Disruption Of Life Research Articles

Herbal Approach in Premenstrual Syndrome – A Review

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a common phenomenon experienced by many women in the days leading up to their menstrual cycle. The physical and emotional symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe disruptions in daily life. While conventional treatments exist, an increasing number of individuals are turning to herbal approaches to find relief from PMS symptoms such as Chaste Tree (Vitex agnus-castus), Evening Primrose Oil (Oenothera biennis), Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis), Ginger (Zingiber officinale), In addition to herbal remedies, lifestyle and dietary adjustments play a crucial role in managing PMS. A diet rich in whole foods, particularly fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can contribute to overall well-being. Regular exercise has been shown to reduce PMS symptoms by promoting circulation and releasing endorphins, the body's natural mood elevators. The herbal approach to managing PMS offers a natural and holistic alternative for women seeking relief from the challenges of premenstrual syndrome. While individual responses to herbal remedies may vary, many women find comfort and support in the wisdom of nature.

Novel Definitions of Wellness and Distress among Family Caregivers of Patients with Acute Cardiorespiratory Failure: A Qualitative Study.

Rationale: Family caregivers of patients with acute cardiorespiratory failure are at high risk for distress, which is typically defined as the presence of psychological symptoms such as anxiety, depression, or posttraumatic stress. Interventions to reduce caregiver distress and increase wellness have been largely ineffective to date. An incomplete understanding of caregiver wellness and distress may hinder efforts at developing effective support interventions. Objectives: To allow family caregivers to define their experiences of wellness and distress 6 months after patient intensive care unit (ICU) admission and to identify moderators that influence wellness and distress. Methods: Primary family caregivers of adult patients admitted to the medical ICU with acute cardiorespiratory failure were invited to participate in a semistructured interview 6 months after ICU admission as part of a larger prospective cohort study. Interview guides were used to assess caregiver perceptions of their own well-being, record caregiver descriptions of their experiences of family caregiving, and identify key stress events and moderators that influenced well-being during and after the ICU admission. This study was guided by the Chronic Traumatic Stress Framework conceptual model, and data were analyzed using the five-step framework approach. Results: Among 21 interviewees, the mean age was 58 years, 67% were female, and 76% were White. Nearly half of patients (47%) had died before the caregiver interview. At the time of the interview, 9 caregivers endorsed an overall sense of distress, 10 endorsed a sense of wellness, and 2 endorsed a mix of both. Caregivers defined their experiences of wellness and distress as multidimensional and composed of four main elements: 1) positive versus negative physical and psychological outcomes, 2) high versus low capacity for self-care, 3) thriving versus struggling in the caregiving role, and 4) a sense of normalcy versus ongoing life disruption. Postdischarge support from family, friends, and the community at large played a key role in moderating caregiver outcomes. Conclusions: Caregiver wellness and distress are multidimensional and extend beyond the absence or presence of psychological outcomes. Future intervention research should incorporate novel outcome measures that include elements of self-efficacy, preparedness, and adaptation and optimize postdischarge support for family caregivers.

How adolescents' lives were disrupted over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic: A longitudinal investigation in 12 cultural groups in 9 nations from March 2020 to July 2022.

It is unclear how much adolescents' lives were disrupted throughout the COVID-19 pandemic or what risk factors predicted such disruption. To answer these questions, 1,080 adolescents in 9 nations were surveyed 5 times from March 2020 to July 2022. Rates of adolescent COVID-19 life disruption were stable and high. Adolescents who, compared to their peers, lived in nations with higher national COVID-19 death rates, lived in nations with less stringent COVID-19 mitigation strategies, had less confidence in their government's response to COVID-19, complied at higher rates with COVID-19 control measures, experienced the death of someone they knew due to COVID-19, or experienced more internalizing, externalizing, and smoking problems reported more life disruption due to COVID-19 during part or all of the pandemic. Additionally, when, compared to their typical levels of functioning, adolescents experienced spikes in national death rates, experienced less stringent COVID-19 mitigation measures, experienced less confidence in government response to the COVID-19 pandemic, complied at higher rates with COVID-19 control measures, experienced more internalizing problems, or smoked more at various periods during the pandemic, they also experienced more COVID-19 life disruption. Collectively, these findings provide new insights that policymakers can use to prevent the disruption of adolescents' lives in future pandemics.

