Life Change Events Research Articles

Can apparently transient life events trigger long-term lower urinary tract symptoms?

One-time life events such as neurological injury can result in lifelong lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). However, it is unclear whether an apparently transient life event can also trigger long-term LUTS. This review examines the possibility of an association and hypothesizes the pathogenesis. A pubmed search was conducted using the MeSH words "life change events," "child abuse," or "stress disorders, Posttraumatic", and LUTS. Additional manuscripts were identified by a hand and citation search. Long-term LUTS was noted following temporally remote childhood sexual abuse, adverse childhood experiences, and stressful experiences in adults. There was evidence for an association of childhood sexual abuse and adverse childhood events with both storage as well as voiding LUTS. There was limited evidence that the number of adverse childhood events might increase the risk and severity of LUTS. There was evidence of an association between post-traumatic stress disorder in adults and LUTS. The finding of mental health disorders in such patients could explain some but not all of the observed association suggesting that other factors might also be important. There is an association noted between apparently transient lifetime events and the subsequent reporting of LUTS. The timing of these adverse experiences might be important in determining the propensity for clinical manifestation. There is a need to explore this association, establish causality, and determine the underlying etiopathogenesis.

Resilience and Related Factors: A Comparison of Fathers and Mothers of Patients With Cleft Lip and/or Palate in China

Background: Resilience has become a hot spot in the field of positive psychology to study life-change events. However, there were little information on resilience among the fathers and mothers of patients with cleft lip and/or palate respectively. The present study aimed to explore and compare the level and potential influential factors associated with resilience among fathers/mothers of patients with cleft lip and/or palate in China.Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out between April 2019 and July 2020 among fathers/mothers of patients with cleft lip and/or palate in two cleft lip and/or palate treatment centers in China. Sixty Nine fathers and 179 mothers of patients with cleft lip and/or palate were interviewed with a questionnaire on demographic variables and the Resilience Scale-14 (RS-14), Herth Hope Index (HHI), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), Revised Life Orientation Test (LOT-R), Parenting Stress Index-Short Form (PSI-SF) and Coping Health Inventory for Parents (CHIP). T-test/univariate one-way ANOVA, Pearson's r, hierarchical linear regression analysis were conducted to explore the influential factors of resilience.Results: Fathers of patients with cleft lip and/or palate had a higher level of resilience (77.77 ± 14.18) than mothers (74.52 ± 14.33) though without significance. Resilience was positively associated with hope, perceived social support, optimism and coping and negatively correlated with parenting stress both in the fathers and the mothers. Hierarchical linear regression analysis showed that hope (β = 0.400, P < 0.01), coping (β = 0.281, P < 0.05), job status, medical payments (β = −0.240, P < 0.05) were found to be associated with resilience among the fathers of patients with CL/P, and all four variables in the model could explain 42.8% of the variance in resilience; Hope (β = 0.225, P < 0.05), perceived social support (β = 0.194, P < 0.05), the age of patients (β = 0.189, P < 0.05) were found to be associated with resilience among the mothers, and all three variables in the model could explain 27.6% of the variance in resilience.Conclusion: Our study showed that, in China, fathers of patients with cleft lip and/or palate had a higher level of resilience than mothers though without significance. Hope was the only communal variable strongly associated with resilience among both the fathers and the mothers; besides, coping, job status and medical payments were found to be associated with resilience among the fathers; while perceived social support and the age of patients were found to be associated with resilience among the mothers. The results suggest that enhance hope in parents of patients with cleft lip and/or palate might greatly help improve their resilience. Besides, fathers and mothers need specific intervention to prompt their resilience.

The Influence of COVID-19 Lockdown on Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior and Social Support Specific to Physical Activity Among Belgian Adults.

In Belgium, lockdown measures were taken to counter the spread of COVID-19. This major life-change event may disrupt a person's daily routine and influence health behaviors. Although measures were restrictive, citizens were encouraged to engage in physical activity (PA) behavior in order to maintain well-being. Social support specific to PA (SSPA) had been highlighted as an important psychosocial factor in initiating and/or maintaining active behavior. The main aims of this study were to explore the influence of COVID-19 lockdown on PA and sedentary behavior, and on SSPA from family and from friends; and investigate the potential differences in terms of professional status. An online survey was distributed during the 1st weeks of the lockdown. A total of 272 Belgian adults responded to the survey. The findings show no significant difference between prior to and during lockdown with regard to the amount of PA. The results show a significant increase in sedentary behavior among the entire sample, workers and retirees. The findings also suggest that the support of other individuals is particularly useful for certain population groups such as retirees. Given the importance of the levels of PA and sedentariness as health behaviors preceding a major life-change event such as a lockdown, there is a need to promote these health behaviors during normal life in order for the population to remain active throughout their lifespan.

