The purpose of this research was to construct instruments to measure two personality variables that might explain individual differences in preventive behaviors for heart disease and to test the instruments for reliability and validity. The instruments were constructed to measure three concepts: health value orientations and perceived barriers and benefits to undertaking preventive behaviors believed to reduce one's risk for coronary artery disease. The concepts were components of the Preventive Behavior Model which was derived from social learning theory. Seventy-six subjects who had undergone a health screening program were tested. The testing session consisted of completing a Demographic Data Form which obtained information on smoking and exercise behaviors, the Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability scale, the Likert Barrier/Benefit scale (BASBES), and Likert Value Orientation scale (VOS), and five magnitude estimation scales. Reliability testing included both stability and internal consistency. Test-retest coefficients for the Barrier/Benefit subscales were .52 and .71, and ranged from .32 to .68 for the Value Orientation subscale variations. Test-retest coefficients for the magnitude subscales ranged from .67 to .90, indicating the scaling technique obtained more stable results. Both alpha and theta coefficients were calculated to estimate internal consistency of the Likert scales. Alpha coefficients were .81 and .80 for the Barrier and Benefit subscales respectively and theta was .82 and .81 respectively. Theta coefficients ranged from .46 to .72 for the Value Orientation subscale variations while alphas were much lower, evidence that the items were not parallel. Construct validity was estimated by principal components factor analysis and predictive modeling. The orthogonal solution for the Barrier subscale revealed two components of the concept were being tapped. One factor resulted from rotation of the Benefit subscale. Factor analysis results suggested that many of the items on the VOS were not tapping the concepts as theoretically predicted. Although rotation of the factors resulted in one meaningful factor for each subscale variation, only 40 to 80 percent of the items were loading on the factors as hypothesized. Predictive modeling using stepwise regression analysis indicated that six of the 12 variables tested were impacting on one preventive behavior (exercise) as theorized.

