bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An evaluation of dental health education for parent craft groups
Authors: Griffiths C.S. , Jenner A.M.
Published: March 2007

A questionnaire was devised to evaluate two differ ent dental health presentations given at parentcraft classes held at a large maternity hospital in Chester. Attenders at the two classes — a talk, and a tape/slide presentation - and one control group, completed a questionnaire on their knowledge of dental health before and after the classes. Baseline knowledge was found to be patchy, and not much improved follow ing the classes. This underlines the need for pro gramme planning and evaluation.
Return of the topic
Authors: Dorn Nicholas , South Nigel
Published: March 2007

There is no shortage of drug education in the mass media, and in youth training schemes and schools. The danger is that drugs are being focused on as a topic in isolation, when a broader approach maybe more productive.
Planning the curriculum
Authors: Balding John
Published: March 2007

DURING the past five years, the HEC Schools Health Education Unit has processed health-related behaviour data from over 300 secondary schools in the UK, involving more than 50,000 pupils. These data have been collected using a well-researched enquiry instrument, the Health-Related Behaviour Questionnaire, now in its 10th version.

By studying the health-related behaviour 'profile' of its pupils, a school is able to make more informed judgements about curriculum content than are possible by relying on intuition or hearsay.
Information services and health promotion
Authors: Gann Robert
Published: March 2007

Effective health promotion depends on a broad information base and with the help of new technology, librarians are responding to the challenge. Robert Gann introduces a new series of articles by health information specialists which describe some of the information services available in the field of health promotion, and suggest ways in which they may best be used.
Aids — health education has a vital role
Authors: Griffiths Colin
Published: March 2007

At the recent World Congress on Aids, new information about the disease and about trends further emphasised the importance of health education in trying to limit its spread. Projections for the future in the USA make grim reading. During the first five years of the epidemic, from 1981 to 1986, approximately 35,000 people developed Aids. Over the next five years, it is estimated that there will be 235,000 new cases. Most of those people are infected now, but the total number of people with the infection in the USA has been estimated atbetween one and one and half million.
Training about Aids
Authors: Panter David
Published: March 2007

Aids could lead to a general improvement in health care, with better training and safer practices, argues a pioneer health authority adviser.
Drinking wisely in London
Authors: Bunton Robin , Cyster Richard
Published: March 2007

WHILE Government policy remains ambivalent to alcohol use in the 1980s, there are significant changes in campaigning methods, witnessed by the emergence of 'Drinkwise' events in different parts of the country. The current increased vigour and change in style is evident in 'London Drinkwise Week' which has run for four successive years. Last year the Health Education Authority published its evaluation of the 1986 campaign,1 drawing out some of the lessons to be learned from this approach to campaigning. This article summarises its findings, and comments on this approach to promotion of sensible drinking.
Patients' knowledge of diabetes: an area for concern
Authors: Manning L.V. , Lee J.A.
Published: March 2007

IN order to comply with the regimens which give them the best chance of a healthy life, it is essential for diabetics to have a sound understanding of their illness and its treatment. We used a questionnaire to assess interest in and knowledge of diabetes in dia betic adults attending a district general hospital dia betic outpatient clinic over a three month period. Procedures and facilities for patient education were similar to those found in many district hospitals. The results show that many patients had only a poor understanding of their disorder and the treatment they were receiving. On the whole, insulin treated diabetics, who tend to have more time spent with them, were better informed than those treated with oral hypoglycaemic agents or with diet alone. This study demonstrates the difficulty of achieving an acceptable level of awareness and understanding in a diabetic population. Regular use of a simple ques tionnaire in the outpatient department and in the GP's surgery could be a useful method for identifying problem areas.
Healthy cities, healthy participation
Authors: Adams Lee
Published: March 2007

THIS paper outlines some of the issues and imper atives in community participation, one of the WHO Health for All principles, with particular reference to the Healthy Cities Network in the UK. It focuses on key issues in participation as part of health promo tion, examining why participation is important and the degree of participation that exists, the involve ment of black and ethnic minority groups, and exist ing expertise in the community health movement. A number of dilemmas within participation are dis cussed, including professionalisation versus the need to value citizens's skills and knowledge, and encouraging participation by those experiencing disadvantage.
Economic rationalism, healthism and school health education
Authors: Colquhoun Derek
Published: March 2007

SCHOOL health education is too much based on indi vidualism, a trend due to economic necessities for saving health budgets rather than an analysis of the factors which lead to ill-health. A new form of eman cipatory health education is proposed.
Immunisation in Fife Part I — Health professional attitudes towards MMR vaccine two years on
Authors: Walker Drew
Published: March 2007

