Heart failure (HF) is a major public health problem throughout the world. It accounts for one death certificate among nine in the United States. Heart failure and sudden death combined are responsible for the largest number of deaths in America. The total costs of HF in the United States are estimated to be $37 billion each year. Despite substantial medical and surgical advances related to treatment of HF, it remains a very costly condition with high mortality and morbidity rates. Although biological factors contribute to high morbidity and mortality in HF, there are many unexplored psychosocial factors that also likely contribute to these rates. Thus, the purpose of this dissertation was to examine the association between some of the psychosocial factors (i.e. depression, anxiety, comorbid depression and anxiety, stress, cognitive appraisal, and coping) and health outcomes as defined by rehospitalisation and mortality among HF patients. The first paper is a report of longitudinal study of 1,260 patients with HF. The purpose of the study was to determine whether co-morbid symptoms of depression and anxiety are associated with all-cause mortality or rehospitalization for cardiac causes in patients with HF. Anxiety and depression were treated first as continuous level variables, then as categorical variables using standard published cut points. Patients were then divided into four groups based on the presence of symptoms of anxiety and depression. When depression and anxiety were treated as continuous level variables, both comorbid depression and anxiety, and depression alone were significant predictors of all-cause mortality. However, when depression and anxiety were treated as categorical variables, comorbid depression and anxiety was a predictor of all-cause mortality, while anxiety and depressive symptoms considered alone were not independent predictors of the same outcome. None of those variables were significant predictors of cardiac rehospitalization outcome, regardless of whether entered as continuous or categorical level variables. The second paper is a report of a study that was conducted to (1) examine the association of stress with 6-month cardiac event-free survival; (2) examine the relationship of stress with salivary cortisol; and (3) examine the association of salivary cortisol level with 6-month cardiac event-free survival. The study sample was 81 HF patients. A prospective design was used in which patients were followed for 6 months to determine occurrence of 6-month cardiac event-free survival, defined as time to the combined endpoint of cardiac rehospitalization or all-cause death. Stress was not a significant predictor of event-free survival in HF, salivary cortisol was a significant predictor of event-free survival in the unadjusted model, but not in the adjusted model, and stress was not a significant predictor of salivary cortisol level. The final paper is a report of prospective design study that aimed to describe self-reported stress level, cognitive appraisal and coping among patients with HF, and to examine the association of cognitive appraisal and coping strategies with event-free survival based on a proposed model of HF patients’ response to stressors that been suggested according to literature to date. The study sample consisted of 88 HF patients who been followed for 6 months to determine occurrence of the combined endpoint of rehospitalization for cardiac causes or all-cause death. The study showed that stress level was associated with harm and loss cognitive appraisal. Harm/loss and threat cognitive appraisals were associated with avoidant emotional coping. Furthermore, harm/loss cognitive appraisal was a significant predictor of avoidant emotional coping and event free survival. Finally avoidant emotional coping was a significant predictor of event free survival among HF patients in the unadjusted model, but not in the adjusted model. The findings from this dissertation provided further evidence of the importance of psychosocial factors to health outcomes in HF patients. It also filled important gaps in the body of knowledge related to health outcomes among those with HF by demonstrating the need for cognitive and behavioral therapy among HF patients who negatively appraise their health condition.