THE EFFECT OF HEPATITIS ON DAILY LIFE

Background: A descriptive, exploratory, and qualitative study was undertaken to discover changes in the daily lives of hepatitis patients.&#x0D; Methodology: In October 2011, data from 12 hepatitis B and/or C patients were acquired using a semi-structured interview and thematic content evaluation. Hepatitis B has been diagnosed in the majority of the participants. The diagnosis duration spanned from less than 6 months to 12 years, and the majority of the diagnoses were made through blood donation. Only two patients received interferon. The findings were classified into two categories based on the feelings and replies of the interviewees, as well as some lifestyle adjustments. It was decided that health practitioners must comprehend the extent of phenomena related to the illness process and life with hepatitis.&#x0D; Keywords: Hepatitis; Nursing; Nursing care; Communicable diseases; Diagnosis; Life change events.

Changes in Physical Activity Pre-, During and Post-lockdown COVID-19 Restrictions in New Zealand and the Explanatory Role of Daily Hassles.

Covid-19 lockdown restrictions constitute a population-wide “life-change event” disrupting normal daily routines. It was proposed that as a result of these lockdown restrictions, physical activity levels would likely decline. However, it could also be argued that lifestyle disruption may result in the formation of increased physical activity habits. Using a longitudinal design, the purpose of this study was to investigate changes in physical activity of different intensities, across individuals who differed in activity levels prior to lockdown restrictions being imposed, and across three time periods: pre-, during- and post-lockdown. This study also examined the extent to which the experience of daily hassles explained any changes in physical activity. A convenience sample (N = 759) recruited through social media, provided data from an online survey administered during weeks 2–3 of a 5-week lockdown and 231 participants provided complete data again 6 weeks post-lockdown (72% female, M age = 43 years). Participants completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire–Short Form and the Daily Hassles Scale. Results showed that vigorous and moderate intensity PA were significantly lower during- and post-lockdown compared to pre-lockdown in those individuals who had been highly active pre-lockdown. In contrast, for moderately active individuals pre-lockdown, vigorous and moderate intensity PA was significantly higher during-lockdown compared to pre-lockdown, and these increased levels of vigorous PA were maintained post-lockdown. Participants experienced daily hassles due to inner concerns, time pressures, family, and financial concerns to the same extent during- and post-lockdown. Those daily hassles had a small negative (Standardized β = −0.11; p < 0.05) predictive effect on post-lockdown PA. It appears that to understand the effect of COVID-19 restrictions on PA, the activity status of individuals pre-lockdown needs to be taken into account. The daily hassles appeared to play a role in post-lockdown PA behavior, but future research should investigate why these results occurred.

LIVING WITH HEPATITIS: THE EFFECT OF INFECTED SUBJECTS ON EVERYDAY LIFE

To identify changes in the everyday life of hepatitis subjects, we conducted a descriptive, exploratory, and qualitative analysis. Data from 12 hepatitis B and/or C patients were collected in October 2011 through a semi-structured interview and subjected to thematic content review. Most subjects have been diagnosed with hepatitis B. The diagnosis period ranged from less than 6 months to 12 years, and the diagnosis was made predominantly through the donation of blood. Interferon was used in only two patients. The findings were divided into two groups that define the interviewees' feelings and responses, as well as some lifestyle changes. It was concluded that the magnitude of phenomena about the disease process and life with hepatitis must be understood to health professionals.&#x0D; Keywords: Hepatitis; Nursing; Communicable diseases; Diagnosis; Life change events; Nursing care.

Physical activity among parents during pregnancy and 8 months postpartum compared to pre-pregnancy