TO evaluate the effectiveness of a professional edu cational programme on Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccine in Fife, a survey of all doctors and health visitors involved in immunisation was under taken two years after the vaccine was introduced. The survey achieved an excellent response rate, and found a high level of satisfaction with the pro gramme. This study has shown that high vaccine uptake can be guaranteed if an adequate education programme is undertaken with health professionals.
Health education and the inappropriate use of accident and emergency departments: the views of accident and emergency nurses
Authors: Green Judith , Dale Jeremy
Published: March 2007

PATIENTS who refer themselves to accident and emergency (A&E) departments with primary care problems are generally described as making inap propriate use of the service. Health education in vari ous forms has been widely advocated as a means of reducing this misuse. One suggestion is that the pub lic be given clear guidelines about appropriate re sponses to health problems. A questionnaire was developed to examine the views of A&E nurses on inappropriate attendance. These were assessed, and case vignettes simulating A&E patient presenta tions were used to measure the level of agreement about the inappropriate use of A&E. The results sug gest that nurses view health education as important, but their response to the case vignettes also suggests that consensus about the definition of the 'appropri ateness' of A&E attendance may be limited. The dis agreement evident amongst experienced A&E nursing staff makes it highly unlikely that written guidelines for the public could be developed in any thing but the broadest of terms.
Multidimensional health locus of control beliefs of health promotion officers
Authors: Eachus Peter
Published: March 2007

HEALTH locus of control beliefs, conceptualised in terms of multidimensional health locus of control, were assessed in a group of 60 health promotion officers working in the North Western Region Health Authority. Measures of internal, powerful others and chance health locus of control beliefs were obtained and comparisons made with UK norms. Significant differences in the health belief dimensions were found and it is suggested that these differences may be important for preventive health strategies adopted by those professionals involved in health promotion activities.
Teaching about cancer - an evaluation of a cancer education resource
Authors: Carey Philip
Published: March 2007

THIS study examines teachers' reaction to, and use of, a cancer education resource, Teaching about Can cer. The booklet was mailed to 1,260 English second ary schools in October 1989 and an evaluation questionnaire was sent out the following February. Analysis of the results showed that, Teaching about Cancer, was most often used with pre-GCSE pupils of average to above average ability, where it was rated good or very good. Most often this resource was used in the biological sciences or personal, social and health education areas of the curriculum. Teachers considered the bookletto be useful or very useful for these topics. The evaluation revealed that all ele ments of design (overall design, content, colour, illustrations, quality and pupil activities) were rated very highly. Over half the respondents had never pre viously used any other cancer education materials.
Encouraging smoking policies in restaurants
Authors: Fakher-Eldin N.
Published: March 2007

THIS study quantifies the extent of smoking policies in eating places in Northampton District Health Authority and examines the effectiveness of the sur vey method in stimulating further policy development.
Aids: knowledge, attitudes and reported sexual behaviour among students in West Glamorgan
Authors: Kaul Ruby , Stephens John
Published: March 2007

A SURVEY was carried out among a representative sample of college students in West Glamorgan dis trict in 1989, to assess their level of knowledge of human immunodeficiency virus infection, their atti tudes, and their reported sexual behaviour. The levels of knowledge of modes of infection and its course were good, although a few areas of confusion over transmission routes were expressed — such as donating blood and mosquito bites. Most of the students were aware of preventive measures but a significant minority believed coitus interruptus and spermicidal cream could also prevent HIV infection. Many did not express sympathy for people with Aids. An overwhelming majority expressed a need for sex education in secondary schools.
Perceptions of the nurse teacher: an empirical study
Authors: Wilson A. , Startup R.
Published: March 2007

TO assess the contribution of the nurse teacher to general nurse training prior to the introduction of Project 2000, information was gathered from stu dents and staff in three Welsh nurse education centres. The ability to communicate and friendliness were among the qualities valued in a teacher. Stu dents particularly felt that teaching should also re late effectively to the realities of ward life, but there was relatively little contact with teachers in the clinical area. Students were sometimes subjected to incompatible expectations and there were differing 'school' and 'ward' ways of performing skills. Within a more unified system of professional socialisation, teachers may need to possess greater clinical credibility.
Community nurses' attitudes to health promotion in one regional health authority
Authors: Littlewood J.
Published: March 2007

A postal survey of all community nurses in North East Thames Regional Health Authority was carried out in April 1989 to explore their attitudes to health promotion and disease prevention. They supported the notion that GPs, community nurses and govern ment should make health promotion a higher pri ority, but identified practical constraints such as lack of time to carry it out effectively. The nurses were divided in their view about opportunistic health pro motion with 50 per cent of district nurses and 43 per cent of health visitors expressing the view that patients get annoyed if asked about behaviour such as smoking when it is not related to their presenting problem. This finding has implications for the debate concerning the use of opportunistic health pro motion methods versus specific clinics.
Parents' attitudes towards immunisation in Wales according to socio-economic group: a preliminary investigation
Authors: Bennett Paul , Smith Christopher
Published: March 2007