Bakgrund: Sjuksköterskor som vårdar patienter med en beroendediagnos upplever att det är en balansgång mellan frustration och förståelse över patientens situation. Sjuksköterskor upplever även att de behövde en ökad förståelse för sina egna reaktioner. Syfte: Syftet med denna studie var att beskriva sjuksköterskors erfarenheter av att vårda personer med beroendediagnos inom specialiserad beroendevård. Metod: En kvalitativ studie där nio sjuksköterskor intervjuades under december 2015 och januari 2016. Intervjuerna analyserades med hjälp av kvalitativ innehållsanalys. Resultat: Det framkommer två huvudkategorier i denna studie, relationen mellan sjuksköterskan och patienten samt rollen som sjuksköterska. Deltagarna i studien berättar om att en individanpassad vård är det bästa för patienten. Det framkommer att drogen enbart är en del av patientens problem och att dessa patienter blir felbehandlade i icke specialiserad beroendevård. De tar även upp att det pågår en ständig diskussion kring mediciner samt att det finns en maktutövning inom vården. Deltagarna i studien berättar även om hot och våld samt påfrestningar. Deltagarna framhåller att det är viktigt att vara trygg i sin profession samt att kunna samarbeta med andra Slutsats: En individanpassas vård ger bäst resultat av den omvårdnad som ges. En annan slutsats är att tydliga rutiner och riktlinjer gör att man känner sig trygg i sitt arbete. Vidare slutsatser är att det skulle vara av intresse att forska vidare på samma frågeställning men ur ett genusperspektiv. / Background: Earlier studies regarding nurses experiences shows that nurses fell that there is a balance between frustration and understanding of the patient's situation when they care for patients whit a substance use disorder. Nurses also experience that they needed a better understanding regarding their own reactions. Aim: The aim of this study was to describe nurses' experiences when caring of persons with a substance use disorders in specialized addiction care units. Method: A qualitative study was performed during December 2015 and January 2016, nine nurses were interviewed. The interviews were subjected to qualitative content analysis. Results: Two main categories appeared in this study, the relationship between the nurse and the patient, as well as the role of the nurse. Participants in the study tells us that individualized care is the best for the patient. It appears that the drug is only a part of the patient's problem, and that these patients are mistreated in nonspecialized care. The participants also talk about the fact that there is a continual discussion of medications between the patient and the nurse. It further shows that the power over the care is divided. Participants in this study also mentions threats, violence and stress. Participants emphasize that it is important to be confident in their own profession and to be able to cooperate with others. Conclusion: An individualized care gives the best results for the patient. It is important that the nurse is confident in their professional capacity and has support from their colleagues. Another conclusion is that guidelines makes the nurse feel safer during work. Further conclusions are that it would be of interest to further research in the same issue but from a gender perspective.

A epilepsia é uma doença crônica, de difícil monitoramento das crises sendo dependente de características pessoais, de suas relações sociais e do estigma. Diferentes aspectos do cotidiano podem ser afetados e se manifestarem por medo, vergonha, isolamento social ou restrição de atividades, nas diferentes fases da vida. Tem relação direta com cuidadores bem como da rede de assistência em saúde, especialmente da enfermagem. Objetivos: identificar o perfil sóciodemográfico e clínico da pessoa com epilepsia e de seu cuidador num município paulista; identificar a presença de sinais de depressão entre pessoas com epilepsia e seus cuidadores; conhecer as atividades funcionais entre pessoas com epilepsia e seus cuidadores; identificar o uso do tabaco e outras drogas em pessoas com epilepsia e seus cuidadores e conhecer e avaliar o impacto psicossocial do diagnóstico da doença na qualidade de vida de pessoas com epilepsia e seus familiares. Projeto aprovado em comitê de ética. Foram entrevistadas 75 pessoas (49 tinham diagnóstico de epilepsia e 26 cuidadores), utilizando-se questionários estruturados e testes. Após a coleta dos dados, as informações foram registradas em planilha eletrônica, contendo a identificação dos sujeitos, por meio de código numérico, e agrupadas, de acordo com as informações dos sujeitos. Os dados obtidos passaram por análise multivariada, utilizados teste Exato de Fisher e teste de Mann-Whitney, buscando correlações entre a presença de epilepsia e as diferentes variáveis pesquisadas. Os resultados qualitativos e quantitativos foram objeto de discussão e de reflexão, tendo por referência a doença, a saúde mental e a assistência de enfermagem às pessoas com epilepsia, sustentados na literatura referente ao tema. Todos os pacientes (PE) apresentaram