bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The changing pattern of calls to an Aids advice line
Authors: Griffiths R.K. , Winn S.
Published: March 2007

AN analysis of the number of and type of calls received by an Aids advice line over a seven month period is presented. Variations in the number of calls received and differences in the types of questions asked by different sections of the population are examined. The results indicate that the number of calls received is strongly related to television pub licity, and that different age and sex groups ask dif ferent questions about Aids. There are also differences in the types of questions asked by homo sexual and heterosexual callers. The results of the analysis have important implications for health edu cation about Aids.
The importance of psycho-social variables in changing attitudes and behaviour
Authors: Hicks Carolyn , Spurgeon Peter , Stubbington Julie
Published: March 2007

A PRIMARY objective of health education pro grammes is to increase the individual's acceptance of responsibility for his or her own state of health. In order to maximise the effectiveness of such cam paigns two components are essential: the targeting of specific at-risk groups; and an improved under standing of how the attitudes to general health issues within these groups are structured. If these two objectives can be achieved, then the chances of attitude change are improved. However, there remains the problem of altering an individual's behaviour to accord with a more positive outlook to health. Existing studies suggest that a correspond ing change in behaviour to match an attitude is far from automatic. These issues are discussed in the light of relevant findings.
Using franking machine messages to promote health
Authors: Harvey Jon
Published: March 2007

OVER a 12-month period, the Oxfordshire Health Unit experimented with the addition of four different health promotion messages to all franked mail leav ing the unit. Each message was evaluated by enclos ing a return questionnaire in a sample of the mail. More than half the respondents read the messages (before seeing the questionnaire). Of all those who read the messages, 40 per cent said they would take some action as a result. Four out of five people thought the idea a good one. Using the evaluation results — including observed differences between the messages, some guidelines were created on the use of this relatively cost-effective form of health promotion.
Knowledge of drugs and consumption of alcohol among Nottingham 15-year-olds
Authors: Bean Philip T. , Wilkinson Christine K. , Whynes David K. , Giggs John A.
Published: March 2007

THIS paper reports on a study of 725 school children and is concerned with examining their knowledge of drugs, defined as knowing of people who take drugs and/or being offered drugs, and their alcohol con sumption. The data shows that 297 (or 41%) knew of someone taking drugs, mainly cannabis, and 140 or (19%) had been offered drugs. There was a close con nection between the two — those who knew of some one taking drugs were also likely to have been offered drugs. The average number of units of alcohol consumed was 3.6 for all the 725 children and 6.28 for those drinking alcohol in the last week. These figures are below those for the OPCS national survey. Those 15-year-old children who drank the most alcohol were more likely to know of and be offered drugs. We suggest that the link is explained by the social milieu in which these children move: where alcohol is con sumed in large quantities so are drugs taken.
Can we help to prevent skiing accidents?
Authors: Philipp Robin , Philipp Ernst
Published: March 2007

BEHAVIOURAL and educational interventions are needed for progress in injury prevention. In this con text and although injuries from skiing accidents have become less frequent in recent years, there is evi dence that health education would help to reduce their incidence further. Preventive measures that could be encouraged are identified.
People's knowledge of alcohol — a workplace survey
Authors: Smith Christopher , Pendleton Laura L. , Roberts John L. , Kelly Terry , Smith Elizabeth
Published: March 2007

AS part of a larger alcohol education campaign, a project has been up to work with industry to intro duce alcohol policies in the workplace. In one work- force, self-completion questionnaires regarding factual knowledge of alcohol and its effects were dis tributed prior to any education or training about alcohol. Analysis of these questionnaires revealed that the vast majority of people knew the minimum pub drinking age, the seriousness of alcohol cirrhosis and how to delay the absorption of alcohol. However, there were many other facets of alcohol about which people were less knowledgeable.
HIV infection and injecting drug users — needle exchange schemes
Authors: Hart Graham J.
Published: March 2007

EXPERIENCE so far with needle-exchange schemes demonstrates no negative effects and, while conclu sive evidence is still awaited, their existence is likely at least to keep the spread of HIV infection within present limits among intravenous drug users. It is argued that needle-exchange should be regarded as one of a range of services designed to minimise the harm related to injecting drug use.
Levels and social patterns of self-reported physical activity in Scotland
Authors: Crombie Iain K. , Lee Amanda J. , Smith W. Cairns S. , Tunstall-Pedoe Hugh
Published: March 2007

