bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of a promotional strategy for Operation Smokestop
Authors: Batten Liz
Published: March 2007

THIS study concerns the evaluation of the communi cation of a message to the population of a defined area. The message was a new one: that self-help groups were available locally to smokers who want ed help, and that they were a credible helping service. It arose from a review at the mid-point of the three year term of Operation Smokestop in Wessex, when it became clear that group leaders were looking for central co-ordination and promotion of the service in order to enhance recruitment to local offers of the service.

A six-point promotional plan was devised which attracted funding from Wessex Cancer Trust and the Health Education Council. The majority of the pro motional work was carried out in the period January to May, 1984. In order to evaluate the impact of the various forms of communication on the population, a street survey was carried out in December, 1984 by students from the Southampton Institute of Higher Education. The questionnaire was designed to test levels of awareness of posters, leaflets and bus front advertising in the City of Southampton.

The 708 completed questionnaires show that re spondents appear fairly representative of the general population in terms of sex, smoking status and occupation. There was some over-representation in the 16 to 25 age group.

'Smokestop' was recognised by nearly eight per cent of respondents without a prompt, and break down of responses with prompt shows that respon dents' recall of posters and bus front advertising was in the region of 15 per cent for each method.

Recruitment during the period January to May 1984 increased by about 60 per cent over the previous year, some of which may have been due to the impact of the central promotional work.
An evaluation of a retail pharmacists' stop smoking campaign
Authors: Howie George
Published: March 2007

A DETAILED evaluation of a two month public stop- smoking campaign involving retail pharmacists in Fife showed that only 32 per cent of the pharmacies participated fully, and that a further 32 per cent took no part at all. Pharmacists gave advice to at least 893 people on smoking, and 51 per cent of the pharma cists interviewed felt their role as health educators was of some importance. However, health education campaigns involving retail pharmacists are con strained by the financial nature of the pharmacy business, and this will have to be borne in mind in any future exercises.
Adolescents' desires and beliefs about motorcycling: implications for education
Authors: Nguyen-Van-Tam Jonathan S. , Pearson James C. G.
Published: March 2007

A QUESTIONNAIRE survey undertaken in October 1984 involving 480 adolescents aged between 15 and 16 years investigated the desirability of taking up motorcycling whilst still a teenager in relation to various demographic and road safety factors. This desire was strongest in males from rural areas who had poor prospects for further education. This group also had the least inclination to take rider training and other road safety precautions. Since the majority of pupils were well aware of the casualty levels, deliberate risk-taking may be involved. There are a number of implications for health education about road safety.
What is health promotion?
Authors: Tannahill Andrew
Published: March 2007

Health promotion is a highly fashionable term which has acquired so many meanings as to become meaningless.

In this paper a number of current interpretations of the term are reviewed and appraised, and an attempt is made to tidy up the semantic mess once and for all.

A model is offered whereby health promotion is seen as a realm of activities which differs in emphasis from the current power bases in health service provision. This model differs from previous definitions in its explicit examination of the important areas of overlap between component parts. It is useful as a framework for devising health promotion strategies and activities.
Health and science education — a proposed model re-examined
Authors: Bentley Diana
Published: March 2007

IN November 1983, the Secondary Science Curricu lum Review published its policy document "Health and science education: proposals for action and consultation". Since then the consultation process based on that policy document has been taking place, and this paper reports on that process and re- examines the model of health education proposed within the document in the light of the comments generated.
When in Rome
Authors: Tunon Cris
Published: March 2007

Ethnic minorities face obstacles at all levels of the health care system. Single issue campaigns, like the Stop Rickets campaign, cannot hope to tackle these problems but they can be used as a basis for innovation and policy-making
Health education in paediatric ENT
Authors: Stoney P.J. , White G.
Published: March 2007

A MULTIPLE-CHOICE questionnaire was completed by 100 parents of children attending ear, nose and throat out-patients to assess their ENT knowledge. This highlighted areas of poor understanding, and was followed by the production of information leaf lets and a pictorial display.
Smoke opera? A content analysis of the presentation of smoking in TV soap
Authors: Piepe Anthony , Charlton Peter , Morey Judy , White Carol , Yerrell Paul
Published: March 2007

CONTENT analysis of 68 episodes of soap opera show higher frequencies of smoking in UK soaps compared with US dramas or sitcoms. In UK soaps the smoking characters tend to be portrayed as insecure or vil lainous. Preliminary results from a secondary school audience study show considerable interpenetration between the fictional presentation of smoking and children's perceptions.
Evaluating a cancer education teaching pack for schools
Authors: Box Val , Davidson Janis
Published: March 2007

