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Biomedical subjects

C Haslam

Publications and source records attributed to C Haslam.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2007

Returning to work following cancer: a qualitative exploratory study into the experience of returning to work following cancer.

The experience of returning to work following cancer is a largely unknown area of cancer research. This preliminary study aimed to explore the factors that influence decisions about return to work either during or after cancer treatment and to identify the important aspects of returning to work. Qualitative data were collected using individual interviews (n = 19) and two focus groups (n = 4, n = 6), predominantly with breast cancer survivors. Patterns of returning to work were diverse and a variety of reasons influenced work decisions, including financial concerns and regaining normality. Participants also discussed their ability to work, health professionals' advice, side effects, support and adjustments, and attitudes towards work. Although the majority adapted well, a few encountered difficulties on their return. It is evident that more advice is required from health professionals about returning to work, along with reasonable support and adjustments from employers to ensure that cancer survivors are able to successfully reintegrate back into the workforce.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed2006

A stage of change approach to reducing occupational ill health.

OBJECTIVE: Interventions targeted by stage of change have been shown to improve the efficacy of public health promotion initiatives in areas such as smoking cessation, alcohol reduction, and mammography screening. Targeted interventions are designed to tackle the key attitudes, beliefs, and intentions that underpin an individual's health-related behavior. Work-related ill health is an increasingly serious issue, the most common cause of which in both the UK and the US is musculoskeletal disorders. This study examined whether the stage approach could be applied to workplace interventions aimed at improving occupational health. METHOD: A total of 24 multi-component occupational interventions aimed at reducing musculoskeletal disorders were monitored over a period of 4-6 months. In half of these cases, approaches were targeted according to workers' stage of change. RESULTS: Targeted interventions were found to be significantly more effective in promoting risk awareness and desired behavior change among workers. Significant reductions were also found in self-reported musculoskeletal discomfort among workers having received targeted interventions. No significant differences were found in self-reported musculoskeletal discomfort among workers following standard interventions. CONCLUSION: Stage-matched approaches may offer scope for substantially improving the efficacy of occupational health and safety interventions by increasing the uptake, implementation, and maintenance of risk-reducing measures.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Anxiety and depression in the workplace: effects on the individual and organisation (a focus group investigation).

BACKGROUND: While the prevalence of anxiety and depression has increased, little is known of the impact on working life. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of anxiety and depression and the treatment for these conditions on performance and safety in the workplace. METHOD: Nine focus groups were conducted with employees who had suffered anxiety and depression. A further 3 groups comprised staff from human resources and occupational health. The sample comprised 74 individuals aged 18-60 years, from a range of occupations. Results were presented to a panel of experts to consider the clinical implications. RESULTS: Workers reported that the symptoms and medication impaired work performance, describing accidents which they attributed to their condition/medication. Respondents were largely unprepared for the fact that the medication might make them feel worse initially. Employees were reluctant to disclose their condition to colleagues due to the stigma attached to mental illness. LIMITATIONS: People who had experienced problems with managing their symptoms and medication at work are more likely to volunteer to participate in such a study than those who had a satisfactory experience. Also, the researchers had no background information on severity of mental health problems of participants. CONCLUSIONS: Anxiety and depression were associated with impaired work performance and safety. The authors consider the implications for health care and the management of mental health problems at work.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Perceptions of the impact of depression and anxiety and the medication for these conditions on safety in the workplace.

BACKGROUND: The number of people taking prescribed medication for anxiety and depression has increased greatly, but little is known of how this medication impacts on safety at work. AIMS: To examine the relation between anxiety and depression, prescribed medication, performance, and safety in the workplace. METHODS: The research involved nine focus groups with sufferers of anxiety and depression to investigate experiences of mental health problems and the impact of psychotropic drugs. A further three focus groups were conducted with staff in human resources, personnel, occupational health, and health and safety departments, to explore organisational perspectives. The sample comprised 74 individuals drawn from a wide range of occupational sectors. Finally, the results were presented to a panel of experts from occupational medicine, general practice, psychology, health and safety, and psychiatry, to consider the implications for practice. RESULTS: Workers reported that both the symptoms and the medication impaired work performance. Participants described accidents which they attributed to their condition or to the medication. Workers with responsibilities for others, such as teachers, healthcare workers, and managers appeared to present a particular safety risk. Healthcare workers believed that they placed themselves and their patients at risk when carrying out medical procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Respondents in this study felt that their symptoms of anxiety and depression and the medication they took to treat these conditions placed them at risk with respect to safety in the workplace. Drawing on the results, the authors outline areas for improvement in the management of mental health problems at work.

