Biomedical subjects

Kerstin Ekberg

Publications and source records attributed to Kerstin Ekberg.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Stroke patients' experiences of return to work.

Purpose. The aim of this study was to describe the experience of return to work (RTW) after stroke from the patient's perspective.Method. Six patients who had their first ever stroke in 2001, were <65 years of age and were working at the time of their stroke were included. Information was obtained via an open-ended interview. The material was transcribed verbatim and analysed using Giorgi's empirical phenomenology.Results. Rehabilitation was perceived as primarily aimed at restoring bodily functions and a return to everyday activities, rather than at promoting a return to work. It was not experienced as adapted to the participants' needs or their age. The workplace was experienced as very important in the rehabilitation process. When the informants experienced that the rehabilitation professionals were not taking action, they took control of the situation themselves. The informants expressed pride in their own capacity to take the initiative and in their ability to take action. Both self-employed and employed informants said they had possibilities and opportunities to take action since their work situation was flexible. The informants' adaptation to a new role at work was perceived as facilitated by the understanding and positive attitude of co-workers.Conclusion. Among this group of stroke patients, the individual patient's capacity and ability to return to work was enhanced by motivation or "will" and self-efficacy in combination with external support. Self-efficacy was not only a personal trait or internal factor; it was enhanced and encouraged in interaction with contextual conditions. There are similarities between the RTW process and processes of health promotion.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMed2006

Health, quality of life, social network and use of health care: a comparison between those granted and those not granted disability pensions.

PURPOSE: The aim was to compare self-rated health, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), social networks and health care utilisation of those granted disability pension (DP) and those not granted disability pension (nDP). METHOD: Demographic data and medical diagnoses were obtained from the records of the social insurance office. Data concerning self-reported health, HRQoL social networks, and use of health care were collected by a postal questionnaire. The nDP group included all those not granted full DPs between 1999 and 2000 (n = 99). The DP group were a random sample of those granted full DPs, during the same period (n = 197). RESULTS: The nDP group had more often multiple diagnoses, and lower self-reported health and HRQoL compared to those granted DP. In particular, their average scores were lower on the SF-36 scales social functioning, role limitations due to physical problems and mental health. The nDP group also had significantly smaller social networks. CONCLUSIONS: Contrary to expectations, those not granted a disability pension do not seem to have better health, but rather to suffer from more sickness than those who were granted a disability pension.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Measuring empowerment in working life: a review.

This study identifies and describes questionnaires that measure empowerment in working life. Theoretical bases and empirical examination of the questionnaires are also reported. Nine questionnaires emerged from a database search including AMED, CINAHL, ERIC, MEDLINE and PSYCINFO. The main target groups were employees in general. Most authors share the same theoretical basis. Most of the questionnaires focus on intra-individual issues, while a smaller number deal with the interaction between individual and organization. Control and competence are frequently used dimensions. Cronbach's alpha for complete questionnaires ranged between 0.62 and 0.96. No comparisons with outcome of health were reported. Spreitzer's questionnaire has undergone the most comprehensive investigation. Research is required to achieve better understanding of the interplay between conditions at work and empowerment and health.

Employment↗

PubMed2005

Evaluation of empowerment processes in a workplace health promotion intervention based on learning in Sweden.

The aim of this study was to evaluate a theory-based method for workplace health promotion (WHP) with regard to possible facilitation of empowerment processes. The intervention tool was the pedagogic method known as problem-based learning (PBL). The aim of the intervention was to promote empowerment and health among the employees. The intervention was implemented in three organizations within the public sector in Sweden, in a bottom-up approach. All employees, including management, in each organization, were offered the opportunity to participate (n = 113) and 87% (n = 97) participated. The intervention was implemented in 13 groups of six to eight participants who met once a week over a period of 4 months. The predetermined overall goal of the intervention was to promote employee health within the organizational setting. A facilitator in each group and a group-specific mutual agreement guided the intervention, as did the problem solving process. The participants set goals and developed strategies to reach their goals between the meetings. Thirty informants were interviewed in seven focus groups after the intervention about the intervention method and the process, following a semi-structured theme guide. The phenomenographic analysis resulted in six descriptive categories: reflection, awareness and insight, self-direction and self-management, group coherence, social support and actions. The results correspond to established theories of components of empowerment processes. The method initiated processes of change at organizational, workplace and individual levels as the participants examined their work situation, determined problems and initiated solutions. Social support and group coherence were expressed as essential in order to transform challenging strategies into action and goal realization. The findings indicate that systematic improvements of social support and group coherence among employees ought to be facilitated by the organization as a health-promoting arena. PBL appears to be a profitable and powerful instrument with the potential to enable empowerment.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Disqualified for disability pension--a case/referent study.

OBJECTIVES: To analyse medical and other determinants for decisions about rejection or acceptance of applications for disability pension. METHODS: A register-based retrospective case-control study was carried out in the area of a county in mid-Sweden. Cases were all individuals rejected a full disability pension 1999-2000, in all 99 cases. Controls were every tenth person granted a full disability pension during the same period, 198 individuals. Determinants were recorded from the protocols at the Social Insurance Office. RESULTS: Unemployment (OR=7.1, CI=3.1 - 16.4), living in the main municipality, (OR=2.8, CI=1.4 - 5.8) and age below 50 years (OR=0.4, CI=0.2 - 0.8) were determinants for rejection of disability pension. Medical status, as described in the Social Insurance act, had no association with the outcome. CONCLUSIONS: There appear to be variations in praxis of rejection of applicants between Social Insurance boards in different geographical areas due to reasons other than medical. Socio-economic situation of the applicant may have an influence. Established criteria for determining work ability are needed.

Age Factors↗