A CANCER education pack, used successfully in South Wales, was evaluated in 10 schools in the south of England. Results suggested that the pack had little effect on pupils' attitudes and knowledge, the most positive changes being recorded in schools where teachers had been trained to use the material. It is felt however, that such exercises have a contri bution to make to the continuing process of health education.
Aids and female prostitution
Authors: Parry Allan , Seymour Howard
Published: March 2007

Financial pressure often forces prostitutes to abandon the safe sex practices which they wish to follow. The provision of free condoms, as well as free needles for those who inject drugs, can help in the fight against HIV transmission.
A guide to books on Aids
Authors: Homans Hilary , Aggleton Peter
Published: March 2007

Health educators need to have accurate information about Aids at their fingertips, but already there is a bewildering array of books and other materials, argue the authors. They review some of the best, and offer concise information about their style, content and target audience.
Computer games for dental health education in primary schools
Authors: Dowey Janet Allison
Published: March 2007

In order to compare the ability of nine and 10-year- old children to learn from computer teaching, tra ditional teaching methods, and a combination of the two, 203 children from five schools were divided into three test groups and a control. After teaching, the children were tested on their assimilation of knowl edge. It was shown that a combination of traditional teaching and computer teaching was the best way of imparting knowledge. None of these groups showed a significant improvement in oral hygiene.
Social research and the policy process
Authors: Tozer Carol
Published: March 2007

THIS paper provides an introductory discussion of the terms social research, and the policy process. The first part addresses ways in which social research can be classified, while the second introduces defi nitions which amplify the notion of the policy process.
Teachers, health education, and in-service training
Authors: Heathcote Gaye
Published: March 2007

TEACHERS of health education in schools come from a variety of different subject backgrounds and differ considerably in their teaching experience and approaches, the status they command within their schools and the degree of support they receive from their head teachers and colleagues. They often lack confidence in their own ability to respond to the demands of teaching health education, because of inadequate preparation during their initial training and problems of access to an appropriate structure of in-service provision. Low recruitment to Master's, Diploma and Certificate level courses frequently reflect structural, financial and logistic difficulties experienced by teachers, whilst shorter INSET Courses, although capable of reacting flexibly to teachers' immediate perceived needs, are unable to provide a coherent, structured and progressive pat tern of professional development. The 'gap' in provi sion points up the need for a pyramid of certificated courses that are tailored to meet teachers' in-service professional requirements.
Childhood home accidents — supporting the health visitor
Authors: Cameron I.H. , Fletcher A.J.
Published: March 2007

THIS paper considers the pattern of childhood home accidents in one district health authority, and describes the identification of needs and constraints experienced by health visitors in trying to promote home safety. The result has been additional in-ser vice training, greater input from the health promo tion unit and improved liaison with other professionals. Regular, local information on accident injuries is the key to any preventative strategy.
Developing a training programme for pharmacists in coronary heart disease prevention
Authors: Totten C. , Morrow N.C.
Published: March 2007

GIVEN the opportunity that exists for health edu cation and health promotion to be undertaken by pharmacists to support the Northern Ireland "Change of Heart" CHD prevention programme, a preparative course of training was initiated. This formed part of the provision of continuing pharma ceutical education (CPE) in Northern Ireland and fol lowed up on a previous health education CPE programme. This paper describes the planning and content of the training programme, its evaluation and development, and discusses the implications for pharmaceutical education and practice.
'Are you dying to get a suntan?' — the pre- and post-campaign survey results
Authors: Cameron I.H. , McGuire Christine
Published: March 2007

'ARE you dying to get a suntan?' was a national skin cancer prevention campaign run by the Health Edu cation Authority during the summer of 1989 as part of the Europe Against Cancer programme. Through magazine advertising, leaflets and public relations activities, the campaign sought to raise public awareness about the dangers of the sun and to pro mote sun protection measures. Following the cam paign, there have been increases in awareness about some risk factors and sun protection measures, par ticularly the use of high sun protection factor sun cream. A suntan though, is still synonymous with being healthy and looking good.
Tracking alcohol educators — a developmental approach
Authors: Means Robin , Jeffers Syd , Harrison Lyn
Published: March 2007

THIS paper outlines and discusses the alcohol edu cation activities of twelve district co-ordinators es tablished as part of the South West Alcohol Education Programme. The focus of this programme was primary prevention and the priority groups were professionals with responsibilities for young people and/or the workplace. The paper discusses the extent to which these objectives were reflected in the training activities, promotional activities and con tacts with professionals carried out by the district co-ordinators. These data were collected by an eval uation team using a developmental approach, and the advantages of such an approach for researching this type of professional activity are discussed.
Advertising for health?
Authors: Boydell Leslie , Scally Gabriel , Scott Maureen
Published: March 2007