Accidents, Occupational↗
PubMed2004

Processes, barriers, and outcomes described by ergonomics consultants in preventing work-related musculoskeletal disorders.

Despite the importance of reducing work-related musculoskeletal disorders, there appears to have been little evaluation of routine ergonomics consultancy interventions aimed at reducing risks leading to these conditions. In many instances, the effectiveness of advice depends on organisations accepting and implementing measures recommended, involving changes of both individual and collective behaviour. Behaviour change theory, developed elsewhere, suggests that if change is to take place, recipients need to hold positive attitudes and beliefs relating to the desirable behaviour. To investigate the extent to which this is accommodated by current ergonomics consultancy practices, 14 ergonomics consultants were interviewed to explore the consultancy process from which recommendations are developed, exploring the factors that are assessed by consultants, perceived barriers to promoting change, and the extent to which evaluation of outcomes takes place. Consultants' recommendations generally focused on physical aspects of the work environment and did not take explicit account of employees' knowledge or attitudes. Little evaluation of outcomes was conducted by the consultants interviewed. Implications of these findings for improving the efficacy of interventions to reduce work-related musculoskeletal disorders within organisations are discussed.

Back Pain↗
PubMed2001

'I know your name but not your face': explaining modality-based differences in access to biographical knowledge in a patient with retrograde amnesia.

In current functional models of person recognition it is proposed that there exists a single common body of semantic information concerning people accessible from all modalities (e.g. names, faces). In this paper, we present evidence that challenges this view. Two experiments are discussed investigating residual autobiographical and public knowledge in a patient suffering from retrograde amnesia. Knowledge about people was investigated in each case by asking a series of questions, ranging from the very general to the very specific. Experiment 1 examined knowledge about famous people. The results showed that the patient accessed more information about famous people when cued with names than when cued with faces. Experiment 2 examined knowledge about people known personally to the patient. Again, the same pattern of results emerged. While the patient responded accurately to all questions posed with name cues, her ability to recall the same information when prompted with face cues was clearly inferior. This modality-based difference in accessing biographical knowledge is discussed in relation to models of person recognition.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Does the heartbeat award scheme change employees' dietary attitudes and knowledge?

The Heartbeat Award scheme (HBA) aims to encourage provision and promotion of healthier food choices in catering premises and has been operating in Leicestershire since its launch in England in 1990. This study assessed if the scheme changes dietary attitudes and knowledge of employees in HBA premises. A longitudinal survey of employees in six workplaces was conducted using a structured questionnaire. Employees were investigated before the scheme was implemented and 6 months afterwards. Using a series of validated questions that assessed predisposing and enabling psycho-social factors. Four workplaces with the HBA (N= 453) were compared with two comparison workplaces (N= 124). Nutritional knowledge did not change significantly as a result of the scheme. Employees at HBA workplaces had noticed healthy eating information and acknowledged that it was easier to eat a healthy diet at work after the scheme had been introduced. There was some evidence that the intervention had a maintenance effect in understanding of healthy eating messages, and could act as a buffer to negative external influences. Overall, the scheme was successful in raising awareness of healthy eating in the workplace, but not in enhancing predisposing factors.

Attitude to Health↗
PubMed2000

Stage of change is associated with assessment of the health risks of maternal smoking among pregnant women.