REPORTED levels of physical activity from a survey of cardiovascular risk factors in a representative sample of 10,359 Scottish men and women aged 40-59 years were investigated. Less than one quarter reported engaging in regular strenuous activity, al though three quarters thought that exercise was pro tective against heart disease. Further, although just over one third said they had tried to take more exer cise in the preceding year, only 14 per cent of the men and 12 per cent of the women said they had increased their levels of physical activity. The proportions tak ing strenuous activity at work increased with decreasing social class for men and women, but for activity at leisure this trend was only seen for women. It is concluded that, despite the subjective nature of self-reported activity, levels of physical ac tivity in middle-aged men and women in Scotland are lower than is desirable, and that this is not simply due to a lack of health knowledge.
Accounting for public perceptions in the development of a childhood immunisation campaign
Authors: McGuire Christine
Published: March 2007

QUALTITATIVE group discussions were held in July and August 1989 among mothers of children aged 0-5 years to facilitate the development of a mass media public education campaign on immunisation. The relative ranking of childhood diseases in terms of seriousness of associated complications, and of the vaccine in terms of safety were consistent across all groups regardless of overall attitudes to immunisa tion. A number of communication strategies were discussed with the mothers. The strategy highlight ing the potential complications of childhood dis eases presented new information and challenged their current beliefs.
Prevention of smoking among schoolchildren: a review of research and recommendations
Authors: Bellew Bill , Wayne Danielle
Published: March 2007

THIS paper reviews recent research and recommen dations concerned with the prevention of smoking among schoolchildren, including the latest findings from the Health Education Authority's Teenage Health and Lifestyles survey, carried out in England in 1989. This paper also outlines effective strategies based on the literature reviewed.
Teachers' views of the 'Smoking And Me' project
Authors: Newman Ruth , Smith Christopher , Nutbeam Don
Published: March 2007

THIS paper examines the experience of 65 teachers from 19 mixed-sex comprehensive schools in four areas of Wales and England of using the 'Smoking and Me' Project. It indicates that the great majority were positive about its classroom utility, including the innovative use of group leaders selected by their classmates. Fewer teachers, however, were optimis tic about its likely impact on pupil smoking. Sug gestions are made for future modifications to the project, and emphasis is placed on the importance of training for teachers and peer group leaders. The importance of adopting a structured approach to assessing teacher response in the implementation phase of programme development is also emphasised.
Researching communication approaches to heart disease prevention
Authors: Eadie D.R. , Davies J.K.
Published: March 2007

TO develop an effective coronary heart disease (CHD) prevention initiative, the Health Education Board for Scotland considered it important to understand first the relevant issues when viewed from the consumer perspective. The Advertising Research Unit at the University of Strathclyde was commissioned to carry out the formative research for, and initial monitoring of, the initiative. This paper focuses on the communi cation research aspects of these formative stages and demonstrates the decision-making role a compre hensive research strategy can play in developing ef fective health communication programmes.
Provision of smoking cessation help by primary care teams in Oxfordshire
Authors: Mindell Jennifer , Pengilley Lorraine
Published: March 2007

A QUESTIONNAIRE was posted in May 1991 to the senior partner of all 102 general practices in Oxford shire (85 per cent response rate) to ascertain what smoking cessation help they believed the primary health care team provided for patients and to ident ify useful additional resources. All practices offered individual advice: from the general practitioner in 99 per cent of practices, from the practice nurse in 91 per cent of practices, and from the health visitor in 55 per cent of practices. Thirty-one per cent of practices also offered a stop-smoking group, mostly run by a prac tice nurse or health visitor. Thirty-seven per cent of respondents wanted more publicity for these. In almost half the practies at least one team member had attended a smoking cessation training course. Smoking cessation was considered by general prac titioners to be important. All practices provided some support for smokers wishing to stop. Most would welcome extra resources, although one in three did not wish to provide anything more. Support for primary care teams has been reviewed in the light of these findings and a new resource pack has been developed.
Sexually challenged: drug agencies and safer sex advice for young people
Authors: Mounteney Jane , Olver Lorraine , Shapiro Harry
Published: March 2007

Authoritative policy advice in Britain in the 1980s challenged drug agencies to reduce the rate of transmission of HIV through work with drug users in relation to their drug use and sexual behaviour. Focusing upon safer sex advice by drug agencies, this paper explores the applicability of such advice to younger people who approach the agency in relation to their non-injecting drug use. A short series of interviews with drug agency staff in England and Wales, deployed with a reading of relevant published literature, suggests that there are obstacles to such safer sex advice. The younger, `recreational' non-injecting drug user who comes to a drug agency for drugs advice finds it strange to discover this translated into a request for sexual counselling. Training the drug worker cannot change this and indeed, mistakes the problem. The role of drug agencies as providers of safer sex advice for young non-injectors may be quite limited.
Making connections: research into intersectoral collaboration
Authors: Delaney Faith
Published: March 2007

