Socialtjänsten är en verksamhet som i studier framträder som särskilt problematisk vad gäller den psykosociala arbetsmiljön, arbetsrelaterad ohälsa och personalomsättning. Mot bakgrund av socialtjänstens verksamhetsstyrning, vilken är omfattande och komplex, ställs frågan hur kommunen ser på möjligheterna att verka för en god psykosocial arbetsmiljö. I denna fallstudie har 12 nyckelaktörer med någon form av personalansvar gentemot socialsekreterarna från en och samma socialförvaltning intervjuats. Intervjuerna analyserades genom innehållsanalys med latent fokus. Resultaten visar att den bild som framträtt i forskning kring socialsekreterarnas arbetsvillkor inte nått full legitimitet på organisatorisk nivå. Resultaten visar även att det arbete som bedrivs för att stärka den psykosociala arbetsmiljön sker genom primära interventioner vars fokus riktar sig mot organisationen samt interaktionen mellan individ och organisation. Vidare antyder resultaten att kunskapen gällande verksamhetsstyrningens relation till psykosocial arbetsmiljö är i behov av utveckling. Studien tyder på att det behövs mer forskning kring sambandet mellan socialtjänstens verksamhetsstyrning och socialsekreterarnas psykosociala arbetsmiljö liksom att dialogförhållandet mellan kommuner och den statliga överbyggnaden behöver undersökas närmare. / The social services is an area that studies suggest are notably problematic when exploring the psychosocial work environment, work-related illnesses and employee turnover. In light of the complex and comprehensive operational strategy of the social services questions might be raised over the ability of municipalities to achieve a suitable, and functional, psychosocial work environment. In producing this paper, twelve key employees have been interviewed from the same social service centre. The methodology for analysis of interviews has been through ‘content analysis’ with a latent focus. There are several conclusions to be drawn. Results show that the recommendations from previous studies on improving the working conditions of social service workers have, to date, not been given their full legitimacy on an organisational level. Corrective interventions have primarily been directed both towards the organisation and the interaction between the organisation and the individual. Analysis also indicates that the understanding of the relationship between the operational strategy and the psychosocial work environment still needs to be developed. Finally, this paper shows that further research on the relationship between the operational strategy in the social services and the psychosocial work environment is still required, including research on the dialogue between the municipalities and the governmental superstructure. / <p>Uppsatsen har under AFA Försäkrings FoU-dag i Stockholm 10 november 2015 tilldelats AFA Försäkrings och Prevents stipendium “Utmärkt arbetsmiljöuppsats”. Se länken nedan för mer information:</p><p>https://www.afaforsakring.se/nyhetsrum/pressmeddelanden/2015/11/student-vid-malardalens-hogskola-tilldelas-stipendium-for-uppsats-om-socialsekreterares-arbetsmiljo/</p><p></p>

Providing care for a frail older adult who is suffering from dementia has been described as a stressful experience that may erode psychological well-being and physical health of caregivers. The present study investigated the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), among older family caregivers of persons with neurocognitive disorders, compared with an intervention based on progressive muscle relaxation (PMR). Participants were randomly assigned to either MBSR or PMR (n = 28). The MBSR group showed significantly greater reductions in self-reported levels of depression and isolation from pre- to post-intervention, and those changes remained significant at 8 weeks post-intervention. Both groups showed similar decreases in levels of perceived stress, cortisol awakening response, daily average cortisol, and in resting systolic blood pressure from pre- to post-intervention. Results suggest that MBSR and relaxation-based interventions may both be effective for caregivers, however, further research, employing waitlist control participants will be necessary for unambiguous interpretation of the present results.

