SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “User experiences”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 1,261 records · Page 70Linked to original sources

PubMedDate not supplied

The Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX): reliability and validity.

Although sexual dysfunction is common in psychiatric patients, quantification of sexual dysfunction is limited by the paucity of validated, user-friendly scales. In order to address this problem, the authors have developed the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX), a five-item rating scale that quantifies sex drive, arousal, vaginal lubrication/penile erection, ability to reach orgasm, and satisfaction from orgasm. Possible total scores range from 5 to 30, with the higher scores indicating more sexual dysfunction. This study assesses the internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and convergent and discriminant validity of the ASEX.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Is there a 'typical' consumer of obstetric services?

Each user of the maternity services will have a different service experience. The experience will vary depending on the place of birth, type of antenatal care, delivery and postnatal support. However, to be effective service providers, the provision ought to be responsive to the needs of the consumers. This paper considers the development of the maternity services, reflecting on the current environment in which the provision is delivered and attempts to characterise users of the provision to facilitate an understanding of consumer needs. This research considered primigravidae and multiparous users of the maternity provision and explored their access to information and their use of information with particular consideration of their referent groups. This study produced interesting results, not least that both primigravidae and multiparous users are prepared to abdicate responsibility for some aspects of their decision-making to medical professionals. Sub-categorisations of primigravida and multipara users and various socio-economic groups were also constructed.

Female↗

PubMed2002

The structure of demand for health care: latent class versus two-part models.

We contrast the two-part model (TPM) that distinguishes between users and non-users of health care, with a latent class model (LCM) that distinguishes between infrequent and frequent users. In model comparisons using data on counts of utilization from the RAND Health Insurance Experiment (RHIE), we find strong evidence in favor of the LCM. We show that individuals in the infrequent and frequent user latent classes may be described as being healthy and ill, respectively. Although sample averages of price elasticities, conditional means and event probabilities are not statistically different, the estimates of these policy-relevant measures are substantively different when calculated for hypothetical individuals with specific characteristics.

Ambulatory Care↗

PubMed2003

Social problems, psychological well-being, and childhood parenting experiences in a community sample of heroin addicts in central London.

Well-validated instruments were used to compare the social adjustment, psychological well-being, and childhood parenting experiences of 105 heroin-dependent people and a matched sample of 103 unemployed people recruited from April to November 2001 via newspaper advertisements and word of mouth in central London. The groups were not homogenous. Both groups had more social and psychological problems than population norms. The unemployed group reported significantly more social and interpersonal problems than the heroin users although they had significantly fewer psychological problems. Childhood parenting experiences were comparable between both groups suggesting this is not a specific cause of heroin dependence.

Adult↗

PubMed1997

Sharing medication information with patients.

Prompted by its user members, the Salford adult mental health services clinical audit group decided to review the information on medication available to clients. Here Mick Renoden, a service user on the clinical audit group with a 22 year history of contact with mental health services, describes his own experiences with clinicians and medication. Then Jeff Withington reports the results of a survey of users' views, which revealed a strong demand for information about medication that could be easily understood and trusted, and led to the production of a range of leaflets.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Clinical comparison of triphasic norgestimate/35 micrograms ethinyl estradiol and monophasic norethindrone acetate/20 micrograms ethinyl estradiol. Cycle control, lipid effects, and user satisfaction.