A SAMPLE of 228 parents and care-givers in a Welsh valley community responded to a structured inter view by giving their understanding of, and attitudes towards, various aspects of immunisation. The data were analysed according to the socio-economic sta tus (SES) of respondents. A consistent trend towards lower reported uptake of immunisation was found amongst the lower SES groups, although this was only significant for pertussis and mumps, measles and rubbella (MMR). Perceived risks and benefits of immunisation did not differ according to SES. How ever, respondents in the lower SES groups consist ently rated immunisation as less important than those in the higher SES groups. Concern about long- term negative health consequences was found for all vaccines, in particular pertussis. Many respondents withdrew their child from immunisation as a result of negative experiences of previous injections. The implications of these findings are discussed.
A study of self-esteem, motivation and perceived barriers to participation in sport and exercise among secondary school pupils
Authors: Kincey J. , Amir Z. , Gillespie B. , Carleton E. , Theaker T.
Published: March 2007

IN March 1992 a pilot survey was undertaken to col lect data on the views of Year 10 (14-15-year-old) secondary-school children in Manchester, to dis cover what motivates and what prevents them from taking part in sporting activities. They were also asked about which sports they preferred to do. Relationships between these variables and their self-esteem were examined. Motivation contained elements of intrinsic enjoyment and social partici pation. Exercise was not deliberately used to reduce stress, but its stress-reducing effects were clearly identified. Barriers to participation were both psychological and practical in nature. High levels of self-esteem were associated with few perceived bar riers to participation. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings for health promotion and education are discussed.
Lone mothers: their health and lifestyle
Authors: Reeves Jane , Kendrick Denise , Denman Susan , Roberts Heather
Published: March 2007

The number of families headed by lone mothers in Great Britain is increasing and many of these women and their children live in situations of socio-economic disadvantage. Much published work on this issue has concentrated on the health of children of lone parents. The recent interest in health and lifestyle surveys provides an opportunity to assess self- perceived health and lifestyle factors among lone mothers. This paper presents the results of such a survey in the Trent Region in 1992. The major findings are that lone mothers in this survey suffered more socio-economic disadvantage, were younger and had a higher prevalence of smoking than mothers living with partners. They perceived themselves to be less happy, more likely to be stressed by relationships, housing, money problems and sexual harassment. They also perceived themselves to have less access to practical and emotional support and felt that their health would be improved by employment, more money and a less stressful life. Such data may be useful at a local level for developing policies on health promotion and for lobbying members of healthy alliances to develop policies on housing and childcare which do not further disadvan tage such women and their children.
Interactive health promotion in the community pharmacy
Authors: Hesketh Anne , Lindsay George , Harden Ronald
Published: March 2007

Community pharmacists are well placed to have a role in health pro motion. Most pharmacists already provide advice on health — either on a one-to-one basis through counselling, or through displaying leaflets. This paper reports on a practical system which helped pharmacists provide patients with individualised information relevant to their needs. Pharmacy customers with upper gastrointestinal disease received information booklets and a lifestyle questionnaire. After computer analysis of the completed questionnaire, pharmacists gave patients a personalised letter of advice. This method was used and studied in seven pharmacies for six months, after which patients and pharmacists were interviewed. Results confirmed that pharmacists have a clear role to play in health promotion. Patients were ready to receive lifestyle advice in areas not normally considered part of the traditional pharmacist's remit.
Community perceptions of bowel cancer: a survey of Queenslanders
Authors: Lowe JB , Balanda KP , Gillespie AM , Stanton WR , Anderson PJ
Published: March 2007

Bowel cancer is the third most common cancer in Australia. The Australian Cancer Society has set a national goal 'to exploit prevention opportunities and to increase early detection'. To address this goal, information about community perceptions is required. Through the use of a Delphi process, a questionnaire was developed to investigate community knowledge, attitudes and beliefs regarding primary prevention and early detection activities. This paper describes the results of a postal survey of a random sample of 855 Queensland adults selected from electoral rolls. Results indicate that there is a high level of uncertainty about bowel cancer and a belief that many behaviours are related to bowel cancer. While 74 per cent believed that tests could detect bowel cancer, only 52 per cent were confident that a doctor could accurately diagnose it. Only 35 per cent agreed that the public should be screened for bowel cancer and only 10 per cent would get a check-up. Perhaps reflecting the degree of uncertainty among health professionals about bowel cancer, there appears to be a high level of misinformation and confusion in the community. The need for an educational programme to address these issues is discussed.
Combining methods in health promotion research: some considerations about appropriate use
Authors: Milburn Kathryn , Fraser Elizabeth , Secker Jenny , Pavis Stephen
Published: March 2007