Esta pesquisa teve por objeto o estudo de conhecimentos, crenças, opiniões e conduta relacionados à AIDS, de estudantes do segundo grau de escolas estaduais do município de São Paulo. Pretendeu-se oferecer subsídios para órgãos governamentais das áreas de educação e saúde interessados na temática. A amostra foi não-probabilística, constituída de 1068 estudantes de primeiras e terceiras séries do segundo grau de escolas estaduais pertencentes à Divisão Regional de Ensino-3. Realizou-se um \"survey\" analítico, aplicando-se questionário estruturado, como instrumento de medida. O questionário, auto-aplicável, foi elaborado a partir de pesquisa exploratória. Algumas variáveis independentes foram selecionadas: sexo, idade, escolaridade e ocupação dos pais, se teve ou não relação sexual, idade da primeira relação sexual, número de relações nos últimos 30 dias, parceiro sexual e fontes de informação mais importantes sobre a AIDS. Os resultados revelaram que 98,5 por cento dos respondentes declararam que a AIDS pode ser evitada, tendo a maioria manifestado conhecimento razoável sobre formas de transmissão. Contudo, 53,5 por cento opinaram que a doação de sangue pode ser um meio de transmitir o HIV e 50,6 por cento manifestaram receio da proximidade física de doente de AIDS. Apenas 37,0 por cento declararam conhecer bem o modo de colocar e retirar a camisinha. A maioria dos jovens (94,4 por cento ) concordou não ser destino da pessoa ter AIDS. Evidenciou-se baixo nível de percepção da suscetibilidade pessoal à AIDS. Cerca de 55,0 por cento declararam certo grau de descrença na camisinha como meio de evitar a AIDS. A fidelidade do homem e da mulher foram fatores considerados importantes para evitar a AIDS, para cerca de 86 por cento . Os respondentes manifestaram alto grau de preocupação se tivessem relação sexual inesperada sem usar camisinha (75,5 por cento ), porém, 67 por cento não usam, ou raramente usam camisinha. O uso da camisinha associou-se, de forma significativa, às opiniões dos respondentes referentes a considerarem ser a camisinha incômoda, interferir no prazer da mulher, estragar o \"clima\" e diminuir a vontade de fazer sexo. Concluiu-se que, embora os respondentes tivessem revelado conhecimentos sobre alguns aspectos da transmissão e prevenção da AIDS, declararam descrença quanto à camisinha e objeções ao seu uso; não costumam usar ou portar o preservativo; embora considerando a AIDS uma doença grave, não se consideraram em risco de contrair essa doença; dispensam o uso de camisinha na condição de namoro \"fixo\", ou quando julgam conhecer bem o parceiro. Sugere-se enfatizar as ações educativas para prevenção da AIDS e a realização de pesquisas de fatores humanos para melhor conhecimento da realidade. / This research had as its object the study of AIDS - related knowledges, beliefs, opinions and behaviour among high school students in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. It was intended to offer subsidies to govermental organizations in educational and health fields. An analytical survey was performed in a convenience sample of 1068 first and third high school graders in nine schools of the São Paulo State Educational system - Setor 3. By means o f a preliminary study, a self-administered structured questionnaire had been accomphished. Some independent variables were selected: sex, age, parents\' educational background and profession, wheter or not they had had sexual intercourse, age at which they had their first one, number of intercourses during the last 30 days, sexual partner and main information sources on AIDS. The results revealed that 90.5 per cent of the respondents declared that AIDS can be avoided, and that the majority has reasonable knowledge regarding ways of transmission. However, 53.5 per cent stated that blood transfusion could be a mean of HIV transmission, and 50.6 per cent showed fear at the physical proximity of AIDS patients. Only 37.0 per cent declared that they knew how to use a condom. The majority of them (94.4 per cent ) agreed about one not to be predestined to AIDS. It became clear that there existed a low level of perception on personal suscetibility towards AIDS. About 55.0 per cent distrusted condoms as a method to avoid AIDS. The faithfulness of men and women was considered an important factor in the prevention o f AIDS (avout 86.0 per cent ). The respondents showed a high level of concern towards casual sex intercourses without the use of condoms (75.5 per cent ), but 67.0 per cent do not, or rarely, use them. A significant association was found between condom use and the following opinions: discomfort from condom use; interference with the women\'s pleasure; spoiling the sexual athmosphere and causing desire decrease. It was concluded that, apart from the fact the respondents showed knowledge on some aspects of the transmission and prevention of AIDS, disbelief as to the use of the condom and objections to it\'s use do exist. They do not wear or carry condoms with them. Although they consider AIDS to be a serious disease, they do not consider themselves to be at risk of contracting this infection. They stop using condoms when they have a \"fixed\" relationship or when their partner is well known. Educational actions to prevent AIDS and the performance of studies on human factors to improveknowledge as to the reality are suggested.