A SURVEY was carried out to examine the balance between health-promoting advertisements and those for potentially health-damaging products in central Belfast. The latter group included tobacco products, alcohol and confectionery. All advertise ments on hoardings within a one kilometre radius of the centre of Belfast were assigned to one of four categories: advertisements for potentially health- damaging products, advertisements containing health promotion messages, advertisements making health claims, and neutral advertisements. Adver tisements for potentially health-damaging products outnumbered those carrying health promotion mess ages by a ratio of ten to one. The total area of ad vertising space devoted to these products was substantially greater than the area devoted to health promotion messages, as was the amount of money spent on advertising them. While it is recognised that the advertising of health promotion messages may have a limited role in health promotion cam paigns, there are a number of factors which should be considered before using this method of communication.
Drama on HIV and Aids: an evaluation of a theatre- in-education programme
Authors: McEwan Robert T , Bhopal Raj , Patton Wendy
Published: March 2007

TO evaluate Body Talk, a play and workshop about HIV and Aids, surveys and a focused group dis cussion were undertaken in schools. The results indi cated significant changes in attitudes which were compatible with the programme objectives. The ef fectiveness of the play was attributed to the simi larities in age and background of the actors and audience; to the reality and impact of live perform ance, and to the audience's proximity to the actors. Based on the evaluation results, the authors would encourage others to design, implement and evaluate HIV and Aids education programmes which are simi lar to Body Talk.
A survey of the views of senior managers on the consumption of alcohol by staff at health authority social occasions
Authors: McLaughlin Donna
Published: March 2007

THE issue of alcohol consumption by staff at health authority informal social occasions has received little attention in publications about the introduction of workplace alcohol policies. Research carried out in Oldham Health Authority sought to identify managers' views on this issue, both in terms of present practice, and the implications for them as managers if a statement on this issue was included in an alcohol policy for the authority. The results indicated that there were already considerable informal social norms governing alcohol consumption at parties, particuarly related to staff concern to maintain their professional image and responsibilities. While the policy would clarify managerial duties and powers, there were some concerns that a ban on alcohol could be disruptive to staff morale. This paper concludes by highlighting the legal response to such matters, and offers a number of points health authorities may wish to consider.
A comparison of immediate and retrospective evaluations of an HIV and Aids training programme
Authors: Coyle Adrian
Published: March 2007

THE question of how health education interventions can be most reliably evaluated is one which has at tracted little attention. This paper focuses on self- report evaluations by participants in an HIV and Aids training programme for maternity staff in Enfield Health Authority during 1989 and 1990, and com pares evaluations made immediately after training sessions with those conducted retrospectively. The two approaches were found to yield similar results, although the retrospective evaluations produced more considered, in-depth and realistic responses. A number of psychological processes which may oper ate when participants are evaluating courses are discussed.
Do people understand 'units of alcohol'?
Authors: Kemm J.R. , Rowe C.
Published: March 2007

A QUESTIONNAIRE has been used to test the knowl edge of alcohol equivalences of drinks, their unit content, their alcohol by volume percentage, and the low risk consumption levels expressed both in units and in drink measures. The questionnaire was answered by trainee nurses (a knowledgeable group), and general medical outpatients (a less knowledgeable group). The results show that a pro portion of those who 'know units' cannot use them to work out drink equivalents. This finding emphasises the need to ensure that people not only know the unit content of drinks but understand how to use this information to make informed choices about drink ing. There is also a group who apparently understand drink equivalents but not the unit system.
Humour and alcohol: children's favourite television advertisements
Authors: Nelson Elizabeth , While David
Published: March 2007

AS part of a larger survey on children, smoking and advertising, 7,047 children aged 11-16 years were invited (a) to describe their favourite advertisement and (b) to explain why they chose it. The aim of this part of the study was to assess the popularity of advertisements for beers and lagers in the context of children's appreciation of advertisements for a wide variety of consumer products. The results high lighted the popularity of television advertisements, and particularly those which used humour to market the product. Beer and lager products were overall the most popular choice of a 'favourite' advert for 22 per cent of all boys and 9 per cent of all girls. For young males, the popularity of beer and lager advertise ments increased significantly between the ages of 11-16 years (p<0.001). Boys (p<0.001) and girls (p<0.001) who claimed to drink alcohol were signifi cantly more likely than non-drinkers to choose beer or lager products as a favourite advert. Children who reported to drink alcohol 'often' were significantly more likely to choose a beer or lager advert because they 'liked the product'.
The Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine: a pre-launch qualitative study of parental perceptions
Authors: McGuire Christine
Published: March 2007

