Diskettes comprise Appendix N andO. / System requirements: IBM compatible, requires Word for windows 6 or higher. / Bibliography: leaves 400-428. / xix, 428 leaves ; 30 cm. + 2 diskettes (3 1/2 in.) / Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Psychology, 1997?

M.Cur. / Patients with coronary artery disease are forced as a result of physiological changes, to make life style adjustments, whether by means of diet, or by adjusting their activities. Only if the patient's attitude toward his illness is of such a nature that he himself takes responsibility for this state of health, life style adjustments can be effective. The objective of this study is to determine the life style adjustments of angioplasty patients, in order to establish guidelines with regard to a patients education programme for nursing professionals. Literature study has brought to light the risk factors which influence coronary artery disease, as well as the crucial need for life style adjustments, which are investigate and described in this study. From this, criteria were derived for use in the further phases of data compilation. The research model is based on retrospective ex-post-facto correlation, to compare the adjustment of patients after angioplasty, with their life style before the procedure. A contextual-descriptive record regarding education given to patients before discharge, is included in the design. A descriptive survey was made of the structure and effectiveness of the educational programme of the chosen unit. Despite reveal results part of the fact that the analyses indicates that the majority of patients a positive tendency regarding life style adjustment, the expected are not achieved, because of a lack of sufficient knowledge on the the patients. The major recommendation evolving from this study, is, that all institutions where angioplasty is performed, should include an educating programme, which should be executed under supervision and which should from part of the rehabilitation process.

M.A. / According to Edmonds and Wilcocks (1995:1-2), South Africa is in the grip of a major drug boom. If this is not taken seriously, South Africa could lose as much as 30% of its future generation in terms of health, happiness, functioning and even life. Drug abuse is an important factor that can affect the quality of life of not only the drug abuser, but also all those connected with them (Edmonds and Wilcocks, 1995:1-2). Substance abuse is a problem that influences the family system. Models such as Bell and Khantzian (1991) and Cooks' (1988) description of the Minnesota model define substance abuse as a disease. This model also known as the medical model, can be attributed to the work of Jellinek (1960). It focuses on individual biological factors with little consideration for familial, social or psychological variables. On the other hand, a family systems perspective indicates that the family system enables the substance abuser towards abusive patterns of behaviour. The family plays an important role in the process of dependency as well as in the rehabilitation process. These models are brought together in the study, as this combination is valuable in understanding the complexity of substance abuse and its effects on the family system. The aim of the study is to explore the families understanding of substance abuse and their role in the treatment process. A qualitative methodology is used to understand the life events, experiences and beliefs of family members, from their point of view. The focus of the research is on family members who have attended the family program at Stepping Stones Rehabilitation Center. Exploring the understanding they have of substance abuse and their role in the treatment process, from their frame of reference. The theoretical basis for the study is formulated within the medical model and a systems perspective. A nonprobability, purposive sample is utilized to seek information rich cases. Eleven respondents are interviewed. Different members within the family system are selected to illuminate the question under investigation. An interview schedule formulated from literature, is utilized to create consistency in the face-to-face interviews. The in depth interviews facilitate exploration. Data is gathered by means of a literature review, field notes and audiotapes transcribed by the researcher. Analysis of the data is done manually according to a schedule. The schedule I developed according to coding categories that are identified when working with raw data. The information from the data gathered is analysed and used to identify themes, which are offered as results. An extensive literature control is conducted, in order to further the validity of the research. From the study, methodological and theoretical conclusions can be made. Methodological conclusions indicate the effectiveness of using a qualitative methodology and face-to-face interviews in exploring the question under study. The theoretical conclusions indicate families understanding of substance abuse and their role in the treatment process. Recommendations in terms of intervention with families affected by substance abuse and future research, are drawn from the research process and context of the study ensure the link between results and conclusions and aims and objectives. The research indicates that families have an intellectual understanding of the disease concept of substance abuse. Their searching for alternative solutions and use of defence mechanisms, indicate that this concept has not been internalized. Respondents acknowledged the long term nature of recovery that is facilitated by the use of support groups.

