Interest In Support Groups Research Articles

Evaluating transgender youth and parent interest and preferences regarding support groups.

The purpose of this cross-sectional survey study is to explore transgender teens’ and their parents’ interest in and preferences regarding support groups in an effort to optimally serve the entire family’s needs. The aims of the study were to: (1) describe transgender teens interest level and preferences regarding support groups; (2) describe parents of transgender teens interest level and preferences regarding support groups; and (3) compare responses based on demographics including teens versus parent, natal sex, and gender identity. De-identified surveys were collected from a convenience sample of transgender patients (N = 26), ages 13-18 years, and their parents (N = 20). Overall level of interest in support groups was 7.20/10 for youth and 7.95/10 for parents where 0 is not interested and 10 is very interested. Both groups endorsed benefits of a support group, including help with managing school issues, learning about local resources for transgender teens, and providing peer support. Both groups indicated “no time” as the most common potential barrier to attendance. Both groups expressed moderate interest in support groups, with minor differences between youths and parents noted in preferred support group structure. Further examination is warranted to determine optimal support group characteristics aimed specifically at parents and, separately, for youth. Additional support services might complement groups for a more comprehensive approach to support resources for this community.

Breast Cancer Education for Navajo Women: a Pilot Study Evaluating a Culturally Relevant Video

This pilot study evaluated a culturally specific video designed to teach Navajo women about breast cancer treatment options. Fourteen Navajo women diagnosed with breast cancer and 26 healthcare providers participated in a mixed-method evaluation that documented their perceptions immediately and 6 months after viewing the video. After initial viewing, women reported reduced anxiety about treatment and interest in support groups. Six months later, women said the video prompted them to seek more information from printed sources and their provider. Younger Navajo women who were 44 to 51 years old were more likely to attend support groups than women who were 55-67 years. Providers corroborated the positive effects of the video. The providers believed the video encouraged patients to seek information about breast cancer and to ask questions about treatment plans and side effects. A culturally relevant video for Navajo women can be an effective teaching tool and can enhance patient-provider communication.

Importance of access to research information among individuals with spinal cord injury: results of an evidenced-based questionnaire.

To assess the interests and accessibility of patients with a spinal cord injury (SCI) to information in different areas of SCI. Spinal Program, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network. An interest assessment survey and the SF-36 (short form-36) questionnaire were mailed to SCI patients living in the community. The interest assessment examined patients' interest in information in many areas related to SCI, their current knowledge in these areas and the accessibility of different information formats. Fourteen patients (45%) completed the questionnaires. Regardless of physical or mental health status, all patients expressed a high level of interest in SCI research and clinical trials. An Internet website proved to be the most preferred, accessible and comfortable information format for these patients. Patients expressed a lower interest in support groups and organizations. Results from the SF-36 showed poor social functioning was related to interest in support groups, and poor general health perception was related to interest in occupational and physical therapy. The majority of SCI patients have a high interest in accessing SCI research information. The Internet is a favorable, comfortable and accessible tool for providing this information and will benefit all SCI patients. These results suggest that a significant number of patients with SCI would benefit from an accessible Internet-based information database that is relevant to the SCI patients population.