crises convulsivas no último mês, tendo ou não cuidadores; 71% PE com cuidador passaram por internações devido a epilepsia, ao longo da vida, e 69% passaram por internações (PEI) devido à epilepsia ao longo da vida. Há correlações significativas para tipo de crise e grupo de pacientes com cuidador e os independentes (Fisher). As classes medicamentosas identificadas foram anticonvulsivantes, antidepressivos, ansiolíticos, antipsicóticos de 1ª geração e 2ª geração e estabilizadores do humor. Os sujeitos relataram ter doença cardiovascular (26%), tentativa de suicídio (25%), baixo risco para o consumo de álcool (100%), PEI relataram uso de drogas ilícitas como crack e cocaína (sendo cinco com níveis muito elevados de dependência, sete níveis elevados, três níveis médios e baixos e 57 muito baixa). Pessoas com depressão e epilepsia somam 36%; 66% dos sujeitos apresentaram sintomas indicativos de ansiedade. Os cuidadores relataram que 81% das PE são dependentes de seus cuidados. 88,5% dos cuidadores relataram sobrecarga para o cuidado da PE (50% sobrecarregados de maneira moderada; 27% moderada a severa). Foi construído e apresentado, ao final deste estudo, um aplicativo para celular \"Enfermagem Epilepsia\" que permite a utilização das informações sobre a pessoa com epilepsia pelas equipes de profissionais da rede e ampliar o acesso do enfermeiro às informações, contribuindo com avanços e concretização da sistematização da assistência de enfermagem, oferecendo um cuidado de melhor qualidade. Os dados permitiram concluir que a assistência de enfermagem à pessoa com epilepsia e seus cuidadores, na perspectiva da saúde mental, deve estar sustentada nos princípios da empatia, escuta qualificada e ativa, reflexões e conhecimento técnico científico. Sugere-se o desenvolvimento de outros estudos de modo a aprofundar o conhecimento, testar o aplicativo para a enfermagem e melhorar a qualidade de vida destas pessoas / Epilepsy is a chronic disease that is difficult to monitor for crises and is dependent on personal characteristics, social relationships and stigma. Different aspects of the daily life can be affected and manifest by fear, shame, social isolation or restriction of activities, in the different phases of life. It has a direct relationship with caregivers as well as the health care network, especially nursing. Objectives: to identify the sociodemographic and clinical profile of the person with epilepsy and their caregiver in a city of São Paulo; identify the presence of signs of depression among people with epilepsy and their caregivers; to know the functional activities between people with epilepsy and their caregivers; to identify the use of tobacco and other drugs in people with epilepsy and their caregivers and to know and evaluate the psychosocial impact of the diagnosis of the disease on the quality of life of people with epilepsy and their relatives. Project approved in ethics committee. 75 people were interviewed (49 had epilepsy diagnoses and 26 caregivers), using structured questionnaires and tests. After data collection, the information was recorded in a spreadsheet, containing the identification of the subjects, using a numerical code, and grouped according to the subjects\' information. The data obtained underwent multivariate analysis, using Fisher\'s exact test and Mann-Whitney test, looking for correlations between the presence of epilepsy and the different variables studied. Qualitative and quantitative results were the subject of discussion and reflection, with reference to illness, mental health and nursing care for people with epilepsy, supported by the literature on the subject. All patients (PE) had seizures in the last month, with or without caregivers; 71% of the patients with caregivers were hospitalized for life-long epilepsy, and 69% were hospitalized (PEI) for life-threatening epilepsy. There are significant correlations for type of crisis and group of patients with caregiver and the independent ones (Fisher). The drug classes identified were anticonvulsants, antidepressants, anxiolytics, 1st generation and 2nd generation antipsychotics and mood stabilizers. Subjects reported having cardiovascular disease (26%), attempted suicide (25%), low risk for alcohol consumption (100%), PEI reported use of illicit drugs such as crack and cocaine (five of them with very high levels of dependence , seven high levels, three medium and low levels and 57 very low). People with depression and epilepsy add up to 36%; 66% of subjects presented symptoms indicative of anxiety. Caregivers reported that 81% of EPs are dependent on their care. 88.5% of the caregivers reported overloading for PE care (50% moderately burdened, 27% moderate to severe). At the end of this study, a mobile application \"Nursing Epilepsy\" was constructed and presented, which allows the use of information about the person with epilepsy by the professionals of the network and to increase the access of the nurse to the information, contributing with advances and concretization of the systematization of nursing care, offering better quality care. The data allowed to conclude that the nursing care to the person with epilepsy and their caregivers, from a mental health perspective, should be based on the principles of empathy, qualified and active listening, reflections and scientific technical knowledge. It is suggested the development of other studies in order to deepen the knowledge, to test the application for nursing and to improve the quality of life of these people