The potential role of the orexin system in premenstrual syndrome.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) occurs recurrently during the luteal phase of a woman's menstrual cycle and disappears after menstruation ends. It is characterized by abnormal changes in both the body and mood, and in certain cases, severe disruptions in daily life and even suicidal tendencies. Current drugs for treating PMS, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, do not yield satisfactory results. Orexin, a neuropeptide produced in the lateral hypothalamus, is garnering attention in the treatment of neurological disorders and is believed to modulate the symptoms of PMS. This paper reviews the advancements in research on sleep disturbances, mood changes, and cognitive impairment caused by PMS, and suggests potential pathways for orexin to address these symptoms. Furthermore, it delves into the role of orexin in the molecular mechanisms underlying PMS. Orexin regulates steroid hormones, and the cyclic fluctuations of estrogen and progesterone play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of PMS. Additionally, orexin also modulates the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system and the inflammatory response involved in coordinating the mechanism of PMS. Unraveling the role of orexin in the pathogenesis of PMS will not only aid in understanding the etiology of PMS but also hold implications for orexin as a novel target for treating PMS.

An exploration into the occupational identity of women following breast cancer and treatment: A qualitative study

Introduction: The number of women surviving after breast cancer is increasing, along with the length of time they are living with the after-effects of treatment. Although the treatment’s effects are known to impact occupational participation, little is known about how breast cancer could affect occupational identity. This study aims to illuminate the lived experience of women long-term after breast cancer treatment through an occupational perspective in order to explore how they perceive their occupational identity. Methods: A qualitative study with semi-structured interviews was conducted with six women, who had all received a diagnosis of breast cancer and treatment for longer than a year. Reflexive Thematic Analysis was used to analyse the data. Findings: Three intertwined themes describe the participants’ experience. (1) ‘Disruptions in daily life and Environmental support’, (2) ‘Be able to do’ and identity, and (3) ‘Doing what matters and is possible’. Findings revealed that the occupational identities of the participants were maintained. Cancer treatment effects appear to impact occupational competence that corresponded to participants’ occupational identities, suggesting difficulties in the order of occupational adaptation. Conclusion: Our findings contribute to understanding the challenges to occupational participation related to the occupational identity of women following breast cancer and treatment.

Life Disruptions as Critical Situations in Health-Related Planning: Advance Care Planning and Home Adaption

Life Disruptions as Critical Situations in Health-Related Planning: Advance Care Planning and Home Adaption

Social Life After Hip Fracture: A Qualitative Study.

The return to social life after a hip fracture is a major concern for patients and a determinant factor in their recovery. However, patients' perceptions of social life after hip fracture are variable and context-dependent. By identifying these perceptions and strategies of patients, interventions can be strengthened and modified. The aim of this study was to identify patients' perceptions of their social life after hip fracture. This qualitative study used inductive content analysis. Twenty patients with hip fractures who were referred to Tehran University of Medical Sciences hospitals were purposefully selected and included in the study. Data were collected through individual, face-to-face, in-depth, semi-structured interviews conducted by a researcher experienced in carrying out such interviews. The interviews were recorded, immediately transcribed verbatim, and analyzed in MAXQDA-10. The interviewing process continued until data saturation was reached. The data analysis led to the extraction of three categories: Disruption of normal social life, Minimal social life, and Social isolation. The results indicated that the social life of these patients is influenced by physical conditions and contextual factors and progresses over time. All patients experienced meaningful disruption of their social life after experiencing hip fractures and movement limitations. The interdisciplinary perspectives provided by these findings can increase awareness of patients' post-fracture social life perceptions and conditions. These findings can also be used to design future programs for interdisciplinary interventions (involving sociology and medical sciences) to improve social life and increase the ability to return to a normal social life. Recovery management for patients with hip fractures should be preventive and organized by an all-around team (involving medicine, psychology, and sociology) based on patient-centered, community-based, and modern care strategies.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Mental Health of Young People in Sally Mugabe Heights