HAEMOPHILUS influenzae type b (Hib) is the com monest cause of bacterial meningitis in young chil dren. In October 1992 a vaccine was launched to offer protection against the disease. Prior to the launch, the Health Education Authority commissioned re search to explore potential responses to the new vac cine and to inform the development of a public education campaign. This paper outlines results on qualitative research conducted among parents in November 1991, to gain insight into how the vaccine might be promoted. The research indicated that the fact of there being different types of meningitis was either already understood, or was easily compre hended. However, it emerged that there was a dan ger the vaccine would be dismissed as unimportant if the type of meningitis in question was not shown to be one of the most common and most serious. The study also indicated that the key to any public edu cation campaign would be the issues associated with the risk of not immunising and of vaccine safety. For this reason, a separate campaign was suggested for the new vaccine, as opposed to a low profile intro duction through a revised schedule.
Public perceptions of the role of television in raising Aids awareness
Authors: Gunter Barrie , Sancho-Aldridge Jane , Moss Robin
Published: March 2007

TELEVISION has played, and will continue to play, a prominent role in many Aids awareness campaigns. What is not so certain is how the viewing public regards programmes with an Aids content, what pro portion actually watch such programmes and whether these programmes are of any educational value. This study sought to address some of these issues by surveying public interest in television coverage of Aids and its relevant issues, using a nationally representative panel of viewers. The study asked respondents how much they personally felt they knew about Aids and measured these sub jective assessments against scores obtained from re sponses to a knowledge test. Perceptions of the impact different televised events might have on the public's awareness of Aids were also investigated, together with respondents' views on the suitability of including Aids material in various programmes.
AIDS and sex education in Newcastle schools: policy, priority and obstacles
Authors: McEwan Robert , Bhopal Raj , Atkinson Anne
Published: March 2007

District health authorities and health promotion units are asked to take the lead in reviewing and developing sex education in schools, as part of The Health of the Nation. To ascertain: the availability of, and options on, sex and HIV and AIDS education policy; the prevalence and perceived importance of school education on AIDS and sexual health; and the perceived obstacles to teaching about HIV and AIDS, a postal survey of Newcastle schools was undertaken in 1992. The study found that statutory obligations relating to sex education policy were unfulfilled in many schools, and AIDS education was not carried out in some schools. Key educators were dissatisfied with the fact that AIDS was compulsory in the science curriculum, and that sex education was not compulsory. We join with others in support of high quality sex and AIDS education that is planned, delivered and monitored through alliances of health service, local authority and schools.
A breakfast survey of primary schools in low income inner city areas of Southampton
Authors: Box Val , Landman Jackie
Published: March 2007

This report describes the results of a survey of children's reported or perceived breakfast habits in seven primary schools serving low-income areas in Southampton during January-April 1993. Structured and semi- structured interviews were used. The two types of interview revealed a similar frequency of skipping breakfast, which was reported by 5.1 per cent in the entire sample of 935 children. The most common items apparently consumed at breakfast were cereal (68 per cent) usually with milk (61 per cent). Nearly a third of the children had sugar as well. Small numbers reported eating during the rest of the morning, most often in the mid-morning break when 447 (48 per cent) had a snack and 135 (14 per cent) had a drink. Striking differences were reported among the schools as to whether the children had a snack at all, and the type of snack. The importance of school's policies and practices should be explored further, as a potentially powerful force for achieving dietary behavioural change.
The effect of personal health education on the quality of life of patients with angina in general practice
Authors: Cupples M.E. , McKnight A. , O'Neill C. , Normand C.
Published: March 2007

The effect of personal health education in general practice on the quality of life of patients with angina was assessed by means of a randomised controlled trial carried out from 1990 to 1993. Subjects (688) were randomly allocated either to a control group, which received only their usual medical care, or to an intervention group, which received additional personal health education every four months for two years. The interven tion group showed a signficantly better outcome with regard to their quality of life as assessed on a simple analogue scale and on the physical mobility aspect of the Nottingham Health Profile. These findings indicate that patients with angina benefit from personal health education.
How are written patient-education materials used in out-patient clinics? Insight from rheumatology
Authors: Barlow Julie , Bishop Pamela , Pennington Donald
Published: March 2007

Growing demand for improved patient education has highlighted the potential that written materials may have in this area. Research has informed the content and design of patient literature, but there is little documented information concerning how materials are used in a clinical setting. The views and current practice of rheumatology health care professionals were examined in relation to patient education leaflets. It was found that leaflets were not displayed centrally, but were distributed in one-to-one consultations early in the course of disease and were used to clarify, reinforce and remind. Tension, between consultants and other health professionals, emerged in terms of the amount of information patients should be given.
Professional preparation and development for health promotion: a review of literature
Authors: Rivers Kim , Aggleton Peter , Whitty Geoff
Published: March 2007

