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McKenna-Plumley PE, Turner RN, Yang K, Groarke JM. "It's a feeling of complete disconnection": experiences of existential loneliness from youth to older adulthood. BMC Psychol 2023; 11:408. [PMID: 37990348 PMCID: PMC10664587 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-023-01452-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Existential loneliness is a feeling which stems from a sense of fundamental separation from others and the world. Although commonly mentioned in the loneliness literature, there is relatively little empirical work on this construct, and existing work tends to focus on older and seriously ill individuals. The present study aimed to understand how people experience existential loneliness without specific constraints on precipitating factors like illness or age. METHODS A qualitative online survey collected data from 225 adults aged 16 to 72 years old. Participants were asked to write about their experiences of existential loneliness and how these experiences compared to non-existential loneliness. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS Of 225 participants, 51% knew the meaning of "existential loneliness" upon accessing the survey and in total, 83% had experienced existential loneliness. 93% of these participants had also experienced loneliness that was not existential in nature. 175 participants provided qualitative data regarding their experiences of existential loneliness, from which four themes were identified: Existential loneliness is (1) A deeper form of loneliness, and (2) A feeling of deep disconnection, in which (3) Cognitive evaluations and negative emotions are central elements, and (4) Stress and mental health issues are perceived as relevant factors. CONCLUSIONS Existential loneliness is a deeply rooted and impactful form of loneliness which involves feelings of profound separateness. This aspect of loneliness is deserving of further attention. Future research directions are suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phoebe E McKenna-Plumley
- Centre for Improving Health-Related Quality of Life, School of Psychology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK.
- Centre for Identity and Intergroup Relations, School of Psychology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK.
| | - Rhiannon N Turner
- Centre for Identity and Intergroup Relations, School of Psychology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Keming Yang
- Department of Sociology, Durham University, Durham, UK
| | - Jenny M Groarke
- Centre for Improving Health-Related Quality of Life, School of Psychology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
- School of Psychology, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
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Ledesma GCM, Reyes MES, Delariarte CF. Meaning in Life, Death Anxiety, and Spirituality in the Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Community: A Scoping Review. SEXUALITY & CULTURE 2022; 27:636-658. [PMID: 36405399 PMCID: PMC9645752 DOI: 10.1007/s12119-022-10032-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The changes in people's way of life through the years raise questions on how they address existential needs and concerns, particularly those related to life and death and spiritual connections. Through a scoping review, we surveyed studies on meaning in life, death anxiety, and spirituality within the lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) community. We determined the extent to which these variables have been studied among LGB participants. A total of 28 eligible articles were reviewed. Six studies were found about meaning in life, five studies about death anxiety, and 16 studies about spirituality. Results suggest that meaning in life was derived from experiences related to parenthood, couplehood, and work satisfaction. Studies on death anxiety among LGB participants, which date back to the 1980 and 1990s, indicated the need to conduct present studies in this area. The review showed that LGB members distinguished between spirituality and religion, giving them more positive recognition of the former than the latter. The forms of spiritual expression were anchored to religious practices, for some, and other expressions of belief and faith outside the confines of formally established religions. Spiritual expressions generally accorded the LGB members direction and satisfaction in life. Not all segments of the LGB community were represented in the studies. The available studies, dominantly quantitative, centered only on the LGB experience. Target age groups varied across the studies. The review indicates that future studies can work on exploring these existential factors considering the emerging contexts and paradigms. Future research can focus on determining what factors contribute to meaning in life, given the changes in time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gian Carlo M. Ledesma
- The Graduate School, University of Santo Tomas, 1008 Manila, Philippines
- Department of Interdisciplinary Studies, Faculty of Arts and Letters, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
| | - Marc Eric S. Reyes
- The Graduate School, University of Santo Tomas, 1008 Manila, Philippines
- Department of Psychology, College of Science, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
| | - Clarissa F. Delariarte
- The Graduate School, University of Santo Tomas, 1008 Manila, Philippines
- Far Eastern University, Manila, Philippines
- De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines
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3
