bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Staff training for a food policy, with built-in evaluation
Authors: Joffe Michael
Published: March 2007

TRAINING groups on basic nutrition were held for nursing staff as part of the implementation of a dis trict food policy. A quiz-based method was piloted, with built-in evaluation, and in accordance with established educational principles. It was designed to challenge people's pre-existing beliefs concerning food and health, in order to overturn widespread myths and to clear up people's confusions. The initial mean score was 8.4, out of a possible total of 15. An hour's presentation was then given which included a visual display and a lively discussion of the material presented. The scores in the same quiz repeated two to four weeks later showed a mean improvement of at least 3.7. This method of teaching is highly effective, economical in staff time and enjoyable, and it can be used to monitor the effectiveness of training. It is therefore recommended for wider use.
Personal attribution for myocardial infarction and life-style prior to the event
Authors: Abbott Janice , Berry Neil
Published: March 2007

MALE in-patients with a diagnosis of first myocar dial infarction (MI) were assessed on perceived health, body fat, smoking, alcohol consumption and exercise behaviours, together with Type A behaviour and health locus of control. Patients' attributions for their MI, and affect during the hospitalisation period, were also evaluated. Eighty five per cent of the patients were smokers, but less than one-third of them believed that smoking was a causal factor in relation to their own MI. The majority of patients perceived themselves to have been in good health prior to the event: the greater the perceived health, the greater the anxiety during hospitalisation. Anxiety was also elevated in those patients who believed that they had little control over their own health (Externals). Stress was spontaneously identi fied as a contributor to their MI by over forty per cent of patients, and by more than two-thirds when asked directly. Compared with Type Bs and Externals, more Type As and Internals attributed their infarct to stressors. Occupational stressors in particular were credited with causal status, especially by Type As. Relatively few patients attributed their MIs to other traditional risk factors. Whether or not male MI patients know which behaviours are associated with coronary disease, it appears that they are reluctant to attribute their own MI to such behaviours.
How do general practitioners view their role in primary prevention?
Authors: Wood Neil , Whitfield Michael , Bailey David
Published: March 2007

GENERAL practitioners in the Severn Faculty of the Royal College of General Practitioners were asked about their attitudes to primary prevention and their ability to provide advice on various aspects of patients' life-styles and behaviour. The results show that, for eight out of nine areas of patients' behaviour, the doctors generally thought it was highly appropri ate for them to provide advice. Doubts were expressed about appropriateness and their com petence in providing advice to patients concerning coping with poverty. There were some small dif ferences in the responses which were related to the ages and personal life-styles of the doctors, and between those working in inner city and rural prac tices. The categories of patients which were rated as most important to be recipients of health education were the high-risk groups of smokers, drug injectors and pregnant women. Compared to the male doctors, female general practitioners considered it more important to give health education advice to eight out of 12 groups of patients. The findings indicate that general practitioners within the Severn Faculty hold strongly positive attitudes to prevention, and it is suggested that the role of general practitioners as health educators should be further supported.
Surveying knowledge and attitudes towards Aids in young adults — Just 19
Authors: Galt Myra , Gillies Pamela , Wilson Keith
Published: March 2007

A QUESTIONNAIRE on health-related knowledge, attitudes and beliefs was returned by 766 nineteen- year-olds from Doncaster. The section on Aids showed that the majority of young adults were well informed about main transmission routes, and of how to avoid infection with HIV. Confusion remains about aspects of HIV infection, including transmis sion via blood and by saliva. Many do not show sym pathy for people with Aids who are homosexual or injecting drug users. Most believe that they are not at risk of catching HIV, including those whose sexual behaviour could be said to be promiscuous. One in five respondents say they have changed their be haviour as a result of the threat of Aids. Health edu cation programmes at school and after need to be apposite, unambiguous and accessible to augment and extend levels of knowledge and to encourage all young people to adopt sexual practices which carry the least risk of infection for all sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV.
Health-related beliefs and dietary practices among vegetarians and vegans: a qualitative study
Authors: Beardsworth Alan , Keil Teresa
Published: March 2007

A SNOWBALL sampling technique was used to con tact 76 self-defined vegetarians between October 1987 and February 1989. Respondents were ques tioned in the course of loosely-structured interviews on such topics as the type of vegetarianism they practised, the process of conversion, and nutritional attitudes. The interviews were taped and fully tran scribed, the transcripts being subjected to detailed qualitative analysis. The present paper sets out those findings which relate specifically to health concerns and motives. The findings suggest that while health motives are not necessarily the dom inant ones for the majority of this group of respondents, for many of those interviewed the per ceived health advantages represent significant ad ditional benefits of vegetarianism, benefits which complement and confirm their ethical stance.
Social psychological factors that may predict high risk sexual behaviour in gay men
Authors: Fitzpatrick Ray , Dawson Jill , Boulton Mary , McLean John , Hart Graham
Published: March 2007