Various studies have revealed that the prolonged and indefinite end time of the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with mass restrictions on movement, social isolation, and loneliness among young people, leads to mental health challenges. This study explored the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of young people in Sally Mugabe Heights, Goromonzi, and developed appropriate intervention strategies. Contemporary literature suggests that the pandemic disrupted education, leisure, employment, and access to health services, resulting in depression, stress, and other mental health challenges. This study employed a qualitative approach utilizing a descriptive case study. A purposive sampling strategy was used to recruit twelve young persons aged 15 to 24 years. Focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were conducted, and thematic analysis was used to sift data. Several themes emerged from the data, primarily the disruption of social and economic life. Support systems were found to provide some assistance to young people, and it is critical for the government and various agencies to implement safety nets to assist youths socially and economically. Implications for the study are discussed.

Changes in mental health of Indian students due to online classes during COVID-19 pandemic

This study examines the influence of online classes on the mental stress of Indian students amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Data from 428 respondents, spanning from class 10 to research scholars, was collected via a Google Form questionnaire. Parameters like excitement for online classes, class time gaps, teacher-centric lecture, competitive mindset, disruption of normal life, and health related issues were analysed using descriptive statistics. The findings offer insights into the potential causes of mental stress among students during online classes, with implications for improving mental health through screening strategies. These findings may also apply to offline classes.

The Thymoquinone Inhalable Nano-drug Delivery System with COVID-19 Therapeutic Potential

The COVID-19 pandemic, stemming from a novel coronavirus outbreak in 2019, has resulted in significant loss of life and widespread disruption to societal and economic functions globally. Thymoquinone (TQ), a natural compound sourced from Nigella sativa, has garnered attention for its potential in mitigating and treating COVID-19. This paper provides an overview of inhaled nano-formulations designed for the localized pulmonary delivery of TQ. These formulations hold promise for enhancing the efficacy of TQ in combating respiratory infections, including COVID-19. However, challenges persist in translating TQ-loaded inhaled nano-formulations into clinical applications. Factors such as stability, bioavailability, and safety must be carefully addressed to ensure the feasibility and effectiveness of these formulations in clinical settings. This review highlights the current advancements and hurdles in utilizing TQ-loaded inhaled nano-formulations for combating COVID-19 and underscores the need for further research and development in this promising area.

Concept analysis of digital sexual violence of adolescents: based on Walker and Avant method

Purpose: This study was conducted to identify attributes, antecedents, and consequences of digital sexual violence in adolescents. Methods: Using the framework of Walker and Avant’s conceptual analysis, 22 articles on digital sexual violence in adolescents were selected for this study. Results: Attributes were derived from repeated and persistent sexual exploitation, unlimited sexual exposure to the anonymous public, unilateral/collective violence, inevitable bondage, and permanent sexual stigma. Antecedents were identified familiar digital media, low self-esteem, digital grooming, and a lack of a support system. Consequences were identified as emotional disorder, behavioral disorder(drug abuse, suicidal thoughts, etc.), social isolation, interpersonal avoidance, and daily life disruption. The definition of digital sexual violence against adolescents involves repetitive and persistent sexual exploitation using information and communication technologies and digital media. It is a unilateral and collective act of violence that enables unlimited sexual exposure to the anonymous public, imposes inevitable bondage on the victims and causes permanent sexual stigmatisation. Conclusion: This study is expected to contribute to the development of educational programs and conceptual measurement tools for the prevention of digital sexual violence among adolescents.

College Students' Adaptations of Activities and Experiences During the Pandemic Occupational Disruption.

