Health Recovery Research Articles

Resilience in the Face of Cancer: On the Importance of Defining and Studying Resilience as a Dynamic Process of Adaptation.

Resilience is defined as the maintenance or relatively quick recovery of mental health during and after adversity. Rather than focusing on psychopathology and its causes, resilience research aims to understand what protective mechanisms shield individuals against developing such disorders and translate these insights to improve psychosocial care. This resilience approach seems especially promising for the field of oncology because patients face stressor after stressor from diagnosis to survivorship. Helping patients to learn how they can best use the resources and abilities available to them can empower patients to handle subsequent stressors. In the past few decades, resilience has increasingly been considered as a dynamic process of adaptation. While researchers use this definition, resilience has not yet been studied as a dynamic process in the field of oncology. As a result, the potential of resilience research to gain insight into what helps protect cancer patients from developing psychopathology is limited. We discuss conceptual and methodological proposals to advance resilience research in oncology. Most importantly, we propose applying prospective longitudinal designs to capture the dynamic resilience process. By gaining insight in how cancer patients engage in protective factors, resilience research can come to its full potential and help prevent psychopathology.

Association between depression severity, mental health recovery and dropout from behavioral health care treatment

BackgroundUnderstanding the relationship between depression severity, patient recovery, and treatment continuity may help optimize the delivery of behavioral health services. MethodsUsing Cox proportional hazards regression, this study measures the association between treatment dropout and baseline depression severity, as measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and the association between treatment dropout and baseline recovery, as measured by the Recovery Assessment Scale (RAS). The study also explores heterogeneity by service line (general mental health, substance use disorder, and eating disorder), residential versus intermediate level of care setting, age groups (adolescent and adult), and dropout factors. The data include 14,689 patients treated at a multi-state behavioral health care provider, discharged between 2021 and 2022. Premature dropout from behavioral health care treatment for any cause, patient factors and administrative factors were used as separate outcomes. FindingsA unit increase in baseline PHQ-9 was associated with a 1.2% reduced treatment dropout risk (hazard ratio (HR): 0.988; 95% confidence interval [0.983–0.992]). A unit increase in baseline RAS score was associated with 0.5% increased dropout likelihood (HR: 1.005; 95% CI [1.004, 1.007]). Subgroup analyses show associations are driven by general mental health, adolescent, and intermediate level of care subgroups. Patients with higher baseline suicidality and lower willigness to ask for helphad a reduced risk of dropout. InterpretationPatients with greater depression severity and lower recovery scores at admission were more likely to stay in behavioral health treatment, especially among adolescents, patients with general mental health issues, and outpatients.

Leadership Style and Work Performance among Security Officers of Narcotic Addiction Recovery Centre, Malaysia

This study explores on leadership style and work performance among the security officers of the Narcotic Addiction Recovery Center (NARC). This research uses quantitative methods with the distribution of questionnaires to the officers in NARC. The study employs research tools on the Leadership Style Questionnaire (LSQ) by Northouse (2015) for the independent variable and the Individual Work Performance Questionnaire (IWPQ) by Koopmans (2014) for the dependent variable. A total of 89 respondents were involved in this study. The reliability analysis was conducted on the leadership style had a Cronbach's alpha value of 0.819. Meanwhile, the work performance had a Cronbach's alpha value of 0.726. The results of this study found that there is a significant relationship between leadership style and work performance among NARC officers where the correlation value (r=0.426, p=0.000).

Applying Critical Discourse Analysis to Cross-Cultural Mental Health Recovery Research: Positive Changes and No Value Judgement (Preprint)

Applying Critical Discourse Analysis to Cross-Cultural Mental Health Recovery Research: Positive Changes and No Value Judgement (Preprint)

Effectiveness of Acupuncture and Brief Telehealth Intervention for Individuals With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.

This open-trial pilot study evaluated the feasibility and effectiveness of acupuncture with brief therapy (ABT) for individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Participants included 27 individuals with PTSD diagnoses confirmed using the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5. Before ABT, 22 participants completed eight acupuncture sessions and three telehealth sessions of a brief treatment program for PTSD (Brief Relaxation, Education, and Trauma Healing [BREATHE]). ABT significantly reduced PTSD symptoms, depression symptoms, anxiety, and improved trauma-related cognition. Acupuncture can play an important role in mental health recovery, and combining acupuncture with a brief, telehealth-based treatment (BREATHE) may assist recovery among individuals with PTSD. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, xx(xx), xx-xx.].