THERE is still considerable variation in gay sexual behaviour and evidence of continued high risk sex. A sample of 369 homosexually active men from differ ent areas of England were assessed on two oc casions, nine months apart, in 1988 and 1989, to examine the extent to which a number of social- psychological factors predicted high risk sexual be haviour over time. None of the variables were signifi cantly related to unprotected receptive anal sex. However, whether or not men were involved in a regular relationship with a partner was strongly as sociated with high risk behaviour. The implications of these results are that health education interven tions should focus on alerting all men to the circum stances in which high risk sex is more likely to happen.
Putting patients' drinking histories in context
Authors: Rowland Nancy , Maynard Alan
Published: March 2007

IT is popularly believed that patients who drink to excess tend to under-report consumption when questioned by medical staff. Doctors are often encouraged to check patients' self-reported con sumption by further questioning patients' next-of- kin. We present the results of a spouse questionnaire designed to check the self-report of ninety patients participating in the York District Hospital Alcohol Programme. We conclude that doctors need to be aware of the possibility that both patients and col laterals may under- or over-report consumption and that spouses may simply not know how much their partners drink.
Who are the 'healthy eaters'? Eating patterns and health promotion in the west of Scotland
Authors: Anderson Annie S. , Hunt Kate
Published: March 2007

THE diets of a community-based sample of people in their mid-thirties were compared with contempor aneous local health promotional guidelines. On this basis, 42 per cent of the sample were classified as 'healthy' eaters. However, the 'less healthy' eaters were not evenly distributed through the population. Multivariate analysis showed that, of all the vari ables considered, it was gender, household income, social class and current smoking status which were associated with 'healthy eating' status. Women were more than two-and-a-half times as likely to be classi fied as 'healthy eaters' than men; while those from higher income households, those from non-manual households, and non-smokers, were around twice as likely to be so classified in comparison with lower income, manual households and current smokers respectively.
Immunisation: what do parents and health visitors in Barnet know about meningitis and Haemophilus influenzae type b?
Authors: Braun Marisa , Gillam Stephen , Costello Anthony M. de L.
Published: March 2007

THIS study examined the attitudes to and knowl edge of Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and meningitis of 105 parents attending child health clin ics, and 55 health visitors practising in Barnet Dis trict Health Authority in August and September 1991. A minority of parents knew that meningitis could be prevented by immunisation or had heard of the Hib vaccine. Although 87 per cent of parents saw health visitors as the most important source of ad vice on immunisation generally, they were less im portant than the media as a source of information about meningitis (13 per cent versus 58 per cent). Thirty-eight per cent of the health visitors were un certain of the causes of meningitis, only 12 per cent mentioned Hib as a cause of meningitis in the under- fives, and the majority (76 per cent) did not know that a vaccine against Hib infection existed. This study indicated that there was a need for more information both for parents and health visitors on meningitis and Hib in advance of the launch of the Hib vaccine.
The social meaning of smoking for boys in a residential school for children with emotional and behavioural disorders
Authors: Michell Lynn , Fidler Wendy
Published: March 2007

IN 1990, a one-year intervention programme was begun in a residential school for boys with emotional and behavioural disorders with the aims of negotiating changes in the school's lax policy on smoking, and reducing the smoking rates amongst the boys, 93 per cent of whom were regular smokers. As part of this programme, a sample of 34 boys aged 12 to 15 years were interviewed on a one-to-one basis using a structured questionnaire to find out about smoking prevalence at school and at home. They were asked what, if anything, would tempt them to reduce or give up their habit. The boys smoked between five and 30 cigarettes per day between Monday and Friday at school, and between five and 40 cigarettes per day at the weekend at home. With one exception, all the boys smoked more cigarettes during the weekend than they did during the week. Three-quarters of the boys said that they had tried to give up smoking, and that a fitness programme was the only thing which would tempt them to try again. This study suggests the importance of the social meaning of smoking for children, and reinforces the idea, established in other research, of the strong link between smoking and identification with peer groups and peer lifestyles.
Changing theory and practice: trends in methods, strategies and settings in health education
Authors: Tones Keith
Published: March 2007

"Key personnel such as teachers, youth leaders, social welfare workers, nurses and health visitors must work in harness with the medical practitioner Health edu cation must be an integral part of the child's training and all sections of the public must be reached by every educational means available - by film, radio, poster, pamphlet and lecture If the community is mobilised for this task, the battle for health can be won." Editonal, HEJ, 1945'
School governors and sex education: an analysis of policies in Leeds
Authors: Green Jackie
Published: March 2007