This paper in the research methods series critically assesses the use of combined methods in health promotion research. A selection of pos sibilities for combining methods is described and examples given. The paper invites reflection on the assumption that a combination of quantita tive and qualitative methods will inevitably produce the most reliable and valid research results. A more critical approach in health promotion research is suggested based on consideration of issues of epistemology, methodology and practical application. The paper advocates that research reports address and analyse the contradictions as well as the compatibilities involved in the production of data using combined methods approaches.
Healthy alliances and social action broadcasting: assessment of a local radio project
Authors: Sommerlad EA , Robbins A.
Published: March 2007

The Listen To Your Heart (LTYH) project is an example of a 'healthy alliance' between district health authorities in the West Midlands, a local radio station and the Health Education Authority. The project had a number of innovative features - institutional, educational and organisa tional — which underpinned its social action broadcasting approach to health-related lifestyle changes, This paper focuses mainly on the organisa tional aspect of innovation, involving health professionals as co-designers and co-producers of health promotion materials in partnership with broadcasters and other media professionals, and the development of their competence in using the mass media.
An evaluation of the effectiveness of three interventions in promoting physical activity in a sedentary population
Authors: Loughlan Christopher , Mutrie Nanette
Published: March 2007

This study set out to test the effectiveness of three different types of exercise intervention; fitness assessment, exercise consultation and Hifor mation only. Sedentary subjects were recruited using a stages-of-change questionnaire and randomly assigned to one of the three intervention groups. One dependent variable was physical activity measured by a self-report seven-day-recall questionnaire. Physical activity levels increased significantly (p< 0.001) irrespective of intervention. Some of the increase was maintained over a six-month period though there was some decline in the last three months. In terms of adoption of exercise, simply giving information in a supportive environment was a relatively low-cost inter vention. There was some evidence to support the view that exercise consultation was effective in helping subjects maintain initial increases in physical activity levels. Maintenance of initial adoption, however, requires ongoing support.
What primary school teachers think of drugs education in their school
Authors: Dawson Nona
Published: March 2007

This paper examines teachers' views of drugs education in primary schools as indicated by the findings of a survey of primary schools (including through primary schools, junior schools and infant schools) in the former County of Avon.

Teachers responding to this survey wanted good in-service support, and publications that can be easily understood and used in the classroom.

Teachers expressed the need for support in teaching children at Key Stage 1, that is, for children aged 5 to 7 years. Older children currently receive the bulk of attention. Respondents were divided over the need for teaching infant-school children specifically about illegal drugs. Over half felt that such children were too young. However, over 90 per cent felt that drugs education should begin before secondary school.

Schools were generally optimistic about the potential impact of drugs education on young people's drug use. However they overwhelmingly stated that schools should not be seen as the sole source of drugs education for young people.
A 'five-a-day' fruit and vegetable pack for primary school children. Part I : development and pre-testing
Authors: Boaz Annette , Ziebland Sue
Published: March 2007

As part of the preparation for a trial of an intervention to increase fruit and vegetable intake, a pack containing a fridge chart and associated materials has been developed. The development was overseen by the researchers who conducted a series of focus groups in which different stages of the design were pre-tested. The materials were redesigned in close collaboration with nutritionists and designers. This paper reports the development of the pack, from initial testing of a chart produced by a US company, to the final version. The companion paper (in this issue) reports on the controlled pilot evaluation of the packs in two primary schools in Lothian.
Can audiovisual presentations be used to provide health education at primary health care facilities in South Africa?
Authors: Mathews Catherine , Ellison George , Guttmacher Sally , Reisch Nikki , Goldstein Susan
Published: March 2007

This study assessed the feasibility and potential effectiveness of using audiovisual presentations in the waiting rooms of busy South African primary health care clinics, to educate patients about STD prevention and treatment. A 24-minute episode of South Africa's popular soap opera, Soul City was played continuously during three consecutive days in the clinic waiting areas. The storyline of the episode chosen was intended to convey key health messages regarding the prevention and treatment of STDs. The research was conducted at four primary health care clinics serving large, poor peri-urban townships in South Africa. Observations of patient behaviour were made, and a random selection of patients were interviewed on exit. A focus-group discussion was held with all of the clinic staff at each clinic site, to assess staff atti tudes towards the use of such audiovisual presentations as part of their future routine duties. The mean proportion of patients who were observed watching the video at any one time varied from 34 to 64 per cent at all four clinics. Based on exit inter views, the presentation was seen by 88.2 per cent of patients attending all four clinics, and its STD content was recognised by 91.5 per cent of those who had seen it. Over 90 per cent of patients found the presentation helpful and interesting. Clinic staff described the use of video-mediated education as a solution to the problem of inad equate health education, and there was unanimous support for it. In future, it will be important to evaluate whether such audiovisual presentations can be effective in improving patients' knowledge and attitudes, and changing their behaviour, without compromising important interactions between clinicians and patients.
Development and Validation of the Workshop Behavior Checklist: a Scale for Assessing Work Performance of People with Severe Mental Illness
Authors: Tsang Hector , Ip Yee Chiu
Published: March 2007

