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Biomedical subjects

D N Ugarriza

Publications and source records attributed to D N Ugarriza.

11 recordsLinked to original sources

The concept of theme as used in qualitative nursing research.

The concept of theme is critical to the accurate interpretation of qualitative data. A literature review of qualitative research methodology and nursing research studies reveals considerable diversity in the identification of themes, the interpretation of the concept, and its function in data analysis. Part of the problem is the transfer of research methods from other disciplines to the study of nursing phenomena. The transfer often results in a blending of distinct research methods that compromises methodological rigor in data analysis and theory generation. A definition of theme is developed from the literature review and interdisciplinary definitions and descriptions. Five aspects of a theme and criteria foundational to the definition and concept of theme are identified. Implications of the concept of theme are presented for the conduct and application of research findings to the practice and development of nursing science.

Data Interpretation, Statistical↗

Screening for postpartum depression.

A prospective time-series descriptive design was used to screen for depression in puerperal women. Two measures of depression, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Atypical Depression Diagnostic Scale (ADDS), were selected to measure different aspects of depression. The measures were administered to 124 mothers twice in the prepartum period, with a 2-week intervening period, and twice in the postpartum period, with a 2-week intervening period. Results indicated that these instruments may not be effective to screen for postpartum depression. The ADDS overestimates the number of depressed women by counting as symptoms the normal changes of pregnancy and parturition. The BDI does the same and does not focusing on the primary symptoms of postpartum depression, such as being overwhelmed by motherhood and having thoughts of harming the baby. The need for a screening tool that measures the specific symptoms of postpartum depression as well as the severity of those symptoms is determined.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

Premenstrual syndrome: diagnosis and intervention.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a recurrent disorder that occurs in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. It is characterized by intense physical, psychologic, and behavioral changes that interrupt interpersonal relationships and disrupt the lives of affected women. Up to 40% of women of childbearing age have some form of PMS, and up to 10% have severe signs and symptoms. There are at least four types of PMS, each with its own constellation of signs and symptoms. Related illnesses or illnesses that need to be ruled out include diabetes mellitus, thyroid dysfunction, hypoglycemia, and primary and secondary dysmenorrhea. Difficulty in identifying the exact etiology of the disorder is documented. Diagnostic issues include confusion over exact signs and symptoms, differential diagnoses, pertinent laboratory data, careful history taking, and the importance of women recording a menstrual cycle history on a calendar. Recommended first-line treatments include a diet low in salt, fat, caffeine, and sugar; an aerobic exercise regimen; and stress reduction via changes in lifestyle.

Adolescent↗

Assessment of postpartum depression: a review of the research.

The postpartum period is a time when many women are vulnerable for the development of a variety of emotional syndromes. One of the problems with treating the emotional problems is the difficulty in differentiating them. For example, there are at least three distinct postpartum depression disorders: postpartum blues, postpartum psychosis, and postpartum depression. Each of these syndromes is discussed. A review of the instruments used to test for risk factors for the development of postpartum affective disorders indicates that conceptual muddiness still exists in differentiating the three disorders. The notion of whether postpartum depression is a reactive depression to stress or a syndrome is examined. A suggestion is made to more closely examine the role of culture in the development of affective disorders in the puerperium.

Journal Article↗

Electroconvulsive therapy and the elderly client.

Although ECT has been the subject of controversy for decades, ECT has brought increased chances for recovery to many people suffering from severe depression. Crossfield (1988) states the evidence is overwhelming that treatment of some depressive clients with ECT is the best treatment available. Other researchers have found that ECT is equal to, and sometimes superior to, other therapies for major depressive disorders (Gomez & Gomez, 1993). Depression is a treatable condition about which nurses have a responsibility to educate clients and their families (Valente, 1991). If clients and their supportive families and friends are to understand rather than undermine treatment, education about ECT is essential (Valente, 1991). Well-meaning friends and family who are misinformed could strongly discourage ECT, so it is important that their myths about ECT be dispelled (Valente, 1991). Furthermore, if depression in an already at-risk elderly population is not recognized and treated, great suffering will continue to be endured and life-threatening situations may occur. Depression often is manifested differently in older persons than in younger ones. Nurses can improve the quality of care provided to these depressed elderly clients by allowing them to express their fears and anger (Gomez & Gomez, 1993). Furthermore, the nurse's attitude should be hopeful, positive and consistent with them. This action can help clients develop trust with the nurse and further their own quality care. Estimates are that 70% to 90% of individuals who suffer from severe depression and receive ECT do indeed recover (Valente, 1991). ECT should be undertaken only after the outlined treatment protocols have been considered and with the knowledge and understanding of the following statements issued by the United States Department of Health and Human Services in the 1993 Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR). First, ECT has not been adequately tested in milder forms of depression. Because of this gap in the research, the efficacy of ECT across the spectrum of depressive symptomatology is unknown. Second, ECT is costly when it entails hospitalization. This factor has great meaning in the changing, increasingly cost-conscious, health care arena. Third, ECT has specific and significant side effects, e.g., short-term retrograde and anterograde amnesia. Not only are these side effects troublesome for inpatient recipients of ECT, but the side effects can be quite dangerous for persons receiving treatment on an outpatient basis. The potential for injury is grave for persons who have memory deficit. Given the present cost-conscious, cost-cutting atmosphere, an anticipated rise in the number of clients receiving ECT on an outpatient basis is a distinct possibility. Fourth, the risks of general anesthesia are present. Age is a well known risk factor for general anesthesia. Fifth, treatment with ECT still carries substantial social stigma for clients. In spite of the increasing acceptance of ECT as a treatment for depression in the elderly, many clients prefer to keep their receipt of treatment secret fearing social repercussions of open discussions with family and friends. Sixth, ECT can be contraindicated when certain other medical conditions are present. Persons suffering from severe cardiac or pulmonary disease are frequently disqualified for treatment due to the risk of receiving anesthesia. Last, people usually require a prophylactic treatment with antidepressant medication, even if a complete, acute phase response to ECT is attained (pp. 26-27).