Abstract Background As there is incontrovertible evidence of the essential prerequisite of regular physical activity it is also important to understand how different life change events may impact individual's participation in physical activity. Pregnancy and the transition to parenthood have been found to be life change events associated with decreased physical activity among women however, the examination of changes of physical activity in the male parent during this major life change event has been largely neglected in scientific literature and a significant research gap can be found. In the light of this, this longitudinal study aimed to follow changing physical activity patterns among women and med during pregnancy and eight months postpartum compared to pre-pregnancy. Methods The study involved 123 women and 112 men (partners of the women) from the municipality of Karlskrona, Sweden. We measured the self-reported amount of physical activity performed outdoors and indoors before pregnancy (calculated from one month before pregnancy), throughout the entire pregnancy, and eight months postpartum. Results We found similar trends among both women and men in decreasing frequency of physical activity during pregnancy and eight months postpartum as compared to pre-pregnancy, however, overall physical activity levels did not change. Conclusions Our findings contribute new knowledge about changes in men's physical activity patterns from pre-pregnancy to pregnancy and postpartum and is an important contribution in research, as the area is very limited. As couples seem to change activity patterns similarly, it is important to promote family-based physical activity initiatives and encourage couples to be active together during pregnancy and postpartum. Key messages Couples seem to change physical activity patterns similarly during pregnancy and postpartum. as compared to pre-pregnancy. It is important to promote family-based physical activity initiatives and encourage couples to be active together during pregnancy and postpartum.

Abstract MP37: Adverse Childhood Experiences Impact Blood Pressure And Pulse Wave Velocity In Adolescence

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), such as abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction, have been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in adulthood. Understanding how ACEs affects blood pressure during early life is key for the development of early interventions that may reduce the risk of future CVD. We hypothesized that exposure to ACEs is associated with detrimental hemodynamic parameters during adolescence. This study included 78 male and female adolescents (median age=16, range=13-18) recruited from Children’s of Alabama hospital. Exclusion criteria included cardiovascular or renal disease and antihypertensive medication. An oscillometric blood pressure (BP) monitor was used to measure 24-h ambulatory BP. ACE exposure was measured with the Adolescent Life Change Event (ALCES) questionnaire and was prevalent, with 65% (51 of 78) of participants experiencing 1 ACEs. The mean cumulative ACE score was 1.4±0.2. ACE exposure was not correlated with gender, race, age, or body mass index (BMI). Linear regression models were utilized to link ACE exposure (0 versus 1 ACEs) with 24-h mean arterial pressure (MAP), systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP), and pulse wave velocity (PWV). Race and gender were included as covariates. Mean 24-h DBP was significantly (p=0.04) higher in participants with ACE exposure (65.9±0.7 mmHg, n=51) compared to those with no ACE exposure (64.1±0.9 mmHg, n=27); this association was independent of covariates. Since BMI was significantly correlated with SBP, PWV, and MAP, additional models included BMI as a covariate. Both ACE exposure (p= 0.02) and BMI (p&lt;0.001) were associated with increased PWV, while the interaction between ACE exposure and BMI was negatively associated with PWV (p=0.02). Mean 24-h SBP and MAP were not significantly associated with ACE exposure. The finding that ACE exposure is associated with elevated DBP and PWV and not with SBP is in accordance with previously reported results in young adults and suggests that ACEs may alter autonomic pathways leading to CVD and hypertension. Interventions targeted at individuals with ACE exposure early in life could lower the risk of arterial stiffness and in turn the cascade of events leading to CVD.

Racial Variation in Mental Health Court Experiences and the Associations of These Experiences With Recidivism

Little is known about how mental health court (MHC) experiences (including satisfaction and sanctioning, incentivizing, and life change events) differ by race and how this variation affects recidivism among MHC participants. This study examined how MHC experiences and recidivism differ between White ( n = 170) and Black ( n = 132) participants from four different MHCs in the United Sates. Negative binomial regression models, conducted separately for the two groups, indicated that life changes were associated with decreased arrests and that court sanctions were associated with increased number of arrests for both White and Black participants. Higher program satisfaction was positively associated with recidivism among Black participants only. To provide equitable services for people convicted of a crime with mental illness, professionals should acknowledge racial variation in the experiences of MHC participants (both within the MHC and the communities in which they are situated) and how these experiences relate to recidivism.

Determining the Influence of Life Change Events on the Mental Health Nurses; A Case of Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND &amp;amp; OBJECTIVES: Few researches are found concerning the relationship of life-altering events and psychological health among mental health nurses in Saudi Arabia. Thereby, the study examines the influence of life-altering events on Saudi mental health of nurses. &#x0D; &#x0D; METHODS: A descriptive correlational research design was used where mental health nurses from three different hospitals were recruited using a random sampling method. Data was collected using Qandil&amp;rsquo;s Arabic Modified Life Events Questionnaire. Pearson correlation evaluated the relationship between variables. &#x0D; &#x0D; RESULTS: Major change in eating habits was responsible for expressing both depression and stress. Inclusion of new members, leaving loved ones due to several causes, spouses&amp;rsquo; death, and substantial changes in the family members&amp;rsquo; health status are all significantly related to depression. Change occurred in the parents&amp;rsquo; marital status due to divorce or death also became the cause of depression. This is also same when person felt burden in taking care of the sick family member. Going on vacations and short trips, change in the meetings of family and social activities may help in relieving depression. &#x0D; &#x0D; CONCLUSION: The findings show that big personal achievements lead to negative relationship with depression. Stress-related factors are also a personal problem, which must be intervened with the enhancement of the working conditions.