This six-cycle, multicenter, open-label, randomized study compared the clinical experience of two low-dose oral contraceptives (OC): a triphasic OC containing norgestimate (NGM) and 35 micrograms ethinyl estradiol (EE) (Ortho Tri-Cyclen) and a monophasic OC containing norethindrone acetate (NETA) and 20 micrograms EE (Loestrin Fe 1/20). Cycle control, lipid and androgen profiles, and user satisfaction were studied in new-start OC users (i.e., no prior use within 60 days). Breakthrough bleeding or breakthrough spotting (BTB/BTS) occurred in a significantly smaller percentage of NGM/EE users than NETA/EE users during each of six cycles (p < or = 0.002). The incidence of BTB/BTS ranged from 3.7% to 13.5% for NGM/EE users and from 23.5% to 49.7% for NETA/EE users. Significantly fewer NGM/EE users than NETA/EE users experienced absence of menses at cycles 2 through 6 (p < or = 0.003). The percentages of women having no menses at each cycle ranged from 0.9% to 4.7% for NGM/EE users and from 10.3% to 21.3% for NETA/EE users. NGM/EE users reported a significantly (p < 0.001) higher level of satisfaction with their OC at the end of six cycles than did NETA/EE users, but there was no significant difference in compliance, discontinuation rates, or adverse events between the two groups. NGM/EE produced a significantly (p < or = 0.001) greater beneficial effect on HDL-C, HDL2, and apo A-I than did NETA/EE. No statistically significant treatment differences were found for total cholesterol, LDL-C, triglycerides, or apo-B. Both OC increased sex hormone binding globulin and decreased free testosterone, but NGM/EE had a significantly greater effect (p < 0.009).

Androgens↗

PubMed2001

Principles in practice: reflections on a 'postpositivist' approach to evaluation research.

User participation is currently seen as an ethically appropriate way to proceed when researching disadvantaged groups and it is encouraged by funding agencies. However, the literature rarely discusses the methodological and practical implications for researchers attempting to incorporate user participation into evaluation studies which are informed from an epistemologically opposed (positivist) research paradigm. The paper explores this issue by drawing on the evaluation of a community-based smoking intervention to describe and reflect upon the recruitment, training and employment of local residents as survey interviewers. While the evaluation methodology adopts a quasi-experimental approach, the appointment of local residents as survey interviewers reflects an alternative (interpretive) research tradition. The combined strategy constitutes a postpositivist methodology in that it combines a data collection strategy more akin to interpretive social science while retaining a positivistic epistemological framework. The paper describes some logistics of this approach and problems encountered during the course of survey. While many of the problems described may be routinely associated (although seldom aired) with survey work, particularly in disadvantaged areas, the paper suggests they are also a function of the postpositivist research strategy which we adopted. The failure to involve interviewers in the conception and development of the evaluation meant that they lacked identification with our endeavour and this had practical implications for the survey interviewing. Although the survey was successfully executed and the employment of local residents was a valuable and worthwhile experience, the authors recognize that this narrow conception of user involvement meant that many of the potential benefits (both to the research and the participants) associated with participatory approaches were forfeited.

Community Participation↗

PubMed1992

Assessment of geometric treatment accuracy using time-lapse display of electronic portal images.

During the past two years, several electronic portal imaging systems have been introduced to the market by therapy accelerator manufacturers and other vendors. While these systems differ substantially in their detection technology, they are all capable of displaying portal images on a video screen in near real-time, and of creating multiple static (or "movie") images during each treatment. Major questions confront the users of such systems as to the best utilization of this wealth of information, and to its value in comparison to traditional weekly portal film methods. Using an "in-house" video based system, a new technique was established to aid in the assessment of on-line images so that immediate "go/no-go" decisions can be made by the therapy technologist. A video "movie-loop" is displayed which consists of the static image of the initial (approved) set-up, and the current treatment image. Multiple images of successive treatments can also be viewed in this "time-lapse" display mode to provide a quick visual means for review of an entire course of therapy. The on-line imaging system hardware is composed of a combination copper-plate/fluorescent-screen detector, a front surface mirror angled at 45 degrees to remove the camera from the direct radiation beam, and a high sensitivity SIT video camera. This assembly is attached to a rigid base and mounted directly to the isocentric gantry. The geometry is fixed to within +/- 1 mm and assures the precise day-to-day reproducibility which is necessary for the success of the time-lapse display technique. Experience with this technique shows it to enhance the user's ability to notice small changes in patient's position with respect to the radiation field. Radiation treatment sites reviewed using this procedure were Hodgkin's (mantle), Lung, Brain and extremities. Shifts in patient position on the order of several millimeters were readily detectable, as will be demonstrated in this paper. Somewhat surprisingly, grosser movements (greater than 1 cm) were also noted despite overall technical excellence as assessed by weekly portal filming. The eye senses day-to-day movement with greater ease when the fields are seen in time-lapse display than when compared as discrete portal images. Ultimately, persistent movement appreciated on the time-lapse display can suggest the need for a change in patient set-up or immobilization technique.