Esta pesquisa teve por objeto o estudo de conhecimentos, crenças, opiniões e conduta relacionados à AIDS, de estudantes do segundo grau de escolas estaduais do município de São Paulo. Pretendeu-se oferecer subsídios para órgãos governamentais das áreas de educação e saúde interessados na temática. A amostra foi não-probabilística, constituída de 1068 estudantes de primeiras e terceiras séries do segundo grau de escolas estaduais pertencentes à Divisão Regional de Ensino-3. Realizou-se um \"survey\" analítico, aplicando-se questionário estruturado, como instrumento de medida. O questionário, auto-aplicável, foi elaborado a partir de pesquisa exploratória. Algumas variáveis independentes foram selecionadas: sexo, idade, escolaridade e ocupação dos pais, se teve ou não relação sexual, idade da primeira relação sexual, número de relações nos últimos 30 dias, parceiro sexual e fontes de informação mais importantes sobre a AIDS. Os resultados revelaram que 98,5 por cento dos respondentes declararam que a AIDS pode ser evitada, tendo a maioria manifestado conhecimento razoável sobre formas de transmissão. Contudo, 53,5 por cento opinaram que a doação de sangue pode ser um meio de transmitir o HIV e 50,6 por cento manifestaram receio da proximidade física de doente de AIDS. Apenas 37,0 por cento declararam conhecer bem o modo de colocar e retirar a camisinha. A maioria dos jovens (94,4 por cento ) concordou não ser destino da pessoa ter AIDS. Evidenciou-se baixo nível de percepção da suscetibilidade pessoal à AIDS. Cerca de 55,0 por cento declararam certo grau de descrença na camisinha como meio de evitar a AIDS. A fidelidade do homem e da mulher foram fatores considerados importantes para evitar a AIDS, para cerca de 86 por cento . Os respondentes manifestaram alto grau de preocupação se tivessem relação sexual inesperada sem usar camisinha (75,5 por cento ), porém, 67 por cento não usam, ou raramente usam camisinha. O uso da camisinha associou-se, de forma significativa, às opiniões dos respondentes referentes a considerarem ser a camisinha incômoda, interferir no prazer da mulher, estragar o \"clima\" e diminuir a vontade de fazer sexo. Concluiu-se que, embora os respondentes tivessem revelado conhecimentos sobre alguns aspectos da transmissão e prevenção da AIDS, declararam descrença quanto à camisinha e objeções ao seu uso; não costumam usar ou portar o preservativo; embora considerando a AIDS uma doença grave, não se consideraram em risco de contrair essa doença; dispensam o uso de camisinha na condição de namoro \"fixo\", ou quando julgam conhecer bem o parceiro. Sugere-se enfatizar as ações educativas para prevenção da AIDS e a realização de pesquisas de fatores humanos para melhor conhecimento da realidade. / This research had as its object the study of AIDS - related knowledges, beliefs, opinions and behaviour among high school students in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. It was intended to offer subsidies to govermental organizations in educational and health fields. An analytical survey was performed in a convenience sample of 1068 first and third high school graders in nine schools of the São Paulo State Educational system - Setor 3. By means o f a preliminary study, a self-administered structured questionnaire had been accomphished. Some independent variables were selected: sex, age, parents\' educational background and profession, wheter or not they had had sexual intercourse, age at which they had their first one, number of intercourses during the last 30 days, sexual partner and main information sources on AIDS. The results revealed that 90.5 per cent of the respondents declared that AIDS can be avoided, and that the majority has reasonable knowledge regarding ways of transmission. However, 53.5 per cent stated that blood transfusion could be a mean of HIV transmission, and 50.6 per cent showed fear at the physical proximity of AIDS patients. Only 37.0 per cent declared that they knew how to use a condom. The majority of them (94.4 per cent ) agreed about one not to be predestined to AIDS. It became clear that there existed a low level of perception on personal suscetibility towards AIDS. About 55.0 per cent distrusted condoms as a method to avoid AIDS. The faithfulness of men and women was considered an important factor in the prevention o f AIDS (avout 86.0 per cent ). The respondents showed a high level of concern towards casual sex intercourses without the use of condoms (75.5 per cent ), but 67.0 per cent do not, or rarely, use them. A significant association was found between condom use and the following opinions: discomfort from condom use; interference with the women\'s pleasure; spoiling the sexual athmosphere and causing desire decrease. It was concluded that, apart from the fact the respondents showed knowledge on some aspects of the transmission and prevention of AIDS, disbelief as to the use of the condom and objections to it\'s use do exist. They do not wear or carry condoms with them. Although they consider AIDS to be a serious disease, they do not consider themselves to be at risk of contracting this infection. They stop using condoms when they have a \"fixed\" relationship or when their partner is well known. Educational actions to prevent AIDS and the performance of studies on human factors to improveknowledge as to the reality are suggested.