The aim of the present thesis was to examine the potential for acute carbohydrate-protein (CHO-P) ingestion to enhance performance and recovery from exercise designed to simulate the demands of multiple-sprint sports (MSSs). Chapter 3 of the thesis explored the inter- and intra-day reliability and concurrent validity of non-motorised treadmill ergometry (NMT) for the assessment of short-distance sprint performance [i.e. 10-30 m). There were no significant mean differences between NMT variables recorded on the same day or between days. Ratio limits of agreement indicated that the best agreement was in 20 [1.02 */-=- 1.09) and 30 m [1.02 */* 1.07) sprint times, peak [1.00 */T 1.06) and mean (0.99 */+ 1.07) running speed and step length (0.99 */-=- 1.09) and frequency (1.01 */+ 1.06). The poorest agreement was observed for time to peak running speed (1.10 */* 1.47). Significant differences were observed between NMT and over-ground sprint times across all distances, with times being lower (faster) by approximately 25-30% over-ground. The correlations between NMT and over-ground variables were generally modest (r5 = 0.44 - 0.67), and optimal for time to cover 30 m on Day 2 (rs = 0.8). Chapter 4 sought to examine the efficacy of CHO-P ingestion during 4 h of recovery from the Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test (LIST) when compared to CHO matched for energy (ISOEN) or CHO (ISOCHO) in a typical CHO beverage. There were significant increases over time in muscle soreness, and reductions in extensor and flexor peak torque (by approximately 9%, 9% and 8%, and 13 %, 13% and 11% at 60 deg-s-1) and jump performance (10%, 7% and 5%) with the ingestion of CHO-P, ISOEN and ISOCHO, respectively. Beverage type x time interactions were not significant for any of these variables, indicating that changes in each variable were similar for all groups. Decrements in sprint performance assessed on the NMT were typically small and not different between beverage types (<4%), although sprint times over 20 and 30 m remained elevated for 48 h post-exercise. Accordingly, Chapter 4 provided no clear evidence for a benefit of ingesting CHO-P in the hours after exercise to enhance recovery of muscle function and selected performance variables following MSS activity. Chapters 5 and 6 of the thesis aimed to examine the effect of CHO-P ingestion during simulated MSS exercise. In Chapter 5, it was observed that sprint times, HR and gut fullness increased over the course of the LIST, with no influence of consuming each of the different beverages. In contrast, there was a main effect of time (P < 0.001), and drink (P = 0.042) observed for RPE, which was lower (P < 0.001) during the LIST in the CHO-P condition (16.9 ± 1.4) than in either the ISOCHO (17.8 ± 1.1) or ISOEN (17.7 ± 1.3). However, time to exhaustion was not different (P = 0.29) between CHO-P (468.3 ± 268.5 s), ISOCHO (443.4 ± 286.3 s) and ISOEN (446.2 ± 282.08 s), although these times did equate to a non-significant mean improvement of 4% in the CHO-P trial. Chapter 6 demonstrated that during a modified version of the LIST with two self-regulated blocks of exercise intensity, participants had a higher average speed (8.1 ± 0.3 cf. 7.9 ± 0.5 knvlr1) during the final (self-regulated) 15 min block of the LIST in the CHO-P condition compared to CHO. Whilst the mechanisms for such an improvement are not certain, the attenuated rise in RPE observed in Chapter 5, and increased blood urea concentration observed in Chapter 6, with CHO-P ingestion may suggest altered central fatigue and/or increased protein oxidation enhances performance during MSSs.

This study examined the effectiveness of function-based interventions applied within a school for the deaf. The participants were elementary-aged males diagnosed as deaf or hard of hearing (D/HH) who exhibited chronic off-task behaviors throughout the school day. This study was conducted across two phases: (a) a descriptive functional behavior assessment (FBA) was conducted for each participant and (b) individualized function-based interventions were developed based on the results of the FBAs followed by the implementation of the interventions in each classroom using a single-subject, ABAB reversal design. The function-based interventions significantly improved each participant's on-task behavior in his classroom environment. Furthermore, social validity ratings by each teacher revealed that the interventions were effective, easy to implement, and appropriate for each participant. Implications for application of the procedures used in this study with the D/HH population, limitations, and directions for future research are discussed.

This study examined the efficacy of the Decision Model (Umbreit, Ferro, Liaupsin, & Lane, 2007) for the development of function-based interventions for young children receiving special education services in inclusive preschool settings. Findings suggested interventions using the Decision Model were effective at decreasing the disruptive behavior of 3 young boys within inclusive early childhood classrooms. On-task behavior increased for each child following intervention implementation. Largest increases were noted with a 4.9 year-old with Autism and a 4 year-old with Down Syndrome. Data also suggested that the level of on-task behavior coincided with levels of intervention implementation. On-task behavior of a 3.9 year-old with language delay, demonstrated substantial increases when the intervention was implemented properly, but not when intervention elements were left out. Implications for future research were discussed.