Humans↗

PubMed2000

Risk of hepatitis B infection among young injection drug users in San Francisco: opportunities for intervention.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the demographic characteristics and risk behaviors for hepatitis B infection among injection drug users younger than 30 years with those aged 30 or older and to evaluate participants' knowledge, attitudes, and experiences of infection, screening, and vaccination against hepatitis B virus. DESIGN: A systematic sample of injection drug users not currently in a treatment program were recruited and interviewed at needle exchange programs and community sites. PARTICIPANTS: 135 injection drug users younger than 30 years and 96 injection drug users aged 30 or older. RESULTS: Injection drug users younger than 30 were twice as likely as drug users aged 30 or older to report having shared needles in the past 30 days (36/135 [27%] vs 12/96 [13%]). Injection drug users younger than 30 were also twice as likely to report having had more than two sexual partners in the past 6 months (80/135 [59%] vs 29/96 [30%]). Although 88 of 135 (68%) young injection drug users reported having had contact with medical providers within the past 6 months only 13 of 135 (10%) had completed the hepatitis B vaccine series and only 16 of (13%) perceived themselves as being at high risk of becoming infected with the virus. CONCLUSION: Few young injection drug users have been immunized even though they have more frequent contact with medical providers and are at a higher risk for new hepatitis B infection than older drug users. Clinicians caring for young injection drug users and others at high risk of infection should provide education, screening, and vaccination to reduce an important source of hepatitis B infection.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

CGHPRO -- a comprehensive data analysis tool for array CGH.

BACKGROUND: Array CGH (Comparative Genomic Hybridisation) is a molecular cytogenetic technique for the genome wide detection of chromosomal imbalances. It is based on the co-hybridisation of differentially labelled test and reference DNA onto arrays of genomic BAC clones, cDNAs or oligonucleotides, and after correction for various intervening variables, loss or gain in the test DNA can be indicated from spots showing aberrant signal intensity ratios. Now that this technique is no longer confined to highly specialized laboratories and is entering the realm of clinical application, there is a need for a user-friendly software package that facilitates estimates of DNA dosage from raw signal intensities obtained by array CGH experiments, and which does not depend on a sophisticated computational environment. RESULTS: We have developed a user-friendly and versatile tool for the normalization, visualization, breakpoint detection and comparative analysis of array-CGH data. CGHPRO is a stand-alone JAVA application that guides the user through the whole process of data analysis. The import option for image analysis data covers several data formats, but users can also customize their own data formats. Several graphical representation tools assist in the selection of the appropriate normalization method. Intensity ratios of each clone can be plotted in a size-dependent manner along the chromosome ideograms. The interactive graphical interface offers the chance to explore the characteristics of each clone, such as the involvement of the clones sequence in segmental duplications. Circular Binary Segmentation and unsupervised Hidden Markov Model algorithms facilitate objective detection of chromosomal breakpoints. The storage of all essential data in a back-end database allows the simultaneously comparative analysis of different cases. The various display options facilitate also the definition of shortest regions of overlap and simplify the identification of odd clones. CONCLUSION: CGHPRO is a comprehensive and easy-to-use data analysis tool for array CGH. Since all of its features are available offline, CGHPRO may be especially suitable in situations where protection of sensitive patient data is an issue. It is distributed under GNU GPL licence and runs on Linux and Windows.

Algorithms↗

PubMed2004

Effects of organizational scheme and labeling on task performance in product-centered and user-centered retail Web sites.