The Workshop Behavior Checklist is a standardized assessment instrument to assess the work performance of people with severe mental illness using the situational assessment approach. It is modified from the Behavior Identification Form developed by the Material Development Center. The modification process was conducted by enlisting input from mental health professionals ( n = 150) and potential employers of discharged patients with mental illness ( n = 31) by ques tionnaires specially designed for this purpose. The results of these questionnaires were then analyzed by an expert panel consisting of 10 therapists and one psychiatrist working in relevant fields. Altogether 14 items in general behaviors, vocational behaviors, and social behaviors were selected. In addition, a new version of the checklist together with its rating guidelines were designed. Explora tory factor analysis (n = 112) shows that all 14 items fit well into a four-factor model explaining 67.2% of total variance, which is in line with the original design of the revised checklist. Cronbach alpha analysis shows that the revised checklist has acceptable to very good internal consistency (.51 to .84) and intraclass correlation coefficients indicate that it has good to excellent inter-rater (.57 to .81) and test-retest (.86 to .94) reliability. Clinical implications and further research are discussed.
Child Mental Health Problems in Arab Children: Application of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire
Authors: Thabet A.A. , Stretch D. , Vostanis P.
Published: March 2007

Aim: This study aimed at establishing the mental health profile among 322 Arab children living in the Gaza strip.

Method: Children were selected in four age bands, i.e. 3,6,11 and 16 years of age. The relevant forms of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was completed by parents, teachers and 16-year-olds.

Results: Factor analyses of the parent-related questionnaires identified similar general factors as in the UK-based studies of validating the SDQ. Certain items did not load as highly on the general factors, i.e. distractability, feeling scared, feeling unhappy, stealing, and being picked or bullied. Emotional problems items were rated differently in the pre-school group (aches, nervousness-clinging, worries) than in previous studies. Using previous optimal cut-off scores, parent SDQs revealed higher rates of children with emotional and conduct problems falling above the 90th centile established in the UK sample, but lower rates according to self-report SDQs by 16-year-olds.

Conclusions: Western categories of mental health problems did not clearly emerge from the factor analysis. The main difference from western epidemiological studies appeared to operate in parents' perceptions of emotional problems in pre school children. The SDQ is very promising as a screening measure or rating scale in different cultural populations. However, future research should identify and establish indigenously meaningful constructs within this population and culture, and subsequently revise measures of child mental health problems.
The Linkages Between Gender and Victimhood
Authors: Heru Alison M.
Published: March 2007

Victimhood, it is argued, is a term that is preferentially applied to and adopted by women. Victimhood is not a psychiatric diagnosis although psychological factors, such as gender development and sociological factors influence the acquisition of the victim role. This article reviews the sociological and psychological contributions to the labeling of a person as "victim." Victimhood is relevant to psychiatry because psychiatric patients often describe themselves, or are described as victims. Victimhood is generally seen as a negative identification, but this article will argue that identification as a victim is the first step in identifying the need for services.
Psychiatric Diagnosis and the Oppression of Women
Authors: Russell Denise
Published: March 2007

The system of psychiatric diagnosis which has recently been adopted by most western coun tries has features, which in various ways, work against the interests of women. This is important as the diagnostic scheme is not a theoretical work which will lay gathering dust on the bookshelves in medical libraries, it is a practical tool which forms the basis for the categorization of 'the insane'. Once the label has been assigned, it is then quite likely that the person labelled will be encouraged or even forced to have certain treatments. This may cause disquiet if the initial labelling is suspect. The purpose of this article is to reveal problems lurking beneath the surface of this moderately bland-looking system of psychiatric diagnosis and to show how the Scheme may help perpetuate the oppression of women.
Social Adjustment in Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Authors: Khanna Sumant , Rajendra P.N. , Channabasavanna S.M.
Published: March 2007

The Social Adjustment Scale-Self Report was administered to 32 subjects with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and age-sex matched controls. The patients had global impairment, especially during leisure, which correlated with severity of the disorder. The improvement of this impairment with therapy is highlighted. It is stressed that social adjustment in Obsessive Compulsive Disorder subjects should be con sidered during their therapy.
Psychiatric Service Utilization Differences By Sex and Locale
Authors: Gift Thomas E. , Zastowny Thomas R.
Published: March 2007

Underutilization of psychiatric services by men relative to women may reflect discrepancies between the male sex role in Western societies and the patient role. We hypothesize that this will be more important in a rural than a nonrural setting for two reasons. First, the relative lack of anonymity in a rural setting makes more evident incongruities between sex role conventions and actual behaviour. Second, because of the increased cultural heterogeneity of urban areas, traditional sex roles are less clearly delineated.