Some 120 to 150 people per year, in Sweden, injure their spinal cord in an often traumatic accident. During the initial trimester in a university hospital there are several issues arising for the patients, not only the fact that they suddenly cannot walk. The aim of this undergraduate thesis is to provide a review of selected literature on evidence-based interventions by hospital social workers for spinal cord injured. The method used in the thesis is database searches. Fourteen articles were included in the review. These articles have been divided into the categories: coping and interventions. Research shows that spinal cord injured have an increased risk of anxiety and depression. The most important findings were that spinal cord injured in both Sweden and Finland are dissatisfied with the societal services, that a spinal cord injury does not necessarily lead to anxiety and depression and that there are even positive outcomes of a spinal cord injury. Social and societal services are important in the adjustment process for spinal cord injured. Psychological interventions based on cognitive-behaviour therapy have been proven effective in the care of spinal cord injured.

Bakgrund: Övervikten i den svenska befolkningen och i västvärlden har de senaste 25 åren ökat och gått allt längre ned i åldrarna. Övervikt och fetma utgör en riskfaktor för sjukdomar av såväl somatiska som psykosocial karaktär. Syfte: Litteraturstudiens syfte var att beskriva hälsopromotiva interventioner för barn och ungdomar. Metod: En litteraturstudie med artikelsökning och granskning utifrån syftet gjordes. Fem kvantitativa och en kvalitativ artikel inkluderades efter kvalitetsbedömningen. Resultat: Resultatet visar på att problemet med övervikt måste ses ur flera perspektiv och åtgärdas från flera håll. Mönster som växte fram var: skolpersonalens interventioner, föräldrars interventioner, hälso- och sjukvårdspersonalens interventioner samt andra aktörers påverkan. Interventionernas tyngdpunkt ligger på kost och motion. Slutsats: Framförallt en god kosthållning och fysisk aktivitet är viktiga faktorer för en lyckad intervention. För ett bestående resultat är också långsiktighet viktigt. / Background: The overweight in Sweden and the western world has increased in the last 25 years and gone further down the ages. Overweight and obesity are risk factors for diseases of both somatic and social characteristics. Aim: The aim of this study was to describe health promoting interventions for children and adolescents. Method: A literature review was made based on 5 quantitative studies and 1 qualitative study. Result: The result shows that the problem with overweight has to be viewed from several perspectives and adjusted from several directions. The patterns that were found were: the interventions of school-staff, the interventions of parents, the interventions of health-staff and the influence of other participants. The main topics of the interventions were nutrition and physical activity. Conclusion: Especially a healthy diet and physical activity are important factors for a successful intervention. Continuity is also important for a remaining result.

Denna uppsats är en utvärdering av en metod där socialtjänsten i Haninge kommun arbetar behandlande med familj- och skolsystemet. Behandlingsformen kallas korttidsbehandling och följer en manual som behandlare skapat utifrån inspiration av Barn och Ungdomspsykiatrin (BUP) i Östersund. Metoden är inte tidigare utvärderad. En kvalitativ studie genomfördes med fyra föräldragrupper och respektive fyra skolpersonalgrupper som deltagit efter en relativt kort prövotid av metoden. Det övergripande syftet med studien var därför att få en ökad förståelse för vilken betydelse korttidsbehandlingen har för familj respektive skolpersonal. I intervjuerna beskrivs att processen under behandlingen påminner om nätverksspiralen i nätverksterapi. I boken Nätverksterapi beskriver Svedhem nätverksspiralen. Den beskriver olika faser i ett möte: Retribalisering, polarisering, mobilisering, depression, genombrott och hänförelse/ utmattning (Forsberg &amp; Wallmark (1998). Studien visar också att korttidsbehandling passar för föräldrar och skolpersonal när man vill stärka samarbetet mellan de olika systemen. Ett annat fynd är att mötets struktur och behandlarnas förhållningssätt ”jämnar” ut en ojämlik situation och bidrar till att förståelsen mellan skolpersonal och föräldrar ökar. Slutligen visar studien att förälder och skolpersonal tycker att de fått stöd i att hitta en gemensam plan för att skapa förändring för det utsatta barnet. Om behandlingen haft positiva effekter för barnet behöver studeras mer. En randomiserad studie där man jämför ”treatment as usual” med korttidsbehandlingen skulle behöva göras för att mer säkert kunna påvisa att behandlingen har den effekt som deltagarna vittnar om.

No description available.