During life disruptions, people adapt their activities responding to environmental stressors, resulting in new routines that support well-being. To explore college students' daily life experiences during the pandemic. Thirty students completed three time-use diaries, and responded to a survey on activity change during Coronavirus Disease 2019, satisfaction with social/leisure occupations, and well-being. Survey questions, duration of activities, and levels of were analyzed across 3 days. Exercise, school, socializing, and work were the most changed, often eliminating the activity, or modifying the activity, social context, or location. Time-use data indicated participants engaged in similar types of activities compared with nonpandemic times, but experienced different levels of pleasure and productivity related to some activities. Participants adjusted their activities/experiences to support their well-being. Examination of students' occupations and experiences uncovered the dynamic interaction between all levels of context-the macro (pandemic) and the micro (place to study).

Urban flood hazard assessment in Awka metropolis using multi-criteria decision process

Urban flooding is an escalating global threat, and Awka Metropolis in Anambra state Nigeria is no exception. The city's rapid urbanization and inadequate infrastructure have left it increasingly vulnerable to flooding, exacerbated by the impacts of climate change. Anticipated flood effects include disruption of daily life, infrastructure damage, and threats to public safety, necessitating urgent attention. This study presents a comprehensive assessment of urban flood hazards in Awka Metropolis, utilizing an integrated approach combining the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Flood Hazard Index (FHI) to gauge the city's flood vulnerability. The primary objectives were to identify key geophysical factors contributing to flooding, categorize these factors by their vulnerability, determine their reliability indices, delineate flood-prone zones, and generate a spatial flood extent map. The methodology encompassed data acquisition, pre-processing, Flood Modeling (evaluating slope, Elevation, Drainage Network, and flow accumulation), the application of Analytical Hierarchy Process, and the utilization of the Flood Hazard Index. The results classified Awka Metropolis into three flood risk zones: high (837.84 hectares, 14.70%), moderate (2182.65 hectares, 38.30%), and low (2678.45 hectares, 46.99%). These findings provide indispensable insights into the distribution of flood hazards across the city, enabling urban planners and authorities to strategically allocate resources, prioritize mitigation initiatives, and formulate targeted flood risk reduction strategies. Importantly, the incorporation of stakeholder input enhances the study's practical relevance and applicability in real-world urban planning and disaster management scenarios. In conclusion, this research offers a robust and multidimensional framework for assessing urban flood hazards in Awka Metropolis. The synergy of the Analytical Hierarchy Process and Flood Hazard Index equips urban planners, policymakers, and disaster management agencies to proactively tackle the mounting urban flooding challenges. The study's outcomes contribute to the development of sustainable flood risk reduction measures, ultimately enhancing the resilience of Awka Metropolis to future flood events.

Ekonomika kryzysu codzienności

The article follows on from the research project “Everyday life during a pandemic”, the aim of which was to show the relational nature of the categories of excesses and shortages, and thus the organic essence of everyday life itself. The second goal was to present patterns of experiencing the crisis in everyday life, meaning how it is sustained in such moments, with the help of what practices and cognitive categories. Crisis economics is one such instrument, referring to the process of measuring, which is far from a quantitative and mathematical form of establishing relationships between phenomena. The economics of everyday life is qualitative, and is accompanied by such concepts as “too much”, “too little”, “less than”, “more than”, “similarly”, and “at least”. Such measures are subjective, and are applied in a specific situational context — in this case at a moment of disruption and crisis in everyday life. The article describes several examples of such crisis economics in the form of the principle of “at least”, “better not risk”, and “more but for less time”.

Ripple effects of COVID-19 lockdown pertaining to clinical skills among undergraduate medical students of Karachi.