These considerations suggest that the ratio of males to females receiving treat ment in a rural setting should be lower than in a nonrural setting.

It was found that for treated incidence the ratio of males to females was significantly lower in a rural than in a non-rural setting (p<.01); for treated prevalence a lower male to female ratio was found in the rural than the nonrural setting, although this did not achieve statistical significance.
Ethnicity and Sex as Correlates of Depression Symptoms in a Canadian University Sample
Authors: Dion Kenneth L. , Giordano Cathy
Published: March 2007

Differences in the extent of depression symptoms were explored in a sample of Canadian university students representing Anglo-Celtic, South European, North Euro pean, East European, South Asian, and East Asian ethnocultural backgrounds in Toronto, one of the world's most ethnically diverse cities. Consistent with expectations, sex and ethnic differences in the self-reported strength of depression symptoms, as measured by the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), were found. Women scored higher overall on total BDI scores and were proportionally more apt to be classified as mildly depressed (by having scored 10 or more on the BDI) than men. Similarly, as regards ethnicity, students from South Asian and South European ethnic backgrounds scored higher on the BDI and were also more likely to be classifiable as mildly depressed than those from either East European or Anglo-Celtic backgrounds. An explanation emphasizing the role of societal discrimination in producing feelings of learned helplessness and subsequent depression is proposed to account for the sex and ethnic differences in depression symptoms we and others have observed.
Evaluation of Psychiatric Morbidity Following an Earthquake
Authors: Papadatos Yiannis , Nikou Kostas , Potamianos Grigoris
Published: March 2007

Greece has been characterized by high earthquake in comparison not only with Mediterranean countries, but also with many parts of Eurasia. In the present study an assessment of the psychiatric morbidity was carried out in the city of Kalamata, Greece, two weeks after the earthquake in September, 1986.

A random sample of residents divided into three categories was assessed. The participating groups consisted of 205 adults, 172 high school students and 69 adult outpatients who suffered from minor pathological problems or proceeded for a check up without being necessarily ill.

The Langner and CES-D scales were administered for the population assessment. Detailed statistical analysis revealed that the earthquake had significant psychological effects and caused a considerable degree of depression in all groups.

According to the Langner Scale, 31.3% of the general population, 11.6% of the students and 40.6% of the patients exhibited 10 or more symptoms on the Langner scale indicating severe disturbance. Also 50.9% of the whole sample exhibited 6 or more symptoms indicating serious disturbance.

In the CES-D scale, 79% of the general population, 69.2% of students and 75% of the outpatients exhibited 16 or more symptoms, or 74,6% of the whole sample.

The observed difference between general population and students is significant on Langner scale (p<0.001) and on CES-D scale (p<0.025). The major symptoms in all groups were prevalence of severe psychiatric symptomatology, anxiety, psychosomatic disorders and depression.
Psychotropic Drug Prescribing to Chronic Schizophrenics in a Hong Kong Hospital
Authors: Chiu Helen F.K. , Shum P.S. , Lam C.W.
Published: March 2007

There is little information on the prescription practice for chronic schizophrenics, especially in Asia. A survey in a mental hospital in Hong Kong revealed a high mean daily dose of antipsychotics and a high frequency of use of anticholinergic drugs. The significance of these findings is discussed.
Schizophrenia in British Afro-Caribbeans: Two Debates Confused?
Authors: Ineichen Bernard
Published: March 2007

The concept and aetiology of schizophrenia remain controversial issues. Epidemi ological studies reveal considerable variations in rates of diagnosed cases between groups. British Afro-Caribbeans show high rates. At the same time, their psychiatric experience is marked by a high level of conflict with the psychiatric services. The two debates - that surrounding the concept of schizophrenia, and that concerning the psychiatric experiences of British Afro-Caribbeans - need to be separated so that each receives appropriate consideration. Studies based on the experiences of people diagnosed as schizophrenic may confuse rather than advance the first debate if due care is not paid to the reliability of the diagnosis. The second debate has consequences for the development of psychiatric services. Further unad dressed questions referring to the mental health of ethnic minorities are suggested.
Millenium, Messianism and Medicine Among the Lubavitch of Stamford Hill, London
Authors: Dein Simon
Published: March 2007

The Lubavitch are a group of Hasidic Jews living in Stamford Hill, London N16.