Physical Activity Patterns Among Women and Men During Pregnancy and 8 Months Postpartum Compared to Pre-pregnancy: A Longitudinal Study.

Background: Realizing the essential prerequisite of regular physical activity (PA) it is essential to have knowledge about how different life change events may influence individual's participation. Many studies have documented that pregnancy and the transition to parenthood are life change events associated with decreased PA among women however, the examination of changes of PA in the male parent during this major life change event has been largely neglected in scientific literature and a significant research gap can be found. In the light of this, this longitudinal study aimed to follow changing PA patterns among women and men during pregnancy and 8 months postpartum compared to pre-pregnancy.Methods: In this study, 123 women and 112 men (partners of the women) that lived in the municipality of Karlskrona, Sweden, were included. Data were collected between 2008 and 2010. The self-reported amount of PA performed outdoors and indoors before pregnancy throughout the entire pregnancy, and 8 months postpartum, were measured.Results: We found similar changes in PA patterns among both women and men during pregnancy and 8 months postpartum when compared to pre-pregnancy. In almost all the activities studied except for walking/strolling, a significant decline was found.Conclusions: Our findings contribute new knowledge about changes in men's PA patterns from pre-pregnancy to pregnancy and postpartum. As couples seem to change activity patterns similarly, it is important to promote family-based PA initiatives and encourage couples to be active together during pregnancy and postpartum.

Mismatch in Spouses' Anger-Coping Response Styles and Risk of Early Mortality: A 32-Year Follow-Up Study.

Research in psychosomatic medicine includes a long history of studying how responses to anger-provoking situations are associated with health. In the context of a marriage, spouses may differ in their anger-coping response style. Where one person may express anger in response to unfair, aggressive interpersonal interactions, his/her partner may instead suppress anger. Discordant response styles within couples may lead to increased relational conflict, which, in turn, may undermine long-term health. The current study sought to examine the association between spouses' anger-coping response styles and mortality status 32 years later. The present study used data from a subsample of married couples (N = 192) drawn from the Life Change Event Study to create an actor-partner interdependence model. Neither husbands' nor wives' response styles predicted their own or their partners' mortality. Wives' anger-coping response style, however, significantly moderated the association of husbands' response style on mortality risk 32 years later, β = -0.18, -0.35 to -0.01, p = .039. Similarly, husbands' response style significantly moderated the association of wives' response style and their later mortality, β = -0.24, -0.38 to -0.10, p < .001. These effects were such that the greater the mismatch between spouses' anger-coping response style, the greater the risk of early death. For a three-decade follow-up, husbands and wives were at greater risk of early death when their anger-coping response styles differed. Degree of mismatch between spouses' response styles may be an important long-term predictor of spouses' early mortality risk.

The potential of lateral refuges for Iberian barbel under simulated hydropeaking conditions

Fish responses to hydropeaking may range from sub-organismal adjustments to key life-event changes. It is currently difficult to quantify these responses and to assess the potential of artificial refuges accordingly. To address this problem, two experimental trials were conducted in an indoor flume. In the first, two hydropeaking events were tested in the presence of deflectors as flow refuges. In the second, the presence and absence of deflectors was tested for the same hydropeaking event. A multidisciplinary approach combined physiological and movement behaviour responses of Iberian barbel (Luciobarbus bocagei) with hydrodynamic models. These were used as a complementary tool to explain the fish responses. In the first experiment, no evident physiological adjustments occurred. However, individual refuge use and swimming activity were higher in the single-step event where velocities above 0.6 m.s−1 were observed. In the second experiment, the levels of glucose were the highest in the repeated single-step event with deflectors, whereas in their absence no visible changes were observed. The sequence of discharges affected the frequency of individual sprints and group drifts, particularly evident with deflectors. Additionally, the deflector use increased in the first peak in opposition to the second. Overall, the fish responses were indicative that the low velocity areas (<0.1 m.s−1) existing behind the deflectors were favourable under hydropeaking conditions. However, the flow complexity resulting from the presence of deflectors impaired their ability to successfully find them. The integrated approach used in this study provided novel insight considering the responses of cyprinids to hydropeaking in the presence and absence of deflectors as a mitigation measure. This study emphasized the importance of characterizing the hydrodynamic conditions due to hydropeaking, particularly after including the artificial refuges.

