Biomedical subjects

Anita Molzahn

Publications and source records attributed to Anita Molzahn.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2007

Quality of life of older adults in Canada and Brazil.

In this study, we examined the factors contributing to quality of life (QOL) of older adults in regions of Canada and Brazil. The WHOQOL-BREF and a demographic data sheet were administered to random samples of 202 older adults from Canada and 288 from Brazil. Ratings on overall QOL and on the physical, psychological, and environmental domains were higher in the Canadian sample. Social domain scores were not significantly different. The authors found the same pattern of factors (health satisfaction, enough money, meaning in life, and opportunities for leisure activities) contributed to the variance of QOL in both countries, except for physical environment, which was significant in Brazil and not in Canada. Health satisfaction was the strongest contributor to QOL in both samples, and satisfaction with personal relationships was not significant in either country.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed2006

Issues in conducting cross-cultural research: implementation of an agreed international protocol [corrected] designed by the WHOQOL Group for the conduct of focus groups eliciting the quality of life of older adults.

Multi-centre and cross-cultural research require the use of common protocols if the results are to be either pooled or compared. All too often adherence to protocols is not discussed in reports and where it is reported poor adherence is frequently noted. This paper discusses the use of international guidelines developed by WHOQOL Field Centres to conduct and report focus groups aimed at eliciting key concepts of quality of life among older adults. This was the first step in the development of the WHOQOL-OLD instrument. Although there was overall adherence to the agreed guidelines, there were some differences in the level of reporting, even after participating Field Centres had the opportunity to explain their reports. The reasons for these discrepancies are reported. It is concluded that because of local situations, it is difficult to achieve identical implementation of multi-centre cross-cultural protocols and that the highest standards of auditing are required if findings are to be compared. Suggestions for how such protocols can be improved are given.

Aged↗

PubMed2002

Exceptional nontraditional caring practices of nurses.

There has been little research that has addressed the practices of nurses who go beyond the usual scope of practice to demonstrate caring. In this study, a grounded theory methodology was used to interview 18 nurses identified as exceptional caring nurses. The core process identified was giving and involved gifts (particularly of time), responsibility and choice, teaching, vulnerability, preserving dignity, caring with and for coworkers, being truly present, and always finding a way. Although the findings of this study are not necessarily generalizable, it is important to acknowledge that these practices occur and that they should not automatically be discredited. The research has implications for the new emerging field of boundaries in professional relationships.

Altruism↗