After a description of their lifestyle and the importance of the Rebbe in the community, this paper examines their concepts of the body, health and healing based on Kabbalistic teachings. For this group healing involves both control of sickness and the correction of spiritual disorder associated with it: the Rebbe plays a key role in the latter. The paper ends by discussing the extent to which conversion of religious groups results in any form of healing. (See Glossary for translation of Jewish words.)
Coping With Adversity: Testing the Origins of Resiliency in Mental Health
Authors: Schissel Bernard
Published: March 2007

This paper examines the multi-dimensional nature of resiliency to risk in mental health, and tests regression models of differential resiliency, based on two hospital- based clinical research projects. The first project involves adult children of problem drinkers, individuals who are at greater risk to alcohol abuse given their parents' pathology. The second involves schizophrenics diagnosed with varying disposi tions to depression. The analyses reveal that for both adult children of problem drinkers and for schizophrenics, individuals have varying degrees of susceptibility to adversity and that these variations are based, to a large degree, on psychosocial concerns. Furthermore, the results show quite clearly that men and women suffer to varying degrees when exposed to the same kinds of adversity, and that the causal origins of resiliency are different for men and women.
Schizophrenic Delusions Among Koreans, Korean-Chinese and Chinese: a Transcultural Study
Authors: Kim Kwang-Iel , Li Donggen , Jiang Zhenzi , Xing Ji Cui  , Lin Luchun , Jiang Ju Kang  , Kang Kyu Park  , Eun Kee Chung  , Chul Kyu Kim
Published: March 2007

In this transcultural study of schizophrenic delusions among Koreans, Korean- Chinese and Chinese, many delusions were shown to be different among the three groups in their frequency and content and the differences could be explained by sociocultural and political factors. Delusional themes sensitive to influence by sociocultural or political situations and changes seem to be 'family', love affairs', 'religious matters', 'economic matters', 'specific physical damage' and 'political themes.' Delusions about 'family', 'love affair', 'being raped', 'religious matters' and 'economic and business matters' were most frequent in Koreans. Delusions of 'blood-relatedness', 'longevity' and 'political themes' were most frequent in Korean-Chinese. Delusions of 'bloodsucking and brain or viscera extracted' and 'poison or being pricked by poisoned needle' were most prominent in Chinese.
Cross-Cultural Beliefs About "Depression"
Authors: Furnham A. , Malik R.
Published: March 2007

This study set out to compare native Britons' and Asian-Britons' (from the Indian sub-continent) beliefs about the causes and cures of depression. In all 152 females took part, half of whom were middle-aged and half young. The results indicated that middle-aged Asian migrants significantly differed from the middle-aged British and young Asian samples in their beliefs about depression and anti-depressive behaviour. They also scored significantly higher than the middle-aged British women on a Western measure of psychiatric morbidity, yet they did not report depression in themselves or others. The young Asian sample, on the other hand, appear to have adopted a perception of depression that is similar to that of their British peers. It seems that the perception of the causes and symptoms of depression and appropriate anti-depressive behaviour is mediated by cultural values and beliefs that the individual has been exposed to in their formative years, which subsequently affects their tendency to recognise, report and seek help for depression. The results are discussed in terms of the literature on the 'new cross- cultural psychiatry'.
Case Report: F23
Authors: Kosky Nick , Bale Rob
Published: March 2007

In this paper, we draw attention to the advantage of the International Classification of Diseases 10th Edition in the classification of short lived, reactive, psychotic illnesses over other systems of classification in widespread use, and illustrate this with some case histories
Burnout Among Mental Health Workers: a Review and a Research Agenda
Authors: Leiter Michael P. , Harvie Phyllis L.
Published: March 2007

The purpose of this paper is to review studies of burnout relating to mental health workers and to propose directions for future research. It will summarize findings with regard to established norms, demographic variables, possible antecedents and consequences of burnout, and burnout models tested with mental health workers. Comparison of group perceptions of burnout is facilitated by the fact that all the papers but one have used the Maslach Burnout Inventory (Maslach & Jackson, 1981, 1986). Strengths and weaknesses of the research will be analyzed and suggestions offered for extending research in this area.
Stress, Coping and Burnout in Mental Health Nurses: Findings From Three Research Studies
Authors: Fagin Leonard , Carson Jerome , Leary John , De Villiers Nicolette , Bartlett Heather , O'Malley Patty , West Maria , Mcelfatrick Stephen , Brown Daniel
Published: March 2007

In this paper we present data from three research studies on stress, coping and burnout in mental health nurses. All three studies used a range of self report questionnaires. Measures included a demographic checklist, the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28), the Maslach Burnout Inventory, the DCL Stress Scale and the Cooper Coping Skills Scale. In all, 648 ward based mental health nurses were surveyed. There were no significant differences between levels of psychological distress on GHQ Total Score, but there were differences in caseness rates. In Study 3, some 38% of nurses were found to score at or above the criterion for caseness. The main stressors for ward staff were to do with staff shortages, health service changes, poor morale and not being notified of changes before they occurred. Differences in coping skills were found across studies. The study group with the highest stress scores also had the lowest coping skills scores. This was also associated with significantly higher alcohol consumption and greater self reported sickness absence. Scores on the Maslach Burnout Inventory showed higher levels of burnout amongst nurses in Study 3. These three studies have confirmed that stress is a problem for ward based mental health nurses. Two main implications arise from this work. Firstly we need models of the stress process that are empirically based, and which help us identify the moderating variables that reduce the impact of stressors on nurses. Secondly, we need to utilise this knowledge to deliver stress management interventions for staff. We end by outlining a model which may help us both understand the process of stress causation, and move towards our goal of stress reduction.
The Treated Prevalence of Mental Disorder Amongst Immigrants and the Australian-Born: Community and Primary-Care Rates
Authors: Stuart G.W. , Klimidis S. , Minas I.H.
Published: March 2007