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Herron LM, Mutch A, Lui CW, Kruizinga L, Howard C, Fitzgerald L. Enduring stigma and precarity: A review of qualitative research examining the experiences of women living with HIV in high income countries over two decades. Health Care Women Int 2021; 43:313-344. [PMID: 34534051 DOI: 10.1080/07399332.2021.1959589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The lived experience of HIV for women remains poorly understood. In particular, there has been little attention to the consequences for women living with HIV (WLHIV) of changing social, epidemiological, biomedical and policy contexts, or to the implications of long-term treatment and aging for the current generation of HIV-positive women. We reviewed qualitative research with WLHIV in selected high-income countries (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and the USA) to identify the most prevalent experiences of HIV for women and trends over time. Our synthesis highlights the relative consistency of experiences of a diverse sample of WLHIV, particularly the enduring prevalence of gendered HIV-related stigma, sociostructural barriers to healthcare and support, and negative encounters with health professionals. We also identified gaps in knowledge. Understanding women's experiences, particularly their changing needs and strategies for coping as they live long-term with HIV, is key to effective support and services for WLHIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa-Maree Herron
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Allyson Mutch
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Chi-Wai Lui
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Lara Kruizinga
- Queensland Positive People, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Chris Howard
- Queensland Positive People, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Lisa Fitzgerald
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Sjöberg M, Edberg AK, Rasmussen BH, Beck I. Being acknowledged by others and bracketing negative thoughts and feelings: Frail older people's narrations of how existential loneliness is eased. Int J Older People Nurs 2018; 14:e12213. [DOI: 10.1111/opn.12213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Revised: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Marina Sjöberg
- Department of Care Science, Faculty of Health and Society; Malmö University; Malmö Sweden
- The Research Platform for Collaboration for Health, Faculty of Health Science; Kristianstad University; Kristianstad Sweden
| | - Anna-Karin Edberg
- The Research Platform for Collaboration for Health, Faculty of Health Science; Kristianstad University; Kristianstad Sweden
| | - Birgit H. Rasmussen
- The Institute for Palliative Care; Lund University and Region Skane; Lund Sweden
- Department for Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine; Lund University; Lund Sweden
| | - Ingela Beck
- The Research Platform for Collaboration for Health, Faculty of Health Science; Kristianstad University; Kristianstad Sweden
- The Institute for Palliative Care; Lund University and Region Skane; Lund Sweden
- Division of Oncology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Faculty of Medicine; Lund University; Lund Sweden
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Michlig GJ, Westergaard RP, Lam Y, Ahmadi A, Kirk GD, Genz A, Keruly J, Hutton H, Surkan PJ. Avoidance, meaning and grief: psychosocial factors influencing engagement in HIV care. AIDS Care 2018; 30:511-517. [PMID: 29338328 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2018.1425366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Although the introduction of antiretroviral therapy has rendered HIV a chronic illness, inconsistent engagement in HIV care by key populations limits its public health impact. Poor engagement in care is especially prevalent among vulnerable populations with mental health and substance use disorders. Beyond structural and health system considerations, psychosocial factors may present challenges to sustained engagement. We conducted a qualitative study using in-depth interviews with 31 primarily African American, urban-based individuals, many with past or current drug use and mental disorders, living with HIV. Participants identified several psychosocial barriers that detract from their motivation to attend appointments and take medication. These included mental distress or detachment over a lack of purpose in life; denial about the need to be engaged in care; insufficient trust in the efficacy of care or the health system; deaths of loved ones leading to bereavement or loss of social support; and engagement in specific avoidance behaviors like drugs and alcohol. The study findings suggest that more comprehensive HIV care, which integrates mental health and substance abuse services in order to enhance meaning and address coping and grief, may be important. Considering these services in addition to improving the logistical components of care such as cues/reminders, accessibility, and patient-provider communication may improve intervention packages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia J Michlig
- a International Health , Johns Hopkins University , Baltimore , MD , USA
| | - Ryan P Westergaard
- b University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health , Madison , WI , USA
| | - Yukyan Lam
- a International Health , Johns Hopkins University , Baltimore , MD , USA
| | - Azal Ahmadi
- a International Health , Johns Hopkins University , Baltimore , MD , USA
| | - Gregory D Kirk