Responsibility for sex education has been allocated to school governors in England and Wales under the 1986 Education (No. 2) Act. Little is known about the way governors are exercising their responsibility, and the influence they are exerting within individual schools. An empirical analysis of sex education policies from a sample of schools in Leeds was undertaken in 1992 to assess the effect that governors are having on this area of the curriculum. It revealed: failure of some governing bodies to fulfil their responsibilities; wide variation in content of policies; uncertainty about the format of a policy and areas that should be included; and policies reflecting rather than guiding practice. The analysis highlights the need for governor training in Leeds, and for clearer guidance for governors on both the substantive nature of sex education and the requirements of a policy on sex education.
Health and lifestyle surveys: beyond health status indicators
Authors: Dawson Julie
Published: March 2007

In 1992/3 a health and lifestyle postal survey was conducted among 10,000 people in Cheshire and Wirral. The findings indicate that many respon dents want to adopt healthier lifestyles in relation to diet, exercise, smoking and alcohol consumption, but they encounter barriers to this which include: lack of will power, enjoyment of unhealthy behaviour, the influence of others, cost and the positive health effects of certain behaviours, such as the alleviation of stress in relation to smoking and drinking. In light of this and other findings, this paper concludes that future health and lifestyle research surveys must supplement health status information by investigating barriers to lifestyle change, if the strategies they inform are to prove successful.
The Heartbeat Award for caterers: experiences of health professionals involved
Authors: Pope Rosemary , Cooney Margaret
Published: March 2007

The Heartbeat Award for caterers was launched in 1990 by the Health Education Authority. Key management responsibility was transferred from national to local level in 1992. The study reported here was carried out in 1994 to provide an assessment of the award scheme following transfer to local management. Postal questionnaires were sent to every chief environ mental health officer, health promotion officer and dietitian in England; 380 responses were received. Local management was viewed as facilitating flexibility and ownership, but barriers to effective implementation were also identified. The Heartbeat Award was seen as an important component of local health promotion, but doubts were expressed about its efficacy in reaching target groups. Findings are discussed in terms of the wider implications for health promotion.
Toxoplasma health education in Europe
Authors: Ho-Yen D.O. , Dargie L. , Chatterton J.M.W. , Petersen E.
Published: March 2007

A questionnaire was sent to 53 teams with a specialist interest in congenital toxoplasmosis in 18 European countries. There was an 83 per cent response rate, but 20 teams in 12 countries were not aware of toxoplasma health education being done in their own country. Health education was often at a local rather than national level. The respondents are representa tive of specialists in this field and 86 per cent felt that a leaflet was the best way of communicating information about toxoplasmosis. The perceived ideal leaflet was about 550 words; used colour, figures and photographs; and was 21 cm by 29 cm folded to produce six pages. Health education was believed to be equally or more important than antenatal screening by 81 per cent, and 86 per cent felt that there should be a common European approach to health education.
Community pharmacy health promotion activity in England: a survey of policy and practice
Authors: Anderson Claire
Published: March 2007

A telephone survey of pharmaceutical advisers in English Family Health Services Authorities (FHSAs) examined the extent of, and influences on, the development of health promotion activities based in community pharmacies. A variety of activities were found to be taking place. The largest barrier was reported to be financial. The time the adviser had for community pharmacy, and the relationship of the FHSA with the local health promotion department and the local pharmaceutical committee, also had a bearing. Forty respondents (51 per cent) reported that they had been influenced by the Barnet FHSA High Street Health Scheme, and 65 (84 per cent) had heard of it. FHSAs could consider the features of successful schemes and create an appropriate climate for development.
Evaluation of the written information sent to women who are called back for further investigation of breast screening in the UK
Authors: Ong Giok , Austoker Joan , Brouwer Arianne
Published: March 2007

In 1993/4, about 66,000 women were recalled for further investigation of possible abnormalities (assessment) in the NHS Breast Screening, Pro gramme. Receipt of an abnormal screening result has significant psycliolo gical effects. Provision of information can help in reducing distress and enhancing satisfaction. Data were used from 97 per cent of Breast Screening Units throughout the UK to evaluate the written information sent to recalled women before their assessment appointment. The quality of these materials relating to recall in breast screening was better than that reported in other medical settings. However, substantial further improve ments in specific areas can be made and are outlined in this paper.
Exercise as therapy? Results from group interviews with general practice teams involved in an inner-London 'prescription for exercise' scheme
Authors: Smith PA , Gould MM , See Tai S. , Iliffe S.
Published: March 2007

As part of an inner-London 'prescription for exercise' scheme, group interviews were conducted with clinical and support staff from participating general practices. Interviews took place between August and November 1995 to identify the practices' reasons for joining the scheme, the perceived health benefits to patients of the scheme, and criteria for selection and referral of patients onto the scheme. The results showed that the referring practice members saw exercise promotion as a therapeutic option, rather than an instrument for primary prevention. They were cautious in their referral criteria because of family health services authority guidelines. If future schemes are to develop they must distinguish between these perspectives in their promotion of physical activity.
Attitudes towards HIV and AIDS health promotion in the probation service: the contribution of training and policy
Authors: Eadie Tina
Published: March 2007