Aged↗

Potential for intergenerational conflict in Cuban and Haitian immigrant families.

A descriptive survey of 30 Cuban and 30 Haitian immigrant mothers describes and differentiates the families within the two cultural groups on: (a) sociodemographic characteristics; (b) concepts of children; and (c) childrearing beliefs and practices related to independence training, sex role development, and discipline patterns. Results indicate the two groups have similar sociodemographic characteristics but differ on qualities admired in boys and girls, career expectations held for their children, social autonomy allowed male and female children, and methods used to instill proper sex role behavior. Findings suggest the existing potential for intergenerational conflict in families within immigrant groups whose language and cultural beliefs differ from those of the culture into which they have entered and are acculturating. Implications for care indicate a need for psychiatric mental health nurse (PMH nurses) to use the principles of cultural brokerage for intervention in and prevention of intergenerational conflict. Emphasis is placed on the development of transcultural interventions designed to empower immigrant parents to address the real or perceived conflicting childrearing beliefs and practices held between their original culture and the culture into which they are acculturating.

Acculturation↗

Alzheimer's disease: nursing interventions for clients and caretakers.

1. Senile dementia Alzheimer's type (SDAT), a progressive, degenerative disorder, affects tissues of the brain, causing a loss of neurons. This process results in brain atrophy, specifically in the frontal and temporal regions where integration of new information and memory retrieval occur. 2. Increasing age is the single most well-established risk factor for the development of SDAT (Brody, 1989). Because increasing age is the primary risk factor for the development of SDAT and because the elder population is increasing, the number of afflicted persons will probably rise (Ham, 1990). 3. The objectives of nursing interventions are to assist the client in remaining as independent as possible; to function at the highest possible cognitive, physical, emotional, and social levels; and to support the family and/or significant others in effectively carrying out their functions and goals.

Activities of Daily Living↗

Postpartum affective disorders: incidence and treatment.

1. Postpartum depression is a culture-bound syndrome found in Western societies. The lack of supportive rites and rituals for postpartum women shape depressive symptoms. 2. Postpartum depression is a term used for three distinct syndromes: postpartum "blues," postpartum psychosis, and postpartum depression. 3. Treatment issues surrounding each postpartum affective disorder are different and require education and support of family members as well as postpartum women.

Adult↗

Nurses' attitudes toward homeless women: a barrier to change.

Close to a third of the almost 4 million homeless persons in the United States are women. They have multiple physical and mental health problems directly attributable to their homelessness. Studies have indicated that their failure to seek health care is partially a function of the barrier created by negative attitudes of nurses toward homeless women. Strategies for changing nurses' attitudes, built on attitude change theory, include methods for increasing knowledge and experience in the treatment of homeless women.

Adolescent↗

A descriptive study of postpartum depression.

PROBLEM: Postpartum depression. METHODS: A prospective study of puerperal women (N = 102) was carried out to determine the incidence of postpartum depression. Measures of depression were collected via the BDI on women attending childbirth education classes in a large southeastern metropolitan area. FINDINGS: Eight percent (n = 8) of the women reported emotional, behavioral, or cognitive symptoms suggestive of postpartum depression. Anecdotal data reflect that the incidence is probably higher. CONCLUSIONS: Further study using measures that test atypical depression and that include of qualitative measures to obtain subjective data are recommended.

Case-Control Studies↗