O objetivo deste estudo foi compreender os conceitos e estratégias que norteiam a assistência dos profissionais que atuam em um Centro de Atenção Psicossocial para atendimento de pacientes com transtornos, decorrentes do uso e dependência de substâncias psicoativas, na tentativa de subsidiar as ações dos demais serviços de saúde que atendem tais pacientes. Optou-se pela pesquisa qualitativa, seguindo a metodologia de estudo de caso; assim, nove profissionais foram entrevistados e o eixo norteador das questões foi referente à concepção de serviço e as ações assistenciais ali desenvolvidas. Os dados foram analisados à luz do conceito da representação social. Valendo-se dos temas emergentes foram elaboradas duas representações centrais da pesquisa: Concepção sobre o serviço de atenção psicossocial. Ações assistenciais aos pacientes com transtornos decorrentes de uso prejudicial e ou dependência de álcool e outras drogas. A análise final orienta-se para a compreensão de que o uso prejudicial do álcool e outras drogas decorrem de fatores multifacetados, propondo nessa linha de raciocínio a assistência psicossocial / The purpose of this study is to understand concepts and strategies that orient the assistance to professionals working in a Center of Psychosocial Attention to assist patients with disorders due to use and addiction of psychoactive substances, in the attempt to support actions of other health services which assist these patients. A qualitative research was our choice following the methodology of a case study. Nine professionals were interviewed and the interviews were based on questions aiming service and the assistance actions developed in the same institutions. Data were analyzed under the point of view of the social representation. Considering the emergent issue, two central representations of the research were elaborated: conception on the service of psychosocial attention. Assistance actions to patients with disorders due to the harmful use and/or addiction to alcohol and other drugs. The final analysis is oriented towards the comprehension that the harmful use of alcohol and other drugs are caused by varied factors, proposing a psychosocial assistance

The purpose of this dissertation was to evaluate the association of psychological distress with cardiac disease, events, and mortality. Specific aims were to: 1) to evaluate the association between hostility level and recurrence of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and all-cause mortality in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD); 2) to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) hostility and anxiety subscales in a group of incarcerated participants at high risk of cardiovascular disease; and 3) to evaluate the association of patient and caregiver psychological state with quality of life in both patient and caregiver, and postoperative complications after cardiac surgery. Specific aim one was addressed through a secondary analysis of data collected during the Patient Response to Myocardial Infarction following a Teaching Intervention Offered by Nurses trial to determine whether hostility was a predictor of ACS recurrence and mortality. Hostility was common after ACS and predicted all-cause mortality. Hostility did not predict recurrent ACS. Specific aim 2 was addressed in a secondary analysis of baseline data from a randomized controlled trial in male prisoners. Participants completed the BSI at baseline prior to the intervention. Internal consistency reliability was good for both subscales (Cronbach’s alpha - hostility 0.83, anxiety 0.81). Items from the two dimensions were analyzed together using exploratory factor analysis with varimax rotation. Two dimensions, anxiety and hostility, were identified. Construct validity was supported; those with high anxiety and hostility reported a greater number of days where their self-reported health was rated as fair or poor. Those prisoners with less perceived control had higher levels of anxiety and hostility. Specific aim 3 was addressed through a prospective, descriptive correlational study that measured patient and caregiver anxiety, hostility and depressive symptoms, at baseline to determine whether these predicted quality of life using a multilevel dyadic analysis; and to evaluate the association of baseline anxiety, hostility and depressive symptoms and quality of life with postoperative complications and mortality. Anxiety, hostility, and depressive symptoms were common in both cardiac patients and their caregiver. Psychological state influenced quality of life in both dyad members, but was not associated with complications.