This paper describes qualitative research into perceived influences on intersectoral collaboration in health promotion. Data were collected through unstructured interviews with voluntary and statutory sector workers in two English districts. Selected findings are summarised, noting the importance of both structural/organisational and interpersonal/process factors. Implications for collaboration are discussed in the light of previous research and theory, including Health for All and Healthy Cities literature. Similarities between the findings and those of recent research into 'healthy alliances' are noted, as are measures intended to encourage, and policies having an impact on, collaboration at local level.
'Do I really have to eat that?': A qualitative study of schoolchildren's food choices and preferences
Authors: Ross Sheila
Published: March 2007

This study, conducted in 1994, set out to explore food preferences, eating behaviour and food choice with Primary 7 children (mean age 11 years) in a small primary school in Edinburgh. A qualitative methodological approach was adopted, utilising focus groups and observational techniques. Analysis of the data indicated food choice was not determined by the health attributes of food but rather that values of preference, play, socialisation and convenience were given a higher priority than health by the children when making food choices. 'Healthy' foods were found to be associated with the concept of a proper meal and homemade foods. A different classification of foods based on like and dislike was proposed to explain children's food choice.
HIV and AIDS education for senior school pupils in Scotland: a quantitative evaluation
Authors: Bagnall Gellisse , Lockerbie Linda
Published: March 2007

This paper reports on the findings from a survey of approximately 600 senior school students in the Lothian region of Scotland, conducted to evaluate a short HIV/AIDS intervention for schools set up by the regional HIV/AIDS education team. The innotative approach adopted uses spe cially trained sessional workers, instead of school staff, for small-group work, and includes a plenary session where someone who is HIV positive talks and answers questions. The focus of the study was on process evaluation, with a small impact component in terms of attitude shift. Data were gathered by means of two self-completed questionnaires. The results from the pre-intervention survey suggest that the study group was not particularly impressed with any HIV/AIDS education received in school up to the time of the survey. Particular concern was evident about communication difficulties and the potential for embarrassment when teachers are responsible for this education. At post-intervention, pupils were highly positive about the new approach; this included a high proportion of those who had been negative about HIV/AIDS education pre-intervention. The survey data show that the specially trained sessional workers were highly valued for their 'anonymity' and 'specialist expertise', enhancing the perceived effectiveness of the small-group discussions. The HIV-positive speaker made a strong impression, although reactions were mixed. There was little shift in attidues about HIV/AIDS as measured pre- and post-intervention. Overall, the intervention was perceived by its target audience as a more effective approach to HIV/AIDS education than anything previously experienced in school, and achieved its objective of facilitating open discussion around relevant issues. Implications for ap proaches to HIV/AIDS education in school are also considered.
Knowledge of the causes of heart attack among survivors, and implications for health promotion
Authors: Greenwood D.C. , Packham C.J. , Muir K.R. , Madeley R.J.
Published: March 2007

This study investigated the beliefs held by survivors of a heart attack about the causes of heart attacks. A survey of survivors was carried out in six coronary care units involved in the Anglo-Scandinavian Study of Early Thrombolysis (ASSET). The results were based on 1283 returned ques tionnaires. Stress or worry were nominated by most people (66 per cent). Only 22 per cent of all patients named smoking as a cause of heart attacks (28 per cent among smokers). Smokers who named smoking as a cause were not significantly more likely to stop smoking within a month than smokers who did not nominate it (78 per cent versus 73 per cent, respectively). The findings were compared to those from a survey of the general population; knowledge of established risk factors was poor in both populations. Smokers were more aware of smoking as a cause than non-smokers in both populations but this knowledge did not appear to affect smoking behaviour soon after the heart attack in the survivors. There were substantial differences in the level of knowledge of some risks in those from lower social classes in the survivor group. Health promotion activity in survivors need not be substantially different from that delivered to the general population but needs to impart more than just knowledge of risk factors to be effective. Survivors who are in lower social classes may have a poorer knowledge base and present a particular challenge.
Changing the nation's diet: a study of responses to current nutritional messages
Authors: Goode Jackie , Beardsworth Alan , Keil Teresa , Sherratt Emma , Haslam Cheryl
Published: March 2007

This paper reports on a survey of 420 adults and in-depth interviews with 75 of these respondents in Leicestershire in 1994. The study examined how respondents made dietary choices in the context of their social, cultural and economic circumstances, and considered the place of nutritional guidlines and healthy eating messages. The survey findings showed that 64 per cent of respondents reported having made dietary changes due to interviews revealed a more complex response to dietary information which had implications for health promotion policy and practice.
Children's awareness of additives in food
Authors: Coulson Neil , Eiser J Richard , Eiser Christine
Published: March 2007

This study examines children's awareness of the presence of additives in food. Seventy-five 5-10-year-olds were interviewed and asked about how one of four target foods were made. The results suggest that awareness of the presence of additives may develop in early school years, although less than half the total sample (44%) reported an awareness of additives. Awareness appears to increase with age, particularly, between the ages of 5-6 years and 7-8 years. Additives were generally perceived as a good thing by those aware of their presence. Those who perceived additives to be bad also shared more general concerns for health.
Illicit drug availability in rural areas and attitudes toward their use - young people talking
Authors: Galt Myra
Published: March 2007