Sleep disturbances in hospitalized children: a wake-up call

Although sleep is essential for (recovery of) health, it is adversely affected by hospitalization, due to disease discomfort, environmental noise, and care routines, causing reduced sleep and increased disturbances. This study evaluates factors affecting sleep quality and quantity in hospitalized children and compares inpatient sleep with sleep at home. Using an observational, prospective study design, we assessed sleep in hospitalized children aged 1–12 years, admitted to a tertiary center, and compared this with home 6–8 weeks after discharge. We measured total sleep time (TST), sleep onset latency (SOL), wake after sleep onset (WASO), sleep efficiency, awakenings, and subjective sleep quality, using actigraphy, sleep diaries, and PROMIS questionnaires. We explored an array of sleep-disturbing factors. Regression analyses identified key determinants affecting sleep patterns, while mixed linear models compared sleep in hospital to sleep at home. Out of 621 eligible patients, 467 were invited, and 272 (58%) consented to participate. Key determinants of sleep included pain, number of previous admissions, (underlying) chronic illness, and environment-, staff-, and disease-related factors. Parents reported lower perceived sleep quality in the hospital compared to at home, 97-min (SE 9) lower TST, 100-min (5) longer WASO, more difficulties with falling asleep, lower sleep satisfaction, and more awakenings. Actigraphy outcomes revealed shorter TST (20 min (6)), but better sleep efficiency and fewer awakenings in the hospital.Conclusion: Sleep in hospital was compromised in comparison to sleep at home, primarily due to disturbances related to treatment, environment, and staff. These findings underscore the necessity and potential of relative simple interventions to improve sleep quality and minimize sleep disturbances in hospitalized children.

Learning Underlies Change: The National School of Rehabilitation, Integration, and Recovery in Mental Health

Learning Underlies Change: The National School of Rehabilitation, Integration, and Recovery in Mental Health

Examining recovery and mental health service satisfaction among young immigrant Muslim women with mental distress in Quebec

ObjectiveThe overall aim of this study was to understand the experiences and perspectives of immigrant Muslim women in Quebec living with mental illness, who have recently used formal mental health services such as an accredited therapist, psychologist, or clinician. Specific objectives included (i) eliciting and examining their self-identified barriers and facilitators to recovery; (ii) exploring links between religion and mental health; and (iii) self-reported satisfaction with mental health services received.MethodsWe adopted a qualitative approach, facilitating the prioritization of participant perspectives. This involved semi-structured interviews with 20 women who (i) identified as Muslim; (ii) had used mental health services in the last three years; and (iii) were 18 + years of age. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis techniques.ResultsThree prominent themes emerged from the analysis. These themes were (i) stigma and misunderstandings in families (especially parents) and sometimes in the ethno-religious community, both acting as barriers to health service utilization and recovery; (ii) frustrating clinical experiences within formal mental health care settings, in particular a perceived lack of cultural and religious competence, which negatively affected service utilization and the development of a therapeutic alliance; and (iii) deeply-held religious beliefs, practices and trust in God imparting a rhythm, purpose and meaning, which were strong facilitators to recovery.Conclusions and implications for practiceThese findings suggest that recovery from mental illness can be advanced by a three-pronged approach in this population. First, anti-stigma mental health literacy interventions could be held in collaboration with Muslim community groups. Second, there is a need for further religious and cultural competence interventions, resources and trainings for mental health professionals working with Muslims. Third, self-care resources should be developed that harness aspects of religious practices that can give structure, meaning, purpose and hope. All this could ultimately foster recovery in this population.