The growing global prevalence of dementia coupled with a shift in public perception from a hopeless disease to the possibility of living well with dementia has led to the formation of dementia friendly communities (DFC). DFCs are a new phenomenon in the United States, with a gap in knowledge on input from people living with dementia (PLWD). This study investigated DFCs from the perspective of PLWD in Western North Carolina, with the following research questions: How are interactions and relationships experienced by persons living with dementia in the community? How is community engagement experienced by PLWD? To what extent and in what way is the impact of stigma associated with dementia? What are the attributes of a DFC from the perspective of PLWD? Eighteen older adults with reported dementia or memory loss were recruited from support groups or community organizations. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in participants’ homes and analyzed using conventional qualitative content analysis. Three major themes emerged from the transcribed interviews (a) transitions in cognition: vulnerable identities, (b) social connections, and (c) engagement in life activities. The dynamic experience of living with dementia revealed by participants suggested the following attributes of a DFC: (a) social inclusion, (b) support for role continuity, (c) availability of meaningful and contributory activities, (d) flexible support as cognition transitions, (e) community dementia awareness (to combat stigma), and (f) a supportive diagnostic process. The presence of care partners in the interviews was supportive, and the evaluation to sign consent tool assisted in determination of participant capacity to self-consent. The findings were interpreted through the theoretical frameworks of personhood, the social model of disability, human rights and citizenship, the environmental press model, and transitions theory. DFC development requires a contextual lens focused on well-being with input from multiple stakeholders including PLWD. Collaboration among community organizations supported by local, regional, and national policy supporting flexible service provision through cognitive transitions has the potential to provide a strong social network on which to build a DFC.

Syftet med denna studie var att belysa vilka omvårdnadsåtgärder vårdpersonal på en slutenpsykiatrisk avdelning angav vara av betydelse för patienter med emotionellt instabil personlighetsstörning (EIP). Metod För att svara på syftet i denna studie valdes metoden kvalitativ innehållsanalys av halvstrukturerade intervjuer med 6 vårdare som arbetade på slutenpsykiatriskavdelning med speciell inriktning mot vård av personer med EIP. Resultat Genom innehållsanalys av intervjuerna framkom tre teman med tillhörande subteman. Tema 1: Att hantera utåtagerande symptom, subteman: Att hantera splitting, Att hantera ångest, utspel och självskada. Tema 2: Att arbeta tillsammans för att nå omvårdnadsmål, subteman: Enhetligt förhållningssätt, Struktur i omvårdnaden. Tema 3: Att bygga upp en individ, subteman: Att skapa en tillitsfull relation, Att rusta patienten för utskrivning, Tid som en faktor i omvårdnaden, Att vara tillgänglig för patienterna, Självförtroendets del i ökad hälsa, En inre trygghet är en grund för positiv utveckling, Omvårdnaden utförs i ett medmänskligt samspel. Slutsats Som svar på denna studies syfte att belysa vilka omvårdnadsåtgärder vårdpersonalen på en slutenpsykiatrisk avdelning angav vara av betydelse för patienter med emotionellt instabil personlighetsstörning, är svaret de subteman som framkom genom analysen. / The Ame of this study was to investigate what the caregivers of an in-patient ward would say was important for the care of patients diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD). The Method that was used was qualitative content analysis of face-to-face semi structured interviews with six caregivers of an in-patient ward that was specialized in caring for BPD patients. The Result of the content analysis emerged into three themes with subthemes. Theme number one was: To handle symptoms, the subthemes were To handle splitting, To handle acting out behaviors, anguish and self mutilations. Theme number two was: Working together to reach care-giving goals, the subthemes where: Unanimous attitudes, Structured care-giving. Theme number three was: To strengthen a person, the subthemes where: To create trust in the care-relationship , To prepare the patient for the transcription, Recovery takes time, To be available, Incising self-confidence for grater health, An inner confidence as a ground for personal grout. The care is set in an interpersonal relationship. The Conclusion was that the subthemes reflected what was important in the care of patients diagnosed with BPD.

