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Biomedical subjects

P M Dubbert

Publications and source records attributed to P M Dubbert.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2000

Physical activity behavior change: issues in adoption and maintenance.

The many benefits of participation in regular moderate- or vigorous-intensity physical activity are well established, yet more than 60% of the population is sedentary or insufficiently active. Published studies have revealed that behavior modification and cognitive-behavior modification can be successfully used to assist patients, healthy adults, and youth in the adoption of physically active lifestyles. However, few studies with adults and youth have examined the maintenance of physical activity behavior beyond 6 months of adoption of this behavior. Maintenance of physical activity is critically important because ongoing participation in the behavior is necessary to sustain health benefits. Knowledge of effective intervention strategies for long-term maintenance of physical activity is at an early stage. The authors provide a summary of what is known about the maintenance of physical activity behavior in adults and youth and how physical activity behavior relates to other health behaviors such as smoking, as well as recommendations for research on physical activity behavior change and maintenance.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Prospective evaluation of the effects of stress on exercise adherence in community-residing women.

The effects of stress on exercise behavior in community-residing women exercising on their own were assessed. Participants (N = 82) completed a background questionnaire and kept exercise diaries and Weekly Stress Inventories (P. J. Brantley, G. N. Jones, E. Boudreax, & S. L. Catz, 1997) for 8 consecutive weeks. During weeks with a high frequency of stressful events, participants exercised for less time and reported lower self-efficacy for meeting upcoming exercise goals. During weeks of high perceived stress, participants exercised significantly fewer days, omitted more planned exercise sessions, were less satisfied with their exercise, and had lower self-efficacy for meeting exercise goals. Findings suggest that perceptions of stressful events and cognitive reactions to missed exercise may play a significant role in mediating exercise behavior and support the view of exercise relapse as an ongoing process.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Assessment of sexual beliefs and information in aging couples with sexual dysfunction.

The incidence and prevalence of sexual dysfunction indicate that a large portion of the U.S. population will experience a sexual dysfunction, with older individuals being particularly at risk. Cognitive factors (e.g., attitudes, misinformation, beliefs) may contribute to the development of sexual dysfunction or influence response to treatments. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of a brief instrument designed to assess information and beliefs regarding sexual functioning in an aging population. Results indicate that the Sexual Beliefs and Information Questionnaire (SBIQ) had adequate test-retest reliability and is an internally consistent measure of sexual knowledge and beliefs. MOst individuals had adequate knowledge regarding sexual functioning as indicated by correct responses to most items; however, there were several items missed more often than expected. Exploratory factor analysis suggests an underlying five-factor structure of the SBIQ. Scores were not correlated with years of education, mood, or marital satisfaction. Scores on the SBIQ improved after a brief standardized educational intervention. The SBIQ is a simple and psychometrically sound measure of sexual knowledge and myths that can assist clinicians to identify and possibly rectify knowledge deficits.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Erectile dysfunction in men with chronic medical illness.

This study examined interrelationships of psychosocial variables found in a psychological evaluation for erectile disorder in 75 male veterans with chronic medical illness. Patients whose partners participated in the evaluation were compared with those whose partners were not involved, and agreement on measures between patients and partners was examined. Finally, a principal components analysis was performed to assess the primary dimensions underlying the variance in mental health and sexual functioning variables. Five factors were identified, accounting for 65.5% of the variance. Results of these analyses are discussed in order to obtain an understanding of the interrelationship between behavioral, psychological, and interpersonal variables in the onset and course of sexual dysfunction.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Effects of group discussion and guided patient care experience on nurses' attitudes towards care of patients with AIDS.

Nurses with limited experience in caring for persons with AIDS (PWAs) were randomized into three groups receiving an educational session on universal precautions and (a) three group discussion sessions; (b) three sessions of caring for a PWA; or (c) assessment materials only. Both interventions were conducted by a nursing instructor experienced in care of PWAs and infectious diseases over a 3-4 week period. Measures included instruments for assessing prejudicial attitudes towards homosexual PWAs, self-ratings of infectious disease knowledge, ratings of perceived comfort and confidence in caring for PWAs, and a measure of willingness to provide care to PWAs. Results showed no significant change in willingness to provide care over time in any of the groups. Multiple regression exploring predictors of willingness to provide care found only the measure of AIDS prejudice to be an independent predictor of willingness to provide care to PWAs 6 months after completion of the intervention phase.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1994

Stress, coping, and well-being among third-year medical students.