M.Phil. (Biokinetics) / Although coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) is well-established worldwide as a safe, effective operation for the treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD), it is an invasive procedure that often leaves patients feeling very anxious about the recovery process. The post-surgery phase should not only entail exercise intervention, but should also be paralleled with education and counselling to encourage patients to become responsible for the management of their own health and to achieve good functional capacity and quality of life (QoL). This prospective longitudinal study was aimed at achieving return to health and wellness in a group of CABG patients (n=18) with a mean age of 65 years. Four questionnaires were administered at the pre- and post-test, including Stone’s Heart Disease Risk Factor Questionnaire (1984), Paffenbarger Physical Activity Questionnaire (1978), Hawkes and Nowak Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire (1998) and the Quality of Life Questionnaire. Morphological variables, biological and physiological fitness parameters, and health-related fitness were also assessed at the pre- and post-test. Prescribed exercise and lifestyle modifications were employed over twelve weeks, with emphasis on healthier nutrition and improved mental health. The level of significance was set at 5% (p ≤ 0.05) and 1% (p ≤ 0.0167). The findings in this study reflected significant improvements in heart disease risk, kilocalorie expenditure, nutrition knowledge, physical and mental QoL, waist circumference, body fat percentage, resting and recovery systolic blood pressure, aerobic endurance, flexibility, agility and dynamic balance, and lower-body strength. However, no significant changes were found in distance walked per day, body weight, body mass index, resting heart rate, resting diastolic blood pressure, blood cholesterol, maximum heart rate, maximum systolic and diastolic blood pressure, rating of perceived exertion, recovery heart rate, and recovery diastolic blood pressure. In addition, a deleterious change was found in blood glucose. Significant improvements were noted in the QoL and nutrition knowledge of this group of participants. The role limitations due to physical health reflected the most prominent improvement, indicating that the intervention positively influenced overall health, wellness, and activities of daily living. This study concluded that cardiac rehabilitation encompassing exercise intervention, nutrition guidelines, and psychosocial advice has been successful in improving the QoL of patients who have undergone CABG surgery.

Social Skills Training for Head Injured Adults Research has demonstrated numerous personality and behavioral disturbances resulting from head injury (Lezak,1978). It is these changes rather than the physical disabilities that create the stress, in the long term for the relatives of the head injured (MeKinley,1981). Therefore, social skills training is a important part of intervention with this population. This study evaluates a social skills training program "Stacking the Deck" (Braunling-McMorrow et al 1986) which has been modified to include structured learning assignments. This is a single case evaluation (A - Baseline, B - Treatment) with replication. The subjects are four males with severe head injuries, ages 19,22,34,and 36. Social skills were described as requiring an action or reaction within six skill areas: compliments, social interaction, politeness, criticism, social confrontation, and questions/answers. Measures include the baseline developed in the "Stacking the Deck" program, Staff Questionnaire on Social Behavior (Spence,1979) and the Social Skills Assessment Chart (Spence,1980). Results indicate that this is an effective program for social skills training with the adult head injured population. / Arts, Faculty of / Social Work, School of / Graduate

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between training heart rate (THR) and the HR occurring at the Aerobic Threshold (AerTHR), and to examine the AerT as an index of training intensity in selected coronary artery disease (CAD), post-myocardial infarction (MI), and post-coronary artery bypass surgery (CABS) patients. Twenty male subjects (age=54.9; wt=73.7 kg; %body fat=25.8) were recruited on the basis of regular participation in a cardiac rehabilitation program (CRP) (3/week at 70 - 85% HRmax) for 6 months; no beta-adrenergic medication; and symptom-free during exercise. Field measurements of THR during the aerobic phase at CRP was carried out by computer-assisted portable telemetry with mean THR computed from each 30 minute value per subject. A maximal treadmill test starting at 2.5 mph at 0% grade with speed increasing 0.5 mph each minute was carried out using a Beckman MMC for 30 second determinations of respiratory gas values. The AerT was determined by visual inspection of the first departure from linearity of Ve and excess CO₂. VO₂max was 35.6 ±5.6 ml/kg/min⁻¹, with HRmax 166.2 ±11.8 bpm. Paired t-tests were performed; AerTHR was 124.8 ±15.3 bpm with THR 133.7 ±13.4 bpm (p < .03). Percent HRmaxAerT was 75.1 ±8.05 and %HRmaxTHR was 80.6 ±8.3 (p < .03). Mean %VO₂maxAerT (54.4 ±6.7) is consistent with other reported data showing .lower values in less trained individuals. Stepwise correlations were performed, and a regression equation was produced to predict AerT grom HRmax, height, and weight with a multiple r = .74 (p < .01). These data suggest that in this population, THR, as calculated by the relative percentage of maximum method, produces training intensities above the AerT expressed as absolute or relative percents of HRmax. This finding may have implications for optimal body fat reductions, patient compliance to the exercise program, and safety in CRP's. / Education, Faculty of / Curriculum and Pedagogy (EDCP), Department of / Graduate