Activité physique et événements de vie : transition entre les études secondaires et les études supérieures

L’entrée dans l’enseignement supérieur est un événement de vie marquant souvent associé à une réduction de l’activité physique (AP). Ce passage est ici étudié grâce au modèle de l’autodétermination enrichi des conflits de rôles.L’étude de suivi est réalisée auprès de 76 jeunes. En fin d’enseignement secondaire ainsi qu’à la fin de leur première année d’études supérieures (un an après) le volume de pratique d’AP autonome auto-rapportée est évalué. Les jeunes complètent également un questionnaire de motivation pour l’éducation physique et sportive (EPS) scolaire (temps 1) ou l’AP (temps 2) et de conception des liens en conflit ou en instrumentalité entre l’AP et les études (temps 1 et 2). Sur la base de l’évolution du volume de pratique hors scolaire, l’analyse fait apparaitre 4 groupes : maintien ou augmentation de l’AP ; diminution ; décrochage ; sédentarité prolongée.Une motivation autodéterminée pour l’AP n’est pas suffisante pour expliquer le maintien de l’AP à l’entrée au supérieur. Une pratique autonome présente dès les études secondaires et une conception instrumentale de l’AP pour les études supérieures sont des éléments explicatifs majeurs du maintien de l’AP à l’entrée au supérieur. Il convient d’en tenir compte dans l’intervention en EPS pour faciliter le prolongement de l’AP par-delà la scolarité obligatoire.

A Study of Coping Styles and Stress Tolerance in the Caregivers of Schizophrenic Patients

This study attempted to take a closer look at the coping styles and stress tolerance of care givers of schizophrenic patients and to determine the relationship between coping styles and stress tolerance of the caregivers of schizophrenic patients. A total number of 70 caregivers were selected using purposive sampling method. The tools used in this study are Life Change Event Inventory and AECOM Coping Scale Questionnaire. Data were cleaned and analyzed by SPSS version 16.00 windows. It is concluded that the caregivers of schizophrenic patients tend to use certain coping styles more than others and this preference lowers the stress experienced. It is also concluded that caregivers of schizophrenic patients are hardier due to the sociocultural expectations imposed on them.

Womenʼs experiences of childbirth care in freestanding and alongside midwifery units: a systematic review of qualitative evidence protocol

Womenʼs experiences of childbirth care in freestanding and alongside midwifery units: a systematic review of qualitative evidence protocol

English

Fear of childbirth is described as a major problem for many women as this has a negative effect for both the women and the babies. Health care professionals need to be able to offer these women adequate support which could be important for primiparous women. The aim of this study was to describe what primiparous women experience as support in coping with their fear of childbirth. A qualitative, inductive approach was used. Data was collected at two hospitals in Southwestern Sweden. Five primiparous women with fear of childbirth were included after a purposive, snowball sampling technique. Data were analyzed with qualitative content analysis. Findings are described through the main theme support adapted to the needs of the individual woman and of three categories: (1) the importance of receiving reassurance; (2) increased knowledge and understanding and; (3) combining all kinds of support. The conclusion of this study is that women’s fear could rapidly shift focus and individualized support sensitive to these shifts was important to increase primiparous women’s coping capacity. Support should include; reassurance, improved knowledge and understanding. Key words: Women's experiences, primiparous, fear of childbirth, social support, professional support, women’s health, life change events.

0027 Life Events and Psychological Distress among Police Officers Six Years Post Hurricane Katrina

ObjectivesTo investigate if organisational support modifies associations between life events and psychological symptomatology among police officers post Hurricane Katrina.MethodComplete data on depression [Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale (CES-D)], PTSD...