As companies increase the quantity of information they provide through their Web sites, it is critical that content is structured with an appropriate architecture. However, resource constraints often limit the ability of companies to apply all Web design principles completely. This study quantifies the effects of two major information architecture principles in a controlled study that isolates the incremental effects of organizational scheme and labeling on user performance and satisfaction. Sixty participants with a wide range of Internet and on-line shopping experience were recruited to complete a series of shopping tasks on a prototype retail shopping Web site. User-centered labels provided a significant benefit in performance and satisfaction over labels obtained through company-centered methods. User-centered organization did not result in improved performance except when the label quality was poor. Significant interactions suggest specific guidelines for allocating resources in Web site design. Applications of this research include the design of Web sites for any commercial application, particularly E-commerce.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2004

Psychosocial profiles of older adolescent MDMA users.

PURPOSE: Using a case-control design, patterns of drug use, psychological symptoms, and behavioral characteristics associated with 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA ) use were surveyed in a sample of older adolescents (median age 20). METHODS: One hundred (42 MDMA users; 58 non-MDMA users) older adolescents were recruited using the "snowball" technique and interviewed regarding their use of MDMA and other drugs. The Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI), the Problem Oriented Screening Instrument for Teenagers (POSIT), the HIV/sexually transmitted diseases (STD) risk scale, and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) were also administered. RESULTS: MDMA users were more likely to use other substances, endorse more symptoms of psychological distress, and had more problems in functional lifestyle areas. They also reported more childhood experiences of physical abuse, emotional neglect, and physical neglect than non-MDMA users. MDMA users also reported more sexually risky behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: Occasional MDMA use among older adolescents was associated with polydrug use, multiple social difficulties, psychological symptoms, and health risk behaviors. Further research is warranted to understand the long term psychosocial consequences of chronic MDMA and polydrug usage.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1997

Injection drug use in Calcutta: a potential focus for an explosive HIV epidemic.

Our objective was to assess HIV risk perceptions, risk behaviours and factors that may facilitate an increase in injection drug use in Calcutta. Focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were conducted with a selected group of drug users to delineate drug use patterns, languages used to express addictive and related experiences and acceptance of harm minimization messages. Results from these were used to develop a semi-structured interview instrument which was used to interview 111 drug users (76 IDUs and 35 non-IDUs) recruited from jails and detoxification centres. Secondary data of narcotic seizures for the last 5 years were collected from the Calcutta police department. Data on percentage of IDUs admitted to large detox facility in the city was also collected. Findings show that HIV/AIDS knowledge and risk perceptions were low; sharing of injection equipment was reported by 66% of the injectors; and condom use was insignificant. Non-availability, rising cost and increasing tolerance to heroin were cited as factors contributing to switch to injection. Ecological association was found between intensified police activity and an increase in: the amount of smokable heroin seized; increased injection of buprenorphine; and admission to detoxification centres. In addition to HIV, IDUs were also found to be prone to hepatitis B and C. The findings suggest an urgent need for developing and implementing community-based HIV prevention interventions targeting drug users in Calcutta.

Journal Article↗

PubMed1990

"Experimenting" with drugs: a critical evaluation.

A group of adolescent drug "experimenters" as defined by the frequency of use (N = 496) were compared to non-users (N = 2417) and to "regular" users (N = 125) on a number of variables. These covered the patterns of use, attitudes to drug use, exposure to drugs and to drug use, and other behavioural correlates. Experimenting with drugs seems to indicate an unfavourable shift in adolescent behaviour. Experimenters were more likely to resemble regular users especially with respect to the behavioural correlates. In the light of the results observed, the various contexts in which the term "experimenting" is currently being used are examined with the conclusion that usage of the term remains to be ambiguous, over-inclusive, unjustified, and should be abandoned.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2004

The wheelchair skills test, version 2.4: Validity of an algorithm-based questionnaire version.