To enhance knowledge of the issues involved in the education and training of health professionals in health promotion, a focused but broad-based literature review took place. More than 70 studies of relevance were selected from the literature on human resource development and education, as well as pro fessional preparation and development in health promotion. Studies reviewed covered current trends in initial professional education and training, con tinuing professional development, validation and accreditation, and evalu ation. In none of these fields was there a significant literature based on systematic evaluation, but weaknesses in current practice were identified. A number of specific recommendations relating to the education and training of health professionals can be indentified. These include: the importance of conceptual development and the capacity to reflect critically on practice; the value of efforts to bridge theory and practice through greater use of work- based systems of professional development; and the need to specify more clearly the health promotion role of health and education professionals so as to facilitate the development of appropriate methods of initial and continuing educaiton and training.
Educational priorities in food technology: a national survey of teachers' views
Authors: Eiser J Richard , Eiser Christine , Coulson Neil S
Published: March 2007

In a postal survey of a random sample of 705 state secondary schools in England and Wales, 377 food technology teachers (54 per cent) completed a questionnaire concerning: coverage of different topics, teaching resources, perceived emphases within the National Curriculum and personal teaching priorities. Topics most covered included health, the food industry and cookery skills. Teachers expressed a need for more materials concerning food-pro duction technology. Practical cookery was seen as underemphasised in the National Curriculum. Teachers with longer experience placed more importance on nutrition and cookery as opposed to environmental or cross-curricular themes.
Evaluating the work of a community café in a town in the South East of England: reflections on methods, process and results
Authors: Kaduskar Sharmila , Boaz Annette , Dowler Elizabeth , Meyrick Jane , Rayner Mike
Published: March 2007

This paper presents the results of an evaluation of a community café. The evaluation focused on whether the café met its own aims. It involved short structured interviews with 115 customers of the café, in-depth interviews with customers and volunteer staff, and a focus group with all those involved in the day-to-day running of the café. The evaluation showed that the café achieved its aim of providing a meeting place for people who lived locally. The research could not determine whether the café was successful in its aim of providing cheap, good-quality food because of difficulties in defining the term 'quality'. This paper also reflects upon the process of negotiating and carrying out an evaluation of the café over a nine-month period. It describes the difficulties in defining the aims of a community café and of negotiating shared aims for an evaluation. This evaluation forms part of a larger research project involving three community cafés in a town in the South East of England, which aims to contribute to the development of appropriate research methods for the evaluation of community-based initiatives which are likely to have an impact on health.
Emergence of a marginal science in a colonial city: Reading psychiatry in Bengali periodicals
Authors: Basu Amit Ranjan
Published: March 2007

Psychiatry as a western medical science arrived in India with colonialism. By mid-nineteenth century, lunatic asylums grew around the major metropolitan centres. By the early twentieth century, this new mental science had percolated to the vernacular periodicals of popular science: the focus of this article. It has been argued that the process of vernacularisation opened up new possibilities of an alien science. The cultural negotiation of colonial psych iatry was neither smooth nor seamless enough to establish a new code of norm/abnorm guided by the Enlightenment. Based on the analyses of Bengali texts, it is argued that by transforming itself culturally, psychiatry could challenge a universalistic science by constructing an indigenous theory.
How Stigmatising Is Schizophrenia in India?
Authors: Thara R. , Srinivasan T.N.
Published: March 2007

Stigma is a social devaluation of a person because of personal attribute leading to an experience of sense of shame, disgrace and social isolation. The nature of stigma in schizophrenia and its relationship to attribution was studied in one hundred and fifty-nine urban patients of Madras, India who fulfilled DSM-IV criteria for schizophrenia. The response of the primary care givers to fourteen questions on stigma and 14 on what they thought attributed to the illness was elicited. Based on the mean stigma score, the entire sample was divided into two groups- those with high and low stigma. Marriage, fear of rejection by neighbour, and the need to hide the fact from others were some of the more stigmatising aspects. Many care givers reported feelings of depression and sorrow. Discriminant function analysis showed that female sex of the patient and a younger age of both patient and caregiver were related to higher stigma. Among attribution items, having no explanation to offer, and attributions to faulty biological functioning, character of life style, substance abuse and intimate interpersonal relationship discriminated between the two groups. The relevance of stigma in the cultural context is described.
Help-Seeking Pathways Among Malay Psychiatric Patients
Authors: Razali S.M. , Najib M.A.M.
Published: March 2007