Cerebral blood flow dynamics is an essential component for preserving cerebral integrity. Cerebral blood flow abnormalities are often seen in patients with central nervous system pathologies such as epilepsy, migraine, Alzheimer's Disease, vascular dementia, stroke, and even HIV/AIDS. There is increasing clinical and experimental evidence implicating cerebral hypoperfusion during ageing. The determination of cerebral perfusion has therefore become an important objective in physiological, pathological, pharmacological, and clinical investigations. The knowledge of regional cerebral blood flow further provides useful diagnostic information and/or data for a better understanding of the complex clinical presentations in patients with neurological and psychiatric disorders. Several cerebrovasoactive drugs have found application in the clinical setting of cerebrovascular diseases such as migraine and dementia. Due to the similarities between humans and non-human primates with respect to their brains, both structurally and behaviourally, numerous studies have been conducted and several non-human primate models have been developed for physiological, pathological, pharmacological, and clinical studies, amongst others in Parkinson's disease and diabetes. The relatively large size of the Cape baboon Papio Ursinus with a weight of 27-30 kg for a large male, makes this primate especially suitable for in vivo brain studies using radiotracers and Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT). The main aim of the current study was therefore to develop a suitable radiotracer (99m Tc-hexamethylpropylene amine oxime (HMPAO) or 99m Tc_ethyl_cysteinatedimer (ECD) or 123l-iodoamphetamine (IMP)) for adapted in vivo cerebral blood flow measurements in a non-human primate (Papio ursinus) as an investigative model. The model was to be validated and applied in various drug studies for the evaluation of pharmacological interventions. The study design made use of split-dose methodology, whereby the radiopharmaceutical (radiotracer) was administered twice during each study. The first administration was injected soon after the induction of the anaesthesia, and was followed by the first SPECT data acquisition. The second administration of the radioligand, a double dose of radioactivity with respect to the first radioligand injection, was done at a specific time during the study, which took into account the pharmacodynamics of the drug. A second SPECT data acquisition followed subsequently. The drugs that were included in the study were acetazolamide, a carbonic acid anhydrase inhibitor (often used in nuclear medicine to determine cerebral reserve); sumaptriptan, a 5-HT (serotonin) agonist used for treatment of migraine; sodium valproate (an anti-epileptic drug); nimodipine, a calcium channel blocker and nitro-glycerine, a vasodilator used for angina. Arterial blood pressures were recorded from a catheter in the femoral artery and heart rates were concurrently monitored. The split-dose method was successfully applied to develop a non-human primate cerebral blood flow model under anaesthesia. The model showed differences in cerebral perfusion of the different anaesthesia regimes. These anaesthesia data sets were suitable as control/baseline results for drug intervention studies. Acetazolamide evaluation through the split-dose method in the baboon confirmed the sensitivity of the model by presenting comparable perfusion. This result compared to those already familiar prompted the model to be applied in pharmacological intervention studies. Subsequent results of these investigations showed increases in perfusion for single drug nimodipine treatment (25%). However, nimodipine attenuated the increases in perfusion when administered in combination with acetazolamide. Sumatriptan was able to decrease and normalise the increased perfusion after long duration anaesthesia. Decreased cerebral blood flow was observed for combinations of nimodipine with sodium valproate suggesting drug-drug interaction with important clinical implications. Similar decreases were found also for sumatriptan and nitro-glycerine when administered in combination with nimodipine. Studies with the various tracers (99m Tc_HMPAO or 99m Tc_ECD or 123l_IMP) showed clear differences in the perfusion data, confirming variation in the biochemical performance of the tracers. These differences, if not taken into consideration, caution for inappropriate clinical conclusions and subsequent erroneous therapeutic decisions. Improvement of radiotracer efficacy was subsequently attempted through application of the cyclodextrine complexation approach. Although cyciodextrine technology did not markedly improve the brain disposition of the 99m Tc-ECD, protection of the tracer against degradation was demonstrated. This study encouraged further exploration of this method for protection of the tracer against chemical and metabolic degradation. The current study was aimed to develop and effectively apply a non-human primate model with nuclear medicine technology for cerebral blood flow determinations after pharmacological interventions. This was achieved through the split-dose method and dedicated computer programming, which yielded a successful model with the non-human primate under anaesthesia. The model was validated with the application of acetazolamide to confirm familiar cerebrovascular reserve results, indicating that the model is sensitive to CBF changes. The model was also effectively applied in several pharmacological intervention studies, whereby cerebropharmacodynamics of selected drugs were investigated and established. This unique model of a non-human primate, Papio ursinus for cerebral blood flow determinations has served pharmacological research successfully during the past 12 years and could do so in the future, with scope to investigate new frontiers with improved technologies. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Pharmacology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2004.