Biomedical subjects

J A Hunfeld

Publications and source records attributed to J A Hunfeld.

24 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed1993

[Marked decrease in the number of hospitalizations for gonococcal infections in The Netherlands from 1981-1988].

The number of admissions for gonococcal infections in the Netherlands fell strongly over the period 1981 to 1988, in particular in the 15 to 40-year age group. The decline can only partly be explained by a change in sexual behaviour associated with the fear of AIDS. The change from clinical to outpatient treatment of these infections offers no explanation either because the number of outpatients treated dropped substantially as well.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1993

[Number of admissions for Reiter's disease (ICD-9-code 099.3) in Dutch hospitals in 1981-1987].

The number of hospitalisations of male patients for Reiter's syndrome in the Netherlands declined over the period 1981 to 1987 by almost 40%. This decline is probably connected with a change in sexual behaviour, associated with the fear of AIDS. The number of admissions of female patients is considerably smaller than that of male patients, possibly due to underdiagnosis of the disease.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1993

Emotional reactions in women in late pregnancy (24 weeks or longer) following the ultrasound diagnosis of a severe or lethal fetal malformation.

We studied the emotional reactions of 41 women in late pregnancy shortly after they had been informed of the diagnosis of 'severe or lethal fetal malformations' and 3 months after delivery. In addition, situational variables were explored as determinants of grieving. While grief did not diminish during the study period, psychological instability was less pronounced at 3 months after delivery. More grief reactions were evoked by self-reported easily versus self-reported not easily initiated pregnancy, gestational age between 24 and 34 weeks versus beyond 34 weeks, multiparity versus primiparity, and viewing versus not viewing the baby.

Adult↗

PubMed1993

Suggestibility and headache reports in schoolchildren: a problem in epidemiology.

In a sample from the general population of school children of 15 years of age, we studied whether receiving information about the prevalence of headaches had any effect on their subsequent headache report. Sixty children in the fourth year at four secondary schools were allocated at random to two conditions: a biased condition emphasizing the high prevalence of headaches and a neutral condition. Subjects in the biased condition reported more headaches but they did not report more other physical symptoms than the subjects in the neutral condition. The results are discussed in terms of Pennebaker's theory on reporting symptoms. It is concluded that epidemiological research using the general population should deal more explicitly with the way in which subjects are motivated to participate.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1993

Reliability and validity of the Perinatal Grief Scale for women who experienced late pregnancy loss.

The psychometric qualities of the Perinatal Grief Scale (PGS) were evaluated in a sample of 46 Dutch women in late pregnancy (> or = 24 weeks), who had been informed of the diagnosis 'lethal or severe fetal malformation'. The validity was assessed by comparing it to the Impact of Event Scale and to a clinical diagnosis of psychological instability. The PGS appeared to be internally consistent and particularly strongly related to psychological instability. It can therefore be considered as a valid assessment instrument, also for women who experience late pregnancy loss.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Chronic pain and its impact on quality of life in adolescents and their families.

OBJECTIVE: To study chronic pain not caused by somatic disease in adolescents and the effect of pain on the quality of life of the adolescents and their families. METHODS: One hundred twenty-eight youngsters (12-18 years) who had reported chronic pain kept a 3-week diary of their pain and completed a questionnaire on quality of life. Their mothers completed a questionnaire on the impact of their youngster's pain on the family. RESULTS: The most prevalent pains were limb pain, headache, abdominal, and back pain. The pain increased during the day, with the highest frequency around dinner time and the highest intensity around bedtime. Girls reported more intense and more frequent pain than boys. The higher the intensity and frequency of the pain, the lower the self-reported quality of life of the female or male adolescent, especially regarding psychological functioning (e.g. feeling less at ease), physical status (a greater incidence of other somatic complaints), and functional status (more impediments to leisure and daily activities). Chronic pain also had a negative impact on family life. The mothers reported restrictions, particularly in social life, and problems dealing with the stress of the adolescent's pain. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic pain, not caused by somatic disease, was present to a higher degree in girls; the pain increased during the day and had a negative impact on quality of life of the adolescents and the family. There is a need for future research aimed at identifying risk factors for chronic pain and pain-associated quality of life in children and adolescents.

Adolescent↗