- a International Health , Johns Hopkins University , Baltimore , MD , USA.,c Johns Hopkins School of Medicine , Baltimore , MD , USA
| | - Andrew Genz
- a International Health , Johns Hopkins University , Baltimore , MD , USA
| | - Jeanne Keruly
- c Johns Hopkins School of Medicine , Baltimore , MD , USA
| | - Heidi Hutton
- c Johns Hopkins School of Medicine , Baltimore , MD , USA
| | - Pamela J Surkan
- a International Health , Johns Hopkins University , Baltimore , MD , USA
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Gökdemir-Bulut BP, Bozo Ö. The Psychometric Validity and Reliability of the Turkish Version of the Existential Loneliness Questionnaire. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-016-9534-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Liamputtong P, Haritavorn N, Kiatying-Angsulee N. Local discourse on antiretrovirals and the lived experience of women living with HIV/AIDS in Thailand. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2015; 25:253-263. [PMID: 25212858 DOI: 10.1177/1049732314550005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Antiretrovirals (ARVs) have been seen as life-saving for HIV-positive people. However, ARVs have a darker side. Since 2000, many HIV-positive people in Thailand have received ARV treatments, but the understanding of ARVs and practices of medication-taking among HIV-positive women have not received much attention. We discuss local discourses employed by HIV-positive women and health work by these individuals in their attempts to adhere to ARVs restrictions. The local discourse of ARVs was ya tan rok AIDS "medications that could resist HIV/AIDS." ARVs provided hope for the women. Although the women were affected by the side effects of ARVs, they continued to take their medication to be able to live longer and perform their duties as mothers and carers. They were more concerned about the practice of medication-taking. Understanding why these women were adherent to their ARVs offers insights into the social impact of these ARVs on their lives.
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Ettema EJ. Death: 'nothing' gives insight. MEDICINE, HEALTH CARE, AND PHILOSOPHY 2013; 16:575-585. [PMID: 23054426 DOI: 10.1007/s11019-012-9440-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
According to a widely accepted belief, we cannot know our own death--death means 'nothing' to us. At first sight, the meaning of 'nothing' just implies the negation or absence of 'something'. Death then simply refers to the negation or absence of life. As a consequence, however, death has no meaning of itself. This leads to an ontological paradox in which death is both acknowledged and denied: death is … nothing. In this article, I investigate whether insight into the ontological paradox of the nothingness of death can contribute to a good end-of-life. By analysing Aquinas', Heidegger's and Derrida's understanding of death as nothingness, I explore how giving meaning to death on different ontological levels connects to, and at the same time provides resistance against, the harsh reality of death. By doing so, I intend to demonstrate that insight into the nothingness of death can count as a framework for a meaningful dealing with death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric J Ettema
- Department of Metamedica, Section Philosophy and Medical Ethics, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Rosedale MT, Strauss SM. How persons with chronic hepatitis C in residential substance abuse treatment programs think about depression and interferon therapy. J Am Psychiatr Nurses Assoc 2010; 16:350-6. [PMID: 21659284 DOI: 10.1177/1078390310392784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This secondary analysis of existing qualitative descriptive data is the first to specifically report on how persons undergoing residential treatment for substance abuse think about depression and the risks of neuropsychiatric side effects associated with interferon (IFN) treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. METHOD Krippendorff 's method for qualitative content analysis was used to describe patient perspectives about psychiatric symptoms and potential side effects of IFN treatment. Transcripts from face-to-face, semistructured interviews with 20 patients in 3 residential substance abuse treatment programs were analyzed. RESULTS Themes included patients' powerlessness and their evaluation of risk and confidence. Participants commented that residential substance abuse treatment programs offered a unique opportunity to undergo antiviral treatment because they capitalized on a patient's heightened readiness for change. Barriers to treatment included perceived obstacles, such as compulsory waiting periods before treatment initiation, fear that neuropsychiatric treatment side effects would sabotage addiction recovery, and concern that psychiatric providers lacked sufficient HCV knowledge. However, when patients perceived clinicians as knowledgeable and genuinely caring, they were amenable to considering antiviral treatment. CONCLUSION Increasing HCV-specific psychiatric education and staff training, exploring combined psychiatric and antiviral treatment combinations, and therapeutically supporting patient decision making are needed to better use substance abuse residential treatment programs as sites for treating HCV infection. Novel antidepressant treatment approaches are required in this population. Advanced practice psychiatric nurses are well-positioned to develop new integrative models of care addressing the medical, psychiatric, and substance abuse comorbidities in this highly vulnerable group.