Students diagnosed with long-term mental health conditions have been the focus of policy development for over a decade. Student mental health is on the increase and universities are legally obliged to make reasonable adjustments for disabled students. Therefore it is crucial that nursing and midwifery education provides an inclusive learning environment, while maintaining fitness to practice standards. The focus of this study was to explore how discourses of mental health, reasonable adjustments and fitness standards influence nursing and midwifery education for students with a mental health condition. Principles of Wodak’s (2001) critical discourse analysis approach, which gives prominence to dominant discourses, their justifications and persuasive nature was utilised. Ten key written texts and 23 semi-structured interviews with students, lecturers and clinical mentors were conducted to acquire the constructions of mental health, reasonable adjustments and fitness requirements. The findings show that the dominant discourses attributed to students experiencing mental ill health were around medicine, difference and blame, all of which reinforced mental health stigma. In addition, mental health discourses within both verbal and written texts were not underpinned by disability discourses, allowing the exclusion of students who disclose mental ill health from accessing reasonable adjustments. In conclusion, students considered to have a mental health label faced discriminatory barriers and legislative and regulatory requirements of equality were not implemented.

Magister Curationis - MCur / Professional nurses, with additional training in mental health, report attitudes and perceptions of mental health nursing that are more positive, whilst those with less training report more negative attitudes and perceptions to mental health nursing. The primary aim of this research study was to describe the attitudes and perceptions of professional nurses towards the mentally ill in a psychiatric hospital in the Cape Metropole. The objectives of the study were: to explore the attitudes and perceptions of professional nurses towards the mentally ill; to identify common factors that influence the professional nurses’ attitudes and perceptions towards the mentally ill; to compare the attitudes and perceptions of professional nurses who have completed the Regulation 425, Regulation 808 and Regulation 212 training in mental health nursing towards the mentally ill. A quantitative, exploratory, descriptive design was employed and cross-sectional survey was carried out. Participants comprised all permanent professional nurses (n=60) at a governmental Associated Psychiatric Hospital in the Cape Metropole. Participants completed a demographic questionnaire and two self-report questionnaires, measuring attitudes to and perceptions of mental health problems. Nurses with a diploma report significantly higher role competency than those nurses with a degree. The ethnicity of nurses played a role in the stereotyping of the mentally ill. No significant differences were evident between those professional nurses who had completed the advanced mental health course and those whom had not. However, the combined effects of learning the appropriate course and experience in the practical field of the mentally ill are necessary for the task of impacting positively on the attitudes of the nurses towards the mentally ill.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection affects between 150,000 to 300,000 human immunodeficiency (HIV) positive adults in the US (Alter et al., 1999; Sherman, Rouster, Chung, & Rajicic, 2002). The majority of co-infected adults (50%-90%) have acquired HCV through substance abuse (Centers for Disease Control [CDC], 1998; CDC, 2006b). A patient's decision to begin HCV treatment is not straightforward. HCV evaluation and treatment involves a significant amount of time, energy, effort, and compliance on the part of the patient. There is limited information on how adults with HCV mono-infection make decisions about HCV evaluation and treatment (Fraenkel, McGraw, Wongcharatraee, & Garcia-Tsao, 2005). Even less is known about how adults with HIV/HCV co-infection with a history of substance abuse make treatment decisions. The purpose of this study was to describe substance abuse experiences and to explore how these related to patient decision-making about HCV treatment in HIV/HCV co-infected adults. Qualitative descriptive design and secondary data analysis were used to study these phenomena. Data were managed by using NVivo software and analyzed by secondary data analysis and qualitative content analysis. Five major themes with sub-themes emerged during the data analysis. They were: (1) The Evolution of Substance Abuse (with sub-themes: substance abuse initiation, escalation, polysubstance abuse, normalcy: a family of addicts, the enemy within, and transmission and disclosure), (2) Revolving Door: Going Back Out (with sub-themes: specific events as a trigger, emotions as a trigger, alcohol as a trigger, and destructive relationships as a trigger), and (3) Reconstructing Life (with sub-themes: defining moments in substance abuse addiction and maintaining sobriety), (4) HCV Infection Treatment Issues (with sub-themes: HCV treatment: not a priority, fear, and misinformation, and desire to use stimulated during HCV treatment), and (5) Get Clean and Try It. The participants spoke about how their substance abuse evolved from inception to sobriety, and for some it remained a problem. Relapse and recovery were fragile in nature especially in these adults with HIV/HCV co-infection. The decision-making process is influenced by substance abuse experiences, however more research is needed to uncover specific factors influencing these decisions.