Two hundred and seventy-four young people from a variety of back grounds throughout Lincolnshire took part in 35 focus groups to discuss the availability of illicit drugs in the area and attitudes towards their use. They reported that many drugs were freely available and accessible throughout the county, especially cannabis, LSD, ecstasy and am phetamines. For many young people, use of drugs especially cannabis was regarded as the norm among their peers, and was mostly considered less harmful than alcohol or tobacco. Risks of drug use were acknowledged but considered acceptable by many young people. The development of drug prevention strategies should pay heed to these views.
Health promotion in general practice: has the 1996 GP contract inspired or hindered effective health promotion by GPs in Nottingham?
Authors: Coppel D.H. , Davis P.
Published: March 2007

On 1 October 1996, a new health promotion scheme for general practice was introduced. This pilot study aimed to assess the health promotion activities undertaken in a number of Nottingham Health Authority general practices since the new scheme began. Interviews were carried out at a randomly selected sample of general practices between February and July 1997. There were many examples of innovative health promotion initiatives. Wide variations in involvement of health promotion activities within and across general practices were highlighted. Minimal evaluation of health promotion activities was evident. A need for greater guidance and support was identified to help primary care teams to propose, implement and evaluate health promotion activities effectively. This may be crucial to the development of the new health promotion arrangement in general practice which, at present, is still in its infancy.
A systematic search of the literature on effectiveness of alliances for health promotion: some methodological issues and their implications for research
Authors: Roe Brenda , Guinness Lorna , Rafferty Anne Marie
Published: March 2007

A systematic literature search was undertaken and an annotated bibliography compiled on the effectiveness of alliances for health promotion. Nineteen databases were systematically searched according to a pre-specified search strategy using parts 1 and 2 of the Cochrane Search Strategy for controlled studies which generated 185 discrete references. Of the 110 published empirical studies that were identified, 19 involved macro-alliances and 91 micro-alliances. Studies involved lifestyle behav iours ( n=47), reproductive health and parenting ( n=20) or focused on disease ( n=34). The methods used for the literature search and their considerations are presented in this paper along with a preliminary description of the studies retrieved. The method ological issues are discussed along with their implications and suggestions for further research and health policy.
The management and organisation of health promotion: a survey of school policies in Nottinghamshire
Authors: Denman Susan , Pearson James , Hopkins David , Wallbanks Christine , Skuriat Veronica
Published: March 2007

A postal survey of health education and related policy issues was conducted in Nottinghamshire state-maintained primary and secondary schools, in 1995. A response rate of 82 per cent was achieved. Fifty-eight per cent of schools possessed a written policy in health education or were in the process of drafting one. Teaching staff were involved in the consultation process, in the main, with a minority of schools involving non-teaching staff, parents and pupils. Primary schools, and in particular small primaries, had less well-developed policies than secondaries. They were also less likely to have a designated person in charge of health education and to reward them financially for undertaking the responsibility. The schools reported difficulty in prioritising the development of health education. Nevertheless, they were developing a wide range of policies, written guidelines and procedures which reflect the broad concept of the health promoting school. The health promotion specialist services have, in partnership with the education authorities, a good basis on which to build further improvements in the health promoting status of schools in the county.
Identifying primary research on electronic databases to inform decision-making in health promotion: the case of sexual health promotion
Authors: Harden A. , Peersman G. , Oliver S. , Oakley A.
Published: March 2007

Evidence of the effectiveness of health promotion to support decision-making has become increasingly important to health promotion practitioners and policy-makers. Primary research on effectiveness, however, is not always easily accessible. This study aimed to contribute to strategies for facilitating access to this research by exploring the development and implementation of search strategies for identifying effectiveness research, in the area of sexual health promotion, on five commonly used electronic databases. Firstly, search stra tegies to locate all available research were developed; secondly, the implications of restrictions on the extent of searcliing were investigated. Undertaking sys tematic searching was complex and time-consuming. Although useful ways to reduce the effort involved were identified, in the context of conducting sys tematic reviews, these came with 'trade-offs' in terms of the number of poten tially important studies missed. These findings suggest an urgent need for wide dissemination of search strategies and specialised registers of health promotion studies. This study is part of an ongoing programme of work on facilitating evidence-based health promotion, and this the third and final paper in a series published in three consecutive issues of the HEJ.
Stage of change, low income and benefit status: a profile of women's smoking in early pregnancy
Authors: Batten Liz , Graham Hilary , High Sue , Ruggiero Laurie , Rossi Joseph
Published: March 2007