BACKGROUND: Medical school is recognized as a stressful environment that often exerts a negative effect on the academic performance, physical health, and psychological well-being of the student. METHOD: Stress, coping, depression, and somatic distress were examined among 69 third-year students completing a psychiatry clerkship in 1992-93 at the University of Mississippi School of Medicine. Stress was assessed using the Medical Education Hassles Scale-R. Coping was assessed using the Coping Strategies Inventory. Depression was assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale, and somatic distress was assessed using the Wahler Physical Symptoms Inventory. Statistical methods included correlational analysis and hierarchical regression. RESULTS: Clinical levels of depression were found in 16 (23%) of the students, and 39 (57%) endorsed high levels of somatic distress. Stress accounted for a large percentage of the distress variance (i.e., 29% to 50%). Coping efforts contributed significant variance to the prediction of distress above and beyond that accounted for by stress alone, especially in relation to depression. Coping efforts classified by Engagement strategies were associated with fever depressive symptoms, while coping efforts classified by Disengagement strategies were associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Because students who employed coping efforts characterized by Engagement strategies suffered from fewer depressive symptoms, the results suggest that training in these types of strategies may be a useful intervention to lessen the negative consequences of stress among medical students.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1994

Endurance exercise in mild hypertension: effects on blood pressure and associated metabolic and quality of life variables.

The effects of a ten week endurance exercise training programme on blood pressure and associated metabolic and quality of life variables were examined in 28 unmedicated mildly hypertensive men (21-54 years of age). At baseline, BP averaged 138.8/94.8 mmHg, body mass index averaged 27.9 and percentage body fat averaged 29%. The average reduction in BP of 11.4/9.8 mmHg (P = 0.0001) was accompanied by decreases in plasma renin activity of 1.82 ng/ml/h (P = 0.001) and in total plasma catecholamines of 77.9 pg/ml (P = 0.05). Percentage body fat decreased 1.3% (P = 0.02) and work capacity increased 1.2 METS (P = 0.002). There were no significant changes in body weight or plasma lipids, cortisol, insulin or urinary electrolyte excretion. Changes in SBP were correlated significantly with change in plasma renin activity (r = 0.38, P = 0.05). Favourable changes were also observed in mood (P = 0.04) and in one measure of type A behaviour (P = 0.04). None of the participants sustained an injury. We conclude that reduction of BP with endurance exercise training in these mildly hypertensive men was primarily associated with reduced plasma renin activity and did not adversely affect quality of life.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Development of a measure of willingness to provide nursing care to AIDS patients.

The Nursing Willingness Questionnaire (NWQ) was developed to measure nurses' willingness to perform specific direct care activities for an adult male patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Measures of internal consistency and one-week test-retest stability indicated excellent reliability. NWQ scale scores correlated significantly with a measure of fear of contracting AIDS via interpersonal and medical contacts but not with fear of contagion through risky sexual behavior. In principle components analysis, all items loaded on one factor. These psychometric studies suggest the NWQ is a reliable and valid instrument for evaluating a construct of current concern to nursing administrators and educators.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1992

Exercise in behavioral medicine.

Research on the preventive and rehabilitative applications of exercise and literature on exercise adherence from the past 10 years are briefly reviewed. Although there is now substantial evidence that a low level of physical activity is associated with decreased life expectancy for both men and women and contributes independently to the development of many prevalent chronic diseases, most adults and children lead sedentary lives. Recent intervention studies suggest exercise adherence can be improved in a variety of populations. Researchers in the next decade should continue to elaborate the population- and disease-specific effects of physical activity and exercise and give priority to the problem of exercise adherence, which limits the effectiveness of exercise interventions and remains a significant challenge to behavioral medicine.

Behavior Therapy↗
PubMed1990

Dietary restraint and eating behavior in the natural environment.