To determine the outcomes of coronavirus disease-2019 lockdown pertaining to clinical skills among undergraduate medical students. The cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted after approval from the Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Karachi, at 6 public and private medical education institutions in Karachi from July 3 to August 3, 2021, and comprised undergraduate students from the 3rd, 4th and final academic years. Data was collected using a pre-designed questionnaire. Data was analysed using SPSS 20. Of the 383 subjects, 260(67.9%) were females and 123(32.1%) were males. The overall age range was 20-25 years. There were 145(37.9%) students from the 3rd year, 154(40.2%) from 4th and 84(21.9%) from the final year. Among them, 251(84.2%) accepted having decreased efficiency in clinical skills because they were not being able to train in person, 157(41%) claimed that certain topics related to clinical study were given in exams even though they were not taught, and 164(72.6%) faced difficulty in exams related to clinical skills. Coronavirus disease-2019 caused disruption in routine life, and medical education was not an exception. E-learning modality was found to be insufficient, and patient exposure elevates confidence, eliminates hesitation, and improves clinical skills.

Challenging experiences of the elderly with heart failure in the COVID-19 pandemic: a phenomenological study in Iran

BackgroundPatients with heart failure (HF), especially the elderly, faced many challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, which need to be explored. The present study aimed to analyse the challenging experiences facing the elderly with heart failure during the pandemic in Iran. To achieve this aim, a qualitative approach to research was employed.MethodsThe present qualitative research employed a phenomenological approach to study 12 elderly with heart failure visiting Imam Ali Hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic in Kermanshah, Iran. The data collection occurred between August 5, 2022, and November 21, 2022. The participants were selected through a purposive sampling method and interviewed using a semi-structured interview. MAXQDA10 software was used for data organisation and the Colizzi analytical technique for data analysis. Guba and Lincoln’s criteria were also used to evaluate the trustworthiness of the qualitative research.ResultsA total of two categories, 8 subcategories, and 110 primary codes were extracted from the data. The two categories were challenges and coping strategies. The former included the sub-categories of economic issues, fear, anxiety, and fear of death; limited access to health care; quarantine issues; disruption of family life; and medication non-adherence. The subcategories of the latter were faith in God, social support, and self-care behaviors.ConclusionsThe present study revealed the challenges experienced and the coping strategies employed by elderly patients with heart failure during the pandemic in Iran. A knowledge of these challenges and experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic can raise healthcare workers’ awareness of the elderly patients’ strategies used to cope with the virus.

Themes of Liminality

Cancer family caregivers dwell in an evolving landscape of ambiguity and in-betweenness, as “betwixt and between,” in a space of unknowing. This space of unknowing exists within a transformational threshold of liminality, between what was known prior to the cancer and what will be known and embodied in the future. Theoretically grounded in Unitary Caring Science, this study used narrative inquiry alongside photo elicitation to cocreate cancer caregiver narratives and identify themes of liminality. Four thematic threads of liminality were identified as woven within and across the cancer caregiver narratives; stories of paradox, time warp, life disruption, and waiting in silence.

Unveiling Lived Experiences: Exploring the Health and Lifestyle Effects of COVID-19 on Healthcare Workers

The COVID-19 pandemic brought about significant life disruptions among healthcare workers (HCWs), including changes in weight, eating habits, and physical activity. This qualitative study sought to evaluate the initial and longitudinal effects of health habits among HCWs throughout the pandemic. Data were collected through Qualtrics surveys at three points over a 2-year period with questions asking participants (n = 234) to describe whether they experienced changes in weight, eating behaviors, and physical activity and why they believe these changes occurred. The open-ended responses were analyzed following the summative content analysis approach. Four key themes emerged: (1) problematic eating patterns and habits, (2) disruptions in physical activity, (3) alterations in work environment and schedule, and (4) declines in mental health. Respondent reflections highlight the immediate and long-term pandemic-related effects on weight status for some, attributed to alterations in routines and health habits. Other HCWs reported a “reset” or indicated their habits may have been initially disrupted but normalized or improved over the 2-year time span. Findings underscore the need for strategies that support the physical and mental health of healthcare workers.