Smoking cessation interventions in the UK are being developed in the context of widening socio-economic differentials in both prevalence and cessation. These differ entials are evident among pregnant women, the group targeted for interventions directed at women. Recent research has suggested that, among the disadvantages associated with low socio-economic status, being dependent on means-tested benefits may be a particularly powerful influence on snuokimg status and a major barrier to quitting. Intervention programmes have been heavily influenced by the transtheoretical model, which maps the quitting process as a patterned sequeuce of 'stages of change'. However, little is known about the stage-of-change profile in the UK population or about the socio- economic patterning of the profile. This paper begins to fill these gaps in the knowledge base of health promotion with respect to women in pregnancy. It reports on a survey of 2000 expectant mothers conducted in 1996 in the West Midlands. First pregnancy was found to have an intervention-like effect, with a high proportion of first-time expectant mothers who entered pregnancy as smokers either planning to quit or having done so. This intervention-like effect was moderated by women's socio-economic circumstances. Being in receipt of means-tested benefits increased the odds of a woman not intending to give up smoking in the foreseeable future.
Face value: Ravi Varma's portraiture and the project of colonial modernity
Authors: Arunima G.
Published: March 2007

By exploring the portrait genre as the modular form in Ravi Varma's artistic oeuvre, this article explores the question of modernity in Ravi Varma's art. It argues that unlike the work of others artistes of nineteenth century India, Ravi Varma was uniquely positioned in that his modernity is not a product of 'critique', but of a different negotiation with both tradition and the 'West'.
Damming the Mahanadi river: The emergence of multi-purpose river valley development in India (1943-46)
Authors: D'Souza Rohan
Published: March 2007

Nehruvian mnnumentalism has often been described as the most significant driver for large dam construction in independent India. Political and popular imagination has, until recently, not only largely hailed the pursuit of multi-purpose river valley development (MPRVD) as heralding the nation into the modern moment, but, more signifecantly, the latter has been celebrated as a part of an apolitical consensus for national development. This article argues that MPRVD schemes were introduced in India in a political context where Indian capital and the colonial state were constituting a new rhetoric and paradigm for rule.
Caste as a social category and identity in colonial Lanka
Authors: Rogers John D.
Published: March 2007

This article argues that before the 1830s, 'caste' in Lanka fell within the standard range of regional variation found across South Asia. It was only after the 1830s, when the colonial state decided that caste was not a legitimate form of social identification, that the divergence between the island and mainland became marked. In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries caste played little role in colonial discourse, but it remained important in social life and elite politics. Given the importance that scholars of India place on official discourse and policy for under standing identity formation, the Lankan case has theoretical and comparative importance.
Quantitative and Qualitative Aspects of the Social Network in Schizophrenic Patients Living in the Community. Relationship To Sociodemographic Characteristics and Clinical Factors and Subjective Quality of Life
Authors: Bengtsson-Tops Anita , Hansson Lars
Published: March 2007

Quantitative and qualitative aspects of the social network were investigated in a sample of 120 schizophrenic out-patients. Sociodemographic and clinical factors as well as subjective quality of life were investigated as to their relationship to the social network. The Interview Schedule for Social Integration (ISSI) was used to assess social network and Lancashire Quality of Life Profile was used to assess subjective quality of life. Psychopathology was measured by BPRS and psycho social functioning by GAF. The patients reported a significantly worse social network compared to a normal sample both regarding quantitative and qualitative aspects of the network. Alrnost half of the patients wanted access to more social contacts. Relatives and friends turned out to be the patient's main source of supportive contacts. More severe negative and positive symptoms were related to a worse social network. Support was found for an association between characteristics of the social network, such as satisfaction with social contacts, and quality of life. The results give reason to suggest that the care system should consider the informal caregivers' situation and focus on interventions, which enhance the patient's satisfaction with social contacts.
Social Experimentation Self-Process or Social Role
Authors: Kilbourne Brock K. , Richardson James T.
Published: March 2007

The present article uses Lifton's protean man concept to describe a pattern of social experimentation with new religious, cultic and self-growth groups in con temporary American society. However, proteanism or social experimentation is understood herein to signify a positive search by some for meaning, identity and community, and to describe more aptly a new social role, rather than a new form of self-process. We delineate the social experimenter role and its various support systems within society (i.e., the cultic/self-growth subculture, the entrepreneurs of experience, and the cominant culture itself). In conclusion, we discuss the popularity of social experimentation in contemporary American society in relation to: 1) the human need to explore and grow; 2) the opportunities afforded by modem society; and 3) the conflicts between various interest groups in society.
Cross-Cultural Psychiatry in Micronesia: the Consultant's View
Authors: Allan Andrew T. , Hunter Ernest M.M.
Published: March 2007

Patients evaluated by the authors as consulting clinical psychiatrists in a cross- cultural setting, Micronesia, form the basis for an examination of regional variations in demographic characteristics, diagnoses, and referral patterns. Different rates of occurrence of disorders, selective referral practices, and diversity in manifestation of symptomatology are all considered. The authors offer suggestions regarding social and cultural factors which may account for the observed differences.
Post Release Adjustment of Day and Inpatients
Authors: Kecmanovic Dusan
Published: March 2007

A comparison was made of the post-release adjustment of patients who were treated in the day hospital and those by the inpatient service. The patients diagnosed as schizophrenics, psychopaths and neurotics, living with their families, who were able to work prior to hospitalization were chosen for samples. In addition, the patients of the two samples were matched with regard to age, the number of hospitalizations and the length of the last one. The day hospital sample consisted of 85 patients and the inpatient sample of 92.

