and more acceptance of the situation (p = 0.02). These psychological/psychosomatic and personality characteristics may act directly by interacting with immune function or indirectly by leading to other behaviors known to affect survival in cancer patients. Enhancing more effective coping strategies and altering high symptom-related distress during BMT seem important means not only for improving psychosocial adjustment (quality of life), as has been shown in the literature, but also for increasing survival (quantity of life).

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1997

Perceived social support, family environment and psychosocial recovery in bone marrow transplant long-term survivors.

This report examines perceptions of social support and family dynamics in bone marrow transplant (BMT) long-term survivors, as part of a larger study examining issues of quality of life and psychosocial adjustment in this patient group. Ninety one BMT survivors participated in the study. Their responses were compared with those of a matched control group of 73 patients receiving maintenance chemotherapy (MC). The results indicated that the BMT group received more social support than the MC group. Main sources of support were the patients' immediate family members. No significant differences in the typology and dynamics of family environments were observed between groups. However, the groups were significantly different compared with healthy, non-distressed families in cohesion, control and conflict. It was of importance to note that a considerable number of BMT subjects reported at least one nurse as a person who provides support to them, indicating the potential important role of nurses in the psychosocial adjustment of BMT long-term survivors. Strong family relationships were associated in both the BMT and MC groups with significantly better adjustment with respect to their domestic, extended family or social environment, and psychological distress. Social support and family relationships might be two of the main spheres of life contributing to higher levels of quality of life, and their important role as a stressor-filter is highlighted.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1997

Suicide and suicidal ideation after marrow transplantation.

Two cases of patients who attempted suicide following BMT and one case of a patient with suicidal ideation during his isolation period for BMT are reviewed. The factors which contributed to this situation are investigated. Finally, issues relating to psychological interventions are briefly discussed.

Adult↗