Review: limited evidence on regular breast examination does not support its effectiveness for reducing breast cancer deaths.
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Comment↗
Biomedical subjects
Lynnette Leeseberg Stamler
Publications and source records attributed to Lynnette Leeseberg Stamler.
Comfort: exploration of the concept in nursing.
BACKGROUND: Comfort is a substantive need throughout life. However, the rise of technological influence coupled with a desire to embrace the medical concept of cure has frequently relegated the importance of nursing comfort interventions to simple tasks that can be provided by non-professional caregivers rather than an integral part of health promotion at all levels. DEFINITION: Comfort is a concept that has been explored by a number of authors. Various definitions have included comfort as an outcome of nursing, a function of nursing, a basic human need, and a process. No consensus on a definition of comfort was found in the literature. THEORY: This investigation attempts to link the ideas of comfort presented in the literature with the theories of Watson (Human Care) and Leininger (Culture Care), and discovers the existence of an integral locus for comfort in both. IMPLICATIONS: Theory-based strategies for nursing education are offered. Further research is clearly required, research methodologies based on Watson and Leininger would be appropriate for additional exploration of this concept. Practice implications include reflecting on the meaning of comfort to the patient in the context of his/her cultural values, and using this one as one of the factors in planning and implementing nursing care. CONCLUSION: Given the current emphasis on health promotion and the importance of comfort to the process of healing, comfort is an indispensable element of holistic, culturally congruent human care.
Cultural Characteristics↗
Using the internet to identify women's sources of breast health education and screening.
Health professionals, women's groups, the media and the Internet have all played a role in educating the public about breast health and breast screening methods. Yet, with all the information that is available to women, their participation rates have been less than optimal. This paradox has resulted in the need to learn more about the sources that influence women to participate in breast screening. In an innovative study using the Internet, over 800 women, primarily from Canada and the United States, were surveyed about their knowledge, attitudes and influences regarding their breast screening practices. Current health status, screening practices and influences of various health professionals on women's health promotion activities were analyzed. Comparisons of the women's perceptions across age groups and national differences between Canadian and American respondents are presented. Women in the older age group reported receiving more encouragement for breast screening activities from physicians, nurses and others than did younger women. American respondents reported perceiving more support from nurses for breast screening than did their Canadian counterparts. A high number of American respondents reported having been diagnosed with breast cancer, while only a small number of Canadian respondents reported this diagnosis. The results from this study can be used in planning health promotion activities relevant to various populations of women. Benefits and limitations of using the Internet as a research medium are briefly discussed.
Adult↗
A national survey of Canadian women: breast health practices, influences, and satisfaction.
In an earlier survey of over 900 women in the local automobile industry, several influences and preferences for breast screening were identified. The purpose of the current study was to extend the survey population to women across Canada, as well as to ascertain women's satisfaction with organized (governmental) screening programs within their geographic areas. Using random-digit-dialing, 1,224 women 25 years and older were interviewed in French or English and their responses entered in a CATI system. The interviewers used a modified version of Health Care Practices: A Worksite Survey. Results were analyzed by age and geographic region. Results indicated support for earlier local findings, as well as high satisfaction, but low knowledge and usage of organized breast screening clinics.
Adult↗
Breast health educational interventions. Changes in beliefs and practices of working women.
Health education programs supported by women's groups or workplaces have been successful in reaching large populations and changing intentions to perform breast health behaviors. This study examined the responses women working in the automotive industry had to two health education interventions, mailed pamphlets, and a combination of mailed material and classes at the worksite compared to a control group. A quasi-experimental design was used. Of the 948 women completing the pre-test, 437 also completed the post-test and were highly representative of the initial sample. The findings suggest that although the mailed information produced some change in practices and intentions, the classes in combination with the mailed pamphlets produced greater change. In addition, confidence in breast self examination as a method of detecting an existing breast lump increased from pre-test to post-test across all age groups. The reported influences on the women's decisions related to breast health varied across the life span. The results of this study can be used to support the development of effective health promotion programs for use at workplaces to increase the likelihood of women engaging in healthy breast practices.
Adult↗
Adolescent girls' personal experience with Baby Think It Over infant simulator.
PURPOSE: To explore adolescent girls' personal experience with an infant simulator that had to be cared for over a period of 1 to 2 weeks. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This qualitative study employed the phenomenological approach and utilized Colaizzi's method of analysis. Participants were nine adolescent high school girls who were interviewed and audiotaped. Interview data were coded using NUD*IST 4 software. RESULTS: Three themes emerged from the data. They were (1) a parenting journey incorporating intellectual, emotive, and physical faculties; (2) recognizing the illusionary nature of previously held ideas about parenting an infant; and (3) offering counsel based on the BTIO experience. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The new perspectives gained by the participants about parenting a newborn infant differed markedly from the romantic fantasies they held prior to the experience. The teens started thinking more seriously about the consequences of sexual activity. Used for 1 to 2 weeks, in conjunction with budgeting exercises and provocative small-group discussions, the BTIO shows promise as an effective tool in helping to modify unrealistic and idealized teen views of adolescent pregnancy and parenting.
Adolescent↗
Developing and refining the research question: step 1 in the research process.
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Data Collection↗
Patient perceptions of satisfaction following diabetes education: use of the mastery of stress instrument.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to test the conceptual congruency of scores from the Mastery of Stress Instrument (MSI) with qualitative data in an effort to identify patients for whom a specific educational intervention was sufficient. METHODS: A convenience sample of patients with diverse age and educational backgrounds was recruited from those who registered for a 4-session diabetes educational experience as new or refresher patients. All 57 patients completed the MSI before and after diabetes educational experiences, and half participated in before and after audiotaped interviews. All patients responded to a query about their perceptions of the educational experience. MSI scores were analyzed by demographic variables as well as compared to qualitative interviews for greater insights and explanation. RESULTS: Consistency was noted between the MSI scores and the information revealed in the interviews. Additional support for the use of the MSI to identify patients at risk and in need of additional educational interventions was realized. CONCLUSIONS: Further research to explore the use of the MSI with persons with different educational experiences and to standardize the MSI scores for adult persons taking diabetes or other patient education classes is needed before generalization can be achieved.
Adult↗