This study explored pregnant women's assessment of the health risks associated with maternal smoking. The aim was to determine if stage of change relating to smoking is associated with risk assessment. A cross-sectional survey (employing a self-completion questionnaire) was conducted of all women who attended antenatal clinics at Leicester Royal Infirmary, National Health Service Trust, UK over a 2 week period. Questionnaires were completed by 254 respondents. Twenty seven percent of non-smokers agreed with more than 75% of a series of statements about the dangers of maternal smoking compared to 5% of smokers and 44% of women in social class I (highest social class) agreed with more than 75% of the statements compared with only 10% of women in social classes IV and V (lower social class groups). Married women were twice as likely to concur with more than 75% of the health risks compared to single or cohabiting women and 29% of women intending to breastfeed agreed with more than 75% of the statements compared with only 8.7% of women not intending to breastfeed. There was no significant effect of age, whether the pregnancy was planned, previous obstetric complications or whether the woman had a child with asthma or respiratory infections. A multiple regression analysis indicated that smokers were much less likely to agree with the health risks than their non-smoking counterparts (p = 0.034). Stage of change was related to both the number of health risks agreed with and the level of conviction. A woman's stage of change could be assessed at the start of antenatal care so that appropriate smoking cessation advice can be offered.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

A comparison of dietary behaviour in Central England and a French Mediterranean region.

UNLABELLED: BJECTIVEe: The investigation involves comparison of dietary behaviour between UK and Mediterranean France by characterizing the pattern of the current French Mediterranean diet compared with the current British diet. DESIGN: The findings of two dietary surveys, one in the UK and one in France, are compared. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used in both countries. Questions on food frequency were used to assess dietary behaviour, which were regrouped in the French survey to correspond with UK groupings. Dietary indices were constructed to describe dietary behaviour in relation to cancer recommendations for intake of fat, fibre, meat, fruit and vegetables. SETTING: The UK study was conducted in Leicestershire, central England and the French study was carried out in Hérault, southern France. SUBJECTS: UK: n=418 subjects (57.9% female and 42.1% male; mean age=45.0 y); France: n=635 subjects (50.1% female and 40.9% male; mean age=49.8 y). Age range of both samples: 20-74 y. RESULTS: There were positive and negative trends in food consumption in each country. UK respondents reported eating more beans and pulses (P=0.000), less cheese (P=0. 000), red meat (P=0.001), and processed meats (P=0.000) than French respondents. However, on the negative side, they ate less fruit and vegetables (P=0.000), fish and poultry (P=0.000), cereals (P=0.000), and more sweets and chocolates (P=0.000), and cakes, pastries, biscuits and puddings (P=0.000). Women had healthier diets in both countries. CONCLUSIONS: Overall the southern French diet was healthier as French respondents scored significantly better for indices for fat, dietary fibre, fruit and vegetables (P=0.000 in all cases). However, the French sample scored poorer for the meat index (P=0.000). SPONSORSHIP: This study was supported by a grant from l'Association de la Recherche contre le Cancer (ARC) awarded to M Holdsworth.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

A targeted approach to reducing maternal smoking.

The Government White Paper, Smoking Kills, published in December 1998, set new and more ambitious targets for reducing maternal smoking. This is despite the fact that consecutive surveys have shown that the prevalence of maternal smoking has not changed since the 1992 targets (White Paper, The Health of the Nation). Based on current literature, including the author's own research on maternal smoking, this article argues that future research and community smoking cessation interventions should: encompass not just pregnant woman but also partners and close family members; pay particular attention to young, socially disadvantaged groups; and develop and evaluate stage-dependent antenatal smoking cessation materials (tailored to the user's level of intention to quit). By adopting these measures, researchers and primary health care professionals may finally reduce infant deaths and the numerous infant and child health problems related to maternal smoking and household tobacco exposure.

Family Practice↗
PubMed1999

Contemporary nutritional attitudes and practices: a factor analysis approach.