Four aspects of social adjustment during the 18 months after discharge were particularly stressed: rehospitalization, working ability, interpersonal relations and role functioning in the family.

No significant difference between day and full-time patients with regard to these aspects of post-release adjustment were revealed.
Guilt Feelings and Locus of Control of Concentration Camp Survivors
Authors: Lobel Thalma E. , Kav-Venaki Sophie , Yahia Mona
Published: March 2007

The present study compared concentration camp survivors and controls from the same ethnic and religious background on two variables: guilt feelings in everyday life and locus of control. No significant differences were found between survivors and controls. As for sex differences, it was found that women expressed significantly more guilt than men in "behaviors contrary to moral or ethical principles" and men were significantly more internal than women. The implications of these findings were discussed.
Attitudes of Turkish and American Clinicians and Turkish Psychology Students Toward Mental Patients
Authors: Eker Dogan
Published: March 2007

A comparative study of Turkish and American clinicians and first and fourth year Turkish psychology undergraduates was carried out. The respondents' attitudes about the "behavior of a mental patient" were assessed through a semantic differential task. Statistical comparisons showed that the four groups were very similar to each other although there were some significant differences. The possibilities of Western influence, similar groups selecting the fields of psychiatry and psychology, and psychology students forming a special well-informed group were discussed. A need for further research to clarify the findings was pointed out. Attitudes of Turkish and American Clinicians and Turkish Psychology Students Toward Mental Patients.
An Arabic Validation of a Depression Inventory
Authors: West Julia
Published: March 2007

The present study describes an Arabic cross-cultural validation of the Beck Depression Inven tory. An Arab sample of 53 cases was subjected to the original validation procedures which involved a preliminary exercise and a translation from English to Arabic. Acceptable equivalent meanings of Beck's depth-of-depression criteria were established by the Arab clinicians so that independent and valid clinical ratings could be made.

Statistical analyses of the internal consistency and stability of the Arabic-BDI indicated a high degree of reliability. Correlations between Arabic-BDI scores and Arab clinicians' ratings indicated a high degree of validity. The results of the cross-cultural validation study agree favorably with those of the original American validation.

Although the Arabic inventory makes possible an assessment of the level and intensity of a reactive type depression suffered by Saudi Arab psychiatric outpatients living in the Eastern Province, it must be adapted dialectically for other Arab-speaking regions.
Some Psycho-Social Aspects of Old People Living Outside Their Families in Kuwait
Authors: Malasi T.H. , El-Hilu S.M. , Mirza I.A. , El-Islam M.F.
Published: March 2007

One hundred and ninety four elderly subjects were studied, 133 of whom were living away from their families, in the only old people's home and in the only psychiatric hospital in Kuwait. They were compared to 61 consecutive elderly subjects atten ding a psychiatric out-patient clinic. Psychiatric, social and clinical characteristics of subjects admitted and those living with their families were analysed and related to recent socioeconomic changes and conditions prevailing in Kuwait.

Higher admission rates were significantly related to female sex, the widowed and single status and Kuwaiti and Bedouin nationalities. Low income or housing problems, poor relationships to their families and/or relatives, absence of an interested family member, a small number of own children, referral by family members on account of disabilities, organic brain syndromes or chronic psychiatric disorder was also associated with higher admission rates.

Sixty four percent of the residents of the old people's home had psychiatric illnesses in spite of the official policy of excluding the mentally ill from admission.

Some of the above mentioned characteristics were similar to findings in other coun tries, but others e.g. the role of nationality and location of residence in admission to institutions were different. Planning social and medical services in Kuwait should take these findings into account.
Implementing Psychiatric Reform in Southern Italy: the Case of Campania
Authors: Maj Mario , Starace Fabrizio , Kemali Dargut
Published: March 2007

The implementation of the 1978 psychiatric reform in Campania, the most populated region of Southern Italy, is surveyed, by referring to currently available empirical data. Emphasis is laid on the incomplete development of psychiatric wards within general hospitals and of mental health services, on the lack of residential structures, on the failure to implement comprehensive departments for mental health care, on the increase in the number of admissions to private clinics and on the fact that more than three thousand patients are still in mental hospitals. Moreover, some characteristics of the new services clearly betraying the spirit of the law are pointed out.
The Impact of the Italian Psychiatric Reforms On North American and British Professionals
Authors: Ramon Shulamit
Published: March 2007