Adolescents' Participation in Drug Addiction Interventions, Individual Perceptions, and Attitudes towards Recovery: A Scoping Review

Introduction: Adolescents recovering from substance use problems face significant psycho-social challenges. These challenges can affect their recovery progress, overall well-being, and integration into the society. Due to paucity studies, this study aimed to identify the perceptions and attitude towards recovery among adolescents participating in drug addiction interventions. Methods: This systematic review study applied a complete search of relevant databases, including Scopus, Embase, Cinahl, and PubMed/Medline using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The search was limited to articles published in English language, between 2013 and 2023, and focused on adolescents drug addiction. Twelve articles were critically appraised using Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) for qualitative studies and Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) tools. The results were synthesised using a thematic analysis. Results: The findings identify that adolescents in addiction recovery face several challenges, including stigmatisation, social isolation, self-doubt, and difficulties accessing and maintaining treatment. The findings also point out that supportive relationships, culturally sensitive treatment approaches and interventions to combat self-stigma can play a critical role in promoting resilience and recovery for adolescents in recovery. Conclusion: The comprehensive review brings us up to speed on the challenging experiences young people recovering from addiction in different addiction intervention go through, it underscores the importance of supportive relationships and encourages strengthening of interventions that mitigate against stigmatization.

Life experience of a nursing student with cancer

(1) Background: Cancer is a pathology that can originate in almost any organ or tissue of the body, all cancers, has the same underlying basis: cells out of control which accumulate forming tumors, but there is another variant of the disease in which tumors are not necessarily formed despite the uncontrolled multiplication of cells in the blood, as in the case of leukemia. Objective: To relate the life experience of a nursing student with cancer (2) Methods: This study has a qualitative approach, case study design and descriptive scope, through the narration of experiences and perceptions of a nursing student with cancer during her educational process. The technique used is a semi-structured interview, prior to the application of an informed consent, once the information was collected it was recorded and transcribed in order not to lose any important information; (3) Results: This inspiring story highlights the importance of mutual support and empathy in times of adversity; (4) Conclusions: it was possible to demonstrate that, through unwavering determination, courage and perseverance, the power of caring and compassion are fundamental axes in the recovery of health, which affects not only patients but also those who care for them.

Relation between Resilience and Mental Health Recovery among Psychiatric Patients

Relation between Resilience and Mental Health Recovery among Psychiatric Patients

The role of Islamic economics and social institutions during the time of Covid-19

PurposeThis study aims to examine the role of Islamic economic and social institutions during Covid-19 and try to propose a model that highlights Islamic economics and social institutions’ role in providing community economic, social and health recovery support.Design/methodology/approachThis research uses a qualitative approach with a multicase method. Interviews with the institutions including the Amil Zakat, Islamic Banks, Micro Waqf Banks and Islamic Cooperative (Baitul Maal wat Tamwil) were conducted in order to develop a model about how the integration between each institution in handling the effect of COVID-19.FindingsThe model shows the interaction roles of each Islamic institution and implementation in the long term and short term in handling the impact of Covid-19, particularly in the economic, social and health sectors. These institutions will assist the government in establishing community economic independence in the face of COVID-19, which has caused economic sluggishness or recession.Research limitations/implicationsThis study proposes the model of synergy using a qualitative approach. Future studies can develop the synergy model by employing a statistical and quantitative method, such as by employing analytical network process method.Originality/valueThis study adds the literature about empirical evidence on the role of each Islamic economic and social institution and develops new scenario model about integration of those institutions in overcoming economic and social problems during the COVID-19 pandemic. These interactions play a role in shaping the community’s economic independence in dealing with the economic downturn due to COVID-19.

Perceptions of virtual versus in‐person recovery meetings: A cross‐sectional survey of Oxford House residents

AbstractThis study investigates shifts in the modality of addiction recovery communities from person‐to‐person interactions to virtual platforms in the context of the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic. Our study involves members of the Oxford House recovery homes (n = 284), a major network of recovery‐supportive housing in the United States and abroad. Many residents participate in 12‐step meetings during their stay, traditionally conducted in‐person, but due to physical distancing regulations, many of these meetings transitioned to virtual platforms. We collected cross‐sectional survey data focusing on user perceptions of virtual 12‐step meetings in terms of accessibility, cost, convenience, support network strength and recovery network quality. Our study found significant differences in perceptions among different demographic groups, suggesting challenges in transitioning recovery support to online platforms. Notably, participants aged 46 and older showed a greater propensity to use online recovery forums and found online meetings convenient. Non‐White individuals and women demonstrated a more favourable perception of online meetings—a trend that also held true among those with at least some college education. Furthermore, the results show that those who initiated their recovery prior to the COVID‐19 lockdown viewed online methods more favourably, particularly in terms of accessibility and cost. Our data also revealed that participants who were categorically involved in 12‐step recovery (Alcoholics Anonymous/Narcotics Anonymous) demonstrated a more positive perception of online methods in terms of the strength of social networks and social support quality, despite some resistance to virtual transition and maintaining focus. Further research is needed to understand these nuanced impacts and develop strategies to enhance the effectiveness of online recovery meetings.