The results reported here are based upon a survey of the nutritional attitudes and practices of a sample of adults aged between 18 and 74 years. The scaled responses to two inventories of statements were subjected to a factor analysis in order to assess the extent to which it is possible to identify a set of coherent dimensions which underly the range of "surface" issues which figure consistently in the sociological literature. The results broadly confirm the utility of the inventories, and do suggest the presence of a series of underlying themes, some of which are very much along anticipated lines. However, one theme, that of deference to what might be thought of as "authoritative agencies" within the food system, was less expected, and deserves further attention. Additionally, selected factors were aggregated by summing the scores of their component variables, and correlated with the key independent variables of age, sex and social class, with a view to identifying the social profiles of their adherents. The results obtained were by no means clear cut, with a number of the anticipated features of such profiles being absent. Moreover, where the profiles were as anticipated, the correlations, although statistically significant, were relatively weak. This raised the issue of whether such an outcome was a methodological artefact, or a reflection of the possibility that differences in nutritional attitudes and practices are shaped by a range of lifestyle variables which do not coincide with conventional indicators of social differentiation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Maternal factors, obstetric history and smoking stage of change.

BACKGROUND: Maternal smoking is known to be associated with low educational status, low social class and younger age groups. The aim of this study was to determine if maternal smoking and stage of change relating to smoking is associated with other maternal variables such as intention to breastfeed and attend antenatal classes, having a planned pregnancy, previous obstetric history and child health problems. METHOD: A cross-sectional survey was carried out of all women who attended antenatal clinics at the Leicester Royal Infirmary NHS Trust over a two-week period. The data comprised 254 completed questionnaires. Results Intention to breastfeed was more common among non-smokers as shown by smoking status (p < 0.001) and smoking stage of change (p < 0.05). Having a planned pregnancy was more common among non-smokers as determined by smoking status (p < 0.001) and stage of change (p < 0.05). Intention to attend antenatal classes showed no significant relationship with smoking status but the majority of those planning to attend antenatal classes were in the action-maintenance stage (p< 0.05). Previous obstetric complications were not associated with either smoking status or stage of change. Smokers were more likely to have at least one child with asthma (p < 0.05) or respiratory infections (p < 0.001). Having at least one child with asthma or respiratory infections was more common among precontemplators (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Smoking stage of change should be assessed in antenatal care so that appropriate information can be offered to pregnant smokers. The development and evaluation of stage-specific smoking cessation materials should offer considerable benefits to maternal and infant health.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

The 'Queen Square bladder stimulator': a device for assisting emptying of the neurogenic bladder.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the effectiveness of a vibrating device for emptying the neurogenic bladder in patients with neurological disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study involved 36 patients, comprising 29 with multiple sclerosis (MS), four with multiple system atrophy (MSA), one with radiation myelitis and two with neurological disease of uncertain aetiology. Most patients with MS (27) were able to walk unaided or with aids. Three of the 36 patients had loss of suprapubic sensation (two MS, one with uncertain diagnosis). All patients had free flow rates and ultrasonographic post-void residual volumes (PVRs) measured before and after voiding while using a vibrating device (frequency 60 Hz) applied to the suprapubic region. They also completed questionnaires about their urinary symptoms before and after the continued use of this device. The mean follow-up was 11.5 months (range 8-14). RESULTS: The device improved the symptoms in 25 of 36 patients (70%) and reduced the PVR from a mean (standard deviation) of 175 (78) mL to 68 (32) mL. It was not useful in patients with PVRs of > 400 mL, Kurtzke pyramidal function scores of > 3, and in those with suprapubic numbness. There were no complications and most patients complied well. CONCLUSIONS: Suprapubic vibration is an effective means of emptying the neurogenic bladder in patients who are not severely disabled and who have detrusor hyper-reflexia. It probably acts through a tonic vibration reflex which is under supraspinal influence. This device may be a useful alternative to clean intermittent self-catheterization.

Follow-Up Studies↗
PubMed1997

The pregnant smoker: a preliminary investigation of the social and psychological influences.