<p><strong>Background:</strong> Coronary heart disease kills more than 7 million people worldwide each year. High levels of blood fat, cholesterol, contributes significantly to coronary heart disease. Lifestyle changes combined with lipid-lowering drugs, statins, is an effective treatment. But adherence to statins is low, not even a myocardial infarction always contributes to adherence. Adherence requires patient education and good communication between patient and physician. There is no deeper knowledge of why coronary heart patients stops with statin treatment. <strong>Objective:</strong> To describe how coronary heart patients experience the disease and the statin treatment, and furthermore, opportunities and difficulties to adhere with statin therapy. <strong>Design:</strong> An exploratory qualitative study. <strong>Method:</strong> 10 male coronary heart patients, 55-78 years were strategically selected from a cardiology clinic in a larger Swedish hospital. Patients were interviewed individually in a semi-structured form, 2009/2010. Data processing was done according to content analysis and yielded four themes: <em>empowerment, effects, decision basis, </em>and<em> trust.</em> <strong>Results:</strong> The patients did not mentioned heredity among the factors they could not affect in association with the disease. Several patients saw the medication as a limitation, doubted its efficacy, but mostly took it anyway, at least for a limited time. Medication and illness were associated with each other. Information requirements were in most patients. Many patients wanted to discontinue the statin therapy. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> Retention of power over the own body, good reference base for decision about adherence, and trust in health care. These are crucial components of patients’ adherence to statin therapy, in connection with coronary heart disease.</p> / <p><strong>Bakgrund:</strong><strong> Kranskärlssjukdom dödar drygt 7 miljoner människor i världen per år.</strong></p><p><strong>För höga halter av blodfettet kolesterol i blodet bidrar kraftigt till kranskärlssjukdom.</strong> <strong>Livsstilsförändringar kombinerat med blodfettssänkande läkemedel, statiner, är en effektiv behandling. Följsamheten till statiner är dock låg, inte ens genomgången hjärtinfarkt ökar följsamhet. Följsamhet kräver patientutbildning och god kommunikation mellan patient och läkare. Det saknas djupare kunskap om varför kranskärlspatienter slutar med statiner. Syfte: </strong><strong>att </strong><strong>beskriva hur kranskärlspatienter upplever sjukdomen och statinbehandlingen, samt möjligheter och svårigheter att följa statinbehandlingen. Design: </strong><strong>explorativ kvalitativ studie. Metod: </strong><strong>10 manliga kranskärlspatienter, 55-78 år valdes strategiskt via en kardiologklinik på ett större svenskt sjukhus. Patienterna intervjuades personligen i semistrukturerad form, 2009/2010. Databearbetning skedde enligt innehållsanalys och gav fyra teman:</strong><em> egenmakt, effekter</em><strong>, </strong><em>beslutsgrund, tilltro. </em><strong>Resultat:</strong><strong> Patienterna nämnde inte ärftlighet bland faktorer som ansågs opåverkbara i samband med kranskärlssjukdomen.</strong> Flera patienter såg medicinen som en begränsning och tvivlade på effekten, men tog den oftast ändå, åtminstone under en begränsad tid. Likhetstecken sattes mellan medicinering och sjukdom. Informationsbehov fanns hos flertalet patienter. Många patienter ville sluta med statinbehandlingen. <strong>Slutsats: </strong>Bibehållen makt över sin egen kropp, god referensgrund för beslut om följsamhet samt förtroende för sjukvården, är avgörande förutsättningar för kranskärlspatienters följsamhet till statinbehandling.<strong></strong></p>