Micropolitics of Mental Health Recovery: An Assemblage Analysis of People's Experiences of Becoming Well.

Mental health recovery takes place in a social and material world. However, socio-material contexts have often been absent from recovery studies. The present study was conducted in Norway, a Scandinavian welfare country. We interviewed people at meeting places who had experiences as service users, focusing on their experiences of becoming well, and analyzed their recovery stories using an assemblage framework. Our analysis identified four constitutive dimensions that promote mental health recovery: an atmosphere of togetherness, doings as more than the act, personal development, and integration in society. We discuss how these dimensions might be seen as social, relational, and material forces that create important micropolitics that challenge the individualistic professionalization of the recovery concept.

The role of peer support in recovery among clients with mental illness attending the psychiatric service in a tertiary hospital in Malaysia: a qualitative study

BackgroundThe understanding that mental health recovery is a personal and subjective experience informs mental health policies in many countries. However, most of the populations in these studies are from the West, limiting their applicability in Asia. Peer support in mental health refers to helping and mentoring people who have overcome similar obstacles. Despite being proven to be effective in promoting recovery, little is known about its use in Malaysian psychiatric patients. This study aims to explore the participants’ perspectives on their concept of recovery and how the peer support group (PSG) aid them to achieve recovery.MethodologyThis study was conducted on clients with mental illness who attended the PSG provided by the Community Psychiatry and Psychosocial Intervention Unit in National University Malaysia Medical Centre. A qualitative generic inductive approach was employed in this thematic exploratory study. Purposive sampling was the method used to collect the data for this thematic exploratory study. In-depth interviews of 11 study participants were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke (2006) descriptive thematic analysis method.ResultsThe findings of this study highlighted six key themes; three pertaining to the participants’ perspectives on the meaning of recovery (1. Gaining self-reliance and social inclusion, 2. Personal growth and improved life circumstances in recovery, and 3. Symptoms improvement) and another three pertaining to how the peer support group aids recovery (1. Empowerment and growth through peer support, 2. Promoting well-being, 3. Social connection and support).ConclusionThe findings of this study provide valuable insights into the perspectives of psychiatry clinic patients enrolled in PSG on the concept of recovery and the role of such groups in their recovery journey. The findings demonstrated that the PSG complemented the participants’ perspectives on recovery, reinforcing the notion that a comprehensive and person-centered approach to mental health services is essential for successful and sustained recovery outcomes.

Intermunicipal health consortiums as an institutional arrangement of cooperation and federative coordination for the promotion of health policies in municipalities

This paper analyzes the joint responsibility of federation entities for the promotion of health services, through structuring public policies that allow the reduction of disease risks, universal and equal access by citizens to health protection and recovery actions and services. Health services depend directly on the financial capacity of municipalities. At this point, the intermunicipal health consortia allows to the management carrying out results – efficiency, efficacy and effectiveness, aiming to deliver better quality services to people in the interested community. This work addressed doctrinal elements and positions through the dialectical interpretation method, with a deductive method approach. The aim is to show managers that there is the possibility of exponential gains in the provision of public services, with rational processes and expenses, and the implementation of projects considered unfeasible when carried out in isolation by the municipal entity. The consortium presents itself as an option to underfunding and a government tool for promoting structuring public policies in the health sector.

Assessing the Potential of an Enzymatically Liberated Salmon Oil to Support Immune Health Recovery from Acute SARS-CoV-2 Infection via Change in the Expression of Cytokine, Chemokine and Interferon-Related Genes.