Professionals practising psychiatry in the US and the UK have reacted to the Italian psychiatric reform in a number of ways. This paper sets out to explore these responses in the light of the significance of the reform and its implications for these professionals.
Comparison of a System of Staff Prompting With a Programmable Electronic Diary in a Patient With Korsakoff's Syndrome
Authors: Morgan Janice , McSharry Kevin , Sireling Lester
Published: March 2007

The effect of a programmable electronic diary was compared with a system of staff prompting on the attendance at Occupational Therapy groups of a patient with Kor sakoff's syndrome. Throughout the baseline period, the subject did not attend any groups. With the help of verbal prompting and other staff intervention, his attendance at groups increased significantly. By the fourteenth week he was attending all groups without verbal prompting apparently by using other environmental cues. The introduc tion of the electronic diary at this point was not found to increase the subject's atten dance at groups further or to reduce the need for verbal prompting presumably due to a "ceiling effect". These findings suggest that despite severe memory impairment, the patient with Korsakoff's syndrome is able to learn new information. The potential of the electronic diary for reducing staff input and its use in a less predictable setting need to be evaluated further.
Section 136 and African/Afro-Caribbean Minorities
Authors: Pipe Roderic , Bhat Ashok , Matthews Barry , Hampstead Judy
Published: March 2007

Social, demographic and clinical information was collected retrospectively on all 99 people referred to a South London hospital in 1986 under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act (1983), this being the last complete year before local changes in the procedure for assessment of Section 136 cases were initiated. An over-represen tation of Afro-Caribbeans was confirmed and this seemed to be accounted for largely by young men under the age of 30 who with Africans had very high rates of previous Section 136 referral, were more likely to be perceived as threatening, incoherent and disturbed but less clearly diagnosed with a mental illness, and were more likely than the Caucasian sample to be living in stable accommodation. The implications of these results are discussed.
The Factor Structure of the General Health Questionnaire in a Japanese High School and University Student Sample
Authors: Takeuchi Mika , Kitamura Toshinori
Published: March 2007

Factor structures of the 60- and 30-item versions of the General Health Question naire (GHQ) were explored, using data collected from 236 Japanese high-school and university students. The 60-item version produced factors interpretable as social functioning, anxiety, somatic symptoms, and severe depression; the 30-item version produced general dysphoria, social functioning, depressive thoughts, difficulty in concentration and insomnia. Although the two versions of the GHQ produced the same number of factors, their structures differed in content. Thus it may be necessary to examine the factor structures of the GHQ when using it in a study of a population containing subjects with different cultural backgrounds.
The Living Conditions of Psychiatric Patients Discharged from Half-Way Houses in Hong Kong
Authors: Gow L. , Ki-Yan Mak
Published: March 2007

This paper reports on a study of the living environment of 64 psychiatric patients discharged from half-way houses in Hong Kong. The majority were living in a deprived situation compared to that of their neighbours. They were leading a very monotonous life throughout the year; the walls of their homes were dirty and very plain; and some even ate scraps from a neighbouri ng bakery. Many did not have any social life at all, and their hobbies were smoking, watching television and gambling. Their neighbours, by comparison, had hobbies such as floriculture, birds and goldfish; decorated their walls with pictures and had newspapers and periodicals in their houses; more often had telephone facilities, wardrobes and sofas; used town gas ratherthan kerosene stoves; and were more likely to have electrical appliances, especially an iron, refrigerator and shaver. Judged by their income from employ ment or from public assistance, the 'qual ity of life' (QOL) of these patients should not have been in such a desperate state. They lacked guidance and instruction in their management of money, and the care of their homes. It is proposed that an aftercare worker might improve the QOL of these discharged psychiatric patients.
Parasuicide and Alcohol: a 20 Year Survey of Admissions to a Regional Poisoning Treatment Centre
Authors: Platt Stephen , Robinson Andrew
Published: March 2007

The relationship between alcohol dependence, alcohol consumption and parasui cide was studied among patients admitted over a twenty year period (1968-87) to a regional poisoning treatment centre in Edinburgh. Both alcohol dependence and consumption of alcohol at the time of the parasuicidal act were reported more commonly by men than by women. An examination of temporal trends showed little change among male patients, while the proportion of females diagnosed as alcohol dependent or consuming alcohol at the time of the act tended to increase over time. A comparison of alcohol dependent (AD) and non-alcohol dependent (non-AD) parasuicides over the period 1982-87 revealed differences in respect of sociodemo graphic characteristics (the AD group containing more unemployed, especially long term) clinical variables (the AD group being more likely to have acted suicidally and to have received psychiatric treatment in the past, yet less likely to be currently diagnosed psychiatrically ill), family features and social problems. The implications of the study findings for research and service delivery are mentioned.
Mental Health Knowledge and Skills of General Hospital Nursing Staff: an Exploratory Study
Authors: Kesi-Iavan K. , Sriram T.G. , Kaliaperumal V.G. , Subramanya K.R.
Published: March 2007