A questionnaire survey of all staff in a Midlands probation service was carried out in April 1995 to evaluate the extent to which the service's compulsory training programme and associated policy on HIV and AIDS enabled staff to feel confident abort staff employnment and service delivery issues relating to HIV and AIDS. There were clear indications that the training had increased staff awareness and understanding of HIV and AIDS and that the AIDS policy was generally regarded as relevant to the work of the service. Findings indicate a need for HIV/AIDS traimng and policies in probation services to increase confidence and influence practice.
Stages of Change training for opportunistic smoking intervention by the primary health care team. Part II: qualitative evaluation of long-term impact on professionals' reported behaviour
Authors: Bain Norma , McKie Linda
Published: March 2007

This paper presents and critically evaluates data on the long-term impact of brief training for the primary health care team in facilitating smoking behav iour change with patients. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with one third ( n = 23) of training participants one year after taking part in a brief, one-day workshop to enhance the abilities of the primary care team in facilitating smoking behaviour change. The impact of brief training for the primary care team is premised on the health professionals' acceptance of the content and relevance of the training, the enhancement of professional self- efficacy, their definition of their role in health promotion work, their own smoking status, and their readiness to change clinical practice/behaviour. It is also dependent on professionals' capacity to refrain from using ineffective methods which may cancel out the benefits gained by learning and using more effective strategies. Future training workshops or courses for primary health care professionals in health promotion work should be tailored to individual participants' needs as their readiness to change clinical practice must be acknowledged rather than using a global approach which can result in a diluted impact.
Health education in initial teacher training at secondary phase in England and Wales: current provision and the impact of the 1992 government reforms
Authors: Walsh Sue , Tilford Sylvia
Published: March 2007

A survey was undertaken to explore health education provision within sec ondary level Initial Teacher Training in England and Wales, and to examine the impact of the 1992 government reforms on teacher training. In particular the study focused on staff perceptions of both the adequacy of current provision and the competence of newly qualified teachers to deliver health education in schools. A comprehensive national survey was undertaken involving 116 staff from 80 higher education institutions. The findings revealed that: ITT staff perceived post-reform provision to be inadequate; newly qualified teachers were perceived to be less competent to deliver health education in schools; the content of, and time allocated to health education provision within ITT institutions had decreased; and there was a lack of consistency between school and institution-based provision. This highlights the need for consideration to be given to an explicit, compulsory national curriculum for health education in Initial Teacher Training, within the existing framework of competencies required of teachers by the 1992 reforms.
A controlled evaluation of an intensive, peer- led, schools-based, anti-smoking programme
Authors: Bloor Michael , Frankland Jane , Langdon Nina Parry , Robinson Margaret , Allerston Susan , Catherine Annette , Cooper Linda , Gibbs Loretta , Gibbs Nigel , Hamilton-Kirkwood Lawrence , Jones Elaine , Smith R. William , Spragg Bernard
Published: March 2007

There is increasing interest in health promotion interventions which seek to change behaviour through local cultural diffusion by trained opinion-formers. This study adapted this approach to schools settings. Popular pupils in years 8 and 9 (aged 12 to 14) were recruited for intensive training by specialist staff on how to intervene effectively in everyday situations to promote smoking cessation and prevention of smoking uptake among their peers. Data on smoking behaviour, plus saliva samples for cotinine testing, were collected pre-intervention, immediately post-intervention, and three months post-intervention in two intervention and two control schools. Most differences in behaviour between intervention and control schools were not statistically significant. However, baseline ex-smokers (11 per cent of the sample and a larger group than baseline regular smokers) were significantly more likely still to be abstinent in the intervention, as opposed to the control, schools. Given the relative paucity of evidence of effective anti-smoking programmes in schools, these results are sufficiently encouraging to justify a full-scale randomised controlled trial evaluation.
Parents and first aid: I know what to do — but I'm not very confident
Authors: Kendrick Denise , Marsh Patricia
Published: March 2007