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that an algorithm-based questionnaire version of the Wheelchair Skills Test (WST) would provide a valid assessment of manual wheelchair skills. DESIGN: Within-participant comparisons. SETTING: Rehabilitation center in Nova Scotia, Canada. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty wheelchair users, 11 with musculoskeletal and 9 with neurologic disorders, with a wide range of wheelchair experience (1wk-20y). INTERVENTION: Each participant completed the questionnaire (WST-Q) and then the objective skills testing (WST, version 2.4). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The WST-Q consisted of 3 components, reported as separate versions: the knowledge version (WST-Q [K]) (structured oral questions only); the visual-aid version (WST-Q [VA]) (visual aids added for 6 of the skills); and the categorical perceived-ability version (WST-Q [PA]). RESULTS: The mean total percentage scores for the WST-Q (K), WST-Q (VA), WST-Q (PA), and WST were 60.5%, 62.2%, 64.0%, and 59.8%, respectively. Only the WST-Q (PA) differed significantly from the WST (P<.05). Positive correlations existed between the objective WST and the WST-Q (K) (r=.91), WST-Q (VA) (r=.91), and WST-Q (PA) (r=.83). The percentage agreement on the individual skill scores ranged from 55% to 100%. CONCLUSIONS: The algorithm-based WST-Q has excellent concurrent validity in comparison with objective testing, when assessing the overall manual wheelchair skill levels of wheelchair users with a wide range of experience. It may be useful as a screening tool or when objective testing is impractical.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1992

Smokeless tobacco abstinence effects and nicotine gum dose.

There were two experiments on abstinence from smokeless tobacco. The purpose of the first experiment was to determine abstinence effects from smokeless tobacco. The purpose of the second experiment was to examine the effects of different doses of nicotine gum on smokeless tobacco abstinence effects. The subjects were male Copenhagen smokeless tobacco users who underwent 3 days of baseline measurement while continuing to use smokeless tobacco ad libitum, and 5 days of the experimental condition. In the first experiment, the subjects were assigned randomly to one of two groups and compared: continuous smokeless tobacco users (n = 10), and deprivation plus no nicotine gum (n = 10). In the second experiment, subjects were assigned randomly and in a double-blind fashion to one of three groups and compared: (1) deprivation plus 0 mg nicotine gum (n = 20); (2) deprivation plus 2 mg nicotine gum (n = 20); and (3) deprivation plus 4 mg nicotine gum (n = 20). The first experiment showed significant increases upon abstinence for the following variables: (1) craving; (2) difficulty concentrating; (3) restlessness; (4) excessive hunger; (5) eating; (6) reaction time; (7) variability of reaction time and (8) total withdrawal scores for both the self-rated and the observer-rated forms. The second experiment showed that nicotine gum failed to significantly reduce smokeless tobacco abstinence effects, although those with high cotinine levels may receive some benefit from nicotine gum.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Engaging in activities involving information technology: dimensions, modes, and flow.

An engagement mode involves a subject (e.g., a user of information technology, or IT) who is engaged in an activity with an object in a certain manner (the mode). The purpose of this study is to develop a general model of engagement modes that may be used for understanding how IT-related activities are shaped by properties of the user and the IT object. A questionnaire involving items on IT engagement and the experience of flow was administered to 300 participants. The results supported an engagement mode (EM) model involving 5 different engagement modes (enjoying/acceptance, ambition/curiosity, avoidance/hesitation, frustration/ anxiety, and efficiency/productivity) characterized on 3 dimensions (evaluation of object, locus of control between subject and object, and intrinsic or extrinsic focus of motivation). The flow experience follows from a balance between enjoying/ acceptance and efficiency/productivity propelled by ambition/curiosity. The EM model could provide a platform for considering how IT users, IT applications, and IT environments should work together to yield both enjoyment and efficiency. Actual or potential applications of this research include designing IT training programs on different levels of specificity.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Troubleshooting microarray hybridizations.

Microarray experiments are being performed more widely than ever before, but even seasoned investigators can experience technical problems with hybridizations. This chapter provides guidelines for recognizing, rectifying, and avoiding common trouble areas. Specifically, it addresses frequent complications related to artifacts of printing, RNA sample preparation and quality, fluorophore labeling, hybridization conditions, and posthybridization washes. Emphasis is placed on investigating problems though a combination of appropriate controls and image analysis, where diagnostic plots of data quality are used to illustrate characteristics of acceptable and unsatisfactory hybridizations. This chapter also discusses resources available to microarray users hoping to improve the sensitivity and specificity of their experiments.

Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis↗