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Biomedical subjects

S R Dirksen

Publications and source records attributed to S R Dirksen.

6 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2000

Predicting well-being among breast cancer survivors.

The purpose of this descriptive study was to test a conceptual model that predicts well-being among women who have survived breast cancer. The model was derived from empirical research findings that identified health care orientation, uncertainty, social support, resourcefulness and self-esteem as significant predictors of well-being in persons diagnosed with cancer. The convenience sample was of 84 women who had completed primary treatment for breast cancer and were currently disease-free. After informed consent was obtained each woman completed six questionnaires which measured the study variables. Multiple regression techniques were used to empirically test the predicted conceptual relationships and to estimate predictive validity for the model. Findings indicated that uncertainty and social support were significant predictors of resourcefulness and explained 12% of the variance in resourcefulness. Resourcefulness and social support were significant predictors of self-esteem and explained 33% of the variance in self-esteem. In combination, social support, resourcefulness, and self-esteem were significant predictors of well-being and explained 42% of the variance in well-being. Health care orientation was not a significant variable. This study confirmed hypotheses and provided insight into the variables that significantly influence well-being in women who have survived breast cancer. Recommendations for practice are given with suggestions made for further research.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1998

The recruitment and participation of Hispanic women in nursing research: a learning process.

Limited information is available regarding the selection of culturally appropriate methods for obtaining data from the Hispanic population, which is currently the largest and fastest growing ethnic minority in the United States. Due to this lack of knowledge which would guide the investigator in the recruitment and retention of Hispanics in research studies, the Hispanic population remains understudied and underserved. This article describes the numerous challenges that were encountered in the actual process of recruiting Hispanic women into a research study which examined adjustment among breast cancer survivors. The rate of refusal to participate was unexpectedly high, which necessitated additional recruitment strategies, including a renewed emphasis on the importance of the study and the option of meeting with other members of the community in a group. Women who refused to participate in the study stated concerns related to a loss of health benefits, the influence of family members, and a recurrence of emotional stress. Instrument issues are also addressed. This learning process of developing, refining, and testing effective methods for recruiting Hispanic women in research studies remains an ongoing endeavor; through these efforts it is hoped that culturally competent health care can become a reality.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Search for meaning in long-term cancer survivors.

The purpose of this study was to explore search for meaning in long-term survivors of malignant melanoma and the relationship of this meaning to self-blame and well-being. The sample consisted of 31 long-term melanoma survivors who had been free of disease for 5 years or longer. Measures included the Search for Meaning scale, a single item on self-blame and the Index of Well-Being. Data were analysed by descriptive statistics and t-tests. Findings revealed that 52% (n = 16) of the sample did search for meaning which resulted in an identifiable cause for their cancer and a quiet reassessment of life. Subjects indicating self-responsibility for their cancer expressed a greater meaning search than the group who did not blame self (P < 0.01). Well-being scores were not significantly related to this search for meaning. Results suggest that for some survivors the cancer experience elicits a search for meaning which is significantly associated with self-blame. This study extends developing nursing theory on survivorship by providing insight into the meaning of the cancer experience in long-term survivors.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMedDate not supplied

RN/BSN distance learning through microwave.

Audio and video interactive electronic classroom systems are one way to increase access to baccalaureate programs for working nurses who do not reside near a degree-granting university. The authors describe the impact of this microwave television system on course implementation in a registered nurse/bachelor of science in nursing program. They also discuss the implications for course design, teaching strategies, class interaction, and student achievement.

Curriculum↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Perceived well-being in malignant melanoma survivors.

This study examined well-being in survivors of malignant melanoma. A conceptual framework was developed based on a review of the literature that identified locus of control, social support, and self-esteem as having a significant effect on perceived well-being. Data from 31 subjects were analyzed revealing that internal locus of control and self-esteem had a direct positive effect on well-being. This study provided new information for understanding the variables that influence cancer survivors' perceptions of well-being.

Adult↗