The aim of this study is to explore the help-seeking behaviour of Malay psychiatric patients. A semi-structured interview based on a standard proforma was conducted to assess help seeking process and delays for Malay psychiatric patients attending the psychiatric clinic for the first time. Help-seeking process and delays were defined. Among 134 patients evaluated in the study, 69% had visited traditional healers (bomoh) for the present illness before consulting psychiatrists. The second popular choice of treatment was medical practitioner and only a small percentage of them had consulted homeopathic practitioners and herbalists. Patients who had consulted bomohs were significantly delayed in getting psychiatric treatment compared with those who had not consulted them. Consultation of bomohs was significantly higher among married patients, those with major psychiatric illnesses and in family who believed in supernatural causes of mental illness. However, there was no significant difference in age, gender, educational status and occupation between patients who had consulted and not consulted bomoh. We concluded that majority of the Malay psychiatric patients had sought the traditional treatment prior to psychiatric consultation. The strength of social support and the belief of the patients, friends, and/or relatives in supernatural causes of mental illness were strongly associated with the rate of traditional treatment. Deep-seated cultural beliefs were major barrier to psychiatric treatment.
Transcultural Psychiatry: Some Social and Epidemiological Research Issues
Authors: Bhui Kamaldeep , Bhugra Dinesh
Published: March 2007

Background: Mental Health Research across cultural groups is often criticised for using imprecise measures of cultural group and for using outcome measures as if they have universal validity.

Aims: 1. To Investigate the effect of using different cultural group variables on the findings of a survey of prevalence of Common Mental Disorders. 2. To demonstrate that assumptions of validity for outcomes measures can affect the interpretation of data from prevalence surveys.

Methods: We recruited Punjabi and English subjects to a phase prevalence survey that included the Amritsar Depression Inventory and the General Health Ques tionnaire as screening instruments. The Clinical Interview Schedule was the out come measure. This paper reports on a secondary analysis of the data. We used ethnic group, place of birth, religion, first language and language spoken at interview as possible cultural group variables and compared the prevalence estimates. We then considered the limitations of conventional methods to assess prevalence, by looking at mean scores on each of the three instruments in both cultural groups.

Results: Cultural group variables did not influence the prevalence estimates for Common Mental Disorder. Although conventional scoring methods showed no difference in prevalence across cultures, the mean scores on each instrument, when compared across cultural groups, differed for the Amritsar Depression inventory. This instrument showed a higher mean score for the Punjabis suggesting a higher prevalence. The findings are discussed in the context of value laden 'assumptions' about validity.

Conclusions: The findings of prevalence surveys depend on assumptions of validity. The 'culture' of psychiatry is a closed system in which validation studies support its basic assumptions.
Paternal Absence and Its Effect On Adolescent Self-Esteem
Authors: Miller Thomas W.
Published: March 2007

Recent research has indicated that father absence is significantly related to self- concept of black adolescent males. Results suggest that where paternal absence exists in the home situation, the level of self-esteem tended to be affected more for males than for females. Where father was absent in the home, males tended also to have lower levels of self-esteem than females. Where self-esteem of the child and core-facilitative conditions in mother were correlated significantly (p< .05), male self-esteem was likely to be affected negatively. Therefore, presence of maternal core-facilitative conditions can favourably effect self-esteem of both male and female adolescents in father-absent homes.
The Use of the Term 'Borderline Patient' By Scottish Psychiatrists: Ii Conceptual and Descriptive Analysis
Authors: Macaskill Norman D. , Macaskill Ann
Published: March 2007

A descriptive and conceptual analysis of the use of the term 'borderline patient' by Scottish psychiatrists revealed that they view borderline patients as being near the psychotic end of the illness spectrum, with a marked propensity towards brief, reactive, reversible, paranoid or schizophrenic reactions. There is clear evidence that the term is not used to refer to patients who in the United States would be labelled borderline schizophrenic. Individual American diagnostic schemata would omit features held to be of major importance by Scottish psychiatrists when diagnosing borderline patients.

In an earlier study, Macaskill and Macaskill (1981) found that the term 'border line patient' although not in the official nomenclature, was used by over one in four Scottish psychiatrists to delineate a syndrome which they felt should be included in contemporary diagnostic systems because of its prognostic and thera peutic implications. This study provided the first demographic information on the use of the term in the United Kingdom, but did not permit direct comparisons at conceptual and descriptive levels with studies in the United States where the term is widely used and recognised in the official nomenclature of the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual — III (1980). Research into the use of the term schizophrenia, for example by Cooper et al (1972), has shown that major differences in usage between the United Kingdom and the United States have occurred with serious implications for the cross-cultural valididty of research findings in schizophrenia. Without similar direct comparisons on the cross-cultural use of the term 'borderline patient' it is not possible to be certain that a similar situation does not exist with regard to this syndrome.