A questionnaire survey, with first-aid scenarios on scalds, lacerations, choking and bleach ingestion, was carried out with parents of children aged 3-12 months regis tered at 36 general practices in Nottingham. The objective was to assess parents' knowledge and confidence with regard to first aid for their infants and to examine factors associated with uptake of first-aid training sessions in a community setting. More than 75 per cent of parents knew the correct first aid for scalds, lacerations and choking. Less than half knew the correct action for bleach ingestion. Parents from ethnic-minority groups (p<0.001 ) and those without access to a car (p<0.001 ) had lower knowledge scores. Less than 25 per cent were very confident in dealing with any of the first-aid scenarios. Parents were least confident in dealing with bleach ingestion. Parents from an ethnic-minority group were more confident (p=0.003), and young mothers less confident (p=0.002) in dealing with first aid. Those speci fying incorrect actions were significantly less confident in their action for bums (p<0.001 ), choking (p=0.027), and lacerations (p<0.001 ). Only 13 per cent of parents who were offered first-aid training, attended. Parents attending such training were more confident (p<0.001) and less likely to live in rented accommodation (p=0.003). Improving confidence in undertaking first aid is important and should be addressed in first-aid training and in other settings where first-aid advice is given. Group first- aid training sessions may not reach those parents most in need of training. Other methods of delivery of first-aid information need to be evaluated.
Auditing health promotion activities in primary health care teams: an analysis of activity and suggestions for indicators of service delivery
Authors: Phair Lesley , Banyard Philip , Nield Christine
Published: March 2007

An audit of health promotion activity by primary health care teams in North Nottinghamshire was conducted in 1996/7 which collected quantitative data on the health promotion activity and qualitative data on examples of good practice. This paper reports the quantitative findings of 179 health promotion events. The analysis revealed information about the style, target group and topic of the health promotion events as well as information about the partnerships with outside agencies, and the level of co-operation between health workers. Measures of service delivery are suggested which can help develop targets for a planned and appropriate delivery of health promotion.
The influence of socio-demographic factors upon children's breaktime food consumption in North and West Belfast
Authors: Bunting Grace , Freeman Ruth
Published: March 2007

Children in primary education in Northern Ireland have a diet which is charac terised by a high consumption of fatty and sugary snacks. Evidence shows that a relationship exists between such dietary habits and socio-demography. Previous work has relied upon reports of dietary habits rather than assessing the snacks actually taken. The aim of this study was to examine how socio- demographic factors affected the actual type of breaktime snack taken by children in primary education in North and West Belfast. Four hundred and eighty-two children took part in the study. Using the 'rubbish bag' meth odology as an indicator of actual snacking behaviour, the results showed that gender and socio-economic profile of the school attended were associated with the food consumption of children at breaktime in North and West Belfast.
British Expansion in North India: The Role of the Resident in Awadh
Authors: Fisher Michael H.
Published: March 2007

Our acquisition of India was made blindly. Nothing great that has ever been done by Englishmen was done so unintentionally, so accidentally, as the conquest of India. [The Empire was acquired] in a fit of absence of mind. J. R. SEELEY
A Comparison of the Quality of Life of Severely Mentally Ill People in Uk & German Samples
Authors: Evans S. , Huxley P. , Priebe S.
Published: March 2007

The improvement of the quality of life of people with a severe mental illness is a key policy objective and an important outcome for clinical services. Drawing on cases assessed using the Lancashire Quality of Life Profile and its German transiation (The Berliner Lebensqualitatprofil), this paper explores the relationship between personal characteristics, objective well being, subjective well being and overall well being. These variables are compared in two large data sets of people with severe mental illness, one from the UK (n = 1279) and the other from Germany (n = 386). The comparison shows that UK cases have significantly lower subjective well- being in almost all life domains (except safety, living situation and employment). UK cases reported slightly but not significantly higher levels of satisfaction with employment but German cases are more often employed than their UK counter parts. The German samples reported substantially better subjective well-being ratings for health, finances, family, leisure and social life. Exploration of the predictors of overall well-being shows that in both countries depression has the effect of reducing subjective well-being scores, except in relation to work (both samples), religion (UK), finance and safety (Germany). Regression analysis confirms that age, depression and objective circumstances make a small contri bution to overall well-being but that subjective ratings in individual life domains make the major contribution. The most important individual predictors of overall well-being for the two samples combined include being a victim of crime, depres sion and satisfaction with leisure, work, health and mental health, family, living situation, finance and social contacts. Factor analysis indicates that the variance in global well-being explained in both samples combined is 36% (31% in the German samples and 38% in the UK sample).
Housing Needs of Consumers of Mental Health Services in Rural New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Lambert Gordon , Ricci Paolo , Harris Ross , Deane Frank
Published: March 2007

A survey of the housing needs of 101 people with mentally illness treated by the Central Western Area Mental Health Service were compared with data from the 1994 Australian Housing Study (Australian Bureau of Statistics). The results indicate that people with mental illness want housing similar to Australians in general. However, unemployment or very low incomes may affect their ability to realise their housing choices. Despite very low incomes most in the survey felt their rent was affordable. Preferences for housing types and factors relating to housing choice are described. The results are discussed in relation to the importance of housing in maintaining mental health.
Quality of Life — as Defined By Schizophrenic Patients and Psychiatrists
Authors: Angermeyer Matthias C. , Holzinger Anita , Kilian Reinhold , Matschinger Herbert
Published: March 2007