PHYSICIANS AND DISRUPTION ON TELEMEDICINE: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW

Background: Telemedicine has developed rapidly since the COVID-19 pandemic. Telemedicine applications have marked significant transformations in healthcare. Rapid changes in healthcare services inevitably affect health service providers, specifically physicians. Aims: This study examines physicians' responses to a disruptive era in the healthcare industry. Methods: This paper applies a systematic literature review approach to characterize physicians’ experiences, challenges, and obstacles in managing disruption in the health service delivery context. A comprehensive literature review was conducted using the Scopus database and borrowing PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) method. There were 78 articles included in the analysis. Results: This study found that doctors who use telemedicine experience several types of disruption. The studies that examine physicians’ experience in health service disruption tend to be dominant in 4 (four) out of 5 (five) disruption types. First, disruption to the current delivery mode. Second, disruption to clinical practice role and responsibility. Third, disruption to clinical practice role and responsibility. Fourth, disruption to the work environment. Meanwhile, the disruption in personal life becomes less elaborated in the telemedicine studies debate. Conclusion: It is essential to pay close attention to the disruptions that have an effect on physicians' personal lives. Personal life is essential because it benefits physicians and directly supports the quality and sustainability of telemedicine services. Keywords: Disruption, Physician, and Telemedicine.

Analysis of Volatile Organic Compounds in Exhaled Air in Patients with Sickle Cell Disease during Vaso-Occlusive Episodes

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited red blood cell disorder characterized by hemolytic anemia, inflammation and vaso-occlusion. Due to the process of vaso-occlusion patients with SCD experience unpredictable and painful vaso-occlusive episodes (VOE), causing stress and disruption of daily life. To date, we lack adequate markers to predict the development of a VOE before it occurs. In other conditions such as asthma, exhaled air analyses have shown to be of diagnostic value and may predict exacerbations. In the human body, metabolic processes generate volatile organic compounds, that are first released into the blood, and then exhaled by the lungs. As a result, exhaled air consists of several volatile, organic compounds that may reflect pathophysiological disease processes. As we presently lack urgently needed biomarkers to predict VOEs, the aim of this study was to identify distinctive volatile organic compounds in exhaled air (eVOC) during VOE in patients with SCD, that may serve as predictors of VOE when detected in low quantities as a VOE is evolving. Methods: In this longitudinal, observational single center cohort study, patients with SCD aged 6 years or older were eligible if they were hospitalized for a VOE at Amsterdam University Medical Centers between October 2021 and March 2023. Following informed consent, an exhaled air sample was taken during hospitalization, and one at least 4 weeks after discharge from the hospital (steady state). Clinical data were collected from medical files including demographics, medical history, medication use and laboratory values during steady state, and during hospitalization for VOE. Patients were instructed not to eat, drink or take medication orally 2 hours prior to the measurements. Exhaled air samples were collected in Nalophan bags, and the eVOCs were transferred to stainless steel thermal desorption tubes filled with Tenax GR for analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to test for differences in eVOCs between VOE and steady state. Significantly different eVOCs were tentatively identified by linking raw chromatograms to corresponding metabolites based on NIST-library matching. The significance level was set to 0.05. All analyses were performed using R Studio (version 1.3.1093) software. Results: In total, 25 patients with SCD were included in this study, providing 71 exhaled air samples. The mean age at inclusion was 25.7 years (SD ±10.2). The majority of the participants had SCD genotype HbSS (60%). At time of exhaled air measurement during hospitalization, participants had symptoms for the median number of 1 day (IQR 0.5-3), and the median pain score was 6 out of 10 (IQR 3-7). A total of 58 different fragments could be identified between VOE and steady state (Wilcoxon rank p< 0.05), representing 26 unique eVOCs. The majority of these eVOCs were alkanes, alkenes, and esters. A representing compound for each chemical group is shown in Figure 1. In the majority of the patients, cyclohexane,1,2,4-trimethyl and propanoic acid, ethyl ester were upregulated during VOE, while 1-propene, 2-methyl- was downregulated. Conclusion: This pilot study identified 26 compounds in exhaled air that differentiated VOE from steady state in patients with SCD. Thus, analysis of exhaled air could serve as a promising, non-invasive and patient-friendly biomarker to predict VOE in SCD. Further identification of the discriminative compounds in exhaled air could provide valuable insights into the metabolic processes during VOE.