The present study sought to address this issue by eliciting the descriptive features and conceptual meanings of the term 'borderline patient' as it is used by Scottish psychiatrists. From this it was hoped to establish the extent to which the major American diagnostic schemata of Gunderson and Kolb (1978), Kernberg (1975) and Spitzer, Endicott and Gibbon (1979) delineated the population defined as 'borderline' by Scottish psychiatrists. It was further hoped that this study could provide information to help explain the fact that Scottish psychiatrists use the term much less frequently than their American counterparts.
Adversity and the Symptoms of Depression
Authors: Bebbington P.E. , Hurry J. , Tennant C.
Published: March 2007

Data from a community survey were used to test the proposition that pathological guilt and vegetative symptoms of depression were less likely to be associated with stressful life events and difficulties than non-specific symptoms like tension and worry. Two types of analysis were carried out: the first took only cases, defined as ID5 + on the Index of Definition program, the second was based on all subjects. Only the second analysis provided support for our predictions.
The Role of the General Practitioner in the Care of Mentally Disturbed Subjects in the General Population — Results of the Upper Bavarian Study
Authors: Meller I. , Fichter M.M. , Witzke W.
Published: March 2007

The role of the general practitioner in the care of mentally disturbed non institutionalised persons aged 20 years and older was examined. Data were based on the representative community sample of the Upper Bavarian Field Study with a sample size of 1495 interviewees — aged 20 years and older. The 5-year prevalence of mental illness according to the definition used was 32.8%. 38.5% of all persons, identified as cases, consulted their general practitioner because of psychiatric or emo tional problems. Females and the elderly were most likely to have received treatment by their general practitioner. The majority of treated persons were neurotic and psychosomatic patients. The general practitioner provided care for more psychiatric patients than the psychiatrist and for 25% of all "cases", without additional psychiatric consultation.
Locus of Control in Health: the Effects of Psychological Well-Being and Contact With the Doctor
Authors: Murray Joanna , Corney Roslyn
Published: March 2007

Previous studies have demonstrated an association between a high score on measures of "external" locus of control of health and high levels of psychosocial distress. In the present study, a measure of illness behaviour (visits to the doctor) has been added to elucidate the association between locus of control and self-reported psychological distress.

In a sample of female high and low attenders at two general practices, neither physical health nor psycho-social problems were found to be associated with high scores on the measure of external locus of control. However, high attenders were more likely to score high on this measure.

When a logistic model was fitted to the data an interactive variable (attendance rate x psychological symptoms) was found to have a significant effect, suggesting that psychological distress has a different effect upon the beliefs expressed by high and low attenders.
A New Role for the Community Psychiatric Nurse in Working with Families Caring for a Relative with Schizophrenia
Authors: Brooker C.
Published: March 2007

Over the last 20 years research has convincingly demonstrated that the illness, schizophrenia, is amenable to social and environmental influence (Leff et at. 1982; Falloon et al. 1985; Hogarty et al. 1986). The impetus for the research is the fact that, at best, genetic inheritance explains only 70% of the disorder's aetiology.

The findings of the studies allow certain basic but important principles to be for mulated. These are that some people inherit a genetic predisposition or "vulnerability" to schizophrenia which develops either in response to the acute stress of "life events" or the chronic stress encountered in some families. Originally the term "Expressed Emotion" was coined to describe emotional atmosphere at home which was thought to consist particularly of criticism, hostility or emotional over-involvement (Brown et al. 1962).

intervention strategies have arisen from the studies which demonstrate that stress in families caring for a relative with schizophrenia can be reduced, leading to not only a smaller risk of relapse in the relative with the illness, but also an improvement in the carer's own mental health status (Tarrier et al. 1988). Intervention consists of health education for carers and family stress management techniques which may help to lessen over-stimulation in family life.

Community Psychiatric Nurses (CPNs) are a rapidly expanding sector of most men tal health service provision in the United Kingdom but the evidence is that their role with the sufferer from schizophrenia consists largely of the administration of depot medication and very little else.

An experimental teaching programme, funded by the Department of Health, has been established in the Department of Nursing, Manchester University, which is evaluating the effect of training CPNs to deliver psychosocial intervention to families caring for a relative with schizophrenia.

This paper will briefly review the literature relating to the needs of informal carers; describe the experimental course; and present data which shows that the family's view of the service markedly improves when psychosocial intervention strategies are adopted by CPNs.
Selection of Admissions to a Therapeutic Community Using a Group Setting: Association with Degree and Type of Psychological Distress
Authors: Dolan Bridget , Morton Adrian , Wilson James
Published: March 2007

Henderson Hospital is a therapeutic community offering treatment for personality disordered young adults. The community operates a unique system of selection, whereby a group of residents and staff jointly decide upon offering admission to new referrals. This study is a preliminary investigation examining, in part, the basis upon which the selection group makes its decision.