The aim of the study is to explore what schizophrenic patients understand by quality of life and what psychiatrists think quality of life may be like for schizophrenic patients. A survey was carried out among schizophrenic patients and psychiatrists from the whole of Germany. There are similarities and differences between the two: while both schizophrenic patients and psychiatrists recognised the importance of work, social relationships, family and independence for quality of life, patients thought about it more in terms of standard of living and lifestyle, whereas the psychiatrists' concept of quality of life was more illness-oriented encompassing the absence of handicaps and disabilities due to the illness and emphasising the importance of appropriate professional help and self-help. In order to facilitate the dialogue between psychiatrists and patients it is important to be aware of these differences.
Experiencing Personality Disorder: a Participative Research
Authors: Ramon Shulamit , Castillo Heather , Morant Nicola
Published: March 2007

As Personality Disorder continues to be a subject of intense public and professional debate, this study has explored by means of an in-depth interview the views of fifty people to whom this diagnosis has been attributed, to include: demographic data, type of personality disorder and other diagnoses; its meaning for them; how they found out about the diagnosis; its impact; related life events, and value of different types of support.

The interviewers were also people with the same diagnosis, who have been trained specifically for this purpose.

The findings highlight the mainly negative impact of the label, and the gap between the users' perception of the problems they face in the context of having this diagnosis, and professional perspectives. The likely implications of the findings for the validity and usefulness of the diagnosis are outlined.

The methodological innovation of engaging service users with personality disorder is looked at in terms of usefulness and feasibility.
Japanese Responses To the Defeat in World War Ii
Authors: Michio Kitahara
Published: March 2007

To learn about the defeat in World War II was a most intense shock to the Japanese. Various psychological responses developed, and some committed suicide. Defense mech anisms such as denial, negation, isolation, rationalization, intellectualization, and regres sion were observed. The conditions of the occupation were instrumental in letting the Japanese identify with the Occupation Forces in general and General MacArthur in part icular, and identification with the aggressor soon became the most important defense mechanism to deal with the shock of the defeat.

To learn about the defeat in a war is to be placed in an extreme condition which can not be created experimentally. The crisis is extraordinary and the shock is immense. Furthermore, it is not a small number of people who are in such a condition; the residents in the defeated country offer a very unusual opportunity for understanding human beings in large numbers in a state of an intense shock. The purpose of this paper is to ex amine Japanese reactions and responses upon learning about the defeat in World War II in 1945.
Role Demands, Privacy and Psychological Well-Being
Authors: Collette John
Published: March 2007

Data from a 1973-74 survey and a five year follow-up survey in 1979, both conducted in New Zealand, are analyzed with regard to gender differences in role obligations, privacy and psychological well-being. The findings support the hypothesis that women are the primary providers of nurturance to family members. Women, more than men reported reductions in privacy because of their role obligations. Reduced privacy in turn caused a reduction in psychological well-being.

Les données de l'enquête de 1973-74, et ceux d'une autre en 1979, poursuivie pendant 5 ans sont analysées. Les deux enquêtes réalisees à la Nouvelle Zelande. Ces données concernent les differences entre les sexes quant aux rôles d'obligation, l'intimité et le bien-être psychologique. Les conclusions soutiennent l'hypothèse selon laquelle les femmes sont les principales fournisseuses de soins aux membres de la famille. L'intimité des femmes est réduite plus que les hommes; ceçi étant dû aux r6les d'obligation. L'intimité diminuée, à son tour provoque une baisse dans le bien-être psychologique.
Cross-Cultural Comparison: Psychiatric Admission of Asian and Indigenous Patients in Leicestershire
Authors: Shaikh Amanullah
Published: March 2007

Sixty-nine Asian patients were admitted to the psychiatric hospitals of Leicester shire in 1978. A case-note comparison was made with sixty-nine matched indigenous control patients. Four aspects were studied in particular, which showed:

a) There was no significant difference in the number of compulsory admissions between Asian and indigenous patients.

b) The two groups did not differ in their length of stay in hospital.

c) The diagnoses given to the Asian patients were significantly different from those of the control group.

d) Major treatment received by the two groups differed according to the diag nostic labels but there was slightly increased use of Electro-convulsive Therapy in the Asian patients with a diagnosis of Schizophrenia.
Koro: How Culturally Specific?
Authors: Malinick Charles , Flaherty Joseph A. , Jobe Thomas
Published: March 2007

Koro has been described as an acute anxiety state related to the fear of penile shrinkage into the abdomen with resultant death. This partial depersonalization disorder is found primarily among the people of the Malay Archipelago and Southern Chinese, with extremely rare incidences documented in the West. The symptomology of Koro is commonly siad to be linked to ancient Chinese medical beliefs on sexual functioning and is therefore referred to as a culturally bound syndrome. Our paper summarized the case of an American male with Koro-like symptoms. It compares the Western concept of penis loss to the Chinese or Malaysian concept, and then proposes a combined hypothesis for the development of Koro.
The Migration Of Culture-Bound Syndromes Delivered at the VIIth World Congress of Psychiatry, Vienna 1983
Authors: Littlewood Roland
Published: March 2007