The psychiatric knowledge and skills of forty six nurses working in a general hospital in Bangalore, India were evaluated objectively using Multiple Choice Questionnaire (MCQ) and case vignettes. The results revealed that these general nurses had less than satisfactory mental health knowledge and skills. The findings highlighted the need for systematic in-service training for nursing staff in mental health problems.
Supportive Housing: a Consumer Evaluation Study
Authors: Goering P. , Sylph J. , Foster R. , Boyles S. , Babiak T.
Published: March 2007

The current debate about how to provide housing for persons with persistent psychiatric disabilities should be informed by empirical information from a variety of sources.

Data from a study of 17 residents discharged from Regeneration House Inc., illustrates the value of consumer perceptions in the evaluation of supportive housing. Extensive exploration of the positive and negative aspects of living in a group home from the perspective of experienced residents provides useful input for programme planning.

The implications of the findings for the individual programme and the wider field are discussed.
Non-Attendances at a Marital and Sexual Difficulties Clinic: a Controlled Intervention Study
Authors: Huws Rhodri
Published: March 2007

Clients referred to a marital and sexual difficulties clinic were given an information sheet and a questionnaire in a controlled study. This led to a significant reduction in non-attendance at the assessment interview (p<0.01) and in a significantly higher number of clients attending for therapy (p < 0.05).
Age, Parasuicide and Problem Drinking
Authors: Robinson Andrew , Platt Steven
Published: March 2007

The contribution from genetic loading in a series of male parasuicidal patients with early onset alcohol problem was found to be of less importance than the nurturance factor of separation from father during childhood. Behavioural patterns in this younger onset group were significantly more antisocial than those in the older onset group.
The Social Psychology of 'Epidemic' Koro
Authors: Bartholomew Robert E.
Published: March 2007

The few isolated reports of individual koro exhibit a symptomatology indicative of major psychiatric conditions (ie. psychosis or affective disorder), and appear unrelated to collective episodes which involve social, cultural, cognitive and physiological factors in the diffusion of koro-related beliefs. Yet, koro 'epidemics' continue to be viewed as exemplifying mass psychopathology or irrationality. An examination of the similarities between koro 'outbreaks' and a sub-category of behaviour which has been loosely labeled as 'mass hysteria', suggests an alternative, non-psychopathological explanation. In reclassifying 'epidemic' koro as a collective misperception rather than a culture-bound syndrome, it is argued that koro is a rational attempt at problem-solving which involves conformity dynamics, perceptual fallibility and the local acceptance of koro-associated folk realities, which are capable of explaining such episodes as normal within any given population.
Psychopathology and Long-Term Adjustment After Crises in Refugees From East Germany
Authors: Bauer Michael , Priebe Stefan
Published: March 2007

Objective : In this study we examined psychopathology, diagnoses, social adjust ment and the course of symptoms over two and a half years in East German refugees who suffered a crisis immediately after migrating to West Berlin just prior to or shortly after the breaching of the Wall in autumn 1989.

Methods: One hundred and twenty two refugees seeking crisis intervention in a psychiatric outpatient unit after arrival were investigated. Six months later 59% and two and a half years after migration 30% of the patients were re-examined. Results: The patients had been exposed to prolonged stress situations in East Germany and were suffering from anxious-depressive syndrome with vegetative complaints. Sixty patients required more than one crisis intervention during the first six months after resettlement. During the follow-up period symptoms decreased significantly. At the second follow-up interview 81% of the patients had a satisfactory job, and 89% acceptable accommodation.

Conclusions : Satisfactory classification of the psychiatric disorders induced in East German refugees by prolonged stress was not possible according to the DSM-III-R criteria. lnitial crises are not necessarily associated with poor long-term adjustment after migration.
Neuroticism in a Family Practice Population in India
Authors: Sood Rita , Mehta Manju , Kumar V.
Published: March 2007

This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of neuroticism and its correlation with the various sociodemographic factors and presenting complaints among patients attending a family practice outpatient clinic. One hundred and forty two consecutive patients attending the outpatient clinic were administered PGI Health Questionnaire N2. Higher incidence of neuroticism was observed in middle age group population, in females (especially housewives), unskilled workers, patients with lower educational status and those belonging to small and nuclear families. A significant number of such patients had presented with vague symptoms, were visiting the clinics frequently and had associated chronic diseases. The results suggest that patients visiting the family practice clinics frequently with multiple somatic complaints with no suggested organic basis should undergo an indepth psychiatric evaluation.