A measure of symptomatic psychological distress (SCL-90) was completed by 156 selection candidates. Comparison of those candidates selected with those who were rejected showed no difference between groups in number of symptoms reported nor the degree of distress attributable to those symptoms. However, analysis of symptom sub-scale scores revealed that those subjects not selected scored significantly higher on measures of somatisation, obsessive — compulsive features and phobic anxiety. It could be argued that these three symptoms are indicative of a tendency to deny or avoid feeling emotional distress. We propose that at one level, the selection group may operate by identifying those candidates who are more able to verbalise their distress, i.e. those presumed most likely to benefit from the Therapeutic Community's psychotherapeutic approach.
Spiritual Well-Being, Social Desirability and Reasons for Living: Is there a Connection?
Authors: Ellis Jon. B. , Smith Peggy C.
Published: March 2007

In order to explore the relationship between spirituality, social desirability, and reasons for living, 100 individuals completed the Reasons for Living Inventory (RFL), the Spiritual Well-being Scale (SWBS) and the Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale (MCSDS). Positive correlations were found between religious well-being and the total RFL score and Moral Objections subscale and between existential well- being and several RFL scales. Results indicate that the RFL Moral Objections subscale taps the same type of beliefs as does the SWBS religious well-being subscale. There also appears to be a strong relationship between the adaptive cognitive beliefs which people report as reasons for not considering suicide and their existential beliefs. This emphasises the need for careful assessment of individual needs and beliefs when dealing with suicidal individuals. Areas of concern to the therapist who is working with a suicidal client were not affected by high SD scores.
Marital Satisfaction Among San Francisco Chinese-Americans
Authors: Ying Yu-Wen
Published: March 2007

This study investigates variables that predict marital satisfaction in a group of San Francisco Chinese-Americans. Using Campbell, Converse and Rodgers' model of satisfaction as a framework (1976), 41% of the variance of marital satisfaction is accounted for with objective demographics and subjective assessments of mar riage components derived from the Locke-Wallace Marital Adjustment Scale items. Chinese-Americans are generally satisfied with their marriage, with men reporting higher satisfaction levels than women. Agreement on life aims and moral behaviour emerges as the most important predictor of marital quality. In addition, for men, agreement in relating to in-laws and friends is also found to be a significant predictor of marriage satisfaction.
The Detection of Psychiatric Cases By Greek Physicians: Report On a Study Carried Out in a Greek Primary Care Setting
Authors: Boardman A.P. , Bilankis N. , Zouni M. , Bouras N.
Published: March 2007

The detection of psychiatric disorder by primary care physicians in Greece was investigated using four non-psychiatric physicians. The General Health Question naire indicated a high probable prevalence of psychiatric disorder (77.8%), but the physicians rated only 9.3% of the sample as cases. Eighty eight per cent of the probable cases were undetected by the doctors. The doctors' reporting of cases was not affected by the demographic characteristics of the sample and only weakly affected by the patients' total GHQ score. The high probable prevalence and low detection rate is a cause for concern and requires further investigation.
Perceived Self in Educated Employed and Educated Unemployed Women
Authors: Bala Mani , Lakshmi
Published: March 2007

The purpose of this study was to compare the perceived self-concept of employed and unemployed educated women. The study also examined the relationship of perceived self-concept with the type of employment and period of service of the employed women.

The sample consisted of 150 employed and 150 unemployed educated married women residing in an urban area of Patna. The self-concept scale of Deo (1985) was used in the study. The findings showed that the perceived self of the employed women was significantly higher than that of the unemployed women. The employed women scored relatively higher in each of the five attributes of the perceived self; ie. Aesthetic, Emotional, Character, Intellectual and Social. It was concluded, from this study, that employment leads to a higher self-concept among educated women, which however varied with different types of employment.
Comparison of Adaptation To the Home Culture of Japanese Children and Adolescents Returned From Overseas Sojourn
Authors: Tamura Takeshi , Furnham Adrian
Published: March 2007

A questionnaire based on the MMPI was administered to Japanese children aged between 6 and 18 years who had returned from an overseas sojourn of more than one year's duration (N = 1941) and a matched control group who had no overseas experiences (N = 1354). Overall females had more difficulty with friends, and scored higher on both psychological and physical symptoms. The older children had more complaints about life in Japan, difficulty with friends and physical and psychological problems. The differences between the returnee and control group were less in the age range between 7 and 9, but the overseas experience seemed to have positive effects between the ages of 10 to 15. The longer the children stayed overseas, the more they had complaints about life in Japan and difficulty with friends, and less negative attitudes towards overseas life. Children who had multiple overseas experiences had more problems such as anxiety, depression and mental com plaints. Children's developmental stages and the amount of exposure to the foreign culture are therefore important determinants of their readjustment. The expec tations of parents and the home culture to the returnee children, gender, and emphasis on academic achievement, must also be taken into account.