The influence of caloric labeling on meal selection with subjects differing in dietary restraint was investigated in a cafeteria restaurant. The three lowest calorie food selections within three food categories (i.e., salads, vegetables, entrees) were identified by labels. Within a multiple-baseline design, each food category was labeled for three evenings in a randomly determined order. Three hundred thirty-six male and female customers completed the Restraint Scale and were categorized as overweight or normal weight. Females and customers with high restraint scores chose and estimated that they chose lower calorie foods with neither effect for labeling nor a labeling-by-restraint interaction evident. Customers high in restraint also underestimated the caloric values of their selections.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Increasing ICU staff handwashing: effects of education and group feedback.

This study provides an evaluation of the effectiveness of methods to increase handwashing (HW) by nurses working in an intensive care unit. After baseline observations, two interventions were implemented in sequence: three series of classes conducted by the infection control nurse (ICN); and feedback to staff about handwashing errors on the previous day. Staff were aware that handwashing was being observed throughout the study. The educational intervention produced an immediate increase in HW that was followed by a decline to baseline rates over four weeks. Feedback produced an improvement to 97% compliance that was sustained until completion of the study. Improvement in HW compliance following specified critical procedures was also observed following interventions.

Communication↗
PubMed1990

Controlled trial of aerobic exercise in hypertension.

To determine the antihypertensive efficacy of aerobic exercise training in mild essential hypertension, a prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted comparing an aerobic exercise regimen to a placebo exercise regimen, with a crossover replication of the aerobic regimen in the placebo exercise group. The study took place in an outpatient research clinic in a university-affiliated Veterans Administration medical center. Twenty-seven men with untreated diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of 90-104 mm Hg were randomized to the two exercise regimens. Ten patients completed the aerobic regimen. Nine patients completed the control regimen, seven of whom subsequently entered and completed the aerobic regimen. The aerobic regimen consisted of walking, jogging, stationary bicycling, or any combination of these activities for 30 minutes, four times a week, at 65-80% maximal heart rate. The control regimen consisted of slow calisthenics and stretching for the same duration and frequency but maintaining less than 60% maximal heart rate. DBP decreased 9.6 +/- 4.7 mm Hg in the aerobic exercise group but increased 0.8 +/- 6.2 mm Hg in the placebo control exercise group (p = 0.02). Systolic blood pressure (SBP) decreased 6.4 +/- 9.1 mm Hg in the aerobic group and increased 0.9 +/- 9.7 mm Hg in the control group (p = 0.11). Subsequently, seven of the nine controls entered a treatment crossover and completed the aerobic regimen with significant reductions in both DBP (-6.1 +/- 3.2 mm Hg, p less than 0.01) and SBP (-8.1 +/- 5.7 mm Hg, p less than 0.01). BP changes were not associated with any significant changes in weight, body fat, urinary electrolytes, or resting heart rate. This randomized controlled trial provides evidence for the independent BP lowering effect of aerobic exercise in unmedicated mildly hypertensive men.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Perceived barriers to exercise and weight control practices in community women.

A sample of community women was surveyed to determine exercise habits, weight control methods, and perceived barriers to sustaining and initiating exercise and weight management programs. Lack of time was reported to be the most significant factor limiting exercise, while lack of willpower and time constraints were the most frequently reported obstacles to weight management. Suggestions to aid adherence to exercise and weight control programs among women are outlined.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

Promoting nutrition at the point of choice: a review.

The modification of dietary behaviors on a community-wide basis requires broad-based, multilevel approaches. Dietary interventions at the point of choice have the potential, as one approach, of reaching a large number of individuals at minimal cost. This article presents the potential advantages and limitations of point-of-choice interventions, and describes the controlled evaluations of their efficacy in restaurants/cafeterias and supermarkets. Discussion addresses the refinement and extension of successful restaurant-based strategies and the challenge of developing more powerful strategies for influencing supermarket purchases.

Behavior Therapy↗
PubMed1987

Weight gain associated with decreases in smoking rate and nicotine intake.

The mechanisms involved in the weight gain associated with smoking cessation are not well known. This study employed a single-subject design to investigate changes in weight following systematic reductions in smoking rate and cigarette nicotine content. Although there were no changes in the subject's caloric intake or physical activity, a weight gain of 3.6 kg was observed after 4 months of reduced rate and nicotine intake. These results suggest that weight change during smoking reduction and cessation may be primarily due to changes in factors other than caloric intake or activity.

Body Weight↗