M.A. / Certain topics almost have an interdicted status surrounding them. Avoidance of the unknown is a common reaction displayed by people especially when it involves a condition that strips another of normality. One such topic is brain damage. This study was undertaken to provide an alternative method of viewing a condition that is known to affect many individuals. Brain damage may be acquired by anyone at any point in time as a result of the forces of nature, such as illnesses or intervention of mankind, such as motor vehicle accidents. It seems more valuable to research the issue and provide some resolve, than to ignore or avoid it. To ensure that a well-founded study was accomplished one dimension of daily living affected by head injuries, was focused upon. Re-employability of labourers following mild to moderate brain damage was the area selected for this study. To achieve this objective, a psychometric battery which assesses the capabilities of an unskilled or semiskilled labourer with brain damage, has been designed. In order to assess the validity of the battery, it was administered to two groups of individuals. The first group constituted 25 brain-damaged labourers and the second group consisted of 100 normal labourers. By comparing the performance of the two groups, it became possible to determine whether the battery was feasible as an instrument of skill disparity. The data accumulated by the study showed that the battery does have the capability of distinguishing between the groups. A significant result of this study is that there now appears to be a method of differentiating between the jobrelated skills retained by brain-damaged labourers as opposed to normal labourers. This infers that the instrument has the capacity to assess how close to normal the skill competencies of injured persons are. In this setting this invariably implies an evaluation of the reemployability status of a person. Brain-damaged individuals are thereby given some recourse to determine their future work prospects and are provided with some clarity on one dimension of their functioning.

The objective of this study was to investigate the quality of clinical outcomes in the surgical setting. Results of the study showed that there is no difference in infection rates between inpatient and outpatient hernia repair patients.

This investigation explored the relationship of demographic, social network, social support, and stroke-related factors to depressive symptomatology and well-being in 50 elderly individuals who had recently suffered a first, completed stroke and their partners. Data were gathered at two points in time, with interviews scheduled six months apart. Outcome measures included the CES-D depression scale and the Index of Psychological Well-Being. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlational procedures, multiple regression, and change-focused regression analyses. For the caregivers, lower depression levels at Time 1 were associated with better subjective health, less concern about being able to care for the patient in the future, higher levels of patient ADL functioning, greater perceived pre-stroke instrumental support, and greater patient optimism. At Time 2, lower caregiver depression scores were associated with lower levels of perceived burden, fewer health problems or negative changes in health status, fewer negative network interactions, greater network density, greater frequency of network contacts, and fewer perceived personality and behavior changes in the patient. Best predictors of depression score for the caregivers at Time 1 were subjective health rating, the patient's level of ADL functioning, degree of concern about ability to care for the patient in the future, the proportion of the network providing instrumental support, and the percent of reciprocal confiding relationships reported. At Time 2, best predictors of depression were level of perceived caregiver burden, objective health score, and network density. The best predictor of caregiver depression level over time was Time 1 depression level. Perceived caregiver burden was also a strong predictor of depression score. For the patients, higher depression scores at Time 1 were associated with whether they felt they could have done anything to prevent the stroke, higher levels of concern about their partner's ability to care for them in the future, and greater reported frequency of pre-stroke disagreement with their partners. At Time 2, higher levels of depressive symptomatology were associated with decreased satisfaction with amount of social contact, a greater proportion of friends in the post-stroke network, a greater degree of perceived negative health change, and change in employment status.

No description available.