A longitudinal social and anthropological comparison between culture-bound syndromes which have 'migrated' to industrialised countries and the classical disorders described in Europe may offer an alternative to methods of classification based solely on phenomenology.
Socio-Economic Status and Mental Disorder— Profile of a Nigerian Psychiatric Inpatient Population
Authors: Ihezue U.H. , Kumaraswamy N. , Onuora A.N.
Published: March 2007

A study of the socio-economic and diagnostic profile of psychiatric patients treated at a mental hospital in Nigeria over a period of six months was conducted. Schizophrenia, organic psychosis, and mental sub-normality were found to have been diagnosed more often among under privileged persons from lower socio-economic classes; while affective disorder (manic depression) and neurotic illness were commoner among persons from economically more fortunate higher social classes. Males-exceeded females in the cohort and the patients generally exhibited upward social mobility when compared with their parents. Possible socio-cultural factors contributing to the findings have been discussed. A suggestion is made for a more elaborate field work to study the relationship between socio-economic class and psychopathology in a developing country like Nigeria.
The Social Identity of the Chronic Schizophrenic
Authors: Hooks Paul C. , Levin Jeffrey S.
Published: March 2007

Using ethnographic research methods in a sample of institutionalized male schizophrenics, an emic typology of patient social indentities was derived. Interview and observational data yielded three general status classes comprising thirteen associated identities: killer, fighter, assaultive person, fag, rapist, doper, drunk, victim, con, nut, weirdo, snitch, and disoriented. An individual's social identity varied depending upon his current setting within the hospital (official, private, patient-staff interaction, or outside). This emic-derived typology is con trasted with the etic typologies which dominate the literature (e.g. Goffman, Salisbury and Henry), and the importance of ethnographic study in social psychiatry is highlighted.
Attitudes Toward Homosexuality: a Cross Cultural Analysis of Predictors
Authors: Jensen Larry , Gambles David , Olsen Joe
Published: March 2007

An accepting attitude toward homosexuality was studied in Spain, England, and Ger many using samples of 2160, 1167, and 1296 respectively rendering a total sample size of 4623. A multiple regression analysis was used to demonstrate that approval of homosexuality could be predicted from basic demographics, family background, religious and political values. A causal model is introduced with demographic and family variables thought to first influence religion and political values and that these values would then directly impact on the acceptance of the belief that homosexuality can be justified.
Psychiatric Admissions for Alcoholism, Neuroses and Schizophrenia in Rural and Urban Ireland
Authors: Keatinge Carolyn
Published: March 2007

A comparison of psychiatric admissions (1978-1980), from two Irish representative rural and urban communities, indicated no significant intercommunity difference in incidence rates for alcoholism and schizophrenia but significantly higher urban first admissions for neuroses. Total admissions data indicated significantly higher urban readmission rates for alcoholism and neuroses. In contrast to earlier research, read mission rates for schizophrenia were equivalent in the rural and urban community. Several methodological issues were examined to clarify this divergent finding. A demographic comparison indicated rural schizophrenics were admitted at a later age and were more frequently readmitted. The implications of these findings and direc tions for future research on hospital utilization were discussed.
Admission To General Hospital Psychiatric Wards in Italy
Authors: De Girolamo Giovanni , Mors Ole , Grandi Lucia , Ardigo Walter , Munk-Jørgensen Povl
Published: March 2007

In Italy the 1978 Reform Law established that all psychiatric admissions had to take place in the General Hospital Psychiatric Wards (GHPW). In 1984 a national survey found a national rate of 0.05 GHPW beds per thousand population. However, for several reasons, in Italy very few studies have been carried out on the inpatient popula tion. In this paper we analyse all the patients admitted to the two GHPWs in Cremona, Lombardy Region, during 1986. Males were generally younger than females. The large majority of patients studied lived with relatives and had completed only elemen tary education; 1/3 of all the inpatients were employed, 1/3 retired or with social security disability and ¼ housewives. About 25% of them were at the first ever psychiatric admission, and a significant difference was found for the age of the first admission, being higher in females. Concerning the diagnosis, a significant sex difference was found only for depressive neurosis and alcohol related disorders. The need for a better understanding of the role and the functions of the new GHPWs in the Italian psychiatric scene is emphasized.
Measuring Patient Satisfaction With Life in a Long-Stay Psychiatric Hospital
Authors: Macdonald Lea , Sibbald Bonnie , Hoare Chris
Published: March 2007