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Ettema EJ, Derksen LD, van Leeuwen E. Existential loneliness and end-of-life care: a systematic review. THEORETICAL MEDICINE AND BIOETHICS 2010; 31:141-69. [PMID: 20440564 PMCID: PMC2866502 DOI: 10.1007/s11017-010-9141-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Patients with a life-threatening illness can be confronted with various types of loneliness, one of which is existential loneliness (EL). Since the experience of EL is extremely disruptive, the issue of EL is relevant for the practice of end-of-life care. Still, the literature on EL has generated little discussion and empirical substantiation and has never been systematically reviewed. In order to systematically review the literature, we (1) identified the existential loneliness literature; (2) established an organising framework for the review; (3) conducted a conceptual analysis of existential loneliness; and (4) discussed its relevance for end-of-life care. We found that the EL concept is profoundly unclear. Distinguishing between three dimensions of EL-as a condition, as an experience, and as a process of inner growth-leads to some conceptual clarification. Analysis of these dimensions on the basis of their respective key notions-everpresent, feeling, defence; death, awareness, difficult communication; and inner growth, giving meaning, authenticity-further clarifies the concept. Although none of the key notions are unambiguous, they may function as a starting point for the development of care strategies on EL at the end of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric J. Ettema
- Department of Metamedica, Section Philosophy and Medical Ethics, Vrije Universiteit Medical Centre Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Louise D. Derksen
- Department of Philosophy, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Evert van Leeuwen
- Department of IQ, Section Ethics, Philosophy and History of Medicine, Radboud University of Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Tischler V. “I'm Not Coping, I'm Surviving”: Understanding Coping in a Marginalised Population. QUALITATIVE RESEARCH IN PSYCHOLOGY 2009. [DOI: 10.1080/14780880701826176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Sand L, Olsson M, Strang P. Coping strategies in the presence of one's own impending death from cancer. J Pain Symptom Manage 2009; 37:13-22. [PMID: 18676119 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2008.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2007] [Revised: 01/14/2008] [Accepted: 01/25/2008] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
An incurable cancer is a threat to life itself. This study focused on how native-born Swedes, who define themselves as nonreligious, actually reflect and act when they try to create helpful strategies in the presence of their own impending deaths and how the strategies serve their purposes. Twenty patients were interviewed in depth. The patients were enrolled in an advanced hospital-based home care team. The interviews were taped, transcribed and analyzed with a qualitative, hermeneutic interpretative method. The informants' efforts to develop useful strategies to restrain death could be symbolized as a cognitive and emotional pendulum, swinging between the extremes of life and death. During the swings of the pendulum, the informants used every means available: their own resources, other people, animals, nature, a transcendent power, hope, imagination and magical thinking. They strove to find factors that fitted their conceptual system and supported their inner balance and structure, all to keep death at a discreet distance and preserve their links to life. These links were togetherness, involvement, hope and continuance, and they served as a shield against hurtful feelings connected to their impending death. The new knowledge about how strategies in the presence of one's own impending death can develop and be used is perhaps the most novel and clinically relevant contribution of this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Sand
- Unit for Palliative Medicine and Advanced Medical Home Care, ASIH Långbro Park, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Abstract
PURPOSE This paper aims to analyze the concept of authenticity and propose a definition of authenticity that can be used to enhance the nurse-client relationship. SOURCES Published research. CONCLUSIONS Authenticity is a life-long process of self-discovery that includes realizing personal potential and acting on that potential. A part of this process is accepting the responsibility for and the consequences of life choices that are consciously or unconsciously made. This is sometimes achieved through suffering. This process culminates in a demonstration of congruency in ideals, values, and actions in relation to self and others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon S Starr
- Evening Nursing Programs and the Health Career Center, Gaston College, Dallas, NC, USA.