Background: Coronary heart disease kills more than 7 million people worldwide each year. High levels of blood fat, cholesterol, contributes significantly to coronary heart disease. Lifestyle changes combined with lipid-lowering drugs, statins, is an effective treatment. But adherence to statins is low, not even a myocardial infarction always contributes to adherence. Adherence requires patient education and good communication between patient and physician. There is no deeper knowledge of why coronary heart patients stops with statin treatment. Objective: To describe how coronary heart patients experience the disease and the statin treatment, and furthermore, opportunities and difficulties to adhere with statin therapy. Design: An exploratory qualitative study. Method: 10 male coronary heart patients, 55-78 years were strategically selected from a cardiology clinic in a larger Swedish hospital. Patients were interviewed individually in a semi-structured form, 2009/2010. Data processing was done according to content analysis and yielded four themes: empowerment, effects, decision basis, and trust. Results: The patients did not mentioned heredity among the factors they could not affect in association with the disease. Several patients saw the medication as a limitation, doubted its efficacy, but mostly took it anyway, at least for a limited time. Medication and illness were associated with each other. Information requirements were in most patients. Many patients wanted to discontinue the statin therapy. Conclusion: Retention of power over the own body, good reference base for decision about adherence, and trust in health care. These are crucial components of patients’ adherence to statin therapy, in connection with coronary heart disease. / Bakgrund: Kranskärlssjukdom dödar drygt 7 miljoner människor i världen per år. För höga halter av blodfettet kolesterol i blodet bidrar kraftigt till kranskärlssjukdom. Livsstilsförändringar kombinerat med blodfettssänkande läkemedel, statiner, är en effektiv behandling. Följsamheten till statiner är dock låg, inte ens genomgången hjärtinfarkt ökar följsamhet. Följsamhet kräver patientutbildning och god kommunikation mellan patient och läkare. Det saknas djupare kunskap om varför kranskärlspatienter slutar med statiner. Syfte: att beskriva hur kranskärlspatienter upplever sjukdomen och statinbehandlingen, samt möjligheter och svårigheter att följa statinbehandlingen. Design: explorativ kvalitativ studie. Metod: 10 manliga kranskärlspatienter, 55-78 år valdes strategiskt via en kardiologklinik på ett större svenskt sjukhus. Patienterna intervjuades personligen i semistrukturerad form, 2009/2010. Databearbetning skedde enligt innehållsanalys och gav fyra teman: egenmakt, effekter, beslutsgrund, tilltro. Resultat: Patienterna nämnde inte ärftlighet bland faktorer som ansågs opåverkbara i samband med kranskärlssjukdomen. Flera patienter såg medicinen som en begränsning och tvivlade på effekten, men tog den oftast ändå, åtminstone under en begränsad tid. Likhetstecken sattes mellan medicinering och sjukdom. Informationsbehov fanns hos flertalet patienter. Många patienter ville sluta med statinbehandlingen. Slutsats: Bibehållen makt över sin egen kropp, god referensgrund för beslut om följsamhet samt förtroende för sjukvården, är avgörande förutsättningar för kranskärlspatienters följsamhet till statinbehandling.

Persistent infection with certain subtypes of Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a necessary cause of cervical cancer, the second most common cancer among women worldwide. Uptake of HPV vaccines in the targeted Canadian female population has been lower than anticipated. This study’s primary objective was to determine undergraduate women’s perceptions about HPV vaccination. A total of 401 female University of Ottawa undergraduate students completed a newly developed cross-sectional web survey. The prevalence of HPV vaccination was 49%. While the overall attitude towards receiving the vaccine was positive, vaccinated respondents had more favorable attitudes toward the vaccine. Lack of vaccine knowledge and cost were the primary barriers that have prevented HPV vaccination among non-vaccinated respondents. Offering HPV vaccination for women aged 18 to 25 presents a strategy for addressing suboptimal vaccination coverage in the targeted female population and may reduce health inequities demonstrated by variations in cervical cancer incidence within jurisdictions.

Diss. (sammanfattning) Stockholm : Karol. inst., 2002. / Härtill 5 uppsatser.

Diss. (sammanfattning) Linköping : Univ., 2003. / Härtill 4 uppsatser.

Diss. (sammanfattning) Linköping : Univ., 2003. / Härtill 6 uppsatser.

Diss. (sammanfattning) Stockholm : Karol. inst., 2003. / Härtill 5 uppsatser.