A survey of patient satisfaction with physical and social conditions was carried out in the long-stay wards of a large inner city psychiatric hospital in London, Britain. Patient satisfaction was assessed by means of an administered questionnaire which was developed specifically for this purpose. Factor analysis identified eight com ponents of patient satisfaction. Of 143 eligible patients, 104 (73%) successfully completed the interview. Responses showed that patients were generally satisfied with life in the hospital, although levels of satisfaction varied significantly among wards. The factors causing greatest dissatisfaction related to failure to be treated as individuals and to feelings of isolation and apathy. Our findings showed that patients can express views about their conditions which should be useful in planning improvements in care. The questionnaire proved a simple and effective method of measuring satisfaction and may be useful to others concerned with improving the quality of the environment of patients.
Culture and Mental Illness in Algeria
Authors: Al-Issa Ihsan
Published: March 2007

The main aim of this article is to review research and observations on the associa tion between cultural factors and the rates and symptoms of mental illness in Algeria. In addition to traditional concepts and practices, modern psychiatric services and the classification of mental illness are discussed. Research on depression, schizophrenia, drug-abuse and alcoholism are reported. Two major sociocultural fac tors related to mental illness are emphasised: the Muslim religion and social changes during both the colonial and post-colonial eras. Many culture-specific family stresses are also related to mental illness.
DSM-III in the Training of British Psychiatrists: a National Survey
Authors: Macaskill N. , Geddes J. , Macaskill A.
Published: March 2007

All 223 psychiatric clinical tutors in the UK were surveyed on their use of DSM-111 in their postgraduate training programmes. Results indicate that DSM-III is widely used in clinical training to some extent in the majority of schemes (73%) and in the schemes where it is used it is rated as moderately useful by nearly everyone (93%). DSM-III is generally perceived to have positive effects on learning basic elements of psychopathology and in offering a common language for diagnostic discussion. Interestingly only 16% of users felt that DSM-III was so complicated that it impeded rather than facilitated the teaching of diagnosis. Few schemes provide specific teaching courses and case conferences provide the major forum for teaching DSM- III.
Social Burden of Positive and Negative Schizophrenia
Authors: Raj Lok , Kulhara Parmanand , Avasthi Ajit
Published: March 2007

Sixty patients diagnosed as 'positive' or 'negative' schizophrenics were studied to evaluate social burden experienced by a key relative. The study had a prospective design and the patients were followed for a period of six months. At the time of initial assessments, in the 'positive schizophrenia' group, no significant correlation between ratings on psychopathology and social burden was observed, although at the end of the period of follow-up significant reductions in ratings on psychopatho logy and social burden as well as significant correlation between severity of psychopathology and burden of care were noted. In the 'negative schizophrenia' group, the severity of psychopathology and social burden were significantly correlated, but at the end of six months no significant change either in severity of psychopathology or social burden emerged.
The Community Meeting: a Review
Authors: Ng M.L.
Published: March 2007

Community meetings are conducted in many psychiatric units and institutions. The formats, methods and theoretical backgrounds of the meetings however are very diversified. Most of the claims for beneficial effects are based on clinical impressions or indirect observations. The few structured studies that have been performed show that community meetings have the effect of reducing unfavorable ward incidents, especially aggressive ones. Much research remains to be done to confirm these findings and to elucidate the basic ingredients of the community meeting in providing beneficial effects.
Stealing in Bulimia Nervosa
Authors: Rowston W.M. , Lacey J. Hubert
Published: March 2007

This clinical study examines the prevalence of stealing and the personal and behavioural factors which distinguish stealing and non-stealing behaviour in a population of 312 female normal-weight bulimics. Bulimic patients who stole had poorer early interpersonal relationships, earlier onset of sexual feelings with greater subsequent sexual activity and increased illicit drug use. The suggestion is made that stealing is a marker of severity. In addition, bulimics who stole appeared to exhibit more obsessional qualities with increased ritualisation.
The Impact of the Economy on Suicide and Homicide Rates in Japan and the United States
Authors: Lester David , Motohashi Yutaka , Yang Bijou
Published: March 2007

A time series study of socioeconomic correlates of suicide and homicide in Japan and the USA from 1953 to 1982 revealed cross-national differences. Divorce rates were positively associated with rates of personal violence in the USA but negatively associated with these rates in Japan. Unemployment and female labor force participation also correlated differently with rates of personal violence in the two nations suggesting that different theories may be necessary to account for the variation in rates of personal violence in different societies.
The Impact of Diagnosis Related Group Profitability on the Skimming and Dumping of Psychiatric Diagnosis Related Groups
Authors: Long Michael J. , Fleming Steven T. , Chesney James D.
Published: March 2007

Psychiatric DRGs are identified in terms of their relative profitability within each hospital of a 386 hospital cohort. It is then determined whether hospitals admitted more of the more profitable and fewer of the less profitable patients over the period 1983-1987 (skimming). Also determined is whether hospitals discharged more of the less profitable to other short term hospitals over that same period of time (dumping). The findings generally indicate that this did not happen.