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Low-income HIV-infected women and the process of engaging in healthy behavior. J Assoc Nurses AIDS Care 2008; 19:3-15. [PMID: 18191764 DOI: 10.1016/j.jana.2007.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2007] [Accepted: 09/25/2007] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
This cross-sectional multimethod study sought to examine the process of engaging in healthy behaviors, particularly related to stress management, in HIV-infected women with low incomes. Recruited from northeast Ohio, 42 women completed standardized research measures to assess healthy behaviors (via the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II) and the processes of change espoused by the Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change; 8 of those women participated in individual semistructured interviews conducted at a later point in time to gain additional insight into the phenomenon. Participants were 25 to 60 years of age (mean 38.44 +/- 8.08) and most of the frequently reported healthy behaviors related to spiritual growth and interpersonal relations. Self-reevaluation was the process of change most frequently reported. Qualitative analysis revealed several processes women use to enhance the adoption and maintenance of healthy behaviors; some themes were adequately reflected by the Transtheoretical Model's Processes of Change, whereas a few emerged as processes not usually associated with the Transtheoretical Model. This study yielded useful preliminary information to further explore the adoption and maintenance of health-promoting behavior for HIV-infected women.
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Wayson Locher A, Pargament K, Duggan J. Antiretroviral therapy in the lives of women of colour with HIV. AIDS Care 2008; 19:1048-51. [PMID: 17852003 DOI: 10.1080/09540120701335253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Non-adherence to antiretroviral medication is associated with adverse patient outcomes. Considerable research and clinical work has focused on issues surrounding patient compliance to prescribed regimens. Few studies have explored the essence of antiretroviral medications in the lives of women of colour with HIV. A qualitative study of HIV-infected women of colour was undertaken in response to the question: What is the role of antiretroviral medication in your life? Taped interviews were conducted with graduate psychology students and commercially transcribed. Transcriptions were analyzed by Spiegelberg's category-cluster-theme process by four different reviewers. Three themes were distilled: trust/mistrust, approach/avoidance motivation and 'constantly tethered'. Strategies designed to increase medication adherence may need to consider these basic themes in order to be successful.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Wayson Locher
- Ryan White Title IV Family Centered HIV Clinic, Medical University of Ohio, Toledo, OH 43614, USA.
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Dying cancer patients' experiences of powerlessness and helplessness. Support Care Cancer 2007; 16:853-62. [PMID: 18026998 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-007-0359-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2007] [Accepted: 10/22/2007] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
GOALS OF WORK Experiences of powerlessness and helplessness are closely linked to incurable diseases but seldom studied in patients with disseminated cancer. The aim is to explore the perception, experiences and significance of powerlessness and helplessness, to study triggering factors and to make quantifications. MATERIALS AND METHODS One hundred three patients, enrolled in four different palliative home-care settings, completed a questionnaire with both Likert-type questions and open-ended questions. The response rate was 58%, and background data was reported as frequencies, whereas the main material was analysed using a qualitative content analysis. MAIN RESULTS Impending death, symptoms, loss of control and autonomy, ignorance, isolation and uncertainty constituted the basis for powerlessness and helplessness, but each factor was reinforced by the occurrence of suddenness, high intensity and/or lengthiness. In total, 65% reported definite experiences of powerlessness and helplessness. These feelings also held a deeper meaning, involving aspects such as existential loneliness and hopelessness. They were ultimately caused by an incapacity to control feelings and cope with the situation related to the impending death. The results are discussed in relation to Cassel's theory of suffering and existential psychology.
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