Cytokines, chemokines, and interferons are released in response to viral infection with the ultimate aim of viral clearance. However, in SARS-CoV-2 infection, there is an imbalanced immune response, with raised cytokine levels but only a limited interferon response with inefficient viral clearance. Furthermore, the inflammatory response can be exaggerated, which risks both acute and chronic sequelae. Several observational studies have suggested a reduced risk of progression to severe COVID-19 in subjects with a higher omega-3 index. However, randomized studies of omega-3 supplementation have failed to replicate this benefit. Omega-3 fats provide important anti-inflammatory effects; however, fatty fish contains many other fatty acids that provide health benefits distinct from omega-3. Therefore, the immune health benefit of whole salmon oil (SO) was assessed in adults with mild to moderate COVID-19. Eleven subjects were randomized to best supportive care (BSC) with or without a full spectrum, enzymatically liberated SO, dosed at 4g daily, for twenty-eight days. Nasal swabs were taken to measure the change in gene expression of markers of immune response and showed that the SO provided both broad inflammation-resolving effects and improved interferon response. The results also suggest improved lung barrier function and enhanced immune memory, although the clinical relevance needs to be assessed in longer-duration studies. In conclusion, the salmon oil was well tolerated and provided broad inflammation-resolving effects, indicating a potential to enhance immune health.

Effective provider communication for personal agency in mental health recovery: A cross-sectional study on Japanese users' perspectives.

INTRODUCTION: Recovery-oriented practice in community-based mental health services is crucial for individuals with mental illness, with communication with familiar individuals being important for recovery in Japanese and Asian cultures. This study aimed to examine effective communication factors for personal agency in recovery by investigating the association between perceived support provided through communication and personal agency of individuals with mental illness. A cross-sectional study was conducted among community-dwelling Japanese mental health service users, assessing subjective agency, decisional conflict, staff support for personal recovery, activation for mental health self-management, demographic variables and living difficulties. Multiple linear regression analysis identified factors predicting subjective agency, revealing characteristics of effective provider communication for recovery. Data from 222 users were analysed, revealing negative correlations between uncertainty about treatment choices and ineffective decision-making with higher subjective agency, while staff support for personal recovery positively correlated with higher subjective agency. In recovery-oriented practice, prioritizing users' emotional experiences during decision-making and supporting their self-determination in their unique recovery journeys is crucial. Providers should approach dialogue as carefully as medication prescriptions, prioritizing therapeutic partnerships with users. The findings extend beyond nursing to all mental health service providers, advancing the theory of recovery-oriented practice.

Exploration of aspects of communication between doctors and patients in anamnesis, better prognosis and adherence to treatment: a systematic review

Introduction: Introduction: Much is said about doctor-patient communication and its importance, but when is it really effective? For doctor-patient communication to be effective, it must involve not only a biomedical vision, that is, real medical knowledge, but much more than that, it requires a multidimensional vision, in an individualized and humanized way. From this perspective and taking into account the complexity that this represents, it is particularly important to analyze the elements that intervene in the medical consultation, as well as the impact they will have on the patients' history and adherence to treatment. The doctor-patient relationship represents a fundamental aspect in the process of health care, disease treatment and health recovery, deserving special interest in establishing effects, such as adherence to treatments and therapies, aimed at restoring health. Through this established link, it is possible to achieve a better anamnesis, establishing appropriate and humanized conduct, which favors an effective diagnosis. However, the patient's cooperation is necessary, communicating and expressing what they feel. Effective communication between doctor and patient will lead to positive and satisfactory results for both parties. Material and methods: an exhaustive electronic search of the relevant literature about the factors involved in good doctor-patient communication was carried out through medical databases as well as in reference search engines such as Pubmed, Cochrane, mesh broweser, Google Scholar, scielo, bireme. For this purpose, the following keywords and MeSH terms were used: doctor patient relationship” “effective communication” “medical education”, “communication barriers”, “clinical skills” “empathy”. Randomized clinical trials, systematic reviews and metaanalyses were identified without considering publication status, reported results, last ten years of publication and with language restriction to English, Spanish and Portuguese. Results: 12 systematic review and meta-analysis works that were published between 2015 - 2022 were included, which complied with the established inclusion criteria. Conclusion: effective communication between doctors and patients plays a crucial role in promoting successful treatment and improving patient adherence. Furthermore, implementing communication training programs during medical school can help prepare future doctors to interact more effectively with patients.

‘I like checking in on myself’: Control group experiences in a strengths-based addiction recovery study, with implications for self-monitoring and measurement reactivity

‘I like checking in on myself’: Control group experiences in a strengths-based addiction recovery study, with implications for self-monitoring and measurement reactivity