BACKGROUND: Smoking during pregnancy is an important challenge to public health. An understanding of the psychological and sociological bases of maternal smoking is essential to the development of effective smoking cessation interventions. The aim of this study was to explore the psychosocial factors that underpin maternal smoking. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 200 antenatal attenders at Leicester Royal Infirmary, NHS Trust, UK. RESULTS: Twenty-nine per cent were smokers, 22 per cent ex-smokers and 49 per cent were never smokers. Around half of the ex-smokers (49 per cent) had reportedly given up smoking during their current pregnancy. Around a third (29.5 per cent) of the ex-smokers had experienced previous problems associated with maternal smoking, including spontaneous abortion, cot death and premature birth. Of the current smokers, 69 per cent claimed that they would like to give up smoking; indeed, 59 per cent had tried to stop smoking. Emotional factors were important in maintaining smoking for two-thirds of the smokers. Significantly more of the smokers (75 per cent) had partners who smoked compared with the never-smoking women (30 per cent; p < 0.001). There was no difference in the level of knowledge about the dangers of maternal smoking between smokers, ex-smokers and never smokers. CONCLUSIONS: Pregnant smokers are as aware of the health risks as non-smokers. Effective intervention strategies need to focus not only on the pregnant woman's smoking status but also offer help to partners, close family members and friends. Interventions need to address the social and psychological factors that maintain maternal smoking.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Living with epilepsy: a qualitative study investigating the experiences of young people attending outpatients clinics in Leicester.

Epilepsy is a disorder associated with significant psychosocial morbidity, and the effects of a stigmatizing condition upon the everyday life and adjustment of young people is not known. The study involved in-depth interviews with 24 young people (15 females, 9 males), aged between 13 and 25 years, all of whom suffered from epilepsy and attended outpatients clinics. The important issues raised included the finding that a large proportion of the sample (71%) reported having been the victims of prejudice, especially bullying and teasing while they were at secondary school. Additionally, many subjects were critical of the medical profession and support services for people with epilepsy, complaining that they were not meeting their needs appropriately. Most subjects reported feelings of apprehension about telling others about their epilepsy, especially members of the opposite sex, and potential employers. Most described supportive, positive relationships with their families and close friends, and parental overprotection was rarely reported by them as being a significant problem. In addition, an estimate of subjects' adjustment to epilepsy was obtained which appears to indicate that the majority were coping well with their condition, even though it may have been resented by some of them.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1987

The influence of cyproheptadine on immobilization and oestradiol benzoate induced anorexia in ovariectomized rats.

Repeated bodily immobilization significantly reduced the food intake of ovariectomized rats. Additionally, immobilization and oestradiol benzoate were found to produce additive effects in depressing feeding. To determine whether serotonergic mechanisms are involved in the stress- and oestrogen-induced anorexia, the 5-HT antagonist cyproheptadine was given to ovariectomized rats that were immobilized and treated with oestradiol benzoate. Cyproheptadine had no effect on the anorexia produced by oestradiol. The food intake of immobilized rats treated with cyproheptadine was similar to control values, suggesting 5-HT involvement in the stress-induced anorexia. However, cyproheptadine had no ameliorating effects on the changes in body weight following immobilization treatment. The implications of these findings are discussed in relation to a possible neuroendocrine basis for anorexia.

Animals↗
PubMed1986

The role of broadcasting in health promotion in North America.

The range in the choice of viewing available to the British public by the end of the century could, and probably will, look much like that currently available to American viewers. This paper examines the implications to be drawn from American experience in determining future strategies for health promotion broadcasting in the UK. During a visit to the United States and Canada, sponsored by the King Edward's Hospital Fund for London, the author looked at the historical development and background to broadcasting services across North America and Canada, and at current policies and practice in broadcasting for the promotion of health. The first section provides an overview of the North American broadcasting systems, both the United States and Canada. The role of commercial interests is explored, particularly in relation to the existence and form of health promotion programming. The involvement of health professionals and community activists in the production of audio-visual material is discussed, particularly in the light of the competitive and pluralist nature of the television industry. The interests of the media professionals in promoting high audience ratings by attracting the attention of the public and holding it have their pros and cons for medical policy-makers. The shortcomings of the present situation in the United States where health and media professionals act not as educational partners but as business colleagues (so that viewers and patients are treated as consumers) forms a recurrent theme in the second section of the survey.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Health Promotion↗