The objective of the study was to explore the relationship between birthplace and the treated prevalence of mental disorder in Australia. Treated prevalence rates were derived from two surveys. These were the 1989-1990 National Health Survey, carried out by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, and the general practice component of a one-day mental health census carried out in the state of Victoria by the authors in 1993. Differences due to the age and sex composition of birthplace groups were controlled statistically. Treated rates of mental disorder, and the use of psychotropic medication, were consistently high amongst those born in Greece, and low amongst those born in the U.K./Ireland or in South East Asia, compared to the Australian-born. Country of birth has a significant effect on the treated prevalence of mental disorder, as reported by patients or their doctor. Further research is needed to reveal the underlying causes of these differences.
Schizophrenia and Safety of Parenting of Infants: a Report From a U.K. Mother and Baby Service
Authors: Ramsay R. , Howard L. , Kumar C.
Published: March 2007

We discuss clinical issues associated with parenting in mothers with severe mental illness, in particular the safety of parenting and risk to infants. We also examine some of the implications for a young child of having as primary carer a mother who suffers from a chronic and severe mental illness. Types of clinical presentation, and assessment and management are described, with illustrative case examples.
Psychiatric Labelling, Sex Role Stereotypes and Beliefs About the Mentally Ill
Authors: Cormack Stephanie , Furnham Adrian
Published: March 2007

This study aimed to investigate the effect of two main variables on specific attitudes and beliefs about mental illness. The first variable tested the labelling theory proposal that the label of mental illness per se is stigmatizing for those so labelled. The second tested the proposal of Rosenfield (1982) that males and females receive a more severe societal reaction for deviance when the deviant behaviour is inconsistent with traditional sex role norms. Questionnaires with vignettes describ ing four behaviour types were given to young adult respondents. The expected effect of a psychiatric diagnosis and of deviance from sex role stereotypes were not confirmed. It was concluded that while several variables combine to influence specific attitudes and beliefs about the mentally ill, the type of behaviour displayed is the crucial factor.
Opinions of Selected Business Managers About Some Aspects of Communication On the Job
Authors: Cox Homer L.
Published: March 2007

A class in business eom munications at Southern Illi nois University made a survey of the variety and nature of communications problems as seen through the eyes of St. Louis-area businessmen at sev eral levels of management. Among the significant findings were that all but 9 of the 112 persons interviewed said com munications caused trouble for them, and 75 persons (88 per cent) ranked communications first or second as a source of trouble.
Barriers To Effective Communication
Authors: Could Jay R.
Published: March 2007

In any discussion on the failure of communication, the writer usually bears the burden of criticism. But when writers have an opportunity to discuss problems of communication among themselves, one hears of uncoordinated material handed to them, unrealistic deadlines, and poor supervising personnel. Barriers to elective technical communication apply to prepar ation, language, time and dis tance, and the human element. Many professional communicat ors feel that there should be more company indoctrination of new writers and constant re training of older writers. The human element is still most im portant in communications. A professional writer will be bet ter trained if he acquires some knowledge of the psychology of communication and of motiva tion, and if he works for a large corporation he is in an essential way integrated into the scheme of things.
A Statistical Analysis of a Counseling-Teaching Instrument
Authors: Stead Bette A. , Wolf Morris Philip
Published: March 2007

Readers of this Journal for the past several years have been kept up to date on the development of the business communication program at the University of Houston. This article describes and evaluates a testing procedure used to pre dict student performance in the basic business communication course.
Computer Communication
Authors: Johnson Robert A.
Published: March 2007

This article is one of the clearest expositions seen by our editor of the communi cation functions of computers. It discusses such matters as man-to-computer communication, computer-go-computer communication, and computer-to-man communication. Members of ABCA who are unclear about how computers work and how they communicate will find this article an enlightening one.
Exploring the Scientist-Engineer Conflict
Authors: Holland Winford E. , Stead Bette A.
Published: March 2007

This study shows that scientists and engineers perceive differences between themselves as groups, perhaps occasioned by differences in the forms of their written communication. Actual differences between scientists and engineers, however, may be over-emphasized.