北京市民办农民工子女学校青少年自尊与生活事件的关系

目的：对北京市民办农民工子女学校青少年的自尊状况、生活事件进行了解；对影响青少年自尊的生活事件进行性别比较；了解影响青少年自尊的常见生活事件。方法：通过对北京市民办农民工子女学校13~18岁青少年学生进行单纯随机抽样，根据性别、年龄和家庭社会经济状况进行配对共计420人，男性和女性分别为210人，平均年龄15.6 ± 2.4岁。用一般情况资料表、自尊量表(SES)和青少年生活事件量表(ASLEC)进行数据收集。结果：SES得分男性27.2 ± 2.3，女性27.2 ± 2.5，没有性别差异(F = 0.008, P = 0.929)；ASLEC得分中，受惩罚因子男性11.4 ± 5.5，女性8.0 ± 4.7 (F = 39.621, P = 0.000)；健康适应因子男性3.8 ± 2.6，女性3.2 ± 2.3 (F = 5.566, P = 0.019)；其他男性6.1 ± 3.5，女性3.9 ± 2.9 (F = 40.650, P = 0.000)和总分男性41.4 ± 16.6，女性35.8 ± 15.4 (F = 10.955, P = 0.000)得分均为男性高于女性。SES得分与ASLEC得分负相关，偏回归系数男性为−0.141~−0.309，女性为−0.158~−0.361；自尊各条目得分变化可由生活事件或年龄解释的比例为男性为2.3%~12.0%，女性为1.9%~22.1%。影响民办农民工子女学校青少年自尊最常见的生活事件是遭父母打骂和预期评选落空。结论：北京市民办农民工子女学校青少年的自尊水平处于正常范围低水平，男性遭受更多的生活事件及其影响；生活事件对北京市民办民工子女学校青少年自尊的形成、发展和提升有明显的不良影响，同时，自尊内容受到生活事件的影响有性别差异；北京市民办农民工子女学校青少年自尊最常见的生活事件是“遭到父母打骂”和“预期评选落空”。因此，北京市民办农民工子女学校青少年自尊有待提升，有必要教会和加强青少年对生活事件的应对技巧；建议农民工父母学习子女教养的知识和方法，改良学校各项评选、评比活动激励方法。Objective: To investigate the status and association of self-esteem and life change events, as well as the gender differences of self-esteem influenced by life change events. Method: The adolescents, aged from 13 to 18 years old, were sampled by simple random and paired with gender, age and family income. Both boys and girls were 210 of each group, totally 420, who were educated in private schools for ecdemic peasants’ offspring in Beijing city. Participants completed Self-Esteem Scale (SES) and Adolescent Self-Rating Life Events Check List (ASLEC). Results: The scores of SES were 27.2 ± 2.3 for boys and 27.2 ± 2.5 for girls without difference (F = 0.008, P = 0.929) between the two groups. The boys scored significantly higher on the following ASLEC factors and total ASLEC than girls: punishments with 11.4 ± 5.5 for boys and 8.0 ± 4.7 for girls (F = 39.621, P = 0.000), health adaptation with 3.8 ± 2.6 for boys and 3.2 ± 2.3 for girls (F = 5.566, P = 0.019), and others with 6.1 ± 3.5 for boys and 3.9 ± 2.9 for girls (F = 40.650, P = 0.000), total ASLEC with 41.4 ± 16.6 for boys and 35.8 ± 15.4 for girls (F = 10.955, P = 0.000). The decreasing self-esteem was related to increasing life change events with partial regression coefficient ranged from −0.141 to −0.309 for boys and −0.158 to −0.361 for girls. The percentage of self-esteem change attributed to life change events varied from 2.9% to 12.0% for boys and 1.9% to 22.1% for girls. The maltreatment from parents and fail to expectant appraisal and election most commonly happened on the adolescent participants. Conclusion: Adolescent self-esteem was at low levels of normal range without difference between boys and girls; boys suffered more life change events than girls. Adolescent decreasing self-esteem was related to increasing life change events; maltreatment from parents and fail to expectant appraisal and election were most commonly seen on the adolescent participants. So adolescent self-esteem should be improved and they should learn how to deal with life change events efficiently; the knowledge and skills of educating should be transmitted and taught to the peasant parents with children, and the options of school reward and punishment should be matched with the adolescents’ psychological level and needs.

Viver com câncer: a percepção de pacientes oncológicos

Objective: to know the perception of living with cancer for oncological patients. Method: it is a qualitative, exploratory and descriptive study. It was developed in a radiotherapy center in a Teaching Hospital in south of Brazil, between October and November 2007. The participants were seven patients with cancer who came to the service for revision of up to six months after the end of the treatment. Results: the diagnosis brings changes and limitations to their lives, such as feelings of fear, sadness and anxiety. To overcome the adversities they count with the support of family, friends, work and religion. Conclusions: it is understood that this living is permeated by individual and subjective characteristics, occurring transformations in these people’s lives demanding that they find means to adapt to this new condition. Descriptors: Neoplasms; Survival; Oncologic nursing; Chronic disease; Life change events.